Queens Blade: Dragons and Knights. Chapter 1 "Aldra's family"
A/N: All right people, before anyone starts bad mouthing this story for any lack of fan service or change in clothing types, I would just like to tell you people that this is my story. I'm not writing this story as some perverted "Ecchi anime" I'm writing something that you read for the story, plot, drama and action, not something that people would read for the cleavage the up skirt shots. HOWEVER. With that being said, there will be some stuff like that, just not as much as you get out of the anime, not nearly as much. And now that I've got to have my system please enjoy the story, and know that I did not mean to sound rude or offensive. Thank you
Disclaimer: I do not own the Queens Blade franchise or any of the music I may suggest, only the original characters and places. All content is fan made in purely for fun. All rights for the show/manga and music go to their respective owners. Thank you and enjoy :-)
In a town in the kingdom of Gynos it was a dark rainy night, (the kind of night that that's pretty good for this, set up.) a young woman was walking down the street, covered in a brown robe to keep her and her baby dry. She had been walking for what felt like an eternity in this dark and rain, keeping her child under the robe and close to her chest in order to keep him warm and dry (Being very careful not to suffocate him under her 'assets'.) She was cold, tired and soaked to the bone, but she could not stop walking knowing her destination was so close. She pushed through her exhaustion and continued onward, each breath she took hung in the air as a light fog. She was so tired and her feet were so sore from the walking, she felt like she could pass out in the street and sleep peacefully, but she couldn't afford to, for the last thing she wanted was her little boy to catch a cold or fever, so she continued walking. After doing so for 10 more minutes her destination was finally in sight, a medium-sized house with two windows in the front, a fairly small chimney and front yard garden, which despite being sopping wet and in the dark was still beautiful. The two windows were lit and smoke was puffing up the chimney "oh good, she's still awake." She thought to herself, The woman walked onto a stone path of the garden, which was dimly lit by the light that streamed from the Windows. When she reached the front door, she took a moment to catch her breath and finally rested for a moment, each breath was deep, and heavy, and hung in the cold air after getting her break she then knocked on the door and waited for a response. She could vaguely hear the resident "Oh, who could that be at this time of night?" A woman with a small voice said. She could see the residents shadow through the window as she approached the door and unlocked it, when the door opened, the resident revealed herself to be a tall, buxom woman with light pinkish purple hair and orangey red eyes "can I help you?" She asked before she realized just who she was talking to, "I-it's you." She stuttered, opening the door even wider "Hello Aldra." Our mysterious walking girl, said pulling back her hood to reveal long, blonde hair.
After Aldra discovered that she was speaking to "Leina Vance" she invited her in almost immediately. After she helped Leina out of her sopping robe, and wrapped the baby in a warm blanket she prepared some herbal tea and hung the robe by the fire crackling in the fireplace to dry. After doing so, she joined Leina at the wooden table. "I'm sorry to barge in on you like this." Leina said grabbing her cup of tea "oh, it's no trouble at all." Aldra responded before taking a sip of her tea. Leina had changed out of her armor into a borrowed nightdress from Aldra, that was similar to the one she was wearing, only in a different color. "Aldra, I know I have no right to ask this of you, but I have a huge request to ask you." Leina said in a rather serious tone "what do you need?" Aldra asked curiously "I'm going to be traveling for quite some time, and can't afford to do that with the child." She said, glancing at the baby who was sleeping comfortably on the couch "and I was wondering if you could watch him."
"How long are you going to be gone?" Aldra asked "I don't know yet. Could be a few days, could be a few months, maybe even some years. And I know I'm asking a lot and I completely understand if you say no." Leina explained. Aldra looked at the baby sleeping peacefully on the couch and smiled "I'll take good care of him." She said. Leina's eyes widened and then she smiled "Thank you so much Aldra. I promise I'll be back for him." Leina said, expressing her gratitude. "Of course. It's the least I could do, after you've helped me so much. And besides there's another child on his way." Aldra said, before she gently rubbed her stomach with her hand "And I'm sure he'd love a brother." Leina stared for a moment before it finally clicked "You mean your…" she started "Yes. We found out just last week." Aldra said, confirming Leina's analysis "Oh my gosh, congratulations." Leina said, in a much happier tone, congratulating the soon-to-be mother. "Thank you." Aldra responded giggling slightly. The two continued to make idle chitchat for a few more moments (being quiet so they would not wake the sleeping baby.) Until they were finally ready to go to sleep. Aldra fetched a blanket for Leina before she went to her own bedroom. "Good night." She said pleasantly "Good night." Leina responded before Aldra closed the door behind her. Aldra offered her bed to Leina, but she wanted to asleep on the couch with her child for one last night before she took off tomorrow. So she blew out the last candle, leaving the dying fire the last source of light in the house before she walked over to the couch, and laid down putting her slightly swollen feet up finally giving them the relief they needed. As she lay down, she held her son close, bundling up in the warm blanket on the comfy couch. Once she was comfortable she looked at her son and smiled gently for she started humming the same lullaby her mother sing to her when she was little, (might I suggest Inuyasha's lullaby. Or make up your own, whichever you prefer) after she hummed her song she brought him closer to her face "Grow strong and healthy kiddo." She whispered before kissing his forehead, only then did she let her exhaustion take her into a deep peaceful sleep. The embers of the fire still glowing brilliantly.
The rain had stopped by the time morning came around (and think goodness to, because that would be lousy weather to travel in.) Leina decided to leave, right around noon. And with the time she had, Aldra decided to go out in to town to grab some food and prepare a small pack for Leina's trip. Now they were standing outside of Aldra's home, saying their final goodbyes. "Goodbye Arthur, I promise mommy will be back real soon." Leina said to her son, who was happily smiling at her, laughing as babies do "Don't worry, Leina, he's in good hands." Aldra said reassuringly as she held Leina's child in her arms "Oh, before I forget." Aldra said before she held out a small pack for Leina "There's enough to last you a few days."
"Thank you Aldra." Leina said, taking the bag "I also have something for you." Leina said, before she started clicking something strapped to the back of her hips. She then presented two long swords to Aldra "Here. In case he needs to defend himself." She said "but… Leina, these are-" Aldra began "Nothing that can't be replaced. Besides, I have a feeling he'll need these more than me." Aldra was hesitant, but she accepted the swords. "Good luck with your kid, Aldra. And I promise, I'll be back for, Arthur, soon." Leina said, giving Aldra one last smile, she responded with a bittersweet smile "Thank you." Aldra said. Leina stroked her sons cheek gently, before he grabbed her fingers and held onto his mother as tightly as he could. Leina smiled sadly "Goodbye, kiddo." She said, slowly pulling her fingers away from the infant. And with that, she left, doing her best to ignore the distressed calls of her son. Aldra could only watch, and hold the slightly squirming child in her arm, she clenched her fist that held the leather straps of the scabbards for the swords, she watched as Leina's figure grew smaller and smaller, as she left her family behind. After Leina was out of sight, Aldra turned around, and walked to her house "I guess you're stuck with me, until she comes back." She said looking down at Arthur, who was still looking in the direction his mother left, even after Aldra brought him inside the house and tucked him away in the cradle that she bought earlier today.
Despite what she had promised, Leina had not returned. Aldra watched Arthur grow, as the weeks turned into months and the months turned into years. And in that time, Aldra had given birth to her own child, a beautiful, petite girl with the same light pinkish purple hair, and eyes blue, as the bluest sapphire. We now see Arthur when he's four years old, and Aldra's daughter "Carla." When she's three years old, as they're leaving the house to go play. "Goodbye Aldra, we're going to go play. Come on Carla." Arthur called to the pinkettes. He was a small blonde child with light green eyes. "Wait for me Arthur." Carla said, her voice (small as it was) full of energy. "Be careful you two. And no more than half an hour." Aldra said to the children, as they ran through the front door, "We will." They said together, on the way through the front yard garden. They ran off to join the other children, a short ways away from where they lived, to have their own version of the "Queens Blade" tournament, for boys and girls. Arthur was pretty good at that game, he could even beat the older kids who were considerably bigger than he was, and today, he won his fourth match in a row. He ran around the area they were playing in, (A vacant lot about two blocks away from Aldra's home) celebrating his victory, however, because this, he ran right into someone's leg, and fell down painfully. "Ow." He said, slightly teary-eyed, before he looked up to see whom he ran into. She was a buxom woman (like there's any other kind of girl in these shows) with vibrant purple eyes, and long, thick, tangled red hair that went all the way down to her thighs. She also had a kid by her side, he was fairly tall for his age, (He's about eight years old) as well as lean, yet muscular, he had dark green eyes, as well as thick, tangled red hair that dropped to the base of his neck. They both gave curious, and slightly confused, looks at the young boy, "You okay kid?" The woman asked, extending her hand offering to help him up. "Oh. Yeah, I'm okay." Arthur said, as she grabbed the redhead's hand. She gave a firm tug, and pulled Arthur back to his feet, right before he was tackled into a hug by his "sister" Carla. "Brother! Are you okay?" She cried "I'm fine, Carla, this nice lady helped me." He said, comforting her, Carla then turned to face her brother's helper "Thank you, nice lady." Carla said politely, as she bowed her head. (Let it never be said that: Aldra never taught her kids manners) "No problem kid. Though, I'll have to charge you for my services." The woman said, rubbing her thumb, middle, and index fingers together, "Here we go again." The male redhead muttered, rolling his eyes. Arthur and Carla just stared at her with a confused look. "That was a joke, by the way." She said, crouching down so that she was eye level with the two "So what are you kids doing out here?" She asked, looking at all the boys and girls holding wooden swords and sticks "We are playing 'Queens blade'. You want to play?" Arthur said in an excited tone. "Me? You sure you want an old lady like me playing with you kids?" The redhead said with a slight chuckle in her voice "Mm-hm. You're a nice lady, so you can play with us." Arthur said, his eyes full of youthful optimism and excitement. "Meaning Arthur smells a good fight." The other girls whispered to Carla who nodded agreeing with her statement. "The logic of the four-year-old." The woman sighed, hanging her head but still smiling "All right kid, I'll play." Arthur's eyes along with his smile widened with glee, he was about to get a new challenge. "What about you Ash? You want to play a round?" The woman asked the young redhead "You mean fight a bunch of amateur kids, who can't even hold a weapon properly? No thank you, that's not my idea of fun." Was his response, in a slightly annoyed tone "You sure?" The female asked "Yes, I'm sure." He said, sounding even more annoyed. "Suit yourself. All right kid." She said, as she turned to face Arthur then stood at her full height, towering above him "Let's rumble." She said, cracking knuckles as a toothy grin spread across her face.
The two combatants took their positions at opposite ends of the lot, while one of the older boys stood in between the two and announced the fighters. "Attention everyone!" He exclaimed "On this side we have the Challenger, Arthur!" Arthur held his wooden sword in front of him with both his hands. "Brother! You can beat her!" Carla cheered "Kick her but!" Another one cheered before they all started cheering for the blonde. "And on this side, we have…Um, what's your name?" He asked "The name's Risty. Playing the part of the evil Queen." Risty said, identifying herself "The evil Queen, Risty!" Risty then gave an evil laugh, playing the part "You cannot defeat me, and my evil ways foolish Knight Arthur, for I am far too powerful!" Risty said selling this "Evil Queen" bit a little too well "Ha. We'll see about that." Arthur responded playing along. "And… BEGIN!" The boy announcing them shouted, signaling the start of the fight. Arthur was the first to make a move with a forward charge, shouting all the while. Risty easily blocked his strike, but she went along with his momentum. Arthur continued to swing wildly but Risty parried each attack. After about 10 seconds of this, Risty finally went on the offensive. With her wooden sword held tightly in her grasp, she went for a forward lunge aimed at Arthur's chest. Risty's sword was a here's breath away from striking Arthur square in his chest, but he managed to pull his sword up and push hers away just in the nick of time. He then managed to get within her range and went for a diagonal swing, but Risty managed to jump away a split-second before her opponents attack landed on her ribs. Risty gave another 'evil laugh' "No one can beat the evil Queen, but I acknowledge your strength, brave Knight Arthur. So how about we leave this to a single strike, winner take all." Risty said, getting back into character. "Okay. I have to be home soon anyway." Arthur said, taking the stance. "Go get her, brother!" Carla cheered. "The kid's toast." Ash said smugly. It all came down to this, one last strike to decide the winner. Risty and Arthur stared each other down (Though in Arthur's case it's more of a stare 'up'. Sorry, couldn't resist XP) before finally acting. Risty charged, with her wooden blade held out to her side, she was poised to deal the final blow to the boy's shoulder. Arthur charged in shouting, with his blade held low and close to his waist. The crowd watched on the edge of their seats (Well, they'd be at the edge of their seats, if they were sitting) Carla held her breath, as she watched with wide eyes. Ash, on the other hand, looked very nonchalant, as he sat on the ground with his legs crossed. Risty went for a diagonal slash, Arthur ducked narrowly avoiding his opponents attack even went for a forward lunge, and then… BAM! There was a pause, as everyone, even Mr. cool, calm, collected Ash, stared in awe at the site. Even Risty was taking aback, as she saw and felt the end of the boys wooden sword pressed against her abdomen. (thank God there only using wooden swords) even Arthur looked slightly surprised. It was a moment before anyone moved, but Risty grabbed the wooden blade and slipped it between her ribs and her left arm, making it look like she was impaled. "Oooh! I've been slain by this noble knight," she said, putting on as much of a performance ash could." But my rule, my evil ways, shall always live on… Uerk!" She then fell to her back with a great THUMP clutching the toy she had pressed against her side. Ash was still dumbstruck at the site of his mother actually losing a fight, meanwhile, Carla, and the other kids were cheering for their friend. After they cheered, Arthur walked up to Risty's limp body. "Um, nice lady? Are you really dead?" Arthur asked, poking at her cheek. She then opened one eye and gave a big smile. "The world's not that lucky kid." She said, before she picked Arthur up from under his arms. "Attack of the undead Queen!" She exclaimed. Risty then wrapped her arms around Arthur's small body and wouldn't let go as he squirmed for freedom. "Help!" Arthur shouted, as he continued to squirm. "Lots of help you kids are." Risty said, in an almost taunting voice. The kids all looked at each other and one of them finally said "Attack the undead Queen!" They all charged at Risty and piled on top of her and Arthur. (even Carla hopped on at the end) But they were all unable to keep her down, for she easily stood back up. The group continued to hang on to Risty (but Carla was struggling to hold on) for a few minutes longer, while Ash reclined against an empty barrel with a rather amused smirk. But seconds later, a tall, beautiful woman with familiarly pinkish purple hair, turned the corner and saw Risty with numerous children hanging off of her like apples in a tree. "Carla, Arthur." She called. Arthur and Carla looked to see who was calling them, and their faces lit up. "Aldra!" Arthur said. "Mommy!" Carla said. Before she and Arthur dropped off of Risty, and charged in to hug Aldra. "You two should have been back home, five minutes ago." Aldra scalded, after she hugged her kids. "We're sorry." They apologized in unison. Meanwhile with Risty "All right kids. You beat me. Now would you mind letting go of me, so I can take care of some business." After they did, she approached Aldra as Arthur and Carla were apologizing to her. "Hey there Aldra." She greeted. "Risty?" Aldra said, the faintest trace of disbelief in her voice. "It's been a while." Risty said, trying to be pleasant. "It certainly has"
A/N: wow, that was… Long. Guess I got a little carried away XP. But getting the point of this, thank you so much for reading this fanfic. It's the first one I've ever written and published, so I don't know how well I did, but I hope you enjoyed it. Leave any comments, suggestions, feedback or advice, in detailed messages in the comments section. Because I live for the feedback and to give you guys a good story. I'll read you next time :-)