Bloom

30: The Fugitive's Escape Plan

It all makes sense to them now. That is, the truth behind their previous dream not being a dream at all. 

"You left me to be swallowed up by that annoying death god's whirlpool..."

All of the dreams they have had were lost pieces of their memory trying to be recovered. They knew then that they would have to come clean. They did in fact try to meddle with time. Both Tulip and Dante. They are unsure as to who was the mastermind, and it still remains a mystery as to why they tried to do so. However, before the damage turned permanent, an interruption struck them with erupting waves that chased after them, along with a death god hot on their trail. They explained all that they knew to Pepper, who listened with intent.

"That means, then, that more of your memory is out there."

At first they were surprised with Pepper's reaction, expecting a shaking head filled with disapproval. Rather, Pepper seemed determined to join. They said,

"We do not fully know both of your reasons. Though, coming from a hotheaded brute like Dante, I would not be surprised if he was the one who planned it."

They were aware that the goddess may now be more lax with her restrictions, but that wouldn't stop her from keeping an eye on them. Still, a threat remains larger than a punishment. Warning Mortelline that a foreseeable attack is threatened on her mansion would likely result in her spitting out denial. So they decided to come up with an alternative.

"Since Dante sees me as his target, I'll run away to divert his attention from here," Tulip said. "I know you have the ability to remove the barriers."

They saw Pepper's face grow embarrassed. They scratched the back of their head with a shameful grin. Then they returned their focus, the explanations would have to wait.

"This is for hers and your own safety."

"And yours," Tulip said without hesitation.

Pepper zipped shut, then stared down at their hands with a smile.

In the end, they both agreed this was the best option. At any point in time, the deity would return, which beckoned the wolves to sniff out the prey. Whatever Dante was planning, Tulip and Pepper wanted to be one step ahead.

----------

Word for word Pepper's voice plays out in their head.

"I will give you the signal... but please promise me, you'll run to the place I told you."

Over and over, as if they don't trust their memory, they try to picture the directions they gave them.

"Follow the gorge, and a few hundred feet up the stream there are distinct bird calls that sound like singing angels. Follow the bird's noises, and there should be a forest. Just walk straight through the forest, it may seem windy and like a maze, but that's the forest's illusion at play. At the end of the forest there is a field full of tall sunflowers. Hide in the third row, second to last sunflower on the right."

Something begins to bother them.

There's an itch on their neck. An itch that refuses to go away. So they decide to give up and scratch it. As soon as they scratch, their fingers are met with a sticky substance. Confused, they glaze over the area once more, and on their fingers is a liquid. This makes them look down at their reflection.

The cut on their neck is a glowing green colour. The wound is stitched up in a web pattern with the substance. They blink, rub their eyes. Blink again. Strange, I never told Pepper to apply anything on the wound. As they lean closer to the reflection while tracing a finger lightly over it, they start to recognize the feeling from before. In the garden, where all the flowers were at the entrance: Sap.

"Oh prisoner!"

Tulip flinches. They try to wipe away any of the stickiness from their hands onto the tunic.

Clack, clack, clack.

They hear Mortelline approaching the barrier. Tulip starts to panic. Their wound is quite obvious. What should I do? Their eyes lock onto the blanket fumbled over in front, barely peeking into the light. The footsteps are getting louder. Tulip reels the hefty blanket over and wraps it around them. The weight pressed onto the flower causes their back to throb. Tulip winces. They were so distracted from the plan they forgot about the flowers. To their surprise, though, there aren't any petals on the flower, and the leaves aren't a familiar shape from the book. They try to swallow the pain as the barriers disappear. Mortelline steps into the room.

"There you are," she says. "Oh, is this room cold?"

Tears are starting to form in the corner of their eyes. The pain is a knocking throb.

"Yeah," is all they can let out in response.

"Well, now, I suppose, then, you might need more blankets."

Tulip lifts their head. They can't believe what they are hearing. Is she... tricking me again, or does she actually feel bad? They study her stature. Her back is facing them.

"Well anyhow, that will have to wait," she waves a hand in the air. "Pepper told me you have experience in brewing tea."

Right on cue. 

"Yes," they say. Mortelline raises an intrigued eyebrow.

"Is that so..." she paces back and forth with one hand behind her back. "Well you're in luck, I am keen to find out. Tonight I will be serving a whole ballroom's worth of guests. I know just me and my child cannot make haste with time, therefore you will also be helping us."

Beads of sweat form on their temples. Wait... that was not according to plan. Still, they try to look believable with a nod. Mortelline presses her palms together while grinning wide.

"Fantastic! I shall lead the way, then."

Her heels hit the floor hard with every stride as she trots out. Tulip wipes the snot from their nose and throws the blanket off, which gives their back a breather. The pain continues to pester them, but they have no choice but to follow. Pain or not, this is a matter that is not of life or death.

It's of danger or safety.