Chapter 2 : Snake
"Are you in search of Mayari's temple?" The stranger's voice cut through the silence, sending a shiver down Joy's spine.
Joy's eyes met those of the stranger, whose age belied the air of mystery surrounding him. His attire, though modest, hinted at a refined taste.
With a smile that barely concealed her intrigue, Joy rose from her seat, her curiosity piqued by the conversation that had unfolded.
"Yes, I've been searching for it," Joy admitted, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice. "But the locals insist that the temple has vanished into the mists of time." A furrow formed on her brow as she pondered the implications of this revelation.
"What do you mean it doesn't exist?. It does, but it's not as widely known as before," the strange man exclaimed with surprise.
Joy raised an eyebrow. "Well, if it really exists, why did the locals claim otherwise? I searched for it and found no sign of Mayari's temple."
The strange man chuckled softly. "Ah, the temple. It was actually relocated due to constant plundering by treasure hunters in the past," he replied, a hint of mystery in his tone.
"Indeed," Joy gasped, her eyes widening with surprise. "So it was robbed and then relocated? How did you come by this knowledge?"
A soft smile played on the strange man's lips. "I should know, considering I work there myself," he revealed, his words cloaked in mystery.
Joy's face lit up with excitement. "Truly? That's incredible! Please, could you take me there? I've been searching endlessly. I-I can offer you golden crowns!"
The strange man chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, fortunate for you, I'm actually on my way there. And there's no need for payment. Our faith is our only fortune, and it seems fate has brought us together for this journey," he replied warmly.
"Thank you so much for your generosity. I appreciate it more than you know. Let's go!" Her heart pounded with excitement.
"Now, now, don't get too excited. Let us introduce ourselves first," Malcolm said with a warm smile as he extended his hand in greeting. "My name is Malcolm Vern. What's yours?"
"My name is Joy, and I'm truly grateful for your assistance," Joy replied, her smile mirroring Malcolm's warmth. She felt a surge of happiness and gratefulness.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vern," she added politely, extending her hand to shake his.
As Malcolm noticed Joy's hesitance in revealing her full name, concern crossed his features, though he quickly masked it with a reassuring smile.
"I have a van parked in the next alley. My two colleagues must be anxious to depart, so we should hasten our steps. Let's go!" Malcolm's tone took on a sense of urgency as he gestured for Joy to follow him, his demeanor conveying with anticipation for his plan to come.
Malcolm led the way with purpose, and Joy followed closely behind, her belongings in tow. She matched his swift pace, her curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.
As they walked, Joy couldn't resist the urge to inquire about Malcolm's role at the temple.
"Mr. Vern?" she began tentatively, "I can't help but wonder, what exactly is your job at the temple?" Her voice carried a note of curiosity, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding their destination.
Malcolm's gaze faltered, his words stumbling out like hesitant footsteps on uncertain ground.
"Well... I - Uh... our work in the temple is the most important of all... Uhhhm... you could say that we are the pillars of the temple," he muttered, his voice trailing off as if seeking refuge in the shadows of half-truths. Yet behind his carefully crafted facade, the weight of deception hung heavy in the air, threatening to unravel his carefully woven web of lies at any moment.
Malcolm's smile lingered too long. His words, once warm, now held a coldness she couldn't ignore. The alley twisted like a trap. Something wasn't right.
As Joy trailed Malcolm through the dimly lit streets, a sense of unease gnawed at her. Yet, she couldn't quite pinpoint the source of her discomfort.
Joy's steps faltered.
Something felt wrong.
The alley was too quiet.
Malcolm's cheerful tone had turned stiff...measured. Each step he took seemed too rehearsed, too eager. Her instincts screamed at her like a fire alarm in the back of her skull.
She slowed. "Mr. Vern," she said, her voice careful, "what exactly do you do at the temple again? Are you… a Miko?"
Malcolm didn't stop walking, but he hesitated...just enough for her to catch it.
"Oh, yes. Absolutely," he said confidently with a smile."We serve as Mikos. Vital role. Sacred, really."
She stopped cold.
So did he.
The silence stretched between them.
"That's odd," Joy murmured, her smile thin as wire. "I thought Mikos were women."
Before he could answer, her fist was already moving.
(CRACK)
The punch slammed into his jaw with brutal precision. His head snapped sideways, and his body crumpled like a kicked stool. He crashed to the pavement with a groan, blood splattering against the alley wall.
Malcolm writhed, dazed and stunned.
Joy stood over him, fists clenched, heart Pounding heavily. Her eyes were cold. "Don't ever mistake me for an easy target." Her voice is like needles.
Malcolm coughing in the dirt in front of her.
To be continued...