Auri [Part V]
Story by Alex Nightmurr on SoFurry
A visit to the king.
Author's Note:
Well this turned out well!
I'm glad its longer too.
Have fun reading <3
================================================================================================
Ray directs me out of the lab quarters and I follow him excitedly down the stairs which lead to another doorway.
Hoping to enter, Ray puts out a furry arm before me.
"Wait here." he said sharply.
I obeyed, curious to which why his tone of voice had taken such a sudden turn. Maybe something was bothering him?
He pushed open the double black doors, revealing an entrance to a rather quaint room. But, before I had chance to peek behind him further, the doors closed on me.
I scowled, looking down at the floor. Smelling my armpits, I noticed that I smelt a bit whiffy. I hope I get a change of clothes soon, this short-sleeved blue shirt isn't doing much to heat up my frail, lanky frame.
I smiled a little, noting that I always smelt since I was a teenager. "I wonder if they have stuff like we do back on Earth", I wondered. It could be possible.
Hoping to get a sense on what was going on behind those tall black doors, almost identical to the ones at the lab, I leaned on them, trying my hardest to make out the muffled sounds behind there. It seemed like it was just talking, and not many pauses.
Perhaps Ray was eager to explain something?
Suddenly, I heard the light footsteps of Ray coming toward the doors, "Yes, I'll get him now," said Ray, the tone of his voice which I recognized easily. It was deep yet charming, similar to his body which was lean with lovely shiny black fur. God, did I adore that man.
I was startled by the sudden opening of the doors, it seemed like my thoughts continue to distract me. I cannot help that, since its just what I've done since I was a child; always ponder and think about people and worry about things.
"Hey, Hazza," I looked up to see Ray smiling warmly at me. Although his brow has furrowed slightly. He seemed a little stressed out, judging by the kind of precense he emitted.
"I would like you to meet someone. A special someone," He said, causing excitement to return to me.
"Ooh, I wonder who it is? Your boss?", I replied quickly.
"You could say so. Everyone's boss. The king. Now," Ray moved up to me a little, causing my face to go a light red as the person I admire was getting close to me. "He's a little... Strict. As I expected from a king," He continued.
"I suppose he would be, I've never heard of a nice friendly king before," I said quietly.
"Afraid so, but its how he has to be, running the country and all. What I'm saying is, treat him with respect and be careful of what you say."
Ray sniffed up a bit, noticing the smell from my armpits. "Yes... Looks like you need a wash and change of clothes after this," He said cheerfully.
I was a little embarrassed, but more focused on how I was going to speak with the king. He better not be a complete jerk.
Ray turned around, beckoning me forth to the quaint room.
==============================================================
I entered the room, well I think the term 'room' is rather underwhelming to describe it as.
It was beautiful, and had a marble flooring like in the lab quarters. This specific type of marble seemed to be shinier and brimming with power, as it radiated under my feet - emitted a breathtaking yellow-orange color. I gasped in awe at the sight! "This is what Aura can do, apart from destroy, restore or manipulate," said Ray, with a hint of pride in his voice. "It can make beauty."
I looked up, but the high ornate ceiling was just enough to make my vertigo kick in. I trembled a little, reminiscing back to when when I was a baby I used to hate heights and tall buildings. I still do now.
"This is the throne room," said Ray while smiling at me. Did that man ever stop smiling? Regardless, I appreciate his company and warmth.
The throne room was very ornate and didn't look as modern as the lab. I assumed magic was keeping this place warm and lit up, judging by the lack of any candles or lights. Looking to my left, I could see a piano next to me. "Well, I guess people have adapted similar stuff to us then," I pondered.
But to my right, is something that definitely caught my eye. Sitting on that throne, a large man- nay, a wolf man seemed to be waiting expectantly for something. "Introduce yourself, Harry!", whispered Ray who was now standing next to me.
I felt a bolt go through my spine as I was reminded why I was here, "Hello, your highness," I said uncertainly.
"My name is Harry, and I am a human from Earth. Now... Apparently I came here through the power of Au-"
The wolf man interrupted me. "Yes, I know how you got here. Ray told me about you. I just wanted to see you for myself..."
I waited, expecting some kind of continuation, but there was none. Ray broke the silence "Yes, ahem, if you would allow me to continue my duties, your majesty."
The wolf man brought his dark eyes towards Ray. "Continue your research as you wish, Ray. But I would like to ask this human some questions."
He stood up from his large, towering gold throne and took a few steps towards me - as if it was his own way of inspecting me. That, or maybe he picked up on my smell and didn't want to get anywhere near me. "So, Ray has told you how you got here - I presume," said the king, flatly.
"Y-Yes... He did," I looked over the man. He was covered in coarse black fur, much like Ray, except that he had a few white dots around his chest and his muzzle was covered in a luxurious white fur. His main difference in appearance from Ray, is that he appeared much more gruffer and had more muscle on him. I couldn't see much of his body, since he was wearing armor. His armor was horned, and underlined the look of authority and dominance like he had in black, blueish eyes - the armor was scarred and looked like it went through much use and battle; the metal was not shiny or polished, but worn and damaged. All of this made the look of what a true king would have.
"He's a sight to look at isn't he?" said Ray next to me, edging closer. "Gives me the creeps."
"Very well", continued the king. He looked bored, as if life in the throne room was uneventful and mediocre. "Ray, do as you wish with him. I'm afraid you took much of my time up already, and I must attend with other tasks at hand. Tasks which are more important." With that, the king walked out to the door behind him, his footsteps heavy and making a clanging sound with the armor as his boots shook the floor slightly. The door slammed before the king, into what was presumably his quarters, where he went to rest.
After a few moments, Ray turned to me. "No thanks, no gratitude as usual." He seemed down due to how the king treat him.
"Well, you weren't kidding when you said he's a bit of an asshole." I said, hoping to lighten Ray's face a little. It was very weird to see him said like this; he usually had a sunny and upbeat disposition.
Ray smiled softly at me, and the sadness washed away easily. "Let's get you washed up then," he said. "I'm looking forward to it!", I replied. I waited, expecting him to lead me on but instead Ray was busy casting some kind of incarnation. Ray smirked, his hands seemed full of water which were bending to his will - being controlled by his mind. But then he he threw his hands towards me and I gush of water washed over my body! The feeling was different though, and it felt like it cleaned into every dirty grime on my body! I felt refreshed, and full of energy! However my clothes were soaking wet by the time the water rushed to the floor and dissipated on the ground. "Well, we will need a change of clothes by the looks!", Ray chuckled before breaking out into a laugh that relieved all his disappointment and sadness caused by the king. Much like his voice, his laugh was heart-warming and contagious.
"Oh yeah, what's the king's name?" I said, with a bright grin on my face.
"Auri. That's his name!"
================================
I sat in Ray's bedroom, on those blissful bed sheets which had enveloped me into a great slumber last night. Ray stepped through both of the curtains, holding up a smart-looking striped shirt and a thin woolly blue jumper. "These'll work?" He asked. "Oh perfect! I love the jumper!", I said, rising to my feet. Ray regarded me with a thankful look, "Well I'm glad you like my style," he said, as he handed me the clothes with some dark blue jeans. "The jeans will probably fit your skinny legs, considering mine," I looked at him curiously, the lower part of his legs being exposed by the shortness of the purple robe he was still wearing from the night before. I noticed how his legs seemed to be thin yet strong by the firm muscle behind them. Such grace, just the type of guy I was looking for back at Earth.
Earth...
My homeland... It would soon become a distant memory. I can't forget about my family and my friends... The people who have supported me and loved me. I could already feel the sadness fading away, as if its being overcome by the excitement and hope of this new world I am now in.
Moments later...
Even with skinny fit jeans on, they looked baggy. And, not to mention, the jumper is slightly too long too. Oh well, I guess its better than nothing.
Ray led me outside of the lab quarters yet again, through the throne room and we stopped before two large metal gates which are securely locked. Standing south of the throne for a while, it seemed like Ray was waiting for a command.
"What are we waiting for?" I asked Ray polietly.
"Just for Auri to open the gates... But it seems he's sleeping in his quarters right now. Never mind, we'll just find another way. There's always an alternative," Ray said flatly.
"So, you're going to use Aura again? I thought that resource was limited," I inquired.
"Oh it is!" said Ray "However, it replenishes after a while. Or, I can draw out energy from you. Emotional energy, that is. It'll make you feel sleepy though. Luckily, it seems I feel like I just how enough to draw off for a teleportation spell. That'll make things easier won't it?"
"Yeah, it would. So, when you're casting it..."
"Yeah, just hold my hands," replied Ray.
Cliché much.
In just a few seconds, Ray was already preparing for the spell. I could sense the energy and air bending around him within and instant. It seemed he has knack for this, perhaps he practiced his magical powers daily? I would suppose so, considering he's the head of the Science Division and all - which is basically magic here in Esix.
When Ray looked up at me, I placed my hands in his fuzzy warm paws. And within the blink of an eye, we were transported into what would be the capital of Esix...
=======================
Well, that's all folks!
There will be some more coming soon, please leave suggestions below! Thanks for your interest!