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 entirely 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 splendor. 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, and 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.