Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Dramata Kurage! ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

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.

9.0
I blushed a little when I felt her leaning closer but I realised that getting Lina healed now was more important. I didn't know how long she had. I looked down and realised she had dropped off, now I was panicking. I started to run with her in my arms, I tried to shake her slightly to wake her up. I felt scared that she wouldn't wake up again so I had to try. It was useless though, no matter what I did she wouldn't wake up.

I barged the door down to the healer and starting yelling. "Get me the healer now! She's hurt and lost a lot of blood!" I glared looking at the young man standing by. He looked to be shaking, then nodded quickly before running off. An old man came out who I assumed was the healer immediately and he looked over Lina quickly.

"Ok we have to be quick, she doesn't have a lot of time. Bring her through and rest her on the bed." He said quickly, knowing the urgency that was coming from me and the situation itself. I followed him through quickly and gently rested her on the bed. I wiped the bangs from her eyes and took a hold of her hand, looking into her closed eyes.

"Ok Lina, you're gonna be fine now. Just don't you dare give up on me after all of this."
"You can't stay here young man, I need to concentrate."
"You're damned if I'm leaving!" I gritted my teeth. "I'm staying by her side and you're going to heal her! Now do it!"

The man nodded in reply and closed his eyes with his hands over the wound. Suddenly an intense light emitted from his hands and surrounded the wound. I had to look away so I looked back to Lina, placing a hand on her forehead and keeping another on her hand. I then felt a chair being pulled up behind me. I turned my head to see an old lady. I nodded and thanked her politely before sitting down. I looked back to Lina and kept a hold of her hand.

I don't often do it, but at that point I was praying. Not to Ceipheed, but to L-sama. Trying to look back to the last time I saw Lina like this was when she saved Syphiel from Copy Rezo and took that hit. She died that time but still now I don't really know how Sylphiel brought her back. Something inside recently told me it was L-sama. So that's why I was praying to her now.

I looked over to the man who finally stopped. It must have been a few hours since he started and he looked worn out. I placed Lina's hand back beside her and stood up taking another chair and sitting the old man down so he could rest.

"That was a nasty wound, there aren't many people who come in with injuries like that. She's lost a lot of blood so she's going to need time to recover, I've done the best I can."
"Thank you. Sorry for snapping but I can't leave her. I'm her protector, and I should have done a better job, it's my fault this has happened." I looked back to Lina feeling guilt. "It doesn't matter though, I just have to try harder, that's all."
"You should get some rest too, you're tired."
"No, I can't, I have to stay with her. I can't sleep, I just need to be with her and stay by her side."

The old man nodded, and left. I sat back down beside Lina and took her hand again, watching her as she rested. I'd taken her gloves off and I could feel how cold she was, but not as cold as she was before. I rubbed her hands gently to warm them up. My eyes starting feeling heavy and I wanted to fall asleep but I tried to fight it. I couldn't go to sleep, I needed to take care of Lina. And if I slept, Veryna might give me another vision. The thoughts started to fade however as I lay my head on the bed beside Lina. It felt so comfortable and soon my vision went black as I slept, still holding Lina's hand.

Kurage

9.1
When I woke up the first time, my eyes just slowly opened. I was on my side, and it was dark. I felt very tired still, but somehow I was still awake. I reached down and touched my leg, and found that it was healed, but still throbbing. I sighed deeply, but that was the only reaction.

When I focused in front of me, I noticed someone there. My heart sped up in panic, but then slowed down when I saw who it was. The moon must have been waxing, because there was enough light to see the blond hair and the closed eyes. I also noticed the hand clutching my hand in slumber.

I dunno how much emotion I felt at that moment, but it was a lot. Too much to comprehend, really, unless you had felt it yourself. I couldn't translate it even if you paid me. All I know is, I felt very, deeply, and utterly grateful for Gourry. Without him and his quick thinking, I would have been dead.

Slowly, with my free hand, I reached forward and touched his cheek lightly with my fingertips. His cheek was really soft, and smooth. I never noticed that before.

I shifted closer to him, so I was barely an inch away from him, and drifted back to sleep, my palm resting on his cheek.

When I woke up the second time, it was less pleasant.

I opened my eyes to discover a huge, wrinkled face about a centimeter away from my own.

UNPLEASANT.

I gasped and sat up quickly, jerking away from the face. At that moment, a stab of pain lanced through my leg, and I yelped a little, lying back down and clutching my leg from it.

“There, now, see what happens when you act like a maniac?” a voice berated sternly.

I opened my eyes and found a small old woman, the owner of the face, glaring down at me. I blanched and tried shrinking back again, but there was no where to run.

Turns out it would have been futile anyways. This little old lady was TOUGH. As in, I'm-small-but-I-can-kick-you-ass-hahahaha tough. She reached over to the table near the foot of the bed and grabbed a kettle. Then, noticing my unpleasant look of dread, she grabbed onto my shoulder with one hand and pinned me back down. I was about to yell at her, because that movement alone caused another annoying stab of pain, but when I opened my mouth, she shoved the spout of the kettle in.

I choked and jerked back, but she held me steadfast and did it again. “You need to drink. You're not quite healed yet, little missy, and fighting me like this won't make a difference. I may be old, but you're not at your prime, and I've dealt with worse than you. Now drink up!”

The last part sounded like a threat, and I wasn't in the mood to deal with some small old lady who had iron hands. I sat up slowly and drank the stupid drink. It turned out to be some sort of willow bark concoction, and not only did it quench my thirst, but it dulled the pain.

When I was finished, she pulled away and set the kettle back down. I rubbed my shoulder grudgingly and glared at her, but she ignored me easily.

“Who are you?” I demanded, my patience worn out.

The lady brushed a strand of white hair out of her eyes and frowned at me. “I'm Algeea, the healer's wife,” she answered. “And you're my patient, so I won't have you using that tone with me.”

I opened my mouth to snap back, but I noticed out of the corner of my eye something missing. I turned, and saw that Gourry was gone. “Hey,” I frowned. “Where's Gourry?”

Algeea nodded slowly. “Ah, that blond man who brought you in? He's talking with my husband. I had to wake him up before I woke you up. You do need your privacy, you know.”

I laughed, surprising Algeea. “The words `privacy' and `tact' are not in Gourry's dictionary,” I explained. When she frowned, I shook my head and held up my hands. “Not that it's a bad thing. He just doesn't understand sometimes, you know?” I lowered my head, toying with a few strands of my hair. “I mean, when it comes to my safety.”

Algeea nodded slowly. “I'm not a fool. I could see that when he came in here and demanded assistance before showing any form of money. He's a smart one, that one is, for he knew the seriousness of that wound.”

She pointed to my leg, and I nodded slowly. “I know. Sometimes he's an idiot, but when it comes down to it all, he knows better.” I sighed, then turned to Algeea. “You don't seem to mind us crashing here without coin. Why is that?”

Algeea smiled and walked over to the nearby basin. I frowned, not liking where that was going, but I waited for her answer. “It's rare when we have some new faces here. Sure, Koland has that acolyte of his, but that's because he knows that he won't last forever.” Carefully, I saw that she was tipping the basin towards a large barrel of water. She turned the faucet and out came the water.

“Besides,” she added. “I saw your purse when we took off most of your tools and such. I know you're good for the money.”

I smirked at that. I could actually start to like this woman.

She turned the faucet off and lugged the basin over near the bed. I stared at it, and she glanced at me pointedly. “Well, dear, in you go.”

“Weh?” I answered intelligently.

Algeea frowned at me again, like I was the stupidest person in the world. “You're filthy! Covered in blood and sweat and who knows what else. Strip off and get in.”

I stared at it. It was moderately sized, but hardly a comfortable fit. I'm small, but not that small. “No,” I responded, crossing my arms. “I'm fine, and that water looks cold.”

Algeea sighed. “What did I tell you? You are my patient. You do what I say. Get in.”

I curled as far away as I could from her. “No,” I answered, gritting my teeth in resolve.

Algeea smiled. I knew that smile. It was the smile I use on people when I'm about to beat on them. I blanched, and she came towards me.

Needless to say, I got clean. Scrubbed, actually. With a struggle. And half of the water was on the floor when I was done. With much shrieking and cursing, from ME, and NOT from her. But I don't LIKE it when people bathe me! And I hate cold water!

When it was all over, she gave me a horrifying nightie to wear. I stared at it, wrapped in towels, dripping all over the bed. “I'm not wearing that,” I declared.

“You will and you must. You aren't healed yet and thus have no say. You have two more sessions with Koland, and thus you are still under my control. Put it on or I will.”

I glared at her, snatched it away, and shrugged it on. It didn't feel so bad, but it still looked horrifying, all pink and fuzzy. “Why can't I wear MY clothes?” I sulked, tossing the towels at her and hoping to hit her.

I failed. She caught them easily. “Because your old clothes need washing and mending,” Algeea said simply. “Get into bed and get to sleep. I'll wake you when I need to feed you.”

I lay down and burrowed under the covers, muttering and wincing a little from how my leg still hurt. “I won't eat your stupid food,” I snapped.

All I got was an amused laugh, and then she was gone.

I curled up into the bed and shut my eyes. After all of that, I was pretty tired. I hunkered down more into the sheets, covering my head with them so that my wet hair wouldn't make me cold, and I fell asleep again, praying that this time, if I woke up, I wouldn't have to see Algeea's scary face again.

Dramata

9.2
I woke up slowly in the darkness when I felt a slight tapping on my shoulder. I opened my eyes, and blinked rapidly, half because they were full of sleep and the other half just trying to get used to the darkness. I could feel something soft on my cheek and when my eyes adjusted, I noticed it was Lina's hand. Her other hand I was still holding. I leaned up slowly taking both of her hands in my own and turned to the source of the tapping.

"Hi there, sorry to bother you young man but I have to deal with your friend. She needs washing and preparation for more healing from my husband." It was the old woman who had set a chair for me before. I wanted to refuse at first but then I figured that getting to wash Lina in a way that I thought she meant would be a pretty hectic thing. Plus Lina would be screaming for me not to look at her incase I stole her innocence or something like that.

I nodded gently and quietly got to my feet. I took Lina's hands and placed them gently on her stomach, then placed my hand gently on her forehead for a moment. I turned away from Lina then and smiled to the old lady. "Oh, and the best of luck, she's going to put up with a fight." I whispered.

"Don't worry young man, I've had my fair share of troubles with ladies like her, I'll get it done whether she likes it or not." She smirked in response.

I just grinned and left the room quietly, only to meet the woman's husband. "So how long is it going to take? I mean for Lina to be fully healed, she's going to be fine right?"

"Please take a seat, you're tired and you should be resting. You can sleep in one of our beds, it's much better than sleeping in a chair like you were. As for Lina, she'll be ok. She needs to recover from the blood loss and her leg isn't fully healed. There's extensive damage due to the magic that caused it, it must be something like an Elmekia Lance, nothing else I've seen can do what has happened to her. I have heard however that something like that happens with an Elmekia Lance."

I took my seat and leant back, listening closely to the man. He sure was going on a bit, but I knew it was important, and I didn't have Lina this time to help me if I didn't understand so I had to do it myself this time. I just didn't like the sound that the guy had to heal her more than once. I didn't realise how bad it was and even then I thought it was terrible.

"That means I'm going to have to heal her again, most likely I will have to do it twice. So I don't think you'll be leaving tomorrow, most likely the day after if I think she's recovered enough from the blood loss." He added on.

I nodded a little, I understood what he was talking about, and I was happy to wait around. I wanted to make sure Lina was safe. I was just worried though incase those guys returned, or even worse, Xellos decided to turn up and show his face. If it meant protecting Lina, I would give him the sword in an instant. I don't care. I blinked suddenly when I heard a scream and was about to jump up when I realised what was going on. I just looked to the man and smiled a little.

I sighed slightly and lay back on the chair as I heard the scrap that was going on in the room. Finally after some time though it settled down a bit and I watched as the old woman left, who let out a sigh.

"She sure is a feisty one, but she's washed, clean and now resting. I think you should do the same thing too young man."

"Please, call me Gourry. I'd rather be with Lina do. I...I can't leave her on her own, not with all that's happening."

"Very well then" The old man responded. "I'm Koland, and this is my wife Algeea. If there is anything you need please call us."

I nodded and shook Koland's hand. "Thank you for what you've done. I really appreciate it." I smiled to Algeea nodding politely and headed back into the room quietly.

I sat down beside Lina once more, she looked strange in her nightgown, I wasn't used to seeing her like that, and she was cowering under the covers. Probably embarrassed or annoyed with whatever Algeea did to her. I just smiled slightly, Lina was funny like that. I could see though through the slow rise and fall of the sheets that she was asleep.

I leaned back into the chair, keeping the sword ready at my side and watched the moon out the window. It was bright and full almost like it was watching over us. I then turned my eyes back to the mound in the bed that was Lina. I felt pangs of guilt for letting her get like this, but I know she wouldn't have things any other way. I couldn't protect her from every single thing that happened, I couldn't just wrap her up in wool. I just had to let Lina be herself, and do my best protecting her that way.

I felt my eyes drooping slightly but before dropping off I would jolt up awake. I didn't want to fall asleep again, I was lucky Veryna didn't trap me in another vision last time. Or maybe she had stopped finally, maybe she had enough and had told me and showed me everything she needed to show me. I also didn't want to fall asleep incase those guys came back or maybe Xellos. But I couldn't stop the fact that my body was telling me that I needed sleep, and soon enough I was dropping off. Leaning fully back into the chair, I fell asleep.

Kurage

9.3
I slept through the whole night, without any interruptions or any dreams. It was a perfect and refreshing sleep that healed as well as rejuvenated me. When I woke up, it was to sunshine and birds chirping. I opened my eyes and blinked slowly, feeling for the first time in a few days absolutely refreshed.

There was no way in hell I was staying now. I was done, over with. Going through another humiliating bath scene was not an option, no way. I sat up slowly, yawned as quietly as I could, and stretched, reaching upwards to the sky. When I was finished, I looked around the room.

The first thing I saw was that the window was open. A pleasant, fresh-dawn breeze billowed in and tickled my hair. That was nice.

The second thing I saw was my clothes, neatly folded and piled on the counter. I grinned. Better and better.

The last thing I noticed was the blond asleep on the chair. Ah, yes, Gourry must have slept here for the night. I blinked slowly at him, then smiled. He could be such a sweetie if he wanted to be. Or maybe it was something innate. Either way, I was used to it by then, but it was still nice.

Carefully, so that I wouldn't wake either Gourry or my prison guards, I pushed the sheets back away from my legs and swung them over the side of the bed. Slowly, as not to make a sound, I slid down and touched the floor with my bare feet. Cold, but I kept my yelp in check. I slowly got to my feet, and realized that hey, it wasn't so bad; I was worried for nothing! My leg really IS fine!

I took a step forward with my good leg, and grinned. This would be easy. Carefully, just in case, I slowly stepped forward with my other leg, and rested my weight on the foot.

And let me tell you something, right here and right now. When it comes to injuries, I know PISS about them. This is why I'm a sorceress and not a healer. Bite me.

My leg gave out. The knee just bent, and I pitched forward, landing hard on the floor. And I cursed. Man, did I curse. I swore like a sailor on leave. And drunk. And I did this all loudly. With no volume control.

Needless to say, my stealthy escape was ruined. Not only did I wake up the entire house (including the snot-nosed acolyte), but they ALL SAW ME IN THAT HORRIFYING NIGHTIE. I could have DIED.

“You see, this is what happens to smart-ass maniacs who have no idea what they are dealing with,” Algeea snapped at me helpfully, glaring down at me. I was still on the floor, despite Gourry's constant protests and attempts to get me up. Algeea simply told him off each time, and declared that I needed to learn, and it was good that he had brought me here, otherwise I would have never learned, and would have continued to be deluded.

I hate HEALERS.

Koland, nicer than his wife, felt that I had learned my lesson after Algeea commanded me to try and walk only to obviously find that all I could do was fall niftily each time. He decided that it was time for my next healing, and this time ushered everyone but Gourry out, who gave Koland a look before sitting down on his chair again. I wondered what that meant.

I crawled over to the bed with very little dignity. That is, until Gourry, merciful Gourry, scooped me up and dropped me kindly on the bed. I smiled up at him, sensing that he still felt like crap about what happened, but I wanted him to know that it wasn't his fault and it was merely circumstance.

I frowned. I wondered if he knew about Xellos. He saw my frown and tilted his head, but I shook my head at him, gesturing to Koland. Something as sensitive as Xellos and the Blast Sword would have to be discussed in private.

Carefully, Koland sat down next to me and pulled the sheets away from my legs. I frowned, feeling my face go red. I hadn't been awake for the last healing, and something told me this was about to get embarrassing, especially with Gourry staring curiously at me.

I reached over to my side and grabbed the closest thing I could think of, which turned out to be a cup. I tossed it at Gourry, and it hit his chest, bouncing off. He blinked at me, and I glared at him. “Could you PLEASE leave!” I demanded, my face burning. Koland looked from me to Gourry, interested, his hands hovering over my leg. I wanted to smack him.

However, Gourry crossed his arms and glared back at me, sitting up straighter. The stubborn idiot, I thought archly. He was going to stick around and watch this...I lowered my head so that I wouldn't have to see the look on his face as he did so. How humiliating.

Looking back, I notice now how obvious my feelings must have been to Koland, and why he said nothing to either of us when he hiked up the hem of the nightie to the middle of my thigh. He noticed my embarrassment, and he knew he had the final say, and he had done nothing to get rid of Gourry. Thinking about it now, my only guess is that the old miser knew exactly how I felt and was amused by it. Or, more accurately, was trying to make me see how I felt about it.

At the moment, though, I was embarrassed. I kept my eyes on Koland's hands, watching them shimmer from the bright and hypnotizing white of the healing spell, all while wondering what was going on in Gourry's brain.

I hoped it wasn't perverted.

Dramata

9.4
I had been sleeping so well, no interruptions by Veryna or anything. Ok, sleeping in the chair wasn't the most comfortable thing but considering that at least I was sleeping, a chair was extremely comfortable. However that didn't last long when I heard an almighty crash. First instinct was that someone was attacking and the swearing made me think I was late. I jolted up from the chair with my sword ready in hand only to see Lina on the ground cursing pretty loudly.

For a second I sighed because I knew that meant we weren't being attacked, so I put my sword away. However I started to feel a little angry at Lina. What was she thinking, trying to walk on a leg that wasn't even fully healed. I started to run around the bed just as Koland and Algeea came in. I was just bending down to pick Lina up as Algeea was snapping at Lina, and the suddenly told me to back off.

I blinked a little at first, not really recognising what she meant and why I was supposed to back off. "I need to pick Lina up, she needs help, I can't just leave her..."

"I said to leave her alone! She needs to learn for herself that she can't go about doing what she wants when she was so badly hurt." She responded fiercly, quickly making her way around the bed and shoving me out the way.

I stumbled backwards, suprised by the strength of the old woman but I wasn't happen with what she was doing. "Just let me help her!"

"NO!" Was the firm response.

I just stepped back a couple of paces in shock and then just stood there watching Lina. Algeea was forcing Lina to get up and try and walk to prove a point and each time she would fall. It was killing me watching Algeea do this to Lina, and it took everything I had inside not to grab Lina and just get us out of there, but I knew that Lina needed healing. I just hung my head a little. At that point, I think Koland saw me and realised that Lina had enough, and demanded everyone leave.

I turned my head immediately to the healer and glared at him, I was not leaving Lina's side, not now. I turned back to Lina who was struggling to get back to the bed. I felt a little angry about that old woman, she was so nice to me but was treating Lina so badly. Ok maybe to prove a point, but I didn't think that what she was doing was the right way to teach Lina.

I knelt down beside Lina, reaching my hands beneath her and lifting her off the ground gently. I then gently placed her down on the bed. I saw her smile at me in thanks I presumed, and I tried to smile back but I think my eyes lied to her. Then she suddenly frowned and it confused me, causing me to tilt my head and blink a couple of times, but then she shook her head. It seemed like she would discuss something later.

I walked back around the bed to my seat and I noticed that Koland was preparing for another healing. He pulled the sheets away showing her legs and I realised quickly that he'd have to pull up her nightgown a bit to get to the wound. I was about to turn to Lina when I felt a cup hit me in the chest. I just blinked in confusion and immediately she glared at me demanding I leave.

I glared right back and crossed my arms. Like hell I was leaving, Koland knew that and now I was making sure Lina knew that. At that point Lina hung her head, and I realised that she was feeling embarrased about what was happening. I guess I could understand and maybe she didn't want me here incase I saw it. I just took her hand to keep her mind off of things as soon as the bright light began glowing. I could see her eyes on what Koland was doing but when she felt my hand she looked at me straight away.

I just smiled softly, and squeezed her hand a little. I'm not sure why I did it. I think it was just to let her know I wasn't being perverted or anything. I was interested in looking up her nightie. Well...being a guy of course I was. No, wait. This isn't coming out right. I just didn't want to embarass Lina by looking at her in a way she hasn't intended me to.

I just waited and kept looking at Lina despite a little urges of wanting to look. It's all that temptation of course. If you're denied of something then you really want it. I think Lina didn't know what to do with me looking at her all the time and she started growing uncomfortable with it, so she turned her eyes away from me and back to the Koland. But she kept glancing back to make sure I wasn't looking.

Finally Koland finished and pulled Lina's nightie back down to make her feel more comfortable and then pulled the sheet back over her. "I think I will need to have one more session, I don't think that's fully healed yet. With another session it will though, and I'll do that tonight. I then suggest you sleep for the night and then if you're feeling well in the morning you may leave." Koland then nodded and left the room quietly.

I watched Koland leave and then turned back to Lina. It looked like she was about to say something but I butted in before she could. "You can be so hot-headed sometimes Lina! What were you thinking, trying to walk after hurting your leg so badly? You scared me ok! Don't you realise? You need to rest until you're fully recovered. You could have hurt yourself worse by doing something as stupid as that!" I had stood up then and walked over to the window. I was just angry with Lina for trying to walk. I knew what she was thinking, she thought she was fine and could do whatever she liked.

I sighed a little and turned back to Lina in the bed but my head was down so I didn't know what he reaction was. "I'm sorry I didn't do a better job. I feel like this is my fault because of that damned sword. I'm wondering if Xellos wants it, maybe I should just give him it so he leaves us alone. It might be a good sword but it's useless in the end if all it does is bring us more trouble." I looked up at Lina slowly to see her reaction.

Kurage

9.5
Hands.

Such a simple gesture, yet it's such a loud gesture, too. At least he kept his eyes on my face.

When Koland declared the news, I was pissed off. Another night here. Great. I wanted to leave. I wanted to get back on my feet and get back into action.

He left, and I opened my mouth to either complain or talk about Xellos (even to this day I have no idea which), but Gourry decided it would be more fun to BERATE ME. I sat there and said nothing. I wasn't sure what to say. My face was burning with embarrassment and anger. I had no idea what to do or say, so I just listened instead.

However, once he said that horrible, giving-up speech, I knew what to do. I snatched up the cup and threw it at him.

It hit him on the head with a satisfying whack. That's entertainment for ya.

When he cursed and rubbed his head, I crawled over and sat on the edge of the bed, glaring up at him. “Gourry,” I declared. “Get over it. Xellos would have found an excuse to bother us eventually. You know how that idiot operates. I got hurt. Big deal. It'll be over tomorrow and we won't have to even think about it after that. People get hurt. Sometimes I get hurt. Doesn't mean you're a failure! It means I misjudged the situation and got a leg full of Elmekia Lance! How is that your fault!”

I took a deep breath, then went on, eyes still fixed in a glare. “I appreciate your need to protect me, but you know that I've always been able to take care of myself. You don't have to worry about me and you don't have to protect me…although…” I was faltering and I knew it, but the words came out before I could choke them. “…although you really came through for me. I would have been dead if I had been alone, Gourry.” I lowered my head, my bravado gone. “So, er…thank you. I guess I sometimes do need you. But I don't need you to blame yourself all the time!” I raised my head again, fierce once more. “Quit it! Or I'll throw more than a damn cup at you!”

He stared at me, and I stared back. It was one of those moments where I wished I could read his mind.

A silence, which was interrupted dutifully by….my stomach growling loudly. Both of us winced from the sound.

“Heh, I guess I'm hungry….” I admitted in embarrassment. “I haven't eaten anything in a while…” I blushed and looked at my hands, then looked back up. “Do you think Algeea will feed me after the mess I caused?”

Dramata

9.6
When I looked up to Lina, the last thing I expected from her was a cup to the head. Well.. that's a lie, an object being thrown at me by Lina was something pretty likely. I just didn't expect after everything I said that she would throw that cup at me. I knew I should have kept it out of the way after the first time she flung it at me. I couldn't help but curse and rub my head. It didn't bother me when it hit my chest, but the head was a different matter.

I rubbed my head more and swore I could feel a lump starting to form, but I started to focus on Lina's words instead, and pretty quickly the pain began to wear off. Now it was her turn to start shouting at me. The annoying thing was that she was right about it. What was I thinking, she's always right about these sorts of things. I just struggle a little when I see her hurt, I feel like I should do more to protect her, but she was right, it just happens.

It was weird though when she nearly finished. It was like her fire was fading a bit as she started thanking me. That was something far less likely to happen from Lina then an object flung at my head. I looked at her closely when she finished, her fire returning with a vengeance and she ended with the usual threat. Those sorts of things you just have to take with a pinch of salt, and pray you don't mess up cause she will do as she says!

I blinked quickly when I heard her stomach rumble, then slowly I started to smirk in reaction. She seemed a bit embarrased by it all and looked like she felt bad over what happened with Algeea. "Don't worry. I'll go get you something now." I picked the cup off the ground and went back round to the other side of the bed and placed it on the bedside table. I glared slightly at Lina when I placed the cup down, just trying to make her realise that I didn't want another cup thrown at my head.

I then left the room, closing the door quietly behind me and noticed Algeea sitting in the corner. "Umm, Lina's hungry, so can I get her something to eat."

"Oh of course, she must be hungry and she needs her energy to get better! I could feed her if you like?"

I threw my hands up and waved her suggestion off. "Oh no, don't worry, Lina needs no food forced on her. There's only one person in the world who can eat more than Lina can, and that's me. Of course Lina would tell you otherwise." As if my stomach heard, my stomach growled pretty loudly at that time, I blushed slightly.

"It sounds like you need a bit of feeding too. Come on through." She then got out of her seat and lead me through to the kitchen.

"I think it's best I sort Lina out first, we've been known to fight over our food." I scratched the back of my head smiling a little.

"Oh I see, well we can sort you out later. Feel free to take what you want."

I took her offer to hand and start rummaging through the cupboards for various things I knew Lina would like to eat. Once I had what I wanted I started cooking them all with Algeea helping me out. By the time I was done I had two trays filled to as much as they would possibly handle. I then picked the two trays up, one in each hand and slowly made my way back to the room Lina was in.

After help with Algeea to get me into the room. I placed the trays on the bedside table, then took one of them and placed it on the bed beside Lina. I didn't even have it on the bed by the time Lina began devouring the contents. It was a little weird watching Lina eating, normally I'm eating as well and we're usually fighting but this time I just wanted her to get all she could so she would have her energy.

I took the tray away when it was done and put the other infront of her and she devoured that one just as quickly. Watching her eat was making me more hungry now and I was tempted to steal a couple of things but I resisted, knowing I could get something myself later.

I took the other tray out of the way and Lina seemed satisfied that she was well fed. I took both trays to take back, stacking all of the empty plates. Something told me I'd probably have to clean these but I guess I should since we were being treated so well by Algeea and Koland. I then looked over to Lina as I was wondering what we were going to do now. "Umm Lina. What are we going to do next?"

Kurage

9.7
Food is god, food is bliss, food is the staple of living. Oh yes, food is all of these things and so much more!

When all was said and done and Gourry asked me the trying question, I frowned, thinking. Then I blinked and turned to him. “You don't know what happened yet!” I accused, and he blinked back, surprised at my sudden outburst.

I explained to him what had happened while he was fighting the sorcerer-Mazoku, about Xellos's visit and what he said to me. When I finished, Gourry looked a cross between annoyed and confused.

“The thing is,” I went on, “Xellos has his eyes on us. As far as I know, he has spies, and you KNOW how he can just `appear' out of nowhere. I think the best thing for now is to try and stay one step ahead of him.” I sighed. “Of course, I don't even know what his steps ARE, so saying that doesn't really work.”

It was that moment that I wished I could pace all over the room while thinking out loud. Instead, I played with the hem of the horrifying nightie in though. “The thing is, we've called attention to ourselves again, big attention. Xellos wouldn't of been sent unless it was something big. Obviously, they were waiting for this. Two people who are reputed for Mazoku killing are hardly left alone for two years without circumstance, unless there is a reason behind it.”

I frowned, scratching my chin. “Xellos said that Juuo-sama knew about the sword, and knew it was you that would get it.” I glanced at Gourry, who was, I could tell, trying very hard to keep up with my thoughts. I had to give him credit for that. “Question is, how did she find out? Veryna gave me the impression that only the dragons knew about it.”

I sighed, tugging on my bangs a little. “Which leaves us with a lot of things to consider. One,” I held up my index finger. “Veryna is in partnership with Juuo-sama, and has joined the Mazoku. If you think about it, that doesn't make sense at all, but these days, you never know WHAT you could come across...”

This was depressing me. I didn't like the idea that Veryna was a traitor. “Two,” I went on, “Xellos is following his master's orders, but since he didn't kill me or you on the spot, when we both know he could have without a second thought, has ulterior motives of his own. What those are, though, I haven't the foggiest of ideas.”

I stuck a thick strand of hair in my mouth and chewed on it, thinking. I had an idea of what to do next, but I wasn't sure if it was a good idea, especially since it would involve mentioning the word “Xellos” and “Mazoku” in the same sentence. But it was our only option, seeing as how it was the only impartial contact we had in such matters.

I leaned back onto the pillows and rubbed my leg a little, noticing that it was a little stiff. I looked over to Gourry and nodded seriously. “I think we need to see Filia about this, see what she thinks. She may be a little biased, but she wouldn't have heard about the Blast Sword, being a priestess to the Fire Dragon King instead. However, she knows more about dragon temperament than I ever will, seeing as how she is one. She may be able to offer insight on whether or not it's likely a dragon of Veryna's stature could defect, and whether or not Filia herself has heard of the prophecy.”

I paused, realizing that I had babbled and contradicted myself in that whole jargon, and my reward was a very confused-looking Gourry. Poor Gourry. He tries so hard to follow my thoughts, but even I sometimes have trouble trying to figure out what the hell I'm thinking.

“So, I think we should visit Filia,” I concluded lamely, making it nice and simple for him. “So that we can see what she thinks, and if she's heard anything.” I paused, leaning closer to him. I poked his knee. “You following me? And if you are, what do you think?”

Dramata

9.8
I sighed a little in frustration. I really was trying to follow Lina with all that she was saying, but when she sometimes jumped about from point to point like that, it was really hard to follow. I don't know why I tried to follow it because I usually only forgot about what she mentioned anyway. I just didn't want to frustrate her by having to explain things over again. She'd been through a lot and I just didn't want to make things worse for her.

In the end she helped me and simplified things and told me that we needed to go see Filia. I had caught a few things earlier about Xellos, and from what I understood, Xellos had spoken to her whilst I was fighting that mazoku. I was a little annoyed at that, but also glad considering Xellos could have easily killed the two of us, instead he chose not to.

I leaned on the bed as I tried to gather my thoughts together and get things into order. First of all Lina had to heal up and get rested. I realised that we needed to restock on supplies so I could do that whilst Lina was resting. Then we had to head to the other continent and get to Filia's shop, assuming that she still worked there. In the mean time I was just hoping Xellos didn't decide to show up, or that he didn't send anymore goons or anything.

At that moment my stomach decided to grumble loudly and I remembered that I was still really hungry. I smiled a little to Lina as she gave me a funny look. "I guess I forgot that I needed a little bit of food myself. I'm going to get something to eat, and then I'm going to restock on some supplies ok? If we're going to Filia then we're gonna need more than what we have now."

I took her hand then in my own and squeezed it. Normally I wouldn't do that, but I felt like something changed a little more over the past few days and at least we were alone. "Can you do me a favour? Be good." I could see the look she was giving me but I glared slightly. I was being serious about this. "I need you to behave and do what Koland and Algeea ask you to do. You need to get better and I know you want to get out of here. But if you make it harder for everyone then it'll only take longer for you to get better."

I then let go of her hand and left the room taking the empty trays with me, hoping that she'd take in what I said for once and not just dismiss it as an idiotic suggestion. I quickly beelined for the kitchen, cleaning the used plates and fixing a little something for myself, polishing off those plates even quicker and patting my stomach in satisfaction. There's nothing like a good meal to get you ready for the day!

I went back to the main room and almost bumped into Algeea who looked like she was about to go visit Lina again and give her another wash. "Oh, I had a little talk with Lina, and hopefully she'll be a better patient."

"Oh that's nice of you dear, but I really don't mind at all. Infact I think it's a little fun when they try to fight you off. Makes a change from most of the others who just lie there. I like to think of it as a sign that they yearn to live life to the fullest. They'd rather be out there in the world than cooked up in some room, just laying there doing nothing."

I blinked a little and found her insight a little interesing, and now I felt a little bad for asking Lina to be on her best behaviour. Although Lina being Lina would just ignore whatever I said and put up a fight no matter what.

I left the healer's house and headed straight for the shops. The town seemed to be more lively now, although of course we entered the place at late evening when most of the townspeople would be in their homes. Now they were working or going about their day to day business. Also I noticed the total lack of those soldiers which I was glad about, I guess they realised that the job they were given had pretty much fallen through and so were probably off to try and find a new job.

I finally found the shops that I wanted and entered, browsing the shelves and trying to find thebest prices for things. I felt a little lost without Lina, she was always the one to drive a hard bargain and she always got the best deals. Of course travelling with Lina for so long meant a little of her merchant skills rubbed off on to me.

I had the items I wanted and placed them on the counter as the owner began adding up the totals. He then named his price which I pretended to think over a bit. "Hmm, you see I found these items for 20 gold less at that shop down the road. They told me I couldn't get it for anything less anywhere else and I was going to prove them wrong but looks like I'm going to have to say they're right."

I left the shop having bumped the price down by 30 gold and smiled a little in satisfaction, ok I might not have been as good as Lina, she would have gotten what I had for barely nothing, but I did the best that I could and that I was happy with. Too many times before I'll be offered something and given twice the normal asking price thinking I was getting a bargain.

I looked around the town a little more to see if there was anything of interest. I saw what appeared to be a book store and I thought to help Lina from being bored maybe I could get her a book. She seemed to really like them and I guess I felt a little bad about the last book she found which she couldn't read. I went in and it looked like they were all used books, all on different things. I didn't really know where to look so I asked the owner.

"Um, hi. I have a friend who is into magic and I was hoping you have a book on spells and such. Maybe something pretty old." I had no idea what I was looking for and I could see from the old man's face that he knew I was clueless. I scratched the back of my head a little embarrassed. He came out from behind the counter and went over to a section and it appeared to all be magic.

"Ok, let's see what we have here. 'Spells For Beginners', nope, 'Everything About Shamanism', nope, Ancient Rituals and Forgotten Spells'"

"I'd like that one thanks" I butted in.

"Are you sure? No one can read it, that's why I have it for such a low price, no one will buy it."

"Why can't anyone read it? What's it written in?"

"I believe it to be Elvish" He mumbled as he opened the book to look through.

"Oh I think Lina can read pretty much anything she puts her mind too, I'll take it thank you."

"Sure thing, sir."

I left the shop just as happy as when I left the other with supplies. I was sure Lina would be happy with this book, and it should cheer her up from having to sit around. I quickly returned to the Koland's and saw no-one so assumed that Algeea was done with Lina. I knocked on the door quickly. "Hey Lina? Are you decent?" I didn't really wait for a response, and just went in.

"I got some supplies so when you're ready we can go and meet Filia. And I think you'll be really happy with this." I sat down in the chair beside Lina and handed her the book. "It's a book on forgotten spells, I thought maybe you would be able to find something new in there, you know because I could tell you were a little down over the other book. Maybe you could read it to me."

Kurage

9.9
Be good. I'll show him being good. Or something. Something threatening?

Yeah, I'll HOBBLE at him.

It was nice, the hand-touching. He was doing a lot of that lately. Not that I minded. It was just a little out of character for him. Or was it? I don't know. Either way, it wasn't hurting anyone. I mean, he only did it when we were alone, so it wasn't embarrassing me either. But I still wondered why all of a sudden there was an increase in touch. I wondered if he still felt guilty about the whole mess. I hoped not. It would have been stupid if he did.

Still, you can't blame a guy for being kind, and I guess that was all he was doing. It was silly of me to think that there was some sort of ulterior motive in his actions. I bet Gourry didn't even realize what he was doing. I'm sure if he did, he would have been embarrassed.

At any rate, Algeea decided that after Gourry left it was time to torture me. I remembered what Gourry said, and really, at first, I tried to listen to the advice. But once the cold water hit my skin and once the old woman's hands starting scrubbing places only I was allowed to scrub, I started fighting, and the result was a lot of cursing, slipping, and smacks from the both of us.

When it was all over, Algeea rewarded me with a new nightie, this one just as horrifying, only it was an orange one. I glared at her, but she smiled blandly, so I shrugged it on. I lay down on the bed and poked at my leg. It was still stiff, but at least it didn't throb as much.

As Algeea mopped up the mess, I frowned. “Hey, Algeea. Do you really think I can leave tomorrow?”

She nodded slowly. “If Koland says you are well enough, then you are well enough. You seem to be doing much better than when you first arrived.”

I leaned forward and hugged my legs to my chest. “Why are you so nice to us, anyways?” I asked again, frowning.

“Because you two are young and full of life. I want you to live as much as you can before you become old like the two of us,” Algeea said simply, picking up a few of the sodden towels from the floor and tossing them into the basin.

I rested my chin on my knees, thinking. “Did you and Koland travel when you were young?” I asked suddenly.

Algeea looked over her shoulder at me. “You have a good eye,” she agreed, walking over. “How could you tell?”

I shrugged. “The way you two work together, in an orderly manner, minding eachother's steps and thoughts without a word between you. It's something that comes with travel, when you find you don't have to fill the space up with words.”

Algeea frowned at me suspiciously. “For someone as young as reckless as you, you seem to know a lot about relationships.”

I reddened deeply, sitting up and waving a hand at her. “Come on, it's not like that!” I laughed, a little too loudly.

She tilted her head back at me. “You and Gourry are together, huh? For how long?”

I toppled over and lay on the bed, tugging at my hair. “You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” I cried. “Gourry and I aren't like that! He's just some idiot I can't get rid of, and he only puts up with me because he thinks I'm a little girl.”

There was a silence. I sat up and looked over at Algeea. She was wearing an annoying look of superiority.

I sighed. “What,” I demanded.

Algeea shrugged, waving her hands at me in dismissal. “Nothing, dearie. You just sound like you have a bad case of denial floating around in your veins.”

I stared. “You are kidding me, aren't you? Denial of WHAT!”

She got up and walked towards the door, gathering up the wet towels and clothes. “I've seen the way you two look at eachother. Not a word passes between you, and yet anyone can see it, except you two. Wake up. I'm old enough to see and know these things, but you don't have to be my age to see it.” She winked at me, then walked out and closed the door.

I stared at nothing for a long time. What the HELL! I wondered. I toppled over again, landing on my side, my eyes wide and staring, but not seeing anything. Why do old ladies keep saying things like that to me about Gourry? Why is it that they feel the need to play matchmaker? I mean, if Gourry and I were going to get together, WHICH WOULD NEVER HAPPEN ANYWAYS, we would do it ourselves without the help and/or meddling of a old woman and her husband, who, by the way, we were PAYING.

Me liking Gourry. What the hell? I yanked at my hair. It was asinine! Stupid! Rejected! Far off? Was it? Or was I really in denial?

I blushed deep red, sitting up. I couldn't be, could I?

The knock at my door pulled me from my reverie, and I jumped under the covers before the door could open. Just as I suspected, Gourry came barging into the room without a second thought, and tossed me a book.

I grabbed it and looked it over, then looked over at Gourry suspiciously. This was almost TOO nice, I found myself thinking. Then I blinked and realized how stupid I sounded. Too nice? What the hell? It's a book, he thought you would like it, get over it.

I thanked him and opened it up, leaning back on the pillows. I examined the writing and discovered that finally, it was one I knew. It's a hard language to learn, Elfish, and I'm still very shaky at it. I can't read it as fast as I can other languages, and sometimes I stutter like hell when I try to speak it, but thank everything that I haven't come across the need for it in recent years.

In any case, in my head, I started to translate it before I read it out loud. It was halting and slow, but I think that actually worked to Gourry's advantage.

“Thank you for read...ing this book of ancient...lore? No, sorry, magic. Inside you will...er...oh, duh, discover several spells and Whoops, uncommon to the regular spell-caster.” I looked up at Gourry and grinned. “Hey Gourry, I think you scored with this book! It sounds right up my alley!”

I went on, the words coming easier now that I had the feel of the language again, after so many years of disuse.

“Within this...guide...er, manual, you will find 15 new rituals that will...go? Lead, gah, sorry, Gourry. Lead you to 3 new and amazing spells.” I paused. “Why the hell would I need 15 rituals just to get to 3 spells?” I frowned and read it over again, and realized that yes, I had gotten it wrong. The word “ritual” in Elfish looks so damn similar to “step” that I stumbled over it.

“Okay, so it looks like for each spell there are five steps to it,” I added, summarizing now instead of reading it word for word. “And in order to achieve each spell, you need to follow the five steps,” I nodded, looking up at Gourry and grinning. “Hey, this is a great book you got for me Gourry! It'll be worth it to try these out once I'm on my feet again! It'll come in handy when we deal with Xellos again.”

I reached over and patted his leg absentmindedly, a congratulations for a good job at finding such a neat book. If he reacted, I never noticed. I was too busy learning the first step for the first spell.

Dramata