Ah, really struggled to get this one out by today; RL is gonna be hectic for another week or so before a slight relaxing for a week - in which this story should reach its end. Thanks for all the reviews and views for the last Chapter - as ever I'm happy in knowing that my stories are of joy to others; it's your reviews that keep giving me the motivation to write on :D
darkangel12391: Yes, that's what I like about this pairing - that both are strong & competitive; I feel it gives it a different slant to the more regular pairings.
aisismortal: Thanks so much! I managed to find the song online - he's got an amazing voice and I loved the guitar changing chords in the background and the changes of pace (and thanks to your explanation could imagine the solo and chorus fitting in with Chapter 3).
Sony Ninja: Yep, I really enjoyed writing the kiss scene :) Fraid the real lemon/fluff won't be this week but I can definitely promise that next weeks Chapter will have some.
Shinmei swordman: Thanks - I'll definitely have to do a KonoxSetsu one-shot soon. I was gonna wait until Christmas but I might do a second one before that to counter the pain of writing a fanfic where she dies.
setchan-1995: I quite like the fact there's no dominant one - or rather they're both uke as opposed to semi's (dominant not supportive) - it kinda gives the relationship a rather electric feeling ;)
Kurush Wuzurg: Well AsunaxNegi was a little more like older sister/younger brother and in addition Konoka's presence stems at least in part from the transfer of her magic into Setsuna and then via the pactio into Asuna. Smoother eh? That's not how my writing works ;) the pactio was an important step but they still have yet to truly realise their feelings for each other. Slightly confused about the 'how far I'm prepared to go?' I think (including epilogues) that every pairings reached a physical & spiritual bonding (as true love should be). Am really glad you liked it :) and that you've read all my Yuri stories :D
xxWfCPXX: Boo indeed :) Am happy it seemed to flow naturally. This Chapter in contrast may be a little more choppy methinks but hopefully still good.
April Showers
Three weeks passed after their flight from Balthaus's house. They heard nothing more of that incident and it was left to their imagination what had occurred after they'd left; but the thing that burned strongest within them was the kiss. It rarely came to prominence in their minds, save when they slept, but slowly spread and grew within their subconsciousness. The signs were small but there if one looked closely: they no longer changed or bathed in front of each other, a new level of respect subsisted between them and a certain caution at times pervaded their conversations. Otherwise their relationship was as strong and enjoyable as ever. Their power was on a much more equal footing and both had grown so much stronger even over just a few weeks from working in closer and closer synchronisation.
"Hah!" Setsuna shouted as she slashed down with her sword. A dull ringing sounded as steel met steel and Asuna flew backwards. Asuna used her wings to brake, somersault and shoot upward to try and gain ground above Setsuna; but Setsuna had already arched upwards herself on the back of a rising current and came at Asuna from the same height. Again their Swords clashed with full force.
Her face is so determined, Setsuna thought as she parried an upswing. I'm only just on top here and I'm almost flat out. Before her Asuna's strong arms flurried faster than a windmill and her face was flushed with exertion. Increasingly Setsuna was finding the latter combination, as much as Asuna's improvement, a hindrance in duelling her. She was still just the stronger though and finally found an opening, sending one of Asuna's cutlasses spinning down to the forest floor below. Seconds later the second went the same way leaving Asuna disarmed and at Setsuna's mercy.
"Ahhh shucks!" Asuna said ruefully as she hovered in the air. "I didn't expect that combination."
"It's Jin- zen- dao- gua" (gold, needle, reverse, hanging) Setsuna explained, mimicking the move in slow motion. Asuna watched closely then said,
"Hold on. Let me go retrieve my cutlasses." Asuna began descending but before she'd gone a few metres down a pillar of dirt spewed upwards from the west and a loud rumbling explosion crawled out over the land.
"Woah!" Asuna exclaimed as she stared out at the horizon. "What's the deal over there?" Setsuna shrugged and said with a grin,
"Wanna check it out?". Asuna nodded enthusiastically and hastily dived down to retrieve her cutlasses before returning to Setsuna's side.
"Lets go!"
Asuna had become used to flying quickly…and she loved it. The exhilaration of being able to turn and twist in the air, of the breeze and wet clouds; it was all so fresh. Of course at times it was also scary and cold but that was a small trade off for the benefits…and now she could go wherever Setsuna could. Glancing at Setsuna as they flew towards the source of disturbance she found herself marvelling that someone so strong and kind and perfect should exist. Of course she's also the source of my strength now…her magic is flowing through me…
Well it was mine originally…
Asuna almost stalled in flight…was that Konoka's voice? I felt as though she was with me…Anyway I can certainly see why Konoka fell for her…
Mmm-hmm, of course! I'd only ever fall for the best…*giggle* you're sure your not falling for her now Asuna?
No! I mean…no, well, how could I when you…I mean…Asuna frowned, she felt sure Konoka was laughing somewhere.
Silly Asuna...How could I be anything but delighted if the two people closest to me came together…I'll be routing for you… Konoka's voice slipped away to a quiet whisper and then all was silent. Below a huge clearing filled with scattered rubble and splintered trees told a tale of sudden upheaval; similar to that going on in Asuna's mind. What just happened? I mean did I really hear…and did she really mean…I mean its not like me and Setsuna…I mean well I'm not…but then how do I know…Oh damn you Konoka! You're still teasing me even now!
"What the hell is that!" Setsuna exclaimed pointing ahead along a large brown track cutting through the wood from the clearing.
Where Setsuna was pointing charged a molten purple-brown lump leaving mud and lumps of gooey sludge in its wake. Seven long stalks bearing glinting pairs of red, half-moon eyes swayed and bobbed from its back; six of the eyes pointing forwards whilst a seventh roamed and danced randomly. They were now just behind the creature and looking further ahead Setsuna thought she could see shapes fleeing from it.
"Asuna we have to stop it! There are people fleeing from it…" Asuna promptly swooped down in a steep dive towards the rear of the creature; dark black flames dancing along the edge of her swords. Setsuna groaned and followed her down. Seriously! She didn't wait for me to finish…charging in so recklessly when we know nothing about it.
The roaming eye spotted them and the stalk supporting it swelled. A second stalk slid down from the top of the lumps on the back to join it; two tubular trunks expanding and growing into the sky.
"Hah!" Asuna shouted as she released a slice of black magic towards the eyes. The stems recoiled but failed to evade the slice that split them in two. Asuna began pulling out of her dive in order to recharge her swords only to realise that the severed stalks had reconnected. From behind she heard Setsuna yell,
"Watch out!" But it was too late. The stalks emitted, from holes beneath the eyes, magical pulses creating an unearthly wail that wrecked Asuna's nervous system and shut down her mind. Asuna felt herself slip into a dreamless sleep as her swords and wings turned back to sparkling fragments.
With a yell of frustration and worry Setsuna released her own attack on the beast. A strong downward slash cut it in two with a giant jagged line of blue magic; the same attack she'd used on the dragon. It seemed that often simple and powerful was good enough as it must of hit the creatures vitals; it collapsed and dissolved to a muddy, sticky, dark purple goo on the ground.
Setsuna streaked down and intercepted Asuna's falling form before Asuna landed in the rolling, suffocating jellied mass spreading across the ground. Got her! Thank goodness! She rose away from the stench and gazed into Asuna's face, her heart skipping a beat. Holding her, looking into her face with eyes closed and peaceful...like when I lost Konoka...what if I lost her now...what would I do? It was as if the confusion in her heart from the last few weeks was stripped away in a blinding flash of clarity. Without her now I'd be empty and unhappy...it's thanks to her that I can live and find meaning in living...is this what Konoka meant by 'be happy?' She was someway north of the creature now and began drifting towards the ground with slow beats of her wings. Her arms wound round Asuna's strong torso so she could feel her partners pulse and was relieved to know she was going to be all right.
Sure enough as she landed between a cluster of tall green trees, bathed in crisp sunlight, Asuna's eyes flickered open; one purple and one turquoise. They were strange and intriguing on their own but as windows to Asuna's soul they were so much more to Setsuna, for as they opened she could read loneliness, trust and joy.
"Ahhh, damn that hurt!" Asuna exclaimed as Setsuna set her down on the ground. Cautiously Asuna stood up holding her head. "I get wings and still make a mess of things!" For once Setsuna couldn't think of a supporting phrase...there was no question Asuna had rushed in too soon; too eager to be the one to save the day. Instead she reached out and steadied Asuna as Asuna nearly fell over.
"Are you okay?" Asuna nodded and stumbled away.
"Yeah, my heads just a bit jumbled." Asuna swayed unsteadily and walked into a tree.
"Are you really sure you're okay Asuna?" Setsuna asked in concern. Asuna sighed and leaned back against the tree, staring up at the sky. "Yeah...it's just that you're always the one saving me, even now...why can't I get it right...I'm always chasing you..."
Running footsteps broke the peace of the wood and seconds later the figure of Nodoka appeared.
"Asuna! Setsuna! You're all right! It's really you!"
Nodoka flung herself about Asuna and hugged her tightly. "We were so worried!"
"Uh!" Asuna grunted, still feeling a bit woozy. Setsuna relaxed her stance and let her wings fold away into her back; leaving a couple of torn jagged holes in her shirt. Seconds later she too was enveloped by Nodoka.
"And Setsuna too...everyone was so worried that you'd...with..." Nodoka trailed off as the same shadow that was passing over all the girls in the class, to a greater or lesser extent, briefly touched her; her eyes fell to the floor and a sigh escaped her lips. Seconds later it recovered as more footsteps echoed in the forest behind.
"Wait up Nodoka," Craig said as he emerged from the woods with his three companions just behind him.
"Ah, Craig-san, Christian-san, Lynn-san and Aisha-san, these are my classmates; Setsuna-san and the one we were told to keep a look out for Asuna-san."
On seeing Asuna and hearing her name the others stood stock still then bowed as one. Asuna rubbed the back of her head and looked a little embarrassed.
"Eh?"
Nodoka looked startled.
"You don't know?"
"Know what?"
"That you're one of the Old World princesses . And now the only one...anyway Rakan sent us all to look for you because he was sure you were still alive. I think a few other powerful factions are looking for you too."
Asuna laughed..."but that's..." Wait...those dreams...of being with Nagi and the other greats...and how little I know of my past...but that's crazy...then again what hasn't been in this world lately... "Anyway we need to talk. Are you staying nearby?"
Nodoka nodded, "Yeah, we were raiding another temple so stopped in Halshalem, three miles East of here for the night...only we weren't really expecting such a powerful guarding creature..."
"Yeah, as usual Nodoka's ability to predict traps saved us," Craig said with a laugh.
"You still have your ability?" Asuna said grasping at the possibility Negi might be alive. Nodoka blushed.
"Well a number of us who lost our abilities made temporary pactios with Rakan. It was kind of necessary in order for us to go out into the magical world and survive...Oh shush!" Asuna was mimicking puking into a pile of grass. "If it were you in the same situation you'd have made a pactio too rather than go back to being so weak..." Setsuna blushed and diverted her gaze to the sky; Asuna suddenly seemed to have choked on something and started coughing loudly. Taking a deep breath Setsuna quickly changed the topic.
"Okay lets go to Halshalem...now then Nodoka, can you bring us up to speed with what's happened. Is everyone else all-right?"
Over the three mile trip back and the subsequent pub dinner Nodoka brought them up to speed. Rakan had transferred them away from the battle so none of them had seen the outcome but as all of them lost their temporary pactios they had to assume Negi was gone. Since then all had gone their separate ways having been instructed to keep an eye out for Asuna; it seemed many important people were hunting for her with various spies in different places. Nodoka gave Asuna a small transmitter and activated it explaining that it would point her in Rakan's direction and at the same time let Rakan know where she wasand that Rakan could give her more information on her status. On reaching Halshalem Setsuna had checked for any strong sources of magic and having only found one low level mage she'd settled for cloaking Asuna's magic signature and casting an illusion over Asuna's hair so that all who looked at her would see it as raven black; in its own way a strangely attractive look.
During lunch at the stone grey inn Setsuna and Asuna also filled Nodoka in about their travels and adventures; which went smoothly up until they reached the part where they were recounting their attack on the temple guardian.
"...and then Asuna swooped down to attack the beast..." Setsuna managed before Nodoka interjected.
"Asuna can fly?" Asuna miss-swallowed a mouthful of food and for the second time that day choked. Setsuna blushed. This is silly, it was only a pactio...just a pactio...whatever my heart says...a pactios nothing to be ashamed of...after all Nodoka kissed Rakan-san.
"Yeah..." Setsuna began, "well we had to get stronger too so we pactioed." It took Nodoka a second to catch on...but she had the good sense not to blush too much; not that she really had any high ground to stand on.
"Oh...right, yeah I guess we've all had to change and adjust to this new life...That's really cool, having wings." Asuna had recovered by now and jumped in to describe just how good the wings really were. After the pactio had been explained away the rest of the meal passed smoothly. Asuna and Setsuna were able to get a room for the night upstairs as it wasn't the holiday season so the inn wasn't busy.
It was deep into the night when Setsuna woke to find Asuna gone. Slipping from her bed she moved over to the window and glanced into the courtyard. A bleak light from a lantern hanging outside the inn cast its eye over Asuna's lone figure tirelessly working with her swords (she had chosen not to activate her wings). Again and again she worked on her moves, slashing and striking over and over. Setsuna watched on in admiration for several minutes and then slipped out of the room and down the stairs; she always slept in a shirt and trousers in order to be able to protect Asuna at a moments notice so there was no need to change clothes.
When she silently stepped out of the inn and past the sound barrier that covered it, ensuring the guests had a good nights sleep, she could hear Asuna muttering to herself.
"...and thrust! Not good enough...courage Asuna...I will get stronger...I will protect her...Once again... Jin- zen- dao- gua! Better! Again Jin- zen- dao- gua!
She's trying so hard for me...after the disappointment of messing up earlier. Instead of moping she's straight back to fighting so courageously. My heart is racing...somehow she's so perfect...but Konoka was perfect right?...But she was perfect in a different way, perhaps there's more than one perfect for any person...Konoka? Somehow she'd become very used to talking with Konoka's presence; it was soothing even if her suggestions were often rather...well forward at times. This time she didn't hear a response as such but felt a peace wash over her as if to confirm what she was thinking...but how can I ever hope Asuna would feel the same...Oh, I've been spotted!
Asuna eased up, looking a little startled to see Setsuna watching her. Then she beckoned Setsuna over. As Setsuna approached Asuna took up a fighting stance.
"I want you to fight me Setsuna!" She declared with fierce determination. "Sword to sword." Setsuna's eyes sparkled with interest. She smoothly drew her own sword out and faced Asuna's pair of cutlasses; putting an additional silence spell on the courtyard to prevent the noise of their battle from attracting too much attention.
"Okay. Whenever you're ready Asuna."
Asuna came at her with swords spinning, the left thrust first and then the right; Setsuna stepping right and then left to quickly parry. Then she swept her sword low causing Asuna to jump, but as Asuna jumped she drew the swords back and then up at Setsuna forcing Setsuna backwards. Before Setsuna could recover Asuna pressed her backward across the courtyard with a series of flurrying drives; crude, but powerful and effective. Then Asuna entered Jin- zen- dao- gua; her hair flying and muscles powerfully delivering each part of the move with confidence.
That's fine, Setsuna thought as she parried the moves, stepping back each time. But the second thrust was so forceful she had to take a huge step backwards. As she did so her foot hit the wall of the courtyard; oh damn! Asuna carried through with the gua (hanging) and forced Setsuna to block awkwardly so that her sword flew from her hands upward into the air. Asuna raised her sword to Setsuna's neck...only to find empty air. Setsuna had leaped straight up using her chi, where she grabbed her sword and bore down on Asuna from above. Asuna just had time to turn, gasp and raise her sword to parry. Seconds later and the roles were completely reversed; Asuna pressed against the wall with her cutlasses across her chest blocking Setsuna's sword.
Both of them were breathing heavily. Asuna's face was hot and sweaty and her clothes were cut and torn; showing streaks of glistening skin rising and falling as she put all her strength into trying to force back Setsuna's sword.
"Ahhhh!" Asuna cried in frustration, "Damn! I was so close!" Setsuna kept pressing until she felt Asuna ease off in resignation.
"I was impressed..." Setsuna whispered and felt her heart accelerating at a ridiculous rate as she realised just how close her face was to Asuna's.
Setsuna later blamed what she did next on a whole host of things: Asuna's eyes being so close and echoing love and want; her body so close, sweaty, strong and beautiful; the dim lighting framing those features in an alluring glow; the fact she'd already kissed her before and that in her head Konoka was cheering on her deepest desire that had been lurking and growing every day she'd been with Asuna since the night she'd cried her heart out on that cliff, to be with her forever. What was certain though was that she closed the last few inches to Asuna's face and kissed her.
It wasn't for long. At first Asuna kissed back and responded in kind. Their tongues touching and brushing, swords clattering to the floor as Setsuna found herself pressing close to Asuna; a hand running up through Asuna's hair whilst the other began wrapping round Asuna's waist. It was as natural and instinctive as the pactio kiss only this time Asuna pulled her head back and away. Setsuna staggered back; alarm at what she had just done running like jagged ice through her veins. Asuna's eyes were wide and her face was red. Setsuna gulped and turned from white as a sheet to a deep blood red in a record time, even for her.
"I...I'm...so sorry...what have I done?" Asuna tried to say something but the words wouldn't come. Instead a low rumble of thunder rolled over the silence and spots of rain started to fall. Setsuna's white wings rippled uneasily behind her before she turned and fled in shame into the rain. Asuna didn't have the strength of body or purpose of mind to catch her. She slumped to the ground as the rain began falling and touched a finger to her lips before the spitting became a shower and hid the world from view.