by SGD Singh
The dense forest stretched out beneath her, the ground still dark under the barely lightening sky. Then she heard the waterfall, which became visible a moment later, white against the darkness. Water crashed against jagged stones that jutted from its seemingly bottomless well, like the mouth of a monster. Lexi, Kai, and Kenda landed in the branches of a tree at its edge and surveyed the shadows.
Mamono stood with the familiar silver disc in his hand, watching five Witches who surrounded a mandala, drawn in what Lexi knew must be blood. With their arms outstretched, they raised their voices in a language that made Lexi’s skin crawl. She couldn’t tell how close they were to finishing the flash portal.
And then she saw Nidhan.
Oh sweet Jesus, no.
He floated, unconscious above the jagged rocks, held by an invisible force. The Underworlders had taken his clothes and his hair hung loose, waving in the misty breeze.
Why did they take his clothes? Oh dear God…
Lexi was blind with rage. Kai and Kenda tilted their heads at her, red-tailed hawks questioning her hesitation.
As Lexi took a breath to give the signal of attack, Zaiden appeared out of the empty space above the waterfall. With one powerful beat of his enormous wings, Zaiden swept down and wrapped Nidhan in his arms, carrying him toward safety just as his two companions materialized on either side of Mamono.
Lexi scrambled for a new plan of attack as the horrific sound of Witch screeches filled the air. The Witches turned on the Upperworlders, and the two golden-skinned boys staggered, falling to their knees.
Some of the Witches must have attacked Zaiden as well, because Lexi gasped as a stab of pain like she had never felt before seared her mind. Heart-rending loss took her breath away and she swayed.
Okay, you were right, Nidhan. Killing him would have been bad.
Even through his pain, she watched Zaiden land on a patch of level ground and unfreeze Nidhan, lying him on the ground before stumbling to re-enter the fight.
Enough of this shit.
With a piercing signal to the others and a roar of fury, Lexi moved into action.
Mamono was turning to attack Satish, still crippled with pain, but Lexi entered the clearing and shifted, her battle-cry filling the dawn as she landed on the Goblin, slicing one of his fat arms off with a powerful blow of her khanda as he jerked with blinding speed, saving his head.
Koko and Ariella landed behind two of the Witches and beheaded them with a synchronized slice of their weapons before the Underworlders knew what was happening. Their three sisters bellowed in rage, whirling to focus their agony-inducing spell on the Jodha, but the two Guards had already turned, flying beyond their reach.
Lexi risked staying in warrior form and swung her sword again at Mamono’s head, but the Goblin rolled away faster than she thought possible, and Lexi felt the Witches’ hands just as excruciating pain stabbed through her.
She fell to her knees, a small part of her mind hearing Zaiden cry out as he felt her agony. But the next instant, the pain vanished and Lexi was drenched in the warm liquid of Witch blood as bodies fell, headless, on either side of her.
With a shriek, the last Witch spun into a cloud of darkness and disappeared into the trees beyond the clearing. Ariella and Koko sprinted after her, shifting and swooping among the trees.
Blood dripped down Lexi’s face, and she closed her eyes.
When she opened them, the Upperworlders had vanished from the clearing.
Time to get the prince’s delicate ass to safety, I guess. Wouldn’t want to risk tarnishing his shine.
Kai and Kenda grinned at her, each tossing a Witch head to the bloodied ground. “Sorry Lexi,” said Kai. “The sight of a prince of the Upperworld snuggling a naked Nidhan messed with my reflexes.”
“Definitely.” Kenda returned his weapon to his belt and jogged to where Nidhan was struggling to his feet, shrugging out of his jacket. Nidhan still looked disoriented as he tied Kenda’s jacket around his waist. The sleeves hung down one side, leaving way too much perfect thigh visible.
Watching him, Lexi fought back the urge to run to him and throw her arms around his broad chest. Instead, she bellowed for the Goblin to hear, “Whatever Ranya promised you, you power-hungry son of a bitch, you will never get it! You die today, you understand me? Today is the day you die!”
Lowering her voice, she added, “Somebody please tell me we’ve got eyes on Mamono.”
“Shit,” Nidhan muttered. “Why did they take my clothes?”
Letting out a signal to his missing brother and getting a negative signal in return, Kenda shook his head at Lexi as he told Nidhan, “Humiliation 101, brother. I wouldn’t give it another thought.”
“Maybe you’ve been probed, man,” offered Kai.
“I don’t… feel probed.” Nidhan staggered and reached for Kenda’s shoulder. Lexi had to use all of her self control not to run to him.
Zaiden. Do you have the Goblin?
We had him. We just lost him.
She turned and pointed. “You two hold onto Nidhan and do not let go until you get safely to the jet, is that clear? Mamono and one Witch are still out there. That fat fuck has figured out how to turn that damn thing on, and his arrogance will demand he finish this.”
As if finally registering Lexi’s voice, Nidhan jerked his head toward her. When he smiled, all of her willpower to stay focused on finding Mamono threatened to leave her.
“Get back to the jet, Nidhan,” she called. “You—”
The one remaining Witch rushed from the trees with a terrible screech, Ariella and Koko close behind her. Koko swiped at her head, his bladed rabbit stick a blur, but she spun, throwing a pain curse, and Koko stumbled. With a shout of rage, Kai pushed Nidhan toward Lexi and lunged forward, slicing into the Witch’s middle with his Tomahawk ax as the Witch jumped back. Blood gushed down her front and Kenda moved in with his Iroquois ball club to finish her. All three brothers surrounded her, Ariella moving to join them.
The Witch smiled at the Jodha.
Lexi felt cold dread dance along her spine. Everything slowed down.
Something’s wrong…
Nidhan fell to his knees, retching onto the ground, and Lexi was pulled off balance. She took a step back, her sword held ready.
Kai raised his ax, but the Witch laughed in his face, her teeth bloody.
“You have already lost,” she sang. And before anyone could stop her, the Witch sliced a knife across her own throat, cutting her laughter off and falling to the ground with a gurgling laugh.
Lexi stared at the Witch’s body as her four friends turned to her, their looks going from confusion over the Witch’s suicide, to horror, and Lexi realized she had stepped away from Nidhan.
Oh, Jesus,no.
She spun, rushing to his side, but it was too late.
Having turned the Upperworlder weapon on Nidhan for the third time, Mamono easily pushed his floating figure out of Lexi’s reach and over the edge of the watery cliff. Moving his hand across the device, he unfroze Nidhan even as Lexi sliced the Goblin’s head off.
The Underworlder’s body twitched at her feet, and Lexi watched in numb horror as Nidhan fell, disappearing into the dark mist below.
Someone was screaming, and she was vaguely aware that it was herself.
Chapter 26
The ground flattened into a black sea of sand, and Sid turned to Asha. “This is as far as I can take you,” he said. “Keep heading straight and you’ll reach the river, then it’s just a, what do you call it?” He smiled wickedly. “A hop, skip, and a jump east to the Emperor’s crib. The river shouldn’t be a problem, man, even for your Werewolf friend. I think.”
Kairav glared. “What do you mean, you think?”
“Well, he’s Infernal Guard, right?” The Vampire studied his nails, looking bored. “Holy water shouldn’t be a problem, like I said.”
“Holy water,” said Asha. “A river of holy water.”
“Far out, right?” Sid smiled.
“I told you, our future Empress is one bitchin’ awesome woman. She enjoys a good melting as much as anyone.”
Asha stepped onto the sand, peering into the distance.
“That sand has some groovy features, dude, just sayin’,” the Vampire called, “It’s not even a little safe for locals. Used to be the hoards of evil could get a real groovy fight going right under the Emperor’s nose, but not anymore. Especially with this celebration coming up. The things you call Urnayu? They’re the only ones that can open the gates, man.”
Ursala walked onto the sand. Before he got five steps, a fountain of water exploded from the ground in a geyser, soaking him and reaching as high as they could see into the dim light, then splashing out toward the group as the Vampire jumped back with astonishing speed.
The water hit Avinash, and he screamed in pain, holding his face, then grinned at their startled faces.
“Just kidding,” he said, and Kairav punched him in the stomach and arm, cursing.
“Thank you for taking us this far, Sid,” Asha said, turning back to him. “I assume you’ll be at the banquet, being royalty and everything?”
The Vampire shrugged. “My dad thinks it’ll be totally righteous. Plus… we’ve been ordered to go.”
“Listen,” said Asha, moving to his side. “Let me tell you something about your new Empress. She enjoys killing Underworlders even more than The Guard does. I’m not sure what she plans on doing, but I can promise you it won’t be anything good.”
“Royalty abusing their power is nothing new around here, Dream Eyes.” He smiled, moving closer to stand inches from her. “Our Emperors lead us with much more… vigor than you’d be able to handle.” Asha didn’t move, waiting for his raised fingers to touch her cheek, but he must’ve seen the warning in her eyes and dropped his hand. “You’re on a rescue mission, right? That’s the only reason you primo humans ever come here. Then you float, never to return.” He showed her his sharp teeth, leaning in closer, his lips almost touching her ear. “Or you die.”
Asha could feel Aquila’s tension at the Vampire’s closeness as he fought the urge to protect her, but she held her ground. “Your Empress is something new. Trust me.”
Sid stood back, his relaxed attitude returning. “So what is it exactly you want me to do?”
“I want you to help us get into the palace,” said Asha.
I really don’t think it’s a good idea to trust this blood-sucker with our plan.
Duly noted.
But?
But it’s already done. He helps us. I’ve seen it.
Did I tell you lately how amazing you are? I could die happy this very day if—
“Hello?” The Vampire waved a hand, apparently waiting for a reply.
“She does that,” said Ursala, glaring at Aquila. “Means she’s hearing voices.”
“Oh…” The Vampire looked sympathetic. “Harsh bong, dude. Try to take it easy on the dope, Dream Eyes, that shit will mess you up, no doubt.”
Asha noticed Jax trying not to laugh, and marveled again at how resilient the civilian was.
She said, “He asked you what you have in mind…”
Asha turned back to Sid. “Sorry. The castle must have servants entrances, right?”
The Vampire shook his head. “Nope. It’s not much of a castle, man. More of a demon’s lair. Except, like, a really big, fancy one. Not too much need for security, being as the… what do you guys call them again? Vazin and Bhaksaka. That means parasite and eater, right? There’s a reason for those names back where you’re from, if you catch my drift.”
They all looked at him in silence.
“The Emperor is a Vazin, man. He thrives on souls, but he’ll eat anything. So everyone is welcome, can you dig? At your own risk, I think the saying goes. You can check in, but you can’t check out.”
“What time will they, uh… cook for the banquet?” Ursala asked, glancing at Asha in alarm.
“Cook?” The Vampire laughed. “No cooking necessary, my friend. But don’t worry. If rescuing dinner is on your agenda, you have plenty of time.”
Kelakha said, “If there’s no security, why all the holy water?”
The Vampire shrugged. “You tell me, dude. Maybe it’s for you awesome folks. Keep you safe on your way to the party.” He laughed at his joke, but Asha felt a chill that was from more than the cold, oppressive air.
That’s exactly what it is. Ranya is waiting for us.
Let her.
“There is something I can do, man.” The Vampire smiled. “I can tell you where the party will be. And where it won’t be. Rescuing whoever was wired enough to get on the wrong side of our Empress is up to you from there. Sound copacetic?”
Asha put out a hand. “That sounds funkadelicly killer-diller.”
Chapter 27
Lexi shifted and dove from the cliff’s edge, the waterfall a blur as she plummeted toward the ground, her hope for Nidhan’s survival evaporating with each passing second.
Lexi. He’s okay. We got him. He’s okay.
Zaiden? You… Hope filled her chest as she slowed her dive and swept back into the air.
No matter what you think of me, we’re not animals.
I never… I didn’t—
And there was Nidhan, lying against the mossy undergrowth, in Zaiden’s golden arms.
Swooping to his side, Lexi shifted back to human form, blinking back tears of relief as Nidhan looked around in confusion.
“… Lexi?” He looked up at her with unfocused eyes. “Is there food? God, I’m starving.”
Lexi threw her arms around him, laughing. “Sure there’s food. We’ll get you whatever you want.”
Nidhan looked down at himself. “Am I… ? Why the hell am I naked?”
Lexi brushed the hair out of his face and kissed his cheeks, unable to take her eyes off him, or to stop smiling. His eyes were still unfocused, but his powerful arms wrapped around her, and as Nidhan kissed her thoroughly, Lexi felt the world melt away.
He was alive. Nidhan was alive, and that was all that mattered in the world. Was she meant to be satisfied with the memory of only a few short months with him? No. The very thought of life without him was unbearable—unthinkable. Whatever this thing, this esoteric, mystical thing with Zaiden was, her heart belonged to Nidhan, and it always would as long as she lived. Period.
Nidhan seemed to notice for the first time that they weren’t alone and his lips left hers.
He smiled at Zaiden in apparent in delight. “What a pretty golden samurai. Hello, Golden Samurai!”
Umm, did he hit his head before you got to him?
Lexi felt Zaiden’s indignation at the suggestion, but the Upperworlder didn’t reply.
The reality of how Nidhan survived filled Lexi’s thoughts and she felt an unwelcome twinge of remorse.
Helping Nidhan to his feet, Lexi tried to ignore Zaiden, but no matter how hard she tried to tell herself otherwise, she felt the Upperworlder’s anguish at seeing her in Nidhan’s embrace. His suffering destroyed her glorious relief in an instant, and Lexi felt the past day’s strain would tear her mind apart.
Nidhan gagged, stumbling, and Lexi rushed to steady him. Then he giggled, and she felt her stomach drop at the sound, so totally unlike him.
“What a pretty waterfall!” Nidhan exclaimed. “Let’s go swimming, Lexi.”
Okay, Your Highness, what the hell is wrong with him?
Zaiden kept his eyes on the ground as he straightened his strange clothes.
The apparatus is not meant to be used over and over on a subject. It will take some time for his mind to… adjust.
Nidhan tore off his jacket-skirt and sprinted, naked, to the water’s edge, diving into the bubbling pool with a shout, and Lexi stared at Zaiden in horror.
“You… he would never have done that in his right mind.”
Zaiden cleared his throat, averting his eyes. “Of course. I understand.”
“How long will the… adjustment take?” Nidhan blew bu
bbles and called her into the water with lewd gestures, declaring his undying love in loud Punjabi, mixing endearments with cuisine in ways that would have no doubt been hilarious to Aquila and Ursala.
“Oh, fuck…” Lexi sighed.
The sun shone at the top of the waterfall, throwing rainbow crystals across the brightening greenery all around them. Zaiden ran one golden hand through his feather-hair and Lexi quickly looked away, shuddering with the mutinous thought of its softness. “Who can say? Minutes? Hours? Um… I should—”
A Punjabi curse involving mothers with impossible body parts rang out above the sound of the waterfall, and Lexi turned to see Nidhan standing chest deep in the water, his powerful arms outstretched.
“Hello? Why the fuck am I skinny-dipping in a jungle, Lexi?” He shook hair out of his face in irritation. “Some clothes, please!”
Lexi laughed in relief, throwing him Kenda’s jacket. “Here! Your skirt.”
Nidhan scowled, but caught the jacket, motioning impatiently for them to turn around.
When she heard his footsteps behind her, Lexi and Zaiden turned to face a mortified Nidhan.
“This isn’t the way I would prefer to meet an Upperworlder,” he told Zaiden. Nidhan folded his hands. “Especially one who I suspect saved all of our lives.” He bowed his head. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me.” Zaiden reached a hand out to Nidhan. “None of this would’ve happened if we hadn’t been tricked out of our gadgets.” He glanced at Lexi, clearing his throat. “I’m Zaiden.”
“Nidhan.” He tightened the knot at his side and tried to close the gap over his hip. “Lexi neglected to mention how extremely handsome you are.” He winked at her.
Lexi grimaced. “If you’re into lizard eyes,” she mumbled.
Nidhan studied Zaiden’s eyes and said in his best girl-voice, which also happened to be the worst girl-voice ever. “Oh, definitely!”
“Oh, shut the fuck up,” Lexi said, shoving him. “You were almost dead. Don’t push your luck.”
She realized Zaiden was staring at them in open disbelief, and Lexi would’ve laughed if the whole situation weren’t more fucked up than a crack-whore stranded on an iceberg.