The Abstraction Chronicles: The Abstract

Chapter 3: A Machete Almost Takes My Head Off

Being woken up is usually very annoying to people and I am no exception. Jumping awake I hear someone knocking on the door. Looking around at my old bedroom, I realize. Maybe it was all a dream, that I was no longer in this weird looking city and didn't fight any monster that raked me to pieces.

The knocking continued, however, "Give me a minute." I yell. Getting up I head to the door and open it to discover someone I was not expecting. Farin was staring at me with a machete sheathed while wearing camo makeup on his face with a polo and combat jeans covered in dirt. Looking like he was going to kill me I ask; "Can I help you? I was somewhat hoping this was all some sort of weird dream and that I was off of school for the day."

Quizzically he looks at me, "Yes, well. It wasn't I can assure you. Thaddeus was supposed to pick you up for your first day of training, but he had something come up and asked me to accompany you." His machete gave him quite the imposing figure and while I just wanted to go back to sleep, something told me he wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

"Alright, is it normally this early when you go knocking at people's doors?" The sun had just barely risen across the smallest wooden cabin in the east from what I could see.

"Yes, well, the best training is done in the morning and leaves plenty of time for other things later in the day. And all Lost members must attend that wish to travel outside of the City due to their safety. Get your Key please and come with me." Saying this he turns his machete in his hand, and it transforms down into the same silver looking Key I had.

"Give me a minute, I'll go grab it." Heading back to my room I find it on my bed next to my pillow. Grabbing it and quickly shoving it into my pocket I head back to Farin.

"Are you ready now?" Farin asks impatiently. "Yes, so what will I be learning today?"

"We will be heading to the drill field today and you, my young lad will be learning how to use your Key. It will be your foremost defense against Dwellers, and it can be incredible at cutting tall grass, or at least mine is." He smiles crookedly distorting the camo around his face with his teeth.

As we make our way to the field many of the modern buildings' evening lights were still on with lanterns keeping the cobblestone road lit. With this, we arrive shortly after and see many of the Lost members start to trickle in. There looks to be a mesh pot of people some looking as if they could be a thousand years old to the occasional teen such as myself. Some are sparring quite fiercely with rapiers, while others are attempting to shoot targets with various firearms. The entire field was littered with bullet casings, broken shields, and the like.

Feeling uneasy, I ask Farin. "Am I going to get killed today?"

"Killed?" He asks in genuine surprise. "No, but beaten to a pulp? Probably." He shrugs.

Knowing that I was about to get my butt kicked by other people somehow brightened my outlook on life that day. A few minutes later as Farin watches the last of the stragglers enter into the field he yells out, "Good morning everyone! As you know we of the Scout Division are few in numbers when compared to the ever-growing Dweller threat. However, today, I'd like to introduce you all to a new member of the Scouts." Gesturing to me he says, "This is Zane. He came here through different means than is the custom, but I'm sure you will take a liking to him. Please treat him kindly and try not to bruise him too badly by the end of the day." At that, he winks at me while giving me a mischievous smile. A few cheers come from the crowd, with this Farin continues, "Please bring the Calcum!"

A few of the people surrounding me enter into a nearby tent and emerge with a large silver lantern with a keyhole in the center. Setting it before me they return to the crowd of people now gazing intently at me. Farin says, "Insert your Key into the lantern and you'll start your new life."