The Problem with Bonds: Chapter 2 – Circus of an Outcast

Chapter 2 – Circus of an Outcast

This place was only just being set up the last time we saw it. “The Island of Misfits” by Billy Bozo. “All are welcome who want to smile and feel happy”. Huh. That’s weird.

That isn’t weird Catullus. I think it’s a great thing that this Billy guy has made this circus to make people smile and feel happy.

No one makes entertainment just to make people feel good. We probably have to pay to get in.

Why would you need to pay? There are no laws down here that say you need to pay for things. Look! They make their own food here and purify the water from the ocean to make their drinks so it’s not like they need to make money to trade.

I guess not. They could just trade what they have to get whatever they need.

Oooh. I wish we had fingers to play these carnival games.

I’ve read that carnivals had rigged games so you could spend more money to win some cheap prize.

But you don’t need money to play.

Do we really have to play one of these stupid games? We came here to ask for directions.

Oh, that’s right.

Maybe this guy will know something.

“Excuse me?”

“Why hello there little kitty and hamster! Do you wish to play my little game of fishing?”

“No, thank you. We just want directions to a certain street. It’s important.”

“If you win this game, then I’ll tell you what I know. It’s free to play and you get as many attempts as you want.”

Really?

“It’s simple enough, so we’ll play. What are the rules?”

“All you need to do is pick a fish with the right color and number equal to or higher than the number I pick. Anything else is a loss.”

“We’ll play then. My friend is good at catching fish.”

“I bet he is. I want a red fish with the number five on it.”

Just because I’m a cat doesn’t mean I’m good at catching fish.

Come on, Catullus. I know you can do it. You do have better reflexes than me.

Alright, fine. Red fish. Number five…ha! I think I got it.

“Congratulations! For your reward, I’ll give you the information you seek.”

“We need directions to fifth and Stein.”

“Hmm. I’m afraid I don’t know how to get you there with instructions alone. I do know one person who could give you the exact instructions to get there though.”

Come on. I knew this was a bad idea.

Let’s hear him out.

“Okay, who? That fortune telling lady over there will give you the answers you seek.”

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t trust someone who uses magic. Isn’t it demonic?”

“Oh no. The lady doesn’t use magic of any kind. It’s all pretend for the sake of fun. There’s no real magic done at all.”

“Okay. We’ll go see her then.”

“Good luck and thank you for playing.”

Whatever. I got a feeling this that we’re going to be led into a series of events.

Let’s just see what happens. These seem like nice people.

That’s what they do so they can trick you.

Come on, Catullus. Don’t think so negatively of people.

Are you sure about that? I mean look at that lady. She looks like a wooden puppet. Is she an android or a cyborg?

It doesn’t matter as long as she tells us where we need to go.

I guess not.

“Hello, you two little furry animals! Step forward, I don’t bite. Do you want to play a game to gain wisdom from beyond?”

“No, thank you. We were told by the man over there that you could tell us how to get to fifth and Stein from here.”

“Oh, I can, and I can tell you much more than that. I’m not using actual magic, but I can tell a lot with my natural abilities.”

“Are you an android with access to databases?”

“I’m not though I may look inhuman, little kitty. I was a secretary who was in charge of organizing and remembering information for a business in the city. Now, would you like to know something incredible? It could help you later in life.”

“Sure, why not?”

Hamlet.

We’ll only hear a couple of things before we go.

She didn’t even give us the information we were looking for.

I’m sure she’ll tell us.

“Here is what I can find that you might find interesting and useful. The person that you seek is close, but he’ll be at the location you’re going to when you get there. I’m assuming you’re looking for you’ll need the hamster’s original body, which should be at his house.”

I wish we could get him to change us sooner.

“There is not two but one being standing in front of me. I sense a second, but he’s very faint.”

This is your body Catullus, so maybe she thinks we’re just one being because I have very few parts in it.

She could be thinking that, but you’re the one who moves and talks for us more than I do, so I wouldn’t really call this my body anymore. It’s more like ours now.

“Oh, what is this? There is a person following your adventure. I can’t tell what they look like, but they are reading a story of some kind. Your story in fact. What a cutie.”

Okay…

“Hmmm…also-”

“Excuse me, lady. We need to know where to go.”

“Yes, of course. I apologize for not telling you that first. You must; go straight, go left, go right, go straight, left, straight, right, right, left, straight, then the destination should be in sight. Do you have all of that?”

“Yes.”

No, we don’t.

Shut it. These directions are too simple. When do we make a turn and how long do we go straight for?

“If you want a map, the master of the circus has plenty for people who may get lost in the city. He’s in the large black and white tent at the end of the docks.”

“Alright. Thank you!”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be seeing you very soon, cutie.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t mind me. I was talking to the person following you.”

“Sure…”

That lady is crazy. We should just sneak in the tent, find the map, then run out of here.

I’m sure that the owner will happily give us the map without any trouble.

We were supposed to get directions without any trouble.

We only had to play one game and listen to what the lady had to say. It’s nothing.

Whatever. We’re here. It’s too dark in this tent. What’s with all this equipment here? It looks way more expensive than most of what we find in the city. Where are those maps at?

Do you feel like we’re being watched?

Now that you mention it, yeah. The owner is supposed to be here, but I didn’t notice him coming in.

Maybe he’s here and we don’t see him because of the darkness.

You’re right, but maybe he doesn’t notice we’re here.

Don’t be so rude. We should say something to him.

Alright. Where is he? It’s so difficult to see in here.

Do you see something in the darkness? Is he that black and white clown in the darkness?

He’s still like a statue if he is. What’s with that smile on his face? We’ll approach him to see if he’ll react. Ah! He is real!

“It’s about time you noticed me! What are your names?”

He’s a kid.

“Hamlet and Catullus.”

“You two will make excellent additions to my circus.”

“Sorry, but we aren’t here for that. We need a map of the city to get somewhere.”

“Oh, but don’t you want to make people smile and feel happy? It’s a better way of living than anything that you could possibly be doing.”

“Probably, but we really need to go.”

“Stay for a while. We’re going to be having some wonderful performances soon by the best talent that you can’t find anywhere else. Maybe they’ll convince you to stay.”

“I said no! How many times do I need to tell you no?!”

Catullus.

What?

Don’t be so harsh on him. He’s just a kid.

He won’t stop asking us to stay. I need to put our foot down.

Look at him. He looks like he’s going to cry.

Sheesh.

“I’m sorry, kid. Hey! Put us down!”

“Trust me, you’ll love being a part of our circus! Ow! Why did you bite me?”

Forget the map, let’s get out of here!

“Please stay!”

This kid is something else. What’s with all the extending arms, legs, and little versions of himself. They’re coming from everywhere! Ah! Watch out for his face!

“Please stay!”

“How about you stay away from us?!”

“Ow! Why you!”

He’s got us, but we can slip out.

Be careful Catullus! What are you doing?

Stopping him by disabling his body. This should be the circuits. There we go and perfect landing as always. Him and his clones are all disabled now. Let’s get out of here.

“Pl-please stay. Wan-want-just want to make people smile an-an-and happy. Pl-please.”

That lady is walking towards us. She has a map in her hands.

“Sorry for the trouble. He was kicked out of the city by his family because his dream of making people happy isn’t profitable in the city. It’s the reason why I had to leave the city with him. Trust me when I say that he has a good heart. The trauma of being disowned by his family is still affecting his control of his emotions. I apologize on his behalf. Here, the map you were looking for.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. If you come back next time, he’ll be in better control. He’s good about making things up to people.”

Like that’s going to happen. Okay, where to go. Ah, this way.

I feel bad for that kid. We should go back later.

Nah. Not a chance.

I’m sure he feels bad for what he did. We should at least give him another chance.

…I hate that you make me feel guilty. Sure, we’ll go back some other time.

There’s the good heart in my buddy that I know.

Whatever.

The Problem with Bonds: Chapter 1 – A Simple Task with Many Detours

Chapter 1 – A Simple Task with Many Detours

Hamlet! We don’t have time to look at the “pretty” starlit sky anymore. We have to get that guy who made us this way and get him to separate us.

You’re the one who wanted to run away from the guy that did this and now you want to go back? Why? You don’t like being together like this, Catullus? I thought you did since we’re so close to one another.

That’s not it at all! I hate being attached to you like this. Even though we’re cybernetic animals, it doesn’t mean we can live fused together like this.

If you say so, I’m comfortable like this.

No! We have to go back to normal.

But half of our original bodies were scrapped so we could be together like this.

We’ll find a way. We have to.

If you say so, let’s go on an adventure to go back to normal!

Wait, hey! You’re going the wrong way! It’s just down the street that way. I can see the guy’s house from here.

Yeah, but what’s the fun of an adventure if we just went straight to the end?

This isn’t supposed to be an adventure! We’re only walking down the street!

Yeah, yeah, but we never go on any adventures in this depressing place. We need to liven things up otherwise we’re going to be like everyone else.

How about we go on adventures after we get back to normal?

Promise?

Pinky promise.

Okay then! Hey, look! It’s one of those flying disposal machines! We have to help whoever falls out.

Hey, wait! We can help them later.

We can’t. If they’re being dropped off now, then they need help getting used to their new life here.

We’ll just tell them what they’re supposed to do then leave them. We can’t take care of everyone we see since we’re just stray animals.

I understand. They’re landing now. Oh, I hope they land in the garbage.

That’s out of character for you to say.

I don’t want them to land in filth. I want them to land so they don’t get hurt.

Who doesn’t have cybernetic parts these days?

That’s not the point. Thank goodness that they landed safely.

It’s a guy. He looks pretty beat up. I wonder what he did to get kicked out of the city.

“Hi there!”

“I must’ve damaged something when I fell because I’m hearing a cat combined with a hamster talking to me.”

“I hope you aren’t hurt. We’re cybernetic and have a voice module in us that lets us talk to humans. My name is Hamlet and my friend here is Catullus. What’s your name?”

“A hamster named after a play and a cat named after a poet…okay then my name is York.”

“What brings you down here?”

“I lost my job and couldn’t find a new one in time, so they kicked me out of the city. So much for being a safe and upright place to live in. It must look like a shining beacon of hope for the people who live down here.”

“It does but not really. We know that we’re freer out here despite it being a dangerous, lawless place to live in.”

“When you say that, it makes me want to try to find a different city to live in.”

“It’s supposed to be the same as this around the world. Huge giant shining cities that are constantly building up while the towns around it are disposal sites for those who are unwanted.”

“How do you survive down here?”

“There are food restaurants everywhere. You can find them if you look around, but some may not have the best food.”

Okay, Hamlet. I think we’ve given him enough information now.

“Where can I find a place to live?”

“You can live anywhere you want to. Just be careful if you pick a house or building with someone living in it. They may not be friendly.”

Hamlet.

“And that’s all you really need to know.”

Thank you.

“Could you give me a place to start, if you’re not busy that is?”

“Sure!”

What?! Hey! I hate that whoever has the stronger will gets to control our body.

“Is there something wrong Catullus? I’m a friendly guy despite my damaged appearance.”

“Oh, he just doesn’t like talking much to people. We can actually talk to each other with our connected minds.”

“So you hear each other’s thoughts? That’s pretty cool.”

It gets annoying.

Ha, I know you’re lying.

“It is.”

“Are you two like brothers or close friends?”

“We’re the bestest of friends.”

Shut up.

You know it’s true.

“I thought this place looked terrible from afar but looking at it closer makes it look even more terrible.”

“It’s okay when you get used to it. There are parts of this disposal site that don’t look to shabby, which is where we’re going. Since this is a disposal site, people take whatever they want to repair the shambling buildings and places here. Some have even built their own places since there’s so much scrap.”

“What about the people here? Who should I look out for?”

“You’ll know when you see them.”

Don’t say that, Catullus.

“Oh, I’ve finally heard from you. I can tell people are dangerous here by the way they look?”

“No, not always. Some people just look funny because they’re damaged and could only make themselves function with certain parts.”

“I can understand. I probably look like a shady person because of the way I look.”

Sort of.

“No, not at all!”

“Amata! Amata! Where are you?”

“Who was that?”

“That’s just an old man with damaged memory banks. He’s calling out to his dead wife.”

“Does anyone care for him?”

“Yes, but he always manages to get away from them.”

“How did his wife die?”

“She died in an accident in the city. He wasn’t allowed in the city at the time and worked his way into it only to find her dead. Since the city is renowned for its safety, he was outraged and went after the business she was a part of. Because of his aggressive approach, he was beaten up by the guards then thrown here.”

“That’s terrible.”

“It’s normal for people with tragic stories to end up here, but you shouldn’t let that keep you down. You can still enjoy your life here if you find the right people to spend it with.”

“If you say so. If I find anything good here, besides you two, then I’ll be surprised.”

“Then prepared to be surprised!”

“I don’t know if I’ll be surprised here. This hotel looks entirely made from scrap. What’s with the decals everywhere?”

“A particular resident used to make decals for the flying cars in the city but got kicked out after they made machinery that could replace him.”

“I know who you’re talking about. I guess I know why getting decals became cheaper now.”

Let’s see how everyone inside takes to seeing York.

After that, we’re going to leave him. We’ve already spent more than enough time telling him things he should know.

“Hello everyone!”

“Hello, Hamlet and Catullus.”

“Hey, hamster, who’s your friend?”

“This is York. He’s new around here.”

“Hello, York. It’s nice to meet you. We’ll get you a room and a job to do around here. Why don’t you take a look around and get acquainted with some friends? We may be dressed in scrap but we’re friendly.”

“Okay. Thank you for your hospitality.”

We can leave him now, Hamlet.

Yeah, you’re right.

“Since you brought another person here, you two should have a reward. Wait here. I’ll get some food and milk for you.”

We can stay for a second.

Food and milk are your weaknesses, aren’t they?

We need it to survive so I don’t know what you’re complaining about.

“Here you two go.”

Yes, yes, yes! Oh, how I’ve missed the taste of a nice bowl of fish and milk.

“So, Hamlet and Catullus, did you find the person who fused you together yet?”

“Not yet. We’re going back out to do now. Bringing York here was a priority to me over finding that guy. We can stay like this a bit longer.”

“You two are such good animals. You’re better than most people, in my opinion.”

“Oh, you’re exaggerating.”

I don’t think he is.

Do you hear something downstairs?

Oh no, do you think York…yep. He did. He bothered Yule.

Let’s go after her!

Hey, wait! The others can go after her. You see what she did to York. What makes you think we just won’t make things worse?

We have to try.

“Out of the way! Sorry!”

“Watch it! Move!”

Yule is causing an uproar in the neighborhood and it’s causing all sorts of people to come out of the woodworks. Are you sure you want to keep chasing after her?

Who else is going to calm her down? We’re so close. Just one more push! Let’s cut around this corner. There she is!

And she’s charging right for us!

“Yule! Calm down! It’s us, Hamlet and Catullus, your friends!”

We can’t just stand here like this. She’s going to crush us!

We must stand here where she can see us and that we’re here for her.

“We’re here for you, Yule! Just stop and talk to us. I’m sure York didn’t mean anything bad.”

“Kitty?”

Oh boy, here she comes! Ah! Oh, she stopped. Hey, get her to stop rubbing her face against us!

She’s happy when she does that. Just let her. She likes you the most anyway.

No, she doesn’t.

She said kitty and not kitty and hammy.

Whatever.

She was abused by the people she cared about the most and has the scars to show it. Show her a little sympathy.

“It’s okay. We’re here for you.”

“I’m sorry I lost control of myself.”

“Don’t worry about it. You didn’t hurt York too much, did you?”

“That new man? No, but the only thing left of him are his body and head.”

“That’s fine. As long as his heart and brain is still functioning, the guys at the hotel can fix him up no problem.”

“Thank you for coming after me to calm me down.”

“You’re welcome. Now, go back home. I’m sure the others are worried about you.”

“Okay.”

Ack! She gave me a kiss!

Ahaha, I told you she liked you more.

Shut it. We’re finally done with the side stuff. Where is that guy’s house now?

Uh…that direction?

Which direction?

Let’s just pick one and we’ll find our way. It’s not like the neighborhood is completely foreign to us.

Tch. It looks like you’re going to get the adventure you wanted.

Yay!

Let me remind you that our bodies weren’t meant to be like this. Our bodies could fail if we aren’t fixed soon.

There’s no adventure worth going on if there wasn’t any danger involved. Hey, is that a carnival on the docks?

I think someone was building one-wait, don’t take us there!

Why not? It’s not like we know the right direction to go in anyway. Maybe someone there can help us.

Ugh. Fine.

Besides, I love carnivals!

You’ve never been to one!

Then it’s all the more reason to go see it!

I can’t with you.

Hehehe.

A sudden realization

You know I just realized something while stressing to find different classes for my last semester of college. It probably doesn't matter if I get the degree or not. I don't think it's my calling to get a "college" job. I don't have the same motivation to finish college as I do to finish my next book or go to Church and read more about Catholicism. It's the same kind of not caring that I felt before becoming an author. I didn't care about much until I became an author which helped me become a better person who then started to care more about my life and other people. The idea in my head is that God has led me to become a writer, which then led me to read and care more about Christianity. The same can't be said about college.
The obvious solution now would just be to drop out and save me the cost of another semester, but I don't know where to go and which job to pick. I assume the choice is up to me as long as I can write whatever stories come to me. I kind of wish I was like a fellow author I sort of know who works on a farm and writes. I have a lot of reading to do for my current classes, which may affect my grade since I have to remember so much. I'm not going to put my author job on the side for college though. I don't care if I get a lower grade if that means I can write books that people enjoy and get inspired by. The cost is worth it. It doesn't matter that I reach very few people, the point is that those people enjoy my work and get what they need out of it.

Check out Fractured Heaven in its entirety!

The Kingdom of Tyrannus is one that attracts dozens of people to its walls because of its thriving business and its heroes that constantly fight against the forces of Hell that is underneath the kingdom in one large expansive dungeon. Basil is another young man who wishes to become a hero like the ones he's heard about, but things are much more than they seem in this place that seems like Heaven.

Download for free on Smashwords! - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/956523

Fractured Heaven: Final Chapter - A Hero's Integrity

Chapter 7 – A Hero’s Integrity

For the next couple days, Basil goes in and out of the dungeon with Atlas while obtaining treasure. He doesn’t say much as his mind is concentrated on his work. Atlas sees this and doesn’t bother asking him about his indifference with his work. He just assumes that Basil understands his reality and is dealing with it. Part of Atlas is content with getting Basil to understand what is going on faster than he did, but on the other hand, he feels sad that Basil is dedicating himself in seeing Julia again and helping people if he comes across them when he could’ve left the kingdom and dedicated his service to a different kingdom. Still, they’re bringing the guild money so they’re living a comfortable life. That is until today’s visit to the dungeon.

Atlas and Basil come across a single dog-like demon in an empty hallway on the third floor. It’s been an uneventful dungeon and they’re near the treasure room only to find this simple demon close to it. It has a hand with a tongue sticking out of it for a head and a head as its rear end with black hair sticking out of it like a horse. Its most noticeable detail is the necklace around its neck. Demons don’t typically wear jewelry or carry loot with them unless they’re on the fifth floor and lower. This necklace and the face on the demon’s rear looks familiar as well. Too familiar in fact to the point where Basil lets down his guard.

“It can’t be…”

Atlas realizes what’s going on and stops Basil from inspecting the demon further.

“I’m going to need you to calm down, Basil,” Atlas says as he holds onto his shoulder.

“Is that really…”

“It…it…”

“Tell me the truth.”

“…it is. That’s Julia.”

“How?”

“I told you that you should’ve gotten close to her when you could so she could love something other than herself and her own goals. When a person’s body ends up as material for a demon’s body, it means they were sinful people who only cared about themselves. They also feel the pain of having their bodies used and contorted in the way the demons want until they are killed. Even then, their souls are still burning in Hell, so you aren’t giving them much comfort.”

Basil feels a mix of rage and sadness as he pushes away Atlas’s hand.

“I said you need to calm down.”

“I am. I’m giving her what little comfort I can.”

Basil goes over to the demon and breaks his new sword on it. Half of the sword is in the demon and the other half shatters, which makes the sword that Basil spent so much time getting useless. He switches to his regular sword and finishes off the demon. Once the body of the demon disintegrates, Basil shatters the necklace he gave Julia by hitting it repeatedly with his sword until Atlas grabs him to make him calm down.

“Get a hold of yourself! This is what the demons want you to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if they planned to get Julia to the island just because they saw a new money-hungry pretty girl. I wouldn’t even be surprised if one of them sold that necklace to her on purpose.”

“What do you mean they planned it?!”

“The most successful people here make deals with the devil to get ahead in this kingdom. You remember that contract that gatekeeper offered you? That was one of them. They also make plans to put good people in tough situations, so they give in to them. Julia was one of them and I don’t want you to be next. Let’s just get out of here and take the day off tomorrow. Come on, I’ll even buy dinner and a new sword for you.”

“I don’t need a new cheaply made sword.”

“Then I’ll help you find a better one.”

“That’s not the point.”

Atlas and Basil collect the loot and go back to the surface only to find Cynthia waiting for them.

“Where have you been?” Atlas asks her.

“I assume it’s already too late,” she says.

“What are you talking about?”

“Julia. You’ve seen her.”

“How do you know?” Basil asks.

“I knew they would put her through the same things I went through, so I tried to save her, but I was too late. She was too far gone by the time I met up with her and I knew they would throw her away just like how they throw away everyone who they break the minds of.”

“What do you mean they broke her mind?”

“Just like the demons, the people who have ties to the demons use every part of a person’s body for their purposes. I’m sorry I couldn’t save her and warn you ahead of time.”

Basil drops his treasure and walks off into the kingdom.

“Basil!” Atlas says as he chases after him.

Basil has his hand tightly gripping the hilt of his sword with his eyes locked on the floating island above. Atlas gets in front of him and stops him in his tracks.

“I know what you’re thinking, but it’s a bad idea!”

“Get out of my way!”

“Stop this! You can’t fight the entire kingdom!”

Basil unsheathes his sword and Atlas does the same in response.

“I’d rather die trying than just sit here and let all of this injustice continue to take place!”

With both hands on the hilt of his sword, Basil swings his sword at Atlas, but Atlas blocks his attack and Basil’s iron sword breaks. Atlas then knocks down Basil and retrains him.

A guard comes by and asks, “Is something going on here?”

“No, sir,” Atlas says, “It’s just a bit of stress getting to my subordinate here. I’ll be disciplining him back at the guild.”

“Okay. I’ll leave you to it then.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Atlas brings Basil back to the guild and scolds him for what he did, however, Basil doesn’t listen. He’s caught up in so many thoughts that they deafen his ears.

“Okay, Basil. I can see that you’re hurting and I’m the last person that you want bothering you. I get that. I’ll go fix your iron sword for you since you like it so much. I know a guy who will have it fixed in no time.”

After taking Basil’s broken sword and exiting his room, Cynthia enters it.

“Basil.”

“Huh?”

Cynthia suddenly kisses him and holds him close.

“What you did was impressive. It was more than Atlas ever did for me. If you want to get ahead in this kingdom, be with me.”

“What?”

“Here. Let me help you feel better.”

Cynthia kisses Basil’s face and uses a calming spell on him. He feels willing to be with her and is about to embrace her as well but pushes her away instead.

“I love a man of integrity, however, you’re not going to reject me so easily.”

Cynthia then uses a binding spell as she embraces Basil again. Basil is unable to push Cynthia away as a magical chain connects their hearts together.

“This is a little trick I learned from my time on the floating island. Buffing and healing spells are how I survived there. I don’t think I could without them. This trick I found can make all but the strong willed fall in love with you. Can you resist this feeling until I pass out?”

Basil is silent and motionless as he tries to concentrate on resisting Cynthia. Resisting becomes harder with each passing minute especially with Cynthia’s hold on him and the kisses he gives him every now and then. After a little while, Atlas comes back and is shocked to see the way the two are. He manages to pull them apart since Cynthia’s spell doesn’t affect him. Atlas then pulls Cynthia away and argues with her outside of the room. Basil has been put in a somewhat sleepy state with his head being hazy. He can only hear the two argue and not the words they’re saying. Because of his exhaustion, Basil passes out.

He dreams of being in Julia’s embrace for a while before she gets dragged down to Hell by demons. Julia tries to hold onto to Basil, but he lets her go after seeing her face become demonic. Once he wakes up, he sees that Atlas is no longer in his shining armor and is instead wearing commoner clothes like Basil. He doesn’t even have the armor with him despite having his sword and bags with him.

“Hey, Basil.”

“Atlas? Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes. I’m going to leave the kingdom and go adventuring somewhere else once I clear my head. I’ve sold my shining armor so I have enough to live on.”

“You’re leaving? What about Cynthia?”

“She wants to stay. I don’t know what to say to her anymore. She’s going up to the floating island soon. If you want to join her, she’s waiting for you in her room.”

“I’m not going to do that.”

“I knew you wouldn’t. I’m sorry that I keep leaving things out to you, but here’s one that you might be interested in. The reason that the dungeon that’s connected to Hell is below the kingdom is not because the kingdom is keeping it contained, it’s because Hell wants all the sinful people in it. Hell doesn’t care as much about the people out there as it cares about the people in here who carry out its will.”

“I figured that.”

“Right, but the powers of Hell are truly contained in a glass case that anyone can access.”

“What?”

“I’ll lead you to it.”

Atlas leads Basil to a normal looking building that’s unguarded with no locks to any of its doors. Instead of the building is a glass case containing a white and black flame.

“I know it’s a stretch to think this glass case is containing Hell itself, but it does. This fire of virtue and vice shows the nature of someone’s soul. It burns the guilty and purifies and is harmless to the virtuous. That is why when the fire touched Julia and you, she was the only one who suffered. If this simple glass case is broken, then the kingdom will be swallowed up. The virtuous will remain while the sinful will be taken.”

“Why is it so easy to get to if it’s so important?”

“For a couple of reasons. First, is that the kingdom is constantly monitored so crazy Satanists who want to unleash Hell are arrested, executed, or worse. Just because these people are on the same side doesn’t mean that they won’t backstab one another. Second, is that even if you wanted to break it, everyone who knows about this knows that if you break the case, you are sent to Hell with everyone or at least that’s what is rumored. There are people, like me, who came here thinking I was the brave hero who was going to break the case but stopped just short of breaking it. I know you’re brave enough to fight me in public so you might be the one to do it. Think about for a bit or at least give me enough time to leave so I won’t have to worry about escaping a crumbling kingdom. I want to be forgiven for my sins and do penance for me. Pray for me.”

“I will.”

Atlas leaves Basil to his choice. For a few minutes, Basil has his sword out and walks back and forth deciding whether or not to do anything. Once the thought of good people living in and coming into the kingdom enters his mind, his choice becomes obvious. Basil yells out as he strikes the fragile glass case that sucks him into it. He’s now falling into a black and white chasm with a large black hand bigger than the kingdom itself reaching for him.

“You’re no hero,” a loud voice from the chasm says, “You’ve damned hundreds of thousands of souls to Hell. You just did this because you wanted fame and wanted to pretend to be a hero. God has judged that you will go to Hell with the rest of the wicked!”

Basil’s body starts falling apart as his legs and one of his arms turn to ash. The rest of his body starts crumbling as well though his arm that’s holding his sword is still able to hold onto his weapon.

“No. I did this for everyone that’s good in the kingdom. I sacrificed my life for them. I place my soul in God’s hands whether I go to Heaven or Hell. Let thy will be done and not mine.”

Basil then holds back his sword as he yells out ready to strike the enormous hand is about to take him, but Basil is taken away. He watches from a distance as the giant black hand pulls down the floating island and the kingdom into a dark chasm along with it.

Meanwhile, Basil is rising into the sky as he hears a voice saying, “You have made a truly selfless decision, Basil. Your reward in Heaven will be great.”

“What about the good people still in the kingdom?”

“They are safe. Even your friend Atlas is a safe distance away.”

“Thank you.”

As Basil enters the light, he feels his burden lifted from him. He finally became the hero he wanted to be even though it didn’t go the way he thought it would, but it doesn’t matter to him. No one knows what situations God will put them in so that His will be done, however, Basil doesn’t mind because God’s will is done, and that’s all that really matters because this is how things are.

The End