Thirty-four

Selene and I continued our walk under the stars as she told me all about a past mission she had completed. Honestly, I wasn't paying attention, but it was comforting just to hear her talk.

Once she finished her story, I asked, "So do you have any questions about humans? You know that I don't know too much, but I will be happy to tell you what I know."

Selene was quiet for a moment, then asked, "What do humans live for? We have met a few, and everyone is so different. I find them so hard to understand."

I had to stop walking to think. I hadn't been expecting a question that deep. Eventually, I replied, "I don't really have an answer for that, but if I had to guess, I think that depends on who you ask. We have met multiple people with power who only live for themselves. You saw first-hand how they were willing to hurt others for their own gains. Then you have those with nothing who live for others. My family couldn't afford anything, but my parents made sure we were loved. We didn't have money, but we were still able to get by, and life was enjoyable."

Selene stayed quiet as she thought about my words. With a smile, she said, "Humans sure are weird. The ones with power are evil, and the ones who suffer are good. That makes no sense to me." I only shrugged and replied, "It doesn't make sense, but that is how things are in this world. Besides, that's how your world sounded when you told me about it."

Selene paused and slowly replied, "I guess what you are saying is true. Both of us were weak, and we were used by those with power."

The two of us were quiet as we walked forward, the only sound coming from our feet sinking into the sand with every step. Eventually, I asked Selene, "What is your plan once we find your friend?" She only shrugged and replied, "Honestly, I try not to think about it. While it's all that I want, I'm scared to get my hopes up."

I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, so I quickly changed the subject and asked, "What's next on our adventure? We will get to the castle before the army does. What are we going to do?" Selene was quiet for a moment as she thought but eventually said, "I am not sure. I like what we did for the Princess and the Queen. We were able to change their lives. It feels good to be able to say that."

With a laugh, I asked, "Who are you, and what have you done with Selene? Everything you say is about how humans are below you, and now you say it is nice to help them? I find that a bit difficult to believe." With her own laugh, Selene replied, "Don't get my words twisted. I said that it was nice to help the Queen and the Princess. I didn't say anything about how it would affect the people under them. I only care about those two." I opened my mouth but paused, realizing that I agreed with what she said. With a chuckle, I said, "You know, I think you are rubbing off on me. I feel the exact same way." Selene looked extremely pleased to hear this and stated, "Good. This way, it makes it easier for me to get what I want."

I could only shake my head and asked, "So we are just going to get there and then figure it out? I thought you said my plans were lazy." Hearing this, she let out a laugh and replied, "I guess you're rubbing off on me, also. Though I am leaning towards helping the castle. I think it would be fun to watch our Prince pout as he realized that he lost." I nodded my head in agreement and said, "That sounds fine with me. Though we will have to see if the inhabitants of the castle will be willing to take our help or view us as enemies."

Selene only shrugged, and the two of us continued on our journey.

It wasn't long before the sun began to appear over the horizon. I turned to Selene and said, "I assume it's going to get warm soon. Do you want to stop for the day?" With a smirk, I added, " Or at least for more than a moment this time." Hearing this, Selene gave me a shove, and I fell to my knees in the sand with a laugh. She flopped on the ground next to me and asked, "So are you going to put up the tent for me? It is going to be warm soon."

I stared at her with a raised eyebrow and replied, "I will help you put it up, but no, I am not going to do it for you." Selene stared back at me with big eyes trying to guilt me into doing it by myself, but hung her head in defeat when I didn't budge.

With a laugh, Selene hopped to her feet and said, "I didn't expect it to work, but you can't blame me for trying. Now get off your arse and help me build this thing." All I could do was shake my head at her ever-changing attitude.

By the time the two of us finished the tent, the sun was entirely past the horizon. Selene collapsed on the sand and complained, "The day has just started, and it is already this hot. This is going to be the longest day ever." With a smirk, I replied, "You said something like that yesterday, but you managed to survive. Besides, you said we were going to travel at night so you could rest during the day."

Pouring water from one of the canteens over herself, she let out a satisfied sigh. Smiling at me, she replied, "That sounds like a great idea. I am glad I thought of it." I only rolled my eyes and watched her toss and turn on the ground. Selene never really settled in, so I asked, "What's wrong? If you keep moving around, you're going to dig yourself into a hole." Selene seemed almost embarrassed as she said, "I still haven't really gotten used to sleeping in this form. Sometimes I can fall asleep, but other times I just can't get comfortable."

I stared at her for a moment, then asked, "So why don't you change into your normal form? I don't understand why you choose to look like this if you don't like it." Selene was quiet for a long time, then said softly, "You are my master and never gave me permission."

I let out a long sigh and replied, "I really thought we were past this whole master thing. Do what you want. I would prefer it if you didn't look like a demon in the middle of a crowd, but if it is just us, I really don't care." With a smile, Selene said, "You know you really are a strange master."

I paused for a moment, then replied with my own smile, "Call me Leo."