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Description
“Gather around the campfire! Stay a while and listen for I have a tale to share on this beautiful, starry night! Legends speak of an ancient, long-forgotten genie lamp. Fearing that it might land into the wrong hands, it was taken somewhere deep within the Kaleidoscope Ruins, far away from any greedy, power-hungry creatures. Once populated by an ancient and advanced civilization long forgotten by the sands of time, it was the most suitable location for the lamp, some writings even mentioning that it was stored in an archaic vault with a complex locking mechanism. Many have combed these ruins in the hopes of finding the elusive artifact, but none were successful, until today! So, that is why I, Conrad Blackfang, the greatest Treasure Hunter in the Mana Realm have only one request...”

Vulpin rolled his eyes in annoyance as a Familiar caracal with a heavy mustache, monocle over his left eye and a dusty, old black traveling cloak groveled at his feet, clinging to the fox' leg like it was made out of solid gold and looking up with tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Please, please, please, please, aid me in this quest of finding the lamp!” Conrad begged Vulpin with a whiny, almost obnoxious tone. “My whole life depends on it!”

“I don't think the word dignity is in this caracal's vocabulary.” Vulpin said coldly in his thoughts before looking down at Conrad. “Look, buddy, that was a fascinating story, but me and my little friend over here, Alma, ain't got time for treasure hunting. So, would you kindly let go of my leg?”

“I cannot do this on my own!” the caracal cried. “Rumor has it that there are traps in the Kaleidoscope Ruins to prevent anyone from reaching the lamp and-”

“And you want someone to serve as a guinea pig to spring all of the traps while you casually walk away with the lamp.” Vulpin frowned down at Conrad. “Sorry, but we're not interested and that's final. Come along, Alma. We've got a long road ahead of us and, hopefully, find a place to stay for the night.”

Alma, who had been witnessing the entire conversation in utter silence while eating marshmallows, didn't object as Vulpin tenderly grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her away from the miserable treasure hunter whose eyes had swollen, becoming puffy and red.

The kitten, unlike the fox, felt sympathetic towards Conrad as she then slipped her hand out of Vulpin's grasp.

“Mr. Vulpin, we should help him.” she said with rather firmly.

“What!? Why? This will just delay our journey to your home. Also, there's a difference between helping those in need and... that!” Vulpin protested, pointing at pitiful treasure hunter.

“I know but... look at him.” Alma indicated with a tilt of her head in the direction of the caracal. “It just... feels wrong.”

“Please, I'll pay you!” Conrad quickly pulled out from under his black cloak a bag full of gold in desperation. “Just name your price!”

Upon hearing that, Vulpin stopped for a moment and rubbed his chin, deep in thoughts. After all, there was a magical lamp with a genie inside at stake, a being capable of granting wishes. There were plenty of things the fox could've wished for but then flashbacks to when Alma's brother got devoured in the Candy Glade flooded his mind like a waterfall. Struck by guilt, Vulpin decided that this was an opportunity to fix his past mistakes – a chance to reunite Alma with her brother.

“Keep your gold, Conrad. I have something else in mind when it comes to payment.”

“And that is?” the caracal raised an eyebrow.

“You will allow the genie to grant me one wish.” Vulpin answered with a non-negotiable tone.

“WHAT!? That's preposterous! I won't agree to such terms!” the treasure hunter pouted and crossed his arms, glancing away.

“Then look for some other poor schmuck to help ya out. Come on, Alma. Let's go.”

“Okay, fine, fine, fine!” Conrad gave in with a deep sigh. “You drive a hard bargain, fox. I'll allow the genie to grant you one wish and only one! That's as generous as I'll go!”

“Deal.” Vulpin smiled, shaking Conrad's hand, the caracal visibly displeased despite agreeing to the terms but there was no turning back on the deal.

“Okay. We'll set off for the Ruins at the crack of dawn. I suggest we all get some sleep as it is getting a tad late.” Conrad said.

“No objections from me.” Vulpin yawned.

-~O~-

After traversing the pathway leading to the Kaleidoscope Ruins, the trio were greeted by a shining and breathtaking spectacle of colored lights as the sun's beaming rays gleamed brightly on the collapsed structures. With engravings depicting undecipherable symbols and drawings, the structures didn't seem out of the ordinary but, after a second glance, one could spot several of them hovering in the air as if being held by a gravitational force with a low, but audible whirring sound.

“Wow! It's truly beautiful!” Alma gasped in awe, taking in the sights.

“It truly is something, isn't it? The material used had reflective properties, as well as durability.” Conrad explained. “Can you believe that these Ruins have withstood one hundred and two earthquakes as well as fifty-seven discharge storms?”

“All very fascinating but I have a better question – why are you carrying that on your back?” Vulpin asked, his eyes focused on the humongous rucksack mounted on the caracal's back. “Is there something else in it than just maps and scrolls?”

“But of course! Remember what I said about possible traps hidden in these ruins? Don't expect just regular ones like spears emerging from the ground or giant boulders rolling down after you. There could also be beasts or dangerous creatures that might have taken residence so we need to be extra careful.” Conrad answered. “Which is why I never travel without my trusty
magical net that can ensnare any beast, big or small, or my prized possession - the blunderbuss that fires with silver bullets, very ideal for werewolves. There's also my trusty Guidance Orb, never go on a trip without it, unless you want to get lost, the All-Fitting pouch in which you can store even a tree log and -”

“Hate to interrupt you counting down your inventory, but look over there.” Vulpin pointed at a patch of ground with seven columns sprouting from it like plants, all positioned in the shape of a circle.

Although a good of number of them had been tilted by the force of the wind as well as being, possibly, centuries old, the pillars stood their ground majestically, refusing to crumble with the hieroglyphs on them still remaining visible to the naked eye.

“Oh my! That must be it!” Conrad gasped, his eyes widening till the size of saucers while running towards the pillars. “This must be the secret entrance to the vault where the lamp should be! Good catch, fox!

“The name's Vulpin.” the fox hissed.

“So, how do we get in?” Alma asked, joining them.

“It's obvious that these hieroglyphs are a clue. Gimme a sec.” the treasure hunter said, leaning towards the hieroglyphs in order to examine them while scratching the back of his head. “Aha! It says that... the cow stole the milk from the refrigerator? No, no, no! It says... that the stars will point to the direction of... the nearest taco stand? What is this malarkey!?”

Vulpin sighted deeply and shook his head. “Let me give it a try.”

After about several moments, the fox, successfully, deciphered the message.

“The pathway to the vault shall be revealed once the correct hieroglyph has been pushed.”

“Tch! Show off...” Conrad muttered with a peeved tone. “Okay, okay. You did good on that one. Now, step aside for I know precisely which one to push.”

“I highly doubt that.” Vulpin said in his thoughts.

“It has to be... this one!”

Conrad placed his right hand on one of the hieroglyphs at random, only for a giant mallet to emerge from one of the ground tiles and smashed the treasure hunter with a loud thud.

“Okay, I guess I was mistaken.” Conrad said upon recovering his bodily form. “It's this one!'

Unfortunately, it proved to be incorrect once more as a large skeleton materialized out of thin air before being dropped on top of the unsuspecting caracal.

“Third time's the charm...” the caracal's voice could be heard from underneath the skull.

Two wall panels slid open, revealing a pair of identical blue crystals, fully charged with magical energy which then electrocuted Conrad, reducing him to a pile of ashes.

After a series of unfortunate events which involved getting run over by a stampede, crushed by gigantic stone feet and getting stung by a swarm of insects, the treasure hunter was in a world of pain.
“Mr. Vulpin, I can't stand watching this anymore. Can't you, please, figure out which one is the correct one? I feel so sorry for Mr. Blackfang.” Alma pleaded to Vulpin, tugging his sleeve.

“I don't know. I'm enjoying this show.” Vulpin grinned, taking pleasure in Conrad's misfortune before looking down at Alma and sighing. “Okay, fine...”

Fortune smiled on Vulpin as when the fox pressed his hand against a random hieroglyph, instead of getting creamed by another trap, the ground began to shake like an earthquake, and everyone watched in amazement as the inner, circled part within the pillars slowly started to descend till there was nothing but a pitch black void.

It was only moments later that steps made from stone started emerging from within the void, forming a downward, spiral staircase leading into the abyss below.

“Yay! Congratulations!” Alma cheered, clapping her paws happily.

“Hehehe, thanks!” Vulpin smiled back at her. “Alma, listen to me – I want you to stay up here until I return. I have no idea what's down there and I don't want to put your safety at risk, got it?”

“Awww! Do I have to stay here?” the kitten whined.

“Yes.” Vulpin replied with a serious tone. “No buts, young lady.”

“Ugh, fine...” a grouchy Alma said, plopping down on the ground.

“Okay, here I go.” Vulpin said before lighting up a match and proceeded to climb down the steps into the darkness below.

“HEY! WAIT FOR ME! I'M THE ONE LEADING THIS HERE EXPEDITION!” Conrad exclaimed, following suite wobbling and almost losing his balance after all of the abuse he had taken.

-~O~-

At the bottom of the stairwell stood a gigantic chamber in the shape of a diamond with an obelisk placed at each of its four tips. Situated in the center was an enormous temple, looming over the chamber like a massive, intimidating beast with a staircase being the only path in order to reach the inner chamber of the temple.

Numerous torches with flickering, blue flames mounted on the outer walls provided light, casting dancing shadows all over the walls.

Even more imposing than the sheer size of the temple were the two towering statues depicting a creature similar to a griffon positioned beside the stairway. Each armed with a spear, the statues' presence was nerve-wracking, especially as they stared down at the caracal and the fox with their soul-piercing eyes made from hundreds of sapphires.

Upon reaching the final step of the stairwell, Vulpin and Conrad were caught off guard by an invisible barrier preventing anyone from entering the temple before it, immediately, transformed into a rock-solid door with a large keyhole in the middle.

“Oh, great!” Conrad snarled in frustration, slamming his fist on the door. “Great job, fox! Now how do we get inside?”
“How was I supposed to know that was going to happen!?” Vulpin snapped back at the caracal. “I'm pretty sure you would have done the same thing!”

“To find the key, you must answer our riddle!” a booming voice echoed loudly from seemingly nowhere.

“What did you say?” Vulpin asked.

“Hey, that wasn't me!” Conrad said, shaking like a leaf. “Where did that voice come from?”

Vulpin looked around and covered his mouth in shock upon noticing that the statues at the bottom of the temple's stairway had rotated and were facing them, their eyes glimmering with life.

“To find the key, you must answer our riddle!” one of the statues repeated. “None shall pass without the solution to our riddle!”

“Well, looks like we have no choice. Alright, share the riddle with us.” Vulpin addressed the statues.

At that, the statues raised their spears and focused their gaze at the ceiling before reciting the riddle in unison:

“Tales speak of thirteen white kelpies on a red hill,

First they champ,

Then they stamp,

Before, finally, they stand still.”

“Argh! I ain't good with riddles!” Conrad pulled his hair in irritation. “Fox! You try and solve it!”

“The name's Vulpin! How is it so hard for you to remember!?” Vulpin slapped a palm over his face before concentrating on the riddle. “Thirteen white kelpies, red hil, stamp, champ, stand still.”

It took a while for a light bulb appeared above Vulpin's head, the fox smirking proudly upon figuring out the solution to the riddle.

“It's teeth! The answer is teeth!”

Conrad watched in astonishment as one of the statues rearranged its spear into the shape of a key before lowering itself to give it to Vulpin.

“You may pass.” the statue said before reverting to its inanimate state.

Without wasting a second, Vulpin rushed over, inserting the key into the keyhole and a loud clicking noise followed after.

“You're welcome.” Vulpin said to Conrad. “Now, we just need to-”

“Excuse me! Have you forgotten who leads this here expedition? I'll go first!” Conrad interrupted him rudely before shoving Vulpin to a side in order to reach the door.

The caracal was just to about to push the door open before recalling what had happened previously and decided to be more cautious by cautiously tapping on the door with his fist before jumping backwards in anticipation for another trap to be sprung but nothing occurred.

“Okay, I think it's safe for us to-”

The treasure hunter was cut short as the door then fell on him, squashing the caracal as flat as a pancake before crumbling to pieces.

“This is starting to get on my nerves. Good thing I have near-impenetrable skin...” Conrad's stifled voice spoke from under the rubble.

-~O~-

“Be on your guard, fox. There's no telling what awaits us within the temple.” Conrad warned Vulpin while making their way to the arch-shaped entrance of the temple.

“For the last time, my name is Vulpin!” the fox barked with gritted teeth. “Also, shouldn't you be telling that to yourself? After all, you were the one that got the short end of the stick when trying to open the pathway to this chamber.”

“Hey! Everybody makes mistakes!” the caracal defended himself.

“Once is understandable, but after twelve times it becomes a running gag.”

“Vulpin, I don't like that tone of yours.” Conrad gave Vulpin the evil eye.

“Oh, so you can remember my name. What a startling revelation, ladies and gents – it has a functioning brain after all!” Vulpin remarked sarcastically.

“Alright, that's enough!” the treasure hunter turned to face the fox. “I've had it up to here with your mouth!”

“Oooooh, I'm shaking, I'm shaking!” the fox mocked the caracal. “Need I point out that you were the one who begged for my help?”

“I don't need you anymore now that the lamp is within my reach! So, the deal is off!” Conrad said with venom in his tone. “We could have been an excellent team, but you had to ruin things up with your attitude! What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Just one thing – how about a knuckle sandwich, ya bastard?!” Vulpin cried, charging up his magical gauntlet and punched Conrad straight in the jaw, knocking him off-balance and colliding with a large marble pedestal, on top of which stood the very object of their quest: the mystical lamp.

The impact had caused the pedestal to wobble, the lamp rocking back and forth before it slid sideways and landed with a deafening crash, shattering into countless tiny pieces.

“Ouch! That hurt!” Conrad grunted with stars and little birds swirling around his forehead, not noticing the blue, glittering smoke had started to emanate from the remains of the lamp.

Vulpin was about to pummel his ex-partner on this adventure once more before spotting the smoke, stopping in his tracks. The caracal was about to get back on his feet after shooing away the stars and birds before leaping into Vulpin's arms after getting startled by a blasting, thunderous feminine voice shaking the very foundation of the temple.

“I AM THE POWER THAT WAS ONCE IMPRISONED! I AM THE MAGICIAN AT A KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTY! I AM...”

And from the smoke, emerged a young, beautiful and chipper genie girl doing her best Dracula impersonation by covering her mouth with the crook of her elbow like she was wearing a cape. Her skin was as white as a pearl found inside a seashell, soft and silky with golden, blonde hair extending all the way down to her slim waist with an semi-transparent, purple dress along with a pair of Arab-style shoes of the same color and golden wristbands.

Both Conrad and Vulpin trembled in their boots as she peered at them with her glowing, ruby eyes, drawing closer and closer like a predator on an unsuspecting prey before dropping off the scary persona, flying high into the air, and with a snap of her fingers, firecrackers popped out magically out of nowhere and formed her name in a wondrous display of bright colors.

“Miriam the Genie!” she said with a joyful, contagious giggle, bouncing in the air like a rabbit.

The fox and the caracal just stood there with their jaws wide open before staring at each other for several moments, only for Vulpin to drop him and wiping his hands clean.

“Hoooooooo, boy, does it feel good to be out of that old, smelly lamp!” Miriam stretched her arms and legs. “I thought I wasn't going to see daylight again! Oh, how nasty! I got some dust bunnies in my hair...”

“Genie! Listen to me!”

Miriam blinked and shifted her gaze downwards at Conrad who was pointing his forefinger at her.

“I, Conrad Blacktooth, the greatest treasure hunter in the Mana Realm, am the one who has freed you and, as such, you must now grant me three wishes!” the caracal demanded before turning to Vulpin. “Say your prayers, fox, as one of my wishes will involve you.”

Miriam glided lazily in the air, crossing her legs and tapping her cheek with her fingers for a short period of time before giving her response.

“Hmmmmmmmm... nah!” she stuck out her tongue at the caracal in a childish manner. “No dice so nyeh, nyeh, nyeh, nyeh!”

Conrad's face dropped in disbelief.

“Say what!?”

“Says so right here in the rules and guidelines.” Miriam elucidated, pulling out a lengthy parchment from her sleeve. “Only when a being touches the lamp will its essence be imprinted for the genie to recognize said being as his/her master. Subsection C of paragraph 13, blah, blah, bladdity, blah, bleh!”

“And since neither you or your friend over there touched the lamp, no can do.” she continued, rolling back the parchment into her sleeve before adding with a smile. “But that doesn't mean that we can't have some fun together! It was getting so boring to be stuck in that lamp all by myself with nobody to play with. I got so many great games on the top of my head!”

“Hey! I didn't make this journey to not be granted what I so, rightfully, deserve!” Conrad shouted in anger, clenching his fist. “Now, grant me the three wishes!”

“Hello!? Didn't you listen to what I said?” Miriam huffed and puffed her cheeks in irritation, almost resembling a squirrel. “I think you must either got limax powder in your ears or you're just a big, mean dummy!”

“I'll have you know that my mind was the sharpest at the Lunar Academy of-”

But before the treasure hunter could finish, Miriam had turned her right hand into a huge anvil and squished the caracal like a bug.

“Now it's the flattest!” the genie laughed rapturously, kicking her legs and holding her stomach.

Even Vulpin couldn't help but chuckle silently at the caracal's misery.

“How many times am I gonna get crushed in this escapade!?” the caracal rambled before popping back into shape. “Now, see here! I will no longer be treated as such and-”

Miriam just yawned and closed her eyes. “Blah, blah, blah, blah, yap, yap, yap, dribble, dribble, dribble!”

“Why you!” Conrad bellowed in a menacing way and charged towards the genie only to have his body frozen in motion and then launched into a wall with a wave of Miriam's hand but she wasn't done – as soon as the treasure hunter regained his composure, Miriam used her magic and hoisted him up in the air, magically morphing the caracal into all sorts of animals like a donkey, an elephant, a monkey, an octopus, an ostrich before, finally, the transformation process ended with him in the shape of a baseball in the genie's hand.

“You're a big meanie and I don't like you! You're no fun at all and I don't want to play with you! Get lost!” she said, frowning down at the ball before tossing it in the air and with a wave of her head, changed her dress into a pair of white shorts and t-shirt with a red cap on her head and with a baseball hat in her other hand. She then used her magic to hold the ball in the middle of the air before hitting it so hard that it shot through the ceiling and into the sky.

Dreading of what Miriam had planned for him, Vulpin, quickly, made a run for the surface only for an enormous white hand to block his path, the fingers entangling around the fox's body like snakes, preventing any attempts of escaping.

“And where do you think you're going, tiny?”

Looming over him with an imposing, gigantic presence was Miriam, grinning brightly and bringing the minuscule fox closer to her face.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Oh my gosh! You're so cute and adorable!” she squealed, tenderly and carefully rubbing her massive cheek on Vulpin's small muzzle, even planting a small kiss on the fox' noggin. “So many games, so little time! I don't even know where to start so I guess we're gonna have to play all of them! We're gonna have so much fun together! Yipppeee, yay and a hip, hip, huzzah and hurray!”

“Oh no!” Vulpin gulped nervously, trembling and sweating in her palm.

To be continued!

Credits:

Created and written by Imagination Persona

Description
“Gather around the campfire! Stay a while and listen for I have a tale to share on this beautiful, starry night! Legends speak of an ancient, long-forgotten genie lamp. Fearing that it might land into the wrong hands, it was taken somewhere deep within the Kaleidoscope Ruins, far away from any greedy, power-hungry creatures. Once populated by an ancient and advanced civilization long forgotten by the sands of time, it was the most suitable location for the lamp, some writings even mentioning that it was stored in an archaic vault with a complex locking mechanism. Many have combed these ruins in the hopes of finding the elusive artifact, but none were successful, until today! So, that is why I, Conrad Blackfang, the greatest Treasure Hunter in the Mana Realm have only one request...”

Vulpin rolled his eyes in annoyance as a Familiar caracal with a heavy mustache, monocle over his left eye and a dusty, old black traveling cloak groveled at his feet, clinging to the fox' leg like it was made out of solid gold and looking up with tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Please, please, please, please, aid me in this quest of finding the lamp!” Conrad begged Vulpin with a whiny, almost obnoxious tone. “My whole life depends on it!”

“I don't think the word dignity is in this caracal's vocabulary.” Vulpin said coldly in his thoughts before looking down at Conrad. “Look, buddy, that was a fascinating story, but me and my little friend over here, Alma, ain't got time for treasure hunting. So, would you kindly let go of my leg?”

“I cannot do this on my own!” the caracal cried. “Rumor has it that there are traps in the Kaleidoscope Ruins to prevent anyone from reaching the lamp and-”

“And you want someone to serve as a guinea pig to spring all of the traps while you casually walk away with the lamp.” Vulpin frowned down at Conrad. “Sorry, but we're not interested and that's final. Come along, Alma. We've got a long road ahead of us and, hopefully, find a place to stay for the night.”

Alma, who had been witnessing the entire conversation in utter silence while eating marshmallows, didn't object as Vulpin tenderly grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her away from the miserable treasure hunter whose eyes had swollen, becoming puffy and red.

The kitten, unlike the fox, felt sympathetic towards Conrad as she then slipped her hand out of Vulpin's grasp.

“Mr. Vulpin, we should help him.” she said with rather firmly.

“What!? Why? This will just delay our journey to your home. Also, there's a difference between helping those in need and... that!” Vulpin protested, pointing at pitiful treasure hunter.

“I know but... look at him.” Alma indicated with a tilt of her head in the direction of the caracal. “It just... feels wrong.”

“Please, I'll pay you!” Conrad quickly pulled out from under his black cloak a bag full of gold in desperation. “Just name your price!”

Upon hearing that, Vulpin stopped for a moment and rubbed his chin, deep in thoughts. After all, there was a magical lamp with a genie inside at stake, a being capable of granting wishes. There were plenty of things the fox could've wished for but then flashbacks to when Alma's brother got devoured in the Candy Glade flooded his mind like a waterfall. Struck by guilt, Vulpin decided that this was an opportunity to fix his past mistakes – a chance to reunite Alma with her brother.

“Keep your gold, Conrad. I have something else in mind when it comes to payment.”

“And that is?” the caracal raised an eyebrow.

“You will allow the genie to grant me one wish.” Vulpin answered with a non-negotiable tone.

“WHAT!? That's preposterous! I won't agree to such terms!” the treasure hunter pouted and crossed his arms, glancing away.

“Then look for some other poor schmuck to help ya out. Come on, Alma. Let's go.”

“Okay, fine, fine, fine!” Conrad gave in with a deep sigh. “You drive a hard bargain, fox. I'll allow the genie to grant you one wish and only one! That's as generous as I'll go!”

“Deal.” Vulpin smiled, shaking Conrad's hand, the caracal visibly displeased despite agreeing to the terms but there was no turning back on the deal.

“Okay. We'll set off for the Ruins at the crack of dawn. I suggest we all get some sleep as it is getting a tad late.” Conrad said.

“No objections from me.” Vulpin yawned.

-~O~-

After traversing the pathway leading to the Kaleidoscope Ruins, the trio were greeted by a shining and breathtaking spectacle of colored lights as the sun's beaming rays gleamed brightly on the collapsed structures. With engravings depicting undecipherable symbols and drawings, the structures didn't seem out of the ordinary but, after a second glance, one could spot several of them hovering in the air as if being held by a gravitational force with a low, but audible whirring sound.

“Wow! It's truly beautiful!” Alma gasped in awe, taking in the sights.

“It truly is something, isn't it? The material used had reflective properties, as well as durability.” Conrad explained. “Can you believe that these Ruins have withstood one hundred and two earthquakes as well as fifty-seven discharge storms?”

“All very fascinating but I have a better question – why are you carrying that on your back?” Vulpin asked, his eyes focused on the humongous rucksack mounted on the caracal's back. “Is there something else in it than just maps and scrolls?”

“But of course! Remember what I said about possible traps hidden in these ruins? Don't expect just regular ones like spears emerging from the ground or giant boulders rolling down after you. There could also be beasts or dangerous creatures that might have taken residence so we need to be extra careful.” Conrad answered. “Which is why I never travel without my trusty
magical net that can ensnare any beast, big or small, or my prized possession - the blunderbuss that fires with silver bullets, very ideal for werewolves. There's also my trusty Guidance Orb, never go on a trip without it, unless you want to get lost, the All-Fitting pouch in which you can store even a tree log and -”

“Hate to interrupt you counting down your inventory, but look over there.” Vulpin pointed at a patch of ground with seven columns sprouting from it like plants, all positioned in the shape of a circle.

Although a good of number of them had been tilted by the force of the wind as well as being, possibly, centuries old, the pillars stood their ground majestically, refusing to crumble with the hieroglyphs on them still remaining visible to the naked eye.

“Oh my! That must be it!” Conrad gasped, his eyes widening till the size of saucers while running towards the pillars. “This must be the secret entrance to the vault where the lamp should be! Good catch, fox!

“The name's Vulpin.” the fox hissed.

“So, how do we get in?” Alma asked, joining them.

“It's obvious that these hieroglyphs are a clue. Gimme a sec.” the treasure hunter said, leaning towards the hieroglyphs in order to examine them while scratching the back of his head. “Aha! It says that... the cow stole the milk from the refrigerator? No, no, no! It says... that the stars will point to the direction of... the nearest taco stand? What is this malarkey!?”

Vulpin sighted deeply and shook his head. “Let me give it a try.”

After about several moments, the fox, successfully, deciphered the message.

“The pathway to the vault shall be revealed once the correct hieroglyph has been pushed.”

“Tch! Show off...” Conrad muttered with a peeved tone. “Okay, okay. You did good on that one. Now, step aside for I know precisely which one to push.”

“I highly doubt that.” Vulpin said in his thoughts.

“It has to be... this one!”

Conrad placed his right hand on one of the hieroglyphs at random, only for a giant mallet to emerge from one of the ground tiles and smashed the treasure hunter with a loud thud.

“Okay, I guess I was mistaken.” Conrad said upon recovering his bodily form. “It's this one!'

Unfortunately, it proved to be incorrect once more as a large skeleton materialized out of thin air before being dropped on top of the unsuspecting caracal.

“Third time's the charm...” the caracal's voice could be heard from underneath the skull.

Two wall panels slid open, revealing a pair of identical blue crystals, fully charged with magical energy which then electrocuted Conrad, reducing him to a pile of ashes.

After a series of unfortunate events which involved getting run over by a stampede, crushed by gigantic stone feet and getting stung by a swarm of insects, the treasure hunter was in a world of pain.
“Mr. Vulpin, I can't stand watching this anymore. Can't you, please, figure out which one is the correct one? I feel so sorry for Mr. Blackfang.” Alma pleaded to Vulpin, tugging his sleeve.

“I don't know. I'm enjoying this show.” Vulpin grinned, taking pleasure in Conrad's misfortune before looking down at Alma and sighing. “Okay, fine...”

Fortune smiled on Vulpin as when the fox pressed his hand against a random hieroglyph, instead of getting creamed by another trap, the ground began to shake like an earthquake, and everyone watched in amazement as the inner, circled part within the pillars slowly started to descend till there was nothing but a pitch black void.

It was only moments later that steps made from stone started emerging from within the void, forming a downward, spiral staircase leading into the abyss below.

“Yay! Congratulations!” Alma cheered, clapping her paws happily.

“Hehehe, thanks!” Vulpin smiled back at her. “Alma, listen to me – I want you to stay up here until I return. I have no idea what's down there and I don't want to put your safety at risk, got it?”

“Awww! Do I have to stay here?” the kitten whined.

“Yes.” Vulpin replied with a serious tone. “No buts, young lady.”

“Ugh, fine...” a grouchy Alma said, plopping down on the ground.

“Okay, here I go.” Vulpin said before lighting up a match and proceeded to climb down the steps into the darkness below.

“HEY! WAIT FOR ME! I'M THE ONE LEADING THIS HERE EXPEDITION!” Conrad exclaimed, following suite wobbling and almost losing his balance after all of the abuse he had taken.

-~O~-

At the bottom of the stairwell stood a gigantic chamber in the shape of a diamond with an obelisk placed at each of its four tips. Situated in the center was an enormous temple, looming over the chamber like a massive, intimidating beast with a staircase being the only path in order to reach the inner chamber of the temple.

Numerous torches with flickering, blue flames mounted on the outer walls provided light, casting dancing shadows all over the walls.

Even more imposing than the sheer size of the temple were the two towering statues depicting a creature similar to a griffon positioned beside the stairway. Each armed with a spear, the statues' presence was nerve-wracking, especially as they stared down at the caracal and the fox with their soul-piercing eyes made from hundreds of sapphires.

Upon reaching the final step of the stairwell, Vulpin and Conrad were caught off guard by an invisible barrier preventing anyone from entering the temple before it, immediately, transformed into a rock-solid door with a large keyhole in the middle.

“Oh, great!” Conrad snarled in frustration, slamming his fist on the door. “Great job, fox! Now how do we get inside?”
“How was I supposed to know that was going to happen!?” Vulpin snapped back at the caracal. “I'm pretty sure you would have done the same thing!”

“To find the key, you must answer our riddle!” a booming voice echoed loudly from seemingly nowhere.

“What did you say?” Vulpin asked.

“Hey, that wasn't me!” Conrad said, shaking like a leaf. “Where did that voice come from?”

Vulpin looked around and covered his mouth in shock upon noticing that the statues at the bottom of the temple's stairway had rotated and were facing them, their eyes glimmering with life.

“To find the key, you must answer our riddle!” one of the statues repeated. “None shall pass without the solution to our riddle!”

“Well, looks like we have no choice. Alright, share the riddle with us.” Vulpin addressed the statues.

At that, the statues raised their spears and focused their gaze at the ceiling before reciting the riddle in unison:

“Tales speak of thirteen white kelpies on a red hill,

First they champ,

Then they stamp,

Before, finally, they stand still.”

“Argh! I ain't good with riddles!” Conrad pulled his hair in irritation. “Fox! You try and solve it!”

“The name's Vulpin! How is it so hard for you to remember!?” Vulpin slapped a palm over his face before concentrating on the riddle. “Thirteen white kelpies, red hil, stamp, champ, stand still.”

It took a while for a light bulb appeared above Vulpin's head, the fox smirking proudly upon figuring out the solution to the riddle.

“It's teeth! The answer is teeth!”

Conrad watched in astonishment as one of the statues rearranged its spear into the shape of a key before lowering itself to give it to Vulpin.

“You may pass.” the statue said before reverting to its inanimate state.

Without wasting a second, Vulpin rushed over, inserting the key into the keyhole and a loud clicking noise followed after.

“You're welcome.” Vulpin said to Conrad. “Now, we just need to-”

“Excuse me! Have you forgotten who leads this here expedition? I'll go first!” Conrad interrupted him rudely before shoving Vulpin to a side in order to reach the door.

The caracal was just to about to push the door open before recalling what had happened previously and decided to be more cautious by cautiously tapping on the door with his fist before jumping backwards in anticipation for another trap to be sprung but nothing occurred.

“Okay, I think it's safe for us to-”

The treasure hunter was cut short as the door then fell on him, squashing the caracal as flat as a pancake before crumbling to pieces.

“This is starting to get on my nerves. Good thing I have near-impenetrable skin...” Conrad's stifled voice spoke from under the rubble.

-~O~-

“Be on your guard, fox. There's no telling what awaits us within the temple.” Conrad warned Vulpin while making their way to the arch-shaped entrance of the temple.

“For the last time, my name is Vulpin!” the fox barked with gritted teeth. “Also, shouldn't you be telling that to yourself? After all, you were the one that got the short end of the stick when trying to open the pathway to this chamber.”

“Hey! Everybody makes mistakes!” the caracal defended himself.

“Once is understandable, but after twelve times it becomes a running gag.”

“Vulpin, I don't like that tone of yours.” Conrad gave Vulpin the evil eye.

“Oh, so you can remember my name. What a startling revelation, ladies and gents – it has a functioning brain after all!” Vulpin remarked sarcastically.

“Alright, that's enough!” the treasure hunter turned to face the fox. “I've had it up to here with your mouth!”

“Oooooh, I'm shaking, I'm shaking!” the fox mocked the caracal. “Need I point out that you were the one who begged for my help?”

“I don't need you anymore now that the lamp is within my reach! So, the deal is off!” Conrad said with venom in his tone. “We could have been an excellent team, but you had to ruin things up with your attitude! What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Just one thing – how about a knuckle sandwich, ya bastard?!” Vulpin cried, charging up his magical gauntlet and punched Conrad straight in the jaw, knocking him off-balance and colliding with a large marble pedestal, on top of which stood the very object of their quest: the mystical lamp.

The impact had caused the pedestal to wobble, the lamp rocking back and forth before it slid sideways and landed with a deafening crash, shattering into countless tiny pieces.

“Ouch! That hurt!” Conrad grunted with stars and little birds swirling around his forehead, not noticing the blue, glittering smoke had started to emanate from the remains of the lamp.

Vulpin was about to pummel his ex-partner on this adventure once more before spotting the smoke, stopping in his tracks. The caracal was about to get back on his feet after shooing away the stars and birds before leaping into Vulpin's arms after getting startled by a blasting, thunderous feminine voice shaking the very foundation of the temple.

“I AM THE POWER THAT WAS ONCE IMPRISONED! I AM THE MAGICIAN AT A KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTY! I AM...”

And from the smoke, emerged a young, beautiful and chipper genie girl doing her best Dracula impersonation by covering her mouth with the crook of her elbow like she was wearing a cape. Her skin was as white as a pearl found inside a seashell, soft and silky with golden, blonde hair extending all the way down to her slim waist with an semi-transparent, purple dress along with a pair of Arab-style shoes of the same color and golden wristbands.

Both Conrad and Vulpin trembled in their boots as she peered at them with her glowing, ruby eyes, drawing closer and closer like a predator on an unsuspecting prey before dropping off the scary persona, flying high into the air, and with a snap of her fingers, firecrackers popped out magically out of nowhere and formed her name in a wondrous display of bright colors.

“Miriam the Genie!” she said with a joyful, contagious giggle, bouncing in the air like a rabbit.

The fox and the caracal just stood there with their jaws wide open before staring at each other for several moments, only for Vulpin to drop him and wiping his hands clean.

“Hoooooooo, boy, does it feel good to be out of that old, smelly lamp!” Miriam stretched her arms and legs. “I thought I wasn't going to see daylight again! Oh, how nasty! I got some dust bunnies in my hair...”

“Genie! Listen to me!”

Miriam blinked and shifted her gaze downwards at Conrad who was pointing his forefinger at her.

“I, Conrad Blacktooth, the greatest treasure hunter in the Mana Realm, am the one who has freed you and, as such, you must now grant me three wishes!” the caracal demanded before turning to Vulpin. “Say your prayers, fox, as one of my wishes will involve you.”

Miriam glided lazily in the air, crossing her legs and tapping her cheek with her fingers for a short period of time before giving her response.

“Hmmmmmmmm... nah!” she stuck out her tongue at the caracal in a childish manner. “No dice so nyeh, nyeh, nyeh, nyeh!”

Conrad's face dropped in disbelief.

“Say what!?”

“Says so right here in the rules and guidelines.” Miriam elucidated, pulling out a lengthy parchment from her sleeve. “Only when a being touches the lamp will its essence be imprinted for the genie to recognize said being as his/her master. Subsection C of paragraph 13, blah, blah, bladdity, blah, bleh!”

“And since neither you or your friend over there touched the lamp, no can do.” she continued, rolling back the parchment into her sleeve before adding with a smile. “But that doesn't mean that we can't have some fun together! It was getting so boring to be stuck in that lamp all by myself with nobody to play with. I got so many great games on the top of my head!”

“Hey! I didn't make this journey to not be granted what I so, rightfully, deserve!” Conrad shouted in anger, clenching his fist. “Now, grant me the three wishes!”

“Hello!? Didn't you listen to what I said?” Miriam huffed and puffed her cheeks in irritation, almost resembling a squirrel. “I think you must either got limax powder in your ears or you're just a big, mean dummy!”

“I'll have you know that my mind was the sharpest at the Lunar Academy of-”

But before the treasure hunter could finish, Miriam had turned her right hand into a huge anvil and squished the caracal like a bug.

“Now it's the flattest!” the genie laughed rapturously, kicking her legs and holding her stomach.

Even Vulpin couldn't help but chuckle silently at the caracal's misery.

“How many times am I gonna get crushed in this escapade!?” the caracal rambled before popping back into shape. “Now, see here! I will no longer be treated as such and-”

Miriam just yawned and closed her eyes. “Blah, blah, blah, blah, yap, yap, yap, dribble, dribble, dribble!”

“Why you!” Conrad bellowed in a menacing way and charged towards the genie only to have his body frozen in motion and then launched into a wall with a wave of Miriam's hand but she wasn't done – as soon as the treasure hunter regained his composure, Miriam used her magic and hoisted him up in the air, magically morphing the caracal into all sorts of animals like a donkey, an elephant, a monkey, an octopus, an ostrich before, finally, the transformation process ended with him in the shape of a baseball in the genie's hand.

“You're a big meanie and I don't like you! You're no fun at all and I don't want to play with you! Get lost!” she said, frowning down at the ball before tossing it in the air and with a wave of her head, changed her dress into a pair of white shorts and t-shirt with a red cap on her head and with a baseball hat in her other hand. She then used her magic to hold the ball in the middle of the air before hitting it so hard that it shot through the ceiling and into the sky.

Dreading of what Miriam had planned for him, Vulpin, quickly, made a run for the surface only for an enormous white hand to block his path, the fingers entangling around the fox's body like snakes, preventing any attempts of escaping.

“And where do you think you're going, tiny?”

Looming over him with an imposing, gigantic presence was Miriam, grinning brightly and bringing the minuscule fox closer to her face.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Oh my gosh! You're so cute and adorable!” she squealed, tenderly and carefully rubbing her massive cheek on Vulpin's small muzzle, even planting a small kiss on the fox' noggin. “So many games, so little time! I don't even know where to start so I guess we're gonna have to play all of them! We're gonna have so much fun together! Yipppeee, yay and a hip, hip, huzzah and hurray!”

“Oh no!” Vulpin gulped nervously, trembling and sweating in her palm.

To be continued!

Credits:

Created and written by Imagination Persona