Chapter Eleven
Once I got out of the washroom Laxus was already at the front of the guild waiting and the Master, I'm assuming, was in his office. Wendy was still in the infirmary waiting for me. The clothes I am borrowing this time seem to belong to Erza. Rather simple, but still flattering and, luckily, no armor. I hope I don't end up making a habit of wearing other peoples clothes.
So, now Laxus, Wendy and myself were walking through the forest towards Polyusica's home. It's quiet other than the sounds of twigs and pinecones being crushed beneath our feet. Wendy walked a little behind me and kept watching me like she expected my legs to give out at any second, which she probably did. Laxus was walking about ten feet in front of us. Apparently Polyusica likes him enough that she won't throw a fit if she sees him before us. Wendy looked about ready to argue with him that Polyusica likes her just fine, but Laxus was already walking ahead.
Polyusica was outside when we got to her home, Laxus got through the trees first, and true to his word, she didn't start swinging her broom around telling him to leave. She did get a scowl on her face. When she saw me, her scowl only deepened. Once she saw Wendy, the scowl lightened up a bit. Not much, but enough to show that she liked Wendy far more than either me or Laxus.
"What is it you want?" Her voice was annoyed. At least she wasn't chasing us away.
"Polyusica, I used one of the healing spells that Grandine gave to you and we were hoping you had some knowledge on it." Wendy's voice held a slightly smug tone.
Polyusica looked at Laxus and myself long and hard. After a few minutes of observing, she sighed, nodded and walked over to a few large roots and sat down. We all followed and sat down across from her.
"The only spell that was in those papers that involved two people and the healer was the 'Link' spell, am I correct in assuming that's the spell you used?"
"Yes. Lucy was dying and we were out on a job in a different city so we weren't going to make it back to the guild, Laxus and the Raijinshuu were there, it was the only spell I could think of that could help her."
"Depending on the extent of her injuries, that's probably true. So, if you already know the nature of the spell, why are you here?"
"She started using my magic." Laxus spoke up in his gruff tone. "She didn't even notice when she did."
Wendy looked to him then back to Polyusica. "We were hoping you could tell us how long they are going to be linked, and whether or not Lucy would continue to use Laxus' magic even after the spell has worn off."
Polyusica slowly nodded, then looked to me, "Come here, girl."
I stood and walked the short distance to her and stopped once she waved her hand.
"Why did you use his magic?" I raised an eyebrow.
"The spell."
"Not that, what was going on when you used it?"
"Oh, well, I asked who I was linked to and everyone in the room refused to answer, I lost my patience, hit a table, and then there were scorch marks on the ceiling and table."
"You're friends with the fire dragon slayer and the ice mage, aren't you? So normally you're a beyond patient person, so that comes from the boy," turning to Laxus she said, "about how patient are you, usually?"
I answered before he could even open his mouth, "He didn't even want to wait five minutes for me to tie up a mage Wendy and I had to capture."
The look of complete and utter guilt that crossed his face made me regret saying anything.
"I see." Polyusica continued. "Wait here." She then got up and went into her house.
We could hear her rummaging through several cupboards. After a minute she came out holding a rather large knife.
"How long has it been since the spell was cast?" Polyusica asked once she was standing in front of me again.
I looked to Wendy as she answered, "Right about forty hours now."
"Give me your hand, girl." I looked back at Polyusica and saw her holding out her hand while the other held up the knife. I automatically flinched my hands away.
"Calm down, she's just gonna cut you to see how fast you'll heal." I turned to look completely at Laxus.
"Well then why can't you be the one to get cut?"
"I am going to cut him, too, if that makes you feel any better."
"Oddly enough, it does." I said and turned towards her and held out my hand.
Polyusica pressed the knife to my palm and sliced the knife through the skin, holding my hand in place when I wanted to pull away again. Almost immediately the pain was gone. Polyusica let go and walked over to Laxus, who already had his hand open for her. She cut into him with the same quick motion then after a few seconds turned and walked back to her root.
"Well, you two may as well be one person with how strong the spell is. I wouldn't be surprised if you felt eachother's emotions or heard the other's thoughts. The spell will keep you two connected for a minimum of half a year. I haven't a clue about whether or not you will keep the lightning magic after it's all over, so I suggest you learn to use it." And with that Polyusica stood and went back to her house. We hung around a few extra minutes and when she didn't come back out, we left.
Happy Birthday to me and to all of my muses that share it with me!
Ya, still a bit shorter than I would have liked for all of you. Feel free to feel a little disappointment.
And since I probably won't have another chapter up before then, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Winter Solstice, St Stephen's day, and anything else I may have missed.
I hope to see you all in the New Year. Bye Bye until then.