Crouching next to Q was a woman with a small frame. Her face closely resembled a snake; this uncanny resemblance was enhanced by the way she held herself.
I don’t even know how a person like this would come into existence.
Q thought to himself. Her presence was hard to feel even her mana seemed non existent. Her voice hissed at Q as she spoke.
“Aww why so cold Q? It’s been so long since we last worked together.”
She lifted her foot only to slam it back down onto Q’s broken arm. Grinding her boot into it over and over again he screamed out in pain. He couldn’t really focus on what was going on around him at this point but he knew there were at least 20 other people there with her.
Shit. I hope those two stay away now. I know the kind of people this bitch usually runs with it’s way too dangerous. She won’t kill me but she will definitely use me as a bargaining chip against Emma.
Suddenly she took her boot off Q. Looking around nervously Gwynne frowned as she started talking again.
“Sorry Q… Old habits die hard. My beef isn’t with you so what do you say we strike a deal?”
Intrigued by the sudden change in events he played along. His face was twisted by pain. Without a doubt he had broken some ribs. Even though talking was painful he forced himself through it.
“You know I’m always business first. What kind of deal are we talking?”
Gwynne kneeled down, getting very close to his face. Her hair was cut to a fringe style, and its jet black color seemed to absorb all sunlight. She started to whisper near Q’s ear.
“Make a pact with me transferring your kill to me, and I’ll bring you back to Newhaven right now.”
Q tried to sit up, but she pushed him back down. Gasping for air he tried digging for some answers.
“Couldn’t you just kill me and claim the bounty that way? Also even if I did want to agree to this deal I need to go to Terminus not Newhaven.”
Gwynne’s eyes widened in fear but she quickly composed herself.
“Why would you rather go to Terminus Q?”
“I have a contract to deliver something to the Baron there.”
Gwynne’s lips formed what was supposed to be a smile but it just looked disturbing. Q knew he lost any bargaining power for sure at that point.
“Okay Q here is my final offer. You will come with me to the Baron’s home to make your delivery. You will also tell him I was the one who slayed the Ennobled.”
“—And if I don’t?”
Gwynne slid her thumb across her throat making a cutting sound with mouth. Q was not looking to push his look so he simply remained quiet and nodded. Gwynne hoisted him up as he screamed out in pain she dropped him on her nearby carriage.
“Listen Q… I am somewhat sorry for what happened between us. I just want you to know I am not responsible for the scalping here. I quit that after what I did to your group. As soon as the second carriage pulls up I’ll get potions from it and heal you up. If you try anything though I won’t hesitate to return you to this sorry state… I hope you understand.”
Q was completely dumbfounded.
Is this another one of her games? I’ve never heard her speak like this before. What happened to the conniving bitch I used to know?
Gwynne leaned back down moving her hair behind her ear she whispered in his ear once more.
“Don’t say anything stupid to the Baron, or this party’s leader.”
“Wait if you aren’t the leader then who—”
Gwynne’s brown eyes were filled with remorse as she uttered her leader’s name.
“Jack.”
Q’s heart sank. Jack’s older brothers were the only other newbies in his first doomed adventure after losing his memories. There were three brothers setting out to work the same contract as Q. Gwynne was scalper responsible for sending them all to their deaths. Each of their faces burned bright in Q’s memory. He could remember the face of the little brother balling his eyes out during the burial.
Yeah. How could I forget the guilt I felt when he looked me in the eye. I’m sure he was thinking why it had to be his brothers instead of me. The amount of unnecessary death scalpers create is sickening. What I don’t understand is why she is here with Jack.
Gwynne seemed to be reading his mind as she spoke.
“I don’t expect you to ever forgive me nor will I give you an explanation right now. I know how deep your hatred runs for scalpers but if you have any hopes of returning to Newhaven alive please… Just behave for once.”
Q wanted to respond but he knew better. Off in the distance he saw a bird flying in a continuous pattern in the sky. Finally he felt a little bit of hope.
That’s Ganon’s magic. He knows where I am… And I don’t know what that is supposed to mean. Ah ok they will follow me. I wish I had a way to let them know we are heading towards Terminus. They will probably figure it out anyways.
Q closed his eyes and remained as still as possible until the second carriage came. As Gwynne promised she used potions on him until he was mostly healthy again. His arm made snapping noises as it healed. He still had some bruises but he was no longer in excruciating pain. Jack came over to his carriage to tie up Q. After he finished tying his legs and arms up Jack finally spoke.
“I know you weren’t at fault. Stop blaming yourself for what happened. My upbringing was hell but it only served to make me stronger than those who truly wronged my family. Gwynne told me you have a mouth on you. The Baron isn’t someone I’m trying to have any more problems with. So do me a favour since you couldn’t save my brothers. Keep your trap shut so you don’t accidentally get us killed. Ok?”
Q simply nodded, Jack was happy with his response so he walked away.
Dude what the fuck? I thought for sure they would kill me but they really only want the reward huh? Also why are they so on edge over this Baron?
Deciding he was too dumb to figure it out he once more closed his eyes hoping to get some rest. Every once and awhile he would wake up to the sound of Jack’s party fighting monsters, or to the rhythm of the uneven roads.
That’s one thing I miss about my homeworld. Modern roads. Maybe I’ll present the idea to Emma so she can convince Lord Ignis into modernizing the roads. Actually I could probably get a good deal of money if I provided the plans. Yeah I like that idea.
Q fell back in a steady lull shortly after that. He started to have a dream where he heard a muffled voice.
“Wake up human.”
“Huh?”
This time he recognized the booming voice from his memories. It spoke again this time much louder and clearer. Rattling his mind as the words reached him.
“Wake up human. Your friends are in danger.”
Q immediately woke up and looked around. It was nighttime and he could see Terminus from where they were.
We’ve stopped. Wait, how long did I sleep? It’s a four day trip one way. I was asleep this whole time?!
His thoughts were ended quickly by the sound of nearby shouting. Strangely enough he was left unattended. With a quick chant he easily broke out of his bindings using water magic to make a fast moving blade.
Okay time to go play Metal Gear Liquid.
Q carefully hopped onto a nearby tree sneakily masking his presence as best he could. Looking out he could see Jack’s second carriage near Ganon’s carriage.
Oh fuck. I thought Ganon wasn’t careless enough to get caught.
Q began to quickly move towards their location dropping all intentions of hiding his presence. Upon arrival he found Miki, and Gwynne acting like they were preparing for a duel. Jack and his crew were hanging back drinking ale. Scanning the environment for Ganon he found him over by a tree with Gambit. Waving Ganon down he made his way over to the tree hoping for an explanation.
“Bro are you two okay?”
Ganon gave Q a hug before answering his face had worry written all over it.
“Yeah I’m fine but I’m worried about Miki. She said something about the Ennobled still being alive and that it was being manipulated by something sinister. Then she ran off to challenge Jack and his crew to a duel.”
Q held his head in his palms.
I knew Ganon wasn’t this careless. If I didn’t go off alone this would never have happened. I could have stopped her.
Frustrated he started to walk over to Miki, but Ganon stopped him.
“Listen man I know we just met her, but I want to trust her judgement on this. If this is someone you wanted to marry before you lost your memories I don’t see any reason to stop her.”
Q hardly believing what he was hearing slumped down against the tree. Gambit nuzzled him and he pet her head to return her kindness.
He’s not wrong. If I can’t trust her with something like this I definitely can’t trust her with something like my past. It’s weird though I know I checked its corpse. That Ennobled was definitely dead after my Railgun.
Q shook his head deciding not to worry about it anymore. As he continued petting Gambit he asked Ganon about the duel.
“Hey bro. What were the terms for the duel?”
“If Miki wins against their chosen fighter we get the Ennobled and you
—
”
“If she loses?”
“
—
All three of use are Jack’s slaves for a year. He also gets to do as he pleased with the Ennobled. Jack made it very clear he had no reason to accept her duel and that the only reason he agreed was because ‘it sounds fun.’ His stipulations were that no one was allowed to fight except Miki and Gwynne.”
Q thought back to his most recent experience with Jack and Gwynne. He had a sudden realization.
“It’s atonement. She is trying to right all the wrongs she put Jack through.”
Ganon gave Q a funny look but ultimately decided to take what he said at face value. He was less concerned with whatever Gwynne was going through and more so worried about Miki.
I don’t think Q has realized it yet but underneath her softhearted exterior lays something terrifying. It feels almost chaotic. I can’t quite put my finger on it but whatever she has going on could put her on par with Emma.
Ganon shook his head as he slapped Q on the back lightly nudging him towards Jack’s crew. By this point they had moved a safe distance away from where the duel would be taking place.
“Let’s go Q.”
Q nodded in agreement as the pair took Gambit up the hill away from Miki. Even though it was night the moonlight made the two fighters clearly visible. Both stood several meters away from each other. Gwynne stood silently as she assessed her foe before her.
This one isn’t weak but she shouldn’t be a problem. My magic is practically made for one on one combat anyways. I know I shouldn’t be enjoying this but old habits die hard I guess.
Trying to suppress her masochistic side she remembered all those she hurt in the past. On the opposing side Miki gazed up at the moon and closed her eyes as she prepared herself mentally.
Even without channeling her mana I can tell this woman is dangerous. If I fight her head on without using my technique I have a lower chance of success. However if I use my technique right at the start to finish this quickly I run the risk of running out of mana. Then if her party chooses not to honor their deal we will be in trouble. I wish they would have agreed to making a pact with a nullshard.
Weighing her options Miki let out a deep sigh.
I guess it doesn’t matter either way they could choose to attack us if she loses. If I’m being honest Jack doesn’t seem to be the kind of guy to play dirty though.
Shaking her head she refocused on the opponent standing before her. They both awaited the signal to begin. Neither of them were willing to look away from their adversary. Both warriors had their reasons for fighting. Whether it was for redemption, loyalty, righteousness, or pride all that mattered was the outcome. Finally after a long wait Jack fired a blinding missile into the air. After it reached its peak height it vanished. Three more seconds passed then a massive explosion shook the sky signaling the start of the fight. Jack looked back at Q and grinned.
Holy shit. He wanted to do that just to flex.
Q’s chest grew tight as his worry for Miki began to grow. He looked back to see Gwynne chanting something as Miki dashed towards her closing the gap between them.
“I command thee
— Miasma of Plague, curse those who breathe my air!
Corrosion Burst!”
Streams of black and purple gunk shot out from all around Gwynne rapidly moving towards Miki. Miki dodged the first five with ease but a small misstep after dodging the sixth left her open. Realizing this she jumped back several meters to regain her footing. Unfortunately in doing so she now put herself even closer to the range Gwynne fought best at. Gwynne snickered to herself as she thought about Miki’s mistake.
She is even faster than I thought but that doesn’t matter with my ability. It’s only natural to want to distance yourself from immediate danger. Just like my prey before her she will soon learn the error of her ways. Once my Tendrils of Corrosion push my enemy back it makes it impossible for them to get back in!
Gwynne’s thoughts became more erratic as she lashed her tendrils back at Miki over and over again. Trying her best to side step each strike Miki searched for an opening. Every time she tried to dash forward she had to halt her advance to avoid being struck by another tendril. Finally Miki noticed a fatal flaw in Gwynne’s technique.
She’s already slowing down? It’s definitely an impressive attack but I highly doubt it would drain her mana this fast. She must be trying to fake an opening to get me to move in. If that’s the case I can take advantage of that.
Miki stopped dancing around the onslaught for a brief moment to channel mana quickly. As the tendrils descended upon her she cast her first spell of the battle.
“I command thee— Ifrit of the Eternal Flame and Mishra of Hope, rekindle me with your grace!
Phoenix Mantle”
A cloak of embers began to form slowly over Miki’s hoodie. Her eyes that were once amethyst in color gave way to a cutting topaz. She stood seemingly possessed for a moment before dodging each of the tendrils again. Something about her movements perplexed Gwynne. She hesitated to strike as she recalled the incantation Miki used.
This woman can call upon two Aeon’s at a time? Aeon magic is already risky enough to use. It’s not common to find someone who can sync up with one Aeon. Other than the lords there was only one rumored to fight with combined Aeon magic. She held a title if I remember correctly. Stories of her achievements have faded out about 9 months ago.
Unsure if her fears were founded Gwynne’s voice betrayed her as it shook.
“Before we go any further tell me your name again. Don’t leave out any titles if you have been bestowed any.”
Miki stopped and stood still. The silence that set in on the battlefield felt unnerving. When she spoke her voice was distant as if she was remembering something from her past.
“My name is Mikiyu-Mi The Mageslayer, But my friends call me Miki.”
“N-No way—”
Gwynne began to feel her knees grow weak from fear as she looked up at Jack. Seeing him watch her intently grounded her once more. Sweating she began to think to herself.
Isn’t that the title of the fabled warrior who never lost a duel? She has to be bluffing. Wait if she’s bluffing that just means she knows she can’t beat me… Worst case scenario if she’s telling the truth that just means once I win the entire cradle will know of my deeds.
In that moment her right cheek was met by a burning sensation followed by a heavy blow.
“—
Neko Neko Bomba!”
Shit. Why did I take my eyes off her?
To her surprise the initial impact of Miki’s flame engulfed fist wasn’t the main part of the attack. Shortly after she made contact with Gwynne a cat face resembling the ones on her leggings and earrings surged through her arm into her clenched fist. This caused a rather large size fiery explosion sending both fighters ragdolling away from one another. Miki used to the backdraft of the attack was able to nimbly land on her feet after a few back flips and rolls. She immediately began closing the distance between them again. Gwynne however was sent flying across the ground skidding another ten meters before finally popping back to her feet. Smoke and debris from the blast were now concealing Miki. Gwynne’s eyes rapidly scanned the area as her tendrils eerily moved around. They appeared to be awaiting the chance to pounce at their target once more.
If I stay on the defensive I won’t have the ability to strike her. I’ll just get rid of her smokescreen and create distance again. Now that my trap is ready if she jumps back again it’ll all be over.
For the first time in a long time Gwynne was forced to try something new. Each of her tendrils slowly began to whirl, picking up the pace with each rotation. At first nothing happened but after only a few moments the smoke began to steadily clear. With a new found confidence Gwynne taunted Miki.
“I hope you weren’t planning on hiding forever, little kitten!”
Finally Gwynne picked up on Miki channeling her mana in what was left of the smokescreen. Her tendrils naturally lept on the opportunity, closing in on Miki’s location from all angles. Her outline now visible within the smoke displayed each tendril piercing through Miki’s body.
I got too excited. I didn’t mean to skewer her. I only meant to make her immobile with my curse for the next hour. But it doesn’t matter, I did it! I defeated the Mageslayer!
As Miki’s body became fully visible you could see each of the nine tendrils protruding from her lifeless body. One by one each tendril slithered back out of her body creating an unsettling squishing sound. Only three tendrils remained in her propping her up facing the sky. Blood trickled down from her lips off her cheek. The drop of blood plunged towards the ground. Q’s rage induced screams in the background could be heard throughout the battlefield as the first drop of Miki’s blood splashed on the blades of grass below. In an effort to prevent further bloodshed Ganon held him down with pillars of earth created by his magic. Jack began his descent to the battlefield to confirm Gwynne’s victory but stopped when he began to feel uneasy.
“Q be quiet for a second. I think she is still alive.”
Unable to fully comprehend how Jack’s statement could be true he wearily looked through tears back towards Miki’s body. Hardly able to see through the haze of his tears and blurred vision from his rage what he saw shook him. Slowly Miki’s body began to burn up leaving nothing but ashes behind. Gwynne figuring this was an after effect of trying to use two Aeons at once recalled her tendrils. As they faded out of existence she let out a big sigh.
Honestly using two Aeons just to boost your abilities seems like a waste. I certainly hope she was lying about her title. Otherwise she was just weak trash.
Feeling tired Gwynne kneeled down on the ground closing her eyes for a moment to help with her headache coming on.
Whew. I know I tried something new but I’ve never been this tired after using my Tendrils of Corrosion before. I guess I was a little rusty but this seems excessive. I can barely lift my arm.
She reopened her eyes just in time to see the last bit of Miki’s body disintegrate. Once the last ash fell to the ground she felt someone lightlight grasp her right shoulder. Her heart skipped as she looked behind her. Looming above her stood Miki, looking down on Gwynne she began to raise her right arm.
“No way. How could you be alive?”
“
Neko Nek
—”
Gwynne performed a spinning kick aimed for Miki’s head. Simply tilting her head to the side was enough to dodge it but Gwynne’s true target was her chest with her other leg. Pushing off of Miki Gwynne regained a tiny bit of distance and began chanting again.
“
I command thee
— Miasma of Plague, curse those who breathe my air!
Corrosion Burst!”
Just as she was able to finish her incantation Miki seemed to teleport directly in front of her face delivering a hard gut punch with her left hand. She quickly followed up with a right jab, left straight, and then a quick right overhand to her face. At this point Gwynne was in too much pain to realize her spell had nearly failed completely. Rather than having nine tendrils at her disposal one measly tendril flailed around her. Completely defenceless Gwynne threw her arms out trying to stop Miki’s onslaught. This only served to allow Miki free reign on Gwynne’s body. After a few more punches Miki threw a nasty roundhouse kick to Gwynne’s kidneys forcing her to double over. Gwynne began to puke on the ground Miki crouched down near her to whisper in her ear.
“Give up now I don’t want to kill you.”
Gwynne was enraged by this comment so she wildly swung at Miki but missed every time.
I don’t understand. Why didn’t she die? I saw her dead in front of me! Why do I feel so feeble?
She tried to strike Miki again but was simply deflected. Every move she tried was either blocked or dodged easily. Miki’s patience began to wear thin with Gwynne. Every attack Gwynne tried was thwarted then she was immediately met with a slap to her face. This went on for several minutes until Jack finally came down from the observation spot.
“She’s had enough. Please stop hitting Gwynne.”
Miki’s eyes returned to normal as she backed off.
It appears my fears were unfounded. They don’t seem to want to break the agreement for this duel. I can’t say the same for Q however.
Disappointed Miki hung her head down. She looked back over at Gwynne wondering if saying anything would make things worse. She decided that she should explain herself to Gwynne now that the duel was over. After waiting for Gwynne to become coherent again she began to speak to her and Jack.
“You are very strong Gwynne, but strength alone isn’t enough to overcome all problems. Do you want to know why your Aeon magic failed to kill me and why you felt so weak? I’m willing to tell you on the condition you both agree to keep my title a secret.”
Gwynne looked down, avoiding eye contact with both Miki and Jack.
Isn’t it bad enough I lost? Do I need a lecture too? Why wouldn’t she want people knowing about her title? Just having a title can make life so much easier. Cheap or free lodging, no tolls, and free information in guilds. I don’t get it.
Jack knelt down beside Gwynne then he reached out his hand to her. He hesitated for a second before shaking his head and bringing his hand back down to his side. Gwynne noticing this began to feel a pain in her chest as she spoke.
“Y-yeah. Please.”
Miki simply nodded before she spoke.
“Without going into too much detail I changed the nature of your technique temporarily. Instead of leaving an immobility curse on me I made it give your mana reserves to me at a rate I could handle.”
“Is that even possible?!”
Miki chuckled as she proceeded to explain a bit further.
“Well of course. Not only that but the Phoenix Mantle allows the caster to bend the rules of death. My technique more or less allows me to bend the laws of magic and the world around us. Unfortunately the amount of mana it requires is great. Unlike most techniques like your Tendrils of Corrosion I simply cannot do something new on the spot. I must practice it over and over again. Even then sometimes the Aeons do not heed my call. Much like what happened to you after I took your mana away from you. I mean let’s face it… They are fickle beings indeed.”
Gwynne let out a massive sigh as she plopped down onto the ground completely exhausted. Jack turned to Miki and he was about to speak before she cut him off.
“So Jack. You have called the duel. I presume that means you will honor our deal? We have no intentions on collecting the reward for the Ennobled. Our only goal is to complete our contract with the Baron, and get the Ennobled registered for protection. If there is a reward for registering the Ennobled I can give you my cut for it.”
Jack shook his head again. This time his face showed worry.
I had a bargaining chip with the Baron now I have nothing.
He signaled his group letting them know it was over and then turned back to Miki.
“I have no intentions on breaking our spoken agreement Miki. However… That aside. Since your party already has a contract with the Baron I would like to offer a contract to the three of you.”
Miki looked towards Ganon and Q waving at them to come join her.
I can’t help but feel like I’m forgetting something…
Jack tried to get Miki’s attention but she shushed him and went back to her thoughts.
We left New Haven, sang some songs, talked a lot, and then Q went off to fight the Ennobled. OH RIGHT!
Miki whipped back around facing Jack again grabbing his hand in hers.
“I’ll leave the details to the boys. Where is the Ennobled?”
Jack caught off guard stumbled over his words a bit pointing at a larger carriage further up the hill.
“I-it’s up there, miss.”
Miki thanked Jack and took off running up the hill towards the carriage. Ganon and Q met up with Jack moments afterwards. Ganon was the first to break the silence. Laughing he slapped Q on the back.
“You guys really had Q here worked up. To be honest if things ended with Miki dead I was going to get Emma to hunt you down for eternity.”
Ganon’s voice seemed playful but his aura completely betrayed him. He was seething the entire time but the only thing that held him back was Q. Knowing if he couldn’t keep himself in check he wouldn’t be able to help Q at all if Miki truly had passed. Ganon’s true intentions were not lost on Jack as he responded as politely as possible.
“I would like to apologize for the scare. My intention wasn’t for the duel to turn fatal. That was a major oversight on my behalf and we are very fortunate that Miki is so incredible.”
Q’s hands trembled as he tried to bite his tongue.
Scare? He calls that a scare? This fucking guy.
Grinding his teeth Q began to speak but Ganon slapped him on the back again laughing.
“I got this bro why don’t you go join Miki?”
Ganon’s eyes full of anger and worry met Q’s.
I get it. Miki and him really hit it off he’s fuming too. I haven’t felt right since she showed up so he’s probably worried about me right now. He’s always had my back. If this isn’t what it’s like to have a brother then I’m glad I never had one.
Q nodded at Ganon as he slowly began to follow Miki’s trail up the hill. Ganon locked his eyes back on Jack. Speaking slowly Ganon’s smile faded.
“Jack, I knew your brothers. They were good men. I also know that Miki is the one that challenged you and your party to a duel. So as a favour to them I will overlook everything that happened here tonight. I won’t mention a thing to Emma on one condition.”
Jack let out a sigh of relief. He heard many stories about Ganon from his brothers. Every single one of them painted him in a positive light, and now he knew why.
Ganon wasn’t someone I wanted to make an enemy out of anyways. I always saw him doing good for people around New Haven. He was always someone to look up to. Emma on the other hand was always scary. Even though she was a town guard she just had more presence than any of the others.
“I’m willing to hear this condition of yours Ganon.”
“Okay so I need information on—”