Evan

"You seemed pretty busy over there."

She pointed her slender finger at the beetle, who was walking back to her friends. There was an irritation in her voice that I found funny.

"Oh well, to each his own."

I planned to keep them in the dark for a little while longer.

"Evan!"

I turned fluidly to face the voice and stood up straight as I saw the man. His hair came down to his shoulders and was metal, making it ratty. Flams was muscular and had an arrogant smile on his face as he walked past the ladies, who shot him furtive glances.

"Flams!" I stood up and patted him on the shoulder.

"I can't believe you're back and with such an attractive young lady."

He added quickly as he looked behind me and saw her. She was standing straight and smiling brightly.

"Nice to meet you Mr Flams. My name is Pearl."

She held out her hand and Flams shook it enthusiastically. Then he turned back to me and clasped his hands.

"Tell me, what do you need?"

"Who says we need anything?"

I asked, chuckling as he raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

"Fine, but this is something that should stay between us."

I looked around and the creatures lowered their eyes as I caught their gaze. Understanding, Flams nodded and motioned for us to follow.

"Say it." We sat down in a dark corner of the café and Flams leaned over the table towards me.

"We need weapons. For them." I point with my thumb at my travelling companion, who is sitting uncomfortably in her seat. Flams' eyes narrow and take in her critically.

"Tell me, girl, what are you looking for?"

"A sword."

"Big, small? Long, short?"

"Uh..." She looks around helplessly, as if she could find the weapon there. "I don't know..."

"Then I can't help you." He cuts her off and leans back defensively. Pearl shoots up and I hum.

"Flames."

"If the girl doesn't know what she's looking for, I can't help you, Evan. I can't get to her level, and if she stays that uncertain, I'm not going to throw a gun at her."

"I'm just sitting here, you know."

Ignoring her, I slam my hand down on the table and look at Flams angrily. "She may be small, but I can teach her. We really need her."

"Hey, please! I'm here too..."

"Evan, not everyone is made to fight. What if she doesn't have it in her? Her doubts will get in the way and it could end very badly."

I open my mouth to give him a scorching reply when Pearl angrily pushes her chair backwards next to me, causing it to make a scratching noise and fall to the floor with a thud. She looks at us with a murderous glare.

"I am NOT invisible, small or stupid! My insecurities will not stand in my way and I can answer all by myself!" Then she turns to Flams.

"I need a sword. Medium length, light enough that it won't slow me down in a fight. Short enough to hide it, but big. A bow would also be useful for longer distances."

Speechless, I look at her. Flams is silent for a moment, then throws his head back and roars.

"I was wrong. She really would be a great warrior. Just be careful, Evan, you'll be toppled from your throne soon enough."

"My life sucks." Flams comes and sits down beside me with a glass full of booze. Pearl has gone upstairs to sleep and I'm still downstairs drinking with my only friend.

"Just keep drinking and it will get better."

"It won't get better, it just seems like it will." I pour the liquid backwards anyway.

"You know what, those chicks are watching us all the time and since you have such a bad life, you get to choose first."

I look back and shake my head.

"What, not hot enough! You can't be serious!"

"They're quite tasty, but my head's not in the right place at the moment."

"Well, of course it's still jerking."

I give him a threatening look and push my glass away. "How soon do you think you'll have the weapons ready?"

Flams taps his finger on the table. "A day, maybe two. Depends on the materials."

I stand up and tap him on the shoulder. "Fine, I'll go. Make sure I don't have to follow you."

"Going to your lady?"

I crack my knuckles and hiss, "Tomorrow. Make sure it's ready."

Defiantly, the man raises his hands and chuckles. I walk up the stairs and stop in front of the door. Should I...? I look at the wood behind which Pearl lies and sigh with irritation, anger and sadness. Then I open the door and go into my room.