Sarah's Shadow
^{A Story}
Chapter 9 - Spoils
by Saless
 

Tiffany was as surprised as the rest when the sarcophagus held stairs instead of monsters. She followed carefully behind them as they descended, and nearly gasped aloud at the sight that greeted her. Everything's made of gold! she thought in wonder as she looked around the treasure room. She wanted to take a closer look, but the gold reflected the light of the torches and left her no shadows to hide in.

They were worried about traps, so Sarah used her portals to move everything to the room above. Tiffany wasted no time going back up the stairs and looking through the first pile that appeared. Almost immediately another stack appeared, and then another. Tiffany quickly learned that some items seemed to call to her in some strange way. She sought these items out first. She was so focused on this task that she nearly walked right into Sarah as she walked out of the treasure room. Tiffany hurried over to the last item and hid them away in a darkened corner, further darkened by her own abilities.

Looking over her little pile of objects she wondered why they were important. There was a wicked looking sword with a slight curve to its blade that, despite being encrusted with gold and gems, turned a uniform, flat black when she touched it. There was also what looked like a large diamond on a gold chain that also turned black when she touched it, and glowed with black light. It caused the darkness around her to deepen further. She went ahead and put it on, as she could use all the help she could get in staying hidden.

She'd also found a ring that seemed to be made of perfectly smoothed and rounded obsidian with runes of gold inlaid in it. She pocketed it and looked at the other items she'd collected. There were four throwing knives, bracers, and a black velvet cloak embroidered with gold she'd found inside a small gold box. She managed to stuff all of this into her bag and watched and listened to what Sarah and the others were doing.

She began to worry when she realized some of the items were cursed, and could only hope her instincts hadn't led her astray. After they'd picked over the non-magical loot Tiffany took her turn at it, stuffing her bag with all the gold and gem encrusted treasure that she could, as well as her pockets.

She watched as Mike and Erica carted all the magical items they'd found through the portal and slipped through when everyone's attention was elsewhere. She considered grabbing her box of ammunition and leaving, but decided to settle down in her hiding place and wait. Before long all the treasure the four friends had decided to take was back in the apartment and the portal closed.

They split up the regular stuff and Vash began pawing through the magical pile. After Jill was given the crossbow and she and Sarah went over its use and ordered some bolts and a quiver for it, they decided to get pizza. Only then did Tiffany realize how late it was, and how hungry she was. Maybe I should have packed a lunch. she thought with a silent laugh.

After the others had left Tiffany picked up her box of ammunition and started for the door, only to find Vash standing in front of it. Tiffany, I'd like to talk to you before you go. he said, looking around vaguely. His mental voice was kind of distant, like his voice was coming from much farther away.

Maybe he can't see me, or 'hear' me anymore. she thought. She considered ignoring him, but she guessed that he'd block the door until she'd answered him. What did you want? she thought at him as best she could, hoping he wasn't going to tell the others about her.

I promised I wouldn't tell anyone about you as long as you didn't try to harm them. You helped them in the tomb, so I'm hardly angry at you. Vash said with some amusement. However, I believe you took something from that wizard that could be useful to Sarah. Did he have any wands? he asked.

Yes, two. Tiffany reluctantly answered.

I doubt you could get any use out of them, unless they were designed for Shadowkin. Which is doubtful. Sarah, on the other hand, should be able to get a great deal of use out of them. Will you give them to me? he asked.

Tiffany debated it, but finally had to admit she had no idea what she'd do with them. Alright, here they are. she thought as she dug them out of her bag and laid them down at Vash's feet.

Vash nosed each one in turn and grinned at her. Yes, these will be very helpful! Thank you Tiffany. You might want to consider revealing yourself to them. They'll undoubtedly be upset with you at first, but you could do much more for them if you didn't have to hide from them. Vash said.

What makes you think I'd want to do more for them? she asked.

Because you helped them in the tomb. You could have looted the entire place without anyone ever knowing you were there without their help. But you watched their backs the entire time, if I'm not mistaken. Vash replied.

Yeah, I guess I did. Tiffany replied. But why aren't you mad at me for following them around like this?

Because you never have had any ill will towards any of them. You are simply following your nature as a Shadowkin. And you have been of help to them on more than one occasion. So long as you continue as you have, I will have no reason to reveal your presence. Even if I do think that you would be better off revealing yourself. he said.

She'd hate me! Tiffany said. I'll just stay in the shadows.

As you wish Vash replied regretfully.

With that Vash picked up the two wands in his mouth and moved aside. Tiffany opened the door and hurried out before he could change his mind.

She hurried back to her car and drove home. There she unloaded all the things she had collected. Following those guys is very lucrative, but I'll stay in the shadows where I belong. she thought with a pang of regret that she quickly dismissed.

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