“Hey Fenix, Think fast” Ash shouted as he tossed some of his water at his brother.
“Wha…Damn it Ash! Stop messing around, I just want to get this done.” Fenix ignored his brother’s laughter as he shook off the liquid.
“Ahh come on, lil bro. Just trying to keep ya on your toes. Don’t know if a coyote or some other critter pops out?” Ruffled his brother’s hair and went back to checking the crops.
Fenix just shook his head and ignored the teasing. It was a hot day and the two were caked in grime. Dark patches of sweat stained their clothes and they gave off a pungent odor. Fenix's eyes burned from the salty rivers trickling down his face. Every few minutes he took out the drenched rag to wipe off what he could. Unfortunately the old thing seemed to make it worse. Ringing it out, he continued onward. The old stalks crunched beneath their boots as they surveyed the fields. Bugs meeting their end as the guys swatted the mosquitoes from their skin. Yet for all the faults and hard work, it was a simple life.
“What ya think Mom is cooking?” Fenix spoke.
“Hopefully not soup again. Dad caught some duck this morning, crossing fingers it's that” Ash replied.
Meat was a rare delicacy. While they could treat themselves to the scraps from slaughter, the majority was sold and shipped. Most of the time they subsisted on various soups and stews. They were hearty, but bland meals. Filled with plenty of calories to fuel their ever-working bodies. Knowing that duck was a possibility, they two rushed through their chores. The sooner the work was done, the faster they’d have a full belly. Already they had combed through two fields, checking for blight and other pests. As the last bits were finished. Both brothers returned to the farmhouse, a gleam in their eye as they noticed smoke from the chimney. Before they could enter, a muffled voice yelled out.
“Make sure to rinse off, I just swept!” Their mom called out.
“UHHH COME ON” Ashe whined but their mom wouldn’t budge.
The two went to the well pump and began the process of cleaning. It was quite refreshing, the cool water dripping down the hot skin. Each scrubbed off the dust and grime, with special attention to their nails and fingers. Didn’t want to taste a hard crunch of sand while they ate. As they entered the room, the smell of roasting meat overwhelmed the senses. Ash meandered into the kitchen taking a good look at the grilled duck. He dared not to touch it or he’d feel the wrath of his mom. For such an older woman, she could hit like a brick.
Fenix went to his room and began to water his prized collection. Unlike his brother, he spent any extra coin on exotic specimens from the trader. Over the years his room had turned into a greenhouse of colorful plants. It helped that he’d been working the farm since childhood. An intuition on what they required and how to care for them. Some days he could spend hours just observing and musing on what else was out there. He only got a quarter of the way done before Ash slammed open his door.
“Dinners ready! Let’s go lil bro” He said while fiddling with his necklace.
He hated that still. They were no longer children anymore. He was 19 while his brother was nearing 21. Already Ash had a few prospects for marriage and his parents would be pressuring him as well. Sighing, Fenix stood up and stretched out his sore muscles. At least they would have a quality meal for dinner. Glancing out the window, he could already see the sun setting in the distance. An orange glow washed across their fields as the stalks swayed in the winds. While many in his village aspired to be kings, queens, or traveling merchants. Fenix was content with what he had.
The four sat at the dinner table and rapidly devoured the meal. Sounds of clanking silverware, smacking lips, and the occasional cough filling the air. Talking was for after dinner. With each of them exhausted from the day, only a full belly was on the mind.
BURRRRRRP
Ash bellowed as he leaned back on two legs of his chair.
“Great roast Ma! Hope we have some leftovers for lunch”
His vulgar display only earned him a smack. The impact caused him to lose balance and crash. Fenix chuckled and was quickly met with a death stare. He didn’t want to be a part of this and went back to finishing the plate.
“Oh come on, that was a good one!” Ash mumbled as he dusted himself off.
Almost instantly a chorus of curses left his mother’s mouth. Each hex finished with a smack. Their dad sighed and began to clean up the table. Fenix dipped from the brawl and began to wash the dishes. For being so close in age, they two were complete opposites. Ash was the older one, he should have been more responsible.
Ignoring the commotion behind, Fenix focused on his task. Carefully washing down the pots and pans, hanging them out to dry, and moving onto countertops. Glancing out, he noticed something in the distance. A faint orange light in the night sky. A sense of dread overcame him, that was where the village was. No festivals or gatherings were planned…
“Dad, come look at this!” He called out.
Instantly, the infighting stopped and his family crowded around the window. The air tense as each watched the glow intensify. He could feel his parents shift, a darker personality arising. There was always something different about his parents. They rarely talked about their past, but in these moments he knew there were many secrets to uncover.
“Raiders…” His mom whispered.
“Boys, you know the drill. We will be back shortly, keep hidden and head to the cellar” His dad quickly added.
“I’m coming too!” Ash tried to put on his boots but was shoved away.
“Ash, you are a farmer, not a fighter. Just keep your brother safe” His dad said, a strange glow passing his eyes.
Ash sighed, his muscles relaxing as he settled into defeat. Marching passed Fenix, he grabbed the keys to the bunker. Fenix quickly followed and the two rapidly crossed the farmlands. Birds retreated as the raging inferno filled the air. The two stood at the entrance and glanced back. Both watched as their parents began heading towards the village on horseback. A flicker of steel reflecting the faint light.
“When did Mom get a sword…” Fenix muttered
“Pssh, must be something else. Now get in I still need to lock it up”
As the door closed, they waited in silence.
And waited…
And waited…
And waited…
But they never returned. Panic set in and Ash broke the tension.
“Should we…”
“No! What could we do Ash? We don’t even have a weapon” Fenix interrupted.
“We can’t just leave them!”
“I know that but what can we do Ash? You think I just want to sit here too?”
“I’m going out. Just a peak” Ash reached for his keys
“Ash, don't go out there! What if they find us, we are as good as dead!”
“I have to know Fenix!” he shoved his brother aside.
“ASH!” He screamed out
“WELL LOOKS LIKE WE GOT SOME RATS.” An unknown voice called out.
The brothers froze, a cold sweat rippling across the skin as the footsteps intensified.
BANG
The door shook as something pounded the otherside.
“Let’s make this easy now, open the door and I’ll make it quick.” But they couldn’t.
BANG
The wooden door began to break from the force. Piece of wood cracking off and bouncing across the dirt surface.
BANG
This was the end, Ash went to the side and went flat against the wall. Fenix hunkered behind one of the shelves and crouched.
BANG
The door slammed onto the ground and the raider took two steps in. Ash quickly jumped towards the man only to be met with a fist.
“Come now, you think that would work? I’m insulted” He grabbed Ash by the wrist and tossed him outside.
“I see you, let’s go. Might make some use out of you.”
Fenix didn’t fight, he was a pacifist at heart and carefully left his hiding spot. As he crossed the threshold, His eyes went wide. Their precious land was burning. A conflagration sweeping across the fields and destroying months of work. Shifting his head, he saw the raiders loading their horses with their belongings. After the last one left, he tossed a torch inside.
“Please no…” he whispered.
His soul shattered as his home went up in flames. His entire world burning before him. The flickers flickering across his iris as he stared at the destruction. Tears streamed down his cheeks as the weight of life hit. It was over, it was all over. Everything he had done was gone. His daze broke as the man pushed him forward.
“Check 'em for valuables. Might as well keep em alive for work. I know a baron or two that could use some grunts”
Fenix didn’t even respond as grubby hands violated his body. The men reached into his pockets and pulled out gifts from his mother. Old trinkets of silver and gold she shared for luck. He didn’t care about the value of the metals, only the memories attached to them. He could feel them prying back his fingers as he instinctually clenched the final ring.
“Don’t make me break em!” The disgruntled man commanded.
Fenix got the message and relaxed, that final memory stolen from him. However Ash refused to give.
SLAM
His older brother was thrown to the ground with a knee in his back. He was screaming at the raiders, cursing their bloodlines, and thrashing along the ground. It took a few good kicks to the side before he curled up in pain. Blood dripped from his mouth as he tried to hold onto the silver necklace from his father. Since they were kids, His dad always said to keep it on him. That it would keep the two safe from harm. It was a silly little thing engraved with unknown symbols. He always promised Ash he’d teach him the meaning. But as the years went on, they cared less and less.
“Please not that!” He whimpered as he grasped at the chain. The knuckles white as he held on with a death grip.
“LET…GO!” The brutish man screamed as he smashed in Ash’s face. A tooth launching from his mouth and rolling along the ground.
But Ash didn’t. Only after a hard yank did the chain snap with a deafening.
CRACK
Time halted and the bright flames were extinguished. A cold haze descended upon the lands while an ominous mist filled the air. Strange scents filled his lungs, the sensations rapidly shifting each second. In the distance, Fenix saw a group of four circling his brother. One kneeling down and staring at Ash’s face.
“Hmm this one isn’t Roland?” And the group disappeared…taking his older brother with them.
Realizing something was wrong, the captain called out.
“Leave them! We retreat” The group hopped onto their horses but an ethereal voice called out.
“Excuse me Sir. But we must remember etiquette. What be your name?”
“Ignore it and es…”
Before the leader could finish the sound of screams echoed out. His body contorting from an invisible force before disappearing into the mists. Fenix tried to back away and felt a thick droplet on his arm. It was a tar-like substance that slithered down his skin. Before he could identify it, he saw hands reach out from the black puddles of growing filth. One of the raiders stumbled too close and was dragged into the inky depths. The phenomenon leaving alongside him.
“MOVE BUDDY” A voice called out and Fenix stepped to the side.
A chariot rushed past and smashed into another man, the two figures fading in the mists. His brain began to hurt, he was witnessing something he shouldn’t. All around he heard the terrified screams of the raiders, each subjected to a different horror. Yet…it never came for him. In the span of minutes, it was over. The magical phenomenon retreating and the mists revealing the smoldering wreckage of their land. He was alone in the darkness. Everything taken in a single night.
As Fenix returned to the wreckage of his childhood home, he had no more tears to cry. Their prized family portrait now ash. His old toys that his mom kept on the shelves charred blobs–only the iron pots remained. He could feel the various splinters stabbing into the palms as he moved the wreckage, But he didn’t care. He just needed something, anything to help with the horror.
Crunch
He froze. The sounds of movement caught his attention and he turned. Within the rubble a single piece of wood shifted. Fenix cautiously walked over, it had to be an animal of some kind. With care, he pulled up the debris and nearly fainted.
It was the strangest thing he’d ever seen. A small creature, no bigger than his hand holding out the bright red berry he’d ever seen. The…thing was a twist of vines and twigs. It stood on two “legs” and vaguely resembled a human shape. It’s arms bobbing up and down indicating the object in hand. It was the cutest thing he’d ever seen and Fenix couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity.
He was in hysterics. His family was dead, his life was gone, and there was nothing left to live on. Now he was staring at something he’d never seen or heard of holding out a berry. This had to be a hallucination. His mind shattered from the experience and now makes up imaginary creatures. But the thing wasn’t happy with the response.
The living twig stomped its little “feet” in anger and threw the berry at his shin. Walking away, Fenix realized his error and squatted down.
“Ok sorry, I get it you are trying to help” he apologized to the strange creature. Holding out his hand, the little thing picked up the fruit and handed it off.
With care, he inspected the exotic berry. He gave it a few sniffs and squeezes–just to make sure it was real. It didn’t seem poisonous…
As he brought the fruit to his lips, the little thing watched on with great intent. Something pricked his brain, should he do this? What if it was some kind of trap? But at this point he really didn’t care. If he died, he died. Biting down, a flood of sweetness filled his maw. It was something he’d never tasted before. As he chewed and swallowed the fruit, the voice of the world echoed in his skull.
All classes and levels removed
New Class Obtained – [[Nature’s Friend - Level 1]]
Companion Obtained – [[Mote of Earth]]
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
And Fenix passed out.
A cool chill eased Fenix awake. His muscles stiff, his head sore, and his brain still fogging from the night before. He didn’t even want to move, just lay in the dirt until somebody came to rescue. But who would? It was miles before anyone could arrive and why would they check the farm first? With care, he wiggled his toes and fingers. At least nothing was permanently damaged. Taking a deep breath, he went to sit up.
“Hurugh” a stab of pain shot through his chest. His lungs seized up as he fought for air.
Leaning to the side, he began coughing up a foul substance. A thick, tar-like combination of saliva, ash, and mucous. As the fit began to slow, he wiped off the spittle and glanced around. The entire region was under a layer of thick soot. What burned the night before slowly fell across the lands. No wonder it hurt to breathe. Pulling out his pocket knife, he cut off a bit of fabric from his pants and made a quick mask. It wasn’t perfect, but it’d at least help keep the dust out. With the filter secure, Fenix hobbled to his feet. He scraped off as much gunk as he could, but the night of sweat caused it to stick to the skin. Sighing, he shuffled over to the well to wash off the mess.
He took three steps before seeing that bit of metal sticking up from the ground. Yet that little spigot made him pause. His brain was flooded with painful moments once more. All the times he fought his parents to wash up, him and his brother pranking each other by dumping a bucket on em, or just fetching water for dinner; it was gone. So many things caught up to him.. Each and every one centered around this tiny object. So much of his life he brushed off, yet now. Now it is over. The only thing left is this stupid little spigot. Emotions ran wild as a bellowing rage swept through his body. A visceral scream of anguish and agony reverberated from his throat. It wasn’t fair! They weren’t rich, they kept to themselves, yet why did it happen? What cruel god set this fate before him? He screamed and yelled until hoarse. It wasn’t healthy, but he didn’t care. He just let the grief overtake all sense of thought.
Each memory of his former life is a painful reminder of what he lost. His dad teaching them survival skills at night, the smell of delicious cookies his mom would make on the weekends, he and his brother laying on the roof to watch the stars. So many moments of joy and a blow to the gut. Fenix wasn’t sure how long had passed, only pulling himself together when there were no tears left to shed. Wiping the snot on his arm, he continued forward in silence.
He grabbed the old rags and leaky bucket. With each pump, he filled the container with fresh water. Using the damp cloth to wipe down the dirt clinging to his skin. Thankfully, the cool liquid helped soothe his sore body. It took a bit of rubbing to get rid of the layers of grime. As he scrubbed down, he began to dissociate from this world. He just needed to retreat from all the pain, letting his base knowledge clean himself as his thoughts went blank.Within moments the ground was soaked and he felt fresh once more. It wasn’t much, but it did help. Placing the bucket down, he muttered to himself.
“Ok Fenix, pull yourself together. What did dad say to do when stranded…”
He began to rehash the lessons learned as he journeyed back to his collapsed home. Stepping over the charred wood, he saw the little creature diligently working. Already the curious thing had cleared out a tiny circle in the living room. It wasn’t much, but it gave some space to maneuver through. As Fenix approached the strange being, he saw a faint glow emanating from the center.
“What are…HEY!” He called out.
Somehow the twig found his collection of seeds. His face went red as a wave of anger overtook him. He’d spent good money on his collection and was going to start a new garden when he moved.
“Stop that!” He yelled.
His loud voice started the creature interrupting whatever spell it was casting. The living twig ran under the rubble to safety. Fenix quickly went over to pick up the scattered seeds, carefully dropping each into his pockets. As he reached for the last bits, he noticed that some had begun to germinate. Holding it up to the light, he saw the initial sprout poking out from the hardened shell. It was at that moment he realized how blinded he was from grief. Why would the creature try to steal? He felt like a total jerk for over-reacting. Getting to his knees, he crawled to where the cowering creature hid.
“Come on out little guy. I didn’t mean to scare you” He held out a hand.
The strange creature refused to budge, instead it sat motionless under the debris. If Fenix didn’t know what to look for, it would have been impossible to find. It was just a small pile of sticks resting on the charred floor. Something you’d see on a forest trail or walking out between the fields. Nothing of importance, yet it was very much alive. Realizing this wasn't going to work, Fenix tried a different tactic. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a few of his prized collection and offered them up to the little guy.
At first, nothing seemed to happen. But once the creature noticed the seeds, it slowly crawled over.
“Go on, we can share” Fenix smiled.
The thing carefully took a few of the seeds and went back to its circle. It glanced back at Fenix who gave an approving nod. Placing them onto the floor, the animated twigs began to channel once more. Fenix carefully crept over to observe. While he had met with the local magician before, he’d seen nothing like this. A warm glow surrounded the tiny seedlings, the kernels pulsing in light as they took in the energy. Within moments, the first cracked open and a tiny stem grew.
“Wow…”
But the creature didn’t stop, once one seed sprouted he moved onto the next. As Fenix watched, he noticed the glow weakening. After the third sprouting, the twig creature collapsed.
“Oh…” he quickly ran over to try and help.
Staring at the unmoving mass of detritus, he began to panic.
“Come on little guy, you ok?” Nothing
No no no, He couldn’t lose another. The two had only just met and he felt a strange connection to the spirit. Rubbing his temples he began to brainstorm.
“Ok, Fenix. Think…What did the voice say? [[Mote of Earth]]. GOT IT!”
Bending down he gathered the remains of the creature into his palm. He was extra careful not to damage the twigs. Heck, It didn’t feel that different from regular sticks. A nagging thought clawed at his brain that this was all some crazy hallucination. All that trauma and now he was talking to inanimate objects. But at the same time, if it helped him cope, so be it. Fenix searched the room for an old bowl. Heading outside, he filled the container with soil, partially buried the twigs, and gave it some water. It was a stupid idea, but he had to work. The thing was clearly a plant of some kind and plants needed good soil and water right?
Placing the bowl down he waited–but nothing happened.
“What else…what else. THE SEEDS!” He exclaimed.
Reaching into his pocket, he planted the other seeds around the creature. After a few moments, the little guy began to twitch. A sense of relief allowed Fenix to finally relax. With his tiny friend recovering, he decided to salvage what remained. With care, he walked through the remains pocketing anything of use. As he reached the door, a faint flicker caught his eye. It was just some coins reflecting the sunlight, but he noticed a few bags torn open. Rummaging through the raider’s remains, he found some candles, rope, jerky, and other supplies. It wasn’t much, but at least it would help. Gathering up the material, he tried to salvage some of the wood and formed a pile outside. The sun was already starting to set and he had to move quickly.
With care, he began to form a lean-to out of the remains. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a basic shelter his parents taught him to build in an emergency. A few wooden posts to hold it up, sticks to form the basic roof, and some old hay to make it covered. As the moon began to rise, Fenix returned to the cellar to grab some preserved fruit. Dipping his hand into the syrupy material, he ravenously devoured the contents. Normally he wouldn’t be able to stomach that much sugar, but he couldn’t halt the hunger. As he finally filled the aching stomach, a sense of weight overcame him. All this work began to catch up. Since last night, Felix had been running on stress and adrenaline. Now that he was somewhat safe, his body was forcing him to rest. But he still had one thing to do before crashing.
Heading back to the farmhouse, Fenix lit a candle and went to the earthen bowl. His tiny friend had mostly recovered and was tending to the various seedings. Felix had to do a double take with how much they had grown. What should have taken a week only took a few hours. He knew some high level farmers had skills like these, but it required many many levels to accomplish. Not to mention they had to specialize in rapid growth to even have a chance at getting something so efficient. Whatever this [[Mote of Earth]] was, it was special. Grabbing the bowl, the twigs turned his way. The little limbs waved at him to stop.
“Shh calm down, only here to help” and he lifted the container.
Carrying it back to his new home, he placed it against the wall and laid down. The hard dirt was anything but comfortable, he’d need to get more hay and build a bed. But this was fine for now. Gazing out into the night sky, he wondered where they had taken his brother, whether his parents survived, and what happened to the town. There was so much to do and very little time. Yet; even with all the raging thoughts, he quickly fell into a deep sleep. If he couldn’t find them, he would be sure to make home a place worth returning to.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“What is this place…” Ash muttered.
He stood on a glistening path that stretched far beyond the horizon. A trail of stars wading through waves of darkness. Each time he turned, a new vision popped into frame. The clouds swirling into temporary portals, each revealing a wondrous realm. Before he could process what he saw, it was quickly replaced with another visage. Even the ground itself seemed to shift, one moment gravity was fine, the next the world inverted. Gravity tugged at him from all sides as the perspective kept shifting. His head was throbbing from the madness, falling to his knees he tried to shut out the sights. But it didn’t stop, no matter how much he tried the visions were hammered into his skull. Blood trickled from his nose, tears streamed from his eyes, and the pounding migraine had him nauseous.
Curled up in a ball, he tried to focus. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but his brain partially adjusted to this terrible realm. It wasn’t so much as understanding, but learning how to filter out the madness. As long as he kept staring at the star-lit path, he could stumble forward. Even the space itself was an illusion. A portal passed by revealing an idyllic cottage, two faceless farmers tending to viney crops. As he reached out, the threshold perpetually left his reach. It was a cruel trick, no matter how hard he tried to escape it was just too far.
Strangely Ash didn’t feel tired nor hungry, he was in a perpetual state of content. All he could do was keep his eyes on the path ahead and continue onward. Nothing was true, yet it was all quite real. His mind did its best to understand the various discrepancies. A human mind forcing earthly logic onto a magical realm. On occasion he saw other…things appear on the path, only to disappear moments later. Strange creatures of inhuman proportions. Some he could swear “looked” at him. As Ash tried to find a way to communicate, one of the shadowy beasts passed through him.
Glistening lights swirled through the air and a cacophony of sounds flooded the skull. The slamming of a gong, the high pitched violins, the screams of battle, explosions of magic, boring lectures from the mage tower, it was everything and nothing at all. Anytime he tried to focus on one source, it was silenced and replaced with more noise. Nothing could stop the blaring sounds, even blocking his ears with cloth was futile. He wanted to scream, he begged for it to stop, but it only intensified with each passing moment.
His stomach twisted and he stumbled to the side to vomit—but nothing came out. Instead he froze, a feeling of wrongness crept up the spine. His legs shackled and unmoving from the terrible sight before him. It was nothing, and it was everything. A swirling mass of chaotic darkness sucking in anything that approached. Magical lands torn apart and swallowed down. Yet for every space destroyed, a new one was spat out. Strange denisons flying past and slamming into one of the floating worlds. A constant turmoil of creation and destruction.
It had a…intelligence behind it. Something that thought on levels higher than human consciousness. The ever-changing mass seemed to turn. Suddenly a terrifying power rushed into Ash. His mind tore open and splayed out for the thing below. Nothing was sacred, his very essence violated by the probing being. As the writhing darkness tinkered with his soul, entire lifetimes flashed before him. He tried to pull away but was trapped, some many experiences he was forced to endure. The rush of first love, the pain of death, the taste of steel in the stomach, the betrayal of his greatest friends, the joy of innovation, each one experienced many times. Yet nothing stayed, his brain couldn’t process it all. It was too much to comprehend and he begged for it to stop.
The abyss grew, the stars dimmed, and the world faded. Whatever it was, it wanted him. It wanted his essence, his very being, and to add all his memories to its ever growing self. Promises and threats were imprinted into his brain. He could be one of many, experience anything he wished for. While others threatened his very existence, how he would be destroyed if he refused. Not just his soul, but his very existence. It would be as if he was never born at all. Yet how could he resist? It was a tempting offer, an easy way out from all the pain. Just one simple step and it was all over. One measly motion and all hardships were a thing of the past.
“NOOO!” He slammed the remains of the relic into his thigh. A sharp pain running up his leg shattering the trance.
Stumbling back, he covered his ears.
“GET OUT OF MY HEAD! STOP!”
It listened, the world went silent. Instantly, everything was cast into darkness. g. But this wasn’t just darkness, it was the essence of nothing. This was the absence of all, there was nothing to sense. Only his thoughts keep him company. How many years before he’d go crazy? As the horrific realization set in, his mind finally cracked. All the grief and sorrow rushed into his head. His parents were gone, his brother was dead, and he was trapped in this hellish world.
“Oh jeez, can you stop being such a baby?” A harsh female voice said.
Ash perked up and tried to find the source. But the reverberating sound surrounded him.
“Please, can you help? I…I don’t know what to do” He called back.
“Sure, just like all the other lost walkers. Look, ya messed up and it’s over. Maybe in a few hundred years somebody might find ya. Good luck buddy” The girl taunted, her voice fading.
“No please! Don’t leave, I can bargain. I’d do anything…”
Suddenly, a harsh light took hold. A single white light penetrated the darkness–blinding him. As his eyes adjusted, he saw a girl standing before him. She was dressed strangely, a white petticoat and black blazer. Her hair dyed pitch black and her face like porcelain. With each step, the sound of her heels filled the space. The white tights were unblemished and the black shoes perfectly polished.
“You really are stupid aren’t you. Well if you say anything then I accept.”
SNAP
The light faded and the darkness began to shift. Slowly, the world came into being once more.
“What the…” Ash was beyond confused.
He felt himself sinking, the ground soft and wet. Pulling his leg free, he noticed a few torches along cobblestone pathways. The sky showed no stars, yet it had two full moons. But the worst were the graves. Hundreds upon hundreds of tombstones lined the roiling hills. Some small, some massive mausoleums. A cold sweat made his skin clammy while his blood filling with adrenaline. He needed to get out. Glancing around, he noticed a large metal fence surrounding the graveyard–but no gate was in sight. Walking over, he noticed they were nearly twice his height and topped with a rusted tip. It was futile to try and climb that, he’d need to find some other way. As he moved to the pathway, he felt the first droplets of rain.
CRACK
Lighting shot across the sky followed by a resounding boom.
“Holy!” He stumbled in the soft mud and ended up tumbling down a hill.
The rain only continued to intensify as the time passed. A deep shiver began to took hold as the cool water sapped his strength. Trudging through the mud, he ended up stepping into a deep pit. Cursing, he tried to pull out his foot only to lose his boot. A raging inferno began to grow inside him. He was done playing stupid games. Wiping the mud from his brow, he yelled out.
“ENOUGH! WHERE ARE YOU?”
CRACK
The rain stopped as another flash of lightning illuminated the realm. Nestled in the bright light was the dark silhouette of the girl. She slowly walked towards Ash, her lips parting into a sinister smile. But unlike him, she traveled across the mud with ease. Not a single piece of grime stuck to her shoes nor did the rain dare to touch her clothes. It was then Ash realized the rain hadn’t stopped, instead it curved around her presence. Old stories arose from his deepest memories. This his dad would tell to get him to sleep. She wasn’t human, but something…other. He dared not to move as she approached. This was HER realm and he didn’t want to be offended. Within moments, she was standing in front of him. She was tiny, nearly a foot shorter yet her presence was one of a titan.
“Ash, I accept your bet of “anything”. If you succeed, then I will help you escape the darkness. If you lose…well I’m sure I can think of something” She ended with a little giggle.
He was beyond screwed.
“Wait, no. I didn’t mean” But a single finger silenced his pleas.
“Blah blah blah. Look, this aint anything special. We will have a simple duel.” She snapped her fingers and the world shifted.
Ash watched as the ground split up and a new tombstone rose from the earth. Sitting six-feet deep was a fresh wooden coffin. The door opened wide waiting to take in the next body. She couldn’t be serious about this? Panic set in and he tried to back away from the grave. But the girl was quick, she snatched his wrist and held him still.
“No running buddy. Did you skip class or something? It’s basic not to make deals if you can’t back em. Guess the old man getting caught set ya back. Good riddance” She spat.
“Wait I don’t know what you are”
“Shut it. Game is simple. First one to go in the coffin loses. Got it? Good. We start in 3…2…1…”
CRACK
She disappeared in another flash of lightning only to reappear beneath him. Her body twisted as she slammed an elbow into Ash’s stomach. The farmer was sent flying as spittle left his lips.
“Hmmm, no protection either…” she mumbled
“Ooof” Ash doubled over as he tumbled along the ground. His elbow cracked against a tombstone in the process.
He couldn’t die like this. Standing up, he held his limp arm and waited.
CRACK
Another flash and she appeared once more. A single fist slamming into his jaw with such force it knocked out a tooth. He stumbled back as stars filled his vision. He tried to retaliate with a right hook, but she easily dodged and smashed a knee into his thigh. Ash didn’t even have time to groan before he took a kick to the back. Each flash of lightning resulted in another hit. Her rapid assault knocked him back and forth like a ragdoll. With one final blow to the knee, he finally fell.
“Come ON FIGHT” She yelled.
He stumbled back to his feet once more. His eye was swollen shut and lips bleeding from the punches. Her leg slammed into the back of his knee and sent him falling once more.
“What tricks do you have? Huh? Give me something! IT’s been years since I got to fight”
The girl lifted her leg into a split before swinging it downwards. This was his only chance. He felt a rib crack as the heel made an impact. But it gave him the opening he needed. Grabbing her ankle, Ash pulled.
With his weight, he twisted and slammed her to the ground. Before he could pin her, she quickly contorted out and backflipped to safety.
“Now that's what I’m talking about” She put up her fists once more and shuffled in.
Ash did his best to parry and block the punches. But she was too quick; even when he thought he’d hit, it was only an afterimage. He wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to last. He was one punch away from passing out and went for a desperate gambit. The girl saw the feint and went in for the kill. However, luck seemed to be on Ash’s side. As he stepped into the punch, his leg sank into the mud. Her first shot through the air gave Ash just enough time to wrap his arms around her. Squeezing with all his might, he lifted his opponent into the air.
While he wasn’t a fighter, all those years on the farm gave him plenty of muscle. With his opponent trapped in the crushing bearhug, he stumbled towards the coffin. He could feel her kicking his thighs and trying to bite his shoulder…but he ignored the pain. He had to return home, he had to see his family. Only 10 steps and he could escape this hell. His legs wobbled and he nearly fell stepping into another mud pit, but he held on. 5 more steps and it was over. It was then she stopped fighting.
“Hey Ash, I think it’s time you learn something…” He ignored her.
“We don’t play fair…”
A cold grip wrapped around his ankle. All warmth was gone and his foot gave out. As he fell, she easily escaped his grasp and tumbled out. Ash turned to see what stopped him, what he saw was horrifying. A single hand reached from the grave and held on tight. Ash kicked and kicked until the fingers broke and he could pry himself free.
“HA HA LOOK AT THAT STUPID FACE DID YOU HONESTLY THINK YOU COULD WIN!” She taunted.
One by one, more hands appeared. The various victims clawing out from their tombs and shambling towards him. Zombies in various states of decay began to fill the realm. Ash tried to find an opening in the mob, but nothing appeared. The stench of death filled the air as the group closed in. He tried to fight back. Shoving some to the ground, kicking others back, but it was futile. Within moments, dozens of hands pulled him to the ground. Ash began to thrash about, he couldn’t die like this. He should have accepted the abyss thing’s offer. His fingers began to bleed as he tried to claw free. Yet it was one man versus many. He was dragged across the soil and quickly tossed over the side. As he struggled to get out, he saw the face of the girl above.
“Looks like I win” and the coffin slammed shut.