Decades ago…
King Hobeara gazes over his colorful desert kingdom, his black mane flowing in the pleasant breeze. Everything is peaceful, but he knows this peace is only temporary. A black woman approaches the muscular Katian king, a sad look on her face. “Tribez says it is time for our daughter to be sent to Earth.” Hobeara lets out a long huff, his cat-like eyes growing sad. “I wish to see her one last time.” He says. “Then let us go.” Husband and wife walk together, servants bowing and greeting them. However they sound down, they know what is about to happen. “Scarlet, I wish we could send Bluebell with our daughter. But they are pure consciousness with no physical body, and that would cause a panic on earth.” Hobeara says sadly. “I know, but I am confident that Bluebell will be safe with Vaz and the others deep inside the Rainbow Caves.” Scarlet reassures her husband. The two climb a flight of stairs up into the highest point of the palace where the royal nursery resides. The door opens for them, Tribez greeting them solemnly. “Your highness’s. As you know I have located a safe family on Earth who reside in a small desert town called Hurricane. They have an older son, but I have watched them and they appear to want to take on a new child.”
King Hobeara and Scarlet walk over to what looks to be a giant bird nest filled with soft blankets and pillows. A baby with stunning blue stripes and claws lays in the middle, fast asleep. Hobeara blinked back tears, the reality of what was happening hitting him. “She is the first Human-Katian. I fear that she will be feared and treated like an alien on Earth. She may even be hunted.” Hobeara sighs. “And I am afraid that the same would happen here, there are Katians who are disgusted by us having a mixed child together and want to kill us.” The two look at each other in silence. “I hear both of your concerns, but I chose Earth because only the most powerful magic wielders can summon a gateway to it. Circuit-Breaker is a fairly simple machine made to kill and kidnap, and I only sense very basic magic flowing through him.” The three look down at the baby, the room filled with a mix of sadness and uncertainty. “Let’s do it then, waiting around is only making our emotions worse.” Scarlet says.
“We must travel to the outer edges of Kaleido at once then.” Hobeara wraps his daughter in blankets, lifting up the tiny bundle in his strong arms. A staff with curved blades made of neon pink stone appears in Tribez’s hands. The two grab onto it and in a flash they are standing on warm red rocks, a colorful mountain range far behind them. Hobeara and Scarlet take turns holding their child for a good hour, telling her how much they love them and that they would always be with her. The sun begins setting and Tribez is finally handed the bundle of blankets. “May the Sacred Sun shine down upon our breath of life until the end.” Hobeara says. “May the Sacred Sun protect her and one day guide her back to this sacred homeland.” Scarlet adds.
“I will return when she is safe in the arms of her new guardians.” With that, Tribez opens a gateway, stepping through into the Utah desert. Tribez makes themselves invisible, floating above the ground towards a group of houses on the outskirts of the small town before landing in a group of trees near the one where the family they had picked resides. Tribez gently sets down the baby before raising their staff. A loud bang and flash of colorful light fills the night, and the baby starts crying and flailing. Tribez hears a door open, people speaking in Spanish before the sound of fast footfalls grows near. Tribez floats into the tree tops and watches as a boy and his father find Hobeara and Scarlet’s child, the older man instantly scooping them up in his arms before quickly heading back towards their house. Their work is done, for now.
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Aarón startles awake. He is back in the garden dome, dissociating slightly. Aarón looks to the left from his bed at a peculiar looking butterfly, its colors shift in the light. After a few minutes, The butterfly flits away and over to Bluebell who lays on the soft ground, wrapped up in their own cape. Wasn’t I just with Tribez at the Rainbow Caves? Aarón gets up, stretching while yawning. “Greetings, Aarón .” Tribez greets him as he walks out of the dome. “Uh, weren’t we at the Rainbow Caves? Or was that a dream?” Tribez shakes their head. “Don’t be alarmed, but Instinct was triggered by you getting frustrated. I was invisible while it happened. He went into a hidden part of the caves where I could not follow, and then after that he went back here and fell asleep in the garden dome.” Aarón sighs. “What now?” “There has been a slight change of plans, we must teleport to Redrock City immediately. Mico will come with us, but then tonight we will send him ahead to Newon.” Tribez explains. “What, why?”
“We have gotten reports that Circuit-Breaker is moving towards the palace faster than we thought. We do not want him to attack this place again as we know for sure he would take Hobie.” Aarón hesitates. “Are you sure?” “Circuit-Breaker will not attack the palace if there is nothing or no one of value. My father, Hobie, and Bluebell will be taken to a secondary location.” Aarón nods, satisfied. “Now, hold onto my staff, quick.” Aarón does as told, and in a flash both disappear into thin air. A spinning sensation ensues until they end up in the heart of a bustling, old fashioned city surrounded by giant red rock formations and natural rock walls. In front of them is a grand theater, its golden accents shining blindingly in the sun. “Hey Uncle Aarón! Tribez sent me ahead of you.” Mico says, quickly standing beside his uncle.
Above the massive double doors is a sign reading “The Royal Theater Extravaganza.” Drawing closer, Aarón sees a closed sign hanging on the door along with a list of future shows. “I perform here sometimes. My friends that work here are called Objectheads, they evolved from us Abstraz’s. We are considered the most ancient and first form of Objectheads, and my father is an example of how our kind evolved. Most Objectheads form out of nowhere and create their own family groups.” Tribez explains matter of factually. “The first Abstraz formed from the abstract and complex thoughts and emotions of the first Katian’s, hence our name sounding similar.” Tribez adds. The doors open slightly, a giant glowing camera lens peeking out at them. “I heard about the change of plans, but I didn’t expect it to be this early.” A man with a silver and black camera head says in a quiet voice, ushering them in.
“You must be Aarón Melisandré, I’m Courtler Camren.” Courtler reaches out a hand which Aarón awkwardly shakes. He couldn’t help but stare Courtler up and down in curiosity. The middle of the lens is a swirled, glowing yellow eye. The metal eyelid around it is capable of moving and closing to give him emotions. Courtler wears a red and white striped shirt with a red vest over it that was, admittedly, a bit too small for him. His neck is made up of metal beams and tubes while the rest of his body appears to be normal light brown skin. “Sorry for the mess in here, but we are still in the process of rebuilding after the attack last year.” Courtler explains sheepishly. “Circuit-Breaker attacked our theater, but that’s just the short version.” He says sadly.
Courtler looks away, his head drooping as he leads them through the lobby without another word. They enter the grand stage room. Where a group of other Objectheads, a pink phone, a silver radio, and what looks like a black and white cartoon character with a record disk for a head, three small gray birds perched on him. “They’re here!” The cartoon character exclaims, running up to Aarón with bounding steps. “Hi Aarón! I’m Bertie! It’s nice to meet you! And that must be your nephew! We all know you’re here to help save the multiverse and stuff and- Bertie shakes Aarón’s hand in an exaggerated fashion as he talks. Aarón begins to get uncomfortable but can’t seem to form words. The pink telephone spots Aarón tensing up and quickly pulls Bertie away.
“Sorry about Bertie, he gets overly excited easily” She apologizes quietly. “I mean, I’m excited too! My name is Tella, and he’s Roger.” She introduces herself before pointing to the silver radio. “Greetings.” Roger waves, his voice sounds like an old fashioned radio announcer. “We’ve heard so much about you, and we’re happy to have you here for the day!” Aarón knows that if Tella had a face, she would be smiling. “Although before we can show you the many wonders of our city, I know you, Tribez, and Courtler have much to discuss.” Tella’s voice turns grim as she shoots a sad glance at Courtler who still slouches. A silent understanding passes between the group and they all take a seat in the front row of chairs. “There is more to Circuit-breaker than I have told you thus far, but it would be best for Courtler to give you all the details.” Tribez announces from the stage before them.
Courtler lets out a long sigh, wringing his hands. “The person we thought was our friend betrayed us, betrayed me.” His friends nod sadly. “We thought Mikey, our Katian friend, was dead or missing. It turns out he wasn’t. He turned out to be Circuit-Breaker- ‘' Courtler’s voice breaks, but he continues.”Mikey was rejected from his tribe as a kit due to being majorly stunted at birth, he was then found and adopted by an Objecthead named Walter Lantern. He’s been wreaking havoc on the multiverse for years.” Courtler’s shoulders tense as he shoves his hands into his pockets, shaking. Tribez pats him on the shoulder. “None of us could have known, but you stopped both of them from hurting anyone else- ‘' Courtler whirls around, his eye glowing red. “I didn’t stop him from killing Phan!” He shouts. Tribez steps back. Courtler crosses his arms, beginning to pace.
“I already know that Circuit-Breaker has a plan.” Aarón looks down. “Tribez told me it involves Katians and the Mortal Engine.” He pauses. “I know now that it was Circuit-Breaker who killed my brother and his wife.” Aarón feels a growl rising deep in his throat. “I know that he was trying to get me and just wanted to get them out of the way…” The strange dream-like vision Aarón had last night crosses his mind. “Last night I had a dream, or something. It felt real, like I was actually there. It might not mean anything though.” The color comes flooding back into Tribez. “A vision, perhaps? tell us more, it could be very crucial.” The others all stare at Aarón , on edge. “Uh, it was this dark underground place, like a sewer of sorts. There were lots of cages, and green and pink lights. I heard Circuit-Breaker along with voices calling for help.”
“That’s definitely in Newon, the city is famous for its color scheme, even the sewers.” Tella comments quietly. “We have suspected that they may be hidden within the sewers, but the sewers are like an entirely different world on their own. We have been searching for decades. We also suspect that Circuit-Breaker may be using illusion magic to hide them even further. I will send out the best detective in Newon to do a thorough scan.” Tribez adds. “So, does this mean you aren’t planning to just straight up storm the place?” Aarón asks. Tribez shakes their head. Aarón feels relieved. “Obviously not, that would be certain death. Once we meet up with the safety force in Newon, we will devise a final plan. For now you should go explore the city and clear your head.” Tribez waves them all off, and the group leaves the theater in a single file line, stepping out into the sunshine. “So, you all gonna show us around?” Aarón puts a hand on Mico’s shoulder.
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Bertie nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! There’s this really good food stand- I mean we can’t actually eat but I know it’s really good and you look hungry!” The group heads off, Aarón ‘s head spinning from all of the new sights and sounds around him. He catches a few people staring at him and Mico, but shrugs it off. They’re probably doing it because seeing a Katian is so rare these days. “I’ll go get the food, you guys take a seat!” Tella says. The five of them walk over to a round picnic table and sit down, unsure of what to talk about. Aarón notices that Courtler and Roger are holding hands and leaning against each other lovingly. “Are you two a couple?” Mico tilts his head. Roger nods. “We’re engaged, actually!” He and Courtler show off a pair of golden rings. “Wow, congratulations!” Aarón chuckles. “So, Aarón , Do you have a special someone in your life?” Bertie nudges Aarón. Aarón nods his head. “I have a husband, Leon! There have been a few people who have taken an interest, but it only felt like they did because they know I’m popular in certain communities and think I got these crazy tattoos and mods or something…”
Aarón remembers some of the uncomfortable situations his ex had put him in, especially an incident that had happened in public when he had just barely turned eighteen. Aarón, being autistic, didn’t exactly understand that he could enforce boundaries, nor was he the best at identifying if people were joking or had ill intent. A young white woman he had started dating would always compliment him in oddly worded ways, not to mention that she would almost seem to show him off to all of her friends and acquaintances. One night at her house, she tried using Aarón’s own forgetfulness and struggle with clear communication to try and force him to have sex. Aarón, confused and hurt, had left. Days later, with his brother’s help, he found an online blog of hers that was filled with explicit racist porn involving black men with tattoos. Aarón had felt disgusted and used.
“I don’t like people who are only solely attracted to others because of their bodies.” Aarón says, pulling himself back to the present. Bertie nods. “I agree, there can be some really creepy people out there! But I’m lucky I have my Daisy waiting for me at home.” Bertie sighs dreamily. Tella struts over to the table, holding what looks like a hot dog with a strange blueish sauce on it. “Thanks!” Aarón picks it up, sniffs it, and then takes a big bite. He immediately spits it back out. It feels like his entire mouth is on fire. He spots a water fountain and runs over to it, taking big gulps until the heat becomes manageable.
“Sorry…” he murmurs sheepishly as he returns to the others. “It’s fine! Maybe we should have asked one of our organic friends what they were like!” Tella apologizes. “We should go to the market! There’s a lot of interesting things for sale, and maybe you could get something for this nephew of yours.” She suggests. Mico looks at his uncle excitedly. “Sounds like a plan.” Aarón agrees. They set off once more, heading into the heart of the city, the buildings getting bigger and bigger until they reach a sea of tents and trees right in the middle. “Stick close, it’s easy to get lost!” Tella orders. All of Aarón’s senses seem to magnify in the market, every smell and little detail jumping out at him. A dog-like face framed by colorful feathery ears lunges at him from his right, and Aarón yelps as he is tackled to the ground. “Hey! get back over here!” A voice calls. However the black dog creature with one big eye licks Aarón‘s face excitedly with a snake-like tongue, their dragon-like tail with feathered fins on the end wagging with enough force to create a light breeze. Aarón manages to gently push the dog thing off and sits up to find a clock Objecthead approaching the dog. “Oh, No wonder he got so excited, you’re a Katian!” The Objecthead laughs. “Oh, well don’t worry I’m not hurt!” Aarón smiles. The Objecthead walks away with the strange dog which is now on a leash. “Aarón! Are you okay?” Tella asks, helping him up. “Yeah, but what was that thing, exactly? I almost thought it was, you know…” Tella realizes what he means. “Oh! That animal is called a Breaker-Dog! They are known for their ability to dig and break through rocks, and your kind tamed them in ancient times to help with building the palace and surrounding city. It is even said that the first Katian had an army of them to help carve out sections of the Rainbow Caves.” Tella explains.“Oh, that’s cool.”
The group joins back up with each other, continuing their walk. Aarón’s mouth starts watering as they pass a stand filled with exotic looking meat, and his stomach growls audibly. He doesn’t dare ask for anything, He hates asking for things and always feels guilty. Aarón’s stomach growls again, and Courtler notices. “Here.” He gives Aarón a few coins. “A slice of meat should cost about five of those. We’ll just be over at that trinket stand.” Aarón nods and hesitantly shuffles over to the meat stall, gazing at all of the options. He finally spots something similar to what he had eaten last night and orders a single giant slice as big as his two hands put together. “Thank you.” He thanks the human shop keeper softly. “No problem, it’s an honor to serve a Katian these days!” Aarón walks back over to his new friends and joins them in looking at the various trinkets on display. His eyes land on a small eagle pendant made of blue stone which he picks up. “Excuse me, How much is this?” The shopkeeper takes it from him, eyeing it. “Ehh, about fifteen coins.”
Aarón silently hands over the rest of the money Courtler had given him, pocketing the blue bird. Mico loved birds, and now he would have something to hold onto, just like Aarón with his stone tiger. His stomach growls once more. “Hey, I’m gonna just be under that tree to eat this, that is if you don’t mind.” He points towards a grassy area. “Okay, we’ll be in that small round tent over there.” Courtler says. “Keep an eye on my nephew, please.” They part ways, Aarón heading to sit under the shade of the strange cotton candy colored tree in the middle of the market, its leaves flutter gently like butterfly wings. He unwraps the ribs and digs in, savoring the flavors and juices. A few minutes later he finishes, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. His stomach feels comfortably full and even sticks out a little from his meal. He looks around the market, lost in his thoughts. How many days would they be here in this strange new world? Could he really help save something that just the other day, he only thought existed in fictional stories and the imagination? Why him? What if he died? What if they failed? Am I really ready to sacrifice my own safety? And the safety of my loved ones?
Aarón closes his eyes and shakes his head as he forces himself to calm down. I can’t let my anxiety get the best of me. Aarón pushes himself up and throws away the wrappers. “I hope you’re right, Tribez…” He mumbles. Aarón walks towards the building. He hears a loud grunt and spots a shop owner struggling with lifting a box out of a truck, and so Aarón walks over. “Would you like some help?” He questions. “Sure, there’s a few in there, just sit them in front of the stall.” Aarón uses his Katian strength to easily lift out two boxes at a time and sets them down gently. “Thank you! here.” The shop owner hands Aarón around twenty gold coins. Aarón pockets the coins, His whole body freezes as his hair stands on end. Something isn’t right, he could sense it. His gaze pans around the market, looking for any sign of a threat. Something hits the back of his head, hard. He sprawls face first to the ground.
“WE GOT EM’, A REAL LIVE KATIAN!” Aarón’s head spins as a few people who are dressed in dark clothing surround him, each of them holding a metal weapon of some sort. The one who appears to be their leader grabs Aarón by the shirt collar and hoists him up. “Hey, kitty, aren’t you supposed to be extinct like the rest of your race?” They laugh. Aarón’s heart pounds. The leader of the pack shoves him back to the ground and places a foot on his chest. “Listen here, KITTY,” he all but spits the last word at him like a slur. “It’s good your kind is almost gone, you are all dirty savages who want to infect us humans with your disgusting genetics.” He looks Aarón up and down. “Hey, you don’t have a tail, YOU’RE THAT DIRTY HALF-FREAK OUR LEADER WANTS!” Aarón cries out as he is struck in the side. “Uncle Aarón!” He hears Mico’s voice cry as if from very far away. Instinct instantly bursts forward with a roar, tackling the young man to the ground. They all converge on Instinct and strike the tiger possessing Aarón’s body repeatedly. Instinct fights back violently. He tears and bites at his attackers, managing to almost tear off one of their ears until there is a BANG and flash of colors. “BACK OFF FROM HIM!” They all turn to see none other than Tribez standing in the middle of the crowd. They clutch their staff as their normally blue body turns bright red. They all look at each other, fear evident on their beaten and bloody faces. They all know who Tribez is. As one, they run off into the market and out of sight. Aarón quickly regains control. “Who were those guys?” He brushes himself off. “They must be fanatics of Circuit-Breaker, people who think or claim they are working for him when they really are not.” Tribez raises their hands, warmth engulfing Aarón. “I have put a healing spell on you. We must go now, the others are waiting back at the theater. I have gotten some important information.”
Aarón grabs onto their staff. With a colorful flash, they are back in the stage room. Tribez floats up onto the stage, commanding their attention. “I am sorry to interrupt your outing, but I have received some news from one of our allies in Newon.” Everyone stands up a little straighter, hopeful. “A very well known detective has discovered an entrance to a secret part of the sewers in Newon. He has also confirmed from his long venture into it that there are traces of live Katians in the area, thousands of them.” They all look at each other. Tribez floats down to Aarón and Mico. “And I don’t know how, but here are traces of Jaun down there, or at least of his spirit.” The whole world stops around Aarón. What? “The detective did a scan, and he has found traces of Jaun’s soul.” Tribez repeats. Aarón sits down in one of the theater chairs, his head in his hands. How? “But it could be some sort of trick.” Tribez adds quickly. “Circuit-Breaker knows how to trick people and twist things.” Aarón breathes deeply and looks at his nephew whose eyes are wide, hopeful. “I am just as shocked and confused as you two are, but we also must not jump to conclusions either.” Aarón sighs deeply. “Yeah, you’re right, sorry…” The room falls silent for a few moments, everyone processing this latest revelation. Courtler coughs. “Tribez, have you even thought about HOW Aarón is going to help? I know you taught him the basics of how to channel his magic, and he knows how to fight. But next to all of us super experienced magic folks? I’m afraid he’s going to fall behind or get really hurt.” Courtler says. “Yeah, I agree with Courtler, what if I’m not the right person… I could get killed right off the bat. Hell, I could have gotten really hurt from that little incident back there.” Aarón adds. Tribez thinks for a moment. “Aarón , I’m afraid that I have been lying to myself. There really is no time to properly train or prepare you for what you may face. I should have come to you years earlier.” Tribez crosses their arms, their frustration evident. “I’m sorry, I would send you back in a heartbeat, but we can’t risk luring Circuit-Breaker back into your world again, who knows what destruction he could wreak on it.”
Aarón huffs. “I WANT to help, but as Courtler said, I don’t think I’m ready.” He holds back tears of frustration that have sprung up in his eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready…” Aarón mumbles, quickly wipes his eyes. I probably look like a scared and helpless child to them, to my own nephew. Tribez looks deeply at Aarón and weighs all of their options and possibilities. Finally they speak, gentle yet firm. “Aarón, you will never know when you are ready, and sometimes you will never be fully prepared to face what comes your way. It is always good to be cautious, but sometimes you must take risks with unclear outcomes for the greater good. You also must remember that you will never be alone. None of us are truly ready for something like this. There is someone we must meet with before tomorrow, but before that you need some fresh clothes.” There is a flash of light, and Aarón’s beat up clothing is suddenly fixed “I have put some enchantments on your clothing, it will keep you cool in warm climates and warm in cold ones. It will also protect you from harmful magic and objects to a degree.” Tribez turns to the others. “Courtler?” Courtler perks up. “Prepare your traincycle, we must reach the Moon Pyramid before sunset. “On it!” Courtler takes off. Excitement fills the air once more.
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“Sir, they have failed.” The metal orb informs Circuit-Breaker. “I am not surprised. It appears they are not the brightest.” He says, emotionless. A motorcycle materializes before him. “Tell them that they have one more chance.” Circuit-Breaker speeds off through the desert. As he drives, the mysterious voice echoes in his head. “You don’t have to do this.” It says flatly. “Yes I do.” Circuit-Breaker responds. “You have always been more powerful than your creator, you’ve just been afraid of what life would be like without him and the constant abuse.” Circuit-Breaker slams on the breaks. “I deserve the punishments I get.” He growls. “No you don’t. He has brainwashed and manipulated you into thinking that.” Circuit-Breaker snaps his jaws angrily before revving the engine and kicking off again.