Here we are at Chapter 9. Fuyumi continues her journey to Daelom with the caravan. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 9. Enjoy.
Chapter 9: The Art Capital
When the morning sun rises into the sky, Fuyumi stirs awake. However, when she awakens, she finds a weight on her left arm. That weight is none other than Anelia wrapped around her left arm, sleeping soundly. Fuyumi can't help but smile at how cute she looks in her sleep. Carefully freeing herself from Anelia's grasp, Fuyumi exits the tent to stretch. The weather is clear, and Royce is already up and going.
"Good morning, Fuyumi," Royce greets her as he prepares breakfast.
"Good morning, Royce. The others still sleeping?" Fuyumi gazes at the other tents.
"Yeah, but I'll kick them awake shortly. We have a schedule to keep," Royce notes.
As Fuyumi looks at the food he's cooking up, she realizes that she hasn't had any blood in a while. She should be feeling the urge soon. She'll have to take care of that while she has the chance.
"Well, how about I go get use some extra ingredients for breakfast. I think I spotted some wildlife that will suffice," Fuyumi suggests.
"Sure, but just don't go too far for too long. Never know what might happen," Royce replies.
Fuyumi leaves the camp to find something to snack on and bring back to camp. She's caught boards before, but there may not be any around these parts. Fuyumi searches around, and after a while of searching, comes across some rabbits. Lying still behind a bush, she aims a dagger and then throws it, scoring gold with a clean kill. The rest of the rabbits scatter as Fuyumi approaches the dead animal. Making sure no one is around to see her; Fuyumi sinks her fangs in for a quick drink. One rabbit alone won't be enough; she'll need a few more. This same pattern goes on for a little while. After collecting, and drinking, four rabbits, Fuyumi decides to head back to camp. As she gets back, she finds the rest of Royce's crew awake, as well as Anelia patiently waiting for her.
"Fuyumi, good morning. Where did you go?" Anelia walks up to her.
Fuyumi shows the dead rabbits, "Oh, just picked up some food for the road," she turns to Royce. "Hey, Royce, will these suffice? I already drained them, so we just need to finish cleaning them and they should be good,"
"That should work, get something more hardly into our stomachs. Give them here; I'll take care of them," Royce accepts the rabbits happily.
After having some breakfast, the caravan gets back on the road to continue the trip. Along the way, Fuyumi and Anelia make small talk with Royce and his crew, learning a few more details in regard to Daelom. Since it's the art capital of the kingdom, there's a lot of art craft in the city. From paintings to sculptures, plays and performances; Daelom has it all. It kind of reminds Fuyumi of the renaissance back in her old world. However, reminiscence will have to wait... because Fuyumi and the gang heard a sudden roar from the forest, and it was pretty close.
"Uh, ladies, now might be a good time to do what you were hired for," Royce gets nervous.
Fuyumi steps out with her blade at the ready while Anelia remains in the carriage while holding her staff. Fuyumi sees some rustling in the trees. Eventually, a large creature comes out into the open. The body of a lion, the wings of a bat, and the tail with the head of a snake. A manticore.
"Well, this should be interesting," Fuyumi mutters.
"Oh, you gotta be kidding me. Of all the rotten luck, we just had to run into a manticore! Come on, we need to move, now!" Royce swings the reins.
The caravan hightails it, but the manticore takes into the sky to catch up.
"Anelia, let's shoot that thing down," Fuyumi says.
"Right," Anelia readies her staff. "Spirits of flame, burn through my enemies. Flame arrow!" she conjures four flame projectiles and fires them at the manticore.
Fuyumi joins her by firing off some frost shards. However, the manticore flies around the projectiles and closes in. Just as it gets close, Fuyumi throws up a Flame Barrage, causing it to back away and get some distance from the flames. The girls fire off another volley, but the manticore is fast in the air.
"We need to ground it in order to give us a better chance here. Anelia, I have an idea, but I'll need your help," Fuyumi says.
Anelia nods, "What do you need?"
The manticore comes back around for another attack. Fuyumi and Anelia wait for it to get just close enough.
"Now!" Fuyumi yells.
"Spirits of wind, propel me to victory. Air burst!" Anelia conjures a torrent of wind on Fuyumi, propelling her through the air at the manticore. The manticore opens its jaws to clamp its teeth down on her, but Fuyumi disappears in red mist, only to reappear right above it. Fuyumi stabs her sword into its back, causing the Manticore to roar in pain as it starts flying around erratically, trying to shake her off. Fuyumi hangs on for dear life. Fuyumi creates a flame blade and swings it, slicing the manticores wings and the tail off. The manticore falls to the surface. The caravan stops to watch it, and Fuyumi, fall until it crashes into the ground. "Fuyumi!" Anelia jumps off the carriage and runs to the crash site. "Fuyumi, are you okay?! Say something!" As the dust settles, Fuyumi is coming out, relatively unscathed. "Fuyumi!"
Royce runs up with his crew, "Missy, are you alright?"
"Yeah, more or less. That was a little close there. Luckily, I had a big ball of fur to soften my fall," Fuyumi notes.
Anelia breathes a sigh of relief, "Oh, thank the goddess. I was worried there for a second. You shouldn't be so reckless like that!" now, she's pouting.
Fuyumi smirks, "I knew you'd have my back. That's why I could do it. I feel better when you're with me," and now, Fuyumi's comment is making her blush a bit.
"Still though," Royce takes a look at the manticore's dead body. "You actually managed to take down a manticore. A lone mercenary couldn't do that. It would take a team most of the time. You ladies are tougher than you look. Not to mention a little crazy,"
Fuyumi looks back at the dead manticore, "Is there a chance this could be valuable?"
"Very valuable. There are those that like to study these monsters in order to find better ways to deal with them. The head, fangs, and venom are the most valuable. If we can collect the parts and clean it, you two should be able to make a little extra money with this. Looks like you ladies just earned yourselves a nice bonus to your reward. The mercenary guild will love this," Royce inspects the body.
"They took down a manticore. These chicks are crazy," one of his crew notes.
"But, still totally hot," another says, making Fuyumi groan.
The group collects the remains and after making sure everything is all good, they head to Daelom. After another day of travel and camping out, they finally arrive to the city. They did arrive a little later than originally planned, but the extra reward for the manticore was worth it to Fuyumi and Anelia.
The city has stone walls like any other, but these walls have been painted in different colors rather than remain a stone gray. Even the main gate has been decorated with some carvings on it. This is definitely the art capital of Anatolia. The guards at the gate are definitely stunned by the dead manticore in the caravan, but Royce explains what happened and they are quickly let in. Royce decides to head to the mercenary guild first to drop off the body and pay the girls their reward. Anelia and Fuyumi marvel at the sights around them. There are performers, singers and musicians, and other artists showing their talents. The place was so lively, it was almost like a festival was going on.
"No matter how many times you come here, it never gets old," Royce mutters at the city's mystique.
Soon enough, they reach the local mercenary guild. When Royce explained the situation, the guild master herself came out to see it. She was an older woman with an eye patch over her right eye, wearing a military-styled uniform, and a pair of cutlasses on her hips. She had graying long black hair.
"Oh, So, these two defeated a manticore all by themselves. I must admit, that's pretty good work. Be glad you only encountered one though. Sometimes they may hunt in pairs. Oh, by the way, I'm the guild master here. The name's Luna Castroff," Luna introduces herself.
"Hello, guild master. We're just finishing up a job, and here to sell these manticore remains. Will they sell well?" Fuyumi gestures to the manticore body.
"Yes, we'll take it off your hands. Let's go sign the paperwork for this and your job," with that, they head inside to finish up their job.
Once that is done, Royce bids the ladies farewell. Since they came all this way, Fuyumi and Anelia decides to see the sights after finding an inn to stay at. Anelia is amazed by the wonders the city has to offer. Fuyumi follows behind her, seeing if anything catches her eye. They have places selling paintings, sculptures, and clothing too. One clothing store catches her eye and gives her a slightly mischievous idea.
"Hey, Anelia, want to check out this place?" Fuyumi asks, pointing at a store to the side.
Anelia looks at the place, seeing it selling women's clothes, from dresses to more practical clothing.
"Um, sure, I don't mind. Is there something in there you like?" Anelia asks, not knowing what she's about to enter.
…
"Wait, I can't wear this! I wouldn't look good in it," Anelia complains while wearing a black gothic Lolita dress, with bows, frills, the whole shebang.
"Maybe not the right color, but you still look cute in that. I didn't think clothes shopping would be this fun. Usually, I saw it as a hassle," Fuyumi says. She then pulls out another outfit. "Let's see what else you'll look good in,"
"WHAT?!" Anelia cries.
The next few minutes are spent with Fuyumi practically forcing Anelia into different outfits. First, she put her in a maid outfit, then a belly dancer outfit (Anelia's face was so red with that one, Fuyumi actually got a little worried), and then a female knight outfit. Suffice to say, Anelia tried hitting Fuyumi after feeling so embarrassed, but Fuyumi just laughed it off.
"I can't believe you made me do that! That was so embarrassing," a blushing Anelia pouts while sitting at a table, looking tired.
The two girls are having a meal at a tavern.
"Come on now, you looked so cute in those outfits. You really pulled them off. That's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're much prettier than you may think," Fuyumi waves it off.
"What about you? Why don't I make you wear embarrassing outfits like that, huh," Anelia threatens her.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work, "Be my guest. I wonder how I would look in those outfits. While I might be a bit uncomfortable in them, I'm sure I'd look well all the same," Fuyumi says.
Anelia is reminded by how beautiful Fuyumi is. Hell, she could probably make a loin cloth look good. Won't be much of a punishment if she enjoys it.
Anelia sighs, "I think that's enough for me for one day. I just want to head back to the inn and rest. I'd like to read those books I got from the capital, too,"
"Sure. I'd like to look around a little more. I'll see you back at the inn," Fuyumi says.
Fuyumi escorts Anelia back to the inn so no one tries to make a move on her. After that, Fuyumi decides to check out a few places for herself. She stops at one spot in a large courtyard, finding a few women singing together. The song was a melodic tune, but very soothing to the ear. She always did like music. She watches a few more performances before hitting the clothing stores herself. She doesn't really buy any dresses or the like, but she does buy a few things in case she needs them for some... night activities. Of course, Anelia doesn't need to know that... for now anyway. After her little shopping session, Fuyumi checks out a few more performances. As the night sky comes alive, the city only seems to get more vibrant. Fuyumi decides to enjoy herself by checking out some more performers at a spot that includes tables and chairs for the guests. Apparently, performers from all over the continent come here to show off their skills. Which means different performances from different cultures. Including belly dancers from the Matriox Republic. Fuyumi enjoyed their dances. The dancers would even dance through the crowd, and a few draped their wraps over her shoulders. The ladies were indeed skilled and beautiful, but Fuyumi knew not to try anything, especially since she's engaged now. Doesn't mean she can't enjoy the show. Of course, there is always someone to ruin the show.
"Hey baby, why don't you come over here and dance on my lap," a man, obviously drunk, slaps his leg from another table.
His buddy starts next, "Yeah, how about you pour us a drink too,"
The two men make the other guests and the dancers uncomfortable. They get so rowdy that the show stops short. The drunk men stroll up on unsteady feet towards the dancers. However, most of the people here are afraid of getting involved. For fear of getting hurt, or getting arrested.
"Come on, sweetheart. Give me a dance here. Maybe something extra too," the drunk men are incredibly disrespectful.
At this point, Fuyumi has had it, "I think it's time you boys head home and sleep off the drinks. You're making these ladies uncomfortable, and the guests as well."
The drunk men turn to Fuyumi, "What you say, you little bitch?!" they stride right up to her. They look her up and down and show the same perverted looks at her as the dancers. "Maybe you'd like to take their place and give us a dance,"
"Though, you should lose all the extra layers first," the other reaches for her blood veil.
Fuyumi then kicks him in between his legs, causing the moron to fall to the floor while clutching his groin. His buddy gets pissed and throws a punch at Fuyumi, but she grabs his arms and flings him over her shoulder and through her table. After both are down, Fuyumi kicks them past everyone else. Just then, the city guard show up.
"What's going on here?" one of the guards ask, looking between Fuyumi and the two drunk idiots.
Before things get complicated, the host of the show steps up, "These two men had too much to drink and caused a scene. They were harassing the dancers until this lady here dealt with them. Please, she is not at fault here," the host explains. After getting similar statements from a few of the guests, the guards take the two drunk men into custody and take them away. The crowd cheers for Fuyumi's aid. The host then approaches Fuyumi, "Excuse me miss, are you a mercenary by chance?"
"Yes, I am. I came while finishing up a job and want to check out the city for a few days," Fuyumi replies.
"Then, if we were to put in a request for security at our shows, would you accept the job?" the host asks.
"Perhaps. I won't be in town for too long, but I will be here for a few days," Fuyumi says.
"Excellent. I may need your aid in that matter. But, as for tonight, to thank you for your help... girls," the host calls to the dancers.
"Yes, sir!" the dancers all nod together.
Two walk up and take Fuyumi by her arms, pulling her to the stage. Another sets a chair down and they sit her down. The music goes again and the girls start dancing all around Fuyumi. Guess she gets a first-class seat to the show as her reward. The ladies take turns dancing in front of Fuyumi, draping their wraps on her shoulders. It was a very sexy performance, if Fuyumi was being honest. The crowd certainly enjoyed the scene. The ladies laughed and giggled as they performed for Fuyumi. Once the dance was over, there was applause from the crowd. Since it was late, people were starting to head home for the night. For Fuyumi, it was time to head back to the inn. Of course, the girls didn't want her to leave just yet.
"Oh, you don't want to stay a little longer? One dancer asks while holding her arm.
"Yeah, we'd be willing to give you another dance. Maybe somewhere a little quieter?" and Fuyumi's second arm is seized.
It was very tempting for Fuyumi, but she just couldn't do it, "I appreciate the offer, ladies, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass. I must be getting back,"
"Oh, that's a shame. We were hoping you'd stick around," the girls pout.
"Well, at least let us bid you off properly," and then all the dancers each give Fuyumi a kiss on her cheeks. "Hope to see you again soon,"
Fuyumi bids them a goodnight and heads back to the inn. Along the way, she stops by a local fountain to wash off the lipstick off her cheeks. Wouldn't want Anelia to question her about it. Once she reaches the inn and gets to her room, she opens it to find Anelia at the desk, asleep and head resting on an open book. Fuyumi smiles at seeing the cute scene. Picking Anelia up in a bridal carry, she carries her friend and tucks her into bed.
"Fuyumi..." Anelia mutters in her sleep.
Fuyumi strokes her fingers through Anelia's hair. She really is too cute. There's just one problem: Fuyumi's engaged now. She likes Emilia, but she likes Anelia too. But, she can't betray Emilia. It's the reason why she politely refused the dancers' offer earlier that evening. It is something she'll have to discuss with Emilia the next time she sees her. But, that is something to worry about another time. Right now, it is time for sleep. Fuyumi gets into bed and drifts off to sleep.
…
"Anelia has left the magi academy? So, we shouldn't be concerned now," a mysterious voice sounds out in the dark.
"No, we can't stop, not until she's dead. She humiliated me; I can't let that stand," another voice, encased in anger, says.
"Seriously, we have more important things to worry about than your grudge with one girl. Besides, you can't just make it disappear by killing her. Everyone saw what happened. You lost to her," a female voice says this time.
"I don't care. Defeat is not a word someone in my position should know. We can't do anything to the school, or the headmistress, but we can still get to her. I want that girl found and I want her dead and her remains scattered across the land," the angry voice remains adamant.
"We know she's traveling as a mercenary in Anatolia. She's currently in Daelom, the art capital of the kingdom. I've already sent some people there to deal with her. However, we also know that she's traveling with that woman named Fuyumi Kusanagi. The one who the king himself made an honorary knight and is now engaged to Duke Joseph's daughter. She may be a problem," the female voice notes.
"If you're as good as you say you are, then it shouldn't matter," the second voice says.
The first voice sighs, "We'll uphold our end of the contract. Anelia Lumare cannot know about her true origins. But, be sure to uphold yours. Need I remind you that we do not serve you. You came to us for help, remember. Our master has to time to waste on petty squabbles. Fail us again, and it'll be your remains scattered across the land..."
"I'll do what you ask; just kill her. Just kill Anelia Lumare..."
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and Anelia reach Daelom, and already are seeing what the city has to offer. Meanwhile, Fuyumi wonders about what to do with her engagement to Emilia and her growing feelings for Anelia. However, it seems she may have to put that on hold, with unknown forces moving against Anelia. Will Fuyumi figure out what to do with her love life? Who are the mysterious people trying to kill Anelia? Until then, please Read and Review.