Snow entered her tent. She got out of her clothes and was in a simple shirt and shorts. She glanced over towards Dairen, who was cuddled up like a burrito, sleeping soundly in his little corner.
With a yawn, she slipped her feet in. Allowing herself to enjoy the coolness of her sleeping bag. Laying down, she stared up at the ceiling, thinking about all the events that had transpired. She closed her eyes, trying to get some sleep.
For a moment, there was peace. The cicadas were singing their usual song, while the fire crackle and the low voices of a handful of people awakened could be heard off in the distance.
A scuffling sound of sheets against sheets could be heard, and a warmth she didn't expect to feel was present. Her eyes snapped open. She snapped her head towards the side where the feeling was coming from and found Dairen had weaseled his way towards her.
The only thing sticking out was his face, quietly sleeping close to her own.
Snow jerked backward, unable to sleep so closely without shouting from the unexpected encounter. She froze when he moved, coming closer again.
When did he get so close?! Snow thought, trying to see if she had enough room to run away, but every time she moved a bit, Dairen would follow her like a lost puppy. Was he doing this intentionally? She wasn't sure without shaking him awake.
Eventually, she had nowhere else to escape. Her back against the lining of the tent. Her head facing him. She didn't realize until now that he had quite long eyelashes. Even his hair was a bit shaggier than before, covering half of his face.
Dairen's face was smooth with barely any pimples or blackheads. She couldn't help but jealously stare at his perfect skin tone, which she wanted herself. Her hand unconsciously reached out, pushing away his hair. Her fingers brushed against the side of his cheeks.
When her hand passed, Dairen's eyes were partially awake, staring at her with warmth. For a moment, their eyes interlocked.
Eventually, Dairen reached out, tracing his hand on her face and onto her pink lips. His hand scooped over, pulling her body into his arm.
Snow was overwhelmed by Dairen's sweet, but slightly musky scent. Her body froze, unsure what to do but stay still and stare.
She couldn't decide if Dairen was completely awake or drunk from the way he was acting, and he didn't just stop there.
Pulling her entirely into his embrace, she was wrapped in his arm, making her feel small. He kissed her forehead.
Snow heard the thumping of his heartbeat and the heaviness of his breathing. She looked up. Their nose and lips, not even a few centimeters apart. Their eyes met temporarily, he sighed, staring and watching for a very long time.
Snow was trapped in his silverish green eyes. Her mind was blank, unsure what to say or do. When the sound of loud, boisterous drunk voices outside made Snow realize what predicament she was in.
Coming back to her senses, she pulled back, surprised by his sudden advance.
Dairen frowned, but he didn't say anything and watched her with a predatory gaze. For a while, they kept their distance. He didn't push forward anymore and instead pulled her in as he snuggled together and into her white hair. He inhaled and slowly went back into a deep sleep.
Snow was thrown entirely off guard by Dairen's bold movements. She could feel his muscles against her chest and arms. Flustered, unable to do anything but stay still, allowing him to fall asleep, Snow didn't dare to move.
The pulsating electric feeling didn't dissipate, completely throw her off guard. Her eyes shot, words unable to come out of her lips, she stayed in his arms until sleep eventually overcame her.
*****
Snow woke up with a groan. Her body was sluggish and heavy. Her head was slightly pounding from the drink last night, realizing that she had drank a bit too much. Turning her head towards her side, she found Dairen awake and staring at her.
Her mouth gaped open and closed. Eventually, she was able to force some air through her throat. Snow said, "When did you wake up?"
"Just a few moments ago."
Snow tried to play it off cool. "Why are you staring at me…?"
Dairen momentarily went silent. He scanned her face, reaching over to push away her hair. "Because you are beautiful."
His sudden words brought an unexpected wave of heat to her face. She blushed, coughing as she got up. Last night closeness made her squeamish, and she wasn't sure how to face him. Hopefully, he wasn't fully awake to remember everything that had happened last night.
"Thanks."
Dairen frowned, displeased that she got up too quickly, leaving the sleeping bag's warmth behind. He reached up to grab her wrist but stopped himself.
Snow reached over to grab a few of her clothesk, then glanced at Dairen. "If you don't mind."
Dairen realized what she was asking for as he jumped up and went out of the tent. He disappeared.
An unknown weight lifted off her shoulder. Quickly, changing out of her nightclothes, she wore simple black cut up jeans with a sleeveless turtleneck shirt. It hugged her body, bringing out her figure. Pulling up her long black boots, she got up.
Taking a step out, she opened the flap door to the outside.
Dairen was patiently waiting for her, watching the others' busy morning getting up and getting ready.
"Aren't you going to wash yourself?"
"I have already done it."
"So quickly?" Snow was baffled on how fast he changed.
"It doesn't take so long, Snow."
"Well, I must be a bit slow."
Both of them walked in silence, unable to start a conversation. Snow's mind was filled with last night, her cheeks slightly warm, and unable to say anything back. It was as if there was a rock stuck in her throat, making it difficult to speak.
They continued onwards, watching the camp come to life. The heavy smell of a freshly cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast lingered in the air, making Snow's stomach grumble.
She headed straight towards the fire camp, where a table of food plates was laid out in a buffet typesetting. Angie was leading a group of priest and priestess, serving food for everyone to eat.
Snow stood in line, waiting for her own turn. She happily got a plate of food, which for some reason, the cook put more food into than the others. Before she could retort about the amount of food she was given, the cook went to the next person.
Walking away with a slightly heavy plate, Snow headed towards an open log, where she saw Mike, Dairen, Rodney, Audrey, and Angie all sitting around having breakfast.
Angie was half asleep drooling, while Rodney had both plates on his lap. She swaggered a bit, flopping onto his shoulder. Rodney reached for her with a spoon in hand, and he scooped up some grits and brought it over for her to eat, tapping it a few times on her lips. With a whine, she groaned at him.
"Angie, breakfast," Rodney whispered to her. Angie opened up her mouth like a baby chick.
They were in their own little world, making Snow feel a bit warm watching them. Audrey had an ale in hand, early in the morning lightly drinking, with a wide grin. He was gobbling up his food, trying to scarf up everything followed by ale's deep chug.
Mike was leisurely eating his while looking through his reports.
Dairen was sitting across from her, picking at his food with his fork. He looked up at her for a brief moment and then looked back down his plate, unable to say anything.
Snow slowly ate her food; she picked through a few and ate through her breakfast.
Mike put down his paper and said, "I got a report this morning that they will be here a bit early at night."
"I was hoping that they would take a bit longer." Snow forked a sausage and took a bite. It's juicy sausage splashed in her mouth, allowing her to enjoy the food.
"On the bright side, we have confirmation that the dungeon core is for sure with the dungeon boss."
"Really?" Snow placed her fork down, "Where exactly would that be?"
"Apparently, it's on its chest."
"Any other descriptions?"
"They said it looks similar to some weird dinosaur creature."
Rodney said excitedly, "That would be an interesting fight." He had finished eating as he placed it on the ground. "I'm ready to knock this bitch out."
"As of now, we have to deal with one problem at a time. First off, let's get the problem that is coming dealt with and done with." Snow sighed. The thought of dealing with Jack was something she didn't want to do. Honestly, she wanted to run away and leave all the problems behind at times.
"For sure. We can't have Jack running around doing whatever he wants, to," said Mike. "I'm quite sure that we'll come out of this, alright."
"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves," Snow said. She knew such expectations were ideal, but she wanted to make sure that they weren't easily blindsided.
They finished their breakfast, getting ready for the end of the day for the entanglement with Jack.
A large group of over three hundred newly awakened rode in on their jeeps and rovers. Shouting like thugs and even joyfully singing their song, while getting closer and closer to the encampment. When they noticed that they were about to arrive, they pointed and jabbed with a rough attitude, making many watch them with disgust.
People streamed towards the front with armor and weapon ready. Some were hyped at the thought of reinforcement, but when the words went around that it was Jack's group, their whole demeanor changed in moments.
Jack came riding in a jeep first, standing with rifles in his hand. His cocky demeanor was present, scowling at the players as he rode in. With a snarky smile that could make a baby cry, he jumped off and landed on the ground.
The other cars followed after, squealing loudly as they went into a sudden halt. They grumpily looked around, realizing that the air between them was a lot more hostile than they liked.
"Back up, you swine!" One of Jack's crew, who got off after Jack came over with a rifle in hand. He pointed his fingers and yelled for everyone to step back.
When nobody moved, he raised up his rifle and aimed it at them.
"I said, move back!" The man threatened them again.
This time, people listened, opening up a path for Jack.
"That's more like it." A snarky attitude with a full-blown arrogant demeanor followed after. More and more of Jack's team hurriedly came around him, creating a protective layer around him.
The people that didn't listen were pushed away roughly. Sparks and tension were heavy in the air. Jack's group didn't make it any better as they continued to threaten them to move out of the way. People started to pack closer together, creating a blockage. A few times, they had to fight their way through, trying to get past.
More and more Players came over, annoyed, and upset in what was happening.
A few of the people were quarreling amongst each other, shouting until their voices could be overheard. They started to shove and push around anyone they assumed they could bully, which wasn't many.
Many Players moved in a pack mentality, taking a step forward to stop the bullying from happening. Audrey was the forefront of the crowd, shoving back with his big bearish body. His scruffy beard was a lot more tangled up than before, and his bulky muscles were thicker. Many people wouldn't have wanted to fight him as his intimidating aura would have scared many away, but Jack's people didn't shy away.
Audrey's old guild members from the BlackRiver's guild were the first to surround him; their loyalty still ran deep even though their guild were merged. They were getting ready to fight and teach Jack's people in place of their arrogant attitudes. The other members from the Gold Phoenix came over to assist their teammates, weapons ready to go out in a full out brawl,
"You damn piss hole of a dog!" Audrey stormed, shoving another man who was a bit bigger than him in size, which didn't intimidate Audrey at all. "Do you think you can just waltz in here as if this is your own camp? Huh?"
The bulky man shoved back with just as much force, "You think you own this land? We just wanted a place to rest. Who do you think you are?"
"What the hell are you talking about? You guys were pushing my men around like thugs."
"So?"
"So?" Audrey seems to grow in size, electricity sparking around him in anger. "You mess with them, you mess with me."
Audrey kicked him in the legs, knocking out his knee cap as the man caved onto the pain. "Don't mess with my guild, or you're going to get a bite back."
A roar of thunderous anger sounded off from both sides. Jack was leisurely perching on his car, minding his own business. He was simply enjoying the ruckus view that was going on as a full out brawl started.
Punches, kicks, and even magic was flying everywhere, trying to put the other person down.
Snow made her way through the crowd. When they noticed that it was Snow, the people moved out, some whispering in excitement and respect as she made it to the front.
The fight between Jack's men and Audrey was ensuing.
Audrey was a big man, his fist pounded into the guys that tried to overwhelm him with pure numbers. They circled around him, some with stun guns, guns, and swords, all enchanted with magic.
Snow raised up her hand, sending out a powerful dome barrier around Audrey and Jack's goon. She didn't want any attacks landing in the crowd, making it into a dangerous fight.
Upset by their rude entrance, Snow stormed in. Magic crackling around her, causing many to step away from fear of getting harmed.
All at once, these men attacked. Throwing magical energy at Audrey to bring him down.
Audrey didn't even flinch, magic pouring out of his body as he transformed into a giant black bear. His claws flashed around him, slamming the people with his claws like playthings.
People were trampled and even battered around with broken bones.
Jack stepped forward. He frowned at his pathetic sight of his fellow man being pushed around by one man.
"Disgusting," Jack spoke with disappointment. He leisurely walked over, raised up his hand, and blocked Audrey's slash.
With a shocked gasp, everyone couldn't believe what they were seeing. Audrey wasn't the type to be pushed around so quickly. Especially someone stopping him in his bear form.
Audrey grunted, he roared in Jack's face. Jack didn't even flinch, staring at him with boredom. With a wave of his hand, he threw Audrey over his shoulder and into the ground. A loud boom echoed, creating a large crater.
Jack stepped over Audrey's body and kicked him in the face.
A sharp snap could be heard.
A gasp followed.
A skeletal hand blocked Jack's kick, while Mike appeared before him with a sword against his neck. A vicious scowl appeared on Mike's lips, partially snarling.
"What gives you the right to come in here, storming?" Mike's words were laced with anger and poison. "Do you think you'll get away scot-free for doing this?"
A thin line of red blood dripped down his neck. He turned his head, staring at Mike with an arrogant smile.
"Yes," Jack replied. Lazily, he took a few steps back. "I came here to conquer everything and take everything. Especially the girls." He licked his lips. There was a craze in his eyes that wasn't there before.
Jack wasn't the only one as all of his army was in a strange trance of craziness that made them enchanted like they were zombies.
A powerful spell of magic echoed outward in waves, creating a mind-numbing pain. Mike was able to resist the lure of Jack's spell, who seemed to warp and bulk up in size. He was now two times larger than before, giving off a deadly bloodlust.
The others followed, muscles bulging out of their clothes. Their hands and feet started to dye into a purple and black, giving it a sickly feel.
A full out war went into effect as the people fought against monsters' tide appearing amongst the crowd.
Snow roundhouse kicked another, throwing the knife-wielding man away from her. She headed towards Jack, who was fighting against Mike. They were surprisingly head-to-head in strength. For Jack to grow so strong in such a short amount of time shouldn't be possible. She didn't understand how until something caught her eyes.
Jack was wearing a gold bracelet where a large magic force was wrapping around his body like a snake.
"Pathetic bugs." Jack coughed, spitting out blood from his mouth. He punched Mike in the guts with his hand. It blew red with fire and ice, giving him a monstrous power.
Jack glanced up, he caught sight of Snow coming towards him. "Well, if it isn't the Queen of whores."
Snow eyed him carefully. She could see the swirl of magic around his wrist erratically pulsing with dirty dark energy. His grin became more expansive, giving him an even more crazy and eerie look than before.
"I'll definitely have fun playing with you." Jack wetted his lips. He then snarled at her like a crazed dog.
In an instant, Jack appeared before her in a blink of an eye. He backhanded her. An unexpected sting raced across her cheek, making her see white dots. Her body was flung in the air and back down onto the ground.
Air escaped from her lungs, her back throbbed in pain, and a dizziness hit her momentarily. Snow was shocked at the amount of speed and strength that he had. He was completely different from the first time she met.
A foot rested on her chest, squeezing down with his weight. "I have been dreaming for this day to have you under my feet." He leaned over, smiling devilishly with joy—a rapturous hunger littered in mind, pushing him towards insanity.
"Well, buddy," Snow snarled from the ground, "We shall see about that."
Her helmet magically appeared, snapping it shut over her head. A powerful burst of energy expelled out of her body, pushing back Jack from her chest.