Standard disclaimer
Back up to this little ditty of a story. Moving away from last chapters darkness is a bit more reactionary and progress moving towards the conclusion of Season 1 of what made up Queen's Blade. I'll need to finally watch beyond that point I guess. Hope you're all having a good new year.
X-X
Wandering Pilot
Chapter – 11
Staring across a particularly large and ornate bridge at the capitol city of Gainos, Shinji's shoulders hung listlessly at his sides. The gates were heavy looking, braced with metal and chains, and more importantly they were closed barring any attempt at entrance. There went any hope of avoiding the battle Melona had hinted at, and that made Shinji clutch his staff harder. That woman, he loathed her, was going to try and kill Leina, Shizuka, Tomoe, Risty, and countless others in service to her infernal master. What was she intending for him? He shuddered.
Patting Shinji on the shoulder, making the lad jump skittishly, Shizuka clapped down hard but not painfully. "Shin-chan, you got something on your mind, or are you trying to learn some new power and will that door open?" her smile was warm and wide. Dropping some wood in the circle of stones that would work as their fire pit, the ninja let her hand trail down Shinji's back. "We got here with time to spare. Her sister's will be fine, and since we know it's coming we can prepare for it," Shizuka guessed at Shinji's plight.
"And tis likely the door is barred as the Queen knows of the impending battle to," Tomoe more demurely put her dry weeds and fire lighters down. Fixing the strap her kitana hung on, the warrior maiden sat on a nearby overturned log. Clearing her throat, glaring a little at the overly close Shizuka, "Once we have proven we are worthy combatants the doors shall open for us, Ikari-kun. Until then it is best we relax and conserve our strength."
He felt safe here, despite what he knew was coming, and that made Shinji's heart warm all the more. They had marched at a steady pace for most of the day, foregoing any prolonged stops for cooking, until now. With the gates closed, it wasn't like they could go further anyway. All the while though, Shinji couldn't keep his mind from heaping self-abuse and accusations on top of shame. Memories of what Melona did to him, his doubt and fear, he was far from over it but he had learned his lesson. But he had to apologize to these wonderful women that saved him. Leina though, did she blame him?
Moving over to the pile of wood and kindling, Shinji scanned the horizon for the huntresses Risty and Leina. She hadn't talked to him much, the look on her face was too hard to read but it worried him. Getting started in trying to get the fire going, "I guess it's just a little worry is all. We don't know how many things they'll bring…" He couldn't do it, could he ask them if they were upset at what he had done? They had to save him from his gullibility, his wish to not hurt others lead to…to that cave. Another dark chill worked through him, "A-are you two worried about their attack? And once we get into the city for that matter?"
Taking the flint and tinder from Shinji's shaking hands, Shizuka held the trembling lad. "Is that all that's going through your head, Shin-chan?" she wasn't harsh but the words weren't friendly either. Tossing the tools to Tomoe who got the fire started in two strikes, Shizuka led Shinji to one of the three logs and sat him down. Leaning in close, delicately she held him to keep him from flinching away, "You want to tell us what is really on your mind, lover boy? Don't worry, Tomoe and I won't tell anybody if you don't want."
He tried to free his hands from Shizuka, part of him thought he was still dirty from the cave, but her grip was like steel. Both of the women that shared his visual heritage had the look of not taking no for an answer. Stopping his fidgeting, "Well the fight is part of it. Nanael hovering around Leina-san is another, but its…in the end its…" He felt his eyes starting to burn, he fought against it though, and didn't it shame them for him to be weak at this time? The fire popped as some of the wood settled, he jumped at the sound. Feeling Tomoe sit next to him, sandwiching him between the two, Shizuka's thumb rubbed his hand softly. "I guess…I'm worried you blame me for getting caught, for delaying everything, for…for just causing problems. I mean Echidna-san even left afterward," unable to hold his head up, it felt heavy, his chin bounced off his chest.
"Ikari-san, don't let her actions cause you alarm. She was one of the first to hunt off for you, and likely she is hunting that slime now," Tomoe nodded and stoked the fire. Warming her hands on the fire, the dwindling sunlight illuminated her pale skin wondrously. "As for blame, we spoke of such before and as a group realized one thing. That thing, that beast, would have gotten you regardless. It was her plan, and she'd have stalked both of you until she got you. Nobody blames you, though I think Leina-san blames herself," Tomoe seemed to exude heat in the chilling twilight.
Still holding Shinji's hands, her grip slackening a little, Shizuka used her free hand to embrace the boy lightly. With her arm around his shoulder, "Yeah Shin-chan, we don't hold anything against you. Well…I guess I hold one thing against you. Next time you want to sleep with me, do so when I'm awake first, and well…" She trailed off softly before leaning in that little extra distance and gave him a chaste kiss on the side of the mouth, "And know that I won't get in your way with Leina-kun, but my bed is always open for you love."
Quite despite himself, Shinji's cheeks reddened and he believed she meant every word of it. "I'll…if she's willing talk to her later about everything," Shinji found himself captivated by Shizuka's little revelation. Flighty and teasing him before, that seemed like years ago, held a new light in lieu of those hushed words. Another weight off his chest was that at least these two didn't hold anything against him, "And t-thank you for not…not being upset with me for sneaking into your bedroll. After the cave, it was just…I felt…" He didn't know how he felt really, but safe, protected, maybe even loved were closest.
Pointing a smoldering stick to the south along the river, Tomoe scowled just a trifle. "It seems our hunters and that angel are on the way back," Tomoe followed Nanael flying with hard attention. Drawing patterns in the ground with the stick without watching, she made a charm of defense in the dirt. "She only seems to come when she wishes something, and has done naught to help Shinji-san here," she leaned a little next to the boy. Since the cave, the woman had been subtly warmer to the lad, standing closer, and just a little more prone to light touches.
Not wanting to see too much into anything, Shinji tried to let Tomoe's gestures be just coincidence. Laying his staff close at hand, it still wouldn't move quick to his hands as it once did, he wanted it ready just in case. Maybe it was Leina but maybe she'd been replaced along the way. Getting off the log, the cold rolled in quickly as the warmth of women fled. "Leina-san, Risty-san did you get anything for me to cook?" he wanted to start making amends to them. As they had walked earlier in the day, Shizuka said again and again how she wanted to try his cooking again to the point every one of them had marked anticipation.
Tossing Shinji a bundle of rabbit and fish, Risty's grin was infectious. "If you cook half as good as Leina says, I'm going to take you for my own someday," she drew a small knife and handed it to Shinji as she passed him. Rotating her arm working a kink out of it, the spiky haired woman rummaged through her bag for a dark green bottle. "Anybody up for a small drink?" she bit the cork off and spat it on the ground. Pouring some into the cup that materialized in Shizuka's hand, "It's mead, so it's not too strong."
Moving away from the group, Shinji found Leina looking pensively at him but not saying anything. He wanted, no needed to talk to her, but with others around it wasn't proper. Maybe after they settled down for the night they'd have time for themselves to talk. "I'll move downwind so the smell doesn't ruin dinner," he saw her nod at him, "but I'll stay inside shouting range." That went without saying right now, he'd want to see them and his staff too. Oh how Alleyne would rank him poorly for his failure, another woman he'd have to apologize to for being sullied.
Staying close at hand, Risty's bottle being passed around the group and drained slowly but surely, Shinji listened to the women chat. The hunt had been good, Nanael not helping physically but pointing out where the game was. As the mead was ingested, they started telling stories, raunchy stories. Keeping himself focused on the meal, Shinji skinned and deboned the meat (a feat he was getting much better at), and cooked as best as he could. As the first of the nights stars crested the sky, Shinji handed out plates of food to his companions. "I don't have all of my gear, but this should be good. Once we get into the city I'll make a proper banquet for you as reward for everything," he didn't see any scorn on any of them. No, they were warm, inviting, and thankfully not smothering him with worthless platitudes. They all acknowledged what happened had, but they weren't drowning him with meaningless prattle. And for that, Shinji felt himself caring for them all the more.
After the meal was finished, all the women fawned over it genuinely, Tomoe cleared her throat. "I think it would be best if we scouted the area a trifle. Mayhap we can see one of Leina-san's siblings or make a plan of defense," Tomoe got to her feet and nodded at Risty and Shizuka. "Knowing what is coming for us will allow us to better prepare for it," the fire cast a baleful red glow over all of them.
Picking at her teeth with the skewers of one of her ravished supper, Nanael let out a ladylike and refined belch. "Well I'm not leaving right now, my stomach is to full of my vassal's food," she cooed and tickled Shinji's chin. Showing at others though, "But as for the rest of you, be a good idea for you to go around. Won't do me any good if you get slaughtered and him captured. I need him to refill my bottle anyway." She held out her bottle of holy milk that was nearly empty.
As Shizuka and Leina started to argue with the selfish and lazy angel, Risty held her hand up. "You three go, leave the camp to Shinji and I to defend. I want to have a word with both of them anyway," her cheeks were flushed with too much mead. Moving off the log, the woman stretched her toned and tanned legs to maximum pleasure and rested her head against the log. "Your man sure can cook a wonderful meal. Can't wait till we get you someplace with better supplies," she belched without worry.
"Shinji, if you want…if you don't mind," Leina, who sat across from Shinji during supper, got up and checked her gear.
Waving his hand dismissively, Shinji started cleaning up the mess and salvaging what could be reused. "I'll be fine, Leina-san, especially with Ritsy-san and Nanael-san here," he saw that look of debate on Leina's face. She'd stay if he asked, or take him with her if he asked for that, but they needed this. To work on their trust, they couldn't spend every moment together out of fear. "Your sisters will need us to be ready," he grinned stupidly as Leina kissed him followed by Shizuka pinching his cheek. And like that, the women walked into the dark held off by the fire and soon were just vague shapes in the distance. "You wanted to talk to me, Risty-san?" he hadn't known the woman long, but he was painfully reminded of Misato in her attitude.
As Nanael flew above them, her wings flapping lazily and her hand scratched her belly, Risty gestured for Shinji to move closer to her. Once he sat on the log by her, an arm's distance away, she grabbed his wrist and drew him to lying next to her. "We trust each other here, Shinji, and like by bandit gang we stay close when we talk," her breath was hot and fragrant against Shinji's face. Whispering softly into his ears, she never lost her playful nature, "I know this is a little forward, but I'd like some of that milk of yours. I can sell it to help fund an orphanage for war orphans like myself. You're a nice guy, Leina has fine taste, that's why I know you'll do it. And that you'll go to Leina tonight to comfort her." The last part had an edge to it, more telling than asking.
It amazed Shinji that after everything that happened to him since arriving in this world, both good and bad, that he could still get embarrassed at seeing skin. "R-Risty-san, if you need some I'll help, and I want to talk to Leina-san too," Shinji bashfully looked away from Risty's toned legs, the tattoo stood out in the dark. This woman was darker than Leina, knew the harsh realities of life, Shinji suspected, like Shizuka and himself. Wincing as a small bottle hit his head, Shinji found Nanael's jar in his hand and her snoring above them. "Guess I can get hers too. D-did you have any place you wanted me to heal while I…um…get it ready?" he could see scars littering her body.
Passing the empty mead bottle into Shinji's hand, Risty shrugged, "I'm fine for now. That last bout of it made me a lot more randy than I thought I'd be. Been a long time since I had a roll in the hay, and if you did it now I'd likely make you take responsibility. With Leina being as touchy as she is right now, likely not the best idea to give her reason to doubt. So you do what you have to, and don't take too long." She rolled over on her side shoving Shinji away.
What could he really say to one of the women that saved him? It was just a little thing really, especially considering the past. Heading out of the way, still within view of the fire and with his staff in hand, Shinji rolled Nanael's jar in his hand. He hadn't thought about doing such an act, was far from wanting to at the moment, but he owed them too much. Sitting by the river, he let memories of times with Leina run over his mind and his holy power flared making the cold he felt inside dwindle and fade. After he finished with the two jars, the shame he felt was far less than when it had been Shizuka and Tomoe asking for the same task. Funny how time would change how one looks at things.
"Shinji, a-are you done?" Leina asked softly down river. She held out the braid when Shinji drew in on himself a little, before approaching him and sitting at his side. "Y-you doing alright?" she sounded pained and fearful.
She was trying, and that was more than enough for Shinji. Putting an arm around her waist, she squirmed a little closer to him. "I'm doing better Leina-san. It'll take some time, but I won't let her beat me," he scowled at the memory. He'd win, Melona wouldn't break him, and accepting Leina here was the first step. For a good twenty minutes they just sat there, holding hands and watching the fireflies dance atop the river. Leaning against Leina's side as fatigue started to work on him, "Leina-san, d-do you blame me for what happened? For not trying harder against those church women, for not getting free on my own? I can't see how you don't." He didn't want to ask, but he had to.
Pouncing on Shinji, tears glistening in her eyes, the two bottles Shinji had tumbled to the ground. "NO! No! If anyway is to blame it's me. I should have been there with you, not watching that fight. All those horrible things that happened to you, if I hadn't…If I had…" she just crumbled against him as her own fears and doubts beset her.
With Leina's breastplate pressing against his chest, the weight was cutting but he didn't care. Stroking her hair with one hand and back with the other, Shinji joined her in a small cry. "I don't blame you either, Leina-san. What happened…would have happened. Melona was stalking us, she was…is evil. And her plan was to hurt you with what she did, but she would have done it to me even if I never met you and learned of my little ability," he found himself believing it himself as he spoke. Soon they were both asleep, Leina on his chest. In the morning they woke up with Shizuka's blanket over them. The healing was progressing well.
X-X
"Don't go too far ahead Nowa, and play gently with the young man!" Alleyne called out dispassionately. Ahead of her travel companion and herself Nowa and a young human boy played with a strange leather ball. They had run into Cattleya and her son Lana after Alleyne had such a feeling of dread that they had to change direction. Their original plan was to approach the capitol from the north, but a few days ago Alleyne just had to change direction as she was pervaded by such a feeling of dismay. As of yesterday morning though, the sensation was gone, leaving only the mystery what caused it in her mind.
Hoisting her mighty weapon behind her along with a sack of javelins that would make most men buckle, Cattleya was just pristine calm. "Oh, you don't need to fret over Lana. He so rarely gets to play that he gets a little rambunctious. You don't mind us traveling with you do you? It's only been within the last week that we decided to partake in the tournament, and I find myself a trifle unnerved," her voice betrayed none of that worry. The giant of a woman smiled demurely despite the imposing figure she made.
So this was one of the fabled duo of ogre slayers, Alleyne was a little stunned to say the least. She had kept herself up to day on the humans of importance and she had heard of Cattleya and her husband multiple times. "I have no reason to deny your use of this road. I do find it a strange thing. The Cattleya I heard of was nowhere as calm and collected as yourself. I heard tales of battle rages, spent cities, and a much more violent figure. I must update my contacts," Alleyne rubbed her chin with her forefinger. Thoughts of Cattleya also held stories of her and her husband wrecking inn rooms, which made Alleyne think of her own husband. How Shinji was doing, good she prayed.
"Catch Lana! GO far!" Nowa called out jovially. Tossing the ball into the air as high as she could the young half-elf cracked the leather ball with her staff sending it flying. "Lou go help him!" she nuzzled her pet before tossing the creature out after the giggling toddler.
Clutching her hands together just below her navel, Cattleya made her already impossible bust seem even bigger. Coquettishly, Cattleya just wiggled a little, "You've heard stories about my past? I didn't think anybody still spoke of my earlier life. Becoming a mother though, it took some of the more volatile elements from me. That and my husband going missing…" Her head rested on her permanent pillows for a moment of somber reflection.
Tumbling to the ground after diving for his prized toy, Lana caught the ball and rolled along the ground. "I caught it! I caught it! Your turn Nowa!" Lana called out and pitched the ball. Inheriting his mother's strength, the slender looking boy hurled the ball with a surprising amount of speed back towards his play partner.
Those breasts, they made Alleyne green with jealousy. Didn't she hear men prefer larger size, what if her husband wasn't happy with her size? Part of why she wanted time apart from Shinji, was to come to terms with herself and her decision. Something about the man just struck Alleyne as a once in a lifetime opportunity. He was timid but strong, attractive but not garish, willful but shy, and a countless other dichotomies that she couldn't deny. He wasn't perfect, she knew that, but neither was she. And she made her choice, married him, and now she was bound to him in this life and the next. Elves married forever. But that didn't mean she was fully prepared for being a wife, thankfully he wasn't controlling.
"I did hear he had gone missing, is that why you've taken to traveling with your child?" Alleyne asked. Taking her staff off her back, Alleyne gave it a few masterful strikes as nervous tension built up again. Something was coming, she could feel it in the air as it was chill despite the time of year. Rubbing her arm, trying to warm herself up she added, "If you do not mind my prying that is. I will admit that conversation is not a skill I practice much." Another thing she had in common with her husband, shyness. They just showed it differently.
Either reacting to Alleyne or feeling it herself, Cattleya shifted her weight and drew her own weapon. Waving dismissively as Lana noticed and came to a stop, "Just testing the weight Lana! You go on playing with your new friend." She cast a sidelong glance at Alleyne, a knowing look. "As for your question," her tone was losing some of its warmth, "That is true. I learned that nothing would change if I didn't act. Staying at the shop and hoping wouldn't fix anything. Leina made me realize that." At mentioning the woman Cattleya's face went a little hazy, "And then there was…"
"You've met the Vance woman and her…co-companion?" Alleyne found herself stuttering. Was it possible that this woman had met her husband, they had missed each other by only a matter of days? Did that have something to do with her unease over the past few days? There it was again, that sense of being watched, stalked almost as they traveled down the plain dirt road. With so few trees it felt odd, alien after spending years in the ancient elven forest. "D-did you meet hu-young Shinji?" her chest warmed as she thought of him, maybe they'd meet soon.
Covering her shocked expression with her hand, Cattleya's mouth made a perfect circle. "Oh my, I didn't know you knew of them as well. It truly is a small world at times. We had the honor of hosting the pair at my shop for a few days, before the unpleasantness. Shinji was the one that made the ball your friend and my son are playing with. Lana really took to Shinji, and well I did as well. Such a sweet man, I hope all is well with him," she sounded scared almost fretful.
That chill wormed from her stomach to her chest and finally to her limbs, but Alleyne's face showed none of her growing fear. "Unpleasantness? Did something happen, did he do something wrong?" was it all an act? She didn't want to believe it, a lie or a misconception. Shinji was caring and kind, he couldn't have tried to take a married woman with his powers. "A-and why did they stay so long with you?" damn girl do not make rash decisions. It didn't do to make impetuous and split decisions, learn all before anything.
"Master Alleyne! Master Alleyne, you won't believe it, but Lana here knows Shinji! They played together and he was that famous chef we heard about when we approached that human settlement!" Nowa's face was full of joy and excitement. Grabbing part of Alleyne's tunic, the spastic girl jumped up and down frantically, eyes dancing with delight.
Alternating between the two travelers, Cattleya's eyes waved a little, glistening just a trifle before she knelt down by Lana. "Now Lana-honey, do you need to use the bathroom? You've been holding it for awhile, so why don't you go behind that bush over there and take care of business," she pinched her son's cheek. After a look of pure shame, unable to meet the beautiful women's faces he walked with, the boy scampered off quickly and out of hearing range. Watching the boy's head like a hawk, Cattleya held her mammoth weapon at the ready. Slowly and directly she informed the pair, "I didn't want Lana to hear this, but during an impromptu battle with a dwarf called Ymir, Shinji was captured by agents of the grand church. Leina went off after him immediately after and I've not heard from them."
"C-captured…my student…" Alleyne's body trembled with a unique mixture of anger and fear, "zero points!" They had watched the battle between Cattleya and Ymir, the dwarf wasn't much a threat without her technology. Patting Nowa's head, the teenager's eyes were glistening, "Fear not Nowa, young Shinji's training in healing will mean he is not easily slain. And his goal was the church so perhaps it is only hastening his needs." But before he visited back to his old world, she'd have to force him to promise to come back. She wasn't going to lose her husband so quickly after marrying him.
Rushing off towards the sparse bushes, Cattleya shouted loudly breaking both women out of their shock, "Lana! Don't scare your mother now, where are you?" The woman spun about widely, her blade carving great trenches in the dirt. "Lana?!" she tore the bush out of the ground and threw it hastily.
Holding the boy's head facing outward to her chest, Echidna leapt out from behind the crest of a hill. "I found this cutie being harassed by a snake," Kelta slithered closer to his nesting place. Handing the child, now horribly red-faced and bashful, back to his mother, Echidna's eyes danced with delight as she saw the full party. "Oh-ho, so it isn't just the weapon smith after all! I lost my real prey, but the eternal virgin is an acceptable second place," somehow the jovial tone she held wasn't quite reaching her eyes.
Racing over to the wild southern elf and the fretting mother, Alleyne momentarily paused as Lana's head vanished into Cattleya's uncanny valley. Ok, maybe there was such a thing as too much, as the boy might suffocate in between those things! Once the boy's head popped out again, gasping for air, the elf found herself able to talk of more important things. "We have no time for your games, Echidna, Cattleya what was it you were saying about the Vance woman?" she had to know more!
But before Echidna or Cattleya could say anything Nowa, likely just having good intentions, had to let a lot of cats out of the bag. "Master Alleyne isn't a virgin anymore! She's married to Shinji and maybe Nowa will be too when we meet up next!" her hand went to her budding chest as she swung out her staff. Lou jumping on the edge pointing at the snake enthusiast clawed at the hissing snake. "And he's been taken in by church people, so we have to find him!" she missed judged the scenario perfectly.
Her staff fell from her hand and bounced her foot, but Alleyne didn't even notice it. Body going ridged and stiff, the elf just stared open mouthed at the smirking Echidna. This was NOT supposed to be public knowledge, and here Nowa just casually blurted it out. And what was this about her considering Shinji as well? "I-I-I…" her face burnt horribly, she felt internal point count was in the teens. To make matters worse was that smug almost haughty look Echidna had. "S-so what if he is my husband, and N-Nowa was correct. You can no longer call me that vile nickname!" she had wanted to stop the mocking, but this was NOT how she meant it.
"Oh my I didn't know Shinji had more than just…and you and he…my he must be manlier than I thought," Cattleya lowered Lana back to the ground. Heading back towards the road, Alleyne still shell-shocked and embarrassed, the mother kept her child's hand in hers. "It is nice to see you again Echidna, you left before breakfast when you stayed with us. D-did you know of Shinji's predicament?" Cattleya peeped in.
Walking backwards, right in front of Alleyne, Echidna bent forward to let herself sway to and fro. "And here I thought you'd never find anybody. I bet you forced it on him didn't you? Had him heal you so he couldn't resist I bet. As for my darling puppy…he had a bad few days, but he's safe now. Waiting for the Vance sisters at the gate to the capitol, where minions of the swamp witch are planning to attack them. The one responsible for…" in a rare show of true emotion, Echidna scowled and spit, the ground sizzled.
"N-Nowa go play with Lana, he shouldn't hear about this," Alleyne's bangs covered her eyes and she was glad. Fixing her barrette, forcing more hair to cover her eyes, she didn't dare let this bitch see her eyes red. Something had happened to her husband, but here this wild-elf was mocking her…forcing the truth in her face. Shinji didn't have a choice, not after she had forced him to do, but she knew…she KNEW he cared for her before she did it. All she did was force the walls of lies away. Echidna could not cheapen this, nor Shinji and her feelings! Once Nowa, who gave her a pleading look…she'd have to tell Nowa what happened when they were alone, was gone she turned to the sadist. "Now, tell me what happened to my husband," she said flatly.
As they walked to the bridge and the closed gate, now in view as well as a small group camped by it, Echidna did as she was asked. Sparing no detail, no element was left out as the tale was told. Oddly emotional, Echidna spoke to the duo of women that had different types of feelings for Shinji listened. When she finished her voice was queerly prideful, "So despite it all, he's mostly unchanged. Leery yes, likely won't hold his hand the next time somebody attacks him, but still the man he was before. I was hunting Melona, but the trail went cold around where I found your little cutie."
So much had happened, so much happened while she wasn't around! Leina, she was supposed to look out for him! Stupid-stupid caring husband, Alleyne would have to punish such a silly man! Running from the group, aiming for the group camping by the bridge, Alleyne was one with the wind. It was them, it was HIM, Alleyne saw him standing just as he did when met him. He was sitting on a log while two other unknown women sat across from him, Alleyne dove at him and tackled him to the ground. Well the punishment would come later, right now she had to see how he was doing…how he was feeling. And after she spoke to him, found out he was (while still disquiet) not broken, she smiled at him. One of her rare and beautiful smiles, and he smiled back. Then she gave those two women, a red head and black haired woman, a show of her repressed desire as she practiced battling his tongue with her own.
X-X
It was only midday, but already Leina was uneasy and frustrated. The day had started wonderfully with Shinji's arms around her stomach spooning her from behind. It was amazing how secure and warm just sleeping in the same sleep mat made her feel, and she could tell he felt the same. After the ordeal they just went through, it was a stark reminder that things could and would get better. They just laid there for a while, both awake, just enjoying the warmth they generated that fended off the morning chill.
Finding the two bottles, Nanael and Risty's, that had caused Shinji to separate from the group caused the first grimace of annoyance in Leina though. Nanael she could expect to be greedy and selfish, Leina wasn't overly fond of that impish creature. Though finding that Risty had asked for some left a blemish on the image of the proud warrior in Leina's mind. When they rejoined the group, Shinji giving Risty the old mead bottle, well Risty's exuberance for the poultice left Leina slack jawed and fuming. She lifted Shinji off the ground, spinning in a wide circle laughing, and then proceeded to open mouth kiss him, Risty claimed it was just being overwhelmed with relief. Apparently Risty funded an orphanage and Shinji's contribution would pay for the remainder of Risty's life. After the rather showy thank-you, Risty headed off after Echidna's trail leaving the morning work to everybody else.
After the morning meal was finished, the memory of the still giddy Risty in her mind, Leina held Nanael's jar in her hand. "Angel! Nanael get down here!" she called out to the aerial intruder. Casting a worried glance over at Shinji, currently packing up their gear and cleaning his cooking utensils, Leina tapped her foot impatiently as the angel descended. Waggling the bottle complete with blue bow got a hastier movement, "I want to talk to you about something, Nanael. Away from Shinji if you don't mind."
Her wings flapping slowly, a worried yet dopy smile on her face, Nanael rubbed the back of her head. "W-what do you need…uh…Leina?" Nanael still wasn't too good on human female names. Leaving a few feathers as she hovered at Leina's level, Nanael had the look of somebody caught between a rock and a hard place. Laughing unevenly she asked, "Something you need to know about how to keep my vassal's attention?"
Not liking to take the strong armed approach, Leina saw little option in getting fast answers than to resort to it. Tipping the bottle, letting just a dribble of milk fall from the bottle, Nanael instantly balked. "Now that I have your attention, what do you know about getting Shinji home," she had to know despite fearing the answer. How could Leina trust the flighty creature that seemed to just giggle and fly off whenever Shinji pressed for any other issues? Where Shinji was passive, Leina was aggressive. Holding the bottle with the fluid cresting but not flowing over, "I know you're not telling him everything. And we didn't go through all this mess just to have you lie to us."
On the ground, under the bottle and waiting to catch anymore should it fall, Nanael's eyes were teary and her perceived abuse. "I told you most of it, really I did!" she said defensively. A shrill yelp bellowed out of her as another drop fell onto her hand, she licked it instantly. "Fine…fine. The higher level angels can send him back to his home dimension. There is an ancient relic in the grand church apparently, and an angel can send creatures and their companions other places. And it turns out time runs a lot slower on his home realm," Nanael's shoulders sulked as her wings stopped flapping.
Dropping the bottle as her fingers went slack, Leina hadn't meant for any additional spillage. "Y-you can send him AND others back to his home? Y-you can send me with him?" Leina's mind was assaulted with the possibilities. Could they go and come back, would he want to come back, would she? A whole new world to explore, one of wonders that he spoke of was very alluring. "And all you need is some relic from the church to take us there?" she asked incredulously.
Catching her curse, Nanael put a cork into the top of the bottle and tied it to her waist. Exasperated she replied, "Maybe, I didn't fully understand it all, but mostly yeah. Something about needing somebody from the realm as a component to send them back, but maybe the spell would take the angel and anybody holding onto the target. But I don't WANT him to leave. If he leaves I'll eventually be sent to hell! Don't you care?" she hugged retied the bottle in a double knot. Scowling angrily at Leina, Nanael took to the skies to keep her bottle safe. "Ah! I'm missed a battle!" she shrieked and flew off.
Mind still whirling about potential traveling, Leina shambled off after Nanael leaving Shinji, Tomoe, and Shizuka to finish the morning chores. Waiting for an upcoming battle that she knew little about left not only her but the others uneasy about it. Once her sisters arrived, maybe before, that witch would be here again. Justice would be meted out, oh yes, Leina had no doubt about that. "With the tension so high, not surprising theirs has been a little infighting," just who though left her wondering. She wanted another duel with Risty, just to see how she progressed since that last one.
"Risty?" Leina asked cresting the hill following the road. Spotting the normally vibrant and exuberant warrior dragging her mace along the ground, Leina's breath caught in her chest. Had…had Risty lost a fight or something? Rushing along the road to the woman, Leina found herself able to run faster and longer than before. Was it another benefit of her time with Shinji, her training, or both? Her sword jangled at her side, it bounced off her metal greaves, "Risty! What happened? You've only been gone for about an hour."
Shambling back, Risty halfheartedly shook her weapon at Leina as she approached. "Was hoping for a little action to relieve some stress, but that damn mercenary just cheated and ran off," Risty pointed at two pinpoints at her thigh. "She had that snake bite me and ran off. Said she saw tracks or something, I don't know," her voice was dull and hinted at annoyance. Spinning her hand in a small circle, the mace cut through the wind. "So what have I been missing in camp? More waiting and fretting over this little encounter? Personally I want it over so we can get to the city. Want to contact my men to get this sold," she patted the bottle at her side.
Eying the twin pricks of teeth, Leina gasped and drew back. "It's not poisoned is it? Should we get Shinji to try and heal you?" she leaned in closer now examining the wound. Those thighs were so toned and muscular it was intimidating. Of all the women Leina knew, Risty truly was the most muscle bound and beefy. Six-pack abs proudly standing out, bulging biceps, and trimmed and toned everything, Risty was intimidating. "What happened to Echidna after that?" that woman…Leina couldn't figure her out.
"Nah, I don't think it's poisoned, doesn't burn or anything," Risty rubbed the bite making her short pants ride up higher. Her tails of cloth billowed outward showing more leg, "As for the snake woman, it's like I said, she saw some tracks and headed off after them." Her fingers continued to rub the bite moving a little higher, "Speaking of your…our little healer," she claimed small ownership, "How are things going with him? He wasn't very talkative during breakfast."
Looking back at the camp, hidden by a rise in the hill line, Leina couldn't keep the timid grin from her face. "He's not much a talker you see. I'm sure he's not over what happened, but it's not holding him back. Though your little thank-you shook him up I must say. And myself included, didn't think you'd be so…" forward, telling, brash, open, insert your term here. Leina didn't necessarily like how the women she traveled with seemed to gravitate around Shinji the longer they stayed. Wanting to change the topic from her soon-to-be husband to something else, "D-did you know I actually hit Echidna once when she trained me?"
Bending at the knees, Risty plucked some grass from the ground and let the wind take it. "Seems like rain is coming. As for Shinji, keep an eye on him. Just because he seems fine doesn't mean he is. I've seen some of the kids from the orphanage that went through…bad times seem fine but deep down weren't. So we'll just keep an eye on him, but not smother. That wouldn't help," a lost coldness pervaded Risty while she stared out into space. Shaking whatever dark memories cleared out of her subconscious, "I saw you train a little. Seeing you covered in sap and squirming with that woman isn't my thing. But you really hit her?" Risty had a cheeky grin as she got up and popped her back, thrusting her chest forward and her head back.
Not allowing herself to think dark, Shinji was fine and he had enough people watching him, Leina basked in her finer moment of training. "Yeah, I came up with a new technique and got a solid hit right on her back. At first I was too terrified to move, but in the end I've overcome it. So…I think, maybe, if you wanted…we could have a little spar ourselves?" she asked timidly. After the last, humiliating, defeat at Risty's hand, Leina was worried the woman wouldn't allow for another duel. But she had to, Leina just HAD to show Risty how she improved, to get her approval.
"A new technique, what did you name it?" Risty flexed her arms back and forth, first her mace arm then her shield. Bouncing on her feet, Risty's mighty red tresses sprung about freely and unbound. "Should be something fitting to the move or what made you think of it," Risty again touched the bottle at her side for the fifth time since Leina came over.
What made her think of the move? Well what lead her to it was Shinji and her desire to save him, but naming it after Melona would be a travesty. Something happy, a good memory, but also fitting to the move. "Dragon's tail," Leina said softly and mostly to herself. The happiest memory of her relationship with Shinji was their first real time together without any coaxing. Added was how the move was similar to the idea of how a spinning dragon's tail would lash out quick and dangerously, "Y-yeah Dragon's Tail."
Nodding, Risty turned and headed away from the camp with a spring in her step. "How about you go tell the others, get some lunch for us, and then you show me this Dragon's Tail of yours," a smug satisfaction befell the woman. A wicked glance over her shoulder, "I won't go easy on you though, Leina. If you can't impress me I'll be tempted to take that man under my protection lest he fall into one of those bitches hands coming for us."
Giddy, maybe today was going to be good after all, Leina headed to the camp to get a little early lunch. So what if Echidna cheated in a fight with Risty, it didn't lessen her hero in anyway, Risty was still a mighty and proud warrior. Leina prayed she became half the woman Risty was, Tomoe was just being a little over skeptical was all. Hearing a cry though, Leina's heart quickened, "Had that been somebody saying Shinji's name?" She was sure she heard it, but was it just the wind? Picking up her pace, rushing at full speed, she saw a figure clad in green diving across the camp and tackling somebody to the ground.
"Get off him you…" Leina vaulted down the hill towards the camp and the pile of limbs and cloth on the ground. An elven cap and a red hat, Leina's sword flew out of her hand and embedded itself into the ground a few feet away from the two. "Alleyne is that…you?" oh how she hoped it wasn't, she really hoped it was something else. Of all the people she didn't want to see, it was Shinji's wife, not until they could get a story to tell her. Nobody here blamed Leina, save herself a little, but how would the 'other woman' feel?
Rolling off Shinji, Alleyne picked Leina's blade out of the ground and handed it back to the warrior. Helping Shinji off the ground, the elf did not seem emotional in any way save for her eyes, they were furious. "A warrior losing their weapon, 10-points," that voice was flat and emotionless. Eying the band of hair at Leina's side, Alleyne's lip curled up a little but didn't show teeth. "Husband, we must speak now. Leina do stay here, I'll speak to you after," taking hold of Shinji, Alleyne started dragging the man away.
"L-Leina-san, d-don't worry about anything. We'll be right back," Shinji was obviously flustered at the sudden appearance and assault by the elf. "Alleyne-sama, would you like to walk down by the tresses of the bridge by the water?" he extended a hand forward, and with a nod at Leina he departed briskly.
Approaching Leina tentatively, Tomoe offered a friendly hand. "Fear not, Leina-san, we would have defended him if we felt any ill intent. Shizuka, would you get some water for our sleeve?" Tomoe tossed the now miffed looking shinobi the plug-suit arm Shinji gave them. Once the eavesdropper was gone, Tomoe fixed her sash, "A rather dramatic morning is it not, on the eve of our battle. To think I'd get to my goal only to be barred at the door." She gestured to the sealed gates.
Watching the slim and waving derriere of Shizuka descend in the opposite direction from Shinji, Leina took a few tentative steps in that direction. Maybe spying on the elf wasn't a bad idea. "Same with me. I heard of the wonders of the capitol, but the gate wasn't mentioned in any of my books. So how were your travels before meeting up with Risty…before things got complicated?" Leina took to sitting on the log. Wiggling on the wood, a splinter worked through the cloth protection she used, "We haven't had much time to talk of positive things since we met on the road by those poor church women."
Sitting next to Leina on the log, just a little closer than would be considered friendly, Tomoe daintily put her hands on her waist. "Well with the issues of the last few days, all of our minds were more focused on other things," her fingers balled up and relaxed over and over. "Was that really the elf you mentioned before, the one that is married to…" She looked away from Leina down towards the river.
Spotting additional women walking their way down the road, three large figures and one small, Leina leaned forward to exam them. By the size and coloring, she assumed who they were and judged a good mile or two away from them. How far did that woman run to get here…how much did she already know? "Yes that is Alleyne. And if you see that orange garbed woman up the path that is her pupil Nowa," Leina pointed at the troupe.
While the women up the road, and Leina suspected one young boy, walked towards them, the wandering warrior and musha miko spoke of the perils and benefits of their travels to this point. Tomoe spoke of the gambling at the inn, getting lost along the way, and her fight with Irma. Leina spoke of Cattleya, the date at the lake (leaving out the more intimate details), and her encounter with the bandit gang. All the while they basked in their growing friendship, the sense of companionship, shared trials, and hardships. After the finished talking, they could make out Cattleya, Nowa, Lana, and the smirking Echidna, Tomoe's hand was casually on Leina's thigh resting comfortably.
"Leina-san, w-we're done talking now. But Alleyne-sama wants to talk to you," Shinji announced as he and Alleyne crested the slope to the river. Waving at the now running at them Nowa, Shinji's smile seemed to reach his eyes. "Seems like a lot of the people we met along the way are going to be here for this tournament of yours," he stood at Leina's side.
Grabbing his hand, Leina held it to her cheek with one hand as she gently brushed Tomoe's off her thigh. It was just an accident, women didn't feel that way for other women right…even her sister was just confused. "Shinji, could you do me a favor and take some food and run off to Risty down the way, back the way I came. You can take Nowa with you to catch up," Leina felt herself chilling as the fear growing. She watched as Shinji rushed over to the approaching women, of course Echidna had to put on a show, Cattleya shook his hand and Lana hugged him…must Shinji be so popular? He headed off with Nowa and Lana, holding the boy's hand, they headed off to keep Risty busy until their duel. She was going to need it now.
Briskly stepping in front of Leina, cutting off her view of the departing group, Alleyne tapped her foot pushing her boot on further. All she did though was grab the twin braids at Leina's side, hold it while running a finger down Leina's hair, and drop it. "You're mistaken, it isn't that it takes me twice as much to equal you. You are only half the woman and warrior I am, Vance. I leave my husband in your care and what do you do?" she sneered and smacked Leina hard. "Nobody blames you, nobody but me," her eyes held nothing but cold contempt.
Leina and Tomoe tried speaking to Alleyne, but the elf didn't listen, didn't stop, she just stood there disapprovingly. A few minutes of silence later had Echidna and Cattleya enter the impromptu camp as the sky filled with clouds and thunderheads. Cattleya offered her condolences and asked how everybody was doing, Tomoe just stood at Leina's side offering support as Alleyne scorned her. No, it wasn't going to be an easy time with her.
X-X
Her zweihander crackled with the excess of electricity she had used to down her foe, Claudette nodded at the defeated Risty. It had been a long and hard ride from the desert to the borderlands and to the capitol, but it hadn't weakened her skills at all. Nothing could diminish the greatest general and servant of Earl Vance, his illegitimate daughter. She had to honor his wife's, the late Maria Vance, last order to lighten the man's burden.
Bereft of the warmth and love that the man, her father, doted on her half-sisters, Claudette had to work extra hard to earn her place. While she had her cute and darling Elina, their father fawned and prepared Leina to succeed him. While Claudette could see the decision was based on Leina's age and additional mental strength, it was confusing how such a woman could abandon her responsibility! That was one thing Claudette couldn't forgive, irresponsibility! Leina, and all the nobility, had to take the burden of the people into account and work for them! She would defeat Leina and force her to accept her responsibility, honor her father's request, and then all would be well.
"So this is all the mighty bandit warrior was, the one that assaulted our keep and helped Leina escape," Claudette dabbed what little sweat she had accrued. Thunderclap, her enchanted blade, was put back over her shoulder its weight was comforting. The battle had been of moderate challenge, her lighting being needed to win, but nothing to worry about. Funny how the woman's legs went out from underneath her before the attack, but she'd not take anything for granted. She couldn't. "Now, tell me where is Leina Vance, I know you were in her company. My spotters saw you yesterday along the river," she made good use of her resources.
Taking a step forward, putting the younger woman and small boy behind him, a male approached. "Nowa-san, take Lana-kun back to the others," the man said as he gripped his strange weapon. Kneeling by the fallen Risty as the others ran off, his hands seemed to glow a faint light for but a moment before being kicked away. "W-who are you anyway, why are you hunting for Leina-san?" he gasped out clutching the boot print Claudette imprinted on him.
So was this the male the cursed mercenary had mentioned? Echidna said Leina was traveling with a man, and she had heard tales as she traveled. The description of Leina was always accompanied with those of a man, some hinting at an infernal healer. Law, holy law anyway, stated such were to be killed or turned over to the church. Claudette wasn't going to let this creature usurp the destiny of the nobility, enslave her spoiled half-sister, and in doing that decay her cherished half-sister's heart.
Stepping over the fallen Risty, color already returning to her face and the heavy panting receding, Claudette had all the proof she needed. This man was devious, "So you are the male that has corrupted my sister then." Drawing Thunderclap again, Claudette kept herself cold and emotionless as always. Growing up in the shadows, as the cast off servant of her father, Claudette had far more in common with this man than she knew. "What have you done with my sister, monster," she held her mighty two handed weapon with one hand pointed at the whelp.
Touching her blade with the head of his staff, the man's face hardened comically, "I'm not a monster, my name is Shinji Ikari. And…Leina is going to be my wife! I didn't corrupt her. I saved her life as she did mine." His smaller frame seemingly trembled in his odd assembly of armor. Reaffirming his stance, gripping the staff in a known elven pose, he inched closer to her. "Do we need to fight, you're her sister right? She's said nothing but good things about you. Said you were fair and level headed," a hint of hope wafted out of him.
So Leina thought positive of her? Then why did the most beloved of Earl Vance never tried talking to her? Why had she been forced to grow up an outcast, forced to do the hardest of tasks, the bloodiest of tasks. Watching both Elina and Leina grow up smothered with the best of things while she was grown as the bodyguard to all of them, it was hard to see…but she wished it true. Tapping the staff, testing the lad's strength, Claudette's eyes widened just a trifle as it didn't move, "You are stronger than expected, Ikari. But I cannot allow your wishes to be fulfilled."
"Stupid snake poison was time delayed," Risty gasped out panting. Sitting up behind the Thunder General, the defeated woman tried getting up only to have her legs give out from under her. "Couldn't you have healed the poison first and my wounds second?" she sounded too happy to be actually upset. Her bulging arms pulsated as she dragged herself further away from the potential battle ground. "As for cutie here, you'll find him much more a challenge than you think. Your sister won't give him up either," she mocked the stoic general.
Casting a baleful glance at the fallen Risty, Claudette took a quick swing at the man. The blade sparked brilliantly against the odd metal of his staff. It moved, but not as much as she expected it too. Same went for the recovery of Risty, normally warriors hit with her lightning either died or were unconscious for hours. More proof that he was the healer she heard of. "Leina is nobility, duty and responsibility to our people and her father are paramount! She will be wed to a man of father's choosing," she reeled back and swung hard and over handed at her target.
Bringing his staff over his head and holding it with both hands, Shinji gritted his teeth as his feet sunk into the ground. His knee buckling a little under the strain, "She doesn't want that life though! Why can't she lead the life she wants and wander the land helping people?" A trickle of blood ebbed down the side of his mouth after Claudette swung three times down again harder each time. Thrusting his staff up to meet her zweihander on the fourth strike, Shinji offset the woman and pressed forward. "As for being her…I suspected that it wouldn't be as easy as she thought. But as long as I can be with her somehow…" he slammed against her blade and bowled her over to the ground.
Unsuspecting the force of this smaller man's actions, his words rattling her mind as well, Claudette felt a wave of disorientation as she fell back to the ground. Her head colliding with a small rock, she saw stars as pain exploded. "We cannot change what we were born to, boy. If you knew anything it should be that, peasant," she had to admit he sounded learned at least. Feeling him crawling over her, warmth and pleasantness oddly correlated where his hands touched, his evil magic! "Get off me vile sorcerer, you'll not pollute my mind," she fought to knock him off but the staff was like a mountain. Though his touch did clear her mind of the pain of the rock.
Staring into her green eyes with his blue, Shinji looked more hurt than the woman he pinned down. "Why does everybody assume I'm evil? And why can't we talk without fighting! I don't…I don't want to fight Leina's sister," he looked pleadingly with his eyes. Straddling her, his hips on both sides of her chest and his groin right up against her bust. "Can we talk, just talk?" he relaxed just a trifle.
He was weak, soft of heart! Claudette could use this to her advantage. It wouldn't be the first time she had to dirty herself to fulfill her mission, father's orders were to be seen to. "Fine, perhaps I was hasty in attacking you. You have the look of somebody that is more willing to talk than fight, a rare trait in a man," she did believe that. She coughed hoarsely as the staff pulled away from her throat and the wonderful air rushed back in. Sitting up, knocking the body off her chest, it stirred her in ways she didn't like to feel. A warrior, bodyguard, and at times ender of lives, she did not want to feel like a woman. Getting up, she could see a quickly approaching group of others. "Now, Ikari was it? Let us put aside our weapons and talk as equals," she laid her blade between her legs.
"Don't trust her boy, she's just looking for a window to take you down! You can beat her and she knows it, that monster staff of yours is your only advantage," Risty coughed out as she started crawling towards them.
Gently putting his staff down, Shinji's expression was one of firm acceptance. Almost as if he expected her to lash out at any moment. "If this is what I need to do to prove I'm not evil, that I'm not corrupting her sister I have to," Shinji addressed the approaching bandit. Holding a hand out in friendship to Claudette, "I'm not worthy of your sister, I know this, but I want to make her happy. With what she said of you, you care for her too. So…why won't you let her live the life she wants, even if it is with me?"
Clenching his hand hard, she saw a bitter smile on the boy, his eyes…those cold blue eyes were familiar. They were her eyes, the eyes that she saw whenever she looked into the mirror. The eyes of somebody that craved affection but didn't know how to get it, eyes of somebody that suffered many degradations and life threatening challenges, and the eyes of somebody that prayed to be accepted but doubted it would happen. And she betrayed him, just as those eyes showed expected it.
Drawing him in close, spinning him around so his rump was right against the apex of her legs, she put her arm against his throat. Claudette wouldn't kill him, doubted she could, but she could suffocate and knock him out. "You should never have met her, boy. All you'll do is cause her pain in the end. She has her duty, and duty means doing what you don't like," she felt his fingers clawing at her gloved arm, his feet struggling. Lifting him off the ground, his feet kicked at her knees, his bag ground against her chest. Oddly enough she felt her nipples harden at the touch as warmth spread out of his hands. As she felt herself flush a little, moisture drawing out of her, his body went slack. Dropping his body down, "I am sorry though. You are not the evil creature I was suspecting."
"I knew you were a c!nt, but this was a lot more than I was expecting," Risty spat out as she crawled over Shinji's body. "All this man wants is to make that naïve sister of yours happy, and everybody else for that matter. But you're to blinded by duty and responsibility to see it. Weren't you conceived by a concubine too…even if Leina is to replace your father, can't she have her own?" Risty started slapping the boy trying to wake him.
And make Leina's children outcasts as she was? No, Claudette wouldn't wish that shame on her sister's children. Picking up Thunderhead, Claudette leveled it towards Leina as she approached, "It is better it be this way in the end, for both of them. Judging by your voice, you can sooth him after she is gone." She left the two and approached her rebellious sister. While Claudette did love Leina, loved her dearly, she had to do her duty first and instill Leina as the next queen. Then Claudette would serve Leina and Elina as she had her father, though serving Elina hopefully had added benefits.
"Sister, what did you do here?" Leina challenged as she ran up to her blade in hand. Seeing the unconscious Shinji with Risty panting heavily by him, it was a telling scene. With the others of her party keeping a distance, and storm clouds gather, Leina swallowed hard and got into a defensive stance. "We have to tell you about something. An army from the Swamp Witch is coming. They're planning on killing all of us, once Elina gets here they'll likely pounce on us!" Leina held her shield out in front of her.
Sitting Shinji up, prepping him against her side, Risty shook his face. "She knocked him out after lying to him. He tried talking peacefully with her and she just strangled him. Damn snake's bite look my legs out from me, but they're getting better. Leina, you'll have to MAKE her listen to us," Risty eyed the bottle at her side but didn't do anything with it.
Swinging hard against Leina's shield, her hands hurt from the vibration and Leina had to stumble along with the blow to maintain footing. "That thief said the same thing, but I'll be gone before they get here. I'm taking you home, alone, Leina. Father has named you his successor and you need to be kept safe," Claudette stabbed forward. When Leina deftly avoided the blow, unlike how she had the first time they fought, Claudette's eyebrow raised. "You've improved, impressive. Wait…an angel?" she gasped as Nanael flew above them cheering out happily.
"Wandering Warrior Leina against Thunder General Claudette…START!" Nanael's rump flew up into the air as she thrust her hand downward. Nearly tumbling into a cartwheel with her momentum, the angel brought up the viewing orbs and opened up the official dueling arena.
Her emotionless mask dropped as a fierce scowl crested her beautiful face. If what Leina was saying was true, having their fight broadcast would signal the enemy to attack. "I will have to make this swift. If you are right we have precious little time before this foe is upon us. Leina, submit and come with me. Leave this man to his own fate, you are to be wed to a lord of father's choosing," she swung high. It was a feint, making Leina duck into the real attack her mighty leg into her stomach. It connected with a satisfying thump, but that blasted breastplate absorbed most of the blow.
Rolling with the impact Leina was quick to get back to her feet, a spinning attack hit Thunderclap hard. "I'm participating in the Queen's Blade tournament! I am going to be his wife! And I will surpass even mother's legacy!" Leina hammed on Claudette's defenses. Tossing her shield to the side, freeing up her hand, Leina gripped her blade with both hands. "I've created my own attack, Claudette, let me show you my Dragon's Tail," Leina lashed out with her newly christened attack.
Not used to the sudden surge of attacks and skill, Claudette hardly blocked all of Leina's strikes. Her hands were aching from the constant hard hits, but she wasn't outclassed yet. Leina was good, but now that she knew of the changes in her sister she'd not be taken off guard again. Summoning up her willpower to use her enchanted blade, she felt the familiar sensation of energy coursing through her. "You're making this hard on yourself. Elina will be upset if I hurt you, but I have no choice," she held her mighty weapon skyward.
Leina jumped back, eyes wide in fright at the impending blow. "Please don't do this!" Leina cried out, but then incredulously, "Elina and her detachment?" She looked out at the approaching woman and her posy of guards. Then the lighting crashed from the sky.
Claudette wasn't expecting the blow to hurt, it never had before. But then again her blade never had as many cracks as Leina had put into it that last named blow making a hardline split along the length of the metal. "It failed…" her blade shattered and crumbled to the ground. Most of the bolt was absorbed into the ground and the fragments, but enough of it riddled her body to leave her beaten and unable to move. "Father…sisters…I'm…I'm…" she couldn't finish…but the word was 'worthless'.
"Due to the blade breaking I call this a draw!" Nanael cried out as the vision spheres went dull, the fight over. Elina approached the group, Shinji and Risty back on their feet joined them. And as Shinji healed the injuries Leina sustained in the lengthy fight, he cast his gaze at Claudette. She looked away, still no expression other than shame, he healed her anyway. They could hear the hoof beats, many-many hoof beats, the army was coming, battle wasn't over yet.
X-X
Menace felt tired but did not perspire, it was more mentally taxing than physically she realized. Ever since she left Melona, that horrid but necessary companion, days ago she had been working with Airi with in summoning the fiendish creatures to be the bulk of their forces. From time to time Airi had to stop to feed, several of the women that she drained were now members of their forces. While Airi went off on her feedings, Menace chatted with Setora or simply rested to recuperate. Oh and Menace stewed over her plans for Melona when she got her only remaining slave back.
"She is a classless beast, reprehensible," Menace muttered as Melona sauntered about. The slime had what looked like a large dog or a wolf inside her body, well half of one as the other half was eaten away. Hating that grin, undeserved, on the slime's face, Menace couldn't keep her voice silent. Cold yet regal, "So where is my beloved slave, Melona. And know I'll ask him what you did to him." Oh and for that matter why had her color changed from pink to white and the sense of power increased so much?
Reaching into herself, Melona pulled out one of the animal's bones without meat and tossed it into a small pile. "He will be at our little slaughter. I let them take him so I wouldn't have to find the cave again. And I get the joy of crushing his little pets before reclaiming him," she cooed and winked at Menace. Posing in a risqué pose, she kicked a leg sultry at the ancient princess, then sat on one of the reanimated corpses. "I'll let you have him after I'm done, that is if Werbellia lets you keep him," she pulled out another bone.
As another lightning bolt arced across the sky, Airi summoned another half dozen undead minions and wiped her brow. "You are lucky you are undead Menace. This is sweltering work if you have a pulse. As for you," she pointed angrily at Melona. The maid's coquettish and docile façade faded to violated anger, "Do not talk so disrespectful to my master. The Swamp Witch gave you life and Menace here. She brought me from the infernal realm to this world. We owe her all, and I will not allow you to take it for anything else."
Now the servant was one that Menace could and did like, as much as she could like somebody else's slave. Airi was beneath her, a demon, but at least pleasant to talk to and knew her place. "Thank you Airi, and I agree. We owe the Swamp Witch much, but I will repay her in my own way. Amara will rise, and then I'll owe her nothing," she gripped Setora by the base of shaft. The constant companionship of the staff was slowly grinding on her as her desire for that other…her servant…rose. The servant had made her almost alive again, maybe, maybe if she could be with him she'd break free of the invisible servitude to the Witch.
"Menace-sama only needs to worry about her own needs! That and getting us more warm bodies to have fun with," Setora licked at the air and wiggled against Menaces hand. Over the past day, Setora 'accidentally' found himself rolling into both Melona and Airi. He found himself in interesting and compromising places, those that angered Airi and made Melona giggle. Menace saw it all, and remembered. Wasn't that act, that wanting of just pleasure and fun been what caused this state?
Summoning her powers, Menace refused to accept her own damnation and brought two dozen skeletal creatures not all humanoid to animation. "My powers are fine enough to make up for the worthless creature that does nothing but prattle, eat, and mock our benefactor," something about Melona just bothered Menace. Being quite spoiled herself, Menace could sense it in others and Melona was rotten to the core. She hated working like this, it wasn't something she was meant to do, but until she was free of the yolk of the Witch she would honor the one offering her the chance for revenge. Watching as one of the blue spirits that followed Airi about flew across the plains towards them, "Time to fulfill our obligations is soon it seems."
"Yeah, I could have told you that," Melona chided with a giggle and bounced on her animated chair. Pulling out more of the animal, she hucked it into Setora's mouth skillfully. "I saw that young Vance girl when I got my puppy here," she rubbed her belly, "If those images Werbellia showed us were real. Won't take us long to get to them if we move now. And I'm ready to play with me toy again." Her hands hanging above her chest squeezed and her own hand went between her legs and rubbed. Moaning out suggestively, the slime slapped her mount with her free hand coaxing it into action.
Summoning her scythe, Airi approached Menace with a hint of trepidation. "I trust her nearly as much as you do. But the Swamp Witch knows better than we, and she is powerful," the red haired maid admitted. Gesturing to the horde of undead behind her, Airi held the soul of the damned in her hand and nodded. "This one tells me our prey is close, it is time to move after all. I hope we do not kill the middle Vance daughter though. Her taste was delectable, I'd so love another taste. It was so different, so tantalizing," Airi licked her lips as her head lolled to the side a little.
"As I hope that thing doesn't hurt my slave again. I know abuse is needed to keep their type in line, but what she did was beyond even what the cruelest leaders have done," Menace felt bitter recrimination. Her mind was forced to clear a trifle from the naive and spoiled way she had lived and died, while far from noble and selfless she was at least noticing it more. Glory for Amara, glory for its leader, and then pleasure for the leader, that was the way of life. "If she tries to take him from me again, we may be two rather than three. The Swamp Witch will forgive us. I'm thinking she is plotting darker than we know," she swung the overly happy Setora viciously.
The duo followed Melona at a decent pace, trailing the small padre of horses and the youngest of the Vance sisters. Battle, if an army against a few women could be considered such, was nearly upon them. Werbellia did not want those women she showed her generals to enter the Queen's Blade tournament, why she didn't say. Those who owed their life to the witch did not question. Though now, to Menace and Airi at least, Werbellia instilled another order. "Capture the male. Bring him to me," the order psychically entered their heads as the river came into view.
Menace bit back a cry, she was far from stupid just lacking common sense, lest she alert their query of their approach. "But he…he's mine," she mouthed. He was, he had vowed his service to her! Didn't her claim take precedent over that woman that could summon any damn man she wanted from the nether?
"You always have me, Menace-sama, you don't need anybody else," Setora chimed in hearing Menace's cry. Nuzzling close to her stomach, bouncing up at the unprotected underside of her chest and the flat and smooth thighs that sat on the back of Menace's own animated mount.
She didn't hear the staff though, she didn't care much for his perversions at the moment. That one moment of feeling her heart beat again, being alive again, that was what the undead thought of. And that thought was tied to the one that gave her that feeling, her servant. "Let us win this fast and elegantly. Then we can deal with the rest," grim determination set on her face. Yes, the time for battle was nearly upon them, then they can worry. In the air they saw the globes of the angels showing a battle starting, Leina was one combatant Airi gasped, and the other was another of their targets. Good, attack them while they're weak. They increased their pace.
X-X
Notes
Well rather than just jump into the battle and have that this chapter, I wanted to have more fallout from the last and show a bit more into Claudette and Menace's minds. Hope you don't mind, next chapter won't be just a big battle either…battles in writing don't go over to well for me ^_^.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and continue to enjoy the story as I move on. On a side note though…to you my dear 'guest' reviewers…I appreciate the reviews but just yelling at me to post chapters isn't very good. You might not know this, but Wander Pilot is only one of four stories I'm currently writing, and I do have a life away from writing fan-fiction. Sadly this doesn't pay me at all (one of those ff writers that do it for the fun) and I do have a life away from the keyboard. I write when I can, sadly it is not all the time.
Later
Mercaba
