"It's an innate talent." he responded.

"But actually, because of your father, I'm even still here." he told Eke.

"He was entrusted with enchanting the gem I was bound in... so that if it were to shatter, my life essence would shatter as well, causing it to take thousands of years to re-form and come back." he explained.

"Instead, he enchanted it so that if it were shattered, should a piece find a host, I would be transferred into that vessel instead." he continued.

"...I guess he felt I could change in my time being trapped in that gem." he went on.

"...old fool was right." he chuckled.

He just sighed quietly.

"No. You don't." he said.

"Trust me, you never want to owe anything to a demon." he went on.

"...if anything, think of all that at my repaying the debt I have to your father." he then said.

"Your father showed me dignity and respect, the least I can do is the same for his progeny... and make sure they have the best life made available to them." he reasoned.

"Or... whatever life they desire. Same thing, one can argue."

"....yeah." the demon muttered.

"Hey." he then said.

"At least when you DO die, you'll see your Dad." he told him.

"If anything, he'll be waiting for you with open arms." he continued.

"Chances are he'll be the first thing you see upon passing on."

The demon just smirked.

"Ya got a sense of humour, kid!" he called to him.

He then sighed and got off the rock, before following Eke to the sleeping bags.

"I'll let Ry-guy actually sleep." he said.

He then put some more wood in the fire and made sure the flame was going strong once more.

"...warm night or not, it can still get chilly." he mumbled.

He sighed, and climbed into the sleeping bag, allowing Ryker control again, and falling asleep.

Ryker looked over towards Eke, and sighed.

He then looked skyward again, and smiled.

"Heh." he chuckled.

"Looks like things are all right now." he mumbled.

He then made sure to set an internal clock so he would wake up before Eke, and start making breakfast.

"Morning." Ryker replied.

"Barely." he chuckled.

"It's almost noon, sleepyhead." he told him.

"Thought I'd let you sleep for a bit, before the smell woke you up." he added.

"Making omelets." he went on.

"Hungry?" he asked.

Just as he sat down, Ryker handed him an omelet and some juice.

"Here." he said.

"Just finished." he told him.

"Eat up." he went on.

"Sleep okay?" he asked.

"That's good." he replied.

"Good to hear on the food, too." he said.

"Wanna stick around here for a bit?" he then asked.

"Or get on the road again?" he asked further.

"Your choice, bro."

Ryker just shrugged.

"Appetite is a good thing." he said.

"Least I'VE always thought so." he commented.

With that, he put out the flames in the barrel, and rolled up their sleeping equipment. Once that was done, he started putting away the dishes and such.

"We'll wash these in the vehicle."

"Good." Ryker replied.

"Good to hear." he said, as everything was put into the vehicle.

He then checked around, making sure they didn't leave any garbage.

"Guess this trip is what you needed." he said.

"And it's barely even begun!"