MEETINGS
by Cherie
Chapter 1
Ali
was scared. She had no idea where she was. All she could see in front of her was
a surrounding curtain of darkness. Ali never did like the dark that much. she
whimpered slightly then tried to pull herself together. "Whimpering isn't
going to get me anywhere." Ali murmured to herself. "ZANDER!! ZANDER!!
Where are you?" Ali called out, hoping for a response. None, only her dying
echo could be heard. Ali grew more worried. was Zander alright? If so, why
wasn't he answering her? Ali picked her way through the darkness carefully,
hoping not to trip over anything or bump into something. Her body was quivering
as she tried to look through the darkness. Cold and confused was not a good mix.
"ZANDER!! come on!! where are you!?" Ali cried out, seeing if maybe
Zander might be able to hear her now. "He's not here. You and I are the
only one's around right now." A soft female like voice cooed suddenly. Ali
jumped and whirled around. Nothing. "W-w-who's there?" Ali asked, now
even more nervous. The voice didn't respond. Ali was getting frustrated.
"Show yourself!!" Ali yelled. "Behind you child..." the
voice said. Ali turned. In front of her was a floating hooded figure. Ali gave a
slight gulp. "who are you?" Ali asked, her eyes fixed on the hooded
figure. "A friend." the figure answered. Ali was pretty sure that
"a friend" wasn't really this thing's name but she decided not to
press the issue further. "Ooooooooo.k, then can you at least tell me how to
get out of here? Whatever here is." Ali asked. The figure didn't answer for
a while, all it did was keep it's head down to the ground. "Um, hello,
Oddworld to floating figure, you in?" Ali asked, trying to get a response.
"Come here, child." the figure whispered. "Huh?" Ali
questioned, looking even more confused then before. The figure snapped it's head
up and it's eyes started to glow. Ali found her gaze stuck on those eyes. She
wanted so much to turn away yet there was a part of her that saw comfort in
those eyes. "Come here, child." the figure repeated. Ali backed away,
Her eyes still stuck on the figure's. "No, no, don't be afraid, I won't
hurt you." the voice said in soothing voice. Ali found that she could no
longer move back. The eyes begin to beckon her ounce again. Ali took a few
tentative steps forward. "that's right child, don't be afraid." The
figure cooed as Ali came closer. Ali soon found herself within arms reach of the
figure. The figure brought out her hand. Ali was shocked to find it a mossy
green with rough looking skin and long claw like nails. "Take my hand,
now." the figure ordered in a gentle tone. Despite herself Ali couldn't
stop herself from reaching out. "That's it, take my hand and you'll never
have to worry about those nasty Glukkons again" the figure said. Something
felt wrong, very wrong, and Ali couldn't stop it. "Join me, and you won't
have to go through all that stress." the figure said in a soothing tone.
Ali tried desperately to stop and pull away but it was as if her body had a mind
of it's own. Ali couldn't help but be very frightened as her hand came inches
closer to the figures, almost about to touch...
WHUMP! Ali's eyes jerked open suddenly. Ali lifted her head and looked out her
door sleepily. "Zander? did you bump into that pillar again?" she
asked. "Ow... yeah, it's hard to see when your still waking up a bit when
you get up" Zander mumbled from the hallway. Ali gave a smile and shook her
head. She then suddenly frowned as she thought about that dream. Even when she
was awake it scared her. it was one of the spookiest and most bizarre one's she
ever had. Ali shook her head as she pulled herself out of her bed. "It's
nothing, it doesn't mean a thing. I must have eaten some bad fruit last night
before bed." Ali said to herself. As hard as she tried to push the dream
out of her mind she still couldn't shake the feeling that of oncoming trouble.
She walked into the hallway and into what she called the main square, where
Zander had brought down some nuts and fruits. Zander by now was already putting
food into his face tentacles. Ali was sure she didn't want to see where the food
went in after he had stuffed them in there. "thinking of saving any for
me?" Ali asked Zander sarcastically as she sat besides him and started on a
pear like fruit. "Hah, hah." Zander answered between gulps. After
swallowing a nut Zander turned to Ali. "Oh, and by the way, you've been
whimpering in your sleep lately." Zander said. "Really? sorry bout
that, I'm just having some weird dreams, that's all." Ali answered. Zander
cocked his head, showing his concern. "What about?" he asked.
"Nothing really, just weird stuff." Ali answered, not wanting to talk
about her dreams. Zander narrowed his eyes then shrugged. "O.k, if you
don't want to talk about it that's fine with me." Zander sighed as he got
up. "Well, I'm gonna check out some of the other tunnels. Wanna come?"
Zander asked. Ali shook her head. "Naw, I'm going to check out the river a
bit. Besides, I can get some more food while I'm out there." Ali said as
she pulled herself up. "O.k, see you later then." Zander nodded then
walked down one of the tunnels. Ali headed out, not knowing what she would soon
find.
Chapter 2
Munch was bored. So far, all he and the
Mudokon group had done was walk. He wanted some excitement. he then looked up at
Abe who was sitting on top of Elum, scanning the wood's path ahead. Munch gave a
impish smile as a cross thought his mind. "BOOGA, BOOGA, BOOGA!!"
Munch shouted as he suddenly jumped into the Elum's path. The Elum gave a
surprised snort and back up quickly. The sudden movement sent Abe flying over
the top of the Elum's head. Munch was laughing hysterically. "What the...
oh, wait, I see now." Abe growled as he focused his eye on the laughing
Munch. Without a warning, Abe suddenly leapt onto Munch. Immediately the two
started a fight. Munch was pulling Abe's feather and Abe was trying to bend one
of Munch's arms when Big Face came to the fight and pulled them apart. Not too
far in the group, Jud and Cal watched this scene. "You know what scares
me?" Jud said. "No, what?" Cal asked. "That this is the
tenth fight they started since we left crystal mines." Jud replied. By now
Abe had calmed down enough to not try killing Munch. He then looked around the
surrounding woods. "Well, guess we'll rest here for a bit." Abe said
as he stretched his arms. Apparently the others agreed since they all flopped
down to the ground. Abe took this as a chance to look around and see if he might
find a place where Sligs or Glukkons wouldn't be able to find them. Abe picked
his way over a log and headed down through the foliage, little realising about
the nearby slippery surface. Abe probably would had missed it too, if it hadn't
been for the sudden wind. It was spooky on how it just came up like that, and so
strong too. For a second, it felt like he was being pushed by an invisible
force. Abe pin wheeled his arms for balance but that did no good for he was
still pushed into the bush. Abe was surprised as he started slipping down the
slide like surface...
Not too far away, Ali was walking in the river. She gave a contented sigh as she
looked at the foliage surrounding her. since she and Zander had discovered the
city, Ali had been feeling much more at peace. That was, except for the bad
dreams. Otherwise, she was feeling great. She was about to head up into the
wooded area when she heard what sounded like a yell. Ali turned to where she was
hearing the noise. It was coming from the slide, as Ali called it. It wasn't too
long when a blue Mudokon slid down and splashed landed into the river. Ali
jumped back in surprise and hid behind a rock. Abe lifted himself out of the
river and spat out some water. "Bleah! Geesh, what a ride." Abe
mumbled as he shook water out of his ear. Ali, seeing it was another Mudokon,
slipped out of her hiding place and stood tall, watching the stranger. Abe
noticed the movement and looked over at Ali. The early morning mist was
surrounding Ali, making her look mysterious. Abe eyes widened at the sight of
her. Ali noticed that Abe was looking at her weird. "Excuse me, but is
there something weird looking to you about me?" Ali asked sarcastically.
That snapped Abe out of his thoughts. "Uh, no, it's just that... well...
you're a girl." Abe stammered, not quite sure what to make of this
situation. "Well, if I didn't know that I would be in big trouble now
wouldn't I?" Ali replied. "Well, it's just that I thought there were
no female Mudokons except the queen." Abe explained. "Well, guess you
were wrong." Ali shot back, starting to get somewhat defensive. "Uhh,
look, I'm sorry if I offended you... it's just that I never saw a female
before." Abe apologized. Ali's face softened. "That's o.k, I didn't
mean to be mean like that. I get defensive when I get surprised." Ali
replied then stepped up to Abe. She then extended a hand and took his and shook
it. "I'm Ali." she greeted. Abe was surprised at Ali's sudden action.
He quickly got over it and smiled. "Abe." he said in response.
Chapter 3
"So...
where do you live anyway?" Abe asked, after getting over his shock. "Heh,
would you believe a hidden city?" Ali replied. Abe's face took on a look of
interest. "No way, you're kidding?!" he exclaimed. Ali shook her head.
"Nope, no joke." Ali replied. She then grabbed his hand. "Come
on, I'll show you." she exclaimed. Before Abe could answer a yelling noise
was heard. "Say, what's..." Ali started when Munch suddenly came
sliding down the slide and straight into Abe. Abe gave a yelp of surprise and
fell over head first into the river. Ali looked on, slightly shocked. Munch
shook his head to get his bearings then looked down at Abe, who he had landed
on. "There you are stich lips... was looking for ya. Geesh, talk about your
crazy weather. I was just hopping along when this wind blew me onto this
slippery surface." Munch said. "Fine! Great! Now would you get off my
back!" Abe yelled, not happy with landing in the water twice. "Hmmm, I
dunno, I kinda like it here." Munch teased, not moving. Abe growled then
pushed Munch off him. He then leapt onto munch and the two started to fight once
again. At first Ali was silent, suddenly she threw back her head and laughed.
Abe and Munch stopped in surprise. "You two are funny, you know that?"
Ali asked between laughs. For a while Abe and munch were silent. "Who's
she?" Munch asked suddenly. "Uh, Munch, this is Ali." Abe
explained. "Say, I thought all Mudokons except the Queen were..."
Munch started. "We already established the gender thing, thank you."
Ali interrupted, that defensive look coming back. Munch saw it wasn't a thing to
press any further and decided to drop it. After a few seconds Ali's eyes lost
that defensive look and she smiled. "Well, lets go all ready." she
said as she headed off to the hill where the door was. "Go where?"
Munch asked. "You'll find out, come on." Abe replied and jogged after
Ali. "Fine, never tell the Gabbit anything, he doesn't deserve to
know." Munch growled to himself as he hopped after the two Mudokons.
By the time they reached the top of the hill Abe and Munch were gasping for air.
"Come on you sissies, I wasn't going THAT fast." Ali mocked.
"Lady, the only time I've ever gone as fast as you was when i was being
chased by a Scrab, and let me tell you, that was FAST." Munch gasped. Ali
just gave a smile and lifted the trap door. "Down here." she said as
she slipped down into the hole. Abe and Munch looked at each other then
shrugged. They then both jumped into the hole. They were surprised at the sight
of the glowing rocks. they were even more amazed at the hieroglyphics.
"Cool, huh? Wait until you meet Zander, he's a really cool guy. A bit shy,
but a cool guy." Ali said. "Oh, by the way, something you should know
before you meet him..." Ali started when a familiar voice called out.
"Hey! Ali! I followed that river in here and it lead to this big cavern
with a cove and waterfall! You just gotta see it!" Zander exclaimed as he
rounded the corner. Abe jumped back in surprise. "Ack! Geesh, a Slig! move
back!" Abe cried as he pushed Ali back. He then put his hands together and
started to chant.
"Who's he, and what is he doing?" Zander asked, confused. Suddenly, a
strange feeling overtook Zander. He didn't look all that well. "Hey! What
are you doing to him!" Ali cried, sensing something wrong. Either Abe
didn't hear her or he was ignoring her because he kept chanting. Without
warning, Ali brought back her arm and swung a upper right hook at Abe's face.
That was enough to snap him out of it. "What did you do THAT for!" Abe
cried, rubbing the spot she had hit. "THAT was for doing whatever you were
doing to my friend!" Ali shot back as she ran over to Zander.
"FRIEND!" Abe exclaimed. "Oh, smooth move stich lips! Possessing
the girl's friend. Oh, you're really on her tops list now." Munch
commented. "Shut up Munch." Abe shot back. "Zander? Zander? You
all right?" Ali asked, shaking Zander. Zander suddenly shook his head as he
snapped out of his trance. "Woah, what happen?" Zander asked, rubbing
his head. "I don't know what blue boy here was trying but if he ever tries
it again he's going to have one less toe!" Ali growled, giving Abe an angry
look. Abe gave a slight gulp. After feeling that punch, there wasn't any doubt
in Abe's mind that Ali could do that." Look, I'm sorry... I didn't think
that was your friend!" Abe stammered as he attempted to explain. "You
BETTER be sorry." Ali snarled. "Umm, Abe, don't you think we should be
getting back to the others?" Munch asked, trying to make sure Ali wasn't
going to slaughter Abe. Ali gave a surprised look. "Others? You mean there
are more Mudokons with you?" Ali asked, interested. "Yeah, lets see...
I say about 799 not including me..." Abe replied. "Wow, that's a
lot!" Ali exclaimed. Abe nodded then smiled. "Say, Ali... this place
looks like it could take a lot of occupants, don't you think?" Abe asked.
"Yeah, this place is very big... we haven't even explored everywhere in
here." Ali replied. "Well, I was thinking... maybe if me and the group
could live here?" Abe asked. Ali looked at Abe then thought.
"Well..."
Chapter 4
"Sure,
why not. It's not like we own the place anyway." Ali replied with a smile.
Abe smiled, half out of happiness and half out of relief. "Great!" he
exclaimed then turned to Munch. "Munch, try to get the others over here
would you?" Abe asked. Munch snorted As he hopped off. "Fine, I have
nothing better to do with my life." Munch grumbled. Abe just shook his head
and looked around the area soon to be known as home.
A while later, Munch had lead all the Mudokons to the underground city. They
were a little grumpy considering Munch had decided it be fun NOT to tell them
about the slide part. Of course, they all got over it when they saw the city.
Many of them were exploring around the city when Ali spotted two familiar
Mudokons. "Jud! Cal!!" Ali cried as she pushed by a couple of other
Mudokons. Jud was the first to look up. "Ali?" he questioned, not
believing what he was seeing. "Well, duh! who else WOULD I be?" Ali
exclaimed as she got next to Cal and Jud. "Heh, no way. Everyone thought we
were never going to see you again." Cal said as he got over the shock. Ali
shrugged. "Well, not everything you think happens, eh?" Ali replied.
"Yeah, guess so." Jud said with a smile. The trio would have probably
talked more if it wasn't for the sudden yell that filled the cavern.
Ali instantly ran toward the yell. "What's going on!" she cried as she
got to where the yell came from. "That!" a Mudokon yelped, pointing
toward Zander. Zander looked confused and frightened. "I didn't do
anything! I offered to help him with pushing this pillar and he looked at me and
yelled." Zander explained. Ali gave a frustrated sigh. "This is
Zander. He won't hurt you." Ali said to the Mudokon. The Mudokon gave
Zander a suspicious look. "How can you be sure?" the Mudokon asked,
clearly not trusting Zander. "He's my friend!! Of course I can be
sure!!" Ali yelled, her temper rising. A look of shock was on the Mudokon's
face as he looked at Zander again. "Friends? With that? Why would you want
to be friends with THAT thing?" The Mudokon cried. Zander had a look on his
face as if he had been slapped. He was silent. Ali growled and grabbed the
offending Mudokon by the shoulders. " APOLOGIZE!!!! RIGHT NOW!!" Ali
growled in the Mudokon's face. "Don't bother... I know where I'm not
wanted." Zander snorted then turned for the exit. Seeing Zander heading
out, Ali dropped the Mudokon in her grip and ran after Zander. "Zander,
wait!! Where are you going!?" she cried as she caught up to him.
"Out." Zander snorted. "Zander, please, don't take what that jerk
said seriously. Just wait, when everybody sees how nice you are they'll trust
you. You just have to give them a chance to get to know you." Ali
explained. Zander stopped and sighed. "Look... I... just need some time
alone, o.k? I'm not going anywhere, I promise." Zander said. "Well,
o.k... just... be careful, all right?" Ali asked. Zander grinned.
"Hey, don't have to ask me to be careful. I'm always careful." Zander
said. He then walked head first into a low hanging stalagmite. Ali gave a soft
snicker. "Careful, eh?" Ali grinned. "Oh, shut up." Zander
grumbled. He then headed out. For some reason though, Ali couldn't get rid of
this sinking feeling that something bad was about to happen...
Chapter 5
Zander sighed as he walked into a
clearing in the woods, Startling some sparrows into flight. A shaft of light
filtered through the branches of the trees and onto to Zander's olive green
skin. Zander sat down on a rock and lowered his head. He felt crushed inside. He
hadn't done a thing and that Mudokon had just freaked out, Just because of what
he was. It didn't seem fair. Why was it that Ali had accepted him so fast yet
these other Mudokons didn't seem to want to associate with him. Maybe Ali was
right, Maybe it would take time... aw, who was he kidding? What made him think
that this species would except him if he wasn't even excepted by his own. Tears
welled in the corners of Zander's eyes as he looked up at the trees. A slight
wind blew and a couple of reddish gold leaves fell before Zander's metal feet.
Zander picked up one of the leaves and looked it over carefully. Zander sighed
as he ran a claw over it. It reminded him of a hurtful time in his youth. he let
the leaf fall as he remembered.
"Hey! Weakling!! Catch up!!" a young gray Slig laughed as he stood on
top of a hill. Another young Slig climbed the hill panting, yellow blaze flecked
with sweat. This was none other then Zander, younger. The gray Slig gave a smirk
as he elbowed a brown hued Slig next to me. "Hey, Bortoz, watch this."
The gray Slig whispered then turned to Zander. without warning, he pushed
Zander. "Woah! Hey!! What are you... yipe!!" Zander yelped as he went
rolling back down the hill. Bortoz and the gray Slig started to laugh like
crazy. "Nice one, Dosoto!" Bortoz laughed. Zander moaned as he pulled
himself up. He then fixed his glare on Dosoto. "That wasn't funny, Dosoto!!
I could have broken something!" Zander growled. "Aww... I could have
broken something." Dosoto imitated in a teasing voice. Bortoz started
cracking up again. Zander snarled as he rubbed his sore arm. "Come on, lets
leave the weakling." Dosoto sneered and turned away. Bortoz followed.
Zander growled and then decided enough was enough. The pain and anger that now
ran though his veins gave him the strength to clamber up the hill after the
bullies. He then tackled Dosoto from behind. "Whoah! what?..." Dosoto
cried out in surprise as he fell. he grunted when he hit the ground. He then
smacked Zander off him and stood up. "That was a VERY stupid thing to do,
weakling. Now your gonna get pounded!!" Dosoto snarled as he put his hands
in a fist. "I feel bad for you Dosoto, if this is how you relate to
others..." Zander started when Dosoto jumped up and punched him in the
chest. "Then again, maybe your just a world class jerk head." Zander
mumbled as he fell back. Bortoz joined his his friend and closed in on Zander.
Zander gave a slight gulp. This wasn't going to be pretty.
Bortoz and Dosoto sneered as they closed in on Zander. Zander gulped and looked
around. No where to run, no where to hide. he would have to ride this out.
"Come on Zander, you a whole lot smarter then these morons! Think of
something!" Zander thought frantically to himself. Dosoto suddenly brought
back her fist to punch. Zander got a idea. as dosoto went to land a punch,
Zander dodged. Dosoto ended up punching a thick tree instead. A cascade of dying
reddish/gold leaves fell onto Dosoto. "Ow, ow, OW!!" Dosoto cried as
he held his hurt hand. Zander smiled. That was when Bortoz attacked Zander from
behind. "Hey!! Leggo!" Zander cried. Bortoz started punching and
slashing his back. Dosoto, getting over his pain, kicked Zander in the face. It
went on more like this for fifteen minutes, Zander yelling and crying for help
the whole time, until the two bullies suddenly ran. Zander looked in front of
him to see two metal feet. He looked up and found himself staring into his
father's ever angry eyes. "Dad! I'm glad you came along! Those bullies were
really hurting me." Zander exclaimed as he wiped some blood off from over
his left eye. Xaiver looked down at his son for a few minutes.
"Weakling" he suddenly snarled. "What?" Zander yelped in a
surprised tone. "You heard me... how could have you let yourself get beat
up like that! If that's how you fight you ARE a weakling!! I'm ashamed to call
you my son!!" Xaiver growled as he moved forward. He then brought his metal
foot back and kicked Zander in the ribs. Zander gave a loud cry of pain then
coiled himself into a small ball, as if blocking an oncoming storm. He whimpered
as tears seeped out his eyes. "Stop that!! Stop crying like a coward!!
Crying does nothing but show a sign of weakness!!" Xaiver snapped. Zander
refused to respond. When his father was like this, Zander felt safer in a small
ball. Xaiver snorted and turned. "When your ready to get washed up and take
care of those cuts, come inside." Xaiver said in an annoyed tone then
walked away. A cold wind blew over Zander's hurt body. Zander shivered and wept
as the reddish/gold leaves settled on his snout...
Zander had to wipe a tear away, thinking of that memory. it wasn't the fact that
he had been beat up that hurt the most but the fact that his father didn't seem
to care what happened to him. he was about to get up when he heard the snapping
of a twig behind him. Zander yelped and turned. he found himself staring into
two blood red eyes. Zander gave a slight gulp as he recognized the owner of the
eyes. "Dad?"
Chapter 6
Zander thought his heart was going to
stop. Sure, his dad scared him a bit but seeing him now was terrifying.
Strangely though, Xaiver had a shocked look on his face. "Zander?" he
asked in sudden surprise. "Uhh, hi dad." Zander replied nervously.
Xaiver's look of shock quickly turned to anger. "Zander!! What are you
doing out here!! You should at least have the sense to head back to civilization
than hang out in the woods!! What IS wrong with you!!?" Xaiver yelled,
Clearly outraged. "Well, dad, I..." Zander started as he quivered.
"How can you be so stupid!! You had everyone thinking you were dead and
instead you're out here doing who knows what!!" Xaiver interrupted. Zander
just looked down at his metal feet. "Is it any wonder why they call you
weakling. They should add "stupid" to the list!" Xaiver
continued. Zander wasn't sure if it was the piling up of all the abuse he had
taken or the new confidence he had gained with his new life but suddenly,
something in Zander snapped. "SHUT UP!! JUST FOR ONCE, SHUT UP!!"
Zander suddenly yelled. Xaiver looked surprised yet again. "I am sick of
how you always call me names and how you always call me weakling, just like all
the others!! You're my father!! You could at least support me!! But, no! I bet
you wouldn't care if I died!!" Zander shouted, letting out his
frustrations. For a while, Xaiver stared at his son with a dangerous look.
Zander gulped slightly. Xaiver suddenly brought back his head and laughed.
Zander gave a very confused look. Xaiver stopped laughing and smiled. "And
here I thought you didn't have the guts to even stand up to me. Looks like i was
wrong." Xaiver laughed. He then turned. "Well, let's get going, bet
you miss civilization." Zander narrowed his eyes. "No." he
growled. Xaiver turned and gave his son a angry look. "WHAT?" he
demanded. "You heard me, no." Zander answered as he crossed his arms.
"Stop acting foolish and lets go!!" Xaiver growled. "No, dad. I
like living out here. for once, I have a friend who likes me for what I am.
Someone who understands me and doesn't push me around." Zander said.
"Stop this nonsense and lets go home!!" Xaiver snarled. "I AM
home dad. I'm never going back to those smog factories or whatever we get
assigned to. I quit!" Zander shot back to him. Xaiver growled for a few
seconds then lifted his gun. "Your going or I'll make you go myself!"
Xaiver threatened.
Zander stood stark still as he eyed the nozzle of Xaiver's gun. He gulped as he
looked back at his dad. "You, you, wouldn't." Zander stammered.
"Oh? Think not? Why don't you try me then?" Xaiver sneered as he
cocked the gun. Zander coughed to get rid of the bile rising in his throat, a
usual action when he was frightened. For a few minutes Zander stood there,
staring at the gun pointed at his chest. He then lifted his head and looked at
Xaiver with a strange smile. "Go ahead." he said softly.
"What!?" Xaiver exclaimed, not sure about what he was hearing.
"Go ahead." Zander repeated. "Shoot me! I dare you!" Zander
threw out his arms and stepped closer to the gun nozzle. Xaiver looked at him
with shock. Zander gave an icy laugh, a lot like his father's. "What's the
matter, dad? What's holding you back!!? I thought you were a ruthless killer.
And besides, haven't you said that the weak don't deserve to live? Or am I too
weak to bother with?" Zander ranted, his voice wavering at the last two
sentences. Tears were welling in the corners of his eyes as he grabbed the gun's
muzzle and brought it up to his neck. "Go ahead, shoot... I just don't care
anymore. To me, it's just another blow." Zander said in a soft tone. Xaiver
stared at his son with startled surprise. Zander just stood there, one hand
holding the gun to his neck and the other by his side. It was hard keeping the
gun still since Zander was quivering like he was caught in a rainstorm. It was
surprising to see Zander doing such a brave thing, taking such a leap of faith
like this. Xaiver did not move to pull the trigger nor did he move the gun from
his son's neck. "Come on, I... dare... you." Zander said in a
challenging voice. Xaiver started to pull the trigger. Zander closed his eye's,
Expecting the pain to come soon. Xaiver had almost pulled the trigger when he
suddenly pulled it away. Zander open his eye's and smiled at his father. "I
knew you wouldn't do it." Zander happily said. Xaiver gave a sly smile.
"Yes, you were right. I wouldn't shoot YOU." Xaiver sneered. Zander
stared at his father with a confused look. Xaiver suddenly shot at the tree line
over Zander. Before Zander could react something hard smashed onto his head,
knocking him out.
Chapter 7
Xaiver smiled as he walked over to his son's
unconscious body. Zander now laid sprawled out under a thick tree branch, the
very thing that had knocked him out. Xaiver lifted the branch off Zander with
his tail and heaved it further into the woods. He then looked down at Zander.
"Sorry I had to do this but you forced me." Xaiver said, Though he
knew Zander couldn't hear him right now. He leaned over to pick Zander up.
"Leave him alone!!" a voice suddenly yelled. Xaiver whipped around,
only to get a rock thrown in his face. Xaiver roared in pain. After his eyes
started to come back into focus he looked to see the thrower of the rock. He was
surprised to see a lavender-pink, female Mudokon standing tall on the top of a
tree branch. Ali. In her hand was another rock, ready to be thrown if necessary.
"YOU!!" Xaiver hissed in anger, recognizing Ali as soon as he saw her.
"I have a name you know." Ali replied calmly. Before Xaiver could
reply Ali hurled the other rock at him. Xaiver was prepared this time. He dodged
it, letting the rock sail harmlessly over his head. "Hah! missed
you..." Xaiver started when he was suddenly knocked back. Ali, who had
jumped from the tree and jump kicked Xaiver in the face, landed on the ground
with both feet. Xaiver, in his sudden confusion, had dropped his gun. Before he
could get his bearings Ali kicked the gun and sent it skidding deeper into the
woods. "O.k buster, I suggest you leave, considering you now have no
weapon." Ali said with a certain calmness. Xaiver rubbed his sore face and
looked angrily at Ali. A sudden smirk crossed his face. "Oh, you think so?
Do you really believe that I'm now defenseless?" Xaiver laughed. Ali looked
at him with a confused look. "If so, you are so sadly mistaken."
Xaiver sneered as he lifted up his tail." Woah, is that a..." Ali
started when a sudden gush of air and a crackle of electricity zipped by Ali's
ear, stopping her in mid sentence. Ali was surprised when the foliage behind her
burst into flames. "ACK!!" Ali yelped as she jumped back from the bush
fire. Xaiver's tail suddenly came smacking down on the flames, putting them out.
he looked back up at a very surprised Ali. "And that's when I'm not
aiming... now, about me NOT having weapons." Xaiver laughed.
Ali gulped as she looked at the Malevolent Slig sneering at her. A nervous,
edgy, feeling went over Ali. She thought frantically of a way to handle this
situation. "Uh... I don't suppose we could talk this out peacefully?"
Ali asked nervously. Xaiver put his tail back in a attack position. "Sure
we can, you just come with me without a fight and you don't get hurt."
Xaiver replied. Ali shifted nervously. "Umm, I was thinking of more along
the lines of you leaving and us going home." Ali said. Xaiver
snorted." You're dreaming if you think I'd ever do THAT!! Now, do I have to
use force or are you coming along?" Xaiver asked. Ali hesitated. She then
lowered her head. "O.k, I..." Ali started in a saddened tone.
Suddenly, without warning she kicked Xaiver in the face. "NOT!" she
finished as Xaiver fell back. She then picked up a large tree branch and
prepared to use it as a weapon. Xaiver pulled himself up and snarled as he
focused on Ali again. "Oh, you are going to be so sorry you did that when I
get my claws on you!" Xaiver growled, clearly enraged. "Come and try
it buster!!" Ali shot back as she held the branch like a staff. Xaiver gave
an evil smile. "You're planning on fighting me with THAT? A mere piece of
wood? Oh, you are more foolish then I thought if..." Xaiver started to
chuckle when Ali suddenly slashed his snout with the sharp edge of the branch.
Xaiver hissed in rage, like a unholy demon. Xaiver then locked his red blood
eyes on Ali, who was positioned for another attack. "You're a brave one,
I'll give you that. but I'm afraid you have no way to defeat me." Xaiver
sneered coolly. He then lashed his tail out. Ali quickly brought the branch up
to fend the tail off. The branch splintered on contact with the steel tail. Ali
looked in amazement and shock at the two ends of the broken branch. Before Ali
could make another move, Xaiver lashed his tail out again. Ali was shocked when
the tail suddenly wrapped up around her legs and arms, binding her. "HEY!
Leg-go!!" Ali cried as she struggled to get free. it was to no avail.
Xaiver had a strong grip on her and she could hardly move. Xaiver gave a cruel
laugh then looked to Ali. "You put up a good fight, but now the game is
over... and I've won!" Xaiver sneered.
Chapter 8
Ali struggled in fear as many thoughts ran
through her brain. She couldn't let Xaiver bring her to wherever he was supposed
to bring her. She had a strange, sick feeling in her stomach that for whatever
reason she was wanted it wasn't good. Not just for her, but for her species.
"Just give up already. You have no chance. Can't you see that?" Xaiver
said in a cruel voice as he tightened his tail around her. Ali gave Xaiver a
cold hard stare. "I don't give up. Especially to the likes of you!"
Ali snarled. Xaiver gave a amused chuckle. "Somehow I thought you say that.
You're stubborn, like your father." Xaiver commented, an amused and
blood-thirsty glint in his eyes. Ali stopped struggling long enough to stare
perplexed at him. "You knew my dad?" Ali asked, a hint of suspicion in
her voice. "Oh, yes. For the time he was a crystal mines he was always the
troublemaker. Not to mention he was always trying to escape. In fact... I
believe that's what got him killed." Xaiver said coolly. Ali looked down.
"Yeah... he... slipped while running and cracked his head... I remember
that." Ali whimpered slightly. "Is that all? Or did you forget a few
details?" Xaiver sneered. "Huh? What are you getting at squid
face?" Ali snapped. "Don't you remember? Don't you remember what
CAUSED your father to slip?" Xaiver asked. Ali closed her eyes to think. It
was coming back vividly now. She could hear the Sligs yelling. She could almost
feel the presence of danger clutching her throat. Then... that moment. The Slig.
The Slig with a gash across his left eye. Ali snapped her eye's open in anger.
"YOU!! It's YOUR fault my dad's dead!!" Ali cried out. In her rage she
attempted to rush at Xaiver. Of course Xaiver's tail made that impossible.
"Excuse me? Me? I caused his death? I believe it was your fault. You were
the one that fell back." Xaiver said with a certain viciousness in his
voice, like he had been waiting for this moment. At first Ali looked like she
had been struck. The anger then suddenly came back to her face. "Oh, no! I
know what your trying!! You're trying to play around with my emotions so I won't
fight as hard. Well, forget it buster!!" Ali snarled. "You just go on
telling that to yourself, after all, it's not like anybody cared HOW he died.
He's dead and that's all there is to it." Xaiver sneered. At first it
seemed that Ali was going to say something, but for some reason she closed her
mouth and looked away from Xaiver. Xaiver gave a evil grin, seeing that his plan
was working. "Well, I'd like to stay out here all day but I think it's time
we got going." Xaiver said. "that's what YOU think, ugly!" A
voice suddenly cried. Xaiver whirled around. His eye's took on a surprised look,
as did Ali's, at the sight of the owner of the voice.
"Leave her alone!!" Abe cried again as he stepped out of the foliage.
"This is none of your business!!" Xaiver snarled, clenching his claws.
"Well, I'm making it my business!!" Abe shot back and lunged at
Xaiver. Xaiver leapt back in surprise, unknowingly slacking his tail. Ali saw
her chance and slip out of Xaiver's grasp. "You're in trouble now
buster!!" Ali smiled as she grabbed a sharp branch and held it like a
staff. Xaiver growled and looked at the two Mudokons on either side. A sly smile
then came onto Xaiver's face. "Oh, we'll see about that." He sneered
then lifted his tail. Ali was the one to notice the electricity forming in the
middle of the prongs. "LOOK OUT!!" Ali cried, seeing Xaiver aim in
Abe's direction. Abe looked confused at her shout. Xaiver took this moment to
fire. "GAHH!!" Abe yelped, seeing the ball. It was about to hit him
when a sudden force pushed him down. He could hear the crackle of the
electricity ball shooting over him, where he had been standing seconds ago. He
lifted his head to see what had pushed him. Surprisingly, Ali was next to him,
getting up from diving into him. "Ali? you saved me?" Abe stammered,
somewhat surprised. "Hey, couldn't let him kill you." Ali shrugged.
Abe was about to reply to that when Xaiver's tail came smashing down inches from
him. "Shoot!!" Xaiver cursed, angry he had missed. Xaiver then swept
his tail back and swung. Abe dodged under, feeling the metal brush against his
skin. Ali went to dodge as well but was caught in the middle of the stomach,
knocking the wind out of her. The force of the hit sent her down hard to the
ground. "Ali? You O.k?" Abe yelped. Abe was going to go over to Ali
when Xaiver suddenly kicked him against a tree. Abe grunted then shook his head,
only to focus on Xaiver's tail inches from his throat. "Your really getting
on my nerves... and people like that don't live very long when I meet
them." Xaiver sneered as he started to form the electricity. Abe gulped and
closed his eyes, ready to feel the incoming blow. "STOP IT!!" A voice
suddenly cried. Before Xaiver could react, Zander had had slipped himself
between Abe and his fathers tail. "Get out of the way Zander!!" Xaiver
hissed, clearly very pissed off. "No." Zander replied. "This
Mudokon is a friend of Ali's... and any friend of Ali's is a friend of mine. No
matter what they think of me." Abe looked stunned at this comment. Ali, who
had just regained her breath, smiled. "What!! you're friends with these...
these... things?" Xaiver sputtered. "They're not things dad, and yes.
And I'll die before I let you hurt any one of them." Zander replied. Xaiver
stared at his son for a minute then snarled angrily as he brought down his tail
and turned. "Fine... have it this way, but let me warn you now. Next time,
I won't go easy on you." Xaiver growled then with a swish of his tail,
walked into the foliage. "Alright Zand!!" Ali whooped as she jumped
over to the Slig and gave him a quick hug. "It was nothing... really."
Zander replied with a smile. Abe then walked over to Zander. "Uhh,
thanks...you kinda saved my life back there. I want to apologize for trying to
possess you earlier." Abe said in a somewhat embarrassed tone. Zander gave
a smile. "Hey, that's all right, I guess I would have done the same thing
if I were you." Zander replied. Abe nodded his head then started toward the
mountain. "Well, better get home. And I'm sure that once we tell about this
little incident, everyone's going to start trusting you." Abe said.
Zander's eyes lighted up with happiness. "Race ya back!!" Ali cried
suddenly, pushing Abe aside. "Hey!! That's not fair!!" Abe laughed as
he chased after her. Zander started to run as well, just for the hell of it. He
smiled to himself as one word ran through his mind. Acceptance.