Grounded On Juniper Island

A Crushing Blow

The root launched itself towards Lior with the speed and ruthlessness of a cannonball. The root was ordered to bruise, batter and maim the the Bounder with the upmost ferocity.

In those brief seconds time appeared to stand still. Oleg stumbled on a decision. His earth rumblings would be mute against it. It was a dread Erasmus could feel.

Helpless aren't we?

Oleg scoffed at his taunt. He then remembered.

Bound

The familiar sensation raced to his calves. He instinctively squatted and was propelled in the direction of his friend. His shoulder collided into his gut, causing Lior to let out a great oomph. He had been tackled out of harms way, only centimetres from being poleaxed.

In strange turn of events, the Bounders had transformed into a maddened form of Erasmus' rock apes. They had no fear of danger as they bounded towards the gigantic root, with their makeshift weapons raised above their heads. It was a race to land the first blow.

The root straightened, squirming around as it eyed its nearest challenger.

The race had been narrowly won by a middled aged Bounder, who had a pinched face. Devin arrived second after. Without hesitation, Devin raised his pineapple pounder and started to bang on the Erasmus' creation like a bass drum. More Bounders joined them, slashing and smacking the root with all their might. Their blows scuffed its hide. Small cracks began to appear. Some of Bounders launched themselves, striking it above. The root swayed to and fro, threatening to topple over. Junipo was filled with exhausted breathes and the stench of fresh, dripping sweat in its atmosphere.

Lior watched on nursing his ribs. It was a proud moment for him. There was no division between a Tropical Knight or a worker. They were all grouped together as one. The Bounders had been become united in a time of need.

The tireless hammering of the Bounders had caused the root to droop. It had become limp and lifeless.

Some of the Bounders, admiring their work and sharing nods of appreciation.

Others, such as Devin, continued their attack. They believed the job wasn't quite done yet.

"Perhaps we have stunned it?" said a Bounder shrugging his shoulder. He had a hooked nose and crooked teeth to match. His name was Bjorn Terrim, one of the loudest larrikins of the town.

"I highly doubt it," called out Devin. The hollow thumps produced by his weapon made it difficult to hear.

"Better still it might even been dead." Bjorn cackled at his remark and hit the root harder.

Oleg was also confused. Not only was he was still coming to terms with the blind courage of the Bounders, a rumble in his gut told him something was not right. His skin popped all over with goosebumps. The hairs oh his arms stood up in perfect rows.

It all became apparent when Erasmus made it all clear.

Say goodbye to them Oleg.

"Devin! Get them out of there!", he cried out, shuddering at what he had just been told. The nerves made it hard to stand. A deep breathe allowed him to keep it together.

A rumble travelled from his weapon to his hand. It's vibrations forced him to drop it a hurry.

The monstrosity of mother nature, loomed over the moon once more. It fell in the direction of Devin like a freshly cut tree trunk.

Devin looked up and hooked his hands under the arm pits of Bjorn and another Bounder. He leapt to safety and watched on as the root landed with heavy, resonating thud. It shook the ground, throwing up a gust of wind, snuffing out the the majority of the torch light in the town.

"I could've done it myself, mate," protested Bjorn, who felt both embarrassed and thankful for his rescue.

"Thank me later," he grunted. "I have work to do." Devin bounded away, returning as quick as he had entered with another Bounder. Bjorn was baffled at how he had navigated through the bleak light.

Sadly, courage and composure of the Bounders had vanished. They leapt aimlessly to any safety they could find. Those who stumbled were left helpless. Many collided into one another in their attempts to sprawl from the chaos.

Oleg bounded over to one the victims, clutching her in his arms. He took her back to where Lior rested.

Jane shot out half dozen roots, snatching anyone she could feel in the dark. She reeled them in resting them against her feet.

The root banged the ground once more. A cry for help echoed towards Devin. The Bounder was spurred into action once more and bounded carelessly towards the vicinity of the root. Devin made out a figure in the poorly light surroundings. They were crawled in a ball. Their face was buried into the ground.

Devin jumped in its direction. He was met with an was unexpected tightness around his chest.A root was grasped around his midsection.

 Below him, the figure stood up and peered at him. They titled their head and smirked at the sight before them.

"Shame you had to meet me this way."

The monstrous root slammed on top of Devin, swallowing his frame. A sickening crack and squelch followed.

Oleg had arrived too late.

Hey everyone, it's been a lot time since I have written a chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one. I never intended for this to happen to one of the characters, though for whatever reason I was drawn to do it. The end is on the verge,

What do you think about how the Bounders have evolved? Was Devin's death expected, necessary or unnecessary?

Please leave comments, vote and share the story :)