"Q! Q! C'mon man, we ain't got the time!" The words echoed through Q's head, but he was just too tired to be bothered. Rolling over to face the wall he covered his head up some more. His cherryappa themed comforter blocked out the light. Whoever was trying to get him up remained persistent, snatching the covers away from him. He immediately sat up facing the wall waving his hands in front of him, yelling.
"Don't take advantage of my innocence!" His silver hair bounced sporadically as he thrashed about trying to get away from his assumed assailant. While retreating from the wall, he fell backwards over the bed. Now laying on his back with his legs still on the bed he peered up at the figure that came into his room. The man hovering over Q could only be described as nothing short of gorgeous. His bronze skin glistened in the sunlight. Eyes like amber, built to preserve his innocence. His muscles chiseled to perfection putting the portrayal of the great heroes to shame. His hair twisted together into tightly bound tendrils with his family crest holding it together. His most notable feature was his infectious smile.
In comparison, Q's frame seemed tiny even with all the lean muscle covering his body. His pale skin often made people worry that he was sickly. With messier hair, he generally slicked it back but it wasn't nearly as long as the man standing above him. Laughing at Q the man bent down to get closer to his face before he spoke.
"Bro, you are the least innocent person I know. Get up dummy. We gotta go say bye to Emma."
"Yeah, yeah. I forgot about that Ganon."
"You've been awfully forgetful lately. Know that?"
"Mmmmm."
Yawning, Q rubbed his eyes. His neck was starting to hurt from the position he was lying in. Ganon lowered his hand offering to help Q up.
"It's not like you've ever been punctual or reliable when time is of the essence."
"Hey, that's not nice."
"Well, I mean…"
Ganon picked Q up with his left hand; standing him up with ease. Then he walked over to Q's dresser grabbing some clothes out of each drawer. He picked out a black t-shirt with some graphic font reading "The Fool's Errand" and a pair of dark blue bottoms similar to jeans. Q didn't bother trying to catch them as Ganon threw them at his face. Ganon turned towards the door raising his left hand to wave Q along.
"At any rate, c'mon, get dressed and meet me downstairs."
The jeans slid off Q's face as his eyes started to open revealing his crimson gaze. He stood there only covered by his night bottoms. Even though he was slender you could tell he was physically apt. Well defined muscles covered his entire body. Now that he was fully awake, taking advantage of the situation was the only thing on his mind. Oh, this will be good. His shit eating grin came in full force as he leapt at Ganon. Bear hugging his legs, Q mockingly cried as loudly as possible.
"How could you? Aren't you ashamed of yourself for taking advantage of an innocent man such as myself? Now you have the balls to tell me you're leaving?"
Ganon was already quite accustomed to Q's fuckery. With a simple wave of his hand he dismissed the entire conversation. Months ago I would have been embarrassed and gone rounds with this idiot. Blushing he reminisced about the good times he had with Q as he continued walking to the door. Q jokingly scolded Ganon.
"So cold. Imagine ignoring your late night lover's pleas. It couldn't be me!"
Ganon turned around, an evil glint in his eyes. He raised both hands moving his fingers in a creepy fashion. He started walking slowly to Q while lowering his voice.
"You're right bro, how could I ignore your gross creepy pale body? Even though you say some of the weirdest things, you're definitely my type."
Q, taken aback, didn't think Ganon would actually play along. Now he tried to scurry backwards but the bed was blocking his way. Q smashed his head into the footboard. Mockingly, Q looked away trying to act as goofy as possible.
"Oh no! A dashing young man is going to take advantage of my innocence!" Ganon took the opportunity to leap onto Q putting him in a headlock. Fortunately for Q his smaller frame allowed him to slip out from the mighty Ganon's grasp. Ganon tried to get a full mount but Q put him in a guillotine instead. Muscling his way out, Ganon picked up Q then slammed him back down on the ground. They went back and forth for several minutes until Ganon finally wore Q down. Putting him in a light armbar, Q tapped out early. After a quick fist bump between the two, Q sat up and asked Ganon about their plans.
"Why do I need to say bye to Emma? I could have sworn she was coming with us. Didn't we take on this quest so we could all visit her hometown? She said, 'One day I'll take you two idiots to my hometown!' I was pretty sure she wanted to settle who has the best mabear steak debate there."
Q scratched the back of his head trying to think of a reason why his strongest party member would bail. She may be the Headguard but bailing on us last minute like that is not like her. Maybe she got an urgent order from Lord Ignis or something. Ganon got up so fast it spooked Q.
"Don't get me started on mabear steak so early in the mornin' now!" shouted Ganon. Q was absolutely going to get Ganon started on mabear steak. No matter how many times I see him go nuts over this, it never gets old. He may be super reliable but he's definitely still a child at heart. Q started singing gleefully to the tune of Idol Lyra's pop song.
"Ooooooh, mabear, mabear my darlin'! Come this way. I've been starvin'!" Ganon joined in extending a hand to Q pulling him off the floor. They wrapped an arm around each other belting the chorus in unison.
"Mabear, mabear my darlin'! Come this way. I've been starvin'! Mabear, mabear my darlin'! Come this way. I've been staaaarrrvinnnnnnnnn'!"
As the boys were gleefully finishing their duo act the door burst open. "What are you two asshats doing so early in the morning? Some of the patrons are still trying to sleep. You're going to wake them all up!"
Standing there hugging the door frame was a half elf wearing a The Fool's Errand uniform. The long green sleeves ran past her wrists. The black lines of the uniform contoured her body tightly. She had long pink hair that covered her left eye. It's no secret that her beauty is often the talk of the town. Her face was red from scolding the two adventurers. Q smiled at her and motioned at her to come in.
"Oh Eulissa! I'm sure my favourite vertically challenged sweet pea has that covered already. Also, I'm proud of you for using 'asshat' correctly."
Eulissa's face was redder than ever. She stomped the ground as if to break the boards beneath her. "How could you? I am not vertically challenged! I simply haven't hit my growth spurt yet! And your idiotic words have rubbed off on me! This is why I've been telling you to move out already! Stupidstupidstupid!"
"Ah, maybe that is the case, but haven't you already had your 80th birthday? Last time I checked when your brother turned 74, he was full grown. Also, you would kick out poor little ole me?"
Q playfully scratched the back of his head pretending to be lost in thought. He looked at her with puppy dog eyes. This made Eulissa completely flustered so she turned around in an attempt to hide it. Stuttering, she shot back half heartedly.
"Euron is my half-brother first off, and h-he is a giant meat headed idiot. All he does is stuff his face! So of course he was going to be massive! If you don't clean up your act, I'll send you to an orphanage like the child you are.
Ganon perked up, but before he could say anything Q melted into the floor. Attempting to apologize, Q whimpered. "I'm sorry, please don't kick me out! You guys have done a lot for me so I promise to behave for the next couple of hours…" Eulissa turned back to Q raising her finger at him, she looked like she was about to say something. However before she could, Q changed the subject."...That aside Eulissa, no amount of mabear steak could make someone be 203 cm tall. I mean look at Ganon, he's exactly 185 cm tall and this dude can probably eat my entire body weight. Your brother is just a unit."
Ganon, finally getting annoyed, walked straight over to Eulissa. He put both hands on his hips as he brought his face level with hers. Personal space wasn't exactly a forte for him but pretty much everyone around him accepted that. "Listen Euly, you're far too pretty to be talking like this idiot over here!"
Q's face held a look of betrayal as Ganon continued speaking. "Not only that, but you know my bro is too childish and greedy to ever leave here. You'd have to actually start chargin' him rent like I've been saying for months now!
Childish and greedy too? This must be how Culius Jaesar felt when he got stabbed by his best mate Prutus, Q thought to himself. What really distracted him from the insults however was Eulissa's face. Eulissa started sweating and awkwardly grabbing her arm. Shifting her eyes from side to side to avoid the burning gaze of Ganon. She whispered softly as she backed up a bit.
"T-too close…" Ganon now realizing the obvious size difference between him and Eulissa quickly took a few steps back. Feeling bad, he apologized.
"I'm really sorry about that, Euly. I didn't mean to frighten ya. Sometimes I forget people around these parts need more space."
Eulissa, now blushing, shook her head quickly tossing her hair from side to side. Q couldn't help but notice both of them were avoiding eye contact. This wasn't the first time these two generated sparks of possible romance. As the gears in his head began to whir he thought to himself. They really would be a cute couple. Plus they are already constantly together as it is. I wonder what's holding them back. Q's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Eulissa as she spoke.
"I-it's fine. That isn't a problem. I need to go back downstairs to take care of the patrons now. I'll take my leave."
Ganon appeared to want to say something but hesitated. As Eulissa started walking away, Q took the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, or in this case bring them together while he did what he needed to do.
"Eulissa, will you take Ganon with you? I have to finish getting ready but I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping you get caught up."
"O-of course. But could you do me a favour Q?"
"What's that?"
"Put some clothes on ya exhibitionist."
"I'M NOT AN… Ya know what? Ok.".
Flustered, Q started putting his pants on. Eulissa nodded happily and started to walk to the stairway leading down to the main pub area. Q gave Ganon a thumbs up as he happily followed Eulissa out of the room. Uh huh. And I'm supposed to be the idiot. Q chuckled a bit as he stretched. Well then, now that they are gone I suppose I should relax for a minute.
Q sat down on the wooden floors and crossed his legs. Longing for his bed he quickly surveyed his room. Bed, desk, chair, dresser and secret corner. Yep everything checks out! He was well aware that it wouldn't be too long before Ganon realized what happened. Once he did, he'd probably come back to drag Q out of his room. Right now however, all he could focus on was the dream he had from the night before. He fiddled with his shirt as he wandered in his thoughts alone.
What the hell even happened? How did I wind up on that cliff? Why was I seperated from the group? It felt too real to be just a dream. I still have yet to meet this Lord Ignis. I know he cares greatly for his people, but why would I become a target of his wrath? Too many questions were swirling in his mind. Even if he were to dwell on the endless possibilities, he knew too much would be left unanswered. He figured moving forward cautiously would make the most sense as he didn't know for sure if these events were even written in stone. Writing it off as just a really detailed shitty dream Q stood back up.
Well, I better not keep Ganon waiting. If anything he might praise me for going to him first. Maybe he'll even hug me with those giant muscles. Wait... no, that's not what I want.
Q shook his head, got up and headed to join the others for brunch. I know I was into women in my last life. Then again, I probably would have been gay for Bryan Breynolds so who knows? Then again, that was kind of a running joke with all dudes. Seriously though, Ganon must be this world's version of that. Q finally stood back up putting his shirt on.
After he finished getting ready he took the onyx steps to rejoin Ganon downstairs. On each wall next to him were various accolades the place had earned. As he reached the ground floor he looked on as many adventurer types enjoyed their meals. Busyish as usual. Q mused. His eyes scanned the bar in hopes his favourite seat would be free. Thank goodness. He had to pass the long side of the bar before turning left to reach his destination. Various spices and dishes were neatly stacked on the counter. Behind his favourite seat he noted the job board had new postings and some familiar faces were seeing if it was the right fit for them. Early bird I suppose. The sound of the mahogany floors under his feet brought inner calm to him as he reached his chair. Happy, he sat down and placed his order with Eulissa. Q called out to Euron asking for some extra seasonings. Euron is Eulissa's half brother and the cook of The Fool's Errand. When standing next to one another you could tell they were related. Their gorgeous pink hair was unique and their faces were divine. Unlike Eulissa, Euron was stacked. His height was more in line with Ganon's. Eulissa dropped Q's plate in front of him grinning happily. Damn they really deserve every bit of business they get. The fattest juiciest steak he had ever seen stared at him. It was garnished with local spices and had an assortment of vegetables layered around it. He quickly thanked the siblings before demolishing the meal before him. A little bit of time passed as he finished up his meal. As Q dropped 12 Posch onto the counter to pay for his meal he noticed someone he had never seen before. The newcomer was standing near The Fool's Errand service board. Q, the ever vigilant businessmen, knew this was a chance to form a new partnership. The more adventurers that will use my services the better for my end goal. Eager for a chance to make a good first impression, he approached the stranger.
"I don't think I've seen you around here before ma'am. What brings you to The Fool's…" Turning away from Q the stranger spoke softly, "Leave me alone Quincy."
Q was shocked. This person knew his given name. His stomach tied in knots as his anxiety grew. Why does this feel so familiar? Who is this? His hand shook as it stretched out to the stranger's shoulder. He grabbed their shoulder attempting to turn them, but instead was on the receiving end of a hip toss. Looking up he saw a soft angelic face. Her eyes were kind; the violet coloration suited her. Strands of blue hair covered her face. She's beautiful, Q thought to himself, forgetting for a moment what just happened. She looked down at him, locking her eyes with his. The stranger's voice was peculiar as she spoke. Equal parts sweet and frigid. Her words came at Q from within the hood like a whip.
"I'm sorry Quincy, you must distance yourself from me if you want to live."
Stunned Q was unable to make a witty comeback or even utter a word. The pub was starting to take note of the drama between them. He began to feel a rush of emotions as he began to get glimpses of memories he thought he had forgotten. He saw bodies piled in a field. A strange beast flying around him. His hand holding hers. A set of wings set ablaze. The images went through his mind at a breakneck pace. His voice shook as he addressed her.
"Who are you? How did you know my name? I know you… right?"
She lowered her head, thinking for a moment. The entirety of The Fool's Errand fell silent. Ganon began to walk over to Q but Eulissa stopped him short as she reminded him. "Don't forget Q showed up many months ago bloodied and broken without a single memory of how he got here. This might be his only chance to regain something of his former self."
Ganon nodded in understanding. He too wanted to help Q regain his memories. Sitting down at the bar he watched as the stranger put her hands in her green hoodie. It was an odd piece of clothing with its pink trim. The strangest thing about her outfit were her thigh highs. They were a bright pink with a bunch of black cat faces printed all over it. His attention snapped back to her face as she began to speak softly.
"If I tell you my name will you promise to forget about me?"
Q, not fully understanding her request, didn't want to oblige. Clenching his fists he demanded her to answer.
"I'd rather not make a promise I can't keep. However, you know my name and I do not know yours. Chances are good I knew you before I woke up here in this pub with no memory. Common courtesy in this world would have you giving your name before you toss someone."
The stranger lowered her hood revealing her braided dark blue hair. Little cat earrings were pierced into both earlobes. Q's face naturally became hot. Why am I so attracted to her? The stranger spoke, but this time her angelic voice was at a normal volume.
"My name is Mikiyu-Mi, but my friends call me Miki. I was cursed with a burden and you died trying to protect me. That is all. This is farewell."
The moment she finished her sentence she vanished from sight. Q felt a rush of emotions as he began to remember small details from his past. He didn't know how or why but he felt the need to chase after her. She can 'slip' I don't know how I know, but she definitely can do something like teleporting. He started to run off but before he left he yelled back to Ganon, "Sorry bro, I'll be right back!"
Ganon simply nodded as he watched Q run out of The Fool's Errand. I'm pretty sure I've seen her before. Ganon thought to himself. Turning back around to the bar he ordered more food just in case Q returned with Mikiyu-Mi. The tavern became louder again as people went back to their business.
Q ran through the bustling shopping district. The giant lampposts had yet to be activated on account of the time. It always throws me off seeing technology from back home in such a medieval setting. A small guard and much larger guard waved with confused looks on their faces. Sorry guys next time. He thought as he waved back and sped passed. Finally he swung through the East Guard Station and noted security was light. The spotter tower was unmanned and no one was at the checkpoint. Even for Newhaven he thought that was strange. Finally he made it out through the East Gates. As per usual they were open for all to come and go as they please during the day. Their intricate runic woodwork was more than for show. If they ever did close on all four cardinal directions an antimagic personnel barrier would erect. It had served a major part during "The War of 10,000 Suns." His legs, acting on their own, brought him to the front of Newhaven's graveyard. Its stones were well kept and its garden was otherworldly. Standing in front of the gates was Mikiyu-Mi. Gasping for air Q got her attention.
"Mikiyu-Mi please! Don't run away! Watching you vanish made my chest tight. I felt like I was losing something important again! Please! Just tell me what you know!"
Mikiyu-Mi had a distraught look on her face as she turned to face Q again. She held her chest with both of her hands as she looked at him. Slowly she spoke to him but her voice was filled with pain.
"Quincy, before I tell you anything, I need you to know… You died because of me."
***
Keep in mind some of my formatting did not transfer from the original document to WebNovel. So it doesn't represent the final product.
Thank you for reading this chapter of my Light Novel "Alldust: Chronos!" you can find the full version for purchase on Amazon by searching its name or Eon Tempest. I will upload chapters of my work from time to time but I'd appreciate you supporting my work with a review! Thank you!