Chapter 122: Leathery Relations

I floated through the air in my fancy box, and Mishka was tucked into my arms with her head on my chest, having a nap. Greshaha led me to go see the witch of the swamp, Taria Phens. She was supposed to know where to find the princess, and it seemed from what I had learned, there were no other humans here or that came through the swamp, ever.

"Why don't people come here? I mean, I can see why, but people are nosey; you would think more people would come to explore here, or are there a lot more things like you here?"

"I am not considered one of the bad things here; don't you know anything about this place?"

"No, I told you before, that I am not from this world."

I had explained myself to Greshaha, and that is what ultimately put Mishka down for a nap. I told him about coming here and a quick run over of what I had done.

"Yes, I guess there is a lot to learn if you plan on taking the entire world. This place comes, un-alive at night."

"What? Like, the night of the living dead?"

"I don't know what that is, but if you mean the living become dead, but still walks around, then yes, that is exactly what happens."

"And it takes more than a day to get through here...okay, that makes sense, but then what caused it, and are you affected? I don't want you to go all zombie snake on me, cause then I would have to make you into boots."

"What is it with you and wanting new boots?"

"Nothing really, you're a snake...nevermind, I will stop."

Wow, what a human thing to think. Didn't I just level an entire city for the same reason? I need to use my head, even with my jokes, or I would end up as the joke. 

"Hmmm?"

"Nothing, I just need to stop thinking of you like an animal. I can hear you and you the same, so you're not just an animal anymore. Animals are mindless beasts, but you still are a monster, for now. I am trying to change the world to thinking that sentient races are just as important as humans."

"Why? What is the point?"

"Hmm? The point? Fucked if I know, I don't like the way it is, so I am changing it."

"That's all? You just don't like it, so you're going to change it? Do you know how arrogant that sounds?"

"Of course I do! But that doesn't change anything, I will do what I said."

"Interesting, you remind me of someone, not as rough around the edges, but the same do anything attitude. Maybe you're right, you aren't short of power to back up your claim. We are here, but I will wait to lead you out."

I looked up from Mishka, I was brushing my hands through her bright orange hair as she slept. I squeezed her shoulder as we floated to the small dome hut, it was covered in vines and leaves and was about six meters wide. Mishka woke up and wiped a small bit of drool from her mouth and then looked up at me.

"Time to get out, Love, we are here."

I let the box down and we crawled out, waving to Greshaha as he slid into some nearby water, disappearing under the surface. We turned back around and was greeted by a face that must have related to a leather handbag. It was hard to tell where one wrinkle began and another started, and she smelled like a wet dog, uck!

"What do you want?" The old wrinkled woman asked in a black robe.

"Not your cure for aging!"

The woman looked at me hard but then started to laugh. Okay, no it wasn't a laugh she was a witch and that was the best damn cackle I had ever heard! Now, if her nose was more pointed, maybe a fancy hat with a point…

"That is a stupid idea." The witch said.

"Hey! I didn't say shit! Can you read my mind?"

"No."

"Listen here woman, I'm about five seconds from putting you on the moon. Can you or can't you read my mind?"

"Oh? Aren't you the excitable one, I can't read your mind, but I can see thoughts if you give them life in your mind. Happy now?"

"Yes, I am. Thank you, sorry, I rarely get private thoughts, and the thought of another person going in without my permission really irks me. I am Hyde and this is Mishka, you are Taria Phens? Oh, Great Witch of the Black Pond Swamp!"

"Can it whippersnapper! No one ever says that!"

"Sorry, everyone calls me the Great Master, so it really is nice to lay it on someone else for once, hehe!"

"You are The Great Master Hyde? The same one that turned Landokingson into a red glass gravesite?"

That was going to follow me, but I made the choice and I would live with it.

"Yes, the same one."

The old witch stepped back and gave me a look over. I wasn't sure what this change in mood was about, but I didn't feel any hostility or tension coming from her, so I just relaxed. Tiria pushed Mishka away from me gently and then walked around me, still looking me up and down, but not saying a damn thing.

"Is there something wrong?"

"What is your magic?"

"The Hands of Maximus and Negima."

"Okay, so what's your...wait...you have both?"

"Both? What does that even mean?"

"That isn't a single magical power, that is two powers. Not only are those two completely opposite powers, but the only counter to Maximus is Negima. How did you get both powers?"

"I was given this by Gripton, the Transmigration God."

"HE DID WHAT?! When I get my hands on that man!"

Hmmm? I wonder what kind of trouble Gripton is going to be in now?