Chapter 6: No Respite

The forge churned and spat liquid and metal into vats below. Tobias turned back as the ground shook for a moment. Machines likely the cause. He was not used to being around the constant grind. Smoke rose from out the direction they had just left. Not as if they weren’t enough. Ships stacked vertically in the deeper parts of the forge. Pieces of rust, stripped from the ships dangle high above. Boots smashed into the ground as Grant picked up his pace. Lydon face shrank back as they tried to catch up. Through a tunnel of steel, a giant ship await on the other side.

White flame plumed straight up. He felt a vibration on his side. The sword hilt that held Grael, began to rumble. Hand on his side he looked around. A dragon at this moment would be terrible timing. By the end of the hour, Graels scales could be hung from the ship. From what Grant had told them anyhow. Not as insane as Grayland. Just eager to get their hands on new shipments. Most likely their fault, bringing the attention of Archveil here. Spit nearly hit Tobias square in the face. Unamused Tobias skittered around a group of workers. Hacks wrang out as saliva was launched. Smoke and the taste of metal leaving their mouths.

The boat awaited them as they went to its side entrance. Several more ships above it, made layers high into the air. Tall as buildings, the sun never found its way here. They entered the Intestines, wires of rusted red hung just over their heads. Only ever seeing this place over a screen via Grant, it was much more active than he thought. Radio chatter filled the air. Guidance for shipping materials being bargained on. Ship routes being tracked. Red lights lit up over a metal board. From one end to another, at least a mile wide. Smoke escaped lungs and drifted over consoles. With relief and frustration. Tobias felt an arm on his shoulder. With an iron jaw and face, Tobias turned his head to the side.

“Hey rookie. Do me a favor, get seventy boxes of molten scrap. Bring them topside you hear? We are on a strict deadline.” The man said. Before Tobias could get a word in, he went over to Lydon. No doubt mistaking him as well. Grant stood with his hands on his sides in the elevator. Welding helmet still on.

“Hey Grant, are you not uncomfortable in that?” Tobias asked.

“Nope not one bit!” Grant got closer to Tobias to whisper in his ear. The warmness of the helmet nearly burned his lobes. The elevator was empty beside them. Tobias ducked away just a tad.

“What is it?” Tobias asked.

“Shh! Remember my nightmare? Can’t hardly walk around this place without wanting to shit my pants. What if that thing can hear us? Watching us now even? They can’t see my eyes now, can they? Hah!” Grant said. Gears locking into place the elevator stopped. The doors slowly opened, and a horn welcomed them out. Metal met Tobias face as Grants body shot forward to the noise. Lydon simply laughed as Tobias fell to his side. Hands went low and Grant stealthily made his way out.

“Thanks for the heads up. Wouldn’t be surprised if most of that skull of yours if filled with the densest metal from Archveil already.” Tobias said. Lydon held out his hand. One of his biggest grins recently, did not leave his face. Phhft. Tobias thought as he stood. The hilt of Grael shook more once they got out of the elevator.

Hey. What gives? You are rather rowdy right now. Tobias thought as they walked on the top floor of the boat. It may as well already be called a city from this view. From this level all that could be seen was a landscape of scrap.

Excuse my absence. Was taking in your world and interactions. While recovering from our little battles. Grael said.

Let me be unambiguous. This grand structure of trash reeks of deceit and lost souls. Death moans constantly. The foul stench of poison and smoke dominates. Within these walls, something comes. Grael said.

This place has been cranking out fumes since I was born. There is no evil gathered here. Sure, you’re alright, Grael? Tobias said.

Simpleton. It is time I gave you some of my power. Open your eyes.

Tobias fell to his knees. Skin turned red as his fingers dug into his face. Color twisted and spiraled as his body burned. Just under his eye, his fingers traced over his skin. One time, then multiple times. Scales had formed just underneath. Dry and rigid he poked at it. Tendons shook as he stood. Shadows, the blackest he’d seen lined his vision. Lydon went to help and staggered back. He tilted his glasses and leaned in close. A quick glance behind to make sure no one was watching.

“Dude, your eyes have changed color. They are gray and black. You kind of got something under your eyes too. Scales. What. The, HELL?” Lydon said.

Tobias leaned against the wall and breathed heavily. Mouths formed and moaned against his cheek. Countless whispers and voices snuck into mind. Whatever Grael did to him stirred the stagnation of the lamenting. In a vicious torrent, black dove into his skin. Blood vessels changed from blue and green to gray and black. Languages he had never heard rose and expanded. Till he could no longer bear it. Then silence. Shadows remained on the walls, not far from him.

I just shared with you what I’ve seen. That last part I’m afraid I did not have a hand in. Grael said. Tobias pressed his forehead against the slightly cooler glass. Shadows raced across the forge. Most of the colors had been muted. Reptile-like eyes reflected in the mirror, and he gazed back in silence. His surroundings bent and twisted as he moved back. The forge was gone. Before him, an expanse of black. Images reeled through his sight. Lava, to ice. Water receding to birth the land. Mountains of dirt, flatland, and forest. Natural changes through time.

Violently he swung his body to the side and took a few steps forward. He bumped into the back of Grants helmet and groaned.

That’s a good smack back to reality. Can’t be distracted by more intrusive visions. I see what Grael is talking about though. If there is anything here, we will take care of it. He thought. Pale hands gripped the sword hilt.

Around Grant was a large table. Much like at the station with all the old maps, there were some here. Mainly just the forge. Its expansion and possible further plans. Diagrams of weapons and ships. As if it was a sick joke or a cruel twist of shitty luck, there was a model for the beast that claimed Mathias. It had been reconstructed and looked slightly different. If they had replicated that thing here, there would be trouble. Tobias nudged Grant in the side as he passed and tapped the sketch. Ships from Ovoroth’s navy also took a good portion of the table.

Tobias rubbed his temples as he listened to Grant ask questions about the crystals. Kicked back in a chair a man covered with tattoos blew smoke from a pipe. Nodding frequently as Grant spoke to him. Smoke rings filled the air as he stood up. Taller than Grant by a couple heads, he cranked his neck at Tobias.

“Hey. You enjoying your little tour in our museum? You’re with good old Grant that much is obvious. Usually, I wouldn’t let wondering eyes look at our schematics.” He said and snapped his fingers. Instantly the board flipped and changed to fishing lanes and boat travel.

Tobias gave him a blank stare. Green light slowly came out as he undrew his sword.

“What are you doing with that beast from Archveil?” Green steel flashed through the air as he pointed the sword at him. Lydon tilted his head up. Fingers nervously digging into his scalp. The other workers stopped. Calls went unanswered, panicked hellos on the other side.

“Nice augments you got there. Grayland freak. Think I’m just going to divulge secrets like that?” He said. With a short stride he stood in front of the sword.

“These are not modifications. Everyone here should know the three of us here and the damage that thing did. Tell us why these are being replicated, now.” Tobias said. Ignoring the fact he been mis-associated with one of Clausum Mare’s greatest irritations.

“I know chill out and put that sword down, will you?” He said. From his dirty, stained and ripped forge clothing, he pulled out several crystals. Tobias kept the sword out. Nostrils leaked out bits of smoke. Before striking it down. Onlookers spun around as the Forgemaster snarled at them. Onyx jumped up on the table, which added some scratches. The Forgemaster twitched and stood face to face with onyx. Crystals hit the table, then found themselves under black and white fur. One paw batting them under him.

“So many whispers of these lately.” The Forgemaster took in a big whiff of his cigar and blew it in Onyx’s face. Bravely he stood, until falling on his side a moment later, tongue out.

“Been lots of Ovoroth shipments in as of late.”

“Were they mined, prospected or what?” Tobias said. Sword pierced the metal tiles sending sparks flying. He stood over the crystals with hesitation.

“Not sure you want the answer kid.” The Forgemaster gave Onyx a pat on the head. Then dropped an elbow to the table and stared blankly at him.

“Fire away. We have seen a lot of shit, enough for several lifetimes. Should be enough to cover everyone in this room from having to witness the insanity outside your safe scrap haven.” Skin ran against his face. He wiped the top of his hand across his mouth. Some of it felt oddly scaley.

“Well then if you insist. Tomorrow morning. Meet me at the west entrance. Take those bloody things along. They give me the creeps.” He tossed his cigar in the air and let it fall. Bits of fire still dabbled at the tobacco sending the smallest waves of smoke out.

The sun barely crept in through the giant metal roofs stretching miles over the forge. Haze making its way through the seams. Tobias leaned against old cold steel. Wires and withering strands tangled from it. Some sharp pieces threatened to tear his clothes and skin open. Shadows constantly raced through the derelict buildings of the forge. Even in people, darkness stirred. His face was free of scales. The dragon-like eyes stayed behind. Lydon and Grant nearby chatting away. The bag of crystals held in between them both. Grael tried to speak to him, but he was lost in thought again. The three of them stood in front of a single-story building. The roof looked caved in. However, it was re assembled from scattered parts. In a mishmash design, rusted parts entwined and reached to the sky.

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Tobias grimaced as he looked at his room for the night. No bed or windows.

My brain is going to look this sickly color if I stay here any longer. He thought. Slamming the door in frustration, metal screeched together as if mocking him. Onyx rested outside. Lydon stood a few feet away from him. In a plain black top and a pair of bright red shorts. Silently he moved a finger to his nose. Picked it and flung snot across the room. Where it landed, well that was impossible to tell. The color of the blob matched the other side of this half heartly built inn. Lydon looked incredibly skinny. More than usual.

“You alright over there?” Tobias said.

“Yeah, I’m alright. The Tulere Piscus just sapped my strength. Followed by that pale freak took Solace away from us.” Lydon said. He spat across the room. Teeth clenched.

“Let’s get go for a walk. Should do us some good.”

“Sure. Big man is at home here. Passed out.”

Tobias peaked into Grants room as the left. Sure enough he was face down. Helmet at his side. An occasional snore filled the air. With hands in pockets, they embarked on the pathways of debris. Graels hilt occasionally bumped into Tobias side. He looked at it and sighed. From the corners of his vision shadows still raced. Lydon had a hand on his waist. The sickle and chain reflecting fires from the forge. Mixed with the occasional sprinkle of lights from repurposed structures.

“Where did you find that anyway?” Tobias asked. A finger pointing at the sickle.

“Down further passed the scrapyard. Was just tied up on a ship. Believe it or not this bad boy also comes from Ovoroth.” Lydon said. Unraveling the chain, he held it up to show Tobias the symbols.

“Fancy. Hasn’t seen much work from the looks of it. Besides your use of it.”

“Good thing its as sharp as it looks. If it was dull I would have just walked under the Piscus legs or let one of those beetles tear my head off.”

Tobias smiled as they entered a cramped alley. With a hand on the side as he scooted by, shadows raced for his fingers. They however did not find their mark quick enough, as his flesh lifted away. Still as they moved forward, they followed. Both stopped as they entered a part of the forge they hadn’t expected to see. About forty-five minutes into their night jaunt, they ran into something they had not expected to see. From the harsh and cramped alleyways of the forge. Larger pathways revealed themselves. Tiles of hickory smoke lead the way into ruins. Pillars and stone stood tall. In front of tarnished red and yellow buildings. All bearing symbols. Some in simple triangles and circles. Others more intricate. Darkness spilled from the edges and made their way under both their feet. As they had taken in the sights. Oblivious to their surroundings.

From inside this little town a large explosion echoed through the peeling stone. From the complex patterns of shapes, small eyes slowly opened on the pillars. In the center of mandala, triangular and square patterns, their pitch-black pupils lazily followed the two walking up ancient steps. Before Tobias could pull out his holoframe and check his location, Grael spoke to him. His voice urgent.

It comes. Do you not see? Grael asked.

No, I see plenty. Are your eyes working? Tobias asked. A sound rang in his ear, and he clutched his head. The voices rose and rose. This time, they were clear and calm for the most part.

In the shade. Spires of time. We lament. Trapped.

Banished, bound, hungry. Do they still see us?

Can we return home? Is the war over?

I hope they are not seeking the memories.

Cold. Distant. Void. No light to grace us.

The ancient beast no longer slumbers. It comes in mist. With every tide, it inches closer.

Pvhomerma. Icha ticht lesch. Kjjuuati mul vey.

The Nexus. It is not there. Beyond the walls of earth. Starlight impact. It sleeps within. Bound and pillaged. It does not know.

Tobias pulled out his sword. The shadows temporarily fled as the sword struck the ground. With heavy breaths he veered onto it. Eyes focused on the ground. Lydon called out to him. Black tar had engulfed Lydon’s sandals. Veins in his heart throbbed as Tobias clutched the hilt harder. He saw flashes of his trip to the Thara mountains. The bloody cave of missing bears. Frantic arms searched through all the blood. Until they met something hard. Crimson pooled down from soaking fur as he pulled it up. Severed from its body, the bear’s head was missing several features. Its eyes, teeth, and brain. Snouts breached the surface and body after body rose next to him. As if to speak all their mouths opened, no roar or sound as the heads thrashed. Tobias dropped the head and took a few steps back. Lydon had his sickle drawn. One foot managed to break free of the tar. Focused straight ahead. Black flew past Tobias and under his legs, he turned and followed their path.

“I regret wanting to take a walk. That hard ass floor and a nightmare would be better than this.” Tobias said. With one foot back and sword in both hands, they had revealed themselves.

Just like at Island Fresh, an eel like body clutched into the pillars. Wails filled the air as it squirmed. Rows of teeth and eyes formed all along its repulsive form. It was much bigger here. This time for certain, was no illusion. In front of Lydon a giant pale hand burst through the wall. The once ancient and beautiful stone fell, to be covered in a sickly gray and white paste. With a more human-like shape, it stood to its full height. Shaking off rubble. It was double the size of Lydon. Oozing gray and white as its skin. Long pale limbs and a flat stomach. With no eyes its gills trembled as it moved. Small fins rose from its feet to its lower back. Fleshy spines sprang out of its back. It lowered and seemed to scan its surroundings. Pits of salvia and gunk fell as its mouth opened. Nearly down to its stomach, its tongue gray with swollen large lumps going down its center.

Greal, please tell me you know what these horrendous abominations are. Tobias thought. The eel coiled around the pillars, slithered closer. Its body pooled red and black liquid underneath its belly.

I do not. This one that seems interested in you almost resembles an Aeon divider. If it is, has gone under many transformations. Grael replied.

Real nice. If you can tell, we are not exactly the most formidable fighters. How do we take care of these things?

Through experience is the only way. I suggest learning. I will do what I can.

Fantastic. Tobias said and braced himself.

All the creature’s eyes focused on their target. Every maw of its teeth spiraled deep into its mouth. Pools of red and black formed on the ground and bubbled in its mouth. Over sharpest fangs reiterating their deadlines. Stone dissipated as the creature launched itself at him. Mouth wide open. Constant shrieks filled the air from the mouths. Just underneath the ruckus, the sound of grinding teeth joined in.

Tobias slid forward to avoid the first strike. As it came around for a second time, the gnashing rose, and he covered his ears. Fighting against the deafening noise, he threw himself against one of the pillars. Red in the creature’s mouth began to mutate. Chaotically it made shape into long spear like shapes. With all haste he spun around the pillar to avoid the spears. However, they tore through the stone with ease.

Lydon watched the spears go wide, not too far from him. Heart pounding in his chest, he unraveled the sickle. He could not help but get a laugh in for a moment. Until giant pale hands desperately picked at the ground, as the other beast made its way to him. The sickle and chain flew silently as the chaos continued. Lydon, on his side yanked down on the chain. Successfully the chain hooked into its ugly flesh.

Tobias couldn’t help but be on the defensive. The creature attacked relentlessly. It spat red and black viscous liquid that destroyed pillars. Each pool and puddle grew larger. Spheres boiled within each one. With no opportunity to strike, Tobias charged sword out. The eyes followed every movement he made. Death loomed and brought itself around him, as he brought the sword down. Walls of flesh departed as the sword ran through one of the mouths. Green glowing from the end of the sword. Anguish filled the forge as the creature was struck.

Time stopped again. Did he whiff big time and die? The glow of the sword grew brighter and brighter, until once again, he found himself in space. Green suns illuminated the area. With each second, it shrank. Smaller and smaller until nothing was left. Not even dust. Everything that was faded. The sword appeared in front of him. Suspended in the area in front of him, its radiance lit the backdrop of this place. Reluctantly he reached out for it. When he first met Grael it had also been like this. Indescribable creatures and landscapes collapsed as the sword sliced through it all. Throughout time it was held. Green suns above each horizon shrank and faded with each strike. New forms of life wielding it each time. In the end each life fell and sank into the blade, like melting snow.

Pain screamed throughout his body. Rows of teeth latched into his back. Blood ran down his sides. He shoved the sword farther in. Its grasp began to falter as beastly roars shook the earth. With all the pillars nearly destroyed, it retreated to the center of town. The green sword sliced through mouths and eyes. Liquid shot out in a violent stream as he angrily stomped on each eye. All around him they burst and popped. Pools of flesh and blood ran down and formed under the stairs of this ancient site. Hisses and guttural screams rang out. Tobias, covered in black and red blood steamed off, Graels features graced him as he pointed the sword at it. Green shining at the edge of the blade.

Some of my inventions and weapons from BALLISTIC would-be great right now. This little guy will have to do the heavy lifting. Lydon thought as he lowered his shoulder and hacked into the creature. The tongue secreted along the ground as it coiled around Lydon’s feet. In a vice grip the tongue got both of his feet and swung him around. Tiny hands and withering tentacles reached out from pools from the eel like creature’s blood. Lydon rolled to a stop over one. The creature strode over to him frantically. Lydon called out to Tobias, who was eyeing the eel and its hundreds of eyes glaring angrily back.

Bones shifted out of place. With a disgusting crack, Lydon’s leg bent the opposite way. From the pit tiny appendages and hands reached for him. Some tried to burrow inside Lydon’s flesh. Sharp teeth growing from the disembodied parts gnashing at him. Wildly he slashed at the pit, severing the tendons that held him. Lumps shook loose as it stood over Lydon. Soft as they were, Lydon kicked with his other legs and slashed at the jelly like substance that hit his leg. Tobias pierced through its flat stomach. With arms at his side, in a wide arc he swung. Remaining pustules on the tongue exploded open. Blood and viscera fell into nearby pools. Only to sink, as they got snatched away.

“Oh th---" Lydon said. From the pustules, two worms crawled on to his body. Ignoring the pain in his leg, the sickle went to work. In a violent display Lydon sliced open the newborn worms. Guts flew as the bodies went still. With satisfaction in his yellow eyes, he gave one of them another slash. His blonde hair covered in guts.

“Take that you ug—” Gasses and other liquids spewed into his mouth as they deflated.

“DAMN THIS PLACE!” Lydon yelled. After violently vomiting and coughing.

The creature at the center of town burrowed into the ground. Foundations shook. Buildings began to tilt as the ground shook. Tobias turned and followed the giant shadow. Headed right for them. It burst from the ground. Shadows loomed over both of them as it blocked out the light. Countless rows of teeth before them. Death further down its throat.

Tobias swung the blade. Eyes on the dragon hilt glowed their respective colors. One slash tore through this nightmare. Waves of energy sliced through the remaining buildings. None remained standing as nearly every structure collapsed. Fires of gray and black burned around the split corpse of the creature, reducing it to ashes. He knelt, sword in one hand. With the other he helped Lydon to his feet. With stone cold faces, they stared at each other, then burst into laughter. This night walk to get a quick breather, sure took a wrong turn.

Somewhere in time, lost in the infinite dark. Existence extended into the void. Molecules unraveled in a being. In some moment of time, now or perhaps in the past or future, holding that same sword, a glow to light the pitiful dark. Until the energy could no longer be sustained. It collapsed into the abyss, along with the sword.