Chapter 168: Old, Grouchy, And Hates Everything

The three girls and their two guards appeared on the canyon floor, and then the MechaBee Drone, CharBee, landed beside them.

"Everything looks clear for a long way around us. I went on a quick round trip around the area with six of the other Drones, and now they are holding a hexagonal perimeter," Messia explained in the MechaBee mechanical droning voice that all the Drones shared.

"Thank you, M. Maybe just stay outside the village for now, and I will signal if we need you. We don't want to frighten the people too much, and I am sure that they can all see the massive floating fortress that is hanging above them," Miasma said to Messia.

"Yes, I will be watching, but just make sure not to be rude to anyone," Messia said, eyeing Beezli, who threw up her hands in a fit of rage.

"What is wrong with you people?! You know that I already traveled the world and was loved enough by all to be made into a Risen goddess!" Beezli retorted, but Messia shook her head. 

"I know about how you traveled the world Beezli, not all Bees know the story, but I do. I had spoken to the Sage when I was younger. She told me of all the things that you did to help yourself but ended up being helpful to others. So yes, you were loved by all, but I don't think that you ever intended on actually helping," Messia accused Beezli.

The goddess looked like she was about to lose it, but Pelleta took one of her hands and then looked at Messia.

"Maybe you heard stories, but I was there. Beezli is a bit rough around the edges, but she does care about people. She just had a different way of expressing herself, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't care. You have all been here supporting Ashia the entire time since she was born, but Beezli only had me. So, try to be a bit more understanding and give her a chance," Pelleta said, and Messia nodded.

"Yes, I am sorry for coming off like that, Beezli. I am just constantly thinking of Ashia and how she likes to just walk in without a plan. Maybe you both just have incredible luck that guides you each time you blunder. Still, I should not be acting like this with you, and I am sorry," Messia said, and Beezli let out a long sigh.

"I suppose that you are right to worry about me, especially if you have heard some of the stories that I have. I swear that every story told about me is blown out of proportion, good or bad! Regardless, I will watch my tongue, and I shall not speak of me even being a goddess," Beezli said, and Miasma nodded to her and then to Messia.

"Okay, now Messia, keep watch from a distance, but please don't get too far. Ever since I was able to control the TeslaBee, I have been more aware of my lack of combat prowess," Miasma told Messia, and she nodded back before leaping in the air.

Miasma turned back to the two goddesses and then looked at the large strange-looking Tepees that made up the entire village. The Tepees were wrapped in a translucent covering, but it was hard to make out what it was from the distance that they were at.

"You don't need to worry too much about troubles. I have fought a dragon with my bare hands and without Pelleta's help. So, the two of us will be worth more than any drone!" Beezli said with a laugh, but Pelleta rolled her eyes as the five started to walk.

"That was not a fight to the death! You were the one that challenged the dragon to a wrestling match!" Pelleta complained, but Beezli just smiled and patted the top of her head.

"That was still a fight, and I still won! I beat that dragon-like a red-headed stepchild!" Beezli said with a couple of mock punches forward.

"Let's just try not to put ourselves into a situation where we will need that much strength, okay? It would be better to deal with this as peacefully as possible," Miasma said with a sigh as she followed behind the two goddesses.

Tag and Sig were just enjoying the entertainment, but the two of them were keeping their eyes on the canyon walls. There were many caves, and the fact that the Snake Folk were not living in them disturbed both the guards.

"What do you think? Those holes in the canyon walls could be most troublesome," Tag said as he scanned over the caves that seemed to be everywhere.

"That is why we are here! Being excellent guards is our job, so we just have to do that. I do wonder what might be in there, though? I don't remember the Snake Folk living in these tents, do you?" Sig asked, but Tag shook his head no as they followed the girls.

"I think that we should take the girls to see Nala; she will be able to tell us what is going on. M!" Tag called out, and the three women stopped and turned to look at the men.

"What is it?" Miasma asked, and Sig pointed to the caves.

"Tag, and I have come here before to get medicine, but when we came, they were not living in these tents. Something must have happened to drive them out of the caves, but I don't think that Seshia will speak of it to outsiders. We know one of the healers, and she will be more than willing to help us, but…." Sig trailed off, and then Tag picked up where Sig stopped.

"Nala is old, grouchy, and hates everything that does not serve a purpose to her. She is also one of the most adept healers that this village has; it's just that no one in the village likes her," Tag said with a grin.