Tyranny: Onwards

Chapter 149- Swarms

I wish I could go out there and pick off the mountainous snakes one by one right here and now but know I couldn't convince it to be allowed. Maybe tonight I'll sneak out with Genesis and take all my frustration out on them, it's not like I'll be able to sleep anyways. Aegis has the bag with all the previously collected meats and berries.

My eyes are stunned by the width of the Pine we are headed for and the piles of live animals seeking shelter in here. Now I recall that Siron created new species and wonder if the Yelmetes are among those because then it is not right for any real animal to be ended by such. It would seem there is some sort of natural code within the shelter that they won't kill one another here, this is where they all help one another. Birds feed the bears, deer take care not to step on mice, skunks keep their tails down and the little ones all roam and sniff about; though they still don't leave their parents too far behind.

In my mind, a safe assumption to make would be that harming any one creature in here would get you killed pretty quickly. Everyone is sauntering quite slowly and taking care with each step. Phoenix and Aegis stop and stroke a few of the animals and play a bit with some of the young they encounter, the curious ones see this and know we are all safe and birds come to land on the Luzumi's shoulder pretty hastily, Phoenix puts his arms out like a 'T' and they sit squawking and singing on his head and arms.

As though it is disrespectful, Phoenix, Aegis, Blaze, and Dagwood remove their cloaks as some caribou approach and offer their antlers. The cloaks hang there now all shifting to red as moose and deer nuzzle them and walk aside us as escorts. A bunny put its front paws on my legs and I pick it up gently, it lays in my arms happily and a wide smile smears endlessly on my face. A tiny chickadee pair lightly floats down onto my head in greeting as a black bear cub wanders to snuffle at my hand with a wet nose.

What is this? Is it because of the Luzumi? It must be.

Aegis gives a shout and throws himself into two of the nearest caribou. I totally forgot that the animals he connects with the most are the caribou, and, he hasn't seen one for decades. Such a reunion is beautiful and brilliant under the tinted shield, watching the arms pulls the animals close as I've never seen or imagined of him; and the way he trusts his weight with them is gorgeous. 

Many cute little foxes approach Dagwood, making a swirling pool of excitement at his feet, wanting attention. Blaze nods when Dagwood glances to him and he kneels down clearly overjoyed, stroking them all in turn and herding them into his lap to squeeze them all with love as they lick at his face placidly. They are all quite small.

"What type of foxes are they?" I ask and cautiously touch a few and earn a few licks too.

"Swift foxes and also the smallest kind of fox," Dagwood chuckles and his smile is enormous as ever, I back off and admire the time they share.

No animals, in particular, magnetize towards Blaze and I remember he has whales which can't exactly walk; but nevertheless, he too appears enthralled and in enjoyment, true happiness since he lost his left arm. Birds and a few larger creatures wander up to him to provide love and nuzzles. 

Rin walks still a ways away and I think the animals are unsettled by her sharp eyes and rigid body language as she only gets a few sniffs here and there. All of the critters scoot away from her and swarm gently in greeting about us. It's not like they are rampaging in happiness over, more like skipping on over calmly to nuzzle lightly and lick our hands. To an extent, I feel bad for Rin, that she is missing such a rare experience, but then part of me wonders if I should really let myself forget and just enjoy this right now if I deserve to enjoy this by forgetting and letting go of the pit in my stomach.

Then I hear the gorgeous flowing tunes which signal the arrival of the Phoenix. All animals and people raise their heads and stop moving as we all watch and wait. A spark lights off in the sky and there's a loud 'BOOM' with a few measly puffs of smoke as it barrels through the shield. The Phoenix bullets right at Phoenix before spreading wings of falling fire to rise high and tenderly lower onto his shoulder. Phoenix runs fingers through the feathers with the beaming face of a child with a present but his eyes hold enormous respect towards the bird.

It headbutts Phoenix and he laughs, they obviously missed one another. I wonder now what does the Phoenix do when its off somewhere and why doesn't it just stay with the one it loves so damn much? This all feels so much like a dream I almost can't even allow myself to believe it is all so true and real but am gladly surprised to be able to convince myself to enjoy this and savor it.

Up ahead the crazy wide and insanely tall Pine towers; or perhaps it is some ancient type of tree going extinct since it's so huge, even larger in every way than the redwoods. From here I can only make out a tiny dark hole at the base which I assume is what Nichele mentioned and should lead to a supply room of sorts.

The roots of this tree could easily crush skyscrapers, crush houses. Flowers float around the clearing among the tall soft grasses flowing enriched with gold in every breeze, dandelion fluff scatters in the air and I observe as a few pass out into the real world where all is harsh.