tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996611279627003882024-03-13T23:06:41.891-07:00DescendenceTheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-60468484768511627612020-06-03T06:56:00.001-07:002020-06-03T06:56:58.619-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #13 - Edge & Crystal's Story: The Perfect Pair<div style="text-align: center;">Descendence</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Catalyst Stories</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Edge & Crystal’s Story</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Perfect Pair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaCSAvKZDm8/Xter0W11_OI/AAAAAAAABHw/VnqMJDc6ITAs5asC7i5T_yGMvmYbrlWFQCK4BGAsYHg/The%2BPerfect%2BPair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="815" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaCSAvKZDm8/Xter0W11_OI/AAAAAAAABHw/VnqMJDc6ITAs5asC7i5T_yGMvmYbrlWFQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/The%2BPerfect%2BPair.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Previously On The Catalyst Challenge:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Day 14: </div><div style="text-align: center;">The Meeting At Convex </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Edge travels to Northern District to attend a meeting that claims to have located the first machine. Upon arriving at the Convex Theatre, Edge finds out this rumour is true. A meeting led by Drasius Porter discusses that they have located a Dimension Portal in the bowels of the building, and inside may house the first of twenty-five Catalyst machines.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When posed to find groups to create strategies, Edge meets Crystal Inos. Being a two-warrior team, they are assigned to Drasius’ team, which includes Aries Ziller, and Ray Harvesnar. During this meeting, Aries expresses his distaste of selfish humans, and Ray expresses his desire to achieve freedom by any means.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Day 15: </div><div style="text-align: center;">The First Machine - Catalyst RUIN </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drasius leads a group of close to one hundred humans into the depths of the Convex Theatre, where they all cross into the Dimension Portal. Upon entering the other side, they arrive in a pure white room with bright travelling blue lights. Waiting for them on the other side is the first of twenty-five machines, Catalyst RUIN. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The first stage of the Catalyst Challenge begins as these warriors take on the might of RUIN. As the fight progresses, many are slain by the machine, but they are able to exploit its weaknesses and begin to gain the upper hand. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Willing to put his life on the line, Drasius suffers a fatal hit from the machine, and on the verge of death, pleads with Edge to do whatever it takes to get the humans to band together and defeat the Catalyst Challenge.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Together, Edge, Crystal, Ray, Aries, and many other warriors destroy RUIN, with Edge landing the final blow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the aftermath, Edge creates the lie of believing the humans will never be able to defeat the machines after this display of combat today. He challenges everyone present to prove him wrong, and that they cannot hope to achieve his level of strength. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The humans, now united in proving him wrong, brand Edge as ‘The Mercenary.’</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>‘Day 16’</div><div> </div><div>Crystal woke up earlier than most of the other warriors, yet she had opted for a lay-in due to the circumstances of what happened yesterday.</div><div>After defeating Catalyst RUIN, a group of warriors who had attended decided it be best if anyone who would struggle to return to their homes, stay at the theatre for the night.</div><div>Most of it had been in celebration, which Crystal had decided to keep out of mostly. The only time she joined in was when the remnants raised a toast to the life of Drasius. Out of respect for what he had started, Crystal had raised her hand to him. His death had kick-started a revolution, in the long run, he had unknowingly set her and others on a path.</div><div>There were a few moments she thought about that strange man she had met. Edge hadn’t stayed, he seemed to have gone off back home after the battle. Crystal had briefly caught up with him in the foyer, where he seemed happy about the act he committed. She had seen right through him, realising quickly that Edge had created a lie in telling the humans they stood no chance in the future. The atmosphere that night had been filled with warriors wanting to prove him wrong, and even more threatening talk. But Edge’s lie had ignited a fire in all of them, but it wasn’t his lies that ignited Crystal.</div><div>The way he seemed to handle himself was strange. Crystal had only looked into his eyes a few times, but whenever she had, she felt the same emotions she shared deep down. She was looking at a scared man who didn’t feel completely in control of his actions, and who had seen things already that would scar him for years to come. She felt just like that, maybe that was why she hadn’t outright rejected his proposal of teaming up against the machine.</div><div>The battle itself had taught Crystal that she could indeed stand with a blade by her side. While her technique wasn’t perfect, it was already leagues better than most. She was one of those still alive at least.</div><div>But waking up that morning in the same theatre room she had attended the meeting, Crystal didn’t waste time in gathering her things and making her way back to Rich District. Alex was probably worried sick about her, she’d been gone for about two days now. She hadn’t expected it to take this long, she didn’t expect time to prepare.</div><div>News spread far across Convexity even before the barrier had been raised, and as Crystal walked down the streets of Northern District, she could see people emerging from their homes, beginning to talk to their neighbours. </div><div>“Did you hear? The first machine was in the theatre!”</div><div>“I know, I heard a group of people actually managed to take it down.”</div><div>“Julie’s son went there, but I don’t know if he came back.”</div><div>“Oh, I hope he does.”</div><div>Despite the solemn feel, Crystal gave a small smile to herself as she overheard the glimmers of hope in people’s voices. As she drew closer to the District gate, which led straight into Rich District, a sight caught her eyes that filled her with worry. </div><div>The gate was closed, but it seemed to be around midday right now. There were Human Legion guards posted by the gate, all in full uniform. Crystal hadn’t seen any wearing full military gear in a few weeks. There was a group of people standing around too, observing and chattering amongst themselves. While Crystal couldn’t get around to the front, she moved forward and tapped someone’s shoulder. They turned around curious of her actions.</div><div>“Sorry to bother you, but what’s going on?” she asked. </div><div>The woman seemed to relax at the question and told Crystal the situation.</div><div>“They’ve put all District connections on lockdown. Legion orders apparently, from the big guys.” she explained.</div><div>Crystal looked back up at the gate. They were locking down any connection to Districts? Did that mean she was now stuck here in Northern District? That wasn’t good, especially given what had happened. Come to think of it, was what happened yesterday why this had happened?</div><div>Crystal knew she wouldn’t be able to persuade Legion guards, or get close to talk to them, and even then the answer wouldn’t be much different. Turning back, Crystal huffed in frustration as she started to make her way back into the District.</div><div>How was she going to get home now? If the link to Northern and Rich was locked, she didn’t have much else to go. But as she left, her ears perked up at someone’s words.</div><div>“Ah, screw this. I heard they didn’t lock down the gate that leads to the Catalyst District. Might as well risk that route...” </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>Crystal had taken that civilian upon their words. She didn’t travel with anyone, but at this rate, the only way she was getting home was to travel across the In-Between Points that led to Rich District. </div><div>As the civilian said, the gate between Northern and Catalyst District wasn’t being guarded, and Crystal wasn’t the only one leaving as she did. Others were scrambling through quickly in case their exit was blocked, where they were going, Crystal didn’t care. As she watched them follow the road down towards Catalyst District, Crystal darted between the mass of forest trees on her right. She then dived deep into the In-Between Point in the city, hoping to move through quickly to get home. </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>Edge woke up in the contents of his old bedroom, in his old home, where he had been staying with his sister, Lunar. </div><div>Being back here felt like a regression, and Edge was still honestly recovering from the previous day. How could he have been so stupid to put such a mark on his back like that? When Drasius had begged him with his final breath to unite the humans, he couldn’t possibly have meant this.</div><div>The truth was Edge knew this was the better option deep down. Humans fed off the negativity of others, whether it was to send them down that same path or to try and prove that negativity wrong. Edge knew he had made some enemies in that room, but now it was time for them to prove him wrong. He just hoped that was the worst of what would come of things. Being proven wrong was exactly what he wanted, nothing more, nothing less.</div><div>Edge didn’t want to spend too much more time back here at home. Part of him had prayed Lunar would be waiting inside, but instead, all he had found was a home now trashed with goods stolen. </div><div>While he believed he should have been here to protect it, Edge also wanted to get as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to leave Northern District, get back home and away from the likes of people like that Aries. </div><div>While Edge had proven Aries’ point yesterday, he knew Aries had also lost a dear friend in that fight. It was a conflicting thought when it came to all that. </div><div>Edge packed up his things, and with his sword by his side, he left the old house. Maybe one day he’d be able to come back, but he hoped that day never came.</div><div>Leaving the house gave Edge a feeling of emptiness despite his better living conditions in Rich District. Still no sign of Lunar, but Edge expected entirely now that she was outside the city limits with Sparda. They were probably together right now.</div><div>“No, don’t think about that.” Edge thought to himself as he opened the front gate and began to make his way through the streets towards the gate to Rich District.</div><div>Like many others, Edge was met with the news of a major lockdown. Luckily for him, Edge already knew a route he could take. He’d need to diverge into the In-Between Point, and that would get him back around to Rich District. </div><div>He tried not to stick around, just in case anyone from yesterday was nearby. If someone recognised him, he didn’t need that trouble either way.</div><div>Edge left quickly, exiting out into the roads between Northern District and Catalyst District. </div><div>Part of him was curious to see what the days had done to that place, where it had all started. But instead, he took his detour into the forests around him. There was no telling how bad it could be in there...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>How had Crystal gotten herself into something like this?</div><div>She was panting, her thin longsword drawn and poised ahead of her. Also ahead of, a snarling, saliva teeth dripping wolf. It held its body up high, its grey fur almost standing as it growled at Crystal. If she hadn’t heard the rustle of the environment around her, the wolf would have made short work of her. No harm had come to her body, her quick movements had caught the predator slightly off guard, but now they were at a standoff. </div><div>Crystal felt the urge to just take off and run, but she couldn’t hope to outpace the wolf’s four-legged sprint if she tried. A large bark caused her to step back in slight fear. She had fought a machine yesterday, and now she was almost cowering over a wolf? But she was all alone here, there were no longer many humans around her who shared the same opponent. She had no way to drawback without opening herself to death. </div><div>But in her mind now, Crystal remembered that if she was to die, then it would be as a warrior. Her brow lowered as she stepped back forward, thrusting her sword forward slightly to the wolf, as a warning. It raised its head, following the weapon, but it did not stutter back, instead, it barked again, before leaping forward towards her. With a swift dive, Crystal rolled by the wolf’s pounce, raising herself quickly as the wolf turned back to its prey. It bounced forward again to her, swiping with its paw. Crystal raised her blade, the paw crashing against the flat side of the blade. With another snarl, the wolf’s jaw moved to wrap itself around her sword. </div><div>Crystal felt it pull and tug away at her strength. It was like holding a toy for a playful dog, except this was no game. The jaw and teeth tightened as Crystal felt the wolf shake its head in anger, trying to pry away that defense. It was successful, and Crystal yelped as her sword left her hand. She fell back in shock, landing just in time to see the wolf turning back to her. She noticed trickles of blood leaking from its mouth it had not been phased by the potential and dealt pain. As the wolf drew back ready to pounce on its now open opponent, Crystal felt a slight tear rise in her eye. </div><div>This was the end for her now, but deep down, the knowledge she had at least tried to survive this Challenge, maybe this wasn’t too bad...</div><div>The wolf barked as it moved to pounce and Crystal shut her eyes tight as she embraced death...</div><div> </div><div>Crystal heard the sound of a roar, but then it was joined by another sound, a voice, that grew loud. She then heard the wolf yelp, and whine, before hearing the sound of steel thrusting itself into flesh. Then there was only silence. </div><div> </div><div>She didn’t open her eyes straight away, just in case. Footsteps approached her and when she finally opened her eyes, she saw someone step close to her. </div><div>Crystal saw a hand extend itself towards her. As she looked up, the light through the tree blocked her vision a bit, that was until the figure blocked the light. </div><div>“Need a hand?” </div><div>It was that man from yesterday, and the day before at the theatre. Edge was his name, Crystal remembered. She didn’t expect to see him again so soon. He was extending his hand to her, he must have been the one who had arrived and taken care of that predator. With slight reluctance but grateful for his help, she took his hand. </div><div>As Edge helped her up, she swept her hair back. Crystal noticed the wolf a few feet away from them. It was bleeding, clearly deceased, a large mark, no doubt where Edge’s sword had been plunged deep inside. </div><div>“You okay?” </div><div>Crystal’s head snapped back to Edge, who seemed a little confused as if he was trying to remember something. </div><div>“Huh? Yeah, thanks. Thanks for, dealing with that thing.” she muttered. </div><div>Edge looked back at the wolf. “Oh, no problem. Wasn’t too bad, seemed focused on you.”</div><div>He looked back and they both stared at one another for a moment. </div><div>“Something in your eye?” Crystal asked. </div><div>Edge shook his head as he seemed to come back to his sense. “No, sorry...” He then stood up straight as he put away his sword. </div><div>“Crystal, right?” he said. </div><div>Crystal nodded with a small smile. “Nice to know you remember me, Edge.” </div><div>Edge gave a small amused huff before looking around. </div><div>“You on a hunt or something?” </div><div>Crystal shook her head as she passed by Edge now, moving to pick up her sword. “Nope. Just trying to get home.” Crystal picked up her sword, which was stained slightly in the blood of the wolf’s mouth. </div><div>“Which way is home for you then?” asked Edge.</div><div>Crystal gave him a raised brow as she turned. “Bit of a personal question, don’t you think?”</div><div>Edge stepped back and raised his hands. “Oh no, not like, I just meant, maybe you’re going the same way as me?” he replied. </div><div>Crystal tried not to smile at his stutter, she was really only playing around. </div><div>“I was heading back to Rich District. The whole place is on lockdown so, figured I’d cut through here. Thought it would be safe.” </div><div>Edge nodded as he looked a little brighter all of a sudden. “Well, I’m heading to Rich District too.”</div><div>“You live there?” she asked.</div><div>“Sure do.”</div><div>“Really?” </div><div>Edge raised his brow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”</div><div>“Nothing. Just, you don’t look...”</div><div>“Rich?”</div><div>“I wasn’t going to say that...” muttered Crystal.</div><div>Edge shook his head with a smile. “It’s fine. I actually come from Northern, but I grew up in the Rich District. Family had a place there, so I’m staying there.” </div><div>Crystal nodded as she put her sword away in its sheath. </div><div>“Oh right. Were they okay with you coming out here to take on that machine?” she asked. </div><div>She saw Edge falter for a moment, his smile vanishing as he looked down. </div><div>“Sorry. Are they-”</div><div>“No. They’re outside I think, outside the barrier I mean. I think they got out.” he replied quickly. </div><div>There was a moment of silence as they both looked down. “I’m sure they’re okay.” assured Crystal.</div><div>Edge nodded. </div><div>Stretching her arms now, Crystal began to walk by Edge again, back the way she had been heading before the wolf had attacked. “Well, I better be going. Thanks, for dealing with the wolf, I guess I’ll-”</div><div>“You sure you don’t want help, getting home?” Crystal’s eyes locked onto Edge’s own. </div><div>“You don’t think I can take care of myself?” she asked.</div><div>Edge shook his head in response. “Not saying that. But, two blades are better than one these days, as long as its someone you trust.”</div><div>Crystal gave him an odd look. “You barely know me.”</div><div>“You know how to handle yourself though. For someone who isn’t an official warrior, you showed that machine a thing or two.” </div><div>Crystal nodded her head in a sarcastic manner. </div><div>“And we’re heading the same way, although I’d recommend maybe not going this route now.” Edge pondered, looking at the dead wolf.</div><div>“Why’s that?” asked Crystal.</div><div>Edge’s eyes were still clinging to the wolf, a memory flashing through his mind of the first night. “I’ve dealt with wolves before. One alone means others might not be too far off. We’d be risking a family gathering if we stayed in the In-Between Point.” he explained.</div><div>“I never even said if I was tagging along with you.” Crystal reminded him. </div><div>Edge proceeded to shrug, which caught her a little off guard suddenly. Before she knew it, he was already walking away. </div><div>“Have it your way then. Just be careful if you’re going to keep moving.”</div><div>As Edge began to vanish through the trees, Crystal felt the daunting feeling of the forest surround her again, and in that spur of the moment, she felt her feet move as if by themselves while calling out.</div><div>“Hey, wait up!”</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>Knowing there were wolf packs out there meant that Edge had to travel to the one place that deep down still drove fear through his heart. Even with Crystal by his side, the unknown situation that was the Catalyst District made his palms sweat.</div><div>Crystal didn’t seem too keen on travelling inside that District either, but it was like she said.</div><div>“We don’t know when the Districts will open again, and I don’t really want to stay hanging around in Northern District.” </div><div>Others may have taken that as an insult of a rich girl claiming it was too poor a setting, but Edge saw it more as a need to distance themselves from what had transpired yesterday. Yet they still tried to make conversation to distract themselves from what was coming.</div><div>“There was a toast in Drasius’ honour last night. I can’t believe he sacrificed himself like that.” sighed Crystal.</div><div>The memory of his death flashed through Edge’s head, how Drasius had asked him to unite the humans...what Edge had become in the process.</div><div>“Drasius knew what he was getting into. He was a soldier, we all knew what could happen.” Edge replied. </div><div>“Yeah. Who knows when we’ll find the next machine.”</div><div>Edge had wondered on that briefly too. The Dimension Portal was claimed to have vanished as soon as every human exited the room where the machine had been destroyed. Did that mean it would re-open there again when the next machine was ready? There had been no sign of the second machine while they were inside that strange space. With the District lockdown as well, it could be out there right now, waiting to be found and entered.</div><div>“We’ll just have to wait to see the results of this lockdown. Word travels fast in Convexity, it didn’t take that rumour of the meeting long to spread. Hopefully, the proper authorities start getting involved now.” Edge hoped. </div><div>Both of them stood at a stop as they reached the entrance to Catalyst District. Along the outer metal white wall, they could see the vast amounts of graffiti that had been sprayed across. </div><div> </div><div>“TRAITORS”</div><div>“CATALYST SCUM”</div><div>“HUMANS RULE”</div><div>“KEEP OUT! KEEP SAFE!”</div><div> </div><div>“That’s a charming one.” mocked Crystal, pointing at a piece of writing above the entrance. Edge looked up, squinting slightly to make out the mess of the chosen font. When he realised what it said, he looked back down. A bit too vulgar for his liking. He simply began to walk into the District. There was no other option now, they just had to go inside. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>In Northern District, there had been up-sided vehicles, homes broken into, goods and garbage scattered across the street. But that all looked tame compared to the state of Catalyst District now.</div><div>It was clear that whatever riots and scrambles had occurred after the announcement that day, had continued within these streets. The many high rising skyscrapers all bore broken windows, their glass laying scattered and shattered among the roads. Fire hydrants on the corners of roads ripped from the ground, but no water issued from its contents. Cars and vans that had been stripped or parts, destroyed, burnt. The whole District seemed to scream as if it was now a danger zone. </div><div>The memories of that first day came back to haunt both Edge and Crystal as they proceeded to make their way into this once great city. Upon entering, both of them noticed the easiest route they could take was blocked off. Some sort of explosion must have gone off, because the building to their right had completely crumbled away, creating a mesh of stonework that lay across the road and piled back up against the outer wall. It meant they’d at least need to move down the street. </div><div>“Wonder what happened there.” said Crystal as they passed the wreckage. </div><div>“Lots of things happened that day.” Edge replied. </div><div>Crystal gave off a sombre look as they moved down the street. “Nothing says it happened on that day...”</div><div>They came to a crossroads up ahead, and as Crystal continued to walk down the centre of the road, Edge made his move towards the right side of the pavement. Crystal shot him an odd glare until he ushered her over. Both of them were now against the wall, and they edged their way to the corner of the street. </div><div>“Why are you acting so-” Crystal’s mouth was shut as Edge held his hand up. While she wanted to call him out on his rudeness, she could tell by his face something serious had caught his attention. </div><div>Edge was peaking around the corner, taking note of the sight. The road to the right, people were standing there. Unlike Crystal, who in her cropped brown jacket and bright blue jeans seemed quite well kept, they appeared more like Edge, or rather a more drastic version of his attire.</div><div>A group of men wearing black and brown coats, which some seemed to been torn to shreds. They didn’t seem to match clothing-wise, but everywhere Edge looked, something was cut from each piece. But they were also talking, debating. </div><div>“We’ve been here all day, the whole place is picked clean!”</div><div>“You’ve looked in a few damn stores. It’s only been two weeks, no way this place is picked clean you idiot. Keep searching!” </div><div>Edge leaned back around to face Crystal. </div><div>“Looks like we might need to take a detour.” he suggested. </div><div>Crystal, however, had a stern look now. “Or we could, you know?” </div><div>“I don’t know...what are you suggesting?” Edge asked in confusion.</div><div>Crystal made a notice with her hands. “Take them out.”</div><div>Edge almost scoffed as he peaked back around to see if the group was heading their way. Luckily they were heading down the street. </div><div>“Just because we took out a machine, doesn’t mean we’re invincible.” he replied. </div><div>Crystal huffed and crossed her arms. “But we’ll be in here longer.” she complained.</div><div>Edge tapped his nose with a small grin. “Longer, but safer. We’ll try and find a way around them.” Edge could already tell by those voices these men were no peacekeepers. They seemed dirty, shoddy, and unwell in places. Edge has his suspicions of where they came from, and he didn’t want to get involved. </div><div>When the coast seemed clear, Edge and Crystal jogged across the street and headed deeper into the centre of the District.</div><div>They made their way around twisting roads, underneath highway passes, and even darted through the occasional alleyway. Edge made sure they didn’t travel in a straight path for too long. Either way, this whole trek was a risk. They could be caught by the wrong people at any moment. </div><div>Edge wondered if anyone still lived in the city, there were plenty of places to stay, but at the same time, he understood if the outer limits of the city, which was where they were right now, were more baron. It was reinforced whenever they passed a broken window that showed the unfortunate case of someone’s body hanging over the windowsill. </div><div>Even though she made no effort to mention it, Edge could hear the occasional noise of sadness from Crystal. He didn’t want to see death either, but after the previous day against Catalyst RUIN, he’d seen a fair enough share.</div><div>Moving through another alleyway, he noticed Crystal catch up alongside him.</div><div>“Are you sure you know your way through here?” she asked, her head darting around. </div><div>Edge nodded to reassure her. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t have gone so far in if I didn’t know.” The truth was he didn’t know, but he knew they weren’t lost. But just in case that result came into view, Edge started to pace them to head to the outer wall of the city. If they could reach that, then they’d be able to simply follow it around to the exit that would lead them to Rich District. Of course, then it was a deciding factor on whether they went through the In-Between Point canyons, or travelled through to Western District. If it was a city-wide lockdown then they’d have to travel through the canyons, which Edge wasn’t fond of that idea, but it may be their only choice.</div><div>As they turned the corner, they bore witness to an empty road. “Okay this way, should be a few more blocks till we reach the exit.” Edge said. With Crystal right behind him, they continued their walk, but as they reached the bottom of the road, they both froze. </div><div>“We’ll check a few more streets and then-”</div><div>A group of men, similarly dressed to the ones Edge had seen earlier, had entered their road. As soon as they caught the eyesight of Edge and Crystal, they stopped. For a moment there was an exchange of each party observing what was in front of them, and then their seeming leader walked forward. He had brown hair poking out of a dark grey bandanna that covered his head.</div><div>“My, my, what are you two doing out here?” he asked with a sneer. Edge wasn’t sure how to react, did he just tell them the truth?</div><div>“We’re just making our way back to our home District, that’s all.” piped up Crystal. She’d answered for him, but the response was the one Edge dreaded.</div><div>“I see. So where you both from then? Bit well dressed for the Eastside, ain’t ya?” he grinned. His buddies behind him began to snicker and chatter, not enough for either Edge or Crystal to hear.</div><div>“We’re from-”</div><div>“We’re from the West District.” said Edge. Crystal shot him a quick look, but Edge stood his ground. These guys were looters, and if they knew the destination was Rich District, then that might give them enough reason.</div><div>“Dressed pretty well for it, well one of them anyway.” called back one of the other men in the group. </div><div>Crystal felt her body shivered as she saw the man study her body, from head to toe. </div><div>“Yeah, one of you is quite the looker, the other could do with some new clothes. Then again, we could too.” laughed their leader.</div><div>Crystal was trying hard not to respond in disgust, whereas Edge stepped forward. </div><div>“We need to get moving so if you wouldn’t mind-”</div><div>The leader rushed up to Edge now, putting his hand on his chest, and while not forcefully pushing back, wasn’t allowed Edge to keep walking either.</div><div>“Hey what’s the rush, buddy? Look I get it, nice guy like yourself wanting to impress your date over there, but the big boys are here now.” he said.</div><div>Edge’s brow furrowed down to him now, insulted by what he had just implied. Crystal, on the other hand, poked her head around Edge’s shoulder. </div><div>“We’re not actually together, like, we're not a thing.” </div><div>Edge closed his eyes with a small sigh. The group of men suddenly seemed to perk up. </div><div>“Oh I see, so you’re single then?” piped up their leader, as he began to move around Edge, towards Crystal. </div><div>As he did, Edge could hear Crystal stepping back and stuttering slightly. “W-well, yeah but, that’s not-”</div><div>The leader’s smirk vanished quickly as now, Edge’s hand reached out and pushed against his chest. He stumbled back lightly as he shot Edge a glare now.</div><div>“What er...what do you think you’re doing there, buddy?” he asked.</div><div>Edge stood in front of Crystal, now putting his arm in front of her, shielding her.</div><div>“Take that as a warning. We just want to pass through, no trouble.” he urged.</div><div>The group of men were slowly making their way towards them both now, some of them with hands behind their back. </div><div>The leader gave a sly grin as he bought up a small knife from behind his back. </div><div>“Sorry, buddy. But you’ve gone and found trouble now. I’d walk away solo if I were you, unless-”</div><div>“Unless what?” Crystal had stepped beside Edge now, drawing her sword and aiming it at the bandit. As he stepped back, his allies all revealed small weapons of their own, pacing towards him.</div><div>“Wrong move little lady.” he snarled. They began to try and surround Edge and Crystal, all giving off small laughter as they drew in close. The numbers caused Crystal to falter back slightly, leaving Edge to lead again. </div><div>“You can’t take all of us.” smirked the leader.</div><div>Edge simply stared, trying to keep his composure. </div><div>“You’re right, we probably can’t take you all...”</div><div>In his mind, he raced through his emotions. Edge thought back to the past few days. The thieves that had broken into his home, the battle against RUIN, meeting Aries, Ray, and Crystal. He remembered Drasius’ death, being granted the title of the Mercenary. His hand was clenched, and when he took one last deep breath, Edge raised his hand, before opening his palm as he aimed it at the floor. </div><div>“But can you catch us?” A burst of flame soared from Edge’s hand and collided with the concrete road below. The bandits all cried out, as did Crystal, as they leapt back as the flames coated the road. </div><div>Before Crystal could even observe the fire, she felt Edge take her arm. </div><div>“Run!” </div><div>The next moment she felt her legs pick up speed as Edge pulled her around and began to breakneck sprint down the street. When she realised fully what had just happened, she began to join him, quickly catching up as they turned the corner of the road. In the distance, Edge could just make out the voices of the bandits.</div><div>“Bastard! Don’t just stand there! Get after them!” </div><div>“I didn’t know you could use fire magic!” cried Crystal as they continued down the next street. </div><div>“Neither did I!” Edge wheezed, he quickly took her arm again as they darted into an alleyway. </div><div>“Wow, you sure are full of taking risks aren’t you!” Crystal snapped as she let him take her arm. </div><div>The alley was tight, and Edge let Crystal run ahead. He could hear footsteps behind, that group was fast clearly. As Crystal was up ahead, she saw the alley dart in two directions. </div><div>“Which way!?” she cried. </div><div>“Just pick a direction, we’ll deal with it!” Edge called back. </div><div>He looked back in time to see the bandits scrambling to move through the alley. A disadvantage of numbers to be sure. When he looked back, Edge saw Crystal turn left, to which he followed quickly. They appeared on another street, and Edge darted past Crystal as he took the lead again. </div><div>“Good choice!” </div><div>Crystal couldn’t help but grin as she ran to catch up. They continued right down the next street, then took another right. This would take them back down the crossroads they were at when they had run into that ground. </div><div>“Which way now!?” Crystal called out as Edge looked to the left as their destination.</div><div>“Head lef-awe crap!” Edge felt himself skid to a halt as he saw two men appear from beyond the right corner. Two of the bandits had stayed behind to cut them off. Edge felt Crystal bump into him forcefully and as he stumbled he called out.</div><div>“Hey!”</div><div>“Sorry! They’re still following us! Why did you stop-awe crap!” she cried as she noticed the men ahead. </div><div>Edge’s head quickly darted left and right, trying to figure out a way out. There was only one option. </div><div>“Into that building, quick!” Edge pointed to their left, and Crystal noticed a building where the doors seemed to have been blown off of their hinges. She would have argued had it not been for the situation and the fact Edge was already darting inside. Crystal quickly followed, hoping Edge knew what he was doing.</div><div>Neither of them had time to figure out what establishment they had broken through into, but it seemed to be some sort of apartment complex. Edge and Crystal continued their run by heading straight up the stairs. </div><div>“So what’s your plan, get to the top and jump!?” Crystal mocked as Edge looked around on the upper floor. </div><div>“Not exactly...” Edge muttered. </div><div>There were rows of doors that no doubt led to occupation rooms, but the doors to the building itself, they were all wide open. Taking her arm again, Edge moved them inside one of the rooms. He could hear the bandits downstairs as Crystal protested.</div><div>“Stop grabbing me, I know how to run!” she snapped.</div><div>“They’ve gone upstairs, head them off!” </div><div>As they entered the apartment room, Edge let go of Crystal, moving through the living area and hopping over the furniture towards the large glass windows at the other end. He heard the door slam behind him, no doubt Crystal heading the bandits off for a short while. </div><div>Edge ran straight towards the window, and heard Crystal call him out as to what the hell he thought he was doing, but too late. Edge jumped up, attempting to crash through the window to land back down into the streets below. But instead, he felt his body crunch against the window, before he fell back with a grunt. He heard Crystal move past him swearing as she seemed to pick up a small table sitting beside the sofa in the centre of the room. Swinging around, Crystal threw the small table at the window, which shattered instantly, causing the glass to shoot out into the city. Edge got up quickly as he heard the bandits barging away at the door. </div><div>“They’ve barricaded it!”</div><div>“You idiot, you didn’t even try opening it!”</div><div>Edge rushed past Crystal and hopped down to the street. He landed but felt a sure surge of pain in his legs as he did, not enough to hurt them, but he hadn’t been able to stick the landing without throwing his hand into the glass. He turned back and looked up, Crystal was still standing there, just looking down.</div><div>“Crystal! Jump!” </div><div>Crystal stood frozen, it wasn’t even that high, but her sudden anxiety had just taken her over. She couldn’t do it, she couldn’t jump down. The bandits were still trying to get into the room, and then she heard the door burst open. But through all the noise, she looked down and saw Edge, and she could hear his words.</div><div>“Jump! I’ll catch you! You can trust me!”</div><div>Crystal didn’t know what caused her to have faith, but she felt herself hop out of the window just before the bandits could grab her. As she fell, she tried to keep straight and as she landed, she felt Edge catch her. Her head snapped up to meet Edge’s eyes as he caught her, and the two exchanged a quick sigh of relief with a smile, before looking back at the bandits who stood above. </div><div>“Get back downstairs quickly, don’t let them get away. I swear if they do!”</div><div>Edge turned back to Crystal, his hands still on her hips from catching her, and her hands still on his.</div><div>“Let’s go.”</div><div>Crystal nodded and they both began to run again.</div><div> </div><div>Edge continued to try and guide them to the outer walls. They seemed to have lost the bandits, but whether they would manage to catch up was uncertain. Safety lay beyond this District, and Edge was making use of whatever turn he could to aid them.</div><div>Turning down one more alley, Edge thought it wise to lose them further down a wider path. The alley had one turn, to the right. Making it, Edge and Crystal exited out to the street again, but as they turned left down the path to what seemed like a victory, a sight met their eyes that caused them to stop.</div><div>A large wired fence, not an official make, but a wire linked fence coated in barbs. A mash-up of metal links and barbed wire blocked their way out. </div><div>“You’ve got to be kidding me...” groaned Crystal. </div><div>Footsteps behind them caused them to turn. Face to face once again with the bandits. </div><div>“There you are!” sneered the leader as they jogged up towards them. Crystal took a step back, but then she heard the sound of steel leaving a sheath. Looking over, she saw Edge step up, his long blade in hand. </div><div>“Looks like you’re getting your wish. But don’t kill them.”</div><div>Crystal drew her sword. “Seriously? With what they might do to us?”</div><div>Edge closed his eyes as he entered his stance. “They might try, but we’re all in the same situation here. This Challenge will take enough lives on its own, I’d rather not add to that pain.” </div><div>Crystal couldn’t believe she’d never considered that, but still, if she was forced too, she would take a life if it meant hers would be spared. </div><div>There were five bandits in total, which meant someone might have to deal with a higher count, but as the first bandit ran towards Edge, he dashed forward. </div><div>Edge was no strange to fighting human opponents, but not with a blade in his hands. </div><div>But while Edge had created this rule of not killing any human life, he knew the consequences it took to make that move. Sixth Sense Energy was a fascinating thing, and while it strengthened the senses and the body, and strengthened the defense that of a person too. </div><div>Sixth Sense Shielding was a natural function every human in the world had. A shield-like entity that protected the body from lethal harm, but not entirely. The strength of one’s Sixth Sense related to the strength of the shield that would protect them from damage. Should one have a strong Sixth Sense, they would be able to take the most brutal of attacks with no cuts nor wounds. Those with a weaker Sense could very well be cut down in a simple strike. Of course, this shield was not unbreakable. Should enough damage be done, the pain would breakthrough and it could lead to lethal injury or certain death.</div><div>Yet there was a strange addition to the cause of nature.</div><div>Should the intent of killing an enemy be on a person’s mind in combat, then the Sixth Sense Shielding would work as intended. It would do its best to resist the threat of danger until the body could no longer hold out. However, should an engagement be made, and the intent to not kill was there, the shield’s power would be boosted. The Sixth Sense between the attacker and the defender would almost work in unison to achieve the aim of a non-killing combat scenario. Of course, that too would sometimes fail, not everything is perfect.</div><div>But with Edge’s intent so far throughout the Challenge to not kill, that meant, as long as he kept his mind clear and aim true, he could attack with the blade, and inflict no wound onto his opponents. They would feel steel crash against their body, and they would feel pain, but not nearly as much as they would if they had no Sixth Sense Shielding. But Edge also had to be careful, because he didn’t know the strength that these people had. If they were so weak, his blade might just pass through them.</div><div>As the first bandit raised their knife towards him, however, Edge darted forward, blade in hand, and with quick speed, dispatched the attacker in front of him. They were cast back instantly, crying out in shock as they hit the road and clutched at their body, not mortally hurt, but in pain nonetheless. </div><div>As their leader screamed at his allies to attack Edge and Crystal, the three remaining bandits began to close in, their short weapons drawn. </div><div>Edge felt Crystal stand beside him now, her own sword drawn and poised to defend any attack. </div><div>Two bandits attempted a strike, but with the unmatched speed of the Unavenged Sheath, Edge was between them quickly, deflecting their shots. As the third closed in on the centre, Crystal used Edge’s defensive opportunity to create her own. Like water she moved past Edge, thrusting her sword through towards the third attacker, who like the very first who had met his match, was cast back in pain. It left them with two more opponents, and Edge and Crystal took one each, now locked in a short duel.</div><div>Crystal’s opponent was taller, more bulk on his bones, and a harder hitter. His knife had been cast aside by Edge’s deflections before, and now he was attempting to catch Crystal off guard with his fists. She backed away and using her sword to occasionally block against the fists of fury, one block finally caught him off guard. He growled as a small cut was created on knuckles, his Shielding beginning to fail him. Knowing he could die from a potential shot, Crystal’s knee raised itself towards the body, crushing into the lower body. The bandit wheezed as he bent down in gathering his air, but before he could, the hilt of Crystal’s blade came down upon his skull. He was planted into the road, with brandishing her sword with a smile at her victory.</div><div>While the other bandit was still armed, every strike he made was that of desperation. Edge wasn’t even attempting to deflect the strikes, he was simply moving around them, waiting for the right moment. Every swing the bandit’s voice grew louder, more frustrated that Edge seemed to be easily avoiding him. In a scream of fury, the bandit moved to raise his leg, an attempt at a strong kick to knock Edge off-balance. Edge side-stepped the boot, he’d felt too many of those recently, and as he flowed around the bandit, with his blade and swung. His movement created a full three-sixty spin, tilting upwards as he cast the next bandit aside. With the fodder down, all that was left was the bandit leader.</div><div>He looked down at his feeble pocket knife, exchanging his glances at Crystal and Edge’s longswords.</div><div>“We own these streets, we own this place now. I ain’t letting a couple of rich pricks take it from us!” With a cry of anger, he sprinted forwards towards them, and picking his opponent, he chose Crystal. His speed was quite high, so much that Crystal felt herself hesitate only slightly. As he began to thrust his knife rapidly towards her, she felt Edge’s arm push her back. </div><div>His blade knocked the knife away, a look of fury etched across his face as the bandit looked into his eyes. </div><div>Regaining herself after stumbling back, Crystal called forward. </div><div>“Edge!”</div><div>Edge’s stance lowered, it was if something strange had taken him over like he knew what Crystal was about to do. The bandit was stumbling back too as he watched the woman rush over to Edge. Crystal leapt up, her right foot pushing onto Edge’s back. With a slight lift, Edge propelled Crystal up into the air, and as she fell back down, her blade’s tip collided with the thief’s torso, sending him skating back across the road. Crystal landed in almost perfect form, and as Edge stood up, he couldn’t deny he was impressed with her athletic ability.</div><div>But now they both stood in the road, surrounded by groaning bandits, each nursing where they had been hit. </div><div>“Not bad...” wheezed Crystal as she looked around.</div><div>Edge sheathed his sword as he turned to her. “Let’s get out of here.”</div><div>“Yeah.”</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>The rest of their journey was a peaceful one. After leaving the Catalyst District, they were faced with the choice of travelling to either the Western District or through the canyons to Rich District. There was a small debate on which route to take. They both knew the risk of each route, but in the end, they decided to see if the Western District was open in any way.</div><div>Upon arriving at the gates, they discovered the lockdown wasn’t as much in effect as they thought. Both Western District and Rich District were open to travel, and Edge and Crystal began to suspect the Legion had only interfered in creating a lockdown in Northern District due to the fact a machine had been destroyed. </div><div>The travel into Rich District was a quiet one, Crystal had expelled all her energy expressing how thrilling it had been taking on the bandits, whereas Edge had tried to act as natural as he could about the matter, he wasn’t one to display excitement about something like a fight to the death.</div><div>They walked through Rich District together, hearing the murmurs of civilians discussing the news of the machine’s demise. The whole District seemed a bit brighter in general as Crystal expressed her joy to the sounds of hope around them.</div><div>“We still have twenty-four more to go.” Edge reminded her.</div><div>“Alright, spoilsport.” Crystal mocked.</div><div>Their travels met their end at a splitting path, one going right, the other left, and upwards slight climb either route, but each had to take a different one.</div><div>“You sure you live around here, and you’re not just following me so you have a place to stay?” asked Crystal.</div><div>Edge gave an amused scoff as he shook his head. “Nope. I’m taking the left road.” There was a silence between them now. They both gave a light-hearted laugh as they looked down. As Crystal looked up, she swept her hair back out of her eyes.</div><div>“Well, thank you for your help today.” she said.</div><div>“It’s nothing. Two blades are better than one.” Edge replied.</div><div>There was another moment of silence, and then Crystal began to walk backward, away. </div><div>“Maybe I’ll see you again out there. Goodnight, Edge.”</div><div>Edge merely nodded in response, and as Crystal turned away to head up her end of the street, Edge stayed but for a moment. So far in this Challenge, he had been betrayed, robbed, beaten, almost killed, and yet this seemed to be one of the first positives of the Challenge. Crystal just seemed nice. Edge had gained the impression before she wasn’t a warrior, but her skills were nothing to neither knock or brag about. He felt they were both in the same place, and despite everything that had transpired and what it would mean for his future, he did hope he’d meet Crystal again. Edge turned away and began to make his way home, for some well-deserved rest.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>Crystal made her way home quickly, and when she opened the workshop door, she was meant with a tight hug from Alex, who demanded she tell her everything about what had happened. Crystal did exactly that, explaining about the meeting, the machine, and the trip home. </div><div>“Bandits!? Did you take them all out? You go, girl!”</div><div>“Well, it wasn’t just me. I didn’t travel home alone. I had some help.” Crystal expressed, a little smile escaping her. </div><div>“Oh, I see.” Crystal felt Alex nudge her hard, to which she slapped her elbow away. </div><div>“Nothing like that you weirdo. Just another warrior I met at the meeting.”</div><div>Alex decided to drop the conversation point and began to go on about how the past few days had been for her with all the cleaning and how she had finally gone down to the river for a wash. As she spoke, Crystal’s mind occasionally kept drifting. </div><div>Drifting between the machine, the travelling, the thrill of fighting, and the people she had met. </div><div>She did hope to meet Edge again, she felt they were both in the same place. Neither warriors, but people who wished to overcome their fears and help aid in the fight. </div><div>She had been right all along. </div><div> </div><div>Crystal’s place in the Catalyst Challenge was out there on the front line as a warrior.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Next Time:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Red’s Story</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lost Student</div>TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-47015754575224710442020-05-30T08:47:00.000-07:002020-05-30T08:47:56.799-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #12 - Crystal's Story: The Personality Reform Part III & Edge's Story: The RUIN Rumour<div style="text-align: center;">Descendence</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Catalyst Stories</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Crystal’s Story</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Personality Reform Part III</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tzJ3rFw_PM/XtJas710GLI/AAAAAAAABG0/mae2JJxmYVMYXq2v6mukbuxJYy6gW6Z9wCK4BGAsYHg/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tzJ3rFw_PM/XtJas710GLI/AAAAAAAABG0/mae2JJxmYVMYXq2v6mukbuxJYy6gW6Z9wCK4BGAsYHg/s320/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> </div><div>‘Day 12’</div><div> </div><div>With one last sword swing, Crystal stood in the back garden of the blacksmith workshop, the iron short-sword in her hand. For the past four days, she had been training hard in the art of the blade. </div><div>Every blacksmith needed to know how a sword worked before they could make it, which meant the workshop was crammed with many sword training scrolls and books alike. Crystal had read through all of them, non-stop. Whenever she wasn’t outside practising with a sword, she was reading. Constant reading during meals, before bed, when she woke up. Crystal had dedicated herself to becoming this warrior she believed would help her overcome her fear. In four days she didn’t even feel quite like herself anymore.</div><div>The reality was that Crystal no longer cared about anything that was going on. While there was a determination to become stronger with a blade, there was no desire to care about that progress. Nor was there care for her own life. Crystal had been so close to taking her own away from herself, and while she didn’t have the guts to go through with it, thankfully, if a monster or creature of sorts hurt her out there and there was no way out, then so be it.</div><div>If Crystal was going to die, she’d do it on terms out of her control. Be it by a beast, by a person, through lack of skill, balance, lucky, wit, whatever, that would be her end. But she’d fight all the same. She wasn’t going to die afraid, if she was to die in this Challenge, to fail it, she’d do so fighting.</div><div>Swinging the sword one last time, Crystal retained an old guard stance as she took a deep breath. Her eyes weren’t as wide as usual, as if she was forcing them to keep half-closed just to prove how much she didn’t care about this entire situation. As she left her stance, she heard a voice call out behind her.</div><div>“Not too shabby!” </div><div>As Crystal turned her eyes met Alex, who was leaning against the door, complete in her regular and dirty blacksmith apron and gloves. </div><div>“Could have turned a bit on the heel on that last one, but all the same.” she beamed as Crystal approached her. Crystal lay the broadsword by the doorway as she entered past Alex.</div><div>“Is that an actual tip or do you-”</div><div>“Oh I don’t have a clue, but what’s the harm in criticism?” Alex replied jokingly as she followed her inside.</div><div>Crystal brushed her hair back as she walked through the workshop, Alex tailing behind. </div><div>“I’d rather the criticism be legit, Alex. I’m serious about this stuff.” </div><div>“So...it’s not a phase then?” </div><div>Crystal turned back, to see Alex in the centre of the room, twiddling her thumbs.</div><div>“This whole wanting to become a warrior and go out there and progress the actual Challenge phase, I mean.” she muttered.</div><div>Crystal nodded. “Yeah. Going to do my part.” she replied.</div><div>Alex nodded lightly as she looked around the workshop. “I mean, you could do your part here if you wanted to. Just going out there with all this going on is-”</div><div>“I’m not going to sit around here and wait to die, Alex.” Crystal turned away, leaving the workshop room, and Alex, who had a sombre look on her face. </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>Crystal wasn’t one for exercise, but she was trying to at least get some light routines done to build a little extra strength. She would never push herself too hard, while she didn’t care, she wasn’t going to put the odds out of her favour if she did get into a fight. </div><div>She was trying to eat properly again, at least three times a day. Luckily on the supplies front, Crystal and Alex were doing fine for food. They had stocked up every week and had taken every precaution needed if they were broken into. They’d already heard about a band of thieves that were making the rounds on a few places in the North West side of the District, nothing on their side yet though. </div><div>As Crystal finished her brief sit-up routine, she saw her bedroom door open. Standing in the doorway once again, was Alex, who despite the sad look earlier, seemed to be quite focused as she spoke.</div><div>“Can we talk?” she asked. </div><div>Crystal stood up and brushed her hair back again. “What about?”</div><div>“Just, I heard a few things, and if you’re serious about this...you’re serious, right?”</div><div>“I am.”</div><div>“Cool, cool. Then you’ll want to hear what I heard.” nodded Alex. </div><div> </div><div>Both of them made their way into the dining room, where they both pulled up a chair on opposite sides and sat in silence. Alex seemed to be contemplating, going over things in her head, her hands fumbling over one another. </div><div>“So...the other day, when I was on the food run, I brushed past some patrol guards. You know, the ones that aren’t getting paid and all that.” said Alex.</div><div>Crystal nodded as she leaned in.</div><div>“I overheard them talking about this rumour. Now it’s a rumour and I don’t know how much weight it holds, but they were talking about those machines.” explained Alex.</div><div>Crystal’s ears perked up. Her eyes widened and she hung on Alex’s every word from there on out.</div><div>“Someone had been hearing these noises coming from the old Convex Theatre in Northern District. They went inside expecting it was just some people or bandits hanging out there, but they say they found something that might lead to the machines. We’re talking actual progress here, they think they’ve found the first step so to say.” </div><div>Crystal blinked when Alex stopped talking. Could it be true? Could whoever this person was, had they found the first step to completing the Challenge?</div><div>“But this is just a rumour, isn’t it?” asked Crystal.</div><div>Alex nodded. “True, but they did say some of their co-workers had received a call of sorts. Someone going around the Districts and altering Human Legion soldiers about it. They said they had some authority, but I don’t know. It’s a rumour for crying out loud, it might just be a complete waste.” babbled Alex.</div><div>Crystal nodded in response, but her thoughts were deep now. It was the opportunity she had been waiting for, a battle that would determine her fate. Even then the journey could be a risk in itself, travelling from here to Northern District, which was essentially next door, it could either be a short walk, or a long track around almost half the city. But this was what Crystal had been training for these past few days. She’d been trying to grow stronger to fight and meet her fate out there as a warrior as opposed to a coward.</div><div>This presented the best path for her now...</div><div>“So yeah, I just thought it was something to relay to you.” sighed Alex. She didn’t seem to be in a space of mind that said this was the right thing to do. If anything her face now read a clear sign of confliction.</div><div>Taking all of this in, Crystal stood up and as she began to leave the room she thanked Alex for what she had told her.</div><div>“Sorry? What are you going to do then? Cause it’s just a rumour.” </div><div>Crystal turned back with a small smile. </div><div>“Guess I’ll be heading to Northern District to see if it’s true.” She left the room, leaving Alex with quite a look of shock. A few moments past before Crystal’s head suddenly bounced back behind the doorway.</div><div>“Did you happen to hear...when it’s taking place?” she asked.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>‘Day 13’</div><div> </div><div>Crystal made sure to good to bed earlier than usual that night, and when the morning sun breached through the barrier, she was up, dressed, and already eating breakfast by the time Alex wandered in yawning.</div><div>“I would kill for a shower, you know.” she said.</div><div>With her mouth full of food Crystal made a noise of agreement. </div><div>One of the other downsides to being a part of the Catalyst Challenge. A few days after the barrier had spread itself around the city, it caused some sort of disruption in everything. Vehicle travel, electronic equipment, water supplies, all of it seemed to just shut down. There was now no way to travel at a quick pace, the only way to travel now was to walk. There were no sources of light that could be secured from within the majority of households, instead, they could only use a simple solution of candles and matchsticks if they had them. No water supply meant no way to wash, shower, even drink clear water. It was a struggle to adapt to, but there were already steps being taken in Rich District to somewhat regain some feeling of normality.</div><div>Travel was no issue, Rich District didn’t have wide bending roads in which to travel along, it was the oldest District in the city after all. In its constructions, humans hadn’t learned that kind of transportation back then, and when the Convexity began to evolve further, it was only then that transport was taken into account in other Districts.</div><div>Electronics couldn’t be fixed either, so people would just have to resort to simpler times. If anyone had discovered the abilities of fire magic or even the advanced element of light magic, then they were in the best position possible.</div><div>As for running water, the steps had been taken. Rich District was home to a central river, which right now, was the best source of water anyone could get. Right now humans were grasping for a spot by the side of that river, gathering whatever water they could to clean or drink from. It...wasn’t the most healthy option, but they didn’t have much else of a choice.</div><div>All of this meant Crystal and Alex hadn’t showered or washed in about a week. Of course, they had ways to keep their fragrance more inviting, but it was difficult to keep everything clean now with no water.</div><div>“Could always go down to the river though?” Crystal suggested.</div><div>“Oh yeah, because I’m going to risk being looked at by some perv while I wash in public.” scoffed Alex.</div><div>“You could always bring the water back here?” Crystal suggested again.</div><div>“But then it’ll be cold by the time I get back!” replied Alex.</div><div>“It’s already cold, Alex...it’s from the river, it doesn’t have heating.” Crystal groaned.</div><div>The two stopped for a moment, and then a little laugh escaped them both. Even with these dark times, it was a comfort to know they could make one another laugh. As Alex sat down with her breakfast, Crystal had finished, and as she got up to clean her plate, as best as she could, Alex called over to her.</div><div>“Are you actually going?” </div><div>Crystal froze, the patterned white and blue dishcloth in her hands. She squeezed it tight as she tried to clean the crumbs from her meal off.</div><div>“I don’t want to just sit here and be afraid anymore.” she replied slowly.</div><div>The cloth wasn’t enough, and Crystal set the plate down and looked to Alex.</div><div>“I do want your advice on something though.” </div><div>Alex perked up in curiosity. </div><div>“Got a good recommendation for a weapon to take with me?” she asked.</div><div>While she had expected Alex to still look solemn about the idea of her attending this so-called meeting Alex’s smile broke out wide with a sneer.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>“Okay, something for someone your build. I might not know a lot about how to use a sword efficiently, but I know that toy out there isn’t built for your figure.” Alex explained as she rummaged through the workshop.</div><div>“My figure?” Crystal said looking down at herself. </div><div>“Yeah, you know, slim.” </div><div>Crystal gave a high pitched grunt of approval as she joined Alex by a pile of swords she had placed on a workshop table.</div><div>“Okay, okay, okay! Let’s see if there’s anything in here that’s good enough for you.” Alex beamed as she began to look at each sword, one at a time, tossing them aside.</div><div>“Too butch. Too wide. Too long. Too short. Too dirty. Who made this? I didn’t make this, I’m sure I didn’t. Oh no this one is mine, you can’t use this one though.” This went on for more than Crystal had hoped.</div><div>But as the pile began to thin, Alex emerged holding a thin sword. </div><div>“I wonder...” she pondered for a moment, and then looked at Crystal.</div><div>“Want to give this one a shot?” she asked.</div><div>Crystal just wanted to try something at this point, it was the first suggestion so she gladly accepted it.</div><div>They both exited to the garden where Alex got Crystal set up by explaining the sword.</div><div>“Okay, so this is...kind of an experimental blade that I worked on a while back but I didn’t have anyone to test it. But you might just do the trick!”</div><div>As Crystal now held the blade in her hand, she noticed how light it was compared to her training sword. While she believed she had a strong swing, the weight had felt like a negative aspect, but this felt more...right for her style.</div><div>“Range of a longsword, but the finesse of a rapier! Well, in your hands I expect anyway.” </div><div>Crystal gripped the hilt tight, which was lined with a grey thread, comfortable on the hand. The hilt didn’t extend outwards in arms, instead of keeping a clear sign at where the blade began from the hilt. </div><div>“Well? Give it a wave!” Alex urged, her fists clenched tight.</div><div>“Don’t you mean give it a swing?”</div><div>“I don’t see the difference.” </div><div>Crystal gave an amused huff as she entered her stance. Performing a simple sword combo she had read and practised many a time by now, Crystal felt herself almost glide through each movement. Before she had just picked up a random sword and tried to fight but with a blade that had been given to her, as if giving her ownership and making it her property, everything just seemed to flow better now. Upon completing the combo, Crystal turned back to Alex, turning the blade in her hands. Alex’s look gave off the impression she wanted to know right away what Crystal thought of the sword. With a smile, Crystal nodded as she gripped a hold tight. With a jump of glee, Alex bounced over to Crystal to tell her more about the sword. </div><div>“And the best part is, I can take care of it for you! I can polish it up, add some adjustments if you need them, or if I think you need them, you never know!” They returned to the workshop, but as they did, Alex’s tone grew low and sombre again.</div><div>As she shut the door behind them, Crystal put her hands on her hips. </div><div>“Okay, tell me what’s up.”</div><div>“Nothin’.”</div><div>“It’s clearly something. Come on, Alex.” Crystal urged calmly.</div><div>Alex made a small kicking motion while looking down, and as she looked up, Crystal could see what seemed to be a look of fear.</div><div>“Do you have to go out there and see if this rumour is true?” Alex said quickly. She took a step forward. </div><div>“What if it is true? What if they really have found the first machine! You might have to fight it! What if there’s barely anyone there to fight it if you do? What if you die?” Alex began to tremble with clenched fists as she looked down.</div><div>Crystal just stood and listened. She knew deep down Alex had been covering this up, and the closer the time came, the harder it became to hold the feelings back. While Crystal didn’t care for herself, she did care for her best friend. </div><div>“I’m not going to die.” She blinked at her response. It was a big promise to keep at this stage. </div><div>Alex looked up, almost as if she was trying to hold back tears. </div><div>“I don’t want to lose you.” </div><div>“If I thought you would, I wouldn’t go.” Crystal couldn’t sit here and feel like she was being guilt-tripped into staying here, where she didn’t even want to be. She was beginning to realise that deep down a part of her wanted to go back outside into the world, and she didn’t have that chance unless she went out into the city to seek it. </div><div>Crystal took her best friend’s hand. “Your place has been made clear. You’re supposed to be here and turn this place into the best it can be. Maybe...maybe mine is out there. I can’t just stay in here and rot away, Alex. I just can’t.” </div><div>Alex took it all in, and the next moment, both girls were locked together, hugging one another, trying to keep their emotions calm.</div><div>“Then, you better give that machine a severe case of limb loss with that sword. I won’t forgive you if you don’t bring it back.” she snapped as she parted from the hug. </div><div>Crystal gripped the hilt tight and nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure all those there know where I got this if it does the job.”</div><div>“Hey, you ain’t doubting my work are you?” Alex sneered. Both of them laughed again, both grateful they had resolved their issues with what was coming ahead. </div><div> </div><div>Tomorrow would be the day Crystal would put her strength to the test for the first time. She would travel to Northern District and attend the meeting that would lead to the battle against the first Catalyst Machine. </div><div>But a fight wouldn’t be the only thing she found that day... </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Edge’s Story:</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ruin Rumour</div><div> </div><div>‘Day 13’ </div><div> </div><div>Walking through the streets of Rich District, Edge eagerly paced his way through street to street, looking for the edge of the District.</div><div>The past day he had been looking into these robberies from these bandits. The two he had engaged with prior, no doubt now the same who had broken into his home, they were still out there. </div><div>The Districts were now on strict lockdown curfews. In the late evening every night, the Rich District would lock its gates away from Northern, Catalyst, and Western District. This meant that if the thieves were in the District, they may return to a different one during the day, and invite themselves here during the evening. Edge wanted to make sure, and he had spent the past day contemplating it enough to realise this wasn’t a job for him. He needed to report it to the Human Legion. </div><div>Making his way to the Northern District Legion Post, he approached with slight hesitation. He had caused a riot close by Military District and he wondered if the word had spread on who exactly had done it. But if no one inside had figured it out, no one would surely. </div><div>Edge saw two Legion guards, he could tell by their equipment. While they were wearing more casual clothing, due to the fact they technically did not have to attend their jobs, they both shared the same blade and crossbows. Each Legion Guard was fitted with a short wooden stern crossbow and a thick shining longsword. The two guards were in deep discussion as Edge drew closer.</div><div>“So you thinking about attending?”</div><div>“Am I thinking about attending? Nah, it’s just some dumb rumour. I told you they’d start pulling this.” </div><div>“What you think it’s a trap or something?”</div><div>“You know, I wasn’t going to say that, but now that you’ve said it, watch it be.”</div><div>“Nah, the call was put out from one of the Captains.”</div><div>“Oh please, if the Generals and the higher-ups aren’t doing anything to prepare, what makes you think a random Captain is? He’s probably going around telling everyone he’s a Captain but he’s just a-”</div><div> </div><div>“Excuse me?” Edge’s voice interrupted as he stood between them. The first guard, the one who had posed the question to his ally, stood up straight as he turned to Edge.</div><div>“Is there a problem, sir?” he asked sternly. </div><div>Edge crooked his head slightly. His mind was in two separate thoughts.</div><div>On one hand, he needed to alert the guards about these robberies, and ask about the situation in general. They hadn’t exactly made any moves against these criminals so far, so what was going to be done about it?</div><div>But at the same time...Edge wanted to hear more about what those two had been talking about. A rumour about some form of meeting? It sounded important, especially when they were talking about a Captain from the Legion.</div><div>“I...was just wondering...” </div><div>“Well come on, spit it out already.” snapped the second guard. The first shot his partner a look given his attitude towards Edge, who in this case was a civilian.</div><div>“Sorry. I just wondered, I overheard about a rumour?” Edge perked up.</div><div>The two guards stood just staring at him for a second, and then the second guard responded. “It’s not polite to be listening in to people’s conversations, civilian.” he urged. The first guard now stepped in front, trying to hush his partner down.</div><div>“It’s just a rumour, sir. It’s no reason to concern yourself with. Probably someone’s idea of a joke.” he said.</div><div>Edge nodded lightly, he didn’t seem to be getting anywhere close to finding out right now. </div><div>“Oh, right. Well, I was here for another reason. There have been some robberies happening around my neighbourhood in the North West Sector. My house was a victim of this about a week ago. I just wondered if the Legion in this District was planning on doing anything about it?” Edge asked.</div><div>The first guard looked down in slight shame, but the second stood straight up and his attitude burst out again.</div><div>“We have more important things to worry about than thieves at this point! We don’t exactly have to be here doing this, you know? We’ve heard about the break-ins, but we also have calls of people without food, people who got in with no shelter. The whole city is a mess, we can’t handle everything with our limited resources right now!” he barked. </div><div>Edge took a step back but tried to stand his ground.</div><div>“But these Districts have curfews. Don’t you run a list still of who goes in or out? Couldn’t you check and see if times of arrival and leave add up to something? They’ve been breaking in during the evening and night. It could point to something surely?” Edge pleaded.</div><div>“Listen here you-” The first’s arm spread across to block the second guard.</div><div>“It’s not the worst idea. Why don’t you go inside and see if you can get a hand of that documentation? We’ll check it.” he said sternly. The second went to argue, but the look told him not to push further than he had. With a swift nod, the second guard walked away, making his way towards the building that housed the Rich District gate. </div><div>As he left, closing a wooden door behind him, the first guard turned back to Edge.</div><div>“I apologise for my colleague’s attitude. Things are very tense at the moment for everyone. I can’t assure you we’ll get onto this case soon, but we can at least try and make a start. There’s a...a lot going on. I’m sure you understand.” he explained with a weak smile.</div><div>Edge nodded. “That’s not a problem. I just didn’t see anyone doing anything about it, so I thought I’d check, being a victim and all.” </div><div>The guard nodded and rubbed his eyes with a sigh. “We’re still trying to get the proper chain of command back in the running. Hard to do that when you’re locked out your base of operations.” Edge tried not to smirk at that sentence. “But we’ll manage in time. If you’d like to provide a witness statement on any interactions you’ve had with these criminals, it would give us a head start for when we do tackle this head-on.” said the guard. </div><div>Edge was more than happy to help, but with the second guard gone, he decided to push another agenda. </div><div>“These rumours can’t be helping with the job?” Edge said slyly. </div><div>The guard gave a harsh laugh and then nodded. “Tell me about it. It’s not the first one we’ve heard but...I have to admit it does sound the most convincing so far.”</div><div>“How so?” Edge asked, who now moved over to stand beside the guard, leaning on the wall. </div><div>The guard looked both ways down the outer streets, just in case, and then he leaned in closer to Edge.</div><div>“There’s been a few people around the District, claiming that Human Legion Captain, Drasius Porter, has found the first Catalyst Machine. He’s put out a call to any able warrior, to travel to the Convex Theatre in Northern District, to attend a meeting that might discuss some form of strategy.” explained the guard.</div><div>It was as if the thieves had vanished from Edge’s mind as he heard this rumour.</div><div>He didn’t want to take up the guard’s time anymore, and he thanked him for the information before making his way back home.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div> </div><div>Back home, Edge pondered on what to do in his living room.</div><div>He had heard of Drasius Porter, only from Red though. From the stories, Red told, Drasius was indeed a highly regarded Captain of the Human Legion. But other questions flew through Edge’s mind. Not only if the rumour was true, but how had they found the machine? Was it lying in wait within the Convex Theatre, perhaps they weren’t as big as Edge thought once?</div><div>The biggest question, however, was the one that played in Edge’s mind moment after moment after moment.</div><div>“Do I go?” </div><div>He had the information. He had the location. Nothing was stopping him from picking up a blade and joining the fight. This was why he had been training so hard, wasn’t it? He’d been training because he wanted to fight back against the Catalysts, and here was an opportunity, if it was true.</div><div>On the coffee table ahead, lay the Unavenged Sheath, a sword he had only practised with but never used on anything in a true battle. </div><div>With a deep sigh, Edge had his decision.</div><div> </div><div>There was no harm in seeing if this rumour held up what it promised...</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Next Time:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Edge & Crystal’s Story</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Perfect Pair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k_WPE-oHHE/XtJayOwrSII/AAAAAAAABHA/_4h7KIP7Zlg4LuXY7Htmoi-3rwgGWKNWgCK4BGAsYHg/The%2BPerfect%2BPair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="815" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k_WPE-oHHE/XtJayOwrSII/AAAAAAAABHA/_4h7KIP7Zlg4LuXY7Htmoi-3rwgGWKNWgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/The%2BPerfect%2BPair.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-16279784498051570942020-05-27T07:26:00.000-07:002020-05-27T07:26:23.880-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #11 - Edge's Story: The Bandit Break-In Part II<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bandit Break-In Part II</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69p1LPFf7ys/Xs5jKZs1VwI/AAAAAAAABGc/4A2VTrsZEbIMfKJOuozh5ECdF98KeIYigCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69p1LPFf7ys/Xs5jKZs1VwI/AAAAAAAABGc/4A2VTrsZEbIMfKJOuozh5ECdF98KeIYigCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
‘Day 11’<br />
<br />
Edge had barely been able to move around yesterday. The intruders from the night before had done such a number on him, Edge just couldn’t progress through that next day.<br />
He had woken up in the hallway, a splitting headache, ears ringing, and feelings of dizziness throughout. At one point he was certain he was about to throw up, but he managed to hold down whatever wanted to come up.<br />
That night, the intruders had beaten Edge by hitting him in the head with his own sword, the Unavenged Sheath. When Edge remembered the sword, he had rushed to the kitchen, stumbling over himself in order to see if it was still here. Thankfully it was, but he was in no fit state that day to pick it up, let alone use it.<br />
Instead, Edge spent that day recovering, and resting himself up for the days ahead.<br />
But today, while he still didn’t feel great, Edge felt like he was beginning to get back to his normal state of health. The headache was gone, he could see and hear clearly, he still felt slightly dizzy at times, but he was well enough to continue his workout routine again and practise his sword skills.<br />
When it came to lunch however, that was when the hard-hitting side of the Challenge finally let itself down onto Edge.<br />
The kitchen was barely stocked, and it seemed that whoever had robbed Edge the other night, hadn’t spared him much. He remembered them talking about leaving some food, but the fight that ensured shortly after must have given them a change of mind, enough to give Edge less to eat. Was what once a few weeks' worths of food was now only at least a week, which Edge should have been grateful for, but he wasn’t. That was his food they had stolen, no matter what reason they had had, it was his stock. Okay, it was Sparda’s stock, but he wasn’t here to eat it, and Edge was.<br />
The thought of those robbers getting away with his food, anger swept over Edge. He wanted to stay ahead of the game for the Challenge, he wanted to be stocked up on food and supplies for the long-run. If he waited too long, he may never regain this much stock to keep himself weighted and healthy.<br />
There was only one option now, and even though he had food for a few more days, the rest of the week in fact, Edge decided to head out and see if he could buy some supplies.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Despite the lingering sight of certain death above, the Rich District seemed quite...normal.<br />
There were of course conversations happening all over in regards to the state of the city, people wondering what the state of other Districts was, where family members might be. As Edge walked deep into the depths of the District, he could hear parts of conversations all over.<br />
<br />
“My husband was working out in the Eastern District before this happened, been a week and no word from him.”<br />
“I’m sure he’s okay. He might have holed up in an inn until the Districts start reopening again.”<br />
<br />
“The guards were talking about bandits in the Catalyst District. Why would anyone want to go back there?”<br />
“Beats me. Although, if I was strapped for cash, which I ain’t, I’d be grabbing whatever I could from there. They ain’t getting anything here, Catalyst District is the second-best place to.”<br />
<br />
“All I want to know is when can my kids go back to school? Districts not knowing when they’ll re-open services. I can’t have them at home all day every day!”<br />
“Why don’t you just start home-schooling them then?”<br />
<br />
“Mining work is on shut-down. Not allowed anywhere near the caves to even begin getting some ore to sell.”<br />
“I’ve heard that’s not exactly stopping anyone here.”<br />
<br />
Edge had the same wonders and thoughts he couldn’t deny. He hadn’t heard much of what was going on in the outside world, only what he had seen himself in his travels to Military District the other day.<br />
He knew Human Legion soldiers were still guarding the District gates too, but for how long? His conversations with Red had told him that those soldiers didn’t have any reason to stay put and defend the District in the event of an attack. Those soldiers were choosing to stay and do their job, with no money income, no hope for the future, yet they decided to do their jobs anyway. It was a newfound appreciation Edge had for those people.<br />
As he reached the Southern Sector of Rich District, Edge found himself amongst a vast market street. He wasn’t shocked at the crowded nature of the place. Vendors were doing whatever they could to sell their stock, and the supermarkets along the streets had queues lined upright to the entrance of the Sector. With a heavy sigh Edge reached into his jacket pocket. Taking out a small black pouch-like object, Edge opened it with a small grin. Inside were plenty of large gold coins, the currency of Cor.<br />
Sparda was a wealthy businessman, and he had earned quite the fortune in his years. He had managed to secure a house here in Rich District, as well as buy the house for Edge & Lunar in Northern District. The best part was there was still plenty of cash leftover. While Edge couldn’t get into the accounts due to the lack of electricity, he at least had the stash of money Sparda held at home.<br />
He was relieved heavily when he realised the thieves from the other night hadn’t found that stash. If they had looked upstairs in Sparda’s study or room, they may have just found the emergency stash.<br />
Edge wasn’t entirely keen on spending this money, but he knew that Sparda would be more than understanding given the circumstance. After all this was also emergency money, and this situation could be counted as an emergency surely. He could hear the calls of sellers all around him as he walked deep into the markets.<br />
“Two for one! Two for one! These are trying times ladies and gentlemen! Two racks for one, you won’t find a better deal!”<br />
“Freshly stocked, as fresh as can be these days, everyone!”<br />
“Everything has gotta go! Come on now, you don’t want this fresh fruit rotting in the sun when it can be nice and cosy in your stomachs can ya!?”<br />
“Are you looking for chicken, sir? We’ve got it right here, humanly killed, safe as can be, healthy too! Get some meat on those bones!”<br />
Edge spent the next few hours stocking up on food however he could. He wouldn’t be able to carry too many bags, but it would also help with his training in carrying packs of supplies home. With his pouch significantly lighter, Edge now carried five bags, stocked to the brim with meats, spices, vegetables, the healthiest options he could find.<br />
Now all he had to do was...get it all home.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
The walk home was of course, harder than the walk from. With the bags, their weight slowly gained effect as Edge wandered back down the streets to Sparda’s home, which he may as well start calling his own for now.<br />
Even though he had been robbed the other night, Edge didn’t regret travelling here to stay. The Rich District was still the safest place in the city, not immune to crime, but the safest.<br />
On his way back, Edge decided to take a different route, opting to travel down the neighbouring streets as opposed to the meat of the District itself. While food was still buy-able in supplies such as this, Edge didn’t want people staring at him due to his large supply. He didn’t know really why he was so worried, this was the Rich District, there were people who had probably wasted their money on much larger sources of supplies. He was just trying to keep himself well-fed for the next few weeks.<br />
He wondered how bad things might be in the next few weeks. Would supplies run low? Would food run scarce and then would the District fall into disarray?<br />
On the outskirts of the District, there were farmers who of course provided for the humans here, but would they be able to meet the demands? Edge knew they hadn’t been cut off from those suppliers, but the demand was surely already greater.<br />
The world had become a complicated mess, that much was certain.<br />
As he walked down a housing street, he took note of how peaceful everything was. Even with the barrier up, Rich District still seemed to shine in the sunlight. Maybe it was just the quiet that bought a sense of peace because whoever lived on this street was either in their homes or maybe out buying supplies, either way, it felt a surge of relaxation.<br />
<br />
But this did not last long.<br />
<br />
As Edge reached the end of the street, he heard a loud crash nearby. Turning around, Edge saw two figures sprinting out of a house nearby. They reached the front garden fence, and as opposed to running through the clearly open gate, both of them hopped the fence and turned down the street, still at a full sprint. There was a scream as a young woman followed them, calling after them in fury.<br />
“Thieves! I’ll tell the guards about this!”<br />
In Edge’s mind, it warped to one thought. Two thieves. Could they be?<br />
Edge, still carrying his bags of shopping, reached the house that seemed to have been broken into.<br />
“Those bastards, those stupid bastards!”<br />
“Excuse me? Did those people break into your home?” called Edge as he dropped his bags by the gate.<br />
The young woman, who was wearing a yellow jumper, a blue shirt, and her hair tied back in a bun.<br />
“Two people dressed in black and masks sprinting out of some random house. Yes they broke into my home! I’d heard people were starting to commit robberies but I figured we were-”<br />
Before she could finish, she saw Edge beginning to make his way after the thieves.<br />
“I’ll see if I can catch them, watch my shopping if you can!” he called out as he entered his own sprint. He could still see them heading down the street, and even though he was unarmed, if these were the same thieves that stole from him the other night, he had a score to settle.<br />
He could tell one was quite bulky, the other nimble, at least one matched up, but he never had gotten a look at the other one.<br />
They reached the bottom of the street, and Edge noticed them turn back, staring at him for a split second.<br />
“W-what do we do?” asked the nimble thief. The bulky one turned to them. “Split up! He can’t follow us both!”<br />
“But what if he goes for me!?” they squeaked.<br />
The bulky one shook his head. “He won’t, go on, go first, I’ll wait for a second, and then he’ll think he can catch me.” he replied.<br />
“You be careful!” They took off to the right.<br />
“I always am!” replied the first.<br />
As Edge drew closer he noticed the thieves split, one after the other. If his past told him anything, it was that the bulkier of the two had managed to best him in a fight, and even though in the end Edge had gained the upper hand, it was the nimble thief who may have knocked him out.<br />
Edge took to the right, he could only catch one thief, and the second was his personal choice.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
He was now running down a narrow alleyway, the thief still quite a ways ahead of him, but nonetheless in sight. They turned back, catching sight of him gaining, and in a squeak of fright, Edge noticed the thief move to the side of the alley, just as it reached its exit point. They turned to the right, and as Edge gained towards them, he saw a flurry of storage crates, small yet many, fall ahead of him. Grunting in annoyance, Edge stopped in his tracks, and when he regained himself, he leapt over the crates and continued on.<br />
The thief was now barely ahead of him, and as they passed through a gate leading to the next street, Edge noticed they were heading for crowds of people in the Sector. They were right in the midst of one of the many markets, but not for food supplies, this area housed jewellery, trinkets. Edge couldn’t believe despite the situation there were still many people here looking around going about daily life.<br />
Edge continued to chase the thief through the markets, crossing past people, narrowly avoiding painful collisions. He saw the thief run up small steps, he followed quickly. They had gained some distance in running through the crowd, Edge ideally should have called out that they were a thief. As they ran up more steps, crossing through a small gated side-path, the two now had their chase along the central river of the District. The water still ran as quickly as the thief as Edge desperately tried to catch them. The thief ran down a flight of stairs, leading further down into the District, and Edge had no time for steps. A small balcony nearby, Edge hopped over, while not anticipating the distance of the fall he took after, he managed to recover well.<br />
There were small circular tables stretched across the riverside, and as Edge saw the thief turn into a nearby building, a cafe that was still open in these times, he brushed past a table to reach the door.<br />
Instead he felt hardwood collide with his body as the door burst open, hitting him back. He felt himself fall against one of the tables, his body lifting itself up to it almost like the kitchen counter the other night.<br />
As Edge recovered he darted into the cafe just in time to see the thief leaving at the front entrance. Though there were calls of outrage from the staff, Edge ignored them as he rushed through the kitchen and out back into the main streets.<br />
They both turned down into a narrow street, and Edge was finally gaining on the thief, although the stitch in his side was beginning to take notice. Edge’s cardiology was not that of a healthy young man, more one who hadn’t done nearly enough. But his will to find out if this was one of the thieves was what was driving him right now.<br />
As the thief turned the right corner due to the end of the street, Edge was a hair away from grasping them. Instead he was briefly pressed up against the brick walls, but as he continued to chase after, he was one reach away from catching the thief. They couldn’t hope to outrun him now.<br />
As they exited the narrow street, into a wider area, Edge decided to take his opportunity. He grunted as he dove forward, attempting to collide with the thief. A mix of low pitched and high pitched cries of shock echoed as both Edge and the thief over one another, onto the stone ground, following into the centre of the enclosed space.<br />
By the time Edge had gotten up, he heard a high grunt as he saw a fist heading towards him. His reflexes weren’t as bad when there was a proper source of light to help him see, and he managed to avoid the punch. Gripping both of his arms together, he threw them back in response, colliding with the thief, who cried out in pain as they fell to the ground at the sheer force of Edge’s combined might.<br />
With the face down, Edge didn’t know if this was one of the thieves from before, but it was a thief either way. He’d have to report them to the authorities, but he wanted to know who this was.<br />
He bent down, grabbing hold of the black mask on their head, and he removed it.<br />
A lock of bright orange hair fell as he moved the mask, and upon turning the culprit over, he saw a long face, black eye massacre, and red lipstick lips.<br />
“A woman.” He muttered to himself as he looked down at the thief. One of the thieves back the other night had had a high pitched voice. Edge couldn’t believe he hadn’t put that puzzle together, this had to be one of the same thieves, surely.<br />
<br />
Edge heard a noise behind him, a small crack of stone on the ground, and his senses awoken. The weight of the boot, the breath approaching him, Edge knew who this was. As he stood up, Edge swung back with his fist, and just in time too to see a more bulky weight man covered in black, step back to avoid his punch.<br />
The long reach of his legs collided with Edge as he felt himself being swept off his feet.<br />
As he hit the ground, he saw the first thief, raise his strong thick black boot up to stomp on him. Edge turned away, rolling out of harm, and quickly regained his feet.<br />
“Leave her alone!” growled the thief as he raised his fists. Edge swept his mouth, getting rid of the strange of saliva that had escaped during that brief encounter.<br />
“I don’t think so. Not letting either of you get away this time.” he replied.<br />
The thief pushed forward, aiming a smooth uppercut, which now in full light, Edge’s reflexes managed to dodge, and he responded with a quick jab to the thief’s stomach. He heard a groan, but not one enough to realise he had hurt the thief. But with a hit connected, Edge decided to follow up. With swift quick movements, he managed to hit the thief’s jaw, payback for however many times he had received that. Edge followed up with a kick, which now gave him the sign that the thief was hurt. But as he swung for a third punch, the thief ducked, grabbing hold of Edge’s arm and twisting it into the same hold Edge had managed to lock him in the other night before the end of their brawl.<br />
But with his free arm, Edge threw his elbow back into the thief’s stomach. The thief then stumbled back, and clearly angered by Edge’s sudden surge of victories in combat, the thief roared as he ran towards Edge.<br />
He went to grab him, but Edge ducked, jabbing the thief in the side again, and then a mighty blow to the jaw, which caused the thief to spin around, falling to the ground.<br />
The bulky thief began to climb up, and he turned to see Edge ushering him to get back up.<br />
“Not so tough now are you? You’re not very bright when fighting in broad daylight.”<br />
Through the mask however, Edge saw the thief has a snide grin on his face.<br />
“I could say the same about you. You seem to forget you’re dealing with a duo here.” He smirked.<br />
Edge blinked for a moment, lowering his guard. When he put two and two together, he turned quickly realising his mistake.<br />
The next moment, Edge felt something hard hit around the side of his shoulder and head, and then everything went black...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
When Edge came too, he was all alone again. This space empty space between buildings, all alone, his head once again with the largest feeling of pain he had ever felt.<br />
He didn’t feel dazed or dizzy like last time, instead, he just hurt all over. Once again the thieves had bested him, and had gotten away. He didn’t know what they’d taken if they’d taken anything, but he’d failed.<br />
But in retrospect, as he began to make his way back through where he has chased the thieves, it hadn’t been for nothing. He definitely needed to work on his cardio and stamina, but in terms of hand to hand combat, Edge had had the upper hand there until the end where he had once again been caught off guard.<br />
“Fool me once, fool me twice...” he groaned on his way back.<br />
Part of him didn’t expect to see those bandits again, but if he did, the third time would be the charm.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Personality Reform Part III</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzozMUyvYQ8/Xs5jQOrqMKI/AAAAAAAABGk/QGzLa2AatfImu0_m3ednyNaJ7jLoNvUqwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzozMUyvYQ8/Xs5jQOrqMKI/AAAAAAAABGk/QGzLa2AatfImu0_m3ednyNaJ7jLoNvUqwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-83592313978946004152020-05-23T07:27:00.000-07:002020-05-23T07:27:20.528-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #10 - Aries' Story: The Next Step<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aries’ Story:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Next Step</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjB1tk302Hk/XskahBCqCtI/AAAAAAAABGE/RgiJNqAmIEkrzqWw0uMHTx0zX8pXpRA5QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BNext%2BStep.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjB1tk302Hk/XskahBCqCtI/AAAAAAAABGE/RgiJNqAmIEkrzqWw0uMHTx0zX8pXpRA5QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BNext%2BStep.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
‘Day 10’<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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...<br />
<br />
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.<br />
He had enlisted the help of someone who lived in the Northern District, a family friend so to say.<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
“Settle down, Drasius. There’s no need for us to create a scene.” he ushered quickly.<br />
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.<br />
Aries sighed with a smile as he walked over and shook Drasius’ hand.<br />
“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.<br />
“You described hearing some sort of noise, inside the building?” he asked quietly.<br />
Aries grunted in acknowledgement as he rested both hands on his cane.<br />
“I cannot quite explain what I feel whenever I...well, feel it. It’s a strange form of presence on the body.”<br />
“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.<br />
“It was not a magical presence I am familiar with. It did not feel as such as one. It felt...different.” said Aries.<br />
“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.<br />
“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.<br />
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-”<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
Aries smiled at the thought. He remembered brighter younger days in Convexity too, Drasius’ father had been a grand friend.<br />
“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.<br />
“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.<br />
“You’re well equipped for a mission such as this.” smirked Aries.<br />
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.<br />
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?<br />
“Is there a problem?” asked Drasius, a concerned look.<br />
“I cannot track this power through my knowledge of the Sixth Sense. We may need to use more traditional methods.” replied Aries.<br />
Drasius nodded and looked around. “Are you up for a sweep of the theatre?”<br />
”A trip down memory lane, you say?” Aries said through a raised brow.<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
“This place does mean a lot to you, doesn’t it?”<br />
Aries nodded with a sigh, and he took another look around.<br />
“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.”<br />
Aries stood up and moved deeper onto the stage.<br />
“The Catalysts will answer for this crime, Aries. I assure you when the Human Legion finally decides to rise and-”<br />
“The Human Legion is part of the problem!” snapped Aries.<br />
His voice echoed across the walls, leaving Drasius in a state of slight shock.<br />
“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...”<br />
Aries began to pace, all of his anger, all of his frustrations being vented out as he did.<br />
“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.”<br />
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.<br />
After a few moments, Drasius stood up and turned to Aries.<br />
“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.<br />
“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.”<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
Drasius bowed his head in gratitude, and then looked back to the entrance to the hallways.<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
“I feel it. You were right, there’s something down here but...”<br />
“You can’t explain the feeling quite, can you?” replied Aries, who stepped ahead.<br />
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.<br />
“We should use extreme caution, I’ve never felt something like this before. It could be dangerous.” he advised.<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
“By the Gods themselves...” Aries began.<br />
Drasius stared up at the sight they had now arrived at, a complete loss for words on his face.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“What is this?” said Drasius as he reached forward. Aries cane suddenly snapped ahead of his hand, causing him to stop.<br />
“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.<br />
“Metal...”<br />
“Metal?” replied Drasius in confusion.<br />
Aries looked around, and with a swift nod he turned back to the gateway.<br />
“This is Catalyst Technology...”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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.<br />
“You really think it’s in there then?” asked Aries.<br />
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.”<br />
Drasius now stood up, pacing back and forth, scratching at his chin.<br />
“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.<br />
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.<br />
“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. <br />
“This can be the start of it, Aries.”<br />
“The start of what?” he asked suspiciously.<br />
“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.<br />
Aries looked up at who he saw as a young man and blinked in shock.<br />
“You’d...you’d be willing these people? Even those who have done wrong, you wouldn’t be getting worshippers of peace for this.”<br />
Drasius nodded as he put his hand on Aries’ shoulder.<br />
“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.<br />
It was hard to argue with such an inspiring voice, and as Aries stood, he also placed his hand on Drasius’ shoulder.<br />
“Then you’ve found your first recruit. I shall join you in this quest to defy the Catalysts, and destroy the machine.”<br />
“If it’s in there, that is.” Drasius joked.<br />
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.<br />
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...<br />
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...<br />
<br />
This was the day, the first machine was found.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bandit Break-In Part II</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbp99-IrJU8/XskameFEVNI/AAAAAAAABGM/oiBn8-jkqLkI9sY8Y7-mZod-dLm-MywpgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbp99-IrJU8/XskameFEVNI/AAAAAAAABGM/oiBn8-jkqLkI9sY8Y7-mZod-dLm-MywpgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-76021222688410384462020-05-20T09:03:00.000-07:002020-05-20T09:03:34.731-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #9 - Edge's Story: The Grand Mage Teachings & The Bandit Break-In<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Grand Mage Teachings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
&</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bandit Break-In</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-UouHDfpt0/XsUuD2yIfbI/AAAAAAAABFc/w1HYvZG1pMMUHiYP8Xm7wmYcRuXOCg6HwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BGrand%2BMage%2527s%2BTeachings.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-UouHDfpt0/XsUuD2yIfbI/AAAAAAAABFc/w1HYvZG1pMMUHiYP8Xm7wmYcRuXOCg6HwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BGrand%2BMage%2527s%2BTeachings.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VedGgiwQXw/XsUuMBB1kYI/AAAAAAAABFk/hJMr15gkHwA4WMqq8X1QRpLbjFeKVI7SACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VedGgiwQXw/XsUuMBB1kYI/AAAAAAAABFk/hJMr15gkHwA4WMqq8X1QRpLbjFeKVI7SACK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Edge's Story</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Grand Mage Teachings</div>
<br />
‘Day 8‘<br />
<br />
After finishing his morning workout routine, Edge wasn’t quite sure how to spend his days now. He was quite unsure of what was actually going on outside now. Apart from the Military District being on lockdown, even to its own soldiers, the rest of the city, at least Rich District seemed...fine.<br />
There were no alarms, no monsters trying to break in, it seemed whatever security measures were in place for this District, they were holding out. Edge could only count himself lucky that he was here in one of the safest Districts as opposed to being out there, in what could quite possibly be considered as the wild.<br />
But he had to spend his time wisely somehow. There was only so much pain you could push your body towards before you ended up doing serious harm, and Edge was taking his precautions wisely when it came to exercising.<br />
If he couldn’t exercise his body, then maybe he could exercise his mind.<br />
Sparda’s living room features a wide arrangement of bookcases, on either side of the large marble fireplace in the centre of the wall.<br />
Edge had naturally already been reading every night, but he had mainly been looking for stories to fall asleep to. He hadn’t considered trying to find any that could actually teach him something. There were basic books he had already dabbled into, mainly when it came to the art of the blade, but he wanted something fresh. Maybe a new type of weapon to learn about, it didn’t hurt to expand on your arsenal, which he figured he may need at some point.<br />
His search ended in disappointment as he returned to the sofa in the centre of the room, and with nothing else to do, Edge began to pry through the pile of books he’d taken out recently, trying to see if there was still any worth in them.<br />
It didn’t take long until a certain batch caught his eye.<br />
Edge had always been curious about magic. He knew the basics, not in casting, but in general knowledge. Magic used the sixth sense energy within one’s body, and that meant when that energy was harnessed, the user could cast spells of the elements. Edge had never even attempted such a form of combat.<br />
When he was a child, he remembered just how wise Sparda was in the art of magic. Sparda was able to perform expert levels of magic. His energy was so great, he could probably light a flame and keep it awake all day and night. Edge remembered the nights where Sparda used to tell stories of daring wizards and witches who battled against fearsome monsters in these incredible places. Using the powers of magic Sparda would be able to set the scene perfectly, he used so many elements.<br />
One time, Sparda had told the story of how a daring band of heroes charged on a lonely tower out at sea, in order to stop the plans of a dark sorcerer. Using the element of ice, Sparda had constructed the tower itself, that cold chill seeping off those walls and creating a chilling atmosphere. Creating miniature sparks of lighting, and puffs of small flame to signal the battle going on above. Edge forgot how that story ended, but the fact Sparda had such control over magic, it must have taken years to master. So much time put into learning the elements and controlling them to even the simplest of requests.<br />
Time was something Edge had now too...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Edge sat outside in the gardens, and while the barrier still fazed his eyesight, he now sat cross-legged in a patch of grass, performing deep breathing techniques. The first book he had bought outside with him, titled ‘Magic & Mastery, A Beginner’s Guide To The Arts.’ Hopefully this would be the start of a new venture.<br />
The thoughts of the possibilities excited Edge so much. Imagine being able to explore caves and lighting your own way, no fears of darkness. Being able to craft magnificent intimidating forms to scare away those who would do harm. Being able to enchant his weaponry with an element to make it that much more damaging.<br />
He had to contain that excitement and ease it down as he breathed in deep. He remembered the words of Sparda.<br />
“No one learns magic because it’s fun. They learn because they wish to become one with the world, to learn its own ways, and call upon its help in times of need.”<br />
That was what everyone needed right now. They needed help, and while meditation was an art form that helped study magic, Edge was trying to call out to the world once again, asking for its help in his new quest.<br />
When he opened his eyes, he felt no different. He did not feel as if a new power had been granted for his use, and he did not feel like he could now control the waves of the rivers and lakes. He felt the same. There was no frustration however, he had not exactly expected much.<br />
His body was growing, but perhaps Edge needed a more personal approach to the training of his mind.<br />
He stepped forward, looking down at his hands.<br />
“Imagine the form you wish to call upon and let the world heed your call...” Edge muttered to himself. Memorising the book’s words, Edge stood with a strong stance and raised his left arm. With an outstretched palm, he closed his fingers only ever slightly. In his mind, he thought of flames, the element of fire. He tried to push this thought down his spine, through his arm, and into his palm. When he believed he had done so, he opened his eyes and flexed his palm open to call upon fire.<br />
<br />
Nothing happened...<br />
<br />
Edge blinked for a moment, and then looked at his palm. Had he done something wrong, was he not concentrating enough?<br />
He tried again. Closing his eyes, clearing his mind, reaching out to the world around him, with an open palm. His eyes shot open, and Edge grunted as he pushed his palm forward, as if trying to summon the burst of flames.<br />
Yet again, nothing escaped his palm.<br />
“I don’t get it.” Edge gasped in frustration as he quickly bent down to pick up the book that had been by his side. Ruffling through the pages, Edge tried to find the answer. There must be some sort of step he was missing. But no page offered a clear answer. He was already doing what the pages were instructing him to do.<br />
Maybe it was just a matter of time, maybe that was the issue. He just wasn’t ready to wield the power of magic. Perhaps it was a skill Edge would never learn to develop. While still frustrated, Edge could only sigh as he picked up the book, and went back indoors. He took one last look at the barrier before heading inside.<br />
He’d try to learn magic again, and when he did, next time, he’d summon forth flames. Edge was going to need everything he could get his hands on in order to survive the Catalyst Challenge...<br />
“Wish you were still here, Sparda...” Edge whispered as he closed the garden door behind him.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Edge’s Story</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Bandit Break-In</div>
</div>
<br />
‘Day 9’<br />
<br />
The sound of shattered glass caused Edge to sit upright in a split second. He groaned as he quickly, but quietly climbed out of his bed and moved over to the bedroom door. He could already hear noises, the sound of footsteps. They were downstairs, and they were moving rapidly, no care for how much noise they were making.<br />
Edge pressed himself up against the doorway and opened it only slightly, just trying to see if he could listen. His ear peeked from the gap, and he heard a voice.<br />
“Just take what we can see how much food is stashed here. It’s Rich District for crying out loud...” The voice trailed off. So they were downstairs.<br />
Edge rushed back to his bedside, and his hand gripped the hilt of the Unavenged Sheath blade. Edge didn’t think to get dressed, with the blade in his hand, he exited his room, and began to make his way downstairs.<br />
His eyes were remarkably attuned to the dark, Edge had always considered himself to have a gifted sight, he believed his eyes were his strongest feature. As he slowly stepped downstairs, he made sure not to make even a mummer.<br />
Approaching the hallway, Edge turned down towards the living room. He darted in there just in time as he was sure he could make out a figure coming into the hallway.<br />
He backed up against the wall, clutching the blade even tighter. He didn’t want to hurt anyone, but if it came to it...<br />
Edge kept himself along the beige wall as he slid around towards the dining room and kitchen. He peeked around again, there was a source of light. Whoever had broken into the house, they seemed to be raiding whatever food supplies were stored here. Sparda’s large white fridge was wide open, with the sound of rattling shelves and food being stored into a large sack.<br />
“What a mother-load, we’ll be eating for weeks on this.” A male’s voice, quite gruff on the occasional word but no older than Edge. He only caught the second half of that sentence, and with the sword gripped tightly still, Edge emerged from the doorway, sneaking over the kitchen counter quickly, and drawing it forward upon the thief.<br />
“You’re not supposed to be here, especially back here in my kitchen.” said Edge.<br />
He saw the male freeze, in the light of the refrigerator, Edge could make out the male was wearing a classic thief getup. The majority of his attire was black, complete with a mask to hide his identity. He heard the gruff voice call back as he raised his hands, the tip of Edge’s blade poking his back.<br />
“Now, now, no need for that. You’re right...I shouldn’t be here.” he turned around to face Edge, who noticed now the size of this thief. He was slightly taller than Edge, but his posture was much bulkier. The thief clearly had a neat workout routine showing, which compared to Edge, right now, meant he might be the tougher opponent. But Edge was armed, and in the limited light, he couldn’t see a knife or any sort of concealed weapon on them.<br />
“I’m a reasonable guy, I won’t tell anyone, if you won’t.” he replied quickly.<br />
“Yeah that’s...that’s going to be a problem...” sighed the thief.<br />
As Edge took his stand further, beginning to poke the blade further towards the torso, he suddenly yelped in pain. Someone else had sneaked up behind him and twist his arm behind his back, pulling up on the forearm. The quick sting of pain allowed the male thief to make his move. Edge felt the bottom of an open palm strike his lower face, knocking him back. Whoever was holding onto him had let go as Edge stumbled back and hit the kitchen floor.<br />
“Gotta admit, we didn’t think anyone would still be living here. Not like we planned this heist out, but everyone needs food...and Rich District has got a lot of it.” said the thief.<br />
Edge began to get up, the pain obviously hurt, but it was nothing he couldn’t handle. He could hear the thief approaching him in the darkness as the light from the fridge was still the only source of sight.<br />
“Now look, just let us walk out of here with what we need. We won’t starve you, we’re not killers. We just need our take of survival, that’s all.” warned the thief.<br />
Edge began to stand up, spitting the pain away as he did. “You’re lucky I said I was reasonable, cause that was my only warning too-”<br />
Edge felt a firm boot connect with his side as he was sent across the room again. He bounced off the wall, falling back down to his knees as he wheezed through the new surge of pain. The thief now stood over him, looking down.<br />
“Don’t bother. Just stay down.”<br />
That wasn’t going to fly in Edge’s mind. He got back up, slouched across the wall, but standing nonetheless.<br />
“I didn’t want a fight, just wanted you to leave. But you’ve pushed that out the window now.” Edge growled.<br />
In the brief light, he could see the thief nodding, no doubt smiling given his tone. “Okay then, let’s see what you’ve got.” Edge saw raised fists, and it was only now he realised his blade was gone. It must be somewhere on the floor, but unarmed, all Edge had to use as weapons, were his own two fists.<br />
Edge took a quick step forward, swinging his arm around towards the thief, who naturally pulled himself back, avoiding Edge’s attack.<br />
Right now Edge assumed that pressure would be the best bet in causing a thief to think twice about breaking in. He quickly aimed another strike, this time with his other arm, swinging again with as much force. The thief, at least feeling some pressure, was forced to duck under the arm as it passed him. Their shadows flickered along the kitchen wall as they now swapped places, the thief near the wall, and Edge in the open kitchen space.<br />
His back turned to the thief, Edge turned around, only to see a faint black speck of an item head towards him. There was a large grunt as Edge felt the thief’s boot hit him again, this time in the upper torso. The force sent Edge back into the kitchen counter, his body almost toppling over it as he collided with the contents. As he regained himself, he felt the thief press up against him, feeling another hard shot, this time from the thief’s fist, into his jaw again. Like he had before, Edge’s body almost leapt up to the counter as he tried to recover from the punch.<br />
The thief pulled him back down and attempted to lock him into some form of submission. Edge struggled as best he could as he felt his left arm being tangled, and with a lucky punch, his fist collided with the thief’s abdomen. There was a gruff grunt from the thief as Edge felt himself being freed, the workouts were paying off in some regard.<br />
As he pushed himself off the counter, Edge felt a swift elbow hit his lower back, which caused him to grunt out in pain again as he stumbled forward. What he expected to be a wall, turned out to be a person. Edge collided with someone else, the other thief, and whoever they were, they let out a high pitched yelp of surprise as they pushed him away.<br />
“Two on one is hardly fai-” Edge began to speak but he felt the punch of the thief who he had caught hit his side, his left jaw. In some form of retaliation, Edge threw a punch into the dark, and he missed again. He felt a quick jab in his ribs, another punch from the thief. How could this guy see so well in the dark, with such little light to aid him?<br />
He heard a loud yell now, which if anything, finally put the odds in Edge’s favour. The thief charged towards him, and Edge used whatever hearing he could still use out of the ringing in his ears, to figure out his position. Grabbing the thief as he charged, Edge let him pass by, and keeping the memory of where the footsteps made their echo in the hard kitchen floor, Edge charged towards the thief. He managed to catch him, pushing him further until they connected with the wall. There was an angered grunt from the thief as Edge quickly managed to locate the thief’s arm, and locked it behind his back.<br />
“Another messing around! I’ll forget all this if you just leave now!” barked Edge as he pinned the thief up.<br />
“Guh! Can’t...I won’t!” growled the thief. He continued to struggle, but Edge had him in a knot that couldn’t be untied so easily.<br />
“Then...you’re leaving me with no choi-” Edge felt something hard hit the back of his head. Instantly his grip loosened, and his body naturally fell to the floor. Shortly after he hit the floor, a burst of light entered his eyes. He closed his eyes tight, it was brighter than usual, the room light. In a crumpled mess, Edge’s vision had become so blurred he was seeing three of everything as he opened his eyes. He could see six figures all dressed in black, no wonder he’d been caught off guard if there were that many.<br />
“Did I kill him!?” squeaked a higher-pitched person...another thief?<br />
Edge saw someone bend over towards him. “No, he just looks dazed. Might be out of it. Come on, grab what you can, and let’s go.”<br />
For the new few minutes, Edge only heard the ruffling of food being disposed into sacks again.<br />
“Why did we do this, you said no one would be here!” said the second thief in a scared tone.<br />
“What’s done is done. Leave the sword, we don’t need that. Give the guy something to defend himself with.” said the first thief.<br />
Despite the kindness of not taking the sheath, Edge still had to get up and stop them from taking his food. They had no right to take it, no right.<br />
He heard the footsteps beginning to leave, and as he summed up all the strength he could, Edge grabbed onto the kitchen counter and pulled himself back up.<br />
“Come...back...” he wheezed as he tried to stand.<br />
He heard the front door slam as the two thieves bickered on their way out of the house. Edge stumbled into the hallway, reaching for the front door.<br />
“Come...back...” The weight of the situation was too much, and Edge fell to the floor.<br />
For the rest of that night, Edge was out cold in the hallway.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aries’ Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Next Step<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AX8s9602SBw/XsU2vrXG8KI/AAAAAAAABF0/Wx4nPyhA3eEOE0zSb0yVPD0OCY4ByuuFgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BNext%2BStep.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AX8s9602SBw/XsU2vrXG8KI/AAAAAAAABF0/Wx4nPyhA3eEOE0zSb0yVPD0OCY4ByuuFgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BNext%2BStep.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-88434167134136144292020-05-16T12:09:00.000-07:002020-05-16T12:09:47.623-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #8 - Crystal's Story: The Personality Reform Part II<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Personality Reform Part II</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05fwEoLkub0/XsALlefcqqI/AAAAAAAABE4/W0gy8oh4kAkY9-zL4Ryxi8sWD0Pz8Rn5wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05fwEoLkub0/XsALlefcqqI/AAAAAAAABE4/W0gy8oh4kAkY9-zL4Ryxi8sWD0Pz8Rn5wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
‘Day 7’<br />
<br />
The air didn’t feel fresh. That was all Crystal had wanted when she stepped outside today. She had plucked up all that courage to finally go outside back into the world, and the air felt different.<br />
Maybe it was because she was so used to the stale air that had built up in her room.<br />
Either way, Crystal now stood in the garden behind the blacksmith workshop. She stood on the stone path, which stretched up ahead and reached around a variety of stone statues, crafted by Hermes throughout his time working here. A large tree stood to her left, keeping her in the shade of whatever sunlight breached through the barrier.<br />
Crystal’s eyes were closed, she was trying to keep her breathing calm and collected. In her hand, she held a long iron broadsword. Despite how she tried her best to keep her composure, the hands were shaking. She had never held a blade with this intent in her mind before.<br />
Days ago, Crystal had not cared for what happened to her. This train of thought had not changed, but a flicker of a new aim had begun to take shape. Crystal did not care what happened to her now, whether her end was outside, inside, of someone’s hand or her own.<br />
That was why she was holding this sword right now. Trying desperately the pluck up some courage to raise it upwards and point it towards an enemy in her mind. She’d lost track of how long she had stood here trying to form that mindset and take the first swing. Alas, she could not do it.<br />
Not today.<br />
Crystal headed back inside, leaving the iron broadsword in the blacksmith workshop. Heading back upstairs, she did her best to avoid her friend, Alex. She felt like she had failed again today, in not being able to swing that damn sword.<br />
Returning to her room, Crystal collapsed on her bed, making no sign of emotion, no sign of sadness nor disappointment. But in her mind, she had never been so ashamed. It was only a simple matter too, not being ready to fight back. Who was she kidding, it wasn’t simple, it was the most complicated choice she could make. The Catalyst Challenge had been going forward for a week now, and there were no signs of their situation changing any time soon. While Rich District seemed to be adjusting to the new way of life, there was no telling how hard it was back out there across the city.<br />
Crystal entered her room, leaving her door slightly ajar. Sitting on her bed, she looked out at the open curtains on her bedroom window.<br />
“What is the point?” she asked herself in her head. What was the point in fighting against something that couldn’t be fought against?<br />
Those thoughts entered her mind again, ones she feared so much in having.<br />
<br />
Thoughts of just...ending it all.<br />
<br />
What did she have to lose? Only her life, and even then that felt like at times it was already over. Who was going to miss her? Alex? While that was certainly a reason to draw back from even acting on such thoughts...it was one person.<br />
Crystal didn’t exactly have a large social group that would mourn her loss if it were to happen. She didn’t have any family here, that she knew of.<br />
Her family life, her childhood had been one of control, plans, routes crafted for her so she could end up where her parents wanted. It had never been about what Crystal wanted to do, only what she could do to benefit the future of her parent’s business.<br />
Had she still been there, no doubt she would now be in some form of arranged marriage, sad.<br />
Yet even now, she questioned if perhaps that would be a better life than the one she was having right now. A life with no escape, no way out, and any attempt resulting in a quick and painless death, at least seemingly.<br />
She’d even thought about how she’d do it.<br />
Did she find something here at home to do it? Or did she go out to the boundary of this city and just...lay a simple touch upon that matter?<br />
Crystal took a deep breath, there were those moments where those thoughts were cast as a shadow over her. Only when it became too dark would she lose her way and act upon them, but there was always a little light that bought her back to her senses.<br />
Opening her eyes wide, she felt tears begin to form. She couldn’t possibly think of taking her life. Her mind was so confused, what should she do?<br />
She laid back on her bed, looking up at the ceiling. It was more welcoming than looking up outside and witnessing the barrier above.<br />
Why couldn’t she be like a warrior? Why couldn’t she just sum up this courage and become someone she wanted to be. Why was it so hard?<br />
<br />
...Because Crystal was not a warrior...<br />
<br />
Crystal did not know who she was. For a long time, she felt like she bore this mysterious identity that no one knew. No one knew who Crystal Inos was, no one would bat an eye.<br />
<br />
Wait, maybe that was the key to all of this.<br />
No one knew who she was, which meant she was...free to choose?<br />
Was that possible? Could she pick up the sword and become someone who deep down she may not be, but become?<br />
She’d be living a lie, a lie she’d have to keep up. Even then, she may not become strong at all, it may become too much for her. Crystal had experience with a sword, in her teenage years she had taken basic and advanced classes in fencing, so she knew her way slightly around a blade.<br />
But she had failed to practise earlier in the garden of the workshop. What if she failed again?<br />
No, the warrior wouldn’t fail, and they wouldn’t take that possibility into account when they trained to become stronger. It had been a week now, and Crystal was on the verge of losing herself back to the world she was born into. If there was ever a time to become someone else...it was now.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
It was nightfall when Crystal creeped out into the dead of night in the garden. That iron broadsword laying beside the door was in her hand again, and she gripped it tighter than her previous attempt.<br />
Above her, the faint blue glow of the Catalyst Barrier shone down. She had her eyes closed, taking in deep intakes of breath, trying to will the courage out.<br />
Ten minutes passed, and the darkness of the mind was still corrupting Crystal. In her mind’s eye, she was surrounded by pure black nothingness. She had to fight her way out of this, right now she could see herself on the ground, huddled and scared of her surroundings.<br />
Crystal needed to take that step, she had to push through this darkness and find a way to assure herself that this was the right choice.<br />
In her mind, she stepped forward, while scared of where her foot may land, scared she may fall, she took it nonetheless. She walked over to herself and bent down to her level. Extending her hand to the mess that was her mind, she offered her hand.<br />
“I can do this.” she said calmly.<br />
<br />
Crystal opened her eyes, and the scared expression was gone. Instead, now, her brow was lowered, her eyes were sharp, and her posture had become one of a stance she had held long ago.<br />
The blade was no longer held by her side, instead, now it was pointed forward.<br />
Her first step had been taken.<br />
Crystal would not let this Challenge take her life, not by her own hands anyway. If she were to die out there in the world, it would be as a warrior, and not a scared lost little girl.<br />
Moving forward, Crystal made her first strike. This strike penetrated everything she aimed to achieve in future. To defeat the Catalysts, to dispel the scared girl that lay deep inside...<br />
<br />
To start living the lie of Crystal Inos, the warrior...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Grand Mage Teachings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
&</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bandit Break-In</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SicfDGKwx3g/XsAPghTmTEI/AAAAAAAABFE/2zMkkoL-TnI6e_YxrZ27zKm1K8QccaE0QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BGrand%2BMage%2527s%2BTeachings.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SicfDGKwx3g/XsAPghTmTEI/AAAAAAAABFE/2zMkkoL-TnI6e_YxrZ27zKm1K8QccaE0QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BGrand%2BMage%2527s%2BTeachings.png" width="320" /> </a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-megru_jT1n4/XsAPi4aXKFI/AAAAAAAABFM/nFo_iUwNtrIKLY0EBxiC8o9QKcB8bx33wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-megru_jT1n4/XsAPi4aXKFI/AAAAAAAABFM/nFo_iUwNtrIKLY0EBxiC8o9QKcB8bx33wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BBandit%2BBreak-In.png" width="320" /></a></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-50082414818176974462020-05-13T07:16:00.000-07:002020-05-13T07:16:25.461-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #7 - Edge & Red's Story: The Friendly Reunion<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge & Red’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Friendly Reunion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVD-pSlK5pc/XrvxaMwei9I/AAAAAAAABEc/Er4tK0MZk3ECM-t2-8qgTNqbP7rE8QTNQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BFriendly%2BReunion.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVD-pSlK5pc/XrvxaMwei9I/AAAAAAAABEc/Er4tK0MZk3ECM-t2-8qgTNqbP7rE8QTNQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BFriendly%2BReunion.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
‘Day 7’<br />
<br />
The Military District was in the most difficult spot of the Catalyst Challenge. When the world became that much small, when all hope had been dissolved from people’s minds, the Military, the Human Legion were expected to step up to the plate and do their job in protecting the people.<br />
But the opposite had happened.<br />
The entire chain of command was in disservice and disarray. Soldiers arguing on whether to fight or protect their families. Battles already brewing between those in the higher up positions on who would take command.<br />
The Human Legion was not prepared for the Catalyst Challenge. Of course, no one had been prepared for the betrayal, but the Legion had made matters worse.<br />
Citizens were clambering for protection at the border control point, the entrance into the Legion. But those gates had been locked tight, barricaded and blocked until such time the Legion was ready to reveal its intentions. They didn’t need the battles from the outside coming into the one that was slowly brewing in the pot on the inside.<br />
The whole District was in lockdown, and while by now some others had opened up their gates in welcoming arms to those in need, this place had not.<br />
<br />
On this day, Edge Marvik had made his way to Military District. He was armed with the Unavenged Sheath, and he had managed to slip through Northern District un-noticed.<br />
The journey hadn’t been tough, but it hadn’t been pretty to experience nonetheless. All across the route from Rich, to Northern, to here, Edge had seen too many people affected by the Challenge. Rich District was as peaceful as it could be, people were still trying to go about their day, but it was very clear the mindset of taking what you wanted whenever was starting to seep in. He’d already heard people hoarding supplies, stocking on large amounts of food. It wasn’t going to be easy for him to get what he needed, but today he felt his reasoning was just.<br />
As for Northern District, while it didn’t feel like a ghost District yet, it still felt bleaker than that last morning Edge had spent there. Houses had clearly been broken into, and a lot of families no longer seemed to live in what they once thought were secure, and safe hostilities.<br />
Part of Edge had wanted to go back to his home, to see if maybe, by just some sliver of a chance, that Lunar was still in the city. He had already come to the conclusion that this wasn’t the case. It had been a week now, and Edge knew that if Lunar was still here, she would have found him by now. The route between Northern District and Rich District was open now, so there was no excuse for her not to be able to find him. Yet there was no sign, and that filled Edge with ease, and dread. Ease that she may be safe, a dread that she might not be coping well considering how well her life was going before all this.<br />
Every day he’d spend a little moment thinking about her, before moving on with his own business. He was number one right now, in his mind, so he had to make sure it stayed that way, especially after Karlos.<br />
Edge also felt no regret over that ordeal on the second day either. He had almost been killed, and he had done what he had to do in order to survive. At least he didn’t regret it right now...<br />
<br />
Upon arriving at Military District, Edge was met with a familiar sight. Gate locked security on patrol, but not on the outside. Each District’s gate posed a different design. Some were more simplistic, some were more advanced. Military District was built with a message, no one gets in, and no one can get out if we say so.<br />
The gate rose high in the air, with barbed fences and stone wall-work stretching across the border. Above Edge could see two Human Legion soldiers, neither of them armed, but safe atop their watchtowers.<br />
The numbers had dwindled since the start of the Challenge, but there were still few here who demanded to be let in, who demanded protection by spared across the city. There were many insults being thrown up at the guards too. Edge simply stood there, knowing full well he wasn’t going to get in through the gate.<br />
There had to be a way inside somehow, Edge needed to get in here...<br />
Looking around at the gate, Edge noticed two key exploits.<br />
The first was that the first protection of the District was a chain-link fence. Not comfortable to climb, but climbable nonetheless. The issue, of course, was the barbed wire crossing. It was scattered along the top and it was clear the slightest miscalculation would result in a nasty injury or two. But there was a way around that too.<br />
Edge’s coat could easily prevent any cuts from being inflicted on his body.<br />
The biggest issue in this plan however was...where was it quiet enough along the walls to attempt this? While the gate seemed to station a few guards, Edge knew the whole perimeter was bound to be crawling with soldiers. If only there was a way to change that...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
As the citizens continued to spew insults at the guards, they tried their best to take no notice.<br />
“How many more hours of this?” asked the first. <br />
“Shift doesn’t end for another few. Just put up with it, not like they’ll do too much else other than complain.” grunted the second.<br />
They both looked down at the people, all shapes and sizes, but all here for the same cause. The truth was, both of these two soldiers knew more could be done, but they couldn’t exactly abandon their posts. Times were tough enough as it was, adding more fuel into a petrol fire wasn’t going to help the city.<br />
Just a few more hours until they could finally-<br />
“Why do you all stand here waiting for them to reply!? If you want action to be taken, you’ll all need to put your best foot forward first!” cried a voice.<br />
Now they hadn’t heard that phrase before...<br />
“What the heck is going on down there now?” groaned the second. As he peeked over his post, his eye caught that of a blonde man shouting out to the crowd, which remarkably, how quietened down. He studied the blonde man intensely.<br />
“They lock these gates to you because they think more for themselves than they do for you! Your voices don’t reach that deep inside, but that can change!” the voice cried out again. The blonde man was pacing, back and forth, trying to rally the citizens however he could.<br />
“Anything we should worry about?” asked the first guard.<br />
The second scoffed as he continued to watch. “Nah, it’ll fall on deaf ears.”<br />
“They think some barbed wire and a wall will stop us? We’ve already become prisoners once, and now the Legion think they can lock us out like the Catalysts did from the rest of the world!?”<br />
As the voice grew louder, the chants of the people grew equally. The amusement on the guard’s face slowly faltered as he noticed one by one, civilians trying to climb up the chain-link fence.<br />
“Okay...now it’s something to worry about...” the second gulped. He turned to his partner. “Call out for backup, we’re going to need a few more stations here now!”<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As the people one by one attempted to climb the border of Military District, Edge sneaked back through the crowd to where he had been originally been stood. Step one of his plan had been a success, and while he may have caused a little riot, it was all for his gain. He smirked as he took his leave from the gate, and now he began to subtle follow the wall...<br />
<br />
As he continued on, Edge noticed soldiers running across the top of the wall, no doubt on their way to try and stop people from getting in. Edge hoped he hadn’t caused too much trouble, but he didn’t think the Legion would start committed acts of crime against people. But hopefully, it would make those inside take a second think about what to do now that things were starting to get out of control.<br />
Edge kept moving along the wall, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. When he saw another group of soldiers run across the wall, this was the spot. He removed his jacket, wrapping the sleeves around his waist like a schoolchild would their own on a hot summer’s day. He swung around and jogged towards the chain fence, and as he reached it, he lept up to grab as much as he could. Already he had raised quite a height, but there was still some to go.<br />
As metal dug into his fingertips, Edge growled his way to the top towards the barbed wire. As he reached the top, he had to hold on tight with one hand while he pried his jacket loose from around his waist. He alternated quickly between holding onto the fence and trying to pull as the jacket so he could swing it over the barbed wire.<br />
Finally, it was loose, and Edge aimed to get as much of it over the wire as he could. He seemed to have caught a good majority of barbs, and now he climbed up higher, his fingers closing over his jacket, where barbs would be. He could still feel a hard sharp material, but his jacket covered any chance of those sharp lines of metal penetrating his fingers.<br />
Using the strength he had been trying to build for the past week, Edge lifted himself up onto the wall. As he swung over, he gasped. One of the barbs, just that one small escapist piece, had caught his jeans. He took his jacket off the wire and heard a sudden tear. Lifting it up, he could see the inside portion of the jacket had multiple cuts. He groaned a bit. For a jacket Sparda had given him, one that had once belonged to him, he wasn’t taking very good care of it. Swinging it back over onto his shoulders, Edge looked down at his jeans. The wire hadn’t cut him, but it had left a small tear in the left kneecap area.<br />
Now atop the wall, Edge needed to get down on the other side. Over the stone, he noticed laying at the bottom was bushes. Bushes that spread around the area much like the wall itself. He didn’t have time to go to a watchtower and risk getting caught. The only way he was getting down from here, was an equally painful risk in his mind...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Edge was still picking out pieces of the bush from his hair by the time he arrived at his destination.<br />
The Military District was filled with camps and militarily organised equipment. Vehicles, weapons development, healthcare, campsites for battalions, and training centres. But Edge wasn’t going to any of these places. Instead, he was going to an area that reminded him a lot of Northern District, the Enrolment Housing Sector.<br />
Lines of houses that were no doubt built by the same teams that had built the housing in Northern District. The street was very quiet, no one really around. Most were probably locked away in their homes, under strict orders. It made Edge feel slightly uneasy that he might get caught out. He was lucky he had chosen the best place to climb the outer wall too because the Housing Sector hadn’t been too far from where he dropped in.<br />
But any minute now he knew he’d be safe from the Legion.<br />
Walking up the road, Edge spotted the house. There were no fences separating gardens, just simple paths that led up the houses. Checking his left and right as he did, Edge walked up the stone path right up the brown front door. Clearing his throat, he knocked on the door hard.<br />
It took a few moments before he heard footsteps. He contemplated knocking again but held back.<br />
The front door sprang open quickly, and Edge’s green eyes met a pair of brown.<br />
Red Harrison, a man Edge had known since they were kids. They were childhood friends in fact.<br />
Red stood before Edge in a grey hooded jacket, with grey tracksuit bottoms to match. His hair was starting to grow a bit longer than usual and he had a light stubble. He held his hands to his black hair as he looked on in shock.<br />
“E-Edge?”<br />
Edge rolled his eyes and gave a weak smile. “Hey, buddy.”<br />
Before he knew it, Red had launched himself towards him. Edge felt himself being pulled into a tight hug, and while he was grateful that Red was happy to see him, he immediately tried to pry him off.<br />
“Alright, alright, don’t make a scene! I’m not exactly supposed to be here!” Edge said quickly.<br />
Red let go and put his hands back to his head while sighing in disbelief. “I can’t believe it! I-I checked Northern District, you and Lunar weren’t home. Where did you guys go? Did you go to Rich District!? Of course, you did, Sparda’s house I bet right? Good idea, it’s times like these where we need to stick toge-”<br />
“They’re not here, Red.” Edge cut in.<br />
Red blinked at him. “What? You don’t mean-”<br />
“No, no, not dead. I think they both got out before...well, this.” Edge sighed looking up at the barrier. He hadn’t taken much notice of it on the way here, but the memory always returned. Red looked up too and sighed again. He then gave Edge a smile.<br />
“Well, all that matters is you’re all safe. Even if you’re not together, I’m sure Lunar and Sparda are fine.” he assured.<br />
Edge, however, was already trying to get into the house. “Trying not to think about it. Can I come in?”<br />
Red laughed as he put his arm around Edge’s shoulder. “Like you even need to ask, get in here you!”<br />
<br />
Red’s home was cosy if a little tight. The hallway led to the front room on the left, and behind that, the dining room, and next to the dining room was the kitchen.<br />
“Helena!” Red called as he closed the door.<br />
“Helena!” He called again as he moved past Edge. “She’s probably out in the garden. I tell you man, ever since this started, she’s been going on about planting her own garden. Every day it’s prep this and prep that...”<br />
Edge couldn’t help but give off a smile as Red guided him through the house towards the back room.<br />
“To think we were thinking of getting a conservatory installed here too.”<br />
“Good luck with that.” Edge chipped in.<br />
“I know right?”<br />
It was so easy to talk to someone like Red, but then again, when you’d known someone for around fifteen years, it was hard not to.<br />
“Helena! Look who paid us a visit!” Red bellowed as he exited the dining room into the garden.<br />
At the very back of the wood fence, Edge could see another old friend. Helena Kazuki was Red’s partner and another childhood friend that Edge had spent many a day during their education. She was wearing a brown apron with a floral shirt underneath, wearing cyan gloves as she sorted out her own personal garden. When she caught Edge in her eyesight however, she sprang to her feet and squealed with happiness. Her jet black hair flocked around as she bounced up with glee.<br />
Before Edge knew it, he was enveloped in another hug, except this time gloves covered in soil were all over him.<br />
“I’m so glad you’re okay! We were worried sick!” she cried. Edge would have hugged back, had it not been for the gloves in his air.<br />
“Red was worried sick? Seems I missed the meltdown.” Edge replied.<br />
“She’s exaggerating, I knew you were fine.” scoffed Red.<br />
Helena let go of Edge and held her hips as she looked over to Red.<br />
“You said a couple of days ago that if there wasn’t a lockdown in place you’d be out there right now in Rich District seeing if he was at Sparda’s place.” she huffed.<br />
“That’s not being worried sick. That’s just being concerned.” replied Red with a raised brow.<br />
Watching the two of them bicker, in a friendly way, of course, it filled Edge’s heart with happiness again. It had been too much doom and gloom this past week, and although Edge was taking the steps to try and get stronger, to have friends around now, it felt liberating.<br />
“Edge, have you been working out?” Helena burst out suddenly. Once again dirty gloves were on Edge, but this time on his arms.<br />
“Red, feel his arms!” she said.<br />
“I’m not feeling his arms!” snapped Red.<br />
“When did you start? A few weeks ago?” asked Helena eagerly. Red also seemed quite interested, and Edge shook his head.<br />
“Honestly not even a week. Does it really show that much already?” he asked as he looked down at himself. Edge certainly felt a little stronger but he didn’t feel like he actually was looking stronger.<br />
“Ohhhhhhhh, the world must have something special planned for you then!” squeaked Helena. Edge caught Red rolling his eyes.<br />
“Here we go. Time for a Sixth Sense Session.”<br />
“Ignore him, you get it right, Edge? If you’ve been reading the books in Sparda’s place, you’ll know what I mean.” said Helena.<br />
Edge had indeed read up on Sixth Sense and maybe Helena was right. Maybe his call to the world was being answered already. He knew a week ago he wouldn’t have been able to handle that fence all the way. So now, Edge looked over at Red.<br />
“You hear that? I’m special.”<br />
“Screw you.” Red laughed.<br />
Edge found himself laughing for the first time in quite a while, along with Red and Helena, the Catalyst Challenge didn’t feel as dark as the days prior anymore.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
For the majority of his time there, Edge spent it in the living room with Red. There wasn’t much to do, the signs of the Challenge were becoming clearer every day. For one, electricity was out, citywide. Televisions, lights, everything had shut down. The only way to achieve light now was through the art of candlelight. So that was what was now placed between Edge and Red as they sat on the beige carpet floor. Apart from conversations on how good it was to see each other again, the big discussion between Edge and Red was the current situation and the future of the city itself.<br />
“I’ll be blunt, Legion doesn’t know what to do. Ask anyone and they’ll stutter before they speak. We have no idea what to do.” confessed Red.<br />
“I mean, a bit simple isn’t it? The High Lord told us what to do.” Twenty-five machines needed to be located and destroyed, that was the only path to freedom.<br />
“Okay, yeah, sure, but how do we find them? Where do we look? I don’t see twenty-five machines roaming around the city at this time, do you?” asked Red.<br />
Edge shrugged.<br />
”Well you wouldn’t see them, considering you’re locked in here.” he replied.<br />
“Very funny.” Red mocked. “Seriously though, we know what to do...”<br />
“But not how to do it.” sighed Edge.<br />
Red sighed. “It’s a bad situation, man. We’ve had been deserting, people refusing duties, it’s a miracle we have security on that gate...not enough of it if you managed to get in.” Red added with a grin.<br />
“Put your little stealth tips to good use though, didn’t I?”<br />
“I’d hardly say starting a mini-riot is a good idea of stealth. I’ll give you an A for a distraction though. You got any idea how you’re going to get out?” asked Red.<br />
Edge’s smiled faltered. “Ah...”<br />
“Red will escort you home after dinner.” said Helena’s voice. She had appeared in the doorway, a more clean apron around her waist now.<br />
“Dinner’s ready by the way. I did what I could with the mood lighting.” she smiled. Red hopped up first walking over and planting a kiss on Helena’s cheek. “Well, I’m sure it’s a lovely romantic dinner for two...and the third wheel.” Red looked back with a cheeky grin. Helena whacked his arm as he laughed his way into the kitchen. “Leave him alone will you?” She rolled her eyes towards Edge as he got up. As Edge went to walk past, she stopped him.<br />
“Are you handling it all okay?” she asked lightly. There was a silent exchange for a moment but then Edge nodded. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”<br />
“No, but seriously, Edge-”<br />
“Helena, really, I’m good. You two are still here, that’s all I need.”<br />
As Edge moved past, Helena gave off a concerned look...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
The three of them ate dinner together, which despite the circumstances, Helena still managed to cook up a well-groomed steak and kidney pie.<br />
“I’d say there’s plenty more where it came from but...”<br />
“You’re eating what would have been our leftovers.” joked Red.<br />
“I’ll try not to waste it then.” said Edge.<br />
As they cleared their plates, Red patted his stomach.<br />
“Helena that was perfect! What’s for dinner?”<br />
Helena gave a groan as she took their plates. “Every night he says the same joke. I’m this close, Edge, I’m telling you.”<br />
“If anything, Edge would hold you back. He’s known me longer.” piped up Red.<br />
“Bros before...well, you know.” sighed Helena as she began to leave the room.<br />
As they watched, Edge noticed the smile on Red’s face. Despite everything that had happened, he seemed just as cheerful as ever.<br />
“Lucky guy, huh?” asked Edge.<br />
Red took notice and rubbed his neck. “I mean, I guess? Dunno what I’d do without her.”<br />
Edge nodded crossing his arms. “It’s quite touching to see.”<br />
While Red appreciated his friend’s words, he could see there was a look of longing on his face.<br />
“It’s not all great though, you know? There are arguments every now and then, there’s work, or rather there was. Don’t get me wrong, relationships are great but, they’re not all perfect.” Edge could tell Red was just saying this, but he’d clearly caught on to how alone Edge felt.<br />
“Red, you don’t need to say all that. Now is not the time for me to be looking for anything like that.” he replied.<br />
Red rested his arms on the table. “You make it sound like you want to take this Challenge up on its offer.” he said with a furrowed brow.<br />
“You saw the sword. I was sitting around doing nothing, could change that.” he replied.<br />
Red leaned back now and put his hands around his head. “Well I’d ask if they could let you into the Legion, but I don’t think they’d take to you.” he smirked.<br />
“Really? Why? Cause they’re not hiring due to this whole thing?”<br />
“Nah, 'cause you’re a jerk.” laughed Red.<br />
Edge scoffed back as Helena’s voice called out.<br />
“Red! Could you come give me a hand with this for a minute?”<br />
“Duty calls.” Red shrugged as he got up.<br />
“Go get’em, soldier.” Edge replied.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As Red entered the kitchen, Helena was propped up on their kitchen counter-top and ushered Red over.<br />
“Oh what is it, woman?” he joked as she pulled him close.<br />
“Do you think we should let him stay here, with us?”<br />
Red backed up slightly and raised his hands. “Whoa, what?”<br />
Helena rubbed her arm as she looked towards the dining room, concerned. “He’s all alone out there. No Lunar, no Sparda, no one to keep him grounded.”<br />
Red hushed her down as he pulled her further into the kitchen.<br />
“Helena, he’s living in the wealthiest part of the city rent-free with no-”<br />
“You know that’s not what I mean.” she snapped quietly.<br />
“So you’d rather him kip on our sofa? Need I remind you, he just illegally infiltrated the District on lockdown?” Red laughed.<br />
Helena huffed at him as she put her hands on her hips.<br />
“He’s lonely.”<br />
“He’s fine. Trust me, I know my best friend.” sighed Red.<br />
“I really am, you know.” Edge’s voice had joined the conversation. Both of them turned around to see him leaning in the doorway.<br />
“Edge, I-”<br />
“Don’t apologise, it’s fine. I appreciate the concern.” he said quickly.<br />
Red gave Helena a raised brow as she brushed it off. “Either way!” She nudged Red in the side causing him to buckle with a laugh. “We don’t mind having you stay with us if you need it.” she persisted.<br />
Edge raised his hands in denial. “Like Red said, I’m living in the safest place in the city. It’s only a matter of time before things start getting back to some normality too. Soon the Districts will be open and the Legion will be doing their jobs, I’m sure of it. You two are here, and that’s good enough for me right now.” Edge assured her.<br />
Red gave him a tap on the shoulder. “What do you mean good enough right now? You planning on making new friends?”<br />
The three of them continued to joke and laugh.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Time was getting on and eventually, Edge had to leave. He didn’t want to impose, he didn’t want to stay and end up living under their roof, all he had wanted to do was check-up and see if they were okay. They were, so it was time to head back home to Rich District.<br />
“How do you plan on doing that then?” asked Helena sternly as they stood by the front door.<br />
“I figured out a way in right? I’m sure I can figure a way out. What are they going to do? Arrest me?” joked Edge.<br />
“It’s not a laughing matter, Edge. They could end up holding you here. The law is still the law.” warned Helena.<br />
“Not really much of a law at the moment.” muttered Red.<br />
Helena shot him a strong glare. “You can take him home.”<br />
“But I-”<br />
”You’re not exactly training for military work at the moment, are you? The only thing you’re training is your butt on that sofa, so, you can take Edge home.” she snapped.<br />
“Fine. Probably for the best anyway. We won’t need to be stealthy about it that way. Don’t you worry bud, I have the perfect plan.” Red smirked with a wink.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
“Okay, Harrison, but this is the only time...” sighed the Legion Guard.<br />
Red had escorted Edge back to the Western Gate of Military District. It was a simple explanation. Edge was a humble friend who had been staying with Red for a few days. Suddenly when the Catalyst Challenge began, Edge had nowhere to go, so he remained with Red for the next week. Now that things seemed to slowly be dying down and settling, Red was taking Edge back home. It was lucky the guard fell for it. As he opened the gate to let them both through, Edge made a sarcastic whisper to Red.<br />
“Friends in high places, huh?”<br />
“Just keep moving.” Red said, trying hard not to smile.<br />
The gate began to close behind them, but Edge turned quickly. “Sorry, could you hold the gate a moment?” he called out.<br />
The guard looked at him in slight confusion. “Come on, make your minds up, before the damn rioters come back and try and get in.” he called back.<br />
Edge quickly turned to Red, eager to make this quick.<br />
“You don’t need to take me home. Really, I know the way and I’ll be fine.” he assured Red.<br />
There was just a look of disbelief on Red’s face. “Dude, I can’t just leave you, Helena won’t live it down-”<br />
“Then just hang around for a bit. I’d rather go home alone than you take me back and then have to come back here all alone.” replied Edge.<br />
“You don’t think I can handle myself?” smirked Red.<br />
Edge shook his head. “I don’t doubt it, but seriously, you’re safe here. Keep it that way for now.”<br />
The smirk vanished from Red’s face. “You really think this is going to get worse, don’t you?” he said solemnly.<br />
Edge looked up at the barrier. “Look at that thing, Red. Even if we do fight back, how many people are going to die to those machines? When we find them, how strong are they going to be? There’s twenty-five of them man...”<br />
“Wrap it up, you two!” called the guard.<br />
Red put his hand on Edge’s shoulder. “We’ll all find a way in time. It was good to see you safe.”<br />
Edge put his free hand on Red’s shoulder, an old symbolic message they always gave one another when they were kids, teenagers, and now young adults.<br />
“It was good to see you and Helena too. She was right you know, I was feeling lonely, and I took a stupid risk in coming to see you both. But I can keep on moving now. Knowing you’re both here and okay, we’ll see each other again.” Edge smiled.<br />
Their grips tightened before they let go. With that said, Edge and Red parted ways, Edge back to Rich District, and Red back home in Military District.<br />
They may be apart now, but today had taught Edge something deep in his mind.<br />
If the will of a human was powerful enough, they could push through anything that prevented them from some kind of freedom.<br />
In defying the Human Legion’s defences, and through the determination to find and see his friends, Edge had defied a restriction that had been bestowed upon him.<br />
He would do the same to the Catalysts. He would defy this barrier they had placed over him. Defy the machines that lay in wait wherever they may be. It would be hard, but as Red said, they’d find a way in time.<br />
<br />
Humanity would find a way in time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal's Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Personality Reform Part II</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lduihDxXzYU/XrvxfaZjqYI/AAAAAAAABEk/A5vFTqxTuJE-051tIEwAbVO3vlaDBSztwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lduihDxXzYU/XrvxfaZjqYI/AAAAAAAABEk/A5vFTqxTuJE-051tIEwAbVO3vlaDBSztwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-22389008387768439062020-05-09T07:12:00.000-07:002020-05-09T07:12:14.851-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #6 - Edge's Story: The Honing Of My Craft<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Honing of My Craft Part I</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgA8Py6_yAQ/XraRAZ0JlCI/AAAAAAAABEE/ranDgG6qVTYtaHGnH1mGJm1fjeMa7WUkgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BHoning%2BOf%2BMy%2BCraft.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgA8Py6_yAQ/XraRAZ0JlCI/AAAAAAAABEE/ranDgG6qVTYtaHGnH1mGJm1fjeMa7WUkgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BHoning%2BOf%2BMy%2BCraft.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
‘Day 6’<br />
<br />
“One...two...three...”<br />
Edge pushed up for the fourth time, his breath expelling the number of push-ups he was on.<br />
What was once a beautifully placed front room, was now some attempt at a makeshift gym...<br />
“Four...five...six...”<br />
His breathing quickened, and he began to feel the burn in his arms again. He had been trying to work out for a few days now. Day three had been when he started.<br />
“Seven...eight...nine...”<br />
This was only the last part of his workout for now too. He’d continue again tonight, working on his legs.<br />
“Ten...eleven...t-twelve...”<br />
The burn in the chest and the arms was starting to become too great. Not many more left, just...just...<br />
“Thir...teen!...Four...teen!”<br />
With that last gasp, Edge let himself fall to the floor, grunting and panting as he did. His face against the carpet as he looked around dazed. He took a minute to gather his breath, before hopping up.<br />
Now he began to stretch. If there was ever a wise ending to a workout, it would be to stretch before and after, get the blood pumping. Maybe he should invest in a punching bag of sorts, something to test his strength on?<br />
Like anyone was going to be selling anything right now...<br />
With his morning routine done, Edge collapsed onto the sofa that was now perched against the side of the room. Sweat dripped down his face onto his neck as he caught his breathing back to a regular pace. When he finally felt settled, he looked over at the other side of the room.<br />
He kept it on him at all times when moving around the house, just as a potential security measure, but he stared at the Unavenged Sheath, that lay propped against the wall leading into the kitchen.<br />
There was still one more exercise he needed to perform for the day...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
The back garden to the house felt like one of the few places that hadn’t been tainted by that which hung above. Under the glare of the barrier, Edge stood in the middle of a large patch of grass, extending his blade forward in front of him.<br />
He held it firmly with both hands, keeping it within his centre.<br />
The sword was light enough to be held with one hand, yet Edge felt more comfortable when he had full two-handed control over where the blade would go. Also because right now, he wasn’t strong enough to defend himself one-handed.<br />
Human bodies didn’t work in the way one would think in this world.<br />
The average human body would be expected to go through long hours of work and hardship in order to create aspects such as figure, strength, knowledge. <br />
Here, that is not the case.<br />
The human body here is decided by the six senses.<br />
Vision, Hearing, Smell, Touch, Taste, and the Sixth.<br />
One could train their eyesight to see beyond the reaches of a naked eye. What could once be a blurry letter on a wall could become crystal clear if the vision was trained enough.<br />
The range of hearing could be increased in intense situations. It required one to stay in silence and listen to the world around them. Only then could they start picking up the faintest sounds.<br />
The same could be said for a sense of smell. Every tracker needed what was called a Stinker. Someone who could track by scent alone, and it was a vital skill to use out in the wilds.<br />
Touch was the basis of all evolution for the body. In touching, you feel, and in feeling, you become familiar with that which you’ve chosen. Holding a blade, feeling it move through the air, the weight, the speed, the angles, the body took it all in. You could become a master of the blade, alongside the master of touch.<br />
If anything, taste was in the category to simply keep all senses relevant. There were rumours of people who could improve their sense of taste, learn to like things that they did not before in terms of food, drink. But the evolution of taste had been a vital step forward in the world. After all, how would the world learn that things such as milk could be made edible for human consumption? It had to be done.<br />
But the last and most interesting factor was the Sixth Sense. A sense hidden deep within every brain of every living thing in this world. The world itself was made by the Sixth. It breathed through the land, and if you wanted a more basic word for it, you could call it magic.<br />
Every human had Sixth Sense Energy flowing through their blood, the veins, their body. It lived through past generations and would in the future too. Every human was special, whether it was their Birth Element, their Energy Value, or their Mastery.<br />
Every human was born with a Birth Element, an element of magic that radiated deep inside them, at the heart. This meant that should a human choose to follow the path at magic, they would find themselves with an element they could cast easier than any others. Their strong point, their nexus, their element. Humans born with the Fire Element could breathe bright flames that scattered a thousand embers into the night sky. Those born with the Ice Element could learn to freeze lakes and rivers. Those born with the element of Thunder could cause the storm of the ages. Everyone had one, yet no everyone would discover their element. There was no way to check either. Not even Catalyst technology could trace Sixth Sense Energy if they could, they likely would have harnessed its power by now. Alas, the world seemed to protect itself perfectly.<br />
Energy Value varied between every human too, though you could tell if someone had a better understanding than the other. How much Sixth Sense energy does a human have flowing through them? It’s a fascinating question because there’s never a set answer. It fluctuates, it buries itself deep down, and it expels itself back into the world. But a person’s strength can be measured by how much energy they have deep down. While the answer is never clear, one can train their energy to grow, to expand, to become a power that no other could hope to wield. Like a Birth Element, magic can be grown into new forms, more powerful casts, more devastating depending on the person. Once again, this is like training all other senses. But the Sixth Sense only grows with the aims of a person. Their drive for what they want for the future is what rises the energy, and creates new forms of possibilities.<br />
Then there is Mastery. Only a few obtain that level of energy, where they manage to master the elements, master the art of energy, and become one with Sixth Sense itself. Those of old were said to be most in tune with the world, and ones who lived in harmony with Sixth Sense. As time went on however, new ways of life arrived, and slowly the world became cut off from itself, the inhabitants grew distant from what breathed life into their world. This was no terrible thing however, for the world was still safe, it did not need to be constantly connected to the human race in order to keep the world alive. There were also still those that kept the world company in achieving this level of skill.<br />
Sixth Sense enhanced everything about a person. It increased so many attributes of a person. Enhancing strength to take on great feats against nature itself. Raising the agility allowed one to perform incredible feats some could only dream of attempting. Balancing the vitality of one’s health, keeping one strong and active through even the toughest of times. Giving the gift of intelligence giving the mind new ways to solve problems and find solutions accordingly. Creating a new dexterity in one's coordination and daily lives. All of these could be trained, and even though exercise to a human was a vital way of the path to mastery, it was the person who ultimately determined how strong they could become.<br />
If they willed themselves on a drive, and if the world responded to the call of the energy deep inside a human body, then strength, power, control, it would come in no time at all. But it had to be a drive the world saw as value, that was needed.<br />
<br />
This was the path Edge had chosen. He was going to fight against the Catalysts, and compete in this Catalyst Challenge. He knew about the laws of sixth sense energy, his foster father, Sparda, had been able to achieve Mastery in his time. While Edge never expected that level of power, he still wanted to become strong enough to fight for his freedom, to return to his family.<br />
It had only been three days, but deep down Edge felt like the world had heard his call. It would still take a while, weeks, months maybe, but Edge could feel strength. The past week had taught him a lot already.<br />
When this started, he had been someone who lacked the motivation to do anything, to get up and find his place in the world. Now the world had forced him to find it, and he knew it was fighting alongside those who would no doubt soon rise up against the Catalysts. He was just waiting for a sign, a sign that finally, the fight had begun. When he saw or heard that sign, he’d take the sword in his hands now, and use it to fight for freedom.<br />
Raising the sword above his head, Edge swung down, repeatedly, in a pattern. He needed to learn the way of the blade, learn the warrior’s way. This would be the routine until the time came to fight. There were still many days ahead to train and grow, and Edge would use every one of them as best as he could. Train his sixth sense energy to grow, train his body to grow in muscle and mass, and train his skills with the sword so he could take on these powerful machines.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Every night Edge took a new book out from the bookshelves in the living room. These were books Sparda had collected through the years, and each held so much knowledge.<br />
Books on the blade, that taught new skills, new stances, ways to block and to counter. Ways to effectively cut down the toughest of materials and how the blade was just as much a part of you, as well as an extension of yourself.<br />
Books on the elements of magic, their history, and how they had progressed throughout time. Scrolls that explained how to harness the power of magic and how to carry basic through to advanced level spells. Edge had hoped to find ones on expert level casting, but it seemed Sparda kept those under some form of lock and key. Where that key was...well it had to be around the house somewhere. That could be a fun distraction at some point in the future.<br />
<br />
With night approaching, Edge decided now was the best time for a second workout. That way he’d be tired from the burn again, and he’d hopefully be able to get sound asleep. He hadn’t paid much attention to how the outside world was taking things right now, the priority was himself.<br />
Muttering to himself to motivate, Edge made sure he had enough room to complete his next workout. Then after stretching out his body again, he began the second workout for the day.<br />
Floor triceps, twelve of them.<br />
Pike push-ups, twelve of them also which was easier on his nagging back from all the sword training.<br />
After every few, Edge would stretch out on the floor, thirty seconds at a time. Stronger, he needed to get stronger.<br />
He repeated the exercises he had just done, now lowering them down to ten each, making sure not to push himself too hard.<br />
His workouts turned to more ground-based. Supine push-ups and hyperextension. Once those were done, he closed out his workout with the same push-up routine from earlier.<br />
“One...two...three...”<br />
Had to get stronger.<br />
“Four...five...six...”<br />
Had to move faster.<br />
“Seven...eight...nine...”<br />
Had to stay focused.<br />
“Ten...eleven...twelve...”<br />
Had to survive the Catalyst Challenge.<br />
“Thirteen...four...teen...fifth...teen! Six...teen!”<br />
With that last gasp, Edge held himself up, not waiting to lay down like he had been defeated. The second workout for the day was complete, and now it was time to retire and get a good night’s rest. He’d continue tomorrow.<br />
<br />
But as Edge began to climb the stairs to bed, the Unavenged Sheath in his hand, he looked back towards the front door. It hadn’t been opened since he arrived, and no one had come to check either. At some point, he needed to go out there and see what the world had become. He had only ever heard noises from the garden, hearing people scared and worried about what was to come.<br />
He had been thinking about people recently too. Lunar and Sparda were clearly not in the city, they would have come here by now, surely they would have if they were still in the city. Edge didn’t want to think about the less fortunate case.<br />
But there were still some people out there that Edge wondered if he should check on. While he wasn’t the most social person in the world, there were two friends out there who may be just as scared as he was.<br />
<br />
He wondered if it was worth the journey...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge & Red's Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Friendly Reunion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlY5yDufw3A/XraWhVYLfrI/AAAAAAAABEQ/wSNfOyaFBsACrVC5yWhuufu4EqkVl7ePACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BFriendly%2BReunion.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlY5yDufw3A/XraWhVYLfrI/AAAAAAAABEQ/wSNfOyaFBsACrVC5yWhuufu4EqkVl7ePACK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BFriendly%2BReunion.png" width="320" /></a></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-27207975665548130252020-05-06T05:01:00.000-07:002020-05-06T05:02:00.674-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #5 - Crystal & Alex's Story: The Personality Reform Part I & The Broken Blacksmith<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Personality Reform Part I</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbXJ7l9H-uc/XrKV0LM_BpI/AAAAAAAABDc/TXhvFKc-u88hRN1riaKRfm3sDl8gBwQ0QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbXJ7l9H-uc/XrKV0LM_BpI/AAAAAAAABDc/TXhvFKc-u88hRN1riaKRfm3sDl8gBwQ0QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
‘Day 4’<br />
<br />
How long had she been cooped up in her room since they had returned to Rich District? This Challenge was already proving too great for Crystal.<br />
After waking up in the University, where she and Alex had spent the first night, they had been allowed to return to Rich District. They returned to the workshop, but Crystal hadn’t waited to get a welcome from the workshop owner. Instead, she had rushed upstairs to her room, and thrown the covers over her head, and tried to sleep away what she thought was still an aching nightmare.<br />
Of course, when she opened her eyes, the barrier was still there. It would always be there in her mind now. That constant reminder that her thoughts of freedom were all lies, and she was now a prisoner of a sick game.<br />
She felt sick herself. Crystal hadn’t eaten since she had gotten home. It was a chore for her to even get out of bed. She hadn’t changed her clothes, she hadn’t washed, she was just stagnant in life right now. She’d even forgotten what she looked like. How could the perfect day off become something like this? Her mind blamed herself, that she never should have gotten out of bed that morning either, that she had made matters worse. Her mind had a funny thing of tricking her to think that.<br />
Yet there was nothing she could do. A trap within a trap, these walls enclosed by the dome outside, shining through the closed curtains. Every time she tried to will herself out of this bed, a sharp thought stuck through her mind like a knife, forcing her to stop the act of courage that was bottling up inside her. Crystal was starting to believe she could never overcome that feeling now.<br />
Every now and then, there would be a knock at the door. Alex’s voice would always call through, asking if Crystal was okay. On the occasion, at least once a day, Alex would come in, and try to talk to her friend. But Crystal couldn’t bring the words forth to tell Alex what was going through her mind. It was better that way, no one needed her problems shifted onto their own person right now. Everyone out there was coping with it in a different way.<br />
Why did she have to be one of those who could barely stand, to look out that window and face what was hanging over her head-on?<br />
She wished...<br />
She wished she could be that kind of person...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Broken Blacksmith</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9n2p5ZIZOto/XrKV5RlkjdI/AAAAAAAABDk/Pf3XWRhheqUbpg5zvmB6SSRzQ2al9hLIQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BBroken%2BBlacksmith.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9n2p5ZIZOto/XrKV5RlkjdI/AAAAAAAABDk/Pf3XWRhheqUbpg5zvmB6SSRzQ2al9hLIQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BBroken%2BBlacksmith.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
‘Day 4’<br />
<br />
“You’re not serious! Come on! You’re just-”<br />
“I’ve made up my mind, Alex.” sighed Hermes. Alex was stood there, tears almost swelling down her face, as her mentor, and owner of the blacksmith workshop, Hermes, strapped a bag to his back.<br />
“It’s times like these where I need to think where the priorities lay. It’s not here in this District.”<br />
Alex watched as Hermes made his way over to the door, scratching his long brown beard, his shoulder-length hair brushing over his shoulders as he did. Hermes was a large man, but one who radiated the power of the hammer. He had taught Alex everything he knew, at least that was what he knew deep down, Alex, on the other hand, had other ideas.<br />
He touched one of the walls of the main workshop. Countless works of his, hanging on the wall, placed perfectly in glass cases, all on display for customers.<br />
There had not been one in four days now.<br />
“I will admit, I will miss this place.” he said.<br />
“Then don’t go!” begged Alex. She ran over, grasping his arm.<br />
“I have to go and make sure my family is safe. My daughter, her fiancé, their children, they need me now more than ever. No one is coming here, Alex.” he said, patting the hand that gripped his arm.<br />
“But...aren’t we family too?” she snapped. Hermes gave her a stern glare for a moment, and then a fondness crossed his brow.<br />
“My dear apprentice. You and Crystal mean so much to me with everything you’ve done in helping me get the shop back to what it once was. That...that is why I have no fears in leaving both of you here, to continue that work.”<br />
Alex looked up at him, confused as to why he was saying this. Hermes held Alex’s hand now and looked around the shop.<br />
“I may have many works on these walls, swords, shields, and weapons that could very well aid some poor soul who does battle against the Catalysts in the future. But alas, as your time here grew, your very own works began to replace what was once mine. Don’t you see, my dear? My future lays with my family, and yours lays here, perfecting the future of the fight.” Hermes smiled.<br />
Alex looked around the room, looking at the history of weaponry that stood around her.<br />
“You can make this the best blacksmith in the city. This is your opportunity!”<br />
Alex shook her head as she looked down.<br />
“B-but what if things get worse? What if someone comes here and tries to take it all. I can’t possibly-”<br />
“Now, now.” Hermes patted her hand lightly. “That doesn’t sound like the loud Alexandria Talos I know.”<br />
Tears almost fell, but Alex managed to hold them back. This was already a test of strength, the first of many she’d fight in this Challenge.<br />
After those words, Alex and Hermes gave their goodbyes. It was sad to leave without saying goodbye to Crystal, but Hermes knew that now was not the time to wish more bad news on the girls. He knew Alex would do whatever she could, not only for the shop but for her friend.<br />
“Take care of her, Alex. She may not be ready yet, but with you here, and with the right motivation, I know Crystal will be back to her old self in no time.” he assured.<br />
Alex held her arm, the nerves of taking that on when everything so far hadn’t worked.<br />
“I...I don’t know if I can, Hermes. There’s only so much I can do for her. She won’t let me in.” she sighed.<br />
Hermes scratched his beard and then gave a small chuckle, to which Alex responded with an odd expression.<br />
“I always say, there’s always someone out there who can bring the best out of us. I stand by those words, even with what’s going on. If you’re not the one to do that, then I can’t say who can, but there’s always someone.” he tapped his nose.<br />
Alex nodded with a courageous smile now. “Just like you bought the best out in me.” Wiping away the tears, Alex gave him a thumbs up.<br />
“I won’t let you down, Master! Just you watch, by the time this is over, this’ll be the go-to place for all kinds of weaponry! I’ll make it all myself if I have to!” Alex grinned.<br />
Hermes nodded at her enthusiasm, returning her thumbs up. “Now that sounds like the girl who I took on two years ago. I know you can do it, Alex. I leave the workshop in your capable hands. One day, people will come, and they’ll need you to step up. I don’t need to tell you to do that though, you’ve just proven to me you will.”<br />
With those last words, Hermes departed from Rich District, his destination, Northern District, to find his family, and keep them as safe as he could.<br />
That just left Alex and Crystal in the workshop. Now they owned this place, which meant there were going to be some changes. Alex knew it would take a while, but she had to keep strong. She had to prepare for what the future held for the shop itself.<br />
She needed to make sure they were all stocked up on materials, she needed to make sure all the equipment was up to date and was working in order. She also needed to make sure her best friend got back up on her feet. It was a tall order, but there would be many more in the future. Alex considered this her first order of business.<br />
“Okay. Let’s get to work!”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
‘Day 5’<br />
<br />
Alex wiped the sweat off her brow as she looked around the workshop. The shop had the main shopping floor, and behind that was the workshop itself. This was where every material was melted and moulded into weapons of choice.<br />
Stacks of different metallic ores, copper, iron, steel, silver, even a few leftover bars of gold, mainly used for hilts and other accessories.<br />
The whole place had been cleaned, and it had sure needed a spring clean. During Hermes’ time, the number of cobwebs that had gathered. Alex was never a fussy clean person, but if she wanted this place to become the best of the best, it needed to look the best of the best.<br />
She continued by polishing the cases, the weapons too, making sure there wasn’t a speck of dull dust on them. By the time she was done, the light was bouncing from one blade to another, the glass glistened, and the floor would welcome anyone in with a greeting shine.<br />
There was still a lot that needed to be done, but for now, that would do. There was another matter that needed attending to.<br />
Alex ascended the staircase that took her up to her living quarters. As she moved down the hallway, she looked over at the door furthest to the right, Crystal’s room.<br />
As always, Alex gave a small knock. She had been drawing back with Crystal recently, trying not to cause any discomfort or negativity. But now that Alex had a goal in mind, she needed to stop pretending like Crystal was a fragile vase. Deep down she knew she was strong, strong enough to come back from this, and Alex was going to help her however she could, and that first step, was being herself.<br />
“Hope you’re decent in there.” Alex called. She opened the door quicker than she had the past few days and bounced into the room.<br />
“Just in case you get a little shock when you go downstairs, nope, we haven’t moved. I’ll have you know I’ve been cleaning up the shop and getting it ready for the grand re-opening!”<br />
No response.<br />
Alex moved around the room, hands behind her back, attempting to balance on each leg as she travelled around.<br />
“I tell ya, few months' time, this place will be begging us to help out with everything. Just you watch, we’ll be the most popular blacksmiths in town!” she cheered while flexing, not that there was much to flex...<br />
No response still.<br />
Alex rolled her eyes as she looked towards the closed curtains. This was a risk to perform here and now.<br />
“Obviously you’re not the sharpest blade in the sheath, but I bet I could rustle up a bit of the old smith dust and turn you into a natural! Not as good as me though, cause you know, I’m pretty awesome. Boy, is it dark in here.”<br />
Yet again, no response.<br />
Alex opened the curtains, letting light into the room for the first time in days. As she did, she saw the sight that sent so many mad now. The bright blue barrier hung over the sunset sky. Her weapons would do no good against such a thing, but she remembered the words of the High Lord.<br />
Twenty five Catalyst MECHs. Each of them waiting to be destroyed. Weapons would be needed, and she was on the front line to assist those who need a blade to cut into the wires of the mighty.<br />
She looked down now, there wasn’t much more she could say to try and convince Crystal.<br />
“You know, I know you’ll be fine. Deep down I just got this feeling. I wonder if other childhood friends get something like that? You know you’re like a sister to me. As confident as I am that we can make this place a beacon of hope for the future...” She turned back to the lump in the duvet cover. “I’d be more confident if you were there standing next to me.”<br />
With that said, Alex left the room, leaving the curtains open. That was all she could do now, by herself, no matter how funny or emotional she was being, it had to be the truth.<br />
She did not close the door this time, instead, she left it open slightly ajar, just in case that gave Crystal a small boost.<br />
Now it was time to focus on the shop again, but Alex knew she’d keep trying until her best friend felt better.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Crystal was still sat underneath the covers of her bed. But she wasn’t alone now, she had at least summoned the strength to get some form of food. Even if it was only a few slices of bread with some butter spread, her stomach had pushed her out of bed.<br />
When she was certain Alex had left, Crystal slowly drew the duvet covers off of her head. She looked at the window, the bags under her eyes causing her to flinch as the light hit her face. She slowly climbed out of bed while finishing off her second slice.<br />
Walking over, Crystal rested her head against the window as she swallowed her food. She looked dead-eyed at the barrier, taking in every inch of its colour, shaper, pattern, being. Her brow furrowed, as her head made a small screeching sound against the window.<br />
The fear right now was gone, and all that now was...just nothing.<br />
Crystal felt nothing right now. She wasn’t scared of the barrier anymore, she had grown in the past day to accept the reality. This was the end of the line, and she wanted off of this ride. She didn’t have the guts to actively do it, but there was no doubt in her mind now.<br />
Crystal just didn’t care anymore, about anything.<br />
<br />
Little did she know, that her new mindset would lead her to the thing she’d care about most in the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Honing of My Craft Part I</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RrBVKCFYCo/XrKV-7V_eMI/AAAAAAAABDs/hsWMGrSiyeU3VFsabzkYpYX7eqRR4geWgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BHoning%2BOf%2BMy%2BCraft.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RrBVKCFYCo/XrKV-7V_eMI/AAAAAAAABDs/hsWMGrSiyeU3VFsabzkYpYX7eqRR4geWgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BHoning%2BOf%2BMy%2BCraft.png" width="320" /></a></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-18104700517408492802020-05-02T05:07:00.001-07:002020-05-02T05:07:55.641-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #4 - Crystal & Alex's Story: The First Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal & Alex’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The First Day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkC6GF4KXBQ/Xq1QoY6LGpI/AAAAAAAABC0/SzR7QY1JiCQNO7LsEdF38-eu6zseYbgaACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BFirst%2BDay%2BCrystal%2B%2526%2BAlex.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkC6GF4KXBQ/Xq1QoY6LGpI/AAAAAAAABC0/SzR7QY1JiCQNO7LsEdF38-eu6zseYbgaACK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BFirst%2BDay%2BCrystal%2B%2526%2BAlex.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Her eyes flickered open at the sound of rapid knocking at the door.<br />
“Crystal! Hey, Crystal! Are you up!?”<br />
Crystal Inos raised her head slightly. She could barely see, her hair was a mess. Everything that was supposed to be at the back, was hanging and ragged at the front. She huffed as she turned over, sweeping her long brown hair back. On her bedside table, lay a small alarm clock. Seven o’clock in the morning.<br />
With a loud groan, she turned back to her bed and slumped back down, closing her eyes tight.<br />
“I heard that!” called the voice again, knocking away on the door once again.<br />
“It’s only seven! Go back to bed!” Crystal moaned into her pillow.<br />
Her eyes grew even tighter shut as she heard her bedroom door burst open. A woman the same age charged into the room, her best friend, Alex Talos.<br />
“Rise and shine! It’s a brand new day!” Alex began to sing off-key in a loud pitching voice.<br />
Even though Crystal was annoyed at the disruption, a small smile stretched across her face. She couldn’t help but be amused.<br />
“I said it’s a brand new day!” Alex snapped as she rushed around the bed and pulled back the closed burgundy curtains. Light warped into the room, hitting Crystal’s eyelids. Now frustrated again, Crystal threw herself around so the light was no longer hitting her, even though she could still feel its warmth on the back of her head.<br />
“Will you get out!” she replied. She then felt her bed bounce as Alex perched herself on the edge, bouncing up and down as she sat there.<br />
“Can’t get out until you get up.” shrugged Alex.<br />
“Give me like...five more minutes.” A yawn erupted from Crystal as she tried to get at least some form of extra sleep. Alex however, was having none of it.<br />
“Want my advice-”<br />
“I didn’t ask for it.”<br />
“-You should have more early nights. Instead of spending all night writing in those journals of yours. If you want to be a writer, write a damn book already you nerd.”<br />
Crystal’s eye flicked open as she now sat up, holding her duvet cover up to her chest as she faced Alex.<br />
“I wasn’t writing. I just went into a bit of a daydream by the window and-”<br />
“Probably dreaming about all the lovely burning hot metal that creates that steamy atmosphere in the workshop. I know you love it.” Alex winked as she hopped off the bed.<br />
“You make it sound so heart-warming.” Crystal replied in a mocking tone. Alex now turned to her, hands on her hips with an evil grin.<br />
“Come on now, we’ve got a big day ahead of us. Don’t make me pull that duvet off.” Alex said, raising her hands and moving her fingers as a pace Crystal had never seen so quick. She gripped the duvet hard and pulled it to her chest.<br />
“Don’t you dare. I’m getting up, now get out.” she laughed.<br />
As Alex began to skip out of the room she pointed at Crystal with a wink. “I see how it is, going commando, I like it. I’ll see you in the dining room!”<br />
As she left Crystal couldn’t help but give an annoyed yet grateful sigh. She had been living with Alex for six months now, and while there were testing times, Crystal was happy she had moved in with her childhood best friend.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Crystal got ready like most mornings, but unlike today, she didn’t need to fetch her rough shirt, apron, and gloves that she’d be wearing for work. Today was the one day of the week she and Alex had off from their job at the blacksmith workshop in Rich District. It wasn’t where Crystal wanted to be, but she had to help pay the rent for the room somehow.<br />
Both herself and Alex lived right above the workshop in fact, and the rent was pretty cheap for such a nice establishment. It was always incredibly warm though due to the furnaces and equipment downstairs in the back. They usually had to have the windows open wide. It created one heck of a battle in the Winter when they tried to find a balance between hot and cold.<br />
Dressed and ready for the day, Crystal was wearing a nice sporting white shit, with a brown cropped overcoat. She had bought a pair of new denim jeans a week ago and now seemed like a fine time to start wearing them. As she entered the dining room, Alex offered a light wolf-whistle which made Crystal stop and pull a dramatic fake pose as she waved Alex away.<br />
“Oh stop, you’ll make me blush.” she laughed as she began to get her breakfast.<br />
“You want anything out of this? I don’t usually do fry ups, but I thought I’d try. It’s not burnt I promise.”<br />
Crystal shook her head as she popped back up with a box of simple oats cereal.<br />
“Seriously!? You eat that every day. Try something different.” said Alex.<br />
Crystal moved over to their fridge, taking out the jug of milk on the bottom shelf, before putting them both on the counter while she fetched a bowl.<br />
“Two things. One, it’s the only thing we have at the moment, we need to go and do a shop by the way. Second, the day I try your cooking is the day after the world turns upside down because I’m eating this and you can’t stop me.” replied Crystal.<br />
“Wow. Some friend you are. Maybe I won’t cook for you.”<br />
“Maybe you won’t have a choice. We’re all out. Enjoy that meal.” Crystal laughed as she made her way to the table with her breakfast. She could feel Alex’s cold glare on her neck as she did.<br />
Alex continued to cook her meal, which came out at least semi-successfully. She sat opposite Crystal, take a chunk out of her two sausages before scooping up as many beans as she could.<br />
“So, plan for today-”<br />
“Do you have to talk with your mouth full?”<br />
A pause.<br />
“Yeah!”<br />
Crystal sighed.<br />
“So, plan for today. Eat up, head out into Catalyst District, see the sights, go to some shops, then head into Catalyst Circle.” Alex rambled as Crystal raised her brow.<br />
“You know I’m not interested in that whole Catalyst technology mumbo jumbo stuff. Why can’t I just keep shopping while you watch the show?” she sighed.<br />
Alex huffed and pouted. “Well excuse me for wanting to spend quality time with my best friend! Need I remind you I went with you, all the times you’ve wanted to get a make-over, all the haircuts, and manicures, pedicures, I’m-not-into-that- kind-of-stuff-icures-”<br />
“Okay, okay, okay! You’ve made your point!” Crystal laughed as she finished her food.<br />
With breakfast finished, both of them got ready to leave. As they did, Crystal shot a snide glare at Alex.<br />
“I do wish you’d let someone cut your hair though, you’d look really good!”<br />
“I ain’t letting no demon with blades near my hair. You saying you don’t like my style?”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
The day out moved along like any other. Crystal and Alex managed to catch an early transit through Northern District into Catalyst District. Once there they slowly moved through the outer edges of the city, going further in as the day went on. The announcement was at 12:00 PM, so they had plenty of time to spare. Crystal found a lovely pair of new boots she thought would suit her great on a night out, and Alex secured a new set of gloves she was more than happy to use as a replacement for her...previous ones. The less said about those the better.<br />
But as lunchtime approached, Crystal and Alex grabbed what they could from a nearby supermarket complex, and made their way to the centre of the city, to Catalyst Central.<br />
<br />
The next half hour of their lives turned from two joyful friends laughing together, to two women staring up at the sky in fear...<br />
<br />
High Lord Catalyst Hinoros announced The Catalyst Challenge, an event that would trap all humans living in Convexity. Their job, to locate and destroy twenty-five Catalyst-Made machines. The knowledge gifted upon them, that the Catalyst Barrier, which now sealed them within the city, granted an instant death upon touch. There was no way in or out anymore, this was the betrayal of the Catalysts.<br />
When that being vanished from the eyes of the humans who had hoped to hear of a new defensive line of machines, the world turned into fear that split second.<br />
Screams of panic filled the air, and the crowd that had been celebrating the view a Catalyst was now frantic to escape.<br />
<br />
Crystal and Alex were among them on that first day...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
‘Day 1’<br />
<br />
“Crystal, come on, we need to leave now!” screamed Alex. She was pulling away at Crystal, who could barely move.<br />
She was completely frozen in her mind, it was as if everything had ended and nothing had begun in her life. There was this moment of thought, deep thought, one where Crystal thought back to her whole life, experience every memory she had in a second.<br />
It was a feeling in her chest that bought her back to her senses. Her chest felt tight, it felt like there was a pain she could not feel. Was she struggling to breathe? No, but it felt as if the life was being sucked out of her very body. She clutched at it as Alex appeared into view among the running crowd around them.<br />
“Crystal! Hey, look at me! It’s okay, we’re going to get home, it’s okay!” It was clear Alex was only saying all of this to help her.<br />
As Alex stood there, desperately pulling at her friend to move, she could already tell what was happening. There were times in the past Crystal had felt like this, when an attack had pounced upon her and she was unable to continue with her daily duties, and it was usually Alex that took it upon herself to help Crystal in those times.<br />
But right now, even she was panicking. Not enough to have an anxiety attack like Crystal was having right now, but she had no idea where to go. Home was the obvious answer, but how did they get there? This whole city was falling apart, not literally, but the people around them, this was city-wide. How bad was it going to be outside of Catalyst Circle, in the city itself?<br />
Between the pulling and the begging, Crystal could only blink as she looked around in fright. She was at the epicentre, and she already believed this day was her last. Through her panted breath she grabbed Alex tight.<br />
“A-Alex...I don’t think...I don’t I can...I can’t-can’t.”<br />
Crystal felt Alex’s cold hands hold her face and turn it towards her. “Listen to me, I know, okay? I know, it’s scary, it’s horrible. But we need to get home. We can get out of here, but we have to stick together. As long as we’re with each other, we’ll get through this. I promise!”<br />
It didn’t instil confidence, but these were words Crystal needed to hear.<br />
Although she wasn’t calming down anytime soon, she gripped Alex’s arm tight, and let her guide her away from Catalyst Circle. As they began to leave the centre of what seemed to be the apocalypse itself, Crystal looked back up. A bright blue beam, shooting high into the sky, creating that layer of thin matter. The Catalyst Barrier, that hung over the city sky high, and with a single touch, would end life in an instant...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
As soon as they entered the main street, all they could see were people sprinting around, covering their heads, people falling on the ground in a huddled mess. The city was in a straight panic, everyone dashing around. Alex called out, saying they needed to find a way through to Rich District.<br />
“We’ll have better security there, trust me on this!” she insisted as she pulled at Crystal’s arm. All the shopping they had bought, everything they had enjoyed finding throughout the day, had been left back in the centre of Catalyst Circle. This was no time to grow attached to new clothes, or the food they had stocked upon. What mattered right now was their lives. Everyone around them seemed to be going crazy, and that meant they needed to escape the Catalyst District.<br />
Crystal and Alex ran down countless streets, navigating the sidewalks and roads, trying to find the safest routes through the onslaught of fear. But through every turn, there was a new obstacle that struck their hearts and minds deep.<br />
Vehicles that did not care what stood in their path, tossing lives into the air. On another street, the select few who had already been pushed to the brink mentally, and had fallen from the high tops of buildings above.<br />
Raiders, looters, criminals exposing themselves in the open, some old, some new, as they took what they could. As many supplies as they needed, and even things no one would need in the near future. Trinkets, expensive items no one could hope to buy in a city where the state of affairs as normal.<br />
Convexity had become chaotic.<br />
Crystal and Alex found their way to the main walls, which surrounded the Catalyst District. They just needed to find an entrance to the Western District, and from there they could make their way through towards Rich District.<br />
The canyons that passed through for what could be a quicker route were too dangerous. No transport could move through that maze of rock, so they already knew that option was out of bounds for survival.<br />
As they continued to move along, the chaos continued. They tried their best to stick to the walls of Central District, but the crowds pushed them deep into the road.<br />
Crystal felt herself stumble time and time again as she tried to cover herself from the pieces of trash and hard objects people were throwing all around them.<br />
“Clear the roads, you idiots! Clear the road! Oh, my-everyone clear the damn road!” Alex turned to see a civilian yelling at the top of his lungs as he motioned towards an oncoming transport that was speeding down the street. In a split second panic ruptured through her body as Alex watched people being thrown through the air at the might of a car bonnet. When she turned back to help Crystal further, she realised she was suddenly separated from her friend.<br />
“Crystal!? Crystal!” she cried out, tears already swelling.<br />
Crystal heard the cry and looked around. Her breathing quickened as she tried to call out. Her issues were besting her again as she wheezed a response. “A-Alex!”<br />
Crystal was so focused on finding her friend...she did not notice the car rapidly approaching her.<br />
“Look out!” cried a voice.<br />
Crystal felt herself hit the ground hard as arms wrapped around her. For a moment she panicked that she had been attacked, but the arms left her as quickly as they had wrapped themselves around her. Whoever had tackled her had taken the hit of the ground, keeping her safe. As her wrap snapped up, she saw the transport ahead crash into a nearby building. Had it almost hit her? She had almost been killed by that, and if that person hadn’t saved her...<br />
“Hey! Watch where you’re going you stupid creep!”<br />
Crystal felt Alex lift her.<br />
“You’re okay! I’m so sorry, I turned my head for a second and-”<br />
“I-it’s okay, really! Let’s get out of here, come on!” Crystal didn’t know where her sudden determination came from, but being that close to death had suddenly pushed out her original fears. She didn’t understand if anything she should be more scared.<br />
Whoever had saved her from the car had taken off into the city. It seemed there were still some decent people out there even during times like these...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
Crystal and Alex had escaped Central District. Both of them now stood in the In-Between point between Central, Rich, and Western District. Hunched over, trying to catch their breath, Alex was the first to rise. She looked up and felt her eyes widen.<br />
“Would you look at that thing...” she gasped.<br />
Crystal looked up now too, still catching her breath. Above them lay the thick bright blue Catalyst Barrier. A piece of technology no human had had any knowledge of and had now trapped a portion of the human race inside the city.<br />
“I don’t get it. What do they gain from something like that hanging over us?” Alex questioned out loud.<br />
The fear was setting into Crystal again, and she quickly looked away. “Do you think we could...maybe not think too much on it right now? I don’t want to look at it.”<br />
Alex gave her friend a concerned look. She had to step up here and make sure they got home safe. But she had no idea, neither of them did, on what the situations were like in other Districts now.<br />
“It’ll take us a while, but we should start making the walk to Western District now. We don’t need to worry about anyone else but ourselves right now. We’ll take it slow...” She looked back up at the barrier, shivering. “We’ll try and stick under the trees...”<br />
<br />
They followed the path slowly. Many around them did the same. Civilians who lived in the other Districts, some who were escaping from Central. You could tell who was who. Most sprinted past desperate to escape what they had seen, while others kept a pace wondering what they had just seen. It was still an uncomfortable situation, but things felt a bit more peaceful on the walk.<br />
Neither Crystal nor Alex spoke a word the entire way to Western District. Neither of them had the words to say about what had happened. Occasionally though, Alex would put her hand on Crystal’s shoulder, just to see if she was okay. She was always met with the same weak smile, one that showed Crystal was putting on a brave face, but also one that was bottling up too much fear.<br />
Hopefully, things would be better when they got back home, Alex was sure they were through the worst of this now.<br />
Along that path, they heard countless questions from others.<br />
<br />
“What the hell did we do to deserve this?”<br />
<br />
“I can’t believe this...I just...I just can’t...”<br />
<br />
“We can’t go back to Central, come on, the outer Districts will be safer.”<br />
<br />
“Mum? Can’t we wait for Daddy?”<br />
“He...he’s probably already home waiting for us.”<br />
<br />
“We should have taken the Northern District route out.”<br />
“Yeah right, that place is probably just as much a riot as Central. We’re better off going East.”<br />
<br />
Alex kept her head down, but she kept her ears prone to every conversation going on around her. Hearing families that were separated, people who were lost with what to do now. No one could help each other right now, not when there was so much confusion. But she hoped one thing, that Western District wasn’t going to be as drastic in attitude as what they had just seen.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
There was no security at the gates to Western District, instead, people were just waltzing right in. As soon as Crystal and Alex entered, they took a deep sigh and moved forward.<br />
Western District was the educational grounds of the city. In a way, it was one big school. Every group of education was housed here. Nurseries, primary, secondary, college, and university, all under the name of Convexity.<br />
It also meant a lot of bigger families lived in this District. The housing was supplied to families who had children who were going to study here. A whole District where some spent their whole childhood. It had everything a family would need to survive. High processed stores with high-quality goods, sturdy quality living conditions, no wonder so many people were coming here. They would no doubt begin to process of stocking up on whatever they could given the quality. This was already the worst step to take. Some people here struggled enough as it was, despite being quality products, it wasn’t exactly cheap. With the chaos, it was only a matter of time before it reached this place, putting families, and many children in danger.<br />
Crystal and Alex nonetheless, never thought about that was they trudged through the sobs and sighs of those who were resting now they were here. Those who had fled from Central were sitting around the main entranceway, right in the park centres. There was something peaceful about these people laying on the grassy patches, if their emotions weren’t so negative, it would have been just that. Ahead they could see the Catalyst Barrier slowly forming down, where over the District skyline, no doubt just beyond the University of Convexity, it connected to the ground, sealing them in.<br />
Admittedly, Alex wanted to see just what it looked like when it was connected to the ground but now wasn’t the time. Things would need to die down before she started doing what she wanted to do again.<br />
A thought crossed her mind, what about her work? How was that all going to be now? Would people need weapons more than ever now given the circumstances? The High Lord himself had said there were twenty-five machines that needed to be destroyed. What if this was an opportunity?<br />
But what if it was also a cause for concern? Who could say people would need weapons and armours for this? What if they were criminals, looters, bandits? The thoughts made Alex shudder again. She had no idea what she was going to do.<br />
<br />
It was when they reached the gate that connected to Rich District that everything went from bad to worse.<br />
“What do you mean no one can enter!? We’re residents! We live there for crying out loud!” barked Alex. Behind her, Crystal stood frozen, her arms crossed, trying to hold whatever she had left together. The Human Legion security in front of her raised his hands.<br />
“I’m sorry, miss. But we have to contain any potential threats to the District-”<br />
Alex was already walking away while giving off a not-so-friendly gesture in her wake. As she reached Crystal, she tugged on her arm.<br />
“Come on, we’ll find somewhere to stay for the night.”<br />
“Alex, I just want to go home.” sighed Crystal.<br />
“I know, but due to certain people!” She stressed this while shooting a glare back at the guard. “It...it looks like that ain’t happening tonight.”<br />
Their first bet was to stay in one of the inns, which were mainly reserved for students, but also housed the occasional traveller.<br />
That did not fare well. Most inns were packed with citizens begging for a bed for the night, and everywhere was practically full. Everything was too crowded from the onslaught of people, and Alex and Crystal were forced onto the streets.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
“It’s just one night...” said Alex.<br />
Both women had made their way to the University itself. It had only been a couple of years since they had both graduated from the place, so they were lucky their names still held some value. But there was no room inside for them to stay. Instead, they like many others who had been let in were relegated to the halls and classrooms of their form school.<br />
They had been lucky enough to find a secure classroom, all secluded, and to themselves. The whole University had turned into a makeshift refugee camp. But by nightfall, the fears and cries of those who had no home anymore died down into a peaceful silence.<br />
That didn’t stop Crystal shaking. Try as she might to sleep, her fear made her feel cold, defenceless, pointless. She looked over at Alex, who seemed fast asleep, turned away from her.<br />
Even when Crystal closed her eyes to try and let sleep take her, she could see the faint pale blue light through her eyelids. The barrier shone through the windows at night, almost like a bright moon. It bounced off of the surfaces like water, casting a wavy reflection.<br />
A small whimper escaped Crystal’s mouth as her eyes sprang open, a single tear falling down her face. She felt something touch her hand, and when she looked, Alex was still just as awake as she was, and was now holding her hand tightly.<br />
“Hey, we’ll be okay. Just one night, remember? At least we’re not out on the streets, completely homeless.” she tried to assure her.<br />
Crystal shook her head as she returned the grip. “What are we going to do, Alex?” she cried.<br />
Alex herself was trying hard to fight back tears. It was hard enough being in this situation, but to see her friend seem so lost, she’d seen this sight many times before.<br />
“We’re going to work it out, both of us. I don’t know where this whole thing will take us, but what I do know, is we’re going to smash it, each in our way.”<br />
You turned on her back, putting her free arm around the back of her head, and smirking. “Just you wait and see, Crystal. We’re going to show those Catalysts how strong we really are. They ain’t tearing us apart!”<br />
Crystal wished she could smile and share Alex’s optimism, but she couldn’t dig down enough to even try. She was scared, she was defeated, she wasn’t strong enough to cope with what was happening. In her mind, things were only going to get worse, and nothing good could come into her life right now...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Personality Reform Part I</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
&</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Broken Blacksmith<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enx8yCt78b4/Xq1iHe4xbqI/AAAAAAAABDA/f9YOi3yKmBMUVYefIxmi5VRX5_iD15FoQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enx8yCt78b4/Xq1iHe4xbqI/AAAAAAAABDA/f9YOi3yKmBMUVYefIxmi5VRX5_iD15FoQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BPersonality%2BReform.png" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UO00QaTZNg/Xq1iJna3GlI/AAAAAAAABDI/q6SnpiDUQRUzuPfseB5aHmUef8CCAJLqwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BBroken%2BBlacksmith.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UO00QaTZNg/Xq1iJna3GlI/AAAAAAAABDI/q6SnpiDUQRUzuPfseB5aHmUef8CCAJLqwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BBroken%2BBlacksmith.png" width="320" /></a></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-56382750764131080192020-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:002020-04-29T05:00:56.693-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #3 - Edge's Story: The Rich Welcome<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Rich Welcome</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRqEPtWOvM8/XqlZ5HRniHI/AAAAAAAABCc/CIqqG_S2M7w_aYpCkPHT0_aFfjOernR1wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BRich%2BWelcome.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRqEPtWOvM8/XqlZ5HRniHI/AAAAAAAABCc/CIqqG_S2M7w_aYpCkPHT0_aFfjOernR1wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BRich%2BWelcome.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
‘Day 2’<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
“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.<br />
“E-excuse me.” He was out of breath, and tired.<br />
“Sorry, son. I’ve heard it all already, I can’t let you in-”<br />
“M-my foster father, he’s a resident of this District. Sparda Zane, I’m his foster son, Edge Marvik.” <br />
The guard stared at him for a moment and then sighed.<br />
“Again, I’m sorry, son. But if you’re not a resident-”<br />
“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.<br />
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.”<br />
Edge nodded and turned away. “That’s fine, I understand.” <br />
He walked away, going over to the side of the forest path and sitting by a tree.<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
In his slumber, Edge winched. Deep down in his mind, a nightmare was taking place.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
“I was all alone, and you didn’t come and look for me!”<br />
The voice of High Lord Catalyst Hinoros, his voice booming across the darkness.<br />
“The Catalyst Challenge!”<br />
”Twenty-five Catalyst-made machines!” <br />
“Humanity is frail. You are frail!”<br />
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.<br />
“I said you could come with me, but you only cared about yourself...”<br />
Edge whined and groaned that it wasn’t true, and as he looked down, fear-filled his mind. <br />
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.<br />
“If I can’t have it, you’ll die here with me!”<br />
Edge felt himself scream out for help as Karlos’ mouth closed around him, locking him in death itself-<br />
<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
“E-Edge Marvik.”<br />
“And what did you say the name of your relative was?” the guard asked.<br />
“Sparda Zane.” Edge replied quickly.<br />
The guard looked at him for a moment, and then breathed out. “Just need your date of birth.”<br />
“The twenty-second of April. Thirty seventy-eight.” <br />
The guard blinked and then nodded. “Okay, up you get.”<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
“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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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-<br />
His stomach rumbled.<br />
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. <br />
He was on his old home street. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
As the hall now became clear to him, he looked up the flight of stairs and called up. <br />
“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.<br />
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.<br />
Sparda wasn’t here. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
But he could take some reassurance that now, he was safe and sound in this house, in this District, for now. <br />
<br />
‘Day 3’<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crystal & Alex’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The First Day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6veVHS2HLc/XqlaA3uMvOI/AAAAAAAABCk/sw5CBu4ssC47cVMv7uPeE6E76D3E41BUACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BFirst%2BDay%2BCrystal%2B%2526%2BAlex.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6veVHS2HLc/XqlaA3uMvOI/AAAAAAAABCk/sw5CBu4ssC47cVMv7uPeE6E76D3E41BUACK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BFirst%2BDay%2BCrystal%2B%2526%2BAlex.png" width="320" /></a></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-17096693487146615482020-04-25T05:01:00.000-07:002020-04-25T05:01:00.216-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #2 - Edge’s Story: The Unavenged Sheath<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Unavenged Sheath</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyJKHw6G3L0/XqQluc0KdiI/AAAAAAAABCQ/wpZNFyfJ0E8b4D7wrW4LJsA2ZljFGK4wgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BUnavenged%2BSheath.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyJKHw6G3L0/XqQluc0KdiI/AAAAAAAABCQ/wpZNFyfJ0E8b4D7wrW4LJsA2ZljFGK4wgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BUnavenged%2BSheath.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />‘Day 1’<br /><br />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?<br />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.<br />A groan escaped him as he tried to sit up, but the rough ground he was laying on for some reason prevented him. <br />“You’re finally awake. You’ve been out a little while.” <br />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.<br />There was a campfire between them, burning brightly and providing warmth on this cold spring night. <br />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. <br />“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.<br />Edge didn’t think of any kind of thanks or gratitude, instead, he raised his brow.<br />“Weird how?” <br />“Well, you look like you’ve almost been mawed to death, but you haven’t got any injuries. I checked.” the stranger replied. <br />He now leaned across the campfire, extending his hand.<br />“My name is Karlos.<br />Edge looked at the hand for a moment, and then extended his own. <br />“Edge. Edge Marvik.” They shook one another’s hand. <br />“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.<br />“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.<br />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.<br />“It was the Catalysts...” began Edge. He saw Karlos look up in confusion.<br />“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.<br />He saw Karlos take in every word, and with every word, Karlos’ eyes widened until the end. <br />“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-”<br />“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.”<br />There was silence, which was broken by Karlos swearing under his breath.<br />“So you were on your way to the Rich District or something, I assume?” he asked.<br />Edge hesitated to answer but then nodded. “Yeah. Got family living there. Figured that was the best route to go.” <br />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.”<br />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.<br />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.<br />So this man, Karlos, had saved Edge from potentially being a serving of dinner for another passing predator.<br />“Well, I guess I owe you then. Thanks, Karlos.” smiled Edge.<br />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.<br />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. <br />“You seem to know your layout of the land.” smirked Edge.<br />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.” <br />Edge was even more curious now.<br />“What’s got you out here for so long then? You on a hunting trip?” he asked.<br />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.<br />“Not a hunting trip but...I am looking for something. On the verge of finding it too.” he added tapping his noise.<br />Edge leaned in closer. <br />“This stays between us...but I’m looking for a lost sword known as the Unavenged Sheath.” beamed Karlos. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />‘Day 2’<br /><br />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. <br />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.<br />That was if you truly believed such tales, and back then, it had been a simple folklore bedtime lullaby at that. <br />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.<br />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...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />“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!”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />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. <br />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...<br />“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.<br />“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.<br />“Someone you think survived?” asked Karlos.<br />“I don’t know. I think they got out before the barrier finished spreading. I hope anyway.” he replied.<br />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?”<br />Edge wondered that too, but if Lunar was out there, he believed she’d follow his mindset.<br />“I think she’d follow the same path I’m on. She’d be heading for Rich District.” He was confident in that.<br />“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?” <br />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.<br />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.<br />Edge tilted his head. “You seem familiar with it. I’ve never been close to the place.”<br />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.<br />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.<br />“You look alright for someone from that side of the city.” he replied.<br />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. <br />“What did people in other places think of you?” Edge asked curiously.<br />Karlos stopped in the small canyon clearing, and as he tried to figure out their next path, he responded.<br />“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.<br />“But hey, be grateful you’re not like that, huh Edge?” <br />Edge nodded in response. <br />“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. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />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. <br />“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.<br />“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. <br />“These don’t look like stone you’d find in these parts.” he muttered.<br />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. <br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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. <br />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. <br />When Edge finally put two and two together, he gasped out to Karlos, who turned in confusion.<br />“Look at the top of the canyons! Don’t they look a little strange to you?” <br />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.<br />“The perfect cover-up! Now that is one hell of a smart move!” he cheered. He rushed over to Edge and explained his hypothesis<br />“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.<br />While the theory had some weight to it, Edge honestly thought straws were being reached for.<br />“What makes you think whoever did this, if it was indeed someone, hid the sword here of all things?” he asked curiously. <br />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.<br />“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.<br />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.<br /><br />When Karlos had finally finished his analysis of the area, he snapped his fingers. “Right, I think I’ve pinpointed it!” <br />Edge pushed himself off of the wall and moved to rejoin him. “Pin-pointed what exactly?” he asked.<br />Karlos tapped his nose while pointing forward towards the large mass of rocks that sat ahead of them.<br />“What tools and weapons hid, shall magic reveal.” he said calmly.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Edge felt his jaw drop. Karlos was using magic!<br />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.<br />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. <br />“I found it, I’ve only gone and bloody found it!” he cheered out in glee, pumping his fist out in the air.<br />Edge tapped his shoulder as he passed him to investigate the cave. “Sure did. Well done.” <br />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.<br />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...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />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.<br />It seemed to be a one-way path, at first a steady decline, before an evening out into a straight path. <br />“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. <br />“Where did you learn magic anyway?” asked Edge. Karlos’ reply was instant.<br />“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.<br />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. <br />“I think we’re close.” Karlos said, an excited tone now in his voice.<br />“You sure?” Edge replied.<br />“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. <br />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. <br />“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.<br />“Reveal the weapon you wish to discover, in order to claim with that you seek...”<br />“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.<br />“I seek the blade known as the Unavenged Sheath!”<br />...Silence...<br />Edge pondered on what the riddle meant. How did you reveal what you wanted to discover? <br />“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. <br />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.<br />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. <br />“Hey, Karlos, do you think this could mean anything?” called Edge.<br />Karlos rushed to his side, and when he saw the gap, he shot Edge a look.<br />“Pass me your sword.” <br />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. <br />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. <br />Edge retreated, over to the stairs, and watched eagerly as Karlos slowly lowered the sword. <br />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.<br />Edge turned around, to face the wall that had held the markings. It was rising.<br />His eyes widened in shock as the wall ascended into the room itself, and now revealing the true secret behind its contents. <br />An object, a weapon, being held behind its vault, hovering lightly off of the stone. <br />This was it, this was the Unavenged Sheath.<br />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. <br />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. <br />“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.<br />“What the hell do you think you’re doing...holding my sword?” <br />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.<br />“Whoa, okay. Sorry that I rushed up and-”<br />“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.<br />“Calm down, I’m not taking the sword from you. Seriously I just-”<br />“You’re...you’re just like the rest of them aren’t you...”<br />Karlos began to walk forward, the blade still poised at Edge’s body. <br />“Karlos...” Edge stuttered as he took a step back. What was going on here? Why the sudden change of emotion from Karlos?<br />“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.<br />Edge’s smile had vanished now, a look of complete disbelief replacing it.<br />“What are you talking about? I’m not trying to take the sword! You can have the damn sword, Karlos!” Edge argued back. <br />“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.<br />“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.<br />Silence entered the room, which was followed by a crackling laugh from Karlos.<br />“Are you familiar with the name, Vincent Macaroy?” he asked.<br />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?<br />“Yeah, I’ve heard of him. Why?” <br />“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.” <br />Karlos took a step, up the stairs towards Edge, who backed away again.<br />“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. <br />“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...”<br />There was a pause, and Edge felt his breath rise.<br />“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.<br />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. <br />“You dare use the blade against me!” he roared, as he pushed down on his weapon to Edge.<br />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? <br />“Karlos! Stop it! Please!” he begged. But now Karlos was merely laughing as his strength overpowered Edge.<br />“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. <br />The blade drew close to Edge’s neck, Lunar’s drawing closer to his skull.<br />“It looks like you’ve already failed this Challenge, Edge!” <br />A sudden spark of determination flew through Edge’s body. <br />“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.<br />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. <br />Luckily for Edge, he connected with the spot that was a commonly shared weak spot between many people.<br />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. <br />“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.<br />“What the hell are you doing!?” he cried.<br />Karlos, however, could only laugh as he stood up. <br />“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. <br />Edge looked up, it didn’t matter about his lack of magical knowledge now, he had to escape.<br />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?<br />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. <br />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. <br />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-<br />He gasped as he fell forward, something had latched onto his leg. Had a piece of the cave fallen or was it...<br />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.<br />“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.<br />“Let me go!” Edge yelled back, trying to pry Karlos’ hands off of him.<br />“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.<br />Edge didn’t have the strength to pry Karlos off either, and he had no idea how much time they had left to escape. <br />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. <br />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.<br /><br />“Wait! Edge! Please!” <br /><br />He turned back, and all he could see now was Karlos, outstretching his arm, offering it to Edge.<br />“Don’t leave me here, please! I’m sorry! I swear!” He was begging to be saved.<br />It was as if time slowed down. Rocks falling near Karlos, the cave collapsing, and a choice to be made.<br />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. <br />One of those outweighed the other.<br />Karlos had tears in his eyes as he reached out as much as he could. His eyes met Edge, and the choice was made.<br /><br />“I’m sorry too.”<br /><br />Edge looked down and moved out of the cave. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />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.<br />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. <br />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.<br />He had just left a human to die.<br />He was no better than those people back in Catalyst District who had just mowed down countless civilians trying to escape. <br />Was this what the Challenge did to humans now? Did it show their true intentions? Was this life now?<br />Try as he might, Edge couldn’t banish the thoughts. <br />But he had had no choice, right?<br />Karlos had tried to kill him, had betrayed him. If Edge had saved him, Karlos may have just tried to kill him again. <br />Had Edge tried to save him too, both of them might have been lying there dead right now under the mass of rubble. <br />Although it didn’t feel like the right choice, Edge felt given everything that had happened, he had chosen his survival.<br />Looking up at the barrier, Edge gripped the Unavenged Sheath tightly. <br />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.<br />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.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Next Time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Rich Welcome</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2U7FyVBSIHA/XqQlXvLIJvI/AAAAAAAABCE/-NsNP7pqCjUx7gI2dT7K7FOYJ1mmBVwLACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BRich%2BWelcome.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2U7FyVBSIHA/XqQlXvLIJvI/AAAAAAAABCE/-NsNP7pqCjUx7gI2dT7K7FOYJ1mmBVwLACK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BRich%2BWelcome.png" width="320" /></a></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799661127962700388.post-3062318768389039802020-04-22T05:04:00.000-07:002020-04-22T05:04:48.195-07:00Descendence The Catalyst Stories #1 - Edge’s Story: The First Night<div style="text-align: center;">
Descendence </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Catalyst Stories </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edge’s Story </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The First Night </div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
‘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.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
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!”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * </div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next Time: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Edge’s Story </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">The Unavenged Sheath</span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdvEzvQyJAY/XqAyIyhrRVI/AAAAAAAABB4/xVmOqRBAoTUMyzdXjPStJoUgcNUcJsRLQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BUnavenged%2BSheath.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdvEzvQyJAY/XqAyIyhrRVI/AAAAAAAABB4/xVmOqRBAoTUMyzdXjPStJoUgcNUcJsRLQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/The%2BUnavenged%2BSheath.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
TheRyanSparkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242271191206114441noreply@blogger.com0