Eyes narrowed, lips twisted into a grimace as water and mud dripped from her bangs and nose. Her hands were frozen and cramping, but somehow Lucy was still holding on. And for dear life no less. But Lucy could tell that Entai was just as exhausted as she was.
0
Loud gasps came from the group as they reached the river's edge. A large, white horse stood there staring at them from in front of a large herd. Its clear and bright eyes showed it was exceptionally intelligent and hostile. Lucy knew that this was the Spirit. But the Spirit had her a bit scared since the few experiences she had with horses were less than pleasant.
But when a strong voice resonated in the back of her head, Lucy let her gaze meet the giant white horses. Forcing the insidious creeping fear back into the pit of her stomach.
"So, you've come," The voice a deep rumble like thunder. "I do not want to be bound again to my key by a weak owner. I enjoy the freedom given by falling from grace after arriving here. Being demonic is preferable to being a slave to a master."
Lucy felt stunned at what she'd just been told. Pieces of a puzzle clicked into place. The picture was a story of many layers. She had not given it any thought that each Spirit she'd encountered so far was a demon (or something similar). Nor had Lucy ever considered what would happen to a Spirit if it fell.
"Human, if you really wish to own my Key, then overpower me," The voice rumbled again. Its tone was openly mocking Lucy, implying she was too weak to do so. "You can choose one of the Celestial Spirits to help you. But you must choose before I tell you what my challenge is."
A small part of Lucy screamed in indignation at how unfair this was. At the same time, the logical side took what had been said, breaking it down piece by piece, word by word, until Lucy felt a cold smile curl her lips.
"I choose Taurus," Lucy said in a calm tone. Her hand was already reaching into her pouch to grab said key.
When the eyes of the giant horse narrowed, Lucy knew that this Spirit turned demon wasn't happy with her choice. Then waited as it proceeded to lay out his challenge.
0
Shifting her body again, Lucy pressed her thighs tightly to Entei's flanks as her fisted hands twisted in his glorious mane. Her eyes glinted and narrowed as she gritted her teeth. Lucy used her last joined strength with Taurus (in star dress mode). Her arm pulled back, yanking Entei's head to the right while her body leaned to the left.
It was seconds later the white body under her buckled and tumbled down into the rocky shallows of the Yudanaka River. Heaving breathing that could be either hers or the Fallen Spirits reached her ears as the adrenaline pumping through Lucy's veins began to fade. Allowing Lucy to feel exactly how cold she was.
"You win, I submit myself to you Celestial Mage, Lucy Heartfilia," Entai whickered aloud for all to hear. "Your tenacity is as bad as your ancestor, Anna Heartfilia. I bequeath unto you my Sapphire Key. Give me an hour to recoup and we can discuss the terms of our contract."
Eyes blinking sluggishly, Lucy found herself sitting in the freeze waters of the river holding her new key. She let a smile appear and light up her face; Lucy hugged the key to her chest. Silently she thanked Entai and released her star dress equip with Taurus. Who mooed and lifted her after appearing. Lucy leaned her head against Taurus' shoulder, glad he made no pervy comments for once.
He had been shocked to see Entai. Though Sesshomaru was left speechless when the woman had shifted into something she called 'star dress equip' with the minotaur Spirit she called Taurus. If he had thought her usual clothes were indecent (more so than the miko Kagome's) before he found his opinion changed.
Yet the raw power and strength she suddenly exuded had been an eye-opener (yet again). As Sesshomaru watched her continue to stay mounted on Entai; he approved of her choice in Spirits. However, he'd deny (if anyone dared to ask) if he enjoyed the spectacle as the woman's practically bare (and well-toned) body moved and bounced.
Sesshomaru had felt a rush of emotions he didn't need or want to acknowledge. Reminding him, it had been a while since he bedded a demoness bitch. But what had Sesshomaru more irritated with himself was the need to remove any (and all) males present. To forbid the woman from using her star dress equip with any male Spirits.
He had no claim to the woman. He had no desire to claim a human woman, no matter how fascinating she was. Especially one that was steadily earning his respect and attention. So, closing his eyes for a brief second to make a decision. When Sesshomaru opened his eyes, he glanced at his brother, who had given a small nod of his head in understanding. Sesshomaru left to hunt. He needed space between him and the woman, as well as the group.
TBC!