Episode 12: The Festival of the Hunt - Part 3

      After Trill's defiant exposition, there was an awkward moment that swept through all of us. Trill came under control of her own emotions and apologized for the outburst. She then looked at all of us with a sense of sorrow that I hadn't seen in a primeran, except for maybe Ani. She apologized to us and then slowly walked back towards Durga who was glaring daggers at Baal. Baal then broke the tension by addressing us once more, completely ignoring what had just occurred.

“You have all been inducted into the Festival of the Hunt whether you care to compete or not, so it is important that you all understand the importance of this event to our society. Lady Takai and heir of Agrond, you will be most accustomed with our dark history, but our more distant guests will need to be educated.”

      Baal was clearly speaking about Ani and myself, and though it was a given that I was clearly not from around here, I can't help but wonder how he knew that Ani wasn't really a native to Ferus Mundus either. Takai seemed worried about what was coming and looked at me with a look of shame on her face. Durga simply ignored Baal and was tending to Trill, who was looking more unhinged by the minute.

“You must understand young human, we primerans are a very old race, perhaps as old as your own. But we have had little use for documented history as our lives are much greater in length to your own. But we chose to no longer neglect our responsibility to our own history after an event that changed our way of life over ten thousand years ago...”

      Baal removed a large rolled up piece of parchment from beneath his cloak and presented its contents to us. It was a large painting of sorts that depicted two large creatures locked in combat along with two other smaller but distinctly similar beings fighting as well. Along the bottom edge, a more gruesome scene of numerous even smaller creatures were eating one another. But above all this madness, was a strangely shape figure that appeared to be radiating some kind of light that passed through all of the chaos being depicted.

“This is but one of only a few remaining pieces of evidence of a time long ago when primerans waged endless war with one another. I'm sure you know by now that we are a species divided into numerous clans. Such as it has always been, but long ago there was no association between one clan and another, only war. We were all guided by our progenitors, the primeran gods. Beasts of little to no reason that fought for supremacy of the land by engaging in endless battle with one another. We are the sired offspring of these great beasts, once forced to battle against the children of our progenitor's rivals. I'm sure you are also aware that we are a resilient species, able to regenerate almost any wound if given enough time. But long ago there was one method used among the clans to completely destroy our enemies... Consumption.”

      I have to admit that I was deeply disturbed when I heard that one. I then understood what Takai was trying to tell me last night. I can only assume that the Chimeras she spoke of earlier have something to do with the act of primerans eating one another. Regardless, it seems like a shameful act to eat another primeran, even Agrond seems disgusted at the idea. As for Ani, I can't imagine what's going on his head. He looks confused, angry, and disappointed all at the same time. Being the inquisitive pain in the ass that I am, I had a some questions, but decided to wait until Baal was finished.

“This was the way of things for as long as primerans existed until an event occurred that changed our way of life. A being appeared whose power rivaled the gods and took on the task of single-handedly subduing each of the primeran gods by forcing them beneath our world into a death-like sleep. The clans were liberated and free to do as they pleased. But the entity that freed us was never found or heard from again. This being came to be called 'Bestia Custos,' the guardian beast, the animal keeper. Pandemonium and her citizens recognize the sins of the past and wish to not look away from our misdeeds under the rule of our progenitors. The Festival of the Hunt is a tribute to our ancestors and creators so that their blood lust can be appeased and they remain sleeping beneath us for all time.”

      With Baal's story concluded, I understood that this whole festival thing had a place in their society, but I had the feeling that there was a lot more to it than that. It was also pretty clear that death is a strong possibility in this competition, and the fact that we were thrown into it without our consent tells me that something is up. I did notice one thing about the painting that Baal presented and decided to ask.

“You seem to be leaving something out. What's with these guys?”

      I pointed to two strange looking primerans that were beneath the depictions of the two primeran gods. They were more angular in design and their colors exaggerated from the rest. Baal looked at me with a face that suggested both surprise and possibly even irritation.

“You have a keen eye, young lady... Those are depictions of two primerans that have been given favor by the gods. They were known as apex primerans. Primerans who had proven their loyalty and worth to their gods and given tremendous power that allowed them to literally tower over their brethren. Their flesh was considered to have been like stone and metal with powers beyond what a normal primeran could do. Thankfully, such a power has been long since absent from this world now that the gods sleep below us.”

Episode 12: The Festival of The Hunt - Part 2

Expedition to Ferus Mundus: Day 2 – Second Entry

 

      Today has been one surprise after another. With the time I have to myself I thought I'd should go into detail about what has happened so far. After reaching Pandemonium, Takai's brother and his goons showed up. I don't think any of us were expecting to come face to face with them so soon. It would not be until moments later that we would realize just what Genkaku was planning. After Genkaku attempted to intimidate us with some trash talk, it was Ani who shut his smug mouth up with little more than a glance and a demonstration of what he can do. If Ani does possess a power similar to that of Ghast, then Takai's brother has good reason to rethink this whole ordeal. I suppose the whole 'Black Heart' curse thing is good for something. That is of course if Genkaku knows what he's up against.

 

      Just as tension between our two groups was building up and about to boil over, the massive gates to Pandemonium slowly swung open and revealed the largest primeran I have yet to see. He was massive, twice as tall and as wide as even Monster, who insists being called Agrond now, whatever. This massive primeran was covered in armor and carried a wooden scepter of sorts that doubled as a walking stick. He was clearly some kind of ram and spoke elegantly, introducing himself as Baal, the current chief minister of Pandemonium. Though he approached us with open arms and presented himself as a welcoming host, I could clearly see the legion of tiger-like primerans behind him, all dressed in armor and wielding spears, swords, and shields. Some welcoming party.

As Baal slowly approached us, I took notice of Trill who had sunk away behind Ani and Durga. Durga seemed to shield her knowingly while Ani was left oblivious, staring at Baal. As Baal approached us and continued to speak, I soon came to understand what Genkaku was up to.

“Ah, young outsiders. You must have traveled from far and wide to come and join us for the festival. I take it you have decided to answer the request that was sent out to those seeking audience with the ministry, yes?”

      Genkaku was quick to step forward and began to put on quite the shit show as his plot was made abundantly clear.

“Your assumptions are correct Lord Baal. I, Genkaku of clan Vulpes, have come to seek council with Lord Mushika. I have for him an item that would be of great interest and wish to offer it to him in exchange for little more than information.”

      I knew the name Mushika well, as did Ani and Agrond. He was the father of Shakti, Ghast's mother. It was Mushika who ordered an assassin to kill her and consequently was the source for all of Ghast's rage. Agrond, well, the original Agrond, had attacked Mushika's home and killed the assassin for murdering Shakti, but could not touch Mushika. I don't doubt that he would have a bit of a score to settle with the dragons, and what Genkaku is offering would certainly give them a martial advantage against them. Takai quickly interjected in the hopes of settling the matter here and now, but it unfortunately did nothing in the end.

“Lord Baal! I am Takai of clan Vulpis as well! This thief is my brother, a traitor to our clan who has stolen property left in the security of our care so that he may present it to the Zodiac Ministry for personal gain. I implore you to deliver justice and demand that property be returned to my clan!”

      Baal looked over our party intently and payed especially close attention to Agrond and Ani. He then gazed over at me and then to Durga who was still attempting to shield Trill from him.

“It would seem that your parties have conflicting interests. This makes for perfect sport for the Festival of the Hunt. So it shall be that both of your groups will compete for what you desire. Warriors of Pandemonium, please escort Genkaku and his companions to the hunting grounds. I shall educate our other guests on what task lies before them. Do leave us alone and close the gates, this will be a private matter.”

      Several of the soldiers from within the city came out and took Genkaku and his group away from our sight as the massive doors closed and we were left alone with Baal. He then turned to us once again and his demeanor quickly changed.

“It would seem that you have all fallen for the fox's trap I'm afraid. He knowingly waited for your arrival so that he could challenge you all in the Festival of the Hunt so that he may earn the privileged of meeting the Zodiac Ministry in full council. Outsiders are forbidden in these lands and may only seek aid of the Ministry by becoming victors in our yearly competition. With no other challengers presenting themselves, it would seem that all of you were the best choice to face.”

      Takai inquired as to what the Festival of the Hunt was and why he so quickly threw us into it, Baal explained that is was a yearly competition that was held in the forests near Pandemonium that pits numerous primerans against one another so that a victor may be granted permission to speak with the Zodiac Council in order fulfill a single request. Meeting the council in full is a rare occurrence that even citizens of Pandemonium are not often privy to, let alone an outsider. It just so happened that this year the Festival of the Hunt was open only to outsiders. As for why he threw all of us under the proverbial bus to be Genkaku's opponents, he claimed that it was the best option for our own needs, but hinted that there were other reasons as well. As much as I want to believe that Baal might be on our side, I don't see how throwing us into a glorified royal rumble is helping.

“It would have been my wish to aid the son of Agrond as best I can, we were friends he and I. But even I could not protect him when he took to attacking Mushika's home. I feel that old vendettas have brought you here, and that some of you must be responsible for the death of Ghast, as I sense that the monster with no name has come to fully inherit the essence of his father. The will of fathers is a bit complexing is it not? Am I not right, Trill?

      Trill meekly stepped out from behind Durga who attempted to hold her back. Ani looked confused but was starting to get the idea. Agrond and Takai seemed little more than shocked and I for one couldn't believe how much this reunion was going to screw us over.

“You do understand that you were exiled, Trill. Durga, I know you left of your own accord in order to see to her protection but your father will not tolerate your leaving the city once he comes to power, of that I can assure you. I'm sorry for the problems that my daughter may have caused you all, but you must understand that black rams have a very bleak history in Ferus Mundus. If not for the fact alone, she is also responsible for-”

“ENOUGH FATHER!”

 

     Trill's words echoed across the plains as her whole body exploded with energy, her muscles tightening as she gave protested Baal for continuing. Her words were so powerful, that even Baal, and all of us, felt weak and receded away from her.

Episode 12: The Festival of the Hunt - Part 1

Year of the Ram – Eighth Entry

      Despite being ambushed by the primeran duo known as the Sirens, we managed to form a temporary alliance with them through Animal's rather naive efforts. I can only assume that they have their own goals regarding the city of Pandemonium, for why else would they so suddenly have a drastic change in demeanor when Animal mentioned our destination? Ultimately it mattered not, for we would keep a close eye on them along the way. That is if they could bear Animal's excruciating barrage of questioning. As we made camp, Kate and I began to discuss more and built the foundation to my respect for her and her kind. Though I know that there are a number of very cruel humans, Kate stands as example of how one should not be judged by first impressions. During the night, she inquired why I was so adamant about securing ourselves before nightfall. I felt the need to avoid the answer, as I was fearful of tarnishing what little trust she had for our kind. The Chimera are a great shame to all primerans, a testament to what we can become if we allow ourselves to give in to that most heinous vice of our savage progenitors. I stand by my decision to provide her with such a cryptic explanation, but I know full well that she will learn the truth soon enough. I can only hope that she will look past our race's most vile offense and see us as individuals as I have done for her.

      When we awoke the next morning, we made our way to the outer wall of Pandemonium and took in the sight of city that was built by the Zodiac Ministry. Though it was indeed an impressive sight, there was always a feeling of sadness that lingered in my mind. Kate was similarly having her own mixed emotions while Animal seemed to simply marvel at the sight of it. Agrond seemed to want to scoff at the city that lay before him. As for out new guests, Trill seemed overcome with feelings that were far more complex than anything we could have been experiencing as Durga tried to speak to her away from of our group.

      Once we had collected ourselves and decide to approach one of the main gates, a massive blast of air and debris came our way from behind us. A midst the whirling dust and air they appeared before us, my brother and his band of thieves. To appear here of all places at a time such as this, I was shocked at first that my brother would be so bold as to show his face before us knowing well that we would have come to get the scroll. But, I also held on to the hope that this meant that we had beaten him here and may of chance to retrieve the scroll before he could try to barter it off to one of the Zodiac Ministers.

  

      My brother, Genkaku, stood in the center of his companions. To his right, the Crocodylidae Toyotama, a vain and insatiable female who claims to be descended from royalty, and Yashima, a Canidae, who is a self proclaimed magician and wielder of ancient magics. To his left, Raiju, a battle craving Mustelidae who wields a massive sword said to command thunder and lighting, and Tono, a young Geoemydidae said to possess unrivaled strength. Together, they had made a name for themselves across the lands under the watch of the Zodiac Ministry as notorious thieves and assassins with a perfect success rate. The only solace I find in this is that at least in these lands he has a chance of remaining alive despite his nefarious acts. Should he ever try to embark into the lands ruled by the Black Hearts, I fear that his days as a thief, and even a primeran, would be cut short. Though seeing him fills me with rage at his betrayal of our clan and staining the trust that the Dragons had placed in us, I still care for him deeply and hope to see him return to us. If not for the sake of returning honor to our clan, then at least to fill the void in our family. With father gone, Kit has no one to revere save for myself. Though I'm sure Kit looks up to me, I fear that I am a poor example of the kind of fox that Kit should aspire to be. I have dedicated myself to my master, and I feel that makes me selfish and weak. I want Kit to follow someone who lives for others, not themselves, as I unfortunately do.

“My dear friends, it would seem that my valiant little sister has amassed quite the merry band against us.”

     Genkaku teased us as his comrades snickered. Except of course for Tono, who seemed oblivious as to my brother's sarcasm. I believe that Genkaku is simply taking advantage of the poor child to utilize her immense strength. If I could hope for anything more than retrieving the scroll, it would be to free her from his influence.

“Dearest sister, I do believe your side has one too many. You can't expect us to participate in the festivities as equals when you out number us. So, who is it that will not be along side you, hmm? Your precious dragon I'm sure is must. I see you have human in tow. Very bold of you, but perhaps you'd be better off with the tiger or perhaps even the-”

     Genkaku's taunting made little sense to me regarding losing a member of our party. His comrades applauded his remarks but silenced them quickly with the raise of a single hand when he stopped suddenly. His gaze had become fixed upon Trill, and a smile laced with teeth crawled across his face. Before any of us could respond, Animal was the one to step forward and retaliate with his own words.

“You're the ones that stole from Takai, right? Give what you took back and go away. Unless you want to apologize and be a family again. That would be the right thing to do.”

      Genkaku and his band were left in pure silence before exploding into fits of laughter. Tono began to speak for a moment until she was silenced by Genkaku.

“Oh sister! What a gift you have given us this day! Seems you have quite the penchant for picking the most useless of allies imaginable! Why, I dare say that-”

      Genkaku's words and the laughter of his cohorts were immediately silenced when Animal did little more than gaze harshly in their direction, his stance firm and menacing. From Animal, an unnatural force cascaded outward and washed over Genkaku and his minions, nearly knocking them over as they recoiled back. Looking to Agrond for answers, he only looked at Animal with a sense of anxiety and dread. Even more concerned, were my brother's accomplices.

“Boss... Did you feel that? What have you gotten us into this time!?” exclaimed Raiju.

“Yes, Genkaku-sama. I would hope you have an answer for this.” said Toyotama.

“Silence. This is but a mild set back. In fact, it only sweetens the payoff if we play this right. Yashima, make sure that one is the first to go.”

“As you wish, Genkaku-sama, but I must admit that I won't enjoy the task...”

Episode 11: Homeward Bound - Part 5

Expedition to Ferus Mundus: Day 2

     I suppose I should consider myself fortunate to be writing a second entry on this trip at all. I'd like to consider the odds of us being attacked on our first day here, but something tells me that I don't really want to know the answer to that. We had fallen into a trap set up by two female primerans. They didn't seem to want to harm us, just take our valuables, but were clearly willing to engage if they felt like we were being uncooperative. The tiger, named Durga, was doing the majority of the talking while the ram, Trill, simply chimed in once and a while. Takai was ready to fight her way out while I attempted to back her up if needed. Monster didn't really do anything, he just stood around glaring. Ani, on the other hand, was too thick to realize that this was a trap and was asking Takai and I to put our weapons away so that 'they' wouldn't feel too threatened to help us. The two primerans simply played along with Ani suggesting they would be happy to help if we gave them all of our supplies and equipment. I had to be the one to call Ani out on his ignorance, perhaps a bit too aggressively, but I needed him to get his head in the game.

      Ani didn't seem to want to believe that we were the victims of these new primeran's con, and tried to explain that what they were doing was wrong and that we had somewhere important to be. The 'Sirens,' as Takai called them, laughed off Ani's protest and asked what was so important that they should release us. Oddly enough, after Animal explained where we were heading and for what reason, the laughing quickly stopped and the two Sirens gave each other a stern look. Takai chastised Ani for revealing the nature of our quest to the two thieves, but ultimately it seemed to work. Trill took out an ornately decorated violin-looking instrument and began to play it. As she did so, the ground beneath our feet warped itself back into its original state.

      With a shifty smile, Durga approached us and apologized for 'delaying such an important mission,' and asked that she and Trill be allowed to join us so that they might escort us safely to the city of Pandemonium. Ani was of course happy to have resolved the conflict peacefully, but the rest of us knew well enough the scent of bullshit when we smelled it. Takai and Monster played along but instructed that Durga and Trill remain in front of us so that they could 'lead the way.' Ani, still excited at the prospect of meeting new primerans stayed by their sides and assaulted them with one question after another, especially Trill. After only a few minutes I swore those two were going to drop the act out of sheer annoyance from Ani's questioning. Takai walked alongside me and asked more about Ani's past, as she had never seen a primeran with his mannerisms and attitude before. She was aware from the start that he was a lost one, but I elaborated to her that he was raised by humans and spent that vast majority of his life in isolation, a fact that I was grateful for. Takai seemed unsure of what I meant as we continued our way mostly in silence.

      After several hours, I noticed that our daylight was fading, but that strange moon-like object that provided our light had barely moved, if at all, across the sky. It simply was providing less light than it had done hours earlier. I asked about it and Takai explained that the primeran moon pulses over a period of roughly twenty four hours. Strange, I thought, but also oddly convenient. Takai expressed that it would be best to make camp before continuing as nightfall was even more dangerous. As we made camp, I noticed that Takai was somewhat avoiding me, most likely due to our previous conversation. I approached her and explained that I was sorry if our last conversation made it seem that I was untrusting of her and other primerans and that I did value her friendship. She seemed pleased by my intuition and was thankful for my apology, but that it wasn't necessary. After the work was done, I visited Takai once more and we continued our conversation. She revealed that her reaction to my words was not so much of sadness in my assumed distrust of her, but rather the fact that she knew it came from my experiences with Monster and what he had done to us. She was, and is, incredibly loyal to him, and I admitted that he has changed since our encounter with Ghast. She was very thankful that I was able to acknowledge this, as it gave her the hope that others would eventually see that same change in time. From what I could tell, the two of them have a very long road ahead in achieving their goals after we deal with Takai's brother, another fact that I can see is burdening her thoughts.

      We spent the night taking watch with one of ours always keeping an eye on Trill and Durga, though truth be told, Ani's questioning was enough a threat of torture to keep them from trying anything. Before turning in I had asked Takai what was so dangerous about nightfall here, she then told me stories of large mindless and violent creatures called 'Chimera' that stalked around the dark places of their world, feasting on lost primerans. When I tried to ask her more about them, she simply explained that 'Some things are best left alone and forgotten...” With that unfortunate bit of knowledge left to keep me awake, I eventually fell asleep due to pure exhaustion.

      In the morning we set out again. I was still tired from lack of sleep but I could tell that Durga and Trill were far worse off, and knowing why brought a smile to my face. Soon enough we reached the outer walls of Pandemonium. The city was massive and built around a large elevated hill or some small mountainous natural structure. The walls were high but the city was elevated, which made looking in to see the details a bit easier. There was a large building at the summit of the city and from it numerous walls that extended down throughout it to the base of the outer walls, which divided it into numerous sections or perhaps districts. 

     The top of each dividing wall acted as some kind of aqueduct that used gravity to distribute water throughout the city. Each district also seemed to have alternating styles of architecture and different foliage growing in each for some specific purpose. Several towers dotted each district and were connected by a wire or cable that ran between them all the way up to the structure at the city's summit. From what I could tell, this was not the hand holding multicultural paradise that I'm sure Takai's wishes it was or that Ani was hoping for. High walls, elevated infrastructure, guard towers with connections to the main hub, specifically grown crops in segregated districts, and water originating from and controlled by the those in charge? Peaceful my ass, this place is a military state.