Chapter 9: Conversations and Lumi stripping Matthos his ability to procreate

After the weird episode, the trio just lazed in the room.

"Let's wait for the chicken to cook. I don't think I have the strength to stand up. Dude, carry me!" Barney groaned as he lay on the floor. Lumi was on the bed feeling drained, and Matthos was still a bit disoriented.

"Is it time for supper?" Lumi inquired, sniffing the air, disappointed at the lack of scent. Barney just stared at her, "We're having baked chicken ala Trem," then he snickered," Oh dude, she relies on scents. You need to up your seasoning game."

"Fudge you."

"How could you curse him like that?" Lumi exclaimed, horrified at Math's behavior. She's never seen this side of him. Barney burst, howling in laughter.

"My dear disciple—"

"Women can be disciples now?"

"Yes, we focus on equality. The word 'fudge' is now used for a type of dessert. A chocolate dessert. You should ask Matthos to make some for you."

"Oh," Lumi still looked confused," I guess you learn something new every day," she shrugged.

"By the way, Lumi. We will need to teach you modern-day language," Matthos said, seriously pondering how he'd do it since he lost his—

"You lost your archaic dictionary, didn't you?" Barney guffawed, "Well, good thing you have me, Barney Lim, at your service! But seriously, who loses a big-ass dictionary?"

The two suddenly realized who was with them and sat up, looking at Lumi, who looked perplexed. 'Why did they curse so much?'

"Modern-day practices are a bit lax with speaking. Unless you're in a formal setting, you won't be crucified for cursing," Matthos explained.

"Yeah, we have human rights now. Although it is rarely upheld."

"That does not sound comforting," Lumi frowned at Barney, who kept on saying witty remarks. Matthos, who finally regained his strength, stood up and smacked Barney's forehead. He offered his arm out, which Lumi gladly took and stood up. To be nice, he also held out his hand to Barney, who groaned at the blow.

"You really are an ass. You know that, right?"

"A flat one, I know," with her in tow, he exited the room with the other following them, grumbling.

Dinner was a bit uneventful. Lumi politely ate the baked chicken but didn't look happy. When Barney gave her some seasoning, she drowned it and ate more. Still, that didn't make her happy. That was enough to convince Matthos to cook something better tomorrow.

But the problem was the sleeping arrangement. For the nights that she was unconscious, Matthos slept in the same room. Now that she's awake, he wasn't required to stay beside her. Barney saw the dilemma in her face. Him being him, he didn't make it sound better.

"Want Matthos to caress you in your sleep?" he suggested, earning a huge smack from Matthos as Lumi's face reddened.

"N-no," she stuttered, "I am alright with sleeping in the chamber alone." She wasn't, but she won't admit that now. She ran upstairs as the two bantered.

"Goodnight, Lumi!" Matthos called out and then swatted Barney, who kept laughing. "You just had to make it sound weird! She's-not-from-our-time!" each pause was a huge swat on Barney, who finally sobered. "Okay, okay! Chill" he held up his hands in surrender. Rolling away, he stood up and then presented the idea.

"The reason I said that is because we need to reinforce the house blessing until we get a priest."

"You could've explained that instead of scaring her away by planting such a stupid idea in her head!"

"Fine!" Barney rolled his eyes, and Matthos followed as the two of them gathered Holy Water and salt.

"You do the prayer, and I'll do the incantation," Matthos took the salt from him. Nodding at each other, Barney stood at the front door and started praying. The air became still. One of them was praying fervently, singing Psalms, and walked around spraying Holy Water at the house.

Matthos walked around the house, using salt to draw a circle. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind went their way only to dissipate midway.

"Whatever curse she's carrying, it's a bit strong, don't you think?" Barney commented as Matthos crossed the yard. He only shrugged in answer, "It's tied to a current case. Let's find out which one and let her live in peace."

Morning came, and it started so innocently. Matthos let Lumi sleep longer as he planned their breakfast. Barney was in his room, snoring loudly. He showered much longer now and then gathered the herbs both for the food and Lumi's bath.

He opened the fridge, grabbing the tray of Lox he prepared last night. He also took the cream cheese out and proceeded to make the bagel. The coffee was already brewing and set the ale on the table. All he needed was to wake the two. Barney was easy to wake. You only had to shout medical terms, and he'll jump up. He was cursing as he went down to the dining room. Lumi, on the other hand, he wasn't sure.

When he stepped into the room, Matthos was making his footsteps as silent as ever. He did not see the makeshift curtain rod placed near the bed. Before he can approach Lumi, she turned around, surprising him. In turn, this made him step on the end of the rod that caused it to hit him where the sun doesn't shine.

"Argh," Matthos yelped and doubled down on the floor. Seconds later, Barney appeared on the door, panting and confused. When he saw his friend on the floor with the rod near, he didn't need an explanation. He laughed out loud while Lumi stepped out of bed, worried.

Matthos glared at him as he clutched his stick. He was gritting his teeth in pain.

"Is your manhood alright?" Lumi asked so innocently.

"My manhood is fine," he winced, clutching the bed frame as he tried to stand up.

"Manhood, huh?" Barney laughed hysterically

"Fudge you!" Matthos whimpered.

"Can you still spawn in the future?"

It dawned to them both what that meant, and Barney ended up laughing his head off.

"My dear sweet innocent Lumi, I don't think he even had that ability before," Barney explained, dodging the lamp and hiding behind the door for safety measure.

"Oh, that's depressing" she frowned at the thought.

"Don't believe him," Matthos stood up and helped Lumi up.

"And they say chivalry is dead," Barney snorted.

"Let's just eat breakfast," he growled at his friend, which shifted into a charming smile for the lady behind him.

It was only the beginning.