Hey there! I'm back with the second installment of this little fic. From this point on in the fic there will be mention of events that happened in the Tales of Vesperia movie, Tales of Vesperia ~The First Strike~ and I guess it could be considered spoilers. So just a friendly warning. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Vesperia, the characters or the movie.
Happy Reading!
Chapter Two: Still Not Feeling Any Better
Yuri woke up sometime later feeling awful. He wasn't feeling nearly as bad as he had been feeling the night before but he was still feeling pretty bad. He went to sit up and a severe wave of dizziness washed over him and he felt extremely weak, "Ugh…wha…what the hell…?" he managed to mutter as he rested against the pillow hoping the dizziness would go away.
"Uh…" Raven moaned as he woke to a soft whisper, "Yuri!" He exclaimed softly as he quickly snapped to once he realized that the young man was awake again, "You're awake!"
"Raven…" Yuri muttered.
"Hey kid," Raven said softly, "How are you feeling?" Yuri moaned and shut his eyes, "That bad huh? How's your stomach feeling?"
"It's a little sour," Yuri said, "But it's a lot better than it was yesterday. It doesn't feel like someone's run a sword through me anymore."
"That's good," Raven said, "The stomach bug part of what you came down with is probably out of your system then. Do you feel well enough to eat a little something? You need to replace the nutrients you lost the other night."
"Yeah," Yuri said, "I guess I'll have a little something to eat. I don't think my stomach will reject food anymore." His stomach was completely empty. He knew that if he was in full form he would have been ravenously hungry but the hunger was just barely a dull throb.
"Alright," Raven said, "I'll bring you something easy to digest. I'll be right back."
"Ah Raven," Estellise greeted, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah," Raven said, "Would you mind if I used the kitchen?"
"No, not at all," Estellise said, "But if you're hungry we're about to start supper."
"It's not for me," Raven said, "Yuri's awake and he wants a little something to eat."
"How's Yuri feeling?" Estellise asked.
"He's still feverish," Raven said as he began preparing a light soup for Yuri to eat, "But his stomach seems to have settled." He finished with the soup and tasted it. He wanted to make sure it was edible before he brought it to Yuri. The soup was terribly bland but anything too strong would upset his stomach again and one sleepless night trying to tend to a sick comrade was more than enough. "Well," Raven said, "This seems to be good for the kid so I'll be back in a little bit after he falls asleep again."
"Let him know that I hope he feels better." Estellise said.
"Alright kid," Raven said as he re-entered the room, "I'm back. I brought you some soup and crackers. It should be nice and gentle on your stomach."
"Thanks Raven," Yuri said as he sat up.
"Eat as much as you can but don't force yourself," Raven said as he handed the tray to Yuri, "I don't think you want to suffer another stomachache."
Yuri nodded and started eating the soup in silence. It had been the first thing he had eaten in a little over twenty-four hours and while the soup had absolutely no flavor it was the best damn thing that Yuri had eaten in a while. After he had eaten not even half of the soup he started feeling full and stopped eating. Raven was right, he really didn't feel like dealing with another sleepless night due to a stomachache, "Thanks Raven," He said, "I've had enough."
"Alright," Raven said as he took the tray from Yuri, "Feeling alright kid?"
"Yeah," Yuri said as he rested against the bed again. He was still exhausted and he had a feeling it had something to do with the fever he was still running, "I don't think I'll be sick again."
"That's good," Raven said.
"Hey Raven," Yuri said softly, "Is it okay that we couldn't get to Mount Temza today? What about…?"
"Don't worry about it kid," Raven said, "You got sick. I'm sure Casey understands that we needed to take care of you."
"We could have gone anyway," Yuri mumbled.
"It wouldn't have been fair to make you travel after the night you had," Raven said, "You have a hard time dealing with the heat of Desier as it is. It would have been unbearable with the fever you're running. Don't worry about it kid, it's not your fault."
"Raven," Yuri said softly.
"What is it kid?"
"Do you think we could head to Shizontania after we go to Mount Temza?" Yuri asked softly.
"Shizontania?"
"It'll be five years since…"
"Oh," Raven said, "That's right…Yeah, we can head to Shizontania."
"Thanks Raven," Yuri muttered as the fatigue started to really beat down on him, "I'm going back to sleep."
"That sounds like a good idea," Raven said as he placed a cold compress to Yuri's warm forehead, "You need to catch up on some sleep if you wanna travel tomorrow."
Yuri nodded the slipped into a rather deep sleep.
Raven sighed when he woke up the next morning. Normally Yuri was one of the first to wake up in the morning but the young man was still sleeping soundly. "Looks like we won't be traveling today either." He thought as he noticed that Yuri's skin was still slightly flushed, "Oh well, we don't have much of a choice if Yuri's still not feeling well."
Yuri groaned as he slowly woke up. He still wasn't feeling well but his symptoms weren't nearly as bad as they had been the last time he had been awake. He managed to sit up without nearly passing out so he stood up and headed to the main area of the inn.
"Yuri!" Karol exclaimed as he ran up to the older male, "How are you feeling today?"
"Better," Yuri said. It wasn't a complete lie he was feeling better than he had been for the past few days but he could tell that his body temperature was still quite a bit higher than it was supposed to be.
"That's good," Karol said, "We were worried about you when Raven told us that you were sick."
"Thanks Karol."
"Ah Yuri," Estellise said as she walked up to Yuri, "Are you feeling better today?"
"Yeah," Yuri said, "Don't worry Estelle, I'm feeling better."
"That's good," She said, "Are you hungry?"
"A little bit," Yuri said. He was hungry but he didn't feel much like eating. The fever was still decreasing his appetite.
"Hey," Raven called, "It's good to see you back on your feet kid! Did ya sleep well?"
"Yeah," Yuri said, "When are we leaving for Mount Temza?"
"We kinda decided that we weren't gonna go today," Raven said, "With you just getting over bein' sick and all."
"I'm feeling well enough to go today," Yuri said, "I don't want you to have to wait another day because of me."
"Are you sure?" Raven asked, "You still look sick."
"We both have something we want to do today," Yuri said, "I can rest on the way to our destinations."
"Destinations?" Estellise asked, "I thought we were just going to Mount Temza."
"Yuri wants to go to Shizontania," Raven said. "But kid are you sure you want to travel today?" He frowned as he studied the twenty-two year-old's face then placed his hand on his forehead, "You're still a little warm kid. Go back to bed, we'll go when your fever is completely down and you're feeling better."
Yuri sighed, "I'll be fine," he said, "I can handle traveling with this fever."
"If you insist," Raven said, "But what happens if we run into monsters? You really can't put up much of a fight in your condition."
"I'll sit the battles out," Yuri said, "Don't worry, I'll be alright."
"Alright," Raven said, "Let's get going then."
Yuri sat against the cabin of the Fiertia with his eyes closed. To say he was tired would be an understatement, he was downright exhausted. But he had to go to Shizontania today regardless of his physical condition. As long as he was alive and breathing he vowed to get to Shizontania on the anniversary of…that incident every year. And this year was no exception in fact this year was special, this year marked the five year anniversary.
"Yuri, you should rest in the cabin if you're tired," Estellise said as she knelt down next to Yuri, "You aren't feeling well."
"I was resting in there earlier," Yuri muttered tiredly, "But I needed some air so I came out here."
"Alright," Estellise responded, "Why do you want to go to Shizontania?" She asked, "I thought the Empire abandoned that town five years ago."
"It was where I was deployed when I was a Knight," Yuri said softly, "Five years ago…my commander was killed in action…and…It's where I was forced to take the life of Repede's father. I want to pay my respects…to the only man I could ever really look up to…and the dog who trusted me with his only son…"
"I'm sorry," Estellise said, "I didn't know."
"Don't worry about it," Yuri said as he smiled lightly and patted the pink-haired girl on the head.
"You didn't eat anything for breakfast Yuri," Estellise said, "Would you like something to eat?"
"Sure," Yuri said, "But I don't want anything heavy. My stomach's still a little uneasy."
"Okay," Estellise said, "How about a sandwich?"
"I would say yes, but someone just can't seem to make a sandwich properly," Yuri teased, "I'd be better off cooking for myself."
"I'm insulted Yuri Lowell!" Estellise shrieked causing everyone to stare in their direction, "I've gotten better at making sandwiches and you know it!" She paused as Yuri laughed, "Why are you laughing at me! It's not funny!"
"You're just getting so flustered," Yuri laughed, "It's kinda cute."
"Yuri, you're mean!" She yelled pointing her finger in the dark-haired man's direction.
"I'm just stating the truth," Yuri said, "At least it better than that one time Rita made sandwiches," He glanced in the direction of the young mage as she sneezed then glared in Yuri's direction almost as if she knew he was talking about her, "She didn't even bother to cook the egg."
"Can we please get off the subject of sandwiches?" Estellise asked.
"You were the one who brought it up," Yuri said.
"Fine," Estellise pouted, "Oh I know!" She exclaimed, "How about I make you a nice medley soup. I can cook that really well and it's the perfect food when you're sick!"
"That sounds good," Yuri said, "If I fall asleep, wake me up when it's ready."
"Okay," Estellise said as she ran off.
Raven had been keeping a close eye on Yuri since they left Dahngrest. He walked up to Estellise as she started to cook, "How's he doin?'" Raven asked as he glanced at Yuri. The twenty-two year old was lying on his side with his back pressed against the cabin and he head resting on Repede's back. His dark gray eyes were closed and Raven could make out the almost pained expression on Yuri's ashen face. Raven had only seen Yuri in such a state a few times and it was usually due to poison, paralysis or weak.
"I think he's pushing himself much too hard," Estellise said as she started to prepare the soup, "He's not going to get any better if he keeps pushing himself."
"He's probably still just a tad dehydrated," Raven said, "The other night the kid couldn't hold water down for any longer than fifteen maybe twenty minutes or so."
"We should have waited another day," Estellise said.
"The kid commander died five years ago today," Raven said, "I've got a feelin' that he's gonna run into some of his old friends today, includin' the commandant. I bet he feels as though he'll be doin' Captain Fredrock a disservice if he doesn't show up today."
"Oh, I see," Estellise said as she finished the soup, "Raven, would you taste this for me? I want to make sure it's alright."
"Is it for Yuri?" Raven asked, "I heard you two fighting over sandwiches earlier."
"Yes it is," Estellise said, "Does it taste okay?"
"It's a little bland," Raven said, "But I think it'll be perfect for the kid."
"Thank you," Estellise said. She walked over to where Yuri was resting and she sighed. Yuri was asleep again and while she didn't want to wake him he needed to eat something. "Yuri," She called softly as she placed her hand on his shoulder, "Yuri wake up, it's ready."
"Thanks," Yuri said as he opened his eyes. He sat up then took the bowl from Estellise, "It's good Estelle."
"I'm glad," She said.
"I'm all set," Yuri muttered after he had eaten about half the soup, "Thanks Estelle that was perfect."
"Alright," Estellise said as she took the bowl from Yuri, "You should go lie down for a while. You look exhausted and you still have a fever."
Yuri sighed, "I guess that sounds like a good idea," He said softly.
"Come on, I'll help you," Estellise said as she helped Yuri stand, "We really should have stayed in Dahngrest. You're really in no condition to be out and about today."
Yuri sighed, "There's something that I need to do today," he said softly, "I made a promise to someone…" He rested on one of the cots as smiled a bit, "Don't worry, I'll be alright Estelle. Just let me sleep for a while."
"Okay," Estellise said, "Sleep well."
"We made it to Mount Temza," Judith said, "What should we do about Yuri?"
"Let 'im sleep," Raven said, "We don't wanna wear him out before we get to Shizontania. He is sick after all."
"We definitely shouldn't leave him alone though," Judith said, "Someone should stay here with him, just in case something happens."
"I'll stay!" Karol said.
"I'll stay too," Rita said, "There should be two of here just in case something does happen one of us can get the rest of you."
"It's settled then," Judith said, "We shouldn't be gone too long. Take good care of poor Yuri now."
"Rita…" Karol said softly as the older girl checked Yuri's forehead for the umpteenth time, "Are you worried about Yuri?"
"Of course I am! We've never seen him like this before!" Rita exclaimed softly, "I mean he's being an idiot traveling with such a fever. Does he want to make himself sicker?"
"I know," Karol said, "He's always been so strong. Even when he was injured during a battle he never looked this weak…it's kinda tough to see him like this."
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Rita said, "I mean everyone gets sick from time to time and Yuri's no exception."
Repede growled at the two children as if to say: "You're being too loud!" As his master stirred and moaned a bit in his sleep.
"Repede's right," Karol said, "We shouldn't be too loud, Yuri needs to rest. I'll keep guard outside, let me know if anything happens."
"Okay," Rita said as Karol left the room. She turned to Yuri, "You better not go and do something stupid at Shizontania. Because I will kill you if you do."
"Yuri…Yuri…Yuri wake up!"
Yuri slowly opened his as someone nudged his shoulder, "Ugh…Estelle…" He muttered as he came face to face with the pink-haired girl.
"I'm sorry to wake you," She said softly as she laid her hand across Yuri's warm and clammy forehead, "But we've made it to Shizontania."
"I thought we were going to Mount Temza first." Yuri muttered tiredly. His little several hour nap had done nothing to yield the exhaustion and weakness he felt.
"We already went to Mount Temza," Estellise responded.
"You didn't wake me?" Yuri asked as he slowly sat up. He was hit by a wave of lightheadedness but he didn't allow it to show on his face. He knew that if he did Estellise would worry and she wouldn't let him do what he came here to do.
"You were sleeping so soundly none of us had the heart to wake you," She said, "You don't really look any better. Are you feeling any better?"
"Not really," Yuri said as he stood trying to keep himself from collapsing from the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. "I feel about the same as I felt when I fell asleep." He shut his eyes hoping that the stars in front of his field of vision went away and that maybe he would be able to keep himself from passing out. "This isn't good…" He thought and he put his hand to his aching head, "I can barely stand…"
"Yuri…" Estellise asked as Yuri grabbed on to her arm to balance himself, "Are you alright? Are you going to faint?"
"Maybe…" Yuri thought as he slumped to his knees, "I don't know…"
"Yuri, are you sure you're alright?" Estellise said as she rubbed his back, "Yuri…you're scaring me…what's wrong?"
"I just stood up too fast," He mumbled as the faintness started to recede, "I'm still feeling a little weak from the other night."
"You should rest then," Estellise suggested as Yuri slowly got to his feet, "It's not good to push yourself so hard when you're sick like this."
"You know how I am," Yuri said, "I wouldn't be considered a normal day if I didn't push myself."
"I know," Estellise said as they walked into the abandoned city, "But still you're going to make yourself sicker."
Yuri sighed. He knew that he was in no condition to venture into the surrounding forest to pay his respects to Repede's father. And he also knew that his friends weren't going to let him go off alone in his condition anyway…but he didn't want anyone to be around besides Repede when he went there.
"Are you feeling faint again?" Estellise asked.
"No," Yuri said, "It's just kinda odd to be back here." They then came across the rest of their group, "Karol, Raven, I thought it was my day to cook lunch."
"We don't expect ya to be slavin' over a hot fire with that fever of yours," Raven said, "Just take a load off and relax. The rest of us will take care of everything."
Yuri nodded, "Estelle, you can help them with the cooking," He said, "I'm just gonna rest over here away from the fire."
"Okay," Estellise responded, "If you need anything just call me and I'll come right over."
"Thanks," Yuri said. "But you can't help me with what I need to do…I have to do that on my own…" He thought.
Raven glanced over at Yuri and sighed. "Alright kid," He thought, "What are ya plannin'?" He smirked, "Just don' go doin' anything crazy now."
Yuri's an idiot, he really is. But he has his mind set on something so I doubt that he's going to get an adequate amount of rest until he does whatever he wants to do, regardless of the fever. Although Raven seems to have an idea as to what Yuri is up to and knowing Raven, he'll let Yuri get away with it too. So what is Yuri gonna do? And is he going to suffer from his stupidity? Until next time!
Ex-Shark-V-005
