Ascend
By: blue lady
Chapter Nine – Return
"Here's some fresh bread. Oh! Of course we cannot forget the peach preservatives! Oh! And is that enough apple crumble for you, dear?"
I couldn't help but laugh as I watched Sera-san continue to load tremendous amounts of food into Gourry-san's arms as all our bags were already filled to the brim with Sera-san's fresh goodies.
"Sera-san, don't worry. We have enough money to pay for food along the way." I said, noticing how Gourry-san struggled with his bundle.
Sera-san snorted, "You mean those seedy, overpriced taverns and inns? No! There's no way I am letting you eat such unhealthy things!"
"Yeah, Amelia you don't want us the get sick! Keep them coming Auntie!" Lina agreed her eyes gleaming with glee. Lina-san grunted a little as she tried to pack up her knapsack, which immediately ripped at the bottom causing all its contents to spill out.
"Oh no! My food!"
I sighed in exasperation before breaking out into a fit of giggles.
The sun was already setting before Sera-san would finally let us go. Wiping tears from her eyes, she give each of us another tight hug.
"Take care of yourselves. Also I'll be excepting a visit from you kids every once and awhile."
"Of course, Auntie! We'll make sure to come back!" Lina-san said, winking at her. Gourry-san nodded enthusiastically though it was hard to see the swordman's head behind the overflowing bags of food.
"Oh, I almost forgot." I said, mentally scolding myself, "I am going to have my birthday celebration several months from now. Please promise you'll come."
"Of course I will, silly girl! The Darklords themselves couldn't stop me!"
I couldn't help but give Sera-san another embrace, before finally looking into her shining blue eyes "Thank you, Sera-san."
Her eyes brimmed with tears once more as she gently pushed me away, "On with you now. I have already detained you long enough."
Shouting and waving our Good-byes we started down the road. I turned around one last time watching as the lone figure of Sera-san and the place that had been my home for the past year disappear into the distance.
"You guys, don't have to escort me back home, you know?" I stated, watching them ravenously devour the food around them.
"I guess it was smart of Sera-san to make us pack so much food." I mused silently to myself.
"I thought we talk about this already." Lina-san said, sputtering chewed-up apple pie everywhere, "Besides, it's too dangerous for you to travel alone. You being the soon-to-be Crown Princess of Seyruun and all! Besides, there no way I am going to miss a royal celebration. Don't you know that a royal celebration means? It means lots and lots of food!"
I shook my head even eating Lina-san was still thinking of food.
"Besides you also promise us that the chefs back at the palace will be at our every whim! Don't tell me you're backing out?" Lina-san asked.
"How can you say that! A champion of Justice always keeps her word!" I said striking a pose.
Lina-san smiled at me before patting me on the shoulder, "Nice to have you back, Amelia."
Gourry-san nodded his head in agreement, giving me a bright smile before returning to his blueberry muffins. I smiled to myself, glad at the fact that when I return to Seyruun I would have Lina-san and Gourry-san with me to face the hectic months ahead. I rubbed at the area above my left eye, remembering all that lay before me. I had really pushed back my return, leaving me only three months to plan my birthday celebration, the coronation, and my first meeting with Clarence Sol Alsenurn, my future husband.
"I think that was a long enough break. Shall we get going then?" I said, picking up my bag, "We still have five days of travel ahead of us."
Author's NotesIt's the long awaited chapter nine! I know it's short, so I had typed out chapter ten for you guys before uploading this, so go read. Chapter nine and ten are basically just transition chapters so bear with me. Chapter Ten is a bit more interesting then this. Please read and review. Now to chapter ten!