This story has no relation to any of my other works (few as they are). Instead, it's just something that I decided I wanted to see, so I wrote instead. I mean, the Battle Sisters have so much story potential for a potential anime. Anyhow, I actually have no idea how long this story will be, but regardless, you should be in for a, hopefully, fun and exciting adventure! :D
Of course, this doesn't mean I'll stop working on Weakness is a Sin: Rebellion. It's still going on as planned.
So in the meantime, enjoy!
Chapter 1: A Rough Greeting
It was a simple assassination, just like any other.
Slice her throat and take her body. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Shadows crept over Sasha as she slithered over the sapphire-scaled towers of a castle. Electric streams ran across the walls below in webs, much like the rest of the surrounding architecture of night-painted buildings and angelic lights. Stretching out under the structure was a rug of grass, dappled orange and gray by the urban ambience.
Such aesthetics were common in the Holy Nation, where new and old, technology and the medieval, came together in juxtaposed harmony. Her home, her territory and on this moonlit night, her hunting ground.
The eastern hall, Sasha thought, slinking into the far end. Reflections danced over her coal-black cloak, illuminating strands of cherry red hair that managed to cascade in side-bangs from her hood. She held two daggers close, edges glinting like fangs, and her next movements were catlike, sliding down one column before kicking off onto a nearby ledge. Fifth floor for high-end guests. And this should be room 523. She swung around, just out of the lamplight, and onto the next window. Room 524.
A fresh, orange radiance continued to pour out from the window, and Sasha avoided it like fire, instead confining herself to the shadows, one ocean-blue eye peeking in. Sounds filled the breezy night air, quickly refining into audible voices as her elven ears twitched with concentration. Two voices. Feminine.
"It really is an honor to be standing in front of the Fromage!" one voice chirped like an excited fledgling. "The Captain of the Battle Sisters as my personal bodyguard!"
"The pleasure is all mine," another voice, humble yet charismatic. "After all, it's not every day that I get to be in the presence of royalty."
Sasha's hand tightened around her daggers' handles.
"You know, I've always wondered what it'd be like going out on adventures." Sasha vanished onto the ledge above just as the younger woman opened the window. "Out there, seeing the sights, feeling the excitement. What's it like getting sent out on missions?"
"I'm afraid that in our line of work, missions aren't quite as grandiose," the elder one said. "And contrary to popular belief, as Captain, much of my work lies in the office, if not escorting esteemed individuals such as yourself twenty-four-seven. As you know, times are turbulent these days, after the Civil War, the rampage of the Zodiac Time Beasts, even now Cultists rasping of the Dragon Deity of Destruction roam our streets."
"I know that," the other girl replied. "But with all this, it seems like you don't get much freedom, or glory."
"We all have our own responsibilities to attend to. But I wouldn't say it's been unsatisfying. After all, as a member of the Battle Order, there's not a single day that I find uninteresting. That in itself is plenty enough of a reward."
"If you say so…"
The older woman let out a hearty chuckle. "Come, it's getting late. It wouldn't do for you to meet Lady Norn looking bedridden."
The younger girl sighed. "No, it wouldn't. Captain Fromage, can you keep a secret?"
"The very agency I lead is hidden from the public eye."
"Of course, how silly of me. Well, between the two of us, I absolutely despise Lady Norn. She's so strict all the time!"
"Well, how do you think CEO Yggdrasil gets anything done?"
They both burst into laughter afterward.
"Too true," the younger girl said. "Alright. It's been great chatting with you."
"And I you," the elder returned.
"Good night."
"Good night."
That was Sasha's cue.
With quick, fluid movements, she landed back on the window ledge, making sure she didn't make a sound. A stray breeze blew up, entangling through her hood and bringing the faint scent of the courtyard roses with it. Her fingers fumbled around the window's edges until she felt cold steel.
Click!
She wasted no time hopping in and shutting the window before the growing gusts could sneak in behind her. The carpet below her feet was soft, even with her ratty boots on. Rich people things, she noted mentally as she stepped closer to her prey.
The girl's face looked serene as she slept, the dull moonlight bringing gentle shimmers to her skin. Her silver hair flowed out in streams under her, wrapping around like the blanket that was draped over her small frame.
A shame that her life would have to end tonight.
Sasha never really understood why she had to kill. She was never told why. Assassination was just her way of life as a member of the Night Fangs. It was how they stayed alive, and though it was a ruthless place to grow up as a fledgling elf, it was her family. Always was, ever since she could remember.
Sasha narrowed her eyes at the thought. She did wonder what her real parents were like, the parents who had left her in the streets to be taken in.
She held one dagger near the sleeping maiden's neck, only for an amused smirk to break across her face as warm light trickled through the room.
"Impressive. What ticked you off?" Sasha said coolly, unmoving even as the door behind her creaked wider.
"Step away from the girl," the woman from before – Fromage, apparently – warned. The sound of a gun loading cracked behind her.
Sasha let out a soft laugh as the girl under her awoke with a stifled yelp. "You do realize, that I'm the one with the superior position here, correct?"
"That's assuming you escape with your life," Fromage said. "And I guarantee you, you're not getting away easily."
"I don't doubt that," Sasha said, sneaking a glance at the woman's weapon: a gunblade. Dangerous. She'd defeated many a foe in the grimy streets of the capital, but certainly not a Captain. She knew when she was, for the lack of a better word, outgunned.
The loud crackle of a gun firing filled the air as Sasha backflipped away from the bed, the bullet narrowly grazing the side of her hood.
Fromage was quick, bringing Sasha's target close, then pushing her out the door. "Go. Get to end of the hallway. My associate will keep you safe."
Sasha clicked her tongue in annoyance. I had my chance and I blew it.
Another bullet soared past her as she hopped back onto the ledge.
But now I need to get the hell outta here.
With another flourish, Sasha was on top of the window ledge again, then with another flip, was hurtling to the ground below. Bullets rained down after her, some leaving dents on the walls, others exploding onto grass. A few bounced off Sasha's daggers, drawn out in rapid succession, as she skipped from ledge to ledge, then landing gracefully onto the courtyard fields.
Sasha rolled forward just as steel struck cobblestone, the debris flaring up like curtains as Fromage rose to her feet, gunblade sweeping the rest of the cloud away.
Another bullet bounced off her crossed daggers. She backstepped to evade another slash, only to grunt as she felt a heel to her stomach. She's the real deal, Sasha thought, panting as her opponent took calm steps forward. Not even breaking a sweat.
"Surrender and I just might spare your life." In the moonlight, her ringlets of golden hair seemed to dance under the veil of her monastic habit. The rest of her nun's dress shimmered with a gentle blue, and it was easy to make the mistake of her being a benevolent presence.
"So you can just lock me up?" Sasha spat. "Thanks, but no thanks."
Fromage shrugged. "So be it, then."
Sloppy, she cursed as she parried another stream of bullets. Daggers crossed to block. Too slow. Wind slapped against her throbbing palm as one of her daggers escaped her grip. Tiny rivulets of crimson ran down her wrist. The back of her opponent's saber slammed into her, knocking both Sasha and her breath onto the grass.
Too strong, she thought with a gasp, rolling to evade another slash. Have to get away. If I can just get into the shadows…
She threw her remaining dagger, only for it to sail straight past Fromage's tilted head.
Of course. Silly me.
Sasha used whatever energy she could muster and scrambled to her feet, only to be held in place by a pair of swords, each one crossing over the other, their edges lingering just inches from her trembling throat.
"I'd give up if I were you, little one," a voice trilled behind her. Sasha looked up to see a tawny-haired woman smiling down at her, face draped with the clumsy shadows of her nun's habit. "Your situation doesn't look too lovely."
Crap.
"Now that you mention it, she is rather little." Fromage lowered her weapon and took a moment to scan her figure. "You can't be older than twelve, I'd say."
"She's so cute!" the other woman cooed. "Captain, can we keep her?"
"…No, Parfait. She's not a pet, she's a dangerous assassin."
"But, but!"
"Is the client secure?" Fromage diverted.
"Yes." Parfait pouted. "Always so serious. You never let me love enough."
"I believe the word is 'live,' and work is work."
"The word is 'love.' Always, love!"
"Sometimes I wonder if you even know the meaning of the word," Fromage sighed.
"I do. Love. A noun, meaning a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties," Parfait responded matter-of-factly.
Fromage shook her head, even as she plucked up one of Sasha's fallen daggers from the grass. She examined it, turning it ever so delicately in the moonlight. "This craftsmanship is unique. And this insignia…you work for the Night Fangs, don't you?"
"So what if I am?" Sasha retorted.
"To think they'd resort to using children for their operations," Fromage murmured. "That's low, even for them."
Something snapped in Sasha. She wasn't sure what, but her body was moving on its own, and words were spraying out of her mouth almost instinctively. "They're my goddamn family, you witch!"
"Oh!"
She ducked down, knocking Parfait down with a single kick. Then, she pounced on Fromage.
The woman sighed, sidestepping, and the last thing Sasha felt was a knock to her neck before she fell limp on cool grass.
And the rest faded to black.
~ΦΦΦ~
"Hey, Taffy! I think she's waking up!"
"Not so loud, Chai! We want her to wake up naturally, remember?"
"But what difference does it make if she's already waking up?"
"You don't get to decide that!"
"Now who's shouting loudly?"
"That was a heightened whisper! Heightened whisper!"
Sasha's surroundings started to blur into sight. A small room with wooden walls and little lamps all around. Comfy. Snug. Blankets were draped over her. She caught sight of a pink-haired nun huddled to her left and another, turquoise-locked one standing at the foot of the bed.
"See? Now look what you did." The turquoise-haired nun hurried over to her side, aquamarine eyes large and concerned. Sasha noticed a clipboard nestled in her arms. "Hey there. How are you feeling? I'm Taffy. Well, that's my codename, but for all intents and purposes it's my name now and forever. Sorry, I get nervous when I blabber. I mean, I blabber when I get nervous. Ugh, I'm still new to this whole assistant job, ever since Captain gave Éclair the boot. No, you weren't supposed to know that. Ahh. So, how are you feeling?"
Sasha blinked at the girl sitting at her side. "Uh…I'm…okay?"
"Great!" she chirped. "That's great. Polvoron was worried that you might've got hit a bit too hard. Do you remember what happened exactly?"
Sasha did indeed remember. It was coming to her now. The assassination. The battle. Getting her butt handed to her. She nodded.
"Ouch!"
Sasha rubbed her head. The turquoise-haired girl hopped back to the floor, frantic. "Chai! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Chai shrugged, waving a paper fan in the air. "Figured she needed a good smack to jog her memory."
"How many times do I, no, everyone in the Order have to tell you: HITTING PEOPLE OVER THE HEAD DOES NOT MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER!"
"Now who's shouting, Taffy?"
"I'M NOT SHOUTING!"
"Enough."
The two turned their heads at a calm voice. A young woman with hair of caramel stepped into the room, a katana sheathed at her hip. She also wore a monastic habit, black as night, with stripes of moonlight as its highlights. She shot a glance at Taffy and Sasha.
"Captain Fromage wishes to see her."
"O-of course, Sister Cookie." Taffy bowed before helping Sasha to her feet. "We'll be there at once."
"Good." The woman's hard expression melted to a warm smile. "Remember Taffy, we all appreciate the work you put in as the Captain's assistant."
The walk to their supposed Captain's office was a long one, but not fruitless. Though Sasha's wrists were bound with magic cuffs, standard Oracle Think Tank issue, she wasn't blindfolded. The only conclusions she could draw from that were that they either couldn't care less what she saw, or that she would be here for a very long time. Or maybe they were careless.
Marble towered in pillars and beams around them, encircled with artistic swirls. Murals and patterns decorated the ceilings and floors, lit up by the many chandeliers that dangled up in the air. It was a church like any other, complete with stained glass windows across the walls.
"We just got them re-stained yesterday," Taffy said, noticing her lingering gaze. "Like it?"
"They're pretty," Sasha said. Nothing more. She was led across what looked like a mass area, now empty save for a couple nuns praying in silence. Both had some sort of weapon by their side. Sasha noticed her hood was gone. All she had on was a dark gown, and her wild red hair was left free. It made her feel obscenely exposed.
"We're here," Taffy chirped, opening the door to a rather lavish office. Birchwood shelves lined the walls, filled with folders, boxes and books. The two women from the night before were present, one sitting comfortably at a wide table before them, while the other stood vigilant beside her. Captain and Deputy. No wonder she had her butt handed to her. At the sound of the door closing the one seated discarded her reading spectacles and set down a heavy-looking booklet on her table. The words 'DAMAGE BILLS' were emblazoned over its cover. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Captain Fromage. Deputy Parfait."
"How many times have I told you, Taffy? Just Parfait is fine," Parfait smiled.
"Well, pleasantries out of the way, thank you Taffy, for bringing her here." Fromage said. "Now, Sasha, was it?"
Sasha twitched. "How do you know my name?"
"I know far more than just your name," she said. "I know that you've been with the Night Fangs for all your life. An assassin since birth. Or so your file says."
"How…"
"The Oracle Think Tank is the best information agency on Cray," Parfait stated. She was still smiling. Creepily. "It's what keeps us one step ahead. For our clients' sakes."
"Clients?" Sasha raised an eyebrow. She knew of the Oracle Think Tank corporation, the best in information brokering. But she wasn't privy to their affiliation with the Church.
"We are a subdivision of the corporation," Fromage explained. "The Battle Order, both the bridge that connects Oracle Think Tank and the Church of Messiah, and the defenders in the shadows. We protect what needs to be kept safe. We eliminate any threats to the prophecies of the Holy Nation."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt," Fromage said, leaning forward. "You see, Sasha, I believe you're but an innocent pawn in all this."
"I'm not," Sasha growled. "The Night Fangs raised me, okay? Took me in as an infant. They're my family. We only accept assassination jobs because it's what keeps food on the table."
"Do you really believe that?" Fromage asked.
"Without a doubt."
She sighed, then motioned for Taffy to bring her a collection of documents, which she tossed onto the table. "Then tell that to the innocent bodies that are left on the streets each night, drained of blood. Left by your 'family.'"
Sasha gripped the papers, looking over the gruesome photos and the incriminating evidence. "No, no. You're wrong. We only kill those with power and money. And even then, we kill them silently, not…not torture…like this…"
"Look me in the eye and tell me I'm lying to you," Fromage said. But her sapphire eyes were sincere.
"I…I didn't know…"
"No, you didn't, love," Parfait murmured, quick to cradle her. "We're not holding that against you."
"There's more," Fromage interjected. Her voice rattled with subtle reluctance, but she steeled on regardless. "You mentioned that they took you in an infant?"
Sasha nodded. She could feel the tiny rivulets sliding across her cheeks.
"Well," she passed on another document. "That's not quite right."
Her voice cracked as Sasha read it, and for a while, the rest of the room seemed inaudible, a daze. She felt weak, like the paper would fall right through her fingers at a moment's notice. "It can't be…"
A family of elves was slaughtered. Their house was in shambles, torn apart. Their blood spilled and taken, along with a single infant girl, lost to the night.
Until now.
Disclaimer: I do not own any canonical characters from the card game. That's Bushiroad's property. But, I do own my OCs. And speaking of which, Sasha is not an OC. That's right, she's already in the Cardfight! Vanguard game as an existing Battle Sister, and this is her origin story (and story in general). I've thrown enough hints, so have fun figuring it out~ Even the title of the first chapter itself is a hint.
Furthermore, this story is set just before G: NEXT, on Cray of course, so the Gyze War does play a major role in the background. I say background because this focuses on the Battle Sisters' point of view. And this story IS lore-accurate...well, as lore-accurate as can be. I'll be taking a few artistic liberties here and there, but for the most part I'll try and keep the characters as close to their lore as I can.
Any feedback is always appreciated! :D So until next weekend~
Sasha's Notebook
Captain Fromage: The apparent captain of the Church that kidnapped me. The irony is both hilarious and sad. I hate to admit it, but she's really strong. And...strangely gentle.