Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Dramata Kurage! ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: Slayers and their characters are not owned by me. They belong to Hajime Kanzaka, Rui Araizumi and any other companies which own them. I'm just borrowing them for a little bit and I promise to give them back all in perfect working order.

3.0
I blinked rapidly when Lina yelled out me. I was so far out of it, thinking about what had happened in my dream that I didn't even know if Lina had been talking to me or not. I shot back into the chair, almost trying to keep my distance from her so she couldn't attack me. Well unless she decided to jump over the table and beat me senseless, but I was gunning on that not happening. Well not yet anyway.

I sighed slightly as she demanded to know what was bothering me. I didn't like the idea of first of all, admitting that she was in a dream of mine. I know she would think immediately I was being perverted in some way. The other think I wasn't too pleased on telling her was that in said dream, she was dead. I don't about any of you guys, but I don't like the idea of telling anyone, never mind someone you're supposed to be protecting that you dreamt they were dead.

After being caught in her demanding gaze, I managed to pull away from it, and looked down at the ground trying to work out what I was going to tell her. I looked then at the book momentarily, and I finally worked it out. I picked the book up. "Oh I just didn't sleep well, this thing was bothering me all night, and I just can't work out what it's all about." I tried to lie to her, not sure if she would cut through it easily, but it's the best I could come up with at the time.

I opened the book to continue the lie, and make it seem like I was confused about the book, but when I looked inside it, I found I generally was confused. "Uhh Lina? Is this the book you've been having trouble with, or have you swapped it?" I asked confused. The cover seemed the same, and it was the same size. However the writing in it was different. It was something I could understand, and not that weird writing that was in it yesterday.

I showed her the pages and pointed at it. "The writing has all changed. Has someone switched it on us?" I asked her, trying to see if the book had changed or maybe I was just going out of my mind. Then it dawned on me, something I overlooked in the dream because I was too busy concentrating on something else. That voice...But why me?

Kurage

3.1
I narrowed my eyes at him, frowning. His answer sounded fixed, too hurried to be sincere. A bad night's sleep does not make one totally out of character, but then, who was I to pry? I mean, I've pried in the past, but it didn't seem like a good time. Right?

I opened my mouth to say something, but that was when Gourry showed me the book. He sounded genuinely confused that I got up and looked over his shoulder. My eyes swept over the figures and symbols, and I wrinkled my nose and gave him a strange look.

I pointed to the book. “Gourry, what are you talking about? The symbols are the same. Why would you accuse me of changing something when nothing has even changed?”

I glanced at him and noticed his eyes were moving over the symbols pretty quickly. I frowned, then snatched the book away from him, looking closer at it.

There was no change. The symbols were the same as they had been the last time I looked at them. I turned the pages, and it was the same for the whole book. Nothing had changed.

I handed the book over to Gourry, and he looked at it again. “Are you telling me that you can understand what it's saying?” I demanded. “And all of the time last night you knew what it was saying and you didn't tell me?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, glowering at him with all of the fury I could muster.

Dramata

3.2
I started to feel flustered. Why was I able to suddenly read the book, yet Lina not. It's not like I understood the symbols, but instead it was like I had another copy all written in a language I knew. "I don't know Lina. It was just symbols yesterday, but now, it's like another book. But why can I read it and not you?" However I already knew the answer, and I knew Lina would only push for it, I couldn't hide it anymore, but I suppose I not give all of the details.

"I had a weird dream last night." I began, I didn't want to look at Lina because I still had the images in my head. "You were there...and Shabranigdu was there. Then I heard this voice in my head. It told me that there was a sword that was created for me, and that this book would tell me where to find it. It was written in those weird symbols so that no one could find it. But now it said I would be able to understand it."

I then went quiet. I didn't know what I was supposed to say. It was then I started to realise the situation, and I felt a big weight on my shoulders. This sword had been created for me. Did the voice mean me specifically, or my legacy of the Swordsman of Light? I looked at Lina then for the first time just for a moment, and couldn't really work out what she was thinking. I didn't even know if she had said anything between now and when I finished speaking. I'd gone away again in my mind.

Then I looked at the book, and for the first time it scared me. Before I was intrigued or interested, but now I know what it was all for, it frightened me. I shook my head and pushed the book towards Lina, not wanting that thing anywhere near me and infact I wanted to be far away from it. I placed the money plus tip on the table and got up and walked out of the inn with my things, leaving Lina behind.

I just stood outside alone and tried to comprehend everything that had happened to me in those previous hours but it all felt like too much. I felt like things were changing suddenly. I was happy with the way things were. Travelling around with Lina, destroying the bandit camps, enjoying all the good food the world had to offer. Who knew that wishing for a purpose in life all those years ago just before meeting Lina was gonna come back and bite me in the ass.

Kurage

3.3
I hesitated, glancing at the book warily. Should I go after him, I thought, or should I let him alone, so that he can sort things out on his own? Weird stuff like this usually didn't happen to him, so I could sort of understand his annoyance and frustration with the whole thing.

I decided to give him some time, to think, for a while. I grabbed the book, opening it again to flip through it. It still had that same puzzling script in it, one that Gourry could now read. I wondered what exactly had happened with that. One night he was as confused as I was, the next day he can read it like a storybook. I was so curious as to what it said, but my own means for translation didn't want anything to do with it.

If it said what Gourry said it said (confusing word play, I know. Deal with it and stay with me on this one), and it had information on a sword that we could use, then wasn't it our obligation to check it out and find it? Never mind the fact that he dreamt of Shabranigdu. That could have been a fluke anyways. I mean, it had been years since we fought the piece of the Dark Lord, but sometimes he even creeps into my own memories. That wasn't unusual, that was just the penalty of the trade. Still, I never knew Gourry to be afflicted by these dreams as well.

I sighed deeply, staring at the cover of the book. What did it all mean? Why was he so freaked out over a dream of regurgitated memories? Even if the book had somehow affected his dreams, it was worth it to at least check it all out, wasn't it?

Nodding to myself slowly, I resolved that action was better than inaction. I sighed, staring at the mess of plates and food we had left and grudgingly paid for it once again, vowing that Gourry owed me big time. I pocketed the book into my cape, then left the inn to find Gourry.

I found him standing alone outside the inn, his eyes on the skyline surrounding the small area. The sun was just peaking over the hills, and the brunt of the rays hit him like a romantic hero often gets hit. The sunshine illuminated his gold hair, and it gave me a good view of his face, and I hesitantly admit to feeling my heart pick up a bit of speed. At the time, I was sure it was nervousness that made me feel this way, the nervousness of proposing an adventure that Gourry so obviously did not want to get into, but I know better now.

The way he looked there, standing alone, looking so deep in thought that I was sure until then that he was not capable of in a million years; it stirred something in me, something I buried for years, something I often smothered at the best of times. It was feeling, it was caring, it was more. I truly cared about that slapstick jellyfish protector of mine, even though I was slack to show it, and it was way too late to start now. However, I couldn't deny how I felt, even if I could smother it for a while longer.

I sighed deeply, making sure the sound was inaudible. The last thing I needed was for him to hear me sighing while looking at him, which I admit, with embarrassment, that I was. I cleared my throat loudly afterwards, loud enough so that he could hear it, and walked over to him.

I stood beside him, not looking at him. I knew he knew why I was there. There was no point in getting around it.

“It would be worth it to check it out, Gourry,” I began, smiling a little. “We haven't had a solid adventure in a good year now. It would be great to get ourselves out there again, to risk it all, to run for it and get our reward.” I grinned and glanced over at him, hoping he would catch my enthusiasm, but he just stood there, not looking at me.

I frowned, narrowing my eyes at him. I tried again. “And besides,” I said, “you do need a new sword. That one is nice and all, but it's so boring, and you need a sword that matches your ability, one that can outshine every single other sword on the planet. I think the book might be the key to finding that sword.”

I turned to him, staring at him. Not a word came from him. His eyes ticked over to mind at one point, but once out eyes met, he quickly looked away.

Now I was pissed off.

I stomped my foot on the ground in elegant frustration and fisted my hands at my sides. I got right up into his face and started shouting at him. I shouted at him, that he should be brave, that he should look forward to such an opportunity. I shouted that he should be happy we have something new to look forward to, something exciting and fun, that we could do. I shouted, and he just stared at me, and I found my words were lost on him. I stopped, and stared at him back, my eyes narrowed still.

He was really quite good-looking, I found myself thinking, trying to stay angry. His eyes were really blue, I thought, my eyes searching his. The anger was leaving me quicker than it had arrived, and all because his eyes were pretty?

I swallowed. This was getting too serious too fast. I cleared my throat and stepped a little bit back, feeling like I had seen too much and invaded his space without meaning to.

“Anyways,” I concluded, not looking at him, kicking the ground in slight embarrassment. “I think we should check it out. Don't you?”

Dramata

3.4
"I...don't know, Lina..." I managed to finally utter. I didn't know what to say to her. What could I say? That I was scared because for once I'm suddenly in some sort of prophecy? It must be since it sounded like this was done years ago. Instead I just stayed quiet whilst Lina ranted, and shouted at me. Now I just looked at the ground, unsure of myself, and realising that Lina was getting frustrated with me. Despite how I felt, I couldn't hold it from her, and that just wasn't how I was.

"I'm scared..." I uttered softly, maybe too quietly for her to hear but I decided to go on anyway. "I've always been happy being in the background, helping in any way that I can. But now, suddenly I feel like I've been thrusted into the centre of things, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do." I thought for a moment, deciding where I wanted to go next. "Of course I want the sword. In all honesty if I'm truly going to be your protector, I need it. But I'm worried about what owning the sword will stand for."

I bit my lip a little, feeling nervous and embarrased about letting all my feelings out on Lina. "What if by taking this sword, I end up having to go off and do something which could mean..." The images of her pale face suddenly flashed up in my mind, and my face hardened in reaction. Then as soon as it happened, I realised what I was scared about. I was scared of losing Lina. I raised my eyes to look at her, the morning sun shining on her face. I looked into her ruby eyes and I was sure I saw signs of concern.

I then thought it over and soon realised that I really needed the sword. Without one of special properties, I couldn't protect Lina properly, especially if the mazoku kind came alone again. No doubting the consequences, I had to go and get this sword. "Ok then. I guess the right choice would be to go and get this sword. Plus no one else is gonna get to use it, I can't let such a good sword go to waste, right?" I smiled a little, and wondered if a little bit of Lina was starting to rub off on me.

We'd gone back into the inn and sat down at one of the tables where we felt we were able to talk in secret. I took the book from Lina and started to read through it, reciting everything that I read to Lina. Despite being able to read it, it didn't mean I understood everything that was in it. So by telling Lina what was in the book, she could work out which parts were important, and find out how we get the sword.

The first parts seemed to explain what the sword was capable of, which even I was quickly becoming impressed with. The book mentioned the sword's ability to cut through anything, infact initially it was so sharp it had become useless, simply cutting anything it touched. The creator then had to draw a pattern on the blade to dullen it, but still it was incredibly sharp, and with little effort, the sword could cut through stone.

However, the blade could be sharpened more by casting magic on it. The magical power reacted with the pattern drew on the blade and allowed it to sharpen, of course the more powerful the spell, the more sharper the blade. Reactions with miasma seemed to have the best potential. I looked at Lina as I mentioned these things, and she seemed just as excited by it as I was. I continued reading, and I found what was the most important point. Due to it's immense sharpness, it was capable of killing mazokus. At this point, I put the book down, my eyes felt a little tired since I wasn't used to reading this much. I looked to Lina, "I have to get this sword." I said to her, clearly determination in my tired eyes.

Kurage

3.5
As we walked back to the inn, part of me was still outside with him. It was strange, hearing him say that he was scared. Since when was a guy like Gourry scared of anything? And what was up with him back there, not even bothering to finish his thought, but instead looking at me like he was seeing a ghost? And then right after becoming all gung ho? I knew he was keeping something from me but I didn't know what. I didn't know and from the looks of it no amount of prying would get him to tell me, so I let it go…for now.

Anyways, I sat listening to him for a while, and I have to admit, the sword sounded really wonderful, and I was getting excited at the thought of looking for it. Hell, I knew that it was for Gourry alone, seeing as how the book chose him as the favourite over me, but that doesn't mean that once we find the sword that I couldn't touch it, right?

I'm not evil. Come on. I'm not. Can't a girl be curious…?

I would give it back!

After a while.

Sure.

At any rate, it was exciting to listen to. I perked up a little when I heard about magic playing a big part in the properties of the sword. I leaned over and grinned at him. “And THAT means,” I teased, “that you can't get rid of me any time soon, because you need me to keep the sword at its best.”

When he mentioned the miasma, I mumbled, “Sounds a little like the Bless Blade. I wonder if they were made at the same time?”

When he mentioned the part about killing Mazoku, I was psyched. Sure, deep down, I was still a little sore that he could read the book and I couldn't, but there is only so much one can control, right? And besides, Gourry would get tons of attention now, which is something he never really got when he started adventuring with me. Now, he could be his own star, instead of a shadow supporting me.

When he stopped reading and said that he needed to get the sword, I looked up at him. He looked so serious and so determined I was a little confused. I leaned over again and frowned at him. “For what, though?” I asked, finally ready to start prying. “Mazoku activity has been down lately, for a good year and a half. Only the occasional arrogant low-levels pop up now and then, and they're easy to beat with the sword you have. Why would you want to be prepared for anything more than that, Gourry?”

Something was wrong with him, I concluded, noticing how guarded his expression became. Something that either embarrasses him or shames him or both. Why was he so adamant on this sword? I can sort of understand. I mean, I get it with guys; the sword is like a representation of virility. But Gourry never seemed to be that type of guy, so why was he starting up with it now?

I propped my cheek on my chin and gazed at him. “Why would you need a sword like that right now, Gourry?”

Dramata

3.6
I blinked a little when Lina mentioned about why I needed the sword. I guess I was a little caught off guard for the moment. To be honest she was right, things had been quiet and so I hadn't really needed such a sword. However with that dream, I just suddenly felt that it was needed. Anyway, what's wrong with being prepared. "I guess I feel I need the sword because you have to be prepared just incase. Just cause there hasn't been any activity doesn't mean there never will be."

I leaned back into the chair then, and rubbed my eyes a little. "I feel aswell though with that dream. That it was telling me I needed it. Also I wouldn't be much of a good protector if I didn't have the things to help me work to the best of my abilities." I couldn't help but smile a little at the end, and to add to it, I put my hands behind my head and kept a relaxed pose, with my eyes closed.

I opened my eyes a few moments later and saw the dramata stare, and quickly figured I should carry on reading. I opened the book back open to the page I was reading, and continued on. As I read, I found some parts incredibly boring, and felt myself losing the will to read. I had no idea if Lina was even finding any of it interesting, knowing it she probably did. I just did my best to carry on reading, despite not understanding much of what I was saying to her as I read.

Finally it seemed as I read, we got to the part about the location of the sword. Of course, with all these old books, they never tell you exactly where the thing is. I guess it's because names for places all those years ago have probably changed by now. Also I suppose cities disappear and others are built in new places. So the best they can come up with is rough directions on how to get there, such as landmarks and things like that.

I read the passage to Lina carefully. "You will find the sword on the continent with mountains to the north, deserts to the east, and ocean to the south and west." I looked up to Lina and blinked a little. "That's the continent that used to be inside the barrier right?" At the time, I hadn't thought that the book might have been written before the barrier was made, and so the continent had to be specified.

I continued reading on as it specified where on the continent it was. "The sword is held in a cave between the mountain ranges of the north and the mountains and valley of dragons to the west." I looked back to Lina. "Kataart Mountain Range and Dragon's Peak..."

What? I know a little geography ok? I do have to know how to get around, otherwise I'd just get lost! Sometimes I wonder if you guys take me to be a complete idiot...

"The cave is located in a small mountain at a point equidistant from the mountain range and the valley of the dragons, and is right against the ocean." I blinked in complete confusion at that point. However I decided not to pester, Lina would understand what that meant, so I just continued on. "To retrieve the sword, you will have to enter the cave and complete the trials within, to prove you are worthy for the sword. Only the one chosen for the sword will be able to complete these trials. Failure of the trials will result in death."

I gulped a little on the mention of death, briefly forgetting that I was supposed to me the one chosen to retrieve the sword and so I should really be ok in completing the trials. I put the book back down and looked to Lina. "So do you know where it is? I don't get all that equidistant stuff." I scratched my head in confusion, trying to figure it out, hoping Lina would save me before I thought too hard.

Kurage

3.7
Indeed; I had been giving him the dramata glare. I was pissed off. That was the lamest answer I had ever heard. Be prepared? What was this, Boy Scouts? Did he think I was that stupid? However, he misconstrued my gaze and thought it was a threat on his life if he didn't continue reading. So he carried on, and I listened, despite the droning tone of his voice.

Interesting, I thought, as I listened. The sword was able to not only withstand magic, but harness it and store it as well. Sort of like the Sword of Light, I pondered.

He went on to describe the design (light blade made of obsidian and steel, with the hilt a hard iron. No real distinguishing design; in fact, it was designed to look a little boring to the naked eye. Only a swordsman of true skill could make it look like it was worth something, but even the book had no idea what it would look like then) and the requirements a person would need to wield it (even that was boring to ME. Boring, stereotypical, hero-pure-heart crap).

As Gourry described the locations, I admit that I was slightly lost, as well. Let's face it, geography is not my forte. I make up for it with my cunning and strength or something. I followed him for the first few lines, but after a while he lost me. However, I did focus on “valley of dragons” and “right against the ocean”.

I propped my chin on both hands, frowning a little. “The best I can figure coming from that is that we're looking for something up north and along the coast. It does sound like it's where the barrier used to be, which makes me wonder how the hell it got all the way here to begin with.” I paused, chewing on my bottom lip, trying to picture it all in my head.

All I could see were dragons, flying around and laughing at me, for some reason. That made my head hurt, and I slumped my head down on the table, shaking my head.

“I have no idea where it is,” I admitted, “and I have no idea what to say. We can start by heading back up north to where the barrier used to be, and skirt along the coast. We can also pick up rumours as to where dragon nests would be while we go, too.”

I looked up slowly. “What do you think?”

Dramata

3.8
"I think that sounds like the best plan at the moment, I don't know how else to understand it." I then thought a little more on the whole barrier thing. "Maybe not all of the barrier surrounded the continent. It does say it was right by the ocean, so maybe the barrier was came inland slightly, leaving the side of the mountain and the cave exposed." I rubbed the back of my head a little, not really sure how much more I could add to that.

"I suppose we should get going." Was all I could think of saying, so I stood up and grabbed my things and waited for Lina to do the same. We then left the inn and soon had left the town, heading our way north towards the location of the sword. I had given the book to Lina to hide within her cape and we walked along the small road. I had the map out and was trying to sort out our directions, picking which would be the easiest route, and then trying to mark off on the map what the possible location of the sword was.

"Hey Lina look at this!" I'd looked at the map just to the north, and right between the Kataart Mountain's and Dragon's Peak was a small mountain. "That small mountain is like right in the middle of the mountains and Dragon's Peak. Hey maybe that's what equidistant means!" I grinned a little as I put the map away into my bag. I kinda felt happy since I'd pretty much worked out how to get there myself, and also I learnt something new myself.

I looked over to Lina who was giving me a strange look. I just grinned a little less and smiled instead, closing my eyes and rubbing the back of my head, in my usual nervous gesture. I then looked back to her in a more questioning look. "Lina..." I then looked at the ground infront of me as we walked. "Is it possible for Shabranigdu to come back? Didn't you say there was like more than one piece of him? So that would mean if someone had another piece, they could make it come back to life."

I didn't really look at her during this time, I didn't really want to. I was just suprised at how much that dream was bothering me. Maybe it was supposed to be something to gain my attention and tell me about the book and nothing else. Well it definitely got my attention, but did it have to be so...realistic. It wasn't like other dreams, this one felt real, she felt real, and she was cold...

Unintentionally my face had hardened again and glancing slightly at Lina told me that she was wondering what was on my mind. I knew she was going to try and get it out of me, and Lina being Lina, she would do it really well at some point. I just don't know if I really wanted to tell her about it, maybe not just yet. Inside I just wished it was only dream, and hoped it wasn't some sort of premonition.

Kurage

3.9
When he showed me, I glanced at the map closely. It did seem lucky that it worked out that way for us. However, Gourry's enthusiasm was a little too much for me, and I shot him a “you're crazy, shut up now” look.

Somehow, this seemed to work, for he got serious. That in itself was a little odd. Since when did he get serious all of a sudden? I tilted my head and waited, and he asked me about Shabranigdu.

I frowned, putting my hand to my chin. “Of course there is, Gourry,” I replied, giving him a shrewd look. “There were seven pieces. We took out one, and the Water Dragon King took out another, sort of. I mean, he's frozen in ice somewhere, but that still sort of allows one to have comfort that he won't come back, right?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, sighing deeply. “Besides, you heard it from him yourself, didn't you? When he was dying? He mentioned something about not being revived again in our lifetime.” I paused, realizing I just contradicted myself.

“So I guess what I'm saying,” I concluded, “is that yes, it's possible, but likely? Not really. I don't think anyone would be that crazy after last time.”

I tilted my head to the other side this time, glancing at him. He looked troubled, angry, confused. What was up with him? All of these questions and worries and sad looks?

I walked over and slammed my hand onto his shoulder, jolting him out of his reverie. “Cheer up, Gourry!” I commanded, grinning up at him. “We don't have to worry about that now. Let's just find the sword and be done with it, and then we can worry about stupid Dark Lords and the idiots who summon them.”

I grabbed his arm and dragged him along, going in the general direction of north. If we kept up our traveling time, we would be able to make it to good camping ground before the sun went down. It also wouldn't hurt to look for a restaurant on the way, to pick up more food and provisions, but if that failed, there was always fishing.

As we walked, I let go of Gourry. It was awkward, lugging around a swordsman twice your size, and besides, the day was getting warmer as time passed at it was gross to hold onto someone in the heat.

I grumbled. Don't get me wrong, I like warm weather. You don't throw around and cradle balls of fire and be object to the heat, but too much of it was taxing and annoying, and after a while I whined at Gourry for a break. I knew that he can't stand whining, let alone my whining, so he quickly submitted and we settled on the side of the path for a break and a snack.

It was a quiet day. We were both silent as we rested, listening to the strange and calming silence that nature sometimes offers. I leaned back onto the grass and decided that unless Gourry had a problem with it, I would doze off. I was in much need of a catnap.

I shut my eyes and waited for protest, but got none, so I dozed, the sun beating down on the both of us.

Dramata