"What was that for?!" Shield let out an angry hiss at Drum. He was amazed to be able to stand despite having to twist all the plants and thorns throughout the entire forest and creating a thick bed of moss for Mother Aughra, Drum and himself. The weight was ready to give at any moment. He glared at the shaking Flowerweaver before him.
Drum held up his paws. "Look!" He shifted his claws slightly to reveal a beating green gem. The light being brighter than ever before. "Friend. Friend is close."
At that response, Shield stared at him. His anger fizzled to confusion. "I'm sorry…What?"
"These stones are hearts, right?" Drum stared at his prize sadly. "That's what Lazul and Frostcrystal said. I can't explain it, but I do think it's the one friend I had. Miss Deet told me all about friends."
Mother Aughra grunted as she got up. She patted down her dress. She took the time to look at her arm. The bandages were still intact. "Doesn't change the fact that you did something so foolish." She looked around. "Now we're lost."
Drum sniffed. "I'm sorry…" He felt something wet on his snout. He gingerly wiped it away from his claws.
Mother Aughra sighed. She hobbled over to Drum. Her gnarled hand patted his back. "Now now. Don't get too upset. We're still in one piece but we have a long way to go."
Drum took a breath. "Can't you or Shield talk to the plants?"
Mother Aughra and Shield exchanged looks. Both creatures of Thra were almost thinking the same thing.
"Want to give it a try?" Shield asked.
Mother Aughra nodded. "Best try than never at all."
Shield lifted his foreleg to Mother Aughra. His smooth shell was soon met by a rough hand. He allowed his mind to drift. He tried to remember some of the things Frostcrystal had told them. Shield soon found himself surrounded by strange mumblings. Words so incoherent, he wasn't sure that they speak the tongue of Thra or the tongue of another planet. He pushed his will into the plants.
He nearly jumped as an image popped before him. A ravine, no doubt south of where they are. Bushes and vines lined the water like thick curtains. Water churning the leaves that fell in. Then, a strange body of white appeared by the stream. However, it wasn't Ghost. The legs were long and spindly. It had three body segments covered in silver diamonds. The short neck stared at the reflection with magnificent blue eyes.
"Hello?" Shield cursed inwardly the moment those words slipped out of his mouth.
He felt eyes on him. A chattering noise filled the air. Shrill and defiant. It began to move in his direction. He shivered as cold air suddenly touched him. The smooth surface could easily be mistaken for glass or ice. All eight eyes glared at him. Shield wanted to turn away but they were beyond beautiful.
To his shock, Shield was pulled away from the image. Then, he found himself being tossed around. He tried to ask for directions. However, they were all shouting at once. He could barely hear his own words.
"Enough!" Mother Aughra's voice cut through the noise. Everything went silent around her. All attention turned towards the ancient figure of Thra. Her hands to her hips. "Now then. Tell us where we are and where the others might be."
Soft murmurs were heard. Each one giving an image of where everyone is and doing. Ghost and SkekMal were to the east from their location. North for Treesong. West for Skeklach and his strange company while the Emperor, Frostcrystal, Spark and SkekVar were to the south. A large rustling was heard as both Mother Aughra and Shield ended their connection with the plants.
"D-did you see what I saw?" Shield asked. For some reason his whole body shook. Not out of fear, but pure excitement.
Mother Aughra eyed him up and down. "A bit jumpy aren't we? Never seen a creature that resembled an Arathim. Quite a pretty one at that?" She laughed as he squirmed.
Drum tilted his head. "What did you find?"
Mother Aughra cleared her throat. "We've found the others. A bit scattered but there is a deep ravine we can gather around. There aren't many plants there. It should give us a chance to plan."
Drum's head tilt remained the same. However, Peepers followed his lead. "What about the pretty one?"
Shield clacked his mandibles together. "W-well…She's white as snow. Her eyes are pale blue….Sh-she had eight legs. Sil-" He was cut short by Mother Aughra's hand placed on his mouth.
Mother Aughra gave him a seething look. "No time to act like a love sick Podling. We best get out of here before unwanted company is upon us."
—-(SkekVar and Spark)-
"Ouch!" SkekVar waggled his hand as another thorn cut into his skin. He put a finger in his mouth. How he hated the taste of his own blood. He stared at the wall of thorns before him. The General was amazed that he was able to get away from the mad plants with Spark's help. Even now, patches of the forest floor had a few dead creatures. He didn't mind but he'd be upset if Ghost saw this. "There's got to be a better way to find the others. More importantly, clear a path for us."
Spark only stared at the ground. Her eyes never take off the dead creatures. She slowly approached , she took in a sad sight. A bird with wings outstretched. Its neck tilted in an angle, indicating that it was broken. Her claws touched the feathers. No heat came into her claws. She soon began to sniff. Eyes brimmed with tears.
SkekVar turned back to her. He noticed that she's starting to fill in more. Her scrawny frame had a little more meat to the bones. Her fur was brighter than he last saw her. However, his heart sank at the tears streaming down her face. He sighed. Better shut her up or we'll get nowhere. He walked toward her.
He knelt beside her. "Now…Don't be like that. We still need to find the others. They're safe." SkekVar took in Sparks' gaze. He could feel her sorrow and…shame? Is she experiencing shame for the first time. "What's gotten into you?"
Spark was a little reluctant to answer. Then, she touched her throat. She tried to say a word. Not a single sound came out. Her ears lowered as she looked away in shame. She pointed to the plants.
SkekVar could only give a blank stare. His mind was trying to understand. His confusion turned into annoyance as she continued repeating the same gesture. He dug his claws into the ground. A growl rose in his throat.
Spark huffed. She began to claw an open patch of ground. The earth ripped open with ease. Her fur began to glow brighter. Her muted rage reflects that of a childling. Then, a fire appeared before her.
"Whoah!" SkekVar smacked at the flames. He went at it until they died down. He turned to her. A wicked snarl on his face. Arm raised. "You stupid fool! Did you see what you almost-"
Spark curled up. Her sobs only grew louder. The glow began to fade. Her eyes focused on SkekVar. Claws clamped over her head.
SkekVar stopped. He turned his attention to the scorched ground. The claw marks are still etched into the earth. He went over them. SkekVar nearly jumped as he could still feel the heat. He remembered how it only lit moments ago when she was upset. Then, he recalled how Ghost was melting things when she got angry over the bit they were going to use on Treesong.
"You…got upset." For the first time, SkekVar spoke to Spark in a quiet voice. "You were upset that you had no voice."
Spark's sobs died to sniffles. She slowly got up from her spot. She nodded in a way that Deet taught her.
SkekVar sighed. "Great…Now thanks to me, I've just made things worse." He snorted. "Look…you lost your voice a long time ago right? You wouldn't be able to warn me sooner. Those plants were planned far before anyone saw anything." A rustle made the two jump. He scanned the air. He even sniffed.
A sickly sweet smell reached his nose. Every fiber of his being pulled to the direction to the source. A sense of longing. He took a step. His mind slowly turning blank. Then, something solid him. Soft. Warm. His claws brushed upon it. SkekVar blinked for a moment. Then, he looked down to see Spark looking up at him. Her body pressed up against his.
Spark shook her head. Her fur raised slightly. Then, she turned to the direction of the smell. She let out a muteless hiss. Ears flat.
The General's heart nearly jumped as he saw spikes jut out of the thick vines that tangled into a dangerous wall. He could've sworn that he saw a pair of eyes staring at them. SkekVar couldn't help but be impressed. Even though she couldn't talk, she was able to detect danger in the scent. He could feel a sense of strength inside her arms. Maybe there might be more to her. Just like Ghost. SkekVar took her claws and pressed them against his beak.
Spark looked at him in confusion. Then, she mimicked his movement by pressing her face against those thick set claws.
Upon realizing what he was doing, he gulped. His muscles tensed as he made sure he didn't push her away too hard. Heat crawled into his cheeks. "L-let's go find the others."
—-(SkekSo)-
SkekSo grimaced at his tattered black robes. The plants tore away at him as he was trying to get away. He was almost crushed by a tree. Now here he is, walking aimlessly through the night.
"SkekVar! Ghost! SkekMal!" His voice echoed through the trees. The Emperor's only response was the sound of birds fluttering out of the trees.
He let out a frustrated growl. His eyes may be old but they could see certain things in the darkness. SkekSo hit something that made him trip. He landed on the ground with a thud. SkekSo gasped in pain as he felt his ice covered beak chip in several places. Blood trickled out of the broken area.
"Gah!" Each word came out raspy as he spoke. "Just my luck!" He tenderly touched his face. The pain grew worse.
A soft moan sounded beneath him. He moved away to see Frostcrystal on the ground. Her body sprawled out amongst the leaves. Blood seeped out of her head, but her breathing remained. She twitched and let out a low whimper.
SkekSo tilted his head. He tsked. "How pathetic…To think she's such a threat." His eyes wandered up and down her form. However, she is pretty to look at. He leaned forward. His claws gently cupped her face.
For some reason, he found it a bit strange that he would do such a gesture. He thought back to what Frostcrystal said at the front of the house. Her breaking in the voice. Her fragility expressed in her movements. While he couldn't relate to having a mother and other sentimental nonsense…he knows what it's like to feel…lost…
Without warning, Frostcrystal's eyes snapped open. Her gaze landed on SkekSo. She snarled. She got up and pinned the emperor down. Ears pinned back. Claws digging into his shoulder. She growled low. "What are you doing?"
"Getting pain in every direction," SkekSo answered. He hoped that she wouldn't see him in this state.
Frostcrystal sniffed him. Her growls faded to a low rumble. Ears relaxed. Lip lowered down. She slowly lifted him up into a sitting position.
Skekso grunted. "Honestly…I know you have a vendetta against royals but would it kill you-" He stopped as two warm claws held his head. He shivered with shame as he felt her eyes staring down at him. Yet at the same time, he wants to be stuck in their reflection forever.
"You're injured," She said. She gently touched his face. Frostcrystal rotated his head. "Can you still breathe?"
SkekSo tried to nod, but pain spread to the base of his beak to the tip. He let out a hiss.
Frostcrystal put her claws on the chunk of ice that was ready to fall off. Her paws glowed a blue light. Before long, the ice reformed. The shape was thicker than ever.
SkekSo shivered. "Still harsh." He cringed as he spoke. His voice sounded more nasally than normal. "Could you at least clean the wound first?"
Frostcrystal shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't have anything with me that would help with the infection. Besides-" She pointed to the churned up earth. "The ground is to messed up to find any herbs." She got onto her feet. Frostcrystal wobbled for a moment.
Without thinking, SkekSo reached out to her. His claws catching her fur. "You're injured as well. Do you really think you could move?" He gasped in a shock as he was placed on top of Frostcrystal's shoulders.
She moved her head slightly. The Canimoon's eyes glowed with defiance. "I've taken worse beatings."
—-(SkekLach)-
SkekLach stared at the creature before him. He nearly dropped the shell out of sheer shock.
The creature before him was just as large in real life as well as the dream. Powerful claws that could rip the ground apart. The black, oily skin made it hard to see but The Collector swore that he saw what was a mixture of fur and scales. A long, sticky tongue laid on the ground. Purple eyes stared at him.
SkekLach's mouth went dry. He bit his lip, fighting his urge to scream. He took a breath. "Wh-what do you want?"
The creature tilted his head. "Truuuuuuth…" It uttered. Its tongue snatched the shell right out of The Collector's hands.
SkekLach gasped. Like a Childling, he jumped out and reached out. The item was just out of his reach. "Hey! Give it back!" He chased after it. He head throbbed with each step, but the urge to get the shell back only grew stronger. If it was changed to a different direction, he would go after it.
The creature tilted its head. "What…doing? Just shell?"
SkekLach snarled at the creature. All the fear he had earlier vanished like a wisp of smoke. "What do you know…You giant…thing!" His mind went back to his time with Ghost. Her smile. Her laughter. The blowing of the shells. His heart twisted. "It was a gift! A gift from…someone who cared about me.."
The creature regarded him. "Like back?"
"Huh?" SkekLach blinked.
"You care back? Someone?"
SkekLach thought for a moment. The throbbing in his head began to dull to a small ache. He bit his lip. He never cared much about anything else aside from Scrollkeeper. However, the mere thought of Ghost being hurt. Crying. Only made his large gut twist in so many ways. Guilt wracked on him as he thought of the devastation she had upon learning the dark secrets of the Skeksis. How he didn't defend her against SkekSil sooner. "Yes", he answered. His voice cracked with the answer.
"Yes I do. N-normally, I'd think of Gelflings as weak and useless." He shook his head. Tears threatening to leak out. "But not her. She-" He let out a soft sob. "She's resilient. Even when it gets annoying. Enough wit that gets SkekSil hopping mad." The Collector laughed at that. "She takes on the most disgusting tasks. Not even complaining about my stinky robes."
A soft rustling was heard behind him. He was about to yell when something throbbed in his stomach. He clutched it, his claws ready to tear away at his scaled flesh. His breathing began to labor.
"Cloud!" Ghost's voice was heard behind him. Footsteps running over to him.
SkekLach shifted his body. His arm instinctively raised up in front of Ghost. Her warm body made an impact. "St-stay back!" His throat ached. As if there was something inside of him that wanted to get out.
"Collector, don't be foolish!" SkekMal's harsh voice reached his ear.
"N-no!" SkekLach breathed. "I…I don't think…he wants to hurt me…" He turned to face Ghost. "I'm…sorry…"
Ghost stared at the Skeksis in shock. In the fading light, her eyes were shown bright against them. Twinkling with the same light he's grown to love over the years.
SkekLach slowly got up. His throat constricted. "Give back that shell now!" He raised his claws. He snarled. "That shell is her gift to me. She cared about me so it's IMPORTANT." He charged with all his might. Then, his stomach turned harder. He stumbled. Coughing fits exploded in his mouth. A solid object made its way to his throat.
The creature lifted his head. It took an eager step. The creature raised his scales at the sight of Ghost flashing her dagger. He lowered his tongue and set the shell down in front of SkekLach.
SkekLach continued coughing. His claws dug deep into the ground. Then, with one final hack, another key popped out of his mouth. He took a few gulps of air as he stared at the object of interest. It was a strange green color. It closely resembled the creature that stood still. He looked up at the black mass with determined eyes. He picked it up slowly.
"You….searching for this?" SkekLach held up the key. He smiled with amusement upon seeing the creature shuffled its feet like an excited Fizzgig. "Fetch!" He threw the key with all his might. He turned to Ghost the moment the creature went after it. "Run!"
He picked up the shell. Ghost and SkekMal ran in front of him. His head was throbbing worse than ever. He tried to clutch his head but the mere idea of the shell breaking made him want to hold on even tighter. He ran until someone snatched his arm and pulled him to the side. A hand clamped over his mouth.
"Shhhhh!" SkekMal hissed. His body arched in an angle as he pressed against a tree hollow. Ghost close to his arm. Pyruon scrunched up on his shoulder.
Above the group, heavy breathing resounded above them. Claws poked through the wood. It wasn't deep enough to break through. The long tongue glistened despite the growing darkness. A pulsing purple rope with a key dangling from his mouth. Sniffing sounded.
Everyone silently went back further into the hollow. Ghost held onto SkekMal's arm. Her breath froze in place. Lazul tried to bury her anxiety. She closed her eyes shut. A silent prayer to Thra for activating her power once more. Please…Please give me a vision…
After what seemed like an eternity…The tongue with the key vanished. Footsteps faded as it continued to move away from them. A second longer and they were met with silence.
SkekMal turned to Ghost. "Ghost! Ghost! Open your eyes." He gently shook her before removing her grip. Once she did, he held up her chin. "I'm going to go look."
Ghost took a deep shuddering breath. Tears leaked out of her eyes. "Ok…"
SkekMal slithered past SkekLach. He leaped over to the top of the tree. His steps thundered above them.
SkekLach turned to Ghost. His claws were still holding the shell. He tilted his head at her. Upon seeing her tears, his heart sank. "Ghost? What happened? Are the others ok? Any visions?"
Ghost shook her head. "I…I tried…nothing…my stupid visions won't come." She sniffed. She wiped her tears away with her sleeve. "I…I wish I could just activate them at will but I can't! Even now I was too late to protect you from that thing! Let alone the attack from earlier."
SkekLach shook his head. He's seen this attitude a few times. He knelt down. "Come on, Sunshine. Stop with the gloomy act. I'm supposed to have that job."
Ghost chuckled. "For someone who's always so gloomy, you always knew how to cheer me up." She looked at the shell. Her eyes widened as she saw drops of blood on it. She followed the direction to see that his head was bleeding. She grabbed a hem of her pants when Lazul stopped her.
"Allow me, mistress." He unwrapped his arms around Ghost's body. He leaped into the air. Then, wrapped around SkekLach's head. Covering the source of the bleeding.
SkekLach squawked in alarm. "What are you doing?" He shifted his arm so the shell could be cradled. He grabbed one of the arms when he felt a strange cooling sensation. His head throbbing less.
Ghost walked up to SkekLach. Her hands raised up. She smiled as SkekLach lowered himself down for her to have a look. She brushed Lazul's arm away. The wound looked a bit shallow. However, the rings indicated that it hit several places in the skull that could've killed him. At least he's safe, she thought. "I'm…kinda glad that you've kept the shell. I thought…"
SkekLach knelt down. He had to adjust his head to keep from falling. "Well…After what happened with Arathim, I wanted to smash this thing into pieces. But…" He handed the shell to her. "I didn't want to do that to the person that cared for me. No matter how horrible I was. Even with your own illness you still took the time to care for me." He looked away guiltily. "Aaaaaand it helps soothe my sinuses. Kind of like what Lazul is doing now."
The duo laughed at this. The tension slowly breaks away despite the growing darkness. As they finished, SkekMal soon appeared before them.
The Hunter had a tired expression on his face. However, he seemed relieved that Ghost is doing a little better. "Alright. You can come out now." He raised a brow at Lazul. "What are you doing?"
"I'm merely repairing the skin where Cloud was injured," Lazul answered. His voice is matter-of-fact. He jumped off of SkekLach's face. His wrapped strapped onto Ghost's back once more.
Magelin's eye appeared. A questionable admiration sparked in her gaze. "That's a first. I've never known you to have healing abilities."
"Perhaps because no one allowed him to explore that power," Ghost answered.
SkekMal looked up at the sky for a moment. Then, he turned to the others. "We better get moving." He waved them over. His body is almost a frightening silhouette in the fading light.
Ghost and SkekLach crawled out of their hiding place. Sounds of night creatures raised in the air. The plants weren't moving the slightest inch. However, there was no sign of Treesong. The two glanced around their dark surroundings. No sign of a path anywhere in sight.
"Now what?" SkekLach asked.
Ghost raised a hand. "Let me try my power again." Ghost shut her eyes tight. Her mind twisting inside of her. Then, she felt a hand on her shoulder. SkekLach gave her a stern look.
"Don't!" The Collector's voice took on a stern tone that Ghost's has never heard of before. "Don't force it. You'll only hurt yourself and us if you try."
"But I can't just sit here!" Ghost protested. Both SkekMal's and SkekLach's claws were lightly placed on her shoulders.
SkekMal was the first to speak. "Don't get so headstrong now. Think how you were able to avoid me all this time." His voice held a sense of tenderness that even surprised SkekLach.
"Give your power time," SkekLach said. He heaved a sigh. He wanted to say more about her power but he knew it would only bring her more dismay than necessary.
Ghost took a deep breath. "Ok." She craned her neck to Lazul. "Lazul, can you try locating the others? If you can sense my emotions, maybe you can find the others."
Lazul was silent for a moment. Then, he unlatched two of his arms. They extended out and slithered a few feet away. Plant life rustled in his touch. After what seemed an eternity, they snapped back to Ghost's back.
"Well?" SkekLach asked.
Lazul shifted slightly. A tremble betrayed his emotionless voice. "Treesong is only a few steps south. However, we should be careful going in that direction."
SkekMal gave an annoyed growl. "Let me guess. There's an enemy nearby?"
Lazul shut his eye. "Yes. I…recognize it."
Ghost's own hearts dropped. "It was one that you took. Didn't you?"
—-(SkekTek and Orchid)-
SkekTek looked at the sprawling forest below. He grimaced at the gnarled greenery. The wind whipped around him as Nova tilted her body forty degrees. It's almost impossible to find anything down there, he thought. His concern for Ghost grew bigger as the night sky loomed over them.
"See anything?" Orchid asked. Her arms wrapped around SkekTek's waist. Her eyes peered over Nova's wing. She nearly slid off.
"Careful." SkekTek managed to grab the small of her back. Even though his limbs were artificial, the heat crawled along his scales.
Orchid shivered. Her own wings pressed against her body. "Sorry…I'm still not used to being so big."
SkekTek gulped. "Th-that's alright. Not used to it either."
The two were silent as they continued riding the wind. The three moons were high above them. The stars twinkled like diamonds. Below, the forest looked menacing to say the least.
Nova let out a few whistles. Then, she dove a bit lower.
"She's found a clearing," SkekTek explained. He instinctively leaned back. His hunched form pressed against the hard shell. He felt his throat tighten. What is wrong with me?
The clearing in question had several trees toppled down. Smells of vegetation ranged from crushed flowers to decay. Soil was churned up in a few places. Roots exposed before them. Thankfully it was large enough to allow Nova to make a graceful landing without the worry of having her wings caught.
Once Nova landed, she spread out her four wings. Her body lowered enough that it touched the ground. Orchid leaped off in one swift movement. She turned to watch SkekTek struggle for a moment before he was able to slide down the wing. He landed on his claws and knees.
Orchid tilted her head. She held out her hand. "Are you ok?"
SkekTek looked up. The heat crawling under his scales got worse the moment his eyes laid on her shell. The pink took on a mauve coloring in the light of the moons. He gulped. "Yes…Just hard to function without the crystal's power."
Orchid tilted her head. Then she remembered what Lazul had said. She watched as he raised his claws. Her heart leaped as he took her hand. She pulled him up onto his feet.
SkekTek patted down the soil off of his robes. He looked in dissatisfaction at the cloth. They really were covered in mud. How he wished he could go back to the castle to change. Hot water called out to him from a far distance.
"So…" Orchid's voice broke his train of thought. "What do we do next?"
SkekTek heaved a sigh. "Well…I would say we attack the source of the one who created this!" He gestured to several gnarled vines that were choking a large tree. "However, due what we've seen from above…the chances are slim at best."
The trio heaved a massive sigh. The sounds of the forest were slowly coming back, but it didn't ease the fear. Instead, it only made it worse. Every rustle made them turn their heads.
Nova shrunk down. Her talons gently clasped Orchid's shoulders. Another set of rustling started once more.
"M-Maybe we could find better luck in the daytime?" Orchid found herself shivering with fear. Staring into that darkness may not be a problem. However, the mere idea of the monsters lurking there unnerves her.
SkekTek shook his head. "No. If we don't find some way to locate the threat, we won't survive long."
Rustling grew louder than before. This time, it was to the west. Heavy breathing and grunting were soon followed. A few branches fell away. Snapping twigs spread in the air.
Orchid grew tense. Nova clacking beside her. I hope Treesong is still alive when we find her.
—-(Rian)-
Rian was tired at this point. He was bickering with the Skeksis that hadn't fallen off a frightened Treesong. He knew the situation was grim. The ground was torn up. Trees were twisted up to the point there was no recognition. Resources were either smashed or missing. Broken objects littered the floor. Mother Aughra is missing. They needed a plan. One that everyone would agree on.
"I'd say we cut these branches away while the enemy is weakened!" SkekOk snarled. A few of his spectacles were missing. Some had their lens cracked. He had a crazed look ever since the Collector fell off.
All Maudra Mayrin tried her best to have a calm expression on her face. However, the corners of her mouth twitched in suppressed rage. Not that Rian blames her. "We need to find the other. Mother Aughra especially. Her connection to the plants in Thra are the only way to face off with this blight."
SkekOk growled. "But there are miles of tangled plant life!" He pointed to The All-Maudra's wings. "Your wings would barely squeeze through that mess!"
Kylan stepped in. His arms raised as if he was ready to push the two parties away. "Let's think about this for a moment. Right now, it's too dark for anyone to see without a lantern at the moment. The others already show good skills at taking care of themselves."
SkekZok shook his head. "We still don't know what creature did that. SkekMal is a great fighter, but we've been around these…" He turned to look at Amein. The purple Djinn was under great distress. The eye poked out of the wall. Several times. "Things."
Amein glared at him. He shifted out of the wall. He landed onto the floor with a thud. One of the Grunaks saw this and quickly picked him up. In a matter of minutes, he was back in a pot of water.
Hup walked over to Amein. "Djinn ok?"
Amein slowly crawled. "I'd be fine when we find Frostcrystal. As for the plants, I have a pretty good idea what caused it."
Rian tilted his head. "What is it?"
"It's most likely the work of a Plant Walker," Amein answered.
Deet perked at the name. "I remember Razz mentioning them earlier." She looked at Brea. "Didn't we read about them earlier?"
Brea nodded. "Yes. They're a creature made entirely out of plant material. The males would have branches while females had flowers."
"Like…w-wings?"
Everyone turned their attention to the source of the voice. The Grunak shrunk behind Cerebrite. The Earth Croaker adjusted his glasses. "G-girl Gelfings ha' wings. Boys no wings."
Brea's eyes widened. "Yes…That's exactly like that."
SkekOk tilted his head. "Most impressive. You certainly picked up fast for someone so…" A glare from Brea and her Starbird, Merlin, were enough to stop his sentence. "How were you able to talk?"
Cerebrite gulped. "I watch. Watch you read. Then, d-do them." He fiddled with his glasses. The Grunaks nervously moved in front, afraid of what the Skeksis might say to him.
"Splendid!" SkekOk grinned. "Perhaps I'll teach you-"
"We!" Brea corrected. "We teach him. However, we need to find the Plantwalker before they find us."
Gurjin raised a hand. "Uh…How do we even locate one? They probably blend in with the foliage around here."
Amein wiggled his top arm from side to side. His own indication of shaking a head. "No. Actually, they should have a strong scent that Skeksis can pick up on. However, it should be handled with caution."
Rian rolled his eyes. Of course there's a catch.
Tavra heaved a heavy sigh. "Let me guess. There's poison in the smell."
Amein shook his head. "No. Depending on the gender of the species, a Plantwalker can have a different effect on their scent. Females are said to have a sweet scent that can lure males from other clans into their grasp and hold them captive. For Males, it causes dizziness or paralysis depending if the male is an alpha."
SkekZok sighed. "How charming…"
SkekOk marched over to the front door. Before he could even touch the knob the door vanished. He jumped back with a squawk.
Amein was already breathing heavily. His eye half-lidded. "And…where…do…you think you're going?"
SkekOk stamped his foot. "Well I can't stand around here and do nothing."
SkekZok groaned. He rubbed his temples. "Not without a plan and it's already dark out."
Razz, who was quite for the most part perched on a chair. He was preening his feathers. However, his eyes had a glazed look as if the entire conversation bored him. "Good opportunity to rest. Plantwalkers weak in moonlight."
The conversation went into another round of arguments. Rian groaned. He leaned back against the wall. Beside him, Tavra also looked as tired as he was. He turned to his left to see Deet was by his side. He had to admit, Deet was very pretty for a Grotten.
Deet's eyes grew thoughtful. "Maybe we can look through some windows. See if Ghost is close by. She's very brightly colored after all."
Rian thought for a moment. It was true that Ghost was the palest Gelfling he ever knew. However, he remembered that she was very good at hiding. Even clever enough to hide herself from Hunter for a while. However, if they did see her, they had to send her a signal somehow.
As if reading his mind, Tavra spoke. "Ghost needs to know it's us. If we shout or light a fire, it might draw attention."
Rian sighed and rubbed his temples. Then, he felt something tap his shoulder. He turned to Deet. She was pointing at something. Or someone as it turned out the moment he followed her direction.
SkekEkt looked extremely nervous. He even shrugged off SkekAyuk's hand from his shoulder. By the looks of it, he didn't want comfort from the Gourmand. Then, the Ornamentalist walked upstairs.
Deet began following that direction. "Come on. Let's see if he might know a way."
Rian reached out to stop Deet, but she was gone before he could touch her. He sighed. It seems like a better option. He was far too tired to sit in these arguments any longer. Tavra followed him.
The group followed SkekEkt to a random room. This one was filled with various instruments. Most of them seemed to be woodwinds. Note sheets were scattered along the floor. The only source of light seemed to be coming out of a lantern that held a red-orange glow. His thin silhouette a sharp needle against the large window.
Silent sobs filled the room. Mute moans followed. A rustling indicated that he was holding some paper in his hand. After some arrangement, he pulled out a woodwind. He tried to blow into it. A shrill noise. He let out a mute roar and tossed it down. Once again, he slumped down in defeat.
Deet looked at the note sheets before them. She slowly walked over to the closest one. She picked it up. Her head tilted when she was curious about it.
Rian moved close to her. His concern over what the Ornamentalist might do to her outweighs his need to keep his distance. His eyes lit up the moment he recognized those notes. It was something from a long time ago.
"I recognize this piece," Rian said. He pointed to a stanza. "Ghost wrote this two years ago. She was struggling to find the proper harmony."
Tavra soon joined them. Her brow raised in a questioning stare.
Deet stared at Rian. "What was it for?"
Rian sighed. "She wanted to create the best song to use for a celebration. A song to remind everyone that we're part of Thra. No matter what walk of life or who we are." He chuckled. "I thought it to be the strangest thing."
Tavra nodded in acknowledgement. "Not that strange to her." She heard more shouting. She flinched as a loud crash echoed. Followed by a baby's cry. "We could use some unity right now."
Deet's ears flicked up. A smile planted across her face. "Let's try this music!"
A squawk of complaint rose. The Gelfling looked up to see a distressed Ornamentalist leering at them. A snarl placed on his beak. Head arched. Thanks to the lack of hair, he looked like an angry vulture ready to kill.
Rian had a deep frown on his face. "You're not the only one to worry about Ghost. If you want to get her back safely, then let us at least set up the notes the way she wanted."
SkekEkt watched them for a moment. His eyes were clouded with thoughts. No doubt of Ghost. Then, he went over to a few instruments. He rummaged through the pile until he found what he was looking for. He went back to them and presented several objects.
Deet's eyes lit up. She graciously took a woodwind instrument from his claws. Her fingers curled against the carving of Wind Leapers amongst the holes.
Rian raised a brow at his instrument. It looked like a strange drum with flowers painted on the side. A Flowerweaver image stretched across the top.
Tavra just simply stared at a harp that sat in SkekEkt's claws. "You…want us to play these?"
SkekEkt gave a curt nod. Once the harp was out of his claws, he went over to a strange glass object. He picked up a rod. He tapped it. A soft whine reverberated in the air. He first pointed to Deet.
Deet watched his movements carefully. She looked at her instrument. Then, blew into the instrument. It gave a shrill cry that nearly damaged her ears. She watched again as SkekEkt showed her. She did it again but put her fingers on some of the holes. It now gave a sweet tooo sound.
Rian cringed slightly as SkekEkt pointed at him. He gave a sigh. "Well…For Ghost." He gave it a soft pat. He whacked it a bit harder when the Ornamentalist shook his head.
Tavra plucked a string once she saw her cue. She tried a few strings until SkekEkt nodded his approval.
"What's going on?"
Everyone turned to see Brea sticking her head out of the doorway. Hup and the Grunak by her side. On her shoulder, Merlin tilted his head.
Deet gave a smile. "We're trying to use a song to bring Ghost back here." She pointed to SkekEkt. "It was the Ornamentalist's idea."
SkekEkt looked away. His cheeks turned a bright crimson. Then, he shook himself and pointed at Brea.
Brea looked confused. She watched him for a moment. "Wait…You…want me to sing?"
SkekEkt nodded. He was about to approach her, but Hup got between them. He eyed the spoon carefully. However, this little Podling might not pose a threat to him. He reached out. He shrank back as the spoon hit his hand.
"Hup!" Deet scolded. "He's only worried about Ghost. Like we all are. Let's just help out." She turned her attention to the Grunak. "You can join in too."
The Grunak froze. Their dark eyes nervously stared at the Ornamentalist. They huddled close together. Whimpers escaped their throats.
Rian approached them. His blue eyes were filled with sincerity. "Don't worry. I won't let him hurt you if anything happened." He extended a hand. "I promise."
The Grunak looked at each other. Both were unsure what to make of it. Then, the larger of the two nodded. He took his hand.
"Oh!" Deet's ears flicked up. "I've just realized. We still didn't know your names."
"Brami…" The smaller one said. He pointed to his friend. "This…is Moren."
—-(Ghost, SkekMal and SkekLach)-
"Are you doing ok?" Ghost asked. She walked by SkekLach's side. Her eyes shifted between the Collector's injury and the path before them. The night sounds were finally able to return. However, it was only in a soft tune that only she could hear. However, she hoped SkekLach wouldn't have a fever from his injury like last time.
SkekLach sighed. "Nothing I couldn't handle. At least this one doesn't burn as much." He cringed as he recalled the blade that almost chopped his head.
Ghost looked up at the sky. The trees still covered it. Little light leaked through. She tried to reach out for the three moons so she can use the ice. However, nothing came. Ghost tried again and again. Nothing. Just a body that was shivering uncontrollably. She soon felt something warm draped over her shoulders. Ghost gave a surprised glance at SkekMal.
SkekMal didn't make eye contact, but his hand never left Ghost's shoulder. "You're not going to be helpful if you keep trying ice magic. You're actually making a charred path at least twice now." He pointed to the path behind them.
Ghost followed the direction. Before long, the smell of charred vegetation entered her nose. "Thra!" She cursed. She rubbed her temples. "How can I even use magic if I can barely control it?!"
SkekMal gave a soft rumble. "I understand your urgency but I guess you should think of this like hunting. Patience is something I know you have but your emotions get the better of you at times."
Before Ghost could say anything, a sound hit her ears. "Do you hear that?"
The group became silent. Heads raised to listen. Then, they heard it. A strange melody they've never heard before. A flute mixed with a gentle harp, singing of the winds that weave through the trees. A drum thumping proudly as if to mimic the hidden voices of rock. Horns blared out.
Ghost's eyes began to glow. Strange flowers bloomed beneath her feet. "I know this song." She began to move forward. Her heart felt strangely light. Wings fluttering. "Come on!"
SkekLach couldn't help but chuckle. Ghost's attention was easy to get at times. Even with music. Maybe it could help. At least it beats the gloomy silence. He began to pick up his pace despite the throbbing that continued.
Ghost couldn't explain it but words were starting to slither up to her throat. She remembered how hard she tried to find the words that would fit the song. How it reflects their strength, unity and the revere for Thra. Memories of her childhood bubbled in her mind. They traveled down to her wings, a glowing light slowly appearing to them.
"My darling light…" Her voice was a whisper. Eyes glowing. "I've come to bring you home. All our colors may have gone…but you're still rain has now vanished and the road is clear."
As she continued to sing, flowers bloomed beneath her. The trees groaned as they began to move away. The plants slithered out of the way. The road opened before them. Light flooded above them. The moon shone bright. All creatures of Thra mimicked her melodies.
SkekMal's eyes grew wide with wonder. His whole body shook. Ghost's beauty was becoming more apparent. His heart thundered so loud. His nose could only smell her sweet, flowery scent. He could only rumble the words that she was sung. Each phrase made his second pair of limbs want to hold her up. Better yet, turn into wings to lift her into the sky.
"Wait…" Magln's eye widened. Her arms shrunk and twisted as the armor melted away. "I know of this melody."
On Ghost's back, Lazul shifted slightly. He couldn't explain it, but he felt light. Emotions…Ones that he couldn't explain crawled into him. Joy…Sorrow…Relief…Then, movement was spotted in the trees.
Ghost didn't mind the arms tensed up around her waist and chest. Her feet were starting to lift as the melody got loud. Then, another voice was added. It was that of a creature. A certain Forest Saurio. Treesong! She soon came to a spot in the forest. Moonlight spilled out to reveal Treesong laying on her stomach. The house was still attached to her back.
Ghost's heart swelled with joy. Her words to her song belted. No ounce of danger crawling into her soul. "FOR I HAVE COME AT LAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSST!"
SkekMal felt his own heart jump to the last note. His tail twitched. Suddenly, his hunter instincts kicked. Heavy rustling coming from all sides. He quickly went to Ghost's side. Weapon at the ready.
SkekLach hustled over to their side. He nearly fell over but managed to adjust himself before he dashed his head against a rock.
More rustling grew louder. This time it was coming in all four directions. Footsteps easily detected amongst the shouting. The front door of the house flung open as the rest of the group went to greet Ghost.
"SkekMal…" The Emperor's voice made SkekMal almost jump. His eyes snapped to the north. "Is that you?"
The Emperor was on the back of Frostcrystal. His thin arms wrapped around her lean neck. His tail wrapped around her waist. Without his crown, he looked like a withered old man. Tired and frightened. Blood trickled out of his metal beak.
SkekMal did a quick bow. "Yes, Emperor. Are you injured?" He cursed himself for something so obvious.
"He's fine." Frostcrystal answered before SkekSo could. "His nose is fractured but I did apply some ice so it should be fine until I get a hold of medical supplies."
"Bah!"
Everyone turned their attention to the east. Mother Aughra materialized out of the underbrush. She cradled her injured arm. Her expression was still grim as before. Drum and Shield lumbered behind her. Drum cradled glistening rocks in his claws. One glowing a bright green light.
"We should be more concerned about the company that grows." Mother Aughra pointed to the Southern Portion but Ghost, SkekLach and SkekMal barely had time to react to a large thorny vine that slammed down on them.
Exploding out of the brush was a warped figure. It was about as tall as SkekEkt in his true form. A body made of strange plant material. The sickly sweet smell of flowers wafted into the air. Mouth opened in an "o". Other vines sprouted from behind. Black, soulless eyes stared at the crew. Mostly focused on Ghost.
Screams filled the air. The front door slammed shut with only Rian, Gurjin and Naia standing outside the door. Weapons drawn. Ghost and SkekLach tried to scramble away, ducking from the vines and branches that were trying to snatch them. Treesong got to her feet. The Forest Saurio let out an angry bellow.
Drum's small eyes lit up with recognition. Ears flickered. The stone in his claw was practically a fourth sun in his claws. "Friend!" He ran toward the creature.
Shield tried to go after him. "Drum! Wait, stop!" He had no choice but to block an incoming vine.
Drum held up the stone. "Friend! I-I don't know if you remember but-" He raised his claws higher. Being only a few feet from the creature, he seemed to reach up to her waist. "It's me! We played in the nursery together. Mother watched us a lot."
The creature stopped. Eyes now focused on Drum. It tilted its head, curious of the bear. Hands twitching uncontrollably.
Drum grimaced. Then he shook his head. "I-I know you have a name. It may have been forever, but I remember it. Your father gave it to you but you wanted it to be a secret because it was forbidden."
"What is that fool doing?" Gurjin hissed.
Rian tightened his grip. He soon notice SkekTek and Orchid were close by. They seemed to be just as concerned as he is. His insides screamed that things aren't going to end well. "Get ready."
The creature stood there. No sign of emotion written on its face. Then, it extended a hand.
"R-R-Rowannia! You've remembered me!" Drum took a few more steps. His arms extended into a hug.
A vine began to arch behind Rowannia. Then, it went straight for Drum's heart.
"Watch out!" Orchid snatched Drum moments before the vine struck the ground. Dust and soil exploded around them. She coughed. "Are you alright?"
Drum looked up at her stunned. The stones were only an inch away from him. Pulsating. "I-I don't understand…She held out her hand. Friends do that right? She was my friend." Tears leaked out of his eyes.
Orchid patted his head. "It's not your fault. She didn't recognize you. She's being under someone's control." She looked at the hearts. "I guess that's also what happens when your heart is literally ripped out of you."
Drum sniffed. To his horror, a warped tree branch reached out to the hearts. He quickly swiped them back before the bark could pierce them. He took a few deep breaths until his own heart stopped thundering in his chest. "Then we give it back," he whispered.
He got up quickly. Drum ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He leaped from one spot to the next. His main focus being on Ghost.
Orchid reached out to him. "Drum no!" She leaped out of the way as a tree branch shot at her.
Ghost screamed as a vine snatched her leg. It pulled her away from SkekMal and SkekLach. Her nails feebly dug into the dirt. Wings flared out. Panic consuming her. Then, she noticed her hands glowing hot. Ghost twisted her body and grabbed the vine. It sizzled then burst into flame, earning a feral cry.
"Head to the house. Get SkekLach to safety!" Her lungs burned at those words. Almost as if a ball of fire was ready to come out. Then, she remembered what SkekMal had told her earlier. Time to become a hunter. She took a deep breath and rolled to the right.
She went into a fighting stance. Lazul shifted from her back and turned into a bow. She notched an arrow that Lazul created from the air. Ghost breathed out. The flames coiled and shifted with the shape until it was a bronze covered arrow.
SkekLach reached out, but SkekMal stopped him. His eyes locked with the Hunter's.
"Wait." The Hunter helped him up to his feet. "Let her do this. Get to the house." He led him away from the fight. However, his eyes refused to leave Ghost for more than a second. He watched her stance. Intense concentration. His heart leaped as she loosed an arrow. Don't miss.
The arrow whizzed through the air. A high pitched whine resounded. It hit the shoulder, exploding on impact. The Plantwalker let out a shriek and fell back.
SkekSo arched his neck to see as Frostcrystal hurried over to the house. "Is it dead?"
Frostcrystal brought his head down. His head against her neck. The cold beak pressed against her fur. "No, merely stunned. Keep your head down or loose it." At least he doesn't smell of rot. She, SkekTek and SkekMal had managed to gather along the front of the house. They all watched Ghost running up to Drum, pulling him away to the left of the disaster.
Drum struggled. A few times being able to escape but Ghost was quick to grab him again. "Let me go! I have to help! That's what friends do!"
Ghost looked at the hearts in Drum's claws. Hearts that were stolen just to relieve a burden. No…Just curse beings to be lifeless puppets. Ghost nodded. "You're right. We need to fix her." She lifted her bow. "Lazul. Reverse your heart-removal ability."
Lazul's pupil flexed. It was almost to mimic confusion. "Mistress. I'm afraid that can't be possible."
Ghost's ears flicked back in shock. "What?! Why?" She looked back at the creature on the ground. The flames have died down but the Plantwalker was slowly getting up.
"I was told not to burden those creatures with their heart." Lazul's answer seemed heavy with regret. "Doing so might make her and the rest suffer."
Ghost leaned in closer. Her eyes met his. "How do you know this? Have you tried to do so before?"
Lazul was silent. Unable to answer her question. "I…had felt sensations from them. Memories of sorrow…and loss."
Ghost froze. She remembered her own pain. The heaviness of Mira gone. The betrayal of the Skeksis. She hated having those emotions. However, they are a part of her. They help her. How? She doesn't know yet. Right now, she needs to focus on what matters most. She firmly gripped the hilt.
"True," Ghost answered. "Those feelings are painful but not having them won't be able to stop this destruction. Please."
Lazul stared at her a moment longer. His eye then turned to the hearts. A sigh escaped. "Very well. As you command, mistress."
Rowannia was soon in a sitting position. A faint hiss was heard. The vines and branches that had been laying limp earlier were starting to come back to life. Just as SkekVar and Spark appeared.
"What's going on?" The General asked. His eyes took in the destruction around him. He couldn't believe this had been happening. Then, he noticed Sparks hiss. He gawked at the Plantwalker before them. A deep scorch mark in its skin. The glazed look jostled him back to the little baby that he saw in the warped nursery. "Anyone got a plan?"
Sparks pointed to Ghost. The white Gelfling was only a few feet away from them. Colorful lights hovered next to her.
"Ghost!" SkekVar yelled.
Ghost turned her attention to SkekVar. "Hammer! We need to distract Rowannia."
SkekVar gave a confused look. "Huh?"
Ghost pointed at the Plantwalker. "Her! We need an opening. Don't hurt her. Just pin her down."
SkekVar stared at the creature. It did look beat up. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that things might go awry. Then, he noticed Spark. Ears flat. Almost ready to pounce. He swallowed his fear. "Leave it to me!"
SkekVar moved as he dared. He turned to Spark. A plan formulated in his head. He waved at Spark. Then, the moment her attention turned to him, he pointed at Rowannia's midsection.
Sparks nodded. Her eyes were sharp. She went to the left. Her body arched low to the ground.
SkekVar went to the right. He was able to avoid vines and twigs. Seeing his target in sight, he took a quick step forward. He snatched one arm from the creature. The general felt something claw at his face. He tried to bite down on the enemy's hand, but he was met by air. It was like that until a shriek made him turn his attention to Spark.
The Felidawn had managed to get a hold of the other arm. Her teeth sunken into the flesh. Black blood seeping out.
SkekVar whipped his back over. "Ghost! Whatever you're going to do, do it now!"
Ghost nodded. She looked at Lazul. She lifted the Djinn into the air. A silver-blue glow radiated off of him. Then, the light touched the green heart. The green light turned to a brighter shade. It soon gave an audible sound to a heartbeat. It caught the attention of Rowannia. A large, gaping hole soon appeared on her chest.
"Go Drum!" Ghost shouted as loud as she could through the chaos. "Go!"
Drum nodded. He ran as fast as he could. His legs made their way through the debris. He charged and plunged the green stone into the crevice. It stayed there for a moment. His eyes widened as the hole grew smaller, the skin covering the heart. He hugged her. Thick arms around the body. He shut his eyes.
Rowannia screamed. Her whole body glowed. The light was almost rivaling the moons. She clawed at Drum's back but the thick armor was hard to twisted and turned. Then, the light faded along with her screams. She went limp in Drum's arms.
SkekLach and SkekMal stared in shock. SkekMal couldn't help but shiver. Never in his life as he encountered something like this. His eyes laid on the Djinn that shifted back into its original form. Is this what the Djinn are capable of?
A creak resounded behind them. The gourmand and SkekEkt were the first Skeksis to poke their heads out of the door. Deet and Brea followed suit.
"I-Is it over?" SkekAyuk asked. His voice was shaken.
SkekEkt let out a voiceless squawk as he saw Ghost walking up the house. He pushed Gourmand aside and hobbled over to Ghost. Before she could react, he scooped her up in his arms. His thin form embracing her.
Ghost hugged him back. Relief flooding through her. "I'm glad you're ok too." She allowed herself to snuggle into his arms a bit longer. Then, she was surrounded by the group. Question after question. Each one drains her.
Lazul raised his arms and pushed everyone away. Much to everyone's surprise including his own. His eye lowered. "Apologies…I'm afraid I have been drained. As well as mistress. Best to discuss the details after rest."
Ghost patted Lazul. A tired smile came across her face. She turned around to see Drum holding on to an unconscious Rowannia. The sun shone through the treetops. All of Thra's creatures sing their gratitude to the end of a twisted nightmare. At least one problem was taken care of…for now.