Re: Alternative Volume one

Chapter 2 - part Five End

"Don't worry bout a thing, this was a onetime thing because I didn't expect it. Now that I know, she will never get the drop on me again. I promise."

Arnett's face took on an air of seriousness and she narrowed her eyes.

"How do I know that you will be able to protect yourself, I don't think you are capable of keeping your own person out of danger an-"

"Hey, Trust me. I've got this under control. Won't happen again."

Right Joan?
"Correct. As a spirit, I do not require rest so I should have noticed immediately but...I was admittedly distracted with other things and only noticed after the fact. I will not make that kind of mistake again. You and Arnett can both be at ease."

Dimitri was admittedly shaken by the encounter if not slightly bothered by his sudden guest but when it came to matters of his own personal safety he wasn't about to allow someone else to take it into their hands. After all, He had faith in both his capabilities and Joan's whose vigilance had just gone up to max. Their relationship creating a powerful combination that he felt was deserving of some trust.

But even while Dimitri told her this, Arnett was still visible bothered by his declaration to have faith in him. Her forehead gaining creases from the worried expression that she now wore. Her lips pursing together as she struggled to accept his terms.

After a lot of extra convincing though, Dimitri eventually managed to convince Arnett to leave his own safety to himself and although she was wearing a difficult expression on her face she agreed to not burden herself further with his protection.

"If you are going to be so vehement about this, then I have no choice but to accept. I do hope you give me no reason to worry though. The elder would be quite furious if something happened to you after all...I would receive quite a stern punishment I imagine."

"Course! And knowing that I'll make sure I keep myself in tip top shape. So, don't worry. Worrying so much will ruin your pretty face. Smiling on the other hand, that amplifies it, so try smiling more often."

Just as the last word left his lips, Dimitri thought he saw Arnett's cheeks flush again but couldn't tell for sure under the current light. His curiosity left unsated as Arnett turned to leave once more.

"I will...keep that in mind. I also hope you do succeed in keeping yourself out of harm's way. For your own sake and no other reason...anyways...Sleep well."

"Don't fret! And I hope to sleep well this time around...without interruption. This long with no sleep is bad for my health...I mean I've pulled all-nighters but it's not like that's something one willingly does..."

With a final nod, Arnett left the room and Dimitri re-situated himself into his bed to sleep. With the previous adrenaline in his body now gone, he was able to one more fall into a deep sleep. His mind slowly sinking, pulled into dreamland as warmth enveloped his mind until it finally vanished.

---

As Dimitri awoke the following morning, a sensation similar to his head rising through the surface of murky water, enveloped his consciousness. A heavy, lethargic feeling that tried to seduce him back to sleep.

Suddenly released from this sense that was bogging him down, his eyes opened and he waited a few moments before finally getting up, the usual hay stuck on his body and poking him in various places. Dimitri felt like he'd only slept for a few hours which when remembering the events that transpired last night, felt was completely plausible, a vigorous shake of his head helping slightly to ward off his remaining drowsiness.

He saw the sunlight of a new day making its way through the crevices of the mountainside when suddenly a rapid serious of deep thumps began resonating throughout the cavern walls.