The Esper of Algol: Protector

Morgue

It was deathly quiet in the halls of the hospital. The dark corridors wanted to echo with their heartbeats as they walked.

"Be on your guard," Odin reminded them, "I bet it wouldn't hurt to have that jarred fire ready, either, Alis. The priests seemed to think it would help."

The spooky atmosphere was extenuated by a familiar feeling, an awareness that filled Noah with foreboding, but he couldn't place exactly what.

"Something terrible happened here," Myau concluded. "This place smells worse that that torture house in Abion."

As soon as Myau had said it, Noah realized what the foreboding was. The evil feeling he had gotten from the black material Dr Madd had used to capture Myau. It was not as strong, but it was spread all around the building, through the corridors, and crept into the rooms.

"That black stuff that Dr. Madd was using," he said aloud, "I feel it all over this place."

Myau claws tapped on the floor as he walked, his log fur puffing up making him look twice as big as himself. He let out a low growl, "So that same stuff is being on the Dezolians against their will?"

"I don't know," Noah admitted.

Two dots of light appeared down the black hallway and started moving closer to them. They prepared for a fight until they realized it was a living Dezolian, dressed in an orange tunic similar to the Gumbious wardrobe.

"Who are yoo?," the Dezolian asked. "Are yoo here to cause more mischief?"

"We're not here to make trouble," Odin told him. "You are one of the priests?"

The Dezolian stared at him. "I am... a nurse, as yoo say? I am caring for the ill here, indeed, yes."

"We were looking for some of those priest guys," Myau told him. "Supposed to tell the to go back to the temple."

The black eyes turned toward him. "Why are yoo wiz zees Palmans, Musk Cat? Are zey your servants?"

"No," Myau said cautiously. "They're my friends."

"Indeed?" the Dezolian – Noah didn't think for a second he was a nurse – gazed in surprise at each of them, lingering a little on Noah.

"Yes, 'indeed'," Alis said. Her eyes were narrowed. "Funny to see a nurse in priest's tunic, though."

"We're not here to hurt or deceive you," Noah said as the priest took a step back.

"We were sent by your fellows," Alis explained. She uncovered the small bell jar containing the Flame attached to her belt. "We are simply asking you to be honest."

A gentle flicker of the flame illuminated the Dezolian's face. His eyes closed, and he held his hands held out in front of him, as if he could feel the warmth of the tiny fire. He murmured something in Dezolian, then took a deep breath.

"I am, yes, ze priest from Gumbius," he finally said, opening his eyes. He turned to Odin, "Forgive my tales. We are not used to trusting Palmans."

"We understand," Odin bowed to him. "Would you mind telling us where the others are?"

"I do not believe zere are any left," the priest said in a soft voice.

"What about the Espers?" Noah inquired.

"Maybe," the Dezolian answered. "Ze Espars did not help us. No, zey could not..." He bowed his head and made the gesture again. When his prayer finished, he sighed. "I can go back. I will leave zis place." He addressed Alis, "I can take ze Eclipse Flame back for yoo," he offered.