I'm back! Also, I really wanted to post this chapter since school starts tomorrow.

Chapter 10: Blood Sickness

"…fell, then passed out…" somewhere, there was a voice; the words were barely comprehensible. I kept my eyes closed, and listened for more, trying to identify the speaker. Meanwhile, my body felt like it was on fire, every inch of it burned, but there was something heavy on top of me. I moved to tear whatever it was off me, but since the heat didn't fade, I'm pretty sure my arms never got the message from my brain to move. Silently, I suffered, listening for more hushed voices.

"…told you not to teach her anything, no one knew what would happen, and now no one knows what's happening," the second voice was deeper, a picture of a face popped into my mind, but was gone before I could put a name to it. My head throbbed; did I hit it? The burning sensation continued, rising through my hands and feet into my limbs, and finally to my chest and into my throat. I felt my facial muscles grimace, as I choked on the heat. Wet tears ran down my cheeks, and someone was coughing. A thick fluid rose in the back of my throat, gagging me, causing me to retch for air. Seriously, someone turn me on my side, it's like the most basic thing you can do for someone who's passed out.

Gently, I felt two small hands roll me over, the hot liquid spilled out of my mouth, burning my cheek. Someone wiped my lips with a silky cloth and another pair of hands pushed my hair back from my face. Briefly, I thought, where was this kind of care freshman year of college? Yet, even my brain didn't seem to have time for sarcasm. I tried opening my eyes, but someone pushed then shut with their fingertips.

"I suggest you avoid me for the next few days, Goodfellow. Unless…" The voice was above me know, strong and firm and angry. I heard a door shut somewhere, and then a cold cloth was placed on my forehead. There was another discussion in the room, the same voice as before but now a gentler, almost meek voice was present. I couldn't hear the words, my brain was too busy screaming in pain. Something was pressed into my mouth, a few drops falling on my tongue, it tasted sweet, but strange. Nothing I was familiar with. I didn't think about it much longer, because before I knew it, I was out.

The second time I awoke, at least, I think it was the second time, my eyes opened and I cringed at the brightness of the room. Somehow, I was in my bedroom, blankets piled on top of me, strands of hair clinging to my face. The room smelled like sick, and all I could think of was how amazing a shower would be. Even if that shower was back in the dorms in the communal shower room with twenty other girls I would take it.

Numbly, I tugged at the blankets, cool air hit the bare skin of my arms. I was dressed in only a light cotton dress, and the tiles were cool beneath my feet as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. Sitting up now, my head swam and the room spun. I could feel vomit rise in the back of my throat, but I swallowed it down. I knew there was a bath somewhere in this room, but I didn't trust my legs to get me there.

"Tansy," I called, my voice was ruff and ragged. My throat burned from throwing up whatever it was before. I heaved myself off the bed, legs wobbly, and barely able to stand. "Tansy," I called again, louder this time, the door opened, but it wasn't Tansy on the other side. The girl looked older than me, her eyes were dark brown and almond shaped. Her hair the color of bark and her skin looked rough, but when she placed her hands on my arm to keep me up, they were soft.

"Why are you out of bed?" She asked, her voice was soft and breezy, but her grip was firm as she steadied me.

"Just need a bath," I muttered; even as I pulled myself to my full height I was still a good six inches shorter than her, "Who are you?"

"I go by Willow," She replied; gently, leading me in the direction of the tub, at least I think. "You've been out for days, and we were worried that,"

"Wait what?" I asked; I tripped over seemingly nothing as she spoke, but Willow hoisted me up. I mean seriously? Way to be a clutz, Emily.

"You've been unresponsive for three days, the few times you woke up, you were either completely incoherent or sick; we thought you wouldn't survive," She stammered, "please, let me call for help, I'll get some of my sisters and Tansy to take care of you, this whole ordeal hasn't been easy, and you might not be ready for,"

"For what?" The words came out harsher than I wanted, but she was obviously beating around the bush about something and I was so sick of people not being straight with me that I wanted to scream. "Whatever it is, I swear you can tell me." I tried to soften my voice, but I don't think it did much good.

"You wanted a bath right? Please, let me just help first before we talk logistics," she rambled, obviously trying to avoid the direction of the conversation that I was trying to follow. I looked down at the tub as Willow turned the copper knobs and let steaming water flow. The sound was almost hypnotic to me, and I silently agreed: bath first, logistics, or whatever after.

I must have dozed off, because when I awoke, the water was luke-warm, and my fingertips looked like prunes. I sighed and stretched, arching my back, the water lapping at my skin. I never realized how sore puking your guts out made a person, and my body still felt a little achy. There was a quick rap on the door, and in walked Tansy, completely unaffected by me sitting in the tub. Not that she could really see anything, since I had sunk down to my chin in the water.

"I just wanted to check on you, my lady." She explained, her voice streaked with nervousness.

"Please, just call me Emily," I responded, letting a friendly tone seep into my words. Maybe this charmspeaking thing worked on emotions too.

While the nervousness vanished from the air, Tansy's overly polite demeanor didn't. "I apologize, my lady. Also, your bed has been turned down; new sheets and everything. There's some fruit as well, I've been told that although it's from the Seelie court it shouldn't have any ill effects on you. Not like before," She said, once again, I got the feeling that people were hiding things from me.

"Tansy, can you please just tell me what is going on?" I asked; Tansy's eyes were on the floor as she walked over to some drawers and pulled out the fluffiest towel I'd ever seen.

"I don't believe it's my place to say, my lady." She spoke more to the towel than to me. I grabbed the towel when she offered it, waiting for her to evert her eyes. When she did, I stood quickly and wrapped the towel around myself and stepped out of the tub. The whole ordeal was a lot less graceful than I made it sound, probably because my head was still spinning and the speed didn't help.

"Then get me someone who can," I asked, not intending it to sound like an order, but it did.

"Would you like to meet with the king?" Tansy asked; I scrunched up my face in response.

"No," I answered, the last person I wanted to see was the one who started all this. I thought back to the few wisps of conversation I had heard during my haze. Oberon had been there, I realized that now, warning against something. My irritation at the man grew until it was a living substance hanging in the air, cautiously I brought it under control. "Bring Goodfellow to my room, he seems to know all the secrets around here," I muttered; Tansy didn't reply, she simply left the room, leaving me to myself. I turned towards the bathroom counter, white marbled faceted with flecks of gold and silver, and on top of it, making me more exciting than a tween at a Justin Bieber concert, a toothbrush. Of all the things I've seen in this world why had my mind skipped over the little things. Sure it had probably been there before, but after three day of being sick it was like seeing heaven. Haha, wow, I sound like an idiot.

I went through a normal morning routine of brushing and rinsing my teeth, followed by dragging a brush though my wet hair which somehow slid through the tangled strands without so much as tug at my scalp. When the steam finally cleared from the mirror though, I froze.

Staring back at me, was a creature that didn't exist three days ago. It was me but it wasn't. The changes I had seen when Lady Weaver had fashioned me the dress were still there, but even more so now. My eyes were bright, they looked like tiny brown and green starbursts around the pupil, flecked with gold; my cheekbones resembled the girls who had been basking in the sun when I had learned how to utilize glamour, and my body seemed leaner, not taller, just leaner, kind of like a false resemblance of height. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. Cautiously, I bit my lip, and moved strands of hair out of the way till I could see my ear. I wish I could say I was surprised but I wasn't; at the top of the cartilage, was a point, just like every other fey I'd seen here. I rested my hands against the counter, and took a breath. No point in crying now, I thought, blinking back tears. Now I needed answers, heck, I deserved some answers.

Resting on the counter were some clothes Tansy must have placed for me. I slipped into white cotton pants that hung low at the waist, and a flowy top the color of lilacs. I guess I have to give credit, where credit is due, these were probably the most comfy clothes I'd ever wore.

Walking out into my room, I steadied myself against the door frame, if this was going to work I needed to be calm, and most of all, not let any pesky emotions screw it up. I sort of had a plan, not a real one, but I figured it was worth a shot. Theoretically, it should work if my previous contemplations were correct. If you haven't figured it out yet, this is me stalling for time. I swallowed, and focused on controlling my facial features, and then stepped out to face him.

Puck sat on one of the old fashion love seats. You know, the ones you see in the bedrooms of rich people in TV shows and movies? Except this was my room. His hands behind his head, he almost looked asleep, but as soon as I entered, his eyes opened. The room was completely void of emotion, and I was struggling not to let my own nervousness seep out.

"I really shouldn't be here," he commented, seemingly to no one in particular; I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard after all.

"Then why are you here?" I asked, trying to make my voice seem light.

"Curiosity," he muttered while he stretched, letting his arms hang on the back of the couch, "king pointy ears isn't exactly happy with me right now."

"Does it have something to do with the fact that you weren't supposed to teach me any of that glamour stuff?" I asked; I took a few steps towards him, and crossed my arms. He grinned at the realization that I had overheard his and Oberon's previous conversation.

"Probably," he replied.

"Does the glamour have anything to do with me getting sick?"

"Looks like it," he smirked when I frowned at his response. I sighed exasperatedly, giving up on the whole guarding my feelings thing. It just wasn't my style.

"I need answers," I stated, trying not to let him turn this into a game. "Real answers," I tried, softening my tone, maybe I could get something genuine out of him for once.

"Depends on the questions you ask," he started; I rolled my eyes, and dropped my hands to my sides.

"You owe me this," I started.

"I don't owe you anything," He countered.

"You dragged me here, threw me into this mess, and apparently got me sick enough that Oberon was concerned," I fired back, trying to keep my volume under control, "at this point, how much damage can really be done if I actually know what's going on?" I tried to reason. I could see the laughter in his eyes, but his lips were sealed.

"I guess you have a point. What do you want to know?" If he had been human, I would have said he's being sarcastic from the sound of his words, but I guess that doesn't really work in this case.

"Everything," I stated; he laughed.

"That's kind of a lot. Hmm, I could start with my earliest memories. Although you'll have to help me with the dates, because those centuries tend to run together. When did humans last wear togas on an everyday basis?" I fisted my hands at my sides, biting my lip to try and refuse the urge to hit him. He smiled innocently up at me, but his eyes said he was toying with me.

"Fine, why did I get sick from the glamour?" I asked; he leaned back on the couch, stretching out his legs and I was vaguely aware that he could kick me if he wanted to. I hadn't realized I was that close to him.

"Straight to the fun stuff," he rambled, "I guess you could say it's your body going through a sort of transition. A violent one, but not a bad one," he added, giving me a teasing once over that I crossed my arms and glared at him in response to. "It looks like using glamour helped speed the process up."

"Why am I going through this transition?" I asked; there was a tiny voice in the back of my head that whispered that I may not like the answer.

"I doubt you want to know that,"

"Just tell me," I said, frustrated that my conscious and him seemed to agree. Whatever, when did I ever listen to my conscious anyways; he sighed, avoiding my gaze as he studied the ceiling.

"Because your fairie side is starting to reject your human blood." I must have looked at him with a dumb expression on my face because he went on to explain. "There's iron in human blood, not fairie; however, Oberon suspected that since you're more fey than human, your body would convert to a full blooded fey. It's like a war inside you, and not a fun one, since you were puking up blood for a solid two days." He finished; I must have looked appalled, because when he looked me in the eyes, there was pity there.

"I'm not human anymore?" My voice was small; I was ready to have a meltdown right there. If I was holding back a few tears before, then I was holding back a whole dam now.

"Partially, less than before, but that will disappear too." I could taste the regret in the air, but I wasn't sure if it was mine from asking the questions, or Puck's from giving the answers, maybe both. I wanted to collapse into bed, but I forced myself to stay standing.

"How can I stop it?" I asked; my words sounded hollow.

"I don't think you can now," He answered truthfully, of course he had too, but at least he wasn't trying to disguise the truth.

"Well if there was a way before, then let's try it now." There was hope in my voice, and Puck smiled at that, but I doubt he was going to take any action. Probably just humor me for a bit. "How could it have been stopped?" I asked.

"Now, I really shouldn't tell you that," His smirk was back; but I wasn't giving up that easy. I took a few steps to close the distance between us, arms still crossed, I leaned over slightly, and he looked up at me.

"Why stop now, how much more damage could you possibly cause?" I asked; fully aware of the minimal distance between us. This time now, it was my turn to use it to my advantage. A few strange of my hair fell loose and briefly brushed his face, I didn't move to tuck it back behind my ear though.

"That sounds like a challenge," he murmured.

"You could always sneak me out of here. That would cause an uproar, I bet." I suggested.

"Except, that I would have to deal with the fall out. And keeping you here is a lot easier than sneaking you out," he replied; neither of us made a move to close the distance. It was like a game, trying to outlast the other's control.

"I don't want to be here."

"You belong here,"

"I want to stay human,"

"You're hardly human now." At that, I was wondering if this was going to go one forever.

"Then let me cling to the little humanity I have left." I asked. Pleaded. I could feel tears sting my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. I hadn't realized how much I missed home until now, but I wasn't going to break. "Please, just get me home," The words were barely a whisper as I brushed my lips over his. I was struggling to keep myself under control. My heart felt like a bird stuck in a cage, and it was increasingly difficult to keep my emotions in check, but I figured if there was any time to let them be free, now was probably it.

I let my hands rest on Puck's shoulders as his own wrapped around my waist, pulling me into his lap so that I was straddling him. There was a teeny tiny, almost insignificant voice yelling in the back of my mind, "Stop! Stop! Stop!" But I pushed it behind a mental door and locked it. Softly, I pressed my lips against his, trying to remain the one in control of all of this. I could feel the warmth of his skin through his shirt, and his hands felt like brands on my sides; feeling hotter as his grip tightened.

Before I realized what had happened, I was tossed on the couch, the wind practically knocked out of me, and before I could sit up, Puck was on top of me, one hand behind my head, his fingers tangled in my hair, and the other to the side of me, holding most of his weight off of me. His legs tangled with my own, and I only caught a flash of a wicked grin before he leaned down and kissed me. I pressed my hands against his chest at first in an effort to push him off, but soon I found myself lost in the kiss. Maybe a distraction was in order? Just for a little bit? His muscles beneath my hands seemed to tense, and not even a second later the fingers wrapped in my hair grabbed at the golden strands and pulled, successfully exposing my neck, while making me gasp at the pleasure-pain sensation.

I felt his lips trail lightly against the skin on my neck, pressing a teasing kiss to my collarbone. His warm breath tickled my skin, and I was vaguely aware of the smile on my face. Was I really happy or just enthralled? The thought vanished as I felt his lips trail back up my neck, leaving teasing kisses in his wake. If he hadn't had a hold of my hair still, keeping me firmly in place, and not to mention at his sensual mercy, I might have tried escaping the situation. There was also the fact that I didn't really want to escape.

Gently, he pressed his body against mine, and I grabbed at his shirt in response, dragging my fingers against his skin as I did. My new ability to sense emotions seemed to have shot through the roof. Passion, joy, and playfulness all seemed to dance in the air, teasing my skin at their touch. My attention was drawn back to Puck as he kissed my jaw, and then I could feel his breath on my neck by my ear.

"I told you before, those charmspeaking tricks don't work on me," My eyes seemed to snap open at his words, my head cleared, sort of, and I felt my spirit drop at the realization that my plan had failed. He released his grip on my hair, and suddenly I was looking up at him. His green eyes hovered above mine, a dangerous look in them. The hand that had been tangled in my hair now cradled the side of my face. His skin gentle and warm against mine. He leaned in, and placed a single kiss against my lips. I could feel him smirk at the same time I found myself blushing. "Nice try, princess. But I can't help you escape from here."

At that, I felt his body lift off my own, and before I knew it he was standing beside the couch, faster than I could follow and then half way out the door. He turned and gave me a playful wave, "you're getting better with harnessing your powers, but you should rest up. I wouldn't want to be responsible for tiring you out." He winked at me, yes, honest to God, winked at me, and left the room, the door quietly closing shut behind him.

I sat on the couch, completely baffled, for a few minutes. What just happened? Yes, I know what I was trying to do, I didn't expect it to turn on me though. I blushed at the thought, and then groaned in frustration. Guess I'm on my own for escaping this hell hole.

Ta-da! Another chapter done. This one was pretty fun to write, and I realize that some people may think Puck's being kind of a dick, but Emily is kind of the character whose sarcastic, smart-ass, and likes to kind of tease herself, (as evidenced by previously mentioned things), so it's kind of like her getting a taste of her own medicine.

Anyways review please! I'll try and get the next chapter up soon.