A market stall’s contents scattered violently in every direction. Fine cloth mixing with spices and debris as someone was thrown bodily into the stand. Stunned onlookers stared at the pungent dust cloud as it billowed outward, the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla bean at odds with the sudden destruction.
Several heavy thumps stirred a few citizens to turn...The word large did not even begin to describe the creature standing there, staring at the settling cloud with eyes narrowed in anger.
Over eight feet tall, heavily built and with a short fuse temper Bastion was not a force anyone willingly dared test.
The scene remained frozen for a second, no-one daring to move...Then someone screamed, the shock of the events catching up.
The cry was like an electric jolt sending creatures scurrying, dropping baskets and other items as they fled, suddenly desperate to get away.
Even the stall owner who had up until this point been hiding behind his ruined wares slipped away, any thought of complaint now gone.
Bastion remained where he stood, huge fists clenched at his sides as he stared.
Nearby a loud horn sounded. Someone summoning the town’s guards.
Amidst the wreck of the stand movement...
‘Ok, now I’m pissed, you stupid bear!’
A figure stumbled out of the cloud a battered looking hat perched between her ears and a small grin on her face.
Rubbing ruefully at her ruffled brown and tan fur she glanced down at herself, tutted then proceeded to adjust the dirty red bandana around her neck and attempted to swat at the spice stains covering her shorts only succeeding in making them worse. Her ringed tailed swept the ground slowly in mock agitation as she attempted to clean herself up.
It was a strange scene; she seemed almost toy like compared to the hulking Grizzly and yet the smaller animal seemed completely unaware of the difference.
Bastions eyes narrowed as he took a heavy step forward.
‘Arnt, you supposed to be tough?’ The small creature shrugged theatrically her grin growing a bit wider as she regarded the bear.
‘I mean come on I barely felt tha- OH CRAP!’
She dived to the side as Bastion gave a guttural growl and surged forward one arm raised, claws slicing down where she had been standing seconds before.
‘I’m not scared of you little thief but you should be scared of me, yes? You have heard of me I think?’ Bastion rose and half turned to regard the other.
Her roll had carried her up against another stand where she now sprawled awkwardly upside-down arms crossed across her chest.
She squinted at him as if trying to get a better look.
‘Bastion Ignatius Bear, one of the top dogs...’ She smirked as another rumbling growl escaped his jaws ‘...Sorry bears of Alexander Otterdams enforcement team” she made air quotes as she said this. Supposedly never beaten in a fight, a muttonhead who does what he’s told like a very good boy AND’ she raised a finger to her lips in a conspiratorial way and lowered her voice.
‘Has a taste for the flesh of others?’
She paused for a second, the pair of them staring at each other and then shook her head.
‘Never heard of you.’
Bastion roared in anger and charged again. The smaller creature pushing herself away from the attack with a laugh of glee.
Her euphoria was short lived however. As she regained her feet and prepared to dash away, she felt a pain shoot through her body as the Grizzly grabbed hold of her tail. He yanked her backward tripping her back into the dust with a thump and then into the air with no apparent effort on his part.
Now dangling off the ground a few inches from the bears snout Melodi reflected ruefully that she may have ever so slightly underestimated him.
A thin drool of saliva trailed down from his jaw as Bastion regarded the dusty animal.
‘Eeew that’s disgusting do you need a napkin or something?’ She commented swaying slightly in his grip.
A low growl burbled in his throat and he could feel the bloodlust bubbling just below the surface. Yet while he longed to let it loose and give in to his primal instincts, he did have orders.
‘You are coming with me now, yes?’ He tightened his grip.
Wincing Melodi folded her arms again regarding the bear thoughtfully.
‘Is this a trick question?’
She sniffed suddenly her face contorting.
‘What are you doing?’ Bastion started.
Melodi sneezed right into his face and Bastion recoiled with a snort of disgust, swiping at his muzzle with his free hand.
‘You vile little rodent!’
Swinging for side to side from the bears sudden motion Melodi smiled lopsidedly.
‘Well, you were the one who threw me into a spice stand.’
She sniffed then sneezed again as if to prove the point. In response the huge animal drew his free hand back, claws ready to strike and with an angry grunt swiped down. Melodi flinched back eyes closed as a voice called out.
‘HEY!’
There was a sudden stillness save for the creak and snap of awnings in the slight breeze and the distant shouts of the approaching guards. Melodi slowly opened one eye and found a set of razor sharp claws inches from her snout.
‘Who are you?’
Bastion spoke but not to her...Opening her other eye Melodi glanced in the direction her foe was now looking in as best she could from her precarious position. A stout studious looking otter wearing a pocketed vest and battered sand worn goggles on his head now stood some distance from Bastion looking distinctly uneasy. He very clearly did not want to be the target of the bears attention but it was not the otter who had spoken...Someone behind him had...
‘What is this...?’
Bastion growled incredulously, as the otter appeared to shuffle very reluctantly forward almost as though he were being pushed.
‘Put her down...!’
The voice paused for a second and then added almost as an afterthought.
‘Please?’
‘What? You wish to fight little one?’
Bastion chuckled dryly, the motion sending Melodi swinging slightly again.
‘OW, OW CAREFUL!’ She protested.
The otter mumbled something inaudible, then pulled away from the creature trying to hide behind him. A reddish brown rabbit glanced up at Bastion sheepishly raising a hand as in greeting.
‘Umm....Hello...’
He swallowed mouth suddenly very dry before trying to shuffle to the side and reposition himself back behind the otter.
Daxter pushed him back and carefully addressed the bear himself.
‘Um no. Actually, to answer your question. We don’t wish to fight.’ He cast a glance at the hanging raccoon who stuck out her tongue at him
.
‘Well, that is to say, I don’t wish to fight you but we would like our friend back in one piece if you don’t mind?’
Now behind the otter again the rabbit agreed with an enthusiastic.
‘YEAH!’
‘You want this?’
Bastion asked, raising Melodi higher and eliciting a yelp of protest from her.
‘Yes?’ Dexter replied warily.
The shouts of the guards were getting closer now and the otter felt himself tensing.
‘Then here you have it!’ Bastion growled.
In one violent movement he drew the arm restraining Melodi back then flung her at the pair in front of him. With no time to avoid the attack the otter and the rabbit fell backward with Melodi on top as she collided with them driving the breath from the trio. Without wasting a beat Bastion grabbed at a nearby cabbage crate, hefted it from the ground and threw it.
Dazed as she was Melodi extricated herself from her friends then swore violently, ducking her head as the crate whipped past nearly brushing her ear tips. It crunched into a nearby stall sending leafy debris and splinters flying.
‘YOU JERK!’ She growled then grabbed at Ryder’s and Dexter’s hands trying to pull them to their feet as Bastion grabbed at another crate.
‘RUN!’
Bastion’s roar almost drowned out her yell as he flung the second crate. It crashed into the ground in front of the three with another crunch of splintering wood and the crack of broken glassware.
‘You call that a rescue!?’
Melodi panted as she skidded around the corner out of reach of the frenzied bear. Close on her heels Ryder frowned trying to ignore his still ringing ears. It was Dexter who answered as he nimbly darted around an abandoned fruit cart.
‘Your free, aren't you? Let’s just get that thing back to the cat and get out of here!’
Melodi couldn't argue with that though she did make a face, then glanced ahead looking for a route that would lead them to the docks. The Market was now empty, news of the trouble and fight travelling fast, if anyone was still around, they were lying low except...
‘STOP THERE!’
Around a stall the guards finally arrived, all armed and all looking extremely angry.
‘DAMMIT!’
Melodi skidded to a halt causing Ryder and Dexter to nearly collide with her then darted off in a different direction, one that led inland and into the many twisting side streets of Port Solaris.
‘Where are you going!?’
Ryder called to Melodi, then yelping as one guard faster than the others almost grabbed him only to trip on a fallen basket.
‘How the heck should I know?
She called back as they wended their way through the narrow streets.
‘Over here!’
A voice called out. Melodi turned her head seeking the speaker but saw no-one. What she did see was a ruined looking and quite clearly empty building with its door hanging open...There was no choice...
‘This way!’
She ran for it slipping inside followed by her two companions. All three of them slamming the door shut and leaning on it, their breath coming in ragged pants as the sounds of pursuit grew louder... They waited trying to stifle their breathing, the sounds of the guards growing louder and then finally passing by as someone shouted.
‘Spread out, find them!’
Ryder blew out a sigh of relief as the sounds of footfalls faded away.
‘Well, that was close huh? Melodi straightened, placing her hands on her hips as she glanced around their new surroundings.
‘What a dump’
Daxter frowned at her comment glancing around at the clearly decaying stone walls and old wooden boards that made up the floor.
‘Just be careful, the structural integrity of the building doesn't look very sound.’
‘The instrucha what now?’ Melodi asked as she stepped further into the room. Ryder following slowly behind her, his long ears perked and listening for any sounds of the guards returning.
‘I mean the building might not-’
Below their feet the floorboards creaked ominously at the unaccustomed weight, Ryder froze as Melodi’s ears perked up. Something crunched nearby swiftly followed by the sound of splintering wood.
‘Get back here!’ Daxter called as the sounds of breaking wood grew louder a cacophony of snaps, falling planks and cracking stone. Throwing all caution to the wind, the river otter dashed forward intent on pulling his friends to safety. Just as with a final tortured groan the floor gave way, pitching all three of them into the yawning dark pit below...
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
EARLIER THAT DAY
Port Solaris, located on the far west coast of Sol was a bustling little town that served both as an exotic goods trade hub and a gateway to travelers looking to cross the vast and dangerous expanse of the Solaris Desert. From its busy docks one could take a leisurely stroll, taking in the various small trade huts hawking fresh seafood into the central market. A large rotunda filled with stalls selling everything from local delicacies to jewelry and trade goods of every kind.
This market had exits at each point of the compass, heading off to various parts of the town. West led back to the docks while if one were to head North, they would follow a wide avenue lined with grand looking villa’s right to the guard house. East ked to the outskirts of town where travelers could find a guide to lead them across the sandy and treacherous pathways of the desert.
While South would take one on a tour of the winding cobbled streets of the Backways, a place that most of the population of Port Solaris called home.
It was a bright morning and while the sun had not yet fully risen the day already promised to be warm, though a dark smudge of clouds on the far horizon offered the promise of rain later that evening.
It was almost idyllic though Daxter taking a slow bite of his breakfast and chewing thoughtfully as the breeze gently ruffled his silvery blue fur. Sitting on a barrel on the docks the otter had a good view of the calm Ocean and if he squinted, he could just about make out the distant cliffs of Redrock. Something else caught his eye too, a small ship sailing in toward Port the wind billowing her sails proudly.
Around him the dock was growing busier, people no doubt preparing to unload the incoming ship's cargo. Finishing his food Daxter reached into the battered looking satchel at his side and pulled out a few objects. One was a small notebook that he flipped open and quickly jotted down a reminder to visit that particular food stall again and the other was a weathered looking spyglass.
Laying the notebook down, he raised the glass to one eye and peered through trying to focus on the ship. The nameplate was a little hard to read from this distance, but Daxter could just about make it out.
“The Silver Stallion...Hmm.”
Daxter couldn't help but wonder what goods lay within its hold. Spices? Crafted goods? Pots and Pans? Or something else entirely.
A small shiver ran up his spine and he lowered the spyglass suddenly apprehensive though he wasn't entirely sure why. It was only a ship after all, one of many that landed at the Port on a regular basis. What could be so different about this particular one?
NOW
Daxter’s eyes suddenly snapped open and he immediately wished they hadn't. Awakening had brought with it a whole host of aches and pains that made him wince as he cautiously sat up. The movement dislodged a few small splinters of wood and stone chips mixed with dust.
“About time you work up.”
Melodi’s voice sounded loud in the otherwise yawning silence, though it could have also been due to his head aching. Turning his head slowly, lest the movement cause any more pain the river otter otter sat up and stared into the dark trying to pinpoint his companion’s location.
Not seeing anything he shifted slightly and felt for his satchel, letting out a brief sigh of relief when he found it still attached to his side. Reaching inside he rummaged around until he located what he was looking for a small box of matches.
Pulling it out he struck one, causing sudden shadows to bounce eerily around the walls and finally bringing Melodi into sight. She was standing at the entrance of what appeared to be a passageway, though where it led and to what was anyone's guess.
Glancing around, Daxter noted the rough stone walls and the mix of bricks, chunks of stone and rotten planks that had fallen from above with them.
Of course! The fall!
Tilting his head back and trying to ignore the throb of pain that accompanied the movement Daxter regarded the empty void above. Beyond the edges of the hole just about illuminated by his meagre light source he couldn't make out much of anything and he had to wonder just how far they had actually fallen.
“Guess you were right about the instruchasphere huh?”
Melodi half turned to face him, a dusty smile on her face, “how do you know so much?”
“I read quite a lot of books; you should try it.” He frowned; she seemed entirely unbothered about the situation.
“Pff, I never read a book in my life and I'm doing just fine,” She smirked.
Daxter stared at her; she was covered in dust and smudges of the spice from earlier still clung to her clothes, plus a few wooden splinters also seemed to have gotten tangled into her fur.
“Clearly.” He muttered
“Huh?”
“Nothing, nothing...he glanced up again. “I don’t suppose we can climb out?”
Even as he said it, the otter wondered if he would even be able to accomplish such a feat even if Melodi and Ryder could. He was no hardy adventurer type he was just...wait...
“Where is Ryder?”
Melodi shrugged and glanced up toward the black maw of the roof.
“Nope we can’t climb out, besides we have a perfectly good tunnel right here.”
She made to start off into the gloom.
“Wait!..OW!” Daxter startled as the match finally burnt down and signed his fingers. Hurriedly he struck another and scrambled to his feet, then padded over to stand with his friend staring into the darkness ahead.
The meagre flickering light of the match did little to light the way.
He swallowed.
“We don’t even know what’s down that way.”
“Yea we do, Ryder’s down there somewhere.”
Melodi cast a sideways glance at the otter by her side the flickering of the match catching for a moment in her eyes.
“Scared of the dark?”
Daxter blinked for a moment she had seemed...he shook his head.
“No...Not at all but...I...We really don’t know what’s down there and actually we don’t even know where we are. There could be who knows what around...Wild creatures...Bandits...or any number of unpleasant things.
She grinned at him.
“I’m a wild creature....grrrr.” She made a small growling noise and raised her arms as if she was about to pounce on him.
“Side’s if you're scared of this kind of stuff why did you follow me and the bunny?”
“Well I uh..I was curious about you...You don’t really see that many raccoon's these days especially ones that have your fur color and it just piqued my interest is all...and-”
“Well whatever”. Melodi cut him off with a shrug. “It’s not like you have much of a choice now anyway... So, you ready to learn? Or you gonna stay here and burn your fur off?
Even as she said it, his second match burned down to his fingertips and with a grin and a wave Melodi set off into the gloom...
Striking a new match and dropping the stub of the old one Daxter sighed. She certainly did have a good point; however, he felt about the situation there was nothing he could do but follow her or stay here. He just had to hope that the tunnel actually led somewhere, preferably outside.
After a final moment’s hesitation, he followed her into the dark.
The tunnel sloped slightly downward with the occasional piece of rock of other detritus that had fallen into the pathway over the years. Yet it widened enough after a few feet that navigating these obstacles was easy enough. The walls were roughhewn stone and Daxter noted uneasily looked as though they had been carved as opposed to being a natural formation.
This was confirmed moments later when a torch bracket came into view. From what he could see with his match the metal bracket was corroded and rusty but it still held a large faggot of wood.
“Finally a bit of luck.”
Daxter reached for it.
It was dry and brittle to the touch and Daxter did worry for a moment that it might just crumble apart as he lit it, yet his fear was unfounded. The dry wood whooshed into flame providing more bouncing shadows that hovered and dipped in the movement he and Melodi created.
As their eyes adjusted to the brightened environment, they saw that the rough stone of the passage ended a little way in front of them, giving way to dirty dark stone brick. It also looked to Daxter as though something was carved into the wall on one side but from this distance it could be a trick of the flickering light.
“The heck is this?” Melodi stepped forward, cocking her head to one side curiously.
“Why would anyone wanna live down here?”
Daxter moved to her side in sudden excitement. “I don’t think it was a choice.”
“Huh? More book learning professor otter?” She smirked
“Oh would you look at this!” He exclaimed seemingly not hearing her jab.
He had been correct. On the wall an ancient looking carving or what remained of it had been carved with same expertise. Though whether it had been destroyed by the ravages of time or something else Daxter had no clue.
What he could make out depicted a long lithe shape, snake like in its appearance with lines or rays of light radiating out from it. Below that were what appeared to be creatures, hands raised as though in worship.
There were strange symbols too, some too damaged to view properly but with growing excitement Daxter fumbled for his back, trying to reach it and keep hold of the torch at the same time.
Melodi watched him fumble and babble about the picture for a few moments an amused grin on her face. It was almost like watching a dog chase his tail. Then she rolled her eyes and grabbed the torch from the otter and took a step back.
Relived of the flaming wood, he managed to get ahold of his back and pull a notebook and stub of pencil from it.
Melodi watched him start making notes muttering quickly and excitedly under his breath, then her ears perked up. Something...She didn't know what had made a soft noise quite nearby. It was the sort of soft noise that one associates with someone else as they try not to make any noise and failing miserably.
Also come to think of it. She fell still...Yes there was a slight breeze blowing that hadn't been there before. It smelt stale and old and of something else that she couldn't quite place. However, a breeze was a breeze and that meant air was flowing in from somewhere.
“Time to move out book otter.”
She half turned toward the tunnel they had yet to explore. Behind her Daxter remained oblivious, still writing fervently in his notebook.
“Hey!” She called... When that still elicited no response, she shrugged and started off down the tunnel.
Daxter blinked as things suddenly got darker.
“Melodi? Did the torch go ou— HEY!”
He scrambled after her retreating back.
“That could have been important! This place could be a historical and archeological haven...Dont you care?”
“Nope”
The blunt response surprised him. Catching up to her he thrust his notebook back into his pack.
“Not at all? You're not the least bit curios at all?”
“Not really...wait...hold up.”
She stopped and held the torch forward. The tunnel appeared to open out into a large chamber, most of it was hidden in shadow that even their larger torch couldn't illuminate it, but what he could see in the dancing light made Daxter’s eyes widen.
“This...This place is...After the carving I suspected but it’s...it’s...”
“A dump.” Melodi stated bluntly.
“What!? No Melodi this place... This is a Tanuki hole...”
