Chapter 27: The Hidden Underground Den

                                    

                                          
The two dismounted from Chi-taki's back and he converted himself into his former self, lightning slithering off of him. He walked down the hill onto what appeared to be an invisible staircase. 
                          
"Follow my every move if you do not want to fall into the rapids below," he shouted and he continued to walk down to what must be a door. 
                          
This was it. Were they going to follow him into what must be his home and possibly a trap or were they going to trust him since his actions demonstrated he was honourable so far? 
                          
They decided to trust in him. What other choices did they have? They cautiously followed. The invisible staircase curved to a dead-end rock wall under a thick rock archway and panic ensued.
                          
"It's a dead end. There's nothing here," shouted Troy, his attention flickering back and forth to Chi-taki and the rapids.
                          
"Do not be so quick to judge," replied Chi-taki with another smile, "Of Hyod of Ice and Wind." 
                          
The door revealed itself. Tt was two-way. One side was rock, the side they thought was a dead end, and the other side was steel coated, the side which revealed itself when he said some strange words. 
                          
He gazed down at the two and said silently, "If you ever need to enter my den, all you have to do is follow the exact steps we just took and the rock staircase will reveal itself."
                          
"Next mention the words I just mentioned, Of Hyod of Ice and Wind, and it will let you into the correct corridor. If done incorrectly, it will lead you to a tunnel which heads directly into the dastardly rapids below." 
                          
Wow was all they could think. They looked like kids in a candy store with how their eyes traced every line of the place. 
                          
If they were not within it's walls, they would not know a cozy little home lay underneath their feet before they step down the invisible staircase.
                          
Chi-taki's den was amazing. He had only one window which was large, curving and facing the beautiful falls and forest on the other side. 
                          
It was not apparent it was there from the outside. There were wooden chairs and a table in the middle and torches on the wall enlightened by jolts of lightning instead of fire. 
                          
The room was decorated with miniature coconut trees which were moving and looked like they just woke up. They began waving to the two. A fireplace boomed with a hanging black cauldron but their eyes darted over to the three arched doors. 
                          
"They are slumber chambers for sleeping and the other is the outhouse," said Chi-taki to Shark's silent questions. 
                          
"I figured that," lied Shark. 
                          
He could see Chi-taki looking at him. He had seen straight through his façade. 
                          
Shark joined Troy at the table. Chi-taki gathered three wooden cups from his countertop and poured three different types of liquid substance into them, the mixture gave a burst of blue smoke. 
                          
He placed them in front of the two and smiled. "Drink up. It will help you regain your strength."
                          
Troy stared at the three cups. He was still uneasy about Chi-taki and his motives but Shark wanting to make up for his earlier blunder, grasped one of the cups of swirling blue liquid and started to drink.
                          
"That is Oceanade. It's good for building up energy for those who are of the Water Rudiment," said Chi-taki.
                          
 "How is it?" asked Troy, hoping Shark would not loose consciousness.
                          
"Delicious. It tastes like water with a hint of lemon, papaya, and honeydew and I do feel rejuvenated," replied Shark. 
                          
Troy lofted his cup of twisting white liquid with smoke and began to participate in the drinking fest. He could now feel the energy he had lost returning to his body as promised. It was like someone was pouring the worlds best vitamins into his bloodstream. 
                          
"I am sure the two of you probably have many questions. I will do my best to answer all of them," said Chi-taki, placing his empty cup down.
                          
The two looked at each other. Was Chi-taki aware they were from a distant world and if he did, then how did he know to expect them?
                          
It almost seemed like he was awaiting them when they walked out of the basement and into the dirty tavern. 
                          
"Do the two of you always look at each other when confronted by a question?" asked Chi-taki with his astute observation.
                          
"No, but why would you think we have so many questions?" asked Troy.
                          
"First of all, your attire gives you away. It says you are not from this land or any I know of for I have never seen such before," replied Chi-taki. 
                          
"Is that it?" asked Troy, hoping for a better answer.
                          
"No," replied Chi-taki. "Someone great and noble told me of your arrival, but please do not ask me about who it is."
                          
"Why not? If this person knew about our arrival, then surely, they can help us get back to our homeland and if you truly want to help us as you say, then you will tell us who it is," insisted Troy.
                          
Was he the one who opened the gate sending them to this world, the one dressed in the sapphire robe? He needed to know. Chi-taki was dangling the tantalizing answer like an apple to a hungry man and he was that hungry man.
                          
Question:
                          
1) Do you think Shark and Troy should trust Chi-taki or does he have a hidden agenda?