Ok, here's the deal. I had to write a creative short story for English, and this is what I came up with. I don't think it's all that good, so I'll probably edit it later and make it a bit longer. I had some trouble making an okay story fit into less than four pages, but I managed. I might also change the title because I don't like it. Actually, I'm not sure why I called it "Promises" now, because only one promise is actually made. Hmmm. Without further ado, the story.
“Here’s your map. I hope you enjoy your stay.” The Alorbis Space Reserve Ranger finished his “welcome and warning” speech with a smile. After Amanda’s family bid him good-bye, they piled into their cruiser and headed for the surface and a weeklong foray into what Amanda’s father termed, “family bonding.” Amanda and her 17-year-old brother, Brian, liked to call it, “our parents make our lives a living hell in the middle of some bloody wilderness.”
As the vehicle touched down in a clearing, Amanda’s father reiterated the safety rules. “Remember, don’t intrude on the Aydeksha. If we’re lucky, they might visit us this week because we’re camped in the middle of their territory.”
“Lucas!” gasped Amanda’s mother. “I thought I told you to pick a safe spot!”
“I did, Karen! The Ranger promised me nothing really political was going on. We’ll be fine.” He turned to the three waiting children. “Brian, you start unpacking the gear. Amanda, you can gather firewood, but don’t wander too far. Sydney, you work with Mom on dinner.”
Brian shuffled toward the car, grumbling about not seeing his girlfriend. Six-year-old Sydney ran to help her mother while Amanda ventured into the forest. The copious undergrowth and towering forest trees soon obscured her view of the campsite, but Amanda, absorbed in her search, did not notice until she held an armful of firewood. Amanda looked around herself, confused and then grew nervous when she did not recognize her surroundings. While attempting to determine which direction she should go, she heard a crack above her. She looked up in time to see a branch descending quickly towards her and knew no more.
Amanda awoke to a breathtaking song. When she opened her eyes, she thought for a moment after seeing the trees that she might be in the California Redwood Forests, until she noticed the small Aydeksha trilling notes on her chest. The creature could easily pose for the cover of a fantasy novel. The size of a kitten and a deep purple color, Amanda only realized it was an actual Aydeksha when she felt the pain in her head ebbing. Vaguely she remembered reading that the Aydeksha, often incorrectly called dragons, possessed salutary songs. Called “souls” because it sounded close to their own word for “person,” they often worked in health clinics after they learned to speak. Noticing Amanda’s state of alertness, the soul ceased its music and blinked at Amanda.
“Do you think you could help me find my family?” she asked it hopefully.
The soul tilted its head, chirped once, and took flight. Amanda stiffly rose and ventured after it. After walking for what seemed like hours, the pair emerged from the forest in front of a giant cave. Several Aydeksha regarded Amanda with antipathy, hissing from their sunning spots, but too languid to bother moving. Amanda squinted in the bright sunlight until the soul she followed led her into the shadowy cave.
Inside, a colossal Aydeksha lay sprawled on a high ledge. Amanda’s guide flew up and began crooning in the grandiose soul’s ear. The behemoth opened one eye and inspected Amanda before speaking. “I am told you are lost.” Amanda nodded. “Do you like our world?” Again, Amanda nodded. “Good. I have been waiting for the right person. I have a job for you. If you promise me to fulfill some responsibilities, I will assure your safe return to your family. I will tell you what the promise entails, but first you must know my reasons. Our race is dying. Not quickly, but slowly. Our problem began eons ago, after the tribes began fighting, but exploitation of our planet’s tourism potential has exacerbated the predicament. A recent meeting of the tribal leaders produced a possible solution: send our children away from this planet. This strategy seems to have helped your race especially to grow. I would like you to care for Mutigar.” The soul gestured to the small purple creature. “She is young, but the young learn best. We hope that by sending our offspring to other parts of the universe we will be able to make others aware of our quandary and receive help in preserving the Aydeksha race. Will you help us?”
Amanda bowed. “I would be honored.”
“Good. Come with me. I will return you to your kin.” Amanda followed the giant soul out of the cave and found him informing the other Aydeksha of the agreement. He instructed her to climb up on his back. Once Amanda scrambled up, Mutigar ensconced herself on Amanda’s shoulders, curling her sinuous tail around Amanda’s upper arm. The lead soul launched himself upward and began beating his wings. In a mere five minutes, he set himself gently in the campsite, careful not to disturb anything.
“Amanda!” cried her mother. “We were so worried! What happened?”
“I can explain. I am Endruke, the regional Aydeksha leader.” Endruke proceeded to tell his tale to Amanda’s family. When he finished, Amanda’s father sighed.
“I’m afraid we can’t help.” Looks of shock greeted this announcement, even from Brian, who looked jealous at Amanda’s fortune. “It’s just not practical to have an Aydeksha on a space station. I’m sorry.”
“With all due respect,” Endruke interrupted, “I did not ask for your help. I require only the agreement of your daughter, and she has consented. Thank you.” He nodded to Amanda and took off again. Mutigar screeched a farewell.
“Please, can we keep her, Daddy?” begged Sydney.
“It’s not like she won’t go if you say no,” put in Brian with a wink at Amanda. “I’ve read that souls can turn invisible if they want.”
“What would it hurt, Dad? I can take care of her. I’m almost fifteen! Please?” Amanda pleaded. Mutigar chirruped at him.
Lucas sighed and threw up his hands. “Fine. Besides, if the locals like us, who’s to say we won’t do more family bonding here?”
Brian groaned and muttered, “Please, no. I don’t think I could stand one more ‘my parents make my life a living hell in some bloody wilderness’ for at least a year.”
Amanda smiled and whispered back, “We won’t have to if you find an animal to take home, too.”
So, what do you think? I know it's not really all that great, but I think if I just flesh it out a little it will work better. Stupid page limit. Grrr.
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