goldencharms | FOR INFY!!!

[It's a pleasant drive from the airport. Good music, good snacks, barely any traffic--Jamil really couldn't ask for a smoother arrival. There isn't even any need to fight for a parking space, even though this should by rights be prime vacation season. A refreshingly easy load to bring inside, too--traveling by himself means he can travel light, with only one person's needs to worry about. It's strange how quiet and empty the lobby is, though--the Seven Jeweled Hills is so scenic it does a bustling tourism business, doesn't it? He'd researched his whole trip extensively, after all.

And yet, ringing the bell on the desk repeatedly doesn't summon any staff to help him, doesn't even bring anyone to scold him for making a racket. Nobody appears even when he lets himself behind the desk and tries opening the employees only door. A completely empty manager's office, silent and still as the grave. The keyboard behind the desk is even a little dusty, in a way that makes his hackles raise without quite knowing why. It's not hard to figure out how to use, (isn't this illegal? Who's even going to know, if there's nobody to check the security cameras?) or to realize that there's nobody booked in at all. Why, though?

Well, if there's nobody to help him, he'll just..... have to help himself. He's perfectly capable of taking care of himself, after all. If anything, it'll be a welcome change to figure things out without needing to worry about watching over anyone else. A moment of hesitation, and Jamil pockets an entire keyring, grabbing his suitcase and heading off. May as well make sure he can go wherever he wants if there's nobody to stop him, hmmm? Nobody to tell him what to do, or what he can't do..... Until he finds someone else, or determines for certain that he is completely alone, this entire place is his to do with as he pleases.

How..... "fun". He has to admit, this isn't exactly the kind of freedom he'd been envisioning this trip would give him. Is this just some sort of abandoned branch that was mistakenly still listed on the website, yet hadn't been locked up and condemned? Is he really allowed to be here? Should he call the police?]

[ kalim feels a sort of freedom as he wanders around, knowing that he could go anywhere he wants, though he doesn't remember... why. But that freedom is very quickly overwhelmed with a growing sense of panic. He walks from room to room, calling out the names of his siblings, his parents, the servants.

It doesn't even occur to him that the scenery is changing, that this isn't the al-Asim mansion, the Scarabia dorm, or the little cottage in the Down. The difference doesn't stand out to him so much as the overwhelming fear of being alone.

Finally, he calls out in a frightened voice, ]

Jamil??

[ someone, anyone, please... there has to be someone here, or else... or else... ]

[It's unnervingly peaceful here. The lights and air conditioning are on, and the sun is high in the sky. The doors open easily, and the elevator works, though Jamil decides it's probably unwise to actually use it. The beds are all neatly made, the rooms clean, awaiting their next guest. He still has cell reception and internet access. There's not a single trace of disaster here--no forcible entry, no burnt marks, no bodies, no blood. Not even in the service areas can he find anything actually wrong. So why does it all feel so wrong? This solitude is only making his skin crawl and heart race as though he's in some sort of horror movie.

Maybe he should just leave. He still has plenty of gas--he can just..... find some local to ask, and probably end up feeling completely absurd for making such a massive mistake in booking his lodgings. It isn't as though--]

Who's there?!

[Was that a voice? Jamil flattens himself against the nearest wall, drawing his magical pen--but his eyes glaze over Kalim without the slightest hint of recognition, even as he scans the hall for movement.]

[ he hears Jamil response, and the relief he feels...

he isn't alone. It was just a misunderstanding. And he puts the feeling he had just nearly been consumed with out of his mind entirely, running towards Jamil's voice.

Walls, space, they don't stop him. He almost feels like he passes through them, and sure enough when he finally does appear in front of Jamil, when he goes to hug him, he goes straight through him ]

-- Uwah! Huh?

But you're here! It's so quiet, huh! I was a little worried, ahahaha! What are you doing??

Hahaha..... Hearing things already, huh? Just my luck..... I'm going to end up needing a vacation from my vacation, at this rate.

[Jamil huffs in equal measures annoyance and relief, smile sardonic. Of all the times to let paranoia get to him..... This isn't some movie, it's real life. Even if this place is haunted, the odds that the ghost is actually hostile are pretty low. More to the point, even if there's a hostile ghost here, it's probably nothing he can't handle. He's fought ghosts before, after all, hasn't he?]

Is there even any point in checking the rest of the rooms? There's no way I'll actually find anyone in a place like this..... This is just a waste of time.

[Jamil shakes his head, turning away from Kalim and tucking his pen back into his pocket in favor of pulling his phone out.]

Eh...?

[ Kalim watches him turn and walk away, and he's frozen for a moment, his heart seizing in his throat. He has to force himself to be very still. Jamil is right there, but Jamil doesn't see him?

Ah... Is that how it is right now? ]

W...

[ he wants to say something, but his mouth isn't working, and when he finishes, it comes out more like a croak ]

Wait...!

[ and he follows behind him in a daze.

jamil is right there. but he's still alone. but jamil looks happy, so, it's fine?

it's fine. he'll just follow. He can watch, for now, til it makes sense to do something else. If it ever makes sense to do something else. ]

What the.....?

[Jamil pauses and peers over his shoulder, eyes narrowed suspiciously as he stares straight through Kalim. Had he heard footsteps? Seven, he's definitely letting his imagination run away with him, now. Being all alone in a place like this, that should be full of people and life..... It must just be getting under his skin. He'll just tap a few buttons, listen to the phone ring, and--no, that's definitely Kalim's voicemail. Jamil mutters a few exceptionally vulgar words under his breath.]

Kalim did say not to check in too often, didn't he? He's probably trying not to answer my number. Najima doesn't even answer her phone normally if you don't text ahead of time.....

Ugh, forget it. I'll just get a room somewhere else; I can always come back if they're booked up. Or maybe just sleep in the car?

No, I want to hear from you!

[ he protests, following after him in confusion. why is this happening?? he rubs at his eyes... what is going on??

another attempt to touch him simply ends with his hand going through again, leaving his body shaking from the lack of impact. He lets out a small, frightened cry, and then presses his hands to his temples.

and just trying to not freak out. as his mind supplies what has happened. that he's a ghost. that they won't interact again. that Jamil thinks he doesn't want to hear from him. ]

No...

[ he ends up falling back and sliding down a wall.

and tries to calm down, tries not to panic. ]

[Jamil only shivers at the touch, shoulders hunching against the sudden chill. He hadn't thought the air conditioning was too strong, but..... well, what other explanation is there? He's spiritually sensitive enough he should be able to recognize any ghosts he comes across, even in a place that isn't as rich in magic as Night Raven College.]

What was next on the itinerary? A walking tour..... That's sure to be busy. It can't hurt to get an early start.

[There's no sense in lingering here..... But even so Jamil can't help but hesitate, confused and uncertain, shaking his head as he looks back towards where Kalim is huddled. What is he even looking for, at this point?]

[ Get up. He urges himself, just get up. Jamil would leave if he didn't, and he would be truly alone. Even being able to watch him, to watch over him, that was more important. If he just sat there, he would be alone.

Just, one small step.

He looks up, his breath still unsteady, and his body unbelievably heavy. But he slowly pushes himself up to his knees.

And then to his feet. ]

Wait...

[ he'll follow, but please don't leave without him. though, he can't help the tears that roll down his cheeks. ]

[Seven, his chest feels so tight. It's hard to shake the feeling that something is wrong, even if he can't put his finger on what. It's surely just the anxiety, though..... right?

A deep, shaky breath, and Jamil turns to go, Kalim close at his heels. Another momentary hesitation, and he decides not to leave the keys at the desk, just in case--he heads back to his car instead, slowing to peer into the windows of the other, clearly abandoned (but why?) vehicles as he passes. The engine turns on, the radio turns on..... He's starting to feel a little silly for freaking out, if he's honest--even if that nagging sense of wrongness is still making the hairs on the back of his neck prickle.

Everything is fine. He's fine. So what is it that makes him wait to go until Kalim is in the car with him?]

[ Kalim is relieved that Jamil is so cautious, especially when he feels so slow and heavy. the isolation of the whole situation... it's only when he's listening to the radio that he realizes what else is wrong.

Jamil's all alone. And he wipes his eyes, accepting that maybe Jamil can't see him. But he doesn't have to be alone-- isn't that how it works now? If he's a ghost, he'll have to get creative in other ways, until he can't be around at all anymore.

this music-- actually, it's a commercial, isn't it?? maybe they could find another station actually playing music.

that'll cheer him up. ]

Gotta get excited for the, uh... tour, right?? That's what we're doing?

[ the radio at least responds to him, until he can find actual music. ]

Hmmm? If this thing breaks on the first day, I swear--

[Oh, geez. He can't take his eyes off the road to check what the radio is doing, but breaking down on the side of the road is the absolute last thing he needs after a morning like this. It's a mercifully short drive, at least, and nothing else seems to be wrong..... until he pulls into the first parking space he finds, and actually looks around for the meeting place at the mouth of the trail.]

How is there nobody here?!

[You've got to be fucking kidding right now. For a moment, the horn blares as his grip on the steering wheel grows white-knuckled without thinking, the sound bizarrely distant and muffled, distorted. A place like this should be absolutely jam packed with groups coming and going, shouldn't it? Is he hallucinating right now? He's losing his goddamn mind to the tune of cheerful, energetic pop songs Kalim had found. If he weren't stressed beyond belief, it might actually be funny; this is hardly a fitting soundtrack for the horror movie his vacation feels like it's become.]

.....Is there even a point to still going.....? Could I make it home if I tried?

[Technically speaking, nothing is stopping him from just..... having his trip anyway. None of it needs other people to do anything for him so far. He could walk the trail alone easily and take in the sights. He could pick any room in that place, and cook and clean for himself. He could do absolutely anything he wanted--except enjoy himself, with this pervasive sense of dread hanging over him. But what if there's nobody that can get him back to the Scalding Sands? Or.....

What if there's nobody in the Scalding Sands to get back to? What if something happened? Maybe instead of picking either option, he'll spiral uselessly around hypothetical worst-case scenarios. That will surely help.]

Jamil!!

[ Kalim doesn't know what is going on, but suddenly, he doesn't look happy? He reaches out, to almost touch him, his brows furrowed in concern. Focusing on Jamil, it makes the panic he felt a moment ago feel silly.

How could he be upset, when Jamil really is all alone? He just wishes he could let him know he was there. that he should enjoy his time alone, isn't this what he always wanted?

he's accepted his fate, but that's no reason for Jamil to not... to not... ]

Go and enjoy yourself anyway... I'll keep you company, even if you can't see me. You're free, right?

[ he motions as if he means to stroke his cheek, a momentary affection that he's always wanted to do, but never could while they were both alive. ]

[Jamil turns to reach for his phone again, shaking his head. Who is he even meant to call now? His parents? What would he even say? Maybe..... the airline? He could try to move his flight up, cut this trip short, just get out of here..... And hope the estate and his own family's home aren't this eerily empty once he gets back. It's not him causing all of this somehow, is it?

But he could swear he hears a voice, almost right next to his ear, and it almost feels like.....

All at once, there's a hand warm against his cheek, and he's not alone with his thoughts at all. There's a fleeting moment of something soft and vulnerable, relief alongside the confusion--until he consciously registers what he's seeing, and Jamil's expression turns to pure alarm. He doesn't have the presence of mind to flip into self-defense mode, thankfully--instead, he recoils with an undignified yelp of surprise, back hitting the car door so hard it rattles in its frame.

Thank the Seven the engine is already off, and his seatbelt was still on; the last thing either of them needs right now is the car rolling away while he's too spooked to keep his foot on the brakes, or Jamil falling out and hitting his head--or even worse, actually hurting Kalim before he realized it was him.]

Kalim?! How the hell did you get here??

Eh…?

[ he looks at him in confusion, clearly not expecting to be acknowledged. Actually, that’s really good, isn’t it?

And he breaks into a smile. ]

You can see me now! Good!! I thought we’d never talk again.

Wh-what are you talking about? I wasn't supposed to leave for that long; of course we're going to talk again.

[He's rattled enough, Kalim, don't talk like one of them is about to die. Today has already had more than enough scares!]

Isn’t it obvious…?

[ Kalim tilts his head- and then shakes it. Right now, they should take advantage of the fact that they can see each other. ]

Let’s go on that tour you wanted to do together! I don’t know how much longer we have. Maybe we’ll find someone else there for you.

No?? Literally nothing is obvious about you appearing out of thin air halfway around the world, and acting like you could collapse at any moment! Don't tell me you came all this way without any other staff?

[What is he supposed to think, when Kalim is sounding so..... so morbid? It sets his teeth on edge, with how out of character it feels. What does Kalim know that he doesn't, that's making things sound so dire?]

Oh.

[ he tilts his head, thoughtful, ]

Well… I’m a ghost, I think? Or else I wouldn’t have been able to make it… I just remember looking for someone, and then I saw you!

But you couldn’t see me at first. So I wanted to make sure you were having fun on your big trip, before I couldn’t do that anymore.

[ then he looks at him more seriously, a little sad and a little bittersweet ]

But if I’m a ghost that must mean I died.

D-don't be ridiculous.

[And now his heart is pounding for an entirely different reason. Kalim had died? The very first day he'd even left? How? Why?! What had happened? They would have called him to rush home, wouldn't they? Could he have prevented it if he had been there, instead of off wasting his time like this? As many times as he's wished he didn't have to deal with Kalim, he still.....

Gods, he feels sick.

Kalim sounds so..... cavalier about it all. It's as though he doesn't even care. Does he remember how he died, or had it happened too fast? Was he unconcious for it? But..... he'd be able to see a ghost, wouldn't he? And Kalim's touch had felt so warm..... Had he even died at all? Ghosts normally struggle to physically interact with people outside of Halloween, or in the Spectral Realm, and they're in neither right now--that's why they'd needed to deal with them through magic. Something doesn't add up; even this level of panic can't shut down his ~~constant, crippling overthinking habit~~ mind entirely.

Jamil reaches out to pinch Kalim's arm, short and sharp.]

Could a ghost feel this?

[ when he reaches out to pinch him, what had started as just a little bit of corporealness fades just as quickly. his hand phasing through Kalim, who seems to fade away just a little bit as he watches him. His expression is studying, almost unreadable for him, ]

Maybe that's how it normally is... I don't know why you could see me suddenly.

[ he's a little concerned, and reaches up to Jamil, miming cupping his face, as his hands seem to lose their shape, as he fades a little with that acceptance of death. ]

Let's go on that walk. Someone's gotta be there, right...?? I don't want you to be alone.

[It feels like his throat is being crushed in a slowly tightening vise, struggling to breathe as he swallows down a rising sense of panic. This doesn't make sense. They had touched only a moment ago, hadn't they? Even when it comes to magic, the laws of nature don't just change on a whim when nothing else about the situation has changed! So why?! What could possibly make Kalim more or less corporeal, more or less visible, more or less..... cohesive? Even ghosts shouldn't be so indistinct! Either they linger in the mortal realm, or they return to the Spectral Realm. Period. The End.]

I..... guess we may as well, since we're here. But I'm not exactly alone anymore, am I?

That's true!! I wanna stay as long as I can, too!

[ getting out of the car is easy for him, it's like... falling backwards, no need to even open the door. he just steps back, cheerful. Not realizing that Jamil is struggling. ]

What kind of tour is this??

Right.....

[Of course Kalim wants to stay. That's all he's ever wanted, isn't it? And yet the moment Jamil himself had tried to escape, even temporarily..... What a sick, twisted joke. He can't even laugh. A trip like this certainly can't make him happy, now..... But maybe Kalim will be.

Jamil climbs out of the car and locks up, almost in a daze, hands staying tucked in his pockets as he puts away his keys; better he doesn't show the way his nails are digging into his palms to keep himself steady. He can do this. He can just..... lead the way, and talk about what he had researched. That's simple. It's easy. It's.....

It's not even remotely fine. He desperately doesn't want to be here anymore, even as he puts one foot in front of the other.]

It's..... a nature tour. The Seven Jeweled Hills are unique in their magestone formations; the microscopic crystals that grow here are flecked throughout the rock. They're so small that trying to mine them would just grind them into useless powder--but there are so many creating so much ambient magic that the land and water themselves supposedly glow like gems whenever it's dark.

It's home to plenty of protected magical plants and direbeasts. People claim the air and water here have all sorts of mystical benefits--but they also claim that it got its name from every one of the Great Seven apparently making a pilgrimage here at some point in their lives. So who knows?

Of dreams and death

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