Princess of Balbadd (Magi x Reader)

Clearing through Creatures

AN: So when I said in the comments that I had this next part mostly done, I meant the conclusion of the dungeon. Getting to the treasure room took more words than expected so I ended up splitting the chapter into two. Look forward to what's in store next time!

"We shall make beautiful music together."

~*~

Streams of gold swirl around you until you find yourself suspended alone in the air. A dark canvas littered with tiny dots like the night sky surrounds you. Only a giant sphere in the distance with bright lights shooting from it lets you gauge your position in this void of space as some supernatural force draws you nearer to it.

Dazed at the sight, you wonder if this is another world? Another dimension? It sucks you into a blacker darkness until you find yourself falling onto Masrur. You excuse yourself but he doesn't seem to mind. Getting your bearings, you find you are on a lone, dirt platform.

"Ah, we're all here; now we can proceed," Sinbad says confidently.

You look around to see him and Ja'far are also there.

You gasp, "Wait! How did all of you get here? Weren't you all behind me?"

Sinbad raises a finger matter-of-factly. "Time fluctuates differently within a dungeon. You may have entered first, but we've been waiting quite some time for you to drop in."

Wordlessly, Masrur picks you back up, bridal style this time. Sinbad and Ja'far each hold onto one of his arms like this is all standard procedure. The Fanalis jumps down into the darkness. It is a good minute or longer before hitting the ground, but Masrur's legs absorb the impact with no problem.

At the bottom, you are surrounded by the bright colors of a radiant garden. Your face lights up as you look all around at this botanical wonderland. The vegetation outside was enormous, but within these closed quarters the plants seem even bigger. The trunks might have been colossal out there, but in here you can walk up to a leaf twice your size! Even the sunflowers are as thick as trees!

You enthuse, "Wow! I've never seen anything like this!"

Ja'far warns, "Remember, we're not on vacation. There will be serious danger up ahead."

"But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy all this!" You rush around the area, taking everything in.

Sinbad places a calming hand on Ja'far's shoulder as he watches you explore. Despite being a seasoned veteran at this, seeing your excitement stirs the thrill of something new inside him.

Lifting up a leaf, you see a bale of small turtles. Reaching your hand out to stroke their heads, you exclaim, "How adorable!"

"Focus, (y/n). Don't let your guard down," cautions Sinbad as he looks over your shoulder.

"How adorable!" the turtle closest to you repeats then bites your finger. "How adorable!" chimes in another one. And another. Soon there is a whole chorus of them chanting.

"Ah that's so cute!" you chirp.

The phrase you said gets incorporated into their refrain. A few more latch onto you.

By now Ja'far had been investigating the room but turns to see your predicament. With concern, he says, "Careful, Princess (y/n)! They might try to eat you!"

"Don't worry, it doesn't hurt!" You lift one hand to show off how painless it is. "They're not even breaking the skin." You offer your other hand to those still in the nest so they can nibble it too. "Honestly, it feels like a massage."

"But even small dungeon creatures can be a nuisance when they team up," stresses Ja'far. He tugs one dangling from your hand, testing how tight its grip is.