Casually Creeping

The next morning, Priyanna holds Zenzo in her arms and advises him on how to use his powers. The sun rises, the temperature is warm, and the wind blows, creating contrast and harmony. Priyanna's eyes glow pink, and armies of various insects gather before them.

"My power is Dominance. I can dominate anything with a mind weaker than mine and force it into submission."

Zenzo looks at the insects who haven't moved since being summoned.

"Wow! I can't imagine many have intellects stronger than yours! Considering you've been alive for so long and evolved so much!"

Priyanna gives a giggle that you let out when you get unexpected praise.

"You are one of the few who have resisted me. Most others, however, fall to my stinger in battle."

"I'm one of the few who resisted and survived."

"Yes, my lord. Now watch."

One of the ants walks forward, stands up on two legs, and starts dancing.

"You see, if you practice using your power on a smaller scale and instead focus on individuals rather than the collective, you will achieve better results. When I first started using my power, I hit every individual at a blinding pace. But now I can filter through all their minds simultaneously."

"My biggest problem is that I can't control what I hit."

Priyanna laughs.

"How interesting. That means you only beat me because I didn't fight with my colony."

Zenzo looks up and winks at her.

"Does that make you angry or upset?"

"No. If anything, it makes me happy because it lets me know this training will help. The ant I have dancing. Please make it bigger."

Zenzo looks at the ant and focuses on it.

"Opposite."

The ant glows, and the ants around it become giants, reaching ten feet tall. Priyanna sighs.

"Well, I can't pass up an opportunity like this. Ants. Eat, my lord."

Zenzo screams as he panics and flails about.

"I knew it! It was good to be true! I'm dead!"

The ants move closer and lick him on the cheek. Priyanna can hardly contain herself as she struggles not to laugh. She falls into the dirt, rolling around with him in her arms as she laughs.

"I'm kidding!"

Zenzo stops flailing and screaming and looks at her.

"What?"

She looks him in the eyes with a smile.

"I know it's hard to believe, but I am genuinely devoted to you. I thought the night we spent together expressed that."

Priyanna kisses him.

"Forgive my ignorance, but I am unsure how to prove it to you."

Zenzo's heart warms as his fear of wasps finally disappears. Guilt was weighing heavily on his heart, and it prevented him from getting over his fear because he feared retaliation for what they did.

"I've been taught that wasps are revenge-filled creatures who don't forgive and forget, so it's been hard for me to move past yesterday."

"They were right in teaching you this. However, my mind has evolved past blind revenge. Sometimes, revenge is not the best option. If peace eliminates the future need for revenge, why not choose peace? Revenge brings more revenge unless you kill the entire species. Which is impossible. Someone or something will always hide and wait for their time to strike. And the cycle continues."

Zenzo hugs Priyanna, and tears run down his face. Seeing him cry brings her to tears as well. When he opens his eyes, he sees a glowing light behind him.

"Priyanna."

"Yes, my lord?"

"Can you see that glowing light?"

She opens her eyes and sees nothing.

"No. But I can sense immense power coming from behind you."

"I see. I need to get down for a moment."

Priyanna sits up and gets on her knees, placing him down on the ground. Zenzo walks over to the glowing light. As he gets closer, he realizes it's his left arm. He smiles as his heart is put at ease. Zenzo shakes hands with his arm, and a sense of accomplishment stampedes through his body. Now, he is one step closer to what he wants deep down the most. Confidence.

A gust of wind passes through the town when the arm disappears, becoming one with him. Priyanna's eyes open wide as she claps for him like a parent cheering after a performance.

"You unlocked some of that power inside! I can see it!"

Zenzo looks at his left arm.

"You can see it?"

"Yes! It's brimming with exceptional power!"

"Huh." He says, nodding his head while flexing his arm. "This is the goal, then. We need to focus on regaining my memories and power, and then we can hunt down the King of Fear."

Zenzo turns to Priyanna, who is enamored with his power. He walks over to her and takes a knee.

"Will you help me take on the King of Fear when the time is right?"

She hugs him.

"Yes."

Jewel, leaning against the doorway of the house with her arms folded, shakes her head. She walks over to them with a look of disapproval.

"It looks like my dream came true. My nightmare, at least."

Zenzo looks at Jewel.

"What do you mean?"

She looks at the sun.

"Oh, nothing. I had a nightmare, and it showed us in battle with the King of Fear, and you had five generals on your side. One was...her." She finishes looking at Priyanna.

Priyanna's face lights up, and she hugs Zenzo again.

"I knew it! I am meant to serve you!"

"It looks like it. What else happens in those nightmares?" He says, rising to face Jewel.

She looks at the ground.

"Terrible things. One of them was in a weird city. I did see a sign, though. I think it said, Held Qytet."

This name triggers something in Zenzo's heart. A name he feels like he should know. Jewel looks up and sees the blank look on his face.

"Zen? Do you know this place?"

Priyanna looks up and asks, "Is that where you are from, my lord?"

Zenzo snaps out of his trance.

"I think so. How did you know?" He asks, looking at her.

"I could hear your heartbeat shift when she said the name. Also, your brain made a weird shift, signaling it was something you've forgotten."

The look of confusion on Jewel's face is evident.

"You are powerful, Priyanna. How can I be sure we can trust you?"

Priyanna looks at Jewel with a smile.

"Do you trust my lord?"

Jewel glances at Zenzo, tapping her folded arm with a finger.

"Most of the time."

"Then you should have no problems trusting me. My life is in his hands. And the reality is, Jewel. I can't beat him. And you can't beat me. So there's no use in worrying about what we can't change."

Jewel turns to walk into the house.

"It seems I struck a nerve. My lord, could you give us a chance to settle our differences?"

Zenzo looks at the house and notices she didn't close the door behind her, meaning she's coming back.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"I promise it won't take but a minute."

Jewel comes back outside, dragging an axe larger than she is. Zenzo runs over to stop her while Priyanna sits on her knees with a smile.

"My lord, I promise I won't hurt her. Physically. Emotionally, however, is a possibility, as her ego seems a bit fragile."

Jewel, who is being held by Zenzo, says, "Keep talking, bug. I'll cut you in half."

If I let them fight they'll destroy the house and our land. Maybe even the town. Maybe I can use my power to weaken them.

Zenzo lets her go and says, "Opposite."

The axe in Jewel's hands weighs her down as she is no longer strong enough to carry it. Priyanna laughs.

"It seems my lord has given us the go-ahead now that we are weaker. But I seem to be at a disadvantage since I was much stronger than you were."

"I couldn't care less."

Jewel walks over and throws a punch with her right hand. Priyanna catches the punch with her left hand. She pulls Jewel closer, hugging her.

In a whisper, she says, "If you like him, you should let him know. Don't be mad at others for expressing the same feelings you keep to yourself."

Defeated, Jewel exhales.

"Tch. Whatever, Priyanna."

Jewel turns around, rolling her eyes.

"So, what's the plan, Zen?"

Zenzo looks at the sun, which has fully risen.

"We head to my hometown and see what clues we can find about The King of Fear. We'll unlock my memories along the way when we have time. Sound good?"

Jewel thinks about it while Priyanna says, "That sounds like a wonderful plan!"

"Priyanna, I want you to stay here."

She opens her mouth in shock.

"Excuse me, my lord?" She says, with her eyes locked on him.

He looks at the yard.

"I want you to watch the fields, gardens, and crops. I am sure, under your watch, they will thrive. And I want you to watch over the girls during the day while Chinami is sleeping."

Priyanna looks at him with hopeful eyes that plead for reconsideration.

"Are you sure I am not needed with you?"

"You ARE needed. And when I need you, I trust you'll be there."

"I will."

Jewel grins.

"I agree with Zenzo."

Priyanna slits her eyes at Jewel with a smirk.

"I'm sure you do."

Zenzo looks at the two of them.

"You guys are cute."

Priyanna takes something off her waist and hands it to Jewel.

"Take this."

Jewel examines what looks like a pouch. It is not very large, but it is of surprisingly good quality.

"What is this? I can feel energy brimming from it." Jewel asks, filling around the texture.

"This is a magic pouch. There is a void inside, and you can use it to store anything you like. I hand it to you because my lord has other priorities, and quite frankly, Xander seems unreliable and reckless."

Xander comes back from town with women behind him.

"And here I thought I was being reliable by doing what I said I would do!"

Priyanna smiles as she looks at him.

"It's nothing personal. I've seen inside your mind. You have other priorities occupying your mind nonstop."

Xander nods his head while he shrugs.

He points to each of them, speaking as he names them, "Anywho, this is Jessie, Beth, and Susie, and they will be taking care of the house while we're away. Girls. Feel free to make yourself at home and use whatever you like."

The girls introduce themselves. Zenzo looks at Priyanna and says, "These are the people I need you to protect. I'm sure you can gauge their power."

Priyanna turns her head to the side.

"I hadn't noticed they had power at all. But, I will do as you wish, my lord."

Zenzo hugs her.

"Thanks."

When they separate, Zenzo says, "Alright! Do we need anything else?"

Xander walks toward the house, answering, "I'm going to say goodbye, and then we can go!"

"Alright, don't take too long!" Zenzo replies with a fist raised.

"Yes, sir!" Xander replies with a smile.

He walks in and closes the door. Chinami is standing beside the window.

"I wish I could go with you, My King."

"I wish the same, My Queen."

Chinami pulls out a bell and places it around Xander's neck, kissing him.

"Ring this if you are ever in trouble. I will be there, day or night. Even if it kills me."

Xander looks into her eyes with a stern facial expression.

"Then I don't want it. I'll die before I use it." He says as he starts to remove it from his neck.

Chinami stops and places it over his heart with her hand.

"Then take it for their sakes. They may need me at some point."

"I won't let them use it."

"Please. You must uphold your duty, and I want to do everything in my power to help you uphold it. If you ever need guidance or help. You know how to reach me."

Xander gives her a hug that screams, I don't want to leave you. She returns the affection, squeezing him with all she has without hurting him.

"I love you, My King."

"And I love you, My Queen."

They separate, and Xander turns to walk away. She grabs his hand and turns him to kiss him one last time. He grins, giving her another kiss.

"I get the last kiss."

She chuckles.

"Yes, My King. Safe travels."

"I will find a way to defeat the sun. Then you can walk freely during the day."

Chinami smiles as she gently pushes him away. He turns to leave, and tears run down her face. The door closes, and she falls back onto the bed. When she hits the bed, Chinami is teleported away from the house to a church. The One sits in the pew with his leg over his knee, and she sits in the row behind him.

"You know you cannot help them." He says, staring at the cross on the wall in the center of the church.

She leans back, placing a finger on her temple and her elbow on the armrest.

"Why not?"

"As I told Xander. Actions have consequences now. Whether they live or die is up to them. Your interference affects their end."

Chinami stares at the back of his head.

"I really don't care. I waited thousands of years for you, and you turned me down every time. I finally find a human I love and am willing to die for, and you tell me not to help. I don't think I'll be listening this time. Punish me as you will."

His eyes fixate on every detail of a crucifix.

"I will prevent you from interfering."

Chinami stands up. The One sits her back down without her realizing she's moved. He is standing in front of her with a hand on her shoulder.

"Xander already tried that. It did not end well."

Her cold heart freezes for seven seconds. Then it heats up to dangerously high levels of heat.

"...You killed My King...?"

"He wanted to fight."

"Step outside."

The One points at the sun shining through the church.

"Do not forget who allows you to see the sun in their presence. If we step outside, you cease to exist. Lehshisnik. Believe in Xander and his allies. Follow my orders."

She folds her arms, tapping her foot on the floor after crossing her legs.

"So much for free fucking will."

The One pauses.

"Everyone else gets a choice but me. I might as well go step in the fucking sun then."

"I am sorry."

Chinami blinks, and she's back in the house. Rage fills her heart as the walls in Xander's room begin to shift and suck inward. She sees a painting of Xander fall off the wall. Her anger subsides as she dives to catch it, looking upon Zenzo's expert artistic handiwork. She rises, and her face contorts. Tears run down her face as she falls back into the bed, placing the painting on her chest.

Outside the house, the rest of the gang has their belongings packed and ready to go. Xander gives Zenzo a suit of heavy armor that is dark and regal with a white cape.

"What is this?" Zenzo asks, taking the armor from him.

Xander, taking a deep breath, says, "This is the armor I found you in after your battle with the King of Fear. I imagine it must be special if you wore it against him."

Zenzo looks at Xander, who avoids eye contact.

"Why did you hide this for so long?"

Xander clenches both his fists.

"I didn't know how to tell you about your family. You seemed happier not knowing. I thought giving you this armor would trigger old memories."

He looks at the sun.

"I decided that when you were finally ready to leave town, I'd give it to you. But it took longer than I thought."

Zenzo places his hand on Xander's arm.

"Thanks, Xan. It means a lot to me. I appreciate you always looking out for me."

Xander smiles with watery eyes.

"Well, you know me. Loveable idiot. I think. Put it on so we can head out."

Zenzo nods his head in agreement.

"Right."

Ten minutes later, they are suited up and ready to go. Xander has a black scarf around his neck and no shirt. He has fingerless black gloves and black pants.

"Xan, is there a reason you're going without a shirt?" Jewel asks.

"Eh. If I die, I want my abs to be the first thing people see!"

They all erupt into laughter, hearing his absurd reasoning. After saying their goodbyes, they hop on their mounts to leave town. Priyanna and the girls, along with most of the town, gathered to see them off. Jimba lets out a roar that gets the town riled up and cheering for them.

"Next time you see us! We will be the greatest heroes who ever lived! Now. To slay the King of Fear!" Zenzo declares.

Xander and Jewel cheer for him, with Xander shaking his butt on top of Betsy. The town clamors as Jimba takes off running to the dirt road, and Betsy and Hippo follow behind him. Chinami watches from a covered window, with her hand on the glass, closing her eyes. Xander feels her gaze and blows her a kiss, which she catches and places on her lips. And finally, their true journey has begun. They see many different creatures as they head on their way. A shadow eclipses them from above.

Looking up, they see a dragon flying above them. Betsy whistles at the dragon with a serenading tune. The dragon turns and shoots a fireball into the sky, and when it explodes, it creates fireworks. It uses its massive wings to flap at the fireworks and blow them into the shape of a dragon's head that is winking at them. The dragon flies off, leaving them stunned, while Betsy laughs with a resounding howl.

"DID YOU GUYS SEE THAT?!" Zenzo says, pointing to the sky with a smile that children have when they see a magic trick for the first time.

"Of course! That was awesome! I want to ride one someday!" Jewel shouts, riding Hippo with a smile of amazement.

"Aw yeah! Dragon-taming superhero's incoming!" Xander yells while standing on Betsy, pointing into the sky at the sun with a massive smile.

Continuing on their way, they pass by dunes of sand and forests alike. They see many creatures, such as goblins, centaurs, mermaids, beastfolk, and griffins. The colors of the plants in the forest are vibrant and calming, while the colors of the creatures in the desert are fiery and intense, keeping them on edge. The sweltering heat makes them sweat, but fear not. Jewel came prepared with water from her magic pouch! They eventually travel until the sun goes down, and they come to a fork in the road.

The fork leads to two very different areas. The left leads to sunshine and rainbows, while the right leads to dark forests and problems. Zenzo taps his left foot on Jimba, signaling to go left.

"Zeeeeen," Jewel says in a voice you use when you call someone who tries to sneak past you.

"I know, I know. Gotta face my fears!" He says as Jimba turns to walk into the dark forest.

They traverse the dark forest that seems full of doom and gloom, and it turns out to be quite peaceful. They could hear birds and dryads singing a lovely melody that soothes their souls. The bioluminescence of the foliage illuminates what would be a dark trek through the wilderness. Little did they know, people were being eaten in the path that had sunshine and rainbows by giant wizard cyclops that placed an illusion on their domain. I believe the saying is, "All that glitters is not gold."

Eventually, they come to a boy who is sitting by a tree. The boy looks tattered and exhausted, with his eyes closed and head down. Jewel intently watches as Zenzo dismounts from Jimba to check on him.

"It's a trap, Zen." She says, watching them.

"Why do you say that?"

"My intuition. This situation is too convenient to catch passersby."

Zenzo continues forward, taking a knee.

"I think we can handle anything we come up against. For now. We help."

Xander jumps off Betsy, landing in front of him.

"Let me take the bait. If Jewel says it's a trap, it is."

Xander kneels, tapping the boy on the cheek. He wakes up coughing.

"Please. Save my sister."

Xander smiles.

"Where is she?"

"In a cave." The boy says in a weak voice.

Jewel curls her lips.

"Tch. Of course, she is." She says under her breath.

The boy ignores her and continues.

"There were many spiders, and she got caught in a web. We need to hurry!" He says, getting on his knees and grabbing Xander.

Xander looks back at them and nods his head.

"Lead the way."

The boy stands up and jogs down through the forest. They follow him and remain alert while Zenzo thinks to himself.

Jewel says this is a trap. But why? Why trap the three of us? Is this Felelem Konungur? No. I would know if it was. I can feel it. But for some reason, I know Jewel is right. I just don't know what this trap will accomplish. Jewel and Xan alone can take care of anything we need, and then I'll turn the tide if they can't. No use in comtemplating. I hope Jewel is wrong and we're helping them.

They come to a large cave entrance that is dark and damp.

"In here!" The boy says, running inside without stopping.

They stop and look at each other.

Jewel says, raising a hand and signaling for them to go first.

"Well, if we're committed to this nonsense after you." She says, shaking her head.

Xander walks in first, and Zenzo follows behind. Jewel examines the entrance before walking in. When they enter, they walk a few feet before seeing many tunnels and holes in the walls. Jewel's skin begins to crawl.

"I hate spiders."

Zenzo turns to look at her.

"Is this something the mighty Jewel is afraid of?"

"Afraid? No. I'm not allowed to be afraid. But. Back when I was, I hated them."

"I used to say the same about humans." A voice echoes through the cave.

The boy they followed falls to the ground, and his body falls apart. Jewel shakes her head.

"Tch. I should've known he was already dead."

A fingernail is placed at Jewel's neck from behind as the voice comes from behind her.

"You should've. Your lot is strong enough to sniff out a trap but not strong enough to escape it."

Xander and Zenzo turn to see a woman's figure in the darkness.

Jewel grins, rolling her eyes.

"Is that what you think?"

"It's what I know, deary. Zen over there seems a bit too weak in his current state to defeat me. And you two? While strong, there are still many years before you can beat me. You let me get this close, and I wasn't even trying."

Zenzo walks forward.

"How do you know me?"

"Walk forward," The woman commands Jewel.

Jewel walks forward, and it is revealed that she is another humanoid, only with gray skin and white eyes to go with her silver hair. She wears tattered robes, the same as the dead child. Black tattoos are under her eyelids, and she has glossy black lips. Zenzo sees her face, and his head hurts. A sharp pain tears through his head, and he falls to his knees, screaming. The woman sees this and laughs, "It seems you've lost your memories. Poor thing. Allow me to help."

Multiple spider legs extend from her back, revealing that she is a spider humanoid.

"You don't remember me, lover?"

Jewel and Xander's eyes grow wide.

"Woah!" Xander states. "That's the Zen I know." He says under his breath.

"I hate you guys," Jewel remarks, closing her eyes.

Her spider legs wrap around Jewel.

"You don't remember Spindellia, love?"

Zenzo vaguely flashes back to him spending a night with her. His brain throbs as he tries to force memories to the forefront. Xander runs to help him.

"It doesn't make sense. I would've been too young for that." He says, squeezing his head.

Spindellia grins.

"Maybe Xan can tell you how it makes sense."

Xander glares at Spindellia.

"I have two things to say." Jewel declares.

"Yes, love?"

"Accumulation: Speed."

Jewel's eyes glow pink, and she disappears from her spot. Spindellia's tattoos under her eyes move to reveal eyes inside them. She raises a spider leg to block Jewel's attack from behind. Giggling, she blocks the countless attacks Jewel sends with each of her eight legs. The cave shakes as they collide, and Jewel's murderous intent continues to rise as she attacks from different angles and positions, searching for an opening.

Xander lifts Zenzo, and he opens his eyes to see them fighting.

"SPIDER!" Zenzo yells at the top of his lungs as he gets up and runs for the exit.

Without a second thought, he runs past them to leave the cave. When he reaches the exit, he's caught in a large spider web that holds him in place.

"NO! No, no, no, no, no!" He screams, trying to break free.

Xander stands and grabs his glaive.

"Can't let you two have all the fun. Effect Stacking: Number 16; Acceleration!"

Xander joins in attacking with Jewel, who is still striking from all angles.

"Jewel, take the high, and I'll take the low!"

"Got it!" She replies, squatting on the ceiling before dashing back to attack again.

This strategy allows Xander to begin his assault from the ground while Jewel hits all the areas and blind spots from above and behind. Spindellia yawns as she blocks every attack that comes her way despite their intense speed.

"You see, loves. With my eyes, I can see every attack coming before you decide to make it."

Between their attacks, she punches them in the stomach with her spider legs and knocks them against the wall. They try to move but are caught in the webbing, keeping them in place. Spindellia appears on the web beside Zenzo.

"It's bittersweet. I always wanted to ask you why you abandoned me before I killed you. But you can't remember to tell me. Maybe we'll wait for your memories to come back."

Zenzo, who is shaking to the point where she can feel it through the webbing, looks at her out of the corner of his eyes.

"I-I-It's impossible! I h-have to face my f-fears to get my memory back!"

"That does pose a problem, indeed, love. Because that would mean I would have to let you go and help you get them back."

She crawls down over to him on the web, licking his cheek.

"I can't do that now, love. You'll get your power back when that happens. And then. I'll be unable to beat you again. Right now is the perfect time."

Zenzo continues to try to break free, but can't move.

"Please. I don't know why I did what I did, but I will make it up to you."

"You are, love." She says with her many legs wrapping him in silk. "This is making it up to me."

"If you care for me, don't make me fight you. I can't hold back."

"I know all about how your power works. Do you think I haven't planned a workaround? Your power is most deadly when no one knows about it."

Zenzo sheds tears as he can't think straight. Jewel looks over to Xander.

"Xan, do something!"

"I can't! The only attacks I have that can reach will hurt you two!"

"Shit. I could try something, but I have the same issue. Friendly fire."

"It's okay. I'll tear my skin to rip out of this, and then I'll take her down."

"Don't try it," Spindellia says, smirking at him. "It will hurt like hell, and I'll put you right back on another web."

Zenzo finally gives in to the voice in his head that says.

"Opposite."

Spindellia's smirk widens, and her fangs become apparent as the cave fills with his aura. She grows weaker along with the webbing in the area, freeing everyone. Jewel pulls out her fans, which are glowing with power.

Xander picks up a stick off the ground, and it is also more potent. Xander and Jewel attack, but because of Zenzo's power, their speed is significantly reduced to that of a normal human. Spindellia dodges the attacks, but when their weapons collide with rocks in the area, they smash or slice through them due to the power changes.

Zenzo appears behind Spindellia with his mace pulled back. Spindellia chuckles. Zenzo is shot in the chest multiple times with spider webs from tiny spiders in the tunnels. Since Zenzo cannot control what he hits, he made the mini spiders in the area substantial, and now their web balls are more potent than bullets.

"ZEN!" Xander yells.

They turn to attack Spindellia once more, but even with reduced speed, she is elusive, dodging their attacks with her spider legs moving her out of the way. She retaliates by sending her spider legs out rapidly, and they elongate, forcing Jewel and Xander to dodge.

Jewel watches and questions, "How is she making her legs bigger? When Zen's power is in effect, my power and Xan's do the opposite. Instead of accumulation, my power turns to dissipation. And instead of effect stacking, he turns to effect subtracting. So how?"

Spindellia knocks Jewel to the wall and attempts to pierce her several times with her legs. Jewel rolled left and right at the last second to dodge the attacks. Xander throws the stick as hard as he can in his weakened state and hits Spindellia in the head, knocking her through the wall into a tunnel. Xander runs and helps Jewel up before running back to help Zenzo. The spiderlings shoot web balls at him, and he rolls to dodge the projectiles. Spindellia's leg takes him off his feet and slams him against the wall. Pinning him.

"DAMN!" He blurts out in pain.

Spindellia walks out of the tunnel.

"You asked why my legs get bigger. It's because my natural ability is to make them smaller so they can fit in my back. Zen's power makes them do the opposite. So, even if I'm weaker, I'm still powerful. But now, my little spiderlings are a deadly army. And I have so many who are so very hungry."

She grins, picking Zenzo up with two spider legs, holding Jewel and Xander against the wall with the other two legs.

"My pretties will feast tonight!" She declares, letting out a malevolent laugh.