Heros Vitae

Sand Part 1

I awoke to sand shifting across my face my body prone as the sun rose into the sky. I grinned, I must have gotten really high before going to sleep. Chuckling to myself I stood up started walking up nearest sand hill.

“Shit,” As far as the eye could see it was sand a yellow haze as continued to wake up.

This is amazing I haven’t ever been to a desert before but this is amazing.

Looking back down the hill I saw a where I woke up a small outlining of my resting place.

I may as well start this acid trip, I wonder if I can count the rainbows this time.

I walked down the hill heading west? I wasn’t even sure if it mattered. I walked and walked, sweat forming after the second hill. My mouth quickly drying up and breath quickening.

Damn brain, these are supposed to be fun, you know trippy, not hard.

After the next hill I decided to take a break, the sun glaring at me as I tried to rest. Finally fully awake, I took note of my surroundings. A desert, yes, but not just that, to the north, or was it south, I saw some clouds far off. In the direction I was heading a massive sand mountain with a spot of green on top which from where I sat must have been massive in size. For a moment, I was worried that this wasn’t a dream or hallucination. With my breath caught I continued, there was no way a sand hill that massive wouldn’t be considered a wonder of the world.

I continued for a long time, moving slower but without getting as tired, I made my way across the desert. I reached the crest of the next hill to be greeted by a blast of cold wind which sent shivers down my back. My Major League Gaming T-shirt and blue genes doing little to stop the cold. I could get a better view of the sand mountain. I made out an old deserted town and beyond a beautiful jungle with trees from the looks of it. My hopes sored as I continued walking.

I began to wonder if I would wake up before reaching the mountain. My dreams, although vivid, tended to only last a few dozen minutes and if the sun wasn’t lying I had been walking for at least an hour or two. But with little to do but sit and burn in the sun, I continued walking.

It felt like hours but I finally made it to edge of the mountain, and with the jungle in full view I increased my pace, looking forward to the beginning of an enjoyable dream. It was strange, when I started my ascent I thought it would be difficult to go up such a steep incline, but a strong wind from behind made the journey very short.

Reaching the plateau I spotted the deserted town a mile off course from the edge of the jungle. From the looks of it, this town had sustained a massive fir. The side of the town near the jungle was now a field of ash pieces of the structures still standing like grave markers.

Wow, I guess my mind is just that good at making shit up.

It was the off season in the competitive world at the moment. Maybe this was normal for gamers, coming off an 80 hour gamming schedule after winning the World Championship was really stressful. Whatever the reason I continued toward the jungle, my dry throat and aching feet making the decision for me.

I entered the jungle, the near perfect edge of vegetation now out of sight. It was strange, I felt even more energetic now, it might have been the plants, but when I heard the sound of water I began to run. As I got closer to the water sound, a light mist formed. The vegetation was now thick, making it difficult to get through. With one final push, I exited the jungle, stumbling onto a sandy brown shore.

I stood there for a long time, wonder overtaking me as I took in the sight. Before me was a massive pillar of black stone surging into the sky spraying out water another dozen feet before it feel down to the lake below.

Momentarily taken aback by the vista, I moved to the lake’s edge viewing the crystal clear water as I approached to take a drink. Throwing off my shoes I waded into the water scooping up a handful of water. I can’t remember any water in all my life that tasted as good as this, it was crisp but not earthy like I had expected.

Taking a moment to undress completely, I took a dive in to wash out all of the sand that had been collecting in my hair.

I told you so, just a dream that took some time to start. I told the skeptical side of my brain as I continued to relax hoping this dream would last forever, err… Until my next tournament, Grand Masters Championship in a week.

Dang, I can’t remember what I did before sleeping but this water is out of this world. And the view! Holy fuck, that view is amazing! It’s a miracle this place is deserted and considering that town only probably a half mile away…

[Grrrrr… ]

I whirled around immediately to the sound, the jungle’s edge now far more threatening than I remembered.

Great, paradise to nightmare in less than a second, stupid brain. Can’t you see this is a good thing, why do you have to go adding enemies? Heck why not make this a Real-Time Strategy game where I control some plant life their epic conquest to conquer the coast.

[Chk!]

Ok, so defiantly not my imagination. And I am naked in a lake…

Great going bud. The skeptical side of my brain added.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up and started walking to my cloths. “Hello, I am sorry about this I didn’t know this was anyone’s property. I am just going to grab my cloths and leave now.” I got my genes on, hearing the bushes rustle again. “Ok, leaving now, please don’t set lose your dog on me. I am sure they are very friendly, no need to tire them out on a nerd like me.”

Quickly, I walked down the shore away from the sound before heading into the jungle again.

Ok, about time to wake up, I can’t see shit in here. And they are defiantly following me.

I picked up my tense as a bow string, I picked up the pace weaving in and out of the brush as ever increasing speeds. The act of sliding, jumping, and sprinting felt quite gammy now except instead of effortlessly swiping a touch screen and picking up coins, my heart raced and I my breathing rapid as I moved through the underbrush and trees.

Ok this feel more like a dream, good old temple run. I wonder if I’ll ever escape the jungle or if it’s going to be unlimited mode?

I could see the outside now, a leap of joy and comfort overtook me. In that moment, I miss-step crashing into a tree and falling to the ground.

Fuck that hurt!

I felt my side rip open in the fall, a harsh laceration across my side. Not caring enough to check the wound, I got back up and continued sprinting out of the jungle. With one final jump I was out.

Turning I looked into the forest, the dark recesses now eerily quiet. I continued to back away, my eyes locked on the jungle as I moved. A hundred feet out I felt much safer, although if they really had dogs I knew I wouldn’t be safe until I was off the mountain.

I bumped into something, I screamed and turned in surprise. A black stake several inches in diameter stood in my way.

Chucking at myself, I recognizing the ‘deserted’ town from earlier.

Well that worked out well, I guess…

I had planned to visit this town after my bath, so this actually wasn’t so bad. I stood up, my side aching in pain.

Ok, so probably not a dream.

I let out a long sigh, this was defiantly worse than the last time I got lost in China. Not the most pleasant of places, and I couldn’t really understand anything people were saying but at least there were people. I let out another sign, remembering what my team coordinator said if I got lost.

“Now if you’re stupid enough to get separated and can’t find your way back. Start by asking for directions? If they ask for money, walk away, if they see your wallet they will probably mug you so don’t reach for it if they ask. Also you should be able to call us at office number if you can’t speak the language and we’ll get you back.” Robert was always a bit of a sucker for being prepared, but I guess considering I was only 15 when I started going to national championships I guess that is to be expected. Having a star player miss out on a match because they couldn’t get a cab or use most adult facilities causes a lot of problems.

Ok, step one, find the people. Step two, get directions. Step three… profit!

The walk into the town wasn't far, the entire place no longer than a soccer field. As I walked there were lots of little noises, I jumped at the first one but realized I was probably quite a sight.

White man walking down the street in the middle of a desert town. This is going to be quite a story when this is over…

I decided to stop in the middle of the remaining structures, waiting for the inhabitants to come out, a handful of distinct whispers now penetrating the buildings.

“Hello, I don’t mean any harm. I am just lost, if you could direct me to the nearest phone that would be great.” I waited again, a new wave of whispers, louder still.

“Just stun him already.” A loud voice came from a window. I turned and faced the structure waving my hand at the window as I backed away slowly. It was mid-day now so the building were dark on the inside with the sun making it impossible to see inside. A small glow appeared in the window. I quirked an eyebrow preparing to run as my heart began to race.

Shit, I just had to walk into the town with Tasers. But not just any Tasers, these fucking glowed just to make you regret all the more that you pissed someone off.

In a split second, a ball of lightning shot out of the window it moving at an abysmal pace. I had at least than a half a second to react and get out of the way. I smiled as the bolt hit the ground to my side completely missing me before it disappeared as lighting arced outward.

What the fuck was that?

This was the last thing I thought before another bolt shot out this time much larger and faster. My eyes went wide as it pummeled me my limbs shaking in revolt as I crumbled to the ground. After a few second of excruciating pain, my body went numb the view of the jungle now filling my vision. The sound of horses approached.

“See, I told you so!” a gruff voice said far off. “A little bit of zap and he’s out like a light”

Fuck this! Get chased by dogs. Then I get tased by a ball of fucking lightning and a guy on a horse comes over. When am I going to wake up?

“Horse, I understand that he isn’t a Blood Dog, but that doesn’t mean we should go zapping anypony we see as a threat.” A feminine voice said.

I heard a smirk, “In my book, saf-

“Is that really all they taught you in The Guard!” the female yelled, “How to be safe? How about dealing with the situation properly. Maybe listen when an unarmed target says they mean no harm. Seriously, I know you would rather have everypony on a leash, but there are times when you can’t be in perfect control.”

My body felt numb but my lips and lungs still worked. “I am going to have to agree with the miss. That hurt”

The clopping sounds stopped. “He’s awake? Silver!” A buzzing sound started.

“NO! Stop! I won’t let you zap him again!” The voice sounded like it was right on top of me. Praying the house wasn’t going to step on me I tried to roll over. It took some effort but I was able to roll over.

… I chucked at first, a cute pink pony with massive eyes stared down at me, concern written across her face. The chuckle stuck in my throat as dozens more moved out of the buildings my eyes going wide at the multitude of colors.

To preface this, I would like to say I was a sane person. But at this moment I lost it, I don’t think I have ever recovered either. I have been on the internet long enough to see some truly random and crazy of things, but this… I just, just couldn’t see. Yet I was seeing it. It was real. Devoid of reality, I lay there cursing the today.

Really… WHAT. THE. FUCK! I wake up in the middle of the desert travel around like I am playing Journey! Run though a jungle being chased and now multi-colored ponies…

As my consternation grew they backed away, I stood up staring at the assembled group.

“You’re not real” I finally said, “You can’t be.” I turned away and started walking wondering how long this would last before I awoke. This wasn’t reality my rational mind forced me to accept it felt real, but there was the world wouldn’t know about multi-colored ponies of they existed.

The ground in front of me exploded, rock and dust blasting me back “The buck I am not real!” A burning-red Pegasus immerged from the dust, her mane shift through the air unnaturally like a blaze. Two massive wing protruded out her sides fully erect reaching a dozen feet in length. Her blue eyes contained a rage, so fierce that I cowered back from her glare. “And if you think I am going to let you go back to the Blood Dogs, you’re dead wrong!” The feathers flexing to reveal a pair blades, each a foot long and in range based on the wingspan.

The entire town went silent. What I saw in those eyes was either real or the best acting I had ever seen. At first I wanted to run, but reason reasserted itself as I decided on a course of action. “Are you going to stop me?” I raised my hands to gesture to the town, “Because obviously there is some disagreement.”

She glared at me, her mane bristling fiercely. “You will not leave this Sandville until I say so, this is my town and you are now under my wing until I say otherwise.”

“Bullshit!” I yelled.

Time to call this fucker’s shit. I am not going to stand for this when I have a crowd backing me. Especially when I get that kind of explanation.

“You think I am going to just lie down and wait until you say I can leave. I am a person you know! I have rights! I have millions of fans. I am a fucking world champion! I could buy your town and the next ten with my money! And you think you’re in control?!”

The only response was a slight smirk on her face her eyes becoming softer as I spoke.

“Now get the fuck out of my way!” I yelled, this was a bit of a gambit but heck I had won thousands at poker. It didn’t matter if I had nothing to back up what I said now as long as I made them feel it.

Looking back momentarily I say a worried face on the pink pony. I turned now noticing the height difference between the Pegasus and unicorn. I took a step forward only to hear the swish of a wing.

The Pegasus started to walk away chuckling sarcastically to herself. “War Horse you really are terrible at handling anything but fighting. You could have just invited him in for tea or maybe a piece of bread but instead you had to do something stupid. Sorry lad, he’s an idiot.” The mare looked back over her soldier before heading into the town. “Soothing be sure to use the supplies in the south shed and I’ll want to see him after he wakes up. “

“Certainly Mayor Sand, but was that really necessary?” she replied her face twisted in what looked like disgust.

“Yes.” She turn turned to me, a pleasant smile now on her face “See you around kid.”

“Good, I’ll…” my chest erupted in pain, blood soaking my T-shirt in an instant as I screamed and fell to the ground in agony.

Soothing was on me in a moment, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, just stop moving!”

It hurt so much, like a burn which no matter how hard I tried couldn’t be stopped. I grabbed at my chest, the pain doubling over causing me to thrash which then multiplied the further as I screamed sand flying into my eyes and mouth as tried to find some comfort. Blackness started to fill my vision, like the sheets on my bed it polluted my vision until all went black and numb.

The worst part was that I was still conscious, my brain span like a windmill in a tornado. My brain finally crashed, every thought eventually stopping to meet the same topic.

Am I dying?

Such a simple question, one I didn’t often think about often to be sure. But now with only blackness I couldn’t stop and wonder.

Am I dying?