Chapter 3: City of the Falls (Part 1/7)

"Wooaah!" Stumbling forward, I blindly caught myself on a very nicely placed guard rail. A roaring like thunder pulsed at the air around me, while a cold spray hit my face and began to soak my clothing. Upfront and personal with the massive falls now, I could hardly believe what had just happened. The sudden transfer from that room to this breathtaking natural wonder, the torrential view, not to mention the huge news he dropped on me just as I was being transported, left me hyperventilating! That man was the CEO, the sole Creator of Millennial Enterprises! He was known as the most powerful, inventive, and altruistic man in the world! I had to take a moment to gather my scattered thoughts, all the while the billowing mist and an occasional sprinkling of water that briefly escaped gravity from the falls encompassed me. Gripping down harder on the railing so as to hold onto something that was stationary and secure, I felt the wearing down and bubbled spots of rust and chipped paint that overlaid it. It all felt so real! Inhaling deeply, I felt the exotic scents of nature, saturated with dew fill me. . . . As was natural for me to do in breathtaking moments like these, I reached into my core and outward into the world around me to call up the energy that I had become long since familiar with. Reaching forth I stretched my mind and waited with bated breath and anticipation for the upcoming powerful sensation that I knew was coming . . . and I waited . . ...However, . . . nothing came. A trace of lingering cold crossed my heart as I felt that lack of energy. Something that had become even more irreplaceable than any of my 5 senses was missing. The expected rush of warmth, tingling of skin, or chills coursing through me, became a distinct absence in what should have been a deluge, much like the rushing waters that I was currently observing. Through years of experiencing this ability of mine, I had become very familiar with what was almost guaranteed to stimulate it, and to what degree it was likely to be felt. Seeing something as majestic as Niagara Falls on steroids should have caused me to almost feel like a lightning rod to a super-storm or a rocky shore victim to a tsunami of sensation. . . . . And yet I felt nothing. With this distinct absence, my enjoyment of this moment came to an abrupt halt at that lack of expected stimulus. My eyes hardened in brief consternation before I then focused harder on reaching for that which almost always seemed just a pause in time and a minor effort away. . . I felt at a loss. . . Doubts filled my mind as my body stilled. What kind of place or situation was this where I couldn't feel that which had been with me for as long as I could remember? Much like losing one of your 5 senses. Until you experienced something that would trigger a reaction, you couldn't know what you might be missing. But once discovered, panic would likely be your automatic response. And panic I did. I quickly growled the words "Log Out" as it was the usual spoken phrase to exit virtual reality games. A transparent icon lit up in the corner of my vision. Without moving my head, I turned my terrified eyes to the upper left focusing on the blinking icon of a door. 5 seconds later I felt another rush as my vision turned white and then black...Hissssss. Light crept in as the VR capsule automatically opened for me. Still in a panic, without even attempting to get up from the odd liquid filled capsule, I mentally and reflexively reached for the unique sensation of my ability manifesting. Chills and energy cascaded through me leaving me shaking in relief as if creating a belated reaction to what I had just experienced. Moisture formed in my eyes as it threatened to fall, while I sighed in gratitude that it wasn't . . . that 'I' wasn't lost. I spent a little more time regathering and organizing my thoughts as I contemplated what this meant. During the time I was in that other world, I was unable to feel what I had come to regard as an integral part of my identity. Was this going to happen every time I was there with no change? And if so, was I willing to put myself through what I just experienced in virtual reality for hours on end on a weekly basis? The pros and cons weighed in my mind, and yet knowing that it was a moment where I truly could not feel even a minute portion of the sensation, I truly considered going back. The opportunity to be a direct participant in medical research for my corporate idol, as well as the possibilities in learning methods to help cure my sister's disease, was worth the temporary loss of one of my senses. That was now knowing that it thankfully was Only temporary. And all of that wasn't including the financial aspect of it. I do believe I could with full confidence say that I wouldn't trade all the money and power in the world for my ability, hampered though it may seem. But, I believe I could accept having moments, whose time I fully controlled where I would not have access to that ability. It was a sacrifice I believe I was willing to make, . . . at least for now. With that resolved in mind, I again felt a rush of chills cascade down my back, as if to reaffirm my decision, and I re-engaged the capsule to return me to Niagara Falls. *cough* *cough* A tilted vision came to sight as I struggled to understand what had happened. My shoulder and side ached, while I found myself breathing somewhat into a shallow puddle of water on the ground. Rough concrete or stone, ground at my left cheek and ear, and my clothing had become soaked with water. Although still disoriented, I pulled myself up into a kneeling crouch to better brace myself for my continuous coughs that wracked my sore frame. After spending several moments clearing my lungs and head, I cast a glance back at Niagara Falls with a feeling of disappointment. Such majesty should have been overwhelming, and yet it felt like a black and white canvas of a still waterfall, without my 6th sense. Still beautiful and somewhat inspiring in the right light and mood, yet lifeless and muted in the expected moment....Turning away from the now less inspiring falls, I stopped just short of almost running into another man who stood about a body length away from me. A somewhat concerned smile and grimace covered his face as his eyes did a one over glance at my person. I too gave him a once over look, as I took in the crisp looking red and black collared suit which this man wore. My sight lingered on his tipped ears slightly hidden by long black hair that was heavily streaked with silver. Those unique ears that denoted a likely elven origin were common within fantasy tropes such as this. "Et coney ret inspirit nay et?" The new voice had startled me out of my brief thoughts. "Partuce eet redrey, Niut Monroe te ud say." He continued to speak as if I understood. His tone was friendly if a bit formal sounding and so I bowed my head and smiled. Then pointing to my ears, I gave what I hope to be a confused look. Tilting his head a bit, this older elf-like man paused briefly before speaking even more indecipherable words which ended up sounding like a question. I simply replied "I don't understand you, I'm sorry." Then I shook my head and gave a shrug. "Ed Bood?" His thin eyebrows shot up in what I assumed to be in surprise. They then seemed to crinkle in thought for a few moments as if he was trying to place my words, but then a broad smile with immaculately white teeth showed on his face. "Ontne! Ontne!" He exclaimed as he patted my shoulder twice, before passively trying to lead me away from the falls. With no other idea of what to do and not knowing the language I chose not to resist. With a last concerned glance at the crashing water, I turned away and began to follow him. Passing through the open viewing area, I saw a few couples and individuals that were in their own little world either gazing out at the water or cuddling with each other on some of the scattered wooden and stone benches. Children and adults with varying unique characteristics such as long pointy ears, heavy amounts of facial and body hair, and differently formed hands among many other details could be seen, running around alone or with another in hand. Also, many demi-human characteristics could be seen, reminiscent of various animals such as reptilian, canine, feline, aviary, and other such general features. A melancholic smile crossed my lips at the sight, as I was reminded of some of my favorite indulgences in TV and movie shows. Despite my distraction by the great diversity in humanoids wandering about the platform overlooking the falls, I kept pace with my impromptu guide. Soon enough, this suited elf had led me to what looked like a well-maintained stone path. Abundant, and neatly trimmed plant-life filled my view on either side of the wide pathway, as we traveled along it with the rhythmic pounding of hardened footwear on the stone ground. As we walked, this stranger was muttering indecipherable words to himself under his breath in what sounded like excited tones. We made our way along the walkway, through the occasional winding and intermittent views of the falls, and what looked like a tall stone wall. After what felt like a few minutes, we reached a manned gate of sorts in the stone wall. The gray stone wall with an entryway was guarded by two sentries. Each was clothed in what looked like matching sets of military garb in red and black; they both held a spear along with a sheathed sword at their side. Neither one appeared to be entirely human seeing as the older looking one, was very short but with massive muscles cording through his frame and a deep red beard. The younger looking of the two was of medium height, yet looked to have a more canine appearance with sharper teeth as he smiled. A brief conversation occurred between my guide and the sentries. One of the two soldiers spoke into a weird looking device for a moment. I then heard clear but still indecipherable words come out of the device as well. It appeared to act like a cell phone or walkie-talkie of sorts, but with the appearance of a magical crystal with metallic rune characters covering it. Soon after that, we were nodded to by both soldiers and went on our way. The path we took went past several thatch and mud houses where fields in various levels of harvesting and growth filled the horizon beyond them. New scents filled the air as we made our way through the edge of the city and into the depths. The wet smell of laundry hanging out to dry, along with fields of soil being mixed with manure, mingled with the scent of wood stoves. I had much to keep me distracted as my vision took in the sights without interruption from my now silent companion as we traveled. Apparently, it was early morning as the glow of the rising sun carried across the distant wall touching upon us as we made our way towards our destination, wherever that may be. I reflexively held my breath the few times I began to smell the rancid odor of raw sewage, but thankfully, those less enjoyable moments were few and far between. Soon those thatch houses transitioned to wooden, and then brick and stone houses. The architecture of those homes attracted the structural engineer in me as I thought through their structural stability and efficiency in maintaining temperature control. This far north must have very bitter winters. Along the way, several individuals and groups called out to us and in particular, my guide. He always responded with a slight head nod or a few words in return. Eventually, after what felt like half an hour, we made our way to what looked like a medieval Merchants quarter. Colorful displays, painted storefronts, stalls filled with fragrant breads, meats, and other foodstuffs was just a fraction of it all. Numerous individuals and groups made their way about as vendors cried out, in my belief to advertise their wares. There were permanent structures mixed in with temporary booths, which were filled with anything from produce and wildlife, to weapons and jewelry. I would have loved to have taken some time to browse through the various wares, since much of it appeared to be vastly different from what I'd ever seen before. What mainly caught my eyes, and triggered a smirk from my lips were some chickens that could be seen releasing sparks of flame, as they pecked and scratched at the sides of their cages. Close to them were baskets of misshapen plants that looked like they could suddenly jump up and attack you with sharp green claws. My stomach and nose however, were attracted to some of the enticing smells of mouthwatering food. Sadly, I didn't have a way to convey that I would love to get something to eat. In the center of what I assumed to be a merchants' plaza, standing on a raised platform was a single, half meter wide by 3 meters tall pillar. It gleamed a kind of shiny black from the sun's rays that fell upon it. This was what I was led to. As we approached the pillar, I noticed a small crowd within the market pausing or turning away from their activities to observe us. Motioning with his hands for me to touch it, I realized that this must be the pillar mentioned in the instruction booklet, that would supposedly allow me to understand their language. Without any hesitation, I reached outward and pressed the entirety of my hand, palm first against the cold stone pillar.