---------------------------------------------------Chapter Nine-----------------------------------------------
The Black Slayer
Free Time, Drunks, and Another Chapter
Jessica
dilly_freak7_7@hotmail.com
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I walked back to my room to find Dilandau sitting in a chair, once again, sharpening his dagger. I walked over and sat in the chair next to him and put my head in my hand, my elbow on the table.
So when do I learn to throw a dagger?' I asked him.
Well, I never thought about showing you, but I guess it won't hurt' He sat up straight and took out his other dagger. First, you have to hold it right' he flicked the hilt and now held the weapon by its blade. It has to fly straight through the air, point first obviously. As I'm sure you've heard many times, it's all in the wrist. One flick and you can pin a fly to a wall' And with this, he gave a jerk of his wrist and the blade went flying into a crack in the wall. See?' I nodded. He handed me his other dagger. I held it between my finger and thumb as I had seen him do and focused on holding it steady. Now, try to throw it without nicking yourself' I twitched my wrist and the blade went flying, crashing hilt first into the wall and leaving me bleeding slightly. That's better than most on the first try. The way I throw is actually easier than other techniques. There's one way of throwing the dagger that requires it to spin the right number of times and hit a target. I haven't learned it that way, because I find it takes too much time and effort. With practice, you should be able to throw without a second's hesitation and hit accurately enough to kill with one blow' Here, he stood up and picked up the two blades, the second one worse for wear. Lets go somewhere with not quite so many breakable things' I didn't really consider any of my things too valuable, but agreed. We walked through the halls to a different chamber with an outside exit. This time, it was simply a very large window. He handed me one of the blades and I tried again. This time, the blade did implant itself in the wall, but about three feet from my target. At least I got the general throw right. He handed me the other blade and I took two steps forward before attempting another throw. The blade landed about one foot to the right of, and half a foot above, the other dagger. I pulled both out of the wall and tried again.
This went on for about an hour before the dagger flipped off the wall from my sheer lack of concentration and exhaustion. My knees almost gave under me and my eyelids drooped.
I think that's enough for today' I heard Dilandau say. He sounded so very far away. I nodded. Then my head dropped onto my chest and I almost fell to my knees, and would have if he had not caught me. My arms were lax and I couldn't feel my hands any more. I felt him pick me up and vaguely noticed the look of anxiety on his face.
That's ok' I said mistily (I was half out of it, oki?) I'll get back on my own' I pushed myself out of his arms and tumbled to the floor. The last thing I saw was the blinding ceiling lights before I was asleep.
I woke up in a room, but it wasn't mine. It was too big, and there was an extra bed in it. Then I remembered what happened yesterday. I felt really confused about everything. I faced a really tough decision. There were about three guys that I couldn't get over in too close an area and that was bad. If all three of them were in a room at the same time with me, I'd probably pass out. There's almost every Slayer. I don't like all of them but I'm pretty sure they're still confused about having me around. There's Randy. I liked him a lot last year, and if he stayed the same, I'd probably still like him. I just think he's too skinny, and as far as I know not very strong, but he should be after a few weeks here. Then there's Dilandau. Oi! What a guy! He's hott, buff, he's got a major attitude, but I like that. I guess they all like me. I've seen way too many guys staring. Most of them go for looks alone. Randy never noticed me much last year, but is he in for a surprise! Okay, that was easy, but picking is hard. And what happens if I see Mark again? Man, I miss him. He was soo nice! How long have I been gone? I wondered suddenly. I guess about a week and a half now. Mom's going to be worried when I don't show for the concert at band camp. I have to go back sometime. I sat up and saw Dilandau sitting at the table watching me.
Hey' I said. Do I have to sit around today? Can I leave the vione for a little while?' I asked.
Yes. Today is a rest day and the other Slayers have already gone off on their own' he answered. I stood up and stretched. I walked over to my stuff and pulled out an outfit with Zibach colors so no one would question me. I stepped into the bathroom and changed. I brushed out my hair and groomed myself. Then I pulled Dilandau out of the chair and dragged him after me. I was headed to Randy's room so he won't feel left out. I let go of Dilandau's hand and knocked on the door. I could have gone in without permission, but I wasn't quite so rude. He answered the door almost immediately and stood stiffly at attention.
Hey. We're going to go to a town outside the vione. Wanna come?' I asked. He looked a bit nervous before answering.
All right' he said.
Don't worry. Today's a rest day. You don't have to give us so much respect' I grabbed both their wrists and dragged them off to the guymelef chamber. Then I remembered that Van had totaled my melef and I needed to get a new drag-energist. Oh well, I thought. I can get there myself.
I didn't have to worry about that because Dilandau could carry both of us on the outside of his melef. So we stepped on and he set the mecha to fly mode and we took off to a nearby town. The town was a supporter of Zibach, and every now and again Dilandau and his troops made visits to check up on the health of the town. Today was just a chance to relax. We landed near the edge of the forest and I hopped off the melef, followed closely by Randy. Dilandau put the stealth cloak over his Oreades and we started walking to the town.
So, are we in for any interesting surprises?' I asked.
There is a contest going on today. First, guymelef battles, then sparring' he told me.
Ooo! Fun! Can I enter?' I was really looking forward to a new challenge.
No, the contestants had to enter about a month earlier and have been through rigorous training. It simply wouldn't be fair to let you compete' He gave me a little half smile. Randy didn't say anything through the whole trip. We arrived at the gates, and the guards, recognizing the Slayer uniforms Randy and Dilandau wore, let us pass. We headed over to the arena where the fighting had already begun. The commenced fight was between a typical Alseides unit and another. The first, and seemingly better, was mostly red, and the second was deep blue. The fight went on for about five more minutes before the red unit gained the upper hand and took out the other melef. That was the last melef fight, so sparring was next. The first contestants were both men. The first one was a stocky man that wore silver armor in many places, though not enough to protect his whole body. The second fighter was slightly taller and very burly. My guess was that they'd be nearly matched for strength, the second having advantage of reach and speed, but that was only by the look of them. They took their positions and started sparring. The fight ended rather quickly when the stocky man disarmed the other. I continued to watch the sparring until I became immensely bored.
I'm going to find something to drink' I told Dilandau. He nodded and turned back to the present fight. Randy didn't notice me leave. I weaved my way through the stands until I found an exit. I headed to the nearest place that looked to have some sort of drinks available. I walked into the dimly lit tavern and took a seat near the end of the bar where I could look out on the rest of the room.
Miss? Is there something you would like to drink?' the bartender asked.
Yea, can you get me some brandy?' I replied. No, I don't drink, but I had had brandy before and needed something to wake me up. The bartender nodded and walked off to get my drink and see to some other customers. I looked around the dark room and saw about five men walking up to me, obviously drunk. The first to reach me took the seat next to mine just as the bartender brought me my drink.
Strong stuff for a girl, ain't it?' The man motioned to my drink.
Maybe' I answered. He hadn't really said anything to annoy me, but his stench was offending. He smiled and took a swig of the drink in his hand, which I guessed to be something along the lines of whisky. I took a sip of my drink and I found the sharpness welcoming. I was awake now.
Where you from?' he asked.
Can you tell me why you should know?'
Whoa! We got a tough one here boys!' He looked at his gang and they laughed like the idiots they were. I calmly took another sip of the brandy, but my hand was shaking slightly.
What? Are you scared of me?' he sneered as he leaned closer. I thought using this to my advantage would help. I put a scared look on my face and made my lower lip tremble in mock fear. He smiled again and leaned even closer, giving me a whiff of his foul breath. I pushed him away, and he smiled even more.
Please, leave me alone! I didn't do anything to you!' I begged.
Like that'll ever happen' he said as he smiled and leaned forward once again. I smashed my fist into his jaw at the last second, sending him tumbling into his friends. The pleading and frightened look was gone from my face, replaced with ice cold anger and an evil grin. The man fingered his lip where it had split and surged back to his feet. I flipped off the chair, smashing my boot into his jaw. He stumbled back again, but recovered and came at me again. I threw a quick left hook followed closely by another right uppercut, sending him sprawling on the floor faster than even I thought possible. The other people in the tavern quickly moved aside tables and chairs to make room for the spar. I walked back to the bar and downed the last of my brandy in one gulp and wiped my mouth. The man stood up and drew his sword. I smiled wider and laughed.
What is your name, fool?' I asked.
Hegar' he answered, even more enraged than before.
My name is Jessica, you can fear it, or honor it' I said.
What kind of name is that for a citizen of Zibach?' he sneered. I flashed daggers at him in an icy glare.
The kind of name that strikes fear in the hearts of the greatest sword masters of Gaea' I answered. I drew my sword as I ran forward, barely giving him time to block. I am the Black Dragon! The name of the greatest Draconian warrior, legend itself and older than Gaea. The Dragon's sword that knows no match, and defeats anything in its path!' With this, I sliced through the man's sword, having been fighting while I was talking. The man's followers charged forward and I blocked them all easily. I flipped over one, bringing him down with my sword, the one in front of him with my feet. I dropped to one knee as another charged me and flipped him over onto the first. I brought my heel down on his head and heard the crunch of bone. I had taken down all of them in about three minutes. I was standing, ready to fight when a dagger whizzed by my ear, implanting itself in something behind me. I whirled and saw the last man fall to the ground, the blade imbedded in his right eye. He was dead before he hit the floor. I turned to see Dilandau pushing his way through the crowd, many of which were exchanging money from betting on the fight.
Nice timing' I told him.
You probably would have gotten him yourself' He was followed by Randy who was having a bit more trouble than him with the crowd. He stepped out and froze at what he saw. Five dead, dying, or unconscious men lying on the floor at my feet. He turned a slight green color, but shook his head and fixed his features. I pulled the dagger out of the man's skull and headed towards the door. I gave the leader a good kick in the head, because he wasn't out yet, and heard him groan as he blacked out. We walked back through the crowd, who cautiously parted, and walked through the town. I dragged the boys off to the market section and bought a long wine red gown, a diamond tiara, and a pair of sandal type shoes to match the dress that were slightly darker. I found a diamond and ruby necklace that I simply adored and much to my surprise, Dilandau bought it for me. I decided that was enough, and we headed back to the melef since it was getting a little dark. We got back to the vione without any more trouble and I headed off to dinner with Dilandau and Randy.
Are there any upcoming balls or such parties?' I asked. Dilandau looked thoughtful before answering.
Yes, actually. Tomorrow there is a ball at the General Adelfus's mansion. I'd have to ask Folken what it's for' We got to the dining hall and ate dinner. I had left some tips for the cook, so it was slightly better than normal.
When dinner was over, I trudged back to my room, amazed at how tired I felt. I plopped down on my bed, not even bothering to change my clothes, and fell asleep instantly.
When I woke up to the alarm the next morning, I felt the after effects of the brandy and the wine I had decided to have at dinner. But, I only had a small headache, so I thought I could make it through the day. I stretched and put on my Slayer uniform. Dilandau had already left and I guessed that I was up a little late. I tied up my hair and headed to the training room. The rest of the Slayers were there, and Dilandau was talking to Guimel about something. Guimel was standing there like a deer in the headlights nodding his head at everything Dilandau said. He nodded one last time and joined the other Slayers. Dilandau noticed me and walked over.
Good morning' he said.
Same here' I said. What were you talking to Guimel about?' I asked.
I've been giving all the Slayers tips about the ball tonight so they don't screw it up for us. They're all pretty much idiots when it comes to manners' he grumbled. He was obviously in a bad mood. Your friend, Randy, seems to know something about the right behavior at a party, so I only told him a few extra things' He stifled a yawn and commanded Gatti over. I left them in a one sided conversation and found Randy standing in a corner. I walked over and smiled in greeting. I pulled my sword and so did he. We got in our fighting stances and I attacked first.
I charged and Randy blocked with a little difficulty. He attacked and I blocked. I attacked, he had trouble blocking. This went on for about three minutes before I knocked the sword from his hand.
Good job' I said. Not many people last very long against me' I gave him a half smile and he smiled back and went to get his sword. I had a chance to battle all the other Slayers before training was over. Then I decided I should test my skill once again on Dilandau. I walked up behind him and gave him a whack on the back with the flat of my blade. He turned instantly, drawing his sword and attacking. I blocked and with a smile attacked him again. We fought on and on until training was really supposed to be over, which was about another hour. All the other Slayers were in a circle watching, not really knowing who they wanted to win. Then when Dilandau attacked and I didn't have time to block, I did a back bend type thing and his sword passed over my chest. (can you say matrix'?) I put my hands down and flipped back up, knocking him in the jaw and forcing the Slayers behind me back. I whirled around and dropped again just as he attacked. I slammed my feet into his ankles, knocking him back, but not down. We were both breathing heavily and were drenched in sweat by now, but I felt like I could go on forever. Dilandau charged again and I rolled under his legs, kicking them from underneath him. He did a flip mid air and landed on his back instead of his face and jumped up again to block my charged. Our swords rammed together and I now had my face about an inch from his. He smiled and I smiled back.
How long do you think we've been going on?' I asked.
I think maybe about ten minutes'
Can't be. You wouldn't be so sweaty' I smiled mischievously. He caught me off guard and shoved me to the ground. I kept up the momentum and rolled back over my head. I wasn't fast enough because I had been fighting so long, and before I knew it, he had his sword to my neck and my arm pulled up my back. I felt his breath on the back of my neck, and a warm shiver went down my spine.
I didn't think you could last so long' he whispered.
Neither did I' I replied. I felt him stick his face in my hair and inhale.
If we were alone....' he started. But he was cut off by Folken who had just walked into the room. The Slayers parted respectfully and he walked up to us as Dilandau released me.
We have arrived near the General's home' he announced.
Good. Then, we should all get ready for the ball' Dilandau replied. Folken nodded and walked out.
Dismissed' Dilandau and I said at the same time. All the Slayers bowed and walked out.
ok, i didn't really know how to end that chapter, and i thought it SUCKED. o well, i try my best!o, and i know i made it sound like crouching tiger... ya you know, showing off in a fight with the sword and all. and matrix? don't ask me why I put it in there.
-Lil Pyro
