//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The First Immortal // by Crooked Djinn //------------------------------// A young scientist sat hunch over his desk, goggles clasped to his face as he tinkered away at the large device in front of him. It had been his magnum opus. Well, his latest magnum opus. He had worked on many things ranging from small items that made daily life easier, to large scale projects that made history. This would only be the latest in a long line of achievements. He slaved away, eyes darting in between the interior of the large device to the notes hastily scribbled on the various papers scattered across his desk. The sound of ticking and sparks could be heard as he gently turned screws with his hands and fiddled with wires. Often times shocking himself and reeling back in pain. This was normal however. This was his life. Simple and worked filled. There was always something to do. Always something to fill his time. He was never bored, not in the slightest. But of course, one could argue he slaved away just to keep his mind off the outside world. He stopped, the thought entering his head as he worked. His hands were still as he began to ponder the world outside of his small lab on the outer rim of Agartha. A total recluse, he hadn't spoken to anyone in quite some time. Save for his servants and friend. Who now that he thought of, was running late. He turned to the clock hanging on the wall. It was the Eighth Bell, late in the Agarthan afternoon. Though, his friend was busy, almost as much as he, so he couldn't blame him. Still he wondered what kept him. But his tangent of wonder had been interrupted when he heard a rap on the door. Projecting his voice, he said "Enter.", and a small, frail old man opened the door and bowed his head. "Lord Khalifa, His Majesty has arrived." The old man, Rafinar, had been his family's servant for three whole generations. And very loyal. "Thank you, Rafinar. Tell His Majesty I wait for him." the young man said. The frail old man then bowed his head and exited. Some time later, returning with the man who had caused him to wait so long. Prince Judea. A tall, handsome man with broad shoulders and long auburn braided hair that trailed down his back. Gold hung around his neck and bracelets, rings, and two small earrings adorned him in a sort of regalia. His face was very defined, a stone image of his father's. His skin was tanned and a very light beard traced along the edges of his jaw. He entered with a smile, his robes dancing across the floor as he hurried his way over to Khalifa. With open arms he greeted his life-long friend. "Solomon Khalifa! How long has it been? It feels like ages since we've spoken. I see you still like to stay clammed up here on K'veer." He rounded Khalifa's desk, pulling him up from his seat and into a very firm hug. With a groan, Khalifa managed to squeeze out a very quiet laughter as he endured the prince's surprisingly bear-like strength. "It's only been a few weeks Judea, we've spent longer apart." Khalifa said, fighting against his constrictor. Judea then subsided, calming himself and stepping away. "Even so, both of us have been so busy. We hardly have time for anything anymore. I would have come sooner, but found myself buried under Father's paperwork." Judea said, leaning on the hard sturdy desk and folding his arms. He then went quiet. Thinking of his father. "And how is His Majesty? What do the doctors say?" Khalifa asked. Judea only shook his head in uncertainty. "We've brought in the world's best physicians, the wisest old men, and the most talented magicians and shamans. But none of them know exactly what it is..." Khalifa listened as he walked over to the long table on the side of the room, pouring a glass of wine for himself and the prince. "...Do you think it's the Sickness?" he asked, looking over his shoulder. Judea visibly tensed. Gripping his arms as he closed in on himself. He never liked to give the possibility any thought. "That's what it seems to be. I've been moved to an entirely different wing of the palace. Everyone is afraid I'll somehow catch it, though it isn't contagious. They've all gone and written him off as dead now. Placing everything on me." He then took the glass from Khalifa's outstretched hand and leaned further on the desk, crossing his ankles. Khalifa sat in his chair again, pulling it out so he could face Judea. "Come now. He'll pull through. There hasn't been a sickness bred that could kill a human king!" he said cheerfully. But Judea's frown only fell farther. "Have you ever seen or heard anyone recovering from the Sickness?" the prince asked. He didn't bother looking at his friend. He only downed his drink and stared ahead. Distracting himself from the thoughts by counting how many books sat on a shelf on the wall. "Well, no. But that doesn't mean none ever will." The scientist then began to pilfer his own drink. A long silence following. In the quietness of the room, Khalifa began to think to himself. The Sickness had been spreading. But by a means none knew. One day a man would be as healthy and strong as an ox; only to falls flat on his back, weak and sickly. It was unlike any plague ever seen. Judea had placed his glass on the desk with a clink, the sound interrupting Khalifa's thought. "Enough of this talk. I had just forgotten why I came here in the first place." the prince said. "Other than visiting me?" Judea then laughed. Something that hadn't been common as of late. He then stood up right, pulling Khalifa out of his chair. "Yes yes. But I heard you were working on something and I wanted to see for myself." He then shifted his focus to the large machine sitting on the desk. "Is this it?" Placing his glass down, Khalifa leaned over, peering into the device's innards. "Yes. Though I have a long way to go before it's complete. I was actually contracted by the king, before he took ill. He wanted a weapon that could turn his enemies to stone." Judea cocked his to the right, shifting his stance in thought. He raised an eyebrow as he inspected the machine. It certainly looked like a weapon. The barrel was very large and wide, giving it the resemblance of a small cannon. As he looked it over, he saw that along the hilt were odd empty vials injected into the chamber, two on each side. Then he found what seemed to be the trigger. The handle placed on top. The trigger on the same handle. It was much too large. Too large to be moved by a single man anyway. Still he found it odd that his father would want such a weapon, when Agartha was capital of the world. What enemy required the use of such a weapon? As far as Judea knew, his family bore no enemies. "Did he ever say what it was for?" Judea asked. Khalifa only shook his head. He had pulled off his goggles, letting them hang below his chin. "To be honest, I haven't asked. I figured it was none of my business." "As you always do?" "Well...yes. When you put it that way." The prince stared at the scientist. Just then getting a proper look at him. Khalifa had always been so detached. Only devoted wholly to his work. "What is your business then?" Judea asked, waiting for an answer that hadn't been heard before. Khalifa only paused, rubbing the back of his neck in long, deep thought. Then finally, he smiled. "That's just it. Nothing is my business." They both then broke out in a fit of laughter. It was rare that either of them had any downtime. Moments like these were sparse in between their time together. And with the king falling ill, those times would be fluttering away in the near future. This saddened Judea, but he didn't let it show. With one hand he gripped Khalifa's shoulder and smiled. "When was the last time you've been out?" Before Khalifa could even answer he was already being lead by the hand out into the halls of his home. Judea dragged his friend through the lab and out into the hall, an intricate glass dome illuminating the foyer. Rafinar said nothing as he watched Khalifa be dragged from his home and out the door. He knew better than to try and stop the prince when he had such a smile on his face. The prince threw Khalifa out of his own door, leaving him to stumble on his feet nearly tripping on his own robes. "I said I'm not interested!" Khalifa insisted. Judea only ignored him as he brushed past Khalifa and continued to the steps. "Staying inside for too long isn't good. One must climb out from under his rock and mingle with his own kind." Khalifa only sighed. He hardly saw any point to going outside anymore. It had all become boring and uninteresting. But if the prince willed it, then so be it. He followed Judea to the steps and they both descended together. The stairs were carved from pure stone, winding down the cavern wall and into the town of K'veer. It was a quiet town, south-east from the main city. The distance to either bridge wasn't too far, but certainly not walking distance. Khalifa looked out at the city as he descended the stairs. And he had to admit that it was a view he had missed. The main city stood in the heart of a giant bowl of shimmering water. Four great bridges traversing the calm waters. From a distance, Agartha was a city of fireflies, each light reflected in the lake to create a sparkling sky of stars above the cavern. The outer towns were just as brilliant. Decorated with vibrant flowers, trees, and children who ran with their dogs. Each lantern was always lit, lighting the way through the towns small roads, giving the small town a sense of nocturnal peace. That afternoon, K'veer had been busy. With Judea's visit, many shop keepers and merchants hastily put their finest in their stalls and gave beckoning glances at them both as they passed. For Khalifa, it was always like this. Being a lord and all. But with Judea there, it seemed that merchants and peddlers were coming out of the woodwork. "Was it always like this?" Khalifa asked, trying to keep up with him in the sea of merchants. Judea only looked back, laughing as he politely sifted through the crowd. "Not particularly. Only when I visit the outer rim." Khalifa followed the prince through the thick crowd. Suddenly, Judea stopped in his tracks, ignoring the many peddlers surrounding him. He stared to the right, his gaze bypassing ever man and woman around him. Khalifa followed his stare. At first he saw nothing, and then he caught the sight of a woman leaned up against the side of a wall. Without saying anything, Judea approached her, brushing past everyone. Khalifa followed, curious. The woman was a poor sight. Her eyes were seemingly empty and she smelled like months of dirt and sickness. Dried blood surrounded her mouth and stained her dirty robes. She coughed, fresh blood falling from her agape mouth. People now gathered. Intrigued by the prince's sudden interest in the woman. She looked up at him. Pale, lifeless eyes staring into him. But Judea was unmoved. He kneeled down to her, calm and humble. Khalifa looked on, a slight worry on his face. This woman was obviously sick. If he got too close, she could infect him with whatever it was she had. "Internal bleeding?" Judea asked. The woman slowly nodded. She then broke into another cough, blood spouting from her mouth and onto her robes. Khalifa nearly jerked the prince away from her. "It must be hard for you. I was sickly as a child, so I can sympathize with you. I wish to help you. Is that alright?" Judea said softly. So softly, that seemingly only she could hear him. Her eyes went wide, a sudden life welling behind them. She said nothing but Judea understood. The small crowed watched as Judea outstretched his hand, a ring on his finger glowing. With his index and middle finger, he prodded the woman's throat. A light trailed along his fingers and into her, it was magic. The woman began to sit up right, feeling his magic work its way about her. In her throat, the light surged and mended her internal wounds. Judea then pulled his hand away, standing. She looked up at him, unable to speak. But all could see that tears welled in her eyes. Many stared in wonder. That woman had been an outcast. Feared for her sickness and avoided at all cost. But to see a prince approach her so casually, and then mend her was a compassion that not many had seen. Judea smiled at her. It was a warm, caring smile. One that very few had seen in history. For very few men were ever so kind. Without a word Judea turned and began to walk away into the crowd, motioning for Khalifa to follow. Khalifa took one last look at the woman as she slowly stood. She outstretched her hand, reaching for the man who showed her such compassion. She was grateful beyond all words. She looked at him, humbly bowing her head, the tears flowing freely now. Awkwardly, he returned the bow. He was perplexed by the whole experience. He quickly turned, not wanting to be left behind. It had been awhile since he had saw something like that. Judea was kind, very much so. It was in times like these that his kindness really showed. It inspired him, and as Khalifa followed his friend, he felt so small compared to him. In his heart, he could truly say that Prince Judea was a good man. In every sense of the word. The crowd was then thinning, all moving aside like they were the calm waters of the sea, and Judea was Moses. "What you did back there..." Khalifa started. "I hate sickness. Particularly because very few move to help the sick and leave them to suffer. Even doctors, they only treat you if you have the money. And with this new plague, people are exiled from entire communities and left to die. What's worse is these people aren't missed..." Khalifa couldn't see the long dreadful frown on Judea's face. But he knew it was there. He then remained silent as he followed. Finally, the pair pull through the crowd, coming to a protrusion of rock that jutted out from the upper tier of K'veer. Below them was the main road that spanned across the entire perimeter of the cavern. Many walked along it, going place to place. Everyone on their own tasks and errands. It made Khalifa somewhat nostalgic. Before graduating at the academy, he had often ran errands with Judea for the king. Back when he was still well and healthy. The two young men then sat, overlooking the lake that teemed with life and the city. Small fishing boats and other ferries moved across the lake, parting the water like knives through cake. There had been a long silence between the two. But neither of them had noticed. It was soothing just to sit with one another and think. Khalifa and Judea had been friends ever since they were children. Hardly ever apart, which was found odd by many of the people. Though Khalifa had been a noble son, it was still peculiar that he spent so much time in the palace. Judea was very sickly back then. Sometimes days would go by before he could even lift a finger. And Khalifa would always be there to keep him company. Sometimes getting sick himself and having to be visited by Judea. "It's been so long. Hard to believe we've managed to stay friends." Khalifa said aloud. Judea shot him a sideways glance. Then he leaned back on his elbows, spreading his feet apart. "Is it? Father says that we are intertwined. He's always been of the idea that we would remain friends forever. And I choose to see it that way." "Forever? ...God help me.." Judea gave his friend a playful shove. Sending Khalifa rocking to the side. "Still. I guess it isn't so bad. Being friends with royalty has it's advantages." "Oh? Well, I suppose being friends with a genius doesn't hurt either." "Right then. We remain friends solely out of mutual gain!" Khalifa then gave the prince a strong pat on the back. Making him tense up from the sting. "Oh come off it!" The both then exchanged banter well into the sixth bell. The sound erupting out from the great city and resonating around the slick walls of the cavern. It had done Khalifa some good, getting some fresh air. He had forgotten how wonderful it felt to just sit around. Alone, he would think himself bored and get back to work. But having a friend beside him made the moment grand and full. It was late. Many of the townsfolk had already withdrawn to their homes and shut the doors. Only the public torches were lit and there was no longer a crowd of boats floating in the lake. Judea stood, brushing dirt and small pebbles off his white robes. Extending his hand, he helped Khalifa up with a pull. "It is late. Father must be worrying." "Nonsense. This is K'veer. Nothing happens here. He has no reason to worry." "Oh but he does. He keeps going on and on about the celebrations. 'The indulgent and sinful nature of our people is heretical!'" Judea then made a fist. Furrowing his brow and frowning to imitate his father. Khalifa chuckled. He hadn't seen the king in quite sometime, but he knew his feelings towards the state of the world. Everyone knew. It was just that none cared to heed his warnings. But it also unnerved him too. It was rare that Khalifa himself left Agartha for the surface. But each time he did he was met with needless celebration that spanned the globe. It was like humanity, in his vanity, was celebrating his own existence. The church was jumping through hoops, sending out missionaries and monks to the four corners. "I'm sure His Majesty is just worrying; like the good king he is. We've both seen what goes on on the surface. And with the way the Sickness has been spreading...it's easy to see it as a plague from God." Judea then shifted uncomfortably. Khalifa thought he saw him shutter, but it was so slight that he couldn't be sure. "If it is a plague, let us hope that it passes." The pair turned to make their way back to Khalifa's home. With everyone in their homes, there were only guards stationed sparsely around the town. Each bowing to Khalifa and the prince as they passed. Judea didn't follow Khalifa as they reached the stairs. He stopped, grasping his friend's attention. "This is where my visit ends. I have to admit, our talk just now has given me slight worry and I feel I must return." Judea said politely. Khalifa nodded. Understanding the situation. His father was practically dying and there was seemingly nothing that could be done. It would make sense that his only son wanted to stay by his side for as long as possible. "Very well. I appreciate the visit. Perhaps I'll come and visit you later in the week. It has been awhile since I've gone into the city." "Oh I'd like that very much. Believe it or not, being regent ever since Father took ill has been greatly boring and tedious. I could use a distraction now and again." "Alright. I'll see what my schedule allows." Khalifa then bowed to Judea. It being customary, rather than mandatory. "Will you be alright heading back to the city?" he asked. Judea had already turned to leave before stopping and looking over his shoulder. He gave him a wry smile. Amused at the idea that his friend would think he could not take care of himself. "My servants wait for me on dock. I came here by ferry. You think I walked all the way here?" he asked jokingly. "Well, you've been known to take more absurd actions." Judea only waved him off as he began to make his way towards the small docks at the base of the cliff. Khalifa watched him go before continuing up the steps and into his home. Rafinar was waiting for him when he returned. With a bow, he welcomed him back. "I trust you enjoyed your time away from work?" the old man asked. Khalifa stepped inside the main hall, walking out into the center of the glass dome. He removed his goggles from around his neck and handed them to Rafinar. Looking up, he saw the cavern sky from outside the curved glass. If there was one thing he liked about the surface, despite its brutish culture and heretical sociology, it was the sky. In Agartha, there was no such sky. Only the darkness of the air that not even the many torches and lanterns illuminating the streets could fill. "Rafinar. Have you ever been to the surface?" Khalifa asked. The old man only shook his head humbly. Claiming the surface wasn't where his masters were and thus, voiding all his interest. "You're about a two hundred and fifty, yes? I'd like you to see it before you die. I've been thinking of building a second home there, once Prince Judea becomes king. He too likes the sky and air. And I think it'd do him some good to see it once more." Rafinar simply nodded his head as he listened. Not really caring for anywhere they were to go, so long as Khalifa was there. "The Prince seems to take kindly to the endless land and boundless sky. I'm sure he'd like to join you, My Lord." Khalifa then nodded. With a smile he bade Rafinar goodnight and headed into the back and into his lab. Usually, he'd still be up working. But now he saw fit to simply retire and sleep. It was nice to take breaks and be lazy now and again. Khalifa awoke from his sleep a month after Judea's last visit. It was warm in his room and he had not yet moved to get out of bed to ready himself. He had completed the weapon for the king the previous week and now teemed with excitement as he mulled in his bed. With this project now complete, Khalifa would have more free time to pursue his own projects. He remembered hearing long ago that before the king took ill, he had been working on a way to sustain the sun. Years ago, the surface people had noticed how hot the days were. The sun was in its final stages of life. Given a thousand or so more years, it would completely die and engulf the globe. For years, they've extended the sun's life via magic and technology, but there was only so many shamans who could wield such magic, and even then, they would die within a few years of practice. The king saw it necessary to create a race of creatures who would keep the sun in check. However, theoretically, these creatures could not live forever. They were flawed and after so long of maintaining the star, they would eventually lose their magical abilities. There would have to be a completely new community. An entire race of helpers to assist man. Khalifa laughed at the name the king had wanted to give them. Unicorns. Named for the king's favorite mythical creature. Now fully awake, the young man arose from his bed. His feet met the cold stone floor and he shivered, feeling the floor for his sandals. "Rafinar! Prepare breakfast!" he called out. From beyond the door he could hear the old man's reply. Khalifa then got dressed, slipping into his fine robes and combing his hair. He was going to the palace that day and wanted to look his best. News had reached him that the king was feeling particularly better and was now able to make public appearances. This was great news for the world, but many had resigned themselves to celebration, fearing the king may put a stop to it after coming into his health. Clasping his hair to the base of his neck, he brushed it aside his face so that he could see more clearly. Stepping out into the main hall he saw Rafinar along with his other servants moving about. His breakfast was already sitting on a table along the wall. He sat and enjoyed it. As he ate, he looked over letters sent from the palace. They were from Judea and they had came the previous day. They were nothing but Judea exclaiming how he was bursting with excitement to see the new device put to work. Many were; it was an achievement on par with the invention of magic. Speaking of magic, Khalifa pulled a ring off his finger. A heavenly celestite embedded in gold. A ring given to him as a gift from the prince. With magic now possible for all humans through use of enchanted items, he could channel the strange energy through the ring and will it to do almost anything. Magic was regulated around the world. Common citizens usually obtaining levitational spells and weak elemental items. Khalifa, being a noble and lord, had access to great magics seen only by a select few. If he chose, he could ignite a fire within a man's skull, but he was against such barbarism. Finishing his meal, he stood. He moved to the center of the dome to look over the weapon which had been placed on a pedestal. It was now complete and fully operational. All that was left was to present it to the king. Before he could gather his things to leave for the palace, there was a hasty knock at the door. Rafinar then approached the door, carefully pulling it open to reveal palace escorts standing in the doorway. Khalifa then shifted stances, not liking the look of things. Carefully he approached the armor clad men, guns strapped to their hips and long flowing capes trailing down their backs. "Is there something wrong? I was told you'd wait for me by the jetties." The younger guard looked to his elder, not wanting to speak first. "His Majesty instructed us to make haste in bringing you to the palace. He has grown suddenly weak but would hate to cancel the presentation. He wants you in his presence immediately. You understand, My Lord." The eldest guard then placed his palm over his heart, giving a bow. A bow so deep that his heavy helmet almost fell off his head. Khalifa nodded, the slightest bit of worry dictating the action. "Understood. I won't take long." With that, he closed the door and started preparing to depart. He instructed five servants, all young and healthy to carry the device down to the docks. Rafinar supervised them as they left the house. Khalifa soon followed, watching over them anxiously as they slowly descended the stairs. As they made their way through the small village, many people stared at the convoy, silently questioning the nature of the machine that was being toted by five men. They chatted amongst themselves, exchanging thoughts and guesses as to what it might be. Some followed, careful not to get too close. Soon, there was an entire stream of people that flowed through the town and down to the docks. Carefully, they loaded the machine on board a sturdy wooden boat that waited alongside the jetty. Two rows of oarsmen lined the sides of the craft with thick, long oars jutting out from the sides. There were long chairs that sat at the stern of the ship, reserved for important passengers. Khalifa took a seat in a chair, lulling his head back in comfort. Once everything was in place, the escorts took no extra time in casting the small ship out onto the lake. The boat creaked and moaned as it began to glide across the water, oars plunging down and propelling it forward. [PLAY] The movement of the boat gave the illusion of a breeze in which Khalifa took comfort in. It wasn't often that he traveled by boat, but it was something he often loved; spanning the great lake with the sound of drums like metronomes against the rowing of the oars. For a moment, Khalifa had dozed off. It was rather early, only third bell. He didn't always wake at that hour. He often chose to sleep in before waking and continuing his work. The sudden break in the cycle left him with a drowsiness that would follow him the entire day. Before too long, the main city towered over the boat. Khalifa was now awake and moved to disembark the vessel as it smoothly came along side the jetty. A small mass waited for them on the dock and a carriage waited along the road. Behind the carriage was a cart where the weapon would be carried. The gangplank was lowered onto the stone jetty and the previous five men heaved the machine onto their shoulders and were the first to make their way off the boat. The city was alive and well, the dock being crowded with coming and going ships and merchants. Along the roads, people made their busy way through District Five. At this time of day, Agartha was rather busy. District Five was where most industry took place. Countless workers ran place to place. The smell of oil and burning incense hit Khalifa like a strong wind; it nearly made him stop in his tracks. An escort lead him into the carriage that waited for him: a tall black box with gold trimmings. He stepped in, minding his head as he took a seat. The seats were softer than a bear's fur and it molded to him as he sank into it. His servants loaded the machine into the cart behind him; a loud thud and a collective of grunts reaching him from inside. Once everything was in order, the coachman placed his index and thumb into his mouth and blew hard. A whistle commanded the two beasts in front of him began to stir until finally pulling forward. These beasts- horses- were brought down from the surface and were possibly the largest animal that dwelled so far below the ground. They pulled the carriage along the smooth stone roads. The sound of their hooves was similar to a metronome. It was almost enough to put Khalifa to sleep. He stared out the window of the carriage, watching the many faces that passed by. They were all relatively happy. Good, hardworking people going about their day. They all seemed to enjoy their work, and rightfully so; there was hardly anyone in the world who didn't enjoy their work. Khalifa then thought of Judea. As regent, he was now in charge of most dealings in not only Agartha, but the entire world. In the past month, he had been so busy that he was no longer found on his morning walks. There had been reports of signs of the Sickness increasing. There were now a total of fifty-four million who contracted the disease seemingly overnight, and that was in the western continent alone. This strange plague was definitely getting worse. With time, all of humanity would contract it and fall victim to it, and that was only one of humanity's troubles. Khalifa sighed as he withdrew from the window. Staring ahead, he gently felt the slight rocking of the carriage as it climbed up and turned corners, making its way to the palace. With that, he began to doze off as the passage of time became something he couldn't notice. Without his knowing, they had reached one of the five bridges that spanned over the city and into its center. The sound of a heavy wooden gate could be heard creaking as dense, iron chains lifted it into the air. The carriage then started to move again. Guards stood on each side of the gate as they bowed to the carriage. Taking to the window again, Khalifa looked down into the city. From so high, people looked so small. He watched as many of them scurried through the streets and entered and exited the many businesses. A long, looming shadow swarmed the convoy as they passed under the gate. It gave the sense of going underground even though they were all subterranean dwellers. Torches lined the inside of the gate, as well as tall and proud statues of past kings. This particular entrance was named for King Gilgamesh, the first king and man of Agartha to make contact with the surface world. After a brief moment's absence, the light returned. They now were inside of the palace ground. The palace itself stood high above the city, being constructed atop a hill of rock in the center of Agartha. From below, it looked like a giant black monolith that overlooked everything. It really gave the feeling that the man who sat on the throne saw all and knew all that went on in his city. The carriage came to a courtyard with a very large fountain in the center. The water glistened with a certain chemical that was added into the liquid. Many of the common people believed the myth of Queen Khadijah trapping a nymph in the fountain by the use of a beautiful harp. The horses came to a stop with the word of the coachman as they rounded the fountain and stopped by the entrance. Khalifa waited for one of his men to bring the step ladder. As the door opened, Khalifa could see the doors to the palace. Carefully, he descended the steps, cautious not to mistep and trip over his robes. A man with a crooked back but kind eyes stood by the doors. He was as old as Rafinar, and just as pleasant and loyal. He was Prince Judea's caretaker. His name was Abdul. A man with looks that made him look younger than he appeared and had the wit of a man who could trick the devil. Khalifa always had a sneaking suspicion that he was who Judea took after. Khalifa bowed, but not before Abdul. The action was done with grace, yet it still felt awkward for the young lord. It hardly pleased him to have any one bow their head to him; but he allowed it, for it was customary. "Welcome to the palace, My Lord." Abdul said with a smile. "It is a pleasure to be back. How is His Majesty?" Abdul then shot his eyes to the ground. If anyone cared for the king, it was Abdul. A true king's man. "As you know, his sickness has been showing signs of getting worse. Final stages, in fact..." "Ah, I am sorry to hear that. As such, I shall be quick. I don't want to keep him from his doctors for too long." Abdul locked eyes with him again. His expression was that of slight optimism, and yet it still was weary and gloomy. Khalifa noticed this. With great care, he placed a hand on the old man's shoulder. He understood that there was hardly anything that could be done. Despite that, he'd at least try and give the old man the strength to surmount the coming grief. Abdul smiled, nodding his head. "Why don't you go ahead, my lord? The prince and His Majesty wait for you on the throne." "Aye. I will wait for you all there." Khalifa then turned to Rafinar and instructed him to supervise the rest as they hauled the device up from its cart. With that, Khalifa continued on. Moving past the large doors and into an extravagant hall, he was somewhat blinded by the sudden flash of light. He always forgot just how bright everything was on the inside of the palace. The hall seemed to stretch on forever. Rows of luminescent lanterns ignited the hall in light. Rows upon rows of pillars and carvings ran along the walls. The floors were a reflection of the ceiling and the walls. An impossibly long carpet tailed down the center, as red as a bull's rage. Khalifa loved the palace, but he had to admit that it made him uneasy. So much history had been carried out there. So many decisions that influenced mankind. And the walls gave him the feel that past kings were constantly watching him. As he trailed along the carpet, he wondered if Judea felt the same. Nearing closer to the throne room, he could hear music creep into the halls from beyond the massive obsidian door. Two gigantic guards stood at attention, large decorative spears clasped tightly in each of their hands with an iron grip. They were the honor guard; the most elite soldiers in all the world. Not that the world needed soldiers. Khalifa stood before them, a tad bit nervous and hesitant. They hardly took at gander at him before bowing their heads and yielding. With a single motion, both the guards placed their palms on the doors, pushing them open with a loud rumble. Slowly, the doors opened. Khalifa stared ahead as he watched the small schism between the stone entrance. From the other side, he could make out a very obscure image of a king on his throne, surrounded by officials and other such lords. Soon, the doors then parted fully, allowing him a complete vista of King Kerath Ahlsendar Ayatollah XXIII. He sat lazily and comfortably in his throne, leaning to the right, his arm holding his head up as he watched the dancers. He was very old; ancient, in fact. He was three-hundred twenty-two years of age, and it showed on his elderly face. His eyes gave the illusion that he was blind, two pale orbs of pure white. However, he could see further and clearer than most. His face was as hard as a mountain's face. A long beard hugged his face as it trailed down to split in the center. His old bones were made of steel and in his chest burned the fire of a star. In spite of his sickness, the king looked well. He had survived the plague longer than most. And many suspected it to be from willpower alone. Where most died after two weeks, the king had been alive for three months. Seeing Khalifa, the king erected himself in his throne. He was then bored of the dancers and with a mighty clap he silenced them. All was silent as he parted his hands and returned them to his arm rest. The dancers and musicians then cleared the floor, making way for Khalifa to enter. His steps echoed off the floor as he entered, the clicking of his heels echoing back to him. He took a stride that made him look extremely confident. For when one entered the world court, they couldn't help but feel all nervousness be banished in the presence of the king. Stopping about ten paces away from the steps to the throne, he went to his knees. He placed his forehead to the floor in a very deep and humble bow. He then waited for the king to speak. "Stand." the king commanded in a hard, stone utterance. Khalifa stood quickly, nearly hopping to his feet. Once up, he could see that Prince Judea, standing by his father's side. His friend looked pale and slowly swayed left and right. Even still they met eyes and nodded each other in silent greeting. "Your Majesty, I am proud to say that the device has been completed; a weapon capable of turning any living thing to stone." As he said all this, five men entered the court. Servants and nobles alike felt their vision pulled to it. There were soft murmurs among the crowd as the weapon was carried along before stopping just behind Khalifa. He then turned round, reaching under the device as the men held it aloft. He tugged and pulled out four thick metal rods that formed the legs, two on each side. Carefully, they lowered it. A loud collective sigh along with metal meeting marble could be heard. The servants stepped away as Khalifa then turned to face the king once more. The king now sat forward in his throne, now interested wholly. "The device works by locking the target in magical stasis. Next, they are suspended, their body encased in a rough stone-like substance, molded to their features. Think of a rough cast one would use to mold an object. Then, underneath the surface, the skin, organs, and bone all transmogrify into hard stone. Finally, the rough outer shell breaks away, and the body is completely petrified." Khalifa had been pacing, moving his hands erratically as he explained. King Kerath hung on every word, marveling at the new device. Khalifa came to a stop with the click of his heels as he concluded the explanation. He looked about him, seeing that all eyes were now enthralled by him. Judea, through his sickly paleness, looked proud and excited to see the magnificent work completed. "But does it work?" a stray voice hung in the air. Khalifa could see that the king had raised an eyebrow at that and, looking at the young man, leaned back in his chair. "Well, young lord? Does it?" The king asked. If Khalifa had any doubts, they weren't shown in his face and stance. With the confidence from before he simply nodded and stood aside. A young, stout man with boyish features stepped forward. Without a word he stood in front of the device and Khalifa stepped behind it. "As you will see, Your Majesty, it is quite capable. Observe." Khalifa put his hand on the trigger, gripping the handle "This is Surosei. He will be my subject." He pointed to the man in front and then continued. "The device is equipped with a timer. I will set it for exactly one minute. In that time, you will see Surosei turn from man to stone in a matter of seconds!" King Kerath leaned forward now, gripping the edge of his armrests. Judea was also leaning forward, as well as everyone present in the room. Khalifa and Surosei locked eyes, Surosei nodding and confirming he was ready. Khalifa nodded back, and with the flip of a switch, the weapon roared to life like a lion. The four vials attached to each side depleted slightly, pouring into the large machine. The operational end of the device hummed as it began to admit an ethereal light. The light was almost tangible. It swirled around the barrel, shifting in and out of visibility as the machine began to then rumble. Khalifa held it steady and Surosei stood motionless. An intense focused glare staring into the machine. King Kerath was staring intently and the light bounced off his eyes. Judea was now trying his hardest to maintain his focus as the roaring of the device became equal to a train whistle. Then with a sudden burst of light, everyone was blinded. Even Khalifa had to look away and shield his eyes. There was a moment's panic; people gasping and shouting in excitement. Then came the king's mighty stomp of a foot and all was silent. As the light faded, he kept his focus forward. Everyone turned back to look at the gray silhouette in the center of the chamber. None was able to turn their gaze away. Surosei was then completely rock. A giant slab of stone that stood motionless. Khalifa turned back around to see him standing still. He then approached the statue and the the rough exterior of the stone began to chip and fall away, revealing a more detailed statue of the man. Khalifa leaned in closer, eyeing the man's chest. There was a carving of the number one etched into the Surosei's chest. He then smiled, standing upright and turning to the king. "As you can see, completely operational!" For five whole seconds there was a complete silence. None dared breath as they all looked to the king and awaited his approval. There was no clap. No uproar of praise. There was only a smile as the old king leaned back in his throne. "I have seen all I need. I am very pleased, Solomon." With that, the entire court began to clap modestly. Khalifa then looked the prince, who was now approaching him a he applauded. As he approached, Khalifa took into account that he had looked very pale. Up close, his eyes seemed discolored and his skin was almost as white as ivory. He kept that to himself and instead shook his hand. "Well done! Father is quite pleased." Judea said in a whisper. "Are you sure? He hardly said anything." "Nonsense. That's as much praise anyone can get out of that man." The two then took that brief moment to catch up on things. Nobles and officials were now flooding the floors, trying to get a closer look at the stone man. Many questions were thrown at the scientist. What magical method he used for the stone, what chemicals he used to induce such petrification. Khalifa took time with each question, not really telling all that was to be told, but enough to satisfy their curiosity. Soon enough, the statue began to glow. Everyone turned their heads and backed away as the stone began to grow riven with cracks. Little by little the stone pealed away to reveal flesh. Then Surosei fell to his knees, clutching his stomach and coughing up chunks of stone that were still inside him. Khalifa then nodded to Rafinar who took Surosei up with the other men and began to carry him away. Everyone watched him go. Some wanted to chase after him and prod him with questions. More conversation picked up then. Their voices grew in volume as they discussed the topic of what had happened. But then there was a clap that echoed all throughout the great hall and all eyes were on the king once more. Prince Judea then broke away from his friend to rejoin his father. There was a long pause as everyone waited for the king to speak. Then finally, he trained his eye on Khalifa and spoke. "Lord Khalifa. You are truly a rare mind. There hasn't been one such as you for seven thousand years. The completion of the weapon was only a test. Not one man has been able to completely transform something into another, but you managed to do it with both the help of both science and magic!" The king then coughed. A rough, dry cough that seemed to scorch his throat. Judea stepped closer, placing his hand on his father's back. "Men are born, then they live until finally, they die. This is universal law. To avoid death would be a sin; this is a truth that everyone knows. However, given enough time, I'm sure you'll eventually unlock the secret to immortality." Khalifa concentrated on his words, unsure of what he meant by it all. Immortality, as the church taught it, was seen as a great sin. Those who ought it or tried to replicate it were put to death without any exception, for God did not create man to be eternal. "Your Majesty. While I appreciate the compliment, I cannot-" "Of course, I am not saying you will become immortal. In fact, I trust that you'll never succumb to such temptation, which is why I want to appoint you as the head of a project." Khalifa was then taken aback. Before the device, he was only appointed to development teams, working with others to achieve one singular objective. To be head of an entire project leading others was something more than a dream for him. Before he spoke again, the king ordered all those present except for Khalifa and Judea to withdraw from the throne room. With bows and various graces, the nobles slowly depleted out into the hall. The three remaining men watched them all go. Finally, the room was empty save for the three, and the king beckoned Khalifa to approach him. For the first time in a long while, he felt nervous as he moved up the steps to stand in front of King Kerath's throne. "Our sun is dying, but you know this. Correct?" the king asked. Khalifa only nodded. "And you've heard of the Unicorn Project, yes?" Khalifa slowly nodded again, raising an eyebrow. Then the king smiled, his teeth as white as light. "What if I told you that we have done it? Created an entirely new race of creatures, capable of powerful magics?" Khalifa then looked to Judea who only shrugged, never hearing any of it until then. "Your Majesty, does that mean the sun has been saved?" Khalifa asked. Then the king's smile fell and he shook his head. "No. The project was completed thirty years ago. All that time we've been monitoring them. We found that within a few years of practice, they would lose their magic. Not only that, but become completely sterile. You can see why that is such a problem." Judea then stepped in front of his father's throne, coming to a realization. "And, you wish to create an immortal being. One that can sustain the sun forever?" he asked. The king then nodded. He looked to the both of them now. His white eyes moving from right to left. "Yes. And I know what you both might be thinking. 'It is a sin.' Yes, I've heard this many times. I am old. You think I don't know what it is to sin? In the beginning I had my doubts, of course. But as time passed and I thought more on the subject, I realized that the law of God only applied to us humans. Any other creature, created by him or man was completely out of his jurisdiction. So, I concluded that for the sake of mankind, this was the only correct choice." "Your Majesty....I'm not sure if I can-" Khalifa started. But the king wouldn't have it. There was no changing his mind now. "I ask you because I know you are a man of vision, of ambition. Not only that, but your keen sense of morality. You, and only you can be trusted in leading this project." "With all due respect, why won't you head the project?" King Kerath then slouched in his chair, suddenly looking more sickly than before. "Do you really think I'll live that long? If it weren't for this damned plague, I would have. Even so, I am too old. I am neither a scientist nor mage. So many of our top minds are very young; too free-willed. They would rather someone of their own talents lead them." What the king said clicked well enough in Khalifa's head. He -was- a man of vision. Mysteries and the unknown always pulled him in. It was always the same thing that pushed him to discover. Curiosity. The curious nature of mankind. Khalifa had realized this at that moment. If such a possibility were within his grasp, then it was is obligation to reach out to it. Judea thought something similar. He too had always wondered if such a concept were possible, though he was too afraid to pursue such an interest. Both of them looked identical to the king as he sat and studied their contemplative faces. He found an amusement in it and he waited patiently for the young lord's answer. Finally, Khalifa looked up, staring Kerath in the eye. "My lord, there would be no higher honor."