Right now I could do nothing but look up at the sky. A morning sky, apparently clear, but mostly covered by the dense smoke that the still-living fire spat into the air, as if it wanted to devour even the light of day.
***
After a couple of minutes, during which Nyari conjured several water spells to put out the flames and prevent the smoke from attracting emergency services, I began to regain my hearing. The constant ringing in my ears gradually faded away, until it was a distant echo. My hands, once numb and useless, began to give me a faint tingle; I could feel them, though I still couldn't quite move them. My body was still motionless, heavy as if it had been chained to the ground.
Nyari walked over and, without saying anything at first, examined me precisely. His fingers ran from my chest to my legs, feeling every bone and muscle with an almost professional coldness. "I don't see anything broken," he murmured, continuing his gentle but firm touches, looking for any signs of a hidden fracture.
I only let out a stifled sigh, without the strength to reply. My mind, however, was not in my body. "Nimue," I managed to mutter, barely audible. "Is she dead?"
Nyari abruptly interrupted the seriousness of the review and let out an awkward laugh, too forced to seem authentic. Then, with an unexpectedly playful gesture, he tapped me on the forehead with his bloody finger. He answered, feigning lightness, though his eyes betrayed a shadow of concern. "You should learn to be more optimistic.
"They know you stole it. I blurted out suddenly, breaking the silence.
Nyari's face hardened instantly. That playful, biting expression that always accompanied her disappeared, replaced by a cold, calculating mask. "I know," she replied quietly, as if she were weighing the possible consequences in seconds. "Only—" I didn't think I'd be discovered so soon.
I decided not to push any further. Not now.—Is Nimue stable? I asked, changing the subject awkwardly.
"Agh! Want to stop switching topics all the time? She snapped irritably, pulling her hands away from me and letting them fall on her lap with a thud. "It's... decent. I've done everything I can with what I know about healing. But they have left his legs crushed...
I lowered my head, the air rushing in and out of my lungs. "When she wakes up, she can surely heal herself..." as long as he does not let himself be carried away by panic. I murmured.
Nyari let out a short chuckle, full of irony. Then he sat up slowly, planting his hands on his waist, imposing presence even among the still-smoking ruins. He said firmly, his silhouette silhouetted against the embers that still sizzled around him. "Let's get out before more come."
"Nyari," I named her, in a thin voice.
"What do you want now?" She asked, annoyed.
"I can't move," I replied, with resignation.
Nyari rolled her eyes and walked back to me. With one finger he drew a cross in the air, covering my entire body. Then he clenched his fist and brought it to his chest. A green glow emerged from his hand, vibrant, as if life itself was condensing there. After a few seconds, an explosion of luminous particles enveloped the room, dyeing everything green for an instant. The energy dissipated like smoke.
"That's it. He said calmly, lowering his hand. "For the moment it should be enough.
I moved my head first, then my arms, finally my legs. To my surprise, everything was responding normally. Even my hands, which I had stopped feeling, were obeying me again. "Thank you very much," I said, genuinely grateful.
I stood up quickly, craning my neck to observe the magnitude of the chaos that had previously escaped me. The air smelled of smoke and iron, the floor was covered with embers and debris.
I looked towards the already "mythical" corner. Nimue was still there, lying down.
"I think you'll have to carry your little friend to the next destination." Nyari commented mockingly. "It doesn't look like she's going to get up on her own.
I nodded, knowing he was right. Apparently, Nimue was a world-class sleeper. Would there be competitions for that? If there were, she would surely win them all.
I approached and grabbed her arm. He let out a faint groan, which paralyzed me for an instant. But I continued.
The feel of his skin surprised me. Soft, delicate, completely opposite to mine: rough, hardened. Soft as... a baby's bottom. I always meant that.
With some effort, I managed to carry her on my shoulders.
"By the way... Where are you planning to go?" Nyari asked as he took a couple of steps forward, marking his way to his next destination.
I followed her, checking that I could move without problems with Nimue on my shoulders. I adjusted his weight a little and stood next to him. Her step was agile, confident, almost carefree, as if she had no fear at all that the guards might recognize her after the disaster.
He had already saved us twice —if he counted this one—, but still... I still didn't fully trust her. He had too many contacts in the city, moving as if he knew every shadow, every nook. And although that suited us, it forced me to remember that we were dancing to the sound of someone who did not reveal all his cards.
In the end, I felt compelled to let go.
"My mother," I murmured, a lump in my throat that weighed heavier than Nimue's body. She is very sick and we need to travel to the marine continent.
Nyari turned her head toward me, arching an eyebrow, with a strange twinkle in her eyes. She repeated, incredulously, as if that idea were nonsense.
"Yes," I murmured, squeezing Nimue over my shoulders. It was slipping little by little, and I had to adjust it better so as not to lose my balance.
"Then..." you are heading towards the other entrance to the city. Nyari swerved to the right, pointing to a narrower path, almost hidden between old houses and cracked walls. This trail will save us trouble.
I paused for a moment, bewildered. ¿Was... helping us cross the city?
"And what shall we do now?" I asked, trying to sound confident, but doubt escaped me in every word. I was afraid of getting lost in that labyrinth of alleys where everything smelled of damp and garbage.
Nyari didn't hesitate to answer, smiling barely out of the corner of her lips. "Across a couple of alleys more we'll find a good friend of mine." He owes us some favors... And with their help, we will be able to get out of the city quickly, without anyone asking too many questions. "Besides..." I'll take advantage of the fact that you're going to the sea continent to see some acquaintances.
I raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Acquaintances?" Is the beast tribe also on its way to the sea continent? I asked with a hint of surprise.
Nyari glanced at me sideways, arching an eyebrow with a sly smile. He said ironically, nudging me on the shoulder.
"Don't believe it," I murmured, letting out a nervous chuckle.
Silence enveloped us as we crossed dark, damp alleys, avoiding the main streets where the city's nightlife seemed to burn with bright lights, towering structures, and aromas of food that made my stomach growle. I closed my eyes for a second, imagining a bowl of hot ramen... how much I missed him.
Suddenly, Nyari stopped in his tracks and stopped me with his arm outstretched. He whispered slightly, in a firm tone. I hear guards.
I tensed up instantly. At the end of the alley, two silhouettes began to take shape, advancing with a relaxed step. Their armor reflected the dim light of the lanterns: patrol. They weren't looking for anyone specific... But if they saw us, there would be problems.
We crouched behind stacked wooden boxes. Nyari, agile as ever, moved a couple of them to reinforce the cover, creating an improvised barricade.
The guards passed slowly, with the carefree rhythm of those who work overtime.
"Wow, my wife promised me a surprise tonight. I can't wait to finish the double shift..." said one, in an enthusiastic tone.
"It's the third time you've told me today, Isaak. You peel it off, do you know that? replied his companion, clearly irritated.
"I'm just trying to bring up conversation, you piece of donkey with no manners.
Nyari rolled her eyes silently, as I held my breath. And just at that moment... Nimue groaned. A soft moan, but loaded with pain.
"Fuck," he murmured, unconscious.
Our hearts froze. I carefully lowered Nimue from my shoulders, leaning her against the wall. Nyari quickly covered his mouth firmly, gritting her teeth in suppressed rage.
"Did you hear it?" said one of the guards suddenly, stopping in his tracks.
"You're starting with your paranoia," grumbled the other, pushing him to keep walking.
The former looked sideways, his hand ready to summon his spear. I felt that every second was eternal, that a single false move would give us away.
"Move!" his companion growled.
The guard sighed in frustration, and finally let himself be dragged to the exit of the alley. Their steps were lost, until they both disappeared on the main street.
Only then, when the tension dissipated, did I realize that I was sweating profusely.
Nimue began to open her eyes. At first they were lost, unfocused, as if she were still trapped in a nightmare. But little by little they focused their gaze, finding a tenuous balance in reality.
"M-my leg," he whispered in a pain-laden voice.
"Nimue... "You're awake at last," I said, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.
She pushed me away with a slight movement, like someone shaking a dead leaf off her shoulders. fucking psychopaths..." she murmured, as if she were talking to herself, spitting out the hatred that burned inside her.
"Nimue, can you walk?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
He looked at me. A direct, penetrating gaze... Uncomfortable. He said everything and at the same time said nothing.
Without saying a word, he tried to get up. He leaned against the wall with superhuman effort, refusing to ask me for help. But his pride was not enough: his grip on the wall failed him and he ended up collapsing back to the ground.
Nyari clicked his tongue impatiently. "Nakhúr, we have to move now if we want to go as far as possible before they tighten security."
I could hardly hear her. My eyes were still fixed on Nimue. "You're going to help us get through the city, Nimue," I said in an attempt to lure her back to the moment.
She didn't answer. He just held out his hand to me, without looking at me, his face tilted. A mute plea for help, disguised as indifference.
A smile came to me by itself, without thinking about it. I took her hand and helped her to her feet until she was standing. His breathing was heavy, each exhalation heavy with fatigue.
"Can you support yourself?" I asked.
"I told you before," Nyari said, shrugging his shoulders. With the spell I cast on him he will be able to walk a little. Not too much, but enough to reach our destination.
"Is it very far away?" "I wanted to know.
Nyari shook her head from side to side, sure. "A couple more corners." If we hurry, we will arrive without problems.
Nimue stood by my side, leaning much of her weight on me even though I denied it with every step. Her breathing was short, and every time she stumbled she gritted her teeth, refusing to let out a groan that would give her away.
"You're pushing too hard," I said quietly, trying not to sound reproachful.
"Shut up," she replied in a thin voice, pride tearing at every word.
Nyari stopped suddenly, raising his hand. At the next corner, two silhouettes crossed from one street to another. We waited crouched behind a wall until they disappeared. Only then do we resume the step.
"Hold on a little longer," Nyari whispered. We are close.
We advance along a narrow corridor between buildings. The air smelled of rotten fish and dampness, but with each step it became more apparent that we were moving away from the patrolled areas. Finally, Nyari stopped in front of a rickety wooden door, covered with crossed planks and painted in languages he did not understand.
He knocked on the door three times, in a strange rhythmic pattern. A few seconds passed until a crack opened and a pair of bright eyes scrutinized us from within.
"Password?" asked a hoarse voice.
Nyari smiled maliciously. "The city is burning, the sea is waiting.
There was a click of bolts and the door opened wide enough for us to get through. Inside, the air was warmer, laden with incense and tobacco smoke. A large room, lit by oil lamps, opened before us. People with a sloppy appearance and if you saw them at night you would think they were serial killers. It was clear that it was a speakeasy where people met to play poker and bet everything stolen or won.
Suddenly, a man dressed in a crisp black suit and white tie came out of a side room. Her walk was relaxed, but full of that confidence that only those who know that in this place they are in charge have.
"My dearest bunny Nyari!" he exclaimed with a forced enthusiasm, with that wide smile that smelled of cheap theater. What brings you here?
Nyari, without replying, took off his jacket and dropped it on a nearby chair. From the pocket, a faint blue light barely filtered through: the mana crystal that the woman in my dreams had spoken of. The memory pierced me like an icy dagger.
"We need a ride to the other exit of town," I said, in a firm tone, keeping calm.
The man's smile, marked by scars and wrinkles, disappeared suddenly. His features hardened, transforming that false kindness into a cold, almost hostile face.
"Impossible," he replied dryly, as if he didn't even want to give rise to a negotiation.
"Impossible?" Nyari repeated, his eyes narrowing.
"The royal guard has seized almost all the vehicles in the last month. Those bastards have gotten serious.
"He blows it on me." I want a vehicle right now. His answer was so quick and curt that even I tensed.
The man let out a brief, mocking laugh, though his eyes didn't laugh at all.
Nyari took a couple of steps, so close that she almost brushed it with her index finger as she pointed it straight at his face. Everything you have here is thanks to me, you useless piece.
The entire place fell silent. Everyone present looked at us, expectantly. And even so, the mafioso did not show an ounce of fear: he remained firm, almost indifferent.
"I know, I know," he snorted, as if calming a child. Don't make such a fuss, will you? The guys here aren't the ones who tolerate noise.
A breathy cough from Nimue broke the air full of tension. For the first time, the man looked away from Nyari and fixed his eyes on us. He walked slowly toward me, his hands behind his back, leaning over slightly to be at my level.
"Well, well... I had not seen Onis like you. Curious. His gaze was like a scalpel, dissecting us from top to bottom. Are they friends of yours, Nyari?
"No," she replied instantly, folding her arms. Just business buddies.
The man stroked his jaw slowly, as if savoring the answer. Then he fixed his eyes on me again.
"And you?" He said in that deep, doughy voice that made your hair stand on end. What's your name, young oni?
"Nakhúr. I replied without hesitation.
"Nakhúr... What else?"
—Nakhúr Darkflare.
The atmosphere changed in a second. His eyes narrowed, and his smile returned, but it was no longer fake: it was real now, and that made it even more unsettling. He sat up suddenly, turning his back on us and returning to Nyari with a theatrical step, almost as if everything had been written in advance.
"Darkflare," he repeated quietly, as if tasting his last name. That really changes everything.
He stopped, intertwining his fingers as he looked at them calmly. But—" he raised his hand, examining his nails absently, "you'll have to do me a little favor first."
"And shit. Nyari snapped, his voice echoing throughout the room, laden with venom. You owe me so much more that I have to do you favors.
The mobster cocked his head, with that crooked smile that seemed to be nailed to his face.
"Do you want that transport or not?" He asked, in a tone as mellow as it was malicious, as if he enjoyed watching Nyari burn with rage.
She closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and let out the air in a heavy sigh. It was not surrender, it was pure control so as not to slam my fist in his face.
"When you give me mine," she said coldly, fixing her eyes on his, "then I'll do your thing."
The silence that followed was so dense that anyone would have thought the air had stopped. The mobster did not stop smiling, but his fingers drummed nervously on the nearest table. He wasn't used to someone talking to him like that.
"Oh... I still remember dear Lilitt. The mobster said out of nowhere, as if talking about the weather.
The name resounded in the air like thunder. Nyari, who had been defiant until now, was so startled that he even slammed on the table.
"Don't talk about her," he murmured, his fists clenched until his knuckles snapped.
The mobster smiled, enjoying every second of his reaction.
"If you don't want to end up like your sister, you'd better do what I tell you." Besides..." his voice became a poisonous whisper, "we both win.
He could feel Nyari's blood boiling, his eyes looking like two embers about to burst. Did she have a sister who had died at the hands of this unfortunate man? That changed everything.
In an instant, the woman who had been pure security and arrogance became a shadow of herself. Not defeated, not broken... but it is chained. It was like seeing a wolf suddenly tied up by a simple collar.
"What is it... What needs to be done? He asked at last, hesitantly, his voice breaking for the first time.
The mafioso opened his arms as if he were presenting a play. Girl applied. He laughed with false glory.
"Cocoon," Nyari managed to murmur, more to herself than to him.
With astonishing calmness, the man took a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and spread it out on the table. It was a map of the city, full of red markings, circles and arrows that indicated specific places.
"You see... "This city has an ugly habit," he explained, clenching his fingers as if strangling an invisible ant, "of not letting us traffic in our wares.
"Drugs?" Nyari spat contemptuously.
"Agh, don't say it like that. Call... "magic in dust". Come on, what does it matter. Yes, I'm talking about drugs. He replied with a shrug. "There are several carriages full of her, impounded at the city's checkpoints. Here, for example—" He pointed with one finger to a point on the map.
"And what about us?" Nyari asked, his voice still hard, though trembling.
"Don't worry. He said, lengthening each syllable, with that smile of his that made you want to break his teeth. If you bring me one of those magic dust carriages... I give you a carriage for your little journey.
Nyari turned her gaze to Nimue and me, searching for a spark of approval. But the only thing he found was silence. No one knew whether to accept that foul play... or look for another way out.
Finally, he lowered his head and murmured, "All right. We will.
"Great! he exclaimed, raising his arms in joy. You have until tonight. If he's not there by then—" his smile twisted into something dangerous, "I'm afraid your journey will end right here."
And before he left, he stopped at the door. if you ever see your tribe again, say hello to Lyra on my behalf.
The slamming of the door resounded like a sentence.
Nyari, motionless, stared blankly. She slumped into a nearby chair, covered her face with her hands, and sighed as if all the strength that characterized her had evaporated in seconds.
We had just gotten into a problem from which there was no easy escape.