D followed Thistleman into the dark alley, and then cut down into another even darker corner.

Thistle put his finger over his lips, and pressed closely into the wall, practically melding within the darkness. D took control over his heavy breathing as well, pressing as closely as he could to the wall while still holding Diane in his one good arm. He used his dark cloak to cover her up.

What the hell is going on? Wh-

Almost in an answer to his question, the clink of metal on metal came rattling by.

A squad of noble soldiers? D stared after them after they rushed past, and then caught the glare of a bright red flare launched into the sky from the direction of the front gates. The gates those soldiers were heading toward.

How am I supposed to get anywhere like this?

“Hey kid, you wouldn’t happen to have some potions on you?” D asked, glancing around the corner to make sure no more soldiers were approaching. He was answered by a small *pop* right in front of him, startling him yet again.

How the hell is he doing that?!

Thistleman had slipped right next to him, again. While his guard was up.

He didn’t pour a potion, though. He had a large water skin, which he promptly dumped into Diane’s mouth. The sudden influx of water awakened her like a sudden shot of adrenaline yanking someone out of a coma, as she grasped onto the water skin like a possessed demon inhaling the life-giving fluid!

D let her slip out of his grasp, as he took the opportunity to collapse against the wall behind him. The moment’s reprieve allowed his exhaustion to finally catch up with him. He sunk his head into his hand, the shredded one still dripping blood. He ignored the girl’s excited chatter, and the sounds of magic bursting in the distance.

Moments later, she collapsed against the wall as well. The sudden burst of life served only to satisfy her dire need for water, and as soon as her body’s need was satisfied, it gave out on her. The nasty hues on her exposed skin didn’t go away, but she was starting to look a little better.

The hell can I even do in this shape? How can I get her to safety and report to the Chief? Is there even a safe place her anymore?!

D was snapped out of his thoughts when Thistle practically shoved a potion in his face.

“Looks like those Demons fucked you up pretty bad, huh. I am rather surprised you managed to make it back, AND you brought Diane with you.” The damned kid had one nasty grin on his face.

“What? Oh, yes. Seems they did.” D took the potion, eyeing Thistleman carefully. He poured it slowly over his shredded hand, grimacing as his flesh writhed and began to reattach itself.

FUCKIN’ HELLS! This shit hurts!

“You know, it is really nice to see that not everyone on this godforsaken rock is insufferably pathetic.”

The hell did he say?!

D almost missed the near-silent whisper, groaning as bones snapped back together and regrew. He definitely didn’t miss the familiar, nightmarish smile before it got stashed away behind clearly feigned innocence.

That…

“Don’t worry about Diane, I can take much better care of her now that you brought her back. Actually, as extra thanks, I think I have something else you could use!” Thistleman nonchalantly pulled out a larger potion bottle filled with a blue, swirling liquid as he prattled on.

Then he tossed it straight towards D’s face, prompting him to catch it with his good hand.

“Oooh, nice catch! You may want to be careful with that stuff. Mixing a little bit with a spark or some fire can have some… intense results. I would love to see what a whole bottle would do!”

The bastard is far too excited over something like this…

“You’re a nasty little shit, anyone ever tell you that? Thanks.” D cracked a half-smile, as Thistleman hefted up Diane and tossed her over his shoulder like a continental soldier.

“That’s the spirit! Don’t waste too much time catching your breath, now.” Sticking his free hand into his pocket, the brat turned the corner and disappeared into the dark alleys.

He knows more than any kid should, acts just like that bloody nightmare, and is far more skilled than most adults many times his age. It’s almost like he wanted to be found… and it’s not like I could do anything to keep her out of his hands. But why the hell is he playing at being human?

D sighed. He was exhausted. His head ached, he was battered and bruised and everything hurt, everywhere. With another loud groan, he stood up again, as the lights of fires and the ringing of the alarm towers thundered across the night sky. All he had to show for his efforts was this damn blue firebomb, if the bastard wasn’t lying about it.

D’s eyes opened in shock.

No…

*You did well, but now there is more you need to do… remember?*

He heard her voice in his head again, along with a soft glow refreshing him just a bit more, before it faded away into silence.

SHE WANTED ME TO BRING THE GIRL TO THAT MONSTER?!? WHY, JUST…

A couple pieces clicked in his head. Maybe she wasn’t important because of her potential… but because she’s the reason the whole damn city hadn't been burned to the ground yet? Just that nightmare demoness alone could level half the city...

Another loud boom echoed, as more fire and smoke lit the night sky.

He would figure out how to test his theory later, first he still had a promise to keep. And it was wise for the faithful to not disappoint their god’s when they received special attention.

Taking stock of some boxes and a good windowsill, D decided it would be much more proactive to take to the rooftops for part of the way. Piecing together how all of this was related with the civil collapse happening all around him was a problem he would have to figure out on the way.