R. was standing there menacingly with no intent of backing off, holding a bored expression with a hint of nostalgia as she looked around and waited for my response. As I hesitated to respond, her eyes started to slowly narrow.
My heart was thumping heavily as I took a deep breath in, and said, "She's not here."
"At least you're not acting dumb." she replied. "Have any idea where she went?"
"No, she didn't mention." I said, then paused. "Why the hell will I tell you anyways?"
"Because if you don't, something very awful might happen." she said nonchalantly as she stepped forward. "It could destroy this whole town."
I slowly distanced myself, but each step I took, she bridged the gap a step faster with every step more threatening.
"It could probably end the little peace you have right here."
We’re being quite close to each other by now, with her towering over me. A few more steps and she could probably hear my heartbeat.
"It could probably end you."
I closed my eyes as she let out her domineering aura, crushing me physically and mentally. My legs wobbled slightly as I struggled to stand.
"And I'm certain you don't want that."
As she let out those words, she let off her aura and went back to where she was before, still acting aloof like the scene here never happened. I let out the breath I was holding unconsciously as she continued.
"But at least you know what's good for you, seeing how you're not lying. I'll won't stay here for long anyways; I was just looking for Rae."
But as soon I started to feel relief, she said, "But if she comes back here, I'll place a camera of some sorts to make sure."
"She can't run away forever after all, even with her ability to revive like it's nothing."
"Wait, revive?" I asked, almost forgetting the situation I was in. I'm sure I didn't hear wrong, I'm pretty sensitive to sound.
"Yes, she has an ability to revive even if she doesn't leave ashes behind. It's quite broken, am I right?" She responded. "Although, I'm surprised she hasn't told you yet. She couldn't even keep a secret last time I met her."
"Ah yes, getting back to topic, I'll set a camera to watch for Rae here, but if you happen to see her while traveling, I'll also leave a way for you contact me." she continued, ignoring my confused expression.
She then walked up to the table and grabbed the book 'The Tale of the Cursed Necromancer' off of it. She took a breath, and started to chant, seemingly to cast some sort of spell, or curse. It took a minute or two, and with each word she said, the density of magic got more compacted.
As soon she stopped talking, the pressure dispersed, and she threw the book over to me. While I was struggling to catch it, she said, "Mind putting it in a place it'll have a wide area to view?"
I slowly nodded and started to push the stool we had lying around. When I found a place that was satisfactory enough, I placed it in between the other books.
I glanced over to R., who was nodding in approval. She then said, "Alright, if you ever see Rae, just call my name, and I'll come rushing back."
I gave a quick nod, and R. went towards the door and exited the building. I rushed towards the door, and looked outside the window near it, but there was no sign she was there at all. Only just the wet, cold windowpane in my face, and the puddles forming outside.
I waited for a few seconds, and after making sure the coast was clear, I collapsed in exhaustion.
God damn you R. and Rae, I can't have any privacy with any of you near me, with all that mind reading. And what's with Rae being subtle, and R. simply ruthless with dominance? I slowly breathed in and relaxed. This is not the time right now.
I glanced towards the tale Necromancer book. I levitated the book towards me, and thought. If Rae came back here and R. saw her with this book, I can only imagine bad things are going to ensue. And right now, I'm truly too weak to interfere. Hate to admit it, but Rae was right. I need to train.
I still need to resolve everything that R. did though, so training can only wait.
Using the mind arts, I wiped Twilight's memories about this event, and went outside with a shovel and raincoat. After walking far from the library, I dug a hole that my head could fit through and threw the book inside.
With the damp dirt, and the rain, surely the spell will be affected. But to make sure, I'll bury the book, after saying a few things. I'm sure R. is looking at this right now and can see and hear me.
"Hello R., I'm sure you can see me right now."
"R. although I'm clearly not your match right now, I'll won't sell out Rae just because of your intimidation. I owe a bit to her after all. And if me and you become enemies after this, well... I won't be going down without a fight."
"So, I hope this message gets through, and I drew a line of where I'm standing."
"Goodbye."
I threw the dirt over the book and patted the now barren ground to flatten it.
I guess this means I must get serious now.