The Last Hope
The wind had picked up at the Autovex towers, but still comparably mild to the weather in some of the other tribes. A thousand or more Avyloci had thronged to the Autovex tribe, hoping to see their last desperate hope for peace. Just outside the towers, two large ships lay nestled comfortably among the giant trees of the thick forest. By the gasps and exclamations of wonder that came from the audience, it was clear the sight wasn’t a usual one. Many of the Avyloci ran across the roof of the tower and launched themselves off the edge, their large coloured wings snapped open and they flew over the ships to get a better look. Soon everyone had taken flight,wingtips brushed together and occasionally someone would clip the wings of another as they jostled for a view. Exclamations of apologies, temporary irritation and of wonder filled the air. The new sight had even banished the fear of the fierce predators that lived below, not even they would dare approach the ships.
Soon everyone had gotten their look at the slender streamline ships and returned to the platform, talking among themselves excitedly. Very soon, seven very old Avyloci stepped up onto an elevated table, instantly all eyes went to them and talk ceased in respect. These were The Eldest of each tribe, their skin was wrinkled, their faces sunken and their wings tatty, however their eyes twinkled with kindness and wisdom. As silence came over the crowd, the Eldest from each tribe, three males and four females began to speak.
“Avyloci of the seven tribes! I’m sure you know why we’re here. But in case you didn't get the word, we’ll explain now.” One of the females announced in the dialect of the Leniik Tribe, chuckling to herself at the thought. There wasn’t one Avyloci who didn’t know what was happening today.
“The Rasharrn are growing stronger. They’re becoming resistant to our poisons, they’re coming for us in greater numbers. We are being forced to take action that has never before even been considered.” One of the males said solemnly in the language of the Obneyis Tribe. Each of the seven tribes had their own dialect, however from a young age, every Avyloci child is taught to understand each of them. It is traditional for an Avyloci to speak only the dialect of his or her birth tribe. However, because they’re all taught every way of speaking, everyone knew what was being said.
“Our friends from the nearby planet, the Jezzec, have before tried to give us weapons to fight off the Rasharrn but sadly they have been ineffective. As a result, they’ve offered us one of their ships.” Another of the males said, flicking a bony tail in the direction of the large metal space craft.
“So, we’re sending a team of seven, one from each tribe, to form a group of seekers. It is our hope that they would be able to find weapons to use against the Rasharrn before it is too late.” Another female continued. Several of the crowd began to mutter, only once before had one of their kind left their planet. Eventually another of the eldest held up her hands to quiet the anxious voices.
“Be calm children.” She told them, her soothing voice shaking with age, “We have already chosen and spoken to the Seven. They are willing to go and we have all approved.”
The news wasn't new to the crowd, it wasn’t easy to keep secrets within the tribe.
“The seven who will be going are Keonrain of the Leniik Tribe, Mikaleus of the Venton Tribe, Tempese of the Obneyis Tribe, Rethlec of the Revonbet tribe, Joax of the Tanvos tribe, Lonnephos of the Autovex tribe and Kythax of the Santis Tribe!” One of the male eldest announced. One by one, each of the summoned Avyloci made their way to the front.
The first, Keonrain of the Leniik Tribe approached the elders. His body colour was a deep grey green with white gear-like markings on his face and shoulder. He was muscular and strode with his head held high, though a proud smile crept across his face. His powerful orange, yellow, white and black coloured wings were folded up behind him and the tip of his tail, like the feathers on his head, were the colours of fire. When he reached the elders, he respectfully twined his tail tip with each one in turn, closing his eyes and inclining his head as was the proper gesture of respect. Keonrain then turned to the crowd and with a wide grin, he inclined his head and closed his eyes. This brought forward a roar of approval from the crowd which the young Avyloci seemed incredibly pleased with.
The second Avyloci to approach the elders was a young, formally dressed healer. Mikaleus of the Venton tribe. Mikaleus had midnight skin with a splatter of markings across his face, wrists and ankles that could be mistaken for stars. Though he had soft green and yellow on the feathers of his head, the backs of his wings and on his tail, Mikaleus wasn't considered 'attractive' by Avylocian standards. The more colours one possessed, the more attractive to others. Despite this, he seemed to receive appreciation from the crowd, indicating he was well liked for something other than his appearance. He had broad shoulders, but for the most part was thin and lanky, his jaw prominent and tapered. As he reached the eldest, he politely offered them the same greeting. Charming and calm, he received cheers from the crowd to which he politely and modestly acknowledged their approval.
Tempese of the Obneyis tribe was the third to step forward. Her skin a soft pink colour with electric blue markings and feathers with some streaks of black and gold. Her eyes were kind and wise as she respectfully greeted the elders. Once she had turned and given the crowd the traditional greeting she smiled at each of the children who’d come forward for a better view. From the response of the crowd, it was clear to see this young female was well liked by everyone.
Rethlec of Revonbet was next to come to the stage. Unlike those before him, he wore a frown of thunder though he greeted the elders with considerable respect. His whole body was covered in hues of white and gold that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight and several of the young females puffed themselves up a little for the attractive male. Yet Rethlec only inclined his head calmly without acknowledging the suitors.
Joax of the Tanvos tribe was the next to step up onto the stage. Like Mikaleus, his movements were formal however, more stiff and precise. Like Rethlec, his face remained in a frown. However, as he was greeting the eldest he couldn’t keep a shy smile from his face to which the crowd responded heartily. His feathers were an interesting shade of purple and brown with the occasional splash of green.
Lennephos of the Autovex tribe has the next to be called. Though instead of the polite respect everyone else seemed to posess. The young grey, black and blue Avyloci stumbled onto the stage comically, instantly drawing laughter from the crowd. Lennephos’ face was open and expressive, it was full of excitement and he was grinning from ear to ear. He managed to contain himself long enough to give the amused eldest a respectful greeting before turning around with a flourish. He threw both hands in the air and closed his eyes briefly as he inclined his head.
“Let’s kill some Rasharrn!” He yelled and the crowd roared. The response was louder than any of the others. Everyone knew and loved Lennephos for his kind nature and fun-loving personality.
Kythax was the last Avyloci called and comparably to Lennephos’ large entrance, hers was quiet and unassuming. The young Avyloci was the smallest out of them all but probably the most attractive. Her skin colour was mainly white, though she had markings of grey, pink, orange, yellow and green with black speckles at various places on her body. The feathers on her head were long and hung down over her face though held back by clips.
Her greeting was a little clumsy as she greeted the eldest and as soon as the crowd noticed who’d been chosen from the Santis Tribe, they began to mutter among themselves. Was this the young Avyloci who’d been sent to live with the Jezzec people? The Avyloci weren’t so sure about this decision, especially those in the Santis Tribe.
“Why is she counted as Santis? She’s hardly one of us!” A voice called from the crowd. Kythax’s head snapped up in response, but she couldn’t pinpoint who’d spoken and her shyness kept her mouth shut even though her gut curled with anger.
“She is of the Santis Tribe whether she is raised there or not.” The eldest of the Santis tribe retorted sharply, “Is a child no longer of a tribe because she lives in another?”
“But she wasn’t raised in another tribe, she was raised on another planet, she’s hardly even an Avyloci.” The voice said again and the crowd parted to reveal a young male warrior, just past his apprenticeship, his chest was puffed out and his feathers bristled defensively. Kythax knew why he said what he did, her clothes and her manner was alien to them all, her headphones a reminder of her upbringing.
“She was raised by the Jezzec to grow up with technology in the hopes that she might one day return to us and in turn, teach the younger generations in order to beat the Rasharrn. Can you boast anything so noble?” The eldest retorted. The young male hissed a little as if he wanted to argue, but knew better than to treat an eldest with disrespect, so he closed his eyes briefly in submission though his feathers were ruffled. Kythax had mixed feelings, she felt so out of place here, more so than with the Jezzec, all the Avyloci customs she’d learned when she was a baby, but they still seemed so unnatural to her. But at the same time she kept her head tilted with slightest scorn, these people wouldn’t know one piece of tech from another and that gave her some contempt toward them.
“Then these Avyloci will be called the Taki’ran Seekers after the name of their ship. We wish them well, may the ancestors as the heroes of old watch over them!” The Eldest cried in unison and the crowd gave four wordless cheers, their enthusiasm returned to them. While the crowd roared, one of the eldest turned to the young assembled warriors.
“Go swiftly and go well. If you return with hope, you shall be counted as the heroes for many thousands of years to come.”
Each of the assembled stood a little straighter and even Kythax felt a stir within her, but Keonrain most of all seemed affected. The young male puffed out his chest and grinned, his tail twitched and he made a gesture of deepest respect.
“We will do whatever it takes.” He replied with reverence.
--
The lunch time was a grand one, the tables were laid out thickly with every kind of delicious food Vael had to offer, each tribe had brought its own contribution to the feast and they all mingled effortlessly. The whole meal, Kythax sat close to one of the eldest in particular, Yevon had been an elder when the baby Avyloci had been sent off to live with the Jezzec. Before she was taken away, Yevon took one of her own green and black striped feathers, and placed it in Kythax’s hair as a constant reminder that she’d always be of the Santis Tribe.
“So, what’s it like living with the Jezzec?”
Kythax had been deep in conversation with Yevon when Lonnephos’ voice broke her train of thought. She glanced around to see the blue, grey and black Avyloci had squeezed in beside her with an amicable grin on his face. Kythax glanced back to Yevon, she knew the eldest were held in deepest respect and she didn’t want to insult her by breaking their conversation. But Yevon simply gave her a knowing smile and began to speak to the Avyloci on her other side. Kythax now turned shyly to Lonnephos who was laughing at some joke he’d just heard.
“Yeah, good and bad I guess. My sister can be really annoying, but I love them.” She told him, her voice a little quiet, but strong.Lonnephos laughed genially,
“Yep, I can get that. My sister loves me though, she thinks I’m the most amazing person in the world.” He replied, glancing down the table and cupping his hands around his mouth.
“Hey Laylay! You love me, right?” He shouted over the sound of talking. From halfway down the giant table a teenage Avyloci rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“Not at all!” She shouted back playfully. Lonnephos clutched his heart with a mock look of horror on his face as he turned back to Kythax.
“Did you hear what she just said? This is how she repays me for being such an awesome brother?”
Kythax had to giggle in spite of herself. Had anyone else said such things she might have thought them arrogant, but Lonnephos had such a genuine demeanor that she couldn’t help but like him immediately.
After the feast, Kythax was feeling a little more at ease, she still noticed Avyloci staring at her and muttering about her weird clothes, but Lonnephos was always close by and whenever they made eye contact he’d grin at her and she’d feel a little more relaxed. Then it was time.
The crowd had gathered to watch them board the ship but none took flight as a precaution set by the Jezzec who’d only left the ship long enough to be personally thanked by the Eldest and the leaders of the tribes. The Jezzec people were unable to cope with the Avyloci's atmosphere even with suits for an extended amount of time. The Avyloci, however, are able to cope with the atmosphere of the Jezzec so long as they get regular injections of a mix of herbs from Vael.
Once again, the Taki'ran Seekers assembled at the edge of the platform. Each of them had already sent their things to be boarded onto the ship and now had only the clothes on their backs. The crowd was chattering eagerly and a few family members came forward to say goodbye. This was when Kythax felt most uncomfortable, she'd already said goodbye to her Jezzec family and now stood alone as each of the Taki'ran said farewell. She glanced at Lonnephos as he hugged his younger sister tightly, but Kythax was surprised when no parents stepped forward and wondered what had happened to them. Eventually, though, everyone had settled and said their goodbyes when the seven leaders, standing beside the seven Eldest, held up their hands for silence.
"Taki'ran, we wish you well on your journey. Go well and go safely. Return to us with new hope one day." One of the leaders commanded, and each of the Taki'ran blinked slowly in respectful acknowledgement. Then, each of the leaders stepped up to their tribe member in the team and gave them a respectful gesture of farewell. Once the formal farewells had been said, the seven of them turned toward the edge of the platform, spread their wings, and flew.
Kythax had felt a strange thrill then, one that she was both surpsied and irritated with. The way the others could spread their wings and take to the air just as she could. She didn't know whether to be annoyed that the ability of flight was no longer hers alone, or pleased because she was no longer alone.
Nonetheless, they boarded without trouble from the Rasharrn. The entire forest seemed to be holding it's breath, dark and brooding as the team entered the ship.
Almost immediately, gasps of wonder arose from the others as the looked around at the metal rooms and hallways that would be their home for a long time to come.
"This is sweet!" Lonnephos exclaimed, craning his neck to get a good look around him.
"It feels like a prison." Joax commented uneasily, his crown of feathers rustling to express this.
"Might as well get used to it." Tempese commented thoughtfully, reaching out to brush her hand against the silver wall.
"Tempese's right. This is our home now until we return." Keonrain said in a matter of fact tone. Kythax silently bristled at his attitude, sounds like he was already taking the lead. Rethlec didn't say anything but he glared around wearily as if he expected the walls to suddenly slam shut on top of him. Mikaleus too seemed ill at ease in his new environment.
Watching them all, Kythax had to smirk. Now they were in her world and she had the upper hand.
"This way." She announced, turning and pressing her palm firmly against the door fame. After a moment, a glowing pink line extended up the middle of the door which then opened obediently.
"Woah! Santis, that's awesome." Lonnephos told her as he stepped forward and inspected the door curiously.
"Don't call her that, she's hardly Santis." Rethlec put in, his voice deep and thoughtful, as if every word he said was carefully thought out. The brief glowing feeling at being praised vanished and Kythax's feathers bristled in annoyance. She might not count herself as one of the Santis, but Rethlec's words still irritated her. The fact that they thought she wasn't good enough to be one of them, she was better than all of them, they wouldn't know one button from another. Kythax didn't speak her silent fury however, but immediately both Lonnephos and Tempese spoke up.
"Woah man! Not cool. Ky's just as good as any one of the Santis!" Lonnephos said indignantly.
"No matter where she was raised, she's still of the Santis Tribe." Tempese put in angrily, her own feathers bristling. After a moment, Keonrain nodded his agreement with the two and Rethlec grunted in dissatisfaction. Kythax felt her initial anger at the comment melt unto surprise and cautioun. Perhaps some of her new teammates wouldn't be so bad afterall.
"You know, I see Rethlec's point." Mikaleus put in, but seeing Kythax's sudden look of irritation he raised his hands and briefly closed his eyes in a pacifying gesture.
"Hear me out." He asked them calmly before anyone could say anything either in his defense or otherwise, "The Santis Tribe hardly knows Kythax. She might be the best of all of us, who knows? But she shoud be here not as a representative of Santis but of the Jezzec."
As Mikaleus explained himself, Kythax began to relax. She appreciated his calm thought out manner and as she looked around at the others, daring them to say something, she found each of them nodding in agreement or indicating their hearing his opinion.
Frankly, Mikaleus voiced her thoughts perfectly. She was good enough to be here, in fact, she was better. But she didn't want to be here to represent the Santis tribe, infact she felt no connection to them and had it not been only a select few who knew the Jezzec language, she wouldn't be speaking the Santis dialect at all.
"Come on, I'd like to get off the planet before conditions get any worse." Ky interrupted, moving though the door with a small smile at Mikaleus.
----------
As they followed Kythax down the corridors there was a continuous stream of chatter, mainly coming from Lonnephos who was currently telling the others all about the time he'd gotten into the healer's supply room and made himself sick for two weeks.
"That was stupid!" Mikaleus interjected, "You know, we healers have this problem all the time, kids daring eachother to eat the mixtures? What kind of idiot just eats something they found in the Healer's store because it looks cool?"
"Lonnephos apparantly." Tempese replied immediately and the others laughed. Kythax glanced at the young warrior curiously, wondering if he'd take offence to the comment. But Lonnephos simply grinned and laughed along with the others, shrugging helplessly.
"Who wouldn't eat a potion mix if it was yellow and sparkly?" He asked innocently and the others tolled their eyes at him.
As they passed a few doors and other corridors, Kythax dutifully pointed them out.
"That one leads down to the fuel storage tanks. This one leads to the kitchen and main living areas." She told them, her boots thudding on the metal beneath her. She could hear the others looking down each indicated area, eyes wide.
"And this one is for Mikaleus, everything an Avyloci healer could want." She announced proudly. This was one of her favourite rooms on the ship. A beautiful piece of engineering if she ever saw one. She glanced back at Mikaleus who looked at the door doubtfully. Kythax could have burst into laughter right there, knowing what he'd see on the other side. So, with an appropriate flourish, she placed her hand on the door frame, and the door whooshed open.
A collective gasp went up from the group, for inside was a forest. The trees were half as tall as the ones back home, but there were many of them. Big and small, dozens of different colours, the plants dug into the ground seemingly by their roots. Leaves and dirt covered the floor, but the most amazing part, was that the trees seemed to grow up the walls. Indeed the room was circular in shape, as if one could simply walk around the entire room and never have their feet leave the floor. It looked like a great ball of green moss with as many tones as an Avyloci's skin. In the middle, a large sphere sat supported by eight poles, all jutting in different directions to connect to some place of the wall or floor. Kythax gave it a minute or two as each of her new teammates tried to register what their eyes told them.
"This room holds at least one of every plant on Vael with seeds stored in a separate room in case any should die. The plants are kept alive by a unique humidity and water control system that takes place beneath the floors. The Sphere you see in the middle of the room is a gravity ball. Latest piece of Jezzec tech, it creates a gravity field all around the room, so you can basically keep walking and no matter where you are, you'll always be on the floor. I just wouldn't recommend flying too close, the closer you get, the more force it exerts." Kythax told them proudly, beaming as if she herself had created the room. She looked around, taking a moment to appreciate the awe, when she realized that they seemed to have no idea what she just said.
"Look." She told them with a sigh, and begun walking.