A fire crackled in a iron gated hearth. The heat permeating the room as a lone figure ran it's delicate fingers over the fine pages of parchment. The pale fingers flipped to a fresh page of the tome revealing it to be blank. A quill pen was dipped into it's ink by the second hand. With a snicker the figure began to write:
2012: The barriers protecting the world known as 'Earth' fall, opening it's pathways to it's nearest neighbors.
2013: The 'United Nations' Organization attempts to negotiate peace for the world 'Earth' with it's neighbors. The representatives of the Heavenly body agree as does the forces of Hell. Both sides make a single stipulation, the allowance of military forces for the sake of preventing the other side from defying their word.
This is all a ruse, of course. Shortly after the initial troop movement, the forces pour out and begin to overwhelm humanity. Before the year is out, the 'United Nations' organization is dissolved. Humanity falls to the wayside as the 'Earth' becomes a fresh battlefield for the opposing sides. The fighting more vicious than anywhere else as it is so easy for both sides to move about.
2016: The ruling bodies of the humans are said to have 'dissolved' and humanity scatters into encampments. Unable to communicate to one another, they are easy prey for the roaming beasts of chaos which find their way to Earth.
The Heavenly body build their first city in the skies of Earth over a land ironically known by the humans as 'The Holy Land'. In response, Hell sends three Princes to reshape the continent known as 'North America' to suit its purposes. The Princes are Belial, Sariel and Astaroth. The work is slow and they start on the westernmost coast.
The figure's lips curl into a wicked smile as the pen halts above the next line. A snicker growing into manic laughter before the writer returns to its task.
2026: The last human settlement on the easternmost coast is discovered tucked away in the mountains. Unbeknown to its occupants, they are the last humans not under the control of heaven nor hell. Out of their 4,000 person occupation, 2,500 are captured and given to the Great prince Sariel as a symbol of his accomplishments on the North American continent while Belial continued to deal with the 'South American' continent and Astaroth refocused his efforts in 'Asia'.
The figure leaned back in his chair comfortably. His face caught in the shadows of the flickering fire. Running the feather of the pen against his lips the writer muttered to himself, “And this experiment shall surely prove interesting.” The page was quickly ripped from it's bindings, its owner relishing the words upon the page.
Chapter 1: Ask a question
The only word to describe the sounds in the room was suffering. Children whimpered the names of their parents while other quietly cried to themselves. There was nothing but sound to invade one's mind in the pitch black room. No light permeated the room but the echo gave away the size of the area. For that, the man was grateful. Not being able to see his tear streaked eyes hid the shame of the fact those tears were there at all. What kind of man would cry?
Nearby, a soft moan was followed another, higher cry. The man recoiled as the noises continued. The echo confusing where the couple were exactly but the repeated moaning gave away their activity. Reaching up the man clasped his ears to drown out the sound as he clenched his eyes against the darkness. Reciting ritualistically the man rocked side to side, “It's nothing, Marcus. It's nothing.”
A piercing scream of filthy passion pierced Marcus' chant freezing him in place. The moans were replaced by the repeated smacking of lips and flesh. A gasp came as a door slid open on the opposite side of the room. A rectangle of light cast long shadows causing many to shield their eyes and hiss in pain.
Seven large figures stood in the open doorway. One raised a finger and the other six grabbed unwilling people. As soon as the captured bodies were through the door it immediately slammed shut. An immediate rush of whispered voices spoke of fear and speculation. A few even offered plans of rushing the figures once more.
“What good would that do? You saw what they did at the shelter,” Marcus responded to the faceless voice. The whispers continued endlessly swirling amidst the people. Marcus tried not to remember but the images still freshly burned into his mind. The fires that burned so fiercely on the home he'd had for years since the world was turned upside down.
People ran screaming as shadowed monsters swept in from above and around him. Screams rising high into the air as the stampede pushed him apart from the kind woman who'd acted as his mother since his parents were killed. Night had just fallen on the settlement everyone called 'the shelter'.
There were no explosions, no alarm. Just the intense fires that burned even the aluminum housing. Then the shadowed figures swept in over the walls abducting people. Marcus felt more tears stream down his face as his mind replayed the image. The woman who'd been so kind to a lost child was trampled beneath the press of bodies. Her form mangled beyond recognition as a monster struck him across the temple.
When he woke, only the blackness and despair greeted him. Time had lost any real meaning in the dark but it'd felt like a day or two since they were brought to this place. The floor was hard and cold yielding no clues. Marcus could only sit listening to the others whisper words of misery and escape. With a sigh, the man asked, “Is this how they're going to kill us?”
“If so, they'd have done so at the Shelter. This is something different, maybe worse.” A deep voice spoke confidently nearby. Marcus looked around out of habit to see the source before biting his lip at embarrassment for doing so in the darkness. Marcus aimed himself in the direction he could recall the door opening towards.
“Then there'll be no point in waiting, right? I'll go to the head of the line.” Marcus responded and started moving along on all fours. He'd mutter apologies to those he bumped into on his way. He heard shuffling aside himself. Turning his head he asked, “Are you following me?”
“Yeah, can't let a kid go do something stupid by themselves,” The man explained in an almost jovial tone. Marcus shook his head moving towards the door once more. Both men moved silently except for apologies to those they tripped over. Marcus yelped in surprise as he move face first into the wall. The other man laughed and stopped moving. Rubbing his nose Marcus asked, “What's your name?”
A soft laugh came from the other man before he sighed, “It's Byron. And yours?” Marcus sniffed feeling no blood coming from his nasal passages. Resting his back against the wall the man brought his knees to his chest.
“I'm Marcus. How can you sound so relaxed? We've been captured by hell. H.E.L.L!” Marcus pleaded only receiving another laugh as a response. The man felt a powerful hand rest on his shoulder and give him a reassuring squeeze.
Letting out a breath Byron spoke, “Simple, life is too serious to take seriously. Getting myself scared and afraid won't accomplish anything but letting others do what they want with me. And I'm a rather greedy man so I won't let anyone take from me as much as I can help it. Especially not something as precious as my life.” Marcus blinked at the response and looked at the hand that hadn't moved from his shoulder. Several breaths passed through both men before Marcus relaxed and shook his head.
“You are a very odd man. What did you do at the shelter?” Marcus asked trying to refocus his thoughts at where the door was. Byron pulled his hand back and let out a yawn.
With a snap his jaws slammed shut before he knuckled at his eyes sleepily, “Part of the gardening crew. Good exercise and plenty of time to read while the plants were growing.” Byron let out a soft laugh as he shifted to lay down. Once more he yawned and laid on his side, “Wonder how long till they take the next group of us. Be nice to have a nap before they do whatever they're going to do.”
Marcus laughed at the sheer audacity of the man. Shaking his head Marcus asked, “Does anything scare you?”
“Slugs,” Byron shot back without hesitation causing Marcus to laugh again. Byron's leg struck out in the direction of the laughter. Byron repeated the playful kick asking, “What's so funny about that? Huh? They're ugly and just nasty!”
“Sorry,” Marcus apologized through his laughter, “It's just that it struck me how odd it is. We're likely to be tortured or dead soon at the hands of Hell, and you're main fear is still escargot.'' Both men let out a sigh as Byron yawned once more. A moment passed silently as before the door sudden slid up and out of the way. Once more, seven figures stood in the door way.
To either side, the unnaturally tall humanoids were clothed in all black. Their faces obscured by cloth masks as their eyes were akin to black voids. Standing between the tall figures was a being of no obvious gender. It's body wrapped in a soft, velvet set of clothing. A deep crimson lined the sheer black outfit that had gold gilded into buttons. Upon the central figure's face was a gold mask worked with rubies from the empty eyes like the mask was crying blood.
“Ah, do we have volunteers?” The central figure asked almost mockingly. The mask turned to look at Marcus and Byron as they shielded their eyes from the light. Two of the cloth faced figures immediately knelt down pulling both men to their feet. Four other individuals were picked out of the others. His eyes adjusting, Marcus looked over at Byron to see a tall man with dark skin. His black hair was straight and framed his handsome face.
The chosen people were taken along a starkly white hallway. The gold masked being lead the way to the first of many doors lining the sides of the hall. Upon entering into a dank room lit by a small sphere that hung from the ceiling the tall guards ripped the sleeves from the people's clothing. The gold faced being raised a single gloved hand and approached Byron. Tilting it's head in an almost curious gesture the being reached out pressing it's finger to his forearm.
Byron let out a scream of equal parts surprise and pain as the contact between him and the gold masked being seemed to burn. The scent of burning flesh accompanied the movement of the gloved finger in a practiced movement. The black haired man managed to quiet himself down as the initial shock fell into a constant pain. The guards silently held their struggling prisoners in silence.
His work finished, the gold masked being moved onto the next person. Marcus tried to ignore the pained screams by looking away. On the other side of the room he could see a mirror preventing such an escape. Marcus' gaze settled on his own body, his matted auburn hair and pale green eyes. His face had always had a slight curve about it and as he looked away he found the gold masked being staring into his eyes. The void behind the mask giving no indication of any expression beyond the black, gem bleeding eyes.
Marcus tensed feeling the point of contact and the intense burning against his flesh. The fire seemed to dance through every nerve ending in his arm making him scream. His body wracked with pain until he thought he might pass out. Half conscious and swimming in pain Marcus was vaguely aware of being dragged out of the room.
A new room was filled with several pedestals. Each one carried a small seemingly glass orb. The gold masked being walked over to each one and pressed the orb to the prisoner's chests. Unnaturally, the orbs sunk into the prisoner's chests through their clothing. Marcus watched the orb sink into him feeling the pain subside and the mental fog begin to clear. The six prisoners were lead to out into the stark white hall once more. Passing the side doors a wall slid out of the way revealing a domed room. Inside, the six people who had been taken before were sitting quietly.
The prisoners looked up as the new group were brought in. Adorning the ceiling were spheres that gave off light steadily. Marcus felt himself pushed inside with the others before the wall slammed shut behind them. Taking a breath to steady himself, Marcus walked over to a wall to lean against it.
Byron followed and sat down next to Marcus with a sigh, “To be honest, I was expecting much worse.” Marcus slid down bringing his knees to his chest. Looking over he saw Byron's strong hand which had comforted him clutching over where he'd been burned.
“Well, this is just the start. Might regret following me to the front yet,” Marcus offered weakly before letting out a sigh. The pair watched the others either walk around the large area aimlessly or sit silently in contemplation. Byron rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.
With a grunt Byron shifted position onto his stomach saying, “I imagine they'll be processing all of us for a while. Best to catch some sleep while you can, kid.” Marcus closed his eyes letting his body slump down. He shifted position to lay on his side until he found a reasonably comfortable position. Despite the lights Marcus began to fall asleep.
The room seemed to fall away for a grassy field. The neatly trimmed lawn was obviously cut every day. A pleasantly warm sun beamed down onto the field warming Marcus without being hot. A faint breeze caressed his cheeks as Marcus rose to his feet.
The grass danced and swayed as a cloud passed overhead. Marcus looked at the cloud overhead for a moment, it was strangely gray despite the sunny weather. The sky's blue seemed to tremble as if someone had sat on the world. The cloud seemed to unnaturally expand and grow until it dominated the sky. Fearing the oncoming rain Marcus ran through the field looking for shelter.
His gaze scanned the field seeing nothing to take cover under. The clouds continued to darken over the running man who threw his hands over his head. Marcus felt a tension take hold of his chest as the black clouds seemed to follow him. A hiss akin to a cat's caught his ear as he heard, “Marcus!”
Without a single drop of rain falling a bolt struck the ground a few feet in front of Marcus with another resounding shout of his name. The surprise sent the man sprawling out into the scorched earth. His name became a chant as bolts strike all around him. Trembling Marcus looked at the black clouds demanding, “Who are you?!”
A final bolt of lightning struck the ground in front of Marcus. As his vision cleared from the intense light, his breath caught in his throat. Standing before him was a woman. Her skin almost an amber color with brown curls framing her face. She extended a single hand out to Marcus with a genuine smile. She opened her mouth to speak as Marcus reached a trembling hand up to hers.
Their fingers touched briefly and Marcus felt a powerful shock running through his skin. Any words she'd spoken were lost in the surge of painful electricity. Marcus awoke with a shock as he sat up abruptly. The room was more populated with people talking amongst themselves.
“Ah, so you're awake,” A soft voice spoke. Marcus scratched his head looking up into a comforting face. The woman's blue eyes seemed welcoming. A strand of her black hair crossed her face which was swept back with the rest of the long follicles. The woman explained, “I'm Arianna, a friend of Byron. You're Marcus, right?”
Marcus nodded looking around him noticing the large man wasn't where he had been earlier. Marcus shook himself awake registering the fact and then meeting Arianna's eyes asking, “Where did Byron go? Did they take him for a second round?”
“No, nothing like that. He went for a walk. Said he felt stiff after sleeping for so long,” Arianna explained sitting down. She wore a sleeveless shirt like all of those in the room. Her arms were muscular which only added to the overall affect of her full body.
Marcus let out a sigh, “Was I out that long?”
“A few hours, maybe. It's hard to tell here. But I can't say I blame you. This is all so surreal, isn't it?” Arianna asked laying her head on Marcus' lap. The man instinctively ran his hand along the woman's side without realizing it. Arianna closed her eyes.
With a sigh Marcus nodded, “Yeah, it's bizarre. I mean, half of what's happened over the past fourteen years seems impossible. Yet, here we are. Prisoners of the demons of hell.” Arianna chuckled taking hold of the man's knee and squeezing it. The woman ran a hand through her black hair before picking up a sheet of paper that had sat on the floor next to her. She sighed, “Here, take a read. These papers were scattered all over the room.”
Taking the thin parchment into his hands, Marcus' eyes scanned over the dates written in elegant penmanship muttering to himself, “Twenty twelve, the barriers protecting the Earth fall...” His voice fell silent as he read down the paper, his mind recalling the events leading up to this time. Memories floated back of his mother's oppressively clean house. His father's fleeting face as he'd vanish often on 'business trips'.
The man lowered his head as he read the last words feeling the blood in every vein seem to freeze in place. As he read, his eyes began to water as his mind recalled the attack on his hometown that sent him and his mother fleeing north. They'd made it no further in the highway when they were forced to go on foot or become victims of the monsters that seemed to pour out of everywhere and nowhere all at once.
His legs had hurt from running from the monsters but his mother pulled him along until a black shadow appeared overhead. Whatever the monster was, it stole his mother from him and vanished into the sky. Unfortunately, he'd seen what became of her, as she plummeted down screaming onto a tractor trailer. Tears rolled down his cheeks before pushing them aside. Arianna asked, “You alright?”
“Sorry,” The man sniffed forcing the tears aside with his arm, “Just a lot of bad memories brought up by this. Think it's true? Were we the last ones?”
Arianna sighed, “I think so. It would make sense. From what I remember, we never did get any response from outside the shelter nor did we find any survivors in the last few months.”
“So, this is the end of humanity? Captured by the forces of hell? That's pretty bleak,” Marcus chuckled darkly.
The woman smiled softly running her hand along Marcus' cheek, “Who knows? Maybe some big hero will swoop in and help us find a way to save the day? Like in all those cheesy movies?”
“Ugh, think I'd rather stay captured,” Marcus joked weakly waving his hand dismissively. Arianna giggled to herself as the man sighed, “Honestly, there'd be nothing worse than having to play the sidekick. I mean, even being the black knight to the Knight in Shining armor at least gets his moment in the spot light. The sidekick? Dream on.”
“Well, I think I'll take my turn to sleep. Be sure nothing happens to your princess, sir knight,” Arianna said playfully. Marcus blinked looking down to realize the woman's head resting on his thigh. His attention was caught by a shadow rolling over him. Looking up he saw Byron looking down at him.
The large man chuckled, “She's a quick mover, isn't she?” With a grunt the large man sat on the other side of Marcus. The door opened and six more people were shoved through. Byron closed his eyes, “So, what do you think they did to us?”
“I'd rather not think about it, to be honest.” Marcus said shaking his head. His eyes scanned the people, the same mark burned into their arms, what seemed to be a shield. With a sigh the man added, “Though, did you see anything odd when you fell asleep?”
Byron shook his head and looked over at Marcus, “Nope, you wanna talk about your dreams, kid?” Marcus raised his fist and punched the larger man in the arm.
“Why do you keep calling me a kid? I'm actually twenty seven I'll have you know,” Marcus asked. The door opened once more and six more people stumbled through, their faces a combination of pain and misery.
The large man placed an arm around Marcus with a sigh, “Sorry, it's a bad habit. I had a younger brother about your age. He always complained about the same thing. He was killed back on the day the veil dropped. Religious fanatics were on top of a church with rifles looking to 'cleanse' humanity.”
“Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any unpleasant memories,” Marcus said lowering his head to look at his knees. A quiet moment passed before Byron took a deep breath and let it out.
“What he isn't telling you,” Arianna spoke up suddenly, “Is that the man he lost was his lover, not his brother.” The woman rolled so she was facing Marcus with a wicked smile. Her blues eyes almost aglow as she looked over to the large man.
Marcus looked up and let his eyes meet Byron's asking, “Wait, a big guy like you is gay?” Immediately the large man erupted in laughter followed by the woman.
“Actually, I'm bisexual. But, what makes that so surprising?” Byron asked watching the younger man's cheeks flush red. Arianna rolled onto her stomach with a grin, her hands sliding up Marcus' thigh.
“I-I just never knew someone who...” Marcus stuttered at first. He was cut off as the rough hand turned his head as Byron brought his rough lips to press tightly to his own. Surprise forced more blood to the already blushing cheeks as Byron's tongue ran along the younger man's teeth. Marcus nearly jumped as he felt a hand slide up his shirt.
With a grin Byron released the younger man from his lip's embrace. His voice husky as he asked, “Do you wish me to stop then? I mean, it's not like we have much to do but wait around.”
“But,” Marcus spoke, his voice trembling to almost becoming a whimper, “What about all the others here?”
“Some will watch,” Arianna said moving onto all fours. Her lips laid a fleeting embrace against Marcus before she continued, “Others will look away. It doesn't matter, though.”
Byron laid a kiss on the woman with a evil grin on his lips, “The insatiable woman is right. We may be dead or worse soon. Best to not leave this world with regrets.” Arianna slid the sleeveless shirt off the younger man kissing his chest. While not overly muscular, his body was well defined. Byron's hands removed his own shirt revealing the powerful chest as he reached down between Marcus' thighs.
The younger man groaned raising his hips into the strong grasp around his manhood. Marcus' pants slid off his waist as he felt Arianna trail kisses down along the length of his organ to the tip of the head. Marcus rolled his head back in pleasure as the woman's talented tongue swirled around the head of the organ and passed through the narrow slit. With a grunt Byron slipped off the pants from his formidable frame revealing a pulsing cock. The larger man pressed his penis against Marcus' and received equal fervor from the woman.
Without warning the large man took hold of hold of Marcus' legs at the thighs pulling them apart roughly. The surprised man yelped as he was forced to lay on his back. An evil grin crossed Byron's face as he saw the exposed orifice twitch and spasm. With a growl the man lowered his head and placed a passionate kiss to the other man's sphincter. Marcus gasped feeling the new sensation run through his veins.
Arianna smiled to herself seeing Marcus arch his back and pressing his hips into the pleasant feelings emanating from his exposed hole. Kneeling over the panting man she pressed her lips around the head of Marcus' cock before slowly, methodically taking inch by inch into her mouth. Reaching beneath Byron she felt the thick member pulsing as he devoured the young man's asshole.
Marcus trembled before letting out a cry as his body tensed. Spurt after spurt erupted from organ into Arianna's mouth. The woman licked her lips greedily as Marcus fell backwards. Swallowing the spunk Byron kissed the woman deeply tasting of the young seed coating her lips. Marcus panted heavily watching the pair kiss. The large man took hold of the younger man's legs parting them and aiming the throbbing organ at the spasming hole.
The organ seemed massive to Marcus as he stared in wonder at the thick manhood. It seemed even larger next to Marcus' own deflated penis. Byron let out a grunt pressing forward. Arianna knelt over the younger man and whispered into his ear, “Just relax and enjoy.” For emphasis the woman massaged the man's body with her own. Her breasts pressed against his lean form only adding more sensual heat to the lustful frenzy.
The woman chuckled as she noticed a growth pressed to her orifice. Reaching down, Arianna guided the revived organ of Marcus to her drenched hole. As Byron thrust forward driving Marcus deep into the sodden cunt, both impaled lovers moaned loudly. The moans only rose in pitch as the first thrust was quickly followed by a second, then a third. All three lost in a mindless frenzy of lust as they bucked against one another. Their flesh slapping loudly.
The younger man let out a long moan, his legs tensing driving himself deep into Arianna. His organ twitched several times before he spent his essence inside her. With a weak sigh he fell backwards. With a satisfied grunt Byron pulled his thick cock from inside the man. Arianna lowered her chest as she parted her ass. Giving a sensual whimper she gave a look over her shoulder to the large man.
Aiming the thick cock at her asshole Byron pierced the woman in a single stroke to the hilt. His rough hands taking hold of her upturned rear, the man showed off his muscular body slamming their hips against each other relentlessly. The furious action seemed endless as both sides were covered in a sheen of sweat. Byron threw his head back and made several deep thrusts before slamming his entire organ to stretch Arianna's orifice. The lovers moaned before collapsing together panting.
“Mmmm,” The woman moaned feeling both men's body on either side of her. The trio closed their eyes and fell asleep content with each other. Marcus' mind on the intense emotions he'd experienced. As he dreamed, the images of men and women danced in his mind. The woman with curly brown hair stood before him naked. He reached out to embrace her and felt the powerful shocks running through his body once more.
His skin began to peel and char as the power shredded his human form. His vision suddenly change and as the skin peeled away something seemed to be coming from beneath his skin. The charred skin expanded as a pair of black horns erupted from his forehead. The horns were struck by bolts of lightning over and over causing Marcus' body to twitch. His body seemed to erupt from the charred skin.
The remade body of Marcus was unrecognizable. It's hide having an almost leathery texture but still as black as the charred skin. A pair of metal 'wings' protruded from his back made of shining steel. His eyes seemed to give off a white hot glow of lightning. Marcus stared at the changed body dumbfounded at the image. His gaze looked at the woman who silently pointed to him. Her mouth opened to mouth words but no sound came from them.
The world suddenly began to spin around Marcus. His vision became blurry as a voice seemed to be calling his name. A pair of blue eyes met his looks as he felt his body being shaken. Arianna was kneeling over Marcus whispering, “Get up! They've finished!” Marcus nodded and stiffly climbed to his feet. His body sore and not responding causing him to wince as the pain from his abused rear surfaced. Suppressing his curses he looked around.
A small platform stood on the other side of the room. The gold masked being had more guards on either of his side as he looked around the room from behind the void-like eyes behind the mask. The being bowed gracefully before speaking, “You all may call me Lord Sariel. I am one of the Princes who was assigned to conquer this land. Now, all of you were the final group to be captured. As such, I have a special event to celebrate my victory.”
“And what if we don't want to participate?” A voice shouted out. Sariel merely laughed at the words pretending to wipe a tear from the mask's cheek.
With an amused sigh the being continued, “Now, altogether we captured two thousand and five hundred of your kind. I, and four of my subordinates are preparing you humans for a competition. You see, the local sewers are absolutely filled with undesirable chaos beasts. If you can clear out the sewers, you'll be free and have my word of honor on that.”
The people muttered to themselves as a new wall slid up revealing a path that lead down, obviously into the sewers. Sariel waited until the doorway was completely open before continuing, “Oh, and when I say 'clear out', I mean of your kind as well. You number five hundred, the same as the other groups and have been branded so you cannot hide whom you belong to. The other teams will be equipped by my subordinates so I wish you all the best of luck, little humans.”
The words became more tense. A new voice spoke up asking, “And we either participate in this 'game' of yours, or you'll kill us here, right?”
“Of course,” Sariel responded casually motioning towards the open door. Byron let out a sigh and began towards the passage. People began to mutter spitefully about attacking the masked man. Arianna quickly followed the man and Marcus shortly after. Several people rushed the small platform yet before the guards could move to stop them Sariel raised a hand. Each of the men erupted into flames and fell screaming in agony. The crowd stepped back in shock as Sariel let out a sigh, “Now you number four hundred and ninety four. Which places you at a disadvantage against the other teams who will be out to hunt you the same as the beasts.”
Turning towards the door the people trudged towards the door. Sariel placed a thoughtful hand on his cheek watching the human move down into the sewers. The being mused to itself saying, “Good hunting, my experiments.” Marcus saw similar orbs lighting up the path downwards. People muttering to themselves around him. Their words aimed at themselves and Sariel.
The passage lead downwards into a domed chamber that had a large pool of water at the center. A mechanical system seemed to pull up water through a small hole up to the surface but the hole was too small to fit a human being. Byron knelt down smelling the water before carefully taking a drink. He nodded to Arianna who quickly took a drink followed by Marcus. Several other people followed suit drinking of the fresh water.
Other people followed the only other exit to the room to a large chamber that was completely flat. The stonework of the sewers was mostly uniform with gray stone that reflected the light. Marcus sat down looking back up the path they'd traveled down. The passage had predictably shut behind them and there wasn't likely any way back. Byron sat cross legged and let out a sigh, “So, he only explained half of it. More than I expected anyway.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Marcus asked tilting his head in confusion, “I mean, I didn't expect a demon to tell the truth at all.”
Arianna chuckled looking down at the pool of water trying to gauge its depth. Laying on the cold stone she sighed, “And what he said explained the branding on our arms. But, what did he put inside us, that is the question.”
The people in the other room began talking loudly, their voices becoming a dull roar. A circle quickly formed with two men arguing with one another. The larger of the two men was a handsome man with sharp features. His blonde hair was matted down but a few strand persisted in crossing his sharply angled nose. He stomped his foot demanding, “And what right do you have to lead us now? It's your fault the Shelter fell! You and everyone in charge failed!”
“That's bullshit! They took over the whole goddamn continent, dumbass! It was only a matter of time!” The other man responded angrily. His brown hair cut and neatly trimmed. The arguments were fed on either side by the crowd. Marcus went to stand up and felt a powerful hand hold him back. He looked into the dark eyes of Byron who simply shook his head. The younger man sat back down watching the scene unfold.
Arianna let out a sigh, “Idiots, the whole lot of them.” The arguments were silenced by an inhuman roar echoing off the stone. The resounding stone made it impossible to tell where the roar came from but all of the humans looked around fearfully. As if in response, a second roar echoed along the corridors. The second roar was higher pitched and made by a different animal.
Rising to his feet cautiously Byron motioned for Marcus and Arianna to follow him. The trio left the pool to enter the more densely populated room. People stood with hushed whispers asking what that was. The man with the trimmed hair spoke up, “Calm down! Remember, Sariel mentioned there were beasts down here. Now, we need a few volunteers to explore...”
Objections cut the man off as people laid accusations on him. Marcus scanned the large room. Many people lined the walls of the hexagonal room. The only three exits were to the pool and two long corridors. Though lit, both seemed to lead to sharp turns so you couldn't see what was around the corner. The people were silenced as an undeniably louder roar.
“So, which one do you think is the right way?” Marcus asked looking between the two potential exits. Byron crossed his arms shaking his head. The room was clearly divided into two camps as Marcus watched the people separate behind either leader. Marcus let out a sigh looking down the passage on the right, “Why don't we go looking? No point sitting here waiting to be killed, right?”
Byron let out a soft chuckle, “And this is why I like you, kid. Not afraid to go stick your own neck out. Alright, you take the lead.” Marcus' lips became a soft grin as he looked down each passage. The one behind the trimmed man was more lit with spheres while the other seemed to go on farther. With a nod Marcus motioned to the well lit tunnel and started walking.
As they tried to pass through a pair of men stepped in their way. Both men had gaunt faces with dark, heavy circles. One reached up and shoved Marcus back growling, “What do you think you're doing?” Byron caught the younger man looking angrily at the obstructing people.
“He's being a real man,” Arianna spoke up stepping in front of her friends, “Since you've all resided to sitting here. He's going to go DO something. So, out of his way!” The woman's eyes became a vicious glare at both men. The obstructing men stepped aside hesitantly as the woman turned and winked to both men. The trio entered the corridor seeing water run through the center with a path on either side for walking.
With a smile Byron said, “Thanks Arianna. I'll be sure to thank you for helping with that later.”
“I don't know, it might take you both to properly thank me,” The woman giggled looking over her shoulder. The trio found that the path lead to another one. However, small stone paths connected over at various points over the running water that flowed steadily. Marcus sighed seeing paths branching off in the distance.
“So, it's a labyrinth, huh? Guess it makes sense for hell to do something this convoluted,” Arianna sighed looking up and down the path. She knelt down running a hand down through the water watching the current. She took a mouthful and smiled, “At least the water is still good. Though, how far do these sewers go, I wonder?”
Byron looked down at the water and shrugged. Walking across the path to the other side he watched the water for a moment. Looking up he motioned up the path they'd come down. A woman with black hair walked up the path. Her body slender making her steps seem more elegant. Brushing her long, black hair she smiled, “You're the ones who decided to explore this place yourselves, right?”
Marcus nodded, “Yeah, it's better than sitting back there whining.”
“My name is Sharon, would you mind if I lent you a hand?” The woman introduced herself extending a hand. The younger man nodded taking hold of her gesture. With a smile the woman looked around at paths. Placing a hand on her cheek Sharon let out a sigh.
Byron walked down to the nearest exit casting a look down it saying, “Huh, dead end. Hey, how about me and Arianna explore this way while Sharon and Marcus check the other?” Arianna nodded walking over to look down the pathway Byron had checked. The passage ended in a stone wall but the water passed underneath.
A roar echoed off the stone once more, however, it seemed to be made of multiple beasts this time. Marcus shuddered for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, and let's try to find an exit quick. I don't know what those are and I'd rather not find out.” Marcus saw the other pair head down as he crossed over to explore the corridor. Sharon followed him looking down each path.
“So, what did you do at the Shelter, Sharon?” Marcus asked looking carefully down a side corridor seeing only a dimly lit dead end.
The woman looked down momentarily before speaking, “I organized the night patrols. Not that it seemed to do any good in the end.” Marcus stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder. The woman's dark eyes met the emerald eyes of the man.
Marcus smiled softly, “Don't worry about it. The fact you're actually trying to help rather than sitting there throwing insults says a lot about you.” Sharon blinked and laughed to herself softly walking past the man to the next corridor. In the distance a wall appeared. A scant few corridors leading down were left to check.
Sharon smiled to herself peaking around the second to last hall. At the end was clearly a metal door. Unadorned, its metal surface reflected the light. The woman approached cautiously and slowly turned the handle. A soft click gave away the fact it was unlocked. Marcus smiled, “Yes! An exit.”
“Alright, let's go tell everyone. Hopefully this will be a way to some kind of safety,” Sharon nodded in agreement pressing against the metal door for its hinges to swing inward. A draft of hot air ran over both for a moment before the door slammed shut from the air pressure. Sharon blinked for a moment, “So, beasts or the inferno, what's your call?”
Marcus chuckled and shrug, “I'll take the inferno, personally. I've always been a fan of warmer weather. I hate snow.” Sharon nodded and the pair began to walk back up the path. The only passage back up to the area where the people sat was visible as a piercing scream echoed off the walls. Roars began to deafen all who could hear them as what seemed to be a horde of beasts called out at once.
The screams grew louder as Marcus broke into a run. Nearly falling into the water, Sharon grabbed him by the back of the shirt and pulled him back. Both people looked at one another before continuing to the path back up. People streamed down the path, some to be knocked by others into the water while others were simply trampled. Amidst the crowd, red eyed beasts leapt up knocking people aside and ripping into others with their scything fangs.
The beasts had six legs ending in sharp talons. Their red eyes focused on its prey. Suddenly, it looked up at Marcus. Its vicious gaze set on a new victim. The man raised his arms in instinct to shield himself as the beast lunged forward. A blur of movement happened and a shower of sticky fluid sank into his shirt. Standing above the man Sharon held a curved sword glinting in the light.
Marcus rose to his feet as Sharon seemed absorbed in the merciless curve of her sword. Two more beasts lunged down the path but turned away from Sharon to knock more into the water where the strong currents pulled them under. Marcus could only ask, “Where did you get that?”
“I-I have no idea, it just....appeared,” Sharon stuttered without looking away from her sword. A roar caught both people's attention as a new pair of beasts leaped to either side of Sharon. A long tongue dropped onto the floor as the beasts readied themselves to leap. Their bodies seemed coated in some kind of slime.
A third beast leapt from the other side of the sewer, its fangs glistening with fresh blood. A cord seemed to reach out around the monster's throat cutting off the monster's attack while dropping it into the water. The creature on Sharon's right turned around and leapt away from her as the one on her left attacked. Once more Sharon's body move with unimaginable fluidity severing the creature's head from the body.
The third beast yelped as it seemed struck and was knocked into the water. Byron stood grinning and rested what appeared to be a heavy, blackened iron flanged mace on his shoulder. Without acknowledging the sudden appearance of his weapon he asked, “You two find an exit? I don't want to fight these things for any longer than need be.”
“Yes, down towards the end! Let's get everyone...” Marcus explained but was cut off as Arianna shook her head. Byron pushed Marcus towards the exit. He demanded, “We have to tell everyone!”
“They're dead! It's hard to hear but the beasts showed up a little after we left,” Byron said tersely continuing to the exit. The group raced ahead hearing the roars continue. Marcus indicated the passage with the door. Casting a look over his shoulder Marcus halted in his steps. A pair of men were following a few feet behind.
Another slime coated beast raced down the path, it's mouth opened wide. Marcus tore away from the others running towards the monstrosity. His fists clenched he raised one into a punch. The two men skidded past Marcus as the beast leapt for his throat. With an roar his fist connected with the roof of the creature's mouth. The beast began to twitch as lightning danced across the floor. The lights shattered leaving the only light source the being the electricity causing the monster to spasm violently.
With a splash the beast fell beneath the swiftly flowing water. Marcus stood panting as Byron yelled, “Come on kid! Time to go!” Shaking his head from the reverie and adrenaline in his bloodstream the man turned down the path. A few remaining lights making the path still able to be traversed. Sharon held the door open as the others managed to enter it. On the other side was a large landing that lead to a spiral staircase down. The entire path seemed to be carved out of the bedrock with only a chasm below.
Light poured out from below casting long shadows as the people panted. A voice softly chuckled before speaking, “So, out of four hundred and ninety four, a meager six survive.” The people looked up seeing Sariel walking up the path. It's eyes hidden by the golden mask's void-like eyes. As he reached the plateau, the being began to clap saying, “Well, still, congratulations on passing the first part of the game. You may not have fared as well as your counterparts, but, you can still potentially win. So, my dear competitors, proceed down into the main arena when you've caught your breath.”
Chapter 2: Do Background Research
“What are you doing here Sariel?” Sharon demanded angrily. The masked being regarded the woman with a neutral expression. The six people kept their distance as the being bowed to them.
With a flourish the being explained, “The rules allow me to act as a sort of advisor to my 'team' in this game. As such, I'm allowed to answer questions you may have to speed things along.” The people looked between each other skeptically. “Allow me to give you a piece of information to prove whether you can trust me or not,” Sariel explained letting his voice seem to lack any tone, “Aside from your own team of six. There is are four teams down in the arena. They are numbered, four hundred and fifty, one hundred seventy six, three hundred and twenty two and a team of zero.”
“Alright, before we ponder your riddles, can you tell us about this?” Byron asked raising his mace up. Sariel took several rapid steps closer running his gloved hand along the weapon. His attention focused solely on the weapon. Words in a blasphemous tongue slipping from his lips as he was transfixed on the weapon.
Clearing his throat the being explained, “They are a manifestation of the Devils I bound into your souls. Their physical forms are of your making.” Byron lowered the weapon looking at it unsure. Sariel walked away to the door leading out to where the beasts had chased them. Casting a look over his shoulder the masked being spoke, “Don't wait too long to enter the ring. After all, I'd hate to see someone or something else take what is yours.”
“So, he placed devils in us?” Arianna asked looking down at the whip coiled in her fist. Each person stood silently, only a deep rumbling from far below filling their ears. Sharon watched her sword as Byron rested the metal weapon on his shoulder. Marcus' gaze fell down to his hands. He noticed a pair of golden rings on each of his middle fingers. Out of instinct he tried to pull the rings off but they refused to move past his first knuckle.
With a sigh the man gave up on removing the jewelry and asked, “Hey, you what are your names?” The two men who had been fleeing for their lives looked up. One had short blonde hair parted naturally while the other man had auburn hair. The second man had a series of scars along the left side of his face as if he'd been clawed by something long ago.
“I'm Nick,” The blonde man introduced himself with a grunt.
The scarred man went to speak but was cut off by Sharon announcing, “He's Aaron. A friend of mine who acted as a guard back in the Shelter.” The scarred man nodded walking over to the stairs. He looked down the steps and began walking down. Each of the people looked to one another and followed down, their shadows dancing and swaying against the walls. Each step brought them further down while the uncomfortable heat pervaded compared to the cool tunnels.
“Hey, man, where's your weapon?” Nick asked pointing at Byron. The large man blinked examining both hands before he realized the weapon was in neither. Closing his eyes the weapon appeared in his right hand and he instinctively took hold of it. Nick let out a sigh, “How did you manage to do that? I mean, we've all had whatever implanted into us, right?”
Byron shrugged, “I can't explain it. I just sort of mentally call out for it. Though, that isn't right. It's more like sending an emotion and receiving another. Like when you kiss someone. Your lips make contact, then there's a moment where the other side responds.”
“Then that is one lucky devil, I know the way you kiss,” Arianna teased causing Byron to stick out his tongue. Nick shook his head looking further down the path. A short ways ahead Marcus stared at his hands while the other two were further ahead.
The stairs circled downwards seemingly endlessly. Byron sat down wiping the sweat from his brow. Sharon called up to the others, “We can see the end!” Marcus doubled his speed hurrying down the steps to see for himself. His eyes focused on the bottom landing that had a heavy iron studded door, a simple metal ring hung on it.
Each person looked inquisitively at the door as they arrived one by one. Aaron reached for the ring but recoiled holding one hand with another. He snarled, “Damn, that's hot.” With a grin Arianna stepped forward looping her whip through the ring. She dug her heels in pulling the door open. A fresh wave of heat ran over the landing causing each person to try and shield themselves.
“Well, into the flames of hell, I suppose,” Nick said dutifully passing into the chamber beyond. The left side of the room had spinning fans protected by metal grates. The stone bedrock radiated heat down along the corridor that expanded to the right. It seemed to have been cut to a perfect half circle. Only the vents that be cut straight up seemed to vary the passages.
As the group passed through the door it slammed shut. The sweltering heat forced every person to push forward. The corridor opened out to a vast chasm. The tunnel seemed to go deeper straight down with a path cut into the wall's right side. A strong wind current rose from the pit that seemed to spin the countless fan blades protruding from the walls. Marcus gaped looking at it as he managed to speak hoarsely, “Incredible. It's a wind tunnel.”
“What are you talking about?” Sharon asked as the large blades spun on.
“This, they're using heat from the planet to spin the blades! It's basically a wind tunnel and generator,” Marcus explained excitedly at his realization. The man looked up at the blades overhead shaking his head, “How they can build something like this though?” The rest pushed forward to the only exit from the chasm.
Byron placed a hand on Marcus' shoulder saying, “We'll be down here a while, I imagine. Let's get ourselves set up someplace then we can study the way this place is put together.” The younger man nodded forcing his look away from the fans. The new corridor was cooler and had a pair of branching paths that lead down to either side.
Stairs that were cut out of the rock lead to a door on either side. The door on the left had the word, 'Shelter' carved into it's wooden surface. A simple iron ring hung off the door as the only means to open it. Marcus tilted his head as the others looked to one another. With a sigh Nick asked, “Think Sariel is mocking us?”
“No, but we'd be fools to take this at face value. What about the other door?” Sharon asked looking up the steps. Marcus took a few paces to look at the door and sighed. It was wood as well with another word carved into it.
Marcus returned shaking his head repeating the words, “Not Shelter.”
“The bastard is mocking us. So, which one do we pick?” Aaron asked folding his arms. He leaned against the stone wall looking between the doors.
“What we desire is shelter at this point, right?” Marcus offered casually. The group looked to one another and moved into action. Sharon and Byron stood at the base of the steps prepared in case anything attacked as Arianna looped her whip around the hot metal ring of the door. A silent count passed between the three before the door pulled open easily.
A dark chamber lay beyond that the two foremost people stepped into. Their eyes adjusting to the darkness as they advanced carefully. A blinding light caught the pair off guard as lights turned on suddenly. The air was filled with sharp hisses from multiple directions. The domed room had two floors with the lower area had passages filled with seemingly out of place appliances. A large, circular table dominated the center of the lower area.
Sharp whooping sounds came from the second floor as a swarm of monsters leapt onto the railings protecting the second level. Their bodies covered in thickly matted fur that was a faint white in color. Their leathery faces were dominated by a single eye with sharp claws extending from each of their three fingered limbs. With a feral howl one of the monsters pulled back then launched itself at the pair in the room.
In the span of a breath Sharon took hold of her sword cutting the monster in two. However, a second attacker leapt from her side but smashed against the hard floor after being hit by Byron's flanged mace. More and more seemed to drop down from above in a seemingly endless wave only pushing the pair back towards the door, a trail of bloody corpses at their feet.
Arianna's eyes met Marcus' and the pair rushed in. The woman's bull whip knocking another of the creatures to the ground. Nick held the door open watching with clenched teeth. With a howl another of the monsters lunged forward managing to evade the lashing whip. It landed on Marcus' back knocking him to the ground as it lunged for Sharon.
“No!” Aaron cried out. The beast seemed to be caught in midair. With a grunt the scarred man brought a foot up to kick the monster away revealing a long dagger in his hand. Wiping the blood off the straight blade on his pants the man watched the monsters above seem unafraid.
A new scent nearly overwhelmed the group causing them all to cover their noses. The powerful stench filled the air caused them to hack and force themselves not to throw up. Stepping into the light a new beast stepped forward. The creature was the obvious boss of the monsters. It's body covered in shaggy black fur with swirling yellow eyes. Four powerful limbs bent the guard rail out of the beast's way. Stepping forward it landed with a heavy thud.
It's maw was filled with jagged teeth and the scent only worsened as it roared. The boss moved into a messy trot across the room. It's four limbs much larger than its stubby legs. A huge palm reached out to swipe at the people but only hit air as they scattered. Coughing heavily Sharon yelled, “What the hell is that?”
“That, my dear experiments,” A voice spoke calmly. The howling of the monsters above immediately silenced and moved away from the source. Leaning against the rail a gold masked figure looked down, “Is a devil, a child of chaos, the same as which resides in you.” Sariel locked eyes with the massive beast for a moment before it turned away with a determined snort.
The massive beast let out a roar and charged again in its uneven trot towards Byron. The large man brought down a powerful blow at the joint. A thunderous crack was followed by a bellow of rage as the beast knocked him into a far wall. Nick left his post at the door to check on the man. Byron pushed him away saying, “Okay, now I'm pissed.”
The massive beast turned to the others charging at Arianna. Aaron moved quicker than the monster using the dagger to scale the beast's back. It's hands grasping at its back. As it was distracted Sharon made several long cuts across the beast's stomach. Roaring in rage the beast leapt with surprising agility before slamming itself back against the ground. The force of the impact sent Aaron skidding.
“Hey! Marcus! Can you do your trick again?” Byron shouted receiving an unsure look. The large man shook his head and yelled out, “Everyone, keep him distracted!” The others gave him an unsure look as the beast turned towards the shouting. Nick's eyes met the monster's and he ran forward.
The man was dwarfed in size as he pulled his fist back. The blond man was swatted aside easily into a wall. The beast charged at Byron but was tripped up. Arianna grinned as she held onto her whip that was wrapped around the monster's leg. Byron looked over to Marcus nodding, “Now, follow me!”
Charging towards the monster as it recovered its balance. Byron snarl thrusting the wide head of his mace into the cut left by Sharon's blade forcing it wider as dark blood splashed across his chest and face. Marcus was a step behind and looked into the monster's yellow eyes as he pressed the gold rings to the weapon. Closing his eyes he screamed in his mind, “Help me!”
“Fry, fucker!” Marcus shouted up at the monster. Lightning danced around Marcus knocking Byron back towards the door. The monster's hair stood out on end as it let out a fresh bellow of pain. The huge monstrosity fell away from Marcus with a heavy thud. Its body began to dissolve into a flowing stream of light. All of the onlooking monsters disappeared similarly. As they did the scent in the room began to vanish.