Calm and Turi moved through the village in a lackadaisical yet frantic manner, an odd combination of travel expressions which surely was the cause of the drawn, bewildered stares they received.
Calm's excitement caused short mental lapses in his mind's fortitude, his conscious effort to stay in disguise interrupted.
One moment he would be nodding pleasantly to passersby. The next, he was almost tripping over others, performing erratic acrobatic manoeuvres to avoid collisions.
Turi quickly found herself in the roll of having to give a stream of apologies.
His efforts to maintain a low profile were almost immediately undone. It was apparent to almost all in the village that a strange man in a strange outfit had suddenly appeared in town, apparent to all except Calm, of course, who believed he was blending in seamlessly.
After several dozens of minutes, a record time if one were keeping records for how slowly a person could possibly cross town,
Calm and Turi eventually started to cross the white marble bridge that bisected the golden-blue river that adjoined the village.
The small river wandered happily through the green countryside, appearing and ending without source or trace.
Directly ahead of them lay the megalithic sight of the floor elevator, tall, imposing, and regrettably practical.
It dominated the flat, picturesque landscape that surrounded it, jutting up seemingly at random in the middle of a green field.
Turi's face flushed as they approached the elevator. The arrival of Calm would surely draw attention from the general hubbub of the elevator, and of course, her being in his company would reflect on her.
Perhaps she didn't consider this part of the adventure. Perhaps she would have reconsidered if she considered this situation sooner.
Alas, there was no time left for any type of siderations at this point.
Calm and Turi approached the gargantuan elevator. It was round in construction, made of the same pristine white stone that adorned the roads and bridges on this floor.
Calm frowned, perturbed about the need to use such machinations as transportation. Much rather preferring energy teleportation.
The elevator was spacious, round and incredibly tall. It rose from the deepest depths of the bowels to the highest peaks, connecting all floors in this oasis of the Gods.
For short journeys between relatively adjacent floors, local teleportation platforms are possible and popular. However, the farther the distance becomes, the more likely chance for problems to arise.
Yes, great care and regulation was required to ensure the safety of those choosing to disassemble themselves into pure energy.
Not the disassembly stage of course, for a God turning themselves into pure cosmic energy was a simple task really, no different than sitting down or perhaps even standing up.
It was the re-assembly part that was tedious, or even perhaps, mind shattering, reality bending, existence crushing horror...
Not for the first time, the most recent teleportation fiasco has been the talk of the neighbourhood. In fact, these sorts of accidents are some of the few events that are actually worth mass broadcasts.
The problems really start to begin over longer distances; simply the droplets of pure divine begin to diverge in direction and separate, causing all sorts of mishaps.
Say a piece of a powerful deity loses its way and strikes the broom you happen to be sweeping with, your once mundane broom is now not only charged with godly energy, but may start to exhibit a level of sentience on its own.
That was the case of the now famous "Broom incident" and the cause of the ensuing "Furniture revolution" that crippled so many realms in its wake.
Calm shuddered at the thought of an army of décor rampaging through existence in his name, not good for one's reputation usually.
The other problem is of course the crossing of godly particles that may lead to fusions. Or, if the energy is strong enough, planet-sized, civilisation-ending explosions.
Not ideal if you live nearby.
To remedy these concerns, appropriate matters must be taken.
The first and easiest solution, a giant elevator that connects everything worthwhile.
Calm and Turi approached the elevator, the elevator attendant looked up at them expectantly.
"Central please," Calm said with a slight indentation, disguising his voice.
The man nodded, flipping a few glowing switches behind him.
After a few moments the grand doorway opened and they stepped inside.
Taking a position against the wall, Calm and Turi waited. Even travelling at near light speed this ride would take a while to finish.
While the room was spacious yet dimly lit inside, these elevators were known to be cramped full at generally the most inopportune time.
This was not one of those times, only three other people stood inside. Two who seemed to be particularly interested in staring at the wall or ground.
The third person though seemed to prefer staring directly at Calm.
Calm glanced at the man sideways.
Why is he looking at me...
The man in question was a strange fellow.
He had a large baby-like face and bald head, a long neck and rotund figure. He was wearing orange and black-trimmed robes.
Around his head four glowing orbs of light circled rather annoyingly.
Calm looked forward trying to ignore the man but just couldn't.
Something was irritating him greatly.
The man coughed slightly and Calm glanced over, their eyes coming into contact again. The man then, with a small, proud smirk, looked forward again.
What does this bastard want...
Turi stood leaning against the wall, unaware of the silent match being played.
The elevator continued its leisurely climb upwards, passing endlessly floor after floor.
Calm, in the meantime, was quickly dedicated to developing his own countermeasures against his new, but disturbing rival.
With great care and finesse, Calm tilted his head backwards and raised his hand... then began to yawn. His eyes, however, squinted directly at the man.
A moment later, the man once again cast a furtive glance directly at Calm, falling face first into his trap. For a fraction of a second, the man's eyes widened in surprise.
Hmph.. got you..
The corner of Calm's lip raised, basking in victory. Satisfied, he looked forward once again, shifting his posture.
Turi let out a regretful sigh as she waited.
After a while longer the divine gears of the elevator began to turn and spin, letting out a melodic ring.
The platform slowed, the pressure immense, crushing all inhabitants inside into the floor. Decelerating from light speed tends to have that effect on beings.
Calm and Turi's bodies flattened, eyes bulged and gave each other pained expressions.
Calm's once dastardly rival resembled more of a sentient ooze than person, not unlike Calm's own gelatinous creature.
Then, just as it began, it ended. The large white doors of the elevator opened and a piercing bright heavenly light shone in, causing Calm to blink.
Adjusting his eyes, Calm took in the magnificence and splendour of the Metropolis of the Gods.
Its aura and power radiating like a vast supernova, eclipsing even the greatest feats of existence.
The knowledge, beauty and unending creative power could entertain even the most ancient souls.
A paradise all mortals dreamt they be able to attain even the faintest glimmer. A place of such holiness, only salvation and joy awaited.
The divine city, in all its glory and glamour, beckoned him.