In that very moment, the circular indentation of the wall hissed steam and cleared away to give me a sight I have never seen before.
Humongous pillars, taller than what an eye could perceive, stood amongst thick, heavy clouds.
Rings infested these pillars, each plagued by a dozen or so buildings, contraptions, the easiest thing that one could compare them to were towns. Interconnecting the rings were a series of pipes, bridges, and rails.
"Huh..?"
No one would be unable to repress the state of their confusion at such a vista. After all, I was underneath a lighthouse previously, but to reappear to a place so radically different? Is this a hallucination? Have I fallen unconscious?
Before I could continue speculating my situation, a loud clank above me distracted my train of thought. The room before then was riding on one of the city's rails, which it now had detached itself from, landing with a splash onto man made river. The flow of the river pushed the room closer to one of the rings. Soon it reached a steel port, and the room disassembled, leaving only the platform which I stood on, and a slope connecting the vessel to the dock.
'No time for taking in the sights.'
No matter how interesting this place looked, I still had a client I had to get back to. My hands went back to the lever, and much to my dismay, pulling at it did nothing to reactivate whatever this thing was.
'It seems I've to find another way to leave, then.'
A briskly jumped off of the vessel and cautiously walked forward. The docks quickly led to a opening of a pipe, riddled with varying posters. One thing made clear though was the amount of dust and rust present in the area, how many years has it been since this dock was used? A banner hung above my head;
"Welcome to Terra Feronia, the greatest paradise the world has to offer!"
Taking a look at the previously aforementioned posters, I took notice of the many different rides it presented.
'This place is an Amusement Park? I wouldn't have guessed."
Just looking at how grand the whole park itself was from afar, I doubt I wouldn't be forgiven for assuming that this was a full-fledged city. Maybe it was, as well? That hardly matters, however, as I didn't come here to speculate. As a matter-of-fact, I didn't want to be here, at all. But the hallway seemed to stretch on a few more meters. I still have quite a bit of trekking to do before I could leave this place, I suppose.
It took a few minutes to reach a much wider space than the earlier cramped hallway. Its walls were carved in eight directions, with a huge gaping entrance right at the middle of each face. The ceilings were high and spherical, giving room to a giant statue of a lovely maiden. Softening the transition between wall and roof was a thick line of paint, with more metallic letters bolted onto it; repeating the phrase "Visiting Center" over and over again around the room. The floor was littered as it was in the hallway, but now along with paper boxes and plastic cups, a huge stack of luggage and crates were left unattended beneath the statue's foot. In standard fashion, I paced around and read the captions above each opening, but unfortunately, it only lead to other parts of the park.
"Right, of course it wouldn't be easy."
First course of action would be to try and find a map, or better yet, another person. Anything that could tell me where the fastest way out is.
"You know, this ain't no place for strangers.."
A masculine, but nasally voice rang out from everywhere. The way he spoke sounded off, somehow, but I could only act ever more cautious, looking at the edges of my sight, or any spot to run off to.
"Excuse me? Do you know the way out of this place? It's quite a long story, you see, but I've only come here by accident, and I do terribly need to return."
"Return?"
The voice howled at the mentioned of the word. The longer I converse with the man the clearer his madness becomes.
"Once you've reached Feronia…"
The voice's volume softened, but its threatening tone was still ever present.
"You're past the point of no return!"
Underneath the stack of bags came out an enraged man, thin and weathered, scarred and bloodied. His loose overalls barely kept up with him as he ran screaming towards me, a pipe raised by his left hand. Getting close enough, he swung the metal piece like a madman, laughing hysterically as he did so. I ducked and dived through his side, dodging his attacks. I ended up near the stacks of luggage, which I immediately used to my advantage. I took the heaviest bag I could carry, and threw it as hard as I could to the sickly, threatening man. The hit from the rather large bag dazed him long enough for me to run and kick him in the face. The impact this time was enough to knock the man out- though it pains me to think how the fight would've gone on much longer if he was any healthier. I took the pipe from the man's hand and looted his pockets. Another couple of quarters were added to my stack. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a lighter pocket, in exchange for his life. After the way he swung at me like that, I'm sure he hadn't planned to give me any mercy.
Questions now assailed my mind, though; is everyone in this park as crazy as this man, or was he the exception? If so, how am I supposed to survive? I breathe in and ran towards the nearest opening.
"Shopping Center."
Entering the premises, I could only think one thing.
Truly, I've ended up in a horrible place.
Author's Notes: Hey there! I hoped you liked that one, because having the write this one was really gave me trouble. Oh well, I think I ended in a good note- Oh wait, I haven't revealed the protagonist's name yet, haven't I? Well maybe it's going to be in the next chapter, maybe it isn't :P. Please Read N' Review!