Chapter 26: CHAPTER XIV – Pea Shooters and Grenade Launchers

In truth, it was Cekell that was being monitored, and it had been going on for some time. Devose had been keeping close to Cekell since just before his brother had ventured out on his own, and bore witness to his brother’s last few encounters. 

Not content to just watch his brother leave him behind, Devose had been developing his own abilities. One of the first things he had noticed was how his brother’s techniques revolved less around brute force, and focused more on adaptability and speed. 

Having lost the Umbral Point along with his ability to create more dark matter, he would be forced to make the most out of what he already had, and wearing it like armor while relying on his physical prowess had already failed him. He could disperse it into a dark cloud for finer control as well as to cover a greater area, but in doing so it lost much of its potency, and he did not believe he would be able to penetrate his brother’s barrier with that method.

Devose did believe he had come up with a way to compensate and increase both his range and speed without sacrificing power or defense. He was very much looking forward to testing this theory with practical application, but he was conflicted on how best to approach his brother.

The part of Devose that wanted victory at any cost desired to take advantage of the element of surprise and prepare an ambush. The part of Devose that wanted a true and uncontested victory, did not want to diminish its value by earning it with cunning, but rather with honed skill. 

He knew he could easily defeat his brother by taking a hostage, but he wasn’t so sure he could claim that as a victory. Sure, he’d be the one to walk away, but a win that left behind a foul aftertaste was not an ideal win. What he desired was an absolute and indisputable triumph. 

He also wondered that, if he wasn’t doing everything he could to win, if he wasn’t taking advantage of every available tactic, was he really trying his best? Is a quick and clean victory not the most satisfying? Was it assertion and acknowledgement he was after? Or was it vengeance and vindication?

Devose was not sure. Absolute and indisputable, or quick and clean? Both had their own set of pros and cons that he had been agonizing over for a time now. An uncertain warrior is not a confident warrior, and he had stayed his blade even when poised to strike. He was torn between waiting for his opponent to let his guard down, and flat out announcing his presence in order to outright challenge his adversary. 

In the moment he had hesitated, procrastinating for but a split second, before he could decide between honor and efficiency, his opponent had shot back into the sky. It wasn’t the perfect opportunity, but it was an opportunity nonetheless. Was it squandered, or was he waiting for his moment? Did he want to prevail thanks in part to a moment of weakness, or did he want to trounce an equally prepared foe?

What he was certain of, is that the next time he had his blade at the ready, he would not stay his assault. 

 

Sphaere, who was preoccupied with trying to find whatever it was that had been watching them, had an uneventful return trip back to Demihome. The same could not be said for her scaled entourage, who were more interested in taking turns carrying the massive iron hoof carcass than they were in hurrying home, as they ever so excruciatingly slowly weaved between the trees that stood between them and their destination. 

Not seeming to notice, Cekell was more than content being Sphaere’s stress plushie, who was altogether engrossed in her search. As her eyes darted between the trees, lingering on anything that moved more than leaf, yet finding nothing that would sate her concern. She took her frustration and discontent out by kneading it into Cekell’s pliable body - who took it as a massage. 

Neither of them took notice when the crew tasked with carving the carcass came in contact with the scale train and bringing it to a screeching halt. They took their time as they awed and inquired over the spectacle, and almost allowed it to… escape? As one had the bright idea to throw the weightless carcass to another. 

Fortunately, A212 was on guard for such a scenario, and was quick to pull them all back down to earth - not including, of course, their eye in the sky, who was still consumed with her search. Having taken charge, A212 knew he could not relinquish it, or they might not manage to bring it home at all. 

With purpose in his steps, A212 arrived home as a conquering king bearing more gifts than a reindeer propelled sleigh. The cheers that welcomed them home were what finally knocked Sphaere out of her stupor, and her concern shifted when she saw the reception that awaited them. 

Not one for large groups of people and wanting the hunters to receive all the glory for their success, Sphaere had Cekell maneuver them past the commotion and touch down next to the opening that allows light into the Reptilia’s sunning chamber. Figuring it was a wise idea to touch base with Rhystea, she floated down into the cavern and headed off to find her friend.

As Sphaere was heading out of the sunning chamber, she had to quickly stop herself, as she was almost run over by a familiar feline friend followed by a frantic garm pup. With nimble reflexes, F120 side-hopped to avoid her, muttering, “Sorry!” And almost fell over when she did a double take.

With a puzzled look on her face, F120 raised one hand to point towards the entrance to the cave system, cocked her head to one side, and curiously stammered, “But they’re- and you’re… How?”

Sphaere laughed before explaining, “Yea, we jus’ got back, I was in a hurry ta find Rhystea though, an’ let myself in through the back door. Ya ain’t seen ‘er ‘round by any chance, have ya?”

“Actually…” F120 started after regaining her composure, “She sent me to the gate to get you and bring you back to her!”

Sphaere smiled and leaned forward to meet her closer to eye level to inform her, “Well how ‘bout that? Yer already half way done! Lead on, my furry friend!”

“Okay!” F120 replied in excitement before darting back from whence she came.

Sphaere followed her to the chamber belonging to the Aves Series, but before entering, F120 stopped and notified Sphaere that, “She’s in here helping A224, but I still need to take Lucky out, so I’ll be back in a few, okay?” And with that, the young feline girl raced off back towards the entrance of the cave without waiting for a reply, with a flustered garm pup struggling to keep up with her.

With Cekell in tow, Sphaere entered the chamber, the far side of which Rhystea was seated next to a featherfolk at a table covered in numerous tools, blades and sharpened objects in various shapes and sizes. Focused on her work, Rhystea didn’t seem to notice them enter.

Noticing that they were laboring in silence as she approached their work area, Sphaere called out, “What’s the word?”

Rhystea paused for a second, but was unable to tear her focus away as she dutifully continued what she was doing, and without looking up to acknowledge Sphaere, replied, “Nectar, apparently. I went to see the elders, and both the first and last thing we discussed was nectar. Like children on the night of Halloween, nothing else mattered. I’m still not sure what exactly nectar is, but if you don’t secure a sizeable quantity,” Rhystea paused and threw her focus at Sphaere, locking eyes with her for dramatic effect before continuing on, “I hypothesize that it very well may incite an insurrection.”

“A sizeable quantity jus’ might… sight an insurrection.” Sphaere fumbled her words with an attempted retort.

Rhystea sighed before correcting, “Incite. It means to initiate or start something.” She reached up and removed her glasses to massage her eyes, and while doing so, continued on with, “So what exactly is nectar anyway? Everyone’s making a huge deal out of it and you seem to have at least some idea as to what it is.”

“Surly ya know what honey is, right?” Sphaere answered by posing a question.

“There’s no way this is just honey.” Rhystea said, ceasing to rub her eyes so she could flash them at Sphaere to reflect her rising aggravation.

“Exactly, I hypotenuse that-” Sphaere started but was cut off.

“Really?” Rhystea interjected, “Really? Hypothesize, I just said it, you’re doing it on purpose!”

“I hippopotamus that, bein’ in this place an’ all, there’s a chanceus maximus that it is in fact, a naturally synthesized farm-and-suiticle.” Sphaere uttered without cracking a smile.  

Rhystea scoffed in protest and face palmed.

“I make this ‘sessment bassed off a known chemical that, at least a long time ago, was used in a range o’ medication. From common cough syrups ta an elixir that was known as ‘liquid courage.” Sphaere professed confidently.

“Uh-mazing.” Rhystea droned dully. “I can’t tell which is more impressive, your terminology, or the fact that you’re making a sound argument.

“Furthermore,” Sphaere began to elaborate, “I do not believe a sweetener ‘r a cough suppressant ta warrant such excitement; therefore, I am forced ta conclude that it must be similar ta a primitive potion that combat what ailed a weary soul, an’ aided in relaxation an’ jollification.”

Rhystea scoffed again, “Ugh, potion. Speaking of the illogical and arcane, how has magic boy been?”

“Spaztacularly clingy, so pretty normal.” Sphaere answered as her eyes dropped to the noticeably silent child of war curled up contentedly in her arms.

“Well that’s good, at least he hasn’t hit a mischievous streak.” Rhystea noted.

Sphaere thought back to her surprise each time she was shot almost violently through the air. Then she thought about sharing that experience with Rhystea and decided not to comment further than, “I do like this lap cat phase, ‘e’s a lot easier ta handle when ya use ‘is tentacle like a handle. ‘E’s picked up all kinds o’ useful features ta boot, ‘e’s actually workin’ on air conditionin’ which is something ya’ll hafta try later, trust me on that!”

“Trust you, you say.” Rhystea repeated the words after casting a suspicious glance. “Can I trust you to acquire a sizeable quantity of this nectar? How does one go about acquiring such a commodity?”

“Ya ‘member them huge hornets ya pissed off an’ almost got us eaten by?” Sphaere inquired with a smile.

“I can vaguely recall them.” Rhystea admitted.

“I’m pretty sure we raid one o’ their hives.” Sphaere nonchalantly used one of R208’s favorite terms.

“Have fun with that!” Rhystea sarcastically cheered as her voice raised an octave out of concern.

“Looks like yer workin’ on somethin’ fun.” Sphaere riposted before picking up something reminiscent of an arrow from the table Rhystea was working at.

Rhystea turned to the featherfold beside her and explained, “Yea, I’m attempting to assist A224 here with their Series’ prototype ranged armaments. I must admit I’m at a loss, while a bow seems simple to craft, obtaining materials is another story; and even then, I fear stringing a bow is just beyond me. And then of course there’s the fact that thrown weaponry is like the exact opposite of my expertise.”

“True that!” Sphaere replied with a laugh, “Ya know, Papa taught me how ta throw a knife, an’ ‘e both adored an’ maintained a sizeable collection o’ the things. What I’ve seen A212 throw don’ look very balanced, but more a sharpened sliver o’ steel. Balanced blades will greatly help with yer accuracy. I don’ know anythin’ ‘bout bows, either, but I am a li’l surprised ya ain’t conjured up a rifle.”

“That does help!” A224 finally spoke up, “We actually do have issues with accuracy and you wouldn’t believe the amount of time A212 spends practicing his technique; but hand thrown blades just aren’t suitable for the range we are hoping to get out of a weapon, not unless it’s something like one of your thunder stones. Although, I do understand your reluctance to teach others how you craft something like that.”

“Yea, those things are scary, an Aves took down an iron hoof with a single shot.” Sphaere notified.

Snapping out of a stupor, Rhystea first addressed A224, “It’s less that I won’t teach you, and more that I can’t. Activating a sigil requires a substance known as mana. Without that, they really are just scratchings on a rock.” Turning to lock eyes with Sphaere, Rhystea inquired, “By rifle, do you mean like a gun?”

“Surprised ya caught that through such a thick thick layer o’ sarcasm, but if ya can make exploding rocks… why not guns?” Sphaere wondered out loud.

“Well being as they outlawed and regulated the production of gunpowder, it’s not exactly something they teach you how to make in school.” Rhystea stated matter-of-factly.

“Really?” Sphaere looked confused when she asked.

“Yes, really. You act as if a gun can be cobbled together with household items. I’m sorry, but even with all my abilities, a gun isn’t such a simple thing to craft.” Rhystea responded irritatedly.

Silence fell over them and both Sphaere and Rhystea stared at each other, A224 shifted his gaze back and forth between them a few times before Sphaere announced, “Well if I had a stout tube an’ somethin’ flammable, like engine fuel, I could make a potato gun. I jus’ don’ see us stumblin’ ‘cross that kind o’ stuff.”

Another drawn out silence before Rhystea replied doubtfully with, “Potato gun?”

“It’s jus’ called a potato gun, it’ll shoot other stuff.” Sphaere explained.

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“Like what?” Rhystea inquired with rising agitation.

“Like rocks.” Sphaere shot back. “Think we could make decent ordnance with rocks?”

Rhystea almost groaned, “Hmmm…” As she held back the urge to comment on Sphaere using a word like ‘ordinance.’

Sphaere must have read Rhystea’s mind, as she was quick to explain, “Ordnance is a fancy word fer munitions.”

“I know what-” Rhystea started, but cut herself off when Sphaere cracked a smile.

“Well good! Sounds like ya got ever’thang here under control, we’re gonna head out ‘fore they start losin’ motivation! When we bring it back, are ya gonna try some o’ that nectar with me? I bet it'll be great in some o’ that tea we had this mornin’!” Sphaere announced.

“Ugh…” Rhystea groaned, full of conflicting emotions. “A relaxation potion doesn’t sound half bad. Just promise me you will be careful.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m allergic ta death, so I do my best ta avoid it.” Sphaere called back with a wave, as she was already dashing out of the chamber.

“Please be careful.” Rhystea muttered under her breath as not so distant thunder echoed throughout the cave system.

 

Darting out of the cavern entrance and narrowly avoiding F120, who was reentering the cave full sprint with her pup trailing behind her; Sphaere continued on to the gate, beyond which lay the downed iron hoof which was currently surrounded by the crew tasked with carving it up. The scale train was nearby and ready for departure. Sphaere could clearly make out R208’s voice even though she couldn’t see him.

In a good mood, Sphaere decided to make an entrance, so she swung Cekell up on her shoulders and squeezed his foot to engage his gravity alteration, ran to the top of and launched herself off of the gate to get a good view of the surrounding area, and slowly drifted back down to the ground where the hive raiding party awaited her. 

Taking in the scenario that sprawled out before her, she saw nothing concerning and immediately felt relieved. The sun was rising higher in the morning sky, but the coming storm cloud would soon overtake and blot it out of sight. 

Scanning the area one more time, Sphaere again found nothing to worry about. While this again made her feel slightly better, she still couldn’t rid herself of the nagging feeling of being surveilled. Her concern had greatly sunk in size, however. Maybe it was talking to Rhystea that eased her mind, maybe it was a domino effect of one concern piling onto the next coupled with being out of her element that had her uptight to begin with; whatever the case, her worry had diminished to the point where she could push it out of her mind.

“Think we can get us a load o’ nectar an’ maybe enjoy tonight instead o’ courtin’ death? Jus’ fer a change o’ pace? We can always go back ta runnin’ an’ fightin’ fer our lives tomorrow…” Sphaere asked.

Cekell excitedly chirped back in affirmation, to which Sphaere responded, “I thoughtcha might say that. Don’ know what it means, but I’m gonna interpret it as a yes.” Sphaere then took a deep breath and slowly released it in preparation for what came next. She closed her eyes before finishing, “Alright Ceke, take us down.” And waited.

She kept waiting, too, expecting gravity to reclaim her along with a jarring stop. Cringing up, Sphaere started to wonder if Cekell wasn’t waiting for her to open her eyes before slingshotting the both of them back to the ground. Finally prying open just one eye, she was surprised to find herself already on the ground surrounded by the shocked visages of her cave compatriots. 

Yanking the warborn from atop her shoulders, Sphaere tied him up in a hug and gushed, “Yes! Perfect! That’s how a landin’s ‘pposed ta be!” To which Cekell replied with his happy squeal.

Being the first to recover his jaw from the ground, R208 stepped forward and, in amazement, inquired, “Are you teaching him how to do all those crazy things?! That’s incredible!!”

Sphaere’s smile widened to a mischievous grin as she answered, “Can ya picture Rhystea tryin’ ta handle ‘im? Please! I bet she’d break out inta hysterics the moment ‘er feet left the ground! It’s been some work, but with practice, we’ve come a long way! Ain’t we, Ceke?” Prompting Cekell to give his chirp of approval.

“Can you teach me to fly?!” R208 all but yelled in her face.

Sphaere smiled, looked away, and tried popping her ear. After a moment, she replied, “‘Fraid not jus’ anyone can do it, an’ ya really gotta get ‘em while they’re young.”

“Is that why you let the iron hoof throw you around? You wanted to fly?” A212 asked with a laugh. Sphaere unsuccessfully attempted to refrain from smiling as R208 snorted aggravatedly in reply. 

Cutting to the chase, Sphaere posed the question, “So where is the closer o’ the hives ya’ve found? We’ll save the larger fer next time.”

“A short walk this way, should I send a scouting party?” A212 proposed after pointing into the trees.

“Nah, I think me an’ Ceke got it covered.” Sphaere claimed.

“Not going to walk with us?” A212 shot back.

“Don’t think we can take care of ourselves?!” R208 added, appalled.

“Nothin’ o’ the sort!” Sphaere exclaimed. “This one still needs flyin’ lessons, though; an’ it’s easier ta take notice o’ any standouts from up there. Which reminds me! I didn’ get ta see who took down the iron hoof due ta a bug problem. Who’s handy work was that?”

After a brief pause and without a word, a silent Aves slowly raised his feathered arm to claim the deed as his own. Sphaere smiled at him, and with as much charm as she could muster, lauded him, “Nice shot!” And winked before charging off in the direction A212 had pointed. Before she turned away, she noticed numerous heads turn to glare daggers at the abashed featherfolk.

 

Stepping out of thin air and into the control room that Kade was currently actively directing, Verakry adopted an aggravated tone to bark out an inquiry to father of the Warborn, “What happened to the tests? I thought we were clear on this?!”

“About that.” Kade ceased his address to his officers and turned to Verakry. “We’ve encountered an internal issue, I’m afraid we’ve lost control of the hive mind, which has seemingly turned on us. There will be no simple solution to this problem, it’s become clear that one of our own is involved. Far more than just your tests have been set back, and-”

“Tellamar?” Verakry cut him off.

“Interesting.” Kade noted before answering, “Yes, Tellamar, he is in charge of your test monstrocities, and he has wrested control of his entire facility away from us. At first we thought that one of his… creations, had gotten loose and turned on him. But that would not account for us being locked out of the system. We are unable to so much as establish a line of communication with his observatory, and have no idea what he’s up to; in fact, you seem to know more than we do.”

Verakry fell silent in contemplation as he considered his options. “Do you still have that Acid Amoeba?”

Kade smiled before replying, “Only because we can’t get rid of the damned thing. Would you believe that we were considering launching it into space? It’s more cost effective to keep it locked up here. Are you sure you want us to release that thing? It might… cut your experiment short.”

“You can’t introduce that abomination to the Garden!” One of Kade’s officers cried out.

“A lot of experiments will be ‘cut short.’ We’re not really considering this, are we?” Another officer added.

“He fried fifty of your arachnophages in three minutes. Quantity isn’t going to cut it, therefore we must increase quality.” Verakry stated matter-of-factly.

“We don’t exactly have a leash on the thing. How do you propose we deliver it? If he fails this test, who is going to clean up the mess?” Kade asked, ignoring his officers.

“Hmmm. Valid points, but unnecessary all the same. One moment.” Verakry responded before vanishing.

Verakry had another test in mind, but first he wanted to see what Tellamar was up to. He had a hunch it would be interesting, and hoped to conform it to fit his own agenda. Appearing next to the good doctor himself, he opened his mouth to speak, but was surprised to find Tellamar was all but expecting him.

“Figured you’d be showing up sometime soon. You can’t imagine how it makes me feel to shut your trap before you open it. I’ve taken an interest in the regenerative properties of your pets. I’ve taken the liberty of providing you with more fodder to feed the experience of your test subjects. Fried bug was getting a bit bland, so I added some… flavor. I also added a reason for you to stop impeding my work. I swear on Deacon’s cage that, if you allow any interruptions on my end, this new fodder will eat itself.” Tellamar stopped what he was working on to address Verakry as soon as the shadow enshrouded figure arrived.

Pausing a moment to give Verakry a chance to say something, Tellamar was only too pleased to add, “Sounds like you’ve incorporated my continued and consistent usefulness into your designs. If you have nothing to say, I’ll be getting back to work now.” And did just that.

Verakry disappeared to his next destination, leaving only an ominous and echoing laughter behind. They both knew that threats were meaningless at this point, they both knew that failing to meet the other’s expectations would prove… problematic, and they both knew which end had more to lose. There really wasn’t any more to say, at least not for now.

Stepped through the void to Devose’s side, which happened to be part way up a tree, Verakry remarked, “I couldn’t help but notice how you’ve abstained from confronting your brother. Did he take your bravado along with the Umbral Point?”

Devose didn’t turn to face Verakry as he kept his focus locked on his brother who was hanging in the sky, wrapped around Sphaere. “Engaging him is not the source of my confliction. Rather, it’s the terms of that engagement that hold me back.”

“Oh?” Verakry feigned intrigue.

“Do I do my utmost and use every tactic I have available? Or does cunning invalidate the victory? Do I just want to defeat him, or do I want to truly rise above him, that he might stand in my own shadow?” Devose debated.

“A win is a win is a win. The question becomes, do you want to simply defeat him, or do you want to best him? In truth, I would see you bring to bear all of your might and cunning. It would make for a more effective test, for the both of you. But who am I to tell you the shape of your goal? That is for you alone to decide.” Verakry explained.

Devose didn’t reply, and just stood silently as he kept his eyes locked onto his target. After a time, Verakry inquired, “While you make your decision, would you be interested in administering a test to your brother? Mayhap bearing him a message on behalf of your father, just an excuse to make contact really, could stimulate a decision?”

Devose’s attention snapped to Verakry, his face twisted in anger, “Could I take that test first?”

Verakry smiled, “Certainly, but I would be remiss not to advise careful preparation.”

“Interesting. You’ve been both impatient and impulsive until now, and in stark contrast, you would advise caution?” Devose noted.

“I advised you to be cautious. Your brother, I wouldn’t be so concerned for.” Verakry replied, his smile widening.

“I see.” Devose decided, “Then let us take my measure.” Before he could blink, Verakry had whisked the both of them back to Kade’s command center.

“I have acquired a delivery boy.” Verakry announced as he once again set foot in Kade’s presence. “But first, he requests a chance to play with the acid amoeba.”

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