Chapter Text
That was too easy.
Dottore wouldn’t just have left without a backup plan in place. He is petty and wasn’t afraid to blame someone else for what happened at any given moment.
But with no one to blame, what was the backup? What was the end goal? Did he want to attempt to turn Nod Krai into another Kheari’ah? Was it to be a god? Was it just to spite the heavenly principles?
The questions were endless, the possibilities of what Dottore would do now that he can’t be a moon god was-“WANDERER!” Traveler yelled to get me out of my thoughts.
“What?” I asked as nonchalantly as possible.
“I said your name like ten times now. Are you ok?” Traveler asked
“Don’t you think you should be worrying about Colombina and not some akademik who has nothing to do with the current situation?” I replied. She just crossed her arms.
“Columbina didn’t have her lifeforce removed for an extended period of time.” Traveler stated.
After just staring at me for a good minute, I gave her a partial truth. “It’s too crowded here for my liking.”
“If it’s too much, I could let you go to my room for a bit.” Traveler offered.
“Counteroffer, I leave and Paimon doesn’t complain about me being left alone in her room.” I said as I started to head for the exit.
“An alternative offer, you could use my accommodations instead.” A lantern said?
“Flins? What are you thinking? Did you share your secret with him?” Traveler whispered.
“He did! Not the part where he turns into a lantern though.” I said.
“My apologies for not explaining in greater detail. However, that does not change the current situation.” Flins said as the key to his room flew out of the lantern. “My room is the first door on the left.”
Knowing that I wasn’t going to get out of this, I went to Flin’s room.
It’s not really the people that were bothering me. But saying what actually was bothering me would be as Kusanali would say ‘Ruining a small light in the middle of a dark room.’
Just a small mention of Dottore would be enough to destroy any peace they had after that fight. And that was the last thing I wanted to do.
I was almost in the room when I thought I heard Kusanali say “-anderer? Can yo-“ but it could be only in my head.
I sat down on the couch, the stillness of the space was doing nothing for my brain’s spiral.
Round and round, things Dottore said when he was cutting him open.
“If only you were this quiet when you were born. Maybe mommy wouldn’t have abandoned you.”
“We are about to commit pure blasphemy.”
“Once you have ascended. We’ll burn it all down.”
I sighed. Not much good can come from overthinking.
Just as I thought, maybe I should warn Kusanali about the threat now and not wait intel my return, there was a knock.
“Hat guy? Traveler told me you were in here. Mind if I come in?” Durin asked from the other side.
Well those social lessons seem to be coming along nicely. “It’s not my space. Come and go as you please.” I replied.
The door opened to reveal a grinning Durin who was attempting to not look concerned about me.
“Is the party too much for you?” I said hoping to avoid questions I will never answer.
Durin fumbled with his hands as he did when he was nervous. “Sort of, I mean I don’t want to sound ungrateful or rude towards my friends but..”
“You are too kind. Think about your own needs first. Space can be good at times like these.” I stated.
“I also wanted to make sure you were doing alright. You’ve been so distracted since the fight with that guy…” Durin said while trying not to say that monster’s name.
“Zandik is nothing more than a parasite. We got him on the run. He’ll show face again and when he does I’ll make sure it’s the last time he does so.” I said while clutching my fist.
“He almost became a god… hat guy I .. worry that the next time you face him..” Durin said.
So that’s what he’s worried about. “Durin, even if that lunatic happens to become a god, it won’t last. Gods in this world fall all the time. take the higher lord Rukkh- Durin get the traveler.”
“What?” Durin asked.
“I’ll explain later, just get the traveler.” I said as I pushed Durin to the door.
“How am I supposed to tell the Traveler you need help if I don-“ Durin got out before I slammed the door.
“Kusanali?” I asked the empty room.
“Wanderer! Are you ok?” She asked.
“What just happened?” I asked, ignoring her concern.
“It’s Irminsul! He set it ablaze.” Kusanali said.
“Why would that add memories… I remember..” I ask
“Rukkhadevata, the higher lord! I know, we can worry about that when you’re not in immediate danger.” Kusanali said.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked
~ Durin’s POV~
The second the door slammed I ran to the other room. I may not know what’s happening, but if Hat Guy was that scared, it’s probably terrible.
I looked around the room hoping to see her, when Albedo walked over. Before he asked me any questions I asked with as much urgency as possible, “where’s Traveler?”
Albedo thankfully understood that questions would have to wait.
He led me through the crowd, some of which seemed to understand something was going to happen because they moved out of our way.
Traveler was talking to Paimon when we arrived.
She looked our way and immediately knew that I was coming over with bad news.
“What happened?” She asked.
“We were just talking, then he froze and told me to get you.” I said.
“Let’s go!” The traveler said.
We ran back through the crowd. It wasn't until we got through the hallway when I noticed that our trio doubled in size.
“Where is that ungrateful brat?” Sandrone yelled.
“I don’t think he would respond to that tone.” Columbina Hyposellena said.
While the other Harbinger just shook her head at them.
Traveler looked at them, realized something, then ran to get into the room with hat guy.
When she opened it, there was a book shelf in front of it.
“Hat Guy? What are you doing? I brought Traveler like you asked, why are you blocking the door?” I asked.
Sandrone pushed past. “Listen well you ungrateful Dastard! You will remove this book shelf at once.”
“That’s not helping anyone, yelling at a book shelf like that.” Albedo stated.
“So you think you’re funny huh? That brat owns more tea parties than he'll be able to fill in his lifetime.” Sandrone said.
“How’s that possible?” Asked Columbina Hyposellena.
“Because Dottore is obviously going to kill him.” Sandrone stated like it’s fact.
“Instead of fighting we should be moving the bookcase.” Traveler said as she tried to move it herself.
Everyone agreed and moved the bookcase, but it was too late, Hat Guy was gone with only a note left behind.
“Forget you ever knew me!
-Hat guy!”