He wiped his face and shook his head.

"Nothing. im fine...just..." he exhaled and sat up taking a drink.

"im fine." he sighed and looked at his numb finger.

"I dont think i can use this finger anymore..."

He nodded. "Really the fingers no big deal. i just have no feeling in it"

He finished the water and then hugged ryker.

"You dont have to sound so nervous. Im fine now"

"I was quite scared myself. I was BLIND in one eye. had i stayed blind...i wouldnt be able to fly" he looked at ryker.

Flying was incredibly important to eke. It was the only time he felt free from illness. The only time he wasnt limted by his frail body.

"The bigger question is finding out what that curse was exactly and how to counter it and get rid of it. if we leave it itll spread. imagine the damage itll wreak"

"I...i dunno but i think we...need a sample of that sludge." he looked away.

"Maybe we can find someone who can figure out what it is" he added trying not to make himself sound like he had a death wish

"I wont TOUCH it this time. just..collect it in a vial." he stood suddenly.

"Yeah the whole ordeal was terrifying but i cant let fear run my entire life anymore!" he walked to the door.

"So im going back. Im getting answers, and im not going to be afraid this time."

He turned back to ryker. "So you can come with me, or you can stay here shaking in your boots" the look on his face was determined.

"Im not a little kid anymore Ryker. It's time i stopped acting like one"

He rolled his eyes and walked out of the hotel.

"I KNOW we need to be careful. im the one who almost died remember?" he tilted his head towards ryker.

"I cant depend on people forever. I need to grow up some yknow" he crossed his arms.

"I dont need you to mother hen me okay?"

"Lets get some vials. see if that works. and gloves. at least then just the gloves will be ehexed" he nodded.

"Maybe get some industrial grade vials and stoppers. Ill have to use my charm..hope im not rusty" he stretched.

"Then we need to find someone whos versed in demon magic. ill leave that one to you. if we can unload it on someone else, all the better. we need to get a move on to the Capital"

"No! you are NOT letting him out! he already has too much power!" he growled his tail flicking.

He walked on to the store and got the items. He seemed to be in a foul mood now.

He got a nice discount on the items that made them well within their budget.

"Well duh, im the one turning on the charm"he smirked and walked towards the forest.

He stopped, now scared.

It was true he had to stop depending on others as much but...he DID almost die a bit ago.

He exhaled shakily and continued forwards determined.

"So now that you cant be a mother hen your a cheerleader" he smirked.

He looked back and began to laugh.

He had to stop walking cause he was laughing so hard.