The Last Spartan – Chapter Twenty-Four

Im sure you all know this, but I own no rights to Firefly or it’s universe. But I do love it so.

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A week passed at the estate with little more drama. Jayne and River continued to

work on both her sword training, and her developing control over her new abilities. As the week neared it’s end, Jayne’s prophecy of illness came to pass.

“I’m dying, Simon,” River groaned, then once again bowed her head, the contents of her stomach being rejected.

“You’re not dying, mei mei,” Simon assured her. “We just have to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.”

“How are you faring, River?” Jayne asked, walking into the small hospital room that had been set aside for River’s use.

“I hate you,” River growled from her spot before the toilet, before yielding once again to the need to rid herself of undigested food.

“I told you that you would, eventually,” Jayne smiled. “But it will pass. What you are experiencing is simply the side effects of the shock your system has gone through during your adjustment. Once. . .”

“I know, I know,” River cut him off, raising a hand. “And I still hate you. Both of you,” she added, glaring at Simon.

“You can’t hate me,” Simon smirked. “I’m your brother. You can only despise me.”

“Fine, I despise you, then,” River muttered, rising unsteadily to her feet. Simon reached out to help her, and she jerked away from him sharply.

“I don’t need your. . .” River started, but her jerking motion had upset her balance, causing her to fall the opposite way, right into Jayne’s arms.

“Sure about that, are we?” Jayne tried to keep the humor from his voice.

“I don’t need your help, either,” she growled, but didn’t attempt to move away.

“Well, shall I drop you then?” Jayne smirked. River sighed in defeat, and allowed Jayne to lift her into his arms. He placed her carefully on the bed, and pulled a sheet up over her.

“It really will pass, My Lady,” he whispered gently, kissing her forehead. He frowned as he felt the heat from her ski