"Under fantasy disguise" part Scarabia
Well… this part was written several months ago, but I made myself to sit and edit it only now. You probably (just like me) forgot what this series was about, so I will leave links to the previous parts here: world lore (prologue) heartslabyul savanaclaw octavinelle pomefiore p.1
To say that the landing was soft was a clear understatement. Coughing up water from your lungs, you sat down on the shore. Damn this world - breath in - let the sky collapse on this lake - breath out.
Stretching, you had already cooled down, but the unpleasant aftertaste still remained. Soaked through and sticking to the body clothes added weight and heaviness to thoughts. An unusual dryness was felt in the mouth, despite the recent "bathing", and the desire to go, in general, was gone and was not going to return.
Three days.
This seemed to be negligible for such a large to-do list. You wanted to hug knees and sit on the sand until the end of deal, but there was definitely no time for that. That was what Ashengrotto was now counting on. To convince him otherwise was for the sake of Grimm and corny on principle.
Taking another deep breath, which reflected the gravity of the situation and your attitude towards it, you slowly got to your feet and walked in a random direction, hoping that it would lead you to the desert.
What time was it now? What day was it? At some point, you stopped orienting yourself in space at all. You didn't know how much time had passed since the beginning of the journey, but never before had you felt it so clearly.
Clothes still stuck to the body, but for a different reason. The sun from above burned harder than in Savanaclaw, as if trying to burn everything in its path. Sweat covered your eyes, the lack of water and at the same time thirst were felt more than usual. As if in contrast, at night the temperature dropped so rapidly that after a couple of minutes you thought that even the bones were covered with frost.
Such a rapid difference did not pass without a trace, you felt more and more nausea rising to your throat. Your head was ready to burst with pain. With every passing second, moving became more and more difficult. When, finally, the forces ran out and benting at the knees, you fell on the sand - thoughts occupied only one thing. Just to ease the pain for a moment, dispel the fog in head. Falling down on the hot sand, you closed your lids. Just for a couple of minutes.
Opening your eyes, you abruptly tried to sit up. At that very moment, everything went dark in your eyes, and all the muscles in body tensed in mute refusal. Frozen for a few moments, or maybe minutes, you silently waited for the veil to fall. As soon as itstepped back, you immediately began to look around.
You sat on the bed, different pillows and ottomans were scattered everywhere. The room had white walls with golden patterns. Moreover, it slipped everywhere in a single style: in the frame of the wardrobe, on the lattice of the window, the decorations of the head of the bed, the quality of the fabric of the sheets and velvet carpets. It was scary to imagine where you ended up, but even more you didn’t want to think about how much time had passed.
How much you had.
Your gaze involuntarily dropped to chest, a bright yellow shell. It, as if in mockery, continued to glow with a soft light, reminding of an unfulfilled task. Almost gritting your teeth, you threw back the covers and stepped barefoot on the warm floor. The tension in the body did not take long, but, ignoring the signals of your own body, you walked towards the door.
Did you had any other choice? At one point, you completely forgot about the existence of freedom of decision. From the moment you entered this crazy world, you doomed to wander around in search of a way out. Did it ever exist?
Grabbing the handle, you shook your head violently, bringing back the unpleasant noise in your head. It was better than these thoughts. By throwing open the door, you startled the guard standing next to you. The young man looked at you in confusion, trying to decide what to do next. Without giving him a chance to breathe, you took a step forward, forcing him to take one back.
"... head.." the voice sounded hoarse, barely audible, but you had long ceased to be surprised "..take me to him"
"I… so, wait," the guard was clearly confused, his clothes were fluttering in one direction, then in the other.
"Or I'm going to faint right now"
The phrase did not sound like a threat, but somehow it worked, and the young man, once again casting a glance around, nodded and turned around, ready to go. The corridors merged into one colored lump. However, you were in no condition to inspect the art. Stopping near the door twice as big as the others, the guard glanced at you warily. You just snorted, looking away.
"Head of Al-Asim have been asked for an audience!" Exhaling, he knocked several times to indicate his presence
After a while, footsteps sounded and the door swung open. Behind it, a richly dressed youth appeared, his brown hair swaying slightly with movement. His eyes narrowed in displeasure as soon as he spotted you, but soon his face returned to a neutral expression.
"The head is busy, if your business is insignificant-.."
"Jamil, what is it? Guests? Let them in!" He did not have time to finish, another, more sonorous, voice was heard from the room. As you understand, that was the real ruler of the lands.
Jamil sighed tiredly. It was clear that he still wanted to turn you around on the threshold, but the desire of the head was the law. Therefore, with a displeased face, he took a step back, letting you inside. Nodding in replacement of gratitude to the guard, you stepped forward.
Immediately, a different picture appeared to your eyes. Marble floors trimmed with gold, painted carpets, on which stood trays with sparkling, polished dishes. Most importantly huge windows opened a view to the sand dunes. Lamps was hanging on wall and bright red translucent curtains fluttering on a wind. If there was a description for the word 'wealth', then now you saw it right in front of you.
You expected to see anyone, but not a young man a little older than yourself. He smiled amiably, beckoning with his hand to come closer. For the entire period of being in this world, you managed to take a sip a lot of bitter medicine, so you approached with caution. However, the person sitting in the center did not radiate the same danger that you felt from the other residents.
“Good afternoon,” you said, clearing your throat and bending over in a bow. "I'm sorry for the sudden visit."
"No problem!" He brushed off your words, still smiling. In contrast to Jamil, who was standing next to him. You would prefer not to deal with him at all. "How do you feel? We found you on the elephant ride, didn't we, Jamil?"
“It is, head,” he replied respectfully, still looking at you suspiciously. "However, I still insist on an inspection. Before you can stand a spy or even a hired killer."
He just waved again, turning to you again "You've already checked things, haven't you? There was nothing suspicious in them. In a bag there weren't anything at all!" The young man exclaimed too joyfully for your taste, but you were ready to write everything off to him if you managed to carry out your plan. "How do you feel? The court doctor said you won't be able to get up for another week!"
A week?.. You whistled mentally. This was what pure desperation and stubbornness do to people.
"Thank you for your concern, you saved my life," you bowed again. "However, I have a request."
"What impudence," interrupted you the young man whom you had christened the adviser. "Head Kalim, you've done more than enough so far-.."
"All right, Jamil. We can at least listen," Al-Asim called you even closer.
Taking the chance, you immediately knelt down, lowering your head for dramatic effect. "My friend was captured by the head of Octavinelle. To save him, I need to bring Azul Ashengrotto a flying carpet," lowering your head even lower, you added. "Please, my friend... he is all I have."
You continued to examine the patterns on the carpet, feeling the adviser's burning gaze on the back of your head. The prolonged silence began to get on your nerves, biting your lips, you figured out a plan of action in case of refusal. However, it was not needed, a sonorous voice soon dispelled your doubts.
"If so, of course, take it!"
Huh? Raising your head in surprise, you looked in confusion at Kalim. Jamil, on the contrary, could kill you with a gaze, but instead he turned to Al-Asim.
"Head Kalim, come to your senses. This is probably the machinations of Ashengrotto, how can you give a family heirloom to the first person you meet-.."
"We have a few carpets," the young man spread his hands, showing how many there were, "Besides, how is Azul doing?" he asked innocently as the brunette furrowed his brows.
"More than good," you replied evasively. "Thank you," one more bow. "I will not forget your kindness."
Like the head of Octavinelle, you thought and hoped that the agreed time had not yet expired.
*
*
*
Returning to the room, you ran your hand over the soft pile of the much-desired carpet. Fortunately, as Kalim shared, you were unconscious for about a day. So, taking into account the current one, there was still a night and a few more hours until the afternoon of the third day. You did not want to take risks, but you did not want to cross the desert at night either. You were going to spend a sleepless night and take off with the first rays of dawn.
The carpet stirred and extended the tassels as if to say hello. In response, you replayed the events of such a short day. Only a blind man would not have noticed the dissatisfaction of the adviser, his look, with which he measured you in the end. Averting your gaze, you focused on Kalim and the path to the treasure room. Despite the striking splendor, you remember little. Eyes were looking for just one thing among the golden mountains.
In a couple of hours you were convinced of the sincerity of the young man. Involuntarily, Ace's words came to mind, which immediately cooled the temperature in the room. You prayed to every possible deity that he and Deuce would be okay. Ironically, you parted with all the new acquaintances on a sad note of uncertainty.
Hearing a rustle, you got up from the bed and quietly looked out the window through the carved shutters. There were guards roaming downstairs. You would have written off the usual changing of the guard, but something was wrong. Looking closer, you noticed that their eyes were clouded, and and their faces were blank.
Intuition sounded the alarm and, exchanging glances with the carpet, which immediately flew behind you, you headed for the door. Through the gap below, you could see the shadows moving along the corridor every now and then. Frowning, you pressed your ear to the door, trying to catch the slightest sound. However, your answer was dead silence. The bad premonition again began to remind of itself, and after waiting for the shadows to finally disappear, you gently turned the knob.
Lamps were lit in the corridors, but there was not a soul around. As if the world around suddenly ceased to exist. Nodding to the carpet, you slowly moved forward as a pair in search of a way out. Looks like your journey would start sooner.
Hiding behind the columns and in the shade of the curtains, you moved slowly. Taking a detour to the throne room, you exhaled, remembering the huge windows-passages. Flying out of there would be much easier than wandering further in search of an exit through the main door.
Looking around, you slowly approached and peered through the gap. Seeing what was happening inside, you immediately froze, covering your mouth with your hand. It wasn't in your to do list to make a sound. In the center now stood Jamil, dressed like a head, and next to the same clouded look Kalim.
From the pleased expression of the brunette standing next to him, you understood what was the reason. You wanted to curse everything in the world, including your own luck. By some absurd accident, you became part of the events, making trouble faster than the speed of light.
A crazy idea arised when you look down at the pendant shell. In any case, you had to pay Ashegrotto a visit again, so it didn't matter how. After walking a decent number of steps, you climbed onto the carpet, trying to figure out how to control it along the way.
"Do you know the way to Octavinelle?" You hoped it knew.
Leaning forward with force, you flew, picking up speed along the way. You held out your hands and swung open the door with a loud noise, drawing attention to yourself. The sudden appearance had a sobering effect, consciousness returned to those inside, but not for long. As you understand, it directly depended on Jamil himself.
Seeing you fly straight at him, the young man prepared himself, but the goal was different. At the last moment, changing your trajectory, you grabbed Kalim and swiftly flew out through the window, ignoring the self-proclaimed head.
The night air chilled cheeks, the passing clouds revealed the clear night sky. If it weren't for the severity of the situation, the speed of the carpet and Kalim gradually coming to his senses, the view could be called truly amazing. You had no idea which way you were flying, completely relying on your new soft friend.
As soon as the first green appeared in the distance, you exhaled. Be that as it might, very soon you would have arrived in Octavinelle. However, when the water began to clearly emerge ahead, and as the carpet began to decline sharply, you suddenly remembered something. How to slow down.
Almost screaming in annoyance, you rushed to Kalim, stretched the rope of the necklace and threw it around his neck. Shutting your eyes, you prepared to dive. The impact with the surface of the lake knocked all the oxygen out of lungs. Your cheeks burned as if someone had slapped you.
The carpet did not slow down, continuing to float in the water as well as through the air. You didn't foresee the next collision with the floor and several tables.
Breathing rapidly, you, grimacing in pain, met the eyes of the twins who emerged from around the corner.
"Oya-oya, I didn't think I'd meet you so soon," came Jade's calm, polite voice, contrasting with the mess inside.
Azul appeared on his face for a moment, a surprised expression, but then disappeared behind a businesslike smile.
“Carpet,” you said abruptly, taking a breath before each word. "I brought it, the time has not yet expired. I have fulfilled the conditions."
"Hm?.. Azul?" You glanced at Kalim, who looked around in confusion. "Long time no see! Why are we here? I remember exactly how Jamil came, and then.."
"I hope the noble head of Octavinelle has another necklace, otherwise we won't be able to discuss further conditions," you emphasized the last word.
Fortunately, Ashengrotto, quickly assessing the situation, immediately spread his hand, "Certainly! Kalim-san, I'm so glad to see you, welcome to Octavinelle. Unfortunately, we were completely unprepared for your visit." He turned to the eels. "Jade, Floyd, could you bring a tea with snacks?"
“Eh~ I didn’t think the otter would visit us so unexpectedly~” Dropped the second twin, revealing a row of sharp teeth. Kalim just happily waved after him. You envied his unshakable cheerfulness.
When Al-Asim got his shell and you finally separated, you stretched wearily, feeling every muscle in your body. Azul was already sitting cross-legged on one of the plush sofas.
"Well.. I'm quite surprised that you were able not only to return whole and unscathed, but also to complete everything on time." His gaze moved to the carpet, which immediately hid behind your back. 'I would gladly fulfill my obligations, but due to new details in the form of material damage, they need to be revised."
“Yes, yes,” you breathed. Honestly, you didn't expect Ashengrotto to keep his word. "Then let's go fifty-fifty." Give me Grimm, I'll find way back on my own. You're not going to reduce my bounty to zero, are you?"
"What are you saying! A fair attitude is the key to a successful business. I.. agree," the man added, reluctantly, hiding behind a smile.
"Azul, leave that carpet," Al-Aseem suddenly interrupted, drawing everyone's attention. "They became friends. When I get home, I'll give you another one."
"It's true, but," adjusting the glasses on the bridge of his nose, the merchant began to speak, while the carpet, in confirmation of the words of friendship, hugged you by the shoulders, hanging on your shoulders like a cape.
Without hiding your gratitude, you stroked his fluffy tassel.
"So it's decided! Do you mind if we all ride it together to Scarabia?" Kalim turned around. "And Azul will fly back on his own."
“Kalim-san, wait, deal with issues like this-.."
“Necessary, after discussing the current state of affairs in Scarabia,” you interrupted Azul and finished his sentence. "At the moment…"
Taking a sip of hot tea - at the bottom of the lake - you allowed Ashengrotto to digest what he heard and make a plan of action. You still didn't trust him, but in his ability to quickly adapt to the situation and take everything from it, he was unmatched. You could give him credit for that.
However, you didn't mention one thing. Going back to the desert palace was suicidal, at least in your case. You and Grimm planned to leave everyone behind and move on. You felt terrible doing this to Kalim, but you didn't have any supernatural powers to help him regain power. However, this did not apply to Azul.
You were ready to bet anything - as a resident of this world, he also wielded magic. Otherwise, he would not have become the head.
"How can I leave close neighbors to suffer from injustice," the merchant finally returned to the conversation. -"With the mercy inherent in Octavinelle, we will be happy to do everything in our power!"
You did not darken the brightened face of Al-Asim with your doubts about his sincerity.
*
*
*
Crossing the sky again, but with a large number of passengers:Jade and Floyd, in company with Azul, got a pair of legs. You again scrolled through the plan. 'Arrive at the place, help if possible. If things would start to get out of hand, grab Grimm by the scruff of the neck and fly out the window.'
You didn't want to risk more than you had to.
The closer you flew to the palace, the harder it became to breathe. Involuntarily, the escape from Heartslabyul came to mind, the same sensations. The previously dark blue sky was gradually turning a bright crimson color - definitely not a good sign. A casual glance at Ashengrotto confirmed your suspicions.
The surroundings were empty, as if all the guests had gathered and waited inside. By choosing one of the balconies, you landed softly. The carpet, as if also feeling the oppressive atmosphere, continued to fly very close to you. Picking up a cat, you already knew where to go. Where everything began, everything was going to end - in the throne room.
As you followed the others, you involuntarily glanced at the tall twins. In this situation, their growth inspired a little calmness.
Almost slipping, you slowed down. Looking around the sole and the floor, you once again confirmed your own fears. Everywhere, here and there, flashed black caustic pools of ink. Pressing the cat tighter, you slipped behind the nearest column. The further you went, the stronger the chances of getting out melted.
Mentally throwing just one "sorry", you waited for the right moment and rushed into one of the nearest rooms. The carpet obediently followed. Locking the door, you immediately rushed to the window. Fortunately, the grate was not closed.
Opening the window wider and letting the night air into the room, you took a convulsive breath and with trembling fingers set Grimm on the carpet.
"Servant?" Grimm meowed, but didn't resist. Ever since the reunion, he was unusually quiet, just like you.
Joining the cat, you carefully led higher, hoping to slip away unnoticed. Guilt pierced through, but the scarlet sky and the ink that stained everything around proved to be a more impressive argument on the scales. You'd rather have another run in Savanaclaw than go through the horror of Heartslabyul again.
Unable to restrain yourself, you headed towards the main balcony. From afar, you saw how Jamil has changed beyond recognition. Like a huge monster with an inkwell instead of a head was destroying the furniture around.
Did this happen to Riddle too?
There was a sharp lack of air, breathing accelerated, and a lump appeared in the throat. A sharp wave of the former adviser's hand and a simultaneous blow from the monster shook the palace, flames rushed from everywhere. The carpet accelerated regardless of your desire, trying to escape from the fire, rapidly consuming everything around. Squeezing the edge of the fabric with your hands, you curled up into a ball, closing your eyes.
Warm fur very close did not let it completely fall apart, until the burning heat was replaced again by the night coolness.
Would you like to go further?
