Demon(#Wattys2017 Entry)

Chapter 17:Crossed Swords

Narra quickly ran forward. The Swordsman stepped back, flicking blood from his blade."A good fight, but I believe this is my clear victory. You may have a few moments before you join her."

Narra did her best to stop the bleeding, stuffing a piece of cloth torn from her clothes into the wound.

Gem winced at that, signing to her."No need for that, really. It'd heal on its own in a bit."

Narra glared."Stop talking about how it's pointless! I'm trying to help!" She looked at the others. Those she had been speaking with were drawing their swords, preparing to attack.

Gem looked over."Weird friends you have there." She pointed out.

Narra sighed."...I'm friends with you, what did you expect."

She smiled, making a twisting sign with her wrist."Touché."

Gem looked to make sure The Swordsman wasn't looking, then showed Narra her hand. She blinked."How'd you get that cut?" She asked.

Gem nodded towards her sword."I cut myself on that. He thinks I was just trying to grab it, but...it was on purpose." She grinned."Remember what you learned about Nrevacs for me?"

Narra nodded."Of course. Keen night vision, increased senses, increased healing capabilities, including eventual regeneration, and..." Her eyes widened.

Gem nodded."And poison in our blood. Won't kill, but it can cause temporary paralysis, right?"

Narra, wary of others watching them, nodded slightly."Yeah, but....how are you going to hit him with it?"

Gem glared at the others until they looked away, then smiled."Not me, I couldn't lift a leaf to save my life right now. But you...you've not hurt at all, apart from a few bruises from the rocks. If anyone's going to do it, it'll have to be you."

She blinked."Wh-what! I-"

Gem put a finger to her lips, and Narra was reminded of The Swordsman, gathering his swords and seeming to carefully consider which he would use.

Narra hissed, keeping her voice down."I am not a fighter! I've never trained with any weapons, and...did you see that guy moving? He's like a phantom!"

Gem smiled."I know, right? It's going to be fun killing him."

Narra glared."Are you listening to me! I can't-"

Gem pat her hand."It doesn't have to be anything graceful or expert, just a quick cut when he's not expecting it. He'll drop like a bag of grapes, and the others will either rush him off or try to save themselves. Trust me, you can do this!"  She grinned."And if not....put in a good word for me if you die first, I have a feeling all that fire wouldn't suit me."

She sighed."My job is paying the soldiers who kill people so that they'll keep killing people. Do you think a word from me'll be worth much?"

Gem smiled."All the more reason not to fail."

The Swordsman walked over, wielding his longest blade."That will be quite enough goodbyes. Ready?"

Narra looked at Gem, but she had passed out. She took a breath, carefully putting a hand on the hilt of Gem's blade, taking a deep breath."...Just another second, please."

The Swordsman nodded."Very well, but only a few moments. I will count down. Five." She tensed up, trembling slightly.

"Four." She tightened her grip on the hilt, steadying her breaths.