Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Author's Note: I am still working on getting back to my rhythm; it's a lot harder than I anticipated. I am going to finish this story, the updates might be slower but it's only because I don't want to rush through and then make it not so good. Thank you for being patient.

Debates and Promises

Bridge still hadn't been able to completely depart from being close to ing Juneston. Somehow he always found himself almost running into them. It wasn't a good thing, but obviously things like that couldn't be helped.

He still hadn't been able to find Syd or her sister. He hoped that somehow they had found their way back to the palace. They would be safe then and since Juneston was away from the castle it would mean Syd was safe. However that didn't stop Bridge from continually looking for her. It wasn't worth the risk to stop.

He stopped down by the creek and quietly got some water. He didn't have to much food left, he knew that he could catch some or even gather some berries and such, however he wasn't sure he had quite the time for that. He could only spend so much time resting.

He looked back to one of the trees and went over to it. Bridge looked around and deciding that he hadn't seen anyone he moved up the tree. He had decided that sleeping or resting in a tree was the best option. That way if anyone was to come across the place he was in when he rested they wouldn't be able to see him. Well they might be able to, if they were really looking. And who was going to be examining trees and who might be in them anyway?

Once he got far enough into the branches he looked down and decided that he was safe enough. He leaned against the trunk and took a small piece of bread out and slowly ate it. He was keeping things rationed, though he didn't even have the slightest guess as to how long he would be out in the wilderness searching.

As soon as he had finished eating Bridge decided that it was time to close his eyes and get some rest. He would sleep for a little bit and then continue in his search.

Z looked over at the man beside her. He had his brow furrowed as if he was in deep concentration, "What are you thinking about?"

Sky glanced at her before looking back straight again, "Nothing."

"Well, that just about confirms it." Z retorted with a smile.

"Fine, what I meant was none of your business."

"Look I was just trying to make conversation."

"Talk to your sister." He snapped.

"She's asleep." Z looked down at her sister. She was laying close to Z and had already fallen into a deep slumber. They had decided to take a rest for lunch. Syd wanted to actually rest a bit longer and in no time at all was fast asleep.

"Well wake her up, I think we should go."

"Just a moment, Syd wanted to rest."

"And she has."

Z glared at Sky before continuing, "Syd wanted to rest and therefore we are going to let her rest some more."

"Fine. But don't blame me if we don't get much further this afternoon."

"Look you can go back. My sister and I don't need you. Go back to your cottage in the woods."

"I'm not leaving two defenseless girls out here."

Z's mouth dropped open, "I am not defenseless."

"Really? So if a robber came out you with a sword, you would what attack the block with your arm?"

The brunette looked away, "Just because you have a sword does not make you invincible. What happens if an army comes upon you and your one sword?"

This time is the man who grew quiet. He looked away once more before turning back to his companion, "I'd be fine. I would just worry about the two of you."

"It's not your job to worry about us. I can take of Syd just fine."

"Yes because you did such a wonderful job of it against that creature."

"Like you did any better?"

"I was able to get you and your sister out of harms' way."

"And almost died until I came back and saved you. So I think that makes us pretty even."

Sky and Z continued staring at each other, both trying to get the other one to say something, however they both stubbornly refused to say anything whatsoever.

When Syd woke up she saw her two companions staring at each other.

"That was refreshing. I'm so glad that we decided to take a break." She sat up and looked to her sister and the man they were traveling with, to her surprise they were both staring at each other. "What's going on? Why are you guys staring at each other like that?"

Z turned around, "It's nothing Syd, don't worry about it. Sky and I just…were discussing things."

"Oh, like what?"

"Traveling arrangements."

"Are we ready to leave then?" A small frown fell upon Syd's face.

Her sister rolled her eyes, "Syd we have to get further away, alright."

"Can't we just go back Z, please?"

Sky looked at them, "Go back where?"

"Home. I really want to see Father." Syd replied, she knew that she was saying more than what Z wanted her to say but she couldn't help it.

"I think bringing you back is a good idea." Sky said.

Z looked back at him, "Excuse us. I think Syd and I need to talk in private."

She stood up and Syd followed her until they were a little bit away from Sky, "Z, I'm sorry but I do want to go home."

"I know Syd. Look I'll take you home after we get rid of Sky alright?"

"I don't know what your problem with him is, unless it's because you like him. I think he's nice."

"What did you say?"

"I think Sky is nice. Sure he can be kind of mean, but at the same time he's making sure we get home and that's something."

"No before that."

"What that you like him?"

"Yes, that is ridiculous, you know that right?"

"Really? Is that so?"

"This is not up for any discussion. I promise I will take you home alright?"

"Alright. Thanks Z."

The two shared a hug before Z spoke again, "You're welcome. Now let's go back." The two walked back to where they had left Sky, "Who knows maybe he's gone by now."

"I wouldn't count on that." Sky said. He was already standing with the camp picked up and the horses ready. "Shall we leave?"

Z stiffly smiled, "Alright, let's go."