Dusky Biscuit and the Book of Wonders
Chapter 2
The Black Book - Part 2
As the sun rose in the east over the Biscuit estate, it cleared the mist from the surrounding Whispering Forest, awakening its creatures lying within. Griffins stretched their wings, wyverns soared above, and elks moved through the forest. Birds filled the sky with songs, while bears and other animals stirred in the underbrush.
In Thornewick, sunlight touched the cobblestone streets as the market square buzzed to life. Vendors set up their stalls, while the aroma of fresh bread and coffee filled the air. Children played on the streets. The blacksmith's hammer struck in rhythm as the townsfolk began their day.
At the village’s center, a grand mansion stood with a room of refined elegance: a four-poster bed with gold and silver silk, a plush rug, and a polished wooden desk by a tall window. A crystal chandelier cast a warm glow, and shelves of books and trinkets adorned the walls, while a hint of lavender added to the tranquil ambiance.
In this room, nestled under his blankets, young Dusky Biscuit lay deep in slumber. However, he was not alone.
A strange man, cloaked in a shimmering magician's robe adorned with arcane symbols, hovered above Dusky's bed. His robe flowed around him like ethereal mist, catching the faintest glimmers of light. His face, pale and solemn, remained fixed on Dusky's peaceful, sleeping face. “Hmmm…” His eyes, deep and thoughtful, reflected a blend of curiosity and contemplation. The silence of the room felt palpable, punctuated only by the soft rustle of the ghostly robe as he hovered, lost in his enigmatic thoughts about the boy below.
All of a sudden, Dusky's eyes flickered open, and he found himself staring face-to-face with the strange man floating above him. His face went pale as shock jolted through his body, and he let out a startled cry. “Ah!” “Ah!” At the same time, the strange man also cried out in shock, his eyes widening. The unexpected sound disrupted the chandelier's glow, causing the room to dim. His form flickered and distorted as he tumbled from his invisible perch. The elaborate robe billowed around him, trailing like wisps of smoke as he descended, passing through the bed's canopy. He landed on the floor with a soft, eerie thud. “Ow!” His spectral presence flickered and swirled.
In a heartbeat, Dusky sprang out of bed, his legs tangling in the sheets as he stumbled backward, never taking his eyes off the uncanny, hovering figure. “Who… Who are you?!” he demanded, his breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps.
The strange man staggered, clutching his chest as he panted. His face, pale and drawn, looked as if it might crumble into dust. “Whoa, kid,” he rasped, struggling to catch his breath, as he added, “You almost gave me a heart attack.”
Dusky's face flushed red as he jabbed a finger at the strange man and snapped, “That should be my line! Who are you!? What are you doing in my room!”
The strange man’s eyes flicked over his shoulder, his fingers gripping his robe. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a hurried whisper, “Hey kid, keep your voice down, will you? Shhhh…”
Dusky’s eyes darted around, his breath coming in ragged bursts. He glanced at the door, only to find the strange man, with his wild hair and mismatched clothes, standing in the way. Dusky's shoulders tensed as he took a step back, his gaze shifting from the man to the door.
The strange man raised his hands in a placating gesture, a chuckle escaping his lips. He peered at Dusky with wide eyes, his ghostly features twitching in uncertainty, and said, “Aw, come on, kid, no need to be so scared. I won't eat you.” He glanced down at his spectral form, then back at Dusky, a look of doubt crossing his face, as he muttered, “Do I really look that scary?”
As the strange man approached, Dusky’s eyes widened and he gasped, “Ah! No!” His voice quivered as he added, “Stay away! Don’t come any closer! Or I'll scream!”
“What?” said the strange man, seeing the boy's reaction. He frowned as he turned away, his form drooped. His head hung low, and his voice emerged in a despondent murmur, “But… But you're the one who summoned me here.”
Then, all of a sudden, “Ah!” the strange man collapsed in a theatrical manner to the floor, his form wavering with a mournful grace. He pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing at his eyes with exaggerated sniffles, and wailed, “Sniff, woe is me!” His voice rich with melodrama, as he added, “You broke this man’s innocent heart. How could you forget what happened last night? Have you no shame?” His handkerchief fluttered with each exaggerated sob.
Witnessing this drama unfold in front of him, Dusky furrowed his brow and said, “Huh?” He tilted his head as he stared at the strange man. He rubbed the back of his neck, a puzzled look forming on his face, and asked, “What… What? What are you talking about?”
The strange man pouted, “Hmph!” His lower lip trembled as he wiped the corners of his eyes. He cast a forlorn glance at Dusky, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and said, “You know, last night.”
Dusky’s brow furrowed deeper, and he said, “Huuuuh? Last night? What about last night?”
“Don't tell me you have already forgotten,” said the strange man, his eyes lighting up as he spun around and pointed at the book lying nearby, and exclaimed, “The book, kid! The book! I came out of the book!” His enthusiasm palpable as he danced on the spot.
As the events from last night sank in, Dusky’s mouth fell wide open. He staggered back, gripping the edge of a nearby shelf for support, and gasped, “What!” His voice a mere whisper as he stared at the strange man.
“See!” exclaimed the strange man, his lips curled into a self-satisfied smile as he straightened up, puffing out his chest. His eyes sparkled with a touch of smug pride as he glanced at Dusky, a soft, pleased chuckle escaping him. “Hehe.”
Dusky glanced up and down at the strange man’s misty, floating form, his face draining of color as he realized the strange man could be a ghost or a demon, and asked, “Are… Are you a demon? Are you going to take over my body?!” His voice quivering, then he cried out, “No, but I'm still too young, I don't want to die!”
The strange man waved a hand in reply and said, “Oh, hush! Hush! What nonsense!” He rolled his eyes and shook his head, his voice tightening, each word pressing through clenched teeth, as he said, “I'm not one of those scary-looking fellows you're talking about, that I can assure you,” His lips twitched as he spoke, the faintest trace of a grin tugging at the corners. The way his words rolled out, light and easy, made it obvious he found the comparison absurd.
Dusky tilted his head and said, “How can I be sure you won't kill me and take over my body?” His brows knitting together. He took a tentative step forward toward the strange man, his eyes searching his face in the dim light, and added, “Then what are you?”
“What am I? Haha!” said the strange man, his eyes sparkling as he struck a dramatic pose, one hand resting on his chest and the other extended. He gave a theatrical flourish, his grin widening, and declared, “Well, let me introduce myself!” His posture and expression brimming with theatrical flair.
“Ahem!” The strange man cleared his throat, his chest puffed out as he spread his arms wide, his eyes gleaming, and proclaimed, “I am the pinnacle of magic, the strongest of all mages. I am the greatest sorcerer of all time!” He spoke with a flourish, his voice echoing with grandeur, his dramatic gestures fueling Dusky's growing curiosity.
“Whoa!” gasped Dusky, his eyes growing round and gleaming. His mouth fell open as he awed at the strange man, his entire posture leaning forward as if drawn into the moment.
"And my name is! Ugh..." said the strange man, and mumbled, "I am... I... Hmm..." His voice trailed off into a murmur. His hand wandered to his forehead, rubbing it. His eyes narrowed, a furrow forming on his brow, as he floated back and forth. He muttered, "That's strange," glanced into the distance, and said, "I can’t seem to remember my name."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Dusky frowned as he let out a deep sigh. He shook his head, eyes narrowing, and said, "Ugh... Yeah... that... that was super lame." He spun on his heel and gestured goodbye to the strange man, and added, "You got me excited for nothing." His voice trailing off as he said, "Well, if that's all, I'm leaving." Without another word, he headed for the bedroom door, his footsteps echoing with a finality that left no room for argument.
"Wait! You can’t leave yet! Huhu..." cried the strange man, his voice rising in a wail as he tried to hold on. He clutched Dusky’s waist with his hands, gripping tightly, his spectral form dragging along the floor. Then he wiggled in front of Dusky, his hands gesturing to stop, and yelled, "I know!" His eyes sparkling and his voice bubbling, he added, "How about I show you my superdupercalifragilisticexpialidocious cool magic?" He bounced around like a kid, his energy infectious, trying to draw Dusky back, as he urged, "How about it, huh? Huh? Wanna see it? Wanna see? Hmmm?"
Dusky’s shoulders dropped as he let out a defeated sigh. He glanced back at the strange man, his eyes sparkling a bit, and said, "Fine," his tone softening as he took a step back toward him, and added, "This better be good."
The strange man raised his arms high, his eyes glistening. He struck a dramatic pose, his robes fluttering as if caught in an invisible breeze. With a flourish, he yelled, “Get ready to be amazed, my dear boy! For you are about to witness the greatest magician of all!” He held his hands poised, ready to unleash his grand magic spell, and shouted, "Viola!"
"Womp... Womp..." But nothing happened.
"What?" said the strange man, his arms falling limp to his sides as he glanced at his wand with a puzzled look. He tapped it against his palm and tried to wave it again with a forced grin, but it remained unresponsive. "Eh... Ugh... What? Wait, my wand doesn’t seem to work properly," said the strange man, his voice tinged with uncertainty, as he added, "I guess sleeping for a thousand years made it rusty. Haha!" His laugh came out uneven, breaking mid-sound as his eyes darted away, the usual steadiness in his posture faltering.
Dusky’s shoulders slumped yet again, his gaze shifting to the floor, losing its earlier sparkle. He fiddled with the edge of his sleeve, his gaze drifting, focus slipping to the floor as his brows relaxed and his once animated expression flattened, the spark in his eyes dimming.
"There's no need to worry! I have more tricks up my sleeve! Just stay put and don't move, okay?" pleaded the strange man, weaving through the air, his face flushed. He furrowed his brows and closed his eyes and chanted, “Abracadabra!”
"..." But his wand remained lifeless.
The strange man glanced around the room, as if trying to find an excuse, his expression faltering as the silence stretched on. His eyes flickered as he stared at the unresponsive wand, his hands shaking as he gripped it tightly. He let out a growl and yelled, "Ah! Who needs a wand anyway!" He drove it into the floor with a sharp crack, his features twisting—jaw clenched, brows knotted, eyes wide with a frantic, lost look. He knelt beside it, shaking his head as if willing it to work, and said, "Come on! Give me a break!"
"Are you really a great sorcerer?" said Dusky, his expression softening into a smirk. He shook his head as he tried to hold back his laughter and said, “I think you’re more like a comedian!” His voice pitched as he burst out laughing while holding his tummy. "Hahaha!"
The strange man’s eyes widened and responded, "What! No!" He flailed his arms, his face flushed, as he added, "Don't laugh at me! I'm telling you the truth! Hey!" His voice rising as he tried to convince Dusky. He stood stiff, shoulders drawn tight, arms close to his sides, as if bracing for a blow. The tension in his stance betrayed both a need to guard himself and an urge to act.
Dusky raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. He crossed his arms and shook his head, his gaze fixed on the strange man, and said, "Yeah, right," his voice dripping with mockery, each word laced with a biting edge.
Yet again, the strange man jumped up, clenching his fists, and declared, “Just you wait!" A gleam appeared in his gaze as he added, "One day you will see how powerful I am! Hahaha!” His laughter rang outside the room. He then said, “Oh right! How about giving me a name?” clasping his hands together, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"A name? Why should I give you a name?" said Dusky, raising an eyebrow.
"Aw, come on, kid, aren't we friends already? Just give me a cool name! Hehe..." said the strange man.
"Hmmm..." Dusky’s brows furrowed as he tilted his head in deep thought. He tapped his chin with a finger, his gaze drifting upward as he pondered, and muttered to himself, “A name? Huh?” His voice trailing off as he considered the idea, and said, "How about..."
"Yeah! Yeah...!" The strange man stood with bated breath, his eyes locked on Dusky. He fidgeted with his hands and swayed from side to side, his expression a mix of eagerness and impatience as he waited for his response like a puppy.
Dusky’s eyes lit up with a spark. He nodded to himself, a grin spreading across his face, and said, “Then how about Draco... No, no... Jim... Rak...” His voice growing more confident with each suggestion, and exclaimed, “That's right! Zephyr!" He looked up with a satisfied nod, pleased with his choice, and added, "I’ll call you Zep for short. Hehe...”
"Zephyr," said the strange man, his face brightening as he clapped his hands. His eyes twinkled as he beamed at Dusky and exclaimed, “I... I love it! Haha!” His laughter bubbled up with genuine enthusiasm.
With a burst of energy, Zephyr swept Dusky off his feet. "Whoa!" Dusky’s eyes widened as they soared around the room, the air rushing past them. "Hahaha!" Zephyr's laughter filled the space, his excitement palpable as he twirled and glided with giddy abandon.
Zephyr then set Dusky back on his feet. His face lit up. He leaned in closer and said, “So, kid, how about we go on an adventure?” His voice took on a teasing edge, every word laced with a daring sparkle.
Dusky furrowed his brow, bit his lip, and glanced sideways, and said, “Ugh... I don’t know."
Zephyr gave Dusky a playful nudge with a smirk, his tone teasing as he wagged a finger, and said, “Aw, come on, kiddo, don’t be such a worrywart,” his grin widening as he added, "Don't tell me you're scared?"
"No! I'm not," snapped Dusky, his cheeks flushed as he squared his shoulders and crossed his arms. He looked away. His voice stayed steady, but the sharpness of his tone betrayed a defensive edge, and retorted, “I’m not scared! It's just..." Then his face fell into a frown.
“Think about it!" exclaimed Zephyr. His gaze sparkled, his hands slicing through the air as he spoke. A grin stretched across his face, and his breath quickened with each animated gesture, as he added, "Imagine you and me, like Lario and Muigi, Man Bat and Bird Boy, Locksher and Sonwat, exploring the world together!” His hands made grand, sweeping motions as if painting a vivid picture. “Ain’t that fun? Think about the wonders waiting for us out there! Aren’t you excited? We’re gonna be the best duo the world has ever seen!” His energy remained palpable as he bounced on the spot, awaiting Dusky’s response.
“Ugh..." Dusky squirmed, his gaze dropping to the floor. He fiddled with the hem of his sleeve and said, "But I don’t even know who those guys are," his voice wavering, and added, "I don’t know, I’m just a kid.”
“Whaaaat!" exclaimed Zephyr, his eyes widening as he threw his hands up in the air. He paced in a small circle, shaking his head, and added, "You don't know any of them? Unbelievable!" His voice cracked as he spoke, and he said, "They’re pretty famous, you know!”
Dusky rolled his eyes and gave a skeptical sigh, crossing his arms, and muttered, “Yeah, right.”
Out of nowhere, a woman's voice drifted through the door, and called, “Dusky?” Her tone tender and soothing, wrapping the room in warm, unexpected reassurance.
Dusky’s eyes darted towards the door, then back at Zephyr. He gave a quick, urgent nod, his voice low and hurried as he whispered, “You better hide before my mom sees you,” his gaze flicking as he stepped back to create space for Zephyr to disappear.
Then, all of a sudden, Zephyr's form shimmered and twisted, his edges blurring and solidifying. In an instant, he collapsed into a swirling mist that coalesced into the black book resting on the floor.
The door started to creak open as she began to step inside, and her warm, reassuring voice floated into the room once more as she said, “I’m coming in, dear.”
“Wait, Mom!” yelled Dusky before she could step inside. His eyes widened as he grabbed the book from the floor and rushed toward the pillow, shoving it behind with a quick motion and precise timing. He took a deep breath and then said, “Okay, you can come in now!”
She stepped into the room, her gaze scanning the dim space with concern, and asked, “Are you okay, dear? I thought I heard voices. Is someone here with you?” Her voice was laced with worry.
“No!” replied Dusky, adjusting his position and smoothing out the wrinkles in his clothes. He added, “I was just talking to myself,” his eyes darting around.
She tilted her head, her brows knitting together, and said, “Is that so?” Her voice was soft but inquisitive. Her steps remained light and measured as she glided toward the windows.
Dusky’s gaze lingered on his mother as she moved, his smile wavering as he forced another chuckle. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, his fingers fidgeting at his sides, and replied, “Yeah! Hehe...” His laughter came out thin and strained.
With a practiced flick, she drew the heavy drapes open. She stood in the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the window, her red hair cascading like molten rubies around her shoulders. Her eyes, a striking shade of emerald, caught the light with almost magical intensity. The sunlight highlighted her features, casting a warm, golden aura around her as it danced across her skin. Her serene and captivating presence blended with the peaceful ambiance of the room.
“What a beautiful morning!” she exclaimed, turning to look at Dusky. Her eyes locked onto him with a gentle but intense gaze, and she said, “Oh, by the way, good morning, dear,” her voice warm and melodic.
Dusky straightened up, his eyes meeting hers briefly before darting away, and replied, “Good morning, Mother Veronica.”
Veronica gave him a warm smile, her tone gentle but firm, as she said, “Come down and have breakfast to get ready for school.” With a graceful turn, she walked out of the room, leaving the door ajar for Dusky to come out.
“Okay, Mom,” nodded Dusky, glancing back toward the pillow, and added, “I’m coming,” his voice steadying as he moved to follow her, closing the door behind him.
The black book trembled under the pillow, and a faint, forlorn voice emanated from it. “What about me? Sniff,” came Zephyr's plaintive whisper, filled with a mix of sadness and longing. “I wanna have breakfast too.”