Zodiac Story

Into The Murky Sea Green Depths We Dive Part 4

CW: Potentially graphic scenes.

There were no doors this time, though four doors quickly appeared. She recognised Samir's door with its strong wooden material. The other three were new. The first was alternating white and black, with different whorls of colour swirling across its surface. The second was made of white gold, as bright as the Sun such that Nahla could scarcely glance at it without fearing it burning her eyes. The third changed each time Nahla glanced at it.

She picked the second door, trying to cover her eyes as she pushed against the door. Stumbling onto soft silken grass, she found the Summoner trying to leave, marching around the plains.

"This one's rest and roosting has ended, for the Calamity that was sprung upon these unfortunate souls. The churlish monkey sought to distort the truth, on which the foundation of the Light has rested upon. Truly, the imposing man and the water dancer would have been leal allies to summon upon for the cause of the Light. Let us hope that her lies do not sully this bond." The Summoner noticed Nahla's presence. "You have great power, this one sees clearly. This one names you dream weaver, for you have floated into this one's dreams and woven a tale of grace."

Nahla noticed that she remained masked in her dream, and that long dark green feathers unfurled from behind her. She knew that some had dreaming personas different from their true appearances, and yet she was certain that the Summoner did have tail feathers in real life.

"What truth?" she asked.

"That of our true purpose. Such power possessed by a personage not of the Light is unthinkable, until the monkey. You are not aligned with the growing darkness, otherwise you would have been banished by the searing brand of the Light." The Summoner was taller than Nahla, and the grass slightly trembled as she moved closer. "Truly, we are not so different. This one possesses the song of metal while you channel your power through your dance."

The Sun was hot, so Nahla moved it slightly until she felt cooler. The Summoner watched her closely as the Sun moved to the right. It was still bright, which satisfied the Summoner based on her upturned smile. There were many roosters and chickens wandering around, Nahla noticed.

"Dream weaver, there is a Calamity afoot. Wake this one so that this one can continue to serve the will of the Light." The Summoner asked.

"That's not how it works." Could Nahla wake anyone? No, she most likely couldn't.

"Very well, this one will wake herself on her own." The Summoner let out a soft sun-kissed smile. "This one sees you respect this one with your heart and soul, and this one shall reward you one day. Let the Light bless you on your voyages."

Nahla wanted to say more, but the door reappeared. She could wake herself up, Nahla thought, as she walked through that door.

The door was open now, Samir standing steady beside the door. Dulce and Felícia had vanished, leaving no trace behind. The hallway outside was filled with an air of foreboding. She wondered if it was evening or night already, for she found no light in the room or the hallway. The Summoner had shed her yellow djellaba, now sporting the same dark green feathers Nahla saw in her dreams. Before Nahla could ask her anything, the Summoner charged into the darkness while singing. Samir shrugged. Most of his nerves had vanished, based on his upright posture.

"No sign of Khalid or anyone other than the three girls," he mentioned to Nahla.

Nahla peeked out of the doors. Had any of the lights been working when they had descended? They certainly weren't now. As she walked across the corridor, her feet touched something wet and sticky. Looking downwards, she noticed it was a puddle of blood. There were more scattered throughout the hallway. Samir was carefully watching Nahla and the hallway. They were alone, she knew that. Best to find the exit.