1 :Show Me The Money!

~Claude's POV~

I was the great Thief King and Master of Thievery of the Empire. And I am willing to do anything for that sweet money, whatever things on my way be. Anything would be a piece of cake for our duo even this mission we are about to do.

"That merchant was kind of shady"

"U-u-OH oH", Dextered replied

" Yeah, we didn't even knew if its a he or a she"

"oO-Ih-Oh", Dextered mumbled

" Atleast, it will give us a HUGE reward if we can get this thing-"

*stares at the orb painting*

"U-Oh-Oh", Dextered replied

" Yeah that's right"

I expected that this Maze was small but boy I was wrong, Me and Dexter went on to find this orb that this mysterious merchant wants. It offered us a lot of gold enough to make us have a place at the Empire.

But I'm somewhat still intrigued by this orb. Why does that merchant want it so bad? Does it cost a lot of money too? I can't tell because it looks old. And fun fact I think we may be lost even though we have this map.

"Hey, Dexter where do you think are we now?"

"Uh-Oh?", Dexter also questioned

*sigh*

"I think we should keep on going"

We are literally lost! And this is my first time being lost for the sake of money and as y'all know, I'd do to get thay money fast but this one is a bit hard to succeed at. I guess we should just keep on exploring.

"UuuuH-OooH-oH", Dexter worringly growled

"Huh? Dexter what's wrong?"

Dexter suddenly went off my shoulder and scampered behind a maze wall

"Hey Dexter!"

I playfully followed Dexter and then I saw a huge statue. Dexter was playing at the edges of the Statue. It was big and very intimidating. It somewhat showed a depiction of a Bull.

Standing on two Legs, Just like a Minotaur.

Standing on two legs with sharp horns.

Very enormous in my opinion.

"So, Should we go on Dexter?"

"Eeh-Oh-Uh", Dexter agreed

" Let's go then"

Dexter once again leapt on my shoulders and we continued walking towards the maze. Luckily I finally knew where the map was heading and we are in the right direction.. I think?

We continued on and Dexter growled again

"Hey, Dexter you sure you are okay?"

"Uuuh-Oh", Dexter replied

"Maybe that's something you ate like a brunt banana or someth-"

Then I was interrupted by a loud crashing sounds coming from the entrance of the maze. It was quite faint but I can assure that are Royal Guards. Royal Guards that are out to get me!

So i quickly picked up Dexter and I quickly ran into the maze without a sound to not be exposed.

"So that's why you're growling"

"Hmm-oH", Dextered replied

"Yes! I didn't realize because I don't speak monkey good so don't expect much"

"Ooh-UoH", Dexter Mumbled

"We were getting closer I can feel it. I can feel the money overflowing within that merchant's pocket!"

And suddenly, I saw a bright light shine towards us.It interacted with the map showing its coordinates.That's when I realized the orb was here. It was magnificent. It brought me back to the good memories I had. It felt satisfying. As soon as the light ends, I was alerted that the orb was there standing in front of us, ready to be grabbed. But I wasn't the only one alerted as the Royal Guards quickly rushed to my location.

I went on to grab the orb and I felt a strange feeling. A feeling of numbness. A serge of positivity suddenly went in me. It was a peculiar sensation to feel while holding the orb.

"Dexter! We got it!"

"EeeH-OooH", Dexter celebrated

"Now we have to run because of this "Guards" ruining our smooth transaction"

As we are about to run towards the nearest exit, I can hear guards closing up to me. I was sweating but I will not stop.

"We are almost there!"

"Eeeeee!", Dexter growled

I was near. The money was mine. We are free but...

A dark shadow stopped us and stood infront of me.

It was the merchant. It showed us its true identity.

"Y-you are the merchant r-right?"

"Yes, now give me the orb dear boy", the merchant whispered

I couldn't talk very well because of his appearance and based from its voice, it was a male being.He had purple skin. Had spines within his spines. He had sharp claws. And giant spear on his hand. That's where I knew he wasn't human.

"W-wait, who are you?!"

"There is no need for such introduction just hand me the orb and everything you've always wanted will be yours!", said the merchant

I knew from his look that there is a catch. Fear shouldn't consume him. We had a deal and he should be aware of that. And for some reason there is power within this orb. Maybe that's why he wants it so bad.

"Give me my payment before I give you this orb"

"As you wish.. " the merchant said

And then I felt a sharp feeling on the middle of my chest. I saw him up close to me with an evil grin on his face. I looked down to see blood coming of my chest. He then pinned me to a wall and ripped the orb from Dexter's hand and threw Dexter on the wall.

All I can hear was him laughing and wondering on the orb. He then took of as if nothing happened as he was a shadow. But the pain felt so real.

I was about to close my eyes but I can't bare Dexter. I pulled the spear out of my chest and broke free from the wall. Blood was spilling all over my crippled body. As I was about to touch Dexter. I suddenly blacked out.

In the middle of a maze....

Crippling to survive....

For my greed....

And then i fall to the cold ground. Waiting for the help I was not expecting to come....