Thank you LiquidBloom, storyreader21, re4lnk, catxangel, and beanche for following/favoring this story!
Sorry guys! This was meant to be posted earlie, but my mother-in-law surprised us with a visit AND my editing program I run my chapters through made some changes to the way they do things that totally messed with my process. I hope they change things back.
Reviews: Yes, Hermione lands in Eos at the same time Insomnia is falling. Bad luck on her part. With this story, the Glaives we know and love will not be explored as much (Sorry) unless things come up later. BUT since I also have a Hermione/Nyx story my muse is shoving at me, if you love the Kingsglaive, that will be the one to read once I start posting it.
Sorry for sucky and simple fighting. This is actually new territory for me, so hopefully I will improve as I go along.
Enjoy and let me know what you think in the reviews!
Chapter 3
She ran into Cor as he tried to find a way back into the city.
After Hermione had successfully apparated, she'd run like her life had depended on it. Which it had. Her legs had burned, her mind going back to times when she'd run for her life at the drop of a hat. The street had been endless, just like the places she'd run back home had been endless.
She'd seen survivors making their way to a gate, but Hermione had heard earlier that the Empire had all the gate's surrounded so she looked for ways out that didn't involve a gate. She'd thought about warning the others, but what good would that do? They couldn't stay inside the city, and there was always a chance that the Empire would leave them alone. They had been after one thing alone, and it was now out of harm's way.
Merlin, she prayed Lunafreya was safely out of the city.
After hours of walking, Hermione finally found a broken wall that lead to a mountain landscape. Her abused body climbed, her already torn sweatshirt tearing again at the sharp ends that jutted out of the wall. Finally, she was out.
Cor had been heading in her direction, his eyes hard and his steps purposeful. Hermione's already alert mindset went into overdrive when she saw him. She'd feel sorry about it later, but seeing him approach her tired battered form was just too much. Without given him a chance to act, she lunged forward, punching him in the face. Cor's head snapped back and he grunted, more in surprise than actual pain. Before she could send her foot to the place it would do the most damage, Cor tackled her to the ground, Hermione's head hitting the ground.
Her vision blackened for a couple seconds before slowly coming back. Her head hurt, and her already aching body protested violently. She whimpered as she waited for the pain to pass, unable to help herself. "Did you have to hit me so hard? And are you a bloody truck? Get off me."
Cor didn't move, looking down at her with suspicion. "To be fair, you attacked first. Who are you? How did you escape the city?"
"I ran for my life and then climbed," Hermione said dryly. "My name is Hermione. Does that satisfy you? Will you let me up?"
Cor tilted his head to the side, taking her in. "The Empire has set up blockades leading out of every city exit. They're reportedly looking for the Princess of Tenebrae and a woman with curly brown hair that can wield magic." He examined the mass of brown curls that framed her face. "Are you her?"
Hermione scoffed, "Well I'm certainly not the Princess of Tenebrae." She paused, her initial thought coming back. "Are you with the Empire?"
Now it was his turn to scoff. "You know I'm not."
She sighed, "No, I don't."
Cor narrowed his eyes. "How have you not heard of Cor the Immortal?"
Her eyebrows rose at the moniker. "I take it you're Cor?" He nodded. "Are you really Immortal?"
"You didn't answer my question."
Neither did you. She found that interesting. She said, "I'm not exactly from around here, so no, I wouldn't recognize anyone famous." She put her palms on his chest, figuring she could manage a wandless stunner if he continued to pin her to the ground. "Will you please let me up? It's been a long night."
Something in her eyes must have gotten through to him as his face softened, and he helped her off the ground. She gently probed her head, not surprised to find a good-sized lump at the back. Despite all her cuts and bruises, Hermione figured this was the injury she would need to watch out for. If she could find a place where she could avoid being attacked for five bleeding minutes, maybe she could even heal herself.
Cor had been scanning her while she took stock of her latest injury. Her clothes were all ruined, the jeans and sweatshirt practically torn to shreds. Not the standard uniform for a Glaive, but maybe she had been off duty when the attack on Insomnia took place? It made no sense as he had known the Glaive had deployed to save the Princess before all hell broke loose. He asked, "What were you doing that you did not assemble with the rest of the Kingsglaive?"
Hermione stopped thinking about her battered body to look up at him, confused. "Why would I be with the Kingsglaive?"
Cor's brow furrowed, not expecting that response. "You can wield magic can you not?" Well, Cor thought sadly, she used to wield magic.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, but what does that have to do with the Kingsglaive?" Hadn't King Regis called Nyx a Glaive?
Cor's had moved to the handle of his weapon, Hermione wouldn't have noticed if her senses still weren't in overdrive. "You mean to tell me that you are not with the Kingsglaive and you can wield magic?"
Hermione kept a wary eye on his weapon hand as she answered, "Yes."
Before she could blink, Hermione's back was against the wall with a long sword pressed against her neck. She held her hands up in surrender, her throat as far from the sword point as it could get. Merlin, what had she done for this man to be looking at her with hatred? Cor snarled, "You have five seconds to tell me how can you use the King's magic. The report was clear. It was believed you were another Glaive, though I have not met you and I knew all of them personally."
Fighting to stay calm even though all she wanted to do was try for a wandless Knockback Jinx, Hermione said, "I'm a witch. I don't have anything to do with your King's magic!"
That had evidently been the wrong thing to say. Cor's eyes became hard, the grip on the handle of his sword tightening. Hermione saw her death in his eyes, and she would probably never know why. She had just assumed, as both the King and Nyx had been able to use magic, that it was a natural occurrence in this land. Bringing her hands down to lay on the rock behind her, Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and prayed to anyone that would listen that this would all turn out to be a terrible dream. That Luna hadn't sent her to her death. That this man wasn't about to strike her down with a weapon that belonged in a museum.
With her eyes closed and attention focused on the non-wavering sword in front of her, Hermione didn't feel the energy that had slowly been entering her through her palm. She didn't see Cor's eyes widen as he saw the energy deposit deplete in color until the yellow was faded enough to blend with its surroundings.
Hermione's eyes opened wide as she finally felt something moving around in her. It felt foreign, but also like it was a part of her magic. The hum that she unconsciously always knew was there had made itself more apparent. She looked at Cor, who was staring at her with his jaw dropped. Feeling energized, Hermione lifted her hand, pointing it at Cor. "Lower your sword." She didn't know what was happening, but Hermione knew without a doubt that she could pull off another spell now, definitely more if she needed to.
When he didn't move, Hermione decided to use the Knockback Jinx. She waved her hand, muttering the spell under her breath. She'd intended for him to stumble, possibly fall back a couple feet. What she hadn't intended was for lightning to shoot out of her palm and blast him away from her. Cor landed against the wall of rock that formed the other side of their current path. Looking at her hand in horror and then back to Cor's fallen form, Hermione forgot all about his attempt on her life as she ran to check on him.
She knelt down next to his body, relief flooding through her at his noticeable breathing. She bit her lip, saying, "I apologize. I didn't intend to do that."
Cor opened his eyes to look at her, disbelief in his eyes. "Yea? Then what did you intend to do?" He waved his hand in dismissal. "Nevermind that. How you can do that is the question. Regis never mentioned… Who are you?"
Hermione sighed, "I've already told you my name, but I have a feeling that is not what you're asking."
Cor nodded and pulled himself up. He picked up his sword and sheathed it. He opened his mouth, but vibrations coming from one of his pockets stopped the words. He took out a phone, eyes widening at the name across the screen and then a sad look etching on his face a moment later. He put the phone to his ear, and then said, "So, you made it." Hermione could vaguely make out another male voice on the other end. "Where are you?"
The other man's voice sounded younger, and far more distraught than Cor's composed tone. Cor gave him instructions for a meeting location and then hung up. He inclined his head. "Come on. I have some spare clothes by my vehicle. They'll be too big, but you cant go around with what you have on. We'll pick up some better fits for you in Hammerhead."
Hermione grimaced at her ruined casual wear and followed.
They walked in silence, Cor glancing at her every few seconds. He seemed to be thinking hard about something, eyebrows drawing down every so often. Finally, he asked, "Where were you when Insomnia was attacked?"
Hermione had already gathered that he'd known the King personally from the man's casual use of his given name, so Hermione was reluctant to answer given his reaction to the last time she truthfully answered a question. Still, whatever had allowed her to use lightning to fight him off had left her with enough energy that she was confident she could fight him off again if he reacted rashly. She said, "I was with the King and his bodyguard, at least I assume the man was his bodyguard, at first."
Cor stopped in his tracks, spinning around to look at her. "You were with Regis and Clarus?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, that was the other man's name."
"What happened. Tell me everything."
So Hermione recounted her tale, trying to block out the images that surfaced of Clarus' impaled body and the blonde man's body on fire. She visibly choked up when telling Cor of the King's death. Hermione hadn't known him, but she could tell he'd been a good man. The obvious loyalty of his people and the heartbreak in their eyes had told her that much. He had sacrificed himself instead of escaping with them when he'd had the chance, his shield holding even after he'd been stabbed. She ended with Nyx's fight with the General, and Hermione's separation from Luna and Libertus.
Cor sighed, "Ulric, you always had to be the hero."
Hermione agreed with his assessment. The man had the aura of someone with a hero complex. Green eyes and messy black hair came to mind, another person with a hero complex. How much time had passed since her arrival? Did time even work the same? Surely, Harry and Ron would have started an investigation after she had failed to show up for their usual after work drink. Or had Luna taken care of that?
She left Cor to his thoughts as they continued their trek to his vehicle. She had so many questions about this place but knew not to voice them. She could tell he had made an assumption about her, and it would be in her best interest not to make him think otherwise. Besides, how would she even broach the topic of her not even being from here? She didn't think otherworldly travel was achievable here, even by witches and they already had poor reputations if his reaction was anything to go by.
They made it to a black motorcycle where Cor rummaged through the pack attached and proceeded to hand Hermione a bundle of clothes. He looked down at her trainers. "Not much we can do about those, but Hammerhead should have some basic combat boots close to your size, hopefully."
Hermione located a large boulder that she could change behind, and peeled off her ruined attire. Hermione made sure Cor wasn't attempting to look before using her wand to lessen the damage to her body. Her spells were weaker again, but Hermione didn't need to be fully healed. The bruises faded to an ugly yellowish-brown color, and her cuts closed until there was no chance of them reopening. Satisfied, she pulled on the clothes, making a note to see if she could mend her sweatshirt at the very least later in the future.
Cor had been right in his assumption that his clothes would not fit her. In fact, it had been an understatement. The jacket and tank top were too big, and no amount of belt pulling could make the pants stay up. Hermione pursed her lips. This wouldn't do. Hoping that witches here used magic similar to her own, Hermione shrunk the garments until they fit comfortably. Whatever boost Hermione had gotten earlier was fading as it took more effort to complete the task.
From what she could see the clothing was all black, the only discoloration being the whitish gray symbol on her tank top. The jacket was leather, something Hermione was sure would be cumbersome in the heat they were in. The trousers were not made of soft material, but still gave the feel of being comfortable to move around in. Her dirty trainers looked ridiculous with this outfit, but Hermione couldn't help that.
Walking back to Cor, she almost laughed at the shocked look on his face. He had clearly expected her to come out looking like a dwarf in his clothing. She also had a sinking feeling that the witches he had encountered were not her type of spell caster.
He looked her over, lip twitching as he stopped at her trainers. He said, "Are you able to shrink more than just clothes?"
She nodded. "Yes, why?"
Cor went back to his pack and pulled out a pair of black laced boots with red soles. He tossed them to her. "These are a better fit for that outfit, and it saves us time from having to find a pair that fits you." He looked at her expectantly.
Taking her wand out of her newly acquired trouser pocket she murmured the spell, watching Cor as the boots shrunk down to a size that would fit her. He was apparently surprised, a little wary. He didn't look like he was about to attack her again, which is what she had been looking for.
Instead, he nodded to her wand. "Is that your weapon? It doesn't look very sturdy."
She studied the piece of wood, it's vined pattern giving it a delicate look. "It's stronger than it looks, but yes, it can be broken." Realizing she probably shouldn't have told him that, Hermione quickly stuck it in her pocket. "Not that I need it. As you saw, I am adept at using my hands as well."
Cor frowned before going back to his pack murmuring, "That won't do." He brought out two daggers, their handles slightly curved. They reminded her of the knife Nyx had used before he'd thrown it at the ship shooting at them. He handed them to her.
She took them, confused. "What exactly is the point of giving me these?"
Cor continued to frown at her. "If that piece of wood breaks, I am not having you rely on your hands and nothing more should we enter combat."
Hermione raised a brow. "And what do you plan to have me do, stab whoever is attacking us?"
"Have you no weapons training?"
Hermione let out a little laugh. "I was a semi-decent archery student before… well before starting my magic training, but that's about it."
She might as well have told him the sky was falling for the look he was giving her. He shook his head, saying, "If we come across a bow, I'll be sure to get it for you. For now, I'll teach you the basics while we wait for the Prince."
Hermione blinked. "The Prince? As in Prince Noctis?"
Cor nodded, straddling his bike. "Yes, we are meeting at the royal tomb just past one of the hunter outposts. Now vanish your weapons, and let's get going." When she made no comment, he turned to look at her. "Problem?"
Hermione frowned and did as he asked, wandlessly and wordlessly vanishing the daggers. Her mouth dropped when a faint blue outline accompanied her magic. That had never happened before. Trying to work out the how's and why's Hermione made no comment on getting on, what she considered to be, a death trap. She also didn't question how Cor new she could vanish objects.
She used the time during the ride to go over everything she had learned in the short time she'd been here. Luna had been correct in thinking the Veil was more than an execution arch. Hermione wasn't sure if other worlds were connected to it, or just Eos and her own. Luna had often mentioned during their visits that her dreams had been guiding her. Had she dreamed of Hermione being in this place? Was Luna related, however distantly, to this Oracle?
Hermione wished for a safe, quiet place to once again read the books Luna had left with her. She'd read the Prophecy of the Chosen King, but had not given it much thought beyond the initial distaste of another prophecy related story. If Prince Noctis was indeed the Chosen King that the prophecy spoke of, Hermione wanted to comb every inch of the text available to her.
She frowned as she forced her mind not to get ahead of itself. She did not know what her purpose was here. She had been dumped into a world at war, but that did not necessarily mean she had to be intimately involved. There was a reason she hadn't joined the Auror program. She had taken a job that would be considered mysterious and dangerous to some, but in all reality was boring and safe. There had been a reason for that.
There was also the fact that this place was affecting her in strange ways. Her spells were weaker, yet she was able to manipulate an element with no problem, something that she never studied or practiced before now. There were too many variables out of her control. Even now, she was half afraid Cor was going to figure out she was no match for him and attack her for being a witch. Merlin knows he would have ended her if she hadn't been able to blast him back.
Maybe she should keep her heritage to herself around anyone else she met.
Hermione was startled when Cor swung the bike around, going back in the direction they'd come from. She tightened the grip she'd had on his sides, wondering what was going on.
He parked in the same place, getting off with the same determined look on his face that he'd had when she'd first seen him. She frowned, "What's going on?"
Hermione had to walk fast as his strides were long, and had no intention of slowing down for her. Cor said, "We have time before the Prince gets to our meeting point." He looked down at her. "I'm going back and making sure nothing happens to their bodies."
Hermione didn't have to ask who he was talking about. She jogged until she was walking backward in front of him. "There are still enemy soldiers down there."
"I know Insomnia like the back of my hand, I won't be seen." He frowned.
"They are definitely looking for you, though. Waiting with our transportation would be best. I won't be gone long."
Hermione contemplated doing just that. They didn't know what state the building she'd come from was in, or if his friend's bodies had already been taken away. The Empire was looking for her, and if Cor was as well known as she thought, then they would recognize him on sight.
But they had been his friends.
Damn it all.
She sighed but didn't say another word, turning around and walking beside him in silence. Logically, she knew this was a bad idea. She also knew that had it been Harry and Ron, Hermione would have risked anything to get to them.
Getting back into the city was easier than leaving it had been. The soldiers still in the city were focused at the gates and patrolling the main streets. Cor led her through the back roads, giving Hermione a lesson in stealth just by moving the way he did. Who knew a man as big as him could be nimble and silent? In fact, any close calls they came to were Hermione's fault.
Before she knew it, they were slipping through a side door into the tall structure that Hermione had landed in. Hermione kept her eyes forward, letting Cor lead the way. From the brief glimpse she had gotten of the floor, she knew what the rest of the building would look like; bodies scattered everywhere, walls crumbled or outright destroyed. She didn't have to worry about keeping vigilant, the place was deserted. If Cor noticed her attitude, he didn't say anything.
Hermione had told Cor what had happened to Clarus, but Cor still went shock still at the sight that greeted them when they reached the room where the treaty was supposed to be signed. Everything was the way Hermione had left it, from the blood and glass to Clarus impaled by his own sword on the wall. Cor's fist tightened before he walked to the wall. He murmured, "How am I supposed to get him down?"
Hermione cleared her throat, trying to avoid looking. It was taking everything she had not to get lost in the memory of the initial shock that had been the turning point in their fight against the general. "I can… I can get him down, with my magic."
Cor looked suspicious but nodded at her to proceed. Finally looking up, Hermione waved her wand. Slowly, the sword came loose from where it had embedded itself into stone. She raised her hand, quickly catching Clarus when the sword was freed and lowered both to the ground. Her brow furrowed at the ease at which she'd used wandless magic but the trouble she was having with her wand. It should have been the other way around.
Cor picked up the sword, wiping the blade with a cloth before handing it to Hermione. She raised a brow in question, and he said, "Put that with your Kukri's. His son should inherit it, and we'll be meeting up with him before long."
She did as he asked, concentrating on making it vanish to the same place as the daggers. It disappeared with a flash of blue. Hermione frowned. She had been hoping that had been a one-time thing.
"Where's the King," Cor asked. Hermione pointed to the destroyed elevator.
He sighed, "Alright. Take Clarus to the garden. I'll join you."
He left before Hermione could ask where the garden was.
Why the man thought she should know her way around the place, Hermione wasn't sure. But she recognized the need for Cor to have some time alone, so Hermione levitated Clarus and made her way out of the room. She walked down random halls, admiring the regal feel of the place. Before the fighting, it must have been a beautiful building. She wondered if the King had lived here, if this was considered a palace. It was clear the world she had landed in was set in a very far away future than her own. While Hermione's inner woman sighed at the thought of beautiful old castles, the more practical side of her could appreciate the power structure of this place. It was clearly meant to be the seat of power.
She looked out a window and found the garden. Hermione was surprised to see that it had escaped the damage the rest of the building had sustained. The land was covered with colorful flowers of all kinds. It looked so peaceful, something out of place among the destruction. She could see herself reading among the flowers, soaking up the sun's rays.
Looking at Clarus' floating body, Hermione bit her lip. She had absolutely no idea how to get to the garden, but she could see it. It wouldn't be hard to just apparate.
Focusing on the flowers below, she visualized herself and Clarus at the spot just before they started. The squeezing tube like sensation that appeared with Apparition came, and then they were in the garden. The nauseated feeling she got reminded her that she hadn't eaten anything since Luna's visit. Had they even eaten anything? They had drunk that weird tea, but Hermione wasn't sure.
Sitting on the ground, Hermione combed her fingers through her tangled hair, gently taking out the knots as she waited for Cor. What were friends doing right now? Had they realized she was missing yet? Had an investigation been started? Had her entry into the Death Chamber with Luna been noticed? Hermione found it hard to believe that no one had seen her mind controlled form moving into an area she was not authorized to go in. Luna shouldn't have been able to move so freely within the Department of Mysteries.
She really hoped the blonde had come up with a good reason for
Hermione's disappearance. As much as she would love for someone to realize what happened and demand answers, possibly bring her back, Hermione did not want her loved ones to suffer. She could imagine Harry racked with guilt over not being able to find her. He would never give up. He had vowed one cold evening while they were on the run that he would never abandon her as long as he lived. He'd stuck by her through everything, even when she and Ron were debating whether they wanted to remain friends. He had made her baby James' godmother.
Everything hit her all at once. She was stuck in another world where her only companion was a middle-aged man who was prone to violence. She had fought and seen death, something that she had never wanted to do again. She had already made it on the wrong list of the enemy, and that very same enemy had just decimated a city. This time her boys weren't by her side. There was no Golden Trio here. It was just her.
She stopped messing with her hair, covering her face with her palms as she sobbed. She was sitting next to a dead man for Merlin's sake. What was worse, her journey had only just begun. She could feel it.
A hand touched her shoulder, giving a quick squeeze. Hermione stopped crying and looked up. Cor was looking down at her, his face entirely too calm. He helped her to her feet, Hermione barely noticing the body that lay next to Clarus'. Someone, probably Cor, had closed the King's eyes. It made him look like he was sleeping, a common deception.
Cor led her to a bench. "I won't be too long."
Hermione frowned. "Don't you need help?"
Cor looked away. "There's no way to ensure where I've buried them stays untouched. I'm going to burn them. It won't take longer than it needs to."
She looked at the two deceased men. "Is that what you want to do?"
"It's what needs to be done."
Moving away from him, Hermione made her way to the bodies. "Risking your attack, you know I have a power that isn't connected to the King's." At his silence, she continued. "We can bury them, and I will make it so that their resting place stay's safe."
Cor nodded once, moving to get to work.
He insisted on doing the heavy work himself, leaving Hermione to stand and watch as he worked out his grief at burying two close friends. He didn't cry or shout. He didn't get angry. His expression was focused, unapproachable. He was so wrapped up in his task that she was sure she had been forgotten.
He was a silent bodyguard when it was time for Hermione to do her part. He watched as she drew ruins in the upturned dirt, making sure to encompass both bodies. Summoning one of the daggers, she make a slash with her palm, Hermione spilled her blood on each of the characters. The runes glowed briefly before settling. She moved to heal her hand but was surprised to find it healing already, her palm bathed in blue. Hermione turned to Cor. "Until I release the runes or die, nothing will get through to them."
Cor nodded thoughtfully, looking at her intensely. Without a word, he turned at led them to the front of the building. He used the same path he'd taken to get them there. The sun was still shining high in the sky, the destruction of a once beautiful city all the more evident as they made their way back. Hermione wondered if Cor grew up in the city. He had been remarkably strong-willed during their venture into the city. She feared she was one scare away from breaking down. This man had buried two friends, walked through his destroyed city with someone he clearly had reservations over and was still walking like none of it affected him.
Despite her earlier misgivings, Hermione was glad she was with someone who appeared unbreakable. After all, she knew all about being scared for her life but having to put out a strong front for those that looked up to her.
Just before they reached the way they would need to use to get out, a lance plunged to the ground in front of them. Cor's sword was out before the tip hit the ground, shielding them from any damage that might have been caused by the ensuing wind. Hermione brought her wand up in reflex, then thought better of it and summoned the daggers instead. Her wand was proving to be a problem in her current climate, not something she thought she'd ever say.
The owner of the lance landed next to it with catlike grace. She didn't seem concerned that Cor had taken an aggressive stance, picking up her weapon from where it landed. She was dressed head to toe in black and red, like the general from the Empire. Not that Hermione would call the ensemble good armor considering her abdomen was exposed. The spiked helmet covered her face, silver-blonde hair the only discerning feature Hermione could see.
She sized them up, making no move to attack. Her eyes roamed up and down Hermione's length, smirking at what she saw. Cor moved in front of her, cutting off the woman's view. "Highwind," He spoke as if they were exchanging pleasantries at the market. "I've heard of you, impressive stories."
Highwind lifted a hand to her helmeted face, chuckling, "My exploits have reached The Immortal's ears. I am truly honored."
The next thing Hermione knew they had advanced on each other. It had happened in a blink, no clear aggressor. She gripped her daggers tight as they moved. There was no way she could keep up with them, not with these knives. They moved in a way that should not be humanly possible, their movements almost too fast for the average eye.
Highwind suddenly launched into the air, Cor's swing stopping abruptly. Hermione looked around and then with dread looked up at the sky. She dropped her daggers in a panic, bringing up her palms in automatic defense of the lance headed straight for her. A barrier erupted just before it hit, the metal striking the shiny tile-like dome. Highwind landed on the shield, smiling in delight at what Hermione had done. Desperate, Hermione looked for Cor and saw him dodging the machine gun from the airship she hadn't heard approach. They were keeping him occupied. He wouldn't be coming to her rescue anytime soon.
Highwind pressed her lance further into the shield, fissures cracking her protection like it was made of glass. Right before it gave out Hermione let it drop, rolling forward and snatching a dagger as Highwind fell forward. She shot a wandless Bombarda Maxima, Highwind dodging before the spell could hit her weapon. Hermione ran and picked up the other dagger, bringing them in front of her chest as the lance came down. The force of the attack flattened her to the ground, rubble digging into her back.
Sweat poured down her face, Hermione keeping up her daggers by sheer will. Highwind was smirking at her, clearly not giving her all. That irritated Hermione. Here she was fighting for her life, and her opponent couldn't even take their fight seriously. If she had been thinking clearly, she would have appreciated it, but Hermione was not thinking clearly.
Concentrating fiercely on Highwind's stupid lance Hermione muttered, "Deletrius." 1Now she was smirking as the lance slowly disintegrated right before their eyes.
Highwind was shocked but didn't lament the loss of her weapon. Before Hermione could move, Highwind stood to her full height and planted a boot on her chest. Hermione made an aggravated sound, throwing her head back in defiance. Highwind sighed, "Now I'll have to get a new weapon. Niflheim ain't paying me enough." She smiled. "Look, I just want the ring. Those are my orders. Find the curly haired Glaive and retrieve the ring." Hermione said nothing. "I know you have it. You worked your King's magic." She pressed the boot just a little deeper. Hermione clenched her teeth but stayed silent. Highwind frowned. "I don't want to use excessive force, you're cute and those aren't my orders."
Hermione stared at her incredulously. The woman hadn't been using unnecessary force before now?
Grumbling, Highwind bent down and looked at Hermione's hands. She looked up sharply after seeing no jewelry on her fingers. "You don't have the ring."
Hermione simply moved her shoulders in what she hoped resembled a shrug.
Highwind jumped back, a long sword swinging where she had previously been standing. Cor pulled Hermione up, pushing her behind him. He didn't look the worse for wear, his clothes had even managed to remain unscathed. Highwind held her hands up in a gesture of surrender. "I wasn't ordered to kill you. I'll be taking my leave now." A metal ladder descended from the sky, Highwind jumping on it and disappearing as the airship flew away.
Cor waited until they'd left his sight before turning to look Hermione over. "What was she looking for," he questioned.
Hermione grimaced. "The ring. She thought I had it, because of my magic." She remembered the barrier she'd conjured to block the attack from the sky. Her shield had never manifested like that before, but she had seen King Regis conjure one that looked almost identical during his fight with the general.
A rush of dizziness attacked her, causing Hermione to stumble. Arms caught her, a voice that sounded faraway speaking. She tried to keep her eyes open, but she lost the fight, falling unconscious.
