Adventures of Oahron (part 5)

Oahron awakens to a gentle furry touch across the cheek, gazing into a little coal-colored set of eyes peering down at him. The little thing then vanishes with the wind as it leaves a white trail between the trees. Now alone again, Oahron has no trouble pulling away the root that had once snared his foot. It's grip isn’t even locked down anymore.

Was it ever before?

Urgh… it is time to get up and stretch as he steps aside from his resting ground and pokes his head in each direction, trying to figure out where to travel now. The shrooms next to his feet glow fiery, sensing the passion within his spirit. The energy is so great that all the nearby plants tremble, nearly bursting into expansive flames as they splat out spores everywhere!

Hearing the wind groan, he jumps, causing another plant to light up behind him, spooking his tiny body! “What in the world could have happened to Jahru?” he whimpers. “I sure hope Uncle is alright and not dead and gone bye like the ghost-thing that might have been Uncle. He was really scary.”

He pounces away with rabbit-like footing, wandering his way into the trees next to the pathway --- wasting no time to flee from this creepy monument. For a moment the kid somberly thinks to himself as his heart slows down along with his feet, I wonder what Jahru was pointing at back there?

His stomach has already knocked past the sensation of hunger. His spirit may feel content as he hugs upon his orb tightly, but his body is empty, completely now... However, after all that has happened, food is one of the last things on the boy’s uneasy mind, despite the sounds of his stomach. As he travels, lights in the distance start up again. He immediately leaps off the trail and onto the bark of a nearby shrub.

Pointing or not, it is time to get away from this mean bad place once and for all and find my way back home! I wish Uncle would come home with mom and daddy too. I know he feels real sad and hurts inside sometimes. I wish I knew why and could just make him happy. I would even bring him my favorite berries. The shrooms unreasonably glare brightly from the spot of where he had stood, all the way to the end of the path of which he had decided not to walk.

Hmmm, was this the same pathway that Uncle had walked before? It smells just like him, like plants and like beasts. Out of breath from a climb to the top of a tall tree, the tired child takes a resting break on the large branch that he has scaled so tiresomely.

Shifting his eyes frontward, a strange hole lays hollowed in the grand tree. It looks interesting so he inches forward and crawls to peek inside. It is that same white squirrel-thing from before! Being a bit battered, the child gives off a half-faced smile and shifts his head side to side trying to gain its attention.

“Hey…” he starts off as the small animal scratches forward at the boy with his mouth still open. “Ouchies!” the little Zenroe yaps, grabbing his face below the lip. “Why did you scratch me?” he questions as his eyes water up. The little squirrel-creature squeaks and shakes its clenched fist a few times then shakes its butt as well.

“Ahh,” the boy groans with an enlightened glow upon his eyes. “You were just scared, little fellow. I was so scared too without Uncle. My name is Oahron; what is yours?” The tiny creature squeaks looking into the kid’s large eyes as it bobs its head sidewards. The Zenroe boy slowly shakes his half-grin face, umm... okay now, I see...

***An old Zenite legend says that children of the purest heart can understand the most indecisive spiritual dialects, but what about animals? Is that possible too --- even on Zein? Animals do not actually speak to each other but rather make sounds that determine a mood or attitude. No actual words can be respectably translated. Hmm, but what if a spirit can speak through them, or what if they do really have a language --- just one too complex for our brains to decipher? Could such creatures be that smart with such tiny little brains?

Anyway, a brain isn't the only thing that makes something smart, a soul does also. A soul consists of a being’s mind, their will, and even their emotions. Animals don't have spirits in the exact same sense as humans and Zenroe do, but they do have life breathed into them, and at the least, they do have energy, so if they die, their energy still carries on. It is hard for even Zenroe to say for sure if the young Zenroe boy could in fact understand the little creature's squeak of a speech... ***

Stretching his arms, the boy realizes next to the long valley of trees are four bushes resting in front of his big orange eyes --- each with its own unique berries! The little white creature pops up and down pointing, its bucked teeth shining with a big grin while it flips around in circles. Oahron is not too sure about many of these colorful berry species, but he sure knows dzurberries whenever they are at hand’s reach! Red and beautiful dzurberries have been his favorite since they were first handed to him by his daddy’s strong sturdy hands so many many long months ago...

Oahron remembers that his dad's hands were even bigger than the kid's stubby arms. When thinking back, he can remember his father, that no matter what, Mehix was so serious regardless of how good something may have been... but not even stern Mehix could resist a smile or laugh from the sweet taste of these delicious berries. The wonderful dzurberries stand beautifully on the lush green bush --- second to the last in front of him. Blue are on the left, and multicolored speckle on the far right.

On the very left side stands a larger species of red berry, like the ones the squirrel-thing had carried, however, they are overlooked by the boy. Turning with a chuckle and a smile to thank his friend, strangely the animal had already vanished and a small light flickers an eerie glow in the distance. It is very odd how these things keep happening, and we're not even in Planesville.

Everything seems to be repeating itself in these dreary woods like a bad dream. Swooshing his arms forward, he begins grabbing and shoving berries straight into his mouth as the juices squirt onto his cheeks and down his fingertips, even smudging across his arms like a savage little animal while his tail swats surrounding bugs. Five and six at a time are gobbled in nearly no seconds passing. Red juices drip from his chin like an overstuffed red-berry pie turning the dirt upon his feet into mud. The taste of these are always so hearty, mild, and sweet like a full dessert compacted into one big bite as the child snarls and gobbles into the fading night.

Forget leaving this place, he stops himself, feeling somewhat dumbfounded. “I have food here, and it is scary out there in these mean woods. Maybe just a few more minutes then we can go home,” he looks up to his Dahzenku orb as if it were his only remaining friend. "Maybe Uncle will find me here...? He has got to be hungry too, after all, here is food… Where else is food to eat in my tummy than here?"

A long time of darkness passes by, and he can see once more between the trees with his own eyes. It is still dark, don’t get me wrong, just not as dark as before. Peering up into the treetops he sees a mixed sight of gray and green. A number of flowers pull up from the grass commencing a small glow, knowing that the sun will soon be casting its warmth onto the fine petals of their delicate beauty. All the shrooms are gone.

Plants of the fields are so dang beautiful, wow! It is truly amazing that they don't have to labor nor spin to be taken care of. They have complete trust in what is given to them, and it works out with no control of their own fate. Now full and sleepy, Oahron begins to fill his arms with more berries from each of the bushes to bring some back to thank his little friend, for he is a kid who desires to return a favor, no matter how small.

“I wonder what type of berries Uncle likes, huh...?” he whispers. “He must like dzurberries like me!” He drops many of the little fruits as he picks them off the branches, realizing he won’t be able to carry too many this way. He plops the whole load down as he begins placing the grounded berries inside of his shirt with the use of his other arm against his chemise, keeping the berries at upper-torso level inside his clothing.

“This is a real good idea, works great!” he gleams with a half smile. “Now I need to be sneaky and get a way out from here before ghost Jahru comes back for me. I am so sleepy too, ahh... wahhh... I just want to go to bed,” he groans as the wind makes his arms shake. With only a few berries remaining in the grass, he hears branches clattering about behind him. He backs up without any intention of turning around.

It is the assumption of many young Zenroe boys that something cannot scare you if you cannot see it, isn’t that right? I sure wish it were true… Moving back again, his butt taps something solid... His teeth clench tightly, and his eyes open wide almost as if he has just seen death!

Oh please tell me it is not that darn boarad again!? He gulps, breathing heavily. At this time of collision he hears a deep startled grunt from the boney monstrosity at his back. Ummm… I don’t know what this is, but I sure hope it is not a walking skeleton of the undead or something. I heard stories about those in my book! Maybe this figure, whatever it is, is too scared to turn around for the very same reason as him. Or maybe even it is something nice and will not hurt a child at all!

After a second or two, he feels the creature back off as something tail-like braises against his leg giving him the chills down his sweaty spine. It was not Oahron’s tail, he thinks. It is definitely time to run and get out of here! As his feet begin to jolt he hears a familiar sound behind his flopping ears.

“Dang it, Oahron!” the scruffy voice groans. “Where are you going?” The child turns around, his eyes watering, and a smile creeps across his cheeks.

“Jahru!” the boy screams in a gleeful twist as his uncle’s hand grasps upon his shirt to pull him in. The youngster has already dropped all of his berries except a few smashed in his hands and on his clothing, but he does not care as he looks up with big orange eyes.

“Want some berries, Uncle?” he asks opening his hands. As his eyes focus he sees his uncle’s sullied face in the moonlight as he lets out a breath. With a shaded smile, Jahru rests his hand upon the kid’s shoulder.

“Where have you been, kid?” As Oahron opens his mouth, shining his stained teeth, the man gives him a hard slap across his eye, bruising both cheeks, then using his other hand fast across the side of his head. Jahru's hand crunches loud enough to make even leaves rip off from the nearby branches.

“Ouch! OUCH!” the child wails aloud towards his growling uncle.

“Do not ever run off like that again from me, you little pest! I told you to stay put! Next time it will be your ass!”

*Sniff… sniff* the youngster begins to whimper. “I…I am so sorry Uncle Jahru,” he cries in a mellow wallow. “I didn’t know where you were, and I got all scared by myself. I was real real worried about you, Uncle. I really was.” Without response, it just becomes quiet as they stare at each other in the darkness which stands as still as them. “Were you scared too when I was gone?” he asks sadly as he touches the side of his reddened face --- his other hand pulling across his hair.

“Of course, no!” the Zenroe wails sternly with strict authority. In a near silent-tone he continues as he sees his nephew's bruises, “just worried, that is all. In a way, I guess. I was a tiny bit scared... I had fear something had happened to you and your big dumb stupid head, kid!” Jahru desires to appear tough as he tightens his hand, and turns his head away, but begins to sniffle as he catches his breath in the darkness.

“Really!?” the dirty-faced kid wonders as his tail wags in the wind. Jahru shakes his head a few times, feeling a bit dazed.

“Wait, wait,” he says as he moves side to side. “What was I even saying? Worried! Why would I have been worried? Ha, let’s get moving. We need to find our way out of here to find your stupid parents, you stupid kid!” Oahron chuckles as his uncle tightly tugs his hand, holding to him tightly, suspecting to know the truth beyond his gruff exterior.

“Heh, I love you too, Uncle,” he whispers as he looks up with his big eyes. The man looks away trying to keep their orange eyes from meeting. When walking together, hand in hand, the night terrors are not so scary any more. The shadows and the ghoulies dare not show face when Uncle Jahru is here! The child sniffs around to try to lead --- following his uncle’s scent to their campsite, however, Jahru appears to somewhat know his own way despite his own senses, tugging the child sternly the other way.

Giving up after a while, Jahru lets his nephew lead again before the journey is over. In this current time, the day arises and more flowers bloom in front and back, each with its distinct color and fragrance. For a while, the wearily-consumed boy picks up on a wrong trail as they go in a circle! …a trail that Jahru recognizes all too well... There must be something in the air leading them back to that same spot of where dead Jahru had pointed.

“Let's turn around,” Jahru insists. “I know where we are now, follow me kid!” Leading once more, he makes way to a narrow dirt road going opposite of how they had come earlier in the night. At long last, they come towards the trees that had welcomed their former resting spot. It makes them both simultaneously sigh as they stretch their arms behind their heads as if they were copy-cats of one another.

“Now there it is,” they both grumble with a cat-tired appearance. Even though they don't know it, cloaked eyes continue to watch along the treetops, some with machinery like bow and arrows, and others with swords and daggers drawn at hand's length. Jahru grabs his large bag and swings it over his shoulder.

“Ready?” the man moans unpleasantly.

Little Oahron yawns widely as he stretches his arms some more, “…but I am so tired, Uncle.”

Jahru growls again, exposing his pointed teeth and sharp claws, actually looking like a Zenroe. “You should have got some rest, kid!” Jahru asserts while yawning. After everything he has done through the night, he does not feel like listening to complaining right now. “Let us get moving, kid. Your parents are waiting in the lobby to see you by now.”

The half awake boy willingly nods and begins moving to keep up with his uncle who has already made his way down the hill. It is the second day with mere hours of sleep, but oh well, that is enough I suppose. The scenery remains fairly constant: grass, trees, tall plants, more grass, more trees, and even flying bugs and then more trees. This beauty, however, is not so pleasant with heavy eyes trying to focus on it while dragging through it. Mostly ignoring everything, they travel hunch-backed, looking like deformed men pulling ropes in an old tower.

Oahron snaps open his canteen to take a drink of water, but instead, turns it over, it is already empty... That is strange, it should be full. He lifts it high, tongue out, hoping for even a drop to moisten his dry lips. Not even a drip-drop slips out as his tongue waves in the air.

“Uncle Jahru, I am out of water,” the boy complains. “I know mama and dad will have a bunch for me when we find them, but they are still so far away.”

“Well then, you can get more from the great fountains of Futora. Blah, just one more day, kid.”

In a tiny-kiddish voice the child responds below Jahru’s range of hearing, “but I am thirsty noww...” The child looks up to the tall man with puffy cheeks and tear-filled eyes. He wishes that he would listen to him, “at least show me that you care.”

Jahru pulls out his canteen, “Here kid, take a drink of this!” Still tired he lynches his arm forward, but knowing better, the boy puts his hands over his mouth and shakes his head. “It is just water,” the man insists. “I found a small spring looking for you in the woods.” Taking it with shaky hands, he sniffs, then takes a little sip, and then gulps it down quickly.

“If it tastes funny,” the uncle tells him. “It is because it was 'all sanctified' and stuff to keep us vital from the fairies around the waters. The little creatures saw how tired I was, and all that stuff, so drink up now.” Oahron looks up at Jahru with his big eyes.

“Fairies?” he questions with a sarcastic tone.

“Yep,” the man responds with no enthusiasm.

“You know fairies are not real, silly uncle,” Oahron persuades upon half-grinning at the stern Zenroe. Hiccupping, he can taste something nasty in his mouth; the boy feels a bit dizzy and almost falls down. He spits a little back and swallows the rest. The canteen, because of the kid, has now been completely back-washed, but that doesn't really matter now, at least to his thirsty uncle. All the drinks Uncle ever has are nasty and throat-burning anyway.

“They are very real, kid. Anything can be real on Zein, bad or good. Zein means energy after all, didn’t you know? That's all we really are. I know it means some other things as well.” Jahru pulls yet another canteen from atop his big bag and takes a looong drink. This one is not as full as it is supposed to be either! The drink bottles were left at the campsite during their little night venture so... it should all still be there.

“Never look past your dreams,” Jahru says a little dazed as he pauses, pondering for but a moment. Both him and the kid stumble more than a little funny, using each other to hold the other up. “There is a watering hole just south of this region. We can refill it there my dear bratty little nephew.”

He looks at the boy oddly as his eyebrow protrudes upward. “You know kid, in dreams,” Jahru whispers, “at least no one is ever really dead. Nightmares can be looked past because of how good dreams are. The happy dreams fade away all the bad memories, the things that hurt, but the bad dreams can make you too scared to sleep to even find the good ones anymore.”

Things become oddly quiet again. Oahron really does feel a lot better now as he stretches his back. Maybe the water is special, or him believing so tricks him to make him feel that way. There are still many eyes watching them from up high as they move about the path, but they always fade as their Dahzenku orbs near close to them.

“How do you know this area so far out this way, Uncle Jahru?” the boy questions, trying to avoid talking too much. His scruffy Zenroe uncle tilts his canteen up, latching it with his teeth until every last drop is finished. You can see by his throat that there was still a bit left which he has just guzzled down his neck. He really seems to be enjoying that drank, whatever the strange thing that it may be.

“I used to play out here,” he answers --- hoping to end the conversation before it progresses any further.

“And why did you stop coming?” he asks curiously. The man lifts his canteen high above his face just as Oahron had done, hoping to get that last danged drop!

“Look kid!” he responds a little loopy, sounding like he wants to say something else. “That is something you do not... need... to know…” the brute asserts with his paw lifted. “They were here! They were here, and then they were gone… All of them are gone! Vanished, they are no longer here…” he growls as his claws penetrate the skin of the side of his head.

“Do you see that now, you little brat? They are no longer with me! Do you see that!? Are you happy now!? Answer me, now! Right grrr now, kid!” the brute demands with his teeth gleaming. The Zenroe speaks while dazed, a little monotone, but a whole lot upset, and the young Zenroe stares blankly as slobber pulls down his uncle's face.

“Sorry I asked…” the boy grumbles, shaking his head, trying to look away as he rolls his eyes with relative confinement in his uncle’s grasp. “Why do I always get in trouble with you, Uncle?” he questions too low for the man to hear him. It is not that the boy does not care, but honestly, he thinks his uncle has gone crazy out here in these woods. Whatever he has done, it was stupid! He won’t even tell me what it is.