Saga of the Kings: Reinassance

[Amarghetta]

Oh, don't really know what stopped me from reading this before. I love it!

I definitely loved the Miya bashing, he! And the comments about Airi's legs are funny, too. Although, I agree with them.

So, Yuko's the rebel leader. Somehow, it doesn't surprise me.

And, Makiheir... as in the next Maki?

[JFC]

Chapter 5

*MIYABI-AIRI-"UNICORN" THING*

Miyabi =


Jeez that was one crazy dream. But uh...Miyabi might want to look at the hidden message that she seemed to be trying to tell herself.

"You were right about the legs though..."

Definitely can't deny that.

"I'm alive."

Everything was the same before she left for the woods to look for Airi.

Everything was virtually left untouched. Except her favorite tunic.

The tunic Airi gave her before High-King started to attack their kingdom.

The tunic she only wears during special occasions.

Someone was wearing her favorite tunic.

"What the? Maimi?!"

Oh boy. Is this still the dream?

"Hmmm. I'm not sure if I should be happy that you're dreaming about me...

Osnap, Miyabi was talking in her sleep?

I already saw some signs when you were trying to undress me from my armor when we first me so I'm not surprised one bit...Oh, and I borrowed this for a while. It's a bit tight, but maybe it's really supposed to be this way, so I can flaunt something you obviously don't have..." the girl said, referring to the tunic.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh burn!

It's been almost a week. I was also going to resort to kissing to wake you up but I remembered that you're not a princess...and you don't have pure blood in your body."

Huh?

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!!! I'M STILL A VIRGIN!!!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...you don't exactly want to go about broadcasting that.

"Sorry. What I meant was you have some of my blood in you now too. I had to donate some of mine to replace the blood you lost. Good thing we share they same blood type...

Makes one wonder how they would have been able to tell that they're the same blood type. It doesn't seem likely that they'd have the medical equipment needed to be able to identify this sort of thing.

You're a virgin huh. Good for you then."

Oh, I can hear Maimi's brain plotting.

"I passed out after Mimic Rabbit pounded my face. I could feel my tunic getting soaked with my blood. And I still survived?"

"I gave you some of Turtle's elixir before we left. If not for that, you wouldn't have made it back to camp.

Good thing that Maimi thought to do that. Many would have just upped and tried to get going as quickly as possible.

The thaumaturgist fixed everything else. She even took care of Airi's broken leg. Although she's a bit young, she's pretty skilled at what she does."

"Chisato. She can heal any wound...she can even erase the scars it leaves behind."

"Thaumaturgist" is basically a $1000 word for "magician"/"sorcerer".

This means...CHISATO HAS POWERS!!!

she's one of the last remaining prodigies. That's what they were trained to do."

"Prodigies?"

"People born with extraordinary abilities: abilities that can create life, abilities that can change life and abilities that can end life. There was an academy that helped these people harness their powers...but lot of them perished when it was attacked.

To be outnumbered yet still be able to have defeated an entire school full of "prodigies", the Kings must have been planning their attack for quite a while.

No one knows how High-King was able to defeat an entire school of them, considering they could have obliterated the Kings even before they can set foot in the academy...Some suspect that it was an inside job, that one of the prodigies had connections to High-King, someone who most likely knows what the others' abilities are and she cast a spell of immunity on High-King to protect them.

If that is indeed true, then what would the goal of this collaborator have been? Just what is the connection between the collaborator and High-King? Familial? Romantic? Ambition?

"I forgot about your memory loss. Have you asked Chisato if she can..."

"Restore it? I asked her but she said that restoring a person's memory hasn't been taught to her yet. She did not risk trying it on me, because if mind might get messed up, I'll end up like you."

Oh and Maimi with yet another zinger!

Can't help but wonder how the other people in this camp would be reacting to Maimi if they knew she was actually one of the Kings. With Chisato in particular...she's got a pretty big grudge to bear against them seeing as how they trashed the school and most likely many of her friends when they attacked it. If she finds out that Maimi's a king, with the power she has (even if it is someone limited), who knows what she'll do?

How about our leader? Have you met her?"

"Yuko? Yeah. We've talked. She said I can stay for a while as long as I prove myself useful. I love talking to her. Best thing she told me was she wanted High-King out because she's been deprived of men for so long it's no longer funny...

* JFC would volunteer in a heartbeat to...um........."help"...leader.

but she should try to control her drinking.

Yeah, lack of men notwithstanding, that's not likely gonna happen with Yuko.

Not that I mind learning some secrets about you before she passes out."

"Secrets like?"

"You still wet your bed sometimes?"

"That's not true!"

"What's that?" Maimi asked as she pointed at Miya's blanket.

"...It's...It's not what you think."

"It's okay. You were dreaming about me anyway."

"..."

"You did it too when you were dreaming about Airi."

"..."

"I won't tell the others."

What about the seer? Have you talked to Natsumi?"

"Not yet. But that's what I'm going to do today." Maimi replied as she got up.

If Nacchi is really a seer, then she's the one most likely to find out that Maimi's one of the Kings. 

"You can't go out yet. Don't worry about your rounds. I've been taking care of them while you were out. If you're going to ask me to take off this tunic, I'm afraid I can't...unless you want me to make rounds naked."

* JFC wonders how long Miyabi ponders this suggestion. 

"No, not that. I just want to...I want to say thank you for saving Airi. Thank you for saving me. I'm sorry if I doubted you before."

...

"Y-You're welcome. Just recover faster. I'm tired of fighting chiemeras. I want to fight someone who can actually make me sweat. I'll tell Airi to drop by. She's been waiting for you to wake up too."

"Come back here when you're done with the patrol. Let's talk some more."

"Sure. But no unicorns alright?"

"Alright."

They say actions speak louder than words. It could certainly be said that that's the case here. Miyabi was suspicious of Maimi and her story about losing her of memory, and given the circumstances at at the time, it's sort of understandable why she felt that way. Fortunately something small like saving someone's life can go a long way to establishing trust.

Only concern now is what'll happen to that trust when it's discovered who Maimi really is.

The members of the resistance lived in tents that could accommodate at least three people. Most of them shared tents. Everyone in that particular camp was a woman anyway.

PERV THOUGHTS...RUNNING...OVERTIME!!!

Even if Yuko let her borrow a weapon she still brought along the sword she found when she woke up, the mysterious sword that only she can carry around.

Well, what's the point of leaving it behind where it can't do any good? It is a tool, and it's not like anyone else could use it, after all.

Airi told her that the seer was kind of moody. She'll talk to you if she wants to, she won't if she doesn't. That doesn't scare Maimi. Nothing scares Maimi.

But maybe she was afraid of what the seer might tell her. Maybe the seer will tell her what she doesn't want to hear: that she is indeed one of the Kings.

Damn. So Maimi suspects it already? 

"I am Maimi. Nice to meet you." she said as she bowed before the seer.

"Natsumi. Now let's get on to business shall we? Can I have a look at your sword?" the seer asked.

"Of course." Maimi prepared to hand over the sword she borrowed from Yuko but..

"Not that, the other one!"

Shit, does Nacchi know the secret of High-King's swords? 

Maimi handed her sword to the smaller woman. To her surprise, the seer was able to handle the sword with ease, as easy as the way Maimi handles it.

Eh? I thought only the Kings could wield their swords. 

"The design...the markings...and the blade...definitely one of Miki's masterpieces...where did you get this?" asked the seer.

"I..I don't know. I don't remember. How could you..."

EHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?! MIKI-SAMA MADE THE SWORDS?!?!?


Question now is, just who's side is she on? Is she some type of hermit swordsmith who'll make swords for anyone, or does she specifically work for the Kings? For that matter, when she made the swords that the Kings have, did she know what they would do with them, or does she just go with whoever can pay?

"I know who made it. And I know the soul inside this sword."

The sword has a soul?!?!? Do we even want to know how the soul was put into it or from where/whom it came?

"Soul? It has a soul?!"

"Oh? She hasn't talked to you yet? Not even in your dreams?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I guess she hasn't huh."

Sunnovabitch, now the sword can talk?!?? 

"You are not the prophecy. You are not the savior. You are not the Makiheir..."

"I know."

But if Maimi's not the one prophesied to take down the Kings, then it means that it's going to be one of the other members...and that Maimi's going to be slain.

"But..."


"You will do…At least for now."

Oh I don't like the sound of this. What, Nacchi's going to plan on using Maimi in some type of plot to figure out which of the Kings is the real prophesied saviour?




BTW, going to need some background info as to why the saviour is referred to as the "Makheir". 

[Sancho]

Wow. Nice Chapter. Knowing about the sword with a soul makes me want to read more. Good job. 

[Maimi_Yajima]

Wordy gomene   
sorry for not even make my comment yet of fifth chapter..
but I'll do with the sixth chapter.
perdoname wordy hhehehehe.
but I had many tasks of the university.
I promise to make a good comment!

I will strive for my comment in his fan fic!
Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu

[Aioros]

Chapter 6
========

"The height, the looks...you may lack 'something' that she had but you will do…perfectly. I am sure of it."

Maimi had doubts in facing the seer because she thought that she was going to tell her that she was one of the people that they feared and hated and if the others found out, they will surely drive her away.

But she didn't want to leave them.

She was already tired of wandering in the woods and has become comfortable living in the camp, even if she has been there only for a couple of days. She enjoyed living with the people and interacting with them. For her, it felt like the first time she was ever welcomed.

The real reason why she waited for Miyabi to regain consciousness before talking to the seer is that she wanted someone who could protect the people to be available in case she had to leave, in case the seer told her that she is a King.

She was relieved that Natsumi hasn't told her anything like that. Instead the seer told her something that she was not expecting at all.

"Y-You want me to pretend to be a what? Makiheir?"

"Not just pretend but I want you to be one."
 
"But isn't that lying to the people? Isn't that betraying their trust?"

"Yes. I am willing to go that far."

"I will not take part in such a plan! I think it's preposterous!"

"I don't care what you think. You will help me."

"But I..."

"You will help me."

Maimi saw no trace of hesitation from the cold, blank stare of Natsumi. She was serious. Dead serious. And it looked like she would not take no as an answer.

"You get it already huh. Excellent. It's settled then. I will be expecting a lot from you."

"G-give me a good reason why I should do it." Maimi asked.

"Very well..."  Natsumi said her as she revealed a small opening at the wall of her tent. "Take a look around."

The small window had a perfect view of the camp's central area. In it was small stage where, according to Airi, they held meetings. Maimi saw the other people in the camp smiling and laughing. It was that time of the day where the people relax, take a break from their daily duties and have fun.

"The people here look happy, right?"

"Yes. They all look..."

"Wrong. They are just doing their best to hide their sorrow. Behind every smile and laughter is a sad story. "

"W-what do you mean by that?"

"You see, most of the people here have loved ones in the Kings' city. They are most likely treated as captives but hopefully they should still be alive. If they are alive, there's a possibility that they have already been brainwashed."

"Have you tried to rescue them?"

"We did and we failed. That is why the camp needs hope. Right now, the morale is at its lowest and after the previous defeat, the people are ready to give up. Miyabi is the only legitimate fighter around and I appreciate her efforts to keep the resistance going but it's not enough...the Makiheir is their only hope."

"W-wait. Before you continue, w-what exactly is a Makiheir?"

"You must be kidding me. You haven't heard of the Makiheir?"

"I...I lost my memory."

"Really huh. You should have told me that earlier. Very well..."

"Years ago, peace was only something the people in this land longed for. The leaders of the kingdoms were selfish and tried to conquer each other. Everyday, everywhere you looked, there was fighting.  Discrimination. Collateral damage. Prisoners of war. Famine. A lot of innocent people lost their lives to any reason possible. The people lived only to survive, knowing that each might be their last. The war lasted for years. No one thought that things could not go any worse but then the Endbringer arrived."

"Endbringer?"

"Yes. A beast descended from the heavens and continued the havoc caused by the constant fighting. It killed nearly all of the vegetation just by setting its foot on the earth. When it walked, the ground shook and caused walls to tumble. Its breath could ignite anything and cause it to combust until all that is left is ashes. It was a monster but it definitely didn't look like one. It was androgynous and had wings that of an angel. It carried a huge blade and with one stroke, it decimated entire armies and cleaved hills in half. All the weapons they tried were useless because of the aura that surrounded it. Some were foolish enough and tried to capture it and use its power against the other kingdoms. They paid dearly with their lives."

"Some believe that it was God who sent the beast to punish us and cleanse the land to pave the way for the next generation. Everyone thought that there was no hope...until Maki arrived."

"No one knew where she came from but she was able to gain the trust and convince the respective leaders of the kingdoms to unite in order to defeat the Endbringer. With the help of the prodigies, they were able to contain the Endbringer. But it eventually broke free. Even if she was not a fighter, Maki confronted it, because no on else tried to."

"Of course she was no match for it in combat and she was easily overpowered. The prodigies were no longer able to aid her since all their energies were spent in the containment spell. When the Endbringer was about to give the final blow, Maki started to sing. No one knows why her song was able to stop the Endbringer dead on its tracks. It dropped its sword and closed its eyes, seemingly falling asleep. The aura that protected it dissipated. Maki's victory was certain but one of the leaders, thinking that he will get all the credit if he killed it, was stupid to fire an magically-imbued arrow towards the Endbringer's heart. Maki said that it was no longer necessary and blocked the arrow with her body to save the Endbringer. The Endbringer opened its eyes and caught Maki before she fell on the ground."

'Save them.'

"Those were the last words Maki uttered before she passed away. In a fit of anger, the Endbringer killed the leader who shot the arrow just by staring at him. Then it fired a beam that killed all the other leaders of the kingdoms. Everybody else prepared for the end but the Endbringer stopped, retrieved its sword, carried Maki's body and went back to the heavens. A bolt of lightning struck the ground and a message appeared telling the people to start anew and rebuild."

"The smoke from the war that stopped the sun from shining on the land disappeared. The sky was blue once more and the land fertile. It was a signal that the dark ages were over. But there was also a warning in the message, that once the land becomes a battleground and the leaders become selfish again, the Endbringer will return."

"The people were not afraid because they believed that someone like Maki will also appear when the Endbringer comes and they called this person the Makiheir. But they also did not just rely on her. They followed what the message asked them to do. By helping each other rebuild, the kingdoms prospered and there was peace. The peace was enough and as years passed, the requisite for someone like Maki was no longer needed. That is until High-King brought the land to the dark ages once more."

"The Endbringer has come back? Is that what you are telling me?"

"It is the role of the Makiheir to prevent its return. If she fails to, then the Makiheir will be the one to fight it. So far, there has been no sign that it has returned. That's why High-King's tyranny must end, before the Endbringer descends once more."

"I see."

"So is everything clear now?"

"Kind of. But can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Did you...did you see all of this happen?"

"..."

"Natsumi?"

"I find that question extremely offensive. Do I really look old? I'm not even in my thirties yet. Of course I wasn't around yet during that time. The story was just passed on to me by my teacher."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I forgive you."

"I will think about it first. I will tell you my answer when I'm ready."

"No need. I know what your answer will be already." Natsumi told her as Maimi prepared to exit her tent. "Our conversation will not leave my tent. It is composed of materials that prevent the people from the other side from hearing anything, even prodigies like Chisato. It's up to you if you want to tell anything to Yuko or anyone."

"You said that people outside won't be able to hear anything from the inside...but I swear I could hear you humming a familiar song before I entered earlier. I knew I heard it somewhere before..."

"Really? Then you must be the exception." Natsumi said as she smiled. "That was Maki's song. If it sounded familiar then that means that you've heard it even before you lost your memory."

"I see. By the way, Natsumi..."

"Yes?"

"C-can I ask you another question?"

"I would prefer that you call me Nacchi."

"Natsu...I mean Nacchi...am I...am I one of the Kings?"

"You are the only one who can answer that question, Maimi..."

===

Maimi left the tent with Natsumi's answer lingering in her mind. As she headed for Miyabi's tent, she kept on pondering what the seer meant by that and she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice that she was being followed.

"Hey!"

She turned around and found three girls. One of them was wearing glasses. Another had a pair of pigtails. And the third was cute.

"C-can I help you with anything?" Maimi asked them.

"How'd you get so sexy?" asked by the one with the pigtails. "What do you eat? I hope I can grow up like you."

"Irori?! That's no way to talk to someone who could be the Makiheir!" said the cute one. "Please pardon her Ma'am. She doesn't know what she's talking about."

"I know what I'm talking about, Saki! Take a look at her legs! It's even better that Miss Airi's!!!"

"And she wears Miss Miyabi's tunic the way it's supposed to be." added the one wearing glasses.

"And how am I supposed to wear my tunic, Manami?"

"Chest out of course...wait, who said that?"

The three girls looked behind them and found Miyabi looking like she was ready to kill a chimera. There was a mix of a grin and a smile on her face. If she was not hurt she would have pinched their ears until they came off.

"Miss Miyabi..."

True. Miyabi was known as the camp's best fighter. But she was also notorious for being a hothead who loses her temper even to just a few words. That is the only reason why some of the people avoid her. But there are some like Airi who still admire her despite that small flaw.

"Saki, Irori, Manami. Please go back to your duties. You don't want Yuko to get mad, right?"

The three wondered why Miyabi did not blow her top. They were expecting her to start a fight but instead she was rather calm.

"Yes, Ma'am." the three replied as they bowed.

The two went ahead but one remained with Miyabi and Maimi.

"Hmmm. What is it, Saki?" Miyabi asked.

"I...I hope you get well soon, Miss Miyabi. We picked some herbs for you, in case you need them." Saki said as she offered a small pouch to Miyabi.

"Thank you, Saki." said Miyabi as she took the pouch from the small girl's little hands and patted her head. "I will be fine."

"You have a lot of admirers." Maimi said as they watched Saki leave.

"Those kids' parents are in the Kings' city. I promised them that if the Makiheir doesn't arrive, I will be the one who rescues their parents."

"Can you do that?"

"I don't know. But someone has to do it."

"How do you know that you're not the Makiheir?"

"Are you trying to start a fight?"

"What? Of course not. I'm just asking you something."

"Didn't the seer tell you that Maki had..."

Miyabi whispered something to her and Maimi checked her out after that.

"Looks like those are the 'some things' that I lacked she was referring to"

"See. If yours weren't enough, how are mine supposed to compete?"

===

A few days ago...

Chanponchan Throne Room

It has been months since this room has been used. There were still four chairs but now only three of them were occupied. The last time the Kings were in this room at the same time was when one of them was reportedly killed in action. But the reports of chimeras getting killed in a certain region caught their attention.

"Hmm. Looks like the fighter in that camp has gotten stronger. Do you think it's time we test her skills, Diamonds?" asked the King who had clubs-shaped earrings. "I want to fight."

"Killing a lot of chimeras isn't a gauge of how well she can fight. Though I have to admit that killing a few hundred in a span of a month is pretty impressive. I already asked Asami to create more powerful ones. She said that they will be ready in a few more days."

"Don't worry you two. I already sent some of my troops to spy on her~!"

"You mean Rabbit and Turtle? They're dead, Spades."

"If that is a joke, it's not a funny one Clubs~!"

"I'm not joking. I had some of my troops retrieve their bodies. They were found in the area where all the chimeras are getting killed. And take note of this: they were killed by the poison from Crosshair Turtle's daggers."

"Someone who can fight and defeat two members of Straight Flush? Interesting. I guess I was wrong about her. I want to meet this fighter too."

"G-get in line, Diamonds! Once I confirm that she indeed killed Rabbit and Turtle, I won't let anyone else kill her except me~!"

"Very well. I won't be in your way...but if Hearts was here, she would probably have left and killed the enemy even before we declared this meeting was over."

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop comparing me with her? She's dead, Diamonds. I saw her die with my own eyes. Or do you want me to tell you everything that happened then~?"

*Yawn* "No thanks, Spades. I'm tired of your story about Hearts trying to kill you so you killed her first. But you know, I still find that tale quite impossible. I mean, how can you defeat Hearts when you're the worst fighter among us?" 

The King of Spades stood from her chair, slapped the King of Clubs with the back of her hand and smiled.

"Shut up. Midget~."

The King of Clubs retaliated by kicking Spades who stood in front of her. She also got up from her chair and as she approached Spades, both of them were unsheathing their blades.  But before they were able to pull out their swords…

"Enough! This is a throne room, not an arena. If you want to fight, do it outside." Diamonds said as she snapped her fingers.

The other two kings retuned their swords to their sheaths and exchanged angry glances. Spades smirked and started to leave the room.

"I won't forget this, Clubs~." she said as she left.

"Are you alright?" Diamond asked Clubs after she saw her touching the part of her face that Spades hit.

"I'm fine. Kanon can hit harder than that during training."

"I see. I told you before not to provoke her. She has a short temper. Next time, I won't be stopping you two."

"Understood."

"Good. Meeting over." Diamonds said as she stood from her seat and prepared to head out. "By the way, what are we going to do with the girl who killed those chimeras?"

"Do not fret, I already have a spy in that camp..."

===

A few days later...

Thanks to the herbs Saki gave her, Miyabi felt like she was fully recovered. Even if Airi told her not to go out yet, she insisted that she alternated making rounds with Maimi.

After the afternoon patrol, Miyabi went somewhere, into a place she only knew.

Not far from the camp was a small spring. That was Miyabi's secret place, the place she goes to when she wants to relax, clear her mind and, well, take a bath. Even Airi doesn't know about it. Miyabi didn't want her to find out because if she did, she would surely want to take a bath with her there everytime.

Miyabi only noticed it after she has taken off all her garments that there was something or someone who was already in the spring before her.

With the illusion created by the spring's steam, she initially thought that it was a unicorn because of its complexion. But it was not. It was a girl.

The girl had wavy brown hair and she looked like she was around Airi's age, definitely younger than Miyabi. She was pretty and her skin was smooth. Miyabi found her big ears cute.

She stared at Miyabi, like a child would do if her mother caught her doing something naughty.

Like Miyabi, the girl didn't have any garments on.

But unlike her, the girl could probably wear Miyabi's favorite tunic the way it's supposed to be, triggering Miyabi's insecurities.

"Who are you?" Miyabi asked her as she crossed her arms on her chest. "How did you find this place?"

"..."

"Hey, I'm talking to you."

"M...ma..."

"What? I can't hear you. Speak louder!"





"M-MASTER!!!"

[ayase909]

yay! was it rii-chan in the spring???????? make it rii-chan,,,,,,,,,make airi jealous, i want a love triangle, airi-miya and risako!

[rokun]

It sure did sound like Rii-chan. Who knows with anything in this story though? After this last segment I have some more guesses on the kings too, but I'll keep them to myself for the moment. The only one I'm not sure of is what others have guessed about so far, so I'll go with that to say I have an idea on them all.

Interesting story about the Maki-heir, though with some all-powerful Endbringer able to come down and basically eliminate anyone, I'm not sure how much point anything is. That would sure be and easy way to rid of the kings though... unless they're more powerful even than they seem?

Also, yay for someone else using random eggs in a story! I figured I could count on you for that, especially considering your current signature. Thanks for the long-awaited update!

[Amarghetta]

Master? As in the girl is a slave... or a genie, maybe?
Whoa, if it's Rii-chan, I'll just die for an overdose of cuteness! 
(Or maybe not. I've resisted until now...)

Lol @ Miya for not being able to compete with Maki. Poor girl, everybody's making fun of her lack of feminine attributes. But, really, who can compete with Maki except for Yui-chan?

[JFC]

Chapter 6

"The height, the looks...you may lack 'something' that she had but you will do…perfectly. I am sure of it."

Maimi had doubts in facing the seer because she thought that she was going to tell her that she was one of the people that they feared and hated and if the others found out, they will surely drive her away.

Well, there's no guarantee that Nacchi still won't tell Maimi what she fears most.

But...nevermind that for now. Exactly why is Nacchi still going on about Maimi and why "she will do"? 

Instead the seer told her something that she was not expecting at all.

"Y-You want me to pretend to be a what? Makiheir?"

"Not just pretend but I want you to be one."

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH??? 

But Nacchi told her that she wasn't the Makiheir...now she wants her to act like she's it anyway? Even with the "added" skills that Maimi has over the other soldiers in the camp, if she's not "the one", then she's not going to be able to do what "the one" needs to be able to do. So what's the point then?

"I will not take part in such a plan! I think it's preposterous!"

"I don't care what you think. You will help me."

"But I..."

"You will help me."

Maimi saw no trace of hesitation from the cold, blank stare of Natsumi. She was serious. Dead serious. And it looked like she would not take no as an answer.

Eeek. Something tells me mad Nacchi is is NOT a good thing.

the camp needs hope. Right now, the morale is at its lowest and after the previous defeat, the people are ready to give up. Miyabi is the only legitimate fighter around and I appreciate her efforts to keep the resistance going but it's not enough...the Makiheir is their only hope.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, I see.  With their morale down, the camp's even more vulnerable that it normally would be. With their current state of mind, they likely wouldn't survive an attack because they wouldn't put up much of a fight. If they believe that the Makiheir is on their side, then they'll believe that the Kings CAN be slain, and they'll fight to see that it happens.

*THE TALE OF "THE MAKIHEIR"*

Well, well, well.  Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinterestung, to say the least.


That "Endbringer" doesn't sound like something you want pissed off at you.

The peace was enough and as years passed, the requisite for someone like Maki was no longer needed. That is until High-King brought the land to the dark ages once more.

So it isn't necessarily High-King themselves that the people need to worry about, but the fact that they're the ones who might potentially cause the return of The Endbringer.

"So is everything clear now?"

"Kind of. But can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Did you...did you see all of this happen?"

"..."

"Natsumi?"

"I find that question extremely offensive. Do I really look old? I'm not even in my thirties yet. Of course I wasn't around yet during that time. The story was just passed on to me by my teacher."

"I'm sorry."

I don't know whether to chuckle at the "age" joke, be worried for Maimi in case she really pissed off Nacchi, or be extra suspicious of Nacchi's reaction.

"Our conversation will not leave my tent. It is composed of materials that prevent the people from the other side from hearing anything, even prodigies like Chisato. It's up to you if you want to tell anything to Yuko or anyone."

"You said that people outside won't be able to hear anything from the inside...but I swear I could hear you humming a familiar song before I entered earlier. I knew I heard it somewhere before..."

"Really? Then you must be the exception." Natsumi said as she smiled. "That was Maki's song. If it sounded familiar then that means that you've heard it even before you lost your memory."

So other than Nacchi, no one else knows the full, REAL story of Maki and The Endbringer? Makes one wonder if telling them would even make a difference?  Maimi knows that it's The Endbringer that can bring the end of it all, but according to what Nacchi told her, it won't be something that they'll have to worry about if High-King is stopped. Currently, all the people of the land consider stopping High-King to be of utmost importance. If they do it, then it should mean that they would automatically stop The Endbringer (regardless of whether they're aware of it's existence or not). Keeping the others in the dark about it might actually be better. They're scared enough at the prospect of fighting High-King, to hear about The Endbringer...that might be too much for them to overcome their fear.

"C-can I ask you another question?"

...

am I...am I one of the Kings?"

"You are the only one who can answer that question, Maimi..."

Heh, it's one of those "only if you want to be" kind of responses. Makes sense in a way. Maimi's still her own person, lost memory or not. In her past, she was a King, but that doesn't mean that she has to be one now. NOW, she's simply Maimi...and Maimi can be whoever she wants to be. 

*MAIMI'S "FANS"*

Awwwwwwwwww...kawaii~!

"And she wears Miss Miyabi's tunic the way it's supposed to be." added the one wearing glasses.

"And how am I supposed to wear my tunic, Manami?"

"Chest out of course...wait, who said that?"

The three girls looked behind them and found Miyabi looking like she was ready to kill a chimera. There was a mix of a grin and a smile on her face. If she was not hurt she would have pinched their ears until they came off.

"Didn't the seer tell you that Maki had..."

Miyabi whispered something to her and Maimi checked her out after that.

"Looks like those are the 'some things' that I lacked she was referring to"

"See. If yours weren't enough, how are mine supposed to compete?"

Took me a second to figure this one out.  Then it clicked...it's "Maki's" heir.

It has been months since this room has been used. There were still four chairs but now only three of them were occupied. The last time the Kings were in this room at the same time was when one of them was reportedly killed in action. But the reports of chimeras getting killed in a certain region caught their attention.

Uh-oh...the Kings know something's up. 

"Hmm. Looks like the fighter in that camp has gotten stronger. Do you think it's time we test her skills, Diamonds?" asked the King who had clubs-shaped earrings. "I want to fight."

Shit, not only do they know something's up, but they know WHERE it's happening?!?!?

"Killing a lot of chimeras isn't a gauge of how well she can fight. Though I have to admit that killing a few hundred in a span of a month is pretty impressive. I already asked Asami to create more powerful ones. She said that they will be ready in a few more days."

Asami? Are we talking about...Konkon?

"G-get in line, Diamonds! Once I confirm that she indeed killed Rabbit and Turtle, I won't let anyone else kill her except me~!"

"Very well. I won't be in your way...but if Hearts was here, she would probably have left and killed the enemy even before we declared this meeting was over."

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop comparing me with her? She's dead, Diamonds. I saw her die with my own eyes. Or do you want me to tell you everything that happened then~?"

Hmmmm...so then...Maimi was Hearts? We know that Reina is Spades.

*Yawn* "No thanks, Spades. I'm tired of your story about Hearts trying to kill you so you killed her first. But you know, I still find that tale quite impossible. I mean, how can you defeat Hearts when you're the worst fighter among us?"

The King of Spades stood from her chair, slapped the King of Clubs with the back of her hand and smiled.

"Shut up. Midget~."

...

"Enough! This is a throne room, not an arena. If you want to fight, do it outside." Diamonds said as she snapped her fingers.

Midget? Clubs must be Captain...that leaves Aichan to be Diamonds (which makes sense, given her more "authoritative" tone amongst them during this meeting).

Meeting over." Diamonds said as she stood from her seat and prepared to head out. "By the way, what are we going to do with the girl who killed those chimeras?"

"Do not fret, I already have a spy in that camp..."

Oh boy. 

Not far from the camp was a small spring. That was Miyabi's secret place, the place she goes to when she wants to relax, clear her mind and, well, take a bath. Even Airi doesn't know about it. Miyabi didn't want her to find out because if she did, she would surely want to take a bath with her there everytime.

Would that be such a bad thing?

*THE SUPRISE AT THE SPRING*

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh boy.
 

"M...ma..."

"What? I can't hear you. Speak louder!"





"M-MASTER!!!"

Ummmmmmmmmmm...does Miyabi have an apprentice/squire?

Or should I say......enter...the spy?   

[Maimi_Yajima]

Well, I have taken more than expected to make my comment.
Forgive  for this. nE? 

chapter 5

"Miya...oh Miya~ah!"

"A-Airi? Is that you? Where am I?"

"You were right about unicorns all along! They do exist!"

"I told you so. Wait, where are you?"

"I'm riding a unicorn! And she's got some pretty nice legs. I bet she can run very fast!"

"Where are you?!"

Airi didn't respond anymore.

Miyabi got up and ran. She wanted to see Airi but more importantly, she wanted to see the mythical beast the two of them would mostly argue about. That was the first time that Airi told her that she was right about unicorns. And she wanted to rub it in her face.

She didn't know exactly where she was supposed to go but she ran. She felt that she was running forever but she feels that she was running the right direction. She was about to give up but Airi called her again.

"Miya...I'm here..."

That was all she needed. She followed Airi's voice and finally found herself in a stable. She caught her breath and made sure Airi was there.

"A-Airi?"

Unicorn ...
hahha my white horse really looks like a unicorn, it is very white.
alone that  do not have horns my horse. lol
a question ...
Why Miyabi much love for unicorns?
Airi is so Kawai  calling to miyabyi. lol
jajajaja!
Airi riding a unicorn. poor Miyabi 

"Look Miya, she's so white and gentle! Her hair is so soft...and she smells nice too!"

"I told you so."

"It won't hurt me right? Oh! It's licking me! Stop! That tickles!"

"Hahaha! It's harmless. Just don't do anything...naughty. You might scare it away."

"Why don't you come here Miya..."

Airi ...
What are you doing? 
you is really so innocent? 

"Alright. Now what are...wait..."

hehehe Miya 

"Wait!"

"That's not a unicorn!" Miyabi said as she saw the 'beast' Airi was 'riding'.

"That's....that's...."

"MAIMI!!!"

Miyabi believes in the existence of unicorns, Miyabi is innocent and beautiful in this part.
but ...
is not as innocent as Airi.
curious ...
Airi is innocent and does not believe in the existence of unicorns.
This part is fun. 
Another detail ...
Maimi be a unicorn,   
Airi ... 
AIRI only you believe this.   

"..."
"You were right about the legs though..."

miya hehehe

Miyabi sat up from her mattress and looked around. She was home. She was at the camp. She was in her tent.

after all, was only a dream. 
strange  the dream of miyabi. 
dreaming of unicorns ...
Pegasos are the best! 
the pegasos are the most beautiful! 
but, maimi  be a unicorn in the dream of miyabi hehehe ... lol 

Someone was wearing her favorite tunic.

"What the? Maimi?!"

this part is no longer a dream of Miyabi?   

"Hmmm. I'm not sure if I should be happy that you're dreaming about me...I already saw some signs when you were trying to undress me from my armor when we first me so I'm not surprised one bit...Oh, and I borrowed this for a while. It's a bit tight, but maybe it's really supposed to be this way, so I can flaunt something you obviously don't have..." the girl said, referring to the tunic.

jajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajjajajajajajjajjajjajajajajajajA!!!!! 
Maimi is very direct!   
I like to see a direct maimi and say what you think! 
Ha is interesting! 

"What are you doing in my tent?"

good question Miyabi, good question Miya. 

"Waiting for you to wake up. It's been almost a week. I was also going to resort to kissing to wake you up but I remembered that you're not a princess...and you don't have pure blood in your body."

Maimi is noble  you! 
cares about Miyabi!  kawaii

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!!! I'M STILL A VIRGIN!!!"

   
Miyabi you fell andalusia wordplay of Maimi.
maimi this often of  word. lol
I wonder if   this is spontaneous.

"Sorry. What I meant was you have some of my blood in you now too. I had to donate some of mine to replace the blood you lost. Good thing we share they same blood type...You're a virgin huh. Good for you then."

maimi that is noble! 
Maimi sharing blood with Miyabi! Miyabi is virgin kawai!! 

"Oh." Miyabi hid her blush by covering herself with her blanket. "I thought you left us back there."

Miyabi is kawaii in of part!!! 

"Chisato. She can heal any wound...she can even erase the scars it leaves behind."

"She has one on her face. Why doesn't she get rid of that?"

"So you saw that too huh."

"Of course. But the scar seems to hide itself when she's got that big smile on her face, just like the way she hides her sorrow."

"She told us that that scar will remain there to remind her of what her purpose is in this world."

"And that is?"

"To be a person for others, to put those in need ahead before herself."

"Quite noble of her. That will be quite a responsibility."

Chisato is interesting in this chapter.
was the savior of Miyabi.
but ...
Chisato is cruel with she herself.

"Prodigies?"

"People born with extraordinary abilities: abilities that can create life, abilities that can change life and abilities that can end life. There was an academy that helped these people harness their powers...but lot of them perished when it was attacked. No one knows how High-King was able to defeat an entire school of them, considering they could have obliterated the Kings even before they can set foot in the academy...Some suspect that it was an inside job, that one of the prodigies had connections to High-King, someone who most likely knows what the others' abilities are and she cast a spell of immunity on High-King to protect them. Chisato and a few others were able to escape but the got separated once they fled. I do know that one is with Kaori's camp."

Chisato means  that she   be serious, responsible and focused?? 
is a good place to know more about the characters and this part of history. 
 the work of chisato is respectable. 

"Wow. You sure know a lot about history."

kakkoi, Miyabi is kakkoi 
   
she really has much knowledge ... 
maimi understand her surprise. 

"History?! That just happened a few months ago! And you won't need books to remember something as tragic as that!"

lol    if it just happened.
Kings are to be feared!
I wonder ... 
If Maimi... if she was there when all this happened. 

"I see."

   

"I forgot about your memory loss. Have you asked Chisato if she can..."

   
yes, Maimi lost his memory and can not remember that. 

"Restore it? I asked her but she said that restoring a person's memory hasn't been taught to her yet. She did not risk trying it on me, because if mind might get messed up, I'll end up like you."

After all ... 
is not as simple to restore the memory.   
would be too simple and easy that Maimi regain her memory so fast.     

"I have a straight mind, yo! How about our leader? Have you met her?"

really??? Miyabi???   



tomorrow continue with post.
   

[slasha]

So Maimi has to pretend to be a Makiheir...hope she doesn't get in trouble

And Nacchi scared me with the seriousness

I'm glad Miyabi's feeling better though

[Aioros]

Diamonds
========

"Hmmm? What's the matter Risa?"

*sniff* "They laughed at me. They laughed at my answer." *sniff*

"Hahaha. You're crying because of that? Hahaha."

"You believe me, don't you? Chanponchan exists, right?"

"I'm not...I don't think it..." she stopped herself from laughing but it could not be avoided.

*sniff* *sniff*

"Oh, alright. I believe you Risa."

"Even if they laugh at you too?"

"I don't care about what they do or what they think. You're more important than them."

"Thank you..." Risa said as she embraced her.

Risa was her best friend. They lived in the same village, went to the same school, had the same group of friends...they were like sisters who couldn't be separated.

She seemed like an austere person when she was younger and many thought that there was something wrong with her. She would not go out of their house and just watched the other girls as they played outside. But Risa, the first person not from her family to reach out and talk to her, had a cheerful attitude and she helped her lighten up and become more sociable.

Years passed and they grew. They grew up into beautiful women. They were even called Celestials.

Though they were just commoners, news of their beauty spread even to those in the upper class. Earls, Dukes and even Princes tried to ask their hands for marriage but both declined them gently. They were not yet ready. Even rejected, those men didn't cease to admire and respect the two.

But there was one king who didn't take it well. And he went too far.

He instructed his men to abduct the two girls...

===

The blindfold prevented her from seeing and the rope stopped her from doing anything. But she could hear Risa crying, calling her, asking for help. She couldn't see but she knew what he was doing to her. All she could do was cry.

She couldn't help her.

She couldn't see her.

Until it was her turn.

===

Surprisingly, the king didn't kill them. Instead he kept them in a dungeon and used them whenever he wanted to. They were bound by shackles that would stop them in case they tried to take their lives or attempt to harm the king.

The king tried to do something new every time they would engage in those acts. Sometimes he would use pain to produce the pleasure he was looking for. He would ask them to do things to each other as he watched and he would lash them in case they refused.

Though they were violated and abused, they never lost their beauty and they looked as young as ever, for the king also had control of one prodigy and he would command her to heal their wounds, remove any scars and restore them back to how they were during their first time, untainted and untouched.

So it was their first time. Everytime.

The pernicious deed continued almost everyday but the two of them never lost hope.

Because they had each other.

Days.

Weeks.

Months.

They endured it. Together.

But one day, she woke up alone. They told her that Risa died and they already disposed her body in a nearby marsh. She also found out from one of the guards that her family was killed when they tried to beg for her freedom.

She was crushed.

Lost.

Afraid.

She did not know how to go on...

===

"W-what's your name?" she asked the prodigy while she was restoring her once more. "We've been doing this for a couple of times but you still haven't told me your name."

"A-Asami. My name is Asami." answered the prodigy. "T-this is the first time you talked to me."

"I don't have anyone to talk to anymore. Can you be my friend?"

"F-friend?"

"Yes."

Asami didn't answer her with words. Instead she started to sob and tears ran down her cheeks.

"I guess that means yes?"

"I'm sorry. For what I'm doing to you. I'm sorry for everything that I did. I know it's unforgivable. I would be honored if you will be the one to kill me someday."

"Don't. I have nothing against you. I know it's not your fault. And besides, you’re my friend. I would never want to do anything like that to you."

"T-thank you."

"What's your story?"

"My parents sold me to him to repay a debt."

"Really? I'm sorry for asking you about that. We should talk about something else. How long have you been here?"

"So long even I don't remember."

"You have powers right? Why don't you fight back?"

Asami pointed at the ornament on her neck.

"As long as this choker is around, I am under his control. It only gets tighter if I try to remove it. It sends shocks even if I just think of going against him."

"I see...Asami...?"

"Yes?"

"Aren't you tired of this kind of life?"

===

She was tired.

But her life was like that. She thought that there would be no end to it but one night, a woman named Makoto, opened the doors of her dungeon.

"Hurry. All the guards are in the festival. This is our chance." Makoto told her as she removed the shackles that bound her.

"Asami...I have so set her free too."

"No need." answered Makoto and Asami appeared behind her. "I already took care of that. I also removed that stupid choker."

"T-thank you. But why are you doing this? Will you not get into trouble?"

"I plan on leaving this place along with you two. I'm sick and tired of what's going on here. He may be my father but I don't condone his actions. I'm a woman just like you afterall."

"He's your father?"

"Yes. But I'm nothing like him."

"I...I want to...I'm going to kill your father first." she said as she grabbed the small sword that was on Makoto's waist. "I won't let you stop me. I'm sorry."

"It's your choice. We will be waiting for you in the southern gate."

"Don't wait for me. I will follow you..."

===

The sword, though small, was still heavy.

She never tried to wield any kind of weapon before.

But she dragged it, until she reached the king's room.

He was asleep.

Perfect.

He won't know what's going to happen to him.

She only had one chance.

With all her might she carried the sword over her head.  She stopped her tears from falling until it was over.

For her family.

For Risa.

She only had one chance.

But she missed.

The sword was too heavy.

The king woke up and took her down and knocked her out.

And proceeded to do what he always does to her...

===

She woke up in the dungeon once more. The shackles were back on her wrists and ankles.

She looked at herself from a puddle of water and saw bruises on her face. She also noticed a choker similar to Asami wrapped around her neck. There were also gashes over her entire body. She could barely stand up so she crawled to where they would leave her food. She was just about to take a bite from a piece of bread when one guard came bursting in and dragged her out.

The king was infuriated after finding out that Asami was now gone. Without Asami, there was no way to restore her back. Her beauty was still there, but her purity was withered. He refused to look at her now, with her current state. He regretted that he roughed her up the night before.

But...

He knew that the guards wanted a piece of her so he said:

"I have no use for her anymore. Do whatever you want."

And that's exactly what the guards did.

They took her to their barracks and did whatever they wanted...

===

When they were done with her, they dumped her body in the middle of the forest, thinking that the beasts will be the one to finish her off.

There was a hunter who was just passing by and caught a glimpse of her. He still recognized her as one of the Celestials, despite all her wounds.

He took her to his cabin and nursed her until she was healthy. She recovered but all the scars remained.

He was able to remove the chains but nothing can be done to the shackles.

She was in good hands. But she hasn't said anything since the day he found her.

He would tell her stories and do things to try and cheer her up but it was useless.

She knew that his intentions were pure, but she could not forgive, let alone forget what the king and those guards did to her, to Risa.

She was not ready to love.

But she did not let his efforts go in vain. She would smile back at him and that was enough.

He knew that there was still hope for her.

Day by day, she opened up and told him what has happened to her, what they did to her and he listened so he would understand her more.

One day, while the two of them were gazing at the sky, he held her hand and confessed his feelings.

She was overwhelmed, for she thought that no one could ever love someone like her.

Someone who was abused, violated, stripped of her dignity.

She asked him if it was just because of sympathy that he said that but he said that his love is something deeper than that.

She hugged him and thanked him. He promised her that everything will be alright.

Back in the cabin, just when they were about to consummate their love, memories of her past haunted her and she ran away. He followed and found her, sitting under a tree.

She told him to leave her alone but he insisted that they talk.

She screamed and closed her eyes as he was about to hold her hand.

But his hand never reached her.

She opened her eyes after hearing a thud.

Her lover's body lay on the ground, his head severed from his body.

There was a woman, wiping the blood from her sword and looked at her. She wore an elegant-looking armor and carried a few other swords on her back.

"Men are such filthy creatures, aren't they? Do not believe anything he told you. Love? Ha! He just wants to screw you then when he gets tired of you he'll leave you behind! All men are like that. So don't be fooled!"

The woman threw the sword she was cleaning at her side.

"You can have that. I know that she will be very useful."

She picked up the sword. Though it was a lot bigger than the sword she used when she tried to kill the king, it felt as light as a feather.

"Ooh. Looks like I was right all along. She sensed all the hatred inside and chose you. Her name is Godsmite. Nice, nice."

She stood up tried to slash vertically with the sword. It was just a light swing but it cracked the earth and blew away some of the trees that was in front of her.

She swung the sword harder, this time into the sky. It was able to part the clouds that were blocking the moon. 

"Careful there. I don't want you cutting the moon in half or something." the woman warned her.

She was speechless after seeing what the sword could do. She could finally get back at her tormentors. But she felt that having a weapon is not enough. She wanted to get stronger.

"If you want, you can come with me. I still need to find the owners of my other swords. And I will be training you as we go along."

She didn't have a choice. She had no where left to go and she knew that the woman would kill her if she refused.

She said yes.

"Good. There's a castle nearby. Maybe you want to test the sword more there? I bet you can destroy its walls from where you are standing right now."

"No. I will save that kingdom for last. When I am ready."

"Very well. What's your name?"

"Ai."

~~~

"Ai! Wake up Ai~!"

"S-Spades...where am I?"

"Daydreaming again huh~?"

"Didn't I tell you not to call me by that name when we're not in my room?"

"But we are in your room...and I am on your bed...and I am on top of you~!"

"Oh..."

"Know what, you should have told me earlier that you weren't in the mood. Humping a corpse is not fun. Not fun at all~." Spades said as she got off and dressed up. "Be back later, ne~?"

Without putting anything on, Ai got up from her bed and stepped outside her balcony.

All her other scars were erased by Asami.

She was as beautiful as ever.

It was just in time for dusk and she watched as the lights of the city started to get lit.

"Chanponchan exists, Risa. Let's see them laugh at us now..." she said as she touched the shackles that were still on her wrists. And the choker was still present too, even if the others were capable of removing it. Ai wanted it to remain. Those were the last fragments of her past afterall.

They called her a Celestial before, a woman known for her beauty and benevolence.

But now she is the King of Diamonds, just a mention of her name causes anyone to cower in fear and despair.

Kill me

She went back inside and picked up her sword.

"Looks like he grew back a tongue, Masae."

She pushed a panel and a portion of her wall spun.

There was a man chained to it.

"What should we do to you today? I know! I'm going to crack your skull open and scatter your brains all over the place. Let's find out how long you will recover from that."

"Kill me...please...I can't take this anymore...I beg you..."

"I don't remember you stopping when we begged you to."

It was the king.

The king who asked his men to abduct her and Risa.

The king who took away their innocence, the one who abused them each night.

The king who killed her parents.

"No. It would be unfair if I killed you know. If you die, I would be the only one burdened with pain and suffering. I decide when you die."

"P-please..."

"Silence!" yelled Ai as he cut off one of his limbs. Roots emerged from his body and started to reattach the severed arm.

Ai asked Asami to infuse the king's body with a highly-regenerative plant.

So when Ai cuts or stabs the king, the plant's core will try to restore him back. Even if his head gets cut, or his whole body torn, he won't die but it will leave him disfigured. He can survive almost anything. In fact he didn't even have to eat anymore. He will only die if he is set on fire.

"Killing you won't bring Risa or my family back!"

"I...I told you...you friend is still alive...She didn't die...I just sold her to another king..."

"Shut up!" shouted Ai as she plunged her sword into the king's mouth and left if there. "Do you expect me to believe anything you say?! After what you've done?!"

"She...she..."

"Enough!!!"

Ai punched the sword that was sticking out of the king's mouth, causing it to turn and slicing the king's head across. As soon as the upper part of his head fell on the ground, roots emerged from his neck and started to slowly reconstruct him.

Ai pushed on the panel again to remove him from her sight.

She picked up Godsmite, her sword, and wiped it clean.

"I'm sorry for hitting you, Masae. I got carried away. The choker still sends shocks whenever I hurt him, but it really doesn't hurt anymore..."

*knock* *knock*

"Enter."

A young girl went inside.

"Mistress, they asked me to call you. It's time for dinner and I can see everything since you're not wearing anything and...oooh don't you feel cold? Should I get some clothes from your cupboard?" the girl said as she covered her eyes with her hands.

"Hahaha. What's the matter Ayaka? This is not the first time you saw me in a state of undress."

"I don't know. I'm just envious of your body, Mistress."

"You have nothing to be envious of. My body has gone through a lot. And I pray that you'll never have to endure whatever hell I went through."

"I see."

"So."

"So...when are you going to get dressed? I want to eat dinner now you know…"

[Fenrir]

Hmmm, is Maimi going to become villain to savior?! She has every reason to try to kill Spades.

Ahaha, Miya has her own fanclub and now soon-to-be slave? Maid? Or is she really a spy?!

Takagaki!!!  I got all sad, depressed, and mad at the stuff they had to go through. I say torture the king until then end of time!!!  But if the king is saying the truth, that means Risa could still be alive!!! Perhaps Ai can still be redeemed?

And an appearance by Miki!!

[JFC]

Diamonds

*THE BIRTH OF DIAMONDS*

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLY FUCK!!!


Risa NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!


Mako's dad?!?! That king was Mako's DAD?????      

God I hope Aichan eventually paid back that king (not to mention his guards) for what they did. 

It's no wonder they've got Konkon on their side. Aichan was kind to her, in spite of what she was being made to do to her and Risa. More than that, Aichan was probably one of (if not) the first friend she ever had.  She witnessed first-hand what Aichan went through, so she's got just as much reason to hate/be bitter.

MIKI-SAMA GAVE HER THE SWORD!!!

"Ai! Wake up Ai~!"

"S-Spades...where am I?"

"Daydreaming again huh~?"

"Didn't I tell you not to call me by that name when we're not in my room?"

"But we are in your room...and I am on your bed...and I am on top of you~!"

"Oh..."

"Know what, you should have told me earlier that you weren't in the mood. Humping a corpse is not fun. Not fun at all~." Spades said as she got off and dressed up. "Be back later, ne~?"

Were they? Did Reina just...yeah...she did, didn't she? They were....

Oy vey. 

"Chanponchan exists, Risa. Let's see them laugh at us now..." she said as she touched the shackles that were still on her wrists. And the choker was still present too, even if the others were capable of removing it. Ai wanted it to remain. Those were the last fragments of her past afterall.

Man, how long has it been? How long as Aichan been so angry? 

Kill me

She went back inside and picked up her sword.

"Looks like he grew back a tongue, Masae."

Masae? The sword? I thought Miki said it was named "Godsmite".  This some personal nickname that Aichan gave it?

And wait a sec...grew back a tongue?

*BEHIND THE PANEL*

Ooooooooooooooooooooooh vengeance is DAMN cold, isn't it.

As much as I abhor torture in real life...considering the circumstances of WHO it is, and the "history" between them, I can't say that what Aichan's doing isn't understandable, to say the least.

"I...I told you...you friend is still alive...She didn't die...I just sold her to another king..."

"Shut up!" shouted Ai as she plunged her sword into the king's mouth and left if there. "Do you expect me to believe anything you say?! After what you've done?!"

He could indeed be lying through his teeth, and just trying to come up with SOMETHING to get her to end it all, but if he's telling the truth here, then he was a complete idiot to tell her that she had died in the first place.  Psychologically speaking, when Aichan was still his prisoner, he could have made her more...compliant...if he had said that Risa was alive and out there somewhere, instead of dead at the bottom of some marsh the way he did. BIG mistake. Telling someone that you killed their best friend and dumped her body somewhere to rot? What was he thinking?

More importantly, IF Risa really WAS sold off to another king, what became of her? 

*knock* *knock*

"Enter."

A young girl went inside.

"Mistress, they asked me to call you. It's time for dinner and I can see everything since you're not wearing anything and...oooh don't you feel cold? Should I get some clothes from your cupboard?" the girl said as she covered her eyes with her hands.

"Hahaha. What's the matter Ayaka? This is not the first time you saw me in a state of undress."

"I don't know. I'm just envious of your body, Mistress."

"You have nothing to be envious of. My body has gone through a lot. And I pray that you'll never have to endure whatever hell I went through."

"I see."

"So."

"So...when are you going to get dressed? I want to eat dinner now you know…"

That's oddly cute.

I'm not the only one who has hopes for Aichan, right?


AYAKA!

[Maimi_Yajima]

First, I ask forgiveness  the writer of this story ....
actually, I have taken too long with my comments.   
Now I have joined three chapters, which I must comment.
I will do my best ...
I will endeavor to write my English ... and. ..
I hope you understand my poor English writing.   
I hope you will forgive me. 

Happy day of the love and the friendship.

continued  the fifth chapter. 

'Yuko? Yeah. We've talked. She said I can stay for a while as long as I prove myself useful. I love talking to her. Best thing she told me was she wanted High-King out because she's been deprived of men for so long it's no longer funny...but she should try to control her drinking. Not that I mind learning some secrets about you before she passes out.'

That is Yuuko Nakazawa, so frank and showing their convenience in Maimi.
Well, at first Yuko seems to be kind and generous, but then pulls her nails. with the "She said I can stay for a while as long as I prove myself useful."         

'Secrets like?'

'You still wet your bed sometimes?'

'That's not true!'

'What's that?' Maimi asked as she pointed at Miya's blanket.

'...It's...It's not what you think.'

'It's okay. You were dreaming about me anyway.'

'...'

'You did it too when you were dreaming about Airi.'

'...'

   
Bedwetting ...
This is shameful ... Miya.... lol
Maimi  dreamed with Airi? 
Maimi have this feeling of attraction by Airi. 
the secrets of the dreams of both, have been uncovered. 

"Fine. What about the seer? Have you talked to Natsumi?"

"Not yet. But that's what I'm going to do today." Maimi replied as she got up. "For someone who just woke up, you sure talk a lot. See you later."

seers ... 
kowai.... 

"W-Wait!"

Nani??? Ahora que Miyabi.... lol AH!!! Yo amo el español!!! que facil es escribir el español!!

"You can't go out yet. Don't worry about your rounds. I've been taking care of them while you were out. If you're going to ask me to take off this tunic, I'm afraid I can't...unless you want me to make rounds naked."

"No, not that. I just want to...I want to say thank you for saving Airi. Thank you for saving me. I'm sorry if I doubted you before."

She wanted to say more but she felt if she continued she would burst into tears. Miyabi already counted her out and Maimi was the last person she was expecting to save their hides.  But even as a total stranger, she comes to their aid and manages to defeat two of High-King's elite. If not for her, she and Airi would probably have ended as food for the chimeras.

Miya... 
Miyabi, you are so sweet and sincere in this part.
Show your feelings  is something very noble.
What is sometimes difficult to do it?
It is sometimes difficult to show the feelings ...
but for that, you have to gather a lot of courage and courage to reveal his feelings or make them know! nE? 

"Y-You're welcome. Just recover faster. I'm tired of fighting chimeras. I want to fight someone who can actually make me sweat. I'll tell Airi to drop by. She's been waiting for you to wake up too."

Maimi you is also very nice and pleasant in this part.
Nice to see two comrades.
So you Maimi, wants to fight with someone very strong.
This is very interesting, I'm sure of that. I'm sure you'll find that person very strong.
and you could get hurt. 
Be careful please.   
And fulfill her dream. 

"Come back here when you're done with the patrol. Let's talk some more."

Miya is nice that you is very sweet!
I'm sure that Maimi know the value of that it means to have friends. 

Airi told her that the seer was kind of moody. She'll talk to you if she wants to, she won't if she doesn't. That doesn't scare Maimi. Nothing scares Maimi.

Really?? Abe moody?? lol 

But maybe she was afraid of what the seer might tell her. Maybe the seer will tell her what she doesn't want to hear: that she is indeed one of the Kings.

She stared at the tents entrance, as if waiting for something to happen.

it is normal for you to be afraid of this revelation.
 the of high king are hated and feared by all.
check whether their fear is correct ...
would be a little terrible for you Maimi. 

"Why are you just standing there? Come in, I've been waiting for you." the person inside the tent told her.

"O-okay."

 

Maimi entered the tent and found the seer sitting across a small table.

"Have a seat."

  prepared Maimi?   

She thought that the seer was someone older than Yuko but the person in front of her was just in her late twenties, not a wrinkle on her face. Just like Yuko, she was beautiful.

you was surprised by Abe. Ne? Maimi? 
Abe does no seem  pass  the years in she.   

"I am Maimi. Nice to meet you." she said as she bowed before the seer.

"Natsumi. Now let's get on to business shall we? Can I have a look at your sword?" the seer asked.

Maimi excellent, showing good manners. 

"Of course." Maimi prepared to hand over the sword she borrowed from Yuko but..

"Not that, the other one!"

"I'm not sure if you can carry it."

"Just do as I say."

Maimi handed her sword to the smaller woman. To her surprise, the seer was able to handle the sword with ease, as easy as the way Maimi handles it.

Good...
Was somewhat surprising that Natsumi achieve lift and hold the sword of Maimi. 
Natsumi then shows a great power within of she. 

Natsumi examined the hilt, then pulled the sword out slowly and took a quick glimpse of the blade before returning it to its cover.

"The design...the markings...and the blade...definitely one of Miki's masterpieces...where did you get this?" asked the seer.

I see...
Then Miki is too special to build the weapons and swords. Since all, known  the creations of Miki. 

"I..I don't know. I don't remember. How could you..."

"I know who made it. And I know the soul inside this sword."

"Soul? It has a soul?!"

"Oh? She hasn't talked to you yet? Not even in your dreams?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I guess she hasn't huh." Natsumi said as she returned the sword to it owner. "I'm going to be frank with you..."

the Swords have a soul ... 
this is extremely interesting. 
I wonder Who owns the soul of the sword of Maimi? 
I am interested in this part.   

"You are not the prophecy. You are not the savior. You are not the Makiheir..."

"I know."


"But..."


"You will do…At least for now."

That was what most surprised me.
I figured it was the prophecy Maimi.
but this only makes the story more interesting.

[Aioros]

Chapter 7
========

"Hi Maimi!"

"rghgrhdsswhllll!"

"Hi Maimi!"

"Hello Airi. You need something from me, don't you?"

"Not really. I just wanted to ask you a question."

"Go ahead."

"Do you...do you think she's a spy?"

"A spy? In our camp? Who?"

"You know...that new girl..."

"The new girl? The one that follows Miyabi around?"

"Yeah. Ever since she arrived, a lot of bad things happened to the camp. The crops got infested...one of the wells where we get water to drink got contaminated...and one of the supply shacks got burned. I think it's her fault!"

"How can you be so sure that it is indeed her doing?"

"Hmmm...you know that Miya let her borrow some of her old stuff right? Like her old hairclip? I found it near the well that was poisoned. I returned it to her but then I found it near the burned shack the other day."

"Maybe she's just clumsy and keeps losing that clip. And what if someone took it from her and left it in those places to set her up."

"Are you taking her side?"

"Let's just say that I know how it feels to be in her place. I bet a lot of people here, including you, thought I was a spy the first time I arrived. They even thought that I was one of those 'Kings'. I had to earn their trust first before they accepted me. You should give that girl a chance. I don't think she's capable of doing anything bad...well except maybe seduce Miyabi away from you."

"If that's the case then I'll have to investigate further...."

"You know what...I think you're just jealous."

"ME?! JEALOUS?!!! NO WAY!!!" Airi shouted as her face turned red. "I'M NOT JEALOUS!!!"

"You're reaction just proved otherwise. No use hiding it from me because it's obvious. You don't like how Miya gives her attention and how Miyabi lets her cling to her arms and calls her master. Miya never lets you call her that way, doesn't she?"

"I'm not jealous..." pouted Airi. "Whatever. I'm going now Maimi. See you later." she said as she started to walk away.

"Oh, and Airi...can you do me a favor?"

"What is it Maimi?"

"Next time, if you want to ask me something, please make sure it doesn't interfere with my bath..."

Airi didn't say anything but her face became redder. It was only then that she asked herself why she couldn't have picked a better time to ask Maimi. But she knew the answer exactly: It was only during Maimi's bath time when Miyabi wasn't around.

"...if I wasn't that good at controlling myself, I would have pulled you here in the water with me already."

"..."

"Come on. You know you want to..." Maimi said as she splashed some water on Airi's feet. "The water's great...and so am I..."

Airi walked closer to Maimi and splashed some water onto her face before running away.

Maimi laughed as she submerged into the spring again.

===

Airi wouldn't admit it, but what Maimi said was right.

She was jealous. Jealous of the new girl. Jealous of Risako.

She had every reason to.

Miyabi had been giving her a lot of attention lately, and Airi wasn't used to that, for she has always been the center of Miyabi's attention. And what bothered her most is that Miyabi lets Risako call her 'Master'. Airi joking called her that the other day and Miyabi replied by giving her a stern look, somewhat telling her never to call her that again.

But she was also right that some of Risako's things, things that Miyabi lent her, were found near the poisoned well and the burned shack.

They have been sharing a tent for quite some time but they rarely talk. Risako would try to engage her into a conversation but Airi would ignore her. She didn't like being called 'Master's Friend'.

On the night when the supply shack got burned, Airi saw Risako sneak out of their tent, further increasing her suspicions.

That night, Risako sneaked out again. This time Airi decided to follow her....

===

Airi didn't know anymore how far they were from the camp. Risako kept on walking and Airi chased her, using the trees in the forest as cover. Only the moon was the source of illumination so Airi tried to be as close as possible to Risako, or else she would lose her. She kept telling herself that Risako is going to meet up with the enemy to give them information. She kept telling herself that if she can prove that Risako is indeed a spy, Miyabi will come back to her, and drive Risako away from the camp.

Suddenly, Risako vanished from her sight. It was an open field in the middle of the forest and there were no tress obstructing the moon to light even the ground. Airi stopped hiding and went to the last spot where she saw Risako standing, trying to figure out which direction she went.

But it was impossible because Risako didn't leave any footprints, which bedazzled Airi. The soil was soft, and even a leaf falling from the tree would leave a mark. Airi noticed that Risako didn't leave any footprints since they left the camp at all. She could only see the ones made by her feet printed on the ground, and it was her means of finding her way back to the camp.

The night was already deep. She was tired and sleepy so she decided to head back to camp. But before she could take a step...

"M...Master's friend?"

"Risako?"

She turned around. It was not Risako.

But it was another of those things that she and Miyabi would argue about.

It was the mythical beast that Miyabi kept talking about when they were younger:

A unicorn.

"Wait, did you just call me Master's friend?"

"Y-yes."

"I see. Only Risako calls me that…so that means you're Risak…"

That was all Airi could mutter before she lost consciousness...

~~~

"W-wake up. Please wake up."

Airi opened her eyes and felt something caressing her cheek.

"R-Risako?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes.

It wasn't. It was a unicorn. Not a full grown one, it was more like a filly.

Airi crawled away from it until her back was against the nearest tree.

"D-don't hurt me."

"I won't. I could never do that to you. Master will be angry if I did."

"R-Risako? Is that really you?"

"Y-yes."

"What are you?!"

"I...I dont know...but there are times at night that I cannot stop myself from turning into this. P-please, please don't tell Master. I'm begging you."

"Why shouldn't I?!! Miya should know about this! Even if you're not a spy, you...you're not human!!! You're a beast!"

Even if it was a unicorn, Airi felt that she hurt it with what she said.

She was torn. But Miyabi deserved to know the truth. She knew that if Miyabi found out that Risako was a unicorn, she will surely give it a lot more attention. She didn't want that.

Airi hated unicorns, but after all the years Miyabi has been talking about it, she has developed some kind of affinity for it.

Unlike Miyabi who wanted a pure, white unicorn, she wanted one that had a light, golden brown mane, just like the one in front of her.

"Can I...can I touch you?" asked Airi.

The unicorn walked close enough for Airi to be able to pet her snout. She also touched its horn, the thing that makes the unicorn distinct from other creatures.

"You should stop calling me 'Master's friend'. I have a name you know. Call me Airi." she told her.

"Airi? Can I really call you that? Can I be your friend too?"

"Of course! There's nothing stopping you from doing so."

"Thank you!" the unicorn said as it started to lick Airi's cheeks. "Thank you!"

"Hey! Stop! That tickles! Hahaha!" Airi told her. "And please, never, ever do that to me whenever you're in human form."

"Why?"

"It would be awkward."

"But how come Master lets me do it?"

"She does? Hahaha! Miya really is a...wait, what? Did you just tell me that she lets you lick her cheeks?!!!"

"You can ask her about it."

"Grrrrr...Anyway, I have a lot of questions to ask youuu!!! Can you tell me more about yourself? Where did you come from? Who are you parents? How did you find your way to our camp?"

"I will answer the ones that I can. But there are a lot of things about me that even I do not know."

"Alright. But before that, tell me...are you a spy sent to infiltrate our camp? Were you responsible for poisoning the well and burning the supply shack?"

"No. I would never do that. Please believe me."

"I..." Airi was interrupted before she could continue.

"She wasn't responsible for that Airi. That was all my doing..." said a voice from the woods.

Airi and Risako looked for the owner of the voice. The voice wasn't new to Airi's ears, but she had to make sure that it was really who she thought it was.

Someone tall and lanky stepped out. She wore a suit of armor, but it didn't look as heavy and intimidating as the one Maimi wore. The moon shone on her face, and Airi's familiarity was not deceiving her.

"Yu-Yurina? You're the spy?!" shouted Airi. "You were the one who poisoned the well and burned our supplies?!"

"Yes. I did all that. I was also the one who set those insects to destroy the crops.  And I put that clip you found near those places so you would suspect Risako. Thanks to you, I finally confirmed that she is indeed the one that escaped Asami's laboratory. There's a huge bounty on her head and if I can capture her, I'll be wealthy!"

"You betrayed us..."

"No I didn't. It's your fault. You trusted too much."

"Mast...Airi, we should split up. I'll try to distract her so you could escape." Risako whispered. "Let us meet back at the camp."

"Will you be okay?"

"I will be fine. This form will still last for a few more minutes. And I doubt if she can keep up with my speed."

"Alright."

Risako galloped to the east, but she was not able to go very far, for a bear trap clamped tightly to one of her legs, causing her to tumble.

"Risako!"

"You cannot escape. I have placed a lot of those traps around the area. So you better stay where you are, Airi. Unless you want your leg to get cut." said Yurina.

She took out a whip and started lashing the injured beast.

"I won't kill you. The bounty will be higher if I bring you back alive." Yurina said as she kept on hitting the downed unicorn. "I have to soften you up though, so it'll be easier to carry you around."

"Get away from her!" Airi said as she went in front to protect Risako.

Yurina flicked her whip, hitting Airi in the face and sending her down on the ground, bloody and unconscious.

"I can't kill Risako but I can kill you, Airi." said Yurina as she prepared to lash her. "I will tell the people in the camp that you are the spy and I had to kill you because you threatened to silence me, for I knew a lot already..."

But before she could hit Airi with her again, the unicorn used what's left of its strength to cover Airi with her body, protecting her from any more harm. Yurina laughed as she kept on flogging. The sound of her whip repeatedly hitting Risako's body echoed across the forest. After a few more hits, Risako slowly reverted to her human form. But still, she used her body to protect Airi from any more of Yurina's attack. It lasted for a while for Yurina didn't stop until she got tired.

Finally she stopped. But she was not satisfied, and she prepared to strike them again.

"I would not do that if I were you."

"Hmmm. Miya. I knew you would come. It's too bad you weren't here earlier. You missed a lot of things."

"I have seen enough. If you try to hit them any more, you're going to regret it, Yurina."

"Stop me."

Yurina raised her whip in the air and aimed it at Risako and Airi. As she motioned her arm to strike them, Miyabi started to run towards her. Yurina grinned because Miyabi fell into her trap. She manipulated her whip to head towards Miyabi's direction.

The end of the whip coiled around Miyabi's wrist and Yurina reeled her in.  Miyabi held her ground and resisted. Meanwhile, Yurina revealed a small dagger in her other hand and prepared to stab Miyabi as she pulled her closer.

"How long have you been a spy, Yurina?"

"I have always been one, Miya. Even before I knew you, I was already working for them."

"I trusted you, Yurina. I even told you some things that I've never told anyone, even Airi."

"Of course. You weren't brave enough to tell her that you can only be friends, that you only see her as a younger sister, nothing more."

"I've always thought of you as a friend..."

"You still can Miya...in the afterlife."

"..."

"Hahaha! You're weak! You always were. I'm not part of Straight Flush yet I can defeat you easily. It's a shame that you have to die today. The King of Clubs told me to keep an eye on your progress. She wanted you to become stronger so she will have someone to fight someday.  "

"Is that so?"

Miyabi stopped resisting Yurina's pull, causing Yurina to lose her balance. With the whip still wrapped around her wrist, she grabbed it with her other hand and now it was her turn to pull Yurina towards her. Yurina was ready to stab her but it only grazed Miyabi's cheek. She attempted to cut her again but Miyabi caught her wrist and pointed the dagger to her neck.

"I have all the reasons to shove this into your throat Yurina. But I won't." Miyabi told her. She knocked the dagger away from Yurina's hands and removed the whip from her own wrist. "I still consider you as one of my friends. I don't want to use my sword against you. Just...just get out of my sight."

"You will regret that you set me free Miya."

"No. But if try to hurt any of my friends again, I will make sure that you won't be leaving alive. Tell those Kings that I'm not afraid of them. I am going to defeat them!"

"Tsk. I'll make sure what you said reaches them, Miya." 

With that, Yurina vanished into the night, leaving behind the marks of her whip on Miyabi, Airi and Risako's bodies the last memory they will have of her…

~~~

"Wake up Airi..."

Airi could feel someone lightly tapping her cheek. She rubbed her eyes and saw who it was.

"M-Miya!!!"

She outstretched her arms to embrace her friend, but it was met with a thunderous slap coming from Miyabi.

The sound it made echoed throughout the woods, even startling the birds that were asleep.

Airi touched the part of her face that received it. It was bleeding from a cut made by Yurina's whip, but the pain from Miyabi's slap hurt more than that.

*sniff* "W-w-what did I...what...M-Miya?" *sniff**sniff*

Before Airi could burst into tears, Miyabi wrapped her tightly in her arms.

"Why do you always do this to me?! How many times have I told you not to wander away from the camp! I'm going to die worrying about you, Airi!" she said as her tears fell even before Airi's. "You're the only one I have left. I don't know what I'm going to do if I lose you too."

"Miya..."

"Promise me that you'll never going to do this again." she told her, wiping off her tears and Airi's as well.

*sniff* "I promise. I'm sorry."

"Good." Miyabi said as she embraced her again.

"W-what happened to Yurina?' Airi asked.

"I beat her. I can feel that those training sessions with Maimi are slowly starting to show its effects."

"Did you kill..."

"I let her go. Even if she's an enemy, she's still a friend. I know deep inside that she's not really an evil person."

"I think so to." said Airi.

Miyabi let her go and helped her stand up.

"Miya, did...did you see the unicorn?" Airi asked.

"Unicorn? What are you talking about? I only see you and Risako here."

"But Risako is..."

"She's what?"

"She's a...she's...she saved me."

"She did. And she is not wearing anything. You two weren't planning to do anything naughty here in the woods right?"

"Hanging around with Maimi turns you into a pervert…"

"Right. Now let's get you two back home..."

~~~

The sun was already up when they arrived at the camp.

Miyabi took Airi and Risako to Chisato's tent so that she could tend their wounds. After Chisato told her that they will be fine, Miyabi reported all that has transpired to Yuko before heading to her tent where Maimi was waiting for her.

"Rough night?" asked Maimi as she followed her back inside.

"A bit." replied Miyabi while she was taking off her armor. "You're up early."

"Yeah. I've got something for you." Maimi said as she tossed something that landed in front of Miyabi. She didn't have to give it a closer look to realize what it was.

It was a whip.

Yurina's whip.

But there was an arm still holding on to it.

Yurina's arm.

"..."

Anger. Disgust. Sorrow. Miyabi gave Maimi a look that could pierce the body. Though she was one of the enemies, Yurina didn't deserve that.

"Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm just trying to help you out. I thought that if you wanted to send a warning to the enemy, you should do it with finesse. Words are empty threats, Miya. Your enemies will not be afraid unless you show them what you can do. "

Maimi saw it coming but she didn't bother to evade Miyabi's punch.

"I didn't kill her. I just cut her arm. Yurina can always get another one. Have you forgotten what those two you fought before said? There's someone back in their headquarters that can revive the dead! If what they are saying is true, then you can expect them to go after you again soon."

"Shut up."

"You'll never be a good warrior unless you become ruthless like your enemies Miya. It's always kill or be killed in the battlefield."

"I will not turn myself into something like them. If I can't be a good fighter as they are, then so be it..." Miyabi told her as she left.

===

Chanponchan

"Asami? Are you there? Can I come in?"

No one answered the King. She opened the door and wandered around the prodigy's chambers.

It was clean. Everything was organized. Even a blind mouse would have a difficult time getting lost in it.

"What brings you down here, King of Spades? This has been only the second time you visited me."

"Well...I don't think I would be welcome here again, after what happened the last time. You don't have a grudge against me, do you?"

"Oh? You mean the time when I lost all my research materials and had to start from scratch? When one of my experiments, which I haven't been able to control yet, wrecked everything here and escaped? Wait, she didn't escape...you let her out! That one?"

"Err...yes. That one."

"I've forgotten about it, and I have forgiven you. There's nothing more I can do but to move on." Asami answered her smiling.

"I would like to apologize for that. I'm sorry for releasing that one. You were able to retrieve it, right?"

"No. I wasn't able to establish a psychic link with it before it was able to escape. Tracking her is impossible. She was imperfect and her human form was unstable...but I have fixed all of what she lacked in the next one."

"I'm sorry." the King told her as she shamefully bowed her head. "I'm really sor..."

"Let's get to what you want. You didn't come here just to say that right? And stop pretending to be all apologetic, it doesn't suit you."

The King's face turned devious, like it always was. She wasn't very good at pretending so Asami saw right though her.

"How long before Eri and Sayumi are back?"

"A few more days. I still need to extract the contaminated blood from their bodies."

"I want them back by tomorrow."

"That's impossible. Even with my powers, I couldn't..."

"Tomorrow. You said that you have forgiven me but I haven't forgiven you yet, Asami."

Asami couldn't say yes. But she couldn't say no either. She knows what the King of Spades is capable of.

The incident that happened before didn't end up pretty well.

They exchanged harsh words and even reached a point where the King drew her sword out. If not for the King of Diamonds' intervention, one of them would have been killed. And Asami knew that it would have been her."

"I..."

"Up to now, I still don't understand why they think highly of people like you. Prodigies? Hah! You're just a bunch of freaks that think you're special! That girl we scarred before had a lot of potential than you. Maybe I should go look for her. Wait, doesn't she live in that camp where the chimeras are getting killed?"

"Chisato doesn't have anything to do with this. Leave her alone."

"I won't. Unless you revive Eri and Sayu."

"I told you that I will! But I won't be able to finish it by tomorrow! What part of that do you not understand?!"

"Very well, I will give you a week to bring them back. Goodbye Asami."

The dreadful atmosphere vanished as soon as the King closed the door. Asami let out a sigh of relief, but she knew it was not the last time the King will be paying her a visit.

"That kid scares me." said a voice from the other side of the room. "Why don't you just lobotomize her or alter her personality? A psionic blast might be enough."

"I want to Makoto, but I couldn't. Everytime I try to read her mind, something shuts me out. There's even a backlash almost strong enough to knock me unconscious. Her body is emanating this terrible blood lust. She is dangerous. I do not know how Ai can keep her in check but I'm glad that she could."

"Then you should be more careful when talking to her. It looked like you were about to lose your temper when she called you a freak."

Asami responded by puffing her cheeks.

"By the way, have you told Ai that...she's alive?"

"I haven't. I have to find her first before she learns about it. The signal is faint, but I'm sure that it is her. It belongs to Risa."

"That is good news. I am sure that Ai will be glad when she finds out."

"Please don't tell her. I want it to be a surprise. For all that she has done for me."

"I understand. Well, I guess we should get back to work. I don't want to see that kid here again…"

Asami and Makoto returned to their activities but they were unaware that someone was eavesdropping and heard the entire conversation.

The King of Spades, who was leaning against the other side of door the whole time bit her lip in excitement...

[ChrNo]

hu hu hu new chapter ! 

Yurina is like the last person i would see as a spy lol

that king of Spade is...grrrrr 

"Next time, if you want to ask me something, please make sure it doesn't interfere with my bath..."

"...if I wasn't that good at controlling myself, I would have pulled you here in the water with me already."

Airi walked closer to Maimi and splashed some water onto her face before running away.

i can imagine that...really cute moment !!

"Thank you!" the unicorn said as it started to lick Airi's cheeks. "Thank you!"

"Hey! Stop! That tickles! Hahaha!" Airi told her. "And please, never, ever do that to me whenever you're in human form."

"Why?"

"It would be awkward."

"But how come Master lets me do it?"

"She does? Hahaha! Miya really is a...wait, what? Did you just tell me that she lets you lick her cheeks?!!!"

"You can ask her about it."

"Grrrrr...

hu hu hu hu hu....

She outstretched her arms to embrace her friend, but it was met with a thunderous slap coming from Miyabi.

The sound it made echoed throughout the woods, even startling the birds that were asleep.

now that was kinda harsh ><

"Why do you always do this to me?! How many times have I told you not to wander away from the camp! I'm going to die worrying about you, Airi!" she said as her tears fell even before Airi's. "You're the only one I have left. I don't know what I'm going to do if I lose you too."

T___________________________________T

"Yeah. I've got something for you." Maimi said as she tossed something that landed in front of Miyabi. She didn't have to give it a closer look to realize what it was.

It was a whip.

Yurina's whip.

But there was an arm still holding on to it.

Yurina's arm.

lord....that's terrible ><
 


you really like making us imagining Risako without any clothes, don't you 

[JFC]

Chapter 7

"Hi Maimi!"

"rghgrhdsswhllll!"

"Hi Maimi!"

Huh? Someone trying to wake her up or something?

*MAIMI-AIRI TALK*

Hmmmmmmmmmm...interesting. It would definitely be an odd coincidence for all of these incidents to have occured just after the arrival of this new girl.  If one or more of them had already been going on, then it'd be another story, but for (presumably) all of them to occur after her arrival? Can't help but wonder.

If it IS just a coincidence though, then Maimi's right in that the new girl seems to just be a convenient scapegoat (justified or not). And as Maimi pointed out, the fact that she (the new girl) is apparently glomping onto Miyabi certainly doesn't help matters, at least where Airi's composure/level-headedness/POV is concerned. 

You don't like how Miya gives her attention and how Miyabi lets her cling to her arms and calls her master. Miya never lets you call her that way, doesn't she?

Well, why would Airi refer to Miyabi as "master"? Considering the fact that Airi's the princess and Miyabi's the "bodyguard", it's supposed to be the other way around with the two of them.   Though given the proper circumstances, I'm sure neither of them would be averse to it. HEH HEH HEH

"Oh, and Airi...can you do me a favor?"

"What is it Maimi?"

"Next time, if you want to ask me something, please make sure it doesn't interfere with my bath..."

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...so THAT's what that incomprehensible bit from Maimi was from earlier...she was probably soaking underwater.

...


Wait a sec...bathing Maimi???   


...


dayum...

It was only then that she asked herself why she couldn't have picked a better time to ask Maimi. But she knew the answer exactly: It was only during Maimi's bath time when Miyabi wasn't around.

Makes sense. She couldn't very well talk about her suspicions involving Miyabi when she's around. 

"...if I wasn't that good at controlling myself, I would have pulled you here in the water with me already."

"..."

"Come on. You know you want to..." Maimi said as she splashed some water on Airi's feet. "The water's great...and so
am I..."

Double dayum...

Airi wouldn't admit it, but what Maimi said was right.

She was jealous. Jealous of the new girl. Jealous of Risako.

She had every reason to.

SOCKO!?!?!?!

They have been sharing a tent for quite some time but they rarely talk. Risako would try to engage her into a conversation but Airi would ignore her. She didn't like being called 'Master's Friend'.

Eeps...awkward.

*AIRI'S DISCOVERY ABOUT SOCKO*

Holy....shit...DEFINITELY did not see this one coming, though it does at least partially explain why she keeps calling Miyabi "master", as well as why she was nekkid when they first found her.


Kinda gives new meaning to when MiyAiri would talk about "riding a unicorn", eh? =P

Airi hated unicorns, but after all the years Miyabi has been talking about it, she has developed some kind of affinity for it.

Unlike Miyabi who wanted a pure, white unicorn, she wanted one that had a light, golden brown mane, just like the one in front of her.

"Can I...can I touch you?" asked Airi.

* JFC bites tongue.

"You should stop calling me 'Master's friend'. I have a name you know. Call me Airi." she told her.

"Airi? Can I really call you that? Can I be your friend too?"

"Of course! There's nothing stopping you from doing so."

Awwwwwwwwww...

"Thank you!" the unicorn said as it started to lick Airi's cheeks. "Thank you!"

"Hey! Stop! That tickles! Hahaha!" Airi told her. "And please, never, ever do that to me whenever you're in human form."

"Why?"

"It would be awkward."

Gotta admit though, it'd be an interesting sight to see. It's just her being friendly, after all. 

"But how come Master lets me do it?"

"She does? Hahaha! Miya really is a...wait, what? Did you just tell me that she lets you lick her cheeks?!!!"

"You can ask her about it."

OSNAP!!!

*REVELATION OF THE TRUE SPY*

EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!? YURINA??? 

I finally confirmed that she is indeed the one that escaped Asami's laboratory. There's a huge bounty on her head and if I can capture her, I'll be wealthy!

SOCKO'S AN EXPERIMENT FROM KONKON'S LAB?!?!?

*MIYABI VS YURINA*

"I trusted you, Yurina. I even told you some things that I've never told anyone, even Airi."

"Of course. You weren't brave enough to tell her that you can only be friends, that you only see her as a younger sister, nothing more."

Osnap, poor Airi.

I'm not part of Straight Flush yet I can defeat you easily. It's a shame that you have to die today. The King of Clubs told me to keep an eye on your progress. She wanted you to become stronger so she will have someone to fight someday.

"Straight Flush"? I presume they're some sort of elite group of operatives that answer to High-King?

*MIYBAI LETS YURINA GO*

One way or the other, something tells me this could be the last time they see her. Though we don't know much about Clubs, if Spades finds out that Yurina failed to complete her mission, and, worse yet, got pwned by Miyabi...she might not live long enough to see the next time they would have met.

*MIYAIRI MOMENT*

Dammit, knowing how things are between these two, and moreso now with Miyabi's feelings about Airi (i.e. that they're not romantic in nature, but rather...feelings for family), it's both a sweet/tender moment, but also one that can be easily misunderstood.

"Miya, did...did you see the unicorn?" Airi asked.

"Unicorn? What are you talking about? I only see you and Risako here."

"But Risako is..."

"She's what?"

"She's a...she's...she saved me."

Airi probably realizes that Socko has her reasons for not yet revealing her secret to Miyabi, and that it's not her place to do that. When Socko's ready, she'll tell Miyabi herself.

"She did. And she is not wearing anything. You two weren't planning to do anything naughty here in the woods right?"

"Hanging around with Maimi turns you into a pervert…"

"Rough night?" asked Maimi as she followed her back inside.

"A bit." replied Miyabi while she was taking off her armor. "You're up early."

"Yeah. I've got something for you." Maimi said as she tossed something that landed in front of Miyabi. She didn't have to give it a closer look to realize what it was.

It was a whip.

Yurina's whip.

But there was an arm still holding on to it.

Yurina's arm.

Sunnovabitch.

"Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm just trying to help you out. I thought that if you wanted to send a warning to the enemy, you should do it with finesse. Words are empty threats, Miya. Your enemies will not be afraid unless you show them what you can do. "

Unfortunately, in war, this is often true.  Both sides do a lot of posturing/bragging about their capabilities, but unless there's proof/evidence to show otherwise, boasts like that are often ignored.

"I didn't kill her. I just cut her arm. Yurina can always get another one. Have you forgotten what those two you fought before said? There's someone back in their headquarters that can revive the dead! If what they are saying is true, then you can expect them to go after you again soon."

She's obviously talking about Konkon, and she's correct about Yurina's arm (considering we've seen in previous chapters the types of spells Konkon can do).

"You'll never be a good warrior unless you become ruthless like your enemies Miya. It's always kill or be killed in the battlefield."

"I will not turn myself into something like them. If I can't be a good fighter as they are, then so be it..." Miyabi told her as she left.

I've got to side with Maimi on this one. Principles are all well and good, but if you're dead, it doesn't really make a difference, especially considering all the friends/loved ones you'd be leaving behind who'd be hurt/affected by your death.

"What brings you down here, King of Spades? This has been only the second time you visited me."

"Well...I don't think I would be welcome here again, after what happened the last time. You don't have a grudge against me, do you?"

"Oh? You mean the time when I lost all my research materials and had to start from scratch? When one of my experiments, which I haven't been able to control yet, wrecked everything here and escaped? Wait, she didn't escape...you let her out! That one?"

"Err...yes. That one."

Wha??? Spades/Reina intentionally let Socko go???

Shit, now I'm thinking that Reina herself did some secret spell on her that no one knows about and that Socko's got a proverbial "time-bomb" type of spell within her that Reina could trigger on a whim.

"I would like to apologize for that. I'm sorry for releasing that one. You were able to retrieve it, right?"

"No. I wasn't able to establish a psychic link with it before it was able to escape. Tracking her is impossible. She was imperfect and her human form was unstable...

Unstable? Well, that explains why Socko said she couldn't help when she transformed.

But wait...she's not...dying...is she??? 

but I have fixed all of what she lacked in the next one.

Next one? 

"How long before Eri and Sayumi are back?"

"A few more days. I still need to extract the contaminated blood from their bodies."

"I want them back by tomorrow."

"That's impossible. Even with my powers, I couldn't..."

"Tomorrow.

RABBIT AND TURTLE!?!? COMING BACK!?!?? AND THEY WORK FOR REINA???

You said that you have forgiven me but I haven't forgiven you yet, Asami."

Asami couldn't say yes. But she couldn't say no either. She knows what the King of Spades is capable of.

The incident that happened before didn't end up pretty well.

They exchanged harsh words and even reached a point where the King drew her sword out. If not for the King of Diamonds' intervention, one of them would have been killed. And Asami knew that it would have been her."

Whoa...now I'm wondering what happened.  Konkon must've done something pretty major for Aichan to have stepped in to keep Reina from killing her.

Reina obviously doesn't regard Konkon with the same level of respect as Aichan does. The two of them evidently can be civil with each other, but to say they're friends? Not likely.

"Up to now, I still don't understand why they think highly of people like you. Prodigies? Hah! You're just a bunch o freaks that think you're special!

If Reina doesn't think that Konkon or her powers are anything special, then she should just revive Rabbit and Turtle herself.

...


...


OH WAIT! That's right! Reina CANNOT do it because she doesn't have the ability to do it!!! She NEEDS Konkon and her prodigy powers to bring them back (as well as to heal whatever injuries she may get).

That girl we scarred before had a lot of potential than you. Maybe I should go look for her. Wait, doesn't she live in that camp where the chimeras are getting killed?"

"Chisato doesn't have anything to do with this. Leave her alone."

Oooooooooooh that's low, though not unexpected from Reina.

"That kid scares me." said a voice from the other side of the room. "Why don't you just lobotomize her or alter her personality? A psionic blast might be enough."

"I want to Makoto, but I couldn't. Everytime I try to read her mind, something shuts me out. There's even a backlash almost strong enough to knock me unconscious. Her body is emanating this terrible blood lust. She is dangerous. I do not know how Ai can keep her in check but I'm glad that she could."

Hmmmmm...there's something about Reina that no one knows about. Possibly some type of hidden power/magic hat she has protecting herself.

"By the way, have you told Ai that...she's alive?"

"I haven't. I have to find her first before she learns about it. The signal is faint, but I'm sure that it is her. It belongs to Risa."

"That is good news. I am sure that Ai will be glad when she finds out."

"Please don't tell her. I want it to be a surprise. For all that she has done for me."

*GASP*

Risa?!??!??? She's alive??!?!?!!?

Asami and Makoto returned to their activities but they were unaware that someone was eavesdropping and heard the entire conversation.

The King of Spades, who was leaning against the other side of door the whole time bit her lip in excitement...

Shit, Reina's going to target Risa isn't she? She's going to use her to prevent Aichan from stopping her from claiming sole "leadership" of High-King!!!

[rokun]

Yay an update on this! Been missing your writing. Saw you poking out in some comments, but hadn't thought about an update really. ^^

You really are enjoying Risako's nakedness. Or just nakedness in general... After all, Maimi was in this chapter too. I had to read some of the comments to refresh me about some of the things... like who Spades supposedly is... but your update definitely didn't disappoint with the intensity again! Risako was really a unicorn, huh? Or I guess, part-unicorn... kinda like a centaur? lol. Now Airi has to believe Miya that they exist... but then again... if it's the result of a Konkon experiment, then are they really real? Who knows what she could be creating, after all... Speaking of which, poor Asami and Makoto. They've got it tough being basically slaves to the kings. I'm glad at least Chisato seems to have escaped their grasp. For how long though? I'd never assume anything to happen or not happen in this story...

And Yurina's the spy huh? Too bad, seems Miya and she were good friends. Or at least Miya thought they were. I wonder how much of it (on Yurina's part) was just part of her "job". Probably most/all of it I'd expect, unless there is still that bit of "good" in her that Miya believes is there. I have a hard time believing that though the way she was beating Airi and Risako...

I like how all the "relationships" are basically just girls flirting with seemingly just about everyone else. First we had Miya and Airi, then Airi and Maimi (with some hints of Miya/Maimi even), and now Airi/Risako. Airi and Risako do strike me as similar in some ways, so them getting along well would make sense. I wonder though... Where did Risako come from? In the past, was she full unicorn? or full human? Or did Asami just completely create her? Asami talking about getting her "human form" to be stable makes me suspicious that it's her true form though...

Anyway, you seem to have created a very nice fantasy world here. Blunt, direct language and action sequences, but you can tell there's a lot lying under the surface. Looking forward to more. Hope you are able to continue it... I'm definitely not one to talk about long gaps between updates... lol.

[ayase909]

Kya! an update...............

i really love the miya-airi scene.....its so kawaii airi being jealous and all, suspecting risako.....kyah! chou kawaii.....


Rii-chan? A UNICORN? 

risako is like the epitome of beauty and you made her a u-uni ....er i cant say it.... oh well, rii-chan's licking miyabi,  and airi's like WHAT? hahaha hilarious.....

another mi-rii fic.............continue please...........