Biology Notes 14/2/19                                                                                                                    Jacob Zandi

Fauna

      — chorans

            ~ animals, but not?

            ~ intelligence unclear

      — elves

            ~ not native to Chorus, almost none live here either

            ~ shakti control beyond dhyana

            ~ REAL magic?!?!

“Just don’t go out too far, alright? The last thing we need is for you kids to get in trouble with those soldiers.”

“Yeah, yeah, got it. And what do you mean, ‘kids’?! I’m basically an adult now.”

Although he made light of her warning, Jacob knew that his mom was right. The soldiers only ever held a conversation long enough to explain that they were just doing a “Field Op.” They never met anyone’s eyes, and the way they moved felt… stiff. There was no telling what they would do if a bunch of rowdy teenagers started to bother them.

Jacob grabbed his backpack that he’d stocked the night before. As he approached the door, his mom called out to him.

“Oh, and Jacob.”

“Yeah?”

“Happy birthday, young man.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Jacob didn’t bother hiding his smile as he headed out. This day was already everything he’d hoped for, and it hadn’t even begun yet. The air was much warmer as he ran down the path once again, though the cold, dry breeze that wafted through the village did sting his nostrils a bit.

Somehow, by the time Jacob made it to their meet-up spot, Dylan was already changed and ready to go. He refused to tell Jacob his secret, no matter how much he was pestered as they headed out. Before they could reach the usual spot, however, Jacob stopped.

“Nope. Don’t hear a thing,” Dylan said with a shrug.

Jacob turned to Serena, who shook her head.

“I’m telling you, it’s like a whimper or something. Here, just come on!”

Jacob suddenly changed direction and headed in the direction of the sound he’d heard. He could hear Dylan and Serena slowly follow behind. They were pretty far back, but that was fine. Whatever was making that sound was clearly in need of help. But as he drew closer, the sound didn’t grow louder; if anything, it petered in and out.

As Jacob peaked another small hill, he hastily swiveled his head around. Even though the rolling hills were barren of any large shrubbery or trees, the uneven ground could easily conceal a small creature that was lying low. There were bluestone bushes around him, but there didn’t seem to be anything hiding within them.

Then, he saw them.

Four trudna were circling a feathery red ball of some sort at the base of the hill. Jacob ran through the list of chorans that lived around Icesprout, but then it clicked.

The pack of small canines seemed ready to pounce at any moment.

Trudma don’t kill their prey without making a big scene. Since there’s no blood around them…

If it was alive, he had to save it.

But that was much easier said than done.

Charging down there heroically would be the easiest way to join the plamakly as their next meal. He could wait for Dylan and Serena, but who knew how long it would take for the trudma’s hunger to overcome their caution? Even if they made it in time, would they be able to come up with an idea, either? Trudma were cautious, but not easily frightened. There was little chance that three teenage humans waving their arms as they charged down a hill would shake them.

What other options are there? And how much time do I even have to plan like this?

If only the plamakly had had enough strength to bury itself in these bushes, at least it would have bought some time as the trudma tried to dig it out.

Wait... These bushes…?

Jacob’s eyes widened, and he dropped to his knees, feeling around the dense brush. Even if he couldn’t see any, surely there must be some in the dirt…

His fingers brushed against what felt like a smooth rock.

He grabbed the object firmly and tore his hand out of the bushes. His hand was scratched up and bleeding, but he grit his teeth and tried his best to focus on the life that was in danger before him.

Jacob pulled his arm back. It was shaking.

If I miss, I won’t be able to save that plamakly. And worse, those trudma will be all over me.

He shook his head frantically.

Damn it! You already decided that not doing anything would be much worse! Just stop thinking, and throw!

Jacob screamed at the top of his lungs, flinging the bluestone with every ounce of strength he had. The trudma’s heads snapped towards the screaming 16-year-old, and they broke into a run. At the same time, the bluestone hit the ground not far from the plamakly. The wounded creature’s head perked up.

Jacob’s attention shifted to the pack of predators that were charging up the hill. Knowing full-well that running would be futile, he did what seemed to be the least useless move he had.

Still roaring, Jacob pounced at the oncoming beasts.

They seemed to falter for a moment.

Jacob curled into a ball and began rolling down the hill. He couldn’t tell which way was up, let alone discern where the trudma were. But that mystery didn’t last long.

Pain shot through his shoulder as he felt fangs bite through his shirt. Another jaw closed around his boot. Lying flat on his face, it was all Jacob could do to stay curled up.

Though he’d been biting back tears at his scratched-up hand just a moment ago, he couldn’t even feel those scratches anymore. It wasn’t all that surprising; the fangs of these beasts were strong enough to shatter any kind of stone. So instead of a sharp, searing agony of flesh being ripped from bone, Jacob was overwhelmed by a brutal, dull pain not unlike being bludgeoned to death by stones.

Trudma didn’t kill without making a big scene, after all.

Through the intense growling and panting, Jacob heard a yelp.

The tiniest release of pressure on his back flooded him with hope.

Another yelp, and the jaw clamped around his right forearm let go. Then, the last two trudma released him. The air smelled like fresh charcoal.

The sounds that followed were of pure chaos: snarling and screeching, yelping and scuffling. The air got hotter and hotter, and the stench of something burning grew stronger. Jacob craned his neck, trying to reach the sleeve of his jacket. Once he felt the soft fabric, he nuzzled against it to wipe his tears. The scene around him slowly came into focus.

The plamakly that was curled up just minutes ago was now darting about, leaping into the sky and dive bombing at the trudma, who were trying to follow its movements. Two of the trudma were collapsed.

Once this battle’s over, I’ll need to get Dr. Spruce here as soon as possible to take them in.

The plamakly clawed at one of the trudma’s faces, and it stumbled back with a cry. Before the avian creature could land, however, the other trudma snatched it out of the air. The plamakly cried out as the beast’s jaw began to crush its small, feathery body.

Jacob tried to get up, but his muscles cramped and he fell back to the dirt.

Then, a leg came flying out of nowhere. The roundhouse kick sent the trudma stumbling out of sight with a yelp. A pair of hands materialized out of the edge of Jacob’s vision, catching the wounded bird. At the same time, Jacob felt hands feeling all over him.

“How is he?!”

“I don’t see any wounds, nor does he feel particularly squishy… I think he’s all right. Hey, Jacob, you dead?”

“Not yet… Took you guys long enough… Almost thought y’all got bored and went home without me…”

“Oh shut it,” Dylan replied with a chuckle. “When have we ever left a member of the squad behind? You of all people should know that… Anyways, can you stand? I think you’re a bit out of my weight range.”

“Yeah, ha-ha—” Jacob’s attempt at laughter was cut off as coughs rocked his body.

“Well, I guess that answers that. Serena, how are things looking?”

“This little guy’s in pretty bad shape, but at least the trudma are backing off. Well, the two that are still standing, at least.”

“Can you help me get this lug on his feet?”

“Yeah, gimme a second.”

“Get… Dr. Spruce,” Jacob croaked. “Those trudma need help…”

Dylan shook his head. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Those things just tried to kill you. The least we can do is let them take care of themselves.”

“Shut up, and get him already. Besides, there’s no way you two can carry me back. Small arms.” Jacob managed a shaky grin.

“Just let Serena hear you say that.” Dylan turned around and raised his voice. “Hey, Serena! Think you can get the good doc over here? Jacob says he’s too lazy to walk on his own, and I am not dragging him back.”

“Right! I’ll take this guy to the lab while I’m at it!” Serena spun around and sprinted towards the village.

Jacob let out a deep breath, looking up at the cloudless sky. For as hectic as things had been a moment ago, the only evidence that remained of the struggle was the throbbing pain in his body and the faint odor of burnt fur.

With relief coursing through him, Jacob’s muscles relaxed, and another wave of pain shot through him.

Dylan noticed his face grow pale.

“H-Hey, what’s up?! You actually injured or something?! Hey!”

“Man…”

“Yeah…?”

“Mom’s gonna be pissed.”

— — —

To Jacob’s surprise, he was only grounded for three years.

That night, however, he heard the rest of his mom’s frustrations when Dr. Spruce came over to visit. Even the floor of his bedroom trembled before his mother’s wrath. Jacob couldn’t make out anything specific; he could barely even keep his eyes open. All he could tell was that his mother was beside herself with fury, and Dr. Spruce was as collected and soft spoken as ever.

Eventually, the house went quiet. The front door never opened, though.

Jacob’s curiosity finally overtook his caution, and he slipped out of bed. His heart was pounding as he sneaked to the door and twisted the knob. He opened the door as carefully as he could, terrified that his mom could appear at any moment and double his sentence.

But she didn’t appear, and the door was cracked just wide enough for him to slide through. He forced his sore muscles to squeeze into the hallway, and crawled over to the top of the stairs. Quieting his breathing as much as he could manage, Jacob strained his ears.

“… can’t even manage this much…”

“… just fine, Isla. You’re too hard on…”

“… not even his… all this time… just don’t know.”

“He’s all grown up now… up to him…”

“… don’t get why you… much better than…”

“… told me… all you can do. Let him go.”

His mom was sobbing. In all his life, Jacob had never once heard his mom break down like that. A heavy, twisted feeling was building in his gut.

The only thing he knew for certain was that this conversation wasn’t for him.

Jacob retreated to his room. He didn’t really get why, but it felt like everything he’d known had been shaken at its foundation. But his curiosity at what his mom and Dr. Spruce had been discussing was overshadowed by a wave of guilt.

When he’d been walked home and his mom had answered the door, she’d almost fainted on the spot. Even after they’d done vitals and determined that all Jacob needed was food and rest, his mom didn’t reprimand him. The rest of the day, she just had this defeated look about her that broke Jacob’s heart.

Jacob closed his bedroom door behind him. His hands were shaking.

Was I wrong to go and help that plamakly? How could helping someone in danger be wrong? Maybe I just wasn’t the right person to help, but… I couldn’t have just done nothing…

Jacob forced his tender legs to carry him to his bed, and he collapsed on the soft mattress. He breathed in the smell of his childhood, and felt exhaustion roll through his body once more. He extended a shaky hand, holding Flamix close.

After that, Jacob lost all sense of time. He drifted from dreams to reality with no clear line between them. At one point that night, however, he heard the creaking of his bedroom door. Soft footsteps approached, and the gentlest of lips kissed his cheek. He felt the mattress shift as someone sat down.

Then, for the second time that night, his mother cried.