She heard his voice. The voice of her master. "Serpentis, come before me." The older woman walked up while adjusting her draconic mask that covered only the top half of her face. She stared at the back of a large office chair, which was something she was used to at this point. It was the signal that said "I'm currently out right now, but I request your audience." *She got down on one knee while keeping eye contact away from the chair. A rather pleased "Good," came from her master.
"To what do I owe the honor of being called in?" Her tone was cold, but thankfully, he was used to it.
"Luxure has awoken from her…slumber. Do you mind paying her a little visit?" Her master's words always made a little part of her body shiver. Maybe it was just the way he said "Slumber" that could have made her skin crawl, and even though she couldn't see him. She knew a part of him enjoyed that sensation. The faint laughter coming from behind the chair was good confirmation of this. "You know I trust you more than anyone to handle this. Make sure she doesn't take no for an answer." She rose to her feet and bowed before the chair before leaving the room. Although, as she set one foot on the other side of the door. He spoke up one last time, "Oh, and make sure that the Bunker Dragon family receives my invitation as well. M.A.S.K.E.R can always use strong monsters like them."
"Yes master." She muttered under her breath. The door slammed shut right behind her; leaving her in a rather fancy looking office lobby.
Another person was standing in front of her: a black male with a domino mask. He tipped his dusty brown cowboy hat. "Did the master chew you out?" he asked in a deep voice. She walked past him, but he scooted just enough to block her off. "I'm asking you a question, what happened in there?" She kept her gaze averted. The only thing she could see was his right arm and leg, and with one smooth motion, she placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him away. The sound of him falling down on the polished floors was audible, and it made her snicker while she left him on the ground. "Friendly as always huh Serpentis? Is Master's little whipping girl too good to fill in one of her teammates about what he said?" She pressed the button to call for the elevator. The sounds of the man's footsteps grew louder, before he was right behind her. He took a deep breath, before placing a hand on her shoulder and turning her around to face him. "I'm not a fan of your attitude. I just want to know what happened. Maybe I could help you?"
"Get off me." Her tone was even colder when dealing with him. She placed two fingers on the dark blue gem on top of the forehead of her mask. She felt the chill that came from it the more she concentrated, and it wasn't long before he just let her go, with a gruff sounding huff.
"Forget it. See if I help you if you actually get in trouble then." He walked off. As the elevator came up, she snickered again, before stepping inside.
"I don't need assistance…especially from you Dune." She mumbled to herself while the doors began to close. She stood there just waiting for it to reach the bottom floor. She reached into the pocket of her midnight blue long coat, and pulled out a Buddyfight card. On it was a picture of bipedal wolf-like beast made of what looked like fire. Its arms and legs were covered with some sort of dark purple gauntlets and greaves respectively, and a matching Athenian helmet covering some of its face that allowed its long fiery light blue hair to still be visible. She kept the card close to her, as the dinging sound of the elevator was heard. She stepped out into the downstairs lobby and raised the card in the air. "Star Beast, heed my call!" A flash of light emanated from her card, as right before her eyes: the same beast of the card appeared before her, except it was a good few feet taller than her. All it did stare at her, as she placed a hand on the side of its head. The monster leaned its head close to hers', before it tried its own attempt at nuzzling her face with its forehead. The strands of her icy blue hair almost tickled its face. She just stared back at it, and continued to rub across the exposed part of its fiery fur with ease. Afterwards, she hopped on its back, "Now, to Dragon World!" She tapped on the gemstone on her mask once more, which caused a dark looking portal to open up before them. "We have a few guests to acquire." The monster dove into the portal while it closed behind them.
What did Chanteuse mean by "We have a lot to discuss?" Well, she knew what that meant exactly, but she was so confused. It felt as if so much happened in such a short period of time. It would have been nice if she could get her bearings, as she only just awoke today. She pulled back enough so that she could stare at Chanteuse's face, without breaking their embrace. Although, Avarice's throat clearing was a clear indicator that maybe they two of them were being a bit too friendly.
"Sorry about that," Chanteuse's right head said to Avarice while letting go of Luxure. She could see the blush on both of the Othrus' faces. The left one spoke up. "We could always talk somewhere a bit more private. Why don't we head out of here?"
"If you have anything to explain, then please include me!" Drum exclaimed as he stood in front of the women with his arms folded. "Thank you for keeping her company, but shouldn't you go back to your training?"
"O-Oh, yeah, of course." Avarice said while rubbing the back of her head. She ran past the two, and turned around a few moments after to wave at her. "Nice seeing you Luxure! I hope you can stop by again, and maybe you'll be able to meet my mother next time!"
"Maybe I will," she said while waving her off. Watching as the young dragon almost skipped back home. She turned back to Drum once Avarice was far enough away. "I do apologize for all that."
"No need." Drum turned over to look at Chanteuse. She noticed that his eyes looked at Chanteuse's own generous breasts, before turning back to look at her, then down to her chest. She snickered and cupped them before giving them a good shake for the Armordragon. "I can definitely tell she's a friend of yours." He extended a hand to Chanteuse. "I'm Drum Bunker Dragon."
"I'm Twin Songstress, Chanteuse, but please…" she grabbed onto his larger hand with both of hers'. "Call me Chanteuse," both heads let loose a low growl, but still kept a rather happy look.
"You wanted to join in on our conversation then?" she asked.
"Yeah, but I rather us talk inside." He looked behind him. The three of them could see how happy his children were while playing around outside. Their laughter made her feel warm, and she saw that Chanteuse held a hand close her to chest while staring at them.
"I'm fine with that," she said.
"I understand your worry, but this is something between Gala Maidens only," Chanteuse stated.
"You do understand that you both are at my home right, so if something is going on, I need to know what that is." The two stared at one another. Chanteuse keeping one hand on her right hip while tapping her foot. She leaned in closer to his face. He grinned and placed a hand on her shoulder. Her left head glared at him. It looked like that head was going to bite at his hand, but Chanteuse's right one was staring at her. She walked up and politely hit Chanteuse's left head, which caused it to turn over to her.
"What was that for?" the left head asked. "Because you were making me look foolish," the right one said.
She stepped in front of Chanteuse. "Drum has a point though, this is his home, and we'd be rude guests if we discussed these matters in private." She did a quick curtsey, with Chanteuse doing the same. Although it took her a few seconds to do so. Luxure stared at Drum and placed a hand on his shoulder. "He helped me during a time where I was unable to move. A time where many would have just considered me dead, so we can trust him."
"Do you remember what happened to the last person you trusted?" Chanteuse asked. That was a good question though. She didn't know what happened. She couldn't remember much, so instead, she just stared at her. Tilting her head off to the side and raising a brow. Both of Chanteuse's heads sighed. "I was hoping you did, because all I know was that whoever you last let into our hall got us into the situation we are in now, but I'm unsure of what actually happened, and who this person was."
"Oh so you're suffering with some slight amnesia as well?" Drum asked.
"What?" The Orthus' right head asked. "Heck no!" the left head barked back. "I just don't remember what happened that much then, but I know who I am, where we are, and much more."
Drum just snickered, "No need to get so heated." He began to walk back home, so she followed right behind him, with Chanteuse right behind her. "I just wanted to make sure that you both are okay. Although, I wasn't expecting two ladies to come home with me today."
"Thank you," they both said in unison. It wasn't that long, before they arrived inside of the stone temple itself. The inside of it was minimalistic. It only had a table and what looked like a rustic couch pushed away in the corner. Drum walked ahead towards the back rooms, as she took a step forward; Drum raised his right hand, as if he was trying to tell her to wait here. He soon was gone, which left the two of them here to wait.
"How long has it been?" she asked.
"I assume you're talking about how long have you been away? I don't quite remember the exact time, but it has been quite a few years." Chanteuse dusted off her gown, before slowly sitting down on the cool stone floor. She wiggled her hips a bit to make sure she was as comfortable as she could be.
Luxure sped over to Chanteuse. She looked down at her, with her hands on her wide hips, as she leaned down closer to the Orthus. "What about the rest of the Gala Maidens? Where are they? Don't tell me that they are…"
It wasn't long, before the two girls saw some steam coming from one of the back rooms. Drum walked out from back there with a metallic pitcher that had steam emanating from the spout in one hand, and in the other he had a plate that had a two teacups on it. Each one had a tea bag inside. He placed the pitcher on the table, before placing a teacup in front of Chanteuse, and one right on the other end of the table. She sat down by the cup while Drum poured some hot water in her cup first, before pouring some in Chanteuse's. "Quite the gentleman," Chanteuse said while gently bouncing the tea bag up and down, before letting it set.
"Thank you," she said before doing the same with her own. She blew at her hot tea a few times, before watching as Drum left again for the back room.
"As usual my lady, you find rather interesting company." Chanteuse's left head spoke up.
"He's very nice though."
"Of course he is, but I'm still not used to his...hospitality."
"That's because you are so used to Darkness Dragon World hospitality," she laughed while Chanteuse smirked back at her.
"I'm used to Gala Maiden hospitality though." The right head spoke up. Chanteuse reached over to bring in Luxure for another hug. The two women smiled at one another, before breaking their rather quick hug.
"Speaking of which, what happened to the rest of our members?"
"No clue my lady, I recently awoke today."
"Wait!? You were in the same state as well?" she exclaimed. Chanteuse nodded while taking a sip of her tea. How she was able to enjoy unsweetened tea was always a mystery to her. It always tasted so bland, and the minor tea taste wasn't enough for her. "Did you happen to see…you know?"
"A giant skull?"
"So you did see him!" she exclaimed.
"See who?" Drum asked as he walked back out, this time with some leaves that he placed down on the table. "I don't quite have sugar, but these leaves are just as good." She looked at them: they looked…cooked, with them being a rather burnt orange in color. Some parts of them looked a bit more charred than others, which made her raise a brow. "I know they look odd, but trust me, they do the trick. It's much easier to get sweets from earth than in Dragon World, but we have ways of making due." She grabbed onto the stem of the leaf gingerly. She was kind of worried that it would just break if she moved it, but surprisingly, it didn't. The second she dipped it into the tea though: it dissolved. She gasped while yanking it right out. Only half of the leaf was in her hand now, with the other half being nearly vaporized by her drink. "Don't worry about it. That's supposed to happen. Dip in the rest of it, then give it a sip." Chanteuse watched while taking another sip from her unsweetened tea. Luxure meanwhile just did as Drum said and dunked the rest of it inside. Just like before: it dissolved into the steaming hot beverage, but soon there was a rather pleasant smelling aroma coming from it. Her nostrils flared as she took a few good whiffs. It smelled like sweet pumpkins. She grabbed onto the handle of her teacup with her right hand and the base of it with her left. After blowing on it a few more times, she took a sip. That sip soon turned into a quick swig once the sweetened taste of pumpkins flooded her mouth. The aroma just added to the taste of it. Who knew that some random leaves could actually provide such a taste?
"Well, I see Dragon World still has those specialized herbs," Chanteuse said.
"Why would any of us just stop using them? Even though many of us have ways to get materials, spices, or the like. We still find it useful to hold on to some of these things." Drum plopped down, as Luxure took another sip of her tea. "After all, they can come in handy." He smiled at her.
She placed the teacup down and looked at the table, but sadly something was missing from it. Something that Chanteuse noticed. She handed her a white dinner napkin. "Oh, thank you." She rubbed the soft cloth against her mouth while looking at the Armordragon. "Thanks Drum. I dislike the taste of unsweetened tea."
"You need to get used to it," Chanteuse quipped back, before smirking at the two of them. "It's quite refreshing."
"So what did you want to know about?"
"Well, why don't we start with that whole skull creature that you both were talking about?" She shut her mouth the instant he said that while Chanteuse closed her eyes and sighed.
"It's quite rude to spy on women while they are talking."
Drum's nostrils flared. "I overheard about it while I was on the way back to you both."
"I actually wanted to continue that discussion. You mentioned that you saw the same skull. Did you happen to get his name?"
Chanteuse looked away. She could tell that the Orthus was still a bit hesitant. She looked at both her and Drum at once, before taking a deep breath. "The skull mentioned that his name was Vanity Husk Destroyer." She paused for a brief moment, and took another deep breath. "He also mentioned that he ran into you, but I was also in no condition to go look for you. At least I wasn't before. Apparently he said something about my spirit being damaged, or something of that nature."
"So he healed you too!" she exclaimed. Chanteuse nodded, before looking back over to Drum.
"Have you heard of him?"
"Sadly no, but a name like that sounds like trouble. Regardless, I wanted to speak with you Luxure about getting you re-situated, but with your friend here now." He looked over to Chanteuse, who was staring at the both of them. "I think a different option may be appropriate for you both." He crossed his arms. "I assume you know of our relation to Earth right?"
"Of course," both ladies said in unison.
"Good." He let out a sigh of relief. "Glad to know that." He stood up. "I think it may be best then for your both to start your search…" Drum's pupils narrowed as he turned his head off out to the field. "Get down!" he shouted. Without warning Chanteuse tackled her down to the ground. Thankfully, her hair cushioned some of the blow of the back of her head hitting against the stone floor. Chanteuse meanwhile, had her arms wrapped around her. Flying past there head was a frozen arrow that seemed to glisten like the stars in the night sky. The arrow was embedded into the ground right near the top of her head. Drum walked up to them and grabbed the arrow. It looked like his body shivered for a second, before he yanked it out of the ground with ease. "Chanteuse, do you mind getting off of me?" she asked while trying to move her body, but Chanteuse held on tight.
"Not until we know the assailant the gone!"
"We are Gala Maidens! We laugh at danger, and meet it head on!" She looked past Chanteuse's heads. "You hear me! Show yourself!" A loud howling roar came from right outside, and few of Drum's children ran inside right behind their father.
"There's a weird monster outside!" one of them shouted.
"Yeah and it's on fire!" another one chimed in.
'On fire?' Luxure thought as pushed Chanteuse off of her. She looked off in the direction where the arrow came from. She couldn't see anyone in the distance, she turned back towards the arrow. A note was oddly enough tied onto it. She was going to reach for it, but then she heard a familiar voice from outside.
"Get out of here. This is Bunker family ground."
"Avarice!" both Drum and Luxure shouted. Running inside of the temple were a few of Drum's children. All them quickly held onto their father, most of them seemed rather distraught. "Luxure, Chanteuse, both of you wait here." Drum looked down at his children. "Don't worry, those two will keep you both safe." He managed to get them off of his legs, and ran out soon after.
As she tried to take a step forward; Chanteuse spoke up. "Are you planning on disobeying him?"
"I'm not going to let him head out there alone. I owe him for helping me."
"Great, then I'm going with you."
"No, you stay here and watch the kids."
"What!?" Chanteuse shouted, only to hear a few sniffling sounds coming from behind her. She turned around and saw them staring at the two of them.
"Remember the first part of the Gala Maiden code?" she asked
Chanteuse closed her eyes, and puffed out her chest. Her generous bust barely bounced within the tight confines of her gown. "No matter what evil rises against us," the right head said. "We'll take it down as a team," the left one finished.
Luxure smiled, "Exactly, and in this case, being a team means splitting up. I'll help out Drum and Avarice while you watch the children, and make sure whoever tried to shoot at us, doesn't hit them." She raised her right hand up in the air.
Chanteuse nodded and gave her a high five that turned into them grabbing each other's hand, before bringing each other in close face to face. "As you wish my lady." The two broke off with a rather flowy twirl, with Luxure running out of the temple. She saw the rather strange looking fiery wolf outside, with Avarice on her knees. She was clutching onto her wand while looking at the monster before them. Drum meanwhile was right in front of her, with his arms stretched out to shield her. She could hear him snarl, and could only imagine that his nostrils flared at the beast in front of them. The creature itself just looked so odd though. Then again, there were many odd creatures in the Buddyfight world. The wolf was currently walking back and forth on all fours. She couldn't see any eyes on it, but it looked like it was staring at both Drum and her, with how its head moved from one of them to the other.
"Get away from my daughter!" Drum shouted, but the beast didn't respond. It just stood up straight. It was about Drum's height, and the Armordragon was already a good couple of feet taller than her. It looked over to Avarice, who was glaring at it. Luxure took a step forward, and the creature's head quickly snapped back to her. It dropped down to all fours and jumped past them. Its target was now her. She felt her body shiver, but she dropped down the ground, with her back towards it, before thrusting her leg straight up at it. Catching the creature's jaw with her dark grey boot. The moment her foot touched it though, she felt it: a searing pain ran through her leg, and it felt like if her whole body was about to catch on fire. Drum followed up by grabbing it by the tail, and slamming the monster down on the ground in one smooth motion. The two of them looked at it, as it was slowly rising to its feet. "Avarice, go inside."
"But, you and Luxure…"
"Can handle ourselves just fine, now go!" Drum roared out. His daughter followed his command and ran inside, which left the two of them with this thing that now was standing up right with its claws bared. It raised its head up and let loose a howl. A howl that was so loud, she felt her body vibrating somewhat due to her proximity. Drum just snarled back, as he jumped straight for it, but at that moment: they heard a woman's voice.
"I cast!" The second Drum's fist was about to collide with the wolf's armored face a golden grail that was almost as large as them suddenly came out from nowhere. A bright light resonated from it, and it repelled Drum right from the monster. "Holy Grail!"
"That's a Legend World spell, but how is that being cast here?" Luxure asked. Her eyes quickly looked at the direction of the voice. Looking up showed her the one that cast that spell: A woman in a dragon half-mask was hovering in the air. "A human?"
"What's it to you?" the woman asked. Her gaze looked over to Drum, who despite having his attack blocked: was in mid grapple with the monster. She placed her hand on top of the gem upon on her mask. "You need to get off of him, Fang Slade," as she said that. It felt as if a cold breeze was blowing in. The harder her fingers pressed against the gem; the colder it got. Luxure held onto herself. Her body shook; it shivered and felt weaker. She could see her breath as it got colder and colder. Drum was doing his best to handle the cold, and he even managed to lock the beast into a tight choke hold. Those muscular arms of his did a good job in overpowering the beast, but the cold was starting to get to him. His own body was starting to shiver, and there was actual frost forming on his body.
"Cut the spell out now," Drum commanded. "Or I'll make sure your monster won't make it out of this assault alive." His pupils narrowed at the woman, who just responded with a smile. A smile that seemed so malicious in nature, and one that she seemed to enjoy a bit too much.
"How cute. You think you can give orders. Look around you," she said. The grass around them was practically dead at this point, with most of it actually being covered in snow. They could even see each other's breath as they spoke. She wanted to move, but it felt like all the strength was drained from her. "Do you really think you are in any position to bark orders at me, but fine, I'll bring you both back to my master as frozen statues if need be!" she shouted
"L-Luxure. It's taking all my strength to n-not let this thing go," Drum began to stutter. Oddly enough as it grew colder, the monster he was holding onto changed in color from the fiery orange it was before; to a rather colder looking dark blue. It actually looked like some sort of stars were twinkling inside of its body now. "I got a plan though. You ready?" Was she though? It pained her to take a step forward, she didn't want to know what was going to happen if she actually tried any serious movement, but she had to do something.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I didn't just wake up to end up some freak's statue!" she exclaimed.
"Such a shame. Actually, it isn't." She drew a card from the gem. "Impact!"
"Now Luxure!" Drum shouted as he span his body around, along with the wolf he held onto. He was building up something, and the payoff was him throwing the monster straight for the floating woman.
'Standard Dragon World plan, just rush them,' she thought, 'but hey it's an opening.' She tried to run. It was hard, but was able to break out into a sprint. Her eyelids felt heavy though, and she didn't know if she'd be able to capitalize on Drum's plan, but if she got to finish whatever this Impact of hers' was: they'd be goners. She jumped up in the air; trying to strike at the beast, but she couldn't reach it. 'No! I can't, not here.'
"My lady!"
'Chanteuse.' Her eyes looked back for a brief moment, and there she was. Chanteuse ran right out of the temple, and straight under where she was. "Give me a boost!"
"With pleasure." Chanteuse jumped straight up towards her. At that point she used her hands to give Luxure the last boost she needed, and launched her up higher in the air. She span around in the air with what she would call a "dazzling display". One, two, and three spins she preformed in the air, before she finished things off, with a swift kick straight at the beast, which sent it careening right at the woman. The woman let out an audible grunt as her monster slammed right into her, stopping whatever she had in store for them, and knocking her down to the ground where they were. Luxure then landed on her feet, before holding her head up high as she looked at their assailants.
"Splendid work as always my lady," Chanteuse said, as the two of them exchanged a congratulatory high five.
"I honestly couldn't have done it without your help," she said, before throwing her arms around her, and bringing her in close for a hug. She could see the blush on both of Chanteuse's faces.
"I'm always glad to be of assistance."
She broke the hug and walked over to Drum, who held out his hand. She got the message and held onto it. Both dragons tightened their grip and shook. "Thank you as well Drum, but…" she paused to look around them. Drum's home was still somewhat of a winter wonderland, even with the woman's impact interrupted. "How long will this last?"
"I don't know, but first." Drum and her broke from their handshake. All three of them walked up to the downed duo. The masked woman was already climbing out from under her monster. She slowly rose to feet, before dusting off her jacket and skirt. "Who are you and what are you doing at my home!?"
"My name is Serpentis, and I come under my master's wish to invite you both to join up with M.A.S.K.E.R. My master seems to know you Fang Slade, and for some reason he seems to know of you as well Luxure, but I don't need to get your answer. You've proven your point for now, but the invitation will still be there," she said, before moving her hand downward, which caused a dark portal to open up. "Star Beast, let's head back."
"Like hell I'll let you get away!" Chanteuse shouted, but Luxure grabbed onto her and pulled her back with them, before she could jump after Serpentis. Their assailants soon vanished into the portal; leaving the three of them outside in the cold. Luxure began to shiver once again, while Chanteuse just sighed. "Why did you stop me?"
"Because we should go back inside, and get somewhere warm until this cold spell passes. I assume that since she ran away, this weird cold summoned will go away as well," Drum said. He turned around to start walking inside.
"How are you so fine with the cold?" Chanteuse asked. The two women though stared over his body once more. He was a muscular dragon for sure. His arms, chest, legs, and even tail were all rather fitting for a dragon as fit as him. Luxure even remembered how his muscles bulged when wrestling with Serpentis' Star Beast monster. She felt a swelling heat in her cheeks as her eyes continued to look over his toned body. She could imagine how lucky his wife must be to have a dragon like him. To be able to rub her face against a broad chest like his, to feel her face rub against those muscles of his, with those powerful arms to wrap around her body in a loving embrace each night, and on very special nights. Oh how her mind wandered on how nights between him and his wife must have been. Making her shiver once more, but this time, it was about something more...pleasurable.
'Mhmm, it seems my libido is still the same,' Luxure thought while giggling to herself.
"Enjoying the view?" Drum snickered.
Chanteuse just sighed and tapped her on the shoulder, before turning her around to face her. "Check him out later. We still have more to discuss," she said.
"Oh yeah, Drum you mentioned something before about starting out search somewhere other than Dragon World?" Luxure asked.
Drum though gestured for the two of them to come inside with him. "We'll discuss this while in someplace warm." She was about to follow Drum, when she felt Chanteuse grab onto her shoulder.
"Don't let your other side fully take over Luxure," Chanteuse said, both heads for once shared the same serious emotional state, and a stern gaze. "Be careful please my lady." Both heads said in unison.
"C-Chanteuse, do you really think I'd really let that happen?" She watched as Chanteuse walked past her and into the temple. She sighed, and looked up into the sky. 'One day, I'll find you again my friend. I'll get stronger so that I can unseal you.' She rubbed the back of her head, before thinking back to Drum. 'Actually, you'd probably love to meet Drum. He seems like your type.' Luxure giggled to herself for a moment. 'Still though, who was that monster, and what does this Serpentis and her master want with Drum and me?'
"Hey Luxure!" Avarice shouted from the temple's open entrance. She looked over to the young dragoness, who was currently waving at her. "Come on inside. You don't want to freeze right?" She actually kind of forgot about the cold. Her thoughts and desires distracted her. She stared at Avarice. She looked so sweet, yet something about that triangular pointed snout seemed familiar. Like she's seen it somewhere before, and on another dragon. She was Drum's daughter, so some her looks of course would come from her mother, but it seems like most of her looks came from her.
"I'll be in there, thanks." She said. Avarice didn't move though. An act that made her smile. 'How sweet,' she thought. She walked up to Avarice, and ruffled her hair again, which made her pout right at her, but Avarice gave her a hug.
"Thanks for helping my dad," she said while looking up to her.
"You're welcome, but I didn't do much. He did most of the work." The two of them stared at each for a few moments, before they laughed to one another while walking back inside into the warm confines that was Drum's temple.