Descendence The Catalyst Stories #3 - Edge's Story: The Rich Welcome

Descendence

The Catalyst Stories

Edge’s Story

The Rich Welcome

‘Day 2’

It was sunset when Edge finally arrived at Rich District. As he left the final canyons and made his way down the bright forest path, he was met with a crowd of people. Some of them were clamouring to be let into the District, and some were passed out on the floor, tired from the second day without any aid. Mothers cradling children telling them everything would be okay, and officers of no doubt the Human Legion, the military force, trying to calm down those who were too violent.
Edge made his way through all of them, trying to avoid any contact or communication with the crowds of people. There were masses of people at the gates of Rich District, desperate to be let in. At the very front was the head of security.
“If you are not a resident of this District, then you will not be allowed in!” he bellowed. There were protests, there were cries, there was complete and utter dismay. Edge still pushed through until he reached the guard.
“E-excuse me.” He was out of breath, and tired.
“Sorry, son. I’ve heard it all already, I can’t let you in-”
“M-my foster father, he’s a resident of this District. Sparda Zane, I’m his foster son, Edge Marvik.”
The guard stared at him for a moment and then sighed.
“Again, I’m sorry, son. But if you’re not a resident-”
“Can’t you at least look into it? Please? Can you try and find out if he’s here? I’ve got nowhere else to go.” Edge begged, almost falling to his knees.
The guard held him up, however, sighing. “I can’t make any promises. But you’ll be sleeping out here tonight if you stay. This whole thing...everyone is affected.”
Edge nodded and turned away. “That’s fine, I understand.”
He walked away, going over to the side of the forest path and sitting by a tree.
At first, Edge waited. He waited for many hours, hoping someone would come over and tell him Sparda was here and he could enter. If things didn’t clear up or get resolved soon though, he’d need to move on. Where would he go? There were admittedly a few places but he’d have a hell of a time getting to them. The Catalyst District was not an option, no doubt torn to pieces by now. He’d have to figure it out.
Sunset turned into a starry night sky, blocked by the barrier of course. Despite trying to stay awake, Edge had fallen fast asleep, clutching at the Unavenged Sheath he held in his hands tight.
In his slumber, Edge winched. Deep down in his mind, a nightmare was taking place.

He was running, running through darkness. Hands all around him, stretching out and trying to stop him. The sounds of screams and cries for help. The voice of his younger sister, Lunar, calling out.
“I was all alone, and you didn’t come and look for me!”
The voice of High Lord Catalyst Hinoros, his voice booming across the darkness.
“The Catalyst Challenge!”
”Twenty-five Catalyst-made machines!”
“Humanity is frail. You are frail!”
Edge shook his head in the darkness, as the hands grasped at his feet. He felt himself fall, onto nothingness. The hands slowly pulling him down into the endless abyss. The voice of Cinos Beckett made his head scream.
“I said you could come with me, but you only cared about yourself...”
Edge whined and groaned that it wasn’t true, and as he looked down, fear-filled his mind.
Karlos, laying there below, just ahead. But ten times bigger than he was in real life. He was crackling and screaming as Edge descended down to his agape mouth.
“If I can’t have it, you’ll die here with me!”
Edge felt himself scream out for help as Karlos’ mouth closed around him, locking him in death itself-

Edge felt himself wake suddenly, as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He made a move to grab it, but he was hushed down quickly.
“It’s alright, son. What did you say your name was again?” It was the guard from earlier, he had come over at last. Through his half-awake state, Edge stuttered.
“E-Edge Marvik.”
“And what did you say the name of your relative was?” the guard asked.
“Sparda Zane.” Edge replied quickly.
The guard looked at him for a moment, and then breathed out. “Just need your date of birth.”
“The twenty-second of April. Thirty seventy-eight.”
The guard blinked and then nodded. “Okay, up you get.”
Edge felt himself being helped up, and then escorted away from the path. He was taken to another entrance, further down the wall into Rich District. Waiting for him was a group of only a few other people. As the guard shifted Edge over to them, he looked back.
“Right. You can go in, as long as you stay there. You’re some of the lucky few, don’t waste this.” explained the guard.
He then escorted them all through a guard post door in the wall. They followed the tight gap through until they emerged on the other side.
Suddenly the world felt peaceful again as Edge saw the sights of well-built buildings, wooden works, and posh exteriors. He could hear distant sounds of crickets chirping in bushes.
“Off with you all. Stay home, and stay safe.” he finished. The guard now vanished back through the guard post door, leading back out into the world. In a matter of seconds, Edge was alone as those who had also been allowed in rushed away to their homes. Who they were, why they were here, Edge didn’t care. He couldn’t run, he was still too tired. But now he just had to make his way to Sparda’s house, and hopefully, then, everything would feel better.

* * *

Edge trudged through the strong brick stone paths, he knew this District like the back of his hand. It was so quiet, just the sounds of the night. Given the situation hanging over him, he had expected some more panic. But two days had gone by now, so for all he knew, the panic city-wide had subsided. He was certain that wasn’t the case, but the Rich District had had strong security measures. A lot of people must have made their way here in hoping for safety, only to be turned away. The majority out beyond that gate too, they weren’t even from this District. The whole city was a mess, and Edge was lucky that something good had finally come his way. All he wanted now was a comfy bed and-
His stomach rumbled.
He hadn’t eaten in over a day. The sudden surge of hunger caused him to go into a light jog as he searched for his former home. He followed the street, by the old bakery, that alleyway was a shortcut through the market stalls. He took a left, up tot he splitting two-directional path. He remembered the old saying to find his way home. ‘Left is always right.’ He took the left path, heading up the incline, took another left, and then a right.
He was on his old home street.
Walking down that peaceful road, it bought back so many memories for Edge. The days where he used to play in the streets with other kids, his little sister. Days walking to school with his best friends. Edge spent so much time in his nostalgia trip, he didn’t realise himself halt outside Sparda’s home.
The family home stood tall like some sort of shining beacon in his eyes despite the situation everyone was now in. Yet all the lights inside were off.
Opening the metal front gate, walking into the small front garden, Edge could see the yellow flowers, Sparda’s own personal garden, blooming in the night. He walked up the pebbled path towards the front door. He had no key to insert into the lock, but if memory served him well, Sparda always kept a spare key nearby.
Moving over to the flower bed, Edge crouched down and pried the dirt between the second and third flower from the right. He hoped the neighbours wouldn’t see him and mistook him for some sort of thief.
Upon separating the dirt, a dirty small silver key. Picking it up, Edge couldn’t help but smile. “Same place as always.” He made sure the dirt was placed back over where he had dug, and then proceeded back to the front door, slotting in the key, and turning it to open the door.
He made sure to enter slowly, as to not draw any noise or attention. Closing the door behind him, Edge stood in the dark hallway. The silence already made him feel uncomfortable. He moved down the hall, his boots making tiny patting sounds against the woodwork floor, and when he found the light-switch for the hall, he flicked on the lights.
As the hall now became clear to him, he looked up the flight of stairs and called up.
“Sparda?” There was no answer. This was slowly becoming the worst-case scenario. Edge walked up the cream coloured carpet stairs, ascending to the first floor of the house. There were four rooms on the top floor. From left to right, Edge’s old room, Sparda’s room, Lunar’s old room, and then the bathroom.
All of them were closed, and Edge knew Sparda never slept with his door completely shut. He closed his eyes as he entered the master bedroom, only to find it empty.
Sparda wasn’t here.
Edge felt himself slump against the doorway. For a moment part of him thought of the possibility that Sparda was out there right now, travelling to Northern District to find Edge and Lunar. But Edge knew already deep down, Sparda wasn’t here, he wasn’t in the city. The only family member left and he wasn’t here.
The past two days had done too much to Edge, and as he slid down the doorway, into a sitting position, Edge began to cry.
He was all alone now, his journey had meant nothing. He had lost all freedom, had almost lost his life multiple times, and now his family was outside the city, no doubt worried sick about him, with nothing they could do.
Tears streaming down many people’s faces that night as the Catalyst Challenge began to loom over Convexity. After an hour of wondering what the hell to do with himself, Edge had gone back downstairs to check the rest of the house.
There were supplies, stocked up on food and essentials for a little while. But right now Edge had no idea how long any of this would last, and what would happen after it all ran out. After managing to make a quick meal for himself, Edge simply retired to his old room, lay down in his old bed, and fell asleep.
When he did, it had been two o’clock in the morning. Three days and Edge already felt broken, lost, no answer on how to cope or proceed.
But he could take some reassurance that now, he was safe and sound in this house, in this District, for now.

‘Day 3’

Next Time

Crystal & Alex’s Story

The First Day

Descendence The Catalyst Stories #2 - Edge’s Story: The Unavenged Sheath

Descendence

The Catalyst Stories

Edge’s Story

The Unavenged Sheath

‘Day 1’

Through the darkness, his eyes caught a slight sudden flicker of colour. A mixture of three. Yellow, orange, red, in quick succession, very quick. Then, he could feel heat on his skin. Not a burn, but a warm feeling nonetheless. His ears picked up a crackling sound. Like...wood being burned?
Edge slowly opened his eyes. They saw the sight he had seen last, that of the Catalyst Barrier that hung up high above him. He blinked, he wasn’t dead? The last thing Edge remembered was he was on the floor, not hurt, but he had been. A pack of wolves had attacked him and seemingly killed him, yet he felt no pain. The whole experience was a little bit of a blur.
A groan escaped him as he tried to sit up, but the rough ground he was laying on for some reason prevented him.
“You’re finally awake. You’ve been out a little while.”
An unknown voice and all the sounds, all the feelings, Edge took them all in once again. Willing himself, Edge sat up straight. He was no longer in that small clearing in the canyons. Now he was on some form of rocky surface, and upon looking ahead, someone was sitting opposite him.
There was a campfire between them, burning brightly and providing warmth on this cold spring night.
But this man in front of him, Edge had never seen someone like him before. His hair was a jet black streak, but it appeared to be quite greasy. His face was thin, almost as if you can make out the shape of his very skull. He was wearing what looked to be tattered garments, a brown overcoat, and ripped trousers.
“Found you down there, in the canyons, you looked pretty beat up. Weird though.” he glossed over as he propped a large stick into the fire to keep it going.
Edge didn’t think of any kind of thanks or gratitude, instead, he raised his brow.
“Weird how?”
“Well, you look like you’ve almost been mawed to death, but you haven’t got any injuries. I checked.” the stranger replied.
He now leaned across the campfire, extending his hand.
“My name is Karlos.
Edge looked at the hand for a moment, and then extended his own.
“Edge. Edge Marvik.” They shook one another’s hand.
“Come from the city, Edge?” asked Karlos as he leaned back to his sitting position. Edge only nodded, and Karlos sighed as he continued to prod the fire.
“Nasty business going on in there. I’ve been out here for a few days so, as much of a shock that thing up there is, I haven’t got a clue what’s going on. You wouldn’t happen to know, would you?” he asked slowly. He seemed very tired.
Edge looked down as he crossed his legs. Hard to believe there were people out there in the city who probably had no idea at what was going on. That they would-be victim to rumours floating around for weeks maybe.
“It was the Catalysts...” began Edge. He saw Karlos look up in confusion.
“They created that thing. That barrier. They’ve trapped us in here, no one can leave the city, and no one can get in. Honestly, I haven’t got a clue what’s going on either, but that’s the gist of it right now.” he explained.
He saw Karlos take in every word, and with every word, Karlos’ eyes widened until the end.
“You’re kidding...what the hell. They just trapped everyone in the city? Well, someone will answer for it. If we’re trapped, that means they’re trapped too, which means-”
“I don’t know...” said Edge. “The High Lord, Hinoros, he was there, he told everyone, and then he vanished. Who knows if the Catalysts are even still here.”
There was silence, which was broken by Karlos swearing under his breath.
“So you were on your way to the Rich District or something, I assume?” he asked.
Edge hesitated to answer but then nodded. “Yeah. Got family living there. Figured that was the best route to go.”
To his surprise, Karlos gave a wheezy laugh. “And you thought going through the canyons was a good idea? The place is a hotspot for predators, man! You’re lucky, real lucky considering you ain’t injured.”
Edge’s memory was still a little hazy on the details, but he shook it off. “I take it you found me and bought me up here?” he asked.
Karlos nodded. “Yeah. I heard some barks and then this massive roar nearby. When I tracked the source down, I found you lying there. And I’m not usually to social type, but I figured it wouldn’t be right to just leave you there.” he explained.
So this man, Karlos, had saved Edge from potentially being a serving of dinner for another passing predator.
“Well, I guess I owe you then. Thanks, Karlos.” smiled Edge.
Karlos waved his thanks off. “No problem. Feel free to rest here for the night if you wish. I’d say you’ve got a straight safe shot at reaching the District in the morning. Not many monsters out there at that time.” he assured.
Edge seemed curious now. Given Karlos’ garments and his knowledge, he seemed to be in the presence of a traveller. Those types of people had always interested Edge. He enjoyed the stories of adventures who travelled to unknown lands filled with mystery.
“You seem to know your layout of the land.” smirked Edge.
Karlos gave a small chuckle. “You could say that. I’ve been out here a few days. Explains why I haven’t had a clue what’s been going on in society.”
Edge was even more curious now.
“What’s got you out here for so long then? You on a hunting trip?” he asked.
Karlos shook his head, and then seemed to look around him to see if anyone was listening. Edge didn’t know why. There wasn’t anyone else around.
“Not a hunting trip but...I am looking for something. On the verge of finding it too.” he added tapping his noise.
Edge leaned in closer.
“This stays between us...but I’m looking for a lost sword known as the Unavenged Sheath.” beamed Karlos.

* * *

‘Day 2’

Edge had read many stories during his childhood and this was a tale he was very familiar with. In the ancient past, it was said there were weapons passed down from generation to generation. Weapons that stood the test of time and now were lost throughout the world of Aragor.
There were rumours that one day these weapons would be found and used to fight a great war, but they would only reappear to the world when they were needed.
That was if you truly believed such tales, and back then, it had been a simple folklore bedtime lullaby at that.
As the morning sun rose, Edge and Karlos ventured deep into the canyons of Convexity, their common goal to find evidence of one of these swords, The Unavenged Sheath.
A blade so fast it could slice through the air before your opponent could even think of how to block or counter. A blade so light it was almost like you were holding a simple tree stick in your hands. Practically weightless and a sword gifted with the speed of sound. It all sounded too good to be true, and Edge wasn’t sure what had him hooked on finding it, but Karlos had made a convincing case the previous night...

* * *

“I’ve been trying to locate these weapons through recorded history for some time now. Books and scrolls can only tell you so much, but you’d be shocked at how much a rumour can teach you. I heard about how during the Great War, that there was a soldier who led a small band of fighters against the Demon Army’s prized airship fleet. This soldier was said to move so quick, demons were unable to even think before they were slain by his blade. They also say that he lost his blade in that fight, but not his life. Yet no trace of the sword has ever been found. But if we look at history, it tells us the exact flight route this airship fleet took, and it hovered right over this city. You talk to enough blacksmiths and traders, you start to narrow down your search, and right now, mine is taking me to the canyons!”

* * *

It wasn’t as if Karlos could extend his search beyond this place now, they were all trapped. Yet it didn’t seem to phase him too much, after all, he had his focus on his matters before the arrival of the Catalyst Challenge. He would no doubt deal with this new realisation after this adventure. An adventure that Edge was now joining him on.
Edge didn’t know why he was doing this, but the distraction was something he felt he needed. He had no idea what would happen when he arrived at Rich District, if his foster father, Sparda, would even be there at home. If he wasn’t, then Edge practically had no one else he could turn to. Sticking with Karlos seemed like the best idea for now, and after this, they’d both be able to head into Rich District together. If things went to plan anyway...
“How did you plan on taking on predators with that sword of yours anyway?” asked Karlos as he led their way through the tighter forms of canyons.
“It’s not mine. I was picking it up for someone.” replied Edge. He felt Lunar’s training sword shift on his back. Despite the wolves seemingly besting him the night before, Edge had made his mark on them. He remembered a lot more clearly now. He had managed to slay two of the wolves, and injure the other one. For all he knew, that third wolf may have died from its injuries, leaving on one sole survivor. On one hand, Edge even regretted his actions, he has essentially torn apart a family, but the reminder that he had almost been their dinner eased the mindful pain.
“Someone you think survived?” asked Karlos.
“I don’t know. I think they got out before the barrier finished spreading. I hope anyway.” he replied.
Karlos seemed to ponder for a moment. “What if they’re out there waiting for you? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to go and find them?”
Edge wondered that too, but if Lunar was out there, he believed she’d follow his mindset.
“I think she’d follow the same path I’m on. She’d be heading for Rich District.” He was confident in that.
“Hopefully not the same path, right?” Karlos chuckled, and then he shot Edge a snarly grin. “But she, huh? Who is she then, some lover?”
Edge immediately shot him down. “No, no, no, she’s my sister. My younger sister. We lived together back in Northern District. But if there’s one thing I suspect about situations like this, it’s those kinds of places with fewer security measures that fall to riots first.” he explained.
Karlos nodded. “I agree. You gotta think about the other Districts too. Can you imagine the state that the Poor District must be in? I mean, things are rough there as it is at the moment, but now? With this stuff going on? A madhouse...” he sighed.
Edge tilted his head. “You seem familiar with it. I’ve never been close to the place.”
Karlos seemed a little nervous as he chuckled lightly. “I er, well, the Poor District is kinda my home. The outfit didn’t give it away?” he laughed as he turned.
Now that he mentioned it, Karlos didn’t exactly look big and strong, or healthy for that matter. The greasy hair, the thin face, the clothing, Edge may have never met someone from Poor District before, but Karlos didn’t seem too bad.
“You look alright for someone from that side of the city.” he replied.
Karlos smiled back and nodded. “Thanks for the compliment. You know, I’m glad I found you, Edge Marvik. You’ve warmed up a lot better than those in other places did.” he sighed.
“What did people in other places think of you?” Edge asked curiously.
Karlos stopped in the small canyon clearing, and as he tried to figure out their next path, he responded.
“Oh, you know, a guy from the Poor District, must be a beggar. A guy from the Poor District must be crazy. Must be taking this or that, drunk, lazy, homeless. People don’t warm to you, and it’s usually because they’ve judged you before you’ve even talked to you properly.” Karlos seemed slightly frustrated when he finished talking, but then he turned back with a smile.
“But hey, be grateful you’re not like that, huh Edge?”
Edge nodded in response.
“Okay, I think we need to go this way.” Karlos was back on track, and Edge was glad to be some form of help one way or another, even if it was just through talking.

* * *

Edge and Karlos entered into what at first glance seemed to be a larger clearing within the canyons. Upon observing their surroundings however, Edge noticed the odd scattering of large rocks, some spread out in formations.
“Must have been a rock-slide or something?” Edge suggested. Karlos, on the other hand, wasn’t as easily convinced. He took a long moment to stare quietly at the patterns his eyes saw.
“No one ever comes out here. On top of these canyons is just smooth uneven rock. The only people who come out here are miners, and we’re a ways away from any mining sites.” Karlos made his way over to one of the larger rocks, which was slanted against one of the walls of the canyon. He placed his hand, tracing it along the rough face.
“These don’t look like stone you’d find in these parts.” he muttered.
Edge didn’t know why Karlos seemed so infatuated with this area, but he took the time to now look around himself. The rocks posed no interest to him, so he tried to find some other sign, whatever that might be.
The ground gave him no clues that they were closer to what they were searching for. It was quite bright out now, and looking up, Edge caught sight of the barrier again.
He’d been so distracted recently, he’d forgotten already what their situation was now. He wondered what the state of the other Districts was, on whether things had calmed down, or if the panic was still loud and clear. Out here though, it was as peaceful as it had been in the times before this Challenge when you weren’t being attacked by rabid predators of course.
Edge caught sight of the sun, and for a moment shielded his eyes. Even with the barrier blocking the view, it still clearly wasn’t safe to look into the sunlight. He tried to avert his gaze, and it was then his eyes caught something interesting.
Throughout the canyon, Edge had noticed that the height of these walls was very similar. At most, they would be a couple of inches off, but what was in his sight now, was not normal for where they were.
It was as if large chunks of stone had been carved out of the canyon wall’s topmost reach. It wasn’t just where Edge was looking too. As he looked around now, he noticed multiple chunks missing from what could have once been the tops of these canyon walls.
When Edge finally put two and two together, he gasped out to Karlos, who turned in confusion.
“Look at the top of the canyons! Don’t they look a little strange to you?”
Karlos’ walked over to Edge and looking in the same direction. His eyes widened when he picked up on Edge’s words. His eyes darted from the rocks on the ground to the chunks missing above. What followed was a burst of gleeful laugher as Karlos now bounced around the clearing, extending his arms.
“The perfect cover-up! Now that is one hell of a smart move!” he cheered. He rushed over to Edge and explained his hypothesis
“Rocks scattered on the ground, against the walls, and chunks missing above! It is the perfect cover-up, Edge! Whoever owned the sword, maybe they hid it here, and in some form of security, broke the walls apart to cover up their mightiest treasure! It all makes sense!” Karlos beamed.
While the theory had some weight to it, Edge honestly thought straws were being reached for.
“What makes you think whoever did this, if it was indeed someone, hid the sword here of all things?” he asked curiously.
Karlos froze for a moment, and a blank stare emerged between the two. There was a brief time Edge thought Karlos was suddenly angry, but then he scoffed.
“I mean, yeah, you have a point. But it works with all my former notes and knowledge. I think the sword is here, and this is the cover-up.” sneered Karlos.
While Karlos now returned to messing around with rocks, Edge leaned against the canyon wall. There was nothing he could think to do that would help.

When Karlos had finally finished his analysis of the area, he snapped his fingers. “Right, I think I’ve pinpointed it!”
Edge pushed himself off of the wall and moved to rejoin him. “Pin-pointed what exactly?” he asked.
Karlos tapped his nose while pointing forward towards the large mass of rocks that sat ahead of them.
“What tools and weapons hid, shall magic reveal.” he said calmly.
Edge looked ahead, wondering why Karlos was sounding so cryptic. But now, Karlos’ pointing gesture, turned into an open palm, that aimed right ahead still.
The fallen rock nearby, perching perfectly against the wall of the canyon, echoed a large cracking sound. Then, gaps began to form within the stone, and as Karlos concentrated his entire focus onto the rock, slowly, but surely, piece by piece, it began to fall apart.
Edge felt his jaw drop. Karlos was using magic!
Magic was an art that was once regarded as the very foundation of the world everyone lived in. But as time went on, as new and exciting ways of travel, weaponry, technology were developed, the magic began to die from the world. Though it still lingered in the air and lived through every human, its knowledge had been cast off into the unknown. There were still those of course that practised and studied the ancient ways of sixth sense energy, which was the basis of all magic in all beings, but alas, the numbers were nowhere near as high as they used to be.
As the rock broke into many pieces, through the dust, Edge could see darkness. An entrance had been revealed, covered by the chunks that had been cut from the walls of these canyons in what could be the distant past. Karlos celebrated as the cloud settled, fully revealing a cave.
“I found it, I’ve only gone and bloody found it!” he cheered out in glee, pumping his fist out in the air.
Edge tapped his shoulder as he passed him to investigate the cave. “Sure did. Well done.”
Karlos watched Edge move past, and he stopped him. “Hey, don’t count yourself out. If you hadn’t spotted those missing chunks, I may never have made the connection.” he replied.
Edge shrugged, shaking his head. “I think you would have figured it out eventually anyway. Maybe in an hour or two.” he joked. As Edge turned to move into the cave, Karlos’ look had changed. It had gone from a grateful grin to a stone-cold stare...

* * *

Karlos led the way in. His research into magic meant he knew some very basic level, and some slightly more advanced level elements. From his right hand, he now held a bright orange flame, which hovered lightly from the palm. He held it upright as he and Edge continued deeper into the cave system.
It seemed to be a one-way path, at first a steady decline, before an evening out into a straight path.
“Do you think they might have left any other surprises down here?” asked Edge as he followed the flame. Karlos grunted in response. “Doubt it. Magic is a dying art after all, and the only other people who could have found this place would have to be a body-builder or something.” he replied. The air grew colder the further they ventured inside, the outline of the bumped stone and uneven footing, it was a miracle Karlos knew basic fire magic.
“Where did you learn magic anyway?” asked Edge. Karlos’ reply was instant.
“Look, I appreciate the interest, but, you think we could just keep focused on seeing if the sword is down here?” It was blunt, and Edge was beginning to think he was becoming a burden to the job, but he decided to keep quiet.
The tunnel corridor began to open up, and now Edge and Karlos found themselves in a wider space. The flame did not light the whole way through, but Edge could now hear the faint trickling sound of water. As they stepped forward, both of them noticed a wet feeling engulf their boots. Fire now shone down on water slowly streaming by.
“I think we’re close.” Karlos said, an excited tone now in his voice.
“You sure?” Edge replied.
“Very sure.” The slow reply as Karlos now started to speed up his walk, following the water. Edge followed Karlos and the fire, as they now felt a short incline until they once again entered a small tunnel corridor again. Like the incline, the corridor was short, and now Edge & Karlos emerged in a strange room.
It was unlike the cave, no rough rocky interior of cold air. Instead, there was now in what seemed to be a well kept square stone room. At the very end, there were steps, leading up to the wall that held writings upon it.
“Well this is more civilised.” muttered Edge as Karlos stepped up the stairs. The room was dimly lit by an unknown source, so Karlos had no banished his flame. He read along the wall, repeating its words.
“Reveal the weapon you wish to discover, in order to claim with that you seek...”
“One hell of a riddle.” called Edge from the other side. Karlos looked back at him, nodding, and then looking around. He then called out into the room itself.
“I seek the blade known as the Unavenged Sheath!”
...Silence...
Edge pondered on what the riddle meant. How did you reveal what you wanted to discover?
“There’s gotta be an answer. This is surely some sort of riddle.” growled Karlos. He paced back and forth, racking his brain for an answer.
Edge took the opportunity to look around the room, seeing if there were any clues as to what might hint at them getting the sword. It was clear that this room did house the weapon too, for there was a riddle practically begging to reveal it.
He looked along the walls, which offered no such help to their dilemma. Then he looked along the floor. There were strange markings scattered across. Shapes, words, pictures, all of them leading to the centre of the room, where Edge found a gap. A perfect carved slit, that seemed to require something to be placed inside. It was a thin slightly diamond-shaped hole.
“Hey, Karlos, do you think this could mean anything?” called Edge.
Karlos rushed to his side, and when he saw the gap, he shot Edge a look.
“Pass me your sword.”
Edge was taken aback for a moment and thought to argue, but he saw a glare in Karlos’ eye he hadn’t seen before. He thought they were that close. Edge didn’t want to deny him, so he unstrapped Lunar’s training sword from his back, and handed it to Karlos.
Karlos swung it over his back but revealed the sword beforehand. “Might want to stand back, we don’t know what could happen.” The excited tone took over his voice again, as he raised it high above the slit in the ground.
Edge retreated, over to the stairs, and watched eagerly as Karlos slowly lowered the sword.
They watched as the sword filled the slit, and began to plunge deeper into whatever was down below. Halfway through, Karlos stopped, the blade would not pass through anymore. He went to speak, but a large gear like sound filled the room, all over. Multiple gears turning, manipulating something suddenly.
Edge turned around, to face the wall that had held the markings. It was rising.
His eyes widened in shock as the wall ascended into the room itself, and now revealing the true secret behind its contents.
An object, a weapon, being held behind its vault, hovering lightly off of the stone.
This was it, this was the Unavenged Sheath.
Edge didn’t waste any time rushing up the steps towards the sword as the contraption to reveal it ceased. Without thinking, he grabbed the hilt with his hand and instantly felt it light out of its place. It had barely required an inch of strength from Edge’s own body. It was so light, almost like holding a feather. It was some type of steel, but perhaps it held some sort of enchantment.
The hilt’s top and bottom were a bright shining gold, with a small protective hand-guard that wasn’t too close, yet nor too far. The handle itself that Edge gripped, was covered by a comfortable purple material, it was just as soft as it was light. The blade itself, bright silver steel, that stretched out to its peak, slightly curved at the very tip.
“I can’t believe it. It was here! Karlos, the stories were true!” Edge gasped as he turned. But what he expected to see, what he thought would be Karlos sharing his smile...was a completely different sight.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing...holding my sword?”
Karlos was aiming Lunar’s training sword right towards him. His face seemed thinner, but now there was a menacing expression on his face. A look of pure and utter hatred and disgust.
“Whoa, okay. Sorry that I rushed up and-”
“How dare you put your filthy hands on such an artefact!” Karlos’ pitch hit a high note as he began to yell at Edge, who now lowered the Unavenged Sheath while raising his other hand in an act of peace.
“Calm down, I’m not taking the sword from you. Seriously I just-”
“You’re...you’re just like the rest of them aren’t you...”
Karlos began to walk forward, the blade still poised at Edge’s body.
“Karlos...” Edge stuttered as he took a step back. What was going on here? Why the sudden change of emotion from Karlos?
“You were just using me, was that your game? I let you in on my big secret and you try and come in and walk all over it!” Karlos growled.
Edge’s smile had vanished now, a look of complete disbelief replacing it.
“What are you talking about? I’m not trying to take the sword! You can have the damn sword, Karlos!” Edge argued back.
“Don’t try to fool me! You’re just like the others!” Karlos spat. He lowered the sword and began to pace by the stairs, gripping a thread of his hair tightly.
“Everyone I tell, everyone I tell wants a piece of it once I convince them. None of you understand why I need to do this. None of you understand why I need that sword!” Edge wasn’t even sure if Karlos was talking to him anymore.
Silence entered the room, which was followed by a crackling laugh from Karlos.
“Are you familiar with the name, Vincent Macaroy?” he asked.
Edge knew the name. Vincent Macaroy was one of the leading crime bosses in Convexity. A long term gangster turned cutthroat businessman. But what did he have to do with this?
“Yeah, I’ve heard of him. Why?”
“See, I told you, I live in the Poor District. Mr. Macaroy, if you...if you piss him off...he can do things. He can do things to you. And I sure as...I sure peeved him off. But if you can make amends, and trust me, you’ll want to make amends, you’ll do whatever it takes.”
Karlos took a step, up the stairs towards Edge, who backed away again.
“I told him I’d make amends. I told him I knew I could get him something he would gladly accept as an apology for my blunder. I told him I’d get him the greatest weapon he’s ever seen!” Karlos hissed. His eyes had watered, they were practically popping out of his head.
“And if you think I’m going to fail now, after all the hard work I’ve put in. If you think I’m going to lose that sword to do dirty low-life nobody...”
There was a pause, and Edge felt his breath rise.
“THEN YOU’VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!” Karlos’ scream echoed through the chamber and the cave as Lunar’s training sword came crashing down towards Edge.
In a state of instinct, and at a quick speed, Edge flung the Unavenged Sheath to cover him, and Lunar’s new sword collided with the legendary blade. Karlos growled as he witnessed the weapon he wanted so bad block his attack.
“You dare use the blade against me!” he roared, as he pushed down on his weapon to Edge.
The sheath began to push back towards its wielder. Edge was no warrior, he didn’t know advanced sword combat. How had he suddenly been forced right back down into the ditch of the world?
“Karlos! Stop it! Please!” he begged. But now Karlos was merely laughing as his strength overpowered Edge.
“You pathetic child! It’s a shame after everything you said had happened in the city, you won’t live to see how the world changes because of it! But I will! I’ll take your life, and then I’ll head back to the Poor District, and hand over the sword to Macaroy, and be forgiven! I’ll be free!” he cheered with glee.
The blade drew close to Edge’s neck, Lunar’s drawing closer to his skull.
“It looks like you’ve already failed this Challenge, Edge!”
A sudden spark of determination flew through Edge’s body.
“No...I’m not dying here...not now...” Edge growled as his eyes met Karlos’ own. Edge began to push back, but he knew his strength wasn’t enough. He had to think quickly. Their blades were locked together, but that didn’t mean Karlos wasn’t open in some way.
Realising neither were using the bottom half of their bodies, Edge risked an act. With his leg, he threw it forward, in an attempt to kick Karlos.
Luckily for Edge, he connected with the spot that was a commonly shared weak spot between many people.
Karlos yelped and buckled down to the ground as Edge’s boot connected with his groin. Edge wasted no time, he darted past Karlos, eager to escape the cave. The sudden realisation that the cave was cloaked in darkness, and he had no way of seeing where he would be going threw him off guard. He turned back just in time to see Karlos raise his arm.
“No! You can’t leave!” He tightened his fist, and Edge realised Karlos wasn’t aiming his hand at him, but above at the ceiling of the room. Once again, like the rocks outside, Edge saw the ceiling crack, and begin to crumble. He swore as he looked back at Karlos.
“What the hell are you doing!?” he cried.
Karlos, however, could only laugh as he stood up.
“There’s no future for me if I don’t get that sword, and if I can’t have it, you’ll die here with me!” he spat. Karlos’ open-palmed gripped into a tight fist, and the noises of damage grew louder. Small pieces of rubble began to fall all around them. Karlos was bringing the entire cave system down.
Edge looked up, it didn’t matter about his lack of magical knowledge now, he had to escape.
Darting into the darkness, Edge heard Karlos scream again. Through the rumbling crashes of rock that were starting to fall, Edge tried to pay close attention to the sound of water. If he could follow the stream back, he could find the way out. He could feel the water on his boots again, their cold sweep entering through his socks, drenching his feet. Edge trudged through the stream, and around him, he could hear stone collapsing and falling. How much damage had Karlos done to this place?
He gripped the Unavenged Sheath in his hand tightly as he made his escape, he had already lost one weapon today, and he wasn’t losing this now, especially to Karlos after this betrayal.
Edge felt himself bump into the rocky wall, and he had followed the water all the way, he now had to find the tunnel that led out. Desperately Edge patted down the cave walls until he felt himself fall forward into the dark. He could only hope this was the way out.
He clambered, crawled, did everything he could to get away. He could feel an incline now, a steady one at that. This was the way out, but the entire cave was collapsing. Edge could pray he would get out in time-
He gasped as he fell forward, something had latched onto his leg. Had a piece of the cave fallen or was it...
Edge could see the light of the outside shining down on him now, and as he turned to see what had disrupted his escape, fear entered his eyes.
“You’re not leaving!” roared Karlos. Edge could make out his face occasionally as they both struggled. Karlos had a firm grip on Edge’s foot as if trying to drag him back into the depths of death. But that thin face had a large trickle of blood flowing down the centre. He must have been injured in his own attempted escape.
“Let me go!” Edge yelled back, trying to pry Karlos’ hands off of him.
“No! You made me do this!” Karlos cackled as he now began to pull himself up, using Edge as leverage. Slowly, Karlos began to rise up through the cave, trying to climb over Edge to escape.
Edge didn’t have the strength to pry Karlos off either, and he had no idea how much time they had left to escape.
There was a sudden bolt of noise, and Edge saw above, the cave system collapse almost fully. There was then another large noise, a bellow from Karlos. Through the gaps of light through his struggling, Edge could see the cave had collapsed on Karlos’ legs.
This was his opportunity, and he had to be fast. Edge pried himself loose of Karlos’ grip, and with a final move to escape, Edge pushed his foot into Karlos’ face, kicking him hard. A high pitched yelp allowed Edge to make his getaway. He got to his feet, a piece of rock falling beside him as he did, and he ran towards the entrance. He stacked, he tripped, but he wasn’t dying here today.

“Wait! Edge! Please!”

He turned back, and all he could see now was Karlos, outstretching his arm, offering it to Edge.
“Don’t leave me here, please! I’m sorry! I swear!” He was begging to be saved.
It was as if time slowed down. Rocks falling near Karlos, the cave collapsing, and a choice to be made.
Karlos had helped Edge in his time of need, and he had also accepted his hand in helping him today. But he had also betrayed and tried to kill him.
One of those outweighed the other.
Karlos had tears in his eyes as he reached out as much as he could. His eyes met Edge, and the choice was made.

“I’m sorry too.”

Edge looked down and moved out of the cave.

* * *

As he left that canyon clearing with the Unavenged Sheath in hand, Edge heard an ear-piercing scream and heard the cave collapse behind him. He didn’t dare look back, he couldn’t, not after what he had just done.
It was as if he was trying to push the thought of the last day out of his mind. Everything had gone so wrong so quickly when it hadn’t needed to.
Edge kept walking until he felt he couldn’t anymore. He ended up slumped against one of the canyon walls, his breathing quickening, his mind a blur.
He had just left a human to die.
He was no better than those people back in Catalyst District who had just mowed down countless civilians trying to escape.
Was this what the Challenge did to humans now? Did it show their true intentions? Was this life now?
Try as he might, Edge couldn’t banish the thoughts.
But he had had no choice, right?
Karlos had tried to kill him, had betrayed him. If Edge had saved him, Karlos may have just tried to kill him again.
Had Edge tried to save him too, both of them might have been lying there dead right now under the mass of rubble.
Although it didn’t feel like the right choice, Edge felt given everything that had happened, he had chosen his survival.
Looking up at the barrier, Edge gripped the Unavenged Sheath tightly.
This was life now, this was what the Catalyst Challenge was all about. It was about survival, and Edge knew now this wouldn’t be the last tough choice he’d have to make.
But now, Edge returned to his prior objective. He needed to get to Rich District, and hope that his foster father, Sparda, awaited him there.

Next Time

Edge’s Story

A Rich Welcome

Descendence The Catalyst Stories #1 - Edge’s Story: The First Night

Descendence 

The Catalyst Stories 

Edge’s Story 

The First Night 

 On the 20th of April, the year of 3998, a terrible event began in the city of Convexity. Who were once thought to be the protectors of the Human Race, the advanced species known as The Catalysts, announced that a challenge would take place. What proceeded was the beginning of an endless nightmare. A barrier was spread across the skies of the city, enclosing around the border limits. Convexity was sealed within what was called a Catalyst Barrier. No one was allowed to enter or leave the city. No one could either, for touching the matter that created this barrier, would result in an instant death. Flesh, muscle, and bone would become ash, and the human that once stood tall would be resorted to a pile of dust on the ground. The Human Race had no choice, close to ten million people were now a part of the event known as the Catalyst Challenge. Another task was set in place while the city became a prison. Twenty-five Catalyst-made machines had been created to keep the humans trapped. They were hidden in devices known as Dimension Portals. It was now the Human Race’s job, to locate and enter these portals, which would bring them face to face with the next in the line of Catalyst technology. The machines were ruthless, their variety in combat exceeding dreams itself. But twenty-five had to fall before the humans could leave the city. Once they did this, the barrier would fall, and once again, its citizens could roam the world of Aragor, free again. The Catalyst Challenge lasted for four hundred and seven days. Trapped for over a year, there was a mass of events that took place, that shaped the world as it is today. But this isn’t just my story. My story is one of many. These stories are our stories. The stories that shaped all of us into who we are today. So please, listen to our stories. Our stories, of the Catalyst Challenge.

 * * * 

 ‘Day 1’ Edge’s Story Upon leaving Cinos Beckett in the dark alleyway behind, upon deciding to create his own path for the future, Edge Marvik ran out into what could only be described as the now frantic streets of Convexity. Leaving that dark corridor behind, leaving perhaps the only ally he could have had in this now Challenge, Edge had entered the true world of panic, loss, and pain. The Catalysts had betrayed the Human Race. High Lord Catalyst Hinoros himself had announced the Catalyst Challenge, creating a barrier than now stood over the city, marking prisoners in its cell. There were so many questions in Edge’s mind. Why had the Catalysts done this? What was the motive? Where had Hinoros vanished off to? Were the Catalysts still in the city? Then thoughts of Edge’s own life came into his head. How was he going to survive the panic? Was his own family okay? His sister? His foster father? Were they safe and sound? Lunar, Edge’s younger sister, had left for a teacher’s assistant training course just before he got out of bed this morning. Was she outside the city? Did that mean she was safe? Or was she still stuck in here, unable to leave? Sparda, Edge’s foster father, was a wealthy businessman who always had something to do or somewhere to go. What if he too was outside the city? Edge didn’t know what made him think it, but he was certain both Lunar and Sparda were outside. Which meant, for now, the person he had to look out for, was himself. He’d already come up with a plan. He needed to leave the Catalyst District, no doubt this was the epicentre of panic and madness right now. While the other eight Districts in Convexity no doubt could be just as frantic and mad, Edge knew his best option right now, was the find a way out, and make his way to the Rich District. The security in place there would be able to ease down the panic, if Edge went home to Northern District, there were no doubt people there already who were trying to raid and scavenge for supplies. Put anyone in a situation like this, and they would selfishly fight for themselves as opposed to working together. Edge’s mind was warped out of its planning state as he heard glass shatter. As he was bought back to reality, the screams of fear filled his ears. Men, women, even children, were running through the streets, screaming in shock, for help, out of sheer fright. But he couldn’t focus on any of them. He was already noticing the stages of panic. Humans smashing windows of the more wealthy building establishments. People brawling on the streets trying to do whatever they could to be the Alpha-Human. Already too, Edge could see bodies, some laying on the pavement, some in the middle of the road. Some seemed to just be laying there, hoping this was all a bad dream, but others, those whose contents of the body were spilling out onto the concrete pavements, had already lost this sick game. The sight of the bodies made Edge want to vomit, and he desperately needed to make a move in escaping this District. As he took his first step, he heard the sound of a large horn and pulled himself back just in time as a high-speed vehicle zoomed past him. As Edge’s head wrapped around to follow its trajectory, he cried out in shock as he saw the auto-mobile collide with multiple human bodies. Once again, he felt his own self rise up into his chest. A disgusting swallow and a bitter taste caused Edge to get his head back into the situation. Leaving the District was going to be tougher than he thought. Edge backed up into the alleyway, looking behind him as he did. Was leaving Cinos really the best choice? Cinos had gladly been accepting of Edge’s company, and he had just banished that thought of protection. As he leaned back on the brick wall, Edge felt metal dig into his back. The training sword he had picked up for Lunar earlier in the day, was still strapped to his back. At that moment, Edge realised he was in a better position than most. He had protection right here, a weapon, a sword on his back. If he needed to use it, no one would mess with him in this situation. His mind was slightly more clear, so with one more deep breath, Edge closed his eyes, and then as he opened them, he darted out into the streets of rage. 

* * *

 How many streets had he crossed? How many lanes had he sprinted down trying to avoid any and all contact with whoever or whatever came into his path? Edge had lost count, and he already knew he was lost amongst the towering glass shards that were the advanced buildings of Catalyst District. The barrier above, a deep bright blue, radiated and reflected off of the tall glass pillars. It was almost peaceful if it wasn’t for the screams surrounding it. New noises joined Edge’s ears as he continued to press through the city. He heard bursts of flames igniting from broken down cars, the sounds of explosions as people seemed to have already created makeshift devices to cause havoc, to gain attention, for fun. There was also laughter, those who had already lost their mind to the Challenge, had already lost the game. Edge tried not to think about it, he continued to make his way through the crowds of those lost in what to do next. The crowds were growing thicker, and it was becoming increasingly hard to barge through and make his way out towards the Rich District. A broad shoulder caught Edge at the wrong time, and he felt himself topple to the ground. With a crash, Edge landed on his right arm, a searing pain travelling up through the wrist, through the elbow, to the shoulder. He growled out in frustration, but there was no time to take in the effect the fall had had on him. Edge was in the midst of many people scrambling around, and falling down was the worst possible place he could find himself in. As he tried to get back up, he felt an even worse surge of pain in his left hand. Someone, without realising or caring for Edge’s fall, had trodden on his hand. Edge gasped as he threw himself up, only to be met with the knee of another person. It collided with his head, sending him flying back down, his back now being squashed against the training blade strapped to his back. While the pain was nowhere near as bad as it could have been had the blade been exposed, it hadn’t been laying flat-side. Edge felt the sheath dig in-between his shoulder blade and spine, and once again he cried out in pain. His arm, his hand, his head, and his back, all felt like they had their own separate heartbeats as he desperately tried to scramble up to his feet. Even as he slowly managed to get up, the occasional panicked human’s body hit him somewhere, and for a moment Edge felt like he had just been in a brawl, one that he had lost. He wasn’t the fittest person in the world, in fact, he was quite slim for his age, and that didn’t aid his pain. Through hissing teeth, Edge managed to stand back up, just in time to see someone pelting straight towards him. With no intention of falling to the ground in pain again, Edge quickly darted to his left, taking his hands and placing them on the passer-by. Without second care, Edge pulled and pushed the civilian as they travelled past. Whether or not they were now in the same situation as him as before, he didn’t care. Edge staggered as he tried to breathe through his pain, and the only thing driving him forward now was his intention to get out of this District.

 * * *

 Edge turned a corner, and finally, he felt like he’d escaped the worst of the panic. The buildings now were much lower, which meant he was close to the outer perimeter. But now, there was a sight Edge saw above that made his insides turn. While this street was emptier than most, it was only because of the bodies. As Edge looked up, he went from seeing bodies on the ground, to people standing on the buildings above. There were constant screams as the occasional human fell from their office window, or from the very rooftop, plummeting to the ground, and their bodies crunching against the street. The sights of people who were already giving up, people who thought they had nothing left to live for. For a moment, Edge thought of taking another route, he didn’t want to run through this. But then, the crowds from those still trying to escape began to advance. More screams, more violence, Edge had no choice but to run through this street. As he began to run for his life, he panted in his own fear, having to see bodies fall in front of him. He tried to move to the pavement, hoping for more footing, a safer route. A body suddenly fell close by, and Edge gasped in shock as he threw himself into one of the many buildings around. His body crashed through the door and he once again landed on the now bad arm. He hissed in pain again as he got up quickly, looking around at where he was. The shelves were bare, the contents of this shop had been moved, it was as if the whole place had been affected by an earthquake. At the very back, the register counter, with only one sole man behind it. Edge couldn’t get a good look at him, but what he could see what the store owner was holding a sword, pointing it directly at Edge. “Get out of my shop! I won’t have any more thieves! Leave now or I’ll take your life right here and now! Back away!” Edge quickly raised his arms and cried out. “I’m not here to rob you! I swear I just-” The store owner wasn’t listening, he was already hopping over the counter and brandishing the sword at Edge as he moved forward. “I warned you! Get out of my home! Get out, get out, get out!” Edge stumbled back through the way he had come in, once again falling back through the door, falling beside one of the bodies that had thrown themselves down. The owner followed suit, raising the sword above his head, and Edge knew now, already he had failed. He covered his body as best he could with his arms, forgetting about his own weapon. There was then a loud grunt, followed by another, and the sound of two people falling on the ground. When Edge peaked out from his self-cover, he saw the store owner on the ground, now barely moving, while another human sat on top of him. Edge saw fist after fist after fist, descend down onto the store owner. A bulkier man was crying out in fury as he repeatedly crushed the owner with his hands. “I always hated you! Nothing can stop me from doing this to you now, you bastard!” Edge shook his head in shock as he stood up, scrambling forward as he left the two to their dispute, but given how much damage had been done, it looked like the dispute had been settled to the death...

 * * * 

 As Edge finally reached the outer wall of the Catalyst District, he knew his next step was the move alongside until he found the exit that led to Rich District. He had no idea if the District tolls were still running, but it seemed the entire system right now was all but dead. All Edge could do now was follow the roads until he found his way out. But it was just as much chaos out here as it was inside. People still running, fighting, screaming, some of them dying. Edge saw objects being thrown through the air, people throwing things into the sky as if trying to reach the barrier that stood hundreds of feet above. “Why would they do this!” “Catalyst scum!” “We’re all going to die!” The most common sentences being cried around him. A large brown brick landed close to Edge’s side, and he took it as a sign to move on quickly. He raised his hands over his head, and though his right arm was in pain, he knew it was his best chance if an object hit him from above. Continuing to run forward, Edge had to hop over the occasional person who fell to the ground, some tripping on their own feet, some who had been hit by the objects of fear above, and those who were just laying there because they knew not what else to do. Edge found himself clung to the outer wall of Catalyst District, just trying to follow it until he found a way out. “Clear the roads, you idiots! Clear the road! Oh my-everyone clear the damn road!” Edge heard a voice cry out, and once again he bore witness to multiple humans being hit by a steaming auto-mobile. Humans being cast aside, crying out in pain as they rolled off of the bonnet and hit the road again. The car wouldn’t stop, it had no regard for the lives around it. Edge’s head darted in front of him, seeing the passage of destruction that would follow. There was a young woman, he didn’t get time to make out her features, but she was close to being flattened like many others. Edge had seen too much death already, and he couldn’t take anymore. He tried to scoop up as many people as he could as he ran into the road until he barged into the woman ahead. “Look out!” he cried. Both of them fell to the floor, as did a few others. The auto-mobile sped past them, and as Edge quickly got up, he saw it swerve out of control, before crashing into one of the countless buildings of the cityscape. There were more screams as Edge darted forward, he didn’t even stop to check the person he had tried to save. All he heard as he ran off was a harsh voice. “Hey! Watch where you’re going you stupid creep!”

 * * *

 Edge had no idea how much time has passed since he had started his journey, all he could see as he exited Catalyst District, was that the sun was setting. He had made his way to the District Toll Station, and that was all but abandoned. Like many others, Edge had hopped the booth and was now sprinting his way out further into Convexity’s In-Between Point. There was always a strength of land that cut the centre of Convexity off from the human-made portions of the city. They had not been able to build right next to the Catalyst’s towering empire, so instead, they had to find land that suited the building proportions. In the case of Rich District, the In-Between Point for that journey was a vast maze of canyons, which usually weren’t navigated by vehicle. Usually one would have to travel to another District and then cross over into Rich from there. But now wasn’t the time for that. Edge had already wasted so much time, so without thinking too much, Edge had been one of the few who had darted into those canyons...

 * * * 

 The sun had almost set, and Edge could slowly see the light leaving the world. But around him, he noticed a light blue hue, which was being cast from the barrier above. Edge panted as he continued into the canyons, his boots treading through sand and rock. Whether or not he was closer to Rich District, he didn’t know, but Edge took a moment to take a breath, to take a break. He had seemingly escaped the worst of this day. He slowed to a walk, moving through the towering rock formations above, looking around at their wonder. He’d never been out here before, this was all new. It was quite shocking to be alone right now too, away from the screams and the cries of those who were scared. It gave Edge time to think, to plan what his next move was. The only reason he was going to Rich District was because that was where his foster father lived. Out of his sister and foster father, Edge had his bet on Sparda being the most likely to still be in the city. If anyone would know what to do next, it would be Sparda. Edge was certain of that, and it was the only hope he had right now as he continued to try and navigate the canyons around him. Little did Edge know, that as he contained his thoughts and finally let them free...he was being watched...by the predators of the night.

 * * * 

 Even walking was becoming tiring. Edge decided that in the small canyon clearing, to rest for just a moment. A rock in the very centre, almost perfectly crafted as a seat, allowed him a moment. He rested his hands on his knees as he breathed out. “What a mess...” Edge gasped as he rubbed his eyes. He had to keep moving, but right now, he felt like there was just a small bit of peace in this dark time. The sun was all but set, as darkness covered the skies, and the stars slowly began to blink to life above. Edge looked up, at the night sky, which clouded the barrier. Even his sight didn’t have true freedom now, the barrier locked everything outside away, even the damn sky. “Why? Why did you do it?” Edge said to no one. The Catalysts couldn’t hear him, but he couldn’t help but ask. Why did High Lord Catalyst Hinoros betray the human race like that? The sound of sand crunching caught Edge’s attention suddenly. He looked out into the canyons ahead, and while darkness covered his path ahead, through them he could see something, just a small something. The piercing glow of bright yellow eyes... Their fur was a mixture of grey and white, their teeth razor-sharp, drool falling from their mouths in eager hunger. A pack of wolves, no doubt ones that had been stalking Edge for some time, slowly emerged from the darkness of the canyon. An intake of breath was all Edge could take as he noticed them slowly surrounding him, giving him no exit. How many were there? He’d have no time to count. More than three of them eager to take his life, and then battle over his corpse for dinner. In this instant, Edge knew that this time, he was probably finished. He’d made the stupid mistake of coming out here all alone, trying to get to his old home. He should have gone to another District and taken the long way. How could he have been so stupid? “Why...” Edge growled through his teeth. Even though death was surrounding him, he just felt pure anger. Anger at the Catalysts, anger at these wolves, anger at his entire life. Without warning, Edge stood up, the wolf heads following him as he did. He reached behind him, taking Lunar’s training sword, and drawing it from its sheath. He held the blade up high, and although he wasn’t an expert at swordsmanship, he drew a simple guard stance. “I’m not dying a coward!” he barked at the wolves. They needed no signal, but they took it. The leader of the pack pounced without wait, leaping in the air, extending its jaw towards Edge. Gripping his sword with both hands, Edge ducked down and attempted to strike the wolf’s body. Despite his slim stature, the blade cut into the leader’s body, and it fell to the ground, its barks and roars of hunger replaced by whines of pain. It slowly raised itself up as it landed between its allies, struggling, but still alive. As Edge roared in anger at the leader, three more wolves closed in around him. If this was death, he would fight it till it took him tonight. Another wolf pounced, this one too close to move around. It pinned Edge to the ground, and through muffled growls of trying to battle with it, Edge saw the jaw snap twice in his face. The other two wolves closed in, eager to feast. Edge was trying to use his blade as best he could to pry the wolf pinning him, off of him, but he suddenly yelled in pain. One of the wolves had wrapped its jaw around his ankle, and Edge felt the teeth dig in. While he managed to hold back the main wolf with his hand, he swung wildly at the other, even if it meant cutting off his own foot, all he wanted was for the beast to let go. He heard a large whine and felt his blade stick into something. Now was the time to act, Edge shifted his body weight across, his ankle no longer in the jaws of a wolf, and he managed to pry the other off finally. Edge barely got the time to notice his hand managed to stick his blade into the skull of the wolf that had bitten him, killing it stone dead. He got up quickly, and while the pain of the bite stung like hell itself, Edge roared in fury as he raised his blade, and thrust it down into the wolf that had pinned him down. The third backed away as it witnessed another one of its kin meet its end. Edge revealed his blade and pointed it at the wolf that now looked up at him, its ears drooping down. “You want to die tonight too!? Come on then!” Edge barked. He had let his guard down because he finished his sentence, the leader of the pack had rejoined the fight. Edge felt its paws latch onto his back, forcing him down onto his front. He managed to keep a hold on his blade, with loosened only slightly once the leader of the pack opened its jaw and sunk its teeth into Edge’s right shoulder. Edge roared in pain now as he desperately tried to unhinge himself from the leader of the wolf pack. He tried to stand, but the weight was too much. He collapsed back on the ground. As the wolf sunk in deeper, a sudden wave came over Edge. He had never felt anger like this before. His vision which had started to blur from the pain became a radiant red heat. It was almost as if his body had been overcome with a mind of its own, and Edge felt himself rising. His right arm reached up towards the wolf pack leader, grabbing at its head. Clutching a handful of its skin, Edge pulled with as much force as he could. To his own surprise, a sudden surge of strength caused him to throw the wolf from his shoulder, its jaw loosening. Once again, the leader of the wolves collapsed to the ground, its only partner looking down and then back at Edge. As soon as it saw Edge now, it backed away even further. The leader rose up to retaliate, but now it took saw Edge and began to back away. Edge stood before them, but this was not the same man they had been tracking earlier. The last thing they heard before retreating was an ear-piercing roar that echoed across the canyons.

 * * * 

 Edge lay alone in the canyons. His breathing was a rasp, and he could feel something leaving him. The pain of the wolves bites had subsided, in fact, he couldn’t feel what they had done at all. His body felt fine...so why did it feel like his life was about to slip away? Was this it? Was this what death was? All the pain you had experienced in life, vanishing? Edge had always wondered if death meant you’d see those who you’d lost in life. He half-expected his parents to turn up suddenly, the ones he never knew but knew he had lost when he was three years old. He could feel his eyes closing. He tried to keep them open. The last sight he was going to see, was that of the barrier. Yet he didn’t feel like this was a loss. He had fought those wolves and defeated them. As he felt his eyes close, Edge managed to mutter out a few last words, that he was certain would be his last...but...he was okay with that. “Well...at least I tried...” Everything went dark.

Next Time: 

Edge’s Story 

The Unavenged Sheath