I am the crown and the wisdom, the understanding and the mercy, I am the strength and the beauty, the victory and the splendor, I am the foundation and the kingdom. I am who I am.
Act 1:
The earth was in complete darkness on a moonless night. He looked up at the sky; he could see a star falling over the horizon. Its light faintly illuminated the entire face of the earth.
Half his body was under that mud, a thick black liquid. Only the trees stood out from that brew, a dark forest. He crawled through that swamp with no apparent direction; he moved only out of fear.
First, a couple of minutes, then hours, then what seemed like days, he moved and moved. He saw in the distance what looked like a great mountain; it rose above the treetops. That mud suffocated him; he was sinking slowly.
The closer he got to that mountain, the more the air gradually filled with dense smoke. The smell of that plague was similar to burnt flesh. Soon, the trees disappeared, and he began to come across half-collapsed houses and ruins covered in mud. With every step he took, the smell grew stronger and stronger.
Along with the plague came distant screams; he heard them deep within his mind. They came from everywhere, but he couldn't see anyone. Cries, despair, screams, moans, and laughter. All at once. That smoke turned reddish, like from a great bonfire.
Silhouettes surrounded him everywhere. They had no form; they whispered inside his ears. They were only eyes and mouths without any color. Their words were incomprehensible. Those silhouettes began to take some shape; they drowned alongside him, writhing in the mud, among the ruins. They came closer, grabbed him all over, and pulled him down. Dozens of sticky hands all over his body.
He sank into that sea of oil and drowned slowly. Darkness took over his sight. All his senses faded. Only one image came to his mind: a cross-shaped medallion swinging over the water like a pendulum. In its center shone a large reddish stone. Like a pendulum, it swung from side to side again and again. Each time it touched the water, more images came to his mind, incomprehensible beams of light. More and more laughter, smiles of unimaginable forms, beams of colors that reached the horizon.
A beam of red light began to dominate, repeating itself again and again. The same scene: a titan rising from the mud and rubble. A humanoid wearing large red armor: steam came out of it. It seemed to have large metal wings. The titan rose like a tower. Its chest shone intensely; it opened like a hatch; the flesh inside pulsed and emitted a yellowish light.
Another figure appeared, just as large, a white silhouette. It struck a heavy blow and lunged at him; they were two gods fighting, two fruits from the same tree. The smoke was so dense that it barely let the fight be seen; the blows created clouds of steam.
The medallion moved faster and faster until the only thing visible was that shining stone. His vision was filled with that scarlet, reddish, and orange hue. Large clouds moved through the void; they looked like stains floating in a white sky; it was like watching paint in water. Strokes of a canvas.
Brushstroke after brushstroke, he filled the entire canvas with that mixture. He painted the silhouette of the red titan's torso and head, taking care of every detail, exactly as in his dream. His painting was finished, but he was not completely satisfied. —It's too clean. Dreams are never this readable. —He grabbed his brush and blended the paint. —There, I think I like it now. —He put his tools away on a small piece of furniture.
The room was filled with canvases. Paintings of a great tree, a vase, the sun, a serpent, a pine nut, a black cube, a lion, a bull, an eagle, and a man. So many different works, all with the same technique. He took off his apron and put it away with his things. —Vanrra! Vanrra! Can you hear me? Are you there? —He heard those voices from somewhere below.
Vanrra went immediately. His hair reached his neck; it was a deep black, with slight curls. He was around twenty years old. His face was fine, with a soft and straight nose. His eyebrows and gaze were firm, perfectly aligned like the rest of his face. His mouth was small, with slightly dry lips. He wore a worn leather jacket, simple pants, and boots. Downstairs, the patriarch of the village awaited him. He was seated as usual, right in the center of the room. Behind his chair, a large mandala was embroidered, covering the entire wall. It looked like a rose with large petals.
The big house was made of wood and stone; lanterns lit up the hallways. The floor was perfectly varnished; the walls, completely clean and cared for. There was no place decorated with any furniture or paintings. The servants moved from place to place as usual.
—What's missing for the big day? —His voice was that of an old man. His beard was white and thick. A man was by his side; the old man held him by one of his arms. His gaze was lost. Seven more men were around him.
The man replied: —Everything is ready, boss, we just need the girls to finish adjusting the dress. —His voice was deep. He had a broad chest and big muscles. He was a hairy man; his hair was somewhat reddish, with a dull tone. He immediately noticed his friend's arrival. —You finally deign to arrive, workaholic.
—What do you want?
—Were you very busy?
The patriarch said to him, —Vanrra, I'm glad you're here.
He greeted the rest of the men with a gesture. —Why did you call me?
The old man was not in his best state. —Call you?
The red-haired man said to him, —Did you forget an important day again? My big day, unique and unrepeatable. You should be happy.
—Why should I be happy?
The old man struck the ground with his cane. —Vanrra, don't be rude. Esau is getting married tomorrow; you should congratulate him.
—I've been congratulating him for three years.
—I appreciate him more than you know, especially coming from a damn madman. —He approached to give him a friendly hug.
Esau had goosebumps, Vanrra said to him, —You're nervous.
—Is it that obvious?
—You look like a tomato.
—The happiest tomato in the world.
—The world? It's pretty obvious.
—A tomato and a madman, who would have thought we'd be so close? Would you have expected it?
—It was one of the best things that could have happened to me.
One of those present said: —Vanrra, have you tried on the suit I gave you? We don't want you to show up in those rags. Tomorrow, you have to look as presentable as possible; maybe then you can finally impress a girl.
—You are the only ones who need to look presentable to flirt. Do you really think I need that?
They replied: —Whatever you say, darling.
Esau gave him a pat on the back. —We take it as a compliment.
Another of the men said, "It's good that we aren't missing anything anymore."
The patriarch called for attention with his cane. He addressed Esau. —Aren't you forgetting something?
—No, I don't think so. The food, the flowers, and the musicians are all ready. We've installed everything... —The patriarch took something out of his large robes and handed it to Esau. —Is this... a pine nut? An ordinary pine nut. I never knew exactly what they were for.
—I want you to give it to Devi; tell her to put it on her dress. It means something very important; it's the key to everything.
Esau handed the pine nut to Vanrra. —Brother, you do it; you know I can't see the bride until tomorrow.
—I'm always their messenger.
One of those present mocked him. —That's what the village madman does. —Vanrra seemed ready to start a fight. —Do you really think you can tickle me, weakling? —You look so cute!
Esau stood between them. He pushed the other man away. —Don't pay him any attention; do it for our friendship. Besides, this might be the last message you deliver; after tomorrow, you won't be needed anymore. You'll finally be free from my romantic troubles. —He gave him a pat on the back. —The end of your martyrdom.
He said to himself: —It's just the beginning of a new one. —He headed for the door.
The old man said to him: —Oh! Vanrra, I almost forgot. What did you paint today?
Those children's screams from deep within came to his mind. —I painted something I saw in my last dream, a... a great red giant.
—A red giant? What was it like?
—It was immense, taller than a windmill. It was an intense red, with many yellow lights. It had what looked like wings.
They made some mocking gestures. —It seems you still haven't lost your madness.
The old man continued. —Wings? A giant with wings?
—That's what it seemed, but they were very rigid. It wore a kind of armor and a type of war helmet.
—Didn't you dream of a titan?
—A titan? —Everyone was surprised by the word.
—I know an old story. It is said that a long, long time ago, titans walked the earth. Giants are dozens or even hundreds of meters tall. They dedicated themselves to terrorizing and devouring humanity.
—Devour? Did they eat people?
—That's what the legend says.
Esau asked him, —What was the origin of the titans?
—The sky, they fell from the sky. Fallen angels. Beings from heaven who mingled with human women, from that blasphemous union, the Titans were born.
The red-haired man replied, —Thanks for never telling me that story when I was a child, old man. I can't even imagine the nightmares I would have had.
Vanrra was intrigued. —What did humanity do to defeat the Titans?
—Defeat? No, nothing like that. Humanity was on the brink of extinction; we had no chance against those monsters. They were exterminated by a great flood, a deluge that covered the entire planet. A cleansing done by God.
—God? Who is God?
The old man was left catatonic, with a lost gaze, motionless like a statue. After a few uncomfortable seconds, the men approached to help him. —Help! Call a doctor! —All the servants arrived immediately. The old man was still breathing; they took him straight to his bed. It wasn't the first time..
Vanrra wanted to accompany the old man. His friend stopped him. —You have things to do. Don't worry. He'll be as good as new by the afternoon: old man things.
—I want to keep asking him questions.
—You want to know more about those stories? Go ask the children. They're nonsense.
—Of course not, it's just that... he had never told me anything about the past of this village. Do you know anything about... the history of the world?
—History? Is that important? I'm getting married tomorrow; I couldn't care less about those stories.
—You say you don't know anything?
—What is nothingness? Does that exist? What does not knowing anything mean to you?
—Do you know who founded this village? How long ago? Are there more towns beyond the mountains? Do you think we're the only ones in the world?
He stroked his chin. —Now that you mention it, I had never thought about it. I don't know anything beyond the mountains. I've visited some towns, but none across the mountains. This valley is my life. But I suppose if there are more people, what's the name of that doctor? The one who lives in the mountain..
—Hiram.
—You get along very well with him; you're the only one who visits him. He arrived about three years ago, a little after you; he comes from outside. You should also know what's beyond; supposedly, you were born outside.
Vanrra felt a bit uncomfortable. —It's been three years already; how time flies.
—True. Maybe that's why you're like this; I forget that you're not from these valleys. A forgetful one who doesn't even remember his own name.
—Yes, maybe it's because I'm not from here. I wish I could remember. But even so, aren't you curious? To know what this world is? What's in it? How was it created?
—It wouldn't be of any use to me. Raising cattle is more useful to me.
—I don't know how you can live like that, existing blindly. Like a complete madman.
—If I'm a madman, then everyone in this village is too.
—Then I'm the only sane one.
—That's what a madman would say.
—Whatever you say, longhair.
Vanrra left the cabin; the light blinded him for a few seconds. The sky was completely clear; the sun was at its zenith. The street was crowded with people; children ran along the edges. All the facades had flowers and large, colorful fabrics. The bright colors extended along the entire stone street. The women, in their big skirts, carried baskets full of fruit and groceries. The market was packed. He knew the faces of almost everyone; the village was like a big clan.
He walked down the avenue, passing house by house. They were all practically the same, made of wood and stone blocks. Many lanterns lit up the streets. It seemed like a sea; people pushed him in the opposite direction; many were already celebrating in advance. Vanrra always got lost, no matter how many years passed. After a couple of turns, he could see his house in the distance, at the end of the street. Its facade was painted sky blue, decorated with dozens of fabrics and flowers. The scent reached him.
He reached the doors; before knocking, he felt chills, a coldness in his chest. It was slightly difficult to breathe; the crowd's noise made him dizzy; he wanted to run away from it. He squeezed the pine nut almost to the point of breaking it. One of the women opened the door for him. —Hello, Vanrra! Why are you standing there? Come in. —Vanrra was still a bit stiff. The house was beautifully decorated; every corner was cared for with the utmost affection. Paintings, flowers, and figurines abounded on all the furniture. Inside, he felt an enormous calm. —Are you looking for Devi?
—Yes, the patriarch asked me to give her this, to decorate her dress.
—She's upstairs, in her room.
Vanrra went up the stairs; large veils hung from the ceiling. He stopped in front of her door; he caressed the doorknob. Devi opened from inside. —Vanrra.
—Hello, Devi.
Her hair was brown, her nose was small, and her lips were delicate. —Why did you come? Why now? —She pulled him into her room and closed the door.
—The patriarch wanted me to give you this for your dress.
—A pine nut? Where am I supposed to put it?
He approached her. —I don't know, maybe here. —He gently tapped the pine nut on her forehead. —Or maybe it looks good in your hair. —Devi pulled up her hair and tried to put the pine nut among it. Vanrra helped her clumsily.
—You don't even know what you're doing.
—You don't either.
—Just a little more than you.
—Are you sure?
—Very sure.
—You don't look very convinced.
She got a little upset. —Why do you think that?
—You don't have to tell me; I can see it in your eyes.
—That's what you think.
—You don't know how to lie, Devi.
—I don't care.
—You always say that; is there really anything you care about?
—You matter to me, my family matters to me, my friends, and many other things. I'm not as apathetic as you think.
—I spoke with Esau a while ago. —The mood changed. —We chatted a bit; I asked him about the history of this place. —Devi looked at him strangely. —He didn't have the slightest idea. —He looked into her eyes. She blushed. —Devi, what do you know about the history of this village?
—Does that matter to you right now?
—I had never asked myself that.
—Don't you have better things to ask?
—Are you upset?
—No. It's just that... why don't you talk to me about other things?
—Is there anything more important? Think about it, do you know what's beyond the mountains? Aren't you curious? —Devi turned her gaze away. —Why does everyone react like this? Aren't you all interested in the world you live in?
—You're not interested in what really matters.
—Life is much more than parties and gossip.
—Your friends and your family. That's the most important thing.
—We only live to fatten up and reproduce. Have you noticed? There must be something more; maybe it's across the mountains. Seen this way, what differentiates us from cattle?
—Cattle for whom? You and your craziness.
—Now you're insulting me too?
—No, it's just that it makes me uncomfortable when you talk about those things; I don't want to think about it. —She lay down on her bed. Vanrra sat on the edge.
—What shape do you think this world has? A cube, maybe?
—Can't you see it with your own eyes? The world is flat.
—What do you think is at its edge?
—Maybe the earth is infinite, without a limit.
—How was it created?
—Maybe it has always existed; it could have arisen from nothing.
—Why do you think that?
—I don't know; it's what I can see. What my reason tells me.
—The doc told me the world is shaped like a sphere, like a fruit. —She burst out laughing. —I'm serious.
—The Earth is shaped like a fruit? Has the doc seen it from above?
—Of course not, no one has. He knows it thanks to the movement of the stars, the angle of the shadows, the eclipses...
—Don't you think that's too far-fetched? Maybe they're just coincidences. If you look out the window, I assure you you won't see any curve.
—Maybe it's because we're too small.
—Maybe you should ask me other questions.
—Don't you think it's already too late?
She looked out her window. —Vanrra, have you ever wanted to change the past, to wish things had been different?
—It happens to me every day.
—Do you think there's still time?
He stood up. —That will depend on you — he headed to the door.
—Where are you going?
—To visit a friend.
—The doctor? Tell him he's also invited. If you want, also ask him to bring one of his toys; the children love them.
—I'll think about it.
—Vanrra, we still have time.
—I would love to believe you.
—I'm serious.
—It seems crazy to me that you even think about it.
—Wouldn't you like to?
—The decision is not mine.
—I can't do it alone. Tell me, would you be willing?
—You've always known my answer.
—You've never told me.
He opened the door. —It's already too late. I don't want everyone to hate you because of me; I don't think you're capable of leaving everything behind for a madman like me.
—I'll do it tonight, just wait for me.
—You never get tired of getting my hopes up.
—I'm serious, Vanrra. —He left the room. He went down the stairs without looking at anyone.
Vanrra walked through the streets; he almost bumped into some of the villagers. He didn't stop to look at anyone in the crowd. He headed toward the village's outskirts, to the meadows. The grass had already taken on that intense green color. That field of grass stretched to the horizon; the only thing he could see in the distance was that great mountain range. A great wall of mountains surrounded the valley, covering the whole horizon, no matter where he looked.
Below that great wall, there was another group of small mountains; they seemed like mere hills compared to the range. The closest of them was called Mount Mat; at its summit was the doctor's house. Vanrra took one of the horses grazing on the outskirts of the village and set off toward that mountain.
The wind hit his face; he moved forward without any obstacles; there was only the great plain. Time seemed to stop whenever he rode through the valley. He loved that feeling, forgetting everything, just thinking about the prairie, without that annoying noise.
The closer he got to the mountain, the more trees he could see. He reached the edge of the mountain, tied his horse near a small woodcutter's cabin, and continued on foot along a dirt path. —Damn doc, he couldn't have chosen a more remote place. I'm always exhausted when I get here. A shortcut wouldn't hurt... —Some noises were heard beyond the bushes; they were metallic screeches.
It gave him goosebumps. The noises didn't stop. He left the path and went into the trees; the screeches grew stronger and sharper. —What is that? It bursts my eardrums, I hate that feeling; it makes me nauseous. —He reached the source of the noise, a large pile of scrap metal scattered among some bushes. Something seemed to be moving inside, toward the grinding metal.
That slight, hellish screech burst his eardrums. —What's moving in there? One of the doc's toys? —As soon as he took a step, that mountain of scrap collapsed suddenly. Vanrra nearly died of fright. A dog came out of the metal debris. It was black and grayish in color; it had light eyes. Its fur was very unkempt. —You're just a little dog. Who would've thought? I thought you were something scarier: the stories I make up in my head.
The dog came closer to sniff him; it didn't take its eyes off him. —Looks like you're a bit hungry, little one; I'll take you somewhere with food. Now that I think about it, you can't be the doc's pet... No, he doesn't have any pets. Still, you seem like a very special dog. —He stroked its neck. The dog was very calm; it didn't wag its tail. —How did you get here? Now that I remember, I've never seen the doc with anyone else; I'm his only company. Does he have a family?
He noticed a small object behind the dog. —What are you hiding? —He took it; it was a small metal cube. It seemed to have something inside. —What is this? It's very hard. He noticed a trail of scrap going up the hill; he followed the remains; the dog walked right in front of him.
He reached the large yard of the doc's house. The cabin was four stories, the first of stone and the rest of wood. It was radically different from the ones in the village; the wood was much better polished and cleaner. Large pipe chimneys came out of the sides; more scrap was around. —Hello! Over here! —Vanrra looked up. Hiram was on the roof, waving his arms. He was wearing a white shirt covered in black grease and mechanic's pants.
—Doc! How are you?!
—Good, Vanrra! What do you have in your hand?!
—I found it on the way.
—Come in, I'll wait for you in the kitchen! —The dog disappeared from his sight.
His house was full of shelves packed with books, relics, and artifacts he didn't recognize, all very striking. The interior was completely different from what he was used to; the walls were too smooth, and the furniture was of a unique style, out of that time. He was mesmerized by so many gadgets. Hiram came down the stairs; he had put on clean clothes. —How do you make those shirts? I'd like to have some.
—I got them before I came here; I have a couple to spare. —He wiped his hands with a cloth. He was in his late thirties. His hair was a deep black; it was a bit long, but maintained its shape. He had a full beard, very well kept, somewhat sharp like his hair. His face had a firm look; his frown inspired instinctive respect. He remained serious almost all the time. His eyes were a bright amber color.
—What are you working on now?
He served him a glass of water. —I fix scrap.
—Devi is getting married tomorrow.
—Your friend? What a surprise. You don't seem very excited.
—You are invited; she wants you to bring one of his toys.
—You could have told me earlier; moving one of these contraptions takes time. You haven't come by in weeks.
—I was busy.
—What new thing have you painted? You could bring me one of your paintings; it wouldn't hurt to decorate a bit.
—Don't tell me you like my paintings.
—You have a touch, not so much in technique, but in your creativity. You can create things out of nothing; ideas come from within you; someone like me lacks that intuition.
—Too bad my ideas can't be touched.
—An idea is just as real as anything else. Where do you think my machines came from?
—You created them.
—They came from my mind, my understanding. I had an idea and then brought it into this world. They are as real as you and me. If you think about it, they're like living beings. Ideas develop, they reproduce; only the best survive in your mind. They pass to the next generation.
He showed him the cube. —Do you know what it is, doc?
He took it from his hands. —Where did you find it?
—It was thrown on the path. Is it something bad?
—No, not at all. It's a can of food.
—A can?
He put it in the pantry. —Yes, for preserving food. This way, they're easier to store. They're not made around here.
—What kind of food is it? Is it from outside?
—It's not for common use; they're survival rations; it's like a protein cocktail.
—Can I eat a little?
—I don't recommend it; it has some side effects.
Vanrra looked at him strangely. —Side effects?
—It sounds worse than it is; it turns out to be a powerful aphrodisiac.
Vanrra sat down on one of the chairs. —Doc, do you know what's beyond the mountains?
—Why do you ask?
—I know absolutely nothing about the world, nor about the history of the village; nobody here seems to care in the slightest.
—And why do you want to know now? Is there something worrying you?
He answered a bit uncomfortably —No, nothing like that... It's just that... I'd like to be able to leave this place, see beyond the valley, far away, where there's no noise.
—I understand you.
—You, doc, where are you from? Is your home very far? —Hiram stood in front of one of the windows; he seemed to be looking for something on the horizon. Then he looked for a pitcher of water in the pantry; it was comically large. Vanrra kept talking. —I'm asking because you know much more about the world than I do, and I'd like to know if...
He stirred the water in the pitcher with a spoon. —What's troubling you? Or is it just your silly curiosity?
—Do you miss your home?
—This is my home.
—I'm talking about your previous home. You don't seem to have much fondness for this village; that's why you live so far away. I don't think you consider this your home. I don't.
—I thought you loved the village?
—Those people... I don't understand them, and they don't understand me either. They don't consider me one of their own, no matter how much time passes. —Hiram drank from his big jug. —Are you very thirsty?
He was sweating from the apparent heat. —Work is tiring. Continue.
—I feel the same; every time I talk to them, they seem to live in another world.
—Why do you think that?
—They ignore the world; for them, only this valley exists; nothing else matters to them. I'm the only one who notices; maybe I'm just crazy.
—A madman is one who acts like one; recognizing a lie is the sanest thing you can do.
—I came across a dog on the way. It was black. Is it yours?
—I don't have any pets.
—Do you have family, doc?
Hiram looked at the clear sky through the window, somewhat uncomfortable. —Why do you want to know?
—Just out of curiosity, but if you don't want to...
—It's nothing. I just want to clear my mind. Remembering the past can be painful.
—I wonder what your home is like; I imagine it's very different compared to this valley. —Vanrra remained deep in thought; he stared intently at one of the shelves. There were dozens of books stored, all with the same cover; only the color changed. He had never seen them out of place. —Those books, doc, where are they from? In the village, there are only a handful; you have hundreds.
—Most of them are academic; it took me a long time to get them.
—Wouldn't you like to return to your home?
He was surprised by the question. —My home... I would love to.
—I'd like to have a home to return to. I feel like I have one; I don't remember it, but I know it exists. I miss it. I miss something I don't know what it is; I don't even know if it exists. It's like a void inside me. Do you miss your home, doc?
—More than you can imagine. It's the only thing I think about.
—Then why do you live on this mountain? You're free to go back. Are you running away from something?
—Run away?
—I say it because I doubt you're here for anything of value; there's nothing in this valley.
—You are the most valuable thing in this valley.
His eyes lit up. His voice broke. —Seriously —Hiram looked away; he distracted himself with his trinkets. —Maybe I can go with you, doc. —Hiram was stunned; a chill ran down his back. —I promise I won't be a bother; you know me very well. I would love to see your home, to know what's beyond this land. To go as far as the horizon.
—Are you serious?
—You would do me a great favor. I want to know the truth about the world. —He said in a softer tone. —To escape from this place.
—I don't know; I see it as unnecessary. That desire will slip away from you, just like always. This valley is a paradise, a safe place. Out there is full of dangers, wild beasts, and demons that plague a land that doesn't belong to them. Bad people.
—Is it really that dangerous?
—How can you not imagine it? Going out will only bring you nightmares; it's better if you stay here, living peacefully.
—What's out there? —Hiram didn't answer; he just arranged his things. —Are there titans?
—Don't tell me you believe in those stories.
—Then what's out there?
—I've already told you, demons and beasts. Savages. For you, going out there is not an option, not yet; I know what I'm talking about. You will regret it.
—I trust you, doc. If you say so, it's for a reason. —He got up from the chair.
—Vanrra. Are you sure you want to know the truth about this world?
—It's what I want most.
Hiram went to one of his shelves and pointed to a large red book placed right in the middle. —Do you see this book? It's my travel diary from when I was young; I wrote down everything I learned before coming here. —Vanrra immediately went to grab it. Hiram stopped him, grabbing his arm with a lock.
—Ah! Why are you always so rough? I forgot how strong you are.
He let him go slowly. —Don't touch my things. It's hard for me to keep them organized. I want you to go back to the village and have lots of fun. Enjoy yourself. After the wedding tomorrow, we'll come back, and I'll show you what's inside.
A happy smile appeared on his face. —Really?
—I promise you. Just be patient for tonight. Tomorrow you will know the truth of this world.
He went out the main door and looked up at the night sky. —Time flies. —All the stars had gone out, even the moon. That darkness was like an immense vessel, a great void. The darkness reached as far as the horizon; the only sparks of light in the valley were those of Gamini, his village. Faint sparks in a vast ocean.
Vanrra moved a little away from the cabin and sat on the grass. He appreciated the view in total calm. —I wish it would never dawn; I don't want tomorrow to come. —He sighed —I'm so fed up! What face am I going to make? If only I hadn't gotten my hopes up. —I had three years; how I wasted so much time. Now I'll have to swallow my shame. Everyone's going to hate me. —I don't know if I want it to happen.
He lay down looking at the sky. He was terribly anxious. How can she be with a madman like me? I'm not one of them. I never will be, not even by marrying her would they accept me. The only one who cared about me... I'm sorry, brother. All this for being a coward and a fool. —I wish I could go back in time, three years ago. Tell her how much I loved her.
He listened in silence to the sound of the crickets. —My only happiness is that tomorrow I'll have what I've always wanted. —Doc, don't let me down; you're the only one who cares about me. He turned to look at the distant lights of the village; one of the gardens was lit up with dozens of lanterns; the wedding would be held there. What should I do? Run away with her? I don't know if the doc would accept it, though it would be best. Run far away from here, forget all those damned people. That way, they'll never be able to tell me they hate me; I'll be too busy, traveling with Devi. He closed his eyes to think of her face. He fell asleep.
He opened his eyes some time later. Hours had passed, or maybe minutes; he had no idea. He felt revitalized. He lost his gaze in the farthest horizon. Maybe there are no problems out there. No one will hate me. I can start everything from scratch, without these burdens and surrounded by stupid people. He closed his eyes. He inhaled and exhaled the fresh air, over and over again. Why do I lie to myself? Surely the world is full of villages like this one; maybe that's why Doc lives here. Is he like me? No, he's much stronger than I am. —I wish I could erase everything, cleanse this world of fools like me. Start from zero. Turn off all that annoying noise.
He closed his eyes again. At least I told her; I've already done the hardest part; now I just have to keep going and... A deafening roar flooded the entire valley; it was like a great blizzard, a sharp whistle. It was accompanied by a gust of wind, like an explosion. He had to cover his ears. The whole valley shook; small animals and birds, startled, ran and flew in the opposite direction. The roar came from that horizon he had been looking at.
After a few seconds, the roar stopped. Hysteria and fear ran down his back. —What was that thing? Doc. Doc! —He ran back to the cabin. Before reaching the door, a second round of roars came. These were different: a pair that sounded in unison, much softer than the first one; they were similar to the noises from Hiram's machines.
He turned to look at the horizon again; he could see how small stars moved in the sky. They became brighter and brighter at a staggering speed. —Where did they come from? Why are they moving? —Hiram touched his back. He hadn't heard the door open. Vanrra jumped in fright. —Doc! Did you hear that? Do you know why those stars are moving? —He pointed at the lights.
—Don't be afraid, you don't have to get upset.
Another great roar was heard, followed by a huge explosion; one of those stars stopped. That great fire fell to the ground and burned everything in its path. The lights slowly descended to the earth, landing in the pastures around the village. Repeated booms came from those things, loud cannon blasts that hurt his eardrums. At that distance, they seemed like mere points of light.
His voice broke. —What are those things?
Hiram was incredulous, terribly confused. —What is happening? ...This... can't...
—The village! Those things are heading to Gamini!
—What's happening?
Vanrra grabbed Hiram by the forearm. —We have to go! We'll help evacuate!
It took him a moment to react. —You go ahead; I'll get my horse. I'll catch up with you soon.
Vanrra ran as fast as he could back the way he had come. The great blaze could be seen among the trees; thanks to it, he could see in the darkness. Those lights were taking shape the closer he got. He mounted his horse and rode at full speed towards the village. The fire devoured its surroundings. After a few bewildering minutes, the screams of despair and agony reached him: men, women, and children. He could make out the silhouettes of people running in terror, fleeing in all directions; many, set on fire, ran like great torches.
He reached the outskirts; many of the roofs were on fire. He couldn't talk to anyone; they shouted nonsense; they acted like frightened rabbits. He entered the village; smoke had filled all the streets; little by little, the roofs of the houses collapsed. It looked like a labyrinth; it was impossible to know what was happening; no one knew why it was happening.
He shouted with all his might —Devi! Devi! Cough! Cough! —The smoke filled his lungs; the air reeked of burnt flesh. The streets were filled with debris and charred bodies. People trapped in the rubble screamed for his help. He was about to vomit. He didn't stop; he continued until he could see that blue house, right at the end of the street. The big fabrics that decorated the facade had not yet burned; the house still seemed intact, untouched by the chaos. He ran down the avenue. —Devi! De...
A series of luminous orbs appeared behind the house, a couple of meters above. Ten of them, in a familiar formation. The first is at the top, and the second and third are on its sides, a little lower. The fourth and fifth are just below the last two. The sixth, a little lower than the fourth and fifth, right in the middle of both. On its sides, the seventh and eighth; the ninth, a little lower, in the middle of both. The tenth orb fell to the Earth. As soon as he distinguished that tree, a great bolt of lightning fell from the sky and struck those orbs. Steam and wind burst forth from the terrible impact, a force of the universe.
Vanrra fell to the ground because of the steam. The house collapsed completely; from the cloud of dust rose a great figure. A giant humanoid came out from among the rubble and steam and slowly stood up.
It measured at least fifteen meters. Everything around it seemed insignificant; the houses reached only to its knees. The giant wore white armor that covered its entire body. Its shoulders, neck, chest, forearms, and hips were orange. The rest of the armor had black patterns at the joints. The plates of its armor folded backward, ending in what looked like thin fins at the back.
The titan wore a war helmet of the same color; it had no expression. The plates around its head looked like thin fins folded backward. It had one right at its temple; it looked like a thin metal horn bent backward. His mouth and nose were covered by a metal plate. Where its eyes should be, there was only a large amber visor; the metal plates on top formed a frown. A roar came from inside the titan; time seemed to stop.
The titan stared at him; the frown of the metal seemed to look at him with contempt. His legs trembled; he could no longer hear the screams of the poor people; his heart was pounding a thousand times a minute. The titan stood up completely; the earth rumbled with each of its movements. Devi's house was left in complete ruins.
More houses began to collapse; people died, struck by debris flying from the titan's movements. The giant moved toward him, crushing all the people running down the street; they exploded like bags of flesh.
Vanrra's body wouldn't respond; he was paralyzed by fear, stiff as a statue. Motionless as that monster made its way toward him. Esau threw him to the ground. —Vanrra! Respond, you have to run!
—De...vi...
He tried to lift him. —Where is she?! Have you seen her?!
Before he could answer, Esau's torso exploded. A high-speed stone struck him, splitting him in half. Vanrra was drenched in his blood; his hair turned red. He was trembling like a lamb. The entire village was covered in blood and charred flesh. The screams stopped. He couldn't see anything further because of the smoke. When he looked up, there was that great amber, a great look of hatred. Steam came out of its pores. He had no words.
What's happening? He didn't know; he couldn't think. Time didn't move; he was trapped in that hell, under the monster's gaze. At any moment, he could be crushed like an ant; he wouldn't even notice. Why? Why are you doing this? What are you? All those questions didn't matter; he preferred to run away, to hide in a cave. You can't know the truth if you're not alive. Devi? What happened to Devi? Was she crushed by the monster? All that's left of her is a piece of flesh. Why? Why Esau? Why this day? The whole village died because of this monster. Damn wretch! Filthy beast! I hate you! My whole life... I want to kill you! Why did you do it? What the hell are you?!
The titan slowly reached its hand toward him. He saw how its palm was stained with blood and pieces of flesh; tangled between its fingers was Devi's dress. Is it going to crush me? Will I die like cattle?
He put his hand to his chest, touched his medallion, that cross. His heart glowed with an intense red, beating with a rage greater than any titan. An intense hatred ran down his spine. The only thing he felt was hatred and fury. His heart was about to explode. He squeezed the cross with all his strength until he bled; the ruby burned him like hot steam.