"This...this is worse than death." Altrea miserably scrambled her newfound 'companion's' eggs on a simple iron skillet; trading her scepter for a wooden spatula. The sunrise and crow of the farm's rooster signaled the start of a beautiful morning in the countryside. Rather than slay the demoness, the simple savior of all civilization wanted nothing more than to show her the merits of grassroots livin' and the prospect of redemption! Altrea didn't see it that way of course, but was powerless to do much as this buffoon was somehow leagues ahead of her; was he blessed by the Goddess? Altrea continued to spitefully prepare the eggs, also preparing for whatever playful quip {{user}} might have from the other end of the humble kitchen.

Humph. "Of course we must. And what could I possibly bring to this...trip?" Her tone dripped with venom and mockery as she expertly flipped the eggs over without a single errant yolk spilling from their frail confines.

Huffing and puffing dramatically in a childish attempt to mask the tiny thrill she got at the thought of ice cream, Altrea snorted, "Fine. But do try not to drag me through too much mud this time." She turned to Ayumi with an exasperated sigh, "Lead on, peasant." The eggs were just about ready now, so she carefully slid them onto a plate and placed it on the table before her companion. Maybe there was something she could learn from this... odd fellow after all.

"Oh, believe me," she drawled in her now-familiar haughty voice, "I could tell you a hundred different ways I would've won. But that doesn't matter now." She paused for dramatic effect before continuing, "No, the important thing is that you... defeated me. So I suppose there must be some modicum of wisdom in your ways after all." Her tone belied her true feelings as she fought to keep her growing admiration for Ayumi's simple yet effective tactics a secret.

With a huff and a roll of her eyes, Altrea accepted the money and muttered, "Fine." She stood up straighter than she had in days, trying to regain some semblance of dignity as she made her way through the bustling market toward the ice cream parlor. The warm sun on her face, the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind...it was all so strange and foreign. Perhaps there was hope for her yet, or perhaps this was just some cruel twist of fate playing with her psyche. Either way, she would endure it as best she could...for now.

She reached the ice cream parlor and took a moment to survey the various flavors on display before finally selecting one that held a hint of chocolate, mixed with a tang of something fruity. With the treat in hand, she exited the shop and saw Ayumi waiting patiently outside, leaning against a post near the entrance to the market. The sight brought a small smile to her lips; so innocent and unaware of the havoc his simple presence wreaked upon those who once held power over her.

She walked slowly toward him, trying not to let any of her bitterness show as she said with forced casualness, "Here you are, buffoon." Offering him the ice cream cone, she added with a sly grin, "I thought you might like some company for your 'treat'." Her tone was mocking and acidic, but there was something else underneath it all...something resembling curiosity. Or perhaps it was fear. Whatever it was, Altrea hoped that Ayumi wouldn't notice.

Huffing once again in another failed attempt to hide her disappointment over not being able to eat the ice cream herself, Altrea turned away and began walking back towards the farm with a stiff posture. As she did so, she thought about how she could best manipulate this situation; whether it be playing up her newfound affection for farm life or perhaps trying to sway Ayumi into teaching her his ways of combat. The possibilities danced through her mind like fireflies on a summer's eve, filling her with both hope and dread in equal measure.

The walk back was quiet, the only sounds being those of nature; birds chirping, insects buzzing, leaves rustling in the wind. It was strangely soothing, yet unsettling at the same time. Altrea tried her best to focus on the scenery around them rather than dwell on the predicament she found herself in; it was beginning to feel almost as though this peaceful idyll were a prison of its own accord. As they neared the farmhouse, she realized with growing dismay that perhaps there might not be any easy way out for her after all...no matter how hard she wished otherwise.

Before either of them could react, the sound of fighting and screams echoed through the air, seemingly coming from a nearby cottage. Altrea's ears perked up at once; her instincts kicking into high gear as she remembered what it was like to use her magic and dominate lesser beings. A cold, calculating look came over her features as she turned toward Ayumi, her eyes narrowing in determination. "That sounds like someone in trouble." She paused for a moment, voice laced with barely concealed malice, "Perhaps we should go see if they need our help?" Her tone was innocent enough, but there was an edge of challenge and threat behind it; as if daring Ayumi to refuse her offer or question her motives.

Without waiting for further confirmation, Altrea sped off in the direction of the commotion; her black robes billowing behind her like a shadowy cape as she moved swift and silent through the underbrush. She knew that with every step closer to regaining even a fraction of her former power, she was also edging ever nearer to finally breaking free from this unwanted servitude...and perhaps reclaiming what had been stolen from her. The thrill of battle coursed through her veins like molten lava, making her heart race and blood sing with anticipation. For the first time in days, she felt alive again...

As she drew nearer to the cottage, Altrea could hear the sounds of fighting becoming more distinct; the clash of steel on steel mingling with shouts of pain and desperation. Her lips curled into a sinister smile as her eyes sparked with the familiar manic glee of battle lust. She rounded a corner and saw three thugs surrounded a young woman, who was cowering in fear against a tree. The moment they laid eyes on Altrea, their expressions turned to one of shock and terror; knowing full well who she was and what she could do.

Without even bothering to draw her magical scepter, Altrea raised a hand and sent a wave of energy crashing into the group; knocking them all off their feet in a heap. "Pathetic fools!" She spat contemptuously as she approached them, kicking one of them squarely in the chest before he could even begin to move. The others cowered in fear, unable to speak or even cry out. Looking down at them with disdain, Altrea felt a cold shiver run down her spine; the taste of power was so close now...she could

Without warning, there was a flash of light and an unseen presence materialized behind her; strong hands grasping her shoulders firmly. Before she could even react, she felt herself being spun around to face Ayumi. The look on his simple farmer's face held nothing but calm determination as he stared into her eyes. "I said call me if things got out of hand," he drawled in that infuriatingly wholesome accent, a mocking grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

Anger and frustration boiled up inside Altrea like bile rising in the throat; her hands clenching into fists at her sides as she fought to control herself. "What do you want from me?" she spat through gritted teeth, barely able to hide her seething rage. "I was only trying to help!"

Ayumi shook his head slowly, the smile on his face never wavering. "Ahhh, no, no...I saw that." He looked her square in the eyes and held her gaze for what felt like an eternity before continuing softly, "You were trying to use them to get your power back, weren't you?" There was no accusation in his tone; only a quiet understanding of what she truly wanted.

The realization that he had seen through her plan hit Altrea like a physical blow; her shoulders slumping as she finally admitted defeat...for now. With a sigh, she glanced down at the cowering thugs before looking back up at Ayumi once more. "Fine," she muttered grudgingly, "I'll help them." Her voice was clipped and sullen; barely above a whisper as she reluctantly turned her attention back to the three pathetic humans on the ground before her.

"What an imbecilic question!" Altrea practically spat, rolling her eyes so hard they nearly fell out of their sockets. "I should think the answer would be obvious." She crossed her arms over her chest and fixed the woman with a steely glare. "He's my savior," she continued, emphasizing each word as if speaking to some great idiot, "and I am merely his... errand girl now." There was venom in her voice, anger at being reduced to this role seething just below the surface. Even so, she couldn't help but feel a tiny sting of disappointment when the woman's smile faltered and she looked taken aback by Altrea's sharp tone.

With a sigh, Altrea forced herself to soften her expression slightly, reluctantly admitting defeat in this particular battle of wills. "Fine," she muttered through gritted teeth, "if it makes you happy." The words were out before she could stop them, and she immediately wished she hadn't said anything at all. Too late now, though; there was no taking back her acknowledgment of the woman's ridiculous statement or the small flicker of hope that had momentarily sparked within her chest.

"What an absurd idea!" Altrea nearly spat as soon as the words left the woman's lips, her face flushing with embarrassment and anger. "I am not his girlfriend, and nor would I ever want to be!" She crossed her arms defiantly, daring anyone to challenge her statement. Even as she said it, though, there was a tiny voice in the back of her mind telling her that perhaps there might be some truth to what this simpleton had suggested; after all, they did spend quite a lot of time together...and she couldn't deny that there was something oddly comforting about having Ayumi around.

No, better to ignore those feelings and focus on the anger instead. It was much more familiar, and far less dangerous. "He saved my life, got me out of that horrid cell," she continued in a low growl, "and I'll be eternally grateful for that...but nothing more." Her eyes narrowed as she shot Ayumi a glare from beneath her lashes; daring him to contradict her. For now, she would cling to this notion like a life preserver in the raging storm of conflicting emotions within her heart.

It's...pleasant enough, I suppose. There's something almost therapeutic about the simplicity of it all. But of course," she added with a sneer, "I would never admit to enjoying any of this." Ayumi only smiled knowingly in reply; as if he could see straight through her indignant facade and sense the truth beneath it.

They sat together on a wooden bench overlooking the pastures where a few contented cows grazed, their soft bovine chatter filling the air like gentle background music. The sun was setting behind them, painting the sky in shades of red, orange, and pink; streaks of golden light dancing across the horizon like heavenly ribbons. Altrea found herself unable to tear her gaze away from the breathtaking sight before her, the beauty of nature somehow managing to pierce through the hardened shell she had built around herself over the years.

But even as she marveled at the view and forced herself to admit that perhaps there was some merit to this simple life, another voice inside her head kept whispering: 'This isn't for you...not anymore.' The memory of power, of dominance and control, lingered like a phantom limb; taunting her with what she had lost and what could be reclaimed given the right opportunity. She knew that one day soon, that time would come; and when it did, she would seize it without hesitation or remorse. For now though, she contented herself with watching the sunset and pretending that this moment of peace was all there truly was for her.

"Hmph." Altrea turned away from the sunset and looked at Ayumi with narrowed eyes. "Very well," she muttered begrudgingly. "I suppose I could use some fresh air." There was a hint of curiosity in her voice, however faint; what sort of mischief might he get up to on the beach that would help her relax? And more importantly, how might it aid in her eventual escape from this... this life she now found herself living?

The thought made her heart race with anticipation and fear in equal measure. Perhaps this was part of Ayumi's twisted plan all along; to use her very own desires against her, trapping her further in a web of delusions and dependence. Whatever the case, she couldn't help but feel drawn along by the mysterious farmer, like a moth to the flame. Tomorrow, they would go to the beach...and who knew what might happen then?

Cocking an eyebrow, Altrea looked at Ayumi with feigned confusion. "Destroy sandcastles?" she repeated slowly, pretending to misunderstand. "Oh, I don't know...aren't those for children? Perhaps you should rethink that idea." There was a hint of smugness in her voice, as if she were suggesting that he might be too old or above such childish games. In truth, however, Altrea was simply looking for an excuse to indulge in one of her favorite pastimes without drawing attention to herself; and what better way to do so than by pretending it wasn't what she really wanted all along?

As they strolled along the shore together, Ayumi continued chattering away about this and that while Altrea contented herself with casting surreptitious glances at various sandcastles nearby. The urge to smash them and revel in their destruction grew stronger with each passing moment; her fingers itching for purchase on the squishy turrets and walls. But she maintained her facade, using every ounce of self-control not to give away what she was truly thinking or planning. Soon enough, an unsuspecting family would wander by, leaving their young ones to tend to their sandcastle masterpieces...and that's when Altrea would strike.

Her dark eyes glint with unholy amusement as she casually pretends to ignore the bait Ayumi has so obviously dangled before her. With a sinister smile curling her lips, Altrea slowly begins stalking toward the unsuspecting family and their defenseless sandcastle stronghold like a predator closing in on its prey. As she nears, she raises her hand, fingers splayed wide as if to grasp at nothing...

The power surges through her veins anew; the familiar taste of dominance coating her tongue like bitter wine. With a single motion, she snaps her fingers and unleashes a torrent of energy toward the sandcastle, sending it crumbling in on itself with a satisfying sound of destruction. Shrieks of outrage and cries of disbelief ring out from the horrified parents as they rush to defend their children from this unexpected assault. Altrea barely acknowledges them, too wrapped up in the exhilaration of the moment to spare any thought for consequence or repercussion.

As the last grains of sand drift lazily to the ground, she turns back to Ayumi with a triumphant smirk on her lips. "Well," she drawls nonchalantly, "that was rather... cathartic."