"M-Ms. Snake?" Shelly hesitantly asked without telepathy. She'd just crawled out of her hole, and she was visibly trembling. Her whole body was covered in small cuts and scrapes, and the already dirty clothing she'd had since I first saw her was also quite damaged.

However, I didn't have time to bother with her right now. I was confused with myself. I didn't feel anger, and yet, how else could I describe what I'd just done but with the words 'mindless rage'?

I retreated away from her. I needed time alone to think over my actions, and to make sure I never did such a thing again. I didn't enjoy that feeling of anger and yet not anger. Now, with hindsight, I could tell that it almost seemed to transform me into a real, mindless monster.

I hated it. The only reason I was special, why I survived so far, was because of my mind. Sure, maybe it was a hindrance sometimes, but it brought far more benefits than cons. I didn't want to lose it and become... Ugh.

However, before I could effectively retreat, I suddenly found that I had a tag-along. Shelly had grabbed onto my scales and climbed onto my back as I was retreating, and she was now trying to approach my head. How bothersome.

I wanted to click my tongue, but unfortunately, I lacked the correct shape of the mouth to do that. Hence, I settled for hissing out a curse and stopping. I turned my head over onto my back, staring at Shelly, who was now straddling my long back.

I allowed her to poke my head and do her thing, and the moment she did, I was the one to initiate the conversation. "I want to be left alone. Get off."

Shelly puffed out her cheeks, putting on an offended expression. And yet, she couldn't hide the sliver of real hurt in her eyes.

"I... I just wanted to thank you. I... I don't know what I would have done without your help..." She admitted, looking away. "You would have been eaten, yes. How sad. Get off."

"Why are you being so mean!?" She finally snapped, screaming at me both mentally and physically.

I paused for a second at her words. Again, I suppose I was being unfair to her. But then again, I felt as though she was starting to get unfair with me too. "Dear, I'm not trying to be mean. I simply need time alone."

"B-but why!? You just saved me, and now you want to leave me again??" She said, eyes suspiciously wet.

"You wouldn't understand, brat. Now, go practice your magic. I'm close to finding a good place to dump you." I dismissed. I was about to head off, regardless if she wanted to hang onto me when she yet again spoke.

"... If you really don't want me, why did you save me?" Her voice, regardless of it being through telepathy, seemed so small and weak right now. I was forced yet again to stop.

Dear God, this girl knows how to guilt trip like no others. "Dear, it's not that I don't 'want' you. You are simply not my responsibility. I'm already doing my best to provide for you for free, and without asking anything in return. However, I will need to return to my own life soon, just as you need to return to yours."

"..." She was looking away from me now, but it didn't hide the tears from her eyes. God damn this girl cries far too much for my liking. "Look, what do you want me to even do? I'm a bloody snake, not your mother. I can't understand what you want from me!?" I finally snapped. Again, the strange feeling of emotion and yet no real emotion returned.

"I... I just want you to stay with me..." She said. "I d-don't know where my parents are, I can't even remember most of my life anymore, and I have no idea what to do! And don't lie to me, I know they're probably de... dead"

At this, she truly broke down into a hysterical fit. Snot and tears and all.

Gross.

I stayed silent, thinking about her words. I had very little desire to carry around a brat, princess or not regardless. However, what else could I possibly do at this point?

Curse my soft heart. I probably should have just eaten her the moment I saw her.

"Fine brat, fine. I'll take care of you, you happy?" I said, trying to calm her down. It didn't.

Hence, I had to wait in her room for a good thirty minutes as her sobs gradually ground down. Finally, when she was finally back in control of her own emotions, I spoke up again.

"You good now, dear?" I asked. She looked at me with downcast eyes. "Yeah..."

"... Good. Go practice your magic until I return." I ordered. I wasn't good with kids, but what I was good at is being a blunt bitch.

"Mkay..." She murmured through our connection but didn't move away from her bed. I really couldn't tell what the hell went through this bipolar brat's mind, to be honest.

I cut the connection and left. I never thought I would feel relief when leaving this cave, but on this occasion, some freedom was welcome.

I liked the brat, but her forcing me to take care of her left me with a bitter taste. Even when, a couple of hours later, I finally found the giant reef wall once more, I still felt damn bitter.

... Damn brat, I sighed inwardly. I'd have to find a way to both grow myself and train her. Ugh.