Page 39 of Orange Lake
“What? Seriously? No! I’m sorry for the confusion. It doesn’t talk to me. I just felt like getting it because it’s, well, you know, the color pink. I like pink and pastel colors.”
I can breathe again. Clearly, there are so many confusing things about her and her kind. What we need is more knowledge about her kind. Of all the crystals she had to choose.
“That crystal is a powerful one,” Roqs said.
I nodded.
“I thought all the powerful crystals from this place were harvested already?” She queried. So, she had been listening to me.
“I’d been telling her about the history of the Purple Tribe’s lost lake,” I said when Roqs raised an eyebrow at me. I turned to Brin. “True, but as I said, our planet can produce more crystals. This place is also guarded now. Some powerful crystals still grow in this area.”
She nodded. “Why is the pink crystal a powerful one?”
“It’s special because it can heal deep wounds. We call itSurca. That’s how powerful it is.”
“Bring back the dead? Why don’t they harvest it?”
“It’s still small. Jigen is trying to cultivate it so it can heal more than 1 person. It is worth gazillions. It can help regenerate cells.”
“I see.” She looked back at the water, looking amazed at what a crystal can do. “It looks so pretty among the white crystals.” She gushed. “Plus it looks only ten or fifteen feet below. I can dive fast then bring it up in two minutes.”
That’s it. “No,” I said firmly and dragged her arm towards back the mansion. I placed my arm around Roqs’ shoulder and dragged him back.
“Come out Coone. It’s time to head back,” I called out.
Brin was surprised. Of course, I always know when someone is spying on us. And Coone is the most curious person in my group.Plus, he can only last less than an hour before Crix or Volks start hitting him for making fun of them.
Coone swept past us and walked to the mansion. Clearly, he will not slow down his walk so that Brin can catch up. I was merely amused by his antics. Brin is specially very curious for him because he and all of us here, can’t figure out what she is.
Of course, now the enemy knew that she is a dud because she can even negate the effects of a calcifying stone. It can be a disadvantage or an advantage for them. Duds are very rare. Even in other planets. Most can control our crystals that is why crystals are our main export. And they grow fast easily.It takes longer, decades, for special crystals to form.
However, there are wild stories in the past that a dud can control a crystal with devastating effect. But there are no records, only stories handed from the old generation to the next. It worries me that I can’t find it in myself to present her to the Council. An alien who entered our planet, even a female, is ok. But an alien female who is a dud? The last time it happened was only a decade ago. It caused some stir in the net and the news suddenly died down. No news is not good news. The dud discovered by the red tribe simply disappeared.
Brin sighed. “I will show you guys one day it’s safe to swim.”
Roqs and I had a look. Yes, note to others. Do not leave her unattended even for a short period of time. She will drown herself just to prove that she can swim.
Back at the mansion, we chose a room that is overlooking the mountains instead of the lake. I do not like that the lake calls to her as she says. She was puzzled that we are going to another room.
She decided to stood by the windows and look at the mountains. It is peaceful here. Almost the same as what I feel in my little piece of land where I left her. The winds have picked up. In this part of the planet, it becomes very cold and everything freezes for 3 months. But my friends love it. I was willing to give them a piece of my property but they declined. Of course, Crix being from the Purple Tribe, his pride will not let him accept kindness even from me.
And this is what he came up with. He occupied a huge mountain terrain and all the rivers and lakes that came with it. Everyone thought this place is barren, no signs of life when I first saw it. Look at it now.
“Tell me more about the medicinal crystals,” Brin whispered while looking at the mountains.
Argh, she is persistent like a mongrel who wants a bone!
Roqs saw my expression and decided to explain. He is a tattletale but unknown to him, he likes to explain things to people. Even when we are young.
“Nobody really knew the history. Our civilization has existed some millions of years ago. It was said that the purple lake has a special crystal. The crystal was thrown out years ago by an angry Purple King because he was angry at the gods. Now it sits at the middle of the lake. The crystal can be used to generate cells, more for medicinal use which made the Purple Tribe in the early days the strongest tribe in the planet.”
“They are not the strongest tribe in the planet anymore?”
“They still are.” I saw her surprise because Roqs is the alpha of the Silver Tribe. For Roqs to admit that the Purple Tribe is the strongest tribe in the planet, it makes you wonder why.
Roqs took hold of her shoulders and guided her towards one of the padded seats, while still keeping the view of mountains. I sat on the other side of Brin. Roqs opened one of the side tables and produced some drinks. A relaxed alpha and between the two of us, he is always the good host. I sighed. Roqs is feeling decadent to share some stories. He likes Brin. But I don’t think he likes her the same way I feel.
“Thanks,” she took the tall glass from Roqs. He knew she doesn’t like the water in this planet. But Roqs had the foresight to explain to our hosts about how to process water for her. It was a really nice touch and what makes Roqs a good leader. He knew what other needs and remembers it.
