Book Two Chapter One: Begin Stage Two

Book Two Chapter One: Begin Stage Two

Qube was a Companion approved by a Prophecy which she was now reasonably certain had been written by a group of beings who didnt know what they were doing. She wouldnt go so far as to call them idiots, not even within the confines of her own head, because she wasnt sure if they could read her thoughts. Given theyd had to steal the body of her best friend in order to ask her what she wanted out of life, it was a pretty safe bet they couldnt read minds, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.

Especially when dealing with creatures capable of destroying all of creation.

Qube was uneasily aware that she had very limited information as to the capabilities of the devs. It seemed like they were just as confused by her as she was by them. They had called her special, whatever that meant, and turned her loose with the vaguely worded directive to be herself so they could study her.

And if they didnt like what they saw they would destroy the world.

All in all, it had not been the greatest first meeting with one of her creators. Qube had heard enough stories to know that traditionally meeting the ones who made everything was supposed to end in power and prestige, not questioning how said creators even got their hands on the power to make you in the first place, or a strong desire to not trust any furniture they summoned.

On the other hand, she felt like she understood her childhood friend a lot better now. The Chosen One had been dealing with the whimsy of these slightly-awkward yet all-powerful beings for the entire adventure no wonder he sometimes seemed mildly insane. Given their interest in her relatively minor breaking of existence, they probably strongly encouraged his excesses.

And these were the beings she was supposed to impress enough to save the entire world. A large part of Qube wanted to lie down on the ground, curl up, and turn into something simple. A mushroom, perhaps. Something that no one would expect to have to deal with the fate of the world. But the small, determined core of her kept her standing.

She was a Companion! She was (allegedly) close to being Chosen-One-like! How could she crumple into a fungus when she expected him to keep going with just as much pressure on his shoulders? Sure, she didnt have a Golden Prophecy giving her explicit directions, nor did she have any real idea of what these devs would like, but she had gotten their attention by being the best guiding light ever, so, By the Words, she was going to keep being herself as hard as she could!

And she would learn, and grow, and help the Chosen One, and together they would save the world from Evil and Devs!

Just as soon as he stopped trying to capture the Mermaid Princesss hair.

Almost as soon as his possession had finished, the Chosen One had started marching off towards the Fishing Village, Qube calling after him to slow down and explain. Hed idly reached out to grab at the Mermaid Princesss hair, then stopped when it twisted away from his grasp.

Now he was crouched next to the Mermaid Princess, trying to trap her long, flowing hair. The Mermaid Princess would shuffle back a bit, trying to maintain both a respectful distance and eye contact, causing him to bunny hop forward to grab at her red locks. The Mermaid Princesss hair seemed almost to have a life of its own, twisting and writhing in a non-existent breeze. He kept trying to snatch at her tresses and keep it held, but each time he seemed to catch hold of a lock it would tweak out of his grasp.

For some reason this seemed to fascinate the Saviour of All Human and Human Adjacent Beings. As Qube watched, he held one hand behind a stray lock and then quickly slammed his palms together, only to have it once again pull itself away just in time.

He had been doing this for nearly ten minutes.

Chosen One, what are you doing? she asked the person charged with saving the kingdom.

He paused from annoying the Royal magical being whose people they had just saved from annihilation to look at Qube.

Trying to catch her hair, he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Qube closed her eyes for a moment.

Yes, Chosen One, I can tell that. But why are you trying to catch her hair?

Because I cant catch it, he replied.

Qube had been trained her entire life to be patient and accommodating. So, instead of smacking her palm into her face, she just gave a small sigh and flashed her childhood friend her best Understanding Smile.

Is it very important? she asked, with only a thread of impatience in her tone. Or should we continue with our quest?

After a few more grabs the Chosen One gave up, giving the Mermaid Princesss hair a dirty look. It continued peacefully swaying. He scowled, and started to pull his Sacred Sword out of its scabbard.

Chosen One, Qube said warningly.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Its mocking me, he muttered, but nevertheless sheathed his sword and stood up. The Mermaid Princess watched as he started to leave, her large, dark seal-like eyes glistening. Qube couldnt tell if the Mermaid Princess had been annoyed by or indifferent to the Heros antics; either way she had certainly been too Royal to allow any comment regarding his behaviour to escape her lips.

Sewer Bard remained silent.

Oh, Im done for now, she quickly added. You can talk.

Thank you, fair Healer, Sewer Bard said. Your concern for my well-being touches me deeply, though not as deeply as the joy I feel that I can now refresh myself by gazing upon your everlasting beauty, rather than being forced to imagine you.

Qube kept her friendly smile firmly pinned to her lips.

But though I know that the curse of invisibility troubles you, you appear to be discounting that you are acknowledged by our Noble Patron, above any of his other companions. That while Royalty may not be able to pierce the spell that surrounds you, a being from another world came and spoke to you. Only you. Still locked in his loping jog, Sewer Bard could make none of his usual graceful flourishes, but he dipped his eyelashes dramatically. I must beg your pardon for eavesdropping on a private conversation, but unfortunately control over my body was forcibly taken from me by said being.

Y-yes, she said hesitantly, suddenly realising that she would probably need to talk to everyone else in the group too. Did you hear everything it said?

Again he dipped his eyelids.

Enough, my secretive flower, he confessed.

Would you like to have that pressure on you? Qube asked bluntly. Sewer Bard went quiet. After a few more minutes of jogging, he slowly replied.

I see your point, fair Healer, he said. While I may claim that I would thrive under the attention of the important, I had not considered the toll it would take upon a more delicate psyche.

Qube did not think her psyche was particularly delicate, but she also didnt want to interrupt him when he was somewhat agreeing with her.

You are right to chastise me so, he continued mournfully. Even the Noble Patron must feel the strain of such great expectations. Sewer Bard fell silent again, and Qube was reasonably certain he was making the same calculations she had. In a way it would explain

At least some of it, I think, Qube agreed. Although Im sure part of it is just that we dont always have as much information as he has, considering he talks to the devs via the Save Points all the time, she added loyally.

Sewer Bard couldnt avert his face from hers, but he did look down, watching his feet flashing by in their unchanging rhythm. It was honestly extremely impressive, how he never broke step.

Yes, he said, with none of his trademark flair. I must confess, the Save Points and the devs are he struggled to find the right words. Not something I had been expecting. A Hero being able to communicate with a higher power is nothing new in epic sagas, but normally the higher powers are a little more mystical and a little less worried about mere mortals feelings.

He continued thoughtfully: But then, they admit they are not the ones who made the original mana that made us. I suspect we have not met the true power behind the devs. We have merely met the shapers, not the creators. He looked at Qube, his expression softening.

I do not envy you, fair Healer, the weight of their gaze. That they have laid such expectations upon your shoulders without any guidance is cruel. It is just that it has been difficult, for me, to be so overlooked.

Impulsively, Qube reached out and slipped her hand into his. The swinging arm stopped, and his whole body shuddered. He broke step.

If I am special, you are too, Qube said earnestly. You can see the Save Points and could hear me while I was invisible. I didnt even need to [Heal] you! But we are the Chosen Ones companions and, even though its hard, we have to remember that at the end of the day, he is the one who was selected to save the world. We have our own roles to play, which are just as vital. Like the dev said, even a Companion like me can be special.

Sewer Bards fingers clamped around hers suddenly. She hid the wince of pain.

My role, the Bard said thoughtfully. Yes. I must figure out exactly what my role is.

Qube beamed. She has really gotten through to him! Hopefully he would be a lot happier and their team cohesion would be better than ever!

And when you do, I will support you! she declared happily. We companions have to stick together, after all!

Of course, fair Healer, he said. And on they ran, hand in hand.