The Excisionists: Book 1 Read online

  Up ahead was a large group of thick amethyst tipped plants that were fleshy with viscous drops of liquid covering the surface. “Drop to the bottom, soar to the top, make the fluid freeze and stop.”

  The plant responded by freezing solid inside a shell of ice formed by the drops of frozen viscous liquid.

  I snapped off a segment and held it in my hands. “This would make an awesome spear!”

  I turned to find the nearest tree and launched the frozen object at its trunk. The simulated spear cracked as it sliced deep into the bark and stuck out like the vane of an arrow. It sat there for several minutes before it thawed and went limp.

  “Cool.” I used the spell to freeze the plant again and snapped off another segment, but this time I realized just how cold my hands had become from holding it. I dropped it to the ground and blew into my hands to warm them.

  “Guess I better get some gloves.” I dug through my bag and then peered around my environment when I couldn’t find any. I decided to try creating some makeshift gloves by wrapping my palms in thick leaves and tying a stringy vine around them to hold the leaves in place. I picked up the icicle spear again and held it until it thawed. The improvised insulation worked. Suddenly, I had an idea. I peeled off a few plant segments and trotted back toward the last place I’d seen the Domordian. On my way there, I saw a large spider’s web with dozens of spiky black spiders nearly the size of my fist. As I neared, the soft music in the background thrummed louder.

  “These are enemies? But they’re so small.” I stared at them just out of striking distance as I decided what to do. I twisted my wrist to read through the runes and located the spell I was looking for. “Vapor and heat form a team, make the fluid turn to steam.”

  Immediately both the mist in the air and the large drops of dew on the web vaporized melting the spiders along with the web. They screamed and dropped onto the ground before disappearing.

  “Congratulations, your health has increased.”

  I tapped the temple of my headset to display my stats. “Nice. Now I’m, going to go kill that stupid Domordian.”

  I was elated and ran fast to intercept my intended prey. I stopped for only a moment to grab more pebbles and plant pieces and stuffed them my pack. When I reached the Domordian the spiky creature reared its head and slashed at me. I quickly froze the plant arms and launched spear after spear at the fleshy body. The spears tore the creature to pieces and a puddle of gray fluid leaked from the belly and rand down the legs. Finally, the beast roared and dropped to the ground in a twisted mass. The spiky creature dissolved into nothingness. Only three long spines and six white crystals were left behind on the mushy ground.

  “Yeah! Yes, yes, yes!” I pumped my fist and did a little dance as my health once again increased. “Take that Domordian!” I ran off in another direction to find something new to kill. Time slipped by unnoticed as I fought beast after beast and collected dozens of plants, gems, and liquids. My pack was nearly full, but I wasn’t the slightest bit tired. I’d finally passed off enough quests to be transported to the main level on Dobleest. I could see other players some distance from where I was as they pushed through the thick forest of leaves.

  “Cygnet, how long is it before I have to take a break? I’m loving this game.”

  The sweet A.I. voice clouded the true message she delivered. “Mica, as part of the preparation for entering the game, you were implanted with devices and are being supported by medications that allow you to play continuously until the game is won.”

  I was confused. “What? How can that work? I have to eat and sleep sometime…right?”

  Her response was shocking. “Ordinarily players would require these amenities. However, the Excisionists have researched human physiology and its response to fatigue. After several attempts to reduce the effects of insomnia, it was discovered that when the brain was stimulated by a particular oscillating wave frequency pattern it would no longer require sleep to reset physiological processes. The headsets are programmed to emit this frequency pattern. Players have also been fitted with nutrient delivery systems and waste removal systems that sustain bodily functions without intaking or excreting foodstuffs. Long term effects are being investigated partially through players in this game. We appreciate your participation in the phase one trial of the game.”

  Her matter of fact response was chilling. I tried to grasp the implications of this information but couldn’t quite wrap my mind around it. As I stood there trying to figure it out, I was approached by another player. It was some sort of alien in a white jumpsuit with blue-gray skin and silver eyes.

  A familiar female voice addressed me. “I’m looking for a player named Mica.”

  “Iolite is that you?”

  Her head nodded. “Yeah. I’m glad I found you so fast.”

  I eyed her character. “I don’t remember seeing your character as an option. What are you?”

  She morphed into a recognizable Eva. “I’m an alien class of the Evas. It’s pretty cool that I can change into other stuff. What about you? Are you liking what you picked?”

  I nodded. “Yep. And check this out.” I lifted my arm and wiggled my fingers in front of her face. “I can feel and grab stuff just like my right hand! And Cygnet said I’d get one like this when we win the game.”

  She smiled widely. “Nice! We better win fast then. What do you call yourself?”

  I raised my brows. “What do you mean? My name is Mica, you know that.”

  She nodded. “Oh. Got it. I picked Lily for my character.”

  I laughed. “Don’t you like your name?”

  She shrugged. “I guess, I just thought everyone picked a different name.”

  “Maybe they do, but I’m not changing mine.”

  She smiled. “Well, you can call me whatever you like.”

  A devious smile crossed my face. “Anything? Really?”

  She put a hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes. “Never mind, just call me Iolite. I don’t want you coming up with something on your own.”

  I chuckled and then looked at the ground. “Okay. Um, I have a question. Did you get told about how we can stay in here forever? It’s like there’s something’s weird though, about the game I mean.”

  She cocked her head. “Like what?”

  I tried to form the right words, but it didn’t come out right. “We can’t sleep or eat. It’s like a headset thing so we can’t do stuff we should for the whole time we’re in here.”

  “What?”

  I kicked the blades of grass below my feet. “I don’t know, I asked Cygnet how long I can play, and she said until I pass off the game.”

  She furrowed her brows. “Cygnet, repeat what you said to Mica about not sleeping.”

  “Certainly. Prior to designing the game, the Excisionists researched human physiology and its response to fatigue. After several attempts to reduce the effects of insomnia, it was discovered that when the brain was stimulated by a particular oscillating wave frequency pattern it would no longer require sleep to reset physiological processes. The headsets are programmed to emit this frequency pattern. Players have also been fitted with nutrient delivery systems and waste removal systems that sustain bodily functions without intaking or excreting foodstuffs. Long term effects are being investigated partially through players in this game. We appreciate your participation in this phase one trial of the game.”

  She seemed disturbed and I could hear it in her voice. “Wait, you mean we can’t leave the game until it’s completed?”

  Cygnet responded with the same soft sweet voice. “That is correct.”

  She rubbed her forehead. “How long were players evaluated for long term side effects with the headsets and its frequency?”

  The response was automatic. “Sixteen days.”

  “Why was it stopped after sixteen days?”

  “I’m searching the database. One moment.” Cygnet hesitated and then replied. “It is unclear why the trial was stopped. Answers such as this likely r
equire entry into the Alchemist’s Crypt with decoding of classified information. A scientist is required for such matters.”

  Iolite let out a short, frustrated sigh. “What planet is the Alchemist’s Crypt found on?”

  “The Alchemist’s Crypt is on Zerkola. This planet is man-made and orbits in the same plane as Tuman however, the planets are opposite each other in the orbital plane.”

  “How do we get there?”

  “Players may obtain entry to Zerkola by a ship that is built on Marxia. A player from each race must be present in the party in order to complete the requirements for acceptance onto this planet.”

  Iolite was quiet for some time, which made me nervous. Eventually, I broke the silence. “What do you want to do now? I don’t want to just sit here all day.”

  She sat down on a nearby rock. “Mica, I’m not sure you understand exactly what’s going on. We’re stuck in the game until we find a way to pass it off and that could take, I don’t know, maybe months. We’re going to have to join a party and pass off all the quests on the planets before we can leave.”

  I shrugged it off. “Why are you so worried? We wanted to play the game, and we get to pick what we do when we’re done. Plus, I’m getting a new arm.”

  She shook her head at me. “I’m glad you’re getting what you want, but what if we can’t pass off the game? What if there are problems from being in the game for more than sixteen days? What if we never get back home? What if–”

  I cut her off and glared at her. “You’re being paranoid, and you’re ruining the game. I’ve been having fun all day until you got here. Why are you always so mean every time something new happens? Don’t you want me to get a new arm?”

  She crossed her arms. “Mica, that’s not the issue. I wish you were a little older and could understand where I’m coming from and figure out a way to get us out fast.”

  I stomped my foot on the ground. “That’s not fair! You always act like I’m a little kid and can’t do anything right! I hate you!”

  I spun away from her and stalked off. I was both surprised and a little happy that she didn’t come after me. I wanted to do some more exploring anyway, so I trotted off in a different direction while I tried to cool off. Soon, I could see a massive black figure looming in the distance. There were crooked horns atop the head and arms that were as large as tree trunks. The thighs were sinuous and covered in moss. I watched in awe as it tore trees from the ground and tossed them like toys. The health bar was incredibly long, and I knew I couldn’t kill it on my own. I looked around me for signs of other players and noticed something moving west of me. I jogged toward the movement and found a floating Gorkan.

  The skin was misty mottled gray interspersed with long black streaks. Puffy dark veins and tiny lines of blackness stretching from the back of the head toward the gray lips gave this avatar a macabre appearance. It blinked at me revealing solid blackness and a glowing indigo center. A gauzy white cloak hooded the rest of the face and shrouded the elongated body that faded into fog nearly one foot from the ground. It held a textured white staff ending in a pointed four fingered claw. It contained an indigo orb at the top inside of the four projections that resembled fingers. At the center of the orb was a swirling streaking sparkling indigo light. The hand that gripped the long staff was mottled with shades of gray and white with thick sinews stretched tightly between the bones. It had no visible nails, but the palms and fingers were covered with retractable barbs that would allow this creature to climb something slippery like ice.

  I greeted the strange creature. “Hey, I’m Mica. Who are you?”

  The indigo orbs regarded me coolly. “Jinx. What do you want?”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “I want to join a party and win this game. What about you? Are you looking for members for your party?”

  She tilted her head and stared deep into my soul. “Who’s with you?”

  My eyes dropped to the greenness below and then back up at her. “I’m by myself.”

  Her chuckle was low and throaty. “I see you are with someone. Why do you despise her so when her admonition is for your benefit?”

  I blinked a few times and tried to process what she said. “I don’t hate her, I just don’t like being told what to do all the time.”

  She nodded as wisps of fog shifted around her. “I can help you but only if you join me. You will learn your place as time moves along.”

  I considered what she said. “Will you make my sister stop treating me like a baby?”

  She nodded. “If you join with me, you must give me some of your strength and do whatever it takes to stay alive. I will lead you in your quests, but you are mine to do with as I please. Do you agree?”

  I drew a deep breath and stepped closer. “Okay.”

  A gaping black hole of a mouth stretched open and I felt pieces of myself leaving as she breathed in my life force. Cold crept into my core until it permeated my entire being. My vision distorted and tunneled into a pinhole with lightning swirling around the edges. Suddenly, everything went dark and then seconds later my vision was restored. I glanced around and saw Iolite standing near Jinx with an angry look on her face and her arms crossed.

  Iolite turned her blazing eyes to me and stomped over to get in my face, but Jinx slid between us. “Get out of the way.”

  Jinx shook her head. “No. He is part of the Delphian Sect now. You will not harm him.”

  “I’m not going to harm him. He’s my brother.” She stepped backwards and tilted her body to get my face in her line of sight. Her tone was sullen. “I can’t believe you’d just join a group without consulting me. We need to find the best players if we’re going to get out of this thing and you know nothing about her.”

  I was incensed. “I can do whatever I want. And she’s my friend, unlike you.”

  Iolite shook her head and threw up her arms. “Okay. Do what you want. You can stay stuck here in this game forever but I’m not. I’m going to find a way out.”

  She stalked off but before she got far, Jinx stood in her way. “Why do you say we’re stuck here?”

  She snorted. “Guess your new best friend didn’t tell you anything yet, did he?”

  Jinx’s voice displayed interest. “What are you hiding?”

  “I’m not hiding anything. It’s the Excisionists that are. They designed this game to force those of us in that weren’t fitting into their utopian society plans to become whatever they wanted us to be. First, they tell us we have a choice to either play the game or be implanted with an Omega Wave Interceptor. Of course, that wasn’t really a choice and secondly, now that we’re here, we can’t leave the game unless we win. We can’t even confirm whether or not we are in danger for wiring our brains into this game until we get to the eleventh planet Zerkola.”

  They were both silent for several moments before either one did anything.

  Jinx spoke first. “There are four other party players that you should meet, assuming you become the seventh member.”

  Iolite rubbed her eyes. “What other races do you still need?”

  “Vibrian, Marxian, Tuman, and you would be the Eva we lack.”

  Iolite seemed both amazed and taken off guard. “Wow, you already have a Lutrian?”

  Jinx nodded.

  “How many Bismuth Crystals and crystalline tower warp points do you have?”

  Jinx was smug. “We have five Bismuth Crystals, eighteen crystalline tower warp points, and our Stroyan is working on stealing some maps at the moment.”

  Iolite ran her fingers through her hair and looked off in the distance. “That’s impressive.”

  “I agree. Are you willing to be our Eva?”

  Iolite looked over at me and then back to the misty Gorkan. “How did you get so far so fast? We’ve just only begun our game. I haven’t passed off the boss on my world and Mica hasn’t even obtained the skills of all of the different classes of Nomads.”

  Her voice was soft, yet defiant. “I will share that with you but only i
f you become a part of the Delphian Sect. I can’t risk other parties discovering what we know.”

  She squeezed her eyes and fists shut and dropped her head. “Fine.” She relaxed her stance and stared back up into the indigo orbs. “But if you do anything to use us and then drop us so we’re stuck in the game, I will end you.”

  A low chuckle emerged from the gray lips that twisted into a wry smile. “Do not overestimate your abilities here. Lucky for you, I am a very loyal partner. Like you, I am also a formidable enemy if double-crossed. Give your bond and I will protect you to the end.”

  “I give you my word.”

  Without hesitation, the blackened mouth gaped open and I watched with fascination as pieces of Iolite’s avatar peeled off and flew inside. Jinx’s white robe shifted to gray and lightning bolts crackled around her eyes. Iolite dropped to her knees and held her head. Seconds later, she dropped to the ground and lay still for nearly a minute. Jinx was now slightly larger and more solid than before. She stuck out a bony hand and Iolite stood up with her eyes still shut. Her bony fingers waved, and Iolite came back to herself.