Chapter 49: Health and Blight
...20 years earlier...
Madoka Nakajima, age 94(mental age 29) was born into the Nakajima clan of Kunoichi famed for their talent in assassination, information broking, interrogation, and kidnapping( mainly young men as per request of other liminal clients). As a member of a Devil class of liminal who's wings and horns have long since atrophied, she is gifted in used mana/ki manipulation. Her mother died in child birth leaving her to be raised by the clan's elders. Even as a child, Madoka displayed high levels Ki control and learned and mastered ninjitsu arts that would ordinarily take years of training. This caught the attention of the clan leaders. It wasn't long before she developed several unique ninjitsu arts and completed a number of high rank mission solo. All of which further captivating the admiration of her peers including the Grand Shinobi; supreme authority over the entire clan. Impressed by her feats, she soon appointed Madoka as the clan's executioner one of five highest positions among Kunoichi clans.
Through her training and study, Madoka became fascinated with the biological workings of humans and other liminal species. On most days she would be seen performing centered around her extreme fascination with the nervous system. These experiments on whatever prisoners that her clan would allow, which she used to assist in interrogation, assist in punishing fugitives and traitors, or on occasion executing prisoners, led to an encounter with a young man named Satoshi Oano.
Instead of torture, Madoka was tasked with grooming him through pleasure stimuli to be the the ideal partner for the Grand Shinobi at the time, and who was fond of the Kunoichi. It was in these sessions, the two gradually learned more about each other soon developing into a heated romance. Madoka was conflicted about her responsibility to her clan and the love she felt for him. She then started forming a plan to help him escape but it was soon discovered. Outraged by her betrayal, the Shinobi leader ordered both of them killed with the entire clan as witness.
However, she offered Madoka a chance at redemption. His life or both of theirs. The latter option, Madoka knew the leader would opt for her a quick death but then the young man would be thrown to the other members of the clan to be violated and tortured for hours even days until his death. Leaving no alternative, Madoka made the choice to end her lovers life. Taking care to ensure dies quickly and felt no pain by impaling him through the heart with her tail while severing. All the while comforting him in his final moments.
Before she could lament the loss of her partner, she is blindsided by two members who deliver two slashes into her face as she collapses to the ground. It turned out the Grand Shinobi had planned for Madoka to kill the young man herself out of revenge for stealing him from her in the first place. The X-shape wound on her face is to mark her as a traitor to the clan and, as such, she was forcefully kicked out but not before having a curse placed on her by the Grand Shinobi that would kill her instantly if you ever revealed the location of her clan.
Madoka spent the next years alone as a ronin taking on odd jobs here and there to make ends meet even leaving Japan. It was during her travel and contracts, where she would have a fateful encounter with Satella. At first apprehensive and suspicious about the Vampiress who exuded an oppressive aura. Over time she grew a level of respect toward Satella and soon accepted her invitation to join her group. The rest...is history.
...Present...
Drei and Madoka stood atop the large truck with the van carrying Mirabelle trailing ahead of them.
"I'm surprised you were able to evade my attack. Impressive.", Madoka acknowledges, "However, that won't be enough for you."
"Oh so I don't need to half ass it anymore. Thanks for the free pass.", Drei replies then glances to he van, "So, mind explaining why there's another you driving that van? Is she a sister?"
"That...is my shinigami. A perfect physical copy of myself made for the sole task of assuring that our target arrives. It only exists right now for that singular purpose while it passively leeches off my energy to sustain itself.", Madoka casually explains.
"So it is a sister.", Drei comments plainly.
Madoka give a deadpan stare wondering how she manages to attract these types in her life, "You know what? Fuck it. Not gonna engage."
The Kunoichi vanishes with blinding speed as Drei pursues her performing a spinning roundhouse kick. Madoka blocks it grabbing the weasel leg. She pulls out a kunai about to stab her joint but Drei twist her body knocking the weapon from her hand.
"Tit Attack!", Drei stated using her free leg to kick Madoka hard in the chest. Madoka flinches at the pain in her right tit forced to release the weasel girl.
"Agh! Did you just kick in the ti-?!", Madoka stated incredulously before being cut off.
Drei generates a pressurized air pocket to launch herself at Madoka scythes bared. Madoka blocks with her katana creating a spray of sparks before her spade-shaped blade tail lunges for the Karmaitachi who instinctively twists her body barely dodging. She lands on her feet going into a dash trying to get on Madoka flank. The Kunoichi was too fast striking Drei with a leg sweep which she manages to dodge. They suddenly vanish with blinding speed.
Both of them go hand-to-hand skillfully blocking and dodging each others blows. Drei moves with precision and fluidity of a breeze using palms to redirect and counter Madoka's deadly strikes. The Kunoichi pushes herself away and sends a barrage of shuriken at the wind weasel who manages to dodge and deflect them with her scythes.
"Gekizoku!", Madoka stated making ninja hand signs.
A glowing pink triangle seal forms at Drei's feet with three shuriken acting as connecting points. Sensing danger, she backflips away as a pillar of pink flames erupt from the seal melting a triangle shaped hole in the metal surface. Drei looks to the smoldering hole. Then notices Madoka perform a few hand signs before several pink magic seals appear in around her. They form into shape of pink blossom with pink lightning starts rippling from them
Drei uncorks a vial of green liquid coating her fingers and scythes. They start to emit a green glowing aura as she takes a Tai Chi-like stance and inhaled slowly focusing her senses. The pink lightning is launched at her but Drei catches the bolts in her palms then redirects it off the side of the vessel. She does the same with every bolt launched at her moving with perfect precision and grace almost look like a dance.
"Madoka then waves her palm down her katana blade making it ripple with menacing pink aura before lunging at Drei.
The wind weasel dodges a couple slashes and deflects Madoka spear tail before leaping into a side flip spin scythes bared as Madoka blocks the attack creating a spray of sparks. Drei goes for a kick to her stomach but Madoka grabs her leg tossing her off the side of the truck. Drei bounces off a pressurized air bubble launching her back on the truck only for Madoka to intercept her with her blade.
"Tit Attack!", Drei stated spinning deflecting the blade with her scythe before kicking Madoka hard in the left breast this time. Madoka stumbles backwards at pain before catching herself.
"Rghh STOP kicking me in the tit!", Madoka angrily berates holding her breast.
"Fine fine. I won't do it again.", Drei replies dismissively then taking a crane stance blades extended while holding four balls between her fingers, "But don't move...I'm gonna do it again."
The weasel lunges for the Kunoichi at blinding as their blades collide is a spray of sparks. Drei then suddenly tosses the four balls at Madoka feet as they explode in a dark blue smoke cloud. Madoka feels her body becoming heavy and drowst and quickly leaps backwards out of it sheilding her eyes. Drei launches out from the cloud for her, blades coated in green liquid. Madoka bends down on all fours striking her tail out like a lance forcing Drei to block with both scythes while getting knocked back.
The Kunoichi proceeds to stab herself in the thigh with one of her own needles focusing on a nerve cluster. The excruciating pain activating her body fight or flight response and staving off the drug effects. She lunges at crouches with a katana ready to be drawn for a lethal slash. Drei crouches in a lunging position with her hands rippling with green aura before vanishing with blinding speed.
They exchange a rapid precession strikes and blade counters trying to break the others defense. Neither female letting the other have a chance at a lethal strike.
...Meanwhile back to Caleb...
After the whole ordeal with the Ocelomeh, the trio eventually found the main road. They were currently deciding on their next move. Their first idea was trying to contact agent Ketcher. Unfortunately, Caleb didn't have his phone on him and Zwei's had been destroyed in the battle.
"Dammit! So we're just out here in the middle of nowhere?!", Caleb expressed in frustration starting to pace back and forth on the side of the road.
"Boss, I know this is not the best situation, but you have to calm down.", Zwei advises as Lyca stood by with a concerned watching him.
"Calm down?! We have no way to contact Ketcher or Sterling, Moon pie is probably almost out of the state by now, and I don't know what's happening with Camilla up the road! How can I be calm when two women I love are in DANGER?!", Caleb contested his heart racing as fast as his mind starting to imagine every horrible to could happen while he's powerless to stop it.
"HEY!", Zwei stated grabbing his arms stopping him in his track. She looks up at him with stern gaze, "Driving yourself crazy isn't going to help at all! I told you already Drei was with Cam there's no way she'd let ANYTHING bad happen to her! As for our little pony priness, ICEP already knows the situation and I'm sure they've informed border patrol by now. Those punks aren't escaping that easy! But what I need from you is to CALM THE FUCK down and think!"
Caleb is taken aback for a moment as he seems to process what she said. Zwei then takes his hand in both her smaller ones.
"It's gonna be ok. They're gonna be ok. Have faith.", Zwei assures.
Caleb pauses and takes a deep breath then sighs, "Haa...afraid I'm fresh outta that...but I will try to calm down a bit."
"Good enough.", Zwei acknowledge.
"Maybe there's something back at that house that may be of use.", Caleb suggests before immediately noticing Zwei's disapproving expression, "Ok, Look, I know it's dangerous and all but...I can't just do nothing Zwei. Maybe they slipped up a left a couple clues behind."
Zwei hesitates before answering, "Fine, that is a good point but I'M scouting ahead! First sign of trouble you guys book it."
"Got it.", Caleb complies as Lyca nods in agreement.
The group then proceeds back to the house made easier by Caleb them several yards at a time before needing to rest. When then were close enough to the house, they were greeted to a surprising sight.
"HEY!", called a familiar voice getting the group's attention.
They look up to see Tyrrian descend down in front of them kicking up some dust.
"Bird Lady!", Lyca stated with a smile running up and catching her in a hug to Tyrrian surprise, "YOU'RE OK!"
"A-As are you! And it you've retrieved Mr. Bizzell! Excellent!", Tyrrian expressed sounding pleased.
"Believe me, it wasn't an easy outcome, but seriously, HOW are you still alive?! I saw you got shot down!", Zwei stated a bit skeptically.
Tyrrian pulls from Lyca embrace then pulls her shirt collar down slightly, "The round went through my chest but luckily didn't peirce a vital artery. The shock however left me comatose for a moment. However, I owe my life to his Elder Devil guest."
Caleb and the others eyes widen as dread shot through their senses. He immediately steps up Tyrrian grabbing her shoulders to her surprise.
"What do you mean by that?! WHERE IS SHE?!", he screams out in fear and panic.
Suddenly, the door of the house goes flying off it's hinges with a crash getting their attention. Out rushes Camilla, dissipating a blue magic seal.
"I heard Senor's voice! Did ju find-", Camilla asks the Harpy before Caleb steps away Tyrrian into Camilla line of sight, "S-Senor? SENOR!"
Caleb smile in relief as the Elder Devil sprints towards him, "Camilla? Camilla! You al-RMMPH!"
He elicited as the Elder Devil scoops him up into a tight hug smothering him in her ample chest and lifting him off his feet.
"Senor! Mi Amor! Ju are safe! I was so worried I lost ju!", Camilla balled tears streaming down her cheeks as she rocks side to side swinging Caleb like a rag doll with her tail wrapped around him possessively. Caleb tries to pull away hardly able to breath for her flesh pillows and spine crushing grip.
"CMMPHIlla Yer crshhng mah.", Caleb muffles feeling his spine about to snap and his oxygen depleted.
"What was that mi amor?"
"For god sake, you CRUSHING the poor man!", Zwei stated.
"Ah!", Camilla utters in realization quickly releasing him as he fall on his rear taking a sharp gasp of air.
"Haaa...haaa...ohhh fuck...", Caleb catches his breath and rubs his back. Camilla then get on her hand and knees getting up close to him.
"Apologies, mi Amor...I just myself for a moménta.", Camilla spoke feeling embarrassed and ashamed before feeling his hand caress her cheek.
"It's fine...i'm just glad you're alright too. I can stand a couple slipped disks.", Caleb half joked with a grin as Camilla smiles back. It was then she noticed his torn cloths and the blood all over his cloths.
"Wait! Senor, just are covered in blood! W-What did that PUNTA do to ju?!", Camilla stated in anger and fear holding his shoulders, "That other perra kept going about...d-did she..."
Caleb saw the look in her eyes and understood what she was implying, "...No...they stopped her before anything happened..."
Camilla looks to Zwei and Lyca. The latter appeared to have a reserved look on her face.
"We got there in time before she could hurt him...any more. He had some bad injuries though that used Drei's medicine to treat.", Zwei informs arm crossed.
"I will kill her. Where is she?", Camilla venomously spoke raising to her feet as Caleb and Lyca give her a concerned look, "She will PAY for this!"
"Sorry to tell you but we already beat you to it.", Zwei informs much to Camilla confusion, "She's already dead. Her body is about 200 meters that way. And...Lyca was the one who killed her."
Tyrrian and Camilla look to the She-wolf in surprise.
"I-I did it to protect Chief! S-So...", Lyca stated before trailing off in thought.
"So that's it! She saved me...again!", Caleb quickly jumps in as Lyca gives him a weak grin. Then a thought occurs, "WAIT, forgot those other two that ninja lady Devil and a Dark Elf!"
Camilla and Tyrrian exchange glances as Caleb and the others notice the shift in atmosphere.
"Actually, the Dark Elf was killed by your home stay.", Tyrrian informs looking to Camilla much to the shock of the others.
"What? Seriously?", Caleb asks looking to Camilla
"Jes, I reduced her body to ash with mi own hands.", Camilla calmly spoke clenching her hand in a fist.
"Jesus...", Caleb utters taken aback. It's times like this he's reminded how ruthless she is.
"Wait! I thought Drei was with you the whole time! What happened to her?!", Zwei stated becoming concerned.
"The little one is pursuing the van holding Senora Mirabelle. I imagine the one who is of mi gente is the one she must contend with.", Camilla explained.
Zwei gives a ponderous look worried about her sister, "Alright...then we'll leave that in her hands for now. We still need to contact with Ketcher. Tyrrian, you got a phone?"
"I...can't really use cellphone. I use a wireless earpiece communicator Cody programmed for me. Unfortunately, it seems it was lost after I was ambushed.", Tyrrian replied
"Damn. Well that sucks.", Zwei complains arms crossed.
"Hey, don't forget, we're here right now to find any clues or whatever that might give us an idea where they're headed.", Caleb reminds her gesturing to the dilapidated house.
"Actually, Senor...I searched the inside looking for ju but I did not see anything that would be useful. I found two dead humans inside. One of them had this on them.", Camilla replied taking out a small plastic storage bag with dark purple powder substance inside. Caleb and the others examine it.
"What is this stuff?", Caleb spoke mush the bag with his fingers the opening the small bag, "Cocaine?"
"Yick, it smells weird.", Lyca stuck her tongue.
"Wait, I smelled this before! It was during an assignment a month prior. When a host was suspected of using illegal amphetamines. This is Gluttony Fang!", Tyrrian stated
"Gluttony fang? Hold up, I heard about that in the news. Some kinda drug right?", Caleb replied.
"Yeah, I remember Drei talked about it once. This new super addictive drug in this country that id apparently made from lamia venom. It's supposed to be like 5 times more addictive than cocaine except it can be mainlined or heated to solid state to be smoked like tobacco.", Zwei informs.
"Yes, and it is apparently distributed by the Malones and their associates. I've seen the withdrawal symptoms users go through...it's quite horrific", Tyrrian spoke examining the bag coldly.
"Great, so I was basically held hostage in a crack house.", Caleb disdainfully commented resealing the bag and tossing it aside. "If there isn't anything here...what do we do?"
"If I may, while I was scouting I noticed a small roadside gas station.", Tyrrian suggests.
"For real? Why didn't you say so? Maybe they'll let us use their phone. Let's go.", Caleb stated, sounding more impatient then he intended.
"It's about 10 miles from here.", Tyrrian pointed out.
"Ten miles?! Ahhh...it'll take forever to walk there!"
"Who said anything about walking Senor?", Camilla says stepping up to him touching his shoulder. A white magic seal appears and his body starts glowing with white aura before, to his surprise, he starts levitating upwards.
"W-Whoa! Oh! Oookay. Uhh Camilla?", Caleb spoke nervously flailing trying to gain some semblance of control.
"Huhu, it is ok, Senor.", Camilla giggled at his reaction levitating next to him then taking his hand, "It is just a flight enchantment to make the trip easier. Ju will be safe as long as ju stay close to me."
"Oh ok, that's reassuring!", Caleb replies noticing they now directly over the roof of the house and his anxiety skyrockets. He then notices Lyca circle around them covered in the same white aura.
"It's really fun once you get to it Chief! Woohoo!", Lyca happily states circling around the pair arms spread out like a plane.
"Don'tt tell me a big boy like you is scared of heights.", Zwei teases floating up on a mini cyclone at her feet.
"It's not the HEIGHT that scares its the descent. I like to admire the view WITHOUT pulling a Tom Petty, thank you.", Caleb replied still trying gain some balance which was easier in theory. He then feels Camilla slender arm snake under his before pulling him close.
"Relax, mi Amor, I am right her.", Camilla assures as her soft breast mushes to his arm. Her ruby eyes fixated on him like he was the most precious thing in the world. She tightens her hold a bit careful not to hurt him, "I will never let ju go."
Caleb looks her in the eyes seeing the devotion and trust starting to feel more at ease.
" Alright...I trust you.", Caleb replies with a grin before the Raptor Harpy takes off from the ground passing upward from them as Caleb shields his eyes from the updraft.
"Follow me! It's this way!", Tyrrian stated taking off higher into the sky.
The others all follow behind her with Caleb becoming nervous as the descend higher to way above the tree tops. Camilla gently hugs his arm comfortingly as Caleb weakly grins at her.
'Ok, ok, this is fine. Come on man embrace that black Air Force energy. It's gonna be alright Moon pie!', Caleb tells himself internally.
...Back to Drei...
Both girls could be seen exchanging rapid strikes both trying to get the upper hand.
Despite the difference in height and physical strength, Drei manages to dodge and deflect many of the Kunoichi more powerful punches and kicks while delivering some well placed palm strikes a certain pressure points. However, she couldn't afford a mistake. Not with that mysterious ki technique and was especially wary of that blade tail of hers. The scent only told her the blade was coated in some sort of toxin. Madoka suddenly intensifies her attacks trying to pierce the weasels defenses as Drei tries to compensate.
Sparks of green and pink energy alight the area as Liminals move with such speed they appear as a blur with mini shockwaves of aura exploding around them. Madoka is then struck hard in the chest with a palm strike strengthened by air pressure bubble making her stumble back holding her breast. Drei steps back in a defensive 'cloud hands' tai chi pose with scythes bared as Madoka lightly panted glaring at the small Karmaitachi who didn't appear tired at all.
'Dammit, her movements are sharper than I expected. I can get an opening without her dispelling any of my pins. Plus...', Madoka expressed internally before her expression turns sickly cradling her very sore breasts, 'She keeps hitting me in the tits. Why?! WHY DOES SHE KEEP HITTING ME IN TIT?!'
Madoka then notices the street sign passing by and realizes they were very close to their destination. She just needed to by a little more time. Her eyes glow with pink aura as Drei readies herself for another attack.
Suddenly, the truck driver swerved his wheel causing the truck to collide against the metal traffic barrier with a loud metallic grinding. The force causing Drei foot to nearly falling off before catching herself. Madoka takes the initiative striking with her blade which Drei quickly blocks. Sensing danger, Drei blocks her spear tail from piercing her heart as sparks fly from the impact. Madoka then connects with a solid aura powered punch across Drei face then performs a crouching a straight kick knocking weasel off the container onto the head of the truck. Drei manages to catch herself on the hood as the winds strike against her blowing up her clothes. She then gleares at the driver.
"Where the hell did you learn to drive?! I almo-", Drei ceases berating the middle aged man noticing his stone faced expression and pinks glow in his eyes continuing to drive. She saw this before with Tyrrian when restraining her and lightly curses under her breath, "Dammit..."
She looks back at the van seeing it was now speeding up. At first, she wanted to go after the van when she has this chance but knew she needed to do something about the enemy first. Or else, she'd become a danger to her and the others. Drei leaps back atop the van only to find Madoka has vanished.
"I have to say, your skills as a healer are formidable but nothing compared to others of your kind. How dissappointing.", Madoka spoke coldly her voice echoing around Drei putting her on guard, "In fact, you don't look or act like any Karmaitachi I've encountered. You don't carry yourself like a warrior. And your scent...is much more...human in way."
"I am what I am...and that's all I am.", Drei responds back trying to pinpoint her location.
"What is that, I wonder. My sources say you're from the Zyklon clan. I heard tales of their tenacity and ferocity during the 3rd Fēihóng Fēng( Blood Wind) war. Even the Dai Lin, the most vicious clan of all would think twice of attacking you. Yet, you fight with no intention to kill. Why is that? Do you hope to take me alive to interrogate me?", Madoka inquires.
" 'Alive' is a bit subjective. I'll get what I need out of you one way or another.", Drei assures cautiously stepping around.
"Is that right? Well, I think I already got what I need to know about you", Madoka says inquisitive tone, "You're not a full blooded Karmaitachi. You're just a half-breed, aren't you?"
Drei pauses feeling tinge of anger at that word; a word she's hated since she heard it all throughout her childhood.
"Ah. It appears I struck a nerve. Your heart rate just became elevated.", Madoka informs.
Drei's eyes widen wondering how she could know that when she suddenly spots a pink magic seal below her. A pink blade of energy shoots out stabbing Drei in the right shoulder.
"Ngh!", Drei grunts before her hands and scythes glow with green aura proceeding to sever the energy blade dispelling the enemy Ki. She instinctively steps back examining her wound but accidentally triggers another seal below. Several energy blades extend outwards ready to pierce her. Drei dodges and cleaved through displelling the blades while receiving some non-fatal cuts here and their which quickly heal anyway. Drei backflips away then creates a mini tornado allowing her to levitate inches off the truck surface to avoid any other traps that may be set.
"Got you.", came the voice of Madoka from behind. The wind weasel then feels a sharp pain in the back of both legs.
Suddenly, both legs erupt with small cuts spreading up thighs and spurting out blood. Drei yelps loudly in pain as the mini tornado vanishes and she falls flat on her stomach. She strains pushing herself up with her hands looking back to see the Kunoichi arms protruding out of the container as if fused into the surface. Drei watches in surprise as her entire form rises of the truck surface covered in a tarp-like appendage matching the color of the truck. She raises her hand in a ninja sign as a burst of smoke returns her body by to normal then removes the paper talisman from her head.
Drei feels her legs trembling still gushing out blood becoming more excruciating by the second.
"Interesting the similarities certain Liminal species share with human anatomy. You seem to be familiar with anatomy so I'm sure you realize my pins have shredded your gastrocnemius tendons; the muscles that allow bideps like us to stand or run.", Madoka explain stepping up to Drei with a her katana in hand then using to blade to lift up the weasels dress examining her severely damaged legs. Drei clenches her teeth feeling the cold blade trace her thighs and firm rear, as she carefully reaches into her kimono "Uh uh uh."
Madoka makes a hand sign as a small pink magic seal appears. The same symbol appears on Drei's shoulder. Suddenly, Drei's arm explodes with cut wounds spraying spurts of blood as the Karmaitachi cries out in vain dropping the vial of tonic. She faceplate on the container trying to push herself up. Madoka looms over the struggling wind weasel with her blade tail hovering beside her before stabbing her in the side making her cry out louder. Drei feels her entire body slowly becoming numb along with her heart racing.
Madoka tail then snakes around her neck lifting the wind weasel head up while strangling her a bit.
"It would appear you are at the end of your rope.", Madoka spoke as she bore down on the Weasel girl, "I must admit it quite impressive for you to stave off my attacks. However, I have won this battle. Have a look.", Madoka says using her tail to lift Drei up to see the van carrying Mirabelle take the next exit off the highway.
Drei eyes widen clenching her teeth in frustration as she fights with all her will against the toxin within her. Madoka removes her tail letting Drei fall only for the wind weasel to catch herself with her remaining arm.
"You have a lot of spirit. I suppose even a half breed carries the same tenacity as her race. You may not look like a warrior but you have at least earned a warrior's death ", Madoka as she points the tip of her katana blade at the back of Drei's forehead but the latter didn't flinch or break eye contact, "It's a shame a specimen like you has to die like this. I suppose this is the cost of our kind loving humans. One way or another...it will always end in disaster. I truly pity that man...who chooses to give his heart to that Nightmare."
Drei lowers her head in contemplation with Madoka taking it as a sign of her resigning to her fate and then raises her blade. It begins to ripple with blackish-pink aura with a menacing feel that send shivers down any normal person spine. However, the young Karmaitachi was actually in deep concentration focusing her breathing. Her mind going back to one moment in her life.
...Flashback...
A younger and smaller Drei could be seen inside a large room filled with collections of herbs, tonics, and medicines, as she grinds up something into powder using a mortar and pestal. She wore a contemplative expression barely utilizing the tool.
"Is something wrong? You appear to be troubled.", spoke a feminine voice in Drei native tongue.
"I...I've been thinking lately. We're the ones born with dexterous hands and that makes us skilled at healing. And yet...we kill people.", young Drei shared also in her native tongue with an inquisitive expression, "You yourself have killed dozens. Doesn't that feel...hypocritical?"
A shady figure looks to younger Drei and says, "Yes, I have. Assassination is part of our legacy. There is no one we won't kill. Men, women, children, it makes no difference. As such, we have no right to complain how we die."
"Then why?", young Drei demands before correcting her tone, "Sorry...Mama, that was-"
"No, I understand sweetheart.", young Drei mother, appearance still obscure in shadow, "Do you know why we're born with dexterous hands?"
"It's because we complete the trifecta: Power, Speed, and Recovery.", younger Drei answered.
"Correct, but that's merely scratching the surface. Our role as the 'Healer' means we must thoroughly and precisely understand what makes living things tic and thus have to best treat their injuries. We are gifted in the sense that we can precisely pinpoint what afflicts our sisters, brothers, and allies on order to properly heal them. However...there is another side to this gift. The same hands that heal the sick and injured can cause indescribable pain even kill an enemy...if we so choose. It's similar with humans and their 'doctors' "
Younger Drei eyes widen in realization before looking to her own hands in thought. Another pair of hands gently clasps hers before looking into the figure eyes.
"I'm telling you this because there will come a day when you need to make that decision. Health or Blight. Which will you use these hands for?", The figure spoke as younger Drei looks down in thought.
"If it's all the same...i'd rather recover my health to cause my enemy blight.", Younger Drei answered as the figure stairs at her before softly chucking.
"Heheheheh...you are way to similar to your father, you know that? Always the hard but interesting way never the easy and simple one. But that's fine, we Karmaitachi thrive on our tenacity and flexibility. It's more true for us 'healing' members; the most cunning and cruelest of the trio.", the figure went on to say.
"Cruel?", younger Drei asked.
"These hands allow us to conceal many, many tricks up our sleeves to a point where it doesn't seem fair.", The figure explains letting the sleeves of their arm reveal slender fur covered arm. Moving the fur aside reveal little strap holsters containing several small vials on each arm. She then smiles shows her teeth, "Of course, they aren't always up our sleeve."
"It almost sounds like we're cheaters.", younger Drei pointed skeptically.
"Not cheaters, pragmatists.", the figure corrected, "One takes brains the other takes dark sunglasses."
"Now YOU sound like Baba.", Younger Drei smirks.
"My god...", the figure aghast before shrugging their shoulders, "Well, he was bound to get to even me eventually. But that's one thing we love about him. That and his co-"
"Stop! Stop. Mama, don't be gross.", Younger Drei plainly spoke interrupting, "Why are you guys like this?"
"You'll understand when you're older, my child.", The figure spoke with a content grin as Younger Drei rolls her eyes.
...Flashback end...
'Why am I getting nostalgic at a time like this. There's an enemy in the way of my objective. I can't afford waste any more time.', Drei thought clenching her fists before discretely maneuvering her tongue to he back right molar. She pops it loose releasing the small green spherical medicine inside before biting down it, 'It's been a while since I flipped my switch on. Desperate times are a bitch.'
Drei suddenly feels every nerve in her body tingling and the veins on her bulge out her hand and her nails elongate into small, very sharp claws.
"It's over.", Madoka utters thrusting her blade into the young weasel skull only to find that Drei had vanished. Instead it impaled into the metal roof leaving a deep opening much to Madoka surprise.
At that moment, the katana falls out her hand flopping against the truck container. Madoka looks down confusion not remembering letting the weapon go. It was then immediate shock ran through her senses up seeing her now completely finger-less hand. She stares dumbfounded at her nub of a hand noticing how there was no blood spurting out nor did she feel any pain.
"You're right...it is over. I've let this go on long enough.", came the voice of Drei from behind the Kunoichi.
**For immersion, play Guilty gear strive's 'Love the Subhuman self' **
Madoka turned, her eyes widening upon seeing Drei.
Her body had grown a foot taller and her fur on her arms and tail stood on end and was now slight darker green hue. Her eyes had become sharper and more slanted like a predator, with her once soft green eyes now a vicious blood red. Her nails were now elongated into small razor sharp claws and her fangs had become longer and sharper. At the same token, her facial structure was now much rougher with fewer soft features and flatter nose, giving her an appearance that was much more animal-like.
The wounds on her legs had spontaneously healed, with arms visibly following suit as her muscle tissue quickly repaired to Madoka's shock.
Drei glared at the Kunoichi before presenting her closed fist then opening it, letting the severed fingers drop to her feet.
Madoka sweat nervously, seeing fingers lying on the truck surface, then said, "So...you were pulling your punches this whole time."
Drei didn't answer her, but merely extended her small scythes which were dripping with a strange yellow liquid. Madoka sensed the blood lust surrounding the Karmaitachi and quickly stepped back, retrieving her katana. Drei vanished and reappeared in front of her weapon, stopping Madoka in her tracks.
"Though.. I must say...you certainly look more like a Karmaitachi now," Madoka remarked, glaring back at the wind weasel's cold blood-red eyes full of killing intent.
"My name...is Drei Zyklon," Drei menacingly spoke, presenting an object in her hand and letting it drop at her feet. It was the rest of Madoka's hand.
The Kunoichi looked on in horror before turning to her now stump of a hand, able to see the bone and cartilage yet there was no pain or even a drop of blood.
"Of course, I also go by...Dr. Blight," Drei maliciously spoke, presenting her hand, fingers spread in front of her red eyes.
Madoka could sense Ki surging intensely, indicating Drei was indeed going all out. She had to as well.
"Dr. Blight, huh? Is that what you call your true nature?" Madoka replied, hooking the hem of her face mask and pulling it down. It revealed her small mouth with two large vertical scars going down from the nostrils, bisecting her lips, and going down her chin. The mark of a traitor in her clan. , "Then I suppose it's fair I show mine as well."
Madoka's tail then impaled herself in the spine. The toxin in her blade mixes with her spinal fluid creating a spontaneous reaction as her entire body trembled before glowing with menacing reddish-pink aura. Her teeth and claws grew longer and sharper and her eye glowed brightly with small inverted pentagram symbols as pupils. Drei gave her an intrigued look.
"It is the nature of a coward to not fight at one's full strength," Drei spoke.
"I suppose that makes you coward. Coward," Madoka spat, unsheathing her wakazashi from her back as the smaller blade rippled with pink electric sparks.
"Not a coward...," Drei responded, taking a Tai Chi battle stance, "a pragmatist."
Madoka gave her a plain but menacing look and vanished with blinding speed as Drei matched her speed. A loud clang followed by an explosion of pink and green auras rippled atop the truck.
...Meanwhile...
Caleb and the others had arrived at the gas station. It was a rustic old-looking establishment with bars on the windows, stacks of tires on the outside with weeds growing around some of them, a large brown metal cylinder grill with meat roasting inside, and the general smell of barbecue and tobacco.
There was only one car at the pump station and a rotund dark skinned man working the grill.
Tyrrian and Camilla were posted outside, keeping watch as the dark skinned human looked curiously while tending to the food.
"Come on, I just need to use it a few minutes. That's it," Caleb assures the female plus sized cashier as Lyca curiously wandered around, entranced by the meaty aroma of the barbecue chicken and ribs behind a display case.
"I'm sorry, but as I said, we can't allow customers to use the phones. Store policy," she shook her head in disappointment.
"Well don't you have a cellphone he could use? I just saw you on you watching TikTok when we walked in," Zwei jumped in, pointing to the phone next to her.
"Yeah, I'm sorry, no I can't do that," the woman declined, shaking her head sadly.
"Why not? It's not owned by the store, it's owned by YOU," Zwei contested.
"Yeah, no we're not allowed to do that. Sorry," the cashier replied, giving Zwei a frown, much to the Karmaitachi's annoyance.
"Please, listen, I know it's against your rules and all but I NEED to contact my ICEP coordinator. THIS is an emergency! We don't have time so please, help a brother out!" Caleb pleaded, hands clasped.
"I understand and I am really sorry. I don't make the rules."
"Is your manager here right now?" Zwei inquired, arms folded.
"No, he's not here today."
"Well I'd say today makes you the boss since you're the only one working the place. And as an ICEP worker myself, I ask that you fulfill my request to contact my superiors" Zwei contested.
"You with those ICEP folks? Can I see some I.D.?" the woman doubtfully requested.
"Oh, she wants to see my I.D," Zwei muttered in a mocking tone, reaching down into the cleavage of her jumpsuit as Caleb glanced away in embarrassment. Much to her surprise, it wasn't there, "Wha- my badge. Where is it?"
"What do you mean 'where is it'?" Caleb responded as the cashier shook her head.
"I mean, where is it? I keep it in my boobs! It's not here - wait, what the?" Zwei then noticed the tear in her jumpsuit on her lower stomach, "Gah, it must've slid somewhere back in the woods."
"No I.D. I can't do anything. I'm sorry," the woman spoke.
"I don't think you are. Look, lady-" Zwei retorted before the woman jumped in.
"No, YOU look. You don't come in here looking like something the cat dragged in then start demanding I bend the rules for you. It's bad enough everywhere else has to change for you animals!" the woman berated as Caleb and Zwei were taken aback.
"What did you say?" Zwei snapped.
"I'm sayin' I don't how you do things where you come from but in human stores we have standards and practices. Now is there anything else I can help you with?"
Zwei jaw dropped shaking her head in disbelief before baring her fangs, "Why you big-mouth tub of lard lookin-"
Caleb then grabbed Zwei, scooping her under her arms as she thrashed while her and the woman yelled unintelligible obscenities at each other. Lyca ran up to them, attempting to calm Zwei.
"OK, OK! It's fine! Thank you! We're good. Thank you," Caleb stated, dragging the still fuming Karmaitachi out. Lyca followed and looked at the cashier, emitting a low growl.
Camilla and Tyyrian noticed him carrying a thrashing and cursing Zwei out and quickly approached them.
"What's wrong? What happened?" Tyrrian worriedly asked.
"I'll tell you what wrong! A fat bitch with a fat mouth is about to get cut!" Zwei stated, holding a kunai knife in hand. Camilla turned to the gas station entrance with an inquisitive look.
"We asked if we could use the phone in there and the cashier lady won't let us because of some bullshit policy. Then this one tries to turn on her big girl agent charm and it didn't work," Caleb said, sitting Zwei back on her feet when he was sure she was calm enough.
"Hey, it's not my fault I lost my badge during the fight!" Zwei scoffed, arms folded as Lyca approached her out of concern.
"Still, that's no way to conduct yourself among civilians Ms. Zyklon," Tyrrian chastised to Zwei's disbelief as Camilla steathily sank away from the group
"Alright, Falcon, you try flashing your badge and see if she'll ask how high to jump," Zwei sneered.
"My badge was stolen by the enemy. Even if I did have it, I wouldn't use my authority as an agent so vulgarly!" Tyrrian spouted back.
"Oh, well if you're such a model Agent we wouldn't be in this mess to begin with!"
Tyrrian eyes widened, face contorted to a scowl, "Why you little-"
"That's enough! Both of you!" Caleb snapped, getting between them, arms raised to block them, "None of this is helping. Tyrrian, she didn't mean that, it's the stress talking! Zwei, you know that was wrong! Nobody is to blame for any of this! Now, you're right, what that woman said was wrong but we can't lose our shit over it. We already have enough going on."
"What's most important right now is saving Mira! We can't fall apart," Lyca added.
Zwei and Tyrrian looked away, ashamed.
"Yeah, alright..." Zwei replied softly.
"Apologies..." Tyrrian softly spoke.
"It's fine...we'll just have to get a hold of a phone from someo-" Caleb said folding his arms in thought before being interrupted.
"Here ju are Senor!" Camilla sweetly stated, presenting a Samsung Galaxy S7 to him.
"Wha-where did you you...?" Caleb stuttered, taking the phone and seeing a photo of the cashier woman with some guy as wallpaper, "Is this her phone? How did you get-?"
"I simply explained WHY it was muy importante that we needed to use it and she was happy to comply. Ju can use it as long as ju need," Camilla spoke reassuringly.
"What serendipity! I knew she'd understand the gravity of our situation!" Tyrrian excitedly stated.
"Yeahhh...quite the sudden attitude change. You must really have a way with words.", Caleb says suspiciously looking to the Elder Devil.
"Ju know me Senor. I know how to turn on the charm as ju say.", She replied.
"Yeah, I do know you. What exactly-"
"No time to bore ju with details. We have a telephona now CALL that spider or that man! Whichever!", Camilla impatiently stated throwing one of her hands up.
Caleb wanted to retort but decides it's not time for an ethics debate and dials Sterling's number. As he's listening to the ringing, Zwei nudges Camilla side.
"So, what exactly did you do to her?", Zwei inquires raising an eyebrow.
"It is just how I told him. I know how to turn on the charm.", Camilla remarks with a smirk her eyes twinkling red.
Inside the gas station, the cashier woman stood unblinking, pupils dilated and jaw slightly agape in a trance while crudely sketching the work 'cunt' on her forehead in all caps with a Sharpie marker.
...Meanwhile back to Drei...
Yeah...quite the sudden attitude change. You must really have a way with words," Caleb said suspiciously.
"Ju know me Senor. I know how to turn on the charm as ju say," she replied.
"Yeah, I do know you. What exactly-"
"No time to bore ju with details. We have a telephona now CALL that spider or that man! Whichever!" Camilla impatiently snapped, throwing one of her hands up.
Caleb wanted to retort but decided it was not time for an ethics debate and dialed Sterling's number. As he listened to the ringing, Zwei nudged Camilla's side.
"So, what exactly did you do to her?" Zwei inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"It is just how I told him. I know how to turn on the charm," Camilla smirked, her eyes twinkling red.
Inside the gas station, the cashier woman stood unblinking, pupils dilated and jaw slightly agape in a trance while crudely sketching the work 'cunt' on her forehead in all caps with a Sharpie marker.
...Meanwhile...
The two clashed repeatedly in a shower of pink and green energy. Madoka had managed to get in several lethal hits but the Karmaitachi's healing factor had increased dramatically. Ever stab or cut she made healed faster than she could keep up. Whatsmore, she noticed the Karmataichi claws were coated in a mysterious viscous yellow fluid. Drei got a quick jab into the Kunoichi's thigh before lunging away as Madoka fruitlessly swung her blade missing.
Madoka then fell to her knee, panting and using her wakazashi for support. Her body was covered in puncture wounds that did not bleed yet stung considerably. Whatever Drei's claws were coated with, she felt her stamina slowly draining to the point where she could barely summon her Ki anymore. It also appeared the Karmaitachi's goal was deliberately targeting pressure points essential for Ki manipulation. It was like she knew specifically where to strike.
Sidenote: She wasn't far off. Drei's Dr. Blight form not only granted her sharp increase in speed, healing, and precision, but also gave her the ability to sense points on the body that expell the most Ki.
Drei approached the ninja Devil with a calm but intense stare and air swirled around her like a veil. She brandished one of her blades, preparing to finish her off.
"Dammit...I was careless. Only one option left I suppose," Madoka chastised herself internally before her eyes glowed pink.
The truck immediately started to accelerate dangerously down the highway, nearly running a few cars off the road. Drei noticed, unsure of what the enemy had planned, but decided to put a stop to it.
Drei rapidly vanished and reappeared around the Kunoichi, performing her War Dance.
'So you're finally doing it huh? Should've known that would be ingrained in your instincts as a predator. Good, that makes things easier,' Madoka thought, looking to her stump of a hand forlornly but remained focused, waiting for her chance.
The Karmaitachi then thrusts her wrist blade forward, targeting the nape of Madoka's neck with the intent to puncture the spinal connection. However, mere inches from her target, the Kunoichi pivoted her body, intercepting the attack and clapping Drei's hand to the weasel's shock. Madoka quickly used Drei's own hand to quickly weave the hand sign she needed. She threw the weasel over her shoulder before pinning her to the truck container with all her strength.
"Neru! [Hold!]" Madoka stated as a pink magic seal appeared around Drei's body. Pink chain-like appendages proceeded to bind her arms and legs to the surface as Drei visibly struggled. The truck started to speed up even more.
"This is your stop," Madoka quipped before going into a sprint, using the momentum of the truck then vertically leaping high into the air. Drei bared her teeth, hissing, then focused the green Ki in both her claws. Madoka's eyes glowed, holding her hand in a ninja sign.
The truck driver suddenly cut his wheel, slamming down hard on the brake and causing the entire container to flip upwards vertically and actually flip on its side. Drei's eyes widened, struggling more intensely as the container fell face down onto another car that happened to be in front of them, seemingly crushing it with a loud crash, followed by an explosion of the container creating a massive ball of fire. Thankfully, the few vehicles traveling behind them managed to hit their brakes in time but ended up impeded by the spreading flames and large metal shrapnel covering the road.
Madoka descended into the center of the fiery wreckage, looking for any sign of the Karmaitachi. The smoke and smell of diesel permeating her senses forced her to cover her mouth and nose with her mask. The metal carrier container had been completely split open, revealing a load of boxes and packages with the Amazon symbol on them, all now on fire. The car underneath was completely demolished, flattened down and ablaze with the already dead passenger inside. Madoka continued searching as the crackle of flames, along with car horns blaring and chatter from the drivers behind her, filled the area.
She then caught something out the corner of her eye lying on the ground among the glass sharps. Kneeling down, she realized it was the severed hand of the Karmaitachi with claws curled up. She carefully picked it up.
'It is a real shame someone like you had to die like this. I can't imagine the challenges a half blood like you has endured. I wonder...' Madoka thought caressing the severed hands palm listlessly.
"'...Elp," whispered a voice that caught her attention. She looked over to the turned-over head of the truck and quickly went over to it. She was greeted with the sight of the driver hanging out the windshield after being flung through. His arms and face had been burned by the hot metal and a larger glass shard stuck out of his throat, blood trickling from the area. His wide-eyed gaze landed on Madoka as he tried to mutter out a word, only to come out as bloody, strained gargles.
She knelt beside the man, instantly reminded of that last moment between her and her former lover. She lay a hand on the agonizing man's head.
"Shhh...you did great," she whispered comfortingly as the trucker stared at her before her tail stabbed him through the temple and he died instantly. She rose to her feet again, giving the man one last look before looking to Drei's severed hand, "See? I'm not heartless."
It was then a sudden sharp stinging sensation hit her in her chest. Her entire body began to ache and she looked to see a hole on the left side of her shirt. She dropped the severed hand, surprise turning to horror upon seeing that the hole was also in her flesh. Raising a trembling hand, she noticed it exited out her back as well. She suddenly found it hard to breathe as her muscles started burning.
She then heard the sounds of a heart beating, followed by footsteps. Her left hand was nothing but a stump with a veil of medicine she applied to stop the bleeding.
"No..." came Drei's voice as she stepped into view of the shocked Kunoichi. The weasel held a still beating heart with almost no blood in front of Madoka; her heart, "But now you are."
Her words seemed to echo for the Kunoichi as her body trembled, shutting down from lack of oxygen.
"Hm, looks like you found my hand. I thought after severing it and dispelling that technique of yours I'd have to have make me an artificial one," Drei spoke, twisting the beating organ in her fingers, "But honestly, I would've hated it. A cheap piece of plastic and metal can never compare to the real thing."
"G...Gi...i...b..ck.", Madoka weakly utters stumbling forward with her arm reaching out before falling to her knees as Drei casually stepping back. Drei notices her eyes were teary as she struggle to lift her arm for going limp. Her shoulders slump slightly as the heart ceases beating in Drei hand. The light slowly leaves Madoka eyes as her head hangs low leaving her hunched over. Drei gingerly places it in her open palm.
Drei then casually picks up her severed hand before popping a vial of green liquid. She places her severed on her arm stump holding it in place proceeding to pour the contents out hold the vial in her mouth. In seconds, her flesh and bone fuses back together. She opens and closes her palm experimentally before giving the dead Kunoichi a final plaintive look. Sirens from police cars in the distance get her attention. She then takes quickly search the Kunoichi's clothes and finds a Nokia phone along with Tyrrian's MON badge. Drei then propels herself in the air with a pressurized air bubble getting a couple bounds to get high enough over the wreckage to see civilians and police below. She then propels herself in the direction the van went.
'You may be right. Humans caring for us, us caring for them, it may spell disaster for either or both parties. Still, if something beautiful comes out of it, doesn't that make it worth it? I don't know, that's for them to decide.', Drei thought as her body reverts back to normal. She drinks a tonic to further recover her wounds and Ki. She propels herself like a bullet lunging with every stride hoping she wasn't too late and the enemy already had Mirabelle in their clutches.
It not, there was another very troubling question: what happens to that shinigami thing driving the van now that the enemy's dead?
...Elsewhere...
The van could still be seen barreling down the highway. Inside, Mirabelle was stirring awake, the drug Madoka gave her having worn off.
"What...what happened? Where am..." Mirabelle groggily awoke, eyes fluttering open, examining her surroundings. She looks around seeing she was still in the van. She sees no sign of Caleb or Ms. Videl, "Dear?"
It was then that the memories came flooding back.
She notices that the van door was partially open, despite it being in motion. She also feels something cold against her neck stunned to see a metal collar fastened there adding to her confusion and fears. She clawed at it, trying to hook her fingers underneath, but it was too tight. Runes appeared, faintly glowing before shocking her hands as she yelped painfully yanking them away. She looked at her hand feeling burning sensation on her fingertips a flood of questions ran through her mind.
Suddenly, the vehicle hit a large bump, making the Centaur jump. She quickly turned her attention to the medium-sized window slot connecting to the driver and passenger seat, and slid it open.
"H-Hello?! Mister, um, Cody?! It's an emergency! Dear is gone and so is Ms. Videl! What happened when..." Mirabelle started in desperate panic before noticing the driver. Rather than a blonde man sitting up front, it was now a black haired woman with pointed ears and horn-like metal blade ornaments supporting her hair, "W-W-Who are you? Where is everyone? Where are you taking me?"
The woman did not answer or even acknowledge her, but only continued driving. Mirabelle wore a confused expression which soon morphed in horror upon seeing the reflection of the mysterious driver. Her eyes were a vacant white with no life in them at all.
Mirabelle steps back covering her mouth in shock. The enemy has captured her and done Nyx only knows with Caleb.
Mirabelle started to panic, her heart racing, fearing the absolute worst. The van tires screeched while approaching a curve, drifting wildly as Mirabelle was flung against a wall by centrifugal force. The vehicle continued down the road.
'I-I need to escape! I need to run far away from here and find Caleb!', She thought looking to the van doors
She stumbled up flung one of them open as the back-draft blew throughout the interior. Mirabelle shields her face then chose her target, an open field over a mile down, and began focusing her energy. Her body glow with purple aura and tried to teleport, but-
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!", Mirabelle screamed at the top of her lungs in agony as yellow lightning rippled throughout her body illuminating the inside of the van. The runes on the collar glowed brightly with Hebrew-like symbols before dissipating as the lightning dies down. Mirabelle legs wobbled before immediately collapsing against the van wall, trembling weakly as yellow sparks pulsated from her body. She panted laboriously, pushing herself up with the bench then brings her trembling hand up to the collar, but didn't touch it, "What...is this...?! What did...they do to me?!"
Not too far away, two figures stood at the entrance of a large road tunnel. It was two human women in casual clothes. One of them stood inside the darks area of the tunnel back against the wall arms folded with a stern, pensive expression. Posted atop the hillside of the tunnel, the other woman was looking through binoculars at the street. Suddenly, she gasps upon seeing a large white ICEP van.
"I see it! R-Ranka-sama, I see the van!", the woman called out to the one below her. Ranka then steps out of the tunnel.
"How far, Nikami?", she calls out.
"I'd say they'll be here in a few minutes!", Nikami answered before skillfully leaping down land smoothly on her feet, "They did it! Madoka and the others managed to pull it off! I'm glad!"
"Don't celebrate yet we still have to get the Nightmare into holding. Send the message to that Baphomet.", Ranka replied staring off into the distance as Nikami sends a message on her phone.
Moments later, a large glowing tear appears at the tunnel entrance distorting the space around it. It quickly spreads open emitting light burgundy aura showing the inside of a building on the other side. A small figure with goat horns steps through holding a large scythe in hand
"I thought you said they were here", Fantina asks, sounding annoyed.
"T-They are. They'll be here any moment, I just saw the van from up there.", Nikami assures nervously.
"*Sigh*, what part of signal me when they're here do you not understand? If they aren't directly in front of us, don't signal me. A small CHILD can understand that!", Fantina berated the Fox woman who recoils like a scolded child.
"I-I just, um-"
"It makes no difference if they're here this very moment they WILL be here shortly. Besides, I was the one who asked her to call you out now.", Ranks jumps in, much to Nikami the appreciation.
"I'm sorry. Did you forget that, according to your comrades, ICEP has already caught wind of this little stunt of ours?!", Fantina incredulously stated.
"Yes, we are well aware. However, I trust in my comrade. They will not fail.", Ranka attests staring down then goat girl.
"At least your confident in those three. Personally, I'd say they're about as functional as a wet pair of socks."
"They have their questionable moments. It doesn't detract from their skills as assassins. You simply focus on your role in this. It's the only reason you're here after all.", Ranka spoke giving the Baphomet a side glance.
"Tch, you're right.", Fantina scoffs, "The sooner I'm done with you the better. By the way, those human forms make you both look like sluts."
Nikami gives her a dirty look then mutters under her breath, "Now who's being the child, bitch?"
Fantina feels a tinge of anger before gripping her scythe.
"What was that? I didn't quite catch that. Say it again," Fantina threatened as a red aura surged around her body and scythe with malevolently.
Nikami's face went pale, and she shuddered violently upon feeling the Baphomet's dagger-like red goat eyes piece her soul. She stuttered out an apology, frantically bowing and begging forgiveness.
"Enough!" Ranka stated firmly with a tiger-like grumble. Fantina looked to her unfazed but calmed herself, letting her aura dissipate, deciding they weren't worth it, much to Nikami's relief.
...back to Mirabelle...
Mirabelle carefully rose to her feet, confused and afraid by the revelation. Whatever this collar was, it was supressing her ability to teleport.
"W-What do I do know now?" she questioned fearfully out loud, beginning to wonder what Camilla would do.
She was brought from her thoughts when the van made a very sharp turn, flinging her body against the wall and making her bump her head. The sound of an irate driver blaring their horn could be heard passing by. Mirabelle held her head, rubbing away the pain.
Mirabelle approached the window, "Are you daft?! You could have-"
She stopped midsentence upon seeing the woman's body twitching violently, making unnatural gutteral noises.
"Mas...terrrrr..." the woman uttered, mouth agape and throwing her head up as her body evaporated into smoke, leaving nothing behind but and empty seat. Mirabelle screamed in terror. A small talisman with kanji writing fluttered by before combusting into pink flames, turning to ash.
"W-W-W-What the bloody hell is happening?!" Mirabelle exclaimed loudly, holding the sides of her face.
The vehicle then suddenly drifted towards a metal railing and slammed into it, grinding against it with a loud metallic grating noise as Mirabelle caught herself against a wall.
"Not good! There's no driver and I can't teleport to safety because if this thing! I CAN TRASH AT ANY MOMENT!" Mirabelle screamed in panic, holding her head. The van doors flew open, letting the strong backdraft in, then slammed into the metal railing loudly, grinding with sparks flying. Mirabelle ducked down, groveling, her head trembling, "AHH! CALEB! MUMMY! ANYONE! HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"
As tears welled up in her eyes, she looked up at the passing scenery. Her mind drifted back to her and Caleb in the van together and the nonverbal promise they had made to protect each other. She couldn't afford to wallow like this when her boyfriend, no, her husband needed her!
She gave herself a couple hard slaps on the cheeks.
'O-Ok. Get a grip on yourself Mirabelle! I can do this! I can do this! It's my only chance!' Mirabelle told herself, staring at the open van doors.
...Back to Ranka's group...
"Hey! There it is!" Nikami excitedly pointed out as the van rounded a curve towards them.
"Um...why aren't they slowing down?" Fantina asked warily as the vehicle barrelled closer toward them, "Ok, they're getting closer! Tell them to pump the brakes!"
Ranka narrowed her gaze at the truck before her eyes widened in realization and unease.
"Hey! Guys, you have to slow down now!" Nikami stated frantically, waving her arms around before Ranka stopped her, stepping in front of her.
"That won't do any good," Ranka spoke, glaring at the vehicle, "There's no one in the driver's seat at this moment."
"WHAT?!" Nikami and Fantina shouted simultaneously.
"Don't worry, I got it," Ranka said, removing the paper talisman Nikami had made from her chest. She immediately transformed, growing and taking on her much more intimidating bengal tiger appearance.
Inside the van, Mirabelle stood at the edge of the van doors, watching the scenery around her and asphalt below her passing by rapidly. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves before backing up slightly.
Outside, Nikami and Fantina quickly backed away as Ranka raised her large, thick, muscular tiger arm as the van barrelled toward her at her speed, about to run her down. The van struck with great force but, instead of running her over, the van stopped in its tracks with a loud crash bending the hood and damaging the entire front end, all with Ranka not even budging an inch. The vehicle tipped up slightly before loudly crashing down, the audible sound of her claws digging into the metal rattling in the air. Nikami removed her own talisman, turning into her Inari form.
At that same moment, the three women were shocked to see a Centaur female leap right out the back of the truck, soaring over them and coming to a skidding hault.
"Haa...haa...haa...Yes!" Mirabelle panted before smiling, still feeling the adrenaline in her veins, "Yes! I did it! I did it! I'm saf-"
Mirabelle's cheers and wide grin faded upon seeing the smoldering van along with the three liminal women staring at her. Ranka effortlessly moved the truck aside with her large tiger paws, glaring intently. Mirabelle frowned in horror at the sight of the seven foot tiger woman along with her gold furred fox and short goat girl holding a large sharp scythe. Nikami was unsure of what to make of the situation and Ranka bared her claws, staring intently at the Centaur.
Fantina stepped up with an incredulous look on her face as she and Mirabelle muttered the same thing.
"You have to be fucking kidding me?"
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WR
Sup Fam! I hope you're all well all things considered. I've been better but I'm still pressing on as usual. I'm happy to welcome you all to the first chapter of 2022 with many more to come as I continue to expand this little world of mine.
Uhhh, so this chapter took a bit longer than expected since I was mostly caring for my mom and starting things for grad school. Doctors say mom's deteriorating faster and...there's not really a lot that can be done anymore. It took me some time to accept that and have been making...preparations for the inevitable. If I seem quiet, it's because I'm just...you know.
O-On a more cheerful note, Grad school going well and my artists and I, despite many technical isssues and poor communication, first manga chapter is coming along well. As thanks for baring with me this long I have a little gift. Below are links to the final designs for Caleb and the girls with the Zyklons to be added soon. Also, I now have an official outro theme I plan to use for the proceeding chapter. You thank my bud, the talented sigma male, Produced by Melv for allowing me to use this gem. Information below be sure to follow him because he makes that good shit to vibe to.
Welp, that's all for now! As always, thank you to my betas for making this chapter what it is. Also, I'm kinda late by HOORAY over 500k words! See ya guys soon. Peace Fam!
OUTRO
**Youtube: Produced by Melv-'My Mind'**
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