Bartz shielded his eyes from the sun and took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh ocean scent and loving the cool breeze against his skin. “Ahh, this feels great. I’ve never been on an island like this one before. Everything’s so lush and green!” Bartz said, eyes scanning the tropical scene around them.
“Stay focused, Bartz. Remember our objective,” said Cloud.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. We have to hunt since we’re low on food. But we’ve yet to encounter any fiends for us to take down. Might as well enjoy the scenery while we can,” Bartz said with a smile. He turned to Cloud and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Hey, Cloud, let’s make this hunt into a game. Whoever takes down the most fiends wins. And whoever wins will have bragging rights. What do you say?”
Cloud smirked. “Not interested.”
“Aw, you’re no fun!” Bartz said with a pout.
“Hey! I want in on this competition!” Prishe interjected, placing her fists on her hips. “I’m always up for kicking monster butt! And I betcha I can take down more than you!”
“Oh, is that a challenge?” Bartz asked as he perked up with the prospect of competition. “Well then, challenge accepted!”
“Let’s raise the stakes. How about…” Prishe trailed off and rubbed her chin in thought. “How about the loser has to do whatever the winner wants for the day.”
Bartz laughed. “I like the sound of that! You’re gonna regret making that bet!”
“And I’ll have Ace count my kills for me. Just to make it fair,” she added.
Blindsided, Ace said, “What? I never agreed to —”
“Alright! Then Cloud will count for me!” Bartz turned to the swordsman, arm still wrapped around his shoulders. “You’ll do that for me, right, Cloud?”
“Do I have a choice?” Cloud asked.
Bartz perked and chuckled. “Nope! You’re gonna be on my team!”
Cloud raised a brow incredulously. “Shouldn’t you take it easy? Your leg injury….”
“Don’t worry, Cloud! I won’t push myself too hard, I promise. Besides, I used my white magic to help with healing it.”
Cloud hesitated but sighed in defeat when Bartz shot him an innocent, pleading look. “Fine. But if it gets too much….”
Bartz nodded, understanding where Cloud was going with the conversation. The wanderer raised an arm as if he took an oath. “You got it! Don’t worry, Chocohead, it’ll be fine.” Cloud rolled his eyes at the nickname. Bartz chuckled at his expression and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “We’re in!”
“Okay!” Prishe cheered. “The one with the most kills in an hour wins! Are you ready to go down, Bartz?”
Bartz laughed. “That eager to be my servant for the day, Prishe? Cuz’ I got this in the sack!”
“As if! You’re gonna be my assistant, and it’s gonna be awesome!” Prishe said as she cracked her knuckles and loosened her stiff muscles.
“C’mon, let’s do this! Eat my dust, Prishe!” The wanderer broke out into a sprint, running ahead of the group.
Bartz heard Prishe protest angrily behind him. “Hey, you cheater! No countdown or anything?”
The wanderer laughed and turned around, waving at the brawler. “You better get your butt into gear! Otherwise, you might as well hand over the competition!”
“Why you — You’re so gonna get it, Bartz! Just you wait!”
Read the full chapter here:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/23276377/chapters/100458153
pixelskylines
germansingergirl
2087
ellievsbear
dailybridgerton
discoholicmusic
