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CHAPTER 1: NAOMI
Hari the Fae
This is insane, this is insane, gods give me strength!
With the charjin underneath me, I wouldn’t be surprised if I get beaten near death today. What is it even doing here? I thought they went extinct! It wouldn’t have been such an issue if it wasn’t just….standing there. From what I’ve heard, charjins should be aggressive, just looking for their next prey. This one..
Tch, nevermind. I’ve got to focus on getting out of here alive. Without that jewel though, it doesn't matter if I make it out of Enpool . I’ll be dead the second I step back into Keford. What does Zhang want with it anyway? Is it even important? Or is this his way of telling me to go fall in the Sakrina Trench? Gods, I really do regret anything and everything in these moments. I just wanted to buy Lilith that doll, and now I'm indebted to the Duke of Keford. He just got promoted, no one could have recognized him on the streets! People pickpocket all the time in that damn city. Why was he so surprised when it happened to him? His face was priceless-
*crumble*
“Damn!” I try shushing my voice to no avail. It was hard enough to get this far, scaling walls is never easy. Depending on your situation, one slip is all it takes to open your casket. I force myself back against the wall with a small thud, digging my nails into the hard stone and using the almost non-existent foot space for support.
Unfortunately, falling fifteen feet to the stone ground is no longer my only problem. I now have the attention of a ten-foot beast that’s supposed to have gone extinct a long time ago. And it looks starved. To think I thought getting this jewel wouldn’t be too difficult; it’s a death sentence.
As soon as the tiny rocks hit the labyrinth's ground, the charjin’s head spins around. It stops in its tracks, and for a moment, I thought I was safe. That was until its eyes slowly looked up and stared right into my own. Fear set in like it did when I fled Hagothris, raw and primal. It’s like something you’d see in your nightmares.
The skin sags around its body, only pulling tight from the neck upwards. The legs are bent backwards and its shoulder bones are sharp, poking through the loose black skin. From the charjin sketches I’ve seen in libraries and such, they should be completely bald. This one..has a full set of hair. It looks like human hair? Gods, I hope I'm imagining things.
Even from up here, I can see the beast’s pupils begin to dilate. I watch in horror as it slowly twists its inky black body toward my direction. I can hear its bones crack as it lowers its head and violently shakes its shoulders, nearly imitating a wolf’s stance. And in that moment I knew-
Time to scram!
Without any second thoughts, I immediately start shuffling against the wall as fast as I can. Another of the endless platforms in this place is at least twelve more feet away. If I can just move a little faster-
I try desperately to call on my soul-point, searching and reaching for any majik scraps I can muster up, only to find nothing available. I can’t stand this cursed labyrinth. It’s one thing to be infested with phazers and other creatures alike, another thing to house supposedly extinct monsters, but having the ability to suppress my majik? That’s where we draw the line. Hell, if I could use my sorcery right now, I would’ve been out of this place ages ago!
To my left I can hear claws scraping the ground along with the huffs and puffs coming from the charjin’s throat. Still shuffling like there’s no tomorrow, I keep my eyes on the platform to my right. I’m too scared to look back. If I look that thing in the eyes, I might freeze. And if I freeze…
“Your fear will be your downfall.”
I can hear Aunt Kawney’s warning come back. I really do hate to say it, but I should have listened to her more. Maybe then I wouldn’t be scrambling for my life. Maybe I could still be in Tegors, leaning my head on her shoulder and staring at the heavens from that small patio. Instead of me running from this beast, she could’ve been telling me stories of how it's kind was conquered.
I freeze. The platform is less than five feet away. Stopping now is most certainly confirming my death, but there’s no sound. None.
Reluctantly, I turn my head back to my left where the charjin should have been. Instead of a bloodthirsty beast, all I see is empty space. The hairs on the back of my neck rise as I scan the open space below me.
Still nothing.
How can a ten-foot beast disappear like that? Refusing to believe the monster decided to go for a cup of tea, I squint my eyes in an attempt to search my surroundings better. Sweeping my vision across the dirty stone where the charjin had been hunching, I search for scratch marks. Surely its claws marked the ground somewhere?
I immediately wish I kept shuffling. I indeed found the claw marks, but the problem lies where they lead. The scratches follow the ground for about fifteen feet before curving to the left. They continue on the wall and keep going up, past my current height. As realization creeps under my skin, the open space feels much colder.
I no longer need to see the charjin in order to know where it is.
Focusing my mind on the space above me, I try remembering what the ceiling looks like. I caught a glimpse of it before I was detected, so if I’m correct, it should be at least another forty-fifty feet above me. There were no other open floors either, so the charjin is just holding itself to the wall?
My conclusion is confirmed by the warm breath I feel falling down on my head and shoulders.
I have no majik, no weapon, and am practically digging my nails into the wall so I don’t fall to my death. Hot, slow tears begin inching down my face as I try desperately to come up with a survival plan, but all I can think about is my head getting bit off my neck. Aunt Kawney would probably chuckle at the sight of her disciple shaking in tears. It wouldn’t be filled with amusement though, just pity. If she saw me now, she might’ve rushed me to jump on my own.
She would’ve told me dying by choice is better when compared to dying by something other than my sword. There’s a part of me that would’ve believed her, a part of me that wants to rush myself to death by my own hand.
Or, that would’ve been the case if this charjin wasn’t taking so long to send off my soul. I was trying to distract myself with my own thoughts in hopes my death would be less painful, but Gods this is the longest awaited death sentence ever.
Gathering whatever sense I have left in my brain, I slowly lift my head upwards. I expected to see a charjin licking whatever sharp teeth it had, but instead, all I saw was…a fae. A very non-charjin, human-sized fae. And it’s grinning down at me from ear to ear, looking very much amused. Did I really just get played? Anger fills the back of my throat. Needless to say, I’m livid.
“What the actual hell is wrong with you?” I shout. The grin suddenly turns into a look of shock, mouth hanging agape. It descends, twirling before stopping right in front of me and floating over the space I can’t reach, now looking rather angry.
“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? You’re the one who entered a beast infested labrinth knowing you’d be powerless!” they shoot back.
It’s my turn to wear a look of shock. It’s not from being told off by a fae, it was more of the fact they knew I willingly entered this place. I almost feel spied on.
Ignoring my damaged ego, I can’t help but think back to the charjin. While I want to believe it was just an illusion from the odd fae floating in front of me, it was just too real. If it was a trick, the scratch marks would have faded by now, along with its smell. That leaves me a question though. If the charjin was actually real, where on earth did it disappear to?
“Helloo!” The fae calls out, bringing me back from my thoughts. “My master was so kind to you! He took pity on your stupidity and sent me to look after you! Hari could have been eating fruits right now, yet Hari had to come save you! The least you could do is say thank you! Hmph!”
“A-ahh, right, right. Uhm, thank you?” This is such a weird situation.
“That didn’t sound sincere at all! Hari is disappointed in you.” The fae starts to pout. They say they don’t want to be here, but don’t they realize I’d rather be literally anywhere else as well? I could feel the frustration start to build up.
“Well, Hari, do you blame me? My powers are suppressed to zero, I nearly had my neck snapped by a charjin, and I’m quite literally inches away from falling to my death!” I can’t help but blurt my frustrations out. I’m still far from being in the clear. “And speaking of that charjin, what did you do to it? I mean, where did it go?”
At this point, I’ve already continued my shuffle to the open platform on my right. The fae follows, watching me with expectant eyes, as if they’re expecting a fall. Honestly, I’m half-expecting a fall too. I’ve been way too lucky lately. But by the time the fae starts speaking again, I’m already on the platform. I collapse on my back instantly, earning a fae-like chuckle.
“Hari sent the beast somewhere else, far enough away so it can’t track your smell. Don’t let your guard down though, it’s still in the labyrinth.”
“Music to my ears, Hari. Music to my ears.”
I let out a long sigh, taking in as much air as I could and breathing it back out. I just lay there for a moment. Despite monsters lurking around every corner, I’m feeling quite tired. It’s no surprise as to why, but I find it a little odd. I’ve been in my fair share of near-death experiences, but I’ve never been this tired. Perhaps all my past deeds are catching up with me again. It wouldn’t be the first time, but it sure as hell is a bad time.
While in my little lala-land, I felt a hand gently slap my cheek, bringing me back from my daze.
“Hey, what exactly are you doing here? You know, without any majik, weapons, maps, or food? This isn’t exactly somewhere you should be playing,” Hari says.
I chuckle as I struggle to keep my eyes open. The fae was sitting on the edge of the open platform, preventing me from accidently rolling over the side. They were wearing a face full of concern now, contrasting the almost insulted look they had on just a few moments ago.
“I’m looking for this stupid jewel,” I practically breathe out the sentence. “I’ve been down here for a while. I had supplies, but I lost them in a little...accident.” Phazers. They're easy to deal with when there’s only a few, but they can be deadly in large quantities. Under any other circumstance, I can deal with phazers no matter how many there are, but this labyrinth is no joke. I really am on my last legs. I need to get what I need and get out.
Forcing myself up with a grunt, I look over to the fae. They meet my eyes with a pitiful look plastered on their face. I almost scoff, but the longer I look at them, the more empathy they radiate. It makes it impossible to cling onto any lingering anger or fear. While I know these emotions will be back soon, it’s nice to have a comforting face.
Hari the fae.
I shouldn’t get used to it, but they may be the only thing holding my sanity in place right now.
Hari sighs, running their fairly small fingers through their wavy hair and smoothing out the small wrinkles on their gray knee-length dress. I admire them for a moment. Fae beauty is really something worth swooning over. And while not all faes are beautiful, Hari is truly a sight.
Their skin matches a sort of light copper, blending in with their light ginger, shoulder-length hair. They have a slim figure, but they still look full. They remind me of the Divine Plumps I used to eat back in Hagothris. To this day, they are still the juiciest fruit I’ve ever had the liberty of tasting. They’re sweet and bitter at the same time, earning their place among the Divine Fruits. Gosh, the things I would do to have another bite of one of those things.
Suddenly, Hari throws their head back and huffs. For a moment, I thought I offended them somehow, but instead, they bring their head back down and clap their hands together in concentration.
“Oh- Hari? What are you doing?”
“SHH- Let Hari concentrate!” They blurted.
Not knowing what else to do, I sit back and watch. A few seconds after Hari put their hands together, the surrounding area began to feel warm. Surprise takes my face as little balls of light start to rise from the rough, stone ground. They seem to multiply as they ascend higher and higher. Some start to surround Hari, while others begin to circle their hands.
I’m too amazed to look away. I thought magik was suppressed here? Or does it only apply to little souls? My soul isn’t that small-
My thoughts are cut short as a sudden shock wave pulses through my body from Hari’s hands. I bring my palms to my chest, expecting some sort of pain, but all I feel is air. It flows through me, piercing the deepest parts of my bones. And it’s almost too much.
It's been way too long since I’ve felt this cleansed. A moment passes, and I even start to feel the air invading my soul. I feel like I’m floating, like I can breathe in the entire south sea. This might just be my favorite kind of majik I’ve encountered yet.
I try refocusing my sight on Hari, who’s starting to look exhausted. The’re powers seemed to be suppressed after all, but if that’s the case, why are they forcing themselves? I move closer in an attempt to stop Hari from what ever suicide their trying to commit, but before I can reach their shoulders, Hari’s hands open, sending yet another shock wave through me. I’m pushed back this time, further away from the edge where Hari’s enchanting.
The light becomes brighter and the air warmer. This warmth is too comforting. If this doesn’t let up, I might fall asleep and not wake up. What in Light’s name is Hari trying to do?
Unable to resist the promise of sleep, I fall to my side. I become engulfed in silence, and everything starts to sound like nothing. As I drift further and further, Hari’s light gets brighter by the second.
And just when I thought I’d finally fall into darkness, the warmth instantly disappears.
Shocked from the freezing chill, I shoot up from my position and rub my shoulders in an attempt to warm back up. Once I can think straight, I look for Hari through my watery and blurry vision.
When I finally catch the outline of their figure, my sight is immediately drawn to the small, rough object floating between their hands.
They look at me with tired and almost pleading eyes.
“Hari doesn’t know why you want this, but my master doesn’t want you to die down here, and I’m tired of looking after you,” they say.
All I can do is stare in shock. I’ve been in this labyrinth for close to a week searching for this thing, and they managed to make it using their own majik? There are a lot of things I feel right now. Sad, happy, exhausted, relief, guilt, but above all, I feel grateful.
If there’s one thing in the world I’ve been naturally gifted at since birth, it’s appreciation. And I can’t let this go unappreciated. I almost feel like I’ve just humored myself.
A thief who’s good at appreciation.
Regardless of the irony, I do the only thing I can think of.
I straighten my posture and fully turn toward Hari’s direction, earning a tilt of confusion. Putting my hands together and joining them in front of my chest, I bow down until my hands are touching the ground and my forehead is pressing against them.
“I really can’t find the words to thank you,” I start. “But you have a favor in me.”
I rise to look Hari in the eyes, but when I look at them, they wear a blank expression. I suppress a disappointed sigh. It’s sad when people get surprised over a simple bow of gratitude. This world really is something.
Hari clears their throat and starts.
“Hari’ll use that favor now then. Help me get out of the cursed place?”
“Right. It’s time to take our one way ticket back to daylight.”
Worry starts to build up in my chest, Hari does look a little weak now. Must I get people involved everywhere I go?
I get up from my knees and help Hari stand up. Their legs are a little weak, but they shouldn’t slow us down too much. After surveying my surroundings once more, I find a ragged set of stairs. Thankfully, it leads up.
“Alright Hari, it’s gonna be a long walk up.”
“So excited…”
I chuckle from their lack of enthusiasm. It brought back some of the life that’s left me today. I hope I get the rest of it back once we reach daylight. The gods know I need it. But as we begin ascending the staircase, a question pops into my mind.
“Hey Hari?”
“Hari’s listening.”
“Who is your master?”