Outside on a wide open grass field just behind the station, an orange ball the size of an apple zipped through the air. Onyx chased headlong after it, after it soared over a small hill dipping down. Tobias smacking his hands together.
Still got in me. Rain clouds gently made their way over from beyond the mountains. Still some time before they took their rest over Clausum Mare. He knelt on the grass with one knee as he waited for Onyx to bring back the ball. Deciding to give Solace a call to see if he was all right. No reply and the Holoframe showed an asteroid falling through the atmosphere, the sign to leave a message. Without the video feed being set up he left a message.
“Hey bud, just checking in to see how things are after last night. It was smooth sailing till we got that nice visit from whatever the hell that thing was. Don’t worry if you cursed us we will somehow manage.” With a miniature explosion, a message popped up saying the message successfully delivered. Sliding the light away from his hands Onyx had yet to come back.
With a sigh and cranking his neck and arms, he put both hands inside coat pockets. Old horse carriages about the old station. Other wagons were left in pieces near the shade of trees. There was no rush to remove them, this little facility out here being used as a museum. The little orange ball was caught in the mud straight down the hill. Onyx was about a quarter mile down the flatland pawing at the earth. The mud that formed over the past few days had luckily hardened. The small steam that passed over the hillside was low from the summer heat. That should be changing here soon as the fall rains begin.
“Hey boy!” Tobias called out.
Onyx’s ears twitched in response, but he kept on with digging. Taking one hand out and running it along the smooth earthen wall Tobias caught up. He watched curiously as Onyx sent chunks of earth scattering about.
“What could you have found down here to interest you over a flying ball?”
The pawing slowing down Onyx smoothed out the ground. Tobias helped and wiped away leftover dirt, revealing a turtle relic from an early pilgrimage. Brilliant blues and greens along its carapace. Outlines of waves weaving up its feet. Small pieces had been chipped off the front of its face, but for the rest of the sculpture it was in really good condition. With a strain, Tobias tried to lift it out of the ground. It would not budge. Not breaking an ancient relic would be good fortune. It had felt bolted down anyhow. It was best to leave it be for the moment.
“As much as I want to uncover this, we are going to have to leave it for another day, boy.”
Onyx went to relieve himself after all his hard work.
It has been for possibly a hundred years or more. Just Maxwell and I come out here. Doubt it's in any danger.
Maxwell’s voice echoed out to them.
“Let’s go.” Tobias said, walking away from the colored turtle.
Onyx looked up, finishing his business and followed Tobias back up to the station. Next to his car Maxwell was waiting patiently. He was focused on his holoframe. Until the two got closer.
“Let’s go ahead and take my car if that’s alright.” Maxwell said.
“Sounds alright to me. Pilgrim can always meet us down there if need be.” Tobias replied walking over to the pitch black car with thick blue stripes going horizontally across its sides.
The three entered as the doors slid open. Onyx hunkered down in his usual spot, in the back of the car.
“Good afternoon Maxwell, where are you headed today?” John the AI mainframe asked.
“We are headed to Frog Leg alley, set us down close by the pier, on Salt Avn Will do.”
Without further adieu, the dark black box floated down the dirt road scattering the dirt into the air. Maxwell sat back and adjusted his cap. He tapped his fingers on a button underneath his vest and the gates that they had passed through began to shut. Back near the two statues on the way to the station, a group of cows had been roaming around out front of the Trout's home. They all had ear tags on them, numbered to keep track of the herd.
The Trouts still must have been asleep. There was no sign of activity besides the movement of black and white dots, tails swinging about. They were really slacking this morning. Going about their business munching on grass, they ignored the floating vehicle as it went down the dirt road and out of sight. With a smooth turn the nearly empty highway greeted them. Across the giant tree roots eastward to the pier. Humongous brown roots, miles thick upheaved through the soil, casting its reach through the land. The roots did finally manage to sink out of sight a few miles down the highway.
Tortoise river had flowed just ahead, with the aforementioned bridge just above it. Off on the right side, boats made their way back to port from Feri Maris. Down below the cliff side, reptiles with hardened shells shuffled their way back into small caves. An old sign carved in wood arched across the other side of the bridge welcoming people to what people call on the east side simply, “Growth”. Through the entryway, simple charging stations bolted just off the bridge for convenience.
After we get there, we can finally be on our own two feet for a while, about time. Tobias thought. Even with all the conveniences of emerging technology that Insmourn has been receiving over the years it feels so invasive. Even though we are gifted with a natural barrier. Ideas still spread from travelers and genuine curiosity. With wide open skies the people of Insmourn watched as these unknown creations touched down upon their land. First came the models of transportation that we are still using, since they came to us six years ago. Slowly submerging their way into the lives of the people here. No longer did people walk long distances or use other means of transportation. Even the once trusted horse lost its place among men. Back to the wild they went, free and for the most part undisturbed.
“This better give us some clues about what is going on around here.” Maxwell said. His voice now calmer.
Elbow pressing against his knee and his head against his palm, Tobias frowned at Maxwell.
“I know it has been driving us insane. It would be nice to feel justified for what's happening.
“I know.” Maxwell said, taking off the black cap and running a hand through his short hair.
“Something has to give. Today just may be the day. If we do get some clarity, I’m sure we will all be able to rest easily.”
“I wonder if anyone else had something happen to them this morning.” Tobias said. Turtles crooned their heads watching the car go by. Before taking their time and waddeling across the road.
“Well, we will know shortly. Lydon will for sure be telling us all about it. Grant would have not gone into work and told us by now. Solace and Helix must just be busy.”
Off into the distance ten piers sit in the wavy blue waters. Waves brushed up against the pier. Traces of salt being left behind. Bright coral and seaweed attached to it’s side. Ships of all sizes came to a stop. Ahead in the main section of Growth sit different buildings, stone and steel alike. John took a sharp right following the road next to another giant root, similar to the one across the bridge. This one had been a bit beat up. A few places looked to have been struck by lightning. Huge chunks were missing in some places. A part of it warped into the waters beneath.
“Bump coming up.” Said John, with a sudden stop, the three jerked forward in their seats.
“What was that all about— oh, well never mind.” Maxwell said. His seatbelt was tightened around him. Outside the window, the reason was clear for the sudden stop.
A large gathering of seals flubbed their way across the road. The other side where they came from a cove. That could be only accessed by coming up the other side. People leave these creatures alone, thankfully. One of the younger ones went back to snag a lobster, trying to get away. No such luck, as the seal took a bite down on it and hurried after its group.
After the flub had crossed the road, it was back on the road, pier ten coming into sight. This homed many small boats, mainly used for fun and small-scale tourism.
All along the hillside many houses appeared to be seamlessly built into them. Roads weaved their way through the homes and connected back along conveniently named Route ten. All of the piers were separated by twelve miles of road, ocean and roots.
Today has been really quiet for some odd reason. Tobias noted.
“Which Pier are we headed to Max?” Tobias said.
“Not very far off, Pier eight.”
“Just eight? No other piers have had problems?”
“Yes, there could be others but no one is willing to speak up. There may be no problem at all.”
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Tobias began dribbling his fingers on his kneecaps.
“Getting eager?” Maxwell said.
“Yea and a bit nervous, one of those creatures better keep its mug in the sea, or wherever it came from.”
Pier nine had been much the same. Some bigger boats float in wait. Those were used to go up river during the summer for the tourist to see all kinds of eggs and wildlife native to the east side of town. Hatching and Laying for the fall. One of the mascots of the nation, and the most sought out to see being the Avagoq. These birds have a complete teal body with white eyes and a cinnamon color, zigzagging across the wings. With time they get very large, reaching the heights of a human teen. For the first several years of their lives, they mostly live and hunt in Insmourn, before reaching adulthood. Sometimes they will fly down south to the archipelagos. The other site to be seen, a subspecies of turtle, Sklaks. These spiked turtles come up once a year, as they often spend their time underground. Along with the claws and spikes on its back, it burrows under the earth and lives among the caverns and caves.
These amber colored turtle like creatures are seen as beacons of guidance. For cave travelers and cave scuba diving. The other locals included, lobster, fish near the shallows and seasonal appropriate, orange crabs.
“Do you remember our younger years? When all of us came out to pier nine during midweek at sunset?” asked Maxwell.
“Sure do, bits and pieces anyway”. Tobias replied.
“All of us were truly delinquents back then. Especially Metlock. Stealing food for us. Ship parts being stolen from the workers. Animals set loose causing chaos on the piers.” Maxwell said with a nostalgic tone. “Just kids learning and growing into this world of ours.”
“Helix taking the lead and steering us out, up the tortoise. So we could see and have the whole place to ourselves.”
“We were lucky to still have plenty of daylight when we started our covert river mission.”
“Also a blessing for us was his old man teaching him how to pilot boats.”
Tobias sat back up getting comfortable looking out towards the boats of pier nine.
“I wonder if one of the pier masters down there still has our accomplice locked up somewhere, or if it had finally been salvaged.”
“Old Iron Cross?” Maxwell said. I doubt there is any way our old friend is still floating around. We should have checked up on him years ago.``
“We have done him dirty. Need to check back up on him sometime.” Tobias said.
Pier eight was now into focus as they passed over expanses of more trees and water. The pier was set up separately due to the natural landmass. A body of water separating each piece of land. The only way to get to the other side, of course, was a long detour around the back side. This was the “Industrial docking bay” as large ships from all over the world brought in supplies for Insmourn. Some carried newer technology to be presented, but as always it was often declined before it got off the cargo bay.
Much like the other two piers, many homes and businesses were built along the slopes of hills. Further down the ground sloped into the sea, where many more buildings sit. In a giant U shape, many more buildings arc from Kronx, to Lapsel. The road ahead began to divide into two. A tall street sign in the form of a black pole sat on the concrete before the divergence. To the left read “SALT AVN” and to the right TORTOISE ST”. Off to the left ,down the gray concrete.
Salt avn was conducting business as normal. It was much busier out here compared to other parts of the city. People went about their business buying daily supplies from the stores lined about along the streets. This included tourists and restaurants as well. This part of town was designed like this to ease the flow of traffic for visitors during the hatching season. People from all over the world were gathered here this afternoon taking in the sights.
A large circle shaped as a turtle shell floated slowly down the street. It was packed with people taking photos of the town before business slowed at the closing of summer. After it did its rounds around the dock, the people aboard would get lucky to see one last sight. Afterwards the turtle shell based float would laze its way down to the mouth of the Tortoise. There they would be treated to the sights of the grown Avagoq fly off to the islands. If luck struck twice, they would be able to see one of the oldest and biggest Sklaks. The elder would surface from its underwater cave and make its way south to a much larger and expansive subset of caverns. It is believed to return here because it is likely its home. To lay or watch over the young. On one young man’s shirt depicted the giant animal with the words SKLAMONO going across the fabric. A group of hopeful's to see it as well were gathered I\in front of a shop. Displayed there were masks, shirts, coats, bumper stickers, candy s, costumes you name it.
John pulled into an appropriately themed lot. A mural of stone wrapped around the lot displaying the mascots of the season. Settling down into a space the AI powered machine, quietly began shutting down.
“Have a safe trip” John called out as his voice faded out. “Alright, you both ready to roll.” Maxwell said.
“Sure, let's see what’s going on down here.” Tobias said.
Onyx responded with a bark and lunged in between the seats and both of them out the door, to fresh air. Tobias and Maxwell both got out after him and stretched their legs. As onyx waited cleaning his paws. People out on the street strode carefree, enjoying the last day of summer. Unknowing to all the strange things that happened, at least to them after all. Onyx turned his head as a group of people walked into the lot headed towards their ride home. Eyes falling upon another black dog about the same size as him. The two just watched each other, one being motionless and the other not breaking eye contact. Neither being intimidated by the other.
People across the street stood still looking through a glass shield that lay over a hillside. A large group of turtles slowly made their way down the slope. All of them carefully walked on their armored toes downward. An ecstatic group of kids hollered at their parents and pressed their hands and faces against the glass.
“Mom, dad can we get one!?” One of the children hollered, Tobias ears twitching at the loud wail. What was probably a stern “NO” or “Not right now” was drowned out by a passing machine. As the mothers and fathers peeled their children off the glass. A ship from the bay roared its horns, as it headed out to sea. Maxwell was powering on straight ahead. Having no sleep and dealing with this must be a huge weight on his shoulders.
Tobias watched people as they passed by him and went about their business. Looking out for anyone wearing those strange necklaces he saw earlier, or better yet those exact two. There was no real sane reason to be so drawn to them, or have any interest. They were just so out of place. About a block and a half down was one of the best places to eat on this side of town. So they were told anyway. “The Riptide”.
Chefs stood behind counters, cutting up fish and tossing them on open fires behind them. Rows upon rows of different fish and other sea animals on full display all along the sidewalk. Inside they had a broader selection of chicken, beef, lamb, goat—you name it. Smoked, grilled, whichever option you wanted, they had it.
Onyx nose was going out of control from the smell. He let out a pathetic whimper, as to get attention. Tobias looked down at him, pursing his lips and widening his eyes.
“You really want to have a bite to eat don’t you.” Tobias said, watching his furry companion. Another whine and a gesture towards The Riptide. His tongue hanging out covered in saliva. Maxwell had stopped a few feet ahead of them and looked back at the two questioningly looking at each other. With hands shoved into both pockets he took steps back to see what the deal was. In truth, Maxwell really wanted to be inside The Riptide as well. After not getting much sleep, along with the smell and looks of all this fantastic food was driving him a little crazy.
“I can tell that Onyx here really wants to grab a bite.” Maxwell said. “I do not mind if we go in and grab a bite. Feeling the munchies myself.”
Raising a brow towards Maxwell, Tobias stayed quiet and just looked at him.
I’m surprised he wants to take a detour. Usually he would want to get straight into the action.
Another turtle shell float was being loaded up down the street. The road was closed, saved for the floats and emergency personnel if needed. Going across was safe. All at once a powerful whiff of smells blasted Tobias senses. It was hard to describe as all the smells from the food overwhelmed him.
“No matter how many times I pass by here, the smell is just irresistible .” He said aloud over the chatter of the crowd. People purchasing up souvenirs and snacks for their later travels. The culinary masters showing off their skills.
Under large canvas umbrellas the chefs and suppliers refilled their goods. Tobias leaned forward and examined the different seafood that lay before him. Mainly focused on the shrimp, that sounded good at the moment.
“Good choice.” Said Maxwell now caught up to him. “I’m going to go inside and get myself some kind of meat sandwich.”
“Alright, I will catch up to you in a moment. Going to get this spoiled dog something.” Tobias said. The search for a delectable treat began.
Maxwell took to the front doors. With giant stone faces of a Frog, Cow, Fish and Sheep above them.
Tobias motioned his hand forward and held out his palm. “Lead the way boy.”
Onyx barked and happily clanked his paws against the concrete, nose in the air searching for his meal. Steam rose from pans and water boiled from behind the stalls. Fish were being slid around in giant pans to get all of the spices and other flavorings on them. Ovens and low lit fires blazed as Tobias followed him down The Riptides outdoor market. Onyx stopped in front of a chef placing freshly cooked boiled onto the table. He let out a bark standing on his hindlegs, tail wagging happily as he stared at the cook. The freshly shaven man looked at Onyx and cracked a smile.
“Good choice boy, I like your taste.” He said.
“Yes he does.” Tobias said, coming up next to Onyx and motioning his paws off the table. He did so and sat down still watching the crab with hungry eyes.
“Can be quite the picky eater at times but he sure does help me choose what’s for dinner when I can't pick.” Tobias laughed.
The chef let out a chuckle.
“So how much can I get for him today?” He asked.
“Let's get a few pieces of those freshly made crab legs please.”
“No problem coming right up.” He said, taking two long pieces of crab leg out. “I will break them open for you, so he can start eating them right away. GivingOnyx a wink.
“Thanks, he will appreciate it.” The chef took the meat out in a flash, discarding the extra parts in a garbage can to the side. He placed the meat on a small plate and handed it to Tobias.
“That will be fifty Dials please.” Holding out his Holoframe. Tobias took his out and quickly ran his over the image of a crab with its pincers in the air. Shortly after dancing crab appeared, along with a voice message of:
“Thank you for your business!”
It was time to meet up with Maxwell.
Inside Maxwell was already making a b-line to his meal. A grilled turtle meat sandwich with some herbs and spices on it had him in a frenzy.
The line was short for getting his meal. He took one big bite as he turned around and looked at the rest of The Riptide. Inside many more meats were being prepared. People sat down at tables and were actually being served by humans instead of robots or an ordering AI. The Melaine would go insane if this place was mostly automated, he grimaced. At the second and third level more gift shops had streams of visitors going in and out. Mostly themed after the building itself. The main and huge kitchen resided behind two huge oak-laden doors that were barred off. Food was served from other parts of the building, where they came out exactly was anyone's guess.
I better get going, so we can get to work.
Maxwell's eyes darted to something on the third floor as he began to walk out. He stood in place. Mouth inches away from his food. It was the wolf again. On its hindlegs, its front on top of the bars. It’s red eyes radiating anger at him.
Many people made their way through and Maxwell used this as a chance to feign an escape.
He kept his eyes up and crouched behind a group of passer bys. He got many strange looks as he bit into his sandwich. Past the backs of strangers, the wolf was nowhere to be seen. No one else had reacted. It must not have been seen by anyone.
I’m too tired for this. Must be my imagination.
He tossed a shoulder to the door, opening it. Tobias was right outside on a bench. He slowly walked over still feeling a gaze upon him.