Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Dramata Kurage! ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

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.

7.0
I couldn't really believe what was going on infront of me. It looked like there were two Lina's going head to head with one of them pretty much pulverising the other. I was even more shocked when Lina, the real Lina, turned back towards me and said I should use the Blast Sword. "Umm Lina. I don't think this is the situation that I need to use the Blast Sword for. I know you like overkill but this isn't really called for.

"SHUT IT GOURRY! Just use the damned thing on her now!" That was the response I expected but the voice didn't match it. Infact it was Drianne who said it not Lina. I blinked a litle in astonishment. Most of all because this woman who I've never met before wanted my sword, and also to eliminate Lina. I scratched the back of my head and tried to smile the situation off. "Umm, I don't think I'll be doing that sorry. How did you know I had this sword anyway?"

"Because I followed you. I've been following you for the past few days now, ever since you killed all those bandits who were terrorising the inn." I looked to Lina, a little in shock because I couldn't believe we'd been followed all this time and never noticed her. She continued. "You see, I'm such a big fan of Lina and when you actually showed up I couldn't believe my luck!" I looked back to Lina again and smirked this time. Lina had a fan, and she just pulverised her. Although probably with good reason since she did attack us. It got me thinking why she would attack us if she liked us. I decided to try and push it.

"So why are you attacking us?" I asked, stepping forward slightly. I didn't expect her to step towards me also with an incredibly determined look on her face. "I like Lina so much, I want to be her. Of course with such a reputation, there can only be one Lina Inverse. That will be me! DIEM WING!" I blinked as the spell was cast in an instant. I barely had time to move out the way, and part of the blast radius caught me, knocking me off balance and forcing me to tumble to the ground.

I cursed slightly under my breath and got back up to my feet. I turned to see Drianne starting something up as she began chanting. I wasn't going to give her the chance and started straight for her, closing the distance between us in seconds. I lowered my shouder, charging and colliding with her, knocking the wind out of her and stopping the spell. She tumbled to the ground and the dust kicked up around her. "You can't be a Lina Inverse, no matter what you think you're capable of, you'll never match her in ability, personality and definitely never in temperament!"

I glared slightly as I watched her sit up, bringing an arm up to her stomach as she breathed heavilly. For a moment I suddenly felt a knot inside. With her looking a little like Lina, I wanted to help her up and protect her. But I shook it out of my head quickly and concentrated on Drianne on the ground. It seemed like she'd given up, and didn't want to carry on. It didn't take much but I guess that she wasn't used to battle. I turned back to Lina and nodded a little. "Let's get going."

Kurage

7.1
When Gourry suggested that we leave, I felt sort of…bad, for some reason. I never feel bad about anything like this, especially if I know the person damn well earned it. And Drianne had earned it.

Still, you can't blame a person for having hopes and dreams. Although her dream was albeit creepy, it was still a dream. So, without thinking, I turned around and knelt down to the idiot. She glared at me, and fair enough, but I wasn't to be discouraged yet.

“You know,” I said, “You can make a mark on this world without taking someone else's. You could just pick up your own things and go for it by yourself. You don't need my image to do these things. You already have shown you have the guts and the ability to do it. So go on and do it.”

She stared at me, like I was some sort of ghost. I glared at her. “Well, I don't like having a copy running around!” I snapped. “Find your own career!”

I got up and walked over to Gourry, only to see that he shared the same look of ghost-view that Drianne had. I glared at him and walked past him. “Don't say a word,” I snapped. “Let's just go.”

We walked away, and now at least I didn't feel too badly for it. I rubbed my stomach and whined. “Gourry, I'm starving…can't we just fish or something? I need FOOD.”

I paused, suddenly remembering what Gourry had been saying to me before we were interrupted. “You know when you said last night that I deserved good things…what did you mean by...?” Where had he been going with that? What did he think I meant by that? I merely meant that he deserved nice things for once, instead of getting the short end of the stick.

Right?

Yes!

I shook my head slowly, looking up at him. “Should we swing back to the town and risk getting seen, or should we just head back another way and continue on our ways like before this whole thing began?”

I paused and stopped, stretching upwards. I needed a good back stretch. “I personally would rather just keep going. I'm sick of being interrupted. We're almost done this area of the continent. I want to finish soon can we can start on another.” I looked over at him, puzzled by his silence. “What's wrong? What do you think?”

Dramata

7.2
I hadn't been listening to what Lina was saying. I just caught a little bit about her being hungry, or stopping off at an inn. I was still a little weirded out by the Lina wannabe. I had the horrible image of a whole band of them, fighting amongst each other, feeding off the land and destroying everything in sight. I shivered a little and felt the world was just about coping with one Lina. I blinked a little as she asked me what was wrong. "Uhh?" I uttered like I'd just bitten my tongue and that was the only way I could talk.

"I was just thinking how freaky it would be if people tried to be like me." I smiled a little looking down at Lina beside me, obviously joking lightly about it all, but taking a slight dig at her also. "I guess I wouldn't mind spending a night at an inn. We wouldn't be there for long, and I bet no one barely remembers us. It's not like we're big named celebrities like Reno the Pink Priest or something." I shrugged slightly as we continued walking. I felt like I mispronounced something but I didn't let it bother me for long.

We walked on a bit longer till we reached the village. The first thing we did was head for the nearest inn/restaurant and booked a room for the night before heading into the restaurant to order up most of the menu. After our usual battling over the food, we quietened down a little and let the food settle in our stomachs and I took to drinking a little.

"Lina?" I asked as I swirled the mug in my hand, thinking about what I wanted to ask her. "How do you cope?". I stayed silent for a bit letting her think it over a little. Then when I felt ready, I carried on. "You have this weight on your shoulders. And it's all this expectation that you have to do something, and not just to save your life, but to save the whole world too. I know I'm there, and I do my best to help out. But in the end, it normally comes down to you, you work out how we have to defeat our enemy. You have the power or ability to do it. How do you cope with the expectation?"

I looked at her when I finished, I was a little interested in how she would respond. Partly because I wanted to know what I might expect. I don't really feel like I have any expectation on myself. I was probably only given the sword only so I can protect Lina better because she's still needed. But what if things were to depend on me this time. The other thing was I was just interested in how Lina handled it.

Sure she can be immature, she can be perverted, violent, short tempered and plain greedy. But when she was in a tough situation, she handled herself so well. I was a little suprised by that when I first met her. That's why I stopped calling her little girl so much because I realised that despite the way she looked, she really wasn't a little girl. I looked into my mug as I waited for her response, finishing the rest of the drink and placing it back on the table beside the mass of plates that were slowly being taken away by the helping hands at the restaurant who weren't looking best pleased.

I turned to Lina then as I waited for her response. I know writing this now that it seemed like she was taking an age to reply, and whilst I was waiting, it felt like an age, but it really wasn't that long. In that short time I looked to Lina as she thought over her response and I could see that she was deep in thought. I starting feeling extremely curious and wanted to know everything that was going on in her head despite probably having no chance in understand most of what she was thinking. I just know she looked a little cute when she was thinking like that...shut up.

Kurage

7.3
I frowned, seriously considering his question. I took a drink of lukewarm tea and leaned back, resting my other arm on the back of the chair. “I dunno,” I replied honestly, glancing over at him. “I try not to think about it. If I do, I end up thinking that if I mess up, I could end up being the cause of a lot of pain and death. No one likes that kind of guilt. So I just don't think about it. I just act the best way I can, and hope for the best outcome.”

I finished off the tea and set the cup down, winking at him and giving him a half-smile. “Besides,” I added. “If you don't think about it, coping is easy. I thought you of all people would be able to handle something as simple as not thinking about it.”

I let the barb sink in before swiping a bit of his leftovers. “Besides, it's not like there IS some impending doom. Veryna never even bothered to tell us when, where, and what this `destiny' of hers is, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.” My voice was muffled by the food, but I knew he could get it.

“Just relax and let it all come, and once it gets here, you'll know what to do. And if you don't, I'll be here with you, ready to help you if you need it. You know you can always count on me.” I flashed a full smile this time. “Besides, it's never a dull moment when we're together, is it?”

I refilled my tea and took a huge gulp, enjoying the taste of it, sure, but also because my throat was dry. See, I was a little afraid. We had been journeying together for so long, looking for a sword. Now that he had found one, I wondered if my place in his life was drawing to a close. Did the Blast Sword make my presence obsolete? I hoped not, and I always figured that Gourry was better than that. Still, though, I still had that little fear.

Don't get me wrong. It's not like I need Gourry to have a good time. I could explore and discover on my own, and have just as much fun doing it. I just enjoyed his company. He was nice to have around, nice to be around. He was handy, I guess is the right word. I guess it wasn't all there was to it, but it was all I was ready to admit, anyways.

Dramata

7.4
I nodded a little in response, not minding that she stole my leftovers. I was full at that point anyway so what was the point in fighting over food I wasn't going to eat. It would only go to waste. I guess she was right, and of all people I should be the one not to think about things so deeply. The thing was I did think about things, just not the always the same things as everyone else. Sometimes I get so lost in my thoughts that I don't catch onto other people's conversations. That's when I don't remember, cause really I don't listen. I guess my attention span isn't the greatest.

My attention span was good enough though if I knew it was something important that I had to remember, so I understood what she was talking about. I liked the idea though that Lina would be around if I needed help. I still thought more that she was the important one, and I was just the support. The sword just made me able to support Lina alot more.

I got a refill of my drink and began gulping down quickly. Sometimes a good drink of alcohol did a good job of helping you to relax after a long day. Also if you were in the right place, it tasted really good too, and this one was a good one so I enjoyed it as I relaxed back into my chair. I put my mug back down half full and looked over to Lina. "So where should we go next? Maybe a new continent?" I realised there was a large part of the world now that was not really explored by those within the barrier. What was out there I don't really know, cause if I did, then it wouldn't be unexplored.

Before when the barrier was still working, the continent that we lived on was all that I knew of. Then when the barrier had gone I realised that there were other worlds out there. I just felt that it would be a good idea to go out and explore what was out there, enjoy the strange foods I never tasted before, see the amazing sights that you only can when you go adventuring.

I finished my drink off and placed it back on the table and let out a very satisfied sigh. I stretched my arms out and smiled a little to Lina. "I think it's time to hit the sack." With that I left a few coins on the table to settle the bill and then I headed on upstairs to the rooms. As usual our rooms were next to each other. I always made it a point for that to happen, preferably with connecting doors if they had them so it was easier to get into Lina's room if there was trouble, but most of the time that wasn't possible.

I opened the door and dropped all my belongings by the door. I walked over to the bed and took off my swords, placing them beside the bed, for easy access if I needed them. I then walked over to the window and opened it to let some fresh air in. I felt the cool breeze blow through my hair, and I took in a deep breath. The night had come and the sky was filled with stars. The streets were dimly lit by the lighting spells cast by a sorcerer as he walked by.

I stood there for a little while, looking up at the sky and wondered slightly about destiny. It was strange when I found that the Blast Sword was meant for me. I thought about how many other things were meant to happen. Those battles with Shabranigdu, Rezo, Phibrizzo and Dark Star. That's what I mispronounced! Rezo! Back on track, I wondered if there were more things, like meeting Lina. I wondered if we had any control on our lives at all, maybe we did, but what if we didn't. I didn't like that feeling, and it was the feeling I had when I found out about the sword. If we didn't have control, then I wondered what things destiny would have in store for me in the future.

Kurage

7.5
I yawned and nodded. I got up and hobbled up the stairs and to my own room, noticing that once again Gourry set it up beside his. He really needs to get over that. But I guess I had gotten used to it. It's sort of comforting anyways.

I walked in and slammed the door accidentally. Whoops. Oh well. I shrugged off my cape and my talismans, as well as my boots, gloves, and dagger. I walked over to the dresser and opened the drawers, and sure enough, there was the generic pair of pajamas. I sniffed them, and noticed they were clean, which made me happy.

I peeled off my clothes and jumped into the pajamas, grateful for something clean to wear. Let this be a lesson to novice travelers: clean clothes are a blessed thing. Oh, and never forget to tell the staff of the inn that you want your rank clothes clean. Or else you're stuck with rank for another long time.

I set my clothes out in front of my door so they knew to wash them (without any items of value in them, of course) and proceeded to rummage through my stuff to see what I had. I took inventory, and found I had more than I thought, so I didn't need to worry too much about supplies for a while. I would have liked to have more money, but what can you do?

I frowned, thinking I could razz another bandit camp, but that would mean giving up a perfectly good washing for my clothes, and I wasn't willing to do that tonight. I was far too lazy. It could wait until tomorrow.

I jumped onto the bed and lay down, testing it. It was a good bed, a little worn, but not too bad. It sure beat sleeping in a bush for another night. I curled up in a ball and tugged the covers on me, and promptly fell asleep. I needed it.

Dramata

7.6
I pulled away from the window, feeling as though I had finished with all my thinking, and working on the time, I realised I really needed to get some sleep. Considering that I pretty much got no sleep the night before, I knew I needed it. I got into the change of pyjamas and set my clothes out to be cleaned. Any adventuring swordsman has no excuse to not be clean! Unless he's been travelling for days after a pretty intense battle with no stopping...it can happen.

I got into the bed and then looked over to the side of the bed where the two swords were. Almost imprinting the position in my brain so if I had to get up urgently, I knew exactly where my sword was. I lay down then in the bed and got myself comfortable and looked up at the ceiling. I wasn't totally tired yet, but knew that it wouldn't be long. I sighed a little and closed my eyes and let the few random images float in my head. The last image I remember being the flowing of familiar coloured hair.

I heard the clanging of metal on metal and the familiar sounds of an intense battlefield. The warcrys of attacking, and the cries of utter pain before death. I opened my eyes and it was dark. The sky covered in grey cloud, and before me I saw the horrific scene of a full blown war. I blinked in astonishment and wondered what in L-sama's name was going on. But it wasn't just swordsman, but sorcerer's and sorceress', bowmen and axemen...and death.

I looked up when I saw a large explosion. Instinctively I dropped to my knees as I tried to understand where it came from. Then suddenly from behind flying overhead was a large black dragon, heading into the distance straight for a...a gold dragon. I stood up slowly and watched as they attacked each, and more dragons joining in. I heard screams from behind and quickly turned on my heel to see people being attacked by mazoku, but moments later, mazoku on mazoku.

"This is insane...what's causing this?" I just stood in shock now, not really sure what was happening. "Is this the end of the world." "It doesn't have to be..." That voice, I knew it. I turned to my right and there stood Veryna, in her usual calm posture, viewing the battlefield like it was nothing important. "This is a possible future, something that might happen if you and Lina fail."

"What the hell do you think you're trying to do showing me this? What is it that could cause this?" I demanded, glaring at Veryna. "That is for me not to say, and for you to find out." I couldn't believe her. How the hell can she think she can get away from showing me some horrific scene and then tell me that she can't tell me anything about it. "Well why are you showing me this?" I was growling now, and my fists were clenched by my side.

"Because you need to realise how important Lina is in all of this. I know what you're thinking Gourry, and you're right. Lina is the one that needs protecting, and the sword will allow you to do that because she will be in grave danger." She reponded as calmly as usual, never taking her eyes off the scene. "There's a reason why you and Lina met, you can feel it inside, can't you Gourry? You really think you're just her protector?"

I froze then as she spoke, I felt uncomfortable because I felt like she was just reading me like a book. I felt like she was invading my thoughts. "Lina doesn't think about me like that, she never would. I'm not the type she'd want to settle with. She's not the type that would settle." I replied in defense. "C'mon Gourry, are you really as stupid as Lina jokes you are?" I didn't like this anymore and felt I had to change subject slightly.

"Why isn't Lina here? Everytime you show me something like this, you always show me Lina dying. Where is she?" I asked. At that point she slowly looked towards me with those cold eyes and I felt like now she was drilling straight into my soul. "As I said Gourry, this is a possible future if you fail."

I woke up with a startle, and immediately grabbed out for the sword in instinct, but then my thoughts caught up and I calmed myself down a little. I put the sword back down and placed my hand on the sheets. Slowly I clutched the sheets and tightened my grip, harder and harder. Feeling myself grow in anger. Damn her. Damn her to hell.

Kurage

7.7
When I woke up, it was still dark. I opened my eyes to blackness. I peered around, wondering what had woken me up, but I couldn't see or hear anything that would be construed as threatening. I sat up and squinted in the darkness, looking out the window, but I still found nothing.

I yanked the sheets back and got up, not liking the sense of foreboding I suddenly felt. I reached over and strapped on my dagger around my waist, keeping my hand over the hilt. A little pointless, but it made me feel safer.

I walked quietly over to the window, holding my other hand to my side. As I crept closer, I mumbled the words to a Fireball carefully under my breath.

I'm not sure what I thought it was, but I'm sure there were many possibilities. One, it could be the remnants of the bandits. Two, it could be that idiot Drianne. Or three, it could finally be what Veryna had predicted. Either way, I was skittish of whatever was out there.

Glaring and holding my and ready, I darted to the window, bringing my hand forward in preparation. I glanced out, and saw, to my surprise, that...nothing was there. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

“What the hell?” I muttered, my eyes narrowed. I did a close once-over of the area outside, but found it virtually empty. Frowning, I let the Fireball fade. I didn't like it when I felt something bad coming and it turned out to be just a brain fart.

With my hand still on my dagger, I backed away from the window, and walked into something solid and warm. I jumped back quickly and yanked my dagger out, just fast enough to parry the blow of a sword. The force of the contact knocked me back a bit, and I tripped over the bed and landed hard...on my butt.

That's embarrassing.

I looked up quickly, just as the shadowing figure swung down its sword yet again. With a squeak, I parried it with my dagger, the sharp clang of the blades met like a grating in my ears. The inertia of the hit sent me down onto my back, but this time I didn't unblock the sword. I kept pushing against it, trying to shove off the attack.

Sadly, I must admit, the person was good. I'm a good swordswoman. I'm proud of my ability and believe that I have every right to bragging privileges. However, this person was GOOD, and against their long sword, my dagger was piss. I probably wouldn't be able to keep them parried for long, no matter how good I thought I was.

So, I was having a bad night. And did I mention I was in my pajamas?

With another squeak, I pushed as hard as I could against the assailant's sword, and this time got myself enough momentum to roll out of the way. Lucky I did, for the sword thwacked hard into the wood, right where I had been.

Glamour.

I rolled under the bed quickly, cowering there for a split second, trying to collect my nerves that had spilled all over the front of my shirt (not literally...). Unfortunately, I only had a few seconds to do so, because my 'friend' decided to jump on the bed and stab the sword downwards. I managed to squirm away just in time, and the blade even nicked the front of my pajamas (but not enough to be embarrassing).

That was it.

As the idiot/assailant tried to free the sword, I started chanting. Just as the sword nudged a little, I shouted out “BURST RONDO!” and the sword never got freed. The bed was blasted upwards, the many balls of burning magic crashing into the bed frame. The bed smashed into the wall furthest away, my buddy and sword along with it.

I didn't hesitate. I got up and darted forward, pushing past the charred and useless remains of my poor bed. I had my dagger out and ready, and I was also chanting the words to the Fireball, but this dude was smart. Already they had freed themselves from my bed trick and had the sword nice and ready for me. I stopped and sliced my dagger downward, and when they parried, I brought my other hand forward and let loose my favourite and most effective of spells.

Needless to say, it was effective.

I love that about magic.

When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, my room was a mess. I made sure the dresser, which contained my prized possessions, was still intact, and it was, to my lucky satisfaction. Knowing that, I adjusted my pajamas, sheathed my dagger, and turned to my new friend.

Who was promptly winded and slightly charred. Wow. Still alive? Damn. Well, a girl can hope. I didn't expect that someone that good with a sword would succumb to magic that easily, I guess.

I walked over and tossed my hair back, putting my hands on my hips. I had hit the bugger pretty good, so it was taking a while for them to gather their wits. Good. Now that I could see the person better, I noticed that it was in fact a female. For a moment, I suspected it was Drianne, but no; this person had blue hair, cut really, really short, and was weary mercenary clothes. Singed, mind you, but I could still tell. She was tall, and lanky, but stocky.

I walked over and kicked at her with my bare foot. She groaned, and I sighed. “Listen, if you hadn't of come here to begin with, I wouldn't of had to do this,” I rationalized. By now, she had gathered enough senses to sit up a little, and she rubbed her head. She had a narrow face, with small eyes, and rather thin lips. Typical mercenary. She glared at me with eyes a colour I couldn't see in the lighting.

“So,” I said, kneeling down to her, keeping my hand noticeably on my dagger. “Make it simple. Answer my questions and get out alive and such.”

Before I could start, right on time, Gourry smashed his way into the room. I'm surprised it took him as long as it did, but then, our fight hadn't lasted as long as it felt. I looked up at him and waved, flashing a smile. He looked stressed out and freaked out.

I waved to him. “Hey Gourry,” I called up to him. “Look what I caught!”

Dramata

7.8
My grip on the sheets and my boiling anger suddenly stopped when I heard an explosion right in the next room. LINA! I leapt up from the bed grabbing my swords and stormed into the next room. I dropped my shoulder and smashed the door through. I stopped quickly to assess the situation only to see that Lina had things pretty much sorted out. She smiled and waved and exclaimed about what she caught. I looked closer and noticed she had a person beaten against the wall.

Looking round momentarily made me realise that the one explosion wasn't enough to explain what happened in the room. That meant that I missed the start because I was stuck in a deep sleep due to Veryna. I gripped the handle on my sword tighter and tighter as I started to get more angry at Veryna, even though she wasn't there. I then got back to the situation and was just happy that Lina was ok.

I walked over to Lina and the person and knelt down beside Lina to take a good look at the person. I realised the person was a woman and from her stature and the sword in the corner of the room meant she was some sort of swordswoman, mercenary most likely. I looked at her as she then turned her glare from Lina and onto me. I sent the glare right back, causing her to sink her eyes a little to the ground. "I think I know why you came here. I guess what I want to know is who sent you here."

The mercenary looked up and gave a little smirk. "And why should I tell you?" She thought she was pretty tough. I bet she thought that if she acted like that we would just give it up and let her go. I don't know what it was that made me do it. Maybe it was the fact this woman just tried to kill Lina. Maybe it was because I was really angry with Veryna. I think it was a combination of both. She was telling me to protect Lina and in the end almost made me stop from doing so.

I unsheathed my sword and pushed the blade right against her neck enough to cause a little nick. I glared at her, my face unchanging in emotion whilst her eyes had widened in fear. "Well if you don't tell us who sent you, then I'll kill you..." I said calmly. I glanced to Lina and I could see the way she was looking at me that she was a little scared. And then I realised why. I pulled the sword away and stood up sharply. I then walked away a couple of paces and turned my back to Lina and the mercenary. I guess it was my way of telling Lina to get the information instead.

As I waited I only began to realise what I had been doing and I suddenly felt guilt flood over me. I can't believe I just did that, what happened to never harming women or children. I was fighting it over in my head. But she's a mercenary. She should realise that in that line of work, her life is in danger. I just then stood in silence and just listened out for Lina and the mercenary. If anything broke out, I would protect Lina, that's all I had to think about for the moment.

Kurage

7.9
I stared at Gourry when it happened. What else could I do? I've never seen him that angry before. Something was up, and I was going to find out. But now, I had more annoying and pressing matters to discuss.

I leaned over and grabbed the idiot's front of her shirt. I yanked her forward, and with one hand, summoned up a small Fireball. “You may not want to talk to him,” I purred, “but I KNOW you want to talk to me. In fact, I think we should talk all night, make it a slumber party of sorts! What do you think?”

I grinned, widely, and the girl blanched. She nodded quickly.

It's always that easy. Threaten the cretins and they'll obey.

I dropped her back onto the floor and stood up, keeping my hand on the hilt of my dagger. I wish I had on my real clothes, instead of my damn pajamas. I felt as threatening as a puppy.

She glanced up at me, apprehensive, but in control. I had to admire that. She had no idea what I could do to her, and yet she was still calm.

“What's your name?” I began.

“Milna,” she answered stonily.

“Where are you from?”

“Just outside of this city.”

Ah. So that would be why my magic had felled her so easily, and why a simple Fireball scared the crap out of her. She wasn't used to seeing magic like mine. Another point of respect for her. She REALLY had no idea what I could do to her.

“Where? And what's it called?” I continued.

She frowned at me, glaring. “Does it matter?” she snapped.

I glared back. “It does if there's a stronghold just waiting to pounce on me unsuspected. No, I would rather not have that happen.”

She sighed. “Deljourne,” she relented. “Not even two days from here, just south using the main path.”

I glanced over to Gourry to check to see if he had heard that, but he was too busy staring at nothing to be of use. I sighed and turned back to Milna. “Are there more of you waiting to ambush?”

She sighed again. “Three more.” She mumbled.

“Where?”

“One stationed up front at the entrance, one at the main inn, and one at the magic shop.”

Dammit. They were good. They knew all of the best places for ambush, including the magic shop. Now, the magic shop would be utterly useless to me, seeing as how my magic far surpassed anyone there, but still...it was clever thinking. Which means that whoever was behind this, knew me. Or at least my reputation.

“Someone already knows who we are here,” I muttered, staring at the wall. “We haven't even been here a week and already people know us.”

Milna snorted. I glanced at her sharply. “Don't be so full of yourself,” she sneered. “The person who hired us is from your neck of the woods, that barriered part that came down years ago.”

“Okay, Milna,” I nodded, crossing my arms over my chest. “Fair enough. Someone either followed me around or went ahead of me to catch me off guard. Tell me who it was.”

Milna shrugged. “Can't tell you.”

I rolled my eyes and held up the Fireball again.

She blanched again, and her voice became squeaky. “I can't tell you! I can't! I don't know! We knew you had to be the one that we had to kill because of your magic. We saw you burst apart that bandit camp, and we followed. We had to wait until you were alone, and without HIM,” she nodded over to Gourry, “because he has that sword and because it's you that we're after and not him.”

Ah, babbling. Gotta love it.

“Okay,” I nodded slowly, biting down the urge to twitch from the news that yes, once again, bounty hunters and mercenaries were on my tail. “So you're after me, alone. Hey wait,” I paused. “Is someone in your number named Drianne?”

Milna blinked. “No, never heard of that name.”

Scratch one theory then. “Alright. So let me get this straight then: Someone set up a bounty on my head, to kill me when I got to this part of the continent. Now, it must be a hefty price, because clearly you are informed of my magic skill, which is unheard of here. Except by the instigator, who is from my part of the continent, and who would know about this type of magic.” I paused. “So you guys are situated to kill me as fast and as quickly as possible, lest I use magic on you, and you have to do it when I'm alone, lest Gourry uses his sword on you, which you obviously know about because otherwise it wouldn't be an issue.”

Milna nodded slowly.

“Which brings me to this,” I glared down at her. “You knew about the Blast Sword before Gourry got it, didn't you?”

Dramata