Primeval

by Eden Redd

  Val looked to Stella as claws sank back into her fingertips. “Didn’t want to get your hands dirty?”

  The witch gave an amused smile. “They weren’t much of a threat. I didn’t feel I needed to rush in when everyone had it under control.”

  Val fixed her hood, shadows touching the edges of her face. “I hope you don’t always pick your battles. Someone could get hurt.”

  “I don’t like to break creatures. I only break hearts,” Stella winked and blew Val a kiss before turning her attention to Will.

  The young man knelt down to a kobold body, eyes studying it. The kobold didn’t move until a moment later, it melted into the ground, leaving a glowing oval stone. The player picked it up and looked at the other corpses. Bodies melted away, some leaving soul stones and others leaving small pieces of quartz. Will sheathed his hammer over his shoulder before gathering soul stones and quartz stones until his hands were full.

  Sil was looking at the nearby trees, checking to see if there were any others when Will approached. She looked down at his cupped hands, filled with soul stones.

  “I promised, if we find your people, I will free them. When we get back home, I’ll wake them so you may start a new tribe. I wish there was another way…” Will trailed off as Sil stepped closer and pressed her scaled hands over his and the stones.

  “I know this is the only way. They would not have understood what you were trying to say. I thank you for staying to your promise,” Sil said with a small nod.

  Will smiled as he opened his inventory and placed the soul stones in one slot and quartz gems in another.

  “Let’s keep moving,” Will said to the group before he started walking.

  The rest of the day spun on as the small group moved through the forest. The sun set behind the horizon. Stone shelter up, the group sat on their beds as a fire burned in the middle. A moment of relief filled bodies as Will passed food around to most. The moans of ghouls filled the countryside as twin moons rose up in the starry sky.

  Val pulled back her hood as the others ate. Morgan tore a chunk of bloody mutton with sharp teeth before swallowing it whole. Sil sat by Nova’s side on the same bed, eating quietly. Stella sat on her bed, leaning her back against a stone wall. The fire pit in the middle cast long shadows as Will eyed them in turn.

  A sudden rush washed over the player as he looked to his misfit crew. At first, he didn’t understand what he was feeling, but it had steadily grown over the last few weeks. At first, he thought it was some kind of comfort, but it seemed to dwell deeper than that. Purpose began to color his visions for the future and the whispers of shadowy gods only emboldened him to try harder. It was odd, exciting, and wondrous, a path he felt he could never stray from. Looking back at those gathered, his heart dared him to believe he had the beginnings of a grand tribe.

  Will pulled out the map and unfurled it, eyes on the drawings while he spoke, “We should be to the tomb by tomorrow evening. After that, it’s just a day’s travel to the idol.”

  “I hope there aren’t any spiders,” Val said with tired, sarcastic edge.

  Will smiled for a moment, a vague memory touching his mind and falling away. “I just want to say, I appreciate everyone here.”

  All eyes and heads turned to the young man as he sat, map on his lap.

  Will kept his gaze down as he continued, “I know it’s been a little strange, but I felt I had to say that. I have glimpses of a time before I came here, a place I hated. I feel like I’m haunted, seeing ghosts from a faraway world. Every time I try to get a better look, the memories slip away.”

  Will looked up with a small smile. “I don’t feel that with all of you. We built a home and now, we are searching for something that will make all of us stronger. I meant it at dinner, when we talked about the future. I want our home to be a place for lost souls. I want to make something better.”

  Morgan gave a razor smile. “I believe we all feel the same.”

  All heads nodded, Stella’s head nodding last.

  “I just had to get that off my chest,” Will said as he rolled up the map and placed it in his inventory.

  Nova’s leg was bouncing and the moment the map was away, she launched from her bed and crashed into Will. Arms encircling him, she lay on him, pressing her cheek to his.

  “We love you too!” the Stalker squealed.

  Almost everyone smiled except for Val who rolled her eyes in feigned disgust.

  “She’s a stalker in the truest sense of the word,” Val scoffed.

  Will gently pushed against Nova’s grip, “Thanks.”

  Nova let go and stood up with wide eyes, “I’m sorry. I know I have to control myself. I’ll try harder.”

  Will waved her away. “It’s okay. I think I’m getting used to it. You didn’t seem ready to explode this time.”

  “I’ve been practicing self-control,” Nova beamed.

  Sil nodded. “She is getting better.”

  Will nodded as he looked to Stella. The witch had been silent the whole time, taking in the conversation, but not saying anything. Will had a brief inner moment that their time together changed something until she seemed to read his mind and mouth the words “Fuck me hard.” Heat touched Will’s face as Stella gave him an evil smile before her tongue slid out and licked her lips.

  Val caught the quick exchange before looking away.

  “Let’s get some sleep,” Will said as memories of his time with the witch caused his heart to quicken.

  ***

  The march through the forest carried on without incident. Will led the way as the sun crossed the sky. When it touched the western horizon, a structure loomed into view. The group moved silently, emerging from the woods and making their way to the strange pyramid in the distance. The sun sank lower and when the light was nearly gone, the group entered the tomb, Will turning and placing stones down and building a wall to seal them in and keep the nighttime monsters out.

  The group pulled out torches, spreading out with weapons drawn. Checking every dark corner, a collective sigh filled the tomb as there was nothing hiding, ready to strike. Weapons sheathed, Will made his way toward the stone sarcophagus. Opening two previous tombs, Will didn’t think too much about it when he touched the edges. Energy glowed along carved lines. The rest of the group gathered to watch, Sil, Nova, and Stella seeing the process for the first time.

  The top lid popped up a few inches before it slid to the side and crashed against the stone floor. The cash echoed through the chamber and ghouls hissed in their direction from outside.

  Will looked over the edge, heart beating with renewed excitement at the prospect of a new ally when he looked down. Something twisted in his heart as he gazed down at a woman in brown leather armor. She appeared normal. Hair was tied back as her arms were crossed across her chest. Thigh high leather boots and arm bracers completed the look. A single scroll lay by her hip but other than that, the sarcophagus was empty.

  Will’s gaze hardened like he saw a ghost from a distant dream. A bile began to bubble and he looked away for a moment. Val and Morgan stepped closer, an eagerness in Morgan’s black eyes. When they looked in, they saw a normal woman.

  The player grinded his teeth as he swiped the scroll and opened it. Magical runes glowed before they faded away and the parchment turned to ash.

  You have gained +2 Will! Your Will is now 7.

  Val looked to Will, concern creasing an eyebrow. “Is everything alright?”

  Will shook his head. “This may have been a mistake.”

  “A mistake?” Morgan said as he looked down. “She seems…” Morgan stopped talking as the woman’s eyes flashed open.

  A fist burst up, striking the black-eyed man in the throat and sending him stumbling back, clutching at his neck. Val turned to see the woman sit up and launch into the air. Claws burst from fingertips as Val slashed at the incoming woman. A hand clamped on Val’s wrist, bent it, forcing a cry. One boot hit the floor while a heel slammed into Val’s side and sent her
sprawling to the floor.

  Sil and Nova drew their weapons, but Will was already moving. He glared as he came at the woman, her stance changing. Fists at the ready, he closed the distance and threw a solid punch. The woman turned her body, arm blocking the strike. Leg up, she tried to bring her heel down on Will’s knee, but he shifted his stance.

  Fists and kicks shot out in a flurry. Will held his own, trying to land a strike. Power and skill flowed through him, feeling the beast path guiding his strikes in quick, rapid successions. The woman maintained her focus, moving like a blade of grass in the wind. The two continued their dance until a fist came up striking Will in the stomach. Leather tunic flaring with magical energy, there was no pain and damage. The woman drew her fist back, pain touching her knuckles when Will barreled forward and slammed his shoulder into her chest. The woman didn’t have time to correct her stance as she stumbled back. Regaining her stance, she was ready to advance when a spear struck the floor in front of her. The woman turned her gaze to Sil and Nova. The kobold held her spear as Nova drew her dagger. Behind them, Stella stood shaking her head and waving a finger.

  The woman kept her fists up, her gaze softening. “What do you want?”

  Morgan and Val stood at the ready as Sil and Nova moved to Will’s sides.

  Will looked to the woman, darkness under his eyes. “Nothing from you.”

  “She’s a hero?” Val sneered, claws gleaming in the torchlight.

  Morgan cleared his throat, “Will, do you know her?”

  The young man shook his head. “No, but clearly she is not like us. This was a mistake.”

  Will tried to sort out the reactions assaulting his inner thoughts. Flashes of memories clawed at him as a rage bashed at his soul. She looked like the ghosts that haunted his nightmares from a world long ago. It cracked the edges of his sanity as he pictured doing nothing more than putting her body back in the sarcophagus and sealing it shut.

  Stella stepped behind Will, a hand gently touching his shoulder. Will’s rage abated, cooling to the witch’s touch and sanity smoothing out the cracks. The player took a deep breath before relaxing his stance. The woman’s scent drifted into his nose and the flame of anger stayed.

  The woman kept up her fists, “My name is Cyndi Rose. Now can someone tell me what’s going on here?”

  “What are we doing?” Val asked Will while not taking her eyes off the woman.

  “Is this still the game?” Cyndi asked.

  “What game?” Will asked as his eyes narrowed.

  Cyndi looked to everyone in turn before centering her gaze on Will. “Lewd Saga?”

  Confusion colored everyone’s gaze except for Stella. The witch pulled her hand away and stepped around Will, walking toward Cyndi with her hands out.

  “Memories are a commodity not many here have. Can you tell us anymore?” the witch asked with a disarming smile.

  “I remember everything up until the game shut down. I used to work…in security, but I played the game until all the weirdness began to happen. It feels like I have been asleep for a thousand years.”

  “My friends have no memory about life before coming here but you do. Is there anything else you can tell us?” Stella said with a soothing tone.

  Cyndi’s eyes softened as she lowered her fists. “I…don’t know. I had a good job. I used to play the new MMO games to unwind. The last thing I remember was the world turning into…a wasteland. Now, I’m here.”

  “You are from that time, that world,” Will seethed as whispers touched his mind but never revealed themselves.

  Val lowered her hands. “I…know the game you mentioned. I played it too.”

  Stella turned her gaze to Will. “She might be able to help us with our pasts.”

  Will’s inner flames died a little. For the first time, he saw a sincere look from the witch. She was curious and saw this as an opportunity, but the hounds along Will’s spirit begged for blood.

  “Remember what I said before about being haunted? She is like those ghosts. I can smell it. She isn’t one of us,” Will said with a stern edge.

  Cyndi looked to the kobold by Will’s side. “I’ve known creatures like you. I mean no harm.”

  Sil kept her hard stare, spear at the ready.

  “Don’t talk to her. Talk to me,” Will growled.

  Cyndi turned her attention to Will. “I’m sorry. I’m a little disoriented. This is a lot to take in. I didn’t mean to fight.”

  The woman lowered her hands to her sides while everyone stared.

  Stella turned to Will, “She could help us. We should give her a chance.”

  Instincts roared in Will’s ears, but Stella’s expression cooled their temperament. A sickly feeling swirled in his stomach, the madness speaking truths but the witch opening a door they may have to explore.

  “Everyone, stand down.” Will said before looking to Stella. “I hope it’s worth it.”

  Fourteen

  The campfire burned, light touching the circle of beds a short distance away. Bodies sat by the fire while everyone looked to Cyndi as she talked.

  “You could say I worked in some weird circles,” Cyndi said with an infectious smile.

  Everyone was all ears except for Will, sitting with disdain in his eyes. Cyndi hadn’t stopped talking about her life, telling of her ups and downs working for super scientists and special, black op organizations. Val and Morgan couldn’t break their curiosity as they listened. Sil and Nova remained quiet with occasional smiles at Cyndi’s stories. Stella sat with her legs under her and a small smile on her lips.

  “There was this one scientist, I believe his name was Dr. Strangedream. He had a whole collection of monsters he created. Wanted to build bio super soldiers for the coming wars. I was called in from time to time to watch his test subjects. They had a tendency of escaping.”

  “You stopped them from escaping?” Morgan asked as he couldn’t understand how such a lovely woman would take down monsters.

  Cyndi nodded. “It wasn’t always easy. Some test subjects are tougher than others but in my line of work, I come across all types.”

  Cyndi turned her attention to Val, seeing the hint of fangs past her ruby red lips. “I’ve even been to your town on the west coast. I think it was called Misty Hollow.”

  Val couldn’t keep the shock from her eyes. “I think I remember a little of it.”

  Cyndi nodded. “Fantastic place, home to movie monsters. I think it was built to keep you all safe during the fifties and on. Last I remember, it was starting to integrate with the world, before the big one hit.”

  “Big one?” Val whispered.

  The brown-haired woman nodded. “A massive earthquake struck the west coast, sending half of California into the ocean. It was only one of many catastrophes nearly every year. Whole parts of the globe became unlivable in a decade. Everyone was flocking to cities. The storms were relentless, driving people to higher ground in some places and disease killing others.”

  Cyndi looked to her hands, “I look so young now. I was getting older but the Mind’s Eye Gear allowed me to live and play like I was young again. I remember doomsday talk happening almost every day when I wasn’t plugged in.”

  Morgan tilted his head forward, “I think I remember. It sounds so familiar to me, living in buildings…towers. We couldn’t go outside for long periods without some protection. Virtual worlds became playgrounds and a way of life.”

  “Do you know what happened, to people like me?” Val interjected.

  Cyndi’s smile dimmed. “I can’t say. A lot of people died. It became impossible to keep track of it all. There was nearly ten billion people on the planet. Last I remember, it was down to four billion.”

  “I remember it being one billion,” Morgan said with a heavy heart.

  “Maybe they deserved it,” Will said with a dark tone.

  Cyndi looked to Will while everyone else looked down.

  “That’s kind of harsh, don’t you think?”

  Will kep
t his indifferent gaze. “Your stories are jogging my memory too, even if it’s only bits and pieces.”

  Stella watched as Will continued.

  “Clearly we are all from different time periods. Last, I remember, the population had fallen to just under a hundred million but that was not the worst of it. We were all dying of disease. There was nothing to live for anymore. I can’t remember beyond that, but I know it was people’s fault in the first place.”

  Will looked up at the moving shadows against the ceiling of the temple tomb. “I don’t know if we are reincarnated or just stuck in some weird part of the universe, but Jova is not like Earth. It’s a new land. I thought…I left my old life behind, but it seems to continue to come back.”

  “Maybe Jova was created for us to start over again,” Morgan said.

  Will gave a small nod. “Maybe or maybe it was created by the gods as punishment for past sins. All I know is, I will never let it turn into the place it seems we all left behind.”

  A hushed silence fell over the group, the only noise coming from the crackling fire.

  Val’s expression took on serious edge. “Everyone should get some rest. Tomorrow might be a long day.”

  “What happens tomorrow?” Cyndi asked.

  Will spoke up, “A test to see if you really are a hero. We are going to a location to obtain an artifact. You don’t need to know the details but if you’re helpful, maybe we will let you come back with us.”

  “What happened to not leaving anyone out in the wild,” Stella said in an ominous tone.

  Will looked to the witch before his own gaze softened. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Let’s get some sleep.”

  The player stood up and walked to one of the beds. Placing his weapons in his inventory, he laid down and pulled the covers over his shoulders. Behind him, bodies moved, but one stepped closer to Will, bent down and kissed his cheek. The young man glanced to see Val stepping away.