Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Dramata Kurage! ❯ Chapter 17 ( Chapter 17 )

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.

17.0
I always got worried when she started going back and forth like that, freaking out about all the things that were going on and I knew I had to calm her down. We were only going to be able to deal with one thing at a time, so there was no point worrying about the whole thing. I glomped her from behind which seemed to do it's magic of calming her down pretty quickly, and that left me satisfied.

After the meal, which I'll admit Lina won, we headed back to the inn as it started getting late. Knowing she had calmed down somewhat I decided to ask her what she was going to do and she returned with the typical response that I had now expected, I just smiled a little as she grumbled about asking the others if they wanted to come and shook my head as we went in through the doors of the inn.

As we headed in we didn't see Zel or Amelia around and we figured that they had gone off to bed already. We decided to do the same and so headed on up to our room. We went straight to bed and as usual I went to bed with Lina, if you call usual doing the same thing for the past two nights. It just felt normal now to go to bed with her, and I couldn't really think of doing anything otherwise now. I jumped into bed with her and immediately wrapped my arms around her and just kissed her softly until we both fell to sleep. I guess we were more tired than we realised.

I opened my eyes immediately as I heard a creak from the floorboards. Lina was still in my arms and so I knew straight away that it wasn't her. My eyes had quickly grown used to the darkness and I could make out three figures in the room. So it was pretty obvious that they were not supposed to be there and my instinctive reactions kicked in.

I leapt out of the bed and over Lina, grabbing the nearest sword, unsheathed it and had it buried in one of the intruders chest in seconds. I charged the other two down with my shoulder and they fell to the ground, disorientated for the moment. I heard a grumble and then the room was illuminated with a lighting spell. I glanced towards Lina and noticed she had sat up and cast the spell.

I looked back down to the two intruders left and quickly sized them up. It was clearly straight away that one of them was determined and the other had slight fear in his eyes. I knelt down and knocked the determined looking guy out with a fist to the jaw. I glared then at the fearful one who was surprised at how easily I knocked the other one out. I then reached out and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, and gave him a slightly evil smirk. I need to stop picking things up from Lina.

“How many more are there and where are they?”

“T..t..two outside down the hall. Four more are positioned outside of the inn.”

“Good.” I then brought my sword up to his neck. “Now this time I want to hear the truth, or I leave you alone with her. And trust me; you don't want to be left alone with her.”

I knew saying that would piss Lina right off and that's what I was planning on because I wanted this guy to see Lina getting pissed off. I could see him look at her and the colour drained from his face.

“Eight outside the inn! There's eight! There's also two more, they're sorcerer's who were brought in.”

“See that wasn't so hard now was it?” The guy started shaking his head when I promptly punched him across the chin and into unconsciousness. I then turned to look at Lina and I could see the look she was giving me.

“Hey, I got the information we needed.” I then went over and grabbed the Blast Sword after quickly changing. I pecked her on the cheek and poked her nose gently giving her a little grin, and I could tell she was still pissed but she calmed slightly.

“I'll go out and deal with the two down the hall. I'll be waiting for you outside and we'll take on the others.”

I smiled to her and then headed off outside. I sheathed my sword and pretended like I was out for a midnight stroll. I saw the two men and they glanced at me, and I knew there was a small look of surprise, but then they unsheathed their swords. Dammit, that meant they knew what I looked like. I kept walking pretending that nothing was wrong until I was close enough.

I unsheathed both of the swords in split second, and drove both of them towards the two men. The Blast Sword sliced easily through the man's sword, and cut into him whilst my normal sword deflecting of the other goons sword. I sheathed the Blast Sword and charged on to the goon, attacking him with lots of powerful sword strikes, constantly keeping him on the back foot until he had no where to go but down the stairs which he must have forgotten about.

He tumbled down the stairs dropping his sword and hitting a few of the steps with a bone crunching thud. I cringed as I watched him fall and then saw as he hit his head at the bottom which knocked him out. I frowned a little, not really expecting things to end like that, but it was one less gang member to deal with so I couldn't really complain.

I knelt down and waited for Lina to finish changing and come out to join me. I began to wonder if they had known of Zel and Amelia since they were with us when we first attacked them. There weren't any men in their room and the man hadn't mentioned of any others. I knew goons would have been aware of the commotion outside and would have checked up, but because they hadn't, it made me think that they only had pictures of Lina and me.

Lina finally joined me and we headed down the stair discreetly. I used the wall at the bottom as cover and slowly took a peek around. Through the doors and windows I could see the eight gang members the guy had mentioned, but couldn't see any sign of the two sorcerers. I realised they must have been out of the way where they were most effective. I turned back to face Lina and discussed the plan.

“I'm going out as a distraction, but I think a good fireball from you will help out as a starter. Once I'm out there, try and find the other two sorcerers and take them out. The fireball along with me out there fighting should be enough of a distraction, and give you time to find them.”

“Sure thing, one fireball coming up. Just be glad it's not at you for that comment before.” I sweatdropped a little and wondered if she was going to let that drop. I'd already forgotten that I had said it in the first place!

Lina began chanting the words and I was a little annoyed at how easily she was able to summon it compared to the amount of effort I had made in trying to cast it. She then sent it at the door, smashing it down and causing a hefty explosion which rocked the side of the inn and sent at least three of the gang members to a fiery death.

I then charged out and leapt through the flaming door way, cutting down those three guys who were running around screaming in agony. I knew they were out to kill us, but I didn't like leaving people through agony, so I took them out of their misery. I then found myself surrounded by the five others and couldn't pick up the location of the sorcerers. I don't think we would be able to find them unless they made themselves known, and that would mean drawing an attack from them.

I set to work using my normal sword and could tell immediately that these guys were a little more skilled. I guess word got back at how easily we were hacking down their other gangs that they needed to bring in more skilled men. I wasn't able to cut through their defences so easily, especially with five people on me. I knew in a one on one situation I would beat these people easily, but that didn't matter. I needed to find the positions of the sorcerers so Lina could take them out. That meant drawing the battle out and make it appear as though these guys needed help.

I started finding the power in myself to speed up and I started to catch them, cutting a couple of thighs and legs. A few arms and I caught one of them pretty good across the side which took him out of the game. That seemed to be enough because next minute, there was a flash of blue in the corner of my eye. I leapt out of the way and watched as it hit the ground and turned to ice. That gave one away but I wasn't sure about the other. I kept attacking hoping it would be revealed to Lina soon enough.

Kurage

17.1
I still can't get over how easy it was for me to get used to a huge blond swordsman sleeping in the same bed as me. And doing stuff with me that I have Fireballed men for even suggesting. Heh. I guess when your heart's involved, you don't think about it. You just react.

I know I'm supposed to say that what Gourry said pissed me off, but I was actually kind of flattered. It meant that Gourry knew my ways and was finally learning. But I acted all huffy anyways, just to make Gourry nervous. Besides, I wasn't really in the best of moods, discovering that once again morons had decided to infiltrate the inn late at night. I had to cheer up about something, right? I mean, it couldn't get any worse, right?

Er, right?

Shortly after Gourry left, I followed him, and here I admit a little secret; I watched Gourry fight. I kept out of sight and watched him, and rediscovered how impressive he was when it came to fighting seriously. He was as quick as lightning, and just as deadly, and he never hesitated. I wondered where he had learned it all, and I also wondered, not for the first time, about this past of his he guarded so closely.

Plus, well, why fight when you've got Gourry around?

What Gourry didn't know, however, that while he was playing with one sorcerer, I had found the other. He had cut me off (yep, once again, a man. I'm seriously wondering if all of the women in the world are becoming clerics. What an insult!) when I was running out of the charred doorway and opposite where Gourry had gone.

I started to cast another Fireball, but the jerk had beaten me to it, and before I knew it I was jumping away before my feet caught on fire. I quickly composed myself and glared up at my assailant, in the act of being threatening but really to check out what kind of sorcerer he was.

Tall, lean, and disheveled. A hired hand. But, I noted, his robes were of the best material, despite how worn out they were. And, I discovered sadly, he gave off an impressive aura. Certainly not my level, but pretty good, none the less.

Or so I thought.

Still, no one is safe from my wrath.

“Nyeh!” I called, waving my arms at him. “Are you so third-rate that you can't even give me a proper greeting!”

Needless to say, I got the sweatdrop I needed/wanted from him. Hehe.

“You're the one we have to eliminate?” he demanded, looking exasperated. “A short flatchested brat?”

Insert eye-twitch here.

“One that isn't that clever, even. You know, I bet I could step over you without trying?”

Wow. This guy was good.

“Shut up!” I snapped. It's true what they say; I can dish it out but I can't take it. He smirked and started chanting, but I was faster than him. I threw forward the Dil Brand I had been preparing, and to my delight, he wasn't fast enough to evade it.

Although, it wasn't enough to off him. He coughed and dusted his robes off, and before I knew it, I was caught in a Dil Brand of my own.

Gah. That hurt. A lot. I never realize how much these things hurt until I'm caught in them. I wheezed a little, coughing, just as he had, and he grinned at me.

“What do you have next for me?” he wondered, crossing his arms over his chest. I growled at him, but he wasn't done. “You know I'll just match whatever you have.”

I snorted. “Believe me, pal, you can't match whatever I have. I'm too much for you.”

“Oh, I beg to differ, Sweetcheeks,” he sang, and I twitched again, mentally beginning to cast a Damu Bras in hopes to catch him off guard while he babbled. “You see, I was told of your little talents and moves; your most favourite attacks, you most obvious of moves. And,” his grin widened, and I suddenly felt a very cold stone drop into my stomach, that all familiar feeling of dread.

“You don't have your little black crescents to save you now, do you?”

I snapped. “DAMU BRAS!” I shrieked at the top of my lungs, shaking with rage. The blast hit him with a shockwave of power and sound, and I felt the heat on my face from the attack, but I didn't care.

Maybe these were bandits, but the sorcerers definitely knew more than their share. They knew what had happened to me, which meant only one thing; they were working for the Mazoku, or they WERE Mazoku.

I started forward, but, true to his words, I felt a blast hit me and knock me right off my feet. I must have blacked out for a second, because when I came to, the sorcerer was laughing, walking closer to me, and I was lying on my back.

I scrambled to my feet, feeling the slight ache of magical injury, but I ignored it. I was pissed off now. I hated being proven wrong, I hated it when my enemy knew more about me than I knew about them, and I HATED HATED HATED someone who was equal to or better than me in magical prowess!

Now, usually when someone is facing off with someone who is either their equal or better, they would retreat and regroup, right? I mean, that would be the intelligent thing to do, something that, had I been calmer, I would have done. But I was seriously pissed off. I was singed, achy, and embarrassed at being bested by someone who looked as if he had just woken up.

Rational had left me. I was ready to kick this guy's ass. And if I couldn't do it with magic, well, there was always with my dagger.

I grinned. Not a nice grin, I've been told. I'm quite capable of smiling happily, but now was not one of those times. The sorcerer looked amused. “Oh? What are you smiling about now?” he wondered.

I tossed my hair back behind my shoulders. “I just realized how to kill you,” I replied casually, grinning wider.

“Oh?” he began, but he was too late. I was already coming forward, heading straight for him. My hand was at my side, and I was muttering the words to a Flare Arrow. At least I had the speed advantage, and I managed to fire it before he had a chance to deflect it.

The moment he grunted and stepped back from the hit, I was on him. I had my dagger out and I darted forward with a shout. The blade buried itself right into his side, a miscalculation, I know, but it stopped him, none-the-less. He staggered back, trying to get away, but I followed him, holding fast, digging the dagger deeper into his side.

“Ah,” he wheezed. “That was what the grin was for.”

“You learn fast, buddy,” I snerked, jerking the dagger a little. Another grunt, this one annoyed, but I knew better; I could feel his blood staining my hands. “Give up?” I offered.

Something very embarrassing and annoying happened. You would honestly think I had learned my lesson from Zelgadis, but sometimes stupidity pays a surprise visit.

The sorcerer grinned. “Nope,” he replied. His hands clamped down roughly on my shoulders, and before I could pull away, all I saw was white, and all I felt was white-hot pain coursing through me. I don't know if I made a sound, but I must have, because a person doesn't get zapped by a Mono Bolt and say nothing. I knew that much.

It stopped, too late, and I staggered back, my hands dropping from the dagger. I fell back, dazed and weary, and landed on the ground, winded. I must have blacked out yet again, because when I woke up, it was to Gourry shouting my name and tapping me on the cheek.

I'll be damned if I knew how he did it, but he had done it. He had killed that damn sorcerer. I started to wonder if I was starting to become soft and useless. I obviously was worse for wear if I couldn't take a Mono Bolt on a good day and not expire from it.

I sat up quickly, then groaned, putting a hand to my aching head. I opened my eyes and looked around, and saw that the sun was peaking up over the horizon. What the hell? Had I been out that long? That was humiliating!

And the worst part? Not a sorcerer or bandit in sight, save a few corpses and the like.

I went scarlet from this humiliation. “Damn,” I mumbled. I looked over at Gourry and smiled weakly. “I suck, Gourry. How did you manage it all on your own?”

Deep down, I felt sick inside. Was I really losing my touch? Was I really suckered into the whole thing? Or was it worse, was I really starting to lose my power?

Rumours circulated around the Magic Guild back when I paid attention to what they had to say, rumours of sorcerers losing their powers after too much use. Was that it? Was I losing my skill because I was losing my powers? Was that why a Mono Bolt took me down so easily?

Could the rumours be true...?

Inside, I was quaking with fear at the thought of this. Without magic, I was nothing, wasn't I? If I couldn't even stand on my own against a measly sorcerer, then how could I possibly manage to do so at any other time?

Gourry must have seen my fear because he didn't answer my question. He just looked at me, worry bleeding from his eyes. “Are you alright?” he asked gently.

I felt, once again, like a rat. I lowered my head, unable to look at him anymore. I nodded slowly, getting up to my feet. He shortly followed, trying to help me, but I jerked away, suddenly feeling disgusted with myself.

“Come on,” I muttered. “Let's go wake Amelia and Zelgadis.”

Dramata

17.2
I heard an explosion behind me, immediately thinking it was Lina but I realised quickly that it was she who was the subject of one of them. That was the other sorcerer then, but I didn't have much time to think. I still had four guys left to deal with, plus a pesky sorcerer who was out of the way. The difference now was that the sorcerers had made themselves known which meant I was able to finish these guys off and something told me I had to do it quick.

I gripped the sword in my hands a little tighter and I found that little bit extra inside of me to deal with them. The four gang members had spread themselves around me evenly, one behind and infront and the other two either side of me. I also knew the sorcerer was up on a roof top keeping out of the way and was gonna make things difficult.

I could sense the two either side of me were slowly closing the distance, quickly glancing behind me that guy was still a little way off. I charged to my right and drove my sword through his chest, and I then grabbed onto his sword. I used that sword to drive it back to the other side, deflecting his sword block with my other sword and continued driving the stolen sword through his chest. I turned quickly to my side, and jumped back as another icicle lance hit the ground infront of me.

I held both swords in my hand out to my sides, looking back and forth between the two beside me. Then glancing ahead of me I noticed Lina facing off the final sorcerer, but something was different about him. I just sensed something was off and I knew Lina was in danger. I darted to my right, using the leading sword to deflect his blade; I then flung the sword in my left hand finishing him off and with my own still in my hand. I swung around quickly to face the final gang member and with all my strength I struck at his sword, causing it to fly out of his hands.

With him open I slashed him hard across the chest finishing him off. I leapt backwards into a flip to avoid the fireball that I caught coming towards me at the last moment. I then noticed the sword that I had knocked out of the bandits hands coming back down. Landing back on my feet out of the flip I knelt down and waited for the right moment. I then leapt up to the falling sword, and struck it with my own, sending it like a deadly arrow through the stomach of the sorcerer, who had no time to get out of the way.

I landed back on the ground only to hear the screams. Those screams sent shivers down my spine because I knew who they belonged to, as I quickly looked to Lina to watch her electrocuted.

“LINA!” I yelled and all thought had gone as I sheathed the sword, and brought out the Blast Sword. I charged towards him as I watched him let her go. She stumbled backwards and collapsed to the ground and that fed me anger, I was furious with the sorcerer and I was furious with myself. I ran towards the sorcerer quicker and quicker, as he slowly closed in on the unconscious sorceress. I never let him get close enough as I drove the sword through his side and upwards into his chest.

The look of pain and surprise gave me a strange sort of satisfaction. This was like payback for what he had done to Lina. That in turn surprised me; it also freaked me out because I hadn't really taken joy in someone suffering before. I gripped the handle tightly, and ripped the blade out of his body unceremoniously and watched him hit the ground dead.

I dropped the sword to the ground, my eyes a little wide in shock. The blade buried into the ground and only stopped due to the hilt. I breathed heavily and felt my heart race. I looked to my hands and saw them covered in blood.

“It's ok…It's ok. He was going to kill her, and I had to protect her.” I blinked for a moment but then gathered myself together. I quickly went back to Lina's side after cleaning my hands of the sorcerer's blood. I went into panic mode when Lina wouldn't wake up. I held her close to me and tried shaking her lightly. Then I started lightly tapping her cheek.

“Lina! Lina! Wake up Lina! Please wake up!” I kept repeating it over and over, worried that she might never wake up. I felt relief though when she finally opened her eyes, with the sun coming up behind me. I saw her lips move but I didn't hear anything. My ears were just filled with the thumping of my own heartbeat, which was once very quick, but now was starting to slow down, but not quickly enough. I was worried about her, so unbelievably worried.

“Are you alright?” She just lowered her head and nodded and that told me straight away she was lying, but right now wasn't the time to force it from her. I helped her up to her feet and was about to help her along but she threw her hands out at me, stopping me from helping her. I looked at her as I dropped my arms to my side as she suggested we wake the others up. I didn't care about the others right now though. I was worried about Lina.

We headed back inside and the others had already come down for breakfast. I was surprised by how earlier they were up so I asked.

“Why are you up so early? The sun has only just come up.” I asked as I sat down at the table with Lina next to me, she seemed too quiet though which worried me to no end. I just wish I knew what she was thinking about.

“We woke up to some shaking. We thought it was an earthquake or something bad was happening. We tried getting back to sleep but found it impossible since there was some sort of commotion going on outside.”
Amelia replied. I just frowned as I was surprised they weren't a little intrigued to look outside to see what was happening.

“Umm yeah, about that. Seems that bandit camp we blew up was part of a whole bigger group. They weren't really happy with what we stole and want it back. All the commotion was another attempt at trying to get it back.”

The two of them immediately looked to Lina, I could tell it was because in a way she started it but, right now wasn't the best time to have a go at Lina.

“I guess what we really want to get down to, is do you want to come with us, or head out on your own. They only seem to know of Lina and me, if they knew about you they would have attacked you last night, and well, it's obvious they haven't. It might be for the best if we split up, you'll be able to go out and get things done without being bothered. With us you're gonna be attacked constantly, and I know with more numbers it'll be easier, but we're not going to get anything done if we're fighting bandits all the time.”

I could see Zel nodding and so it seemed he agreed with me. Amelia didn't seem to sure though, she looked torn between something.

“In the libraries I found a few things I could look up on for a cure, so I want to take a look at those. If I find more information about this gang, I'll do my best to pass the information on.”

I looked closer to Amelia and could tell she wasn't sure about this. Soon she couldn't hold back and stood up.

“I can't leave you two alone, this bandit group need to be shown justice, and I won't leave you alone to deal with it.”

“Amelia, you know us, we can handle ourselves. We'll be fine. You should stay with Zel, you can spread justice more effectively then. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that need your help.”

I could see she was a little deflated by what I said, but then I could see the small inkling in her eyes as she went over the suggestion I made.

“Very well then. I'll keep a look out along with Zel about the gang and help you if you need it.”

I nodded and smiled a little.

“So this is farewell for awhile I guess.”

“I'm sure we'll meet up sooner rather than later, I can never stay away from you two, you always smash in on us.”

“Hey, it's not like we mean it!” I grumbled a little.

I shook Zel's hand and hugged Amelia, whilst I watched Lina put on that face. I knew that face, the one where she wanted everyone else to know she was ok but really something deep down was bothering her.

They then took off heading back east as Zel decided to follow the clues. I had planned instead that we go down south, since I figured that who ever was the head of this gang was going to set up either in the middle of the continent, or instead the place of most importance, and since we weren't sure where that was yet, then the middle of the continent I thought was the best place to head.

First of all we had to go back to our room to gather our things, but I wasn't settled with something yet, and now was when I was going to work it from her. I slammed the door behind me and glared at Lina. I stormed over to her and grabbed her arms tightly, keeping her in place so she kept looking at me; I was glaring at her now.

“I don't know what's bothering you Lina, but get over it! You of all people Lina, I'm surprised. I'm not letting you out of this room until you tell me what's going on. You can forget about breakfast, and if it comes to it, I'll tie you down! You're not leaving until you tell me what's wrong. We're together in this Lina, so if something is bothering you, it's going to bother me, and I'm not having that. So we're gonna stay here until it's sorted out, your threats aren't gonna work either.”

I kept tight hold of her as I wanted to make sure she understood, and I stared right into her eyes, trying to work out what was going on in there.

Kurage

17.3
I had never seen Gourry this mad before. It occurred to me that he didn't get it or understand the significance of what had happened out there, which was why he was so angry. But of course it occurred to me too late.

When the others had been talking, I had been thinking. My white magic was still off, like it had been a few days ago, and now I was becoming slower and stupider on the battlefield, despite how hard I tried.

I wished there was someone to ask about it all, someone to talk about it all, someone who had been through the whole thing, just as I had. Does becoming a Mazoku mess you up? Does it mess up your white magic and does it make you weaker on the battlefield? Would it go away? Or was it permanent?

Because no matter how scared I got, I knew it had nothing to do with the rumours and everything to do with becoming Xellos's new toy.

Of course, it occurred to me later that the more than likely reason why these things were happening was because I had to get used to being human again, no matter how short the time being a Mazoku had been. That, despite my brain-numbing fears, it would pass, and things would be okay.

But when you're angry and scared, you don't think about the obvious. You don't care about anything else but trying to get rid of those feelings you hate. Especially if it makes you look like a weakling who can't live without the protection of a man.

So, promptly, I took it all out on Gourry.

“YOU get over it!” I snapped, pulling away from him. “YOU'RE the one who always assumes that something is wrong. Even if you're right, why should I tell you! It's my own damn problem!”

He opened his mouth, but I started shouting again. “NO! Listen to me! You have no idea what I'm feeling right now, okay? I messed up, AGAIN, and you came and rescued me, AGAIN, and I feel like crap for it! I'm not a weakling, but it feels like I am! I don't know what the hell is wrong with me! It better not be permanent!”

I took in a breath, clenching my fists. “I hate Xellos! I hate him and I hate his stupid bitch master and I hate what they did to me! I hate Mazoku! And I hate being jerked around, followed, annoyed, all while I'm not myself!”

Yet another breath. This was all being said AT Gourry, while I stood there shaking from head to foot, glaring up into his face but not really seeing it. “I just want to explore and eat and have fun! I don't want to make decisions that could kill everyone! So why is it always ME? Why is it always US!”

Finally. Saying those words burnt out my anger. I exhaled, sharply, my shoulders sagging. My fists unclenched, and I bit my lip, wanting very much for the ground to open up and swallow me.

It's like this; when faced with danger, I don't have a problem facing it. When faced with an opponent, I won't quit until one of us is down. But for two good years I had assumed that the worst ended with Dark Star, and that after that, everything would just be bandits and annoying lower-leveled Mazoku. Naïve, isn't it?

But once it became obvious that, in fact, it most certainly was not over, and quite possibly wouldn't be over until I was well into old age, well, it made me angry, and tired, and miserable. When you are all of these things, plus trying to recover from a bad experience, it's hard to pay attention and to be at your best. But the bad thing about hindsight is that you don't get it until afterwards, so at that time, all I thought was that I was becoming a weakling.

I sighed, lowering my head. I felt empty and tired, and still a little achy from that stupid Mono Bolt. Gourry didn't say anything. I didn't think he knew what to say, to be honest. What CAN you say to someone who admits defeat?

“Gourry,” I mumbled, “can we just forget this whole stupid thing ever happened? Can we forget I said anything, and can we just please get something to eat and pretend nothing ever happened and I didn't say anything, and this whole time we were just arguing over what to eat?”

It was lame, but now that it was all out, I wanted to run and hide from it all. How typical of me. I'm scared of being a coward, and once I admit to this fear, I react to it by being a coward.

The silence was overbearing. When I finally looked up at Gourry, I noticed he wasn't looking at me. That alone was the worst. It was one thing, having to deal with your fears by yourself. But to have someone you care about so much not even look at you, well...you can imagine.

Dramata

17.4
What was I supposed to say to her? What the hell was I even meant to do? She just let loose on me and I was supposed to just stand there and take it, then pretend everything was perfectly fine and get on with my life as though life was peachy. I'm sorry but I wasn't going to do that. I didn't agree with Lina and I wasn't gonna just sit down and let her walk all over me.

I wasn't even able to look at Lina, because I didn't want her to see me angry at her. I knew also that if I looked at her, I would calm down and let it pass. I'd do as she says as I saw those eyes and gave in. I wouldn't let her do that to me, I was making a stand. My fists were clenched as I looked at the ground, and I knew she was looking at me then.

“You don't get it Lina.” I started off calmly, but the anger was broiling underneath my voice.

“You expect me just to pretend none of this happened? I don't know who you are to think I'm supposed to just do that so easily. I'm not forgetting about this Lina! I'm worried about you, I care and I want to help. But if you're going to be just as stuck up as the day I met you, well then fine! Deal with it yourself, but don't expect me to forget about it!”

My voice rose as I slowly let the anger out, my fists clenched tighter and by the time I finished speaking, I started breathing heavily. How dare she think I could do that? How dare she? Suddenly I was uncomfortable being around her, and I turned with my things, opening the door and slamming it behind me. I leant on the door closing my eyes, feeling embers of doubt, of wanting to go back in there and say I was sorry. Instead my resolve returned, and I knew this was the only way of proving a point to Lina.

I left the inn, still feeling the anger inside and decided a walk around the city would calm me down, but it wasn't working. I walked and walked and it just lingered inside me, and with all the thinking I hadn't realised I walked out of the city and into the countryside. I also hadn't noticed that I walked right into the middle of a group of bandits who must have been heading to meet us.

“Hey, where's the little witch? Did she die from the last group? I hope it was slow and painful.” The apparent leader stepped forward as he spoke. He carried a sword by his side but something was different about him. I just kept quiet and withdrew my sword, ready for the onslaught. Maybe this was my way of getting the anger out, although I didn't really want it to be this way. I thought of maybe punching a wall or something and not having to take on a group of bandits.

The first wave headed towards me, three men charged at me. I gripped the sword tighter, quickly running the movements in my head. The middle guy attacked first, and I blocked upwards, sending him backwards and off balance. Then the guy towards the right came next, again I blocked with the sword, but he locked on instead. I kicked out at him across the sternum, winding him and knocking him to the ground.

The first two guys had preoccupied so much of my time that I was too late for the third. I just managed to move out of the way, but not quick enough because he cut through the short sleeve of my tunic and dug into the outer layers of skin. I gritted my teeth in the momentary pain, and lashed out with the back of my fist as he was off balance with the swing of his sword. I followed the fist with my sword, slashing right through his side and sent him sprawling to the ground.

The other two men I first encountered were now pushing themselves off the ground and closed in on me just as the leader sent the second wave, a group of four. I cursed a little to myself, and in my mind told myself to quicken this up because I would have them all on me in no time if I was slow.

I charged towards the first two men, and put all my energy into swinging through with the blade. Striking one of their blades so hard sent it back into the other, driving through his neck. The guy was so surprised by it happening, he didn't realise I was on him and driving my sword through his chest. Pulling the sword back out, I looked on at the new group of enemies.

“This is going to take forever.” I sheathed the sword and brought out the Blast Sword, I had to quicken this up or I'd end up dead.

I took the initiative now and I guess they hadn't found out about the properties of this sword yet because they raised theirs in an attempt to block it, but it just sliced through easily, and I took two out in one swing. That spooked about half of those that were left, the two who just charged me and the two who were waiting as the third wave.

The final four charged me down, and I was just glad it wasn't six anymore. The leader however stayed behind and I looked at him for a moment, and was sure I had seen him before. However I didn't have much time to think about it because the final wave was upon me. I swung out once more like before and foolishly they raised their swords to block me.

“Don't you guys learn?” I grumbled as I drove the sword through their blades and their bodies. I don't know why I was complaining, it just made my job easier. But of course I spoke to soon. I turned to the two left and attempted the same, but they were quickly out of the way, and my sword just swung through the air. That left me open and we all knew it, so I pushed hard with my feet against the ground in an attempt to get out of the way, but then I felt one of the blades cut deep into my side.

Instead of falling into a roll, I just fell and hit the ground as my mind reeled from the pain. I lost the plot for a moment, not really sure of where I was or what I was doing. I managed to just regain my composure as one of the came towards me with his sword raised high. He swung down hard, but I managed to raise my sword to block him. His sword was sliced by mine and broke apart to the floor. I took the opening to stand back up and I lashed out with the sword, slashing through his stomach.

I stumbled once I was back to my feet and held a hand to my side, I could feel it soaking in blood already and I grimaced.

“Nice one Gourry, good situation you've got yourself in.” I grumbled to myself.

I stepped towards the last of the bandits and we squared off. He'd learnt of the capabilities of my sword, and he was quick. That made it difficult, because each time I would try and swing at him, he would be gone and I would be left open. Anyhow, I had a plan. I ran towards him as best as I could whilst ignoring the pain and held the sword out before me. I had to wait for the last moment and hope that I guess right.

I closed in on him and he didn't move, and I held the sword out infront of me still. Then at the very last moment he moved, and so did I with the blade. We ran past each other and he slowed to a stop whilst I stumbled and collapsed to the ground. I breathed heavily and waited for a moment. Then I heard him slump to the ground. I suppose I guessed right in which way he was going to move. I know stupid and risky, I could've left myself open again but I wasn't going to last in a speed battle.

I turned to the leader but he was gone, and I assumed he didn't want to be around to get beaten up. Who was I kidding, I was down for the count and he could have attacked me but he was gone. There was something suspicious about that, but I couldn't think on it too long. I tried to start the healing spell but my concentration kept getting broken with the pain. I knew it was useless to keep trying. I got back to my feet and starting heading back for the city and to the inn Lina was in.

I stumbled through the streets, and I thought I might have got a little help but instead everyone got out of my way like I was carrying the plague. I finally reached the inn but instead of entering it, I slumped a little against the wall. I looked up at the sky, feeling the sweat on my brow and my breathing quicken. Suddenly Lina came out, took a glance at me and I guess she didn't really see what had happened to me.

“Let's go…” She mumbled slightly.

“Would...like to...but.” I was cut off as I slumped to the ground and blacked out.

Kurage

17.5
I sat down on the bed slowly, trembling. I wasn't sure from what, whether it was anger, or sadness, or whether it was because Gourry was so angry and it intimidated me. I just sat there, shell-shocked into immobility.

Why was Gourry acting like a nut? It wasn't like I was blaming him. I wasn't directing my anger FOR him, but AT him. Didn't that idiot understand the difference?

Of course not. No matter how close we got, he would still be dense. I leaned over on my side and sulked into the pillow, curling up into a ball and burying my face in the sheets.

Now that I had my moment alone, I realized then what I should have realized before, and doing so made me feel angry and resentful... at myself. Why had I been so stupid and irrational? Not only was I being a stubborn idiot, but I was driving Gourry away, and for what?

Still, he didn't have to yell at me, and my pride wouldn't let that rest, so I stewed on that for a while, until it got too painful to think about.

Gradually, I was done the sulking game. I got up, freshened up, and started begrudgingly on my way. I got out of the room just as Gourry was heading towards it, and I dunno why I didn't notice. Anger really does make you stupid.

But I paid attention fast when he crumpled to the ground. Panic and adrenaline flooded through my system, and before I could blink I had dropped everything and had my hands over him in a flash. The white light spread slowly, too slowly in my opinion, over him, but I concentrated harder, gritting my teeth, and I put every single ounce of power into that healing spell.

He was hurt, bad, and why? Because I had taken a temper tantrum and left him alone with bandits. Mean bandits. Bandits with Mazoku carefully infiltrated within them. The fact that Gourry had survived meant that he had won, but he was cut to ribbons in the process, and it made me feel like the largest, smelliest rat in the world.

He couldn't die. He couldn't die...

I jerked when I felt a sudden hand clamp down on my shoulder. Before I knew it, I had my hand out, reading to cast a Fireball, but to my surprised, it wasn't a threat; it was Drianne.

I froze, my eyes bugging out. “Drianne!” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

She shook her head. “Dos it matter right now?” She wondered, kneeling on the other side of Gourry. I shook my head, my surprise gone, and together, we cast the healing spell again.

I was impressed. Drianne wasn't so bad at white magic. It made me wonder why the hell she wanted to be someone like me to begin with. It sped up the healing process and healed Gourry's wounds much faster than they would have healed with just me there. I was grateful and miserable all at once.

Both Drianne and I pulled away after a while, ignoring the small crowd of inn-dwellers around us. I leaned close and checked Gourry over closely, my heart racing within my chest, feeling deep and mind-numbing fear. He was healed, but he wasn't moving.

I panicked. I leaned close and grabbed his shoulders, shoving him on his back. I leaned over and listened closely, shutting my eyes and trying to shut up my heart.

I heard the slow beating of his heart, and I gripped tightly onto his shoulders, choking down a small cry of relief. I rested my head on his chest, listening to each breath, paralyzed. I buried my face into his front, clutching at his shoulders hard, trembling.

I don't think I realized how close to death he actually was until he was on the other side of it. When panicked, it doesn't click. When you're trying to think about healing and spells, it doesn't process.

It was only when I had my ear to his chest that I realized I had almost lost him, and I couldn't face it, couldn't deal with that pain again, like I had last time. I couldn't imagine a world that didn't have Gourry in it, the Gourry who squeezed me awake and who stole the sheets and fought over food with me. The Gourry who never gave up on me, never surrendered, and had always cared about me, even before he knew anything about me.

I had a lump in my throat, but I refused to cry in front of strangers. I composed myself slowly, keeping my face pressed to Gourry's chest. Gradually, I was in enough emotional control to sit up slowly, and I discovered that all eyes were on me.

I felt very, VERY tired all of a sudden. “Hey, Drianne,” I said slowly, my voice thick. “Can you help me carry him into the room?”

She nodded slowly, and together we lugged the swordsman in to the room and onto the bed, with much cursing and struggling. Through all of that, he didn't wake, and it was fine. Drianne moved away when I came forward. I grabbed the blankets and threw them over him, then placed my hand on his face lightly, touching him, making sure he was there.

He was. It was alright. I kept telling myself these things, but my heart still ached and my throat was still choked.

I then turned to Drianne sharply. “So why are you here?” I demanded, my hands on my hips. She balked, then frowned.

“Last time I saw you, you had no idea who I was, Lina,” she said calmly, but her eyes were angry. “And now you know me. What happened?”

I sighed. “Utter crap,” I explained helpfully. “Listen, I'm sorry I treated you like that. I wasn't in my right mind. But I recognize you now. And now I ask you, WHY are you HERE!”

She flinched again. “I was here all along. You're the one that came here. I heard you were here, and I came to investigate. When I saw that it WAS you, I stayed away. That is, until he came in.” She gestured to Gourry's sleeping form.

“So why help me if I was nothing but a bitch to you?” I wondered, feeling, deep down, touched.

She shrugged. “Because someone was hurt.”

Ah. There it was. Her whole story was just told to me in those four words. Missy Drianne was a cleric, born and raised. No wonder she wanted to be something different.

See what I mean! All of the women in this world are becoming clerics!

Of course, then, it didn't occur to me that it was unheard of, having a cleric that strong in the outer continent. But you don't really pay attention to these things when you're in a state of panic, do you?

I opened my mouth to say something mean, but shut it, abruptly. When I started again, I was relieved that I controlled my words. “Thank you Drianne,” I said honestly. “If you hadn't been here, he would be dead. You have no idea what that means to me.”

She nodded slowly. “Sokay,” she answered. “I have to go. Duties and such.” She turned and left in such a hurry, I couldn't even get want I wanted to say to her out. I wanted to apologize to her. Even though I hadn't been able to control it, I remembered what I had done as a Mazoku, and I wanted to say that I was sorry. But she was gone in a flash.

Clerics sure are quick on their feet.

I thought about going after her, but I didn't. Knowing her past record, she would show up again. Strange how things work out, huh?

Instead, I did something Gourry did for me on more than one occasion; I pulled a chair over (or in this case, a stool from the bathroom), sat down next to him, and grabbed his hand between mine.

The slew of emotions I had smothered before came back before I knew it, and they assaulted me. I was so glad to be alone with him, so glad I didn't have to shield myself. I pressed my forehead against his hand and shut my eyes, trembling. The tears stung my eyes and burned their way down my cheeks, but I didn't care.

“I'm sorry,” I whispered, meaning it. “I'm sorry I'm such a bitch. I wish I could be better. I wish I could be like Sylphiel sometimes, so timid and agreeable and girly. But I'm not, and I'm sorry you got hurt because I'm not...”

I didn't say anything else. All I wanted to say had been said. I just cradled his hand between my own, resting my forehead against it, crying my eyes out.

Idiocy is a temporary illness that consumes the strongest of us all. I think what hurt the most, after Gourry getting hurt, was the fact that while I was very smart in other things, I was the biggest idiot when it came to matters of the heart.

Dramata

17.6
I woke up but my eyes stayed shut, I felt a little tired and confused. I wasn't even sure if I was awake, I just felt strange and sickly. I had to think back for a moment to try and work out what happened. The memories flashed over in my head as I tried to figure it out. I stormed off from Lina, angry for the way she was being. I then ran into a group of bandits who I managed to take out but I got hurt in the process. I got back to the inn with Lina where I blacked out.

I then realised I felt someone's hands on my own. No, not someone else's hands. They were Lina's and she started talking to me.

“I'm sorry,” She whispered. What was she sorry about? She had nothing to be sorry about, she didn't hurt me.

“I'm sorry I'm such a bitch. I wish I could be better. I wish I could be like Sylphiel sometimes, so timid and agreeable and girly. But I'm not, and I'm sorry you got hurt because I'm not...”

I wanted to yell at her again. She still didn't get it and I couldn't believe how stupid she was being right now. How could she think like that? I didn't want her to be like Sylphiel. I wanted her to be like her, I didn't want her to change. But I couldn't reply to her, I couldn't seem to open my eyes and my lips then force the words out. Instead of that I felt myself going unconscious again and I slept. The tiredness was all too much for me.

I wasn't sure how long I was out for, but it felt like it had been an eternity. I still felt Lina's hands on my own so I squeezed her hands gently and then slowly opened my eyes. I looked over to her and she looked up at me, her cheeks stained with tears. I blinked in confusion, why was she crying? Did someone die? I know I didn't die because I was alive there and then. I sat up slowly and for some reason I felt like I wanted to hold onto her tightly.

I leaned forward and grabbed a hold of her like my life depended on it. I buried my face into her shoulder and she did the same and I felt her shoulders shaking. Why was she crying so much? Was it something to do with what she wasn't telling me? But then I remembered what she said earlier and I started feeling it inside of me again, the frustration. I pulled away from her and looked at her sternly.

“How could you say what you said before Lina?” She blinked at me for a moment and I guess she was confused about what she had said.

“How could you say you were a bitch? Why do you want to be like Sylphiel? If I wanted you to be like Sylphiel, well then I would be with Sylphiel instead. But I'm not with her, Lina; I don't want to be with her. I want to be with you and the only reason for that is because of the way you are. I don't want you to be agreeable, and girly. I want you to fight with me at dinner, and call me kurage when I'm being stupid. I want you to be the Lina with the fire inside who would never back down. And I want you to have trust in me because I'm your protector. If you can't tell me what's wrong, then you don't really trust me, and if you don't really trust me, then how do I know if you really love me.”

I let go of her slowly as I felt the sadness in my eyes, and suddenly I didn't want to look at her anymore. I lay back in the bed and curled up. I wasn't sure what to do in that situation. I just told her that I wasn't sure if she loved me properly. It wasn't like I could walk away and give her time alone, I wasn't sure if I could stand up yet. Instead I just lay with my back to her and I closed my eyes and I stared at the wall. I didn't know what to expect from her. I was waiting for her to start yelling at me again, or for her to leave and slam the door behind her as she got frustrated with me. I just wanted her to realise what I wanted from her, what she had to do if we were to really love each other, and truly protect each other. But most of all, I just wanted her to realise that the person she was, was all she should be. She had to be that fiery, aggressive, demanding, caring and loyal sorceress.

Kurage

17.7
As Gourry slept, I stewed. I thought about all the things I wanted to be, all the things I couldn't be, and all the things I thought I was but it turns out am not. Over and over again. For a good hour or so.

I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted anymore. Did I want to be myself, and end up hurting people and getting people into trouble for the sake of my own fun? Because, clearly, that was what had happened; Gourry had stumbled into trouble because we had had a fight.

Or did I want to be someone he obviously didn't chose, someone like Sylphiel, someone who could be gentle and who didn't fly off the handle at a simple misunderstanding but at the same time had her own personal flaws and issues that couldn't be cured either? Just like my own?

I knew one thing was for certain; no matter what, no matter who dropped into my life, I wanted to be myself. Gourry wasn't going to change that. But I couldn't keep second guessing myself all the time, could I? I couldn't keep asking myself and Gourry the same questions, like; are you sure you want to get into this mess? Are you sure you want to deal with this? Are you sure you don't mind getting hurt?

Clearly, if Gourry had stuck around for this long, he didn't give a crap how much he got beaten up, as long as in the end, the ultimate outcome was good. And it was obvious that no matter how many tricks I had up my sleeves in order to try and get rid of him to spare him, none of them were going to work, because, as dumb as he was, he already knew them all by heart.

I had come to this conclusion when Gourry had woken up. I had hardened my resolve, and his embarce broke it down and resolved me to the emotional state I had been beforehand. I broke down. I cried a little. I'm not so ashamed as I used to be to admit that. Okay, sure, I'm a little embarrassed, but not as much as I used to be.

And when he pulled away, and said the things he said, and turned away from me, how was that supposed to make me feel? Good? Happy? Was it supposed to give me a sudden epiphany? Or was what happened his plan all along, and I had REALLY underestimated him over the years? I don't think my pride will allow me to answer that honestly, but I'm sure you can imagine the correct answer, can't you?

As I'm sure you have already guessed, I got angry. I sat there, staring at his back, my hands outstretched on the bed, and I felt numb, for about a split second, before I felt that wave of anger I usually get when I know I'm being royally screwed and can't do anything about it. I started shaking, and I grabbed two fists full of blanket.

I think he noticed. He must have taken my silence badly, because he turned around slowly. What he saw, I'm sure, wasn't what he expected, and he jolted and sat up quickly.

I was glaring, my eyes narrowed. My teeth were clenched, and my fists were full of blanket, a blanket that was quickly becoming singed. I had had enough. I was tired of the games and tired of the emotions and the constipation of the insides.

I let loose.

I stood up and held my fists out at him. “FINE!” I shouted, that alone making me feel so much better than I had in days. “FINE! If YOU want to stick around and play games with Mazoku with me, DO IT! If you don't mind being cut up and chased with magic because of me, OKAY! Just don't bitch at me when you've had enough! Don't waddle up to me and cry, `Lina! I've had enough! Lina, I want to go home!' Too BAD!”

I took a breath, and Gourry blinked slowly, his face pale now. “You have had the option on more than one occasion to use the door and get out of this lifestyle! I was only concerned for you, worried that you might be tired of it, but nooooo!” I threw my hands up in the air. “NO! Apparently I'm not being myself! Apparently giving a crap is out of character for me! FINE! Good for me! Just don't bitch at me because you're stuck! Because you're STUCK, Gourry Gabriev! You're stuck in this life now and there is no getting out!”

I deflated instantly. I had finally said what I wanted to say. I stood there, breathing hard, and my hands slowly unclenched. My eyes slowly stopped squinting. And man, I felt so so SO much better.

Gourry stared at me, and I stared back at him. For a long time, we looked at eachother in silence. I opened my mouth to say something scathing, but choked it back. I didn't have the heart to do it now. I just didn't see the reason anymore. I sighed, walked back over to the bed, and sat down on the side of it.

Gourry looked nervous, and for good reason, when I reached up a hand towards him, but I smiled faintly, and he relaxed. I touched his hair gently, the few strands that had escaped the braid I had made so neat and tidy just hours beforehand. He smiled gently back at me.

“Meh,” I mumbled. “Wanna grab something to eat now?”

I had figured, with all of that being said, and all of the things left unsaid, things would be okay. I had figured he understood, and was fine with it now. I didn't say sorry, because I wasn't sorry anymore. He knew what he was getting into now. He had the choice to back out any time. The fact that he hadn't yet was his choice, and it wasn't my fault.

And that was that.

Dramata

17.8
Well I can say I got what I asked for, a fiery, aggressive sorceress. I guess I deserved it for what I said to her, but I had been frustrated with what she said. I blinked at first with the silence, wondering why Lina hadn't left yet or said something already. But the second I laid my eyes upon her, I knew immediately why she was still there and quiet. With half of the bed in her fists, and that glare she was giving me, I felt ready to go on to the afterlife before she even killed me.

She laid into me, and she laid into me pretty hard. Some of it seemed a little strange to me and I wasn't sure why she was talking about me having time to leave. I only slowly realised that it must have been part of what she had been thinking about. The thing I wanted her to realise was that I was never going to leave her. I had plenty of chances to up and walk away from all of this. I could have left when we got to Atlas City all those years ago. I could have left after the business at Sairaag, and again a year later after being taken by Phibrizzo. I could have left two years ago when we came back from the new continent after defeating Dark Star. But I hadn't left her, I refused to leave her.

She finished and it seemed to do what it needed to do, and that was to lift a weight off of her shoulders, although it was still scary to be around her for those few moments. I even flinched as she reached up to my face, half expecting her hand to be filled with a fireball. Instead it was filled with love and caring as she smiled at me softly. I relaxed and leaned into her hand a little and closed my eyes for the moment. My heart jumped and my eyes widened at the mention of food.

I got out of the bed and with a little help from Lina at first because I still wasn't fully fit just yet, headed down to get something to eat. It was about midday by then so even though we didn't really have breakfast, we went straight onto lunch, but had a few breakfast snacks thrown in there. Once the battle was over, I felt much better and I could feel my strength was back. I looked over to Lina and she seemed as satisfied as I was. We then knew it was time to head out, and move on. It felt like we had stayed in the city for long enough and it was time for us to move one. It never felt right to stay in a city or town for too long. There was too much out there still to be discovered, and it didn't matter if we had an organised bandit group after us, an upset mazoku lord, and something else we still weren't sure of on our tails, we were going out there to discover it.

We headed out onto the road, moving south through the new continent where Zel was travelling east with Amelia. I thought it would help if we separated, keeping the bandits off their trail, but I was sure they would be ok considering they hadn't been attacked that morning. We were a bit lucky; at least it felt like it, in that the bandits came less frequently. I guess they realised it wasn't smart sending group after group to be killed. The only problem was that these were a bit more skilled than the others and so took more time to deal with. We only faced two groups that whole day, and with Lina beside me, taking them down was a lot simpler.

We set down for the night with a small camp and along with a fire I caught a couple of rabbits nearby to eat. Whilst dinner was being cooked, I looked over to Lina as I thought things through. I began to think if I still needed the magic, and that maybe I should relearn it. Once cooked, I handed Lina her food and I took my own share and quietly ate. I continued thinking if I really needed it, but would I remember it considering what happened last time.

I knew if I had the ability to cast magic, I could protect Lina better. But also I would have been able to protect myself better, earlier on. I wouldn't have got myself hurt and I wouldn't have made such a mess of things. I cared about Lina so much, and I desperately wanted to protect her so much, but what was I supposed to do if I couldn't even protect myself and end up dead. How was I supposed to protect her then?

I looked over to her once more when I finished eating. Lina was still eating her food, seeming happy enough as she ate. I smiled a little as I looked at her, knowing each time I looked at her, it reminded me of how much I really cared about her, and how badly I wanted to protect her, keep her safe from all the harm in the world. But was I really capable of protecting her from all the harm if she kept going out in the world to discover the unknown.

No one could do that, and I realised that. I also began to understand that Lina knew that too. If she really wanted protecting in that way she wouldn't be the way she was. She wouldn't be so adventurous; she wouldn't have learnt all of this magic. I knew that all I could do was my best, and she was happy that I did that for her, just as I was happy that she would protect me.

I was so lost in thought that I hadn't heard Lina talking to me, and she only gained my attention by throwing a piece of bone at me. It struck me on the head, and I blinked, looking over to her slowly.

“Huh?” I replied a little dumbly.

“Kurage! I said you're taking the first watch!” She growled.

“Uhh..ok. I better keep an eye out for those Dim Seal guys right?”

“Dark Sea, stupid.”

“Um yeah, whatever.” I smiled a little. Lina just shook her head. “Good Night!” I called after her and she just waved.

I was left alone with the fire and my thoughts which I admit at that time were now not much. I had done most of my thinking during the meal and now I had nothing left to think about. So I grabbed a few stones and flung them into the fire for fun for an hour or two. The only problem is it wasn't so much fun so I took to throwing them into the darkness. That too was getting dull until one of the stones hit something and I heard a grunt of pain.

I jolted up quickly and unsheathed my sword. It had to be more of those guys, what else could it be. Sure enough out of the darkness and into the light of the fire with four men dressed in black, one of them rubbing his head pretty quickly and grumbling. I glared on at them as I readied myself to attack, half wary that Lina was sleeping quietly in the tent. I had to keep their focus on me and so I took the initiative.

I charged forwards and struck the sword of one of the men as the others quickly backed off and spread around me slowly. I pulled the sword away and struck back down hard, pushing him backwards. That gave me room to block the incoming attack from my side, then just as I blocked that, I had to block again behind me.

That was getting a bit repetitive, and so I changed things by dodging to the side of the next attack which followed through and killed one of their own men. I used the surprise to charge in quickly and cut the attacker down, leaving me with two guys left. I didn't stop though as I moved quickly in the flickering light of the fire. Weaving in and out between the two men, and slashing quickly. I cut into their arms and legs, leaving small wounds, but enough to make them think again about the position they were in.

I was about to charge back in when they quickly ran away, or at least hobbled away, holding their wounds in their arms. I rubbed the back of my head and sighed a little before taking a quick look of the area to see if they brought any friends. Not seeing any I headed back into camp and checked in on Lina who was surprisingly fast asleep. I shook my head as I half expected her to be annoyed at me for being so noisy. Instead I just sat back down by the fire and waited out the rest of my shift.

Once over, Lina got out from the tent and I told her of what happened and I took off into the tent to get some rest myself. Then waking up the next morning I joined Lina assuming that the rest of the night went pretty quietly. I started up some breakfast and decided that I should ask her about the magic.

“Lina? Could you teach me magic again? Well, you've not taught me magic before, but I learnt it once already. It's just I thought it would be a good idea for you to teach me since it would make me a bit more useful than I already am. Plus I wouldn't be relying on you so much to cast spells for me on the Blast Sword. I'll teach you some swordsmanship as repayment if you like?” I asked her as I bit into pieces of bacon I had just prepared.

Kurage

17.9
I was still a little wary of Gourry. I mean, I had reamed the guy out, after he had gotten injured, because of me and he had stuck around. But his choice, right? I mean, that's why we were given free will. I hoped he still had it. I hoped he knew what he was doing.

That night, I dreamt. Like I said, I'm not much of a dreamer, but sometimes, dreams like that come with the territory of using magic. It can really be a bitch, sometimes.

As usual, my mind wasn't up to being coherent. Much to my delight, it started off with the Xellos dream I had had before, the one that had me poking needles in his eyes and shouting his catchphrase at him. That quickly changed, to my sadness.

It was like a flash. From torturing Xellos, to an empty, windy field. I stood there, gazing up into the blue sky. It reminded me of Gourry's eyes, I thought happily, smiling. I tucked my hair behind my ears and started walking. I was barefoot, and the feeling of the grass between my toes felt very nice. I was wearing my old outfit, the one I had before all of that Mazoku crap, except I was without all of the accessories (like gloves, and boots, and cape, and such).

I managed to take a few steps when the whole horizon flashed and turned white.

I jumped back and had a shield spell up before I could even blink, but the sky merely turned bloodred, with patches of orange and puffs of black smoke. None of it seemed to be a threat to me. I lowered my hands, frowning, and started forward again.

Suddenly, the grass didn't seem so friendly anymore. It was brittle and dry, and some of the strands poked into the soles of my feet. The sky definitely was nowhere near Gourry's blue eyes. In fact, it was almost as red as my own eyes.

I kept walking, noticing the wind was a smothering, humid wind now. But nothing would stop me. I wanted to get down to the bottom of this. I wanted to see what was ruining my paradise.

The next part is hard to explain. It was like a rushing sound, a sound that wipes out all sound from the ears, and the fields and sky passed me by, as if I was flying faster than I could follow. I glared, confused, when suddenly, all I could see in front of me was a pair of eyes. When I focused, I realized they were my own eyes, but sinister, and glinting with gold.

I sat up with a strangled gasp, clutching at the sheets. I sat there, gasping, staring at the wall of my tent. I shivered, but I wasn't cold, and I noticed I was bathed in my own sweat.

What the hell WAS that? I thought, trying to calm down my racing heart. None of it made sense at all. Why was it even so terrifying? It didn't seem to scary...did it?

Once I calmed down, I curled up into a ball and lay awake, too afraid to shut my eyes. I'm not sure how much time passed, but soon I heard Gourry's voice calling to me. Gratefully, I trudged out of the tent to meet him, smothering the urge to, upon the sight of him, smother him with a hug and tons of uncharacteristic kisses. The dream scared me, but damned if I knew why.

The night was pretty damn uneventful. I mean, I'm not an idiot. I heard a bunch of moronic bandits potting around trying to get in and get to us, but what they didn't get was that I have incredibly good hearing, and I could hear their attempts a mile away. And they couldn't tell the difference between a Lighting spell and a Fireball. Gotta love those dumbass outer continent bandits.

Still, there was no sign of the previous Mazoku activity like before, and I was starting to grow suspicious of it. One would think that now would be a perfect time to act, wouldn't it? As a Mazoku, I had been privy to the way their minds work, much to the chagrin of them now. However, I also had been privy to this one fact: most of what they do, while most of it planned, makes no sense until the very end. I figured it was one of those times.

Add that to my unsettled nerves, and I had a pretty crappy watch. But by the time it was morning, I felt a little better. Daytime always makes things seem more bearable.

“Magic?” I echoed Gourry. I frowned at him. “Teach you magic? What makes you think I know how to teach? I only learn for myself, and I certainly haven't learned so that others can be taught. And besides, I would teach you much differently than Amelia or Zelgadis ever would…”

He stared at me, obviously not getting it at all. There was no avoiding it. I would have to attempt it.

I sighed. “Fine, Gourry.” I settled down on the ground, crossing my legs, and he copied my moves, obviously thinking that was some way to get prepared for something. I thought about it for a moment, and decided that assumption couldn't hurt. What did I know about teaching, anyways? Gourry would be my first student.

Scary.

“Okay,” I began. “So you know Lighting, and you managed to figure out the Fireball, right?”

He nodded slowly. “Yep,” he agreed.

“And you also know how to do a good healing spell,” I added, unconsciously putting a hand to my chest at the thought.

His eyes grew a little serious, but he nodded again. “Yep.” He then clapped his hands once. “Oh, and I tried to do Flare Arrows, but they always turned into darts, or something worse.”

I frowned. That sounded slightly familiar. When I was still living at home, there was a fellow neighbour who had a little girl with the same problem. She wanted her kid to be black magic proficient, because her family was full of nuns and priests, but the kid's spell's kept flopping, or worse, instead of healing, helped with things like speed or agility.

However, Gourry wasn't quite like that. He could manage a Fireball, something that even I admit wasn't easy to do. In theory, Flare Arrow was easier than Fireball, so why was he doing things backwards?

I suddenly facepalmed. Because Gourry was a little backwards.

He tilted his head and looked at me, oblivious to the thoughts going on in my head. I looked up at him and sighed. “I think it's an instinct with you, Gourry,” I admitted. “I think when you think about it, you can't do it, but when you need to do it, you can do it. You showed that to me earlier.”

He nodded, taking it in.

“However,” I said, coming to my conclusion real fast. “However, because of that, I don't think we can really get anywhere.” He looked really disappointed, and I held up my hands. “Hear me out, Gourry,” I said gently. “I know what you're thinking; you think that magic will make you stronger. That's not the case! Only for some people can it make them stronger, and even then, it never really makes a person inside stronger.”

Where the hell was all of this wisdom coming from? I had no idea, but I rolled with it.

“You're good at what you do,” I continued, putting my hands on his shoulders and leaning towards him. “You have the skills and the knowledge to be whatever the hell you want, obviously, but your strengths are with swordsmanship. I mean, hey, don't forget that healing spell,” I added, winking, “because we sure could use that one, but you're fine the way you are, and you don't need to learn magic to be stronger. You know that, don't you?”

Sometimes when I say too many words, I think that they all leak out of his brain and fall into the wind. I wondered if it was one of those times. I sure hoped not. It would be a serious wound to my pride. I mean, that was pretty good stuff, there. Still, if I knew anything about Gourry at all, I knew he needed a bottom line, so I gave it to him:

“Stick to the sword, Gourry. Obviously you're meant to. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gotten a shiny new one, right?”

And that was the whole point, wasn't it? The sword? That was the whole cornerstone, wasn't it? Without it, there would be no adventure. Without Gourry, though, there would be no balance.

I wondered if he knew any of this. I doubted it. Still, it was worth saying, whether it fell to the wind or not.

Dramata