Zhea

2308 hours

Herbert Fletcher Zaeheri

Howls echoed from the end of the city, accompanied by breaking glasses that shattered the silence of the neighbourhood. They were accompanied by the sloshing water of the Darius River that ran across the metropolis city. Upon setting his feet at the edge of Zhea, Herbert pondered how they could accomplish the mission of searching for Yueru's long-lost uncle. Zhea, a city of opportunities and antecedents harboured secrets only the lands itself could recognise. Right next to Herbert, Actticus growled softly at the sudden swaying of grass from their sides. The path they were taking was deadly silent, reminding Herbert of his first home. It set off some of his darkest memories awake when he spotted two small houses in the middle of the forest. As they passed a large settlement painted yellow and red, the bells jingled, followed by several lights lit up in red, orange and blue.

"Name, origin, species and purpose of visit," a gruff and sleepy voice bellowed in the air, followed by the miniature window that flung open. "Hurry up! I ain't got all night."

Actticcus snarled at the harsh tone, running around his caretakers in circles. Setting his palms on the wolf, Herbert rubbed his neck to assure the wolf that everything would be alright. Outsiders are always welcomed in Zhea, however their presence at such hours might stir the gatekeeper's suspicions. He knew that traders, merchants, and any business entities often made their way into the city before the skies grew dark. They had a policy, but internally Herbert was hoping they could make an exception for them. Yueru and Herbert tried hard to reach Zhea before the sun descended. However, it was clear that they failed. He considered the total amount of time fleeted away when Herbert offered to scout the area upon hearing wails in the forest. Tugging onto the edge of the hood that hid his face, Herbert realized that he had not been friendly enough to the gatekeeper.

"Fletcher, origin -"

His speech stopped when Yueru's warm palms landed on his, and with a shake of the younger's head, Herbert knew what he meant.

"Not revealing yourself won't get you anywhere near Zhea, don't outsmart yourself," the gatekeeper warned, tapping the feather-like pen on the side of the window pane. "We still have a few empty rooms in a few of the high-end inns. Last I checked there were at least two to six rooms. It's a busy day tomorrow so we are expecting some merchants to come in tomorrow. Now, make it quick, I would suggest."

"It's alright," Herbert mouthed inaudibly, meeting Yueru's eyes. "Fletcher, origin Harl, species vampire and purpose of our visit is to discuss business with a relative whose name is unknown to us since he changed his name, last I heard."

"Complicated family then~," mused the gatekeeper, scribbling words onto a yellow card, harshly banging the stamp on the said card. "Card has to be carried all time to prevent any scepticism from the daily patrol. Every morning, before heading out you are required to report to the reception of your inn so that the receptionists can update the royals know about your daily destinations. Failure to do so will result in you being blacklisted from Zhea until further notice."

The gatekeeper proceeded in issuing Yueru's card as he flipped harshly on the large book next to him. Behind him, there were screams and peals of laughter from children which made Herbert notice that they were a family of wolves. Actticus must have sniffed onto the scent that became prominent after a gush of wind swept from the insides. The wolf propped itself up, eyeing the kids with his blue eyes. Only when he was offered a piece of meat by the gatekeeper did Actticus lower himself to feast on his late dinner.

"Hm~ Hm~" the gatekeeper hummed, shaking his head as he pointed at the book before eyeing both the companions. "You don't have much choice for the inn. There are only two inns with a bedroom of a double bed and another with two single beds. Do you have any problem living with the Thayirans or Harankes? You don't really have a choice actually, but I am asking as politeness."

Herbert and Yueru exchanged confused looks as they stuck the said card into their pockets.

"Right, the Thayirans are almost like a necromancer, but they are way more complicated than that. Their inn is located close to the edge of the hills by the castle. It has a darker vibe and they value silence in the afternoons. Harankes are a bunch of lively snakes plus dragons. Their inns are closer to the Darius River. No singing, music or any sort of musical instruments there," he explained waving his hands in the air before proceeding in pointing in two opposite directions. One further North and the other North-East. "Your choice?"

"The Harankes would be better, don't you think Fletcher?" Yueru questioned, turning to look at the elder.

"Harankes it is. Besides, we get to find peace among the waters," Herbert added, informing the gatekeeper. "Harankes it would be."

Nodding at their words, the gatekeeper proceeded in picking another baby blue card, scribbling down the name of the inn. Jovial Aqua Living or known as the JAL. Just as he handed them the card, an ear-piercing sound resonated in the kingdom. Herbert spotted a moonlight colour ball in the gatekeeper's palms as invisible railings seemed to have lifted themselves off the ground forming holes in the brown land. The two stepped forward, hesitating in their steps when the light turned blue. Earning a sharp glare from the gatekeeper, Herbert and Yueru made their way in.

"Zhea welcomes two new visitors by the name of Fletcher and Yueru at exactly half past eleven. The visitors will proceed in reporting themselves immediately within a quarter of sixty to JAL. JAL, do welcome our respective guests and made sure they have a spectacular stay. Zhea will be signing out till dawn. Manifest the silver and be gold."

===

If Herbert had to admit outwardly, he preferred to live among the mountains, but considering those mountains that were Zhea's property, they would still be in prison for trespassing. Unfamiliar with Yueru's night habits, Herbert had to admit that the area around JAL was too silent for his liking. Even though the gatekeeper had described Harankes as lively, Herbert had to disagree. Standing by the reception area, Herbert studied the periwinkle countertop made out of marble. The girl with ineffable eyes and complexion typed quickly on the invisible keyboard. She let out a couple of hms and ohs before producing two cards, including a side eye at Actticus who sniffed at her. Herbert offered an apology, glaring at his wolf who rubbed itself across his legs.

There was a large clock behind the counter, dashed with some pink glitter on the black snake and white dragon. Herbert pondered on the thought of the colours and wondered if they were meant to reflect their personalities. Their balance, perhaps? How do they even co-exist? A mixture of roars and hisses echoed above the waiting area as the elevator door opened, revealing a space that could almost fit two dragons in it and a cage of anacondas.

"Welcome to JAL. Please follow me to your room," the lady hissed and bowed, revealing the uneven horns hidden behind her ears. When Herbert, Yueru and Actticus stepped into the lift, the door snapped shut and she continued, "Breakfast is at six. We have room service after our guests picked their meals from our menu on the walls of your room. Afternoon is our bedtime, so no noise, and night is our party time. We keep parties restricted on the eighteenth floor, so if you intend to join the crowd, feel free to visit."

"It feels quiet around here," Yueru muttered, studying the transported lift that travelled across different passages. "When is the bedtime around here?"

"When the sun is right above our heads," the lady answered, adjusting her mermaid dress. "Our manager only allowed extreme noise on the party floor as mentioned. And, all rooms are soundproof, so you are also permitted to party in your room if that is what you pleased. I hope you will keep the room clean after usage since we will be deducting your deposit according to the condition of the room left."

Upon hearing the elevator chimed, they stepped out of the lift. As the doors snapped shut leaving them in a rainbow-coloured hallway, Herbert and Yueru walked side by side as they searched for their room number which was conveniently located at the end of the route, closer to the river that divided Zhea into two. Even under the dark skies, the water rumbles against the stones. Punching the numbers on their card into the board against their room number, Yueru pushed the door open and the interior lit up in warm lighting. Herbert set his bag and sword on the ground before heading to the balcony that faced the river.

"So, any clue on where to find your uncle?" Herbert questioned, motioning for Actticus to sleep on the soft couch by the balcony. "Zhea is a large place, and also a dangerous kingdom to reside in. It is best if we could get to your uncle immediately."

"Mother mentioned that he had a splitting image of my dad and I would recognize him, but I really had no idea where he is now," Yueru admitted, climbing into the bed. "Can we talk about this in the morning? I am really tired."

Herbert merely nodded. Setting himself on the couch next to Actticus he studied the kingdom with lights at different corners. The very air he breathed seemed foreign to him. He could consider this a mere trip like when he took sanctuary at the Red Rose Clan, but the curious eyes of the residents in Zhea did not go unnoticed. On their way to JAL, he spotted a few patrolling individuals that whispered secretively. He hoped that it was just his imagination, a switch being flipped unintentionally whilst searching for the other.

But, just as he set his mind free, Herbert discerned a few cynical figures above the rocks among the river. 

Word Count: 1710 words

Cumulative Word Count: 9692 words