Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Dramata Kurage! ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

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.

5.0
I was walking the short distance to the bed when I felt a presence behind me. I turned sharply to see Lina stalking me. I was feeling a little frustrated with myself, reminding myself of what happened always made me feel bad. I looked down at her and wondered what she wanted, but that was soon answered when her fist collided with my head. I put my hands up and whined a little whilst I suffered the initial pain.

She followed it up with something even more painful, saying my name in the sweet innocent voice. It was enough to make people's knees buckle, and if it didn't a fireball following up would do the job. I glared at her, knowing the sweet voice usually meant she wanted something, but it was mainly because she just half clobbered me. She then started telling me that I shouldn't blame myself and make myself guilty over what happened. I frowned immediately. Yeah it was easy for her to say, I had to live with it for all these years.

She just carried on and mentioned that what I did, didn't mean I was a bad person. She was just making this sound way too easy and it wasn't fair that she could just think she could solve it all in a few seconds like she normally does. "But Lina..." I tried to start, but it was cut out by Lina being more firm with the poin that I wasn't a bad person. I kept quiet and let her continue on with things. I'm sure she just loves to hear the sound of her own voice, that's why I learn to mainly keep quiet when she's talking down bandits and the like.

She then took a breath and flicked her hair in an all too cute way, the light from the fire making her hair seem more red then it's usual brown, sometimes orange. She then said I could have my rest whilst she took first watch. I wasn't too happy with her doing it, but I had to get some rest, I just didn't like her saying beauty rest. Again the hints of her treating me like a girl! She then turned on her toes and headed back to the fire, looking all to smug.

I just reacted like I normally did, and rubbed the back of my head feeling a little confused that Lina just completly sorted everything out like it was adding how much gold there was in two bags. Why did she have to make things seem like nothing, like it was so easy. I just sighed where I stood and then turned to go to the tent that was set up. I knelt down and crawled in, lying down on the makeshift bed, and placing my sword to the side.

I lay down on my side and looked over to the empty bed that Lina had set up. I sighed again, like I was breathing out the annoyance I had inside and closed my eyes. I knew I couldn't get worked up about it, it would just making sleeping impossible and then I wouldn't be ready for the next day which wouldn't be the best of ideas. I have to admit though that going over what Lina said did make me feel a little better inside, and so I didn't feel as bad about stealing the Sword of Light, and maybe what I did was the right decision after all. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

I woke up slowly, and knew that it was still dark. I realised I must have slept for a few hours, and still felt a little sleepy. I was tempted to fall back to sleep but realised I needed to change shifts with Lina. I looked over bleary eyed, noticing the bed still empty. I got up and grabbed my sword, then crawled back out of the tent. I stood up and had a good stretch trying to shake all the sleepiness out of my body. I then rubbed my eyes as I made my way slowly to the fire, seeing the familiar silhouette of Lina.

"Hey Lina...my turn..." Was all I could say at the time, and then sat down on one of the logs set up. Placing my hands out towards the fire I rubbed them together to warm them up a little. I turned to Lina, noticing she hadn't said anything or moved. I looked closer and realised that she'd fallen asleep. I smirked a little, noticing the small trail of drool rolling from the corner of her mouth. I picked up a small stick and reached over with it and gave her a little poke in her side, then immediately dropped it so it didn't look I did anything.

I saw her jump up in suprise and had to do all I could to stop myself from laughing, but I just about managed to contain myself. I looked back to Lina casually and gave her a little smile. "Ahh, decided to wake up huh? My turn Lina, you can get some rest now. See you in the morning." I then picked up the stick and started poking at the fire to pass the time.

Kurage

5.1
Once again he woke me up in the middle of yet another good dream involving me kicking ass. I'm starting to wonder if it's a complex of mine.

Starting to wonder?

Meh.

Acknowledging, then.

I leaned to the side, then wiped the drool from my mouth and blushed a little. Busted…but it wasn't my fault! Sometimes it's just so damn boring when you're on sentry duty. Nothing makes it entertaining if you're alone. Ever. Unless you have things on your mind, which, for once, I didn't…or I did, and they weren't that big a deal.

I casually gave Gourry I light shove, then stood up and stretched, reaching for the sky and yawning. I was BEAT, even after a nap. I thanked him and walked off, shooting a side glance to him, inconspicuously making sure that he was okay. He seemed it, but I guess I wouldn't know for sure until morning.

I found a patch of soft grass, curled up in it, and fell asleep with my cloak wrapped around me. I don't remember much of my dreams, except for a few tidbits, but they didn't seem important, really. Now, as I look back, I realized they were, a little. I should have paid more attention, but I hadn't. I guess the reason why is that even though I'm a sorceress, I don't really believe in the whole “mystic” ability. Most people in my field of work do, but I'm not a firm believer. I guess now, because hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20, that I dismissed it for that reason alone, and not out of fear that it could be possible. Although I do remember waking up and feeling uneasy about it all.

Anyways, now I guess I'll describe what I dreamt of. I still have my doubts about it, but I might as well. It won't hurt anything now.

This dream came in snippets. Flashes of images that only lasted seconds. I remember when I first started into magic, I had dreams like this, too, but not as intense. I'll describe what I saw in each flash.

I saw light.

I saw something like water, or diamonds. Light on water?

I saw a gleaming, powerful broadsword, that practically oozed power.

I saw Gourry, looking scared.

I saw him jumping over something huge.

I saw more light.

Then all I saw was darkness.

When I woke up, it was just barely dawn. I blinked the sleep from my eyes, feeling confused. For a moment I couldn't figure out where I was. When I remembered, I groaned and turned on one side, sulking. It was only dawn! I wanted to sleep in….

Impossible now. I was wide awake. I got up and sighed, walking around in a half-daze, looking for a stream or something so that I could freshen up. When I found one, I looked around, making sure I was alone. Knowing Gourry, he had dozed off as well. I shrugged off my clothes and dived in.

COLD! I shrieked at how cold it was, then covered my mouth, blushing. I dived in, scrubbing hard, washing the dust and grime away from our travels. I pondered for a moment, wondering whether or not I should wash my clothes. Would they be dry before we headed out again? Probably not. I shrugged, dunked my head under the water, washed my hair, then got out. I felt much better, much more awake. I wrung out my hair and braided it, so that when it dried I could take it down again and it would be wavy. I dried myself off, then dressed again, deciding that now would be the time to see if Gourry was awake.

Dramata

5.2
I smiled a little again when Lina shoved on me lightly. I then glanced quickly as she started to walk away after thanking me, just turning back to the fire as she was about to glance back at me. I figured I got away with it and just kept poking at the fire.

I could understand why she had fell asleep. Standing guard was not the most interesting of things and it was easy to fall asleep. I never liked leaving Lina to sentry duty, not because she couldn't handle it, but because it can make you tired. Now even I know that it's important that Lina is awake and ready for battle, so it's not good if she's tired, it causes you to make mistakes, and when you're casting spells, you don't want to be making mistakes.

I looked away from the fire and peered into the darkness to see if anything was there. Only problem was that because I'd been looking into the light of the fire, my eyes hadn't adapted to dark so I could barely make out the trees. My ears could pick up sounds though behind the crackling of the fire, and I didn't catch anything. I couldn't sense anything either so I felt safe in the knowledge that we were alone.

I reached into the bag and grabbed a snack bar and started chewing away. Good for energy but lacking in taste, but it's better than eating nothing at all. I then took out a bottle and drank some water. I sighed a little in boredom, feeling that the night was dragging on longer than it normally does. I was also starting to feel sleepy again despite just having a short rest. I figured that I could just close my eyes for a few moments, I wasn't sleeping just resting my eyes.

I opened my eyes and felt like I was somewhere else, somewhere strange, a cave from the look of things. I looked ahead of me and saw Lina looking back at me. It was strange because there was a bright light behind me. Something inside though felt scared. Like I knew I should be worried about something. The thing I felt the most was that Lina shouldn't be here, and that she was in danger. I was going to get to her when I suddenly sensed something, and turned my head to see something charge towards me. I leapt instinctively and flipped over the object and landed behind it, going to my knees to absorb the shock of landing.

I turned my head quickly and suddenly the light was gone. On a pedestal was two swords, one looked like a well crafted sword, something that only the richest of people could afford to have made. The other was similar in size, but looked much lower quality. The blade was rusted and covered in cracks and nicks. Then suddenly the voice returned in my head. "Remember that looks are not everything. You will have to make a choice, the wrong decision will cost you your life."

I turned to see Lina backed up into a corner and that huge object was infact a mazoku but in the form of a large bull. The light made it hard to see but now it was clear what the object was. But now Lina was in trouble and I had to do something. I was going to take my sword but then I realised it was gone. I then turned to the swords and took the high quality sword, thinking the other would probably break the second I used it.

I then charged towards the mazoku fast, the blade ready in my hand to attack. I leapt and brought the sword above my head and came back down striking down hard. I was waiting for the familar strain of ripping the blade through a body but nothing happened. Instead I watched as the blade shattered into a million of pieces leaving me with nothing but the hilt. The mazoku turned it's head forcefully and struck me hard, sending me flinging back and my body struck the side of the cave. I then collapsed to the ground after having all the wind knocked out of me. All I then heard were the screams from Lina.

I opened my eyes. Wait. Didn't I just do that. No that was different. This wasn't the cave, this was the campfire we had set up. So much for just closing my eyes for a moment. I was still sat down on the log and the fire had burnt out for a few hours now. I could tell from the light that it was morning despite my head hanging down a little and my hair surrounding my head like a veil. I wiped my mouth of the drool and blushed just praying Lina hadn't noticed.

Kurage

5.3
I walked over and smiled, noticing the harried look on Gourry's face. He must have dozed off too. We're never safe, I tell you, no matter who is on watch. That's why I think Zelgadis was so convenient. He didn't need much sleep, and he drank coffee more often than he breathed.

More often that once I wondered how Zel and Amelia, as well as Sylphiel and Filia were doing. Gourry and I sometimes dropped in on the former when the time was right and we were in the area (either Seyruun or coincidentally where Zel was lurking that day, which sometimes was Seyruun, oddly enough. That happened twice, I think. But anyways…).

Amelia, who was more and more in the royal spotlight, seemed to be enjoying her new role just fine. In fact, she had adjusted so well, it was hard to remember her as anything else, really. The couple of times we stayed overnight in Seyruun, we could see that Phil was really proud of his daughter, and how she was turning out. I was pretty damn sure that within the year, Amelia would be on the throne full-time. If only she would get those justice seizures under control…

As for Zelgadis, from the few times we say him, as I mentioned, he was still wandering about for his cure, which was coming out empty. Last we saw, he was heading way down south, somewhere even I haven't checked out yet, in the new continent. He seemed content enough, and the couple of times he was in Seyruun he seemed more than okay. Still, it would be nice for him to be happy for a change, instead of just “okay”.

As for the last two, last I heard, Sylphiel was finishing up the touches on the rebuilt Sairaag (which, after so long, was finally almost done) and Filia was manning her own store with Gravos and Jillas. As for the infant Val, I haven't heard anything yet. If news were to come I'm sure she would find a way to reach us.

Anyways….

I walked over to the rather sheepish Gourry and sat down, tossing my braid over my shoulder and grinning at him. “So, how was your watch? Or should I say, nap?”

He glowered at me, and I laughed. I held out my hand. “Gimme some food and I'll shut up.”

He complied, and I ate happily. It wasn't much of a breakfast, but I figured that after this whole thing, which would be neat and tidy and quick, it would be much easier to find food after that, and good food. I mean, come on, who would refuse a guy with a kickass sword?

“So,” I said between mouthfuls. “Does the book have any advice about how exactly to proceed with this whole thing?”

Dramata

5.4
I looked up to Lina as she mocked me a little. I frowned a bit but shook it off quickly and tried to hold my ground. "I wasn't sleeping! I was just resting my eyes for a bit, but definitely not sleeping." I then crossed my arms to try and emphasise the point but from her looks I didn't think I made a believer out of her so I just gave in. I started the fire up again quickly and got some breakfast going, serving Lina quickly first to keep her quiet and then I served some for myself to quieten my stomach.

I was busy enjoying the food that I almost missed Lina asking me about the book. "I don't know really. All it says is that the trial is in a cave so I guess we just have to go up and go in, that's pretty much it." I took the book back from Lina and looked at it a little. I then opened it up again and went over a few of the pages that mentioned the trials. It wasn't very clear, and just mentioned that the trials were within a cave in a small mountain by the ocean. I noticed the bit once again about the failure of the trial will result in death and the dream popped in my mind again.

I fought the images off quickly and handed the book back to Lina for safe keeping. I then looked to the small mountain not too far away. "I guess we just have to climb up there and find a cave." I then got our things together and packed so that we could get heading off. From the looks of the mountain from our camp it didn't seem a difficult climb and to be honest seemed a lot more like a big hill than a mountain. Once my things were gathered I looked to Lina and nodded to say it was time to go.

It was a very short walk to the base of the mountain and we started off climbing, or should I say walk up an incline, in the light of the morning sun. I looked up at our climb and I couldn't see signs of a cave. I didn't think it would take too long to reach the top, a few hours maybe, but the problem was where on the mountain was the cave. Looking for it could take a really long time since there was a lot of ground to cover. I just figured that we could climb to the top, maybe get some luck and catch it on the way up. If not then we could use the vantage point to see any telltale signs of a cave entrance.

After about an hour or two I'd figured we must be about halfway up the mountain. I was feeling good to keep going all the way, but I kept checking back on Lina to see if she was ok. She'd grown a little from when we first met but she was still petite in stature, and a climb like this can get a litle tiring so I was wary of Lina needing a break, but she seemed ok. Lina was like that though, she'd never want to be seen as weak and will hide absolutely anything just to prove that she was strong.

I still remember when she had that nasty wound and pretended she was just resting. I remember worrying that the people following us would catch up and I was annoyed at Lina for just lazing about, or at least she seemed like it. I felt bad for trying to pull her up when she was hurt, and sometimes I still do, she's probably completly forgotten about that now. There's been lots of times like that when I felt bad for not protecting Lina like I said I would. So many times when I thought I had failed her, but I've been lucky...we've been lucky.

We got to the top finally but there was no sign of the cave on the way up. I had a feeling that would happen. I looked back to Lina to check she was ok but she was still holding up, whether she was really fine or not I could never work out. Anyway, the top of the mountain was a large plateau, maybe about the size of the square in the castle at Seyruun. I decided to sit down for a bit and take a break since it might be a long while since we got to take a break again if we started looking for the cave. I took out the canteen and drunk some of the water, then handed the bottle over to Lina.

"So what do you think Lina?" I asked her. "Where do you think the cave would be?" I didn't really think when I said that, because of course Lina wouldn't know and if anyone should know it should be me since I was the one who could read the book. I got the book back from Lina and read the passage over and over again, wondering if drilling it into my head would be of any help. "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 repeated that again and again. Then suddenly it struck me. I stood up and walked along the plateau and went to where I could see the ocean. I then looked down and I could just about see a smaller plateau jutting out from the side. "Found it!"

Kurage

5.5
I rolled my eyes when he asked me these stupid questions and repeated the information to me yet again, as if that would open some secret compartment inside my brain. I just kept walking alongside him, deciding to discreetly ignore him for a while. That is, until he shouted out that he found it, and ran ahead of me.

Now, I'm not sure how much traveling you have done, but since you're reading this, I'm going to assume bare minimum (because face it, if you have time to read this, you obviously aren't a traveler). Anyways, what we saw was something not too out of the ordinary, which automatically translates to a little boring-looking to me. It was your basic plateau; lower middle and higher-up sides. The smaller one was a basic mirror of that. I peered over and noticed that there was, indeed, an inlet hole, the obvious cave, in the middle of the upraised pillars of stone.

See? Dull!

Except for the dragons.

If you can ever find something for me to be awed about (which is one in a few), it's the sheer power and agility a dragon can display while merely flying. This cove was inhabited by the smaller black dragons. I noticed there wasn't a golden dragon in sight, which was a little weird, but not uncommon. Black and golden dragons can get along in one space for many generations, but sometimes segregation just works better. These black dragons were flying about, circling and doing lazy loops and strides in the air, something I've often tried to mimic when I use Levitation or Ray Wing. Whether they noticed us or not, I wasn't sure of, but I decided it was best to just rush headlong and find out.

I nudged Gourry ahead, as he was staring transfixed at the dragons. Together we edged down the hill towards the cave. I noticed Gourry had a weird expression on his face; a cross between worried and excited. Weird. I, however, was feeling more excited than anything else. This would be worth it. I knew it would be. I could feel it in my gut. And my gut never lies.

By now, as we nears the end of the ledge, it was obvious that a few dragons had noticed us. There were one or two that were flying over us, only to loop around and do it again. I pretended not to notice, but Gourry had noticed and was picking up the pace out of nervousness. I wanted to smack him. His actions would make us look guilty.

I grabbed a fist full of blond hair and stopped him, yanking him back. He yelped but stopped, and I leaned over close and whispered, “We have nothing to hide, so stop acting guilty!” I let go of him, and he complied, although his face still bled guilt.

I sighed, then stopped. We had reached the very end of the ledge. I looked up, and noticed that the dragons were all pretty much watching us now, although they were careful not to make it obvious. I turned to Gourry and stopped him. “I guess now,” I said carefully, “we have to face the music.”

I cleared my throat, then waved up to the dragons. “Hey!” I called, flashing a big smile. “Hey, can you come down here for a second, please?”

One dragon veered around to us and landed, just a few feet away from us. Gourry looked nervous, but even though I felt how he looked, I stood my ground, with my hands on my hips. I had just as much as a right to be here as they did. I think.

The dragon peered at us closely. I glared back, not moving. With a huge sigh, the dragon shut its eyes and lowered its head. As it did so, it began to glow. Brightly. I had to cover my eyes with my hands before it was done. When I looked back, there was the dragon, only in human form. She looked like your average, short, black-haired, dark-skinned woman, really. Except the one thing that betrayed her was the eyes. They were narrow, and steeped with age. Old eyes. Anyone who looked at those eyes would know that you were not dealing with just anyone. She stared at us, her hands folded over her dark blue robes, appraising us with those eyes.

I stared back, breaking into a sweat that I hoped wasn't obvious.

She walked slowly towards us, then stopped just a foot in front of me. Those dark eyes, so dark that I wasn't sure what colour they were, were fixed on mine. Then, they crinkled up, as she smiled.

“Ah,” she said, her voice deep with the age her eyes betrayed. “Lina Inverse. Welcome.” She placed a hand to her chest, the fingers long and brown. “I'm Veryna. And you're here for the sword, aren't you?”

I gulped.

Busted. Oops.

Dramata

5.6
As we both slowly walked down, I felt my hair being yanked back. I turned immediately to Lina who whispered to me, saying I shouldn't act guilty. The thing was, I wasn't acting guilty, but merely being cautious. I don't know about you, but when you have large dragons flying overhead with the capability of turning you to ash, then you don't want to make them angry or make them think you should be next on the list of termination. I felt bad though because I guess in my efforts to avoid attention, I was only drawing more to myself.

We finally reached the bottom and Lina stopped me, then she shouted to the dragons. I panicked for a moment and looked to Lina. "What are you trying to do?" I hissed but it was too late and one of them was heading down for a landing. I shielded my eyes as it changed to a human form and looked back to see the woman. I was stood in my usual position just behind Lina and too the side. I watched as the dragon walked towards us and then mentioned Lina's name.

Immediately I sweatdropped and leaned over to Lina. "What is it with your reputation? We can't go anywhere now without people knowing who you are." I grumbled a little. Then I watched as the dragon turned to me. "And you must be Gourry Gabriev." I sweatdropped again and Lina gave me a sharp hit with her elbow. The woman then continued, "You don't expect to travel with someone with the reputation of Lina and not go unnoticed." I scratched my head a little and shrugged slightly, not sure how to respond to that. So I went back to what we were here for.

"Umm, yes we're here for the sword." I responded a little nervously. The woman nodded slowly. "Very well then, if you will follow me." She then turned on her heel and walked into the cave. I blinked a little and looked to Lina. She just shook her head at me and followed the woman and I quickly followed Lina after glancing at the rest of the black dragons that continued to circle around.

I followed Lina closely as we walked through the tunnels of the cave, our boots clacking on the floor and echoing around the tunnels. I felt a little unnerved that the woman knew we were after the sword, and I was sure that Lina was thinking the same. Normally I'd wait for Lina to mention something about it, but I felt like I had to say something about it. "Venyar?" I asked. Her response was quick. "It's Veryna." I blushed a little but continued on. "How did you know that we were after the sword?" I asked her. "Well you came to the cave. All those who come to the cave are after the sword." Was her blunt response.

I frowned a little, that wasn't really what I was after, but I realised that my question probably wasn't really the best to ask. "Umm..I guess what I meant to ask was, what are you hear for? Are you just waiting to lead people to their death, or are you waiting for someone to finally bring the sword out just so you can take it for yourselves." The visions had remained strong in my head, and I felt it suddenly a little strange for the dragons to be circling the cave. Strange how I suddenly changed from being nervous just outside to pretty confrontational.

At that point Veryna stopped in her tracks and the sound of clacking suddenly stopped. I looked straight at Veryna, I was nervouse before, but I realised now that our lives were on the line and I felt like I had to fight with all I had. Now I had counted the dragons as a threat, and wondered why they were suddenly so helpful, considering in the past we had nothing but trouble with them. I was tired of them treating us like we were beneath them. Of course Filia had been different, but the rest of their clan left a bad impression on me. Slowly Veryna turned towards us and looked straight at me with those aged eyes. I felt like I should have backed down but I couldn't, not when my visions were telling me what was on the line.

Kurage

5.7
Okay, so she wasn't going to murder us. This was good news. I followed close behind Veryna, and Gourry followed me. It made me wonder if Veryna thought that it was me that was here for the sword, and not Gourry. But then, it seemed that Veryna knew a lot more about us than she let on. I wondered if she was clairvoyant and saw us coming.

As we walked, I gazed around. Why are caves always the same, boring, dark grey and torch-lit tunnels? Why can't a lair be more original? And even though these benign thoughts were chattering through my head, I was wondering, why is she letting us through without hesitation? Why doesn't she see us as a threat? Does she know we'll fail? Does she know something about this that we don't? Or does she actually have any faith in us?

Curious.

I was snapped out of my pensive reverie when Gourry and Veryna started chatting. When Gourry asked his question, I almost fell flat on my face. Why would he ask such a question like that!

She stopped, and both Gourry and I stopped. Already I felt my mouth going dry in anticipation for yelling or maiming or worse.

Veryna seemed to look right through Gourry. It was like watching two birds preening at eachother, checking to see which one had the better wingspan. Only this time, it looked more about prowess than anything else.

I frowned, feeling slightly neglected in this little showdown. I tilted my head, looking between the both of them. When at least a minute or two passed, I got bored.

“Hey,” I mumbled, poking Gourry on the side of his head. I was staring at Veryna the whole time, making sure that even though she had the upper hand her, she knew that I was in charge and I was calling the shots. I even shot a small grin at her, making sure she knew.

Gourry dodged away from my prodding fingers and glowered at me, hissing something no doubt mean to me. I ignored him and walked closer to Veryna, who was now focusing on me. Yay.

“You have to admit that it's suspicious, they way you lead us in here without question, leading the way to exactly what we want, when it's obvious you guys are the ones that guard it,” I said, my hands on my hips. “Even Milgasia-san was more straight forward than you are, and he didn't have any ulterior motives.”

Veryna raised a perfect black eyebrow at me. I grinned back at her. Gourry, from the corner of my eye, looked just as pensive as I felt. Maybe he was really onto something. Or maybe there was more to the preening act than I thought.

“So I'm wondering something,” I went on, holding out a hand, palm up. “I mean, obviously you are okay with us being here. Obviously you must not have anything to hide. Obviously you know that you won't be getting anything out of this and obviously you are aware that we will not be leaving empty-handed. And that obviously means that once we leave, the whole point of your existence is gone with us. So why help us, then?” I narrowed my eyes, the playfulness gone. Veryna frowned a little, clearly noticing the change in my demeanor. “Why would you help us when we are out to destroy your lifestyle?”

I heard Gourry take in a shaky breath. I wanted to pat his shoulder or the top of his head to reassure him. Something that either his sweetie or his mommy would do. Either way, it made me feel a little embarrassed as well as nauseous. When did I start thinking these stupid thoughts?

Anyways, back to more important things.

Veryna looked a little ruffled. Only a little bit. Maybe the same amount as a thimble could look ruffled if you threw it at a blond and the blond screamed at you and threw it back (what? Like you haven't thrown thimbles at people before!). The blond is more ruffled than the thimble, right? Well, I felt like the blond, and Veryna was the thimble that was chucked at my head.

She sighed deeply and shut her eyes. She reached up and started massaging her temples. I frowned, but she started explaining.

“Your suspicion never ceases to amaze our species, Lina Inverse,” she mumbled, sounding tired. “You always have to assume the worst in people, and you always have to be on your guard around even those you care about.” She opened her eyes and stared right at me, and I gulped, feeling like that stare was stripping me to the core. “You don't even open up to those who deserve it. You don't even trust those who have earned it. You hide behind a façade, one that you think works for you, but someday, it'll be your undoing.”

Whoa. What the hell? Where the hell had that come from? Who the hell was she to say these things to me? About things she doesn't even have a clue about?

I opened my mouth, feeling the all-familiar defensive rage prickled up and down my spine, but when I tried to yell at her, something inside me just gave up. Deep down, I knew she was right, and what was worse, that she was probably going to be right, too.

I took in a breath, the gesture sounding too shaky to be normal for me. I smoothed back the rage, swallowed my pride, and promptly shouted out in a shriek of a voice, “Who and what the hell are you!”

Gourry flinched, but Veryna once again looked like that damn thimble.

I wasn't done. Believe me, it could have been a lot worse. This was me at my controlled rage stage. “Who the hell are you, to lead us into a cave, to not explain yourself, and then to, instead of answering honestly, reach into the air and weave around what you think is true about me!”

I took in a breath, ready for more, but then I found I was done. I exhaled, noticing that I was sweating. I could still feel that stare on my insides, as if I was naked and she was seeing all of my flaws and showing them to everyone so they could laugh at me. I swallowed, noticing that for the first time in a long time, I was the one who was ruffled. I was the one who was scared. And yes, I was scared. That dragon scared me.

Veryna spread out her hands. “Fine,” she said, avoiding my outburst. “I'll tell you. I allowed you in here because we all have been waiting for the two of you to show up. For centuries. It took you longer than usual, but now that you're here, we can finally get started.” She looked over at Gourry and smiled. “Gourry Gabriev, this sword was MEANT for you. Why else would you be able to read the book?”

I stared.

Oh.

Dramata

5.8
I blinked slightly when Veryna turned to me and mention that the sword was for me since I was able to read the book. I half opened my mouth but nothing came out so I just slowly nodded dumbfoundedly. OK, maybe I was taking things the wrong way, but those gold dragons in the Outer World left a bad impression on me. "So hang on." I began to think this through. "You mean to say you've been waiting here this whole time? Just for Lina and myself. How did you know it was us?" I was scratching my head now because this was all just getting a little bit confusing for me.

"You're saying you were waiting for centuries, but obviously Lina and myself aren't that old. Ok we took longer than usual but could we just get born first?" I guess a bit more of Lina had rubbed off on me. Veryna just smiled a little. "Ok. The sword was brought here to be used by the one that could read the book. We had to protect this place and wait for the one who was meant for the sword to come here. Of course we had no idea who that would be. The only way we would find out was when the person who was meant for the sword found the book."

Veryna then changed position slightly in her stance as she continued. When you took the book, the book responded to you, knowing you were the one for the sword. When that happened it allowed us to realise who the book was for. Gourry...don't you recognise my voice?" She then peered straight at me and I suddenly felt her voice ringing in my mind. "Hang on.." Things were starting to come together. "You were the voice in my head!" I looked to Lina after Veryna nodded in approval. Obviously she had no idea what was going on and realised that I had been hiding something from her after all. I'm sure she would be asking questions soon enough.

Veryna then continued. "The book allowed me into your mind and confirmed to me that you are indeed the rightful heir to this sword. Seeing what you have done, and you're skill, only you are capable of handling this sword and unleashing it's true potential. I then spoke to you, helping you realise what you need to do to obtain the sword, and prepare you for it. You might not remember everything I told you but subconsciously you will remember." I just nodded a little, trying to take it all in.

I then looked at Lina thoughtfully for a moment and then turned back to Veryna. "The images that you showed me, were they true. Were those things that would happen in the future?" I asked her pretty seriously. Veryna nodded slightly understanding what I was talking about. "Those images I showed you were to make you relaise the importance of what is at hand. They aren't necessarily true, but the meaning behind them were very important. Especially those concerning the trials, not everything is as it seems. You have to go with your instinct, that is what makes you the best that you can be."

I just stood there trying to take all of this information in. I'm sorry but I'm not totally used to be the centre of things and I felt like now everyone was relying on me. I felt bad for Lina, because now I kind of knew how she felt. Maybe she didn't have time to think about it, or maybe she was just used to it. However I didn't like it that much, I wasn't built for it, at least I didn't feel that way.

Kurage

5.9
I listened. I really did. Obviously, for once, this had nothing to do with me. It was focused on Gourry. And good for him or something. I was sick of the attention anyway...yeah, that's it.

But soon it became clear that they were both talking about something I was out of the loop in. They were talking about dreams and what Gourry saw and such, and at one point, separately, both of them shot looks at me. I frowned, but kept silent. What was this about? Was Gourry lying to me before when he confessed before? Or was he saving face, yet again?

I glared daggers at him, and when he noticed, he was careful to avoid my gaze, lest he be pierced by it. And he deserved to be, dammit. Here he was, hiding something, while I was being lectured by some geezer dragon about hiding things myself. Completely unfair.

But then again. Trial to the death? Not my idea of fun, really. Unless I know I can cheat.

So anyways, after Veryna and Gourry had their little confusing talk, Veryna started walking again. I caught up to her and started walking with her. She didn't look surprised to see me.

“So tell me what exactly is going on.” I demanded, my eyes on hers.

Veryna shrugged. “Maybe you weren't informed for a reason.”

“Don't give me that crap,” I snapped. “Wherever Gourry goes, I go. If you know so much about us, you would know that. So therefore, this involves me, and therefore, I shouldn't be out of the loop!”

Gourry was silent behind me, but I could tell he was listening. Veryna, however, kept her gaze on mine. “You say that no matter where he goes, you go. So I wonder, what exactly does that mean? Do you mean it literally?”

I seethed. “I'm here, aren't I?”

Veryna suddenly stopped. I looked around, and before us, everything was pitch black. I couldn't see a thing. I started calling up a Lighting spell, but Veryna stopped me. She turned to me, and once again, those damn eyes looked right through me.

“Yes, Lina. You're here. You're here of your own choice as well as at Gourry's side,” she said, her voice quiet. “You're here under the pretense that you want to help Gourry with the sword and maybe have a few turns with it yourself, but I merely think that it's a pretense.”

I felt a chill go up my spine. This was getting too personal too fast. “Shut up, now,” I growled, narrowing my eyes. I didn't even notice my fists were clenched until I felt the strain in my hands.

Why would she so blatantly trumpet things that I wasn't even sure of myself? She had no right, no reason for this at all. I seriously didn't care at that moment how old she was or what she was. If she said anything more, I was going to whip her ass. End of story.

Veryna seemed to get it, because she said nothing more, but I could see the annoying glint of triumph in her old eyes. Obviously I reacted exactly the way she wanted me to, and that shamed me more than I can describe.

She walked past me, gesturing to Gourry so that he would follow. He did so, looking as if he was confused and annoyed about it. I felt a bite of satisfaction. At least now he knew what it felt like.

I hung back. Yes, I was here for Gourry, but ultimately, it was up to him. However, the whole time, I was angry. And I wasn't too sure what I was angry at.

Dramata