Standard Disclaimer
Well either this is still on ffnet or they did in fact ban me for being a horrible and vile person corrupting humanity with my disgusting filth…man how sad of that place that claims 'let your imagination run free' as long as its Disney-esque I guess. Well enough bitching, just have to accept reality I guess and realize nothing stays the same forever.
X-X
Wandering Pilot
Chapter – 7
Standing over Leina's body, Alleyne gazed down with a small hint of jealousy. The potion to keep the human woman asleep for another day had been poured out on the floor dampening Nowa's earthen floor. No more sleeping for her, Alleyne was no longer going to be a part of the duplicity, Leina would be awake by the next morning and free to go. Just like the humans, by this time the following day Alleyne had plans to be leaving the forest. Her home was no longer going to be her home, her budding feelings thrown away.
Had anybody hinted she'd have started feeling for the meek human male two weeks ago when they first met, Alleyne would have openly mocked them. An elf caring for a human, and one so young and timid, was equally funny as impossible. But as Alleyne listened to the sounds of Nowa and Shinji sparring outside her heart warmed and her leaves threatened to slip. It was the man's nature that caused Alleyne to change her tone in regards to all males being worthless. Sweet, caring, and lacking in many of the annoying male traits, Shinji wormed his way into her affections by his tireless aiming to please.
Moving to the door to Nowa's hut, Alleyne watched the youths training, more like playing with one another. That foolish council and damned itself with its decision to exile Nowa, using the half-elf as its excuse for losing ground to the Swamp Witch. Well Alleyne wasn't going to abandon her favorite pupil to the world she wasn't ready for. If Nowa went, so went Alleyne for now anyway. So with the human's keeper leaving, Alleyne was letting them go. Shinji was not going to repeat the sins of the last male healer, he was to kind to enslave the minds of others by flooding their minds with addictive bliss.
"He worries so about you, young Leina, each day he asks when you'll wake. I envy the care he dotes upon you. If Nowa were more selfish she would to," Alleyne said to the sleeping woman. For the second week of Leina's alchemical induced slumber, the forest elf watched Shinji's mood shift. At first he believed Leina was still recovering, but Alleyne thought he understood things now. He wasn't stupid he had to know by now that they were prisoners being evaluated for life or death. "Will he forgive us once I tell him the truth?" she wondered.
The sound of wood striking wood filled the early morning air as Nowa gleefully smacked at Shinji. "See I told you! You're getting better everyday!" Nowa's voice echoed in the small glade. Swinging in a downward angle, the half-elf swiped Shinji's leg out from under him. Pouncing on the yelping lad, Nowa sat on his chest with a broad smile, "But you're still not better than me yet," she tittered happily.
From his position on the ground, Nowa's shapely backside on his chest, Shinji was bruised, dirty, and sweating. Despite his sound defeat, the lad had a trifling of a grin peeking through, "Well its only been two weeks. I'd be foolish to think I could improve THAT much in such a short time." He blushed softly and tried to look away from Nowa, succeeding only in dirting his hair in the dewy grass, "N-Nowa-chan your l-leaves fell off. I ca-I can see your…" He sagely kept trying to avoid direct gazing at the rather lovely view.
Pulling Nowa off the prone boy, Alleyne was reminded of another small issue she hadn't anticipated. "Now, Nowa, that is poor form using your body to attack young Ikari psychologically, 30-points," she admonished. Telling Nowa about biological functions and just what Shinji's healing was causing in the young half-elf…that had been enlightening. Part of Alleyne was afraid that night Nowa would have wanted to experiment with the boy. Thankfully, Nowa seemed more amazed yet fearful of the idea, for now anyway. Reaching down to pull Shinji up, "And why do I see bruises and blood on you, Ikari, you know you're to be training your healing powers as well, 20-points."
Bending at the knees, Shinji reclaimed his fallen training staff. With a formal bow, "I'm sorry Alleyne-sama, I know I'm supposed to. But I…do I have to really…" Shinji couldn't maintain eye contact with his trainer and master. As part of his training, Alleyne insisted he constantly use his healing arts on himself only. But the council knew of the byproduct of Shinji's need to relief himself and wanted it. As such, part of the training, the lie was to offset the cost of Leina's healing potion, was Shinji was to bottle and hand off the Holy Milk he produced.
"I am in agreement that it is in poor form, but the elders insist, young Ikari," Alleyne handed Shinji an empty container. Those perverted old men were fighting over who got the potent elixir the lad created, and it made Alleyne feel sick to her stomach. She was glad she was going to be leaving them, she'd be an exile as well, but it was still in accordance with tradition. Guesturing to a fallen log, and the fire at which breakfast was cooking, "Come and sit, both of you, I've news for you. Oh and for you, young Ikari, your mended armor is in Nowa's hut."
Already holding Shinji's 'armor' in her hands, Nowa rubbed her face against the smooth rubber. Spinning around, the leather jerkin and leggings had the appropriate plugsuit pieces affixed over them, Nowa cooed, "It's just as slippery and smooth as your water skin! I wish I could have one of these too." Bounding over to the log on all fours, Lou on her shoulder now, Nowa vaulted over it and got up and friendly with the only male, "So what did you have to tell us? Oh is Leina going to be getting well soon?" After a moment of smiling, her comment sent herself into a small frown, "You'll be leaving once she does right?"
Watching as Shinji tried not to appear heavily vested in the talk, opting to stoke the fire and cook, Alleyne found her fingers working her long fore-braid. A blasted nervous tick of hers, she couldn't resist the need to run her fingers down her hair as she wondered how the news would affect her charges. "Tomorrow morning she will be awake," she found Shinji instantly looking at her with wide eyes. "And today will be our last day of training," now Nowa was looking at her with horror.
Raising her palm out to silence either of them before they could say anything, Alleyne was in full instructor mode and her students fell in line. "No Nowa it isn't something you did wrong, you've been the perfect pupil…and friend," Alleyne offered a rare smile. Nowa still was priority to the forest elf, Shinji was growing on her but Nowa held the majority of her heart. "As for today, I'd like to train with you first Nowa, and young Ikari in the afternoon you and I shall see how far you've really come. Bring your actual weapon and not your training staff," she informed coldly as her mask came back on.
Diving from Shinji's side to Alleyne, Nowa nuzzled affectionately at her elder's side. Gushing with her normal excessive energy, "You really see me as a friend, master Alleyne? I'm so happy." Rubbing and hugging the stoic forest elf, Nowa radiated joy. "So why are you ending our training then? Is it because Shinji is leaving and you've more to do than just train me further?" she finally calmed down from her bouncing and was content to just hold onto Alleyne's arm.
Plucking some of the sticks of mushroom, bird, and potato that were cooking by the fire, Shinji handed the breakfast to the women. "S-so Leina-san is going to wake up tomorrow then. We'll be leaving?" he asked Alleyne with a small frown. Shuffling about, putting his training staff on his legs, Shinji nibbled on his food, "I think I'm going to m-miss it here. And you two as well." He offered Nowa a small head bob, but his eyes stayed on Alleyne for a moment as an unspoken sensation sparked both of them, attraction.
She wouldn't lie to herself about it, she never found self-deception a valued trait to practice, Alleyne had come to really enjoy her training of the human. But after she came clean about the truth of his mate's slumber, she doubted he'd be as friendly with her. Not that Shinji was openly friendly, to shy and timid to openly state his feelings, much like her, his emotions had to be gauged by his actions. She was blunt when she had to deal with things, he was subversive. Regardless, she would miss him, but it was not meant to be. A human and elf in love, that wasn't common…the elders would resist as would Leina.
"You will be free to leave upon her waking, you'll have to," Alleyne waved for the duo to move in close. Once she had them close enough to hear her whisper, Shinji's hot breath caressed her face but she tried to ignore it, she scanned for spies. With nobody in view, "You'll have to leave or they'll keep you, young Ikari. As you no doubt have suspected, your woman's condition is not one of recovery. You are being held, at first to insure you've not come to use your powers to enslave us with its abilities. Now they've corrupted themselves with greed over the Holy Milk." She waited for the gentle face to become marred with hate from betrayal.
Shinji's shoulders did sag, his eyes downcast, but hatred did not come to him, possibly he lacked the capacity for it. "You were following orders?" Was the training just orders too?" he asked listlessly. Falling back further from her, Shinji sat cross-legged on the ground examining the ground. His head tilted slightly to gaze at Nowa, "Did you know about this too Nowa-san? That Leina's been suffering due to me and these cursed 'powers' of mine?"
As Nowa quickly waved her hands and spouted off negatives and assurances that she wasn't involved, Alleyne found herself under the reproachful eyes of both her pupils. Putting a hand on both of their shoulders, Shinji tried to shrug it off but she kept it in place. "Nowa was not privy to this, as a matter of fact she was offered up as bait for you. To see if you'd try to convert her with your ability to instill…well you know," Alleyne found both teens red faced. The fact never occurred to either of them, that with Shinji's healing, he could have forced Nowa to become addicted to the positive feelings and euphoric high.
Sampling her own food, Alleyne would miss Shinji's prowess with cooking more than his adeptness as a pupil. He was to kind to ever be a good fighter, but he was above a novice now, so he could defend if need arose. "As for your question, young Ikari, yes it was my orders. I was to observe your interactions with Nowa, and report if you were deemed a threat. As for training you, it was the combined request from Nowa and your conviction to yon lady over there. It was not my orders to train you," she informed. Over the two weeks, Alleyne had made it quite clear to the young man, orders and duty was her bread and butter.
Gathering his cooking supplies, Shinji got to his feet. Tossing the emptied stick to a pile of them for later use, Shinji nodded solemnly. "I understand Alleyne-sama, orders and loyalty are important. I'm glad you told me…but why are we being let go if they want me to keep…why not…" he didn't continue. It was obvious enough with his stalling what he feared. If the elders wanted his abilities enough, why not slay Leina in her sleep, and keep him shackled somewhere to literally milk him till he died?
Wondering if her bridge with Shinji had been burnt, the potential friendship buried under her need for order and adherence to ancient laws, Alleyne got to her feet as well. "Because I have chosen to take the path of exile. Nowa has been ordered to join the battle for Queen's Blade, and I intend to as well. As you might now," she watched as Nowa wandered off to think and play with Lou. "Nowa is quite earnest and kind. She is far too trusting and naive for me to leave her alone right now. So as she is leaving, I am following. They would keep you as you fear, but that is why I haven't administered Leina's dosage for the day. She'll wake, we'll speak to each other, and hopefully part ways amicably," her expression was one of remorse.
"So you're leaving too then…and I'm glad you told me," Shinji's whole body swelled with acceptance and regret. "I know I wasn't as good a pupil as Nowa, but I'm glad you took pity on me to try," he clenched at his staff with one hand. In his other the jar for the day's necessity and grimaced, "As for this whole healer business. I know it's helpful and has saved Leina-san before. But I never asked for it, seems more a burden than a blessing. Do you know more about it…you've never really told me about it other than to train it?"
Being feared, hated, or sought after for something thrust upon him, Alleyne felt her pupil was being too hard on himself. "I'll explain it during today's training, if you still wish to be in my sight after what I have told you," she wouldn't have felt to upset if he spurned her. She had basically lied and betrayed him from the first day, not many would forgive such transgression. Effortlessly moving amid the tree line, she was going to miss the forest, but not it's other sentient occupants. "As for your own training, you have come far for one so inexperienced with the weapon. Tis true you've a long way to go, but I believe you'll do fine," she heard him fumbling about behind her.
A meager chuckle, Shinji couldn't help but add, "I think I'll leave more of the fighting to Leina-san, but at least I shouldn't be as big a liability now. As for today…I wouldn't miss it. You have your reasons Alleyne-sama for following orders. I'm not much better…no I'm NO better. Back in my world," he had finally gotten Alleyne to accept his story as reality. "Back there that was all I did too. Thinking back on it, I can't say I would have done any differently than you did. Well I'd likely have hidden and watched from the shadows if possible. I'm not good with beaut…" he seized up and hustled off.
Her hand, caressing one of the long hanging vines, gripped it hard as her breath was stolen. So he wasn't going to miss their last session, and if she heard correctly, mouthing, "So you find me attractive do you? Or is that the way you wormed your way into that woman's graces as well?" Giving her cheek s small smack berated, "15-points! Keep your head about you foolish woman. Be strong, see them off as a master should, strong and silent." Checking to insure her own leaves weren't sliding due to the sudden excess in lubrication; Alleyne went to find Nowa for their last official training session.
She was hard, harder than normal, on the young Nowa. Pushing her beloved friend to the apex of Nowa's current skill, Alleyne was proud of the half-elf. Nowa got a 90 for the day, and Alleyne would allow her to seek Shinji for healing her many wounds from the day's efforts that night if she wanted. She'd let them have a moment together if such were to be, Nowa wasn't bound to the ancient law of husbandry as she was. As the sun neared its highest point, Alleyne found herself tight chested and anxious…walking to the sun dabbled pool she oft filled her canteen, she waited for the lad to come to her. It was time to see how he could handle his true weapon against her.
X-X
Wandering in a daze towards the pond they were supposed to spar, Shinji's head just wasn't focused. He'd not deny he was suspecting things weren't on the up an up with Leina's continued sleeping, but outright deception? It hurt to know that his trust wasn't fully rewarded, but Alleyne had her reasons and Nowa had nothing to do with it. Well tomorrow when Leina woke they'd be off again seeking their own ends. At least he got more proficient with his weapon, and his body was feeling the benefits of a full two week blitzkrieg of training.
The training staff on his back, Shinji held his actual weapon gingerly in his hands. "She knows what this is capable of, but she still wants me to use it. If I hurt her…" he cringed. One good smack with his wrecking ball of a staff might kill the woman he had reluctantly come to like. Healing that kind of damage…well he had been getting a little better fending off his baser instincts, but that would be out of the question. Pushing some low hanging branches out of his face, "She's a lot like Akagi-san. Thought Ayanami at first…but she's just so clinical about things, defiantly Ritsuko-san."
He'd say Alleyne was hands down far more attractive than Ritsuko, not that the bottle blond was unattractive. Alleyne was just…he couldn't put his finger on it exotic in a common way. Ashen hair, ample chest (Leina did outclass her easily though), and when he succeeded in her tests that whisper of a smile was heavenly. Personality wise, well she was rough to get along with, hard to gauge her feelings, but she had moments of tenderness that shown like the sun on a cloudy day.
Smacking his face as he found Alleyne's cape on the ground, the sounds of water splashing in the pound roused more than just his hearing. Leina was his girlfriend, a woman he felt he was coming to love, but Alleyne was constantly on his mind. She was their when he woke, and he suspected watched him sleep. She was the mental opposite of Leina, but still he fought to keep his stupid feelings from getting the better of him. She was exactly like Leina in the fact she was leagues above him…and he made piece with Leina growing tired of him so why do it twice?
Pulling herself out of the pond, the clear water dribbled off her nubile and naked body in sheets, Alleyne nodded at Shinji. "You've arrived on time, excellent. I was just relaxing after my spar with Nowa. Hand me my leaves please," she fluffed her wet hair over to her back. Waiting patiently for the lad before her to collect his senses and do as she asked, she affixed the traditional elven undergarments of a two large leaf bra, and several smaller leave panty. Sliding her green jerkin, more a small top than real armor, she gathered her weapon, "Are you prepared to come at me full force young Ikari?"
Swallowing hard, Shinji's eyes were as wide as saucers as he nodded with his back to his training master. Definitely smaller than Leina's, but no less supple and hypnotizing, as was Alleyne as a whole, he could still see the single blemish, a small scar on the right breast an inch long. Wear Nowa was defiantly a friend, her childish glee made it impossible for him to prevent it, Alleyne was evilly attractive. "I-y-I'm ready if you are. But-but are you sure you want me to use this one?" he held out effigy of Unit-01 in his right hand.
Fixing her cape on, she held the hat for a moment before hanging it on a tree branch. "Yes, it should be your primary weapon as it requires less skill to achieve victory. Since you are not the active fighter of your group, you should aim to avoid direct combat and aid the young Vance woman. If you are forced into battle, but are untrained with your actual staff it could cause you difficulty and result in defeat," she stated flatly. Sliding her gloves, shorts, and boots on she finished by picking up her well oiled staff, "If you fear hurting me, know that you will not. I am as far above Nowa as she is above you. I shall be fine."
Ouch, she didn't pull punches did she, defiantly like Ritsuko, truthful to the point of pain. Bashfully looking over his shoulder at Alleyne, glad to find her clothed, Shinji let out a breath. "If you're sure it's a good idea, I'll do it. But if I do hurt you…and I have to heal you…what…I mean aren't you afraid I'd try to," he asked trying to hold back his nervousness. He didn't want to have sex with her, she was beautiful yes, he liked her a great deal, but he was with Leina and it would be wrong…wouldn't it?
In a quick and brutal strike, Alleyne struck Shinji's forehead with a jab sending him to the ground with a goose egg bump of a bruise. "I have willpower young Ikari, never doubt that. I have lived over a thousand years without knowing the touch of a man, and I have vowed never to do so until I find the man I shall marry. If you do manager a miracle and hurt me, I shall abide, as you go…fill another vile for those old fools. As for your powers, I do regret that we do not have more knowledge for you. We killed the last of your kind when he invaded our village. Using the powers to instill lust and addiction to the powerful positive energies…he warped the minds of several of my friends. It shall not happen to me," she gazed up at the tree line and fingered her braid.
Knowing better than to doubt her Shinji just got to his feet and resolved himself to a heavy beating. Healing the bruise on his head down, the pulse of energy caused his pants to tighten just a smidge, he gripped his staff. "I hope if I ever think of doing something like that to anybody, somebody kills me first," he said with full conviction. He'd rather die than rape anybody, and that's exactly what his forbearer did, go figure everybody feared male healers. By the sound of it, the last man was using his powers to re-write women's brains in his manner of 'healing' them as he wished. But that lead to an interesting question…could he 'heal' his body to be taller or stronger, maybe smarter? Best not to trifle in things he didn't know.
Once Shinji was back on his feet Alleyne wasted no time in starting the spar in earnest. Attempting another forward jab, she found her staff connecting to that of Shinji's and finding no purchase. "Defense is improved but your footing is sloppy, 34-points," she critiqued. After the forward jab she rounded back with a two handed swing aimed at his midsection, her staff smashed hard but Shinji's moved not an inch, "Interesting. It isn't just offensive but defensive as well. As if the material was made of a mountain!"
While his master marveled at the odd structure his staff was, Shinji took his first fearful strike at her. He wasn't afraid of sparring or being hurt, no she beat that out of him in week one. The idea that one slip though would cause her to be crushed…he just couldn't will himself to hurt her. The staff whiffed a good foot above Alleyne's ducked head as she dove inward. "How the…" he gasped at the swift almost lighting fast movements. A moment later he was on his knees as she slammed her foot between his legs.
As her opponent gasped and wheezed in pain, Alleyne walked slowly around him after tossing his staff into the pond. "Know your opponents weak spots and guard your own, easy lesson, 14-points for forgetting," she scowled. Grabbing Shinji by the hair she pulled his head back, "You are faster than this, better than this, and yet you mock me. Why are you still in pain young Ikari?" She let go of him and gave his stomach a good hard kick.
Why was he in pain? Well fucking sake his balls felt like they were about to pop and…oh wait…yeah. Healing his pain, Shinji got back up and wiped the drool off his lower lip. "Sorry Alleyne-sama, I know I should trust those powers more, but they make me afraid. I keep hearing how evil and feared these powers make me and…" he gulped as he saw that look in Alleyne's eye. A moment later her staff was dancing about his body complements of her 'Tornado Strike'.
Sighing heavily, the woman shook her head in disappointment. A hint of anger in her voice, "You are not an evil person young Ikari! Had you such desire in you to take women as he had, Nowa, the Vance woman, and likely myself would have already been under your sway! There is no way I could…" Her voice died in her lips, a blush adorning her cheeks or a trick of the sun, "Enough talk! Try earnestly!"
Again drawing on his powers, much more honed over the two weeks of practice, Shinji felt his body become lighter. On his feet, he willed the staff to his hands, and got into a defensive stance. "Thank you for your kind words," he lashed out after. The swings were clumsy for his current level, but they were enough to push Alleyne back. She didn't defend directly, dodges, shifting his attacks away from herself, and a few blind leaps kept her from attacking back. Remembering what she had taught him about healing himself while he hurt himself…odd but he could try it. Putting enough strength into his attack to break his own bones, Shinji balked as he watched as Alleyne stood still, a smile on her face as she let him hit her.
The body went flying through the air, a small stream of blood trailed it to the pond were she collided with a mighty splash. Floating on her back fortunately, Alleyne didn't look upset or even irritated at the likely mind shattering pain going through her body. As Shinji cried out frantically, pulling her body out of the water and to the shore, she silenced his cries of 'why did you do that?' with a simple, "This was a test for myself as well."
Having not the foggiest idea what she meant by her comment, Shinji's fears of 'taking advantage' of the woman went right out the door. She was dying and it was his fault, and that meant only one thing. "I'll take care of it, just…knock me out after or I'll well I'll likely be a bit on the randy side?" he blushed at his openness. Placing his hands on her neck and chest, Shinji concentrated on syncing his heart beat with hers. With each pulse of hers he flooded the woman with radiant holy power. Stronger and stronger their hearts beat in unison.
Through sheer force of will, he kept his sanity as the unbearable desire to ravage the nubile body before him came screeching from his core. Biting his lower lip hard he spoke through the pain, "Alleyne-sama, you need…I'm having a hard time…" If he could control himself, surely she was better off. Then he felt her lips on his, her hand caressing between his legs and thought went bye-bye, the balloon of self control was popped by Alleyne's thin lips and long tongue.
His eyes went half laden as he finally gazed down at her, "Alleyne-sama…you said…" He tried to prevent it, remember her little line about husbands, and the image of Leina came screaming to his mind, he didn't want to betray her. But that hand sneaking into the side of his plugsuit and leather pants, it found the hidden treasure. "A-are you…" his last bit of resistance was hanging on for dear life while his libido was actively trying to club it.
In a move of deft skill and unanticipated prowess, the weapons master of the forest elves rolled over atop the young man with her top falling off in the process. "I have waited a thousand years for this moment, Echidna shall not mock me a moment longer," she cooed. Her voice suddenly meek and emotional, she mewed out softly as the man she pressed herself too suckled and licked the flesh she forced upon him, her upper leaves falling off.
They were brown, dark brown compared to Leina's pink nipples, but Shinji found them equally delicious. His libido was spurned on by sounds pouring out of the woman's mouth and body, she was vibrating with anticipation and enjoyment. There would be a price to pay, but such was the nature of things. Wiggling out of his pants, hard to do with Alleyne making every effort to keep their bodies permanently touching, he freed his manhood that leapt up joyous to be released from its confines.
After a solid twenty minutes of letting Shinji praise her body, Alleyne's anticipation caused the leaves hiding her flower to become saturated and fall. She was ready, rolling off the body of her soon-to-be-husband, she pulled him along to put him on top. "Take me as one of your wives," she said earnestly. From the moment she laid on her back, she had lost the look of one enslaved to passion. She was speaking her true wish, "Tis not a clouded mind, your powers…not as they described…just love and tenderness. I want to be part of it."
With her simple goading, Shinji entered her and slide the full length in amid crushing pressure. No hymen, well being over a thousand and a weapon master, it was likely damaged in a training exercise or battle centuries before Shinji was born. Still in control of some of his mental faculties, he was aware that she felt different than Leina. Both were wonderful but different in subtle ways. As they kissed, sadly Alleyne pulled a Leina and simple let her tongue sit lifeless in his mouth, he realized she tasted sweeter.
For a moment they just lay like that, Shinji and Alleyne connected as much as they could, savoring the moment. Then at the simple gesture of bucking her hips, Shinji was reminded that he had something to do. Slowly, unsure of his actions, he rhythmically pumped gently but continually into the body benighted him. Her arms drew him closer to her, chests rubbing together, she bite down on his shoulder to keep her moans from getting to loud.
Time lost meaning, Shinji lost himself in Alleyne's moans, not saying actual words but showing her appreciation all the same. He felt her flush against him several times, before he finally joined her in climax. When he did finish…well she screamed so loud it snapped both of them out of their emotional high…and she collapsed into a heap of smiling floaty goodness.
"What did we really do…I hope you explain this to me Alleyne-sama, and what it means to Leina and me," Shinji whispered and kissed her check capturing the left side of her mouth. Carrying the woman, either a lot lighter than she looked or he had gained some strength, to the pond, he bathed her and himself. Covering her drying body with her cape, he watched her sleep for a good hour before she woke.
As reality flittered back into her mind, "Husband, you cleaned me?" She had the look of somebody expecting to be hit not caressed as he cupped her cheek. "Why?" she asked as shame replaced her normal stoicism, "I have…I swore I would not succumb. But feeling you…knowing you…I couldn't think of…you have one already, and I forced myself. Husband might I stay with Nowa for now to think on this…and how to make amends for my brashness?"
Stunned at the shift unto meek housewife, Shinji didn't know what to say other than, "Of course you can! I…I won't lie and say I know what's going on either. I love Leina-san…well I think I do. I like you too…but we hardly know each other. Are you sure you want me as your husband?" Culture clash was a real bitch at times, and Shinji was a pilgrim in a strange land.
"I do, and thank you," Alleyne said softly with a nod. Sitting up the cape fell again, reaching out for Shinji she drew him to her. There, confused and worried, both of them made love again only this time fully under their on power. They would face the issues this little event caused together, eventually. They talked after they were finished, Alleyne positively glowing despite the small frown, and they agreed. They'd admit what they did to Leina, and if Leina spurned him he would go with Alleyne and Nowa as they wandered for the Queen's Blade. If Leina did not renounce her claim, well they had a few hundred years to come to terms with one another.
X-X
Leina was not happy, quite the opposite in fact, she was livid. Spinning her blade around in her hand, she just eyed the elf with the red beret before her with contempt and barely contained rage. Off to the side of the clearing, she could see Shinji standing next to a half-elf that appeared to be his age. He was clad in the elves clothing, and even she had a new elven cloak on, and ready to move. Was she angry at him too, disappointed, or maybe jealous of what she'd missed? So much for the city of elves, she didn't want to see any more long eared schemers, not for a very long time.
Waking after the best sleep she could remember in ages, restful and deep she hadn't even dreamed, Leina sadly had been in for a rude awakening. They had kept her captive for two weeks, and Shinji hadn't done anything to try and wake her? Was he gullible, want her sleeping, or was he making some sort of play? She doubted it was anything nefarious, she did trust him. But two weeks was a fairly long time to sleep, why did he trust those women? Well…duh…Shinji was very naive in the way of the world about him, and that was why he needed Leina to protect him from these harpies.
Clanging her blade against her shield, it rang lovely in the early morning air, Leina hunched forward with gritted teeth. "So are you going to tell ME why you did it? Kept me under your thumb while you left Shinji awake, had to have some reason," she challenged. Her hopes of seeing the city had been dashed, but oddly she didn't care. There were more places to go, better places to experience than a city of xenophobic jerks. Dragging her foot into the loam of the forest, Leina was itching to burn off the energy she accrued during her forced nap, "And I don't want you answering for them, Shinji. They did this, and I want to hear everything that happened while I was under."
Nowa reached out for the angry Leina and the stoic and immobile Alleyne, "Leina, we didn't do…Master Alleyne didn't have any real choice in the matter. S-she was obligated to listen to the high council." Taking a moment to turn to Shinji pleadingly, the young woman wasn't happy to see such animosity directed at her savior and her friend. Dropping her staff to the ground, Nowa got down on her hands and knees and head to the ground, "It was all my fault for failing against that Airi woman. If I had won back then, you'd not have fought, and none of this would have happened!"
"Taking blame when none exists, 0-points!" Alleyne's voice filled the forest with its harsh and totally bluntness. Taking her hat off, the newly christened wife of Shinji tossed it to her husband to hold. Spinning her staff in her hand, Alleyne gave Leina a hard look, "You are not as I expected you to be, not how he described you at all. He painted a compassionate woman, kind, and wise enough to know when necessity took over for what one would want to do. Tell me, have you always done exactly as you thought, or has the Vance family never met with a conflict of opposing viewpoints?"
Her energy took a hit at that, Leina had known of issues as such. Her father often sided with the Queen rather than the populace as Leina thought he should. He would say it was for the greater good, and the dutiful daughter she was had gone along with it. "Raise your head, Nowa was it?" Leina closed her eyes and stood tall. Sheathing her weapon, for now, Leina would let cooler heads work. Walking aimlessly in circles, "But I want to hear about what happened. All of it, and I can see something is eating at you Shinji." He had that look about him, that look he had when he came back from 'helping' Tomoe and Shizuka.
Sheepishly moving to Leina's side, Shinji nodded with a solemn look of a condemned man. In his time honed tone of worried, "It's my fault really, Leina-san. They were worried I was trying to corrupt them. Apparently they've had dealings with somebody like me in the past. He used his powers to enslave others by 'healing' their minds in such a way that they became addicted and loyal to him." He gestured to the path leading deeper into the forest. The small troupe moved away from the now empty hut, abandoned due to necessity. "Alleyne-sama saw fit to train me while observing me. Not as good as Nowa by a long shot, you even further, but hopefully I'm not a drag," he did offer a weak smile.
Standing far to close to Shinji for Leina's taste, Alleyne let her hand trail down the back of Shinji's cloaked back. "It is as the young Shinji says. He is far from being a master of the weapon, but his main weapon needs little skill, tis unstoppable when used even remotely well," her curt tone made the lad bristle. Taking her hat from his hands, she reaffixed it, "As for your slumber, we had hoped that if it turned true, that if he was manipulating you, that after his death you'd be freed from his thrall."
Her lip and nose curled up in irritation, Leina hated being looked down upon. And wasn't that what they had done? Think she had been bested by Shinji and unable to think for herself? "Well I take it you learned the truth and that's why you're letting us leave, why you let me finally wake up?" she continued to eye that woman. She was standing far too close to HER Shinji, but there was something about her tone that bothered Leina. To the young half-elf and herself Alleyne was as forthcoming and upfront as the morning sun, but to Shinji she played coy even if he didn't notice. And that beret, why had she trusted Shinji with it and not the other of her tribe?
Using her staff to knock some fruit from a tree, Nowa tossed an extra piece to Shinji and Lou. "Master Alleyne, didn't you say you trusted him last week, and it was the council that made you keep her under?" she asked between bites. A good dozen or so paces in front of the group, the ex-defender of the forest relaxed remarkably, "And they needed…whatever he made before we went to bed?"
A small tremor accompanied Shinji dropping his staff to the ground, his practice staff still on his back. As the birds flew away from the small earthquake, "It isn't what you think Leina-san! Nowa-chan and I didn't…well…we didn't you know. I just stayed in her hut on the ground! And since Alleyne-sama made me practice my healing I had to…and they wanted it." He had answered that question just a little to quickly, eyes going from all the females about him, shame etched into his being. Gathering his fallen weapon he scuttled off closer to Nowa, fruit handed to Leina.
To be fair, Leina had taken a few moments to jump from the young girl's comment before thinking Shinji had administered the salve directly. "At times I swear that little trait of yours is more trouble than it's worth. Will I have to worry about every woman we meet trying to seduce it from you?" she grinned at him though. He was so cute when flustered, and she did still yearn as she had before her long sleep. If anything it was worse now due to even longer without, but with company it wasn't such a great idea. Another itch wanted to be scratched though, fingering her hilt, "Though I'm not angry at the moment, I would quite like a spar with you, Alleyne. I've never fought an elf."
"Would it not be unexpected, I expect husband to be quite sought after. Though it is acceptable for men of my tribe to have more than one life-mate, especially with our lives being so long, you may disagree. You are his first and most cherished. As for your challenge," Alleyne stated looking squarely in Leina's eyes knowingly. In a flurry of movement, the forest elf had her staff in hand and ready to defend against Leina's swift sword blow. Eyes hardening, Alleyne grunted at the strength of the blow, "Know that it was not his intent to claim me as wife, I however…I am unsure if it was my intent or not. But the deed has been done last night, I am his woman as you are. Though if you wish to relinquish your hold I shall take the majority of his heart you possess."
She had acted on total instinct and not thought at all, Leina realized. The moment she heard Alleyne refer to Shinji as husband, well the fight had started. Dully aware that she could hear the blasted angel descending from the heavens, all Leina wanted to do was dominate and beat down the would be usurper. Appling more strength downward on the defending elf, "Husband! Was that the real reason you kept us apart? This your plan all along? Steal what was mine, use him to make your damn ointment! He is NOT a thing!" The elf had admitted it was all her doing…Shinji wasn't the type to cheat, so Leina accepted the answer before her and it was time to meet out punishment. Shinji would get his later regardless of blame.
Twisting her staff and her waist to the right, Alleyne forced Leina off balance, and followed up with a spinning one handed strike aimed at the back of Leina's head. "Twas an accident truly! Never had I planned on making a human my husband, we elves marry for life," Alleyne hotly contested. Her staff bounced off Leina's shield with a resounding thud. Leaping over Leina's lower swing, nearly clipping her legs, Alleyne rolled back to her feet. Winded, "Your skill is worthy of praise, 75-points. As for the young Shinji, he was kind enough to allow me to continue accompanying Nowa for now. With his powers his life will be extended nearly as long as mine…and those who are with him, so it was beneficial."
Defiantly not what she wanted to be talking about while she wanted to cut the woman in half like a watermelon. Setting off a series of lighting fast jabs, Leina pressed her advantage of raw strength. This woman had taken advantage of her Shinji while they were all but prisoners! She'd get the full story from Shinji later, but for now that was all she needed to know! Whatever these points were about, Leina cared even less as she forced her target against a tree. Powered by raw seething jealousy (why wasn't SHE wife when Alleyne was?), Leina cleaved the tree in half with one strong blow. "Allowed you? What are you his servant now or something? And he's human, what are you talking about life extension," she panted heavily as she pulled back to gain her breath.
Casting a baleful glance up at the cheering newest addition, Naneal, Alleyne was sweating profusely from the brief battle. Twirling her staff about in a circle, Alleyne beset the tiring Leina's defenses, "Yes, the wife is subservient, twas what my mother taught and I adhere to the ancient ways, though he is not enforcing it. As for his life-span, his powers extend to his aging. For what is aging but the body's decay and weakening. He and those he provides for, shall not know that decay," spinning around using her arm as a brace she smashed against Leina's shield with her staff.
Something good to know, apparently sleeping with Shinji would prolong her life, odd but accepted benefit. Twisting her shield's spoke to catch the staff, Leina jerked it hard and stole it from her opponent's hand, "I don't know about any of this, I don't care to know. I vowed to protect him, and I will, even if that means saving him from his 'wife'." In a show of skill, Leina back handed the now weaponless elf with her shield knocking the woman down. Putting her sword to the woman's chin, she felt herself at an impasse. She could kill, kill this woman now that had forced herself into their lives, but what would happen if she did?
Would Shinji still love her if she killed Alleyne? Knowing Shinji as she did, Leina suspected that given time Shinji would forgive her. Could she live with killing another for her feelings? That was the hard question, she knew she could if she had the right reason. This wasn't it though, as her father had her mother and concubines…well Leina was lumping Alleyne in the concubine category as SHE was to be wife if anybody was!
With flourish, Leina spun her blade dramatically and sheathed it. "This battle is over, you are beaten," she offered the downed woman a hand up. After a moment's hesitation Leina felt Alleyne grip her, and pulled the elf back to her feet. Her energy spent, the adrenaline from battle leaving her, Leina looked to Shinji for support. "Get over her, Shinji, I need to lean on you for a while as I get my strength back."
Rushing to her side, Shinji was wrapping her arm around his shoulder within moments. Whatever training he had done in the last two weeks had improved his strength enough to easily support the larger woman. "That was amazing Leina-san, Alleyne-sama," he gushed to the superior warriors. Whispering to Leina as Nowa tended to Alleyne, "I'm…sorry about what happened. It…we sparred and an accident…and then we…forgive me?"
Tired or not, Leina wanted her victory prize now, "Forgive you, long as you know I come first." With the memory that Alleyne was leaving anyway, it was hopefully a onetime event and they'd never see the achingly beautiful, more so if she showed more emotion than contempt, elf again. Gripping Shinji's head, Leina pulled the lad into an amorous embrace, trying and failing to mimic the moves from the last kiss they shared. Again Shinji danced in her mouth, better than last time, and all she could do was most lay limp in his mouth. But it felt great, she still felt that love, that connection to him, Alleyne hadn't taken that, so she could forgive.
After their show of affection, Nowa standing awkwardly close and observing with a hint of envy and Alleyne unreadable, Leina wrapped stood back up, but kept her hands on Shinji's shoulders. Yes it was a showing of ownership, but in this world the powerful women owned their men not the other way around. Nanael announced Leina the winner and the floating balls vanished as if they had never been there.
A small break later, the two pairs of travelers reached the breech in the road. Nowa and Alleyne were to travel to an old elven outpost while Leina wanted to see the mountains. The elves provided the humans a small set of food to complement the water and cloaks they already had received. Nowa and Shinji exchanged a small friendly hug, Nowa promising to spar again with Shinji when they met up again as Shinji tickled Lou's chin. Alleyne however shocked the humans by cutting the braid of hair that had went down her left cheek. Kissing his cheek softly, they exchanged words to soft for Leina to hear, but never did the elf appear overly emotional…but she did have a faint smile on her face.
No matter, Leina was taking her man to the north while the other women were going east. With the blasted angel above them, giggling to herself with unexpected frivolity, she just let it go. Hand in hand with Shinji, the pair left the forest for the next big adventure. She just hoped she was awake for that one.
X-X
Covering her mouth with the end of her sleeve, Tomoe tried not to cough as yet another ore laden wagon rolled by kicking up dust. The people of this little industrial town must have powerful lungs, she reasoned. With the sun setting, and still no sign of work stopping, she blinked through stinging eyes as the arid climate assailed her senses. "We should press onward, but I feel Leina-san will come through here if we wait," she mentioned to her companion.
Openly sneezing, Shizuka didn't give a lick if people thought her undignified. "Well then I'm thinking its good I let you give directions Tomoe-sama. Getting us lost and making a giant circle really did help us out," she patted her friend jokingly. Sidestepping a cart that splashed though a dirty puddle, the shinobi grimaced the 'town' they found themselves in. "Looks like a war is about to go on by the looks of all these weapons. And I overheard in the tavern there is some rivalry between to makers. Maybe we can make some money while we wait here?" she eyed up the saps.
"Spirits Shizuka-san, is that all that prays upon your consciousness? Material wealth and creature comforts? You've spent a full two days at the tavern 'gather information'," the miko air quoted. Hiding her hands within the folds of her outfit, she bowed lightly to a passing group of elderly women. She would give them credit, at this time of day and at there age they still carried heavy burdens on their backs without a hint of agitation.
Bending at the waist, giving a show to whoever was behind her, Shizuka scooped a coin off the ground. "Well there is a nice lay too, but that lil cutie is with Leina right now. Though if they ARE coming here, and we can get to them before that mercenary, maybe I can score some nookie and something I can sell. Double win!" she smiled broadly as Tomoe went ashen. "Oh you're to easy to tease, Tomoe-sama," she didn't sound convincing.
Heading back towards the inn they were staying, close to the center of town so they could view all the new visitors, Tomoe fanned herself. Thoughts of the flesh were bad, her inner-self reminded her while her body went flush. "Speaking so boldly may get you unwanted advances, Shizuka-san. Though I do suppose not all notions are bad, if it is done with love then it is a thing of beauty," having never known love for man Tomoe had no leg to stand on. Opening those odd western doors, Tomoe let her eyes become accustomed to the darker light of the inn. "I was stunned to see how improved Leina-san was in her fight though, and relieved to see both of them," she took a seat and gestured to the matron.
Sitting opposite Tomoe, back to the growing crowd of drinkers, Shizuka leaned back against her chair letting her ample form be seen by all who entered. Sounding bored, "You're always to interesting in Leina, why don't you seem that interested in when I fight? Or are you really interested in her companion, I saw you two get really close. Bet you wanted to have him sail off with us during that encounter at the pyramid." Grabbing the ale that the matron set down, taking the coins left for her, she blanched.
"Tis not as tasty as our variant I'll agree," Tomoe frowned at the frothy beverage. Ale was to bitter for Tomoe's taste, sake was far more enjoyable a beverage. Being so far from home though, it cost far to much to afford. Sipping slowly, "Though it is you that keeps bringing up Ikari-san. Does my friend have a crush, or is it simple a material thing?" She'd never judge Shizuka, but at times Tomoe worried her companion might do something rash if provoked. Taking another drink, the warmth spreading in her stomach, she let her head wobble a bit.
Keeping an eye on the door, noticeably the miners and blacksmiths larger more muscular frames walking by, Shizuka let out an annoyed grunt. "Won't lie, he's easy on the eyes compared to the normal men of the realm. Maybe it's because he looks more like our men, just less of a jerk," she raised her cup out to Tomoe. "So where do we go if they don't show here soon?" she asked hastily.
She would have liked to wait for Leina and Shinji, but Tomoe knew they couldn't stay forever. They had delayed long enough in her continued failure to read maps correctly, and she had a goal. "If they don't appear by midday tomorrow, we can depart for the capital again. This town does not seem to appreciate those of our complexion," she tried being nice. They were racist assholes that mocked them, over charged them, or made lewd comments, no big loss and more reason to find the better specimen of the male gene appealing.
"One more cat call or whistle and I think I'll carve out a tongue lest I hear them talk about my 'tits' again," Shizuka muttered through gritted teeth. Singling the matron again, this time for their supper, the shinobi made as simple a request as she could for the two of them, and cheapest. "I'm thinking we might have to sell Shinji's little gift to us, rather than use it. We're low on funds here," Shizuka admitted after reviewing their monetary situation.
Walking up to their table, a trio of burly and dirty men sauntered, the leader set his hand rudely on there table. "Money troubles ladies?" his eyes were on the skin exposed by Shizuka's outfit. "My men and I could offer you a job, nice and simple. All ya gots to do is lay on yer back for an hour or so. Judging by the looks of ya, betten ya good at it," he drank the women up with his eyes.
The man to his left, dirty short blond hair and brown eyed, had the air of a simpleton. Nodding excessively fast, "Yeah, we'd do all the work. I ain't never had one o' them foreigners before. Pay ya real nice." The bulge already in his pants was small, but a single drop of moisture was showing he had much less to offer than his buddies.
So it was this then, they thought them either whores or destitute. Sipping her ale, Tomoe sobered up despite the booze, "Sorry gentlemen, but we do have the money we need for the night and shall be leaving in the morning. Your offer shall not be necessary." Diplomacy and politeness first, if they pressed she'd become more adamant against their advances. Her peripheral vision noticed a fourth man getting their food from the matron and hiding it from them, likely dousing it with some chemical. Ignoring her rumbling stomach, "Come Shizuka, I'm not feeling hungry and think sleep is preferred to this."
Shaking her head however, Shizuka waved her finger. "How about we play a game instead Tomoe-sama? We can introduce these fine men to a game of cards from out lands, if they have cards that is. We can offer our money at first, and if you win against us and we can't pay…maybe we can offer something in exchange for a loan?" she waggled her breasts playfully at the gaping men.
Before Tomoe was able to insist they not, the trio of men, their forth dropped the food and left likely to get a room ready, joined them at the table with cards in hand. "If you believe this is best Shizuka-san, I shall play. But do go easy on them," Tomoe resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her friend was going to con the men, and when things went bad…if things went bad she would either drop or kill them.
"We can't be expected to let you win lil lady, this is our wages for the week. Them dwarves are slave drivers but they pay well," the leader, a man named Derlik admitted as the trio spilled their money before them. Utter confidence etched in his eyes, already planning which woman to take first, "So we'll be defending this here money wit our lives. Best you be prepared to lose what little you have. Now teach!"
Shizuka gave the trio of men a simple explanation of the game, it was oddly similar to a game they had already known so it went quick. Probably as Shizuka expected the men postured and boasted as they played, paying for drink after drink for the women to drink hoping to get them drunk enough to loose. However they didn't lose, Shizuka's skilled hands saw to that. Stacking the deck in such a way to slowly increase there pot while lessening the men's.
After a solid three hours of gambling, the trio was smashed on all the booze they drank while the women were perfectly fine. The two lesser men even started eating the ignored supper, forgetting whatever plan they had. As the forth hour rolled around, the two men sleeping and coin less, Derlik was furious as he threw his hand down. "You cheating cunt! You can't lie to me, I saw ya! Cheating and lying to us all night! Give me my money back!" he hurled.
By now the inn/tavern was quite loaded with clientele and his shout was mostly drowned out amid the cries. Catching the man's hand as he drunkenly lunged at Shizuka, Tomoe twisted it in an angry direction. "Is it any less a crime than what you had planned for us? I saw your friend with our food earlier," she then pointed at the sleeping men. "Had we eaten, we'd be like them. So how about you cut your loses and let us be, or shall we find a magistrate?" she threatened.
Rubbing his sore wrist, Derlik was a cross between teary eyed and enraged. "But dat was all my money for the week! All we's wanted was just a little affection is all. Ain't nothing bad in that. Sure we…we went about it a lil underhanded. But yous would have liked dit after awhile. C-can't I have least my money back?" he pleaded as all his bravado left. An animal can sense the presence of a stronger one, and Tomoe gave the man a flash of his size compared to hers.
Taking a small amount from her half of the winnings, Tomoe dropped it before the man. "Let this be a lesson, women are not objects to be bought. Try that stunt again, and I shall allow my friend here to do what she wants with you. And you shall not find it the least bit appealing," Tomoe pointed under the table at Shizuka.
One of her kunai in hand, Shizuka was dangling it above Derlik's crotch. "Still want some love honey? Tomoe-sama is a lot nicer than I am. I wanted to kill you all and take all your money, but she'd likely take offense to it. Be a mess to get out of too," she kissed the air at the man. When he started crying openly, scooping up his money and running away leaving his drugged friends, the duo of women started laughing uproariously. "Shall we follow and take his money?" she asked wiping a tear form her eye.
"No, he might have learned something from this. I doubt he'd have tried such a crime with the locals, it is our 'unusual' air that brought about that courage," Tomoe had felt it in him. The spirits did not lie, these men weren't criminals just misguided. "Come let us go to our room, I am not hungry and am truly ready for sleep," she was already moving out of her chair. At the stairs up, she turned to see the unconscious men being mugged by a trio of urchins not more than seven. This land was nearly lawless, the Queen of the realm was not doing her duty.
Pushing Tomoe up to their room, Shizuka just snorted, the booze finally getting to her head. "You are far to kind, Tomoe-sama. It might bite you on your tight ass one day," she gave said rump a light tap. Throwing herself onto her bed once they reached the room, "Now if you excuse me, I'm taking a visit to finger village because unlike you I'm an actual woman and not an ice shaving in the shape of one."
Knowing Shizuka meant it, Tomoe just covered her head as her companion relieved some tension. Only once did she hear a name and it was the young Ikari's, Tomoe could have hope that maybe it was out of affection and not some dream of using the lad for financial gain. Once morning came, Shizuka waking sans her pants and underwear, they waited as planned till noon.
Leina and Shinji did not arrive, so they continued there trek missing the two by only a few hours.
X-X
Notes
Well I pushed this chapter fast to get at least one last one on FFnet. I got an ultimatum from the admins saying 'some of your stories are in violation'. I don't know which ones, but they gave me a day to get ride of it. I dropped the WW-side stories as it is my most lemon story the others being more lime. I can hope that they won't ban me, but I'm not sure at this point.
If I'm banned as of tomorrow it was a pleasure writing for you all these years and hope you find something nice to read. My zentrodie account will still write its stories, but I don't' know about Mercaba. I might move to affnet but I don't know if anybody would actually read my stuff there.
It sucks to have a place that states you should use your imagination and now I'm being punished for it. Again I hope I can keep Wandering and Friends here, and my older stories as I like re-reading them myself, but I don't know what tomorrow holds.
So if this is goodbye,
Thank you for all the support and care over the years, thank you for the reviews both good and bad. And thank you for showing me that people can find enjoyment by my odd trips of fantasy and imagination…even if it is a bit limish at times ^_^
Good night,
Mercaba/Zentrodie