by J E Mueller
“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.
Chapter 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 had 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 of 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 Steel 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 halfway 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 she 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 your memories back for a reason. Let’s start with the 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 visualize 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, 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 and could have just told me!
But by rememb
ering 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 by stating 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 of people milled about or slept where they originally sat. No one seemed to pay me any attention as I left through the 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 I didn’t linger on the thought as I carefully set off down the hall. How the heck was I going to find Benz? I knew 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 much 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.” With that, 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?
We didn’t go very far before Benz opened a door and motioned for us to enter. It was a simple little office with a desk, one of the many I had seen exploring. Benz walked over to it after we entered and shut the door.
Leaning against the desk, he shook his head and sighed. “Well, Gretta, you wanted to know where I was all day, so let’s go over that really quick.” He motioned for everyone to come closer.
Gretta wasn’t hesitant as she walked over to the desk and took one of the two chairs in front of it. “Yeah, but you were all like ‘I’m tired, give me a few’, and now, here we are.” She motioned around the room. “What is going on, oh great leader? Give us the real details.”
The guy took a few reluctant steps before leaning against the remaining chair. “For real, you’ve been missing a lot.”
“Sorry Kip, it’s been a long day. I was trying to help River and Clara find something but ended up finding Silverwell while we were making an escape. My joining up with them was enough to let the other two slip by.” Benz shrugged. “The other team has been looking for useful books to defeat creatures and to learn more about offensive and defensive movements. No actual surprises there, but we did run into a problem with an outdoor creature getting inside and somehow up to level three.”
Gretta frowned, crossing and uncrossing her arms as she tried to get comfortable. “That’s really not good.”
“I was hoping it might be due to the artifact we found earlier,” Benz said as he waited patiently for the answer.
“No.” Gretta shook her head. “It doesn’t do anything like that and Hobs has it. He’s been in the common room more today than not.”
“What does it do, then?” Benz crossed his arms.
Gretta glanced over at Kip, who shrugged. “Basically all we’ve gotten it to do today is cause a small rain cloud over Hobs. We can’t get it to do anything other than rain on Hobs, which was hilarious at first, but he kind of hates us now.”
Benz gave an amused smirk before getting serious once more. “Well, I’d say that wasn’t it then. Someone must have let it in and possibly lured it up.”
“Aren’t outside things fast, though?” Kip asked uneasily. “I mean sure someone could have let it in, but luring it? That part seems a bit far-fetched.”
“Why would it go all the way up then? Why not just stay downstairs?” Benz asked, genuinely curious.
“Maybe it saw someone? If it made it to the second floor and then was wandering around and heard noise from the third floor it could have just accidentally made its way up there,” Kip suggested.
Benz gave a nod. “That’s my best guess as well.”
“While that is terrible, and I’m glad someone didn’t knowingly lure it.” Gretta pointed at me as I lingered by the door. “What does any of this have to do with her?”
I took a stunned step back a moment in surprise but before I could speak, Benz took over. “She’s a new part of the Negza alliance. Very new, but she is helping to find all artifacts in hopes they might have the Creators.”
Well, I didn’t know he was this far into working things out.
Benz noted my surprise, but continued. “Negza is a combination of people from both sides working to bring the Creators back. I started this group shortly after I realized how badly things were messed up.”
“So she knows nothing and she is somehow on this team?” Gretta crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him. “Do tell me more.”
Benz chuckled, completely unabashed by the turnout of events. “Correct. A lot has happened this afternoon and we decided to figure out the barrier issue first and then reconvene and speak of other issues.”
“How’d you get off that easy?” Kip laughed. “No million questions?”
Benz nodded my way. “I’m entirely sure that’s what this meetup is about.”
I gave a small nod back but Gretta spoke before I could. “I’m fine with that. So, did we get any more headway?”
Benz nodded at me again. “Nothing exciting, but I think Remi might like to speak to me for a bit before we go any further. Can we meet later?”
Gretta nodded at him before getting up. “Let’s go, Kip. We’re not wanted anymore.”
“What a terrible dismissal. Been gone all day and now just a kick out the door,” Kip agreed, smirking as he stood.
Benz laughed. “Miss you both too. If you can, let’s try and plan a meetup with everyone tomorrow. I’ve a feeling things will be going down soon.”
“Really now?” Gretta gave a shrug. “I’ll put the proper feelers out there then. Normal time and place?”
“Sounds perfect.” Benz nodded.<
br />
Gretta gave me a slight nudge as she headed out. “Welcome to the group.”
Kip gave a small salute as he closed the door behind them.
Chapter 17
We stared at one another for a moment, letting the silence fill the room. Finally, Benz took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.
“Well, I was expecting to come find you but I guess you have some questions then?” Benz motioned for me to come closer to the desk.
“I do, as do the Creators,” I replied.
Benz blinked a few times in surprise. “Well then. It seems we both have questions.”
I gave a nod and went to lean against the chair closest to me. “So, how did you do it?”
“Honestly, that’s a complicated story and half the details are missing even to me.” Benz sighed and jumped up onto the desk to sit cross-legged.
“You’re forgetting details? How?” Like I was one to talk.
“The memories are probably sealed away in the event I double-crossed them, which I clearly have. How about I start from the beginning?” When I nodded, Benz continued. “I don’t exactly remember when the problem started, but it did start with weird voices in my dreams, then the dreams became more and more life-like. Before I knew it, the voices had become a fog, like the thickest I have ever seen. I know it must sound crazy but…”
I shook my head and interrupted him. “I’ve seen and had those myself.”
“I hope you’ve ignored them.” He eyed me carefully.
“As best as I can. For now, they are silenced from my head. I had some help from the Creators,” I explained.
Benz gave a slow nod. “I probably should have told them, but I wasn’t the only one who didn’t. At first, I thought it was just weird, maybe me slowly going insane by being trapped here. Then the voices had some decent ideas and some offers that enticed me a bit too much.”
“What was the breaking point?” I was curious and perhaps a bit too nosey. Those angels and demons seemed to find everyone’s breaking point eventually.