I'm Sorry, But the King You're Looking For is....

[Miranda Frost]

it really didn't take that long surprisingly. The turtle rushed inside the keep quickly, its metal gates snapping shut behind him. Left behind was the other guard, who kept his eyes solely on her. Miranda should have kept quiet and patiently awaited the other return. She couldn't help it. She had to amuse herself

"You know what will happen if he doesn't return.. do you?", she asked, turning her body toward the other guard. She approached it, dropping to one knee. The guard was impartial, probably steeling himself. Miranda brought her gloved hand and traced a finger around the top hole of the guard's shell. "I was able to crack the front of your friend's shell. You did hear it right? The back seems thicker but what about...". Miranda moved her hand over to the Koopa's head, gripping the back of it tightly in the palm of her hand. "your head? I'm sure it would make a much... sharper sound.", she said, releasing her hand. She stood and crossed her arms, stepping over the the exact spot she had stood earlier.

There isn't many that could say they were once friends of Miranda's. She led a childhood of isolation from the outside world. She could count the amount of real friends she has had on each of her digits. Those she actually loved only on one hand. Zack wasn't on her friends list, but he was rather close to. It would be a shame to lose him before she could get to know him a little more. Other than a vague description of his job and name, he was rather mysterious. She should have given him a little more credit. With his skills as a warrior.. no.. as a "Soldier" as he called it, he should be fine. However she had learned a long time ago that it is better to underestimate than to overestimate.

Rumblings of an engine could be heard, giving something to smile mentally over. The Koopa just couldn't say no to Miranda. She just felt so guilty for threatening him.. or not. No, that was a lie. She was very amused at their cowardice. It is a wonder they were able to control the majority of the Ashen Steppes. Their leader must be on the move and powerful to keep this... kingdom under his control. Interesting. She was interested in meeting him. Perhaps he was here, within these castle walls, or perhaps beneath the earth in the rumored network of tunnels and underground cities.

Miranda looked up at the sky, its crimson facade staring back down at her. The red sky seemed hostile, unwelcome compared to the blue sky she was used to seeing. Her sky felt.. old to her, maybe even weary. Despite this it always gave out a calm, content vibe. This one seemed angry, unforgiving as the landscape. She would be damned if she stayed in this world any longer after this "Job".

She would go somewhere wear the grass was green, and the blue skies watched from above. She imagined a small shack on a hill, a perfect place to watch the clouds float by in the day, and the stars streak by in the night. She sighed softly and came back to her senses, bringing her eye upon their mode of transportation. It was about ten yards long with and one yard wide. It was a skiff of some sorts, floating above the lava and ground alike.

Peeking barely over the guardrail was the same guard she had sent in. He waved over at her, yelling out "All aboard!".

Heh all aboard indeed.