Chapter 36
Of Canaries
And Heirs
Part 5
Disclaimer: I own nothing but what you see here. Now let's roll on! I oughta add random quotes to this thing or something.
The night had come and gone, much as it did with the arrival of morning and into the afternoon. Standing about a mile away from the gates to the entrance of Mehen stood Sara, her fellow remaining League members, Farhan, the remaining Capital Soldiers, and those from the previous Outpost all ready for the fight to soon come. And they didn't have long to wait either as Asim and his army of 2,000 men soon appeared, an army that consisted of at least six tanks as well. Sara's eyes widened at the size of his army. Well, living was nice while it lasted. She thought to herself somewhat sarcastically. No way was she going to cut and run like a bitch though. Only cowards did that and she was no damned coward.
Asim and his army stopped a good distance away from the defenders of Mehen and the man observed what was in front of him as he knew by staying here that his men would have an easier time of picking off any resistance to their advancement. He then sent out one of his men to speak with the girl he'd spoken with the previous day to see what her answer was. And personally, a small part of him hoped she would decline his offer as he greatly wanted to teach her her place in the world. And what better way then to mercilessly beat the Hell out of her as his men killed her comrades in arms all around her? The imagery left a sick smile on his face as his man went out. The fellow who got the task of asking Sara what her decision was, was something of a portly fellow and a bald head.
Now considering he's pretty much in a warzone, his being portly wouldn't be a good thing as it'd likely get him killed easier but he always seemed to have a lot of luck on his side through out his life and he didn't think that was about to betray him now. After the rather long walk that he'd rather not have done as it left him a bit sweaty and huffing and puffing for breath, he finally reached the enemy leader. He doubled over though as he needed a bit more time to catch his breath as he was so not used to that sort of thing. Asim personally detested the man and wondered how his benefactor would even be so willing as he was to keep the man on. Sara looked on bemused at the sight before her and strongly wished the rest of his bunch were like him as it would likely be easier to take them out. "I… Apologies for… This…" He got out as he stood back to his full height.
"No biggie, big guy like yourself needs a moment or two." She told him with a shrug of her shoulders.
The man wasn't sure if he should take that as an insult or not but decided to leave it be for now as there was more important things to worry about. "Yes… Well anyway. My commanding officer wishes to know of your decision regarding his offer from yesterday." He informed her and before she could say anything about what she particularly thought about the douche bag's offer, all 400 soldiers of Mehen soon appeared, getting a smile from the girl as she was quite pleased with their sudden appearance.
The captain soon spoke up in Arabic, informing the man that in no uncertain terms were they going to allow him and his master to run all over them over foolish notions of ruling the country. The portly fellow sneered at him before giving his attention back to Sara with an expectant look on his face. "Hey you heard the man, the answer's a big fat Hell no." She happily informed him, making him sneer again.
"Very well then, your death is assured this day." He replied and walked back off, eager to get this started and hopefully get a chance to kill the newcomer who'd spoken to him so disrespectfully.
However, he only maybe got a few feet away when he suddenly stopped and then fell to his knees shortly before falling on his face to the ground. Dead as can be as he now had a stab wound in the back of his head with the Mehen captain holding the sword that had done it. He looked back up and fixed Asim and his army across the distance with a glare before looking back to Sara who only shrugged her shoulders, not exactly caring too much about what he'd done. The big fella was likely gonna die anyway so might as well get it over with now she reasoned to herself. Speaking of our boy Asim and his unmerry bunch, he was definitely not happy about his man being killed and it was enough for him to get the jist of things. Especially when the girl he wanted to put in her place put her hand out and looked to be doing something with it and a gut feeling told him she was not doing something nice. Huffing angrily to himself, he looked at his men from his spot at the front of his Hummer.
"Enough prattling about… For its time to earn your keep but remember, the girl is mine. Now… CHARGE! AND SHOW NO MERCY!" He screamed out and soon they were off while he stayed behind as he had no intention of getting involved unless he absolutely had too. As a leader let the men do all the fighting after all while the leader himself stayed out of the battlefield to reap all the glory of their victories.
Oh how little the man truly knew about being a leader. Sara looked around her after seeing the jerk's bunch start charging at them with loud yells. "Well… Let's do this." And took off with her bo staff and its blade attached at the end, ready to do some damage. Her fellow fighters following not long afterward with battle cries of their own.
While Asim's men had a few more advanced weapons on them, none of them felt like wanting to use them as they wanted to save on ammo for the main course. But were more than willing to use them if they wanted too. Besides, they were spoiling for a good bit of exercise and what better way was there to get it then by ending the lives of all these fools? Even the tanks were trailing along, albeit slowly due to the sandy terrain and had already let off a few shots to pick off a few of their opponents. The two opposing forces clashed and the battle was on as they all fought. Qunbila when he could would throw bombs at random times to help end a few enemy combatant lives before going back to using his sword to defend himself. As Sara fought and took lives, she knew that doing this was the right thing to do even though she knew more on her side could lose their lives today, including her. But she would do her damnedest to avoid dying as she wanted more time with Nyssa. And maybe, just maybe see her family again, even if only from a distance at that.
For Farhan, this was the single largest battle he'd ever been in and he was terrified beyound belief but he refused to let his fear take hold of him. He would honor his father and the lives of many others by fighting in their memories. And if he died this day, then he would do so while fighting for the continued safety of Kahndaq. He thrust and parried and blocked strikes either with his sword or his shield and did his best to ignore the throbbing in his arm after each impact that hit his shield. He got a surprised kick to the back that made him stumble and he likely would have been dead if if it wasn't for the timing of two of his fellow comrades in arms. All three wound up having to shield their faces when sand and body parts went flying after a shell from a tank had struck before getting back into the fight.
One of the League members was doing everything she could to cut through her enemies as she wanted to reach one of the tanks and see about ending the lives of those in it and thus making it one less threat to deal with, but so far that goal had yet to be achieved much to her annoyance. Perhaps she'd even be able to use the tank to their advantage too even though she knew that she herself or none of the others really even likely knew how to run it considering how old it looked. While her weaponry of choice were sais, using those here would not be as effective since it would require to get in much closer and that would likely get her killed. So she was using a sword instead to fight with and proving to be just as deadly with it as she would have been with her sais. Unfortunately for her, she wouldn't be able to accomplish her goal when a shell landed a few feet from her and the explosion of it launched her and several others into the air in opposite directions. The impact, plus the burns she was feeling from the shell's going off left her in excruciating pain and it was enough for an enemy to get the drop on her and end her life. His own life was soon ended afterwards by a Capital soldier who was disgusted by what his kill had done to a comrade of Kahndaq.
The Captain of Mehen, two Capital soldiers, a League member, and two of the soldiers from the previous Outpost were all pushing through the fighters, determined to reach one of the tanks and take it out. The six were a fierce bunch as they took no prisoners in their quest to take down a tank. The League member was fortunate enough to see that the tank they were heading for was aiming at them and yelled out for his fellow fighters to quickly get out of the way before it could hit them. They were all successful, though quite a few lives were lost including those they were fighting against but it hadn't bothered them since it was the enemy. The six regrouped and went back to charging at the tank, even more determined to stop at least that one. Their bravery would become something of a legend in Kahndaq and even Ra's Al Ghul would be impressed by one of his own having been part of it.
As they approached while fighting off any opposition, one of the Capital soldiers threw a spear he'd been primarily using at the soldier atop the tank who'd been firing a machine gun at them. The spear hit its mark and the man fell back lifelessly, allowing the six to quickly climb atop the moving tank and do what they could to stop it. It would be the Captain's turn this time to notice another tank taking aim at them as Asim's men couldn't afford to allow the opposition to take hold of one of their weapons. Yelling out a warning, the men jumped off the tank and went into a roll on the ground as they landed as the shell hit the tank, sending it up in flames and debris. They all had to move around to avoid getting hit as none of them wanted to be killed by it. The men would have went after the tank that fired on them but they were met with more of the enemy and they gladly took on the challenge while attempting to keep as much of a watch as they could on the tanks so that they themselves wouldn't get blown to Hell.
Sara would have cheered over that small victory if she could, but alas she was too busy fighting for her life while seriously wishing Nyssa was there fighting side by side with her. She'd already taken a few hits and she knew she was gonna be a big bruise later on if she was still alive. The sting from the cuts she managed to get from a few blades was annoying the crap out of her too. I hope those damn blades are sterile, cause if not, I am gonna go to the afterlife and beat the Hell out of a few people. Sara grumbled in her head as she continued to fiercely fight back. Though as she did, she could feel the darkness in her growing even more with each life she took. But she wasn't about to let that bother her now as she had more of an interest in living through all this then dwelling on that.
It was then to everyone's shock that all of the remaining tanks in play were all sudddenly destroyed, leaving a giant flaming dust cloud in its wake. Asim was absolutely furious while those fighting against him and his men took advantage of the enemy's shock to do a little cheering at the victory while wondering how the Hell it happened. A figure could be seen walking out of the dust cloud with long strides and a determined aura about him, and when the fighters of Kahndaq got a good look at him, they all realized it was Black Adam himself! "HEAR ME! BLACK ADAM HAS ARRIVED! AND SO HAS VICTORY!" He roared out, making Asim even more furious if it was possible as he ran into his Hummer and started it with the intent of running the fool who held what was rightfully his down.
Adam took note of this and smirked as he had a wake up call for the man who thought he could kill him. A loud yell grabbed his attention when he saw that Tuo ma had finally arrived to add much needed back up. The sight of her and the men, which included the Captain who'd come to tell him of what happened with the previous Outpost riding on horse to join the fun was a sight to behold and Sara was happy as can be at the sight of them. And would be yet another legend for all of Kahndaq to know of. That girl has got AMAZING timing! She thought happily to herself.
"FOR KAHNDAQ!" Could be heard by all present from the mouth of Tuo ma herself.
But the enemies of Kahndaq weren't about to be deterred and quickly got back to fighting after shaking off their shock of seeing the tanks crashed. Many of the fighters of Kahndaq cursed themselves for their stupidity for not having taken better advantage of the situation and many were glad it hadn't gotten them killed. Thoguh Farhan was not so lucky as he was rather unused to prolonged battle with so many enemies to fight against and had been kicked in the stomach hard, sending him to the ground with a coughing gasp.
Struggling to get up and on to his knees, he managed to raise his blade in time to deflect an oncoming sword strike, a bullet to the shoulder by way of a hand gun the intended killer had on him filled him with a great amount of pain. But he would do his best to ignore it as he used his uninjured side to impale the man with his blade once he saw an opening. Normally, he would have pulled his blade out, but the pain he was feeling had left him a bit weak, and unfortunately it was enough for one individual to take advantage and cut off his fore arm. Leaving poor Farhan to look on in shock before finally screaming in agony as the pain finally caught up to him. His back to the man responsible as he held his now amputated arm while still on his knees, he sobbed uncontrollably as this was a pain he'd never felt before in his life. "Aacbb! I kaen fashal!" He cried out in sorrow, ashamed that he could not succeed in his father's place.
He could hear laughing from behind him, but he did not care as the pain was just too much and he had a feeling that his time to die was now. "You take life, I not care. I fought well and none can ask more of it." He told the man without looking back at his soon to be killer in broken English.
His soon to be killer gave a boisterous laugh at his bravado before suddenly making a sound of pain, leaving Farhan to hear the falling of a body. A hand touched his shoulder gently, but he tensed up anyway as he was unsure of what was to happen next as his life's blood continued to leave him, making him weak. "It is okay young soldier, you've done enough this day." The kind warmth filled voice of Tuo ma told him. He turned to her with a wide eyed look as tears kept coming down, unable to speak before finally passing out.
Were it not for her, he would have fell to the ground but due to her years of training she was able to catch him and he was currently resting against her. The lull she was experiencing in not having anyone to attack her and the young soldier allowed for her to whistle in order to capture the attention of several of the soldiers who'd come with her to take him and tend to his wounds. Her attention was soon caught however when inpending danger came her way, only for the Captain who'd come to inform them of what had happened took care of it. Giving him a grateful nod and getting a smile and nod back in return, the two went to work.
Adam slowly walked towards the oncoming Hummer with a smirk in place while raising one hand up into the sky, causing dark clouds to form and as the Hummer got closer with a screaming with rage Asim inside. He brought down the hand, bringing down one Hell of a huge lightning bolt on top of the Hummer's hood. The impact forced Muhunnad to swerve uncontrollably before flipping over several times. Leaving his vehicle a wrecked mess and him lucky to be alive. Pleased with his actions, he looked back and saw that his men and the League members were winning. He could hear Tuo ma's voice calling out and informing her fellow fighters to leave at least ten of their enemies alive as the King had plans with them. Something Sara was damned curious about and wondered if it involved a serious amount of pain. She also wondered if maybe he'd let League members in on it. A fine Queen Tuo ma would make! Adam thought happily to himself as he floated an inch off the ground as he went over to the wrecked vehicle.
He could see Asim getting out slowly and figured the man to be a bit injured after wrecking his own transportation. "You have failed this day Muhunnad, how you ever could have thought you would be able to gain victory against me is beyond me." Adam calmly informed the man, serving to infuriate the would be ruler as he stumbled about in trying to stand up.
Asim spat at Adam as he stood up and gave the man a hate filled glare, something that might have bothered anybody else but Adam wasn't like other people in the least. "Hmmph, if that is supposed to frighten me somehow into submission boy, you are sadly mistaken." He received a growl of rage before getting charged at with a knife, making the King raise an eyebrow at the foolish man.
The King sidestepped the man but put out his foot, making his would be killer trip to the ground. He could grumbling from the other man as he got back up to his feet and charged again, only for Adam to side step and make him stumble a bit. "I can easily do this all day boy and not tire from it." He casually informed Asim.
Huffing in rage, Asim charged again, but this time Adam did side step again, but he also grabbed hold of Muhunnad's outstretched arm that held the knife and broke the arm. Making him fall to his knees with a scream of pain as his broken arm continued to be held by Adam. The King looked down at him with contempt all across his face. "However, I have no such desire to waste all day toying with you when I could be doing far more interesting things." Like beheading the little fool for example.
"Augh… I am the rightful ruler! Not you! ME!" The man protested despite the amount of pain he felt in his arm.
Adam jerked the broken arm a little for the man's foolish notions. "You have pitiful delusions for I ruled centuries ago and I rule again. Thus I AM the ONLY rightful ruler of Kahndaq." Asim shook his head in denial, absolutely refusing to believe it.
It had been fortunate that Adam and his army had been able to arrive in time as they did as it'd taken a good while to round up everyone and get properly organized. His men had become so used to relying on his power to take care of things that they all had been ill equipped for such a sudden operation. Something the long lived man had been greatly annoyed by but couldn't put any blame on his men as it also laid at his feet too. But that sort of thing wouldn't be happening again if he had anything to say about it as he planned to better prepare his army for the future. For complacency had no place in his kingdom. He dropped the broken arm, walked around Asim, grabbed the man by the back of his collar and started dragging him back to where everyone else was while completely ignoring the man's yelling. "FOLLOWERS OF ASIM! SURRENDER YOUR ARMS!" He called out as he came to them.
The sight of him dragging their commander pretty much took the fight out of them, something that made him immensely satisfied. The fact that there was more than ten of Asim's men left alive also made him happy as well. Seeing that they had won, Sara and every fighter of Kahndaq broke out into loud cheer. Hell yeah! I'm still alive, take that bitches! Sara crowed in her head.
Three Hours Later In Shiruta…
The returning victors were met with crowds of cheering citizens and boisterous music playing loudly in various parts of the city along with confetti and streamers flying about as they came through the Capital to reach the Palace. Asim and his men were spat on by various people in the crowds and anytime they tried to lash out against them for it, they were hit in the back and roughly pushed to keep moving. Aside from Sara, Nyssa, and Tuo ma, only nine other League members were still alive. And for Sara, she was worried how Nyssa's father was going to react to that. Especially when they had died under her command as well. But her fellow League members had fought damned well and that was enough for her and hopefully enough for Nyssa as well. There was perhaps eight of the Capital soldiers who had come with Sara left, and of the previous Outpost before Mehen, only the captain was left. Something that honestly had the man in a funk considering how long he'd known the men under him. He even had considered retiring to a more quieter life before thinking that that sort of thing could be seen as a slight by his fallen comrades.
At the steps leading to the Palace, Elias and Nyssa could be seen alongside others as they greeted the returning heroes. A camera crew was also near by as well that Elias had thought to invite as he knew his King would want to have his victory seen be all. Not to mention if he decided to do any executions that would serve as a warning to those who'd wish to bring harm to the country. Sara, when she noticed the camera crew quickly put back on her mask so as not to be recognized by anyone back home if they happened to be seeing the broadcast. Adam walked upon the steps before looking back at the gathering crowd and smiled as the camera zeroed in on him. "People of all of Kahndaq! For several weeks we have been plagued by an outside force led by a former citizen of our beloved country. And today, his attempts have been stopped! Sadly many lives have been lost, and we will need to re-build in the South, but we will remember them none the less!" His words were filled with passion and not a soul would dare to dis-believe him.
"The Gods who gave me power to be their champion are pleased with our victory! When you go home later, give thought to both the fighters of Kahndaq and to the Gods in your prayers!"
He motioned for Asim and those of his men who survived to be brought towards him. He then had them turned so that they would all face the crowd and invited the camera crew to come closer. The King then looked into the camera as he spoke. "This man who cradles his arm like an injured beast is Asim Muhunnad, he and his men attempted to take over Kahndaq and oust me from my throne. But he has FAILED! And here upon this day, he and his men shall see their final moments as I will NOT tolerate any who dare to march upon the soil of this country with intent to bring war upon us!" He raised a hand and clenched it into a fist before taking a sword from a nearby Palace guard who had sharpened the blade for this very task.
Others were brought out as well for the task and Sara, surprising even herself reached out for one to partake in what she quickly realized was about to happen. Fitting but why the Hell I'm doing this is beyond me. She mused a bit confusedly, but would worry over it later as she likely puked her guts out.
Even Nyssa was surprised by what her Canary had decided to do and resolved to speak with her soon over it. Adam noticed the action as well but did nothing of it, but his already high estimation of her went up even more. If she weren't League and sharing affections with the Demon's Daughter, I would offer her a spot as a commander of her own batallion of men. Pity he would't be able too, but there would be much in the way of tales of her courage for leading such an outnumbered band of warriors against the would be usurper. And who knows, perhaps he would be able to request her services in the future should it be needed.
Sara stepped up to one of the men who were on their knees and awaited further instructions as Adam looked down at Asim with a look of strong distaste on his features. "Before your execution, I ask you to tell me who your supplier is. For I know you could not have afforded the resources you used against me and mine to wage your little war." Nyssa, Sara, and many others were damned curious about that as well, but Nyssa had a feeling this man wouldn't speak.
I daren't to reveal the name of Savage you fool! I know he will bring wrath down upon you for this and that is enough for me as I go to my death! Muhunnad raged in his head while he gave Adam a smirk.
"I refuse to tell you anything oh mighty King, I know that my benefactor will avenge me when he brings about his wrath upon you!" He spat at the man and got it on his knee, earning him a frown from Adam.
"Then I, Black Adam, chosen of the Gods, King of Kahndaq, hereby sentence you and yours to execution for crimes against the country." He rose his sword into the air, Sara and the others soon followed suit and with a forward slash as Asim mouthed obscenities, his and the heads of his men were soon removed from their bodies as they rolled away.
Adam's live broadcast of the executions would cause issues with other nations like America, but they would all quickly find out quickly on how he's certainly not the man you want to mess with. For Sara, looking at the headless body now lying down on the ground with blood pouring out, she felt the darkness envelop her even more as she tried to come to grips with the horror and revulsion she was feeling for having beheaded a man. She was honestly feeling like Sara Lance truly was no more after that. Sara Lance would never do that, but Ta-er al-Safar would. I guess its time to face facts I no longer am Sara and that only the Canary remains. She reflected in her mind as she heard the cheers of many of the people going on all around her.
Dropping the sword, she walked up to Nyssa and not particularly giving a damn at that moment, pulled her into a tight hug. One that was returned in equal amounts. While Nyssa wasn't exactly one for being as public like this, she would let it slide as she wanted to have her arms around her Canary. She could sense the fact that the girl was in strong need of it as well, which was another reason for not fighting against it. Besides, a hug from her Canary was a damned great thing as far as she was concerned. Ta-er, you have no idea how much it pleases me to see you returned to me. My faith in you was not mis-placed.
As the two embraced, Tuo ma walked up to Adam as he passed by the two not even caring about what they were doing as they had every right to be in their embrace after the events of the day. The man could have burnt the beheaded bodies to ashes, but felt they didn't deserve it and already had in motion an operation that was taking care of their bodies to be removed to outside of the Capital a good distance away so that they could all rot in the Sun's heat and be fed from by Buzzards and the like. Many of the Kahndaq fighters were dispersing as well to get some well needed rest after a hard fought battle. The surviving members from the League that had traveled here with Ta-er and Nyssa were trailing along a short distance from Tuo ma as they also wished to wash away the battle and then rest up a good while before returning home.
"The day has been won in favor of Kahndaq my King." Tuo ma began conversationally as the two walked inside.
He nodded his agreement to that, pleased as can be. "A grand feast will be had to celebrate the honor of not only the living, but those of the dead." She nodded at that and could honestly go for a bite to eat as she had used up quite a lot of energy during that fight.
"An appreciative gesture for sure, though I am sad to say that young Farhan will unlikely be taking part due in part to the loss of his hand. Plus I am sure Lady Nyssa will be wanting to leave soon as well." She informed him.
Having seen the state of the boy for himself, he could agree with Tuo ma's assessment regarding him. But he was aware of advancements in technology that could help the boy greatly, though it would take time. Perhaps the Gods would be able to assist as well if they were willing and had the power to do so. But if he had anything to say about it, they would regain their power and he would soon start getting his people to follow the ways of the Gods and putting their faith into them as they did him. "Young Farhan fought well and I will see to it he is taken well care of. As for the Demon's Heir, I am sure she will be willing to stay a bit longer to allow some rest. A tired warrior is no good to anyone after all. Besides Lady Tuo ma, I wish more time with you."
She was honestly surprised by that admission, but also a bit flattered too as she had to admit she would like to spend more time with him as well. Maybe get another of those world rocking kisses again. "Were it not for the League and my commitment to them my King, I would be most willing to spend more time with you." And she truly would too as she liked being around him.
He considered her for a moment. "When you return to Nanda Parbat, I shall accompany you and speak with the Demon himself. I would even suggest immediate marriage between you and I if it meant I could have you by my side and being Queen to my King." That admission shocked the Hell out of her as marriage wasn't something she had ever even considered since they barely knew one another yet felt so strongly drawn together!
Adam couldn't help but smile at the sight of her being shocked. "M-marriage!? While its not unheard of for those in the League to suddenly marry as per the wishes of the Demon's Head, I never thought to be married myself! Well at least not yet anyway… Ohh you'll need to speak with more then the Demon's Head! You'll need to speak with my father as well!" And boy wouldn't that be a sight to see and she worried her father might try to take a sword to the man as well!
The King could only tip his head back and laugh loudly at her reaction to it all. Prompting Tuo ma to slap him in the stomach with out much force to it, not that he minded however. "I'm… I'm sorry my dear, I truly am! But if I must speak with your father in addition to the Demon himself, then so I shall!" He walked off while chuckling as he couldn't help but do it, leaving her there to her shocked surprise.
Ta-er and Nyssa happened to come upon her in this state and wondered if maybe the King had decided to make a move on her. "What troubles you my friend?" Nyssa asked hoping it wasn't serious and if it was, she was fully prepared to kick some ass. Wounded or not!
Tuo ma turned to the two girls who were closely together with the shocked look still on her face. "He… He pretty much proposed marriage!" She managed to get out, making the eyes of the two women widen in surprise as it was the last thing they were expecting!
"Can we be bridesmaids then?"
Both Nyssa and Tuo ma turned their gazes to Ta-er after that, wondering if she'd been hit on the head during the battle. Noticing the looks she was getting she smirked at them. "What? Its a valid question you know!" The sight of her friend looking pretty flustered as she walked off while throwing her hands up in the air and muttering about traitorous friends was pretty amusing to the former Starling City resident.
"Oh we are SO in!" She told Nyssa who merely shook her head while smiling fondly at her Canary.
"Come Ta-er, we can discuss her unlikely wedding later after you've had time to freshen up." Sadly she wouldn't be able to take part in that freshening up considering her injury, but she could wait.
Ta-er stuck her tongue out at Nyssa in response. "Oh you are no fun!" She mock grumbled to her as they walked to their room.
"On the contrary Ta-er, I am the life of the party." Nyssa informed her, making the Canary snort a little at that thought.
Nyssa gave her a mock affronted look that only served to set off a round of laughter from the other girl. The moment was something Ta-er was truly cherishing as it helped to soothe her troubled mind. She couldn't wait to get freshened up as well as she really wanted some timd with her girl.
One Hour Later…
After nearly an hour of freshening up and leaving Nyssa to wonder if she was ever going to get out of the tub despite a few attempts from Ta-er to coax her into joining, the blonde girl finally came out feeling immensely better but still troubled to a degree. The sight of her nude self made Nyssa unable to tear her eyes away, something Ta-er quickly noticed. "Liking what you see?" She asked teasingly as she crawled into the bed with her lover.
She got one Hell of a kiss in response before the two gazed into one another's eyes. "Mmm… Liking very much Ta-er, very much indeed."
"Well happy to please babe, but it seems kind of unfair that I'm the only one naked here." She told her with a mock pout.
Nyssa merely smiled at her. "Good things come to those who wait."
She didn't have anything to say to that and decided to bury her head into Nyssa's chest. The Heir sensed that something was troubling her Canary, the fact she had been in the bath for as long as she had was also of a good indicator too. "What troubles you Habibti?" The Heir knew that word was a gamble, as it would truly reveal how she felt towards Ta-er. But she was regardless willing to do so anyway. The gasp of surprise from the blonde made tense a little but remained hopeful.
Ta-er looked up at her with tears welling up in her eyes, something that worried the Heir a bit. "Do… Do you really mean that?" The blonde asked tentatively.
"Of course I do Ta-er! Why wouldn't I?" Honestly, how could she not have fallen for her?
"Because… Because I just thought this was a benefits kind of thing. Besides, how could you love a monster like me? How could anyone love the monster I've become?" She asked as tears finally came down her face despite the fact she thought she had cried herself out while in the bath.
Nyssa took a finger and raised her Canary's chin up so that they could look one another in the eye after she had lowered her head. I had wondered when she would reach her breaking point, and it seems that the recent events have finally brung it. But I will not turn her away, I love her and to turn her away would be cruel. Not only for myself but for her in the state she is in now. The potential for the girl to become a true monster would likely be unleashed afterwards if she didn't take her own life and it wasn't something Nyssa wanted to see happen. And the fact her love thought they were merely sharers of a bed bothered her a bit. But considering her past dalliances with a rich fool, she could understand why she would think that.
"Ta-er, trust me when I say that you are no monster. And to Hell with anyone else who may think that. You are a beautiful Canary who is strong and fearsome, a Canary that I have come to truly love over the months we have come to know one another."
The broken girl could hardly believe what she'd been told as it was far from what she was expecting. The fact she could hear the truth in Nyssa's words made her heart swell with love for the dark haired woman. Truth be told, she herself had realized recently that she had fallen in love with the Demon's Heir and was highly unsure if her feelings would be returned. To know that they are and that she doesn't even see her as a monster was something she wasn't sure she could put into words fully. "I… I don't think I can put into words how I'm feeling right now, but I want you to know that I do love you too. And its not just cause you saved my ass either out in that ocean." She told her with conviction and sincerity in her words.
Nyssa merely smiled at her. "You need not worry my Habibti for I've no worries of that, and hearing you love me is all the words I need from you in this moment of time." She then kissed her, and Ta-er responded in kind. Soon the two would be lost to the passion they were feeling, and while she felt broken, the blonde knew that her Nyssa's love and strength would be able to help her heal and come out even stronger for it. The two lovers would not be seen again until later in the night when the celebratory feast was ready to begin. The chorus of cheers and catcalls would actually get Nyssa blushing and Ta-er proudly smirking, if only cause she knew exactly why her girl was blushing.
The feast would be a great one as everyone aside from Farhan celebrated their victory and ate well in memory of those who had fallen. Ta-er's only regret was being unable to be near Tuo ma so that she could possibly get her to blush over the King's evident desire to marry her. Nyssa, the Canary, Tuo ma, and the captain from the previous Outpost would later visit Farhan in the medical wing of the Palace to spend time with him as they all knew he was going to need their support during his own difficult time after nearly dying and losing his hand. He had been pretty resistant at first but the captain managed to get through to him, it helped that he had a big plate of food he kept waving in front of the boy's nose to get him to eat and not be as fatalistic anymore.
The four adults weren't sure of what the future would bring their way, but they would be as ready as they could be for it. And that's all anyone could really ask for.
Author's Notes: Oooh wee! Just in time for Sunday morning boys and girls! We got one more chapter to go in this storyline before we head back to Ollyville. Al-Owal gets to learn of Adam's intentions for his babygirl and is not happy about it! Look forward to seeing what you all think of this one! Arabic seen here is 'Father, I have failed!' Though the closest I could get to failed for Arabic was fail, but hopefully it still works. And listening to Slipknot's Before I Forget for the first part of the battle seems to fit, course I could always be wrong. But Xena's theme song for the arrival of Tuo ma and the others definitely fits for sure.
I also originally intended for some public humiliation for Asim and his men by way of an idea Sara would get. One that would involve Kurt Angle's WWE theme music and the infamous 'You suck!' chant that would start up every time he came to the ring as the music played. But, the story wound up going another direction. I probably could always write a little what if for that sometime soon. I also had originally intended for Farhan to die, but later changed my mind to go with what you saw in this chapter. Anywho… R and R!