Sans screamed as his body flailed and tumbled through the air. His thoughts were an uncontrollable mess as gravity shortened the distance between him and the molten lava.
I knew it! She’s crazy! I die here!
However, before he could process anything further, he felt a smooth hand grasp onto his arm. His heart immediately steadied itself upon recognizing her touch.
“Relax dummy!”
Elsie yelled against the wind as they plummeted further into the crater. Sans stared at her in surprise, only to be met with a playful smile. It was then that he noticed that Elsie’s barrier was nowhere to be seen, and yet she seemed unbothered by the surrounding heat.
Wait… where did the heat go?
Sans waved his hand through the air, which was strangely refreshing. He thrust his hand into his pocket, procuring a certain sapphire gem.
The reward from the Trial of Water. Why did it activate only now, and not before?
Regaining a portion his calm, Sans looked below at the sea of churning magma. Bubbles popped indiscriminately, sending sprays of molten froth into the air like a raging cradle of death. It wouldn’t be long before the two of them would drop inside like two tiny sugar cubes.
Sans grasped Elsie’s hand and glanced at her for reassurance. In her free hand, she also held tightly onto the gem rewarded by the Trial of Water.
This crafty vixen.
He grumbled internally and braced himself for the upcoming impact. From the volcano’s peak, it seemed as if the lava was about a quarter of the way down, which was still a massive drop.
Here it comes!
Sans shut his eyes tightly and clenched his teeth just before breaking through the lava’s surface. However, the anticipated bone shattering impact never arrived.
It’s soft?
After plummeting into the liquid, Sans opened his eyes to see a world dyed in a blood-red hue. The supposed lava was like an ocean of feathers as it caught the two of them, gently letting them sink to the volcano’s floor.
“Look over there.”
Elsie called out to him as she waded through the surprisingly clear magma.
“We can talk? Oh…”
Sans mumbled to himself before glancing at the gem in his hand. The two sapphire gems sparkled with a brilliant light, magically providing them with comfort and preventing a fiery demise. He followed after Elsie and took in his surroundings.
Bubbles rose through the lava in every direction he looked. At the very bottom was a flat floor with a familiar tile pattern. Small streams of air sprouted from between the cracks of the tiles, while the tiles themself were formed of a white crystalline material. Along the wall of the volcano was a massive door, which seemed like it could be an entry way to the world of giants.
The two of them swam to the foot of the door. Sans’ eyes were like magnets, glued to the door’s center where a circular device rotated in place. Intricate patterns decorated the object, and every few seconds they pulsed with a stream of red energy that shot inward from the tiled floor below.
“Is this the Trial of Fire’s secret?”
Sans asked the knowledgeable and whimsical girl beside him.
“Yes, but more accurately… this is the secret to the Tomb of Ambrosia!”
Elsie swam toward the circular device and beckoned Sans over. Upon closer inspection, the boy noticed two grooves etched into either side. Almost on instinct, he retrieved the token from the Trial of Man and compared the sizes.
This is a key?
He came forward and placed the token within the groove. Elsie mimicked his actions on the other side. Once both tokens were inserted, the pulses of energy rapidly escalated in frequency. In just a short moment, the intricate patterns were vibrantly glowing a crimson aura.
The circular device spun faster and faster, until suddenly it stopped with a crystal-clear click. The door shuddered open, emitting a resounding boom that shook the entire land.
What now?
Sans peered into the infinitely dark void that the door revealed. He turned to Elsie, prepared to ask a flurry of questions, when a violent whirlpool sucked them in!
“Aaah!!”
Sans cried out as he spun like a needle through the lava. It only lasted a second, but it was enough to toss him for a dizzy spell. When he came to, he found himself sitting beside Elsie at the entrance of a rocky cavern.
Sitting elegantly at the center of the cavern was a grand mausoleum. Its walls, comprised of an unknown material, gleamed a polished and bespeckled black. The building had no entrance, only a podium that was placed at the top of the stairway that led to it.
Elsie picked herself up from the floor and dusted off her frayed cloak. Strangely, both of them were perfectly dry with all traces of soot and ash nowhere to be seen.
“Where are we?”
Sans stood beside her, unable to remove his eyes from the massive mausoleum. For some inexplicable reason, it seemed to be calling out to him as if it housed a chorus of sirens. Despite knowing it was just his mind playing tricks, he secretly felt like there was a collection of presences staring at him.
Elsie walked forward to the base of the stairs. She knelt to the side, showcasing the building between her two arms. Her eyes twinkled and she shouted with enthusiasm.
“Welcome! To the Tomb of Ambrosia!”
Sans gave her a deadpan stare.
“Isn’t it romantic?”
Elsie squished her blushing cheeks together, mushing them up and down with her fingers. She twisted and turned in place as if she were relishing praise from the gods.
“Romantic? A tomb buried at the heart of a volcano?”
“Not just any tomb, but a mausoleum—one full of memories!”
Elsie corrected the young boy, who merely let out a sigh.
“I think our definition of romantic is very different.”
“Oh?”
She stood in place with a small smile. Crossing her arms over her chest, she pursed her lips and tilted her head.
“If that’s the case, then what is your definition of romantic?”
“Uh…”
Sans’ voice lingered and his eyes shifted from side to side.
“That… erm.”
He stared at the distant rocky cavern walls and bit the inside of his cheek.
“I-I don’t know! Why would I have to think of these things anyway? People should just live for themselves. Who cares about that nonsense.”
Elsie made an imperceptible smile as the boy stomped by, making his way up the stairway. Although he began the climb aggressively, he swiftly pushed everything out of his mind and focused on the mausoleum up ahead.
Why does this place feel so familiar to me?
With every step, Sans felt closer to home more than anything. His eyes moistened as buried memories of a time long ago resurfaced; his father and mother, the broken shack that housed them, and even the crumbs of bread they survived on. His steps were methodical and weary, as if life were too heavy of a burden to bear.
Elsie followed behind, but instead of being interested in the mausoleum, her eyes were locked onto Sans’ back. Illusionary phantoms shimmered on the steps behind the boy, each of them walking with a noble posture and unquestionable grace. Each phantom carried a different story—a different persona.
She had seen this climb countless times, but this was the first version that made every step seem more unbearable than the last. Letting out an internal sigh, she continued to follow silently behind the oblivious boy until they reached the very top. The moment Sans paused his steps, the legion of illusions faded away as if they had never existed.
“Elsie, in all of my life I have been unlucky. An unfortunate cloud of despair. A powerless soul, destined to plague those I care for and even those I don’t.”
Sans eyed Elsie with a mournful expression.
“I don’t want to be powerless anymore. I want the freedom to determine my own fate, even if the gods are against me. I want the strength to shelter those I care about, even if I should face my own demise.”
Without another word, he placed a hand on top of the lone podium as if it were a natural instinct. With a flash of light, he teleported away. Elsie stared at his former location with a mirthless smile.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“That has always been your definition of romantic. Idiot.”
She then flipped her palm over, revealing a sparkling multi-colored pendant. The next moment, she placed her hand upon the podium as well, and another flash of light followed.
----
Sans spun around in a circle. The walls were masked by familiar shrouds of darkness, while iron torches were intermittently jutting outward toward the unseeable ceiling. The ground was submerged in water, which splashed about whenever he shifted his feet.
“Hello, child.”
A woman’s voice echoed throughout the room.
“Who’s there?”
Sans scanned the room in alarm. Shadows wisped from the walls and circled around the room in a small vortex. Shortly after, they accumulated into the form of a woman.
A wide-brimmed hat sat upon her head, which concealed the upper half of her face. Her shapely lips formed a preciously charming smile, while her tall and relaxed stature gave her an imposing presence. Her ample chest was gently bound by a shimmering black dress that seemed to merge with the dark waters below.
“I go by many names, but please call me Ambrosia.”
Sans’ eyes widened in shock and his heart raced. If his assumptions were correct, then he was likely standing before an ancient monster that could shape the world as she pleased.
“I thought you were dead…”
He mumbled just short of breath.
If she’s alive, does that mean Marumen is alive as well?
Ambrosia covered her mouth with a curled hand and chuckled lightly. The sleeves of her dress veiled her arms, but her delicate hands shone in the torchlight like diamonds.
“My adventure has ended, but another yet takes my mantle. I am but a spiritual fragment, placed here to guide individuals who qualify.”
Sans let out a sigh of relief.
So, she’s dead after all.
He couldn’t help but think to himself when a certain question struck him.
“How did you die?”
Sans blurted out, before suddenly realizing how insensitive he sounded. He winced, quickly thinking of a way to apologize.
“Die? Me?”
Laughter rang out once more in the room.
“I did not die, child.”
“You didn’t die? But I thought your lover made this place in honor of your death.”
Ambrosia nodded, her smile blooming even brighter than before.
“My sweet husband did, but it wasn’t his idea. It was mine.”
Sans had a strange look on his face. He stared at her in confusion as she continued speaking.
“This is not a tomb for me, but for him, and all of his memories. A tomb full of memories, memories of his many lives. Such that one day, adventurers, like you, may attain greater heights than ever before.”
As Ambrosia spoke, her harmonious words seemed to echo from every direction. She circled around the boy with slow and measured steps. Her hips sashayed in a pronounced fashion, as if she were holistically aware of the untold beauty at her command.
“So, did your husband die?”
“Pfft!”
Ambrosia giggled at his innocent question.
“The day my husband dies, is the day this tower is threatened to be destroyed.”
Sans narrowed his brow in thought.
“Wouldn’t that mean her husband is immortal?”
“No, he is still a man. I just trust him unconditionally.”
Ambrosia turned the other direction and continued her walk. She flashed a playful smile toward the young boy.
“Your husband seems like a thoughtful man.”
Sans gulped as his eyes unconsciously followed her around the room.
Why is it so hot in here?
He nervously shifted in place as his skin glistened with sweat.
“He is most thoughtful, and quite the romantic.”
Sans unintentionally snorted upon hearing that annoying word.
“But more than that, he is cautious and caring.”
Ambrosia paused her steps. At some unknown point, she had spiraled around the room, with her final position being directly in front of Sans. He breathlessly stared at her perfect face with undivided attention.
Elsie?
He couldn’t help but feel there was a stark resemblance to his supposed master, but at the same time he could see that they weren’t the same person. If anything, he suspected that Ambrosia might be a distant ancestor to the young girl.
“This room is able to divine your future. Often times, divination can be considered as a taboo practice, but when used properly it is an invaluable tool.”
Ambrosia snapped her fingers, and a pale blue flame sprouted to life above her hand.
“Peering into one’s future with divination can cause unfortunate consequences… should they be made aware of what was seen. This is because divination itself is not accurate, as no one can truly foretell the future.”
“Why bother using divination if it’s not accurate?”
Sans curiously eyed the icy-blue flame in her hand. The next second, she tossed it to the water, and with a subtle swish it formed a ring around the two.
“Only the future isn’t guaranteed to be accurate, one can still learn many things about the world around them. With that knowledge, they can prepare accordingly.”
“I see… So, is the reward only a divination? I don’t mean to be rude, but is there any other way you could help me?”
Ambrosia smirked and observed the boy’s features.
“The divination is only an appetizer for the true reward, which is a memory fragment tailored just for you. And not just one fragment, but two, with each fragment being a generous donation given by someone rather special.”
She winked at the boy as he stared in shock.
“Through his many walks of life, my husband goes by many names and has weathered many storms. His talent is immeasurable, and naturally, his memories will assist and guide you on your journey.”
Sans’ face glowed with excitement. He took a deep breath to calm his chaotic emotions, but even then he wasn’t able to hide his thrill.
This is what I’ve been looking for this whole time! What new skills will I learn? What talents will I gain?
Ambrosia stepped back, exiting the circle of fire. Her body began to dissipate into shadows once more, starting from her elegant black dress and going upward.
“Are you ready, child?”
Sans locked eyes with her and gave her a nod.
“Then go forward and find your own place in legend.”
Ambrosia’s words echoed within the chamber as the rest of her body whisked into shadows. The next moment, the circle of fire expanded to the outer walls and blazed brighter than before, reaching high into the air.
Sans looked about the room in anticipation, but nothing seemed different from before. However, a small movement soon caught his attention.
“What the…”
He stared at the water below in wonder as multiple scenes flashed by like a mosaic of intersecting stories. His eyes widened as many incredible feats were displayed all at once.
In one image, sinister dragons soared through the sky while terrifying quadrupedal monsters stampeded toward a lone man with a fiery katana. With three simple slashes, the horde of monsters were dismembered into multiple pieces, and the dragons cried in agony as they fell out of the sky one by one.
The image overlapped with another one, where a man shouted at the heavens amidst flashes of lightning and snaps of thunder. The clouds formed an electric cyclone overhead as if the heavens were enraged by his hubris. The man paid it no heed and crackled with black lightning of his own before launching himself into the air with a sky shattering punch.
Was that the black lightning Elsie used in her duel. Could I learn that too?
Sans’ eyes glowed more fervently than ever as the images flashed by. After a few minutes, the collection of memories slowly melted way as two particular images increased in size. The calm waters vividly presented two final scenes.
A man cackled like a lunatic before a plethora of brightly glowing baubles and devices. He wore a white lab coat and his hair was chaotically spread about, not in the least cared for. He poured an obscure potion of purple liquid within a large container. For some reason, Sans thought he could hear a distant scream resonating out from image.
The last scene took place in a dark cathedral-like structure. Icy-blue lights of smoldering fire illuminated the walls, while the interior was otherwise cloaked in shadows. In the far back, a man was seated casually upon a throne. He donned a fitted suit of lethal black clothing, while his skin and body were all masked in shadows. His haunting blue eyes stared directly at Sans, as if he could sense the boy’s presence.
“Tsk, control your charm boy!”
A furious and raspy voice echoed in the chamber from behind, catching Sans by surprise. He whirled around to the source, finding the crazy man in a lab coat standing in the room with him.
“Didn’t you hear me? Curse you bastards and your maxed out charm.”
Sans stared at the man with a shocked gaze, but not because the memory was talking to him.
“D-Doctor Lazure?!”
The boy cried out as he vividly remembered the doctor’s voice from a dream long ago. It was a time before he met Elsie, the night he had experienced a live play called The Glory of Upstan and the Lazure Plague. Just like in his memories, the man seemed as cranky as ever. It was almost as if he hated the world around him.
“Shut up and control your charm. You’re way too bright for these sensitive eyes.”
“Quiet, Lazure.”
A cold voice sounded from behind Sans. The boy spun around to find the haunting man from before standing with them. Even though shadows still crawled across the man’s body, Sans had an auspicious feeling that this man was fatally attractive.
“He doesn’t know how, obviously.”
“Kaima… ugh.”
Lazure grumbled and started pacing back and forth.
Doctor Lazure and Kaima are both Marumen?!
Sans took a few steps back, forming a triangle with the two phantoms.
“Uh… my name is Sans.”
Despite their intimidating presence, Sans managed to eke out something of an introduction.
“Fool, you think we don’t know who you are?!”
“Lazure!”
The two men eyed each so fiercely that Sans could almost see bolts of lightning forming in the space between them.
“Hmpf.”
Lazure continued his pacing while Kaima turned to the boy.
“Your journey has not been well, child.”
Kaima commented offhandedly, which caught the attention of Lazure. The crazy man craned his neck back toward Sans, eyeing him critically.
“You bastard. Don’t you dare underestimate this god-forsaken tower.”
Sans frowned as he was once more being verbally assaulted by this psychotic fragment of memory.
“What is your problem old man?”
He retorted back angrily, which only seemed to agitate Lazure further.
“You’re my problem! Literally! You imbecile! If you dare let her die-“
Before he could finish his sentence, Kaima shot over from across the room, grabbing Lazure’s face with his hand. In one swift movement, he slammed the old man into the water, causing a gigantic splash.
They can attack me?!
Sans paled on the spot, now regretting his earlier choice of words. The entire time he had assumed that these memory fragments were mere illusions and not tangible beings.
“If you don’t behave yourself, then there are plenty of other memory fragments to choose from.”
Kaima threatened the defeated man with a low voice.
“Get off me!”
Lazure kicked and flailed before finally being let up. Kaima returned to his position while Lazure fixed his lab coat.
“Scoundrels, the lot of you! He needs me more than any of you!”
“He doesn’t need anyone.”
Kaima scoffed and turned toward Sans before he continued speaking.
“Boy, your divination revealed two things vital to your success.”
“One of which is alchemy!”
Lazure smugly walked forward and cracked his neck to either side. Kaima merely shook his head and continued speaking.
“Yes, undoubtedly so… The other is illusions. Between the two skills, it is difficult to say which one is more important.”
Before Sans could respond, Lazure had already closed the distance and grabbed onto the boy’s forearm with both hands. He upturned Sans’ arm and applied some pressure.
“You’re dreadfully poisoned, by my wife’s lovely creation too. Ah, I still remember the day she presented it to me. So proud I was. My precious angel.”
A trace of sadness flashed through the doctor’s eyes as he returned to his previous spot.
“If you wish to regain your former talent, you will need to research and develop a cure that will purge every trace of Heaven’s Tears from your body. This will require no small amount of time, considering the genius of its creator.”
Kaima eyed the boy with a pensive gaze before making an additional comment.
“As you are now… I suspect you will die somewhere on the second floor.”
The three men shared a moment of silence as they thought to themselves. Eventually, Sans was the first to speak.
“Kaima, what about illusions? If my death is certain without learning alchemy, shouldn’t I just only focus on that?”
“Eheh, the boy is right! With strength, you can smash through any obstacle, break through any illusion, and grasp your future with your own two hands!”
Lazure twirled in place, allowing his coat to swish through the air with a flourish.
“Illusions will prove useful in multiple aspects of your life. For instance, commanding control over your innate charm, which you have already experienced to be problematic. While Lazure is right, I will leave you with this one bit of advice—do not underestimate your trials. There is a reason the divination selected illusion control as one of the memory fragments.”
Kaima folded arms over his chest as he explained.
“Now, our time is limited. You will have to decide for yourself later which craft to hone. Use our experiences well.”
As Kaima finished speaking, his body dispersed into the water with a splash. A shining bright light was left in his spot, floating above the water.
“Boy. Don’t live a life of regret. If you do, I’ll haunt you until the end of time.”
Another splash followed as Lazure’s body dispersed in the same fashion. Sans stared at the two twinkling lights, suddenly feeling as if a heavy burden had been dropped onto his shoulders.
“Live a life with no regrets? Heh, that’s easy enough. I’m ready then.”
The two lights shot into his body, and he dropped to the floor unconscious.