Fickle Sleeves

by Marutectz552

Eventually prey adapts to it's predators as it requires time, patience and it's only natural for humans to learn to kill what hunts them. Not always are those who learn to hunt aren't like heroes of old, reality isn't so clear cut and monsters are no different. Sometimes the only difference between real monsters isn't by personality, it's sometimes determined to be only skin deep.

4. Chapter III

Claymore

Fickle Sleeves

Chapter III

Give your 'hero' all the praises you gut less pieces of shit. I vindictively smirked while finishing off what little ale I had left inside my own mug. Lawrence along with the rest of group were being showered with questions, praises as if he were god's walking son and numerous young ladies were trying to show their appreciation in him slaying the yoma. Their attempts were possibly putting even the most terrible of whores I knew look great, I chuckled lowly while shaking my head since it'd been years I had lived at that brothel. Back then I swore that bitch of a sow who gave me up could still get people to insert their cocks despite giving birth, I sneered when several bandages now wrapped up both hands concealing shredded flesh. Shards of glass stubbornly refused to leave the skin until I picked them all out with just my bare teeth, I barely got any help or was noticed since I had sat in this tavern's furthest corner to get some peace.

Young bar maids and local girls were throwing themselves towards the man in the company who'd been a rapist according to Lawrence. I playfully considered being a cock blocker since rapists were often heavily frowned upon, or rather they had their balls burned off considering how important whatever sow got damaged and in the end I left it alone. Nothing even worth for a laugh yet he did call me a lunatic. So maybe that deserves some motivation, or should I wait until that lard of shit insults me again. Decisions were often plaguing myself to a point where I couldn't have cared for old grievances, I contently patted a modestly sized pouch of my cut towards today's killing. More so I got an answer towards those cylinder bars that seemingly were weighted more then actual gold and their specific purpose certainly became an eye opener.

So these things are used to only pay for Silver Eyed Witches, huh? Apparently anywhere that used them were basically coin to rich southerns whose coffers were loaded. They were valuable since it'd been a bitch to forge them, or smelt them from what material that was needed. Intrigued I savored ideas to stash small caches of these beras whenever I got a chance. Opportunists or extortionist be damned because god must have looked on me with a blessing! To hold several pouches full of these beras signified plenty of wealth plus I'd be delighted to have gut less cocks, or spoiled sows with their bratty spawn to beg me to pay for a Silver Eyed Witch! If they had a yoma infesting their town, so to consider being lazy to watch them suffer along with a fact I wasn't in any mood to lift a finger to help, I smiled absolutely happily to consider it. Extorting is just another way to earn money and favors, I'd love to see their faces if they knew I'd be their only hope to save a town.

Stuffing a gut till it nearly exploded never ceased to tell myself having money was worth it. Instead of lamb being this piss hole's main supply for food, I had finished off an entire chuck of steak or something along those lines. It'd been beef which had been roasted over a fire with potatoes drenched in dark gravy mixed in with other cut up vegetables and I eagerly took it all down as a starving man should have acted. Getting several mugs of ale mixed in allowed my eyes to close happily while leaning back on a chair to have it propped against whatever wall I sat myself near. Rocking slightly back and forth nearly caused me to pass out in the fucking chair, I occasionally made sure to stay awake just in case someone got too eager for their own good.

Laughter echoed over a bemusing fact several of the locals were killed in that yoma's blind struggle. Including that old crow whose brains I got a first hand look in seeing, I'd say they were taking it quite well if only to believe that killing this yoma had ended their problems, but really I had a gut feeling these people should have been killed. They kept on trying to ignore my existence because I had triggered a creature that killed their own, I found it so considerate of them to give such decency that I wasn't going to insult them and I notched that down as an accomplishment. If common decency wasn't dead then I'd say my ability to have an equal respect never failed to inspire my faith in people to give me peace.

As long as I get my cut, I'll gladly bring down creatures who think they can just walk over me. Closing both eyes to exhale happily as warm favorable ale made living ever so blissful. I propped both feet to watch over an entire tavern from my spot in a corner, I watched people raise their mugs as admiration invoking praises to god, to men whose bravery to stand against monsters and so many awe looks almost got myself to vomit. You were so fearful to never do anything until a street rat shoots a yoma's eyes out, you scream like bitches and cry like spoiled cunts who can't lift a finger as you get devoured. And then you have the balls to celebrate you did anything yourselves, I'm going to get sick of seeing this really quickly aren't I?

Perhaps I found either resentment in seeing well fed sows and cocks thinking their lives were saved. Or maybe I hated them when not a single person would help me, I never got a helping hand when these locals were twice my age and got saved, I found it all oddly bitter to spit towards a wall. It boggled my ability to stomach such warm looks when they'd have tossed their own to save themselves, I laughed loudly unable to cope to remain silent in seeing these disgusting sacks of flesh. I'd personally enjoy if a time came when a town couldn't afford to pay me, I swore walking away while pointing out they should have do something would be worth my wild and to be fair, I'd just say to that yoma infecting said place to slaughter them all. I wasn't going to do anything out of good will, or for free when no one had done a damned thing for me!

"Three cheers for Lawrence the Brave and to those serving him to slay the beast!" I heard a chanting ovation from a drunkard who hoisted two mug fulls of ale over his head. Numerous roars of agreement were followed up to make a person go near deaf, I scowled trying to ignore all those ignorant looks of praise that could have easily been desperation. Disgust swarmed enough to have my mood ruined to stand up slamming a chair behind shattering a leg off. No one noticed or seemingly cared as I adjusted my cloak to bypass anyone raising their wooden mugs cheering. Even those other men who'd been traveling to kill a yoma raised their own as if buying into a fact they did everything, I laughed cynically while shoving past two bar maids.

Yes, yes cheer all you want you fucking cunts! Cheer when you realize you can't find a yoma standing in front of you when I'm not around, so drink your asses dead for all I care! Disgusting sensations either belonging to resentment again, or maybe I had too much liquid fueled myself to shove any local who got in my way towards out the door. Bar maids, drunkards or even half cocked teary eye sows for women weren't spared as platters got sent scattering on the floor. People were looking past when I merely rose a middle finger as I kicked an ajar door wide open, I couldn't stand staying inside this piss hole tavern and I refused to listen to spoiled lards of flesh who would've thrown each other into that yoma to give themselves more time to live.

The frigid wind slicing against my face as seeing a clear sky filled with stars revealed themselves once a door slammed shut. Breathing in deeply I stood still trying to ease down a swirling heat as both hands loosened themselves to allow relief. Shouting muffled by one thick door managed to greet an ear as I sneered walking down an empty road, "Cry all you to want to Lawrence because I ain't saying shit to any of you. Cheer him all you want, see what happens when I'm not around." Lowly laughing while shaking my head I tucked in both hands to have them avoiding a frigid breeze, I inhaled lightly to stare upwards to seen an open clearly sky. Stars were flicking constantly giving a sense of belief I wasn't in some piss hole admiring such beauty.

I think that's what I'll miss about being here in the north, it balls to the wall freezing yet seeing an open sky like that every night? Smiling genuinely remorseful wasn't going to be a common occurrence as I moved towards where the company's horses had all been tethered. It'd been a stable several buildings over for visitors to rest whenever they traveled to this piss hole, I wanted to check on Dag to get away from that disgusting pretense of a celebration. As much as I basked in killing yoma I couldn't stomach seeing well fed natives think they had a right to celebrate, I refused to acknowledge they'd be acting so cheerful when they were throwing each other to survive another day and it was a lot more pleasing to see them all panic like pigs to a slaughter. My mood increase from irritable into a surreal smugness that refused to die now after picturing them screaming for their lives.

How many would be dead if Lawrence hadn't come here, I wonder how many? Musing absently to enjoy a quiet walk while palming two dagger's hilts reassuringly I wasn't defenseless, I considered it'd have been a dozen to say the least. Given how small this piss hole's natives numbers were and what that creature held in terms of no one being able to suspect it'd have been high. Hell I imagined an entire town would have been devoured until not one sow, cock or spoiled spawn would have been spared by something crushing their bones into splinters! Or having their internal meats being eaten up by a yoma like some starved mutt of wolf in those forests further north, I remembered seeing one raider's carcass picked clean when I first journeyed to this frozen hell.

Another powerful gust of wind sent my cloak flapping back revealing bandaged hands. I shivered while rolling both shoulders to ward off anything more expressive, "Damn winter! I hate the fucking cold, I fucking wish it and I never met, oh god you better bet your sweet ass I will always hate it!" Muttering lowly as I considered getting some thicker cloth in order to survive another night became very tempted. I got an impression my partner wanted to remain in these northern back water piss hole villages to earn fame, god damn I swore he wanted to be a local legend or something of that line when it came to killing yoma! Personally heading south to earn a lot more seemed logical considering an ambition that required any well fed sow, cock or a real cunt of a populous lard of flesh to know a man who wanted to hunt monsters.

Oh well, I tried and I spoke what I thought. Long as money keeps filling pouches I'll just deal with it, so toughen up Fickle. Grudgingly resigned to being in a place through possibly winter, I knew I'd have to buy thicker cloth for sure. While it may been simpler to get that task done I looked seeing not one native would be inside their homes, or shops tonight as I still head distant shouts of celebrations to where I stood. Crossing both arms I hummed passing the time until I got hungry again, I'd want more cooked beef soon and craving an ale certainly assisted myself in those thoughts, I guess I found myself getting chilled when winds kept relentlessly smashing along a road I traveled. I hated anything to do with winter as I forced myself to grit both sets of teeth.

The silence made even footsteps completely louder then normal as occasional crackling from partially frozen snow forming a thin layer of ice. Even my own breath became visible as I grimly accepted winter's early arrival, "Yup. Thicker cloak and better boots, I'll get frost bite once this cold hell really hits." Adjusting what little of a cloak tighter to ward off exposure provided little other than making my spine tingle. Wait why am I shivering, I mean just what? I blinked rapidly rolling both shoulders trying to ignore it yet an relenting chill sent a tingle going up an entire length belonging to my spine. To be careful I took one massive lungful of air and it refused to go away eliminating it'd been a cold breeze as a cause.

Only one thing could have made my body react so suddenly and I tried to not look back to see exactly what was following me. No other footsteps besides my own were heard which quite frankly started to scare me shit less not out of fear, but genuine adrenaline that sent powerful waves of sensations making my heart race. Trying to remain calm proved to be utterly useless when I refused to turn around to face an answer knowing what this specific feeling entitled. No fucking way, I don't want to believe my luck is this great! Am I dreaming, or is there another yoma that's been hiding as well? Excitement riddled every muscle to such a degree I started to idly check out side alleyways determining which held the shorter route to get to where I stashed my bow and quiver where Dag had been tethered to rest undisturbed.

Don't panic, or make it so obvious! Try to act natural Fickle and see if you can catch a glimpse of its face I kept telling myself while trying to listen for footsteps, I heard nothing considering both feet belonging to me broke small layers of ice. Crackling frequently became clear leaving only one possibility to move towards an alleyway, I wanted to get a good look to remember a face so that I'd warn Lawrence and get myself set for another payday. Although I never expected to encounter multiple creatures in a single area which honestly became an issue that would be addressed, if one piss hole of a village had multiple yoma infesting it then I'd want more pay, I wasn't going to tackle multiple creatures for the price of normally one.

The efforts to remain naturally ignorant carried me past where the yoma's carcass had been left to rot. It's head been planted on a spear right where the town's center was located, I personally slammed its decapitated head on that spear's tip. Best way to show anything something dangerous is in town, send a severed head as a message to others and I'll gladly come back to hunt them down again, if this piss hole village pays of course. Abruptly turning right I moved past a head with two wooden shafts still lodged where it's eye sockets had been, I planned on buying better made arrows at first light as these shoddy hand made ones weren't going to cut it, so I prepared to lose some coin for an investment that would pay for itself. Sooner I attained better quality weaponry in order to kill yoma, or even occasionally anyone dumb enough to get in my way and it didn't matter because I wasn't going to discriminate.

Stepping further in between buildings were shadows made it naturally darker as I quickly dipped into a small crevice. Completely concealed I pulled out both daggers keeping close if my luck held out to garner an opportunity to gut a creature open. Go right for a gusher, go for its back and watch something spill itself clean, oh please be stupid enough to follow me down here. Smiling widely I slightly tilted my head to see a much more visible entrance to view the road. Moonlight parted from behind clouds bathing anything out in the open with a pale white, I waited anxiously with fingers rubbing warming metal ready to take a jab, now breathing faster I wanted to see what face this particular yoma held so I could inform Lawrence and those meat shields companions of his to get ready for another round.

Minutes passed revealing nothing walking by where I vanished as wind blew past to sting my exposed cheek. Something's not right, I know I was being followed so what gives? Nerves were flaring to life once it became clear I wasn't alone! Tingles kept on bombarding myself to a point where sweat ran dripping onto a frozen ground and even with shadows concealing a ragged cloak which blended flawlessly I felt very uneasy. My gut is telling me to run, I half tempted to bolt back to that tavern and get Lawrence because I know it's watching me, so where is it! Unable to stop myself from breathing shakily I screamed internally by waiting with trembling hands as that feeling of looming anticipation anxiously grew twice as obvious. Dried lips were moistened routinely to avoid being stung once breezes kept swiping past where I hid despite trembling violently.

Another chilling tingling sensation swept over me so clear I turned around seeing another empty street as well. I twitched feeling absolutely paranoid as I felt every single instinctual emotion to run, I wanted to bolt immediately and it killed myself internally trying to figure out where a damned creature could keep an eye trained to be reacting so assured. Where in the hell are you? I know your around because getting an easy meal like a lone person isn't anything but opportunity! God damn it all to hell I swear I know it knows where I am! Sweat leaked down past underneath where my chin and neck met giving an uncomfortable feeling of liquid starting to freeze on warm flesh. My heart raced akin to a horse galloping full sprint as both hands tightened securely around two daggers, I closed both eyes struggling to remain somewhat coherently sane!

Unable to stop myself I walked to move out of hiding. Standing firmly rigid while facing both entrances I swore I'd bait this creature, I needed to see its face and it would only be a matter of running between alleyways to get back to that tavern. Come on you ugly son of a bitch, I'm right here so come at me, come get your free fucking prey and show me where you're...Those thoughts in taunting it practically stopped dead in their tracks once a wave of unworldly chilling shivering swept behind me! Frantically I turned around see nothing but an open street, now ideally panicked and beyond frustrated to where I bit my tongue down hard, god must have been out to piss on my day as I couldn't make sense where in the fucking hell this creature was at! Shaking beyond normally I had ever experienced while in a fit of anxious misdirection I stepped to have my back pressed up against a buildings wall unable to cope with my heart racing so strongly.

Being pressed up against one solid wall caused my expression to twist undeniably horrified as an epiphany struck me. Wait hold up, if there's nothing coming down from either entrance, I have both ways in secured, so think Fickle! What is your best angle to make sure what you're hunting is corned? Getting a jump on something trapped means...oh, shit. Gulping down every urge to not scream I slowly looked upwards to that parallel wall continuing to look up where the roof tops overlooked where I'd been arrogantly preparing for an ambush. Now it made all too much sense for myself to solve this mind fucking riddle called why. Frustration I understood all too clearly with a spine curling in absolute abandonment, both sets of teeth were gnashing tightly to avoid hyperventilating when my own two eyes widened.

Standing above parallel to where I had been hiding stood a figure blocked by a brightly lit full moon concealing its face. It'd been silently observing completely undetected as I felt its gaze trigger a natural instinct refused to be silence and once I saw it twitch it got me yelping shrilly, "Oh fuck!" I bolted tearing through any ground I mustered with two feet scrambling to haul ass with an intent to put as much distance between that monster. It'd been clever enough to use common sense, I would have laughed if it were doing to anyone else but myself, I berated what an idiot should have done! Using high ground to gain an advantage to keep an element of surprise should have been my decision to exploit, I felt fire surging once I skid around past an exit to fully give all I could to run, I needed to get to that tavern to warn Lawrence that a yoma had been smart enough to ambush me!

You fucking idiot Fickle, you're an absolutely brainless lard of shit! I chanted panicked moving as fast as I had ever ran in my life. Not even close since those early days in running as a pick pocket in that trash shit hole of a home had I ran so quickly! Ice crackled as pieces of hit actually hit my own chin once I looked back desperately trying to catch a glimpse of what kept stalking me. Heart racing with breath steaming out in massive misty clouds I only felt a breeze sweep past me, I blinked numbly when I got sent flying towards a building and my vision swirled as I rolled wildly to smash face first into a granite wall. My face pressed against an icy ground I struggled to stand yet every muscle refused to do anything except to remain a dead weight, I managed to roll over propping my back up in order to shakily stare up at the creature which had me effortlessly on its leisure.

Both daggers were glinting innocently several hand lengths away yet they might as well been down the road. Quivering I looked up further to see a figure walking nonchalantly as if turning around puzzled to see myself staring back. That ragged hood I wore hadn't been knocked off miraculously, or else I'd bet it'd would have laughed seeing a frozen look of defiant terror plastered on my face, I breathed in shakily trying to move an unresponsive body. Whatever hit me put previous encounters of yoma to shame, I barely had an coherent movement to try to stand yet alone to dive for two weapons that were effectively useless. God damn it Fickle you absolute fucking lard, great job in getting yourself killed! Son of a bitch I can't feel my arms, I can't even move a leg to stand and why does it feel like I just got slammed by a horse?

An answer to those questions soon revealed itself when I gagged on air! One moment I blinked trying to see what exactly blind sided me so damned effectively, I wasn't in any state of mind to wonder as that moment did I find myself being choked! Pressure beyond any person who had ever placed their hands upon me were put to shame, I tried flailing by kicking or even flat out punching a creature who felt more akin to solid stone! Whatever pitiful defensive measure I did desperately were all for naught as whatever held me got fed up with limbs getting in its way. One fleeting sensation of being lifted off a solid surface and being sent crashing into it put things into perspective really quick. Gasping for air I got slammed into the wall three times, I felt my entire body shift and whatever organ called a heart cease to beat momentarily yet I remained conscious somehow.

What...what the fuck are you? Numbly slumping forward I wheezed in air as fingers idly pressed themselves against veins struggling to carry blood. Slowly regaining semblance to coherence I felt smooth fingers that didn't seem human yet they weren't as leathery compared to a yoma's own flesh. Nonetheless it wasn't natural as an armored wrist belonged to what gripped me securely, I must have been insane because when did a yoma ever wear armor? Wait, wait, wait. Chanting disbelieving I weakly pulled my eyes upward seeing obvious tits? You have to got to be fucking with me, I just got man handled by an actual...

Two silver orbs greeted my own as I lost an ability to breath all too naturally. Unwillingly I whispered out a word to send an eyebrow raising, "Beautiful." Moonlight seemingly struck a supposed silver eye witch's face revealing to me what I assumed to be an actual angel, I refuted any belief that my heart practically stopped in sheer disbelief, I swore this creature had nothing on Lawrence's nun if they entered a one sided contest. However once my throat already been constricted, it simply dried out when the witch who easily would've crushed the life out of me leaned forward. I stopped breathing when her voice practically purred squeezing my neck ever so firmly, "You have the stench of yoma all over you. Your disguise isn't half bad and I wouldn't have noticed yet unfortunately I sense something odd about you. Now granted it's not too bad for trying to use a child's body to hide yourself, but sadly it's irrelevant."

Her voice eerily familiar of a woman's whose confidence spoke volumes as I gagged when her hand increase pressure. Wait, what the hell did she mean by that? This bitch thinks I'm...what the shit, I ain't no fucking yoma! Gagging out words I managed to gurgle out a snark retort, "Are you fucking all right in that head woman? I ain't a fucking yoma..." That iron silenced whatever I had next when she hummed ever so rhetorically, "Feisty little bastard aren't you?" My legs were struggling to kick a being whose flesh might as well been stone, I feebly tried prying finger which were again unnaturally smooth yet to no avail. Blond hair concealing partially the witch's face got tossed back when she inhaled visibly commenting a bit playful, "I expected more a challenge when you tried hiding from me. For a moment you almost convinced me masquerading as human, I mean aren't you going to transform and try to fight me?" Perhaps suffocating must have made me mistaken her request as some sort of plea to garner spot to kill?

Unable to do much except gag I raised a middle finger despite using both hands to loosen her iron shackled grip, "You dumb bitch...how can I fight when I'm gagging here..." Her hands silenced any words as I started shrilly rasping for air! Those silver eyes narrowed intently before a hand ripped back my hood to look me right in the eye. I glared practically infuriated I was being man handled by something not exactly human technically, but unlike a yoma I dared to imagine it seemed to be a step up, plus if anyone were to ask me about what I thought. Truthfully I kind of had to admit this silver eye witch looked pretty damned fine, or maybe I started to turned on which seemed oddly weird yet I weakly laughed regardless.

"Well, well, well aren't you a strange one." She said that statement almost genuinely curious as I managed to gasp down a few lungfuls of air. Her thumb traced an underlying jaw bone which made my throat clench, "You can't be simply human. Too much of a yoma scent is all over you..." She inhaled again trying to confirm suspicions, "...and it's fresh, yet you have no yoki." I rolled both eyes while spitting out enough words to get a point across, "What the hell is yoki? And of course I smell like a fucking yoma, I lifted its severed head and planted it on that spear up the damned street, so excuse me for smelling like a dead carcass!" Those silver eyes narrowed briefly to look me over as if trying to gauge how someone my size could have killed a yoma. The fact an actual silver eyed witch felt my words were misplaced had just caused an infuriated emotion to be crushed by her own pure bemusement.

Even something not even technically human doesn't believe me, god damn if I were choking I'd be gagging from laughing too hard! Unable to resist getting a remark to appease her disbelief I jerked my head towards where a yoma's carcass lay rotting, "If you don't believe me...two arrows in the eyes, rest of the group stabbed it to death after I got smashed through a window. Glass stings worse getting burned." The witch smiled considerably before effortlessly swinging me around to walk casually as I kicked trying to retain air, or else I'd possibly die from suffocating! She started humming lightly some tune I couldn't place to hold me at an arm's length inspecting a rotting corpse, I spat out words grinning smugly, "See...eyes hit by arrows! Right in its face so it couldn't hit me, or those other pissing bastards that took it down wouldn't have done shit!"

Being held up effortlessly destroyed whatever image I wanted to be confident as I watched two silver orbs lazily blink. You got to be fucking kidding, if she doesn't believe me then what the hell am I supposed to do? Scowling while being on another inhuman creature's whim shattered any panic to stare defiantly, "Humans don't make a habit of killing yoma. So why should I believe you?" Her playful demeanor shocked myself to a point where I rolled both eyes forgoing any sense this witch could snap a neck in twain, "Really? Really!" I said those two words absolutely floored before I managed to inhale slightly to send a foot straight where her ribs were located. Shockingly I practically broke a toe when I screamed rasping, "How the fucking fact I haven't changed into a pissing yoma woman! Do you get off on making people beg for a good time because god fucking damn it, I'd buy you a drink first at least..." I stopped when she started to chuckle absolutely flooring my mood to assume she'd kill me, I had a feeling I was going to die in hell.

Either the witch got off on making people squirm in her grip, or she found my offer laughable because I wasn't kidding. Smirking when no effort came to snap my neck I repeated that offer, "No really, I'll buy you a drink woman. Do yoma offer that deal, over shall we say...dying?" Her laughter ceased as a tear got wiped away not before her hand shot out grasping my own. I winced when pressure exerted as she mindfully start unwrapping a bandaged hand, "Normally humans wouldn't dare to talk to me yet a child your age offering me a drink? I'd laugh for such insanity yet since it's really happening..." I hissed when her fingers dug under freshly dried flesh to rub an index finger together with her middle finger as if determining my blood were real, "...you really aren't a yoma. Your blood is red, oh and here I thought I'd say some fun." Whether I felt actually relieved in hearing her say that, or possibly wanting to scream calling this witch an absolute idiot for thinking I'd be a yoma was up for debate.

Instead I sighed loudly lightly laughing, "So can you let me down now? Seriously woman, I'll buy you a drink for being so kind to not kill me, I'll even show you the guy who cut off that fucking thing's head off." That iron shackling hold disappeared immediately as I fell back straight on my ass wincing when the back of a skull met the frozen ground. Hissing lightly to ward a head ache the silver eyed witch seemed somewhat less then apologetic, "You're a strange human. Anyone man, or woman would be screaming and crying their eyes out, so forgive me for being too...impulsive." Shakily getting onto both feet which threatened to collapse I offered a cheeky remark, "Impulsive to my ears is just another word for being eager! Seriously that offer isn't horse shit, I can't resist not treating someone who handles me rough without having a good time..." Deliberately I trailed off spreading both hands which made the witch snort absolutely entertained by my modest attempts for being a gentleman.

Personally seeing her in that armor looked quite pleasing to a man's eye, if I had any word to say about it. Her gaze narrowed playfully, "And this is your demand? No apology, or spitting words damning me for being an inhuman bitch who nearly killed you?" Adjusting my cloak to save some face in that rhetoric I just jabbed a thumb towards where I wanted to take her, "If you want that type of shit then come with me anyway. Tavern's full of plenty of pissing sows and half cocked drunks, so if you want to be talked dirty too then sure, though I'd say come along for a free round of drinks. Hell I got the coin for it, so what the fuck you got to lose?" Padding a pouch of weighted objects tied to my waist caused her to laugh sharply while clutching her sides, I got an eyeful of a massive blade sheathed behind her back. Silently whistling I thought maybe it dwarfed my height three times over, I couldn't believe anyone used it based on its sheer size took, or perhaps I was woefully envious as to how dangerous it looked against a yoma.

Yet hearing a witch's laugh sounded way too pleasant as I remained smirking. I've always heard stories regarding those silver eyed witches, they're abominations and can't be trusted yet honestly I don't trust half the people I've seen. Starting to wonder what really makes them so hated. The blond haired woman who finally regained a sense of self-control wiped away a few stray tears, I assumed offering free drinks seemed too funny to be true. Though if anyone offered myself free round of drinks, I'd be very wary to keep a dagger on hand just in case things got way too touchy and those kinds of plans never failed to make any person alert. Speaking of daggers I walked over carefully avoiding to aggravate a bruised leg to reclaim two weapons that were as cold as ice when I picked them up, I pressed them against my neck to cool off inflamed flesh.

"You're an odd child, I'll give you that much boy." Slipping both daggers respectively underneath the ragged cloak to feel more confident refused to be put off by her statement. I took being odd as a rather kind compliment compared to being called more lively things, "You know flattery is a wonderful thing to get what you want, right?" Both hands spread openly as I clasped where my heart beat making a faux movement to imitate a pounding organ, "And I say any man has to treat a beauty for such sweet talk. So my offer still stands, I'll ask you again woman, are you interested?" My smile refused to die as those two silver orbs narrowed slyly with a retort that sent me down blissful determination, "You think yourself to be a real man boy?"

Normally to anyone other sow I'd have been offended yet I only bowed dramatically making a mockery of being proper. Jokingly I only replied deviously innocent, "Seems to me there's only one way for you to find out. Free drinks, free food and possibly I'll even offer you a free night in bed..." If I wasn't already half insane to be hunting yoma then actually flirting with a silver eye witch wasn't as crazy yet I swore I would have made any holy priest damn me for being the devil. You walked right into that one woman, so make your move! Whistling a tune to witness the blond witch's eyebrows rise up impeccably intrigue triggered, I felt a faint feeling called victory, now without a doubt I believed she wasn't expecting me to call her out. Personally I loved it when any pompous sow, or well fed cock tried to play me off as some spoiled brat who hasn't learned to survive, I never found it old to see every person realize I was the real deal.

"Grown men twice your age don't have balls as big as yours, boy." I shrugged off another true statement considering people twice my age weren't among the living as the witch hummed positively entertained. In return for saying something true that I took pride in, I replied just as kindly cupping my chin making show of inspecting her physique, "And most pissing sows can't hold a candle to what I see as an angel. Funny how a witch damned by everyone is more closer to beauty then a literal nun of the church of god, so consider me a heathen for liking what I see." Perhaps that frigid breeze swept across my back too quickly creating a shivering sensation as I watched the witch's eyes narrow eerily reminiscent of what a person could call predatory. Under moonlight that armor she wore practically glowed as she came walk forward deliberately sizing up a smile that failed to wither away on her approach. God damn even her hair looks like its unworldly, I might not be a religious man yet I might as well never become one if witches are as stunning as this one.

The silver eyed woman stood directly in front of me and I barely came to stand just under her chest. Leaning forward her hands almost teasingly traced a line underneath my jaw so deliberate that it struck me realizing it'd been someone who practiced extensively to master, "Boy." She said very amused by my inability to flinch as I couldn't help but stare in those silver orbs, "You must be this tall to get to ride." Her hand lifted my chin up as low chucking followed by her finger trace just to where her breasts were located as intentional chiding. If she expected me to be disappointed I merely snapped a pair of fingers slightly put off, "And here I thought those rumors about silver eyed witches wanted to take little boys away were true. God it sucks being short!" I commented somewhat truthfully baiting her to laugh which got taken up all too easily in my opinion.

Leaning forward while grinning I heard her say right into an ear, "Down boy. I'm not a cradle robber, so those rumors are just superstitions people love to make up." She apparently found those stories rather irritating based on her reluctance to poke fun at them as I on the other hand held no reservations, "Sounds about right. Pissing cocks can't do anything of use, or their sows who birth out brats for spawn just cry and can't do nothing except act as half wits." While standing so close I wasn't mistaken to hear her hold back an impressive laugh as quite strongly she leaned back unable to resist grinning. That galloping organ called a heart practically skipped several beast when a response to that opinion involved the witch placing her hand to grip my shoulder, "You know something boy? How old are you?"

Two silver eyes practically glinted as moonlight made them appear unnaturally bright. Placing a hand underneath my chin to avoid having a jaw drop I replied somewhat coy, "Old enough to kill whatever comes at me, old enough to drink whatever the hell I want and old enough to answer a beauty who I can't try to lie too..." Sighing loudly I tapped my cheek making a show to feel genuinely depressed, "...but being only eleven really hurts my chances. Did you think I was a lot younger because I'm short as fuck?" Her eyes practically were unable to hide that shocking revelation to which I shrugged not willing to complain over something true, "Ah well. Try starving for most your life in some piss smelling city with an asshole making your life hell, I'd bet solid coin you'd not have enough to see your own stomach get small quick, so yeah and maybe I'm going way over my head when I'm talking to a woman whose got the looks of an angel."

That flippant reveal of something extremely personally didn't click until I blinked owlishly. What in the hell did you just say? Why would I fucking say something involving that dead prick? The silver eyed witch narrowed her gaze to idly say, "I see. Well that explains why I found you're lighter then what you appear..." Biting down on a tongue stopped that snark retort to say to hell with pity as I remained oddly tight lipped, "...so I considered you were a yoma who'd been starving itself to remain in such a small form. Still regardless of how shit of a life you lived, I'll say you got twice the guts of any human whose well fed and I don't give praise so lightly, young man." That change in how she addressed myself became an indicator to feel both cheeks flushing beneath a hood. Thankfully I hoped her eyes hadn't noticed when my lips twitched into a grin as I felt a bit warmer now then several moments ago.

Regardless in how I thought I merely laughed a bit flustered, "You're making it really, really difficult to not demand that I take it upon myself to buy you a drink woman." It never occurred I spoke more naturally at ease with something considered to be less then human, I had heard stories and rumors like any other pissing twit when it came down to silver eyed witches. But compared to most people who were human I couldn't have cared less, "So you still not set on getting a free round of drinks and food on someone whose loving your first impression? It'd be rather rude to not spend so much coin on myself." The silver eyed witch folded her arms smirking while issuing a bold claim that any man in my position couldn't have possibly refused. As it turned out I wasn't immune to what I refused to acknowledge in a feeling called pride.

"Do you really think you can out drink a warrior?" Her demeanor had been nothing short of confidence yet I refused to back down when I playfully retorted, "I don't know, I'm talking to you aren't I?" Her expression seemed to literally change into a smug one that I easily mirrored while clasping both hands over my heart, "You know let's go find out! I've always wanted to get so pissing drunk that I can't walk straight and after today, I'll fucking damn well will count my lucky coins see if I meet a woman who can accomplish that dream with me." Cheekily giving a pointed look caused an actual witch to shake her head as if unable to believe how much I found this enjoyable. In fact when I gestured to have her start walking first I got a pleasant shock to see her take it almost kindly touched.

When she moved past I allowed both eyes to travel downwards and it didn't help her outfight looked rather tight fitting. Oh thank you god, I'll swear on my right nut to donate money to the next church I happen to visit. And that wasn't the best part about seeing her walk past. Because I must have been going crazy, or rather something had to have caught in my eye to have witness. But I swore on my ability to take a piss that a supposed less then human creature, an actual silver eyed witch allowed herself to sway her hips side to side all too friskily, I silently start cursing I wasn't even close to being fully grown. More so I bit my finger to stop a hand that wanted to so slap that ass, I resisted only to avoid have an arm ripped off and bleeding out like an actual pig, so in order I started walking alongside a fairly smug beautiful woman.

Walking alongside the armored witch certainly never seemed beyond surreal if I had imagined months ago. Still I'm interested in why she asked for my age, oh hell just fucking ask. Grinning I looked over speaking a bit mystified, "Any reason why you asked for my age? Eleven not old enough for you?" Walking step by step to match armored footwear which clacked against a frozen ground I watched as blond hair effortlessly tossed itself back, "Fourteen." That was what she only said making my eyes go wide realizing that was just a year before adulthood. Her eyes gleamed knowingly once she also hinted, "Odds are you and I probably won't see each other again, but if we're that fortunate then I'll see you in three years, only question I have is do you think you can handle a real woman in showing you the ropes?" That taunting display certainly forced me to widely grin back while I raised a hand to tap where my heart had been beating so strongly it hurt to breathe.

Deal. Done fucking deal! I internally swooned as I got more motivation to kill yoma for as long as possible! Beyond earning enough pay to do whatever I desired once I acknowledged that little bet when I replied ever so confidently, "Woman if I ever meet you in three years I'll pay for the best whole pissing room in whatever town, or city when I see you! And better yet you can hold it to me to say I'll get us both the greatest damned brew of ale to make it last." I totally believed I went insane to understand what these promises meant yet for the life of my own choice, I just couldn't give a damn if everyone considered me a heathen for sleeping with a witch. As far as I was concerned any opinion beyond my own were either horse shit, or someone taking a piss for being envious to not ask a gorgeous woman into a bed for an incentive to live dangerously.

Unable to keep a lively step hidden I looked upwards seeing that moon shining brightly as wisps of cloud occasionally tried to obscure it. I felt nothing except a sensation of being complete, I actually found myself feeling prideful about getting a future warm bed and as long as anyone in Lawrence's company kept their mouths shut. I wouldn't give them an urge to gut them where they stood, I had plans and I sure as hell's hottest pits did I dare someone to try pissing me off tonight. Once I set inside that tavern with an actual silver eyed witch it'd set off a lot of people, I gleefully imagined all their expressions to see them practically piss themselves, I hunted yoma as a living and did it ever so willingly to become significantly wealthier. So if buying a woman a drink seemed too disbelieving for some pissing native here to accept, I fingered both daggers quite happily ready to get a point across to turn the other way.

Speaking about hunting yoma, I'm curious as to why you showed up so late. Glancing over to see a gorgeous woman lazily wander her eyes, I couldn't help but notice how toned she looked. Most raiders that I had unfortunately seen in lesser states of clothing, or well fed lards of people I knew would have placed themselves through unreal rigorous hobbies to attain that physique. Nothing less except an uneasy sense in seeing a powerful swords woman definitely wasn't normal, I tried to avoid saying to spoil the fun mood I was in yet it couldn't be avoided. Technically by all rights Lawrence's company and any silver eyed witch we'd encounter would be our competition, or rather as I smiled we'd be their competition truthfully.

"You know I can't help but ask you something." Speaking somewhat amused which triggered her to reply ever so coyly, "Oh? Is a young man's curiosity about a woman he can't resist too much, I know you can't stop staring and I'm feeling very appreciated." Those silver eyes narrowed slyly once she trailed off somewhat flattered while playfully fanning herself even if a frigid night made it too much to think she'd be that uncomfortable. Even so I grinned while rubbing both hands together to keep them warmed, "Woman you're making this way too tempting as it is, I swear you'll be more than appreciated whenever we hook up, but humor me." We turned around a road leading up to where the tavern's muffled shouts and celebrations were still going strong. I took a moment to imagine all those horrified expressions believing me to an actual devil, I'd be bring in an actual silver eyed witch for a drink and not a damn thing could be done to stop it.

"What took you so long to get here to kill a yoma? If you had gotten here earlier I'd say we'd have been put out of a job." I jabbed a thumb back to where that carcass had been rotting as I got a response almost somewhat resigned, "Long distance between job requests. If you ever travel further west I destroyed half a dozen yoma in two separate villages, so this one was quite out of the way from where I normally travel." She seemed genuinely annoyed as I laughed loudly agreeing that these villages up here in these northern lands were practically back water piss holes, "I'm more of a southern person where it's warm all year round, I hate all this damn snow and I personally love going on a sandy beach on a warm night isn't half bad. Then if you can get really strong ass wine, several flayed seafood platters and one gorgeous woman to go swimming with..." Leaving off on a potential candidate to do said acts with, I swore that had to be an ideally great deal called a pitch, more so it hooked someone onto its potential.

I heard the witch laugh absolutely intrigued, "Perhaps I should journey south then. You've got quite an ambitious plan, I'll expect the wine to be tasty." This witch had no idea how amazing southern brewed wine could knock a full grown man onto his ass after one bottle, I had an occasional glass whenever I scavenged enough coin and as rare I got to enjoy it, I'd say it did the job very well. Still that insatiable urge lingering beneath a skull that kept the brain intact wanted to know more about both a beauty and my literal competition to kill yoma wasn't easily skirted when I commented, "Killing half a dozen yoma huh? Damn woman you're not going to make it easy one me, so I think I'll write down some advice if I have to get that many to impress you." We walked almost casually considering how quickly a tavern I had left earlier came back into sight, I assumed that table I used would still be free despite a hasty exit to avoid being sick.

If I want to find that clean shaven bastard of a yoma, I'm going to need information on what to look out for besides what I know. Minding a fact I tried to stop staring towards that tightly fitting outfit, I held an internal interest in getting solid information. I wasn't that arrogant to believe I'd be able to find out yoma like picking off some shoddy pissing pick pocket in an open market, if being prepared to be better at gutting open yoma needed to be paid off, I'd provide a beautiful woman with everything she wanted and I sure as hell was going to hope three years goes by quickly. That ass and I have a date that will be happening, oh god I'm just getting pumped in getting man handled by a woman who can snap my neck like a twig.

"Humans can never match what we warriors are created to do, so trying to achieve something impossible is a waste of your time." My expression refused to budge when I kept a smirk in place as her expression seemed oddly amused, "Impossible or just really fucking difficult?" I challenged while pointing out my own budding kill count involving creatures that I personally held a helping hand to end them, "Two in two days. Half a dozen within a fortnight doesn't sound that much harder, so I'm fairly confident I and those who hunt those bastards can do it, but I'm asking you just what am I not seeing to make you say it's impossible?" Her silver eyes blink several times until her condescending chuckle found what I said to be absolutely adorable. I swore that's what her tone matched as those beautiful silver orbs drifted down while a smirk became more prominent when a single word provided all that needed to be said, "Yoki."

One powerful gust of wind failed to have my face lower to avoid being stung by winter's frigid presence. The way she stated that word, I swore it'd been eerily familiar to when a person held something over others to make them good at they did. My own experiences in being able to bring down grown men gutting them open with a rusty dagger, or slicking their sacks off to have them bleed out were what kept my lovable self alive. So it begged a question as to what was needed to kill yoma so easily, I mean silver eyed witches were what hunted them as every story pertained to them doing so effortlessly. Okay I'm hooked harder then a fish going for bait, so what's a fucking yoki?

"What's yoki? A secret word for playing hard to get?" I playfully offered grinning widely as she laughed while brushing her hair back. My heart admittedly went into a frenzy when she coyly returned, "Or maybe it's a secret word for wishing you were older. I swear finding a man like you is nearly impossible." There needed to be a miracle in order for me to not break this bitch of a temptation in striding along to fish around for an answer or two. As always I placed both hands mimicking a truthfully rapid beating heart over my chest, "And finding a woman like you is practically a dream come true! You know I'm actually fucking curious as to why people don't talk to you witches more often because god damn..." I whistled absolutely shocked making her laugh almost in total relief in having a pleasant talk, "...I'm already wishing I met you, I hope three years goes on by quickly or else I'm going to cry myself to sleep envying older pissing cocks who just scream like bitches, I'm just beyond happy."

The tavern came into view as I came to stand right in front of an entrance where various celebrations were still ongoing. It seemed my exit left little impressions beyond an unintentional uplift in these native's moods, I looked towards the blond haired witch who looked expectant. You know what, I was never one for being a gentleman yet tonight I can make an exception. So do your best Fickle and show a lady how to be appreciated, I remembered what mother taught me as much as I despised that whore, least she tried to be a parent. Moving to stand next to the door I cleared my throat while offering a sincere warning towards a beautiful escort, "You know as much as I don't offer being a gentleman to most women. I'll let you know right now, if anyone says anything to you when I'm around, I hope you won't be shocked when I respond to them in kind." I expected the witch to react some surprised considering I had impression few people talked to her at all, so imagine my shock when I got proven all too wrongly.

"By all means if you want to play my knight in shining armor, I'll sit back and watch the show with an ale in hand." She dismissively prompted by waving her hand to get myself to go through a door first yet I replied back somewhat amazed, "So you'll actually do something if someone insults you, or am I not seeing something here?" Curiously intrigued I spoke slowly trying to imagine if any pissing cock, or bleeding sow inside that tavern had an actual pair on them to literally tell an actual silver eyed witch off. Her smile turned absolutely mischievous once I remained still staring a bit concerned but she leaned forward to pat my cheek stunning me further, "Oh young man, you're so adorable! Don't worry about a warrior who can handle her own, I'm perfectly capable to send quite a few humans scurry for their holes if they get too mouthy."

Alright woman I'll take your word for it, although I'm still going to have some fun if anyone tries anything. Firmly feeling a bit too eager I nodded in accepting her request to not be treated like some fragile doll, I snorted when it should have been implied to myself, I figured if someone who hunted yoma so easily must have had been experienced to ward off lesser folk. Then again talking to silver eyed witches proved to be oddly natural, so in the end I rolled both shoulders warding off chilling sensations that continuously refused to die. Taking one last moment to relax I reached for the handle to just open it enough and my leg snapped upwards when I smashed a wooden barrier aside. It flung open so quickly a chip of wood went flying as waves of heat smashed into my face, I inhaled enjoying that sensation once I stepped back inside.

An entire tavern went silent in witnessing my return as I pulled both lips back to smile almost absolutely entertained. Expressions which were either joyfully, or simply so teeth rotting hopeful all were dashed when I walked on through calling out toward my partner. My grin refused to expand beyond its inability to stretch humanely, "Lawrence! I found our competition and figured to swing on by to introduce ourselves, I mean it's only polite right?" Several natives were naturally put off by what I meant as I stepped aside offering an arm to show chase good old fashioned manners, I laughed absolutely in bliss in seeing those traveling with Lawrence and myself stare in disbelief, I only assumed they thought I couldn't act civilly towards sows, or wed fed cocks alike. That joke went over their half wit heads when the person I'd been chatting for some time merely stepped without a care in the world and everything went to hell.

"Witch!" That immediate word triggered panic as natives both sow and cock alike scrambled to get away when my literal competition to killing yoma stood behind me. Making a show to look behind I commented a bit mildly, "Oh shit! It's an angel for a woman, I don't think we've met." Those two silver eyes narrowed bemused recognizing my innocent tilting of a head as she retorted in an almost playful tone, "You sure young man? I'm fairly certain you invited me out for a drink, so here I am and I expect to be treated as you've promised." Numerous men that I happened to see gagged openly when her hand brushed underneath my chin.

The gesture as if offering a source of encouragement forced me to snapped a pair of finger in response suddenly remembering, "Well I'll be damned! You strike a hard bargain, I mean I love woman who love being so forward, so before you drink me under a table. I want you to let me introduce you to my partner, oh god I think he's right over there somewhere..." I took a hand making an over exaggerated show in peering into a crowd as Lawrence's face went pale, I internally sneered realizing he wasn't going to be any different from some religious fanatic that condemned witches outright and to be fair I wasn't in any mood to fucking hear it. Walking over I waved the blond haired witch forward almost childishly as if someone wanted to show off their new friend, I gave a wink making her snort with what I did next.

Shoving any slack jawed sow, or cock out of the way I found myself between the table where Lawrence and the rest of his company had sited themselves comfortably. Clapping both hands together I waved a hand between silver eye witch and possibly a man who'd piss himself, "Lawrence meet beautiful competition and beautiful competition meet Lawrence. He's the guy you want to talk too about beheading a yoma..." Staring right into my partner's face I gave a sinister smirk, "...but I think it's pretty clear whose the obvious hero, I think an entire pissing hole of a village won't shut up about it so by all means ask your questions, I'll buy us some drinks angel." Taking my leave to go towards a bar keeper who stood stunned, I felt right at home all of a sudden. Humming joyously I kept an ear open when the silver eyed witch openly tried to stop herself from laughing, I swore she tried to play it off by asking somewhat curious, "Does your young partner speak the truth? In verifying you slayed a yoma that's rotting up the road with its head impaled on a spear?"

Turning away if only to avoid rupturing my own stomach I came over where the bar keeper stood trying to regain his composure. Innocently speaking I pulled out several obvious beras I'd been paid earlier today significantly stating a point, "So how much for the best pissing ale you got in this place? As you can see I have expectations for a woman who I so cannot deny." Tapping several metallic cylinders mockingly impatient I watched the rather old man wheeze out trying to get over a fact an actual witch had walked into his tavern, "You're...you're daft in that head of yours. That's a claymore you brought in here and you dare to pay to drink with it to become cursed for..." My smile ceased to strain itself when I fluently snarled so loudly it made him flinch back even when slamming a dagger tip first into the wooden surface. My hands twitched looking for an excuse once I leaned forward hissing out a warning, "Either take your pissing excuse for coin now, or I fucking gut you and take what I want without being generous you old lard of shit."

Threatening an old man with gray hair wasn't so difficult considering I teasingly tapped a dagger's hilt with purple stained yoma blood on it. Shuffling feet drew my attention to look over a shoulder seeing several villagers watching the interaction between the old lard and myself. Some were motioning to try to stop what was occurring and I sneered while slipping hand underneath a cloak to accordingly react to someone idiotic enough to try it. I dare you fucks to try me, I see when you can't kill something that's stronger and faster you have no lack of balls to come after me, I really want to see these pissing pigs get gutted open. Returning to stare less then pleased I dropped an ample amount of beras to have them clinging against a wooden surface, I only gave one last verbal warning to an old man. An old man who'd had better learn to wise up to recognize an opportunity and take the money which would be possibly his only big day to rack in some profits in this back water piss hole.

"Your best brew of ale in that back corner for myself and a woman I intend to keep my word too. If she or I are in a better mood an hour or two from now, I'll throw in a tip." Ending it on a good note while tapping several beras together I received a shaky nod giving me an actual feeling of appreciation, "Smart choice for an old lard. And now if you excuse me I have business to attend too." Whistling joyous once again while snapping a pair of fingers, I flipped the one dagger I had on hand as a means to let any other half wits to not even try to do something. They'd learn soon enough if they tried to attack I'd respond with a desire to turn a pissing tavern into one colorful butcher's shop, personal dream had been I always wanted to gut open pigs to see how their meat was used, I also wanted to know about cows due to when I first started using knives years ago.

Few dared to continue celebrating as the witch concluded her small talk with my partner. Lawrence looked ready to fall over in his chair along everyone surrounding him, so as a result I just snickered bemused to sit my ass where I initially had been for most of the evening. Idly spinning the only revealed dagger's tip in small circles on a table's surface, I got the witch's attention when raising a hand waving her over. She stood out so clearly among throngs of native sows, cocks and other spoiled brats that it got me to laugh openly when all tried to back themselves against a wall. It was like they expected her to eat them like any other yoma and it quite frankly did my work to have a sense of privacy to relax without being bothered too much.

Ever so respectful I grinned while kicking a chair out from underneath having it jerk back from a table for an ample amount of space for her to sit down. Her expression mildly entertained replied in kind, "First time a man offers me a seat, I think I might enjoy being treated for once." That massive weapon she hoisted around effortlessly got taken off to lean against the wall next to where that seat had been offered, I couldn't help but retort cheekily due to what she had just said. If she got treated to free drinks often then I had been secretly wanted to become a priest of god, "You know trying to bull shit a bull shitter isn't exactly smart. Admit it..." I leaned forward gesturing to where multiple ale mugs were being filled by a nervous wreck of an old man, "...you're trying to cope with a fact a young like myself is treating an angel of woman, I mean I'll admit I'm pretty interested." Having no shame as several natives gasped in either disgust, or perhaps horror gave me all the confidence I needed to make a piss poor night turn into one I never wanted to end.

The witch seemingly laughed briefly before revealing some intriguing insight that I never knew existed to inspire a respect in people. Those silver eyes were coyly narrowing, "Hate to break it you but I don't turn away those who are brave, or foolish enough to get to know a warrior. Typically most like myself will accept any offers if only to humor what we once were, so being treated like a woman is quite a way for you to realize we warriors don't play around too...gently." My heart started racing when her tongue lightly teased what imagination I held as I got an impression any man would be in for a wild night in the sack with any silver eyed witch. Damn, I pray I can survive for a few years and go right into heaven's gates, oh I'm going to suffer if I don't see this woman again. God please hear this praying hope I'll be a devote follower, well as much as I can, if you grant me a miracle!

Making myself comfortably I leaned back to prop up both feet while having a clear view of the witch sitting across. She herself leaned back with an arm laid out across the back of a chair, I wasn't deterred when a smirk appeared. Fold both arms I questioned, "You mean it's not very rare for pissing cocks for men, or their bleeding sows to approach and offer you a free round of drinks? Talk about getting shafted out of a good time." I wanted to know more about my competition, if I wanted to kill yoma quicker and easier then talking to a witch wasn't a bad deal. So far I found her company a lot more enjoyable then any native villager, or whoever lived in these pissing back water holes. But to be fair I didn't mind a small fact that my eyes couldn't stop admiring a body that I just knew would overpower me anytime.

"You get used to it, some take it with a serious depression or others like myself simply do what we do best to love it." This woman tilted her head to the side to smile while stating words so damned confidently that I laughed in understanding when living a shit life, "You're already fucked so why not enjoy every little thing? Sounds fair if you can't do a thing and only way to have anything worth living is just doing whatever the hell you want." Her eyes refused to widen when I leaned back daring he to agree on that view yet for a boldness I held within it forced a smile to turned absolutely predatory cause my spine tingled in a delightful warning, "Exactly. For me drinking ale, or eating apples takes away problems and you get to bask in living yourself to whatever peace you get, I believe moping or shedding tears is absolutely worthless unless you stand."

Slowly voices began to circulate around our table and so natives tried to helplessly ignore a creature less then human in their midst. Fortunately I heard Lawrence call out to continue their celebrations even though he himself looked paler than a corpse, I only turned my head to stared at him as if daring him to say anything else. Go back to your little gathering partner, keep suckering these people and everyone thinking you're a hero. You try to screw me over from having a good time, I'll show you the meaning of the words fucked over, I swear it. Even though it didn't seem likely I kept an eye on anyone trying to interrupt my little fun with a witch who apparently found this encounter interesting. She hadn't made any attempts to state otherwise, so I figured to keep on rolling.

I got pulled from observing when the blond haired witch leaned forward leering quite intrigued, "Before I start to drink you under the table young man, I'm curious to wonder what's your name?" She smile hadn't dampened to anything short of spine curling as I replied teasing, "Hey, hey, hey. First off let me buy you dinner along with these drinks..." Folding both hands behind my head I allowed the hood to pull back exposing an eagerly matching smirk, "...and secondly, I only play kissing and telling with angels like yourself. So you want to fish for an answer about myself, well then you have to bait me with a hook woman." Smugly staring while offering nothing less then making an entire night memorable proved to be my goal, if I wanted to get information then playing hard to get would suit me fine, I had plenty of time to draw this out.

Soon that flute bard started a tune that eventually coaxed more voices to start returning to their forced cheerful celebrations. I never looked away when a silver eyed witch hummed positively entertained as her hands brushed back a few strands of blond hair, "If only you were older. I'd have made you scream your name to me, I should probably keep that in mind. Or maybe..." Her eyes coyly battered themselves nearly forcing my heart to gallop out of a throat, "...should I have you sit right on mommy's lap, if you prove to be a good boy." At that offer alone I whistled loudly raising a hand while snapping fingers finding that offer exactly beyond tempting, "You know behaving like some spoiled spawn is no fun, so I'd say I was more of a bad boy who needs a spanking. But hey, I think getting my ass spanked by you is fair to say to be worth it."

That proved to be absolutely hilarious as we both started laughing when that image finally sunk between our respective imagination. My lungs were begging for air after a full minute of laughter that ceased to die, "Very amazing hook woman, very slick." The blond witch still chuckling merely lowered her head accepting my praise all too easily as I figured to reward that promise to give her a name to call me. Now I still wasn't giving my real name to her, or anyone really because we weren't friends which I told myself, it possibly could change yet somehow I doubted I'd see again after tonight. So it came down to impressions that were going to last for a long time, I inhaled deeply regaining sanity even as patrons inside a tavern though I were mad. Ignoring whatever half wit cocks, or sows turned out to be at lot easier than normally.

"I do have a name, I don't use it because I don't like it." I said casually leaning back on a chair to balance it comfortably on two legs, "Yet I do have a name that I like, so I use it. If you think I'm shafting you for not being honest, tough shit, I use what name I like and personally only friends or those who I care about use my real name. Sound fair that I give you an explanation, I'm only doing it because I like you." No one existed in either of those categories so using what name I was given wouldn't come to light, I damned well used the name I earned and was given for what I done. No pissing cock of man, no pompous whore of sow and their bleeding brats for spoiled well fed spawns wouldn't ever force me to say anything less in what I called myself.

The witch blinked owlishly trying to understand something I doubted she'd ever solve. Leering quite pleased in having her caught off guard I introduced myself ever so kindly, "Names Fickle. Fickle Sleeves is my name to you, but really I got something to prove tonight and I'll have to say it's quite nice to meet an angel, one who I can't hardly wait to out drink to see if shes all bark without bite." My eyes were staring directly into a pair of beautiful silver that I wished I could have, I loved silver since it valued money and the only thing I'd want more then silver was gold. Green eyes were good and all yet those were orbs I'd love to look into a reflection whenever I damned well desired. So if getting knocked out pissing drunk was my only way to get information about killing yoma, I'd make that sacrifice to play along in having a good time.

A nervous looking bar maid came over with a tray of several mugs of ale, I ignored her to stare challenging towards a smug silver eyed witch. She lazily hoisted a mug to lightly hand it over towards myself that I took all too eagerly. Her fingers lightly touched my own hand as I shivered when they lingered deliberating tracing where all knuckles met. I nearly swallowed a heart that refused to slow down as her reply came in a voice that practically purred, "That will never happen even in your wildest dreams Fickle. Rest assured if we meet again after tonight, I promise with all my wicked black little heart I'll make your blood boil..." My back tingled in a warning as those eyes suddenly shifted briefly into something that wasn't humane yet I couldn't dare to look away, "...as there won't any god to save you when a witch has her wicked way with a real man, a man whose got the guts to challenge one to a drinking contest."

The idea that I unintentionally provoked another creature that wasn't humane failed to cower that grin I held in full view. Lifting a mug I offered a toast, "Guess there's only one way to prove a man wrong woman. Show me what you can do with that mouth of yours besides talking dirty, I'm getting real flattered to prove you wrong." Those were watching our exchange were either becoming flat out horrified in seeing smiles appear wickedly, or they were quickly growing disgusted when they noticed the witch took her own drink to lightly tap my own. She only offered one last warning before we started a little contest, "I love when men like you get their ass kicked because it never fails to get me off on it."

---

The blood started running down an angled wrist to forever stain what flesh had been innocent. A chest heaved desperately trying to wheeze in air as I stood above with a weapon drenched in crimson unable to stop giggling. Everything felt so surreal once it became clear I had been used by those who brought me into this world, I absolutely found it damn well hilarious to do anything except to start laughing putting my life's damning puzzle together. Nothing felt so close to what I could able to say to be utter loathing, I went beyond disgusted in seeing what I had down and more so I'd been born to do in order to be used as a tool. The tool of a sinning bastard who couldn't do anything except gut open half of had been required to give me life, I swore hell would never welcome my black stained flesh for I hadn't willingly accepted to die as a suicidal good man and I knew heaven itself prepared to spit me back into damnation.

"Throwing me out onto these pissing streets to starve, you toss me out like some damned cocking sucking stray, I wait to hear the reason why you'd abandon a son and your excuse was you that expected me to kill that fucking prick? That was it?" I rasped out gleefully standing over my barely alive mother who wheezed in air staring vacantly as rain poured from above. Her eyes barely blinked when I started prancing around unable to accept I'd been born to kill the prick she had spread her legs for years ago and god damn the reasoning wasn't so complicated as I pieced it altogether. She had wanted revenge for being denied a better life, my own mother wanted to use me as a means to uplift herself through that bastard sperm donor himself.

Thunder rumbled overhead when I started clapping vigorously unable to accept it. I'd been born to be used to better herself either through legitimacy, or as a tool of vengeance whenever it became clear that prick wasn't going to marry. Either way I'd have been used as a means to an end, or rather there wasn't any future except to wallow in misery. Clutching the weapon that delivered my salvation to seek out answers as to why, I clutched it now as temptations surged through me to forever end this whore of a woman! I wanted her dead, I wanted her to suffer and I wanted her to fucking never forget on her way into hell that it'd been her own little boy that gave an all expenses paid trip. God could bend over for all I cared if I was to be damned for my life ten times over.

"I starved until I saw my own ribs, I curled into a ball night after night and every time it rained I felt so cold I lost all feeling." Rubbing fingers drenched in crimson liquid that shielded myself from that cold feeling, I glanced down smiling so widely I laughed undeniably in bliss, "And not once I haven't asked why did I get thrown out from what I considered a home. You toss me out to become some tool to kill that prick because he wouldn't accept a whore and her spawn as his own..." Clutching a knife that trembled as my own arms shook in disbelief, I laughed until my voice went hoarse as it became clear I wasn't worth anything less like a hammer to smithy. This bitch wanted me to gut that prick and now that was done she still couldn't care to admit it was fucking despicable.

Walking over where this whore clutched to keep her own red life fluids I started to screaming when a foot crushed into her battered body. I stomped over and over to where I saw red itself! It was wrong yet I couldn't care, it was vile and it was amazing yet most of all I felt freedom in taking back who had used me as some discard-able tool. No more would I give a damn about those who were tied to me be blood, I never had a chance to rely on them any different then those who back stabbed each other for simple coin. I was done with it all and the only thing I had left was to take out the last remnants of what I had hoped for years ago.

"You left me to die, I get it." I panted over the whore who wheezed in air struggling to remain alive as I looked to that trembling knife. Rusted, or not it'd serve its purpose, "Normally leaving the one responsible in the same state is getting even. But really I want a lot more, I sure as hell ain't satisfied with you fucking bleeding out just like a pig!" Crouching next to a woman who birthed me in order to get herself out of a hole I just smiled serenely, "So here's how this is going to go. You see this rusted knife I picked up, I used it to end that prick and now..." Kneeling I reached out grasping a handful of hair to yank the whore's neck closer to a dripping crimson blade. I watched her eyes go wide despite weakly unable to resist as I brought it underneath her chin.

"Every night that prick that you spread your legs for did some nasty things to me. Day after after, week after week and soon enough he we are, months later." Grasping that knife's hilt so tightly I felt the cool metal heat up to a point where it hurt to breath, "I begged you that night you threw me out kicking and screams, I begged you to ask why and not a fucking soul dared to intervene. So don't expect god's mercy anymore then he'll give it to me, you enjoy getting fucked by a devil as much as I'll be there one day when I'm dead. But do me this one little favor..." I whispered to lean forward saying the words that sent a whore's expression aflame with terror, "...you tell them to put me right in the cell you and that fucking prick will be! I'm not going to be satisfied by killing you both once."

The knife's blade slashed forward as a gurgling rasp of air escaped the whore's throat. I stood up even kicking away a hand for good measure as I started moving towards where the only route out of these back alley's were a given. No one would find her, I made sure whoever wanted to get into her had been killed as well, I only waited for two hours and spent several coins to get her to meet a supposed client for a house call. No more regrets, I ended it all and I would live my life on my terms. No longer was I going to be a tool to work for anyone but myself, I'd survive on my own and nothing in an old life would stand in the way towards freedom.

---

Sunlight greeted both eyes forcing them to close tightly as an overwhelming greeted my own body once it stirred. The bed I found myself lying in wasn't half considering I remembered being effortlessly dragged to a room by a silver eyed witch. As it turned out trying to out drink someone not entirely human proved to be an amusing folly, I grinned stupidly once it became clear I wasn't going to win yet I gave it my best shot. Was it eight, or nine mugs I went under? Must have been ten if this splitting fucking headache is a cause for a pleasant dream I haven't had for many days. Talk about getting a good sign for doing something good!

Yawning loudly I sat up rubbing my forehead gently nursing away an aching migraine due to excessive amounts of budding drink. Sniffling tiredly I looked around noticing most of my clothing had been thrown towards a chair. It's back covered by own ragged cloak yet I felt absolutely exhausted. Barely clothed I stood up stretching until I happened to come across a singular piece of parchment folded nearly dead center of a small desk. It'd been deliberately placed so if I apparently woke up, I'd happen to notice it immediately whenever I got my bearings to move around coherently. Rolling both shoulders I nursed that headache away while picking up the dried out parchment to open its contents, I almost wanted to laugh in absolute resignation.

Reading aloud I nearly patted myself on the back for a job well done, "Thanks for all that booze and hot food Fickle! You lasted pretty damned impressive for a young man, so as a reward I carried you to a room and gave you a kiss goodnight. If I see you again in three years, I promise you won't wake up alone and by the way thanks for paying." I read that last part before scowling bemusedly realizing that witch had used my own coin to pay for the room. Shaking my head I continued readings to actually get a pleasant shock, "Treat me well again next time and I'll treat you like a king. And stay alive, I do want to see how long my competition lasts."

Damn it I never got her name, oh fucking hell! Woman spends my own coins, she gets drunk with me and doesn't even have the nerve to remember a name to that beautiful face? Bitch you know how to tease a man in wanting more! Despite being mildly amused I reread that witch's note several more times to verify it wasn't all a dream before sighing happily, "Next time I'll get you to scream your name woman, I swear it." Ruffling my hair to have become less confined due to sweat, I started that grudgingly process to redress myself. Overall I'd say between learning information about warriors belonging to an organization, also learning about how yoma themselves might travel in small groups and in dealing in having a killer headache I'd say I felt absolutely confident in trying to get better at killing yoma as a whole.

"So guys wearing all black come claim their job's payday, I might have to look out and maybe snatch a pouch if they ain't looking." Trying to remember last night fully became nearly impossible when most of vision involved hitting a table face first after six mugs of ale. Seeing how a smug looking woman loved to coyly chime in to encourage me further, I fell for it like a love sick pup and to be fair I wasn't ignoring any opportunity to learn more about gutting yoma like pigs. Adjusting straps to keep my foot warmed wasn't too difficult considering I nearly swayed into a bed, "One of these days I need to learn how to read and write, I want to remember this shit before getting plastered again. Not bad for a piss hole to have something knocking me on my ass..." I trailed off complimenting how effectively brewed it must have been, so shook myself clear to yawn again. I even cracked my own neck to ward off stiffness that refused to go away.

Suddenly someone started speaking quite loudly, "Fickle! You up yet?" Lawrence's voice came with his fist pounding on a door as I scowled in wishing to not being able to hear him. Tucking both daggers fluently into sheathes I went to my door to open it with an annoyed expression, "What the hell do you want? It's morning and I got a bleeding headache the size of your woman's tits!" My partner looked slightly irritated before what he said next triggered my enthusiasm to return ten fold, "As much as I find your taste in women oddly heathenish Fickle, I got word that the next village has got confirmed yoma sightings! Two travelers came not even an hour ago and we're heading west to hunt the creature, so pack your stuff and let's get a move on!"

Checking myself accordingly I patted down where a coin pouch had been tied and I openly swore once it wasn't there! Panicking I whirling around a room trying to find out where in the hell did I leave all my coin from this piss hole village! "Where is my money!" I demanded irritated as I heard controlled laughter that originated off of Lawrence, I went rigid to glare angrily seeking an answer to where my heard earned cut went. The elder man looked absolutely amused in seeing how infuriated I looked until he told me where it supposedly went and I wasn't happy to hear it. In fact I lashed out throwing a chair at a wall to snap one of its wooden legs off.

His grin stretched as humanely wide as possible, "Oh c'mon! Don't you remember Fickle? When that witch picked up you like a baby as you were trying hard as hell to cuddle into her chest, now I distinctly remember that I heard you say..." He cleared his throat to imitate a drunkard with my own crass tone, "...'Hey woman if you give me a good night kiss and tuck me to bed, I'll pay you all the coin I have, or do you want to share that bed?' So does that ring any bells?" My eye twitched when I pulled out that letter again to reread for another round, I trembled before howling with an enraged laugh that sounded more akin to genuine yelling. Both fists were absolutely clenched until I exhaled heavily trying to calm down ever so grudgingly.

Bitch, bitch, bitch! I chanted all too happily realizing I'd just gotten played hardcore for my own coin and I wasn't in any situation to get it all back. I looked up towards a ceiling tapping my foot impatiently to snicker as I found it all ironically pleasing. What a woman, I'm so going to make sure you scream my name and your own when I find you again. You want to play, I'll play harder next time. God she's a bitch, but I'm gonna make her my bitch next time. I vowed all too silently to shake it all off as I wasn't in any position to track her down. Without a name to ask anyone considering she'd been a witch, or anything relevant to call her I'd been pretty much played like some naive spoiled little brat.

Walking by Lawrence I shrugged completely refusing to allow a smile to die, "Well I guess I got screwed and I can't do shit about it partner. Man if that ain't a woman, I don't know what else to say if you know what I mean..." I sighed off happily as an elder man grunted not willing to humor my dreamy infatuation. As far as I was concerned I couldn't give a damn about what he thought. The next time I met that silver eye witch, I'd do more then just take her to drink because the next time I was going to make her scream like a bitch in saying my name. I swore on my pride as a man and regardless of how beautiful she seemed, I was going to get even with something beyond human. I know what it means to talk about starting a day on a great note, I can't wait until I gut the next fucking yoma because god as my witness I'm absolutely motivated now.

End Chapter III

Author's Note: Please leave a review, I do like to see them and I wish to see more please.

Inevitably time skips are what most author's use to escape development, but in this case its more along to move a plot forward. I'm not going years down the line, but right now it's to show case that remaining too slow on an actual plot isn't necessary good, I like to keep it consistent. As of now you're all learning more about Fickle, you get an idea about him and how he reacts to things even most humans in this universe wouldn't normally be considered sane. I mean honestly if you any of you ever thought Fickle Sleeves is a sane kid, I'd hate to break it you but he isn't exactly all there normally, I mean considering what's implied about his past in these chapter's its not a pretty sight. Sometimes escaping to live off on your own is the only way to freedom, I don't advocate justification for murder yet sometimes you need to do what you need to do to survive, I just like to write twisted characters who tether on an edge that makes them amusing to imagine

Regarding Fickle's 'interest' in a Claymore, I'll let you know right now it's called being an early bloomer. So before any of you suggest, 'what the hell' is he doing, I happened to experience puberty rather early. Trust me I don't advertise when people say boys as young as eleven aren't going through it, well those people are fucking idiots or are naively stuck up to understand it happens, so enough of that subject. But really it's the interaction that this particular Claymore I wanted to flush out, or rather I wanted to explain more in depth. I watched the anime, I reread some of the manga and searched that ancient old wiki for any information regarding human/claymore interactions beyond what we've seen so far.

Apparently there isn't much, shockingly I'll admit I got frustrated trying to gauge meetings, I guess it depends on an individual. Some humans would possibly try to speak with a Claymore, I mean it'd be awkward yet I'm fairly certain every warrior would be humanely curious to experience a social life with people. Its not concrete yet comparing several personalities I'm sure there's been a few physical 'meetings' between Claymore and men, I don't think it's often yet it's possible. So I'm weighing possibilities but I believe it's really using a realistic approach to seeing a Claymore respond to flirts, I'll bet some would humor it and enjoy the attention, others not so much. Also getting offered free drinks or food is really something any one of them would consider. Hopefully I convinced some that it wasn't blatant in seeing Fickle ogle a Claymore who are notoriously attractive considering they're purpose in life.

I only found two Claymore not exactly gorgeous (considering your own preferences) yet I just considered most to be modestly beautiful. So sue me, I'll say it wasn't bad to consider them to remotely feel like humans being treated normally. Will it lead into any pairings, not likely, I just wanted to show that even Claymore themselves ranging from areas Fickle/company go into hunting yoma, they'll know about him eventually. It also leads into a more intriguing aspect of whenever the Organization gets wind of humans hunting low time yoma, I mean I'll gently admit we'll be seeing them appear eventually. Right now I just hope I made a decent chapter for people to enjoy reading.

So thank you for reading, leave a review and I'll update again eventually.