When Lightning Strikes
One of the first things I ever wrote decades ago, dealing with an outcast mouse after she encounters something long thought extinct: a human.
When Lightning Strikes
By
Charles E. Terrell Jr.
The storm had been growing in intensity for hours, deluging the region in fierce, blinding rain. Lightning flashed constantly, filling the air with the sound of thunder and the smell of ozone. So powerful was the storm that it forced even the most dangerous of creatures to stay under cover.
In a small cottage that sat on the border between Blackspire forest and the Starfire mountains Meesha Kinless sat, her fur standing on end, trying to block out the sounds from the storm by focusing on her studies into the strange mental abilities she'd been cursed with.
As the storm continued she returned to her meditations, the only sign of life was the twitching of her tail in time with the flash of the lightning.
"CRAAAAKBOOOM"
Meesha jumped in terror as the last stroke of lighting crashed almost right outside her door. Her small cottage shook from the impact as she was nearly deafened by the blast. Shaking, she suddenly sensed something out of the ordinary outside her home.
Worried, she drew on her heavy cloak and picked up her hunting knife, drawing strength from its presence. A quick check through the door's peephole revealed nothing, further bolstering her courage. Bracing herself, she opened the door quickly, brandishing the knife before her.
Rain poured in as she looked out on the pitch black landscape, lit only by the flashing lightning. So heavy was the rain that she nearly missed seeing the figure staggering at the limits of her rain-blurred vision.
Clutching her knife tightly she moved out to see more clearly what it was. During the illumination of the next lightning flash she was stunned by what she saw. It was a Human, something that had been extinct for centuries, ever since Silabar Bonecracker and his troops slew the last of them in the Vale of Blood and Bones. Where had this one come from? she couldn't help wondering.
As she watched, it staggered in her direction for several feet before collapsing in the mud, oblivious to everything. Overcome by curiosity she cautiously approached it, wary in case it attacked her, but it did not react to her approach.
Rolling it over, she found that it was still alive, although it appeared near death. Concerned, she decided to drag it into her home and see what she could do for it.
Although he weighed as much as she did she had little trouble dragging him into the cottage, her work strengthened muscles up to the task.
Once inside she quickly divested herself of her wet clothes and threw more wood on the fire, enjoying the shower of sparks that arose from the disturbance. Meesha split her time after that drying her fur and examining her impossible guest.
She was surprised when she realized that he stood no taller than she, and wore clothing of an unknown style and make. The shirt was of a fine white cloth with the image of beautiful feline upon it that stood out even through the mud. The tight-fitting leg covers he wore extended from his waist to his ankles and his feet were covered in strange, yet well-crafted footgear. On his face he wore lenses set in a frame, and hanging from his waist was a dagger that must have been crafted by a master smith, so flawless and sharp it was.
Even though the cottage was much warmer than it had been before, he was still shivering from his wet clothes. Realizing he needed to be warmed soon if he was to survive, she began removing his garments, puzzling over the strange fasteners on the leg covers and the footwear. As she dried him off afterwards she found him lacking in the calluses that one who worked hard would have. She found it interesting that humans apparently did have some spots that were dense enough in their hair covering to almost appear furry. After finishing up by drying his dark auburn hair she tried to sense any underlying thoughts or emotions but found none.
Puzzled by this strange blank she moved him onto her bed and tried to probe deeper. His mind, however, resisted all her attempts to detect anything.
Deciding to wait until morning before doing anything else Meesha covered him over with several heavy blankets to help keep him warm, checked to make sure he seemed okay enough to make it through the night, then spread the remainder of her blankets on the floor as a makeshift bed. It wasn't until she was long on her way to sleep that she realized that the storm had ended.
"Awaken my servant!"
The booming voice shocked Manthar awake, forcing him from his cot as he looked for its source. Sharp raccoon senses scanned the room for any sign of an intruder but found none. As he tried to clear the confusion from his mind the room began to fill with an otherworldly radiance.
"Awaken, Manthar! Your god has need of you!"
With the voice still reverberating in his ears, Manthar dropped to his knees and cowered before the awesome presence of his god. "What do you wish of your servant, O Mighty Aldan!"
"The heretic Meesha Kinless has summoned a human from the pit into which they were cast an eon ago. You must gather the villagers and destroy her before she can unleash him and all his kin upon the world once more."
"But master, " Manthar asked, unable to believe what he heard, "Will we be enough to take one of such dark power."
"She and the human are weak from the summoning. Seek her upon the morn and consign them both to the depths to which they belong."
"As you command, Great One."
"Do not fail me Manthar." Manthar shuddered as he remembered some of the tales told about His punishments for failure.
As quickly as it had begun, Aldan removed his presence from Manthar's small quarters. On shaky legs he drew himself up and went down to the altar to finish the night in prayer, to fortify himself for the morning.
The first sensations Brad was aware of were the rough blankets on his naked skin and the straw bedding pressing against his back. Jumbled thoughts floated through his mind as he tried to remember where he was and what happened.
Meesha woke immediately when she heard the first stirrings of her unexpected guest. Glad though she was that he had awakened after being unconscious for days, she was worried how he might react to unknown surroundings. Getting up, she went over to calm him in case he became agitated.
At the sound of movement Brad struggled to see what the source of it was. As his eyes focused on his surroundings his mind froze at the impossibility of what he saw.
He seemed to be in some kind of log cabin. Instead of windows or a lamp of some sort, however, light was provided by some sort of glowing crystals set about the room. Before he could see more he was distracted by the sight of an anthropomorphic mouse at least five feet tall, something he had never expected to see except in a cartoon or science fiction/ fantasy story.
Moving slowly she came to stand slightly more than arm's length from him before saying, "Greetings Human. I am Meesha Kinless. I welcome you to my home."
"Uh, Hi, I'm Brad." He started to extend his hand in greeting but stopped when he realized he was naked. "Hey, where are my clothes!" he cried, acutely embarrassed.
"They were filthy and wet from the storm. I removed them so that I could clean them and care for you better." Pointing over to a neatly stacked pile of clothes on the floor near the bed she continued, "There they lay in case you need them."
"Actually, I do. Would you mind facing the other way so that I can dress?"
"Well, if that is what you wish, " she said, "I will go outside until you are finished dressing."
"Thank you. I'd really appreciate it."
While Meesha was outside wondering why the Human needed to dress, and why she had sensed embarrassment from him, Brad was dressing as quickly as he could. He could tell from his difficulty dressing that he was far from his normal self. Before he could determine just how far off Meesha breezed back into the cabin without his having to call out to her.
"Do you feel better now?" she asked matter-of-factly.
"Not really," he said before sitting back down. "I feel like I've been to hell and back."
"Perhaps something to eat would help restore you?" she suggested. "I have some stew on the hearth."
At the mention of food he realized just how hungry he was. "That sounds wonderful! I feel like I haven't eaten in days."
"You haven't," Meesha informed him before walking over to the hearth. With great care she began ladling stew into a bowl she had placed nearby for when he woke. Carrying the bowl of steaming stew over to him she watched silently as he eagerly devoured it, his mind letting slip his enjoyment of it.
As he ate Brad took time to examine his newest acquaintance, finding her to be quite pleasing to the eye. Meesha's fur was purest silver, shimmering in the light of the glowing crystals. As she wore no clothing he could see that she had a beautiful strip of pastel blue fur running down from her muzzle to her thighs, where it ended in a concealing tuft of turquoise. He blushed slightly as he couldn't help but stare at her well-developed, yet firm breasts. Her whole body was quite well proportioned, her every move graceful and refined.
Meesha, meanwhile, was studying her guest with more than just her eyes. She had been forced from her village when she became able to sense what others were feeling or thinking. Now, though, she found her ability frustrated; only occasional flashes of emotions escaped his otherwise closed mind; the most obvious being embarrassment.
As she struggled to penetrate the barriers in his mind, Brad finished his meal, completely unaware of her efforts to invade his thoughts.
"You're an excellent cook Meesha!" he said appreciatively. "Where did you learn to cook so well?"
"When one is alone one does all that they can to make things more pleasant," was her deceptively calm reply, for inwardly she was thrilled by the compliment.
"Well you certainly did a fine job of fixing this meal!"
"Thank you." Meesha's facade of calm broke as she presented him with a brilliant smile. "Would you like some more?"
"Not right now, thank you." He handed the bowl back to her. "Do you have something I could drink? Water, perhaps?"
"Of course." She hurried over to pour him a mugfull from a pitcher on the lone table. Once he was finished drinking she took the mug back before asking, "Would you mind answering some questions for me?"
"No, not at all. Just as long as you answer some of mine as well."
"Certainly. First, can you tell me where you came from? There aren't supposed to be any humans left alive on Hilyn."
"Not from this world, that's for certain. Where I come from the only intelligent creatures are human beings."
"But how can that be?" she replied, astonished. "How did you get here then?"
"I don't know," was his pained reply. "I can't remember anything after the storm came up."
"You had a storm where you came from? We had one here as well. Do you remember anything strange before your memories stop?"
After thinking a bit he replied, "I think there was a tingling sensation, but it's hard for me to remember what happened."
"Maybe the storms are related," she mused. "Lightning struck just before you appeared here, and the tingling you felt may have been your being the target of one in your own world. The elemental lightning of the storm may have transcended the worlds and brought you here."
"But if that's true how will I get home!" he said, his panic evident in his voice.
"I'm sorry but I don't know." Upon hearing this Brad dropped his head into his hands as despair overwhelmed him. Still afraid to touch him Meesha instead tried to calm him by broadcasting sympathy and understanding into his mind. Several long minutes passed before her efforts were rewarded by the reduction of his despair below her ability to detect through his mental shields.
"Do you think anyone here can help me?" His voice cracked as the terror of his situation sought to overwhelm him once more.
"I don't think so, " came her sympathetic reply. "Humans were exterminated centuries ago. Many children's tales use humans as figures of terror to make them behave. Any you meet are more likely to slay you than help you."
"Then why have you helped me?"
"I have been outcast from my people for over seven years because I started sensing the thoughts and feelings of those around me. When they found out they drove me into the wilderness. I could not let my fear drive me to do to you what had been done to me."
"I guess I got pretty lucky appearing here rather than somewhere else."
"Yes, I guess you did," she replied, wondering what to do now.
Before she could think of her next question Meesha began to sense a mixture of anger and fear from many minds. Cocking her head she strained to hear anything she could.
"What's wrong, Meesha?" Brad asked when he noticed her attention had shifted.
"People come, " was her worried answer, "and they radiate anger and fear. We are in danger."
"Do you have any idea why they would come here?"
"No, I have had no contact with them since they forced me out."
By now the voices were audible to Brad as well, and he didn't like what he heard.
"Burn the foul creatures! Send them back to the pit!" they chanted. It was obvious to Brad that they knew he was there as well, and they were determined to eliminate him as their ancestors had eliminated the last of the humans on this world.
Meesha hurried over to bar the door, something she had never had to do before. Opening the small peephole she looked out and saw a large mob of villagers, torches held high, as they came toward the home she had spent years building. A tear ran down her furry cheek as she saw the large bundles of wood they had brought to insure the destruction of her and her home.
Hurrying about her home she began to collect what little she could, her pain radiating so strongly that Brad found himself resisting an unexplained urge to cry.
"Here," she said as she thrust some things into his hands. "Help carry some of my things."
"But how are we going to get out?" he asked, the immediate threat distracting him from his other problem.
"There is an escape tunnel hidden under the bed in case something like this happened."
The chanting from outside grew louder. "Burn, demon spawn, burn!" filled the cottage, along with the sound of wood being thrown against the walls.
Grabbing down one of the light crystals for herself and one for her fellow outcast, she motioned him over to where the tunnel was concealed. Pulling the bed out with surprising ease she lifted the floor section concealing the tunnel and set it aside. Motioning for him to follow her Meesha dropped into the tunnel.
Doing the best he could Brad lowered himself down into the tunnel after her, dragging the cover back into place as best he could.
Fortunately for him the tunnel was tall enough for him to walk upright, which kept claustrophobia to a minimum.
It was a long walk through the tunnel, making Brad wonder just how much time she had spent digging it.
"We are almost to the end." whispered Meesha.
"Good," he whispered back, glad to be getting out of the confines of the tunnel. "Where does it come out at?"
"There are old mines in the mountain and this tunnel connects to one of the largest. The mine entrance is far enough away that we will not be detected by them."
"Where do we go from there? If they check the ashes and don't find any bones they'll realize we escaped and come looking for us."
"I, I don't know." she replied hesitantly. "No settled area is safe for you, and if they find out about what I can do they will drive me away as well. They may even kill me." Her fear was evident in the tone of her voice. "The only place no one will go to is the Vale of Blood and Bones." Meesha shuddered as she mentioned that damned place.
"Why is that?" He asked, dreading the answer.
"It is the sight where the last humans were slaughtered in a bloody battle that lasted for days. It is said the ground is still covered with the bones of the dead, and that the soil remains red and barren from all the blood spilled on it."
Brad felt a chill go through him as his mind conjured up an image of what such a place must look like.
Before he could ask more they reached the end of the tunnel and entered the old mine that it connected to. Motioning him into the tunnel she pulled a rope that was fastened to the wall,causing the collapse of the passage they had just exited.
"Where did you learn to do that?" he asked, surprised.
"I'm not sure. I think I picked it up from someone in the village before I was driven out."
"Good thing for us you did."
"Come on, " she said curtly, "we need to get going."
It was obvious to Brad that Meesha was hurting. Her peaceful life was gone in an instant, all that she had built for herself about to be destroyed. All that would remain would be memories.
Silence wrapped itself tightly around the fleeing duo, choking them in its strangling coils. Brad couldn't help worrying about Meesha, he could feel her pain. Although his own loss was easily as great as or greater than her own he found himself concerned only with her pain. Try as he might, though, he could not bring himself to break the silence that surrounded them.
Before they reached the entrance Meesha motioned for Brad to stop. Handing him her light crystal she stooped down to pick up a large pack carefully protected from the damp. Smiling briefly, she told him she had packed it for emergencies. Seeing a chance to be helpful Brad offered to carry it for her. Pleased by his offer she accepted, then helped him into the heavy pack. Once the pack was in place Meesha affixed one of the crystals to the top of the pack before taking hers back and continuing to lead the way.
It wasn't much longer before they reached the entrance to the mine, for which Brad was most grateful. Gazing out across the unconfining wilderness he had his first look at the world he was now a part of. The trees weren't like anything he had ever seen or heard of before. Some were conical, some were bush-like, some were difficult to describe, but all had the same colors, shading from silver at the bottom to coal black at the top. The sun seemed exceptionally bright, as if it were closer or larger. His polarized glasses were only good enough to make the day appear as bright as a normally bright day at home without the dampening effect of his darker glasses.
"Look, " Meesha said, drawing his attention to a column of smoke that he had not noticed while looking at the forest, "the smoke you see marks where my home stands. Or should I say, stood?" Meesha's tone was one of bitterness. Wrapping her arms tightly about herself she tried to hold back the tears but failed.
"At least you're alive, Meesha." Brad replied, coming over to place a comforting arm around her.
"Yes, " she replied bitterly, "and what do I have to show for it? I have no home, half of my former village is out to kill me, and the only help I have is someone who shouldn't even exist." The rising tone of hysteria in her voice alarmed Brad.
"Well, I do exist," he said, trying to make her realize how concerned he was for her, "and I'll do everything I can to help you. Not because you might be the only person who can help me, but because I can't stand to see anyone hurt." Without warning Meesha locked him in a powerful embrace, sobbing uncontrollably. Holding her close he let her cry herself out, anger at her former village filling him. When she finished crying she pulled back, sniffed, and looked him straight in the eye.
Her eyes were a beautiful shade of blue, much like his own, Brad realized, except for the flecks of gold and silver sparkling within. As he gazed into her eyes all remaining concern for his own problems faded away under exposure to her pain.
"Well, I guess we better get out of here before they find us," she said with a parting look at the smoke rising into the sky.
"Wait a minute," he said as he reached into his pocket for his handkerchief and set about carefully drying her tears. "Now we can go."
It was morning before the coals had cooled enough for Manthar to have the ashes searched. It was midday before they had searched the ashes well enough to discover that there were no bones to be found.
"Search the area. They must be found!" Panic was creeping into his soul, for he feared the price of failure.
"Perhaps I can help." Manthar nearly jumped at the sound of someone slipping up so close behind him.
"What do you want, Tilina." Manthar said coldly as he turned to face her. Bad enough that his god had given him such a difficult task, but to be forced to work with one whose love of youth had drawn her to the dark arts, turning their love to ashes was unbearable.
"Now, now, Manthar. Is that anyway to talk to someone who can help you?" she replied with a smug smile.
"I need no help from your foul magics," he cried.
"Of course you do. After all, we both know what will happen to you if you fail."
"What are you talking about?!"
"Oh, nothing much," she said with a smirk, "just pointing out that Aldan is not very merciful with priests who fail him." Tilina enjoyed the look of fear that was evident on Manthar's face. "Now, will you accept my help or not?"
Manthar struggled with himself, desire to please his god warring with his hatred towards one he had once loved. "Very well. Don't make me regret it."
Tilina laughed, knowing he would give in. Of course, it wouldn't do to reveal how she knew about his godly meeting. Over the years she had had plenty of time to study the ancient records about the fall of Humanity. Humans would still exist if the gods had not called on their followers to destroy them, for reasons unstated in the records. Of course, how many gods gave reasons for their demands?
In the search of the wreckage one of Meesha's glow crystals was found to have survived, glowing dimly through the ashes. Picking it up carefully, Tilina grinned evilly as she held it, knowing its value. Carved by Meesha's own hand, it would carry a trace of her essence, which, with the proper spells, would allow someone holding it to track her anywhere not shielded by magic.
Dreams of restored youth floated through Tilina's mind as she contemplated the capture of the human. Deep in ancient tomes long thought lost, she had found a magic said to restore youth, but it required the blood of a human to power it. With the genocide of the human species she had no hope of working the magic she had found: that is, until now.
"We will need to retire to the village, Manthar dearest, " she smiled sweetly, "so that I can enchant this crystal to point the way."
Manthar bridled at her use of a term that had long since lost meaning. "But we will lose days! You had best be telling the truth, mage, or you will find out what a priest of Aldan can really do."
Raising his voice so that all the villagers could hear him he called out, "Come, my faithful. We must retire to the village so that Tilina may use her magics to help us find these fiends."
The villagers were extremely disappointed upon hearing this, but regrouped all the same. They had hoped for a quick kill, but now it would probably be weeks before they could satisfy their thirst for blood.
The going was proving to be more difficult than Brad had thought it would. Because of the danger behind them Meesha had suggested taking the more arduous route over the mountain, and without any knowledge of the land he agreed. Now, however, he was regretting his decision.
The hiking part normally wouldn't have bothered him much, since he liked to walk anyway, but he wasn't completely healthy after the ordeal of his arrival, and he feared heights. If it had only been himself and his life was not at risk he would never have ventured onto the treacherous mountain passes, but with someone else needing help as well he forced himself to continue on.
They spoke little as they made use of the day's light to put as much distance as possible between them and their persecutors. As the light failed they took refuge in the next depression they found in the mountain's harsh surface.
As they huddled for warmth under the thick blanket Meesha had packed, Brad was surprised when she curled up against his chest and promptly fell asleep. It was something he was totally unprepared for. In fact, not only was she asleep, but she would occasionally nuzzle his chest. Not sure how to react to an attractive female curled up against him he finally squeezed his eyes shut and concentrated on everything else until he finally fell asleep.
As the morning sun heralded a new day the two refugees woke to its warming rays, eating a cold meal before continuing on their way. Brad said nothing about the night before, not certain if there even was anything for him to talk about. Instead he concentrated on the path ahead, trying to keep his footing on the narrow path they followed.
Anyone watching as they worked their way through the mountain pass could have seen that they were only partly aware of their surroundings. The long hours of silence as they traveled left them alone with their thoughts, each dwelling on his or her recent tragedy. The pain he felt as he thought about his parents worrying about where he was nearly tore Brad apart; if Meesha hadn't needed him he probably would have succumbed to his despair and let himself fall to his death long ago. Meesha's loss, although not as severe as Brad', was still devastating. She had been only thirteen when her strange mental abilities had become prominent enough that the fearful villagers had driven her out. The only home she had known since then was the one she had built herself. And now it was gone.
The day ended without mishap, though the darkening sky forced them to make due with a section of the path for their camp. A small fire of scrub brush collected along their way warmed them slightly as they ate, the light casting eerie shadows all around them.
"Meesha, you said earlier that you can sense someone's thoughts and emotions. Does that mean that you've been reading my mind all this time?"
"No. Your mind is closed to my senses; I can only pick up occasional flashes of thoughts or feelings from you." A sigh of relief escaped from Brad when he heard this, glad that his thoughts were still safely his own to conceal or share.
Now that his fears about the integrity of his mind had been alleviated he switched to another concern of his. "Where are we going, Meesha? Do you know of someplace safe where we can go?"
"I wish I did, " she said with a touch of bitterness. "I'm simply trying to put as much distance as possible between us and my ex-village. After we're safely on the other side then we can worry about where to go from there."
"I'm sure everything will turn out fine." He gave her a reassuring hug. "After all, if I could survive being struck by lightning together we should be able to solve all our problems."
"I hope so." Meesha's voice was barely more than a whisper as she drifted off into sleep, her head coming to rest on Brad' shoulder.
Looking down on her sleeping form Brad felt a wave of tenderness pass through him. He found himself idly stroking her head, marveling at how soft her fur was. The feel of her against him brought out sensations he had never felt before. He had often found himself becoming attached to people who had treated him with kindness, but never quite so quickly before. Perhaps it was because of their shared pain at their losses, or perhaps it was because neither of them fit in with their respective peoples, in the end he found he didn't care why. Shifting the blanket to better cover the two of them he let himself drift off into sleep as well.
It took the better part of a week for them to make it across the mountain, slowed as they were by lack of food and safe paths to follow. They spoke little as they crossed, and then only when they stopped to eat or bed down for the day. Brad talked about his family while Meesha reminisced about the good times she had had in the home she had so lovingly crafted. The nights became more and more interesting as Meesha began nuzzling Brad in her sleep, waking him up off and on throughout the night, yet she showed no sign of remembering what she had done while she slept.
The first sign that they were safely across was a small mountain stream cutting across the path they were on. It wasn't much but it replenished their water supply and gave them a route that led down into the woods below. By the time night fell they had passed beyond the rocky slopes that they had been traveling on and entered into the grass covered soil at its base. A few scraggly plants added some berries to their meal that evening, making it the best one they had had since Meesha's cottage had been burned.
Sleep proved more difficult for Meesha that night than it did for Brad; a restlessness had seized her and she had no idea why. It wasn't until she noticed the phase of the moon that she realized why: her cycle would peak in only three or four days! Normally she only had to worry about the two days that preceeded and followed the full moon; but with a male so near, even a human one, she was coming into season sooner. It had been hard enough for her to get through those days locked in her cabin but how would she get through the next week with Brad nearby?
Now that she was aware of it Meesha knew she would have to talk with Brad about it sometime that day; she was already becoming attuned to his scent, the first step in selecting one's mate. She could only hope that he would accept her but she was afraid. By now her own attraction scent would have had any other male as restless as she was but he slept untroubled by it.
Daybreak found Meesha awake, having gotten only a few hours of sleep out of the night. Waking Brad she struggled to control herself until they could talk later. Brad, for his part, was unaware of Meesha's struggle, although he did notice that she was walking closer to him than before.
They followed the stream for hours, down into the thickly wooded area below. At the end of it they found a small lake, surrounded by a chaotic array of flowers, each a different, dazzling color.
Rushing ahead, Meesha stripped off her cloak, dropped what little she carried, and dove in. Surfacing quickly, she laughed, filling the air with her joy. As she swam she slated her thirst, enjoying the cool clean water.
Brad, too tired to hurry, merely dropped what he carried and bent down to quench his thirst. When he was finished he settled down to watch Meesha sporting around in the water. He could feel her joy as her mental powers transmitted it to his more receptive mind, enhancing his own pleasure as he watched her play.
"Come on Brad! Get those dirty clothes off and jump in!" Meesha smiled as she waved him forward.
"I'm sorry Meesha, but I can't swim!" he yelled back, glad for a less embarrassing true reason.
"I'll teach you. Come on! Don't be afraid!"
It was hard for Brad to tell which was more inhibiting: his fear of drowning or his embarrassment at the thought of being naked in front of her. In the end his trust in her reduced his fear of drowning and the fact that she had already seen him naked shortly after he arrived helped take care of that fear.
Once he was stripped and in the water all remaining concern about his nudity disappeared as his fear of drowning took over. With Meesha's help, though, he was able to overcome his fear well enough to follow her instructions. He found himself learning the rudiments of swimming relatively quickly. As his confidence grew he found himself enjoying the water enough to play with Meesha, although he took care not to get too playful, since he wasn't skilled enough to push his luck.
The fun only lasted for about fifteen minutes before exhaustion and hunger took over, sapping their energy. Helping each other out of the water they found a patch of ground where they wouldn't get dirty as they let the sun dry them off. Realizing she wouldn't find a better time to talk about her problem Meesha tapped Brad on the shoulder to get his attention before speaking:
"Brad, I need to talk to you about something."
"Why? Is something wrong?" he asked, concerned.
"That depends. My cycle will peak soon and I need to know how you feel about mating with me."
"Your cycle?" Total amazement and stark terror shot through Brad' system, as he was asked something he had never been asked before. Being both shy and a virgin, such a question just about shut down his higher reasoning, bringing back all the painful feelings of being rejected by every woman he had ever met. "Don't you have any control over it?" By now his heart was racing as he tried to cope with such an unexpected question.
"No. The only control I have is to stay away from you until the peak is over." Meesha began picking up his feelings as their intensity leaked around his normally strong barriers. "Why? Don't I appeal to you?" she asked, hurt by his reaction.
"Of course you do," he replied, realizing with a start that he meant it. "It's just that I've never done it before, and your sudden offer scared me."
Meesha was stunned by his admission, "But how? Males aren't known to be able to control their cycles either, or even try to."
"Humans don't have mating cycles. They mate for other reasons: love, physical attraction, money, and sometimes for no reason at all."
"You mean you aren't controlled by cycles? That you can choose when you want to mate?" The incredulous look on her face showed just how difficult it was for her to believe that.
"That's right. And since none of my choices were willing, I haven't done it yet. Plus, with an epidemic of diseases spread that way where I come from, it's best to be choosy."
"I wish I could be so free. For seven years I've suffered the mating heat, trying to satisfy it without success. Please, I don't want to suffer that way again." Meesha was near tears when she finished talking.
"Oh Meesha," he said, moving close enough to embrace her tenderly, "Your probably the only friend I have and I care about you greatly. After what we've been through together since I came here I'd be honored to be with you, if you really want me."
As Meesha hugged him close by way of answer the barriers in his mind fell for a moment, revealing to her his burning need for someone to share his love with. In the instant that his mind was open to hers she realized that he didn't care that she was of a different species or that she was cursed with the ability to sense thoughts; his only concern was being loved by the one he loved.
Startled by this sudden insight Meesha broke contact before she realized it, only to find out too late that she could not reestablish the link; his mind was closed once more. Wishing she could share her own thoughts with him she settled on telling him instead.
"Brad, I want you to know that I am unmated as well. No male would have me once they knew about my curse. There were times when the urge was so strong that I even tried to tempt whomever I could to free me from the agony but they all refused. I find now that I am glad that they refused me, for they were undeserving. You are the one I want, because you want me for me."
"Meesha, I'd be honored to be your first." His words expressed much of his sincerity, but before he could continue a large growl escaped from him, reminding them of more pressing needs. Meesha laughed as she said, "I guess I had better find us something to eat before your stomach attracts something with its sounds."
Brad gave an embarrassed smile in response before replying, "I can wash out our things while you're doing that. Then we can continue where we left off."
It proved easier for Meesha to find dinner than it did for Brad to wash their things, as she found a variety of wild berries and a strange, pear-like fruit growing around the lake while he had yet to finish off the blanket that they had used for the past week, although he had taken time to wash his underwear before putting them back on. Taking a break, he ravenously devoured the berries she had brought before sampling the odd fruit. The first bite sent a thrill through his system like nothing he had ever eaten before. As his body tingled from the fruit's effects he looked over at Meesha to find the glimmer of a smile tugging at her muzzle.
"I wondered if you would feel the effects of the Tagil fruit as we do, " she said in answer to his unspoken question. "Its effects fade after a few hours but while they exist a person feels full of energy and can do much while it lasts."
"You mean it's some sort of drug?" he asked, appalled.
"No. It's actually quite good for you. Those who are sick will eat it to help speed the healing, and it is equally good for those who are injured."
"Well, " he said, a heady feeling of power rushing through him, "I certainly feel like I could do anything!"
It was at that moment, with his mind enhanced by the fruit's effects, that something inexplicable happened: he became aware of the burning need within Meesha, a desire for him only partly related to her cycle. Awareness of her need made him aware of his own need as well. Emboldened by the feeling surging through him, Brad couldn't help but ask:
"Is there any particular reason why you chose some for our meal?" he asked, although he had a good idea what her answer might be.
"Well, " she began, exhilarated by the fruit as well, "I thought it might be better for us to get used to each other now, while I can still control myself somewhat." Taking his hand in hers she continued, "Neither of us has experience at it and when I am at my peak it may prove overwhelming for you if it is our first time."
"Your probably right about that, " he agreed. "Although, " he said as he pulled her close, "I don't think I'll have any problems with you as my partner." From that point on they found little time for words.
In the time it took for the two fugitives to cross the Starfire mountains Tilina had been hard at work enchanting the crystal to track them. It had taken her a week of difficult study and spell-casting to manage it, but the crystal was finally keyed to Meesha's essence.
Focusing her will upon the newly enchanted crystal, Tilina followed the link back to its crafter, finding to her surprise that her target was beyond the Starfire mountains, making the successful completion of her desires extremely difficult.
Frustrated, she through the crystal at the wall, heedless of the fact that it could be broken. Instead, it rebounded, striking her squarely in the knee. Stifling a cry of pain she retrieved the crystal and placed it on the stand she had had to craft for it. Ignoring the ache from her knee she limped over to a chest pressed tight against the back wall of her spell-casting chamber. A complex set of command words was given, disabling the enchanted wards she had placed on it long ago. Removing the key she kept fastened around her neck she unlocked the chest and prepared to remove her old adventuring equipment, long since unused.
With great reverence she withdrew her favorite dagger, Heartstopper. As she cradled it within her hands she felt it hum within her hands, eager to spill blood once more. Tilina thought of the thief she had won it from in a city far away. Only luck had saved her that day, as the thief had slipped on some of the very blood he had spilled before he could deliver the killing blow, granting her enough time to strike him down with a hastily cast spell. She had found the dagger to be heavily enchanted and driven by a thirst for blood. Fastening it on with great care she moved down to a set of ornately carved silver bracers, set with rubies. Sliding them on with practiced ease she felt the magic residing within them cloak her body, granting her protection equal to the chain armor worn by some warriors.
Tilina paused in her preparations as she enjoyed the feel of her old adventuring equipment, basking in the magical aura each emitted. When the pleasure she felt subsided she continued to remove the last items from the chest; a ring whose magical healing abilities were so great they could bring her back from the dead so long as her body was not destroyed, and three potions of healing stored in protective metal vials.
Now that she was ready Tilina drew on her nondescript gray robes, gathered up the crystal and went to inform Manthar of what she had learned.
Manthar displeasure was great once he heard the news from Tilina. He had spent the week preparing the villagers to annihilate the evil that had been summoned and now would be forced to cross over the mountain to fulfill his God-given mission.
It was over an hour later before he was able to convince the villagers, whose fervor had cooled at the thought of the distance they would have to cross, to follow him over the mountain to obliterate the demon spawn. It pleased him that he had managed to convince them without having to call upon his priestly magics, but he loathed the fact that he was forced to work with Tilina in order to track them down.
Unfortunately it took until nightfall for them to prepare everything they would need to manage the task of following their quarry, forcing them to wait out the night before they could start their hunt.
While Manthar and Tilina were hard at work on their preparations, Brad and Meesha were undergoing a more pleasurable experience.
The effects of the fruit, coupled with long contained desires, helped Brad overcome his awkwardness at his first time. For the first time he was able to fully express that part of himself that was happiest when he was making someone else happy. The result was the fulfillment of their greatest needs as they explored each other, lavishing one another with long contained tenderness and love.
All through the time they spent together, satisfying each others need for love, a link began to form between them. Soon they were sharing their feelings and thoughts as no one had in centuries. They found that their feelings for each other were both mutual and strong. It felt strangely natural to them, as if they were intended to be together. Of course, neither one of them was going to waste time questioning their good fortune. Instead they let the moment carry them to heights they had never before reached.
Later, when their awakened passions finally cooled they continued to lie in each others arms, enjoying the warmth and comfort they could provide to each other.
"You know, " Brad found himself thinking, "this is what I've been looking for all my life."
"So have I, " came Meesha's reply to his unspoken thought. "Who'd have ever thought it was possible?"
"Certainly not me!" he said with a laugh before kissing her lightly.
"I wonder why fate chose to put us together?" Meesha said as she lightly ran the tips of her claws across Brad' back. "Why are we so important?"
"I don't know." he replied softly. "But why worry about it? We're together now and that's all that matters."
"I guess your right." she replied as she nuzzled his neck, enjoying his scent, the scent of her mate.
"Of course I am, " he assured her. "Now, how about we get things set up for bed before it gets too dark. We can worry about any problems in the morning."
Meesha decided to go along with his suggestion, especially since she (and he) would need all the rest possible, to be ready for when her cycle peaked when the silver moon was full.
The next few days past quickly for Brad and Meesha as their love continued to grow. The days were spent both recovering from their arduous trip across the mountains and exploring the extent of Brad' newfound mental abilities; the nights in passionate lovemaking, made all the more intense by her peaking cycle and their mental link.
Unfortunately, all good things tend to come to an end, and now was no exception. They had been practicing expanding the range of their mental perceptions, using the animals of the forest as targets when they were rocked by a sudden wave of hate and terror. As their minds contracted back to just their five senses Meesha realized that she had sensed these minds before, during the attack on her cottage.
"Brad! It's the villagers who burned my home! They've followed us." Her distress flooded into him, forcing Brad to physically reassure her with a comforting embrace before he could think clearly.
"Damn them to whatever Hells they believe in! Why can't they just leave us alone!" His rage at this threat to the only real happiness he had ever found was palpable, driving away nearby animals and insects and rattling the leaves on the trees closest to them. Only when Meesha became frightened did it break, to be replaced by concern for her.
"I'm sorry, Meesha! I didn't mean to scare you like that. I just don't want to lose you after finally finding you." Brad hugged her tighter as he felt her love for him envelope him.
"I don't want to loose you either, Brad." It was still a bit hard for Meesha to believe just how much she loved him but she did, and nothing was going to take him away from her. "We must find some place to hide from them, someplace they can never find us."
Brad sat down on a nearby stump as he thought about her suggestion. "Well, if they crossed the mountain like we did then they must be very tired. We've had all this time to rest and recover so we should be able to outrun them, at least for a while, but where do we run? I certainly have no idea, do you?"
"Well...., " a shiver ran through her as she spoke, "there is one place they won't go. The Vale of Blood and Bones."
"The graveyard of Humankind?" Brad felt a chill run through him as well. "Would we be safe there?"
"What choice do we have?" Meesha cried. "We know what will happen to us if we are caught! At least at the Vale they may not come after us."
"When you put it that way then I guess we don't have any choice at all."
"What do you mean they're moving?!" Manthar cried. "They haven't moved during all the time we've been pursuing them!"
Tilina leveled a withering stare at Manthar, ending his tirade before it drove her to something rash. "I don't know why they are moving, " she replied frostily, "perhaps they detected us through some magic they possess." Although privately she doubted it, since she had found nothing in the rubble of the cottage to support the belief that either one of them could work any magic.
"In truth, it does not matter, Manthar. For whatever reason, we must increase our pace if we are to catch up with them."
"I will decide what to do, witch!" he spat. "For now, we will continue at our present rate. They cannot hope to outrun us for long."
"I hope you are correct, " admonished Tilina, "considering what you have at risk."
"Do your job tracking them, witch, and I'll see to their destruction."
"That's what you think," Tilina thought, since her plans for the human required him to be alive and intact to give her the best chance at success in her search for youth.
Day and night seemed became a blur to Brad and Meesha as they hurried on their way to the valley. Sleep was gained in hours stolen in the dead of night; food gathered and eaten on the run. Lack of sleep and food, combined with almost total exhaustion, had the two travelers on the edge of collapse as they neared the cursed valley.
Even before they arrived at the valley there were signs: The forest began to thin, animal life became scarce before disappearing completely, and a feeling of dread came over them. Only the threat of certain death forced them to continue on.
Unfortunately for Manthar and Tilina, once the villagers realized where they were going they were unwilling to continue the hunt.
"We can't go there!" shouted one. "The spirits will devour our souls, " cried another.
"Fools!" Manthar derided them. "No spirit can harm you with me leading you! My power comes from the God that put down these humans long ago. Faith in Aldan and the power He grants me should remove all doubt from your minds. And if that is not enough for you, do not forget we have a skilled mage along with us as well. Together we are more than enough to stop some renegade and a human."
Raising his voice Manthar began praying to Aldan, asking His blessing on these HHis followers that they would succeed in the quest He had set for them.
To the surprise of all save Manthar a beam of purest light began to shine down upon them, removing all fatigue and hunger, changing uncertainty to conviction. One by one the renewed villagers offered up a prayer to Aldan before continuing on once more.
Tilina, meanwhile, was disturbed by this turn of events. With Aldan's direct interference it could prove impossible for her to gain that which she sought. Her only hope was that Aldan would allow her what she needed for the spell of youth if Manthar and the villagers managed to kill the human.
How does one describe the horror of that long damned valley? How do you put into words such evil?
They found the first skeletons sprawled in the lifeless soil near the entrance. From the shape of them it was apparent that they were human skeletons, closer inspection revealing many of the bones broken or notched. Whoever had killed them must have decided to mutilate the bodies as well.
The farther in they went the worse it became; eventually it became impossible to walk without stepping on someone's bones every few paces. Even after the passage of centuries the soil, which was a barren rust brown in color, held the stench of rotting flesh. It became difficult to breathe as the smell attacked them.
"Oh God in Heaven!" Brad cried in disbelief, "How could anyone commit such evil!" Tears ran down his face as he thought of the brutality that these people had suffered as they died. People that he somehow knew had not deserved it. Dropping to his knees he knelt on the ground with his head in his hands, trying to comprehend why such senseless death had been committed.
"It is said that the Gods ordered it, " Meesha said as she tried to console him. "They feared what humans were doing. Humans would not worship the Gods, believing only in what they could do themselves."
"And that was reason enough to kill them?" His anguished voice echoed slightly off the valley walls.
Kneeling beside him, bone crunching under her, Meesha slipped an arm around his shoulders, offering him what comfort she could. "They felt it was. I know that doesn't help but it's all I that I know to say."
"Oh, Meesha, I...." Brad began, but his voice trailed off as the feeling that something was wrong came over him. Almost as if the thought had entered his mind from another he suddenly knew what it was.
"Meesha, I don't sense the villagers anymore!" Wiping his eyes free of tears he motioned for her to stand up, then joined her. "Can you sense anything from them?"
Long minutes passed before Meesha shook her head. "I can sense nothing from them. It's almost as if they'd ceased to exist."
The sound of bone crunching cut off any reply from Brad as they looked around, trying to see whoever might be nearby. No matter which way they looked, though, could they see anyone. As the sound grew closer Meesha suddenly grabbed Brad' arm and pointed back the way they came, where bones could be seen sinking under unseen feet.
"They're invisible!" Meesha cried. "There must be a spellcaster with them."
"Quick! Grab some dirt and start throwing it around. Maybe it'll give us some idea where they are."
It proved unneccessary to scatter dirt around as the field of invisibility cloaking the villagers faded away, revealing a mixed collection of species, headed by a Raccoon dressed in priestly robes and a mature fox wearing a dark grey robe with the hood drawn up.
"Forward, faithful of Aldan, destroy the purveyors of evil!"
With a wordless cry of rage the villagers surged forward, all save Manthar and Tilina, who held back, watching. At a loss for what to do Brad and Meesha found themselves striking out in the only way they could; joining minds to unleash a wave of mind-numbing energy. Many were staggered, and quite a few fell, senseless, yet far too many remained standing.
"It appears your spell was not as effective as you said it would be," Manthar commented to Tilina.
"I told you it was less effective the more people it protected," she replied tartly, while edging slightly behind him.
As the two argued Brad and Meesha found themselves fighting off more than a dozen villagers caught up in a religious fervor. Blood flowed freely as the villagers and Meesha fought tooth and claw while Brad fought with his dagger. To many it would have seemed impossible that the two could hold their own against such odds, with no skill at defending themselves, yet hold their own they did; their love strengthening and sustaining them.
"Do something, Tilina! If this keeps up they will win." Tilina drew pleasure from the growing fear in his voice. "Aldan does not answer my prayers for aid. Do something!"
"Of course, Manthar. Give me a moment." With incredible speed Tilina drove Heartstopper into Manthar's chest, straight into his heart. As Manthar stared at her she grinned coldly at him, speaking quickly while life remained in him. "You always were a fool, Manthar. You really should have questioned more fully why I aided you. Once the human is mine I will live forever, eternally young, and I have you to thank for it." As the life finished fading from his eyes she drew Heartstopper out, noting the ruby tint to the once clear gem set in the hilt even as Manthar's bloodless body dropped to the ground.
Studying the battle that still raged, she calmly inventoried what spells she had left until she found one that suited her needs. Clearing her mind she chanted the words of power, unleashing a series of magical energy bolts at all save Brad. Screams filled the air as several of the villagers dropped to the ground, killed by the magical assault.
This would have come as a welcome event to Brad, except that Meesha had been one of the targets. The pain flooding his mind as she collapsed, critically injured, drove him out of his mind with anguish.
"NOOOOOOOO!" he cried, just before unleashing a wave of mental energy a hundred times greater than before as he drew upon the very depths of his being. The ground heaved and shook as the energies ripped through it, and all the villagers who remained alive, save Tilina, died horribly as their minds were instantly shredded. Drained, Brad collapsed next to Meesha, unconscious.
"I'm glad that I cast that extra spell of protection upon myself, " Tilina thought, "else I'd be as dead as the rest." The headache she had, however, showed just how close she came to dying as well.
Staggering upright, she found herself smiling in spite of the pain. The human was now her's, and soon she would be young again. As she walked towards where he lay Tilina found her hackles rising. She tried to ignore the sensation but it worsened until she found herself looking around nervously, unsure of why she suddenly felt this way. Nervousness gave way to fear as she realized that some of the bones between her and the human were moving! She watched, frozen in terror, as the bones slowly collected together until they formed a complete human skeleton, eyes glowing with an otherworldly blue fire, completely blocking her path to Brad.
Tilina shook off her terror when the skeleton began slowly walking towards her, its bony hands outstretched at a level equal to her throat. Energy crackled around her as she invoked a spell of protection about herself before unleashing a cone of intense cold toward the skeleton.
Silent laughter mocked Tilina's attack as frost formed on the skeleton's ancient bones, adding a glittering coat of ice but otherwise seeming to cause no damage. With a mocking gesture the skeleton conjured a spear of darkling energy that it hurled towards Tilina. To Tilina's shock and horror her protective spell vanished in a burst of darkness, leaving her defenseless. As the realization hit that she was no match for her undead opponent Tilina did the only thing she could, casting a spell of teleportation to take her home, vowing as she left to never rest until she had the blood she needed to restore her youth.
The first conscious thought Brad had was 'What is this weight on my head?'. The second was 'Where am I?'. He could tell that he was reclining on some sort of couch, and that he was covered in some sort of heavy blanket.
With effort he opened his eyes, then worked on getting them to focus on his surroundings. As shapes took on definition he realized that he was in a cavern of some sort, lit by crystals similar to those Meesha had back in her home, only these were much larger. The chamber was cluttered with a vast array of things, varying from tapestries depicting great feats of this world's humans to sculptures of various humans. In one corner stood a suit of ancient plate armor, hand resting on the hilt of its gem-encrusted sword. Total astonishment raced through Brad, though, when the armor moved!
"Good, you are awake." The voice emanating from the armor echoed hollowly, as if nothing resided within the armor. "I am Baltan, and I was the last to fall during mankind's final hours. It gladdens my weary soul that mankind yet lives somewhere in the cosmos."
"I'm Brad, and the only thing that'll gladden me is telling me where Meesha is." Brad tried to sit up but whatever rested upon his head prevented it. He reached up to try and remove it but was stopped by Baltan, who rushed forward to stop him.
"Do not remove the Circlet of Rejuvenation; it has not yet fully repaired the damage you suffered during your battle. As to your mate, she is elsewhere. Her injuries are physical, not mental, and require different treatment. As soon as you are ready I will take you to her. Now remain still."
Brad relaxed visibly at the news that Meesha was still alive and being taken care of, even though he could not see or sense her. After pausing to scratch an itch he looked at Baltan and asked a question he hoped would satisfy a long standing question for him:
"Baltan, why am I here on this world? Did your people bring me here?"
"No, from what those few of us still maintaining a link to the physical world can tell, _you_ brought yourself here." At Brad' surprised look he continued. "At the moment the lightning struck you on your world you instinctively tapped into your latent mental energies to escape death. You came here because you sensed a kindred spirit here: the mouse."
"Does that mean that I can return home, as well?"
"Once you have learned to harness your full potential there will be little you cannot do, " Baltan informed him.
"How will I learn? Who can teach me?" The thought of being able to return home whenever he wanted to relieved much of the fear he had of never seeing his parents again.
"You will find all you need here within this hidden complex. We have stored the collected works of our people here, as well as items of varying magical and psionic power. These we leave to you on the condition that they are protected at all cost, and that you try to restore mankind to this world."
"How would I do that?"
"Your's is a world teeming with humanity; some would welcome leaving it for this, " Baltan explained. "You need only find them and bring them here."
"If that's all that you want then I agree." Brad held his hand out to Baltan, who took it carefully, sealing their agreement with a handshake.
"You are a good man, Brad. I wish you well." Releasing Brad' hand he gently removed the restorative circlet. "You will find your mate in the chamber next to this. Good journey to you." Stepping back, Baltan's armor collapsed to the floor as his spirit vacated it, returning to its watch over the valley.
The collapse of the armor came as a surprise to Brad, as did Baltan's leavetaking, but he had more pressing things to worry about, starting with checking on Meesha.
Slipping off of the bed he stepped carefully around Baltan's abandoned armor and passed out into the hallway, looking both ways for the chamber Baltan mentioned. Seeing a doorway off to his left he hurried to it, anxious to see Meesha.
Looking inside he saw Meesha reclining on a couch similar to the one he had been on, although she was covered in a thick, grey blanket. Rushing to her side he knelt beside her, almost afraid to touch her, but the peaceful look on her face reassured him.
"Meesha, honey, wake up." He spoke softy, not wanting to shock her awake, and lightly stroked the top of her head. Several minutes passed as he waited, tension mounting within him, before she awoke.
"Ohhhh, Brad, where are we?" Meesha looked around, confused by the change in location.
"We're in some sort of cave complex. Some spirit, remaining from when mankind was killed, brought us here and healed us."
"But what about the villagers?" Meesha asked as she struggled to free herself from blanket and sit upright.
"They're all dead. When you were hurt I totally lost it and lashed out with everything I could." Brad explained as he helped uncover her and helped her sit upright.
"You mean we're safe? We don't have to run anymore?" After all that had happened Meesha found herself having trouble believing that everything was okay now.
"No, love, we don't." Brad reassured her. "And we have complete access to everything in this complex, provided we don't let anything happen to it or anything in it."
Meesha hugged Brad close as all the fear and anxiety of the past few weeks drained out of her, only to be replaced by a feeling of contentment and security. Restored, she released him, her eyes glowing with her love for him.
"What shall we do now, my love?" she asked him, while stroking his arm to suggest something more pleasurable than their last activities.
"Wellll, " he began, reaching up to caress her cheek, "I think we've earned a few days rest. Afterwords we can begin exploring some of the things here. From what Baltan told me we can expand ourselves to the limits of our potential with what's stored here."
"Let's worry about that later, " she told him, silencing any replies with a passionate kiss that quickly led to more intimate activities.
EPILOGUE:
Tilina sat in her home, cloaked in darkness, staring at the glowing image before her; a replica of the human she sought. Hate flared like a star in her as she replayed her humiliating flight, only yards away from the answer to her greated need. Not next time, she swore! Next time it would be she who would be triumphant! Yes, next time!
This story is copyright (c) 1994 to Charles E. Terrell Jr. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the author. Nor may it be altered in any manner.