Queens Knight Chronicles
ESKK: Time to begin Chapter 5 folks.
(Start Aster's Hometown Vance Lands)
Risty was seen sitting atop a tree trunk crossed legged with her eyes closed and her arms crossed. A lot of things have been happening to her lately that it makes it hard for her to keep track of it all. She had visited Asters' village twice already the first time to hide out with Aster and Leina and the second time to escort the orphans to the village. Risty had to admit they do good work here; the orphanage was all built and best part the donated a lot of furniture to house the kids. They built some of the new stuff by hand as well which also provided the children with fresh clothing.
The school was almost done, and they were keeping it close to the church. Though there was another thing to note about the village that had been discovered. Alicia had led an expedition to one of the nearby caves and discovered it to be a dungeon of monsters. This alone caused issues seeing as the monsters could easily try to leave and put the village in danger.
Thankfully, Aster had set up something of an alert system via watch towers and what not. If large monsters show up, then the watchmen would respond by sounding the alarm so everyone can get prepared. More than that it seems Aster had improved upon his villager's farm by first working on expanding the perimeter. According to his blueprints Aster had developed an irrigation system that would bring river fish for the village. More so it also helped out on the rice patties as it would allow for the village to expand what crops it has access to. Aster also placed a rotation system for the crops so they can work on crops based around the season and times for harvest.
There was even a hot spring in the far north of the village for people to head over and relax in. The town was truly coming together and soon it would be ready to open its gates for all. Already a few people had come by here mainly warriors looking for a place to rest. A couple of times Risty and Alicia had to step in on some issues but nothing to worry about for now.
Though at the moment Risty seemed slightly annoyed, and one had to wonder why. It wasn't anything done to her or otherwise, but it was mostly the village watch. See Aster felt that some sort of law enforcement was needed to help maintain peace in the village especially when people were stumbling upon them. So, the Village Watch was made mostly comprised of volunteers and heavily vetted to make sure no corruption would occur. Most if not all of the newer guardsman, were warrior woman who were generally unknown and not likely to be part of the Queens Blade.
Apparently with how peaceful things were the boredom was sure to follow. So, some of them had gotten the bright idea to do something to get the edge off and right now Risty was watching it. Walls of wood surrounded a mud pit as two women were duking it out in some revealing outfits. Apparently, some of the girls came up with this and the guys fully supported it the little perverts. Most of them were cheering it on as the two girls went at each other attempting to one up the other.
"Everything ok here?" Alicia asked as she approached Risty.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Risty responded as she kept an eye on things. She was stuck here until Aster set up the next teleport point at the church of the next town he goes to. This might take him a while, but Risty knew to be patient on such things. But the waiting was killing her, and she needed to do something to keep herself occupied.
"You're bored." Alicia said as she knew why Risty was bored. Risty had been given a room at the main house as did Leina. Apparently, Aster kept rooms for those he considered his close friends as there were two other room that were left unclaimed, but Aster insisted that they belonged to two others who weren't here yet. But it didn't take away the fact that Risty was bored out of her mind.
"Of course, I'm bored!" Risty yelled but then sighed a bit. "Look all this peace and happiness its everything I wanted for those kids." Risty said as she then sat properly on the trunk. "I'm thankful for this to Aster honestly I am but once I got what I wanted..." Risty trailed off which got Alicia to sigh.
"You have no idea what to do next." Alicia said seeing what Risty was going through. "It will take time, but you can still contribute." Alicia said as she looked to the fight going on. "But if you're bored, I got a few things you can do to help out that might be up your alley." Alicia offered as Risty looked at the girl.
"Oh, like what?" Risty asked only for Alicia to smirk at Risty.
(Later at the mud pit)
Alicia and Risty were facing each other in the mud pit in a new set of cloths for the fight. The two stood barefoot with mud reaching up just a little bit past their ankles. Risty was currently dressed in what seemed to be a G-string variant of her regular outfit ready to rumble. At the same time Alicia was had her breast tried by a cloth and was wearing a black thong. The two smirked and thus charged in to start fighting.
This was a method to get the edge off and seeing as there was nothing better to do both girls took full advantage of it. Though a part of Risty wondered how Aster and Leina were doing at the moment.
(Meanwhile with Aster and Leina)
The pair of warriors travelled down the road as Leina currently had a cloak over her body and a bag of supplies on her back. The sun was beginning to set, and both knew they would have to set up camp soon. Aster was the same in terms of what he was wearing which included the cloak and pack as well. Earlier Leina had more stuff then should be in a bag, so Aster had to force her to cut back and split the rest with him. With their packs not down to reasonable sizes they can make the journey without issue. If they were to use that much stuff, then they would need a wagon to carry it all in.
The Highway was more or less quiet as was to be expected when travelling in this era. This served them well for the time being seeing as Aster suspected that Count Vance would chase his daughter down even this far from home. If his hunch was right, then this meant that Count Vance hired Echidna to retrieve Leina and bring her back by force. He seems to be going through a lot of effort to bring back Leina and the only reason Aster would think for that was that Leina was a valuable asset to him. But what was she an asset to? It was bothering Aster that he didn't have the answer to that question at the moment.
His thoughts were cut short when he and Leina passed by a pair of travelers heading the opposite direction as them. Aster gave them quick look as he knew the damage his and Katarina's fight was still fresh in the town they left. They may need to consider hiding their camp site later in case any more hunters are still looking for Leina back in town, or worse looking for his Knight. With those thoughts in mind Aster continued down the road with Leina knowing she was the key to finding the answers to this mystery.
(Meanwhile in the previous town)
Claudette stared at the destruction that took place the previous night. She never suspected anything like this would happen and yet here she was kicking herself for not being here. The Inn Leina and her compatriots were staying in was destroyed but there had been no bodies to be found which suggested that Leina was still alive. This was turning into an absolute mess, and she knew that Count Vance would not be pleased with this. Claudette had received new orders from the count after he had time to contemplate the White Knights power.
Vance wanted the White Knight brought to him alive. Claudette suspected he wanted the Knights power and cared little for the one who wielded it. If Aster could be convinced to side with them then chances would be that Leina would follow suit. If Aster refused, then she was to take the Knight from Aster by force.
Just then the voice of Echidna was heard which drew Claudette's attention. "I figured I would find you here." Echidna said causing Claudette to look. The Thundercloud General found Echidna standing there leaning against a pile of rubble smirking over at Claudette while her snake moved around her crotch. "That little sister of yours had a powerful protector." Echidna said with a smirk. "If I had known about it, I'd have charged double." She added while Claudette glared at the elf.
"If was wrong of me to rely on a common mercenary." Claudette said with a cold glare at Echidna.
"Exciting I like the way you talk to me." Echidna said with a smile on her face. "Perhaps I can perform another service for you." Echidna said ready to jump in for a fight.
"I won't tolerate this insolence." Claudette said reaching for her sword.
"It was just a little suggestion you never know what could happen." Echidna said before gesturing to the destruction around them. "Present situation as prime example." She added with a smirk on her face. "Your little sister could meet her doom at her destination and who would be in line to become the next countess." Echidna said showing she saw where the gears were turning.
Claudette then drew her sword and was ready to fight. "Did you let Leina escape so you can make stupid jokes!" Claudette demanded as she charged in to attack.
Then with a roar Claudette swung but Echidna dodged the attack. "It occurred to me earlier, if you were to become countess then I can charge a bigger fee." Echidna taunted before dodging another attack from Claudette. "Skill with the swore, refinement, bravery, purity; you have more of those then Leina you're the most deserving." Echidna said as she smirked at Claudette. "But just because you're a bastard child you'll end up living in the shadows." Echidna said as this struck some nerves deep inside Claudette. "It's so sad will that satisfy you?" Echidna asked and thus Claudette sighed while backing off.
"Just tell me this did you have anything to do with this destruction?" Claudette asked glaring at Echidna.
"Huh is that it?" Echidna asked almost offended by this. "If you must know, I had nothing to do with it. Apparently, Leina's knight in shining armor isn't the only knight around here I was spying on them when the white knight confirmed that there are five in all." Echidna said as the revelation shocked Claudette with there being other Knights out there. "Just thought you might want to know, bye." Echidna said before jumping away leaving Claudette by herself for the time being.
This information was concerning five of these knights exist and already two had been spotted in this city. This meant that there were three unaccounted for but without any information about who they were or what they even looked like it was anyone's guess as to what was to happen. She needed to send this missive to Count Vance, with his interest in the White Knight he'd find it important to learn there were five knights in total.
(Scene Break that Night Campsite)
Aster was preparing food by the campfire as Leina was clearly upset. "Leina eating a giant mushroom would have done more harm than good to you." Aster said calmly as he did not need Leina to go on some trip from a that massive mushroom.
"But it was big so I thought it might fill me up." Leina said which got Aster to sigh.
"And that was the problem it was big." Aster said while he stirred the pot. "Plants are complicated it may look edible but that does not mean it is edible." Aster explained so Leina can understand that living off the land had its risk if you don't know what to look for. "Anyway, dinner should be ready." Aster said as he took some bowls and filled them with the food via a ladle. He then passed one over to Leina with a spoon before taking his own.
Taking the first bite Leina was wide eyed as she then smiled. "It's good!" Leina praised before she dug in once more. Aster smiled and then proceeded to dig into his own food. They needed to rest so they can leave early in the morning. They had a lot of ground to cover and the further from Vance they were the better. Looking to the sky Aster had a good idea that there was rain to come this evening.
(Back in the City Nanael)
The Angel Nanael was sitting atop a building overlooking the city below. She had a problem and that was trying to find a Queens Blade match to oversee. Ever since the tournament began Nanael had barely gotten even one Queens Black match under her belt. All the other angels were getting matches left and right and Marianne gets every match under the sun! Life was unfair for her and as she sat there Nanael wondered if she can even find a match to oversee without Marianne ruining it somehow. All Nanael could do was sigh in defeat but was then cut off by a horse down below.
Looking down Nanael wondered what was going on and in turn saw Claudette down below. "We're sure of it, a merchant saw lady Leina and her companion travelling on the highway not far from here." A Vance soldier reported to Claudette. "I shall accompany you." The soldier said but Claudette cut her off.
"This is my family's shame better I deal with it myself." Claudette said as she knew that she held the best chance at bringing down the White Knight.
"Will you force them to come along?" The soldier asked as Nanael listened in.
"If cannot convince them too it will probably come to that." Claudette said as she had her orders bring Leina and the White Knight back to Lord Vance alive. Nanael smirked as Claudette then rode off knowing she now had a match coming up.
"She's Claudette the Thundercloud General." Nanael said finding Claudette in the book of fighters. "Here it comes finally! I'm so excited I can't wait to bear witness!" Nanael said slamming her book shut. She then jumped off and took flight so she can intercept Leina and stall for Claudette to show up.
(Scene Break with Dilan's group)
The blazing sun was beating down on the trio as they made their way through the hot desert. "Geez Dilly can't you just use your Knight and fly us to Gainos?" Shizuka asked clearly complaining about their current predicament.
"Sure, if you don't mind losing our supplies." Dilan said as he kept walking with a tarp over his head for shade.
Tomoe was on the back of a camel as they continued through the desert. She had no place to complain seeing as she got the mount to ride on.
"One of these days I'll kill that angel." Dilan bemoaned as they had been walking through the desert. 'I mean come on even in an average RPG we'd be grinding and fighting monsters every few feet.' Dilan mentally added as they kept on with their path.
"Isn't killing an Angel a divine sin?" Tomoe asked as Dilan growled a bit.
"Ok not kill her but just get even with her." Dilan said as he did not want to go to Hell anytime soon… or at all. All of this was because Marianne's prank hag done wrong.
"Better." Tomoe said as she can deal with a desire for justice for being wronged.
"Hey, look a viewing orb." Dilan said pointing to the orb in the distance. "We must be getting closer." Dilan voiced as this was good news for them. This meant that their long journey may be coming to an end.
(Scene Break Leina and Aster)
Leina was laying down on her cot resting as Aster kept watch. Every so often he tossed some wood into the fire to keep it burning so they can stay warm. As Aster had suspected there was a rainstorm and thankfully their camp was protected from it. Aster made sure to keep trac of time because he would need to wake up Leina for her turn on keeping watch.
Looking up at the sky to see the storm was about to pass over soon but the rain keep, hearing the thundering in the distant which is a bit weird as he thought the thundering should have stopped by now, but it wasn't going to bother, as he close his eyes for a moment listening to the rain, maybe the only relaxing thing he has heard so far, as he sat there listening to the rain… until the sound of something fly was nearby.
Nanael had found Leina and Aster camp as she smile a bit as she said, "Found her, now I just need to wait for Claudette to show up and I can start my next match, oh I am so smart. And it looks like that male has fallen asleep, this could be my chance."
She soon floated downwards near them, unaware to Nanael Aster was still awake as he open his eyes and quickly jump off from the tree while drawing his sword pointing it at Nanael as she freak out a bit and held her hands up as Aster said, "Who are you?"
"Wait! I'm just a friendly angel passing by!" Nanael shouted which wake Leina up as she open her eyes seeing Nanael for the first time and said, "W-what going on, who are you?"
"I just said I was a friendly angel passing by!" Nanael repeated herself, after a bit as aster Sheathed his sword again while getting the fire re-lit as Aster soon question the angel, "So what's an angel like you doing here when there no official match going on? Did Marianne sent you to check up on us or something?"
"She didn't send me here, I hate Marianne, always doing pranks of everyone, including, and she play her pranks on me the most out of every other angel! Just because I have a smaller wing than everyone else does not mean I am the one to pull pranks on!" Nanael yell out angrily as Aster and Leina looks at her and felt a bit bad for her as Aster said, "Sorry to hear, if you make you feel any better, one of her pranks gone wrong on one of my friends landed her a bit in trouble."
"Yeah I heard, but that doesn't mean she getting what she deserves, she mostly would get either a spanking which is funny to see, or get dump with paper that she has to do by hand no angel magic or power to help, but it not always enough of all the trouble she causes me, I mean she butted in on some of my matches that I was supposed to host," Nanael said as Aster listen to what she has to say as she went on saying, "So now I'm just going around finding warriors of the Queen's blade and provide any information."
"Anyone?" Leina said a bit surprise as Nanael smile and said, "That right, all angels has a record of all fighters who wishes to enter into the Queen's blade, and those who were chosen to join as well."
"So does that mean you have information on one of my friend then, her name is Skadi," Aster said as Nanael pulls out her book and look through it as she look at the names and said, "Oh I know her, she one of the warriors I had hosted a battle for, now let's see here Skadi-Skadi-Skaaadi, Ah! Here she is, yes, I do have her, and… oh she is one of the chosen warriors that Marianne brought here then."
"Yeah, that her, does that book tell you of where she is at?" Aster asked with Nanael read it a bit as she soon said, "It says here that her village is near the forest of the elves, nothing else as that all I can say really. Marianne has most of the information sense she is one of her charges."
"I see, I guess that all then," Aster said as he stood up as Leina said, "What are you doing?"
"Packing up camp, sense we're mostly awaken anyways and I'm going to guess that the sun is going to be rising within an hour or so," Aster said as Nanael panic a bit as she said, "Hey wait a minute, I can still offer you other services, I have some angel's milk."
"Angel's milk?" Aster and Leina said at the same time as Nanael pulls out said angel milk and a note of sort that she may have written down of what to say as she said, "Yep! It can help with all sort of problem such as stomach, muscle aches, and headaches, and it's also good for the hair, skin, eyes, and anything else you can think of."
"Wow, that little carton of milk can help with all that?" Aster said as he thought about all the healing item, he had to spend on in the game to help cure different problems as Nanael smile and said, "Yep! And it can also be had as a normal drink, and good for cow play for your foreplay need and breast cup drinks!"
"Hu?" Aster and Leina went with Leina blushing a bit while Aster was a bit dumbfounded of what he just heard, while Nanael took a moment to realize of what she said as she went, "HUUU?!" Nanael look at her note she just read from, look at the bottom, and saw Marianne face on it with her tongue sticking out as Nanael screams out and said, "DAMN YOU MARIANNE!"
(Up in heaven with Marianne)
With Marianne was going some paperwork that the head angel had assigned her to do as she soon hears Nanael's voice echoing from Gainos below as she curse out her name, Marianne smile and laughed a bit as she said, "I guess she read my note about the angel's milk finally. HAHAHA!"
Marianne laugh a bit crazy before falling backward with her legs in the air still laughing about her recent joke, she just pulled on cute little Nanael.
(Later back at the camp)
The sun has risen with Aster and Leina gotten everything packed up, which took them a bit no thanks to Nanael who try to talk with them about a lot of random stuff including some Queen's blade trivia as Nanael just keep on saying, "If you can guess where the Queen's blade is taking place at, I can give you 5 angel milk for free!"
"Okay that is enough!" Aster said as he look to Nanael as she got a bit scared of Aster suddenly as he look at her and said, "Why are you trying to stall us from leaving."
"W-what I don't know what you're talking about?" Nanael said as Leina said, "What do you mean Aster, what is she doing?"
"She's trying to stall us from going anywhere, I mean who else talk about random stuff for no reason at all other than to stall us? She trying to keep us here for something and either you will tell us, or we're walk regardless," Aster said as Nanael panic a bit as she try to think of a reason as she said, "Well it's like this, as I just want host the next fight with Leina as the new warrior for her debut."
"Wait, me?" Leina said as Aster look at her and said, "Rigging matches in the Queen's blade is against the rules. Who are you trying to set this fight up with?"
"Uh well you see." Nanael began but then Aster sighed, hoisted his pack, and began to walk off with Leina.
"Come on Leina." Aster said as he began to make his way towards the road. Whoever Nanael was trying to set Leina up to fight was not going to find an opponent here.
"Wait!" Nanael cried out as she tried to stop them. But she was surprised when they had both stopped but not at her insistence. Upon looking ahead Nanael was met with the sight of Claudette and smirked that despite everything her plan still worked in the end. All Nanael could do was smirk as she got ready to jump in and announce a Queens Blade match.
"Of course, all the things I wanted to avoid rolled into one." Aster said as he then directed a glare at Nanael. "I can see why Marianne likes to mess with you." Aster said as he felt this Angel was just as bad as Marianne when it comes to tricks like this.
Her hopes were dashed when Aster pushed the shocked Leina behind him and reached for his sword ready to draw. "If your here for Leina then I suggest you turn around and walk away, Claudette." Aster said glaring at Claudette. It was clear that not only did Nanael's plan worked but her plan made his biggest concern come to reality.
"Wait." Claudette said just as Aster was about to draw his sword. She had her hands raised to show she was not here to fight not yet. "I'm not here to fight you." Claudette said making it clear on what her intentions here were.
Aster glared at her for a moment knowing what this was about. "What's there to talk about your trying to force Leina to go back to her gilded cage against her will." Aster said with a glare directed at Claudette.
"Lord Vance had issued new orders to me." Claudette admitted as she knew she had to at least give Aster the offer knowing that he may have tricks that may tip a fight in his favor. She could not risk harming him not if Count Vance wants to gain the White Knight... or any of the other Knights out there. Two Knights were in play and heaven knows where the other three were.
"And these orders concern me how?" Aster asked with a glare at the Thundercloud General.
"The Count is offering you a pardon for your role in the attack on his estate." Claudette said making it clear as to why she was even speaking with Aster.
"A pardon?" Aster asked as he raised a brow in suspicion to this offer. "I suspect there is a catch." Aster said glaring at Claudette keeping a hand on his sword just in case of trouble.
"Yes, there is." Claudette said as she got down to it. "As it stands it's your best and only option." Claudette added while Aster kept his ground. "He asks that you return Leina to her family and consider using the White Knight in the service of the Vance family." Claudette said making it clear to the offer.
"And in exchange I get a pardon and a high position in Count Vance's circle." Aster said but he knew he would be made into the count's enforcer or attack dog.
"You will be greatly rewarded." Claudette said not even denying what Aster was saying.
"I see then." Aster said before chuckling for a brief moment. "I refuse." Aster added much to Leina and Claudette's shock.
"What?!" Claudette asked shocked that Aster had rejected the offer.
"I said I refuse." Aster said making it clear as to why he refused the offer. "I don't trust Count Vance and seeing the state his domain was in I had even more of a reason not to trust him." Aster said while glaring at Claudette who growled.
"I see... Count Vance want's that Knight and if I must take it off your corpse so be it." Claudette said reaching for her sword.
"If I, were you, I would reconsider that." Aster said causing Claudette to pause. "See if I were to die the Knights Ark will leave and find the nearest vessel worthy of its power." Aster said but unaware to many he was making it up. "So even if you did end me the Knight won't appear to you." Aster finished with a smirk on his face. 'Of course, that is a lie but so long as Claudette believes this then I will have some cards to play in terms of negotiations.' Aster mentally said as his mind was already working on plans to capitalize on this.
His threat of course had the desired effect as it made Claudette hesitate from making any moves against Aster. 'If what he says is true then the retrieval of the White Knight would become a pointless scavenger hunt.' Claudette mentally theorized as she saw that Aster had the cards here. 'But what if he's lying to throw me off?' Claudette also wondered as she tried to figure out the best course of action. Giving a frustrated sigh Claudette lowered her hand for the time being opting to avoid a confrontation for a bit longer. If what Aster said is true, then she needed to bring him back alive. However, if Aster was lying, then she can find out at the Vance estate if he continues to defy the Counts demands.
"I see." Claudette said laying off from causing any severe harm to Aster. "However, my orders from the count still stand." Claudette said before she directed her attention over to her younger half-sister Leina. "We're going back to the castle." Claudette said making it clear Aster and Leina were both coming with her, whether they like it or not.
"No, we are not." Leina said standing her ground here. "At least I'm not going back I'm not going to do what as father says." Leina said making it clear that she would not return to the estate. "I'm free now I have the strength to get here myself I'll do what I want." Leina said glaring at her elder sister.
"And what was the purpose of going on this journey? So, you can participate in these vulgar duels?" Claudette accused as she glared at Leina. "Like it or not you bare the Vance family name you're a disgrace." Claudette said which hurt Leina deeply.
"Says the bastard." Aster voiced causing Claudette to go wide eyed to this as did Leina. "I asked around and did some research Count Vance may have been your father, but your mother was one of his mistresses." Aster said making it clear what this was. "Being a bastard child, you can never hope to attain the title of Countess yourself." Aster went on but had more to say. "Last I checked weren't bastards considered disgraces to nobles?" Aster asked before Leina stepped in.
"Aster enough." Leina said feeling Aster was going too far noting how angry Claudette was getting.
"Enough of this nonsense. I'm going to beat some sense into you right here." Claudette said removing her cloak and drawing her sword for battle. "As the Thundercloud General Claudette, I hereby formerly challenge you to a dual, Leina Vance successor of Count Vance. Prepare to defend yourself." Claudette said as she took a battle stance.
Aster was about to fight instead but Leina stopped him. "Aster wait... let me do this." Leina said as she looked to Aster. "I need to do this." Leina said urging him to stand down.
Aster paused for a moment before he backed off. "Fine but if you bite off more than you can chew then I'm stepping in." Aster said and thus Leina began to draw her sword.
"Thank you." Leina said and thus Nanael opted to act.
"Wait just a second!" Nanael called out as a light began to shine down beyond anyone's notice. "Now the Angel Nanael takes charge." Nanael said as a voice was heard from above. "I." She began but was cut off by Marianne's appearance with a double kick to Nanael's face.
"Dynamic entry!" Marianne announced as she landed on Nanael's face knocking her down. "I will bear witness in the name of the Gods!" Marianne announced as she activated the divine magics involved with the tournament.
"What's going on?" Leina asked as the field activated for everyone to bear witness across Gainos.
"Hey, no fair this was supposed to be my moment!" Nanael whined as she was on the ground with a black eye and a missing tooth.
"Never force a Queens Blade match silly girl." Marianne said before she got right down to it. Marianne then cleared her throat and got down to doing her other job. "Now let's get ready for the Queens Blade!" Marianne called out as all eyes were on the viewing orbs around the Continent. "On this side a leader of armies so great that that when she rides into battle storm clouds follow her forces into war!" Marianne began as she was getting everyone excited for the battle. "A warrior of renown a leader of soldiers Gods announced her arrival to her allies and enemies alike with claps of thunder! Thundercloud General Claudette!" Marianne said as she gestured to Claudette.
"On the other side she is a Noblewoman who renounced her noble heritage to follow the way of the blade!" Marianne began as Aster recognized a hype man when he saw one. "People whisper her name, a wanderer there one moment gone the next like phantom." Marianne went on as she was getting the crowd excited or at least she hoped she was. "Now that Phantom has appeared at last, her name is Leina the Wandering Warrior!" Marianne finished gesturing to Leina.
(Scene Break the Vance Estate)
Elina saw what was going on as she looked to the viewing orb in shock with her father. "What I don't understand, father?" Elina said as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing.
"That fool." Count Vance said before he began to walk away leaving Elina there to watch.
"Leina...I can't stand it. I need to be near you again." Elina said as she watched the fight take place.
(Meanwhile over with Katarina)
Katarina smirked as she watched the fight from the cave, she had made camp in. The orb was right outside said cave as she smirked at what she saw. Nearby were the torn up remains of the monsters she had to fight to use this cave for her camp. "Well then let's see my competition." Katarina said as she had every intention of winning the Queens Blade and taking Gainos for her king.
(In the desert Dilan's group)
The trio stopped as they bore witness to the fight about to take place. "Looks like we got another fight on our hands." Dilan said as he stood with Tomoe and Shizuka.
"Yes, with the Thundercloud General Claudette." Tomoe said as Shizuka drank from her waterskin. "I imagine we'll end up meeting her eventually." Tomoe added paying close attention to the fight. "We should watch closely and commit her swordsmanship to memory." Tomoe finished as Tomoe saw this.
"Hey, who'd that guy in the background?" Shizuka asked as she noted Aster seeing Leina was not worth of note.
"Wait... well hello Aster." Dilan said as he saw Aster on the orb but moved to the sidelines.
"Friend of yours?" Shizuka asked as Dilan smirked to this.
"Yes, he is." Dilan said before noting Leina. "And if I know Aster, he's probably taken that Leina chick under his wing." Dilan said knowing Leina may very well become a powerful combatant in the near future.
(Back over at the battle)
Claudette and Leina both stood ready to battle as Aster watched with his arms crossed and a calculating look at the two. Leina was on edge it was clear that she was still a novice and from what Aster can see had close to no hope of besting Claudette in battle. The fact remained that Leina's chances were low because if Aster suspected correctly Claudette will no doubt hold back to avoid making Leina and the Vance family look bad. All Aster can do now is wait and watch for the moment he may need to step in and pull Leina out of the fire.
"Leina, I ask you once again. Come back to the castle with me," Claudette said as she didn't plan on entering the Queen's blade but after the blue hair had set this up and the other who took over just went on with it, as Leina soon charges in as she swing her sword clashing against Claudette's own sword a bit, as her movement and strikes was complete armature it didn't seem she was doing all that much, but somehow she made Claudette fall to one knee, with Aster close his eyes in disappointment as he saw Claudette was taking it easy on Leina, no doubt didn't want to make her look weak in front of thousands of people and maybe her own family too.
"IT seem Leina pushed Claudette back a bit, but It didn't seem all that impressive to watch. Come on you two, this is a battle not a sissy club. Get to fighting!" Marianne said as she cheer them on to fight as Aster look to her and said, "Why are you talking like that and why are you encouraging them, I thought angels are just supposed to watch the fight."
"We do but doesn't mean I don't do announcement as what sort of host you thinks angels are if they don't cheer or announce things," Marianne said as Claudette sighed as she would rather with draw now as if she keep fighting like this, no doubt she would make Leina look weak as she said, "Leina, Aster. I'll catch you two later when there's no angels around, until then enjoy what little freedom you have left."
"Not this time Claudette," Leina said as she refuse to let her older sister gun away from this fight, as Aster smile to this as he saw Leina was sticking up for herself as Leina went on saying, "This is what you always do, you presume to decide everything for me, you don't give a damn about my feelings, what that I want or who I really am."
After hearing that aster could not help but feel pity for Leina, if that what she felt like Claudette was doing to her, it was no doubt that was another reason why she ran away in the first place, to be free, to be her own person not even caring about her family noble status, with Leina thinking about what she said to her father that day when Claudette had saved her, and given her a rose, while also asking her father why he doesn't treat Claudette the same as his other daughters, as Leina went on saying, "You don't know, you have no idea how Father feels."
Claudette gasp to this as her thought went back to that day as she stood before her father saying how toe flower on her looked beautiful, and believe a real rose would never betray him, at least that what he thought, as Claudette snap out of her thought as Leina charge at her and cut off her metal bikini top with Aster looked away for a bit not wanting to be rude as Marianne said to him, "Hey why are you not looking? This is one of the best parts of these fights."
"It hard to focus on battle if women clothes are coming off and showing off their naked bodies," Aster said as Marianne said to him, "Ah don't be a spoil sport, I mean you will be seeing this happen a lot during your journey, why not just watch and get used to it, as the chances are some of these girls are going to be hooking up with you so you're better off just watching regardless."
"What do you mean hooking up with me?" Aster question as he was confused of what Marianne said as she smile and said to him, "Well for your future harem of course, believe me when I say a lot of girl will no doubt fall for you, plus I did give you the lady killer luck when you were brought here."
Aster was a bit wide eye of what she mean but before he could say anything Leina went on saying, "I never understood why you look so disconnected. Is it some Burden or some responsibility you carry because you're the first born?"
Claudette didn't answer her which make Leina upset even more as she started to cry as she yells out, "Tell me."
"I've been thinking about a lot of things while on my journey." Leina said as she swung her sword at Claudette wildly who easily blocked each and every attack coming her way. "What's father trying to do anyway? Why does he ignore the starving children in his domain?" Leina demanded while she kept swinging her sword and Claudette kept blocking. "There's so much that doesn't make sense! Why am I, his successor!? Tell me Claudette!" Leina demanded continuing her emotion fueled swings against her sister before Leina cut Claudette belt, as her skirt fell down showing off her black underwear as Marianne said, "Check it out Aster, she's wearing a black string thong, pretty sexy right?"
"Will you quite saying stuff like that, this is a very important battle for Leina and you're talking about getting use to girls being naked or pointing out their underwear," Aster said a bit annoyed at Marianne as she did this before she stick her tongue out before there was a loud thundering sound and a small explosion that cause Leina to back off quickly as Claudette finally say something as she said, "You think this is all for you? Don't be so narrow minded, it's all for the Vance family."
"Hey that counterattack was really…" Nanael started to announce something until Marianne karate chopped her on the head as she yelled out, "ANGEL CHOP!"
Nanael is seen face down in the first with a huge lump on her head which was glowing red and a bit of steam coming off of it too as Marianne said, "This is my battle to announce not yours Nanael, do so again and I'll give you a chop to your head."
"I-it better t-to warn someone before you do that," Nanael said in pain while still being on the ground, with Aster not paying attention to them and keep his eyes on the battle itself between Leina and Claudette, seeing the thunder cloud general is becoming more serious now.
(With Dilan, Tomoe, and Shizuka)
"Dilan, Tomoe, did you two see that?" Shizuka asked as Tomoe responded with, "We just caught the slightest glimpse of what she can do."
"If you ask me that barely anything," Dilan said as he wasn't all that impressed by Claudette ability over lightning as Tomoe ask him, "What do you mean?"
"Well see stuff like that isn't new for me as I can cast magic as well and do cool stuff myself like this," Dilan said as he raise up his hand and call out "FIRE LANCE!" as a lance made of fire appeared in his hand before he throw it in the distant creating an impressive explosion which shocks Tomoe and Shizuka and said, "Fire magic is pretty easy to do and can cause a lot of damage, but I'm not as good in magic like my friends are."
"You only mention two friends of your being Skadi and Aster, what sort of magic can they do?" Tomoe question as they may have caught Skadi battle from before, but she mostly use her bow in battle as Dilan said, "Well Skadi is more or less uses supporter magic like healing and shielding, but she is good with air element spells also, while Aster… well I'm going to hold off on saying anything just yet."
"Why is that?" Shizuka question as she was a bit curious a bit after what Dilan just said, while he put his hand under his chin a bit as he thought it over as then he said to her, "Well if I am correct on things, no doubt Aster would cut in the battle himself before Leina could get hurt, and no doubt Aster is going to show off his power, as we don't call Aster the Ivory warrior for nothing."
"He also possesses a Knight, doesn't he?" Tomoe asked which Dilan simply smirked. 'If Aster possesses a Knight, then no doubt about it that Skadi also is in possession of one of these Knights.' Tomoe thought to herself realizing that the coming battle of the Queens Blade was about to escalate.
(Back to the Vance Battle)
"How long do you plan on behaving like a child?" Claudette accusingly asked Leina with a glare. "Your immaturity is contemptable Leina." Claudette added with her eyes closed while holding a firm grip of her sword. "Have it your way I'll fight you and I won't hold back." Claudette said with a cold tone in her voice. She then began to take a battle stance as Aster glared at the scene knowing he would have to cut in. "Do you foolishly believe that I am unaware of our fathers love?" Claudette asked as she got ready to unleash her full strength. "Your wrong and you best remember that." Claudette said and in turn threw her sword which then spun at Leina with thunder flowing through it and hitting her. When the sword hit Leina was knocked down hard causing her pain for it.
"This is not good." Aster said realizing that Claudette was changing the rules now. 'She's no longer holding back to make Leina look good. She's about to teach Leina a lesson.' Aster thought knowing his time to step in was upon them.
Leina's armor was steaming from the attack the thunder had no doubt heated it up a bit. Meanwhile Claudette raised her sword skyward and channeled power into it. "Thunderclap strike!" Claudette invoked and in turn brought down the thunder to her sword.
Seeing what was about to happen Leina bolted away to avoid the strike. Leina narrowly avoided the attack as now she was being pushed towards the defensive. From the smoke Leina saw Claudette charging at her with a roar and in turn clashed swords with the ill-prepared Leina. Leina was then blasted towards the edge of the barrier by Claudette's attack which did enough damage to expose Leina's breast.
Leina sat there in pain and shock from the attack. But then from above Leina saw another thunderstrike and this time she was unable to avoid it. The attack hit Leina causing her a great deal of pain. But then suddenly her screaming stopped and from the smoke formed the thunder was blasted back at Claudette. Going wide eyed Claudette was caught off guard but managed to avoid it none the less. This in turn caused the barrier to shatter surprising Nanael.
"What?!" Nanael asked shocked at what had just happened.
(Meanwhile with Risty and Alicia)
Back in Aster's hometown Risty and Alicia fresh out of their fight stared up at the viewing orb while rinsing off. Risty could not help but smirk a bit at what she had seen prior. Leina bit off more than she can chew and had lost the fight to Claudette. Though if that last bit was anything to go by someone had interfered with the fight.
"Well things were interesting there." Risty said as she heard what Leina had said.
"I suspect there is more at work in the counts domain." Alicia said next to Risty realizing that something big was happening.
(With Dilan, Tomoe, and Shizuka)
"Typical, Aster jumped in and invalidated the fight." Dilan said while scratching his head.
"How can you be so sure?" Tomoe asked with curiosity.
"Just the sort of guy he is." Dilan said which Shizuka smirked.
"Well watching the fight may have been a waste of time... meeting this Aster might not be such a waste." Shizuka said wanting to meet Aster and see what he was about.
"Seems to me they both knew what they were fighting for." Tomoe said suddenly as she began to walk and in response Dilan followed after her.
"No... neither of them knew what they were really fighting for." Dilan said surprising Dilan even more. "A girl who lived her whole life in a gilded cage and a girl who lived her whole life as a tool never truly know what they were fighting for." Dilan said as he walked off following after Tomoe who agreed with Dilan. "Jeez I sound like a fortune cookie." Dilan added offhandedly with his hands behind his back.
(With Elina the Vance Estate)
"No Leina!" Elina cried out when she saw the fight stop its broadcast. But when the fight would not continue Elina simply gained a saddened before directing her attention to the railing with her eyes giving a faraway look.
(Back with Claudette and Leina)
"Oh dear, the battle was invalidated." Marianne said not at all bothered by it.
As the smoke cleared Aster stood there with Avalon raised to deflect the attack from Claudette. The shield had smoke coming from it but non the less the weapon remained unharmed. "Leina are you ok?" Aster asked as he looked to Leina.
"No... not yet... I can still fight." Leina began but Aster cut her off.
"Stand down, Leina." Aster said before glaring at Leina. "I'll take over from here." He added and then glared at Claudette. "Claudette." Aster began while glaring at Claudette. "While I can respect that your just performing the tasks assigned to you." Aster continued while drawing Excalibur and pointing it at Claudette. "I can't allow you to take Leina when she does not wish to go." Aster said while glaring at the General. "I'll be your opponent going forward." Aster said ready to do battle against the Thundercloud General.
"You're a fool." Claudette said pointing her sword at Aster. "Count Vance wants your Knight but if killing you will deprive him of it, then I will simply have to beat you within an inch of your life." Claudette said prepped and ready for battle.
"Then by all means, come and try." Aster said glaring at Claudette. "Just so we're clear... I have no intentions of using my Knight against you." Aster added showing he would give Claudette a handicap.
"You dare belittle me?" Claudette snarled as the two got ready to begin.
'This will give me a chance to see the level differences between myself and her.' Aster thought as he strategized the best method to attain victory. 'Melona was a monster a sentient monster but a monster none the less.' Aster mused mentally recalling that battle. 'This will give me insight that I was unable to gain from facing Elina.' Aster added to himself ready for battle.
The two warriors stood there for a moment each waiting for the other to make the first move. The wind blew as both warriors prepared to fight gauging the other to see who would strike first. Knowing he had to move this away from Leina Aster realized quickly that the first strike must come from him. Thus, Aster charged in with his shield forward. Claudette saw this and quickly acted by dodging Aster's initial swing of his sword. When this happened, Aster stepped back and then used a shield bash towards Claudette. Claudette was hit as Aster then began his assault swinging his sword at Claudette left and right.
Claudette was forced to block the incoming attacks with her sword as the clanging of metal on metal radiated through the area. The two warriors stood equals however Claudette suspected there was more Aster was hiding. The two continued their fight before parting from each other. Claudette then proceeded to throw her sword at Aster forcing him to block with his shield. Claudette charged in and caught her sword before jumping up and bringing it down on Aster. Aster rolled out of the way before they clashed blades once more.
However, they soon parted before taking a moment to catch their breaths. "Impressive... most impressive." Aster said before dropping his guard a bit. "Claudette, I have a question warrior to warrior." Aster began which confused Claudette.
"And what question do you feel compelled to ask me?" Claudette asked lowering her guard as well but kept a firm grip on her weapon.
"It's the questions Leina asked you earlier, I will confess that I too am curious to know why Count Vance's lands were impoverish and funding to necessary aid was cut off." Aster said which almost caught Claudette by surprise.
"Why would you wish to know that?" Claudette asked with a raised brow towards Aster.
"Call me curious if you must, but all this talk of ensuring Leina becomes the countess, that extravagant and expensive party for who would be her fiancé, and now his desire for my Knight." Aster listed off as he began painting a picture. "I suspect there is more at work here." He finished as Claudette had to give pause for a moment. "The mere fact he is sacrificing his own people's wellbeing for something of that magnitude I suspect it's the prelude to a war of some kind." Aster said and thus Claudette was wide eyed about this.
"A war?" Claudette asked sounding oddly nervous now.
"Of course, a General who is trained in combat, a Guard captain to act as second in command, and of course the leader of said army." Aster said listing off the things he noted. "If Count Vance is preparing for a war, one must ask who is, he preparing to raise up arms again?" Aster asked as he noted how nervous Claudette was getting. The way her eyes was glancing around almost like she was expecting a spy to show up especially this far from the Vance Lands.
'Does he know?' Claudette thought to herself as there was whispers of this plan. Leina was kept out of this secret and Claudette and Elina were just told the bare essentials of it. All she really knew was that Count Vance had a plan to abolish the Queen's Blade Tournament but there was nothing beyond that.
Aster kept a stone-cold face but even now he saw the cracks. 'That was just a lucky guess on my part, but it seems I may have hit close to home.' Aster thought as he saw how Claudette was panicked. 'But still, this is disturbing, if Count Vance is preparing to instigate a war, it would explain why he wants my Knight.' Aster mentally added knowing that despite their appearances the Knights were tools of war.
However, before they can speak further, they heard the groundbreaking nearby where Leina was. Looking to the source the two warriors much to their horror saw the ground Leina had sat on breaking apart. "Leina!" Claudette cried out and in turn she and Aster charged to rescue her.
As they ran Claudette knew she wouldn't make it in time. She had to hurry but she was human and had limits. But then a bright light radiated next to her and from it the White Knight appeared. The Knight jumped over the ledge to grab Leina and managed to grab her. But the White Knight was now falling with Leina instead. "NO!" Claudette cried out but then she saw it at the last moment. The White Knight held Leina in his right hand and curled up with the shield over where Leina was held.
If all went well the White Knight should be able to take most if not all of the impact and ensure Leina survived. But this might cost Count Vance the White Knight in the long run. The Last thing Claudette saw was the White Knight curled up as he fell to the abyss bellow and vanished.
"We should probably go." Marianne said as she felt the tension in the air return.
"Agreed." Nanael said and thus the two angels flew off to find another tournament. Or in Marianne's case find her charges.
(Nearby on a nearby cliff)
Echidna saw the entire thing play out and looked upon the scene with a cold look. But she then smirked a bit as she knew the White Knight would have survived that fall without issue. A weapon like that would not be bested by something like a fall. She should best take her leave for the time being. The Mercenary knew that once word spreads of these Knights every man and woman will be seeking them out.
(Meanwhile down at the bottom)
The White Knight was up and about carrying the injured and unconscious Leina to the shore. The White Knight had a slight limp in its step as it got out of the water before gently laying Leina down. The White Knight then leaned against the wall to a sitting position before reverting back to Aster. Trying to catch his breath Aster realized that while the Knight was impervious to attack that fall did some damage to the White Knights joints which translated to Aster.
With a sigh Aster brought up his healing magic to focus on repairing the damage. This complicated things for him, if Count Vance was preparing for a war who was the enemy he planned to defeat. This was getting complicated, and he knew that with Risty at his hometown she might be caught in the crossfire.
(Meanwhile in the Marsh Lands)
Sitting on his throne Galvus chuckled a bit after he bore witness to that confrontation between Claudette and Leina. Leina had potential but Claudette was one to be on the lookout for. Galvus had long since suspected that there were those who desired to abolish the Queens Blade through force. Never did they realize that if they put a woman under their payroll as the queen, they can abolish it by only risking one warrior or several warriors. Not only was this plan productive but it couldn't be disputed by the people since the contest was won fairly.
Before he could muse further Ciela entered the room before the Fallen Angel bowed. "Speak." Galvus said with a wave of his hand.
"We've located the Amara ruins." Ciela said as Galvus smirked to this.
"Good and is our quarry there?" Galvus asked lifting one leg over the other and leaning a bit, so that his head rested on his knuckles.
"Yes, shall I prepare hunters to bring her in?" Ciela asked with her eyes closed and her head down.
Galvus took a moment to think it over. He was no fool the closest experience he had to running an empire was through the tediousness of bureaucracy from his old life. While it would serve him well, he needed someone with past experience in this and his quarry had this experience. That is assuming she can handle the task given to her. She was from a fallen empire after all so for all intents and purposes she may have sent this empire to oblivious in her time.
"No." Galvus said before he began to rise from his throne. "I shall deal with the matter personally." Galvus said making it clear that he would go out.
"Are you certain?" Ceila asked as she raised her head to speak this time.
"Yes, as you said the Swamp Witch resurrected but you gave me no detail of from which era of her empire, that our quarry had been last alive." Galvus said walking past Ciela. "I need to vet her personally to ensure that we don't waist resources that can be used elsewhere." Galvus said and thus Ciela nodded with a smile on her face.
"Of course." Ciela said and thus watched as Galvus left the throne room to begin his preparations. "My lord." Ciela added with a smirk at the end and a tone that suggested ulterior motives.
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter is done. I hoped you all enjoyed it and will join us for Chapter 6 when its published. Until next time, I again bid everyone here, ja-ne.