by Wolfe Locke
“Ugh!” Celeste said. “This is one of the magical creatures you told me about? It’s disgusting! You can kill the slime, right? Just use another magic spell?"
“You’re right. I did warn you they weren’t all nice." Zander said with a laugh as he gripped his magic staff. “Outside the cities things get a lot nicer. You’ll see soon, once we’re done with this mission.”
The Slime came closer. The monster was a noxious looking lime green, and left a snail-like trail of ooze behind it that spread across the ground. Within its ooze like body, Zander get see the half-decomposing body of a few rats, and trash it had collected. A metallic glint from inside showed a partially absorbed aluminum can. The Slime made snuffling noises, similar to those of a pig, while its movements were methodical.
I think the Slime is searching for us, well, you specifically Zander, it might be drawn to your summoner magic. Rocktooth said. See, it’s checking all the stores.
The three of them watched, staying very still. Rocktooth was right. The Slime was moving in a grid pattern, checking every spot on the courtyard, and sending a tentacle-like slime protrusion out from its body to peer into the shop windows.
“It can’t see well,” Zander said. “I think we might be able to sneak past it, if we’re really quiet. I’ll go first.”
Moving very carefully, he crept out into the courtyard. He kept an eye on the Slime as he walked. Something had drawn its attention inside a crafts store, and it was trying to shove a large appendage of slime inside to search around. So far, so good. As long as it was occupied elsewhere.
He was so preoccupied with watching the Slime that he didn’t bother to watch where he was going. His foot hit a stone, and it skittered across the courtyard with a clatter. The Slime snapped to attention, pulling its appendage out of the store and turned his direction. Zander froze, gesturing at Rocktooth and Celeste to stay very still. Hoping the Slime would forget him and move on, he stayed motionless.
The slime remained still for a moment, pulsing and scenting the air with a slimy appendage. Then it rushed toward him with a sickening, squelching sound.
“Run!” Zander shouted as he sprinted toward the road. The Slime contorted, forming itself into an L shape and herding him back toward the main market building. It was trying to back him up against the wall.
He turned to face the Slime, putting his back firm against the brick wall of the ancient building. The slime bubbled at him viciously, waiting for him to make a move. He looked behind it to see Celeste and Rocktooth still frozen in place outside the bookstore.
“What are you doing?” he said. “I’ll hold the line. Just run!”
“This rock is screaming into my mind telling me it’s my job as YOUR minion to save you. We’re trying to figure out how to help you!” Celeste shouted back. “We’re not going to let you get killed by that thing."
Don’t let her confuse you too much. You have all our artifacts, Rocktooth said flatly. And if you get killed, I go back to the Netherworld.
You’re from the Netherworld! Zander projected to both of them. That’s your home! It’s not like it will kill you to go back!
It’s more interesting here. Less boring. I don’t get to fight anything down there. At least nothing I can slay. The golem explained.
Celeste was looking back and forth between them. She was being indecisive about what to do and didn't know how to respond to the banter back and force.
Zander shook his head. Enough. He fired an [Arcane Bolt] at the Slime, but the attack just sank into its gelatinous body without doing any damage. The creature made a hissing noise at him and moved closer, wobbling with hunger. Behind him Zander could hear Rocktooth’s stone feet slamming against the ground as he ran for the road.
I can’t fight this one, Rocktooth said. It’s a job for magic. I’ll stand guard to make sure nothing else attacks you from behind.
Zander felt a rush of affection for the golem. It was a strange companion, but a loyal one. He was lucky to have it. He fired three more [Arcane Bolts] at the Slime in quick succession, trying to hit different parts of its body and drive it back. All three were absorbed without injury, and the creature just continued to advance. His back was flat against the wall, he couldn’t make his body any smaller to avoid the incoming attacks of the slime. Zander had nowhere further to escape to.
“Do you have any stronger attacks?” Celeste yelled out to him. “It’s going to absorb you!”
Hm. There was one thing he’d never tried before. [Pestilential Blast]. That wasn’t a Summoner’s ability—it was Necromantic. He’d read about it in a book of magic once—a leather bound dark tome of questionable origins, not one he should have been reading. Well, there was a first time for everything. Raising his staff, Zander said the words to trigger it and hoped it worked.
Immediately, the weapon began to glow with a dark light that was hard to look at. Zander could feel his staff shaking in his hands as unholy power coursed through it. A cloud of magical influence—or was it a swarm of locusts?—poured out of the wood and covered the monster, biting and stinging it all over its nebulous form. It roared in pain as the cloud swirled and tightened around it.
Eventually, the magical insects gathered together and flew off into the distance. Zander felt a moment of unease as he wondered where they were going. Would they dissipate on their own, or had he loosed them on the world forever? A Necromancer’s work was never done.
He turned his attention back to the battle—the Slime was lying flat on the ground, panting, but it was still alive. He knew he only had a few moments before it pulled itself together and went back on the attack.
“Celeste!” he shouted as the Slime regrouped and turned toward him. “It’s hurt! Can you transform?”
“First time, but I think so,” she said. “Here goes nothing!”
The same icy blue light from the chamber filled the courtyard, and Zander shielded his eyes. He looked over the Slime’s back. Celeste was rising into the air, eyes closed, transforming into her monster form. Her skin turned blue, and diamondlike frost crackled across her entire body. When she opened her eyes, they were glowing blue and pupil-less.
“Disgusting,” she intoned, and her voice sounded echoey, faraway, and unfamiliar. “I will destroy this filth. Return to the dust and the rot and mire. Be gone."
Still floating, she raised her arms and gathered a ball of ice into her hands. Then, with eyes narrowed, she fired an [Ice Bolt] at the Slime. It squealed and recoiled back from her attack. The bolt had left a serrated patch of black ice on the creature’s body, and it tried to dissolve and re-form without it attached—with no success. The frost spirit’s damage was permanent.
“Try something new, Celeste!” Zander said. “See if you have any additional powers.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, searching her brain for knowledge that didn’t come naturally to her, even though this was her new natural state. Something clicked. Then, she opened them; her face full of certainty and fortitude.
“[Ice Lance],” she said. “That one should be strong enough to destroy this filth.”
She spread her arms wide, and the blue glow in the courtyard got brighter as magic gathered around her. It crystalized into the form of a large icicle that rested on her shoulders, gleaming with power. Once her weapon had taken form, she wielded it in one hand and sighted down its length, aiming for the part of the Slime where it could do the most damage. Then, with a scream of fury, she threw it.
The [Ice Lance] pierced the Slime at the center of its body, and it screamed. Crackling frost surrounded the lance and radiated out from the site of Celeste’s attack as the creature tried to crawl away from her. It couldn’t. She had fixed it firmly to the ground. It was time for Zander to deal the final blow and destroy the enemy.
[Cleanse Abomination]. He brought the power into his staff and fired it at the wounded Slime. It didn’t even have the strength to protest, it just exhaled weakly as the life left its body. As it died, it dissolved into mudd
y green water, soaking Zander’s boots with foul-smelling liquid.
Notification: You have slain an ancient slime. The tormented being was finally been allowed to rest.
“Ugh!” he groaned in disgust as the smell of the slime ichor hit him. “Why?”
He would have to hang his clothes out to dry later that night whenever they managed to break for camp and before the Slime juice ruined the leather. Rocktooth, far away across the courtyard, shook his head in sympathy.
Celeste was sinking to the ground. She dropped to her knees, panting, and slowly reverted to her human form. The ice that coated her body melted away, leaving her still wearing the gray uniform they’d found in the Hnology Building. Her transformation had shredded her clothes, though, and the outfit was now very skimpy and revealing. A large hole at the chest revealed the swells of her breasts, and the ugly pants had turned into very short shorts. The leftover material pooled around her feet.
Her hair had fallen loose around her shoulders, and she looked up at him, breathing hard. His heart was pounding. There was something about seeing her on her knees at his feet…he shoved the thought out of his mind quickly. It wasn’t gentlemanly—she was his servant, bound to him for a year. He had to treat her well, act with honor. But her dark eyes looked up at him, and she smiled knowingly. He wondered if she knew how she looked.
“Let’s get you some new clothes!” he said awkwardly averting his eyes. “Good work with that Slime. You really saved the day.”
“Thanks,” she blushed. “I did my best. There’s a clothing store on the first floor of the main building. There might be something in there I can wear. Something more flattering and a little well.. you know.. covers more.”
More flattering sounds good. He offered her a hand up, and she held onto it longer than was strictly necessary as she rose to her feet. With Rocktooth standing guard on the road, they went inside. Like the bookstore, the clothing store was a mess—but there were still undamaged items hidden in the back.
“Should I try the dress?” she said, holding a very skimpy outfit up to her body. “Or the shorts?”
To Zander, they both looked good. Very good. “Uh, shorts? Whatever you choose?”
“Hey,” she shrugged. “If I’m bound to serve you, I may as well ask your opinion.”
When she came out of the dressing room, he had to try hard not to stare. She’d paired the cutoff jean shorts she’d been holding with a very small long-sleeved crop top that tied just under her breasts. Almost her entire body was exposed. Luckily, being a frost spirit, Celeste couldn’t feel the cold.
“Looks good!” Zander said. “Uh, much better!”
“Thanks,” she responded seemingly unsure. “Let’s go, elf boy.”
Nice shirt she chose, Rocktooth said as they joined him on the road. Was it made for a child? Or did she just never learn how to dress yourself.
Zander rolled his eyes at the golem. Some people just couldn’t refrain from voicing their opinion. Don’t be so negative. It’s a nice shirt.
Chapter Six: Midnight at the M Golden Arcs
* * *
The three of them traveled a short distance down the split asphalt road. Zander and Rocktooth were both looking for a place to make camp for the night. Soon they spotted the place Celeste had wanted to bring them to. The “C-Y MARKET” was surrounded by brightly colored low buildings with blown-out broken windows.
Notification: Now Entering “The Ancient Ruins – C-Y MARKET”
Details: Once a tribute to perseverance of the American Spirit, the City Market was built on the ruins of an old Ford Factory. Be wary, for what lay within is beyond what you can handle at your level.
(Recommendation – Turn Away. One is here that you cannot handle in battle)
Should be fine though if we don't stay for long. She seemed like she wanted to check it out. Zander thought as he tried to ignore Rocktooth's disapproval.
“This was kind of a depressing neighborhood, even before the Harrowing,” Celeste said unaware. “It was all hip restaurants and craft beers. Ugly too and full of fake people. Some things never change.” She frowned, looking at the massive building and the overgrown green ivy that clung to everything. A dark shadow crossed behind a window. Zander noticed, but Celeste did not.
“Thanks for bringing me here.” she said as she touched Zander on the shoulder and walked into the courtyard and looked up to get a better look at the building. Zander tried to watch her without being too obvious about it. Her hips swayed side to side teasingly. Zander gulped and looked over at Rocktooth, who shook his head. We have water if you’re that thirsty.
“What was Arcadia like when you lived here?” he said, trying to distract himself without focusing on the level warning for the area. “Atlanta, I mean?”
She sighed. “It was complicated. Just like any city and traffic was terrible if you didn’t pay for an express pass. Things got crowded and it wasn’t always easy to get what you needed or where you needed to go You know what I mean.”
“Not really. I’ve never been around too many of my kind. Monsters and lack of supplies tend to keep our numbers low.” Zander replied with a tone of sadness. “There aren’t really cities anymore. Just ruins. The Draugr and other creatures of the dark are drawn to large groups of people, so we try to build small and stay small. It’s part of how we’ve managed to survive. That other stuff you mentioned, I’m unfamiliar with.”
“I should have realized, I’m sorry. I forgot the world I knew isn’t what you grew up with,” Celeste responded. “It’ll be hard to describe then. I’ll try to keep it simple. It was…” she paused and struggled to find her words. “Any group of people, even a small one, you’ll always have different personalities, good and bad, rich people and poor people. Atlanta was the same, just a lot bigger. There were huge houses with more space than anyone could ever need, and two blocks over there’d be people who couldn’t afford food. We were always okay—me and my parents—but we struggled sometimes. We always remembered those who had less than us, though. Even when we had next to nothing, a lot of people didn’t have half of what we had.”
“Being grateful for what you have is a good thing to value and puts everything into perspective, I think. What about your parents? Your family? Did you have brothers or sisters?” Zander asked curiously.
Her face darkened, and he immediately regretted asking the question. Of course, she doesn’t want to talk about her family. They were caught up in the end of the world. “I don’t want to talk about it. They weren’t in the group I was with when we tried to leave the city, they didn’t make it that far. That’s all I’ll say.”
An awkward silence followed. Rocktooth looked at him, the golem’s unblinking eyes drilling into him. Smooth. Really smooth. But it's time to go, we’ve drawn too much attention. You’ll learn though. This won’t be the first time you step in it.
“Come on, let’s go.” Zander said as he touched Celeste on the shoulder and motioned for their group to leave. “This place isn’t safe. Whatever is here, isn’t something we can handle just yet.” Celeste nodded, not really understanding, and they took off.
They walked away and looked for shelter elsewhere. Eventually, Celeste perked up. “There was really, really good food. Like…. Falafal, Arepas, Pho, and I don’t even know what you’d call it, but it was chicken wrapped in waffles.” she said brightly. “I wonder if any of it survived the Harrowing, or if those recipes turned into something else. You’ll have to show me when we get to your village!”
“Elf food might be different,” he said, grateful for a change of topic. “When magic started to flourish again, a lot of things changed. But you’ll be able to see for yourself. You haven’t eaten until you’ve tried some of our bread. If you’ve enough of it, you can survive forever on the road.”
Rocktooth came to a stop ahead of them, gesturing at a structure in the distance. Ah. There we go.
“Oh!” Zander said eagerly. “An M Golden Arches! We can shelter beneath
those. The Draugr hate them for some reason, the Arches and they’re easy landmarks in case you need to meet up with someone.”
Notification: Now Entering “The Ancient Ruins – M Golden Arches”
Details: A staple of the idyllic time before the Harrowing, these arches are all that remains. This symbol of times long passed has become anathema for the Draugr and other monsters of the dark. You may rest here without fear of attack.
(Safe Zone)
Celeste laughed. “An ‘M Golden Arches’? You mean a McBurger’s? This is the safe zone? You have no idea how ironic that is. This is hilarious.”
“I don’t know what you’d call it. I only know what we call it.” Zander responded.
“Well, that is not what I mean when I said Atlanta had great food. Still though, I’d kill for a cheeseburger” she said with a laugh.
Zander shrugged. At least she seems in a better mood. “I’ve never eaten there. I’m unfamiliar with this “cheeseburger”. Whatever food was inside is long gone. Just like some of the buildings.”
“I guess so. Everything is gone, isn’t it?” Celeste muttered in reply as she looked at the ruins of the old fast-food restaurants.
They set up camp in the shelter of the yellow arches. Zander pulled out a pack from his [Spatial Ring] and unfurled a bright green tent from within it. The material was lined with olive green canvas patches and Zander quickly staked it down. It was an elf-style tent. Made of thin reeds braided together with foraged material from an old human military facility near his village.
“I only brought one,” he said sheepishly. “I wasn’t expecting to meet a friend on this trip. I can sleep outside tonight, though—you can take the tent if you like.”