Number 100 Red Nova Sorcerer

Chapter 9: New Territory

I must have fallen asleep again because when I next open my eyes, it's the afternoon. Looking around, I see Blackie and Crimson packing things up to leave. I sit up as best as I can, leaning against the wall.

"How many days have I been asleep?" I ask inna soft voice.

Blackie looks over. "A few weeks," he answers. "We have been busy getting supplies for our journey."

"And they made me carry everything," Bura grumbles, standing off to the side with a scowl.

"Well, you deserved it," I state with finality. I get up to help the others, but Blackie just pushes me down with one hand.

"Do not arise yet," he instructs, going back to packing. "As soon as we are ready to leave, you may stand. You need to rest as much as possible before then, for there is a large chance that poison is circulating around your blood."

I sigh. "But I do not want to be useless right now," I complain. Still, I remain there while they get everything ready.

Crimson chuckles. "With your powers, Nova? Now, how will you be a burden to us? We merely have yet to be in a situation that requires your magic."

This does to fail to make me smile a little. "Well, I feel completely worthless while lying here, but thank you, Crimson."

When they finish packing, Blackie helps me up from the bed to stand. I protest, of course, claiming that I am perfectly capable of standing on my own, but the moment I pull away from my brother, my legs fail to support me. Only then do I accept his help. Being the Number he is, he gives me a playful smirk and helps me stand. In return, I stick my tongue out at him in a very childish manner.

"Now, now, children!" Crimson scolds playfully. "You mustn't bicker like the little rascals you are!"

We all laugh and make our way out of the inn. Crimson leads us to the edge of the village, and when we are well into the forest, he starts talking.

"Alright, we are going to visit other territories to gather the other things we need from there. They are very valuable items, mind you, and they are not to easily found unless one knows where they are! They contain magical properties, so they will surely be of use. After that, one team of two take a discreet route to your mother's location while the team of three gather information on the Humans' technology. When we finish, we will take a border to the Number Kingdom again."

"That's it?" Bura gives Crimson a "really?" expression. "That's our plan? That's almost nothing!"

"What, do you want an elaborate plan that requires everyone to memorize a certain role and a certain time limit?" the flame ninja scoffs. "Nova, Black Mist, and I could surely do it, but I doubt you have the mental capacity to be able to do that!"

Bura growls. "Why do you say that, huh?"

I whisper to Blackie with a giggle, "Now, now, children! You mustn't bicker like the little rascals you are!"

Blackie chuckles when I repeat Crimson's words silently.

Crimson continues talking. "What I mean is that Numbers naturally have a larger memory center than you."

"Why don't you shut up, you cocky bastard!"

Crimson chooses to ignore this and chuckles triumphantly. "Well, let us hurry along now! We wouldn't want to get jumped again!"

We pick up the pace, but my still-weak body cannot handle the sudden change, causing me to trip over a tree root and fall over. If not for Blackie, I would have face planted!