Chapter 5
A bath.
You can't go wrong with a bath.
Sinking into a pool of warm water brought a sense of tranquility that only a day at the masseuse could replicate. It was an experience that every living creature, animal or human, would always appreciate and look forward to, no matter how shitty their day had been. It was an instant stress reliever, one I especially needed when I was the source of my own problems.
There was just one teeeeeeeny tiiiiiiiny thing that made this particular bath a special kind of torture for the mind.
"Is the water to your liking, Miquella?"
Despite the relaxing heat on my skin, I was stiff as a board. The body I was sitting against was soft yet firm. One arm held me up securely while the other rubbed my scalp soothingly as she massaged shampoo into my hair.
And the best part? My head rested on her chest, and I could clearly see both of her breasts floating in the water on both sides of my head.
Any sane man would say this was a gift from God, and I am not denying that fact. This goddess was now my wife, and I'd have to be gay to say I wasn't enjoying myself.
There were just two, admittedly big problems I was having with the situation.
Miquella and Malenia were siblings—twins, even. Though there were no memories of incestuous behavior between the two, it didn't take away the fact that I was now in the body of her brother, which technically/not technically made us siblings. I don't care how good her body was (or how it got a reaction out of me), I could not let that fact go.
Now if only my body could get the damn memo!
"It's fine." I affirmed, hands covering my crotch less I be found out. I had made the mistake of letting her help wash me the first time we'd bathed together, and though her hands had been respectful, the image of her hand possibly going lower just wouldn't leave my dirty virgin mind.
"Hmmm, that is good." Malenia hummed in thought, a finger scratching my scalp. "If I may, what has you so tense? The water should be relaxing enough, no?"
I paused, wondering how the hell I was supposed to answer that.
I had a very obvious problem, and it was sitting right between my legs. "I'm, uh, not used to...this."
"Bathing?" She questioned, though I had a sinking feeling she knew what I meant, but asked for her own amusement.
"...More like being naked in the same bath with a woman." I admitted, to which she hummed again, a sound that sent pleasant vibrations through my skin and down south... Come on, mind! Focus!
"Your shyness is understandable. My Miquella was the same when we first bathed together. I believe it was more due to the fact that I was his sister than the fact that we were exposed. He warmed up to it eventually, and soon it became our daily comfort." Her tone was wistful, a certain tenderness to it that spoke of fond times.
"You, uh, were close, huh?" I asked somewhat awkwardly.
"We were inseparable. Where I went, Miquella wasn't too far behind. It was expected that I would be wherever my brother was. Even though we were cursed by the gods, we never let it break our bond. When I was on the precipice of losing myself to the Scarlet Rot, it was Miquella who saved me. Even if my eyes could no longer see and my fingers could no longer feel his touch, I knew our bond was eternal."
I hummed, feeling the need to give some words of comfort, "He sounded like a great brother."
"He was. His kindness, his will, his dedication, his loyalty, his appearance—I loved every part of him...more than a sibling is allowed." Her words trailed off as I suddenly felt the hand in my hair stop massaging my scalp. The arm around me suddenly grew tighter, and I could tell she was struggling to say something even if I couldn't see her face. "Do...do you, find me repulsive?"
I seized up at the question, my mind stalling like an old car.
"Why do you ask?" I asked.
"...In my world, it is not uncommon for siblings to court. If we were to disregard the benefits of breeding within one's house to birth stronger heirs to the throne, there is no other soul closer, more in tune with you than one who has known you since birth. This world does not share the same customs, which I understand your new mind is more familiar with. That is why I ask, do you find the fact that I am infatuated with my own sibling repulsive?"
I took my time to think about the question instead of giving my instinctive answer.
If I were to be completely honest, the fact that we are technically siblings physically definitely bothers me. However, that wasn't the only problem. The biggest problem for me was that she wasn't seeing 'me'. She was seeing Miquella, and I was reminded of that fact whenever she called the name that now belonged to me. Don't get me wrong, she was beautiful, and I did not at all consider her family. She was free to have her own fantasies, and I was free to live my own, but even if I was OK with the whole sibling thing, it really did not sit right with me that I wasn't even a thought in her heart when she looked at me. In fact, I don't know a single man who would be OK with that.
"...I won't lie, the incest part is kind of a turn-off." I finally admitted. Feeling the grip around me loosen, I quickly added, "B-but it's more of a personal thing! Yeah, I wanted to get married, and you are definitely my ideal woman, but look at it from my perspective. How would you feel if you really liked someone and they agreed to go out with you, but no matter how strongly you feel for them, they only see someone else?"
"I have. To my own step-sibling, no less." Malenia countered, making me blink.
Ah, I had completely forgotten about Radahn...
In that case, wouldn't she also have to count Mohg? Even if neither relationship was exactly consensual, they were both-
Off topic!
"N-nevermind that. The fact is, you see my appearance, but what about me? I'm now Miquella, but not the one you loved. If you felt like an afterthought, then how do you think I feel?" Conveniently, I left out the part where I didn't even know what the word 'consort' meant before our engagement since the information wasn't useful to my argument and definitely not because I had too much pride to admit it—not to mention what would happen if I actually did.
"...I understand. I, did not think I was subjecting you to the same fate I have had to endure for so long, nor did I mean to cause you distress. Forgive me." She apologized.
"You don't need to apologize. I remember my first love too. It can be pretty hard to let them go, especially when they played such an important role in your life."
"In your previous life, or as Miquella?"
I cranked my head upwards until I was staring into the eyes of my fellow Empyrean, "I will never, ever, be romantically involved with men. Ever." I stated flatly, but making sure my disgust was apparent. She chuckled, the sound light and melodious and making me forget the reason why we were even having this conversation.
"That is good. It would make our marriage a bit vexatious if that were the case." She teased, and I rolled my eyes and returned my head to its rightful place between her breasts. We shared a moment of silence before I felt her arms leave my stomach to wrap around my chest. I was suddenly pulled into an embrace, one that felt both loving and apologetic.
"It is not easy for me to give up my love, but," she squeezed tighter while I felt her bury her face into my hair. "I will try. It will not be so easy, but I will try to love you for you, my dearest consort."
I couldn't stop the smile that graced my lips. Her words felt genuine, and I was happy that I was able to convey my feelings. I sank deeper into the embrace, and I let the warm water relax my body as we sat in silence for the rest of our time in the bath.
(•∆•)
The next day...
Never in my years of ever did I think I would have to sneak out of my own bed, yet alone the arms of a woman. At the same time, never in my life of ever did I think it would be this difficult.
As expected of a demi-god, Malenia's grip around me was ironclad even in her sleep. No amount of pulling, prying, or wiggling could remove my form from her hold, and her breathing did not change despite my struggle. Personally, I believed she was actually awake and doing this for her own sick amusement, but I had no proof to confirm this hypothesis of mine.
Thankfully, with a little bit of anime logic, I was able to slither myself free to sweet, sweet freedom for the first time since my awakening. I stretched my limbs and took a deep breath of the morning air, and with the biggest grin on my face, made my way towards the door.
I had plans today, and I didn't want a certain someone breathing down my neck...or head.
Peaking out the door, I made sure the coast was clear before stealthily closing the door behind me. With a bit of a skip in my step, I made my way down the hall and towards the one place I knew I could be alone.
I opened the door to the gym and was immediately met with blinding sunlight that forced me to cover my eyes. My pupils were slowly adjusting when the sound of movement alerted me to another presence in the room.
"Ah, Lord Miquella. It pleases me to see you walking on your own two feet again." Edelgard Von Hresvelg greeted me.
The first thing I noticed was that she had been dressed for exercise, her clothing the typical red track suit with the golden Hresvelg symbol embroidered over the left breast. Her hair was up in a ponytail, some strands sticking to her face from the sweat currently coating her brow.
Then there was the very obvious thing, which was the Great Axe currently making a dent in the ground. The weapon, the Axe of Godrick, was taller than her and was likely four times the weight. It was the first time I'd ever seen such a thing up close and in real life, so I think I can be forgiven for staring—quite intensely, at that.
"...Nice Axe." Came out my mouth before the greeting.
"Thank you. I am still adjusting to it's weight." Suddenly, she lifted the giant axe with one hand and swung the weapon in an arc before resting it on her shoulder. "It's a work in progress, but it is far cry from where I used to be. I suspect I'll be ready for actual combat within a month's time."
"Good to know." I said in awe, blowing some hair out of my face after strands had been blasted by wind from the swing.
"Is there anything I can assist you with while you're here, Lord Miquella?" She asked.
"Not particularly, no." I answered, not sure she could even help me with what I wanted to do.
She looked slightly disappointed but nodded anyway.
"Then may I continue with my training? I do not wish to waste what little time I have left before school."
"Oh, sure. Go right ahead." I waved my hand in dismissal, to which she nodded again before refocusing on whatever she was doing.
I carefully stepped around her and went deeper into the gym—far enough to be out of her way, but close enough to holler if I needed something. Thinking back to what Ruby said earlier about the gym, I thought about what I wanted. A magic circle appeared beneath me, and my surroundings changed.
All around me, different equipment began to rise from the ground, catering to one sport in particular. A mat was now under my feet while a punching dummy rose a few feet away. Various boxing equipment was placed all around me, and even a ring with two punching mitts floating inside.
I took a moment to soak in the nostalgic sights and smells, a sense of homesickness overcoming me briefly before it was replaced with jittery excitement. At once, I acquired wrist wraps before immediately grabbing a jump rope. For three minutes, I jumped, breathing only through my nose and changing up my rhythm as if my coach was encouragingly egging me on right next to me.
As expected of a body that had likely never seen a dumbbell, much less pick up a brick, I was winded within the first minute. My shins were burning, and it felt just like my first time joining the gym. It did not at all help that my stupidly long hair served to be a hindrance once more as it forced me to put more strength into my pulls to get under and over it, forcing me to jump a few times without the rope actually passing my feet.
Nevertheless, I did not stop. My breaths were heavy, sweat pouring from my brow and down my spine, but I did not stop. By the end of the third minute, I was barely able to keep up the rhythm, but was proud nonetheless that I made it through the full exercise.
After a minute of rest and some conveniently placed water, I did a few rounds of shadowboxing before putting on my gloves and moving over to the punching bag. Guard up, I began testing the distance with my arm, adjusting my much smaller body to accommodate my reach. When I was satisfied, I started throwing jabs, feeling the resistance of the bag and how it pushed me backwards. I repeated the motion several times, increasing my pace until I was hitting it full force, each punch landing with a satisfying 'thud'.
1, 2.
1, 2.
2, 3.
1, 2, 3.
2, 3, inside.
1, 2, inside.
1, 2, body.
2, 3, uppercut, 3, 4, body.
The bag swayed wildly as I completed combination after combination. This body wasn't my usual, and I had to adjust my reach many times, but the movements became more fluent the more rounds I completed. By the time I was done hitting the back, 30 minutes had already passed. I was breathing heavily while drenched in sweat, hands on my knees as I tried desperately to calm my racing heart.
In the end, I decided against completing the full exercise and opted to sit down to catch my breath. It had been so long since I've genuinely felt this tired and sore, a feeling I did not at all miss. However, the feeling of a good workout where you know and can feel yourself growing within is a feeling every lifter and fighter can relate to.
I'm ashamed to admit it, but it took me an uncomfortable amount of time for me to realize I had caught the brunette's attention sometime during my training, and a few more seconds to realize she had closed the distance. Her face was that of awe, as if she were watching someone perform the impossible. I wasn't sure whether to feel embarrassed or flattered.
"Uh, need something?" I asked in the silence.
She blinked, the awe still on her face but her mouth now closed and her body more composed.
"I just, did not know you dabbled in martial arts, Lord Miquella." She said, which momentarily caused me to pause. It wasn't until I remembered exactly who I was that I paled and immediately tried thinking of an excuse.
"W-well, I, uh, think the other soul used to do it a lot back in the day! Been thinking about it nonstop since yesterday and thought it would be a good idea to get some pent-up frustration out! Guess the movements also came naturally."
Edelgard raised a brow at my response, a frown etching itself on her face. "Is there something troubling you, Lord Miquella? If there is, know that we are always at your disposal."
"No no no! Everything is fine! I seriously just wanted to peak my own curiosity! I promise!" My already drenched body began to build more sweat as the look of suspicion on her face grew.
"...Very well." I almost sighed in relief. "Then do you mind if I join you?"
My head tilted at that. It wasn't that I didn't want her to, I just didn't expect it.
"S-sure! There's more than enough room if you want to practice something in particular."
"I would like to try hitting pads, if that is alright with you. I am not particularly well versed in the art of hand-to-hand combat, as embarrassing as it is to admit."
"That's fine. I don't really have much experience teaching, but I can show you some of the basics." I offered, genuinely excited that someone shared an interest in my hobby—a bonus for it being a girl I only knew in fiction.
"That would be most appreciated." She smiled, and I immediately turned to where I knew the practice mitts and boxing gloves were. Picking up a pair of mits, I tossed Edelgard the gloves, both of us quickly slipping them on before we faced each other.
"Alright, first things first, your stance." I demonstrated by showing my stance, hands up in front of my face and knees bent. She mimicked me, her stance not too bad but definitely not the best. "You want to keep your hips square, not facing either side. Place your dominant foot behind you while your support is in front. While in that stance, you want to lift your back boot off the ground and to the ball of the foot, while slightly doing the same to the other, like such. It should be 60% on the back and 40% on the front. Also, make sure your chin is down and your fists are above the shoulder."
I guided her the best I could. The stance she settled on still had imperfections, but it was good enough for sparring.
"Let's start simple. Just give me a straight jab; no power. I'll tell you what to do afterwards." Edelgard nodded, taking a moment to adjust to the stance before she threw the jab. "Good. Now, the first thing you want to do is make sure you're stepping towards the pad when you throw a jab. The step is your power, while your punch is the instrument. Step," I demonstrated by punching forward. "And back. Step, and back."
Edelgard nodded diligently and did her best to mimic my movements. It was better.
"Very good. Next comes the cross. This one's the same as the jab, but with your dominant. Unlike the jab, you want to extend your arm straight while turning your shoulders to increase reach and power, like such," I demonstrated once more, my arm coming out in the morions I'd practiced a thousand times in my previous life. Again, she mimicked my movements.
It was no surprise that she struggled with this part. There was far more movement involved compared to the jab, so it was only natural that she would have a difficult time with it.
"Next is the hook. Keep your elbows tight, and pivot at the waist. At the same time, turn your heel. This helps with combinations down the line as well as increasing the power of your punch by putting your entire body behind the blow." Again, she mirrored my movements.
Unfortunately, mixing so many things at once proved to be a task not so easily accomplished on the first try. I did my best to show her the movements, but no matter how much I showed her, her body didn't seem to want to follow through with the motions—which was weird since I was sure the movements had to be similar to her pole-axe training.
Seeing that she wasn't going to get it without guidance, I pulled off the mitts and walked till I was behind her. "Here, let me help you." She was slightly taller than me, so I had to reach up to grab her, one hand going to her left hand while the other her-
I froze just before my hand could touch her waist. I suddenly became very aware of my surroundings before I realized just where my hand was going. Looking around, my eyes scanned for any hidden eyes before my eyes returned to my hand.
"...Edelgard, how old are you?" I could practically feel the confusion wafting off the girl.
"I'm, 19?"
Safe... And very important information for later.
"...Do I have your permission to touch you?"
For some reason, she went stiff as a rock. From behind her, I could see her normally pale skin suddenly turn red, which only confused me further as she began to splutter.
"D-d-does that hold any importance to our activities, Lord Miquella?"
"Yes," I said resolutely. She was of age, which means we were both adults—a few years out of my preferred age range, but adults nonetheless.
As for where my sudden paranoia came from, I wholeheartedly blame my previous job. Being in an environment where at any point in time you can be sued for sexual harassment for even touching a woman against their wishes had me asking out of habit. For all I knew, Edelgard didn't care whether or not I did or didn't do anything, seeing that she literally served under me, but my instincts spoke before my brain could safely process that information.
I guess it's better to be safe than sorry—if not for that, then to avoid the 'accidental pervert' trope.
"I-in that case, then I, I mean y-you, may do what you must." She stuttered for some reason, to which I simply sighed in relief.
Permission granted, I grabbed her hip. Immediately, she jumped, her entire body freezing on the spot and her arms raising slightly.
"Relax your shoulders and keep your hands up. Remember, protect yourself at all times."
"R-right." Her shoulders sank back to their original position while I worked on her stance.
"Now, I'm going to move your body into position, and all I want you to do is go along."
"R-right."
I did the motion how it was meant to be, pushing her arm in an arc while turning her hips. "Good, now turn your front leg to the right. Very good. Now do it all at the same time. Hook. Hook. Hook."
Whether I was a good teacher or Edelgard was more of a hands-on student, she got it down to the point I no longer had to guide her, so I returned to my position in front of her.
"Now that you know the basic three, let's try putting all that together. 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3." I demonstrated by performing all three punches in tandem, the brunette following along a bit slower to get it down the rhythm.
Eventually, we were going at the same pace, building a sweat as I urged her to go faster and faster.
"Now that you got that down, it's time to get to business." I proclaimed, feeling the jitters once again as I prepared myself to receive her punches.
Edelgard, the ever-diligent student she was, nodded resolutely before I started calling out commands.
"1!" I surprised her with my shout, holding my left hand towards her to hit. She hesitated only momentarily before extending her arm out to tap before looking at me questioningly. "Good! Again!"
She jabbed.
"1!"
Jab.
"1!"
Jab.
"2!"
Hesitation, then cross with a question mark.
"2!"
Cross.
"1!"
Slight stutter, jab.
"1, 2!"
Big hesitation, jab and cross, question mark.
"1, 2!"
More confident jab cross.
"2!"
Cross.
"1, 2!"
Jab cross.
"3!"
Surprisingly, only slight hesitation hook.
"1, 2, 3!"
Jab, cross, hook.
"1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3!"
The speed increased.
Jab, cross, hook, jab, cross, hook, jab, cross, hook.
I kept counting the numbers, and Edelgard kept punching the pad with increasing vigor. Her punches, while slow and still slightly sloppy, had begun to pack power over time. They were hard and powerful, the mitts sounding like gunshots in the gym.
Seeking to mix things up, I threw a light hook her way. I can tell she was thrown off by the look of surprise on her face, but I wasn't entirely expecting her movements.
Her arms twisted, the elbows coming up while she did a full 360 before swinging an invisible force at me. Through it all, I stood stunned, blinking profusely at the damn near cinematic maneuver I just witnessed. Seriously, Scarlett Johanson couldn't have done it any better. Something also told me that if she were wielding a weapon, I would have been cut in two, which made it so much cooler.
"...Ok, that was cool." I commented, realizing that it must have been some sort of instinctive response from her own discipline.
"F-forgive me, Lord Miquella. It was instinct." Edelgard bowed deeply in apology, a gesture I found unnecessary and slightly annoying.
"Hey, no worries. If anything, it's my fault for throwing it out there without giving you proper warning or instructions." I placated, earning a relieved sigh from the brunette before she stood back to her feet. "Alright, for future references, you block a hook with either your glove or your arm. It minimizes damage considerably and keeps you from getting knocked out."
Her stare was calculating as she nodded.
"Alright, back at it! 1!"
We returned to our pace, her moments getting faster and faster as I grew more and more excited. She was a fast learner, and it made me want to push her further.
"Alright, give me an uppercut" Thankfully, she knew what that was, and answered accordingly. "Again!" She did so. "Again!" She did it once more. "AGAIN!" Her next strike sounded like a shotgun, and I felt like I could fly.
Was this what coaches felt like when training newbies? If it was, then I could see why they enjoyed training people so much! It was so much fun to watch someone grow right before you!
So fun, in fact, that I momentarily forgot who was in front of me.
"AGAIN! And this time, put everything you got into it!" I held my arm protectively over the right under my chin, ready for the incoming attack. "What are you waiting for? Hit me!" I barked at her hesitation.
"E-everything?"
"Everything!"
"I don't think-"
"Don't worry, I can take it!"
"But I-"
"Just do it! And don't you dare hold out on me! 100% and no less! HIT! ME!" I egged her on with one final push.
It worked.
She took a deep breath as I held my guard.
She reeled back, her fist low and shooting up faster than I could follow.
Her fist connected with my guard.
And.
And...
...
...
...
(•∆•)
"...AH!" I jolted upwards in my bed, gasping for air as if I'd just emerged from a pool of water. My hands shot towards my face, but found nothing broken or bleeding. A quick glance at my surroundings confirmed a familiar sight, one that instantly soured my mood.
Disappointed couldn't even describe how I felt.
Of course it was all just a dream.
And just when it was getting good. It was almost like I was the main character.
The feeling of my face getting molested with licks immediately changed my mood once more.
"Hey Lady," I cooed as I ruffled my cut little corgi's face. Kicking the sheets off, I hoped out of bed and nearly faceplanted as a very important fact just popped into my head.
I don't have legs.
Landing on hands and using them to walk, I found my way to the kitchen where I found my mom already cooking breakfast.
"Hey Ma, do you think I could go out today?"
She paused, her hand still stirring whatever was in the bowl, "Where would you be going?"
"I was thinking about trying to find a job. I need something to do other than sitting around all day."
"I don't care what you do as long as you get out of my house. And while you're out, make sure you take that damn dog out to piss."
"Yes ma'am. Come on, Lady. Love you, ma."
I didn't hear her reply as I put on my running shoes. Safely secured, I stood up, opening the door to the school restroom before heading to the nearest stall. Like the gentleman I was, I let Lady go first while I waited patiently outside.
A bell rang through the restroom and I immediately took my phone from my pocket.
My heart sank as I looked at the time.
Without waiting, I ran out the rest room, up the stairs, and into my room, ignoring Lady excitedly trying to hop on me as I threw on my work clothes.
A second later, I was fully dressed and brushing my teeth before the weirdest thing happened.
A tooth fell out.
Then another.
And another.
Soon, all my teeth had vacated my mouth, yet there was no blood left behind.
"I told you eating all that sugar is bad for you!" My girlfriend chastised before walking back into the room.
I stared at the reflection, silently giving Eminem an upward nod as I wiggled my tongue through my gums.
"Oh, by the way, I was thinking we could go shopping tonight."
I turned around to find my girlfriend wearing nothing but her panties, her hands holding up different clothing options.
"Which one?" She asked, a big grin on her face.
"Hmm, I'd go with the pink one. It goes well with your hair."
She smiled as she went over to the mirror to look at her reflection, forgetting to nod at the man in the mirror, which I honestly found rude. "I agree. The other one made me look like my ex. Thanks babe!"
I didn't answer as I walked out the restroom, a skip in my step as I hummed a song to myself.
The crackling of thunder immediately caught my attention as I looked at the window.
It was raining, the streets practically flooded and the wind bending the trees and sending all manner of objects flying.
My girlfriend was gone, which was no problem as she usually stayed her mom's house on the weekend. If the power went out, I knew at least she would have power.
Then the roof of my apartment was violently ripped off.
"This is MY swamp." The large, green creature announced, it's voice loud and booming as it towered over me. Its eyes glowed red, a face so ugly and twisted that it made me want to puke leaning down with its mouth open, ready to swallow...
...
...
...
(•∆•)
"AH!"
A scream escaped my throat yet again as I shot upwards. My breaths came out heavy, sweat pouring down my face and chest as I tried desperately to calm my rapidly beating heart.
"Look who's alive." A smooth voice spoke, one I could immediately match a face to seeing that he was sitting on the same couch I was lying on with an iPad in his hand. "Good evening, my Lord. Thought we lost you again."
"V-Vergil?" I said his name, trying to make sure I wasn't in another fever dream. I was even tempted to reach out and poke him, but resisted the urge.
"I'm very real, if that's what you're wondering." Said the mind reader. "Going from how you were tossing and turning, you had quite the nightmare."
"But, I was just..." A hand came to my head, my brain trying to remember what I was doing before I fell asleep last night.
Wait, I did I fall asleep?
I don't remember doing so. Last thing I remember was...the gym. Me and Edelgard were training. I got excited and asked for a hook and...and...
"L-Lord Miquella."
Speak of the devil.
I turned to my right where the voice originated.
The sight that greeted me was more than just unexpected.
Edelgard was sitting in seiza at the kotatsu, one hand on the desk while another held a pen. Next to her free hand, a stack of papers sat, at least an inch thick, while on the other side was another stack nearly as tall as the girl herself. On her lap were what looked like steel plates, which couldn't at all be good for her legs.
Standing next to each side of the table were Ruby and my dear consort, both with kendo sticks propped on their shoulders as if ready to use them at any moment. A heavy cloud of darkness hung over their shoulders, and I could practically feel the killing intent wafting from them.
Meeting Edelgard's eyes once more, I noticed that they were watery, a sight I never thought I'd see in any lifetime.
"Pl-please, Lord Miquella. I beseech you, please spare-"
A loud 'thwack' echoed through the living room, causing both me and the brunette to jump. Malenia brought the kendo stick back up from where it had impacted the kotatsu to glare down at the high schooler.
"Keep writing." She spoke, no inflection in her tone, but the threat clear.
Once again, Edelgard turned to me, the pleading for mercy evident, "Pl-please, I've already missed school and-"
Another thwack, this time courtesy of the shortest in the room.
"Less talking and more writing, Kingslayer!" She barked, sounding more cute than threatening.
"B-but I-"
*THWACK*
"You do not get to talk your way out of this, nor will we hear another word out of your mouth, Von Hresvelg. Now write."
"Write, Kingslayer!"
The finality in Malenia's tone was one I was intimately familiar with throughout my childhood, so much so that it made me feel like I was the one being scolded.
Edelgard, with her shoulders slumped and eyes downtrodden, nodded dejectedly and returned her attention back to the pile of paper.
I wasn't within reaching distance of the brunette, but I could peer over from my position on the couch to see what it was she had been forced to write at least more than 10000 times.
I will not kill my Lord.
I will not kill my Lord.
I will not kill my Lord.
I will not kill my Lord.
The words repeated over and over, the girl's handwriting nothing more than a messy scrawl that was likely the product of her fatigue.
As a kid, I vividly remember this punishment, specifically the fact that I would choose it over an ass whooping any day of the year (if the option was even given). What made it so much worse was the fact I almost always had a deadline, and if I didn't finish before the allotted time, a switch to my rear was the only thing waiting for me.
This version of that punishment was arguably worse.
Wait, there wasn't any arguing at all. This was 10 times worse!
I thought about helping her, I truly did. Those eyes, pleading, begging for my help were stuck in my head more than watching her shaking hand continue to write a lesson she had no doubt already learned.
"Before you readily forgive her, would you like to see the recording?"
I turned robotically towards my devil slayer.
"What video?"
Without hesitation, he turned the iPad towards me.
"Just do it! And don't you dare hold out on me! 100% and no less! HIT! ME!" The screen echoed my previous words back to me, and I watched as Edelgard did just as I said.
Her arm reeled back.
And blasted past my guard and into my chin.
Like a ragdoll, my body flipping into the air, breaking the sound barrier and sending blood flying, likely from my shattered teeth. The only thing that stopped me was the ceiling, which my head was intimately introduced to via it smashing through it completely. Instead of dropping back to the ground, my head remained in the ceiling, leaving me hanging like a chandelier.
"I've watched it so many times, yet it still makes me chuckle." The devil laughed with his comment.
Meanwhile, I stared at the paused screen, my eyes glued to the body in the ceiling.
I turned my gaze back to Edelgard.
She couldn't share all of the blame, especially sense I technically told her to give me all she had. However, I did not need to be a genius to know my own strength, and what could and could not kill other people.
'I am responsible for 100% of my actions.' The words played in my head, and I suddenly no longer felt guilty.
Still, it was hard to look at her and not feel sorry, so I settled on not looking at her at all. Maybe if I didn't listen to her pitiful whimpers and the scrapping pen against paper, I could have better peace of mind...
"...Can somebody get me some damn Tylenol? My head hurts. AND STOP LAUGHING AT ME, YOU PALE BASTARD!"
A/N: As always, thanks for the follows, favs, reviews and have a DAMN good day!
