YES! Finally managed to finish writing chapter 8!
I am so sorry if its crappy, you guys, but, I tried my best, so hopefully it's okayish.
This chapter was a huge pain in the ass to write, but, at least it's finally done!
Hope you guys enjoy!
Clutching her bruised leg, the blonde struggled to stand once again.
Sweat matted her dirt covered hair to her face, her leggings and t-shirt were also covered in dirt, sweat, and a little blood, and her hands had gone white from her tight grip on the sword.
Gritting her teeth, she attempted to push herself up on her feet, her calloused hands shoving against the ground.
Exhaustion overwhelmed willpower, though, and she was left gasping for breath, kneeling on the floor.
A milky white hand appeared in her vision, and she grasped it, smiling at its owner in thanks.
"Meruna-chan, thanks."
Said beauty smiled at her, her honey colored eyes twinkling in mirth.
At the age of 19, Meruna Lancaster was a beautiful young woman set with ink black hair that sparkled, honey colored eyes, and a ferocious skill with a sword- or just about any weapon, for that matter.
Dressed in a white dress shirt and black rider pants, her black hair was tied in a low ponytail at the nape of her neck with a white silk ribbon and her feet were adorned with brown leather boots.
Her hands had black fingerless gloves, and a section was cut out on the top, so her golden magic circle mark could be seen.
Although the lass had seemed quite cold and cruel when Lucy's mother had first introduced the two, the lady had turned out to be a very gentle and caring person- albeit when she was angry.
Managing to stand back up with the help of Meruna, the two girls took their battle stances, swords in hand.
Metal met metal, and dust rose in clouds with the movements of their feet.
They stayed that while, swiping, dodging, parrying, and blocking.
Getting in the occasional kick or two, the blonde was beyond exhausted.
Unable to push herself any further, she let herself be pushed back on the ground from a rough jab of Meruna's sword handle.
"Alright, Lucy-chan, we're done for today!" Grinning, the girl passed her a cold bottle of water, which she gladly accepted, gulping the cold liquid greedily.
Kneeling to sit down beside her, Meruna gave her a light tap on the back and a smile.
"I'm honestly surprised, Lucy-chan, you've seriously improved in the past couple of months."
Flopping down unceremoniously, the mage managed to give her a weak smile.
It had already been 3 months.
The days had passed all too quickly with all the training she was having to do.
Almost every day had been the same routine.
Waking up at dawn every day, then going to the waterfall and sitting under its cold waters while focusing her magic.
After about 3 hours of that, it would be breakfast time, and then hand to hand combat with Amadeus for 2 hours.
Lunch would come after that, and then she'd be working on weapons with Meruna, learning to wield many different types.
After, she'd study magic with her mother for a couple hours.
Next would be dinner, and after that, would be a "light" jog, as Meruna would say, around and into the forest for 2 hours.
Finally would be more magic concentration for an hour or two, and then she'd study magic and origins in the castle library with her mother for another 2 hours.
Her free days were the weekend, when she'd explore the land and take a rest.
Each and every single second was filled with sweat, work, and exhaustion, but over the course of the past 3 months, Lucy had learnt to adjust to her daily schedule and the kind inhabitants of the castle.
Taking a deep breath, she listened to the soft rustling of the leaves.
"What slackers."
A tick mark popped up on Meruna's head and Lucy couldn't help but give a light giggle.
A boy with shining red hair appeared in the area of land around them, his eyes taunting.
Amadeus was definitely handsome, with his blood red hair and shining yellow eyes.
The lad stood at a bit above 6 feet tall, and was dressed in a white long-sleeved dress shirt, black pants, a brown unbuttoned leather vest, and dark brown boots.
His sleeves were rolled up so the swirling tattoos on his forearms could be seen, and he also had a dark green magical circle over his left bicep, which could just barely be seen under his not fully buttoned shirt.
Meruna scowled at him, irritated.
"We're just taking a little break before we head back to the castle."
Smoothly approaching them, he gave a small smirk.
"Is that so? You wouldn't mind if I joined you then, no?"
His voice was calm and smooth as always, and Lucy grinned when Meruna's face went red and her lips pouted.
"Oy, Merunyan, haven't your thighs gotten even tighter lately?"
He emphasized his point with a soft squeeze a bit too high up her leg.
Her face flushing red at the nickname and gesture, the black haired beauty karate chopped him on the head harshly.
"You perv! I told you to stop calling me that! And mind your hands, would you?!"
Amadeus merely gave a sly smile, loving how flustered she was, and tilted his head slightly, giving the impression of an adorable kitten.
"!" Meruna's face turned an even deeper shade, and the redheaded male gave a smooth chuckle.
Mentally squealing, the blonde snuck away, creeping through the bushes and finding her way out of the forest.
Sighing dreaming, she held her hands to her warm cheeks, giving a hearty laugh.
She thinks she understands Mira-chan now.
Ever since she'd seen the two together, she could barely resist the urge to give a girly shriek whenever Meruna blushed at Amadeus' s indecent actions.
Sighing, she walked into the castle, cherishing the feel of the cool air against her sweaty skin.
Making her way to the dining room, she saw her mother already sitting at the table, reading a book thicker than her very own waist.
"Ah, Lucy, you're back early. Where's Meruna?"
Giving a chuckle, Lucy flashed her mother a devilish grin.
"I left her in the forest with Amadeus."
Upon hearing that, the two woman laughed together,.
They sat down and started their meal, waiting for the other two to join them.
A loud bang echoed across the house, and the two heartfilia women shared a smile.
Meruna came through the door, dragging Amadeus, who looked perfectly calm except for the red slap mark that marred his smooth honey skin.
Other than that though, he looked quite content.
Meruna, on the other hand, was completely flustered, her ears to arms ranging in different shades of red.
Lucy gave a snort as she smacked the redhead boy on the head for saying an unnecessary comment.
Kayla merely looked at the two, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Care to join us, you two?"
Meruna released Amadeus, sitting down and folding her napkin over her lap.
Amadeus followed suit, giving Meruna a sly look.
She merely ignored him, but her warming cheeks showed she knew he was staring.
Lucy gave a loud laugh, unable to hold it in any longer.
Meruna looked at her, suprised, before sighing and giving her a smile.
Amadeus smiled, too, and Layla giggled, telling everybody to eat up.
Warmth flooded the blonde's chest as she watched the other three.
Meruna and Amadeus bickered as usual, or rather, Amadeus taunting Meruna, causing her to get irritated, and Layla, smiling at the two and laughing.
'Family.' The celestial mage couldn't help but think, a smile warming her lips.
'I've finally found a place I can call home... and people I can truly call nakama. "
The thought sent a warm feeling in her heart, but it was interrupted when a piece of cold seemed to strike her.
Shivering, Lucy whipped around, her eyes narrowing, and a cold sweat breaking out over her skin.
'Nani...?'
She was about to leave her chair when her mother spoke.
"Lucy, what's wrong?"
The three stared at her, worried.
"Ah... It's nothing, just felt a little chilly for a few seconds."
Meruna gave a laugh.
"Want some tea to warm you up?"
Lucy nodded, and the two began to conversate.
Layla stared at where Lucy had almost walked to, though, and narrowed her eyes.
'His ascent has finally started.'
Looking at her daughter, she felt her heart squeeze.
'I will not allow this story to become a tragedy.'
And it's done!
The chapter, I mean, not the story.
Please favorite, review, and follow!
I will try my best to get the next chapter to you guys in at least 2 weeks.
I know, the update time stretched out, I'm sorry.
I've just been really busy and I'm honestly going brain dead with ideas.
Thank you for even reading this story and I'll talk to you guys later!
Bye!