So, I have to admit, I loved the good reviews for this. However, a couple of reviewers pointed out something that I need to clarify. Harry and Tyuule don't technically have a soul bond as much as a magical bond, thanks to the rings. What's more, they're not actually in love, not by any means, but during the heightened emotions after that battle, along with the drink flowing, Harry and Tyuule opened up to each other. Tyuule also had a rather selfish reason that she wanted to keep Harry in the tribe as a protector, and when he discussed the various trinkets he brought from home, including the Potter marriage rings, she asked to try one to see if she was compatible. After then, he made a remark about marriage, albeit while plastered. The consent was dubious on both sides, admittedly, due to inebriation, but the marriage rings would not have allowed it unless they were compatible. This was something I actually wrote into all of my Blood Brandy-style stories after complaints with the first one: the marital bond does not happen unless they are compatible to a strong enough degree. It's a bit like an arranged marriage that manages to work and Harry are going to try and work this out. Harry has his saving people thing, Tyuule wants him to help her tribe, and it doesn't hurt that they are physically attracted to each other, even if that's a mild lust as opposed to actual love.
One of the reviewers pointed out that Harry wouldn't need the rings to be bound to Tyuule, that she is enough in his debt, along with the rest of her people, to want to bed him. I don't think that either Harry or Tyuule are at all like that. Harry, while he might go for a one-night stand with a consensual partner (how he is in this story, anyway), would never use a debt as a leverage to bed someone. And Tyuule, while she did sacrifice herself in GATE canon to become Zorzal's sex-slave to try and save her people (which backfired, as those familiar with the series will know), would probably be reluctant to force the issue. This guy saved her people, and hadn't really asked for much of a reward. He actually refused the advances of many other Bunny Warriors during the night's revelries. It's not because he doesn't want to have sex with them, but he'd prefer to get to know them first. However, drink and careless talk led to what happened here. They haven't had sex, they've just done something very stupid that will work out better later on in the story. Serendipity at its finest, ladies and gentlemen.
The whole marriage bond thing came about because I was struggling for an angle for a GATE crossover that wouldn't be a redo of what Split-Girl already did. Anubis of the Highway Thieves' challenge helped, as it's basically Blood Brandy without the Vegas angle. I also knew that, for any story with a post-Hogwarts or post-Hogwarts age Harry (and if you're wondering what kind of distinction that is, I was considering doing a WBWL fic based on my 'Harry Mercury' challenge with Harry about 19), I wanted to pair him with Tyuule. Tyuule's story is a rather tragic one, and I wanted to save her from her fate. While Yao, Delilah, and Pina would still be possibilities, I had my mind set on Tyuule, long before I actually watched the episodes where she first appeared.
I also had to use the fanon marriage rings because, while discussing things with Arawn D Draven, they mentioned that the Bunny Warriors don't really have a concept of marriage as most people would consider it. I needed something to bind them together. And quite frankly, my initial idea, which was of Luna basically persuading Tyuule to marry Harry like Luna was trying to emulate Emma Woodhouse, painted Luna in a pretty bad light, frankly. Here, where it happens because of two people coming down off a battle high and filled with alcohol and heightened emotion, it's better, if only because it's due to stupidity rather than manipulation.
Now, if, despite all that I said above, you still take issue with it, remember: Don't Like, Don't Read, Don't Review.
To all of those looking forward to this next chapter, sorry for the rant, and I hope you enjoy. Hopefully, this is to your liking.
Oh, and while I couldn't figure out how to describe the opening titles of this story, for those of you who want an opening theme (rmarcano321, I am looking at you), I suggest Jonathan Young's cover of The World by Nightmare, aka the first opening song of Death Note. Specifically, the shortened version that would have been used for the opening titles.
PARVA SUB INGENTI
CHAPTER 2:
THE QUEEN, THE WIZARD, AND THE APOSTLE
"…So, let me get this straight," Harry said. He was trying to keep a hold on his temper, trying to keep calm. Only the fact that the Potter marriage ring would not have allowed him to be bound to this woman unless there was enough compatibility and the fact that Tyuule looked rather embarrassed (and a little annoyed as well) helped. "Last night, while we were getting plastered, we got to talking. Then, while you were lamenting the lack of mages amongst your people and wondering whether I would stay to help…I made a comment about marriage. And things escalated from there."
Tyuule nodded, and Harry groaned, putting his face in his hands. Eventually, he said, "Don't get me wrong, I'm more angry about this because we've only known each other for a couple of days, and, well, we did this while drunk. When we first met, you were on the verge of giving yourself up to save your people, even if that bastard was going to renege on the deal. That takes guts. I've done something like that before." Shaking his head, he turned back to Tyuule. "So…this is one of those things that is unbreakable and binding magically. Trying to break it will have consequences for us both. I'm sorry, I really am."
Tyuule shook her head. "No, I should apologise. I was less drunk than you, and theoretically capable of making a better decision. But I was following a selfish desire to keep a powerful mage within this tribe, to help defend us, despite the fact that I owed you a very deep debt. Our people do not have marriage as you Humes or other peoples have, but you spoke of your prior relationships ending badly…"
"…So we basically both fucked up," Harry said, grateful that the Potter marriage rings included some sort of translation charm. "Well, as long as we're not going to kill each other…do you want to talk it out? Preferably while sober?"
"Indeed." She looked at Harry, before her features softened. "Don't misunderstand me, your valour and prowess was without reproach, and what I saw of your character before we got drunk…it's just that some amongst my people may not take our bond the right way. I will keep this quiet. I will still tell them that I have taken you as a consort, just not about the binding. I promise you, Honoured Sorcerer, I will find a way to repay my debt to you, to say nothing of that my people owe you."
Harry sighed quietly. Did he seriously just acquire another appellation? "Tyuule…do you mind if I call you that instead of Your Majesty or anything like that?"
"In private and amongst trusted people, you may. In public, refer to me as Lady Tyuule. Given your help, that will more than suffice."
"Okay, thanks. Tyuule…I don't like being called Honoured Sorcerer. Just call me Harry, in public or private."
Tyuule actually chuckled. "Perhaps, but…my people will be calling you that for a long time yet, Harry. You'd best get used to it."
"Anyway, about debts…the only one I'd want repaid is if you knew anything about the whereabouts of someone close to me," Harry said. "I don't think I talked about him last night."
"You mentioned him, and that he may be in this world…but not his name. However, you indicated that magic was hidden on your world, whereas here, it is, if not commonplace, then known. However, I will use our resources and contacts. We are on good terms with some of the Saderan Empire's vassal states, particularly Italica and the Formal Clan…"
There was a sudden knock on the door. "Lady Tyuule? Are you in there?" came a female voice.
"…Yes! Delilah, neither of us are decent yet, but the bed was lovely."
"…Understood."
"The bed was what?" Harry asked as he hurriedly pulled on a shirt and trousers, deciding he would bathe later.
Tyuule went over to her own clothes, giving Harry a rather good look at her shapely rear, and the white tuft of her tail behind it. "A codephrase. If I had said 'the bed was uncomfortable', it meant I was under duress. However, this means I am unharmed and safe."
Harry turned away as she dressed, before finally, Tyuule joined him by his side, her clothes still a bit revealing, but somewhat regal. "You may enter, Delilah," she said. A brown-haired Bunny Warrior in rather skimpy combat clothes appeared, and Harry remembered her from last night. During combat, she was serious as hell, but during the revels afterwards, she was actually very nice.
Delilah wasn't alone, though. Three others accompanied her, two of whom were very familiar to Harry: the blonde, dotty features of Luna Lovegood, and the bushy-haired Hermione Granger, the latter of whom was looking both annoyed and relieved. The third appeared to be a dark-haired girl in her early teens, dressed as a Gothic Lolita, and wielding an oversized halberd. She sniffed the air, and pouted. "Awww, they didn't do it. All I can smell is halitosis and alcohol," she said in a disappointed tone. Her voice strangely seemed older, a bit more deep and mature than her small frame would suggest, like a woman in her twenties rather than a young teenager.
"Lady Mercury, this is an unexpected pleasure," Tyuule said, looking a bit off-balance. Clearly, this girl was someone, surprisingly, that Tyuule respected.
"Greetings, Queen Tyuule of the Bunny Warriors," the girl said, bowing briefly. "I am sure Emroy is pleased at the amount of Imperials you sent to him, and I hope those of your people who perished will know happiness with him. As an Apostle of Emroy, I am technically neutral in such matters as conflicts between kingdoms…but on a personal level, I am glad that Zorzal did not take you as his prize. These two are friends of this young man, Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood."
"Indeed. Well met, Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood," Tyuule said, nodding. "I owe your friend a great debt. Harry, do you mind if I speak to Delilah for a moment alone?"
"Sure," Harry said, and the two Bunny Warriors left the room, closing the door behind them…
Tyuule thanked the various gods that Delilah at least didn't jump to the wrong conclusion. The brunette Bunny Warrior frowned. "So, you sought to bind him to us through marriage, and there was a magical bond that is now irrevocable? I can understand your reasons, Lady Tyuule, even if there are many who would think he ensorcelled you."
"But you don't think he did?"
"I was there when you wed him. No, you both were drunk and being impulsive. I did not stop you because…you looked happy, Lady Tyuule, more than you ever have since ascending to our ruler. This Hume sorcerer and yourself had already hit it off, despite your short acquaintance. Still, your idea to conceal this bond is a sound one, for now. Some may think that he made this bond with you without your consent, that he may have been a plant from one of the Hume kingdoms or states to gain control of us. Not all of us look upon Count Colt Formal favourably, after all, not to mention our other allies."
Tyuule nodded, crossing her arms under her bust, a pensive look coming over her face. "I know. Delilah…I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't come. Zorzal was telling me to surrender myself, and you would be spared…but Harry claims that Zorzal intended to renege on the deal anyway and claim that I sold you out."
"It wouldn't surprise me," Delilah said. "Zorzal El Caesar is already infamous for not keeping his word. Such twisted stratagems would not be beyond him. In doing this, he would prevent any survivors who escaped death or slavery from uniting under your name, instead becoming your most hated enemies. Count Formal would probably be our best chance of refuge, and even then, we would have to act, overtly at least, as his servants, as Mamina does as our agent there. Do you think there will be any reprisals from the Emperor?"
"Possibly, but the humiliation of his son and what will be doubtless reports of Harry will give him pause for thought. Molt Sol Augustus is a cruel and brutal man like his son, but unlike his son, he knows restraint and pragmatism. It may be that he decides to treat with us, establish peace until he believes we are vulnerable once more," Tyuule said. "While we have fought against him over the past few years, he has never quite managed to conquer or vanquish us, and sooner rather than later, he would have to cut his losses, lest he weaken his forces to the point where his vassals could possibly threaten him. I don't expect him to keep any peace treaty permanently, just keep it long enough for us to recover, and we aren't intending to conquer their Empire in any case. They have more to worry about from the Haryo and their activities."
"We nearly lost that last battle."
"Yes. In fact, if it weren't for Harry, we would have been done for. I very nearly gave in to Zorzal's offer for that reason. And we can't be wholly reliant on his magic either, or that of his friends. We need more than one trump card, lest our people end up slaughtered and subjugated like Zorzal intended."
"…For now, we should enjoy what time it has bought us," Delilah said, before she smiled slightly. "Though I have to say, you have good taste. He's rather scrawny for a Hume, but handsome too."
"Well, if the bond allows us to, I'd be willing to share," Tyuule said with a smile of her own. "If his offspring are able to wield magic, then it may help us gain an advantage…"
"Stop sitting on my lap and wriggling like that."
Rory Mercury pouted. "I'm 958 years old, you know."
Harry glared back, before using a Levitation Charm to gently take her off his lap, and placing her next to him. "And you still look like you're way too young. I don't mind having a little sister…big sister…whatever. But we are setting boundaries. I don't care if you're a demigod. The first rule is no means no. I'm not averse to hugs, though."
"…You know, in all my centuries of being Apostle to Emroy, I have never been spoken to like that before," Rory said, her tone dangerous. She then tilted her head, and smirked. "It's kind of interesting." She then indicated Hermione, who was trying to calm herself after hearing what Harry had to say, taking deep, regular breaths. "Is she going to be all right?"
"Yes. I hope," Harry added, a little uncertainly. "I have a tendency to end up in situations like these. My luck's pretty bipolar."
"I'm all right. I just needed a moment to process this and calm down," the bushy-haired woman said. "If we hadn't decided to just be friends, though, we would be having stronger words, Harry."
"Oh, Bunny Warriors are very amenable to polyamory," Rory said offhandedly. "And given how rare mages are amongst their kind, maybe they'll tie him down, feed him an aphrodisiac, and they'll be at it like…"
"Rabbits?" Luna asked with an impish smile.
"You said it, not me."
"Not helping, Luna," Harry muttered.
Hermione shook her head, as if to clear the confusion from it by physical action. "Okay, I'm feeling a little less inclined to berate you, Harry. Though using the Cruciatus Curse to torture the heir to the throne into a catatonia won't end well."
"Hermione…remember how Malfoy used to be, before what was supposed to be our seventh year? Before he got a clue? Zorzal was even worse. He intended to force Tyuule to surrender to become his fucktoy, and then go back on his word by slaughtering and enslaving these people instead of sparing them. And he would have told them that their queen would have sold them out to save her own hide. So I just did to him what the Lestranges did to the Longbottoms…only he deserved it. If I killed him, there definitely would have been reprisals."
"And how are you going to protect these people?"
"The Fidelius. I can make Tyuule or one of her lieutenants the Secret Keeper. It'd be a chore telling her people the secret, but if it helps…"
"Okay, so you did think of that," Hermione said.
"The Bunny Warriors are nomadic to a degree," Rory said. "Settlements like these aren't always where they live. Still, concealing this settlement should help. I guess Hermione was right about your 'saving people thing', Harry."
"And that reminds me," Harry said, looking at Rory. "You claim to be an Apostle or something for a god."
"I don't claim to be an Apostle. I am. Speaking of gods…" Her face became rather solemn. "You have some artifacts I'm curious about. May I?"
On Harry's look, Luna said, "She means the Hallows. Apparently the local death god, Hardy, created them and gave them to the Peverells back home."
Harry gingerly fished them out from his Mokeskin pouch, and made to hand them to Rory, who recoiled. "No! No, I don't want to touch them. I'm just…curious."
"Hardy has…a rather extreme fixation on Rory," Hermione said.
"Yes. She's apparently a misandrist lesbian who has a thing for Rory," Luna said.
"…So is she a paedophile or something?" Harry asked flatly as he put the Hallows away.
"Whatever she is, I don't want her anywhere near me," Rory said with a shiver. "The chthonic realms are her demesne." On Harry's look, she clarified, "Underground."
"…She doesn't know how to take no for an answer, does she?" Harry snarked. He looked at Rory, and gently hugged her with an arm around her shoulder. "Hey, if I can help it, I won't let her anywhere near you."
Rory stiffened briefly with the arm around her shoulder, before she relaxed. "You really mean that, don't you? Even though I'm far stronger and more durable than you. You'd fight Hardy for me?"
"…Maybe. Depends on what you're like."
Hermione shot him a look. "She's a bloodthirsty, psychotic killer who is an agent of this world's god of war, darkness, and madness. But…she's been of a lot of help to us, and what's more…she has information we want. Harry…she knows where Sirius is."
CHAPTER 2 ANNOTATIONS:
Dun dun DUNNN!
Now, if Tyuule and Delilah do seem OOC, keep in mind that this is set about three years prior to the Gate opening in Japan. Tyuule hasn't gone through three years of being Zorzal's sex slave, and I tried to give Delilah a formal, elegant nature close to that when she was going on her assassination mission in the second half of the series. Because Tyuule didn't have to give herself up to Zorzal, their relationship will still be good.
No numbered annotations this time.
