Kit was getting ready to cook dinner for the night, they were having Apelop meat salad. There were no pears left so Kit was using apples. ‘I really am going to have to find new meat soon or I will never want to eat Apelop meat again.’

Mars suddenly appeared next to Kit giving him a fright, Mars had his sword drawn.

“What is it?” whispered Kit. So far, they hadn’t encountered any danger of a night time.

“There is someone heading towards our camp. We don’t know if they are friendly or hostile, so we need to be on guard.”

Kit stopped what he was doing and drew his sword. He could feel his adrenalin start to climb. Mars motioned for Kit to follow him. Mars led Kit to a large tree close to the camp.

“Climb the tree and stay hidden. I’ll go and see what they are after.” Kit didn’t want to leave Mars alone to deal with whoever was coming towards them. He was worried for Mars’ safety.

“I’ll come too.”

“No if they kill both of us, we will lose all our stuff. This way one of us has a chance to get some of our equipment back if things go bad.”

Kit couldn’t argue with that, so he climbed the tree. He didn’t want to lose any of his hard earned purchases if he could help it. He hoped Mars would be able to handle the unknown danger approaching.

Out of the two Mars was defiantly the better one to deal with an unknown threat. He hoped Pint would have the sense to run away if there was danger. Kit was doubting if the giant horse even knew what danger was. Kit didn’t have to worry about Snowball he knew he would hide. The little guy had more sense than the horse.

Kit watched from his perch in the tree as Mars silently made back to camp. Kit sat anxiously waiting to hear some noise. As the silence continued, so did his anxiety grow. Scenarios of Mars and Pint being killed and their belongings bundled up and taken ran through Kits head.

Kit didn’t know how much longer he could take the silence. Not knowing was worse than having an idea of what was going on. Kit’s breathing started to increase with his anxiety. He was afraid he couldn’t stay hidden due to the noise he was producing from his anxious breathing.

This cycle continued for Kit until he couldn’t take it anymore. He was too worried about his friend to care about their equipment. Just as Kit was starting to climb down the tree, he heard voices drifting over to him from camp.

They didn’t sound hostile and there were no sounds of fighting. Mars soon appeared with someone beside him. Kit started to calm down once he saw Mars was still in one piece. Kit glanced at the newcomer beside Mars. Kit felt that this person looked familiar. After scrutinising the newcomer from head-to-toe Kit realised where he had seen that armour before.

“Kai?”

“Kit.” Kai nodded towards Kit, although Kai was abrupt Kit liked talking with the adventurer.

Kit climbed down the tree and the party returned to camp. Kit’s nerves were still a little jumpy from the heightened state he had been in earlier.

“What are you doing here Kai? I thought you were chasing the adorable shrewd shifter back at Sweet Meadow.”

“It is on the move and heading this way. I am worried about the two of you camping tonight with the monster about. Neither of you are at a level to deal with it.”

“What do we do then?”

“I’ll stay with you tonight then escort you to town tomorrow. Normally this area is good for beginner adventures because you don’t have to worry about being attacked of a night-time. The creatures in this area are a lower level as well.”

“Then why is the monster here?” asked Mars.

“That I’m unsure of. This adorable shrewd shifter is not like the others I have encountered. This one runs and hides from me and seems to be travelling somewhere. This is not their normal behaviour. I don’t know what to make of this adorable shrewd shifter.”

“Normally if they escape from the boundary, the first thing they do is go on a rampage killing everything they come across.”

“They are blood thirsty monsters that are difficult to kill. Their levels are extremely high. It takes a whole team of Sand Masters to bring one down. I couldn’t kill one by myself.”

“What are Sand Masters? What will you do if you come across it if you can’t kill it?” said Kit.

“You’re a curious little one, aren’t you.” Kai chuckled.

“Sand masters are people that are masters of their craft. They have the skills and knowledge to combat the adorable shrew shifters. It is the highest honour to become a Sand Master, fighters of Golden Opuntia state aspire to become one.”

“To answer your second question. I have a devise that will contain the monster until a team can arrive to combat the creature. It’s my job to hunt and contain them. This adorable shrewd shifter has gotten further than any other in existence. It is also rather crafty, it seems to be a lot more intelligent than its counterparts.”

“Are we in danger if we stay here? Should we pack up and head towards Flower Fields Town now? Will we even be safe in Flower Fields Town? Frosted cakes! I’m going to die again.” Kit started to panic.

“Kit, calm yourself. You will be fine. I just told you I have a devise to contain the monster. You can just act like you normally would, I’ll keep watch tonight. They are only active during night-time.”

“Kai what do they look like? Are they really cute?” Kit was curious if they were even more adorable than Snowball. He didn’t think anything would be cuter than his little friend.

“There is actually nothing cute about them. When they first appeared, the desert council at the time needed a way to stop the fear spreading about the new monsters that had spawned in the desert. For whatever reason they decided that if they made the creature sound harmless this would reduce panic in the hearts of the people.”

“It worked a little too well. Once the adorable shrewd shifters were contained, people slowly forgot how destructive they were. This decision from long ago causes headaches now. Unfortunately, now people often head to the twisted sands to try to prove themselves by trying to fight one of the legendary monsters. It always ends tragically. The name no longer holds fear in people’s hearts, just like the council wanted.”

“As for what they look like. During the day they look like a normal human. At night they morph into a large black humanoid shape. Their strength and aggression is intensified beyond belief.”

“Just one adorable shrewd shifter can destroy a small village. So, if I tell you to run, you do as you’re told.”

Kit’s fear started to rise after hearing about the adorable shrewd shifter. Kit realised he hadn’t seen Snowball since his return to camp.

“Mars have you seen Snowball? I’m worried, he’s out at night with this shifter around.”

“Who is Snowball?’ Kai inquired.

“Snowball is our pet dog. I think he is a dog, well a dog mixed with a squirrel more like.”

“Where is he? Sounds interesting.”

“He likes to hunt at night. He usually comes back in the morning. That’s why I’m worried about him right now.”

“He will be ok, animals have good instincts. He will find a place to hide if he feels threatened.” Kai tried to placate Kit.

“I hope so. Mars I’m going to finish making dinner, I need the distraction.”

Kit headed to the camping kitchen and made a meal for the three of them. He knew without asking, Kai wouldn’t let him go hunt for Snowball. After dinner Kai promised to keep an eye out for Snowball, he ushered Kit to bed.

The night was uneventful. Kit had a restless night worrying about his little companion. Kit woke the next morning with large bags under his eyes. His fitful sleep didn’t help with his anxiety about Snowball.

Kit scoured the camp as soon as he was awake. Snowball hadn’t returned from his night time adventure. Kit wanted to keep himself distracted, so he started the morning off with his sword forms with Mars. After he had finished, he had a shower to wash of the mornings sweat.

After his shower Kai didn’t want to waste anymore time waiting. He wanted them to arrive in Flower Field town before nightfall. Normally Snowball coming home late wouldn’t have worried Kit, this had become Snowball’s routine. He would find them even if they left camp.

Kit and Mars started to pack up the camp at Kai’s request. Kit tried to take his time hoping Snowball would turn up. Too soon they were finished, Kai was urging them to start the departure.

“I thought Snowball, that was the dog’s name, right, would return in the morning. I’m sorry we have to leave before he has joined us.”

“He’ll catch up when he is ready.” Even though Kit said that, he was distressed. He was trying to fool himself into believing what he was saying.

“You have some strange pets. One won’t move without beer and the other turns up when he feels like it,” observed Kai.

“They are a little unusual, but it makes them interesting.”

Kit smiled thinking about the two animal companions. He had even grown attached to Pint during their travels. Snowball turned up just as Kit was thinking about him. Kits anxiety instantly disappeared. He couldn’t wait to hug the little ball of fluff. As he was thinking about getting a cuddle he noticed Snowball looked a little different.

“Snowball, look at you, is that mud you are covered in? Where have you been?”

Kit fretted over the little dog. Kit picked up Snowball and gave him a hug. He couldn’t flatten his fur while patting him as usual due to the sticky mud covering his fur. Snowball looked smaller than usual because of his new sleek look. Kit noticed some of the mud had started to harden making Snowball look like he was covered in armour.

“Snowball, look you have mud armour.”

Snowball looked happy with his new brown coating. His tongue was hanging out the side of his mouth and his golden eyes were sparkling.

“Look how proud you are to be covered in mud. Well, it can’t stay. You stink. Mars can you take out the water barrel he needs a bath before he can be carried.”

Mars took out the barrel of water and filled the bucket. Mars swirled the soap bar in the water to make suds. Kit held Snowball tight so he couldn’t run away. He then placed him into the waiting water. Mars helped wash Snowball by pouring the water over the little dog. Snowball started to howl. If Kit didn’t know what was happening. He would think Snowball was in trouble.

Snowball made it a feat to have a bath. His small body wiggled, twisted and he even growled the whole time he was getting washed. Snowball let Kit know through his actions he was not a fan of baths.

“You did this to yourself Snowball. You can’t come with me if you are messy.” Kit gave the little fluff ball a stern look. Snowball settled down as if he knew he wasn’t getting out of having a bath.

“There you are all clean, If you don’t want a bath don’t get covered in mud.” Kit admonished him once again. Kit pulled out Snowball’s sling and put him inside. Kit glanced at the water in the bucket it was a dirty brown colour. Mars tipped the water out and a large pile of sludge was left in the bottom of the barrel.

“Look how much mud came off you. You must have rolled in the mud all night.” Kit was a little surprised at the amount that came off the small dog.

“Well, you were right, he is an adorable little fellow. Where did you get Snowball?” Kai had a thoughtful look on his face.

Hearing his name Snowball poked his head out of the sling. He gave a little growl towards Kai. Kit was a little shocked at his action. Kai gave Snowball an intense once over. Kit was perplexed at Kai’s attitude towards the little fluff ball. Even if Snowball growled he was no threat to the fearsome man.

He wondered why they were wary of each other. Kit couldn’t figure it out so he thought about Kai’s question. He didn’t think there would be any harm telling Kai where he found Snowball.

“I found him in the forest outside of Sweet Meadow. Once I saw him, I became attached. Just look at his cute face.” Kit glanced down at the head peeking out of the sling.

“Hmm.” Kit thought Kai would continue talking but he remained quiet.

They continued their journey towards Flower Field town in companiable conversation. After a couple of hours, they reached the road heading to town.