Dahj spent the first couple of days resting after returning to the Homestead. He feared that his recklessness and neglect to pay attention to his surroundings were due to extreme fatigue. It had been a rough ‘awakening’ for him. Going forward, mental strength and focus would be just as important as physical strength.

Distractions needed to be eliminated, Dahj decided as he picked away another failed bandage Brenloru had offered. Utilizing herbs the moose had stored within the Homestead, some relief had been provided this time, but the concoction did nothing to speed up the process of healing.

Dahj found peace when visiting the underground gardens and farming plots the animals had constructed. Depressions in the largest tunnels of the weaving cave system that led into the mountain side from the massive cedar tree were filled with soil and natural fertilizers. Seeds were spread by the tending animals to grow their own food to sustain the community through winter.

Small gaps in the ceiling of the shallow tunnels were purposefully caved-in to allow sunlight to pour over the underground plots of land. Photosynthesis could still occur, but cold air could only slightly seep in, preventing the bite of frost from killing the plants. The animals were limited to growing root crops and other durable, winter-season vegetables; things that didn’t mind the dark, dank conditions of tunnel farming. Potatoes were the most harvested item, but anything helped to feed the community. Farming also offered a hobby to stimulate the inhabitants during the boring cold streak.

Dahj had offered to assist in farming frequently for multiple reasons. Digging and grabbing was a good way to train the dexterity of his hands. His leathery hands easily excavated the soft, moist soil off the tunnels, and his handfuls were much larger than the rodent’s, making quick work of the trenches. Farming also took his mind off more worrisome topics such as his herd or the predators. Lastly, after a lifetime of a grass-based diet, he looked forward to expanding his palate and trying something home-grown.

***

As the temperature outside the tree rapidly dropped, common areas became more populated by mammals that would huddle close together for warmth and fantasize about what they wanted to do once spring came. Some reminisced about visiting the rivers or lakes to bathe and play. Others made promises of physical feats such as climbing the highest mountain or building the biggest dam anyone has ever seen.

Once the animals exhausted their ideas, some would fall asleep, leaving only the sound of dripping water that came through the ceiling. Morale was generally low at this time of year within the Homestead – Dahj was unsure if it was related to the looming threat of evolving predators in the area, or just the annual harsh weather.

Sitting at a large wooden table in the commons area, Dahj inspected his two remaining defensive tools. Brenloru had been unable to find the hatchet knocked from his hand during the wolf attack, as it had imbedded itself under a deep layer of snow.

“Potatoes, again?” complained a young chipmunk as his mother delivered dinner. “I want the red squishies!”

“Squishies? What are you talking about? This is what we have available to us. Its winter…”

“Red squishies!” the child protested.

“You mean berries? I’m sorry dear, those simply aren’t available right now. In a few months when you’re older we will return to our forest and look for the red squishies.”

Chuckling lightly to himself as Brenloru approached, Dahj realized he wasn’t the only one craving spring’s comforts such as berries or warmer weather.

“We need to visit the Designer,” Brenloru said flatly over Dahj’s shoulder as the eavesdropping bison continued to roll the weapon over in his hands. “Something is off and our recent experiences out in the land are not something to be ignored. We cannot become afraid to leave the tree. I sense we are being hunted.”

***

Dahj and Brenloru were welcomed into the Designer's chamber immediately. They were two of his proudest accomplishments, after all. When asked how everything had been developing, they hastily explained in detail the two separate instances with the wolves. It couldn’t have been a coincidence. These animals were drawn to Dahj, and aggressively.

The Designer's face stayed relatively unchanged throughout both accounts. Visible thoughts sparked and popped from within the Designer’s translucent, bulbous head as he processed the statements, though the activity was low and unimpressed. Small shots of reds and yellows were projected throughout as he processed certain words like ‘ambushed,’ ‘hunted,’ and ‘overly aggressive’.

When they had finished recounting their experiences, the Designer slithered back to his massive desk. His body flushed from a greenish brown to a pale grey; signifying worry or threat. Two of his tentacles rolled various teeth and bones back and forth, inspecting them thoroughly. The large teeth appeared to be those of a carnivore. Long and sharp; used for grabbing and pulling. These teeth were meant for keeping prey in the attacker’s mouth. Other teeth the Designer held had multiple ridges with sharp points. They belonged in the back of a predator's mouth, used for tearing and chewing flesh.

Gas-like clouds of deep blue and purple swirled from within the Designer’s head and torso, visible through his translucent skin as he paced the room. “You know, it’s a tall order to be expected to create diversity on a barren planet. I am going to tell you two something that I have never told another animal living here.” His skin flashed a pale granite color, concealing the gas clouds that swirled within.

Brenloru and Dahj gazed at him, almost afraid to hear what he had to say.

“It seems backwards for me to create all these animals that live harmoniously off the land, only to turn around and design ruthless killing machines to hunt the defenseless little creatures,” he continued, voice shaking slightly. “It would be quite irresponsible for me to do after instating such rigid rules… Well, that's because I didn't design these feral killers.”

Dahj raised an eyebrow as Brenloru stepped back, looking slightly betrayed.

“A long time ago, when I was simultaneously developing both plants and animals, I was feeling overwhelmed. There was simply too much going on. As I tried to make the planet’s regions as diverse as possible, previous projects that I had ignored for too long were slipping away from my influence. Species of both flora and fauna were crossbreeding. Plants and animals alike were turning up in unintended regions. I was losing control on the spread of my own creations,” the Designer said as his body color flushed from pale grey to an embarrassed yellow.

“I sought the assistance of a colleague that I had designed myself; a cunning creature with supreme attributes such as strength, size, speed, and stealth, with the intention of having a second pair of eyes and ears to monitor the spread of my projects. I gave her the tools she would need to not only help control my projects, but create some of her own.” The Designer tossed a tooth up in the air with one tentacle to catch it with another. “She started out with simple things such as decorative plants. In fact, she is responsible for most of the world’s flowers. She liked the pretty things.” He scoffed, then turned to inspect charts hung on the wall of his residence.

“We worked together, side by side for a very long time in this tree. Sometime through our relationship, I became so focused on species development that I stopped leaving the tree to monitor the land around me. This entailed designing plants that would combat other quickly-spreading species of flora. My assistant suggested that I grant some the capabilities of suffocation, poisoning, or consuming others. I agreed, thinking it would be a suitable method to cut-back the more obnoxious, dominant ones.”

“Then, I experienced the same issues with animals… On multiple occasions, my assistant and I discussed how certain quickly-reproducing animals; such as rabbits or rats were exceeding appropriate numbers in their population growth – just like the plants! The regions they were native to simply could not handle the traffic of such quickly-spreading rodents and other small mammals. Lands were being torn up. Fecal matter was excessive. Disease was spreading. It was out of my hands.” The Designer shook his head in regret.

“I had developed them to be tied to certain regions, so they did not feel comfortable moving. I gave them a large appetite, which resulted in pressure on native plants. I gave them the ability to reproduce quickly; anticipating a low infancy survival rate. The Designer moved to a nearby wall to inspect various pelts of small mammals displayed against it.

“My first option was to communicate with the Souls of this planet,” he continued, brushing a rabbit pelt with his long tentacle. “I requested that they change the weather of certain areas – to make the environment inhospitable to these small creatures. However, the mammals simply evolved new pelts themselves and methods of dealing with harsh climates. Others simply burrowed and slept through the cold. Insects would lay eggs and die in the winter, only to have the eggs they had left behind hatch in the spring. Fascinating, really. They were far more stubborn than I had anticipated.”

“So, what method ended up cutting back the population of these various creatures?” Dahj asked.

“Well, that’s where she comes in.” The Designer held up one of the teeth he had been fiddling with nervously in his rocky tentacle. “Carnivorous predators. She added another tier to the food chain… At first, I was cautious about granting her such power, but when I saw the results, I knew that this was the only way to put a dent in these species’ overwhelming population.”

“She promised that her population growth would be far more throttled. That a pair of mammals would only bear a single offspring. That their lifetime would be much longer and their appetite fierce. I allowed her to introduce her proudest achievements. Long, sharp teeth within a powerful jaw. Sets of four claws. Exceptional vision in darkness and desire to hunt in packs. Low profiles and the ability to prowl unseen, and unheard.”

“Wolves and mountain lions were her first projects, then,” The Designer paused as he picked up a bear claw, “she stole species that were once herbivores, designed only to consume plants; such as the bear. They were content with their diet of berries, seeds, and brush. Then I caught wind of instances of bear attacks. They had begun eating other animals. They sought flesh in viscous, overpowering assaults. When I approached her about it, she lied. Claimed she had no idea what caused this behavior.” His body flashed a furious red before slamming his tentacle on the wall through a hanging pelt in frustration. The tooth he held shattered and fell to the floor, fragmented. “Next were badgers and wolverines. Some stayed loyal, such as a few individuals harbored in this very tree, though others grew long teeth and claws and could not ignore their hunger for flesh. They, too, committed aggravated assaults on smaller creatures.”

“So… you want war? To end this?” Dahj asked slowly.

“No, no, never war… I hope.” The Designer shifted his seemingly liquid-filled body with a slosh. It calmed from a heated red to a blueish-purple. “Like I said… you are Guardians,” I just need assistance while I try to come up with a non-violent solution to this problem. I have begun to prepare the residents with the tools they need, along with an escape route, should they begin to encroach on the Homestead.”

“Anyway, eventually she left as the result of a verbal altercation. I wanted her out. I told her I no longer wanted her influence on my land, but it was too late. I had given her tools and information she needed to continue her dominance. At this point, it was clearly no longer about population control. It was about converting every herbivore to carnivorous habits and pushing me out of my position of Lead Designer.”

“So, what do you need from us?” Dahj asked sternly. Adrenaline coursed through his veins.

“More time, while you gain the four blessings of the planet – before she does.” The Designer’s body paled back to its natural, nearly translucent state. Stimulated, visible responses, thoughts, and plans darted through his head. Colorful sparks popped as the Designer thought about the earth’s Souls.

Dahj raised an eyebrow. “The blessings of the planet... You mean, like when the plants surround me… or when the rocks attached to my fist?”

“Yes,” the Designer replied with a smile on his face. “There are powerful souls of the planet that represent each element. Land, Atmosphere, Aquatic, and Reclamation. At some point during my project on earth, I found that I could communicate with them, and sought their approval for my projects to continue. I persuaded Land to allow me to grow plants and inhabit dry ground with animals, once we agreed on certain areas that would be inhospitable to any life. I convinced Aquatic to welcome creatures to both fresh and salt-water based habitats. Atmosphere was even excited about the new life in a once absent airspace and helped develop birds based on the rules of the sky. Reclamation… was more difficult. I had very little time with him before he ended the alliance.”

“But, I already have Land’s powers…” Dahj said. “Why not the other three?”

“I have recently lost alignment with all four,” The Designer replied softly. “I feel my powers weakening. I still possess their blessings, but just barely. Since the end in communication, weather patterns, natural disasters, and shifts in the earth’s crust have become far more intense and nearly impossible to predict. I fear it is because she got to them first.”

“Somehow, you have already gained Land’s powers – probably due to your demonstration of outstanding leadership through your life. They are two-fold. Physical fortification, and powers of rejuvenation; which your friend Brenloru here has begun to study diligently. Your body is growing more resilient, and the land responds to your physical wounds.”

Dahj made a tight fist as he suddenly felt very aware of the sturdy horns atop his head.

“I need you to find the Souls, and request their blessing,” the Designer said, narrowing his eyes on Dahj.

“Where do I even start? This region is far more expansive than I originally perceived.” Dahj thought back to the description of the planet the Designer had given him. Vast continents separated by sprawling oceans. Mountains that led into the sky, jutting above seemingly endless valleys.

“These are the key – my appendages.” The Designer gestured to his elemental extremities. “Each used to possess the power of a unique element. They once coursed with power that I could apply to my creations and use to shape the land at my will. Now, they have grown weak.”

Dahj inspected each tentacle closer. One that once burned brightly had extinguished; only embers smoldered. Atmosphere was considerably deflated. Aquatic had shriveled. Land appeared to be made of mere rubble.

“I need you to visit unique geographical features throughout the land that strongly represent the corresponding element. Attune my respective appendage in each location to regain elemental harmony. Once fully charged, I should be able to resume communication with the proper Soul and narrow-in on their current location.” The Designer articulated each of his empowered tentacles separately.

Dahj shook his head, dumbfounded. “Which one should we start with?”

“Begin with Land. I trust you are quite familiar with it, no? It was not a coincidence that I chose a leader of the forest, and one of the plains.” The Designer grinned at his specimens. “Rocks… wood… anything of chlorophyll will satiate its thirst for power, as long as the place is special.”

“It’s a wild shot in the dark, but it’s all I’ve got,” the Designer said, voice shaking. “The threat continues to press closer. My creations will soon become extinct. I will lose my power to manipulate the elements at my will. I will have no purpose here. I need to find the Souls and resume my legacy on this planet.”

The Designer firmly grasped his appendage that represented the power of land using a free tentacle. With a firm tug and a deep grunt, he removed it from his body, leaving a fleshy, empty socket. The vacant hole swirled with blues and purples. He approached Dahj, holding out his own severed arm. Dahj took the arm hesitantly and tucked it away in a pouch at his side.

“What will you do in the meantime?” Brenloru inquired as he resisted the urge to shutter.

“Continue to develop defensive traits. Horns, hooves, and speed have helped our herbivores, but only for so long. We need something more. I am pleased to see that your bodies have adapted well to an erect posture and apposable thumbs…” the Designer replied as he turned back to the pelts displayed against his chamber wall. “With the assistance of your defensive tools, we may just be able to hold them back for a little longer. I look forward to finding which species turns out to truly be the ‘fittest’ Guardians.”

***

Dahj followed Brenloru into a private room down a hallway of the main tree where they could decompress. Retrieving the lent appendage from his side pouch locked him in a trance while rolling it in his hand. It was incredibly fragile. Small pieces of rubble would crumble with light crackles and pops before falling to the floor if he wasn't careful with it. The smell of pungent soil mixed with gasses – Dahj suspected – filled the air.

“We need to think of places to start – places in the region where the appendage can empower itself,” Brenloru mumbled. “And quit that! If you don't stop playing with it, he's not gonna have any left!”

Dahj grumbled and stuffed the lifeless arm back into the sack he wore around his waist. It crumbled pitifully.

“Strongly represent the element of land…” Brenloru muttered under his breath.

“A forest?” Dahj guessed as he leaned back in his chair.

“Sure, sure… a forest. We'll find the deepest, densest forest we can – just teeming with life. One with a healthy amount of ground cover and a beautiful canopy. One that never runs dry but also never saturates.” Brenloru stared intently as if he already knew the perfect place.

“How about the tallest plateau we can find, then the deepest canyon?” Dahj said, referencing his herd’s old winter resting ground; it possessed a certain charm.

“Yes. And the widest valley backdropped by triumphant mountains. And then the creepiest cave we can muster up the guts to spelunk!” Brenloru said before howling in laughter.

“One time, I was out foraging with a herd mate. It was soon after we arrived in this area – after migrating south from the frigid north. My buddy and I, we found ourselves a cave at the top of a mountainous ridgeline. We waited until the sun was shining right into it, around early sunset; this way we could see as far back as possible, you know. We were fascinated by this place… a massive opening, yet heavily protected by various encroaching roots and jagged rocks.” Brenloru stared deeply into the wall ahead of him, as if looking into the cave he was referencing.

“As we approach the mouth of the cave, a deep, raspy growl echoed throughout. We both jumped back.” Brenloru mimicked the shock in his face. “I looked up to catch two oval, yellow eyes, deep within. The sun refracted off the eyes, causing them to explode in vibrant brilliance. The color was intimidating, yet soothing. I'll never forget it.” Brenloru’s voice calmed as he scratched his narrow, white beard, nodding. “Yes. I'd like to go there. I can tell that place was special.”

“Deal,” replied Dahj, satisfied. “With our knowledge of the land combined, this should be a quick journey. I don't believe we should need to venture far to find powerful places.”

“I think you and I can both agree it will be better to wait for spring to begin our venture, no?” Brenloru said sternly. “There is no reason to attempt battling the elements while avoiding the hunt of predators. You heard the Designer. Weather patterns and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense.”

Dahj looked deflated, but Brenloru was right. They could use the spare time until spring to rest up. Practice combining herbs for medicinal purposes, and craft additional defensive tools. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know more of the residents of Cedar Homestead; perhaps some would have directions to grand places.

“You have my assistance as well.” Festelda exited the shadows into the room where Dahj and Brenloru had been plotting. “You both know I love this area we call home just as much as you do, and I want to offer my navigation, and my daggers!” She gripped the hilts of her teeth-daggers proudly.

“I suppose you do scale a tree quite well…” Brenloru smiled.

“And your skills in concealment are clearly superb,” Dahj said to the little eavesdropper.