by Madoc Fox
As Oscar sat against a pillar waiting for what seemed like hours, his patience began to run dry. With every passing moment his anxiety increased and he became fearful that the rat -his only link and indeed way back to a former world- might not show. It seemed typical that such bad luck might befall upon him and despite his best attempts he could not altogether shrug off the creeping feeling of abandonment.
Yet his common sense was stronger. It grabbed and wrenched him into the practicality of the situation, for after all Vergil had said he needed him. Why would he be brought here only to be deserted? Vergil was bound to show sooner or later. The logic of the argument consoled him yet the fear which bubbled within still taunted him as a whisper: 'You’re alone'.
Finally overwhelmed by his anxiety Oscar stood up. He needed to find Vergil and so, despite his better judgement, he entered the cavernous room stacked high with metal bunks. But again, as in the study something was missing and the room seemed somehow bare. It was a moment before Oscar realised why. It wasn’t bare - merely tidy. The old and broken toys were gone. They no longer crawled around the concrete floor in a haphazard manner or littered the bunks. As a matter of fact, there was no sign at all of anything in the room except the numerous rows of metal beds piled ten high up to the ceiling. Even as he cautiously approached the end of the hall, relief washed over him. The malignant dog was absent too.
Assured by the lack of threat, Oscar set out to explore the grand building and finally locate the elusive Vergil. He ventured throughout the labyrinth of stairwells and hallways, searching the eclectically tiered complex. Feeling anew the exhilaration that had captivated him on his first accidental arrival to this dream like world, a sense of adventure coursed though him. He strutted beside the towers, turrets and walkways further into the belly of the structure. Avoiding the darkly lit areas he tried to memorize the path he was taking, using the bizarre features as landmarks on the journey. Unfortunately, many of the paths led to dead ends and many of the doors were held fast by sturdy iron locks. He knew just by looking that his skill at picking would grant him access to such areas, but alas, in this new world he lacked the tools that were so vital for the task. Eventually, faced with both physical and mental dead ends Oscar found himself trudging back towards the main entrance hall.
“Did you find much?” Vergil said in a matter of fact kind of way as Oscar entered. He was lounging on a leather chair near the main door, in a particularly human-like manner.
“No, I’ve been looking for you!” Oscar snapped, irritated by the rat’s casual appearance. “I don’t much appreciate you bringing me here, then disappearing without so much a clue or answer”. Oscar voice had risen and he clenched a fist by his side in anger.
Vergil looked surprised.
“I’m sorry” the rat replied, with genuine guilt. “I do not mean to trick you in any manner. I thought it might be best for you to discover things at your own pace. I’m sorry if my nature is somewhat whimsical. I have been alone for a long while and I forget how to keep good company.”
Though Vergil’s eyes were now down turned, Oscar could see the sincerity in both his words and posture. Maybe he would have to give the creature a little patience, for it seemed as though Vergil had his own issues to resolve. Cutting through the cloud of silence that now sat heavily on the room Vergil jumped to his feet, snapping out of the sombre state.
“Ahh I forgot, you have yet to meet our new friend Oscar. Let me make an introduction.” Vergil made a low gentle purr at the back of his throat and directed Oscar’s attention to high above the main stairwell, to a window ledge.
Perched upon the window sill high above them a small and scruffy cat lay fast asleep. Its fur was almost tortoiseshell, yet the shades were so much brighter; red, orange and yellow swirled across the surface almost giving the impression the cat was aflame.
Disturbed by the summoning call, the animal turned its head in Oscar’s direction, revealing two bright, green eyes. Gracefully it pulled itself up and strolled to the edge. Without the slightest hesitation the animal stepped off the ledge and plummeted the great height towards the ground where they stood. Oscar’s heart jumped into his mouth, for the descent was large and the animal would surely not survive the impact. Yet before even the slightest noise of protest could leave his lips, the animal unfurled two tremendous wings - a metre each in span - and glided with them to a spot just in front of where Oscar stood.
“Brilliant eh? Don’t worry, she seems quite friendly” Vergil said. The cat twined itself around Oscar’s legs by manner of greeting. Reaching down Oscar stroked her flank and was taken aback by the luxuriously fine and silky fur. Sudden flashes of children playing in golden fields came to his mind unbidden. It was so comforting that it took a while before he finally withdrew his hand.
“Does she have a name?” Oscar asked.
“I’m sure she does.” Vergil said in his typical manner. “But I do not know it. I found her strolling through the grounds and she seemed quite alone.”
“Vergil.” Oscar returned his attention to the rat, who seemed adept at diverting Oscar's enquiries. “Things are different from when I was here before.”
Vergil eyed Oscar intensely as though trying to read him. “How so?” he said.
“Well things are gone, missing. There was a black dog here before, but not like any ordinary dog; it was twisted and darkly deformed and it gave off the most horrendous call. It chased me and I only just got away.” Oscar shivered at the thought, before continuing. “There were also a load of toys in the dormitory before. They seemed almost alive and were wandering aimlessly around, but now they’ve disappeared as well. I guess someone must’ve cleared the house out.”
“Hmm, you could say that.” Vergil echoed darkly, shaking himself. He looked sidelong at Oscar, before asking. “Does it seem familiar to you in any way?” Oscar looked at Vergil in surprise, for that was exactly what he had been thinking about this place. Once again it seemed Vergil knew something more than he was letting on. Nonetheless, Oscar answered him.
“Yes it seems like a different version of the world I came from. It's like the Institute only more surreal. Everything is familiar, yet very different, I just can’t place it all.” He furrowed his brow and stared at the cat lying at his feet, methodically cleaning her wings with her tongue. In many ways she seemed a normal cat and yet - aside from the obvious addition of wings – something about her didn’t seem altogether cat-like.
“You seem familiar little one. What's your name?” The cat looked up briefly at Oscar before returning to her grooming.
“I don’t think she is going to answer you Oscar” Vergil remarked. “Besides, now you feel somewhat acquainted with my world we really should be getting on with the task in hand.”
“Wait a…” Oscar objected, but Vergil’s tone became serious again and he continued.
“We must go in search of that black dog! It is vital to many that we rid this world of him. But first we must leave these grounds.”
***
The boy, the rodent and the cat stood looking across at the ornate gates which towered over the entrance to the sister world Institute. A cool breeze stirred the leaves of the trees around them and the sun beat down heavily from the sky. Looking toward the gates Oscar spoke first.
“Well, what are we waiting for?”
“Be patient Oscar. Don’t be so keen to rush through a world you are not yet accustomed to. I have a bad feeling. In fact I am surprised this place has been so welcomingly empty. Surely you do not assume I was taking a leisurely break when I left you earlier? No, there are things in this world you must be wary of – and I’m not just talking about that black dog.”
Oscar remained silent. Vergil seemed very serious, though it was hard tell as the rat seemed to change moods at the flick of a whisker. He watched as Vergil eyed the gate again warily, though it stood over fifty yards away. Rising up on his hind legs the rat sniffed the air, before vanishing suddenly in a cloud of mist. A few seconds later h
e reappeared in the same spot.
“Ok, let’s go, but be quick and quiet.”
The rat set off towards the gate, followed closely by the boy. Oscar was surprised to see the cat following them, flying carelessly at his shoulder. Yet they had barely moved twenty yards from their goal when a lound 'Cawww' rang out across the grounds. Oscar stopped in his tracks and turned looking for the source of the noise. It sounded as though it might have come from high atop the building's tallest tower, though Oscar could see nothing there. It was as if an alarm had been triggered, as the caws continued to ring out over and over, a screeching, throaty sound that was being taken up all around the buidling. It was frighteningly clear that there were more inhabitants of the sister Institute than he had first thought. Evidently whatever was responsible for the noise must be the reason why Vergil had been so cautious in their escape.
High up on the tower black forms suddenly peeled from the shadows and flew towards the potential fugitives. The sunlight behind them blinded Oscar to their approach and although they remained at the furthest edge of his vision, he could just about perceive a flock of giant birds flapping heavily towards him. It was not long before he could see their bald heads and sharp beaks stretched wide in anger: the rhythmic beating and cawing making for an terrifying attack.
“Oscar come on!” Vergil cried urgently snapping Oscar out of his mesmerized state. He turned and looked towards the gate but realised with horror he still had a long way to go and the monstrous birds were closing in rapidly. Finally jerking back into action Oscar broke into to a sprint to reach the gate, but the remaining distance warped before his eyes. The louder the birds screeched the further from him the gate seemed to withdraw. His actions felt slow and sluggish, as though trying to escape through syrup. It was as if the local space-time surrounding him was grinding to a halt.
The barrage of shrieks and caws stopped abruptly as the birds dipped their wings to attack, diving in an arrowhead formation. Impending doom rushed towards the boy as he frantically made for the gate. With talons outstretched, the birds swooped lower as they prepared to impact with their target. Oscar saw their shadows fall over him as they neared and he ducked instinctively. Though the first bird swooped harmlessly past him, the flock was too many in number; his evasive actions could not hold off an assault for long. Though he dodged two more attacks, a single talon eventually clawed at his back and Oscar felt it slice straight through him. Searing pain crippled his body and he dropped to the ground clutching at the wounded area. Resting on his knees with one hand clasping his side, he flailed the other around in a weak form of defence but it was not enough.
Repeatedly the birds dived in for attack before regrouping overhead. They circled menacingly, waiting eagerly for their prey to fall. Saturated by the oppression Oscar struggled to remain stable. The numerous attacks had left him feeling disorientated and faint. He could hear Vergil shouting in the background but it was barely audible over the noise of the commotion and the sound of his own hard breathing.
The cat, which up until now had remained protected from the conflict had begun to mew in protest. Indeed, Oscar had not even realised she was still with him. Huddled close to Oscar she had been spared the worst of the brutal attack. Nonetheless her mewing grew steadily in volume, strengthening gradually until Oscar had to release his side and throw his hands over his ears, shocked at the roaring that was emanating from the little creature.
In a flash of light the cat ignited in a cool orange flame, which Oscar jumped away from for fear of being burnt. With a roar of challenge she unveiled her wings and leapt into the air, a feline fireball shooting straight towards the epicentre of the still circling birds. Blinded by the incandescent glare with which the cat burned, the circle wavered as the birds began to flee. As if making a final warning the cat flew at a few of the birds, forcing the group to dissipate in retreat toward the tower.
“Now Oscar, come on, quickly”. Oscar was once again aware of Vergil’s urgent calls, coming from high up on the gate railing. He stumbled the final distance towards the gate, relieved that he was no longer experiencing the warping of his depth perception that the vultures had somehow inspired. Resting one hand on the gate he panted for breath as he tried to assess the pain which had assailed him so. The weakness in his limbs and clouding of his mind made him fear the worst – he must have lost a lot of blood. And yet, as he turned gingerly to try and inspect the wound he could see no stains. The pain remained sharp as ever but the wound seemed not to be bleeding. Baffled Oscar turned to Vergil but was cut off before he could even form a word.
“No time for questions, no time for rest”. Vergil was unrelenting. “We must leave before they regroup. They may still follow, but they won’t be as powerful as they are here.”Vergil looked towards the cat that now was walking toward them. She had extinguished her flames and the burning tortoiseshell fur had dimmed to only a smouldering glow. She was visibly drooping with fatigue.
“I don’t know if she will be able to do that again soon either.” Vergil mused.
With relief Oscar saw that the gate looming high over the three of them was already open: the massive metal barriers left a gap just wide enough for them to pass. Solemnly they exited the Institute grounds. After everything that had happened so far, Oscar hadn’t the slightest idea what to expect on the other side.
Chapter 10
Sitting in a grey field underneath a rather strange tree, Oscar huddled in the shade to avoid any eyes in the sky. The tree itself was something of an oddity, for it stretched further horizontally than it did vertically. Shaped somewhat like a mushroom, its branches were latticed with red, violet and orange leaves, providing a welcome canopy that extended far over the ground. It was quite a contrast to the light yellow fields that spread into the distance: but for the occasional rocky patch, they were a uniform hue.
Oscar was making good use of his respite to inspect his wounds. He could only marvel at the fact that the cut had not ripped through his flesh and he repeatedly slipped his hand under his t-shirt to reassure himself that he was not bleeding. The cat was so exhausted by her outburst that she had fallen into a deep slumber since they had stopped. Vergil casually strolled along the vastly extended branches overhead.
“My flesh, it’s fine!” Oscar shouted out to him in amazement. “The places where they clawed me are not bleeding or even grazed.” Yet strangely this happy discovery did not alleviate the throbbing at multiple points along his frame and as he contorted to and fro to inspect the aches he found himself dizzy from the pain.
“How fortunate for you.” Vergil said. “Though perhaps you should not be so quick to dismiss them. Just because they do not scar, it does not mean they will not damage. This world is quite different to the one we have come from. Foes are foes and can harm you just the same.”
“But why isn’t my body damaged? After all, it felt as though they had literally torn right through me.” Oscar asked.
“Oh… alright.” Vergil sighed dramatically, as though he had only half been paying attention. “It’s because your body is not actually here. Instead they claw at something more fundamental.”
“But…what!?!” The boy did a double take but before he could continue the rat had again interrupted.
“Surely you do not expect yet more answers? You have more questions than I thought possible!” Vergil disappeared is a cloud of mist, reappearing on a branch further away. “Besides, we must continue. If I knew we were to be lazing all afternoon I would have brought some wine.”
Vergil pointed out the next stage of the journey, though Oscar was disappointed to note that it looked almost more daunting than where he had come from. North of the Institute and across the surrounding pale fields sat a thick, dark green line that marked the horizon. It was a forest which Vergil suggested would eventually lead out to a main town, where hopefully they could catch up with the black dog.
Softly rousing the cat from her deep slumber, the three were soon ready to set off. Oscar looked back a
t the Institute wondering whether he would again see this twisted form or even the original in the near future. The building just sat there; a dominant monolith upon a bleak landscape. Its whole being was an affront to its surroundings, the pale yellow fields sitting timidly in the background. But worst of all, Oscar could just make out the silhouettes of two great birds, circling the watch tower that loomed over the Institute. Automatically clutching at his absent wounds, Oscar suppressed a shudder. After a final cursory glance to the grand building, they all set off.
"Vergil, if I can’t be physically damaged because my body isn’t here, then where is it?" The trio had been walking for hours across the tired landscape. Surprisingly, Oscar had found this more enjoyable than he first thought it might be. It afforded him the time to harass Vergil with the full list of questions he had been waiting to ask, whilst Vergil tried his best to theatrically deflect them. Despite the rat’s slippery avoidance tactics, Oscar thought he was rather beginning to like him.
"Well that one I can tell you - though so help me, if you continue I might send you back." Vergil said jokingly. "Your body is back in the storage room of the Institute. In your world of course. Though I’m sure you could have guessed that, couldn’t you?"
"But…then what is this?" Oscar said poking at himself, or rather, at his torso.
"Hah." Vergil chuckled "Which answer would you like? I could tell you my favourite - at the moment it's a pain in my ear! Okay, okay.” he amended, seeing Oscar scowl. “Alright. It's your mind's interpretation of you."
"My mind's interpretation.” Oscar repeated, his brow furrowed in thought “So this is transient? You mean, I could just change it!" Vergil looked at the boy thoughtfully, a slight twinkle in his eye suggesting that Oscar might just be on to something.