Taking over the Abyss

68- Inescapable Fate and The Tragedeigh Of The Nameless Wanderer

There was definitely something wrong.

You'd called it a day shortly after the confusion about Scaramouche, thinking that your brain had just had it after the long day. In the morning, you were still unable to recall why you wanted to meet Scaramouche. Had you just been worried about meeting him for the first time in the future? You sighed, shaking your head for the umpteenth time, trying and failing to get those same thoughts out of your head.

Earlier in the morning, when Idunn and Ithunn were assisting you in your morning routine, you'd asked the two of them if they knew anything about Scaramouche. They'd both responded that they didn't know who you were talking about. Both Osial and Segrimr had said the same thing. You could clearly picture him in your mind, just from the memory of seeing him in the old time limited event, but there wasn't anything after that.

A low chirp caught your attention, one of the two Coral Defenders sensing your distress and nuzzling your side. You managed a smile, petting the vishap's head. The smooth purple scales felt cool against your hand, the vishap letting out a coo before settling her oversized head on your lap. Your smile widened as you resumed petting her.

"Trying to cheer me up, are you?" You asked in a soft, teasing tone of voice. The fearsome Coral Defender's response came in the form of a long exhale, her large body curling up. You'd have to think of a suitable name for her and her brother. Maybe you'd ask for Astrilde's help later on. Having gotten to so used to how cute vishaps were, it amazed you to think that they were seen as monsters. A loud rumbling purr came from the vishap's throat as a result of your petting, one of her hind legs kicking softly as you gently scritched behind one of her fins. "You're sweet."

Loud splashing came from behind you, a cursory glance over your shoulder revealing the second Coral Defender. Noticing you were staring at him, the second vishap let out a short growl of acknowledgement and shook the remaining water off. Trotting closer to you, the brother sniffed at his sister, then over at you. The vishap's snout nudged the side of your face, demanding the same attention. With your free hand, you reached out to scratch underneath his chin, rewarded with yet another purring oversized lizard. The soothing noise proved to be effective, helping you to relax- maybe a little too much as you started to doze off.

"Hey, I did some thinking and- !" Osial's voice woke you from your potential nap, drawing the attention of both vishaps as they gave a cautious growl. Osial, momentarily surprised by the two giant reptiles, stopped in his tracks. You were more preoccupied with what he said. Osial thinking either meant he'd come up with something genius, or something closer to the opposite end.

"What'd you think of?" You asked, hoping he'd had one of his moments of pure intellect.

"Why not ask the young wisdom god? Since you're friends and all," Osial said, setting his hands on his hips. He seemed proud of himself, while you stared at him wordlessly. Your blank stare must have put Osial off, as he frowned and leaned forward, "... hey, are you alright? Did your soul slide out your ears?"

"You're a genius," you told him bluntly.

Osial smirked, flattered by the compliment. He set his hands on his hips proudly, "Of course! I'm one of the oldest gods in this world, of course I'm as wise as I am old."

"You're setting yourself up for being called a grandpa, y'know," you commented, resisting the urge to roll your eyes playfully. A large snout bumped against your side with enough force to nearly topple you over, courtesy of an attention-starved Coral Defender. Smiling, you went back to lavishing your vishap companions with affection and pets.

-

Your sudden appearance outside of the Akademiya caused some poor student to jump in fright. Flashing an apologetic smile, you moved with haste towards the Sanctuary of Surasthana. Segrimr and Leiptr trailed behind you, warding off any who would dare approach while you were here on serious business. Knowing who you were, the two guards stationed in front letting you pass without question.