Book Two Chapter Fourteen: Tweak Sensory Input Levels

Book Two Chapter Fourteen: Tweak Sensory Input Levels

So, having decided she knew how to save the world, Qube pondered her next step. The first thing she would have to do would be to better understand the Evil Emperor, and his hypothetical guiding darkness.

Although she had no proof that the Evil Emperor had an Evil version of herself, it just felt right. Like something had connected in her mind, and she sensed the intrinsic truth of it. After all, how could one rule the world without someone to help them? And, given his Mage Advisor was off on an adventure, the Evil Emperors right hand couldnt be Definitely Bad Guy. There was no way the Chosen One would be able to survive without her for anything like the length of time that Definitely Bad Guy had been traveling with them.

Also, she still hadnt spoken to Definitely Bad Guy about the whole devs thing. And he might have more information about the Evil Emperor, and any potential Dark Prophecy or Evil Qube.

So, as the Chosen One reached the hatch in the ceiling, she shifted position in anticipation, ready to step out onto the next floor-cloud and regroup.

Instead, the instant the Chosen One passed through the hatch, a terrible hurricane tried to suck them up. The Chosen One snapped shut his wings, but was only saved from being torn to pieces by grabbing onto a thick vine protruding from the floor. He latched onto it, Qube clinging to his neck as the tremendous force of the hurricane nearly ripped them apart. He shouted something, but she couldnt hear what, and then they entered the eye of the hurricane. The vine, which had been stretched to its limit, went slack, and the Chosen One landed heavily.

Ow. Ow, ow, ow! he exclaimed, I swear theyve made it hurt more. What the [fiddle] is wrong with them? He turned slightly, trying to look at Qube over his shoulder. You ok he started, then cut himself off. Its back! Hold on!

The end of the eye was approaching them. The Chosen One looked around and there: at the very edge of the calm, there was another thick vine. He ran, Qube desperately holding on, and reached the vine just in time. As soon as he gripped it, the hurricane overtook them, and yanked them off the ground.

Because her hands were around his neck, Qube could feel the Chosen Ones throat working, and deduced that he was, in all probability, yelling at the wind. She was proven correct when, a lifetime later, the eye reappeared and they were once again dropped.

worse than the Water Temple! Im going to kill them!

Chosen One! Please threaten the powers that be later, we need to run! Qube shouted directly into his ear.

He ran. He just made it to another vine when the storm overtook them again, and the world turned upside down. As the wind tried to tear them apart, Qube could only hope that the others werent already swirling somewhere around them, taken by the hurricane. She felt like her skin was being sandpapered off, and she could swear she was bleeding.

The storm passed, and the Chosen One instantly dashed to a shadowed hole in the side of the wall-cloud and almost fell through it.

The silence was nearly deafening after the roar of the wind. The Chosen One flopped down onto the ground, panting. Qube sprang up, and sprinted to the doorway, only to almost run directly into the rest of the party. All of them looked about as haggard as Qube felt, but they were all there, safe, sound, and not sucked up into the storm.

Thank the Words youre all safe! Qube cried, and tried to hug all of them at once. She felt part of her arm pass through Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, and Squiggles instantly clamped onto her face. Sewer Bard accepted the hug, looking mildly surprised, while Definitely Bad Guy dodged her, turning bright red.

Are you lot having a love-fest? the Chosen One asked, turning his head and looking at them. Without me? Im hurt. Also, Im actually hurt. Heal, please.

Oh, of course! Qube said. [Lesser Heal]! Her mana wrapped around the Chosen One, sinking into him and smoothing away his abrasions. Her own aches and pains she ignored; until she increased her mana pool she had to ration her spells. Was that enough? she asked, as she helped him up.

Sure, he said, somewhat grumpily. I just feel like someone peeled off all my skin and poured salt on me. This was a fun experience. I enjoyed this.

For some reason, this didnt seem to help. Instead the Chosen One shot her an even more worried look, and shook off her hands.

Sure, whatever. But first, I think we need to all rest. Its been a long day. You lot set up camp. Setting up camp only took a few seconds, thanks to the magical tents they had brought, and then the Chosen One ushered them all together, even Squiggles.

Right, he said, before pointing at each party member one by one. You. [Sleep]. You. [Sleep], until there was only Qube and Definitely Bad Guy left. The Chosen One hesitated, and then pointed at Qube. You. [Sleep], please.

Qube was suddenly exhausted and immediately lay down on one of the bed rolls, and went to sleep. As she closed her eyes she saw the Chosen One turn to Definitely Bad Guy and put his hand on the Mages shoulder.

Qube dreamed. She seemed to have gotten the hang of it, thanks to last time. The world seemed different from her last dream, though. Less solid, with a hundred thousand mathematical equations attached to each breath she took.

Hey, Hot-Hands. Nope, hated that. The Chosen Ones voice twisted into her dream. Look. I just wanted to check in and see how you were going.

I am not going anywhere, Definitely Bad Guy replied cautiously.

She couldnt seem to open her eyes, only hear this strange conversation between the dream version of Chosen One and Definitely Bad Guy.

Its an expression, man; get it together, the Chosen One said scornfully. Anyway, this isnt what I wanted to talk to you about. I wanted to ask you how you were going with the whole secretly working for the Evil Emperor thing.

I fear you must be confused, Definitely Bad Guy said stuffily. I am secretly working for the Exiled Prince and Princess. It is the Evil Emperor whom I am working against.

Look, I dont care who you are or are not working for, the Chosen One said, further solidifying the strangeness of Qubes dream. Imagine not caring that one of your closest companions was secretly working for a force of Evil! Dreams really were funny. I care about whether or not youre going to be on our side at the end. Because what I really dont want is you getting yourself killed by the Evil Emperor for betraying him at the very last second, or deciding to side with the Evil Emperor and then I have to kill you.

I assure you, I am fully dedicated to the cause, Definitely Bad Guy sounded, if anything, even stiffer than before. Pretty soon the mathematical formulas that made up his muscle movements would flip to zero, and he would freeze in place.

Cool, cool, the Chosen One said. There was a moment of silence, and Qube wondered if the dream was ending. Because I dont know what would happen if you went rogue.

Even if I were to fall, I am starting to suspect it would only be a temporary setback in your quest, Definitely Bad Guy said, with a thread of admiration.

Its not you Im worried about, the Chosen One replied, somewhat sharply. But if youre planning on betraying the group or whatever dumb script is in your head, I suggest you overcome it. Or let me know, and Ill break the [snacks] out of it.

Definitely Bad Guy didnt reply. After the silence stretched out uncomfortably, she heard the Chosen One sigh.

Think about it. If you can. Now, [Sleep]. Qube heard the Mage Advisor hit a bedroll and immediately go still. After another sigh, she heard the Chosen One lie down on his own bedroll, and then the dream ended.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only