The Siren's Call Ch. 7
Kayle stared intently at the text message she'd received. Her mind was warning her that something was amiss with everything, but her heart was doing backflips in her chest. She was not thrilled about this. It was bad developing...what did they call it...a crush on a human.
When the two had last parted ways, she assumed that was the end of it. Indeed, everything had gone back to normal. Her powers returned. Her position and reputation remained intact...and her sister was still a thorn in her side.
When Caitlyn had informed her of Kiba's new position as a public defender two thoughts crossed her mind. The first being that this was the change she needed to turn the tables on him in court, just as he'd done to her. The second, that this meant they'd be spending a lot more time together.
What troubled her most, however, was that Morgana had already started to target him. How in the world could she have anticipated that they'd have some sort of interaction? Considering that Kayle constantly swept her office for bugs, that wasn't the case. Her paranoia over her sister's tricks had become sensitive enough that she was always on guard.
Then there was his cryptic text message. She was aware that hearts were a symbol of love and romance amongst humans. But his sentence seemed unrelated in context. He loves that I'm dedicated. What does he mean by dedicated? And what in blazes does xoxo mean. Could it be a code?
Her fingers drummed on her desk as she contemplated it long and hard. It would be too humiliating to ask him what it meant. That would mean admitting that he knew something she did not. However, if it were sensitive, she couldn't exactly show it to someone else, either.
There was a knock at her door, causing her eyes to raise from her phone. "Come in."
"Are you ready for lunch, Kayle?" Poppy asked, poking her head in.
"Perfect timing, actually. I have a question for you. I trust that you can keep something a secret?"
The yordle twiddled her thumbs. "I don't know. I'm not too great at lying."
"Not lying. Withholding information."
"That sounds an awful lot like lying."
Kayle shook her head. "No, I mean...if I tell you something in confidence, will you promise not to tell other people."
"Ohhhh. Sure thing, Kayle. Anything you like." The angel turned on her phone and carefully read the message, making sure to omit the name of the sender. Poppy scratched her cheek in confusion. "Why are you asking me about this?"
"The cryptic message at the end. X-o-x-o. I'm not sure what it means. Can you make any sense of it?"
Poppy gave a giggle. "It's not a secret message silly. X's are for kisses and O's are for hugs. It sounds to me like you may have an admirer."
Kayle's legs felt weak. She sank back into her chair, her mouth opening to speak before closing again. Every time she tried to start a sentence, she'd rethink it and then go back to being silent.
"Do you know who sent it?" Poppy asked.
"Yes," she replied hoarsely.
"Do you like him? Or her?"
Kayle's body shuddered at the question. "I find his presence...favorable...at times."
Poppy shrugged her shoulders. "Then I don't see the problem. It just means he likes you. He's showing you affection." When the angel still didn't say anything, Poppy added, "Why don't you text him back? Ask him if he'd be willing to sit down for a meal with you."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"Okay. Umm...how does this sound? 'Dearest friend, how are you? I am well, and your admiration is pleasantly received. I think it would be mutually beneficial for our acquaintanceship for you to share a meal with me. I look forward to your swift response, Kayle, head prosecutor for the League of Legends.'" Thinking for a moment, she hesitantly tacked on, "X-o-x-o?"
"Too formal," Poppy said. "You need to be more relaxed. Writing a text isn't like writing a letter. No salutations or valedictions necessary."
"R-really?"
"Mmhm. Just say 'Would you like to grab lunch with me sometime?' and you're done."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"...I don't see why people make so much fuss about all this. It seems incredibly simple."
Poppy said nothing, only giving her a knowing smile. Once Kayle had sent the text to him, the two of them left the office, closing and locking the door behind them. Just as they were walking down the steps of the Institute, however, Morgana passed them going in.
She brushed her shoulder against her sister's, giving her a playful wink before vanishing inside. Kayle came to a halt, staring back up at the door. "Is something wrong?" Poppy asked her.
"Actually, I just remembered some business I have to attend to. Enjoy lunch without me for today." Before Poppy could make any sort of response, Kayle hurried after the other angel, a look of grim determination on her features.
As the blonde angel entered into the great hall, she managed to catch sight of a small bit of purple fabric vanishing down a hallway. Her wings flapped, carrying her swiftly in that direction.
Again, her sister seemed to vanish around a corner, just as she got there. This went on for a few minutes until finally, she entered into another passage and found it empty. No! She'd lost her?
"Looking for me, Sister?" Morgana purred, nearly causing Kayle to jump out of her armor.
She wheeled upon her, hand drawing her sword. But she as she did, Morgana held up her hands in surrender. "As a matter of fact, I am, witch. I have questions and you will answer them truthfully."
Morgana's smug grin never faded. She knew she had to at least pretend to resist Kayle's interrogations. Teasing her and taunting her was fun, but for the plan to work, she'd have to let herself get a little roughed up.
"Oh? And why would I do that?" she cooed. "You don't scare me, Kayle. You never have. As far as I'm concerned, you're still just the egotistical bitch you've always been. All talk no act–"
Her words were cut off as Kayle suddenly slammed her sword into Morgana's shoulder, pinning her to the stone column. Fire coated her blade, cauterizing the wound with divine power. "How's this for all talk?" she growled.
Morgana gave a sharp hiss. "What the fuck is wrong with you, you fucking psychopath?! Fucking Hells in all above, you just fucking stabbed me!"
"And it's less than the punishment you deserve!" she snapped. "Because of your mischief, Kiba's daughter is cursed! Your poisoned wine has twisted her love for her father to the sinful! You will tell me how to cure her, now!"
"Seriously?" she gasped. "You couldn't have just asked, you bitch? I didn't mean for the girl to get drugged! It wasn't for her! Kiba and I were supposed to be the ones who drank it."
Kayles gauntlet glad hand pinned her sister to the wall by her throat. With a wrench, she tore out her sword, using her divine magic to heal the damage. Placing the tip of her weapon in the same spot, she gave a low growl. "I can do this again and again, sister. What are you planning? How do I cure the girl?!"
"I was planning on seducing Kiba, obviously!"
Her sister blinked in bewilderment. "You wanted to seduce him? Why? What possible benefit does it grant you?"
"Well considering you just stabbed me, I'd say I was right in you being hung up on him still."
Kayle pushed her blade just enough to cause Morgana's skin to ooze blood. "Your depravity knows no bounds. Enough of these games. The cure for her, now!"
"That's an easy one," Morgana smirked. "I have sex with Kiba. Upon the condition of the curse being fulfilled, be it the intention or not, it will go away. Understand?"
"I've half a mind to remove your head from your shoulders. You think that's what I'm going to believe, hmm? I give you what you want, and that will make it all go away? You're mad."
"At least I didn't shove a sword through you," she argued. "And what can I say, my magic is pretty specific. Kiba has to make love to either the one who drank the wine with him, or an angel. So which would you prefer, sister? That he and I share a bed...or he and his daughter." Kayle opened her mouth to speak, but Morgana shushed her. "Tut, tut. Think carefully sister. I'd so hate to tell Kiba that you refused to help him after I told you how to fix his beloved child."
Ideas raced through the angel's mind. Her fallen sister was devious, for certain. But intention or not, Kiba and his daughter were on the line. At first, the only solution seemed to be to give Morgana exactly what she wanted.
Until, an idea came to her mind. It wasn't one she was thrilled about, but it beat the alternatives. "You are not the only angel available to him, sister." Kayle spat the final word as if it were poison.
The purple-clad beauty gave a gasp of mock surprise. "You?" she questioned. "Ms. Purity and Grace? We both know you would never stoop so low as to give up your virginity for a human. Or at all."
"If it means undoing the evil you've done, Morgana, I would give up my very life. I will save Kiba from this, and I will ensure that you face the punishment you so justly deserve."
"Hmmph. Whatever you say, sweetheart. Why don't you call me while you're basking in the afterglow of your freshly torn hymen."
With a quick flick of her wrist, Kayle made a shallow gash across her sister's shoulder. As the blood began to pour forth, the blonde angel shook it from her blade before resheathing it. "Mention my hymen again, and I'll show you the real definition of eternal torment."
With that, she slipped away, leaving Morgana gripping her bloody shoulder alone. As soon as her sister was out of view, the fallen angel gave a slight laugh. Her plan had gone off without a hitch, save that she hadn't expected her sister to jump to such violence so soon in her interrogation.
Gazing at her cut, she blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Damn it. That really hurt. I should clean this cut. If that's the same sword she keeps up her ass, I may get an infection."
Once she was safely back on the train to Noxus, Morgana ordered a stiff drink. Angels struggled to get drunk, but in a twisted way, the burn of the alcohol was intoxicating in its own right. Pulling out a burner phone she'd purchased ahead of time, she sent her sister a text.
Kayle, this is Kiba, My phone accidentally broke, so I had to purchase a new one. This is my new number.
Fortuitous timing. I have found the cure for Gwen. It will require great sacrifice.
Morgana hesitated. This would be what made or broke the illusion. She'd have to say something that Kiba would or Kayle may catch on.
For her, I'd do anything.
Kayle's heart softened the moment she read his words. It made her wish her own father had been so attentive. "Well, there are worse men…" she murmured to herself. She knew that if she did this, there would be no going back. For the first time in her life, she felt fear. It was awful. She hated the feeling so very much. But like all things, she knew the way out was forward, not back.
You and I must bond within the marriage bed.
Morgana nearly spit out her drink in shock. That?! That was how her sister was going to proposition him? "Gods, what is the matter with her? How can she be so...unsexy? It's like she's a machine. Now engaging sexual intercourse protocol." Her fingers flew across the keyboard.
You mean we have to get married? :O How will that help Gwen?
The armored angel gave a huff. It took a lot of personal strength to not be offended by his reluctance. The best way she could look at it was if the shoe were on the other foot, she too would be hesitant to accept. Perhaps it was best not to take it personally.
I coerced my sister into informing me of the cure. Your choices are to either make love with an angel or with your daughter. Only then will the charm be broken.
The raven-haired beauty had to stifle a laugh. Oh, Kayle was making this far too easy for her. She hummed thoughtfully to herself as she continued.
You know, you can make love with someone without marrying them.
The other angel could feel a vein throbbing in her forehead.
I am not willing to give up my honor as a maiden so easily. I am doing this out of gratitude to you for your kindness. Do not mistake this as self-interest.
"She is really pushing this marriage thing. Poor Kiba. I wonder what would be better. Having him agree and not know, or…" A wicked smile crept onto her face. "This should do the trick."
I'm not sure if I'm ready to get married again. Besides, I couldn't ask you to do this. If it must be done, than I suppose I'll just have to give Morgana what she wants. There's no need for you to sacrifice your honor for me.
Kayle was gripping her phone so tightly, the screen threatened to crack. Her fist slammed against her desk. He was making this so difficult for her! Normally, she'd back out, but it sickened her to think that her sister would be getting her way after such debauchery.
Very well then. I suppose I have no choice. I offer myself to you, Kiba.
Morgana had to resist cheering. She'd taken the bait. Now to set the hook.
No. Your honor is too important.
In this case, it would be the honorable thing to do. I cannot let such a hideous cow win, when she's used such horrid tactics. To twist the mind of one's own daughter for the sake of some cheap pleasures. Such goes beyond sinful.
"Hideous cow?! Ooh, that bitch! I for one think she is very beautiful. She has a certain naughty elegance that is so sexy...No. Deep breaths Morgana. Don't lose your grip now. You're so close." Closing her eyes, she deleted what she'd typed and started again.
I don't like the idea of her getting away with it either. Are you certain you want to do this? I'll admit, I am anxious at the thought. What if I perform poorly?
Nodding to herself with approval, she sent the message to Kayle. This would be the trial and testament of what her sister was willing to go through if it meant stopping her.
Meanwhile, the armored sibling was feeling anxiety of her own. What if she performed poorly? How long would they have to do it? Would the effect be instantaneous, or would it take time? Would she have to let him finish inside of her? Her mind raced with questions, only to have them present no answers.
I understand your fear. Do not fret though, Kiba. I will have enough bravery for the both of us. Let us select a date. We will not waver from it.
Morgana couldn't breathe she was laughing so hard. Kiba would have no idea what was going on, and furthermore, if she played this right, it wouldn't matter if he consented or not.
What if I submit to my fear? Would you be strong enough to push me through, even if I claimed I did not want to? Because I do. I want to save Gwen. If my fear speaks for me when the time comes, I will need you to silence it for me.
Kayle's heart swelled with pride. Did he truly have so much faith in her? Now filled with determination, she sent back her final message. There could be no delay. To do so would only allow more time for fear to take root.
I will be there tomorrow. Don't worry. Nothing will get in the way of us saving your daughter.
Morgana hummed thoughtfully to herself. Tomorrow could work. She didn't have any plans. Besides, she'd be more than able to find a camera by then.
:)
Just as Zyra was going to make another move against Nidalee and her lions, a burning sensation lanced through her spine. A sharp scream escaped from her as she wheeled about to lock eyes on the small fox. He stood now beside the empty flower. "You little brat!" she howled in rage. "Since you took my meal from me, I'll take my meal from you!"
Thorns lanced upward towards him, but he drove his fist to the ground, sending pillars of green fire erupting all around him. The plants shrieked as they burned away, causing Zyra to wince. "Looks like you're outmatched monster," Nidalee growled.
"I'm not nearly done yet!" she argued. "Go, my pretties! End these two once and for all!" The ground beneath Nidalee and Vul began to rumble. The lions scrambled away to safety, but the sharp vines that exploded outward from the soil began to lance through the two combatants.
It took all their energy to narrowly avoid the rapid series of attacks. Vul was now bleeding from multiple wounds, and Nidalee could feel her exhaustion mounting. She had to end this quickly if she wanted to save her own life, much less the child's.
Kicking off one of the vine's she threw herself high into the air. Mid pounce, she shifted into her lion form, slamming into Zyra and forcing her to the earth. Her fangs clamped into her throat as a warning to call off her attack.
Sure enough, the vines stopped, and Vul collapsed to his hands and knees. He coughed up a bit of blood, but was able to remain conscious through sheer force of will.
Nidalee returned to her human form, placing her foot on Zyra's throat in place of her teeth. "We had a deal, Zyra," she growled. "Small feedings, and then you release them. In turn, I let you live. Kidnapping and torturing them, is not part of our agreement."
"What am I supposed to do?!" she demanded. "If they live, they warn everyone and the people stop coming. That's why my family starved to death! I have to kill them in order to live. But I kept to your rule! If you'd let me have that one girl, I would have been fed for life. One girl!"
"Not that one."
"What difference does it make?"
"I said 'not that one'. She is special. I'm letting you live, only because you could not have known. Grant these three safe passage through your realm, and our deal will be adjusted. The next life to wander in is yours, if you truly can sustain yourself for that long."
"N-no!" Vul gasped, trying to protest. "She'll k-kill them, y-you can't…"
"Silence, little one," she ordered. "You are not of the jungle and you have no authority here. Do we have a deal, Zyra?"
"Yes, fine, fine. But one request. Until that time, can you send one of yours in to feed me until another one arrives?"
"There are plenty of other animals in the forest. I'll capture something and bring it to you personally."
Zyra nodded her head. Nidalee removed her foot before offering her hand to help the plant woman up. Now in an agreement, she grabbed the bleeding Vul and slung him easily over her shoulder.
"W-wait, we can't…" he wheezed, before he finally passed out from the blood loss. It was going to be a long afternoon, Nidalee decided.
"What's taking them so long?" Gwen asked, looking nervously back at the way they'd came.
"You should eat," Vix replied, ignoring her question. Sure enough, one of the lions came to her with a flank of meat that Vix had grilled up and offered it to the blonde.
Gwen took it, patting the lion on the head and nibbling at the food. "Seriously, aren't you worried?"
"Talking about it makes it worse," Vix said. "Besides, our family has a motto. Rely on me the way I rely on you. Right now, I'm relying on Vul to be strong enough to make it. Just like he relied on me to get you to safety."
Moving to the log her friend sat on, Gwen sat beside her. "I've always wanted to know, what are your parents like? I mean, your dad is a hero and your mom is a Champion of the League."
Vix looked to her friend with a soft smile. "They're pretty normal, I suppose. Dad is strict, but he still makes sure we know he loves us. Mom's a bit more lax about things. Well...a lot more lax. She thinks we should work to find our own path in life."
"I guess your dad wears the pants in the family then."
The young fox laughed out loud. "Not a chance! Mom has him wrapped around her finger. Any time she wants something, all she has to do is give him a cute pout, and it's hers. Dad's happy to do it though. Honestly, I think he just enjoys watching Mom beg."
Gwen giggled. "I wonder if it's like that when they're having sex."
"Oh no. Completely the opposite," Vix said. Noting her friends puzzled expression, she explained. "Our parents aren't exactly...quiet. When we were young they kept it to their room, which they sound proofed. Against human ears at least. For a long time, Vul and I thought our house was haunted. It was just Mom. Typically, Mom and Dad start out sweet, then Mom gets impatient with foreplay, so she charms Dad until he's so crazy that he pounces on her."
"Ever think about joining them?'
"Mom and Dad? A few times. But as I mentioned to Vul, Dad would flip out if he learned that Vul and I were fooling around. Besides, I don't think Dad likes to share at all. Something about when Mom was captured. But enough about my family, what about you? Your dad seems pretty overprotective."
"Sort of," Gwen admitted. "I get it though. He lost the woman of his dreams because of me. I once asked him if he was angry at me for it. I don't think I've ever been disciplined so hard in my life."
"It's a reasonable question," Vix protested. "I can't believe you got in trouble."
"He wanted to make sure that I knew that he didn't blame me. He loves me, and I know that. But part of me wonders if he loves me for me, or if he loves me because I'm the only thing he has left from Mom."
Vix slid closer to her friend, wrapping an arm around hers. "Well, if I were him, I'd love you for you," she promised, caressing her back with her tails. "You're pretty amazing, Gwen."
"Not that amazing," she replied, blushing. "I can't fight like you and Vul can. My mother was a Champion of the League. I often wonder if my Dad didn't let me learn to fight on purpose. Maybe he thought it was too dangerous."
"Maybe," Vix agreed. The foxes hand slid up her friends stomach, sneaking in a grope of her breast before turning her to face her. The two stared into each other's eyes before they leaned closer.
Soon, the two were sharing a passionate kiss. A soft groan escaped Gwen's throat as they began to grow more excited. Tongues tangled between them and the blonde again felt herself starting to lose control to her friend.
At least until Nidalee cleared her throat behind them, causing them both to jump. Immediately, the two broke away, straightening their clothes and stammering mumbled apologies.
The moment Vix saw her brother though, any excitement she had was gone in an instant. "Vul!" she cried, grabbing him from Nidalee and lowering him to the ground. "Vul, wake up. Please!" she begged.
"He's just unconscious," the lion woman assured her. Placing her hand on his body, his flesh began to bubble and boil before patching itself up. "He'll live."
"Did you kill her?" Vix asked.
"No."
"Why not?! She tried to kill Gwen! And she hurt my brother! We can't just…"
"That's exactly what we're going to do," Nid roared at her, causing the fox to back down quickly. "The law of the jungle is survival of the fittest, do you understand? The strong live, the weak die. It is dangerous for children such as yourself to come here. The only reason I agreed to help was to save her. A life should not be so taken so brashly. You trespassed onto her home. You were not strong enough to fight her yourselves. It was you who were in the wrong, not her."
Before Vix could go off on the woman, Gwen stepped forth. "We're sorry we intruded," she said. "Honestly, it wasn't intentional."
The amazonian softened when she lay eyes on the young girl. "Intentional or not, the jungle does not care. However, you are safe here. Zyra and I have an understanding. You three will be able to leave through her lands once you are well rested."
"Oh, but…"
"You should not have come here," Nidalee repeated.
"Aren't you even the slightest bit curious why we're here?" Vix asked, cradling her brother close to her.
"Curiosity kills cats," the woman replied. "I've learned to keep my nose out of things that do not concern me or my people."
"Well, I guess I know why things didn't work out with you and my dad," Gwen grumbled, causing the cat woman's eyes to flare in anger.
"Now you listen to me, child. The only reason you are still breathing is because of my feelings for your father. Do not insinuate that our parting was anything but necessity. If not for my responsibilities here, we could have very easily…" She stopped, taking deep breaths. "I loved your father. Very much. And I know he loved me as well. But we were not destined for eachother. That is the only reason we are not together."
"Actually...that's why we're here," Gwen said. "I have some questions about the two of you. If you don't mind me asking them."
Nidalee stared at her for a long time. "You have his eyes," she commented. "And you're the spitting image of your mother. Though, much softer."
"You knew my mother?" she asked. "Could you tell me about her, too?"
"Very well. Let me tell you the story of how your parents met…"
To be continued...
