by J E Mueller
“Agreed. Hopefully we can fix it.”
Ze led on silently for a few minutes taking this turn, and another before ducking under some beams and taking another turn. He finally stopped. “I don’t know if things can be made better.”
“Why do you say that?” I had already started to make things better. At least I thought so. Starting to find the Creators and working on freeing them had to be helpful.
Ze moved a board and I could see the light of a room below. Carefully he lowered himself down before offering to help me down. Accepting, I was more than thrilled to be out of that web infested place.
“From what I’ve heard, all the Creators have been separated, probably trapped. What if there’s more to it than just that? What if even if we found all of them and freed them, that wasn’t enough?” Ze sounded scared.
I hadn’t thought of things like that. “It wouldn’t hurt to try. What could possibly have happened to make it so things can’t be righted?” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
“What if one of them is dead? Or some of them gave up on us and went to live elsewhere?” Ze paced around for a moment. “What if they don’t want to right things? If one of us did this to them, can we really blame them?”
“I doubt they gave up on us, and I really doubt they would hold us all accountable for the actions of one or even a few. I don’t think they can’t just die. They’d probably resurrect. I’m sure they have thought at least that much through. We’ll figure it out. I’m sure they’re all here, somewhere.” I hope my smile was reassuring. There were several new questions I wanted to ask them now.
“How do you think anyone can free them? If they’re tapped you’d have to find them first. What if they’re trapped so bad they can’t free themselves? Binding magic is strong here, that's why the creatures normally can’t just roam free. I bet the person who did this can’t even un-trap them.” He continued to pace around, frustration lining his features.
“It’ll work out. Remember there’s several of us here who had basically grown up here as Dreamers. Maybe someone accidently learned some useful tricks. If we free even just one it’ll help us find and save the rest..”
Ze stopped as he considered my words. “Maybe. I hadn’t thought of that. People accidently learn useful things all the time.” He started to pace again but much more slowly. “I don't see Clove being about to help us though. That’s all I’ve heard as far as previous Dreamers go. Who else is there even?”
“I think that really just leaves me and Benz.” I considered it for a moment. “I doubt it’d be wise asking the other side for help. If Benz had a part in this, it might be more likely that he doesn’t want to help.”
“What if he does?” Ze asked.
“I guess it would depend on how much he meant his words.” I considered the idea. “If he actually wanted to help and was remorseful for his stupid idea, then sure, why not. Even if he doesn't know how to free anyone, he would probably know where everyone is at least. That could save some time.”
“How could anyone like that ever convince you?”
I looked at Ze curiously. “Why does that matter? It’s a hard thing to prove. I’m sure if he really wanted to fix things, he’d find a way to let it be known.”
“But I just imagine it being a ‘you’re just saying that’ sort of moment you know?”
That was a good point. “I guess, if worse came to worse, I could just cheat. I have a way to know true intentions.” I wasn’t going to explain anything about the bracelet I to Ze, but he seemed adamant on these crazy questions and answers.
“What? How can you do that?” Ze asked, confused.
I held up my wrist and pointed to the bracelet. “I’ve got an artifact that won’t come off.” No need to give the real details. “Why, did you hear something about Benz?”
Ze’s eyes followed the bracelet as I lowered my arms. Ze had commented on the bracelet before. I could almost see the cogs turning. “You could say that. This whole thing is a vicious mess really.”
“That it is,” I agreed. We were silent for a moment. “So, what did you hear?”
“I’m trying to figure out how to explain it without you hating and not trusting me.” Ze sighed. He leaned against a nearby wall. “It’s a mess.”
“Well, I don’t know. Guess it depends on how much of a mess it is. We all have our secrets.” It was the truest reply I could think of.
“You? Secrets? I find that hard to believe.” Ze smirked.
“A week isn’t enough to know a person.” Had it even been that long yet?
Ze shook his head. “I… It’s just that…” He motioned at nothing before pacing once more. After a few moments Ze stopped, shook his head and started again.
“Just say it already. Whatever it is.” I shook my head at him. What could be so troubling? What did he know?
“We’re the lucky ones with three gifts.” Ze finally stopped and tried to smile but just ended up shaking his head. “None of us know each other’s magic though. Well, I suppose except for now. Clearly it’s just easier to give that card up to get this disaster of mine fixed.”
It took a moment for the words to sink in. “Benz?”
With a nod, Ze dropped the illusion he had over himself. “I figured if anyone had an idea of how the heck to fix my mistakes, it would be the alliance going against me. So, I created a new persona. Pretending to live on Silverwell while still trying to be around enough to appear like I’m still leading Steal Oath. It’s all been a complicated game, and I’m starting to lose it. I’ve no idea what to do and things are getting so much worse.”
I wasn’t sure if I should be mad, upset, or relieved to know all of this. We locked eyes as I flipped the bracelet around. To use or not to use? He was expecting it, but he didn’t actually know how it worked. I decided to just trust his words.
“Remilia, I really really messed things up this time.” He sighed, lapsing into my full name.
“We’ll get it figured out. I’m going to need a lot of information though,” I said, starting to pace as I thought things out. “And you will be honest about it all.”
“Of course. I swear,” Benz assured me.
“Swear on your name Benedict Benzadi,” I said firmly.
His eyes went wide. “You remember my full name?”
“And Clove’s.” I nodded. “I may not remember everything, but things are coming back quickly now.
Relief washed his face and it looked as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders. “I swear it. Just let me know what you need.”
“I don’t know what I need yet, but I will.” I nodded. “It’s a lot to take in. Let’s get back.”
“No one else can know though,” Benz stated, making sure he had my full attention.
“For now, I’ll agree. That may change eventually,” I admitted, unsure how all the pieces would fall.
“Fair enough. That’s more than I can hope for.” With that he put the illusion back on.
“So that’s why you can’t do illusions for too long. You’re busy keeping this one up.” I grinned happy that things were clicking into place.
He nodded, now back as his Ze appearance. “It’s a lot of tiring work. Seems to have been worth it.”
I nodded, not entirely sure how to take that. “We’ll see. Let’s get going.”
With a nod he motioned for me to follow. This was a more interesting adventure than I had expected.
16
We walked back in silence, only communicating enough to avoid creatures. I wasn’t exactly sure how to take in the entire conversation, and while there was potential for some answers as to what happened, I wasn’t exactly ready to handle it.
What I did know was that neither team was the ‘good’ team, and it seemed, at least with this issue, that both teams paid for each other’s doings. I couldn’t grasp what exactly either side was doing. It was as if both were running a competition to ‘win’ but there was nothing to win here. There were no winners, there was only death.
They needed to move on, but they clung to this last thread of existence. The only difference I had was that I was still a Dreamer. I knew full well I’d be doing the same if I were in their shoes.
As we entered the safe zone, everyone seemed to look toward the door frantically, almost as if they were worried something else terrible happened, and then with relief. They were safe, we were safe. All in all, no one was harmed. We were flustered, frightened, and fairly tired, but if that was the worst, we were doing good.
“How did the run back go?” I asked with a smile, pretending as if nothing life altering just happened.
“Good.” Mare gleefully skipped up to us. “We weren’t sure if you would make it. You took forever.”
“We took an extra long route just to be safe,” I admitted.
“And I might have gotten a little turned around up in the ceiling.” Ze gave a small laugh. “Everything is dim, dusty, and full of webs. I hate navigating up there.”
Clove chuckled as she also joined us by the door. “It’s pretty nasty indeed. Glad you made it back. I think we’re going to have to delay any further progress until we figure out what’s going on with this barrier break though.”
Something came to mind. “Did you say both sides were looking for artifacts? Could something momentarily let a creature out of its zone?”
Mare looked horrified at the idea.
Clove shrugged as she joined in on the conversation. “I don’t remember. I don’t see why an artifact like that wouldn’t be possible. Sure, it would give a momentary one up to torment the other alliance, but it would also put the user at just as great of a risk luring the creature out. It’s balanced enough that I could see it being a thing here.”
“Didn’t someone say they found a book on artifacts while we were dragging things off the shelves? Get someone on that project,” I suggested, trying to remember what conversations I had overheard.
Clove nodded as she considered the idea. “Good idea. If the signs are there, we just need to make sure to have an extra lookout so no one from Steal Oath knows what we’re doing. That’s easier to sidestep than the beasts having free reign.”
“Yeah, I like the sound of that better too. Though maybe we all should take an hour or two to relax first. I still feel on edge,” I said as I twisted my back trying to crack it.
Clove gave the ‘I want to argue this’ face but shook her head before replying. “You’re probably right. I think I need a nap too.”
Mare raised an eyebrow. “You okay boss? You’re not even putting up a fight with someone clearly disagreeing with what you want to do. Stated or not.”
Clove gave a half hearted wave as she walked to her room. “Honestly, I’m tired. It’s not worth arguing when you’re going to yawn half way through it anyway.”
Mare snorted then added quietly as Clove vanished from sight, “Victory is only a yawn away.”
“What now?” Ze asked me.
“Relax. Join your friends. I have a few things to attend to,” I replied, really just wanting to talk with Lydia and Marella.
“What can I help with?” Ze had a pleading, almost puppy dog look to him.
“When I’m ready for your help, I’ll let you know. Just not right now,” I stated it as firmly as I could.
Mare gave me a look. “So, what’s the secret now?”
“Not important yet. However, I’ll be back.” I yawned. “Probably sooner rather than later.”
Mare didn’t seem convinced but gave a nod anyway. “You know where I am.”
“You probably know where I am too.” I smirked tiredly, as I stretched out my arms for a moment.
“You aren’t hard to track, it’s true.” Mare returned a sly smile before walking over to the others and giving them almost a command to rest up.
Ze turned his attention back to me. “I really, really want to help though.”
“Can you figure out what went on upstairs then? If it’s an artifact, you have access to that team,” I pointed out quietly. “If not, well, at least we’ll know sooner if we’re screwed.”
Sighing, Ze nodded. “I know there were two groups looking this morning. I was surprised I got ambushed and caroused into helping so soon here. I have no idea what could have been found.” Ah, so no wonder I hadn’t seen him at first.
“Well, there you go. Figure it out.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
Ze hesitated. “Okay. I can do that. I assume we’ll just meet back here eventually then.”
“Fair enough plan,” I agreed. The standoff continued before I shooed him. “Go, this is more important anyway. If we don't know what’s wrong with the barriers, we’ve got bigger problems than what I’m up to.”
With a nod, Ze finally left. Good. No long arguments. I headed back to my room for a moment just to give Ze time to disappear. The second I crossed the threshold I remembered a comment he made. We’re the lucky ones with three gifts…
It was like I could feel the gears get stuck as they tried to move and release the memory. He said it so offhandedly, like I should know, but at the time I chose to concentrate on the bigger matter at hand. Now, I was lost. Not that I was very well found before, but at least I had thought I was only missing one magical ability. Now it felt almost as if I was starting things over.
You’re thinking about this the wrong way, Lydia pointed out.
While her tone was nice, I was rather annoyed. I paced around my room as I thought. How can one think about this the wrong way?
Marella gave you memories back for a reason. Let’s start with the more obvious. What are some reasons why it might be important to remember her, aside from her being considered a Creator here.
Considered a Creator here? Like that didn’t add to the confusion. I pushed the thought away, not needing another distraction at the moment. Instead I sat at the edge of my bed and closed my eyes trying to visualise any memory I had of Marella. Why would she be important to me and what connection did it have with my abilities?
Most memories I had of her and with her were centered around that strange puddle room. A few were outside. I remembered her handing me things and telling me to go hide them. What silly games did we use to play?
I went back to the memories of the puddles; they seemed simple enough. Lots of swimming and being underwater for what seemed like hours. I could finally picture the Polycoy easily enough. They were oversized, otter like creatures. Their claws were sharper than a normal otter’s, and their mouths made them poisonous. They really loved to play and would sometimes play a little rough by pulling someone into the water. The silly creatures didn’t seem to understand drowning was a thing. Not that I ever had a problem with that.
I realized it wasn’t because I had befriended them. I could breathe underwater. That darn Marella knew it too well and could have just told me!
But by remembering, you don’t have to relearn, and you are more in the loop. It’s a slower way, but far better than shoving you down below the surface of the water telling you to just breathe.
Couldn’t we just do the easy middle of the road saying it and letting me pull the memories slowly? Either way, that part was remembered at least. How to figure out the last one now?
Your new best buddy and double agent probably remembers.
I had to admit, I was surprised Lydia wasn’t in on that conversation from the start.
You were handling it well enough. Now that you’ve had a breather, I’d go find him though. It would help us to know how they trapped us in the first place.
That was a fair point. With a sigh, I got back up and headed out.
The common room had emptied quickly and only a small handful milled about, or slept where they originally sat. No one seemed to pay me any attention as I left, through the jam like painting. It felt less weird today, and I wondered if I was getting used to it finally.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to get used to it, but didn’t linger on the thought as I carefully set off down the hall. How the heck was I going to find Benz? I kne
w he wandered during the early hours of the morning, but it wasn’t that late now. I had sent him back to his team, so, if I remembered correctly, that was on the opposite side of the house. Same set up, just different location. Really, unless I ran into Canton, there shouldn’t be any issues. I didn’t think anyone on that side would actually care.
Slowly, I followed the labyrinth of halls as I tried to navigate to the other side while avoiding creatures. It struck me that I probably could ask Lydia for directions, but knowing the layout myself would be just as useful for when she wasn’t completely attached to me.
Eventually I found it. The painting went from floor to ceiling just like ours. While our painting was a woman getting in or out of bed, this one had the same woman leaning against the bedpost.
Hesitating, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to just go inside. What if he wasn’t there? What if Canton was? While I debated, someone exited the painting and for a moment we stared at each other in surprise.
“Is Benz back yet?” I asked tiredly. “I have what he was looking for.”
I tried to sound as best like a double agent as I possibly could.
The girl stared at me unsure for a moment. “And you are?”
“Tired, but I’m sure you’re looking for my name. Remi,” I stated casually.
She pursed her lips as she tried to make a decision. “I know you’re not working with us, but you know what, I’ll grab him. I’m Gretta.” Shaking her head, she headed back in.
I waited hesitantly, shifting from foot to foot. This could go several ways. She could grab anyone else. I wasn’t sure if she was actually calling my bluff or not, but either way, there was no backing down now. I felt the magic course along my fingertips, ready to summon my bow.
Finally Gretta did remerge with another guy following her, and then Benz.
Gretta motioned to me. “So, what's going on?”
Benz glanced at me surprised, but quickly shook it off. “Not here.” He motioned for us to follow.
Unsure what to expect, I let the others pass me and followed behind them. At least the two people I didn’t know couldn’t get the best of me this way. Benz did bring them along instead of dismissing them though, so maybe they weren’t that bad?