Restart

"Now what should we do about this..."

Currently sitting across the campfire from Arsha is Onyxia, greedily munching on the jerky Arsha prepared for the journey back to the Vatican. The girl shows no hostility towards Arsha, even though a sword was pressed against her neck moments ago.

"Is it tasty?"

*Nom nom nom*

"Ahem!"

"!"

Onyxia jerks and sits up, waist straighten with both hands on her lap as if given a signal, not forgetting to let go of the jerky. Arsha made a heartbroken squeal, the half-eaten jerky is now peppered with sand and campfire soot.

"What are you doing!" Arsha quickly picked up the jerky and dusting it off.

Onyxia stares at Arsha without a word of apology. Though slightly annoyed, Arsha was finally able to get her attention.

"I have many questions for you, yet first thing first, how are you still alive?" Arsha was confident that the girl's heart stops beating.

"..."

"...Hey, say something." Arsha urges for an answer.

Onyxia does not reply to Arsha's inquiries, just sitting there staring at Arsha. Arsha stares back into Onyxia's eyes, trying to figure out the girl's thoughts. Onyxia's eyes are fixed onto something, trailing the line of sight, it lands on the jerky Arsha holding...

"Hmph!" something snapped inside Arsha as she shoves the last piece of jerky into her mouth. That night, Onyxia is visibly shaken by Arsha's retaliation, rolling into a ball at the corner of the tent.

*****

Arsha bids goodbye to the small village at twilight, only the newly appointed village chief is there to witness her departure.

"Thank you for the hospitality." Arsha gives her departing words while making sure all the luggage are fasten tightly onto her trusty steed. The "luggage" squirmed a little, this sent a jolt into Arsha's shoulders. The chieftain watches as the paladin sweating bullets, trying to hide the luggage behind her.

The chieftain just give a solemn nod and starts walking back to the village, they want nothing to do with her anymore.

"..."

Arsha make a deep bow to Orn, and whisper "I am sorry."

No one heard the apology, but the weight on Arsha's heart lightens albeit slightly.

*****

Arsha unpackage Onyxia from the rucksack after confirming the village of Orn had disappear behind the horizon. Onyxia's hair is disheveled, she is covered from head to toe in mud from escaping her grave, but all things aside, she is very obedient and have no intention of leaving Arsha.

"How am I going to explain this to higher ups after this... Nessy's going to chew my head off for this." Arsha scratches her head with both hands.

"Argh!!" Arsha thought 'might as well kill her again' and lops off Onyxia's head with her sword, what happens next left Arsha's mouth agape.

Black tendrils sprout from Onyxia's neck stump, Arsha watches in awe and disgust as the girl picks up the head and proceeds to reattach it. Arsha ready her sword for Onyxia's retaliation, but her opponent just stood there staring back at her.

"What are you?" Arsha ask beneath her breath.

"..."

*stomach growling*

The silence is broken by Onyxia's empty tummy, the paladin let out a heavy sigh and sheath her sword. Arsha concluded the her blessing is not suitable to slay this monster.

"Xia, let's go get something to eat at the next town." said Arsha straddling onto her horse.

Thus, the odd pair of demon and paladin departs to the next town.

*****

From within the barracks the clacking of heels against the stone floor can heard, Paul walking down the corridor lit up by the afternoon sun, stopping in front of the door at the end of corridor. The curtain of light between the pillars cast a grim shadow over Paul expression, his brow furrow, eyes staring down on the floor.

"Come in." those are the words that broke Paul out of his trance. He gave the door knock and walks in.

Sitting in front of him is a woman in her late twenties, piles of document are placed on her desk waiting for her review, her quill is writing non-stop except occasionally dipping into the ink bottle.

"State your business, if you have nothing to say then get out my office." the woman spoke in harsh tone.

"I am Paul, reporting on mission to investigate the appearance of holy maiden in Orn!" replied Paul standing at attention.

"Continue."

"We were able to verify the maiden's miracle."

"We lost ten of our men from an ambush."

The quill stopped for a spilt second when Paul mentions about the ambush.

"Hostile is in possession a giant class bestia demon, it was slain by paladin Arsha."

"The total casualties of the conflict are 201 villagers, among them is the subject of investigation."

*Snap*

"..." Paul is waiting for the signal to continue.

"Harghh... anything else?" She lets out an exasperated sigh, the quill is now splinters in her hand.

"This is my letter of transfer, I wish to transfer to another division." answer Paul.

"Are there no ground for negotiation?" She slumps into her chair covering her face with a palm.

"..."

"You may leave now, I will arrange for your transfer."

*****

"Xia, I need to you to stand here and wait for me, understood?" Arsha gesture to Onyxia. Arsha has to convince the owner of the tavern, to allow the dirty Onyxia into their establishment.

*stomach growling*

"Stay here, don't move an inch, I'll be right back."

As Arsha enters the tavern all eyes are on her, people start to murmur to each other, her bloodied armor makes a good topic for gossip on the dinner table.

"May I have a room for two? Also we will want some hot water."

"That will be 2 silver coins." the owners says as he fetches the key.

"My roommate is a bit dirty, can you let her in?" Arsha ask while handing 3 silver coins into the innkeeper's hand.

"She ain't gonna be dirtier than you are." said the innkeeper locking the coins away.