A Little Bit of Talking

--Gatix--

“Going where?''

Years of combat have taught me how to spin around and aim down the sights in one swift motion. Something I did upon hearing the third voice, which brought into view a figure I last saw before my head was pounded into the ground. Perched on top of the boulder, with one leg hanging lazily and one foot planted for a quick getaway, was the red lady. “Well, this is new...''

She tilted her head. “That we can understand each other?''

“That you're not scared.''

“Should I be?''

“You must have seen what I did to the Knight.''

“My regret is I didn't send him to his goddess myself.'' She waved her hand dismissively before jumping off the rock and dusting herself off. “He's been a thorn in my side for many years. And that irksome deity of his ensures he always returns.''

“I thought it was something like that.''

“You're well informed for an outsider.''

Your battles are popular reading material in my world. Best not to lead with that. “I'm well-read.''

“A Dread Knight that reads...''

That term again.

“... and converses instead of murders.'' She took a step closer but clearly didn't lower her guard yet. “Are you here to kill me?''

“Depends on whether you're going to attack me again.''

“Likewise.'' She allowed her gaze to shift down, slowly moving her eyes up and down my figure. “Who are you, outsider?''

“Does it matter?''

“You don't wish to know who you're conversing with?''

“I find actions tell more. A name is simply a label applied to a face.''

“And what did my actions tell you?''

“To take my shot from a distance and stay away from your tail.''

“I see.'' She grinned. “And what if I were to tell you I have ranged abilities as well?''

“What if I were to tell you I've only shown you one of my tricks?''

“I'd press you to reveal them all, so I may crush you and demonstrate my superiority.''

“You actually think you can take me on?'' I chuckled at that. Wait, when did the tension in my arms give way? “I guess there's nothing wrong with having big dreams.''

“You have any idea who I am?''

“Someone a lot of people want dead.''

“You're right in that regard. Know why that is?''

“Probably the usual shtick.''

“Which is?

“You're the great demon queen, Azala if I heard that idiot right. You rule from a castle over the seven sectors of... whatever this world's term for `big scary place' is. Demons love you, the rest not so much, thinking you want to destroy the world. They tried to kill you and didn't get very far, so they prayed to some disturbingly cute goddess. After getting tired of their pleas, she anointed a knight with promises of magic wishes and prosperity for all if your head is presented on a silver platter. Ironically, that would be the case if you were left alone. How am I doing so far?''

Her eyes grew with every sentence before she burst out laughing.

Bingo

Any lingering doubts about whether she was hostile disappeared when she grabbed hold of her stomach, still laughing. “You...'' Straightening herself didn't stop a few last chuckles from escaping. “Aah, that was the best laugh I've had in months.''

“So my theory was spot on. Which raises the question of your presence?''

“I saw you talking to the Knight. You're an unknown among both sides, so I wanted to learn more.''

“And the verdict?''

“Well...'' She glanced at the heap of metal plates. “You're surely not a friend of the Knight.''

“And you?''

Giving her chin a scratch, she stepped forward and held her hand out, palm facing me. “Azala, as you deduced.''

“Uhh...''

“I believe that's their form of greeting,'' Nev replied when I only stared at her hand.

Right. I copied the gesture, making sure to keep Scythe from falling. “Gatix.''

She only chuckled in response. “It is clear you are an outsider.''

“The armor would give it away.''

“Less than you might think. When greeting, it is customary for palms to touch.''

“I see.'' I stepped closer to complete the gesture. Small was the immediate thought. “We have a similar gesture where I come from.''

“And where is that?'' She stole a glance at her hand as she brought it back.

“Earth. Doubt you've heard of it.''

“Across the sea?''

“Across many things, actually.''

“I see, and what brings you here?''

“Resources. I'm looking for a mineral. I was told it would be around here, somewhere.''

“What does this mineral look like?''

“Uh...''

“Trisortium appears in the form of white-yellow powder.'' Azala's eyes widened when Nev answered for me. “It usually forms inside high-pressure environments. Seeing it with the naked eye is rare.''

“Your armor has another occupant?''

An AI. She wouldn't understand that. “Call it a spirit guide.''

“I see.''

“And what about you?''

“Excuse me?''

“Being the Demon Queen, you'd have your fair share of enemies, yet you're strolling through Knight-ridden woods. Unguarded, I might add. Something doesn't add up.''

“What's it to you?'' She asked with a flick of her tail.

“Just wondering. Don't matter to me.''

“Hmm...'' Her eyes darted between my armor, the weapon, and the dead Knight. “And if it were?''

“Excuse me?''

“I could use some company on my journey, and it could be of interest to you.''

“I'm all ears.''

“The accursed idiot, or somebody involved with him, tried to assassinate me. Remember the bracelet you cut off?'' I nodded my response. “It was tampered with by somebody capable of wielding advanced magics. Interrogating my staff will send them into hiding, so I'm pursuing other means of figuring out who they are.''

“You have a spymaster or something for that?''

“I do, but I don't know who else might be a traitor, thus I'm hesitant to ask somebody in my domain.'' She gestured to a location somewhere to her left. “Three days travel from here lives the Seer of Shoefu. He has aided me in the past - I'm hoping he could do so again.''

“You want me to join you on your journey, make sure nothing gobbles you up, and as a reward, I get to chat with this seer of yours.''

“Aptly put,'' she grinned. “I'm not too worried about being gobbled up. I have faith in my abilities.''

“Means I don't have to take my bodyguard duty too seriously.'' I shrugged. “Nev, what do you think?''

“While I am still unconvinced about the presence of actual magic...''

“Says a spirit guide,'' Ms. Queen interjected, which got an audible laugh from me.

“... I believe her point to be valid. Any information we can get about this world will help us in your quest.''

“And the bits you found here?''

“I am unable to pinpoint its exact location. I am still getting interference on my scanners. It is likely the amount is minimal.''

“Then you have a deal, Ms. Queen.'' I clipped Scythe to my back.

She smiled. “Just Azala.''

“Sure thing. But before we go, shouldn't we be getting some supplies?''

“Why?''

“You can survive three days without food?''

“I see, you're not used to magic. I should be able to teleport close to the Seer. We'll have to make our way on foot for the last stretch, he has created wards to block most forms of magic.''

“You're the boss, Ms. Queen. Anything I should do when you start chanting?''

“Just stand still and think happy thoughts.'' She walked closer and stopped within arm's reach. A purple circle formed around our feet as she created a glowing ball of flame between her fingers. I was impressed. A small part of me was having fun seeing actual magic.

Maybe she sensed it, for she looked me in the eye and gave a wink. “Hope you have fun. Beweeg!"

And everything turned black.