Matthew agreed to what Hinata said. Of course, it wasn’t a great situation. He wasn’t always one who’d follow news and such and that wasn’t a good feature of his. He would’ve wanted to stay like this for a bit more, to enjoy the calmness while he can…
Ring… Ring…
The badge he had on his rang aggressively. He eventually realized what it was signaling.
”I’ll… I’ll be heading out,” he said, standing up from the bed and summoning his spear before he even opened the door.
"Okay, but I never said you were a bad person. I asked who you were, and why you were humming to a bunch of rocks," Kye repeated. "If I thought you were really a bad person, I would have left already, and clearly, I am still here."
Hinata pushed herself up from the bed when she saw Matthew summoning his spear. She leaned against it a little, trying to hide how much she was relying on it.
"Let me come too," she said. She wanted to help.
The gemologist turned to Kye with a ‘friendly’ smile although it didn’t look exactly like one.
”My identity is better left unknown from people from outside the Labyrinth. As about the humming part, well, there isn’t anything wrong about humming during work, is there?” he asked slowly. Again, he didn’t look exactly dangerous but there was this gloominess around him that anyone with at least two brain cells would notice.
Matthew turned to her when she paced off the bed. He gently grabbed her shoulder.
”You can’t at this state, please relax,” he gave, almost as if he was wishing she would listen. But… he thought he already knew her response.
"I want to help you," Hinata said. She lightly shrugged his hand off. "I'm more than capable of coming with you. I'm fine, really." She forced herself to stop relying on the bed, stepping a bit closer to Matthew to show him she could stand on her own.
Matthew gave a very worried look. On one hand, he didn’t want to risk the chances of having Hinata harmed and whatnot but on the other, he knew that it would benefit him more if she would’ve come along. After a moment of thorough thought, he decided…
”Fine, you can come along as long as you promise that you won’t get hurt,” he stated clearly.
Kye felt a chill down his spine when the person looked at him. There was something way off about this person, but he couldn't quite place what it was. "I guess not," he said, subtly moving so that he could make a run for it if needed. "What are you doing down here anyways?"
Why are you engaging in conversation with this figure?
Because he is my best bet to figuring out what the hell is going on here. Plus he might be able to help me find her.
… You're gonna look for her?
Yes I am. And he might be able to help me out.
Do you have a death wish?
No, that is why I am going to find her.
You would be better off looking for Tolkalee than you would her.
Tolkalee is gone and you know it.
"I promise," Hinata said. "I'll keep safe." Hinata stepped forward. It was amazing what she could force herself to do when she put her mind to it. She straightened her jacket a little.
"Lead the way."
The gemologist only kept their smile through out the conversation. He seemed to be working while also talking to Kye.
”I’m only maintaining the underground structure of… the Labyrinth and… perhaps taking care of some unwanted guests myself,” he answered. He looked at Kye again, eyeing him up and down.
”I see that you… brought… a ‘friend’ with you. A demon I see…” the person mentioned before returning to his work. He picked up a cracked piece of rock, about the size of a human’s head.
”Do not be startled, I do not mean any harm until I can sense corruption in your mind,” he continued as he disintegrated the outer layer of the rock to reveal the jewel hidden beneath it which was a ruby.
”Precious…” he commented on the jewel, gently placing it beside his feet as he searched for more.
Matthew couldn’t really reject her at this point. He nodded, mentally agreeing to the idea of bringing her along. Although… it did come with a bit of stress. He wasn’t going show that.
”Follow me,” he stated softly as he made his way down the halls of the hospital. It wasn’t long before they were outside the building.
”We’re heading south for a bit. I was told that there will be some uninvited guests along the way, please keep an eye out and inform me once you see one,” he mentioned, pacing down the path.
Underground structure huh? Kye looked around the spot they were in. "So, if someone were to come down here they could potentially take down the whole Labyrinth. That is why you are down here. To protect it."
Okay it's time to go.
Why?
Because he knows about me.
And his job is like mine. He unlike everyone else will understand what it is like to try and keep an entire area from collapsing in on itself. I am not going anywhere, I can actually talk with him. He also might be able to give me some advice for back home.
Why are you always looking for good in people?
Hinata made her way after Matthew. It took her a moment to handle walking, but she got over it quickly enough.
"Alright then," Hinata said. She looked around as they headed out, weary. There was going to be a fight, she just knew it.
The gemologist picked out a small rock from the wall in front of him.
”Well… yes. I also constantly conduct research on jewelry and such, mostly because income and such,” the man mentioned, inspecting the rock he had just picked out.
”I’ve worked this job for… I don’t know, five centuries now?” he gave a small laugh when he finished speaking.
Along the path, thankfully, not a lot of people were present meaning that it was quite unlikely for dangers to appear out of nowhere. Eventually, Matthew stopped. He’d stare into the vast darkness ahead, eyes narrowing.
”Give me a moment…” he whispered, raising his hand towards the shadows in front and lifting them up. What appeared was a large figure, about twelve feet tall, with smiling human faces embedded into its skin along its body. It turned when its shadows were removed, letting out a wild and loud screech.
"That is certainly a long time," Kye commented. He gave a half smile, but it didn't seem very genuine. "Would you believe me if I told you I have pretty much the same job? Minus the gem collecting. I and one other person back home are the only two people that are protecting the underground."
Hey… kid, is Tolkalee actually gone?
Yes, he is. We were there, we saw it happen.
No I mean is it really impossible to find him?
What do you mean?
I mean think of where we are. Could he be here?
I did not think of that… I guess it is possible that he is here. But why you care? You hated him.
I don't care. But other people do.
”Well, I can’t say that I don’t believe it but then again, we aren’t the most popular people from where we are respectively, correct? Usually it’s the Knights or in your case the ones on top who gets all the credit for the ‘sustainability’ of our lands,” the man went on, his mind seemed to wander restlessly as he spoke.
”Although, I must say that I am… genuinely curious about you and your little friend,” the person turned to Kye and started to pace slowly towards him and that wasn’t an act. The man, once out of the crystalized lights, was shown to be relatively old with his white hair and facial hair. Still, he had quite a good structure for a man his age.
”It’s not often that I mean someone with the same… job, per say. And not often do I feel the urge to explore one’s mind…” the man stated. He pointed past Kye’s head, nodding in that direction.
”In case you’re curious, the exit is that way. Proceed with caution… the outside world can be a bit much” the man stated, turning to the wall beside him and inspecting the rocks.
"Actually I was going to ask you for some help in locating someone," Kye blurted out before the figure could leave. "Is there anywhere that the souls can fight, I guess? Like an arena or something like that? I am looking for someone and it is probable that she would be anywhere that she could fight."
The gemologist turned to him.
”Well… the fighting stadium at Building ‘Delrota’ might be your best bet. I heard that there’s an event going on as well,” the man explained.
”You can ask any of the Knights outside, they’ll know where it is,” he added, continuing with his inspection.
”Oh, a diamond,”
"Thank you, I will check there," Kye said, internally letting out a sigh of relief. "As for my little friend, he is what you would call a demon. When really he is just another being that wants to know what life is like for a human being that can actually feel things. Because he does not have a physical form he and what is left of his kind chose to take refuge in humans or other physical beings. When they do have a host and a bond is established if the host dies then the abidance demon will also die. Anything else you would like to know before I head out?"
Yeah, why are you giving him this much information?
Because he asked.
We're gonna die, because you trust people way to easily.
Who said I trusted him? What can he do with the information that I have given him? Try and kill my like everyone else that I have ever talked to in my entire life? When you are threatened with death every day for your entire life it becomes less threatening and does not bother you anymore.
No, it doesn't bother you anymore. It bothers me.
Along the path, thankfully, not a lot of people were present meaning that it was quite unlikely for dangers to appear out of nowhere. Eventually, Matthew stopped. He’d stare into the vast darkness ahead, eyes narrowing.
”Give me a moment…” he whispered, raising his hand towards the shadows in front and lifting them up. What appeared was a large figure, about twelve feet tall, with smiling human faces embedded into its skin along its body. It turned when its shadows were removed, letting out a wild and loud screech.
Hinata was startled a bit. Okay, she was startled a lot. The hell was she looking at? Whatever it was, it was definitely a face- er, faces- only a mother could love. Her have went to her weapon, ready to strike of attacked.
The geologist made a small wave with his hand.
”Your personal information is none of my concern,” he stated, picking out the rock he’d been inspecting while Kye talked about his abidance demon.
”If you do, though, come across a young lad with purple eyes and a face with some crystals growing out of it, tell him to come to me. Refer to me as ‘the gemologist’, he will know,” the old man lastly mentioned.
Matthew was in a bit of a shocked state when he saw the figure. Honestly, this wasn’t what he wanted to see at all. He had his spear at hand, as if it was going to do any good against this monstrosity. Of course, he tried. He jumped back before charging straight at the figure with his spear which—unsurprisingly—didn’t penetrate the demonic creature’s skin at all.
The creature growled at Matthew, sending him flying back on the path. He’d managed to keep his standing stance.
”Physical attacks don’t work, noted,” he said, mostly to himself. The creature didn’t seem to have noticed Hinata yet or… it couldn’t see her. Its eyes were locked on the Knight and not the visitor.
Kye blinked at the figure for a moment then turned away. "Sure thing. And thank you for the suggestion of where to look. I really appreciate it," he said, then he started walking in the direction the figure had pointed.
Why did you decide to leave in a hurry now?
I have purple eyes.
Yeah, and?
And it's rare.
Yeah, and?
And he wants me to sent a young man with purple eyes back to him.
Yeah, and?
I do not know yet. I think we should find this kid and ask him what he thinks.
Who's being overly cautious now?
We will find out when I get out of this cave.
(I promise, @Altrince_and_His_Cult_Members, I will answer, I just have less than zero motivation XD.)
Making his way down the cave system, Kye would indeed come across some other figures, all of which had crystals embedded into their skin in different parts. They were working on what appears to be a mineshaft. A total of three workers; two males and one female were the officers on the job.
”You think we would actually find what the old man’s looking for?” one of the males asked the two, relaxing the pickaxe he had in hand on his shoulder.
”Maybe if you quit complaining and started helping, then maybe we would’ve found it already,” the other male replied, using the drill he had at hand to… well, drill through the wall beside him.
”Yes, because we’ve been doing exactly that for the last four hours,” the first male replied, scratching his head and looking to his side. He appeared to have glowing purple eyes.
(No worries, I don’t reply often either thanks to the rabbit hole I just found myself trapped within ._. the rabbit hole I’ve fallen into is ‘hololive’ , in case anyone wanna search that up)
Kye stayed in the shadows, deciding whether or not he wanted reveal himself to these people. Something told him to stay concealed so he decided to use his voice trick. A trick he'd learned a long time back, throwing his voice. Bouncing it off the cave walls and making it nearly impossible to locate where he was. "Excuse me," he said.
Okay, let's say you do find her, and she doesn't kill you instantly. What is your plan afterwards?
Hugs.
Hugs?!
Hugs.
If she doesn't kill you for just showing up, the hugs will get you killed.
Aisen almost gave out a snicker but stopped himself from doing so. The hand he had cupped her cheek with lowered down to her chin. It probably wasn’t the best response but it wasn’t like he didn’t want to take the chance to do it. He raised her chin up slightly and softly as he came down on her lips, silencing her for the time being. His free hand moved to hers, holding it softly.
She sucked in a sharp breath, startled. The look in his eyes was intense and strange, and she just stared at him, her eyes wide and startled.
When he kissed her, she involuntarily closed her eyes for a brief moment, feeling his hand on her chin and holding her own hand. A flutter of feelings and emotions burst through her, and, startled, she pulled away, gasping with the strange sensation.
(No worries, I don’t reply often either thanks to the rabbit hole I just found myself trapped within ._.
the rabbit hole I’ve fallen into is ‘hololive’ , in case anyone wanna search that up)
(Pff, I have no idea what that is XD)
The figures all turned different directions upon hearing the voice. The two males seemed somewhat confused while the female was generally calm about the situation, albeit, almost surprised.
”State your name and your purpose of coming here,” one of the males, the one with purple eyes, commanded.
Aisen pulled back too, that didn’t go so well now did it. He should’ve guessed so, though. When she became just a bit more relaxed, he let out a soft laugh.
”Do you feel any better?” he asked, genuinely for once. His sarcastic and cruel tone seemed to have vanished for the time being. It would’ve been best to keep it this way for now.
(If you were being sarcastic and know what it is, then— one of us, ONE OF US! If you were being honest and actually have no idea what it is… well, you might wanna look it up and watch some snippets of it… ._.)
"Actually, I woke up here," Kye almost chuckled. "However, I met a person who referred to himself as the gemologist and he asked me to tell some kid with purple eyes to go to him. As for my name… that is not really important. I am only going to be leaving in a bit anyways." He moved through the shadows as if her were one of them. One of the best ways to keep hidden was to move your hiding spot. This also made it even more difficult for them to track his voice and figure out where he was.
Why not a kiss?
Okay, I do not actually want to die, she kisses me, I do not kiss her. I might be crazy, but I am not stupid.
Really? Cause you seem kind of bent on dying. Also, who is the man in this relationship?
I am, and as the man, I respect that she does not like a lot of physical contact and pushing my way into her space bubble is a bad idea.
…I think that's the first time you've said something that actually makes sense to me.
That is the second time you have said that it is the first time you have heard me say something. This place does weird things to you.
It does weird things to me?!
The three figures all opened their mouths in surprise when Kye mentioned the gemologist. With that, the young male with purple eyes made his way through the cave system and towards where the old man seemingly was.
”Someone’s in trouble again, I would guess,” the older male said to the female once the young one was gone in the shadows.
”Don’t say things like that about him. He might’ve done something right for once,” The female replied.
”Yeah, right,” the conversation ended rather quickly as the two returned to the work at hand, not bothering to look for the origin of the voice they heard.
Kye tipped his head slightly. "What do you mean in trouble?" he asked knowing that it wasn't any of his business. But he just had a knack for getting into things that didn't have anything to do with him.
Yes you.
This place is doing even weirder things to you!
Is it?
Yes!!! You're the one saying the weird things!
No, I am saying things appropriate for the situation.
This is appropriate for the situation?
Maybe not this situation exactly, but yes.
”We don’t even know who you are and you’re asking these kinds of questions?” the older male spoke into the shadows of the cave, clearly somewhat annoyed.
”God, if you have nothing to do here, the exit’s down the tunnel to the right,” the male continued, shaking his head slightly.