The air blew within my hair, just as it rustled the grass and flowers. The sunlight gleamed over head letting it's warm rays cover me.
"Alta Vesp," I said. His head pointed down towards me; letting me know he was listening. There was a moderate communication barrier between us. It was not because I was not Dovushlin, or the fact that he was not a Homo Sapian; I could not see the movement of his lips spewing words, as they were not there. I could not see the pupils of his eyes stare into mine, but he did not possess perception, or any of the five senses. The barrier was his facial expression; he had none... all but the blank, snow white face he had.
"Speak, Derrik."
"I can't be dead."
All he could do to communicate with me physically was to crook his head to the side, a confused expression a canine might do.
"Unlikely. Entrance into the underworld must be paid with your life."
He said that with eagerness, like he wanted to prove me wrong.
"I was alive when I came through the gateway... so was Veronica."
He stood there, without saying unto me maybe he did not know. Maybe the living are now permitted to enter... I should speak to Promerys about this. Or let Alta Vesp come to his conclusion.
"Interesting. A new revelation." He replied.
Odd. He knew so much about these words, their inhabitants, and their surroundings, but he knew not of this; the living coming into the land of the 'dead.' I thought of him like a god; as if he was omni potent. Like he knew everything there was to be learned.
I could but stare up to him in silence, as he lowered his self down to my height.
"It's time to go home." He whispered.
He erects and places his cold hand upon my shoulder, and looks down into my eyes.
"Valus ilo, mea amica."
My perceptions were deafened, blinded, and disabled. They returned slowly, as light was being let into my eyes.
A nurse stood before my bed, checking about a chart she carried in her hand. She looks down at me, wide eyed. I was scared, and terrified.
"H-how are you doing, mister Rome?"
Salt upon the wounds, with that question. She could clearly tell how I was, how I felt, and how conditioned I was. Rendered useless.
"I'm fine."
She nodded her head, and exited the room; just as a doctor entered.
"Morning, Derrik." He said, opening the curtains that disclosed me.
My doctor was a young man in his early twenties, with a fragile and small frame.
"You're lucky, you know. All you got was was a few broken ribs, a crushed windpipe, and a fractured skull."
I wouldn't call that 'luck.' Luck would have been him leaving me be. But that was obviously too good for me... I guess it was some form of punishment, for the things I did over my time here. Murder, assault; among other sins.
"Who brought me here, doctor?"
He looks back, leering over his shoulder.
"Two soldiers, mister Rome."
That was extremely vague. I wanted to personally thank them.
"Who were they?"
"They didn't say. They just dropped you off, and left. Two men."
He still hasn't given me any type of clue.
"Did they mention their names, or where I might find them?"
"Didn't say anything about going anywhere, but they said to call them 'Mister Templesmith,' and 'Mister Korovin.' That was it."
Hmm. Close enough... I'm guessing Titus and Cato. I could be wrong, though.
"Anyways, Derrik, you don't seem to have any further complications, so you are free to go."
Just like that; popping the question, then kicking me out.
"Thanks for everything, 'Doc."
I arise from my bed, collect my clothing from a locker in my hospital room, and change into my clothes from my patient gown. I head for the door, but before I head out back into the streets, I stop and look to the doctor.
"What's the date, by the way?"
He looks a bit perplexed. He checks my medical chart for the answer.
"Mmm, right here. It's April tenth."
I was a bit shocked. I was out for three weeks, in a coma. That worried me. The Gray Man could have came in at anytime, and ended my life on the spot. Question was; why didn't he? Nothing would, or could have stopped him, nothing could kill or bring him down... how 'lucky' of me.
I inquire to a nurse about where I was located. She released minimal details, just vague statements as 'Monroe, Mercy District.' She directs me to Heart District, the economic center of Monroe. Monroe was apparently separated between ten districts; Mercy, Soul, Knight, Heart, Wealth, Daidrik, and Arkham. All follow a slightly different government system, but they commonly follow a Republic. Knight and Arkham District are Democracies, Solus is also a Democratic district. It's a bit... odd. Republics, like America, usually force all states or districts to act with the will of a Constitutional Republic. But it's not like a Democracy or Republic differentiate much from each other.
In addition to my question, the nurse informs me my apartment had been closed off for the mean time, which meant I'd have to go speak with Monroe Ozner to return to Terraria. Ah, the one who brought me here is also my only way back. Since the apartment was located in Mercy District, this meant the Jury Hall was in Monroe, where the Seven Generals decided what my fate was to be. Before I left, I asked the same nurse how far Mercy Hospital was from the Jury Hall. She's a bit vague when she replies, not using imperial units or metric. Some foreign measurement I have never heard of. 'Dae' units. Four Dae's away. This, of course, isn't any help. She has no clue of any other system. I ask a passing doctor where Jury Hall is, but no avail. Same answer; 'about four dae's away.' From how unique this system is, I am guessing they want' to distance themselves from any bordering nations and countries. Terreria uses both the American Imperial system and World Metric system.
"Well, do you have a map?"
She bites her lip, and proceeds to reach under the counter she sat at. She shows me a map she grasped within her hands.
"Alright. Thank you, ma'am."
And with those words, I sat off upon the journey to Jury Hall, traversing the lonesome road I've walked many times before.
I've grown moderately accustomed to this queer city, as much to where I feel as if... it was *home.* Not even the years I spent in America gave me feelings of comfort, compared to being in the fifty foot walls of Monroe. Maybe one day, I could call this place home. But not without plunging a sword into the ground, first.
Foot after foot, I spot a mock-Roman temple of it's white structure, and it's thousand foot stair case leading up to the Seven Pillars of Judgement, where seven leaders dispatch orders and judge the actions of others. I climb up it's ascension into the gated sky of which no light passed through, and stand upon it's stone platform, where two Paectorian Soldiers stood opposite from each other, guarding the seven leaders who lead Monroe. Monroe Ozner, Johnny Avay Jal, Howel Miya Zahki, Odeyusis Ki Royez, Nosferatu Alva Lovecraft, Alexander of Cairo, and Markus Karul. They individually lead each District. Ozner was in charge of the 'Wealth' district. The younger Generals were a bit humble compared to their seasoned comrades. Nosferatu was in charge of Soul, and Alexander lead Heart. The names reflected off their characteristics. Nosferatu, while serving in the Black Gulf War, accumulated no kills while serving as a swordsman against Zion. He would always spare enemy Zionists, no matter the clause. He would but disarm them and capture them, as prisoner's of war. Lovecraft was awarded several medal's of Pacification from Johnny, and a Medal of Honor from Ozner; something no other soldier in Monroe had earned. Besides his military record, he approved of shelters for vagrants and war torn soldiers; veterans of war, all from battles with the Tribes of Zion.
As I stand before the slate of 'God,' looking up to the lights that shined upon me and plea to the fifth star general, Monroe Ozner. The other men that sat on their seats only watched and listened to the argument between me and him, mocking him for the fact that he couldn't keep one Dovushlin out of his own city.
"He almost killed me, breaking my bones and cracking my skull... he would have ended my life."
I looked down from his pillar he sat at, confident in what Alta Vesp had said unto me.
"You want to threaten my country with war; but yet cannot even stop one Dovushlin?"
In my confrontation with him, he rarely replied back to me. Even when he did, he spoke softly and let me speak over him; ashamed.
"Look, mist- mister Rome, I am deeply sorry about your injury's, but the safety of... *our' people is at stake."
He's trying to be sympathetic towards me, but the bane of it is I despise this city, Monroe; in it's conquest to stomp upon the bordering nations it stands with. He avoids the statement at hand, apologising for the inflicted pain for which he was responsible for. The Dovushlin knew about the contract Ozner gave to me. If that had not happened, then we would not be having this right now.
"I am not your 'people,' I belong to Terreria, and only Terreria."
But if I am only Terreria's, then it is my country's will that I assist Monroe. My pride, or my loyalty to the state...
"But, if my country's wish is to give help unto your's, then I will." I continued.
Ozner smiled, genuinly. His eyes of hatred saw only hope and glee. I couldn't tell if he was joyful because he got his way, or because he truly did care about his citizens.
"Derrik Rome, if I may..."
Nosferatu spoke. The others had spoken, but not Lovecraft. He watched, and listened, but did not contribute to any discussion.
"Not a lot of men would go this far too prove their worth for the country they love. For you to do this, on behalf of Monroe... we all thank you."
Nosferatu was a bit down to earth, as he was humble. I bowed, and made my way out, not before Lovecraft spoke once more
"Oh, mister Claudius, we would all like you to take a visit to Xenophon Aahlto, at the Dova Temple in Terreria."
Ah, and my journey brings me back to Terreria. I hadn't even planned on returning home, to Ashton, where Promerys lived within his temple. Lovecraft sends me away, back to... home. Such a subjective term; it can be thrown around without care. Even though I have spent only five months here, I can call Ashton home. My home.
As I had thought, mea amicis returned to the temple. Even Titus and Cato were there, they all awaited my arrival. As I stepped foot into the temple, Promerys was the first to greet me on my recovery.
"Derrik, you've come back. I thought the Dovushlin was your fate."
I kind of ignored Promerys, and spoke to the others. Friends before the State.
"Glad you're alright, 'Rikk." From Dominic. I got a welcoming hug from Veronica, and a salute from the military men, including Titus, Cato, and Dominic.
I stand below Promerys, on the stone floor below his golden throne, and repeat the orders Nosferatu gave me.
"Promerys, General Lovecraft of Monroe wants me to visit Xenophon Aahlto, in a... Dova Temple."
Promerys looked surprise at my knowing of Xenophon. Of course, I didn't even know what species he was; Vokkolin, Dovushlin, Raugner... these alien creatures.
"If... mister Lovecraft thinks you are ready, then you are ready.
"You sound like you can trust him."
"He won the War of The Black Rose, without harming a single creature. He is a pacifist, a scholar... he is as wise as I. He knows an opportunity when he spots one. Let his will fly."
He turns to Titus, just as Templesmith stood erect; in a show of respect to authority.
"Harlequin, you are to teach along with Alma'z. Teach Claudius what you know."
Titus bowed, turning to me; looking down at my person.
"Derrik, it would be an honor to instruct you."
As it would be to be taught by him. Aside from his qualification to teach me, Promerys seemed to have called him 'Harlequin.' And Titus responded to this name, as if it were his own. I have a reason to believe that he comes from a military backround, which might explain his great size and unarmed prowess. Maybe from enhancements and artificial drugs. To create... a perfect soldier.
Ignoring my theories, Promerys calls out to Xenophon; chanting in a dialect of the Vokkolin language. I could gather only bits of what he said; as the language differed from Vokkolin. The only words I made out were 'Vokkayus, Dauyah, Dovahiyk, Homa Sapiun." I didn't know who he was, but I knew something about him. He was of Vokkolin. Maybe a Slonderman, Dovushlin... or Enderman. His identity did not matter to me; only his marshal skill as a combatant instructor did.
As Promerys finished his chant, there came a black mushroom cloud that rose from the stone floor; that of which looked like it was originated from from the resulting aftermath after an Atomic bomb detonation.
Stood an Enderman; muscular and taller compared to his Brethren. Like a... Feral Enderman at most. Promerys greeted him with utmost respect; Dominic and Templesmith saluted and stood erect in the presence of Xenophon. The Vokkolin bowed to the half-Pigman, and shook hands with Titus.
"It's been a while, Xeno. I haven't seen you since the destruction of Sodom."
I recall Templesmith telling about Xenophon, when we first met.
"You're correct, Harlequin. It's been five trips around Sol since we last met."
His 'name' confused me. I didn't know if it was just a nickname; or something bigger. Maybe his call sign for war.
Xenophon steadied his eyes to Dominic. Looking down at him, Dom held his posture.
"I remember you... Romani, wasn't it?"
"Yes, sir."
"You served beside me at Sodom before it's destruction, in the siege that brought the end of that place."
Dominic looked like he wanted to ignore the subject all together; forget about 'Sodom' and leave it in it's place. His eyes dropping a single tear. He wants to forget his past like I want to forget mine.
"I know who won. Anna would still be here if we were the victors."
"Then let us forget the past. I'm here to see Rome."
Xenophon looks at me, dark purple eyes gleaming over against mine. Looking into the eyes of Vokkolin always made me uneasy, the encounters I've had with the Slondermen and such.
"We speak highly of you in The Great Divide."
"Alta Vesp spoke of the Divide. His creation."
The others looked confused, but Xenophon looked interested.
"Ah, you've met Der Ritter? The Knight, as the Germans called him. Honourable lushkin."
"He's... something, to say that."
"But let's forget about the Dovushlin for a moment. Promerys Kuhtah requested me to train you, physically, mentally... increase the skill of your martial ability. Train you in the martial art of my kin." He continued.
"But first, are you ready to die? Do you fear for the end of your life?
A difficult question. Every living thing fears their death, but not me. A friend once told me, Ulysses; take pride into what kills you. Treat it with respect, dignity... wise man. Stolen away from his family, a month ago. Probably kidnapped by Slondermen.
"No, I don't. I'm ready to die. I've been ready to die."
"You have courage, Rome. In one hour, prepare your belongings; take your canine, and say farewell to your loved ones."
This was it then, my life takes it's course down a long, hard, road; from which I can't return.
"Thank you, Xenophon."
"It's not something you should be thankful for.
There we all stood; the entrance of the Terra Formed Zion; grass growing from the ground, and one hundred foot tree's arising from the ground. My friends said their good bye's to me, and returned back to Ashton. Stood remaining was me, Kaizar, Veronica, Titus, Cato, and Xenophon. All here for the same purpose as I.
"As we enter Zion, watch for the tribe of degenerates that dwell here. They're... unforgiving. Many of my kin have fallen to their hatred and violent ways."
"I'v dealt with them, before." Veronica mentioned.
"Good. Then you know what they are capable of. But we aren't here to hunt Homo Sapians. We're here to make sure you're all ready for the training."
We were all perplexed. I thought he had brought us here to train?
"Xeno, what are we here for then?"
Xenophon stood quiet, staring into the entrance to the valley of Zion.
"You're going to be sold to Slondermen, for hunting game. If you survive, then you are ready."
I... I was shocked. I'd been sold to slavery once, I'd never thought I'd have to fear something like this again. Except it's worse; Slondermen may not be as big as their Vokkolin counterparts... but they're still seven foot, psychotic monstrosities of nature. At least they aren't Dovushlin; they average twelve feet, with a large amount of muscle mass. They're worse than Slondermen, they destroy cities, grab small children and tear their spines from their bodies; eat their flesh, the marrow from their bones, and drink the blood from their bodies. Utter monsters. I don't understand how a Dovushlin like Alta Vesp could be so different from his kin. I'm not even sure he's a Dovushlin, I think that's what he just grouped himself into; he only slightly resembles his brethren.
"I see. How will we go about this?" Said Titus.
"I'm going to present you to the Slondermen who host these annual games, and they'll take you into Black Rock, an abandoned, one hundred mile wide Forest area to be hunted. Any Homo Sapian, or Vokkolin who survives the ordeal will be granted their freedom. The event last two weeks, and two hundred Humans and Vokkolin are forced into the games. Few survive."
Ah, this will be interesting. I've fought the subspecies of Endermen before; tough, fast, and strong. Capable hunters, to put it kindly. They are a match for apex human hunters.
"Alright." Began Cato. "When do we begin?"
Xenophon smiled at his confidence.
"I've to meet a Bacujah Slondermen, at the gate of Zion. He'll come in, I'll tell him I 'obtained' a male canine, three alpha male Humans, and one human female."
"Bacujah?" I said.
"They are the elite Slondermen of their tribe, from Black rock. They are violent, aggressive... two times larger than the average Slonderman. Fourteen feet tall, and nine hundred pounds."
This would be interesting; Slondermen are a challenge; Bacujah sounded like they were on the brink of demi-god.
"So, when Kahthulu arrives, I'll exchange you for my student, Zacheriah, and he'll take you to his region, Black Rock, where he will then let you run amuck in the Mountains of Madness..."
"So, you can turn back, and return to Ashton; or you can fight."
We all looked at each other; ready to prove our worth, ready to die...
"I'm ready."
Kahthulu arrived, upon a skeletal horse; carrying a twenty foot spear. Upon his shoulders steel in the shape of metal hands. He had a thin layer of Obsidian covering his pectoral and abdominal area.
"Vos ktuhla tay?
"Ki. Vos tok ch'pw, dayk vok mortus."
Kahthulu dismounted his horse, and slowly walked toward us. His black eyes made me fear him more.
He bent down to Titus' height, Templesmith keeping his posture and looking straight ahead. Kahthulu sniffed him, looking at his physical attributes and touching his chest. Kahthulu stood up, and smiled.
"Ki, ki. Vos kuh fokulah to zolah ckahlik." He stands, shaking the hands of Xeno.
"Ah, Zarrah... where did you obtain these primates? They're physically superior than the ones Zakrahs deals to me?"
The change of language was strange... like he wanted us to hear their conversation.
"Ki. The large one was at Sodom, killing over thirteen of your Kin without the usage of weaponry."
Kahthulu looked back toward Titus, with a smug smile.
"He should be quite a challenge, then. Dalkah has a burning hatred for the survivors of that place... I'll be sure to tell him of the warrior that will be hunted."
"So, we've come to an agreement, then? Five capable warriors, for the release of Zachriah?"
Ah, I see what this is. Xenophon gets a way to see our worth, and he gets a friend in return.
"Deal."
And that was the word that begun the two weeks of hell, for eternal purgatory.