57 Ch. 36- The Great Survival (1/2)
”Glad to see you're awake, you gave me quite a scare. Luckily for you, Mira gave us a few doses of her new antidote before we left or you would have been a goner. Not many can say they got stung by an Empress scorpion and survived.” - Alexis
”I sure don't feel lucky.” I say with a light chuckle
”Well lucky or not, you still have something to take care of before we head back to the city.” - Alexis
”And what would that be?” - Thomas
”Your luck seemed to hold out for a while since Jareth managed to smash in the Emperor Scorpion's head before you passed out and he disappeared. Now you just need to make it your summon.” - Alexis
”Oh right, totally forgot about that with all the acid burning through my veins. Guess I'll get to it a second, give me a little while before we start heading out. - Thomas
”Nope, you've rested enough, now get off your butt and sign the contract so we can leave.” - Alexis
All I could muster was a groan because I really did not feel like moving at all with my head feeling like it got stuffed with Jello. I put my hands over my ears in hopes of ignoring her, unfortunately that seemed to backfire on me.
I felt something around the weight of a pug with 6 legs start crawling from my legs towards my chest. That was not a good sign, so I opened my eyes and came face to face with a small scorpion with a pink crown on its' head. I didn't dare move in fear of antagonizing the monster/summon.
”Alexis, please get this thing off of me, I've had enough of being stung for the rest of my life, I promise I'll get up.” - Thomas
That seemed to assure her, and the scorpion skittered off of me. With a sigh, I pushed myself off the sandy ground and made my way past the dead campfire and came up to the mangled body of the Emperor Scorpion.
I couldn't really complain since I just felt a little sore all over, and I finally had another summon to add to my roster. This was one of the kings of the insect type monsters and was a powerhouse in close combat, its' shell turned it into a tank as well, and only Jareth's overwhelming might broke through his armor.
Having gone through the ritual a few times by now, I cut my palm with the knife on my belt and let the blood drip down on the core exposed through the now open cavity within the scorpions head. It didn't take long before the bond took hold and the scorpion reverted into a core that drifted into my storage.
Wanting to get to know my new ally, I summoned the Emperor scorpion and started patting his head roughly so he could feel it through his exoskeleton. He seemed to enjoy it and I didn't mind either as I got to admire the lethal potential of this impressive summon. I also knew I would need a name for the big guy and started brainstorming for something unique but fitting.
”Alright bud, I've decided that I'm going to name you Saber on account of all your weapon-like appendages.” - Thomas
He didn't seem to mind and just pushed up against my leg like a dog for more pats. Deciding to humor my new summon, I gave him head pats until it was time for us to leave with the rising of the sun.
....
Coming back to the city was something else, it was unrecognizable as crowds of people in bright outfits wandered all over with mariachi bands and other native musicians adding to the atmosphere of the city-wide party.
Not just the sights and sound were amazing, but the smells from all of the vendors selling fragrant and hearty snacks to the festival-goers. We had no idea what was going on, so I decided to ask a small but stout Hispanic man with an impressive mustache who was off to the side of the party in the streets.
Trying to talk over the din of the music and yelling from the festival, ”Excuse me sir, would you mind telling me what's going on with this festival?” - Thomas
He replied in a heavy accent, ”You must not be from here, this is the festival of La Gran Supervivevencia or in the common tongue, The Great Survival. It is a festival commemorating the survival and recovery from the first monster break, everyone from the city goes out and enjoys life with their neighbors in commemoration of those who sacrificed themselves and for all of us who have survived. It is half a celebration of life and half a remembrance of the dead during this new era.”
”It's quite something, we don't have anything like that in the North American city. My name is Thomas, and this is Alex.” - Thomas
”Hello, Thomas and Alex, my name is Marco Espinoza. Since you seem so interested in the festival, why don't you join me and my family so we can show you around and help you experience the festival? It is after all, all about celebrating friendship and bonds, so why not make some new ones in the spirit of the festival.” - Marco
”We'd love to as long as we aren't imposing on you and your family.” Alexis chimed in from my side.
”Nonsense, we'd love to have you, let me introduce you to my family before we go see the parade.” - Marco
He enthusiastically waves over a tall and dark-haired woman with three children around her. After they get to us, he starts introducing him. ”Mi Amor, this is Thomas and Alexis, they are travelers who want to experience the festival so I thought I would have them come with us. Alexis and Thomas, this is the love of my life Esmerelda, and my three children; Julio, Jesus, and Maria.” -Marco