Patchwork People

“So Yarnfell had met the Ragworm all this time?”

Tatterbat was holding the camera in his hands, inspecting it. The three of them were steadying themselves on Ragworm’s back as it traversed the woods. Pinpin had just finished recounting her experience with the Ragworm, and how it reacted to the camera, giving her suspicions of its relation to the scarecrow back at home.

“It seems to be that way. I can’t think of any other reason why it would jump at the camera in such a state.” Pinpin replied.

Tatterbat tossed the camera in the air and caught it, placing it in his trouser pocket.

“In that case, it sure was lucky you had it with you when you went off by yourself.”

Pinpin shrugged. “I guess! We were lucky we had it to begin with. I don’t think Ragworm would’ve been so eager to show itself had it not smelt Yarnfell on us.”

“That’s a good point. I was wondering why a creature so elusive would show itself to us just like that.”

“I still think it’s unfair.” Needly piped up from the back. He’d been a lot more passive since their talk at the fire, but occasional remarks would still come from his direction. “No other hunter would’ve gotten this much help. It’s basically cheating.”

“Maybe so! But don’t forget someone made it equally more difficult.” Tatterbat replied. He was much more cheerful than usual, and brushed off Needly’s sour remark like it was a fly.

The Ragworm stopped. Pinpin looked over, trying to peek round its bulbous head to see what was halting its progress.

In front of her she saw the edge of the woods, and beyond that were the thick, towering strands of the Overgrowth, trapping them in like a makeshift cell.

“Ah, sugarfingers.” Tatterbat said. “How’s he gonna squeeze through this?”

The Ragworm prepared itself for the escape. It coiled itself up, lifting high into the sky and forcing Pinpin to grip on for dear life. With one mighty movement, the Ragworm dashed forward, slamming to the ground. The giant cords of rope that Pinpin couldn’t even move flattened before the worm’s power, toppling over like dominoes. A makeshift pathway revealed itself in front of them, just large enough for the worm to slither through.

It was a slow process, as the Ragworm had to stop and repeat the dashing movement every few meters. The vigorous motion was making Pinpin feel sick, and she could feel the stuffing rising up in her chest. Tatterbat didn’t seem to be doing much better, barely holding on as one of his hands was covering his mouth. Needly, on the other hand, had resorted to splaying out all his limbs as if he was climbing a tree, and gripping as tight as he could.

Thump. Thump. Thump. The movement became almost rhythmic. Pinpin turned around to see their progress, and saw that the woods were already a good distance behind. As a strand of rope fell, it revealed to them the gap that they’d wandered through upon entering the area, with the rope already beginning to lift itself back in.

“Well, that explains that.” Tatterbat said, his voice muffled by his hand.

There was a moment of calmness as the Ragworm slunk through the gap. Pinpin took this opportunity to reposition herself on the worm, opting for a stance that was slightly less comfortable, but make her feel less sick when moving.

The rocky motions started again as the Ragworm reached the other side of the gap. The ever-increasing size of the strands meant that the Ragworm had to be more thorough and violent with each dash, which only served to make Pinpin even more nauseous.

Finally, with one mighty shove, the Ragworm burst out into the open fields. Golden string greeted them with a soft wave, and the smell of fresh air was a fine change from the muddy odour that plagued them while inside the wood.

“Ugh…” Tatterbat said. “I’m glad that’s over.”

“I thought it would never end.” Needly added. “I was going to be sick.”

Pinpin gave a quivery smile. She’d only just managed to keep the cotton at bay. Turning around, the pathway carved out by the Ragworm seemed to already be fixing itself, with the smaller strands covering up their sightline into the woods at an alarming rate. They had been locked out from returning.

Compared to the sick-inducing romp through the Overgrowth, the leg of the journey afterwards seemed silky smooth. The morning breeze whisked through Pinpin’s hair as the Ragworm travelled through it, the frizzy strands dancing in the wind. The muck and twigs that had caught themselves in Pinpin’s hair dislodged themselves and fell as the wind swept through like a comb.

Fields changed from gold, to red, to green. The Ragworm passed over various bits of woodland, going down pathways with signposts that handily guided them toward the Shimmerstring Lake. It would be impossible to cross with Ragworm with them, but his immense speed would hopefully make up for the added distance of going around the edge.

As the watery lake came into view, the sun peaked at midday. They only had a few hours left.

The Ragworm came to the water’s edge, taking some time to drink up for the next stretch of the journey. Using this to their advantage, the three travelers hopped off the Ragworm’s back to stretch their legs, and sort out any cramps or stitches that had manifested during the first leg.

“Excuse me, Pinpin.” Needly said, speaking up for the first time in a short while.

“Yeah?” Pinpin replied.

“You asked me earlier what I wanted.”

“That’s right. You weren’t so keen on answering.”

“Well, yes. Give me a moment.”

Needly braced himself. Even if he was what he was, Pinpin did hold some respect for his bravery.

“I want to beat someone.”

“What? I don’t get it.” Pinpin said. She covered her mouth. How insensitive of her!

“Hey!”

“Sorry, sorry! But Needly, I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Don’t you see? Every time I try something, or do something new, someone always end up beating me at it! It’s so stupid, and it’s not fair. Look at bug catching. Why do you two get to be superior at it, while I’m left behind?”

Tatterbat spoke up, “We don’t get to where we are just naturally. Needly. Pinpin and I are good at bug catching, but that’s because we’ve practised daily to reach this level. Talent has nothing on it.”

“Even if we do call ourselves ‘Bug Masters’” Pinpin added.

“You don’t get it!” Needly interrupted. “I try all these new things, but it’s never enough! Every time, there’s always someone else who’s miles better. I can’t see the point if I’ll never have what they’ve got!”

“Needly…” Pinpin started to speak.

“So get better.” Tatterbat said. “No-one starts off as the best. You just got to keep trying. Ignore everything else. Even for me and Pinpin, it took weeks before we caught our first bug.“

“I don’t believe it.” Needly said.

“Believe it. Find something you enjoy. You won’t start as the best. Just try and get better. It’s not that hard.”

“Hmph.” Needly hushed down. “Taking advice from you…”

“Is that why you were so competitive with us, Needly?” Pinpin asked.

Needly didn’t respond. He seemed to be stewing over what had just been said. At the very least, the words seemed to strike a chord with him. Pinpin studied him as he went into deep thought. Was this going to a change in the prideful Needly? Was he going to apologise?

“That does it!” Needly said. “I’ll just have to try harder to beat you.”

Well, there went that idea.

“Not now, Needly. We’re close to home.” Tatterbat replied.

“Of course not now. Maybe a week, or a month. Mark my words, I’ll surpass you in a hobby. That’s my determination. To beat you. It doesn’t matter for others now. I just want to beat you”

Tatterbat was about to make a comment, but Pinpin grabbed his shoulder. He faced her and she smiled. While Needly appeared to be the same as ever on the outside, there was a definite change within. What was once a spiteful personality had blossomed into a fiery spirit, and perhaps in future, Needly could become even a friendly rival.

Pinpin just had to wait and see.

The Ragworm came over to them, water dripping from the bottom of its mouth. “I’m done. Time to go.” it seemed to say, Pinpin once again imagining the words inside her head. Lowering itself, the worm watched as Pinpin and the rest got on its back once again. When everyone had settled and was secure, it started to move.

The smooth motion of the Ragworm continued as they made their way down the Lake. It was several hours before they reached the boatless hut on the other side, but they’d made it at a much faster rate than with the boat. With her fingers crossed, Pinpin figured they might even make it before sundown.

Time passed, and soon the looming Rugtorn Cliffs came into view, enveloped in shadow. With it came a fork in the road. One led down toward the cliffs themselves, while the other took a longer, safer path. Upon reaching this crossroad, the Ragworm stopped.

“I guess he wants us to pick a path.”Tatterbat said.

“Hmm, yeah.” Pinpin pondered. “What are you thinking? Want to chance the soc-socs again?”

“Stuffing no!” Tatterbat shouted. “I’d rather get pins and needles twice than go down that route again. Those snakes are lethal.”

“Yeah, me too. I think it took a few years off my life going down there. Scenic route it is!”

She pointed down the longer pathway. The Ragworm looked at her and took off, going faster than ever as it raced down the track around the outside of the cliffs. From atop the Ragworm, Pinpin looked at the cliffs. They didn’t look nearly as deadly as they had been two days ago. If she squinted her eyes, it even looked somewhat serene. The soc-socs were nowhere to be seen, and birds flew overhead as the sky began its transition from blue to orange. The illusion of safety was so strong, it was no wonder that the place had such a reputation for injury from careless travelers.

The sun started to set over the horizon like a countdown on a clock. Every second it ticked away, and once it dropped behind the hills, the timer would reach zero. The Ragworm was going as fast as it could, as if aware of the limitation they had. The cliffs came and went with startling speed, and soon they were traversing through familiar fields and hillsides, leaving behind a path of flat crops and plants.

They passed by patchwork people and scarecrows. Some were just going about their business. Others were still taking part in the competition. All of them turned to stare at this mythical beast that slithered on by, with three tiny people mounted on top. Pinpin watched them react, with their jaws agape and hands rubbing their eyes, unable to believe what was there. With how hilly the area was, the Ragworm was there and gone in a flash. Some people attempted to chase after it, but the worm’s speed was unmatched, and they were soon left in the dust. The only evidence that the Ragworm had even passed through was the trail flat crops, and despite that some were already springing back up, leaving no trace of the Ragworm’s existence.

The sun was almost gone. They had only minutes - no - seconds to go. Pinpin clung to the Ragworm in anticipation, gripping hard against its fabric skin with her teeth clenched tight. She could see the red barn in front of her. The finishing line that would determine whether she succeeded or failed. There was no sign of Yarnfell. Had he already left? Were they too late?

A slither of light remained in the sky. The barn approached them at a rapid pace. When they reached it, Pinpin yelled at the Ragworm to stop, and it halted so abruptly that Pinpin was thrown off the back, alongside Tatterbat and Needly. The three of them crashed into the dirt floor. There was no time to delay, or even acknowledge the pain. Where was Yarnfell?

Pinpin ran into the barn.

“Yarnfell!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. “Yarnfell!”

She continued to shout, and was soon joined by Tatterbat, who deafened her with his shouts. Where was he? If he didn’t show up, then they’d run out of time!

Pinpin held her hands to her mouth like a cup, ready for another yell, when a figure emerged from the back room.

“Kids?” it said, in a familiar, crackly voice. It creaked as it walked over, its lanky figure shrouded beneath a dark outfit, topped with a hat that obscured its face. “What’s going on?”

It was him. It was Yarnfell.

“Yarnfell!” Pinpin shouted. “Come! See!”

She jumped up and down on the spot, before rushing out the door. Yarnfell kept his casual pace, and wandered behind her. Pinpin was so pumped up, she forgot to hold the door open for the scarecrow, and it slammed into his face as he reached it. Nonetheless, he took it in his stride, and walked out into the open where the Ragworm sat patiently, tail thumping the floor.

“Well, I’ll be…” was all the scarecrow could muster.

He took off his hat and held it tight against his chest, creasing it around the edges. His lanky body seemed to wobble, and Pinpin thought that he could collapse at any moment. Yarnfell and the Ragworm stared at each over for the longest time, standing just a few meters apart.

“Nes… That you, lad?” Yarnfell said, no louder than a whisper. His voice cracked as he spoke, as if the words were too unbelievable to say.

His feet started to walk. Each step felt like it was in slow motion, as the two got closer together.

“You still remember me, Nes?” Yarnfell said.

Pinpin wanted to butt in, and to scream He does! He knows all about you!, but something in the air kept her quiet, as if the world itself wanted this moment to be between these two strange beings, and nothing more.

The Ragworm tilted its head, and then slumped to the floor. It rolled over onto its back, viewing the world upside down. It’s tail thumped against the ground, swishing left and right as muffled purrs came from its mouth.

Yarnfell reached out with a wooden hand, and touched the Ragworm on the face. He retracted his hand for just a second, as if the sensation of feeling the worm was almost too much, but then placed it back on its cheek. There was a moment of absolute stillness, where nothing - not even the birds in the sky - moved. Yarnfell formed a tired smile, and turned to face the patchwork people who’d brought the worm back.

“Kids…” he said. “No, Pinpin and Tatterbat. I must come clean. I didn’t think you could do it. I tried to help you out, but I never thought-”

His words caught in his throat.

“Mr Yarnfell. It was because of your help that we found him.” Pinpin said. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it, if not for what you gave us.”

She held out the camera and the map.

“We couldn’t read the writing, but we just about managed to get to the woods. And we took a lot of pictures on that camera, so the film might be full. Sorry.”

“You did it.” Yarnfell said. “You actually did it.”

The Ragworm sat up, and joined Yarnfell in gazing at Pinpin and Tatterbat. It did feel like a dream. Pinpin realised at that moment that they hadn’t just caught a bug. They’d reconnected two old friends.

“I would like to hear your story, but I have some catching up to do with an old friend. Give me some time, and I’ll meet you.” Yarnfell said. “If you head to the barn, I’ll be there in a short while.”

“Yes, sir.” Pinpin said. Grabbing Tatterbat, the two of them walked into the barn and sat down, waiting for Yarnfell to finish his business. She gestured to bring Needly along, but the boy shook his head and slunk away, leaving them behind.

“I wonder how they know each other.” Tatterbat said, passing the time with a conversation. The barn’s interior was dark and spacious, with not much to do but talk.

“I haven’t a clue.” Pinpin replied. She pondered with her hand on her chin, trying to come up with a theory. “If you ask me, the two definitely have a strong history. One that goes beyond a mere bug catcher.”

“That’s true!” Tatterbat said. “Yarnfell seems like he’s been all over the place. Maybe that has something to do with it.”

“It must do. With the Ragworm knowing his scent like that, I could even see them travelling together.”

“Oh yeah! What was that he called him? When we showed Ragworm off, he said something.”

“I noticed that too. Nes? What does that mean?”

“Beats me.”

They sat and thought for a long while. Neither one spoke to the other, partially due to the intense brainstorming, and mostly because of the sheer exhaustion from their trip. They hadn’t done much moving on the way back, but it hadn’t stopped Pinpin’s squeaker from working overtime, and now that everything had died down, the tiredness was creeping in.

They sat there for what seemed like hours, and still Yarnfell did not show. Out of politeness, they stayed within the barn, and did not eavesdrop on whatever conversation or commotion was happening outdoors. The night crept in on them, and with it came fatigue and drowsiness. Pinpin tried to stay awake. She fought to keep her eyes open, in case Yarnfell came in at any moment. But still he did not show.

She turned to Tatterbat, and saw he was already fast asleep. Giving in to her exhaustion, she soon joined him, resting her eyes for what she claimed was just a moment.

Right as she was about to drift off, Pinpin heard a creak. She opened her eyes wearily, and found that the barn door was open. Yarnfell was standing in the doorway, holding a dim lantern. The Ragworm was nowhere to be seen.

“Pinpin. Tatterbat.” Yarnfell whispered. “You awake?”

Pinpin rubbed her eyes. She nudged Tatterbat, who woke up with a loud snort.

“Yeah, just about.” she said.

“Sorry I took so long. Had some things I needed to take care of, and a lot of catching up to do.” Yarnfell said.

“You and that worm knew each other.”

“Aye, that we do. If you can stay awake a while longer, I’ll tell you about it.”

Pinpin sat up and tried her best to keep her eyes open. They longed for sleep, but her curiosity drove her more.

“Ragworm isn’t just an ordinary bug, as you may have guessed.” Yarnfell continued. “His name - or should I say my name for him - is Nes. He’s what’s called a Colossasect.”

“Colossawhat?” Pinpin asked. She’d never heard of that before.

“Colossasects are giant, intelligent creatures. They lurk far beyond the Patchwork Plains, where the grass is green and the inhabitants are made of materials other than fabric.”

“Other than fabric… what could they possibly be made of?”

“That’s a mystery for another day, but apparently it’s more than just wood and stuffing. Soft materials, hard materials, even liquid. Anyway, it’s beside the point. Colossasects outside from here are numerous, but Nes was special.”

“Nes was never meant to venture into the Patchwork Plains. He too was once an other-creature, with different materials than you and I. But when he came into the plains, he changed, and became what you saw today. He found himself unable to go back.”

“At that time, I was just a wandering scarecrow. I had not a leaf to my name, nor a place to call home. Like Nes, I was outcast from home. I hunted for bugs to sell to collectors, but it was only enough to get me by. Then one day, by pure coincidence, I found Nes.”

“I had travelled too far that day, and without enough food to keep me going. I was about to collapse on the ground, and accept my fate, when I saw him. He was curled up against a tree, almost like a rock. It seemed surreal at first, and I thought that it was a mirage, taunting me as I was about to lose consciousness. But even still, I approached him. Maybe this strange creature could comfort me, or save my life. Maybe it would eat me, I didn’t know. But when we locked eyes, I saw myself in his reflection, and it made me pause. This giant worm was like me, and needed looking after.”

“We stayed together after that. We couldn’t communicate with language, but we got on by well, knowing what the other wanted purely by instinct. We travelled around for years.”

Years… Pinpin didn’t realise it was that long. She had assume that it would’ve been weeks, maybe a few months at max, but years?

“Why did you split up?” she asked.

“The foolish prospect of a job, and the alluring scent of a woman.” Yarnfell gave a guilty chuckle. “Just like any old scarecrow. I said my sad goodbyes and we parted ways. I assumed we would meet frequently, but to my surprise, we never did. I scarcely had the time, and ol’ Nes isn’t one to seek out civilisation.”

“So you started this competition to find him again.” Pinpin assumed.

“You’re quite clever for a young lass.” Yarnfell smirked. “Aye, I did. When job and woman both departed, I found myself lost, as I had once before. Only this time, I had no Ragworm to bring me back into high spirits. So I set up this competition, using it as an excuse to travel the Plains once more. But alas, I never did find him again. He was always hidden away.”

“Eventually, as the competition grew in popularity, even that ended up keeping me from doing what I wanted to do. I’d found that I’d started a business, and couldn’t back out lest I be hit with backlash and insults. Poor Ragworm would take a back seat once more for my selfish needs. I felt unable to face him myself.”

“Which is where you two came in. When you suggested that crazy idea, back in your house three days ago, I was about to laugh it off. But seeing that determination, that fire in your eyes, it made me reconsider. You might have a chance, even if I thought it was slimmer than a thread’s width.”

Pinpin pulled a face, frowning at that remark.

“Hey, simmer down.” Yarnfell held out his hands. “The only reason I had to doubt you was because not even I could do it. And look now, you’ve proved me wrong ten times over.”

Yarnfell looked out the window. The moonlight shone in his face, detailing every crease and stitch on his yarn-ball head.

“Nes… After all this time, he still forgave me. He might have sulked and hidden away, but he still shared that sentiment.”

He turned toward Pinpin and Tatterbat, and leaned in close. Stretching out his arms, he placed one hand on their shoulders.

“Kids, I want to thank you. You’ve surpassed my expectations, and done something that I myself had nearly given up on.”

“Mr Yarnfell, sir,” Pinpin spoke up. “We may have done it, but if it wasn’t for you, we would have failed.”

“That’s right!” Tatterbat said. “The map and camera. They not only got us there, but it’s what got the Ragwor- uh, I mean Nes, out of hiding. You’re the real reason we succeeded.”

“Is that so…” Yarnfell laughed. “Nes, you old fool, always skipping details…”

“Where is Nes, by the way?” Pinpin asked.

“Oh, he’s just sleeping in a tent I bought along. Don’t want to startle the townspeople, so I figured it be best if he stays concealed for now. And kids, you can keep calling him Ragworm if you wish. Nes was just my name for him.”

“Ah.” Pinpin said. “That’s true.”

“Well then. We need to resolve that wager of ours.” Yarnfell perked up, and went toward the door. “I’ll leave you two to rest. Come see me tomorrow, and I’ll detail the results.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Just call me Yarnfell. Oh and one last thing. I know what happened with that Needly kid. He came clean to me shortly after you went into the barn. If that’s something you want to discuss with me further, just say so.”

Pinpin gave a tired smile. “That’s ok, Mister Yarnfell. We still owe him the cash. It’s only fair.”

Yarnfell gave a sincere nod. “Very well. Good night, young masters.”

“Good night!”

And with that, Yarnfell departed. Leaving the two in the barn. Had they been more awake, the two of them could’ve set off for home, but before the thought even fully formed in Pinpin’s mind, she found herself drifting away.