By J. M. Allison
“Phezznibbet Maplebark, we’re Xintixa. We’re not meant to be heroes.” Tilly folded her front paws across her chest, pushed her pointed nose into the air, and twitched her bushy hazelnut tail.
“Doesn’t mean we can’t contribute,” Phezz argued. “I bet I’m braver than anyone amongst the larger races, despite being a quarter their size.” Phezz waved one paw toward the beings milling about the town square.
“What you’re talking about isn’t bravery, Phezz.” Tilly carefully arranged her schoolbooks in her satchel. “It’s recklessness. Bravery requires seeing beyond yourself.”
Phezz rolled his eyes. Girls never knew anything. When he grew up, he’d be known as the greatest adventurer ever.
He pulled a small bone knife from his vest pocket and tossed the blade from paw to paw, thrusting and spinning it as he fought imaginary foes.
“Looky here, Dewy, the little rodent thinks he’s a soldier!” A burley Ursidae snarled from across the square as he elbowed his buddy. The second Ursidae withdrew his snout from a tankard of mead and snorted, one black paw scratching at his furry hindquarters.
“What’s he gonna do, Bowza? Nip at the enemy’s heels?” Dewy chuckled.
“He’s not likely to reach anything higher, is he!” Bowza slapped Dewy on the back and doubled over in laughter.
Phezz ground his teeth. Just because those bullies were bigger, they thought they knew everything. Well, everyone else knew Ursidae were slow, dense creatures.
“I’m big enough,” Phezz muttered. “At least I’ve got more to recommend me than brute strength and a vacant expression.”
Bowza’s lip curled. “We’re no vagrants! You watch your mouth or… or…” His face scrunched as if in pain, proof perhaps that the bear epitomized the stereotype. “Or… I’ll make you sorry.”
“I’m already sorry. It’ll be hours before your malodor clears and everyone can appreciate fresh air again,” mumbled Phezz.
Tilly giggled, one delicate paw clamping over her mouth.
“You got something to say, rodent?” Bowza growled. His black eyes narrowed, and his tiny round ears flattened back against his head.
Phezz stowed his knife and reached for his book bag.
One long Ursidae claw slammed down, pinning it to the ground.
Phezz glared and tugged at his bag, but Bowza’s paw held it firmly in place.
“Come on, Phezz,” Tilly called as she hugged her satchel and danced from paw to paw, her eyes darting about the square.
“Go on, Tilly. I’ll catch up.”
Tilly nodded and turned to scamper off, only to find Dewy’s massive bulk blocking her way.
In one fluid motion, Dewy snatched Tilly’s bag and tossed its contents across the square.
“Hey!” Tilly jumped for her bag, but Dewy dangled it just out of reach, a growling snicker on his lips.
Phezz clenched his fists, and his fur bristled. He glanced around searching for a friendly face amongst those watching the action.
“Think you’re so smart, do you?” Dewy snarled. He swung Tilly’s bag like a flail. She shrieked and leapt aside as it smashed into the ground.
“Leave her alone!” Phezz raced forward and grabbed at Tilly’s bag, attempting to wrench it from Dewy’s paw.
Thump!
Phezz tumbled forward, gasping for air. His whole body throbbed from the blunt impact of Bowza’s blow to his back. Phezz groaned and pushed himself to his feet.
Tilly screeched and jumped away from Dewy’s next strike, only to leap straight into the path of Bowza’s fist. Her body spun through the air and rolled across the smooth stones. A small whimper escaped from her crumpled form. Several onlookers gasped, then dropped their gazes.
Why didn’t anyone help them?
Red tinted Phezz’s vision. They’d pay for hurting Tilly.
Phezz drew his knife and leapt forward, a battle-cry on his lips.
He drove his knife into Bowza’s foot.
Bowza howled and swiped at Phezz.
Pain erupted in Phezz’s shoulder as Bowza’s blow connected, sending Phezz sliding across the square to land next to Tilly.
His knife skittered from his grasp.
She moaned and slowly lifted her head, eyes wide, fur quivering.
“Xintixa ain’t worth nothin’.” Dewy snarled, raised one massive paw, claws gleaming in the afternoon sun, and slashed down at Tilly’s shaking form.
“No!” Phezz threw himself over Tilly.
Pain sliced across his face. Blood splashed over the ground, and he squeezed his right eye closed.
“What’s going on here?” A white Panthera in a soldier’s uniform pushed through the crowd, his white and black spotted tail swishing back and forth with each slinking step.
Bowza and Dewy snarled then lumbered away, shoving bystanders out of their path.
Phezz curled in on himself. His body ached, and hopelessness overwhelmed him.
The villains escaped, and no one had even tried to help him. He’d failed. Maybe they were right, Xintixa weren’t meant to be heroes.
“Phezz?” Tilly softly shook his shoulder.
Phezz pushed her paw away.
“Not many are brave enough to stand against a Ursidae, let alone two,” a deep velvet voice purred.
“Will he be okay?” Tilly squeaked.
A large paw pulled Phezz to a sitting position, then tilted his chin gently from side to side.
“He’ll have a scar,” rumbled the soldier, “but all the greatest heroes have scars. They’re evidence we’ve survived, and a reminder that pain and evil can never win.” The Panthera pulled Phezz to his feet, then tipped his chin into the air. “Never allow anyone to make you feel small, especially when you defend what’s right.”
Phezz studied the Panthera. His wide bandolier and green tunic stood out against his monochromatic fur. A bow hung across his back, and several scars peeked out from under the shoulder of his tunic. With a final nod, the Panthera melted into the crowd.
Phezz brushed away the blood and turned to follow Tilly. The soldier was right. A bully only won if he admitted defeat. He’d come out on bottom today, but tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that, the outcome would be different.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa, you are an exceptional writer and you keep getting better and better.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the story. ☺️
I bet Phezz has a Reepicheep poster on his bedroom wall
Most definitely! 🙂
“All the greatest heroes have scars.” Love it!!!
Love the story Lisa! What a great tale about little strength.
Nice story; great take on Phezz and a wonderful ending.
Great origin story for Phezz!