The salty water behind them began to change color. Old stone slabs jutting out. Towering canopies rising out around the island. Algae making its home on the cracks and winding their way to the docks. Several other boats bobbed in the water. It was empty. Eerily empty.
The sound of wind and waves filled Tobias’s ears. Signs clanking against old wooden structures, tropical lizards claiming them. It was an odd sight to see. Compared to the modern structures against the trees. Tall buildings built into and alongside them. Walkways weaving their way deeper into the wood. Tobias scanning, squinted a little. It was almost like dusk, with all the cover. A single dirt road lay ahead. No vehicles here of any kind save for the boats. How many people actually lived here? Was Maxwell really sleep deprived and brought them to a desolate settlement?
Keeping his eyes on the buildings, Tobias took a step onto the algae soaked deck as their boat stopped. No movement behind the windows, strange. Within a few steps, Tobias tried to keep his balance but failed. It had been too slippery, falling awkwardly, knees smacked the wood. Hands slid through the slimy green.
Eralar raced by him, giving a quick laugh, seemingly unaffected by the smooth deck. Smacking his hands together he tried removing as much of the algae she could. A good amount of it leaving streaks across his black pants.
“What a pain.” He mumbled.
Before he could take another step, he noticed something was odd about the dock. Underneath all of that algae, the black tar-like substance had been another layer. Pushing aside some more with his hands, it had been the same. The wood of the deck had been enveloped with it. Where the dock began, everything looked to be in place. Off to the sides though, traces of black sand. Green had been replaced with death like black.
The others began making their way out, all the gear in tow. Lydon was overly eager to get going and attempted to hurry over to Tobias. Before he could say wait, the fall had begun. Just like him, he slipped. On the second step out, Lydon fell forward face planting onto the deck. The two cases he was carrying slid in front of him. With a groan he rolled over on his back staring at the sky.
“Of course just my luck, ugh.” Lydon said, attempting before he could rise to his feet.
Grant came out holding Solace under one arm. His glasses weren't on his face and he still looked like crap. Tobias was surprised he was even able to stand. They had planned to leave him on the boat to get some rest.
Onyx, who had been the last one off the boat, had been sniffing around outside. With a concerned look on his face. When he saw Lydon fall he rushed over to him, jumped on his stomach knocking him back down.
“What the heck, boy—” Onyx pressed down and catapulted forward off of him, dashing to Tobias.
“Nice, Onyx. Nice.” Lydon said, trying to get rid of the algae all over him before rolling his eyes and giving up.
“Tried to warn ya. Went down too fast.” Tobias called out. Lydon acknowledged with a frown.
“You guys, be careful. The deck is slippery but we also have company. That black sludge is creeping under the deck. It is on the beach over here as well.”
Metlocks dreary eyes scanned the surroundings. This did not look like a place where Avaron, the one who took his arm, would be. Leaning forward, he hopped off the Snapper. While already being slightly used to off balance situations, he tapped Lydon on the shoulder as he casually crossed over. Checking the sides of the boat and scanning the dock. From the looks of it, Tobias thought, they were just making sure things looked alright. Hoping for no surprises.
They each took turns getting off, being extra cautious. Onyx circled Tobias' legs, who just reached down to pet and calm him down. Something here was obviously off. Watching the signs slowly bang against forsaken wood, did not not tell the story. The cluster of buildings were simply and nothing out of the ordinary.
Cover’s gifts, Canopy boats and Simon’s salt candy’s, were some of the shops. The rest being faded and unreadable. Eralar rounded the corner of one of the faded shops. Her hair blowing in the slight breeze, looking up at the sky with wonder and confusion.
Everyone had slowly migrated and met just before the dirt road. Tobias looked to Maxwell. He had looked more distraught than anything.
“Maxwell. You sure we are in the right place?”
“Yes, I am afraid. Did not get any Intel it would be this rough. Things seemed okay.”
“Thought so. This can't be good.”
“That sludge from the Tulere is here. It must have come this way.”
“Seems like it must be coming from the water. Rather than on land, though.” Tobias said.
Eralar Began to walk away back from one of the houses with a faded sign. She motioned them to follow along. As they went inside the collapsed building they had to cover their noses. A stench washed over them. On the roof there was a puddle. It was dripping down, eating through the building.
Wherever it was made everything sink. Fitting for that is what happened when they discovered the barrel. It ate away at everything. Like it was acid.
“What do you think caused this?” Eralar said, covering her mouth.
“I don’t know, this is not what are used to seeing.” Tobias said.
“There has been a lot of it lately.”
As they left the stench filled building, ripples formed in the black puddles. Maxwell's taking point was heading straight ahead to one of the buildings. With no objections everyone else followed. Tobias looked up at the canopy. Nothing strange to report.
At that moment, it was nice and tranquil. Onyx beside him had calmed down. Lights shone through the windows as they got closer. Banners for “Sundown” hung down in front of it. The doors did not open right away when they got closer. Maxwell knocked and turned to the group with his brows curled. After a minute of waiting, he pried the door open. It did not resist.
Right away, they were hit with the bright scent of mangoes. Not a single soul greeted them, man or machine. On one of the giant flat screen TVs, it played an advertisement for the island.
“Welcome to Underbite! Please do enjoy our new construction on this island. We have quickly started up and have 5 strong tourist attractions when you first arrive. Deeper into the groves of Underbite, you will experience nature, untouched by human hands. Save for our bridges that we have specially designed to navigate through, without causing damage. There is a small town going up a few miles in. It lies within a giant clearing and strives to not continue expansion outside of its natural borders. Be sure to try the Islands Native Mango candies before you leave! With all that said, please do enjoy your stay at the Sundown and welcome to Underbite.” A woman’s voice said.
Lydon went over and grabbed some. Shoving them in his mouth. Tobias wandered to the front desk and leaned over it. Neat and organized. Nothing of note. Could that strider they had been chasing devoured the residents? Besides the spot for sore eyes outside, everything else was fine.
Doubt that it came through and caused minimal damage. With everyone still talking things in and looking around, Tobias smacked his hand on the counter.
“I am going to check out some of these floors, see if anyone is here.” He said.
“Alright. Let us all stay on the first level if it is safe. In case of emergency we don’t need to be hauling it upstairs.” Maxwell said, pulling his plain black cap on tighter.
With a nod Tobias nodded and let the others figure out what they were going to do. With Onyx at his side for once, he went down the hallway.
“I am surprised you are coming with, my boy. Have been leaving me high and dry.”
Onyx just looked at him happily as the light turquoise tiles on the floor hummed off and on. The rooms were pretty big based on how far apart each door had been. All of them so far had a light blue glow, where the door knob would be. Reaching out to it, light washed over his hand, and the door opened. With a shrug at Onyx he stepped inside. It was clean here. Like the room had just been made. Not many visitors reticently, he figured.
“Greetings and welcome to Sundown!” A voice said behind him.
A holographic man about the same height as him with a tuxedo and cowboy-like hat. Odd thing to see on a program. Tobias gave a quick wave and checked his surroundings. Nothing out of the sort. Of course. Kitchen was fine, the bathroom, beds, rooms, walls and the rugs. No sign of any decay here.
“Do you take fancy to this room, sir?” The man asked as Tobias slid open the door to the back.
Rows of decks to each side, each the size of what seemed to be two rooms. Each had a small pool towards the back. It looked to be a giant one that flowed along the back, also divided in sections between the rooms. Back inside, there more color to one advertising the room. His body more human like. With a cap tip, he waited.
“I do like it. Really fancy here.” Tobias said.
“Fantastic, would you like to stay here for the week? I can get you all set up.”
“No, no, well yes. Just for the night. We will be leaving in the morning most likely.”
Disappointment struck across his face.
“Okay that is unfortunate but I understand. This room here, seven is yours for the night. When you need to get in, just put your hand up to the light, it is your key.”
“Thank you. How much do I owe you?”
“Oh, nothing at all. You are my first visitor in nearly a year.”
A year? Tobias thought. “Really now? How come it has been so long?”
Something is very wrong here. Grael said to him. Rage flushed across his face, for reasons he did not know.
“I could not answer that. We did have most of the Sundown filled to brim. Underbite was finally getting some tourism. A shame.”
“Do you know what happened to the people here? We have not seen anyone.”
“What? Are you certain?” He said, his tone confused.
“Yes, we just got here but the place looks abandoned, if you said it's been almost a year, well that makes sense.”
“I monitor the hotel and try to keep it up to speed. I have very little interaction with anything outside of here.”
“Okay, well has anyone signed out of here recently or is there anyone staying here?”
“Let me check through my database. Please give me a few minutes.”
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
Tobias went and sat on the couch while watching the AI.
One of the more recent models. Imitates life almost to a T, besides some of the robotic repetition. From Grayland no doubt. Always expanding and pushing the limits. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Metlock in the doorway. He quietly walked around the Ai, with Lockjaw in hand. He slowly raised his gun. Tobias held a hand out for him to stop.
“What is that thing doing, Toby?” Metlock said.
“It is looking for people who have left and may still be here.”
“Damn. That is rather creepy. We haven’t seen anyone else.”
“I know. Said no one has checked in to the Hotel in about a year now.”
“What in the world?”
With a clap of his not materialized hands the AI looked excited and looked at Metlock. Which gave him the shivers.
“Ah, a friend of yours now. Any others I need to know of?”
“Yes. There are others here. They will probably need rooms as well.”
“Excellent. Have not had any others touch one of the doors, so when they do I will certainly set them up. For free.”
“Thanks. Now what did you find in your search.”
“So the last person to sign out was about nine months ago. Everyone else seemed to keep their rooms open. Gathering quite the bill I must say.”
Tobias and Metlock shot each other a look. The hand on Lockjaw tightening.
“Is there still anyone else on this floor?”
“No. The downstairs is completely open.”
Tobias sighed with relief and tapped his fingers on his knees.
“Half of the second floor is taken. Levels three to six have remained full.”
Metlock wiped a sweet forming on his forehead and Tobias began to shake his foot.
“Thank you for the information, sir. How much would you be willing to take, to have all of the floors blocked off in about ten minutes.”
“A most interesting request. May I ask why?”
“Just to be safe. I doubt there will be any more guests. We were the only ones docked out there.”
“If someone does come around. I will let you know as soon as possible.”
“Please keep everything sealed until we have left the Island. So say about an hour after we leave, you can reopen.”
The AI looked like it was about to explode. After many pauses and stuttering he spoke.
“That is without a doubt one of the strangest requests I will ever hear.” “Sorry. Just need to be on the side of caution.”
“I will accept your request. For an extra ten-thousand dials.”
“Done.” Tobias immediately took out his Holoframe and held it at the AI. Metlock just watched in stunned silence before he could interject.
“Thank you very much for the payment sir. Would you like me to close them now?”
“Not yet. Close them in ten minutes. I need to gather the rest of my friends.”
“Not a problem. I will start getting the ovens ready in case you would like some food tonight.”
“That sounds awesome, I will go for some.” Metlock said. “If you need any more assistance. Just say the word Sunman and I will come.”
In another odd sight, the AI seemed to melt into the floor and disappear.
“I get it, Toby. Things are weird around here but was that worth it?”
“For sure. As mysterious as this is, I would like to focus more on getting through the night and potentially taking care of business tomorrow.”
“What if everyone here had been a worker? They could be out deeper in the island trying to get that small city or town ready.”
“That does sound reasonable but irresponsible.”
“Want to walk a little ways and see what's up?”
Metlock had always been the one for a more risky adventure. He would always get them to go along with the dumbest things. It was fun though he had to admit. Right now was not the time for it.
“We may decide to come back here. If things haven’t changed, we will.”
“Fine ya got me, sounds fair.” Metlock said somberly.
“What is the matter? I know how you are, seemed extra fired up. Heck you're still holding your gun.”
Metlock bowed his head with a sigh. Then he tapped his shoulder with the gun.
“He is out there somewhere, Tobias. His head has been popping up more recently, impeccable timing, I know.”
“Any new information on him?”
“Just a little. Mad killings and has started a church. Who knows how long that has been cooking up. Has symbols of the sun, moon and stars with flames. Tacky.”
Tobias went quiet and put his fist on his mouth. Metlock caught onto that and just stared at him.
“Sorry, I can't help you more. Last time I saw them.”
“Don’t worry brother. If you do see them in the future, let me know asap. I will come to you and we will hunt them down.”
“You have my word. Let’s get the others and wind down for the day, shall we?”
In the main hall, luckily, everyone else had stayed put.
“How does it look down there?” Maxwell asked as they approached.
“Good actually. I got us rooms down here. Everyone just needs to choose.”
“Nice. I quickly checked the upper levels. Say half of the second floor was locked. The other floors up to sixth are locked and full as well.”
“That does not sound good.” Solace said his stomach felt queasy.
As Tobias was explaining to everyone what the AI had told them a voice rang out.
“Hotel shut down. This is for your own safety. Due to a potential hurricane we are locking down the building so no water gets in. If you need anything please contact me. Thank you for your understanding.”
In a flash the stairs to the upper levels were blocked by a slab of metal. The elevator lights went off and everything felt to crawl even slower. The light from outside still came in from the windows. As they did not shutter up.
“Don’t worry guys. I paid to have it locked down for us.” Tobias said.
“Oh thank the gods. I won't have to be on edge the entire night.” Solace said, leaning his head back in a seat.
“Good call. We have enough to worry about. Limiting potential threats is much needed right now.” Maxwell said.
“Indeed. I say we all eat together, then get some rest for tomorrow.” Tobias said.
“I am game for that!” Grant said.
“Likewise!” Solace agreed.
In the spacious room everyone had taken a seat. Eralar pulled out the book Tobias and her had discovered in the Annals and placed it on the table in between the couches.
“What's with this tome.” Metlock said. He wiped hair from the front of his eyes.
“A book we found in the Annuals. We had hoped to get it open, but it is rather stubborn.” Tobias said.
“Just seeing if your friends here know anything about this.” Eralar said, tapping the cover.
Everyone in the room stood back, as Tobias' hilt fell to the floor. In moments Grael came to life once more. His long whiskers brushed on the book.
“The scent of the Tulere is strong here. Focus your efforts on it and the creature from before. There is too much danger to be scrolling through this book right now.” Grael said.
Tobias went over to the book and touched the cover.
“I have seen too many things the past few days. Things I would like to forget or never happened.” He walked around the room looking outside. Then back at everyone.
“I – we, can't lose Insmourn and Clausum.” He said. He reached down and rubbed Onyx's head. Almost did the same for Grael but held back.
“Agreed. Can't get a hold of the CGA or Kain at the moment. Hopefully they are doing okay.” Maxwell said.
“Alright. Well I am still curious. How did you manage to open it slightly?” Lydon asked.
“A secret!” Eralar smiled. All eyes focused on her. She felt pressured. Sighing, she rolled up her sleeves. Revealing tattoos, from her fingers, to her shoulder blades. Ocean waves and rolling sands. All kinds of different animals, sun above casting shadows. One torch on either side. All inked onto her.
“This is how. Was going to keep it a secret until we fought something. Bummer.” She said nervously.
“The glyphs of Duneweave. You are royalty then?” Maxwell asked.
She shook her head.
“A weaver without royal lineage. Strange. I will not pester you if you do not want to share.”
“That would be best. After we team up and take care of ou1r escapees, sure!” She said, trying to bring a good vibe back.
“I must know this though. Can you destroy it?” Maxwell took off his cap and handed it to her. He was not sure why she wouldn't be able to. After what she had just done to the Tulere.
“Of course I can. Don’t worry. I am a real weaver.”
She grasped the hat in her hands. The tattoos on her arms glowed darker, small specs of yellow filling in the rest. Holding her hands over the table, she clenched the hat. It began to dissolve immediately in her hands. After the last piece of fabric had been destroyed, her hands glowed like dusty sand. She quickly threw her sleeves back down and crossed her arms.
“There you go. A little show.”
“Thanks. I was not skeptical, just curious. Sorry for pressuring you.”
“Do not be sorry. I was itching to use it soon anyway.”
“Please do not kill me in the middle of the night. That seems like a terrible way to go.” Metlock said.
“I consider all you good people. I won't.”
She gave a sly wink. As banter continued they called Sunman. After having a meal everyone picked a room. Staying on the same side. Having rooms across from one another.
Solace sat in the dark and stared at the ceiling. As the hours ticked away he rolled in bed. His eyes changed shape and morphed. His mind was barely there. He had hoped for something, anything that would make him yell to get everyone's attention. Nothing was coming from the second story. No voices or footsteps. He had windows shut and blacked out so nothing could be looking in or out.
He drifted off to sleep. It was a restless. As he tried to slumber, he felt himself lunge awake. Stuck in a dream again. Above clouds rolled past the red and purple sky. The landscape around him felt different. He had never seen this place. Straight back from his head, desolate and rolling plains turned into towering mountains. To his sides there seemed to be life. Trying to grow. Small trees and patches of grass. It felt like paradise in a way. With the ashen ground though, something sinister also waited. As he looked side to side, a shadow began to fall over him. Unable to move he prayed that it was just a passing cloud. Managing to move his head straight back up, it was face to face with that thing.
He recognized that ugly face anywhere. Its pale humanoid body began to crawl over him. Some color was now returning to it. As light shades of pink flowed through it. Long hands, fingers looking like daggers dug in next to his head. It smiled at him with a row of jagged teeth as it made itself comfortable. Stretched out directly above him. Solace at this point was tired and just wanted to die. Trying to get out of this nightmare was going to be futile.
“What do you want from me?” Solace said, making eye contact with its soul-less white eyes. He was surprised he was able to speak so clearly. It let out a nasty cackle and ran its sharp claws along his face. Not drawing any blood, yet.
“Vessel.” It finally began to speak.
“Me? A vessel? For what?”
“The time has come for you to go. Sleep well eternally. Thank you for opening the way for us.”
Solace's eyes began to go dark. His vision faded. His skin turned brown and black. The skin being torn away by an otherworldly wind. He saw swarms of unknown creatures above him. Figures stood atop a Gray citadel near a crater. The last thing he saw was them turning into creatures, beings from another place. Fear rose to its Apex, then he was gone with one last yell of pain.
” It said, placing its pasty white lips on his. The pale figure atop him drove its dagger-like fingers into his side. Taking its face away from his with a twisted laugh, it began to eat into his sides.
Tobias threw off his blanket, and Onyx as the yells startled him awake. He grabbed his new gun at his side. He burst out of his door, nearly knocked into Eralar who was in front of him. Everyone was in their night gear and looked spooked.
Gathering around his door, they pounded on it and screamed for him to open up. After a few seconds Tobias got impatient.
“Sunman! Open this door, it's an emergency!”
With a soft click the door opened and Grant threw himself inside. Then dropped his hammers to the ground at the sight. On the bed Solace’s body was gone. It was replaced by a form more like a fish. With gills on the side of its head. Spines all along its back. Webbed hands held high. Looked at them with fascination. It chuckled with blood dripping from its mouth.
“Your friend is gone. Taken over by fear. The perfect catalyst for our return. Come out now, Grael. I can smell those clipped wings.” It said, voice between gurgling and laughing.
The tattoo on Tobias arm suddenly burned with pain. He dropped the hilt and Grael took form. Tobias rolled up his sleeves and looked at the gray and black tattoo, moving, swirling on his arm. The creature, once known as Solace let out a loud laugh that nearly blew out their ear drums.
“This is all that remains of you? So small and pathetic. Then there is that fragile lump of flesh over there. You can barely hold on to the power, stored in you through the starlight impact. Even your guardians, or parents I should say, had more fight than you.”
Tobias held his arm then fell face first to the ground. Metlock rose Lockjaw and aimed.
“I would feel sorry for you. But I don't. We have been winning this battle for eons. Now it is finally coming, to a close.”
Without another word, it lunged at Grael. With its webbed hands, red veins throbbed, then shot out and gripped Grael by the wings. He struggled and thrashed on the ground. As it pinned him to the floor. The others tried to help, but from the floor vines of flesh rooted them to the ground. Metlock fired and shot a blast through its head. With its head deformed, a smile crept from the destroyed bits of head. The stretchy flesh came back and reformed the head. It detached its hand, quickly growing another in its place. It walked to Metlock, teeth covered in blood and a smile that made his insides writhe. Lockjaw shook in his hands as he tried keeping aim. The creature stopped in. As if it had ran into an invisible wall.
Tobias grabbed its leg. Rather a wing resembling a wyverns did. Claws punctured through the fleshy white leg. Spilling pools of red and pink on the carpet.
Its eyes flashed in amusement. One webby hand took Lockjaw in another. Forcing Metlocks arm down. Tobias looked to Grael. With gnashing teeth, hit bit on the bits of flesh. They turned to ash as he hit down. Objects hanging from the wall and tables began to shake. An earthquake took hold of Underbite.
“Ahh.” The creature said. Its words and breath, icy and harsh.
“It will wake soon. Then, your lands will be swept away by the Aeon Dividers. I must be going. Have to attend the birthing.”
It leaned down and took Tobias’s head in one hand. It came closer to his face. The stench made his eyes water and burn. The words cut into his ear drums as it whispered in his ear.
“See you soon. Your Radiance.” It said, Driving his face into the ground.
Tobias felt his whole body go limp.
“Who…what are you? You bastard. What did you do with Solace?” Tobias said, trying to lift his body up.
It turned, the fins on its head acted as ears. Pulling on the strings of flesh it made It looked down on him. The others groaned in pain as wire like flesh dug into their skin.
“Grael did not fill you in? What a pity. Among the Dividers I am called Xeanoss. Fear, the title I wear, and used most often.” It replied.
Grael breathed in and shot a breath of hot black and gray fire. The flames licked and disintegrated the flesh binding them. Xeanoss laughed and began melting into the floor. In a liquid puddle of flesh.
“Your flame is as weak as ever. It tickles. Next time I hope it has a little more bite.” It said and faded from view.
Tobias observed Grael, who was breathing heavily. He really did not know much other than what he told them. This feud between these races was becoming a bit much.