by Paul Centeno
Not seeing anyone else around, the freelancer halted. “This is a good spot to talk for a moment. Rah’tera, are you sure you’re alright?”
“What do you need?”
“Your cloaking device is invaluable. Work with my brother and guide him to the core of the city. Narja, you’ll assist them too.”
“I won’t let you down,” she said.
“Shira, I can handle this myself,” Khal’jan said adamantly.
“It’s too risky alone. I want Rah’tera to be your eyes and ears. While cloaked, he’ll be able to see nearby guards and alert you. Narja will be your backup. And if there are any security droids, Vokken can disable them.”
The arcane intelligence responded, “Glad to know I’m a part of this mission. Yes, hacking shouldn’t be difficult.”
“You’re up to no good again,” Radesha said.
Shirakaya let out an irritated sigh. “You don’t understand, Resha. The artifact that Khal discovered can help me regain my magic. Problem is, it needs to be reenergized. The sun herein is our answer. I don’t want to cause trouble with the xyimorphs, so it’s better to do this without them knowing about it.”
“Why not just ask?”
“Asking is stupid,” Dojin intervened.
“What?”
The freelancer rolled her eyes. “Ignore him. But yes, asking is pointless because this star of theirs is beyond sacred and they won’t let foreigners go near it. That I am certain of. Trust me on this.”
“I just can’t be a part of this, Shira.”
“Come on,” the archeologist said. “It’ll be fun. Brother and sisters working together.”
“This isn’t a game,” Radesha snapped. “Listen to me...I love you both. Truly, with all my heart. But I cannot watch either of you continuously break laws. I’ll be in the ship until you’re ready to leave.”
The siblings watched their sister walk off. Neither of them called out to her. Even though Khal’jan did appear somewhat ashamed, he nevertheless remained. Shirakaya wasn’t resentful or angry with her sister. On the contrary, she respected her. There were, however, too many things at stake, so she mentally erased Radesha’s holier-than-thou words from her mind.
“Should we lock her up in the brig?” Xorvaj asked.
Khal’jan flinched. “Are you insane? That’s our sister.”
“Let her be,” Shirakaya said. “She might be high and mighty but she’s ignorant. Perhaps she’ll change in time. Either way, she wouldn’t expose us. Now, we all have a lot to do here and I want everything to go smoothly.”
“Wait a minute,” the archeologist said, taken aback. “You’re not upset by his psychotic suggestion?”
“He’s a ghensoth, Khal,” she said indifferently. “The fact that he didn’t suggest we’d kill her is what matters. You weren’t around when we first met him. Progress. Think about progress. Can we please get started?”
Despite his nod, Khal’jan couldn’t believe what she had just said.
“Good luck!” Shirakaya called out as her brother left with Rah’tera and Narja. Turning her attention to the others, she added, “Let’s head to the citadel and find Teiga.”
The others complied, following her. Together they ascended a staircase whose treads were covered with roots. Atop the steps, Shirakaya and her comrades reached a village built around a cluster of trees. The mercenaries noticed many boutiques and emporiums as they strode directly toward the citadel that rose above the jungle like an escarpment.
Shirakaya was delighted to see a fountain beyond the tranquil village, watching its jamna spring skyward. She let droplets sprinkle her while passing it, feeling refreshed. Just ahead, two enormous statues of heroic xyimorphs stood on either side. The quintet passed them, reaching a set of fifty steps. With the exception of Myris, who simply hovered upward, the mercenaries were drained by the time they reached the top.
After they collectively caught their breath, Shirakaya and her comrades took a moment to gaze at the nearby fortress. Though the freelancer had always been captivated by Iyonji Palace, she couldn’t help but think that this stronghold was just as grandiose. It reminded her of a castle constructed by magic in ancient times, nestled within a celestial mountain.
Turrets, bridges, and ramparts rose sky high, nearly kissing the clouds. Jamna poured down from its fissures, splashing into a colorful plunge pool near them. They went around the glowing pool, most of them in awe. As they approached the citadel’s threshold, its silvery gates opened.
Entering an atrium, the group was greeted by a female xyimorph whose mottled skin appeared as black as night. Her wrinkled, gaunt visage informed them that she must be old—not to mention the fact that her hair lacked color. Despite this, she raised her wings and approached the group with pride.
“Greetings,” Shirakaya said.
“I have been expecting you,” the xyimorph replied. “Welcome to Jye Xeu Zeikein. I am Teiga, First Servant of Her Eternity, Feya Morgesis. Our Everlasting Radiance has commanded me to serve your every need. Your private quarters are on the ninety-seventh floor. They shall be your home until Her Eternity is seated on the Solar Throne.”
Shirakaya bowed. “Thank you so much, Teiga.”
The xyimorph lowered her head. “It may be in your interest to call me First Servant.” At the freelancer’s awkward shrug, Teiga went on, “Until morrow’s dawn, all of you may explore this sanctuary freely. Should you need me, I shall be standing guard here.”
“Thank you again.”
Teiga rose in the air and flew out of a nearby window, impressing most of the Shadow Mercs. Only the oracle appeared unaffected. In fact, she pressed a hand against her chest and hovered over to her leader with a frown.
“Shira,” she whispered, “I’m sensing an insane amount of hatred. Somebody’s mental, and it ain’t me.”
The freelancer’s smile vanished. “I certainly hope it’s not Teiga.” She took a long, deep breath. “Your gift is a great help, Myris. During the parley, please let me know if there are any individuals with resentment.”
“Of course.”
Moving on, they used an X-Phaser nestled in a wall nearby and materialized on the ninety-seventh level. Their floor-sized guestroom contained canopy beds, cushioned quilts blanketing the marble floor, decorated tables with fresh food, and a stone balcony facing a rainbow. They could also see several floating islands in the distance.
“This place is hot tits!” Dojin said.
“Not exactly the words I’d use,” Yarasuro began, “but yes, this fortress of nature is quite superb.”
“Yup,” the oracle said. “The xyimorphs seem a tad bit dodgy, but their world is sick.”
Xeza urped, jumping off the oracle’s shoulder. She leapt up onto a divan, snuggling between two pillows. Her actions were contagious because the others immediately settled down, each choosing their respective bed and lying on it. Shirakaya was the only one who remained awake for a little while longer, sitting by the balustrade. She gazed skyward at the drifting islands, pondering tomorrow’s political ordeal.
“Goddess, help us,” she whispered to the air before closing the balcony’s light-blocking drapes and retiring to bed.
IV
Into the Shadows
Twilight arrived, which prompted Khal’jan and Rah’tera to stop wandering around the majestic realm of Lengdos. Narja had just bought a little bottle of color-changing nail polish before the emporium closed. She was about to try it when the others approached her.
“It’s time,” Rah’tera said.
Narja gave a nod, porting her newly-purchased item into her kinetic link device’s digital databank. The trio left the market district, following a passage lit by crystal lights embedded in the bark of trees. Gazing upward, the archeologist noticed artificial stars shimmering within the synthetic atmosphere.
“So,” Narja began, “any idea where we should start looking?”
Khal’jan stopped stargazing. “This is my first time here, but I read that while xyim
orphs rely on technology as much as we do, they try to hide it. Did you notice how their docking bay and X-Phaser were in a cavern?” At her acknowledgement, he went on, “I’m going to assume all their X-Phasers are inside structures.”
“We need to avoid crowded places,” Rah’tera said.
“Good idea,” Narja said in agreement.
The archeologist thought fast and responded, “In that case, we should search for a cavern. Remember, don’t be fooled by the nature around us. It’s all artificial. Caves may be aesthetically pleasing to them, but there must be a deeper purpose for them.”
“An impressive observation, fleshling,” Vokken said via their KLDs. “The nearest cavern is north of your location, which is technically noquria since this is a pseudo planet. I just updated your KLDs with the coordinates. Enter the jungle and you will eventually reach it.”
“Thanks,” the sandstalker replied, answering for the others since nobody else was willing to express gratitude.
Before going anywhere, Rah’tera made sure there were no guards around. Upon spotting a clear path, he signaled them to follow him. Straying from the well-lit passage, they crossed into the twilight jungle. Unlike the others, Narja kept trying to avoid stepping on the many plants and flowers.
“Narja, you’re falling behind,” Rah’tera said.
“Sorry,” she responded, pushing a vine out of way while trying to walk quicker. “It’s just that this place is so beautiful.”
Vokken snorted. “This realm is not even real.”
“I wouldn’t say Star City isn’t real,” Khal’jan replied. “It’s just that everything around us is synthetic. The air we’re breathing. These colorful trees and plants. The grass and loam. It’s all real. Just not natural.”
“At least someone agrees with me,” Narja said.
Rah’tera looked at her, amused. He continued leading the way, using his KLD as a map since the arcane intelligence assisted with uploading the coordinates. Avoiding conversation, he focused on his surroundings; the most important objective to him was not only reaching the X-Phaser without being caught but to also make sure that Khal’jan would be able to recharge the Eye of Soth’yugon.
Sliding down a hill, their sabatons quickly became dirty. The sandstalker crawled under large protruding roots, the others not far behind him. Upon reaching a cluster of trees, Rah’tera warily climbed several of the most protruding branches and leapt down on the other side where he saw a cave ahead. He waited for his comrades while checking their flank. After regrouping, the trio approached the cavern’s entrance when they abruptly heard wings flapping.
“Hide in the bushes,” Rah’tera directed.
They ducked, concealing themselves in the thicket. Just as the assassin suspected, a xyimorph flew down and walked into the cave. Silence descended. They waited one minute before advancing.
“Is it clear?” Narja whispered.
“I’ll find out,” the sandstalker said, activating his cloaking field. “The two of you stay here until I confirm it’s safe.”
Invisible to others, he sauntered toward the cave. His gentle steps on the grass were so stealthy it was as if only the artificial wind caused them to stir. Despite the descent of another xyimorph, his subtle progress went unnoticed. Rah’tera pursued the emerging guard into the cavern from a safe distance. The same radiant crystals he had seen outside lay within, embedded in the granite floor and walls.
Reaching a junction, Rah’tera grabbed the xyimorph and put her in a headlock until she fell unconscious. With no time to spare, he dragged her to a tunnel that lacked an X-Phaser and injected her with sleeping serum. Knowing she would not wake up for hours, he thoroughly checked the tunnel to make sure it was clear and then made his way back outside.
“Clear!” he blurted, causing his companions to flinch.
“Scare the heck out of me, why don’t you,” Narja complained.
Khal’jan laughed softly, walking forward. The assassin uncloaked himself so they could follow him with ease. Once they stepped inside the cavern, Rah’tera brought them to the fork. He then strode through the left passage. Not long after, they came across a capsule nestled within the granite.
“I’ll take it from here,” Vokken said. “Just step inside the pod.”
Even though the trio did not want to put their lives in his hands, they obeyed him and entered the capsule. Vokken attempted to hack the console as the mercenaries waited. Moments later, they heard a couple of xyimorphs conversing. Though their voices didn’t sound too close to them, they were within earshot.
“We have company,” Rah’tera whispered.
Khal’jan cursed under his breath. “Vokken...”
The approaching xyimorphs turned to enter the X-Phaser just as it teleported Khal’jan and his retinue. No longer in the realm of Lengdos, the trio materialized and exited the pod, finding themselves inside another tunnel. Yet this one didn’t resemble a cave. Instead, its floor and walls were made of tetrigonium and hummed with energy.
“Any idea where we are?” Narja asked.
“Nope,” the archeologist answered, touching a glistening wall that faintly vibrated. “But we’re probably not far from our target.”
“Correct,” Vokken said. “You are inside Jye Xeu Zeikein’s foundation. It is a region that xyimorph astrophysicists utilize for maintenance, system upgrades, and miscellaneous repairs if need be. Think of this as the city’s soul—an invisible mind linked to the brain. Follow the solar-powered corridors and find a less secure X-Phaser so I can hack it. Then I’ll be able to transport all three of you to the concealed sun.”
Khal’jan frowned. “Any reason why you brought us here instead of just teleporting us there in the first place?”
“X-Phasers accessible to the public herein have proven to be extremely difficult to hack—even for a divine god such as myself. Hence, the reason why you need to search for an unsecure capsule.”
Narja sighed. “Something tells me that won’t be easy.”
“In any case, we’d better start looking now,” Rah’tera said, heading off through the corridor.
V
Double-Edged Debates
By nightfall, Shirakaya and her crew had awoken. Only a couple of hours remained before dusk would lift. They ate fruits and vegetables to their hearts content. Afterwards, the group started to get prepared, equipping themselves with armor and weapons. Sitting on a bench on the balcony outside, Shirakaya logged on to the TDE and made a payment for her sword to be reenchanted. She felt humiliated at being unable to cast the enchantment herself. Before sinking further into depression, however, she heard the abrupt sound of an animal trumpeting.
The mercenaries joined her, trying to figure out the sound’s origin. Just then, the balcony darkened. Something emerged from behind, casting a colossal shadow over them. Gazing up at the sky, Shirakaya and her comrades shared the same bedazzled expressions. Floating down to them was a flying mammal known as an uttaziod.
It shone in the light with the whitest fur they had ever seen. While a fleece-like coat covered the animal’s body, its head and eight tentacles lacked fur. The creature raised its twenty-foot-long trunk and produced a loud yet harmonious trumpeting sound. Reaching the balcony, the uttaziod hovered beside the Shadow Mercs, its dozen eyes staring at them.
“What the fuck is that shit?”
“And all this time you thought I was the ugliest thing you’d ever seen,” Xorvaj said, his smile more hideous than uplifting.
“Oh, rubbish! I’m sensing no hostility whatsoever from it,” the oracle said.
Xeza agreed with a zesty, “Urp!”
Yarasuro crossed his arms. “Perhaps it belongs to Her Eternity and wants us to climb on it?”
“Probably,” the freelancer said, forcing herself not to wince.
The five of them clambered onto its huge back, careful not to antagonize the gargantuan beast. Without wasting any time, the uttaziod flapped its fore and hind wings. Returning to the sky, it flew fast toward one o
f the floating islands amid the clouds. Atop the vast island lay a lake with waterfalls pouring from its southern precipice to the mainland’s artificial ocean. Beyond the basin stood a manor with acres of greenery.
“That must be House Morgesis,” the mutant knight said.
Shirakaya agreed, a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach. This wasn’t due to her attraction to Feya; rather, it was because she resented politics and wanted to stay away from it. Representing all guilds and working as a freelancer, however, made her revulsion all the more difficult since any political figure could hire her.
When the uttaziod arrived at the manor, Shirakaya and her companions dismounted. The creature produced more loud trumpeting as it flew off the island. Xeza kept staring at the flying beast while the team approached the mansion. No one greeted them, not even at the entrance. The mercenaries exchanged shrugs and glanced around.
Refusing to wait further, Shirakaya stepped inside. The atrium reminded her of an art gallery, with at least a dozen statues decorating the entrance hall. Striding ahead, she opened a set of doors that led to a chamber resembling a courtroom. Once again, sculptures littered the chamber.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” Myris whispered to herself.
Shirakaya observed the effigies but primarily fixed her eyes on one directly ahead. “By the Goddess!” she shuddered, taking a step back. “Her Eternity!” The statue before her was none other than Feya Morgesis. “These are not sculptures!”
“You’re joking, right?” Dojin said.
The entire group felt a wave of nausea wash over them.
“We need to leave immediately,” Xorvaj said. “In fact, we should get out of Star City altogether and never return.”
Shirakaya pressed a hand to her forehead. “Someone did this...someone who knew we’d be guarding her at dawn. Myris, do you sense anything malevolent?”
“Bloody hell!” she said, panicky. “I sense nothing but emptiness. Absolutely nothing.” She paused, having the urge to vomit. “They have become nothing more than petrified husks, absent of life.”