Faefalling (working title)

17- I return to civilisation and find it still sucks

Rounding a corner, I encountered a flight of stairs. Rickety and cracked, but any step forward was a good one. Just as I began the climb, Draoi sauntered into the hall, chuckling under his breath, and my blood ran cold. I took the steps two at a time.

The next floor looked just as drab as the last. Water dripped through patches in the eroded roof. More rooms. I opened a couple doors. They were nicely furnished, but for the most part empty.

Tearing the remaining ropes from my wrist, I threw them to the floor with a huff. What if the others were in a different building entirely? It wasn't as if I had the time to search the whole facility.

I spun around, looking for something, anything that looked even remotely like an exit of some kind. That's when I saw it. A door. Not that that was uncommon, but it was different. Unlike the others, this one was dark red and of polished wood. I closed my eyes, trying to feel beyond it. Two sparks of life flickered. One I recognized to be Agaveah. The other seemed as out of place as it was familiar.

Sounds of pursuit snapped me out of my head. If Agaveah was in there, Lazuli was bound to be close by. I made my way to the door, only hesitating for a moment once I reached it. There were voices coming from the room beyond.

I opened and slipped inside just as Draoi rushed up the stairs. Everything fell silent, the ongoing conversation drawn to an immediate halt. I pressed my back against the wood, turning to survey the room. I was searching for Lazuli, but instead my sights settled on a monster.

There stood a creature of nightmares like none I'd seen before. It filled a good portion of the large space, back arched so it wouldn't press against the ceiling. Dozens of disproportionate limbs dripped speckles of goo onto the carpeted floor. It stared at me with opaque eyes. As it began to speak, I gawked at the rows of fangs hidden behind closed lips.

"This is a friend of yours, I take it," the creature said. "He doesn't seem pleased to see me." It attempted something that might've been perceived as a smile.

"Yes, he's with us," Agaveah affirmed.

My eyes swivelled to her for an instant, and I slid a dagger out, making sure the beast could clearly see it in my hand.

"Where's Lazuli?" I asked. "And what is that thing?" I raised a shaky finger to the looming husk.

To my great astonishment, Lazuli stepped out from behind the creature, brow cocked.

"She's right there..." Agaveah answered.

They both looked at me like I was insane, somehow unfazed by the monstrosity in our midst. I blinked, trying to clear my mind. Perhaps the smoke from earlier was affecting me? I tried to reach out and find the creature's spark, and my fear soared to new heights. There was none. Either it was either a hallucination, or it was already dead.

The monster spoke. "It would seem the boy can see my true form."

I gulped, gathering my wits. "Your... your true what?"

It nodded. "Not very flattering, is it?" A gurgling chuckle escaped slimy lips. "Your friends here see nothing but a frail old man. By my design of course. If I so wished, they'd be able to see just what you do. Though, I'd much rather not. It might shock the lovely human."

"Why can... Why do I see this?"

It shrugged. "You tell me, son. Touched by the gods, are we?"

I tensed.

The creature grunted. "That explains it then. It shows in the eyes." It ambled over to a plush armchair and plopped down with a sigh. The furniture was already covered in a thick layer of sludge. "Introductions are in order. My dear friend Agaveah has already acquainted me with your human companion. We were just getting to talking about you, Caedmon. From what I've heard, you've had quite the journey." It grinned, teeth grimy and wet. "Travelled across deserts and winter wonderlands. Fought off all sorts of creatures. All that, just to save a sack of replaceable royals? Seems like more work than reward."