Veko is back in his hometown and he catches up with his friends
Chapter 3: Surumajinyvka
However, when his stomach could take no more, Veko succumbed and approached one of his favorite restaurants: Ajdin's Ćevapčići House, which was widely regarded as having the best Bosnian dishes in all of Surumajinyvka.
The scent of grilled meats and spices wafted towards him, a potpourri of sweetness and pepper, paprika and garlic, dill, and cumin - it made his mouth water.
He pushed open the door to the small restaurant, the jingle of bells on the entrance announcing his arrival, Atesh perched on his shoulder, eagerly looking around.
Inside, it was dimly lit with warm yellow light, casting an amber glow across wooden tables laden with steaming plates of food. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming; chatter filled the air as people enjoyed their meals or waited for their orders to arrive. Veko could hear the sizzling of meat on the grill coming from the kitchen area to his right.
The sound was like a symphony in his ears - a mix of pops and crackles punctuated by an occasional tender moan from the gristle as it released its juices into the flames. He breathed in deeply, inhaling the rich aroma that mingled with smoke and wood-smoke from the fireplace at the back of the restaurant. There was also a faint hint of freshly cut vegetables.
After ordering and paying for a plate of Ćevapčići, some rice, Ajvar cream and somun (Bosnian Flatbread) for himself, as well as a bowl of Strong Vodka for Atesh, Veko sat down and started enjoying his lunch.
"So, Atesh," he said, tearing off a piece of smoky pork sausage and feeding it to his phoenix, "What do you think we should do next? I think we should look for Jasna and Luka first, and explain the situation to them, what do you mean, buddy?"
The phoenix let out a contented trill and nodded, as if to say 'yes' before diving back into its meal.
The restaurant was a rustic yet elegant place, with worn wooden tables and chairs that seemed to have seen their fair share of good times but were still sturdy and welcoming. The walls were adorned with paintings of traditional Bosnian landscapes and scenes, each one telling its own story through the colors and brushstrokes. Many depicted the huge peaks of the Balkans, while a picture next to the door showed a beautiful view of Jurasevolija, a Slavic demigod town in Bosnia, with a population of around 3.500.
A soft, dim lighting filled the room, casting everything in a warm glow that felt cozy and familiar. A radio in the corner was playing one of Veko's favorite pieces: Bosanska Artiljerija.
With each bite, Veko savored the familiar taste of his favorite dish, but his mind was lost in memories. It had been a year since he had been here, not since the tragic day when his mother and three siblings were mercilessly taken from him.
The once peaceful atmosphere now held a bittersweet feeling as he longed for their laughter and companionship. Every moment spent with them felt like a precious treasure, now distant and unattainable. But even amid his grief, Veko knew that their love and bond would never be forgotten, and that his mother wouldn't want him to grieve, but instead to go on and find happiness.
Memories came flooding back: campfires under starry skies, late-night conversations about the wildest topics, shared laughter over silly and immature things... It made him feel both happy and melancholic at the same time.
The Ćevapčići were just delicious though, tender pieces of pork mixed with just the right amount of spices that danced across his tongue like flames before dying down into an earthy sweetness. The Ajvar cream added a tangy kick to every bite. The somun was still warm from the grill, and just an extra good addition.
After Veko and Atesh had paid for, and finished their meal, the tow left the restaurant, Veko had to decide what he wanted to do next, and so he listed his plans by priority.
1. Tell his friends Jasna and Luka about the current situation.
2. Visit the graves of his family.
3. Buy supplies for the journey over the Atlantic.
4. Learn some basic Greek phrases and refresh his knowledge on Greek Mythology (he did want to leave a good impression).
Making his way over to nearest station of the blue tram line, named Voselyska-Street, Veko and Atesh, who was perched on Veko's shoulder, were paying attention to every small detail of Surumajinyvka, not knowing when, and if, they would return.
After boarding the tram, Veko sat down near the window, his eyes scanning all the things he could. From the teenagers hanging around and laughing, children playing in the street and a dog that pooped on a freshly made lawn.
Like every town in existence, Surumajinyvka had, of course building procets too.
The new and huge construction site at the centrally located Cossack Square however, had Veko wondering just what the Heck they could build there, and the sight of families going into the various temples of the gods gave Veko a feeling of longing for his own childhood.
A smile found his way onto his face when he recalled the time he and his family had been in Perun's temple, and his younger sister Nadia had vomited her breakfast all over his youngest brother Maksym.
Veko, and all the other children, who had been at the temple at the time found this to be the most hilarious thing that had ever happened.
(For some reason the priestess hadn't found this to be amusing.)
30 minutes and 13 stops later, after the magical announcement Voice had announced Veko's destination, Gedshrka-Square, Veko and Atesh hopped (flew) of the tram, ready to execute Veko's foolproof plan.
Veko's plan was simple:
Go to the nearby outdoor football court, hope you find Luka and Jasna there, and if not, you can start panicking.
Or maybe not.
His brilliant and definitely, 115% fool-proof plan, however, was quite rudely disrupted, when he heard a shrill voice behind him shout out his name.
"VJEKOSLAV ANATOLY VOLODYMYR FEDYCHENKO!!!!".
Well, that was quick.
With a smile on his face, yet terrified thoughts at hearing his full name being shouted out like this, Veko turned around just in time to dodge an incoming slap from his friend Jasna. Who then proceeded to hug him with such force that Veko was sure he felt one of his ribs crack. A moment later, a third person joined the group hug.
As the three friends disentangled themselves, they plopped down onto a nearby bank, laughing, and in Veko's case, shedding a tear.
He took a moment to catch his breath and then looked at his companions, seeing them for the first time in a year.
These were the friends he had known since childhood, who had been on Quests with him, and the friends who fought next to him in fights against monsters. And those who had consoled him after his family's death.
The sun shone down on them, casting golden beams through the trees, and illuminating the familiar features of his dear friends, as the trio sat down on a nearby bench under a large oak tree.
Jasna Nadolny, a granddaughter of Svetovit, a Slavic deity of war and prosperity, was born in the polish demigod town of Lodrasz and possessed formidable skills in battle, particularly with her combat axe. At just one month older than Veko and a few centimeters shorter, at 1,63 meters, she exuded an air of strength and ferocity. Her golden locks cascaded down to her shoulder blades, framing her pretty face like a crown, while her piercing orange eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire.
Though her temper could be easily ignited, Jasna had a strong moral compass and always stood up for what she believed was right. Her determination and fearlessness were qualities that both impressed and intimidated those around her.
Despite being 3 months younger than Veko, his other best friend Luka Zragoć towered over both of them with his height of 1,77 meters. His frame was lean and muscular, a testament to his years of training. Hailing from Nagužlan, a small Slavic demigod town in Croatia with a population of 5.000, Luka and his father had moved to Surumajinyvka shortly after his birth.
Luka was a son of Morana, the Slavic goddess of death, winter, rebirth, and dreams. Despite his formidable appearance - short brown hair, piercing black eyes and a black scar that ran over his face - Luka was known for his warm personality and infectious laugh. He would do anything for those he loved and cared about, even if it meant risking his own life. And it was clear that he had inherited his mother's deadly skills, wielding a double-ended scythe with precision and ease that should not be underestimated, though his magical skills could use some more training.
"Feels good to be back, right Veko?" asked Luka.
"Yeah, yeah it does, it's been a year after all.", said Veko while he fiddled around with his dagger.
"How are you Veko? You know, after your family and, well…". Jasna asked in a soft voice, her eyes showing sadness and uncertainty well.
Veko sighed as he stared down at the road before him. While the year he had spent in Isolation definitely helped him to cope with the loss of family, it still felt like his heart had been torn out his chest when he thought of his beloved mother, his two younger brothers and his younger sister.
"It did, in a way. Of course, I'm still sad and grieving, but… I have accepted that they are, well, they are… gone now. In Morana's realm". Veko's voice steadily lost volume as he talked about it.
Jasna and Luka didn't say anything, but it was clear that they were grieving with Veko as well, they had known his family quite well, after all.
Luka shifted in his seat, eyeing Veko. "Hey, um did you hear about the town's plans for a fourth tram line?" he asked, hoping to divert Veko's attention from their previous topic.
Veko perked up, clearly intrigued. "No, I haven't. Where will this new line go?"
"Well, currently there are two options being considered at the town hall right now," Luka explained. "The first suggestion is a ring line that would loop around the outskirts of the town. The second is a line that connects the Tarshko Gate via the Galicia-Street station to the Square of the Warsaw Uprising."
Jasna chimed in, her eyes bright with excitement. "A ring line would be so cool, don't you think?"
Veko nodded in agreement. "It would definitely make it easier to travel to Surumajinyvkas outer districts, but the other option would also be great. A line that goes from west to east would also be great."
They all fell into conversation, discussing the potential routes and benefits of each option. As they talked, Luka and Jasna couldn't help but feel relieved that Veko's' attention had been diverted from their earlier discussion.
Suddenly Veko remembered something he saw on the tram after he passed the Cossack Square.
"Hey, speaking of future projects around here, I noticed, like, this big ass construction site at the Cossack-Square, what's up with that?"
"Oh, you didn't know?" came it from Jasna. Veko sighed as Jasna remembered that he was away for a full year.
"It's the new Central Station for Surumajinyvka.", explained Luka quickly, saving Jasna an embarrassing moment.
Veko's brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to make sense of Luka's words. "Central Station?" he repeated, his skepticism evident in his voice. "But why would there be a central station when Surumajinyvka has no train connection with other towns, and neither do any of the other Slavic Towns?" Luka chuckled mischievously, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"Well, not yet" he replied enigmatically. Intrigued, Veko leaned in closer, eager to learn more about these developments.
"Not… Yet?" It slowly dawned Veko was his friend was implying.
"So, you mean that…"
With a grin, Luka spoke up again. "Yes. And just imagine it, Veko, soon there will be Railway connections extending all the way to the other Slavic towns, be it in Bulgaria, Montenegro, Russia, or Slovenia. And that's not even the best part - all other European pantheons have also joined in on this initiative. Everyone from Iberia to Karelia, and from Caucasia to Gaul is in it". Veko's mind raced. Holy fuck this sounded amazing! He always wanted to Visit at least every pantheon once in Europe before his death.
"And in the near future, we will be able to smoothly travel from one corner of the continent to the other. Without constantly using the mortal transportation". His voice was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as he shared this news with Veko. Jasna also had an excited gleam in her glowing, orange eyes.
"It's the most important shit happening right now, and it happens right in front of our very eyes." Luka's eyes sparkled as he spoke, his gestures animated and full of energy.
Veko's jaw dropped as the realization hit him. That was amazing! Beyond anything he could have imagined!
"Holy Jabba..., So does this mean we can travel to other demigod settlements and towns throughout Europe without relying on mortal transportation? This is simply incredible!" Veko's excitement surged through him, almost overwhelming his senses. He had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
His face must have looked thoughtful, because Jasna told him the answer to his thoughts.
"The trains tracks are going to be covered in huge layers of veil and other protective enchantments, so the mortals won't find or accidentally destroy the rails".
"Huh, that's convenient, now, is it?".
"And is there a predicted time as to when this Rail network will be operational?".
"Well, not in the next 5 years at least, but we have already begun construction on a line from Surumajinyvka to Čyušku". Answered Jasna
"And the Croats and Slovenes have also started connecting Luzhjunyska and Nagužlan". Luka informed Veko.
"And if everything works out relatively smoothly, then the Surumajinyvka - Čyušku line can be started using in around 15 months".
Suddenly, Veko's task given to him by his dad dawned again to his mind, and he groaned loudly.
"And I probably won't even be there. Great, just really, really fucking great!", Veko cursed.
Both Luka and Jasna turned to him, raising their right eyebrow simultaneously. "What do you mean?", they spoke together.
Deciding that now was the time to tell his friends about his Quest in America, Veko decided to just go through with it.
"I have to tell you guys something, Something very Important".
And so Veko told both of them about how his father had visited him in the Carpathian woods, told him about the Apparent Dilemma the Greeks found themselves in, and Veles' decision to send Veko over without his consent.
To Veko's surprise, the two didn't interrupt him, but rather listened carefully to his words.
After he had finished and told them how he would probably be in America for an extended Period of time, Luka found his voice first.
"Why do you even bother with going? You know you can just stay here and stay relatively safe, dude. Like why the fuck should we care what happens to the Greeks, they have left their ancestral home Millennia ago, so just, why?".
"It's, well, it's something I've been thinking about too, but to be honest… I'm curious to what I could learn there". Luka and Jasna nodded in understanding.
"Don't they have like, this horse dude that trained all their heroes? Chiron or Charon I think was his name".
"Indeed, I've heard of him, and maybe one of the Greeks could help me learn how I could control my teleportation abilities. It saved my life. Maybe I can get some more knowledge, and more views on what I could achieve with my powers, I'm currently dad's only demigod child as far as I know, considering that Dad very rarely cheats on my dear stepmom Mokosh".
While speaking, Veko had conjured a small water sphere that he was turning into various shapes, sizes and colors that hovered centimeters over his hand.
"Well, I for one have absolutely no desire to go over there, from what mom told me, the Greeks are a bunch of self-entitled assholes that think they're above everyone else. Besides I don't want to learn Greek, and in school I choose to learn Turkish and Spanish instead of English or Greek", voiced Luka.
"Yeah, same with me, only I didn't choose Turkish, but German and Hungarian. You're the only of us three who learned English, and you somehow even learned Arabic and Armenian". added Jasna.
"Only speaking though, writing is a pain in the ass".
"Well, that's true, but I wanted to buy a book on some Greek phrases, I mean, they may be located America, but maybe in their camp, town or wherever they live I'm expected to speak Greek. And It's also a sign of respect to at least try the language of your hosts, providing I even make it to America".
Luka and Jasna rolled their eyes at Veko's pessimistic vocabulary. "You're too damn negative, you know that buddy?".
Veko just raised a hand in a calming gesture. "Oh, no no, not negative, I'm being realistic here".
"You also said that when we were having our drinking contest last year, and after you whined for hours that you would stand no chance at all, you ended up drinking everyone under the table while dancing the best damn Kozachok I've ever seen". Jasna threw in.
Veko had no answer to that, and luckily Luka decided to steer the conversation back to their previous topic.
"Speaking of preparations, what else have you planned for your stay, and when do you want to leave?"
"At first, I wanted to visit my families graves, then I planned to get some things I may need over there, and during the journey, and then I wanted to maybe try and learn some basic Greek sentences during the travel over the Atlantic. I want to be on my way as soon as possible".
Jasna looked thoughtful, but nodded, "All right, you seem to actually have a good plan for a change, and surprisingly one that doesn't involve torture, maiming, tax evasion or explosions. However, we should do all of that tomorrow. But now let's go play some football!". Jasna stood up, and from somewhere, she pulled out a football, or more precisely, a Matchball from the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Veko's face lit up with excitement, his love for football undeniable. "Let's go, the next football field is just two streets over!" The three friends eagerly ventured down the bustling street, the sounds of chatter and music filling their ears.
As the sun slowly descended towards the horizon, it painted the sky in a breathtaking display of vibrant oranges and pinks. Four hours had passed since they first set foot on the football field, but it felt like only minutes as they lost themselves in the joy of playing together. Cheers and laughter echoed through the air as intense matches were played, with more of Veko's childhood friends joining in on the fun. The atmosphere was electric, as if every kick and goal carried an unspoken camaraderie among them all.
Finally, as darkness crept in and exhaustion set in, Veko, Jasna, and Luka decided to call it a day. Jasna headed off to her parents' house while Veko followed Luka to his father's place, where he and Atesh were graciously allowed to spend the nights. Luka and Veko talked quite a lot that night, about everything ranging from the things he learned in School this year, new fighting techniques used by him, Luka's crush on Jasna, and much, much more.
After hours and hours of talking and laughing, Veko fell into a dreamless sleep, as the exhaustion of the last week finally caught up to him.
Next up:
Chapter 4: Final Preparations