Chapter 71

Growing Pains

  Grow a little tree they said. Come here, place a seed in the ground, cover it with some magic dirt and boom, we will owe you. Rayquel would owe you. Still, what do I get for my efforts? Technically I have gotten nothing so far. Then again there is the whole fact that I haven’t held up my end of the bargain either. The sacred seed that I am supposed to plant is currently pulsing next to my chest.

  The reason why I haven’t done something so simple as plant the seed. Well, there are complications. Right now, there is a zone of darkness all around us. I am apparently one of the few people who can see through the zone of darkness. Well, me and the Prolaxian Infiltrator who cast this massive spell.

  Why can I see through the darkness? Good question, I believe it has something to do with my Revelation Sight. Looking at the darkness I believe my eighth death was due to being caught up in one of these domes of darkness. Of course, at that time, I didn’t have Revelation Sight, so I basically just waited around until I was swarmed by scourge and then devoured from the inside out.

  This one looked to be some sort of death trap. People were talking, but it was clear that they were not able to hear nor see the people next to them. People who were also talking. The more they spoke, the more panic, began filling their voices.

  Even the normally stoic Rayquel seemed to have doubt filling her voice. I wanted to go to her, to comfort her, but I couldn’t. I had bigger fish to fry. Namely, I wanted to fry the Prolaxian Infiltrator, General Fellina’s secretary, who started this whole mess.

  The odd part was, in my past lives and even in the fourteenth universe, I never remember the General having a secretary. Granted I didn’t have much reason to be close to the General, nor the Endarians as a whole, before this timeline.

  Tingle.

  There is a faint tingling sensation of energy pulsing on my chest. Reaching down, I feel the spot, and realize the seed now seems to be glowing with power.

  Burning, hot, hot, hot.

  The tingle then turns into a burn, then turns into white hot heat. I reach into my neckline and grab the seed.

  Once the world tree seed is in my hand, the burning sensation that was pulsing on my chest begins to subside. I pause, as I wait for the seed to begin burning my hand. But instead, it does something completely different.

  WHOOSH!

  Within a second the seed begins to release a magical vortex of bright blue light that pushes back the darkness.

  This does two things. Well three things, if you include the pushing back the darkness. The other two are that it gives a focal point for all the trapped Endarians to look towards. As apparently this source of light can be seen by all Endarians who are within the dome of darkness that has surrounded us. The second thing is that it also draws the attention of the Prolaxian Infiltrator.

  “GRRR!” The monster shouts, as it begins to charge towards me. Well, us, I now consider the world seed to completely complicit in drawing this creature’s ire.

  As usual, the monster’s mind seems to be immune to Mind Rend-X, because of course that would be too easy to just rip the little brain particles of the monster apart. The monster has the typical glowing neon green bags of caustic fluid that serve as eyes, or maybe that is just me projecting.

  I begin with what is becoming a customary attack. Pyrokinesis-X to burn the creature and burn away the glowing green eye sacks. I notice that as I cast the psionic ability, the resonance discharge that would normally go to the world around me seems to be picked up by the world tree seed. As a sort of thank you, the seed seems to send a gentle pulse of energy down to me. This is an odd harmonizing sensation, that makes me feel somehow whole. Well not whole, not fully, but I feel more complete, like parts of my mind and body are becoming awake with new sensations. I of course don’t have time to reflect on these new sensations, as the monster is nearly upon me.

  While the monster is stronger and faster than I am normally, I still have the effects of my Physical Attribute Boost active. This gives me the three-fold physical attribute boost I need to be able to dodge.

  With a quick roll to the right, I avoid a swipe from long black tentacles that would have torn me to pieces.

  Pop, sizzle, pop.

  The dodge and rolling around give me the time I need to pop both green eye sacks that serve as eyes. Also currently, I see that more and more of the Endarian elite guard are tracking us with their weapons. Well not us, at least I hope not us, never can tell with that friendly fire and all, but most seem to be focusing their attention on the monster.

  As I realize this, I switch tactics and powers. I drop Pyrokinesis-X for the good old favorite, Telekinesis-X. Instantly, the monster that has been lunging at me and swiping wildly for me stops.

  Then with a breath, I lift the monster up from the ground. At which time, the light from the seed seems to glow brighter. We must make an odd image. Me holding the seed in a sea of darkness. My hand outstretched to illuminate the monster that is now clearly visible to all and hovering in the air.

  Pfft. Pfft. Pfft.

  Laser rounds begin firing up at the monster, only for its shield to pop up in full effect. Of course, that stupid shield thing.

  Even in the air, I know it is dangerous. I remember the last one, how it was able to spit caustic materials at me, so I am prepared. Also, I do something I likely should have done with the last one. I spin this one around, so it is just facing away from me. I know this is likely unsportsmanlike, but this isn’t some gentleman’s duel, this is war. At least I am treating it as if it was war. With that mindset, I am ready to do any underhanded trick to win, because winning in this case means I survived.

  Pfft. Pfft. SWOOOSH! BOOM!

  A rocket, a gods damned rocket. They seriously fired a rocket in this thick dark soup at the creature. Fortunately, it landed, I could only imagine where it would have landed had it missed. I want to complain, but at the same time the rocket did its job. The shield cracked, ever so slightly.

  The more I watched and held the creature in the air, the more and more rounds of fire all found their way to not only the shell, but the cracks forming on the shell.

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  There was only one problem. Well multiple problems, but one that was becoming more and more apparent the longer this altercation lasted. The longer it lasted, the more worn down the elite guards became. It was hard to notice at first, but over time their rate of fire slowly diminished. Rather than hundreds firing all at once, it began to alternate, so only half were firing at once. Then the solar powered weapons couldn’t recharge within the darkness. Normally this wasn’t a problem, for even in space there is enough ambient energy to replenish a slow trickle of energy to these batteries. But this darkness was so complete, that it seemed to drain away the energy from the different batteries.

  This was bad, we were winning. Or would win, if we had unlimited ammo, but the weapons were weak to this type of environment.

  Crack! Pop!

  There was a shattering sound, as the exquisite shell of the monster finally cracked and shattered.

  Pfft. Pfft. Nothing.

  There were a final few lasers that struck the monster. Its black and charred skin instantly browning and showing signs of damage. It was odd that I now was almost an expert on the level and type of damage this creature had sustained. I think I need a new line of work, or something. This is what my third one of these in as many weeks? So, planting trees is apparently very dangerous, who knew? Maybe basket weaving? Is that a monster defined occupation? I suddenly have the image of old grandmothers also being Prolaxian Infiltrators and I shudder to myself.

  Then I realize I am still in this fight. The monster is waving its tentacle arms about, and I realize with the shell gone, I suddenly have more points I can grab on the monster. With the different points, I decide to go all out and begin squeezing the monster tight into a giant ball.

  Suddenly I wish we had more of that fire suppression liquid. Why don’t I always keep that on me? Oh, right, I am not a fire fighter. Also, that liquid is only usable planet side, as there is a high chance that large volumes will explode if taken into space. Meaning it must be manufactured and handled on any planet where it is used. Still, a good idea, we just need to focus on ways to make it more reliable.

  My mind is racing, as I feel my mental energy beginning to wane. I know I am nearing the end of my reserves. I don’t quite know how long this has taken. I would have to say it has been a bit, given the fact that we managed to crack the monster’s defenses with lasers, a weapon that seems to be nearly useless against the shells. I make a mental note that blasters and other weapons are not ideal for penetrating the shell of these creatures.

  Just when I think I am going to have to do something other than this Statue of Liberty impression, a miracle happens.

  Woosh!

  A winged goddess flies in and impales the creature with a glowing sword. I am stunned, as the image is burned into my retina. I don’t know where she got the sword from, nor what the glowing sword is, but I see it stab straight into the beast. It burns and cuts through the thick outer layer of skin, causing the creature to bleed and cry out in hideous pain. The burning blade cuts through the way a heating rod would burn through a crayon. The flesh literally seems to melt from the touch. But she doesn’t stop with just the strike, instead she continues slicing and carving until the monster is broken into tiny pieces.

  Only after the first bisecting strike does the dome of darkness around us disappear. There is a moment when I blink a few times to let my eyes adjust to the suddenly brightening area.

  Black wafts of smoke begin rolling away, like morning fog being evaporated by the rising sun. Suddenly I feel the heat from the Endarian sun shining brightly on my back. I had been warmed thanks to the seed, but others were not so fortunate.

  I am still holding the pieces of the monster up, though I begin separating the different portions so they can’t reform. I don’t know about these creatures and their healing capabilities, but I am leaving nothing to chance. With all the pieces separated, I place them on the ground, where I begin burning them with my flames.

  Everyone watches the flames burn the monster with an intense fascination. Oddly I wonder if Endarians are as attracted to the flame as humans are, or if they are just watching to make sure there are no signs of the monster coming back? Either way, the result is the same, the monster burns while we watch on in silent reverence for the cleansing flame.

  The entire time, I feel the seed gathering the resonance of both my psionic energies, along with the magical residue that my healing aura constantly releases. I also think the seed might have grown slightly throughout this entire process. I know part of it is likely the fact that I held the seed up for so long, with a fully outstretched arm. Such a thing shouldn’t be too much, but it does begin to add up over time.

  Still, there was a resonance between us. Between the seed and me. The seed somehow seemed to be aware of where it was, and what it was doing. Each time I felt the weight of the seed getting too much, I would feel a reassuring pulse. At which time I subconsciously cast Cleanse on myself to get rid of most of the issues. This of course created more feedback that was absorbed by the seed.

  Finally, once we are down to the last large chunk of the PI remaining, Rayquel and General Fellina approach.

  With my hand still held high, letting the seed take in as much sunlight as it can. Somehow, I know the thing needs to recharge after that attack.

  I take the moment to ask Rayquel a question that had been pressing on me. “So, what took you so long to join the party?”

  Rayquel pauses, then looks from me to the no longer glowing sword by her side. “This is a sun sword.” Rayquel says, as if that somehow answers my question.

  I just raise an eyebrow at her.

  “A sun sword, as in a sword that needs to be lit in the sun. I first had to fly out of the field of darkness, which was huge, mind you. Then once I was out, I had to let my charger gain enough energy to first light up, then I dove back in. Only, I might have gotten lost.” She managed. At the end she twitched.

  “Got lost?”

  “It was really thick.”

  “Correct me if I am wrong, but there was only one source of light?”

  “Yes, but I had to go to find that source of light.” Rayquel answers defensively.

  Taking a deep breath, I realize it likely wasn’t a matter of not wanting to fight, or inability to fight like the other puppeted Rayquel had going on. Still, it had taken a long time.

  Finally, after what feels like an hour, the last remains of the monster have been fully burned. At least they were burned to my satisfaction. Once I am done, a few Endarians in special suits come out, and start dousing the entire area in a strong pesticide.

  I am about to ask about that, but decide I am done. It has been a long day, also at this point I feel my entire body tingling from my prolonged exposure to the ambient energy of the seed. I wonder if it is radioactive? This level of tingling cannot be safe? I think to myself, as I am about ready to have this whole process done. Let me drop this seed in the ground and be done with it.

  “Shall we?” I say, finally lowering my arm, giving it a little chicken wing shake, as I let the blood flow regularly to my limb.

  The General looks back to the ship, one that looks to be very far away now. It takes me a second to realize what she is looking for. There are remnants of the box her secretary had been carrying. But as noted earlier the dirt likely had more to it than was likely advisable for a little seed.

  I didn’t know why the Prolaxians seemed to hate these trees, but I realized that if they disliked these trees then I would plant as many as I could. I would also be a protector of the little guys. Almost as if reading my thoughts, the seed pulsed.

  Only after the fact, did I realize I likely leaked some form of pheromone, letting the seed know my current thoughts. Then after that revelation, I realized I didn’t care. I was okay with the seed knowing I wanted to protect it.

  Tingle.

  “Oh!” General Fellina shouted in excitement.

  “Oh?” I parrot back, in confusion.

  “This is…” She trails off. “This is unprecedented. I don’t believe I have ever… I mean, you read the stories from old. But to see it… This, this is… Amazing.” She was so sporadic with her statement that I had a hard time keeping up with her. She was staring intently at the seed.

  I could see a slight look of resentment cross Rayquel’s face, as she too stared at the seed.

  “Congratulations.” General Fellina spoke first to me. Then she turned her attention to the others who had gathered around. “Come here everyone, listen for yourself to the news.”

  With that the elite guards who had been listening intently all came over.

  “Oh!”

  Awe.

  Various forms of excitement were spoken by the others. Each then went immediately quiet as they tried to let others hear the words from the seed. I knew the seed was somehow communicating with everyone, well everyone other than me.

  “Congratulations, guardian.” One Endarian said, as they gave me a congratulatory slap on the back.

  Looking at the guy, I realize he was one of the people that tried to tackle me earlier. I scowl at him, but he seems to be oblivious to my glare. Instead, he just continues to stare at the seed in my hands.

  “Well come on, let’s plant the seed.” Rayquel finally says. She sounds about as annoyed as I feel with this whole process.

  With that the group that had been gathering around us, breaks apart, giving us space.

  Once it is just the three of us, Rayquel, the General, and myself, I ask a question that has been plaguing me. “So, I am a guardian?”

  “Not a guardian, the guardian.” The General states, as if that somehow clarifies everything.

  “For the tree?” I ask, looking at the seed.

  “Yes, it has seen you. Seen to your very soul and found you to be exemplary.” The General said.

  “Oh, cool. Does it come with anything?” I ask, as I begin gently lowering the seed into the ground. I don’t want to be greedy, but if I can find an alternate form of income, this would be great.

  “In a manner of speaking, yes.” The General says, a sort of quavering tone filling her words. At that, I pause, but ultimately decide to let the comment slide.

  Rather than using the contaminated soil provided by the secretary, we just cover the seed with dirt by the handfuls. The three of us do this in a sequence that was already discussed. Except rather than going last, like previously, I now begin the process. With a few dozen handfuls each, the hole is filled and gently packed.

  With that I dust my hands off and stand.

  “So, anything else?” I ask, making sure there aren’t some hidden features I missed.

  “Oh yes, now all you need to do is hold your hands over the seed and say I accept.” The general says, as she holds out her hands just as she said. With that, Rayquel too follows suit, holding out her hands over the hole and saying.

  “I accept.”

  Seeing that this seemed easy enough, for a ritual, I too hold out my hands and say, “I accept.”

  Whoom.

  As I say the words, I feel a pulse of energy flow from the ground, into me, then circle up through my body, out my hands and down back to the seed.

  My mind is trying to process what is going on, when my mind is filled with a message.

  Latent Endarian Guardian Status Activated. Beginning Metamorphosis.

  As I read the words, I felt an intense burning pain fill my body. It was at this point that I realized; I made a huge mistake.

  “Oh shit.” Was all I managed to say, before spasms of pain began coursing through me.

  The world spun. It took me a second to realize I dropped to the ground, my body convulsing as unimaginable pain began wracking my body. Worse, I realized with shock, that my worst fear was about to come true.