The Unwilling Protagonist

Chapter 13: The Fool's Tale

Opening Theme:

"Are we ready?" The Mistress asked.

"It's ready." One of her clerics answered.

The Mistress nodded at Kara. Kara placed her hands on one of the bars and channeled her magic through it. Soon, the entire cell was crackling with lightning magic except for a single bench on the far side of the bars. The Mistress opened the box and quickly threw Fool's crystal heart into the cell without a care. Miriam, Kara, Y/N, and many other clerics were on standby should the cell fail to contain Fool.

There was a dark circle swirling in the crystal. Then, Fool's body suddenly erupted from it. Everyone around the cell started focusing their magic as Fool's shapeless form manically jumped around the cell, trying to avoid being electrocuted. He eventually found his way to the bench and sat on it, staring hatefully outside of his cell.

"Hello, Fool..." The Mistress said.

Fool said nothing. His eyes were darting around his surroundings before he found himself staring directly at Y/N.

The Mistress followed Fool's gaze and spoke to the crowd around her.

"Everyone, leave the room. It seems that our 'guest' wishes to speak with the Hero..." She said.

Everyone muttered their concerns, but they respected the Mistress's demands and left the room. Once it was just the two of them, Y/N opened his book as he stared at Fool.

0 Member of the Order of the Arcana: Fool

Lvl: 34

Strength: 25

Endurance: 38

Dexterity: 70

Talent: 88

"I'm going to assume you aren't going to read me a story, are you?" Fool asked.

Y/N said nothing.

"If you aren't going to tell me a story, how about I tell you one?" Fool offered.

"I'll pass..." Y/N replied, "Why did you want to speak to me?"

"I don't want to talk to you, I want to talk to him."

"Who?"

"Your 'inner demon', per se."

"I don't know who you're talking about."

"Geralt, you idiot." Fool said impatiently.

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise.

"You honestly think I couldn't sense him?" Fool continued, "Let me speak with him."

"Can you see him?" Y/N asked.

"Of course not; otherwise, I wouldn't be conversing with you..."

"Impulsive and childish as always..." Geralt was standing next to Y/N commenting on Fool's behavior. "He never changed...hold on, this might feel strange..."

What's going to feel strange? Y/N thought. His question was answered with a sudden tingling in his arm. It was a strange mixture between being tickled from the inside, and having something crawl under his skin. Soon, his right arm, shifted into blackfire, and started changing form until it took the shape of a head. Two red eyes and a mouth formed on it and stared at Fool.