Forgotten Part 47: Princes...

Forgotten Part 47: Princes...

The massive device halted at a large castle. The painted green sea and soft blue sky surrounded the environment. From the brown, metal behemoth, a white wolf and brown bird emerged. Together with a glowing orb, they marched to the castle. At the door, she knocked a few times, having a medieval-dressed servant open the door.
“Man in tights: I demand to see Protégé.” The man nodded, but changed it into a shake.
“I’m afraid she’s currently bathing.” She patted a small pistol on her hip.
“Let me rephrase it; you bring me to her now, or you’ll be next piece of decoration.” He quickly nodded and guided her. “Blossom: don’t screw around.” The wolf and servant headed to the higher levels. The bird noticed the large halls, impressed by the carved stone and posh carpentry.
“Why are we here?” The robot could not confirm.
“I don’t know, Mr. Pretovitsh. We come here often to see this… Protégé, but I never know what they discuss.”

***

The wolf walked into the room, seeing a single, abigious dog/cat/bird thing being washed and scrubbed by several servants. She sat down on a stool and waited. “Begone!” He shouted, and the servants dispatched. Once the cold, stone room had only the wolf and him, he started. “Things happen.” The wolf sighed.
“What now?” The creature grabbed a small letter and handed it to her. She opened it, finding the contents shocking. “That can’t be.”
“It’s true. The Net doesn’t make mistakes.” The wolf sighed and made a few slaps through the air. “Don’t stress; it’s not him.”
“This is him, I know it!”
“His shadow would never attack someone who helped him. Lots of deities have shadow minions.” The wolf looked at the letter and shook her head.
“So how’s prince hood working out?” The creature sighed.
“Despite the fact they call me “princess” because I’ve yet to been breached and like men, it has been most pleasant. Then there’s the annoying fact I only exist because they want me to.”
“Ah, the terrors with being a tool.”
“I’m inviting you to tonight’s party. My servants will provide costumes.” There was a small giggle and a large frown. “SubNet doesn’t take “no” for an answer.”
“Ah, that changes everything.”

***

It wasn’t as much a stare as a glance. A swift, cold, uncaring flash to absorb her shape and figure. She didn’t like the harsh glimpse the vixen gave. Despite the scorching desert and blazing sun, the creature gave her eerie and cold chills. “What do you want?” Her eyebrow went up, mildly activating the vixen.
“Just wondering what kind of stupid otter goes out into the desert.” Offended and annoyed, the otter turned to a more direct approach.
“You don’t happen to know a brown bird? About this high?” The otter pressed a flat, level hand against the start of her neck and looked at the vixen.
“Nope. You need any directions?” She looked around, seeing the vast sea of sands and salts. There was little chance on finding her way back without some form of aid, so she logically accepted the help she offered.
“Maybe across the desert to the nearest village.” The vixen nodded and revealed a rolled-up tent. She was surprised, as it wasn’t there a moment ago.
“Why that?”
“We travel at night. It’s easier and cooler.”