Tekeshi had decided that a thin blindfold, just thick enough to hide detail, would be a very good option. As Utsuki had said, NONE of the women inhabiting the fortress wore anything other than those capes. It would have been paradise for most men, and he wouldn't say that the thought of such wasn't pleasing to a degree. The deal was that he was raised better than to just go around staring at women undressed.
"I really don't understand why you have your eyes covered. Does the sight of the female body not please you, are you one of those that prefer the company of your own," their, chaperon, asked as they led them toward what she promised were more comfortable accommodations.
"Whoa, not no but hell no. I definitely don't bat for that team. It is just propriety. 'Suki and me were raised in a culture that, frowns upon walking around in the buff. Women are my interest, but this is more, I will come up with a good explanation here soon," he said in reply as Utsuki steered him around a pedestal he was about to walk into.
"You said you are both from a country called Japan. I don't think I have heard of it, though what you describe, and many of the city names sound like Nippon. Is it located east of Asia Majoris?"
"Yes, Nippon is the proper name, though rarely used nowadays. I am surprised, most people have used Japan every since the U.S. occupation after World War Two. Ouch, 'Suki, these aren't steel toed, watch the feet please," he yelped as he veered over far enough to kick a heavy oak bench.
"World War Two, what is he talking about," Dibea, the spear girl, asked as she followed.
The older woman sighed, "The world entered into a second great conflict after the Great War you know of. That was about ten years after you had arrived here. I believe Sister Hannah could give you more information. She arrived afterwards, and is who informed me of the occurrence. Such a hateful waste of life, perpetuated by the incessant greed of men."
"You won't find much argument out of me over that. Rarely do men who deserve power achieve it. The men who advised our Emperor of the time turned our soldiers loose to rape and pillage across China and Korea. They kicked a hornet's nest of epic proportion, and got the most devastating of weapons used against us. Some how we came back better from it, and with better politicians. Europe suffered worse than us though. Untold millions murdered, all for their religion and heritage, and who knows how many were killed off unfounded accusations. That was simply for the vanity of one madman who had the simple charisma to conquer his own nation. I won't argue on greed either, it... has ended the lives of so many innocents, that one can only cry when they consider it," Tekeshi followed her up.
"You speak well for one so young. Passionately as well. However the way you hold yourself is that of a warrior. It brings your words into question."
Tekeshi took a breath, "Are there any who want peace more than a warrior? Want to leave the battlefield to return to the ones they cherish and protect? I was raised to fight, I will not lie about that, but I don't want it to be my life. By the way, you haven't told us what your name is, or asked us what ours were."
The woman flushed, "I apologize. We so rarely see new faces, especially those of men. I am Agrea, and you already know Dibea's name."
"My name is Tekeshi, Tekeshi Aono. This is Utsuki Shiraishi. She doesn't have a great understanding of English, and given the fiasco that occurred with me trying to give her an understanding of what language I thought you were speaking, I don't want to chance it. Now, I think this might be the main question, and the second priority question. Why, and where are we?"
Agrea chuckled lightly, "You are in our fortress, and Miss Utsuki is one of us. All of our Sisters are summoned here when they learn their power. That way they may be separated from the world of men, and cannot be used as weapons. She will be taught to properly harness them, so that she doesn't harm herself or others, and be kept away from situations that would drive her desires to the point she lost her mind to battle lust."
"So all of you are "Witches of War" then? I was under the impression that there had not been one for over four thousand years. Deeseedra even thought that was the case. I have to wonder something though, World War One was over a hundred years ago, yet you said Dibea came here ten years after. She shouldn't be alive, not if she retained any humanity. Your name is Greek, and not modern as far as I know. I noticed that every one who addressed you acted with deference, so I can assume you have been here a considerable time, and have some position among them."
"You are quite wise and intelligent yourself. My name is Roman, not Greek. I have been here, last I checked was around a thousand years. We are not many in number here, maybe two hundred at the most, we survive however, by having severed ourselves from time as you know it. We don't age, get sick, or die. We are essentially eternal."
Tekeshi took a second to relay the information he had so far to Utsuki before posing his next questions, "I assume the severing your connection to time has something to do with the demons you are bound to, correct?"
Agrea briefly had a look of worry pass over her face, "You, are extremely well informed about us. You know of our binding to demons, that, doesn't bother you?"
"Have you not heard me mention Deeseedra. She is Utsuki's demon. Bit of a royal bitch, but we get along well enough, considering the first time we met I cut her in half for trying to kill 'Suki."
"You were able to harm a demon. That is, actually incredible. However, it is hard to believe, given that no human is strong enough to defeat a demon that has prey in its sight."
"English, not great. Tekeshi, not human. Have living sword. Greatly complicated. Don't understand why so easy to, explain. Nothing, known about you," Utsuki really didn't do that great in English class, and was going to commit to having Tekeshi tutor her on it.
"She has a point, it is way too easy to tell you about us. Let me guess, some form of spell to relax and get us to talk about ourselves," Tekeshi's snap seemed to echo, but he and Utsuki both felt a weird lightness afterward.
"Mother Agrea, did that man just dispell. How is that possible, they can't be bound like we are, can they," Dibea took a couple of steps back and raised her spear.
"She said you aren't human, just what are you then," Agrea flung her arm out to her side, a spear forming in it.
Tekeshi was not aware of that point thanks to the blindfold, "We already told as much as we have, why stop here. I am a vampire. I am more powerful than a demon, though I don't have their same lack of pain and inability to fully register injury. However, if you plan to threaten us, then I will easily be able to slay you."
"ENOUGH," the yell resounded and made the walls themselves rattle.
"Mother Madonna, we were not aware that you were present," Agrea dropped to her knees as another woman entered the room.
"I am dressed, you may take off your blindfold. I apologize profusely for my sisters' actions. Men, of any race, are extremely rare here, and typically do not have good intentions," the woman's Japanese was impeccable.
Tekeshi unwound the bandanna he had been using for a blindfold, "I apologize for my hostility right then. When Utsuki pointed out that we were spilling everything so easy, it put me on edge. I am impressed, your Japanese is much better than my Scots Gaelic."
"Why would you think we are speaking Scots Gaelic, we speak a branching of Welsh. That explains why Dibea was asking if she had grown some kind of phantom phallus. I will admit, thinking about it they do sound similar. Though our particular dialect is much older and closer to the original. Now, let me properly introduce myself. I am Madonna, Grand Mother of the Sisters of the Order Demona. I believe you know us as "Witches of War"?"
"Yes ma'am. That is what Deeseedra has called what I am. I still don't understand everything that is going on though, why are we here," Utsuki was starting to get wound up slightly.
"I many years ago began gathering what my people called the "Maiden Demona". Women who had enslaved demons to turn themselves into weapons against some form of enemy. I believe I began after I met a mother and her daughters that had done so after Romans had taken their lands, and had availed themselves to their bodies. You seem to know history decently, Mr. Aono, have you ever heard of Boudicea?"
"She was one of the most influential women in history. You mean she is or was one of you. That would explain why her death is so highly debated. It also tracks with what... Hey Deeseedra, why don't you come out here so that you can be part of the conversation. You know all this better than me and 'Suki."
As she formed the expression on her face showed she really didn't want to as she did, "Where are demons at? This entire time we have been here I could feel them, why have I not seen them?"
"They simply do not wish to be seen. Most of them have not been treated real well by their binders. It is hard to teach that they are a part of your soul, and not a simple slave. I, at one point was guilty of the same. Rougar, would you mind showing yourself so that she doesn't feel so alone," She directed the last sentence behind her shoulder.
Being used to only Deeseedra the human and vampire were not prepared for the large powerful looking man that faded into view, to their relief clothed. He was at least a foot taller than Tekeshi was, and his smallest visible muscles appeared to be the size of Utsuki's head. Utsuki gasped as she heard Tekeshi swallow nervously.
"Rouseals, but you disappeared. We know you existed, but you are not within us anymore. I thought I would never see you again. This is my best friend, how?" Deeseedra perked up and was smiling bigger than they had ever seen her as she ran to and took the gigantic male demon in a bear hug.
"Deeddeors, it is good to see you in some ways, in others not. Oh my tiny spitfire. I hope your mistress treats you well. Though, I am surprised such a tiny, weak looking tart could bind you," the sound of his voice was malicious, and cold as he warmly returned the hug.
"Well, you never know with these demons. I didn't even know that Rougar had any friends, though it makes me happy. He has been a wonderful companion over all the centuries I have lived. Though, I made it hard on him until I truly learned. Miss..."
"You can just call me 'Suki, almost everyone does now. I don't understand why you would treat anything or anyone as if they were a piece of property. In the few weeks since she has been bound to me, it has been more like having an adopted sister. Though it was much better once we got her to start wearing clothes, that has only been achieved in the last few days," Utsuki rather liked the older woman.
"That is truly the first time I have ever heard anyone speak like that. It is almost like you never intended to enter into a contract. I don't understand how that would even be possible, the emotions required during the contracting aren't necessarily common to feel in everyday life. Please, tell me what happened," Madonna was all smiles as she gave the younger woman her full attention.
"Someone summoned her and she attacked me. Tekeshi fought her, got his ass kicked, and about the time she went in for the kill he came out of nowhere with a giant sword and cut her in half. Some of her blood splashed in my mouth during the strike, and well I had pretty much resigned myself to death. I was utterly terrified, and was mourning Tekeshi thinking he was dead. Then she stopped being purple, and I realized she was stark naked and not happy. There was a lot, I mean a lot, of profanity out of her."
Madonna brought a hand to her mouth and chuckled, "Demons are quite fond of their four letter words. It took decades to curb Rougar's mouth. I have to say, anyone short of the power of a vampire most likely wouldn't have been able to land a single blow in straight up combat."
"My surprise at her binding grows all the time now. Do you not realize just how strong she is? Deeddeors is perhaps one of the strongest of our kind, if she would only utilize it instead of being a lazy nympho," the male demon looked up as he spoke.
"Speak for yourself, that isn't a pencil pushing into my stomach," it appeared that Deeseedra had gone back to her usual self.
"I don't think I have ever seen a happier demon in all my life. Maybe she will bring some more happiness into this dreary fortress. I don't know that any of the other girls will ever have such a great relationship with their partners."
Tekeshi looked up a little concerned, "What do you mean bring more happiness here? I know you may be excited, but we have to go back to school in a couple weeks. Not to mention that my parents and aunts are probably worried to death about us. Especially considering everything that has been going on lately."
"Ah, yes, I may have to disappoint you. Her staying here, is not negotiable. She will need guidance to come to understand her powers, otherwise she could become a danger to herself and others. She will also need to learn to steel her mind to control the overwhelming sexual desire that can be brought on by even witnessing conflict. If she works hard she may one day be able to travel outside the bounds of the fortress, however there is no guarantee. Very few have gained enough control to be able to leave."
"But I have homework, not to mention that I can't wait to see Asusa. I have to agree with Tekeshi, I can't stay. Two of his aunt's are witches, they have to be able to help me learn. I just, I can't stay," Utsuki was shocked by the veiled threat of imprisonment the woman offered.
"Great Mistress, I can see how powerful the young vampire is. I can see the look in his eyes. I am nowhere near as powerful as Deeddeors, I would not be able to stand to him. I also have no doubt that he would be able to slaughter many before he could be stopped, and that he would be willing to to protect her if he feels that it is necessary. I know that you fear what happened to Arthur, could happen to another. However, I feel that it might be wiser to send a teacher with her, rather than confine her here, for the good of everyone," Rougar looked at his mistress with a stern look.
The woman sighed, "Would you truly be willing to kill the people here, for her sake? Rougar, you have always given me sound counsel, but this is something much bigger than both of us. What if someone discovers her power, and what is possible with it. No number of mortal swords could stop her, and by extension whomever controls her. She would be devastating, even the power of a nuclear bomb would pale."
"I don't think that someone controlling her would be an issue. Would you mind if I took Wild Eyes and Deeddeors aside for a moment to speak with them? It would allow you time to try to convince her."
Madonna nodded.
The male demon made a grand impression. Seven foot tall, raven black hair with two ivory spikes coming from his forehead, and muscles that would have made most bodybuilders feel jealous. Despite what he said about Deeseedra being stronger, Tekeshi wouldn't have been able to beat her without Jakkasu, so he really didn't look forward to it if a fight broke out.
"Young Wild Eyes, I see something in you, that I have not seen in a long time. Deeddeors has told you that we may not use the given name of a living mortal, has she not? Ah, she did not mention the living part. Many years ago Great Mistress fell in love with a Briton mercenary lord. Centuries ago. He was not a proud man, nor was he really a great man. I did not initially like him, until I saw him on the battlefield. Arthur, was a monster on the field. None were capable of standing against him, and when she joined him, he was even wilder.
He truly loved her more than he loved his own life. He would have slit his own throat to give his very lifeblood to her if so needed. She left this place for him. He hated to see her on the battlefield, but he could never stop her. I think they were together for close to ten years.
Near the end of their time his fortress of Caer Camel was besieged. It lasted for weeks, many of his men died during the assaults. During one particularly bad one he was captured. They tried to ransom him to her to open the gates. They had him standing before the gates, held by armed men. Before she could open the gates, which would have led to innocents being murdered, he stole a dagger and jammed it into his heart. Arthur died right there. Great Mistress was, so distraught. She knew they used him to control her, and she began to fear what might have happened if he had not killed himself. Would they have kept him in chains, and ordered her into battle as a weapon, with his safety as a guarantee?
She returned here, and began running things as she does now. At one point, it was a sanctuary for both men and women who had sought to contract a demon for revenge. After her return only women remain, and she has little trust in men. I know her heart, and she fears that the same could happen with you and Little Doll."
"You said, Caer Camel, didn't you? Is she Morgause, or Morgan Le Fay," pieces fell into place with those two pieces of information.
"The first is her name. Morgan Le Fay, is actually a newer way of saying it. The name Madonna was the name Arthur called her. She will not answer to anything else for humans. She has never recovered from the pain. All from that damnable Shinso."
"Wait a minute, you said Shinso? Shinsos are vampires that have the blood of our first ancestor running in their veins. I am one, though my father kind of sealed that part of me away. Just one is capable of utter devastation. I am surprised they even bothered trying to use a hostage," Tekeshi took even more surprise from this information.
"What I saw that day was not a vampire. If anything, it was a demigod. I will never forget him, and the cruelty written on his face. I don't know if he still lives, though my saying his name makes it seem like he doesn't. Regardless, do you understand why Great Mistress does not want to let Little Doll leave here?"
"Hold on Rouseals, I am with Delicious Bloodsucker on this one. Lovely Mistress should not be forced to stay here if she does not wish it. I would hate, and it would kill me inside to have to come to blows with you, and to see you fade into nothingness. It would break my heart, I already thought my best friend was gone forever once, I don't know if I could take it again," Deeseedra stepped between the two.
Rougar tilted his head to one side, "What is this talk Deeddeors, I have never heard such from another demon in my existence. We are not subject to the same emotions that our binders are, we simply cannot feel them. Remember, regardless of the contract, we are simply tools that act as agreed."
"It isn't like that with Lovely Mistress. She never asks anything of me that she wouldn't ask of anyone else. She doesn't want the power that I can provide her, at times she doesn't even want my companionship. She treats me like I am...," the words trailed off to Tekeshi.
His heart started pounding swiftly, and his vision started to go red. Something started tugging him towards the chamber that Utsuki and Madonna were occupying. Surges of anger, fear, and worry began assaulting him, and before he could stop himself he had crossed the distance and torn the door from the hinges.
He saw inside two women starting to drag an unconscious Utsuki towards an open passage in the wall. Madonna stood with a look halfway between guilt and shock at the intrusion. They did not appear to be interested in listening to reason, instead forcing his Utsuki through cowardly methods. Pure anger boiled in his veins, and he felt something in his chest start to separate as his heart beat louder and harder, fighting against some restriction. Then the seal separated.