–SOL?! – the barmaid shouted, looking at Clain.
–Yes, what is it? – Sol replied, raising one eyebrow.
Surprisingly, none of the visitors even turned around at the sudden exclamation of the owner of the establishment. This must have been her usual behavior.
–No, I mean... I haven't seen you for 13 years! What are you even doing here?! You were so young when I met your previous time, haha... – said the unknown woman in the Arai language.
–Um... Sol, who is this lady? – Marren asked.
–I'm afraid I don't have the slightest idea. Most likely, whoever she is, she met Sol from this universe, and not from the original, who is me... – Sol began, but the girl with goat horns interrupted him.
–Not true! It was exactly you, exactly in the original world! You accidentally opened a portal several thousand kilometers away, and ended up at the door of my hut... at least that's how your dad explained it. Well, you were 6 years old at the time, so naturally you don't remember...
–I seem to remember something like this... – Sol said in an uncertain voice, lowering his head.
–Then your dad came, picked you up, apologized for the inconvenience and immediately teleported back. Haha, you looked so funny back then!
–Let's talk about something else Shab-Ni... – Sol began to say while the others giggled, but the girl interrupted him again.
–Well, well, you yourself know that my name is Shubby now! I'm sure your father told you about how he met me! Oh, that was a wonderful battle!
–Firstly, Oliver Clain is not my father... secondly, it's hard to call this a battle. He took you down with one attack while you stood there in a daze.
–Didn't they teach you that when you talk to a girl, you should flatter her? – Shubby said, resting her head on her hands, with her elbows resting on the bar counter.
–Actually, you are not very similar to what Oliver described. I liked you a lot better when you were serious, like in the story of the old days, – Sol replied.
–Oh, well, you see, Necronomicon said that I had to be serious in order to pose a threat to Clains... – Stepping away from the counter, Shubby plunged into thought, looking to the side and putting a finger to her lower lip, – that's probably why I was like this then! But now I can finally be myself, – Grinning, Shubby crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against her back and the shelves that held bottles of wine, causing several of those bottles to fall and break on the floor.
–God, this woman will be such a headache... let's better look for another place to sleep, my friends, – Sol said, turning away and getting up from the stool.
–Hey-hey-hey, wait! I'll even give you rooms for free, just stay! You can't even imagine just how glad I am to see you! You can tell me what happened after my battle against Oliver, this story will be the price for an overnight stay! – the barmaid shouted after him, closing her eyes and waving her hands in front of her.
–Sol, let's not waste money. This will be beneficial for all of us, you know. Otherwise, you'll have to sign up for some side missions to earn money to say somewhere for the night, – Ludwig said, to which Marren and Martha nodded.
Sol took a deep breath and, closing his eyes, sat back down in his seat. Only now did the heroes realize that they had been speaking the Arai language for a long time and none of the visitors even batted an eye.
–Wait, so we can speak our language freely, and nothing will happen to us? – asked Marren.
–No, it's just that my tavern is... so let's say, special. Everyone who visits it is already under my spell, and perceives any language as their native one, – Shubby answered, lifting her nose and smiling.
–Um...then can you cast this spell on me too?...I'm the only one in the entire group who doesn't know the language of the Empire...
–Yes, of course... how are you, again?
–Marren von Bianerion.
–Well, since he introduced himself, I'm Martha, and this is Ludwig! – Martha said, smiling at the girl on the other side of the counter.
–I'm very pleased to meet you all! – Shubby leaned over the bar again. – Okay, I'll give you the keys now, go, go to bed. When are you going to leave?
–7 o'clock in the morning, – Sol said briefly.
–Okay, I got it! Well... good night then, dear guests!
~*~
Late night. According to Sol's internal clock, it's 4 am. He had no need to sleep, but he lay in bed with his eyes closed and his back to the wall. He was alone in the room – Shubby gave them 4 different rooms, one for each. Without opening his eyes, he suddenly said:
–How long are you going to sit here?
–Well, you were "sleeping" so funnily... I still remember how, even at our first meeting, you proudly declared that "Like my dad and mom, I don't need sleep, food and water! I'm above this!"... or something like that.
Shubby sat on a chair nearby, throwing her arms over the back of the chair and resting her chin on them. Shrugging his shoulders, he looked at Sol, who had already opened his eyes, who was looking at her clearly without any joy.
–Well, you promised... come on, tell me what happened after your dad sent me flying!
–Oliver is not my father. Remember this.
–And why is so? You were so proud to be Clain! And now you suddenly declare that they are not your parents... – the smile left Shubby's face.
–Quiet. Did you ask me to tell you what happened after your confrontation with Oliver and Sean? Well then, listen...
Sol told her everything that happened after Oliver fought Sean, to the point when Oliver and Cirael returned home after defeating Kayen and meeting Gerda herself. The story was not long – it only took an hour or two.
–Wait a second! What about Schrodinger, didn't they even bother visiting him? Oliver and Cirael could have enter his world! Moreover, Sean... did he just stay alive? What happened to his conversation with the Gehessikait? Yes, even my friend, Ktul, he would never stop trying to find a strong opponent... and you say that this is the end of their story?!
–Firstly, Shubby, or whatever your name is, I completely agree. It is a terrible book. How does anyone even read this?... oh yes, nobody reads this. Well, that's good. Secondly, if you shut up for a minute or two, I can tell you what happened next. Agreed? Agreed. Then I'll start a little later than where I left off. So, kh-khm... It was about noon. On the busy streets of the capital...
After that, he began to tell her everything about what he himself took part in. From the moment he left the Arai capital of this world, until he ended up in her tavern.
–So, okay, I understood what happened to Ktul and Sean... and whatever happened to Schrodinger – in general, it doesn't matter to me, although it's still not clear... but tell me, why don't you consider Oliver and Cirael your parents?!
Shubby leaned forward and the chair rocked. Together with Shubby herself, the chair began to fall towards Sol, but he grabbed the back and, throwing it back, put the chair back on its legs. Sighing, Sol stood up and, snapping his fingers, instantly changed from his night clothes to the formal ones he was traveling in. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he began to say:
–Well. There is nothing strange about this. I don't think you could consider those who raised you and then abandoned you to be your parents. You see, when I was 11 years old, a very worried Oliver came to me while I was practicing fencing in my room. From the next room I heard Cirael crying. Oliver, explaining something to me in a slurred voice, created a portal... and threw me right into it. On the other side there was a forest. I found myself there completely alone, with only my sword. I had to survive there until I was finally able to reach the gates of a huge city – the capital of Arai of this world. Immediately I was grabbed by the guards and taken to Oliver and Cirael of this world, who immediately recognized me as their missing son... one might say, these two were even kinder to me than those who were in the original universe. Now you understand? Oliver and Cirael, whom you call my parents, left me to die in some wilderness of an alternate universe.
–This... this is awf... wait, Sol... are you crying?
Looking at his interlocutor in surprise, Sol sharply wiped away a tear that was running down his cheek.
–No... no, Shubby. I don't care about them or what they did. Like I said, they are not my parents. I am a savior, a child of the divine, a perfect being... yes, that's right...
Shubby was about to argue or make a joke, but she realized that now the best thing to do would be to let Sol continue to think like that. If this is the way Clain chose to overcome his sadness and loss of direction, then she's not going to stop him. Shubby sat on the edge of the bed next to Sol and looked at him and said:
–Everything is fine. I would cry too if this happened to me and I remembered it... it's okay, you can cry on my shoulder, I'm sure it will make you feel better.
Sol, as if stung, jumped back and almost pressed himself into the wall to get away from Shubby. His cheeks were slightly red. Slightly.
–What the hell are you even talking about?!... ahem, I mean, no, thank you, I'm fine, – replied Clain, going away from the wall.
–Just kidding! Okay, there are about two hours left before your expected departure. I'll go get ready for your departure! – getting out of bed, Shubby left Sol's room, and the man himself began to check his things that were in his subspace storage.
The next morning, when Sol left his room, he leaned his back against the wall near the door to the same room and began to wait for the others. Soon the other heroes came out of their rooms, clearly not getting enough sleep. Martha, looking at Sol and making a sad expression on her face, said:
–What were you doing with the hostess of the establishment in your room all night?... you were so loud that the whole tavern probably heard you.
–I told her what she wanted. I remind you, she said that this story would be payment for our rooms, – Sol calmly explained.
–Yeah, of course... now it's clear what kind of "payment" she was talking about... you're a pervert like Ludwig, Sol! – Martha said and, taking a wooden stick from her storage, tried to hit Sol on the head, but he grabbed the club and stopped the blow.
–Hey, don't compare him to me! At least I have taste in women! – Ludwig said turning to Martha.
–It's strange, I thought that awkward girls with big curves were very much your type, Ludwig... – Martha said, snatching her baton from Sol's hands and putting it away in the pocket dimension.
–I have no idea what you're talking about, and it doesn't matter. It is time.
Turning around, the heroes went to the first floor. On the way, they all hung the keys to their rooms on hooks on the wall of the stairs. There was not a single customer in the tavern itself. Of course, it was early, but for there to be no one at all... it was strange, to say the least. The tavern owner was also nowhere to be seen. "Prepare for the worst," Sol said, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. When they came out, they saw that there was a sign on the tavern door: "closed." Life was in full swing on the street. The convertible that Sol parked next to the tavern stood undamaged... with one exception – Shubby was sitting in the front passenger seat and looked contentedly at the heroes.
–So, are we going now? – She said smiling at the four of them.
–Well, I told you to prepare for the worst... the worst has happened, – Sol said, removing his hand from the guard.
Walking up to the car, Sol sat in the driver's seat, and Martha walked to the door next to the seat where Shubby was.
–I'm sitting here, – she said.
–Well, you were sitting here because you were helping Sol with navigation... since I live in the Empire, I think it would be logical if I helped with navigation here, right? – Shubby tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes.
–Eh, whatever you say.
With that said, Martha sat in the back seat, which now left Marren sandwiched between her and Ludwig. Three clearly didn't fit there well.
–So, how did you end up here? – Sol asked, starting the engine.
–Well, you know that the original universe no longer exists? I don't know the reasons, but your... ahem, Oliver recently came to me personally and told me to move to another world. A couple of days after that, the original universe no longer existed, and I could not return. I opened my own tavern here and now I'm living here happily!
–And why did you decide to come with us then?...
–Well, because I got bored sitting in my tavern, obviously!
–It's... not at all obvious, – said Martha. – By the way, Miss Shubby, tell me... what did you do with Sol in his room yesterday?
–M? Well, we talked about past affairs, and then I sat closer to him and... – Shubby began to answer, but Martha interrupted her.
–That's it, thank you, no further need. My fears about you were confirmed, Clain...
–M?... ah, no, everything is not as you think! I helped him calm down when he...
–That's enough, Shubby. She still won't understand the obvious, – Sol said, clearly not wanting his companions to know that he had been crying.
Finally starting the car and releasing it from the handbrake, Sol drove away from the wall of the tavern and drove to the north of the city. Shubby, putting a finger to her chin and looking slightly upward, asked the heroes:
–Actually, it's strange... why didn't you try to dissuade me from going with you?
–Well, I'm glad that I'm not the only girl on the team now, – Martha said.
–Well, I'm glad that we now have one more beautiful girl on the team, – Ludwig said under Martha's reproachful gaze.
–Five are more fun! – Marren said joyfully.
–I don't really care, – Sol said, not looking away from the road.
–It's just, well, you all have personal motives... and I'm only going with you out of boredom. Not as beautiful, I guess? – Shubby said, pressing the index fingers of her hands together and puffing out her cheeks, looking down.
–Don't worry! Just try not to cause troubles, or better yet, help as much as possible, – Ludwig said, putting his hands behind his head and leaning back in his seat.
–Well, okay... Sol, here to the right! – Shubby said, abruptly grabbing the steering wheel and turning it to the right while Sol was still holding it.
This made Sol himself turn at her and bare his teeth. Their struggle over control of this card almost caused them to crash, but Clain was able to regain control in time and drove on along a narrow path where their convertible could barely fit.
–What the hell are you trying to pull... – Sol began shouting, but he suddenly stopped and switched to his usual calm tone, – ahem, I mean, what are you doing? We almost crashed because of you. Besides, judging by my knowledge, going straight is the shorter way...
–Yeah, it's shorter alright. But there is such a line of merchants every morning... you would have to either wait there until sunset or push everyone aside. But you don't want unnecessary problems for the locals, right?
The trio in the back seat immediately remembered that yesterday they killed everyone at the checkpoint and, having heard such words from Shubby, began to look in different directions.
–You don't want to, right?... – the girl repeated the question, in a more uncertain voice.
–Y-yes, of course! – Marren said in attempt to lift the awkwardness hanging in the air; the attempt was unsuccessful.
In such an atmosphere they drove on. On the advice of Shubby, as well as the insistence of Ludwig and Martha, Sol traveled so that they would not get close to any large settlement. Forests, plains, mountains and a variety of landscapes flew past the heroes. Their path was quiet and calm. Even, perhaps, surprisingly quiet and calm. They talked about this and that. It was mostly Shubby talking about her encounter with the original universe Oliver, heavily embellishing herself. When she finished her story, Marren asked perhaps the most important question:
–I kept thinking... The Empire sent its heroes too, right? You don't know anything about them, Shubby?
–Huh? Well, I know there are four of them, just like you. They must "return the Sphere of the Sun to where it should now be." Their names seemed to be announced on the radio... well, I remember for sure that they were led by Sir Mordred... – hearing this, Ludwig swallowed, – with them there is someone named Heathcliff... – now Martha began to look around, – also the leader of the Church of the God of Flesh, Notredame... – Marren pressed his masked head into his shoulders, – and someone else... for the life of me I don't remember who was fourth there... what's wrong with you guys?
After finishing her speech, Shubby turned around to see the people in the back seats shaking and shocked. Sol bared his teeth slightly, but then returned to his usual calm expression. He said:
–And the fourth is probably the same White Noise...
–Who knows, haha! – Shubby said and, stretching her arms up, leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.
–This... this is some kind of waking nightmare! – Martha said, holding her head.
–Haah... that means I'll meet that bastard again... – said Ludwig.
Shubby didn't listen to them. The wind, which blew on those sitting in the convertible in front, was blowing at her long red hair, which now blocked the entire view of the Ludwig plain. However, this did not last long – soon Shubby almost flew over the windshield. The car stopped abruptly, because the heroes' path was again blocked. But this time these were not some injured pseudo-knights... but full-fledged knights standing in formation, with the imperial flag behind them. In front of the detachment there were 2 people – one on a horse and in expensive armor, and the other, in light long clothes with a fur collar, standing on the ground. The bright blue hair of the second one flowed in the wind towards the heroes. Opening her eyes, Shubby immediately asked Sol:
–What exactly is going on?...
–You are asking me a question to which I myself would like to know the answer.
A knight in beautiful armor galloped up to the car. It seemed like it was the commander of this detachment. Through the visor of his helmet he said:
–Sol Clain and Marren von Byanerion! You are accused of mass murder and illegal border crossing! Also, Martha Narion and Ludwig de Penright III! You are accused of mass murder, illegal border crossing and treason! You all can give up and remain silent... or resist and die right here ra...
But he didn't have time to finish; there was already a hole in his head. Ludwig fired exactly one shot from the pistol summoned by Martha and silenced the knight forever. "Get ready for battle!" he shouted, jumping out of the car. The others, except Martha, followed his example and found themselves outside. Sol looked at Ludwig cautiously. Seeing their commander fall, the rest of the squad of knights, except for the man with blue hair, immediately carged into battle, spurring their horses.
–Leave it to me. – Shubby said and, clenching her fist, began to slightly rotate her right shoulder.
When the soldiers were close enough to the heroes, she slammed her right hand into the ground, creating a huge shock wave that turned the ground upside down for several kilometers ahead and buried all the opponents underground, including the one who was still not moving. Of course, from such shaking, the car flew into the air, but that's okay – just like last time, Sol will be able to get it down by using telekinesis...
Sol turned around sharply and, drawing his sword, jumped off the ground and in a moment found himself on the hood of a car, which was now high in the sky. It was not a stupid action – next to Martha, who was shaking with fear, in the back seat, sitting with his hands behind his head and his eyes closed, was a man with blue hair. A smile beamed from his face as Clain towered over him and Martha. The convertible spun in the air, but gravity didn't seem to matter to these three. Sol stood calmly and waited for the man with blue hair to attack him... but he didn't.
–You... – Sol said.
–I'm Heathcliff, nice to meet you, child of Clains!... ah, are you asking about something else?... yes, I know about your little unpleasant ability... so I won't attack you first! Well, if you don't mind, then I'll take the one who should be with me, – the unknown person answered, slightly bowing his head.
Taking the "look" of his closed eyes away from Sol, he looked at Martha, who was trembling with fear, and, gently taking her chin with his right hand, turned her head towards him. Barely moving due to fear, the girl slapped his hand, which is why he pulled it back and feigned sadness. However, it didn't matter. Heathcliff snapped his fingers and a spatial rift appeared under the falling car. This rift led to an unknown destination. "You'll be a good boy and not attack until I attack, right?" he asked Sol. Clain did not answer. Instead, in an instant he took Martha into his arms and was already on the ground. There he put her on her feet, although the girl could barely stand normally due to trembling. Heathcliff, realizing that his target had disappeared from under his nose, shrugged his shoulders and also jumped off the car. The car, to the dissatisfied exclamations of the heroes, fell into the portal.
When Heathcliff landed, the impact of the landing created a small crater under his feet. He bowed to the heroes, bending almost to the ground. Not allowing this possibility to pass, Ludwig, already holding 2 pistols in his hands, began to fire at him, but the shots went around him. Sol and Marren, when they saw Ludwig's attacks were ineffective, moved to be now around Heathcliff on both sides, and at the same moment Shubby, holding out the fingers of her left hand as a sign of "peace," appeared behind the blue-haired man. At the same time, the three struck. Sol with a sword, Marren with a knife, Shubby with a fist. However, when their attacks seemed to have achieved their goal, Heathcliff disappeared and appeared next to Martha.
–His goal is Martha! Don't let him... – Sol started to say.
But he couldn't finish his words. Something black flashed by, faster than even the eyes of the heroes, who calmly see the movement of photons, could catch. And this something took Sol with it, leaving only Martha, Marren, Ludwig and Shubby against Heathcliff. Several dozen astral copies of his "pistols" appeared above Ludwig, which immediately, together with those in his hands, opened fire on the common enemy. However, just like last time, the bullets went around him... hitting Martha in the process, causing a trickle of blood to run down her cheek. Ludwig immediately stopped firing and clicked his tongue.
–Oh, you was speaking so bravely and look at yourself now... I remember you said that you would meet me face to face yourself... and now that I'm here, you can't take a step away from my splendor... It's okay, I understand, love is like that, – Heathcliff said, spreading his arms and looking at the heroes from behind Martha's shoulders.
It was obvious that he was toying with the heroes. He probably could have crushed them now with a snap of his fingers, but he didn't. Whether this was a result of her perverted sense of beauty, or whether he was simply bored is a good question. Ludwig's shooting was useless, Marren's diseases would first infect Martha, and Martha herself could not move... then only Shubby remained.
–Get away from her, you freak!
But no matter how fast she moved, her fist went through the air, because Heathcliff, shrugging his shoulders, stepped aside and avoided the blow, as well as the next, and the next, and the next, and the next... an absurdly long series of blows went into nowhere. At the same time, with each dodge, Heathcliff also took a new pose, mocking the heroes even more. However, it was fine. Now that he was far to the side, Shubby glanced at Marren and jumped to the side – as she thought, boy in the plague doctor mask had already directed the flow of all possible diseases towards Heathcliff.
But even here they were met with failure – black paint poured out from under Heathcliff's sleeve and created a brush in his hand. A few strokes of this brush – and in front of him a shape resembling a square hung in the air. The others didn't see it, but Marren felt it created a barrier that stopped his illnesses.
–Oh, didn't they tell you that sick people need to wear masks?... oh, right... anyway, girls, I understand that you don't want to give me the one who so wants to be with me. Being jealous is also bad, and therefore I will destroy you. Is it fine with you? – he said.
With a circular movement of the brush, he drew a circle in the air, from which, resembling a huge laser, a beam of energy immediately came out, which was supposed to destroy everyone standing in front of him... including Martha. It is unknown whether she was the reason, or whether he would have appeared anyway, but when the heroes had already covered their eyes with their hands, they heard a voice that definitely addressed Heathcliff.
–Hands off my sister.
Standing with his back to Heathcliff, in front of the heroes stood a somewhat short man with facial features vaguely reminiscent of Martha. In his right hand he held an Asian scarlet paper umbrella, which was thrown over his shoulder and was opened. It was this umbrella that stopped the terrifyingly powerful magic ray. On the inside of the umbrella one could see some kind of black space and huge red eyes looking out of it. Short hair of light coral color was blowing in the wind, as did robe-like clothes of the same color, because the magical energy released by Heathcliff created strong gusts of wind. Judging by the expression on his face, the unknown person was very tired... but he simply didn't care about anything. This was not like Sol's calmness, because with all his appearance the stranger showed that he did not want to be here.
–B... brother Aren?! – Martha said, finally throwing off the shackles of fear and turning around.
–You're too good at getting yourself into trouble, aren't you, sister? – Aren said, keeping his red eyes half closed.
–N-no, this... this cretin has been stalking me for 15 years and...
–I know. I... unintentionally overheard your conversation with Clain.
Meanwhile, the beam of energy dried up and Heathcliff saw the clothes and umbrella that were already familiar to him. The smile left his face for a second, but he soon grinned again. Aren turned towards Heathcliff without folding his umbrella. The blue haired man pointed at Aren and laughed lightly.
–Um, the Lord of Nightmares has come to protect his little sister? But why? My love for her is mutual – you saw it yourself, she doesn't resist... and you are sitting in apathy in your world, so why did you come out now? You should've stayed there and everything would have been fine, but... – he began to speak, but Aren interrupted his words.
–No. You won't fight me. At least because I'm stronger than you. Now go away. Don't come close to my sister again, otherwise next time I will eradicate you, – Aren said.
–Oh, you see right through me! Well, Team R is blasting off again!... but it's okay, my dear Martha, we'll see you again. I will be glad to meet you, heroes, in our full group! Good luck now!
Having said this and putting his hands behind his head, Heathcliff leaned back and fell with his back on the ground, passing through it as if into a surface of water. Aren turned back to the heroes and looked at them, after which he turned his gaze to Marta.
–So? Which one of them are you going to marry? – Aren asked her.
–Eh?... – Martha shuddered and waved her hands in front of her. – No, no, brother, it's the thing of the past!
–Yeah of course. I doubt that you have already overcome the bad habit of falling in love with everyone... let me guess, it was also the way you also picked up this freak, Heathcliff, right?
–Y-yes, that's why it's in the past and!...
While Aren and Marta were arguing about something very strange, the other three were staring at them without understanding anything. Finally, Aren fixed his gaze on Marren, who immediately caught it and grabbed the knife more tightly.
–So, this time it's him?... Well, you have tastes, sister... – Aren said with a sigh.
–Oh, shut up, you depressed whiner! – Martha said, covering her red face with her hands.
–It doesn't matter... – Aren sighed again and now turned to the other heroes. – I'm sorry that my sister and her... quirks caused you problems, but I'm glad that you were able to ensure her safety. And now, I guess I'll go on swimming in my sorro...
–No, wait! – said Ludwig. – Are you sure you don't want to help us? Well, you can make sure your sister is safe if you go with us and all...
ؘ–I am unable to. I am the ruler of the world of nightmares, – Aren answered.
–The world of nightmares?... – asked Shubby.
–This is a separate universe where all the bad thoughts of everyone who lives exist as a fact. I created this world like...
–Like withdrawing into oneself and leaving me alone, absolutely true! – Martha interrupted him.
–You could say so, sadly. Since at the moment of creation I was immersed in sadness, this world has such a sad appearance. And honestly, it doesn't matter to me. Anyway, if I am absent from it for too long, it will disappear, and all the negativity accumulated in it will seep into the minds of living beings. And therefore, I'm leaving. It was nice to meet you, friends of Martha.
Before anyone could stop him, tentacles like that of an octopus appeared from the inside of the umbrella. They formed a seat on which Aren sat down and let go of the umbrella, which was now hanging in the air. A makeshift seat lifted Aren inside the umbrella, where there was likely a portal to his world. After that, the umbrella itself was warped into itself, leaving no sign that Aren was there. Immediately the heroes heard the rustling of grass and footsteps behind them.
~*~
Although Sol held back the black energy that was pressing on him with his sword, this energy still moved him, taking him far from the others. Judging by Sol's calculations, the plain they were on earlier had an area of several tens of square kilometers. Despite this, in less than a second this strange force carried him far beyond the boundaries of the clearing. Now he was surrounded by rock, and sitting on one of the rising stones was someone Sol knew only from Sean's story told by Oliver – a 12-year-old boy who wore fairly normal everyday clothes.
–Ha, here you are, son of the Clains! I am...
–You are Gehessikait, the Uncreature of Hate. I know it, but thank you for attempting to introduce yourself, – Sol interrupted him.
–S-shut up! I'm the one in charge here at this point, got it? After all, I dragged you here, so you will listen to me and...
–I am ready to fight you and prove that you are not in charge at any moment. But now this is not what's important. You're the reason Oliver from the original universe got a second chance at life, right? – Sol interrupted him again.
–Well, in general, it was more Gerda's doing... but overall, yeah, you can say that it was I who resurrected him. What a sight it was when he tore his father apart, ahaha!...
–Well, if you are the reason for his existence, then I will be glad to trash talk you. However, I want to do this right, so answer... what are your pronouns? After all, you are the living embodiment of the concept, so I'm not sure if you're a "he/him", – Clain said, looking calmly at Gehessikait.
–My pronouns? Ha! My pronouns are "f*ck you"! How do you like these pronouns, huh?! – replied Uncreature of Hate and laughed.
–No, you cannot say such words.
–Yeah! I can brutally kill, tear apart, torture... but I cannot speak swear words. That's pretty f*cked up, don't you think so?
–That's why I prefer not to kill, but simply to erase opponents from reality. This way I can win without causing a massacre, so as not to spoil the PG, – Sol said, pointing to his sword.
–You know what?... F*ck you! – answered Gehessikait, who clearly did not like Sol's words.
–Those are your pronouns, I know, – Sol said, taking great effort not to laugh.
–Oh, shut up! Forget what I said. Look at how I look and you will understand what my pronouns are.
–So, in the end, you are a "he." Well, good, it will be easier this way. So, why did you lead me here?
–"Lead"?... I brought you here, Sol! dragged you in while you were helplessly defending...
–Lead. Answer the question. Or will we solve everything with a dance of blades? – Sol pointed his sword at Gehessikait.
–Ph...you know, son of the Clains, I like your narcissism. And besides... I'm in no hurry to die. In any other situation, I would attack, because even if my body is destroyed and my soul erased from reality, as long as the emotion of hatred exists, I will return... but you, you can kill me for good. So even though I'm stronger than you... I won't take any chances. You are the son of the main character, you can pull off the most dumb Deus Ex Machina's possible.
–If you know about my "narcissism", then you should also know that Oliver is not my father.
–Not your daddy, huh? Ha, then how do you explain you being a Mary Sue other than being the son of another Mary Sue?
–Obviously, I will explain this by the fact that I am a child of divine beings.
–What a cretin you are! Okay, I don't care what you think of youself. I brought... led you here because I want to give you a warning: soon you will have to accept the truth... only then will you be able to unleash your true potential as a perfect child of hatred! – Gehessikait said.
–Why do you care about my potential? – Sol asked a reasonable question.
–Because, as I already said, I'm in no hurry to die. And this world, just like the entire multiverse, will have to be saved by you. So believe me, it is in my interests to create all the conditions for your Deus Ex Machina evolution.
–Why do you insist that simple development of skill is a "Deus Ex Machina"?
–It's quite simple. You are, of course, a pretty smart guy, but there is something you simply don't know. Well, you don't know a lot of things, but I'm no omniscient either, so I'll share something that I know for sure. The main characters, Clains of the current iteration, have the ability to undergo reactive evolution when they are in great danger and cannot win. So, your father was able to become stronger in the battle with Sean, and then in the battle with Beatrice. And I won't say a thing about your mother – she turned out to be perhaps the biggest power-up in the history of all iterations! And you are their son, so this is also available to you... and probably even more. What is this if not a Deus Ex Machina?
–I'll remind you. I'm not their son.
–Yeah, whatever you say. In short, despite I don't want to fight with you again right now, but... if everyone gets f*cked up and you still remain a weakling like you are now... I will kill your friends, beat you half to death and tear out your nails until you won't get stronger. Keep this in mind, Clain. Goodbye, you narcissistic bastard. Maybe we'll see you again.
Laughing, Gehessikait disappeared in clouds of black smoke that emerged from his eyes and mouth. Sol, although he looked absolutely calm on the outside, was burning with anger inside. If Gehessikait had not left so quickly, Clain would have probably attacked him himself. Taking a deep breath and exhaling to calm himself, Sol sheathed his sword, prepared to charge and right after it returned to the rest of the heroes in the blink of an eye. Once again on the plain, he began to walk. When Clain returned, neither Heathcliff nor even Aren, whom Sol did not encounter at all, were no longer here.
–I assume you have already dealt with Heathcliff? – Sol asked, turning to his comrades.
–You could say so... a lot of things happened and... – Martha said.
–You'll tell me on the way... – Sol said, but suddenly he realized something. – Wait a second! We lost our car, so how do we drive to the north now?!
Clain abruptly lost his mask of calmness, but immediately restored it by clearing his throat. To his seemingly rhetorical question, Shubby answered:
–Well, my blow buried all the opponents' horses underground... so, if you don't mind, I'll take you further.
–And... how are you gonna do it? – Ludwig asked in a puzzled voice.
Grinning, Shubby clapped her hands a couple of times and a mass of flesh dug out from under the ground. It didn't look like Deperi's creation – the small creature's flesh was quite dark. It branched and twisted like a plant, and the "thing" had eyes here and there. You could say it was a little tame cosmic horror beyond human's comprehension. This creature was quite flat, like a platform walking on legs.
–I just created it and it doesn't have a name... well, it doesn't matter. Sit down, what are you standing for? Don't be afraid, you can sit in its eyes, nothing will happen to him, – Shubby said, smiling sweetly and pointing to this monster.
Ludwig almost vomited when he saw this thing, but overcoming his disgust, following the others, he stood up and then sat down on this "platform", which slightly sagged under him, even more reminding that this vehicle was alive. And so, carrying the four heroes and Shubby along with them slightly above the ground, this creature went north, almost without shaking.
~*~
–I... it's terrible, but I have to do it...
Holding what looked like an oil lamp in her hand, a girl with long white hair and pale skin watched emotionlessly as another world turned into nothingness. Space ceases to exist, and the Narrative of this story is destroyed. The black long clothes contrasted strongly with the pale skin and snow-white hair. The lantern she was holding was emitting a bright orange light. Her eyes and the halo above her head were the same color as that light. Crows flew around her, and behind her were raven wings.
However, she could not fully destroy this world, because the disappearing reality around her began to change. The outer space in which the two muscular men fought with their fists disappeared and became a cold palace made of ice. The girl shuddered, but not from the cold. She knew very well what this place was. In front of her stood the one because of whom she was in this world... no, because of whom she was on this Narrative Layer. Kai.
–Martha, long time no see... although, no. Kai Clain you know is not me. The one who existed in your reality, and the character that Gerda created... I have all his memories, but still, we are probably different entities... or maybe not, who knows! – Kai said, smiling at his old friend.
–Kai... you... you! Why are you doing all this?! – Martha shouted.
–"All this"? What is "all this"? I'm not doing anything right now.
–You are accumulating strength... to kill Gerda and destroy her entire Narrative Layer along with her!
–Right. So what?
–You are no better than her! You're even worse, monster!
Martha put the lantern she was holding in her hand in front of her and the crows flew around her. The entire universe trembled, and cracks appeared across the sky. Kai looked around with a slight smile on his face... but Martha was shocked. She looked at Kai in fear, stepping back.
–I... I knew...
–Hm. You descended to this layer of Narrative from your native one, where you were an ordinary student and friend of Gerda, Kai and Ludwig. During your descent, you received a horrifying power – to destroy the Narratives themselves. Those Narratives that you destroy go into the Sea of Ideas, don't they?
–Yes... but... I immediately tried to destroy the Narrative of Kai Clain... and a terrible truth was revealed to me... as long as the very concept of fiction and fiction exists, you will not cease to exist... so I began to erase all the works that I could get my hands on... these priceless ones works of art...
–Hm, yes. For example, Shakespeare's "Ad Infinitum" no longer exists. Also, if my memory serves me right, you destroyed the Narrative of Montague Family from "Romeo and Juliet", which is why soon this novel itself will also end up in the Sea. And I interrupted you while you were ruining the history of Dragon Sphere Z, right? Haha, look, without an interesting story, it turned into a lame cartoon series that only has powerscaling! Yes, that's quite terrifying power, – Kai said, placing one hand on his chest and the other out to the side.
Martha was terrified. She looked at Kai with her eyes wide open and trembling. Goosebumps ran through her body while the former Clain looked at her with a piercing gaze that did not fit in with his smile.
–H-how is this possible?! But they are now in the Sea of Ideas! Even Gerda doesn't remember their existence! How are you?!... What kind of monster are you?!
–Oh, I'm afraid I won't give you the answer to this question. However, you came here, on the Narrative Layers below your home... by making a terrible sacrifice, didn't you? – hearing this, Martha shuddered again, but Kai continued. – You committed suicide so that Gerda could include you in her story. And for what did you do all this?
–To destroy you and save the real world! Yes, I will sacrifice fiction, I will destroy the very concept of creativity, but if it is necessary to stop you... I will do it!
Kai burst out laughing. Throwing his head up and hugging himself, he laughed for a few seconds, but then lowered his head again and began to look straight at Martha. Kai wiped away a tear that came out of his tear sac from laughing and said:
–Fine! Before I tell you something... I'll give you a chance to fight me, Martha. You know, as an old friend. Except... this palace is an inappropriate place for a battlefield.
He waved his hand. Space itself, as if it were a fabric that he pulled, followed his hand and "fell" like a curtain in a theater. Now the two stood in the middle of a huge cemetery where countless tombstones were lined up in rows.
–I created this place as a reminder of all the versions of Martha and Ludwig from all the iterations that I remember. They were my friends... and victims of Gerda's obsession with perfection. Well... here you too will die, Martha's original from the higher Narrative layer.
Taking the broken sword that hung next to his belt, Kai pointed it at Martha. Martha squeezed the handle of the oil lamp tighter in her hand. Her wings flapped and she rushed towards Kai.
The fight didn't last long. No matter what Martha did, Kai, even if he did not block or dodge, but took the attack face to face, did not experience any inconvenience – no matter what she did, it was all useless. She is not a fighter, so after another unsuccessful blow, Marta fell to one knee and began to breathe heavily.
–Kai... before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves... – said Martha.
–What a stupid quote. I'm killing way more than 2 people, my friend.
–Alright... before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig n+1 graves, where n is number of people you're going to kill.
–You know what? before you embark on a journey of revenge, don't dig any graves, cuz you'll get tired and won't have energy to do your revenge. Khm, anyway, this is a frightening thing indeed – the Sea of Unrealized Ideas... what ends up there dissolves through a certain number of exes, disappearing forever from all Narratives of all Narrative layers, even as fiction... The Sea exists between the Narratives themselves and the layers, and that's where all the plots, characters and worlds end up when no one remembers them... however, even if my Narrative itself is destroyed, I will survive. Now, I'll tell you a secret.
Martha was trembling with fear. She sacrificed herself to stop him, and then she also managed to erase many stories that are now no longer even remembered... and it was all in vain?! However, this despair of hers was not even one billionth of the despair that she experienced upon hearing the following words of Kai:
–You said that by destroying me you would save the real world... but is that true? You consider the Narrative layer on which you lived to be reality, but this is just another layer, among their unnamable number. You, Gerda, Ludwig... and even Kai Clain. All of them are just someone's fiction. And the one whose fantasy you are is the fantasy of someone else... and so on ad infinitum and beyond. So tell me, what reality are you going to save?
–Huh?...what are you talking about?...
–Of course, Gerda already knew this fact about her world... but I understand her. If she said that to you from get-go, you'd go insane. But now, let will continue with something she does not know! It doesn't matter anymore whether Gerda knows this or not... I have received the Writer's Authority over your Narrative layer. Why do you think you were able to descend from your layer to this one, even in such a grotesque way? Why did you even believe the nonsense that Gerda told you about "living fictional characters"?
–B-because she's my friend and...
–No. Because I decided that you would believe it. Because my thought forced you to descend here, you wouldn't even be able to do so without my allowance. Your powers that are able to destroy Narratives... I decided you will have them. Writer's Authority is, basically, complete control over the Narrative of the world... and I now have this over all the worlds of the Narrative layer on which you and Gerda live.
–This... this is impossible! You're just bluffing! And anyway, then why don't you kill Gerda if you can, huh?!
–Oh, everything is very simple. My goals go far beyond "taking revenge on the writer." Yes, I can kill her at any moment, and then all the worlds of her book will fall into the Sea of Ideas... but my goal is different, Martha.
–This... this is madness...
Martha lowered her head and, covering her eyes with her hands, began to cry. She didn't want to believe it... but for some reason she believed it, as if deep down, she already knew it was true. Martha screamed, sobbing. Kai looked at this with a smile and suddenly spread his arms to the sides.
–Don't worry, Martha. Come, hug me and calm down. Nothing matters, as you might already understand. All our efforts are meaningless from the very beginning, because nothing is real. I can climb the Narratives endlessly, killing whoever came up with the previous step, starting with Gerda... but I will never reach the top. So this is also pointless. So... just accept this as reality, hug me, and move on with your life... now on this Narrative layer.
Barely able to stand, Martha stood up and took a couple of steps towards Kai. Still crying, she also spread her arms to the sides and hugged ex-Claine. She sobbed into his shoulder, and he pressed her head to him with his left hand while he was saying "well, well"... however, suddenly, Martha raised her head, and her eyes were bulging. It's not surprising – Kai's broken sword was sticking out of her back. Moving her trembling legs, Martha moved away from him and then fell on her back. This creature, capable of freely moving between all the worlds of the Narrative Layer and destroying them at will... lay dead, with horror, sadness and grief frozen on its face.
–I've told you. This place will also be your grave, Martha. And now... I won't be able to return those works that have completely disappeared into the Sea of Unrealized Ideas, however, I can get the Montague family out of there. And the world of the Dragon Spheres... I think it will be fine for it to remain powerscaling nonsense without a plot. Well... Gerda, you saw everything on the pages of your book, didn't you? Consider this an official warning. I can kill you at any moment... but, as you can see, I don't. Why? Who knows. Certainly not you. And believe me, so far everything is going exactly as it should. Good luck, Gerda. I'll see you again. We both know it... and now, it's time to announce the following: the end of this chapter.