Almost like a Fairytale

[Corporal Light]

"Good. You're listening. Means you're improving." Ballad said, rubbing his gloved hand against the base of his green jacket. He probably should've mentioned the grease on his glove when he placed it on Lynch's mouth, but the kid would figure it out in no time. Besides, his head was pounding, probably due to lack of sleep, and he didn't want to lose his shit so early in the morning.

Ballad sighed, crossing his arms against his chest again as he stepped past Koal, looking around the area. He eventually found the area he had stepped through, motioning for Koal to follow him. He passed through the entryway, looking behind him to see Lynch obediently following him. He grumbled to himself as he walked towards the dirt path they had temporarily abandoned for a few hours before. It still didn't feel right bringing along the kid, especially after his breakdown, but this was a good opportunity to mooch off of someone less intelligent than yourself for a good week or so in order to get back onto your feet.

"The way out of here is this way. Should only be a half-hours walk or so." Ballad said, pointing his index finger towards the north. Lynch turned his head towards the general direction Ballad was pointing at, nodding silently. Before too long, they were walking down the path in a straight line; Ballad in front, Koal in the back.

---------------------------------

Around ten minutes later

"Were those horse tracks we just passed?"

"Probably not. Keep walking." Ballad replied, trying his best to keep his bluff convincing. In all reality, they pretty much did pass by horse tracks a few minutes ago. But in all honesty, there wasn't any point. It would be a waste of time hunting for a beast in the woods when you could just keep walking to a nearby village in the half the time. Besides, what was the point in worrying about it, anyway? The only thing it was really good for was food and a mode of transportation.

"Should be there in twenty minutes or so.." Ballad said, disgruntled.

"Shouldn't we go find the horse? You know, to save time?"

"No." Ballad said, his voice rising into an almost commanding tone as he turned to glare at him. The gangster kid scrunched his shoulders, still remembering the threat he made a while ago. Ballad nodded towards him without a hint of respect as he whirled his head back around. As it rotated, however, he caught a glimpse of a figure in some bushes, though any other details were practically imperceptible, even to him. He snapped his head back towards the bushes, his eyebrow cocked in a confused manner.

"OW! WHAT THE F-?!" Ballad yelped, whirling around to pierce the kid with his eyes. He had apparently stopped walking to divert his attention to the bush, and paid the price as a result.

"Woah! What's the matter?!" Koal replied, shouting as well.

"Shush, dammit!" Ballad demanded, raising his left hand upwards as if to hold him back. He brought his eyes back towards the bush, squinting his eyes so as to get a better look at it from his distance. It was around twenty or so feet away, and it seemed to be unoccupied. Then, without warning, a large rabbit popped out of the bush, hopping away.

"Just a damn rabbit. Figures." Ballad grumbled, lowering his hand before continuing to walk down the path, hopefully with Koal in pursuit.