Grant carried Maxwell on his back, still passed out. A light rain kicked in as they approached the beach where the strider had tried to escape. Loads of pale beetle corpses littered the ground. Their blue and purple shells glimmered as they passed. They sure didn't live long. Being out in the light didn’t do much good. Water dripped down into giant holes from the “footprints” of the strider. Birds fluttered away from chaos. Then falling to the ground dead. Already being poisoned from the miasma of the black sand and substance in the air. The giant creature's oval body lodged itself sideways in the sand.
Tobias gripped his sword as he, Metlock, Onyx and Eralar circled around its body, to its head. With a loud smash Tobias smashed Grael into one of the beetles. Still squirming around from a wound. Onyx scratched at one of the striders eyes when they reached the front. Then tried biting into it. Tobias gently pulled him back. Doubt the taste would have been good. Metlock poked at its head with Lockjaw and mumbled.
“Well, that was different and rather exciting.” Eralar said.
“Really now? Having the opportunity to be crushed by rocks or swarmed and eaten by the many legged freaks?” Metlock replied.
“Yes, really. That was a giant adrenaline rush!”
“Yeah, you might be crazy. Need to tell me about those tattoos, good workback there.”
“Don’t worry, I am. Will share when we get off this little island.” Eralar said as she squeezed her fist, making ink rush into her palm. She then flicked it at Metlock’s face. Dropping his gun he quickly tried wiping it off his face.
“Just a little isn't so harmless.” She smiled.
Metlock held his hand to his face and gave a sly smile in return.
“This thing must still be alive. Its antennas are still moving. Tobias said, kneeling in the sand.
“We just need to wait for the backup to come. If it is alive, what a huge stroke of ridiculous luck.
“Right, good job you guys. I’m going to give it another scar before they dissect this thing.” Metlock said.
He picked up Lockjaw and quickly shot bits of one of its eyes out.
“Rather brutal. Let me give it another one. For the poor guy that got swallowed.” Tobias said, slashing into another eye. Then he stopped. As he noticed something odd from the wounds. He went to examine further.
“You guys are twisted.” Eralar said.
“Dang straight.” Grant said, pushing a hammer into one of its wounds.
Metlock winked at her and smacked at its shell with the barrel of the gun.
Tobias knelt down and looked at the strider. Something was wrong, Extremely wrong. He moved aside the body parts and he saw an arm. Moving aside more of its shell and flesh, this entire creature was made up of sewn up bodies. Mechanical and human. All mixed together to form this thing. As he moved a hand, a coin rolled out of its hands. Tobias froze and without thinking, pulled at the bodies. The others watched him. Lydon cringed as Tobias' fingers were covered in guts. With arms, legs and heads pushed aside, Tobias brought out the top half of a corpse, the one that had been clutching the coin.
With its clothes all ripped and clinging to his body. Almost permanently etched into his body, Tobias noticed immediately. How could he not. It was Mathias’s face. The same expression, frozen in time the day he lost his life. Tobias slowly closed the open eyes. Maxwell, Grant and Lydon had come closer. No words were spoken. The waves were soundless. Silence was the only answer here. Tobias took the corpse of his friend and walked over to the remains of the whale. The other three followed. Eralar stood and watched them. All of them moved sand away, making a shallow tomb. Tobias placed the Ovorothian coin on top of the sand. They all said a silent prayer.
“Lets go wait for the clean up crew to get here.” Tobias said.
“I could totally hit the bed and take a nice nap.” Eralar said, making her way back to the snapper.
“Come on Onyx. No chew toys for you out here.”
Lydon and Grant sat quietly as they got back on board. They must have already put Maxwell in his room. Eralar must have followed through and went to pass out.
“What a day, what a day.” Grant said slouched in his seat.
“You're telling me.” Lydon said in a hoarse voice with his glasses off.
“For all of this, we got more questions than anything, did we?”
“You are right. It has just brought upon more. Fantastic.” Tobias said, taking a seat.
“I think we need to take a trip right to Ovoroth. Might get a few answers straight away.” Lydon said glasses and hands folded across his lap.
“With Mathias corpse being in that thing, and the coins yes. We have finally got to lay him at rest. At the least.”
“I am glad. He did not deserve that fate.” Grant said.
“Let's not go straight away though. I need a break.” Lydon replied.
Metlock opened up one of the cabinets and took a handful of chip bags and passed them around.
Silence filled the room as everyone took in the situation and grabbed some rest. Onyx was curled up in one of the seats exhausted as well. Tobias decided to go on deck. To make sure nothing crazy was going. Outside behind the whale skeleton, the strider's body rotted like a husk. A loud VROOOOM arose over the sound of the beach. Two ships were headed straight to them. One was a giant scrap ship used to haul just about anything. It was farther back in view, as in front was the latcher he had requested. It was leading the way slamming through the black bubbles and waves. Breaking through the waves it came his way full speed. It sliced through the sand and slowly came to a stop after losing all momentum. These vessels did not carry anyone on board. It was fully automated. Opening the door to the cabin, he called out:
“The clean up crew is just about here. Meet you out here.”
As Tobias examined the latcher, the scrap ship drew closer.
“Ah, now that is a much better sight.” Grant said, coming out with his welding helmet off.
Four giant mechanized soldiers. Just like the ones that dropped out of the ship at the boat hangar. They stood about eight feet tall. One of them gave a wave as they made landfall. The other three just looked at each other, then at the strider and shrugged.
Without a word they jumped off the boat into the sand. Marching to their cargo.
The one that spoke made its way over to them and said: “We'll meet. I am XV. See you all have successfully captured the target for the CGA and chairman.”
“More for the CGA and the rest of the world, but yes. We didn’t do much to it.” Tobias said.
“In the end, you succeeded. Now how are we going to get this thing on the cargo ship?
“You are asking us? Did they not give you a crane or something?” “Though we had time to prepare, I’m afraid we did not come well equipped.”
“What a bunch of clowns.” Metlock whispered to himself.
“Where is Maxwell Travondal?”
“He is currently knocked out. Strider gave him a good smacking.”
“Well that is rather unfortunate. He did have some ideas when he got here. Didn’t share anything with you I’d imagine?”
“That’s right. Nothing. I do have an idea though.”
“Oh? Throw it at me sir.”
“Well I did ask for the latcher. Since it is here, why don’t we have your hunk of metal, dry and drag this thing to shore.”
“We can certainly do that. Between the four of us we can lift and drag up to 15,000 pounds.”
“Fascinating. I did not put a scale under that guy, but I’m sure you're set.” “And next would be?”
“We use the latcher. Hook it into its flesh and drag it back home.”
“That is simple enough. Let’s get this over with before it gets dark. Rather not get stuck trying to fiddle around.”
“You don’t have any kind of night gear attached to you.”
“Correct. Sorry to disappoint you. I’m more of a daytime clean up and rescue type.”
“Alright, alright. There is not much more we can do. Want us to wait around or you have this under control?”
“We got this. You can go ahead and head on home. I will signal the CGA and let them know we got the cargo.”
“Okay, sounds good. If that thing wakes up, be careful.”
“Thanks for your concern. If need be we will ram it with the scrap ship and hope we knock It out.”
“Well at least you are prepared for that.”
XV marched to join his comrades.
“Let's get Maxwell to a hospital.” Tobias said.
Nodding, they took off. Onyx was still following closely. Gritting his teeth as they passed by the monstrosity in the sand. Eralar sitting down, leaned forward and stared at her tattoos. The powers she had gotten from home still came to good use. Feeling slightly exhausted though, reacting that fast for an attack did take a toll. Lydon sat back, glasses on his head watched her. He wanted to ask, but the others would want to hear what she had to say. That was something he had never seen before. No new creations at Ballastic had similar qualities.
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“Conjuring liquids from your body, along with the ability to destroy things. Who is this girl?” Lydon said.
She caught him staring.
“Something on your mind?” She asked.
“Yes, many things. Are you alright? That was some nice work back there. Thank you for having my back.”
“A little exhausted, of course. You are very welcome.”
“The others are not here yet, but I can't help but ask. If I may.”
“Of course, ask away.”
“How did you get those tattoos? Do they carry any meaning? I see patterns of a constellation? Some animals, just about everything.”
“For your first question, I got these when I was very young. Do not know the circumstances on how, but I did. The royal court are the only ones to receive this “gift.”
“So you're telling me you are some kind of princess or something?” “I wouldn’t go that far. An upper class citizen? Sounds bad. Would rather classify people in groups.”
“You don’t seem like that refined type.”
“So glad you noticed. I spent most of my days outside of the royal walls. Interacting with everyone, besides the people inside. Very rarely did I get a chance to speak with them.”
“Sounds like they considered you an outsider.”
“Could have been and maybe even now.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “When did you, uh “discover” or learn how to use, whatever that is.”
“At certain times I would be taken into the castle by a duo of royals. They would teach me how to shape things to my will, and destroy.”
“As seen here, alright.”
“Not the catchiest phrase, but we simply called it “Weaving.” “I can get with that. Very easy to pronounce and follow along with.” “Anything else you would like to ask?”
“Ah sorry, but I did not phrase my first question properly. What is the process for getting that into your skin.”
“Well…it’s bas-” Eralar was clearly distraught talking about this. Conveniently for her Tobias and the others walked in carrying supplies the Ovorothians had left.
“You guys have gotta hear what she has to say. Sorry, Eralar, but this is goodstuff.”
“Do not worry. Would be telling you all eventually.”
“Let's get this stuff set then we will listen.”
Tobias and the others took the supplies and took them to the command room. Onyx was playing both sides and took a seat next to Lydon.
“Boy, keep it cool. Your old man is gonna kill me if you decide to run for the hills.”
Taking a seat, Eralar continued where she left off.
“So, the way we Royals get the symbols and tattoos is rather…a bit much. Firstly they inject us with poison, then from there as the body reacts, symbols are drawn on us to keep us alive. Old magic and practices, symbols for Fire, Wind, you know the basics. Next they inject, I’m not sure what it is, but black liquid goes in next.”
Tobias got distraught as he heard this. Does what she has in her veins connect to what we are seeing and running into?
“As that is done, chanting is done and they hold our bodies down. When all the liquid has flown in, it is supposed to have some kind of effect on our hearts. Instead of blood and pumping it, it is now a mix of those two things.”
“Girl, you have had it rough by the sounds of it.” Grant said, rubbing his bald head.
“It wasn’t all that bad. Besides that life was mostly normal.”
“Well once again, thanks for keeping an eye out back there.” Lydon stood and extended his arm for a handshake.
“This won’t kill me now will it?”
“No, only if I want.” She said with a wink, shaking his hand.
“Let me set course then we can have our campfire moment.” Tobias did just that and they were on their way home.
Xeanoss stood from the mouth of the cave and slowly made its way down. It watched the mechanized soldiers drag the corpse of the strider. Black liquid seeped into the sea. With egg sacks inside still squirming. Fog began to close up on the island, two large blood red eyes also watched the ship sail away. The creature once known as Solace, had that same wicked smile upon its face.
We will meet you at the sunken depths. Grael and your Radiancy. Heatherweald’s rotten base. Devoid of starlight and power. There, your light will shine no more.
Back at the quiet docks of Clausum, Maxwell was carefully placed in a seat. Tobias and Eralar would be taking him to the hospital. The others went home to get some sleep. They all agreed to meet at Lydon’s tomorrow to brainstorm. The hospital was empty at this time of night. Getting Maxwell into a room took no time at all. Placing him on a stretcher, it moved itself and moved in front of a long hallway. Notifying his holoframe, a message read:
Maxwell Travondal is in a comatose state. We can get him functioning again with careful laser and electric shock surgery. This will only be done if the patient does not wake up by the month. Success rate has been at a stable 85 percent. With whomever’s consent, just sign below and we will take care of the rest. If you need to you can forward this message and you will both be notified of progress being made. Thank you for your time and trust at Clausum Gull Medical.
Tobias planned on sending Melaine the message in the morning. She would come kill us if she found out what happened to her husband in the middle of the night. The hospital had spare rooms for guests. Only one room was available, so they decided to stay just in case he woke up during the night. They each took a bed in a fairly large sized room, and had a solid wall come up and give them both privacy. Their own small rooms.
Metlock stood outside his cooking shack looking down at his holoframe. Scrolling through he saw gruesome murders. Severed heads, people impaled on staffs bearing suns and moons. Disembowelment. Just about all of the worst things possible. He froze as he saw his nemesis, somewhere in this world. With two giant staffs in each hand, a body slid on each one. A wavy sun on one of the staffs and the other one from the looks of it just looked like a tangled mess of weeds. What made him tick was this was in a video format, and of course it felt like Avaron was taunting him. With a metallic smile, blood splattered across his teeth. Steel headed freak, what was he planning? Taking another shot, he sat outside and stared at the sky.
Morning came and sleep had been kind. Tobias stared at the wall. Then black fur as Onyx stood up on his chest.
“Well, aren't you asking for it?”
Maxwell was still out of it then. If he had been out that long. Slipping out of Onyx’s weighty paws, knocked on the wall checking if Eralar was awake. After a brief moment she replied with a knock. The wall between them retracted. They decided to head to Lydon’s straight away. There was not much they could do for Maxwell now. The day had passed by fast. The “staff” at the hospital did not alert them for what time it was, or if they needed anything. Most people didn't stay so that wasn’t surprising. If they did need their needs met, they knew where to get food and other things.
Lydon sat eyes glazed staring at the Ovoroth box. He had passed out in front of it as it was being analyzed. The results came in and it was definitely from there. He had to rub his eyes multiple times though as something was off.
The box had opened. Inside lay several different small colored crystals. Purple, white and orange. Each with a ribbon around them. He knew from the others these were a part of higher standing status people of Ovoroth. Some of these must have been part of their natural “gift”. Most people are still unsure what that exactly entails. Why would it open after being scanned? That drove him mad. Did someone come in the middle of the night and crack it open for him? But why if so? He dashed past Toaster and the other bots and scanned his house. For the few rooms he had, nothing was out of place. The way to hollowment had still been closed. No detection of intruders.
“Oh, oh no. The Tulere has taken on a ghastly form and now is screwing with me. What else could it possibly be?”
He let out a “YEEEAAAHHH” as the others watched him acting like a lunatic.
“Did you get too much water in your nose or something there, bud?” Grant said.
“No! Come look, you guys. The box is open!”
Lydon led them back to his main work chamber where computer lights danced and all kinds of machinery went to work. Tobias looked down and gave Onyx.
“I can’t believe you align yourself with this guy sometimes. Then leave me hanging.” Tobias said.
Onyx looked back and blinked twice. With a pipe in his mouth.
Lydon pushed the box open wider, and it was no dream or illusion. The crystals were still there. Grant went to grab one but Lydon smacked his hand.
“We have no idea what these are capable of doing.” Lydon said, backing up with exaggerated movements.
“These are precious to the people of Ovoroth, are they not?” Eralar asked.
“If that’s what they were looking for, they really have been doing a lousy job.”
“Must not be in a hurry to find them I guess.”
“We should take these to Ovoroth and get some information while we're there. Sure they would be happy to comply after finding these?”
Tobias said.
“Should we wait for Maxwell to wake?” Solace asked, trying to take the pipeaway from Onyx.
“No, we’ll be fine without him. Let him rest. He can catch up to us once he wakes. I’m going to see if Helix can come with us.”
“Helix?” I haven’t seen that bastard in a minute. Sure going to give him a little hell. If he can make it.” Metlock said with a grin.
“Are the rest of you able to come with us?”
“Of course, yes, yes. Yup and another yes.”
The crew was still intact, for now.
“Another adventure this soon. Good times.”
“We are going to travel by air this time. Let's get a break from the ship. I’ll make preparations,” Tobias said.
Rain soaked through their core, giving them chills. On the way back from gathering information, Tobias, Maxwell, Feyanna and Rayla climbed their way back up the mountains. Hoods flapped in the rain as they neared the top. It had been an easy mission for them. They were all grateful for that as they all had little experience.
Maxwell stopped and looked back down the mountain. He didn’t feel right. Almost disembodied. Like he was in a dream. It had to be, this was years ago.
“I must finally be getting some good sleep after lacking it for so long.”
But why here? This was something he would rather be blasted out of his mind. The open plains below them, hide nothing. All around him the landscape began to dark and he called back to his friends to hurry up. He had been ahead. For whatever reason, everyone’s heads just stayed low. One person was not moving.
Feyanne took off her hood and just smiled at him. The people next to him were no longer human. Just death. One of them grabbed his neck. He could just see a skeleton looking at him with burning charcoal eyes.
“You could have saved her, you know.”
It let go as the other one merged into its body and a primordial scream drowned out the sound of the rain.
At that moment, Feyanne's body stumbled forward and blood poured out of her mouth. She fell face first into the dirt and reached up at him. Before he could move a muscle, he saw it clearly. Someone had been following them. Camouflaging in with the environment. With a quick yank he pulled her back and they both fell directly down. The last thing he swore he saw was steel teeth.
As the mountain crumbled at his feet, it led to a landslide covering what had just occurred. The two skeletons morphed and wailed as bones tore out of the ground merging with it. Two long legs made out of bone smashed into the ground. As did two front ones, as a black and red mist made up its skin. With an extremely long neck and a slender face, its hollow eye sockets stared at him. With whiskers of sinew, a blazing gold.
It stood over him like a wild animal about to eat its prey. Its face resembled that of a wild wolf. The one that had been stalking him. It huffed at him, the smell of death rolling into his nostrils. With a mouth full of razor sharp canines, Maxwell was sure he would crap himself when, and if he awoke.
“You!” It grumbled deeply and its voice echoed through the mountains.
“Don’t talk. Just kill me please.”
It lowered its hollow eye sockets, until one was just over his face. Staring into his soul. He had no rebuttals.
“Ti…ti…time is…not up. You. Have work to do.”
“Who, what are you!? Have you been following me?”
“We….are always following you. Do not doubt…the shadows and your senses.”
“What? That doesn't help. What do you want!?”
“In time…you will know….you may need our help, and we need..yours.”
“I do-”
Before he could say another word, the strange beast before him reared upon its back legs, opened its mouth and bit him in half. With flashes of pain, his upper torso tried to breath in, but stopped. His stomach had been chewed off and was currently being eaten.
In another moment, he looked up into its mouth as it went to finish its meal. With a burst of pain, his brain couldn’t deal with all of this. With the strongest shock he had ever felt, he fell forward. Face smashed into the clear white tile. He was awake. No part of him wanted to move, and his eyes fell as this time, he simply fell asleep.
Tobias bolted upright and so did Onyx. The holoframe message got him that time.
“That’s right. I need to tell Melanie about--. Scratch that, good thing he woke up.”
It read:
Maxwell Travondal is now awake and in stable condition. No longer comatose. Just getting some rest and fluids. Should be healthy by the end of the day. Please remember to give us a review and let us know how communication systems are working!
“Will write one later. Plenty of things to do!”
Tobias had gone back home and sat on the front deck. Onyx still had a pipe in his mouth. He did not bother taking it away. Gave him extra swagger. He closed his eyes and recited a short translated prayer the Thara had passed down:
Soar high, open wide your wings.
For this is our chance.
Do not stagger in the dark.
Through fear and uncertainty.”
You will find your own path.
Hopefully, it would give them guidance. Because they had no idea what they were getting into.