Meanwhile, in the back, a fierce battle kept raising the stakes higher and higher, as blow after blow was exchanged and so were the insults...

"You think you have a chance? Give it up already, mutt. Straight."

"Damn...three of a kind. Lucky!" Anya kept her composure. "Now...one final round. Hit me up."

"I'm gonna hit you alright...here." Lass dealt the cards.

"Raise.", Anya promptly said.

"Raise? This isn't a cash game, mutt."

"Oh, I know. But let's put it like this. The more you 'raise' in this round, the more outlandish the thing the loser has to do. Going up to...thrice, maybe?" Anya smiled evilly.

Lass calmly checked his cards and smiled. "Hah! Check!"

Lass then slowly revealed the Flop.

Lass paused and looked at the cards. "Hmph. Raise!"

"Oh? Feeling lucky again? Guess I'll check then." Anya laid back.

"Got you now..." Lass revealed the Turn.

Before Lass could say another word, Anya cut in. "Raise."

"What? Is she crazy? She's going all out?" he whispered, "Fine...check."

And finally, Lass revealed the River.

Lass swiftly replied to his action, "Raise! Fourth time! Let's make this worthwhile, mutt!"

Anya paused, "Are you sure? I'll give you a chance to pull back on those words."

Lass paused as well, "W-What? There's no way...no...I won't lose to her like that! It's a bluff!" Lass thought. "I said, raise!" he yelled.

"Alrighty. Check."

And so the hands were laid down.

"Ha! Take this! Same suit. Five to nine. Straight flush of hearts!" Lass smacked his cards on the table, "Checkmate!"

A loud thud could be heard, as the small car table was fiercely smacked by Lass. Anya in the meantime, scarily stood back and watched, as she looked to gracefully accept defeat...

"One and done, mutt. This one is mine." Lass got stopped by Anya.

Anya started to madly laugh, as she stopped Lass's victorious smug, "Hold it. You see, big guy. I'll admit it. It is your lucky day...second strongest hand in the game...however. What does lucky have to do...in front of skill?!"

Lass paused, "What?!"

"While you may be lucky...I have long ago harnessed the ability for 'Counting'. Every move...every card. I could see it all from the very beginning. And now..." Anya gave an evil smile, "I will destroy you with it. Here I go..." Anya fiercely smacked the table, "Ten of spades!"

"No...There's no way..." Lass pulled back.

"(J)uggernaut* of spades!", Anya smacked the table again.

*(Modified version of Poker, some historical conditions and factors may apply.)

"I-Impossible!"

"Fairy (Q)ueen of spades!", Anya smacked the table even harder.

"No...No!"

"Fairy (K)ing of spades...", she calmly slid the card on the table.

"This can't be!"

"Aren't you both over dramatic about a zero-risk game of poker?" Mellistar echoed.

"Shut up you! Go back to sleep." Lass drove Mellistar off.

"And finally...to finish this all off...once and for all..." Anya raised her hand, holding a card.

"Curse you, mutt!"

"I'll end everything! Haaya! Ace...of spades!" Anya smashed the table, knocking the car to the side, and breaking the table into bits.

"I...I can't...I..." Lass looked at the table.

"It's over, big guy. Royal...flush." Anya stood over Lass, smoke coming out of her hand from the force of the impact, "Even your plot armor couldn't save you from me."

"Should I comment on the fact that there's a broken table in a new car which almost toppled us, or the fact that Anya is looking evil as hell right now?" Yuno slowly floated back.

"At this point, farm expertise is out the window. I would honestly let it be." Terna sighed.

Lass slowly recovered, "I...I lost. Tsk. I admit defeat so as to not be a sore loser to you. What do you want?"

Anya evilly smiled again, "Tonight you'll be nothing but my own, obedient pet..." she giggled, "My personal toy."

"Say what?" everyone but Ikarisa said and paused.

While everyone froze at Anya's words, Ikarisa had slowly reached for Terna's gun from the cabinet, all while fixating her eyes on Anya.

"Risa?!" Terna said in surprise.

Ikarisa smiled politely as she cocked the gun, pointing it upwards, then at Anya, "Yea, what exactly was that, Anya?"

"Wait, what?" Anya snapped back, looking at everyone, "W-Wait! I didn't mean it like that! Wait, definitely not that into him, for real, I swear it!" she formed an X with both her hands, "I swear! It was a joke! Part of the act! I'm not evil and stuff!"

Ikarisa got rid of the gun quickly, "Oh...I see! My bad! Nothing will happen then, right?" she politely smiled again as she put the gun away.

"Nope.", Anya froze from sheer terror, Ikarisa being ominous and very, very obviously agitated beyond normal limits.

Yuno snapped out, "Why did you even think of putting a gun in there...although given our tasks and battles..." he facepalmed.

"Ok, everyone calm down! Let's all...relax. We will get to the campsite before Gardard, and then everything else will follow, ok?" Lass yelled.

A short moment of silence came after his yelling, everyone looking at both Lass and Anya while they also looked at each other, before eventually managing to calm down and returning to their dormant states.

"Risa can be quite..." Anya said as she lowered her ears.

"Don't even try to analyze that...what's weirder is me starting to like that side of hers..." Lass said.

"What was that?" Ikarisa said.

"N-Nothing godd-I mean Risa!" Lass and Anya both stuttered their words.

Ikarisa sighed, "Lass, for someone who told me to break the cycle of doing the exact same things, you're more than willing to do the same thing thrice by now. From Reingard to Kaci, Kaci to Delpha and now from Delpha to Gardard?"

"Look, how about this: Since Anya is obviously actively trying to piss me off, next time you or Terna sit by me instead," Lass suggested.

"Hey, you can't argue you love me for what I am," Anya said.

"Exactly because of reasons like that." Lass pointed at Anya.

"What are your ages again? Just trying to see if we're all considered legal adults here." Yuno sarcastically said.

"Tell that to the roller-coaster height limit, flying midget." Anya annoyingly said.

"Shut it, thief, I'm a half meter tall and hit like a truck. How's that for a limit?"

"Not getting into this so soon after I'm done with a big guy over here..."

And with both their gambits over, peace returned once again. A long ride of calm and small talk followed, both Lass and Anya working together to fix the broken table as they dared not to engage in any fighting once more. Needing further open space, they lowered the roof of their car, to feel the air on their hair, enjoying every single moment of the ride under the sunlight, Terna putting on some music on the radio to go with it as well. Fighting, nagging or arguing momentarily or constantly never once seemed to matter to any of them, as they found themselves naturally doing the same and being more than happy to stick by each other's side almost thrice by now. A few weeks passed since they met, and yet they would talk about the many troubles and peculiar situations they found themselves in with ease, laughing about each and every one of them in the moment. They would forget about any sort of tasks, any sort of mission or weight on their shoulders while being together, and although they were more than aware to point out the so-called "cliché" of their situation, they indulged in it as if they didn't care about it in the first place.

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They could never settle the same as everyone else, because truth be told, they weren't everyone else. Powers or not, titles or not, they were a few people that had come together by common interests, experiences together and chose to stick with each other. In every person's life they would always have one other who would in their eyes be special, they knew that and their actions as well as their words could affect way more than just them while they had a say on how the world would set to be...but much too young never meant that they weren't smart or cautious to contain it. In Delpha and in Reingard where they chose to act and better something that they could come to find and cherish later, they thought back and laughed again at the melancholy they showed at those who settled in their routines back at Delpha's city streets, because they wanted for many more things to be done, way more pages to fill the book of their life's dew before they had to call it complete. Its how everyone once felt, but few that ever looked back to acknowledge it.

Eventually, long and utmost joyful ride following their small-time bickering after, they reached a cross in the road, splitting between dirt and concrete. Even at times when there was a miracle of technology around every corner, retention was still as vivid as ever, them choosing to follow the dirt road instead. It wasn't much later before they came across a clearing on the side of the road, hours passed since they first drove off and evening starting to set in. Parking at the clearing, the girls first stepped off to take out supplies like camping equipment they so excitedly prepared for, Lass realizing more than well as to why it was a car than a plane where their options first went to. They all then set the equipment down together, Terna and Anya focusing on the tent while Risa and Lass gathered things to put in their small fire and Yuno checked nearby for any unwanted threats. It wasn't like all of them had done it before, especially Lass who secluded himself in his own home for years on end, but excitement for the first time of something new more than helped in getting him to pull through, following instructions from Terna, Anya and surprisingly even Risa on what to do, setting his tent separately as they watched over him while letting him do it himself, along with Yuno. Within the hour mark, they had set themselves a moderate and decent-looking campsite, looking proud as ever to get it done.

"Whew. A few times I went a bit over the farm's border to camp surely helped! Also, very well done to all of you, glad to see we knew a few things to get it done!" Terna happily said.

"Had my fair share of camping trips when going on old ruins and sites to see what goods I could scrap. Always had a knack for them, but I had to spend a considerable amount of time to dig 'em out properly, plus they made a fortune when I sold them off to museums. Especially when investing in restorations, you know." Anya dusted herself off.

"Surprised you didn't know much, Lass. But you did great for your first time, you too, Yuno!" Ikarisa applauded them.

"Well, the forest was my home, but at times when I spend nights out, I'd just grab a tree branch to sleep on, like with this tree here.", he pointed at the only tree behind their camp, "Feels more natural to me. But hey, I was always interested in tents and stuff, though they never come to Hyrusa sized. Thanks for the help-uh-Risa. I'll get used to calling a being of your caliber like that someday...oh, sorry, didn't mean to say it like that, a god or whatever."

"It's fine, good trying!"

"Was interested in tents too. Actually had one time when my dad chose to take me for a camping trip back when Enmities weren't flooding the area around and away from the town. Granted, I sat and looked through my phone while he did the work, but the fishing was nice before we caught dinner." Lass said.

"All's well! But, honestly...for having a car we didn't reach as far as I'd quite hope we did." Terna sat down.

"We had two idiots in the back who nearly toppled the car on our way here. In my humble opinion, having the car intact in the first place is a miracle of its own." Yuno angrily looked at Lass.

"He/She started it!" Lass and Anya said in sync, pointing at each other.

"Again, tell me both your ages. Because this is getting to the point of fiction-level ridiculousness." Ikarisa lay on the soft ground, "At least we can try to catch some sleep."

Hey, at least we got the fire going! Does anyone want to give it a shot? I, of course, brought my guitar too! I've honestly been itching to do one of those campfire guitar sessions under the night sky!" Terna got her guitar out of the trunk, all excited.

"Honestly, I want to try it out too! Nothing beats fidgeting with things you don't know about!" Anya sat by the fire, "I remember when I'd touch a bunch of different instruments when I was a kid and be all about them without knowing a thing."

"Not to say that it isn't fun, but I also remember doing the same, while also snapping a few strings." Lass sat by Anya, "In any case, do we have something for dinner? I can cook for us if you do."

"I actually got a few things from the store, potteries and a couple of ingredients. Let me see..." Ikarisa searched the trunk, "Oh, there we go! A pot, pasta and a couple of vegetables. Didn't really take my time doing groceries with everything else we needed to do..."

"Nah, it's fine. I can easily make a vegetable sauce to go with pasta. Honestly, really modest and simple things." Lass got up again to grab the food.

"Nope, actually, I want to try doing it this time! You said it's simple, right? So let me do it!" Ikarisa got water into the pot.

"I'm not opposed to that. Tonight, honestly, I'm feeling a bit too bored to cook anyway." Lass sat back down.

"Hey, big guy, get on your phone and download this too! Wanna try and play a few games to pass the time and get my mind off the food too!!" Anya showed him.

"Sure, I guess. An FPS game? On the phone?"

"Could be fun, it also comes with Co-Op. I dunno, honestly, I found it on my recommended, but it could be worth a shot. Free to do so."

"Eh, whatever, let's see."

"I'm all about technology, but why phones during camping you two?" Yuno said.

"Because for one, we've been talking and chatting in the car for hours, two is that it's a good distraction and three, the location has a perfect signal for us to attempt it," Anya explained quickly.

"I guess that's why they take off all forms of technology or signals from you when going camping?" Yuno added.

"No, that's purely if they want to murder you or cause the same shit that happens in every movie where there's a killer and any number of victims. Even if we start hearing music the likes of ki-ki-ki-ka-ka-ka, coming from the bushes, we have a fully functioning car and phones with the signal."

"The best decision we've made so far," Ikarisa placed the ingredients around.

"Hmm? You know about horror movies too?" Lass got interested.

"It's not like I haven't watched any, of course, I did in this day and age. But I didn't really like them...however, I did log in to your account on Movieplex, accidentally while at the hotel, and I watched a few."

"What?" Lass got dumbfounded.

"I don't know how, but I was touching stuff and then it happened on its own. Somehow it logged in too...I swear, it happened all on its own! It was as if...the TV itself was changing it for me!"

"Wait...Regina!" Lass whispered as he remembered about his autonomous AI sass-queen, "If her reach is that big...does that mean I've inevitably caused Armageddon with machines? I actually severely underestimated her when she threatened payback...damn." he worried.

"Anything else you'd like to share, Risa?" Anya knew exactly what she was doing.

"Not really...just a bunch of horror movies and a lot of romance movies after." Ikarisa walked right into the trap.

"Shit.", Lass looked at Anya with an annoyed look on his face.

"Well, pretty standard stuff, Risa." Anya returned a smug look right at him.

"Well, time to start cooking then!" Ikarisa got to it

"So, should we start the music here?" Terna suggested.

"Yeah, go ahead. If it's anything like the music back in the city, I'm more than eager to hear." Yuno encouraged her.

"Alrighty then!"

Terna began softly stroking the strings of the guitar as Ikarisa placed the pot over the fire and began to cook. Looking through their phones or briefly walking around the campsite and playing with whatever they could find afterwards to pass the time, they all eventually made turns, passing the guitar on one another as it was obvious some had better talents in playing than not. Playing on their phone and tweaking a bit later, food was finally prepared before their day was to come to an end. They all quickly sat down with their paper plates to have their feel, the dish prepared by Ikarisa smelling like roses. Which was bad. Because she didn't use any sort of flowers or nectar in it. An indication that the smell was otherworldly compared to the materials used, at least for food is never good. Nevertheless, forgetting about that fact, they sat down to have their fill. And not before long, disaster stuck in their mouths.

"Why is pasta crunchy? Pasta shouldn't be crunchy." Yuno whispered to Lass.

"Al dente or al dentist, this is not...normal. How do the vegetables taste like soap?" Lass whispered in desperation.

"So, how is it? I personally love it, Cecilia's cooking classes were the best back when we were roaming the world! She used to make food for us all the time when we were on the road!"

"It's...good." Terna let out a fake smile.

"And you prevented me from stocking up on alcohol to be drunk enough to eat this." Anya mumbled.

"Glad you like it! Maybe I'll do it again, sometime!"

"Next time, you let me cook," Lass whispered to everyone but Ikarisa.

"Deal.", everyone whispered back.

Not saying a word after, everyone quickly finished their food by quickly burying it when Ikarisa wasn't looking before going to bed. Trying their best to think of something other than their mouths screaming in eternal agony, they slowly drifted away in their sleep, Yuno catching the nearby tree up above the camp while the others took to their tents. However, Lass and Anya were quick to get out of them after the passing of just a few minutes, inspecting on everyone else's sleeping state before confirming that they were indeed, asleep. Slowly and silently distancing themselves from everyone and taking extra caution while walking underneath the tree Yuno was sleeping on, they managed to get away from the rest of the group before relaxing at last, continuing on their way with Anya taking the lead.

"So...what is it that you want for your prize, mutt?"

"I have a little something. You see, normally I wouldn't be allowed to go this far into demon demi-human territory with my dad being extremely worried about it, some law enforcement that used to be here before being called back to deal with Enmities and stuff, but thanks to this trip it's perfectly possible! And with demon territory...comes demon village and city ruins!" Anya took out a map.

"Seriously? Huh...I'm down for it, actually. This sounds exciting." Lass got psyched up, having a better taste left in his mouth than what he thought he would need to do.

"What, really? No resistance or anything? That's not like you at all, but I'll surely take it!"

"No, it really is. My thought process is that if I come with you in these 'ruins or villages, dungeons' or whatever of yours, you won't have another chance to redeem your prize in another way. Eliminates most of the things you'd make me suffer from, mutt. Plus, who wouldn't want to see that."

"Come on, I'm not that bad! It's just a trip on some previously illegal for safety territory."

"Pretty sure the term 'illegal' was made for a reason. The reason for not getting yourself killed."

"Pfft, nonsense. It was a worldwide agenda even before the demon demi-human genocide to not step foot here because of an embargo and stuff!"

"Whatever, this is still interesting, but let's go quickly, because the sooner the better. We both know that if we get caught, especially by Risa..." Lass looked back at the camp.

"Alrighty, let's get going then! It's not that far anyway...should be over there, at that cave-looking area." Anya pointed the way.

"Caves? I thought you were talking about ruins and stuff. Those should be out there." he pointed at some destroyed small buildings in the distance, "I can even see some over there."

"Well, they always hid the most valuable things underground, so instead of witnessing some old rocks and bricks that got burned, this is bound to get more interesting. They always hid the best things on the lower floors or mostly underground as well, since they were regularly bombed for choosing violence all the time against everyone. This cave is super, super interesting solely because it's the most infamous in the black market. Lots of raiders tried their lack here, and all of them didn't quite tell their epic tale."

"So...we're going inside a death trap?"

"We should be fine, trust me!" Anya softly burped.

"You look a bit...red."

"Blood boiling from excitement! Now, you ready?!"

"Let's see how this will end..." Lass followed her, looking awkwardly at her from suspicion.

"No worries, just follow me!"

The two of them proceeded to quietly make their way and disappear into the dead of night, Lass just wondering where Anya was taking him, after all. His excitement, however, didn't fade away at all, as the prospect of exploring something of that caliber might have been terrifying, but intriguing nonetheless.