9 - More financial Problems.

More financial problems

— What the hell were you thinking? — Larissa released.

It was already morning, Gabriel passed out and went to Jake's house, who also took him to Larissa in the morning. While Laura whispered her spell to fully cure Gabriel, Larissa continued:

— I mean, really? Even more with one of the strongest guys here, if not the strongest? What was that for? "Oh nothing to do, I'm going to hit the strongest guy here"

I know, damn it.

Putting his hand open from one eye to the other, Gabriel tried to explain:

— I was..

— It doesn't matter what you were. — Larissa interrupted him, extremely annoyed and making hand gestures the entire time. — It doesn't matter why. You did and that is irrefutable. You did it wrong, take responsibility. You are not going with us today and you are not going to earn the money that we are going to make today.

Ah, you know what? I controlled myself too much already.

Everyone was there. It was in the boy's room, as usual. And even Zoe, who didn't live with them, remained there, watching the screaming followed by Larissa's gestures on top of Gabriel.

Gabriel was crazy about it all. Was he going to explode? No, he had already exploded, he was just waiting for a few good words to say to Larissa. He wanted to humiliate her in front of everyone, it would be somewhat pleasant and he was aware of it, but he denied himself. But at the same time, he thought it was necessary for the improvement of the group.

It's okay if it's for the group. - He was thinking of using as an excuse to throw away all your stress.

It was no surprise that Larissa was stressed too, even with the new additions, new problems arose and she was not in her best mental shape. Even less Gabriel, but he didn't think that way. For him, he was always right, and the others were wrong. Even when everything was just fine.

Now.

He looked at her like crazy, in his vision it was as if he zoomed in on her mouth. Everything was in slow motion and just a little, if not nothing, of what she was talking about was processed in his head. Then, everything went back to normal, he took his hand out of his eyes and pointed with his open hand in a "stop" gesture and spoke loudly, but not shouting, just enough for her to stop and pay attention:

— Larissa! — Then, in a firm, calm and confident voice, that it didn't even seem like chaos was in his head. But he knew exactly what needed to be said at that time, and not even the whole mess inside his head would affect that. — We... are unable to continue like this. The whole group knows it, you know it. You have been here for 3 years and is our leader "take responsibility"? Gosh, you are the one who should be taking it. Our money is useless, and you do nothing to change that. You are the leader, you need to guide us, take the initiative, decide what we will do or not do. Do I really need to say that, being the least experienced here? Perhaps Miguel is a better leader, after all. — after a brief pause in which everyone was silent looking at Gabriel in fear, or maybe just surprised. Except Jake, who looked proud and nodded in agreement. He continued, gesturing to everyone with his hands. — But even Miguel or Laura could have spoken. Why not? Larissa is the leader, but you can also support her, no need to be someone who is blindly faithful. Zoe and I have arrived now, we aren't very likely to say anything, you know? but you three, what the hell are you doing during those 3 years? I don't understand it at all.

Zoe, who was sitting on one of the beds, perplexed just like everyone else, got up and tried to refute:

— Gabriel ... — but soon it was cut by the same.

— That's why I did what I did. That's why it happened. John was saying that we are poor, I had had a few drinks and was no longer 100% on me. I couldn't resist, I punched him and then tried to apologize, but it didn't work out very well. Yes, I was protecting our reputation. If we have any.

Laura finished enchanting the cure.

Gabriel had already been healed in previous fights, but he still hadn't gotten used to the sensation. It was good. It was like an instant ecstasy, which, as quickly as it arrived, went away. Then, no unusual sensation, for good or bad, was felt.

The cure had no weird words at the end, it was just expected:

— Heal!

— Thank you, Laura. — Gabriel replied, looking much better. Laura nodded in response.

Everyone looked shaken. It was to be expected. The raw truth was slapped across they faces without warning. Not even Gabriel knew why or how he said it all, the words just came. In one moment he was about to explode, in another moment his chaos ceased, and his mind aligned with his needs. He said the right words, but was this the right time? Honestly, he didn't know. But none of them seemed happy with the scene.

I hope this serves something other than me being crucified by everyone.

But that's correct, isn't it?

Someone needed to do this.

But did it have to be me?

Did it need to be now?

How am I supposed to know what to do? damn it. I'm the newbie here, you know?

When everyone seemed hypnotized, thinking about everything Gabriel said and knowing that, yes, it is true and he has a point, Larissa released:

— Get out, now!

— But ...

— I said, now! — With a strong tone in her voice, imposing the respect of being a leader.

As soon as Gabriel left, Zoe looked sideways, staring at everyone, and they were looking at the floor or sideways, embarrassed, except, of course, for Jake. She realized that it would not help at all to stay a minute longer, and went after Gabriel.

— Hey, wait! — Zoe hurried over and reached Gabriel, touching his shoulder.

— What you want? Scream with me? He didn't turn, and kept walking, speaking in a tired, slightly irritated voice.

— Hey! Stop to talk to me! — she pulled him, still by the shoulder and he turned.

— Urh... So, what? — His eyes widened, making a mockery.

— I'm on your side, okay? I just... I don't know what to say. Nobody knows inside there. — She pointed to the room, which was a little far at the time. — But, we know you're right, it just happened that nobody had the courage to talk about it, except you. Well, you can sleep with me today.

He looked at her briefly, suspicious.

She says so, but it may not have been the best decision.

Or my speech has fallen short.

But this is not the first time that I venture here. I don't even think it will be the last. Thinking about it will not help at all.

One way or another things are going in their time.

Then she added softly:

— But you could have been nicer back there...

— What? — He didn't listen to her, or rather, he didn't understand. The mix of Portuguese and English, even more so with her low voice, obstructed her reasoning about what she said.

— Nothing, come on.

— But I thought your place only accepted women, right?

— They make an exception, it's only once in a while. So, we don't even need to meet for morning exercises.

— Okay, if you say so. — He spoke, now in a sweet and excited tone, but it was hardly noticeable, since he tried to hide that kind of emotion. He was happy with his friend's support.

she was probably the closest person to him in this "new" world. From the day they decided she was going to join the group, the two made it a habit to do Gabriel's exercise routine together. They don't talk much when they do, but it gets them closer anyway.

Maybe that's fine, isn't it?

I mean, I'm right, though.

Someone had to do something.

Man, I really don't know what to think about it. I feel like I'm bipolar with personality disorder.

Maybe I am one.

Gabriel turned, and the two started walking.

— Where did you had planned to go?

— Do you really think I had plans? Zoe laughed at her companion's reply and the two went silent.

The place where Zoe was renting used to be a motel. Obviously, nowadays it is more like an inn or a hotel, and they only accept women, being now, by far, a motel.

She had a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

Her room is barely furnished, it's small so it wouldn't do to have a lot of furniture, it would be suffocating. It had a single bed, next to it a nightstand with three drawers, one drawer was of the two changes of clothing, one of the changes recently purchased. The other she kept accessories that fit, like a bracelet. The third had absolutely nothing. On top of the nightstand there was an unlit lamp and in a corner of the wall she left her armor. The kitchen had a tap and a fireplace. The bathroom only the shower and toilet, extremely close, because the two rooms were small, the kitchen was the largest, probably because of the fire.

After a few minutes, Zoe went hunting with the group, while Gabriel was left with nothing to do. He considered just hanging out in the room, but that thought caused him agony, so he decided to go out and think of something to do along the way.

I'm going to be off tomorrow, and I already don't have a lot to do, so they go and give me two days off, thank you.

I just wanted a smartphone or a PC here.

With all the money problems, after putting almost everything together, Gabriel had only three silver coins with him. Who decided not to spend at that moment, after all, there was nothing he wanted. He was spending his time walking aimlessly through the city, when he saw John alone. He took the opportunity to go and talk to the acquaintance.

— H-hi. stammered Gabriel, nervous about what the conversation might take.

— Hey. John looked calm, as if he didn't even remember what had happened the day before.

— Listen, about yesterday ...

— Don't worry. John interrupted. — it's normal for people to be jealous of me, I don't take it personally.

— Ah... ok. — he replied slowly, trying to understand if it was irony or he really think he was at that level.

I hope I never become like this.

In fact, I don't think I'll have the opportunity.

The way things are going, I don't think I'm going to be as strong as he is in two lives.

But it would be cool ...

After that, nothing interesting happened, Gabriel went back to Zoe's room. Upon arriving, she was already there. A little sweaty, taking off her light armor and keeping only the clothes she wore when Gabriel first met her, short denim shorts and a white shirt with a kind of face, written: NIRVANA. In addition, she had a type of red cloth bracelet.

— Er... hey, how was the hunt?

She put the armor in the corner, and then replied, posing with a hand on her waist, and another doing a V on horizontal and at her eyes level. With slightly more serious voice than usual, turning to him:

— What do you think?

— It's hard.

— We only killed a group of 4 all morning, and it was disputed.

— Worse than I imagined.

— Yeah, not that it was your fault. I think something is missing from us, you know? Like... I don't know... rapport maybe? Confidence?

— I don't know, I already did more than I should, I tried to help and I was practically ditched for you guys.

— "For you", except me, right? I already told you that I supported you.

— But you didn't tell them, did you?

She died right away, the atmosphere was a little tense.

— You know I can't ... — she lowered her voice, a little sad.

Of course you can, damn it.

I could.

— Yeah, I know. — he replied.

— Larissa told me to tell you to go back to school. She wanted to talk to you again.

— Okay then. I'll go soon, will you come?

— Er ... — she thought for a brief moment, then: — No, you can go ahead.

— Okay.

Gabriel went slowly towards the school. It was not far, 15 minutes, 10 if you walked fast, which was not the case. Amid slow steps and his lifeless eyes, which did not focus on anything specific. Lost in thought.

What will she say?

Should I consider being expelled?

I don't think so ... but what if ...?

Ahh, I blew it. - He scratched his head, ruffling his hair.

But we obviously have a problem. Would anyone approach the subject, if not me?

How should I even know about any of this?

There was no way. Gabriel couldn't say whether he was right or wrong, but he would soon know. And it scared him. Perhaps he, who no longer had a right direction, could end up without knowing what to do. Lost in this new world, what would he do if he were expelled? He's on the verge of outbreaks all the time, he doesn't admit it but he's not strong at all. He would do nothing. That is the answer. He would accept that nothing could be done if he were expelled.

Father, after all, I wanted you here right now.

He arrived after 16 minutes and a few seconds, opened the door slowly, in the boys' room again, and all eyes were on them. At first he felt lost, under pressure and without control of himself, because of the high nervousness. He didn't know where to look, he couldn't face anyone, he didn't know what to say, what to do. Should he really do something? Or would someone take the initiative? These questions were stuck in his mind as he tried to calm down. And when he was most desperate, Larissa gave a firm and direct:

— Hey.

Gabriel looked at her forehead, it was very difficult to look into her eyes, so he disguised it like that. And it seemed to work.

— What?

Everyone's eyes were no longer as before, judging and crucifying Gabriel. They were eyes of pity, sadness, but not with someone else, with them self.

Well, I hope they heard me anyway.

— Are you calmer? We need you on the hunt.

Wait.

Only that?

Nothing about the money we need?

— Yes, I am.

This is wrong.

Very wrong.

— Okay, have lunch and then we'll go.

I have to say something.

Again? They didn't like it before.

But if it continues like this ...

I can't.

I will be expelled if I speak.

But between being kicked out or going bankrupt ...

— Hey ... Larissa? — She, who already had her back to him, turned again.

— Yes? — She said, without any concern in her voice. Her thin face was calm. This irritated Gabriel. He wanted everyone to be on the same page as him.

Calm down. Calm down. — Gabriel took a long breath.

— Did you think about what I said?

Larissa looked a little surprised, giggled, and turned again, without answering Gabriel.

She laughed.

She fucking laughed.

We are in a delicate situation.

Without money.

Without any solution. Not even considering an answer.

And she laughed.

Okay. I don't care about this shit anymore, in the end, they will also get screwed because of the money.

They got together and went hunting. Gabriel, Zoe, Larissa ... none of them brought the subject up anymore. Gabriel wanted to, but was reluctant about the outcome of his actions. He hadn't even raised his voice before, and what he said had bases and points, and yet it was rated wrong. It irritated him. But what could he do? He was trying to accept everything quietly. But what was already difficult even without this problem was getting worse.

After almost an hour, they found a perfect group of five visible goblins. Gabriel, Zoe and Larissa were on the right, where the 1st goblin sat, leaning against a tree. The 2nd goblin was standing facing a third goblin. These were their targets. Miguel and Laura were on the left, there, there was the 4th goblin on a tall tree trunk and the 5th goblin, on watch, eating an apple and with a spear proportional to its size.

They exchanged glances and gesturing with their heads, starting the attack. This time Gabriel didn't start, they were all at the same time.

On one side, Miguel attacked the watchman, hitting his body against him quickly, throwing his spear and apple away, the 4th goblin immediately descended from the tree with a simple jump. That was the plan, Miguel holding two on the defensive. He just wanted to buy time. Laura was whispering again and soon she was going to unleash some of her spells, but Gabriel wasn't sure what it would be, just that it wasn't the healing one, obviously. While Miguel was slightly stunned by the fall of the 4th goblin, the 5th goblin took the opportunity to jump back and recover his spear.

On the other side, Zoe and Gabriel were against the 2nd and 3rd goblin, respectively. The two were practically side by side, it was like a 2 versus 2. While Larissa was against the 1st goblin a little further away. She attacked him with her short sword, almost like a dagger. But he saw her in time due to the other's growl and drew his dagger, defending. Zoe and Gabriel were in a melee duel, trying to find an opportunity, an opening to wound the enemy, perhaps in a combined attack by the two. Gabriel attacked with his two X-shaped dagger and the 3rd goblin defended with his only dagger, being forced to go back a little. In that moment, Gabriel looked quickly to the left side, Zoe had just hit the 2nd goblin on the shoulder who ended up with his arm practically hanging. Gabriel quickly threw his arms to the right in an attempt to gain momentum to attack the 2nd goblin. Zoe looked at him with an expression that he couldn't quite see, but probably expressed "don't do it". But, he had already done. A second before hitting the 2nd goblin in the face, the 3rd goblin pushed Gabriel from behind, who fell flat on his face. The 3rd goblin then kicked before he got up, while the 2nd goblin had moved away so Gabriel wouldn't fall on him.

— Gabriel! Zoe raised her voice.

At that moment, Larissa, who was giving the 1st goblin a beating, got distracted, looking towards them and ended up being stabbed in the fold of her left arm. side.

Going against two goblins was difficult for anyone there, but from a distance, the one who could deal with it most was Miguel, and for that very reason he was against them both. The 4th goblin attacked more openly, using his agility to try to pass through Miguel's defense, but hardly his dagger would pass through his armor, and no matter how dumb the goblins were, he knew that. His objective was the openings that Miguel had, bends like knees and shoulders. Meanwhile, the 5th goblin was farther away. Waiting for the opportunity to hit one of these openings, he sometimes pounced, sometimes threatening to make an opening for the 4th goblin.

— Ush!

Laura's spell was finally ready, the projectile invisible. But to their misfortune, the 5th goblin who was further away realized that something was wrong, and at the last moment he stepped aside, he lost his right arm, screaming.

He picked up the spear that was in his right hand on the floor, and tried to throw it at Laura, who just flinched with a slight effeminate squeak. But before the spear reached her, Miguel threw himself in front, and hit the opening in his shoulder.

— Urgh!

— Sorry! Are you alright?

— I'm fine. — With a little muffled voice because of the helmet. He pulled out the spear, which made a sound of flesh being torn apart and slightly melted his armor. — Let's finish this soon.

Zoe gave a kind of war cry, making meaningless blows in the air to scare and keep Gabriel's goblins away, she stood in front of him as he stood up. He was angry, he knew he shouldn't have done that. But somehow he needed to show that they were strong enough to hunt more than that.

Shit.

I kinda feel some déjà vu now.

This time I will make it.

— Gabriel! — Zoe caught his eye.

Gabriel, already standing, in an attack position, replied:

— Hã? What?

— Don't do that again!

— What?

— You know what.

Why?

Why things never go the way I want?

Damn it. What else can I do?

I can't be like this.

— Follow my cue.

I don't wanna.

— Okay.

I swear, if it was someone else, i would curse him or her.

Gabriel and Zoe started fighting together, for real. It was a beautiful thing to see, for a moment, when Larissa took a brief peek, it was as if they glowed together. But it was nothing that others hadn't done before, and a thousand times better. Gabriel delivered a top-down blow to the 3rd goblin's head and as soon as he defended, Zoe landed a diagonal cut with her sword, speaking in a strong voice:

— Change!

At that moment, Gabriel quickly retreated to reach the 2nd goblin who was heading towards Zoe's open back. He threw himself in front of the 2nd goblin's dagger, hitting his dagger with the goblin's one. The two moved away, as did the goblins. They had the advantage, now it was just finishing.

Larissa was winning easily, but was having a hard time hitting a straight shot. The 1st goblin had several minor injuries and even had a head injury, he would probably die in hours. But she had no hours. She needed to finish the job to help others soon. This time they weren't close together, and those who were could manage without Larissa saying anything, so her job was pretty easy this time, but it didn't mean she could be silly. Finally, after crossing sword with dagger a few more times, Larissa pretended to look to the side, leaving an opening, the 1st goblin in an act of desperation jumped all over the "distracted" enemy, she deflected, stabbing him several times opponent's back lying on the ground. She immediately looked at the side where Zoe and Gabriel were, at that very moment, Gabriel was sitting on the floor, supported with both arms behind him and legs outstretched, Zoe, standing, with her sword stuck in the chest of the 2nd goblin facing to Gabriel, and the 3rd goblin was a little further behind, lying on the floor. She couldn't see Laura and Miguel, but she had complete confidence in her two longtime friends.

— Gabriel ... Zoe ... is everything okay? — Her voice was tired, she was breathing hard.

Zoe took out the sword that went through the chest of the 2nd goblin, but she pulled very hard and ended up falling with her ass on the floor. Then, she looked back, looking at Larissa, and replied:

— Yeah, somehow we did it.

Gabriel collapsed on the floor, he had some light scratches, all three did. Larissa joined the two colleagues sitting on the floor, too lazy to pick up the spoils or go to help Miguel and Laura. Barely five minutes passed, and the other two joined them. They left behind a bush walking slowly towards their friends, who waved a hand to get attention. They sat down, not saying much, just said it was okay. Everyone was silent for a few minutes, looking around. The landscape was beautiful, taking the bodies of goblins to the ground. Shrubs and trees everywhere, nature reigned in the world of humans again. Bonfire remains in one part, and you could even hear a nearby river.

Perhaps nature has punished man for destroying it. - Gabriel thought for a brief moment, looking at where the sound of the river was coming from. But he soon refused the thought.

Nah, it wasn't that.

— We have to get the spoils. — He said.

— Heh... we have it. — Larissa replied.

— Let's go?

— Let's stay here a little longer.

— Okay.

Gabriel was calm, after a long time, he felt good. There, with nature, it was as if they were one. It was relaxing. Hunting was relaxing, it made him forget everything else.

That's good.

That's really good.

— Gabriel?

— Uh? what's up, Larissa?

— Tomorrow, on our day off, we will extend, we will all train for as many days as possible. Then, we will decide together what to do about that issue. First, we have to strengthen ourselves.

Oh.

That's really good.

I think I'm finally going to have some peace here.

I'm glad I didn't lose my mind a second time.

— Okay.