{"submission_id":"1874350","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"1911","keyword_name":"badger","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"3768"},{"keyword_id":"2193","keyword_name":"fantasy","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"14060"},{"keyword_id":"123","keyword_name":"female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"617879"},{"keyword_id":"174","keyword_name":"lion","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"26226"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"739250"},{"keyword_id":"837","keyword_name":"monster","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"14919"},{"keyword_id":"1819","keyword_name":"pistol","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"863"},{"keyword_id":"1351","keyword_name":"spear","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"925"},{"keyword_id":"20","keyword_name":"sword","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"6341"},{"keyword_id":"947","keyword_name":"tribal","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"3176"}],"hidden":"t","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"1","create_datetime":"2019-05-01 07:11:31.774668+02","create_datetime_usertime":"01 May 2019 07:11 CEST","last_file_update_datetime":"2019-05-01 05:54:54.179901+02","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"01 May 2019 05:54 CEST","username":"Zhiro","user_id":"377284","user_icon_file_name":"118152_Zhiro_zhiro.jpg","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/118/118152_Zhiro_zhiro.jpg","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/118/118152_Zhiro_zhiro.jpg","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/118/118152_Zhiro_zhiro.jpg","file_name":"2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2694/2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2694/2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2694/2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","files":[{"file_id":"2694772","file_name":"2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2694/2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2694/2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2694/2694772_Zhiro_the_earth_realm.doc","mimetype":"application/msword","submission_id":"1874350","user_id":"377284","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":null,"full_size_y":null,"screen_size_x":null,"screen_size_y":null,"preview_size_x":null,"preview_size_y":null,"initial_file_md5":"bbb852062887220b5a77375c15c544de","full_file_md5":"bbb852062887220b5a77375c15c544de","large_file_md5":"","small_file_md5":"","thumbnail_md5":"","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2019-05-01 05:54:54.179901+02","create_datetime_usertime":"01 May 2019 05:54 CEST"}],"pools":[],"description":"","description_bbcode_parsed":"","writing":"\tHector walked around his study and eyed the gems on his desk closely. He stopped and sat in his chair, folding his hands under his chin. What was that world he was in, and where did these crystals come from? What was that monstrosity that had attempted to impale him when he aqcuired the gem from the sphere? He stared at them even more closely, seeing a sheen coming from them that no other gem had. He heard footsteps approaching and he stowed the gems in his desk drawer and made sure the top of his desk was as neat as it could be. The door opened and a head of gray-streaked brown hair popped in. He tensed up and became very stiff in his chair, not wanting to see the face that entered his study. \n\n\t\"Hector! How are you fellow? I trust you've been doing well.\" the man said.\n\n\t\"I'm fine, Kelly. Not much to speak of, the realms of science and philosophy aren't moving too swiftly i'm afraid. They certainly aren't the realms of war and battle. They move a lot more slowly than those.\" Hector replied.\n\n\tThe face now before him was the face of Mayor Kelly Barba of Yettle, the small town Hector resided in. Kelly was an older, more wizened looking lion with light brown fur and a darker brown mane and tail tuft streaked with gray. He never saw eye-to-eye with Kelly, and vice versa was true for the Mayor. He never trusted Hector as a man of virtue, and even less as a man of means. Kelly was walking around his study, examining the dust covered books around the room. He kept running his fingers across them, and wiping the dust on the breast of his long coat. Kelly's eyes kept wandering over to Hector. Keeping a straight face Hector returned every single glance that Kelly threw his way. Kelly was a dabbler in science, and some say even in magic, though everyone says just by believing in magic that one's credibility was tarnished. Kelly stopped in front of Hector's heavy wooden desk, and placed his hands on the surface flatly.\n\n\t\"Some people are saying you went missing for a few days. I just wanted to make sure that nothing happened at all to one of my townsfolk. Especially one as successful and astute as you, Hector. Your loss would be a heavy one.\" Kelly said with a smile.\n\n\tHector wasn't sure if he detected any kind of deceitful nature behind that smile or those words. He never got along with Kelly, but he wasn't sure if he'd ever mean him harm directly. He sat up in his chair and looked the mayor in the eye once more. What was he thinking? There had to be something more on his mind than general concern.\n\n\t\"What are you playing at Kelly? Is there something you want?\" Hector asked.\n\n\t\"I'm not playing at anything Hector. I would just like to know if these rumors have any truth to them. I wouldn't presume to know anything revolving around your life, as you know I'm never one to pry.\" Kelly responded plainly.\n\n\tHector definitely didn't like Kelly's tone, nor did he like his hands touching his desk. He may be the Mayor but this was Hector's home, and he wasn't about to let someone else quietly demand answers about the private things in his life. Least of all about something that he knew little about, and could answer even less about. He stood up suddenly, causing Kelly to stand up straight and take a single step back. Walking around his desk he kept an eye on Kelly to make sure he wasn't trying to pull anything.\n\n\t\"They are wholly untrue rumors. You know people will come up with stories when they have no real information, Kelly. It's best not to listen to rumors at all, and end the ones that you hear.\" \n\n\tHector walked over to the door and opened it and gestured for Kelly to go first. He let him into the hall and led him to the front door of his small manor. Kelly seemed dissatisfied with the answer that he received in the study, but he'd have to wait for any real answers. As it was those answers weren't a promise, as Hector had no clue what it was he saw or what had happened. At least, Hector didn't know for sure what he had seen. He ushered Kelly out into the stuffy night air, the bugs buzzing around the lit lamp just outside his door. Kelly gave him a handshake before he left down the path into town. Hector closed his door and returned to his study, to take out the gems again. Taking out the omega shaped gem, he held it up and looked at it. He held it up to the moon, but the same thing that happened with the cluster shaped gem did not happen with this gem. Perhaps the gems only reacted with sunlight when they were held up in direct areas of it. He held it up to the moon again, and heard the same ringing he'd heard before. He was taken aback, as the ringing filled the air, not knowing the moonlight affected them as well. He lowered the gem quickly, as he did not want to conjure any portals, and the ringing stopped abruptly.\n\n\t\"If i'm to do this once more i'll need to arm myself properly.\"\n\n\tHector walked down to his armory, looking at the mounted weapons and armor displays. He looked around, wondering what he should take with him. There's no telling what he might need, and he didn't even know if earthly weapons would harm such denizens as the scorpion beast. He looked at the weapons lining the walls, and selected two blades. His family's masterfully made heirloom arming sword and the matching sword that he forged himself with one of the world's greatest metalworkers. The swords together formed one of the most formidable pairs of weapons in the world, and he proved it time and again. He selected his armor carefully, he decided to take a combination of half-plate and studded leather armor. Something relatively protective and easy to move in when things got tricky. He donned the armor and equipped the weapons, and moved onto firearms that he might take with him as well. His revolver seemed like a good idea, something to fire repeatedly and quickly. He grabbed many extra bullets, enough to fire a few volleys if need be. He draped a hood and shroud over his head and shoulders, to obscure his identity to anyone prying into his life. He walked outside after closing the door behind him and locking the door. Producing the gem, he held it up to the moon once again and heard the ringing once more. From somewhee nearby he heard a clicking noise, the unlocking of a door. The sinister whispers he had heard before filled the air as well. He looked at the door to his home, unlocked and seeping darkness. \n\n\t\"It seems to work with whatever door is closest.\" Hector sighed.\n\n\tHector walked up to his door as he looked around before gripping the handle, and turning it he opened the barrier and crossed the threshold. He entered into a moonlit field that smelled of grass and flowers. Nothing he saw in this field seemed at all familiar so he assumed that it wasn't part of his world or even the other one. He furrowed his brow, now confused as to where these gems actually led when you crossed the gates of the realms. He walked forward and was met with a light breeze. It felt cool, and he figured that at least in this area, the temperature had to be at least twenty degrees cooler. It wasn't stuffy, and instead the cool air might have made one chilled, but thankfully Hector had decided to layer his clothing. He walked forward with the wind fluttering the draped cloth around his shoulders. He looked up at the sky, to see if anything was similar with it from the last place he'd been. The moon was a glowing purple, and the bloom from the orb was magnificent. It was unlike anything Hector had seen before in his life. This place seemed far calmer and more serene than the astral dimension he was visiting earlier, but he knew better than to let his guard down. He heard some voices not far away, and felt the urgent need to hide himself from view. He found some tall grass that served well enough for the purpose, and ducked down into it. The voices grew closer and closer as he waited to see what happened. They stopped very near him, but continued talking, and the language he was surprised to learn, was actually in Earthen.\n\n\t\"Have you seen the others? We've been separated from them for a while.\" one said.\n\n\t\"No, if I had we wouldn't still be lost. I don't even know where we are.\" the second replied.\n\n\tHector fidgeted slightly, rustling the grass and drawing the attention of the two individuals, which appeared to be blue-furred badgers. He cursed his tension as the two scoured the grass to find the source of the sound. Neither seemed to know where he is and he was thankful for the moment, but he wasn't sure how much they would take. Finally he was met with a loud yell, and he emerged out of the grass with a roll. He raised up onto his feet as he drew his sword, brandishing it at the two standing before him now. They seemed startled at his appearance, and neither had any weapons on them that he could see. Fear adorned their faces as he stepped closer, still holding his sword aloft. Backing away, their words seemed to be tied up in their mouths for nothing came forth except a few whimpers. Hector's brow was furrowed and he lowered his hood to reveal his face, causing the two to gasp at his appearance. He looked at them gravely, not sure what to make of them though he did not feel the same fear they felt.\n\n\t\"What is this place?\" he asked\n\n\t\"W-w-what do you mean? You're here in it so you should know right?\" one responded\n\n\tAt this Hector growled angrily as it wasn't the answer he was looking for. He drew his revolver and pointed it at the two before him. He wasn't planning to use it, but he needed answers and if they were going to play stupid then he may as well scare it out of them. The two looked at the gun in awe, not understanding what it was. They moved in closer to get a better look, and when one of them layed hands on it Hector wrenched it away and pointed it into the sky. He pulled the trigger and a shot rang out, causing the two to back away once more.\n\n\t\"I'll ask once more. What is this place?\" \n\n\t\"Its just the world we live in! We've never thought to question what this place is before! There didn't seem to be a point!\" the same one responded again, cowering on his knees.\n\n\tHector considered this, and returned the sword to its scabbard and the gun to its holster. Helping the cowering badger before him, he made it clear that he never intended to physically harm them. The confusion that he felt upon entering this place was far greater than the serenity, despite how peaceful the air was. The two relaxed as he calmed down, but they still seemed shaken from the ordeal. Hector looked around to see nothing but vast plains stretching out around them, a few trees here and there but mostly nothing but grass and sky. The men were still standing around, and he looked them over. Their clothing was of hide and animal skins, and their fur was clearly darker than his own. Some of their fur was darker blue, or possibly even black, and their eyes were lightly colored. One had green eyes, and the other had violet eyes. Not the kind of person you saw every day, but he was curious as to how they knew the Earthen language.\n\n\t\"The language you spoke. That I am speaking now. How did you learn it?\"\n\n\t\"We would ask you the same, stranger. We have never seen you before, and if that's the case, then you are not from here, especially considering the questions you've been asking.\"\n\n\t\"If you know that then you must know that I very much need the information I am asking for. I will ask you once more then: where are we and what is that language called that you are speaking?\"\n\n\tThe two badgers simply shrugged and Hector sighed and drooped his shoulders, realizing that he could not get anywhere since his questions were making no sense. Even if he could clearly prove that he was not from this world he could still not get information that did not exist. There was not much more he could do from here except ask these two to take him to the nearest settlement that they recognized or at least find someone they knew. The two strangers scratched their heads and they looked at each other then looked back at Hector.\n\n\t\"We're actually lost ourselves. We were trying to find our companions but we feel we've been going in the worst direction this entire time.\"\n\n\t\"What direction have you been walking from?\"\n\n\tThe two pointed behind themselves, indicating their direction of travel was the direction they were currently facing. Hector pushed past them and walked in that direction as the two badgers looked at him, then again at each other. They hurried along behind him, making sure they stayed both decently close but also far enough away. They were unsure that he knew where to go, seeing as how he didn't even know where he was. Instinct told them to follow him all the same, as staying here wasn't going to get them anywhere. Hector was looking around as he kept walking along, the tall grass swaying in the light breeze of the night. The moon still glowed purple, and the night sky was a dark green, he just noticed. The grass did not seem to have any color at all, it being as gray as the metal of his armor, though not as shiny. Hector stopped and signaled to the two tailing him to stop as well, and they did abruptly.\n\n\t\"Three figures in the distance, do you fellows recognize them?\"\n\n\t\"Yeah! That's our chief there! He's kinda strict, but he's strong and he makes sure the village stays safe.\"\n\n\tThe two badgers led him over, the chief taking notice when they were still a fair distance off. The chief was a smaller male badger of white coloration, with streaks of purple in his fur, and the other badgers around him were armed as well as he was. He was more a boy than a man, but he seemed a lot more ferocious than the others. Everyone except him had gray fur and were slightly bigger, but he seemed to be the toughest of the lot. He saw Hector and he drew back into a defensive, but not hostile stance. He was wary of the stranger before him, but he smiled as the other two joined the small group. The other two people, one woman and one man, were also frosty from Hector's presence. They were more directly hostile, brandishing knives and axes made from a combination of wood and metal. They were smaller than Hector, but then most people were shorter than he was. Despite their size disadvantage they held their weapons menacingly and didn't seem like they'd back down. Hector drew his own two swords and brandished them as well, though he took no fighting stance. He did not want things to escalate, but he was no fool and knew to keep something to defend himself with at the ready.\n\n\t\"You are...certainly not from this region. By the looks of you...I'd say you are not even of this world, are you?\" the chief asked.\n\n\t\"A keen observation. I am not, and I have not gotten any answers as to where I am from the two I was with. I don't suppose that you can shed any light on the situation?\"\n\n\t\"I can tell you we are in the Haavar region but other than that I cannot say where we are. The world here is the world here. I suppose you may call it Nesh'Ra Kaal as we do.\"\n\n\tHector sheathed his weapons, and watched as the two badgers next to the chief did the same, though it was at the glance of the chief. He himself had a long spear, the spearhead of which was large, and made of glinting metal, affixed to a wooden shaft. He turned around and he decided to take his spear and take a few stabs at Hector. He dodged and pushed the spear away from himself, but did not move any closer to him. He attempted a few more, and Hector instead sidestepped and gripped the shaft of the spear and pulled it from the boy's grasp and quickly turned the point on him. He was carrying himself in a pikeman's stance, sure that the chief was wishing he hadn't just done what he did.\n\n\t\"You're quick, and you aren't afraid to get close enough to disarm an opponent. I would request my spear back. I was only testing your ability.\" the chief explained.\n\n\t\"I'll keep this for now, because you outnumber me five to one. I can't be sure your men won't try anything once you're armed again. I can't say I'd have a lot of trouble with it, but I'd rather not kill them.\"\n\n\tThe chief snarled but he nodded, his men also seemed largely disgruntled by Hector's words. He beckoned to him to follow, and he did so, coming up on a large village in a small while after walking. It seemed similar to what native, if a little more primitive, people in his own world would have created for themselves. He stopped at the gate, and held out his hand for his spear.\n\n\t\"I would like that back now. I will not appear as a chief incapable of keeping his weapon in his own hands against a complete stranger. I will forcefully take it if I have to.\"\n\n\t\"Here, take it back then. Just know it was yourself that got it taken from you, and I'd say to you that taking it from me forcefully might not be the brightest or easiest thing to do. So let's not try it hmm?\"\n\n\tThe chief snatched his spear back, and snarled at Hector, but he knew that it would not be wise to try and provoke any real anger from him. He walked into the small village, the villagers staring at him and his armor made of metal and leather. Everyone here was colored in various shades that didn't stray too far from the men he met earlier, but varied enough to show that one was distinct from another. They were whispering as he walked by, trying to keep his attention off of the small crowd walking through. He was the hardest to try and tear a gaze away from. The small gem in his pocket had started to warm as he walked along toward what looked like a longhouse, likely the residence of the Chief himself. He led him straight up to it and walked in, letting him in as well. Hector noticed yet another large translucent sphere with a small, orange-glowing gem in the center of it. He walked up and the Chief hissed breifly at him.\n\n\t\"You will not touch that precious relic, not only because it is not allowed but also because it is not possible. That orb it is inside is not penetrable by any means we have yet tried, but even if it were, only I would be allowed to handle the relic.\"\n\n\t\"Fine I suppose, you know I never asked your name. I am Hector Veras, and what I do is not important as I do not do it here.\"\n\n\t\"Rashakh Aamala, as I am called by my family and friends, and Chief by those I do not know. You may call me Rashakh if you wish, I will not protest.\"\n\n\tHector nodded and he hesitated before he placed a hand on the surface of the orb, and Rashakh drew his spear in defense of the gem. His anger was replaced quickly with awe as the orb seemed to give as he pressed into it slightly. He put his spear down and he walked up and attempted the same, but his hand was stopped firmly as the orb seemed as hard as iron to his touch. He looked Hector up and down, not knowing who or what he was as he pushed further in, Hector himself knowing he would get inside at some point. He gasped as he made his way into it, and he looked at him with his mouth agape.\n\n\t\"How did you do that? You merely pressed with your hand to get in. How will you get out now though? I can't imagine once you are in, you will be able to get out.\" Rashakh stated.\n\n\tHector moved his hand under the crescent shaped gem, and it lowered itself into the hand under it. The chief gasped as the orb disappeared as he walked up to him with the gem in his hand. He looked from the gem to Hector's face, then to the now gone orb, or where it once was. He sat down and she tried processing what had just happened, as it seemed to shatter his very world. He got up and she seemed to have formed an idea in his head, and grabbed his arm and led him out.\n\n\t\"Everyone, this is another! This is an Astral breed! He has taken the gem from the sphere! I have witnessed it with my own eyes. Come and look!\" he said\n\n\tThe villagers gathered in a congregation around the gate outside of his longhouse. They seemed to notice the gem in hector's hand, and many seemed awed by it. Others seemed scared, or apprehensive about an outsider holding the gem. He tried calming down the general mass of people, and he was largely successful, but some still seemed rattled that an outsider was able to get their gem. He had signaled to Hector and he held the gem up, showing the people the crescent shape of it. Many made awed noises, and some had even shaken their head at him. The gem started glowing suddenly, and a screech was heard in the distance, approaching the village quickly. Hector knew the screech, and was sure that this was the worst place for it to show up. He stowed the gem, and quickly made his way toward the town gate, trying to lure the monster to him. He was successful, seeing that the beast was in fact on its way toward him. This one was not of the same type as the other, it was large and snakelike with legs. It's head was huge and flared, hissing and rattling noises coming from his mouth.\n\n\t\"A different beast? What manner of gem are these small stones? I can at least say I am prepared for one of your kind this time.\"\n\n\tHe drew his swords, readying himself for an onslaught from the beast, which slithered up and attempted to snap him up in its giant jaws. It missed as hector stepped out of the way, causing it to rip up dirt into it's mouth. He slashed several times, in a tight pattern, raining blows onto the snake's body. The attacks connected, but he found that none of them created any serious wounds. The snake thrashed it's body around, striking Hector broadly, and knocking him off balance. It took this opportunity to strike with its fangs once more, but Hector was savvy to its plan. He caught the top and bottom of its mouth by impaling them on his blades. He was able to barely hold its head in place while he dragged the swords out of its face. He felt blood spray when he finally ripped them out, evoking a long screech from the snake, which tried withdrawing. He presented the gem, and the snake seemed to smoke and begin to wither. He took the opportunity to try and lop off the snake?s head, and was met with overwhelming success, the snake?s head falling to the ground and writhing before dying.\n\n\tRashakh ran up, his spear at the ready and a few men following behind him but they stopped when they saw the lion standing over the dead beast. His swords were covered in blood as were the clothes he wore. There was a long pause before the chief and his men bowed low to him. Hector wiped his blades clean before sheathing them in their scabbards. Walking up to the chief he put a hand on his shoulder causing him to look up at him.\n\n\t\"There is no reason to bow to me. I am no king.\" Hector said\n\n\t\"I still think there is a reason to respect a person such as you.\"\n\n\t\"That may be but I was just doing what my instinct told me to, I'm sure you would have done exactly what I had done.\"\n\n\tHector brushed past him to walk back into the village when he heard the familiar sound of the sacred songs playing again. He turned toward the source to find yet another door with rays reaching from under the closed door. What was the purpose of these portals to and from these various areas? Was there a reason that they existed? There had to be something going on that these doors started appearing, even if it was only in response to his meddling with the orange gems. The door opened itself slightly as he walked up, with the chief and the other warriors following close behind him. They backed off as he turned around to look at them before he opened the door. The light was blinding and he felt something knock him over through the threshold. Getting up he looked around to see that Rashakh had tackled him through the portal back to his own world. He looked confused and it seems that he had only tackled him so he could get through the door himself. His eyes were darting around as he looked at the unfamiliar architecture and decor.\n\n\t\"Wh-where are we now?! I wanted to see where this would go, but I didn't think before actually running into you.\"\n\n\t\"This is back from the world that I am from. The one I came from.\"\n\n\tRashakh looked around some more, intrigued by the interior of the home he now lay in. He got up, picking up his spear and walking down the hallway and into Hector's study. The books intrigued him the most as he moved his hand across them, looking at the titles. Hector walked in and noticed him viewing his collection of books. He took one out, and looked at the front before opening it to the first few pages.\n\n\t\"You have a lot of books about very abstract things. I've never seen so many books about the occult, but you do seem to have many books about other things.\"\n\n\t\"I never did until I needed them. These special gems are not in any normal books about rocks, minerals or metals. I couldn't even find any mention in books on artifacts or archeology. My books on the various sciences were dead ends as well.\"\n\n\tRashakh nodded and he put the book back and sat down on the floor. He looked up at Hector and looked at him like he should sit down. Hector walked over to his desk and sat in his chair, which caused Rashakh to stand up and find one of the other chairs in the room to sit in. A knocking on the front door came and Hector reacted immediately by getting up and walking to the sound. The door behind him clicked as he made sure it was shut tight. Kelly had been waiting outside patiently for Hector to answer the door. He let the mayor in and he closed the door and walked forward to give Kelly some space. The old lion looked at him with a perplexed look as he stood there.\n\n\t\"You're very...uhh...unclean, Hector.\" Kelly pointed out.\n\n\t\"Oh yes...I was just taking care of a few things.\" Hector answered, forgetting that he was splattered with blood.\n\n\t\"I'll just...go. I have some things to take care of.\" Kelly said as he opened the door and exited quickly, straightening his jacket as he did, \"That man is such an enigma sometimes...I need to know what it is he does with his time.\"\n\n\tAfter the Mayor had left Hector closed the door and stood there, thinking of what he needed to do next, and that this research was getting to be quite a hassle.\n\n\t\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"\tHector walked around his study and eyed the gems on his desk closely.  He stopped and sat in his chair, folding his hands under his chin.  What was that world he was in, and where did these crystals come from?  What was that monstrosity that had attempted to impale him when he aqcuired the gem from the sphere?  He stared at them even more closely, seeing a sheen coming from them that no other gem had.  He heard footsteps approaching and he stowed the gems in his desk drawer and made sure the top of his desk was as neat as it could be.  The door opened and a head of gray-streaked brown hair popped in.  He tensed up and became very stiff in his chair, not wanting to see the face that entered his study.  

\t"Hector!  How are you fellow?  I trust you've been doing well." the man said.

\t"I'm fine, Kelly.  Not much to speak of, the realms of science and philosophy aren't moving too swiftly i'm afraid.  They certainly aren't the realms of war and battle.  They move a lot more slowly than those." Hector replied.

\tThe face now before him was the face of Mayor Kelly Barba of Yettle, the small town Hector resided in.  Kelly was an older, more wizened looking lion with light brown fur and a darker brown mane and tail tuft streaked with gray.  He never saw eye-to-eye with Kelly, and vice versa was true for the Mayor.  He never trusted Hector as a man of virtue, and even less as a man of means.  Kelly was walking around his study, examining the dust covered books around the room.  He kept running his fingers across them, and wiping the dust on the breast of his long coat.  Kelly's eyes kept wandering over to Hector.  Keeping a straight face Hector returned every single glance that Kelly threw his way.  Kelly was a dabbler in science, and some say even in magic, though everyone says just by believing in magic that one's credibility was tarnished.  Kelly stopped in front of Hector's heavy wooden desk, and placed his hands on the surface flatly.

\t"Some people are saying you went missing for a few days.  I just wanted to make sure that nothing happened at all to one of my townsfolk.  Especially one as successful and astute as you, Hector.  Your loss would be a heavy one."  Kelly said with a smile.

\tHector wasn't sure if he detected any kind of deceitful nature behind that smile or those words.  He never got along with Kelly, but he wasn't sure if he'd ever mean him harm directly.  He sat up in his chair and looked the mayor in the eye once more.  What was he thinking?  There had to be something more on his mind than general concern.

\t"What are you playing at Kelly?  Is there something you want?" Hector asked.

\t"I'm not playing at anything Hector.  I would just like to know if these rumors have any truth to them.  I wouldn't presume to know anything revolving around your life, as you know I'm never one to pry." Kelly responded plainly.

\tHector definitely didn't like Kelly's tone, nor did he like his hands touching his desk.  He may be the Mayor but this was Hector's home, and he wasn't about to let someone else quietly demand answers about the private things in his life.  Least of all about something that he knew little about, and could answer even less about.  He stood up suddenly, causing Kelly to stand up straight and take a single step back.  Walking around his desk he kept an eye on Kelly to make sure he wasn't trying to pull anything.

\t"They are wholly untrue rumors.  You know people will come up with stories when they have no real information, Kelly.  It's best not to listen to rumors at all, and end the ones that you hear."

\tHector walked over to the door and opened it and gestured for Kelly to go first.  He let him into the hall and led him to the front door of his small manor.  Kelly seemed dissatisfied with the answer that he received in the study, but he'd have to wait for any real answers.  As it was those answers weren't a promise, as Hector had no clue what it was he saw or what had happened.  At least, Hector didn't know for sure what he had seen.  He ushered Kelly out into the stuffy night air, the bugs buzzing around the lit lamp just outside his door.  Kelly gave him a handshake before he left down the path into town.  Hector closed his door and returned to his study, to take out the gems again.  Taking out the omega shaped gem, he held it up and looked at it.  He held it up to the moon, but the same thing that happened with the cluster shaped gem did not happen with this gem.  Perhaps the gems only reacted with sunlight when they were held up in direct areas of it.  He held it up to the moon again, and heard the same ringing he'd heard before.  He was taken aback, as the ringing filled the air, not knowing the moonlight affected them as well.  He lowered the gem quickly, as he did not want to conjure any portals, and the ringing stopped abruptly.

\t"If i'm to do this once more i'll need to arm myself properly."

\tHector walked down to his armory, looking at the mounted weapons and armor displays.  He looked around, wondering what he should take with him.  There's no telling what he might need, and he didn't even know if earthly weapons would harm such denizens as the scorpion beast.  He looked at the weapons lining the walls, and selected two blades.  His family's masterfully made heirloom arming sword and the matching sword that he forged himself with one of the world's greatest metalworkers.  The swords together formed one of the most formidable pairs of weapons in the world, and he proved it time and again.  He selected his armor carefully, he decided to take a combination of half-plate and studded leather armor.  Something relatively protective and easy to move in when things got tricky.  He donned the armor and equipped the weapons, and moved onto firearms that he might take with him as well.  His revolver seemed like a good idea, something to fire repeatedly and quickly.  He grabbed many extra bullets, enough to fire a few volleys if need be.  He draped a hood and shroud over his head and shoulders, to obscure his identity to anyone prying into his life.  He walked outside after closing the door behind him and locking the door.  Producing the gem, he held it up to the moon once again and heard the ringing once more.  From somewhee nearby he heard a clicking noise, the unlocking of a door.  The sinister whispers he had heard before filled the air as well.  He looked at the door to his home, unlocked and seeping darkness.

\t"It seems to work with whatever door is closest." Hector sighed.

\tHector walked up to his door as he looked around before gripping the handle, and turning it he opened the barrier and crossed the threshold.  He entered into a moonlit field that smelled of grass and flowers.  Nothing he saw in this field seemed at all familiar so he assumed that it wasn't part of his world or even the other one.  He furrowed his brow, now confused as to where these gems actually led when you crossed the gates of the realms.  He walked forward and was met with a light breeze.  It felt cool, and he figured that at least in this area, the temperature had to be at least twenty degrees cooler.  It wasn't stuffy, and instead the cool air might have made one chilled, but thankfully Hector had decided to layer his clothing.  He walked forward with the wind fluttering the draped cloth around his shoulders.  He looked up at the sky, to see if anything was similar with it from the last place he'd been.  The moon was a glowing purple, and the bloom from the orb was magnificent.  It was unlike anything Hector had seen before in his life.  This place seemed far calmer and more serene than the astral dimension he was visiting earlier, but he knew better than to let his guard down.  He heard some voices not far away, and felt the urgent need to hide himself from view.  He found some tall grass that served well enough for the purpose, and ducked down into it.  The voices grew closer and closer as he waited to see what happened.  They stopped very near him, but continued talking, and the language he was surprised to learn, was actually in Earthen.

\t"Have you seen the others?  We've been separated from them for a while." one said.

\t"No, if I had we wouldn't still be lost.  I don't even know where we are." the second replied.

\tHector fidgeted slightly, rustling the grass and drawing the attention of the two individuals, which appeared to be blue-furred badgers.  He cursed his tension as the two scoured the grass to find the source of the sound.  Neither seemed to know where he is and he was thankful for the moment, but he wasn't sure how much they would take.  Finally he was met with a loud yell, and he emerged out of the grass with a roll.  He raised up onto his feet as he drew his sword, brandishing it at the two standing before him now.  They seemed startled at his appearance, and neither had any weapons on them that he could see.  Fear adorned their faces as he stepped closer, still holding his sword aloft.  Backing away, their words seemed to be tied up in their mouths for nothing came forth except a few whimpers.  Hector's brow was furrowed and he lowered his hood to reveal his face, causing the two to gasp at his appearance.  He looked at them gravely, not sure what to make of them though he did not feel the same fear they felt.

\t"What is this place?" he asked

\t"W-w-what do you mean?  You're here in it so you should know right?" one responded

\tAt this Hector growled angrily as it wasn't the answer he was looking for.  He drew his revolver and pointed it at the two before him.  He wasn't planning to use it, but he needed answers and if they were going to play stupid then he may as well scare it out of them.  The two looked at the gun in awe, not understanding what it was.  They moved in closer to get a better look, and when one of them layed hands on it Hector wrenched it away and pointed it into the sky.  He pulled the trigger and a shot rang out, causing the two to back away once more.

\t"I'll ask once more.  What is this place?"

\t"Its just the world we live in!  We've never thought to question what this place is before!  There didn't seem to be a point!" the same one responded again, cowering on his knees.

\tHector considered this, and returned the sword to its scabbard and the gun to its holster.  Helping the cowering badger before him, he made it clear that he never intended to physically harm them.  The confusion that he felt upon entering this place was far greater than the serenity, despite how peaceful the air was.  The two relaxed as he calmed down, but they still seemed shaken from the ordeal.  Hector looked around to see nothing but vast plains stretching out around them, a few trees here and there but mostly nothing but grass and sky.  The men were still standing around, and he looked them over.  Their clothing was of hide and animal skins, and their fur was clearly darker than his own.  Some of their fur was darker blue, or possibly even black, and their eyes were lightly colored.  One had green eyes, and the other had violet eyes.  Not the kind of person you saw every day, but he was curious as to how they knew the Earthen language.

\t"The language you spoke.  That I am speaking now.  How did you learn it?"

\t"We would ask you the same, stranger.  We have never seen you before, and if that's the case, then you are not from here, especially considering the questions you've been asking."

\t"If you know that then you must know that I very much need the information I am asking for.  I will ask you once more then: where are we and what is that language called that you are speaking?"

\tThe two badgers simply shrugged and Hector sighed and drooped his shoulders, realizing that he could not get anywhere since his questions were making no sense.  Even if he could clearly prove that he was not from this world he could still not get information that did not exist.  There was not much more he could do from here except ask these two to take him to the nearest settlement that they recognized or at least find someone they knew.  The two strangers scratched their heads and they looked at each other then looked back at Hector.

\t"We're actually lost ourselves.  We were trying to find our companions but we feel we've been going in the worst direction this entire time."

\t"What direction have you been walking from?"

\tThe two pointed behind themselves, indicating their direction of travel was the direction they were currently facing.  Hector pushed past them and walked in that direction as the two badgers looked at him, then again at each other.  They hurried along behind him, making sure they stayed both decently close but also far enough away.  They were unsure that he knew where to go, seeing as how he didn't even know where he was.  Instinct told them to follow him all the same, as staying here wasn't going to get them anywhere.  Hector was looking around as he kept walking along, the tall grass swaying in the light breeze of the night.  The moon still glowed purple, and the night sky was a dark green, he just noticed.  The grass did not seem to have any color at all, it being as gray as the metal of his armor, though not as shiny.  Hector stopped and signaled to the two tailing him to stop as well, and they did abruptly.

\t"Three figures in the distance, do you fellows recognize them?"

\t"Yeah!  That's our chief there!  He's kinda strict, but he's strong and he makes sure the village stays safe."

\tThe two badgers led him over, the chief taking notice when they were still a fair distance off.  The chief was a smaller male badger of white coloration, with streaks of purple in his fur, and the other badgers around him were armed as well as he was.  He was more a boy than a man, but he seemed a lot more ferocious than the others.  Everyone except him had gray fur and were slightly bigger, but he seemed to be the toughest of the lot.  He saw Hector and he drew back into a defensive, but not hostile stance.  He was wary of the stranger before him, but he smiled as the other two joined the small group.  The other two people, one woman and one man, were also frosty from Hector's presence.  They were more directly hostile, brandishing knives and axes made from a combination of wood and metal.  They were smaller than Hector, but then most people were shorter than he was.  Despite their size disadvantage they held their weapons menacingly and didn't seem like they'd back down.  Hector drew his own two swords and brandished them as well, though he took no fighting stance.  He did not want things to escalate, but he was no fool and knew to keep something to defend himself with at the ready.

\t"You are...certainly not from this region.  By the looks of you...I'd say you are not even of this world, are you?" the chief asked.

\t"A keen observation.  I am not, and I have not gotten any answers as to where I am from the two I was with.  I don't suppose that you can shed any light on the situation?"

\t"I can tell you we are in the Haavar region but other than that I cannot say where we are.  The world here is the world here.  I suppose you may call it Nesh'Ra Kaal as we do."

\tHector sheathed his weapons, and watched as the two badgers next to the chief did the same, though it was at the glance of the chief.  He himself had a long spear, the spearhead of which was large, and made of glinting metal, affixed to a wooden shaft.  He turned around and he decided to take his spear and take a few stabs at Hector.  He dodged and pushed the spear away from himself, but did not move any closer to him.  He attempted a few more, and Hector instead sidestepped and gripped the shaft of the spear and pulled it from the boy's grasp and quickly turned the point on him.  He was carrying himself in a pikeman's stance, sure that the chief was wishing he hadn't just done what he did.

\t"You're quick, and you aren't afraid to get close enough to disarm an opponent.  I would request my spear back.  I was only testing your ability." the chief explained.

\t"I'll keep this for now, because you outnumber me five to one.  I can't be sure your men won't try anything once you're armed again.  I can't say I'd have a lot of trouble with it, but I'd rather not kill them."

\tThe chief snarled but he nodded, his men also seemed largely disgruntled  by Hector's words.  He beckoned to him to follow, and he did so, coming up on a large village in a small while after walking.  It seemed similar to what native, if a little more primitive, people in his own world would have created for themselves.  He stopped at the gate, and held out his hand for his spear.

\t"I would like that back now.  I will not appear as a chief incapable of keeping his weapon in his own hands against a complete stranger.  I will forcefully take it if I have to."

\t"Here, take it back then.  Just know it was yourself that got it taken from you, and I'd say to you that taking it from me forcefully might not be the brightest or easiest thing to do.  So let's not try it hmm?"

\tThe chief snatched his spear back, and snarled at Hector, but he knew that it would not be wise to try and provoke any real anger from him.  He walked into the small village, the villagers staring at him and his armor made of metal and leather.  Everyone here was colored in various shades that didn't stray too far from the men he met earlier, but varied enough to show that one was distinct from another.  They were whispering as he walked by, trying to keep his attention off of the small crowd walking through.  He was the hardest to try and tear a gaze away from.  The small gem in his pocket had started to warm as he walked along toward what looked like a longhouse, likely the residence of the Chief himself.  He led him straight up to it and walked in, letting him in as well.  Hector noticed yet another large translucent sphere with  a small, orange-glowing gem in the center of it.  He walked up and the Chief hissed breifly at him.

\t"You will not touch that precious relic, not only because it is not allowed but also because it is not possible.  That orb it is inside is not penetrable by any means we have yet tried, but even if it were, only I would be allowed to handle the relic."

\t"Fine I suppose, you know I never asked your name.  I am Hector Veras, and what I do is not important as I do not do it here."

\t"Rashakh Aamala, as I am called by my family and friends, and Chief by those I do not know.  You may call me Rashakh if you wish, I will not protest."

\tHector nodded and he hesitated before he placed a hand on the surface of the orb, and Rashakh drew his spear in defense of the gem.  His anger was replaced quickly with awe as the orb seemed to give as he pressed into it slightly.  He put his spear down and he walked up and attempted the same, but his hand was stopped firmly as the orb seemed as hard as iron to his touch.  He looked Hector up and down, not knowing who or what he was as he pushed further in, Hector himself knowing he would get inside at some point.  He gasped as he made his way into it, and he looked at him with his mouth agape.

\t"How did you do that?  You merely pressed with your hand to get in. How will you get out now though?  I can't imagine once you are in, you will be able to get out." Rashakh stated.

\tHector moved his hand under the crescent shaped gem, and it lowered itself into the hand under it.  The chief gasped as the orb disappeared as he walked up to him with the gem in his hand.  He looked from the gem to Hector's face, then to the now gone orb, or where it once was.  He sat down and she tried processing what had just happened, as it seemed to shatter his very world.  He got up and she seemed to have formed an idea in his head, and grabbed his arm and led him out.

\t"Everyone, this is another!  This is an Astral breed!  He has taken the gem from the sphere!  I have witnessed it with my own eyes.  Come and look!" he said

\tThe villagers gathered in a congregation around the gate outside of his longhouse.  They seemed to notice the gem in hector's hand, and many seemed awed by it.  Others seemed scared, or apprehensive about an outsider holding the gem.  He tried calming down the general mass of people, and he was largely successful, but some still seemed rattled that an outsider was able to get their gem.  He had signaled to Hector and he held the gem up, showing the people the crescent shape of it.  Many made awed noises, and some had even shaken their head at him.  The gem started glowing suddenly, and a screech was heard in the distance, approaching the village quickly.  Hector knew the screech, and was sure that this was the worst place for it to show up.  He stowed the gem, and quickly made his way toward the town gate, trying to lure the monster to him.  He was successful, seeing that the beast was in fact on its way toward him.  This one was not of the same type as the other, it was large and snakelike with legs.  It's head was huge and flared, hissing and rattling noises coming from his mouth.

\t"A different beast?  What manner of gem are these small stones?  I can at least say I am prepared for one of your kind this time."

\tHe drew his swords, readying himself for an onslaught from the beast, which slithered up and attempted to snap him up in its giant jaws.  It missed as hector stepped out of the way, causing it to rip up dirt into it's mouth.  He slashed several times, in a tight pattern, raining blows onto the snake's body.  The attacks connected, but he found that none of them created any serious wounds.  The snake thrashed it's body around, striking Hector broadly, and knocking him off balance.  It took this opportunity to strike with its fangs once more, but Hector was savvy to its plan.  He caught the top and bottom of its mouth by impaling them on his blades.  He was able to barely hold its head in place while he dragged the swords out of its face.  He felt blood spray when he finally ripped them out, evoking a long screech from the snake, which tried withdrawing.  He presented the gem, and the snake seemed to smoke and begin to wither.  He took the opportunity to try and lop off the snake?s head, and was met with overwhelming success, the snake?s head falling to the ground and writhing before dying.

\tRashakh ran up, his spear at the ready and a few men following behind him but they stopped when they saw the lion standing over the dead beast.  His swords were covered in blood as were the clothes he wore.  There was a long pause before the chief and his men bowed low to him.  Hector wiped his blades clean before sheathing them in their scabbards.  Walking up to the chief he put a hand on his shoulder causing him to look up at him.

\t"There is no reason to bow to me.  I am no king." Hector said

\t"I still think there is a reason to respect a person such as you."

\t"That may be but I was just doing what my instinct told me to, I'm sure you would have done exactly what I had done."

\tHector brushed past him to walk back into the village when he heard the familiar sound of the sacred songs playing again.  He turned toward the source to find yet another door with rays reaching from under the closed door.  What was the purpose of these portals to and from these various areas?  Was there a reason that they existed?  There had to be something going on that these doors started appearing, even if it was only in response to his meddling with the orange gems.  The door opened itself slightly as he walked up, with the chief and the other warriors following close behind him.  They backed off as he turned around to look at them before he opened the door.  The light was blinding and he felt something knock him over through the threshold.  Getting up he looked around to see that Rashakh had tackled him through the portal back to his own world.  He looked confused and it seems that he had only tackled him so he could get through the door himself.  His eyes were darting around as he looked at the unfamiliar architecture and decor.

\t"Wh-where are we now?!  I wanted to see where this would go, but I didn't think before actually running into you."

\t"This is back from the world that I am from.  The one I came from."

\tRashakh looked around some more, intrigued by the interior of the home he now lay in.  He got up, picking up his spear and walking down the hallway and into Hector's study.  The books intrigued him the most as he moved his hand across them, looking at the titles.  Hector walked in and noticed him viewing his collection of books.  He took one out, and looked at the front before opening it to the first few pages.

\t"You have a lot of books about very abstract things.  I've never seen so many books about the occult, but you do seem to have many books about other things."

\t"I never did until I needed them.  These special gems are not in any normal books about rocks, minerals or metals.  I couldn't even find any mention in books on artifacts or archeology.  My books on the various sciences were dead ends as well."

\tRashakh nodded and he put the book back and sat down on the floor.  He looked up at Hector and looked at him like he should sit down.  Hector walked over to his desk and sat in his chair, which caused Rashakh to stand up and find one of the other chairs in the room to sit in.  A knocking on the front door came and Hector reacted immediately by getting up and walking to the sound.  The door behind him clicked as he made sure it was shut tight.  Kelly had been waiting outside patiently for Hector to answer the door.  He let the mayor in and he closed the door and walked forward to give Kelly some space.  The old lion looked at him with a perplexed look as he stood there.

\t"You're very...uhh...unclean, Hector." Kelly pointed out.

\t"Oh yes...I was just taking care of a few things." Hector answered, forgetting that he was splattered with blood.

\t"I'll just...go.  I have some things to take care of." Kelly said as he opened the door and exited quickly, straightening his jacket as he did, "That man is such an enigma sometimes...I need to know what it is he does with his time."

\tAfter the Mayor had left Hector closed the door and stood there, thinking of what he needed to do next, and that this research was getting to be quite a hassle.

\t

","pools_count":0,"title":"Earth Realm","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"application/msword","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"2","rating_name":"Adult","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"5","name":"Strong Violence","description":"Strong violence, blood, serious injury or death","rating_id":"2"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"50","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}