"Yep, looks like all the money is here. This should last until we arrive in the next country…after we find the crystal here."
By now, I expected us to have an idea of where the next crystal is. Whether the information came from the goddess through Lily, or the so-called apostle of the goddess.
I look at the dresser near the side of the bed that Lily is sleeping on. The emerald-green crystal orb rests on top. I never got a good chance to analyze since Lily's been keeping it very close to her. I suppose that's to be expected of a kid; I'm sure I did the same when I was her age. I might as well take the opportunity to grab it while she is asleep.
I grab the crystal and fiddle with it a bit. Nothing out of the ordinary as far as texture and weight. The moons are shining through the window…
"I wonder what'll happen if…"
I walk to the opposite side of the bed, where the big glass window is. I must admit, the view from here is nice, and we are only on the first floor. There's a lot more to see here than anywhere else I've been so far.
Anyway, here goes…
I hold the crystal in the moonlight. The moonlight changed into a green color and illuminated the room…well, half of it at best.
"Yep, nothing peculiar there either."
It's baffling how this seemingly ordinary gem is desired by a goddess. What value does she see in this? I wish I could talk to her myself. We are going to have a lengthy conversation the day when I summon her, that's for sure.
"There you go."
I return the crystal to its original place. I tried to put it back as it was before, but even if Lily somehow notices it's been moved, I will just tell her it was my fault.
I sit on the bed, staring out the window. I'll try not to get too comfortable here, I don't want to sleep next to Lily if I don't have to. Though I'm too tired to make a bed on the floor. Also, that sofa chair won't do either–it's too stiff. Whatever, I'll figure it out in a moment.
"What was the deal with that girl? She seemed to recognize me, but I can't recall her. Her annoying tone of voice does feel faintly familiar, but no one comes to mind."
I just hope that she is not dumb enough to become an obstacle for us; I already had to deal with the anger of an apostle. There's no telling what Nazz is planning–I wouldn't be surprised if she declares me to be a heretic and compels her members to keep me away from her and the temple.
"Hmph, that won't stop me. If Lily doesn't hear from the goddess in her dreams tonight, then I'll go to the temple and ask someone else. Surely there are some older members that know more than Nazz."
"?!"
Suddenly, a warm sensation radiates from within my body!
My head…
…is…
…feeling…
…light.
My…
…consciousness…
…fading….
THUMP
Vex's body flops onto the bed, lying unconsciously next to Lily, who is still soundly asleep. A dazzling light envelops his body.
___________________________________________________________________________
SWOOSH
"..."
SWOOSH
"...?"
SWOOSH
I don't want to get up.
SWOOSH
I don't want to open my eyes.
SWOOSH
But when did it become so windy here? Maybe I left the window open by mistake last night. No matter, I'm not waking up until the alarm goes off. I can endure this wind!
DRIP
SPLOOSH
"?!"
Out of nowhere, I feel some sort of liquid envelop me, making me soaked. Great, now it's raining?
"Okay, what's going on? Am I being tormented?"
I finally opened my eyes since my misfortune won't let me rest peacefully.
"Whoa!"
The source of the "wind" and the "rain" were one in the same–a giant's mouth.
No, it's a giant's face…!
"Lily?!"
Did Lily manage to grow into a giant? That'd be…
"..."
No, if she were a giant, then surely she would have destroyed this hotel and caused mass panic. It's more likely that I'm the one who changed.
Looking around me to confirm, it's not only Lily that's a giant. The window is massive, the pillows on this bed look like massive clouds, and the cover towers over me like a tidal wave. It's confirmed–
I have shrunken. Or more accurately, I have been shrunken.
"Fortunately, with the exception of my shoes, my clothes shrunk with me, and all of the items on my person. I'm glad that I avoided a complete crisis, but I must return to normal expeditiously."
Tch, what even happened to me? I vaguely remember feeling strange last night before waking up like this. This is no doubt a curse that has been casted on me. I don't have the time or ability to check every person I've encountered or passed by in Gannet, so I need to focus on the likely culprits, then work my way down from there.
"I know my number one suspect: Nazz. It has to be her curse!"
If I remember correctly, her eyes turned crimson when she looked directly at me. I wasn't sure what the deal was, but I didn't immediately suspect anything since it seemingly had no effect. Obviously, that was a foolish assumption in hindsight.
"The crystal will have to wait. Our first order of business is to confront Nazz about this and get her to change me back. But…"
I look over at the giant girl who is still sleeping. My plan will require her to take the lead. I can't get around in this state or accomplish anything, so I have no choice but to fully depend on a child. Sigh, it has really come to this…
"Hey Lily, it's time to wake up. We have an emergency!"
"ZZZZZzzz…"
Right, my voice is smaller too. I'll try shouting.
I take a deep breath.
"LILY, WAKE UP!"
SWOOOSH
"Ack!"
Her giant exhales feel like winds from a hurricane; they are making me lose my balance. She's not responding to me, so I will just yell directly into her ear.
"Alright, hold still!"
Since Lily is lying horizontally, climbing her will be easier. I latch on to her nose, then use it as a platform to get me on to her cheek.
"Phew, now onto the easier part."
I crawl up her face towards her hair in order to maintain balance. Her hair looks like overgrown blades of grass, and her ears resemble cave entrances. I must be careful not to fall inside; god knows what's in there…
Let's try this again.
"Lily, it's Vex! Please wake up! I need your help!"
"ZZZZZzz…"
You're kidding me. The best I could do was make her ear slightly twitch?
"Are you a heavy sleeper?!"
I jumped off her head back to where I started. If my voice won't work, then maybe a bit of force will.
I walk up to Lily's left eye, which is completely shut. If I can forcibly open her eyes, then she should wake up. Nobody could sleep through that.
"Huurgh!"
I mustered all of the strength I could, yet her eyelid would not budge a centimeter. I know that as a shrunken person, giant things are going to be heavier to lift, but I didn't think that I would be weak to this extent. Did this curse also minimize my strength?
Do I really have no other choice than to wait for this girl to wake up herself? It's not like I can go anywhere–I'm certainly not leaving this bed.
"Sigh, maybe I should go back to sleep and let her wake me up…?!"
SWOOOO
Crap, Lily is taking a deep breath, and I happen to be in the point-blank range of her mouth!
"LILY! STOP! CLOSE YOUR MOUTH! OR ELSE YOU'RE GONNA–AHH!"
I lost grip of the bed that I was desperately holding on to. Lily's mouth draws me in like a vacuum, I'm powerless to stop it.
"No, I refuse to go on another body adventure!"
Before I could be carried down Lily's throat, I grabbed on to her uvula. It's slippery due to the saliva and mouth moisture, but I will hold on for dear life!
"ACK! COUGH COUGH!"
"!!!"
Lily's mouth is vibrating–it must be a cough!
My grip loosens…now I'm falling down her throat…
"Crap."
"BLEEEH!"
"!!!"
Suddenly, a great force pushes me out of the throat and back to the outside world.
"I'm free! I'm free–"
CRASH!
___________________________________________________________________________
"Lily's sorry, Vex! I didn't mean to eat you…"
"It's fine Lily, it's not your fault. As I said, this is a curse caused by someone else."
"But what should we do now? Lily doesn't want to go outside alone."
"You won't, I'll be with you and guiding you along the way. Just follow my directions exactly, and you'll be fine. I can't travel alone, so you will have to carry me."
"How so? In my pocket?"
"Definitely not. Not only would I suffocate, you wouldn't be able to hear my directions. Open your hand and place it here."
"Okay."
I point my finger down at the spot on the bed in front of me. Lily slowly descends her hand, unsure of what to expect.
"Now lift me up towards your head."
"Like this?"
As Lily lifts me up, I change my stance to decrease the chances of me losing my balance and falling down. This "elevator ride" is a tad nauseating, but nothing unbearable.
"Perfect."
From Lily's hand, I hop onto her head. Her hair softened my impact.
"I will ride on top of your head like this, next to your ears. As long as you don't make any drastic head movements, I'll survive."
"Amazing, Vex is like Lily's pet now!"
"No, I'm not your…whatever. Just get dressed so that we can head to the temple already."
"Okay!"
Lily excitedly began to head to the changing room, forcing me to grip her ear in order not to slip off.
"Wait wait! Put me down first, I'm still up here."
"Oh, right. Sorry."
___________________________________________________________________________
"Lily should take a left at this corner?"
"No, the next one. The temple will be down that street. You remember how it looks, right?"
"Hmm, I think so…"
"It's…fine. Completely fine. Just leave the thinking to me."
I didn't expect Vex to become smaller than me, but it makes Lily feel a bit better. His voice is so tiny and cute, it tickles my ears! I don't want Vex to stay tiny forever, but Lily wants to enjoy this moment for a little bit.
Another night passed, and the goddess lady still hasn't talked to me again. Maybe Miss Nazz was right–the goddess doesn't like Lily anymore…
"Lily! Hey Lily, are you there? You're about to pass the temple!"
"Oops! Lily didn't mean to…"
"Is there something on your mind, Lily? You've been zoning out a bit."
"Lily's fine!"
"You're still thinking about what Nazz said, aren't you?"
How does he know?! Is Vex a mind reader? I gave a big smile and everything…
"Umm, well…"
"Forget about what she said–don't take it to heart. That girl doesn't know what she's talking about. Never let anyone else dismiss what you know that you have experienced. Even if the whole world doubts it, don't let them make you doubt yourself too."
I never thought of that. I can't let other people tell Lily that the goddess didn't speak to her. Lily knows it's true!
If Lily doubts, then mother will never be saved. Lily won't let that happen!
"Okay Vex, Lily understands now!"
"I'm glad to hear that. Once we resolve this situation, we can go get some ice cream or something sweet. There is a bakery a few blocks from here."
"Really? Thank you, thank you!"
Lily's so happy, I can't help but to jump up and down! Lily can taste the desserts already…
"Whoa whoa, careful with the jumping! Do you want me to fall off?"
"Oops. My bad."
"We're at the temple now. Ring the doorbell and ask for Nazz, I mean, Apostle Nazz."
"Got it!"
Ding-dong
A few seconds after Lily rang the doorbell, a man opened the door and looked down at me. He is an adult like Vex, but he looks older. Maybe he is the same age as Vex's dad!
"Hello there, I am Elder Elm. How may I help you, young lady?"
Even though the man looks a little scary, his voice sounds so kind.
"I'm Lily. We are looking for Apostle Nazz. Is she here?"
"'We'? You and who else?"
"Him!"
I pointed to my head so that Mr. Elm could see Vex. How could anyone miss him?
"Oh, you have a small fellow with you. Never seen someone with a miniature curse before…do you want prayer?"
"No, this isn't my curse! Your apostle cursed me and now I'm this size! I need her to lift her curse pronto!"
"Ehh? What's that? I can hardly make out what you're saying, young man."
"Tch!"
I can feel Vex get closer to my ear. What does he want to tell me?
"Lily, please repeat everything I say to Elm. I need you to be my microphone. Ready?"
"Ready!"
Just as Vex told Lily, I repeated exactly what he said before.
"Why, thank you young lady for helping us communicate! So you're the guy Apostle Nazz told me about. I'm sorry young man, but I'm afraid there's nothing I can do."
"Well…then, where…is…Nazz? She's…the one…I want to…talk to."
"Given that you have been placed under her curse, I don't think that she will allow you to see her again. Even if she would, she's not here at the moment. Take care, and may the goddess' mercy be upon you both."
Mr. Elm bows his head and starts to shut the door.
"Wait…at least…tell…me where…Nazz is–"
CLICK
I reach towards the door to pull it open. Lily can't make it move.
"Vex, it seems that the door is locked now…"
"Yeah, that geezer locked us out. Tch!"
"What should we do now?"
"I…I'm not sure. Maybe we can think things through with some sweets."
"Yay! Let's go!"
"Make sure to listen carefully so that we don't get lost. First, take a right then go–?!!"
GLOOP
"?!"
What was that?! Lily feels something sticky on her head…
"Vex, are you okay? Did you feel that?"
SPLAT
"!!!"
A small, gooey ball fell from my head onto the ground. Lily's head feels lighter now. Oh no, could it be?
"Vex?! Is that you? Are you inside this slime?!"
"I'll take that!"
"?!"
An orange-haired girl suddenly swooped in and snatched the slime ball out of my hands. It happened so quickly, Lily couldn't keep up!
"Hey, come back here you thief!"
I chased the thief, following her into an alley. In the alley, two other people are waiting there: some guy Lily doesn't know and…that lady?!
"Oh, hello there little Lily. It's great to see you again! Miss me?"
"Uh, sorry, but Lily must focus on the thief girl now. You kidnapper, I've caught you! Give my friend back now!"
Maybe if I show my claws, it'll make her scared of Lily. I'll make myself look tough!
SHNK
"Oh, so you're a feisty one. Aisha didn't tell us about that side of you–I like it!"
Why is she smiling? Shouldn't she be afraid?!
"Lily's serious! Give him back or…or–"
I got it!
"Or I will ask Aisha to help me beat you. Lily's met her before, and you don't want to mess with her!"
"Oh my, did I really leave such a strong impression on you? I'm quite flattered!"
Come on, why is the thief girl still smiling? No, she's laughing now!
"Is that so? Don't worry, I'll spare you the trouble and call Aisha myself. Sis, it's snack time!"
The thief girl tossed the slime ball into the air, towards Aisha. Aisha catches the ball…with her mouth?!
"Gulp! Slurp! Ah, thanks Thena. I finally got the chance to taste him! Your slime masks most of his flavor, but it still compliments it somewhat."
No.
No!
No!!
NO!!!!
Vex…that lady swallowed Vex!
"Eh? Why do you look so sad, dearie? That cute man isn't dead, he's just resting inside my stomach. He was one of the best snacks I've ever had!"
"How…how dare you make fun of Lily! I thought we could trust you! I said, give him back. Now!"
The thief girl and Aisha are on the same team…Lily can't believe this! How could she do this to us?
"Sorry girl, but I, the great Thena, am the leader of this party. I am the one who told my sister to swallow him. So if you want her to give him back, you'll have to address your complaints directly to me!"
Thief girl keeps taunting Lily…she can't get away with this. Lily can't let her get away with taking Vex! I must let my natural instincts take over…
Just like Vex said to me.
"NYAAAH!"