Nature and Nurture

With the Queen’s decree now known, MacMac, Faire and Briar found themselves with a predicament.

Join the Queen and save Atlantis, but risk throwing the world they’ve known into chaos? Or stand up to preserve the islands, while risking all Atlanteans in the progress?

The debate had not been an easy one. Mac was hesitant to help, worried that the Atlantean plants would disrupt the islands and destroy the home he loved. Briar and Faire were sympathetic towards the Atlantean plight, arguing that if the dome failed the Atlanteans would have nowhere to call home. They least they could do was offer up a slice of what they had to the Atlanteans to give them shelter. Mac was reluctant, but agreed to come with them both to learn a little more about caring for Atlantean plants. Perhaps if they did so, they could find the best solution for both sides.

The trio were to meet up with Varpunen, one of the scouts they had encountered previously before Atlantis was revealed. He was wise and knew a lot about the Atlantean plants, and was eager for some extra hands to help him tend to them. The trio found him among a large stand of tall saplings, all being cared for while they waited to be transplanted to the islands above.

“Ah, more disciples? Good, you’re needed.” He called as they flew down to him. It didn’t take an experienced eye to see why he wanted their help.

“These plants, some of them look strange.” Faire noted. Varpunen nodded, gesturing them to come look at some leaves he had collected.

“A blight has hit this grove. Our plants, perhaps they are not used to the maladies that afflict your topside plants. I fear we brought this blight with us when we returned from our scouting. Not to worry though, I believe this is a fantastic learning opportunity” He announced. He picked up the leaves and held them out to show the Tapejaras. The leaves were marked with strange, ugly bumps. “What you see is the tree’s attempt to defend itself from parasites. Mites, I believe. I need you to patrol this grove and inspect each tree. Any you find with bumpy leaves are to be marked. This way we can track how the mites are spreading through the grove. Once we have a solid idea on which areas have been hit, we can begin our counterattack. Here, take these ribbons and tie them around each sapling you find.” He instructed, handing them each a handful of bright red tattered fabric.

“Sooo… what’s the counterattack?” Mac probed. Varpunen looked down at him with a little glimmer in his eyes.

“You shall see. We have allies everywhere. Now chop chop, get to work. Do a little weeding and pruning while you’re at it.”

They spent the day combing through the grove, looking for signs of infestation and tending to the plants as needed. It took longer than any of them thought, needing to inspect every leaf on the saplings to check for the telltale bumps. They were however quick to notice a pattern.

“The mites spread spread in clusters, don’t they? Some sections of the grove are entirely untouched, while in others just about every sapling has been infested.” Briar noted. Faire hummed in thought as she inspected another sapling, finding no signs of mites.

“It’s almost as though something’s stopping them from spreading to certain sections. I wonder what?” She mused. Briar shrugged, picking at the leaves. Suddenly, they were both alerted to a whistle from Mac.

“Ladies, come check this one out.” He called. They hurried over, to see him standing next to a very poorly sapling. The leaves were all wilted, branches twiggy and drooping. Despite how shrivelled the leaves had become, they were all clearly covered in bumps. Varpunen strolled over, tutting and caressing the dying tree.

“This little one fought hard, but not all are strong enough to survive.” He sighed.

“I’m surprised… Atlantean plants all seem so tough, I didn’t know they could be this… frail?” Mac said with a frown. Varpunen tutted and shook his head.

“It is simply survival of the fittest. It is not always meant to be. Some Atlanteans do not have what it takes to survive such adversity.” He replied quiety.

“Plants, or people?” Briar asked, brow cocked. Varpunen offered her a weak smile in response.

“Both, perhaps. I worry for our people. Without the comforts we have grown up with, I fear many will not thrive top side when- ah, if, the dome fails. It is important for us to find the plants that will make it, for the sake of our people.” He said, a concerned look on his face. He let out a small sigh, but gathered himself and looked at the work they had done. “Anyway. I think we have a good idea now on which areas of the grove need treatment. Time for the next stage. Come, come.” He announced, beckoning the trio to follow.

Varpunen lead them to one of the untouched sections of grove, turning to face them triumphantly.

“I’m sure you have noticed some sections remain untouched. Come look closely, I shall show you our allies.” He beckoned them to look more closely at one of the trees. “What do you see?”

The Tapejaras peered at the plant with skeptisism, before Faire gasped as she noticed something.

“Ladybugs! Look at them all…” She crowed. Varpunen smiled, coaxing one onto his finger.

“These ladybugs eat the mites. Anywhere these ladybugs exist, the mites shall fail to get a foothold and infest our precious trees.” He replied, carefully watching the ladybug scurry across his hand.

“So then… if we encourage the ladybugs to move to infested areas, they can help push back the mite numbers?” Mac suggested, putting the pieces together. Varpunen nodded.

“Correct. We will plant flowers they like to attract them. If we can encourage the ladybugs to live throughout the entire grove, they will stop the mites from infesting. Nature is a delicate balance, plants and animals cooperate in harmony with each other as part of one great big web. Our job as custodians of this nature is to encourage that balance and find the solution that makes it flourish. Now then, are you ready to get those claws dirty?”