► Uninvited company Part 2 ◄

Shoto wasn't particularly worried about Vox, since they weren't facing very dangerous enemies. His only concern was to somehow get the girl and the little fur ball to safety without having to kill someone. So his only choice, was to wait for an opportunity. And that opportunity had to be made by no other than Vox. I hope, he can grasp the gist of the situation. Shoto prayed. 'Oh, who do we have here? Two gentlemen and two lovely ladies. Good day to you. May I know with whom I have the pleasure?' Vox greeted, his eyes scanning them. 'Hey buddy. Quit your babbling. We didn't come here for tea' the small man with the squeaky voice spat. 'Really? Then, to what do I owe this honor?' Vox asked with a smiling poker face. 'We want your treasure. So, hand it over and maybe you won't get hurt' The demoness demanded. 'Hm. Let me think about it' Vox answered while tapping on his chin. 'Should I help with your thinking?' The big guy sneered while flexing his arm muscles and stepping one step closer to him. Vox looked a little shocked after that statement, but soon emerged into laughter. This caused them to look at each other in confusion. 'Ah, sorry. I was just a little amused. First of all, how do you know about the treasure?' Vox wondered. 'I saw it. That's all you need to know' the demoness answered calmly. 'Saw it, hm? So, you are a fortune teller, I assume' Vox understood. His hypothesis got confirmed as she shrugged her shoulders. 'Alright. Then let me get to the next question. Why do you think, you could just take it from me?' Vox now had a taunting grin on his face which made the big guy furious. 'Haaa. You crazy or somethin'? You scrawny little runt. I'll show you why' he threatened and took a few more steps towards Vox. 'Wait. Someting's strange about him' The little guy also took a few steps forward to stop his comrade.

But they already stepped into their trap. The moment, both of them stepped forward, Shoto took this as his chance to knock the woman out and save snowball. 'Thanks Vox. That was perfect' he chimed. Then he turned towards the girl that flinched by the sudden action. 'Here you go, little girl. Your friend is save now' He handed snowball over to her and gave her a sign to step back a little while smiling assuringly. The girl's frightened face quickly changed to a happy one. 'Yes. Thank you big brother' she sang and ran a few meters behind him.

'Well then. Do you still want to continue this farce?' Vox grinned. 'I'm not a weak ass woman. I can deal with two scrawny runts like you' the big guy snapped. He unsheathed his sword and swung at him. Visibly unfazed, Vox used his old sword to counter the attack. With one swift movement he deflected the sword which left his opponent wide open and gave him a knee to the stomach. The man fell to his knees and Vox finished him off, with an uppercut. The small guy was cowering next to his unconscious comrade while trembling heavily. 'Now. I think we are done here, right?' Vox announced. 'Ye-yes. S-Sorry for stopping you. Please be on your way' the other whimpered and stepped out of Vox's way. Vox passed him and went over to Shoto who had a prideful look on his face. He knew, the little guy wouldn't try anything funny, since he didn't have the guts to do so.

'That was a nice uppercut' Shoto chimed. 'Thanks. It felt great' Vox laughed. The purplette also laughed in return. Then he turned to the little girl. 'Are you alright? You are not hurt anywhere, are you?' he worried. 'N-No. I'm fine. Thank you for saving us. 'There is no need to thank us. We only did what was right' Vox responded while stepping next to Shoto. The little girl seemed a little surprised as Vox came into view. She flinched slightly and avoided eye contact. 'Is something wrong?' Shoto wondered? 'N-No. It's just... He is a little scary' the little girl admitted. 'What? I'm scary? Aww, that hurts' Vox frowned. 'You don't need to be scared of him. He is very kind. He made it possible for me to save you, you know?' Shoto soothed. 'R-Really?' the girl probed. 'Yes. He distracted them so I could free snowball' Shoto answered. Her whole face lit up, after knowing the reason for Vox's acting. 'I'm sorry. You are not scary, you are cool!' she smiled. Vox felt a comfortable warmth in his heart as he saw her smile. 'Thank you, sunshine' he grinned.

'By the way. What's your name and where are your parents?' Shoto asked concerned. Considering her appearance, he already knew the answer, but he had to ask anyway. 'My name is Celine. I don't have parents. My dad left when I was still in mum's tummy and my mum... She... died some time ago from some illness' she sniffled. This made both of the men's hearts throb. 'Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear that... Please don't cry, Celine' Vox frowned. 'I-I'm fine. Snowball was always with me since mum stopped walking. So, I was never lonely, right snowball?' she recovered. The little fur ball jumped up and down right beside her. 'Pui' he voiced. 'But, what exactly is snowball? I never saw anything like it' Vox wondered as he looked at Shoto who shook his head, since he didn't know either. 'I don't know. I never met any of his family members' she shrugged. As all three looked at the unknown creature, it just tilted it's head and seemed just as confused 'Pui?'. It was such a cute and funny action that the three broke out into laughter.

'Well. I don't know what you guys think of this idea' Shoto started. 'Yes?' Vox probed. 'How about she comes with us? Only if she wants to, of course' Shoto smiled at her. 'Yes! Please, let me come with you. Snowball would be happy, too. Right?' she pleaded. Her little friend was obviously just as happy. 'Pui pui' it sang. Now, the three only awaited Vox's answer. 'Oh. Please don't look at me like that' Vox defended. But they only grew bigger puppy eyes. 'Alright, fine. But, you have to listen to us. There are bad guys that want to invade our home, so it could become dangerous if you don't' Vox surrendered. 'Yes sir!' she said and celebrated while giving Shoto high fives with both hands which he returned with a big smile.

'Well then. We lingered here long enough. Let's get moving, so we can get back home' Vox pressed. 'Yes sir' the other two giggled which made Vox frown and shake his head, but joined them with laughter soon after. So, they started their journey back home.