Chapter 30.

- Come on, do it., said Nick excitedly.

Rose was in front of him, hesitation painted on her face.

- Don't worry, you won't hurt me., he continued. I just want to feel how strong you can be.

Finally, she gave in. Focusing for a few seconds, she raised her fist. Her pale arm began to swell a bit, and the veins became more and more visible, turning dark purple instead of blue. Then she clumsily struck the man's open palm. Even though he was ready for it, Nick was surprised : the power behind Wild Magic was astonishingly great, to the point that he had to take a step back because of a light punch from a frail girl. His hand felt numb for a few seconds as he stared at it. He had used magic too, to harden his muscles a bit. Following that he smiled widely and said :

- Isn't that great ? You can probably fight quite well now !

Rose looked stunned, alternating looks between her fists and Nick's face.

- We're not gonna actually ask you to fight in the frontline with us, don't worry., intervened Enora after casting an annoyed look at the man. You don't have the gear for it, but you'll be able to defend yourself in case things go wrong.

- Right !, said Nick in an embarrassed tone. That's what I meant. I'm not going to have you fight hand to hand just like that ah ah !

Leaving Rose to her thoughts, Enora dragged the skinny guy a dozen meters away and whispered :

- What are you thinking ? She's shocked enough without you putting the idea of risking her life with us in her head !

- I'm sorry okay ? It was on the moment !, he answered on the defensive. You should stop trying to pamper her though. She might have to face direct threats alone at some point, and I'd like it better if she had some experience of it beforehand.

- Are you preparing to leave her or something ?, continued the tall woman in an angry voice. Because I'm not !

- Whatever ! You shouldn't be too protective. It's not great for her., tried to conclude Nick while walking away.

She went after him, and they kept on arguing next to the basin.

- I am too protective ? Come on ! She killed three Devils the other day, and I did not say anything about that !

- You've got nothing to say about it !, he answered. Look, sweetheart, she's not a kid, and apparently, she's not the only one that needs to understand that.

Then he left a stunned Enora for one of the exits, for security. It was not the first time they disagreed on something, but never had it happened to that extent. "How come she doesn't get it ? Rose isn't our pet, she's a member of the team.", thought Nick while observing the dark corridor. He still took regular looks at the women, curious about their doings.

Rose was trying out her new abilities in Wild Magic, lightly punching a wall on the other side of the room, while Enora went to sit near the other passage, away from him. "How old is she to act so childish ? Turning her back just not to see me, really ?". Nick was astonished and a bit amused by the warrior's actions.

He still thought he was right though, and even Rose appeared to agree. At least he was sure the girl did not consider herself a part of the group, more like a passenger, and was probably feeling good knowing she could contribute. Of course, it was a gut-feeling, but he honestly felt that way. "Plus I'd feel a lot less anxious if I knew she could fight in case there's trouble. Even as a last resort."

The man sat on the ground, pondering about those matters for a bit longer before beginning to purify more basic energy. They had decided to stay in that room for a few days, to heal their wounds and prepare for a possibly more dangerous march than usual, as maybe the monsters were waiting for them to leave. The Grey Devils could also attack them again, but the position was easier to defend than a big cave or a large tunnel.

After some long hours of Cultivation, Nick stood up to eat a bit. Truthfully he had been putting off that moment for the whole day, dreading another bite of the disgusting flesh, but his stomach was not on his side on this. So he went to the fire, passing by a very asleep Rose, and grabbed a piece of cold meat. He chewed on it with an ugly face, trying his best to think of something else. Enora was there, still showing her back to him a few meters away.

- Come on, sweetheart, time to belch., he said quietly to avoid waking the blond next to him.

- Why don't you ever call me by my name ?, questioned she as an answer.

- Don't know., he said. Come and eat.

She did, standing on the other side of the fire while doing more or less the same as he, with the sorry face and the disgust. A few silent minutes passed before she came back with her annoyed voice. To Nick, it looked like she was looking for a fight, maybe to let off steam or something after the recent challenges they all went through. It would not have been that surprising.

- Tell me now, why 'sweetheart' all the time ? And why do you always oppose me ?

- I don't !, he answered, also annoyed. For 'sweetheart', I guess it's friendly, maybe I shouldn't, but I'm not 'always' against you. I just think that when you are wrong, I have to tell you.

Already fed up with the situation, Nick just took his blankets and pelts and went to the other side of the basin. Yet Enora followed, saying :

- Well I don't know why but the whole sweetheart thing is irritating ! Again, I have a name !

He took a few moments to put down his stuff while the woman complained before suddenly turning around.

- Look, I'm sorry, Enora. Will that be enough for you ?

They were not a meter away from each other. The tall woman stared at him for some time, trembling a bit. Why though ? He did not know, but some sort of tension arose and, sure enough, the fight resumed. However, it was not exactly the same kind of fight. Enora firmly grabbed Nick by the shoulders before drawing him close for a wild kiss. He was so surprised that he did not think of responding before it was over.

He quickly understood where the tension came from, the trembling and even the reason for the fight : a mix of pent up anxiety and fear. The constant danger and possible death made it hard to unwind, especially when it was time to sleep, like there and then. So, apparently on a whim, she went for the type of fight that rarely resulted in insults, and not often in injured pride, while still reaching relaxation.

- You fine with that ?, she asked slowly. I mean it's not … you know. It's just …

- Yeah, I know., he quickly answered. It's just … don't overthink, right ?

She nodded once before getting back to it.