Kitsune of the Blue Sun

Chapter 44- The Search for the Well Begins

[Keeno POV]

When I woke up the next morning, Huginn and Muninn were sitting on the headboard of the bed and staring down at me unblinkingly.  I stared back at them, also unblinkingly.  After about a minute of our three way staring contest, Huginn and Muninn started to bob up and down in turn while also folding and unfolding their wings in some sort of dance like manner.  It was so funny that I couldn’t help but start laughing.

“Pffft.  Ahahahahahaha!” (Keeno)

My laughing caused me to blink; thus, I lost our little game.

“CASQUACK!” (Huginn)

“SQUACAW!” (Muninn)

“NYA!” (Pram)

Pram’s strange noise caused the three of us to look over at her.  She was halfway on the bed while the other half of her was on the floor.

“You good Pram?” (Keeno)

“Ugh…Yeah.  Though, I would like to request you wake me up a different way next time.  I though something was coming for us.” (Pram)

“Sorry.” (Keeno)

“It’s fine.” (Pram)

She untangled herself from her blanket and pulled herself up from the floor.

“Aww.  My hair’s all messed up now.” (Pram)

“Get over here, Pram.  Let me help.” (Keeno)

She did as I said and moved over to sit on my bed holding her brush.  She handed it over to me and I started to brush.  This took a bit since Pram’s hair was nearly as long as mine, but eventually I finished.

“…Keeno, I think I’ll ask you to help me out with this again in the future.  You actually managed to get the tangles out without pulling my hair AND it somehow feels softer.” (Pram)

“I don’t mind, but only if you help me out as well.  I can take care of my tail fine, but my hair IS a pain to brush sometimes.” (Keeno)

“Deal.” (Pram)

I handed her my own brush and she got to work on my own long hair.  It took her quite a bit longer than I did, but still did a wonderful job in the end.  Once we were done with hair related issues, we got dressed for the road.  We left our room, got something to eat, and left the inn.

“Alright Pram, lead the way.” (Keeno)

“All I know is the mountain it’s on, not where it is.” (Pram)

“That’s fine.  When we get there, Huginn and Muninn will finally get their turn.  Hear that, you two.” (Keeno)

They both ruffled their feathers in delight at finally being able to help out.  Following Pram, we left the city and started up one of the mountain paths.  We were stopped at the gate and warned that going this way was dangerous, but we went forward anyway.

“Ama, you’ve been real quiet so far today.  Is anything wrong?” (Keeno)

There was no answer.

“A-Ama?” (Keeno)

Pram looked around before patting me on the head.

“Keeno, calm down.  You can’t start getting all meek and nervous just because she doesn’t say anything.  For all we know, she could just be asleep.” (Pram)

“…” (Keeno)

“Keeno?” (Pram)

“Hehe.  And I thought I was supposed to be the always calm and collected one.” (Keeno)

“…Were you just messing with me?” (Pram)

“No, the nerves are real since I haven’t gone a day since I was five without Ama talking to me.  But I can’t let something like that really mess me up mentally.  Otherwise, I’d be worthless if we ever went to a place that was full of angels or somehow entered an area where even our connection somehow didn’t work.” (Keeno)

“You good to keep going then?” (Pram)

“Yeah.  I just hope that this doesn’t become a problem.” (Keeno)

“Well, if you are aware of it, then it probably won’t.  And hey, I’m also here for you.” (Pram)

“Hehe.” (Keeno)

I moved closer to Pram and started to pat her on the head.

“Thanks Pram.” (Keeno)

“Hehehe.” (Pram)

““CAW!”” (Huginn and Muninn)

“Hehe.  I haven’t forgotten about you two.  I know you’re both there for me.” (Keeno)

We continued our search for the Well of Knowledge for a few hours before Pram stopped.  We were now standing by an old bridge that had collapsed leaving a large gap.

“What are we supposed to do?” (Pram)

“Hmmm.” (Keeno)

I looked around and didn’t see anything that we could move to make a makeshift bridge and the gap was way too big for us to jump it.

“Oh.  Hehe.” (Keeno)

“Did you get an idea?” (Pram)

“Yep.  You trust me, right?” (Keeno)

“Of course.” (Pram)

“Good.” (Keeno)

I walked up to the edge of the gap, summoned one of my swords and started to swing it until it gained a lot of momentum.  I then flung it and it stabbed deep into the side of the mountain.  I pulled the chain a few times to make sure it wouldn’t come out and turned to Pram and smiled.

“No.” (Pram)

“No other way, Pram.  Climb on my back.” (Keeno)

“…*sigh*” (Pram)

She reluctantly climbed on my back and I moved back a little to get a running start.  I then moved as fast as I could and jumped.  The chain went taut quickly as we dropped and we swung forward.  As we approached the other side, my sword slipped a little.

“KEENO!” (Pram)

Pram clung to me tighter.  Once we hit the apex of the swing I did my best to put as much weight to get the momentum to stay on the ledge without falling off.  I just barely managed to stick the landing and, as fast as I could, recalled my sword and spun around so that the combined weight of Pram and I would let us fall backwards.

“Pram…PRAM!  Let go, I can’t breathe.” (Keeno)

“We made it?” (Pram)

“Y-yes.” (Keeno)

Pram let go and fell on her back.

“On our way back, we’re looking for a different way.  I am NEVER doing that again.” (Pram)

“Aww.  But it was fun.” (Keeno)

“It was most definitely not fun.” (Pram)

“Then we can agree to disagree.” (Keeno)

We stayed in that spot for a little while so Pram could calm down some.  While we did that I sent Huginn and Muninn to fly around and see if they could find anything that could tell us where to go.

Chaos Realm:

Wait, what are they looking for?

Luna: Something called a Well of Knowledge.

…Order?

Order: Hehe.  Looks like I got found out.

Luna: Eh?

Order: What, did you forget the one of my other Authorities was Knowledge?

Luna: I did.

Hold on, Order, when did you do that?

Order: A while ago, but don’t worry, I set up very strict rules.  One bit of knowledge per individual and a hefty price for it.  After they get their one, then they never get to use the Well again.  Though I might make an exception for Keeno.

Luna: Why?

Ah.  Hehe.  That’s a good idea, Order.

Order: Well, I am your wife, I should do my best to support you like you do for me.  It just so happens that this particular instance is a prime opportunity for something I made to show some better results.

*Pulls Order into hug*

Luna: I’ll see myself out then.