“Egg-o, piece of cake.”
“I believe that’s one of my stupid earth sayings.”
“Not anymore,” and with that the dragon, the serpent and the earth girl flew off.
“What did you want me to do?” BreeZee was the only one left.
“I want you to go to the place where the portal is going to appear and hide. When our three sisters come through, I want you to follow them. If they get into trouble, try to help - but don’t try to be a hero. Okay?”
“Why didn’t you tell them that’s what I was going to do?”
“I don’t want them to do something stupid figuring you’ll swoop in and save them.”
“Ah. Got it. You’re really good at this, aren’t you?”
“I don’t want to disappoint you, but it’s mostly luck.”
“Sorry, I don’t believe that.”
“You should ‘cause it’s true. Anyway . . .,” Egg hugged her new friend. “Be careful. You don’t have a communications crystal to call me for help, so you’re on your own.”
“I’ll make you proud.”
*****
You might think poorly of Egg since she had sent everyone else into harm’s way while she was staying behind where it was safe. But in truth, it was the sign of a good leader.
She was coordinating all the information and keeping herself ready to fly in and help wherever a problem might arise. If she committed to one group or another, then she would be abandoning the rest of her sisters.
No, she had the hardest job . . . and she hated it.
The only thing that made it a little easier was the knowledge that she would be the one that would lure Mobius into Reven’s time castle. And she knew in her heart that if things went terribly wrong, she would have to sacrifice herself to trap Mobius in the past. She would be stuck for all eternity in a time long forgotten.
It would be like being bitten by the Tack-Toed-Tick . . . only worse. Much worse.
*****
They were back on Aerianna in the underwater city of Nau’tika. It was Serpent scientists that ran the space portal program since they were the ones that invented it in the first place.
Sylvia, Bl’azzz and Soo waited nervously as the technicians adjusted the portal so it would open in the original spot where Lord Z’kkk and his party had first disembarked.
While the adjustments were being made, one of the scientists slithered up to the girls.
“Ladies,” he said, “how goes the war?”
Soo responded with, “Ask us in a few days. As soon as you guys fix that thing, we’ll step through and then we’ll see how the war goes.”
“Well, you’re all ridiculously brave. How’s my sister doing?”
Sylvia scrunched her face. “Sister?” Then she understood, “Oh, you must be K’ssss’ brother. Hi, I’m Sylvia.”
“Sorry about that” apologized Soo. ”I’m so nervous I forgot to make the introductions. Syl, this is Ven’trrr. He’s named after the most famous scientist in Aerianna history – the one who first invented this portal thingy.”
“The Hameggattic Sisters nervous? Please, you’ll destroy my infinite awe of your Sisterhood. So, how’s sis?”
“She’s great. She’s also in love.”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s a long story that should come from her.”
“That should be interesting. Any word about my dad?”
“No, sorry. But I’ll be talking to him in a little while.”
“Really? You’re going to rescue him and the others that soon?”
The three girls looked at each other and tried unsuccessfully not to giggle. “Um . . . actually, I’m about to get captured.”
“What?”
“Let me explain,” and she did.
“You ladies are truly beyond belief. I really am in awe. And I’m so darn proud of my sister for being a big part of this. Make sure she knows that, will you Soo?”
“She knows . . . but I’ll tell her again.”
“Thanks”. He turned around when someone called his name. “Well, they’re ready for you.”
“Okay then. Here goes nothing.”
“Um, Soo . . . would you mind if I gave you a hug . . . for luck.”
Syl looked at Bl’azzz who winked back.
“I’d like that,” replied the serpent. “I would really like that.”
A few minutes later, they were standing at the entrance to the portal, just about ready to step through.
“What was that all about?” asked Sylvia.
“I told you I spent a lot of time with K’ssss’ family.”
“And maybe a little bit more time with her brother,” teased Bl’azzz.
“What can I say; I’m a catch . . . beautiful, brave, and fluent in Earth English. How could he resist?”
*****
Wind’dancer Village
They decided it would be better to land and walk into the village. The sight of a flying dragon would definitely scare the bejeebers out of everyone.
“Are you ready?”
“Meggy, before we go in . . . I’m really glad you’re here with us.”
The Princess smiled warmly. “And I cannot tell you what an honor this is for me.” She stepped toward her sister and the dragon wrapped her wings around the girl.
A few moments later, they walked into the village, with M’egg holding a replica of the village flag – a suggestion from BreeZee. It bore two Wing Stones representing the two tribes that came together to form the Wind’dancers.
At the bizarre and more than a little frightening sight of a wingless girl and a large winged creature, the villagers began to scatter and yell. However, once they spotted the flag, one Wind’dancer had enough courage to step forward.
“Who are you? What are you? What do you want?”
“My name is M’egg-Alynnia and my companion is Aeri’elle. We come in peace and we ask for hospitality.”
The Wind’dancer was shocked that these two beings even knew about hospitality. But as wife of the clan leader, Azure composed herself and responded with more calm than she felt. “Hospitality is granted.”
“We thank you. May we speak with Zephyr?”
“How do you know my husband?”
Megg smiled. “I do not. However, I do know your daughter BreeZee. It is a pleasure to meet you, Azure.”
*****
Somewhere in the Endless Sea
“Do you know where to recon . . . um that word you said?”
“Reconnoiter,” he repeated slowly. “We will swim around the island upon which the Nauti village is built. If the prisoners are near the water, we may be able to spot them or their guards. Do you think that’s a reasonable plan?”
K’ssss didn’t answer right away. And when she spoke, it was about something entirely different.
“Zazzi . . .”
“Yes, dear K’ssss?”
“Make me smart.”
Zazzi stopped and looked deep into his companion’s eyes. “Are you sure? The new K’ssss will be very dissimilar to the old one.”
“H’sssss”.
“You don’t understand what I just said, do you?”
“No, silly. I understand that if I was smart then I would understand.”
Chapter 9 – Fire Storm
Space Portal
A big red face seemingly popped out of nowhere. . .
“Okay. It seems to be clear.” Bl’azzz stepped through followed closely by Soo and Sylvia. “We need to get away from these trees so I can fly.”
“According to BreeZee’s map, there’s a clearing that leads to a cliff about a quarter mile in that direction,” and Sylvia pointed.
“Let’s go,” said the dragon.
“Hey, wait.” The two girls turned to look at Soo. “Before we do this thing, I need to say something. I know I’m always mouthing off but I want you to know how much you guys mean to me. No matter what happens, I wouldn’t trade a minute of our time together for anything in the world . . . this
one, or any one.”
“Don’t you dare make me cry, you wonky wiggle worm,” said the F’yre Dragon. “You’re my best friend and if anything happens to you . . . I’d go crazy. And you wouldn’t need to test me to find out.”
“Sorry, big bird . . . it’s just that I forget to say the things that I really feel, that are important. Your friendship, and the love of the Sisters . . . well, it really is the most amazing thing that ever happened to me . . . that will ever happen to me. I just wanted to make sure you knew that.”
“Of course, we know,” said Sylvia. “It’s how we all feel.” She wiped at her eyes before they could betray her by leaking tears.
“Then one quick group hug,” and they did. “Now, let’s live up to our intergalactic reputation and kick some serious butt.”
Sylvia giggled.
“Hey, I thought that was inspiring.”
“Didn’t know serpents could kick butt, or anything else. You’re beginning to sound like Egg.”
“Oops, my bad. How about . . . um . . . let’s taunt, tease and torment that mega mean Mobius.”
“That’s my girl,” said a smiling Bl’azzz.
*****
Wind’dancer Village
“He left this morning and I don’t expect him back until late.”
“May I ask where he went? Perhaps my friend could fly me to him. It really is urgent that we speak.”
Azure considered that for a moment. “He had clan business to take care of at the Nauti village.”
“Would you excuse us for a moment?”
The girls stepped away and out of earshot of the Wind’dancer. “He is heading into a trap.” The Princess tapped her communications crystal, “Egg, this is Megg.”
A second later “Hi, Megg. What’s up?”
“Zephyr has gone to the Nauti village. It is most certainly a trap.”
“I’m on it. I’ll intercept him and bring him back to the village.”
“Excellent.” Megg looked at Aeri’elle who nodded her approval. “Let us not keep our hostess waiting,” and the girls returned to Azure.
“I do apologize . . . .”
Just then, the wind began to pick up and a few raindrops splattered on the ground. Megg and Aeri’elle looked up to see the sky begin to darken with angry gray clouds.
“It is called a Swirling Tempest.”
Both girls looked at the Wind’dancer. It was the dragon that said, “An Ascension Storm . . . BreeZee explained them to us. Will this one be particularly violent?”
“They are all violent . . . but no, this is an average one.”
The girls looked up again to see the giant Sun-Seeker Trees beginning to sway back and forth. They both had the same thought . . . if this was an average storm, what must it have been like for poor BreeZee in her mega-storm?
With that thought, Megg said to Azure, “Your daughter is obviously very brave to have faced a storm of such intensity as the one she Ascended on.”
Azure smiled. What mother doesn’t want to hear their daughter complimented. “Yes, my husband and I are very proud.” Then the obvious hit her. “Where is BreeZee? How did you meet?”
Megg explained their meeting and that the girl volunteered to help – but she didn’t explain how BreeZee was helping the Sisterhood. That would wait for the clan leader.
“I wonder why she didn’t tell me? That’s very strange.”
“If I may . . . she told us of her encounter with Zynnia during the storm. You and your husband - as well as her friends - chose not to believe her. She was afraid you would respond the same way if she told you about us.”
Azure wasn’t sure how to react to that. It sounded very much like this wingless girl was lecturing her about parenting. “If you knew anything about this world, you would know that Bree hallucinated the whole encounter. Someday when you have a daughter you’ll understand a mother’s concern for her child.”
Megg just smiled. “I, and my sisters, have met Zynnia.”
“WHAT?”
“Now is not the time to discuss such things. We must find your husband. This village, this world is in grave danger . . .”
Megg was interrupted by another, more powerful gust of wind that almost knocked her over. Azure said, “We must go inside and take shelter.” Then she looked at Aeri’elle and said, “I’m sorry, our homes are not large enough to accommodate one such as yourself.”
“Dragons are not bothered by a bit of wind and a splash of rain, but thank you for thinking of my well-being.”
By the time Aeri’elle had finished that sentence, the sky had gone black, the wind increased and everyone started for their homes.
Then the unimaginable happened.
Wind’dancers began to scream in panic. Mothers searched frantically for their children. People were in total confusion.
Azure, and her two guests, looked around to see what was happening . . . what was causing the panic.
“Oh no.”
Megg and Azure turned to the dragon who was looking skyward. As they followed her gaze, they both turned white.
It was Bl’udd . . . and he was breathing fire.
*****
The Endless Sea
“If you’re sure, dear K’ssss, we will go to the serpents’ home. They may not be sentient, but they will be able to take care of you while you recover.”
“What am I recovering?”
Zazzi smiled. “After the Circle has imparted its reservoir of knowledge, you will be . . .,” he didn’t want to say unconscious so he said, “asleep. How long is difficult to say. It depends on how fast your brain can assimilate the amount of data it will receive.”
K’ssss just stared at her boyfriend since she had absolutely no idea what he just said.
“It doesn’t matter. You will have a nice rest and when you awake, you will be as intelligent as I am. Will that please you?”
She didn’t say a word; she just swam up to him and gave him another kiss.
*****
Space Portal
BreeZee had hidden herself high in a Sun-Seeker Tree that overlooked the place where the space portal was due to appear. She had not seen anyone but she knew they were there . . . watching for her friends arrival.
Thirty minutes later her eyes were growing heavy and it took all of her will power not to doze off. Then she heard a crackling sound and a soft pop and knew it had to be the portal. She looked down and watched with fascination as a tiny point of black began to expand until it was as wide as four Wind’dancers with their wings spread. A swirly light began to shine inside the circle of black. A moment later, a big red head stuck out. Bree had to put her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. It was Bl’azzz, but with no body.
A few seconds later, her head came out of the portal followed by the rest of her . . . and then by Soo and Sylvia. She watched as they looked around then pulled out a map and examined it. Sylvia pointed to the clearing she had told them about. They started to walk away but stopped. The dragon and earth girl turned around to look at the serpent. They exchanged some words, did a group hug then resumed walking away.
Then the unseen enemy struck.
An object fell from the rock face behind the portal. When it hit the ground, it exploded in a flash of brilliant light. Two more objects fell right behind it . . . but they didn’t flash; they made an ear-splitting sound.
If she had been any closer, BreeZee would have fallen to the ground. The light stunned and confused its victims while the noise was so piercing that its victims became unconscious.
Neither device was meant to hurt . . . only to disable.
And they worked. Soo and Bl’azzz fell to the ground and lay motionless. Sylvia, who had just climbed on the dragon’s back, slumped over – she too was out cold. Almost immediately, a dozen Nauti came out of hiding and started to approach. But they made one mistake and BreeZee saw it immediately.
The Nauti were on foot. They could never defend themselves from a flying Wind’dancer. Without thinking, Bre
eZee dove off her branch, wings tucked in the same maneuver used at the Tea Kettle. She was never going to save the serpent or dragon since they were far too heavy for her to lift. But she could save the earth girl.
She hoped.
There was only going to be one chance and timing would be everything. If she pulled up too soon, she would miss the girl. If she pulled up too late, she’d be a Wind ‘jammer.
Taking a deep breath and focusing her concentration as she had never done before, she executed the maneuver to perfection.
The startled Nauti could only yell in frustration as BreeZee, with her arms full of the unconscious Sylvia, sailed away to safety.
*****
Wind’dancer Village
The dragon dove on the Sun-Seeker Trees and began to exhale tongues of fire. Whipped by the wind, the flames reached out like burning hands and engulfed tree after tree. The idiot was only supposed to burn the one with the Wing Stone. However, since he wasn’t being attacked and in no danger, he decided to have a little fun by burning down the entire village. Mobius would be furious with him . . . but he’d worry about that later.
The Wind’dancers took to the sky to escape the inferno. A few weren’t quick enough and their wings caught fire. They screamed as they plummeted to the ground.
Aeri’elle, with Megg on her back, flew into the mouth of the conflagration trying to save those who were in danger from fire, smoke and falling branches. The dragon maneuvered dangerously close to the flames in order to give the Princess a chance to grab some of the stricken and pull them out of harm’s way.
It had happened so quickly . . . one minute all was well, then in a little more than an instant, the clan was ablaze. With smoke and flames swirling everywhere, the scene was a living nightmare.
The screaming and crying continued even as the dragon flew off. People were running every which way trying to find loved ones or to help those who were injured.
But the Wind’dancers did have a little luck. The Ascension Storm, which had blown the flames like a bellows, decided to give up its water. The splatter of raindrops turned into a torrent and within minutes, the flames were all but out.
Box Set #2: Zynn-Zaz'Zia: [The 4 book 2nd Adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood] Page 26
