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.
