Chapter 190 - Day DXXIII

I woke up with the sun and went to buy a quick breakfast from the device. Marcela was already working there. This girl was unbelievable. It was like she never slept.

- I heard you are going to the canyon, so I took a portion for you from the cafeteria - she said and pointed at one of the tables, filled with bandages and other medical supplies.

There were two bowls there, barely fitting in.

- Thanks - I said and grabbed one.

- You are welcome. I would say 'just don't die there', but I doubt you will - she stopped for a moment, and faced me. - I actually saw you fighting, and I have to say that you are a monster. In a good sense. Just as your friends said yesterday, don't do anything stupid, and bring us a lot of crystals. We need them. Your friend, Sanders, could use some for his leg. She also could.

She pointed at Zora.

- I'll do my best.

After those words, I just started eating, and she immediately returned to work. Patients needed fresh bandages and a bit of clean-up.

- You should get some help - I said when I finally finished the food.

- I have few newcomers helping me, it's just too early for them.

- But not for you...

- I'm used to this - she turned again to me and smiled. - Just like you.

I nodded.

- Have a good day, Marcella - with those words I left.

I summoned my shadows, to pull the carts for me. It made a bit of fuss, but not too much since most people were still asleep. Then I departed, heading straight to the goblin cave. I killed every single one of them on my way there and also guards close to the entrance.

Something jumped down from the tree, and I reacted immediately summoning a weapon in my hand and repositioning with shadow walk. It was Ki'rai in her original form.

- Morning - she said to me and quickly climbed on one of the carts.

- Don do that, I could have killed you.

She ignored me and turned into Tam.

- And good morning to you too...

- Bawk!

I shook my head, send my minions to pick the crystals, and resumed the walk. With my shadows pulling the carts for me I could observe her. She wasn't doing much, but I few times caught a glimpse of her looking at my supplies, probably for those dried fruits. It brought a smile to my face.

We walked for few hours, and I cleaned the goblins on the way, just as I was doing before. Then we stopped for a food break. Tam-Ki'rai was immediately next to me when I reached for food. I grabbed a handful for her and sat under the tree to finish my portion.

She turned to her goblin form to fill her stomach.

- What else do you eat? - I asked her as she finished the last piece.

- This - she pulled out a tube and gave it to me.

I looked at it for a moment, trying to figure out how it works. There was a small closed hole on the side and a button. I pressed it, and some kind of paste came out. It was grey and had no smell. I tasted it, but it had no taste at all.

- What is it?

- It's food. It has everything.

- Everything but taste and smell.

She almost ripped the tube out of my hand.

- Okey... Don't get angry.

- I'm not angry.

- Yet you almost tore off my hand when you were getting that tube.

She turned back to Tam, and jumped on the cart. I sighed and picked myself up, to start walking again. I needed to be way more careful with her if I ever wanted to befriend her. That was the easiest way of getting some additional knowledge out of her.

From there I pushed it all the way to the cliff before making another stop, to set up a camp, and call it a day. I did the usual setup with barriers around, to make sure we won't get ambushed during the night and will be able to sleep without any worries.

- I could easily avoid those - said Ki'rai in her normal form when I was in the middle of work.

She sneaked up on me again.

- You could?

- Yes. I did it many times as I was observing you. You just need to climb the trees. I can turn into creatures that fly.

- But there is nothing around here that can fly, so we are safe. Besides, the shadows will keep watch. It will be enough.

She didn't answer anything to that, just stood there, and watched as I finished the job.

- Let's eat - I said then, and for a moment, I swear, she got brighter.

I got out some stuff from the cart and shared it with her. She ate all of it, but it was clear that sweets were her favorite.

After I was full, I crawled under one of the carts, and to my surprise, she did the same, only in Tam's form.

- You wanna sleep here?

- Bawk! Kokoko... Bawk!

- Yeah... I guess the conversation is over.

I sighed, as she found a spot close to me, and sat, lowering her head, and closing her eyes.

I looked at the bottom of the cart for a moment, thinking. I was wondering if I should be wary of her, as a master of stealth, and soldier of the unknown fraction, or maybe just treat her more like a kid she seemed to be.

Part of me felt like a father when I was giving her her favorite food, teaching the words, and explaining meanings. I found that It gave me a sense of joy and happiness. But could I really let myself feel that way?

I barely knew that creature, and she was a tool to an unknown force. Potential allies, but also potential enemies. In the end, I couldn't find the answer and just closed my eyes.

Day came to an end with 5 096 140 points remaining on my account, and three class points.