Descendence The Catalyst Stories #10 - Aries' Story: The Next Step

Descendence

The Catalyst Stories

Aries’ Story:

The Next Step

‘Day 10’

Aries Ziller sat on the stone steps leading up to what was seen as a distant relic of the world’s past in the city of Convexity. An older gentleman, at least in his late fifties, with a slowly balding head with slicked-back grey hair. His wrinkles if anything added more defining features on his rough face, his equally grey eyebrows hanging low on his pale green eyes.
The Convex Theatre, once a place of celebration and entertainment, now an abandoned and broken down shell. Aries remembered the days where this theatre had thrived, inviting in all comers rich or at least middle class, and presenting them with many a show to relax and watch. Aries had always been an avid theatre lover, and despite his older age, he didn’t look back on those days of joy in solemn considering the current situation.
Aries had been a part of the Human Convexity Council, who before the events of the Catalyst Challenge, had been in deep talks with the Catalysts in regards to their announcement that day. It seemed so simple back then, a simple task of giving humans information of a new peace-keeping defense line of machines that would guard the humans against harm should it ever come for them. Now from the sounds of things, those machines were defending the city from the humans leaving it.
The Council was all but destroyed in the process. Aries had wanted to call meetings to discuss what the plans of retaliation would be, and he indeed believed there should be some form of retaliation. He wanted the Human Legion to enact laws of wartime to get to the bottom of what had happened. The only issue was that this event had caught everyone so off-guard, it was as if all forms of law and order had been forgotten.
In the week that had followed, there had been no time to prepare for the onslaught of human frustration. Districts were in disarray, falling victim to countless raids and riots. Humans were moving from one to the next, trying to gather any supplies they could. Had the Council been in place, they could have prevented such acts from happening. It made Aries feel sick, sick that humans were capable of this kind of...savagery.
Aries held by his side, a large black cane, which he used to aid his posture and walks whenever he felt the need to take them. He had needed this regularly due to falling victim to an attack on the first day.
The fight had been in Aries’ favour, the young ones who had picked a battle with an old warrior had learned their lesson well. Alas, Aries was not as young as them, or as he used to be, and they had gained a few good hits on his body. The nagging pain in his right knee was subsiding, but until it was gone, his cane would be his greatest ally.
Aries had spent the past week exploring the Northern District, trying to find any families that lived here, assuring them he would do whatever it took to restore balance to the city. But who was Aries trying to fool but himself? There was no way he could restore the balance of the world given the situation. The only thing he could do was offer his aid to those who may fight in the future in the Catalyst Challenge. That was why he was here today...

Aries had heard sounds coming from the Convex Theatre. He dared not venture inside alone, in case it had been taken over by a group of bandits, though there was no evidence to suggest such a fact. But there had been this strange noise, a light humming, that could be heard on the West sidewall. Not only that, but Aries was certain that air had grown slightly colder around that region whenever he walked past. He felt it was worth investigating, but once again, he could not do so alone.
He had enlisted the help of someone who lived in the Northern District, a family friend so to say.
At this time, Aries looked up to see a young man making his way towards him. Despite seeing him as young, in actuality the man’s age was around his early thirties, his facial features almost made him appear ten years younger however. Even though Aries had called on him for a casual investigation, the man had arrived in full Human Legion gear. His position in the Legion was quite high, meaning his attire bore a more grey scaled palette. As he approached, he swept his growing black hair back and gave Aries a warm smile.
“Drasius Porter, reporting for duty, sir!” He gave a salute. Aries hushed him down quickly as he raised himself with the aid of his cane.
“Settle down, Drasius. There’s no need for us to create a scene.” he ushered quickly.
Drasius’ smile turned into one of embarrassment as he reached around the back of his head. “Oh, right! Sorry, I was treating this as official business.” he beamed.
Aries sighed with a smile as he walked over and shook Drasius’ hand.
“I’m grateful for your help today. I dare not venture in alone.” Aries looked back at the doors to the Convex Theatre, as Drasius peered around behind him.
“You described hearing some sort of noise, inside the building?” he asked quietly.
Aries grunted in acknowledgement as he rested both hands on his cane.
“I cannot quite explain what I feel whenever I...well, feel it. It’s a strange form of presence on the body.”
“Would this happen to be a magical sense of presence?” Drasius asked. Aries always appreciated how seriously Drasius took his work. Drasius was a young, bright, and energetic warrior, but he also knew when the time was right to become the series leader he had worked so hard to rise to. In his time with the Human Legion, Drasius had ascended the rank of Captain, which meant he had a high position for his opinions to not be taken lightly. Aries knew he’d called on the right man for the job.
“It was not a magical presence I am familiar with. It did not feel as such as one. It felt...different.” said Aries.
“So the feelings are slightly familiar? Can you define the difference?” Drasius asked quickly in response again. He seemed to be taking down every mental detail that came out of Aries’ mouth.
“I could not. I believe whatever it is, from outside this venue, it is expelled at its weakest. I wish to head inside and hopefully the feeling may become clearer.” he requested.
Drasius seemed concerned as he stepped forward. “With all due respect, Aries, perhaps it is best I perform a sweep of the building. I do not think you’d slow me down, however, I must insist as a Captain of the Legion, I should-”
Aries held his hand up straight away. “Please, while I do not wish to stand between you and the objective, you forget I too am experienced in the arts of combat, both physical and magical.” He gave a scoff as he took a step towards the building. Drasius seemed slightly taken aback as he followed Aries seconds after, as both of them entered the Convex Theatre.

* * *

The foyer of the theatre was one of the few areas that still looked as grand as the days of old...at least at a first glance.
Upon closer inspection, the cracks began to show. Tiles in the marble floor, missing, broken, shattered. The red carpets lining the way through the theatre, dirty, worn, ripped in places. Over by what was once an old bar that served drinks and refreshments to visitors, the stools that stood in front, some weren’t even there anymore. Plucked from where they once stood, one even just a broken wooden pool that once housed a comfy plump seat.
The flags of the Human and Catalyst Empire had once been scattered across the walls, and if anything their appearance now represented perfectly the relationship these two races had.
Aries’ cane clanked across the marble ground as he and Drasius reached the centre of the room, looking around at the relic of a room.
“Father told me a lot about the shows he saw here. It’s hard to believe such a place looks the way it does despite the rest of the District.” said Drasius.
Aries smiled at the thought. He remembered brighter younger days in Convexity too, Drasius’ father had been a grand friend.
“Northern District did not flourish until after the last Great War. Convexity made many changes to house the human race within better living conditions. The District was practically built around the theatre itself. For people my age, it serves as a remembrance, for the world we fought to protect back then.” Aries sighed at the end. How many years had it been since that day? The day Convexity had fallen to the might of the Eastern Demons. Convexity was retaken in time, and Aries played his part in both of those battles, but how many years it had been exactly he could not remember anymore.
“Normally with a scout squad I’d recommend splitting up, but considering our lack of numbers, and the unknown that may await, I suggest we stay together.” advised Drasius as he stepped ahead of Aries. He took note of the long broadsword hanging from Drasius’ waist, and on his back, a large crossbow.
“You’re well equipped for a mission such as this.” smirked Aries.
Drasius turned around and gave him a bright smile. “One can never be too careful in these times. I’m shocked you are not more prepared.” he replied.
Aries gave a small chuckle, before tapping his cane on the ground. “Appearances can be deceiving you know.” He stepped ahead once again and closed his eyes. Aries was trying to locate the source of the feeling he had felt. Try as he may, he could not pinpoint the source. Did that mean the matter was not of magical origins?
“Is there a problem?” asked Drasius, a concerned look.
“I cannot track this power through my knowledge of the Sixth Sense. We may need to use more traditional methods.” replied Aries.
Drasius nodded and looked around. “Are you up for a sweep of the theatre?”
”A trip down memory lane, you say?” Aries said through a raised brow.
“I was thinking more of a day out to the theatre.” Drasius replied with a wink. The two shared a laugh as they ascended the marble steps towards the upper level of the theatre to begin their search.

* * *

Aries and Drasius looked in every room on the upper level, walked down every hallway, every nook and cranny and they were still seemingly no closer to finding the source of this feeling. On occasion, Drasius and Aries both felt something, a cold shiver, even if briefly, they believed they were close.
Soon they found themselves in one of the eight theatre stage rooms, sitting right on the edge of the stage itself. Aries was reminded about one of the many plays he had enjoyed watching years ago.
“I never had the money to afford private booths. Those were usually reserved for people over in Rich District. Front row seats were usually quite expensive as well, this may even be the closest I’ve ever been to the stage itself.” A frown appeared on his face as Drasius looked over solemnly.
“This place does mean a lot to you, doesn’t it?”
Aries nodded with a sigh, and he took another look around.
“When I became a member of the council, I wanted nothing more than to restore the places that suffered most during the Great War. This place wasn’t a priority, but I was so confident I could eventually restore this city and bring the best of both worlds to it. Then...then this all happened.”
Aries stood up and moved deeper onto the stage.
“The Catalysts will answer for this crime, Aries. I assure you when the Human Legion finally decides to rise and-”
“The Human Legion is part of the problem!” snapped Aries.
His voice echoed across the walls, leaving Drasius in a state of slight shock.
“It’s not just the Legion...” Aries said, looking down in angry, his fist clenched tightly around the top of his cane. “It’s the whole damn human race...”
Aries began to pace, all of his anger, all of his frustrations being vented out as he did.
“Humans, just look at what they’ve done. When the city needs more than ever for a species to come together and fight against a common enemy, they end up fighting amongst themselves. You’ve seen it, Drasius, I know you have. The fights, the riots, the desire for the strongest to survive, the survival of the fittest! Humans should be working together to defeat the Catalysts! Humans should be uniting, not being selfish, and taking everything they can for themselves. The weak die, the strong survive. Mark my words, this is the route the Challenge will take. The strong betraying the weak, the lost taking advantage over those they become jealous by. Those who survive will be those who are smart, cunning, loyal, and above all else, fearless of what awaits in the darkness of the future.”
Drasius kept his attention on Aries all that time, taking in every word, not moving a muscle physically, facially, at all. When he was certain Aries was finished talking, he looked away, in deep thought.
After a few moments, Drasius stood up and turned to Aries.
“I can understand your view. I still would like to have faith in humanity however. I believe that one day the humans in this city will rise up and as you say, unite to face the Catalysts. This Challenge has thrown the course of the future astray. Right now, people don’t know what to do, but I feel the right people will proceed to take control of the power you fear is being used right now.” smiled Drasius. He clenched his fist and raised it.
“I aim to be one of those people, Aries. I’ll do whatever I can to restore your faith in humanity, no matter the cost.”
Aries was grateful for the reply, the encouragement. He was not including Drasius in the list of people he spoke of, for he was not one of the people out there who were harming the weak. He was here in fact, protecting the weak, at least to him. Aries was a strong warrior still deep down, he could handle himself in battle just find due to his continued connection to the Sixth Sense, but for Drasius, this was a young man helping an elderly gentleman. It was those kinds of people that would restore hope. Aries would do his part too, and he walked over to Drasius, returning his smile and placing his hand on his shoulder.
“You’re a good boy, Drasius. Your father would be proud of the warrior you’ve become. He would be proud to see you taking this stand. He is with you wherever you go, as will I.” Aries assured him.
Drasius bowed his head in gratitude, and then looked back to the entrance to the hallways.
“Then let us continue! We still have the lower levels to investigate and secure. I don’t believe we will be leaving this place with empty minds.” With that, Drasius climbed down the stage and began to make his way back up to the hallways. Aries followed, taking a little longer, but grateful that he seemed to have a strong ally in the Catalyst Challenge.

* * *

Their search led them down to the lower level of the theatre. In comparison to the upstairs, the difference was clear. The top level of the theatre, despite the worn and torn look, still maintained a deep level of cleanliness it had been known for in the past. The marble shined, the carpets still seemed neat in most places, and even the stages seemed almost untouched as if a performance could be held right now tonight. The lower level however, bore a much different tale. It was much darker. There were no windows to let in light down here, and whatever internal power source had been used to light the place had run its course. It was so dim, with the rot of wood slowly transitioning over marble, giving it a blackened tone as opposed to the smooth white. The carpets were all but dissolved from the years, and throughout the lower level lay a combination and a maze of cobwebs. Insects lived here now, but even then, there was no sound apart from one.
What Aries had expected to hear, was the sound of tiny legs scattering around in fear as two beings invaded their home, but instead all Aries could hear was a slight buzzing noise. As soon as they reached the bottom of the steps, Aries felt the hairs on his neck stand. He felt cold, as if he had passed through some form of barrier, not like the one above, a colder climate had now taken hold. Drasius turned to him as he made his way down.
“I feel it. You were right, there’s something down here but...”
“You can’t explain the feeling quite, can you?” replied Aries, who stepped ahead.
It was now that Aries stood up straight, his cane gripped tightly still, but now with one hand, lifting it slightly off the ground. In a swift motion, Aries revealed a thin silver blade, hidden within his simple walking aid. He held the cane now by his right side, while he held his blade tightly in his left.
“We should use extreme caution, I’ve never felt something like this before. It could be dangerous.” he advised.
He heard a blade draw behind him, and now Drasius stood right by him, his Human Legion Broadsword at the ready, and a strong stern look of determination on his face.
“Luckily for you, you have a Captain of the Legion Guard by your side. If someone is disrupting the peace, they won’t stand a chance against our combined might.” The talk was one used to rouse troops, not that Aries needed it, but Drasius' words certainly filled Aries with equal desire to do good. They both walked down into the hallway, swords drawn, two warriors side by side.
Something was casting some form of light down here. It should have been pitch black, yet it was not. As they moved down further, they noticed the chill in the air grow thicker, the noise growing louder, and ahead, something was beginning to come into view.
The closer they approached, the more their eyes managed to take in. Some form of smoked mist was now starting to seep towards them from the ground, coating the marble with a white yet purple substance.
“By the Gods themselves...” Aries began.
Drasius stared up at the sight they had now arrived at, a complete loss for words on his face.

Before them stood a large black hole, with strange purple lines spreading across it, reaching around the outer perimeter. It was a thick purple glow around the circumference, bubbling, fluctuating, beating like an organ. The buzzing noise whirled around them both, as they stared into the dark cold abyss of what seemed to be a form of gateway.

“What is this?” said Drasius as he reached forward. Aries cane suddenly snapped ahead of his hand, causing him to stop.
“This is of no magic origin.” proclaimed Aries as he stepped forward. He had never felt something like this, but with his knowledge of the elements, in the air he could taste a strange taste indeed. It was cold, hard to the tongue, and as he smacked his lips he sneered.
“Metal...”
“Metal?” replied Drasius in confusion.
Aries looked around, and with a swift nod he turned back to the gateway.
“This is Catalyst Technology...”

* * *

Aries and Drasius sat back on the stone steps to the Convex Theatre, taking in what they had seen. Neither of them had thought it best to venture inside because, after enough thought on the matter, they realised what they had found.
“You really think it’s in there then?” asked Aries.
Drasius nodded. “Positive. Taking in the information given on the first day, High Lord Catalyst Hinoros said the machines were hidden throughout the city, and that we must take them on, one by one.”
Drasius now stood up, pacing back and forth, scratching at his chin.
“These gateways, most likely lead to these machines. Whether they are all there, or whether there is only one, obviously we do not know. But I do believe this is a part of their Catalyst Challenge.” he declared.
Aries rubbed his eyes, thinking back he had heard of many different pieces of Catalyst technology over the years. As a member of the Council he had been given details on the machine announcement, never on the machines themselves, but some form of information nonetheless.
“I remember once, we were told the Catalysts were going to be using huge surges of energy around the city to activate some form of teleportation device. When they succeeded, they claimed they wanted to test things further, a way to not just form pathways to parts of our world, but parts of others, if they were out there.” explained Aries. He remembered the documents well. Drasius quickly ran and knelt towards him. 
“This can be the start of it, Aries.”
“The start of what?” he asked suspiciously.
“The start of humanity’s redemption! We’ve found the first step, and now we need to take the next! We can send out a call, a message across the Districts, spread the word that we may have found the location of the first machine. A call to as many warriors as we can, to come and defend the city. As you said yourself, the Human Legion, they are a part of the problem. They’re not defending the city, trust me I know that. But we can kick-start the revolution that will bring order back to the city!” said Drasius.
Aries looked up at who he saw as a young man and blinked in shock.
“You’d...you’d be willing these people? Even those who have done wrong, you wouldn’t be getting worshippers of peace for this.”
Drasius nodded as he put his hand on Aries’ shoulder.
“I am willing to play my part in defying our masters. Those who come, they’ll help defend this city, I know it. Trust me, Aries, when all said and done, the warriors of tomorrow, the future saviours will come and stand by us. And if we fall, they’ll continue, inspiring others.” Drasius gave a large grin.
It was hard to argue with such an inspiring voice, and as Aries stood, he also placed his hand on Drasius’ shoulder.
“Then you’ve found your first recruit. I shall join you in this quest to defy the Catalysts, and destroy the machine.”
“If it’s in there, that is.” Drasius joked.
Aries couldn’t help but laugh in response. The two left the scene that day, debating on how to go about rallying people to their cause. Drasius was certain there were hired warriors out there who would heed the call. The soldiers of the Legion didn’t just live in Military District, they were scattered across Convexity, some of them would surely heed the call too.
Drasius knew that there would be people who came to this future meeting, who would go on to become great warriors and pioneers of the Challenge. Those who would come to this and every future meeting against a machine. Those who would not rest until the Catalyst Challenge was completed...
Aries was counting on those who would come, to prove they were not selfish cowards like ones he had seen so far. Should one defy his wishes however, he would be sure to make their life hell for their what was in his eyes, treachery...

This was the day, the first machine was found.

Next Time:

Edge’s Story

The Bandit Break-In Part II