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Nervous voices rise to the sound of skittering.
"Have you heard that?"
Another Teensy already pries his nose through the bars, trying to see what's going on.
"It's Rayman!" he exclaims as quietly as his excitement will allow. Promptly the rest of the Teensies flock to his side to see where he's pointing at. Sure enough, Rayman skulks about below and waves up at them with a silent plea to be quiet.
"Of course, of course!" The captives can't help their giddiness but hush each other vigorously.
"You're not a minute too early," the largest one explains calmly, "Their cook was in here earlier and already examined little Ajax for sicknesses! Can you believe it?" A quick glance into the back of the cage before he turns back to speak with Rayman.
"Poor guy is still catatonic."
"Not me!" another one chimes in, "I knew you were coming!"
Rayman, too, is looking around frantically, before he implores them to stay silent again. He hops off into a crevice to avoid a pair of Knaaren marching in.
"Did you hear that?"
The Teensies unanimously remove themselves from the bars, their boney cage swaying from the shift in weight.
"Eh, it's just the dinner," the other one comments with a snarky chuckle before he rises up to peer through the bound rib cages.
"They probably can't wait for the feast. I know
I
can’t!"
The Knaaren licks his lips before his companion grunts.
"Leave some for the rest of us, will you? Teensies have gotten scarce as is."
"Just a snack…" the larger Knaaren rumbles as he reaches for the cage, "One more or less isn't gonna hurt."
Rayman tenses as all the Teensies scurry to the back of the cage together. He can't let the Knaaren find him, but he also can't let this happen!
Winding up his fist gets the attention of the second Knaaren, but Rayman doesn't care as he emerges from his hideout to shatter the cage in front of the larger Knaaren's very eyes.
The Teensies plummet to the ground and immediately begin to scatter as Rayman lands a useless punch on the Knaaren if only to goad their attention.
"Quick! To the tunnels!" the Teensies echo, and Rayman lets them take the lead as he distracts the two Knaaren.
As he dodges one of them trying to grapple him, Rayman catches sight of a weak spot in the arch of the cavern and sends a quick barrage of punches to topple one of the beams and block the way for the Knaaren.
The opening's still small enough for him to make his way through - one bodypart at a time - but the larger Knaaren will take at least a minute to break through (he hopes).
Up ahead he spots the Teensies and picks his rolling body off the floor to catch up with them.
"Where to?" he asks, scanning the perimeter for more threats. True to form the alarm is going to sound off soon, they haven't been exactly quiet.
One of the Teensies is already declaring orders that are easily being accepted by the rest of the group even though none of them bears a crown. That might change once they're save back home, Rayman thinks as a silver lining.
"To the desert," they echo with one voice and Rayman agrees as they fall in line. The door within the caves is bound to be teeming with Knaaren now.
He helps one of them to saddle the smallest on their back and follows in their pace to watch the rear.
Despite carrying the weight of a brother, even the slowest of them is surprisingly quick on his feet - but not quick enough to outrun a Knaaren if push comes to shove.
Rayman very nearly loses track in the tunnels more than once, but one of the Teensies always lingers back at the junctions to wave him closer.
When they finally leave the caves they've got four Knaaren following them and the sun bearing down on them.
It's blazing hot! Even the Knaaren are reluctant to leave the caves at first, but they're more reluctant to part with their meal.
Up in the distance Rayman can see the Warp Stone the Teensies are aiming for. The last of them are skipping across rocky isles and bones emerging from the red hot sand. Their leader is already performing the ritual dance to open the pathway when the Knaaren announce that they're not gonna let it happen with a furious roar.
"Go! Go! Go!"
One after the other Rayman herds the Teensies through the Warpstone. He's buying the time they need by baiting the Knaaren away up until the last of them has made it through.
The smirk on his face is near mischievous as the Knaaren that had almost caught Neo and Ajax roars in frustration. It's only satisfying though until the telltale sound of cracking stone wipes Rayman's smug expression from his face.
They couldn't have… but they did.
There's Knaaren between him and his only exit, but Rayman feels the shockwave when the rune breaks in half and the pathway to the Hall of Doors collapses in itself. It's enough to make his stomach drop and lifes flashing by in front of his eyes.
….He's not getting out of here.
The realization is flooring, the panic it evokes paralyzing - so much so that Rayman doesn't recognize the Knaaren approaching behind him with his clenched fist aimed at the sky.
"Eugh!"
A blunt force; a harsh sting…
Then his world fizzles out.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Hey! Wake up, sleeping beauty!"
Rayman has had ruder awakenings, but he still feels drowsy when he opens his eyes to gaze upon an angry greenbottle.
“Murfy!” he perks up immediately as he sees the fly.
His head is still pounding and his vision somewhat blurry but nevertheless his friend is a sight for (very) sore eyes.
Wait… how did he get here? How is he still alive…?
“Don’t you
‘Murfy!’
me,” he greets Rayman back mockingly with a squeak in his voice and the waving of a key in his face, “The Knaaren aren’t much for talking. You
owe me
for all of this great emissary-ing I’ve been doing for you, pal!”
Rayman isn’t perturbed by the guide’s foul mood, quite on the contrary.
“It’s good to see you.”
It does - for a moment - put a crack of a smile into Murfy’s mask before he brushes Rayman off with a “Yayaya. So here's the deal. The Council got
word from the Teensies you freed
and Polokus sent me to negotiate with Leptys. Foul guy, I tell ya. I’ve found another Warp Stone for you that’s still intact, and the Knaaren are willing to give you until sundown to reach it if that means you stay away from their caverns.”
“And pass the desert in broad sunlight?!” Rayman exclaims, “Thanks, I’ll take the Knaaren.”
“Ey,” Murfy shrugs, “It’s your funeral.”
Rayman steps out of the cage and immediately stretches himself out. For someone so used to smashing cages open it's always disheartening to be on the other side of one.
"They're really letting me go?" he asks.
"You're lucky to have friends in high places. Now let's scram before Gumsi changes his mind."
A smile tugs on Rayman's face as he bows in gratitude to Murfy.
"Much obliged!"
"Oh, and one more thing," the fly suddenly remembers before he settles in Rayman's Nest of Hair.
"I met Reflux's son."
"His WHAT?!" Rayman jolts, causing Murfy to flutter back into the air.
"Yeah," the fly rounds, "A real piece of work. Apparently, he's not happy with what you've done to his Daddy."
No, that's…
"You gotta be kidding!"
Murfy snorts, "What did you expect from this prompt? Originality?"
The comment earns Murfy a silent glare.
"Sheesh,
fine,"
he snaps, "What ever happened to let's get out ASAP anyway? I think he's looking for you, now that he learned you’re here."
"Yes, let's," Rayman agrees, "I can't wait to get out of here. Where to?"
Even though he's been pardoned Rayman puts in extra effort to not be spotted as he skulks through the caves. Even Murfy manages to stay quiet for the time being. As far as Rayman is concerned the fly is maybe getting a little too comfortable when he starts questioning when Rayman last washed his hair.
"You're welcome to fly," Rayman snarks and shakes Murfy out of his hair.
"Didn't you wanna lead the way or something?!"
"Sheeesh, fine!" the fly complains and starts buzzing ahead, "Then stop skulking about and try to keep up!"
"Wait!"
This is causing too much noise! Rayman thinks he hears a Knaaren from a corridor they're passing and picks up his pace.
What else can he do when he needs Murfy to reach the Door all the way over on the other side of the desert?
Rayman is NOT looking forward to this.
As he mourns the fact they can't just wait til nightfall (why did the Knaaren have to make THAT the deadline?), it occurs to him that - stuck in the caves - he doesn't even know what time it
is
right now.
He gets his answer when they stumble upon the first Knaaren - snoring away right in the middle of the tunnel they're passing. Rayman skids to a halt so as not to crash into the massive hulk and carefully tippy toes his way around before he can catch up with Murfy. The fly is already impatiently waiting for him - all crossed arms and rolling eyes - but he's waiting.
As he's impatiently letting his gaze roam the area Murfy glances into a nearby corridor and jolts suddenly. The sudden change is not lost on Rayman, especially not when the fly draws closer again and frantically urges him into another tunnel.
“But I thought you said-”
“Nevermind that,” Murfy insists, physically watching him into the other corridor.
“But we’ll be faster over there,” Rayman tries to needle him for answers.
“Faster, and deader,” the fly relents with an exasperated sigh and Rayman stops pushing and follows instead.
They cross a couple more snoozing Knaaren on their way, which slows them down somewhat, but not to a point where Rayman feels they would worry… until a noise from the way they’d just come from startles the Limbless and nearly wakes the Knaaren he’s currently passing. Rayman freezes on the spot as the monster beside him stirs, but thankfully doesn’t wake. The Limbless lets out a relieved sigh, but Murfy doesn’t look better.
He flies down to Rayman and starts tugging a tuft of his hair.
“Come on, we gotta go!” he whisper-yells insistently, stern enough for Rayman to get the message but quiet enough as to not wake the sleeping Knaaren.
"If we make it far enough into the desert before the suns rise, I'm sure the guy will just drop the chase altogether."
"Can't blame him," Rayman mutters under his breath as he distances himself from the stirring sleeper and picks his pace up again once they're safe.
For a while Murfy weasels him easily through the tunnels, the only sound to accompany him are the fly's buzzing, the snoring of the Knaaren, and his own light steps-
Up until he hears the sound of scraping echoing from where they came from.
It's distant enough that Rayman can't tell what's causing it, but the fact that whatever has Murfy so nervous is still trailing them makes Rayman worry in turn. The faintest traces of a moving shadow play on the wall. At first glance, their stalker seems even wider than he is tall. The shape is vague and unclear but Rayman has no desire to stick around and find out what could cause such a display.
"Stop dawdling! I think I found something!" Murfy calls from up ahead and Rayman perks to attention. Right!
The last Knaaren they passed grumbles from the noise and Rayman picks up his pace to follow his guide.
The breath of cool night air is a welcome change of pace from the acidic stench within the caverns and Rayman uses his chance to take a good deep inhale.
It's still night, but by the color of the sky, it's not going to be for much longer. No wonder Murfy was in such a hurry.
"We made it!" Rayman feels jubilant enough to cheer, but Murfy is unimpressed.
"Don't count your Zombie Chickens before they're hatched," he says, "The Next Warp Stone is a good way ahead on the other side of the desert."
Rayman stops cheering to look at Murfy with newfound worry.
"Can we make it before noon?"
The midday sun is what worries Rayman most.
"Not likely," Murfy says and starts off into the desert. He won't say it, but he doubts they can even make their deadline.
"Come on," he waves Rayman over to follow him, "We've wasted enough time already."
Rayman sighs when Murfy won't grant him a break. The lingering dust from the sandy environment makes his nose itch.
He brushes a hand over his nose in annoyance and is about to set off when a noise from the cavern halts his steps.
The echo crescendoes from inside, deep and threatening. The Knaaren chasing them likely just woke one (or a bunch) of his comrades. But at least they made it out in time!
Nevertheless, the Limbless’s face pulls into a concerned frown before he returns his attention to Murfy; the fly, impatiently waiting for him a few feet ahead.
"Coming," Rayman lets him know and takes the first step into the desert.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Rayman regrets every decision that led up to this point. Maybe not freeing the Teensies… but, no, at this rate, he possibly just might if they can't find a shady spot in the next five minutes. "Murfy," he wheezes. His throat is dry from the wind blowing scorching sand at his face."Please, give me some good news."He's not sure he can keep going like this. If the sun cooks him to a crisp and he winds up respawning somewhere in the Knaaren caves, it's all over for him anyway. There's no way they can cover the same distance again once the sun is at its peak. Not without permission to seek shelter in the caverns, they don’t. "A cave? Shade? Anything?"Above the sandstorm, he sees the fly both trying to get a good look and finding the right path. It's tough when all they see is a curtain of red dust. Murfy getting continuously knocked over by gusts of wind doesn't help either. After the weather forces him through another tumble Murfy sinks down to Rayman's level with a defeated "I think I'm gonna be sick." Rayman gives him a look of sympathy and swats the sand out of his hoodie."Don't barf in there," is all he asks before Murfy dives into the cloth to seek shelter from the elements with an unusually timid "Thank you." Rayman secures the hood close and shields his eyes as he's pushing forth."I might have seen an oasis," Murfy supplies drowsily, sheltered against Rayman's back, "But I couldn't tell you if it was real."The Limbless casts him a hesitant look. He'd love to sigh but resigns in favor of not ending up with a mouthful of sand."Worth a shot," Rayman murmurs instead, "Which way?" "The wind was hitting me from the left when I saw it."Rayman nods, allows the wind to push him, and presses on once he got the direction. He's not sure whether they are still alive when they arrive. There are palms alright, the leaves sway violently, but a large mountainside shields them from the worst of the wind.Rayman flops into the sand headfirst with a tired flumph. "Murfy-" he rasps desperately.
There's no water in sight.
"Hold on!" the fly urges and fights his way out of Rayman's hood. He zips past the mountainside. Rayman can't tell what he's doing as he feels the sand from the storm coating his nose. At least it's not the suns. Broad daylight would be worse.This… this is favorable. He's close to losing consciousness when a spray of water hits him."Stay with me!" It's Murfy, "Don't fall asleep." Rayman tries to savor what he can from the spray and moves to sit. His mouth is still dry."Where did you…?""Follow me!" Murfy leads him to where the water from the oasis trickles out of the mountain. It's a faint stream, but enough for Rayman to gather in his palms. He eagerly slurps the water and leans against the rockface. "We can rest here," Murfy suggest, "No Knaaren would have dared to follow us through that storm.""Huuum," Rayman agrees tiredly.Murfy lands on his belly, his wings still flutter nervously even after he's touched down. "Rayman," he says, "You know you were released under a condition."His friend sounds serious, but Rayman can't bring himself to pay attention. The call for rest is growing too strong."Yes," he reiterates, "Reach the Warp Stone by sundown. Do not go to the caves."Murfy nods wearily."If we idle too long we might be breaching contract with this. From here on out, you gotta do as I say." "Ease up, Murfy," is all Rayman has to say. After a good drink he's in much higher spirits.Wound-up hands surge up to the palm trees' crowns to snatch a couple of big leaves."No plaintiff, no judge. And if no Knaaren followed us, then they're gonna be none the wiser."He flops next to the makeshift leafy tarp blocking out gusts of sand and leans against the wet stone to wash his hair from the grime."I'm sure this is gonna be a lovely place once the storm lets up." Murfy is aghast at Rayman's recovered nonchalance …but doesn't have it in him to push the Limbless on. His own body is yearning for a rest, so he flutters towards Rayman's crudely built, but effective shelter with a defeated "I hope you're right." Both of them wake to the sound of a pop, like a bubble bursting. Rayman blinks his eyes awake drowsily. It's still daytime, but the storm has let up. There's not a gust of wind (the sun feels blistering now!) but there's sand trickling before their eyes regardless. The snout of a Desert Teensy glimpses over a dune to greet them."I knew it!" it proclaims when their eyes meet. Rayman moves to stand hastily."Someone's here!" Its attention is back on the hero and his companion. "Quick! Follow me!" The Teensy hops over a rocky ledge, revealing its sand-colored guise. After a moment of concentration, it casts a quick spell on a pile of sand that swirls up to reveal a pathway. Rayman raises a curious eyebrow and starts walking, Murfy trailing after them. The very rockface of the trickling fountain seems to be reaching far down into the earth, like an iceberg they only got to see the tip of. The pathway the Teensy revealed to them is but the mouth to an underground cavern, shielded from the elements. Clear shimmering water has gathered in a pool down there, blue lums illuminating an array of opaline crystals that throw back the ripples of the water and paint the entire hall in a mystical light. "We have to keep the entrance shut with a barrier," the Teensy explains, "Those storms happen every now and again. The last time someone forgot to lock up, this was a mud sink for weeks. Would you-" Rayman doesn't wait for the question and takes a dive into the pool from the chiseled stairs. One by one his body pieces breach the water surface again as they rise up until Rayman lays floating on his back, relishing the cool break. From a couple of underground tunnels littering the cavern like cheese peek more Teensy noses to check out the commotion. A content sigh leaves the Limbless’s lips and for a moment Murfy is tempted to follow suit, but for now he's more curious about the trivia the Teensy who invited them has to offer about this place. According to him, this is where the Teensies hide out from the Knaaren. There's a small tunnel system, dainty enough only for their kind to fit. Water is plentiful here, but food is scarce - which is why occasionally groups of Teensies have to leave the refuge either to search for food, or to reach the Hall of Doors and trade crystals for nourishment. It's dangerous because there's always a chance they might run into Knaaren roaming the desert. "Why don't you set up a door right here?" Murfy asks."The magical properties don't allow for it," the Teensy explains their conundrum, "We did try in the past, but that seems to damage the spring. We had to cut ties when it dried out once." "Well, that's mighty inconvenient," Murfy rounds (especially for them) and the Teensy sighs in agreement. For just a second Murfy wonders why anyone would want to live here under these conditions - then he glances down at the pool where Rayman sprays water at the local Teensies ringed by all the valuable gems littered in the cave… and his next question is why anyone would ever want to leave. "Despite the way he's acting right now, we're really not looking to stay," Murfy says with a little side eye to Rayman frolicking in the water, "We need to get to the next door as soon as possible."The Teensy seems to ponder it for a moment."I’ll see if I can find someone who can take you," he offers, much to Murfy's delight."But the second you come across a Knaaren you're on your own," it adds to his chagrin. "Most of the Knaaren don't leave their own caves, but those who do are hardy and specifically equipped for hunting. I'd advise you to stay away from them." Murfy thanks him for all the help, and when the Teensy offers food and drink the fly is eager to taste something else but sand. "Rayman, let's go.""What?" the Limbless is desolate, "I thought you said we could hang for a bit!""I know I did," Murfy visibly hesitates on telling him something, "But something's come up." Reluctant the Limbless clambers out of the pool and stands straight, fists clenched at his sides as he mentally prepares himself for the midday heat they’re about to face. "Alright," Rayman is not looking forward to this by any means, but it's Murfy who arranged for this chance to begin with. If the fly starts getting nervous, and more than that - refuses to tell him something… then he's probably gonna have a good reason for it. "Lead the way." Rayman’s request is met with a feeble chuckle. The Teensy he talked with earlier hasn’t come forth with a guide yet, and perhaps Murfy is a little self-conscious about maybe not knowing the way. The sandstorm had blown them off the given course somewhat fiercely… But Murfy isn’t going to admit out loud that he doesn’t know something. "I'll help!" a voice piques and both Murfy and Rayman turn to see a Teensy grinning up at them. His arms are proudly locked behind his back. Something about the guy feels familiar, but Rayman is still trying to recall where he saw those markings before."Teucer," the Teensy says when he notices his apparent confusion. Murfy snaps his fingers at the name and elbows Rayman in his temple. "That's one of the Teensies from the Knaaren cave.""Oooooh," Rayman acknowledges with a bashful scratch on the back of his head."Sorry about that.""None taken!" Teucer grins, before he elaborates."The boss said you might be looking for a guide! I know the Knaaren's usual hunting grounds and can lead you past those easily! After that though, you're on your own."“Sure!” Rayman agrees, happy about the help, “We’re not looking for a fight anyway.” Teucer leads them through sandy dunes. It's obvious why the Knaaren don't traverse here when Rayman's feet get lost in the sand here a couple of times. It requires multiple stops that slow them down - but Rayman, like the Teensies - weighs next to nothing. Any Knaaren following them here would just sink from its own weight. It's ingenious.But it's hot. The Teensy takes another break when he notices the group slowing down and offers Rayman his flask. The last drops it has. It's barely enough. "Chin up," he says, when the group gathers on a patch of rock where they don't threaten to sink, slide or burn."It will dusk soon. Then all you need to do is follow the north star." But there's nothing but sand on the horizon for miles and miles. Rayman can't even bring himself to say thank you as he looks on disheartened. “This is where I leave you," Teucer says, "Stay away from that stripe of dry land over there and you should reach the Warp Stone for the Hall of Doors by tomorrow." That's… gonna be a tough call. Murfy thinks when he looks down at Rayman from the perch on his hair. They simply don’t have that time. "Keep the flask," their guide tries to be encouraging at the pitiful sight, "There's a small watering hole to the west if you wanna make that detour." Rayman absolutely does. “Water! Great! Let’s get to that!” Murfy makes a crude sound before he puts his arms akimbo and rolls his eyes. “We don’t have time for that!” “But I’m getting the sunburn of the century here!” “I wouldn’t mind someone tagging in for me either. Thanks for dragging me into this by the way.” “Oh?!” Teucer tenses at the way the air has suddenly become loaded. “Guys-” “So I should have let those Teensies become dinner? Would that have saved you some of that trouble?!” “Ha!” Murfy retaliates, “You don’t even KNOW the mountains I’ve had to get moving to have YOU not be dinner!” “I’m still here?” the Teensy raises a hesitant hand. “Then TELL ME!” “I…” Murfy start to retaliate before he deflates, “I can’t.” Teucer slowly starts backing away from the fight that’s about to break out with a timid “I’ll um… best be going.” Rayman doesn’t even notice the Teensy leaving before he stomps off the other way, into the direction he’d been given for the next source of water. “Fine! I’m gonna find that watering hole and I’m NOT leaving until nightfall.” “But!” Murfy tries to catch up with him again, scoots up to obscure his vision, “You can’t!” Rayman is looking desperate now. There’s a sense of betrayal in his eyes as he shoves himself past the fly. He’s thirsty. And hungry. He’s been awake and marching in the broad suns for far too long. He can’t DO this right now. “There’s a Knaaren tailing you,” Murfy blurts suddenly, as he tries to catch up again.“You’ll have to trust me that you won’t want to fight that one. That’s… really all I can tell you.” Rayman stops. He doesn't wanna fight any Knaaren period. Why should this one be different?The fists by his side clench and unclench before they open loosely with a defeated sigh. A Knaaren. Tailing them. Through the Storm. Through the Pits. He struggles to even think how that would work, but Murfy's not usually this on edge. “Thank you,” he says without looking back at Murfy and continues towards the little oasis. The water pit of this refuge is considerably smaller than the Teensy hideout but large enough for Rayman to have a float as he ponders their new situation with the hopes of getting a cooler head about it. It helps. To a degree.He's still not in the mood to talk to Murfy who's taken shelter under a lone tree after wrangling a coconut from it. But he won't be able to keep this grudge forever either. Murfy's only ever been trying to help him. He knows that. "I thought you said they'd let me go," Rayman breaks the silence eventually."Well," Murfy replies, still splayed over the untouched coconut, "That particular Knaaren doesn't much care for politics. Or rules for that matter.""So he's just doing his own thing?"Murfy takes a little too long before he replies with a "Yup," popping the sound. Rayman sighs and dunks his head under the water.This is all so frustrating! But it's easier to try and work through all the bad news when he's not being grilled alive. "Do you think Teu-" whatshisname, "the Teensy is gonna be alright?"If there's a Knaaren on the loose, and after them; there's a fair chance they might run into each other."Quite so," Murfy dissipates that concern, but he still sounds worried. "He's not hunting Teensies, you know.""Sure," Rayman lets their argument fizzle out, "Sure…." The silence doesn't help. "Okay," Rayman yields as his pieces float back to the surface. "We'll leave. In… five more minutes?" Murfy looks oddly downtrodden despite Rayman's compliance. The concerned frown really doesn't suit his friend, Rayman decides. "Okay," the fly accepts his compromise, but it doesn't make Rayman feel any better.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
So far so good. They're not gonna waste time just sitting around. There's still one conundrum left though that Murfy is adamantly working on while Rayman takes his five-minute rest. In the broad daylight, there are no stars.Conclusion: There is no North Star for them to follow. Murfy refuses to just burn time waiting with a follower on their heels, but just roaming in circles won't get them there faster either. Sitting in the shade of the palm tree, Murfy works hard to piece together the alignment of the suns and the way the shadows fall to get a sense of time and direction. He comes up with nothing. Grumbling, he casts a side eye at Rayman ignorantly floating in the pool to make sure he's NOT paying attention before the fly starts fishing around in his sleeves. "Whatcha reading?" Rayman peers over his shoulder, a little bit later. His hair is still dripping, and Murfy screeches like a girl, scrambling to hide his walkthrough."Nothing!!!!!" he blurts, "Why aren’t you swimming???!"Rayman squeezes some water out of his hair."I said five minutes."Murfy's mind is run over by choice words better left unwritten. "I didn't think you'd stick to that!""Ouch," Rayman remarks dryly, "To be fair, I probably didn't. You were just taking awfully long." Great, so much for saving time. "Wait!" Rayman halts as he spots what Murfy is trying to hide."Were you gonna drag me away from a water spot and not even know the way?!" "I won't tolerate that kind of accusation!" Murfy objects loudly, finger raised and wings buzzing, "I know a great many things! But… perhaps the way is not among those at this particular time… Possibly. Maybe." Rayman merely snorts a laugh."Alright, green guy," he says, "Whichever works. Can this thing get us out of here?""I mean," Murfy reasons, "It's not like we're cheating?""Nah," Rayman says with the wink of an eye, "We're just a little lost." What kind of monster trails them through the scorching desert? Murfy's apprehension is beginning to rub off on him. Reflux had been scary when they'd first met. A formidable foe in the arena. And that doesn't even consider the larger than life…. thing he had become when Rayman had slain him for good. If his son is anything like that, then Murfy is absolutely right that Rayman doesn't want to meet him. Not like meeting any Knaaren again had been on Rayman's wishlist after that whole ordeal. Murfy makes it a point to blabber about his great endeavors to convince the Knaaren that Rayman ought to 'earn this chance' as he drags the both of them across blistering dunes.Something about "The great Leptys not possibly approving of them eating someone who received his blessing." It's a hash, but the reason Rayman is still alive in the first place - and the fly is adamant about having Rayman thank him. Undoubtedly as payback for their recent spat. Still, Rayman wishes they could have waited out the midday heat. Right now they're passing through a forest of bones. Skeletons of gigantic beasts rest here and supply at least some form of shade.To think that something so huge once roamed the world just to be done in by the desert… "Oh! That cactus over there!" Murfy pulls Rayman out of his thoughts, "The map says we need to turn left there!""Hail the walkthrough!" Rayman cheers exhaustedly, "Why didn't you do this from the start?""Because we're not supposed to! Now shush!" Rayman wants to take a peek anyway. Indeed there is a big yellow arrow blinking next to the cactus on Murfy's map. Very fancy. "What's that?" Rayman asks, pointing at a red button with an exclamation point in it. It seems to be moving towards them."Is that the Knaaren?""Oh shit!" Before Rayman knows what's happening Murfy is pushing him. The fly frantically tries to pin his belly to the ground (not like the sand is still HOT or anything, mind you) so with a shrug, Rayman reclaims his own midsection and hunkers down behind the dune."For someone who doesn't want to be found you're being awfully noisy," Rayman whispers, "What's got you so worked up?" "It's himmmmm!" the fly frets, tiny fists pressed up against his chin. "How is he here already? He can't see you! And it's better if you-""Oh! I'm gonna have a look!"Murfy tugs his head back by its hair before Rayman can peek over the rim of their hideout. "Come ooon," Rayman whines. “You will NOT do such a thing, and listen up!” Murfy instructs, still as Rayman is rubbing the sore spot the tugging left on his scalp. “If we want to get out of this alive, we WILL need a battle strategy,” the fly instructs and pulls down a roll-up screen from hammerspace. “Luckily, I might know a couple of tips and tricks to ensure an ace up our sleeves, or… well,” he trails off looking at Rayman who offers him a bemused scowl, “You know what I’m saying.” Yeah, that didn't lift the mood.Murfy clears his throat. "Now listen up and listen close. We have one advantage in that this Knaaren's shield protection doesn't work properly-""What? Why?""Doesn't matter," Murfy cuts him off, "What does is we can get the jump on him with a moment of surprise!" The fly continues to lay down a strategy like he's giving a one-man sports team a pep talk in the face of inevitable defeat, all while the tiny speck on the horizon grows ever closer. And to be fair… Rayman doesn't know whether to be itching for the fight. Truth be told…They're in the middle of the desert. The caves are miles and miles behind them! Rayman himself is WEARY! He at least wants to know what kind of Knaaren took that kind of trip and is still walking! Rayman tries to hype himself up for the upcoming brawl, feet tapping and knuckles rapping as Murfy gives him a pat on the back that's not as reassuring as Rayman thinks he'd like it to be. "You ready? He's here."Rayman gives a nod and is finally allowed to climb that dune. Well, turns out he was worried about nothing. "That's what you didn't wanna tell me?!" Rayman sounds far too delighted, "That he's just a little baby?!" The Knaaren that's been stalking them is just a little tyke, no taller than a Teensy and just as scrawny apart from his baby fat.With how small he is, Rayman has to wonder just how old he is as well. It has been a couple of years since Reflux's defeat. The little one points the sharp end of the splintered bone he'd been dragging all the way here at Rayman and begins wailing.The hero in turn slaps his hands over his ears while Murfy, with his arms crossed, nods along. "That's exactly what I've been saying," the fly replies to the Knaaren, "But the limbless wonder here doesn't want to listen.""Wait," Rayman raises an eyebrow, shortly before squeezing his eyes shut again from the wailing."You understand him?!""Oh right," Murfy says, "You don't speak baby, do you? Here, take the script."The fly sifts through a stack of paper, puts one atop the other and points out a line for him."Start here." Rayman spares the baby another look before he turns his attention to the page and begins reading aloud:"I am Cramp. Son of Reflux, the Champion of Leptys. He is… a hero?!" Rayman trails off with disbelief in his voice."Listen kid," he tries to reason, "You got something very wrong here."But the kiddo whines and merely waves his bone at Rayman to continue reading. With a roll of his eyes Rayman does."They say Dad is a thief! A traitor!" the script reads, "But I say that's lies! You killed my father, prepare to… die?" Before Rayman can return the script to Murfy the Knaaren child is upon him, whacking his bone and biting Rayman's foot. The paper scatters in the Knaaren desert as Rayman sends it flying with a yelp. When Rayman is trying to pry him off, he sees what Murfy has been saying about the shield. An entire orb comes into existence as Rayman tries to grab the Knaaren but it fizzles and cracks. The little one growls angrily his teeth still buried in Rayman's foot when a second punch shatters his protection. The hero’s disembodied hand comes for him and snatches him by the nape of his tunic, cautiously trying to wriggle him off Rayman's shoe. "Look, kiddo," he tries to get through to him mid-tugging, "Bite me all you want," he tears him off with a grunt, "I'm not gonna fight a kid." Murfy crosses his arms in annoyance at the display."I say it makes no difference," the fly insists, "Those 'puppy eyes' belong to an angry Chihuahua." "Of course it does!" Rayman insists, pointing at the little growling creature dangling from his hand that's, angrily trying to kick his torso. Rayman's middle bounces with the little hits like a balloon - it doesn't even hurt. "I mean… I guess he does have a point. Just look at that poor orphan!" he pleads with Murfy, pointing at the Knaaren before a horrible realization dawns on him, "Oh wait! That IS my fault! So… uh, does that mean I have to take him in now?" The idea feels weird even as he lets it run his mind. The kiddo makes his opinion known in a chomp on Rayman's pointing index finger. "Nevermind," the hero concludes as he shakes out his wounded hand and lifts the kid out of reach, "I'm taking that one back to the tunnels! He can be Gumsi's problem." "Back to the tunnels?!" Murfy exclaims, "No, Rayman. Think about this! Just… I dunno. Let's go to an oasis and put him on a palm tree or something!""And let him burn to a crisp during the day?" That would kill even a Knaaren! "I don't think so." Murfy makes a face. "Okay, yeah, maybe you have a point. But he still wants you dead. I mean look at this little Gremlin!"Rayman is raising his brow at Murfy incredulously."I do.""Ouch," Murfy replies deadpan. When the little Knaaren starts wailing again, Rayman's face contorts some more and his hands go a little further out of reach. Murfy looks at the respectable distance."Someone turn off that siren! I think that's just gonna make him cry more!" "Oh?" Rayman remarks, "So you got a better idea?!"Murfy stays uncannily silent at that question."Thought so," Rayman snarks, when honestly, he'd hoped for some helpful input."Actually," Murfy starts and gets Rayman's attention - but not for the hint he'd been hoping to get. He doesn't like the tone in the greenbottle's voice."You did kill his father. That grudge's not just gonna go away!"Rayman doesn't honor that statement with a remark, but Murfy’s not gonna let that stop him."He's not gonna stay a kid, Rayman. And Gumsi might not always be king.""I know…" the hero admits with a defeated sigh, "How about we cross that bridge when we get there?" Murfy makes a face, but relents. "Alright."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The two Knaaren blocking their way loom over Rayman in a way that makes him recoil, but Murfy either in a wave of bravery or idiocy buzzes in between them, obstructing Rayman from their sight. "Hold on just a second!" he interjects, "Before you start trying to tear this fella limb from limb - I mean good luck with THAT - we have an important message for your king!" Miraculously, that makes the two Knaaren exchange a look and back off. Just as Rayman thinks they're in the clear though he hears the dooming "Let's squash the bug!" and has to snatch Murfy from out of a mean-looking swipe and run. The roars of angry Knaaren follow in his wake when Rayman sets Murfy free again."Any other bright ideas?" he snaps."Hey!" Murfy objects, "Coming back here was your idea, smartypants!" Rayman is reminded of why stealth is the way to go in the Knaaren cave when they run straight into an ambush of warriors blocking their path. Rayman grits his teeth and pulls the strings of his hoodie close, while Murfy is trying to weasel their way out again. One of the Knaaren snatches him by his hoodie and Rayman exclaims a worried “Careful with that!” The Knaaren just gives off a grunt and yanks him off. "Rayman!" the king cries out as the Limbless is dragged back into the throne room."We told you what would happen if you were to enter the caves, and YET you show your face?"Rayman's head rings from his screechy crying. He’s quite had enough of this during the last couple of hours. "Yeah," he confirms with a low bow to show his respects. His eyes however are focused on the two Knaaren flanking him."I was returning one of your own," he says and very slowly moves his hands toward his bundled capuche to reveal a very young Knaaren sitting within.It immediately begins to throw a tantrum and whack Rayman's head with his bone. "Oh!" Gumsi immediately perks up as he jumps down from his throne."That's where he was! We've been looking all over for him! How did you find him?"Rayman grunts from another smack and reaches up to take that bony club from the little Knaaren. The two guards flanking him get ready to act, but seize when Rayman merely holds the little weapon in place."He followed us into the desert, your highness," Murfy explains before Rayman can get a word in. The fly moves to lift the little Knaaren out of Rayman's hoodie and one of the guards nearby is offering an open palm for him to drop the little one in. Gumsi huffs haughtily and flails his scepter around. Rayman can't help the bemused expression seeping into his features."You shall be excused!" Gumsi declares, "We'll let you go this once.""You're too kind," Rayman breathes. "Oh!" Gumsi suddenly snaps, "Where are your manners!" Rayman has to look up in terror to learn the little king is in fact talking to the guards flanking him."These two are guests for bringing the little Cramp back! They came all the way from the desert! Why haven't you offered them something to DRINK yet?!"The guards exchange a look and without a word one of them leaves to probably do just that.Rayman would be lying if he said the thought of fresh water didn't get him a little bit excited. He sure WAS parched."You too! Shoo! Leave. Go get some snacks or something!"And just like that the Knaaren to Rayman's right is leaving as well. "I'm sorry if the little rascal gave you a hard time," Gumsi apologizes once they are alone."Us smaller Knaaren can be known to be rather feisty."Rayman raises his index finger to say something, but fears that however he spins it, his answer is gonna come out wrong.Luckily though, Murfy still has got his back. As the Knaaren king and the greenbottle exchange a few niceties, Rayman can't help but look on in silent wonder.As abrasive as Murfy can be, he does know his stuff when push comes to shove. Somewhere along the lines Rayman lost track of the conversation but somehow they settle on- "If the Champion of Leptys came to free those Teensies then it must have been the will of the Gods." And that nets them a ticket home. “That was very kind of Gumsi to let us use the other portal after all,” Rayman says as a hand brushes through his hair, “I don’t think I could have taken that trip through the desert again.” “Heh,” Murfy prides himself almost haughtily, but Rayman lets him have this.“You do owe me, you know!” “I guess I do!” the Limbless says and reaches up to snatch Murfy out of the air to give him a noogie. “Good Job, Murf!” As the fly tries to struggle free from Rayman’s playful grasp another voice starts holloring in his mind and the fly stills. Rayman immediately lets him go and tilts his head in concern.“Was that too rough?” The fly shakes his head and gestures for Rayman to be silent as he squeezes his eyes shut in concentration. He’s calling. It's akin to a storm, chilling him to his very core. Rayman takes note of his little quiver and raises a brow."Are you alright?""I uhm… have to go somewhere,” Murfy says, “You can get home by yourself?” Rayman shrugs his hands before one of his thumbs points into the general direction of where he assumes the Knaaren portal to be. Murfy raises an eyebrow in contemplation before another boom goes off in his brain and that’ll just have to do. He bids Rayman farewell and swoops off into the distance. "The Champion was supposed to end the traitor's son." As well as his meeting had gone with Gumsi Murfy finds himself with a lack of words under the scrutiny of Leptys himself."My deepest apologies," he tries to beseech the angry god, "It's… just not how we do things in the Polokus pantheon." "But it's how we do it in mine!" The voice thunders, Murfy thinks it incites a very storm as inky wings spread to blot out the horizon. To Murfy's relief, his anger dissipates as quickly as it had reared its head, leaving tired disappointment in its wake."The Bubble Dreamer has always been far too soft." Lepty's stature is larger than life, a shadow shrouded in mist more than the father of the Knaaren is a person, but his presence is overbearing. Larger than life. Murfy can't see his face hidden by the stormy clouds, but the wilt of his posture is still evident. "I don't condone your approach, but I respect that you managed to convince the little king."He's referring, without a doubt, to Murfy's key argument about the Will of the Gods and a Champion on a mission. Murfy doesn't dare push his luck by arguing further. "Am I free to leave?""Yes, yes," Leptys laments with an idle wave of his wing, "Dismissed. Since Rayman failed his test I'll just have to look for a new Champion. Little Cramp might be young, but his tenaciousness ought to be rewarded, don't you think?" It's what Murfy’s been dreading.If Rayman loses his status with the Knaaren they're down another ambassador for the desert. And the Knaaren folk are volatile enough as it is. The Glade can consider itself lucky if they're not crying out for a war at the disrespect shown to their God-Father. The nervous smile falls from Murfy's face as he gulps and bows, slowly inching back to make his retreat. "Far be it from me to question that decision," he recites humbly and for the first time, he hears the smirk in Leptys's little puff.
"Muuuurfy," the shadow coos patronizingly, "Don't be so glum. You may live to see another day. Who else is going to give Rayman my regards?"