Flower 10: Going Up

  Within Olympus lay an unexpectedly diverse ecosystem, far more varied than the exterior and its surroundings would imply. Riding an upward current, Kyan and Ryder passed an area resembling a lush jungle, its walls and floor adorned with phosphorescent moss, casting a gentle luminosity. Kyan propelled out of the stream, he reached in and tugged the unconscious Ryder out of the stream. Kyan landed gracefully on a sandy shore, bordered by a tranquil lake fed by a cascading waterfall. The rush of water jolted Ryder, prompting him to squirm in Kyan’s grasp until he tumbled face-first into the soft sand.

  “You good bro?” Kyan asked, offering him his hand. “I think you were holding your breath and passed out.”

  Seated in the sand, Ryder wiped his face clean with the sleeve of his coat, glancing around in bewilderment. Running his hands over his body, he breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing he was intact. "Where exactly are we?" he inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of concern.

  “We’re in the hollows of Olympus,” Kyan said with his arms open. “This is where I reside.”

  “What about the Sisters of Olympus?” Ryder asked nervously.

  “The ones from the city believe the middle caverns are haunted,” Kyan laughed.

  “Hau… ha… haunted?” Ryder asked, tugging at his collar. “Is it really haunted?”

  “Of course not,” Kyan said as a low growl echoed through the empty halls that surrounded them.

  “What was that?” Ryder said as he scrambled to his feet and looked around.

  “Ghosts,” Kyan said with a laugh and jabbed ryder playfully, “Nah, they’re just the Bodoluu, bro.”

  Ryder’s color faded and his complexion was nearly as white as snow, “Bo… Bo… bo… bo Bodoluu? They don’t exist!”

  Kyan continued to laugh, “Sure they do. They’re pretty cool too. I'll introduce you to the chief?”

  Ryder’s jaw dropped and he gulped, “I’m good. Take me back to the quarry. I’ll just surrender to the sisters. I don’t wanna get eaten by a sasquatch today. Please and thank you.”

  Kyan clapped Ryder on the shoulder nearly in tears as he laughed, “Come, they’re gonna love you.”

  Ryder felt uneasy about trailing the incredibly attractive man as he ventured deeper into the caves. After his laughter faded, Kyan responded to the initial growl by bellowing and grunting, triggering a chorus of primal calls—growls, barks, roars, and more. Noting the commotion, Ryder took cover behind a natural crystal column, attempting to conceal himself by flipping up his collar and closing his eyes tightly. .

  “You’re hysterical bro,” Kyan started to laugh again, “Don’t worry, I was just letting them know it was me.”

  “You were talking?” Ryder asked in disbelief, “And they say the Tulpa translates all languages. Is it true what they say about the Bodoluu?”

  “Is what true?” Kyan asked with his fingers interlaced behind his head as he moved through the caverns. There was more of the phospherescent moss that was on the lower level but brighter glowing crystals outshined it. Kyan plucked a small glowing berry from the moss and popped it in his mouth.

  “Are the Bodoluu carnivorous man-eating monsters that live in caves and prey on those who attempt to climb the many mountains of Tucy? I heard they use the bones of their victims as tools and they have fangs like swords. Are they giants?” Ryder rambled on and on about the things he imagined the Bodoluu to be as they walked through the cave.

  Kyan chuckled as he attempted to respond to Ryder's questions, only to be constantly interrupted by other noises echoing through the cavern. Recognizing that Ryder's chatter was a way for him to cope, Kyan let him ramble endlessly as they navigated the corridors. As they proceeded, the cavern walls transformed, adorned with magnificent tapestries stretching from floor to ceiling. Each tapestry showcased a unique border surrounding scenes from what seemed like an epic saga.

  Arriving at the end of the walkway, Kyan abruptly halted, causing Ryder to bump into him, finally bringing his ramblings to a stop.

  “We’re here,” Kyan whispered, “Don’t make any loud noises, don’t touch anything and whatever you do don’t look-“

  Before Kyan could complete his warning, a deafening roar resonated through the cave, drowning out all other sounds. Ryder staggered in place, his eyes darting around to locate the source. Within seconds, his inquiry was answered as something crashed down ahead of them, causing the ground beneath them to tremble. A colossal creature, draped in blue and auburn fur, loomed over them, its mane adorned with sparkling crystals. Donning pants resembling Kyan's attire but crafted from the same material as the tapestries, the creature's chest bore a tangle of long silver hair that extended upwards, covering its mouth. Gripping a colossal crystal club, it stood as a towering presence before them.

  “What morsel have you brought for us Kyan?” The creature's voice was smooth and heavy, “It looks smaller than the last offering you brought us.”

  Kyan shrugged and said, “What can I say? The sisters usually catch all the big ones.”

  Ryder looked up at Kyan with a look of pure dread, “Wha-”

  He was cut off as the Bodoluu leaned in and started to sniff Ryder causing his hair to stand up. The creature poked Ryder and scoffed, “We’ll just have to fatten it up. Come.”

  The creature walked away and Kyan followed. He looked back to Ryder who had fainted where he stood and he started to laugh.

  “He’s heavier than he looks,” Kyan said as he tried to lift Ryder but couldn’t.

  The Bodoluu effortlessly hoisted the unconscious man onto his shoulder, carrying him beyond a concealed cavern. They emerged into a tent city adorned with various tools and necessities crafted entirely from crystals. Despite their diverse shapes, sizes, genders, and ages, the Bodoluu bore identical color patterns across their spectrum. As the tribespeople congregated in front of their tents, their reactions varied from gasps to excitement and even disgust upon seeing their tribesman's burden.

  The procession halted before the largest tent. The bodoluu dropped the unconscious Ryder to the ground in a heap before it entered the tent. However, it wasn't until a deep, guttural conversation erupted from within that Ryder jolted back to consciousness. Overwhelmed, he began to weep, casting a defeated glance towards Kyan. His attention then turned to the imposing tent before him, where heavy shuffling noises resonated from within, causing his jaw to clatter nervously as the heavy footfalls drew closer.

  “I don’t wanna die,” Ryder whispered.

  "Kyan!" a deep voice growled from within the tent, "You dare..." A colossal hand, accompanied by a Bodoluu twice the size of the first, pushed out of the tent. The massive figure's rotund shape made him even more imposing. His fur seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glitter, and a heavy chain of black crystal clattered as he moved. Stomping toward Kyan, he gestured towards Ryder. "Bring this... creature into my village?"

  Kyan simply shrugged and challenged, "Fight me."

  The Bodoluu's crimson eyes widened, and he unleashed a roaring bellow in Kyan's face. Kyan then waved his hand in front of his nose, turning his face away. The roar shifted into a booming laughter, with both the Bodoluu and Kyan joining in. Ryder, utterly bewildered by the situation, couldn't help but nervously chuckle along.

  Amidst Ryder's fluctuating emotional and mental state, urgent messages were dispatched to Violet, summoning her to his location. The helmet burst forth from a sand dune in the desert, leaving behind a vibrant trail as she swiftly navigated her way to her progenitor.

  ***

  The reverberation of Mine’s snap resonated when they reached the top of the stairs, materializing in front of a door shrouded in cobwebs and layers of dust, evidently untouched for decades. Their only path lay ahead, through the door. Enclosed by smooth crystal walls adorned with phosphorescent moss, the boy gazed up at the door and its surroundings in wonder. He laughed as the moss tickled his fingers when he reached out to touch it.

  “How high up do you think we are?” Trey asked.

  "Nowhere near the top," Mine groaned with frustration. When he snapped his fingers, initiating their disappearance, he experienced a sharp severing of consciousness. Upon reappearing, he clutched his head, wincing in pain. His head throbbed intensely, and he leaned heavily on his cane for support.

  “Are you okay?” Trey asked, worry evident on his face.

  “I’ll be fine,” Mine managed, “There’s clearly more to this door than we can see. I suggest we be-”

  Trey swung open the door without a second thought. "Whoa, it's like a jungle in here," he exclaimed. A lavish, azure garden greeted them, adorned with a profusion of vibrant flowers stretching in every direction. Trey was captivated by the exotic blooms he had only encountered in books. Inhaling deeply, he sighed in awe. However, Mine, less enthralled, cast his gaze downward, observing as Trey ventured towards a cluster of blue flowers. When he lifted his gaze, he was taken aback by the sight of a pristine white sky, with an emerald sun shining brilliantly overhead.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  “That’s an enchantment,” Mine said pointing up at the false sky view, “And a damn powerful one at that.”

  “You’ve noticed my handiwork. This pleases me,” A smooth male voice said. “However, I don’t remember giving anyone permission to use that door. Nor do I believe you are welcome here.”

  “The older I get the less permission I need to do anything, dear.” Mine turned to find the source of the voice and a sinister grin spread across his lips.

  A tall purple skinned man with a golden septum ring in his nose stared at Mine with ruby red eyes and flashed a fanged smile of his own. He pushed his long white hair back over his curved horns and said, “Age matters not. My permission is always needed in my territory.”

  Mine chuckled softly, "The door's wide open, and here I am in your domain, yet you're still mincing words with intruders. I've got business to attend to here and I'm in a bit of a hurry to return home. You're either fearful or curious. Which is it?"

  "Definitely curious," the man replied, his smile unwavering. He sighed, his expression shifting. "But your presence here is not sanctioned by Zeus, and your arrival poses a threat to those I am loyal to." Tension tightened his jaw, and an intricate light blue marking began to glow along his jawline, cascading down his neck. It vanished beneath his black shirt as he started to whistle. The sound of stones creaking echoed in the vicinity, and two female hominid golems, crafted from crystal, materialized beside the man. Devoid of facial features, one was sculpted from smooth red crystal, while the other showcased a jagged composition of black, green, and pink crystal—appearing brittle yet razor-sharp.

  “Ah, you’ve got inorganic familiars,” Mine said, he licked his lips and said, “I’m going to have fun smashing them to bits.”

  ”Oh is that what you think?” The man asked, clearly amused by Mine’s declaration.

  Mine shook his head, “If you’re willing to talk, I’ve got ears, dear. If not,” he shrugged off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, “We arrived here for a reason and if you want to be the obstacle that we must overcome…” he pointed his cane at the man and two golems and said, “Then I’ll move you. No matter what you choose, we’re heading to the top.”

  “Tor kill the boy, Ruby beat the man within an inch of his life, I want him alive,” The purple man growled.

  The two golems acknowledged the man with a nod before turning their attention to Mine and Trey, who had taken cover behind the bush of blue flowers. Trey's breath hitched as Tor's arm transformed into a sword, advancing towards him. Mine arched an eyebrow, observing the jagged golem as it approached. Swiftly twirling his cane, Mine intercepted a surprise attack from Ruby, prompting the man to burst into laughter and applause as Ruby withdrew to his side. Meanwhile, Tor made a direct charge toward Trey, brandishing her sword arm overhead.

  "Apologies, dear," Mine growled as he aggressively yanked his cane. The golden orb at its tip morphed into a hook that swiftly encircled the waist of the jagged golem. Tor was forcefully reeled back toward him, and with a swing, Mine directed her into Ruby, who had attempted to blitz him. "You'll have to go through me to get to the boy."

  The two golems were stuck together as if they were swathed in honey. Trey watched as the golden orb on Mine’s cane moved as if it were alive, “That was awesome!”

  Mine, visibly annoyed by Trey's surprise, turned to face him. In that moment of distraction, both golems launched an attack on Mine, despite being tethered together by the honey from his cane. Their coordination was so precise that Mine had to swiftly snap to teleport out of their immediate reach. Reappearing beside Trey, who greeted him with a smile and a wave, Mine rolled his eyes. The two golems continued their erratic yet lethal advance toward them.

  “Hold this dear,” Mine said, handing Nectar to Trey. The orb at its tip started to expand into a dome around him, “Don’t move. She won’t be able to protect you if you do.”

  Trey nodded, “Yes sir.”

  Mine reached into his pocket up to his elbow and took a deep breath, “Now, what in my inventory should I use to dispose of you?”

  The man started to speak some unintelligible language and the two golems began to glow. They suddenly shattered and reformed without being stuck to one another. Ruby’s arms had transformed into spikes and Tor’s into two scythes. They creaked as they moved toward Mine but were more cautious of him as they spread out.

  “Safe to assume your the burden master of this planet?” Mine called out to the man. He finally retrieved a spool of silver thread with a gold needle, “I think Rumple should suffice.”

  “I’m no more than the shadow that lingers in the jungle of Olympus,” the man said.

  “I guess it’s okay if I shed a little light on you and yours then, dear,” Mine remarked, flicking the tip of the golden needle, causing it to radiate with a vibrant glow. In its shimmering light, a broad and malevolent grin stretched across his face.

  ***

  “Yeeeowwwchhh,” Gunther cried out as he clutched his head between his plush paws. “Blimey, why’d ya split like that Cap’n?” his tone was low and more to himself than to those who surrounded him. Molly hugged him and snuggled her cheek against the back of his head.

  She tapped on his arm gently and he found himself answering the question that was posed to him without realizing it. “I’m fine, I think Mine split his consciousness in two. Went two ways at the same time.”

  Molly tapped on his arm again and Gunther started to laugh, “There’s never a need to worry about Cap’n Mine, he tends to exist where he’s needed.” He shrugged and added, “I’m sure he’ll make some grand entrance at some point.”

  Sisters Obella and Idek guided their burden-laden birds up a steep hill toward the stables situated above the quarry. Welcoming them were their younger sisters, offering bows and warm smiles. Among these superiors stood Molly, her appearance noticeably disheveled—messy hair, ragged nails, a dirt-smudged face, filthy shoes, torn clothes, and a beloved plush in equally sorry condition.

  "And what do we have here?" inquired a sister draped in a yellow cloak with blue trim, approaching the scene. Only a few inches taller than Molly, she scrutinized the young girl from head to toe with her four purple eyes, motioning for Molly to come closer. Gently cupping Molly's face, she turned it from side to side. The sister smiled, revealing her sharp teeth against her ivory skin. Her blonde hair radiated warmth despite her cool touch. "You've led quite the life, little one," she murmured softly, locking eyes with Molly. "Allow Sister Lo’Ve to make you presentable for the city."

  Molly nodded her head timidly while tapping on Gunther’s arm. He looked up at the girl and then to Lo’Ve and said, “What be yer intentions fer Molly? I’m ‘ere to protect her and I won’t let nuffin happen to her.”

  Lo’Ve's eyes sparked at Gunther's statement, and she snatched him from Molly's grasp by his nose. The little girl instinctively reached out for her plush, but Idek restrained her by the collar. Lo’Ve vigorously shook the toy, causing a purple crystal knife to materialize in her free hand. With a swift motion, she sliced along the seam of Gunther's belly, causing his stuffing to spill out. As Molly's eyes began to glow, she snapped her fingers, and Gunther reappeared in her arms. The surprise on Lo’Ve's face was evident, but even more astounding was Gunther's awed expression, which surpassed her own.

  “How di-” Gunther started to ask, but Lo’Ve closed the space between them in an instant and he glared at her.

  “I didn’t mean to entrap your sway little one,” Lo’Ve said, “I only wished to test your bond. A girl with a roaming sway is one bound to get in trouble.”

  Molly narrowed her eyes and deftly slipped out of Idek’s grip. Carefully, she began poking at the stuffing protruding from Gunther’s belly, tearing off a piece of her skirt to wrap around the plush beaver's midsection. Tenderly, she hugged him close, tapping an apology along his arm. In response, Gunther hugged her back, acknowledging her gesture of care.

  “Come Molly,” Lo’Ve spat, “Let us care for you and show you the hospitality we afford to our fellow sisters from the stars.” She looked to Obella and Idek and said, “I’m sure you gold trims have better doings than tending to a cloakless girl. I’ll prep her and bring her to the city in a short while. Relay your business to the Queen.”

  Both Sisters of Olympus exchanged glances before turning their attention to Sister Lo’Ve, whose rank remained ambiguous among them. Her attire differed from her comrades, and she possessed an authoritative demeanor that went unquestioned. Rather than arguing, they appeared relieved to be excused from their duties. Sisters Obella and Idek expressed their desire to resume the hunt, their heads snapping towards the quarry where Sister Gilda's aura signature had briefly emanated. However, her aura faded swiftly, leaving them exchanging nods of understanding.

  "We're going to continue our hunt," Sister Obella declared, retrieving her bow from her shoulders.

  Sister Idek acknowledged her by summoning her crescent blades and offered a smile. In an instant, both Sisters vanished, leaving Molly guided towards a swirling archway that led to the lower city where the Sisters of Olympus resided.

  Entering the archway, Molly found herself surrounded by towering statues resembling former sisters, overlooking pools that lined the paths that branched off to the cemetery of departed sisters and the dormitories of Olympus. Exquisitely carved busts adorned with cloaks of various colors captured her attention as she walked along the path. One particular bust, devoid of a cloak, captivated her, causing Gunther to react with excitement.

  "Come, your bath is ready," Lo’Ve said, curling her finger, beckoning the young girl. "Your hair needs attending to as well."

  Molly puffed her cheeks, crossed her arms, and playfully tapped Gunther's arm. He chuckled and remarked, "Molly prefers showers and can handle her own hair."

  Lo’Ve's demeanor shifted abruptly; her four glowing eyes darkened, and an ominous air surrounded her. She hissed, "You have no options. As a guest without a cloak, you will comply. Do you understand?"

  Molly swallowed nervously while Gunther nodded on their behalf.

  In an instant, Lo’Ve reverted to her initial cheerful self, clapping her hands and gesturing for Molly to hurry along. She led the way into the inner sanctum of the Sisters of Olympus' abode.

  ***

  The quarry was bustling again with he men toiling away with grunts and heaves, seemingly entranced in the enchantment that robbed them of their free will. Gilda knew her mother’s cruelty well, but to enslave men for coming to the planet was something she could never comprehend. As she trailed behind Doro she scanned their surroundings and asked, “Have you seen Otto?”

  Doro whistled absently as she approached NLO-8’s crystal hut of an office. The dog soon arrived with green smoke surrounding its ankles from a different cavern than they had come from. Before Gilda could question the hound Doro returned him her smoke bank and knocked on the crystal door.

  NLO-8 appeared and asked, “Your still here?”

  Doro took a deep breath and asked, “Have you ever seen the faces of the Fates?”

  NLO-8 laughed, “None have, I bid you well and success on your assignment Sister Gilda. Sister Benni,” she emphasized the name of her course teacher and continued, “will be delighted to receive your report of this trip. I look forward to reading it myself, you’ve had such a vested interest in me. I figured I’d do the same for you.”

  Gilda couldn’t help but feel threatened by the perpetual’s words despite the light tone in which they were spoken. She bowed her head politely and said, “I hope you find my work entertaining.”

  “So far,” NLO-8 said with a wave of her hand, she projected several screens depicting Gilda’s work, “I can tell you have a strong voice and your ideals are… interesting. I wonder if your sense of adventure comes from your lack their of or your romantisizing the void between planets. You, Sister,” she leaned in and whispered, “Would be swallowed whole by the very stars you think you could dance with.”

  Doro stepped in and said, “I think we should make our way. Where’s that short cut you were telling me about?”

  “Just use the damn archway,” NLO-8 grumbled, “Damn near the whole city knows ya down here anyway.”

  Doro's eyes widened, clearly nervous about what was to come. Gilda, unfazed, remarked, "Just show us the way, and we'll be off."

  NLO-8 would have smirked, if she could, but instead, she turned and indicated a cavern with a golden archway. Without hesitation, Doro and Gilda hastened away from the robotic Sister. They didn't spare a moment to glance back as they neared the archway. As they approached, it shimmered and distorted the space before them. Stepping across the threshold, they were instantly transported to the archway by the city gates. Their reaction was immediate: both let out an audible groan. Between the open gates stood the silhouette of Queen Zeus.

  Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds

  By: T. M. Ashley

  Thank you for exploring Flower 10, "Going Up," with me! This chapter was a joy to write as it delved deeper into the hidden wonders and dangers of Olympus. The lush caverns, glowing crystals, and the vibrant yet ominous culture of the Bodoluu allowed me to expand the world in exciting ways.

  It was great fun to contrast Ryder’s nervous chatter and comedic moments with Kyan’s effortless confidence and the intimidating presence of the Bodoluu. And of course, Mine’s bold determination and sharp wit continue to shine as he faces challenges head-on, even in unfamiliar territory.

  What did you think of the new characters and settings introduced in this chapter? Any predictions about what lies ahead for Mine, Kyan, Ryder, and the rest of the crew? I’d love to hear your thoughts and theories!

  Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to take you even higher as the story unfolds. Stay tuned for Chapter 11—it’s going to be electrifying!

  With gratitude,

  T.M. Ashley