The Gray Tower (Being Rewritten as The Erstwhile Druid)

Chapter 11: Those Beautiful Tears

Noelle's adrenaline had run on overdrive, fueled by her worry for Luke. She'd summoned fireflies, the tower too dark to see otherwise. Tumbling into the room with knives drawn, she'd been prepared for the worst. Instead, she'd seen Luke deal the fatal blow against his enemy, a terrible strike straight through the man's vital organs.

As the unknown assailant toppled over, the bear that Silver had been fighting disappeared, flickering into nothingness with a frustrated roar. With the wolf by her side, Noelle had run to Luke, bandage already in hand. Noticing the long cut running down Luke's neck, she'd instantly pressed her bandage there. The wound healed instantly, leaving a slight scar. Still, there were other injuries along his body, though none were too serious. Unfortunately, she'd already used her last bandage. Luke would have to somehow get through those injuries himself, through his own force of will.

He'll be okay. I hope, Noelle thought. Please be okay. If you're not, I'll kill you again. She knelt next to him, stroking his right cheek. His hair was a mess. She brushed it to the side, to keep it out of his eyes. Why am I not panicked? I should be panicked. Or am I panicked?

Noelle took a few deep breaths. Relax. Why are you like this, Noelle? You're strong. Don't become a little girl just because the guy you like, scratch that, the guy you think you like is injured.

Silver sat quietly on the opposite side, licking Luke's left cheek sporadically. The wolf had punched Luke with her paws a few times, to no effect. Luke continued his beauty sleep, unaware of the stress and grief he was causing the both of them.

Pieces of shattered wood lay scattered, a testament to the furious fighting that had taken place. The room was now a battlefield, complete with a corpse and two casualties. I can't believe someone managed to push Luke this far, Noelle thought. Especially another druid. Luke's literally head and shoulders over every other druid in the game right now.

Positive that Luke wasn't in critical condition, Noelle turned her attention to the collapsed man. Blood seeped from the wound. Dyed a deep scarlet, the stone floor's craney's were filled with liquid. The hilt of a dagger stuck from the corpse's side, its presence staunching the flow somewhat.

Who is he? She wiped his face, a crimson stain sticking onto her gloves. I've never seen him before. He's not from the Crimson Whisper. Wide-open eyes stared at her, accompanied by an unsettling grin. He died smiling. What the hell was wrong with him?

"I guess death has become a permanent fixture. No more business for the cathedrals," Noelle muttered, musing to herself. Silver seemed to nod, acknowledging the fact. Petting the wolf, Noelle returned her gaze to Luke. He looks so angelic when he's not talking. Noelle felt herself relax physically, but mentally she remained wound up.

It was then that Luke mumbled a few words. "Noelle, you're so cute."

On reflex, Noelle slapped him hard, face flushing bright red. Luke grunted, eyes remaining shut. What was that? Sleep talking?

"Noelle, you're so — "

Noelle interrupted him, significant power behind her second slap. Silver got in on the fun, jabbing from the left.

"Noelle, you're — "

"That's enough out of you." Noelle punched him, hard, smack dab in the middle of his face.

Luke yelped, both hands clutching his now depressed nose. Tentatively, he opened his eyes. "I guess I'm alive."

"Stupid idiot. Why'd you go ahead without me?" Noelle clenched her fists, a strange feeling welling. It was like the floodgates had been lifted, emotions flowing freely. "Didn't you promise we'd always be together? The three of us?" The two of us.

"Noelle..."

"What?"

"Don't cry."

Am I crying? She couldn't see, Luke and Silver blurring. For once, Noelle didn't wipe away the tears. They cascaded, past her cheeks. At her chin, streaks from both eyes met, forming larger drops. She tried catching them, but a few snuck between her fingers, plopping on Luke's concerned face. I'm crying. But why do I feel so relieved?

"You're getting my face wet." Luke reached out, fingertips brushing against her eyes.

"I don't care." Noelle sniffled, turning her head away from Luke's touch.

Luke gingerly grinned, the corners of his mouth edging with pain. "I kept the promise didn't I? I'm still here. Still here with you."

"A grin can't get you out of everything, Luke."

"Aren't you supposed to be fawning over me, saying things like 'I thought you were dead,' or 'Thank god you're alive'?"

Noelle said nothing, her tear ducts running dry. Oh Luke, you have no idea how badly I want to say those exact phrases. I just can't because your dumb butt said them first.

Frowning, Luke reached for her face again. "Noelle, when I was close to dying, I — "

"I'm sorry to barge in on this tender moment, but I believe we should get moving," Tetsu interrupted, strolling casually into the debris-filled room.

Luke groaned, throwing his hands in the air helplessly. "Can't I rest? I almost died here."

"No rest for the weary, Luke." Tetsu offered a hand to Luke. "Quite a battle this was, eh?"

"It was insane. I'm lucky to be here." Luke accepted Tetsu's hand, grunting with discomfort as the samurai pulled him up. "His weapons... they just popped out of thin air."

"Like he knew the rules of our new reality?" Noelle asked, standing as well.  This was new, information that explained to her why Luke had struggled so mightily.

Luke flinched as he touched the raw cut along his cheek. "Exactly. Somehow he knew. Tetsu, did you hear anything from the guard?"

"No, things happened too fast." Tetsu looked down, shaking his head. "The guard's gone to get help."

"Get help? He was in no condition to move," Noelle said. Angrily, she glared at Tetsu, observing him closely.

"I couldn't stop him."

"You could've. But you didn't." And why didn't you?

"Hey guys, if you didn't know, crap's going down in Vana while we're here chatting away." Luke interjected. Pointing at the door, he motioned towards Noelle.

"Tetsu, we're going to talk about this later."

"Yes, of course Mademoiselle Noelle." Tetsu bowed, leaving no space for her accusations.

"Move please." Noelle nudged Luke out of the way, lockpick at the ready. She made short work of the obstacle, cheering with satisfaction as the rusty lock clicked. "Open sesame."

And one good kick, just to get rid of the stress. Lashing out, her foot smashed into the center of the door, blasting it completely from its hinges. Light flooded into the tower, no longer impeded by wood.

The door clattered outside loudly, defeated by gravity. Well, at least Newton still has some sway here, Noelle thought. She wouldn't have to deal with Luke flying through the air like some rainbow cat.

Luke sighed. "So much for the stealthy approach." He held his hand over his eyes, shielding them from the sudden influx of sunlight.

Snorting, Noelle strode through the doorless tower into Vana. "Oh, don't be such a drama king."

Silver howled in response.

 =======

Please vote or comment with any questions or thoughts if you enjoyed the chapter. You can vote by pressing the star. Thanks so much!