Chapter 19
The plants didn’t completely retreat, they just returned to normal size and ceased moving. The destruction they had caused remained. Of the Nightmare Games arena there was no sign, just a mess of churned up earth, tangled, twisted trees and rubble. The long grass also stayed, along with some vines and tendrils still snaking across the earth. The supernaturals could only stare at the mess in disbelief. But at least it was over.
“Where on Earth did that massive blast come from?” exclaimed Madam Nocturna as she rose to her feet and brushed leaves and twigs from her torn, dirty gown.
She just received confused looks from those in her immediate vicinity. Professor Longenfang struggled from a massive mess of vines and came towards her, returning to human form on the way. He had sustained some injuries, and these healed as he shook his head to clear it of the buzzing.
“I’m sure that was heard for miles around. I doubt our glamour hid it,” he said, a little too loudly.
“We’ll have to tell the locals that a meteor hit or something,” Madam Nocturna poked a finger into one ear.
Slowly, the teachers and students began to gather together. No-one could believe it was actually over, and so easily!
But where had that fantastic bolt from the blue come from?
From off to one side came a curse, and Professor Abbacus appeared, battered, the metal half of his head scratched and dented, the glass cover of his right eye smashed. His coat hung in tatters around him and beneath scratches could be seen on his metal body. His mechanical arm dangled broken at his side and he was limping badly. But he still pulled the shreds of his coat together with his human hand and attempted to rake together what was left of his dignity. Slowly he became aware that everyone was staring at him; the teachers, the rest of the NGOC and the students.
“What?” he growled.
“It was you, wasn’t it?” asked Madam Nocturna. When he didn’t answer immediately, she pointed straight up.
“What? Oh that. Yes, it was me,” he answered as though it had been absolutely nothing.
Madam Nocturna gaped at him, then, when he didn’t continue with the full and detailed explanation she wanted, she prompted him; “Well, out with it!”
Professor Abbacus sighed. No use being tight-lipped about this one. “Alright, it came from my satellite, the one I was using to monitor the playing field.”
“What? How?” gasped Madam Nocturna.
“It’s not just a surveillance device, Elliana … it also has a rather large Magickally enhanced laser installed on it.”
“You have a satellite orbiting overhead with a giant death ray pointed directly at this school?”
Professor Abbacus spread his hands. “I make no secret of my paranoia. It’s fortunate Harley managed to get it working actually – it’s been out of commission since 1895.”
Madam Nocturna could only gape at him. “Well, it’s all over now,” she finally managed to splutter. “You can decommission it.”
“Are you insane? After what just happened? It’s staying right there, primed and ready, for just the next such major debacle!” Professor Abbacus turned away with a curse. “That’s gratitude for you.” He limped off. “Save all your sorry backsides, and for what?” he continued to grumble.
“I guess we should thank him properly later,” Longenfang suggested when Abbacus was out of earshot.
“Yes, but-but he now has a huge deadly weapon aimed at the school!” Madam Nocturna continued. “I feel even less safe than before!”
Longenfang patted her shoulder. “We’ll deal with it later. Let’s just get everyone inside and fed.” He gestured towards the brilliant red glow on the eastern horizon.
Madam Nocturna sighed. “Alright people.” She clapped her hands. “Everyone into the dining hall. I’m sure you’re all hungry and tired. Let’s see if we can rustle you all up something for dinner.”
The shell-shocked teachers, visitors and students all started to file through the long grass and weeds towards the school. But as they moved they became aware of a soft rustling noise, like wind moving through leaves. Horrified that the Magickally enhanced plants were moving once more, everyone stopped and turned to look.
There were plants coming from the ruins of the Nightmare Games arena, but these were shrinking as they approached, returning to human form. They were the unfortunate tree-spirits when been caught up by the Plantagenesis rune – players, students and workers.
All looked extremely sheepish about what they’d been forced to do. A few were even crying. Teachers hurried to comfort them. But Miss Eiche, hung back, looking worried. Where was Professor Florana? She had seen him struggling in Connifer’s giant hands, and then he had fallen into the plants below.
But all the trees filed out and Florana didn’t emerge. Was he dead? Miss Eiche’s eyes filled with tears. Professor McDingley took her arm. “Look, the sun’s rising. He went through a lot and could be already planted.” He escorted her away.
In the dining hall no-one said much. The usual excited buzz of conversation was no more than a few muted whispers. While the kitchen staff whipped up a quick feed for everyone, Madam Nocturna rose to her feet and cleared her throat. “I guess this means you are the new president of the Nightmare Games Committee.” She glanced at the fire-elemental, who jumped in her seat and quickly stood up.
“Er, yes – I suppose,” Mrs Flickerton gasped. “I will have to decide what will be done next. I mean there have been troubles at previous Nightmare Games, but nothing like the full activation of an Eighth Circle Rune!” She gave a hollow laugh. “We had absolutely no idea what President Connifer was up to!” she blurted.
Madam Nocturna lifted a hand. That was, no doubt, up to the massive Nocturnal Council investigation she was sure would be initiated into the whole affair. She also hoped they would get Professor Abbacus to shut down his enormous laser. “What we need to do now is repair and rebuild our school. Everyone who is upset and traumatised, I will arrange for counselling. All lessons next week are suspended so everyone can get their heads back together. Those of you who wish to return home can do so.”
That announcement was met with some wan smiles and a smattering of applause. Then a hasty meal of pasta was produced by the kitchen elementals and dished out. Even though everyone was stressed out and tired, they were still supernaturals and it was extremely hard to turn a supernatural off his food.
Even Alice cleared her plate. She’d hoped Harley would show up to join her, but he must have already retired in the computer room down in the basement. She sighed. She’d been hoping for an hour in VR with him to take her mind off what had just happened.
She pushed the empty plate away and dropped her chin into her cupped hands. A relationship like this is going to take some getting used to, she thought miserably.
“What’s up?” asked Malcolm, who was seated beside her.
She looked at her big brother as though seeing him for the first time. She remembered how they had gone through the race together, looking for players to evict. He had been looking out for her, just like a big brother was supposed to. She smiled. “I’m sorry – I don’t mean to be miserable. I’m just tired. I’m starting to lose count of all the adventures I’ve been caught up in around here!”
“The adventures of Alice,” Malcolm laughed. “I’m sorry but now this is over I have to get back to the Nocturnal University, back to the normal, boring grind of lessons, lectures and lab sessions.”
She nodded. “It’s been a real slice, bro!”
“Hopefully next time I come to visit we can just have a normal time together.”
“When do you have to leave?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“So soon?”
“Yeah, afraid so. My job was to help Abbacus set up and dismantle all the connections and cameras. The set up’s been done and the dismantling … well, kind of a moot point now!” he laughed again.
Across the tables, some prefect gave the signal, and kids began to drift out of the room. “Want to go for a walk before bed?” Malcolm asked her.
“Sure.” Alice glanced across at Toby and Carla, but they looked like they had rekindled their shaky romance, and were looking lovingly into each other’s eyes. Milly was talking to Nancy.
She also checked to see if Professor Abbacus was going to accost her, but his usual spot at the end of the main table was empty. He had already departed the room. Alice wondered if, now the Nightmare Games were over, he would have to leave the school.
She hoped not.
She rose to her feet and followed Malcolm out. Before leaving the building, they both took a drop of their Luminos Sunblock potion and stepped out into the early morning sunshine.
A few people were already out in the school grounds, mainly trees looking for somewhere to spend the day. The poor spirits still looked numb and pale faced. When they transformed into trees they made stunted, twisted and scruffy-looking growths. They were still suffering from the after-effects of that awful spell. The power that had flowed through them must have been phenomenal, and no doubt some of them had wanted it to continue.
Alice hoped they would pick up over time.
Alice and Malcolm didn’t speak, but their feet carried them to the edge of the wrecked Nightmare Games arena.
“I think it might be a while before the Australian Academy gets to host the Nightmare Games again,” she said softly.
Malcolm snorted and burst out laughing. “If the NGOC even decides to keep the games running!”
Alice giggled. “I’m sure they will. They’ve been going for far too long.”
Malcolm shielded his eyes against the light of the rising sun. “There are still quite a few trees out there on the arena. I wonder if they’re spirits who’ve decided to stay?”
Alice squinted and followed his gaze. One of those trees was quite tall, with a large bushy crown. “That looks like Professor Florana!” She started across the rocky, uneven ground.
“Alice – it mightn’t be safe,” Malcolm warned.
“It’s okay. The Magick’s gone.” She continued on through the rubble, vines, roots and grass and headed up to the middle, to where Connifer had soared to his great height. Only a huge crater remained, surrounded by shards and splinters of wood. It was about twelve metres deep, and a large puddle had already collected at the bottom – either ground water or sleeping elementals.
Off to one side rose Professor Florana, looking particularly green and majestic, unlike the wilted, sad-looking plants outside. “Yes, it’s him alright,” she whispered.
Nearby stood the smaller form of Miss Eiche.
“He was pretty brave – he tried to use the Plantagenesis Magick to save us,” Malcolm murmured.
Alice nodded. “Yes, but in the end it was Abbacus, Harley … and one giant laser.” She looked up at the brightening sky. It was still up there, pointed directly at them. She shivered, not knowing whether to be comforted or scared.
Beside her Malcolm yawned, somewhat spoiling the moment. He snorted again. “Sorry – it’s all catching up with me.”
“Yes, me too. I’ll probably sleep like a log tonight. It’ll be tomorrow night that I toss and turn and fret!” Looks like I’ll probably another meditation session with Madam Nocturna, she thought to herself.
Malcolm patted her arm. “Don’t worry – I’ll see you before I go. I’ll try to see Janice too.”
They headed back to the main building.
Later, as the sun was setting, they returned to the ruined arena to say their goodbyes. Alice really wished Malcolm didn’t have to leave so soon, but she understood that he had studies to continue.
“I reckon one day soon you’ll be joining me at the Nocturnal University,” he told her with a smile.
“Not for a couple of years. Won’t you already be finished your degree by then?”
“Oh no. I plan on being a professional student for a while. Got plants for a masters and a doctorate.” He grinned. “I might even end up teaching at one of the schools.” Then he lowered his voice conspiratorially; “So long as they keep paying me to work there, I’m going to keep studying.”
Alice noticed some people were moving across the arena and gathering around the giant tree that was Professor Florana. “Hey, I wonder what’s going on over there?”
“I have a few minutes. Let’s check it out.” Malcolm led her down through the rubble and around the huge crater.
The people who’d gathered were mostly tree spirits and other elementals who spent their nights outdoors. They were all staring at Florana in disbelief, and the small form of Miss Eiche in human form, who was kneeling at his roots and crying.
Alice’s stomach performed a sickening flip-flop. “What’s going on? Did … did he die?”
“No,” answered one of the trees nearby. Alice recognised Roger, one of the Academy’s gardeners. “He’s not dead – that’s fortunate. But he’s still gone. He’s planted now, permanently.”
“Like … like Miss Verdant planted herself back in 1907?” Alice gasped.
Roger nodded solemnly.
Tears stung Alice’s eyes. “How do you know? How do you know he’s not just … sleeping in? He’s done that before, you know.”
Roger shook his bushy head. “Normally a tree spirit in human form can reach a sleeping tree in tree form and bring him back. But Miss Eiche can’t reach him at all. He’s gone down deep into the sub-botanic matrix. He was already old, and when all that Magick flowed through him last night … well, it was just too for him to handle.”
Alice gulped. She couldn’t keep the tears from flowing. All her memories of the things Florana had done flashed through her mind. She recalled the time he had taken her back to her father’s place, and all the things she had told him about the Supernatural Circus. Then she remembered how he’d saved the day at that evil carnival, and how he’d condemned Baron Falkenstein and Professor Abbacus, saying that he would never work with dead men. He may have been a bit flaky and distracted at times, but he had always been a good, friendly and very knowledgeable teacher.
He would not be teaching her English anymore.
She wandered down to him in a daze. Other tree spirits had gathered around Miss Eiche to comfort her, and no-one made a move to stop Alice from walking up to Professor Florana’s enormous old oak tree. He looked magnificent, so big and strong, like nothing on Earth could move him from his spot. He was so big and gnarly, his bark as rough as stone. She ran her fingers over it in disbelief.
She couldn’t believe it. He had sacrificed himself for this school, just like Baron Falkenstein had done back in 1755, and Miss Verdant in 1907. She looked up, noticing an odd shape in the bark, a strange formation of knots that looked almost like an animal. No, not just any old creature but a bear, a large, roaring ursine with its paws upraised.
Alice stared, convinced she was looking at a trick of the light. But as she shifted position the illusion did not disappear. There really was a picture of a bear outlined in Professor Florana’s bark, which looked uncannily like Grizzer in his full were form.
Alice gulped again, realising that even in his unconscious state, Florana had created a living monument to the sacrificed boy.
Alice slipped her arms around the tree’s enormous trunk, pressed her cheek against him and let her tears flow.
Professor Abbacus continued to grumble and curse as he stomped around his lab. He hadn’t wanted to reveal to anyone that his surveillance satellite was also a weapons platform in the first damn place. He’d sent it up there in 1895 during the Martian invasion. Its purpose had been to fire at approaching spaceships, not down on the planet.
But did they appreciate his effort? No! He swore some more as he paced around the room. He was at a bit of a loose end. Now his job with the NGOC was over he wasn’t sure what he was going to do. He hoped Madam Nocturna would offer him his old job back, but he wasn’t holding his breath … metaphorically speaking. What he didn’t want to do was go back to the Nocturnal Council in Geneva, where all those snooty aristocrats would constantly poke their pointy noses over his shoulder and ask him what nefarious activities he was up to. All he really wanted was to be allowed to continue his research in peace and quiet. That was all he’d ever wanted to do with his life.
Finally he flopped down at his computer and checked on the status of the satellite. All aspects of it were fully operational now. It was primed and ready, in geosynchronous orbit with the Australian Academy, concealed beneath a powerful glamour designed to fool all normal daydweller devices. As Professor Abbacus had clearly demonstrated, not even a creature at the very centre of an Eighth Circle spell could stand up to his Magickally enhanced orbital laser.
He for one felt safer knowing it was up there. But he doubted he’d be allowed to keep it. No doubt the Nocturnal Council were meeting right now to decide what to do with it.
Suddenly his old-fashioned phone rang. “Speak of the devil,” he growled as he snatched it up. “What?” he snapped into the receiver.
But it wasn’t Lord Eldritch at the other end. Instead a different voice answered, one with a clipped Russian accent. “Professor Icarus Abbacus? This is Principal Oleg Bukarev from the Siberian Academy.”
For a moment Abbacus was flummoxed. He had been communicating with Bukarev via email – why was the Principal calling him directly? Then it clicked. If he’d had a heart, it would have been racing with excitement.
“Everything is finally in place for the Tunguska expedition, Professor,” Bukarev continued. “I felt I had to call you in person.”
“Yes, of course, thank you,” said Abbacus.
“I already have my team assembled. I would like to leave in a few weeks, if that’s possible.”
“Yes, it should be. I have no idea where they’re going to put me next.”
“Good. Is there anyone you’d like to bring with you? Or will you be coming alone.”
“I’d like to bring a large army, actually. But I understand the need for a small group. We need to move fast. There are a couple of students here I think would be invaluable, and they are the mage vampire Alice Dibble, and the weres Toby Thompson and Carla Hightower.”
Coming soon! Nocturnal Academy 11 – Tunguska!