Here we are at Chapter 33. Now that things have died down for Fuyumi for a little while, it's time to pick up the pace again. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 33. Enjoy.
Chapter 33: To the Elf Village
In a dense forest, far outside the kingdom of Anatolia, a group of elves race through the trees, followed by a loud crashing sound as dust and tree branches fly out.
"Damn it! What's this thing doing here? A basilisk shouldn't be this far out here!" one elf notes as he lands on a tree branch and readies a bow and arrow.
The dust settles, revealing a large green lizard with red eyes and six limbs approaching them. Its long tongue flicks out as it roars at them. Around the basilisk's neck is a black ring with red markings on it.
"Don't let its venom get you! Attack from multiple angles and trip it up," the leader of the group says. "Archers, from the trees. The rest of you, follow my lead and aim for the legs!"
They fan out as the basilisk goes for the leader of the group. It tries to chomp down on him, but he jumps out of the way while making a quick slash on his side. The blade only leaves a small wound, but it pisses the monster off either way. It swings its tail around, managing to nail two of the elven warriors while sending them flying. Up in the trees, the archers fire off their arrows, some of them using magic to light the arrow tips on fire before firing them. The arrows pierce the basilisk's hide, but a few only bounce off.
"Spirits of air, become a blade that slices through my foes. Wind Cutter!" the leader swings his blade several times, sending out blades of wind at their enemy.
The blades cut through and take out two of its legs. This drives the basilisk into a rage and it goes out of control, swinging its tail around at the trees around it.
"Get back, now!" the leader calls out.
Those in the trees jump away before the trees come tumbling down. One elf comes in from the side, aiming for the creature's neck, but it turns around and sinks its fangs into his right arm. The elf screams in pain as he gets lifted into the air. Just as he's about to lose that arm, the leader comes in and swings his blade across the eyes of the basilisk, making it roar in pain as it releases its prey.
"It's blinded. Finish it off, now!" the leader commands.
The elves swarm on the basilisk and a few minutes later, it draws its final breath as it lays on the ground. Once the coast is clear, everyone check their conditions. Unfortunately, the warrior who got bit by the monster is in the worst shape. He was poisoned.
"Sir, we need to head back now, or else he may not make it," one soldier says.
"Then go swiftly. We'll clean up things here," the leader permits them to leave. Two elves take the poisoned soldier and return home while the rest remain behind. The leader checks the monster corpse and notices the black collar on its neck. "What is this?" He goes to touch it, but the black collar breaks and disintegrates into dust. "What is going on here? This is the third basilisk we've seen in this area, and just like the rest, it was unnaturally aggressive. They are known for being dangerous, but this was something else."
"Sir, the elder will want to know about this," one elf notes.
"Agreed. Something is going on here. Send a message to Elane in Anatolia. We'll need her help in this matter. Everyone, gather our gear and let's return home. This won't be the last we'll hear from them, I'm sure," the leader calls out.
"Yes, sir!" the elves respond together.
…
Back in Anatolia, Fuyumi is having a little sparring match against Iris in the courtyard at Emilia's manor. The pair never did get to have their match at the tournament before those slavers screwed everything up, so they're having a little consolation match now. Their blades meet several times as they parry the other's strikes, looking for an opening. At one point, they clash their blades and try to push the other back. The two stare each other down for a moment until Fuyumi rolls back, forcing Iris to follow her, and kicks her off into the air. Getting back up, Fuyumi fires off a Lightning Spike at Iris. However, Iris twirls in the air, just narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Spirits of light, shine through the darkness. Holy light!" Iris casts a spell, creating a bright light that blinds Fuyumi.
Iris falls towards her, sword raised to strike. However, as soon as her sword comes down, it gets knocked aside by an invisible force and she nearly loses her balance before she lands on the ground.
"Hah... Thank that Foulblood Barrier gift I got from Yakumo. Too bad it only works once before it breaks," Fuyumi smirks. "Looks like you missed your mark there, Iris."
"I thought I had you. What was that?" Iris asks.
Fuyumi wags a finger, "Ah-ah-ah, a magician never reveals her secrets. Though, I suppose I could be persuaded... maybe later tonight," she licks her lips.
Iris blushes, "N-N-Now is hardly the time for that!"
Suddenly, Fuyumi disappears in red mist and reappears right in front of Iris, spooking her. She sweeps her off her feet, knocking her to the ground. As soon as Iris starts to get up, Fuyumi's blade is at her throat.
"I win," Fuyumi smiles.
Iris pouts, "That was a dirty trick,"
"It's good that you have honor, Iris. But, just because you fight with honor, doesn't mean your opponent will fight the same way. Sometimes, you have to get creative," Fuyumi helps her up. "Besides, it's your fault for losing your focus in the middle of a duel,"
"That was your fault because you distracted me!" Iris retorts.
Fuyumi leans in to kiss her cheek, making Iris's blush go deeper, "Well, I guess I should be flattered that you find me so distracting. But for now, try not to get distracted by other stuff when in a fight. Come on, let's clean up and have something to eat. All that exercise has made me hungry," Fuyumi takes Iris's hand and leads the way back inside the manor.
As they do, Umi flies down from a perch on the roof of the manor and lands on Fuyumi's shoulder.
"Yes, you too, Umi. Come on," Fuyumi pets her feathered-friend.
Once inside, a maid and butler great them. The butler takes their weapons while the maid escorts them to the baths for a quick wash. After getting cleaned up, they head for the dining hall for something to eat.
"So, I hear Fuyumi beat you in a duel, Iris. How can a knight protect her charge if she ends up being defeated by said charge?" Emilia teases her.
"Please, Lady Emilia, do not tease me so. And for the record, Fuyumi only one because she used a dirty trick," Iris says.
"We never set any rules about what we can and can't use in the duel. But if you must know, I used one of my defensive skills to block your attack after you blinded me. Unfortunately, it's only good for one attack before it breaks," Fuyumi explains.
"Just when I've thought I've seen all of your abilities, then you show me new ones. Just how many magical affinities do you have, Fuyumi?" Iris asks, curious.
At this, Fuyumi's smile fades a bit. She hasn't told Iris yet... about her origins. But, if they're going to be together, she's gonna have to.
"Iris, we need to talk. I'll tell you all about me. It's important that you know about me. About who I am... and about what I am," Fuyumi says.
Iris looks confused now, "What do you mean? Fuyumi?"
…
In the duke's office, Fuyumi explains her origins to Iris, just as she did to Emilia and the others. Once she was finished, Fuyumi let out a breath she felt she had been holding for a long time.
"There you have it. I'm not a human, at least not anymore. I'm a Revenant. That's why I'm so strong. I'm sorry for keeping you from this. I wanted to know I could trust you first. Listen, I know it was a lot to take in, but-," Fuyumi looks up... only to see Iris practically bawling her eyes out.
"AH! That's such a sad story! I'm so sorry, Fuyumi!" Iris cries and nearly jumps on Fuyumi, wrapping her in her arms.
"Ah, Iris! Calm down!" Fuyumi pleads.
"Here I was, moping about my own problems, and yet, you've gone through something far worse! I'm sorry for being so selfish. To think that you've died over and over again, and lost all your memories as a human. Please, let Iris make you feel better!" Iris continues to cry as she squeezes Fuyumi's face to her chest.
"Well, I guess she doesn't mind," Anelia says.
"Good Fuyumi. It seems we'll be fine now," Emilia claps her hands.
"Will you guys... help me already?!" Fuyumi begs as Iris continues to cry and hold her tight.
Suffice it to say, things went better than Fuyumi hoped, but not in the way she expected. It took them a while, but they managed to calm Iris down.
"I'm sorry about losing my composure like that. It was just such a sad story that I couldn't control myself. Forgive me. But, it does bring me joy to know you would trust me with something so important to you. Fuyumi, you have my word that I will not tell a soul about your origins. Not unless you ask me to. I will tell no one, not even my family or the king. This, I swear on my honor as a knight," Iris holds a hand to her chest.
"Thank you, Iris. That means a lot to me," Fuyumi says.
"I am to be your third wife. Any struggles you face are mine as well. You helped me when I was in a desperate situation. It is only right that I do the same for you, my love," Iris smiles lovingly at her.
Emilia joins them, "Well, now with that out of the way, I believe we should take this time to-," she begins until Umi starts cawing and flying around in a crazy fit.
"Umi, what's wrong! Easy, calm down!" Fuyumi tries to catch the spirit creature in her hands.
As soon as a servant opens the door, Umi flies out of the room. Worried about what might be wrong with her companion, Fuyumi gives chase with the others behind her. They follow the bird until it comes outside at the front of the manor and they see Umi flying with another bird. The bird looks similar to Umi, but has green feathers with some looking like a mohawk on its head.
"What is that?" Fuyumi wonders.
Elane pushes past a few of them, "It's a Whisper Bird. A spirit creature that can relay messages. I recognize that one two. It's from my village!" Elane raises an arm as she walks closer.
The bird flies down and lands on her arm, "Elane, you must return to the village at once. We've been having trouble with strange monster activity, including basilisks getting too close to our territory. We need your help, now," the bird speaks like a normal person.
"Wait, did it just speak?!" Iris freaks out.
"Whisper birds relay messages this way. It helps protect our messages. What's more, they're very cautious of people, even elves to an extent. They're very important to my people, like Umi is. Tell my father I will return to the village at once," Elane says. The bird magically records her message before flying off towards her village. "I'm sorry, everyone. But, I must return home. Something has happened and my people need me,"
"Sounds serious. Is your village in danger?" Anelia asks.
"I don't know, but if they're requesting that I come back, despite being on my mission with you, then it must be dire. Our village is secluded. Only the elves know where it is. No humans. Something must've changed. I appreciate everything you've done for me up until this point, and I thank you for your hospitality, but I must go," Elane bows her head to them.
"Hold on," Fuyumi holds up her hand. "I said I would help you with aiding your people, and I meant it. This counts as that. Besides, we don't know what could be going on right now. It never hurts to have a few extra hands,"
"But, that was just with locating my missing kin. I can't ask you to come all the way to my village to aid in what is essentially our problem. What's more, while I've come to trust you, I doubt all of my people would. There may be some issues," Elane tries to dissuade her.
"Hah, if I need to escape. I can just teleport out of there, no problem. Besides, maybe this could be a first step," Fuyumi says.
"A first step? A first step for what?" Elane cocks an eyebrow.
"We know that the king of Anatolia has been trying to build good relations with your people. Now, let me be clear, I'm not doing this for that. But, I want you to be aware that something like that may come into affect. I know your people are cautious of humans, and rightfully so, but you can't keep hiding in a forest forever. Just because you leave someone alone doesn't mean they'll leave you alone. Someone is after your people, and you can't handle this all by yourself," Fuyumi looke up to the sky. "Times are changing and we must adapt to that change. Let us help you, just as you helped us. And who knows, maybe this can help finally build good relations between our people and yours,"
"I admit, I'm still not fond of humans. I doubt that will change anytime soon, but... I'm tired of seeing my people victimized. We hide in order to survive, but you're right. Hiding isn't enough anymore. I want my people to be free, truly free, from this kind of abuse," Elane looks Fuyumi in the eye. "I will take you to my village. I owe you a debt, and this will help repay it. I don't trust every human, but I do trust you, Fuyumi. You told me your innermost secrets. I see no reason in doing something similar in kind. I'll do my best to convince my people to allow you to help. My father gave me this task to join you anyway, so he will help. But, we must hurry. My people are in desperate need of air,"
"Then we'd best get ready and go. Better tell the duke. However, we'll hold off on informing the king in this matter. At least until we have a better idea of what's going on," Fuyumi says.
With that being said, the group make preparations to leave. Emilia informs her father, while Conrad prepares the horses. After making sure they have everything they need, Fuyumi heads out with Elane, Umi, Iris, and Anelia. They leave the city, heading towards the eastern border of the kingdom. The journey will take them several days since they must leave the kingdom in order to reach the village. Now that Fuyumi thinks about it, this will be the first time she's left Anatolia since she came to this world. She's honestly a little excited about seeing a new territory.
…
A few days pass as the group continue their journey, and Elane is getting antsy. Well, no one can really blame her. They tried to book it the first few days per Elane's request, but after a while, Fuyumi had to slow her down. The sun was setting and they needed to rest.
"But, my people are in danger. We need to get there as soon as possible!" Elane cries.
Fuyumi grabs her shoulders, "Elane, look!" she nods her head to Anelia, who appears the most exhausted out of them all. "If we keep rushing over there; when the time comes when we are needed most, we'll be too exhausted to contribute. We will get there, and you said it yourself that your people have capable warriors looking out for the village. They will be fine until we arrive. Rest is just as important. Don't burn yourself out before it counts, okay,"
Elane finally calms down, "I... I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I've just been so worried about my people that I couldn't focus on anything else. You're right, we need to rest. Let me help set up camp,"
The group set up two tents for two each and a fireplace. Meanwhile, Iris heads out to hunt for dinner. Inside one tent, Fuyumi and Elane set up the mats for the beds.
"There, that should do it," Fuyumi wipes her hands.
"Fuyumi... thank you for earlier. I should've noticed sooner," Elane says.
Fuyumi waves it off, "It's no problem. We'll help you're people in-," Fuyumi stops when she feels her head hurt. "Argh!"
"Fuyumi, what's wrong?" Elane crawls over to her.
"I'm fine, really. Just been a while since I've had anything to drink," Fuyumi says.
Elane remembers now. They've been going on this journey for a few days now with barely any stops along the way. Because of that, Fuyumi hasn't had much chance to feed. And Iris sometimes goes out to hunt and when she returns, her kill has already been drained of blood. Knowing that, she only feels more guilty now.
"I'll go find Iris. Hopefully, she hasn't cleaned our dinner yet," Fuyumi goes to leave until Elane grabs her arm to stop her. "Elane?"
Elane doesn't meet Fuyumi's eyes, "If you want... then you can have... a little bit of mine," she mumbles.
"Huh? What was that?" Fuyumi asks.
Elane groans and finally reveals her blushing face, "I'm saying that if you want, you can have some of my blood,"
Fuyumi wasn't expecting that, "Eh? But, you don't have to do that. I mean, it doesn't really hurt, but it is something personal, you know,"
"What? My blood's not good enough for you?" Elane gets annoyed.
"No, it's just I wasn't expecting yoy to ask me that. I mean, you always thought of me as some kind of perverted womanizer, which I am not by the way. I thought you'd be disgusted by the idea," Fuyumi argues.
Elane rolls her eyes, "Oh, enough already!" she pounces on Fuyumi, pinning her to the ground. "Look, you need blood to keep yourself you, and I'm willing to offer. You've helped me a lot of times, and now I'm returning the favor," she undos some of her clothes, revealing her neck and collar bone before laying on top of Fuyumi. "Just drink already, or else I'll get really pissed with you,"
Fuyumi tries to retort but having Elane's neck right in front of her face, and the urge growing stronger, she can't hold herself back anymore. Her fangs pierce Elane's skin as she begins to drink. This causes Elane to gasp at the sudden feeling of having her blood sucked. She blushes and gasps, holding a hand to her mouth to keep herself from moaning out loud. Fuyumi pulls her in closer as she drinks. She's never had elven blood before, but the taste is not bad. It's actually really good. They end up rolling over with Fuyumi on top as she finishes her drink. Once she does, she frees Elane and sits up. However, she freezes and blushes at seeing Elane beneath her, gasping for air with a red face and part of her clothes undone. It takes a moment for Fuyumi to recollect herself and she gets off of Elane.
"Are you okay?" Fuyumi asks.
Elane fixes her clothes, "Yes, I am fine. I just... wasn't expecting it to feel like that. Are you better now?"
"Y-Yes, I'm fine now," Fuyumi replies, but the situation only gets more awkward. "Um, I guess I should go help Anelia prepare for dinner when Iris gets back," and she quickly makes her exit from the tent.
Elane is glad for that. Another moment longer and Fuyumi might've noticed the smell... and that her underwear had a bit of an accident. Elane can't help but feel embarrassed about it. Best to focus on getting back home before something else embarrassing happens again... hopefully.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and the group make their way to the elf village after Elane is called back home. Meanwhile, the bloodsucker and the elf continue to grow closer. What kind of perils await Fuyumi at the elf village? Will she receive a warm welcome, or will it be like how she first met Elane? Until then, please Read and Review.