Phew, this one took some writing...and there's finally some proper fluff near the end ;) ...although it will be a few more Chapters yet until their relationship really heats up.
Sony Ninja: Thanks =D I'm glad you think so! I'm definitely looking forward to writing the later Chapters after writing this one ;)
setchan-1995: Thanks. I really liked the image of Setsuna in Asuna's lap with the grassy ridge leading up to the sky; Konoka may have departed physically but her influence in a positive way is just beginning :)
Shadow Cub: By 'chibi' I'm guessing that's the same as 'mini' - I love chibi Setsuna =, but she's certainly had to do a fair shift, presumably as she's paper though she doesn't need to eat/sleep though.
KoSSa: Well I'm naturally biased in wanting the KonokaxSetsuna bond to be stronger than AsunaxNegi but objectively Asuna did have a very strong connection to Negi (be it more like an older sister than lover one could argue). Yeah, it's why I love them too :D they are such an amazing pairing! You're right about Asuna&Setsuna needing some more events before they can come together for sure, although I don't think their relationship is based all that solely on past regrets etc. given they'd become strong friends long before that final battle; so they'll have at least a good understanding of the other...but it will certainly take something more to push things further...I couldn't find anywhere online to listen to the Dawn of Destiny Song though *sigh*...I should probably sign up to pay & download site...but thanks for the suggestion! Music with fanfics can be amazing :D ...
[In fact if anyone does find music that works well with a Chapter then let me know and I'll try to check it out]
Chapter 4: New Year Mistletoe
A week had passed since Setsuna swooped down from the ridge carrying Asuna; Asuna's stomach still shuddering slightly every time she thought of it. Not that it hadn't been exhilarating as well; only she didn't like being under someone else's complete control, not even Setsuna's. Within a couple of days of making that drop they reached an isolated building, with a narrow trail running to a small hamlet of four buildings. They'd left that hamlet yesterday, assured by a friendly botanist that within a few days of following another overgrown dirt trail they'd come to a larger settlement.
After finding the first building they'd relaxed slightly having made it back to the realms of civilisation. Asuna demanding Setsuna to spa with her as often as possible to improve the little fighting power she still had. Setsuna tried to fight seriously but found Asuna reached her maximum fighting capacity all too soon. She also knew Asuna knew that she was holding back. That much was clear from the silent frustration radiating from Asuna in increasingly high levels.
It really doesn't feel right to see Asuna so weakened...and it's even worse because I know how much that thought is hurting her. And I'm only making it worse because I've become so much stronger. What can be done?...
"Look Setsuna! I think I see the next village!" They'd been swiftly striding along the dirt road for most of the afternoon after training and eating lunch so that by now evening was gathering among orange pillow clouds; so the sight of the settlement was a welcome one. The houses, as seemed common in these parts, were hemispheres made from long curving beams of wood. The gaps were sealed with pulp and leaves and a coating of resin. A standard magical field, producing a slight shimmering in the air, clung to the buildings to prevent the nastier magic enhanced forest creatures from passing through. There was no real organisation to the placement of the houses. Nor was there any obvious village centre for young trees had sprung up among the buildings.
The path they were on meandered between the polished brown walls, curtained circular windows and bow shaped doors; emerging in front of the largest submerged-bubble shaped building, which had a couple of smaller half-sphere rooms to the rear. In front of it was a small clearing. To their right the path wound off between more houses into deep woodland.
From that path came the sound of padded footsteps and trundling wheels. Setsuna and Asuna instinctively shifted their positions to defensive; watching warily as a pink and blue striped tiger stepped smoothly and slowly into sight and down the path towards them. Black leather harnesses coiled about its neck and tethered it to a smooth, shiny silver boat shaped chariot with four gleaming metal wheels. Within it, with dark brown hair and a handsome, slightly aged face rode a magician; that much was clear from the dark purple robes, pointed hat and dark brown staff housing a crackling purple diamond in its caged top. Unsure what to do they remained watching it as it drew up outside the large house before them. The man didn't seem to have seen them at first for he remained staring straight ahead for several seconds. Then he cast them a sharp glance through his grey blue eyes.
"And what pleasurable happenstance brings two such beautiful, yet strange, girls to our humble village?"
Setsuna stepped forward and gave a polite bow.
"We happen to be travelling the lands in exploration, Magus. We were wondering if there was room in the village for us to spend the night? We are willing to carry out tasks to pay for the rent such as hunting wild beasts or chopping trees..." As she spoke the Magus let his gaze rest on Asuna. At first he seemed uninterested until a sudden spark of recognition made his eyebrow twitch; the gesture too small to be discernible to Asuna, who was more captivated by the shiny chariot, or Setsuna who was still staring at the Magus's feet. As Setsuna's face rose it was met by the Magus smiling warmly and for some reason she found it a little unsettling.
"Certainly. You shall stay at mine tonight for I have plenty of room. Besides I'd love to hear more of your travels. As you correctly discern I am the Magus for this region, Magus Barthaus Gelzdin."
And definitely proud of it, Setsuna thought. Behind her she became aware of a steadily increasing shuffling and snapping of twigs.
"Now then, I must take care of distributing the food I have brought from Cannavas among the villagers. But I will be with you after that. In the meantime let my ermine, Chavalus, make you feel at home.
An ermine! How nostalgic...I wonder where Chamo-kun is now...Setsuna glanced back to see Asuna staring at the Magus with a dreamy look. Oh great! Typical! In addition to being arrogant he's seducing Asuna...seducing?! Well not really I guess...but for some reason my urge to punch him just rose tenfold...Deep breaths Setsuna. You're being unreasonable.
"Yo! What have we here then?" A brash voice shattered the surroundings as a sleek white ermine, wearing dark shades and a purple robe covered with silver stars, emerged from his warm perch about the wizard's neck. He let out a low whistle, "well, well...how delightful! Then if you two beautiful ladies will come with me I'll make you right at home inside."
They passed into the large dome, stretching a good fifteen metres in diameter with the centre six metres above the ground. To the rear two doors led into the back rooms. The room they were in was an odd mix of expensive modern equipment and old traditional furnishings: A shiny kitchen with TV, plush red sofas, bright interior magic lights and antique over-elaborate rugs and star covered tapestries that screamed the owner's status as a magus.
Humph! Setsuna snorted, unimpressed. Such a bloody, ego-maniacal show-off! Geez...am I really so annoyed at him for being a show off...Glancing sideways at Asuna, who was gazing in awe at the furnishings, she felt her hands bunch to fists...I'm jealous of him? No! No! No! I'm just worried about Asuna. I don't want her to make a fool of herself...ahahahaha of course...
"Isn't it great Setsuna!" Asuna exclaimed as she plumped down into the cosy embrace of one of the sofas. "Who'd have thought there'd be a place like this way out in the middle of nowhere."
"Hmmm," Setsuna murmured as slipped onto the sofa next to Asuna, her friend's happy voice soothing a little. Besides which it was a very nice sofa. "I guess its pretty cool," she finally managed to muster.
Chavalus's merry voice rang out from by the fridge.
"So, what would the brave beauties of the jungle like to drink?"
Seriously though, are all ermines this flirtatious?
Shrugging Setsuna called out "water" and prepared herself to survive what was promising to be a most irritating and unpleasant evening...
Asuna found herself drifting in a very strange dream. In it she'd been ring leading a troop of dancing showbiz ermines carrying black canes and wearing top hats with black capes covered in yellow stars. They'd danced along a bright red carpet until they reached a set of semicircular steps to a central stage. Above her, at the centre of the stage, wearing a crisp white suit with black bowler hat and cane Setsuna stood waiting for her...so handsome!
She started moving up the steps towards Setsuna; her heart racing faster as she climbed up off the top step. Setsuna held out a hand to her...then a flash of light blinded her and a strong, commanding voice seemed to come from the plush curtains behind Setsuna:
"Bindio ex cufflinkem!"
Darkness...and coldness about the wrists. Disorientated Asuna tried to move her arms to find them chained. It was the same with her ankles further down the bed. The chains clinked and rattled in a way only real world chains would. Blinking she made out the curving ceiling above the bed and with growing horror realised this was no longer a dream. A chuckle echoed in the dark and she sat up as best she could to see Barthaus standing at the foot of the bed in his robe; the light at the top of his staff pulsing a violent purple-red.
"Asuna Vesperina Theotanasia Entheofushia, the lost princess. A void user but not hugely adept at magic. Quite the prize for a humble wizard such as myself. I've waited so many years for a chance like this! Taking in the odd girl here and there in the hope they were worth something...and in the end the crown jewels just show up on my door! Quite the lucky draw!" Asuna gritted her teeth and snarled; trying to shake the chains free. Her efforts were in vain. They just elicited more chuckles from the Magus. Asuna ground her teeth in frustration.
God! And to think I fell for his charming manner all evening. Wheedling out details over tea whilst I was all moon-eyed at his calm assured manner. I always feel somewhat warm and fuzzy around older guys, they make me feel safe in a world where I'm so alone...Setsuna where are you now! Please save me!
She opened her mouth to scream but a damp flannel wrapped itself around her mouth.
"Mmmmrghhpph!" She shouted in protest ('You Bastard!'); "Whhrghdoghphisalgwayspenee! ("Why does this always happen to me!"). Bathaus smirked. It was a truly revolting sight.
"Not that your screaming would do you any good. I put a silence shield about the room and I took good care of your friend at tea. Setsuna Sakurazaki will be sleeping like a baby now; the reports say she's good with Chi but has very limited magical ability and she drunk all the tea I gave her. I watched her closely. In addition I'm enclosing her in a prison spell. Any moment now she'll be as helpless as you." Asuna slumped back down onto the soft mattress in shock.
And it's all my fault...Then a scarier thought; what does he intend to do with us?
"Sooo, what should I do with you first now I have you, princesss...hmmm. Perhaps a permanent pactio eh? I only ever make them with the very best...it's a shame they often die when a better comes along but it keeps Chavalus in the black and I can make the girls very submissive under the permanent pactio contract..." Asuna couldn't help her eyes widening in horror. "For now I think I'll just play with you a little, hmhmmm...First let's see how well you nullify magic."
He pointed his wand at the bed.
"Flans Exarmatio! The bed exploded in another flash of light that sent feathers and fabric swirling and flying about the room in a ticklish snowstorm.
"Eeehee," Asuna giggled as her body came to rest on a mixture of feathers and wooden boards forming the bottom of the bed. Then she realised she was also naked and the chains attached to the posts were starting to hurt her wrists and ankles. In front of her the feathers were clearing...
Oh Holy Crap! Why! Why is it always me who gets targeted by perverts...
Because you always ogle older men? Her subconscious prompted, making her blush bright red. A second bang echoed in her head and she saw part of the door to the room go flying over her head and hit the wall behind her. Seconds later the last of the feathered veil had disappeared and she found herself staring straight up into...Oh thank God! But why does she have to see me like this...Aaarghhh! And when she's so powerful and beautiful...
Powerful and beautiful Setsuna might have been but calm she was definitely not; the redness over her face a mixture of embarrassment and raging anger.
"Asuna, are you okay? He didn't..."
Didn't...? Oh...no! "No he hasn't yet..."
"Yet!" Setsuna's eyes shone dangerously. Behind her Barthaus had recovered from the shock.
"You!" He exclaimed in annoyance, "How...Eversio Offa!" An incredibly powerful blast shot from his staff; it would have killed most mages if caught unprepared. Setsuna however spun and met it with passionate rage, her sword charged with magic; sending it back the way it came. Barthaus didn't even have time to react to his own demise. In seconds he was reduced to nothing. Setsuna dropped to the floor breathing heavily.
"Holy...!" Asuna exclaimed staring open mouthed at where Barthaus had been; the chains binding her dissolving to nothing in the air. "Setsuna are you all-right?" Setsuna didn't answer for a few seconds; recovering from the exertion of bouncing back Barthaus's spell. Then she stood shakily to her feet.
"Yes, I'm fine..." She glanced at the feather covered Asuna and chuckled. Asuna frowned.
"What's so funny?"
"Well you know, you've become like a giant chicken..." even as she said the last word Setsuna knew she'd dropped a clanger. The turn of phrase was rather unfortunate...Asuna went from angry to despondent in a flash.
"Damn it Setsuna! I'm so pathetic! Look at me going all gooey eyed over random strangers...falling right into his trap and so weak I can't do anything when I'm in it! Whilst you storm in and save the day! I know this sounds selfish Setsuna but I hate being this weak...because I feel that you're the one always protecting me...and I hate being molly coddled! Damn It!" On the last 'damn it!' Asuna struck the bed so hard with her fist that it snapped in two and dumped her onto the floor deep inside a heap of feathers.
She was crying! Asuna was crying! My own heart wants to help her so much, ojou-sama! How can I help her to become stronger?
Ever since the night on the cliff Setsuna had found herself hearing snatches of Konoka's voice; and although at first painful she'd come to love the fragments she heard, real or not, for they were like memories of the past they'd shared existing into the future. This time she felt Konoka staring at her with a pouting expression that said, 'the answers sooo obvious Set-chan; can't you figure it out yet?'
No I can't! Setsuna responded in frustration. Konoka responded by puckering her lips together.
Ummm...A...a...kiss...what?!
A pactio Setsuna! A pactio! See, you have my magic now right?
B...but that still means, I mean me...you... Konoka 's face became schoolteacher-ish.
Set-chan, Asuna's our best friend. Do you think I'd really mind? Actually it's quite a turn on...Konoka gave her a wink and then a thumbs up. Go on now, get a move on Set-chan. Help her!
The thoughts flashed by in seconds. Asuna was still buried beneath the feathers.
"But a pactio..." Setsuna breathed out softly, her face a mask of consternation. Inside her desire to help Asuna and to stay true to her memories of Konoka were slowly breaking apart her resistance.
"Did someone say pactio?" It was the high squeaky voice of an ermine. Spinning round Setsuna saw Chavalus sitting on the dresser wearing a new pair of dark, oval shades and smoking a cigar. Gripping her sword she growled uneasily,
"What do you want ermine?"
"Whoa! Calm down. I only worked for that old mage. Strictly business only. He netted me a lot of pactio's on the black side of the market you know. But now he's gone I'm willing to facilitate others in their quest for..." He began making smooching actions. Some things really don't change! Setsuna thought in irritation and snapped out at him to distract her fluttering heart.
"You ermines are pretty mercenary you know. Coercing people into relationships for money." Chavalus remained completely unperturbed.
"Yeah, well it's our purpose you know. We were set up because often wizards are on the more reluctant side of being sociable, you know. So they needed a system to ensure that they wouldn't die out and all...that's us!" God the world of magic really is twisted! And given how direct ermines seem to be it's a wonder there is still a wizarding community... "Anyways do ya want a pactio service performed?"
"Pactio service?" Spinning again Setsuna saw Asuna's tousled head and shoulders emerge from the mound of sheets and feathers. The sight made her throat tighten and head electrify. "What's going on Setsuna?" Setsuna was unable to answer, stuttering nothings into the air. Chavalus didn't get paid his 50,000 ermine dollars fee for nothing though and read the situation at once.
"It seems Setsuna here wants to make you her partner Asuna." Asuna blinked in surprise, thought about what had been said and then looked to Setsuna.
"Are you sure?" She asked. "I mean I don't want to do it if it will hurt you. If you're not comfortable with it because of Konoka." Setsuna found her tongue at the mention of Konoka's name. In a corner of her mind she was sure Konoka was wearing a cheerleading outfit and singing 'Give us a P! Give us an A! Give us a C!...'
"Yes, it's fine. Somehow I don't think Konoka would object...and I want to do all I can to help you become stronger Asuna; you're my best friend after all." The next second Setsuna found herself covered in feathers.
"Since when did you become so cool!" Asuna laughed from behind the swirling cloud. "Oh and Chavalus, whilst you set up the pactio thing did Barthaus have any clothing that might fit me?"
Oh, cripes! Asuna's naked...it's weird that really didn't use to trouble me. Setsuna hastily went over to the rear window as Asuna rummaged in one of the ornate polished wooden wardrobes on Chavalus's instructions. As Asuna changed she called out to Setsuna,
"How did you escape Barthaus's trap Setsuna?"
"Oh. That was easy. I can sense magic so knew there was a sleeping potion in the tea. And I knew how to neutralise it with my magic somehow. He seemed to be pretty hot on his knowledge so he probably knew magic wasn't my strongest suit and didn't expect me to be able to do that. The barrier he tried to trap me in was strong but not too difficult to cut through when wide awake with ojousama's magic in me."
"Done!" Called out Chavalus.
"Ous," Asuna said a little subduedly; Setsuna turned round...and stifled another giggle. Asuna was standing in the pactio circle dressed in a frilly black lace costume with bright red shoes and purple stockings. Asuna glared at her as she approached. "Don't. Say. A. Word. About. The. Dress. Setsuna." Asuna growled.
"I didn't," Setsuna responded with a grin as she stepped into the circle. Asuna, feeling annoyed that Setsuna seemed to be getting the upper hand, decided to try and turn the tables by teasing her. Asuna licked her lips.
"I've got to warn you Setsuna, I've had some pretty deep experience in the kissing department." For the briefest of moments a blush did start to appear on Setsuna's face; but the new Setsuna was older and wiser and still hated to lose...especially to Asuna.
"It seems your experience is limited to young boys and old men Asuna...I'd hardly call that deep." There was a sharp intake of breath from Asuna. Setsuna had come to a stop a few inches away from Asuna.
"Ooooh that was low coming from someone who took a year longer than me to be kissed." Asuna was a little worried that she may have gone too far with the last remark but in the tense competitive atmosphere crackling between them it only seemed to stoke Setsuna more.
"Well at least I've kissed a real woman before! If anything you're the one who'd better be prepared." Asuna's eyes narrowed and she lent in closer and whispered dangerously,
"That sounds like a challenge Setsuna."
"Bring it." Setsuna said as she too moved in; in the back of her mind Konoka had stopped cheerleading and was joyfully watching with hands clasped together in excitement. Somehow the whole competitive spirit had robbed Setsuna of nerves...and she did have experience with surely the best kisser in the world ('Damn right!' Konoka's voice said); although she got the feeling this one was going to be a little different.
Then their lips met. Asuna's forcefully latching onto her own. In the distance she thought she heard a voice shout 'Pactio' and a light energising feeling flowed through her. Letting her lips do battle with Asuna's to resist her domination Setsuna brought her tongue into play; letting it probe and pry the underside of Asuna's lips. She was vaguely aware of Asuna's arms about her back and shoulders pulling her in closer and that her own were doing the same to Asuna; lips pressing ever harder and mouths coming ever closer. Asuna's tongue pushed past her own into her mouth, bringing with it some of Asuna's saliva. Her own tongue rubbed back against Asuna's tongue, lovingly teasing and stroking it all the way up into Asuna's mouth as her hands dug deeper into Asuna's back and her body pressed tightly up against Asuna's. Asuna's tongue had recovered from the teasing and was now hungrily exploring the inside of Setsuna's mouth overloading Setsuna's mind with pleasure. Desperately her own tongue seductively licked up along the roof of Asuna's mouth as her breath finally ran out and her grip slackened on Asuna's back. She felt Asuna release her and then it was over. They were just two girls standing in a dimly lit, strange room in the middle of a jungle village...Suddenly everything else felt so plain. Both of them were breathing deeply and just a little red.
"Ah, you really were trained by the best," Asuna said in mock ruefulness. "I guess it's my loss." Setsuna shook her head,
"No, it couldn't have been. It must have at least been a draw..." Asuna cast a relieved glance her way.
"Was I really that good?" Now Setsuna felt herself blushing. She managed a nod before Asuna's new cards appeared in a flash of golden light.
"That was amazing nee-chans!" Chavalus exclaimed from the dresser draw where he held a camera. "Totally wicked!" The two girls' stares came to rest upon him and he gulped.
"The camera, Chavalus," Asuna said menacingly.
"Hahahaha...you're joking nee-chan right? Do you know how much I could..."
Both Setsuna and Asuna took another step closer and with a second gulp he reluctantly tossed over the camera.
"Fine, fine...such a waste..." Setsuna caught the camera as Asuna took a look at her card.
"Wow! It looks like I'm carrying two giant swords! And it's like there's a black thing behind me. I wonder what...it looks a lot like the feathers...Oh well - Adeat!"
There was a flash of light then Asuna stood before Setsuna in black ninja robes, wielding two large curving cutlasses. More strikingly however were the giant black wings that protruded from her back. Setsuna turned pale and Asuna cast her a worried glance,
"What's wrong Setsuna?"
"You've...you've..."
"Uh huh...I've?"
"Got wings..." Setsuna said with the voice of an undertaker...She pactioed with me and turned out a freak...now she's going to want to end the pactio...I'm sorry Asuna...
Asuna blinked then looked behind her.
"I have WINGS! No way! This is incredible!" Setsuna remained frozen with mouth agape. "I thought something terrible had happened when you looked like that Setsuna," Asuna chided.
"You...you like them?" Setsuna queried. I mean I know she praised mine but I thought it would be different if she had the things sticking out of her...but then I guess deep down I'm really not all that surprised; I was just panicking...
"Yeah!" Asuna exclaimed. Asuna would perhaps have spent all night examining her wings had Chavalus not piped up.
"Um...great girls but what do you intend to do next? You just killed a Magus so I don't think hanging round here's a great plan." Asuna scratched the back of her head and looked embarrassed.
"Oh yeah...I forgot about that...well then I guess we should fly as soon as possible." Setsuna nodded her agreement and so within the space of ten minutes the pair had packed, and with Chavalus guiding them slipped out the rear of the house and taken to the skies above the jungle; black and white wings riding the currents of the skies.