DIVINE CHAMPIONS 3: THE RISE OF THE ELEMENTALIST

GETTING THROUGH RICK-WALLS

The octopus that rose from the sea, terrified Aitri, who screamed. This was a big one, and only seemed to grow bigger and bigger in size. This was some sort of magical pet Aegir had, because Aitri was to get her PhD in a biological science in four years and she knew very well how big octopuses are. This was a little too big. The creature put one of its limbs out. The suction cups constantly contracted and expanded. Aitri guessed that it was asking them to get on its limb. She jumped on the limb, and pulled Rick with her. Rick was highly worried if this was the right move, but Aitri had a feeling that it was. She had a feeling about this, a good one. 

As soon as they got up, the octopus grew even bigger. It stretched its limb out towards the west, and tossed them up. Aitri screamed in fear, she looked aside to see Rick stiffening his face, as if greeting death. However, they didn't fall. They were still going up, further and further from the sea, in between a mist that normally covers the air above the sea.

About ten minutes of going up, the two champions started to descend. Soon, the mist cleared away, and they could see sand. In a few seconds, both of them landed face first on the sand, by a sea. In front of them was a total fiasco. There were palm trees, beach couches, easy chairs, sunbath chairs, white curtains that covered the sunbath chairs, little houses that Aitri wasn't sure if they were loos or actually residences. The entire area was surrounded by white wooded fence. There were people inside, partying, dancing, singing, celebrating. Of course, Christmas was in three days. But where were they?

The place was cold, though the Sun was shining bright. They walked towards whatever was the party atmosphere. Rick was still in disbelief that they were still alive. "What is this place?" Aitri asked.

"Given this bravado in front of us, I think we are in London. This is the Fulham beach club. Let us talk to people, their accent will give away." Rick replied.

Rick found the gate to the club, and asked one of the workers, "This is Fulham, right?"

"Why ya asking, lad?" The guy replied by asking another question. 

"Just new here."

"O'ight. Yeah, this is Fulham." The guy replied, and left. Rick turned to Aitri and said, "We are in Britain alright. Now, to get to York."

The two of them walked out of the beach, trying to figure out where to go. Rick once again tried to make a call. Given his powerful contacts, Rick made calls all the time, to get help. However, today, he was doing it more than ever. Constantly looking into the phone, expecting a call. And then, when the call finally came, he nearly jumped, said, "Finally!", and picked it up. He talked about his status and ways they can get to York. This could only be one person.

"So you were waiting for your call from Maggie?" Aitri asked.

"Yeah, who else?" Rick replied.

"You looked so worried."

"I was not."

"Rick, you can talk to me. I know I am not Rishi, but I am all you have right now. You could tell me if something is eating you."

"Well, I guess that is true. I will, if you give me some time."

"You need time around me?" Aitri was surprised how difficult it was to get through to Rick, "We have known each other for five years now."

"Well, that is because these kinds of talks don't happen on the road. Meghna says that we can take trains to York, which is the shortest route, except for flights. We will reach there in two hours. So, we need to get to King's Cross."

"Ooh, platform nine and three quarters?"

Rick laughed, and said, "Unfortunately no. Let's see."