A/N Season 2 Epilogue part 1
Alt title: Blue Roses Girl's Night
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Wow, only, two reviews from FFN.
I is the sad now.
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Church21: It's funny how Zamaina is 3 for 3 with the vampire lolis. He doesn't even like lolis. It's why, despite being attracted to strength, he has yet to take advantage of Shalltear. With Evileye, it's a little different because he's trying to establish connections and sees her as an easy route towards that. Ninya is not a loli. But she's close enough that when put next to the others, it looks like there's a trend.
Hwang Manuel: To be fair to Evileye, at least this time she's thirsting over someone who can jam her clam (I'm ashamed of myself) as opposed to someone who's got every bone except the one that counts.
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
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-Re-Estize Capital, Northern Warehouse District, 6am-
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Evileye POV
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"Lakyus let me go already!" I demand as I throw an elbow into her gut.
And immediately regret it as I feel the edge of her breastplate hit my funny bone.
"Rrrrnnnn!" I whine as I hold the offended limb. And kick her thigh in frustration.
"Ah!" She winces as she finally lets go of me.
"What is your deal?" I hiss as I continue to hold my elbow.
"My deal?" She asks, looking up as she bends over to rub her thigh. "I should be asking you. You've been clean for how many decades? As your friend I'm trying to keep you from falling into bad habits."
'What is she?' I start to ponder before it clicks.
"Are you talking about the blood?" I ask, feeling a few sparks of what little life I have left in me leave my body. "What are, how did you come to that?"
Stopped from a morning of tender passion over a misunderstanding!? What kind of crap is that!
"Are you kidding?" She asks as she stands up straight. "Evileye, you sounded like you were ready to devour him. Either you wanted his blood or you wanted in his pants." She whispers harshly at the end with a blush.
I cross my arms and look away from her. Grateful for the mask hiding my blush.
"B-by the gods." Lakyus whispers. "You were… but, I, you never! Huh?"
What is that supposed to mean!? Just because I'm undead doesn't mean I'm frigid or something. I'm still a woman on top of it.
"What's with that reaction?" I ask with a glare. Not that she can see it behind my mask.
"W-well it's just that you never really, showed any interest before." Lakyus says nervously. "I, well can you blame me? Besides, who's to say that, I mean, how does."
"Well, that's because there hasn't really been a man so handsome and gallant in so long that, aaaahhh!" I instinctively cover my face to hide my embarrassment. "I mean, sure it's been a few decades. Maybe a century." I look back to Lakyus. "But there's nothing wrong with it, right?"
"W-well um."
"Of course not!" I finish for her. "So it's only natural that, well, when a, aaaahhh don't make me say it!" I cover my face again.
"O-kay?" Lakyus says in the background as I picture it now.
I mean, sure he might age and get older. But I'd still stay with him till the end! It'd be the absolute least I could do to repay his love in kind. And he'd get a cute, ageless beauty like me to accompany him. He's what, mid to late twenties? That means if I'm lucky I can get at least sixty years of happiness filled bliss!
"Evileye!" Lakyus selfishly snaps me from my fantasy by shaking my shoulders.
"What!?" I snap back, shoving her hands off of me.
"Um, one, you're drooling." She points out.
A quick wipe of the back of my hand under my mask fixes that.
"Two, have you really considered, everything?" Lakyus asks nervously. "I mean, I get having a crush on a handsome gentleman. But, and I really don't want to be the one to say this. But as your friend I feel it's my responsibility. What if, he doesn't, you know… with your condition and all."
"You mean with how I'm, cold?" I ask evasively. Not knowing who might be listening in. We are in a random alleyway somewhere halfway to the inn we're staying at after all.
"Among other things." Lakyus says evasively, though it does give me pause.
I, I guess it's not really all that fair to expect anything from him. Not until he knows about my unique circumstances. But then there's the fact that, he might hate me purely for being undead. If that's the case, then it would be best to just…
'but what if I just didn't tell him?' I think to myself. 'If he never learns, then I won't have to worry about him ever rejecting me!'
"Eh, I'm sure it's fine." I brush Lakyus off and turn back. Hoping he's still there and hopefully amicable to burning off some steam.
'Assuming that damned imposter didn't get to him first!' I think bitterly, before realizing I still have the upper hand! 'Wait, I'm undead! I don't tire! So there's no doubt I'm better in every way that matters in a certain regard. A girl like her couldn't possibly handle a man like that.'
I wouldn't mind it if he slept around. A strong man like that is practically expected to leave a few strong kids behind. And it's not like I can do that for him. So long as he gives me the most affection then it's fine. Besides, my mother would always say the stronger a man the more women it takes to handle him.
Then again, father did have seven concubines. And he wasn't all that powerful.
… It's fine! I'll just have to-
"Evileye!" Lakyus snaps me from my thoughts again by shaking my shoulders.
"Stop that!" I snap back at my leader. "Seriously! It's getting annoying."
"I just, what about the other issue?" Lakyus asks and gestures to my body.
… Oh.
"Eh, I don't think that'll be an issue." I shrug and brush her off. Walking around her and heading back to the northern main road.
'Well, it's more along the lines of it being an issue I can't fix.' I think to myself. 'So it's just best not to worry about it.'
I need to get back before that bratty imposter gets to him first! And after last night, he's no doubt tired and in need of rest. I can take him back to my room, and he can rest in my lap as I calmly wait for him to get up. And I can wake him up with a smile that he'll return before he gets up and carries me to the tavern. Where he'll cook for me and feed me and-
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Lakyus Aindra POV
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"Ehehehaaaa~" I stare in bewilderment as Evileye holds her cheeks and giggles like a little girl over her first crush. "Sir Inazama~"
I mean, I can't deny that he's a stand-up guy and a very attractive man. Perhaps the most attractive I've ever met. But you don't see me, doing this over the thought of him.
'Though with two hundred and fifty years of experience, there's probably a lot I don't know about Evileye.' I think to myself as the girl giggles again before running off just as I was about to snap her out of her daydreams again.
'Then again, I was about to offer to share a room with him.' I think to myself with a blush as I recall earlier. 'It's just that, no other man has ever made me feel like that. If Evileye feels the same, or more. Then I guess it makes sense.'
But then, that brings up the main issue I have.
She's over two hundred years old. And she's spent most of that time alone. As her leader, would it be fair of me to pursue the same man she's so clearly infatuated with? Sure she'll have hundreds if not thousands of years to find another. But how would she feel if I, one of her best friends, stole her crush away from her after she had confessed she did in fact like the guy? That's a kind of pain you carry for the rest of your life.
And she'll be here a lot longer than me.
"Alright." I resolve to myself as I make a fist of determination. "Evileye, as your leader. No, as your friend! I will help you get the man of your dreams and live a long happy life with him!"
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I blush as I look around quickly. Praying to the god of water that no one heard that declaration.
And, looking back and forth. Seeing only stone brick and wood walls. Coarse, gravel and dirt mixed path on either end. I realize I'm still in an empty alley. And should probably move somewhere less suspicious.
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-Re-Estize Capital, Palace, 11am-
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Prince Zanac Vaiself POV
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The Marquis keeps pace with me as we walk the halls. Neither of us willing to bring up any manner of discussion as recent events have put a rather dour mood on the palace.
The demonic invasion last night has left the administrations reeling. I took one look at the logistics and nearly had a heart attack.
Pure estimation? One thousand orphans. Twelve hundred thousand gold in goods missing. Forty thousand gold in damages sustained. Six hundred guards dead. And ten thousand of the fifteen thousand residents in the warehouse district, missing.
Granted this is all estimated on the high, the exacts are still being counted so there's hope of the actuals being far lower. But the hope is a cold comfort in the face of reality.
"If need be." The Marquis breaks the silence. "I could always arrange to have some of the orphans taken to my lands. I'm certain I'll find ways to keep them provided for."
"As good as that sounds, you know we can't." I sigh.
The noble's faction would have a field day if we did that. Tearing into us over the crown's inability to care for a few measly orphans.
"If only we could've done something during the attack." I vent out loud. "We could've garnered support from the people."
"There's nothing that could've been done." Marquis Raeven says as we approach my sister's sitting room. "No one except adventurers and experienced guardsmen could approach the wall of flames without falling asleep."
The Marquis takes point, knocking on the door for me as etiquette dictates. Me being the prince and all.
"That's not how the people will see it." I sigh tiredly.
We couldn't even leave the palace for fear of the sleep spell spreading. If we could, then we'd at least be able to claim the royals were doing something for the people.
"Come in!" I hear my monster of a sister call out.
The Marquis opens the door and enters before me. Coming into the humble yet tastefully decorated room. I see the boy Climb pouring tea for his master. The girl already having an extra two cups set out for me and the Marquis as she sits on her couch.
The cups show she was expecting us, despite neither of us informing her of our visit. Or even intending to do so until a few hours ago.
'Honestly, she's not even trying to hide it at this point.' I think bitterly.
"Oh, hello Brother, Marquis Raeven." The horrifyingly intelligent girl greets us and gestures to the couch. "Please, take a seat."
"Of course." The Marquis says with a curt bow, a fake smile already plastered on his face. While I merely grumble, not feeling it in me to play along with the false pleasantries.
"Climb, would you be a dear and guard the door?" Renner asks the stern faced boy, before putting a finger to her lips coyly. "Wouldn't want the maids snooping." She whispers loudly.
"Of course my lady!" He puts a fist to his chest before nodding and heading for the door. Giving me and the Marquis a brief sideways glare on the way out.
I tiredly lean over on the couch. Resting my head on my fist as I await for the door to close, and the discussions to begin.
"So then, what brings you here brother?" She asks as soon as the door closes.
"You know very well what we're here for." I glare at her, not having the patience to play along with her games. "I know you're well aware, but the capital is a powder keg just waiting to blow."
"Things have been rather hectic lately." She says absentmindedly as she taps a finger to her lip in thought. "I suppose it's no surprise."
"With all due respect, Princess. Allow me to put it bluntly." The Marquis says diplomatically. "The unrest about to besiege the capital will affect you and your livelihood. Surely you know this."
"Would it though?" She challenges, hints of her true nature peeking through the mask.
"Surely you jest, sister." I give a strained laugh. Not willing to believe she could be so detached as to… on second thought I know for a fact she is.
"I don't." She says plainly, closing her eyes as she sips her own tea. "I highly doubt any ire will be turned my way after all is said and done. After all, it was I who gathered and paid the adventurers. And paid for the resurrection services of my dear friend Lakyus for any adventurers who died. I even sent my personal bodyguard into the fires to ensure the safety of anyone being held hostage."
"We paid for it, sister." I correct her. "Need I remind you that I supplemented the payment."
"The people don't know that." She says calmly. "And truthfully, you wouldn't dare make a public claim now."
I grit my teeth as I realize she's right. To do so now, after the fact. I'd come off as vain and petty. But I kept my name out of the funding of the adventurers so as to not alert Barbro. Otherwise he'd match me and make the point behind my contribution worthless.
With Renner as the face of the donation we could at least claim Barbro was hiding away like a coward, refusing to do anything.
"You must know that will only incentivize Prince Barbro to marry you off sooner rather than later." The Marquis gets there before me. "After all, your popularity may very well be a threat to him."
"Not in the slightest." Renner says calmly. "Brother Barbro is much too prideful to consider me, a girl to be a threat to his legitimacy."
I hate to admit it, but she's right. Even if she's gained a wealth of popularity and support from the people. The kingdom is strictly patriarchal and has never had a queen leading the country. The nobles of both factions wouldn't stand for it.
"But, I suppose it is that same pride that would see him do something drastic." Renner says softly as she sets her tea down and looks to the side. "Hmm. No, that wouldn't do at all."
'What are you thinking, sister?' I can't help but wonder. Both curious and fearful of the answers that question would receive.
"What, if I may be so bold to ask?" The Marquis asks for me.
She chuckles darkly, before turning to regard us in full. Her face unchanged, but her eyes now hollow and full of an empty hunger.
"Well, it's just that brother Barbro might see fit to arrange an accident." She says in a voice far too calm to be normal. "One that would see the courts pressure to have my precious Climb removed from my side in some manner. A quiet threat to back off. And I can't have that."
I truly pity that boy. Wrapped up so tight in this monster's web, and unable to see it. Or perhaps I envy his ignorance?
Maybe a bit of both.
"So, you understand where we're coming from?" I ask hopefully.
"Oh I knew from the beginning." She says sweetly. "And quite plainly, there's no way you can come out of this favorably. All you can really do is take measures to mitigate any and all blame that gets thrown your way."
"That's what we were afraid of." The Marquis sighs. Dropping his own pretense as he leans back on the couch, adopting a similar position as I.
"I grow weary of these games sister." I sigh as I go for my own cup of tea to ease my dry throat. And regret my decision as I'm reminded why I don't like the bitter leaf water. "The sooner you help us, the sooner I can take measures to see that your pet is protected from Barbro's scheming."
"Oh, very well." She pouts, puffing out her cheeks in annoyance. "We hardly see each other brother, is it any wonder I wish to see these visits extended?"
"If you were a normal person then no." I answer immediately. "But you're not, so yes."
"Hmm." She smiles almost genuinely. "No pulling the wool past you is there? Very well, open an orphanage, enact a measure to pull money from the royal coffers to feed the disenfranchised while they rebuild their lives. Other than that, paying for the reconstruction of the warehouse district would go a long way to regaining the favor of the merchants. Then, there's offering a noble title to the adamantite adventurers who drove off the main threats."
"The noble faction would never-" The Marquis starts.
"None of the adventurers would accept." Renner says confidently. "But the offer shows that the crown recognizes their efforts in saving the people. Besides, father is already planning on making the offer and has an alternative reward set up in the event that they refuse."
"How could you possibly know that?" I glare, refusing to believe she figured that out all on her own.
"Simple, unlike you, father spends time with me simply to enjoy my company." She smiles sweetly.
Oh, right.
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-Blue Moon Inn, 2pm-
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Gagaran POV
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"Hey, Shorty!" I call the caster as she walks into the inn. Raising my mug of ale to gain her attention.
She doesn't respond, instead choosing to stomp over. Giving the girl a look of concern, I notice part of her mask is chipped at the bottom. Revealing the edges of a pouty frown.
"Someone's upset." Tina says.
"Watch out." Tia adds.
"You uh, ya good shorty?" I ask as she reaches me.
She then takes the mug from my hand and lifts her mask slightly. Shocking me into not reacting as she holds the mug in both hands and downs the whole thing. Holding the now empty mug above her head and slamming it on the table.
I want to comment on how weak that was, or how that was my ale. But I'm too confused right now.
"Does, that even do anything for you?" Is the only question I can manage. "Like, doesn't alcohol count as poison? Thought you were immune."
"It does." Tina says immediately.
"Why won't anyone let me have my fantasies!?" Evileye yells before plopping down in a seat and laying her head down on the table.
The room is quiet as I look from the half pint who just downed a pint. To the twins who both shrug in unison.
"So uh, how was your day?" I ask the vampire.
"Just, I don't want to talk about it." She whines. "Spent all day running around the city for nothing."
Not entirely sure what that's about. So I look to the twins in the hope they've got something more.
"So, did your find your dashing rogue?" Tina asks.
"Rogue?" Tia asks.
"Shorty has a crush." Tina says in a tone that only someone who knows her would recognize as teasing. "Tall dark and blue eyed."
"So that's her type?" Tia asks.
"You forgot to mention kind, with a smooth and silky voice." Evileye looks up and starts adding.
'Say what you will about the guy, but a silky voice is not something I would say.' I think to myself. 'More like gruff and manly.'
"And charming, dazzling and strong and sweet." She says, the corner of her mask revealing the edge of a dopey grin.
I'm starting to think Evileye has no clue what she's talking about. And is just throwing out attractive descriptions.
"So what's got you upset, shorty?" I ask as I raise a hand and flag the wench for a another mug of ale.
"Because he's missing." She slumps. "No one's seen him since this morning after the battle. Probably off with that damn imposter in an inn somewhere. His hands running through her hair as he cares for her after the long night of fighting. Making her feel safe and aaaaarrrrggghh!" She grabs her head in frustration. "It should be me!"
The wench comes over with a full round for everyone. Setting ale down on the table as she ignores Evileye's freak out.
"Sounds like he already has a woman then." Tia says, earning a glare from me and Tina. "Though I've been wrong before." She adds.
Looking back to the sulking girl. I put a hand on her shoulder and give it a reassuring shake.
"Hey, look at it this way. You know he's into that kind of girl. So you clearly have a chance!" I grin, referring to her lacking figure.
"But what does it matter if I play second fiddle to an imposter?" She sulks further and collapses into her arms on the table.
'Shit, I'm off my game today.' I think to myself. 'Must be the drink is all.'
I look to the twins for some help. Not trusting my own mouth right now.
"Where's Lakyus?" Tina asks, changing the subject.
'Speak of the devil.' I think as said leader walks into the inn with a tired expression.
"I don't even want to think about her." Evileye grumbles, her position putting her back to the door and thus hiding Lakyus from her notice. "That girl probably ruined my best shot at, aaaaahh!" She buries her head in her arms and lets out a muffled scream as she kicks her legs under her chair.
Looking to the leader who had approached us and winces at Evileye's words. I raise a brow in question, and she merely gives me an awkward look that seems to say, 'I… had good intentions?'
"What happened?" Tia asks, probably wanting to see some drama.
"She pulled me away from him, thinking I wanted to, eat him." Evileye says carefully.
"I mean you kinda do." Tina mumbles as she takes a drink of her ale.
"What?" Evileye asks, looking up.
Tina looks to Tia. Who glares at her twin at the deception.
"I, think that's enough of that topic." Lakyus says.
"Ah!" Evileye jumps in her seat before turning to Lakyus right behind her. And turning back to the table without a word.
"Someone's mad." Tina observes.
"Very." Tia adds.
I give a slight shake of my head and roll of my eyes. Looking to Lakyus and noticing the strained look in her eyes.
"Everything alright, boss lady?" I ask as I grab the pint in front of Evileye and hold it out for her. "Here, have a drink! Take a load off and relax."
"Thank you Gagaran." Lakyus says with a sigh as she walks over and grabs the pint. Pulling out a chair and sitting down next to me as she downs a swig.
"Something on your mind?" I ask the woman. "Aside from clamjamming the shorty?"
"Gck!" I laugh at Lakyus, whose eyes snap open wide as she chokes on her drink. "Cauh, cuh! Ugh! Really?" She almost hisses with a glare.
"Hey, just asking the real questions here." I shrug innocently at the nasty look sent my way. "Now come on, what happened?"
Lakyus eventually drops the glare after a few seconds. Letting out a heavy breath through her nose as she closes her eyes.
"Turns out, last night… during the attack. Brain Unglaus, Climb and an ex orichalcum ranked thief were on the south end of the warehouse district. They were looking for where the hostages were being kept." Lakyus says tiredly. "The Princess had foolishly sent Climb alone to search for survivors."
'What the hell?' I think as I nearly choke on my ale. 'I thought the princess liked Climb. What'd he do to get sent on a suicide mission? Piss in her favorite teapot?'
"Did you need to resurrect him?" Tia asks the obvious.
'That's probably what kept her.' I think to myself. 'The Princess loves that boy from what I've gathered from Lakyus.'
I can practically see Renner begging Lakyus to bring the cherry boy back.
'Though, after that ordeal and nearly losing him. The princess may choose to finally take that cherry.' I think derisively, now fully blaming the pint of ale halfway in my gut. 'Good on you Climb! I'll have to find a new name for ya.'
"No." Lakyus says as I set my mug down. "If only that were the problem. It's Brain, he's been kidnapped by a girl with a white mask."
Me and the twins immediately look to Evileye. Who looks up and notices our gaze.
"I know what you're thinking. And I take offense to that." She says lowly.
"Fair." I shrug and look back to the tired Lakyus. "So, we all know the shorty doesn't have it in her to chase a man like that, so what else?"
"Piss off." Evileye says quietly, and I ignore her.
"Huh?" Lakyus says and opens her eyes, and I now realize she's half asleep. "Oh, I was reaching out to the temples in the city. Divination magic and, yeah. Looking for a girl in a white mask, dress and hat."
That seems, ominous.
"So Brain Unglaus was whisked away by, what? A girl in a wedding dress?" I ask to make sure I understand everything. Hoping the alcohol isn't making me mishear things.
"Spooky." Tina says.
"Hot." Tia says.
The twins look at each other. Doing that weird eye talk thing they do where they just know what the other is thinking. And I'm honestly too buzzed to care to decipher it.
"If only." Lakyus says as she lifts the mug. Tilting her head back as she chugs the rest of the ale before slamming the thing down. "That would be a relief! Then we could say it was some crazy ex lover of his! But the way Climb described it, sounds like a demon under Jaldabaoth took him."
Lakyus doesn't even look as she holds her mug up for the wench. And not two seconds later has a fresh mug that she wastes no time chugging.
"Damn." Evileye says softly, seemingly returning to her normal demeanor. "How's the kid taking it? They seemed like friends last I recall."
"Aw, shorty you do care." I grin at the little girl.
"Piss off, booze for breath." Evileye looks to me, likely a glare under that mask.
I just laugh as I hold my mug up.
"Pah!" Lakyus slams hers down again, taking a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking. "He's doing that thing guys do when they act tough. Pretending that he's fine when he just can't stop worrying."
"You talk like you have experience with guys." Evileye snipes.
"Ooh." Tia says as she raises her own mug.
"Burn." Tina adds as she mimics her sisters actions.
"Yeah, well, I bet it's more than you!" Lakyus whisper yells with a massive blush.
"Willing to put gold on that?" Evileye asks plainly, causing me to do a spit take.
"You know what, sure." Lakyus smiles and takes out a small pouch of gold, setting it on the table with a confident grin. "I'm calling your bluff." She says in a low voice with a devious look.
Everyone looks to Evileye who, doesn't react. Her mask covering her face and concealing her expression.
"Well?" Lakyus presses.
A few seconds later, and Evileye turns her head away.
"Ha!" Lakyus grins and snaps her fingers at the vampire. "Don't throw stones in a glass castle, Evileye!"
Lakyus then grabs her mug, having been filled back up at some point, and knocks it back. Chugging the whole thing at a speed that'd make me sweat.
'How many drinks did she have? Wait, how many did I have.' I ask myself and look to the window. Noticing the setting sun in the distance. 'Huh, could've sworn it had been noon only two hours ago. Either this is some good stuff, or I've burned through last night's payment.'
"Well it's not like it's my fault!" Evileye yells as she stands up, putting her hands on the table to push herself up taller. But all that does is make her lean forward a bit. "With my body, the only guys that are attracted to me are creeps. And the ones that aren't creeps, aren't willing to look past my condition! And that's not even taking into account if I would like them or not!" She then points to Lakyus. "What's your excuse?"
"Damn." Tina says as she props her head on her hand. "This is getting good."
"Ten gold says the crybaby stomps off to her room." Tia says.
"Ten gold says Lakyus starts laughing first." Tina counters.
"I'll take that bet!" I say and raise my mug. "A round says I don't remember any of this in the morning!"
"Pass." Both of the twins say at the same time.
Eh, they just know they'll lose.
"Hmm." Lakyus droopily rests her head on her fist as she leans over on the table. "I'unno. Guess I never really, looked y'know?" She smiles.
Evileye stares at Lakyus, or at least I think she does. Before plopping back into her chair and letting her face fall to the table. The mask hitting it with a loud clack.
"There there shorty." I pat her on the back. "I'm sure you'll catch a break soon."
"Don't patronize me." She says.
"See! That's the Evileye I know." I give her my patented platinum piece worthy grin as she sits up. "Already back to your old self. Nothing can keep you down!"
"You're drunk." She says, turning to me slightly.
"No, I'm drinking." I correct her and down another mug, not even trying to pay attention to where they're coming from anymore.
"Yeah, drinking." Lakyus says, a dopey smile on her face. "Hey, hey Evileye, you should drink with us."
"I'm at the table, isn't that enough?" She asks. "Besides, you know alcohol does nothing for me other than just taste bad, right?"
"But, but what if we added something to it?" Lakyus asks as she clumsily moves her head away from her hand that was propping it up. "Like, a magic item or… a potion! See what habins?"
"You are not playing apothecary with my body!" Evileye announces, sounding scandalized at the notion.
"Bet you'd let Inazama~… play with your body." Lakyus giggles.
"Hey, real quick." I raise a finger to get their attention. "What time is it? Like, how long have we been here?"
"It's been about an hour since I got here, maybe an hour and a half." Evileye looks to me and answers.
"That ain't right." I say in confusion and point over to the window. "It was bright when you walked through the door. Now it's sundown."
Everyone looks to where I'm pointing. And Evileye looks back to me with an irritated sigh. The kind your instructor gives you when ya accidentally threw a hammer into their door for the eighth time.
"That's a painting, you drunk." She says.
"Pah haha ha grck, haha ha!" Lakyus starts laughing and snorting.
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-30 minutes later, 4:23pm-
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Evileye POV
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I'm sat in my seat at the bench table we moved to. Resting my head in my hand as I drum my fingers on the wooden surface. Surprised we haven't somehow been thrown out yet as Gagaran drinks this place dry. Currently on her tenth mug, while Lakyus is already ditzy on her fourth.
I'd normally be content to just hang around as they make fools of themselves. Enjoy the moments we have while we have them. Not that I'll ever say that out loud.
But I still can't wrap my head around it. I couldn't find Sir Inazama anywhere. Not even someone who'd seen him. Sir Momon went away to deal with business pertaining to Marquis Raeven and the adventurer's guild, with Nabe as well. But Inazama had just, vanished. Same with Lysithea.
It's a big city, I get that. I'm not hung up on not finding him. I'm hung up on how no one has seen him since this morning just after the battle. Lysithea can be written off because of the mask. No one that I'm awareof knows what she looks like under it so she could be anywhere and people just didn't notice.
I'm brought from my thoughts as I feel the weight of Lakyus plopping down right next to me.
"Hey, hey Evileye." She wraps an arm around me and pushes her face super close to mine. Enough to make me grateful for the mask in blocking the smell of booze on her breath. "Don't look now, but Inazama just walked in."
'What!?' I think in a panic as I look behind me. Seeing the back of the man's dark green cloak and silky black hair as he talks to the innkeeper.
"Hey!" Lakyus whispers as she pulls my gaze away. "What'dyi say? Anyway, look. I'mma help you here, kay? So, play it cool."
"What!?" I ask in a harsh whisper as I feel the blood I don't have drain from my face and leave me feeling faint.
"Okay, we're good? Good." Lakyus nods with a self assured smile as she stands up.
"What, no Lakyus we are not good!" I try and stop the drunk woman without drawing attention.
"Hey! Inazama!" Lakyus says way too loudly for anyone in doors.
"What is wrong with you!" I whisper in a harsh tone.
I can't let him see me here. Drunk at an Inn's adjoined bar with my friends.
'Not that I can get drunk, but it totally looks like I was trying!' I think as I look around the table at the plates of food and ale mugs. 'I look like some sort of bar fly! Like Gagaran! Quick! Invisibility spell.'
"Looks like you ladies are having a good time." I flinch at his words coming from behind me.
Too late.
"Yeah!" Gagaran says with a raised mug. "Been unwind'n after a stressful clean up! Lotta bodies, lotta rubble, lotta reports."
"Please spare me." He groans at the mention of reports. "I still have to write mine up and turn it in."
"You sound stressed." Lakyus grins as she walks away from me and plops down on the other side of the table. "Take a seat! First round's on Tina."
"Ah, I would but, it's been a busy day for me and it's still not done." He says, sounding stressed. Like he could use a nap after a long day of heroics.
"Yeah, 'bout that." Gagaran says as she sets her mug down after a drink. "Heard you up and vanished after the fight. You and the Lysii… theti girl."
"Lysithea." Tia corrects.
"Yeah! Lizzifett. Anyway, what gives? The rush of the battle get to ya, eh warrior?" Gagaran winks. "You can tell me."
'Nooooo! Don't tell her! I'm here and I don't want to hear it!' I think as I glare at the overgrown girl child for bringing it up.
He and the imposter are a thing. That's fine, I can live with that! Just because there's a guard posted doesn't mean I can't pilfer a gold coin after all.
But I don't want to hear about his conquests!
"I, have no idea what you just said." Inazama says, giving an easy out to the topic. "But as for where I was, Lysithea has family in the capital. And we were trying to find them and make sure they're alright."
"And that took all day?" Tia asks. "Were they spread out?" Tina follows up.
"No." Inazama sighs as he sits down next to me! "Just the one relative. That took an hour at most. Once we found her Nin-, ehem. Sorry, anyway Lysithea is spending time with her relative. Momon and Nabe are with the Marquis, handling the issue we were actually called here for, or, the end of it."
That's right, they were originally called to the capital on a special request by the Marquis. A request that no doubt got derailed due to everything that's happened.
'Wait, Lysithea is with family and has been there all day?' I think to myself with some manner of vain relief. 'So, there's a chance they aren't an item!'
"What was the quest?" Tina asks.
"Help defending his property against Eight Fingers." He says. "Guild policy says he can't hire us to attack the Eight Fingers, interferance in kingdom affairs and all that. So he hired us to protect property that was very close to spots the guards were going to raid. Problem is, we arrived in the capital too late. And when we did get here."
The rest goes unsaid, because it doesn't need to be said. It can be remembered~
How he came dashing out of the woods. Scooping me up and whisking me away to safety from the horrid monster that sought to tear us apart~
"So while Momon was dealing with that I was searching the city for leads on the artifact the demons were looking for." Inazama continues. "But I couldn't find anything."
"So while shorty was busy searching the city for you, you were running around the city on various errands?" Gagaran asks, and I kick her shin under the table.
She merely grins at me, and reaches over. giving me a shove. One that pushes me into, into.
I look up into the dazzling deep blue eyes. And the soft, full lips. Strong jawline and-
"Bwaaah!" I flail back into my seat and sit properly. Knees together, back straight, hands on your knees. Play it cool, Keno, just like mother taught you.
"This is fun." Tia says as her and Tina keep there eyes on me.
"Hey, Inaza, you got a room here?" Lakyus asks with a grin.
"Depends on who wants to know." He gives a smile that sends shocks throughout my body.
"Me!" Lakyus points to herself and snorts. "Ah, kinda."
"Wait, but I thought." Gagaran stops and points to a bunch of imaginary numbers or figures in the air as she does drunk math and mutters to herself.
"Tempting, but I have a personal policy against drinking and doing other things while drunk." He says with an awkward smile.
'He's such a gentleman.' I think as I look to the amazing man beside me. 'He doesn't want to take advantage of anyone.'
"Besides, I'm more of wine guy." He says.
'And classy~.' I imagine a moonlit dinner as he pours me a glass of ice berry wine. Giving me a soft smile as-
"Pah! Waking up after a night of booze and banging is the way to go!" Gagaran crudely announces. Earning a look of disgust from me and the twins.
"Do you have to be so barbaric?" I turn to the muscle head. Before turning to Inazama. "I'm sorry about her, she's an idiot and drunk so feel free to ignore her."
Pretty sure Lakyus would say something, but.
Looking to the red faced, dopey looking woman.
"Heh, holy spirits, spirts, alcohol." She starts drooling on the table as she lays her head down. "Hey, hey someone. Does, does ale count as, hic, holy water?"
I'm not even sure she knows which inn we're at anymore.
"It's fine, besides." He says as he gets up. "I just came by to get our lodging's set up. I need to head back and make sure the rest knows where we're staying."
"Y-you can always do that later!" I say as I go to reach out for him, but stop myself. Not wanting to appear clingy and drive him away.
"No, like I said. Lysithea is with family and Momon and Nabe are with the Marquis." He says, turning me down. "I have to head out now if I want to get to our meeting spot and let them know."
"O-oh." I mutter as I let my hands fall back down as I watch him walk away.
"But hey, if you ladies are up for it we'll be here in about three hours!" He gives a thumbs up. "We can chat and drink then!"
"If we're not passed out by then!" Gagaran shouts back.
I watch as he opens the door and leaves.
And I let my head hang with a groan.
"Damn, you really got it bad for the guy huh?" Gagaran bemuses.
"Well can you blame me!?" I look up to defend myself. "A guy like that only comes around once every few decades! He's young, hot, heroic, sweet, considerate, talented and, and aaahahhhahhh!"
I cover my face and scream at myself for my out burst. Cursing my own stupidity and lack of experience with men.
'I have two hundred and fifty years under my belt, why didn't I ever think to try dating before?' I cry internally. 'Why did I ignore Rigrit's advice about men when she tried to give it!? She's had countless guys wrapped around her thumb.'
"Young?" Tina says curiously with a tilt of her head.
"To her." Tia answers her fellow ninja.
"Didn't know age was a factor for you, shorty." Gagaran says.
The mention of age, and young brings a somber mood over me as I recall my last crush from over eighty, maybe a hundred or more years ago. It's hard to tell. Unless you pay attention to dates, then after about thirty or so years, the seasons just blend into one another. You think a year has passed, but then you learn it's been five.
The longer I live, the harder it gets to notice the passing of time.
"You alright?" Gagaran asks.
"Last guy I liked, I liked him for a long time." I say quietly as I stare at my lap. "But, I never managed to work up the nerve to say anything. It was always, when the time is right. Then I just convinced myself it would never work."
"Damn, what happened?" Tia asks.
"He got old, I didn't. Married, settled down on a farm granted to him by the king of the nation at the time. Had like, eight kids. Then he died." I shrug.
Everyone always said he had lived a happy life. And I just have to believe them and tell myself I was right not to take the chance. But the what if still haunts me sometimes.
Everyone at the table is silent, minus the giggling holy knight currently laying her head on the table.
"You know you could pull a honeypot." Tina suggests, earning a slap on the shoulder from her sister.
"A what?" I ask the ex-assassin.
"Sneak into his room." Tia says.
"Get him vulnerable." Tina adds.
"Then slit his throat." Tia finishes. Before adding. "Or not."
"Ha! Like shorty would ever be so bold as to- hey where're you going?" Gagaran asks.
But I'm already at the Innkeep's desk.
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-Blue Moon Inn, 8:30pm-
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'Okay, he should be here by now.' I think to myself as I shakily hold the key in my pocket.
I heard his voice downstairs when he walked in with his teammates. And I know which room he's in.
I asked the innkeep for the spare I know they always have. And she was about to report me to the guard. I thought I would have to use a charm spell just to calm her down but I used my adamantite status to reason with her.
As far as she knows, this is a sting and she thinks I'm preventing a drug deal.
…
Okay I bribed her.
"You got this Keno." I say as I pull the key out of my pocket. Nearly dropping it due to my own nerves. "You've fought demons, demon gods, angels. You felled a nation." Not on purpose but nobody remembers that. "You can do this, what's the worst that can happen?"
'He calls me a monster and tries to kill me.' I think as I raise the key to the door.
I can live with that. At least then I'll know it'd never work out between us.
'He's not willing to look past my looks and lets me down.' My mind conjures up.
Again, I can live with that. It's not like it's something I can change or anything.
'He thinks I'm a crazed super fan and rejects me and never wants to see me again.' I think to myself.
Okay now that, I'd rather just have him stab me.
'This was a bad idea, I'm not doing it!' I resolve to stop as I turn the key and open the door. 'What are you doing!?'
I reach out to grab the door knob to quickly close it and run away. Act like nothing happened and just forget I ever considered this!
"Back already?" I hear a girl's voice as the door opens to a group room with four beds.
On one of the beds is a young, pale skinned girl with black hair. White mask in her lap. She's staring back at me with wide, sharp, crimson, red… eyes.
…
Huh.
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Next chapter
See what Zamaina had to deal with, and the fallout of Evileye walking in on Ninya taking her mask off.
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Bonus
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-Lizardman Village-
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Zaryusu Shasha POV
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Looking over the village from the balcony of the chief's house, I can't help but marvel at the advances being made.
The spike wall we put up to defend ourselves is being torn down by the younglings. Used as sticks for making toys and drawing in the mud. Normally they'd be reprimanded rather harshly for their vandalism.
But no one stops them. Because we have other, more important things to do. More important than maintaining fortifications for our safety. Because ultimately, they're not needed.
"It really is something." I say as I lean over on the railing and turn my head. "Isn't it, brother?"
"It sure is." He says as he walks out of the second story entryway to his, what was it called? Longhouse. "Not even a year ago, and the biggest concern was food. Now it's how we'll expand."
He walks up to me, and we enjoy the scenic peace together. The sounds of children laughing mixed with the noise of lumber being hammered away at in the background as the chief's longhouse is being finished.
"So many things changed, and in such a short time." I say as I look up to the midday sky. "There are times, when I think I did die. And the ancestors are giving me a dream life to live before we meet again."
"I know how you feel." My brother agrees. "Our conqueror turned into our greatest benefactor. Food aplenty, gods walking among us, the embodiment of frost now our leader. And you with a mate. All things that make me think I'm about to wake up in the medicine maid's hut and be told I ate some bad fish."
"Will you ever stop talking about that?" I ask as I look to smug face.
"Pahahahah!" He bursts out laughing. "Ah! Crusch is right! Your brown scales do flare back when you're upset! Ha!"
"What is with you today?" I ask as I stand up from leaning in the rail.
"Ah! Oh brother, if you were me you'd understand." He puts his fists on his sides. "Not six months ago, you were pointing out how my wife gives all my tells away. And here we are."
It takes me a moment, and then I recall the conversation at the fish farm. Before everything that happened.
And I laugh, I laugh with my brother over our shared experiences. I laugh with him, over the joy and peace we live in.
I laugh, to the memories and conversations I look forward to having.
(This line is in memory to my grandmother, who I promised to spend more time with. But didn't get to.)
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A/N
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Ask about Zamaina!
His gear!
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His abilities!
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Ect!
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More comments! I want them all! Every one of them! Especially speculation, I love speculative comments.
Fuel me my NOOBIANS!
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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.
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