57 Cantankerous Courier

Malichai was now sitting in his office, reading over some documents. He reaches for his white coffee mug, holding it near his mouth. Before taking a sip, the door to his office opens, and in walks Barret. As Barret stepped forward, Malichai sets his cup down on the table.

"Can I help you?" Malichai asked, letting out a sigh.

"Oh uh, yes. I'm just checking on the current status of our mission objectives." Barret explains, crossing his arms.

Malichai moves some hair out of his face, and looks back to his documents. "Nothing has happened yet, because all of you have yet to begin your search. Am I to do everything for you? You're really not making me think any better about your organization... AM was it?" He scoffed, sarcastically.

Barret grumbles to himself, "(I'm sorry your majesty...) R-Right, we should get out, and look for suspicious activity."

Malichai stands up from his seat, and walks to a door behind his chair. "You perhaps should hurry. Leave."

Barret nods, "Yes sir... I'll inform you if we find anything... Sir." He says, heading to the office door.

Malichai turns to Barret quickly, "Oh, one more thing. Tell your feline friend, to be careful around Sheka and Lilly. We wouldn't want them getting attached now, would we?"

Barret turns back to Malichai, "Uhh... Heh, I'll leave that to you sir."

Malichai shuts his eyes, "Hmph."

Barret takes his leave, exiting the office. As he steps outside, he noticed Issac approaching the camp from the woods. He was with a mysterious youth, that Barret didn't recognize.

"Issac, hmm... (Who is that with him?)" He asked to himself, walking in the direction of the two.

As he progressed closer to the middle of the camp, Issac noticed him, waving. "Hey chief!!!" Issac called, from the distance.

Barret smiles, walking closer, as he meets up with them, in the center of camp. "Hey, glad to see you made it back okay. Who is this?" He asked, directing his attention to SJ.

Issac pocketed his hands, peering over to the pale skinned boy. "Witchhazel's friend, SJ. He helped guide me here, after I ran into Witchhazel's shop in the woods."

"Pleasure, I'm sure." SJ glanced to Barret, giving the taller man the chills.

Barret laughs, nervously, "Y-Yes, nice to meet you. A friend of Witchhazel, is a friend of mine."

"So, what's going on? Everything alright, after I bailed back there?" Issac tried to show a smile.

Barret turns his attention to Issac, "Oh yes, things are fine so far. Myde has the sisters occupied at the moment. As for the other three.

Imogen was taken to the infirmary, and those men are with him." He explained.

SJ stood quiet, as he lit a cigarette, observing the two of them.

"Great, so those guys are still here. Peachy." Issac crossed his arms, grumbling.

Barret smiles, forming a sweat drop, "Well, on a high note, at least they're more willing to be up front with things...To a point. The leader here is a real peace of work." He says, turning his attention to Malichai's office.

"Piece of work? How so?" Issac quirked his brow.

"I'll put it this way, Xiao was hard on us, but this guy. I don't think there's anything on Terra that can soften that heart." Barret says, placing a hand to his head.

"There are always ways." SJ spoke up, exhaling some smoke. "Oh, don't mind me."

"Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't took off. You seem like a busy guy." Issac peered over.

"I have some time to kill. Might as well take in the sights, while I'm outside of the manor." SJ mentioned.

"Still something really dark about you. Might you be a necroden? I'm sorry for asking, a lot of things interest me..." Barret asked, placing a hand to his chin.

"I'm a Dread, so you can say so, I suppose. Interest wise, you're not my type." SJ replied, flicking some ash from his cigarette.

Barret quirks a brow, "That's not exactly where I was going. I WRITE things down in my note pad, but wait, DREAD!? You're a Dread!?" He says, his knees starting to shake.

"Indeed. Do you have an issue with that?" SJ replied, his gaze on Barret.

"(I'm getting the feeling that this isn't going to go so well.)" Issac sweat dropped.

"Well uhh, Issac said he ran into the Princess of Dread, a while back...With all these Dreads popping up, and the reputation. I don't know if to be scared, or excited...." Barret says, rubbing the back of his head, nervously.

"Ah, you mean my sister. She's always getting into mischief, and mayhem. Quiet the hard one to handle." SJ remarked.

Barret's eyes widen, "Your sister!? So, that would make you the Prince...The one who also created the Power Glove technology? I need to go lay down, before we get into more heavy mission work...This is just too much."

"Dude. We have to investigate the island for any Zodiac activities. There's no time to lay down. What's gotten into you?" Issac crossed his arms.

"Oh, r-right heh, don't worry, just all the info I guess. I should take you to talk with Malichai...Though ... I really don't want to go back in there..." Barret says, sighing to himself.

"Then forget him, and we can just do our thing. Might be a bit short handed to split up though." Issac stated, casually.

Barret nods, "Yeah, thinking. After that encounter, having the Dama unit around, plus a possible Zodiac makes things even more complicated. Maybe we can recruit some people from the camp to help us?"

"Might not be a bad idea. I'm sure they have to have a few people who can handle themselves." Issac nodded. "Though, SJ. You have time, interested in helping out?"

SJ shrugged, "I suppose."

Sheka was now walking near them, with some folded towels. She noticed them talking, "Oh? Mr. Barret, who are these two boys?" She says, adding in a giggle.

Barret laughs, "This is my friend Issac, and this is SJ." He explained to Sheka.

"Ohhh, I wish I didn't have all these chores right now, but with all these strong men popping up, I might not have any work to do soon." Sheka says, jokingly.

"Are you asking us to help you, Sheka?" Barret inquired.

"Oh not if you guys don't have the time. I was on my way to the infirmary, to check on Imogen's status." She says, adjusting the towels in her hands. Sheka looks to SJ. "How about you? Would you mind helping me? I promise I won't keep you."

"Hm?" SJ peered down to her.

"Well, we do have see if we can find extra hands, before heading back out there. You should help her out. Well uhh, that is if you want too... (I just don't want to deal with kids.)" Barret says, crossing his arms.

"(Barret's bossing him around now, after nearly pissing himself? I'm not sure what he's thinking anymore.)" Issac peered between them.

"Very well." SJ put out his cigarette, before he took some of the towels from Sheka. "Just lead the way, little girl."

Sheka giggles, "You're such a gentleman!" Sheka says, walking ahead of SJ, "This way, okay?"

SJ followed after her, not seeming to care either way. Issac watched them head off. "He's surprisingly easy going. Any who. We should go look around, before it gets too dark to investigate the outskirts of the camp." He stated.

Barret nods, "Right, let's go."

Sheka was leading SJ to the infirmary now, and she looks back to him. "So, are you working for them as well? Or did you come here to see the island? I don't see many handsome men."

"I go wherever I please. Whether the journey leads to something insignificant, or perhaps some ironic turn of fate; then so be it." SJ replied, his gaze ahead.

"Turn of fate? Ohhh that sounds pretty romantic. I wish I could go places, but I'm stuck here with my sister, for good reason though..." Sheka says, looking back to SJ.

"Everyone is to walk in the path that Joan has cast out for them. Wherever it leads, that's what's to uncover." SJ peered over, with his purple eyes.

Sheka nods smiling, "Yes, I wonder if you might be the one..." She says, keeping her sight on SJ.

"Pardon?" SJ inquired, with an unsure look.

"Oh! Uhh heh... Well, I had this funny feeling you might have agreed to help me... Because you like me..." Sheka says, shyly.

SJ seemed a bit dumbfounded, turning his gaze ahead. "You're mistaken."

Sheka hangs her head down in shame. "Awww, alright." She says, as they finally near the infirmary. Sheka looks to SJ, "Okay, he's inside. After were done, you can head back to the others. I'm really sorry for coming off like that!" Sheka says, still a bit shaken from her earlier comment.

"It's quite alright. Ladies first." SJ held the door open for her.

Sheka nods, smiling, and walks ahead of him. When they enter, they spot Imogen, he was just pulling his under shirt over his head. He gawked at Sheka, awkwardly. "Sheka? What the fuck, can't you knock?"

Sheka sighs, "I'm sorry Imogen, I just came to check on you. Why are you out of bed? You should be resting! You have really bad burns, and you know what Malichai would say."

"Blah-blah-blah. Always about Malachai. For a princess, you're really a kiss ass." Imogen scoffed, grabbing to his jacket. He was pulling it on, when he noticed SJ behind Sheka.

"Hey! The only reason I go on about Malichai, is because he saved me and my sister. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be here right now! You also might not have anyone to tend to your wounds." Sheka says, pouting.

"Not to intrude on the conversation, but was there a place you wanted these to go?" SJ spoke up.

Sheka perks up, looking to SJ, "Oh yes, sorry about that. You can place them in the dresser there." She says, pointing to a wooden dresser.

SJ walked passed her, over to the dresser. His eyes seemed focused on Imogen, as he crossed the room. SJ began placing away the towels.

"Well, let me check your scars Imogen, then I'll be out of your hair." Sheka says, walking over to him.

"Keep your hands off me, Sheka. I'm fine, okay." Imogen stepped back from her.

Sheka shakes her head, "No, you can act tough, but those can become infected. Now stop it." She says, reaching for Imogen.

"Perhaps you should give him time to relax his mind. With how on edge he is, I'm sure whatever caused the infliction, was unnerving." SJ spoke up.

Sheka sighs, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay Imogen, you win. I'll leave you for now, but I'll be back to check on you later." She then looks to SJ, "Thank you for your help there." Sheka says, smiling.

"Of course." SJ replied, proceeding over to the doorway. His eyes glanced back to Imogen briefly.

"Yes, are going back to the others now?" Sheka inquired to SJ.

"Perhaps." SJ peered over to her.

Sheka looks to Imogen, "Imogen? You stay in this room now, I mean it."

"What are you, my mom? I told you, I'm fine." Imogen quirked a brow.

"Not until we know for sure. I have to go check on Lilly. I'll see you later, Mr. SJ." Sheka says, walking to the door.

Before opening it, Malichai pulls the door open. He looks down to Sheka, then to the two boys in the room. "Leaving before our guest, Sheka? Not smart."

"I was just leaving." SJ turned off from them.

Sheka laughs uneasily, "I'm sorry Malichai, Imogen wasn't cooperating, so I was going to step out for a little, to give him time to rest more." She says, placing a finger to the side of her face, nervously.

"Go. I'll take it from here." Malichai says, stepping aside, to allow Sheka to pass by him.

Sheka nods, as she walks out of the door. SJ followed after her, his sharp eyes peering up to Malichai, as he also exited the room.

Malichai sighs to himself, and moves some hair out of his face, "Imogen? You seem well." He says, looking in his direction.

"What do you want Mal?" Imogen crosses his arms, boredly.

"I need you to take the Ele-orbs to these different locations, that I have in mind." Malichai states, stepping forward to Imogen. "Too many new faces, and we don't need them getting any ideas. So to keep them safe, I need you to hide them for me."

"Why am I not surprised?" Imogen groaned.

Malichai looks to Imogen, sternly, "You shouldn't be, the orbs are powerful. They can awaken the Atom Maker, or worse. Take your missions more seriously, or I'll be giving you cleaning duties."

"Blah-blah-blah, I get it." Imogen scoffed, pocketing his hands.

Malichai takes out a brown pouch, from hidden under his cape, and hands it to Imogen. "Start on the mountain, there's a map inside, which pin points the other locations I want you to hide them. If under any circumstances you are found out, return at once."

"That all, or are we gonna stand here all day?" Imogen inquired, in annoyance.

Malichai turns from Imogen, smirking, "No, that's everything. You might want to pack an extra bow or two. That unit is still looming out there, so make sure you're prepared for combat."

"Wait, you're sending me off on my own?! What the fuck is wrong with you, Mal!? That THING nearly blew me up, with explosives!!" Imogen snapped, angrily.

Malichai turns to Imogen briefly, "You're the only one I can trust with orbs here. Anyone else would perhaps run off, causing who knows what kinds of destruction. Besides that, I also see the girls are fond of you. Then that makes you their protector, and thus the orbs as well."

Imogen sweated, with uncertainty. "... If you say so."

Malichai nods, "Well then, I believe you have a mission to start."

"Right..." Imogen stepped to the door, grabbing his quiver and bow.

Malichai watches Imogen leave the room.

Outside, in the middle of the camp. Issac was speaking things over with Barret and now SJ, who joined the group. "So, doesn't seem like there's really anyone here, to help us go search the island for any threats." Issac crossed his arm, tilting his head with a soft groan.

Barret nods in agreement, "Yeah, it's almost as if, well, no offense to Malichai, he's running an organization full of feeble forces." He says, letting out a sigh.

"It would appear so." SJ closed his eyes.

Issac placed his hands behind his head, looking off to the camp. "So, guess we need a new plan here... Hm?" He was saying, when noticing Imogen leaving his tent. "Hey, it's that kid. Why is he up and walking around?" Issac gawked slightly.

SJ peered over, quietly.

"Good question." Barret says, placing a hand to his chin.

Imogen was walking by, glancing briefly to them, however he turned off quick. His pace increased, as he made his way for the camp path, that lead to the mountain.

"He's off in a hurry." SJ noted.

"Yeah, too much of a hurry." Barret says, looking to Imogen, "I'm going to speak with him, I'll be right back."Barret states, hurrying over to Imogen, to investigate.

Issac and SJ are left there, as he reaches the ginger haired boy. Imogen stumbles briefly, glancing up to Barret. "..."

"Hey, where you off to? You nearly died back there, you should be in bed." Barret says, appearing worried.

"Fuck you." Imogen sneered to the taller boy.

Barret sweat drops, "You have a lot of bark, but you know good and well, how dangerous it is out there right now. Tell me where you're going, Malichai might not be happy to know you're out here like this."

"Butt out, asshole." Imogen flared his teeth.

Barret crosses his arms, becoming annoyed, "Okay, fine I'll just follow you then. The last I want is for you to fall to one of those units, or Zodiac. Your brother wouldn't want that."

"..." Imogen turned off from him. "Do as you want, just keep your nose out of my business."

Barret nods, "Wait here, I'll be right back." He says, as he hurries over to Issac and SJ.

Issac looked to Barret, as the older boy approached him. "So, what's up?" He inquired.

"He didn't say much at all, so I'm going to after him. I'll do some investigating while I'm out there, playing chaperone. You and Myde keep a good eye on the camp, when I get back you can take your turn to investigate. I think this will be the best plan, in case anything happens." Barret explained.

"Whatever you say chief." Issac kept his hands behind his head.

SJ turned to Barret. "Perhaps it would be wise if I accompany you out there. You never know what dangers could be looming."

"Hmm yeah, given what's been going on lately, but then I don't really know you all too well. You did say you were a Dread..." Barret states, nervously.

"Your concern is misplaced." SJ's eyes sharpened.

"Not to interrupt here, but... Uh, that kid's heading off on his own, dude." Issac spoke up, pointing Imogen's way.

Barret gasps, "Urgh right! Well okay, come on SJ. We should hurry on after him." He says, rushing off from Issac and SJ.

Issac glanced back to where SJ was standing, but he seemed to be gone. "Uh... Wasn't he just standing here?" He muttered, glancing to where Barret was running.

Barret continued after Imogen, finally limiting the distance, at the hill. Imogen was shifting his quiver, on his shoulder.

"Hey!" Barret yelled, coming to a stop behind Imogen, "Nearly lost you there, I told you to wait."

Imogen looked back to Barret, with lazy eyes. There was a gust of wind, knocking Barret back to his butt, as Imogen kept walking. "Elementar, dumb ass."

Barret was surprised, shifting to his feet quickly, "You're an Elementar!?"

Imogen leered back, "No shit Sherlock, I DID just say that. Man, you're stupid." He said, turning back to see SJ standing before him. "... (Where did..?)"

"I knew that! But my gosh, it's no wonder you're back on your feet so quickly... (My travels around this world, have really taught me a lot... What I hated, now makes me wanting to just know more...)" Barret thinks to himself, he then glanced ahead to spot SJ. "Oh? SJ you caught up quickly."

Imogen brushed passed SJ, with a huff. He progressed further up the hill. The sharp gaze of the Dread focused on him. "Don't be so hasty now, you may need our assistance, to whatever quest you are embarking on. Needless to say, we're not here to stop you." SJ spoke up, noticing the ginger peer back, boredly. "You really should smile more, it would suit you more." SJ teased.

"..." Imogen turned back off. "Whatever..."

Barret was just walking behind the two of them now, he was eyeing the scenery. "(Hmm, beside mission work, this would be a great place to come vacationing to.)" He looks back ahead to Imogen and SJ, "(Seems SJ is keeping him calm, that's good.)"

The trio progressed further on the trail, following Imogen's direction. It was quiet for some time, before the silence was broken.

"So, you guys gonna say something, or just hover over me like this, the whole way?" Imogen spoke up, in slight irritation.

"Oh, do we have permission to speak now?" SJ teased, lighting a cigarette.

Imogen glanced back to him, "No." He scoffed, with a slight smirk.

"Now you're just contradicting yourself." SJ remarked.

"Says who?" Imogen looked back slyly.

"Are you having fun acting in this manner?" SJ inquired, holding back a chuckle.

"...Maybe." Imogen muttered, looking ahead.

Barret was just listening to the two of them, "(Wow, this is the most I've heard from either of them. I guess they're becoming friends.)"