Chapter 93 – Stealth Mission
Sselekk, Spike, Image, and the People's Voice each walked alongside each other, as they traversed the halls. The entrances to other rooms had no doors, rather they were divided by smooth red walls that had a white framed arching opening that lead into them. Spike couldn't figure out how they were supposed to get any privacy, though these rooms looked more and more like workshops the longer they traveled, he hadn't seen a single bed. "I'm rather glad to see you, you know." Sselekk's mother said, "It has been far too long since we have talked."
"For your own safety, mother." the larger Sunik said.
"But even around Full Harvest Day?" she asked, "I do wish you'd at least come to eat with your father and me."
"Full Harvest Day is a day where they celebrate thankfulness for many things, but mostly for the feast they're able to place on the table in front of them." Image told Spike secretly.
"You know I have to keep my distance." Sselekk said, "But I have always remembered to make sure to give thanks for you around then."
"But it's so lonely, just the two of us." she said in an angelic pout.
"Sorry." he said, "But at least you're safe in here. The guards will protect you just as well as I can."
"Is that why you aren't scared of her being here?" Spike asked.
"That's right, it's also why I can openly address her as my mother, no one in this wing will bat an eye, plus she has a great way of making friends." he said.
"Oh, my cookies aren't that good." she said.
"Yes they are, mother, and you know it." Sselekk said with a smirk.
Silence fell upon the four of them, a comfortable silence that hung around them, "So." Sselekk's mother said as she broke the silence. She kept her voice to a low whisper as she spoke, "Going to free this young one's sister, are we?"
"How did…?" he asked in a hushed voice, only to get a smile from his mother, "Ugh, how do you know everything I'm trying to do?" he whispered to her.
"I'm your mother." she told him, "It's my job to know."
"But I'm an adult, mother." he countered, "Don't you think that's a little…creepy?"
"Nonsense." she said suddenly, "A mother's intuition is not creepy." she then pointed to Image, "Besides, why else would you bring him with you?"
It was at this time Spike stopped paying attention, he had turned his head to the side as they passed a somewhat brightly lit room with a large opening that had caught his attention and stopped when he noticed the gems sitting on the table in front of another more regal looking Sunik that had a set of glasses on that made him look as if his eyes were actually giant white balls of clay. He instantly focused on the gem the tan-scaled Sunik had in his claws, it was a shining blue, that caused the light to bend and sway just like water did. It was rather small to him, simply the size of a golf ball, but his stomach growled at the sight and his mind had a straightforward word running through it, 'FOOD'. He imagined its flavor, maybe the same taste as a watermelon, or it could taste like one of his favorite drinks. It could just taste like water; he had no idea. There were more to the side of the Sunik that studied it and Spike shuddered in anticipation as a slight bit of drool fell from his mouth. With a silent swiftness, he ran into the room and took a look around.
He found gems of many kinds; purple ones that had a green hue to them, some more of the blue ones that the Sunik had in his claws, and even some red ones that looked exactly like the gem he had noticed on the ring of Uza's finger; that one looked spicy. He quickly reached into a wooden box next to him and found one of the blue gems. Then with vigor, he shoved it into his mouth and chewed. It tasted sweet to him, kind of like grape juice that had a hint of something else that he couldn't place his claw on. He reached into another box and found a green gem with a sort of unaccounted-for stickiness to its surface. It tasted just like candied apples and felt the same as well. Once he found a purple one, shoved it into his mouth, and tasted concord grapes with a splash of peaches. Then he saw the red ones. He eyed this one hungrily, knowing they were expensive, he grabbed the smallest one he could find and braced himself. The flavor was explosive, yet pleasant. It tasted almost like the lava he had once gotten into his mouth, but at the same time, it had the taste of peppers. The spice wasn't overwhelming but it was noticeable. Now satisfied, he silently exited the room, completely missing the Sunik as he watched the little dragon in surprise. Once Spike had turned the corner, he lifted one of the smaller gems he had, curiously eyeing it and then looking around to see if anyone was watching before biting down on a corner. It didn't break, but instead, he found his tooth in a slight bit of pain, and for some reason a pleasant taste in his mouth. After addressing the pain, he was surprised to find that the flavor was actually to his liking; white grape juice, and pears. So, he licked the gem, only to close his eyes in pure bliss.
"Uh oh." Spike said to himself as he looked around, Sselekk and Image were nowhere to be found. "Uh…" he thought as he followed the hallway, "…maybe this way?" he asked himself as he turned down a well-lit hallway.
Sselekk had his head turned, Image at his side, a much calmer expression on his face while the two Suniks caught up, "…so then, the wall actually opened up, and I basically couldn't wait to beat that pony, but then what happened inside was all a blank, and I felt a bit calmer when I came out. I also found that I had some kind of respect for her, and then after Krisskkil…"
"It's alright." his mother said as he hesitated, "I think I understand."
"It was Mirikka." he said suddenly, though not forcefully, "Another Sunik killed my best friend. I knew then that wasn't what the emperor actually wanted, but if it is…"
"It can't be what the emperor wants." she said to him gently, "Why would he try so hard then?"
"I wish I could see the emperor, just so I could ask." the large Sunik said and turned when Image stopped moving, "What's up kid?"
"Spike's connection with me…" Image said, "…it has faded."
"What?" the mother asked before looking around, "Wait…where is he?"
"Are you KIDDING ME!" Sselekk asked in frustration. "We've got to find him, he's gonna get into trouble if someone asks for his ID."
"But, the temporary…" Image asked.
Sselekk pulled the piece of paper out from his pocket, "…is right here!" he finished.
"Oh dear." his mother said in worry, "Is he…?"
"I can still feel it, but it's faint." the Meltackian said, and turned his head, "Blast, how did we get so far away without me noticing?" Closing his eyes, he focused and pointed, "I think he's moving in that direction."
"How will we know which hallway?" Sselekk asked, "We had to have passed by like five of them."
"I think I'll know, but it's going to take some concentration." Image said.
"Can you move?" Sselekk asked.
"Yes, but not quickly." he said.
"It'll have to do." the large Sunik said and pushed the Meltackian forward, "You focus I'll guide."
"I have to get going son, the meeting with the emperor's chosen cannot wait." his mother announced as she continued down the hall, "I hope you find the little one."
"We will mother." the large Sunik declared, "I promised to keep him safe, and I never go back on my word." with that, the large Sunik turned, placing his hands on the floating Meltackian's shoulders before gently yet swiftly pushing him down the hall.
Spike walked through the halls, he noticed that the openings had closed, wooden doors of elaborate designs shielded them from the public eye. Not that anyone was there to see any of them, the hallway seemed to be completely empty, void of all life except the blue and purple fern-like plants that grew from troughs in the walls and pillars. A natural growing decoration of sorts. He kept his clawed hands close to his chest as he wandered nervously, "Ho man." he said to himself, "I am so lost." Now even the doors stopped appearing, the wall becoming even more elaborate than before as he wandered down. When he found himself in front of a large sturdy wooden door that looked as large as the wall itself, decorated with metals of all shades and colors, he could only think about it as one thing, royalty. "This must lead to the royal chambers." he said and jumped when he heard the sound of a door opening behind him.