99 Chapter 27 - Australia Day (2/2)
”What's wrong? Thought we were just getting fired up?” Bazza said, ”Also, your a mimic right? or some kind of shapeshifter at least?”
Kenji turned away.
”This was a mistake. Thank you for the invitation Barry, but if you can't help us we need to get going.” With his change of attitude the other adventurers quickly found their feet and started packing, Kenji was proud that none tried to stay a while longer in this sunny eden beneath the earth. This paradise in a way.
”We have a job to do,” and without further strength, Tenko would remain lost forever.
”Then allow old Bazza here to help. You need to get to the fith floor boss right?” Bazza grinned, ”then I know just the way!”
”Can you help us fight it?”
”That I cannot. Even as a roaming monster, like me buddies here, we can only fight lessor spawns in other areas of this dungeon. Otherwise the %(^#($ would have a hissy fit.”
”Barry, who are you?” Kenji said, abandoning all hint of diplomacy. ”I came here to help a dear friend of mine, but before I trust you, I need to know who YOU are and how you came from Earth!”
Kenji felt stupid, and rash, and as if he was messing everthing everthing up. But similarly did Kenji feel like he had had enough with the games.
”I'll tell you, once you defeat the boss. How about that?” Bazza said, thinking fast, ”I'll help you get there, I'll help you strategise. And if you win, i'll tell you anything you want to know.”
”Why not tell me now?”
”Because, old Barry here doesn't want to get his hopes up. I don't want to tell you my situation here, get flooded with promises, and then have you either die down there - or win and never return. It's how it's always been, and now I don't like getting attached without some assurance of your strength,” Barry's eyes went wet, and Blake slithered over to rub his foot as Barry downed several mugs of beer.
”Fine - thank you, Bazza. Do you mind if we get going now?”
”Yeah, nah. We go when the snags and beer run out,” Bazza said having recovered from his little bout of sadness. Soon the party got back underway at full swing, and while anxious, Kenji gave Ellie the choice.
And she chose to let their comrades rest and enjoy themselves. At least for one night.
”We can go in the morning. With a full stomache, and having slept well.”
Kenji didn't mention he didn't need to sleep, but could appreciate those who still did. Instead he guarded them well into the morning, and readied their packs for them. Everyone awoke the next day with their supplies in order, and a very excited Barry standing at the front door.
”This way, this way please! First stop - the third floor!”