That was one big bug! Little misaka spoke, shaking her head in disbelief. She grinned a malicious grin, and obviously a very tasty one. She giggled, rubbing her hands together. Shut up! Mikoto growled. You just wait until I get a hold of you.
Oh, reeally, the little avatar rolled her eyes. Kick your ass again?
Phttp, Mikoto thinned her eyes.
She was walking along the trail, following the others. The air was hot and still, sweat pilling along her skin, growing more agitated. That was a big bug, though. Taking a ragged breath and spoke, It is soooo… hot.
I told you that the rise in the earth's average temperature made things bigger long ago. And it really feels freaking hotter here. So I am thinking large bugssssss.. she hissed. An icy chill ran from Mikoto's shoulders to her toes. She shivered, wiping the wet from her forehead and flicking it against a tree. Splat!
Wow.. little misaka chuckled. Splat! She wiped her own forehead and spoke. Mmmm... it's so cozy and chilly here. I just don't know what to say. She teased. Being an avatar living inside of Mikoto Misaka, she had the ability to remember and bring those thoughts to life. She sat down on an imaginary chair. On an imaginary patio, looking over miles of imaginary trees. The imaginary sun was just above the horizon. The imaginary wind was rising up the side of the imaginary mountain, over the imaginary patio, through the imaginary thin curtains, and into the imaginary bedroom of Anastasia and Mikoto. A voice called out. It was her voice. Anastasia walked across the bedroom floor, smiling beautifully with her hand held out. Ice tea me. She grinned. She took the glass, sat in the chair by her side, took a drink, leaned close, and kissed her cheek.
Mikoto blushed, remembering the coolness of the wind and the warmth of her kiss. I hate you sometimes. She said, fighting back the tears.
I know. Little Misaka whispered, taking a small drink of imaginary Ice Tea.
There was a dull thrumming followed by silence. Then, moments later, the thrumming came again. She moved her head, listening to the slight sounds. She looked up, following the treelines to the small sporadic patches of bright blues that dotted the dark canopy of trees. When the dull thrumming rose, she could see patches disappear and reappear when it went silent. Heavy winds? She wondered. A storm? Maybe?
Please, if it starts raining now, I am going to scream. Little misaka groaned. After all, that time walking under those two burning balls... I betcha the rain is even hot here.
Mikoto slowed and closed her eyes, sending pulses outward. Earlier, she had created a map in her mind and was overlaying the new information. In front of her were the others. The pale undetailed images of Aya, Nya, Gullah, and Kea. And past them, the trail snaked through the jungle another mile or so. Leading to a large expanse and a village. Elemental images of people moving through the squares and rectangular representations of the houses. Beyond them were more jungle and the steep walls of the gardens. The pulse rose up the vertical walls and spread outward along the ground. Nothing but miles and miles of a desert wasteland. A few adjustments to her numbers and wind direction and speed totals appeared.
Nothing much... she said, seeing the numbers barely registered. The sound of a thrumming came. Mikoto cocked her head. The number spun, peaking at 95 kilometers, lasting a few minutes, and dropped like a stone to zero. Gotcha! Mikoto whispered, looking up. The patches of clear blue skies disappeared and reappeared.
Got who? She felt a small hand take her hand.
Huh? Mikoto looked down in surprise. Didn't even sense her. Kea was holding two of her fingers. Looked up at her with big bright green eyes. Who did you get? She asked, cocking her head. Her ears twitched and pitched forward. Another bug? She asked with a hint of hope. Mikoto swallowed hard to keep the memory of that moment down. Her stomach twisted.
Spooky? Little misaka quickly spoke. I didn't even feel her coming close. Hey, don't you have that passive protection thingy going? Oh crap, I don't think I can stand the big kitten's eyes for too long. Do something! Pretend she's a bug!
Mikoto sighed and kneeled, looking into her eyes. I was just listening to the wind. She said.
Kea's eyes opened wider, and she nodded. It's almost time. She said, looking up. The wind season comes, and no one leaves the gardens, Quickly shakes her head. Why doesn't anyone leave? Mikoto reached out and cupped her cheek. Soft and warm, Kea blushed, her nose quivering like a rabbit.
Oh, by the goddess, give me strength. Little misaka dropped to her knees. CUTE!
Because they will be torn to shreds, Aya answered. She and the others had stopped. Aya walked over and scratched Kea behind the ears. She rolled her eyes in pleasure. Ok, I am saying someone had sex with a cat, and she is the result. Nothing wrong with it. I am not judging, even so, someone had sex with a cat. Little misaka laughed. Should I say it?
Mikoto bit her tongue. Don't you...
Too late. Betcha it was the best pussy they ever had. She howled, falling on her back, rolling on the ground.
The winds will get stronger and constant. That is why the hunts are going on right now. Once the season begins, no one travels. Aye ran her fingers along the edges of Kea's cat-like ears. A satiated look glistened in her eyes.
How strong? Mikoto spoke. Aya shrugged, strong enough to rip the flesh from your bones and then wear the bones to nothing. The others nodded.
Is that normal? Mikoto ran the calculations in her mind.
Aya pinched the tufts of hair on the tip of Kea's ear. Kea took a deep breath as her eyes grew bigger. They tell of a time when the entire land was green and full of life. But something happened. The gods went to war, and this is a result. Anything above disappeared, and these gardens are all that exists.
How long does it last?
Aya shrugged again, letting go of Kea's ear, until it slows and disappears. She turned. We should keep going. We will be home soon.
Still holding her two fingers, Kea took a step and gave a gentle let's go tug.
Great... she's too cute to deny. Little misaka whined. Kea smiled even bigger with a nod of her head.
Did she just hear me?! Mikoto furrowed her brow. Did you just?
Kea nodded playfully. We go...
A chill rushed over her as she stepped out of the dense, humid jungle. The bright light of the two suns beats down as she raises her arm to shield her eyes. A cool breeze followed. The village's spacing allowed even the slightest breeze to feel good. The villagers slowly stopped, seeing the hunting party coming out of the jungle with someone new.
A typical village, little misaka spoke. Mikoto nodded.
The huts were laid out in a large circular pattern. Many of the huts were made of grasses and other plant materials. A few were raised off the ground by heavy, thick branches. They piled fruits and vegetables up and hanging from the roofs. Near them, cooking fires burned as some sort of game animals hung prepped for consumption. In the center of the village was a large platform made of earth. Built on the mound were at least 8 heavy branches holding the roof made of tree branches and leaves that provided shade. Oh crap! Little misaka quickly spoke, please do not look over there.
Over where?
I said, oh crap, too late!
An insect struggled as a man lifted it up and put it inside a pot of boiling water. It hissed as it sank underneath. Ohhhhhh... ccrrappp?! Mikoto covered her mouth. Her throat seized. Not good! She smacked her chest, gotta hold it.
Shoulda know? Little Misaka spoke. Shut up. Mikoto replied.
This way.
Aya put her hand on Mikoto's shoulder, motioning with her head. Mikoto nodded and followed Kea, holding her hand. The smell of the steamed bug from earlier coming from the sack over her shoulder turned her stomach. How could I have forgotten? Mikoto looked down at the wet bag swinging around her tiny hips. Urpp!
Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Little misaka shrugged.
Where are we going? She asked, the chief. Kea raised her arm, pointing to the center of the village. Mikoto looked over at the crowd that had gathered and was now following.
Oh, look? How charming, little misaka spoke, scantily clad females lovingly fanning that old man lying down. She sighed. Isn't that so nice? Makes me want to rush over and join them. NOT!
Shut up?! Mikoto gritted her teeth. Don't you do or say anything that will make me...
Make you do what? I never make you do anything. You're the one known for her short temper. Mikoto quickly smacked her cheeks. Enough! And took a deep breath, ending the internal discussion.
Geez, so quick to violence. Little misaka rubbed both cheeks.
There were many people on the raised mound of earth. Others sat around its edges. Mostly women standing or sitting around an old man lying on what could be called a bed. Four of them held large palm-like leaves, gently waving them. A few males sat among the females. All of them were wearing brightly colored headdresses and animal skins, wielding bows and spears. Or very little.
So glad those, what I am assuming are males, are covered up... thank you, thank you, and thank you one more time. Little misaka bowed and nodded. Yeah, thank you. Mikoto whispered.
Aya, Nya, Gullah, and Kea waved as they approached. An older woman stood up from the edge of the old man's bed and waved.
Greetings, Aya spoke, taking a knee, and bowed her head. The others followed. Mikoto Misaka quickly looked around. Am I? Kea tugged, arching her eyebrows. Oh my god, the little kitten is looking so cute? Little misaka sighed. I guess we should. I mean, I know you hate it when they do it to us... but we are new to the neighborhood and want to make a good impression. And...
Hey, I am already taking a knee... so why don't you just?
I knew that. Little misaka took a knee. Mikoto rolled her eyes. Smartass!
Aya stood up and walked over to the older woman, leading her to the old man's side. She leaned over and whispered in his ear. Mikoto couldn't help but notice the old man's face's kind expression. He gently nodded as he listened to her. Mikoto kept her head bowed, listening to every word they spoke. Being a vampire had its advantages. And good hearing was one of them. The old man's lips barely moved. The effort must have been tremendous. Then he nodded as Aya spoke, looking him in the eyes. She placed her hand on his cheek. Every movement was filled with affection. Her smile stretched as she listened. His the same as he listened. He nodded, closed his eyes, and she and the old woman guided his head back. He tiredly rolled his head and waved Mikoto over. She slowly stood up. The crowd murmured with each step. She smiled, listening to the worried conversations concerning the safety of their king. She walked up to the mound and knelt next to Aya. He motioned for her to come closer. Anxiety rose in the crowd.
Following Aya's actions earlier, Mikoto kneeled next to the bed and gently placed her hand on his cheek. Tilted her head. He welcomed her to stay as long as she liked. As long as he was still chief. A hunter like herself was always needed, and her kindness to the little ones was welcomed. She nodded when he finished, exhaling a long, soft, tired breath. Mikoto caressed his cheek and smiled. Keeping her fangs hidden from view. She didn't want to alarm anyone. Her fangs were nowhere like the canines of the other hunters. The old woman stood and announced that she was a welcomed guest. And should be recognized as such.
Very nice. Aya spoke as she stood and placed her hand on Mikoto's shoulder. She nodded. My name is Mikoto Misaka. And I am glad I will be welcomed here until I can go home. Thank you. She bowed her head. Her hurried words were followed by applause.
Guess we schmooze with the best of um. Little Misaka added her two bits. Thanks for being quiet. Mikoto whispered. No problem.
I am worried, though, Mikoto thought. He doesn't have very long. A month maybe.
He does smell of death. Little misaka spoke. Do you think maybe Aya is related to him? Maybe or…
I think he is a good king. And well-loved.
Hmm… probably, but still, I thought maybe some ass-kicking would take place. I could feel the not-so-friendly glares the closer we got. Mikoto nodded. She blushed slightly, knowing the feeling. First meetings are always dicey at best. World leaders, warlords, other Queens. All had their pride and expectations. Anastasia Von Alacurd would always say kiss it. Keep. It. simple. Stupid. And laugh. They think they can kick my ass, but I know I can kick their asses. She shrugged, with the haughty expression she loved so much, that is, if they can get through my elites, and sighed. Sometimes I wished they let them.
She stepped through the crowd of people as they greeted her with smiles. She took a breath. I think we should go back to the hot springs and nap. Relishing the thought. Yea, thata be good, little misaka laughed.
Kea greeted as she parted the crowd like the red sea. She smiled a cat-like grin, her green eyes sparkling. Her ear flickered. Let's go to the hut.. she said. Hut? Mikoto cocked her head and leaned down, you want to show me where you live? She asked. Kea nodded, where we live.
Huh?
Ah crap! Little misaka yelled, this isn't a meet and greet, it's like an interview for a new roommate! I forgot she said…
A soft grrrrrrr… Mikoto glanced down. Kea thinned her eyes, ears laid back. She focused on her right, baring her fangs. Oh shit…. little misaka spoke, those aren't canines! Those are feline. I told you someone had sex with a cat! I love being right!
A young man dressed in a brightly colored headdress and beads around his neck, animal skins around his waist, stood and hurried over, pushing his way past a few females. Oh crap?
Something will not be fun? Little misaka quickly spoke. The look in his eyes, his expression, said everything. He marched over and snatched Mikoto by the wrist and yelled, MINE! And the world stopped.
Eh? Mikoto looked over at him, his face inches from hers. Did he just? Her eyes darted back and forth at the surprised looks on everyone. Her wide eyes slowly lowered, taking in what had happened. Looked into the eyes of this male who had thought nothing of grabbing her arm without asking. Hold it so tight that it would hurt an average human male, let alone a woman. Her stomach burned, and her chest tightened. Her heart punched against her chest.
Don't kill him! Little misaka yelled, her voice echoing inside her head. His fingernails dug into the skin, his grip getting tighter and his face even closer. Oh no.... little misaka dropped her chin. This will not do. Closing her eyes and shook her head. Time to fuck someone up. And I so wanted to make a good impression on the natives. Too bad the yeehaw had to show up.
Bluish-white sparks jumped between the strands of her slow-rising hairs. The air sparkled and smelled of ozone. Mikoto clenched her fist. Her embarrassed smile hardened.
The calvary! Little misaka yelled, yeah! She said sarcastically, raising her fist. Saved?! Boring! She sighed. Sometimes I just can't help myself. One moment let's make peace, and the next, let's make em a piece of ooey-gooey.
Aya quickly stepped in, snatching his arm. Her face was hard and fierce. NO! holding the edge of her spear against his throat.
His eyes went wide, surprised but not afraid. MINE! Glaring back.
Mikoto pressed her lips together, her fangs throbbing, her patience coming to an end. Don't I have a say, she whispered, pinching the bridge of her nose, squeezing her eyes tight. Use your words, little misaka said, nice and softly, lure him to a nice secluded spot, then KICK HIS ASS! Exhaling a tired, I am going to finish this quick sigh. She opened her eyes and noticed Kea standing next to her, those inviting eyes now sharp, and her hand underneath his animal skin. Her fangs bared, and by his reaction. She wasn't showing him a good time.
Kitten claws! Little misaka yelled. Nya and Gullah stood guard as the other males came to his side.
Enough! The woman who'd greeted them yelled. The other on the mound quickly stood up. The four women fanning the king now held longbows, notched with arrows. And were aiming at the crowd of men as they gathered.
Mikoto rolled her eyes. Those arrows are blunt. I could just finish this in a few quick...
And let everyone know that we are a significant threat whose king has just invited us to stay. Nice move, Queenzilla. Listen to your elder and let this play out. Besides, he can't do anything to us unless we want him to. And I'm pretty sure. It will be Kea first, maybe Aya, and then Gullah. Always likes the really tall ones and... a whole hell of a lot before we let him. Oh, who are we kidding? We'll just beat him up over and over and over and over and...
I get the point. Mikoto took a breath.
I really love Kea. Little misaka sighed, but can you tell her to take her hand out of his loincloth and quickly wash her hand before she takes ours? Especially underneath those lovely sharp kitten claws?
I really worry about you sometimes.
Little misaka giggled.
She is a guest! The older woman's voice echoed loudly. And will be treated as such as long as our king lives. She had a stern expression lingering across her face. The other women holding the same.
Talk about teamwork. Something tells me the women on the mound rule the roost. Little misaka said, so be sure and let them.
Fine,…Mikoto bit her lip. The taste of iron crossed her tongue. But if this doesn't end quick…
I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be able to do anything, considering Kea has a not so friendly grip on what he hopes to use in a not so romantic gesture. I'm pretty sure her kitty claws are not for show. She said proudly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Despite his bravado, the spear to his throat, and the claws around his manhood. The male snarled, eyes focused on Aya. She held her ground, lifting the edge of the spear's blade along his jaw. You would not look so pretty if you don't let her go. She said, lowering her chin, eyes burning. She has the right to defend herself. She slowly nodded, and we've seen what she could do. And have told your father.
The young male looked over at the old man lying on the bed. He was watching. He shook his head with tired eyes that seemed too long for sleep. The old woman spoke. She has the right to defend and refuse you. How would the son of the king fare when he losses to an invited guest? She gloweredat the male.
She said when he losses?! Little misaka spoke. Oh, I really like this place. The strong rule. Kickass and take over.
Oh, look, he's thinking it over. Maybe we should…you know…help him. Little misaka smirked.
The edge of Mikoto's mouth twitched. Yes, maybe we should…just a little, nothing more than I don't know? Enough to send him flying?
Woah, Woah… I'm thinking maybe a little static shock or…hey, what's she doing?!
Kea grabbed the young male's wrist, growling as she bit down. Driving her fangs deep into his arm.
No! Don't shock the cute little kitten!? Little misaka screamed, eyes wide with quickly blinked as Kea's bite was as quick as a snake strike.
The young male roared in pain. Quickly letting go and shaking his hand. Kea bumped Mikoto away with her hip and crouched. Blood painting her lips.
What is this? Hockey? She hip-checked us! Little misaka laughed.
Aya stepped in front, pushing the spear's shaft up underneath his throat and pushing him away.
Enough! The old woman yelled. The king has spoken. Any more, and I will give permission. She raised her hand. The women pulled back their arrows, directing them at the young male. They may not kill, but they will hurt. She nodded with certainty. You, son of the king, are being disrespectful. If you wish, we can be disrespectful.
Oh, I really like the innuendo. I think this is not spare the rod-type society.
Mikoto nodded, watching him realize he'd made a mistake. He quickly nodded and turned and walked, mixing in with a crowd of other men, who patted his back and laughed.
Way to go, bro! Little misaka quipped. Dude! that was so awesome. She really likes you…I am expecting some hooping and hollering. Maybe chest-thumping and…
Shut up. Mikoto groaned.
Aya, Gullah, and Nyah watched him and the other males walk away before taking a deep breath. Aya rolled her eyes. The old woman and the others chuckled, set the bows and arrows down at their feet, picked up the palm leaves, and started fanning.
Soooo… an everyday event? Asked Little misaka, boys will boys? Maybe?
Sorry. Aya said. He is not used to being refused. She blushed slightly. The young ones around the mound are….fretting her brow, without mates. so…she shrugged, if you wanted to, you know…you just come here and….
Holy crap! Little misaka screamed. Mikoto's eyes widened, her face turning red, wwhhat?!
Oh hell no! that would be like a cat in heat walking into an alley full of male cats with no way out. And I am not scooting my ass on the ground. Little misaka stuck her hand out. Don't you even think of getting frisky with….
Mikoto closed her eyes, grinding her teeth. Don't you even think I would…you little deviant?
Oh please, I've seen you with two certain males…and let me tell you…I was pleasantly shocked. She quickly nodded.
What does that have to do with this?!
Absolutely nothing.
When we are alone…we will be talking about…
Little misaka ignored Mikoto, rubbing her chin in thought. So does that mean these four are….
What about you? Mikoto quickly asked, do you? Cheeks blushing.
Aya shook her head, reached out, and took Gullah's hand. Mine. They both spoke. Nya's mate is out hunting. And…Kea..is…well, she reached over and patted Kea's head.
Mikoto looked down, and Kea was holding two of her fingers. Cheeks full and blushing, eyes wondering nervously, Mikoto felt the heat rising from her skin.
Oh sweet, she loves us like a big sister. Little misaka sighed. Right? Mikoto groaned, knowing better. She put her hand between Kea's ears and gently scratched. Big sister?
Mikoto nodded as Aya suggested they go see the hut. Mikoto sighed, bringing her hand to her chest. The pain of loss was still fresh as an opened wound. Each beat of her heart reminded her of Anastasia.