Operation Desert Storm <Void Quest — Gate in the Dunes>

[Enel]

The first thing I am aware of is a sharp jabbing in my ribs. I grimace in pain and hear a voice. Maybe several voices. What are they speaking? I can’t make it out.

“Mama noo, jibi abe.”

“Wata nano, ketch ibi kobi!”

I force myself to open my eyes to the blinding sun. After a few seconds I can begin to make out … hooded figures. Glowing eyes.

“Utini!”

I scrabble backwards across the sand and point a sparking finger at them. “Get back!” I growl. “Scabs!”

They jump back. It’s then I notice how particularly short they are, and how ….

“Hey, that’s my staff!” I exclaim.

The nearest one looks down at what its holding, and back to me. “Ya!” it squeaks, and jabs it menacingly in the air in my direction.

“You dog …!” I reach for the staff, but my legs won’t find the floor. I reach upwards, and manage only to sprawl over myself like I’m disabled. “Kuh …!” I’m fucking thirsty. And tired.

What happened to me?

The Nexus. Its white, vast expanse.

Blood …

I remember blood on myself.

Walking, holding the claret in my chest with one hand while the other dragged my staff behind me.

The last familiar point. The gate.

The sun hit me and the unnaturally-still and cool air of the Nexus gave way to the blistering heat. That heat I had grown so familiar to.

I began my walk towards The Town With No Name. Too tired to summon a mount. It wasn’t far, I was sure. But perhaps farther than I expected.

It took longer and longer. Until finally I wondered if I had taken a wrong turn. I had to sit down. To catch my breath.

When was this? How long had I lain in the sands?