Chapter 25: YES! We Can Handle A Giant Snake!
Part 1
At that moment, the ground shook.
A heavy tremor caused the group of children to fall to the ground, including Rhody. Only Makie and Sinbad were able to keep their balance. A sharp cry of pain alerted the two to Rhody as she held her injured arm to her chest.
"Rhody!" Makie shouted rushing towards the girl, ignoring Sinbad's cries to stop. From the corner of her eye, she noticed that sand began to fly up, as if something was moving incredibly fast towards Rhodolite. "Rhody, move!"
Slowing getting up, the girl flung herself backwards, narrowly avoiding the speeding sand creature. The thing turned immediately, this time aiming towards Makie.
"Crap, it's too close to the others…" Makie scowled as she tried to break away from the group. As she got away from them, it was if the speed had increased as sand flew up to block her escape. "What?"
"Makie!" Sinbad yelled as he picked up Rhody, the small girl trying to be brave and not cry out in pain. "Get her to Imhotep and send for help." He said urgently, handing the girl to one of the older children. The boys and girls nodded as they made a break for it. Watching them for a few seconds, Sinbad turned and ran towards Makie, leaping towards her as the sand emerged to cut him off from her.
It was only due to luck that he fell through a closing gap. With a yell, he crash landed onto the sand, muttering a curse as he stood up. He gave a short glare towards his companion before ignoring her for the sand below him began to change.
"What the hell is this thing?!" Makie asked as falling sand prevented their escape from every angle. From where she was standing, it felt as though the sand was beginning to sink towards the center of the dome. "Oh what now!?"
Her feet began to slip and slide as she tried to stay closer to edges, her shoes quickly filling up with sand making it even more difficult to stay standing. "Hey Sinbad? Please tell me you know a way out? Like I dunno blasting a hole in the wall!?"
"If I had that ability I would have used it already!" He yelled back. Placing a hand on the ever shifting wall as if to try and find a way around it, he hissed out in pain as blood dripped from the gash in his palm. "It's moving too fast. No tools I have would be able to cut through it!"
"Then can you get over it!?"
"AND HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?!"
Well...there definitely was a way. A sure fire way that would get him over it. And she could do it, she could get him over the edge. It's a simple and surefire way.
So...what was stopping her? Why was she hesitating?
In her mind, where time always seemed to be at its slowest, she just stood there, pondering. Hesitating. For what reason? In that she would be alone? In that she wasn't sure of what was causing this sinkhole?
The gray scale before her was depicting just the sand, and Sinbad.
…Really now? Was there even any reason? So why?
…No...this...this isn't me….
Without her instruction, her own two feet took off running, moving as fast as he could towards Sinbad. Screw thinking about it! Action had to be taken now! Sher had the answer! She always did!
Even when that person had it. There was something she had at this moment that could help.
The hole was growing, deepening with each second.
"Wait what are you-" Sinbad could not finish, Makie lifted the grown man with ease, and then threw him over the growing sand wall. The sand reacted and increased the side of the wall, bit it was too late. Sinbad was on the other side.
All that remained within the now circular indentation of sand was Makie and the beast slithering in the sand.
"Ok…this is a fantasy world…think…think…." What kind of creatures did she read about that existed within the sand like this? Recalling things to such detail would often take a toll on her.
But...definitely, with this body it was possible. The headaches never occurred, the drowsiness never followed from recalling, no sleep debt, no midnight wake up calls because her Gift wanted to have a talk with her mind.
Since arriving to this world, no, since being in this body, she has had none of that. And now, she actually felt she could use the memory she was proud of for something.
A tiny piece of pride began to well up as she explored the options in her mind.
When searching for the truth regarding her mysterious power, she turned to various sources, the sciences and quantum physics, and the mythological and it's boundless topics. So she remembered in great detail what she read, what she heard tales of, what her eyes had seen it was all there.
The sphinx was out of the question. The beast itself was never stated to sink into the sand. Given the pride of the beast and what it stood for, ti would be unsightly for such a majestic creature.
If it was something that could travel in the sand it would have to be related to scorpions and snakes, the desert animals most fitted for digging into the soft substance. Sand was a wondrous substance, able to craft brilliant and beautiful works of art, but just as easily crumble away. Nothing was permanent, it would fall and join in the thousands of grain beneath her feet.
Finer than gravel, coarser than salt, an intricate piece of the world.
So what could travel within this granule substance? Camels could traverse easily atop the sand. But what of underneath? Scorpions, snakes, those were the first two that came to mind. Lizards could as well, but the speed of this particular beast didn't seem to be one that belonged to a lizard family.
To be frank the feet of a lizard made it possible to cover ground within seconds. But on the sand, especially traversing underneath it would be incredibly difficult.
And as for the scorpion, its legs would also have some difficulty. It's best strength was burrowing.
So then...something without feet, a long body perhaps...a serpentine body.
That left a few options for her. Given the terrain and the nationality of those that were around her…
It was a leap in logic. And she only knew of several creatures that existed in the desert to begin with.
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Her lips felt dry, her voice hoarse. Of course,she couldn't believe what she was about to say.
But she had to say it.
"Oi! Sinbad!"
Hearing his name the man replied.
"WHAT?!"
"This thing…. It's an Amphisbaena right?!"
"...Oh."
"OH?! WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?!"
That one little reply, that one little reflex that spoke a single fact, nearly made Makie to want to rip through the wall of sand and wrangle the adventurer.
Her chance would never come though, the first reason being the movement of the sand, a movement so quick it could probably cut her body into pieces. Secondly, the the fact that the beast decided to rise from the sand.
With a loud roar that spread throughout the area, the mysterious being exploded from the ground.
A serpentine body that could easily be as long as the Eiffel Tower, horns that stuck out, sharp enough to easily pierce through a body with no effort to it. What startled Makie the most though, were the two massive wings that sprout from the back of the body, or what could even be considered the back. The wings that shielded the sun from her body, leaving her only in the dark.
As it twisted and turned, Makie swore she saw a lump, similar to it's head attached to the other end of the enormous snake. A low hiss penetrated her ears, almost impossible to hear as the lump lunged forward, revealing itself to be a second head. The second head was almost identical, yet it lacked the horns of the first head, instead having strangely small ears instead.
The outstretched head missed Makie as she dropped to the sand below, slowly slipping towards the pit the beast emerged from. Flipping herself over, she stayed low to the ground as she crawled away from the hole, making sure to stay near the barrier and away from the jaws of the awaiting beast.
While her face was slightly brave, if not startled, her heart was going crazy. Fear began to overcome her. This… This was an impossible.
How was anyone supposed to handle this? It was a giant two-headed snake that could fly?! How was anyone meant to beat this? Even he couldn't handle something like this…
Ok, maybe he could, but she was not him.
No regular human, regardless of abilities or not could defeat or even survive this thing. So why was she struggling? Was that just human nature or instinct telling her to try to live? Wouldn't letting the beast devour her be a better option, it would be faster and possibly painless.
But that wasn't her. That wasn't who she was, so was that even an option? What… What was the answer here?
"..Papa..." Her voice came out calm as she stopped moving, the sand taking her closer to the amphisbaena. This was the end of a girl who could never truly live until the end.
It was time...
"MAKIE!"
An explosion of sand blocked the beast from the girl. For certain, she was definitely positive she was going to die, she had accepted that. So why!
Turning her head, she noticed the arrival of an untimely character.
A girl trying to fly on her broom with a single hand.
"Makie! Are you OK?!"
"...Rhody?" The little witch flew as fast as she can, barely avoiding the rising sand towers. Unfortunately, one managed to hit her, sending Makie back behind the sand wall.
"Rhody! What are you doing!?" Makie shouted, snapping out of her shock as she tried to run to where the small girl had disappeared to.
"Trying to save you! Though… I've never had a good success rate at this…"
"Flying one handed or the actual attempt?"
"Both..."
A small chuckle of self-depreciation and humor escaped Makie's throat. Between the near death experience and Rhody's comment she couldn't help it.
"Look's like I can't go quietly then…" Makie sighed as the second head lunged at her once more. Pushing off her heels, the girl just narrowly evaded the beast with a short burst of speed. The first head let out a roar of annoyance as the second spat out what could only be considered a river of sand. The pair of heads looked at each other and nodded as they lowered their shared body over the pit. Stretching out its neck, the second head began to chase after Makie, ready to tear her to shreds.
Zigzagging to try and avoid the serpent's fangs, Makie tried to pick up the pace, her legs pushing themselves to her limits. So occupied with this, she didn't see the other head until it rushed towards her, mouth outstretched to swallow her whole.
"Freaking damn it!" Makie berated herself. There really was nowhere to run except downwards towards the belly of the beast. With a roll and muffled curses at getting sand in her hair, Makie changed her course as the head's gained on her, chomping on thin air as they missed by centimeters.
It was only by luck that she had survived for so long, but luck could not hold for long. The shifting sand seemed to increase in speed as Makie tripped and fell, landing onto her stomach as the heads dived for her.
"Hold on, I have you!" A familiar voice called out as a pillar of sand rose from underneath the trapped girl. The heads slammed into the ground below as the sand pillar that saved her rose higher into the sky. From her new position in the air, Makie could see beyond the wall. She gazed out at the eternal desert, not seeing anything but sand and where the caravan was by the sole oasis.
"I know it's beautiful, I look out at it from time to time, but you need to focus." Turning behind her, Makie could see another pillar where a smiling and relaxed Scheherazade waved at her. "Sorry for tripping you but I needed to get you to stop moving."
"Wait… You did that? You almost got me killed!"
"Yeah, I know not good of me to interrupt but sadly, sometimes one of those… What do you call them nowadays? Deus ex Machina is needed." The storyteller sighed as she shook her head. "I feel dirty for having used one so I can see why you are angry."
"That's not the point!"
"ENOUGH! Both of you!" Sinbad shouted from below, standing with Rhody. "Scheherazade, hurry up and get Makie out of there. And don't give me the 'it will strengthen her character' excuse because I don't want to hear it."
"Yes yes." Scheherazade raised her arm, the air circulating around her arm. And then-
The pillar Makie was on completely disintegrated.
"...OH COME OOOOOONNN!" Makie fell back behind the sand wall, startling both Scheherazade and Sinbad.
"Why didn't you jump?!" Scheherazade screamed.
"ON FREAKING WHAT!?" Her screams were heard as she once again had to run for her life. "THAT PILLAR WASN'T BUILT FOR TWO PEOPLE!"
"I would used my real-"
"SCHEHERAZADE!" Even Sinbad was growing impatient with the storyteller.
But in reality it was all she could do. There were limits to specific gifts, and unfortunately Scheherazade could only control the sand for so much. Though she tried to command the sand wall, it was impossible. For some reason the sand refused to listen.
Ad so she had a plan in mind. But not enough time to utilize it. The true nature of her abilities as the poet of the hundred stories.
"This is an emergency Sinbad!"
"Don't you dare!"
"There is a monster wanting to devour one of our own though!"
"Don't you think I feel the same way?! But if you use it then you risk sending them a beacon to find you!"
"But-"
"NO! Figure out something else before you decide to worsen our situation!"
Scheherazade could only grimace at the situation. Even so, she utilized the gift bestowed to her and activted several, smaller sand pillars. Makie took the intitive and used them to get out of the sinking sand hole.
It was obvious Sinbad knew what Scheherazade was referring too, but for Makie she was simply clueless. All she could do was run and dodge. If it wasn't for her current body she would be out of breath.
And even now, she felt like she could still keep going. She didn't feel exhausted or anything.
Perhaps it was just adrenaline but that didn't matter, all that did was for her rescuers to hurry up and get her out of here.
"Hurry up!" Makie yelled as the amphisbaena, led by the head with ears began to slither its way up the pillar slowly, being careful to not cause the unstable construct to collapse and lose its lunch.
There really wasn't a choice, it was too close. Makie eyed the other pillar within sight. It was a good ten feet away. Too long a jump for her to make.
"Sinbad there isn't a choice!"
"If you do that, you put us all at risk! I will not have a repeat of what happened last time on any of our heads, especially yours!" As the two leaders continued to argue, the combined weight of Makie and the serpent caused the unstable pillar to shake, flakes of sand falling off little by little as Makie stood unbalanced.
Seeing a chance, Rhody took off into the air again, her movement rocky as she tried to control her broom with her one good hand. "Rhodolite! Get back here!" Sinbad shouted as the girl began to soar higher and higher until she was level with Makie.
"Build a bridge now!" The little witch yelled as she wrapped her legs tightly around her broom while extending her one good hand.
"Rhody, you can't support both of you at the same time…" Scheherazade said before she realized what the girl wanted. "Oh you clever little munchkin. One bridge coming up!" Creating a small platform off her pillar, the storyteller jumped to it as she removed the tip of her creation and directed it towards Makie.
The small lump of sand collided with the wall and emerged on the other side, larger than before granting the trapped Makie a way out. Climbing onto the small platform, Makie watched as the snake emerged, its yellow eyes glaring at the girl as it snapped towards her.
With no choice, Makie rushed to the end and leapt towards Rhody, her arm outstretched as the wall behind her began to regrow the lost part to slice away at the girl.
"Got you!" Rhody shouted as she grabbed hold of Makie's hand, the pair nearly tipping over as the sudden movement rocked the broom. Seeing an opportunity, Scheherazade collapsed the pillar that Makie once occupied, sending the beast screaming into the sand below.
Little by little, Rhody's control over her broom began to wane as she slowly descended against her will, her command over her Gift vanishing with each passing second. "This is why I don't like co-pilots." She complained as the broom stopped and then suddenly dropped.
"Hold on!" The storyteller shouted as a large hand grabbed the pair before their descent truly began and slowly brought them towards Sinbad, herself joining them after a few seconds.
"That was extremely irresponsible!" Sinbad yelled, fear on his face as he looked anywhere but the girls, not wishing to scream at them in his sudden anger. "Rhodolite, you should have let us handle this."
"But you and Zade were worried about something. I don't really get it and I saw an opportunity to help my friend. Why are you guys so angry at me? I did exactly what you taught us to do."
"We're not angry at you Rhodolite, don't worry." Scheherazade said, pulling the girl into a hug. "We are just worried. If your plan didn't work… I don't want to think about it."
"Speaking of, why didn't you stop her?" Sinbad accused, his stern face now upon his leader. "It was too risky!"
"She was our best chance that didn't involve using…" She trailed off awkwardly as the two girls stared at her, one in wonderment and the other in confusion. "Look, it doesn't matter right now, we need to go now."
"Shouldn't that thing be done slithering around by now?" Makie asked.
"You're wrong about that." Sinbad said as the dome collapsed back into the desert below, swallowing the sinkhole and restoring it back to normal. "If there is one thing I know about amphisbaena as a whole is this…"
His words fell silent as the serpent burst from the sand below, not even a mark on it as it wriggled and writhed in the air, pure anger and hatred emerging within its golden eyes. A horrific noise that was one part hiss and one part scream filled the air as it looked down upon its next feast.
"Once it finds its next meal, it never gives up until death."
"This is insane! Wasn't I told correctly that murder was impossible unless it was through a gift game?!"
"Imhotep needs to rethink his teaching strategies because he obviously forgot about monsters!" Sinbad and Makie narrowly dodged the serpent's head as it arose from the sand beneath them.
"Dammit how is it that with Imhotep around you don't have some kind of snake repellent?!"
"We didn't bring any with us when we left! It was counter productive I think!"
"...COUNTER PRODUCTIVE?!" Makie could only scream at the face of Rhodolite's words.
"Oh yeah we never did tell you!" Rhody exclaimed, narrowly missing a sand pillar. "We were going to fight the amphisbaena!"
"WHAT?!" Even though she didn't mean to, Makie stopped running. How could she not, she was told something that perhaps she was supposed to have been told A VERY LONG TIME AGO. How tempted she felt to leave Sinbad to his fate, alas that was not an option. The Amphisbaena reared its head from the ground once more, slithering its way towards her.
Makie grimaced. Why was it continuously attacking her!? Did it pick up on her before anyone else?! Why the hell did it have to pop up while they were talking?! And why so close to the caravan?! Why wasn't anyone else coming to fight this thing?!
And so she ran, ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Luckily she was outpacing the serpent. And that was all that mattered to her in her fearful state. After all she wasn't hallucinating the snake trying to kill her.
But that begged the question.
Why was she running?
It was a self-preservation method, fight or flight. There was no third option.
But why would she have it in the first place?
"Makie this way!" Scheherazade's voice caused a reflex in her to switch on. Immediately Makie began running towards the poet. And next to her was Imhotep, a staff in his right hand. Scheherazade and Imhotep raised their right hands, and form both the right and left, large pillars of sand erupted, as if an explosion took place underground. Like water that was slowly return to the lake after a splash, the sand fell onto the amphisbaena, encasing it, trapping it.
The homunculus was now safely behind them, having slid on the ground. All she could do was watch, her breath stalled at the scene playing before her. Just as the beast once entrapped her in a sinking sand pool, together the storyteller and the doctor were trapping the beast.
"Rhody, launch it now!"
Makie stopped. Her red eyes glanced up. Rhodolite, who had taken flight once more, was definitely 50 feet up in the air. And next to her, a rather large barrel. In fact, one of the barrels Makie noticed while checking up in the supplies. Rhodolite's face scrunched up, the barrel wobbling in the air next to her. It was like Rhodolite was struggling to keep it levitated at that high altitude.
But...weren't the orders to-
"Okie…..dokie!" Rhodolite, who had rose into the sky, took aim. The barrel launched at full speed, reinforced to be able to withstand the air pressure pushing against it as it was shot down like an arrow. Makie had to admit, the little witch had some power to her.
Though, she was also expecting the outcome.
Instead of the barrel landing on the Amphisbaena's resurfaced head, instead, it hit the sand a good twenty feet away from it.
"...I THOUGHT THE POINT WAS TO HIT THE HEAD!" Makie screamed up towards Rhodolite.
"That's not what they told me!"
"Huh?!" Jaw dropped she could only gaze up at the two that laid out the trap. However neither could look back at her.
"Sand is not my area of expertise. I'm amazed though that you mastered it so quickly!" Imhotep complimented Scheherazade on her control, to which the storyteller smiled, as if holding a bit of pride in her chest at her accomplishment.
"Doing big things like this without a proper gift game is difficult though. But the alcohol should be enough to calm it down!"
"Oi!"
"Yes, yes my screaming little monkey!~" Scheherazade said in such a sweet tone as if nothing terrible had happened.
"Was it really courage or you being that much of an air head that lead you to wed that deranged husband of yours?!"
"Will you calm down dammit…" Sinbad slowly walked towards, breathing heavier than usual. Taking a look down at the girl, all he could do was scoff.
"Really now…after all that running and you don't even look tired. What kind of body do you even have?"
He knew she couldn't ask her that but he did it anyway out of spite. He wasn't old per say, but he did have the body of a normal human being, well normal when compared to those in Little Garden. Outrunning an Amphisbaena clearly took some energy out of him.
But through his eyes, it was clear as day.
-She wasn't exhausted at all, she still had the energy to even shout at the top of her lungs.
And in her adrenaline state of mind, Makie realized it herself. Compared to the others, she still felt like she could go on. She would have preferred not too due to annoyance and the fear of that snake actually catching her.
Speaking of the snake, Makie's attention returned to it. It was doing…something weird. Was it really? No it couldn't have been.
It's head was in the air, and if she was right, it was sniffing.
And right on cue, a particular smell entered Makie's nostrils. She had to cover her mouth and nose, the scent burning her nostrils and throat.
"Sinbad, is this-?!"
"Yeah. Originally we were going to hunt this beast in a proper game so we were prepared to fight it. The alcohol was spiked as much as possible so we could kill it while it slept. That didn't work out as we had hoped. Normally it doesn't attack living people."
"Don't these things feed off of corpses?"
"...Oh, right. More inclined to believe you died once."
"YOU STILL THINK I AM LYING?!"
"Oi, Sinbad!" Imhotep hissed, grabbing the sailor's attention. Grey eyes gazed over at the beast, observing it carefully. It tried to pull itself out of the trap.
Sinbad gestured the two gift users. Both nodded at once, and the sand that was surrounding the beast like threads collapsed. However, a few remained on the monster. The amphisbaena realized what happened and began to slither towards the now dumped alcohol. It turned its head left, and then right, as if observing the liquid that drenched the sand pure red.
"So now what?" Makie asked as Imhotep grabbed her and Rhody by the shoulders and dragged them backwards.
"We take it with us..." Imhotep declared.
"WHAT!? Are you insane!?" Makie's screams caused the juxtaposed man to flinch, his eardrums beginning to ring.
"My mind is fine thank you. Normally we would kill it, but it belongs to a certain community, one we would rather avoid challenging to a fight. However we will be sure to pursue collateral damage due to [Perseus]'s oversight..." Grasping both hands onto the ibis designed staff, the doctor made a pulling motion as the sand began to drain away.
"P-Perseus? Like the Greek hero? He owns this beast?" Thinking about it it did make sense. When the Gorgon's head was sliced off the beast, the blood dripped down while Perseus flew over the desert. The blood dripped onto the sand, and gave birth to the beast that feeds off of corpses, the two headed snake, the Amphisbaena. If a community titled [Perseus] was related to the Gorgon myth, and Gifts came from the stories, no doubt they would have Medusa's head, and thus an unlimited access to mythical beasts crafted from the Gorgon's blood.
Though the blood would have had to be dried up by now! It was like centuries when this story was told! If they are keeping her head alive for this stuff for GAMES, the Greek cosmology's jackassery is more profound than I thought!
The sand still held the monster as Sinbad approached, a dagger with Arabic words engraved on the blade in hand. With experience perfected over years of facing the unknown, the sailor stabbed the blade into the neck of the beast.
A monstrous screech escaped the snake as it suddenly began to thrash about wildly. Sand scattered everywhere as the sailor held on to the beast's neck for dear life. It was in vain as the amphisbaena tossed him into Imhotep.
"Damn it!" Sinbad swore as he picked himself up. "Sorry Imhotep," he said as he lifted his friend up. "Its skin is tougher than we expected."
"Is that so? And you wonder why I dislike reptiles." The older voiced man blinked as he remembered something. "That blade, that was the one you made out of bone from that…"
"Yes, that experience." Sinbad sighed remembering one of his least finest moments. "What about it?"
"If it leaves your hand it goes after an innocent life correct?"
"Well yes but…"
"Ahh!"
Their eyes ripped to Rhodolite, whose horrified look was gazing at Makie's right arm. Rhodolite was on the ground, Makie's body shielding her. Blood dripped down Makie's arm, the dagger lying innocently in the sand next to her. Tears welled up in her eyes as Makie inspected the wound.
What kind of fucked up world is this, Makie thought. The blade that was knocked out of Sinbad's hand was
Before they could move to assist, a slow hissing sound entered their ears. The now free serpent began tasting the air, both heads doing the work as one as it adjusted its wings. The eared head turned to the girls as it leapt towards them, blood lust taking the place of rage.
"Oh crap oh crap oh crap!" Makie cursed as she grabbed Rhodolite and made a mad dash for it. Why was it coming after her again?!
"Did it seriously choose blood over alcohol!?" Imhotep's scream was only matched by Makie's desperate run to avoid the amphisbaena. She could only continue to run in a circle like before. She couldn't run towards the caravan, everyone would be dead!
So what was there to do? Sinbad and Imhotep's plan obviously failed. In her perception, Makie noticed Scheherazade desperately using the sand to try and capture the beast. But it was pointless. The amphisbaena was more fixated than ever before, slithering at Makie as fast as it could.
All Makie could do was run further away from the group, Rhodolite in her arms as she outran the beast.
"Rhody can you fly?!"
"N-Not without my broom! I need my broom to fly!"
"Ok what can you do without your broom!?"
"I can do some minor wind magic, minor levitation, minor flame, minor earth magic-"
"Why did you have to be a jack of all trades?!" Makie's remark was more in desperation than actual criticism.
"I-I don't get it can't you just punch it?!"
"Why are you asking such ridiculousness?!" If it was THAT guy then yeah he could probably knock this thing out but her? She was just some girl necromanced back to life!
"B-because you are outrunning that monster, it's like fifty feet away now!"
"...Huh?" Makie never once looked behind her this entire fight. But for the one time she did, she notice dit, the large, growing gap between herself and the beast. Though it still picked up in its scent of her, it was struggling with all its might to catch her.
"...the hell?" For the first time since this all began, Makie recalled the battle, observing her current self, and came to rather big conclusion. She was neither tired, bruised, and the only time she was cut was due to that knife. Looking at her arm, she also noticed it.
-The wound was gone.
My body healed that cut within seconds. It was comparable to a paper cut sure but...and my legs, they are moving so rapidly, and yet I don't feel tired. Never once...was I exhausted. My stamina is a big improvement over my past..,just...just what happened to me? Am I even myself?!
Was it possible? Was such a silly idea possible then? With her current self that could heal faster, run faster, the feeling to be able to be stronger than her past self. Her wish, to be physically stronger, so she could match him….
Makie skid to a stop. Releasing Rhody, she made sure the girl could stand.
"Can you create a cave in like what it was doing earlier?"
"Huh, uh yeah?" The tiny witch nodded her little head, wide red-violet eyes glancing up at Makie.
"Then when I say now and the amphisbaena's second head tries to burrow, create it, as fast as you can, as large as you can!"
"Huh? Wait what are you-" Rhody couldn't finished. In mere seconds, Makie had begun running. This time though, in the opposite direction of when she first ran. Makie was running towards the beast that had been chasing her this whole time.
It's a gamble, a stupid gamble. I can't even believe I am doing this! Why am I being so reckless!?
The visage of that person's back.
But...but!
His face as he turned around.
If I…have the same strength as he does…Even a fraction of it-!
Then she could create that stupid miracle.
The amphisbaena noticed it as well. The prey running towards it, and so with its wings spread out, it was going to take a gamble also. With its wings and speed, it jumped. Makie clicked her tongue. At that height, and the speed it went, it would only take a few seconds for it to try and reach her.
The beast opened its mouth. The angle of descent, the timing of its jump, and her current speed, it was all perfect. The girl would land right directly into it's mouth.
The newfound speed that Makie acquired due to her body. If she could run as fast as she did unconsciously-
Then when I actually focus!
Makie vanished. The amphisbaena did not have time to react nor brace itself. It's head landed straight into the sand. The second head was lost, trying to look around. It could smell the prey but it could not track it. And so it decided on a new tactic. It burrowed its head into the ground.
"RHODOLITE!" Makie's plea was heard. Rhodolite screamed into the sky. Her hands pressed firmly into the sand, the sand that was difficult to control, a sand began to cave in below Makie. It was small, only about the size of one of the barrels she carried this morning, 25 feet in diameter, much smaller than what the beast created earlier. But that was fine. It was the right time.
Due to the size of the cave in, it was perfect, the amphisbaena's second head fit right in. Rhodolite gripped into the sand, as much as her fingers could hold, and the cave in forced the amphisbaena's head to be trapped.
The main head of the Amphisbaena however was still free. It didn't take too long for the head to figure out it was caught and attempted to make an escape by burrowing into the sand. However, there she was.
Makie.
Before the beast could react, Makie teleported within its sight. It couldn't react, it was impossible. It couldn't register what had happened nor where the girl came from.
Even if it is a monster, a snake is just a snake. Small brains that only know how to survive! If I take out the main head, then it's done, the second head doesn't react as fast as the main head! It isn't developed! Even if it is just a few seconds, just a few!
And so, Makie curled her fingers into a fist. A single desire, wrapped into a single blow.
"Die you ugly son of a biiiitch!" Her fist was ready to collide with the head, but at the last second, the blow glanced. Instead of the head, it was the horn. The impact of the blow was strong enough to cause a strong force to vibrate within the horn. Within a second of the impact, the horn of the amphisbaena exploded.
-For the first time since arriving to this desert, Makie felt pain. A sharp, jolting pain that reminded her of a particular incident in her youth. A time where her entire body fell onto her arm and it was sprained. The pain was similar to that time, except it was the knuckles themselves throbbing at every second. The pain itself caused her to reel back, but there was no time. The head of the beast thrashed about, pain reeling in it's head from the blow to it's broken horn.
Her teeth grind against each other, her arm cradled to her body.
She had to create some distance between herself and that monster!
Before she could even run, the beast's head collided with her body. There was no time to defend or brace for it, Makie was sent flying into the air.
-Every second felt like an hour. Intense throbbing, barely able to move her fingers due to the broken knuckles. It was horrible. She tried to get a grasp on her situation, red eyes glancing downward.
There it was, the amphisbaena. It's jaw wide as can be. Form this height, this angle, there was no doubt about it. She was going to be eaten by that monster.
She held no power over sand, no ability to levitate. All she could do was fall at her current trajectory.
There was nothing she could do.
"...Ah…."
So …this was it. After her tiny boost in power. After that adrenaline that inflamed her confidence. This was how she was going to die again?
No… I won't go out like this! I won't die here!
That dimming flame blazed to life once again as the beast's head drew ever closer, its teeth ready to sink into Makie's skin as she almost fit cleanly into its jaw.
"Just, FUCKING, DIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Makie's voice cracked with her rage-filled scream. With one final boost, she kicked upwards, her foot meeting the roof of its mouth.
Nearby teeth cracked and shattered as a shock wave ripped through the jaw, the soft innards rippling as the eyes of the beast imploded. In what felt like minutes happened in mere seconds as the entire top half of the horned head exploded in gore, a wave of blood and juice catching the girl as it swept her to the sand below.
"Oh god, it landed in my mouth." She gagged as she sat in the sand, covered in the remains of the beast, her clothes stained and sticky as what felt like slime clumped together in her hair. "I really hope this stuff comes out easily."
Scales landed in her lap as chunks of teeth rained down beside her. As she watched, her mind slowly turned off as the body of the snake descended like a blimp, its voice now nearly silent as it crashed into the dunes below.
Sand rose and seemed to dance as it scattered from the corpse as if rising up to greet the now silent girl. Her eyes could barely focus as the soft tone of a bell rang in the distance.
Yells seemed to envelop the air before the were smothered by the dancing sand as it flew around her, refusing to touch the one they surrounded. Makie's eyes gazed into the grains and watched as they almost seemed to form an image.
A man with a large sword in hand, his head naught but a skull.
[The bells that toll death hath not rung this day…]
A voice seemed to whisper in her ear. Soft as if hiding its presence and yet proud of the way it held itself.
In seconds, the storm vanished, no traces of any unnatural creature existing within. Makie's eyes almost closed before she was grabbed by the shoulders, a light shining in her eyes as she struggled to stay awake.
The person supporting her was the famous sailor.
"It seems you are a lot stronger than we thought." Sinbad remarked as he glanced at the remains of the Amphisbaena. Every once in awhile the body would twitch. No doubt because of the captured head still stuck in the sand. This caused Makie to raise an eyebrow until she turned to the little witch. Collapsed on her knees, her chest rising and falling as her eyes were closed. With Imhotep by her side, Makie could only assume that the witch collapsed and he took over trapping the amphisbaena's second head.
"Tch…tenacious bastard…." Makie tried to walk towards it, but Sinbad's grip on her shoulder stopped her. She could only look up at him.
"Just forget about it. You did what you needed to, let the adults take over now."
"I can kill it."
"You don't have too. It'll die in a few seconds."
"But-"
"Let it go." His hands gripped on Makie's shoulder. If the tone of his voice didn't make it clear, his actions did.
"...Alright. So when can I take a bath? This stuff reeks." The sailor snorted in response as he helped her up, keeping his grip on her as he assisted her in walking. "I can walk by myself."
"Sure you can. I'll believe that when your concussion stops talking." The two watched the writhing body of the snake for a few more seconds before it finally stopped moving.
"We'll have to send out a group to take the body once we return these two." Imhotep spoke as he held a sleeping Rhody. "You did good work today, Makie." He said with a slight nod as he began to move back to the camp.
"I wish he hadn't have said that." Sinbad grumbled as he and Makie began their own journey back.
"And why's that?"
"Because I know your type. This will only give you a bigger head." He gave another snort as he ignored Makie's complaints. "You coming Scheherazade?"
"No. I'm tired. Carry me~" The storyteller complained as she laid on her back, unwilling to move an inch.
"Fine, just wait there until I come to get you tomorrow morning."
"So cruel Sinbad! Next time I tell your story you're getting eaten by the birds instead!" His uproarious laughter was ignored as the two left the narrator alone. With a heavy sigh, she slowly got up, watching the sand as it dared not to move.
"You know, I saw you there old friend!" She called out across the desert. "It's not in your character to be shy all of a sudden! If you're still here tomorrow, come have a small drink with me alright?"
The silence caused Scheherazade to pout. "Alright, I understand. You want to stay hidden, just make sure your big reveal is good alright?"
"And make sure you actually come for that drink… I've missed hearing your stories, old friend."
Part 2
"Attention to all members of our Community!" Scheherazade shouted, standing atop of the large carcass of the amphisbaena. Standing upon a crate, a now well washed Makie could barely see over the sea of people. From what she could tell, they had almost doubled in size with races of all kinds gathered.
'This is how big [Alf Layla] is? Why do I get the feeling that this isn't even half of the members?'
"We will now explain what has occurred over the last hour." The surprisingly serious Scheherazade began. She turned to Sinbad and gave him a nod. "Sinbad, if you would?"
"So much for you taking care of this…" The sailor muttered causing laughter throughout the crowd. "As you are all aware, [Kitab Adith] has just completed another Gift Game." The man paused as cheering began, the members ecstatic at another win under their belt.
"However!" Sinbad's loud call cut through the cheers, instantly deflating them as his stern look overcame all other emotion upon his face. "We have a problem. At no time did any member receive a Geass at any time. We became aware of the amphisbaena following us thanks to our scouts but had assumed we would have more time to prepare for it. We were wrong."
Whispers ran around the crowd as Makie tried her best to listen in. Worry was the main emotion followed quickly by fear at the idea that at any time they could have been devoured by the now fallen beast.
They were used to danger, being in the desert and all but a unpredictable monster was another thing altogether.
The other emotion Makie could notice however sent shivers down her spines. Rage. The idea that anyone would come after there family without even a warning… Makie's legs shook slightly as the feeling rushed over the crowd.
"Everyone, calm down!" Sinbad ordered. "The situation is already being taken care of. From what we know, a [Demon Lord] was not involved in this nor were any communities deliberately coming after us." Anger subsided slightly as the group knew Sinbad would not lie to them about something as big as this. As more mutterings began, another two people joined Sinbad upon the beast, one was a older woman, a hint of grey emerging in her dark hair as weary brown eyes gazed upon all.
The other was younger and seemed smug with a large grin upon his muscular frame as he flicked a golden coin into the air every now and again.
"As it turns out, [Perseus] were the ones behind this due to them 'losing' one of their amphisbaena." While his voice was controlled, Sinbad could not keep the roll out of his eyes. "Lady Morgiana has assured me however that… That is indeed the truth."
Calls of outrage traveled around Makie as she gazed at the older woman, ignoring the call to punish them as she focused on the apparent leader of the other caravan.
Morgiana, a clever slave girl who served Ali Baba's brother Cassim before being freed from slavery due to her quick thinking after the fourty thieves killed her former master. This Morgiana however seemed far older and tired as she rubbed her eyes every now and again.
It was almost as if she was Scheherazade's exact opposite.
'At least I now know how Scheherazade looks so young now. She's a youth stealer…'
"That is enough!" Morgiana spoke up, her voice softer than her appearance would otherwise suggest. "I understand your anger, we all do, but we can't just declare ourselves enemies at the drop of a hat. I have spoken to a representative, who has already left." A stern glance kept the crowd under control as a few seemed ready to leave to find the member and punish them. "And they have assured me as well as Ali Baba," she gave an annoyed glance towards her smug fellow leader who seemed to perk up at his name, "With evidence that their carrol where they keep their beasts had been left open allowing one to escape. That does not mean however we pick fights with them or worry about another monster attacking us. Only one had left according to the member and we shall take his word for it. Though if you see anything strange at all contact a leader immediately."
"With that said, we shall be celebrating the safe arrival of another caravan as well as the defeat of the beast tonight." Sinbad once more took the reins as he gave the corpse a few pats. "Should be enough meat here for all of us right?"
Laughter began once more as the meeting ended, everyone going off in their own ways as Sinbad signaled Makie over to the leaders. With a few tired steps, Makie slowly made her way over to them before a hand helped support her. Turning her head, she smiled as Imhotep assisted her towards those hanging around the corpse, making sure the girl was able to get there with no problems.
"So this is the one you were telling me about." Morgiana spoke as the leaders safely left the body. The older woman gazed into Makie's eyes as if to check for something before nodding to herself. "I'd keep an eye on her, a girl like this is bound to have trouble follow her." She chuckled to herself as Scheherazade just smiled at her.
"Reminds you of yourself from way back when huh?" The woman smiled at each other before Morgiana stomped on the other woman's toes. "What was that for!? I didn't do anything wrong!"
"You keep stealing my youth! Last time I came here I found another grey hair!" Ignoring the other woman's grumblings, Morgiana turned back to Makie. "I apologize. That insufferable woman just gets to me."
"I know the feeling." Makie replied remembering a certain troublesome blonde.
"You have one as well? You have my condolences." The two hung their heads in annoyance before smiling. "As you know I am Morgiana and that other fool is Ali Baba…"
"Your father in law!" He sang as his grin increased at the look of rage coming over the woman's face.
"Yes… That too…" She growled before taking a deep breath to remove her anger. "Sinbad tells me you were the one to finish this one off."
"I was, but I wasn't alone." Makie admitted, sending a look towards her leaders. "If they weren't there…" She trailed off, unwilling to continue as an awkward silence began.
"I see… As another leader would put it, you could almost be considered a diamond in the rough. Though I wouldn't listen to him unless you want to also hear bizarre humor."
"As interesting as this talk is, Morgiana." Sinbad interrupted, giving a slight cough. "You had something to discuss with us that doesn't involve that djinn?" The woman gave a sigh before nodding.
"The [Perseus] representative is waiting for you at my tent."
"Excellent, I have a few choice words for him."
"I'm sorry," Makie began as she gave a troubled look. "But I thought you said he left?"
"A lie." Ali Baba smirked, his smugness almost increasing by the minute. "The man wouldn't survive if all of our caravans came at him. Of course, it was my idea to…"
"At least your wive began to rub off on you." Sinbad sent a sharp glare that was immediately returned. "If a member is here then I'll handle…"
"He'll only talk to her." Morgiana interrupted as she glared at her friend. "His bodyguard said as much."
"He has a bodyguard?" Scheherazade asked, looking somewhat troubled. Perhaps at the idea of doing work. "Then Sinbad can do this."
"It's not that simple, his guard is interested in seeing you."
"I'm flattered but I'm happy the way I am."
"Grr… What if I said he was regal?"
"I've already done that…"
"He has a mysterious aura to him!"
"That only narrows it down to about half the men in the Garden."
"It's THAT king!" Scheherazade's whining stopped as she took in that sentence. Slowly, her lips upturned before becoming an enormous grin. Her body seemed to vibrate in pure happiness as delight shined in her eyes.
"YES! I KNEW HE WANTED TO TALK!" Makie could only stare as her leader began to squeal like a schoolgirl as she bounced around like a beach ball. "Imhotep! Be my bodyguard and let's go!" Grabbing the doctor's hand, she began to drag him away with no protests as she escaped from what she considered boring.
"Do I want to know?" Makie began as the others shook their heads.
"She hasn't changed…" Morgiana sighed, somewhat in relief and annoyance at her biggest pests attitude. "Sinbad, me and the fool here will get our members under control and get them to assist your own."
"Of course, thank you." With that, Morgiana dragged her father-in-law away, slapping him around the head as he began making fun of her age. "Be thankful you ended up with us. Scheherazade is worth two of that lucky buffoon."
"He's that bad?" Makie asked as she followed after the older man.
"Oh he is. Relies on his luck way too much. Anyway, Scheherazade and Imhotep have given you the night off, do as you want before and after dinner. Just don't make us look bad alright? I will not have anyone of us compared in anyway to him."
"Oh uh thank you." Makie said, surprise coming over her face as she paused in her movements. It was way too strange to have Sinbad somewhat nice to to her for once.
"Don't thank me, I wanted you to continue to work. Maybe double it due to what happened earlier. Doctor's orders overruled that."
"Of course…"
"Just so you know." The man paused as he refused to face Makie, he scratched the back of his head before sighing. "You did good today." With that he left, refusing to say anything else towards the stunned girl.
A small smile undid her surprised lips as she began to walk the opposite direction. No words could describe that feeling inside of her as a cold breeze played with her hair. That feeling… There was one place she wanted to be so she could release those amazing feelings.
The oasis.
Part 3
The sun was setting beyond the horizon, each glow like a glimmering flame on the candle. If she simply blew on the picture in front of her, the fire would go out. That was how dim the light was. But she never stopped watching it. It was something that she found beautiful at times. Beautiful things had an impact on the mental state of a person anyway.
She hoped by watching the scene of the sunset in the desert would help her ease her heart. Maybe even seeing the green flash before the dusk would help her get a grip on her reality.
Alas, she felt as empty and unsure as before.
…How frustrating. Really she was incredibly frustrated. Even if sh didn't show it she felt an unbridled rage at herself for not being able to understand this situation.
Hands that were once upon a time frail gripped her right arm. She gripped harder. Her nails sinking into her skin. But never once did it pierce it. Never once did she feel pain. In fact, she couldn't even trace a scar over her unclothed arm.
The wound inflicted by that cursed knife, it disappeared. As if time had reversed. As if it had never happened.
"...Stupid."
It wasn't just her strength, not just her speed, but her healing was enhanced. Her body had changed in it's entirety.
Looking at herself in the lake, Makie took a good, long look at herself. For the first time since her revival, she really, truly understood the basic facts. Her body had changed. In perhaps the most ironic way imaginable.
"...So stupid…." Shielding her head into the legs she pulled up to her body, Makie continued to chant that small word, as if criticizing herself.
Because to her it was true.
"Something we can come to agreement on."
For the second time today, Sinbad had appeared behind her. In his hand was a package with a rope tied around it. Makie blinked, turning her head to look at the lake once more.
"I figured you would have buried yourself in the scrolls or hiding in Imhotep's tent. Instead you are here brooding at your own reflection. You are quite the boring girl."
"How about you take your criticism somewhere else?"
"I did, I spoke with the kids." The mention of those brats caused Makie to click her tongue in aggravation.
"So now it's my turn to be scolded for my mistakes." Why even talk about it? The situation was her fault to begin with. It was a clear understanding to her that she overreacted in front of Rhodolite, which caused the kids to act in the manner that they did.
"Hmm...so you are that kind of idiot."
"I wasn't aware there were different forms if idiots."
"There are. The kind that tend to be ignorant of what is around them, the kind that are oversensitive about topics that do not concern them in the slightest. And then there are the idiots that are hard on themselves that they cannot progress in the slightest. You belong to that third category."
Makie remained silent.
"My job isn't to babysit you, that is Imhotep's. Though I wanted to congratulate you."
"Huh?" Makie turned her head towards him. As she did, she came face to face with an apple.
"...Thank you…" She mumbled softly before taking the fruit from Sinbad's hand.
"You fought well, showed some good judgement and even finished off that beast."
"Ha." Makie laughed. "All I did was run around."
"It was quite amusing watching a girl outrun an amphisbaena while it was in the sand. Even more so to watch you run around with death at your heels."
"Dare I ask what I did to make you hate me?"
"Nothing. It was nice to see you finally work out. I got to see what kind of abilities you have, and it helped to narrow down what you are, as well as your limits."
Makie bit into the apple, thinking over what it was the man might be implying.
"Makie," Sinbad spoke suddenly, breaking the delicate silence that had drifted between the two as they both were drawn in by the sunset, "what you do is up to you. But before you fight for someone else, you have to first fight for yourself. If you can't even fight for yourself, how will you fight for another?"
With a grunt, Sinbad pushed himself up against the trunk of the tree and patted the sand from his clothes.
"What you did today: That was you fighting for yourself. And now that you have shown to us what you can do, we need you. As a part of the caravan, it is up to you if you want to risk your life with us or not. It is your decision to make; we won't force the unwilling to put their lives at risk. However, you are strong. You are powerful. We can recognize that even if you can't accept it about yourself. So we need you, with what we have to prepare for in the coming future."
"...Are you insane?" Was her immediate reply. "Strong? Fighting for myself? It was nothing more than reflex. That doesn't count." She was running around with her head cut off and could barely make any observations to her situation. All she could do was run until Rhody said something. And even then, it was all based on what she had seen before.
What she had seen that boy do.
Sinbad scratched the back of his head.
"You have your perspective, but it is flawed. Anything I would say though would just go over your head." Tossing the package next to her body, Makie turned her head to glance at it.
"Just know, that no matter your choice, you are still a part of the caravan." His response startled Makie a bit. Her eyes stared at the parcel, and then back at him. Then she returned to the lake.
"I'll think about it."
"Sure. You have until sunrise next morning."
"Wait isn't that a bit of a short time?!"
"We don't have time sadly. You need to make your decision." And with those words, Sinbad left. Makie clicked her tongue, aggravated once more.
"Stupid sailor. Even now you make less than acceptable decisions." She mumbled under her breath. A lot of what he said aggravated her for some reason.
Strong? Her, strong? What kind of crap was that?
If they wanted strong they should search for that guy. Yeah, he would love to be here. In a world where the characters of the Arabian Nights were real, a place that was home to monsters and gods, yeah that guy would love it here.
And just thinking about him, and how they called her strong, caused her stomach to chortle. Like she was about to vomit.
She wasn't strong, she was nothing. So why did he praise her?
The only thing she could offer to the caravan was the gift that refused to activate even in her time of peril.
Burying her face into her knees, Makie dropped the half eaten apple.
She couldn't lie. She wanted to be more helpful. Being called strong, the implication that she was useful was...wonderful to feel. A conglomerate of emotions were controlling her actions. Stress, anxiety, even envy at the people who could live their lives with smiles on their face. Yet then came the anger and guilt, followed by a maddening repeat of her mistakes.
It was possible that they were going to use her. That he wanted her to win their battles. Well...she would remain a part of the community, regardless of her decision.
So then...what should her decision be?
Part 4
Perhaps it was because she didn't fall asleep, but the night felt longer than usual. Even so she didn't let it dwell on her that much. She already left her tent and began walking towards the lake. She had a decision to make after all, short time she had to make it.
Stopping a few feet from the lake, she recognized the back of the person standing there.
The famed adventurer turned around, staring at her with his arms crossed passively. He had been waiting for her. For how long who can say? Though it was obvious he was taking a good look at her. For good reason too.
No longer was Makie wearing the simple long-sleeved tunic and old robe that was far too big for her body. Now she wore a robe more fitting for her size as well as needs. Contained in that parcel was a set of new clothes tailored for Makie. In it was the new robe adorned for her and only her, containing the crest of the Community's Symbol; the Storyteller who spun a hundred tales for a thousand nights.
He seemed to be waiting patiently compared to a few days back. Maybe it was the impressive show of strength she displayed. Or perhaps he was showing her some sympathy.
Either way, he was waiting for the answer.
Makie sighed. This was going to be a lifetime decision.
And so.
"...I guess this would make me a Player right?"
Sinbad said nothing. It seemed he was waiting for something else.
Ah so he knew then she thought.
"I'm...not entirely sure if this is the correct choice. However, I was told at times that you have to make uncertain decisions. Sometimes they can turn out well, sometimes they may outright suck. But that is life. And it is only a part of it."
"Hmm. Whoever said that was wise."
"...Yeah…they were wise…" For the first time in a while Makie felt herself smile. The two most important people in her lifetime impacted her. And now, in this new life she carried those memories. Clutching her chest, Makie made her decision.
"Please...teach me about the gift games."
Part 5
Leticia poured some black tea into two cups, one for herself and one for Makie. The story was quite long, but Leticia found herself invested in it. The tale being woven by Makie as she recounted her days with the caravan.
[Kitab Adith], a splinter community formed from the [Alf Layla] community in the east. An alliance community centered around the 1001 nights, it also allied with several Greek and Egyptian communities as well. At least that was what she recalled hearing before. Hearing that Imhotep was among them caused Leticia to assume that the alliance held up strong.
They traveled around, trading goods and spreading stories, helping the local bystander at times. Normally they could be on par with the trading community [Thousand Eyes] due to the presence of a single individual.
But that individual, Sinbad, was the curious one. An adventurer at heart, he would recklessly go off onto one adventure after another, regardless of the deaths of those around him. But form the story, he wasn't like that at all. He seemed more grounded in reality, harsh in his judgements but doing so because he understood.
"Quite the accomplishment. I have heard of the Amphisbaena's granting gifts when killed on the night of the New Moon. But only those pure of heart would receive it. Even so...to kill one with just your fists. It seems you really did not know your own strength." The light jab at the girl's naivete to her own body was meant to be a joke. However, Makie couldn't perceive such things.
"Yeah…." It was a weak reply. Makie could barely muster the strength to reply in a sarcastic notion. If it was the usual her, she would have probably said 'Isn't that the basic conclusion captain obvious?' Or perhaps she would have been straightforward about and spoke 'How was I supposed to know my own strength?' Regardless, it was the fact she wasn't responding to personal questions with a personal response.
Placing the cup on the nightstand next to her bed, Leticia took a sip from the second cup.
"...Will you not drink it?"
"...In a bit...thanks."
"...Of course." Leticia nodded.
And so she did so, she allowed Makie to continue the story. This now humanoid recorder recounting the times in which she traveled with the caravan [Kitab Adith].
Even though, she already knew how this would all end…
END CHAPTER 25
Huhuhuhu~ Weren't expecting this so soon huh?
Well as I am sure everyone noticed but you got two notifications in your mailbox about chapter 25? I immediately posted that but then i took it down for reasons. I decided to have it where everyone would read chapter 24, give me their thoughts, and then post it again. however, it seemed that plan did not work. Well this time I wasn't kidding about the one week time. I did say within a week or two. So I am within the time i caught all my mistakes though. God I need a beta reader...
Anyway I know the last chapter was kinda meh, and the reason for that is because this chapter and chapter 24 were both supposed to be a single chapter. But the word count would have reached well over 20k and I wasn't sure if anyone wanted to read such a long chapter. So I decided to split the two chapters to make it more manageable to read so I don't overwhelm anyone.
And with that we move onto the new Mondaistation! Take it away you problem children!
MONDAISTATION
Yo: And with that the fabled yet realized Chapter 24 has been completed and uploaded. Took that author long enough.
Izayoi: What was once a single chapter was split between the slice of life and the action. Both turned out poor though.
Asuka: Without any sense of consistency in the fight or in the storytelling. Honestly is the author even trying.
Black Rabbit: Must you three always insult the author?
She didn't even have to wait for the answer as all three immediately replied with a solid yes.
Black Rabbit: of course...
Asuka: Well without further ado let's introduce the first of our new guests!
Black Rabbit: No transition?!
Izayoi: Oh wait, since no one guessed or even bothered to answer the question, no special guest today.
Black Rabbit: We are even skipping the special guest section?!
Asuka: To answer JNaegi's question, I have not seen...Animu as you say it. Chibi-Asuka has but I have not.
Izayoi: And it would be Kyubey!
Black Rabbit: No it would not!
Izayoi: it is totally Kyubey.
Black Rabbit: IT IS TOTALLY NOT!
Asuka: Kyubey?
Yo: An *spoilerspoilerspoilerspoilerspoilerspoiler*
Asuka: ...I see. Then yet it would no doubt be Kyubey!
Black Rabbit: NO IT WOULD BE PUCK!
Izayoi: The next question is...for the non existent special guest. Alright then! That will be the end of the mondaistation! Starting with the next episode preview! Take it away ladies!
?: HOLD IT!
Izayoi: ...Whaaaaaaat?
?: Fufufufufufufu~ I always wanted to do that! It felt kind of refreshing.
Izayoi: Hey wait...what?
?: But even so, what you said is something I can't accept. To answer the question of the first reviewer Harukawa Ayame, I think these children are exactly as their series proclaim themselves to be, problematic children. But they aren't full blown problem children. While they perform teases and pranks, they are children who think of the people around them. They are mature children who learn and grow quickly, perhaps even moreso than most children their age.
Izayoi: No seriously, are we really adding another original character to this already massive list?
?: But it is because of that they are frightening. As a mother, I am happy to see children flourish, but also as a human being, I am scared of their potential. It's unlimited, they can carve out whatever path they deem so. And with their level of maturity they can overcome their obstacles and face it all with a smile. However, they are not without flaws. though i would argue the one with the biggest flaw is Izayoi. Asuka and Yo recognize it, work to change themselves, are are succeeding. Izayoi on the other hand has gone through his development and is becoming a steadily sane individual. Though of course he is shameless, rude, and overall a person who would do things by himself, he is unbiased and views people based on who they are rather than what they are. This gives him an unclouded eye, but makes it difficult to understand him. To the point that even though he understands what the people around him desire, he is unable to accept it.
Izayoi: No seriously who are you?
?: A special guest who shall only appear in this segment for now. A Former nun turned Yakuza.
Yo: Yakuza?
Asuka: YAKUZA?!
Black Rabbit: Yakuza?!
Izayoi: How the hell...with that speech pattern? Oi author did you even do the research?!
?: As for my name...yes let's call me by the name Karkinos.
Izayoi: ...Cancer?
Cancer: You can call me that as well. Now to finish my question. In summary they are transparent problematic children who despite teasing and sexually harassing Black Rabbit, they are good kids at heart. If perhaps scary children with quite a lot going for them.
Izayoi: ...Literally the most vague constellation in the sky and you call us transparent...
Cancer: Not so much vague as you need to know where to look in the right places. And the transparency isn't just how easy you are to see through, but rather in that you have forms but it is difficult to perceive them. Almost as if Yo and Asuka are ghosts! Fufufufufu~
Asuka: ...hey...
Yo: Yeah...
Asuka: I feel like we need to mess with this woman's character design and personality...
Yo: I agree...
Izayoi: ...yeah I think we need a loli mother not a MILF mother.
Cancer: ...haaaaa...and this is why I said they are problematic.
Black Rabbit: Black Rabbit apologizes for our troublesome bunch...
Cancer: It is fine Black Rabbit, those children are old enough to understand to be responsible for their actions. Well this section is a bit lackluster, and I do apologize for it. However due to circumstances it cannot be lengthened. I hope everyone can wait for the next chapter.
Black Rabbit: And with that let us begin the next chapter!
Asuka; She train.
Yo: She learns.
Izayoi: Tune in for the next episode of the OC arc!
Black Rabbit: Cut! That wasn't in the script!
The Problem Children: Who cares?
Black Rabbit: Its becoming so meta even the script caption is naming them Problem Children!
Cancer: We hope to see you soon! Though next time it might not be me you meet! We shall be rotating! The next guest is one from a particular series that helped to inspire the current OC arc you are reading! Their zodiac sign is often times a living being found in the desert! Make sure to give her a warm welcome!