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Magna Maquina Complete
Magna Maquina Complete
Magna Maquina Complete
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Magna Maquina Complete

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Segis wakes up in a computer shop with no memory of his past. But when he is confronted by a giant talking frog urging him to run he realizes something is horribly wrong. Segis' world was taken over by an entity named The Vacanty and what is left of the world is a never-ending shopping mall inhabited by marionettes; foul creatures made from products that roam the mall in search of Segis.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherK.R. Columbus
Release dateAug 22, 2014
ISBN9781311080240
Magna Maquina Complete
Author

K.R. Columbus

Born August 4, 1982 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, K.R.Columbus [Kemuel Ríos Colón] is a prolific Puerto Rican Science Fiction and Fantasy author, with more than twenty novels, and young adult books sold all around the world. With novels that have reached the top 50 charts in England and Australia. Before becoming a writer, he trained to be a sumo wrestler for four years. Currently lives in Puerto Rico reading good books, drinking coffee, enjoying rare music, and obscure Cinema. To contact the author – antiquarianage@gmail.com

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    Magna Maquina Complete - K.R. Columbus

    MAGNA MAQUINA

    Copyright 2011 K.R.Columbus

    Smashwords Edition

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    Antiquarian Age Books

    By K.R.Columbus

    (Release dates and titles can change at any time…)

    ………….

    -We Shall be as Gods Series-

    1st Testament - Vestigial Dream

    2nd Testament - The Weaver and the Herder

    3rd Testament - Shadows of Me

    4th Testament - Children of Exile

    5th Testament - Beyond Destiny (Coming Soon)

    -Hyper Speed Inertia Series-

    -Yamato Trilogy-

    Battle-Submarine Yamato

    The Fires of Kawaita (Coming Soon)

    -NOVELS- (Not part of a Series)

    -MAGNA MAQUINA-

    -Sins of the Dark Zodiac-

    -Sodom’s X Duology-

    -Hall of the Mountain King-

    -The Last Southern Mountain- (Coming Soon)

    -Young Adult Fiction-

    -The Treasures of Shamarkand Series-

    Wanderers to Shamarkand

    Daughter of the Gods

    Carnival of Shadows

    The Mechanical Labyrinth

    The Mirror Tower (Coming Soon)

    -Totemic Haven Series-

    Totemic Haven

    WildChild

    Brother Sun, Sister Moon (Coming Soon)

    Ps – To avoid confusion, character thoughts, important words, songs and messages are in ITALICS.

    Chapter 1

    -Up with the Lights-

    These words repeated in his consciousness again and again, but part of him knew that he wouldn’t remember a single word. Ninphos and the others like him came out of the void to give us shelter and light, to protect us from the end that we’d created. We created this reality with him, inside of him. Out of kindness, and out of friendship this world came to be, it came to be for the ones that desired to become one with Ninphos. Our ancestors became one with him. We were born under his care, and protection against the end we chose for ourselves.

    Wake up Segis. You promised you would show me a new world. Wake up! A female voice echoed in his subconscious mind.

    Out of a pool of vacant will I was called forth from an impenetrable abyss that I must follow to an end, almost like becoming aware, I came back from the ever ending to what was still but in the inert beauty of what may come to be.

    Segis slept unaware of his surroundings, surrounded by a veil of artificial stars that shine in pale beauty, stars that were nothing more than the artificial residues of the many lights that surround his laying place with myriads of color. His chubby body was naked and very pale against the dark background.

    I felt a presence in the pool of knowledge that I call myself, it wasn’t what I called me, but it was ever present, and watching. It willed me to open my eyes, but my body felt heavy, it begged to be left unmoved. Yet, thinking about it gave me an urge to move, and try to open my eyes to see where I was. Some time went by, and I felt hunger swell in my stomach, like a snake being twisted slowly, adding this to the cold that had been taking over my limbs.

    Nothing will come of being here… Something croaked.

    Who? Who’s there?

    No, no personality yet. Wake up, and then you can name me if you wish.

    Name you? So you don’t have a name, is that it?

    Being I the only me that exists here, I’ve no use for names, but you, Segis is your name for others like you exist, and that gives you, and the ones like you a reason to call for a unique personality and individual names.

    Is that so? So individuality calls for names. That means that once I wake up and I give you a name, others like you will be born?

    I’m not sure, but the possibilities are that there will be, once that comes to be. I can’t wait.

    Segis felt a surge of sudden happiness coming from the croaking voice.

    I don’t understand what’s so important that I must wake and find out?

    Something. But I can’t tell you what it is. I’m being willed not to divulge. For if I tell you what you must do and find out, I might be taken away along with your existence.

    So, there’s something I must find, out there. Segis thought.

    Yes, and once you open your eyes I can tell you something else, and maybe start moving for the sake of reason and pace. The voice spoke into his head.

    I’ll move for other reasons. I’m hungry, and my belly hurts every time I think of food.

    Out of instinct Segis touched his forehead, expecting to touch something there, but only found skin. What had he sought on his forehead? Why did it felt so empty? Opening his eyes Segis was met by a flare of intense light, that as he became accustomed, it vanished and became part of his surroundings. He felt a spasm of pain all over his back, which made him groan in pain and twisting fury. He fell to the cold floor. With that, he came to his reality in a sudden purge.

    What’s happening to me? He gasped, looking at his dark surroundings, which seemed to move and shift as he did.

    His dark pointy hair shifted in shades and hues as the bright light of neon bulbs graced its surface. All looked still against his pale face. Breathing deeply with his back against the cold tiles of the floor, Segis opened his eyes wide, trying to figure out where he was, and why.

    I’m not sure why, but this place reminds me of a storeroom. I seem to remember something about a storeroom like this one, but it eludes me. Even as I close my eyes in pain, there’s still something familiar about the place. I can’t shake it away. This place must be a computer repair shop, because I’m surrounded by computer parts, motherboards, screws, monitors, and so on.

    So, you’re awake. Segis heard the croaking voice from before. He looked for its source.

    Shifting his weight from one side of his back to the other, Segis looked at one side of the room to the next. At first, he saw a door, and in the center of the room a table, the table he had been sleeping on. Tilting to the left and to the right he saw the figure who had spoken moments before. It was on his chest. The voice came from a type of green frog with small eyes. Segis accommodated himself on his knees at once, letting the frog jump to the floor next to him. For the longest time he looked at the frog as if transfixed. Segis lowered his body to face the foot long frog, which looked at him as if very bored.

    Well, are you going to name me? The frog spoke.

    Segis blinked once and then twice before leaving his mouth hanging. What? You’re a frog, and yet you can talk. I must still be asleep. He placed a hand on his forehead as if something were wrong with his head.

    Yikes! Rather intelligent are you? I see you can actually tell that frogs can’t talk, still, I’m something else. The frog croaked and then jumped closer to Segis, who was still looking at the frog in disbelief.

    If not a frog, then what’re you? To me you look like a frog, a big frog. He pondered with his index finger close to his mouth. I’m sure there must be frogs of your size somewhere, but still, I’ve never seen one as big as you. Still looking at the frog, Segis chewed on the tip of his finger.

    The frog closed its eyes in disbelieve for the longest time, and then scratched its green face trying to look for words. Segis smiled. The frog opened one eye and looked at Segis’ smile. Noticed his goofy face expression and wondered what was happening in his mind. The truth, Segis was suffering from a cuteness attack, something humans seem to be prone to when admiring most animals, and in some cases, other humans.

    Awww, so cute. You seem to remind me of something I can’t fully place, but it makes me feel all warm inside. Segis giggled.

    The frog glared at Segis. Look boy. I’m here to help you, to help you find what you forgot so you can escape this place. The frog explained, and then jumped off to the top of the nearest table.

    Escape? I don’t get it.

    This building, no matter how far you walk in any direction, you won’t find your way anywhere, unless you gather what you have lost. Only then will you be able to advance out of this building.

    I still don’t understand. This place seems to be a store room, and as things go, beyond that door I can get to the store, and after a while, I’m sure I’ll reach outside. At most, it will be a mall.

    You don’t understand Segis. You’re trapped here, and if you don’t escape this mall, you’ll die. Maybe not now, but soon. The frog spoke while looking at its surroundings.

    How do you know I’ll die? And how do you know me? Segis felt suddenly scared.

    Segis felt many feelings in the frog’s voice, things that he recognized as familiar and others he seemed to know in other higher levels of understanding.

    It was almost as if his surroundings had taken a life of their own, the very lights seemed to pulsate against the overflowing darkness, like a living being, so beautiful and strange.

    I was sent here by a friend, to get you out so you can do what you came here to do.

    I don’t remember you? And what’s this thing I’ve to do? You seem to know it, tell me. Segis pressed on looking deep into the frog’s eyes.

    The frog rolled its eyes around, looking at the many lights in the room, and then towards the door, almost as if being watched. After this, it placed its eyes on Segis, who was covering his crotch area with both hands.

    "I can’t tell you even if I know. This world is being taken over by The Vacanty, and what are left are barely traces of what it once was. If I were to say what I’ve in my consciousness, what you’ve to do would be torn asunder along with you and the dreams of many, including your dormant self."

    I’m not sure I understand, but since I don’t have memories to rely on, I guess I must follow you and see if what you say is true. I don’t have much of a choice. Segis said while trying to stand up from the cold floor.

    Good Segis, I’ll help you in all that I can. Do you’ve a name for me yet?

    Well, I…there’s a word that erupted in my head since I saw you, yet, I don’t know if it’ll be a good name.

    Name it.

    "Orion" The name echoed in the room, and Segis felt a change in the latent atmosphere of the room.

    It has commenced. The frog croaked, looking straight at Segis as the room changed slightly in atmosphere and illumination.

    It was almost as if something that had been asleep had suddenly awakened, because before them, the very walls began to buzz and jitter wildly. Losing his footing, Segis fell to the floor backwards on top of a box, which under his weight gave in instantaneously.

    Segis grunted in pain as he rubbed his sore back.

    Be quiet and listen. The frog informed, lifting his head to hear as the trembling ended.

    Segis was in pain, but he forgot about the pain when he heard a terrible hissing sound coming from the other side of the only door in the room. It sounded like something dragging a heavy object while hissing like a snake.

    Quick Segis, dress yourself with one of those jumpsuit overalls under you. We must leave this place as fast as we can. The Vacanty is aware of our presence.

    What?

    Look under you. In the box. I know you’re thinking it won’t fit, but believe me, it will. The frog jumped nearer to the door to listen to the approaching sounds.

    Standing up, Segis took a dark blue overall suit with red overtones from the pile, and began to dress, using one of the walls in the room for support. Opening the overalls from behind with his back against the wall, he entered his left leg into the overall sleeve, and then the right one. With his lower body inside the overalls, Segis moved his eyes to the left, and looked at the frog with fearful eyes bordering panic.

    What’s happening? He’s more than concerned about the sounds coming from outside.

    Would you believe me if I told you that I’m a magical frog that can grant you powers to fight the Vacanty?

    But, but, Orion you said earlier that you weren’t a frog? And anyways, what’s the Vacanty? Segis felt the insides of the overall sleeves, the soft fabric against his cold skin.

    Imagine a being capable of controlling the whole universe in such a way that it can control everything, your life, everyone and everything in it. That’s the Vacanty, and at this very moment it controls this place, and is seeing all that we’re doing.

    This all powerful being has my memories?

    In a way, yes. But it can’t see into them just yet. That’s one of the few things it can’t do. Danger waits beyond this room. You must be ready to fight if you want to survive to see the end to this.

    Fight it? I’m too weak, I don’t know how long it’s been since I’d something to eat. I can barely stand on my own.

    That’s why I asked you if you believed that I can grant you the strength to fight. The frog said, this time more luring.

    After he got dressed, Segis walked slowly, his naked feet touching the cold floor, and then he crouched in front of the frog.

    Well, I don’t know about a magical frog, but as thing are, I’m taking most of what I see as reality. I’ll follow things blindly until I can find something I can understand.

    Good. Now, do you believe?

    Ok, I do believe. What do I need to do Orion?

    It’s done. When fighting and defense skills are needed, I’ll help you by embedding you with my power. We don’t have much time. The Marionettes are close. Do not be scared, and keep running no matter what you see. I’ll see to it that you don’t get tired.

    Where do I need to go after leaving the room? Segis asked, looking at the door which stood before him like a behemoth.

    I’ll tell you once we’re outside. This room is different from the other rooms in this world. It’s a type of sanctuary.

    A Sanctuary. A haven, on a world turned into a hell.

    Exactly. I don’t have enough information to know the reasons why, but the sanctuaries scattered around this world have a lot to do with you. Maybe as we gather your lost memory fragments you’ll understand why.

    When Orion stopped talking, jumped on Segis’ shoulder, and then looked at his surroundings as if looking for something. Its eyes were caught by a metal broom stick on one corner. Smiling he pointed one of his small flips at the broom.

    Take that and use it as a weapon. I’ll tell you if I find something more efficient.

    Ok…

    Segis took the broom from the corner. He felt its weight by swinging it back and forth, feeling how he could manipulate it. As Segis swung, the frog stayed glued to his overalls as if part of the cloth itself.

    Good. Now let’s go. The frog pointed at the door, just when Segis swung the stick to the left.

    As his vision stabilized after the swing, Segis saw something on the floor. It was something pink and fluffy. Ignoring Orion, he walked to the pink thing as his body was overpowered by nostalgia so profound that he wanted to cry.

    What’re you doing? We don’t have much time! Orion pressed as he saw Segis crouch and take a pink object from the floor.

    I found something important.

    Dummy, what do you mean by something? This place is a mall; it’s bound to be full of important things. The frog hit his slippery legs against Segis’ face.

    I know, but this is different. Do my memories have a form? Segis guessed.

    Yes, they’re objects that have a set of memories implanted in them, but as I know, this object isn’t in the list I was given. I know where your memories are and where to find them and this one isn’t one of them. It is not one of them Segis, do you hear me? The frog got agitated as Segis picked the object.

    Segis’ eyes shone and glittered under the dim lights when he picked the object. This was an object that had been left behind when the world changed under the Vacanty. It was a pig plush doll.

    I know this. I’ve seen it before. This doll was mine. Segis said, his mouth dry, for having it open for too long.

    Good. Now let’s go! The frog persisted.

    Who gave you the list of where my memories are hidden? And why isn’t this object part of it? Segis said, trying to make sense of what he just found.

    Segis I already told you, we have to go.

    Segis sat down at once on a chair next to the table, and then placed the plush doll on the table. On the table there was a backpack full of computer memory chips, Segis emptied it and used it to carry the stuffed animal. The frog jumped to look at the stuffed animal. Orion looked straight at the plastic eyed pig and then licked it with a long tongue.

    Orion, I’m not moving till you tell me who gave you that list and why isn’t this object important?

    You gave me that list Segis. You gave it to me, and I don’t know why you would leave this memory out of it. Ask yourself that. Orion spat.

    I did…. Segis felt lost inside.

    Yes. There’s no way I can tell you why you would leave out some of your memories. All that I know is that we must keep moving, and that if we don’t, you’ll die soon.

    I understand, but how can I remember the memory in this object?

    I’ll talk about it on the next sanctuary, but at the moment we don’t have much time. The Vacanty will destroy this place if we stay for long.

    This place will be destroyed? Where’re the others like me that you spoke of, are they outside? Segis pointed at the door.

    No Segis, what’s left in this world are but shadows, traces of what humans were. The others like you are trapped in other parts of this fragmented world. I doubt we will meet them. Orion jumped back to Segis’ right shoulder.

    What will wait for me when we escape this world? Segis stood from his chair.

    You’ll find the truth Segis, the truth and answer to your existence. Orion said softly into his ear as Segis gripped the body of the broomstick tightly.

    Wearing the backpack, he took a long last look at the computer repair shop, to the many computer parts scattered on the floor. He felt a terrible surge of nostalgia, almost as if that place were holding things he couldn’t possibly leave behind.

    Orion, this room is important to me. Segis commented sadly, looking at the many lights in the room, which at times seemed to overflow into shadow.

    If you want to live pass these moments, you’ll have to grow up in order to leave behind what binds you.

    I know, but I wish I could remember what happened here. It calls to me out from oblivion, and I can’t ignore it. Segis closed his eyes.

    Segis stopped to feel a cold current of air coming from under the door, stopping against his face, making him feel strange and otherworldly. In the empty sanctuary, Segis saw the shadows of things that once had been, things that now were gone, and in them, he saw tears of a past fading against a gathering of shadows.

    I’m ready to go.

    About time you big lump! Orion said, and that phrase was strangely familiar to Segis.

    Slowly, but forcefully, Segis opened the door leading into the store and was blinded by pools of color overflowing into deeper shadows. He being one lonely figure, dressed in dark blue and red overalls against an overflow of light and products.

    The Vacanty’s Marionettes wait beyond.

    Fast, run as fast as you can Segis. Run for your life! Orion shouted the moment Segis opened the door.

    Chapter 2

    -The Mall-

    When he stepped out of the storeroom, cold air hit his face like a pillow full of ice cubes. At first glance, all he saw in the room was a waiting room, full of computer advertisements stamped on to grey walls, and just beyond the glass, the mall waits, going on forever with its colorful corrosive lights. Segis looked to the left to some of the service computers, and then to a coffee stand that was next to some waiting chairs.

    I don’t see anything here. Orion, are you sure we’re being followed?

    Yes I’m sure, so be on your guard and keep going. We’ve no time to… He never finished that line.

    Something jumped straight towards Segis from behind the counter, at such speeds that when he found out what had happened he was already doing a back flip to avoid the approaching object.

    How? Segis was stunned by his own sudden movement.

    The thing was, that at the same moment Segis noticed the thing a sudden urge to run filled him, but since he’s so massive he never imagined that he would actually do a back flip to avoid the thing, but yet he did, and surprised he faced the thing that had lurched towards him.

    This, this can’t be! He staggered as he looked at the unholy creature that was before him.

    Concentrate Segis. You’re more powerful than it is. You’ve my help, remember that. Orion said softly after noticing that Segis was trembling.

    The creature before him was a humanoid creature made entirely of products that could be found at the mall, gardening metal scythes, cans, clothing, books and shoes, everything one can find at a mall. The creature’s head was made of a square thirteen inch screen TV showing off static. At first glance, the creature gave the impression of being a type of twisted mannequin, moving with hanging, lagging limbs, limbs that swayed like dry branches as it pulled itself closer.

    One quick look at the Marionette and Segis understood that he had to flee from that humanoid mass of products coming nearer, away from it and its knifing fingers. The creature was fast for its weight, faster than Segis had anticipated. Within seconds, the creature leaped again towards him, with a sick echoing cry, vomited with a glace of hissing electrical sounds. Segis saw as the creature dashed towards him, and as the creature was centimeters away from him, batted the Marionette as hard as he could towards one corner of the room, where the creature twisted itself wildly to stand up.

    Now! Check the door Segis. Orion looked at the twisting marionette.

    Right.

    One quick dash and a skid on his naked feet, and Segis squeezed the door handle, but nothing happened. The door was locked from the other side. Segis turned to face the marionette

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