Chapter Five
It being evening, Lawrence soon found himself getting sleepy, despite the fact that he'd spend much of the last three days in an enforced sleep. He'd looked over what of Cyril's exhibition hall he could see, and was too nervous to try turning around. He was too unused to the suspending effect of the force-field, not sure how to turn in what were effectively weightless conditions in this body he had only had a few days to get used to. The darkening sky through the windows, combined with the boredom, conspired to send Lawrence into a semi-doze.
He wasn't sure how much longer it was when he became aware of a psychic voice in his head.
I have returned. This was an unforseen circumstance, so I have returned to assist you.
Lugia? Lawrence queried in the same manner. Is that you?
Yes, it is I. Lugia replied.
So this is how you intended to get revenge on me? Lawrence said. I must say it is unusual, but very effective. I've had enough already.
Revenge? Lugia repeated the word in such an astonished tone of voice that Lawrence was convinced the amazement was real. What is this 'revenge' you speak of?
Lawrence was amazed to realise that the concept was totally alien to this Guardian of the Seas.
You mean you didn't read my mind, find out that my friend Cyril, who had similar designs as I was coming, and deliberately leave me as his target to get your own back on me? He asked.
You really think I would put you through what I tried to avoid myself? Lugia asked. You humans have nasty ideas. No, I did not. I had no way of knowing this friend of yours was coming.
But you are psychic. You could have read my mind and known that way. Lawrence replied.
I will scan the thoughts a human is thinking of at the time if necessary. It is how I knew you to fear drowning when I pulled you into the water. Lugia responded. However, to read your deeper thoughts would have required more effort on my part, and discomfort for you. I would not invade the privacy of your mind in such a way. Lugia told him.
Well, whether you intended it or not, it's happened. This is very uncomfortable and I swear to you that I have learned my lesson. I knew Cyril would try to catch the birds to draw you out, knew that the world could be imperilled again if he did that. So I flew out and allowed myself to be caught to stop him. I sacrificed myself in the hope that having caught a Lugia, he'd leave the birds alone, and it seems it worked, for he hasn't gone after them. Lawrence remembered the scene of events leading to his capture and hoped Lugia was reading his surface thoughts now, to see the truth of what he said. I promise that I will become like a Shamouti Islander, and will put the word out to all the other collectors I know that you and the birds are a no-go, and why. I will try to be a Guardian to you and the three birds in my own limited fashion, as much as I can. I have learned, honestly, you must see that!
Yes, I do see that what you are saying is true. Lugia responded, and Lawrence fancied that his mental tone was gentler. I sought only to let you know for a month what a responsibility it was that I bear. Although your capture by this man was unintentional, it has indeed taught you what you needed to learn. I do not think any more lessons are needed.
Lawrence could now see Lugia through one of Cyril's windows. Lugia was peering in through it, and could see Lawrence suspended in the force field. Lugia's eye blinked as Lawrence watched.
How well do you know these mechanisms? Will the field adjust to you as your size changes? I do not wish to restore you to yourself only to have you ripped apart by the forces around you.
Lawrence winced at the mental image Lugia's words invoked. I know these things well enough to know that they adapt to the subject inside of them. They will adapt as I change size, it is safe to change me back. Lawrence told him, glad he'd read up on the technical specifications of the force-fields when he'd bought them. He knew that Cyril would have the same ones, for it was Cyril who had told him where he could get the force-fieldsfrom. Cyril had several contacts, both legal and shady, and if you wanted a certain product, Cyril knew where to go, or knew someone else who knew where to go for it.
Then I shall do so. Lugia said. It will involve some sensory distortion as your body changes from Lugia to human. This could be distressing if you experienced it while using your senses. It would be less uncomfortable for you if you close your eyes and try to blank your mind during the process.
Lawrence closed his eyes. Okay, you can start. he said. He tried to blank his mind, but found he could not fail to feel his body begin to shrink, his wings becoming arms, his tail disappearing, his legs beginning to lengthen. He was aware of his neck shortening, his head changing shape, and a dizziness overcame every other sensation, washing over him like a wave over a beach. He opened his eyes once the dizziness had cleared, and stretched, flexing his human fingers again, feeling his legs, and his arms stretch. He put his hands u and felt his own hair, pulling the curly side-locks forward to look at and confirm that he had his hair back.
"Thank you!" he said, knowing that Lugia would hear.
It was at this point that Cyril walked in.
"Lawrence, you're back to yourself!" he said. "How? Lugia?" he asked. He looked at where Lawrence's eyes were looking, and turned to see Lugia peering in. "That's Lugia!" Cyril said, quite unnecessarily.
"Don't even think about it, Cyril!" Lawrence said, having seen the glint in Cyril's eyes, and Cyril's look towards his chair. "Lugia's out of bounds from now on. If he's caught and the birds battle, the world is royally screwed. It's possible that catching Lugia and leaving the birds alone wouldn't mess up the world, but I think it would happen sooner or later. I think the birds live in harmony because Lugia keeps things that way. Take him away, and the harmony isn't maintained. All it would then take is one little thing to go out of balance, and the knock-on effect unbalances everything else and bang! There goes the world's weather and we're back to a current, tornadoes, and the flooding of the world."
Cyril looked uncertainly at Lugia. "Is he right?" he asked.
Yes, he is correct. Remember: he has been a Lugia himself. He knows these things because he himself was subconsciously keeping the three elements in balance.
"Lugia is vital to the balance of the elements." Lawrence told Cyril. "Think about it. Even catching Lugia could be the event that puts things out of kilter. Cyril, you've had Lugia in your collection, even if it was me in a Lugia's body. I was still a Lugia, and you caught me. I've never done that, you've beaten me there. Heck, you've done something else no-one else has nor, I hope will ever do again."
"What's that then?" Cyril asked. Lawrence spread his arms and gave Cyril an embarrassed smile.
"You've had ME in your collection!" he said. "In human form, I may add. I don't intend for anyone else to get the chance. If you want bragging rights, Cyril, you've got them-you've collected Lugia and I. No-one else need know that it was me both times."
Cyril nodded. "Okay, I guess you're right. It's a shame. I would have trained him, swam with him, made friends with him."
Swimming and befriending is still possible while I am free. Lugia told Cyril. Or do I need to give you the same lesson I gave my would-be Guardian there? He asked, nodding towards Lawrence.
"Um-no, I don't think that will be necessary, Sir." Cyril said. "I won't try to catch you."
"Okay, Cyril, there's just one more thing you need to do." Said Lawrence.
"What's that?" asked Cyril, looking a bit confused. Lawrence looked down at Cyril, and spread his arms to indicate the frames and the energy between them that still kept him suspended.
"Would you mind letting me down?"