Chap 4 - The Wolf's Cry
It was too foggy to continue. He knew they'd have to wait until it cleared up a little before they continued on their way to Filia's. Oh well, he sighed.
Gourry walked back to Lina. She was wrapped up in their blankets with Xaina curled up in a ball on her lap. The girl had stopped crying but still sniffled a little now and again. She was sucking her thumb, her eyes sealed shut, and clutching her toy with a force not even the gods could break. Lina rocked her gently. The red head looked exhausted. They hadn't gotten much sleep last night after Xaina had awaken them up. Xaina hadn't told them what she had been so frightened of, but he guessed it was a nightmare. Bad dreams use to scare him when he was little too. He dropped down next to them and peered down at the tiny child.
"Is she asleep?" he whispered.
"I think so," Lina whispered back. "How bad is it out there?"
"Couldn't see my hand in front of me when I held it out there."
"Great," the young woman sighed sarcastically. "Oh well. Nothing we can do 'till it clears up." She leaned back, letting her head rest against his chest. "And I was hoping we'd be able to make it all the way to Filia's today. Man, this trip is taking longer then I thought." She glanced up at him. There were dark circle under her eyes. "Not that that's a bad thing. I'm just...just..." She was cut off by a yawn.
She needs sleep, a voice in the back of the swordsman's mind told him. "Go to sleep, Lina. I'll wake you up when the fog lifts enough to see." She was about to argue when another yawn claimed her and she gave in to the wariness. He wrapped his arms protectively around the small woman and smiled. This wasn't so bad.
*****
Lina kept her eyes on the girl who was now holding onto Gourry's fingers. Xaina couldn't reach fully up to his hand, so she just contented herself by holding on to two of his fingers and clutching Booie in her other hand. What ever had scared her last night had left a lasting impression on the girl throughout the day. She would look back over her shoulder every now and again as if expecting something to jump out at her any moment. she still hadn't told them what had frightened her so badly the night before. Pride, Lina had guessed. She may be little, but she definitely has some stubborn pride in there.
The sun was beginning to set, spreading pink light through the thinning tress. They were almost out of the forest, but it was still a couple hours more walk to Filia's shop. Even if they did continue, it would be almost midnight before they got there and somehow, waking the golden dragon in the middle of the night just didn't sound like a good idea. She wasn't looking forward to another night outside...on the ground...in the cold...
"Look," Xaina cried as she pointed off to the side of the road. Lina followed the girl's line of sight until her ruby eyes came to rest upon a small town.
"A town!" the sorceress cried.
"And food!" the swordsman cheered. Lina took off, running for the place. Gourry scooped the girl up, placing her on his shoulders and ran close behind the red head. Xaina held on tight and started laughing. Riding up this high on Gourry's shoulder's while he was running was fun. They reached the little village in no time, slowing down when they got closer until they were walking once more.
"Oh, can't you keep running?" Xaina whined. "That was fun."
"It was?" Gourry questioned as he peered up at her with his sapphire eyes. Xaina nodded, a big smile on her face and her eyes closed.
"Not now," Lina replied. "A little later maybe. We need to find a place for the night and something for dinner."
The town was small, but not so small that it shouldn't have an inn. Places were closing, however, even though it was still early.
"Guess they close when the sun goes down," Gourry commented.
"Guess so," Lina sighed.
As the walked down the main street going through town looking for an inn, the three noticed that most of the people about were already going inside and showed no signs of coming out again. Usually, people stayed out past dark just to socialize a little. The evening was when people went to go get a drink or two at the local tavern. They didn't see a tavern at all, in fact, now that Lina thought about it. How strange, she thought while still looking for an inn. People passing didn't seem to notice the group at all.
"Hey, mister," Lina tried to get the attention of a man passing by them, but he didn't seem to have heard her. Very strange. "Okay."
"That was weird," Gourry commented.
"Why?" Xaina asked. "Most people ignore me when ever I went into a town. Are they not suppose to?"
"Not when you try to talk to them," Lina filled in. "There's something not right about this."
"Maybe he didn't hear you?" Gourry suggested.
"Maybe..." She trailed off. "Let's just find the inn." They continued until they finally spotted a small place with a sign hanging out front with the word "INN" on it. All the way there, people in the street that passed them by on their ways home, either ignored them entirely, or avoided the group like they had some sort of plague. As they stepped inside the inn, the room went dead silent. There were only a few people inside, but all of them were staring at the three. "Uh...hi...," the young woman stated rather insecurely. Something about this whole town was creeping her out. "What, have you people never seen a sorceress before!?" she suddenly screamed out. All the people there quickly averted their eyes back to their tables and plates of food. That's a little better. Putting on a display of confidence she didn't feel, Lina strode up to the main desk and approached the man that looked like the owner. He was counting coins into a leather pouch. Gourry, as always, was right behind her, holding Xaina close in his arms, no longer on his shoulders...well more like she was holding on to him. "We'd like a room," she stated clearly. One black eye glared up at her, sending shivers down her spine.
"Is that so. Well, I guess it's a good thing I just happen to have a room," the man hissed out like a snake. His voice was low and even, almost evil, yet showed no signs of danger. He stood, being close to Gourry's own height, and took Lina's hand in his own. He bowed, kissing her gloved hand. Gourry glared at they man but did nothing. He didn't like this place anymore then she did and this creepy guy didn't help make him like it even more. "Have a seat, my friends, and have something to eat. I'll have a warm bath drawn up in your room for you by the time you're done. Luri!" he yelled to a room off in the back. Judging from the smell, Lina guessed it was the kitchen. A young girl of about 12 wearing a pink dress and spotless white apron appeared at the door. "Bring these three some dinner and tell Kreel to make a bath in room 4."
The girl nodded, muttering, "Yes sir," and disappeared back inside the room.
"Have a seat, have a seat," the owner insisted as he motioned towards the nearest table. His cold eyes flickered over to Xaina who gripped tighter to Gourry. "Such a pretty little girl you have there. Such a pretty girl indeed," he murmured.
*****
A faint splashing could be heard from the other room. Lina smiled as she peered in, watching as Xaina happily played with some soap bubbles. The food had been lousy, to put it nicely, and it had been hard to eat with everyone watching (though they still ate more then most people would have), but the bath was hot and who ever had filled it had made some bubbles in it just for the child. There was also a mirror in the room, and the bed had two mattresses, so they could pull one on the floor for Xaina, and that seemed to make up a little bit for the bad food. Oh well, Lina mentally sighed. I'm sure we'll find plenty of good things when we get to Filia's.
"Hey Gourry," Xaina chirped from her bath. Lina peered in and saw the swordsman standing by the wooden tub of water holding a handful of rags he used to polish his sword.
"What?" he asked in his usually, innocent tone. Xaina lifted one hand out of the water and motioned with one finger for him to get closer. He got down on his hands and knees so he was eye level with her. "Yeah?" There was a loud splashing, followed quickly by a little girl's giggles. The whole top half of Gourry had been soaked. He had a defeated look on his face, much the same as whenever he realized he wasn't going to win an argument with Lina. The sorceress giggled too, as he pushed some of his wet blond hair out of his eyes. "What was that for?"
The girl shrugged, turning back to her bubbles. "Don't know. You just looked like you needed a bath too."
"Oh," he sighed, getting up. He obviously hadn't found this anywhere near as amusing as Xaina had. As he stepped out, he noticed the smile on Lina's face. "I bet you think this is funny too."
"Well, if you're that upset, go soak her back," Lina teased.
He raised a curious eyebrow. "But isn't she already wet?"
"Yes, but you can still do it back. She's just playing, after all. Oh, never mind." She went back to brushing her hair.
"Hey, Lina, where is this place on the map?" Gourry asked from across the room. She looked back to see him looking at their map of the area with a bewildered expression as he held it sideways.
The red head got up and walked over. She took the map and held it the right way. "It's not on here. Probably too small to be, but we're somewhere around here," she explained as she traced a circle around where they were.
"Oh."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Everything here just seems kind of...I don't, weird," he explained.
"I know," she sighed. "It's like the people here have never seen travelers before, even though they've got an inn for travelers. Frankly, I don't like it anymore then you do, but what are the alternatives? Sleep outside when we're within walking distance of a town?"
"Well, no I guess not, but..."
"Don't worry about." She waved a hand, dismissing the issue. "If anything happens, I've always got a few spells up my sleeve. And I know you're sword isn't the sword of light, but it's still a good blade, especially after all the spells and talismans I've put on it."
Gourry sighed. "I know. I just don't like it here."
"Why?" Xaina asked. Two heads darted over to the doorway to the wash room where Xaina stood with a pink towel wrapped around her body. She wore a curious expression, though both adults could see a trace of fear in her eyes. Water was dripping into a small puddle around her bare little feet. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no, of course nothing's wrong. The people here are just a little odd, is all," Lina lied lightheartedly with a big smile.
The girl took on a very solemn expression. "You're lying."
The smile instantly faded. "W-what makes you think that?" she asked nervously.
"I don't know," Xaina shrugged. "I think you are."
"Don't worry about it," Gourry smiled. "Lina an' I can handle anything."
"That's right," Lina agreed. "We've faced things far worse then some small town bumpkins. Now go get on you're pajama's and Gourry'll tell you a story." Xaina disappeared back in the washroom, leaving a trail of footprints behind from the water. When she was out of sight, Lina turned back to Gourry, whispering. "Keep you're sword close tonight. Something's going to happen. I can feel it."
"Right," Gourry whispered back.
*****
All the hair on the back of Xaina's neck stood on end. Something had drawn her out of her sleep only a moment ago, and she was certain that it wasn't Lina or Gourry mumbling in their sleep. She was facing the mirror, and though her eyes wouldn't focus, she was certain she could see something in it. She blinked a few more times, trying to clear up the fuzz. Something gleamed in the reflection of the moonlight in the image before her. Her eyes widened in terror.
Instinct told her to jump. She rolled off the mattress on the floor.. There was a strange muffled sound. She scrambled to her feet. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw several shinny objects pulling out of the mattress. They were connected to a black arm. A wisp of air ran by her ear. She tripped just as something passed over her head. She hit the ground with a hard thud. Her body moved without thought. She tumbled back to her feet, narrowly missing something crashing through the wooden floor making an awful noise.
"Fireball!" A ball of fire passed right by Xaina and hit something black behind her. "Fireball!" Xaina jerked away from it's reach, so she hoped, as another ball of fire passed by her. "Fireball!" A third sphere of fire struck something that had been standing over the mattress on the floor. It made a screeching noise and darted across the room to join two other creatures. Xaina dashed over to the bed, with Lina standing on it, holding another fireball in her hand. Gourry stood just in front of the bed, holding his sword defensively. "Keep your hands off her!" Lina spat, not bothering to hide any of the rage in her voice. Gourry just growled his agreement with her.
"Ah, yes, I'd been hoping to do this quick and painlessly while you were asleep," one of the dark figures spoke in a deep voice, dripping with malice, "But you seem to want to die slowly, and who am I to argue with the great Lina Inverse."
Lina glared at him and threw the spell. All three creatures dived out of the way. It the brief instant of light, Xaina could vaguely see the dark beings before they disappeared entirely from sight. The ball exploded when it hit the wall, making a huge hole in it to the next room, which was empty. Something in the air flickered right beside Lina. "Look out!" The girl shouted. Glittering metal claws sliced the air. Lina had tried to leap out of the way, but it sliced through her arm.
"Damn girl!" a lower voice like a snakes hissed. The claws disappeared again. Driven by rage at seeing Lina hurt, Gourry charged the area where the claws had been. He sliced through the air but hit nothing. "Ha! You can't hurt us with that!" the voice gloated.
The air seemed to flicker again, but just to Xaina's left. She jumped as six strips of thick wire-like strands pierced into the floor. They were yanked up, ripping up part of the wood. "Hold still, brat!" a third voice roared. This one was female. A ball of fire flew towards where the wires had been but struck another wall.
"Damn it!" Lina swore.
"Can't hit what you can't see," the first voice taunted.
"Cowards," Gourry spat. "Afraid to fight honorably!?"
"Not at all," the female voice replied. "We just find this way easier."
The air flickered again, moving towards Gourry. "Gourry, left!" Xaina screamed. Before Gourry had a chance to do anything, another ball of fire blasted from Lina's hands, striking something this time. The creature became visible: a monster. It's body was black, like a shadow, but silver was draped around it's body. The face had a mask painted like a mime's only with yellow and red instead of black and white. On each of the shadowy hands were three strips of thick silver wire that served as fingers. It looked almost human, but the arms and neck were too long. Wrapped around it's body was a cloak, now partly singed, that blended in with the area around them. It threw out it's wires, trying to kill Gourry before wrapping the cloak around itself again and disappearing from view. He dodged easily. A pair of claws raised above him. He rolled out of the way as they stuck the ground, though they sliced through a small chunk of his long hair, swinging his sword as he moved. It struck something, but the creature he hit showed no signs of being hurt.
A hard smack in the back sent Xaina flying across the room. She heard something crack in her rib cage as the girl tumbled across the floor. Nausea and agonizing pain over took the girl as she gasped for air. "Xaina!" she heard Lina scream. The girl could feel the evil presence behind her. She tried to get up and run, but the pain crippled her. She forced back the pain and tried to crawl, but was over come with dizziness. She rolled onto her back, clutching her side, her eyes filled with tears. She could see the light gleam in the blur. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see her own end. Metal clashed on metal. She opened her eyes again, seeing Gourry hunched over her. He was using all his might to keep a silver hammer from coming down on them girl. He pushed. It pushed back. He forced more into his effort. It was forced back. Finally, it gave up, pulling away and blending back in with the room. The swordsmen scooped her up in one of his arms and dashed for the door with Lina right behind, throwing a stronger fireball behind her, burning everything behind them.
Just as they turned around a corner in the hall, Xaina saw the flickering again. "Ahead," she cried out as best she could through the pain that swelled inside her.
Lina spotted it. She dove for Gourry, pushing both into one of the walls...and then through it? They tumbled right outside onto the grass. Gourry held the girl safe from harm as the rolled on to the ground.
"What the...?"
"It's an illusion!" Lina snapped as she jumped up to her feet, preparing another spell.
"But, it all felt real..."
"They probably can't maintain it very well when they're attacking. Run!" she snapped at Gourry. He hesitated, but did as he had been told. Faintly behind him, the blond could hear her reciting a dragon slave spell.
He held tighter to Xaina. "Don't worry," he whispered more for his own benefit then hers, "It'll be alright." A few seconds later, there was a loud explosion and a gust of hot air passed behind him. As the last of it passed, he turned to see Lina running to catch up to him. The part of town behind her was completely gone; a crater was in it's place. Blood was running down her arm. "Lina!" He trotted back to her, his eyes focused on her arm.
"Is she alright?" Lina asked reaching for the girl. Xaina's sight became more blurry...
~*~*~
Lina passed a hand over the girl face. Xaina didn't move at all. She had turned very white. A line of blood ran from the girl's mouth. "Xaina?" Lina asked desperately. Gourry gave the child in his arms a gentle shake. "Xaina!?!" she cried more forcefully when the girl didn't respond. The girl moaned slightly, confirming she was still alive, but barely conscious. Lina let out a slight sigh of relief. A white light appeared in her hand, which Lina pressed against the girl's fragile body. In her mind, Lina searched out the injury...several cracked ribs...one had shattered and punctured the lung. There was enough time to still fix it without any lasting damage. She put her attention into the lung and shattered rib first.
"Very impressive," a voice hissed as Lina prepared to move onto the cracked ribs. It was the first monster from before. The rest of the damage could wait. Lina canceled the spell and started to prepare another. "You are as impressive as I've heard, my dear."
"Enough with the games!" the sorceress snapped.
"Oh no, we're not finished playing with you yet."
"Who hired you!?"
"Hired us?" the snake voice barked. "Our lord did not hire us. He ordered us."
"Let me guess. Some monster Lord just happens to want to take revenge on me for killing other lords. Am I right?" Lina quipped back. "You wouldn't be the first, ya know."
"Actually, no. Killing you is just a side bonus," the female voice laughed.
"Then what do you want?" Gourry snapped.
"That is only for Lord Vereus and ourselves to know," the first voice responded. "However, we may be willing to make a deal..."
"No deal!" Lina spat. "Let's fight!"
"Very well," the first sighed. "If that's what you truly wish. Minions, come forth."
Several of the doors to the homes that had not been destroyed opened. People stepped out. They were pale, with dark eyes, all holding weapons of some sort or another. They looked just like the slaves of Phibrezo in Siaragg. Gourry held up his sword, ready to attack. Lina nodded to Gourry. He knew what to do.
"Fireball!" the red head shouted as she threw yet another fire orb. They both ran, trying to get out of town. Six wires pierced the air and struck the ground just in front of them.
"Ah ah ah. You can't leave now," the female monster teased. "We've only just begun." The wires pulled back up and hung in the air, taking a new round of aiming. "Now, you die," she hissed in delight. The wires rocketed towards Gourry and the girl
~*~*~
His sword was no good, but he held it up anyway. The wires were coming straight for him. They stopped. Baffled, Gourry just stared at the frozen strips of metal. A howl cut through the night. The wires pulled back. The blond glanced over his shoulder and saw a large wolf trotting calmly towards them. The zombie people drew back from the humans.
"What is..." Gourry tried to ask but didn't get a chance to as Lina smacked his shoulder.
"Who cares! Go!"
None of the spirit villagers followed them as the ran back towards the road they were suppose to be on. As they ran, all the buildings began to fade into shabby, weather beaten old buildings, long forgotten by time. They could see grass appearing in the street. Even the villagers were disappearing. The whole town wasn't real. Gourry didn't look back, but he could hear something snapping, much the same as when a sword is broken by another.
How long they ran, neither knew, just that they didn't stop until they were well out of sight of the ghost town. Exhausted, both collapsed off to the side of the road panting heavily. Once they had their breath, they continued down the road.
It was too foggy to continue. He knew they'd have to wait until it cleared up a little before they continued on their way to Filia's. Oh well, he sighed.
Gourry walked back to Lina. She was wrapped up in their blankets with Xaina curled up in a ball on her lap. The girl had stopped crying but still sniffled a little now and again. She was sucking her thumb, her eyes sealed shut, and clutching her toy with a force not even the gods could break. Lina rocked her gently. The red head looked exhausted. They hadn't gotten much sleep last night after Xaina had awaken them up. Xaina hadn't told them what she had been so frightened of, but he guessed it was a nightmare. Bad dreams use to scare him when he was little too. He dropped down next to them and peered down at the tiny child.
"Is she asleep?" he whispered.
"I think so," Lina whispered back. "How bad is it out there?"
"Couldn't see my hand in front of me when I held it out there."
"Great," the young woman sighed sarcastically. "Oh well. Nothing we can do 'till it clears up." She leaned back, letting her head rest against his chest. "And I was hoping we'd be able to make it all the way to Filia's today. Man, this trip is taking longer then I thought." She glanced up at him. There were dark circle under her eyes. "Not that that's a bad thing. I'm just...just..." She was cut off by a yawn.
She needs sleep, a voice in the back of the swordsman's mind told him. "Go to sleep, Lina. I'll wake you up when the fog lifts enough to see." She was about to argue when another yawn claimed her and she gave in to the wariness. He wrapped his arms protectively around the small woman and smiled. This wasn't so bad.
*****
Lina kept her eyes on the girl who was now holding onto Gourry's fingers. Xaina couldn't reach fully up to his hand, so she just contented herself by holding on to two of his fingers and clutching Booie in her other hand. What ever had scared her last night had left a lasting impression on the girl throughout the day. She would look back over her shoulder every now and again as if expecting something to jump out at her any moment. she still hadn't told them what had frightened her so badly the night before. Pride, Lina had guessed. She may be little, but she definitely has some stubborn pride in there.
The sun was beginning to set, spreading pink light through the thinning tress. They were almost out of the forest, but it was still a couple hours more walk to Filia's shop. Even if they did continue, it would be almost midnight before they got there and somehow, waking the golden dragon in the middle of the night just didn't sound like a good idea. She wasn't looking forward to another night outside...on the ground...in the cold...
"Look," Xaina cried as she pointed off to the side of the road. Lina followed the girl's line of sight until her ruby eyes came to rest upon a small town.
"A town!" the sorceress cried.
"And food!" the swordsman cheered. Lina took off, running for the place. Gourry scooped the girl up, placing her on his shoulders and ran close behind the red head. Xaina held on tight and started laughing. Riding up this high on Gourry's shoulder's while he was running was fun. They reached the little village in no time, slowing down when they got closer until they were walking once more.
"Oh, can't you keep running?" Xaina whined. "That was fun."
"It was?" Gourry questioned as he peered up at her with his sapphire eyes. Xaina nodded, a big smile on her face and her eyes closed.
"Not now," Lina replied. "A little later maybe. We need to find a place for the night and something for dinner."
The town was small, but not so small that it shouldn't have an inn. Places were closing, however, even though it was still early.
"Guess they close when the sun goes down," Gourry commented.
"Guess so," Lina sighed.
As the walked down the main street going through town looking for an inn, the three noticed that most of the people about were already going inside and showed no signs of coming out again. Usually, people stayed out past dark just to socialize a little. The evening was when people went to go get a drink or two at the local tavern. They didn't see a tavern at all, in fact, now that Lina thought about it. How strange, she thought while still looking for an inn. People passing didn't seem to notice the group at all.
"Hey, mister," Lina tried to get the attention of a man passing by them, but he didn't seem to have heard her. Very strange. "Okay."
"That was weird," Gourry commented.
"Why?" Xaina asked. "Most people ignore me when ever I went into a town. Are they not suppose to?"
"Not when you try to talk to them," Lina filled in. "There's something not right about this."
"Maybe he didn't hear you?" Gourry suggested.
"Maybe..." She trailed off. "Let's just find the inn." They continued until they finally spotted a small place with a sign hanging out front with the word "INN" on it. All the way there, people in the street that passed them by on their ways home, either ignored them entirely, or avoided the group like they had some sort of plague. As they stepped inside the inn, the room went dead silent. There were only a few people inside, but all of them were staring at the three. "Uh...hi...," the young woman stated rather insecurely. Something about this whole town was creeping her out. "What, have you people never seen a sorceress before!?" she suddenly screamed out. All the people there quickly averted their eyes back to their tables and plates of food. That's a little better. Putting on a display of confidence she didn't feel, Lina strode up to the main desk and approached the man that looked like the owner. He was counting coins into a leather pouch. Gourry, as always, was right behind her, holding Xaina close in his arms, no longer on his shoulders...well more like she was holding on to him. "We'd like a room," she stated clearly. One black eye glared up at her, sending shivers down her spine.
"Is that so. Well, I guess it's a good thing I just happen to have a room," the man hissed out like a snake. His voice was low and even, almost evil, yet showed no signs of danger. He stood, being close to Gourry's own height, and took Lina's hand in his own. He bowed, kissing her gloved hand. Gourry glared at they man but did nothing. He didn't like this place anymore then she did and this creepy guy didn't help make him like it even more. "Have a seat, my friends, and have something to eat. I'll have a warm bath drawn up in your room for you by the time you're done. Luri!" he yelled to a room off in the back. Judging from the smell, Lina guessed it was the kitchen. A young girl of about 12 wearing a pink dress and spotless white apron appeared at the door. "Bring these three some dinner and tell Kreel to make a bath in room 4."
The girl nodded, muttering, "Yes sir," and disappeared back inside the room.
"Have a seat, have a seat," the owner insisted as he motioned towards the nearest table. His cold eyes flickered over to Xaina who gripped tighter to Gourry. "Such a pretty little girl you have there. Such a pretty girl indeed," he murmured.
*****
A faint splashing could be heard from the other room. Lina smiled as she peered in, watching as Xaina happily played with some soap bubbles. The food had been lousy, to put it nicely, and it had been hard to eat with everyone watching (though they still ate more then most people would have), but the bath was hot and who ever had filled it had made some bubbles in it just for the child. There was also a mirror in the room, and the bed had two mattresses, so they could pull one on the floor for Xaina, and that seemed to make up a little bit for the bad food. Oh well, Lina mentally sighed. I'm sure we'll find plenty of good things when we get to Filia's.
"Hey Gourry," Xaina chirped from her bath. Lina peered in and saw the swordsman standing by the wooden tub of water holding a handful of rags he used to polish his sword.
"What?" he asked in his usually, innocent tone. Xaina lifted one hand out of the water and motioned with one finger for him to get closer. He got down on his hands and knees so he was eye level with her. "Yeah?" There was a loud splashing, followed quickly by a little girl's giggles. The whole top half of Gourry had been soaked. He had a defeated look on his face, much the same as whenever he realized he wasn't going to win an argument with Lina. The sorceress giggled too, as he pushed some of his wet blond hair out of his eyes. "What was that for?"
The girl shrugged, turning back to her bubbles. "Don't know. You just looked like you needed a bath too."
"Oh," he sighed, getting up. He obviously hadn't found this anywhere near as amusing as Xaina had. As he stepped out, he noticed the smile on Lina's face. "I bet you think this is funny too."
"Well, if you're that upset, go soak her back," Lina teased.
He raised a curious eyebrow. "But isn't she already wet?"
"Yes, but you can still do it back. She's just playing, after all. Oh, never mind." She went back to brushing her hair.
"Hey, Lina, where is this place on the map?" Gourry asked from across the room. She looked back to see him looking at their map of the area with a bewildered expression as he held it sideways.
The red head got up and walked over. She took the map and held it the right way. "It's not on here. Probably too small to be, but we're somewhere around here," she explained as she traced a circle around where they were.
"Oh."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Everything here just seems kind of...I don't, weird," he explained.
"I know," she sighed. "It's like the people here have never seen travelers before, even though they've got an inn for travelers. Frankly, I don't like it anymore then you do, but what are the alternatives? Sleep outside when we're within walking distance of a town?"
"Well, no I guess not, but..."
"Don't worry about." She waved a hand, dismissing the issue. "If anything happens, I've always got a few spells up my sleeve. And I know you're sword isn't the sword of light, but it's still a good blade, especially after all the spells and talismans I've put on it."
Gourry sighed. "I know. I just don't like it here."
"Why?" Xaina asked. Two heads darted over to the doorway to the wash room where Xaina stood with a pink towel wrapped around her body. She wore a curious expression, though both adults could see a trace of fear in her eyes. Water was dripping into a small puddle around her bare little feet. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no, of course nothing's wrong. The people here are just a little odd, is all," Lina lied lightheartedly with a big smile.
The girl took on a very solemn expression. "You're lying."
The smile instantly faded. "W-what makes you think that?" she asked nervously.
"I don't know," Xaina shrugged. "I think you are."
"Don't worry about it," Gourry smiled. "Lina an' I can handle anything."
"That's right," Lina agreed. "We've faced things far worse then some small town bumpkins. Now go get on you're pajama's and Gourry'll tell you a story." Xaina disappeared back in the washroom, leaving a trail of footprints behind from the water. When she was out of sight, Lina turned back to Gourry, whispering. "Keep you're sword close tonight. Something's going to happen. I can feel it."
"Right," Gourry whispered back.
*****
All the hair on the back of Xaina's neck stood on end. Something had drawn her out of her sleep only a moment ago, and she was certain that it wasn't Lina or Gourry mumbling in their sleep. She was facing the mirror, and though her eyes wouldn't focus, she was certain she could see something in it. She blinked a few more times, trying to clear up the fuzz. Something gleamed in the reflection of the moonlight in the image before her. Her eyes widened in terror.
Instinct told her to jump. She rolled off the mattress on the floor.. There was a strange muffled sound. She scrambled to her feet. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw several shinny objects pulling out of the mattress. They were connected to a black arm. A wisp of air ran by her ear. She tripped just as something passed over her head. She hit the ground with a hard thud. Her body moved without thought. She tumbled back to her feet, narrowly missing something crashing through the wooden floor making an awful noise.
"Fireball!" A ball of fire passed right by Xaina and hit something black behind her. "Fireball!" Xaina jerked away from it's reach, so she hoped, as another ball of fire passed by her. "Fireball!" A third sphere of fire struck something that had been standing over the mattress on the floor. It made a screeching noise and darted across the room to join two other creatures. Xaina dashed over to the bed, with Lina standing on it, holding another fireball in her hand. Gourry stood just in front of the bed, holding his sword defensively. "Keep your hands off her!" Lina spat, not bothering to hide any of the rage in her voice. Gourry just growled his agreement with her.
"Ah, yes, I'd been hoping to do this quick and painlessly while you were asleep," one of the dark figures spoke in a deep voice, dripping with malice, "But you seem to want to die slowly, and who am I to argue with the great Lina Inverse."
Lina glared at him and threw the spell. All three creatures dived out of the way. It the brief instant of light, Xaina could vaguely see the dark beings before they disappeared entirely from sight. The ball exploded when it hit the wall, making a huge hole in it to the next room, which was empty. Something in the air flickered right beside Lina. "Look out!" The girl shouted. Glittering metal claws sliced the air. Lina had tried to leap out of the way, but it sliced through her arm.
"Damn girl!" a lower voice like a snakes hissed. The claws disappeared again. Driven by rage at seeing Lina hurt, Gourry charged the area where the claws had been. He sliced through the air but hit nothing. "Ha! You can't hurt us with that!" the voice gloated.
The air seemed to flicker again, but just to Xaina's left. She jumped as six strips of thick wire-like strands pierced into the floor. They were yanked up, ripping up part of the wood. "Hold still, brat!" a third voice roared. This one was female. A ball of fire flew towards where the wires had been but struck another wall.
"Damn it!" Lina swore.
"Can't hit what you can't see," the first voice taunted.
"Cowards," Gourry spat. "Afraid to fight honorably!?"
"Not at all," the female voice replied. "We just find this way easier."
The air flickered again, moving towards Gourry. "Gourry, left!" Xaina screamed. Before Gourry had a chance to do anything, another ball of fire blasted from Lina's hands, striking something this time. The creature became visible: a monster. It's body was black, like a shadow, but silver was draped around it's body. The face had a mask painted like a mime's only with yellow and red instead of black and white. On each of the shadowy hands were three strips of thick silver wire that served as fingers. It looked almost human, but the arms and neck were too long. Wrapped around it's body was a cloak, now partly singed, that blended in with the area around them. It threw out it's wires, trying to kill Gourry before wrapping the cloak around itself again and disappearing from view. He dodged easily. A pair of claws raised above him. He rolled out of the way as they stuck the ground, though they sliced through a small chunk of his long hair, swinging his sword as he moved. It struck something, but the creature he hit showed no signs of being hurt.
A hard smack in the back sent Xaina flying across the room. She heard something crack in her rib cage as the girl tumbled across the floor. Nausea and agonizing pain over took the girl as she gasped for air. "Xaina!" she heard Lina scream. The girl could feel the evil presence behind her. She tried to get up and run, but the pain crippled her. She forced back the pain and tried to crawl, but was over come with dizziness. She rolled onto her back, clutching her side, her eyes filled with tears. She could see the light gleam in the blur. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see her own end. Metal clashed on metal. She opened her eyes again, seeing Gourry hunched over her. He was using all his might to keep a silver hammer from coming down on them girl. He pushed. It pushed back. He forced more into his effort. It was forced back. Finally, it gave up, pulling away and blending back in with the room. The swordsmen scooped her up in one of his arms and dashed for the door with Lina right behind, throwing a stronger fireball behind her, burning everything behind them.
Just as they turned around a corner in the hall, Xaina saw the flickering again. "Ahead," she cried out as best she could through the pain that swelled inside her.
Lina spotted it. She dove for Gourry, pushing both into one of the walls...and then through it? They tumbled right outside onto the grass. Gourry held the girl safe from harm as the rolled on to the ground.
"What the...?"
"It's an illusion!" Lina snapped as she jumped up to her feet, preparing another spell.
"But, it all felt real..."
"They probably can't maintain it very well when they're attacking. Run!" she snapped at Gourry. He hesitated, but did as he had been told. Faintly behind him, the blond could hear her reciting a dragon slave spell.
He held tighter to Xaina. "Don't worry," he whispered more for his own benefit then hers, "It'll be alright." A few seconds later, there was a loud explosion and a gust of hot air passed behind him. As the last of it passed, he turned to see Lina running to catch up to him. The part of town behind her was completely gone; a crater was in it's place. Blood was running down her arm. "Lina!" He trotted back to her, his eyes focused on her arm.
"Is she alright?" Lina asked reaching for the girl. Xaina's sight became more blurry...
~*~*~
Lina passed a hand over the girl face. Xaina didn't move at all. She had turned very white. A line of blood ran from the girl's mouth. "Xaina?" Lina asked desperately. Gourry gave the child in his arms a gentle shake. "Xaina!?!" she cried more forcefully when the girl didn't respond. The girl moaned slightly, confirming she was still alive, but barely conscious. Lina let out a slight sigh of relief. A white light appeared in her hand, which Lina pressed against the girl's fragile body. In her mind, Lina searched out the injury...several cracked ribs...one had shattered and punctured the lung. There was enough time to still fix it without any lasting damage. She put her attention into the lung and shattered rib first.
"Very impressive," a voice hissed as Lina prepared to move onto the cracked ribs. It was the first monster from before. The rest of the damage could wait. Lina canceled the spell and started to prepare another. "You are as impressive as I've heard, my dear."
"Enough with the games!" the sorceress snapped.
"Oh no, we're not finished playing with you yet."
"Who hired you!?"
"Hired us?" the snake voice barked. "Our lord did not hire us. He ordered us."
"Let me guess. Some monster Lord just happens to want to take revenge on me for killing other lords. Am I right?" Lina quipped back. "You wouldn't be the first, ya know."
"Actually, no. Killing you is just a side bonus," the female voice laughed.
"Then what do you want?" Gourry snapped.
"That is only for Lord Vereus and ourselves to know," the first voice responded. "However, we may be willing to make a deal..."
"No deal!" Lina spat. "Let's fight!"
"Very well," the first sighed. "If that's what you truly wish. Minions, come forth."
Several of the doors to the homes that had not been destroyed opened. People stepped out. They were pale, with dark eyes, all holding weapons of some sort or another. They looked just like the slaves of Phibrezo in Siaragg. Gourry held up his sword, ready to attack. Lina nodded to Gourry. He knew what to do.
"Fireball!" the red head shouted as she threw yet another fire orb. They both ran, trying to get out of town. Six wires pierced the air and struck the ground just in front of them.
"Ah ah ah. You can't leave now," the female monster teased. "We've only just begun." The wires pulled back up and hung in the air, taking a new round of aiming. "Now, you die," she hissed in delight. The wires rocketed towards Gourry and the girl
~*~*~
His sword was no good, but he held it up anyway. The wires were coming straight for him. They stopped. Baffled, Gourry just stared at the frozen strips of metal. A howl cut through the night. The wires pulled back. The blond glanced over his shoulder and saw a large wolf trotting calmly towards them. The zombie people drew back from the humans.
"What is..." Gourry tried to ask but didn't get a chance to as Lina smacked his shoulder.
"Who cares! Go!"
None of the spirit villagers followed them as the ran back towards the road they were suppose to be on. As they ran, all the buildings began to fade into shabby, weather beaten old buildings, long forgotten by time. They could see grass appearing in the street. Even the villagers were disappearing. The whole town wasn't real. Gourry didn't look back, but he could hear something snapping, much the same as when a sword is broken by another.
How long they ran, neither knew, just that they didn't stop until they were well out of sight of the ghost town. Exhausted, both collapsed off to the side of the road panting heavily. Once they had their breath, they continued down the road.