Book Three Chapter Seventy: Castle_Stablising_Error

Book Three Chapter Seventy: Castle_Stablising_Error

One could be forgiven for thinking that the news that the Temples powerful guardians, all disposed in the partys favour, and several of whom were Royalty, were special would be pleasing to Qube. After all, up until this very moment, she would have assumed shed be delighted. Alas! While she had mostly put aside her jealousy regarding her position as the number one companion to the Chosen One, and become more comfortable in her limitations as a Healer, it turned out that she was not yet so free of any personal feelings as to be able to give up her specialness without a struggle.

It wasnt that she didnt find being one of the sole representatives of her realm, closely watched by entities that could end everything at a moments notice, extremely stressful. And she would have loved to have heard that the Devs were looking at more people than just their party before deciding the fate of the world. And, sure, a tiny part of her found it the tiniest bit unfair that she (and the rest of the party) had fought against incalculable odds and worked hard to become close to the Chosen One, and earn the frightening title of special, while the guardians had apparently just listened to Scissors and/or anyone affected by [The Bards Ballad] and they were also designated as special.

But that was only the smallest part of the smallest part of her, a leftover from when she was a little bit insecure. Why, then, did the idea of the Temple guardians being special fill her with dread?

Her inner self, stronger ever since shed entered the castle, helpfully surged forward with anger. The guardians were already extremely special, each of them selected by the Golden Prophecy to hold on to one of the gems needed to defeat the Evil Emperor. More than that, they werent exactly the most trustworthy of groups, with several of them actively working against the good of the kingdom.

Unfortunately for her inner self, Qube was also very well aware that, as a Prophecy Approved Companion, right hand of the Saviour of All Human and Human-Adjacent Beings, she too could be considered extremely special, even without adding in anything else such as the fact that her healing abilities could apparently strip people of their blinders and reveal the true nature of the world to them. So she couldnt exactly complain that they were already special enough, and didnt need anything more.

And, as far as trustworthiness went, they had a member in their group who up until earlier that week had been prepared to sell them out to the Evil Emperor. So their party wasnt exactly sporting a spotless record. In fact, said party had managed to lose all the gems that the guardians had diligently guarded for who knew how many years.

The anger of her inner self gave way to a kind of baffled shame.

Still!

Qube put aside her unresolved feelings about the global status of specialness, and tried to pay attention to what was unfolding before her.

Which also included listening to one of her least favourite guardians, the Dryad Queen reply to the Chosen One. The queen had a history of being rather unpleasant to the half-elf Healer, all because of a simple misunderstanding that was technically the Evil Emperors fault anyway.

So did the song really get to you? the Chosen One had asked the Forbidden Forest guardian while Qube had stewed. Like, did it make a big difference to how you thought?

No, the wooden woman replied, the green lights that made up her eyes brightening into pinpoints of pain as she looked at Qube. Several roots writhed on the Dryad Queens face as she looked at the Healer.

Qube dearly wished the Chosen One would stand up, so she could hide behind him better.

My thoughts had suffered a change long before then. But, being reunited with my love, here the Dryad Queen looked at the Beast by her side, seemed to unlock my thoughts even more than before. The bravery of my subject, in striking out for her own future, was also inspiring.

Sexy Screamy Spider Briar rose from her deep, complicated curtsy/kneeling before the Dryad Queen.

I thank you, my Queen, for giving me the grace to search for who I was, the arachnid Hunter said quietly.

I could scarcely deny my subject something I also needed, the Dryad Queen said, in a stunning display of ignorance as to how Royalty was supposed to work. It was partly your boldness, in fact, that inspired me to search for an exit to our confinement, when the Evil Emperor snatched us away from our grove and placed us here.

The Beast, looking even healthier than the last time theyd seen him, and a far cry from the emaciated mess hed been when theyd first found him, growled at the indignity of being teleported and trapped by someone like the Evil Emperor.

Yup, definitely infected with specialness, the Chosen One said, eyes still firmly closed.

Thus we entered this chamber, and were discussing our options when you and your friends arrived. There was a creaking sound as the sharpened ends of her fingers curled into fists.

What was the Hunter talking about? Was this a romance thing? What kind of romance thing could she possibly want to discuss reforming with the Temple guardians?

Neither Definitely Bad Guy nor Sencha Bard seemed surprised at what the giant arachnid was saying.

We require the Wood Warrior, the Dryad Queen, having gotten too close to Qube for comfort, rudely broke into their private conversation. We need him to determine what course justice will take.

Justice is blind, the Chosen One mumbled from where his face was pressed against the floor. Just like me. Im justice. Someone give me some scales and a sword.

Enough is enough! Qube said, startling herself at how stern she sounded. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, can you carry the Chosen One? Were taking him back to the other room. She would have demanded the Hunter bring him to the Save Point, but there wasnt a safe way to make him interact with it while in contact with a party member.

Nah, s fine, the Chosen One nearly whispered. I can do it. Just gotta get a few more hours, then Ill rest.

No, youre done here, Qube flatly denied the Chosen One. Pick him up, she ordered the largest party member.

You cant ignore me, the Hero said unhappily as Sexy Screamy Spider Briar shrugged and gently lifted him.

Sorry, love, but you cant expect me to turn down our cute Healers orders, can you? the Hunter said, making small cooing sounds as she settled the armour-clad Fighter in her four arms.

M okay. M the Chosen One, the Chosen One muttered as his face was eaten by Sexy Screamy Spider Briars thorax.

And Im your Healer, Qube snapped. And I say were leaving until you recover.

As the party turned to leave, the guardians started to follow the nearly-fainted Hero. Qube stopped, motioning for Sexy Screamy Spider Briar to continue carrying the Chosen One to safety as she turned to face the group of guardians.

Were just going to go let the Chosen One regather some strength, she said, giving the group her best Understanding Smile. Such mana-rich presence is a bit much for him. So Ill need you all to stay here until hes ready to talk to you all again.

Once again, you overstep, little Healer, the Dryad Queen whispered through razor-sharp teeth.

This thing dares tell us where we can and cannot go? The griffins beak was agape with shock.

We protest, you act against his wishes, the Mermaid Princess said.

Ssso rude, the King Salamander hissed.

Filthy creature! We rule over the harshest lands in the world, do you think you can order us what to do? The Akela was nearly trembling with outrage.

Qube drew herself up to her full height. Definitely Bad Guy and Sencha Bard stood behind her, while Squiggles raised herself on her tentacles.

Yes, Qube replied simply. I am his Prophecy Approved Companion, his Healer, and his dearest friend. And I know you all want whats best for the kingdom, which is why I know youre going to listen to what I say. Thank you for your cooperation!

And, with one last blinding Understanding Smile, she turned and followed the Hunter and Hero in their strategic retreat.