Daughter of Medusa

21

Avery: It's OK Amelia, you don't have to feel bad..

Amelia's voice caught on a sob

Avery hugged her: I know you think it's your fault, but it's actually mine. I can't help antagonizing your King. I guess I'm stubborn. She shrugged, then nudged Amelia's shoulder: You know I heal fast

Amelia gave her a wobbly smile

Crystal entered just then: Amelia, I'd like a word with your patient

Amelia nodded and excused herself

Crystal crossed her arms: Now look what you've done.. I should kill you just like I said I would

Avery: But?

Crystal muttered: That would bring his Majesty's wrath on me, hurting Archer in the process

She started pacing: You know it's only going to get worse don't you?

Avery: I know, but I heal fast. He doesn't have to hold him self back all the way

Crystal snorted: Are you really that stupid? His majesty doesn't want him holding back at all. He's the strongest out of all of us. If he doesn't hold back you will be killed, no chance recovering from that. And if he holds back he risks Amelia's safety. He will have to hold back less and less, for they will notice, and on the end, either way this goes, he will be broken. You have doomed him, doomed us all!

At the end of this speech she gripped Avery's throat, her eyes flashing and her grip freazing Avery's larynx

Avery managed to morph into her gargoyle form

Just then the door to the infirmary banged open and Archer barged in

Archer: Crystal! Stop!

She turned to him: It's better if we get rid of her and you know it..

Archer glowed gold, and Crystal knew she was in trouble. She sighed relaxing, she'd never seen him this angry. Her own icy glow ebbed. She released Avery, who rubbed her throat looking annoyed

Archer looked at his friend: Leave us!

She hmphed but complied

He sighed, and slid to the ground resting his head on the wall: I'm sorry about Crystal

Avery: It's alright.. I understand where she's coming from

Archer snorted: Awfully understanding, considering she almost killed you

It was her turn to snort: I could have handled myself. At the very least I wouldn't go down with out dealing excessive damage. Besides, had anyone threatened Alec, I would have done exactly what she did

He laughed, his gaze turned tender, he cupped her cheek, caressing a few scrapes on it: I'm so very sorry. I never wanted to hurt you

She ignored his hand and her reddening cheeks: I know that. You don't have a choice, and you can't abandon your people too. You are their only hope, and that lunatic would probably hunt you down himself

He smiled, but his eyes were sad

He lowered his hand

Avery: Do you have magic like your mother does?

Archer: All dragons and dragon shifters have a certain degree of magic

She arched a brow: You know what I mean

He nodded, smiling lopsidedly: Yes. I do have a little more

Avery: Could you perhaps use it to give an illusion we're fighting harder than we really are?

Archer: We would probably be found out. We are sensitive to magic, especially his majesty. He would notice..

Avery: I see. Hmm.. Wait! He never specified the side of me he wanted you to train, right?

Archer: No..

Avery's eyes gleamed: Then I'll fight in my gargoyle form

He smiled: Gargoyles are a pain to beat but they are weaker than us

Avery shrugged: Still much stronger. It would give us more time, and you will get to hold back less. That's something at least

She added silently, until I can figure something else out. I probably should escape if I can. It's better for all of us, but how..