AN: I am finishing up "The Captain's Dilemma" as we speak. In the meantime you can read what I have prepared. I am finally buckling down and getting back into the rhythm of writing, so I should be updating more frequently after I finish "TCD".

Anyhow enjoy!

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They arrived out of the canyon, reaching a bend of a crusting and decaying road. The gravel churned like butter once their feet pressed onto its once bustling freeway. The demon didn't appear too pleased, nonetheless he strolled across the ruined ground. Cracks of the cemented Earth reached out in some areas, blocking entire sections of road from view.

The demon glanced to the side. He saw the familiar anger and discontent she had displayed the whole time since hearing about the debacle. The demon gave her an disconcerned grin. She glared back at him, being so brave as to stop in her tracks. He moved a little further without much care before climbing over a crumbled divide. He turned around, staring at the woman highlighted in the moonlight.

"Hurry up. We need to make camp soon." Cracking his head and fingers he gazed up at the hidden stars, made invisible to the naked eye by the murky storm clouds. Though, no matter how dark the sky became, the moon still remained. It reflected onto the world the light which gave life to the world before the catastrophic apocalypse. "I don't want you to die before I can make full use of you."

Despite facing an unruly creature, she still had her innate inner voice that resisted a domineering authority. When he determined that she wasn't going to move he took a step towards the railing. Before he leapt back over the divide, he took a deep breathe. He turned back around, sliding his back down the concrete.

"What do you want? Better yet, what is your dream?" His eyes remained fixated on the covered bright sphere in the sky.

My dream? Nami thought. She looked at his slumped over figure with some surprise. That was not a subject she thought a man like him would be interested in. The dream she had was before the war, when the most pressing matter in her life had been what college to go to.

She stayed silent, observing his expression. Was it just her imagination, or had his face softened for a moment? Nami shook her head, everything caught up to her, making her remember what she wanted. The man was unpredictable, she had to keep a level head and not fool herself into thinking he was anything but a devil.

"It's fine if you don't want to tell me. Dreamers usually take it to their graves." He gave a slight smirk that only the moon could see. "But we don't have graves anymore," A ragged, dirt-ridden-hand came up to take off the odd piece resting on his head. He pressed the torn and useless thing to his chest. "Now we just leave them to rot in the Sun ... or they lie at rest with the moon."

"You're wrong," she mumbled mostly to herself, "Good men have graves ..." Nami thought of her parents. She and her sister had made sure they received a proper burial. They were good people who had not deserved to be tossed in some shallow ditch, left for the dogs. During her time with the Brotherhood many soldiers hadn't come back, but they had a memorial for each and every one.

He closed his eyes shut, no longer caring if she ran away or not. The time just rolled by, nothing but the howl of some starving wolf could be heard.

Exhaling through his nostrils he popped one eye open. "If you're still here. Then why do you stay?"

After several minutes went by, the demon got up with a grunt. "Well that was your shot to run." Placing a careful hand back on the top of his head, he moved back over the railing. "I decided were going to make a camp nearby, lets hope your a better cooker than me." He moved down the line of decaying cars, filled with unfortunate skeletons as well as ash that hadn't already escape with the wind. When he heard some defiant steps and soon after loud footsteps, a smile crept up on the side she couldn't see.

"There," the demon ordered when they came up to the end of the visible road. "Actually ," he crossed in front of her, examining the various cliffs that they had just navigated out of. "Will go away from the main road and settle in a spot where you can make me some food in silence."

When they reached a suitable spot, the demon dropped his bag, pointing at it. "There's all you need to cook. Oh and by the way."

"If you try to use anything you find against me, or the cooking is bad, I will feed you to the mole rats." She stopped her searching to glare up at him, but he gazed off elsewhere.

Pushing the depressing memories out of her mind, the orange haired girl went through the pack, shivering at his words. She was used to eating the often tasteless food of soldiers and thankfully had the privilege of making it more flavorful. "Eh?" Opening the pack, her eyes widened. A small hot plate lay inside, probably one of the Order's by the emblem etched into the side. Who could have ...? He must have taken it from someone, since officers only had them.

She didn't voice her concern, knowing it would most likely remain unanswered. Nami got to work, turning the appliance on and spreading the ingredients out. Pulling a small pot out to combine everything, she mixed up something edible. She took a bite of the stew, finding that it wasn't that bad. Dividing the food into two bowls, she offered one to the man. Watching him from the corner of her eye, she waited to see what he would say.

Turning around, the demon could discern her vague figure holding out something. A faint steam rose from the container, as saliva started to form in his mouth. "Give me both of them," her eyes shot a familiar glare of disobedience at him, but she eventually complied. He snatched both bowls, examining them before glancing back up at her. Studying her gaze travel between him and the food, he shifted his body away. "I eat first," the aroma of sizzled stew infiltrated his deprived nostrils. "You can have what's ever left."

She gasped aloud when she felt something hot press against her stomach. Her hands on instinct, clasped around the burning sensation. When her fingers could interpret the texture, her gaze locked back onto the mysterious man. He already turned around, the bowl was low by his waist, the little light afforded showed the heat rise, though it trailed out of sight before it entered his vision. Heat or not, it didn't seem as though anything in this terrible existence stopped his gaze.

"It was complete shit ... but I guess this will have to do for now." The hiss of scalding liquid and the ungraceful clunk of meat against the ground took her attention. He glanced at her retreating figure before resuming his task of stomping and kicking dirt over the remains. When no one was the wiser he strolled over to where she remained.

He stared at her from a distance, watching her rub her arms around her legs. She rubbed her arms for some warmth, as she stuck her head into her chest.

The demon went still when her head arose from the temporary sanctuary, rubbing her eye with one arm she stretched her arm back with the other.

Her right eye remained shut, though the other fluttered to stay alive. Nami leaned back against a rock, fighting her exhaustion. She didn't want to fall asleep, but her body was saying otherwise. Her eyes shot open, however, when she pushed her aching tailbone against the jagged rocks.

"Get in the bag I prepared for you." Her face showed disgust, but when a sudden freezing wind arrived, she scanned about for the thing. Getting up, she could feel the tightness in her back becoming unbearable. She almost stumbled the whole way there.

Nami had shed the remains of her pristine lab coat, now ripped and stained, before climbing into cover. She gave it one last look before turning over. She glanced at the man through barely opened eyes. She wondered how he was going to stay warm, but finally decided she didn't care. Still sore over his comment about her food and having to be with him at all, she allowed her heavy lids to close.

"Funny thing is, this is the first time we haven't fought over something." The demon's comment was largely ignored as she bundled herself deeper within the comfortable thing. "Good night, sleep well, and hope the mole rats don't bite ..."

Her sleep was a restless one, but exhaustion stopped her from waking up from whatever plagued her dreams.

In the wee hours of the morning, the orange haired girl sat up fast, something tearing her from her sleep. She looked around, blinking with bleary eyes, but didn't immediately see the man in their small camp. A small stab of panic went through her until she realized everything was still where she left them last night. Hmph! It's not like I am worried about him leaving me! She had come to the conclusion that she wouldn't get away from the demon until they reached their destination. But if by some terrible chance he did leave her, and took everything ― she'd be screwed.

Nami pulled herself out of the warmth of her bedroll, rolling her stiff shoulders as she got to her feet. The pain in her back was bearable, but it still ached. She ran a hand over her lower back, pressing down on the spot to try and get some relief. She then sat by the supplies, looking them over.

Hmm, I'll add less of this, more of that ... She thought as she measured out ingredients for another meal. Turning on the hot plate, she added everything to the pot. She reached for a bottle of water, but it slipped out of her hand, rolling under a dead shrub. Cursing, Nami crawled after it.

"Ah-ha!" Her grumbling turned to joy when she spotted what lay under the bush. It was a large white root coming out of the ground with a long green stalk. There were two, which she happily dug from the dirt. Xander root had healing properties, it would be perfect to add to the stew. Saving one, she cut the other one into small pieces and tossed it into the pot.

Soon, the smell of food filled the area. Turning the hot plate off, she again divided it into two bowls.

"Here!" She gasped when a large brown pouch got thrown in her direction. She reacted just in time, grabbing the bag mid air. Though she got taken aback by the hefty weight, falling on the ground with the sack planted between her legs. She tore her face away when she poked her nose inside. Two quick fingers came up, pinching her nostrils as she attempted wave the foul smell away.

"Cook it." Her hand fighting the repulsive smell stopped. Try as she might, her hand seemed to move on its own accord. Without her obvious consent, her hand reached around the entrance, opening up the bag as she turned away. Blood. A lot of it.

Her eyes flared open when she felt her chin get turned towards him. He remained at her level, giving her a sleep deprived grin. "I got this fresh meat from the raider group that decided to make a trip near here during the night." She released a small squeal of pain, glaring at his baggy eyes. "Pay attention! I don't want to eat rat shit again! ... I like meat." The tight grip on her chin ended with a sigh. Licking his parched lips he looked over the two steaming bowls. "Start preparing it. I will have these two in the meantime." The demon reached down and picked up both of them. He peered over his shoulder, watching her bare a full set of teeth. "Make me my damn meat already!" His teeth mashed together too once his eyes met those of the defiant woman.

Turning around with a shake of the head, he strolled over to her. "What the hell is taking you so long? Do you not have a brain? You spoiled Brotherhood-!" his voice stopped as he slammed the bowl against the rock wall, scattering on impact.

Some of the burning liquid, splashed on to her arm, causing her to jolt out in pain. "Owww!" she yelled.

Reaching a hand out to sooth her wound, she gazed up at him. She could tell he wasn't playing around anymore. Turning her head away, she glanced back into the bag. "Wake me up when you're finished," the comment surprised her. She expected him to say something vulgar, or go off on some crazy tangent, but he didn't. "Just cook like a damn cook ..." She swore that she heard laughter, but she wouldn't place a bet on it.

When the meal had been prepared, she called out to him. "Your foods ready".

Propping open both eyes with ease, as though he didn't sleep the whole time, he got up to his feet. "About damn time," trying to continue his act, he stretched his arms above his head, taking in a deep breath. She waited by the cooker, a plate full of slightly charcoaled meat lay on a small wooden peg. He took a seat by it, taking a glance at her before reaching for the meat. He noticed that she didn't even look at him, and instead gazed at the cooking. A wide grin swept upon his face, "I'm glad you learned your place." Taking a huge bite, he bit down on the savory piece. He forced a cough, as he began to spit out bits of the slow cooked meat. Wiping his messy lips, he studied her once more. "Not bad. Just needed to make sure the thief wouldn't try to poison me."

She didn't react. Her gaze remained firm on the cooker, watching the slow burning process of transforming the blood-ridden-carcass into something edible.

"I suppose you can get a reward for your paltry job, perhaps some new cloths, because as it stands ..." the demon stopped when he saw frown, "right now you look like a runaway slave. Cook that last piece." Getting back on his feet, he ripped another piece from the greasy meat. "We have to move now."

Covered in sweat, grime, and now blood from the disgusting kill, Nami did look like a runaway. She was no stranger to roughing it, but this was the dirtiest she had ever been in a long time.

Once the meat was sufficiently cooked, the orange haired girl started the process of cleaning up their small camp. It seemed unlikely that the man was going to do it since he was still eating. She re-organized everything in the bag, placing the meal ingredients and the cooker back.

Next she gathered the meat and packed it into the brown satchel. Nami wasn't happy about being ordered around like a maid, but she was looking forward to getting new clothes. Just a little longer ... She reassured herself.

"Everything is ready" she said. There were a couple of small settlements scattered around that they could visit. "You have caps or anything to trade?" She wondered if they would have to borrow from the Brotherhood cache she knew was close by. Or maybe he was going to hold everyone at gunpoint and demand everything ― you just never know with a crazy person.

"I am going to pay like I always pay," he said. The demon turned towards her with one of his demented grins, "I will make them pay for it."

Nothing more was said about the subject, when they began to walk across the dry scorching earth. Cracks ran through the dry and decrepit dry-sand-ground. Gust of wind blew tiny particles of dust and other forms of radiation past their limited vision as they attempted to journey through the barren land.

Lowering the straw hat lower down his face, the demon gazed to the side, away from the incoming direction of the storm. When he turned towards her, he saw her struggling to put her hands up as she attempted to hide her eyes from the wind. "You will just have to toughen up and get through this," he called back towards her when he advanced farther ahead of her. She only grimaced, lowering her head to the dead earth before picking up her pace.

After several minutes had passed, both of them were covered in sand and dirt. The orange haired girl coughed up bits of the dust, swallowing some of the unsavory smell of the wasteland. As she lay low to the ground, the wanderer had already cleaned of his hat, gazing about to see where they were. "Damn it!" the complaint came with a the sudden crash of the heavy bag full of metals. A brief loud rustle ended along with a sudden stomp of the ground. She gazed up, racing backwards when she saw what was in his hand. "Where the hell are we?" the snapping of a chamber clicked as the wanderer raised the gun up to her temple.

"I don't know!" she pleaded. She looked about frantically, trying to discern their where abouts, though no landmark or any living thing could be seen. Her heart thumped harder and harder every time she had the poor luck of seeing into his eyes. She needed to buy time. "I'll do whatever you want!"

"I don't want you! I need to get places! Tell me where the hell are we?" His teeth lay shut as he grabbed the back of her hair, throwing her to her knees. "Answer me!"

"We ... we ..." she said. Her time was coming to a close, and nobody would know about her passing. She would be just like how he had said the night before, a mangled corpse on the ground rotting in the unforgiving Sun. "Sorry ..." she mouthed, a small muffled sniffle escaped. He released his grip on her hair and moved the gun away.

"What are you crying about now?" The demon's voice had lost malice, instead it came out more like a complaint more than anything. He watched as she attempted to hide her face within her lap, her long orange hair hiding the tears from view. "Whatever," he just turned around and placed the gun back in his back pocket. When the demon reached his bag, he could see something off in the distance. "Ah so we aren't lost."

Nami scrubbed her face with the back of her hand, glancing in the same direction. Buildings appeared in the distance as if some greater power was looking out for her. She stood on shaky legs, ignoring the uncomfortable sand in her clothes, and the sun beating down on her back.

The only pre-war structure in the town was a dilapidated gas station missing it's pumps. A large sign on the front of it indicated it was now a saloon. In the surrounding area were houses and stores, built from whatever materials people could scavenge these days. A small farm lay on the outskirts of town, but Nami didn't notice anything growing.

Continuing on in silence, she finally spotted what she was looking for. A small building with a few items of clothing hanging from just inside the broken windows. Outside the shop, a large radioactive cow stood with packs piled onto it's back. The man leaning against it glanced at them with an eyebrow raised before glancing away.

The demon stared down the traveling merchant before following her inside the dust ridden place.

Dust lined the doors, the show cases, cash registers, tables, chairs, and the propped up check out desk. No one seemed to even pick up a broom, or attempt to make the room more presentable for that matter.

When she entered the shop, she bumped into the group of men that were just leaving.

"Sorry!" They waved her off, in too much of a hurry to pay attention to the girl.

The demon's feet no longer moved as they came to a halt halfway inside the doorway. The bag on his back dropped onto the desolate ground below.

The group of men stopped in their tracks, looking away with impatient gazes. "You want to move buddy?"

"You should watch where you're going." The demon turned his attention away from the now angry group, turning his body to look back at the suspicious merchant.

"Oh yeah, says who?" One of them replied.

"Says me". Without even looking a .50 caliber magnum revolver grazed the top of the middle man's forehead. The other two jumped back with terror filled eyes, but the one at death's doorstep had no such luxury. "You know it's pretty rude to treat a guest this way." The poor man's face went grave as he attempted to swallow down whatever filled his throat. "You two" the gun motioned back and forth between the stunned men. "You're going to get me enough beer to forget this fuckhole of a place. And you." The gun rolled back onto the still petrified man, "You're going to pay for whatever that girl wants. If you don't, I think your brain will make a nice addition to that back wall over there." Raising the massive revolver over his shoulders, he gave a reassuring pat on the middle man's shoulder. When a frown formed on the middle man's face, he would soon learn his mistake. The genuine touch, quickly turned into a painful bone crunching experience. "Now go do as I say," a booming round rung into the air outside, interrupting the man's pained screaming.

The two men raced passed him like blind mice, fumbling across each other to get out of this hell on Earth. "You monster!" the man cried. The wanderer didn't take it upon himself to respond, instead the demon turned him around with a great deal of force and pushed the dead man inside.

While the devil had his way with the three men, Nami lifted another plaid shirt from the pile, looking over it with a critical eye. The cloth was in good condition, but the red and white pattern wasn't something she would ever wear.

She sighed, tossing the flannel over her arm with the other garments she gathered so far. What am I thinking, I can't be so picky! As long as she was able to get clean, she would bear with it for now.

Behind the counter a woman lounged, tapping her foot to whatever song was playing from the radio beside her. She looked up at Nami and did a double take.

"Damn darlin'! Is the legion in town, or did you just crawl through the desert?"

"The latter." Nami replied, studying a few articles of clothing before moving on to the next.

"Those dust devils'll get ya! While ago some travelers came through after wandering around in circles for days in the storm!" the woman said.

The orange haired girl jumped at the crack of a bullet, not prepared for the sound but somehow expecting it. The woman stood up behind the desk when her captor stepped into the small store, shooting a worried glance at the man held at gunpoint.

Staring downward, Nami didn't make eye contact with anyone as she searched for what he wanted. She felt guilty at the level of violence he used, but she ultimately realized that she wasn't to blame ― she was just as much a victim as these two.

"Sorry to interrupt this conversation, but this girl needs some clothing. We are going on a long trip," the revolver slipping into the back of his pants. "In fact, I need to pick up a new outfit too. She will pick it out for me …" the wanderer gazed back at the man with the slumped shoulder near the door. "My friend over here is going to pay for it," turning towards Nami with a mischievous grin, "get whatever you want." She moved away in the other direction with a huff, but he came up behind in unexpected proximity, "I did as you told me to do." He grinned even wider when she moved her head up and away.

When she had decided what they would wear, they approached the counter. "Only 500 caps huh?" he glanced back to see the man still waiting at the edge of the store like an obedient dog. "Come over and pay for it".

"Don't do business with him! He is going to―" he said.

"Bullets speak louder than words." The revolver reappeared, this time jabbing at his skull. "Look the girl doesn't want any trouble. If you want me to kill you, and everyone here, then I will."

The man attempted to stand tall and act brave, but when he felt a hand pat his bad shoulder, he did what all men in this situation do.

"Good!" He slammed the revolver on the counter, creating a massive visible crack. "And looks like the sun's down ... and the beers here! Nobody dies and I get my fix." The announcement came as the wanderer stepped outside, welcomed by the late sunset breeze.

"I'm glad nobody needs to get hurt." The devil's eyes locked onto the two men from before, bottles dangling in their hands and arms. He took a step forward before stopping. "Do you want everybody in this town to die?" He pulled his straw hat over his face, hiding his darkened eyes from view. A single bottle of vodka dropped to the ground, the liquid pouring into the hungry dry Earth below.

He glanced back towards the copper haired girl with a dead serious gaze. "Run around the building, and don't stop running."

"Run? Wha―?" She started to argue, but trailed off. From the look in his eyes Nami knew there was about to be a fight, at least this time she didn't have to witness it. Or worry about getting injured in the crossfire.

Hearing her feet trail away, he took several calm steps forward. "We could have settled this in piece, but of course you had to get mercenaries. If that's how you want to―"

Bang! A single sniper crack rattled through the air. Another shot rang out, this time by the wanderer's smoking gun. A man dropped off from the wooden building across the street. Several more shots rang out, before the sandy ground got drenched with blood.

The fight ended, before it even started. He had already taken off, ignoring the constant gunfire. He glanced about until he saw her retreating figure in the distance.

She slowed down her drawn out pace to a halt, leaning against a mangled tree to catch her breath.

When he caught up to her, the gun fire had died down, and the pursuers had long quit their failed mission. "You know you are a lot more trouble than you're worth," he said, showing little to no exhaustion. "First you tell me not to take whats mine by force, and now I got to leave a man's fight to make sure you weren't shot―" He watched as she turned towards him, "- I would just put you out your misery if you got shot ... I don't like carrying dead weight around."

"Me? I am the problem? If we would have just paid like a normal person, then there wouldn't have been a fight in the first place!" She glared at him though she relaxed her features, to see if he would freak out on her.

He didn't respond, instead he just gazed up at the lonely moon.

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A bit of time passed since then, and the night time air chilled everything present, that being the only two living things out there. "So tell me, are we going the right way? I don't remember there be any deserts … then again a lot has changed since the war".

"I know exactly where we're going." she replied. Turning towards him, she held out the items she grabbed for him.

"Ahhhh. The same shit I am wearing now! Looks like we have a fashion designer on our hands," he mocked as he reached out a hand, snatching up the piece of clothing. He wiggled out of his worn leather jacket, applying the better conditioned one on instead.

In the process, the orange haired girl turned away with a hand over her mouth. Her nose had the misfortune of sniffing what lay underneath the heavy coat.

"What this? You'll get used to the smell in no time."

"How do you expect anyone to stand you?"

"If you couldn't already tell, I could give two shits about what anybody else thinks." He walked passed her, unloading the huge backpack he had somehow carried. The devil smirked when he brushed his dirty fingers over two fresh made holes. "This is the only thing worth keeping around. That and my ha..." his voice died down. Giving a warm pat on the bag, he looked back at her with a coy grin, "maybe you can be better than trash and even aspire to be like this bag one day." He smiled even wider when his companion looked like she wanted to kill him. "I see that you're angry. I don't see why tho. You got new clothing, food, and protection. What more can a girl in the wasteland want?"

Nami's lips twitched as her scowl deepened. "How is that supposed to make up for kidnapping me? And you think this poor man stuff is going to pass with my standards?" She turned away, putting her arms under chest as though the demon didn't exist.

He rolled his eyes and got to his feet at her response, "What did the Brotherhood get you puddles, and fly you to the moon?" He moved right in front of her without any regards to personal space. "I want to get this through your head. I am the master," the devil pointed towards his chest, "and you are my servant," the tip of his finger grazing her forehead. "I am a free man. I am my own captain. I don't care what you or anyone thinks. Got it?" his finger inched her head back despite her resistance. "Good," the pressure stopped as he saw a near full set of teeth arise.

Nami rubbed her forehead, shooting him a glare at the dirty residue he left on her skin.

When they walked an hour longer, he turned towards her, "I don't remember there be any deserts … then again a lot has changed since the war."

She glanced at him and explained, "A lack of sun and radiation from the bombs caused plant life to wither away, turning the land into a barren wasteland. Harsh conditions and strong winds grinded rock and dirt into sand ..." She shrugged, "Nothing is normal anymore."

"Didn't know I was reading a history textbook about the war. I know what happened! I just need to know where the hell were going."

Nami pointed to a spot up ahead. "Are we stopping for the night?"

He gazed off in the direction she had pointed. Churning his lips, he spit out a large bill of saliva and dirt. "Fine."

When he grabbed his gear and they walked a bit longer across the desert, the last of the sunlight had faded from view. At the first sighting of poor dead grass, the wanderer unceremoniously dropped the bag.

"I'm tired. Make me dinner," he went off a bit further, before plopping on the dirty ground. He shrugged at the knowledge of having the jacket brand-new but decided he didn't care what will happen to it. He lay his head on the ground, and placed his hat over his eyes. On occasion, he would move the hat away to see her progress. Though every time, there she would be, obediently attending to her duties. He took a long sigh. feeling the rims of the broken and sporadic straws upon his head.

"I want to get drunk tonight." Without even looking he pointed towards his bag. "There is a cooler full of drinks in there. When you serve my dinner, I want you to bring the whole container."

The meal consisted of mostly meat with a small amount of broth, since she realized the man wouldn't eat anything but meat.

When supper had ended, nothing remained inside the cold box.

"I'm going to change," she said. She stood up, bringing her pile of clothes and a bottle of water as she walked away from the drunk man. A quick walk away, she found the rubble of an old wall. Half of it still stood, making it a perfect spot to clean herself up.

The orange haired girl studied the area to make sure there were no prying eyes, though if there were, the darkness would mask her well enough. Satisfied, Nami began removing her suit, grimacing when she saw how dirty she was. "Damn desert … I've got sand everywhere." She grumbled, shaking little rocks and sand out of her attire. This desert was only good for one thing before and after the war ― winning a shitload of money and drinking yourself into oblivion.

Two things that she was desperate for at the moment.

Cleaning herself up the best she could with just plain water and her old clothes as rags, she slipped on the leather pants and plaid shirt, tying the bottom of the shirt into a knot. Her combat boots held up this far, and with the added protection of her new leather jacket, Nami felt her confidence rise.

Though her mind couldn't help but think about her capturer when she walked back. Stupid idiot! I'm not a servant! In fact, he should want to serve me! Flipping her hair over her shoulder, she marched back to camp, curling a lip at the sight of bottles surrounding the still demon.

"Hey!" she yelled, standing over him. His face was again covered by his frail straw hat.

When he stayed silent she picked up one of the bottles, giving it an experimental whiff. "Eh ...?" her eyes widened, "they gave you the strong stuff, huh?"

A snore erupted from under the hat.

Nami crossed her arms, thinking, Did my frightened obedience lull him into a false sense of security? Slowly, a smirk spread over her lips. She dropped the bottle next to his head but he didn't so much as move.

Moving quickly, she took what provisions she would be able to carry and got ready to run as fast as she could.

A grip on her hip made her freeze, her breathing stopped all together.

"Girl ..." The man hissed, digging his fingers into her.

Nami inhaled. She was going to die, he played a trick on her to see if she would run away, and now she was going to die horribly.

"Me ... Meat ..."

What? Turning her head a fraction to the side, she looked at her captor.

He is still asleep!

Releasing her from his monstrous grip the man fell back onto the ground. His speech continued to diminish into dark gibberish.

"Shit ..." Nami almost sobbed, in fear but also relief. She backed away slowly, eyes focused on the man until she was swallowed by the dark night.

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AN: What do you guys think? The wasteland is a mysterious place …

And it's now a little over a year since I joined fanfiction (April 3rd)! Man I feel like an old LuNa shipper now XD

Also as far as the RP, this is my first story coauthoring with somebody, so I kinda … wrote some of Nami's reactions as well XD … but this problem gets fixed next chapter, sorry sensual lettuce :P