El Hazard: Continuations Chapter 2 "Today is a fateful day." Afura glanced at the astrology section in the Shinjuku Times and tossed the old newspaper into a nearby garbage can. *Taking a day off is nice. I love my work at the restaurant but it gets tedious after a while.* Afura looked down at the most recent addition to her blank book collection. Her notebooks of background information on El Hazard was numbering about eight now. *I was always thinking of doing an encyclopedia on El Hazard, one more concise than those ridiculous long winded....* Afura climbed the last step of the temple. *Wow...that really works the thigh muscles. Hmmm...I'm getting too old for this. Maybe I should start flying up.* "Oh Afura-san!" One of the young priestesses ran up to her. "You have a visitor. He said that he'd wait until you came back so I told him that he could wait in your room." "Thanks." *Idiot!* "Did he say what his name is?" "I have no idea. He said he was a friend and started rambling about something....I wasn't really paying attention...." Afura managed a slight grin and then stalked off. *Yeesh. Why can't this temple have more sensible people. Oh well, I guess that's because most of these priestesses are new at their job.* Afura opened the door of her room. At the desk was a familiar young man deeply engrossed in one of the books she had written about El Hazard. "Excuse me!" Afura snatched the book out of Takuya's hands and then smacked him on the head with it. "..And what do you think you're doing!" "Afuuuuurrrraaaaoneechan why did you hittttt meeee." *Oh God. Did he just call me older sister?* "Takuya, what on earth are you doing here?" Takuya sniffed and then responded. "Well..you leave....appear on my doorstep a week later and then don't visit for OVER TWO MONTHS ANNDDDD you don't even bother to tell me where I can find my beloved PALNUS! Oooh Palnus! Don't worry, absence makes the heart grow fonder...." "Takuya..." *Are you still going on about this? Why don't you get it that Palnus is a GUY! MALE GAHHHHHHHH!* "What happened to her, Afura. Where is she??? Why did you come back to my house without her? Where is my BELOVED...." Takuya was beginning to get very exasperating. Afura sighed. "Look, Takuya. I don't know where....she is honestly. If I did, I would have talked to....her by now, but I don't know so I haven't." "Ohhh..." Takuya looked down, feeling down-hearted. "You don't believe me?" Takuya took a long time to look at Afura before continuing. "I believe you." And there was silence. "Listen Afura, just forget that I brought this up..." He paused for a while. "...let's change the topic. I've been reading this background story that you've written and it's fantastic! So detailed, so creative! Maybe you should consider writing and publishing a novel....." "A novel?" "Yeah. A fantasy piece. I bet you could make a lot of money!" "......." "Really, Afura. Your work is amazing. It's like music...I mean..." *Argh, spare me!* "Okay, okay I understand. Listen, I have a rough copy of....a story I wrote, wanna take a look at it?" "Really?" Takuya looked up excitedly. "Yes really." ********************************** There was a quaint little museum a few blocks away from where Shinonome High School was. From the outside, it didn't seem like much but it happened to be the museum which housed artifacts and bits of ruins found underneath the Shinonome High several years ago. "You must really like ancient history. I bet you are a student majoring in ancient history." "Ummm...it's a long story," *Busybody!*the young man stammered to the old security guard who went back to his job. Akira Kanzaki gaped at the tall statue in the Special Exhibit room. Draped in clothes of an ancient warrior; it looked majestic and had a peculiar turban wrapped around its head. Next to it was some kind of staff. Akira was more interested in the ancient El Hazardian writing in the tablet next to the figure. "A-B-Z-A-H-A-I. Or something like that." He muttered and continued reading; trying his darndest best to translate the squiggly writing. "...whoever controls...controls....everything......." "Didn't know you had an interest in ancient history, Akira Kanzaki? Or should I say G'ran, your real Phantom Tribe name?" Akira looked nervously to see Kalia standing behind and smiling at him. "Looks like you are adapting well to life in Japan." Akira nodded. He looked at her for a while. She seemed okay and didn't seem to have any harmful intent. There was an air of rare sincerity he hadn't seen in her since the last time they were working together under Lord Lagus. "Yes Kalia, looks like everything is going on well with you too." "Well, it was nice to meet you here. I got to go. See ya." Smiling pleasantly, Kalia breezed out of the exit. Akira breathed a sigh of relief. *Probably was a good thing that she didn't ask too many questions.* ********************************* "So nice of you to invite us over for dinner." Alielle commented while munching on some lettuce. "Mmmbrpph...uummmm..mmmm..ffxmmm" Palnus was stuffing his face with food. Bits of roast beef could be seen sticking out of his mouth and in both an amusing and also disgusting way. Alielle whacked him on the head and some food fell out of his mouth. "Oh, it's nothing. Makoto did most of the cooking." "Yeah Ifurita. But you were the one who baked the pie." "I just used my memory sensors to scan and memorize what I saw in the local cooking show on TV. I was merely reproducing what they showed." Ura wasn't paying attention to any of the details of the conversation on the table as she hungrily wolfed down some sardines. "So, I hope everything's going on well for both of you." Makoto Mizuhara looked earnestly at Alielle and Palnus. "Well. So far so good. Palnus here needs to tone down on his girl-chasing." *My brother is an idiot.* "........." *Look who's talking.* After giving Alielle a strange look that said (screamed?) "same to you", Palnus continued to munch on his lettuce. "Though there were the ups and downs while we were in El Hazard, I did have many memories of it," Makoto looked on nostalgically. "Memories? There were plenty." Palnus was now looking up and thinking. "Then there was the time in Creteria." "Yeah, that vain Dall Narciss and the stern Gilda. I remember her locking up Fatora in a cage." Alielle interrupted. "Creteria was tough but life in Japan was initially tougher." "Yeah, I remember working in the restaurant under the old hag," Palnus said while bending over to try to get some sweet sauce. "Afura's still single. Wonder why you didn't make your moves on her while you were staying with her?" Palnus responded to Alielle's remark by staring (glaring?) at her and after a while, he went back to his food. "I propose a toast. A toast to El Hazard." Makoto raised his glass. "It's like a dream of those who remember," Ifurita added. ************************************** "From Rune Venus? Delivered to you by Sir Londs' own hand?" The Harpo Bugrom nodded as he handed the ornate scroll to his queen. She broke the seal and unrolled the document, frowning. "In Lord Jinnai's language....I wish he were here now. This 'Japanese' is still so difficult for me." She read silently for a few moments. "It seems to be about a meeting: a secret meeting between Rune Venus, myself and Londs. And Lord Fujisawa and Lady Nanami will act as the...." she paused, scowling at the unfamiliar word. The Harpo Bugrom chattered helpfully. Diva shook her head. "No, not caterers. I think it must be translators. Still, allies or not, I must consult Lord Jinnai about this. And I want another translator there. Someone who has the interests of the Bugrom at heart." The Harpo Bugrom chattered again. "No. Groucho's Japanese is good, but not good enough. I need someone fluent, so that there is no mistake. I would like to bring Groucho along though, and I am sure Lord Jinnai would agree." She cut the Harpo's suggestion off in mid-buzz. "Lord Jinnai is fluent of course, and there is no one more loyal to the Bugrom. But with Nanami there...." she sighed. "I know his feelings about her. The servants would need to mop up the blood in the morning. What we need is someone fluent, loyal and yet impartial." Suddenly her eyes widened. "Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? MY daughter is fluent in bout of our languages! She could translate for us!" The Harpo looked aside, a large drop of sweat trickling down his face. The fingers on his four hands fidgeted nervously. He muttered something in a low voice. Diva raised an eyebrow, and her antennae quivered slightly. "Well...there may be soldiers there; and there probably would be, for our protection. But how could Lord Jinnai object to that? He knows that not all the Roshtarians have been pleased with this alliance. In any case, Inari is a warrior and a Bugrom Princess. She understands discipline and self-restraint." The Harpo Bugrom nodded deferentially as another sweatdrop rolled down his head. A moment later, a Margaret Bugrom hurried in, saving him from further embarassment. ************************************ The setting sun was burnishing the golden minarets of Roshtaria as Masamichi Fujisawa hurried to catch up with his wife. "Miz is gonna be wondering what's keeping me. Guess I better take a shortcut." He cut through the alleyways, dodging squashed fruit, stray cats, and anything anyone decided to dump out of the windows. After awhile, the alleys began to grow darker and quieter, with peeling paint and black, yawning windows. Mr. Fujisawa skidded to a halt. "Where the heck am I? This is the problem with the city - can't orient yourself! I can't even find a tree to see what side the moss is growing on! Wonder if there's a bar 'round here where I can ask for directions?" There was a crash up ahead. "Hey! That's her! Get her!" "Yeah! Come on! It's four against one! She ain't got a chance!" More crashing, and the sound of running feet. Mr. Fujisawa sighed. "Aw, geez. Miz is gonna kill me." He sprinted towards the sound, and rounded the corner to find himself in a large open square, with several dilapidated market stalls closed up for the night. One of the stalls had been knocked over by four Roshtarian men, who were slowly advancing on a lone, dark-haired girl. Mr. Fujisawa picked up one of the broken beams. "Hey, you guys, ever play a little Japanese baseball?" The men spun as Mr. Fujisawa laid one of them out flat. "Strike one!" "Who the hell?" snarled one of his attackers, as another crack sent a second man flying. "Strike two!" shouted Mr. Fujisawa as the man went end-over-end into another stall. One of the men was already pelting for safety. The fourth charged Mr. Fujisawa, roaring with fury, and Mr. Fujisawa charged him right back, yelling like a samurai in full battle cry. As he prepared to leap, his foot suddenly shot out from under him, smeared with crushed fruit from a nearby stall. He landed, half-stunned, as his attacker sprang. "Strike three!" a female voice shouted, and Mr. Fujisawa had a vision of a winged harpy, landing the man with a hit worthy of the Tokyo Giants. The next thing he heard was that same female voice in peals of insane laughter. "That voice...that laugh! There can't be two people that laugh like that...can there?" He looked up at the black haired, silver winged harpy. "It's you, isn't it? Inari Jinnai!" Inari grabbed his arm and yanked him to his feet. "You were wonderful! Come on! I can't be found here!" She pulled him behind her. "Who were those guys?" he asked as they ran. "No idea! But we handled them, didn't we! Ha ha!" He was surprised at her strength, then and now. "Geez, you could have taught your dad a few things at the track meets!" "My father taught me everything - including Japanese baseball! And you're his teacher, aren't you? Masamichi Fujisawa!" "Yeah, well...even a great teacher fails once in a while." She skidded to a halt at last, and he was grateful for the breather. "It's true. Papa's tried to make me an invincible warrior, but I still walked into that ambush back there! It was foolish of me. You...you won't tell Papa, will you?" "Wasn't planning on seeing him at any parent teacher meetings, kid. You're secret's safe with me." "Oh, thank you! You know, you're just as strong as he said you were!" "He did?" Mr. Fujisawa smiled in surprise. "Yes. He said it's amazing, considering that you smoke like a factory and you're fried to the tonsils half the time." The smile disolved. "Why, that little..." "And where's your axe?" "My what?" "The old battle-axe Papa always says you're always dragging around. You call it Meez or something. Is that for good luck?" "Old battle axe?! Miz? I oughtta..." "You didn't leave it in the tavern with auntie Nanami, did you? I saw you there, and I was trying to get a peek at your wife at the other priestess. Didn't get a good look, though. Can I meet them someday? Papa says the priestesses came first, second and third in the all-Roshtarian Miss Ugly contest! They must be celebrities." "Kid..." Mr. Fujisawa smiled through his teeth. "I think it might be a good thing if we don't talk about your father anymore. He and I don't see eye-to-eye on everything." "Neither do he and I, actually. Mr. Fujisawa, do you know that he..." she stopped, looking at him closely. "Mr. Fujisawa, are you a father?" He blinked at the change of topic. "Wh-yeah, yeah I am. We've got a little boy. He's a great little slugger. Heh, heh. I'll probably be teaching him baseball pretty soon." Inari flushed with pleasure. "You like babies, don't you, Mr. Fujisawa? You want more of them, don't you?" "Well, yeah, sure, why not? Can't have too much of a good thing. Sure, I love babies." "So do I!" Inari cried. "But Papa doesn't. Dead set against it. I'm so lonely." She sighed, twisting her hands. Mr. Fujisawa looked at her. So Jinnai doesn't want any more kids, eh? Guess she's out of luck for brothers or sisters. But considering the way Katsuhiko and Nanami go at it, maybe that's a good thing. "Don't you have any friends, kid?" "Oh, lots of friends! Lots of Bugrom friends! But it's not the same thing..." she glanced up at him. "I wish you could be my teacher, Mr. Fujisawa. It's just that...I don't think Papa would approve. Oh, well. I guess all I'll ever know is baseball...and fighting." Mr. Fujisawa heard the pleading in her voice. There was something innocent about her - and it would be a crying shame if the only teacher she ever had were her father..."Well, I'd like to help you, kid, but I don't think my wife would go for it, and where on earth would we meet?" "Aunt Nanami's tavern! Papa never goes there! You could give me lessons there! She can keep a secret too!" Her strange, dark eyes flashed at him. "Oh, please let me be your student!" That was one plea he couldn't resist. "Ok, kid. You twisted my arm. You got a deal!" "Oh, you're the best!" She leapt up and kissed him. "Gotta get back! They'll be missing me!" And she turned and flitted off through the darkness. Mr. Fujisawa called after her. "You're sure you're gonna be all right? Hey..." but she was gone. Realizing her lipstick was on his face, he felt for a cloth to wipe it off. "Whew-Miz would have a fit if I came home with that on my face!" and shoved the cloth back into his pocket. "I better get a move-on too!" He raced off, and the tail-end of Miz's scarf flapped from his pocket as he ran. ******************************* Yassir ibn Hasan of Roshtaria stopped running and hid in the shadows, panting and cursing his luck. Four of them beaten by one man and a slip of a girl! If only he'd thought to use his dagger.... A soft, shocking voice made him whirl. "Don't be so hard on yourself, my friend. They weren't quite such easy prey as you thought." Yassir whipped out his dagger and peered into the gloom. Standing before him, as if it had suddenly dropped out of heaven, was the figure of a nobleman, cloak and hooded. Yassir could not see his face. "What do you want?" he hissed. "You saw the girl wandering the alleys, and thought to have some sport. But you didn't know who she was. You had a narrow escape, my friend." The silky voice from within the hood laughed. "She's no woman, she's a monster! She's the Bugrom princess. She'd have drunk your blood for breakfast and left your husk behind." Yassir stared. He had thought the wings were part of her garment, but those strange, cold, insect eyes of hers....he shuddered. "Th-then...my friends?" he stammered. "Mummies in sweet white thread by now, hanging in some giant web somewhere. Don't you know that's what the Bugrom do with our kind? What did you think they lived on?" "W-why...why are they here in our city, then? Why has Queen Rune Venus brought them here?" "She is surrounded by liars and traitors. Even now, that man who helped the Bugrom slut was one of her honored guests, the Lord Fujisawa. Rune Venus does not realize their threat, and neither does Roshtaria." Yassir peered back into the darkness, terrified by the silence. "But what can we do?" "We can fight back, my friend. We can alert Roshtaria to the danger, and strike at the Bugrom ourselves. Meet me at the market where you fought the girl tomorrow night, just after sunset. Bring some trusted friends with you, if you like. We'll make our plans then." Yassir hesitated, when a velvet gloved hand slid from the cloak, offered a bag that chinked and jingled heavily. "Courage, my friend! What price the saving of Roshtaria?" Yassir took the bag, opened it gingerly, and gasped in amazement at the fortune inside. "I-I'll come sir! You can depend on me! But who are...." There was a soft swish of wind. Yassir looked up to see that the stranger had vanished, as swiftly as he had come. ************************** Kalia had been sitting down in her room pondering. Makoto and Ifurita - two of the kindest people she had ever met. What did she ever do to get such good treatment? Her mind started to wander to various events in the past few months... =================================== "Uhh...almost there." Makoto puffed and panted while carrying some heavy furniture. He looked around Kalia's room. It was almost bare when she had first moved in ages ago. However with his help, he had been able to help her find some inexpensive second-hand furniture and now he was moving a dresser to a corner. Earlier today, he had also helped her paint her bedroom wall. "That looks great Makoto." Kalia was wearing a simple white T-shirt and some casual shorts. She beamed while she admired her own small studio apartment. "Makoto. I don't know how to thank you enough. You helped me to find a nice and inexpensive place to stay. You help me look for jobs. You helped me to look for inexpensive stuff and you even helped to decorate the room. Not only that, you also helped me to adapt to Japanese life and customs." Smiling sheepishly, Makoto grinned. "It's nothing at all. There are not too many rules to remember in Japanese custom. Just remember that Japanese people tend to avoid confrontations. Never make someone 'lose face' in public." Kalia silently observed Makoto as he helped her around her apartment. Such kind eyes. Such a sincere smile. Such honesty.... "There. That should do." Makoto's words woke her from her reverie. She reached out to touch the wallpaper and her right hand accidentally brushed against Makoto's hand. She felt a slight tinge of sensation. Makoto seemed oblivious. "Well, I'll drop by later a few days from now just to see how things are doing. Got to go. Have to study with Ifurita. Can't keep her waiting, you know." With a twinkling smile and a wink, Makoto excused himself out of the apartment. Kalia's television set was on. Another of the daily Japanese soap operas was on. On the screen, a middle-aged man could be seen accusing his wife of not being affectionate enough. "Holding you close and giving kisses aren't the only ways of showing love, you know...." The wife was trying to explain to her husband. Kalia switched off her television set and gazed out of her window. She sighed and looked out of the window at the figure of Makoto walking down down the street and gradually disappearing out of sight. **************** Two girls were busy hunting for clothes in the shopping mall. One had long, pale, wavy hair. The other had short hair and a cheeky grin. The one with the short hair was busy admiring the frilled blouse while the long-haired girl was inspecting a purple skirt. "Hmmm, what do you think Kalia?" "That looks good, Ifurita. Say what do you think of this?" "Cute. Very cute."Kalia turned and looked at the price tag. She seemed disappointed."Don't think I can afford it on my meager budget."She picked up a daring-looking black blouse and held it up for Ifurita to admire. Ifurita merely shrugged as she gracefully walked to the counter and paid for the clothes. "Oh no. I couldn't accept this Ifurita." "Don't be silly, Kalia. I just got some cash from one of my rich students whom I have been tutoring privately." ================================== Kalia looked up at the clock in her bedroom as she got up from her reverie. *Time to go on my night shift....* ******************************** Alielle and Palnus walked into their apartment after a hard day at work. "Okay, time to hit the books," Alielle murmured. She set her stuff down and began to rummage through her things, pulling out notes and textbooks. Palnus covered his mouth to stifle a yawn. "No studying for me tonight, thanks. I'm too tired to even keep my eyes open.?" "What? Palnus, we have a big test tommorow, and I know you haven't studied one bit..." Palnus kicked off his shoes and walked into the bathroom. "I'll look over the material tommorow. Don't worry about it, Alielle, I'll be fine." Alielle sighed. He probably will be fine, she thought to herself. Palnus goofed off a lot in class and hardly ever studied, yet somehow he always managed to pass every course he took. In fact, most of the time all that Palnus needed to do was look over the book for a few minutes before the test, and he would more or less know all the material. "I wonder if Palnus has one of those photographic memories. Hmmm...maybe he's smarter than I give him credit for." Alielle looked inside the bathroom just in time to see Palnus slip on a bar of soap, and land flat on his back on the bathroom floor. *...Then again, maybe he isn't smarter than I think he is,* she thought to herself. "Palnus? You okay?" Alielle called out. Palnus didn't hear her, as he was still spawled out on the floor, literally seeing stars. That wasn't the only thing he was seeing, though; for some reason, old memories began to rush into his head at a dizzying pace,and he started to remember the old days when he worked at the Priestess Academy in El Hazard.... ================================ Palnus' parents had sent him away to serve at the Priestess Academy around the age of 15. They figured that making Palnus act as a lowly servant would teach their lazy son discipline and humility. Palnus had protested at first, but eagerly agreed to it later when he discovered that there would be lots of girls there. Palnus worked unusually hard when he arrived at the Academy. Usually, Palnus wasn't a hard worker, but having so many women around him at the same time was a strong motivation for him. He'd happily do menial chores like scrubbing the floor and washing the windows, just as long as there was a girl or two there for him to ogle. Palnus' hard-working attitude didn't go un-noticed by the Academy, and 6 months to a year later the heads at the Academy had called him to a private meeting. "Palnus, we're been very pleased with your performance since you arrived here at the Academy,"one of the elder women remarked. We don't have a single servant who is as driven or as as hard-working as you are." Palnus was full of himself, as usual. "Well, miss, I've never been a stranger to a little hard work now and then," he replied brightly. The elder nodded her head approvingly. "That is why we called you here today. I'm sure you're aware that we have picked a suitable replacement for the now-retired Water Priestess of Muldoon." "Yeah, there's no way I couldn't have heard it. It's what everyone's been gossiping about lately." "Yes, and you probably know she will be heading to Floristica tomorrow in order to attend her coronation ceremony. However, she will be in need of an attendant to accompany her on the trip. Do you think you would be up to the task?" "Sure, I'd be glad to help. I could use a day or two out in the fresh air, anyway." "Excellent! Well, while you're here, why don't you two meet each other. Kauru, will you come in here, please?" An attractive young woman with blue hair, pale skin, and a warm smile entered the room. Palnus' eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets just looking at her. "Yes ma'am, what can I do for you?" Kauru asked politely. The elder woman motioned to Palnus (who was drooling just looking at Kauru). "Kauru, I'd like you to meet your new attendant, Palnus." Kauru smiled and greeted Palnus. "Nice to meet you, Palnus. I'm sure we're going to get along just-oop!" Palnus grabbed Kauru's hands and placed them in his; his eyes were sparkling wildly. "Miss Kauru, it is an honor and a privlege to be in the presence of the new Water Priestess of Muldoon! I promise you to that I will do my best to serve you and meet your needs, no matter what you demand of me." Kauru fidgeted nervously and tried her best to smile. "Um, very encouraging to hear, Palnus." The elder woman interrupted their exchange. "You two will leave first thing tomorrow morning. I suggest you two get packed right away.? ******************************* It was a beautifully sunny morning when Kauru and Palnus (along with several of Kauru's friends) set out for the river leading to Roshtaria. It wasn't a long hike from the Academy to the river, and every one seemed to be in high spririts when they set out that morning. The only one who seemed to not be in a good mood was Palnus, who was stuck with the job of dragging all of Kauru's luggage strapped to his back (which all together probably weighed more than he did). After an hour or two (even though it seemed like an eternity to Palnus) they finally arrived at the port where the academy kept its private supply of water cruisers. While Kauru was busy saying her good-byes to her friend, Palnus began to load all the luggage into the cruiser. After he was done, Palnus stretched his sore back muscles. "God! If I had to spend another minute carrying that stuff, my back would have snapped like a twig!" he said out loud to himself. Palnus was about to sit down to rest when he was approached by one of the men who worked at the port. The man introduced himself and began to give Palnus instructions on how to reach Floristica from the river. Palnus didn't really pay any attention to the man's directions though, and instead took off his shoes and began to rub his sore and blistered feet. "....and then, once you reach a fork in the river, you're gonna want to take a right. So, did you get all that?" Palnus looked up at the man and blinked. "Uh....yeah, sure. Take a right at the fork. No problem." "Good. Now, you do know how to drive a cruiser, don't you?" "Sure, I used to drive them all the time back home." "Alright, then I guess you're all ready to go. Good luck getting there," the man replied. It wasn't long after that when Palnus and Kauru left the port and sped away in one of the cruisers. ********************************** Two hours after they had left the port, they were already lost. Palnus sat in the drivers seat, cursing to himself softly as he watched the trees and the river speed past the cruiser. *Oh, this is just great! I have no idea where the heck I am, or where I need to go from here! Palnus, you stupid, stupid idiot, why didn't you pay attention to that guy's directions? I think I may need to pull over and look at the map to figure out where we are...* Palnus skidded the cruiser to a halt and pulled over on a nearby river-bank. Kauru came out from below deck a few minutes later with a worried look on her face. She found Palnus in the driver's seat, who was studying the map dilligently. "Um, excuse me, Palnus, what's going on?" she asked, concerned. Palnus hadn't noticed her walk up and nearly jumped out of his skin upon hearing her. "What the-?! Oh, it's only you, Miss Kauru." "Why have we pulled over like this? Is everything all right?" "Hm? Oh, yeah, yeah, everything's A-okay here. Couldn't be better. I just decided to pull over because, uh, I thought you might be kind of tired from the trip, and..." "Are we lost?" "Us? Lost?" Panus laughed nervously. "Whatever gave you that idea?" "Well, you're holding a map in front of you." Palnus took one quick look at the map in his hands, and then hid it behind his back. "Um, uh, well, you see..." he trailed off, then sighed weakly. "Okay, you got me. We're lost. But only temporarily! Just gimme a few minutes and I'll have us back on track to Floristica. Just don't tell the academy about this when you get back, okay?" Kauru smiled understandingly. "Don't worry, I won't. Look, it's starting to get dark. Why don't we camp out tonight, then in the morning let's hike to the nearest town and ask for directions?" Palnus nodded glumly in agreement and began to set up camp for the night. After they had made a fire and eaten, they began to make idle chit-chat. "So, you must be excited about being the next water priestess, huh?" "I'd say I'm more nervous than excited. It is a great honor, but sometimes I wonder how good of a job I'll do. I often think I don't deserve the position..." "I wouldn't worry about it. Life's too short to obsess over stuff like that." Kauru smiled. "You're probably right, but I can't help it sometimes..." Palnus returned the smile. Although he wasn't completely aware of it, Palnus' sexual attraction to Kauru was fading. Like Alielle, Palnus was attracted to women with agressive personalities. Palnus fancied one day that he would tame the un-tamable woman and make her his own. Kauru was not that woman, since she was just too easy-going and laid back for him (even if she was pretty). They sat there in silence for a few moments, then Palnus got to his feet. "Well, I think it's time to hit the hay." Palnus bent down and grabbed a large stick from the cruiser similar to the ones the Roshtarian guards used. "Why don't you get some sleep while I stand watch, Kauru?" "You're not going to sleep?" Kauru asked. "Nah, I'm not even tired. And anyways, as your attendant, it is my sworn duty to protect you at all costs, even if it means sacrificing a little sleep." "Well, tell me if you want me to take over watch for a little while, okay?" With that, she climbed into her sleeping bag and fell asleep. It wasn't long after Kauru had fallen asleep that Palnus' eyelids began to droop. He propped his chin up against the stick in order to keep himself awake. *Can't fall asleep....can't fall asleep....must stay awake...* he thought to himself over and over again. It looked like he was about to lose the battle when he heard the sound of rustling leaves behind him. Palnus turned his head just in time to see a figure dart behind the bushes behind him. "Who's there?" Palnus called out. He looked around him to see the same figure dart behind the trees. Palnus grabbed his stick, and took off after the figure. He caught up tothe figure after a few moents. Palnus stood in front of him, panting like a dog. "Okay pal...you...you had better take off now, or else I'm gonna have to..." Palnus looked up at the figure and trailed off. The thing standing before him was even't human; it was a huge Bugrom. It looked at him and began to mumble something in the the weird gibberish that was supposed to pass as their language. *A Bugrom! And here I thought they had all been destroyed by the Eye of God! I guess I shouldn't be surprised that there are still a few of them hanging around, but..* Palnus picked up the stick and waved it in the air in threateningly. "Shoo, shoo! Get lost! Go back to whatever rock you crawled out under and leave!" The bugrom stood there looking at him for a moment, then scratched its head in confusion. "So, you wanna play the hard way, huh? Okay, then I'll just have to force you to leave! HI-YAH!" Palnus charged at the bugrom and hit him with the stick as hard as he could. Unfortunately, the stick bounced harmlessly off the bugrom's armored shell. "Uh-oh," Palnus muttered as he looked at the useless weapon in his hands. The bugrom looked at Palnus for a second, then grabbed him by the shirt and tossed him a few yards away, where he landed on his butt rather painfully. Palnus watched as the bugrom turned is back to Palnus, and it seemed like it was preparing to leave. "Hey! Get back here! I'm not going to let you escape just so you can try to attack Miss Kauru again! Take THIS!" Palnus yelled. He launched himself at the bugrom, and latched himself onto its legs. The bugrom, surprised by this sudden attack, shrieked and waved its arms frantically like a bothered hen. In a panic, it used its powerful legs to kick Palnus off from itself. Palnus rolled away in an unconscious heap. The bugrom walked over to Palnus (who had a thick line of drool running down the corner of his mouth). The bugrom shook its head, and walked off. Palnus laid unconscious for almost a day afterwards. As soon as Kauru woke up, she noticed Palnus was missing and set out to look for him. Unable to find him, she took off in the cruiser in the hopes of finding him on the riverbanks. The bugrom that Palnus had attacked told one of its fellow bugrom that it had seen a cruiser near the riverbank, and the bugrom that recieved this information would later attack Kauru on her cruiser. Palnus woke up after Kauru had left, and unable to find her either, he hitched a ride to Floristica with some of the money he had left over that the Academy had given him. ************************************** Palnus was woken from his dream by Alielle, who was shaking him frantically. "Palnus? Palnus, you okay?" "Nnnnnghhh...that depends on what you call 'okay', Alielle." Alielle breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, you're awake. I thought maybe you had lapsed into a coma for a minute there." Palnus didn't hear Alielle, and instead collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep instantly. Alielle blinked. "Honestly, the only thing you seem to do is sleep and chase girls." She started to gather her notes together again and began to study. A faint smile touched the corner of Palnus' lips.