"Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does."
― Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad
“You want to WHAT!” Cain tipped back from Ven in an exasperated rage. “I'm NOT moving all these people into my house, they’ll throw off the mood!”
“You will if you ever want me to work on that rune again,” Ven shrugged. “It’s safe in your dimension, and time can be manipulated there. We’re bringing everyone, down to the pigs and sheep, or I’ll play dead for a billion years.”
“It’s a reasonable plan… everyone is already in the guild or Avalon,” Aangor grumbled. “But I don’t like relying on a murderer.”
“Well, I say go,” Mara smiled. “We have to build a new city anyways, why not improve the location?”
“This is our kingdom!” The King raised his voice. “How can we…”
“I’ll be going,” The Dragon God yawned. “I like Cain’s home.”
“And the Kingdom will follow you, Mother!”
“Mother?” Huan tilted her head. “Are you my grandmother?”
“That’s right, little bean,” The goddess lifted Huan up and sniffed. “You’ve got strong blood, a good seed!”
“If we’re going, then let’s go!” Syy popped in from behind a pile of rubble. “This place is a real drag, now that all the stuff is gone…”
“WHERE WERE YOU,” Kalina jumped on her ‘squire,’ fists raised. “The whole city got smashed to pieces and you were nowhere to be found!”
“I had a meeting,” Syy laughed. “I guess it’s just my luck!”
Ven squinted his eyes at the woman, mouth opened to speak.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Cain butted in. “But my home has no food, or water, it’s not built for mortals.”
“I have a solution to that,” Brull stepped forward. “I propose we move to Cain’s dimension, and then I connect to Avalon and bring it into the world.”
Mist formed at Brull’s side, a cloud that twisted into the shape of a woman.
“My shores can provide both fish and water, and the power of Avalon can transform the land around it.”
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“This is Vivian, the lady in the lake,” Brull smiled. “She’s agreed to help us.”
“I have,” Vivian nodded, her eyes on Ven. “But I won’t do it for nothing.”
“Let’s hear it,” Ven waved. He had nothing but his friendships to value, and he doubted that was her price.
“The kingdom we build must be open to all, a place where ideals can be met, not ignored.”
“Bwhahaha!” Ven leaned back, his laughter uncontrolled. “It’s a deal then, but I’m just one man, it takes a nation of like minded people to create what you’ve envisioned.”
“What’s so funny?” Vivian frowned.
“I’m sorry,” Ven wiped the corners of his eyes. “It’s just that… my brother once said the same thing to me, and he was the most brutal man I ever met…”
“Well, I mean my words,” Vivian crossed her arms, eyes squinted. “It’s not a joke…”
“He meant it, even if his ideals were different from yours,” Ven sighed, hand extended. “But yes, I can agree to build the best city, nation, whatever, as we can.”
“I haven't agreed to anything, why are you making deals like this is happening!” Cain pulled at his hair while the two shook hands. “My house is going to be infested…”
“Speaking of…” Vivian snapped her fingers. “The Ants are really industrious, they’ll be a big help in getting all the housing built!”
“Now I’ve got ants!” Cain sank onto a broken wall. “My beautiful, peaceful home…”
“Suck it up,” Ven slapped his shoulder. “Now I don't care how long we spend on that stupid rune, the food stalls will be right there!”
“Fine…” Defeated, Cain waved a hand. A portal opened, edged with silvered-red. “But hurry up, I’m starving after all your food talk!”
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“This place is amazing…” Brull gawked at the sky. “I can’t believe we’re going to live here!”
“You get over it real fast,” Ven pushed the cat-kin along. “Now hurry up and summon Avalon, then Aangor will move the guild next to the lake.”
Brull stumbled ahead, the sands around him boundless.
“So… anywhere is fine?”
“It’s all the same, everywhere,” Ven gave the landscape a hatful glare. “Here, there, thousands of miles from anywhere, it’s the same.”
“Ok then,” Brull rubbed his hands. “Here we go!”
A vast expanse of fog rolled in from nowhere. Deep grey mist that carried the smell of rain. A rumble sounded, carried on the air through the clouded banks. The ground under Ven’s feet shivered and softened, fresh green grass touched with dew. The air cleared to reveal a mighty lake, partnered with the outlines of a castle.
Taller than any medieval fort, polished walls formed of forge cast steel. Cannon ports dominated its surface, while an army of ants stood atop the walls. Dressed in mechanised armour, each had a large rifle that crackled with electricity, mounted on a self aiming arm.
“Welcome to Avalon,” Brull grinned as he waved to the castle. “Built by Ants because the labour was free!”
“They work fast…” Ven squinted at the modern structure. “How long did they take to make this place?”
“Like… three hours?” Brull scratched his head. “It’s much bigger underground, but the Queen said they would start on the upper city soon.”
“Three hours…” Ven grinned. “Imagine what they can do, after Cain gives us a year for every second.”
The industrious insects could turn this lifeless landscape into a vast city, even without Avalon’s magical abilities. Ven smiled, lost in visions of modern entertainment. Soon… soon he would be watching anime. Maybe he could get Cain into it, the man needed to take a break from runes and murder.
“A year for every second…” Brull frowned, “What do…”
”Nothing, nothing,” Ven waved him off and called into the portal behind them. “Ok Aangor, bring it over!”
A pop sounded, air displaced as a ramshackle building slumped to the ground next to the lake. A dozen doors opened wide, a rush of commoners eager to leave the cramped halls. They sprawled over the grass and stared up at the stars, mouths opened wide.
“I… I’m breaking through!”
One man shouted, joy on his face. He was followed by more and more voices. Regular people all, now changed into cultivators as they rolled in the grass. Tears in their eyes, they bowed to Brull and Ven.
“What’s happening?” Ven scratched his head. “Why are so many people breaking through?”
“It’s the air here,” Vivian appeared, more substantial than ever before. “It’s so full of cosmic energy, a baby could cultivate to be a martial master just by growing up.”
“That’s a huge bonus…”
Ven smiled. Let’s see how the True gods liked it, when he came back after a few millennia with a nation of techno cultivators. His vengeance had only begun. Verandir, Sun Wukong, the Lord of Balance who stood behind them, they would all find a place next to their friend. Ven patted his stomach, Hercules core still within.
“Come on, let’s visit the Queen,” Ven pulled Brull along. “We’ve got to get the houses ready, and I want to talk with her about a few projects of my own…”