DISCLAIMER: I do not own Diablo

Summary: If you don't have a buddy in this crazy world where zombies roam, magic resides, and a demon lord wants to kick the world's ass, you might as well get picked up by a pirate ninja

Warning: Swearing. Blood. Smiles.

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When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.-Henri Nouwen


CHAPTER 8: Friendly Memories


We didn't find the waypoint.

Zink didn't look the least bit bothered by this, nor did Eve, but I was freaking out. Because even though we had portals, apparently horses couldn't go through them much like demons couldn't. Waypoints were one thing, but it was only demons that were repelled by its magic. And because we haven't found one, we couldn't really drag our horses into the caverns that connected Stony Field to the Dark Wood.

Zink's solution?

Raid a house.

I was astonished to even find a house still intact here. Eve gave a brief explanation that the land used to be owned by farmers until the Evil came (I capitalize it because she emphasized just as creepily). The owners were nowhere to be found- I ignored Eve's list of where they could be- and settled with claiming a room opposite theirs. We left our horses tied up to the side of the house but kept any lights out in case of enemies.

To my surprise, Eve bunked with Zink. There were four rooms in the house, and even if it was only one story, it seemed moderately big. Unfortunately, all the cupboards were emptied and not a single grain of life seemed to reside there. The only thing that seemed comforting was the cobwebs on the ceiling.

I couldn't fall asleep.

My room was obviously small, while the girls got the master one. There was a single window that overlooked the plains below, a closet, dresser, and mirror. The door was left open a crack to let the candlelight from the hallway peak in (I was scared, okay? Give me a break). I was a bit envious the girls were together, sleeping soundly- I could tell from Zink's obnoxious snoring.

Eve seemed to trust Zink and vice versa. It just seemed like idiocy and monotony clicked.

Sighing, I rolled onto my side. Why the hell was I even out here? It was scary to know that monsters and demons and flipping zombies could be lumbering right onto our doorstep. Hell, they'd probably slit our throat during the night!

I gulped, despairing the thought. I tried vainly to think of how Zink or Eve would hear them before they came. Zink would protect me, right?

I wanted to slap myself. Really? I was relying on her when I was (going to be) a kick ass sorcerer?

The parchment suddenly entered my mind. The one Zink had gotten me. I quietly removed my covers, hesitating to grab my backpack from under the bed and retrieve the paper. The spell written on it seemed as clear as day.

Fihellios.

I raised an eyebrow, quietly whispering it out, "Fee-ell-ios. Fihellios."

I blinked. Then twice.

It seemed similar to the last spell, which Zink translated it as 'Fire Bolt' or something. I mean, it started with the basic syllable for fire right? So was Zink getting me set as a fire mage?

Shrugging, I retrieved my staff, running the name over my tongue again and again. To my dismay, nothing happened. There was no grand explosion or light from god sparking from it. It remained silent and cold in my grasp. Frustrated, I said it again, jumping when my staff stared to emit a faint orange glow.

I touched it, mesmerized. It was warm to the touch and I already felt my worries and stress melt away. The cold room felt warm and cozy and my energy I had before seemed to be increasing.

"I knew I felt magic."

I jumped with a yelp, the light diminishing as I snapped my head to the door. Zink was there, smirking at me with her arms crossed. I huffed.

"You said to try."

"That I did. I'm surprised you got it so early."

I grumbled, murmuring the spell again and watching as the room was a lit with the strange glow again, "What's it doing?"

"It's called 'Warmth'." She stared at the tip of my staff, "It energizes the wielder and those around him. It doesn't cost a lot of mana either. In fact, it's been proven with practice to actually improve your mana levels. Gives you more spells to cast."

I gaped; awed at the spell I was able to cast, but then frowned, "Am I only going to learn fire spells?"

Zink snickered, "Haven't you noticed? You can't understand lightning or cold spells that well. Fire comes naturally to you. That's why you don't see that many double talented wizards running around. Those that do are pretty powerful or very stupid to waste their time."

I watched as the glow faded before nodding. With a yawn, I stuff the parchment and my staff back into my backpack, "Didn't Eve say that the stones to get to Tristram are around here somewhere?"

"Yeah, but there's a gatekeeper." She walked in, surprising me when she sat at the end of my bed, "I'd rather fight them and be done with it and not have to keep going back to finish them off when we do figure out the code."

I huffed, "Lazy hag."

She snorted, ruffling my hair as I angrily swatted her hand away. She grinned, before her eyes snapped to the window. I blinked, following her gaze. It was too dark outside to see anything. I turned back, and for a split second I thought the natural smile she had was a frown. It was gone before I could believe what I was seeing.

"Any luck with your memories?"

I was actually a bit touched she cared but shook my head. I bit my lip, wondering if I should tell her my theories about where I came from but decided she'd just call me a stupid kid again. Zink wouldn't believe me…right?

"Well," Her gaze shifted back out the window before she turned to the door, "Get some sleep. You're gonna need every bit of it come tomorrow."

I didn't like the sound of it, but none the less crawled under my covers. Before she could go, my mouth moved on its own accord, "Good night, Zink."

She paused at the doorway, before tilting back and giving me a smile, "Good night, Brave."

And she was gone.

I fell asleep soundly, clutching my necklace tightly in hand.

Good night.


Next Chapter: Fiery Friendship. Or in which fire seems to become a regular issue with the group. And explosions.

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