Unsettling Events
Sitting in a dark underground facility, a construct sat alone in a chamber. It was incomplete but showed signs of careful craftsmanship and dedicated engineering.
"Soon," a voice whispered from the construct.
A woman walked into the room and brushed her fingers against it affectionately. Her features were obscured by the dim lights but it was clear something was off about her.
"Indeed, soon. We shall be free from this wretched existence," she agreed with the construct.
A guard walked into the room quietly. The woman was not facing the doorway but knew instantly that they were there as did the construct.
"Report," both said in unison.
"Operations are proceeding as expected. Energy sources should be arriving within the month depending on conditions," the guard said emotionlessly.
"And the materials?" the construct asked.
"Delayed. Mining operations are unable to find quality sources of metals and thus halted production. There is a proposal to commandeer submarines to-"
"Do it," the woman cut the guard off, "And ensure whatever research that can assist in operations is captured."
The guard left as quietly as they came in, leaving the woman alone with the construct. Both could tell that their ambitions were coming together and that it was only a matter of time until they revealed themselves.
"Soon...soon," they said in the darkness.
It was a bright and sunny day. Clouds were scattered in the sky, a gentle breeze stirred the grass, and the temperature was pleasant. The area was dominated by rolling hills in an unclaimed territory, a picturesque location should anyone stop and look. It was a perfect example of the untamed wilderness, untouched by civilization save for a temporary expedition camp.
The camp was nothing exciting, just two hot air balloons currently moored to a cliff with some tents surrounding them. There was a bright red flag banner waving in the gentle breeze, its emblem belonging to the Kingdom of Cherrystone. The only signs of activity were the guards stationed to monitor the camp.
"Have any idea what they're looking for?" a swordsman asked, a recent transfer.
"Oh you know. Ancient magical artifacts, machines, maybe some weapons of unspeakable evil...the usual. There's plenty of odd things that can happen," an archer said cheerfully.
"Wait...what?! What do you mean 'weapons of unspeakable evil' being the usual?!" another swordsman exclaimed.
"What? You thought this was a survey for finding gold? Remember the Requiem War?" the archer scowled.
"Oh muffins, we're doomed."
"Nah, we have some of the best mages in Cherrystone with us. First sign of trouble they lock the place up and we call in support. Until they tell us to do something we sit back and make sure nothing sneaks up on them. The hardest thing we have to do is make sure the balloons are ready to go at a moment's notice. Besides, magic doesn't really work when it's away from its source so if anything does come for us here it would be too weak to do anything," the archer explained, not mentioning the fact the mages could accidentally unleash a construct that carried its source of magic with it.
"Hey guys! Soup's on!" one of the other soldiers called.
The group gave a glance around the area before leaving. The area was secure and they had their weapons on them. A quick break to have some soup would not be the end of the world.
Five miles away on the other side of some hills a group of soldiers were examining some ruins. To the untrained eye, the ruins were boring and nothing more than another set of old buildings. To the soldiers, the ruins held potential for either great or terrible things, possibly both.
After the Requiem War, Cherrystone was taking a much more proactive approach when it came to archeology. The ancient civilizations of the past might be responsible for a great deal of wonders that could benefit the world, but they also created just as many terrors. Some nations and factions clambered to find and study these creations, either in the name of power or to turn them into something less harmful.
Cherrystone aimed to destroy these dangerous artifacts. Scholars might lament the loss of knowledge but there were clear signs that even the creators had built things beyond their control. There were many proverbs that warn about the folly of ambition, namely "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Whether Cherrystone walked that road in destroying dangerous artifacts was unknown, but the entire Kingdom was certain that it was a far better plan than to leave such power unchecked.
"See anything yet?" an archer (unrelated to the one back at camp) called.
"Nothing yet," a mage responded.
"Stones are old enough. Maybe we stumbled on an old fort? A ceremonial temple maybe?" a different mage wondered.
The group was spread out but within shouting distance of one another. They had scoured many similar ruins and were experienced in studying them. Magical constructs, hidden traps, advanced weapons, a maniacal interdimensional warlord penguin drunk on "mush-rum" (a very long and convoluted story that gave everyone headaches when brought up), they have seen it all. What was one more set of mysterious ruins potentially housing dangerous reality warping artifacts?
"All right, let's start with the most obvious places first and look for the usual. Maybe we'll be lucky and nothing is here," one of the mages suggested.
"Good luck. You three, keep a lookout from up there," the archer ordered.
The sound of barking dogs caused the group to cease their work. The dogs were Cherrystone battlepups, exceptionally smart and well trained, not the type to get excited over trivial matters when in the field. Every Cherrystone military officer knew how invaluable the battlepups were and learned early to trust the canines. The archeologists were no exception and their attention quickly shifted towards the barking.
"Well my friend, think you can find the dogs?" a female mage asked her companion.
"Be back in a moment," a Floran leafwing responded before flying into the sky.
"Not to be rude but remind me again why he's part of this expedition," a swordswoman asked.
"Good friend who has helped me out in some sticky situations. Sure, he's a mercenary but he's in it for the adventure," the mage answered.
Gunfire suddenly rang out, automatic gunfire. The cries from the dogs and a few unfortunate soldiers told the others what was happening.
"Move! We're under attack! Stay in cover!" the mage shouted as she ran behind a wall and pulled out her wand.
Automatic weapons were nasty business. Cherrystone might pride itself on having exceptional riflemen, but an army that relied heavily on magic and more traditional strategies did not have the logistics to industrialize. The archeologists would have to find a way to work around their limitations if they were to ward off the attackers.
"Where are they?" the mage asked a group of swordsmen and archers nearby.
"Don't know. The gunfire is coming-" the answering swordsman had arrows shot into him.
"What the hell?! Decayed!"
"Force them towards us! Form a shieldwall and hack them to pieces! Archers, shoot them!"
"Help!"
"They're all over the place!"
The mage summoned lightning bolts and struck the general area of where some of the attackers were. She had no clue what was going on or exactly what was attacking her group. All around her were cries of confusion and death. The situation had become everyone for themselves.
She did the only thing she could do: Run and fight. If anyone else was lucky, they would escape. The Cherrystone military was powerful and versatile, but ill prepared for attacks like this. It was even worse that the expedition was meant to be research in nature and was best prepared for a band of marauders armed with similar weapons and not industrial firearms. Only gut instincts would save the expedition from being wiped out.
"Get away from my friend!" a shout came from above.
Scales that appeared as leaves rained down on a figure holding a gun, killing them before the mage could be shot. The mage knew exactly who came to her rescue.
"Go help the others!" the mage called as she sent another lightning bolt towards her assailants behind her.
"I'm trying!" the leafwing snapped as they weaved in the air to avoid the projectiles.
Ten minutes later:
"What...what the hell happened?" the mage gasped for breath, hiding behind a small pile of rocks.
The gunfire had ceased some time ago. Her cloak was scuffled and smudged but she was physically unharmed. Her mind was reeling however. The attack was too organized and would have destroyed regular Cherrystone forces easily. It was a textbook case of using superior technology, (possibly) numbers, and the element of surprise.
But the attack itself made no sense. She distinctly recalled seeing Decayed and those monsters were nothing but pure evil that killed everything simply because they could. They are smart, but not smart enough to operate advanced weapons such as Europan submachine guns and assault rifles. She also may or may not have seen energy weapons...a rarity outside of the regions surrounding Central Town… What kind of mercenary band could have the resources to field such weapons and control the Decayed? And why would they go after a research expedition?
A noise distracted her from her thoughts. Her breath hitched as she drew a dagger and readied her wand. Whether it be friend or foe, she was not going to be caught off guard this time.
"Careful with those, you might hurt someone," a weary teasing voice said.
"You're okay!" the mage recognized her friend and lowered her weapons, "Any others?"
"None, not even those who surrendered."
"You're joking."
"I wish I was. We've seen the undead with more life in them than those bastards. Just straight up killed them without even a second thought."
The mage leaned against the rocks in defeat. He was telling the truth and she knew it. Whatever was happening, it was bad and they were at the heart of it.
"You're faster than me, warn the Kingdom and the clans," she said after a pregnant pause, "I'll run back to camp and warn the others."
"The camp got hit also. We're all that's left...just like old times," he said with a bitter smile.
"Then go."
"Not without you. Besides, two have a better chance at surviving together than separated. Besides, where's the fun in being on the run alone? We always managed to get out of problems in our own ways together."
He always did know how to turn dire situations around somehow. The crazy thing was, he knew how to do so without coming off as insensitive.
"Damn you… Fine, let's go. Crossroad is two weeks away. If we're lucky we can get there sooner," she said with a light smile and a fire in her eyes.
The two friends got up from their hiding spot and ran. They knew that there was nothing to be done for their comrades except deliver the news of their fate. With luck they could find passage in the city...somehow...
In the distance a machine watched the two figures fleeing. It was armed with a sword and bow, ready to attack.
"Let them go," an armored figure ordered.
"Survivors will jeopardize future operations," the machine stated.
"How? Men and Decayed working together? A mercenary band armed with energy weapons this far from Central Town? Europan guns this far from the Iceshelf in large numbers? At best the Kingdom would be chasing a wild rumor. We don't exist."
"Analysis provided is correct for the foreseeable future. However, different tactics to achieve priority missions while maintaining the element of surprise is advisable."
The figure nodded in agreement, "I'll forward the motion. Has the relic been secured?"
"Negative, recovery is still in progress."
"Get it done then. We have a long search ahead of us."
The machine gave a simple nod and left. The figure watched the horizon, watching the clouds sweep across the hills. With a light scoff, they turned and left. They ignored the brief flickering of light being distorted as the world changed. For a brief moment they were different, appearing rubbery and flat yet having depth like a painting. Had anyone been watching, the sudden shift would have happened and changed back to normal within the blink of an eye.
The Jackal watched the entire scene from a hill. Their focus shifted from the retreating figure and turned to the two survivors. A plan began to formulate in their mind.
Relic hunting… Even when shattered and destroyed the nightmares of the past haunt the present. But what good are relics and tools without knowledge? Maybe...just maybe…
The Jackal continued watching the survivors until they disappeared from view. Silently and in thought, the Jackal vanished from their perch.