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Eternity Awakes

Seal 1 of 3

-A wolf in Human Skin-

And the those crimson embers glowed, while the flames licked up from the the ground that lay around. Gods, or those referred better as, immortals freely roamed from the shadows and the discretion which their human geise would bring. Lesser known due to being hunted by their own kind, had fled their greater known statures, only revealing themselves to one another when a time was needed for fear of another may claim them. This very moment spoke no different, one to take another away from this world. A body, broken, beaten, struggling for its final few breaths, lay behind the silhouette of a fearsome, imposing figure. One of domineering caliber, broad, and physically at his, or it's peak. The poor beast that lay behind could see as parts of his flesh began to flake away slowly, barely able to keep itself in the land of the living. He lay within an indented shallow ditch within the ground with areas surrounding him torn and heavily augmented as he reached out towards the one whom had inflicted such suffering. The overshadowing, hulk of a brute breathed deeply as his muscular biceps flexed, as his barrel-chest gave rise and fall in the wake of the fallen's penultimate moments.

“They say, that Cain walks the earth for the greatest sin he had ever committed, he had slain his only brother under the guise of betrayal and because of that his punishment was to live an immortal life amongst mortals. Nothing is as disgraceful and disgusting as the immortals that live about in this wasteland," the wolf began. His eyes looked as if they could pierce through concrete with the meerest glare. He huffed for a moment, staring about into the distance. As the wolf deliberated on his actions, his already towering figure only seemed more intimidatingly immense from how the shadows even bounced off the ground and extended forward. The canines eyes closed lightly to savour this moment a little longer as he inhaled the feeling of excitement. “For the most beautiful of things a mortal can experience is death, in body and mind. I cannot die from the heavenly wounds inflicted on me instead my gift shall be that of death itself, I will be the reaper even to those who cannot die, to those of your type. The sooner you're all done away with the sooner my like minded brethren can retake the heir as human gods."

In it's brutalised condition, the feathered creature behind, coughed, “Y-you're far from any biblical figure, nor heaven nor hell recognises us? We should remain lost… and you, you're no god, nor kuffff-kufff," he coughed as blood shot forth, not allowing him to finish. He could see the wolf muddle his paws together displaying his sharp claws still dripping with the former's blood. Horatio merely through blurred vision peered at them, knowing how he'd used them on him. He knew full well how they had pierced through his flesh repeatedly as he lay smeared in his own life essence.

“You're wrong, as Shakespeare once wrote, There's more things in heaven and hell, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. So isn't it ironic I should come across an immortal named Horatio? But I'm not the talkative type, however there's a reason to this."

Coughing again, the injured owl put up the brave front, fearful but stern. “I have no reason to answer anything."

“Oh?" Those claws of rubbed against one another, literally sharpening them as sparks came off them. He was prepared to continue, and Horatia knew this. He could see the wolf's gleaming fangs, carrying a menacing snarl that bore tremors even through the owls stern composure.

“You heard me," the owl retorted to simply have the wolf reply in gesture as his chest puffed out with his tongue licking across those glistening fangs, hungering for the kill. All that was left to do here was to slay this one, before moving along to the next. He intended to deal with each, and every one of those bastardized other immortal's which prevented him the same dream from when they were once deemed as Gods.

“Why don't you understand? None of you do, we ruled over humans, Anubis, never understood me either, when he stepped down, and vanished into the shadows. Those who were brave enough to stand, were slain by those like Anubis because they sought to have pathetic humans take their own destinies. Hence your liberators developed these weapons capable of killing other immortals, and since I gained one, I shall help you with the device of your own making."

“You need a shrink. Just live like kufff-kufff like the mortals, humans, have peace…"

“They war, rape, murder, and kill. They're delusional and need someone like me. Before I kill you, I will give you the opportunity to repent and be spared. A deal. If you answer my next three questions that is?" The wolf held his hand out as rock and mud crawled up his body, collecting within his paw, and with his power exuding to his craft, he shaped it into a clay figurine of another. “It's a ripe pick. I seek to kill this immortal next. If it is true then, your powers can see the whereabout of all things you wish to find, including our kind, so tell me, where can I find this one?"

“I can only say, this one doesn't remain in one place for long, and when you should come across where I say, you will not find the one you seek… Ever."

The wolf gave a sarcastic clap. “Bravo, I like the fire in you. So I'll just have to extract that answer through agony, and I have my means, call it my modus operandi. Not knowing death, I'd always imagined it's caress akin to the desire of others at the end of the days."

“Do it then? You have an immortal killer, so put me out of my misery."

“I believe you may have influenced Shakespeare, befriended even in human geise to pass a tale in which he crafted into a finely spun play, let me quote you this. 'Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.' Hmmm, and I say this to you now. It's wonderful isn't it, and there written, or shall I say happened, stood Horatia within the Danish courts, the only survivor, why? Because he's a lowly immortal swine. Now your own quote shall stand true with you, while I stand over you as the only survivor. Of course not the danish court, but one of earth and barbs that I'm returning you to. Let's begin the interrogation and you will beg for it before long, telling me what I need for that merciful blow."

In the near distance around, the agonizing screams were heard by creatures and even humans for hours. The sounds were haunting, chilling before they were finally snuffed. It would have been safe to assume whatever damned creature lay up the mountain pass, died an agonizing death.

-o-O-o-

A week passed, and the skies hadn't looked so wonderfully peaceful as they did today, illustrated with splashes of light blue hues, and dabbed with cottony whites that flew adrift. It had been days since it last looked so appealing, which came as a welcoming change to her. Ambling along the bank, with the stream flowing by her ankles, she remained off the main roads. Although she would have herself believe it was for the scenery, ideally, under the veil, it simply was to avoid interacting with others; sanctioning her privacy with little white lies. Finding the shade of the trees refreshing and the scent of nature mingled from the countryside to the wind, she felt she was in control of her life at last. Bittersweet illusions found in the refuge of her isolation. Not caring for who did, or who did not understand her, still she contented herself in dreams. Even so, with each day, the soothing silk words she comforted herself within became more difficult to find. She enjoyed the higher grounds of these mountainous passes.

Hearing the lofty tweets from nearby trees in their lulling pitches to sooth her feline ears. Turning her head as her blue locks fluttered up by a firm breeze, it so happens it was then she chanced upon a small bird, flapping one wing on its side. Keen eyes were not needed to see an imminent danger to this eagle hatchling from would be nearby predators. Taking a few steps towards it, she cautiously reached down to take the small creature briskly, yet with care into safe sanctum of her palm.

“Oh bubbles! You poor dear. All birds are tasked with the cruel job of having to learn to fly with a leap of faith, I guess it's in your design. Nature is faulted this way. Even knowing you may end up down here and eaten by something, you still tried. Let's see sweetie. Hmmm, seems your little wing is broken from the fall. Don't be scared, I can help you with this." Raising her hand below an earthly green leaf from the tree it had just taken it's fall from, a droplet of rain water fell, lingering from the night before. Trickling down into the centre of her palm, she whispered her magic as the little sparrow chirped contently hearing the gentleness of her voice. The feline genie's eyes glowed a light hue of soft blue light, briefly as did the droplet in unison, imbuing it with enchanted properties. The bird softly brushed it's cheek to her smooth golden skin as she brought both her clawed hands together blanketing the young. Unable to help it, she gave it a parting nuzzle with her humanoid nose along the top of it's head before reaching up. She just barely was able to place it on the lowest branch, having to tip-paw to reach. 'I've always known Golden eagles to be further out. I wonder how it ended up so close. I guess they're like me, avoiding human disturbances.'

“You should have been something's meal, but the world isn't always fair, and that's why we need to take second chances with more care. You're wing should be fine now, take your time when you try again little guy." The girl turned to walk away as her furred blue tail swished behind her. The little bird tweeted loudly in appreciation, seeing the last of her golden smooth skin, and flowing blue attire. Moments passed as she could see rides in the distance.

It's better I avoid mortals. They're… Her senses became acutely tuned to a presence. Why is there an immortal mingling with mortals, it's usually trouble. The people of the world have become ignorant to us, and what they can't explain they do with preposterous excuses of rationality, passing it off as unexplained or an accident, even a natural disaster, but that is what is probably going to happen there. I should just leave it, ignore it… I can't fight it, it seems too strong. I should make my detour around as lengthy as possible, but… I can't ignore this either, why now must I want to play the good samaritan. I'm not a fighter... Innocents… Why did it have to be so many children… If it's one of those types of immortals, it'll massacre them too. Okay calm down, go in, check this immortal out, then draw it away, but then what. Okay do this like I did the last one.' Horrific images from the last encounter filled her mind which caused her body to shiver. 'I did still manage to then. Barely. Fine… I can do this, I have more experience. Then why am I terrified?'

Her pulse was rising, making the last minute decision she whispered a spell in arabic before taking a deep breath, her pawed feet and clawed hands became enchanted with a blue mist. Zana drove herself along the ground with thundering speed, her front half lowered as her hands hit the ground to rush like a true feline on all fours. Her tail swirled away while her two long skirt tassels flowed like two additional tails. She'd be damned if she let this happen a second time. The first warred heavily on her mind, so many were taken away before she could do anything. A large fencing was seen in no time, her leap carried her scurrying up the side as she scaled it's several meter heights before flipping off the top and dropping down into the theme park.

“Huh?" She couldn't feel it anymore. Questions came quickly, had it noticed her advance by sensing her? Had it already known of her and drawn her to it, was this a trap? Could it be non-hostile, or just as afraid as she was at times and being cautious? This would be a game of cat and mouse from what it seemed, but who would be the mouse? 'I think I'm in over my head, but if it's strength I sensed is anything to go by...'

Her hand came up over her head, while her finger extended to whirl in slow circles as the tip illuminated brightly. From her silky blue lips, the hushed words blew to a spiral, ambiantly glowing with a sight only another like her could see. Sparkles took hold, caressing her slim form, carrying a pleasing momentary tingle. Her blue furred ears were first, reshaping to human-like followed by her other non mortal features, as her claws to the end of her fingertips receded to form nails, and pawed feet to conform with a more fitting look to blend in. A simple spell to mask was all that it was, not that her physical features had truly changed in anyway. Her former attire had made way for a mint green, silken, summer dress which matched her eyes as they turned from blue, to a rich green. For those who would be fashion victims, she was grateful not to fall within that same ditch, retaining a stylish and rather contemporary appeal. Cut mid thigh, and sleeveless with straps, it exuded a burst of varying green toned floral designs to bloom her left side to contrast it's main green. Her ethereal, immortal beauty, a trait of her supernatural species dwindled down into a very average Jane as she flicked her red hair behind her, contented with the appearance she'd adopted, and on more than one occasion. She'd missed this form, and found the few freckles around the cheeks a little cute which were scattered along the newly adopted pale skin.

Sounds, they came in abundance, of laughter, of chatter and of cheers as the people mingled, partaking in their activities. Following her ears she came out from behind the trees to a bustling open area. With unease, she looked around seeing countless people all going about their lives, blissfully unaware of the potential monster within their midst. The feline took careful steps passing the unaware. Shamed, by being afraid, knowing her feline instincts were going wild to run and don't look back, but she didn't, remaining convicted to her current course of action. Trying to sense it again, she failed, there wasn't another feeling of this creature's presence.

'Could I be losing it and imagined it was here, or are my senses failing me due to… No, I think… I must be tired, nothing is here, nothing, now get away from here quickly…' Standing confused, she looked around as if she were a lost sheep not knowing where to turn to. Her eyes curiously stopped at a stand where couples had gathered to queue for a log ride. She wanted to take one final look around to be certain before she moved on, it could possibly have moved on, unlikely, either that or she needed that rest she knew was overdue.

Suddenly, she noticed a male, curiously eyeing her, adorning a rather friendly smile. Turning around, she checked to see if it was someone else he was looking at, but seeing no one there, her head turned to him again.

'Why is he looking at me like that?' The dark skinned male, taller than by a couple of feet, slowly walked towards her as she took a single step back instinctively. “Y-yes?"

“Are you okay there miss? I can help point you in the right direction if you're a little lost? That's if you are that is, as you do kinda look that way haha. I'm very familiar with this place as I come here rather often." With the way she looked so confused he probably was concerned. He seemed sincere, and she often told herself that she was a good judge of character on first sight having lived in this world for much too long. Still, not knowing this theme park, and not wanting to be inhospitable, it wasn't in her nature to be rude as she nodded.

“Sure, thanks." This could provide her with cover, to seek whom she did. Besides, this human could provide insight to rides and locations as it did seemed quite vast for her. Having him to guide her could help her cover ground discreetly, while scouting here. She began looking around again.

“Miss? Miss?"

“Huh, sorry," she replied seeming a little preoccupied.

“Well, you won't be lost for long so don't worry. My names Exi, and you?"

“Zana, nice to meet you, although that's quite an unusual name, is it short for something else?"

“Yes, but that's a little personal."

“I'm sorry I won't ask then."

“Well don't worry about it, I'm not taking any offence silly, just a little long winded, besides, I might tell you later."

“Hmm later huh? So I'm assuming you want to tag with me a little."

“You got me," he said with a sheepish smile. “That's if you don't mind, I'm kinda by myself so I could do with the company even if it's little just to show you around."

“I've not really had any for a long time. Why not, and it's my first time here," she said, returning a warm smile. Considering he may work out as a chaperone if anything, it beat just asking for directions, although she was a little wary in case he would be caught in a crossfire of immortals. Still if it was to happen, then he possibly could be safer with her.

Exi pondered, tilting his head to the side as he brought his hand to his chin while his eyes roamed around the theme park. “As you've not been here before, how does this sound, we hit something like a rollercoaster, it gives a great view of the mountains to the south and the countryside to the east with the river running through it?" Exi was engrossed, staring at the variety of those outdoors enjoying themselves while watching some of the pleasures of the people around him. Some carried heart shaped balloons, others with some kind of romantic novelty or other. Notably even amidst the fun and follicking, the odd pickpocket weaved through the dense cluster of people. “Keep your eye on your wallet, there's eager fingers around here."

“Thanks for the heads up, so this rollercoaster you mentioned, I've… I've not been on one as I've never given it a thought before," she said, wondering if it would help her gain a vantage point. Ideally, it would provide the opportunity she needed to spot this immortal if it was masking it's presence now.

“Look, over there!" he said pointing towards the rollercoaster, the queue rather small. Abruptly he felt a tug. “Huh?" he gasped as she took him by the arm and pulling him along with a zestful appeal around her. “Okay, I get it, seems someone is full of energy, you're pretty excited."

“Definitely am, now come on, I want to get on it quickly! Besides you talked yourself into being my guide now." She marched him a few meters to the ride as they lined up. 'I hope this doesn't take too long, I really need to find this immortal, and quickly. I hope it's a false alarm, but still, I just need to be sure. Got no idea what I'll do, can't believe I'm diving in, I don't even have a single offensive spell… This is such a bad idea…'

“Guess we'll wait, but the ride comes around pretty quickly, this one is called the reaper, see the picture over there?"

“Oh, seems ghastly, is it safe?" 'Not that it can kill me, but falling off still would hurt a lot. Oh deities of of the eastern deserts, am I scared of a human ride? Hahah.' Nervously, she reached up scratching the back of her head, coyly staring at him with a half twisted smile. Her reservations on the subject clearly showing.

“It's perfectly safe, besides, I'm here, so no need to fret. Did you know the scythe he has was used as a harvesting tool, but it had been adapted to also portray a tool with a means of decapitation?" he asked as he held his hands behind his back. A faint red glow, reminiscent of energy which flamed a little, flickering for a moment down his finger, out of sight as he licked his lip while her head was turned.

“Oh I see," she said wondering that's kind of a strange thing to comment on, but didn't think too much on it, passing it off as him being nervous and trying to make conversation. She reached for him tugging him to her as he gave another surprised expression. “Stay close or we'll lose out place in the queue."

“Sorry, haha, you do have a little bit of a feisty side," he cried, laughing as the red menacing energy dispelled having been forced to reveal his hand, leaving her to suspect nothing out of the ordinary.

“R-really!" she cried letting go again. “Sorry, I do get a little carried away."

“It's okay, I kinda like it," he replied causing her to shy away a moment as a silence took them briefly.

They waited a little until they finally reached the barrier as the porter undid the rope to let them pass, while another took them to their little carriage as she pulled him along eagerly. With all this tugging becoming more habitual, the fun loving girl she once thought she'd left behind, began to surface more. Although she told herself it was more in urgency, of this immortal being anywhere, at this point she would tell herself anything. Exi of course wasn't in a position to say no, and she felt he was having fun. Sitting down, giddy as a school girl, the warm carriage seat from the former passengers felt nice as he sat down besides her. Another attendant buckled them in, one by one before pulling metal bar down over them, finally securing them as she raised a brow. “Is this really necessary?"

The man nodded. “Yes unless you want to fall out miss. So snuggle up with your boyfriend, and enjoy," he said as she flushed.

“He's not my boyfriend," Zana huffed with an adorable pout.

Exi snickered, “Nevermind him, we can still enjoy right?"

“Yes," she said as she began looking around.

“Something wrong? It's not started yet and if you prefer we can skip this one as it does go pretty high, not to mention fast?"

“I think I'm made up of pretty stern stuff."

“Alright, I'm here with you, so let loose and give a scream or two when we hit the dips?" he winked.

“Heh, alright, but cover your ears as I can be pretty loud, or maybe I should cover mine when you squeal?" she replied, winking back.

There was a jerk as they felt themselves moving off, beginning the climb. Once more she kept looking around as they creaked higher and higher. The view became wonderful as she could make out much more and see a lot more people moving down there.

“It's a lovely view isn't it?" he asked, wondering if that was kinda a cliche line.

“Whoa, I guess, I can see the mountains and countryside from up here, it's rather pretty."

They reached the peak of the ride as she gulped looking down. “Erm," she sounded as he looked at her give into a little shiver.

“Stern stuff right?"

“Yes, st-stern as steel."

He let out a little laugh, not teasing her back this time. “This is the best bit, so hold tight," he said as they tipped over the edge.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!" she screamed as the speed hit, and she was pushed back into the seat firmer. The softness of her shaking hand moved along the bar to instinctively grip on over his, as if for dear life. He moved his other hand to cover over hers giving a reassuring squeeze.

The shimmering vibrant reds of her hair swished, as the fell fast with the air rushing past her cheeks. The velocity of the ride was incredible as she felt her eyes watering with how fast the wind was taking her. They reached the bottom with the sound of screams coming to a halt, feeling the fast turn come next, pushed her more up against him. He felt the warmth of her dainty body pressing up against his as he gave a contented smile. Her heart beat faster as they climbed to the next peak before rushing back down causing her to scream again. All the notions of finding this immortal washed to the back of her mind as the ride took her, and as much as she would have let herself believe she was tougher than she was, it was clear she wasn't. Taking a few more turns and dips with expressing speeds, the ride finally came to a slow stop.

“How was it?" he asked with a tender smile as he watched her gasping a few times to catch her breath, before she reached up with a loud cheer.

“Wahoo, that was so-so incredible. Buuuuut I so don't want to that again in a hurry," she said as he gave a hearty chuckle.

“Come on it wasn't that bad."

“I guess, hehe," she giggled back.

The attendant walked around raising the bars of the carriages ahead of them, as he approached theres, he looked down at her. “Thought you said he wasn't your boyfriend haha."

“Huh? What do you mean?" she asked as he me made a teasing eyebrow, and eye gesture towards her hand, still gripping onto his. “Oh, this? It's not what it… Nevermind." Withdrawing her hand swiftly, she turned her head away shyly. Giving a poorly acted angry gesture, she crossed her arms over her bosom, standing upright as she walked off from the ride.

Taking to his feet, Exi paced to catch up with her again and slowed to walk besides her. “Hey-hey don't let him get to you. So want to hit some other rides? Come on, show me that pretty smile, I know you want to?" he encouraged.

“No! I want to go to one a little away from this one. Somewhere I don't see that man!"

“He was just being playful, and now for that sweet smile of yours, I can see it trying to break through."

“Ah, you got me, tehehe, I'm being silly." She suddenly paused in her steps, looking across seeing candy floss with large bubbly eyes that he couldn't help keep his own off, finding the childlike innocence cutely amusing. “Oh bubbles! I've not had any of those in a long time."

“In that case, how about I buy my charming little redhead some. Rides are free once you're inside but you have to pay for food and drinks, and as seen as you're great company, my shout, how about it?"

“Really? Thanks, and I'm far from charming, I'm a firecracker, tehe. Want to try some games after this, if you're up for it? We can win prizes. I bet I can get more prizes then you can. Oh, and I'll give you a chance to beat me too!" she said waving her finger in a playful taunting way. The more time she spent together, the more she was feeling herself let go, and she knew she needed to keep sight of her former objective.

“Don't worry, I'll give you a chance though."

“Challenge accepted, and I don't need handicaps, I'll smoke you," she smiled blowing a little raspberry at him.

“Oh, so that's how it is, you cheeky little minx. Then it's settled, we will do a couple of them, and then a few more rides after I beat your cute ass. Sound good?"

“Cute? Tehehe," she blushes turning looking down twiddling her thumbs then gained some composure with a cough. “Ahem, Delightful!" she said with a nod, giving him a sweet wide eyed look.

Waiting, she watched him moving towards the candy stand. Taking a deep breath she focused on the area around her closing her eyes as people walked on by. Where can this creature be? I can't sense it anywhere anymore. Nothing, maybe I should drop it, it's either moved on, or wasn't here to begin with.

Exi's eyes moved to the corner as the man at the stand worked a thin wooden stick around the metal bowl collecting the fluffs of candy as he worked it into a bunch. A serious expression moved across Exi's face as he secretly spied on Zana. “Hmmm too many people, I need to get her somewhere quieter, drawing attention to what these mortals don't understand would be stupid."

“What was that sir?"

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking aloud about how good that candy looks, I can practically taste it with that sweet smell. I must really be good if I can practically taste it."

“The best my-dude!" he said as he handed two of them over as Exi exchanged cash. Walking back to her, flames briefly licked through his pupils in the most intense look as he gazed at her intently. Turning his head away he pointed his finger out towards the nearby ground as a glyph drew itself out, before vanishing, leaving no trace as it concealed itself. Not even the immortal eye would know it's there, at least until that moment. Peering in the other direction he smirked. “Soon," he whispered before returning his attention to the redhead before him. 'I wonder what her true form is, guess I'll find out soon enough as will she,' he thought. “Hey, dozing off while on your feet?"

“Eeeep!" she cried, half jumping out of her skin.

“Hehe, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. You seem a little jumpy, must have been that ride. This will cheer you up, the taste is to 'die' for," he said holding out a bunch of candy floss for her.

Zana nodded. 'Maybe I should loosen up as there's nothing around. This guy is really sweet too, but I better be careful, as I think he's growing on me, and more than I would have wanted, but it feels nice, for once.' She reached for him as her hand brushed along his briefly as she looked deep into his brown eyes. 'I wasn't really paying attention before but he's got gorgeous deep eyes. And he's kinda real cute for a mortal, not to mention really kind.'

The male tilted his head to gesture for her to follow him. “This way, come on, weren't you going to give me a good ass whooping?"

“Yes, and then some, bring it!" The girl had a playful zest to her that seemed to be growing as she loosened up he noticed, and once more, he felt his hand slapped and gripped onto as she marched him in the direction he appeared to be heading.

“Oh feisty aren't we?"

“You've not seen the half of it. Wait till I get started." Zana felt some alleviation, she'd not had this much fun in what seemed like an eternity. She was really enjoying the candy as she took tiny little bites out of it making sweet sounds. “Mhmmm eeek so good!" she mumbled.

“Glad you're enjoying it, but do you know where you're taking me?"

“Oh…" She stopped apprehensively peering about before an adorable perplexed expression took her. “Hmmm." Glancing around, she shrugged sheepishly, not knowing which way the games were. “Erm I guess I feel a little embarrassed but I'm not sure."

“How about I lead you instead? You're so excitable like a kid in a candy shop, and it's rubbing off on me too as I also missed the turn off." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and led her back down the way they came, but took an immediate turn to the left.

'Oh gods... I've not even realised we keep holding hands…' His firm hand gave her reassurance that she didn't need to be alone. “Hehe, I guess, but I've not done anything in so long, that I feel tingles and goosebumps all over."

“You're incredibly likable and already grown a lot on me. Not to mention attractive, you know that?" he asked swaying his head to the side and giving her a smile that made her feel warm and fuzzy inside.

“But I'm very plain looking you know, not the looker?" she said as she flicked the reds of her hair behind her, pointing at her little blemishes.

“What, and a guy would be stupid not to notice how you're gold inside."

“G-gold? Are you teasing me?"

“You'll know when I tease, just being honest, you're fun, just saying. And I for one am for people who are amazing to hang around."

“Say that to all your friends?"

“Only the special."

“Oh, I'm special now? You're not half bad yourself."

“Only half, I can be all bad if you like. Now that's teasing." he giggled. The sight of the first game took her, as couples were engaged. From a glance, it was simple, with the objective of getting the ring around the floating plastic ducks neck. “Want to start there?"

“Oh, you're on, remember that pounding I'd said I'd give you?"

“Go on, show me then, I'm game, but don't feel bad if you lose, kay?" he said as she rushed up ahead. Within that moment he whispered another incantation pointing at another area as another glyph appeared before vanishing as it concealed itself.

“Are you coming?" she called back as he nodded and rushed up besides the gentle girl.

There was a middle aged male, adorning vibrantly coloured clothes, a red shirt with a floral collar, who's game stand it was. “One token, get three tries, take your chance, everyone gets something, so step right up."

Zana frowned, tokens? She had neglected the fact some of these games required them and she didn't have a single one. This would be a scene of embarrassment after having challenged Exi. The man across the counter looked at her hand and then back up at her as his burly mustache twitched having noticed the lack of a theme park wristband. “Where's your admission band missy?"

Quick on the ball, Exi butted right into the conversation. “Sorry, she had it on her before we went on the rollercoaster, it must have fallen off back there, see I still have mine?" he said as he raised his hand and showed him. The security was lazy, at least when you were in the park and no one usually checked but this guy was one of those no nonsense types. “Give the girl a break, have one of my tokens instead, is that okay and then we'll go sort out her wristband after the game?"

She played a perfect smile and batted her lids at him, with sparkling green eyes giving an irresistibly innocent puppy look. “Pretty please?"

“Hmm fine, seems fair," he grumbled as he took two tokens from Exi. “She doesn't seem like the trouble kind."

Zana immediately responded to him. “Thanks, you're really kind sir, amazing even."

“Haha, you're like sugar, but don't try sweeten me up too much, you've already got me, so go on ahead and enjoy yourself. Here," he said as he put six rings down on the counter. “Three each, and show your man who's da boss. Don't think sweet talking me further is going to get you a better prize little lady as that ain't happening."

Exi nudged her and gave her giving her an impressed smile. “That's some heavy eye hits you gave him, I don't want to know how much you can get out of me at this rate."

“Hmm, not enough," she replied sticking her tongue out at him, and picking up a ring. She leaned over beginning to take aim as the male shook his head pointing at the line on the counter.

“Not allowed crossing it, or it's a void." As he said that, from her side, Exi already threw his ring as he missed.

Turning she grinned. “My turn now, one at a time, no cheating!"

“Go ahead," he urged with a hand gesture towards the ducks. He observed her amicable body language as she closed one eye and squinted with the other. He almost laughed as her tongue curled up over her upper lip. He couldn't help but admire her and the way she came across.

With undivided attention, she took her throw, and by chance she hooked a duck! “Yay! I got it, I got it!" she cried as she stood up right with clapping joyfully and with a couple of hops. He couldn't help but have admiration for her lively spirit, and warmth she gave off around her, neither could the stall man.

Exi felt the rise in the challenge. “There's no way I'll be outdone, I'm playing for real now," he said as he threw with a spinning edge to it. It landed around the neck. Before he knew it, she had thrown her one and it had also landed around the ducks neck. “Hey weren't you supposed to wait until I was completely done with my turn?"

“You have to keep up if you want to keep pace with me! And I'm going to get that big bear!" she cried playfully.

“Oh so that's how it is?" Once more he threw again, this time in sync with her as her ring hit the ducks head and bounced off it, and his hit the main body, splashing into the water. He noticed an immediate sadness in her expression.

“I really wanted that big teddy, guess not this game."

Exi looked at the guy. “It says we need to get three rings right, if you combine her two with my one, it equals three maybe?"

“You trying to pull a fast one? No chance. It's three per person for the top prize."

Zana, looked at him with a sad pout, her eyes watery as she opened them wide as if she were about to cry. “Thank you anyway Mr, you were really kind to let me play," she said and turned away.

“Damn it, hey kid, take it!" he said reaching up to take the big one down as he placed it on the counter. Zana rushed back, leaning over to surprise him as she placed the softest kiss to his cheek.

“Thanks sir, I won't forget this, you're amazing!" she said snatching the teddy off the counter as she gripped Exi's tugging him away with her.

The guy at the game reached up and rubbed his cheek with a coy little smile. “At least she's really greatful, sweet kid, hope she has a great day."

Ahead, approaching the next game, they continued with laughter, unknown to her what or who she was with, but for her it was for the first time in an eternity she had bonded with another person. It seemed the king of seldom had left her for once, and the times she felt the loneliness had washed away. She had long since almost forgotten the sound of her own playful voice when happy. Immortal she may have been, but, blissfully unaware of her company's true identity.

Exi smirked inwardly. 'Not too long now…'