Chapter One: A Sinking Feeling

There was once a time where the humans and monsters once lived together peacefully. But one day, the two groups went to war with each other. The humans, with their strong souls and determination, were able to win the war and banish the monsters to the Underground. But there also another species that went down that have been forgotten with the passage of time.

An alien species from the planet Norgav had sent over a well organized brigade to investigate possible planets for future use of their resources. After a long journey, they found a new and untapped solar system. Although there were different planets in place to explore, with even some Norgavians staying on some, they came across a rather peculiar planet they dubbed Pămaa, otherwise known as Earth. What they didn't know was that this planet was already inhabited by many creatures, both big and small. The Norgavians were now faced with a crisis: what should be done with them? It wouldn't take long before the humans and monsters alike discovered evidence of the extraterrestrial in their midst, which would only further impede on their mission. As a result, the Norgavians were forced into solitude. There were now two options that the Norgavians could take. They could either relocate the civilians of Pămaa to a different planet, or enact a full genocide and use whoever was still remaining for experimental purposes.

The Norgavians would not be able to find a solution during their time on Pămaa's surface. Unbeknownst to them, there was growing tension between the humans and the monsters. The humans, under the assumption that they were working with the monsters, they lashed out at the Norgavians. Before they could understand why the events unfolding before them were happening, the Norgavians became witnesses to the war. Half of the aliens that first came to Pămaa retreated to Norgav, while the other half stayed to fight with the monsters. However, these select few only had their own interests in mind through the whole fight, believing that they could still find a way to make this planet theirs.

When the humans came out victorious, the monsters were sent to the Underground. What the Norgavians didn't account for was being taken down with them. Since they sided with the monsters in the battle, they were thought of as the enemy by the humans. Once they found themselves in the deepest part of the Underground, the Norgavian settlers knew that they had to find a way out and make another attempt at conquering Pămaa. The Norgavians stuck by the idea that the loss of the war was proof that the monsters were weak and insignificant, and thus refused to do business with them. From there on out, the Norgavians would rely on their own kin for resources and maintaining strong genetics to pass on to future generations. They swore they would find a way to reach the surface on their own and restore the settler's honor, and the honor of the entire Norgavian race.

~~~

Behind a roaring waterfall within the cavernous part of the Underground lies two solid steel doors, one at the end of the waterfall's cave and another immediately afterward. This was a security measure the Norgavians took when they first came below the surface. Behind these two sets of doors lies a town of chrome, with a palatial clock tower in the center of the marketplace. One more minute until the lights would come on and the morning bell would ring softly. On the uppermost levels of the town were small living spaces that fit three Norgavians per room. On the third level in Room 304, two were already awake and preparing breakfast.

Besides the window that overlooked the town lay three rectangular sleeping devices in a solitary corner that had a piece of the wall as a barrier. Each device was on the room's floor, all but one still activated. There was a third Norgavian still sleeping in the third chamber on the right. Inside the chamber, a young female appeared to be in a comatose state brought on by the chamber itself. The clock now read 06:00 on its monitor, and a beeping sound was heard coming from the inside. The lights inside dimmed as the hatch was lifted up to provide an exit. It was at this point the female was fully awake.

On this day, the young woman felt as though something was out of place. Like she was supposed to be anticipating something, but didn't know what this event could be. She walked out to greet her parents, who had just placed down breakfast on an oval table. The slender and tall Ylla was the first to notice their daughter's awakening. The stout and burly Chulir, meanwhile, was occupying himself with preparing for work. The Norgavian male had the hair of a lion's mane, and the boisterous voice of one too.

"Good morning, Devia." Ylla said lightly.

"Good morning, Kamda. Good morning, Damka." The purple alien sat down at the table, addressing her parents politely. The food was placed in a diamond like formation, where almost every plate had something wriggling and squirming on it. Devia didn't agree with how the food would always be prepared, but it was either that or starve to death. Devia would always choose the former despite her wishes. Chulir sat down on the other side of the table while Ylla came over on the left side.

"Thank you for the food." Chulir and Devia thanked Ylla and began to take their share of food. Chulir's plate was always filled up, while Devia's portions always remained rather reasonable, though small by Norgavian standards. The trio remained silent throughout most of breakfast, only speaking to ask Ylla to pass something to the other. There was an air of inevitability floating about that neither one could really describe, but they knew that it needed to be done. Devia knew this too, but tried to calm her nerves before the event could begin.

"Härec is going to be here in an hour." Chulir finally spoke. "Do you have anything prepared for the day?"

Devia finished getting in another bite. She felt her stomach get heavier at the sound of his name. At that moment, she was reminded of the event she became so worried about: the Eskavit. "Yes, Damka. We were planning to commence with the Duel."

"It's assuring to know that he is one of traditional taste." Ylla said, pouring a greenish-brown slime substance into a cup. "Who knows what would happen if he were one of those Neos..."

"Nothing to be afraid of, Ylla." Chulir reassured her. "He would have faced our ruler if that were true."

In actuality, the prospect of Härec being a Neo would sit better with her than him being a traditionalist. At least it would be something new. There was only so much that could be done and allowed in the Hub without it becoming a bore. Then again, Neos have never stood much of a chance ever since the group's development.

Chulir looked at the clock and quickly gulped down the rest of his food. He put on a white cloak and was on his way out before facing his daughter. "You be good for Härec, Devia. If the duel goes well, then it's a sign that your Eskavit will be a success for all of us. Do you promise?"

"I promise." Devia nodded. Chulir nodded right back and rushed out into the hall towards the elevator.

Devia didn't have much time to prepare for the first day of the Eskavit, so she entered the shower and quickly did her hair. She left her front bangs exposed and dangling over her shoulders, while the rest of her mauve hair was put tightly in a bun. She knew her mother would begin to put more pressure on her as the seconds passed, so she ignored her speech about always being conscientious as she selected one of the many cool and neutral colored outfits she had in her closet. She skimmed by the asymmetrical black and gray dress that would be used for the second day, which made her want to vomit. Not the dress itself, but the fact that it was related to the Eskavit's second day. She couldn't even begin to imagine the feeling of what she'd have to do on the third day.

"Will you please just settle on one?" Ylla noticed her daughter going through her wardrobe. "If it doesn't draw much attention, it's adequate."

Devia finally settled for a blue form fitting suit. Everything from the neck down with the exception of her hands were covered in a light material that had a slight glow to it in the right kind of light. She loved her mother dearly, but in this moment she wished she didn't speak. Devia fiddled with the corset-like attachment that was around her waist and made sure her boots fit just right. A little too snug for her liking, but they would have to do for now. One last look in the mirror was all that was needed to be done.

While Devia was in the process of doing and re-doing her hair, Ylla walked up behind her with her hands on Devia's shoulders. Ylla was at least two heads taller than her daughter, not counting the instances where she wore heeled shoes. "I'm glad you got chosen to be with Härec. From the information we were given about him, I'm sure he'll make a wonderful husband."

Devia smiled at the reflection. "Do you really think so?"

"Why, of course I do. Mother knows best, after all." Ylla patted her head and resumed cleaning.

Unbeknownst to Ylla, Devia's smile slowly started to fade away the longer she looked at herself in the mirror. Was this what it truly meant to be a Norgavian? Having everything be chosen for you? For some aspects, it sounded nice. On the one hand, you wouldn't feel so indecisive about choosing a new pair of shoes. But on the other hand, it removes any sort of independent thought. Devia was teetering between both these lines in her mind. She wanted to make her parents happy, but a sinking feeling was slowly taking over.

Devia tried to shake it off and focus on the day's main event. Taking a seat in front of the window, she observed the bustle within the town below. Pairs of twos and groups of threes did their shopping peacefully around the marketplace and the children were being escorted to school by their teacher. Times were simpler in childhood, Devia thought. One doesn't have to worry so much in that phase of life. At least they were able to live out whatever freedom they were given in such a short time. Granted, much of that time was in school, but compared to adolescent and adult lives in the Hub, it was in a sense much more carefree. If only it was like that throughout all stages.

It was from her height where she saw her friend Zadra, following through with her first day activity with her suitor. Zadra's suitor was stout, like Chulir, except his hair was perfectly straight and completely held back. Like most Norgavian females, she wore her hair with her bangs and fihema exposed, while the rest of her hair was tucked away neatly. What was odd about her hair was that no matter how hard she tried, her dark blue hair wasn't able to grow. This apparently didn't seem to upset her suitor too much. She looked so happy to be with him, and the same could be said for him. Devia wondered what their bonding process was like so far. Judging from the looks on their faces, they were most likely happy with each other around. Devia wanted her Eskavit to go as well as hers, as well as have a pleasant connection with her chosen husband. Although, she would admit, that it would be nicer to be able to choose who she would be with. However, the law of the Hub trumps all opinions and feelings.

Devia's mind continued to wander off until her attention was brought back to the clock. Thirty minutes left. She sighed as she lifted herself up from the chair. She began to feel more nervous than before, so she poured herself a cup of gnrog to ease her stomach. The pungent first sip was something no one could ever truly get through, but the aftertaste and the next few sips were worth the torture.

"Devia, aren't you forgetting something?" Ylla inquired, not stopping to turn her attention to her daughter. Oh, she had almost forgot! Devia quickly rushed to the counter, where a small box of iron lay delicately on its surface. It is customary to give your partner a gift before the first day, but because of Härec's more tradtitional side, Devia's parents took it upon themselves to buy the gift. Whether that be because they wanted to live through their child or otherwise, this was not part of Devia's plan. She picked up the box and put her hand on the door.

"I'm leaving for the Trafa, Kamda." Devia spoke, but with not much enthusiasm.

"I can tell that you are uneasy." Ylla brought her attention to Devia, putting both hands on each of her shoulders. "I was just like that when I was your age. I didn't know what your father was going to be like. But you and I both know what needs to be done. This isn't just about yourself. This is about the future of our whole race. Do you understand?"

Devia remained silent and bit her lower lip.

"Do you understand?" Ylla asked, this time a little more sternly and with one hand lightly pressed on her chin.

"Yes, Kamda." Devia nodded.

"Good." Ylla smiled. "Now go make us proud, Devia."

Devia smiled back, and the door came down between them once she stepped out into the hall. She didn't know if that was supposed to be encouraging or a threat. Either way, it didn't really make her feel any better. Her throat began to feel stiff and her hands were shaking. She took a gulp and forced herself to walk towards the elevator. In the letter Devia had received the night before, Härec said that he would meet her at the Housing Entrance at 07:00 sharp. From there, they would walk together to the Trafa to begin their duel. In the back of her mind, she prayed that she could stumble across Zadra on the way there. No matter the situation, she provided a kind of support that her parents sometimes weren't able to give themselves.

She entered the elevator and pressed the center button. Elevator rides were so short, one couldn't be able to get a full sentence in by the time it was over. Devia walked out into the town, temporarily blinded by the bright lights. Once her eyes adjusted, she could finally search for Härec. But where would he be? It could be seven at any second, and yet she was given no description on what he looked like. This only tensed up her nerves more, as even Devia's feet were beginning to tremble.

"Excuse me, but are you Devia?" Someone behind her asked. Devia turned her head to see a Norgavian male. He had a muscular build, skin the color of sand, and bushy dark brown hair that was nearly in his eyes. His voice sounded sincere, yet strong. A strange fusion of a warrior and a shepherd.

"Y-yes I am, sir. And I take it that you are Härec?" Devia responded gingerly.

"Indeed, I am." Härec smiled. He took out a box similar to the one Devia had and extended it to her. "For you."

Devia did the same with Härec's gift. The two received their gifts from each other and began to open them. In Devia's box, she found a simple silver bracelet. Devia put on the accessory and lifted her hand to see how it looked in the light, and it was there that she could see a few small gold shards glisten. When she saw what Härec's gift was, the look on his face was enough to formulate a conclusion. His gift was a small dagger with ancient wording engraved into both sides of the blade. Härec smiled greatly at this offering.

"Thank you very much, Miss Devia." Härec put the dagger back in the box. "You would definitely be a good wife to have."

Strangely enough, this made Devia blush. She put the bracelet back into the box, following suit with him. "And I'm sure you would be a good husband, too."

Härec smiled lightly. "We'll truly see how we would fare in married life when we have our duel."

Remembering how she saw Zadra and her partner, Devia assumed that they must have had a good duel if they had any. Maybe the same could be said with her and Härec. Devia bowed politely. "May the best Norgavian win."

Härec smirked devilishly as he lead the way to the Trafa with Devia in tow. The two, naemly Härec, remained silent throughout the trip. At least now, Devia was a little more relaxed. Now there was the matter of how quiet her partner was being. She decided to break the ice with a few questions and make the most of this situation. "Are your parents traditionalists as well?"

"Yes." Härec nodded, his eyes staying forward.

Devia tried to think of another question. "What is your preferred style of clothing?"

"Anything that belongs on a man." Härec replied bluntly.

"Of course..." Devia pondered once more as the awkward tension only seemed to grow. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"No. Just myself."

Devia bit her lip once again. "I see. Do you... often like to do any fighting in your free time?"

"Yes, Miss Devia." Härec turned his head enough so that he met her gaze. "I often duel with my father and grandfather the most."

"I'm not much of a fighter myself, if I were to be honest." Devia replied sheepishly.

"Oh?" This time, he grew curious. "But I assumed you were a traditionalist like myself."

Devia's face flushed with embarrassment. She knew she had to make up a lie for this. "Well.. I... I knew that you were a traditionalist, and I knew that traditionalists were very fond of weaponry, so that's how I got the idea of the dagger."

Härec grinned. "Well, at least I now know it will be an easy fight."

Devia sighed internally, thankfully that the fib was able to work on him. She now had an idea of what his secondary ability was. If it weren't telekinesis, Härec would have been able to see the lie. Mind reading was a rare ability for most Norgavians to have, but it was both frightening and fascinating. Half the population had telekinetic abilities, while a much smaller percentage could read minds. Those in the middle had neither ability, and this included Devia and her family.

"But I promise to be a worthy adversary, Sir Härec." That part was the truth.

"You had better be. Or otherwise, it could mean trouble for the both of us." Härec said in a flat, yet serious tone.

Devia gulped lightly, gaining back her nervousness from before. She kept praying for some kind of distraction to delay the duel. Was Zadra still around? Sadly, no. Devia started swallowing whatever dignity she may have had previously and chose to face her inevitable defeat at the Trafa. Telekenisis or not, Devia had a strong feeling that she would be defeated. A sinking feeling lingered over her again, until a sight peculiar to her came into her line of vision.

As the two were almost there, Devia glanced over at the steel doors in the far distance. There were two larger than life guards right in front of them, armed to the teeth and ready to fight whenever necessary. Both were donned in heavy armor and their teeth were jagged and sharp, which only added to the frightening visuals. This was to ensure security in case the next set of doors didn't hold up. Another question rose in Devia's head as she continued looking at those pristine doors. Sadly though, it was a question that she couldn't get an answer to lest she be seen as suspicious.

Was there anything beyond the Hub?