23 Etheric Fruits 1 (2/2)

She walked beside Ed silently till they stood at the mouth of a cave. The captain took the lead and walked in. as Ed stepped into the cave, a wave of etheric energy hit him. What ever these people were here for, he now wanted it.

With a solemn look, he follow quietly. When just when he was looking around for where the energy came from, Meryl touched his arm and her mind touched his. What was this? He frowned. Why was she... he was confused for a second before he saw her gesture to the backs of the others. He now understood. She did not what them to hear her. but why try connecting with his mind? Talking with the mind? Why was he surprised. Since he came to this world, he had adjusted his mind to the possibility of anything. He let down his guard and heard her voice loud and clear in his head.

”Why did you do that?” she asked.

”Do what?”

”You could have used that opportunity to let them die. I was right beside you. If we both left the group and they died, the treasure would have been ours.” she said.

”Even when I announced my thoughts, you thought it wrong, then you say you would have believed me?” he asked. He understood why this mattered to her now. She had finally discovered that she was not really part of the group ad could be disposed any day.

”Well...” she started to say.

”Now, we must work together if we want to get out of here.” she said.

”Why? You finally discovered that they can get rid of you just as you wanted to join and get rid of me?” she asked. So he knew....She had thought that he would scuff at her, but even in his mind, his voice was calm and uncaring. Did this man never fear?

”Well, we are in the same shoes now. It is better that we work together.” she said. She did not receive a reply from Ed so she looked his way. She but glanced at her and looked away. This caused her heart to sink.

”If it's two of us, we will have a better chance of surviving.” she said but received the same silence. This time, she noticed that it was not only Ed that was silent, it was the entire crew.

”I thought it would at least be guarded but it is not. It's beautiful.” one of the group members said. This drew her attention to where they were al looking. It was a tree breaming with fruits. She could already tell from her distance that this fruit was full of energy. Greed set in her mind.

”Of course it's guarded. The information said that the Tunsen Bird guards this tomb.” the captain said.

”That is why we timed it right idiot. The information also said it will be out to hunt at this time, so work fast. Take everything.” the captain instructed and they and started working. Ed and Meryl stood by the side, they were supposed to watch for those entering the cave.

”Captain, isn't this also rumoured to be a soul realisation master's tomb?” the vice captain asked, ”why don't we also try our luck with that?”

”Oh? The gold bird mercenary. You even believe in children's tales?” an singsong voice said, causing every body to pause.