I was laying on a bed with little padding when I broke free from my slumber. The soft vibrations of a cart rolling along a dirt road threatened to lull me back to sleep if I lazed about. Luckily, I was clothed this time, though the change in garments suggested I had at one point been stripped. I decided to let it pass, considering last nights ventures. True to my body’s miracle regeneration, I could move my body to it’s full extent without the hindrance of injury. However, my muscles still complained from the work and begged me to stay still.

“Water,” I croaked, finding my throat to be bone dry, and my voice hoarse. There was a shuffling in the room, and a canteen met my lips before cool water filled my mouth. I drank greedily, not caring for air as I drowned in the relief. Eventually, I held up my hand to say stop, and started choking. When the container left, I coughed a bit before deciding to open my eyes.

“Good to see you are awake. How you’re alive confounds me.” Evergreen eyes met mine, as I recognized the dragon boy sitting in front of me, the canteen in his claws. His expression was one not of worry for my safety, or relief for my health, but instead a nonchalant glance from the corner of his eye. I only wish I had the strength to hit him. “Now, lay down and rest some more. Malik told me a little about your body, but it can’t be back to perfect health already.” He got up and walked back up to the entrance of the wagon. “And don’t worry, I won’t do anything to you, you have my word as a dragon.” Guilt filled his voice but the way he said it made it seem like the whole ordeal had been my fault.

“Whatever,” I sighed as I fell back and rolled to my side with the arm, curling it under my head. “Where is Malik?”

“Driving. I’ll let him know you want to talk.”

I didn’t really want to, but I felt I should. A minute later, I heard boots approach and I glanced up to see Malik smiling down at me. “So the princess awakens. How do you feel?”

“Sore, but alive.”

“But alive.” He confirms, squatting down and putting a hand on my head. I try to shrink from the gesture, but there is nowhere for me to go, so i bear it. He moves the pipe hanging from his lips and breathes out, facing away.

“That’ll kill you.” I mock, not knowing what else to say.

He chuckles loudly, and pats my head again. “That it will my dear, that it will. But it calms the nerves and helps you think. I myself find it fascinating.” He took another puff of it before blowing it back out and resting it limply in his mouth. “So, since I did you a favor in saving your life, I do believe you should do me a favor. Plus, you get to thank Spike again for saving your ass.”

“I want nothing to do with him.” I say as I roll back over. “If he hasn’t told you already what he did, then you might want to ask about it. Unless that’s something you just excuse to his apparent mental breakdowns.

“Aye, I know well what he’s done. He came running to me with tear filled eyes, screaming his laments. Couldn’t get him to shut up the whole night. You hate him for what he did, but you can’t overlook that he’s saved your life twice now. Once more and I’d say you’d have to marry him.” He chuckled again. “I’m not saying you have fall for the boy, just teach him."

“Isn’t that what you’re doing? Why put it onto me?”

“Well, combat is one thing, but social skills is another. The boy doesn’t know how to behave around others. I’ve acted more of a father to him than a friend, and I think a friend is what he needs.”

“I’m no teacher…”

"It matters not what you are, just befriend him and support him. Anyhow, that’s the favor I want from you. Travel with us a while, and teach him how to live, how to interact with people. In return, I will help you in your search. Truth be told, I’m looking for the same man, and a party will be more successful than a lone wolf.” His eyes gleamed with triumph, thinking he’d backed me into a corner and won the argument.

“If he’s someone you just picked up from the roadside, Why do you care about him so much?” I didn’t want to sound callous, but I was curious more than anything.

Malik looked over towards the entrance and thought for a moment. “None of your business.” He said nonchalantly, a blank look plastered on his face.

I put my face in my palm and shook my head. I rubbed my eyes, finding some crust and brushing it away.

“I think,” He continued suddenly. “The boy reminds me of someone. Someone important.” The air grew heavy with sorrow. If it was something that hard for him to talk about, I wanted to drop it.

“How did you know where I was?” I asked, trying to change the subject. “I mean, why did you happen to be there at the right time. And how did you get away without any injuries?”

“I would say coincidence, but that is certainly a farce. I could say fate, but there is no such thing. Let’s just say the world saw fit to have you live.”

“And the real answer?” I asked with an annoyed look.

He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head, his ears flicking. “Well well, you’re not one to take half-ass answers are you? But you got me, we were following you.”

My eyebrows raised as did my voice. “And you couldn’t step in earlier?”

“Mind you, we were nearly a mile out when you were attacked. Lucky as you are, we got there when we did else you’d be in the belly of the beast at the moment.” He stood up and puffed on his pipe some more as I thought it over.

“And the wolf,” I said quietly after a while. “You knew him?”

He sighed and sat back down, this time pulling up a wooden stool. “I did. A fine fellow he used to be. Ages ago he held a seat on the Grand Council and was a proud father. He was lighthearted despite his appearances and everyone knew it. There was not a soul on Gaea that knew not his face and his kindness. However, souls change with the times, and it would seem his is caught in the past. He lost his pups and his mate was slaughtered while he watched. I suppose that is enough to dampen anyone’s sociability.” He stopped for a moment, refilled the tobacco in his pipe, fire springing forth from air to light it. I watched the fire in a stupor of thought until Malik continued. “Yes, Ragnar was a dear friend and an excellent companion for a time. When I saw him in such a rage, preparing to deal you the final blow, I could only feel pity. I was able to talk him down but not without some force and ultimately, he allowed us to leave. Fair enough?”

I nodded slowly but couldn’t help but think about what happened. Ragnar attacked when he learned I was a Homunculus. Did the Homunculi have something to do with the loss of his family? I was about to ask about it, when the wagon halted and Malik stood.

“Strange.” He jumped out of the wagon and I could hear him and Spike conversing. I couldn’t hear them, but they seemed joyful enough. Suddenly, Malik poked his head in and pointed to the left side. “Your dirty clothes are in a pile over there. We’ve arrived at a lake, so this is your opportunity to wash them and stretch your body. Now hop to it, I do believe you’re going to enjoy the view.

I grunted and reluctantly tried to get to my feet. It wasn’t hard or necessarily painful, but I felt tight and sluggish. Once accomplished, I looked down at myself to find I was actually in my sleepwear that I arrived in this world with. A simple pair of grey cotton bottoms, with a loose fitting blue t-shirt. Where there was no cloth, bandages weaved around my body as if it were the only thing holding me together. I scuffled my way over to the pile and scooped them up, noticing instantly how wet they were with blood and sweat. I scrunched my nose as the smell hit me, and I made my way to the entrance. I pulled back the flap and a gentle breeze met my face as I marveled at what I saw.

We’d moved a little off the path and sat on a small, grass covered hill. Sparse trees dotted the landscape offering the only shade to the mid-day sun. Flowers too were held in patches here and there being violets, blues and yellows, and danced in the warm wind. About a half a mile’s distance from us was a large lake mirroring the wispy clouds that drifted lazily, water flora breaking the surface around the outsides. The whole scene was awe-inspiring and beautiful, holding my gaze until it was interrupted by a waving hand.

“Don’t just sit there all day, let’s go. Spike, you come too, don’t worry about the wagon, I will put some charms around it. Untie Ink. Amy, hop on.” I gingerly climbed onto the pale gray horse with Malik’s help, grabbing on the reins and sending the horse into a slight panic from my foreign presence.

It took us ten or so minutes to reach the lake, and when we did I was surprised again. The lake could only be described as pristine and in every sense of the word. It’s crystal clarity allowing you to see straight to the bottom as if it were glass. It was filled with life from plants to fish as they darted around each other, the smaller keeping their distance from the larger as they stalked the waters.

“Q uite lovely is it not? The Elk folk have named it ‘límni̱ Gyalí,’ meaning ‘Glass Lake.’ It used to be a sacred place where they would worship their gods. Some still do. Now hurry up, we have places to go.”

“Wouldn’t that be frowned upon? Washing in such a pristine lake?” I actually wanted to jump in with my clothes and scrub myself down. It seemed Spike and Malik got most of the blood off of me, but I was not clean by any means and was eager to be.

“Worry not, just hurry.” Without any other comments he and Spike left me and the horse to my chores as I approached the water. Ink I suppose was his name wandered to his own location where he took long gulps of water. He had black swirls in his fur and white patches on his ears and muzzle. His tail was longer than most and did not seem fully equine. It wasn’t one like I’d seen before, the breed anyway, so I ventured that it was native only to this world. He was magnificent by all means, being large and muscular.

Sticking my foot in, the water was crisp and cool, nothing I was excited to bathe in, but I had no say in the matter. My sleepwear wasn’t dirty despite my condition, so I carefully pulled them off, trying not to overextend my muscles. Next I unwound my bandages, except for the ones around my stump, and threw them aside, having no use for them anymore. With one last look around to ensure my privacy, I slowly walked into the water. My breath caught in my throat once I reached waist deep water, and I stood motionless for a minute to let my body adjust to the change. Fish swam around my legs, and plantlife played with my toes while I washed my clothes, which was admittedly hard with one hand. I could see small strands of blood and dirt swirl around as I tried my best to get rid of them, and It took me awhile before I was satisfied with my work. Next I took a large gulp of air and steeled my nerves as I let my legs buckle beneath me and dunk me into the water. I stayed down there for not even a second before I shot up again, splashing around in a panic regretting my decision. Ten or so minutes later I walked out of the lake only to realize I had no way of drying myself.

“I suppose I should have warned you.” I jumped at Malik’s voice, spinning around without thinking to find him smirking, though with a hand over his eyes. Don’t worry, I had no intentions to ‘sneak a peek,’ but I could be of assistance.” Dim light wove around his horn sparking forth from the air and I felt my body grow warm, before the water dripping off me seemed to evaporate in little time. “Better?” He asked, his eyes still covered.

“Uh, yeah.”

“Good. We’ll be waiting at the wagon when you’re ready. Don’t forget Ink.” I was quite surprised and frankly impressed with his gentlemanliness. I expected him to meet me with a childish grin and a red face, but instead he had a plain expression and spoke as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Hmph, teach that Spike.” I muttered under my breath.

When I got back to the wagon, Spike was sitting on the bench, head in his hands, and Malik leaning against the side, some papers in his grip in front of his face, a thin trail of smoke coming from behind. When Spike noticed me, he jumped down, helped me down from Ink, and reattached him to the wagon’s harness.

“Right then, first things first. For the sake of our ‘quest,’” He emphasized quest sarcastically. “and trust me, your own mental health, we need to find you a replacement appendage.”

“What, can that horn of yours grow me a new arm?” I replied smartly.

“I see you’re recovering from your shock quite nicely, and no. Well, I suppose I could though it would damn well kill me. I’m not ‘that’ fond of you.” I just rolled my eyes. “But I have the next best thing. You see I know someone with a very particular talent and it happens to be machinery that is enhanced by magic. It would just so happen that he owes me a favor, so we are going to pay him a visit and get him to make you a new arm. From that point, I can connect it to you magically, and huzzah you have an arm.” He had a smug look and seemed to be very proud of his idea.

“It won’t hurt will it?” Was all I could come up with. I was skeptical to say the least.

“Naaa, quick and done before you know it.”

I stared at my stump for a minute, trying to decide. Again, I felt like I was left without any options. If I truly wanted revenge, and I sorely did, then I would need to be in good condition. I couldn’t do anything to Jareb with both hands and with one gone, I wouldn’t get far at all. I slowly nodded.

“Very well then! Off we go. Spike, take us to the next town, shouldn’t be but a few miles ahead.” We both climbed into the wagon as Spike clicked his tongue and flicked the reins, ushering the horse to continue.

A few miles is deceiving when you’re used to crossing such a distance in a few minutes thanks to the superiority of a motor vehicle. We were sitting in the wagon for thirty minutes, in which time Malik was lazily smoking, while I stared at him, trying to deduce what animal he was reminiscent of. The folk back in Elksjö were elk, and it wasn’t hard to learn due to their antlers. It took me a minute, but I figured Malik was a unicorn from mythology due to his horn and magic.

“So you’re a horse,” I said aloud quite randomly. I laughed when he coughed on his smoke and shot me a glare, looking offended.

“Pony would be the correct terminology. The stallion pulling the cart is a horse. More so, I am a unicorn presently.”

“Presently?” I chuckled.

“My nature is not that of a Pony originally, let’s just say I am wearing a disguise. You’ll find out soon enough, and I may as well educate you before you make a fool of yourself so listen up.” I sat up from my slouched seating and crossed my legs almost in a sarcastic way, earning me a grunt of annoyance. “In this world there are many, and I do mean many, different species and subspecies that are sentient as you and I. Dragons such as Spike, Elk as you met, Pony as I, Zebras, Griffons, Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Wolves to name a few of the more common ones. But of the Ponies, there are four subspecies that exist. Those of the Earth like me without a horn, Those of the Sky with wings, and those with the affinity for magic with the horns. Earth, Pegasi, and Unicorns respectively. There is also a combination of the three labeled Alicorns. They are generally seen as rulers and royalty.” He paused to see if I was understanding.

“So which are you?”

“Any I wish. My magic, far superior to any unicorn, allows me to do much. Granted, I am not as powerful as I used to be, but I get by.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” I stated, unrelenting.

“Now now, I don’t give that information out lightly you see-”

“He’s a dragon.” Spike called from outside with a bored voice. He mumbled something else that I didn’t catch then chuckled.

Malik sighed in defeat and betrayal and nodded. “That I am. Though mind you not like Spike.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you worry, perhaps I’ll show you later. We should be getting close by now. Spike?”

“It’s in sight, not 10 more minutes.” He answered, clicking his tongue again to get the horse to move faster.

“This city would be… Hmm let me think… Ah yes, Duskmire. These folk are bit different from the Elks, as they are what you would call Deer. A regal people that take to class and pomposity. Take care that it is also the capital of this country and the King is a rather unlikable fellow.” Much more quietly and seriously he added on: “He is also conspiring with the enemy. He will be looking for you.”

Bewildered, I asked. “Looking for me? How does he know me?”

“You will soon come to realize that you are not unknown in this world. At least not in the larger cities with royal families. Jareb has stuck his hands in the lives of many in his short time here. Furthermore, he makes deals with kings to turn you in should you ever be found. A heady bounty follows.” He stood and started walking to the entrance.

“Wait a minute! If you knew who I was all along, why didn’t you say anything?” I yelled angrily.

“I’m telling you now.” He smiled.

“Bastard! How do I know you aren’t one of these spies? Am I supposed to trust your word that you aren’t looking for a quick buck?”

“Buck… buck…” he muttered with a puzzled look on his face. Suddenly, “Oh right, currency. And no, I have no need for money. I cannot offer any proof other than that I am willing to help you. I have a promise to keep after all, and I fear the retribution that would befall me from failing more than any other disaster. So yes, our party will require a bit of faith. If you have no other objections, then let’s get you a cloak.” He undid some latches on an old looking chest and opened it to pull out two bundles of cloth. He threw a tan one to me and kept the other. I unfolded it to find an oversized cloak with a hood.

I heaved a worried sigh, once again feeling useless to protect myself and despite my doubts, I was growing more and more anxious to get my arm back. I draped the cloak around my shoulders with mild difficulty and stuffed my arm through the twice too long sleeve, leaving the other to dangle helplessly.

“Very good. Do you have anything to tie back your hair? Here, you’ll want that hidden. Despite this world’s oddities you may find, silver hair is a rare thing and will attract attention.”

“But you have silver hair. And won’t the fact that I am human be the dead giveaway?”

“I am known by the king. Just keep your face hidden and remain silent. You will not be bothered if no one has a reason to. One last thing. We will be meeting with the king.” He hesitated a second. “You are a horribly scarred pony with low self esteem.”

“You’re an idiot.” I replied coldly while tying my hair back with a band Malik handed me.

“I cannot deny.” He smiled whimsically. He ducked his head out of the cart and barked a few orders to Spike, getting a grunt in return and the wagon suddenly changed direction, heading to the left. It lurched to a stop after a minute and Malik looked back to me with a hesitant smile. “And we’re off!”

I sighed dismally and followed him out of the wagon after grabbing my bag. Spike was tying Ink to a post in a stable, and soon after joined us, donning his own cloak. Our group now looked like a man with two hooded henchmen in tow, Malik being the only one to walk freely.

“Your business.” Stated a lightly armored guard with a pike as we approached a portcullis. It was tucked into an alcove of the high walls that rose up roughly 30 feet. He leaned on his weapon as if it were a crutch, displaying complete lack of interest in his duty.

“My good man, I seek audience with His Highness, it is of the utmost importance.”

“What could be so important?” The guard asked impertinently.

Malik hesitated ever so slightly but recovered with. “I bring tidings from Seldanna Etter of Elksjö. The words I bear are not for the ears of a commoner.”

“Yeah? And who are these two? Yer strumpets?” He laughed mockingly. I had to bite my lip to keep from punching his stupid deer face.

“They are with me on business only.” Malik answered, not giving way to the man’s taunts.

“Ya ya, very well you may enter. I hear of any trouble and I’ll stick the lot of you.” He laughed loudly while signalling to his partner to open the gate.

The inside was unlike what I was expecting. It did not appear to be a large imperial city and home to a king. We were on a street with small, poor huts on either side, the citizens in rags and cooking on small fires. The deer folk were much like the elk in that they did not bear complete resemblance to Earth’s animals, but looked much more human with animal characteristics. They were an attractive race to be sure, not some hideous beasts one would expect from crossing animals with humans. As soon as our presence was made known, we were the center of attention. The young danced in the streets around us joyfully, while the adults looked at us like we were food falling into a trap. I suppose there is poverty in any world.

“What happened to the pomposity?” I asked as we made our way through the countless stares.

“This is but the outskirts of the city. There are three levels, those being what you see here, the well off, and then the king’s court. Just continue walking.” Malik picked up the pace.

Near halfway through to the next gate, I felt a tugging on my cloak and stopped. I turned slowly, trying to keep my face hidden. A small child was at my feet, looking up to me with a beggar’s eyes and a pouting lip.

“Do you have any food mister?” I ignored the misconception and stooped down so that we were face to face. The child seemed a little taken aback from my face but smiled widely showing slightly decayed teeth. I’m not the best with children having never dealt with any, but I forced my own smile despite the pity I felt.

“I wish I did. I’d give you some.” I rustled their hair a bit.

The child looked downtrodden at my answer. “Oh.” But looked back up to me with an even bigger smile than before and complimented me. “You have very pretty eyes miss!”

It was my turn to be taken aback, never having been complimented on what I saw as a burden. “T-Thank you.” The child was gone as quickly as they had appeared, melding into the small crowd that had gathered. I stood back up and continued walking, spotting a small smile on Malik’s face. “What?” I demanded.

“Oh nothing.” He chuckled, shaking his head.

Our little party made it through the next gate without any issues. The guards opened the gate with little explanation from Malik and let us through with considerably less insults. The city inside was more what I was expecting. Large, ornate houses lined the streets surrounded by cobblestone and fences. Some had gardens or lawns with trees while some were surrounded by stone statues and carvings. There weren’t a lot of people out, just the occasional citizen out for a stroll. Faces appeared in the windows, watching us, but disappeared quickly enough when they lost interest. after crossing the large stretch of road, we arrived at a gate much larger and ornate than the previous two. The guards here wore more impressive looking armor and appeared much more well kept than the other guards. They were courteous enough and let us through after Malik’s simple explanation of a message for the king. However they warned us that if we strayed from the path into places we didn’t belong, there would be trouble.

“This is where your disguise really counts. I’m a little surprised we made it this far without too much trouble, but I’m not about to question our luck. Just leave the talking to me and do not take off your hood. Keep your head down keep your face covered at all costs. Others may not have payed you much mind, but the King will recognize you quickly enough. Any questions?” Malik looked between Spike and I, waiting for a response.

“Does he have something against dragons?” Spike asked sarcastically.

“No, but we don’t want all the attention on one mystery.” Malik answered nodding to me. Spike only sighed.

“What are we really doing here? If we have to be so careful around this king, then why don’t we just avoid him?” I asked.

“Let’s just say we got lucky we met in the place we did. The king is in possession of a porticulum. A device used to transport persons over large distances. It also just so happens that my dear Princess Celestia in Canterlot has one as well albeit dormant.”

“Canter-? You mean Camelot?”

“No, no I don’t. Don’t mistake places in this world with places of your own. There are bound to be similarities, but pay them no mind.”

“Oh. And ‘dear’ Princess?” I commented as an afterthought.

He faltered and I knew I caught him on something. “Yes well, it was nothing more than me be flippant. Think nothing of it.

“Whatever.” I smiled.

“That’s messed up.” Spike added.

The rest of the way to the castle was in silence. When we got to the main gate, a drawbridge no less, we were halted for one last time. It took us a while to make it into the castle, but once we did, I was speechless. I’d always imagined that castles would be large and wonder-inducing, but it seems I underestimated the talent of the local architects. The outside was the cliched stone parapets and towers but the inside was unlike a massive stone structure in the sense that it looked entirely like a furnished mansion owned by an eccentric billionaire. Once inside, we were met by an escort and once Malik stated our business for the last time, he led the way. We entered into a main hall with ceilings that rose perhaps a hundred feet up. There were no windows, but large chandeliers and torches kept it well lit. Red, gold, and silver tapestries fell from the ceiling, the height making it seem they spawned from the darkness, and reached to 5 ft from the ground. The vast majority of the floor was a red carpet and the walls were polished stone. Alcoves with stairwells divided the walls periodically, with ornate keystones above each.

Further in, we arrived at a wooden door so large, I imagined it would take fifty men to push open. I then noticed that a smaller door, though still large, was set into them, which our escort knocked slowly and harshly on. There came an answer promptly in the form of a hushed voice. The escort gave his own response in some foreign language, also a whisper.

“Why the secrecy?” Malik asked.

The escort gave him an odd look, but turned and stated simply, “We take our Lord’s safety exceedingly seriously.”

Satisfied, Malik just hummed in response. The smaller pair of doors opened inward to allow us entrance to a grand throne room. If the halls of this place were common huts, this would be a god’s quarters. The sheer amount of decoration, ornamentations, gold, jewels, stained glass windows, etc. was utterly ridiculous. Bright sunlight coming in through hundreds of large windows held the room in a brilliant radiance, reflecting off of the treasures.

Boisterous laughter could be heard from the throne in the back of the room. A man stood hunched over the king whispering into his ear as the king rapped his large hands on the arms of the throne in throes of merriment. However I was not paying much attention to the fat deer on the throne. No, my undying, devoted gaze was given to the man standing beside. It was in fact the very man who had cut off my arm. How Jareb was now standing before me astounded me more than anything in this castle.

“My dear friend!” The King yelled between subsiding chuckles when he noticed our presence. “Far too damn long has it been since you have visited me. Come, come, sit at my side. I am told you have news for me.” He was an obnoxious sounding man, his lips smacking with every word out of his mouth.

We obeyed, approaching the throne, me keeping my head lowered to hide my presence as much as possible no matter how much I wished to burn holes in Jareb with my gaze. I felt blood dribble down my chin from how hard I was biting my lip.

“Yes.” Replied Malik. “Your old friend Seldanna wishes me to bring her good wishes.”

“Ha! Is that all? Cursed be that whore who refused my hand in marriage and humiliated me in public. You bore me, my friend.” I could feel some attention on me by now and I hoped Jareb wasn’t catching on to anything.

“That is not all, I’ll admit. I have come to ask permission to make use of your porticulum. I have the usual payment of course.” Malik reached into his pocket and pulled out a sack undoubtedly containing money.

“Tch. No doubt this is to run away to your little princess in Equestria? You have my permission, but please do stay a night. I have some things I wish to discuss.” The king shifted in his throne and scratched at his chin idly.

“Of course, and you have my gratitude. I shall depart to find us lodging.”

“No, no that won’t be necessary. You are more than welcome to any of the quarters in the castle, you know that. But do tell me, who are your companions. You are not one I understand to travel with company.”

“One is my pupil that I recently have been taking care of. The other is a traveler such as I seeking the same destination. Their privacy was their wish.”

“Hmph. You are no fun at all, you know that? I’ll be getting a few ales down you tonight and then we’ll see how you talk. None of this stuffy serious talk I hope.”

Malik laughed and agreed half-heartedly. He then made motion to turn around and Spike and I followed suit making it halfway before we were halted.

“Excuse me a moment friends.” Called Jareb. I could hear his running footfalls as he approached us. I began to sweat and pulled my cloak around me tighter. When he was a few feet behind he rested a hand on my shoulder and pulled forward to turn me around. I gasped and got ready to deliver a punch. Malik tugged back my hood and gazed harshly into my eyes. However, before my punch could come through, he stated: “My mistake miss. Forgive me.”

Confused, I pulled my hood back up and noticed my hands were furred. I cautiously put a hand to my face and found that it too had fur. I looked to Malik and he winked before continuing out.

“What did you do?” I shouted once we were in the grand hall.

“Worry not, it won’t last long. You're welcome by the way.” Malik chuckled.

“So why didn’t you do this in the first place? I mean, why did I have to wear a cloak this whole time?” Spike was staring at me and trying to hold back a his own guffaws.

“Because that kind of magic is taxing and hard to use. Now, let’s go find us some rooms for the night.” I had more questions, but I held my tongue, too tired to fight with his annoying beating around the bush.

I was equally impressed and unsurprised with how many rooms this castle held. There must have been upwards of a hundred doors, each wooden with iron hinges and brass knobs. I attempted to count them as we walked, but lost track around seventy and lost interest in the endeavor. Eventually we stopped in front of a larger set of doors held in warm air.

“I doubt you considered your dip in the lake a bath, so you may indulge yourself here. When you’re done, I’ll have Spike waiting for you and he will show you to your room. I will likely not see you two again before the morning, but I offer you one piece of advice: Do not let your guard down. Especially with Jareb here, not only yours but all three of our lives are put in danger. Spike.” Malik turned and walked back the way we’d come, Spike on his heels.

I took a moment to check my body and finding that I’d returned to normal, I grunted in approval and took a deep breath. If this was a bath, I hoped it wasn’t public. I opened one of the doors and was greeted with plumes of steam rising from a heated bath. The room appeared vacant, so I stepped inside careful not to slip on the wet floor. I shrugged my bag from my shoulder and took one last look around, walking around the bath, before I concluded I was really alone and started stripping my clothing. The bath was quite large, perhaps twenty feet wide and forty long. It didn’t look terribly deep but enough to swim in with steps on the sides.

Once undressed, and after shaking paranoid feelings of being watched out of my head, I gingerly stuck my foot in the water. It felt good erring slightly on the too hot side, but bearable, so I continued, walking down until I was waist deep. I completely melted at this point, relishing in the bliss the heated water granted me. I sunk, letting myself sit on one of the lower steps bringing the water up to my neck. My stump ached a bit from the quick change in temperature but it subsided quickly enough. I sighed in contentment, letting myself slip into a slight lull as I hummed a simple tune off the top of my head. I’d seen no soaps, so I figured I’d just relax a moment.

“Enjoying yourself I presume?” Although I’d only heard the voice on two occasions now, It was preserved perfectly in my memory. My eyes shot open and I spun to find Jareb standing next to the water’s edge.

My breathing grew ragged as I seethed with anger. It seemed his face was enough to send me over the edge. I lept from the water and tackled him. I’d expected him to dodge, but he took the blow without flinching. I landed atop him, my hand gripping his neck with what I’d consider a fair bit of ferocity, before I realized I didn’t have another fist to punch him. His gaze remained unwavering, his body motionless as I restrained him.

“As much as I do enjoy the view, I would appreciate some modicum of decency out of you.” His eyes never wandered from mine, but I immediately felt self conscious from his words.

I grumbled and spit in his face. “Give me one reason I shouldn’t slaughter you right here and now. I could crush your windpipe so simply!” I was yelling.

“Calm down please. I am not really here. This is merely a puppet I use so I am not exposed to those that wish me dead. And trust me, there are more than I could handle. So killing this body would be fruitless for your goal. I am here only to talk, I suggest you listen. Now, if you would, please release me and cover yourself.” Jareb spoke monotonously, never giving hint to emotion.

“No! Say what you have to say!” I growled, tightening my grip.

He stared at me, acting as if nothing was wrong. “Very well. It puzzled me why you hadn’t regained your memories. It took me little time though to realize they were not your birth parents. Alair had been given the duty of learning your whereabouts and now it seems he came up with faulty information. I sent you to this world with one purpose. To reunite our family. I can’t do that if you don’t remember who you were, as it seems you’re willing to fight me every step of the way with your current state of mind.”

“Is that all? Is that what you wanted to tell me?”

“Listen to me Amethyst. I love you deeply as you are my sister. I wish you no harm. I am still in possession of your arm and with a bit of work, we can still re-attach it.”

“You’re sick!”

“Call me what you will. I promise that you will return to me in time. I will search out your true parents and destroy them, restoring your memories. Just hold on a little longer.”

“Bastard! And what did you do with my parents?” I shook him, letting his head hit the hard floor.

For the first time since this meeting he smiled. It was smug, proud. “How else would I had known they were not your true parents?”

I screamed then. It was a blur what I’d done to him, but when I regained control of my body, the face was smashed in. It appeared as hard clay and dirt now in place of flesh, confirming what he’d said earlier. I crawled away from the remains and fell in a corner, hiding my face and sobbing. I cried for my dead parents, I cried for my predicament, but most of all, I cried out of fear. I did not know what to do. I felt lost and alone.

Soon enough, I heard the doors slam open and someone stormed in. I noticed Spike through my blurred vision created by tears and the steam. He noticed me and made his way over. I tried to speak, to get him to leave me be, but my mouth refused to work. He looked me over and picked up my hand. It was battered and cut, with blood making it slippery. He looked around and seemed to notice the battered, earthen corpse, looking it over before giving a solemn nod as if he understood the situation. He helped me to my feet and allowed me to lean on him as we made our way to my clothes. I do not know what had come over me making me so weak, and perhaps it was my way of asking for help to preserve my pride, but Spike never said a word. He never complained as I used him as support to get myself dressed. He never complained when I gave up and slumped to the ground, he only helped me back up. He never complained when I wretched, spilling what little contents I had in my stomach. He just remained silent. I was grateful to him, though I was afraid of what he was thinking.

I think I lost consciousness somewhere along the way, or perhaps it was the heat of the steam clouding my mind. Some time later I shook from my trance to find myself in a large, soft bed. The comforter was thick, easily twice as so than what I’d ever owned. The room was dimly lit by a lamp hanging on the wall. It illuminated smooth cream walls and a mirror-like tile floor with a large woven rug. Spike sat dozing in chair, his head lolled back and lightly snoring.

“What time is it?” Made it’s way from my lips in a whisper. I wasn’t expecting an answer, but I heard a grunt.

“Well into the night.” Yawned Spike as he stretched. “You were out for a good few hours if you were wondering. Can I ask you something?”

“No.” I layed back down, resting my head on the headboard.

“What is your history with Jareb?” He pressed.

“He killed my parents, tore my arm off, threw me through a portal to this godforsaken place, and now wants to tell me he’s trying to protect me.” I didn’t intend for so much sarcasm to enter my voice, but I felt every bit as annoyed by the question as I sounded.

“Hmmm.” Was his response. I ignored any possible continuation of a conversation and turned over, wanting to sleep. I sensed he got the hint, as he got up from his chair and I heard him walking towards the door.

“Wait.” I bit my tongue and cursed myself. Silence answered back and for a moment I thought he’d already left, but I caught the sound of his clothes when he shifted. “Nothing.” I opted out.

“I’ll come and get you in the morning.” The door opened and closed, leaving me alone. Sleep came quickly enough, letting me rest my weary bones.

Author's Note

Thank you to Blazing Light for editing.