Chapter 1: Infiltration

Underneath the gray sky, a giant crowd gathered at the base of the chapel.

Everyone had been dressed in long robes in all colors. A requirement at the Cracked Sky Chapel. Maxwell’s eyes dashed over many faces. Nervousness overtook him, as a great number of body's had been warped. This was Grayland after all. Why did he even agree to do this mission? Sure, he wanted the experience and the opportunity to rise in ranking in the force, especially to become an investigator. Hair stood up all over his body. People, if you could call them that had warped themselves to unrecognizable levels. Looking more into that would cause him more distress if anything. Twisted torsos, animal like body's, hulking frames, thin frames, books, soda cans you name it. Feyanna clung to the back of Maxwells robe as they made their way forward. A group of beaver like creatures took hold of his attention.

“Want to race down at the pipes? I bet I can smoke all of you with my new enhancements.”

“I doubt it.”

“Yea. All it will take is another tail slap and you will be last, as always.”

“We could even give you a head start.”

“That won’t help him. After 2 and a half minutes we would be crawling up the pipes if he is lucky.”

“More like waiting on top of the old factory pipes.”

“WATCH ME! I bet you all a month worth of dials. Three weeks if I don’t finish last.”

“Oh? Well of course. I will take you on any time. Dials or not.”

The group chattered away, Maxwells attention still on them. Their small body’s, synthetic fur, human teeth, speech and the one with full beaver teeth gave him the creeps. From being distracted, he bumped into something in front of him. Instant regret. At first, he saw just a face full of holes. Most likely everywhere, as he noticed some on its hands. The face was certainly human like, but sunken in and laced with holes. This psychopath must have done it on purpose. Maxwell avoided eye contact and moved as fast as he could around it. Laughter of all kinds of voices came out from the depths of its “face” as it clearly recognized his comfortableness. A hand gripped his shoulder as he was bolting through the crowd. A moment before he turned around, unfortunately next to him was a set of eyes. More awkward contact. Another With spider like eyes, mixed with a set of teeth on its forehead and lower jaw. The feeling of vertigo set in. He just wanted to hurl. Tobias voice brought him back sane, for a moment.

Off to the sides, water danced behind holographic frames. They blossomed into different shapes. From hawks, to roses, water weaving into different forms. A set of tiles opened as trickles of water hit the bronze-colored ground. At the same time something was flickering into form. A long gray worm like creature circled out from the fountains. With no eyes, or face its mouth closed, a small group of people began descending. Tiles parting as they moved into the darkness. Maxwell watched as the tiles began to close. A group of what appeared to be young kids tried to sneak in after them. The worm placed itself over the doorway and gave a deafening screech. As the kids turned around, their bodies became more apparent. Armadillo kids. They covered their faces, then curled up into a ball and rolled away. Before the group going down completely disappeared, one of them turned around at the commotion. An average height of what seemed to be a man scanned around and made contact with Maxwell who was still startled by the worm’s scream. This person had a long dark blue robe on with white streaks going down the whole of it. At the middle of the chest those lines turned into a star. It was difficult to tell if the face he was looking at was a mask or not. Something was very off about it. As if the “skin” was not fitted properly. The blue in its face matched the rob, as did the white eyes as they peered at Maxwell. With tendril like wires for hair, it gave him a grin as the panel to the depths closed.

“A friend of yours?” Tobias asked.

“No of course not.”

“Must be one of higher-ranking priest.”

“Could be, or maybe the right-hand man of Avaron.”

“Will keep that in mind. Same with the group going, underground?” “Could be good Intel if we find out where it goes. Don’t think that would be such a good idea for us.”

“We do stick out quite a bit without enchantments.”

“Yes, but I don’t think anyone, or thing here minds. There is plenty more to look at and be curious than us.”

“Let’s just stay up here. This place creeps me out enough.” Said Feyanna still behind Maxwell.

“That is the plan. Being compromised by trying to sneak off would not end well. “He replied.

“What? You don’t want to be dragged off into the dark? To most likely be dissected or transformed enough you wouldn’t even recognize, or even remember yourself? “ Rayla said sarcastically.

“Is it possible to even have memories removed like that?” Feyanna asked nervously.

“Of course it is. First, they knock you out. Then prop you up on a slab. That’s when a need-”

“Okay, okay back on track now. Let’s not have our minds wander down into their dark twisted world.” Maxwell said wiping sweat off his forehead.

“Good thing all we have to do is listen and observe. Quite the nice mission given to us by the chief.” Rayla said nudging Feyanna.

“Yes, it is. Are we almost done? This place is packed, and the air is begging to feel heavy.”

“Not yet. At least another hour or so. Don’t worry we got you.”

“I should be able to.”

“Let us finish this up. Then when we get back to Clausum Mare, Deep Blues are on me!”

Groves and groves of figures piled into the chapel as they got closer. The front of it was wide open, like there was no door or walls that sealed it together. From what Maxwell could see. A few pillars looked to be crumbling. While scanning off in the distance to the east of him, he saw another group of people going down. Must have been only the higher-ranking people that had clearance. Those worms made Maxwell’s skin crawl. In one hand they seemed to just be an illusion. With all the machinery and technology here, it would not surprise him in the least of he could actually feel it. The cracked sky seemed to be located in a valley of some sorts. To the sides of them gray and brown steel met the edge of green trees that lined the mountain sides. Another odd sight to see. Here in Grayland, well Gray was usually the dominant color. Most spaces, towns, cities, countryside’s here had all been plastered with metal. A dreary place, as the “things” here abandoned their humanity. How they lived was beyond him. Back at home dealing with people who had transformed had been zero. As those who did simply left Clausum. The most he thought about it was them living in another reality. Through chips and augmentation, it was easy to leave what they call the “Shell” or “Husk” Behind.

Tobias tried his best to keep his hands at his sides. Something felt extremely off. Rayla noticed this and placed a hand on his shoulder as they kept pace with the crowd.

“Hope that little tale cut short, didn’t spook you that much.”

“I think it may have. We are deep in enemy territory after all.”

“If it is any help, at least we do have emergency beacons on us if we did get snatched away.”

“Just a little. You seem really composed today. Are you not nervous?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m extremely nervous but excited at the same time.

We have never had anything this intense!”

“Well glad you are having fun.”

“Being panicked around here won’t do us any good.”

“Could loosen up just a bit. We are almost out of here anyhow.”

“There you go. Not as bad as patrolling the coast in that old junk boat now, is it?”

“That was rather bad. You were freaking out and stayed at the helm the whole time clinging to the wheel.”

“Yes, I really did think we were going to sink!”

“Every wave or decent splash gave you the frights.”

“Exactly! Out there, was much more to worry about. Here is just getting caught.

And well getting back safely of course.”

“At least the chief did not give us that junker to make our escape.”

A pair of giant mechanical dogs sitting on their knees, about 8 feet tall sitting down stared over the crowd. As the group passed, their heads slowly turned and watched Tobias and Rayla with cold mechanical eyes. Tobias calmed down. Rayla’s hand still on his shoulder as they followed just behind Maxwell and Feyanna.

Inside the chapel a long balcony stretched along the top. It was accompanied by giant gargoyle statues with a faded red door in the center. To the group’s surprise there was a pair of “normal” looking people next to them. They were chatting with a group of robots that went up to their knees.

“Hey how much did it cost you to break down to be that small!?”

“Cost? Nothing but your faith. It was free for us the last year we came.”

“Free? No way!? How do we get hooked up to, you know change ourselves.” “

After Avaron makes his speech. You will be asked if you would like to shred your mortal shell.”

“Sounds rather morbid but I’m in! Can’t wait to make myself stronger, faster and have the ability to dig under the earth with drill like hands.”

“You are so weird. While you do that I will take to the sky’s and fly into orbit.” “Avaron can grant you anything you wish. Long as you come back to this gathering a few times a year.”

“Ahh really, do we have to come back?”

“Yes. You do not have a choice.”

“Well, that sounds rather sketchy. What if we don’t choose to come back.”

“He will find you. You will return somehow. If not, you won’t be seen again.”

“That’s interesting. We’ll take our chances then.” The two shrugged and wandered further into the crowd.

Tobias and Maxwell just gave each other a nod. Both thinking the same thing. Twisted and cruel. One of the reasons they had come. As a handful of people had vanished from Clausum Mare. Above them everything had gone black. As what they gathered to be some kind of retractable roof. It had blocked out the light for what seemed to be miles behind them. In its place a pulse of white light raced along the sides of the chapel. Next to them a lengthy woman, with an extremely long neck turned down at the group.

“Are you bare-skins ready for revelation? Avaron Will convince you to leave your shell behind.”

The group just stayed quiet for a good ten seconds. Just giving each other the “what should we do!?” look. Finally, Tobias spoke up.

“Well after seeing you honestly I’d rather just keep myself the way I currently am.”

This seemed to annoy her. She brought her head closer, metal screeching as she stretched. Opening her mouth, a large and sharp steel shaped object launched out and stopped at his forehead. Focusing his eyes upward he stared at it and smelled her oily breath.

“You know. That is rather cool. I might have to get those parts as well. Would like to keep some teeth in though. Would certainly change that oily smell as well, not so great.”

She retracted the blade and gave one of the creepiest smiles he had ever seen.

Then began asking the questions to other groups of people as well.

“That was horrendous. Could have gone worse though.” Tobias said teeth clattering.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

“Could have gone so much worse. Glad she decided to be satisfied with your answer.” Rayla said.

A loud hum rang through the air. The gargoyle statues lit up in flames. With the humming coming from all around them, they winced. All of the forms around them had begun their way of chanting. Rising and falling with each wave of light that ran across the chapel and into the dark. With a motion that would give any young kids nightmares, all the gargoyle heads turned to the door at once.

From behind the red door, a tall figure walked slowly to the balcony’s edge. Standing at least 10 feet tall with a long gray and green hooded cloak covering them down to the waistline. The face was a cold steel, the rest of the body was the same color as the tiles outside. Arms and legs casting shadows into the chapel. In a instant the humming began to die down and everything around them froze. Feyanna let out a small “Whelp” as one of the enhanced humans fell on her. Its eyes spinning around in its sockets. Pushing Maxwell a bit further forward, she let it fall face first. The others examining the same phenomena around them, everything was still. With a smile the figure began to speak. His voice booming through the chapel.

“I’m glad you could all make it back for another year here at the Cracked Sky Chapel. It has been a very busy period of time since I last saw all of you! Since our last meeting of the year, I have expanded our influence into countless territories! Dozens upon dozens of nations bending their will and choosing to leave their mortal flesh behind. Some of course however choose to resist. Now I have been rather lenient to those who chose not to. It is their choice to leave this only life, consciousness behind, forever. Some have retaliated rather harshly against us. Setting our ships on fire, sabotaging our servers, our connections. Tearing us apart limb by limb and throwing us into heaps of scrap. I have seen our kind tricked into boarding ships, to prosper on other planets. Only to have their course charted directly into the sun. Others, minds young and old sent out to the gallows. Just like in ancient times. They strip apart our brains, destroy our memories, our souls. And the light goes out, forever. More violent than the witch hunts of the past. As you all know here at the chapel, everyone gets a fair opportunity to live. You get to be whatever you choose to be. With most of the world shifting to a more mechanical future, I will not tolerate such actions against us! Here all we do is spread the word and give people the opportunity to adapt. As such I have personally dealt with these harsh retaliations. Know going forward I will continue to look after you all as our existence, our future drift into the unknown. Thank you all for coming and please enjoy your stay here! Sacred flame, bless the stars.”

With a powerful sudden motion, the man’s body twisted and transformed in front of the crowd. With a leap into the air, the darkness shrouded all. From the dark, a long twisting wyvern like head emerged. It’s breath black as the void itself. Deep silver and red filled out his form. With a gust of its wings the ground trembled as it flew away. Tobias, covering his eyes, noticed something on its back, but it was too far away.

The humming grew back as the gray sky began to reveal itself again. Torches went off bursting into brilliant red, yellows and orange. It must have been time for festivities. As the entire area began to get rowdy. The group huddled together to talk about what just happened and their next move.

“It is going to get crazy here real fast. Let’s not be explorers and try to find more information. I think we have enough to relay!” Tobias said. “That is for sure let’s get the hell out of here. Now.” Maxwell said wide eyed.

Tobias grabbed Maxwell and Feyanna, bringing in Rayla in closer. In a whispered voice he said:

“All we have to do is get to the southern exit. Pass through one one of those ruined buildings and go through the secret passage Chief noted for us.”

“Sounds easy enough! Let’s go, I’m honestly very nervous now.” Rayla said.

With that they broke their huddle, but stayed closer as they moved back through the crowd. The statues on the balcony, faced back looking over their guest. Loud music was going off, people began fighting each other. Racing matches went off as the floors opened into a map. Using themselves, people transformed into vehicles of their choice and began racing inside another space, possible other dimensions. As they blazed across different worlds and environments. From flying through storms, racing across waves, diving through the oceans, racing against the endless back drop of space. Others oddly began melting together forming into something entirely different. First it would just be a mess of parts in a ball, then it would visualize into a human. Then grow other parts, limbs, take on animal parts. The universe seemed to pound these beings into form as they ripped and stretched out into the sky. Others simply rested on the ground, likely sleeping in their own reality. Some just being awake and staring off into nothingness. Abstract art being created just by their thoughts. Healing being done to others. As others suddenly decided to end their lives to patch up another. Prayer going up to the skies.

SACRED FLAME, BLESS THE STARS!!

SACRED FLAME, BLESS THE STARS!!

SACRED FLAME, BLESS THE STARS!!

SACRED FLAME, BLESS THE STARS!!

SACRED FLAME, BLESS THE STARS!!

The group stopped as they were suddenly surrounded by a group of hooded figures. About half of them had the colors on the one strange guy descending the stairs. The others resembling the leaders. They all moved a step closer, strange eyes bearing down on them.

“Join us. Strip your flesh. Become one with the stars. ASCEND!”

“NO THANKS! ITS TO LOUD OUT HERE. WE NEED TO GATHER AND GIVE

IT SOME THOUGHT FOR A LITTLE. FIND US LATER! “Tobias yelled and pushed through them. The others followed. A hand, out of nowhere had grabbed Feyannas ankle.

“ASCEND WITH US! LEAVE THIS FRAIL BODY BEHIND!” A voice coming from where she had been grabbed. With her heart beating she took her other foot and stomped on the hand. She didn’t bother to listen to the wail of pain as it was being echoed out by the crowd. It must have been at least fifteen minutes before the group finally found their destination. A mechanical cat was sitting above them, on a mixture of stone and dirt. Not wanting to disturb it they carefully opened the gate and checked behind them. No one was following them. Not those hooded freaks, or anything else in general. The festivities held a good enough distraction. Getting their breath back, they all sat inside this small cave entrance. Maxwell had immediately took out small globe objects and placed them on the wall. As he placed them in, a wall of earth blocked the path they had just entered and their surroundings darkened. With a sigh he wiped off his forehead drenched in sweat. For thirty minutes they sat in darkness. Besides their light emitters they had taken out. Nothing had tried to come in, or out. The sounds of Grayland chaos just behind the wall of earth.

“I think we have plenty for the chief to chew on for a bit huh?” Rayla said staring at her emitter.

“Yes we do. If he is not pleased with what we found, he can come down here at the next crazy gathering they have.” Maxwell said.

“How do you think he has control over all those people and things? I mean to bring them back here each time they have an event.”

“Wouldn’t doubt it if, it was some insane network like the I.C.H.N for only these

lunatics.”

“They are rather crazy. However for the most part they really do not bother us. Can be pesky but at least they stop.” Feyanna said.

“While that is true, what he said bothered me the most. Avaron I think his name was, having espionage and the nerve to retaliate. That was the other reason we were here after all. To find out why, rumors of he and his followers are causing so much chaos.” Tobias said.

“Least that was the easiest way to get that information.” Rayla remarked.

“Becoming too aggressive against people might be why they are getting resistance.”

“If they let people naturally get used to this changing world. I’m sure in time they would. There is no rush to do it right this moment.”

“Speaking of rush. Let’s get out of here. Not safe yet.” Maxwell said bringing up the map on his emitter.

Following Maxwell’s lead in silent agreement. Feyanna stayed behind a moment feeling her leg. It felt like it was burning, where she had been grabbed.

Taking a look underneath her black plant legs, she noticed a small red area. “Nothing to worry about she thought. Just bruised up a bit from rushing through the crowd.” As she followed after the group, small black marbles sank into her reddened skin.

“Hey Maxwell why didn’t you get some enhancements to help you rise through the ranks faster?” Rayla asked.

“Don’t know. I’m rather old school. Just do things the old fashioned way. Don’t need a leg up.”

“Cant argue with you there. Know where we are going though? Been walking for quite some time.”

“I hope so, should be there shortly.”

Tobias took out the taser they got from headquarters. Good thing they did not have to use them. What good would that do who could say. Clausum mare had been peaceful. Not many visitors from these people. When they do finally double down back at home, it will probably get ugly. Change is slow at home.

Gradually using new technologies being discovered. Maxwell announced: “Here!” As they finally reached their destination. Into a wide cavern, they took a small passage to the left and came to a dead end shortly after. A square indentation carved into the wall in front of them. Maxwell placed his emitter inside and the wall glowed. It dissolved downwards and the party stepped through, rather confused. After a moment it closed back up and Maxwell’s emitter popped right out.

“How, what? What was that Maxwell?” Feyanna asked.

“Our last stretch. Interesting right? Not even the chief knows why that is there or how it works.”

“How far does this go?” Tobias said.

“It used to go all the way to station. The underground library on the east side of town. Closed up now after years of landslides and inactivity down here.” “Weird. Going to have to hit the books tomorrow and see if I cant find anything.’ “Wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’ll join you, curious myself. We have a short detour home. After we get out of here, its a ten mile climb to the rendezvous point.”

“That will be great. My leg is really itchy for some reason.”

“Also wouldn’t be surprised. From all the different materials in the air, wouldn’t be surprised if ya caught an allergy.” “Figures don’t it?”

Hours passed as they moved underground. Nothing to note down here. It was strangely carved out and straight. Some inclines here and there. A few bats hanging about. They came to a fork, one way was clearly blocked by rubble and they naturally followed the other route. With Maxwell leading they way he began to feel fresh air hit his face. He hurried his stride. Moments later he came face to face with a bush. Leaves brushing against his face his tumbled out into the night.

“Finally!” Fresh air he yelled. They had reached the valley. Tobias, Rayla and Feyanna came out shortly after. Each enjoying the breaths of fresh air.

“Ten more miles you guys. Straight up this nice smooth mountain. We will be there in about an hour I bet.” Maxwell said.

“Here I come bed. I miss you.” Feyanna said.

With a second wind, they all chugged up the cold grass. Wind slightly blowing down the plateau. Feyannas leg was both burning and itching. She did her best to ignore it. Would be getting it looked at and fixed in an hour or two.

“Get to the meeting spot for our ride back and hello relief.” She had begun lagging behind the others just a little bit. They must have almost been there, at least seven or eight miles in. She looked back down the sweeping hill as they wind was getting stronger. Meteors raced against the night sky. Something large flew over the group. No one cared to look up as they were all exhausted and ready to go home.

“Just one of those rare hawks that live out here.” Feyanna thought. The wind now howling, her balance felt strange against the ground. Then all of a sudden she heard loud cracks, as the land began to crumble underneath her. A landslide. The others turned around at the noise and yelled over the winds for her to hurry. Leg burning she dashed up, digging feet and hands into the ground. She looked like a running bear. Maxwell was worried but she had easily gotten out of trouble. Lucky for her it had just been a small portion of the land. Strange but maybe the wind had something to do with it. Then he froze. Someone was behind her. A massive figure just like back at the chapel. He could tell it was him. Not but a few feet behind her, it was already to late to yell. As she smiled happily just avoiding the landslide, pain hit her instantly as something speared through her stomach and latched onto her. Maxwell dropped his body to slide down hoping to reach her quicker. He grasped her by the shoulders and noticed the chain like spear that went through. Before being able to attempt to break it, she was tossed backwards. Hands slipping away trying to hold on. Maxwell could feel the malice behind his eyes, as the Avaron disappeared into the landslide.

He was about to jump off but the other three had grabbed him.

“We have got to go after her!” He yelled.

“There is nothing we can do! We will either get killed by him, or something else!”

Rayla said.”

“We got to try! We are almost home!”

Tobias looked over to the land sliding and giving way. Rolling into the plateau. There was no way the three could go after them.

“We got to leave Max. We are not far from help. We can ask whoever is there

to send an emergency team. I will help look.” “So will I.” Rayla said.

“Damnit! Fine, lets hurry!” With that said Maxwell started sprinting up the last quarter mile until they had reached their destination. As he ran he swore he heard an echo slice through the wind. “Infiltratiors….you are lucky it was just one of you. Soon I will be upon your lands.”

Less than an hour later multiple planes and rescue crews were on site. Soldiers from Clausum mare bringing in some fire power. In-case they needed to fight. Even with everyone on sight, they searched all the way until the afternoon. Clearing rubble, clearing the passage way, even checking down their. Maxwell, Tobias and Rayla were covered in mud and dirt from head to toe. Sitting in the mud Maxwell leaned forward and pounded at the ground. Not far from where she had been taken, her emergency beacon lay there dead. As he stared into the mud, his vision began to black out.

Maxwell slowly opened his eyes. White walls surrounded him. Iv’s nestled into his skin. Sitting up, there was no one else in the room. Just a cleaning bot doing busy working, cleaning up the already polished white floor. Maxwell thought about his back to back nightmares and hurled on the floor. The cleaning bot made one long beeeeeep then came over to clean it up.

“That must be what its like to be living in hell. I hope that never happens again.”

Laying back he stared at the ceiling. His brain was rattled. The last thing he remembered was the instant pain from being smacked, leaving his feet then blacking out moments later.

“I certainly got my ass kicked.” He felt to weak to move and just thought over his back to back nightmares.

“That beast and Feyanna, what an honestly terrible combination.”

The door to his room slid open and he let out a sigh of relief as his wife Melanie came in. Along with Tobias, Grant and Lydon.

Melanie went over to him immediately and gave him a hug.

“Well. My friend. That was the least graceful defeat I have ever seen from you.

SMACK! Then lights out.” Lydon said walking over and giving a fist bump.

“I’m surprised you weren’t first. Good to see your still kicking.” “No way sir, four eyes four lives!” Lydon said pointing at his head. “You are such a fool.” Melanie said rolling her eyes.

“Thank you for bringing my husband back you guys.”

“Of course!. Couldn’t shake this guy off if my life depended on it.” “That’s one tough piece of jerky’ ya got there. Thought you were a goner.” Grant said. Helmet still on. Visor up.

“Glad your alight Max. We are preparing to leave for Ovoroth In the next week. Helix will be coming with us. If your wife here lets you, still willing to come?”

Sitting up, kissing his wife’s forehead he gave Tobias the stink eye.

“Of course I’m down. We are just starting!”

“Yes you were literally down there for a while.” Lydon said.

Maxwell gave him a weak punch in the side.

Melanie gave all the guys a dirty look.

“I’m going to allow it. Of course. Only because I’ve known you all for so long and you have found your own way out of trouble each time. This next time though? As soon as something comes up let me know and I will be there faster than you can blink. Understood.”

“Yes ma’am.” Grant said with an uncomfortable smile.

“Tobias, Lydon?” They both felt the glare.

“Yes, yes of course.”

“Good now get out of here for a bit. I get to spend some time with him before he goes on another suicide mission.”

“Yes sir.” Lydon said which earned him another smack by her. “Alright we will keep in touch Maxwell.” See you soon.

As they left Maxwell was still exhausted.

“I had some terrible dreams, Melanie. I revisited the day we lost Feyanna twice.”

“That’s not good. I hope where-ever she is; she is at least alive and doing okay.”

“So do I. Tobias heard her voice. It’s possible she is still with us. You already know because you have seen it. I still leave some of her favorite possessions outside. The shark Lydon got her, her lucky coin and a bag of sun danced potato chips.”

“Yes. If it were ever possible, I’m sure that would be enough to bring her back. Maybe she has already snuck into that bag?”

“Who knows?” They hugged each other quietly.

“Well Grant, want to head over to the forge now?” Tobias asked.

“Yea’ let’s get going. Someone over there may know something about the crystals. A long shot but worth a try.”

“Don’t get any ideas and sneak off to tinker with them now.” Lydon replied.

“Of course not. Not yet anyway.” His lips widened into a smile and gave them a wink, attaching his helmet.