The party set a camp in the desert. Ags was the first to fall asleep - almost instantly, right after setting up a small camfire with charcoal chunks and some liquid firestarter, and packing out the sleeping bags. He had a heavily grace on his draconic face, while smiling in his sleep.
Casey was away for air patrol. Renato and Phillie were sharing some beer at the campfire - the albatross, and muscular lion.
-Look at the poor devil- Phillie chuckled, pointing at their dragon hippie buddy- at the beginning of the road he looked so miserable, and now he looks so blissful. Just like a little angel... - then he added with some friendly sarcasm in his tone- as if, angels had reptilian scales and breathed fire. Renato laughed quietly:
-He really needed to be taken out- he took a huge sip from his drink- Thanks for giving him the wheel. This joyride definitely rushed through his depression. The lion nodded:
-It was my sheet intention- he looked turned to Reno- Deen told me everything before assigning me to you guys. Not only the task, but also to look after his big bro. Then he scratched his fuzzy head in embarresament:
-Okay... not really "assignment", because we know eachother since we were derpy little teens, and I'm happy to hang around any time with you guys. But under the current conditions, maybe this would be the best way to address why I'm here.
This reminded Renato about the passing out of the other two. He asked:
-Did you see anything?- then he added- you know, when you and Ags...
-Not much- replied Phillie, twirling the bear bottle around his clawls- I had a huge spear, and I stood before a bigass building... probably a palace. He sighed:
-Sorry pal, it was really all just a flash. Renato smiled:
-That's okay. I was just curious- he stared back to the fire- just, it seems a weird coincidence, that you're connected to this madness, as well. The lion smirked:
-Tell me about it - he took a big sip from the beer, and continued- In cases like these it makes me wonder how much Deen was a good choice to be the leader. Maybe she had some 6th sense for sending me with you guys. He got thoughful for a moment: - I mean, beside having a mechanic. I wouldn't be in anybody's place with a broken vehicle. Just look around - waved around with one hand- we're currently in the middle of nowhere. The next establishment is hours from here. The albatross nodded again in agreement:
-That was really thoughtfull of here.
They stood in silence for a moment, as they have drank in sync, then Phillie asked:
-So...- he started really slowly, being aware that this topic might be uncomfortable - you and Cez... ? It was now Reno's turn to scratch his head in embarresment, included with a nervous smile:
-Boy, I really wondered which of you guys would come up with this first. He drank out the last of his beer, continuing in his nervuos smile:
-I don't know...- shaking his head slowly- I really don't know. He looked at Phillie:
-I did remember, why we grew apart... but I honestly didn't think about coming together again. Then he stared back to the fire:
-It's been years... and there was a broken trust. And people don't change after a certain point, you know - Renato shrugged- I'm glad we speak to eachother... but I'm not sure if we could get back ever again. Phillie nodded. He didn't completely agreed, but he acknowledged what Reno is thinking. He slapped his back for encouragement:
-Don't overthink it buddy. Nothing worths overthinking, not even chicks.
Renato smiled back with hints of relief. First time since the breakup he could discuss his messed-up relationship with Casey. Thankfully, he received understanding. He remembered how much these friends ment to him.
-By the way- he asked back- what about you and Deen? Phillie fell calm, smiling, and his voice idealistic:
-Things are going pretty good. You know, I never thought that a wild cat like her could grow into such an amazing and responsible woman - took a drink from the bottle, before proceeding - I'm considering marrying her. Reno's eyebrows skipped up. Right, it has been quite a time since Phillie and Deen are dating seriously, but he never thought about hearing these words out loud.
-Woah- his jaw dropped in his surprise- what about she being the matriarch? And what does Ags have to say about it? The mechanic shrugged:
-We grew up. I guess I can handle when she appoaches me as a wife, or gives me order as a matriarch. It's a thin like between the two, since we are talking about the same person, but... it's like separating you job with your private like. He turned to Renato:
-You're approaching you navy mates outside of the army, right?
-Good point- Reno strongly agreed.
-'Bout him- Phillie waves towards Ags with the beer bottle in his paw- officially, he hasn't got much say in it. I still hope that he gets better, so does our relation. I wouldn't mind having a the happy hippie back as my brother-in-law. Renato smiled wildely. Perhaps it's Phillie with his positive and carefree attitude is the one who changed the least of them.
Cez arrived back, landing near the campfire, instantly looking for a blanket:
-It's freezing- she hissed, as she wrapped herself up, sitting down close to he warming blazes.
-How's it going?- asked Phillie. Casey flapped down her big bat ears to conserv as much heat as possible:
-No clouds or stong currents. We'll have a peaceful night. She turned to both guys:
-You can go to sleep. I'll stand guard and keep the fire burning. Renato took a long stare at her. He almost asked back if she was sure about this decision, but he both realized that Casey is always up at nights due to her totem, and it is also useless to argue with her.
-Goodnight, Cez- he ssid finally, as he fell asleep alongside with Phillie, leaving her in charge...
2019. június 9., vasárnap
2019. június 4., kedd
sandride
It was late afternoon, and the Sun was reaching the horizon when the gang dashed from Nouakchott into the wide open. Endless dunes of sand, as far as the eye could see.
Ags seemed to enjoy being behinf the wheel - he stepped on it real hard, and shout out loud in joy. Like someone who had its first ride on a rollercoaster. Phillie sat beside him, having both compass, paper map and a GPS at hand. But when he wasn't checking the route, he checked on the hippie. He smiled in satisfaction, as he saw Ags being his old self again, screaming in excitement.
The other two were in the back of the jeep, on a plateau, with the backpacks and the supply, sharing in the joy of the sand navigation. Cez turned to Renato:
-Wanna meditate some? Reno looked back in curiousity:
-Why should I?
-Because you didn't sleep much - Casey explained - and we both have a lot of way up ahead. The other two already has it under control, so don't have much to do. Renato nodded:
-You're right. He slowly laid down, made himself comfortable - as much as this is possible on the back of a bumping jeep - and put his head into Casey's crouch. She started to massage his head, and started humming. It was the same humming with the bat-like chirping, but the vehicle's sounds mostly enveloped its noise. Still, the massage, and the vibration didn't lose a bit... and it was all that mattered...
Renato found himself among a bunch of random scenes. In the first one, he was doing some administrations - at least, it seemed like it considering the summs, equations and totals. It was somekind of budget calculation. And he wasn't alone: two other men were with him. The only difference was, that he was in his bestial albatross form, and a very detailed and ornated suit with jewels, while the otehr two seemed perfectly human, black-skinned, and with much simpler clothes than his. Probably they were his subordinated...
In the next scene, he was performing some ritual, before an altar. The altar itself was enormous: both wide and tall - made of gold and some blue gemstones - sapphire maybe? - and on the top of it, the statues of Poseidon stood proodly, raising his mighty trident. As he realized the others around him, wearing the same clothes as the two in the previous scene, renato relaized, that they were priests. This meant... he was the high priest here...
Another scene followed: he, flighing in the sky. Big, fat, dark clouthes started to gather around him slowly. He wasn1t simply flighing around them... it was another ritual. He was doing specific maneuvres in the sky, gathering all those clouds, stuffed with precious rain. The peasants from the acricultural zone begged him for help. There was no rain for weeks, however, the salty water of the sea couldn't help much nurturing their crops. Zoolooks always had connection with nature, and had the ability to decypher and manipulate nature - something that mankind considered magic. Still, it wasn't always a small or insignificant task - especially in big deals, like this ritual. Gathering so many clouds could easily cause imbalance. He had to calculate his moves for the rituale, what to gather, and where to gather from - if he "stole" rain from otehr countries in need, that may cause climating disasters. The safest way was to get the rainclouds from above the Atlantic Ocean - still caused a certain level of imbalance, but it was less worse than making another country suffer due to the lack of rain. Now... he saved the people. The rain fell on the glorious city and on all its 3 rings...
Renato stood up in spook, breaking in sweat. It was almost dark. The last rays of the setting Sun tinted the horizon. The jeep was standing in one place. He looked around:
-What happened? Casey was laying back to the edge of the jeep's back, chilling:
-You saw? Renato kept nodding:
-I saw.. a lot. I was the high priest of Atlantis. Casey smiled mildly:
-How pelicular... Renato didn't pay much attention to her. More on the fact that the otehr two didn't responde. Looked around again:
-Why aren't we moving? What's with Phillie and Ags? Cez waved down with one hand:
-They passed out. About 10-15 minutes after you fell in trans. As she saw Renato's expression stunning in fear, she added:
-At least, our hippie noticed that something was fishy going on, and he slowed and stopped the jeep. But them, both fellas' eyes were glowing. I guess, more of us conencted to this story, than we thought. Renato sighed:
-Boy... and it seems, Deen knew who to pick. At this point, no onw would guess if Phillie is in, as well..
Ags seemed to enjoy being behinf the wheel - he stepped on it real hard, and shout out loud in joy. Like someone who had its first ride on a rollercoaster. Phillie sat beside him, having both compass, paper map and a GPS at hand. But when he wasn't checking the route, he checked on the hippie. He smiled in satisfaction, as he saw Ags being his old self again, screaming in excitement.
The other two were in the back of the jeep, on a plateau, with the backpacks and the supply, sharing in the joy of the sand navigation. Cez turned to Renato:
-Wanna meditate some? Reno looked back in curiousity:
-Why should I?
-Because you didn't sleep much - Casey explained - and we both have a lot of way up ahead. The other two already has it under control, so don't have much to do. Renato nodded:
-You're right. He slowly laid down, made himself comfortable - as much as this is possible on the back of a bumping jeep - and put his head into Casey's crouch. She started to massage his head, and started humming. It was the same humming with the bat-like chirping, but the vehicle's sounds mostly enveloped its noise. Still, the massage, and the vibration didn't lose a bit... and it was all that mattered...
Renato found himself among a bunch of random scenes. In the first one, he was doing some administrations - at least, it seemed like it considering the summs, equations and totals. It was somekind of budget calculation. And he wasn't alone: two other men were with him. The only difference was, that he was in his bestial albatross form, and a very detailed and ornated suit with jewels, while the otehr two seemed perfectly human, black-skinned, and with much simpler clothes than his. Probably they were his subordinated...
In the next scene, he was performing some ritual, before an altar. The altar itself was enormous: both wide and tall - made of gold and some blue gemstones - sapphire maybe? - and on the top of it, the statues of Poseidon stood proodly, raising his mighty trident. As he realized the others around him, wearing the same clothes as the two in the previous scene, renato relaized, that they were priests. This meant... he was the high priest here...
Another scene followed: he, flighing in the sky. Big, fat, dark clouthes started to gather around him slowly. He wasn1t simply flighing around them... it was another ritual. He was doing specific maneuvres in the sky, gathering all those clouds, stuffed with precious rain. The peasants from the acricultural zone begged him for help. There was no rain for weeks, however, the salty water of the sea couldn't help much nurturing their crops. Zoolooks always had connection with nature, and had the ability to decypher and manipulate nature - something that mankind considered magic. Still, it wasn't always a small or insignificant task - especially in big deals, like this ritual. Gathering so many clouds could easily cause imbalance. He had to calculate his moves for the rituale, what to gather, and where to gather from - if he "stole" rain from otehr countries in need, that may cause climating disasters. The safest way was to get the rainclouds from above the Atlantic Ocean - still caused a certain level of imbalance, but it was less worse than making another country suffer due to the lack of rain. Now... he saved the people. The rain fell on the glorious city and on all its 3 rings...
Renato stood up in spook, breaking in sweat. It was almost dark. The last rays of the setting Sun tinted the horizon. The jeep was standing in one place. He looked around:
-What happened? Casey was laying back to the edge of the jeep's back, chilling:
-You saw? Renato kept nodding:
-I saw.. a lot. I was the high priest of Atlantis. Casey smiled mildly:
-How pelicular... Renato didn't pay much attention to her. More on the fact that the otehr two didn't responde. Looked around again:
-Why aren't we moving? What's with Phillie and Ags? Cez waved down with one hand:
-They passed out. About 10-15 minutes after you fell in trans. As she saw Renato's expression stunning in fear, she added:
-At least, our hippie noticed that something was fishy going on, and he slowed and stopped the jeep. But them, both fellas' eyes were glowing. I guess, more of us conencted to this story, than we thought. Renato sighed:
-Boy... and it seems, Deen knew who to pick. At this point, no onw would guess if Phillie is in, as well..
2019. május 26., vasárnap
Nouakchott
The flight to Nouakchott seemed longer than they imagined. They were seated on a cargo plane for extra cover. Moments like these made Renato really wonder how much Deen has grown into her matriarch position, taping all connections, they have not even dream of: one cargo pilot, who happened to a part of their kind and community, tinkered a few schedules here and there in the management - where another zoolook happened to be - and finally, the connection who awaits for them on the African continent. How could this little girl have access to this crazy amount information. Also, what about the other matriarchs in other countries and continents? Is there a main matriarch somewhere, or multiple matriarchs have to work strictly together? The second options seemed more reasonable, as per human society it had a perfect example in the coutry-leader system. Renato sighed and amazed... he never thought about these kinds of things before. He never had to. Even when he was on mission as in his years of sailor within the navy, he didn't need to rely on anyone else - including his unit (for obvious reasons), and his own matriarch (for zoolook matters).
Casey slept the entire flight. Due to her totem, she was more a night owl than a morning person - no wonder her Vada VooDoo Tattoo Salon opened in the early afternoon. The other two were oddly quiet. Renato figured that they seemed hard to come truce, especially for Ags. The once-carefree hippie got pretty piled up with anger and bitterness: girlfriend of four-years-relationship left him, substance absuce, and appearently he was mad at Phillie out of sheer jelousy simple because he got along with his sister. Both jelous and ignored. Phillie seemed to care this situation more light-hearted, still, he wasn't completely sure how to approach Ags completely with the matter. Renato sighed: "Since when did things become so complicated?"
They arrived in the around noon. The heat was unbearable, and slowly the jetlag started to kick in. Cez had to experience it first handedly, as they were getting off the place in their human forms:
-It's still morning? - she yawned, rubbing her eyes - too much light over here.
-And too much humidity - affirmed Phillie, as he tied his huge mane with a rubber band - It's like an open-air sauna here... Ags grabbed up his backpack:
-I say, we should get moving. Our contact must be in their airport waiting room. They all packed up, and went to the exit. They marched their way through the terminal, like a bunch of clumsy tourists, and finally head out.
A few cars and taxis parked in front of the terminal - buses were on continuous movement as they dropped out the people and picked up the next group. At one of the taxis there was a Mediterranean/Arabian looking guy, bronze skin, dark brown hair, and in baggy light clothes. He smiled timidly, then approached the party. The other four stunned.
-In he the guy? - asked Phillie.
-I dunno, man - said Ags finally- my sister might have organized this mission by every gear and gadget, but she kinda failed to provide a proper description. Philli chuckled:
-Classic Deen. She still keeps losing herself in the small details, and focusing on the bigger picture. The stranger finally arrived to them, and asked:
-Are you the ones sent by the one called Edina Agosto? Renato nodded:
-Yes, we are. The stranger's smile widend with relief and excitement:
-My brethren from the other side of the ocean!- he hugged them as they were - I'm Khaled. But you call me Spike. Our matriarch sends her blessings to you. The other four was a bit shocked by the extreme heartful greating, but slowly they try to loosen up. One by one, they introduced themselves:
-Renato Atu
-Casey vada
-Jean-Phillippe Prezioso
-Darko Agosto. Spike waved towards the cars:
-Come, my brethren! I'll take you to my place to have a rest after your flight. They squeezed themselved in their guide's taxi. The wasn't much space, and the extreme sweating because of the heatwave didn't help on this situation, at all.
-Watch it, handsome!- said Ags, as he got stuck under Phillie's armit. The mechanic's grin widened:
-Why should I? Enjoy my musk, dear soon-to-be-brotehr-in-law. Casey just burst out in a huge laughter:
-I can't leave you two - she shed a tear of joy - I never though I would hear any of you teasing eachotehr in the goddamn community! Renato smiled... he didn't hear Casey laughing so cheerful for a long time, either...
Spike took them to his outskirt house. It was a one-floor cozy place. He made them take off their shoes before entering, and asked them to take a seat in the living room. Renato looked around: it there were barely any decorations, one modest sofa, a big rug in the middle and sitting cushions on the floor:
-I see you keep it traditional, like the most of us. Spike looked back from another room - probably the kitchen:
-More or less. You see, I'm actually from Morocco. Renato raised an eyebrow:
-How's that so? Their host disappeared behind the wall - proceeding preparing a meal, but that didn't keep him away from responding:
-There are barely 4 million inhabitants in Mauritania. It might be a big country, but most parts are inhabitable. Among these barely 4 million inhabitants there are very few zoolooks. Our matriarch asked me to move my ass down here from Morocco to assist you with your mission. She provided my this house for rent, a taxi to blend in, bills, accounts, and much more. Oh by the way, your jeep awaits in the garage, as well. Reno's jaw dropped. He just learnt what huge of an organization it took from their badass female leaders just for the four of them to fulfull this quest smoothly. Spike replied once again:
-I'm preparing lunch for you. Wash you hands in the meantime, would you? Please use the kettle. After his words all four of them started to scan the room. There was a plastic kettle and a washbowl in the corner. The kettle was fileld with water.
-He is a traditionalist - Casey affirmed - let's not be rude, guys.
After handwash and about half an hour, their host has arrived with a few baguettes and a big bowl - filled with pieces of saucy chicken, boiled potatoes, peppers and onions. All smelled delicious. Also, he changed to his beastial form: his head was covered in sandbrown spikey, so as a part of his neck from behind. It all ended up in a massive scorpion tail. At least, that explained his weird nickname. Something kicked in for Phillie, as he saw the baguettes:
-Now it rings a bell...- his jaw dropped, and looked at Spike- This place was under French authority. It got independent in 1960. Spike smiled:
-You're well informed, my brethren. How do you have this knowledge. Phillie dugs in the food, scouping the sauce and the pieces:
-Mom's French. Dad, on the other hand, is Italian. Spike laughed timidly:
-Probably our kind was the first in all history who never made a deal about nationality or any other tribal original. It seems this hasn't changed a bit. Renato looked at Casey. Beside nationality, some zoolooks didn't care about other things, either. In their case, they both had a human parent. In Cez's case, it was her father. She learnt her mom was a zoolook after marrige, but he didn't care. When she passed away tradicly, he was mouring for months. Still, he kept being a good father for Casey and her twin sister Kita. In Renato's case the scenario was a bit different:his mom was human, and his dad was a zoolook. However, his dad was really upset, when Renato started to show his abilities given by his totem. His father - with this marrige - hoped for a human child instead of a zoolook. A few years after that, he put Reno out with his personal stuff and left with his mom. No womder Renato had to be indipendent since the ago of 16. He sighed. "Why did this have to come just right now?"
They were almost donw with the meal, when Spike continued:
-I suggest you to depart in the late afternoon. Currently, there's a killing heat out there, and it is even worse in the open Sahara. the water supply and the fire tools are already packed in the back of the jeep. Most probably you'll spend the night in the desert. And, believe me, during the night it's freezing cold. Phillie nodded with a friendly smile:
-Thanks for your advice. Ags stretched:
-In the meantime, let's get some shut-eye, shall we? We have a lot ahead. Spike started to serve the mint tea, Cez replied, while accepting a glass of the drink:
-I took all the nap required. You guys just go ahead. Renato accepted another glass, and stared curiously on the party:
-By the way, who's driving? All of them fell dead silent, they could almost touch the awkward tension in the room. Phillie then turned to Ags, and slapped him in the back:
-You go, pal. Ags looked at him surprisedly:
-Why me? - he was glad, but he couldn't deal with the mechanic's decision. Phillie replied:
-I deal with the navigation system. If that fails, I still have the compass and the map - then he pointed to Cez and Renato - the other two can deal with the hypnotic and spiritual bullshit, if we might get stuck. Renato nodded:
-Right. That's seems a sound idea.
Casey slept the entire flight. Due to her totem, she was more a night owl than a morning person - no wonder her Vada VooDoo Tattoo Salon opened in the early afternoon. The other two were oddly quiet. Renato figured that they seemed hard to come truce, especially for Ags. The once-carefree hippie got pretty piled up with anger and bitterness: girlfriend of four-years-relationship left him, substance absuce, and appearently he was mad at Phillie out of sheer jelousy simple because he got along with his sister. Both jelous and ignored. Phillie seemed to care this situation more light-hearted, still, he wasn't completely sure how to approach Ags completely with the matter. Renato sighed: "Since when did things become so complicated?"
They arrived in the around noon. The heat was unbearable, and slowly the jetlag started to kick in. Cez had to experience it first handedly, as they were getting off the place in their human forms:
-It's still morning? - she yawned, rubbing her eyes - too much light over here.
-And too much humidity - affirmed Phillie, as he tied his huge mane with a rubber band - It's like an open-air sauna here... Ags grabbed up his backpack:
-I say, we should get moving. Our contact must be in their airport waiting room. They all packed up, and went to the exit. They marched their way through the terminal, like a bunch of clumsy tourists, and finally head out.
A few cars and taxis parked in front of the terminal - buses were on continuous movement as they dropped out the people and picked up the next group. At one of the taxis there was a Mediterranean/Arabian looking guy, bronze skin, dark brown hair, and in baggy light clothes. He smiled timidly, then approached the party. The other four stunned.
-In he the guy? - asked Phillie.
-I dunno, man - said Ags finally- my sister might have organized this mission by every gear and gadget, but she kinda failed to provide a proper description. Philli chuckled:
-Classic Deen. She still keeps losing herself in the small details, and focusing on the bigger picture. The stranger finally arrived to them, and asked:
-Are you the ones sent by the one called Edina Agosto? Renato nodded:
-Yes, we are. The stranger's smile widend with relief and excitement:
-My brethren from the other side of the ocean!- he hugged them as they were - I'm Khaled. But you call me Spike. Our matriarch sends her blessings to you. The other four was a bit shocked by the extreme heartful greating, but slowly they try to loosen up. One by one, they introduced themselves:
-Renato Atu
-Casey vada
-Jean-Phillippe Prezioso
-Darko Agosto. Spike waved towards the cars:
-Come, my brethren! I'll take you to my place to have a rest after your flight. They squeezed themselved in their guide's taxi. The wasn't much space, and the extreme sweating because of the heatwave didn't help on this situation, at all.
-Watch it, handsome!- said Ags, as he got stuck under Phillie's armit. The mechanic's grin widened:
-Why should I? Enjoy my musk, dear soon-to-be-brotehr-in-law. Casey just burst out in a huge laughter:
-I can't leave you two - she shed a tear of joy - I never though I would hear any of you teasing eachotehr in the goddamn community! Renato smiled... he didn't hear Casey laughing so cheerful for a long time, either...
Spike took them to his outskirt house. It was a one-floor cozy place. He made them take off their shoes before entering, and asked them to take a seat in the living room. Renato looked around: it there were barely any decorations, one modest sofa, a big rug in the middle and sitting cushions on the floor:
-I see you keep it traditional, like the most of us. Spike looked back from another room - probably the kitchen:
-More or less. You see, I'm actually from Morocco. Renato raised an eyebrow:
-How's that so? Their host disappeared behind the wall - proceeding preparing a meal, but that didn't keep him away from responding:
-There are barely 4 million inhabitants in Mauritania. It might be a big country, but most parts are inhabitable. Among these barely 4 million inhabitants there are very few zoolooks. Our matriarch asked me to move my ass down here from Morocco to assist you with your mission. She provided my this house for rent, a taxi to blend in, bills, accounts, and much more. Oh by the way, your jeep awaits in the garage, as well. Reno's jaw dropped. He just learnt what huge of an organization it took from their badass female leaders just for the four of them to fulfull this quest smoothly. Spike replied once again:
-I'm preparing lunch for you. Wash you hands in the meantime, would you? Please use the kettle. After his words all four of them started to scan the room. There was a plastic kettle and a washbowl in the corner. The kettle was fileld with water.
-He is a traditionalist - Casey affirmed - let's not be rude, guys.
After handwash and about half an hour, their host has arrived with a few baguettes and a big bowl - filled with pieces of saucy chicken, boiled potatoes, peppers and onions. All smelled delicious. Also, he changed to his beastial form: his head was covered in sandbrown spikey, so as a part of his neck from behind. It all ended up in a massive scorpion tail. At least, that explained his weird nickname. Something kicked in for Phillie, as he saw the baguettes:
-Now it rings a bell...- his jaw dropped, and looked at Spike- This place was under French authority. It got independent in 1960. Spike smiled:
-You're well informed, my brethren. How do you have this knowledge. Phillie dugs in the food, scouping the sauce and the pieces:
-Mom's French. Dad, on the other hand, is Italian. Spike laughed timidly:
-Probably our kind was the first in all history who never made a deal about nationality or any other tribal original. It seems this hasn't changed a bit. Renato looked at Casey. Beside nationality, some zoolooks didn't care about other things, either. In their case, they both had a human parent. In Cez's case, it was her father. She learnt her mom was a zoolook after marrige, but he didn't care. When she passed away tradicly, he was mouring for months. Still, he kept being a good father for Casey and her twin sister Kita. In Renato's case the scenario was a bit different:his mom was human, and his dad was a zoolook. However, his dad was really upset, when Renato started to show his abilities given by his totem. His father - with this marrige - hoped for a human child instead of a zoolook. A few years after that, he put Reno out with his personal stuff and left with his mom. No womder Renato had to be indipendent since the ago of 16. He sighed. "Why did this have to come just right now?"
They were almost donw with the meal, when Spike continued:
-I suggest you to depart in the late afternoon. Currently, there's a killing heat out there, and it is even worse in the open Sahara. the water supply and the fire tools are already packed in the back of the jeep. Most probably you'll spend the night in the desert. And, believe me, during the night it's freezing cold. Phillie nodded with a friendly smile:
-Thanks for your advice. Ags stretched:
-In the meantime, let's get some shut-eye, shall we? We have a lot ahead. Spike started to serve the mint tea, Cez replied, while accepting a glass of the drink:
-I took all the nap required. You guys just go ahead. Renato accepted another glass, and stared curiously on the party:
-By the way, who's driving? All of them fell dead silent, they could almost touch the awkward tension in the room. Phillie then turned to Ags, and slapped him in the back:
-You go, pal. Ags looked at him surprisedly:
-Why me? - he was glad, but he couldn't deal with the mechanic's decision. Phillie replied:
-I deal with the navigation system. If that fails, I still have the compass and the map - then he pointed to Cez and Renato - the other two can deal with the hypnotic and spiritual bullshit, if we might get stuck. Renato nodded:
-Right. That's seems a sound idea.
2019. május 22., szerda
assembling the party
The gathering had been summoned.
It was localed in their secret basement, somewhere in the middle of the city. The huge room gave a really cozy atmosphere: giant navajo rugs on the floor, smaller ones on the wall alongside with ritual shamanic masks of African and Oceanian origin, a few oriental paper lanterns, wooden tribal shields and a fireplace on the side. In all, the placed looked like an ancient tribal spot of hardly-identifiable origin. Zoolooks have gathered lot of relics of their own during the ages.
Everyone were in their bestial forms. Renato and Casey kept it quite casual, while Ags wore swwatpants and a warm hoodie. He felt and looked much better - as the meds and his friends' care kicked in- however, he was still a little pale, and down. He choose this wardrobe of choice, because he wasn't willing to take the risk to fall back in his previous shitty condition. Deen appeared in her own bestial form as well: the winged red cat. She had one of those rare cases when two totems clashed over her, and couldn't agreed on which would patronize her. So, she has received both the wild cat and the bald eagle. This resulted a pretty majestic look, which was augmented by her traditional clothes she currently wore: native tribal longsleeve and pants, with traditional pattern on them, and a necklace with teeth, wooden beads and feathers with a modest gem in the middle.
She scaned the three of them, her voice was even more solemn than usual:
-So... you claim that you have found Atlantis, and you require support for your expedition. Renato sighed. Surely, in the first gatherings then Deen was elected matriarch in her early teenage, it was weird to hear her speaking so prim. Not to mentioned, that she was the youngest among them for a long time. But since she got used to her role - and grew in adulthood - she had been taken dead serious on the gatherings. He opened his mouth to speak up, but Casey raised her hand, stopping him:
-Let me do the talking. She wasn't ordering. She was asking - both for permission to take over and for his trust. Renato nodded. Cez grabbed a folder:
-Yes, we did - she replied to the matriarch with a straight face - Probably Renato told you about his dreams. Turned out, they weren't in vain. When I performed the hypnosis on him, we have learnt more about the location. She handed the folder to Deen. While the matriarch was accepting it, she took a look on Ags:
-And may I know, why is my brother involved? Casey hummed in agreement and replied:
-We have discovered, that he might be connected to this whole story, as well. Not as deeply as Renato... I couldn't find the reason why. But I suspect his substance abuse and temporary illness for it. Hearing this, Ags grumpled in displease. As his mind slowly cleared and started to coming to his senses, he wasn't too proud of his actions. Then he caught a brief eye contact with his sister. Deen didn't judge him. She was sorry, and understanding by the look of those dark-blue eyes.
Then she turned back to the folder, and opened it, examining its content. Casey continued:
-By the description of Renato's dreams and visions, we started to do a research. It took as two days and two nights- signed- And for the biggest plot twist of them all, Atlantis was never where we or humankind ever thought it would be. Judging by the look on the matriarch's face, she has arrived to that very chapter that Cez was talking about - her eyes widend, her mouth dropped semi-open, and her cat ears sharpened straight up:
-This isn't the middle of the ocean!- she exclaimed all the sudden - this is the Sahara desert! Renato couldn't help, but smile... This reaction should have been predicted. Who would ever thought to search for a land of the waters in the middle of the desert? He replied:
-To be more precice, it's the Richat structure, also known as the Eye of Sahara. If you observe the rings of the structure, they are almost perfectly concentric, some of them are higher and others are lower- he started explaining - These a upper and lower circles are varying, and if you picure how would it looked if it was fileld with water... then you get the three rings of land and three rings of water.
-Also - Cez continued - if you check the territory between this structure and the Atlantic ocean, you could see a part of a road leading there. In addition, the whole place looks like from the satelite photos if it has been struck by a gigantic tidal wave...
More or less that was the time, when Deen finished with the documenty. She looked back to the other three again, with affacinated expression on her face:
-So, when it said "in a single dreadful day and night life was swallowed up by the sea and vanished" was not referring to an island that sank into the ocean. It was refferring to a costal metropolis, that was struck by a massive tidal wave, that scrubbed it off from the surface of the earth. The other three was nodding in agreement.
Finally Renato stood up:
-We require your support for this expedition - he was reasoning- were could learn both about Atlantis, and our own history, as well. Since we no barely anything about the place, we don't know what role our people could have played there. And if my dreams are to give credit for, zoolooks had been there. The question is, for what purpose? Deen closed the folder:
-So, it's your final decision? You're all going?
-We are all required for this mission- said Renato - Ags and I have some strange connection with the place. And Casey has her psychic abilites, she can give as a mental kick, if we might get stuck in the progress. The matriarch nodded:
-Very well - she got her cool back again, and continued professional- I'm going to contact our people in Mauritania. First you'll need to get to Nouakchott by plane, where our contact gets you a jeep and some supplies. Also, Phillie is going with you.
Renato and casey wasn't much surprise about the extra passenger, but Ags - who was dead silence all along - exclaimed all the sudden:
-What the hell? - he even stood up in his dismay- Why is that asshole coming with us? He started to walk back and forth in the room:
-We don't need extra protection, we can take care of ourselves. Or you just want to keep on eye on us so we don't fool around?
-He's a mechanic, you dumm dumm- Deen lost it, and even if her posture remained majestic, her voice trasformed to meddling sisterlike- If anything happens to the jeep in the desert, he can fix it. Otherwise, good luck finding an expert in the middle of nowhere.
Ags fell silent. His sister was right. Still, all the situation bugged him. Renato and Casey thanked and sterted moving on. The hippie left behind - perfect opportunity for Deen to grab his arm and stop him:
-Hey,,, - she said softly. His brother looked back in a grim look - not the face that he used to have. His sister sighed:
-I'm sorry - she whispered- I should have known better, and should have looked out for you.
-Don't mention it - murmored Ags and stripped his arm from Deen's hold- you were too busy hanging with your boyfriend... Deen anxiously big her lips, then with a definite move she grabbed his arm again:
-I said that I'm sorry, and I mean it!- she exclaimed. Her brother stunned, and looked back at her. His facial expression softened a bit. Deen hugged him:
-Promise me, you take care of yourself, okay?- she whispered, holding him tight- swear me, to the matriarch, that you're gonna take care of yourself. I'll try to do better, when you get back. Ags' eyes got a bit more wet after this. Being so desparate for months he completely forgot his friends... not to mention her sister. He didn't admit he needed help... and this help was within reach. He hugged back:
-I swear it, to my matriarch....
It was localed in their secret basement, somewhere in the middle of the city. The huge room gave a really cozy atmosphere: giant navajo rugs on the floor, smaller ones on the wall alongside with ritual shamanic masks of African and Oceanian origin, a few oriental paper lanterns, wooden tribal shields and a fireplace on the side. In all, the placed looked like an ancient tribal spot of hardly-identifiable origin. Zoolooks have gathered lot of relics of their own during the ages.
Everyone were in their bestial forms. Renato and Casey kept it quite casual, while Ags wore swwatpants and a warm hoodie. He felt and looked much better - as the meds and his friends' care kicked in- however, he was still a little pale, and down. He choose this wardrobe of choice, because he wasn't willing to take the risk to fall back in his previous shitty condition. Deen appeared in her own bestial form as well: the winged red cat. She had one of those rare cases when two totems clashed over her, and couldn't agreed on which would patronize her. So, she has received both the wild cat and the bald eagle. This resulted a pretty majestic look, which was augmented by her traditional clothes she currently wore: native tribal longsleeve and pants, with traditional pattern on them, and a necklace with teeth, wooden beads and feathers with a modest gem in the middle.
She scaned the three of them, her voice was even more solemn than usual:
-So... you claim that you have found Atlantis, and you require support for your expedition. Renato sighed. Surely, in the first gatherings then Deen was elected matriarch in her early teenage, it was weird to hear her speaking so prim. Not to mentioned, that she was the youngest among them for a long time. But since she got used to her role - and grew in adulthood - she had been taken dead serious on the gatherings. He opened his mouth to speak up, but Casey raised her hand, stopping him:
-Let me do the talking. She wasn't ordering. She was asking - both for permission to take over and for his trust. Renato nodded. Cez grabbed a folder:
-Yes, we did - she replied to the matriarch with a straight face - Probably Renato told you about his dreams. Turned out, they weren't in vain. When I performed the hypnosis on him, we have learnt more about the location. She handed the folder to Deen. While the matriarch was accepting it, she took a look on Ags:
-And may I know, why is my brother involved? Casey hummed in agreement and replied:
-We have discovered, that he might be connected to this whole story, as well. Not as deeply as Renato... I couldn't find the reason why. But I suspect his substance abuse and temporary illness for it. Hearing this, Ags grumpled in displease. As his mind slowly cleared and started to coming to his senses, he wasn't too proud of his actions. Then he caught a brief eye contact with his sister. Deen didn't judge him. She was sorry, and understanding by the look of those dark-blue eyes.
Then she turned back to the folder, and opened it, examining its content. Casey continued:
-By the description of Renato's dreams and visions, we started to do a research. It took as two days and two nights- signed- And for the biggest plot twist of them all, Atlantis was never where we or humankind ever thought it would be. Judging by the look on the matriarch's face, she has arrived to that very chapter that Cez was talking about - her eyes widend, her mouth dropped semi-open, and her cat ears sharpened straight up:
-This isn't the middle of the ocean!- she exclaimed all the sudden - this is the Sahara desert! Renato couldn't help, but smile... This reaction should have been predicted. Who would ever thought to search for a land of the waters in the middle of the desert? He replied:
-To be more precice, it's the Richat structure, also known as the Eye of Sahara. If you observe the rings of the structure, they are almost perfectly concentric, some of them are higher and others are lower- he started explaining - These a upper and lower circles are varying, and if you picure how would it looked if it was fileld with water... then you get the three rings of land and three rings of water.
-Also - Cez continued - if you check the territory between this structure and the Atlantic ocean, you could see a part of a road leading there. In addition, the whole place looks like from the satelite photos if it has been struck by a gigantic tidal wave...
More or less that was the time, when Deen finished with the documenty. She looked back to the other three again, with affacinated expression on her face:
-So, when it said "in a single dreadful day and night life was swallowed up by the sea and vanished" was not referring to an island that sank into the ocean. It was refferring to a costal metropolis, that was struck by a massive tidal wave, that scrubbed it off from the surface of the earth. The other three was nodding in agreement.
Finally Renato stood up:
-We require your support for this expedition - he was reasoning- were could learn both about Atlantis, and our own history, as well. Since we no barely anything about the place, we don't know what role our people could have played there. And if my dreams are to give credit for, zoolooks had been there. The question is, for what purpose? Deen closed the folder:
-So, it's your final decision? You're all going?
-We are all required for this mission- said Renato - Ags and I have some strange connection with the place. And Casey has her psychic abilites, she can give as a mental kick, if we might get stuck in the progress. The matriarch nodded:
-Very well - she got her cool back again, and continued professional- I'm going to contact our people in Mauritania. First you'll need to get to Nouakchott by plane, where our contact gets you a jeep and some supplies. Also, Phillie is going with you.
Renato and casey wasn't much surprise about the extra passenger, but Ags - who was dead silence all along - exclaimed all the sudden:
-What the hell? - he even stood up in his dismay- Why is that asshole coming with us? He started to walk back and forth in the room:
-We don't need extra protection, we can take care of ourselves. Or you just want to keep on eye on us so we don't fool around?
-He's a mechanic, you dumm dumm- Deen lost it, and even if her posture remained majestic, her voice trasformed to meddling sisterlike- If anything happens to the jeep in the desert, he can fix it. Otherwise, good luck finding an expert in the middle of nowhere.
Ags fell silent. His sister was right. Still, all the situation bugged him. Renato and Casey thanked and sterted moving on. The hippie left behind - perfect opportunity for Deen to grab his arm and stop him:
-Hey,,, - she said softly. His brother looked back in a grim look - not the face that he used to have. His sister sighed:
-I'm sorry - she whispered- I should have known better, and should have looked out for you.
-Don't mention it - murmored Ags and stripped his arm from Deen's hold- you were too busy hanging with your boyfriend... Deen anxiously big her lips, then with a definite move she grabbed his arm again:
-I said that I'm sorry, and I mean it!- she exclaimed. Her brother stunned, and looked back at her. His facial expression softened a bit. Deen hugged him:
-Promise me, you take care of yourself, okay?- she whispered, holding him tight- swear me, to the matriarch, that you're gonna take care of yourself. I'll try to do better, when you get back. Ags' eyes got a bit more wet after this. Being so desparate for months he completely forgot his friends... not to mention her sister. He didn't admit he needed help... and this help was within reach. He hugged back:
-I swear it, to my matriarch....
2019. május 21., kedd
Fever
Next morning. The mood was vigorously gloomy, for multiple reasons.
First, Ags’s condition got worse. During the night his fever escalated, and he was sweating so hard, that the other two could squirt bottles of water from his blanket. So, before doing everything else in the morning, they pulled the hippie dragon in the bathroom, and let the ice cold shower pour on him. Ags was howling in agony: the fever was bad enough, clouding his mind, burning his muscles, but now – as the shower seemed extremely colder for him in this condition – the chill pierced to his bones. He felt unable to move, just curled up in the cabin, shaking, given such a vulnerable and pathetic impression, than never before. Renato tried to give him some emotional support:
-It’ll be all better, buddy. This is for your own good. Just two more minutes to bare. Ags was weeping in his agony:
-I’m gonna fucking die by that time! Renato pat his shoulder:
-At least you didn’t fully lost your humor. There, there…
As soon as he got dried, redressed in Renato’s spare pyjamas, and drugged with antibiotics, Ags was wrapped again in a fresh new blanket. He fell asleep right away. The whole scenery was just enough to break the ice between the other two – since the mood was really blue since their argument last night.
-Poor devil – Renato shook his head – he’s in deep mess this time.
-He’ll be just getting better from this point- affirmed Casey – the meds and his dragon mojo will do the trick.
-What about his willpower?- Renato was a bit doubtful- if we take out his sleepwalk, the last time we saw him, he was deeply desperate. Cez hummed, but didn’t reply.
“That settles it”- thought Reno- “He will get better physically, but saving his soul would require his cooperation… if he wishes to cooperate, that is”
-We should carry on with our part of the plan, in the meantime- said Casey all the sudden. Right… Ags was out of the question. But Renato could still proceed with the hypnosis. He set on the floor, legs below his body, with a posture that kinda gave him a respectful look:
-Okay… don’t go easy on me. Casey grinned for a short moment:
-Believe me, I won’t. Renato closed his eyes.
The bat began to hum on a semi-loud tone. Renato started to loosen himself on the smooth melody. First it seemed like a vocal-test before singing… then slowly he observed the well-known bat chirps within the humming. Finally, the whole melody has slowly turned into a lullaby. He didn’t completely lose himself though – he felt a massaging, buzzy and warm feeling growing on his forehead, spreading over his eyes, then fully covering his head…
The three rings of land and three rings of water… almost perfect concentric circles, with small cuts of canals here and there. Different quarters on different rings: the inner, the despotic and imperial ring, then the middle ring of the merchants and craft artists, and the outer ring of military. From the outer ring a wide canal led out in the open, towards the ocean. He looked around: the huge city was surrounded by steeped hills covered in thick flora. And all over that vivid fauna… the endless desert…
He woke up from the hypnosis all the sudden, gasping for air, ventilating for minutes. Cez stood up in excitement, examining her ex from a safe distance:
-What happened? What did you see there? As soon as Renato could catch his breath, he replied:
-I have found Atlantis – he stood up, looking directly into Casey’s eyes, and smiled victoriously – I know where it is. We need to go there, right away!
First, Ags’s condition got worse. During the night his fever escalated, and he was sweating so hard, that the other two could squirt bottles of water from his blanket. So, before doing everything else in the morning, they pulled the hippie dragon in the bathroom, and let the ice cold shower pour on him. Ags was howling in agony: the fever was bad enough, clouding his mind, burning his muscles, but now – as the shower seemed extremely colder for him in this condition – the chill pierced to his bones. He felt unable to move, just curled up in the cabin, shaking, given such a vulnerable and pathetic impression, than never before. Renato tried to give him some emotional support:
-It’ll be all better, buddy. This is for your own good. Just two more minutes to bare. Ags was weeping in his agony:
-I’m gonna fucking die by that time! Renato pat his shoulder:
-At least you didn’t fully lost your humor. There, there…
As soon as he got dried, redressed in Renato’s spare pyjamas, and drugged with antibiotics, Ags was wrapped again in a fresh new blanket. He fell asleep right away. The whole scenery was just enough to break the ice between the other two – since the mood was really blue since their argument last night.
-Poor devil – Renato shook his head – he’s in deep mess this time.
-He’ll be just getting better from this point- affirmed Casey – the meds and his dragon mojo will do the trick.
-What about his willpower?- Renato was a bit doubtful- if we take out his sleepwalk, the last time we saw him, he was deeply desperate. Cez hummed, but didn’t reply.
“That settles it”- thought Reno- “He will get better physically, but saving his soul would require his cooperation… if he wishes to cooperate, that is”
-We should carry on with our part of the plan, in the meantime- said Casey all the sudden. Right… Ags was out of the question. But Renato could still proceed with the hypnosis. He set on the floor, legs below his body, with a posture that kinda gave him a respectful look:
-Okay… don’t go easy on me. Casey grinned for a short moment:
-Believe me, I won’t. Renato closed his eyes.
The bat began to hum on a semi-loud tone. Renato started to loosen himself on the smooth melody. First it seemed like a vocal-test before singing… then slowly he observed the well-known bat chirps within the humming. Finally, the whole melody has slowly turned into a lullaby. He didn’t completely lose himself though – he felt a massaging, buzzy and warm feeling growing on his forehead, spreading over his eyes, then fully covering his head…
The three rings of land and three rings of water… almost perfect concentric circles, with small cuts of canals here and there. Different quarters on different rings: the inner, the despotic and imperial ring, then the middle ring of the merchants and craft artists, and the outer ring of military. From the outer ring a wide canal led out in the open, towards the ocean. He looked around: the huge city was surrounded by steeped hills covered in thick flora. And all over that vivid fauna… the endless desert…
He woke up from the hypnosis all the sudden, gasping for air, ventilating for minutes. Cez stood up in excitement, examining her ex from a safe distance:
-What happened? What did you see there? As soon as Renato could catch his breath, he replied:
-I have found Atlantis – he stood up, looking directly into Casey’s eyes, and smiled victoriously – I know where it is. We need to go there, right away!
Guardian of the pharos
Ags fell asleep right away, as he got comfortable in the guest room. The other two wrapped him up in a blanket, like a burrito and left him on the other bed. He felt cosy and secure instantly. Cez smiled in satisfaction:
-Like a big baby- chuckled in her raspy tomboy voice- seems that changing to a cleaner environment does release a significant amount of depression. Renato looked at her – also couldn’t help, but smile. When was the last time he saw his bat companion being happy about something? Then his expression melt away in a sharper look and hardened face: the last nth time they met or talked, she was furious. Those were the very days, when Renato really wondered, how come she got a bat for a totem, and not a harpy eagle…
-What?- Casey just interrupted his train of thoughts, staring at him puzzled. Renato sighed:
-Do you insist to stay? We’re kinda out of beds, unless you want to share mine. Cez frowned:
-You’re really underestimating me, don’t you? With these words, she flew up, found one of the decorative beams on the ceiling, and hung upside down:
-I’m still a bat, dummy. I can easily get myself comfortable. Renato smiled back at her – he had been just outwit by this batty’s outstanding move. Gotta admit, Casey was always pretty resourceful.
-Goodnight – he said on a cheered voice, and got into bed. It has been a long time, since he had company in his apartment. This moment brought back those long-lost times, when they were just a bunch of carefree teenagers, goofing around, with grandiose plans in their heads. How sweet and innocent they were – Sighed – and how wasted and broken they have become…
The dream stroke again. The three rings of land and three rings of bodies of water. He was in the middle ring, nearly on the highest point. The tides are coming… and the biggest one approaches. There is no chance, but he has to try – given, he’s the guardian of the sea and storms. He flew directly to amazing wave, charged it. He’s the albatross zoolook, also a force of nature. He has to protect the ones he serves. The tide swiped everything away…
Renato woke up with heart pound. But what made him breaking into cold sweat, was just coming now…
The sheer silhouette of a slender green dragon, arching above him, his green eyes glowing vivid and in ecstasy, like shining emeralds. It was Ags… in his bestial form. But something was freaky off about him.
-A-Ags- Renato could help, his voice shook in terror. The dragon replied – he seemed to recognize him, but at the same time, it sounded like he was talking to someone distant:
-The pharos… you’ve entrusted me with the light of the pharos… Reno got even more confused:
-What are you talking about? He grabbed onto the dragon’s wrist. Feeling the strong grab, Ags seemed to come to his senses. The glowing died out from his eyes… however, they got shut down, as well. His body slowly began to lose, joint by joint… eventually, he collapsed. Reno just caught him in the very last moment, preventing him to fall on the floor, and get seriously hurt.
-Casey!- he yelled. The bat flew there immediately – she probably got scared by Renato’s alarming voice.
-What is it? – she screamed. Renato lowered his voice a bit, as he laid down the dragon slowly on the floor:
-Ags… he was sleepwalking- he started to explain, his voice blocked from time to time from terror- he was talking about some kind of Pharos… Casey put her hand on Ags’s forehead. It was mildly warm, probably nothing to worry about. Then he checked on of his eyes. The pupil was reacting to the vague light, but he didn’t wake up.
-He's unconscious- she affirmed, then turned to Renato – did you happen to have you re-occurring dream again?
Renato’s eyes widened. Yes… he did. And then Ags was mumbling this gibberish about protecting a certain light. Could the two things be connected? As they were placing back their dragon hippie buddy on the guest bed, wrapping him again like a green reptile burrito in the blanket, Renato shared these thought with Casey. She looked concerned, hearing and processing all those information… finally she nodded:
-Reno, my boy… we are in a deeper shit than I thought – pointed at him – tomorrow, hypnosis. You, Ags, and me. You boys will get your mind tinkered. Renato frowned:
-You know… you already did that, when we are dating. Cez flew up, grabbed a hold on the beam again, and hung down:
-It seems it wasn’t affective enough- she grunt- you’re still stupid.
Renato didn’t reply instantly. He stood just stood there, thinking, how much he got tired of this attitude. He looked up back at her:
-Why are we doing this? Casey looked out from behind her wings:
-Come again?
-I still keep acting defensive against you – he exclaimed- and for a reason, because you keep insulting people, including me. This is not a rebel anymore, you’re a grownup now, and your actions have serious consequences. No wonder, people don’t stay around you for long. Cez hissed:
-You take that back! Renato growled:
-No, I won’t. NOW, I won’t – he exclaimed even further - I cared so much about you, that I put aside all these bullshit… just for you. But I had enough at one point. And to maintain us, it wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about you, too, you know. And you didn’t do anything. Casey hissed again, on a low voice:
-Oh, just piss off!
-Gladly – said Renato and went back to bed.
-Like a big baby- chuckled in her raspy tomboy voice- seems that changing to a cleaner environment does release a significant amount of depression. Renato looked at her – also couldn’t help, but smile. When was the last time he saw his bat companion being happy about something? Then his expression melt away in a sharper look and hardened face: the last nth time they met or talked, she was furious. Those were the very days, when Renato really wondered, how come she got a bat for a totem, and not a harpy eagle…
-What?- Casey just interrupted his train of thoughts, staring at him puzzled. Renato sighed:
-Do you insist to stay? We’re kinda out of beds, unless you want to share mine. Cez frowned:
-You’re really underestimating me, don’t you? With these words, she flew up, found one of the decorative beams on the ceiling, and hung upside down:
-I’m still a bat, dummy. I can easily get myself comfortable. Renato smiled back at her – he had been just outwit by this batty’s outstanding move. Gotta admit, Casey was always pretty resourceful.
-Goodnight – he said on a cheered voice, and got into bed. It has been a long time, since he had company in his apartment. This moment brought back those long-lost times, when they were just a bunch of carefree teenagers, goofing around, with grandiose plans in their heads. How sweet and innocent they were – Sighed – and how wasted and broken they have become…
The dream stroke again. The three rings of land and three rings of bodies of water. He was in the middle ring, nearly on the highest point. The tides are coming… and the biggest one approaches. There is no chance, but he has to try – given, he’s the guardian of the sea and storms. He flew directly to amazing wave, charged it. He’s the albatross zoolook, also a force of nature. He has to protect the ones he serves. The tide swiped everything away…
Renato woke up with heart pound. But what made him breaking into cold sweat, was just coming now…
The sheer silhouette of a slender green dragon, arching above him, his green eyes glowing vivid and in ecstasy, like shining emeralds. It was Ags… in his bestial form. But something was freaky off about him.
-A-Ags- Renato could help, his voice shook in terror. The dragon replied – he seemed to recognize him, but at the same time, it sounded like he was talking to someone distant:
-The pharos… you’ve entrusted me with the light of the pharos… Reno got even more confused:
-What are you talking about? He grabbed onto the dragon’s wrist. Feeling the strong grab, Ags seemed to come to his senses. The glowing died out from his eyes… however, they got shut down, as well. His body slowly began to lose, joint by joint… eventually, he collapsed. Reno just caught him in the very last moment, preventing him to fall on the floor, and get seriously hurt.
-Casey!- he yelled. The bat flew there immediately – she probably got scared by Renato’s alarming voice.
-What is it? – she screamed. Renato lowered his voice a bit, as he laid down the dragon slowly on the floor:
-Ags… he was sleepwalking- he started to explain, his voice blocked from time to time from terror- he was talking about some kind of Pharos… Casey put her hand on Ags’s forehead. It was mildly warm, probably nothing to worry about. Then he checked on of his eyes. The pupil was reacting to the vague light, but he didn’t wake up.
-He's unconscious- she affirmed, then turned to Renato – did you happen to have you re-occurring dream again?
Renato’s eyes widened. Yes… he did. And then Ags was mumbling this gibberish about protecting a certain light. Could the two things be connected? As they were placing back their dragon hippie buddy on the guest bed, wrapping him again like a green reptile burrito in the blanket, Renato shared these thought with Casey. She looked concerned, hearing and processing all those information… finally she nodded:
-Reno, my boy… we are in a deeper shit than I thought – pointed at him – tomorrow, hypnosis. You, Ags, and me. You boys will get your mind tinkered. Renato frowned:
-You know… you already did that, when we are dating. Cez flew up, grabbed a hold on the beam again, and hung down:
-It seems it wasn’t affective enough- she grunt- you’re still stupid.
Renato didn’t reply instantly. He stood just stood there, thinking, how much he got tired of this attitude. He looked up back at her:
-Why are we doing this? Casey looked out from behind her wings:
-Come again?
-I still keep acting defensive against you – he exclaimed- and for a reason, because you keep insulting people, including me. This is not a rebel anymore, you’re a grownup now, and your actions have serious consequences. No wonder, people don’t stay around you for long. Cez hissed:
-You take that back! Renato growled:
-No, I won’t. NOW, I won’t – he exclaimed even further - I cared so much about you, that I put aside all these bullshit… just for you. But I had enough at one point. And to maintain us, it wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about you, too, you know. And you didn’t do anything. Casey hissed again, on a low voice:
-Oh, just piss off!
-Gladly – said Renato and went back to bed.
2019. május 18., szombat
a life wasted
A few days had been passed and the dead end with the investigation remained. Renato was so stunned by not getting any results, that the following nights were completely dreamless.
“No result”- he murmured- “Cez must be nuts by making me believe such types of bullshit…” He was still restless, though. What was his tinkering with? This childish scenario about his dreams made him call his bat-shit crazy ex, and made him call out the matriarch in the open…
Suddenly, it popped in…. Ags. Deen’s big brother. Then again, he hasn’t been seen for months… He set down on his bed, covering his face in both hands:
“Why would Ags happen in this picture? I have absolutely no business with him”- he kept shaking his head, hoping that these insane thoughts might drop out and get rid of them for good. But they insisted to stay, sticking like a flytrap. Finally, he sighed in both his hands: “I better check on him…” He stood up, to reach his phone, but then, he froze for a second. No one knew what happened to Ags exactly. What if he got into a huge mess? Adult or not, zoolook or not, this better be no one-man mission. A backup would be optional… and at the moment, for some devilish reasons, he could not think of any better backup, than her…
The phone rang.
-Vada Voodoo Tattoo Salon, sorry but we’re closed.
-Cez, it’s me again – Reno interrupted as fast as possible.
-Seriously? - grunted Casey- you called a few days ago and now you miss me already, or what? This better be not a creepy stalker moment.
-It’s not – shout Renato, then sooth his temper and continued on a calmer voice- it’s about Ags.
-Ags? – Casey scratched her ear in boredom- Our dear boy Darko Agosto? He must be with his beloved girlfriend, as last time.
-No, Cez, he’s missing for months!- yelled Renato, so loud, that they both fell dead silent. One could almost touch the awkward tense in the air. Cez had a bitter taste in her mouth with a pinch of guilt. She wasn’t fond of having someone completely abandoned within the clan. And knowing her ex, this wasn’t some lame joke or endeavor to get back them together. Renato was sincerely worried… and he wanted backup. She almost felt honored for a second, that he still trusts her on this very level that she had been asked for this mission.
-You’re saying, we should check up on him, right?
-Positive- confirmed Reno. Casey grunted a bit, the replied:
-Do you still know his place? Meet me there in thirty – she ordered, so straight-forward, not leaving a speck of space for any other topic – We take a look at that idiot.
-Roger that- Reno replied and hung up the phone.
Ags, 34, was known as the long black-haired and emerald-eyed hippie, who always manipulated tense situations with his smooth-talk, but he was never afraid to take a fight when things got ugly. Renato could have sworn multiple times, that if their society had been patriarchal instead of matriarchal, Ags would have been a really badass leader.
The two met in front of the apartment – both in their true colors: Renato in albatross feathers on his arms – like wings – around the eyes, with a red mark on his lips – same red mark as on his totem’s beak. Cez with sharp black bat ears, elongated teeth and fingers – as her arms transformed to bat wings. Renato noticed something else on her:
-Your hair… it’s longer. True, it was the first time Casey left her hair shoulder-length instead of cutting it down to tomboyish.
-What? – she frowned – you like it?
-It kinda suits you – admitted Renato, like confirming something out of the blue. Cez sighed:
-Okay, Romeo, let’s move on…
They went to their pal’s floor. Renato knocked on the door:
-Ags… you’re okay buddy? No response. The two stared to each other. Then Cez knocked – harder, and yelled in her usual scandalous style:
-You there? Move your ass here, you hippie, and open the goddamn door! As she stopped, both of them were listening closely. There was some moaning coming from over, such as a haunting ghost or a dying ghoul. The two of them stared at each other again, this time, with sheer horror on their faces.
-This can’t be good – whispered Reno.
-Watch me!- hissed Cez, and with a massive kick, she burst the door.
On their surprise – and possibly relief – there was nothing behind the door… at least nothing menacing. The whole place was one big mess, like the Doberdo battlefield: dishes unwashed, dirty clothes from floor to ceiling, the stench of self-negligence and depression oozing over the place. Cez pressed her lips together in disgust - she was aware of the fact she wasn’t much lady-like, however, even this level of dirt and stench burst through her mess-o-meter. While she was struggling with this whole new experience, Renato yelled:
-Ags?
-Leave me alone…. – a vague response came from the bed. Renato turned on the lights…
There was he… the once glorious hippie, who was radiant of confidence – now pale, sad, and weak. He lost some weight, too. A burnt-down joint was sticking out from the corner of his mouth, and a bottle of cheap whiskey was in his right hand. Renato looked all over at him, and felt an amazing worry and pity for him:
-Oh man… look at you… - he finally stopped, maintaining firm eye contact with him, in his sallow eyes- what happened to you? Ags sipped – sounded like a sad sip after crying:
-She left me…- took the joint out of his mouth, and made a few grand gestures while explaining- she just… gone… without a word… Without explaining… He searched on and under the bed with his free hand, until he found another joint. He inserted it in his mouth:
-I don’t know where I went wrong… I wish I knew and fix all this – his thumb lit, a small red flame was dancing on its tip- there is nothing for me now…
Right before he could light the next joint, Cez hit it out of his mouth with a fast blow of her hand:
-Quit it! The hippie looked at her with a desperate and shocked face, like she just have murdered a bag of kittens:
-W... why? The bat sighed in anger, held between her eyes for a few seconds with two fingers – probably she was counting to ten and gathered her thoughts. She couldn’t afford to lose her temper against a friend in need. Finally, she let go with her two fingers and looked back to the hippie:
-Look – she leaned closer- this is not okay. You can’t lose yourself because of ruined relationship.
“How ironic”- thought Renato sarcastically- “When we tore up, you threw half of the chinaware at me….” Casey kept talking to Ags:
-We were worried, you know – her voice was firm but still, there was a hint of caring – now, you’re going to get up, and we’ll take care of you.
Renato shook his head for a moment and turned to the bat:
-Sorry, I must have misunderstood. Did you just say, “We take care of… him”? Cez turned to the albatross:
-Stop being a cry baby, and help me – she dug under the hippie’s shoulder to help him on his feet – of course, we’ll take care of him. He’s one of us. Renato helped her, and they were both supporting Ags, helping him slowly out of the house:
-Then tell me, wise-ass- he grunted at Casey- what’s your plan? Taking it to your place?
-Of course not!- yelled the bat, then she changed her tone like it was all natural- We’ll take it to YOUR place, since my flat is just a rat hole. There is plenty of space at your apartment. And I’ll stay for the night, just in case. Renato’s face transformed into a sneaky grin:
-Oh, look who’s missing who..
-Shut up, asshole!- yelled Casey- I only do this for Ags. Renato couldn’t help, but keeping his semi-victorious smile:
-Keep telling that to yourself…
“No result”- he murmured- “Cez must be nuts by making me believe such types of bullshit…” He was still restless, though. What was his tinkering with? This childish scenario about his dreams made him call his bat-shit crazy ex, and made him call out the matriarch in the open…
Suddenly, it popped in…. Ags. Deen’s big brother. Then again, he hasn’t been seen for months… He set down on his bed, covering his face in both hands:
“Why would Ags happen in this picture? I have absolutely no business with him”- he kept shaking his head, hoping that these insane thoughts might drop out and get rid of them for good. But they insisted to stay, sticking like a flytrap. Finally, he sighed in both his hands: “I better check on him…” He stood up, to reach his phone, but then, he froze for a second. No one knew what happened to Ags exactly. What if he got into a huge mess? Adult or not, zoolook or not, this better be no one-man mission. A backup would be optional… and at the moment, for some devilish reasons, he could not think of any better backup, than her…
The phone rang.
-Vada Voodoo Tattoo Salon, sorry but we’re closed.
-Cez, it’s me again – Reno interrupted as fast as possible.
-Seriously? - grunted Casey- you called a few days ago and now you miss me already, or what? This better be not a creepy stalker moment.
-It’s not – shout Renato, then sooth his temper and continued on a calmer voice- it’s about Ags.
-Ags? – Casey scratched her ear in boredom- Our dear boy Darko Agosto? He must be with his beloved girlfriend, as last time.
-No, Cez, he’s missing for months!- yelled Renato, so loud, that they both fell dead silent. One could almost touch the awkward tense in the air. Cez had a bitter taste in her mouth with a pinch of guilt. She wasn’t fond of having someone completely abandoned within the clan. And knowing her ex, this wasn’t some lame joke or endeavor to get back them together. Renato was sincerely worried… and he wanted backup. She almost felt honored for a second, that he still trusts her on this very level that she had been asked for this mission.
-You’re saying, we should check up on him, right?
-Positive- confirmed Reno. Casey grunted a bit, the replied:
-Do you still know his place? Meet me there in thirty – she ordered, so straight-forward, not leaving a speck of space for any other topic – We take a look at that idiot.
-Roger that- Reno replied and hung up the phone.
Ags, 34, was known as the long black-haired and emerald-eyed hippie, who always manipulated tense situations with his smooth-talk, but he was never afraid to take a fight when things got ugly. Renato could have sworn multiple times, that if their society had been patriarchal instead of matriarchal, Ags would have been a really badass leader.
The two met in front of the apartment – both in their true colors: Renato in albatross feathers on his arms – like wings – around the eyes, with a red mark on his lips – same red mark as on his totem’s beak. Cez with sharp black bat ears, elongated teeth and fingers – as her arms transformed to bat wings. Renato noticed something else on her:
-Your hair… it’s longer. True, it was the first time Casey left her hair shoulder-length instead of cutting it down to tomboyish.
-What? – she frowned – you like it?
-It kinda suits you – admitted Renato, like confirming something out of the blue. Cez sighed:
-Okay, Romeo, let’s move on…
They went to their pal’s floor. Renato knocked on the door:
-Ags… you’re okay buddy? No response. The two stared to each other. Then Cez knocked – harder, and yelled in her usual scandalous style:
-You there? Move your ass here, you hippie, and open the goddamn door! As she stopped, both of them were listening closely. There was some moaning coming from over, such as a haunting ghost or a dying ghoul. The two of them stared at each other again, this time, with sheer horror on their faces.
-This can’t be good – whispered Reno.
-Watch me!- hissed Cez, and with a massive kick, she burst the door.
On their surprise – and possibly relief – there was nothing behind the door… at least nothing menacing. The whole place was one big mess, like the Doberdo battlefield: dishes unwashed, dirty clothes from floor to ceiling, the stench of self-negligence and depression oozing over the place. Cez pressed her lips together in disgust - she was aware of the fact she wasn’t much lady-like, however, even this level of dirt and stench burst through her mess-o-meter. While she was struggling with this whole new experience, Renato yelled:
-Ags?
-Leave me alone…. – a vague response came from the bed. Renato turned on the lights…
There was he… the once glorious hippie, who was radiant of confidence – now pale, sad, and weak. He lost some weight, too. A burnt-down joint was sticking out from the corner of his mouth, and a bottle of cheap whiskey was in his right hand. Renato looked all over at him, and felt an amazing worry and pity for him:
-Oh man… look at you… - he finally stopped, maintaining firm eye contact with him, in his sallow eyes- what happened to you? Ags sipped – sounded like a sad sip after crying:
-She left me…- took the joint out of his mouth, and made a few grand gestures while explaining- she just… gone… without a word… Without explaining… He searched on and under the bed with his free hand, until he found another joint. He inserted it in his mouth:
-I don’t know where I went wrong… I wish I knew and fix all this – his thumb lit, a small red flame was dancing on its tip- there is nothing for me now…
Right before he could light the next joint, Cez hit it out of his mouth with a fast blow of her hand:
-Quit it! The hippie looked at her with a desperate and shocked face, like she just have murdered a bag of kittens:
-W... why? The bat sighed in anger, held between her eyes for a few seconds with two fingers – probably she was counting to ten and gathered her thoughts. She couldn’t afford to lose her temper against a friend in need. Finally, she let go with her two fingers and looked back to the hippie:
-Look – she leaned closer- this is not okay. You can’t lose yourself because of ruined relationship.
“How ironic”- thought Renato sarcastically- “When we tore up, you threw half of the chinaware at me….” Casey kept talking to Ags:
-We were worried, you know – her voice was firm but still, there was a hint of caring – now, you’re going to get up, and we’ll take care of you.
Renato shook his head for a moment and turned to the bat:
-Sorry, I must have misunderstood. Did you just say, “We take care of… him”? Cez turned to the albatross:
-Stop being a cry baby, and help me – she dug under the hippie’s shoulder to help him on his feet – of course, we’ll take care of him. He’s one of us. Renato helped her, and they were both supporting Ags, helping him slowly out of the house:
-Then tell me, wise-ass- he grunted at Casey- what’s your plan? Taking it to your place?
-Of course not!- yelled the bat, then she changed her tone like it was all natural- We’ll take it to YOUR place, since my flat is just a rat hole. There is plenty of space at your apartment. And I’ll stay for the night, just in case. Renato’s face transformed into a sneaky grin:
-Oh, look who’s missing who..
-Shut up, asshole!- yelled Casey- I only do this for Ags. Renato couldn’t help, but keeping his semi-victorious smile:
-Keep telling that to yourself…
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