Migi stepped through the curtain of luminescent vines, entering a space that felt worlds apart from the noisy main floor.
The air here was thick with sweet-smelling smoke – and the lighting was softer, casting everything in a dreamy, golden haze.
As her eyes adjusted, Migi caught sight of Riei lounging on a plush divan.
The snake spirit was a vision of otherworldly beauty - her scaled skin shimmered with beautiful patterns, and her eyes glowed with an inner fire.
A dozen or so followers, all stunningly attractive, lounged around her like courtiers attending their queen.
Riei's gaze locked onto Migi, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
"Well, well," she purred, her voice carrying a sibilant undertone. "Look what the wind from the outer city has blown in. Our dear Migi, the once dragon turned fox, graced us with her presence at last."
Migi approached, careful to keep her steps measured and confident.
"Riei," she greeted with a slight nod. "Still holding court, I see."
The snake spirit let out a melodious laugh. "Oh, always. Someone has to keep this den of iniquity running smoothly."
Her eyes glittered mischievously. "Speaking of running... I don't suppose you've come to settle your tab?"
A ripple of amusement passed through Riei's followers.
Migi felt a flush creep up her neck but kept her composure. "About that," she began, but Riei waved a hand dismissively.
"Oh, relax. I'm only teasing. I know how poor you can be." She gestured to an empty cushion near her. "Sit. Share a drink with us. It's been too long since we've had a proper chat."
Migi hesitated, acutely aware of Ryan waiting outside and the urgency of her mission.
But she knew better than to refuse Riei's hospitality.
She settled onto the cushion, accepting a goblet of shimmering liquid from one of the followers.
Some happened to be humans, while the majority were rouge spirits without masters.
Riei leaned in, her forked tongue flicking out briefly. "Now then, my dear. What brings you slithering back to my humble abode? Surely not just to bask in my radiant presence?".
Migi took a sip from her goblet, buying herself a moment to choose her words carefully.
The liquid tasted of starlight and secrets, warming her from the inside out.
She knew she needed Riei's help, but navigating the snake spirit's self-glazing nature would require all her wit and charm.
"Well," Migi said, meeting Riei's intense gaze, "I find myself in need of a certain... service that only you can provide."
She paused, allowing a hint of mystery to color her tone.
"But first, tell me, how's business? I heard rumors that you've expanded your influence even further into the Ainli district."
Riei's eyes lit up at the opportunity to boast, and Migi settled in, prepared to play the long game.
She knew that with Riei, every conversation was a dance, and she'd need to lead carefully to get what she came for.
Riei's eyes gleamed with pride as she lounged back, her scales shimmering in the soft light.
"Business is booming, darling. My influence now stretches from the Whispering Caverns all the way to the Neon Depths. The Ainli district practically runs on my say-so these days."
Her expression darkened slightly as she continued, "But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. There's a new player in town - the Obsidian Wraiths. They've been creeping into my territory, offering 'protection' to some of the smaller establishments."
She let out a hiss of frustration. "I'd love to crush them outright, but I'm spread thin as it is. Can't spare the fighters for a full-on confrontation just yet."
Migi nodded sympathetically, seeing her opening. "Speaking of confrontations," she said, her voice low, "I find myself in a bit of a tight spot. The Sentinels have picked up my trail."
Riei's eyes widened in surprise. "The Sentinels? You mean the government organisation back in the upper city that keeps tabs on spirits and contractors? What in the seven hells did you do to attract their attention, Migi?".
Migi took a deep breath, knowing her next words would change everything.
"I… may or maybe not have awakened the Spirit King. He's with me now, outside."
For a moment, the room fell utterly silent.
Even the ever-present background hum of the underground city seemed to fade away.
Riei's followers exchanged shocked glances, their whispers a barely audible rustle.
Riei herself seemed frozen, her serpentine eyes locked on Migi's face, searching for any sign of deception.
Then, slowly, a grin spread across her face, revealing sharp fangs.
"Oh, Migi, you're actually serious? You do have connections to the spirit king" she breathed, her voice a mixture of awe and excitement.
"You always did know how to liven things up. I thought he was a myth, it's been over 1000 years." She leaned forward, suddenly intense. "The Spirit King? Are you certain? I must be honest, I find it hard to believe".
Migi nodded solemnly. "I am. And now I need your help to keep him hidden without the Sentinels catching us."
"Why not just lay low in an apartment or somehow?" Riei asked.
"Himm, see the thing is… right now, My Darling is like a ticking time bomb. Because he has just awakened, his energy is spilling everywhere… it's how they were able to find us." Migi responded.
Riei's mind was clearly racing, calculating the risks and potential rewards.
"This changes everything," she murmured, more to herself than to Migi. Then, louder, "If what you say is true, this could shift the balance of power in the entire underground. The Obsidian Wraiths would be the least of my worries."
She fixed Migi with a penetrating stare. "I'll help you, of course. But I want to meet him first. And if he truly is the Spirit King... well, let's just say I'll be calling in more than a few favours down the line."
Migi felt a mix of relief and a bit of worry.
She'd gotten what she came for, but she knew that Riei's help would come at a price. Still, with the Sentinels closing in, she had little choice.
"Thank you, Riei," she said, rising to her feet. "Shall we go meet him, then?".
Riei nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
As they made their way out of the private room, Migi could feel the excitement rippling through Riei's followers.
She knew that within hours, whispers of the Spirit King's awakening would be spreading through every shadowy corner of the underground city.
For better or worse, things were about to change dramatically in this hidden world beneath the surface.
But that was the opposite of what she wanted.