Alone No More (Rogue Cheney)

Chapter Seven

"So here's where we meet the mayor and then-" The group was currently going over the details and map for their job while we ate our breakfast.

"So what exactly do you guys need to do?" I looked at the wizards in front of me as Sting began.

"Well the description is pretty vague, just stating they'll pay 500,000 jewel if we kill off a monster that's been terrorizing the town. The weird thing though is that they asked for at least four wizards to come."

"What I don't get is if the monster is so close, why has it never come here? That town is small right? Shouldn't it have branched out by now?" I felt like those were reasonable questions, but Rufus looked at me like they were the dumbest things he had ever heard.

"Because, this town is surrounded by a magic barrier. Since it's a very hot tourist attraction, they don't want the guests getting hurt so they seal off any threats." Rufus explained, all while giving me the 'how-did-you-not-know-that?' look. "Do you understand now?"

"Kind of. But if it's so easy to keep monsters away, why doesn't every town use that magic? I mean, I wouldn't want the town with several hundred people living there to be attacked either." I smirked at the frustrated look he was giving off. I already knew the answer to it, but I wanted to see how far over the edge I could push him.

"You need a permit for some things, including using magic to protect a town. And unfortunately a highly popular hotel and beach are ranked above highly populated cities. Plus it takes a lot of magic to seal a whole town so it's kind of difficult to find a wizard who can give off enough magic energy to last." Yukino interjected herself into the conversation before Rufus blew a fuse. I smiled and thanked her, still mentally laughing at how easy I could irritate him.

"But in the instance that something were to happen and the monster reaches the beach, you and Lexi leave. Understood Ashe?" Rogue looked so serious I had no choice but to nod. He smiled and went back to breakfast. Of course he knew how stubborn I was so that was almost like an empty promise.

"Alright, we're heading out." Orga stood up and stretched, followed by the others. Lexi and I stood up and followed them to the door.

"Take care Ashe!" Lector and Frosch hugged me before leaving. "We'll be back for dinner, so be ready for some awesome stories!"

"Thanks, good luck." I called after them. Sting turned around and smiled. "Sabertooth doesn't need luck!" I laughed and headed back to the room to get ready for the beach. Please be safe everyone. Especially you Rogue.

I got Lexi dressed and sat her on her bed. I still have to talk to her about last night.

"Lexi, last night you said you had fun with daddy. Can you explain that to me?" I asked her again, thinking maybe she was just tired and wasn't thinking straight. She smiled and showed her small teeth.

"I told you. I had fun with daddy Rogue. Rogue's my daddy." I sighed, confused as to why she thought that.

"Can you explain to me why you think that Rogue's your dad?"

"Sure, I've always known he was my dad. He's always around when we're sad or lonely, he makes you happy, and I know you like him more than the other dad. Oh, and he plays dress up with me. Only real dads do that." She smiled, obviously proud of her answer and I couldn't help the one growing on me either. So it's because he's around more, that makes sense.

"Alright love, but don't call Rogue 'dad' or 'daddy' just yet, I don't know how he'll take it." She nodded and we headed to the beach. So that's why she doesn't call him 'uncle'. If he knew that he'd probably freak. I laughed to myself as I thought of his reaction.