BOOK 2/ 65 - Against Time

Rings - 1st
Realm - Sol

“That went well,” Mera announced once they’d stepped outside the palace.

“If by well you mean a person dying and getting resurrected again, then yeah, it did go well.” Mera grinned broadly and scurried ahead. “Is she for real?” Stryder couldn't help sighing.

Thorin looked back and met Hellion’s gaze. The Titan nodded in an ‘I’ll take this one gesture. Nodding back, Hellion turned to Blaze and wasn’t surprised to see the Titan still enamoured over his flame. “Blaze.” The Titan stopped, looked at him and nodded. Hellion held back a laugh at seeing this and instead settled for an amused grin.

“Stryder,” she looked up to him. ”How do you see dogs and cats? Do you like both, one or none?” She gave him a look like he was being weird but Hellion ignored it and just kept staring.

"I love dogs, I do not necessarily hate cats, just dislike them.” She gave in. “So, why are you asking?”

Hellion grinned. “Well, I’m a cat person. ”Stryder frowned, her confusion visible. ”What am I getting at?” She nodded and looked ahead to watch her path. “It's okay to like cats or dogs. Maybe mice too. Whatever pet you have or things you like or the way you see things is your right and no one else’s.”

She furrowed her brows, her eyes locking him in place. “This about Mera?” Hellion shook his head.

“I’d say it’s about choice, thoughts, views and a person. Mera is who she is as you are who…you…are.”. Hellion froze.

“Hey. What's wrong? Did you hear something?” Getting no response from him, Stryder looked around for any attack. Thorin and Blaze were already rushing back towards them when he suddenly moved.

“It can't be. I’m just overthinking things.” He whispered.

“Are you okay? Hellion!”
“I'm fine. I'm fine." He shook off their concerned gazes. “I just realized something. Well I'm not really sure but it just surprised me, that's all.”
“What was it?" Mera piped up appearing from nowhere.

He glared but said nothing instead turning to Thorin. “Alright. Mera, Stryder go ahead. He says he's fine. So he's fine.” Thorin nodded subtly and grabbed the girls by their shoulders and urged them along.

Hellion exhaled, relieved before catching Blaze's eye. "That's bad?” The Silent Titan asked. Hellion hesitated unsure if he should even bring it up. The Titan simply nodded and walked past.

He chuckled. ‘Of course. He couldn't be bothered.’ His eyes followed the marching Titan. ‘Cause you're the only one that doesn't rhyme.’

“So is it affecting us or …?” He didn't dare voice his thoughts. It was as absurd as it was dangerous.

The Titan glanced up at the rust red skies before shaking his head and following the group.
_

"What was that about?” Mera prodded Thorin. It was clear he knew something from his quick maneuver to get them away from Hellion.

The Titan gave her a bland look before shrugging. “I don't know."

“Oh come on. Don't become like Blaze."

He grinned but spoke up. "Whatever it is, he feels it's not okay to tell us.”

"Is that okay? Keeping things from us?”

“Depends really," he shrugged again. “Some secrets are ours to keep."

“And what secret would he have here that we shouldn't know about."

“Beats me."

The group was past the palace gate and heading into the city proper when Horkirk paused. The two nearly bumped into him.

“Why'd you suddenly stop?" Mera frowned. The Golem said nothing as it simply looked at the ground. Mera’s frown deepened. “What now? First was Hellion and now you."

“Wait!" Thorin, who was about to speak up as well, halted and turned to Blaze. “Something is wrong."

The two frowned. “Does it have to do with Hellion's sudden strangeness?" Stryder appeared suddenly from behind him and asked.

“NO!" Horkirk's voice, normally deep and rough, sounded even worse now. “Something is very wrong."

Blaze crouched. He didn't need to. But it was like hearing something and still pausing to make sure there was indeed a sound there. His palm pressed against the ground.

No one not even Horkirk saw the light rattles, like the spreading wave of a disturbed lake, sweeping past his palms.

“Something is coming." The Titan stood looking in the direction of the gate. "A lot of somqe.”

The Titans shared confused expressions for a moment. "Let's get to the gates. We can see if there's anything different there.” Thorin waved them forward. Slowly the group moved along. The streets were just as lively as before. Cinderii went about business with only a single good look at them.

“No one finds their lack of interest in us weird?” Stryder pointed out with a curious expression.

“It’s a realm with countless beasts and powerful creatures. I think they’re just glad we ain't antagonistic.”

“True I guess.”

The gates soon came into view and the Titans noticed something happening. For one, the gates were wide open and a large group of Cinderii mounted on red scaled, muscular lizards had the entrance blocked. Before they could think of eavesdropping on the shouting match that was already taking place, a Cinderii guided his lizard in a dash into the streets. “Move, move! Make way!” The gathering crowd of Cinderii hurriedly began fleeing the street, scattering like flies. Behind the rider the guards were yelling, some trying to chase down the rider while others actively engaged with those trying to get in. A massive brawl broke out.

“Let’s get off the streets.” Thorin ordered, his feet already moving. Mera had a more curious expression as she tried to step forward. “I said, get off the street.” He grabbed her arm, dragging her away from the road and to the side. Blaze and the others followed.

The lizard-like creature scurried past, its feet stomping on the earth. The rider turned his head and locked gazes with Blaze. His gaze sharpened but the mount”s speed carried him off.

Blaze frowned. “We might have an issue.”

He looked at Thorin. Something was up and the Titan couldn’t disagree.

“Mera, take to the skies to find whatever is causing a ruckus. Hellion, you go meet the guards that came in;. See if they have anything to say.”

Mera sighed like she was getting bothered, reddish gold swirls of energy swept over her body like a wrap. “Be right back.” A blast of wind hit them as she shot into the sky like a missile.

“I don't think I'd ever come down if I could fly." Stryder mumbled.

Hellion left the group, approaching one of the guards that was still arguing with another rider. As he got closer, he could see the differences in their clothing, in their gear.

‘Not guards. Soldier's.’ He realized.

“If I may intrude gentlemen." Two arguers stopped and turned to him. Their expressions told him his phrase wasn't understood. Clearing his throat he continued. “I couldn't help but notice the problem here. That and one of my…siblings…yes, siblings have a worry. We intend to head out immediately but all this business has got him worried. Any chance you could alleviate my fears so I could in turn calm him.”

The Cinderii exchanged gazes both wondering where this large brute came from. They'd never seen anything like him and the Soldier was more sure than the guard. Scouring the Cinderii Kingdom meant he'd seen all forms of life in and outside their territory. Nothing like him though.

‘If they let him in then I guess he is not dangerous,’ he thought. Before he could speak though, the cold flamed guard had already piped up and was telling the brute everything they'd claimed.

"It's not a lie.” Ignoring the guard he turned to the brute. "It'd be advised to stay within the walls until we figure out what is happening. It's unlike any Realm Touched wave I've seen.”

“Realm Touched waves?" Hellion queried. ‘Is that like dungeon breaks?’ He thought.

“Yes." The Soldier noticed how the brute didn't look like he understood. “You do know what a Realm Touched wave is, don’t you?" The silence told him more than an answer would. “How far from the main cities did you grow up? Never mind that, it would explain why I've never seen anything like you before. You must be a fringe dweller."

“Forgive him, we rarely get folks so far from the edges here."

Hellion froze as he realized a very peculiar thing. ‘We never tried to learn much about the civilization setting here. How could we when we've been rushing to get domains?’

“Forgive my ignorance but like you deduced I've lived beyond. Could you tell me how things work?"

Both Cinderii looked around at their still fighting comrades and shrugged simultaneously.

“Nothing else to do."

“Won't be boring."

And Hellion listened to a full explanation of the Realm they called Sol. He had to blink rapidly as he listened, but the more he listened, the more shock filled him.

Sol was the number one realm and the Dwellers knew it. But with that came problems. The realm was as much the source of life as it was loss of life. Beings on this realm were powerful, so survival wasn't exactly a piece of solistone. ‘The Cinderii term for a piece of cake.’ He assumed.

All of Civilization was located to the North of the Realm. Apparently, Sol and all Realms were Spherical and he considered this to be a North pole for Sol.

Civilization here grew fast due to the powerful creatures around, the resources and their own potential. But even then we could only push so far. The five cities or kingdoms were allied or in conflict with one another and this made expanding to date even more hectic when you have the next kingdom ready to step in.

‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’

Even worse was the Realm Touched and their Dungeons. Once in a while, when the kingdoms didn't do their jobs well, they broke. All seven when their luck was ‘ashed’, another term for a bad situation, or one or two at different times which was manageable.

Realm Dwellers have so far gotten to 1% of the entire realm and even they were not sure if there were other beings beyond the fringes. The fringes were the realm borders. ‘Where we were dropped.’

From most of the things he mentioned Hellion was quick to realize that they'd been outside the Cinderii Kingdom when they met the Denners. ‘We must have crossed over when hunting for the Domains. But the lack of troops on the borders was concerning. ‘Or did we follow a path they didn't think people would?’ He wasn't sure though.

“And that's why it's just unbelievable. What do you mean all the monsters are just heading this way? That's impossible. It's never happened before. Not in the days of our Hearth fire and theirs in turn."

Hellion was stumped by that saying. “What's a Hearth fire?"

The two gave him a weird look then remembered. “Uhm, we are separated from the main flame or Hearth fire."

‘Parents. That's cloning, or duplication or whatever. Feels more like Budding to me.’ He nodded. “So why is this not normal? I mean, the monsters coming."

“It's just not. He's right about it being unbelievable but I saw it. We all did. A tide as far as our sight could go. Monsters I've never even seen before and Realm Touched as well."

“That's just impossible.”

"You think that's surprising." The Soldier looked around and seeing nobody watching leaned closer to the two. “We got a beast and monster tamer with us and he understands these creatures a bit. He says, from what he could see far off, all of them looked maddened, eager, hungry."

Hellion furrowed his brows.

“At first we didn't get it or believe him. But he pointed something out." He looked around again. Sure no one was eavesdropping he turned back to them.

"The tide was all spread out because they couldn't get to where they wanted. Each and everyone of them were all vying for one line. ”He looked at the Guard and the Brute.

"There was nothing for leagues that would explain their behavior. So Captain had us plot the course.” He frowned again. " They're headed for the Wyrm’s Cross.”

Hellion noted the way the Guard's eyes widened. He’s narrowed. “Wyrm's crossing?"

“Shhhh. Shhhh. Ahhh." Both Cinderii waved at him frantically. Frowning, he bent lower as he gestured.

“You do not know of the True center?” The guard hissed.

"Fringe kids.” The Soldier shook his head. Hellion just kept staring. "Alright, alright. The center is an unknown hidden spot. Many are sure it is the True center of the world for one reason. It's unpassable."

‘The Center. The Monolith. The Wyrm's Cross. Our destination. It seems this conversation got me even more than I wanted.’ While Horkirk knew of the destination. Learning even more about it wouldn't harm, especially if there were some things Horkirk didn't know.

"It is shrouded in mist. But many believe it is just the initial boundary. Nothing has gone in and nothing has come out. Ever. Each of the great cities back the center and it is the most absolute defense to their rear.”

" Why are the creatures drawn there then?” He had an inkling and the Soldier agreed too.

"Whatever is there. It must be powerful. I've seen power draw and control smaller packs of monsters, beasts and Realm Touched."

“If they're headed for the Wyrm's Cross, why is it so dangerous to us? Why not just lock up and let them pass?"

“Because…"

“Mmhhhmmh." A throat clearing behind him made him pause. He'd sensed nothing which meant it was one of his own. Sure enough Stryder was there hopping from one foot to the other. Now he could sense her, meaning she'd come at full speed.

Sure enough there were a lot of glances thrown at them. More than before.

“We are needed." She announced and jabbed behind her with her thumb.

His gaze moved to the group’s location and found Mera already present. But not just her. There was a contingent of familiar Cinderii gathered to one side. At the center of his.. siblings, and the Cinderii stood Thorin and The Azure Flame.

“That's the King."

“The King? No, that's…wait. It's him. But how? What happened to him? Wasn't he White before?"

“Embers be ashed, how'd I know?" The Guard argued back.

“Well you’re in the city. Shouldn't you know of something this different?"

“You're right but no. He was normal the other day. Or at least no one who saw him said any different."

The two seemed to realize at that moment that whatever this was, happened recently. Hellion was staring at them as they finished their conversation.

“Walk with me." He motioned ahead. Stryder looked at the two and shrugged, vanishing in a blur of golden that stopped with the others.

The Cinderii, confused, just followed as Hellion walked forward. They reached the group soon enough and Thorin turned his head to nod at him.

“Hellion."

“Thorin. I have a feeling what I've learned will be useless now."

“Not necessarily." He turned back to the King.

“We couldn't help if we wanted. Not now at least." Whatever Thorin had been discussing with the King it seemed he wasn't accepting of it.

“But, with your strength we could end this fast.” The King argued.

"Are we talking of the Tide?” Hellion asked.

"Yes.” Thorin nodded.

"What does he want us to do?” There was a lot of essence orbs to be had but Hellion wanted to know about the discussion.

"The King wants us to fight. Thorin thinks we should get our quest complete first. Especially with the end so close." Mera supplied with a smile.

Hellion frowned. ‘It’s either getting excessive or something.’ He noticed but said nothing, turning to Thorin.

“We've waited this long. We could wait longer. Help out." He wasn't against Thorin’s idea. He supported it. But he needed to know.

“Yes. But we've not been waiting exactly. We've been fighting. We got here because our blades have not rested."

“And fists."

Everyone turned to Mera. “Just saying. Blade and fists." No one talked. “And hammers and chains.’

Everyone continued staring. "Carry on.”

"Point is.” Thorin continued with a sigh. " We don't know what could come of this. I don't know if you've heard, but this situation is an anomaly even to them. Tell me what else is an anomaly?”

"Us.” Mera blurted. Everyone ignored her though, Thorin carried on.

"I don't like this. Especially with us being so close.”

It clicked for Hellion. The diaries had told them what would happen if they completed the quest. At least some of it. ‘Makes sense that this close to nigh immortality, the game decides it's time for us to earn it.’

“You're right. But this situation might still be here afterwards or everyone here will be toast. Are we leaving them to fight on their own?" His question seems to draw Stryder's attention and her golden gaze locked on Thorin. The Elder Titan of Will and Giants stiffened but nodded.

“We have no choice. If we fall here, then we'd have moved and fought for nothing. I say we get our feet on the road and complete this as fast as we can and return."

“That's not a very good idea." Stryder butted in.

“If we, or you, die here. You won't be able to keep them all alive anymore. More players will come and they'll kill anyone they want in the Beta Launch. You won't be here to stop them and Mera won't care. Blaze won't be bothered, and Hellion and I won't go out of our way to stop them. You need to be alive to keep them safe. Alive and powerful. That's what lies at the end of this road.” Thorin exhaled.

"Some will say we've waited for six days already. I say that's more than enough.”

Blaze stepped forward. "I believe Thorin speaks true. With our rewards. We'll be of more help than now."

Hellion raised an eye at him. Blaze noticing spoke up again. “I do not wish to see my flames extinguished."

Everything clicked at that moment. It all made sense. Nothing to do with the tide of course but to do with what he'd been seeing and suspecting since they claimed their Domains.

“Wait. Seeing. Suspecting. Illumination. Truth. Nothing hides from the light.".

“Hellion, what's wrong?" Stryder was next to him looking worried as he staggered back. Even Blaze had that look as well.

The King had not said a single word but he stood there watching them. Hellion's gaze traveled from Stryder to Mera who still had a boisterous smile as she stared at him. He glanced at Thorin who had his left shoulder and Blaze that looked unbothered. Horkirk stood to the rear, his eyes gleaming.

Turning to Thorin, his lips parted and the words tumbled out. “We need to talk. Now."