Author's Note

Hey, guys. Sorry for publishing this in so late. I was kinda iffy, busy, and lazy on this Chapter's development. I know its not much, but I'm still working out the kinks for the next couple of chapters, in development. Again, sorry for keeping you waiting. I'll post as many as I can when I get the time.

So I hope you enjoy.

Ch.11 What we Found...

(A little selective choice)

<<>>

Dodging left, I jump out the way of a wild swing. It missing but leaving a sizable crater in the sand, by the attacker. Using its tail, in swift and rapid successions, the creature before me strikes again in the areas I landed in. This time jumping back, away from its reach. It begins to prowl towards me. Using its bigger size and frame in a gesture of intimidation and fear.

Little did it know, I've faced worse.

Digging its claws in the sand, the creature lunges at me in ferocity. In quick thinking and bodily reaction, my left foot found its way atop it's harden-head. Before my right foot scurries, running along it's back now, as I scale its spine with the multiple taps, my skates made. Not liking my graceful display nor the sound of tap-dancing, the thing lashes out the moment I reached its tail. With a flick, it vaults me up into the sky. Giving me some good airtime, as I twirl to study it with another look.

Looking below, at the creature from upside down. It must have launched me over a hundred feet into the air because I had a better visual view of it, the area, and the men below; a safe distance away. It, however, not paying them any mind whatsoever, but on me. As if waiting for something.

From my engagement and view, its tail did feel like the force of a stone-rock. Length and height, a little greater to that of an adult's elephant. Skin hard, armored-like when my skates clicked against its anterior. And as for its head, for something without the features of eyes. Its been following my movements pretty well, since our tussle started, minutes ago. Having me believe it must rely heavily on its sense of smell, for anything.

With an initial thought, my skates rocked the sky in a shocking sound. Propelling me down and cushioning my descent. However, not wanting to wait for me to recover from my fall, it charges at me in a mad spree. Closing the distance between us fast, but not fast enough. Palms igniting by my sides, they both shoot forth. Releasing a spectral beam like no other as I took off the kid gloves. The ray of spectral might, sending the beast back and crashing, through the field of sand.

But quickly using its hind legs, it got up and avoided the next ray, by the breath of its hair. Firing again, it sidesteps this time, causing me to miss. In rapid fire, my arms charged back and forth, shooting rays upon rays of ghost energy at the pest. Burying it in a field of endless fire, from the enemy. To my surprise, the damn thing just moved even faster. Dodging and weaving under the heavy barrage, that came its way, and running along the open terrain. As it stays away from getting too close near me.

Scrapes of dust from its movement and explosions impacting the sand; my rays missed by mere seconds, as it was harder to hit a moving target than like those runes, back in the training ground.

Holding fire, I looked to my right at the peculiar men. Their size, figure, and height were a little similar to that of Zoalun, but with key notable differences: horns protruding on either side of their head's, nose-rings pierced on some of them, and the animalistic tail briskly shown on each of them. Fitted the descriptions in my mind, of a Minotaur. Except that they looked to be more human, than man-eating, maze, cannibals. Each of them holding firm a set of axes, spears, and long swords in tighter grip, from my stare.

Of course, seeing this, I just smirked; not giving a care. For the real prize of me coming here, was gonna be my feast for the day. Don't know what it was, but I had a craving for some real food. And whether this sucker knew it or not, its hide was mine.

In view again, it came rushing at me, kicking up a storm from its run. With pent-up energy built, my right-hand showcases in front of me a surprise of its own. Firing a more concentrated, spectral ray. 'The energy I accumulated in this baby, should be more than enough to kill you.' Aiming at its head.

Yet, right before my attack could even hit its mark, the most unexpected thing happens. In mid-run, this thing somehow manages to skid in between the sand, dodging my attack, as it went overhead and misses. Canceling the flow, I observed to find it gone. Nowhere in sight... well, in plain sight anyways.

Doesn't take a genius to figure out where it's gone and what it plans to do.

"Girl! Get over here, now! Get off the sand!!" I heard someone shout. Looking over a shoulder, I saw one of the large men kneel down and touch the sand, as a tattoo of sorts. Glow, duskily-red on his arm. Right before the shifty ground contorts into a solid bedrock beneath his party.

'Now that's interesting.' Seeing his handy work.

Sensing it coming. I merely hop out the way, fully expecting the creature to pull a Jaws on me. As I was ready to attack it once its head pokes out the sand. But that didn't happen at all. No, son of a bitch pulled a fast one on me. For the moment my feet lands on the sand, they sink in immediately as the area around me gave weigh. Funneling into a large quicksand.

'Shit!' Buried in they felt, as I began to slide in, to the epicenter of this ditch.

"Girl! Hold on. We'll-"

"I don't need your help!" Cutting, the same person off.

"Don't be foolish. That's a sand viper!" Another, says. "Tricky these things are. Especially when they hideaway, in the sand. They're deadly known around these parts, for their signature mark!"

'Sand viper? That... sounds familiar.'

Focusing, I put my hands together as energy began to gather in the shape of a small ball. With effort and concentration at work. The small ball expanded and consumed me, in a circular shield. Repelling the sand away and freeing me. Once free I skated back up out the ditch and hover over the terrain. Searching.

Of course, if I wanted to, I could have just phase through the sand with ease. But eyewitnesses and all that. Don't want to show them all my tricks. Let alone, what I can really do.

A girl gotta keep her secrets, after all.

Within seconds, in a surprise attempt, the viper leaps out the ground. Its speed and precision in movement, astounding, but unlike me. I managed to dodge out the way for I saw it coming. Rearing my arms back in slow-mo, a ghastly beam collides into the side of it. It shrieks loudly feeling pain before I sent it flying from me, with a harsher blast. Landing in the distance; the thing skids, spinning and tripping over-itself back. However, in a sec, another unbelievable thing happens before me.

For using its newfound speed and momentum, the Viper turns its course around like a spinning saw blade. Cutting through the sand, spiraling towards me.

'Well, aren't you a funny one.' With my left, I fired a shot. It connecting but not doing anything.

So, in a burst of speed, I hustle towards it. Towards the now spinning, wrecking ball.

Funneling more energy this time, multiple shots were fired through my left palm. It still not slowing or deterring the creature from getting closer, nor I to it. "If that's how you wanna play it, then I'm game!" My voice cries, in anticipation. As skating over the dry sea, my pace picks up.

Too close near one another now. The energy from within, expanded into a manifestation I used previously before, like earlier--as an armadillo is born with its natural shell, mine's forms around me. Protecting the wearer from harm and stopping a rotating killing-boulder, from squashing me. For when I collided into the Viper, a crushing impact sound was heard.

Pushing myself along with my skates, the barrier holding tight, and the strain of ghost energy, exerting from within. I couldn't help but feel like a bloody sonic character in a tug-of-war when it came to bouncing the enemy with speed. And if it wasn't worse enough, the damn thing was competing with me. Fighting back. Refusing to lose ground as its speed had gotten ridiculously, faster.

'Like hell, I'm gonna lose!' Gritting my teeth, in force. 'You must be dreaming, if you think you can get the best of me!' The core in my chest fiercely burns, as a surge of energy begins to pump within me--new vigor.

"aaaaaAAARRGH~!!!" My feet, strides. Ignition kicking over time, creating drafts of wind and ember flames from my run. The dome of my shield fixing in front, then around me. Its shape, edging into a pointed spear.

Speaking, from hidden pleasure. 'That's it, Queen. Feel that rush! I know you got more in ya, so come on. Show this pint-sized shit its place. Kill it, already!!'

"Like I need permission!!" Agreeing with her thought.

Overtaxed and high on adrenaline, my spear dome-shield. Stops the viper in its tracks, as it pierces through its harden anterior stomach. Causing a sudden rush of blood to spill, while it reigns back, crying from the harsh impalement. Hauling ass, as if by the sudden release of restriction, we took off in the direction I faced. Smashing through more tides of sand; my spear burrowing even deeper into the Viper from the impacts driven-through. It began to feel all of it...

The pain... the agony... the stench of death upon it, as it constantly scratches the tip of my spear. To tear itself away. To pry itself off. To be free from the burden that spews its blood all over the red sea as we continuously travel. Howling. Shrieking. And perhaps cussing too, in an unfamiliar speech of the anguish it's going through. All in a sense to try and gather a form of balance. But watching it now... struggling before me...

..fueled me.

'That's it, scream for me!' Loving the symphony coming from its voice now. Enjoying every second of every moment, as I pillage through, cutting deep. The shrieks of a red river flowing across the tip, into the distant wind, etched back that taste of nostalgia. Slowly purring out my toxic pleasure.

However, like all things, this too had to come to an end. For still going at full throttle, I plunged the squealing pig in through another sand hill. My rise of energy tapping out and asking for a little rest, while I remain; clouds of dust scouring and dying down, with me on top the dying Viper. It's head under my heel. As breath by breath, we took our sweet time with a few parting words.

"..Thanks for the entertainment... you've no idea how much I needed this." I said, in between breaths. It not responding or looking my way. A running trail, dripping out of its corner mouth, as its breathing became much slower. Duller. "So, as a gift, I'll put you out of your misery now." The tendons in my right-hand aching. When a fume of spectral green, flickers like a dying flame, envelops it.

Craning its neck up slightly, it looks at me. Its face, full of anger--of rage. A feeling of disgust. Disguised in hate, resentment, disdain, wrath, and so much more. But none, of that of mercy nor fear. In fact, I could tell from its expression, it wanted another shot. Another opportunity to take me down. Groaning in displeasure it tried to move one of its fore-arms in an attempt to do something, but all it got in response was a tiresome wheeze and a splurge of blood, coughing up. With my shoe, I craned its muzzle back down to the side. Not wanting to get a trace of its blood on my me. However, knowing fully well I had only enough in me, for one shot. The smile I had couldn't help but spread a little wider. 'Awe, crap.' I chuckle hoarsely, in slight humor.

For kneeling in closer to its muzzle my hand found its way inside the Viper's mouth. A sound heard a second later, as a ray explodes out the back of its skull. It immediately impacting the sand, once more, as another life is lost to the world...

Removing my hand out of its carcass of a mouth and standing tall, a sharp gaze fell upon me. With a brief look to my left, were the minotaur men, a couple of yards out. But most importantly, was Silver looking back; with the same gaze, he dawned on me days ago. Another analytical-study in his watchful eyes, while perceiving me in clear caution and arms folded, hovering in flight.

Ebony, Jade, Violet, and Blaze too, displaying ideal thoughts, by the simple looks on their faces.

Feeling the slime along other things, I flick my hand of the grossness that covers it. It cascading across the sand and the dead heap, beneath me. Causing my rush of thirst to finally die down, by seeing this. As I step off the Viper, and walk over the blood and sand, to the rest of the gang. A sudden tiredness weighed over me, but a reflection of something in the ground, beams into my eye.

Glancing, at first in disbelief. A road of glass and brittle heat carved its way in through the terrain. Stretching quite a distance and curving from the paths I traversed. While a simmering draft of wind blows by and begins to play with my hair. Causing a few strands in front to whisk before my eyes, to my annoyance. With my left hand, I sweep up across my face, moving my hair out the way along with a few beads of sweat; that rain down, upon me.

Looking up, at them. I could tell immediately by Silver's stoic look, that somethings--some very unpleasant things, about me--were on his mind. For he didn't seem pleased, probably with me running off with a sudden selfish desire. So playing it cool and not wanting to hear some backlash or b.s. "I see you followed my trail. Sorry for taking off like that, but I sensed trouble and a group of people, that needed my aid. But most importantly, an opportunity to figure out where we are and if there's a town or someplace populated nearby."

Registering my words for a moment, it was Ebony who spoke first. "I see...actions first, questions later." Her view slightly screening to the party behind her yards away, as they too, study us. "It was smart of you to keep the other you hidden. Although, I suspect you're probably worn out from fighting that thing." She says, after facing me. "Here..." Handing me a bag.

One, that I completely forgot I took off and threw away, during the fight.

Taking it in hold. Silver was the next to put in his two cents. "You sensed trouble? Miles away?" He says, in some doubt. Then looking pass me over a shoulder. "..If you do again in the near future. A simple heads-up would suffice. In any case, it seems that we've finally found a new lead to follow. So thanks for that." He turns, in flight. To the unknown group.

Taking caution and not wishing a mishap of what happened, last. I found my way skating over the sand, following behind the rest of the gang. It was then I noticed the different style of clothing, some of the men on the bedrock were wearing. Albeit, while a few others chose not to wear tops, what they all had in common was the style of outlander outfits, worn. Tunics with heavy-metal chains others wore in theme, while the rest had dawned pants of their own choices and making.

"Are you all, alright?" Silver says, starting up the first conversation between our two groups. In return, all he got instead was dead silence, from the large twelve-foot men. Just before each one of them gave a soulful look, onto one of their own member's. Stepping up, in front of his posse. An older fellow with the tattoo on his arm steps out, taking the approach of words. His hair a grayish blue, short, folding back. His tone of skin along with the rest, a dark or tanned complexion when in the baking sun.

"Yes. If it wasn't for your friend just now, I'm afraid things may have been much worse. For that, you have my thanks. Especially you, girly." I didn't respond. Not to that. Instead, I merely shrugged and looked, away. My bag over my shoulder, in hand.

Picking up the silence once more and reaching out with a hand. "Don't mind her, she doesn't really socialize with others unless she wants to. My name Is Silver Storm, Knight of Equestria and fellow soldier, to the Queen of Canterlot."

Studying his hand first, then gazing at him. The man gave a hearted smile. "Oh, I see. Sounds like a certain person I know." Grabbing whole, of Silver's hand in his own and chuckling, as he shakes. "The name's Draesus and this here is my merry band of hunters. Pray tell... are you all as powerful as she is?" Curiousness, on him.

"..I don't know... but I would like to believe so. If you don't mind, I have some questions we would greatly appreciate you answering."

"Aye. I as well. But I think we should get a move on before more of those bloody Vipers, come back. The smell of blood attracts them like a Sugarian without a week's worth of nectar." A few of his men chuckles at that. While we stared with blanks slates on our faces, expressing 'what'. "..like a Cotta searching for a mate in heat." Still nothing...

"..Faster than a Frill-Worm baking in direct sunlight?" Another says. Losing us.
"Like a Tequrian-Whipsnap on its midday run?"
"A Horn Crawler sneaking away with a Basilisk's egg, unscathed?"

'What the fuck are these even supposed to mean, to me?'

"..Oh! Like--faster than a drunk, hitting the end of a bottle, immediately after just walking into the next tavern.

"Aye, she gets it!!" A vigorous cheer cries loose. "Come here, lassie. I take it you're the fun one of the group. Draesus hosts Violet up, on his shoulder. While the mixed pink haired fluff, simply enjoys the treatment.

"Don't forget the brightest, too."

"Hahaha. Aye, that you are! Shall we get going?"

Smiling bubbly. "Lets."

Surprised to say, this went a lot easier than I thought it would be. Even Silver and the rest, seemed drawn back for a sec by the sudden display. Not even five minutes had gone by and already, Violet's somehow made a new friend. Who knew, her playful attitude would have scored us some points with an unknown group. Then again, with a girl this jovial, I doubt she doesn't have many friends back home.

"Brum, take care of the sand for me. Would ya." Giving an order.

In a moment's notice, another large man steps forth to the side. Planting his hands on the sand, a similar tattoo but of a different scheme glows duskily-red, on his arm. Contorting its mass and form into a solid bedrock. A pathway, to walk on, as he gets up and takes the first step. His crew following behind and in time, us too.

"That's quite an interesting technique. What kind of magic was that?" Silver asks, beside's Draesus.

"Magic? Haha, no. That wasn't magic. That was Rune-script." He responds. Then showing his arm out, in front, he slaps hard on the tattoos with his other hand. "Its simple scriptures that contain signia power in written words and symbols. For my people, its used greatly to communicate with the very earth itself. To understand, contort, change and mimic the very soil beneath. Its also essential when forging or crafting certain materials and items needed, for the tribe. As far back as we can remember, this technique or magic as you call it--" Smirking at Silver. "--was created by our elders, long ago, that gave us a chance to survive these hollow lands. You see, here."

"I see... believe it or not. We may not be so different. Where we're from, we too have Rune-script, but we just call it runes or rune-craft."

"Really? Well, I guess to survive these harsh desert climates you'd need to. What part of the lands, are you from?"

Looking back. Over a shoulder, first, to us. There was a silent nod before he continued.

(Sighing) "None... we're not from around here. Truth told, we've traveled far to find some missing company of ours." Taking the next approach in the conversation. Silver explained the situation we found ourselves in and the missing garrison that's been gone for some time now. How we were...attacked by an unknown force in the night and separated from our company. Why he told this tale instead of the truth, I have no clue. But I was kinda glad he did. Being cautious first and trusting others second... is the best choice one can make in any world.

In return, Draesus gave his condolences and talked mostly about the Badlands and the many dangers it holds. Containing countless deathtraps, unknown creatures, and even a few places we were fortunate enough not to encounter. And by the sudden shift of his tone, they sounded real grisly too. Especially, when he went into details of some of the horrors his tribe had to face when scavenging the red sea--in older times--for food. The untold cost of survival, when it came to traversing on foot in desperate need of natural resources. The constant loss, of families and friends--torn asunder, by new threats, every day. And the hardships faced when many would desert the tribe, in times of doubt and self-preservation. However, his tone did pick up in the end, at the mention of his ancestors, finding a new land that sheltered them from the many perils that coexisted outside. One that would put us in awe, when we arrive.

A sight and honor, to behold.

~<>~

Hours passing. A day's walk soon became nightfall. From the setting sun, it was probably after seven-ish when we all agreed it best to camp for the night. Not that some of us were severely exhausted more so than others, from a long journey already, but because we simply didn't want to run into something. That puts the word bump, into the night.

Sitting on a stone plateau, I watched in little surprise of how well Violet was doing with our newcomers. For sitting around a lit campfire, she was merrily drinking away and living up in festivity, with the other drunks. Much to Silver's annoyance, I might add. Since I assumed he expected better of her and controlling the amount she consumes. Then again, one pour-full of a mug from our guest's was enough to have her and Blaze feel a mixture of audaciousness and liberty. I knew already, she was the fun-happy--always smiling--too many friends alluring girl, but I had no clue she could hold her own. Compared to Blaze and the men around her. They were lightweights, playing a game of who could hold their liquor.

And sitting in the inner circle was Jade, having a drink but saying nothing to the company around him. However, he did mention his name and a reply of a refill, as to not be rude or anything. It was then, the larger men picked up on his traits as a quiet man, but apparently a humble one, as well. Looking to my left a little, I spotted Draesus and Silver, talking to one another amongst themselves, as they held watch. A mug in their hand, as they too, slowly drink the liquor in sweet taste and time.

Hearing the sounds of approaching footsteps in another direction, I faced a familiar set of eyes making their way over to me. "Care for a drink?" Ebony asks. Holding a wooden mug before me.

Looking at it first, then on to her. "Not at the moment. No, but thanks anyway." Then looking to my right and seeing the other guards, posted on watch--I wanted to keep my wits about me and not be slowed, in case something happens.

"Suit yourself... may I join you?" Without looking, I nod my head in silent confirmation. Taking that as cue she sits beside's me on my left; in quiet stillness. Nothing said between us for a short while. That is, until she says something to catch my attention. "You're really quite interesting, you know that?"

Looking at her. I could feel one of my brows, raise. "Am I really? I had no clue?" I said in playful mock. "And what makes you say that?"

"Oh, I think you know." Helping herself, to the available poison in hand. "The way you moved and fought that Viper today was unlike anything I've ever seen a mage do, before. Its no wonder now, how you've killed those thirty Wendigos back in Ponyville, alone. I guess that's what makes it interesting, no?"

"Don't you mean forty."

"Now, you're pushing it."

"Right." I scoff, amused.

"......"

"..Then again...maybe it was forty." Having a second swig.

"'Maybe' she say's." As my head nods. "Should you really be drinking? We're not out of the woods yet, you know."

"We're still in the forest? I hadn't noticed." Returning the mock.

"You know what I meant." I shared a small grin. Before my lips became my own again. "For the smart ones of the group, is it wise for both you and Silver to indulge yourselves in alcoholic drinks, at this time."

"Hmm. Perhaps not. But Violet, whether she knew it or not, was actually the first to volunteer, in seeing if it was safe for us to drink. Much to our leader's annoyance, I might add. But still, nothing happened to her within a certain amount of time and she's already on her sixth refill. Would be a shame not to at least try the ale from our new guest's, don't you think." Her gaze, matching mines. As we sat, observing the group from a distance.

A draft quietly passes by, in reassured coolness. Compared to the heat, earlier today.

"But I see where you're coming from. That's why I only requested at least half a fill for you. Have to stay alert and sharp, after all." Having a third go. "Although, I might finish this before you even get a chance to see how good it is yourself. Sure you don't want to at least have a small sip?" Waving the mug gently, before me. As the insides swish around, deliberately calling for me. "I promise it won't kill you. Not like everything else out here."

I eyed her again for a moment. Then looking inside that mug, my inner alcoholist begging the question of; oh, what the hell. I reached out, taking the mug in hand and downing it, in a quick gulp. 'Not bad.' It leaving a strong impressionable taste, as more by more, this God bearing nectar filled my throat by its sweet flavor. Before I ended up finishing what was left inside, by Ebony.

"You're right, that is some good ale." Planting it down on the rock. "Almost makes me wish for more."

"There's plenty left." She interjects.

"Like I said. Almost." Changing the pace of the conversation. "So what do you really think of our new friends? Have they told you what they are?"

"By your pattern of speech just now, it sounds like you already know what they are. Did one of them tell you?" Looking to me, for an answer.

"I have my guess, but I want to hear your opinions first. Like, what are your impressions of them?" Leaning back slightly, against the bedrock.

"Hmm, well. When we first met them today, I wasn't sure what they were. I still don't in fact, but I spoke with one of their members and he introduced himself as a Minotaur. What the entirety of his tribe and race is, in fact. But they look strikingly similar to us, don't they? Minus the horns, tail, and height. I would almost peg them as human beings, like us."

'I see. So in this world...'

"But if you are regarding their character, my impression on them is still unclear."

"Why do you say that?" Wanting to know.

The fire crackling. Constantly burning and reaching its ember flames on the freshly stocked wood that came upon it. As the others wined down a bit, talking to one another. A smile on their face. "They seem like nice folks. Sharing their food and drinks with us, when we had so little left. Don't get me wrong I appreciate the hospitality they've given us, but in situations like these. It's best not to drop our guard's just yet."

Understanding and feeling the same.

"That's why Silver is speaking with Draesus alone. As he is trying to gather as much information about this settlement, as he possibly can. To inform the Queen on our whereabouts and the mission's progress of rate."

'So that's what he's been up to. And here I thought he was a bit too laxed.' Brushing up against the rock, some more.

"So-" Looking out the corner of an eye. Her yellow hair obscuring most of her face as another breeze begins to blow by. "-did you already knew what they were?"

Meeting her stare. It calculative too like a certain someone.

Thinking about it for a sec, I replied honestly with her. "Yea. I... may have already known, when I first laid eyes on them. Though, their appearance is more humanistic than what I was expecting."

"What?"

"Its nothing."

'Nothing too important, anyways.' Keeping the tidbit of human-cannibalism to myself, along with certain other stories.

"But how could you possibly know what they were, if we just met Draesus and his group today? Have you been here before?"

"No. But I have heard stories about the minotaurs when I was a kid. Just some myths and lores about them. I never thought we'd meet them out here. Let alone, that they were real. I'm just surprised about the things I've been discovering as of late. Who would have thought this mission would have been worthwhile."

"Stories and lores, huh? Care to tell?"

"Like I said, its nothing. Some of them were merely exaggerations, based on misconception and little known knowledge. Truthfully, they were just stories to scare the young as an old wise tale. Nothing more." Hoping she'll buy it.

Studying me for a moment, she finally spoke. "I see... It's no different like how we Equestrians view the Everfree Forest and tell stories, to keep the young and foolish away. If you say its nothing to worry about, I'll take your word for it." Rising up, herself. Then patting the back of her wear. "It's about time those two slow it down or else they'll wake up with a hangover in the morning. Do you want anything to eat? The meat we were lucky enough to procure from the Viper is surprisingly good." Waiting for a reply.

"No, I'm fin-" My stomach rumbles, to change my choice of words. Arguing back what it hadn't had in days; not taking no, as an answer. "On second thought... some actual food would be good." Guessing, I really did had a craving for something else.

Feigning a smile, she walks off in the direction of the campfire. Blending in silently with the rest.

'Minotaurs... seriously. Who would have thought? First Wendigos, then Hydras, Timberwolves, that Sand Viper, and a few minor creatures in the forest. What is this; The Twilight Zone.' An inner voice chuckled.

'I hope it is. I wanna kill something completely unexpected.'

'Of course you do.' I sighed in thought. 'You picking up on anything out there or did you just want to pester me, again?'

'Queen, please. As if I need a reason to bother you. I can do that whenever I want to. And besides, I only want to congratulate you.'

'What?'

'Oh, don't be so modest. I see you.'

'You see me what?' Another one of her questionable rants.

'Uh-huh. As if you don't already know.'

'Seriously, just what are you on about now.'

'First Ruby, now Ebony. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you have a thing for colorful-haired women.'

'What?! We had nothing but a minor conversation.'

'But you do realize you drank from the same side of the mug, her lips were on. Right?

'......'

'Queen?'

'Just shut up already.' Once again, feeling annoyed.

'Hahaha~. What are you, embarrassed?! Don't tell me your blushing! I was only joking, Queen. You didn't actually sip from the same side. But then again--you did finish the rest of the drink. What is it you constipated-otaku-anime dogs with no life at home, call it?' In a devilish--know it all voice. 'Oh yea, Indirect kissing.'

'..Levy...' Realizing her truth. '..did you just insult yourself, just now? I don't think you've noticed the position your in.'

'......'

'..I AM NOT AN OTAKU!!'

'Yea, cause apparently your not at home getting a thrill from my everyday life with nothing else to do.' My sarcasm rolling off. As a few moments begin to pass.

'Levy?' She not answering nor acknowledging my response.

Guessing, I finally found a way to shut her up for once.

After having some real food and water from my cantine. I switched shifts with someone from the other group in keeping watch. By that time, both Violet and blaze were passed out. Sleeping blissfully, some distance away from the fire while resting their heads on the big lug, known as Jade. Though, he didn't seem bothered by it, to the very least. Finding a spot myself, I laid down getting ready for the night.

Looking around and by the sounds of idle chatter. Ebony was with Silver as he too sounded tired. Calling for her to take the first shift and rotate. Walking towards me, we exchanged a glance momentarily. Before he continued his trek, over to the rest of his things; that awaited him. However, soon in time, like everyone else. I found myself quietly drifting away into absent-mindedness. Lessening my guard for a bit, leaving it to Levy and Zangetsu, should I need them.

..I only wish, whatever that god-awful smell that just came in would dissipate already. Its really starting to bother my nose.

Fading out.