Chapter 6

Ido had to admire her, how she could switch off to everything outside of a fight.

Terra had brought them to the endless open plains of the item world. Along with her own squad, Flonne and her band of mages had joined them. It was interesting to observe how the two commanded their teams and could be deemed comical at times when they disagreed.

They had entered a low classed object, a simple amulet, and had managed to travel down to the 7th floor with only few casualties. The clerics had managed to keep the teams going but they were now running low potions to restore their magic. They would have to rely on self medicating or just avoiding getting hurt all together.

Ido observed how she had thrown herself into the fray and placed herself between the stronger offending creatures and the weaker members of their group. Once or twice she had been able to successfully pull off some of the team attacks she had taught them, and yet she had managed to stay a reasonable distance away from Ido. He didn't mind too much. After their little meeting this morning he didn't think she'd be too thrilled to be around him much today.

They cleared the floor and had soon made their way completely through to the tenth level. The clerics were now completely devoid of any power and the potions to restore their magic were gone. One creature in this place, a tough looking Zombie, loomed over them from atop a raised platform in the centre of the 'arena'. Around it's base were several fearsome monsters all hissing and growling, awaiting the oncoming fight. It seemed they would have a tough time with the healers if they weren't cautious.

As they had previously done on the floors above, they began attacking the nearest foes first and made a slow progression towards the centre until only the Zombie remained. He was the items General, Terra had told them.

Under Terras command, Ruby, the archer, positioned herself as far from their enemy as she possibly could and readied her bow. She aimed and took her shot and as the arrow flew through the air it was chased by Alexander, the warrior, while he performed a blade rush. Close at his heels came Lock, the fighter, ready to land a blow powerful enough to knock the Zombie back in a daze.

As it recovered Ido saw his chance and although he was meant to wait until their next wave of attacks he took the opportunity and lunged at their foe with a fierce jab but he wasn't quick enough, the Zombie evaded the attack at the very last moment, countering with such force that Ido couldn't dodge in time. He felt a sharp sting in his abdomen and the force had him doubling over, dropping him to his knees. In a moment that seemed to move in slow motion, he looked up to see her. Terra stood with her back to him and her blade raised defensively, her other arm wrapped about her stomach. The zombie swung to attack again but Terra got in first and in a single swing of her sword it was all over. Her foe fell backwards, his head rolling away from his body.

Ido looked down at his gut to see the damage but there was none, and then he looked back up to her. She turned to face him as he stood and he couldn't help but notice the bloodied scratches across her exposed stomach and it all became clear to him. She had taken the blow meant for him and the pain he had felt must have been her knocking him out of the way. His mouth felt dry and he couldn't find the words. He knew he should thank her for saving him, he should say sorry for jumping in head first instead of waiting…

And almost as though she read his thoughts she smiled ever so slightly.

"I think we're even now, don't you?"

He was struck with a sudden emotion that he couldn't quite identify, but reminisced of guilt, as he thought back to that morning and the shame for getting ahead of himself, resulting in someone getting hurt through it.

That Terra had gotten hurt through it.

He was sorry. He was grateful.

His lips parted to speak but by then Terra had already walked away to help the others through the portal back to the castle.

He made his way over to them and as the last one hopped through, Terra glanced at him over her shoulder before leaping in herself leaving him alone.

"I'm an ass." He whispered to himself before he too leapt through the gateway.

A/N. And so it came full circle. Ido's learned a lesson? Well, he had to get his karma somehow for teasing our Heroine. But as this is a journey of Terras awakening, she'll have some lessons of her own to learn soon enough. I can't wait to get onto that section and see what role Ido will play in it.

Thanks again for reading everyone and I hope you are enjoying it. I haven't written in so long so I know I'm a bit rusty, but I'm writing purely for my own pleasure and hope that my story will bring all of you some enjoyment too. I truly appreciate everyone of you and thank you again.