Genesis

Chapter 5

Duiguid stared into the mist, bewildered and confused at what was going on. Everything around him had stopped moving. The mist grew thicker as looked on, and soon nothing was in sight. He was about to run when he heard the voice again. “Didn’t you hear me?” Duiguid paused. He stared into the mist and immediately saw who was speaking. He saw eyes. The red eyes of Obelisk.

As the mist cleared, he noticed that although he seemed to be in the open near the Arna, he also was in Obelisk’s mind. An intermedium of both worlds had taken place, each time zone moving slower than the other. Duiguid had starting walking towards Obelisk when he got the surprise of his life. For though he was sure it was his swords counter body looking at him, he saw instead a man with grey hare shot through the mist towards him. He barely dodged. Duiguid looked at the man. He was of fair height, well built and had a slightly dark complexion. His eyes were red. In his right hand he held a sword. A similar version to what his Sais looked like before they merge. Could this be Obelisk? The mist had now cleared away and Duiguid could now see both worlds standing almost parallel to each other. The old man spoke.

“And in case you’ve yet to notice, I am Obelisk. This is the form I have chosen to begin MY version of your training.” Duiguid was still staring at him. “Where’s Fang?” he asked. “Your spirit animal isn’t needed.” And we don’t have much time. In about five hours or so you’ll be dead. So before that I must force you to learn a four hundred year technique within that time. Are you up to it?” Obelisk and Duiguid stared at each other for some time. Duiguid looked away, staring at his body through the vale remnants of the mist. He noticed that ever so slowly, Paw’s hand was moving towards his body. He smiled as Obelisk threw a sword at him. “Let’s get started.”

Meanwhile, both the priest and Jarad were nearing the gates of a city when the priest stopped. “Why did we stop here?” The priest ignored Jarad and proceeded to speak. “Reform.” It was then that his entire shroud became alive, each piece turning into several bats and then returning back until the priest’s entire look was changed. He now wore a very long jacket along with black trousers. However, though Jarad could not see the sword his master used, both his hat and mask remained. Jarad wondered why his master did this. “Now conceal yourself Jarad.” Still puzzled, Jarad did as was told, hoping to find the reason to his master’s curious behavior. When Jarad had fully concealed himself, the priest entered the gates and went immediately to the first person he met. “I am here to inquire about a position as a bodyguard. Where do I go?” “And who’s asking?” said a voice. The priest turned around and saw a very tall man, coming towards him. “And you are….” The man asked.”

“I am Amite, a retired priest from the Era of Peace.” The man smiled. “From the Era of Peace huh? Guys like you are a rarity. I am Umigon, captain of her lady’s guards. Come with me.” So the priest, whom for the time being will be known as Amite, followed Umigon. Amite kept track as he was led from one part of the city to another when Umigon decided to break clean into a run. “If you can’t catch up you’ll lose your job. Get to the gates the same time as I and you win the position.” Umigon stealth foot was impressive and Amite watched him as he sped off. Umigon's looked back to see that the priest wasn’t running. “Guess he’s not up to it.” He was now nearing the entrance to his lord’s domain when something in the distance made him stop in his tracks. There was Amite, standing at the gate. Umigon was lost for words. “But I left….I mean you were……..How did you……..”

“One should never be in hurry to go anywhere.” I walked past when you got tired. Didn’t you see me?”

“Well done.” said a voice. “I am impressed.” Amite saw a woman in rich clothing approach the entrance to the main hall, a servant placed at both her sides. Or at least they looked like servants. They were in truth bodyguards. “Welcome to the city of Hoi Polloi. I am Maria, lord of this simple place.” Please come in. Amite followed her in with caution, taking note of all that he could see. He was led to grand hall where there was a very large table, arrayed with a pompous display of culinary delights.  Maria clapped her hands, and at once Amite was led to a seat at the table. “All of this isn’t necessary.” He said. “Just let me know who I’m to kill and how soon.” Maria’s face turned black as she spoke. “The one to die…………is YOU! And made a quick lunge at Amite, who she then realized was no longer seated at the table. “I like it when my food is fast. Gives me a workout before I eat!”