Chapter 18
"So this is where you will be sleeping. I apologize that it's such a mess but I just moved here the other day." The young blonde smiled brightly at the younger girl. "If you'd like I can show you around the area or we can just get some sleep."
Kate looked around the large tent in awe; it was nicer than the house she had lived in nearly every way. The floor was comprised of various furs that were both warm and soft on her blistered feet and the furnishings were all of quality wood and leather. There was a very large bed on the far side that was covered in bright, white furs and Kate felt her knees weaken at the sight. "Sleep would be wonderful Miss Hannah."
The older girl giggled. "Oh please, just Hannah is fine." Her smile faded and her look changed to hopeful. "I understand you must be so very afraid and missing your family but I was thinking that maybe…" She paused for a moment, her hands fidgeting nervously. "Maybe we could be friends?"
"I'd like that, Hannah." Kate smiled as the other girl's face lit up with joy. She wasn't sure why the girl was so happy over something so simple but it was nice to see such a bright smile after such a dark day. "Can I borrow a fur? I know I shouldn't be asking for things so soon for arriving and the floor has so many but those white ones are so beautiful."
Hannah stared at the girl for a moment and began giggling uncontrollably. Once she realized the younger girl was more confused than amused, she cleared her throat and fixed her long, blonde hair. "You can sleep on the bed if you wish Kate. I won't bite I promise. I'd never make you sleep on the floor!" She giggled again and made her way over to the bed. "There's some spare clothing in the chest on the other side. It might not fit you too well but we can worry about that tomorrow."
Kate nodded and approached the bedside, running a hand along the fur as she approached the chest. It was just as soft as she had imagined. She quickly changed before climbing into the large bed. A gasp escaped her as she sunk into the soft mattress; it was just as incredibly soft as the furs that she now pulled over her.
"If you need anything at all Kate, just wake me up ok? I'm a light sleeper so it won't be difficult."
She smiled at the older girl who blew out the last remaining candle. "Good night Hannah. I am glad I made a friend today, despite the circumstances."
The smile on Hannah's face was clear through her voice even in the dark. "I'm glad as well Kate. I know it's difficult at first but I promise that I will look after you. And if Mistress Solari has taken a liking to you there will be little to fear."
Nodding as she nuzzled into the soft furs, Kate thought about the events of the day. 'Both Solari and Hannah have been so nice to me. Why? All the other women have killed any who became a burden but so far these two have taken me under their wings. I am beyond grateful but I need to find out what about me makes them consider my well-being as a priority.'
Blood sprayed the dark granite wall followed shortly by the sound of a body collapsing to stone floor. Silence rang in the aftermath of the sudden strike and the three remaining Harvesters swallowed nervously. One finally gained the courage to speak.
"We do not doubt in you Mistress. We are simply," she paused as she searched for the word that would be least likely to result in her following the path of twitching corpse before her. "curious as to what purpose she will serve. There are many who already dislike that Hannah has been allowed to live so long. Is this new girl to follow suit or is she here for some other purpose?"
Fiery, ruby eyes glared at the girl before her. She was of average build and nothing spectacular to look at but she was well-known for her incredible archery talents. She had long chestnut hair and pale skin that looked lighter still because of her crimson eyes and dark lips. "I don't recall a period arriving in which I explained myself to any of you. Last I checked I was in charge and if anyone would like to challenge me for my position they are welcome to."
Nothing was said from the three girls before her; the two short blondes had no interest in conflict and even the frustrated chestnut-haired girl was not willing to stand up to their leader. Solari was well known for her combat prowess and had never sustained an injury in combat from the time she arrived as a mortal to the present. "No Mistress." She mumbled submissively.
"Good. Now clean up this mess and stay out of my sight for the remainder of the night." She turned and walked back to her chambers; her long raven hair falling behind her like a jet-black waterfall.
The girls shared a look before turning and leaving. They would instruct servants to perform the task and spend the time saved looking into information on the young girl. It wouldn't be hard; they had plenty of villagers to 'question'.
As she entered her chamber, Solari sighed and tossed her sword belt onto a chair and flopped on her bed. 'Why must everything always be so complicated? Things went so smoothly when that heartless bitch ran things. Why can't they go so well now? Our new High Priestess is all but useless I understand but am I not a better leader than Paine was?' She growled and rolled onto her back before kicking off her boots and running both hands through her long, soft hair.
Looking up at the ceiling, she sighed and closed her eyes. It had been a long time since she had walked so much and her body was less than pleased with her decision to have done it. 'What am I doing? If someone begins to see me being soft on someone they could hurt her to spite me. As much as I can convince myself that I would make them suffer terribly it would not undo the fact. What if they killed her? There is no suffering that could be worth such an offense.' She wiped a stray tear from her eyes as it ran back towards her hair. 'A mess. I'm already a mess over something so stupid.'
The raven-haired girl got to her feet and slipped her robe off, allowing it to fall unceremoniously to the floor in a heap. A shiver overtook her at the cool air against her mostly bare flesh; a black thong was the only article still remaining. As she climbed back into bed she reached under her pillow and retrieved a crescent moon-shaped necklace. Looking it over she felt tears spring into her eyes anew. "Oh Claire…"
"Solari! Wait for me!"
Crimson eyes watched impatiently as the blonde girl stumbled over the rough terrain in attempt to keep up with her. "You might be the slowest person I've ever met. How do you expect to become one of us at this rate?"
Claire cast her eyes to the ground and sniffled, immediately feeling tears burning in her eyes at the harsh reprimand. "I… I'm s-s-sorry Solari!" She wailed as the tears spilled down her cheeks.
Flinching at the emotional outburst, Solari stepped close and embraced the sobbing girl. "Oh Claire, none of that now."
"B-b-but you are m-m-mad at me!" Her bright blue eyes were wide as she looked up into the crimson ones belonging to the girl who held her. "I… I keep tr-tr-trying my best but I'm not g-g-good enough!"
Solari felt her heart aching at the site of Claire in such distress. The older girl was hardly ever stern with her but even when she was this was an unusual response. "Claire you are everything to me. Why would you think you are not good enough? I only am hard on you because I would never forgive myself if you were to fail."
Finally having calmed down, at least enough that she was able to breathe normally, Claire pouted her cherry lips. "You've not summoned me to visit in over a week now. I still have another month until my trial so I know it is not related to that. I keep thinking you've replaced me."
"I would never replace you Claire." A small smile crossed her blood-red lips. "You are the one and only person I would ever invite into my chamber, let alone my bed."
Claire blushed and a smile finally managed to find its way onto her face. "So you're not mad at me? I didn't do something to upset you?"
Stroking the blonde hair of the younger girl, Solari kissed her forehead. "You have done no such thing, Claire. I simply have been too stressed from dealing with some of the others and trying to remain out of Mistress Paine's way. I am sorry for having neglected you."
Resting her head on Solari's shoulder, Claire smile and closed her eyes. "I'm so glad Solari. I don't think I could go on without you. The others are so terrible to me."
"And yet you refuse to name them, leaving me powerless to stop it."
"I am not willing to burden you with my foolish problems. It is a part of the training and I will endure. I have to." Claire kissed Solari's neck along the collar of her robes, enjoying the slight murmur that the older girl made.
Running her fingers through long blonde hair, Solari gently gripped it and maneuvered the other girl's head back. "Claire we shouldn't. It's nearly time for you to return to your tent."
A breathy whisper against her ear sent a shiver down her spine. "Then we'd better hurry, no?"
As teeth nipped her ear Solari felt her cautions burn away. Still gripping the blonde by her hair, she pulled her close and engulfed the soft, cherry lips with her own. Deft hands moved quickly and in moments two robes were discarded. Soft flesh met soft flesh as the two lovers moved to the soft grass; hungry lips finding sensitive regions causing muffled groans to break the otherwise silent woods.
It was dark out but Sarion and the three girls found their way back to the camp quickly. Fortune had smiled on them in that all of the horses had remained nearby. They were greeted warmly by the lonely animals and quickly mounted up; Kyia making sure to ride in front of Sarion to the great displeasure of Rikku.
"So Sarion," the white-haired girl cooed as they rode towards the coast. "Who is the blonde girl?"
Watching the horizon and doing his best to ignore her intentionally shifting her hips against him, Sarion muttered in response. "None of your concern. Once we find Paine I will allow you to speak with her and then you are going back to the village."
Taking a hand from the reins, Kyia slid it along the inside of Sarion's thigh; his sharp intake of breath not going unnoticed. "You like her and she likes you. I can see it. Is she the reason you refuse to be mine so soon?"
As he leaned closed to answer due to the wind, emerald eyes burned into his back. Yuna noticed Rikku's hostile glare and brought her horse closer to her cousin's.
"Rikku, are you okay?"
The blonde looked over with a mixed expression on her face. "I don't like her Yunie." She whined. "I don't trust her and I don't like how 'friendly' she is with Sarion."
Yuna grinned and winked at the other girl. "You really like him, don't you? Does he like you?"
As her mind wandered, a blush filled the younger girl's cheeks. "You could say that." She giggled and looked ahead while trying to read the body language of the two on the white horse.
"So do you love her?" Her voice was calm but her heart was suddenly racing.
Sarion paused for a moment before answering. "I don't know. I know that she is unlike anyone I've ever met and her attitude and personality are spirit lifting beyond words."
Kyia bit her lip and turned her head to face him, her crimson eyes showing how exposed her emotions were. "And me? Am I just like any other girl, Sarion?"
Swallowing hard and recognizing the fragile situation, Sarion offered a warm smile. "Of course not Koshka. You too are unlike anyone else. Not only have you been a valued friend for all these years but you have given me another chance at life."
Feeling a blush rise in her cheeks, she smiled and cupped his face with her right hand, her left retaining hold on the reins. "Is that all I am Sarion? Just a friend?"
That she had not commented on her pet name showed Sarion how worried she was about how he felt for her. 'Why this all of the sudden? She never commented or cared before if I was to meet someone. Is it that she can see her and is intimidated by her?' He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I don't know Kyia. I would say you're definitely more than a friend bu-"
His words were cut off as her soft pink lips sealed over his mouth. The act startled him enough that he nearly let go of his grip on the reins that she had completely let go of. Her teeth grazed his lip as a moan escaped her and her hand slid behind his neck to hold him steady.
Yuna's eyes went wide before she glanced over at her cousin. Rikku looked like a volcano at imminent eruption. Her face was a bright red and her lips were pressed together so tightly they were turning white. She knew the younger girl liked Sarion for some time but she was still surprised by the sudden jealous streak in her.
Finally breaking the kiss, Kyia smiled demurely. "Good enough for me Sarion." She looked over his shoulder at the seething blonde. "It appears we had an audience."
"Oh wonderful." Sarion closed his eyes with a sigh. He was definitely going to be in for it when they arrived at the coast.
Yuna offered a small smile to her cousin but was ignored completely. Sighing, she looked off into the horizon. 'Paine, I hope Kyia was right that you will find us when you're ready. We'll wait as long as it takes. I'll never leave you.'
Paine leaned heavily on her sword as she looked at the massive structure in the distance. It was a place that was so familiar and yet unknown at the same time. Memories had plagued her throughout the journey and each one brought forth body-wracking pains that brought her to her knees.
"I couldn't have done all of those things." She muttered to herself; a wave of nausea stopped her for a moment at the mere thought. "I always knew something was horrible in my past but could I really be such a monster?"
Continuing her journey towards the large castle, she thought back to Yuna and her annoying, but lovable cousin. Were they okay? Her stomach lurched as memories of what she had done to Sarion surfaced. She knew he would recover because Kyia was there but having inflicted such wounds on her rescuer made her sick. Then there was Kyia. Just thinking about the white-haired girl brought forth a slew of emotions that ranged from anger to sorrow, nausea to arousal.
Her memories of the girl were fragmented but she distinctly recalled knowing the girl on a very intimate level. No details would come to her but she felt as though she owed her humanity to the girl; as if before her there was nothing but darkness. A glimpse of white caught her attention and she stopped to look down at the strange interruption of sand. As her eyes focused on the lone flower her vision blurred and she pitched forward, landing in an unconscious heap. Beside her, standing alone in defiance of the desolate ground surrounding it, was a white rose.
"Praeta!" The silver-haired girl ducked under a spear and thrust her short sword deep into the neck of the man wielding it. "Praeta!" She called again and scanned the battlefield. The woman she was searching for was nowhere to be seen and her heart was thundering in her chest. 'You can't have died Praeta, I'd never forgive you.'
"Paine! Behind you!" An unfamiliar voice called out to her.
She ducked just in time to avoid a potentially decapitating swipe of a battle-axe. Reversing her grip on the sword into a defensive position, she deflected a flanking thrust from a sword before ducking under another near-hit from the large axe. Before the hulking man could recover she slashed across his lower back horizontally before reversing the grip again and bringing the blade down hard from his shoulder to opposing hip.
The topless barbarian roared in anger as he spun in a wild arc; his only desire to split the small girl who wounded him in half. His blade found only air however as the elusive girl ducked under before thrusting her blade up into his inner thigh at the joint. The man howled in pain and staggered back before falling to the ground as bright red blood fountained from the severed artery.
Paine approached the man casually, as if oblivious to the carnage surrounding her as bodies piled up on both sides of the conflict. Looking down at the man she sneered as she placed her blade between his legs and pressed down forcefully; her eyes sparkled at the strangled cry her actions caused.
"Paine! Help! I found Praeta!" Again, that unfamiliar voice caught her attention.
Running over to the sound, Paine saw a white-haired girl fending off three sword-wielding barbarians with a dague-trident dagger[1] in each hand. The three-bladed daggers were moving in a blur as she parried strike after strike but it was purely defensive; eventually she would tire and they would overtake her. At her feet lay an injured Praeta. The sight of her mentor and idol injured sent Paine over the edge. As she arrived at the scene she lunged at the nearest barbarian, a bald man with a beard down to his bare chest, slamming her sword into his ribs up the hilt.
Being relieved of one of her attackers, the white-haired girl spun to the side of a wild swing and thrust the typically defensive dagger in to the throat of the man to her left. Before she could remove the blades, blood splashed her face and the third barbarian dropped to the ground headless.
"Mistress Paine! Praeta is hurt but will survive. Can you help me carry her?" The girl was younger than Paine but just barely. She wore simple, black leather armor that covered less than it showed but allowed her great flexibility with her strange daggers.
"I will carry her. You need to keep the path clear, understood?"
The girl swallowed and nodded. She was nervous to be in Paine's presence; everyone was. "Yes Mistress. Follow me."
As they made their way back towards the rear they had to force themselves not to look at their fallen sisters. Many of the girls were dead but more still were wounded severely and unable to move; their cries filled the evening air alongside the steel against steel of battle. They had no time to stop and help the other girls no matter how heart-wrenching it was to see them suffering.
"We can come back for them after we get Praeta to safety." Paine yelled to the other girl. She did not like leaving the girls behind any more than the white-haired girl did but she was of much stronger resolve. This was far from her first battle and would certainly not be her last. Besides, Praeta's wound was significant enough that prolonging treatment would result in permanent damage if not death.
Looking down at the woman she carried, Paine felt her heart climb into her throat; Praeta's left shoulder had a deep gash that went down alongside her breast and was bleeding significantly. "Don't you dare die on me Praeta." She muttered as she picked up her pace.
Finally they reached the rear where dozens of wounded were being attended to by the healers. Paine rushed to one she knew personally as one of the more skilled among them. "Raina! Praeta is hurt!"
A mid-twenties woman with brown hair tied in an intricate bun looked up at the sound of her name. "Bring her here Paine. I'll get right to work."
After she handed Praeta over to the healer, Paine turned her attention to the white-haired girl who stood panting in exhaustion. "You, what is your name?"
"K-Kyia, Mistress." The girl bowed her head in supplication.
Stepping forward and lifting the girl's chin, she offered a heartfelt smile to the younger girl; something no one aside Praeta had seen from the silver-haired warrior since she had arrived. "Thank you for what you have done Kyia."
Blushing furiously and averting her eyes, Kyia swallowed past the lump in her throat. "It's an honor to defend the High Priestess and higher still to be praised by you, Mistress."
Paine felt an odd sensation in her chest as she stood there with her eyes locked on the other girl's face. She studied the girl before her as if trying commit to memory every detail. The straight cut of her jaw, her high cheekbones and her button nose. "Please Kyia, call me Paine."
The younger girl felt her heart rate quicken still. 'If this keeps up, my heart will fly from my chest.' She thought. "Okay Mi.. Paine." She smiled nervously. When Paine smiled again she felt her stomach do flips. This was the first time she had ever spoken with the silver-haired goddess and she was more than a little nervous.
Kyia had been watching Paine for a few years; before she had even become a Harvester. Every time the older girl would spar or be foolishly challenged for a duel Kyia made her way there. She knew the older girl would never give her the time of day but she was inevitably drawn to her. Everything about the gorgeous leader of the military was intoxicating to the recent recruit.
Ruby eyes narrowed thoughtfully as they studied the uncomfortable white-haired girl. "You're a newer recruit, aren't you Kyia?"
"Yes, I only turned a few months ago."
Realization dawned on Paine as she kept her eyes locked on the crimson orbs of the girl before her. This was the girl who she saw watching her at all of her matches. "I knew you looked familiar." The other girl stiffened visibly, her nerves already on edge. "You were at all of my fights. I always saw you standing to the side as if you were scouting me."
Kyia paled and held her hands up defensively. "That's not it at all Mistress!" She rushed out. "I swear I'd never-"
"Relax Kyia, I was teasing you." The older girl interrupted with a laugh. "Though it does make one curious," she began as she leaned close to the other girl. "why did you watch me?"
Color flooded back into the white-haired girl's cheeks in a rush "I… I…"
Paine's face was mere inches from the younger girl's. "I think you have explaining to do." Kyia swallowed hard and the silver-haired girl continued. "Come by my chambers tomorrow night when the moon is highest."
"O-Okay." As she stammered her answer, Paine turned and walked away with a satisfied smirk. Kyia stood rooted to the spot for minutes before finally making her way back out to the field in search of survivors. The following night would begin a torrid love affair that changed both of the girls forever.
Halting just before the beach, Sarion quickly dismounted and got to work building a fire. The moon was high in the sky now to provide illumination but dark, angry clouds were brewing in the distance. As the others rode up, Sarion felt Rikku's heated gaze on his back and decided dealing with this now would be far better than allowing her to smolder any longer.
"Rikku, help me find some firewood."
The blonde girl nodded and made her way into the wood line after him. Rather than say a word, she simply began scouting the ground as if actually looking for firewood. Sarion stood and watched her for a few moments before sighing.
"Rikku…"
Saying nothing, she simply continued to gather wood; her displeasure with him as obvious as the sky was blue. While they were not formally 'together' the fact that she had expressed such interest in him and gone as far as she had with him was enough to her. She didn't know his history with the other girl but did not find it relevant to the present.
Approaching the girl, Sarion stopped right before her and crossed his arms. "Stop sulking."
Rikku blinked in surprise at his serious tone and looked up to meet his eyes. She had expected him to apologize and ask her forgiveness but his tone had no such quality to it. "Sarion?"
"I understand you being jealous of Kyia. She and I go back dozens of your lifetimes and our history is not exactly platonic. However you need to realize that I am not pursuing her, I'm pursuing you." He paused to make sure she was paying attention; his emerald eyes burning into hers. "Yes, she kissed me but I'm betting it was more to get a rise out of you than anything else."
"But you call her a pet name…" She mumbled quietly.
Sarion sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wanted to wrap his arms around the girl in front of him and kiss her until they were both oxygen deprived and dizzy but he needed her to understand she was more than a physical fix and that he was not going to drop her for Kyia. "One that I established over a century ago Rikku and she usually reacts with violence when I use it."
Rikku tilted her head to the side with a puzzled expression. "Why?"
"Because it means kitten." He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. Her expression soured as if a lemon was in her mouth.
"You call her kitten?" She stepped closer to Sarion, keeping her gaze locked on his. "And exactly how close have you been with her Sarion?"
Averting his eyes, color rushed to his cheeks. "Not as far as I have with you."
Rikku felt her anger simmer down slightly at the comment. "But you've known her for so long. And she likes you."
"But she isn't you."
A coy smile made its way onto the young girl's face. "And what about me made you decide to do what you did?"
His blush deepened. "Everything."
"Indulge me." She whispered as she leaned closer.
Seeing her eyes sparkled as she spoke, Sarion took the wood from her and dropped it to the side. "Your innocence." He wrapped his arms around her. "Your bubbly attitude."
She hummed, pleased with his answers; so far. "Mmm, and?"
He grinned, pressing his forehead to hers. "The way you giggle." His hands slid down to her back, into her shorts and grasped her rear. "Your absolutely amazing body."
"I bet Kyia has a great body too." She whispered, pressing her body tightly to his and inching her lips towards his.
Their lips brushed momentarily but Sarion pulled back and a whine escaped the trembling girl's lips. "Maybe, but my eyes only linger on yours." His grip tightened as he lifted her clear off the ground before finally allowing his lips to make solid contact with hers.
A moan escaped the young thief but was muffled by the mouth ravishing hers. When her back was suddenly pressed against a tree she wrapped her arms and legs around the man holding her up. Her tongue explored his mouth hungrily as her fingers ran through his hair. Despite her anger with him for allowing Kyia to kiss him she knew he spoke the truth when he said he had not gone very far with the white-haired beauty.
Feeling Rikku's body responding as her breasts pressed tightly to his chest, Sarion turned and laid Rikku on the soft grass in a single, gentle motion. As her legs released their grip on his waist and came to rest on the ground, Sarion broke their lip contact for the first time since they began. "Rikku, in all the centuries of my life, no one has ever compared to you."
Panting in a mixture of desire and the need of air, Rikku grinned up at the man above her. "And no one ever will."
Sarion nodded and leaned down, kissing her neck down to her collarbone before pausing momentarily. "The others might wonder what is taking us so long."
Biting her lip, Rikku retracted her right hand and pulled the string tying her top together; the fabric covering her breasts quickly falling aside due to her heaving chest. As fast as the fabric fell away, Sarion's mouth replaced it on her right breast and his hand, her left. A low moan escaped her lips as she arched into his touch. "They'll be fine." A short squeal escaped her lips as his tongue circled her nipple before he gently nipped at it.
"Good." He murmured into the soft flesh before him. "Because I'd rather not stop." His tongue teased her nipple again before he moved to the other breast, repeating the process and causing the girl beneath him to squirm as her breath became short panting.
"You better not stop." She groaned as he teased both nipples, one with a hand and the other with his tongue. "I want you Sarion." When he began kissing down her stomach she stopped him with a grip on his shoulders; his glance up was one of confusion. "Not this time." She smiled with a slight blush. "I mean I want you."
Sarion ran his hands down her sides and hooked both her thong and shorts in his fingers. Rikku lifted her legs and lifted her hips as he slid the remaining garments down and off before setting them aside. "You're sure about this Rikku?" His voice was thick with desire and it was obvious that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
Nodding and spreading her legs to each side of him, she bit her lip as he lifted his shirt over his head then undid his belt. Once his pants were cast aside, he positioned himself between her legs and leaned down for an eagerly awaited kiss. As their tongues entwined, Sarion slowly lowered himself down, hesitating a moment before pressing into her; the wetness between her legs confirming the words she spoke next.
"Please Sarion." She gasped as their lips separated momentarily. "I'm ready."
Looking into the emerald pools of Rikku's eyes, Sarion gently pressed into her eliciting a gasp and a tightened grip on his shoulders. As he slowly inched into her, small whimpers came from the trembling girl as she bit her lip but her eyes never faltered in their resolve. Once he was fully inside her, he remained still for a moment in order to give her a chance to adjust.
"Dear spirits you feel incredible." Rikku purred as she ran a hand down his chest.
Sarion smiled and leaned close, kissing her lips softly. "As do you Rikku. There is no one I'd rather be with."
She grinned and bit his lip playfully as she grinded her hips against him to urge his continuing. "Now stop talking and fuck me." Her eyes burned with desire and her comment surprised Sarion into a smirk.
Placing his hands to either side of the blonde hair splayed on the grass before him, Sarion began slowly moving his hips along with Rikku's; nearly pulling out entirely before pressing fully into her again. Her grip on his shoulders tightened as she panted between excited whimpers; her eyes were glazing over from the euphoric rush spreading throughout her body. "Faster Sarion, fuck me harder!" She cried out as she lifted her legs up around his midsection; her hips now completely off the ground.
"Oh Rikku…" He groaned as he quickened his pace, his muscular chest glistened with sweat in the bright moonlight. Small sounds were escaping Rikku's lips with each impact of his thighs against hers and her hands moved to grab at the grass beside her; clumps being unearthed in the process.
"Oh Sarion!" She cried out, the euphoric feeling rushing through her body and causing her to see stars. "Sarion," she gasped. "Please… with me…"
Sarion's hands clenched into the dirt as he gasped at the feeling of her tightening around him inside her as her body reached its peak. "Rikku!" His own body was at its limit and his pace had become rapid and more forceful much to the delight of the girl squirming beneath him.
"Sarion!" She cried out, arching her back as she reached climax at the feeling of him doing the same; her body shuddered in rapture at the feeling of his warmth spreading into her. As he rested down on his elbows, his sweat-slick body pressed to hers, both panted in unison. "That… was incredible." Rikku managed between breaths.
Kissing her shoulder softly, Sarion ran a hand through her tangled hair. "I can say without doubts that all the centuries of waiting were more than worth it to have it be with you Rikku."
Smiling lazily at the man resting atop her, Rikku waited for him to turn towards her and planted a firm kiss on his lips. "I'm glad Sarion. And I want you to be the only man to ever do so."
Looking down into the glazed eyes of his lover, Sarion smiled. "I'd be more than happy to comply with such a desire."
Stroking his face with a free hand, Rikku giggled. "We should probably get back to the others. I'm surprised they never came over, especially Yunie. She's such a worrier."
After a few minutes of hastily dressing and adjusting themselves, the two walked back out where a frustrated Yuna sat cross-legged. Kyia was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey Yunie!" Rikku beamed, her legs struggling to walk without any hints of their activity showing; a feat easier said than done.
Yuna got to her feet and crossed her arms; her left foot tapping in annoyance. "What took you two so long?" She looked from Rikku to Sarion then back to Rikku. "And where is the firewood!?"
"Oh poopie." Looking around, Rikku put on her biggest smile for her irritated cousin. "I promise I have a good reason but you just have to trust me for now, kay?"
The brunette eyed the grinning blonde and let out a sigh as she dropped her arms to her sides. "Fine but that still doesn't solve our need for firewood. Kyia decided she was going to go to sleep with or without a fire." She pointed over her shoulder where the white-haired girl was propped against a nearby tree.
Sarion let out a sigh of relief. 'So she didn't follow us at least.' Smiling at the girls briefly, he turned back towards the woods. "I'll get some. You two relax."
As he made his way back into the tree line, Yuna turned to Rikku. "I understand you had to talk with him Rikku but you were gone so long I was beginning to worry." She giggled nervously. "I only didn't follow because I didn't want to interrupt you two doing something I could do without seeing."
Rikku's grin almost split her face. "You would have."
Yuna gasped. "You didn't!"
"I did." With a giggle, Rikku quickly detailed her and Sarion's trip to the woods. Being that Rikku was not well-known for her modesty Yuna soon was as bright red as a ripe tomato. "Let me tell you Yunie; it was the most incredible feeling ever. I am sore but I already wish I could run back into the woods and-"
"I get it!" Yuna burst out causing the blonde to fall into fits of giggles.
Returning with both arms full of firewood, Sarion dropped them and began setting up a fire. He felt Yuna's eyes on him but when he looked over she quickly looked away with a blush. 'What's up with her?' He shrugged and set the finished stack ablaze with a flick of his wrist.
"Show off." Rikku giggled and grinned at Sarion as he sat beside her.
"You enjoy it." He grinned and kissed her quickly before laying back beside the pleased thief. "Now get down here and get some rest. We should get a relatively early start."
Yuna looked over and smiled, seeing her cousin quickly nestling into Sarion's side. "Will we make it before sunset tomorrow Sarion?"
He thought for a moment before answering. "We should. It will depend on any interruptions we encounter. Some of the area ahead has wandering tribes that may wish to offer us a meal. Refusing is very improper but it will take up a few hours of the day."
Nodding with a yawn, Yuna curled up near the fire. 'I hope you are safe and resting somewhere Paine. Wherever you are I hope you know that we care about you. So much.' She sighed and closed her eyes; her heart almost aching at the thought of the other girl's absence. 'I don't know what it is about you but when you're away it's as if a part of me is missing. You'd probably look at me like I was from another planet and tell me I was being foolish if I told you but it's true. You mean a lot more than you know.' As she drifted off her last thoughts remained on the ruby-eyed girl. If only she knew that the girl on her thoughts was thinking of her at that moment as well.
The sun was just beginning to make a showing as Kate's eyes fluttered open. At first confusion struck the young girl at her unfamiliar surroundings but after a few moments she realized her situation. Looking over, she noticed the other side of the bed was vacant. Kate got to her feet and stretched; the sound of shouting, muffled by the thick tent walls, caught her attention and led her out to investigate. As she exited the tent she gasped at the sight before her.
Hannah was in the center of a small circle of girls and her naked body was covered in cuts and bruises. Another girl was in the circle with her; a plain looking girl with chestnut hair wearing leather armor as opposed to the usual robes that those around her wore. As the battered blonde go to a shaky, vertical stance the other girl smirked.
"Give it up Hannah, the brat needs to go. The last thing we need right now is Mistress Solari being all worked up over some stupid human again. She wasn't a leader before and she still managed to endanger us all. Think of how bad it could be now that she runs things!"
Spitting a mouthful of blood out and covering her breasts with one arm, Hannah shook her head. "I won't let you hurt her Anna. You'll have to kill me."
"You don't know how much I was hoping you'd say that Hannah. I've wanted head mounted on my wall since you were mistakenly turned."
Though terrified of the brunette, Hannah stood her ground. Blood ran from her nose and busted lower lip but she refused to show the pain she felt. The truth was Hannah was not an experienced fighter at all; the only reason she had passed the joining was Solari had pushed her through it without the trial. She never knew why but constantly heard rumors that Solari had a secretive soft-side to her that Hannah brought out.
"Don't you touch her!" Came a young voice from outside the circle.
Hannah's mouth fell open. "Kate, no…" But it was too late. Anna had already spun around and focused her crimson eyes on the young raven-haired girl.
"Wait your turn little bitch, after I finish with Hannah I'll get to you." She smirked cruelly at the younger girl. "I'll even be sure to work Hannah's staff up between your legs so you won't have to die a virgin. Unless Hannah's already been working that ang-" Her threat was cut short as Hannah tackled her from behind.
"Run Kate!" She was struggling to hold the brunette but a hard boot to her ribs sent her tumbling to the side. One of Anna's cohorts had intervened and was now making her way over to Hannah who lay gasping for air.
"Farewell Hannah." The black-haired girl said simply as she drew a dagger.
Sprinting over, Kate launched herself into the girl holding the dagger sending them both rolling across the stone ground. Getting to her feet, Kate's chest was heaving and her entire body shook with a never before felt rage. As the other girl got up and glared at the smaller girl, she felt a sudden discomfort; a discomfort that everyone in the immediate area felt.
Anna growled in frustration and began making her way over. "Just kill the little whore and be done with it Layna!"
The black-haired girl, Layna, looked from Kate to the still gasping Hannah and opted for the fallen girl instead.
"Leave. Her. ALONE!" Kate screamed. As the last word passed her lips she unconsciously thrust both arms forward. The result was a thunderous clap that shook the ground with enough force to knock numerous girls over. As Anna got to her feet she stared in awe at Layna. Or rather what was left of her.
Just beside the fallen blonde rested a pair of leather boots. Above them was nothing but a pink mist that was slowly settling to the stones below. Kate stood there in shocked silence; her amazement equally matched by all of the girls standing nearby to include Hannah who had finally gained her breath.
"Lay… Layna?" A redheaded girl called out in disbelief. Silence hung heavily in the air as all eyes went to the small raven-haired girl.
"Leave Hannah alone." She said quietly. Though she was still in shock over what had just transpired, she knew better than to let the girls realize it was completely accidental. Her sapphire blue eyes looked up at Anna. "Get. Away." She hissed through clenched teeth.
Hannah stared at the young girl in outright awe as the others backed away slowly. After giving the girl a heated glare, Anna and the others left without a word spoken among them. Once they were all gone, the blonde girl approached Kate slowly. "Kate sweetie it's okay."
"I killed her Hannah. I don't know what happened or how it happened but when she was going to hurt you I felt something 'snap' and then she… she…"
Pulling Kate into a gentle embrace, Hannah stroked her jet-black hair soothingly. "Shh, it's okay Kate. You didn't do anything wrong." As she comforted the younger girl, she couldn't help but wonder how the trembling girl in her arms could have summoned such power. There was definitely more to this girl than met the eye and Hannah had a suspicion that Solari had known that from the beginning.
Solari closed her eyes and arched her back as she bit her bottom lip to muffle the sounds building in her throat. A loud knock on the door halted the hand between her legs. A second knock elicited an angry growl from the black-haired girl as she got to her feet and pulled her robe on. "Enter." She called out irritably. It was incredibly likely that whoever had interrupted her daydream of that day in the woods would end up flayed by nightfall.
The large door swung open slowly and Reya peered in nervously; her long dark brown hair was pulled into a tight pony-tail that fell over her shoulder as she leaned inside. "Mistress I am sorry for disturbing you but there was an incident inv-"
"Is Kate alright?" Solari interrupted quickly. She knew it would have to involve her for Reya to come personally.
Nodding, the brunette continued. "She is fine Mistress. Hannah was beaten terribly by Anna and some others while defending the girl."
At the feeling of blood dripping from between her fingers, Solari realized her fists were clenched to the point of her nails breaking skin. "Will Hannah be alright? What happened to Kate?"
"That's the strange thing Mistress." She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. "She used some form of power that basically vaporized Layna. Only her boots and a slight mess on the stones remain."
Solari's eyes widened. "Hannah?"
"No. The girl, Kate."
Standing there for a moment, Solari let out a deep breath. The girl was definitely special so her original instincts had been correct. "Bring Anna to my chamber." She smirked, a dark look overtaking her face. "And call for Egan as well. Tell him I have use for him."
Reya blanched and felt a cold sweat break across her skin. "Mistress…"
Solari narrowed her crimson eyes at the brunette. "Is there a problem Reya?"
"No Mistress. Right away Mistress." she quickly mumbled as she opened the door and departed. 'She really cares for this new girl. I'd better get to know her soon; those close to Solari rarely want for anything.'
As the door closed Solari sat back on the bed to wait for their return. It would be nice to kill two birds with one stone so to speak; she would finish what she left off and Anna would certainly learn her place.
Paine groaned into the sand as her eyes fluttered open. Seeing the white rose just inches from her face, she reached out and gently stroked the petals. "Kyia. Why was everything so complicated? Why couldn't we just have been happy?" A rogue tear fell to the sand below before Paine slowly got to her feet.
She shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. Her confusion over her feelings was frustrating her to the point of anger and there looked to be no easy fix. She was hopelessly in love with Yuna but at the same time she had once held such feelings for the white-haired Harvester. Both had made their feelings clear however Kyia's actions were centuries passed and Yuna was intoxicated at the time; her memories of that evening were nonexistent.
"I just bring trouble to everyone I care for." Paine muttered bitterly as fresh tears filled her ruby eyes. "Everyone I ever care for ends up dying or in terrible danger. I wouldn't be surprised if it was my fault that we crashed in the first place." Clenching a gauntleted fist to her chest, Paine fought back a wave of nausea as she recalled the woman, Solari, telling her of Kyia's torture. "My lover torture and Praeta…" Her voice cracked and she choked back a sob. "Praeta, I wish I could have done things differently."
Stroking the necklace she wore, Paine continued on her journey. She was nearly at her destination and once there she hoped whatever answers she was still lacking would be answered. After all it was the place that stripped her of all memories of this place.
The chestnut-haired girl grunted as a gauntleted fist slammed into her jaw sending her tumbling to the stone floor. As she spit out the blood pooling in her mouth, rough hands hoisted her up and off her feet before striking her again.
"Did you think I was bullshitting you Anna?" Solari glared at the other girl as she struggled to get to her feet. "Did you think I wouldn't enforce what I say?" She nodded to the large man beside her who hoisted the battered girl clear off the ground by her hair. He was nearly twice the size of the girl he held with tribal tattoos covering his body. He wore simple leather pants and gauntlets; his broad chest bare and covered in scars from countless battles.
"Mistress," she mumbled as blood oozed down her chin. "I simply thought-"
Solari struck the girl in the abdomen causing her to gasp as the air was ripped from her lungs. "You do not think!" She roared, ruby eyes blazing. "You obey! I will not tolerate disobedience of any sort!" She stepped close and gripped the battered girl's face. "Especially when it involves Hannah or my Kate." Her words came out in a hiss.
With that, Solari spun on her heel and snapped her fingers as she sat up on her bed. The large man maintained his hold of the gasping girl's hair with his right hand while his left gripped her armor and ripped it off with a powerful yank. Buckles snapped and leather tore as the dangling girl's nude form was exposed.
"Mistress…" Reya mumbled from beside the bed.
Lifting off her robe and setting it on the bed beside her, Solari looked over at her subordinate in annoyance. "You may leave if you do not wish to remain Reya." Her eyes traveled back to the scene unfolding before her as the other girl quickly departed. "Please Anna, feel free to fight back. Neither Egan nor myself mind the struggle." A cruel smile overtook her blood-red lips.
Anna began squirming to escape as realization dawned on her; her hands clawing at the massive arm holding her off the ground by her hair. "Let me go! Let me go!" She screamed at him futilely. His arms were nearly the size of her waist and even with Harvester blood flowing in her veins she was no match for the barbarian that held her.
Solari watched with a pleased look on her face as she slid a hand between her legs. Egan slapped the flailing girl twice with enough force to take her senses before throwing her to the floor roughly. Before she could scramble to her feet his foot struck her back, shoving her into the stone tiles where her chin split upon impact; blood immediately pouring forth.
"I thought you'd have more fight in you Anna. You were so tough when you attacked Hannah weren't you?" Solari teased. As Egan removed his pants and positioned himself behind the bloodied girl, Solari bit her lip and began rubbing gently between her thighs with her right hand while her left gripped the blankets beside her.
Egan grabbed Anna's wrists and pinned them behind her back firmly with one hand while his other took a firm grip of her hips. He suddenly slammed into her from behind without warning, the sudden penetration so painful it rendered her unable to even scream. Her bare breasts dragged painfully on the stone as he pulled back and then drove into her again.
Biting down on her lip, Solari slipped a finger into her own waiting pussy followed shortly after by a second as Egan's pace increased; the sound of her clipped cries a melodic stimulant for the raven-haired Mistress. A small moan escaped her as her pace quickened to match the man brutalizing the girl on the floor.
Anna's voice was hoarse from screaming and her sounds were reducing to whines and whimpers as Egan continued to ravish her from behind; her knees and breasts both raw from the rough stone floor. The large man released her arms and tightly gripped her hips for greater leverage as he reached his peak. Solari groaned out at her own climax as his seed spilled out down the ruined girl's thighs and onto the floor below.
"You are dismissed Egan." Solari took her fingers and slipped them into her mouth, purring at her own taste. "And have Reya return Anna to her tent. I believe she has learned her lesson."
As Reya entered with two other girls Solari walked over to her window and looked down at the tent where Hannah and Kate were staying; her mind had already moved on to the young girl. "You truly are an amazing individual Kate. I look forward to finding out more but I'll allow you rest for now. I'm sure you need it."
Below in the tent Kate was not resting however, far from it. She was sitting beside a battered Hannah and gently washing the older girl's wounds with a cool rag. "I'm so sorry Hannah. I know you were hurt because of me."
Hannah smiled at the dark-haired girl. "You risked just as much when you came out for me."
"Well that's what friends do." Kate replied simply.
The blonde thought it over for a moment before smiling brightly at Kate. "Yeah, I suppose it is, isn't it?"
The sun was high in the sky when Sarion and the girls arrived at their destination; a small temple on the water's edge. Their morning had been short due to the late hour they stopped and Sarion saw no need to rush and had let them sleep. After the night's activities he needed the rest as well.
"Sarion, what is this place?" Yuna asked in wonder as she took in the strange material that made up the outer walls of the circular structure. It was similar to marble but seemed to scintillate in the sunlight.
Waiting for Kyia to dismount, Sarion looked over at the brunette beside him. "This is a temple that practices very ancient magic. We're talking about magic that pre-dates any known recordings. More relevantly though this is the place that can transport us to the rest of Spira."
Looking from the temple to Sarion, Rikku tilted her head. "We're leaving without Paine?"
Yuna's eyes snapped to Sarion; she had known he wanted to get them off of the island but she had assumed they would give Paine time to return to them. "Sarion…"
"We have to go." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You just need to trust me on this. Now that you've been here you can return without the spell affecting you. We will return but if you pursue Paine right now she will kill you."
"Paine wouldn't hurt me…" Yuna mumbled in futile argument. She didn't want to leave Paine behind and with the recent changes in the girl to being this different Paine that was fun and sweet and almost loving it was even tougher.
Sarion finally dropped down from his horse. "I understand your sentiments Yuna but right now she needs to do this on her own. This is one thing no one can help her with."
Stepping towards Sarion and placing a hand on his arm, Rikku looked up into his emerald eyes. "You know what she's going through, don't you?"
With a nod, Sarion placed his hand over hers. "Paine is dealing with the specters of her past. Trust me when I say she has a significant many to get a grip of."
Kyia stepped in and rested an arm over Yuna's shoulders. "I too understand your feelings on this. I've been hoping against hope to see her again for centuries and the thought of never seeing her again terrifies me. But I promise you that I will do whatever is within my power to find her and keep track of her during this time."
"How will that help us though?" Yuna eyed the crimson-eyed girl warily. Though her comforting touch felt genuine and was welcome in her current state she did not fully trust the girl.
Looking to Sarion, Kyia smiled. "I can communicate with Sarion through his dreams if I need to. It is not easy nor the most pleasant of experiences but in such a significant situation I feel it well warranted."
Rikku's eyes snapped from Sarion to the white-haired girl. "And why are you able to do that?"
Waggling a finger in front of the young thief, Kyia giggled. "Girls should never kiss and tell." She leaned close enough that her bangs tickled the shorter girl's neck. "Though it seems you've done far more than kiss." Her whisper was soft, almost intimate.
Blushing a bright red, Rikku closed her mouth and nibbled on the corner of her lower lip. Sarion broke the silence after a moment. "It's because we are linked through her magic. It's also why I am still alive."
Yuna looked at him curiously and then moved her questioning eyes to Rikku who mouthed she would explain later. With a heavy sigh, Yuna's shoulders slumped. "I suppose we can go. I have no reason to doubt your urgency and while I am unsure of everything that's going on I expect to be brought up to speed soon."
Kyia frowned and took Yuna by the shoulders, startling the brunette as she leaned close as if inspecting her. "Did Paine give you anything?"
"No, why?" She blushed as Kyia's hands tugged at her shirt to inspect her neck before taking her hands, looking for a ring.
Frowning, the white-haired girl shook her head. "I sense part of her magic in the area. I figured if anyone had something of hers it would be you."
Rikku leaned out from behind Kyia. "Oh Yunie, Paine had a box that she forgot back in the tavern when we left. I put it in your pack."
In a flash, Yuna had her pack in hand and was digging through it in search of the mystery item. When an unknown box was discovered she handed it to Kyia who unhesitatingly opened it to reveal a talisman on a rope of silver. It was as beautiful as it was detailed; a sword with an angel's wing on one side and a demonic wing on the other. In the center of the pommel was a small, heart-shaped ruby that seemed aglow with energy.
"It's beautiful." Yuna breathed and took it in her hands and looking it over.
Kyia smirked and tossed the box aside. "You must be one incredible woman. That necklace is spelled with an incredibly powerful incantation. I recommend you wear it and never take it off."
"Is that what I think it is Kyia?" Sarion's emerald eyes were wide as he stared at the pendant.
She nodded and Yuna looked from one to the other. "And what exactly is it?"
Sarion shook his head. "This is not something we can tell you Yuna. Not only is it not our place to do so but it would be wrong to speak it so simply rather than have you wear and experience it."
Hesitating only momentarily, Yuna pulled the necklace over her head and let it fall between her breasts. The pendant hung squarely at her sternum; the perfect size chain as if made specifically for her. As the cool metal touched her flesh, she felt a strange sensation overcome her and a smile touched her lips. She suddenly felt safe, secure. It was as if someone had lovingly embraced her and told her everything would be fine.
"Yunie?"
The brunette smiled at her cousin. "She's okay Rikku. I can feel her. I… I can't really explain it but I feel that she is unharmed and though she is conflicted, she is still the Paine we know."
Hugging her cousin, Rikku giggled. "That's one incredible gift Yunie. Something you want to tell us?"
"N-no!" Yuna blushed and pinched her cousin's side. "Sarion, we should go to The Calm Lands and head to Bevelle from there. We can see what has changed since our…" She thought for a moment. "departure."
Sarion nodded and led them into the temple. Though he was nervous about the journey he was more than willing to do so in order to remain by Rikku's side. She truly had given him a greater purpose and he fully intended to make full use of his time with her be it a lifetime of many years or one ended too soon.
Paine stood inside the small cavern with wide eyes and trembling hands. Before her was an eerily familiar pool of black fluid that seemed to move on its own with no wind or other outside force influencing it. The consistency somewhere between water and tar but no odor came from the strange liquid.
As she approached the edge to inspect it, a figure formed atop the dark fluid in the shape of a young girl and spoke to her. "Welcome back Mistress Paine."
Staring in awe, Paine stepped back. "Who… Who are you?"
"You do not remember me Mistress? I am one of your many victims but unlike the rest, my death changed everything." The nondescript figure moved closer; not walking so much as simply gliding through the fluid towards the silver-haired girl. "My death is what led to your return. My death has led to the suffering of thousands and for that you must answer."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Paine snapped at the strange creature-girl. "What do you mean it brought me back?"
A smile formed on the otherwise blank face. "Your past sins demand satisfaction Mistress. Allow me to indulge you." In an instant, dozens of black tendrils snaked out from the fluid and wrapped around Paine. Before she could even make a sound it covered her entirely. "Your decisions condemned thousands to countless horrors Mistress. Now it's your turn."
"Claire?" Solari stumbled over a chair that was tipped on its side as she ran from the room, "Claire!" Her voice grew frantic as her heart rate increased. All she cared about was finding her Claire and getting away from the castle. Being a Harvester was bad enough but to expect the innocent angel that was Claire to murder her own family? It was too much!
Running down the corridor into the dining hall, she skidded to a stop at seeing her beloved on her knees before the silver-haired leader she had hoped to flee. Feeling her entire body grow ice-cold, Solari slowly made her way over to the two; fear coursed through her body the closer she got.
"Glad you could make it Solari. Your little pet here seems to have gotten lost."
Solari licked her lips nervously and took a step forward. "Mistress Paine, please-"
"Do you know what it means to desert, Solari?" The older girl asked the question in a simple enough manner but it sent chills down her spine nonetheless.
She nodded. "Yes Mistress but-"
Paine looked from Solari down to the blonde girl kneeling before her, facing Solari with tear-filled eyes. "Tell her everything will be alright."
"Please Mistress I beg you!" Solari cried out, rushing forward and kneeling before her. "Spare her, kill me instead!"
Claire's eyes widened and she reached out for Solari only to have a gauntleted fist grip her hair tightly and hold her in place. "Solari…"
"Tell her everything will be alright, Solari."
Tears poured from crimson eyes as she looked into the sapphire eyes of her love. "Everything will be alright my darling." Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Paine jerked her hand, arching the blonde girl's head back. "Tell her to not be afraid."
Solari trembled fiercely, her entire body shaking with the horror of the situation before her. "Don't be scared Claire. I'm here." She fought to speak past the lump in her throat as Paine released the girl's hair.
Claire smiled sadly. "I love you Sol-" Her words were abruptly cut short as a dagger pierced her throat from behind; Paine's gauntleted fingers holding the handle and giving it a twist for good measure.
"Claire!" Solari screamed the name causing it to echo from the stone walls as the blonde girl's body slumped forward to the cold floor. Turning away, she retched until dry-heaves wracked her body. Tears poured down her cheeks as she made her way to the lifeless girl and rolled her over. "Claire…"
Paine turned and began walking away. "Next time keep your pets on a better leash and I won't need to put them down."
Solari's anguished wail was her only response as she clutched the only person she had ever loved in her arms. As her heart broke so did whatever remaining humanity that was within her. "You will pay for this Paine…"
Paine collapsed to the stone floor in a heap; dry-heaving at the horrific imagery she had been shown. "That's… that's not me." She managed after the fit had passed. "Not anymore."
"You are who you are Mistress. Whether you bury it under a single layer or a thousand it still remains."
She shook her head in disbelief. "No. I'm not that person anymore. I... I love someone."
The figure paused. "The woman who ruled the Harvesters had no room in her black heart for love. You speak of lust or infatuation."
"No!" Paine cried out. "I love her! I would die a thousand deaths for her and more."
Again, the figure paused. "If this is true, you will have the chance to prove it very soon. Solari lives and has taken your place. Give her peace and I will spare you."
Paine got to her feet shakily. "How can I do that?"
"Simple." The figure said with what Paine could only assume was a smile. "Make her forgive you."
Author's Note
So… yeah. 11,000 words prior to the AN. New record for me by 4k words. Do not get used to this. I spent OVER 35 solid hours writing on this chapter. Every free moment in the past 3 days has been dedicated to writing. Some hours I stared and did nothing but brainstormed. I hit many brick walls and I thank my absolutely wonderful readers who helped me along with this. I love you guys.
So we had some INTENSE lemon and then some very dark lemon. I know it's a bit of a shock-value but I hope no one was upset too terribly by it. It was meant to show how depraved Solari really is. And at the end you find out why. I 100% admit I felt pretty terrible when she died. Even making her cry early on I felt my heart wrench. Poor thing. But that's how things work; cruel people kill innocent people to create cruel people.
Speaking of innocents… How do you guys like Kate? I like Kate. And Hannah. Adding a new arc allowed me a LOT of extra writing! Is this good? Do you guys like the whole long chapter thing? I can either update more often with 4k chapters or try to push 5-8k. 11k will never happen again. My god it's been rough.
Anyhow this was a surprise chapter for anyone but the three I've harassed all week since I ended up with internet in Manas after all. After this however I will be gone 100% due to Mississippi's lack of technological advancement. As for Kyia's sweet, sweet dagger:
[1] tinyurl dot com slash kyiasdague
You know the drill. Type it out normally without the [1] and get it going. It's so cool.
To reviewers!
DragonGirl323: First off, thank you for your invaluable help this chapter! And I laughed out loud at "oh my stars and garters". Best phrase ever. Glad I could sneak this one in before I fully lost internet.
Caet: And a thanks to you for tolerating my whining the past 35 hours. You allowed me to bounce ideas as well as give me insight I VERY much needed. Thank you! So, so, so glad you turned on to this story despite its genre. Awesomeness.
Secret PM Reviewer: We basically filled a book back and forth. You put up with a LOT of my rambling and have worked EVERY chapter into better content. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This story is a large reflection on your incredible advice and critiques.
Stay tuned for more! Chapter 19 will finally get AWAY from the damn island!
And no. I did not proof this. Did you see how long it is? So corrections when you find are valued! I am positive there are a bunch sadly.