Chapter 147: Recoup (1/2)

”No! I'm gonna die!” Agni shouted as she jolted upwards, her hands outstretched in a desperate plea for survival.

”Huh?” She muttered just seconds later as she came to the realization that she was no longer in peril, but instead in an unfamiliar place.

”I'm gunna dieeeeeeeeeee. Ha ha.” Shula mocked, followed by an extremely sappy chuckle. Agni looked down only to discover the imp cuddled up to her and looking rather comfortable. That wasn't all. The gentle weight of a second arm lay draped across Agni's chest, Katrin was fast asleep -- also with her face nuzzled close to Agni.

”Be more quiet. People are trying to sleep.” Shula said, flicking open one eye before wrapping her arms even more tightly around Agni's abdomen. The situation made absolutely no sense. A strange bed, a strange room and a pair of eyes gazing in curiously from the nearby doorway.

”Ah. You're finally awake.” Vivian Lex said as she walked into the room, prompting the two small children hanging just outside the doorway to scatter.

”Where are we? What's going on?” Agni asked. She wanted to stand, yet with two bodies practically draped around her that would be impossible.

*S-Shula. Can you...get up ?* Agni transmitted her thoughts, to which Shula's reply was, ”No.” Rather than getting up, Shula embraced her even more tightly. For a moment a faint sense of lingering aggravation came over Agni, but as she thought back to the last moments she could remember that sensation turned into alarm.

”What happened with that Grimlock?” She directed her full attention to Vivian as a dire expression took root over her features. She, Katrin and Shula were the only people present in the room aside from Vivian. That didn't account for half of the members of the expedition.

”Relax. My Gods, you look like a lost puppy.” It was Oliver Pagnal. He made his way into the room, revealing the true extent of his injuries. The left side of his head was wrapped, extending down to his eye as well. He seemed wobbling on his feet, but able to move nonetheless. His face seemed, somehow, haggard -- weary. It lacked it's usual color, as if he was under the weather.

”I'll explain once everyone wakes up and can move again. Needless to say, we're all okay. This is Gardenia.” Vivian remarked as she pointed towards the nearby window which streamed in the afternoon sunlight. Sure enough, Agni remembered the houses of Gardenia which she'd passed along the way to the shard.

Suddenly a sharp pain pierced Agni's head. It began along her brow and traveled diagonally across the length of her face. It was unique, unlike anything she'd ever felt before. The next moment vivid imagery flashed through her mind -- the sight of being knocked down by a monstrous foe. Bracha landed haphazardly upon the ground along with her and all of them pinned down.

Then creeping darkness. Agni's body shivered as it instinctively remembered the sensation of countless black tendrils digging into her flesh. In the end they even protruded down her throat--

Agni grimaced as she struggled to shake away the remnants of her own traumatic memories. Finally after several deep breaths she pushed her left leg out of bed with Shula clinging fiercely to her the whole time. Moments later Agni gently left Katrin to sleep while Shula gripped her hip like a monkey.

”Can I see everyone else?” She asked.

Vivian nodded , Oliver shrugged and the four left her room to go to where the others were.

”S-Shula. Can you...let go?” Agni asked as she struggled to move with a permanently attached Imp at her hip. Shula completely ignored her requests, forcing Agni to sigh. She resigned herself to Shula's selfishness -- partially because she understood the true intention. Agni smiled as she continued following Vivian down the hallway.

*Brat.* She thought.

The house seemed like a simple wooden construct, humble in nature and design. Though there were many rooms, the house couldn't house more than six inhabitants. In a room just a few meters down the hallway was everyone else. The first thing Agni noticed was Bracha. She had the bed all to herself and seemed to be in deep sleep. Agni noticed the rhythmic rise and fall of her breath as she slept, her body was bandaged in several places.

Next to the bed were both Gigi and Gates. As usual Gigi was pestering Gates, despite having only one arm to do it. The other was in a cast.

”Oh! Agni! You're up!” Gigi said, her eyes lighting up as she noticed the succubus.

”Yea!” Agni offered as she mustered a smile. Gigi quickly got to her feet and hugged Agni, almost jumping onto her. The combined weight of both Gigi and Shula was beginning to weigh heavily upon her, so much so that her eyes bulged as Agni struggled to stay upright. Gates offered a warm, boyish smile upon seeing Agni up and on her feet.

In the midst of a one armed hug and monkey vice clenching, Agni's gaze found its way to Dealla. The Mahogany haired Dragon-kin was off in the corner by herself. Unlike the rest of the people in the room she seemed distant, withdrawn.

”Dealla?” Agni said as she called to her.