Author's Note

Nani?! Chapter 10, is out already. Like what?

Well, to be frank, I kind of owed it to you guys, with not sticking to my regiment and keeping you waiting. I mean, I hate it too when a good story is left untouched for so long. It kind of drives you nuts for an update. I mean, with college, studying, and preparing for everything else into adulthood... shits hard, you know. Anyway, that's for me to worry about so I hope you enjoy the latest Ch.

For I had to do a fuck tone of research about the continent/country Equestria, inhabitants, and creatures, and how to move the story along from my previous write-ups. And as always, some feedback would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

Ch.10 To be a Merc. Pt.3

<<< Reyna's Point of View>>>

*Splash!!*

A sound made when an object makes a sudden impact, hitting a water's surface with such high velocity. The force creates a small power vacuum in the once clear reflective lake. And that vacuum soon becomes a gaping hole, filling in on itself, from its abrupt disturbance. As a trickle of rain, fall back into their respective place.

Looking to my left and waiting a few seconds, a creature with soaking pink and violet hair comes out of hiding from the depths below. To breathe a breath of fresh air. Doing this endeavor multiple times now.

"O.K., Violet. Enough is enough. Your gonna get hurt if you keep diving off that high." Looking ahead of me, as I lay lifeless and still on my back, in the lake's water. Swam a familiar pair of ebony brown eye's. "No more." She says, telling a child.

"Oh, just one more. That was fun." A voice, cries in protest.

"No."

"Well, I'm gonna do it anyway!" Wings form from nowhere, then flap. Picking her up.

"I said no." Ebony grabs ahold of Violet's leg before she could sore off. "And how can you fly? You're completely drenched."

"I will be again if you don't let-woah~!" Falling in once more. Feeling the ripples of distortion not only from the fall at the base of my toes but from them as well.

'They seem to know how to have a good time.'

Looking back up to the sky above me. Its texture waning of fading light led me to believe it was almost night. For the shadows on the crevice, rock walls grew to greater heights than ten minutes before. Closing my eyes, I felt somewhat satisfied and decided this was for the best. I may not be able to foresee abnormal and uncertain events in my future, but I can sure as hell handle whatever comes my way. In, my own way. And with that simple thought...

My right-hand plants itself on the cool reflexive floor, I floated in. With effort in work, I gradually began to push up. My legs soon following, turning over onto my knees. As they briefly sunk in for a moment before they too, felt the rigid of a cool object, underneath. It continuously misshaping from my constant touch and movement in trying to get up. However, even with the waters sudden shifts in place, it still felt like a solid surface, beneath my fingers.

Slowly making way; a trick I always wanted to try while in base form. I straighten up, standing fully tall now. And with a leg in motion, they walk with purpose towards a direction. For the ghost energy underfoot led me forward over to dry land.

Noticing a pair of eyes, gawking. "I'm gonna dry up and change. You two take as long as you want. I doubt Blaze would try anything, while Silver and Jade's guarding post but I still wouldn't put it past him, to try and get a few good looks in. So, I'll keep watch till then." I told them.

(A more colorful expression by Violet than Ebony) "...She's like a bag of never-ending surprises." I felt her stare, as I made it to my bag.

Checking real quick for any prying eyes, besides Violet and Ebony's quiet gaze. I began to undress out of my soaked clothes. Followed next with the order of drying and putting on something new to wear. Instead of the usual black or white tank top, I normally wear. I wore a red shirt instead. Another pair of black pants, closest to that of cargos for they carried more pockets. And a pair of clean socks, now resting briefly in my baggy pant's. My belt fastened around, keeping my attire freshly looked...

An idea design I may have provided Ruby with some time ago. Luckily, she finished before this mission even began. If there's one thing I can say about that girl, is that she's really good with her hands. Never met anyone so passionate in their line of work, like her before. Well, almost anyone.

Thinking of a former friend.

Emerging out and stepping on to ground level, was Ebony. Her shirt soft, hair dripping wet and trickles, running down her lower exposed thigh gave off a.... well, let's just say she looked good, more than was willing to admit. Followed closely, Violet steps out. Somewhat displaying a refreshing look on her face. All bubbly.

"Not a warm bath, but still relaxing none the less. Huh, Ebony?" Facing her cohort.

Pulling and assorting her items, out a bag. "Besides having me worry somewhat for your safety. Yes. It was quite nice." Undressing.

Looking away, I laid my dank clothes over a stone to dry. Nothing else I could do with them. Couldn't even put them in my bag without wetting everything else. So after that, I just stood and waited for them to change. Not that the view from a waterfall as large as this was anything to sneeze at. It actually helped in distracting me from a previous thought, when I said 'I'd forgotten what natural beauty, looks like.'

To be alive. I smiled.

"Huh, what's with that grin?" A cherry voice asks.

Dismissing it quick. "Just enjoying my short-lived paradise, before it ends."

The two gave a questionable look. My words lost on them.

Fully dressed in clothing and grabbing their stuff. They too let whatever wet clothes they had to air out on a rock, away from the lake.

"They've waited long enough. I guess it's our turn for 'watch', now." Ebony chided. Then looking to me. "Do you need a hand going up?"

Responding with a brush of my hand. I waved her off, kindly.

"See ya at the top then. B~ye." Viol soars off. Flying up to the crevice edge, hanging over the falls.

Ebony sprouting her golden wings, taking flight. Following behind the mad flyer. Taking my time I took this moment to practice on my flying. Just like at the lake, in the water. My ghost energy tingles. Moving. Circling around me. Body lighter as the only difference was the lighted bag, holding me down. Taking a small lift, I too, get off the ground. Hovering, for a couple of seconds. My balance barely controllable...

'He makes it look so easy in the show.' Gritting in frustration, staying afloat. While trying to remain composed.

Before I knew it, I was heading directly towards the fall's wall. My body trying to stop itself, flailing around miserably, in order to gain somewhat control. As I pondered, why was I moving in the first place?

[color=#be4343]'Haha~. You're terrible at this. Why not just go shinigami and walk up? Would be easier, don'tcha think?' Hearing my hollow's sass.

"Tssk." Trying to ignore her, while she laughs constantly, at my inane struggles. Causing a little fume within me to boil and as if fuel. I flew forth into the wall, by mistake. But before colliding into it and injuring my self, my feet kick off in anger. Sending me instantaneously, away from the bedrock at a fast pace. For a moment of lost control, I spun back, coming to an abrupt stop. Yards away. And instead, rocket forward into the air, building altitude.

Sailing at uncontrollable speeds, whilst making different maneuvers and turns. As my flying became rapid. And yet, I didn't cancel my energy. Not by what Levy said next.

'Careful Queen. If anyone up top sees ya, they might think you're a featherless bird without a head!' Laughing.

A thought pulses. Pushing me left. Away from a crevice wall. Another, correcting my posture in a skydive. A third, a fourth, and fifth. Correcting me. Refining me. Every action made and taken, becoming clearer in flight. My other nature taking over.... gaining little experience in the process. Every deciding action and every response made. Had my mind realize more and more, an untapped instinct. An untapped potential.

Flying forth, towards the waterfall now. I made an abrupt shot, upwards, before even splashing in through or touching, the pouring rain. Droplets every now and then making soft contact upon my face.

Nearing the others on the edge, their location sensed, I extend a hand. Touching and grabbing firm from underneath, I swing, back onto the rock standing out over the edge. My body working its way as I land, hard. While my feet slide back on the terrain surface, coming to a stop, pass Silver and the gang.

They, watching back, mostly with an alarmed look on their face at my taken action.

"What?" I said looking back. Planting a hand on a knee in getting up. "Not all of us can fly." I clearly stated.

'Well, somebody give the girl a prize. And they said comedy was dead.' She laughs in newfound humor.

'The only comedy here is how annoying you can be, at times.' My inner voice, sounding pissed.

'True... but it helped you get better at flying, didn't it?' Feeling her cold, smug.

'Helped me? I did this completely on my own.' Walking over to my jacket and shoes, passing everyone again. They still giving a look, I dismissed quickly.

'Sure ya did. Can't even admit you had a little help. And the old man say's teamwork is key and all that, for any relationship.'

'Oh. Then, in that case, thank you Levy... for being a pain in the ass.' Dropping my bag. Then putting on my socks and skates.

'Aww~. Thanks, Queen. You break my heart too.' I couldn't help but chuckle inwards. Though I had a feeling she must of heard it.

Damn mind sharing.

Picking up my jacket, I dawned it once more. My attire completely set. Checking over a shoulder, Silver, Jade, and Blaze descend into the gorge below. Leaving behind us three girls to stand watch for anything, to come.

Hours passing and after everyone had a moment to relax, converse, eat, and sleep in through the peaceful night (While I mostly ignored Blaze's sudden attempts at conversation). The only sound heard, giving life to the outdoor silence, was that of the blissful waterfall. Its torrent, seemingly forever strong and eternal. Unchanging no matter how much time passes.

Standing over the edge's threshold, watching the night sky, I remained complacent. Left to my own thoughts, given that I had nothing else to do. While the perks of having a phone for such occasions as this seemed useful, most of the time, I could never bring myself to use the thing. Don't know why, I just didn't at times. So instead, here I was. Keeping a watchful eye. Waiting for tomorrow to start....and yet, wasn't. All the same.

As, if waiting to hear his voice. I call to him. 'Zangetsu...'

Seconds later, he responds by ushering my name, back. '...what is it, Reyna?'

Getting a little response from me, momentarily. '...Sorry... just wanted to hear your voice, is all.' A partial truth, whispered. Not even sure why I called him or what I wanted to say.

Yet, speaking to me as if knowing more. 'Are you sure that's all you wanted? By your tone alone, I can tell something heavy rests on your mind. If you wish to talk. I'm always here for you.... so please do.' His smooth, yet calm voice. Comforting.

Observing the moon. It's radiance bewitch'ful and supported by the twinkles of exploded stars, long since past. Briefly, got the uncertain jumble of words in my mind to subside and instead, speak freely. My mouth moving on its accord.

Mentally, of course.

'...you know, when we first arrived in this world... I wasn't expecting to be in the grace of a queen. Nor that of a god for the matter. In fact... I didn't really know what I was expecting. Not Starswirl and those council members. Not those wendigos we first met. Or Luna, when I saved her... I wasn't expecting this task too. Something as crucial as this, which determines the fate of those people, back at Canterlot....of Ruby's.' Catching myself. 'I wasn't expecting any of this.'

And as if picking up on it.

'..Like your previous life. When you encountered Tiburon. Before you...' He trails off. Not finishing the thought.

'...before I lost my city. Before I even had the chance to defend it. After, I died?' I ask.

He not saying anything.

'Then, yea...this reminds me a bit of that.' I told him, exhaling a breath.

Eventually, speaking again.

'Although, I don't really give a damn about anyone else there or owe them any favors... I don't want her to experience that feeling. That...' A little brat coming to mind. 'loss of home. Of purpose. Of everything fought, for... It wasn't exactly the best feeling to carry around in hell. The guilt...my failure... it ate me up plenty of times when other demons couldn't.'

'...and you think this same guilt may do the same to her?' He asks.

'No...' I responded. 'It'll do worse.' Feeling as though he pondered what I meant, till.

'..because she is a princess. Because a city where her citizens are born. Are from. And live. Is much different than watching people she's possibly known, die. In a broken village.'

'..She was on the verge of breaking when we first met. The look in her eyes. Hehe~. It was pathetic, that's for sure. But...' Thinking back. The terrified look when death was upon her... then at town hall. When she looked at me. Something else within them, holding a different meaning but at the same time. A heavy feel. '..seeing her like that. Just kinda pissed me off. And those wendigos were a good source to take it out on...'

'Reyna....'

Quiet, we became. Enjoying the still sound of a waterfall. My view no longer looking up, but ahead. To the darken, unseen gorge below, and the two paths extending before me. As if relating my scenario before me, for I had a choice to make.

'Zangetsu...' Opening up my own, pathetic, bottle-up feeling. 'I made a promise, once. In Hell, long ago... One I swore I would always keep to and never stray from. Do you...can you remember it? The vow I made?' Waiting for his response. Seeing if its true, if he really shares all my memories.

In a moment. After he took a breath. He began to speak again but not in his usual own way.

[color=#be7a43]'Never again will I trust. Never again can I be hurt. They can torture, abuse, and break me apart. But I can't feel any of it as long as I stay true. As long as I stay ruthless. As long as I stay astray from redemption or the acts of it. Of kindness. Generosity. Hope. And whatever follows. If I don't, I will feel it again. The act of betrayal. The act of failing. The act of being miserable forever more. So, never let it show. That weakness... that mess of me, again. For she is who led me here and is long since dead. While I remain in this infernal suffering... this internal Damnation...' Reciting the very words I made my core.

My foundation, thousands of years ago.

'We both know there's something waiting for us ahead. And whatever it may be, could mean disaster for Canterlot. So if I do this. If I have to go all out. There's no denying, I'm risking my life for them...for her... so what would the vow I made then, mean now?' I awaited his words.

'The vow that kept me when I was constantly humiliated. Constantly shamed. The only thing that kept me going all those years locked away. What would it mean if I actually started to help others, again? What would that mean for me?'

Scouring the abyss below for answers. Pretending as if at least one, was down there. 'What would it mean...?' I could feel myself tense by that one question. Lingering in the back of my mind, in dreaded repetition.

When all of a sudden, a hand covered by a smoking cloak, brushes against my chin. Forcing my head up from the black pitch. Replaced, by a familiar face.

'I do not know Reyna... your right to admit you owe them nothing. Not your allegiance nor your life.' Seeing his face looking down on me. 'And if this vow, is what held you together. All those years locked away, in captivity... then we can leave. Tonight. Far away from Canterlot and its troubles. From Faust, Luna, and that of Ruby...' He says the last part, while his eyes shown through. Watching mine's, in sudden wait before continuing.

'But, would that really be for the best..? Would you be content on leaving them in such a dire situation?' He asks me.

Shaking my head from his soft grip. 'I don't know, I don't wanna grow attached.' Sticking to my vow. 'Things, never end well.'

'Then, don't. Be their 'merc.' Be Death's weapon. Be who you want to be, even if it means always cutting ties.' I eyed him, once more. His coat mysteriously fluttering away in the wind. Drifted pieces, fading out of existence. 'Your stronger than you know. But I can understand not wanting to be hurt. So, don't do it for them. Do it for yourself.'

"Myself..." Wasn't sure if I said it aloud or a small echo in thought. For I watched him in sudden, stupor.

'While a word, there's more to being a 'mercenary' than you believe. How you best describe it, by your actions. Defines, you.'

'My action...' Thinking unsure.

'You can still keep your vow. Face threats that linger. And make money, by doing a job best suited for you. If being a mercenary isn't the right word for this, then I don't know what is...' He says. Giving a sense of the idea.

Closing my eyes and pushing away my feelings on the matter. I opened them, with new meaning.

As if understanding, Zangetsu begins to dissipate. His lower half gone and right before leaving. 'Whatever happens tomorrow or ever... You are never alone...' Evaporating out of thin air.

In passing moments. '...Thank you. You really are the best...Zangetsu.' Wishing my spirit goodnight.

...

...

...

'....Oh, fuck thi-'

The next morning was faced with clear skies and an obnoxious, pleasant sun rising. For the lids on my eyes burned with such radiance, I did my best to cover them in hopes of staying asleep.

"Alright. Time to move. Viol. Reyna. Wake up."

Or not.

"Mmm. Not yet. Too, tired." She cries asleep. Feeling the same.

"I know what you mean..." Ebony's voice, responded. "but if we take too long to complete the mission. Whistle might run out of her famous 'Pure Eclipse' rum, by the time we get back. Then again, it could already be-"

"Noo~!" Violet stirs in rotation. Getting my eyes to dose open as she was on her heels, standing. Pointing a finger in accusation and claim. "Don't you dare finish that sentence! I can't even imagine a night when that happens. That's the best drink on Whistle's shelf! Without it... that just leaves 'Autumn Rosemary, White Nectar, Cosmic Stardust, and Blue Fruit Wine. And don't get me started on 'Willow Apple Rum'.

As if, something had worked. I could have sworn there was a hint of a knowing smile on Ebony's corner lips. Right before it became neutral again.

"Hold on..." Looking to Blaze as he was knelt down. Checking his bag. "Those are all thirty bits per bottle." A cold sweat showing. "Surely you don't mean to get those..." He asks, doubting that the case. However, upon looking at Viol's mad grin and Ebony's quiet gaze. He immediately knew. "That's close to an entire month's rent!!" Standing up, shocked.

"Not the point." Viol argues.

"It should be!" He says back. "I'm not paying for three bloody bottles. Let alone, one!"

Ignoring him and continuing. "We must have 'Pure Eclipse.' Its the greatest beverage, the greatest liquor in Whistle's tavern. We can't not have it." Fully awake and getting ready.

"Considering that its forty, a bottle."

"What was that?!" Studying Ebony with a look.

"What was what?" She asks back. No trace of deceit in her eyes or voice.

In a long, exasperated sigh. "Is this what we're really worrying about today, of all days." Sitting up this time and my back, stretching. I saw Silver, with a displeased look on his face. His fingers, rubbing against the temple of his forehead. Before taking a breather, calming himself first, then placing a hand on a sword's hilt. "Alright." Drawing everyone's attention.

"It seems today is the day, we find out exactly what Swift and his team, have been up to, really." He looks over us. This time, at me, getting up. The air getting serious than a moment ago. "I've informed Queen Faust that the mission has already begun and should something happen to us. The Queen will no longer send a reconnaissance team or a rescue squad, to this area. From here on out, we're completely on our own. So dying isn't an option, got it?" He scowls, with angry eyes.

"Yes, sir!" Ebony, Jade, Viol, and Blaze says together, tucked in a stance. A sudden, determining vibe, coming off of them.

"We're gonna find Swift's team. Determine the fidelity of their information. And if at all there is a threat, come out on top of it, alive. So no heroics. No wondering off. Watch each other's back. And let's share that drink by the end of this, is all I ask. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"I said, is that understood?!"

"Yes, sir!!" Feeling their essence flare. Their reiryoku spike, or in this case. Their will.

'Willow Apple Rum? That does sound delicious, doesn't it.' Thinking I might visit this tavern, myself. Someday.

In a firm gaze, passing over us. "Good... here's the plan."

~<>~

Skating over a dusty meadow of dried up land, I headed over to the direction of the mountain range in view. A good two hours or three passing through. Knowing, fully well, I could probably get there in less than an hour but had to dial it back for the others. For they watched my position, above.

Far in yonder.

Taking out a slip of paper from inside my jacket's pocket, I cleared off another marked area, on the map. For I too, had a part to play. And this was it.

"Nothing here either, huh? That makes six, now." Examining the paper. With a brief look, I had three more marked areas, waiting to go. As each one lead closer to the mountains. But more importantly, were a set of coordinates of Swift's team, last known locations.

Taking into account my position and the direction of the next site, I corrected my course and headed to the seventh location. At a decent pace.

However, in time, two more areas were soon marked off. As there wasn't a single trace of the previous team. Nor, any signs of the Scouting Regiment.

Slowing to a halt. Then, catching a breather after a quick stop. I studied the unfertilized soil below. Then, examining the sky next. Nothing, made sense... any of it. A clear sky. Broken, rough dirt. Absence, of animal life. And if it wasn't cliche enough; a tumbleweed, drifting along a seeming wind to who knows where had danced passed me an hour ago. Indicating, a perfect representation of a wild west... but standing here now. On a loft of shifty sand.

..things became somewhat different than before. For a desert wasteland, was beginning to fill my view, as if the world couldn't decide on a theme to give, here. Debating between itself, a Sahara desert or a cowboy's wild west, shooting ground. Concluding that nothing was meant to last out here. In which confirmed my suspicion, more and more. If not already.

All the while, the climate grew even hotter, having me slightly wish for a shade, somewhere.

After taking time to relax and cool off with a refreshing taste of water, quenching my thirst. I once again skated off to the last known location. Preparing myself for the danger ahead. Hopefully, Silver, was just as prepared as me...

<<>>

Watching above, from bird's eye view. My team and I kept an open eye out, following behind Reyna's cloud trail. For I must admit, when we first started this journey, it did surprise me a little to discover her means of fast travel. Then again, some knights claimed to have seen her scale up a villa, in order to catch someone. Falling, out of the sky.

And over the passing days, she's not once taken a sip of mage elixir to replenish her magic.

My view, focusing slightly on her armament footwear. As each stride, she makes exhausts a fierce flame. Always in constant motion, never wavering.

'Is her magic truly on par with our Archmage... no. Even someone as powerful as Starswirl would be drained in a week's worth, by the continued effort. Then again, we really don't know much about her. Or what she's capable of.' My focus changing once more, as she comes to a stop.

Slowing too, I hover in the air along with Ebony and the rest.

"What's she doing?" Blaze, suddenly asks.

Squinting my eyes, I too study her movements. Curious if she found anything. Upon seeing her, Reyna bends down studying the ground's surface. Then rises, looking up at the sky. As if looking for something else, that wasn't us.

"...Its been three hours since our mission officially began, hasn't it?" The group, looking to me now. "In all that time, traveling. The layout of the environment has greatly changed." Slowly understanding her pause in run. "From that carcass heap of dry land for miles, and those few stone cliffs. We're suddenly in a different terrain, I've never seen before...I doubt even the past Archmages, have ever heard of anything like this."

"Yea, but I don't understand something." I looked to Violet. As she scratches the side of her head, holding a question. Till finally sharing. "Why did General Cobalt come all the way out here? I mean, it's hot! There's nothing else here besides this weird terrain."

Butting in. "I agree with her. For a geological landmark, that displays a warm climate, you'd think we'd pass by a few weather clouds by now, but I haven't seen one since we started. Not to mention, there hasn't been a source of water, seen along the path we've been flying. Not a stream, pond, or some form of a reservoir... so why would General Cobalt bring his troops this far out. Without a steady supply of drinking water?" I looked at Ebony. Her eyes scouring for answers, darting back and forth. "And, this land... it isn't ideal for farming or for any suitable life to grow.

"Uh, guys." We heard Violet say. "She's moving again."

Without further notice, we each gained in on the change of direction Reyna made. Keeping a tight formation, close to one another in case we needed to break off and act, at any given moment.

"You know, now that I think of it... It isn't much of a puzzle to figure out. With a regiment of what? Five-six hundred or so knights. The general, would have a majority of flyers to generate rain clouds for water, wouldn't he? And he is the leader of the Scouts. Meaning, he is supposed to discover potential lands for Canterlot." Blaze voiced in, on my left.

"'Potential lands.' Yes, but this far out. Especially when the Queen mentioned General Cobalt was ambushed near Shawnola Gorge. We should have seen signs hours ago of a struggle and things left behind. Yet, there isn't anything to indicate such a case. And for such a vast landscape, I doubt we'd miss the remains of our fallen comrades, below."

"Which brings up a serious question, doesn't it?" Ebony, said on my right. Without looking at her.

"Like, where's the regiment?! Because I'm getting really tired of flying, in this baking sun." Violet cries, beside her.

"No. Like, why didn't Swift report the layout of this region in his reports? What the Queen's been informing us so far, was of a neutral, undeveloped terrain. But this... this is something else, entirely. This region is nothing like the Everfree Forest or Froggy Bottom Bogg. He should have written about the exploration, here... along with a few other things." The perplexity of this making less sense.

"If his team also found no remains of the regiment, then why is he still sending feedback to Canterlot, without his proper end cues? And what bothers me most is the direction we're headed. For flyers like us, we can traverse this land easily, in a couple of hours. However, for grounders, it'll at least take two or three days on foot, to make it out this far. So are we even sure Cobalt came this way? This deep, out?" More questions after another. "I know the man and he's no fool. He wouldn't risk the life's of his battalion, in an unknown area."

Thinking of his pros, over cons.

"When it comes to critical thinking of any matter. Be it consulting, military action, politics, or talks - of any strategic ideas. His input in such matters, is highly regarded. Knowing him, if he ever made it out this far, he would realize by those passing cliffs and this land. That it would be wise to turn the expedition back and not carry on this way. So how does an entire battalion of knights, disappear overnight and leave nothing behind, to be found?" My thoughts, relaying to the others.

"...don't know. But either way, we put it. Swift and his team gotta hold the answers we need. Right?" Blaze, said.

Flapping my wings in a strong beat, despite how sore and aching they feel. I carried on, in the lead. For the others followed, close also. "They better." 'Wanting answers', as our motivator. "If not, they can deal with the Queen's scolding when we get back." Another flap, as we stride high, over this foreign terrain.

<<< Reyna's Point of View>>>

Hours passing. The sun, pasts its high noon routine and occasional sweat, drenching my jacket. My hollow cuss's loudly, in outright disdain.

'Fuck!!!'

My head slightly screens from the sudden disturbance, as a ringing takes place in my ears. Or so I thought. "The hell? Levy?--What's your deal?!"

'I'm bored and in need of attention.' She says as if it was obvious.

"Then go play with the old man or go through a memory of mine's." Once again, proving how annoying she can be at times.

'Been there. Done that. How about... I spy!' Feeling chipper.

"Agh~." Groaning, in displeasure. "You're like a child sometimes. Is this what Ichigo had to go through, too?" Noticing, I began speaking out loud. Good thing no one was close to overhear.

'Na~. It was much worse. He didn't spend the day of time to socialize with his hollow.'

"And you think I do?" I asked. Skating in strides. My feet taking leads over one another, at a time.

'Uh... have you seen where we are? You have nothing, but time. So, I spy-'

"Please don't." Realizing my mistake.

'something that begins with an S.'

"Zangetsu..." Hoping, he'd drag her away.

'Nope. The old man's not here at the moment. Leaving just you and me. So, let's try this again. I spy, something that begins wit~h...an, s.' Trying to prompt me.

"There's only one thing out here that begins with an S."

'Well, indulge me. Queen.'

"No."

[color=#be4343]'Oh, come on. You don't even know what it is yet.'

"Yes, I do." Continuing, my stride's form.

'Fine. Then how about this? I spy, with my little eye~.' I sighed, at her little game. 'Something, curious... and not alone.'

"The hell is that suppose to mean? I said, credulous.

''That's for me to know and for you to hurry up and figure out. You're almost missing it.' An amusing tone in voice.

"I don't have time for one of your silly rants, nor do I care." Doing my best to ignore.

'Oh, come now Queen. You're telling me that you can't see it? I know It's a bit far, but you should've picked up on it by now. Best use those eyes or else the fun will end.' Her last words, playful.

Baiting me subconsciously without even knowing it. My mind began to wonder why was she so riled up, in having me spot her object. And the way she said it. 'Something curious.' What the hell could be curious- stopping myself. 'Not alone.' I repeated the thought.

Spinning around, my left foot strides behind as I make an arc turn; skating over the sand. Once, fully turned. I hover in place, expanding my senses. For if my eyes couldn't see anything pertaining in front of me, I had another pair that could see, what these couldn't.

Focusing, I took in the terrain mentally. As visually, everything around me became much clearer: the vast desert, in open scenery. Rocks, of different sizes and stature, passing by, as my eyes sought pass them. To the tiniest grain of sand, stacked upon one another. Exponentially, gathering the layout further and faster. Looking, wandering, and searching to anything beyond my scope. Until, in the distance, something immediately grabs their attention.

In shifting view, over hills of sands, a creature in the distance I've never seen before. Snarls in aggravation and showcases a killing lust, snapping me back into wake. Leaning forward, I headed west for something finally caught my attention along with a curious thought.

One I'll have an answer for. As soon as I get there.

In high speed, I kicked it up, into a different gear. Moving a bit faster than before. And feeling a certain energy within, I extend it out before me in hope of creating a trail for the others to follow. The gathered spectral-energy, forming into a force fields, blazes a path through the sand as my skates stepped beyond the normal speed limit, I had restricted myself to travel in.

Well no more.

Like a red and black hedgehog, I gave burst to a sounding wave. It cracking the sky and ground in shock and detrimental power. For I raced in stride and skated as a jet plane over the sea beneath me. My shield keeping the outside wind from touching me and becoming a nuisance to my eyes. For what would have been minutes or perhaps even an hour, tops. I collided through a desert hill and spotted the source of me coming here. All in a matter of seconds. And let's just say, that this fucker.

Well, it looked like It was gonna be my main course for the day.

(Don't own, but thought it looked cool. Major respect to this guy)

"You were right Levy..." The beast, along with a few other armed men, slowly turning in bewilderment and shock. Gaze upon a tide of sand crashed-through, as it scours over them. "I spy something curious, too..." I said flying from the speed. Adjusting myself, my shield cancels after I land a few yards away. Clearing the area beneath me, just a little.

The four-legged, stone hill class recking ball, snarls at me from its position. Clearing itself of the sand. Looking back at it, for something without eyes, I could tell it perceived me as a threat...

Good.

"And I think it's just the little tension breaker, we need." Getting ready for a fight.