Memories (Of Dreams and Demons)

The Quest

I almost trip down the flight of stairs, but Naoko saves me. My smile meets her own as she places a hand on my arm to steady me.

Blowing me a proud kiss, her hair swishes by as she briskly descends. I turn to face the hole leading up to the Realm and ponder its future. I have a very important decision to make, and Cale's warning to not return still repeats in my head. Alia looks at me sideways and shrugs her shoulders.

"It's up to you," she purrs.

I follow Naoko to the base of the stairs, careful not to lose my footing again. The moment her feet touch the soft grass her demeanour changes completely. Her squared shoulders slump as she breathes out a heavy sigh of relief. Shutting her eyes, it's almost as if she's suddenly holding back tears.

"Are you okay?" I ask. My hand reaches out, ready to save her in return.

She rushes into my arms, hugging me tightly. With her face buried into my chest, I can feel her shivering ever so slightly. I wrap my arms around her, taking her in completely, and for a long moment we stand there together silently. The only comfort is in one another's presence. Alia watches me quietly from a tuft of grass.

"That man scared me so much," Naoko says softly into my shirt, "do you think we can ever go back there?"

"I'm not sure," I reply, "what do you think would happen if he catches us?"

"An ending," she says, "a bad ending. I've seen him before."

"Before?" I rush out, "what? when?"

"I don't want to see him ever again," she cries.

"We don't have to," I say, "I want to forget the stairs until I am older."

She is silent for a very long moment, before saying, "me too."

And just as we decide, a terrible rumbling sound grows high above. The stalagmites start to shake, and large stones slide from the wall to crash down the stairs. Fearing the shadows have returned, I put myself between Naoko and the breaking pathway above.

"Get back," I shout, while debris falls around us.

As we steady ourselves I hear a high-pitched call for help. Vuitton dashes through the gap and tumbles down the stairs to bounce before us.

"I made it just in time!" He cheers victoriously.

Behind him an avalanche of stone crashes down to block the exit. Loose rocks roll freely, many lodging themselves down the stairs to make an ascent more unlikely. Even had we wanted to return, the way above to the Realm is now completely blocked off.

"You're trapped down here with us," I warn Vuitton, "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to be stuck!"

Vuitton closes his eyes in thought a moment before nodding with confidence.

"The party will understand," he says, "it's now my duty to scout ahead and guide you on your quest."

"Our quest?" I ask.

"Why, of course," he says, "your quest into adulthood!"

"That's my job!" Alia interrupts menacingly.

"Nay, princess," Vuitton soothes, "your job is to serve as an anchor for our lady."

"Wait," I interrupt, "what?"

Vuitton and Alia both freeze and turn to look at me. Their awkwardness shows as they remember I am still right here with them.

"Quiet," Naoko says gently, "look."