The city of Gratz
The city of Gratz. One could argue it is a pile of rubble and yet people actually live here. In fact, the population is over 10 million residents. Baah... It is a forced experiment in which individuals from the many races are forced to live together in order to work out their differences and progress rapidly using their different ways of thinking and strengths. The result? Everyone refusing to change and trying to enforce their culture onto others. Additionally, those of the same species have their own subclasses to add to the chaos – orcs, with their clans, trolls with their tribes and voodoo believes, humans with their religions and race, sylivan with their beasts and forests and so on. All of that just rubs salt in the wound. To put things into perspective – humans will build their skyscrapers, while dwarves, harpies and minotaurs will dig their caves under them... the result, as can be imagined, is not so pretty. Hard to believe this is not intentional confrontation. This leads to lawsuits which bankrupt one of the 2 sides. All races operate under the same currencies and banks as it makes trading considerably easier. Well, at least the law enforcers are keeping the situation from spiraling out of control. That is mainly due to their increased, satisfactory pay by the investors of these cities. Politicians and the wealthy occasionally try these projects, however, they always end in chaos. I don’t understand why they would even try. It’s not profitable and is absolutely naive.
So what does Gratz look like you might ask? In short, the concrete roads are split open as if a river is flowing down the streets, buildings, such as the aforementioned half ruined human skyscrapers, the barely standing orcish fortresses, the small cylindrical gnomish huts, the troll tall tentlike structures made out of concrete which look as they are about to tumble down, are all built in their own districts, further pushing the racial divide. To top things off or ... bottom in this case, under the unstable roads the dwarves have built their tunnels and housing in a way which could collapse the entire city. They’re allowed to do so under the belief that no species should be discriminated against and on the basis that they have the knowledge and instinct of when they have pushed the limits of their tunnels. Clearly true, as seen by the destroyed roads and broken buildings... Well, they are also allowed to create caves for the reason of harpies, minotaurs and zibals creating their homes in them. Harpies make their nests and carvings in the cracks, minotaurs create giant labyrinths where they construct their homes. How they all remember their own individual residences in those everlasting tunnels is still mindboggling me. The zibals simply like the humidity of caves and build their wooden houses underground. Maybe these creatures are the closest to interracial understanding as they live like dwarves, build like gnomes and elves, tame like sylivan and centaurs, are big as orc and ogres, look like goblins and share their religions with the humans. Quite the creatures.
Speaking of interracial understanding, the city center has enforced diversity. There are troll ritual stones, human churches and mosques, orcish totems, harpy carvings, elven arts, dwarven craft, gnomish inventions, minotaur sacred grounds, sylivan-type zoos and so on. A beautiful sight ... if done correctly. Sadly, individuals from the different species, sometimes even from the same, destroy each others’ traditional values as if it would increase the need of their own. The aftereffects are desecrated grounds and buildings, as well as much more conflict. While it is understandable for an individual of a group to not comprehend another’s traditions, said individual should be able to accept it and progress in its’ new environment. That is the optimistic thought process behind the creation of these multiracial cities. Quite impossible to achieve in my humble opinion as there are way too many differences between all of the races... In this time and age at the very least.
But who am I to have an opinion? The names’ Zaran, an exorcist. I am an orphan brought up to destroy corporeal monstrosities created by malice or trauma. Sometimes my work goes beyond that. By race, I am an orc, but in my work that rarely matters as all exorcists believe in a god or energy in some way, shape or form. After years of rigorous training in a specialized orphanage, funded by most countries, those who truly believe receive runes given by the gods on their weapons and gain the ability to use rune traps... those who do not ... are killed. But exactly because of these runes exorcists are respected and are actually seen as beings above the rest despite their race. The only meaning my race has, are the inherent orcish size and strength as well as the infamous orcish bloodlust state. It can be compared to the human adrenaline rush, however the only intent is to kill in the bloodlust state and nothing else. I personally have only once experienced it. It lasted for about 3 minutes before I collapsed of exhaustion... but that is a story for another time. As for how I got my runed battle axes, I simply believe in something I call the Sins, as I consider life itself to manifest in that which is evil in us. This evil tells us what we want. The catch is we have to restrain it to not become monsters, attain that which we want without harming others. And without these sins, we are nothing, just lifeless bags of flesh walking around. A bit satirical as I am not allowed to experience any of the joys of life... but enough of that.
You might be asking yourself why am I walking around the broken streets of Gratz? The answer is that I am to cleanse an elven ruined house. The job details will come from my client – Sanya – a female elf. Apparently, she wanted to restore the house of her dead grandparents but when she went there, monsters ambushed her. She escaped because of her nimbleness, according to her that is. Here comes the catch, when she called for help no one could see the monsters apart from her. Peculiar. The monsters would also refuse to leave the house. I can already guess what the situation is. If only she can see them, the probability is high that she is responsible for the creation of these monsters in some way. Even if I’m wrong, I’ll find the out the truth.
This should be the address, yet no one is here. Time to make a call. Funny! No one could fandom the creation of phones 500 years ago, hell, even 100 years ago It was still not anticipated to be able to contact anyone anywhere with such ease. A wonderful invention. Even with all the wars and fighting, technology is still being pushed forward or maybe war is the reason technology is advancing. One of the few advantages of having an extended lifespan is seeing all the new technologies being created and the slow and steady advancement of society. No answer... Baaah. I guess I’ll wait a bit.
Exorcists do not age after they reach their prime. We still do die to diseases, although we do have extremely advanced immune systems, and ... limb loss. One would think this an incredible gift... but not really. You have to take into account we have to follow our gods’ wills which usually means having no friends or family and the only relationships you can create are with your clients. If an exorcist does not follow the will of the forces above him, he usually meets his death one way or another. Ah... I’m ranting again...!
- Greetings! – I hear a soft yet sharp female voice just before I ring up my client. It is an elf, female, short and slender like most elves with long straight even blonde hair, a pointy nose, small wide eyes and long pointy ears. I say short relative to my size, however elves are taller than most other races. We orcs along with the ogres and zibals tend to be the biggest of the sentient beings...well apart from the dragons, sabers, titans and enders which I believe are myths as I haven’t seen one in my extended life. You may also ask what is the difference between elves and humans apart from their ears. It is said elves are more artistic, tho’ that can be argued, but the real reason is I believe that elves and humans cannot mate, meaning they aren’t the same species.
- Hello. Are you Sanya? – I ask quickly.
- Yes! You must be the exorcist Zaran! Thanked be the “Mother”! – cheerfully yells the elf as she prays to the elven “Mother” who created life. – The monster are inside and are bi...
- Quiet! – I interrupt – What is your connection to the destruction of the house? Do not even attempt to lie to me as it impossible for only you to see the monsters if you have no relation to their existence. Add in how the house was destroyed exactly as well. - In my experience being extremely direct with such clients is the best course of action.
- WHAT?! HOW TH...
- I said, do NOT lie to me. – I interrupt again as she is in a rage – I will need to find out the truth of the matter if I am to remove the monsters in the house. If you do not cooperate I will not risk my life as it would be pointless.
- I see. My apologies. I should have realized I would have to face my sins. – I believe her apology is genuine – You have already deduced a good bit of the story. It happened 30 years ago. My grandfather created his art on canvases with oil and gunpowder by burning them and the result was a beautiful picture every time... almost. I was a carefree child. It was about 10 years after the troll wars... devastating wars, which I do not remember and did not remember then, but my grandmother did. She always accused me of being a little brat and not tending to my duties-school at the time- and beat me often. She broke my wrist one time and I physically could not handle my duties anymore, yet she still beat me. I decided to fight fire with fire. I took my grandfathers’ supplies and planted them under my grandmothers’ bed, leaving a trail I could light from a safe distance. Tragically, I was young and stupid an could not judge the strength of the explosion. The third floor and attic of the house blew up, while the first and second floor stood and still stand until this day. I thought my grandfather was safe... but it turned out I had miscalculated, and he got caught in the explosion as well. I was a child and did not understand the consequences of my actions... I...
- Do not seek my compassion. I am not allowed to show any. – I cut her off again. – All I can say is that in a way you have gotten your punishment and most scenarios which require exorcists are the same – tragedies. As for the monsters you saw, they are probably your grandparents. Were they two?
- Yes. One of them ... did not approach me, I believe. Oh... erh. I am not feeling well.
- Understandable. This confirms my theory. I will have to immobilize them and separate their souls from their bodies. Should be easy enough ... Oh, and I’ll need a DNA sample of yours, any kind works.
- Why?
- Your grandmother is bound to the physical world by her immense hate towards you which is leading her to haunt the house. Her current form is called a Kukudh. To unbind her she would need to see your death. That is where the DNA comes in. I can create a body double with my runes if I have a DNA sample and the necessary components of the given body. It takes about 10 hours to make one that can physically move on its’ own and I can make it do noises on command. I will give that doll to your grandmother to shred. She will then calm herself and will willfully give herself up as her current existence is probably pain. As for your grandfather. He is probably bound to this world due to his wife. He can’t bear to know that she is suffering alone and so is staying. That is pretty much confirmed by the fact that he did not attack you. This will lead to his easy cleansing as well.
- I see. How cruel of me... to leave them in endless suffering... How will you see them?
- Do you see these runed battle axes? They pretty much give me the ability to see any abnormality.
-Ah! Well, thank you and good luck. I apologize for making you go through this but I need my conscious to be calmed. And here. *rip* A lock of my hair for your doll.
- Don’t worry about me. Even if everything goes wrong I can tear them apart but that would be awfully painful for them and would take me hours of praying to send them off... which is difficult. I hope you restore the house to glory after I’m done with it.
- Thank you! I’ll do everything within my abilities to make it shine once more!
Sanya... an elf who has clearly sinned, yet is more useful to this dreadful society than most. A successful saleswoman known in the entire country of Nazjara. She is trying to fix her mistakes by turning the past into a respectable future. She has helped elevate many out of poverty, not only elves but from all the other races as well... ugh, except the demons. Truly goes to show that some tragedies are simply an unfortunate error... not all tho. It’s time for a good nights’ sleep as it’s getting late. I’ll buy all the necessary supplies for the doll and find a large supply of dirty water as I don’t want to use drinkable water for this as I will probably need about 60 liters of water. I might as well create my rune square for the ritual as it will take me a good bit of time praying.
◆◆◆
It’s the next day. I have found where the sewer water passes in the open. I’m going to use it to create the doll with all the other necessary elements such as carbon, calcium and many others. The rune is ready, the supplies as well...time to pray.
Phew. 8 hours and 53 minutes. I’m slowly improving. The doll looks exactly as it should. It moves relatively life-like. *AWRAHHHHHH*. The scream of pain sounds realistic enough. Should be good enough for a 15-second shredding... hopefully. Time to go to the house.
A concrete house covered in vines which looks like it’s about to collapse. 2 floors with the 2nd looks like it doesn’t have a roof or glass in its’ windows. The front door is leaning forward, standing on only 1 of its hinges. I’ve seen worse.
I go towards the door while pushing the doll with my left hand. I kick the door down with my right foot as it is only getting in the way and getting the attention of the 2 monsters inside will only make things easier. Nothing in the front entrance. Pfft... Have to check every room as they could sneak up on me. 2 rooms on the left, 1 on the right and then the second floor. Every step I take is creaking on the wooden floor. I send in the doll first in the first room in the left... A kitchen. Just an old oven with chairs, a table, a few drawers and some cutlery. Time for the room on the right... Nothing, again. Just a general living room – spacious with a chair and a table and decorated walls with paintings, classic in elven and human cultures. The next room on the left... hmmp..........GAH....... Horrid stench!!! An old bathroom with busted pipes sprinkling piss water. The way to the 2nd floor is a wooden staircase in an L-shape. I go up the stairs, doll fir... Its face is right in front of mine, a creature on 4 legs, made out of ash. *GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*. It’s growling at me. It jumps on my arm and blood is flying out of the doll.*ARAWGFAAAA*. I make the doll scream and drop it with the monster. The second kukudh jumps onto my shoulder. It appears the one on my shoulder is not happy with my presence, while the other detests Sanya, meaning the one on top of me should be the grandfather. I might have to chop it in half. Should be easy enough as I’m probably 5 times its size. The doll stops screaming and the shredding stops.
- F-finAlly. ThA witCH Is deAd. – The one the ground screeches.
- I can release your souls now from eternal suffering.
- Silence-e-e! – The one on top of me orders. – You are an exorci-i-ist! I DO NOT BELIEVE-E-e YOU!
- How come? It’s my job to send those like you away so you can find peace.
- Can you prove that is the real Sanya? Huh, exorcist? Aren’t you suppose-e-ed to protect your clients? - This one is very sane.
- WhAt? ThAt nO reAl witCH?!?!
- She was the real thing. Sanya told me the story of your deaths. My job is to cleanse the abnormalities and the only way I saw to lift this curse was to sacrifice her due to her sins. Why do you care? Aren’t you the gr...
- WHY DO I CARE-E-e?!?! THAT LITTLE WITCH WAS TROUBLE THE MOMENT SHE WAS BROUGH HERE-E-e. I did my best to discipline her, yet she killed ME, ME AND THAT STUPID HUSBAND OF MINE. SHOULD I NOT CARE-E-e.
- I thought you were the husband as you did not attack her the first time or this time for that matter. Why didn’t you?
- Because I do not want anything to do with that, that abomination. My husband wants revenge-e-e as he gave her everything and she killed him in return.
- And you are bound here because you take responsibility for his death as you pushed Sanya to do what she did and cannot leave yo...
- SILENCE-E-E!!!
- Is ThA trU?
- NO! NEVE-E-Er!
- ThAn why U ’erE? ThA exo’cist speAk ThA trUt!
- I... I... did not expect the brat would go so far. I wishe-e-ed for her to run away and neve-e-er return, yet she murdered me-e-e. You were a side-e-e victim...
- AAAAAAAAAARRRRRSA
The grandfather takes down the grandmother from my shoulder and tears her to shreds. She isn’t resisting. It’s over and he seems done.
-FinIsh thIs exo’cist.
I make my runes and separate the souls from the bodies.*AAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWRRRRRRR*. The grandparents scream. After 4 minutes, it’s over. The bodies are lifeless. Time to collect my pay and be on my way. Sanya pays me with a generous tip on top and is incredibly grateful. Her future looks hopeful... Unlike my next client...…
