D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

”What about offering to destroy it?” asked Trevor. ”Team up to find and destroy the pieces? Iʼm not sure we really want them destroyed but if Kat would agree to it… itʼs probably better to go after them correct?”

”Not me though,” sighed Skye. ”Even if sheʼs willing to forgive us as a group I think Iʼd rather not tempt fate…”

”Even with the fact sheʼs a demon? Meaning sheʼs only told you the truth and would be forced to do so in the future?” asked Dusk.

Skye winced. ”Maybe… I… I donʼt know. It would be super awkward. I think… I think I would be willing. Just… weʼd basically be giving up a shot at first place in that case,”

Dusk shrugged, ”Better rewards at second and third anyway. First was probably out of our reach even without Kat. The fact we made it here is perhaps a miracle already. Aiming for second by riding along Kat would be fine,”

”That…” Skyeʼs frown deepened. ”Tactically… youʼre not wrong… but… god that feels like an awful thing to do after I betrayed her. Using her to get second place?”

Dusk shrugged, ”We wouldnʼt be dead weight. Besides, if we are expecting her and her team to win… and helping them do so… are we really just using them?” Skye sighed but didnʼt have a good answer for her companion.

--- Ugalaz, Under Contract ---

Ugalaz found himself looking over the beds. They were… not appropriately sized. He was considering saying something when a moment later the room seem to expand. Between one blink and the next, the room doubled in size and the bed on the far left tripled its own area. Grunting Ugalaz made his way over to the bed and sat down. Nodding when it didnʼt creak at all.

As Ugalaz was getting comfortable, everyone else was already arguing. Gardor asked ”So which of us are bringing our familiars along?” Which. To Ugalaz, seemed like a reasonable question. These familiars were part of the family. They were more important than he was. Ugalaz didnʼt resent that fact, he was hired on to help with the healing and little else. Especially at the start. The simple fact was, they didnʼt trust him. So… seemed reasonable to try and keep them safe no?

”I canʼt believe youʼd even suggest that,” whined Ash. ”Theyʼve come this far with us, why would you begin to suggest that they donʼt deserve to be there when we win?” Technically, he wasnʼt suggesting at all. He was asking. *As for why heʼd even ask? Well… isnʼt it obvious?*

”Just because my familiar isnʼt all but immortal like your own doesnʼt mean Iʼm thinking about it,” growled Gardor. ”Fluffles IS family, and weʼve talked it out. Heʼs coming along… but I wasnʼt exactly paying attention to the rest of you. I was in fact, just asking,”

Ash rolled her eyes, ”Zipper is one bad storm from getting seriously injured! He really could be hurt in this and youʼre treating it so casually,” Ugalaz was pretty sure that was false. Or rather, that a storm that could catch all of Zipperʼs clones was in fact much more dangerous then combat. *Apparently theyʼve chosen violence then.*

Sen and Shoal where no help at all. They alongside their wolves had already ripped the mattresses of the bed and started tearing into them to make something closer to a nest then a bed. Ugalaz wanted to sigh but knew better. *I feel like I shouldʼve asked more to watch over these idiots. Why did I agree to fight in this final round? Strong they might be but Iʼll never understand how they manage to be a functional team.*

”Look, donʼt go projecting your insecurities onto me,” stated Gardor. ”I reckon I can keep my friend good and healthy. Iʼll be going down long before Fluffles if I have my way,” *Oh no. Thymeʼs excellent medical facilities can keep you safe. What a tragedy. Honestly Iʼm half tempted to ʼdieʼ early on in the day so I can get a look at Thymeʼs new setup. Itʼs not technically against my contract… hmm… is it worth the risk? They might not ever find out…*

A crashing noise rang out, breaking Ugalaz from his thoughts. Apparently Ash had leapt at Gardor and Fluffles intercepted and threw her into the empty bed frame. *Sigh. Why am I bothering with this shit again?*