The Girl and Herself (COMPLETED)

Chapter 3 - An Unexpected Voice

Kristen and I trudged through the forest of tangled snarethorns (they're rough thorns on a flexible, but sturdy stick). We had to pull them over to the side so we could get through. That slowed our path down a lot more.

Finally when we got through the entanglement of snarethorns, we reached a desolate town with run-down old buildings. Snow piled on top of the buildings and gave it a sinister touch.

To think we climbed through vines, cut ourselves, and worked real hard just for this. Totally worth the pain.

I hobbled through the (frankly scary) village. Kristen raced after me, panicked that she would be left behind. We called out for any sign of hospitality. There was no answer. An eerie echo filled the silence. The wind howled fiercely, as if a warning for us to leave. I clutched my coat tighter, berating myself for not bringing a warmer coat.

I hiked on, Kristen hot on my heels. She caught up to me and we clutched each other's hands so hard they started to bleed.

A voice pierced the still quiet monotone. "Hello, filthy creatures."

The voice was sour, deep, and full of hatred. Now Kristen was shaking so hard in terror, I almost fell over into the deep snow.

"I see you have invaded my territory." The voice paused for a second. "Now you shall pay."

I doubled over laughing. He sounded like a jester I had known, failing to imitate an ogre. "I see you are doing a terrible impersonation of a wicked ogre." I said in between chuckles.

"I AM AN OGRE!" It roared, not amused. It let out a series of coughs.

"And I-" It hacked for a minute. "Will tell you-" He choked out the the last words in different levels of his voice.. "Your PUNIshMeNt LAter-eerrr."

I correctly assumed that he said, "And I will tell you your punishment later."

Then a figure stepped out of a door swinging on one hinge. It was a small boy with scrawny arms and stick legs. His black hair was rumpled and oily, as if he hadn't washed it in years.

I fell over in amusement. Once I finished, I took a closer look at the boy. He scowled, face red in anger, embarrassment, or because he just let out a series of coughs..

Probably all of them.

Then I fell over in laughter again. "If you're an ogre, then I must be an extra large giant. After all, I'm as much giant as you are ogre."

I giggled, still on the snow. Then I popped up, promising myself not to laugh again.

The boy was glowering at me even more. Mira stood there serenely, watching everything unfold.

I beamed a "princess like" smile. "Now let's restart our introductions like proper boys and girls. I am Princess Valerie Anastasia Sophia Belle Brown."

I spoke in a haughty accent. I swung my hand towards Kristen and slapped her face in the process.
"You should watch where you place your face." I said quaintly. "This is Kristianabeaux-"

I beckoned her to continue the rest. She was rubbing her pink cheek, not looking up.

"Kristen!" I whispered angrily. She cast a look at me.

"What?" She asked loudly.

"Your name." I said in a fake disapproving tone.

"I am Kristianabeaux Batonsiskiras Marlinnah Corinna-".

"Your nickname."

"What is a nicka- oh! I'm Kristen."

I sighed faking scorn. "Well she better get her act together before someone takes advantage of her disgusting ears. They must be broken."

I faced Kristen and gave her a wink to tell her that I was pretending.

"Is there something wrong with your eye?" Kristen asked, concerned.

I sighed, but this time it was genuine.

The boy waved, agitated. "Hello? What about ME!" He whined, placing his hands on his hips.

"I am deeply sorry, kind sir."

He kicked the snow, to no avail. He tried again, this time he kicked it into his face.

I stifled a laugh, making it sounded like a choking squirrel.

"SINCE I am an ogre." The kid spit, trying to look manly. "I have orders to give the worst punishment of all time. And it will become a worse one, mainly because you are Humdrowers."

The boy sneered at Kristen and me.

"It is-" He stopped for a dramatic gesture. "An eternity in Sun-up Villa, with warm showers."

Just so you know Sun-up Villa is a spa where most people go for vacation.

I know. It's a totally "bad" punishment. I guess ogres don't know this.

I gave a signal to Kristen, which indicated that she should follow my lead. I faked a sob and wailed in agony. "We don't want to suffer sunny days forever!"

Kristen dropped down and shrieked. "We are so sorry. Please break the rules for us!" She bawled and fell to the floor.

If I didn't know any better I'd think she was serious.

He sneered at our misery. "Well too bad. Boo hoo."

"I think you should be saying that to yourself." I murmured.

His smirk fell. "What do you mean?"

"This."

I tackled him to the floor, pulling out the rope I had in my bag.. I gave it to Kristen, and she tied the rope into an intricate knot, while I held the squirming boy in his place. He howled in defeat.

"That's what you get. Sorry karma wasn't there to save the day." I kicked his butt and marched away, contended that he wouldn't get away.

"Hey, nice acting back there." I said to Kristen, as we walked away.

"Thanks."

And with that said, we walked away. Two friends, side by side, on a quest to save the world.

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I know I know. I haven't updated in a month. I'm sorry okay. And also new format! Hopefully that will take your mind of the fact that I didn't update...