Inexorable Altercation [Round V - Saint Arthelais' Hospital]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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After walking through several nondescript hallways, Felix Atrum had concluded that the Vorlonians must have undertaken their research into memories at the cost of their sense of design. This building was so bland.

Finally, he had found an interesting room. At first glance, it seemed to be filled with metal bookcases; upon closer inspection, however, the "books" turned out to be colored boxes.


Curious, Felix pulled one out from the shelf and tried to open it. But it seemed to be sealed. He grabbed a box from another shelf with the same result.

An ordinary man might have given up, or stubbornly decided to check every box. Felix Atrum, however, had a simpler option; he created several shadow clones and had them scour the shelves for a box that could open. Meanwhile, he grabbed a box and started searching the room himself; perhaps there was a key or some other mechanism for opening the boxes.

He found it sooner than he expected. The "key", as it turned out, was a small light attached to the wall; the box popped open in his hand as he walked past.

Inside was a circular band. It seemed to be about the right side for Felix's head.

Of course, Felix knew better than to put unidentified objects found in alien ruins on his head; he recalled his clones, and had one wear the circlet.

He was surprised as the clone's shape changed. It took the form of a small creature, about the size of a cat, but more insectoid in form. The band rested on its head.

It mumbled something incomprehensible, then paused and walked towards the back of the room, motioning with one of its legs; apparently it wanted Felix to follow.

He complied. He needed to know if he could get that part of himself back, after all.

The creature stopped and pointed to a box on the top shelf. Felix took it down, and noticed that it opened easily; this one held not a circlet, but a smaller object. Felix couldn't quite identify it, but the shape seemed vaguely familiar.

The small creature gestured to the side of its head.

Ah, that was it. The device reminded Felix of an earring. Warily, he placed it on his ear.

"There. Now you should be able to understand our language," said the creature. "I am, or perhaps "was" would be more accurate, [highest title of nobility, second only to royalty proper][given name, male] [surname] the Third. Please identify yourself and explain your presence here."

Felix heard the words "Sollipor Quostus Exardo" and understood their basic meanings.

"I am Felix Atrum. I was brought here by an otherwordly force, along with five other beings... no, six, the being who brought us here said he would remain."

"Why were you brought here?"

"To fight each other. At least, that was what we were told. I believe there was also something about us acting out the events of a book."

The Vorlonian paused. It seemed to be debating something.

"Do you wish for assistance in fighting these other beings?"

Felix eyed the creature carefully.

"It sounds to me like you're offering a deal."

"How observant. That is indeed the case. It is a very simple offer; I wish to see our Queen once more. Assist me in this, and I shall guide you to our strongest weapons."

"Interesting." Felix glanced around the archive. "Is she in here?"

The insect made a motion that seemed to approximate shaking its head; with the earring's aid, Felix recognized it as a negative regardless.

"She was imprisoned. Isolated."

"And you want me to help you free her?"

"No. She is too dangerous, I realize this. But I... She is alone. I want to be with her."

Felix was somewhat surprised at first, but it did make a certain kind of sense.

"All right," he said, "lead the way."