The Road So Far; Part. 1 [Demon Realm] (Flashback, Solo)

Midnight wasn't much different then any other hour in the Demon Realm, the everlasting darkness still permeated the realm. The only real difference was that less demons were out during the midnight hour, not necessarily because they were sleeping but because the midnight hour was when an attack was most likely to happen. The Makaioshin were always launching raid's against one another for various reasons; land, resources, pride and vengeance being among the most common reasons. The Makaioshin never really seemed to go on these attacks, instead sending their demon minions to fight and die in their stead. It was truly a disgusting practice, telling others to put their necks on the line for your goals without putting ones own on the chopping block, that was the privilege of power though. A privilege that wasn't available to the denizens of their own realm, reserved only for the Makaioshin, outcasts from their own realm and people.

Some would consider Zanza a visionary, most deeming him a heretic or worse, if he spoke about his feelings. Zanza believed that Demon Realm belonged to the demons and he had no doubt that if the demons banded together they could overthrow the Makaioshin, or at least take over a few of the domains of Demon Realm. Zanza never spoke his thoughts aloud though, despite his convictions Zanza knew that too many feared and revered the Makaioshin to risk trying anything. Maybe if Zanza was strong enough he'd be able to make a difference but instead he was just a vetran warrior, not really remarkable besides his remarkable knack for survival, which mostly came just from thinking faster then those who faced him, or occasionally those who stood beside him.

So Zanza was stuck with his visionary thoughts and desire for freedom, whilst he kept his mouth clamped tightly shut and played the role of a lowly soldier. For truly Zanza was naught but a lowly soldier, off on another midnight raid against his master's enemy. As Zanza had come to understand it this raid was meant to send a message to the Makaioshin of this Domain. The message was to watch what one says to a Makaioshin. Apparently this Makaioshin had offended Zanza's lord upon their last meeting and Zanza's lord wanted to show that he didn't take such offenses lightly. Zanza thought it was truly stupid, if his lord had wanted to send that message he'd have been better off gutting the other Makaioshin and using it's head to decorate the parapets. Then again Zanza didn't know how much trust to invest in such rumors since stories around the campfire often held little truth, Zanza had to admit the pettiness of the matter did seem to suit his lords usual style.

Despite Zanza's reservations about the motivation behind this raid, Zanza wasn't one to question orders, that was how you get stuck in a torture chamber for a few centuries. Zanza was in the advance team their job was to sneak into the town, neutralize the watchtower guards, signal the attack and then hold the watchtower to make sure no one got a chance to signal any of the surrounding cities of the attack. Zanza wondered why this town had been chosen while they closed in on the town's outskirts, it wasn't a particularly large town only a twenty or thirty stone huts huddled together around a decent sized barracks and the watchtower. Zanza guessed it'd make a decent foothold if a larger campaign to be launched but there were far better places if their job was just to send a message. What was even more peculiar was that Zanza had been chosen to lead the advance party. Sure Zanza was a veteran but he didn't hold any real rank or prestige, the only reason anyone knew of him was the fact that despite his overly average strength he'd managed to survive many battles where many far stronger demons had fallen.

Zanza didn't really like the implications of his first command, even if it was a small one, it meant either they were thinking of promoting him or that his commander wanted him dead. Neither really boded well as those who rose in the ranks of the armies of the Makoshin usually ended up getting killed for some minor slight. The order had been given though and Zanza accepted it without hesitation. Zanza's squad only consisted of five men, including himself, chosen from the ranks of warriors Zanza had fought alongside before and was moderately sure wouldn't stick a knife in his back during the mission. Zanza had laid out the plan to the others before they set out from camp, they would circle around the town to the opposite side that the army was going to be throwing their assault. There they wold split up, trying to take out as many torches as possible on their way towards the tower. They'd reconvene at the tower to begin their attack then attempt to hold the tower until reinforcements arrived.

They were at their assault point now, Zanza looked to all his men and nodded, waiting only long enough for them to nod back. It had begun. All five demons charged off towards the city four eager to begin the bloodshed, one just wanting to finish this mission and put it behind him. Closing in on the closest house Zanza leaped, aiding himself with his flight abilities just slightly so as to land on the roof. One could fly straight to the watchtower but Zanza knew that flying over a city usually made you a prime target for arrows, or more importantly energy blasts. So instead Zanza decided to stick to the roofs, stopping on occasion to put out a torch. Thankfully most wall torches had a bucket of water nearby on the off chance they caught something on fire. So far the mission had been rather easy pickings, Zanza spotted no patrolling guards and most of the civilians were cooped up in their homes. As he neared the town center Zanza spotted one guard on a roof, just up ahead of him. Zanza moved as quietly as he could up behind the guard who was still quite unaware. In a single swift motion Zanza swept the guards legs out from under him and then knocked his head against the hard stone roof. Zanza quickly checked for a pulse, when he found one he briefly considered ending it but decided that there was no reason to kill this demon when it was already dispatched.

Now Zanza was at the edge of the town center though. The barracks was the closest building to the watchtower and the houses seemed to give the barracks and watchtower a rather wide berth. Unfortunately several guards milled around the town center none seemed especially vigilant but they were all committed to their routes. Zanza waited and watched their routines, finding several areas that the patrols left unattended so that he could make his way to the barracks without being spotted. Zanza waited for one of the gaps to open before dropping to the ground rushing across the courtyard, then flying up to the roof of the barracks. When Zanza landed he quickly scanned the rooftop for any guards, not spotting any he checked to make sure he hadn't drawn the attention of any of the guards in the coutyard.

"You should be more careful advanced commander or else someone unsavory could sneak up on you", a feminine voice whispered from Zanza behind as he felt a point press against his back. Zanza froze, then he heard a soft girlish giggle and the pressure of the blade vanished from his back.

"Damnit Midura I need you to take this seriously or you could get us all killed. Now what do you have to report?" Zanza said in as serious a manner as possible to show that he was all business . Zanza turned to face the grey-skinned demon who was now playing with her knife, shooting her a glare that showed he meant buisiness. Zanza wasn't the least bit suprised that Midura had beaten him here, he'd specifically picked her because she was fast and quiet, also despite her lack of physical strength she was rather handy with that blade of hers.

"Come on commander, don't be so serious" Midura whispered cheerfully giggling again. Zanza just glared at Midura who sighed and shrugged.

"Fine. Entry went according to plan, two guards and one unfortunate civilian dispatched. All easily accessible torches put out. Also it appears that the guard commander's quarters are on the top floor of the barracks in the south-western corner", Midura spouted off in rapid succession, her voice betraying a hint of annoyance at Zanza's refusal to engage her antics. Zanza nodded along with her report, wondering if she'd killed or just knocked out her three dispatches, it didn't really affect the mission though.

"And the others?" Zanza said turning to look back to the other rooftops of the city.

"No sign of them so far. I only arrived a few moments before yourself though"

"We give them five minutes and then I signal them"

"Oh whatever shall we do while we wait?" Midura purred. Zanza felt Midura place her hand on his shoulder, her tail brushing against the small of his back.

"We have a mission to accomplish Midura", Zanza said gruffly brushing her hand off his shoulder with one of his own. Midura giggled, apparently catching something that Zanza didn't get, she retreated a short distance and sat herself down on the roof. Zanza too retreated from the edge and sat down on the roof to wait. With nothing else to do Midura began playing with her knife again as they sat in silence.

Zanza observed Midura for a few moments. Midura was a good warrior, solid under fire and a force to be reckoned with even when fighting against stronger opponents. Midura could honestly rise far if she could put her mind to it. Zanza had heard of a few things standing in her way, mostly her own attitude. Rumor had it that she rarely took missions seriously, something Zanza was now finding out firsthand, also that she often bordered on insubordination with her conduct. Many of those who served with Midura considered her "distracting" as well, something Zanza could understand since she rarely wore more then a black bodice and a pair of small black shorts. That mixed with her having a rather "full" figure and fair face made her rather enticing. Then again Zanza didn't have much to say about being under-dressed since he rarely wore more then a pair of loose breeches, only occasionally donning armor when he'd be charging into intense battle, and some female demons found his lack of a shirt equally distracting due to his physique. Zanza had actually decided against armor on this mission figuring it'd slow him down and make too much noise.

"Eh Commander? Time", Midura said commander a hint of shyness in her voice. It wasn't until Midura had said something that Zanza had been staring at her the whole time. Zanza just nodded but noticed that Midura was now looking away from him self-consciously. Despite Midura's flirtatious nature it seemed she got shy when stared at, Zanza would remember that for later. For now there was buissiness to attend to. Zanza pulled out a small shuttered lantern that was in a pouh on his belt next to a war horn. Zanza quickly flashed then closed the lantern counted to five and then quickly flashed the lantern and closed it again. A few moments later two dark shapes bounded towards the barracks and then flew to the roof.

"Where is Fariel?" Zanza questioned shortly after Banren and Kuriek had landed. Zanza didn't notice any movement in the shadows beyond the border of the courtyard, that did not bode well.

"Fariel didn't make it. Idiot tried to jump a gang of five guards halfway in, he's either captured or dead", Kuriek responded a grimace on his small impish face. Zanza growled, he hadn't been sure about bring that ogre of a demon but Zanza had hoped Fariel would be able to help hold the watchtower once they set off the signal for the attack. Fariel would be a hard loss to make up, but they would have to make due.

"Well then lets get ready then, odds are they aware of our presence. Lets hope this doesn't change the plan too much" Zanza said coldly. Things were about to get serious.

WC: 2094

Zanza took a quick inventory of his remaining troops, Midura was a good fighter and could handle several regular demons at a time but she lacked the strength to handle any really adept fighters. Kuriek packed a surprising amount of of firepower in his tiny frame but he couldn't take a hit to save his life. Banren was a completely different story however, Banren was the kind of fighter you could stick in any situation and odds are he'd come out on top. Banren was fast, smart, strong and Zanza had seen him shrug of hits that would've left lesser demons dying in a pool of their blood. Zanza had been hoping for Fariel to get through so he could help hold the tower entrance with Midura and Kuriek while Banren and himself started at the top of the tower and made their way down.

With Fariel's death however plans would have to change Zanza couldn't leave Midura and Kuriek to hold the towers base alone, cause when the guards realized what was going on they were likely to mass the watchtower. On the other hand he couldn't send Banren with them cause he didn't know if he could take all of the watchtower guards without someone lighting the signal fire. Zanza had to think quickly though for if he didn't then the guards who took out Fariel would report in and then the whole plan would be ruined, Zanza suddenly saw a demon guard limping towards the courtyard and knew he had to act now.

"Banren and Kuriek you two are going to take the tower's base. Midura you're with me, we're going to fly to the top of the tower and fight our way down clearing out all the guardsmen we can so we can meet up with the two of you", Zanza spoke quietly and quickly, looking at each of the demons in turn. The plan might be a little rash but it was the only thing he could think of right now. The other's looked a little wary of Zanza's plan but they all shook their heads in understanding before heading towards the edge of the barracks closest to the tower. The four-demon squad each looked at each other then back to their objective.

"Good luck", growled Banren, his voice like the rumblings of a volcano. Zanza smiled as they all leapt into action, Banren used his wings to glide towards the door of the watchtower, Kuriek riding on his back. Zanza and Midura both flew to the top of the tower, from below a demon's startled scream could be heard. Zanza smirked Banren tended to have that effect to those who saw him, being by far one of the most intimidating demons Zanza had ever seen. Many who saw him had to fight their own fear more then the monster of a demon that lay before them and Banren was no slouch in a fight either.

As Zanza and Midura neared the top of the tower Zanza thought he spotted some movement, less then a second later the whistling of arrows through the air could be heard. Midura quickly banked to the left using her wings to assist in her aerial maneuvers, Zanza however wasn't quite so lucky one of the arrows striking him in the left shoulder before he had time to react. Zanza grimaced and rased his right hand firing several ki blasts randomly at the top of the tower. There was one rather loud scream as a dark form plummeted from the tower to the ground below.

Before the archers could fire another salvo Zanza and Midura were atop the tower. Three guards were present The guards scrambled to defend themselves two of them reached for swords at their belts, one of which was stopped by Midura pouncing on him and stabbing her knife into his throat, his dying screams drowned out by the gurggling of his own blood. Zanza noticed the third guard going for a torch to light the signal fire, Zanza raised his right hand and fired a ki beam that hit the demon in the chest, the demons eyes widened before he fell to the ground in a heap a sizeable hole in his chest.

The final guard rushed Zanza with his sword drawn, swing diagonally across Zanza's chest. Zanza jumped back then snapped one of his legs kicking the blade from the demons hand and off the edge of the watchtower. Zanza then darted forward kneeing the demon in the stomach and as it doubled over Zanza snaked his right arm around the guardsmen's neck and with a quick jerk snapped it with an audible crack. Letting go the body go it fell limply to the ground as Zanza did a quick survey to check that all of the guards were dispatched. Zanza heard a clamor down the stairs that led to the top of their position.

"Midura watch the stairwell while I signal the army", Zanza commanded pointing to the stairwell with his right hand. There was a hint of worry in Midura's eyes as she looked at the arrow protruding from Zanza's left shoulder.

"What about. . ."

"Now! Zanza barked before Midura could finish. They didn't have time for her to be worrying about him, the guards were going to mobilize and rush the top of the tower any moment to try and get this signal fire lit. Midura was visibly worried now but she turned and went down into the stairwell like he had commanded. Zanza grabbed the arrow just above where it had entered his shoulder, he was pretty sure it had hit his clavicle, which had prevented it from going too deep. Zanza gritted his teeth and ripped the arrow out. Zanza rolled his left shoulder throwing the arrow on to the ground, the wound didn't seem to be bleeding to bad, he'd need to get it checked when this was done but for now it should be fine. Hearing the sound of clashing metal back down the stairwell Zanza knew he needed to hurry. Zanza quickly grabbed the war horn from his belt and pulled it up to his lips giving two long blows on it. That was the signal, the army should be begining their charge now.

Zanza heard the sound of Ki blasts from down the stairwell, things must be getting serious, Zanza turned to began running to assist Midura. Suddenly Zanza heard Midura yell out in pain, Zanza ran twice as fast, hopping over the railing of the stairwell. When Zanza arrived on the scene he saw an ogre like demon with a club standing over Miduna who was collaped on the ground. The Demon smiled and raised it's club, Zanza raised his hand and fired a Hell Blitz right into the face of the demon who screamed as his eyes and most of his face burned away. The Demon flailed and fell over the railing of the stairwell, plummeting to the base of the tower and presumably his death.

Zanza didn't see anymore immediate threats so he rushed to Midura's side. Zanza felt for a pulse and felt the steady thrum of her heart, Zanza let out the breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding. Zanza tried to figure out what to do he didn't know how to heal and he hadn't requisitioned any healing items before they had set out. Suddenly Zanza remember that Kuriek knew how to heal, Zanza couldn't exactly take her to him with the fighting going on. Suddenly Midura began to stir and Zanza remembered to breathe again.

[color=pink]"Think that stupid pig face broke my arm"[/pink], Midura said smiling weakly at Zanza.

"Can you move?" Zanza asked the sound of worry highly evident in his voice. Midura proppered herself up with her right arm but her left arm hung limply and she yelped when she tried to move her left leg.

"Okay maybe it was more then just the arm" Midura responded trying to sound light-hearted despite her pain.

"I'll carry you", Zanza said scooping Midura up into his arms.

"Wait! What are you. . ."

"We don't have time Midura. More guards could show up at any moment and I need to get you somewhere safer" Zanza's tone pretty obviously stated that this wasn't up for negotiation. Midura started blushing profusely, whether from being scolded like a child or something else Zanza had no idea, Midura silently placed her right arm on Zanza's shoulder so as to help keep herself stable. Midura then rested her head on Zanza's chest, not just her horns but her actual face.

Zanza felt a shiver go down his spine, not the ominous shiver that generally preceded a horrible event, but the kind of shiver that started at a point of contact shot through your body and warmed your extremities. Odds are that if Zanza could blush that would've caused him to do so. Zanza hoped Midura hadn't noticed, she made no sign of it at the very least. Zanza headed back up to the top of the tower. Reaching the top Zanza looked out over the town and saw some burning buildings on the city's outskirts, and saw the occasional flash of ki discharges in the darkness. Zanza set Midura down next to the stacks for the Signal fire, propping her against it so she was sitting. Midura looked up at Zanza fear in her eyes.

"Zanza. . . . Am I gonna survive this", Midura said her voice shaking slightly, her black hair falling into her face. Zanza was suprised this was the first time she'd ever actually called him by his name, even when they'd served together she had always referred to him as "Red" due to his unique skin color. Zanza was a strong believer in telling wounded soldiers the truth when they were injured on the battlefield, for her odds were that if he didn't get Kuriek up here she'd be dead before reinforcements arrived. Squatting down beside Midura, Zanza looked her in the eyes.

"You'll be fine, I'll send Kuriek up in a few and you'll be back to fighting condition in no time", Zanza said calmly, brushing the hair from her face, his three fingered hand coming to rest against her cheek. Midura closed her eyes and rested her head against his hand, blushing slightly again. For a second Zanza sat there watching Midura but then he pulled his hand away and stood up.

"Keep our head down, I'll be back in a few minutes with help"

"You swear"

"On my life", Zanza responded turning away from Midura. He didn't wait for a response instead taking off back down the stair well. Despite the delay only three guards had made it anywhere near the top of the tower. They grouped together likely hoping to beat Zanza with their numbers. Two had swords and one had a spear. The two with swords rushed zanza standing almost shoulder to shoulder. One jumped forward swinging for Zanza's neck, Zanza leaned backwards striking out with his right foot into the demon's groin, the demon grunted and doubled over, the other darting past him. The second demon stabbed out at Zanza's midsection, Zanza turned to his side, grabbed the demons arm and kicked him in the midsection before pushing him over the ledge of the staircase.

Before Zanza could turn to face the two remaining demons though he felt a sharp pain in his leg. The demon with the spear had lashed out hitting him in the hamstring. Zanza snarled and fired a Ki blast right at the Demon's face, the demon screamed and clutched at his face, dropping the spear in the process. By this point the demon Zanza had kicked in the groin was begining to recover, Zanza punched him in the face and snatched the sword from his grasp. Then using the sword to stab through the demons midsection.Zanza pulled the sword out and let the demon's lifeless body slump to the ground. The demon that had been wielding the spear, was now writhing on the ground clutching his face. Zanza kicked him once in the head knocking him unconscious then proceeded to stomp, breaking the demons skull.

Zanza looked and saw a group of seven more guards rushing up the staircase from across the way. Zanza growled he didn't have time for delays, Zanza raised his hand and fired several ki blasts at the supports of the staircase, causing it to break, sending the guards tumbling down, the broken staircase's fall breaking several other sections of staircase on the way down. Zanza hoped he didn't hit Banren or Kuriek with that but at least this way he only had to worry about people flying to the top of the tower now. With that done Zanza jumped over the edge of the railing sending him plummeting towards the ground below.

As Zanza neared the bottom he used his power of to slow the descent so he hit the ground in a non-bone shattering landing. As soon as Zanza stood back up he demon guard rushed him, Zanza lashed out with his stolen blade slitting the throat of demon easily. Zanza saw Banren weaving in and out of groups of soldiers using the multiple spikes and blades on his body to wreak havoc. Kuriek was nowhere to be seen though, not a good sign. Zanza fired a few ki blasts at lone guards that were out of Banren's zone of slaughter. After that there were no more guards left in the round of the watchtower base.

"Where is Kuriek?", Zanza called out to Banren now that there was a moment of piece. From outside the sounds of battle could be heard, meant the army was likely closing in on the courtyard. They needed help but who knew if the reinforcments were going to make it in time. If they didn't arrive quick enough Midura was going to die, the only option was to get Midura out of here. If they abandoned the tower and someone got that signal fire lit though odds are they'd all be killed for their failure. Suddenly Zanza had an idea, it was crazy and likely dangerous but it should work.

"Banren how're you holding up? Think you have enough energy for a Death Ball?"

"Sure but why would we. . . . ."

"No time for questions! Midura is injured and we need to get out of here now so get to the top of the tower!"

"But we can't. . . ."

"I SAID NOW!" Zanza bellowed at Banren who was taken aback by the outburst. Without another word the dragon-like demon flapped his wings getting him off the ground and shooting up towards the top of the tower, Zanza following close behind. Midura looked up as Banren and Zanza burst up from the remains of the stairwell, she looked confused though.

"Where is Kuriek?"

"Dead. No time to explain", Zanza scooped Midura up into his arms again, before taking flight again. Zanza flew a short distance from the tower, Banren following closely behind, knowing better then to ask questions. Zanza stopped, floating in the air he turned back to the tower, Banren circled around and did the same.

"Banren use a Death Ball and take the tower down" Zanza said his voice cold.

"Clever. Can't light the tower's signal fire if there is no tower with a signal fire", Banren chuckled raising his tail. The deadly ball of energy began forming between the sharp prongs on the tip of his tail. Zanza didn't respond, he didn't need Banren to tell him something he had already figured out. When the three of them floated in silence as the ball built to critical mass. When it did Banren flicked his tail forward and the ball went flying towards the tower. The tower began to crumble as the ball collided with it's side and after a moment the death ball exploded, destroying a large chunk of the tower with it. The tower swayed slightly before suddenly toppling over. Falling to peices on the way down. Raining destruction on the guards that had were still in the courtyard.

"If ever you need help Zanza I will guard your flank. No questions asked", Banren said as they turned from the crumbling tower and began flying back towards the army camp.

"I'll be glad to have you at my side, friend", Zanza said the steel in his voice now softened, a weariness beginning to creep in. Banren cocked his head when Zanza called him friend as if no one had ever referred to him as such before.

"Thank you", Midura whispered just loud enough for Zanza, she sounded half asleep as she spoke. For an instan Zanza felt Midura's lips softly press against his neck, then she buried her face in his neck and fell asleep. Zanza felt that warm shiver once again. Despite the loss of Fariel and Kuriek Zanza felt good about this mission. Yes those two would be missed but the mission was acomplished and Midura would live. Now all he had to do was sit through the debrief.

WC:2853
TWC: 4947

Several Hours Later


"What in the world were you thinking! No one told you to destroy that tower!" The general screamed. Zanza clenched his hand into a fist, he'd been in debrief since they'd returned from the battlefield. So far the conversation had gone much like it was now.

"The situation was rapidly deteriorating, Fariel and Kuriek were dead and Midura seriously injured. I didn't know if we could hold the tower and prevent the signal fire from being lit until reinforcements arrived", Zanza said in as flat a tone as possible. It was beginning to get difficult for Zanza to keep the rising level of annoyance out of his voice. He had explained the situation several times now but the General didn't seem to want to hear it.

"You still shouldn't have destroyed the tower", the general said. To Zanza he sounded almost like a child who had been denied a coveted toy.

"Procedure for missions such as ours is a full razing of the town. If the tower was intended to be kept intact it was not in my mission dossier. My job was to make sure the signal fire did not get lit. With the situation my team was in I didn't see any conflict with orders as to why the premature destruction of the tower would be detrimental to our mission", Zanza said his voice becoming slightly harsh. In the process Zanza reminded the general, that if the general had ulterior motives for wanting the tower kept intact it would be he who was in defiance of orders not Zanza.

"We're done here", the general practically growled. Zanza got up and left before the general changed his mind. Zanza was a soldier he didn't want to play politics with the army leaders. Zanza's place was on the battlefield not leading a covert mission, the brass probably realized that now. Zanza knew he'd made mistakes on this mission, he knew that before he'd returned from the mission. If he had thought ahead and brought healing supplies then maybe he wouldn't have been berated for hours on end for destroying a building that was already going to be destroyed.

"What's wrong Red, you're looking a little blue", Came Midura's voice, with a giggle, from somewhere nearby. Zanza stopped instantly his head snapping up. He had been so lost in thought Zanza didn't realize where he had been going, he now realized he was near the mess tent.

"If I keep sneaking up on you people might start accuse you of getting rusty", Midura said giggling once again. Zanza spotted her standing near the opening to the mess tent, she looked fully healed. Zanza was glad he wouldn't have been able to live with himself if she'd been killed. Beause then he would have lost three of those under his command on his first mission, at least that's how he rationalized it when he realized that's how he would've felt.

"Wasn't paying attention. I was a little lost in thought", Zanza responded sounding a bit defeated. The general hadn't exactly been quite in his berating of Zanza and by now most of the camp knew about it. Nobody knew exactly what was gonna happen to Zanza but rumors were flying everywhere. Some claimed Zanza had already ben executed, an obvious lie, others said that Zanza was going to be dragged before their Demon Lord for judgment, some even stated that despite the general's anger his mission was a success and that he was being promoted. Zanza had yet to hear any of the rumors but he would've been equally displeased with all of them.

"Better than being dead, which I heard you were. Now lets get us some food, before the general changes his mind", Midura said giggling yet again. Zanza wondered if Midura really found herself that funny or if there was some other reason for her constant giggling. None the less Zanza couldn't help but smile slightly at her, which she took as confirmation and dragged him into the mess tent before he could object. They both stood in line for the mess tent silently, neither quite sure of what to say. When they got their food they found a pair of seats and sat down to eat. Zanza was mostly just picking at his food, only taking occasional bites.

"You're being quiet again" Midura stated between bites. Zanza was quiet a second before he responded.

"It's my fault. Fariel and Kuriek's death, your injury. If I had planned better, if I had come up with a better plan. Maybe they wouldn't be dead right now", Zanza responded solmenly, taking a single bite of his food. Zanza wasn't going to regret destroying the tower, cause it truly was the best option given the situation. The deaths however were on his hands, he was their commander and he had failed them. Midura sat in silence, seeming a little shocked. Zanza finished chewing and swallowed his bite.

"At least you are okay, if you died too. . . . . . . Don't know if I would be able to live with getting three people killed", Zanza finished his little speech and just stared at his food. The last bit wasn't exactly what he wanted to say but it seemed the mos appropriate given the situation.

"Don't be so hard on youself, Red", Midura responded socking Zanza in the leg jovially. Zanza wined, she'd hit him right where he'd been stabbed with the spear. Midura noticed her hand came back with blood on it an bawked.

"You are injured!"

"Yeah the healers wanted to see me when I gave you to them but the general pulled me straight into debrief."

"Go see them now then!"

"It's late and there are others far worse off then me. I'll be fine"

"Well you should at least get your wounds dressed."

"But. . . ."

"No buts! I'm gonna go get some bandages and meet you in your tent to dress those", Midura said glaring. Zanza started laughing loudly, he just couldn't help himself. The sight of this small demon women scolding him was just too humorous. Zanza just nodded in acceptance, still chuckling slightly as he wiped a tear from his eye. With that they both got up, Midura running off to find bandages and Zanza walking calmly to his tent, still chuckling occasionally.

As he wakled Zanza got quiet again, he would never admit it but the reason he didn't want to see the healers was that he didn't want them wasting their energy. Zanza could be executed tomorrow so he didn't see how some cuts were going to matter. Then again Zanza could just be getting paranoid about these things. Zanza entered his tent and sat down on the ground, he didn't know what to do while he waited. Normally Zanza was only in his tent if he was going to sleep. Luckily he didn't have to wait long.

"I think I got enough bandages. Uh. . . . I guess I'll start with that arrow wound", Midura said quietly. Zanza just nodded, still thinking about the mission. Midura went to work cleaning and wrapping the cut, she was actually rather good at it. She bound it tight enough that the wad of cotton wouldn't move but Zanza could still move his arm without difficulty.

"Now for the other one", Midura said hesitantly, blushing slightly.

"I could do that one myself."

"No it's okay I can do it", Midura said adamantly. Zanza shrugged and extended his right leg and began rolling up the pant leg. Midura knelt down next Zanza's leg and inspected it before begining to clean it. Zanza sat in silence as did Midura for a moment.

"Hey uh. . . . I wanted to say thanks for. . . . You know" Midura mumbled slightly, sounding nervous.

"You already did on the way back" Zanza responded trying to keep his tone neutral.

"I did and did I, uh. . . . . .", Midura's question drifted toward the end but Zanza was pretty sure what she meant.

"Yeah" Zanza said simply. He thought back to the feel of her lips softly brushing his neck before nuzzled into his neck and passed out. At first Zanza had gone a warm tingly feeling all throughout him, afterward he had gotten worried cause she had fallen asleep and with her injuries he didn't know if there would be complications. Zanza noticed Midura had finished binding his leg, yet she was still kneeling there looking at his leg, blushing profusely.

"I'm sorry" Midura said just above a whisper, her fist clenched slightly as if she were angry or in pain. Her face however looked conflicted.

"It's okay. I swear", Zanza reassured her, placing his hand on her shoulder. Midura looked up at him biting her nip nervously.

"Good", Midura said breifly. Suddenly she pounced on Zanza kissing him deeply and pushing him backwards onto the ground. At first Zanza was shocked, then he realized this was exactly what he needed. Zanza wrapped his arms around Midura and rolled over pinning her beneath him. Maybe it wasn't going to be such a bad day after all.

WC: 1512
TWC: 6459