Disclaimer-Sup guys, I do not own the Summon Night series, if I did this would be a game by now.

A Recurring Nightmare

Chapter 10: A Crippled Rose

Sanary let out a long sigh as she watched the scene in front of her. Virgil was literally shaking Cedric by his collar. Being very persuasive in his attempt to convince him to send them down a floor. In her slight melancholy, she barely noticed Cleru walk over to her. "Hey." He greeted with a calming smile. Sugar right behind him.

A warm forced smile slowly grew as she turned to him. "Hey." As she and Cleru began a light conversation, Sanary would occasionally glance at Sugar. Whenever Cleru said something he was unsure or hesitantly, Sugar would immediately speak up and reassure him. For some reason that Sanary couldn't understand, this infuriated her. She showed no signs of this though. She hid it, beneath a false smile.

"Okay! I'll send you down a level. Just, let go of me already!" The group moved in as Virgil relinquished his grip on Cedric and stood up straight. Cedric grumbled complaints before speaking up. "...even though the kid knows how much trouble this'll cause me. Using me for his own selfish gains. Geez, what do those girls see in him?" Virgil scowled, raising his leg as if about to kick him when Cedric held his hands up. "Alright, alright! Calm down. Such an impatient kid."

Raising his arm, Cedric laid it flat against the locked elevator door. After a moment, a black substance grew from it and fit the door frame. It practically oozed a black liquid as an ensnaring gray mist emitted from it. "You sure about this, kid?" Even if you get past the next floor, the power may still be down." Virgil shrugged. "I'll handle that when I have to. Anything's better than standing still and doing nothing." Cedric reluctantly nodded, accepting his answer.

Readying their things, the group stood in front of the portal. Being understandably intimidating, no one was quick to stand forward. Looking over, Sanary noticed Sugar latch onto Cleru's arm in attempt to coerce him forward. Like before, this irritated her and she subtly clenched her hand in response. Without saying anything, she marched forward and took a deep breath. As others watched her, she hastily walked through.

_O _o_ O_

Exiting the void, Sanary found herself on the south floor. The ceiling had much more crystals than on previous floors. Strangely though, they gave off a much more dim and somewhat eerie purple glow. What was even more peculiar was the vacancy of the room. It was a flat and barren rocky tundra. With a similar set-up to the previous floor, she began to feel a bit suspicious.

Turning back, she began to wonder what was taking the others so long. Her question was answered however when Cleru and Virgil collapsed through the portal. Suddenly, Sugar flew through it as well and it started closing up behind her. With the hole gulping up near the center of the elevator door, a lone bag flew through it and landed in between the group. The portal practically wailing as it disappeared.

Sanary was agape as she looked down at the two boys in front of her. "Huh? What just-? What happened?" Virgil rolled over on his side and sat up slightly, rubbing his now sore neck. Cleru sat up as well and looked up at Sanary "Well, after you left..."

_O _o_ O_

Sanary took a deep breath and walked into the portal. Cleru tightened his grip on his bag as he stepped forward about to do the same. Almost stepping into it, another swirling vortex violently appeared. It grew in the center of the room, on the platform Cedric and Virgil had fought. The vortex quickly dispersed in a fierce wind to reveal whom was inside it.

There stood a large skeleton-type summon creature. It's bones were a dark gray. His fingers, long and sharp. Although missing eyes, two foreboding red pupils glowed from it's skull. A jagged and worn scythe in his right hand. "Cedric! A traitor will be punished with the ultimate penalty!" His voice loud and filled with malice.

Virgil narrowed his eyes as he reached for his sword handle. "Who's this guy?" As he asked, he looked over at Cedric who's face was contorted in fear. "Not him." He mumbled to Virgil's confusion. "Ha! Like I'm scared of something like him." Boasting and about to draw his sword, Cedric jumped up. "Sorry, kid. You'll thank me for this later."

Cedric suddenly grabbed Virgil's arm and hurled him at the portal. Cleru, who was caught off guard, dropped his bag behind him and tried to catch him. Not exactly ready, Virgil colliding with him caused the two to be pushed back. Cleru tripped over his bag and the two fell backward through the portal. Afterward, Cedric clenched his hand and the gateway began sealing up. Sugar immediately flying in after her master.

The rouge summon creature raised his scythe into the air and purged it in the ground in front of him. "You won't escape!" A blood red shockwave began ripping across the floor and zig-zagged toward the elevator door. Approaching fast, Varil dropped his bag and tackled Pratty out of the way. "Get down!" The shockwave weaved past them and exploded near the door. No one was injured, yet the blast knocked Varil's bag into the air and into the remnants of the portal before it closed up.

_O _o_ O_

"...And that's all I know." After Cleru wrapped up what he could recount, all eyes came to the bag which belonged to no one in the remainder of the group. "So, whose is it?" Virgil asked the obvious question, scratching the back of his head. Cleru bent down and opened the main compartment. Inside, he found a tent and a long rope at the bottom. Sanary rummaged through her bag as well. Unfortunately, she was told to pack less necessary materials than the others. The only thing currently useful was a first-aid kit.

Virgil groaned taking a few steps away. "Well this is just great." He frowned looking around. "Fine, I'm gonna find that key. I can't stand sitting around like this." Cleru smiled turning to Sanary. "Let's help out too. That way, when we reconnect with the others, we can move on right away." Sugar praised the idea and Sanary nodded.

They split up into three sections of the floor. Cleru and Sugar were examining the would-be entrance. Virgil was by the exit and was scouring the surrounding area. In between them, Sanary hugged the side of the wall, to the right of the entrance. She noticed that the closer you were to the wall, the more jagged the landscape became. Being as thorough as possible was easier said than done. In the dim lighting, she almost tripped several times.

As Sanary was scavenging for the key, she began to hear bits and pieces of small talk between Cleru and Sugar. The longer she listened to the two, the less attention she paid to her work. Sugar's voice for some reason pulled at something inside of her. Just shut up already. Sanary stopped as her eyes widened. W-Why did... Why did I just think that? In attempt to forget what had crept into her mind. She went back to work. She hurried her pace along, her desire to find the key and move on plaguing her.

Sugar's distant giggle caused her to cringe and clench her hand. Unfocused, she tripped on an off-beat rock and fell forward. As she fell, Sanary saw a small crevice in the floor she had overlooked in her doldrums. Falling into it, she performed a natural reaction, she screamed.

Free falling for several seconds, her frantic mind realized this was no small drop, but actually a rather drastic one. Her leg brushed against a wall and she began tumbling, rapidly spiraling down the rest. She stopped when she hit the ground heavily on her back.

Sanary winced and slowly rolled over onto her side. Her heart was racing as she tried to comprehend her new unknown surroundings. Her chest was pounding and her left leg was throbbing. Bringing her hand down to her leg, she lightly felt around it. Near her ankle she felt a warm and sticky liquid. She jumped, immediately realizing it to be blood.

"Sanary? !" Looking up, Sanary saw the others looking down at her from the ceiling. "Cleru..." Sanary gulped before raising her voice. "I'm over here!" One of the heads leaned over. They were too far away for her to distinguish between them. "Sanary! Are you okay? !" Sanary began rubbing her leg in attempt to ease the pain. "I-I'm fine. I just bruised my leg a bit." Making her way down her leg she eventually made it to the wound. Touching it sent a sharp pain that caused her to wince and retract it immediately.

_O _o_ O_

"We'll be right there! Don't worry!" Cleru shouted leaning further over the crevice. Virgil had just gotten over there and he brought the spare backpack with him. Putting it on the ground, he quickly rummaged through it and pulled out the rope from earlier. "Darn girl! Falling in a gap that big!" As he complained he tied one end of the rope around a sturdy rock and tossed the rest down the crevice. Gripping the rope tightly, he sat down by the ledge. Looking down, he saw that the rope went a ways, but didn't quite reach the bottom. Scowling, he saddled off the ledge. "Troublesome girl."

Scaling down the cave wall, Virgil looked up to see Cleru hastily getting ready to do the same. "Hold up! Watch the rope first. If this thing snaps we're not getting back up." Cleru reluctantly agreed to this and helped ease the tension on the rope. Making his way down to the bottom, he dropped down and ran over to Sanary. "Hey! Is she alright? !" Cleru called down from above.

As Virgil approached, Sanary did her best to hide her leg, although Virgil saw through it at once. "You should have your guardian beast heal that." Sanary quickly shouted back in irritation and slight embarrassment. ""Oh Really? And here I hadn't thought of that!" Virgil gritted his teeth, kneeling down. "Yet here we are!" Sanary slapped his hand away as it reached for her her leg. "You don't think I haven't thought of that already? ! I would have done that, but Myoujin is bad at healing spells..."

Cleru who was getting restless, left and ran over to Sanary's bag. He scooped it up and ran back over to the ledge. Sugar was doing her best to compose him, but was having little success.

Sanary had a slight blush on her face as she massaged the area around her gnashed leg. "Alright fine, If your guardian beast is no good you'll just have to wait and ask Cleru's-" Sanary all of a sudden cut Virgil off. "No! I will not ask for her help!" This completely confused Virgil. "Huh? Why?" Sanary blushed deeply and turned away. Brushing her bangs away, she let out a small huff. "J-Just forget it. Besides, I can just use my first-aid kit." Virgil was becoming distraught. "That's a waste of resources and you know it."

Sanary jumped as she grabbed her leg with both hands. She winced again, a clear sign that the pain was spiking. Virgil groaned, unsheathing his sword and holding it above her leg. "You're so difficult. Just keep quiet about this alright." Sanary tensed up. "What are you going to do, cut it off? !" Virgil ignored her outburst as his sword glowed in a warm light. "Purification." He calmly said. Moments later, the glow was gone and all of Sanary's pain along with it.

In disbelief, Sanary sat upright and feverishly felt up and down her leg. "That was almost like a healing spell..." A conversation from last night flowing into her head. "So, you're a fast healer, huh?" Virgil continued to ignore her as he stood up and sheathed his sword. "Yeah yeah. Just be quiet about it. I don't want that Ureksa to find out." Sanary slowly stood up and began applying slight pressure to her leg. "Why?" Virgil huffed, turning away. "Why? That guy keeps too much tabs on me. I want at least a few things to myself." Sanary was a bit skeptical, but seeing the results, didn't object.

Cleru was now repelling, halfway down the rope with both Sanary's and the other bag strap to him. Sugar floating, descending alongside him. Nearing the bottom however, all the extra weight caused the rope to snap. Cleru didn't fall far, but he landed clumsily and brutishly onto his back. Sanary quickly ran over to him with Virgil trailing more slowly from behind.

"Cleru! Are you alright?" Cleru groggily sat up and rubbed the back of his head. "That's what I was going to ask you." Sanary smiled extending her hand to help him up. However, Sugar had already reached him and helped him upright by pulling him by his arm. This left Sanary to retract her hand rather awkwardly.

Virgil walked past Cleru and picked up the torn piece of rope off the floor. He sighed looking up at the hole they had each descended through in one way or another. "Guess this means we're stranded on the seventh floor now instead of the sixth. Oh well, not much of a difference when you think about it." As he finished, he shrugged and tossed the scrap piece of back down on the floor.

Cleru handed Sanary her bag back and Virgil walked passed them to the spot near where Sanary had fallen to. His attempt to scour the room with his eyes showed little results. The room was even less lit up than the floor above. The only clear feature that could be made out, was a fierce-looking golem statue across the room.

"So, should we do what we did last time and look for the key again?" After Cleru asked this, Sanary put her hands on her hips. "Why don't you tell me? You are a craftlord Cleru, remember?" Cleru stiffened as he straightened up. "R-Right! That's just what we'll do!" Virgil rolled his eyes. "Hate to break up the confidence building experience, but if I remember right, the key's right in front of that statue over there." Cleru blushed as he relaxed himself. "O-Oh..."

_O _o_ O_

Making their way to the statue, growing into focus, it's features did as well. It was a hunched over golem made of ancient and worn sandstone bricks. It loomed over the group at what looked almost thirty feet. The golem stood on two feet, but it's swollen forearms shattered any illusions of humanity. It's head was small and instead of a proud warrior's grin, an unfitting somber frown. The floor key sitting at it's feet.

Sanary bent down and picked up the key. She glanced up at the stature before stuffing it in her bag. "Who built this anyway?" As she asked, Virgil and Cleru moved to each of her sides. "Beats me. Cedric built it for all I know." Cleru let out a half-hearted laughter at Virgil's comment. He smiled, turning to Sugar. "What exactly did Rondeau say a few days ago? Something about a mage or someone sealing away a demon?" Sugar nodded and Cleru continued. "Well, maybe, that mage lived here, like in a village or something. From what your friend said before. Later, strays used to live here. I guess they might've picked up where the last left off."

Virgil grew a frown near the end of Cleru's hypothesis. "Okay. First off, me and Cedric ain't exactly friends. We're more like acquaintances, both of which are trying very hard not to kill one another. And secondly, I have no idea. What do I look like a scholar to you?"

When Sanary tried picturing Virgil as a scholar, she started having a mild laughing fit. "Pfft! He he he...!" After this lasted for several more moments, Virgil turned and shot an angry look. Noticing this, Sanary calmed down and quickly composed herself. "S-Sorry. I suppose that wasn't very lady-like." She fixed her skirt as Virgil narrowed his eyes. "No. It. Wasn't." Cleru stepped forward and held his hands up. "H-Hey. Come on you two. We might be stuck here for a while. So no point in fighting."

As Cleru did his best to keep the peace, a black and purple aura began seeping up from the floor. Distracted, the others failed to notice it amassing in the shadows. The aura crept over and slowly overtook the statue. It's eyes glowed a fierce red and it's body began shaking with a loud rumbling sound. Everyone realized what was happening and took a few steps back. Decades of dust flew off it as it lifted one leg and stepped forward toward the group.

"What the-?" What's going on?" Sanary shouted readying herself along with the others. Seeing the golem in front of her having trouble with simple movement, she took the time to summon her guardian beast. "In the name of Sanary, I summon thee! Myoujin!" The egg shell fortified chick appeared before her and fell in line behind her as the golem marched closer. Virgil gritted his teeth, sizing up the living statue in front of him. "This didn't happen last time."

The golem got it's footing and pulled back it's massive arm back. Doing so, revealed dozens of turning gears that sprawled it's back. "Huh? Is that thing a mechaniod? What's powering it?" Virgil's question was answered when it leaned in and shot a punch at the group. They all scurried away, but the sheer force caused what felt like the entire floor to tremble. They each stumbled before getting right back up. Looking back at the behemoth, it had a large purple glowing crystal that looked more impaled in it's back than built-in.

Done worrying about the how and why, Virgil ran in. The others doing the same.

_O _o_ O_

Any kind of attack proved fruitless. Every slash was ineffective and any spell was shrugged off. For all purposes, the group was fighting a mountain. After going at if for what felt like an half an hour, they were at their limits and exhausted.

Virgil dropped to one knee and plunged his sword into the ground for support. He stared at the stone beast for a moment before pulling himself up and plucking out his sword. "Dammit! I don't care if it takes me all day, I'm taking you down. I'll jump up on your back and crush that crystal to dust if that's what it'll take!" Rather than running in, he began to pant however. Cleru took notice o this and decided to charge forward instead.

Within crushing range, the golem retracted it's arm and Cleru readied up. As it slammed it's first down, Cleru leaped up and away. With the Colossus missing it's blow, Cleru hastily scaled up it's arm and onto it's back. Sanary raised her hand and started cheering him on. "That's it! Way to go Cleru!"

The glowing crystal was as tall as he was. Preparing his drill, he roared, plunging it forward. As soon as the drill tip made contact, the gears on the golems back sped up. It dropped to it's hands and knees and opened it's mouth to release a painful mechanical screech.

Virgil, who was watching the scene with a grin, slowly dropped his smirk all of a sudden. "Cleru stop! Get off of it!" Sanary was confused and shifted her gaze to the crystal which was changing from a tame purple to a blazing red. Her chest suddenly tightening up, she called out to Cleru as well. The spinning gears and screeching blocked out their warnings however.

As Sanary took the first step in attempt to stop him, something horrible happened. The crystal sung out in a sharp strum and shortly after, burst into a devastating explosion. Dust filled the area and the resilient golem collapsed with a loud thump. Sanary's heart sunk as the dust cloud enveloped the area. She was frozen in place until Virgil ran past her. With the dust settling, Sanary gasped as Cleru's body came into view. He was bruised and unmoving. Sugar kneeling beside him, tears flowing down her face as she shook and called out to him.

"M-Master Cleru!" Sanary was in a deep melancholy as she watched the scene in front of her. This isn't happening, not to him. She told herself as everything slowed down. Virgil had just reached him and Sugar was preforming healing spell, one after another. Sanary wanted to look away, but she was terrified still. To make matters worse, Cleru's body sent a constant chill down her entire body.

Jolting forward, Sanary sprinted ahead. Her legs almost giving way beneath her when she reached them. She emptied her mind. She let her body do what she couldn't handle. Dropping her bag, she quickly opened it up and pulled out the first-aid kit, tossing it to Virgil before rummaging through the other bag. Throwing everything out of it, she began to set apart the tent supplies. Her eyes were unfocused and empty as she spoke up, weakly at first. I'm pathetic, aren't I? "Virgil, help me roll Cleru onto the tarp, We'll set-up the tent around him. Then, I'll use my canteen and..."

_O _o_ O_

An hour had passed. Cleru was unconscious and in Sugar's care inside the tent. Sanary and Virgil were waiting outside. Sanary's doldrums since replaced by a short temper. Virgil just struggling in attempt to poorly read the atmosphere. After the tent was constructed, Sanary told Virgil that the two of them were on watch. The two sat on two small rocks a bit apart, back to back, near the would-be floor entrance.

Virgil sighed, thinking an hour of silence was enough, spoke up. "Just cause you're worried doesn't change the fact this is pointless. There isn't going to be anything else on this floor." Sanary scowled. "Oh of course, because the last time someone took your advise things turned out so well." Virgil turned his head around, shocked. "Hold on. You're not blaming me for this are you?" Sanary kept staring straight ahead. "If you put more effort into your job, Cleru wouldn't be in the condition he is now!" Virgil gritted his teeth turning back around. "Yeah? ! Well maybe if you were a little stronger-" Sanary shouted, cutting him off. "Well I'm not!" Virgil remained silent as Sanary went on. "I'm not as strong as Varil or Cleru, or my sister!" I'm just a burden to everyone. "I should just give up, right?" Sanary asked more to herself. "Like hell!"

Sanary turned around at Virgil's surprise outburst. His back was still to her as he crossed his arms and continued. "If you're not strong enough, you just keep training until you are. And don't you ever doubt the path you've forged your own." Sanary was honestly amazed by Virgil's rare words of wisdom. Turning back around, she stood up and looked off at Cleru's tent. "I-I'm going to check on Cleru. You, stay here."

_O _o_ O_

Sanary opened Cleru's tent quietly, at first sticking her head in. Cleru laid still, unconscious with Sugar draped over his chest asleep, rising and falling as he breathed. Sanary smiled at the scene before entering and sitting down next to him, opposite of Sugar.

Absorbing the air of silence, Sanary collected herself. Taking a deep breath she began speaking softly. "You're always so reckless, you might even be more so than your sister." Sanary announced, laughing lightly to herself. "Your always trying to be so strong for others. For your partner, your family, and for your friends, but never for yourself." As she said this she grew a sad smile. "You've saved me three times now. Don't think I haven't been keeping count." Hesitant at first, she gently grabbed hold of his hand with her left. "You saved me from those Deiglyan soldiers, and from Parista, and now you've saved me again. Oh! I guess four times, if you count the day we met. I didn't realize it yet though, because back then, in my eyes, there were only two people that mattered. My sister and myself."

Sanary turned away from Cleru, squeezing his hand tighter. "Useless. Pathetic. Weak. Those were the words I decided to judge you by when we first met." Sanary turned back towards Cleru. "-But as time passed by, you showed me just how wrong I was. Before I knew it, you had become apart of my life. Soon after, that airhead you call a sister, and then the always energetic Razzy, that arrogant prince, and even the craftlords. All because of you, my world grew so much bigger." Tears began flowing down her face, running down her sad smile. "I began to be jealous of you, and I did a horrible thing. Yet, you still forgave me." Sanary wiped her eyes with her right sleeve. "You're always thinking of others, that's why I know you'll be a great craftlord." Sanary smiled as she lowered her head down to Cleru's. "Thank you Cleru, for everything." Sanary admitted, lightly pressing her lips softly against his.

Without saying another word, Sanary stood up and left Cleru's tent. Closing up the tent behind her, she let out a relieved sigh. "Great, I've become my sister."

_O _o_ O_

Virgil was still sitting on watch like he was ordered to. When he heard the sound of Sanary's footsteps return he sat up straight, still giving her his back. "Still bored?" Virgil was about to turn around when he heard Sanary unsheathe her sword. "I think I'm starting to understand what you meant by not liking to sit around and do nothing. Right now, that's the last thing I want to do too." Virgil grinned, standing up and pulling out his broadsword. "Selfish girl. Fine, I'll help you forget about the rest of the world for a little while. Don't expect me to hold back though! I'm ticked off too!" Virgil shouted turning around and rushing ahead.

_O _o_ O_

The elevator doors opened up to reveal the other remnants of the group. Their first glimpse of the seventh floor being Virgil and Sanary. Virgil sat on his rock from before and Sanary was dressing some of his wounds using the remainder of the first-aid kit. As they approached, Sanary waved them over with a smile.

"Power's back on then?" She tightened a bandage around Virgil's left shoulder and put the scarce leftover of bandages away in her pocket. Virgil groaned rubbing the area. "Geez, and it just healed this morning." Varil walked over and looked down at him. "What happened to you? You're more beat-up than usual." As Varil asked, Sanary left to tell Ureksa of what happened since they were separated. While talking they both began to realize that their group was pretty banged-up too.

The tent opened up to reveal a sheepish Cleru with Sugar right beside him watching his every move. Almost as if she was readying herself to latch onto his arm for support at any moment. "We're all back together!" He exclaimed with a smile. Pratty upon noticing her brother's numerous wounds and large head wrap, ran up to him, Razzy following closely behind. "Cleru, what happened to you?" He blushed rubbing the side of his head. "Oh this? I overdid it I guess." Still worried, Pratty crossed her arms. "I'm not so sure. I'll have to give you a test. Quick! What's my name?" Cleru grew a sheepish smile. "It's Pratty." Pratty narrowed her eyes and leaned in. "That's not my name." Cleru began a light laughter. "Yes it is." Pratty giggled and joined him. "Yeah, you're right. I guess you're fine."

Ureksa walked over to Virgil and threw his bag over at him. "Here, you left it on the fifth floor." Virgil nodded, putting it on beside him on the ground. "Thanks. You didn't dig through it, did you?" Ureksa turned away and started walking off. "Don't be absurd." Virgil gritted his teeth as he stood up. "I notice you didn't say no!" Ureksa sighed, beginning to explain himself yet drop the subject at the same time. "That rouge stray caused us all a lot of trouble I'll have you know. He toyed with us for nearly an hour, then disappeared and took that friend of yours with him."

Turning back around and looking at everyone. He discovered they were all somewhat roughed up from the day's events, and no doubt tired. Taking out his pocket watch, he sighed. "It's not that late, but I'll assume we're all running a bit low right now. I'd be haphazardus to proceed at this point." Virgil seemed dumb founded near the end of Ureksa's reasoning "Hapa-what?" Ureksa shook his head, not bothering to turn to him. "Look it up in the dictionary."

Varil who who had wandered back from Cleru's tent to retrieve his bag snickered. "Oh I'm sorry. Did we assume to much in thinking you could read?" Virgil balled a fist and gritted his teeth. "Screw you!" Ureksa walked in between the two and put his pocket watch away. "Now listen up everyone. It's not too late. Although, with our current circumstances. I'd think it unwise to go any further. We'll set up camp here for the night and head out early tomorrow." He began addressing the group as he gave directions. "Varil, help set up the second tent. Virgil, you-" Virgil walked away and fanned him off. "-Stay on watch for the night? I'm beginning to see an unwanted pattern here."

_O _o_ O_

Virgil sat with his back to a stalagmite like he did the previous night and he was admiring his sword. "Faith?" Virgil jumped, looking over his shoulder he found Pratty. "Huh? I didn't even hear you!" His scowl caused Pratty to apologize. "Quiet with good eyes. Great combo." As he complained, Pratty sat down next to him and began closely looking over Virgil's sword. This being her first chance to.

"So who is Faith?" Virgil grew a somber expression as he looked away. "Faith is... the name of the sword. And also, who made it." Pratty reached over to touch it, but this time waited for a signal from Virgil before she did. "That person must be amazing! This sword can do so much!" While Pratty examined it, Virgil never let go of the handle. "It's definitely a one-of-a-kind. The circumstances... can't be replicated." Pratty smiled looking over the engraving. "So, do you think I'll ever meet this person?" Virgil grew a sad smile. "I don't think that'll happen anytime soon." Pratty pouted. "Aw. Why is that? Does Faith live somewhere far away?" Virgil shook his head. "No. She's dead." Pratty froze up slightly. "I-I'm sorry." Virgil shook his head again. "Wasn't your fault."

Ahem. The two looked up to see Ureksa standing beside the stalagmite behind them. "Master Ureksa?" Pratty released Faith and stood up. "Pratty. I'd like a word alone with Virgil, if you don't mind." Pratty smiled and began running off. A few steps away, she turned back around. "Okay. No fighting now you two!" Virgil looked away. "No promises."

A few seconds passed before Ureksa spoke up. "You were right earlier." Virgil arched an eyebrow at Ureksa's statement before he went on. "I did rummage through your things." Virgil gritted his teeth. "Why you...!" Ureksa held his hand up. "It wasn't on purpose. That rogue stray caused some real damage. The contents of the bag flew out in his mischief." Virgil shook his head further. "Those are my belongings! I don't have to explain any of it to you!" Ureksa remained calm and collected. "I won't challenge that. In fact, I agree. There wasn't much in there besides Baum and bestinatries anyway."

Ureksa looked behind him to make sure the others were away in their tents and the two of the were alone. "I"ll come clean. That had nothing to do with what I wanted to ask you about." Virgil groaned, reaching his limit long ago. "Spit it out already!" Ureksa narrowed his eyes. "What is it your doing here?" Virgil gave a fast quizzical glance. "What are you-" Ureksa spoke up again. "You want to reach the bottom too?" Virgil was silent at Ureksa's recount of what he said on the fifth floor. He was quiet for a bit then looked away. "I don't need to explain my problems to you." Ureksa nodded in agreement. "Not at all. I just need to make sure your problems, stay just that." Virgil lifted his sword in front of him, avoiding Ureksa as he spoke. "You won't have to worry there."

Done chatting, Ureksa turned away and began walking over to the tents area. "That's good Virgil, I'd hate to have to take matters into my own hands, after all." Alone once again, Virgil tightened his grip on his sword and gritted his teeth, now in a foul mood.

Author Notes:

So, who are you and what did you do with that guy who updated this story like twice a year? Oh, I murdered him and I'm taking over his place. I assume there'll be little complaints.

In all seriousness though, "...? !" Why , why don't you let me put a ? and ! next to each other?

Also, Craftlord confuses me in terms of capitalization. Do I capitalize it? If not, what about in title, like: "The Craftlord of Ruby." I'm so confused!

Sanary has always been a favorite character of mine. Less throughout the story and more when I thought about her as a whole. Which is why I wanted to give her a chance in the limelight by giving her a chapter focus. At first you think, okay, she's the rival/love interest. But then you think post-game. She went through that horrible experience near the end of the tournament, being possessed and all. Imagine the guilt she must feel. What she feels when she looks at her friends. Sanary's confession was actually one of the first scenes I ever wrote for RN. I've since modified and updated it, but still. Also, I understand her somewhat raised animosity toward Sugar is a bit forced. But, they have been underground for a few days. Everyone's patience for what they usually put up with must be strained at the very least.

I'm surprisingly conflicted about the golem scene. Part of me wanted to write a hectic 3 on 1 battle scene. But my head just wasn't in the mood for it or something, so I skipped it. The moment I tried, it seemed forced and unnecessary. I guess if you guys want it I'll add it. But only if there's a demand. It's not needed for the chapter anyway, just what follows afterward.

Why didn't I show the fight between Sanary and Virgil? Because it isn't important. Nothing changes, it's literally just a way for the two to clear their head, mostly Sanary. If anything, the two are on slightly better terms, as shown by Sanary willingly bandaging him up after. I think the important question is, who won? Not that I'll ever tell.

As always, Read, Review, and Enjoy!