Author's note: Once again I have made you guys wait for far too long for updates and I am proud to say that this is it. Have fun.
Andrew woke the next morning around 3 and proceeded to complete his morning calisthenics. As he was dressing for his run he thought back to the story he had been told. It almost sounded like the plot to some fantasy book he had read at some point, though he didn't doubt that it was true. Whether it was colored by years of bitterness and hate was almost a given though there was a slim possibility that it was an accurate recounting of events. He shook his head and exited his room making his way to the front door for his run, his pistol in its thigh holster.
About halfway there he was met with one of the maids though it wasn't Riku. She was startled that he was up so early considering the rest of the household did not wake until at the absolute earliest eight in the morning. Andrew nodded at the maid and was stepping off when he had a thought, he had no idea if there was anything that he should be aware of like a track or ridiculously overpowered monsters in the woods. Pausing he turned his attention back to the maid who, realizing she had his complete attention bowed, giving him a wonderful view of The Valley of Death. "Is there a track somewhere on the grounds and is there anything I should be aware of in the forest surrounding the castle?" he asked.
Lifting her head just enough to glance at his face she opened her mouth and spoke. "There is a fully functional gym in the lower levels of the castle, and there are some creatures in the forest though they are wise enough to avoid anyone who exits said castle." she said. Andrew nodded "Show me to the gym please." he said, motioning her to take the lead. The maid bowed, turned, and began walking down the hall with Andrew following.
A few minutes later, and they had stopped at a standard looking door for the castle. Opening the door, the maid stepped out of the way and bowed her head as he entered the room. Taking a second to fully take in the massive room he looked around at the room the maid had claimed was a 'gym'. It certainly had everything that a gym needed, plus everything some of the best fitness centers he had ever heard of could only wish to get their hands on.
After a moment to take in everything around him, Andrew turned his attention back to the Elf maid. "Thank you for showing me the way, you are dismissed." he said. The maid dipped her head, turned and exited the gym leaving him to his devices. Taking a breath, he began stretching for his morning workout. That completed, he began the training regimen that had been ingrained into him ever since he had joined the Corps.
Starting his cool down stretches he checked his watch and noticed that it was around 5 in the morning. Silently debating on whether it would be prudent to shower first or to just hit the kitchen on his way up to his room to not disturb the cooks as they prepared food for the rest of the household, he decided that the cooks didn't need his sweaty stench fucking up their hallowed ground. After all, the two truths he learned in the Corps was to have a good relationship with your cook and supply people. They might just happen to lose that extra steak from the officer's mess, or you might just find a small bottle of 'essential supplies' in your next issue of uniforms. Besides, Andrew had no idea where the kitchens were in this place anyway.
Mind made up, he began the trek back to his rooms to shower and dress for the day and mentally prepare himself for his 'spar' with the orange-haired midget. As he walked he thought back to the previous day's 'fight', if you could call it that. The orange-haired midget telegraphed her movements like an amateur, sure she was quick and unbelievably strong but being fast and strong didn't always guarantee a win. Sure, they were important and in some instances, could be used to win on their own but if you knew how to use them and use them effectively far more victories were possible. Case in point, the Covenant may have been able to swipe the navy away at almost every engagement due to their superior tech and numbers, but on the ground humanity had a much greater fighting chance, they knew how to play to their strengths and cover for their weaknesses on the many ground battles.
Of course, the Covenant would then just glass the world from orbit because why the fuck not right? Galaxies full of planets what's a few turned uninhabitable by super-heated plasma in the grand scheme of things. Andrew shook his head to rid himself of the memories, now wasn't the time to be remembering things like that. So instead he planned how he was going to go about the coming fight.
He would use her anger against her, that would make her composer shatter and any semblance of technique, making her predictable and easy to counter. After that, there wasn't much to plan, avoid her wild swings, disarm her, then either pin her or knock her out. Simple plan but then the most successful plans where always simplistic in nature, less to go wrong and room for adaptation if your fortunes turned.
Battle plan concocted, he found himself outside his door. Slightly startled that he had no recollection of the journey, he cast his gaze about suspiciously for a moment then shook his head. He must have been too deep in his thoughts to pay attention to his surroundings consciously. Back in the here and now, Andrew made his way through his room, stripping off his sweat soaked clothes and grabbing fresh ones before making his way over to the shower.
Exiting his shower with a towel around his waist and no longer smelling like sweat he stopped when he passed a full-body mirror. Turning to face the mirror fully, Andrew took himself in for the first time truly since that fateful day on his home world. He took in the scars that crisscrossed his body, there were the three most recent additions the four claw marks across his face that he got from the misunderstanding with Kurumu and her friends, the plasma burn on his left shoulder, and the long slice from his right hip to his left shoulder both due to his fight with the Elite.
But there were others that no one had noticed yet though he didn't understand how that had happened. There were the claw marks on his forearms from when he had choked out a Jackal, it hadn't taken to kindly to that. Looking at a slight discoloration on his right shoulder, he remembered the pulse rifle round that had torn through him that day. If the sniper had shifted his aim to the right just an inch the round would have punctured a lung and he probably would have died that day. After all, kinda hard to administer medical aid when you're under fire and none of your squad mates are medics. Turning so that his back was to the mirror he took in the massive burn that covered his back. His countenance darkened remembering the day that gave him his largest scar.
Shaking his head to clear it of the memories, he let the towel drop to the ground and dressed. Checking his watch and finding that only fifteen minutes had passed, he contemplated what he was going to do for the next few hours. After a few minutes of thinking he decided that he would just wander around and see where his feet took him. Strapping his sidearm and sword to his legs he left his room and just started walking.
As he walked, he allowed his eyes to rove over the many most likely priceless artifacts that littered the walls and stands along the corridors. Some were exquisite paintings, others, pieces of pottery and while the possible significance of each piece went over his head, he could appreciate the time and dedication that went into them. Admiring a rather beautiful painting of a rolling landscape he noticed that he was no longer alone. Turning just enough to get a view of whoever had come up to him he was slightly surprised to see Riku standing, not quite beside him, but a step behind and to his left.
They stood in silence just staring at the painting for a time before Andrew broke it. "I never did ask how I was supposed to call you." he said. Riku dipped her head in apology "My apologies Master, you must simply call my name." she said. Andrew's left eyebrow quirked up as he turned a questioning gaze at her. Noticing his confusion Riku dipped her head again and proceeded to explain. "Like most non-human species, we Elves have exceptional hearing, however the chokers that we wear are enchanted to respond to our name. Informing us as to who is calling us and their current location." she explained.
Andrew nodded while turning his attention back to the painting. After a few more minutes of silence Andrew once again broke it. "Is there a library here?" he asked. Slightly startled by the question she never the less answered in the affirmative. Getting the answer, he was hoping for he bade her to lead the way.
Riku bowed her head turned on her heel and began walking down the corridor, Andrew on her heels. Walking in silence Andrew couldn't quite keep his eyes off the swaying hips of his guide. The dress was quite voluminous and hid plenty of her figure though he suspected that it was a size or two too small, the way it hugged her hips just enough to get an idea as to the woman's curves. Returning his gaze to the back of Riku's head he found that they were headed towards a rather ornate pair of doors.
Andrew stood back and watched as Riku pulled the doors open, allowing him a view of the many rows and shelves of books. He whistled as he stepped into the library and managed to fully take in the vast number of books gathered in this place. Almost taking a step further and losing himself to whichever book caught his fancy he barely remembered Riku standing in the entrance. "You are dismissed Riku, inform me when breakfast is served." he called over his shoulder. Riku dipped her head in acknowledgement though Andrew didn't see it and left the library to complete other tasks.
Several hours later Andrew was seated in one of the massive plush chairs, his head buried in a book when he was rudely pulled back to reality by a sharp knock on the door. "What?!" he snapped, he was just about to reach the climactic battle between the hero and villain. "Master, breakfast is served." a voice he recognized as Riku's said. Andrew looked between the book and door several times, seriously contemplating telling her to leave him or bring him a tray of food.
He sighed, set his book down and made the herculean effort of pulling himself out of the chair. Crossing the distance from his chair to the doors he exited the library, coming face to face with Riku. He nodded to Riku "Lead the way." he said. Riku bowed her head and with a "Yes Master" they were off. "So Riku, how long have you been a servant of the Shuzen family" he asked, wanting to break the silence and learn something about the woman who was his personal maid. There was a slight hitch to her step that most beings would not have caught, but seeing as he was walking behind her and was, once again, drawn to her hips for a moment.
"My sister and I have been 'servants' for close to 500 years. Once Elves reach physical maturity our 'services' are then 'acquired' by the various Houses." she explained. Letting the information sink in he posed a second question. "And physical maturity for Elves is…" he let the question hang. "One hundred years." she answered. Andrew nodded while his mind wrapped around the information he had been given. After a moment, a thought entered his head and he dearly hoped he was wrong.
He put his hand on her shoulder, pulling her to a stop and feeling and watching as she flinched slightly at the contact. "Show me your wrists." he said. She hesitated for a moment, but reluctantly bared her wrists showing matching tattoos of a trio of chain links. Andrew simply stared at them for a moment, allowing there meaning to wash over him. "You're a slave." he stated matter of factly. He sighed as Riku re-covered her wrists and nodded at him. Andrew looked at her and noticing her face was turned away from him gently took her chin in his hand and turned her to face him. "I can't change the past, nor can anything I do make up for the 500 years of hell you have likely suffered here. All I can do is make sure that going forward you are never subjected to the horrendous things you were forced to experience." he declared in a soft but firm voice.
Riku stared into Andrew's eyes for a long moment, looking for any type of deception or falsehoods. But upon finding nothing but conviction she slowly nodded and the smallest flicker of hope and devotion flared in her eyes. After all, words are one thing but actions, those have the capability to make or break someone's faith in a person.
After that intense moment, they continued with their trek to the main dining room where Andrew, with dawning realization, was going to meet the rest of his adopted family. Arriving at the door to the main dining room Andrew steeled himself for his reception and possibly having to fight his way out of the castle. He grimaced, that was a future that he was hoping would never come to pass. If that did happen he would only be able to count on one ally maybe two in the entire castle, one would help but he did not know what her combat capabilities were and the other most likely would not stand against her father.
Shaking his head to clear it of such morbid thoughts, he paused as Riku opened the door and announced him to those inside. She turned back to him and motioned him through the door, taking a deep breath to steady his suddenly spiking nerves he stepped over the threshold to face his new family. Quickly raking his eyes over the occupants, he found to his slight relief that they were just as they were described.
Kahlua was just as she was described to him, wearing a large frilly dress that would not look out of place in the courts of medieval lords. A tiara of, what he suspected to be, pure silver and tastefully adorned with small gems furthered the look of a princess out of her time. While the look of pure innocence in her eyes completed the look. Kokoa looked just as she did the day before, fiery orange hair done up in twin pig tails, light blouse done up and looking every part of the young vampiress. But that was all noticed in an instant what caught and held his attention was the woman behind her.
She was another Elf, and if her dress was any indicator then she was a maid but that wasn't what held his attention, it was her face. If he had not known better, he would have said that he was looking at Riku, though now that he was over the initial shock Andrew was able to discern several key differences. One was her eyes, while they still held a slight weariness about them there was a far more haunted quality to them compared to Riku's. Second was her stance, it was…tense for a lack of better term, as though she was expecting…something, he couldn't quite think of what but thinking back to yesterday Kokoa probably hadn't taken too well to her defeat and by looking at the Elf's stance he had a possible idea as to what she had done to alleviate her frustrations.
Taking his eyes off the Elf and turning his attention to the man who sat at the head of the table he locked eyes with Issa. Acknowledging his presence with a nod, Issa motioned to the chair sitting to his direct right, placing him at the position of second most importance at the table. Nodding to show his understanding, Andrew made his way over to his seat, studiously ignoring the questioning gaze from Kahlua and the hateful glare from Kokoa.
Seating himself with Riku taking up position behind and to the left of him, he once more passed his gaze over the opulent room he was in. The dining room was large with a large solid oak table that would be able to seat upwards of around 50 people comfortably. The decorations followed the same pattern as the rest of the castle, various tapestries, vases, busts and suits of armor.
Before he had a chance to truly appreciate the room, there was a loud smack of flesh hitting wood grabbing everyone's attention. Turning their attention to where the sound originated no one was surprised to find it was Kokoa with her hand on the table and an angry scowl on her face. "What is he doing here?!" she demanded pointing her finger at Andrew with barely contained rage on her face. Shaking his head, it was Issa who responded "He is my adopted son. And you will treat him as such." he said with a hint of steel in his voice. Kokoa's mouth dropped open in shock and she simply stared at her father in incredulity.
Quickly whipping her head from her father to Andrew and back she tried to deny her father's words. "Bu…But father?!" she exclaimed. "But nothing, my decision is final." he said with a slight edge that caused Kokoa to quail and sit back down without further comment. With that bit of unpleasantness completed, Andrew returned to his observations of the room. It was a few moments later when the morning meal was brought in by the staff. With the silver platters set before them the cover was removed, allowing a waft of steam to pour out. Allowing the steam to dissipate he got his first look at said meal.
If he had to describe the meal in one word the only one that would be able to fully encompass it would be 'oriental'. A bowl of rice, steamed fish, a bowl of miso soup, and a few other small side dishes. Breaking his chopsticks, and sampling the rice he found it to be surprisingly fluffy, switching over to the fish he noticed a plethora of herbs and spices though the flavor of the fish itself wasn't overwritten. Feeling eyes on his person he looked up and noticed that everyone in the room was looking at him with tilted heads or raised eyebrows. "What?" he asked.
They all averted their eyes except for Issa "We were merely surprised that you knew how to use chopsticks." he explained. Rather than be offended, Andrew nodded his head it was a rather common mindset that most none Asians didn't know how to use chopsticks. "Adaptability." he said by way of explanation. Issa nodded his head and conversation died to be replaced by a pleasant silence.
Once the various platters were cleaned they were cleared away by the maids standing at the edges of the room. With that taken care of, Issa leaned back in his chair and regarded his adopted son and youngest daughter. "Now that our bellies are full we may turn our attention to other matters." he said after a moments pause. Turning their attention to the head of the table they waited for him to elaborate.
"If I remember correctly, Kokoa and Andrew have something of an exhibition match to take part in." he explained. Kokoa turned a savage grin onto Andrew while he simply looked at her with apathy, making Kokoa's expression to turn into one of rage. Exiting the dining hall, the five of them made their way down to the main training ground. Arriving a few minutes after leaving the dining hall Kokoa made her way over to one side of what looked like a dueling ring considering what looked like a chalk circle was drawn on the ground. Looking at the other side, Andrew noticed Riku standing next to a table with his armor laid out on it.
Stepping over towards her, he gave her a nod and held his arms parallel to the ground. Acknowledging the silent command and permission given, she began armoring him. As that was happening Kokoa began to tap her foot in annoyance and irritation, crossing her arms, narrowing her eyes in rage and baring her fangs. Issa, who was standing off to the side with his other two daughters could only shake his head at his youngest. Kahlua looked between the two with worry and concern written all over her face, she had barely been introduced to her new brother and didn't want to have to attend his funeral so soon, on the other hand Kokoa was her sister and she didn't want her dead either.
With the last piece of armor strapped to his body Riku stood before him with his helmet in her hands. Taking it from her he gave a nod of thanks then turned towards his opponent and had to suppress a grin from breaking out on his face. Kokoa was damn near frothing at the mouth in rage, well that took care of that part of the plan but something took his eyes off his opponent to something behind her. It was what he believed to be Riku's sister and though her stance was strong, it was her eyes gave her away. He could just barely make out the raw terror that was hidden there and they were locked firmly on Kokoa's shaking form. Knowing now that when he beat the little upstart she would take her frustrations out on the Elf he made his decision.
"Kokoa, let us make this…interesting eh?" he called out. Beyond the ridiculous amount of rage in her eyes they now had a spark of interest. "How?!" she snapped at him, barely capable of holding in her bloodlust. "A small wager on the outcome of this spar. Say your maid for mine?" he proposed. "Done!" Kokoa screamed, grabbing her transforming bat and kicking off towards Andrew as her bat transformed into a spiked mace. Slamming his helmet on his head he took off towards her, at a far reduced speed compared to Kokoa, drawing his sword in the process. Rolling to avoid her first strike, which caused a massive crater to appear in the arena, he observed his opponent's movements. It was just as the day previously, utterly telegraphed movements and no finesse just a berserker in jailbait skin.
While the two combatants duked it out in the ring the others watched on with varying expressions on their faces. Riku had both hope and dread on her face, considering her possible fate on the outcome of the spar it was well justified. The same could be said for her sister Miku, though there was more dread than hope considering she didn't know the combat prowess of the young master. Issa had a resigned look on his face, as though he had already decided who was going to be the victor. Moka and Kahlua on the other hand were watching the spar in fascination, they had never seen a human go toe-to-toe with a vampire and not become a stain on the floor within the first few seconds, it was a…novel experience for the two.
Avoiding another strike from the crazed jailbait vampire Andrew decided that enough was enough, his shoulders were sore and were probably going to bruise from all the rolls he put them through. Recovering from his most recent brush with death, he turned and brought his blade up to meet the overhead smash from his opponent he was unpleasantly surprised when she altered the path of the mace to avoid his blade and catch him in the side, sending him into a wall. Riku and Miku both began to wring their hands in worry while Kahlua and Moka both screamed out and one of Issa's eyebrows rose in surprise.
Kokoa had a savage grin on her face as she licked the blood off one of the spikes and shivered in ecstasy, his blood was delicious. Stalking toward where she sent her prey flying with her mace dragging on the ground, digging furrows in the wood she was surprised to hear a loud blast and to spin around collapsing to the ground. Nobody moved, nobody breathed until a blood curdling scream came from the down Kokoa. Turning their attention to the screaming vampire Moka gagged and tried to force the bile rising within her throat back down, Kahlua had one dainty hand covering her mouth and her face was set in a look of horror. Issa on the other hand, while he would never claim to be the best father still did not like to see his progeny in such pain, narrowed his eyes. Riku and Miku, though had looks of horror on their faces could not force down the vindictive pleasure rising within them. For Kokoa laid on the ground, screaming her lungs raw, with tears streaming down her cheeks and clutching the mutilated bloody stump of where her arm used to be.
Andrew stepped out of the small dust cloud which had obscured him from view, smoking Magnum in hand and raised, holding his side which was covered in blood. Lowering his pistol, he spoke "Call it, she is in no condition to continue fighting." he said. Nodding his head, he declared the 'match' in Andrew's favor though it was not truly necessary as there had been no formally declared sparing match. Kokoa had simply attacked Andrew in a combined fit of bloodlust and rage and at the end possibly lust as well. Still holding his side, Andrew turned his attention to Issa fully, taking his eyes off Kokoa when the family physician approached her with her bloody arm in hand.
"The terms?" he questioned. Issa nodded before turning to the maid who had stood behind Kokoa throughout the battle. "Miku, you are now a part of my son's retinue answerable only to him and myself. Is that clear." he spoke with authority. She bowed her head to hide the smile of pure joy that broke out on her face. "Of course, my lord." she said. She quickly stepped over to her new master followed closely by her sister and began using what healing magic that was instinctive to all Elves on his bloody side to stop the bleeding.
His body shaking now that the adrenaline coursing through his veins had run its course, Andrew would have collapsed had it not been for the Elves on either side of him easily taking his weight. "We'll take him to his room to recover Lord Issa." Riku spoke. Getting a nod of acquiescence from said man, the two sisters helped their young master from the arena and too his room passing the family rushing to their downed member to offer what comfort they could.
Once out of sight and feeling their young master had most likely passed out from a combination of blood loss and pain joyful smiles split their faces. "He did it, he actually did it." Miku breathed in utter astonishment. Riku turned a gentle smile to Andrew's helmeted visage. "He did, didn't he." she said softly. Miku looked to her sister "Was he good to you?" she asked. "I've only known him for a day but in that day, he never demanded I join him in his bed nor 'service' him in any way. But I do know one thing, he removed you from the midget tyrant's grasp. I suppose we will simply have to wait and see." she replied.
Author's Note: Well…I FINALLY FINISHED THE NEW CHAPTER! HALLELUIAH, PRAISE THE GOD-EMPEROR, JESUS, AND THE ALMIGHTY CTHULU. But in all seriousness, I am so glad I got this finished. Now ya'll can stop pestering me about it and have something to hold yourselves over until I can get some of my other projects worked on. Now I'll leave ya with one last piece of advice, if it ain't metal…IT'S CRAP! See ya in the next chapter.