King Me

Splitting Paths

The world they came out onto was covered by cities. Yancey and her group were suspended overtop of the world for a moment, getting a phenomenal vantage point of a land soon to be ravaged by war. The orb hovering in space before them had a higher land-to-ground ratio than earth, roughly 70% covered by land. And of that massive amount of land, nearly all of it was covered by skyscrapers of insane height. Can't even really call them skyscrapers; they literally reach all the way up into space. They all must be a hundred times taller than the Burj Khalifa. Yancey thought to herself in amazement.

The group slowly came down from their vantage point from above the planet, landing down in a busy, bustling with traffic of hovering vehicles, and plenty of creatures on foot. This new species was less humanoid, more insectile, like a cross between grasshoppers and spiders. They stood on a pair of long, skinny legs that had several sharp protuberances going up the back, two different sets of hairy arms with two sets of elbows upon each for incredible flexibility, and eight eyes. They were hunchbacked but quick, flitting around the streets at a pace Yancey's eyes couldn't follow.

An elderly grasshoper/ spider hybrid came up to them, it's head tilting rapidly from side to side. Conner pushed Yancey behind him, expecting the worst, until the creature spoke. It's language was a collection of clicks and whistles, but somehow Yancey knew exactly what it was saying as if it were speaking perfect English, "Fear not, human. I am aware of your purpose for being here. Because we are the homeworld species, we have a duty to inform you of a few things that will even the playing field between you, and the homeworld team."

Conner didn't move or drop his guard, his eyes jutting across the terrain. He reached out and grabbed Aurelia's arm, pulling her beside Yancey where he could oversee them both. Aurelia pushed his hand off, scoffing, stepping back around to greet the insect. "Speak, and make haste. We must venture forth to ascertain the lay-of-the-land."

"The very first topic I would speak on." The insect handed her a metal chip about an inch long, tapping a button that brought up a hologram displaying their location and surrounding area. "This is a live map of the city. It can show you your placement, nearby shops, and other places of import. All shops also offer their products to you free of charge, and any vehicle you wish to commandeer is your right. Our world is typically hospitable and generous one, but for those participating in the King's tournament, our lands are completely available to your group. Also, I have a set of communication devices for your team,"

It's four arms extended a total of six little black earpieces, and the team fitted them in. "Lastly, I must mention that this is the same location the rest of the teams will appear at. You have four hours and fifty-eight minutes before team one will appear." And without wishing them farewell, the elderly insect flitted off into the crowd, instantly vanishing from sight.

Aurelia commanded that they all check their earpieces, and she herself did the same before briefly examining the little metal chip, discerning its functions. "Good, now we must move." Yancey's heart was pounding. It was really going down now, only a few hours separated her from the war that would decide all. She tailed beside Conner who seemed intent on staying with her, the group moving forward.

"Our first order of business is to acquire transportation, weapons, and any other strategical items that we can use to our advantage. After that--" Aurelia paused, glancing back to Faust who had remained in place. "Step along now, we have no time for delay."

Faust waved a hand for them to go, "Our foe will appear here. What purpose have I to venture further than necessary?"

Aurelia groaned with disbelief, "Dr. Faust, this coming force will overwhelm us as we are now. Please, we must move,"

Faust gave his answer by pulling his Scythe off his back, slamming the blade into the side of the nearest building, and utilizing the long handle that connected to the blade as a seat.