Chapter 3: Meeting Azhum and Starting the Journey
Author's note:
Here we go, another chapter for your enjoyment. It has proven to be somewhat difficult to plan out to balance action and dialogue so this chapter will be mainly more filler-ish in order to set up the action in next chapter. To be honest with you readers, it will be difficult for me to balance which character talks during certain parts, so I'll do my best to give each of the main roster of heroes their time to talk or get behind their thoughts. Moving onward I want to remind everyone that Ankha is our leading lady for this story so much the things that are going to be from her perspective if you haven't realized it yet.
Anyway, that's all I had to say. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off and hope you enjoy this chapter.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
"Well that's taken care of, now we just need to find Azhum Spellslinger. The gods said that he will be a great aid to us in this world and he should be waiting for us. Problem is, where do we look?"
"I have no idea, Ankha."
"Eh, me too."
We just got done registering as an adventuring group and already we have another problem to deal with; finding Azhum. Of course, none of us knew where to start looking as we kinda expected him to come to us. I guess we need to put in the leg work in looking for him. Not that I mind as it gives us a chance to explore the town a bit. Besides, I have a good idea where to start looking.
"Hmm…well if his last name is Spellslinger and he is a powerful spellcaster then there is a high chance we can find him in some magic related place. Like a magic shop or the like."
"Makes sense, if I was an experienced magic user then checking out places like that would be something I do," Nacho stated.
"Then it's settled then! Let's go ask around to see if anyone knows where this Azhum guy is," Diva exclaimed.
I gave an amused laugh as we set off to gather information on Azhum's whereabouts. It was tricky in the beginning as some of the people were intimidated by our large group. Of course, we told them that he was supposed to be our guide, but then they look at us like we are crazy before leaving us. Some other times they didn't even speak our language, so they didn't understand us, and we didn't understand them. We even went to these magic/potion shops to see if we can get any information, but none of them knew who we were talking about. Surprise, surprise, the last magic shop in town called, "Hex'r'us" had a wizen shop keeper who knew Azhum.
"You seek Azhum?"
"Yeah, we were supposed to meet him in town, but we haven't saw hair or tail of him," I said with concern in my voice.
"Fascinating…just fascinating. The man you are looking for doesn't exist a form you'll recognize. To the world he may be as good as dead, but only a few know he isn't and is still walking among us."
"Doesn't exist in a form we'll recognize…what do you mean?"
"Poor Azhum had a transformation spell incident a long long time ago. As wise as he is, even he couldn't turn himself back."
"Then what did he turn himself into? Can you tell us that at least?" Nacho asked, I can tell he was starting to get annoyed by the shop keeper's roundabout way of answering.
The old man gave a raspy laugh which surprised us a bit, "I'll let that be a surprise to you all, but I can tell you that he is currently at the library. Even in his changed form the man does not cease his studies. Probably why he hadn't come to greet you all like he was supposed to. Hope he hasn't caused a scene though. He tends to forget what he looks like."
As if on cue, a scream was heard outside as a civilian ran into the store in a panic before looking at our group with a relieved face, "Oh good, adventurers! Please! You must get to the library quick! The ghost is back!"
"I'm sorry, but a ghost?"
"Yes! I tried making it a quest, but the Guild says that there is no ghost in the library because their clerics came by and blessed the place. But it's back again!"
The shop keeper gave off a hearty laugh which told me that maybe this 'ghost' is Azhum. I looked over to Nacho, Isabelle and the others and they agreed that we should go check it out. Besides, doing a quest is a good start for any adventuring group so I fail to see why we shouldn't take this man's request.
"It's alright, we'll take care of it for you. Just lead the way."
"Thank you! T-This way!"
/
We exited the building together and followed the man in a hurried pace. We attracted some attention due to the size of our group, but they ignored us when they saw the man leading us. After some running, we got to the library which was a decent size building with a green roof. We made our way inside and was met with silence. Not a noise or movement was seen to show that a ghost was disturbing the peace.
"It's not here, it's upstairs," the man quietly explained as he pointed to the stairs.
"I see, let's split up the team then. Nacho, Isabelle, and I will investigate upstairs and see if we can a hold on the ghost. Diva, Lucky and Amr you stay here just incase it tries to escape us. Sounds good?"
"Sounds like a plan to me. You three be careful up there okay?" Diva replied.
"We will, just be ready in the event it runs down here," Nacho added.
"Will do, guys block the door."
"On it!"
"Yes mistress."
With the B-Team doing what they can. Nacho, Isabelle, and I made our way up the stairs as quietly as possible. To be honest I never fought a ghost before, but Bastet told me once that they are only vulnerable to magic or magic enhanced weapons. So really, I'm the only one capable of hurting one, but if my hunch is correct then we aren't dealing with a ghost.
"So Ankha…do you think this 'ghost' is Azhum?" Isabelle asked curiously.
"I have my suspicions, but the way the shop keeper laughed not to long after telling us about Azhum has me believing it could be him."
"Well it's small evidence at best, but I think Ankha is right," Nacho added, "The shop keeper clearly seen this kind of situation before."
"Indeed, but tread carefully. We have no idea what we might see, so keep your nerves calm."
*Right*
We made our way to the top of the steps and was faced with another section of library, but that wasn't the first thing to catch my eye. Far ahead in the front of us there was an unmistakable floating bunch of books flowing around what I think is a large tome in the center of it all. Strangely, the books floating around the larger piece of literature were being opened and the pages being skimmed through before moving onto the next book.
"A tome? Is Azhum is using a tome as a temporary body?"
"Looks that way Ankha, so how do you want to approach this?" Nacho asked.
"I say we just approach him as a person. That way he doesn't run off on us," Isabelle suggested.
"Good idea, just act natural when I call his name. As long as we don't appear threatening then he shouldn't flee."
Keeping our weapons sheathed we slowly entered the library section with caution. After a few steps and within possible ear shot of the great spellcaster. I called out his name, hoping that he won't run once he hears it.
"Azhum Spellslinger?"
"Huh? Ah!" To my surprise the tome turned around and jumped \ floated back in equal surprise. In the process, dropping all the books that was floating around it.
I was met with a jewel like eyeball staring back at as it darted between me, Nacho and Isabelle. During this time, I was able to get a better look at the tome as it's cover is in a royal purple with a fine black leather spine with some golden reinforcement. Additionally, there was a was magical imprints on the front cover surrounding the jewel eyeball. However, despite being a tome it is only moderately stuffed with pages and not as thick as normal ones I seen in the past.
"U-Uh…may I ask how you know that name? As I don't recall meeting anybody with that name, nor knowing anybody the likes of you three," The tome replied in a wizen male voice.
"Are you sure about that? My name is Ankha, this is Nacho and this is Isabelle," My lovers acknowledged their names in kind as the Tome continue to examine us.
"Hmm…so you say. Hold still for me," Without warning the tome opened up and a bright scanning light came out and scanned all of us. Before we knew it, the scanning was over and the tome started laughing joyfully, "Oh ho! You speak the truth!"
Still recovering from the surprise light show I was a bit angry that this talking book gave us no warning before doing what he did, "Of course I am! What was that for?!"
"Forgive me milady, but I had to be sure you are a genuine article. Any person can hide behind a name and wear it as if it was their own clothes. That light was some scanning magic, the same as they use at the Guilds, but unlike theirs I'm able to get the exact information on a person, save for personal history. By scanning you milady, I saw just how old you are, out of respect I won't give a number, but you have walked the mortal plane longer than a normal person should."
"Then you know about the Ankh on my…"
"Back? Yes, also that dreadful virus flowing through you and your partners systems in a bizarre symbiotic relationship. Yes, they told me you will have that along with two others who are your lovers. Indeed, oh gods…I distracted myself again. We should have met quite earlier, but then I found some nice books I haven't read before. Forgive me for my lapse of time managing Lady Ankha."
"You are forgiven, Azhum Spell Slinger."
"Yes…that is my name, but we can chat more in private place. Last I checked, a library is a public place and the last thing I need right now is public attention."
"I understand, but we still have the matter of the owner of this library. Last I checked, you have been terrorizing him unintentionally for a while now."
"Yeah, being a floating talking book doesn't help either," Nacho said, finally breaking his silence throughout the conversation.
"He also needs proof that you won't scare him again either. You gave him quite a reputation of a man who cried ghost," Isabelle added.
"Oh my, have I been doing that? Now I feel quite terrible, but I think I know a way he can get his ease of mind and you your reward."
"How so?" I asked, as Azhum explained how we are going to fabricate the story how the librarian was cursed by a tome, as long as it stayed in his possession. We are going to help him by taking the book with us, so it will no longer bother him again.
"That is actually a good plan," Nacho remarked.
"I agree, not only is it believable, but it also will allow us to sneak Azhum under the radar," Isabelle stated.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let us be off then," Azhum said as he landed into my hands. He was surprisingly light for a tome, but it's better than lugging around a heavy one.
With the 'cursed' book in hand, we made our way back downstairs where team B was waiting for us. They had a confused look as they saw me with the tome in my hands. The librarian, who looked very antsy, eyed me in surprise as he saw the book. No doubt because he seen it many times before.
"So…what happened? Did you find the ghost?" Diva asked.
"Sort of, Mr. Librarian sir, I believe we found the source of your ghost problem," I showed him the tome and just the sight of it nearly had him jump back. The reaction made me think he considered the object as if it was radioactive or something.
"R-Really? That tome is source of my ghost problem?" I watched him closely examine the tome in my hands, "Yeah…now that I think of it. I remember seeing that tome appear in my library a month ago. I thought nothing of it at the time, but now it makes sense. The trouble only began after it showed up."
"What?! You mean to tell me that tome was the reason for causing this guy's trouble?"
"Indeed, I am, sir this tome is cursed as you likely already figured it out. Once we remove it from the premises your library should no longer be haunted by a ghost anymore."
"R-Really?! Then take that thing out of my building! I don't want to ever see it again!"
"Will do, what about our reward for aiding you?"
"Oh right!" The man ran off into his office and after a few minutes he came back with a rather sizable pouch, "10,000 gold coins!"
"E-Excuse me?! 10,000 gold coins? That sounds a bit much for dealing with a cursed book."
"It's quite alright, you ended the torment this thing has been causing me where other adventurers failed. Besides this isn't an official quest so you won't get any guild points for completing it, as the guys who work there think I'm a nut job now, so they don't take my requests. It's the least I can do to compensate."
"In that case it is appreciated then, Nacho could you?"
"On it," Nacho then takes the bag of gold coins and with one last bit of thanks we all left the building with the Librarian sending us off.
/
Reward in hand and Azhum himself as well we headed back to the Hex'r'us as that is the only place, we can think of to be able to talk with Azhum in private without the risk of others seeing him. I have my questions and no doubt my companions do to. The main one being what happened to him to run him into a tome? Why does he want to remain hidden? How is he going to help us? My mind swirled with thoughts, but none that can be answered at this moment as I held him in my arms. His jeweled eye closed, no doubt to hide his wandering eye.
The building was just in sight, but before I knew it we were cut off by a group of four human people. Two men, two women. They seem well off with I considered the leader, a tanned skinned man with black hair wearing white armor, no doubt a knight of some kind. The other man, more aged with fair skin and greying hair, but I can sense his magical power. Clearly, he is a wizard or sorcerer, if there was a difference, and had his hand outstretched in a scanning motion. One of the women was a young priestess, no doubt from some local religion or church. She can't be any older than her teens and reeked of inexperience. She had pale skin and brown hair. The last member is a dark-skinned woman wearing light armor with some thick clothing that covered most of her bodily features. She even wore a hood and mask that prevented me from fully observing her features. She was eyeing us with piercing yellow eyes as if she was sizing us up. The last thing I notice each person had, is a tag of certain color on their body. The knight and shifty woman having a golden tag, the wizard with some kind of blueish tag, and the younger woman with a bronze tag.
"Is this where you felt that overwhelming magical power?" The knight asked his companion.
"Yes, sir Francis, the magical force I felt is coming from this group," The wizard confirmed as I saw his hand drifted towards me, "It's coming from her, the Egytapian felimew."
"May I help you?" I asked with annoyance.
The knight quickly responded, "Right, my apologizes miss. My name is Sir Francis Durame, adventuring knight of great renown. My friend Zendel Jenkins detected some powerful magic in the area and we decided to investigate. My other friends are Sara Arane, an experienced rouge and Clara Whitefield a fledging cleric."
They greeted us in kind in response to their names being called. Frankly, despite their friendly demeanor, they already made it clear they came to us with some form of intent. What kind is something I'm wary about, and I rather not waste time.
"Pleasure to meet you all, my name is Ankha and these are my companions," I began to list off everyone's names. Putting great care to add that Nacho and Isabelle are my lovers. This earned an odd look from the other group, but they let it pass, "So, cutting to the chase, why did you stop us?"
"As I mentioned before miss Ankha, my friend has detected a large amount of magical power coming from you."
"And? How does this concern you?"
"Well…Zendel can you explain?"
"Yes, my friend," Zendel stepped forward while lowering his hand, "Miss Ankha, it is our duty of our group to seek out and make notes of powerful magic inclined people or artifacts. You are radiating a powerful magic aura that has not been seen for nearly two hundred years. While I'm aware you Egyptapians are magically inclined by nature, it isn't your own aura I sense. No, it's that tome in your hands. May I look at it?"
I was about to respond until suddenly a voice popped into my head, "Do not give me to him!"
"Huh? Azhum?"
"Yes, it's me, how? Magic, but that's not important right now. Whatever you do, do not give me to that wizard Zendel. These types are very observant of magical forces and if he gets a whiff of something unusual then you can expect me to be confiscated from your hands and unable to help you in your journey."
"Then what can I do? As much as I want to use something from my bag of tricks, no doubt they are going to notice and make things worse. Can't you hide your magical aura?"
"Yes, but if I do it now then they will get suspicious anyway."
"Why didn't you do it earlier?!"
"That's not important right now! Do something and fast!"
Azhum's voice faded from my mind and I find myself facing a confused Zendel, "Are you alright miss?"
"Quite fine, just…blanked out for a moment there."
"Then would you mind giving me a look at the tome then."
"Well I would, but you see we were returning this tome to the shop keeper of Hex'r'us as it is his. I'm not sure he would like another person touching it without his permission," I kept my composure as I lied to the man's face.
"Really? Great sorcerer Amo Spellcrafter asked you to get this tome?"
It was a surprise to hear that is the shop keeper's name, but I had to keep up the lie, "Yes, he asked us to find it as he lost it some time ago. It isn't an official quest, so you won't find it in the system."
"Huh, that sounds like something Amo's would do. Heh, I remember doing something for him once just like that. Ah old Amo's and his secretive ways. It may seem odd at first, but he does it for the benefit of all," Zendel said with a satisfied chuckle.
"Huh, I guess then there is no need for us to act then," Francis added, "If it is for Amo's then I see no reason to bother you any further, but we need to talk to him just so you aren't lying."
"Sure, why not? He will vouch for us for sure," I wasn't even lying with that sentence. I truly believe Amo's would help us make the lie believable as he is aware of Azhum and his transformed state.
We made our way into the shop again. Amo's was surprise by our appearance with the other four adventurers, but he immediately smiled when he saw Zendel and the tome in my hands.
"Ah…you finally solved that man's problem I see?" He said, confusing the other four adventurers.
"Yeah, and it turns outs it was your tome that was causing him trouble. We removed it and were returning to you until we got stopped by these adventurers. Two of which know who you are Amos."
"Really now?" He turned to face Zendel and Francis, "Nice to see you are doing well Zendel and Francis."
"Same to you Great Amo's, how's business?" Zendel asked.
"Fine fine, nothing special really goes around here other than me losing that tome I had these kind adventurers look for me."
"So, you can confirm that you sent them out to find this powerful tome?"
"Indeed, it contains all my best spells. Not to mention I placed a curse on it where it will wreak havoc when it isn't my possession."
"Yeah, a librarian came to us about a ghost problem and when we looked into it, we found out it was the tome," Isabelle quickly explained.
"Ah, so that's what been bothering that poor fella. Well at least it's over now, would you mind handing me the tome please?"
"Sure," I said as I handed over the tome to Amos. He gently places the large book behind the counter and out of sight.
"Well with that settled, Zendel. You and your friends can go on your way now."
"Yes, great Amos. Let's be on our way everyone, there is no need for us to be here."
"Alright, you take care of yourself new blood adventurers. This is just a step on the path of glory for all of you and I have no doubt you'll be great adventurers in no time," Francis said proudly before the thief in their party spoke up.
"Aw cut the dramatics Francis, let's just get our keisters moving. I need to get my daily exercise or else I'll start pilfering your pockets."
"Ah! Don't even think about it missy!"
"I can and I will, so let's get moving!"
The knight gave a frustrated sigh as the group made their way out. I felt myself giving a mental sigh of relief as I watched them go. However, before I turned away, I noticed a last second glare from the thief. She must be suspicious about something, going to keep a look out for her. She certainly looks to be the type to not let things go so easily. Regardless, once they were gone and possibly some distance away, Azhum finally flew out of the desk with a groan.
"Oooh…finally! I thought they will never leave. Thanks for covering for the group Amos, you always been a good student."
"It's no problem master Azhum, I wouldn't be where I am without your teachings."
"Wait wait, what?! You're his teacher?!" Nacho shouted in surprise.
"But he's the teacher of Zendel isn't he?" Lucky added with confusion of his own.
"I have so many questions!" Diva exclaimed!
"Whoa whoa! One at a time! Look I'll explain."
"You better, things are confusing enough already," I commanded as I felt we have wasted enough time in this town.
"Alright alright, well here is the short version. As you can probably guess, I'm a long-lived master wizard that learned all kinds of magic who eventually began teaching. Amos's here is one of my students and as you can see is quite well off."
"I see, but why are you a tome though? Were you cursed?"
"No…uhm…I am ashamed to say my current form is due to a polymorph spell gone awry. I was messing with the spell out of boredom and I have grown careless. As you can see, carelessness has consequences and now I'm stuck as a flying talking tome. However, it isn't all bad, I can still use spells and I don't need to eat or use the bathroom."
"That is interesting, and it does explain your form."
"Indeed, also as a tome, all the spells I know, and types of magic are pages that essentially make my body. The more I know, the more pages I have as it is based on my memories. Basically, I'm the ultimate tome of magic. Anything you need to know about magic is in my pages."
"Really? That sounds helpful, I could use some lessons myself."
"Lady Ankha, I can do more than give you lessons. I can turn you into a master of your element thanks to my understanding of magic. I can even help your life partners awaken their magic potential."
*Wait what?!* Nacho and Isabelle exclaimed in surprise.
"We can use magic too? That sounds awesome!" Nacho cheered.
"Yeah, with magic I can help people out better," Isabelle marveled.
"Now now, in time, but until then you will have to wait. As they say, we cross that bridge when we get to it. Anyway, we are getting ahead of ourselves. Now, Ankha, your Egyptian gods came to me and asked me to help you on your journey. Long story short, I shall be your guide in this new world and will support you any way I can."
"Wait that means you are a floating encyclopedia as well then?" Diva asked, hearing this had me mentally chuckle a bit while having Amos lightly laughing.
"Yes…technically. As a matter of fact, I have a nice chuck of pages dedicated to the wildlife, flora, races, culture, and certain other items I bothered to remember. However, I choose which page I want you to see, so it isn't a problem. Anyway, onto business, as I recall lady Ankha. You need a place to set up a place of worship for your goddess Bastet/ Bast."
"Yes, I do, I cannot do it back in my home world because one of our own went rouge through unknown means and is looking for me. If I attempt it then there is no doubt, he'll find me and put many lives in danger."
"Yes, Aten, I'm aiding on the research on the reasons why he would go rouge. I'm aware he is obsessed with you, but something doesn't make sense. However, that is a conversation for another time. Anyway, as for helping you set up a place of worship, you will have a hard time as nobody likes a religion being introduced to them despite having a religion themselves. If anything, doing it now will not only get you in trouble with the locals, but also Egyptapia as well."
"What is Egyptapia anyway? Is that basically this world's Egypt?" Nacho inquired.
"I would assume since it is in the name," I responded, "It's certainly not the most creative name they could have come up with."
"Yes yes, anyway. If you wish to set up a new area of worship, then you need the permission of the kings and queens of Egyptapia. They will denounce your actions as you are strangers in this world, and they don't know that you are the gods chosen."
"Ah, I see, then we should make our way to Egyptapia then. We can't get anything done unless we get their permission then."
"Verily, I suggest we take a transport as soon as we can. The main form of transportation in this world for large groups is a magi bus."
"A…magi bus? Is that what I think it is?" Lucky asked with confusion.
"If you are thinking, magical floating bus, then yes, it is what you picture. It is a form of local transport that has been established many years ago. There are established routes these buses take to reach basically all founded towns and civilizations that have a magi bus station. A trip to Egyptapia in that wonderful piece of magi-tech engineering should make a near month travel on foot less than three days."
"Three days? Wow, we were packed for an adventure, that makes things a lot easier," Nacho remarked.
"Oh, don't worry, you'll get your adventuring. Frankly, it's evitable that we will have to travel through some hostile environments. I suggest you all pick up some quests that will correlate in the areas we end up at in order to bolster your adventurer rank."
"Adventurer rank? Hmm…I recall those other adventurers have these bands on them with different color metal plates on them. Is that what you meant?" I inquired, as thinking on it, it would make sense due to the quality of metal used.
"Yes, adventurer ranks show how experienced you are and how reliable you are to the public and quest givers. Completing quests from the guild will add points to your rank, the tougher the quest giving the most among other rewards. Currently you are all rank-less, as such you can only take the most basic quests at the moment. Thankfully, as I recall, the first five quests completed will prove to the guild that you are worthy of being bronze rank adventurers."
"Sounds simple enough, when we reach Egyptapia we will simply pick up some quests while convincing the kings and queens to support our cause."
"Oh how I wish it was that easy. Unless they personally seek you out, only gold ranked adventurers as ask for permission to greet them. Even then they might deny the request. However, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, we should get to the magi bus and get a ride to Egyptapia. The fare should be one hundred gold per person, and thanks to that librarian fella. You should have enough to get there."
"That's great! Looks like we have a smooth start for this adventure," Isabelle said cheerfully.
"I like your enthusiasm Isabelle but be prepared. There has been no journey I ever heard of that stayed smooth the entire way. Trust me, I've seen many interesting adventures and I can say for certain that tough times await you all."
"Figures, nothing ever comes easy," I stated, "Well, let's get going. The sooner we get to Egyptapia the better."
Everyone agreed, but before we could leave the store, Amos stopped us, "Hold on! I almost forgot to give you your starting pack of items."
"Starting pack of items? That's okay, we already have enough equipment already."
"Oh, but I must insist. It is the law that every starting adventuring group must be given starting items for their safety."
"Really now? I guess we can't refuse then," Nacho added, "What does it have?"
"Just the usual supplies. Six health potions, six mana potions, three panaceas and one teleporting winds."
"Uh…I played enough video games to know how the first three things work, but what does the teleporting winds do?"
"Essentially, it's a bag of magical winds that will whisk away your entire group and take you to the nearest town. Good for those situations when you find yourselves stuck without any supplies."
"Oh! That's like the farcaster! Except all it does it teleport you to the nearest hunter camp."
"Huh, interesting, anyway you'll find this far more useful than that item," He hands us a bag containing the items and Nacho takes it.
"I guess, that's it then. Now can we go?" I asked somewhat annoyed.
"Yes, there is nothing more. You may go now."
"Finally, let's make haste. I don't want anything else holding us up."
It was a universal agreement between us all as we left the store. Azhum hid himself among our equipment in the backpack on Lucky's back. He made sure to hide his magical aura so no wizard or advanced magic user can detect him. We made our way to the magi bus station and we were honestly surprised by how the busses looked like. They were basically city buses that have a noticeable magical aqua line going across the body of the vehicle. Instead of wheels, the large vehicle was using magic itself to levitate off the ground. It was a curious sight, but it would explain why the transportation was preferred than walking to a city or town.
We paid for our fare and put our stuff in the storage compartment along with other people's bags and suitcases. The bus was going to make a few stops along the way to Egyptapia, but I don't mind. As a matter of fact, it will probably give us more insight to our surroundings in this new land. There is so much to explore in this world and so much to learn. My mind was practically overflowing with questions and thoughts as I took my seat which put my back against the wall of the bus. There were two more seats next to me, no surprise Nacho and Isabelle took those next to me while Lucky took the seat ahead of me and Diva took a double seat to the right of me with Amr.
More passengers of various races came in and once the last one got on. The driver of the bus announced our last stop and the stops we are going to make along the way. I was paying attention to this as Nacho started up a conversation.
"This is crazy right? New world, new lands, and new locals! Reminds me of the first time I set foot on Val Habar."
"I agree, and I have seen the world change with the passage of time. It's a strange experience, one that invokes fear and wonder. It's something that I felt many times."
"But we're doing it together, so it isn't as scary right?" Isabelle added.
"Indeed, with my lovers and my sworn brother by my side. I never felt less fearful before about traveling."
"Aww…Ankha, I haven't seen you so emotionally open in a long time. I still remember when we were traveling together that you often act tough, but I knew better," Lucky spoke, a smile peeking through his bandages. Seeing that melted my heart a bit as I missed traveling with him. We may not be biological siblings, but we treat each like we are.
"I know, I did so out of necessity at the time. Thankfully, I don't need to be as guarded as I was before."
"I can tell, especially with your boyfriend and girlfriend by your side," He gave a childish giggle as I was surprised by a duel nuzzle and kiss by Nacho and Isabelle.
I immediately blushed red as I heard the other passengers go 'aw' at the sight of the open affection, "Can you please not you two? You're embarrassing me…"
My flustered reaction only caused my lovers to daw as the embraced me in a twin hug. I swear I felt my face turn even redder, but frankly I don't mind at all. Feeling their embrace always made me feel secure. I didn't even mind that I started purring. Okay, I minded a little, but that is beside the point.
Anyway, I guess I was so caught up in the moment that we didn't notice the bus started moving. Then again, there was barely any movement felt when the bus moved. We only looked at the window and saw we are moving pass the buildings of the town and onto the road. We left Crossroads and started making the first steps in our journey. Albeit by bus, but that is not important right now.
Let the real journey begin.