UNNOTICED
RISE
Chapter 6: Attack of the Killer Old Woman
Nathanael's eyes widened while his mouth fell agape as he took a step backward in horror at the sight in which he was seeing in front of him.
For there crouching on the counter sat a wizened old hag who was currently cackling at him, seemingly as if she was relishing watching him all confused and afraid with no clue as of what was happening while also being surrounded by a number of mysterious shadow monsters who were all seemed to be glaring straight all the way to his soul.
He couldn't understand as to how it went to all of this. When he was asked to deliver a letter to a senior's supposed "sister", he didn't actually expect for things to transpire in such an extremely unexpected turn.
Then again, perhaps he should have.
From hovering objects, to flickering light bulbs, to talking mice, and now… an actual hag.
The "curse" that was plaguing him had truly known no boundaries when it comes to tormenting him.
All he wanted was to understand on what was happening to him, and to hopefully find a cure for the anomalies he keeps on causing, but the present was proving that to be impossible right now.
The hag proceeded to cackle at him as her sickening laughter had grown louder.
Soon his fear of the situation had caused the blue auras to suddenly appear within the tavern and from the kitchen behind thus causing for several pots, pans, cups, bottles, chairs, and tables to move and levitate while swirling around in a chaotic spiral.
However instead of being surprised, the hag had only continued her cackles unfazed. Almost as if such a phenomena was a regular occurrence on her part.
She then smiled sinisterly at him as she jeered.
You do realize that poltergeising won't do you any good here deary?
She snickered as she sniffed the air with a rather delighted expression.
Ah, how I always did love the smell of settling children., she remarked.
But now my appetite yearns for a taste!
Nathanael stiffened as he took another step backward.
Oh but don't worry deary.
She pretended to assure as she made a wide toothy grin, revealing to him her small number of teeth.
I don't bite.
Then she leaped from the counter and onto Nathanael's chest, knocking the boy down while as her feet sat on him.
The weight of the old hag had caused pressure within his lungs, causing something that the boy had familiarly recognized.
He felt his breathing going heavy.
He attempted to escape but he suddenly found that his body was now paralyzed.
The hag then went nearer to his face as she copped his cheeks, opening his mouth, then sucking away his air, or at least that was what he had first thought out about at first.
As he looked more keenly to the hag, he saw that what she was taking was not his mere breath, but something far more "unexplainable".
She was taking in the blue energy.
He then tried to move again but to certain no success. He dreaded of what might possibly happen to him once the hag was done.
Suddenly he felt lightheaded, somehow now becoming sleepy.
Nathanael closed his eyes as he felt his very life slowly drifting away, however before he could taste the feeling of eternal peace, the hag had abruptly halted when she felt something biting her fingers.
She raised her long arm and looked at them only to become annoyed once she found that a small little pest was chewing on her index.
Gah. Forgot about the familiar., she mumbled as she furiously shook her hand, trying to get the rodent off.
Soon the mouse was launched from her fingers as she fell straight to the side of the tavern.
Before Juleka could attempt to get up the hag hopped from the Nathanael's chest and grabbed her, unintentionally giving the boy time to take in his lost air.
He jolted himself upward as he immediately tried to catch his breath. He placed his hand to his lungs while trying to regain his focus.
As he did he soon found that the hag was now sitting by the edge of the tavern while holding a small creature by the tail.
She sniffed the small mouse before developing a stunned expression, she then sniffed the mouse again to make sure before making an extremely jovial grin.
Ah… what a very rare delicacy we have here., she cackled excitedly., Shame you couldn't have taken a bigger form though deary. I would have loved having you as the main course. But I guess I'd have to settle with you as the appetizer then. C'est la vie.
The hag shrugged before starting to squeeze the air out of Juleka.
Soon violet colored energies begun to leave from Juleka's mouth as she slowly felt her self become lightheaded.
Cataclysm!
The hag abruptly heard as the ceiling shook.
*sigh* Not again., she muttered in annoyance.
While as she was distracted a flying pot had came launching straight to her head thus causing her to faint.
She then accidentally released Juleka from her grip, but before the mouse could land on the wooden floor boards she suddenly found herself floating while being enveloped in a blue aura. She then quickly flew and straight into Nathanael's palm.
The boy then attempted to stand up, despite his exhausted feeling. He stood up and almost fell right back down as he tried difficultly to regain his balance.
He wobbled as he walked, trying to head for the exit, but as he was there a black shadow figure suddenly appeared blocking their path.
It stood there like a regular silhouette before stepping forward, suddenly materializing as it took on an ethereal form.
It looked to be that of the same age they were while wearing a hat that could either be a fedora or a derby.
It shot its demonic eyes at them sharply before it changed to that of surprise when it saw their weakened state, then changed once again to that of pity.
The shadow turned its head towards its mistress as he saw her slowly waking.
It looked to them one last time before reluctantly stepping aside, allowing for them to escape.
The teens gave a curious look at it but made no attempt to question due to their dizziness.
Nathanael coughed for a bit as he finally opened the door and exited.
The outside breeze had never felt better to Nathanael as the boy accelerated his walking.
What was that?, Juleka abruptly asked from his hand once they were far enough.
Nathanael coughed before answering.
I think that was a hag.
A hag?, the mouse repeated, You mean like a witch?
No. I mean like a hag.
The girl tilted her head.
There's a difference?
Witches are supposed to look like the everyday kind of person, the boy had answered simply, whereas hags are supposed to look like some kind of mutated old lady.
And where did you learn that from?
I read it from a comic., he casually stated.
Huh?, she uttered in confusion.
The boy shook his head as he looked at her seriously.
Look. It doesn't matter anyway. Once Ladybug and Chatnoir show up-
Before Nathanael could finish his sentence he was suddenly interrupted when he saw Juleka's eyes practically bulging.
He turned behind him and instantly found out why.
There jumping from the buildings, the two superheroes were seen along with the company of Rena Rouge as they gave chase against a supervillain who seemed to be carrying a hostage.
Wait., he questioned., If the akuma is over there. Then-
Come back here you spoiled delinquents!, the hag shouted, now returning to her "normal" form, Don't you know that it's quite rude to turn down a meal?!
Nathanael was about to get ready to run again but before he could he suddenly felt that something was holding his ankle. He looked down and dreaded as he saw another of the shadow creatures preventing him from escaping.
Not so long after, other shadow monsters had joined and engulfed him in darkness.
As they did Nathanael had accidentally dropped Juleka off his hand as she landed on the cemented street.
She looked and watched as she saw her fellow classmate vanishing out of thin air.
She was shaken but before she could actually react she then heard the old woman calling at her.
And she wasn't happy.
Come back here!
Juleka then scurried away as the monster pursued her until she found a small pipe and went in there.
She ran to the pipe while as the lady tripped. The woman then placed her hand into the pipe desperately trying to get her but to no avail.
Come back here! Rah!, she screamed in annoyance.
The shadows then came and continued to follow after her as they kept pursuing while as Juleka tried to use all her best efforts to prevent that from happening.
She climbed up the pipes until she had finally managed to have found herself up on a roof top. She then continued on running with the shadows obviously having no plan of giving up.
She then landed right back down the Parisian streets as she went straight into the busy Parisian sidewalk, hoping that that may slow them down.
She was wrong.
While as the people either ignored and stepped or saw and avoided her, the shadows continued on keeping their trail unnoticed.
She needed to avoid them. She needed to find a way to get away from them.
Those thoughts ran into her head until her ears were raised in instinctual alertness.
She looked to her side and she saw a huge tire approaching her fast.
The shadows then closed their eyes as she was crushed by the vehicle. Some have even felt sympathy for her.
They then all exchanged words with each other before deciding to head back, fearing on what might happen to them once they have reported to their mistress of their failure.
Darkness. Pitch black darkness was the only thing he could see when two strange voices suddenly spoke, seeming to be conversing with one another.
So, where did you think he came from?
I'm not really sure but- oh hey I think his waking up.
Nathanael's eyes squinted as he slowly got up from his position. Once he woke up, he was abruptly surprised when he saw of where he was.
It looked to be like a small space with only few little lights entering from the metal door that was located to the left part of it. The room seemed to be devoid of windows and had bricks for walls with some cracks on a few of them.
His eyes wandered around before he heard the sound of a male voice speaking.
Rise and shine lad., the voice greeted.
His orbs searched for the person who spoke but the darkness prevented him from doing so.
I'm right here lad., the voice guided., Right here. Right here. Colder. Hotter. Hotter. There.
Nathanael turned his head and was perplexed when he still saw no one.
Um… down here.
He turned his head downwards and was met with a strange humanoid figure that was waving at him.
Hi there., it said.
It looked to be short, probably only spanning to that of a regular toddler. It had long semi pointed ears and it wore a green top hat and a green coat, along with black shiny shoes on its feet. It also possessed eyes with a blue sclera and black pupils with a small white center on each of its orbs.
The creature also seemed to be tied up in chains as seen around its arms.
Nathanael blinked for about two times upon seeing it before his mind finally started to process.
And it was only then that the young redhead started screaming.
Ahhh!
Ok., the creature said in annoyance., No need to shout lad. I'm not that ugly.
Ahhh!
He continued on screaming and panicking before a hand appeared, covering his mouth.
Shhh. Not so loud., whispered a feminine voice.
The boy turned his pupils cautiously towards the owner of the said hand and saw a girl around his age who he could only describe as both beautiful and ghostly.
She had pale white skin and wore a pure white dress. Her hair was black and wavy and was currently wet. Her eyes were blue and were at the same shade as that of the Seine whenever the moon was around to shine on it.
She was attractive, there was no doubt about that. But her body also emitted a faint white glow that seemed haunting and creepy. It immediately reminded him of the ghost stories he heard about the dame blanches.
Once the girl released her hand the boy had immediately returned on screaming, resulting in her to place her hand back, this time while giving a stern look.
I said shhh!, the girl whispered again, this time with her voice now slightly elevating., You don't want any trouble with the guards now do you?
The boy widened his eyes when she told him that and shook his head slowly.
The girl calmed herself a bit before looking at him straight again.
Look I get it., the girl spoke, this time more sympathetically., You're freaking out. You're confused. After all it's not everyday that someone would suddenly wake up and find themselves inside a cold dark cell while having their arms all chained up. I mean I know I was.
Wait. Chains?, the boy questioned in his thoughts.
He then looked down and saw chains around his arms. He felt a surge of dread come befall him before returning his eyes to the mysterious female.
But I need you to stay quiet, or else the hag or her shadow lackeys might just come in and hurt us. So stop screaming so we could make a proper chat with each other ok? Can I trust you on that?
The young artistic teen turned his blue pupils to the green clad creature who smiled at him while nodding encouragingly.
The redhead gulped while closing his eyes before reluctantly nodding his head.
Ok. No screaming alright? In the count of three. 1…2…
…3
She then released her hand once again where Nathanael had quickly taken in a deep breath.
He breathed in heavily before turning to face the two entities.
What are you?
Seriously., the girl looked irritated at him., Where literally trap inside a dirty cell right now and that's the first thing that you could ask?
Oh. Sorry., the boy apologized sheepishly while blushing.
He then took in another deep breath before deciding on another question.
Where are we?
Probably inside the fridge of a resent notorious criminal., the girl said while slumming herself on the wall behind her.
Criminal?
Yeah criminal., the other one started., old deary granny Spooks is what they call her.
Who., Nathanael raised a brow.
Oh come on! Don't tell me that you never heard of old granny Spooks? I mean, were you living under a rock lad?
Nathanael responded by slowly shaking his head.
Huh., marveled the creature as he muttered., So you were living under a rock.
The girl then cleared her throat, catching the attention of her fellow cellmates.
Well., she started., If you must know, granny Spooks, like I said just now, is a resent yet very notorious criminal who is responsible for the disappearance of many kids that were still at their settling stage, such as ourselves. But seriously., she then changed her tone while glaring at him skeptically., You actually mean that you never heard of her before? She's been like the biggest talk in the city since like two months ago. And not once have you at least heard a word about her?
Umm…
You know what. It's fine. You're probably just new to the city right?
Oh. Uh…
He turned his head to stare at both of them again, still baffled at the two strange beings he was currently conversing with. So with a large inhale, the boy had finally taken the courage to ask.
I'm sorry, if this may sound rude to you both. But can I ask., he said shyly., What are you two?
The girl blinked for a second with a shocked expression before gleaming.
Well of course. After all a proper introduction does seem to be in order.
She then straightened herself up proudly.
I am Melanina. A naiad.
And I-
The creature interrupted, puffing his chest.
Am Molko. And I think that's its pretty obvious of what I am.
Nathanael stared at him and looked from top to bottom before he shook his head.
I'm sorry.
What!, the creature cried out in surprise earning him a death glare form Melanina.
Don't tell me that you've never seen a leprechaun before?
A leprechaun., Nathanael said surprised., You mean like the four leaf clover and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow leprechaun?
Well that's quite stereotypical. But yes. Except for the rainbow part, that's clearly a superstition., he then shook his head., But that's not the point! How come you've not realized that I am a leprechaun?!
Molko blinked for a few times before his mouth slowly formed into an "O" shape.
Oh. So your one of those type of folks huh?
Well we shouldn't be all that stunned about it., the naiad said matter of fact., Those like him do tend to be raised oblivious to the magical realm-
Excuse me., Nathanael interrupted, now having enough with all this words that he couldn't understand., But what are you two talking about?
Both looked at each other nervously before the naiad gazed at him with a sympathetic look.
Look., her eyes wandered., I'm not sure if- I should be the one to tell you this. But… like us. You're a magical creature yourself.
Under the sewers of the city a young little mouse squinted her eyes as she was about to wake up.
As she did she rubbed the top part of her head then gasped immediately once she saw the creature that was staring at her.
It was one of the shadow monsters.
Instantly Juleka jumped in alarm and instinctively made an aggressive pose with her claws and teeth showing.
Don't come close., she warned, full of alert.
However instead of responding the creature had only looked unfazed. Proceeding to slouch while its eyes looked sad.
Quickly Juleka noticed this and tilted her head curiously but still remaining cautious just in case.
Hey. A- aren't you going to… to grab me or something?
Nothing.
Hey.
She then recalled of her current voiceless state as her ears dropped down.
Oh. I see., she said in a low tone, not that it mattered anyway.
She looked into the shadow figure, checking every part of its features from head to toe. A feeling of familiarity soon rushed over her as she realized.
Hey, I remember you., she started with her ears perking up., You were the one who saved me and –
A cold chill went down her spine.
Nathanael.
Juleka then looked back into the entity who only continued looking depressed.
Is he alright?, she asked worriedly.
Nothing.
Do you know where he is?
The figure then looked away from her, not because it finally understood her, but because he was nervous of what might come of himself once his mistress finds out that he had (for the second time) helped her prey escape on the same exact day.
The mouse however crawled to the creature's direction in order to get its attention.
Is he alright?, Juleka repeated her question.
But the shadow had only heard her squeaking.
She then balled her paws as she made a determined face.
I said, IS HE ALRIGHT?!
The creature jerked in surprise while its red eyes suddenly widened. A brief moment of silence then followed as the being had frozen when it heard her speak.
Juleka then gleamed triumphantly as she had finally succeeded.
The being looked at her puzzled before dropping its eyes again while nodding.
Can you take me to him?
The shadow didn't answer.
Oh.
She then took in a deep heavy breath.
I said. CAN YOU TAKE ME TO HIM?!
The mouse coughed afterwards while the shadow looked perplexed.
Unlike the last one, all he heard from this were the words CAN, TAKE, TO HIM, while the rest were simply her making mouse noises.
Nevertheless though the creature understood what she was talking about as he hid its face to its knees while slowly shaking its head.
He heard squeaking sounds from her again as it took it to mean "why not?"
He then stood up as it changed its shape to granny Spooks's sweet form before changing it to her true hag form that cackled at Juleka and attempted to look as menacing as it could.
Juleka watched the creature's actions, taking it as the way that the creature communicated.
She tilted her head before the shadow returned to its regular form who dropped himself while looking at the air and seeming to be shaking its head as if pleading for mercy. And immediately she understood.
You're afraid of her?
The creature raised an eye.
Oh sorry.
She cleared her throat once again.
What I meant to say was… YOU'RE AFRAID OF HER?!
The creature then nodded its head in shame.
Oh.
Juleka looked sorry for the creature. For although she had not a single clue as to why exactly it feared her, she still couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards it.
But still. I need to go back for him.
Once again the creature raised an eye.
The girl sighed and huffed. This was seriously becoming the most awkward conversation that she had ever engaged in. And considering that this was her, that was definitely saying a lot.
She then closed her eyes as she took in another deep breath.
I! STILL! NEED! TO! GO! BACK! FOR! HIM!
The creature turned his head regretfully away from her.
PLEASE?!
The creature still looked reluctant.
Please., she repeated.
Juleka looked down sadly toward the sewer's floor. Her eyes filled with worry and guilt.
Although she wouldn't consider the boy in question necessarily as a friend, that still didn't meant that it was right to leave him. And considering that he was technically the one that saved her from earlier, had also meant that she couldn't simply leave her at the mercy of a witch- hag-whatever.
The girl then met eyes with the shadow once again. This time with a much determined face.
Please. You don't have to do anything. Just take me to where he is.
Her voice wasn't shouting, but somehow she managed to have delivered her words to the creature who glanced at her.
It was still unsure about its decision, but nevertheless stood up as it placed its hand for her to ride on.
Immediately Juleka understood as she gleamed.
Thank you.
The shadow then made some gestures that made Juleka confused.
It then held her tightly as it went, moving swiftly in great speed.
And from there Juleka had understood as to what the creature was trying to say just now.
And that was-
Hold on tight!
The naiad and the leprechaun looked directly into Nathanael's gaze, worrying that the sudden new information that he had received might be a cause for him to panic.
They watched as how the boy had froze, how his eyes widened, how his mouth fell agape, and how his skin had paled.
You're joking, right?, Nathanael asked, hoping that they were. But instead all that happened was them looking down and away from him.
Right?, he repeated.
Sorry., Melanina whispered.
Both creatures felt sympathetic for the boy. After all it wasn't often when one receives an information such as this.
It was surprising, baffling, astonishing, confusing.
It was something that no mere words could ever achieve in describing.
It felt as if a huge pang had hit Nathanael right straight in the face. As if his entire life had been nothing but one sick prank that was perfectly orchestrated just to make him look like a fool.
He felt shaken. He felt his entire world was shaken simply by the utterance of a short sentence.
At least his question was answered though. At least the mysteries of what was happening to him had finally been answered.
But so far, that had been the only highlight of his day.
His pupils dilated as he begun to place his forehead on his knees, all while clutching his hair in the complete and utter feeling of dread.
The naiad placed her hand on the boy's back gently, hoping to comfort him.
I know that your probably unease right now., she spoke in order to make him feel well, but Nathanael was so aloof in his thoughts that he hadn't understood a single word.
… and confused. You probably feel as if you've been betrayed and lied to… and might as well be unsure of anything anymore. I guess. I don't know… I've only read about this online once.
But hey! Being a magical creature isn't so bad. I mean sure you constantly have to live in fear and hiding. And yeah, you also always have to be vigilant on what you do lest you want to face the wrath of a prejudicial world. And you may also sometimes stumble on some stupidly annoying sights on the internet "warning" you that you shouldn't "play" with "satanic forces" and how they themselves were deceived and harassed by "fallen angels", written by some stupid backwards thinking fundamentalists who think that they know every-
Not. Helping. Nymph., Molko pointed with clenched teeth.
Well at least I'm doing something., the naiad defended., What are you doing?, she sarcastically remarked.
They then shot glares at each other as they argued, while as Nathanael still sat quietly by the side, frozen in place, hands still clutching his hair while his eyes didn't blink even for the slightest.
Magical creatures? Impossible., he chuckled., I'm probably just hallucinating from skipping lunch, that's all. Naiads, hags, leprechauns, they can't be real. And if they were real than whose to say that this once aren't just toying with him like many other people seem to always do. But what if they aren't? But what if I am… what they say I am? Would that still make me human? Was I ever human? How on earth did I become one in the first place? Do my-
Suddenly he was snapped out of his train of thought when he saw Melanina falling. He tried to catch her but luckily she managed to regain her balance just in time before her head could hit the floor.
I'm fine., the girl told weakly to reassure them both., Just been a long time since I had water that's all.
Nathanael looked confusedly at her before Molko explained.
Naiads can't do well if they lost contact with fresh water for a really long time.
What happens if they don't?, the boy asked.
The leprechaun looked seriously at him as he spoke.
Then they would feel extreme fatigue until the magic that keeps them withers. Turning them into nothing but a puddle.
Nathanael's eyes widened.
But I'm fine., she assured with a sigh. I've only been here since last night. And that's pretty long by water nymph standards. Hopefully the hag would be done with me before then.
The boy raised his brow.
What does she even want?
To feed on us., answered the leprechaun.
She's gonna eat us?!, he worried.
Not necessarily., Melanina explained., Though hags are capable of eating meat, they mostly feed on the life force.
Life force?
It's the stuff that runs through all living things., told Molko., Or in our case, our very magic.
Like I said before., Melanina explained once again with a jolt of pain., Granny Spooks is a notorious criminal known for her kidnappings of settling kids.
Settling?
Settling, the girl grunted., is a stage that many enchanted species experience. Most likely during puberty.
See., she continued., in most magical species like werewolves, settling could be explained as something akin to frog limbs actually. Something that they get only in the later part of their lives. It is when magic first becomes dominant. When it's still new and raw. During the settling stage the body still has to settle with the newly dominant magic. Thus the term settling.
The boy nodded in understanding.
But what does granny Spooks have to do with… settling?
It's likely because she's addicted to it. For like as mentioned, during the settling stage magic is still raw and new. Thus making it "fresh" if do say. I can only imagine what the taste would be like for a hag, or a psivamp.
Nathanael stiffed as he held his own neck cautiously.
So that was what she was taking.
Which very much returns me to my question from earlier before this lad came here., the leprechaun then abruptly interrupted., How are you experiencing settling when you're a nymph?
Melanina looked away from them with her cheeks reddening.
I'm a late bloomer ok!, she huffed., Anyway, I can say the same thing about you. Aren't you a leprechaun?
Nathanael turned his eyes to Molko who simply shrugged his shoulders as he answered nonchalantly.
I'm not settling. Just got caught that's all.
He then looked down worriedly.
Hope my uncle is ok at home though., he mumbled.
Nathanael stared at him before he begun slumming himself to the wall all over again.
Oh. That reminds me., Molko suddenly said., We never really caught your name.
Nathanael stared and blinked before a gentle smile crept around his face.
Nathanael.
Loud crashing noises were heard as the hag threw various items from the room in a fit of tantrum.
You fools!
She threw a vase into two of the shadow people who managed to have dodged that.
Their eyes expressed worry.
You imbeciles!
She then took a hold of her pendant and directed it towards them.
The shadows shook as their eyes were now panicked.
Don't you realize what you've done? You've let the most exotic meal of the century get away!, granny Spooks yelled at them.
Don't you idiots know how hard it is to find one of those?! Huh?!
She then shook her head as she took in a deep heavy breath before calming herself down. Then she raised her pendant and directed it to them again.
Delinquents like you deserve some punishment.
The red pendant glowed immensely as two of the shadows were sucked inside it.
Once the glowing had stopped the other shadows were shown looking terrified.
Who wants to be next?!
The shadows stiffed.
Huh?! Who?! Anyone?! Anyone?! No? Good.
The hag then took another deep sigh as she composed herself.
I'm sorry that you all had to see that again my dearies., she said sweetly before turning back into a snarl., But you all know of how much I HATE FAILURES!
She then cleared her throat, composing herself once again as she fixed all the tangles of her already shaggy hair.
Great! Now I lost my appetite., the hag muttered.
She then pointed at three of the shadows.
Check on the prisoners. I don't want hear about another "spoiled" snack. You got that?
The three shadows nodded in fear as they left.
After that granny Spooks had now glared her eyes at rest as they jerked when she glanced.
The rest of you, find me something delicious for dinner. That could maybe perhaps bring my appetite back.
And from there all of the shadow people had left, leaving the old woman as she went back to her tantrums. Once again throwing various items and objects at various parts of the room all while screaming.