Shore ( A Modern Fantasy Beach Action Adventure)

Let's Chat (Part 2)

     "Thank you, Void, for graciously letting us into your home, even though we sort of barged in," Arena says. "We actually came here with a purpose. We were hoping you could help us out with something."

     "Of course. Fire away," Void replies enthusiastically.

     Lahar sits down in her chair. She feels as if the chair will collapse at any moment, but even though she shifts as she tries to get comfortable, it stays intact. She fixes her skirt. "I'm sorry if this comes off rude, but there is something I am curious about. Is it really necessary for you to speak through our thoughts?"

     Void rubs the smooth surface where his mouth should be as he speaks. "Well, it's not like I have any other choice. I thought that was pretty obvious. I know it's strange, but it is really the only way I can communicate."

     Lahar understands as she stares at his face. She glances away, knowing she is just making it more obvious that she is staring.

     Arena clears his throat. "This might take some time, but we would like for you to be honest with us," Arena says.

     "Don't worry. I'm not running on borrowed time," Void says as his flames flicker.

     Arena is caught somewhat off guard by the statement but chooses to ignore it. "You see, you and I have made homes here," Arena says. "You below the fields in this cavern. My home is on the beach not that far from here. Yet Lahar didn't. She was brought here against her will."

     "It was sudden," Lahar says as she clutches her skirt. She sits on the chair, her body tense.

     Arena's arm drapes behind the chair. He's relaxed, except for his eyes. They are piercing through Void, cautious of him. Void, on the other hand, is completely calm. He slouches in his chair with his arms hanging to his sides, his gaze turning to whoever is speaking.

      His snow-colored flames gaze into her hazels as a soft chill falls on her skin. She continues to speak. "I can't remember how I got here. I...I woke up in my bed, but I wasn't in my apartment. I was surrounded by grass under a tree. I wandered around and ended up on a beach and found...well...him." She points at Arena.

      Arena speaks in a calm manner. "She told me her story, and I decided to help. It wasn't much of a hard choice after I heard her story." Arena leans forward and looks directly at Void. "Is it safe to assume you know about magic?"

      "Of course I do! I am a talking mannequin! You two are asking quite a few obvious questions."

     "Well then, you know about aura," Arena says. Void stays quiet as he leans lower in his chair. "I can refresh your memory. It is the magical equivalent of a fingerprint. When I first met Lahar, I knew whatever brought her here had to be magical. We both know that the place we call home isn't normal."

      Arena smiles as he speaks arrogantly. "So I did a spell that allowed me to extract the aura that brought her here. I worked on it for at least two days, so I know it is as accurate as it can be. The aura would bring me to its owner." Arena points to the ground. "That led us here"—Arena raises his finger so that it now points at Void—"and led us to you."

      "I feel like you want me to say that I am the one who brought her here."

     "Well, did you?" Lahar asks Void with a crack in her voice.

     "Of course I am. There is no reason to lie," Void replies bluntly.

     They are caught off guard by his forwardness. Lahar's eyebrows start to twitch.

     "So you are the one who kidnapped me? You're the one who brought me to who knows where?" she yells, hearing her voice echo in the cave. Her hands shake with anger as she runs one through her hair.

     As Void speaks, his arms flare around. He moves with his words, as if to emphasize them. "I wouldn't put it in those words. You make it sound so...what's the word? Deplorable. When you say it like that." Void starts to speak in a calm, rationalizing tone. "Why don't we put it as, I whisked you away to a new land as its new hero. You found this magical land's prince, the man sitting next to you. Now you both are on an adventure to find your way home."

     "Like a fairy tale?" Arena asks, confused.

      "Exactly!" Void says with excitement. "This is a fairy tale, and I am here to help you get home. I'm like the good witch." Void may lack a mouth, but if he were to smile, it would be at this moment.

      "So this is the part in the story where you help me, then. Right? You show us the way home, and we live happily ever after, right?" Lahar asks, filling with hope.

     "Of course. I brought you here so it would be no trouble at all to send you back. I did bring you here for a reason, though. It's something only you can do."

     "Of course. If there is anything we can do, we will help," she says, volunteering Arena with her.

     "Is this true, Arena? Will you help me, too?" Void asks as his flames flicker.

     Arena runs his hand through his hair as he stares into the flames. He taps his thighs while he contemplates for a moment.

      "Well, this is all happening really fast for me. Still, I promised Lahar I would get her home any way I can." He goes silent for a moment. "Fine. I'll help you out."

     "Thank you, Arena. This means a lot. I will find a way to pay you back, I promise," Lahar says.

     Void claps his hands together with joy. "This is great to hear. I'm overjoyed. Don't worry; I won't ask for anything hard. In fact, this will benefit us both, Arena, so there's a bonus incentive," Void says, bouncing in his chair. His actions are reminiscent of a child who has been told he can have any toy he wants in the store.

     "Oh, that's good to hear," Arena says. "So what will we have to do?"

     Void turns his gaze to Arena directly. The flames burn brighter as he speaks. "As I said, nothing is too difficult. I just need Lahar's help to get your heart."