Gasping and staggering back to her rooms at the school had proved far more difficult than Kadyrelite had expected. And powering down to enter the building inconspicuously was going to be nothing but sheer torment. Damn that ******** senshi! And damn the little beast locked away inside her.

That’s not very nice, little one. Strytha could have been far crueler.

For a moment, Kadyrelite paused, bracing herself against a lamppost and considered that. While she was sure that the youma was being truthful, her imagination balked at trying to outdo what the monster had already done. Shaking her head, she instead focused on simply breathing. Once she was powered down, things were going to hurt a lot more. And she had no idea what would happen to Strytha in such a case.

Strytha isn’t entirely sure either. But soonest done…

The snake-like youma sounded mildly concerned. But it was the sort of concern one got over a complicated math problem. So chances were powering down wouldn’t kill it.

Pity.

Still, none of this speculation was getting her inside where the first aid kit rested in her bathroom. And once inside, she’d be able to soak in a hot bath, drink tea and then pass right the hell out. Sighing in agreement, she steeled herself for the agony that would soon be striking.

“Soonest done,” she murmured and then, before she could begin to reconsider, Kadyrelite let go of the magic that made her an officer of the Dark Kingdom and became Alodie once more. Gasping and sobbing hoarsely as her bruised and battered ribs screamed in protest, it was a wonder that she didn’t faint right then and there. She could feel the cracked bone grating together inside and hoped only that Strytha wouldn’t do anything to make the situation worse.

Clutching an arm around her ribcage, Alodie staggered inside, grateful to see the building’s lobby so very empty. Just keep walking, she told herself. You’ll be there soon. Just keep walking.

Only when she was opening her door and stumbling inside did Strytha make its presence felt. This time as a soothing warmth from within. Surprised, Alodie nearly forgot to shut and lock the door.

Don’t be foolish. Strytha cannot heal, but Strytha can try to ease the discomfort. However, if you become sentimental and forget basic safety and sense, Strytha will sting you. Lock the door like a good child and go draw your bath. The hot water will help.

Bemused, Alodie did as ordered, stripping from her grimy, blood stained clothing as quickly as she could manage and tossing it into the laundry basket. From there, it was simply a matter of digging out the first aid kit and propping it open on the bathroom counter. Then, she plugged the tub and turned on the hot water. She wanted it to be as hot as possible for her soak.

Once she deemed the water levels and temperature to be perfect, she gingerly eased herself into the tub and lay back with a hissing sigh. From inside, she could feel the youma’s pleasure at the heat and smiled a little bitterly. At least one of them was truly enjoying the experience.

Don’t be stupid. Strytha did what was needed, what was ordered by the General. Gentleness and cosseting has no place in the training of a proper officer. Don’t forget to wash your cuts. You must keep them clean and take care of your body, young one. We cannot afford to go to the hospital. What if the humans found Strytha? All would be undone.

Startled again, Alodie considered that. The youma was right. The Negaverse couldn’t risk discovery. And an xray of her chest would reveal far more than mere fractured bone. Much as she would have liked a prescribed painkiller, she’d have to handle this on her own. At her silent agreement, the youma inside seemed to relax and purr slightly.

Very good. You are learning quickly, little one. Now, wash up and empty out the dirty water and then refill the tub. Soak as long as you need and then get some sleep. Strytha will talk with you more on the morrow, yes?

The silence from within was so complete that Alodie was almost able to forget her small passenger parasite. But it was a welcome silence and she was quick to do as advised. Apparently today’s lesson was over.