Chapter 4
The chilly autumn air had become a frigid breeze in the forest outside of Floral. The trees swayed in the midnight wind, their orange leaves fleeing their branches and drifting through the air. The king slowly opened its eyes. Disoriented, it glanced down, noticing a pile of chains surrounding it. It shuffled about, but the chains were wrapped around a tree behind it, locked in place. It tried to reach for the chains, but its hands were encased in cuffs.
It lifted its head, still slightly delirious, as its gaze wandered in front of it. There were dozens of people standing around the clearing wearing suits of armor. In front of Floral stood Basil, which was peering down at it, smiling.
“Ah, you're awake,” it spoke.
“What's going on?” Floral asked meekly. “Where am I? What have you done?”
“Don't push yourself,” said Basil. “The sedative hasn't worn off yet.”
“Basil,” Floral growled. “Why? Do you think you can get away with this? I'll--” Its eyes widened as it tried to maneuver its hands. “What?” it asked in disbelief.
“The handcuffs you're wearing inhibit the flow of magic,” Basil explained. “I wouldn't dare underestimate the magic of royalty.”
“Why are you doing this?” Floral exclaimed fearfully.
“Keep your voice down,” Basil said calmly. “Our efforts to establish an alliance between Floral and Arbor have been, thus far, fruitless. Not to mention, I was careless...that swordsman overheard my plans. If word gets out, Floral and Arbor will both be suspicious.” It sighed. “What a mess.”
“Then be gone and never return,” the king demanded.
“But, as they say,” Basil continued. “When one door closes, another door opens...imagine if that swordsman were so determined to prevent this alliance that he killed the Floral king? I'm sure you can imagine the political pressure this would put on the mayor.”
“Both the city of Arbor and the kingdom of Floral are strong,” Floral asserted. “They won't relent merely because a king dies.”
“Perhaps not,” said Basil. “Which is why I'll be killing the princess, too.”
Floral jerked its head up, panic etched into its eyes. “What?” it bellowed.
“If the entire royal family was killed by a single rebel, Arbor would have little choice but to form this alliance to relieve suspicion,” Basil explained. “They wouldn't want anyone thinking this swordsman was acting on their orders, would they? The two cities will unite. Then...we'll take Arbor's technology – as well as the kingdom of Floral – for ourselves.”
“YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!” the king roared. “IF YOU TOUCH HER, I'LL CHOP YOUR HEAD OFF, YOU FOUL MONSTER!”
“I told you to keep your voice down,” Basil said irritably, approaching Floral.
Basil wrapped a piece of cloth around Floral's mouth, muffling its yells. Its bloodshot eyes pierced the scientist as it violently shook, the rattling of chains in harmony with the calls of nearby owls. Basil stepped back and stared at the sky for a few more minutes, before another group of men stepped into the clearing from the woods.
“Captain Basil,” one of them said. “We're here and ready for orders.”
“Good. We can proceed as planned. You,” it said, facing the men in suits of armor. “You're to go into town and act as the royal guards. Bring the princess back here. And you,” it added, addressing the men who had just arrived. “Scatter throughout the city and locate the man with long, brown hair and two swords. Don't let your guard down; he's fast. Subdue him quickly and bring him into the woods. Make sure they're both restrained. You're not to make a scene. Don't kill them in the city. Just bring them here and I will take care of the rest.”
“Yes, sir!”
The men all bolted back into the woods as Floral's muffled yells intensified through the mask.
“Worry not. I won't kill you quite yet. I can still use you as a hostage.”
Floral glared at it furiously, fear etched into its eyes, as Basil returned its gaze with a twisted smile.
Back in the castle, Symonne was frantically darting down a hallway, inspecting its surroundings.
“Father?” it hollered. “Where are you? Damn it!”
It ran downstairs, breathing heavily, and flew toward the doors. After throwing them open, it bolted outside and continued its search.
“Father! Please answer me!”
Symonne continued to sprint in desperation, searching for any sign of the king. It darted toward the plaza, its thunderous heartbeat pounding against its chest. However, the square was empty aside from the statue of Gladius, blanketed in fugitive leaves. Resuming its marathon, it made its way down another road, the time soaring past as quickly as the wind. Stopping to catch its breath, it hollered for King Floral, but got no response.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by the metal clanking of armor, drawing Symonne's attention. Its heart skipped a beat as it looked toward the forest, before a group of men in suits of armor emerged from their depths.
“Princess Floral!”
“What's going on?” Symonne asked. “Have you seen my father?”
“I believe so,” one of the men replied as it approached Symonne.
“Where is he?” Symonne asked urgently.
“I thought I saw him disappear somewhere over there,” the guard said, lifting its left hand to point behind Symonne.
“What?” asked Symonne suspiciously.
“Yeah, we saw him disappear somewhere in that direction,” another guard echoed. “Figured he must've spotted something unusual.”
Symonne paused, glaring at them. “I see,” it said, before turning its head in the direction the guard was pointing. “And where exactly did he disappear?”
The guard quickly opened its right hand, revealing a pair of handcuffs, before lunging it toward Symonne's arm. Right before it connected, it froze. The guard looked downward. A thick, green vine was protruding from the ground, and had wrapped itself around the man's arm.
“What the hell?”
The vine began to wrap around its entire body as the guard struggled against its grasp, trying to break free.
“I—I can't move!” it stuttered. “What the hell is this?”
“A little late for a patrol, isn't it?” asked Symonne quietly.
“Get her!” the man roared.
The rest of the guards charged forward, but they were quickly greeted by a series of vines bursting from the ground, ensnaring each of them. The ivy ascended beyond the rooftops, their embrace muffling the guards' desperate yells. All but one of the curious plants flung their captives through the air, while the remaining vine dove toward the road. The guard was slammed into the ground, its armor shattering. Relaxing its grip, the natural rope withdrew from the guard's mouth, revealing its petrified expression as it was pulled closer to Symonne.
“Where is my father?” asked Symonne curiously, with a menacing hint to its tone.
“I—I'll tell you if you put on those handcuffs,” it spoke hoarsely. “I'll bring you right to him! Those are my orders!”
Symonne smiled, without breaking its gaze. It reached forward and grabbed one of the man's fingers, before slowly pulling it back.
“What are you doing?” it cried. “Hey, stop! Stop!”
Suddenly, a loud snap echoed through the air, before the guard let out a piercing scream. It desperately squirmed to escape the grasp of the roots, unable to contain its agonized howls.
“Let's play twenty questions,” Symonne said softly. “First your fingers, then your toes...”
It pulled the guard closer to it, horror etched into the man's face.
“...And then your head. Now, let me ask again: where is my father?”
Meanwhile, in the lab, Nobu was searching every room he could find, but saw no sign of Basil. He eventually returned to the entrance, just as Helix was running down the stairs.
“Did you find anything?” asked Nobu.
“Nothing,” said Helix. “I know for sure Victor's colluding with them, but I still don't see any actual evidence...”
“Not that, idiot,” Nobu spat. “Did you find Terrace's lackey?”
“Oh. Nah, not him either.”
They left the lab and headed beyond the gates, the stars shining down on them.
“You think he skipped town?” Helix pondered. “He knew I had dirt on him.”
Nobu's eyes traveled the roads as they continued to walk, before hearing the sound of racing footsteps on a nearby roof. They quickly lifted their heads as a group of men leaped from one of the houses. One of them was grasping a bag, its black fabric surrounded by chains.
“That's him!” a man hollered, as they landed on the road.
“Looks like he's got an accomplice,” another said. “Kill him and capture the swordsman.”
Nobu raised his arm, summoning his electricity. Basil's men turned toward him, noticing the sparks flickering above his palm.
“Hold on! Wait a sec--”
The crowd was interrupted by an unwavering stream of lightning, yelling as their shadows danced on the house.
“Looks like they're after me,” Helix observed as the men dropped to the ground.
“Then it can't have gotten far.”
Nobu then heard more footsteps emerge from the forest, signaling the arrival of another group of men. He looked down at the black bag and chains that one of the Terrace soldiers had dropped, as the next group charged after them.
“That's him! The man with two swords! Get him!”
Meanwhile, in the forest, Symonne was rushing down a trail. It could hear the rustling leaves as it hurried through the woods, before spotting a gap in the trees leading to a clearing in the distance.
That must be it, it thought.
Rushing into the expanse, it quickly identified Basil and Floral. The king's eyes showed a hint of relief as they turned to face Symonne.
“What's going on?” Basil asked. “Where are my men?”
“Father,” said Symonne, looking at Floral. “You're alive!”
Basil paused. “No matter. You're exactly where I want you.”
Symonne's expression quickly soured as it turned to face Basil, its furious eyes piercing the scientist. “Why did you kidnap my father?”
“Terrace needs every tool at its disposal to realize its goals,” Basil explained, before reaching down to pick up a stick.
“And what would those goals be?” Symonne inquired.
“To build an empire that spans the entire world,” said Basil, flipping the stick into the air and catching it again. “We're going to seize Arbor's technology and destroy Floral. And in order to do that...” It tossed the stick high into the air, in Symonne's direction. “I need you to die.”
Basil's hand began to radiate with a dark, purple hue as the scientist thrust out its arm. A beam of violent luminescence launched toward the stick, colliding with it as it hovered above Symonne's head. Suddenly, the stick began to rapidly grow. Its shadow swelled beneath it as it expanded over the clearing, before reaching the gargantuan size of a tree. After briefly hovering in midair, the tree quickly plummeted toward Symonne.
Floral struggled helplessly against its chains as it mumbled incomprehensibly, but several thick roots burst up from the ground. They soared into the air and constricted the massive log, stopping its descent. Basil smiled, unabashed.
“Floral magic is truly a sight to behold,” it remarked.
The roots hurled the log in Basil's direction, but the projectile was greeted by another enlarged stick, blocking its impact. Flashing a vicious smile, the scientist hurled a handful of acorns through the air, observing as they reached the size of boulders. Symonne leaped out of the way as the acorns struck the trees, splitting them in two and causing them to topple over.
Vines protruded from the soil and wrapped the trunk of a fallen tree, before swinging it in Basil's direction. The scientist hastily augmented another stick, the newly formed log deflecting the tree. Basil shot a triumphant glance at Symonne as the hollowed trunk was launched to the side, still caught in the plant's leash.
“I'm afraid you're outclassed!” Basil taunted. “No matter how you struggle, I will--”
Suddenly, thorns jetted out from the vines that ensnared the tree. Basil yelped as the thorns pierced its right arm, its smug expression replaced with shock. Stumbling backwards, it clutched its wound, blood dripping onto the ground. Hearing an audible slither from below, it cast a panicked glance at the earth – but it was too late. Hungry lianas had begun crawling up from the ground and wrapping around its leg.
“WAIT!”
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The plant ascended like a geyser as Basil was dragged into the air, upside down. Its glasses fell from its face, clearly revealing its bloodshot eyes.
“No...NO...STOP!” it hollered, watching as its glasses shattered on the ground.
The ivy continued to climb and began swinging freely in the air. Basil's yells reverberated throughout the clearing as it was swung in circles, before the vine came crashing down. The scientist was slammed into the ground with a massive thud, its howls prompting nearby squirrels to retreat into the bushes, but Symonne did not avert its gaze. Basil hastily stumbled to its feet, petrified as blood ran down its face.
“Enough! Stop! I give up!”
As the vines pursued it, it pulled a sword from its sheath. It clumsily swung it, but the vines briefly recoiled before changing direction and approaching it from the side. They struck Basil in the face, knocking it back a few feet. The vines rushed toward it, but it quickly scrambled to its feet and dove into the bushes.
“You can't run,” Symonne said under its breath. It looked around. “Where are you?”
It heard the ruffling of leaves to its left, and abruptly turned to face it.
“I'm right here!” Basil declared, holding its sword up to Floral's neck. “Stand back or your father dies!”
“Father--!”
“I SAID STAND DOWN!” Basil roared, holding the blade closer to Floral's neck.
Symonne froze, the vines retreating into the ground. It began breathing heavily, as Floral yelled something indiscernible.
Basil's bloodshot eyes were accompanied by a deranged grin spreading across its face. “Now, here's what you're going to do,” it said venomously. “You're going to walk over to that tree across the clearing, and stand under the branch. I'm going to cut it down and bolster its power. Then, you're going to let it fall on you. If you make a single suspicious movement, your father dies. Are we clear?”
Symonne stood still, staring in their direction.
“Are we clear?” Basil repeated angrily.
“Yes,” Symonne said meekly.
“Good...”
Basil's eyes followed Symonne as it slowly treaded toward the shadow cast by the branch hovering above. It watched with amusement as the Floral princess progressed, ignoring the king's muffled cries. Symonne eventually reached the shadow, standing underneath the precarious branch.
“Perfect,” said Basil. “Now--”
“Ouch!” a voice sounded from the forest, accompanied by rattling chains. “Come on—hey!”
“Captain Basil!” came another voice. “We've caught the swordsman!”
“You've taken your time,” Basil said irritably. “Hurry it up!”
“Right this way!” one of them said as the men swarmed into the forest. “Bring him in!”
The men stepped to the side as the sound of clanging metal grew louder. Then, Nobu entered the clearing. He was dragging a black bag behind him with Helix in its confines, the rattling chains signaling their arrival.
“Come on, man!” Helix said.
Nobu glanced at Basil. “There you are,” he said, dropping the bag.
“Nobu?” Symonne whispered.
“This guy wandered off from the group,” one of the men explained to Basil. “But he managed to capture the swordsman! He's the real deal!”
“That will be all.” Nobu held his hands out, generating sparks around his arms, before shooting out currents of lightning in both directions. With no time to react, the men were engulfed in the electricity.
“What?” Basil asked, as its underlings fell to the ground. “Lightning? You're...”
Nobu lowered his hood as Helix climbed out of the bag, the chains dropping to its feet.
“The Tempest prince,” Basil gathered. “The swordsman was your associate?”
“The name's Helix Silverwind,” Helix said sternly, drawing its swords.
“Excellent,” said Basil with sadistic mirth. “I have everything I need right in front me. Now, I can secure this alliance and eliminate--”
“Where is Terrace?” Nobu interrupted.
Basil paused. “That isn't important,” it said shakily, as it met Nobu's glare. “Can you not read the situation? None of you are going to make it out of here alive. If you don't do exactly as I say, I'll execute Floral! This is what happens when you cross one of Terrace's top officers, you vile--”
“Stop blathering and tell me where your owner is!” Nobu shouted angrily. “I'll not repeat myself again.”
Basil stared at him, speechless as rage filled its eyes. Nobu raised his hand, sparks flickering around it.
“Don't do it!” Basil commanded. “I'll kill the hostage!”
Nobu swung his hand back, and Helix bolted forward, immediately becoming a blur.
“HEY--”
Suddenly, a swarm of vines shot forth from the earth and gripped Basil's sword, before throwing it into the air. More roots climbed from beneath the soil, wrapping around Floral as Symonne lifted its hand. The vines shot high into the air, placing Floral out of harm's way. Basil leaped out of the lightning's path, but Helix appeared in front of it.
“You're coming back to Arbor,” it said, pointing one of its swords toward its neck.
Basil glared at it fearfully, before sprinting into the bushes once again.
“Oh, no you don't!” Helix yelled, chasing it as Nobu dashed after them.
They pushed through the bushes, tunneling through the leaves and thorns, before emerging from the other side. They spotted Basil darting down a nearby trail and quickly bolted after it as it scurried behind a row of trees. Taking the same path, they located Basil, which was panting as its eyes met theirs.
“There's nothing you can do,” it snarled. “I am the greatest scientist in all of Floral.”
“Still, you're second fiddle to Arbor,” Helix gloated, readying its swords.
“We'll see about that. I happen to have my own inventions...”
It produced a tiny, metal box, before clicking a button on the device. Suddenly, Basil began to fade into the background, revealing trees beyond its transparent figure.
“Stay put!” Nobu yelled, hurling another wave of electricity at it, but it had already completely vanished. “Damn it!” He launched lightning strikes in multiple different directions, as Helix ducked. The currents hit several trees, driving panicked owls to flee toward the night sky. After briefly scanning the area, he lowered his arm.
“Say what you will about Terrace,” said Helix. “They're damn good at running away.”
Back in the clearing, Floral was sitting next to Symonne. The chains and cloth had been removed, and its handcuffs were shattered, their fragments lying on the ground.
“Thank you,” croaked Floral. “Are you alright, Symonne?”
Symonne's eyes, while fatigued, were brimming with happiness. “Yes. I'm so glad you're alive.”
“To think that Basil was a traitor all along...”
“He got away,” Helix's voice sounded, as it returned to the clearing with Nobu.
“Helix, Nobu...thank you,” said Symonne.
“Don't mention it. Besides, I have my own bone to pick with him.”
“Even so, I greatly appreciate it,” Floral chimed in. “Please, feel free to stay in our castle for as long as you remain in this kingdom.”
“Really?” asked Helix. “Thanks!”
Later that night found Nobu in a guest room, lying in bed. They had returned to Floral castle, where the king directed Nobu and Helix to separate rooms. The room's quality easily eclipsed the shabby inn from Arbor; the walls were decorated with prestigious paintings, and the bed was almost as comfortable as his own. Staring at the ceiling, Nobu pondered the events that took place that night. While Terrace's lackey had escaped, the Altium Trade offered a glimpse of hope. He dwelled on the subject for a few more minutes, before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning, Nobu headed downstairs and into the dining hall, where he saw Symonne, King Floral, and Helix sitting at a table, along with the castle staff heading in and out of the kitchen. They were engaged in conversation, plates of food on the table in front of them, before Floral's eyes wandered over to Nobu.
“You're awake!” it said cheerfully. “Thank you again for your assistance yesterday. If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to let me know.”
Nobu paused, before walking to the table.
“When are we leaving for the Altium Trade?” he inquired, sitting down.
“In three days,” Floral replied. “We always arrive early to do some sightseeing. That said, I won't be attending this year. Symonne will be representing the kingdom.”
“You're staying here?” Helix asked curiously.
“Regrettably, yes. I have to inform the city of Arbor of the latest incident, and I believe it will cause quite the stir.”
“Damn,” said Helix, chewing a pancake. “Being a king seems like a hassle. I don't know how you do it.”
“Is that so? I think you've got the makings of a king yourself.”
Helix snorted as Symonne raised its eyebrows.
“I'm not big on responsibility,” it uttered, after swallowing its food.
“Are you sure about that?” Floral asked, smiling. “The efforts you've gone through to help your city and your brother are admirable, and it's a responsibility you've taken on yourself.”
“Hmm...yeah, I guess you're right, huh?” Helix replied, grinning.
A server strolled over from the kitchen and placed a plate in front of Nobu. Pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs lied on top of it, their delicious aroma leading his stomach to growl.
“Please enjoy!” it chirped, smiling, before heading back.
“I hope you'll find the food here rivals that of your own kingdom,” said Floral, as Nobu began to eat. “In any case, I must be on my way. I've got a big day ahead of me, but I'll be sure to see you off before you leave.”
“I'll see you soon, Father,” said Symonne happily as Floral sauntered out of the dining hall.
“So,” Helix started. “What is the Altium Trade, anyway?”
“It's a glorified auction, more or less,” Symonne explained. “Royalty gather to bid on antique pieces. But the man who runs the event also has two Void Instruments. Those aren't for sale, naturally.”
“Void Instruments?” Helix repeated.
Symonne paused. “Do they have schools in Arbor?”
“Of course they do! I just never went.”
“Void Instruments are artifacts said to contain a cursed type of magic...and I gather that's what you're after,” Symonne added, looking at Nobu.
Nobu hesitated. “I am,” he stated. “If technology can't vanquish that monster, the Void Instruments may be my last option.”
“Hold up,” said Helix. “If these things are that powerful, then Terrace'll be there for sure. Do you think they'd let me into this Trade thing?”
“No,” Nobu replied curtly.
“Yes,” Symonne corrected him. “It is a royal event only in practice. In reality, any group that brings a special type of trinket will be allowed entry. It just so happens that most of these trinkets belong to royalty.”
“Then you guys have one, too?” Helix asked.
“Of course! I'll show you when we board the cart.”
“That'd be awesome!”
“Is there a reason you're still after Terrace?” Symonne asked. “When Arbor learns of the traitor, they'll surely keep a low profile. You don't have to worry about an alliance anymore.”
“Maybe,” said Helix. “But once they find out we've got a mole, they're gonna be suspicious of everybody, including my brother. Last thing he needs is more stress. Besides, I hate the idea of that Victor guy getting away with treason, you know?”
“Understandable,” Symonne noted. “You're going to follow through on this newfound responsibility.”
“Hey, come on...don't put it like that.”
Over the next few days, Nobu was beginning to readjust to eating and sleeping on a regular schedule. While he had lost his own notebook, one of the castle staff from Floral gave him a new stack of paper, where he continued to write down notes. When it was time for a break, he took a walk around town with his hood covering the top of his face to enjoy the chilly weather. Eventually, the time to leave Floral arrived.
Nobu found himself standing next to Symonne and Helix as they looked at a massive vehicle that spanned the length of three houses. It had an enormous, transparent tarp over it and a built-in cabin covering roughly half the deck, with five doors leading to separate rooms inside. Nobu eyed a ladder on the ground, climbing past the massive sets of wheels toward the cart's surface.
“Woah!” Helix exclaimed. “I've never seen a cart this big.”
“Impressive, no?” Symonne said.
“Everything's ready!” the Floral king announced, walking up from behind them. “Are you prepared?”
“I am,” Symonne replied.
“Are you sure?” Floral asked apprehensively. “Make sure you--”
“Father! I will be fine,” Symonne smiled assuringly.
“Of course,” Floral chuckled, before the two embraced. “Take care of yourself.”
“You as well,” said Symonne, as they drifted apart.
Symonne headed over to the ladder and began to climb, Nobu in its shadow. They reached the deck, while Helix simply leaped from the ground and landed directly on top. They opened the tarp and saw about two dozen guards in suits of armor, with a steering wheel placed in the front. The deck was littered with several cardboard boxes and stacked with a few wooden cabinets.
“Best of luck restoring your kingdom!” Floral shouted. “And stay safe, Symonne!”
“I will!” Symonne hollered back, as a guard walked to the front and grabbed the steering wheel.
The cart was met with a sudden tremor as the wheels began to turn. Nobu watched as they were carried down a path leading back into the woods, the cart gradually accelerating. The wind blew the sides of the tarp, rushing in to greet them as they set off into the distance. Symonne stared pensively outside as the kingdom drew further and further away.
“Are you alright, your highness?” one of the guards asked.
“Yes,” said Symonne softly.
Time passed as afternoon set in, the autumn trees racing past them. Helix was sitting down, tapping its fingers on the deck.
“Bored?” Symonne asked.
“Yep.”
“Here, I'll show you guys our trinket. Nobu! This way.”
Nobu clenched his fists. “Do not give me orders,” he snarled. “I am a Tempest.”
“Your kingdom is no more,” Symonne uttered casually. “The Tempest has become a mere sprinkle.”
As Nobu tried to suppress his restless anger, Symonne opened a cabinet in front of it, revealing a tin bowl filled with what appeared to be water. However, the water crackled and swayed like flames, embers bubbling up a few inches into the air before popping. Nobu was met with a sudden shock as his eyes rested on the trinket.
“No way!” Helix exclaimed. “What is that?”
“Liquid fire,” Symonne stated. “It's a very rare find. The fusion of two magical elements.”
“That's something else!” Helix remarked, visibly impressed.
Nobu continued to stare at it. That looks familiar, he thought. I know I've seen it somewhere before...
“Is everything alright, Sprinkle?” Symonne asked Nobu, noticing his interest.
“Hey, now,” said Helix. “Show his former highness some respect.”
Nobu's trance was broken by his intense anger, as electricity welled up inside him. “Count your days,” he growled under his breath. “Both of you.”
“Maybe we all should,” said Symonne, glancing at a few flower pots on a nearby table. “This could be a dangerous journey.”
Helix paused. “Hey, I don't mean any offense or anything,” it started. “But why do some of the townsfolk call you 'Eaglelily?'”
Symonne hesitated, before turning toward it. “My mother showed me those flowers when I was little. I always loved them...and whenever I think of them, I think of her. She passed away when I was young.”
Nobu shifted his attention to the passing trees, while Helix focused on Symonne.
“I see,” said Helix. “Is that why you don't like the nickname? Brings back sad memories?”
“Not at all. I treasure those memories, but it symbolizes something more. When the eaglelily matures, its leaves grow to an enormous size. They spread like an eagle's wings, blocking sunlight from reaching underneath. As such, anything planted nearby will die. It's often called 'the loneliest flower.'”
“Oh,” said Helix, slightly taken aback.
“Yes,” Symonne continued. “The eaglelily is incapable of helping others. It only brings them misfortune. I sometimes wonder if it is my family's destiny to be alone. But that's all the more reason I'd like to leave my royal status behind. I want to set out and find companions of my own.”
“I'll be your pal,” said Helix simply.
“I appreciate that,” Symonne replied, smiling. “And if nothing else, I still have my plants.”
“You're not going back to Floral after this, are you?”
“Not as a princess. After the Altium Trade, I'm going to follow my own dreams. I want to help run a farm.”
“Sounds like a lot of work,” Helix commented, yawning.
“That it is.”
The cart continued along the road as the day progressed, before evening eventually set in and the air grew chillier. The kingdom had supplied them with food, but Helix insisted on leaving to hunt for something fresh. Symonne, Nobu, and the guards began eating before Helix eventually returned with the remains of a wild beast. Stars poured into the sky as the sunlight faded, and the cart came to a halt. Exhausted, they headed into separate cabins. Nobu was once again greeted by quaint, dingy living quarters. He begrudgingly climbed into the creaky bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.
He found himself on the porch of his castle back in Arbor. He was once again a child, and was staring at the horizon during the sunset. The door opened, before a woman stepped out and sat next to him, grabbing his attention. Her long, blonde hair trailed onto the bench as she smiled at him, her blue eyes brimming with joy.
“Hello, Nobu!” his mother greeted happily.
“Hi, Mother!” he squeaked.
She held her arms out and hugged him, as he returned her embrace. The exchange lasted a few seconds, before she drew away.
“I must be on my way now,” she said.
“What?” Nobu asked meekly. “But why?”
“It's time for me to go...”
“Why?” Nobu echoed shakily.
She ignored him, walking off into the distance.
“Please don't go!” he cried.
She continued forward, before vanishing into thin air.
“Please!”
Nobu opened his eyes, glaring at the wooden ceiling. He found himself back in the present, lying in the cabin's bed. He glanced around the humble room, before closing his eyes and returning to sleep.
The next two weeks passed by without incident, as they traveled across plains, near lakes, and into another forest, the air growing gradually colder. Nobu occupied himself by scribbling more notes, while Helix was visibly restless, searching for any excuse to strike up a conversation with the people nearby. That evening, it set off once again to hunt for dinner as the cart stopped. Nobu finished eating his own meal, and stared up at the night sky. Symonne returned from a discussion with the guards to sit down.
“We should arrive in about three weeks,” Symonne informed him.
Nobu nodded and leered ahead, sitting in silence. He studied the stars, the chilly air making his hairs stand on end.
Only three more weeks, he thought. The Void Instruments must have the power to dispatch that zombie...
His musings were interrupted by panicked voices sounding from behind them.
“What is that?” one of the guards asked.
Nobu turned his head to the side, and noticed purple gas spewing in from the woods, rapidly approaching the cart.
“What in the world?” Symonne asked.
Nobu climbed to his feet, but the gas had already reached them. He tried to cover his face, but the fog quickly clouded his view, monopolizing the scenery. He stumbled forward, dizzy, before he was overcome with fatigue. His eyelids grew heavy as he dropped to the floor, succumbing to his exhaustion.
Later that night, Helix returned from the woods, the remains of a wild animal draped around its shoulder.
“I'm back!” it hollered. “Guys?”
It leaped up onto the cart, and noticed several guards lying unconscious. The cabinet that had housed the liquid fire was open, but the trinket was nowhere in sight.
“Uh oh,” it said. “Symonne! Nobu! I think someone--”
It glanced around, trying to locate them.
“Symonne? Nobu?”
However, it did not spot them anywhere on the cart.
“Guys?”