Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Merco watched Boroxle and his lizard steed disappear into the forest. In an instant, Anu flew up in front of his face. She made an urgent gesture and expression that seemed to say, ”Why did you do that?”

Merco squinted at her but shook his head, “Look, I don’t know what kind of quarrel you had with one another, but I don’t want any part of it. I’m no jailer. Anyway, he’s gone now, and I don’t have to watch him to ensure he won’t attack you.”

Anu gestured again, not understanding his words. He shook his head at her and moved off toward the water for a drink.

...

Anu couldn’t believe it. He...he just let the Rogashay go. Just like that! They couldn’t let him go! She tried to reason with Merco, but he merely shook his great head and moved away to get himself a drink. Frustrated, she floated down to Traynar who had watched the whole exchange as well.

“He just...let him go.” Anu stated with disbelief.

Traynar frowned, “He probably doesn’t understand the danger the Rogashay pose to us.”

“Although...if Boroxle believes Merco is on our side and will protect us...he’d be a fool to attack Anashee.” Anu realized.

Traynar nodded after a moment, “Let’s hope that’s true.”

After getting a drink from the lake, Merco covered what was left of his fish and laid back on the ground. He tucked his leather jacket underneath his head for a pillow and gave a deep sigh before closing his eyes for a nap.

...

Back in Anashee...

Seraysa. That was Pixie’s official name given to her by her family. For the past couple days she and her family had bonded in the city of Anashee. They had yet to return to their home in the forest but with the gates to Anashee closed they were stuck until the travel ban was lifted. But, they were together and that’s all that mattered. Seraysa’s older brother Verin had been showing her how to harness her magnetic field and float off the floor. Thus far she had shown some promise by floating for nearly a minute. Neither of her parents were exceptional fliers so the likelihood that she would be a flier of note was slim. Still, she was very young and sometimes mastering flying was only a matter of time and practice.

It was evening of the second day when Seraysa and Verin were both walking amid the bustling market that was carved into the northern mountainside of Anashee and spread into the city beyond. Their parents had gone to purchase food for the evening meal and the siblings had decided to go off into the market together to see what there was to see.

Verin led his younger sister through the market. Though he was not familiar with the city of Anashee anymore than she was it didn’t stop him from acting confident in the matter. Seraysa discovered her brother was very intelligent and science oriented. In fact, ever since they had rejoined as a family and they were out of earshot of their parents he had talked non-stop about her encounter with Merco; asking hundreds of questions.

“So, when you were with the giant did he ever act like he was fighting the urge to eat you?” he asked randomly.

Seraysa made a face, “No.”

“But he does eat meat.”

“Fish.”

“And he gave you some? Was it a Flasherback?”

Seraysa recalled seeing the ground littered with big golden scales. A Flasherback had green scales according to her lessons, “No. I think it was Gold Scaled Leviathan.”

Verin’s face lit up, “Are you kidding? I thought that was just a rumor that he was able to kill those! What did it taste like?”

She shrugged, “I liked it. But...it was the first thing I ever ate.”

Her brother’s plumage flicked with frustration, “Man, I wish I could’ve seen that! No one has killed a Gold Scaled Leviathan in...ever! He’s really that big?”

Seraysa nodded.

He pulled her off to the side and gestured to an empty spot of dirt, “Show me.”

“Show you what?”

“He’s bipedal right? If you can show me the size of his foot I can determine his actual height.”

“I...I don’t know Verin. But he’s as tall as most of the trees in the forest.”

Verin started mumbling to himself a moment, drawing invisible calculations in the air, “That’s...that’s got to be at least one hundred thirty strides (feet)...maybe more! Wow.”

A disturbance from around the next shop corner made the pair walk toward it with curiosity. There, they saw a large assembly of Ansheetan all gathered near one of the gates.

“What’s going on?” Seraysa asked, trying to float up to see.

“I dunno.” Verin hovered easily.

From their vantage they could see several EFP members and guards standing stolidly before the huge locked gate.

A male voice was speaking loudly over the crowd, “For five sunrises we have been locked in Anashee! No one in, no one out! How much longer are we going to be imprisoned in our own city?”

The crowd grumbled in agreement.

A guard whose head crest was dyed with yellow tips to denote his status as a leader raised his hands placatingly, “I know you’re frustrated. But we can’t let anyone leave until the threat has moved on.”

“But what if that monster doesn’t move on? What if it stays?” another member of the crowd shouted.

“Listen, I don’t have the authority to let anyone out and I can’t predict the future. If you have grievances you need to voice them to the Council’s associates. There is another meeting scheduled for tomorrow.” He explained in an even tone.

The crowd grumbled louder, not wanting to hear that explanation.

“I have family out there!” one member of the crowd shouted, jumping forward with an angry flare to his plumage, “I can’t fly like you! They’ve been alone with that thing on the loose! I have to get to them!”

The guards coalesced together to block his path. A few other members of the crowd shouted similar things. The mumbles of the crowd were growing exponentially into a pre-riot fervor. Try as they might the guards could do nothing to calm them.

That is until someone shouted, “Why haven’t our forces just killed it?”

The crowd seemed to quiet as sarcastic laughter flittered through them.

The leader guard scoffed, “And how exactly would you propose we do that?” His plumage fell however when he actually saw who spoke, “Combatant Coroc.”

Coroc, as he was called, was dressed like an EFP member, but not a modern one. He wore an older, dark blue uniform that signified he was a veteran of the EFP and the multi-colored baubles adorning his collar indicated his status as a successful flying combatant. His plumage was tall but lighter in color, showing his older age and face was roughed with various scars. Coroc was well known in the guard circles as a fierce combatant of the old EFP. He had gone into retirement when peace had befallen Anashee and his skill set was less desired. According to public rumor, he had taken out Rogashay bandit squads in the dead of night, leaving their bodies strewn across the wasteland. In a peaceful time that brutality was unheard of. Though that story had never been corroborated, no one doubted it either.

Coroc stepped out of the crowd, “Your reports have stated that this giant alien was sick from an infection of some sort. That means it’s not immortal...or even invulnerable. Therefore, it can be killed.” Coroc then faced the crowd and gestured strongly, “I’m ashamed that my people have to remain locked inside these city walls like frightened animals! No longer! I will slay this monster and free Anashee!”

The crowd looked at one another with disbelief but also hope considering the notoriety of who said it.

“NO!” a young female voice rang out, making the crowd turn.

...

The whole scene made Seraysa nervous. They were referring to Merco as a monster...something that was out to destroy them. But she hadn’t seen anything from the giant alien that would rationalize that narrative. And now this Coroc had vowed to kill him! She couldn’t stand it any longer and shouted her protest which made all eyes direct at her. Pinned with so many gazes, Seraysa swallowed nervously; her immature plumage flattened to her head.

Coroc stared back at her and asked, “What was that young one?”

Verin stared at his sister and whispered intensely, “What are you doing?”

“You...you can’t kill him!” Seraysa stated loudly.

Coroc straightened his shoulders, “I can assure you young one, I will find a way.”

“NO! He’s not a monster!” Seraysa protested.

Her statement drew looks of disbelief from nearly every eye in the crowd.

“And how would you know that?” Coroc challenged.

“Because...because it was my chrysalis he took!”

The crowd murmured. They had obviously heard of the stolen chrysalis and the brave “rescue” that had taken place, but they had yet to see the Emerged.

Coroc’s plumage raised slightly, ”You were the one?”

Seraysa nodded, “Yes. But he was not a monster at all! He took care of me once I Emerged. He’s gentle. You can’t kill him!”

The crowd seemed unsure what to think. They weren’t so ready to believe the claims of either party. Both sounded implausible.

“I believe I would like to ascertain that for myself, young one.” Coroc replied with a slight hardness to his voice. His stern face didn’t change as he turned to the leader of the guards, “Take me to Madala immediately. I wish to have a meeting with her.”

The leader’s plumage fell slightly but he nodded.

Coroc returned his voice to the gathered crowd, “Be patient people of Anashee. It will do no good to fight amongst ourselves. But I will do as I have promised and free this city.”

The crowd gave noises of approval and gradually, but reluctantly dispersed. Seraysa stayed momentarily until Verin took her hand and led her away, “Come on Seraysa. I think we should see if our parents are finished with their shopping.”

She blinked back tears of frustration. Though no one yelled at her or tried to silence her it still felt like no one believed her words. None of them had even seen Merco, much less met him and yet they condemned him as a monster. Even with her inexperience she felt as if Coroc would still make the attempt to kill the giant alien.

“I have to warn him.” Seraysa whispered almost to herself.

But Verin heard loud and clear and his plumage lifted, “What? What are you saying?”

“Coroc is going to try to kill Merco! I have to warn him somehow.” She restated.

Verin lowered his plumage and his voice, “Seraysa, you’re talking crazy! No one is allowed in or out of Anashee! There are guards at every gate. And besides, you can’t fly yet.”

The young female yanked her hand away from him, “No one may believe me, but I know the truth! I have to warn him!”

She stalked away from her brother, but he rushed after her, walking backwards in front of her with his hands up placatingly, ”Ok! Ok. But how are you planning on getting out of here without being caught and how are you going to get out to Anashee Lake when you can’t even fly and Coroc surely can? Huh?”

“I’ll find a way.” Seraysa huffed with more confidence than she felt.

“No. No. No. If we’re going to do this we’ll have to be smart...sneaky... and never tell anyone.”

“We?”

Verin sighed and then threw up his hands, “Yeah. We.”

...

Later back at the lake...

Merco startled awake with a gasp. Another war dream but thankfully not as bad as some he’d had before. At least he wasn’t screaming...or fighting someone who wasn’t there this time. He sat up and stretched his arms, rolling his neck to loosen the stiffness. There was still pain in his head wound but that little weed poultice was doing a great job in reducing it. He glanced over at Anu and Traynar who had fallen asleep.

As he sat he lifted an arm to scratch his head when he caught scent of something unpleasant. He grimaced.

Was that him?

He smelled under his arms and made a face of embarrassment.

When was the last time he washed? Probably before he was dumped on this planet.

He glanced around and with great care, stood up so as not to disturb the two sleeping aliens nearby. Merco was a fairly modest man and there was no way he wanted to subject these aliens to his nude state...they were freaked out enough by him. Lord only knew what they’d think of him should he strip and bare all before them. Of course, what did they think of him now, smelling like a barn animal?

He held up his hands in a “stay right there, please don’t wake up” gesture and tip-toed off through the trees bordering the lake. The lake itself wound through the trees almost as a river so it didn’t take Merco long to find a spot well away from prying eyes.

This part of the lake looked wide and deep. Hopefully it was deep enough for a bath. He gave suspicious looks in all directions, listening. When he thought it sufficiently private he took off his clothes, dropping them in a pile with his boots. He took off his prosthetic glove too, knowing his artificial forearm wouldn’t be affected by the water due to its special nano-coating. Definitely a step forward from an earlier model of robotic prosthesis that didn’t do well in wet conditions and had to be removed before bathing. He was glad for that upgrade in tech.

He strode out into the water. Much to his surprise the water came up over his belly button near the middle, so he sat, sinking completely beneath the surface. The cool water swept over and around him in a refreshing cocoon. When his breath ran out he planted his feet on the sandy bottom and stood up. He gasped and groaned, wiping his hands across his face to clear his eyes. He winced when he accidentally grazed his head wound. Still tender. He dipped it in the water and gently washed it with his hands. The poultice flushed out and floated on the water.

“Have to find more of that stuff. Seems to work pretty well.” He pondered in his head.

His foot struck a smooth rock on the bottom and he ducked under to grab it. He came up and looked it over. He didn’t have soap, but he could use the rock like a makeshift scrubbing bar. It wasn’t overly pleasant, but it felt like he was getting the scum off. When he finished he dropped the rock and splashed his face once more, sighing with satisfaction.

That felt much better.

Testing the depth of the water with his feet on the bottom, Merco decided to take a swim. No one was around anyway and the water felt nice. He dipped beneath the surface and swam underwater. Though his mind warned against it, he opened his eyes. The water was somewhat clear, enough that he could see a few yards ahead of him. Strange kelp-like plants with glowing dots on their leaves waved synchronously with the flow of water near the bottom. A few fish-like creatures flashed by, blinking with white lights on their backs. Merco surfaced and took a deep inhale before diving again and swimming further into the lake.

He swam for at least five more minutes in this manner until he dove under and suddenly felt a sharp prick of pain in his right hand. Reflexively, his hand flinched back which made the pain jab harder from the muscle below his pinkie finger. He expelled bubbles from his mouth and surfaced fast to take a gasp of air.

“Son of a whore!” he swore, flicking his hand.

The water was just above his belly button as he stood, slowly turning his hand over to inspect what was poking him. A dot of blood shone brightly on his hand accompanied by a minuscule piece of curved metal no bigger than a metal shaving. Using his left hand,he tried to pull the offending metal fragment from his flesh. However, the size and depth of it made it difficult to grasp. As he plucked at it unsuccessfully,he suddenly noticed the metal was tethered to an almost transparent line. A splashing caught his attention from behind him and as he turned he noted the line was leading in that same direction.

“Oh...shit.” he hissed through his teeth.

A fishing hook. A line. And... a fisherman.

Behind him was a small empty boat. In the water, not far from it, was a tiny fisherman the same species as Anu and Pixie, floundering about in the water; pole still clenched valiantly in his hands.

Merco grit his teeth in a grimace; partially from the sticking of his hand, partially from the thought of him hurting the poor unsuspecting angler. He must’ve yanked him right out of his boat when he jerked his hand.

“Ooo. Sorry little guy,” he apologized.

Taking the line between his teeth ahead of the hook, he severed it. Then with a gentle scoop of his hand he lifted the struggling angler from the water. Rivulets of water cascaded from between his fingers until he deposited the alien angler back into his boat. Coughing and seeming disoriented, the little alien laid in the bottom of his boat. Merco watched him for a couple moments to ensure he was going to be ok. Not far away he could hear shouting from around the bend of the lake. It sounded like there were more fishermen looking for their friend.

Merco took a breath and ducked beneath the water and began swimming back to where he left his clothes.

...

Anu awoke and stretched her stiff limbs. Traynar groaned with discomfort when her movement pressed against his bruised back.

She sat up and stroked his plumage, “Sorry. Are you ok?”

Traynar winced, “Still hurt.” His eyes roved to where Merco had been sleeping and then widened when he saw that the giant was gone, “Where’d he go?”

Anu looked over as well. A swath of crushed earth was the only evidence he’d been there at all. How could something so big be able to sneak away like that?

“I don’t know.” She carefully stood up, “Let me get you some water.”

Traynar nodded and Anu dutifully brought him a drink. As he drank, Anu scanned the trees, hoping to see signs of the medics she’d requested. When she saw no sign, she noticed the trees to the left of where Merco had been sleeping were broken in places. She could tell where he had gone.

“Will you be ok if I go find out where Merco went?” she asked.

Traynar nodded with a wry smile, “I’m in pain...not dying.”

Anu smiled at him and then flew up high above the trees to see if she could find Merco. She turned slowly and could see the path of trees snapped off in places and followed the trail. She flew until she reached one of the wider parts of the Anashee Lake. An odd color caught her attention near the bank and there lay the massive mountain of Merco’s clothes. But Merco was not in them. A deep, enormous footprint in the bank mud showed that the giant alien had gone into the water.

In fact, Anu could see a surging wave of water out in the deeper portion of the lake, rolling toward the shore. Then with a veritable explosion of water, Merco emerged, gasping a hurricane of a breath. He wiped his face and began striding toward the shore. Anu floated down to be at eye level with him but out of his way.

When he was almost out of the water, his eyes suddenly locked onto her and widened.

“JEEZ!” he bellowed.

In a flurry of movement, his hands shot down to his front hip area and he backed away from her quickly. Anu flinched with shock at the sudden reaction. He acted like he was afraid of her. The huge alien dropped back down in the water eyes focused on her.

“What are you doing here?” he asked in his alien language.

His hand flicked out of the water in a gesture that seemed to be telling her to go away.

Anu noticed blood running down his hand. Even though he was indicating that he wanted her to leave, she still flew a bit closer, pointing to the blood. He looked at the injury too but continued to shoo her away. Anu did so with reluctance but still wanted to see his wound. Perhaps his injury was making him nervous? It seemed strange.

Merco slowly emerged from the water again, his hands still covering the front of his hips. He kept himself facing Anu and quickly stepped into the trees beside his clothes. Then he began reaching out and retrieving the articles one by one. Eventually, he emerged with his pants on but no shirt. Anu still felt puzzled by his behavior. It was as if he didn’t want her to see him without pants.

Very strange behavior.

He sat down with a sigh and Anu gradually flew closer to him again. This time he didn’t shoo her away. She swayed her flight to his right side where she could see his strange red blood leaking from an injury on his hand. He held up his hand and flipped it up so she could see the wound. There, buried in his flesh, was a large fishing hook. Anu wasn’t much of an angler but the size of the hook indicated they were going after a big fish. Little did they realize how big of a catch!

His mechanical left hand came up and attempted to pluck it out but his fingers were too big to get a grasp on it. Anu raised her hands to stop him. He looked at her and soon his mechanical hand retreated, giving her space.

Merco held perfectly still. The copious amounts of blood that were leaking from the hand wound almost made Anu physically ill. That amount of blood loss in her would’ve been fatal but to him it was no more than a needle prick. The huge hook had ripped his skin and was stuck deeply.

No wonder he was having trouble grasping it.

With careful hands, Anu gripped the large hook with both hands, “Ok. Ok big guy...just don’t squish me when I do this.” she pleaded, pulling the embedded fish hook.

The skin of Merco’s hand tightened powerfully as a hiss escaped through his teeth.

“Sorry.” she apologized.

Anu grunted, pulling more on the hook. The barbed end was not making it easy to remove but with careful maneuvering Anu finally pulled the hook out. Merco growled thunderously with pain but sighed with relief at the same time. Anu’s hands were covered in his blood as she held the hook in her hand.

“Thank you, Anu.” he said deeply.

He sounded grateful. With a quick dip in the water, he rinsed the blood from his hand. Anu smiled, knowing she had done a good thing to help him. It was becoming abundantly clearer to her that despite Merco’s intimidating presence, he was truly gentle even in the face of pain. The only question was would anyone else believe what she knew to be true?