When Technical Support is Too Helpful

Astraelle knew that if she continued to travel North enough she would run into the sea; and if she ran into the sea, she would find food; and if she found food, she and Skaea would live. Luckily, Skaea was on the light side but carrying ninety pounds for ten miles starts getting to you. Hell, she already felt the burn and pain at mile three. Her will to survive, will to protect Skaea, and her fear of her Master fueled her on.

On day three of her trek, she finally found the ocean. The murky ocean. The murky, foul smelling ocean. The murky, foul smelling, stagnant ocean. She saw rotted fish and even whales floating on the water and were washed up on the shore. She fell to her knees out of exhaustion and disappointment.

"Raargh!" she growled at the sky in anger. When her rage finally dissipated, she curled up beside Skaea and decided to sleep and hopefully wind up dead.  She heard the sand crunching behind her but she did not want to wake up. Perhaps whatever it was would end their suffering.

The smell of food woke her up. Next came the sound of crackling wood.

"About time one of you wakes," an irritating voice splits her ears.

Astraelle jumped up, ready for the attack, "You! You are Mystin's head lackey!"

"I suppose that is how many would know me," he stated, "My name is Tannis. Sadly, Mystin's number of lackeys are... lacking."

"What do you want?" she sneered.

"Oh, relax! If I wanted you dead you wouldn't be awake," he stirred the cast iron pot over the fire, "And I am into the mens."

Astraelle quickly glanced around the cramp, dimly lit shack before sitting down, "Why did you save us?"

Tannis ladled stew into a wooden bowl and handed it to the young valkyrie, "I know of a way to bring about the natural order of the world."

Astraelle spooned some stew in her mouth and wanted to cry. Despite how questionable it looked, it was pleasing to her palate. After several more rushed spoonfuls she spoke, "How?"

"You see, Mystin promised all us demons paradise. This is not a fucking paradise!"

"I thought you were used to getting screwed in the ass?" she quipped.

"Yes, well, it is usually consensual," he cleared his throat, "Either way he crossed all us demons. Hell is more livable than here. All of us want revenge, but I just want to bring beauty back into the world. Since he took Mother Nature, the world has died, but there is a contingency in place should she ever die. That contingency requires the activation of a crystal in the center of Mount Dios. Being a demon, I can not touch it, lest it be corrupted, but a Divine, like the princess over there, could activate it."

"C-could I have seconds?" she asked coyly.

Tannis cackled, "Of course! Of course!" he grabbed her bowl and filled it with more stew.

After Astraelle killed the second serving of stew, she said, "Alright. Let's do it."

"Huzzah!" Tannis cheered with a toothy grin. "Shall we depart once our dear little princess has awakened?"

"Yes," she nodded. "What is in the stew anyways?"

Tannis smiled slyly, "It's good right?"

"Yes..."

"Then, that's all you need to know," he cackled, "Trust me."

"So, what happened to her?" Tannis asked, stretching his long, lanky body out.

"She used the Divine Smite Chant."

"Ah, so that was the strong power I felt. No wonder she is sleeping." He was lost in thought for a moment, "You know, there is a way to give her power to awaken. Jump start her, so to speak. Just cut your   "

"No!" Astraelle rebuked him, "I will not give her blood! That is sacrilege!"

"Okay! Okay," he held up his hands, "Just a thought."

"'Just a thought' I tossed out days ago," she huffed.

"Well, we just need her to touch the damn thing, it's not like she has to be awake to do that, right? It's been two months already."

Astraelle brushed Skaea's cheek with her fingers, "Yeah..."

Tannis cocked an eyebrow at her, "You two got something going on?"

"No. She... is my sister. I am worried about her," she answered defensively.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night. Tannis don't judge."

She huffed, "Let's get going then."

"Wait. Let me make you a harness for her," Tannis offered.

"Thanks."