Chapter 4: Possible Traitor

A few hours later Zenesha and Laura found themselves seated in the back of a military truck, a private area away from everyone's prying eyes. It was a custom-built vehicle with reinforced plating inscribed with runes charged with essence. The windows of the truck were made from a specialized reinforced crystal found deep within the ocean, capable of deflecting most attacks on its surface.

The inside of the truck's front cabin were two soldiers; one was driving while the other kept up a vigilance despite them being surrounded by their allies. The leather seats were both comfortable and sturdy, made from the hide of a sea beast and stuffed with a rare form of cotton only found deep within the Abyssal Forest. Behind them was the metal wall separating them from the back of the truck where their leader and guest sat.

The back cabin had narrow slit windows on either side allowing them to see outside but kept them hidden from view. The long benches that sat on either side of the back were made from the same material as the front, making the long bumpy ride pleasant and unpainful. A set of double doors sat at the very back of the vehicle being the only visible way in and out and was locked from the inside with a large bolt.

The cabin itself was soundproof but still let in sound from the outside clearly. On the metal wall that separated them from the front cabin of the truck was a small window that could be slid open and closed for privacy. Along with an intercom system to speak outside directly if needed.

Normally Zenesha would be the one in the front cabin, hating it when others drove her, but the officer in command insisted that she rest and let someone drive her instead. Zenesha begrudgingly listened to them and dragged Laura with her. With no more evidence of her void origins present, having cleaned her face of any trace of black blood.

The two of them sat in silence as they listened to the hum of the truck and felt the sway and bumps as they drove through uneven terrain. Laura closed her eyes, trying but failing to sleep. She wasn't sure what Zenesha thought of her at this point.

"Laura." Zenesha eventually called. "What do you plan to do after you leave?"

"Well first I'm going to have to find more essence. Maybe I'll go to the old capital; that was built on a vein of essence, wasn't it?"

"That place is uninhabitable… can you survive that in your… state?"

"Hmm, I'll figure something out." She sighed, "I could also hunt Beast, and take their essence organs." She answered. "It's slower and if I'm not careful an incident like what happened with the muscle lion may happen again."

The cabin fell silent once again after that. Zenesha looked like she had more to say, but for some reason was holding back. Laura didn't pressure her to speak and patiently waited for the cute fox to speak on her own.

"... How long does your help last for?" Zenesha asked eventually. "What are you helping me with exactly?"

"Hmm, guess until you are home and safe, why?"

"I believe there's a traitor in my ranks." She explained. "I don't know if I'll be safe on my way back home or even when I'm there."

"You're wondering if my help extends to protecting you from a traitor, is that right?"

"Yes."

"Mmm, well normally it would only go as far as your front door. Once I returned you home, I would normally consider my job finished and leave." Laura answered. "But my definition of helping you till you are safe and home, is broad and not well defined." She smiled, giving the fox a toothy grin that showed off her fanged mouth.

"I can help you catch your rodent, my princess." Laura finished with an exaggerated bow. "Just for you."

"You're annoying." Zenesha answered her voice flat, but her tail moved behind her excitedly.

"I try. Anyway, you think they'll try something here?" Laura questioned looking out the window suspiciously.

"I don't see why not. I'm still out here in one of the red zones. Despite failing last time, it's still the best opportunity to get rid of me."

"True, but I can't do much without more essence." Laura answered with a shrug. "I can still take out a few mortals just fine though."

"Mm, I have a better idea. What type of essence can you consume?"

"Any and all kinds, unless it's polluted and corrupted." Laura answers, "Not only do the tainted essence taste awful, but its presence in this world is also unstable and would actually be harmful for me."

"How so? Is it like poison?"

"More like it makes my hold on reality unstable and would cause me to be…." Laura trailed off, her tail and ears drooping before adding quietly, "Before I'm sent back home."

Zenesha was curious by the void wolf's sudden drop in her mood but decided to not ask more. The woman was already much more talkative about who and what she was than she expected. There was no reason to push more and make her leave.

"Well, if that's the case let me make a call real quick."

Zenesha got up and went over to the sliding window and slid it open. She conversed with the people in the cabin for a bit before closing the window and sitting down. A few moments later the truck had stopped, along with the entire congregation of soldiers. Then a loud rhythmic knock came from the back doors of the truck.

Getting up again she unlocked the doors, revealing a young-looking soldier holding a large pouch. On his arm was a white band with two green intersecting arrows, one pointing up and another down. The symbol of a medic.

Taking the bag from the young man, Zenesha gave him a single nod as he saluted, right fist over the left shoulder. Zenesha then closed the door and locked it again, just as the truck started moving. She then approached Laura's location and dumped the bag in her lap before sitting down beside her.

"Here, these are all essence compounds. Like the blue one you used for energy and to speed up the healing process. Green ones here are used to deal with mild sickness such as nausea or an upset stomach." Zenesha explained pointing at each colored vial.

"We even have this darker blue one that also increases the energy in you but will keep you up for hours and even make you ignore some of your natural limits allowing you to push yourself in an emergency. It's both helpful and dangerous. This one is-"

She continued to explain every single use of the different compounds inside the bag. Laura watched the cute fox carefully explain each and every vial and what they could do. She found it cute and appreciated the explanation even if she knew most of it already. The dark blue vial did surprise her though.

"Thanks princess." Laura said smiling after Zenesha finished explaining. "I appreciate the explanation for future reference, but I can ignore the effects while just absorbing the essence itself."

"That's good. Now drink. I need you at full strength."

"Will do. With this much essence I can even splurge a little and completely heal you."

Zenasha's ears twitched as she leaned in. "I would appreciate that. I hate the idea of being unable to fight."

"Hehe, just leave it to me, my princess." Laura said teasingly, uncorking the first essence compound enjoying the warmth coming from the person referred to as the Ice Princess.

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"There, all healed." Laura said smugly. "I told you I could, not even a scar left behind." She then glanced at her right eye. "That wound on your eye had already healed, can't do anything about the scar right now."

"That's fine, scars are a badge of pride." Zenesha answered before adding. "There's also no shame in the lack of scars since it indicates you're able to live a carefree life without hardship, or you're just that good at fighting."

"Weird thing to say but thanks?"

"Mmm" Zensha said as she pressed down on her side and chest. She was truly impressed.

"So, what now? We just wait for something to happen?"

"Basically yeah." Zenesha answered. "There isn't much I can do out here other than wait. Once I'm back in my city I'll start a proper investigation."

"That's good, guess we-"

Laura was cut off as a loud explosion went off outside, sending another vehicle crashing into them.