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Escape From Manitou Island: Part 215 |
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(DISCLAIMER: This part, and all parts hereafter, are works in progress (WIPs) and have not been proofread or checked for plot inconsistencies. I've decided to present them "as is" for now, as there is a significant amount of unfinished material; yet this story has been on hiatus for a long while, I've forgotten certain details, and I have no plans to resume work on it any time soon. Please keep in mind while reading that details may change in the future. Should you spot an inconsistency, however, please feel free to point it out to me for possible correction.)
GATHERING FORCES TAL NATHA'S FUR prickled. Lightning hit the lake so it flashed brilliant blue, and in that split second, illuminated from underneath, he saw scores of long, black, sinuous shapes wriggling their way toward the shore. Before, he'd just thought the lake was dark and choppy because of the clouds and wind; now, he knew better. There are...hundreds of them, he said faintly, unable to believe it. "We were called to the Sky Tree," one of the pair of waiting Michinimakinong explained. "It showed us a vision. The Island is in danger, greater danger than it's ever been, so we decided to summon up our most skilled forces and come to defend it. We realize we have not set foot here in ages...yet it is still our first home, and sacred to us." I understand. Tal Natha looked skywards at the roiling clouds. The Animiki already know? "From what our stories say, they can sense a Lynx when it's still so far away none of us could hope to see it. We don't doubt that they can fight off some Lynxes, as this is what Animiki do, but..." He trailed off, looking awkward, then said, "Their mission in life is to kill Lynxes, not to protect the Island!" I still understand. Tal Natha shut his eyes, nose still pointed upward. Fire Cloud! You sensed them--? Why did you not tell me? Because there is little your sort could do, a voice said just as the clouds boomed, making the two Michinimakinong stumble and grasp onto each other, aside from get in the way. It was one matter when there was a single Lynx threatening the Island--this is another matter entirely. Do you realize just what danger you are in...? An image flashed in Tal Natha's head, and his heart thudded painfully hard when he saw the lake from above, as the Animiki must be seeing it, the waters clogged with endless numbers of the slithering black shapes. This is only those who are nearest, Ishkode-Aanakwad said. A difficult task, but given our assistance, I believe you and yours would be able to fend them off. But there are more coming right behind them...so many that even we grow nervous. A pause, then, We hadn't even known that so many Underwater Lynxes existed in the first place. It looks as if every last one is heading this way. We have to give them everything we have, before they reach the shore, else any efforts you and yours might have will mean nothing. Still, we can try, Tal Natha retorted. We have defended this Island for countless moons in the past and we will continue to do so. I would never ask you and your people not to do your duty, especially in service to the Island, as we are endlessly grateful for that. But we cannot be asked to just sit idly by, either. He flicked a hand at the two Michinimakinong--others had since appeared behind them and were starting to crowd around the Fairy Arch, not seeming to know what to do. That means you, as well. You had a call to come help the Island--stay out of the Animiki's way, but aside from that, do your best. I will speak with those who already live here and we will do what we can as well. The Michinimakinong bobbed their heads, then gestured at the others and they started climbing up the bluff. He watched them for a moment, having no idea what they might be able to do that would be useful, but flapped his wings and rose into the air anyway to get a better look at the situation. It only looked worse the higher he got, and he had to swallow his anxiety on seeing the lake clogged with the ominous black shapes. They seemed to have slowed down somewhat since the lightning strike and the water nearest the shore was clear of them, but he saw their green eyes glinting and knew that wouldn't keep them at bay for long. His ears pricked when he heard small thunking sounds come from the bluff, and he glanced toward the trees just as a whistling noise filled the air. His eyes grew when what looked like a swarm of insects appeared, zooming down toward the lake; they started striking the water where the nearest dark shapes were, and with an awful splash the Underwater Lynxes' heads began to appear, popping up from the surface and hissing angrily, arrows sticking from their muzzles like porcupine quills. They shook themselves and these easily flew free, but the whistling noise came again, and this time when the arrows struck they were tipped with fire which sizzled against the Lynxes' skin. Their angry hisses turned to roars and shrieks and Tal Natha grimaced at the sound as the water roiled to life. A spear struck one of the Lynxes in the head and it promptly sank; another impaled one through the muzzle and it screamed before plunging back underwater, and around them similar things were happening. Tal Natha watched this for only a moment or so before spreading his wings and soaring out over the water. The uniform darkness of the water was broken up now as the Lynxes bunched together in groups, leaving open patches in the lake; Tal Natha swooped down at one of these, dunked a hand into the water just long enough to grab up what he saw, then retreated, just missing a set of snapping jaws. He did this several more times, until seeing how the clouds were thickening overhead, then retreated, flying back to the safety of the trees and coasting over the bluff where the Michinimakinong were concealed. He flew low enough to safely drop the spears he'd collected from the water; several of the nearer Michinimakinong grabbed them up and returned to their posts, fitting them into their spear-throwers* and aiming again. Tal Natha rose above tree level and looked back down at the lake. A lightning bolt struck, raising another furious scream from the Mishupishus, and when their heads emerged from the water, the episode with the arrows and spears was repeated. He knew that diving back into the water would be too dangerous by now, so did the next best thing, waiting for whatever lulls he could find and then sending a gust of wind to propel the waves harder toward the shore, sweeping any stray spears and arrows back onto land, then swooping down to retrieve these before more arrows could fly. Although it quickly grew exhausting, he kept this up as long as he could, several times striking the Lynxes himself. It seemed like their numbers went on forever; he couldn't believe so many of one thing could exist. Dreamspinner, it will be too dangerous for you to keep this up. We can deal with them out here. If those others with you insist on doing something, then perhaps they can better serve the Island from within. We have reason to believe the Lynxes might be trying to get under the Island, and we can't reach them there without severe damage. Tal Natha flapped heavily upward as his wings and fur had grown soaked. Just...as they tried before? he panted tiredly. You believe they may be in the caves? This is the most effective way for them to attack, Ishkode-Aanakwad said. Beyond our reach. We do not know the cave systems whatsoever but I take it your kind knows them well. We can stop more of them from getting through, but you will have to take care of the ones that might have slipped past. The earth shaking! Tal Natha's ears pricked again and his eyes grew. Please do all you can, he called to the Animiki, then soared back down toward the Michinimakinong. They'd stilled their arrows as a series of lighting bolts began slamming the lake, and looked up at the demon as he awkwardly landed amongst them, having to fight the urge to shake himself off. He started gesturing at them instead. Quickly--the caves. I will show you to the ones I know. The Animiki will take care of things here, but we need someone to be ready in case they try coming through from below. A mix of anxious looks flitted across the Michinimakinong's faces but they retrieved their remaining weapons and started passing the word. Tal Natha trotted off into the underbrush, listening for them to follow, and stopped to indicate the first cave opening he found; a small group of Michinimakinong hurried to crawl inside, and the rest of them continued through the woods. There is Scott's Cave near the north end of the Island, Tal Natha called, and Eagle Point Cave high above it. I do not know their interiors well but beings within the former cave may help you. There are some caves in this area where relations of mine live, and they can help you. I will need some of you to head to Skull Cave and out to Cave of the Woods, while I inform my other relations near the west shore. Rustling noises came from around him as other groups of Michinimakinong broke apart and vanished among the trees. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed overhead, followed by the distant wail of the Lynxes. Tal Natha's fur would have prickled if it hadn't been so wet; he pointed out X'aaru's and Khiieta's system of caves, watching the remaining Michinimakinong descend into them before shaking himself dry and taking flight again. As he neared the West Bluff, hearing the GeeBees crowing and cackling far below in their cave, he didn't much relish the thought of returning to Devil's Lake yet again, but decided that there were worse things he could do, like do nothing at all. When he looked down at the black choppy water of the small inland lake, he imagined seeing Lynxes emerging from it, and the thought chilled him so much that it decided him. He swept down toward the water, not even hesitating before plunging into it. Mitchi manitou song didn't work on Ocryxes. Tal Natha heard the slightest murmur before it ceased, the singers evidently realizing they weren't dealing with a human. Little blue glittering lights started appearing in the darkness; he ignored them and the threatening messages they sent out, instead seeking one of the underwater caves that he knew must open up into dry land. He was unfamiliar* with the lake, though Red Bird had described parts of it to him, so he relied on this to figure out where he was going and what to expect. Even after clambering out of the water and shaking himself dry again, the lake manitous stayed nearby; he continued ignoring them as they trailed along after, their eyes glinting malevolently. He went in the direction of the most light, sniffing cautiously at the air; Ocryx's scent was strong down here, but it was an older scent, meaning he wasn't currently in the area. He considered asking the manitous where he was, but figured they wouldn't be that helpful, and peered into a large, well-lit cave where the scent was particularly noticeable. This must have been secondary living quarters, as it didn't strike him as being the place where the occupants slept, but it was still well used. He spotted a pile of furs* and had to look twice to see that that wasn't all that was there. Keeping his head low to not appear threatening, he approached it, gently touching his nose against Shadow Water's shoulder when he reached her. She was huddled in the midst of the furs, nearly concealed by them, her arms wrapped around her knees and her eyes wide and wet. Sister? You are all right...? She shook her head mutely, the nodded, as if to reassure him. One hand snaked up to touch his muzzle though she continued staring across the cave, shivering despite the heavy furs surrounding her. Her voice came out small and quivering. "She's out there...I can't go back out there. Not while she's awake. I'll have to stay here." She huddled down even further and drew one of the furs over her shoulders, shaking. "She won't come down here. I'm used to it...I'll just stay here." No. Tal Natha shook his head. You know you will need to go up and see the Island again sometime, whether she is there or not. You are stronger than you were back then. I doubt she could hurt you anymore. "That...that isn't it." She shook her head again and bit her lip, head lowering so her hair hid her face. "I'm afraid...afraid that she'll make me do things for her again...cruel things, like try to hurt people...I never wanted to do any of that, but when I was with her, it's like I had no control...what if she turned me back into that? I could never face any of them again..." I already said, Tal Natha said. You are stronger than before, in more ways than one. You realize the wrong you did back then, so I doubt you would do it again. All of this is moot in any case. Our mother is gone. She stayed but a moment. She left with the mainlander. "What--?" Shadow Water at last lifted her head to look at him in disbelief. "You mean Charmian's the one who freed her?" she exclaimed. Tal Natha flinched. She has a reason, he said, but it was as if a wall had gone up behind Shadow Water's eyes; he knew no amount of explaining would help. I came to ask for your help, he said, shifting the subject. You may have noticed the shaking and the noises, like before, only stronger now... "Some of the manitous told Ocryx about cracks appearing again in the caves," Shadow Water said. "This is where he went, to go see for himself." It is likely Lynxes causing this trouble. It was just one or two before, but now... He trailed off, deciding not to describe the vast numbers he'd seen. The problem is somewhat more severe, he said, at last. "I thought you just said I was stronger," Shadow Water said; he looked at her and her eyes darkened. "So why is it you're hiding something from me? You think it will upset me? I've heard far worse things, I'm sure of it." Tal Natha tilted his head forward. I apologize, Sister. The truth is the situation grows more grave than even the Animiki had thought, and so they would like for us to keep an eye on the caves and tunnels, where they cannot attack the Lynxes. You said some new cracks had appeared? Whereabouts? "More to the north of here. There's nothing serious, yet. Even if one cave floods, there are plenty of places for the water to go." Flooding is the least of our worries. Would you know the way they went? I would like to see the situation for myself, if possible. Shadow Water gave him a strange look, but at last climbed out of the furs, rubbing at her arms as if cold. "They took this tunnel," she said, leading him to one of the numerous ways from the cave. "I believe I heard the manitou say the cracks were near Pale Cave...you wouldn't know where that is, I don't think...you're certain you want me to take you there?" Tal Natha nodded, saying nothing, so she turned and started walking. Once in a while Tal Natha spotted glinting blue eyes peering out at them from here and there, but aside from that nobody bothered them, and the only sounds to be heard were dripping water and their footsteps. "Why would she do it?" Shadow Water said after a long while passing through various caves and tunnels. "After everything I know she went through. If anyone besides the two of us has the best reason to fear her, it's her. Why would she do something like that?" Charmian has her reasons, Tal Natha said; when he got another look, he added, I was every bit as skeptical as you are! I know precisely where you are coming from. But Red Bird believes in her, and everyone in her company must believe in her, to go along with it; and if I were to continue doubting her, when I was the one who called her here in the first place, then I would have no right calling myself Guardian. "She could have made a mistake," Shadow Water said. "Everyone does." Yes, but she knows how to fix her mistakes. And I feel this is a matter on which she would be particularly careful not to make a mistake. I will not ask you to trust my word, Sister, or to stop worrying, but I will ask you to look inside yourself, look at what you know of Charmian, and decide for yourself. Do not judge until you have done that. This is the least you can do for her. Shadow Water said nothing in response to this, just stared ahead as they walked. Tal Natha was silent as well, until a low rumbling noise came in the distance, then a soft hiss that he recognized as the sound of water spraying. They both halted, staring off into the dimness. "The cave wall must have split," Shadow Water said, anxiety in her voice. "Why are these Lynxes trying to get through?" she asked, turning to him. "All we know is someone is trying to attack us, but as for who they are, or what their goal is, no one seems to know anything. What's the purpose of all this?" His goal is the destruction of the Island, Tal Natha said, nothing more and nothing less. This Pale Cave is just ahead? Perhaps I could-- A hideous CRACK came from the wall just to their left, and Shadow Water squealed, throwing her arms over her head when water sprayed against them. Tal Natha reached out and placed his hand to the crack and the water slowed to a trickle; he cast her a tense look over his shoulder. You'd best go inform Father that any fixes we might make to these walls are only temporary, and there are going to be plenty more of them soon enough. If his manitous are up to the task, he should send them out into all the water-enclosed caves he knows of, and prepare to fight. Shadow Water's face went pale but she nodded and hurried off. Tal Natha caught an odd glow from the corner of his eye and when he looked to see where she'd gone, he spotted an Ocryx instead disappearing down the tunnel. More rumbling noises started coming from behind the wall; he pulled his hand away and stepped back, shielding his eyes when more cracks appeared and more water started spraying in. These he fixed as well, then opened his mind somewhat, listening. He sensed frustration and anger; as soon as whatever was on the other side noticed him, he was struck by a barrage of nasty images--the caves and tunnels gutted out, great hunks of the Island collasping and caving in on themselves, water spouting from the rocks, the lake swallowing the whole up as black serpentine shapes swam in gleeful circles among the remains. Tal Natha sent a mental image back--a Lynx with a spear through its muzzle. Unlike yours, mine is something that has already happened, he thought when he sent it. He knew good enough to duck. A hunk of stone tore loose at the level where his head had been and flew across the tunnel to crash against the opposite wall, a gout of water flooding in after it. The rumbling noises started anew, the ground shaking along with them; Tal Natha fixed what damage he could, then stepped back and crouched by the opposite wall, ready to hurl wind or strike whatever came through with his tail, whatever it took to keep them at bay until Charmian's plan went through. I am ready and willing to wait this out however long it takes, he called out at the wall. Are you able to say the same? His answer came in the form of a great copper spire punching through the stone, water spraying around it like a fountain. Tal Natha spun about and slammed his tail down over the spire as hard as he could, biting down the pain but feeling a twinge of satisfaction when the horn snapped loose and clattered to the floor, the stump retreating with an awful squeal. Several more horns just jabbed through the wall after it and he steeled himself, knowing that this would likely take everything he had. Ocryana's tail slammed into Megissogwun's head, spinning him about and knocking him down. Charmian took in a breath--the motion had been so fast she'd barely seen it. Ocryana landed lightly on one foot and stood to watch as Megissogwun slowly pushed himself upright again, one hand wiping the blood from his mouth. The blue glint in his eyes flickered, and Charmian tried to take some hope from the fact that the glow of his medicine wavered as well. "Not...very creative," he muttered, getting to his feet. "This isn't about who is most creative or not," Ocryana said. "I think you rather know what this is. I won't pretend to be interested in all the pointless details, but apparently all previous efforts to do away with you have failed, so now they call in me. Meaning no one intends for you to leave this place alive. So that rather makes it clear what this is all about. You say you consider me inferior, and hardly worth your time, but you won't be walking away from this field until you deal with me, so what do you have left to say?" Megissogwun lowered his hand from his mouth, his knuckles red. "I say that you are merely the last in a long line of petty nuisances I've had to deal with. And however insulting it might be to my abilities, I will just have to toss you aside like so many others. It's your decision to die. So be it." Die--? Charmian thought, then her eyes grew. She turned to Moon Wolf. You mean you didn't even think of it until now? he thought at her before she could speak, and frowned at her blank look. I gave your plan my backing...when you weren't even aware of half of what you'd planned? So sue me, Charmian thought back with a scowl. I know the only way to kill an Ocryx is with another Ocryx horn, or to take away their source of power. So I didn't bother thinking of that when I called her here. It works anyway, doesn't it? It looks like Megissogwun doesn't have any idea what exactly he's up against! He cannot kill her, but he can injure her, Moon Wolf cautioned. And even I can tell how weakened she is, simply being so far away from the Island. I can't imagine what an enormous strain on her power that must be, seeing as the Island itself is the source of it all. She has always been an impressive talker. He crossed his arms. It remains to be seen whether she's an impressive enough fighter. Oh, spoilsport, Charmian groused, turning away. "I take it that's your final word on it, then," Ocryana said. "Seeing as this is the final place you'll ever have the joy of looking at, there was anything in particular you wished to get out of the way first? Or any place you wished to start off?" "Any place I blast your head in will be suitable enough for me. So hurry up and be done with it. I have more important things to do." "HOLD it!" The shout was so loud that Charmian jumped, bumping into Winter Born. Manabozho came stalking back into their midst and actually stopped between Ocryana and Megissogwun, holding up his hands as if refereeing* a match. Charmian blinked in surprise. "YOU two might be perfectly content with tossing each other about and busting up half the earth while you're at it," he said, "but the REST of us aren't! There are rules. Or guidelines, I should say, since some of us apparently don't think much of keeping our word." A very pointed pause, then he held his hand up over his head. "I take it both of you want this over with one way or another. So keep it contained. No running or flying or crawling off so everyone has to chase after you. No circling around to the other side of the world and coming back with some random boulder or tree you've picked up to hit somebody with. And no coercing any other spirits to come and do your work for you...though that might be too much for me to ask, seeing how some people act." Another pause, then he crossed his arms and looked to Megissogwun. "You've never had any problem getting everyone else to do things for you. Maybe, seeing as this is the finale, you would bother to rely on your own oft-touted strength. Self-touted, might I add. Or do I hope for too much even now?" "Back out of the way, you inconsequential waste of space!" Megissogwun snapped. "If it means getting this over with any faster, I'm perfectly happy doing it myself. Especially seeing as it's not even worth using the power to call up someone else to do it!" "I take it that means he'll fight for himself for a change," Ocryana said, "and that he finds you to be a inconsequential waste of space." "Too many big stupid words," Turtle moaned, putting her hands to her head. "I won't waste my time asking for anyone to give their word then, I'll just hope the humiliation of breaking it will be a good enough deterrent." Manabozho abruptly brought his hand down and a brilliant light struck the ground next to where he stood. Charmian and Winter Born jumped again when the earth shook; what looked like minuscule lightning bolts raced outward from the spot he'd hit, radiating like the bolts in the electrical storm globe* in Charmian's science class. They traveled a certain distance before disappearing, a glowing fiery circle emerging in their place, forming a great ring around the three; as soon as those in Charmian's group noticed that some of their number stood within this ring, they began hastily moving backwards until they cleared it, though they weren't sure why--it just seemed like the most obvious thing to do. "This here," Manabozho said, "is where you two can try to finish each other off. It should be spacious enough." He crouched, then leapt out of the ring, at least a good twenty feet or more. He landed beside Charmian and crossed his arms. "At least, I hope," he muttered. "We hardly need them laying waste to this place, I think the spirits here are annoyed enough." Ocryana looked around at the glowing ring, then shrugged. "I couldn't care either way. The more running and flying around, the longer this takes. I'd rather be elsewhere. So?" She gave Megissogwun her oily grin. "Would you like to start first or would you like me to?" Charmian's jaw dropped. "Don't--don't give HIM the choice--!!" "The answer to that is obvious," Megissogwun said--the glow of medicine around him billowed and then contracted, much like Winter Born's, and Charmian knew that couldn't be good. He took a breath and an instant later the ground around Ocryana's feet burst open and great geysers of water engulfed her so she was lost from sight. |