Re: The mask of soul//chapter 48/ 10/31

[rndmnwierd]

Getting a little hot 'n' heavy in the water there!

[maikeatoot]

Whenever i play dragon nest i remember this fic hihi

Oh that was .. Wow !!!
Haahaaay it seems that aigaki enjoys their making out.sessions always

 Me want some sayueri raburabu

[darkacex99]

raburabu all around 

although this was mentioned by risa already....its amazing how in the beginning they both were never closer even hating each other, then they had some ackward sessions and silences, then BAM they start pullin a sayueri    definately an amazing job done by mssmiggie which make me ever eager to see wats gunna happen next

thanks for still updating  keep up da good work

[alwaysYou]

rabu rabu rabu 
Love it..

Next, give us some sadist moment..LOL!

[MsSmigge]

rndmnwierd: Well here you have some more hot 'n' heavy action! 

maikeatoot: SayuEri must wait for a while now, but don't worry, there will be some in the future.

darkacex99: Thanks, and thank you for reading this fic~ 

alwaysYou: Everybody loves rabu rabu~ Sorry, but sadistic moment must wait now xD But don't worry, there will be some in the future. Or well, I don't know if it's sadist, but.... But you know! Lol...   


Thank you everyone for you interest comments etc~ They make me very happy

The next chapter, here we go~


Chapter 33 – Yin-yang


Ai made a deep sigh as she prepared herself. She had grown used to all kind of pain in her life, but this was just something she could not take. The leader clenched her fists and tried to think about something nice in order to calm down. After few minutes of concentration, she raised her head up and looked with a determination at the woman who stood in front of her, ready to action whenever Ai was ready. The leader looked beside her, where another woman was standing. She was also ready to action and all she needed was a sign to do something.

“Let's make this quick...”

Ai growled, before she counted three in her head and opened her mouth wide open. Immediately a piercing pain ran through her body as something hit one of her back tooth. At the same time, delicate but strong arms wrapped around her body, trapping her own arms so that Ai could not move them. She squirmed, but soon the person holding her in tight grasp took a hold of her head too, immobilizing the leader's head and helping the other woman with her work.

“It's soon over, just a little bit....”

Closing her eyes, Ai tried not to squirm so the nurse could treat her better. It was a good thing Risa was the one holding her still, for her presence calmed the leader down. Had there been someone else in the bean's place, Ai wasn't so sure she could stay still like now.

'Damn, I didn't know she has gained so much strength lately...'

Ai thought as a new wave of pain pinched her mouth. Though Risa was not squeezing Ai, the leader could still feel, that whenever she would try to move, the younger one would make her sit in the chair. Now, the bean had moved her arms so that, one was around her girlfriend's upped body, just above her breasts, while the other arm was around Ai's waist. It looked very normal, but the bean had also and ace in her sleeve: Whenever the older one would start to squirm away from Lin Lin, all Risa had to do in order to stop her was to press her fingers against Ai's chest.

But she could not do that anywhere she wanted, because then it wouldn't work. The bean was using her girlfriend's oversensitive senses and nerve spots to her advantage. Ai tickled easily and she reacted to nerves pots as well. When the bean pushed her finger against the nerve spot, the leader couldn't do anything else than to stay still. Lin Lin's treatment hurt, but the nerve trick would hurt even more, if she dared to move away.

'Finally I have the upper hand...'

Risa smiled inwardly, when she felt how the leader was under her control. It was a good thing that she had asked the captain to teach her some nice locks and nerve spot tricks. Now, she could maybe use this in her and Ai's free time too...

“And it's done!!”

Lin Lin yelled suddenly, as she pulled her pliers out from Ai's mouth with something white between them. During her breakdown the leader had gotten her teeth in bad condition and now one had been badly infected. Though Lin Lin had tried to heal it, there was no other objection than taking the tooth away, for the infection had spread so badly. Even the strongest magic could not help with this.

As the operation was over, Risa tucked immediately a clean rag in the older girl's mouth. There was blood stains in the pliers and there was probably more in Ai's mouth. So, that the bleeding would not get escalated and the leader would not get nauseous, the rag was needed.

When that was done, Risa sat down on a nearby chair beside Ai's. She then pulled the older one gently towards herself, motioning her to sit on the floor. The leader did as asked, and immediately her butt hit the floor, Risa made her lean against her legs so, that her lap was a pillow for Ai's head.

Soft fingers started immediately to massage the leader's head, calming her down. The bean drew circles and other patterns as she moved her hand through her girlfriends short hair, gaining a few sighs which told her that her actions were very pleasing to the older warrior.

It took about five minutes before Risa stopped her stroking and leaned so that she could see in Ai's mouth. As she moved the rug away from her way, she could see how the bleeding had ceased almost completely. Now there was only a clean tooth sized hole and some blood, but otherwise this wound was okay now.

“There you go. It was not so bad, was it?”

Risa cooed to the older woman, who only whined something as she caressed her cheek with her hand when the rag was removed from her mouth. The bean chuckled a bit as she watched her girlfriend. This great warrior who was afraid of nothing would whine over a tooth which was taken away from her mouth. And when she was hit in shoulder with a sword, she just kept on going like nothing had happened. That amused the younger girl a lot.

Soon, Lin Lin came back with something in her hands and she motioned Ai to open her mouth. At first the leader refused, but when the nurse assured her that this thing would not hurt much, the leader slowly opened her mouth and let it to be examined. When noticing that the wound was now like it should be, the nurse just smiled a bit and put something in Ai's other teeth. It tasted like mint and the leader noticed how her teeth felt a bit sticky.

“It's good for your teeth.” Lin Lin said, when she sensed how the warrior was a bit unsure of what she was putting in her mouth. ”Now, don't eat in two hours or it wont help at all, okay?”

The leader nodded her head, showing that she had understood what the younger woman had said to her. 

There was a loud knock on the door and someone entered the nurse's place. A young girl with black hair came in and she bowed politely at Lin Lin. The nurse went to her and took a box the girl was carrying with her. They chatted a bit about something, but when the girl noticed Ai, she suddenly froze and just stared at the leader.

“Takahashi Ai?”

Ai turned her head towards the new comer as she heard her name and immediately she saw clearly who was at the door, her face melt into a warm smile.

“Mittsui!”

In no time, the younger girl bowed very deeply, causing everyone except Ai to frown.

“It's good to see you.”

Mittsui said as she rose back up, not breaking the eye contact with the leader. Ai just kept her smile on as she watched the still tense girl.

“Now, my apologize, I have some duty to do. See you around.”

”It was nice to see you too, Aika. Take care and come visit us in the training if you have time.”

Ai said politely nodding her head to the younger girl, who suddenly had a slight blush on her face. She just bowed again and said something to Lin Lin, till she left the nurses place in a rush.

There was a silence after Mittsui had left, which was only broken when Risa finally decided to question what was this.

“Ai, who was that?”

The leader turned her head towards the bean, her smile turning into a wide grin.

“That was Mittsui Aika. That girl is very eager to join our training and become a samurai someday. She is allowed to do some easy practice, but not the real thing for she is so young. She also idolizes all the samurais she knows and for some reason, I am her idol number one....”

Ai explained to her girlfriend. Every time they met with Mittsui the girl would be as nervous and formal as she had been a while ago. With other samurais, she was a bit less formal but with Ai, she was always so tense. Only on the battlefield, the younger girl had been less nervous when she had met Ai, but that was probably because of the fighting stress. Also, in the field formalities and such were easily forgotten, because it was easier to communicate without them.

The leader rose up a bit and turned so that she was now kneeling in front of the bean. Risa was still looking at the door where the younger girl had disappeared a while ago, when she felt two arms encircle around her waist. Looking down, the bean found the older one grinning stupidly at her, while she was hugging her waist tightly.

“But no matter how much someone admires me, you're the only one I have eyes on all the time.”

Ai cooed, causing Risa to blush. Noticing her word's effect, the monkey grinned a bit more till she leaned forwards and pressed her head against Risa's stomach.

“Why haven't I met her before?”

After a few minutes silence, Risa opened her mouth and let her thoughts out.

“She is usually very busy with her family, for they have so much work to do. Both her parents are samurais, and they live here, but they have some land outside the village. Mittsui helps a lot with the farm they have and she sometimes spends more time out there than here. Now, when things have calmed down and her parents have been able to be at the farm more time, Mittsui has had a change to come over her more often.”

Ai explained, not changing her position at all while she spoke. She was just too comfortable here. Risa mused Ai's words a bit in her head, ignoring the pleasant feeling, when the monkey spoke against her stomach, causing shivers run through her body. The bean thought what she had just heard for a moment, till she just let the subject be. Maybe she would someday meet Mittsui properly and get to know her better.

Turning her look down, Risa patted Ai's head gently, causing the older one to look up at her questioningly.

“How is your mouth?”

She asked while she gently ruffled the leader's short hair, noticing how pleased Ai was with the attention she got from her lover. She was like a cat who was purring to her mistress and asking for more attention and pets.

“It's a bit sore, but I think I will live with it...”

”You sure?”

Risa asked and Ai could notice a different, but at the same time, very familiar glistening in her eyes. Taking the younger girls hint, the leader grinned shortly before she suddenly made a pained expression and groaned a bit. Some drama was added, when she lifted her other hand up and rubbed her cheek as if she was trying to ease the pain in it.

“Well now that you ask, I'm not one hundred percent sure... It's still quite sore.”

Satisfied that her message got noticed, Risa moved a bit downwards and gently took Ai's head between her hands, minding the side of her face which was still sore.

“Maybe I can help with it then...”

She whispered quietly, which made Ai immediately turn her pained expression into a broad grin as her head was guided closer to Risa's.

“I think you're the only one who can erase the pain completely...”

Ai whispered back, causing Risa to chuckle. Closing the gap between them, the bean pressed her lips against Ai's, tasting immediately some mint as she explored the older woman's mouth. At first, the kiss was very calm, but it didn't take long, when their tongue battle started and turned more heated moment by moment. Ai got up a bit so she could reach better behind Risa's head and pull her closer. The bean in turn wrapped her arms around the leader's upper body and tried to follow with her eager girlfriend who had abruptly taken the lead.

Suddenly, a loud clang made them both stop, but not part from each others. Risa raised her eyes a bit and noticed how something moved behind Ai. The couple had totally forgotten Lin Lin, who had not gotten away from the scene after she had gotten the deliver from Mittsui. The nurse had had decided to have some fun and find out, how long it would take before the two lovebirds would notice her. Unfortunately for her, she had dropped one can while she had been too occupied with watching the couple showing their love to each others. Finally, Ai moved too. She turned her head slightly to her side, so she could see the nurse behind her. She still kept her arms tightly in their place, not letting the bean go.

Lin Lin cursed silently as she crouched down to take the fallen can. When she got up she showed a very gentle and apologizing smile to the couple, who was still staring at her like deer in the headlights. This was so embarrassing.

“Oh, don't mind me. Just continue where were you and I just leave for my own business. Ja ne.”

The nurse chirped as she put the things in her hands away and left the building, at the same time waving at her friends. Silence fell in the room as Ai and Risa were still spacing out. Finally, the bean coughed awkwardly and tried to get up.

“Maybe we should go too now....”

But she was soon interrupted by Ai, who just stayed still and prevented the younger one from leaving. Frowning, Risa sat down and looked in the leader's eyes, who had her ”Where do you think you're going to” face.

“Ai-chan?”

”You heard what the nurse said.”

The leader stated bluntly and soon, the bean found her lips stolen in a deep kiss by Ai, who was leaning so forcefully forwards now, that Risa was sure they were going to fall down. As she tried to follow after her lover's pace and somehow get in balance, Risa's eyes traveled on the small box Lin Lin had received a while ago. Examining the box for a second, Risa suddenly recognized something very familiar from it.

She tried to make Ai stop her assault, but the leader would not have any of it, for she was too occupied by untying Risa's coat. If the bean had not noticed the box, she would be with the leader, but now she just had to check, if she was seeing what she thought.

Deciding to end this now before they would get too carried away, the bean leaned forcefully backwards, taking Ai by surprise. The chair fell with Risa, who ended up on her back, but Ai was another story. Somehow, the bean had put her legs so that she managed to push the leader away from on top of her. She just wanted to make sure that she would get free now, for Risa knew what kind of a burdock Ai could be when they were having this kind of moments.

The leader flew over Risa in a large circle and ended up landing face first to the ground. Luckily, her reflex still played and she managed to prevent hurting herself as she put her arms in front of her when she hit the floor. Immediately she had gotten free, Risa jumped on her feet and almost ran to the box. It was a beautiful wooden box with a see-through cover which had ten places for small circles, a bit bigger than a coin. Inside those places where ten yin-yang marks, which all had their own cover container.

Risa gasped a bit as she realized what these things were. She could not believe her eyes, for she had thought that these were only sold and made in her village or in the land which borders were just next to her home.

She was startled a bit as a deep groan was heard behind her and soon two arms encircled around her waist and a head landed on her shoulder.

“That was mean....”

Ai mumbled as she tightened her hold around Risa, so the younger one would not get away this time. Risa chuckled a bit and patted Ai's head affectionately. But soon her attention turned back to the box which was on the table.

Carefully, the bean took the box in her hands examining it closer. Her actions made also Ai to snap out from her sulk and now the leader was looking the wooden box with the same amount of interest as Risa was. Suddenly, the bean realized what she was doing and almost dropped the box.

“I think I should not touch this...”

She thought out loud. This was not hers and she knew how expensive and valuable these things were, so Lin Lin probably didn't want anyone else than herself to handle them. Suddenly, Ai rose her hand up and took a small note from under the lid. She opened it and read it. Just when Risa was about to but the box down, Ai tightened her hold around her waist, stopping the bean's actions.

“It's okay if you look at it.”

She said and showed the note, which had very neat handwriting. The bean looked the paper and read it out loud.

“Risa, Ai, it's okay if you will examine this box. Lin Lin.... How in the heck did she know?”

The bean said, once again being surprised by the nurse's foreseeing skills. This started to be a bit creepy now though, for this was at least the hundredth time Lin Lin did something like this. Putting the note down, Ai took her previous position and glanced the box briefly.

“What so special about those then?”

Ai's voice brought the bean out from her thoughts and her focus returned to the box.

“You don't know what these are?”

Risa asked a bit confused as she glanced at her girlfriend who had a small frown on her face now.

“No, I don't.”

Risa blinked few times, but then thought about Ai's life and chances the leader would have met these things at some point. Not saying a word, Risa opened the box and took one of the small discs out from it. She closed the box, put it on the table and then held the object  in front of Ai's face.

“This, my dear, is a life giver.”

“Life what...??”

Ai asked confused. She had never heard of these and for her, that was just a regular yin-yang symbol, nothing more.

“Yes, a life giver. These discs can do things which normal human are never able to do. Not even, if they were very skilled in magic.”

By now, the bean had turned her head towards the leader, who was still holding her from behind and used her shoulder as a pillow. She strared at the symbol with a frown as she tried to figure out, what was so special in that small disc.

“Well, what can it do then?”

Now very curious, the leader wanted to know more of this. She had always been very fascinated by magic and such and judging by Risa's words, this was something she could put as equal with her magic apples.

“Well, lets start with it that these things are given to couples when they get married. The disc has such strong magic inside, that it can help people who have problems in having children. I am not very sure how these discs work, but somehow they change hormone actions in human body and make it possible to have children. There has been only few times when these things have not worked, but it's very rare.”

At the same time as Risa explained this all to her girlfriend, she waved the small object in front of Ai's face, the leader following it with her eyes.

“So these things can give children to people?" She asked, still following the disc Risa was moving in front of her face.

”Yes, but that's not the only thing. That is just one of the things it's used the most.”

“Well is there anything special special they can do then?”

”Well, a life giver can also make it possible that the same sex couples can have children.”

This time, Ai was quiet. It took a while, before the bean felt how the older one pulled away as she turned Risa around in her arms. When the bean met her eyes, Ai had a frown and she was looking at the younger girl like she had a bit loose head.

“What?”

”Yes, exactly what I said. Didn't you ever wonder how Yoshizawa and Rika got Akira? Or the other same sex couples in your land?"

Ai was silent for a moment, as gears turned in her head. She had always thought that Akira was Rika's biological child but not Yoshizawa's. Her eyes widened as she finally realized what Risa was saying.

“You mean...  You mean two females or males can have children? Like.... Like they are the real parents? No adoption or such?”

Risa nodded her head firmly and brought the disc once again in front of their eyes.

“Yes. As I said earlier, these things can changes the hormone action. It also depends on which piece, white or black, will you take.”

Ai was still staring at her girlfriend like she had grown another head. Slowly, she reached out and took the disc Risa was holding and examined it a bit. It felt so unreal that this small thing could do something like that, for Ai had always thought that no matter what, producing children always needed male and female. Fascinated by the little object, Ai turned to look at Risa once again. This time, there was some eagerness in her eyes.

“How does it work? The children thing I mean.”

Amused by the leader's eagerness, Risa took the small disc back from her and put it so that  Ai could see the both sides of it. It was like she was holding a candy in front of a kid, for Ai looked like she was about to explode. This definitely had caught her attention.

“As you know, the colors have their own symbols. White part, yin, is male, positive, day, active, sun, logical, hot and hard's symbol, while the black one, yang female, negative, night, passive, moon, intuitive, cold and soft's symbol.”

As she explained, the bean pointed the disc's different sides with her finger. Ai was still keenly following her not letting any of this information get away from her ears.

”Now, if female takes female's part, the black one, it only makes changes in her hormones so, that it's easier for her to have children and same goes with male, if they take white one. But if female takes white one, her hormones will change so that she will produce some male hormones and gametes. Now, if this female who has some male hormones in her, has sex with another female, they can have children because thanks to the white part, she is able to transfer some male gametes in the ”normal female's” body and the fertilization may happen. That's how it works.”

Risa explained happily and looked up to Ai who was again having a very stunned look on her face. The eager kid in the candy shop had suddenly turned back to the clueless leader, who would doubt everything she didn't have information earlier.

“How in the heck do you know all this?”

The leader asked confused as she tried to run everything she had just heard through her head. First, she had had no idea that things with this kind of power existed and the second, how did Risa know so much about this?

“I think that living nearby Sorayama helped me to get know some things you're unfamiliar with in here. They are by the way the only people known so far who can make these.”

”Woah, what the heck is SoraYama?”

Ai interrupted her lover as she had once again gained some information she knew nothing about. This time, it was Risa's turn to look confused as she heard her girlfriend's question.

“You don't know Sorayama? Your southern neighbor?”

Ai was just about to say something, but as Risa mentioned the neighbor thing she stopped and now the couple was staring each others with equal confused looks.

“Eh? You're talking about Darkland? That's our southern neighbor.”

”DarkLand? What the heck? It's Sorayama out there!”

”No, I have always know it as Darkland. The place which is dark and the sun shines extremely little in there.”

”No, it's not a dark place!” Risa almost yelled. ”SoraYama is a land which is known about it's mountains reaching very high and because it has so much clouds around the year, it seems like those mountains are reaching the sky. It's not a dark place and it has a lot of nice people!”

”You have been there???”

Ai almost yelled now too, for she had always been taught that that land's people were not interested about others at all and they indeed had dark out there.

“Well at the border yes, but some people from there have visited my village as well. That's how I know so much about them and about these discs.”

By now, the leader was staring her girlfriend with a huge doubt. Had Risa interacted with people from behind that border? It was not a bad thing and they didn't have any kind of war with those people. But everyone out there acted suspiciously towards everyone in Kibo and vice versa.

Darkland, or Sorayama, whatever, was known to be a place which was always covered in darkness and it's people were weird and did not want to take contact with others. It was also said that they were carrying some secrets which were able to destroy all the people if they were left in wrong hands. Teien's people had always been very doubtful towards them and even when they had met some people from behind the border, those interactions had been full of tension and so. Maybe, the other land's people thought the same about people in here...

“I am very surprised that you don't know so much about that place. Those people are very highly educated in magic and their land has natural recourse others don't have. You really should visit it someday.”

Ai frowned a bit as she thought about going to Darkland. She had very high doubts about that place and even though Risa had been there, the leader was still very unsure of the idea. Noticing her girlfriends look, Risa chuckled a bit and gave a quick peck on Ai's cheek, causing her to snap back on earth.

“I'll take you there some day so you will get rid of your doubts. Really, think about it; people who have created something this great cannot be so bad, ne?”

Once again, the bean was moving the small disc in front of the leader's face, which made Ai to get interested about these magic things again.

“Speaking of those, what else can they do? If they are life givers, can they be used somehow in war? like healing or something?”

”Unfortunately, these wont stop bleeding or such.” The bean said, her smile dropping at the same time. ”Life givers are used only when we are talking about new life. But instead of healing wounds, they can safe infants who have some fatal illness or disorder, for example mutation.”

”So the age matters?”

Risa nodded her head as she continued her explanation.

“Kind of. With adults, it affects their hormonal action and with babies, it also affects their metabolism. These things give life, but they wont return it or make ”an old life” alive again .”

As Risa was explaining, Ai had once again returned both of her arms around the bean's waist and it seemed like she was deep in thoughts right now. She was listening very carefully what her girlfriend said, but some other things started to occur her mind at the same time.

As the bean had finished, Ai was silent for a moment, before she reach out for the disc in Risa's hand. But she did not take it away from her, she just held it with the bean.

“So, these things are something very valuable?”

The leader asked, not taking her eyes off from the ancient symbol.

“Yes, they are. Every new life is very precious. By far, these are the only things which can help with child death and couples who have problems with having children. I think that whoever has invented this thing, must have had a very pure heart and good thoughts...”

The last part was said in a quiet whisper as a gentle smile spread across Risa's face. Yes, the bean had a weak spot for children and nothing made her more sad than seeing or hearing about children's death. This caught Ai's attention, but she did not turn her face towards the bean as she spoke after a moment.

“You want children someday?”

The blunt question caused Risa's smile to drop as she turned to face Ai, almost dropping the disc in her hand. Noticing this, the leader turned her eyes on Risa and watched her expressionless, waiting for her answer.

Risa in turn was very confused of the question and for a moment, she could not utter a word. It was just a normal question of wanting to have children or not, but for some reason it made the bean very bothered. Maybe it was the fact the Ai was the one asking it. It took while for Risa to survive from the brain storm in her head as she gathered herself again. It didn't help either, that Ai was all the time staring her and waiting for her answer.

“Yes, I want children someday. But...”

The bean turned her head away as she tried to hide her blush. However, her face soon turned into a sad expression.

“Not till the war is over...” The bean whispered. ”I want my children to grow in a place which doesn't have war and hatred.”

A silence followed after Risa's words as neither of the warriors did not speak. Ai just stared the younger one, till she turned back to the disc which they were both holding. She gently pried it away from Risa's fingers, causing the bean to look up what the other one was doing. Ai examined the disc in her hand, spinning it around and wondering, how could this small disc do something so special and great. And then, she asked something which made the younger girl totally freeze.

“If one of us takes the white one, we would be able to make children together someday?”

The blush on Risa's face was back in no time as she stared the older one with awe. But Ai was calm as a cucumber as she asked these questions which made Risa realize that she was quite serious about this. Coughing a little bit Risa tried to hide her face behind her bangs as she started to examine her feet, which she found very interesting right now.

“Yes, that's how it is....”

Risa mumbled and after a moment, she felt how Ai leaned closer to her, one of her arms reaching behind them, while the other just stayed on it's place around the bean's midsection. After the leader had placed the small disc back in it's container, she backed away a bit and used her now free hand to lift Risa's head up. Their eyes met, both looking at each others and trying to figure out what the other one was thinking of.

Finally, warm smile spread across Ai's face as she slowly leaned in and sealed her lips with Risa's, giving her very sweet and slow kiss, which for some reason surprised the bean. Yes, they had kissed lord knows how many times but somehow, this one felt a bit different. As Ai pulled away after a moment, they still kept their eye contact. There was something new in those chocolate eyes, but Risa couldn't figure out what was it exactly. But she didn't have mush time to think about that, when the older one was on loose again.

The leader leaned in again, this time crashing her lips against Risa's. This caught the bean by surprise and for a moment, Ai was freely dominating her. She used this to her advantage and made sure that her leading position would stay as she tightened her arms around the younger girl's body and pressed herself closer.

But it did not took very long, when Risa was back in the game. She let the older on lead this, but she would be ready to change their roles whenever given a chance to that.

Soon, the bean found herself pushing the disc box a bit away from them so it would safer when Ai lifted her on the small table behind her and continued exploring her mouth. Soon her hands joined in, as they traveled up and down Risa's back and from time to time, they also got lost somewhere around the bean's midsection and legs. Risa in turn tangled her fingers in Ai's hair as she tried to somehow follow her now very eager lover in control. Her thoughts about changing their roles at some point started to vanish, for there was just no way she could stop her very aggressive lover now. Yes, she had kind of lost this battle to Ai. But she had to do all in her power to fight back, because if she let the ledaer go in her own pace, Risa would be out of breath in seconds.

Finally, Ai left the beans's mouth alone as she started to kiss her jaw and neck, making it a bit easier for Risa to breath. But it was still quite hard to catch air, as the leader started to nib and lick her skin, which caused the bean to moan out loud. Damn that monkey when she got this gear on, for she was almost impossible to stop.

“Risa....”

Hot breath tickled the bean's ear as she felt her lover suck on her earlobe and after that she moved her lips a bit downwards, giving a very firm kiss on her neck. Tossing her head a bit backwards and moaning, Risa grabbed Ai's shoulders and head very firmly with her arms when a sudden rush of pleasure ran through her body. Noticing this, Ai continued attacking the sweet spot she had just found and turned her kissing into biting.

“Ai....!”

Risa moaned again as the unknown feeling spread across her body as Ai kept on continuing her attack. Feeling her own excitement rose by Risa's moans, the leader soon reached one of her hands up and started to undo Risa's jacket, as her other arm kept a firm hold around her waist, not letting the younger one escape.

But escaping was not in the bean's mind right now, for she was as taken by these emotions as Ai was. Also, she could not refuse even if she wanted, for the leader was still assaulting her neck by sucking and biting it, making Risa immobile. After getting her jacket open, Ai used her free hand and slipped it under the bean's shirt, her cool hand causing shivers to run down Risa's body.

The leader felt how the younger one's abs shivered under her touch. She had gotten more muscular in few months for Ai didn't remember that Risa would have had so visible muscles as she was feeling right now. But the muscles were not in her mind right now, but something else a few centimeters upwards was.

Just when Ai was about start to reach her goal, they both heard sounds outside. They froze immediately, but soon low groans were heard from the older one. Damn it, what was with people interrupting them all the time?!

It took a lot of willpower from Ai to leave Risa's neck and still her hand. She really wanted to go further and every time they would do something like that, they just had to be interrupted every single time. Sighing, Risa took Ai's roaming hand and pulled it out from under her shirt, missing immediately the touch against her bare skin. She placed the arm around her and gently pried Ai away from her neck. There was a huge disappointment on the leader's face as Risa met her eyes and she could not help but chuckle a bit.

“Don't worry, we will have our time someday.”

Risa whispered and gave Ai a quick peck on lips, which the leader immediately turned into a deep kiss. She leaned in so forcefully, that Risa's head hit the wall behind them. For a while, the bean was sure Ai was going to continue where they had been, but luckily, she was still in her senses. When they parted, the older one moved her head against Risa's neck and the clear red mark she had just created seconds ago. The bean in turn just tried to catch her breath from the sudden assault and calm down her wildly running emotions.

“But I want this...”

The leader whined quietly, causing Risa to chuckle and pat her head affectionately.

”I want this too, but it seems everyone else is against it. We will have our time, I just know it. But it's not just yet...”

”Screw the others...”

Ai mumbled suddenly as she started to nib the mark on Risa's neck again, causing the bean to moan. Soon, the leader traveled her lips on the bean's and they were once again making out quite heavily. Even the table under them gave a small crack sound as the leader was pushing her lover against the wall behind them.

But Risa was not in her pink clouds anymore and as Ai started to get too eager, she pushed her firmly away, causing the older one to frown. There was just no way that Risa could get Ai off from her with her own power. When the leader felt her being pushed away, she stopped her assault and let the bean push her a bit further away from her.

“Not now...”

Risa forced herself to say. They had heard Lin Lin's voice outside and she could walk in any moment. They would have their moment one day, but they just had to wait right now. Groaning, Ai gave in her girlfriend and very reluctantly started to tie her jacket up again. As she did so however, her lips found their way on Risa's, which the younger one tried to refuse at first. But Ai held her in place firmly, not allowing herself to be pushed away this time.

“I wont try anything. I promise...”

”Ai, I don't think...”

”Just... Few more seconds.”

Sighing, Risa gave in and they kissed again till Ai had tied her jacket. The leader took all the joy from these few seconds as she was tasting her lovers lips. She made sure to gain some more seconds by tying the jacket up very slowly and neatly. Yes, she indeed didn't have to rush with this.

After the coat had been done, they parted their lips. Ai leaned in once again and gave one final kiss on Risa's forehead and just when she helped the bean hop down from on top of the table, the front door opened and Lin Lin walked inside.

She had something in her arms, but the duo couldn't clearly see what was it. A huge smile formed on the nurse's face immediately after she met her friends and Ai and Risa both greeted her by waving their arms a bit.

“Hi guys. Did you have fun?”

”Ano...”

Risa mumbled a bit shyly, causing the nurse to laugh out loud. The bean knew it that Lin Lin was very aware what had been going on in here a moment ago and it did not help the situation at all.

“You noticed my note?”

The nurse asked as she but the things away from her arms, causing Risa to remember what she had wanted to ask.

“Lin Lin! Where did you get those life givers?”

Smiling, the nurse came closer and took the wooden box from the table.

“I bought them from market which is a bit outside this village. Now that it's peace, one trader was able to come here from Sorayama. He has sold those to me for years now, but because of the war, it has been difficult recently. Now, I have gotten them quite easily.”

The nurse explained. The bean had been right, for there was no way this land would make these discs. It required magic which only people of Sorayama knew.

“So you know also the real name of Darkland?”

Ai asked frowning, which caused Lin Lin to chuckle.

“Yes of course.”

”Then why didn't you tell us about it?”

”I kind of forgot...”

A nervous smile crept on the nurse's lips as Ai kept on frowning at her. She was only stopped when Risa patted her arm gently, smiling at her girlfriend. This melted the leader into a gentle smile as well and she soon forgot that the nurse hadn't told them the real name of their southern neighbor.

“Shall we go then? We have some issues to take care of at town.”

Risa said. She wanted to get out from here, because the fact that the nurse most likely knew what they had been doing and what would have happened if she hadn't interrupted them, made Risa feel quite uncomfortable. Now, she could just get away and make the nurse forget what was going on in this building for a moment ago. Or at least, Risa hoped so.

Nodding slightly and offering her arm to the bean, Ai started to lead her outside. She parted from her at the door, so she could held it open for the bean. Risa only rolled her eyes a bit, but deep inside she was quite pleased by the sweet and polite gesture. When they were outside, the younger one automatically offered her arm to her side and in no time, it was joined by the leader's. But they did not get far, when Lin Lin suddenly stopped them.

“Risa wait! It's better you will take this.”

As they spun around, they saw how the nurse was running out from the building and having something in her arms. To Risa's surprise, the younger girl put some kind of a scarf around the older one's neck, hiding it a bit under her coat so it would not look too suspicious. It was quite warm and only few people used scarfs anymore, so it would look a bit weird, if she showed it out too much.

“Well thank you Lin Lin, but I think I am fine without this....”

The bean started, but was soon interrupted by Lin Lin once again.

”Well if you like to explain that huge red mark on your neck, then by all means. But I think it's better if you just wear this.”

”Red mark... What?”

Suddenly, Ai had turned her head away and as Risa noticed this, her face flared red and she immediately looked down, not being able to face the younger nurse anymore. But Lin Lin only laughed gently and patted the bean's shoulder.

“Now, it's okay. It's just normal that new couples get a bit carried away. I try not to interrupt you next time. And a small tip; next time, go to a free room and lock the door so...”

”THANK YOU for your advice Lin Lin, but I think that we are not going to do any of that in a long while...”

Risa muttered as she started to intentionally squeeze the arm she had hooked her own around, causing the leader beside her to jump up on her toes.

Lin Lin held her laughter, for she could see how angry Risa was now. She only smiled a bit and said her goodbye before disappearing back inside. By the way how the bean had held on Ai's arm, she really hoped that they would settle this out soon, or the squad leader would need an amputation to her arm.

After the nurse was gone, it took a while for Risa to gather herself up again before she started to walk briskly away from the nurse's place. She dragged her girlfriend behind her, who was still walking on her toes because of the arm lock Risa had created to her.

“Risa, could you please let me go?”

Ai asked carefully as she tried to stay up with Risa and at the same time get free. But it was no use, for the bean had gotten some kind of extra power from her anger and would not let go so easily.

”You even dare to leave that kind of a mark and not tell me....”

She growled, which caused Ai to shiver. Damn, she had never heard her girlfriend this angry. And she had never known she could be this strong when angry... It reminded her a bit of Eri who was in sugar high and would then gain these inhuman powers.

“Aww come on, it's just a mark and it only shows who you belong to.”

The leader tried to calm her lover down. Abruptly, Risa came to halt almost causing Ai to bump into her. She was silent for a moment before she turned to face the leader. She was still angry and the face she had, made Ai nervous.

“I don't want that. People should know without these marks that who I belong to, plus it's quite embarrassing...”

Realizing what was the matter, Ai sighed deeply. Feeling how Risa had loosened her hold, she pulled her arm away from the bean's. She then opened her arms and after few glares and mutters, the younger one walked closer so the leader could close her in a tight hug.

Noticing that the younger one did not resist nor did she hug back, the leader decided to do one thing which always made situations easier.

“I am sorry I did not tell you...”

She whispered in Risa's ear, who only nodded a bit.

“I wont do those anymore unless you want me to...”

This time, Ai could feel how Risa shivered. Very slowly, she brought her arms up to hug the older one.

“It's not that I don't want you to do them... But next time, bite a bit lower...”

A huge grin spread on Ai's face as she heard Risa's words. She craned her neck and gave a quick kiss on top of the bean's head. She then gently pulled away so she could see her lover's face, which was not so angry anymore. Instead, The bean gave a short smile, before she got away from the leader's embrace and started to walk again. Ai caught her up and took the arm the bean was once again offering to her. They walked in a silence for a moment, before Risa opened her mouth.

“But we wont take Lin Lin's advice for at least in week now.”

”Eh?”

Ai almost stopped walking when she heard Risa's words. One week without kissing and such with her girlfriend?? There was just no way... She had to be kidding. Noticing how her girlfriend had a bit doubtful look on her face, the bean decided to make those doubts vanish away.

“Yes, we wont do anything like that in a week.”

'Damn, she sound serious...'

”Aww, Risa come on! Not even a bit?”

”No.”

”Just a moment?”

”No.”

”For a second?”

”You want to sleep in the living room? Or better, in your own home?”

The battle taking now serious turn around, Ai decided to retreat. She held her free hand up in defense and looked in the bean's eyes. Being apart from her lover was something Ai could not bare. Well, she could not stand the kissing ban either, but at least she cold be close with the younger girl, if she now gave in.

“Yes dear. We wont do anything like that in a week.”

”Good.”

And with that the couple continued their travel to the town, Ai sighing deeply and being very happy that she wouldn't have to sleep alone for one week. But she would definitely make her lover to change her mind. Yes, she would do that, one way or another.

-------------------------------

Some more rabu rabu time~ Next is some action time and something else... 

I hope you enjoyed!!

[kawaii beam]

finally replying to our story to say that I seriously love it! I cant stop squealing when I read ai and risa together I cant wait for the action chapters but a little raburabu goes a long way~ keep it up!

[darkacex99]

yay new chapter 
good gawd ai-chan...i wonder how jacked up that tooth looked like

lawd gawd its fluff galore up in here 

tho i did enjoy this chapter im ready for the action time cant wait til the next chapter  thanks again

[rndmnwierd]

Something about the big, bad leader being squeamish about having a tooth pulled makes me lol. Also, punishment for the naughty Ai-chan!

[maikeatoot]

I must wait for my sayueri raburabu

Poor reina she has no lover .. Why dont you chase junjun ? Haha

And yes aigaki !! I want tbem to have children someday .. !!
Please !!!

[Koei]

WHAAAAATTTTT !!!!!!

How come I've taken so long to read this !??!??!?!?! Shame on me!!! This is awesome!!!

I love it !!! The Fighting, setting, relationships, rabu rabu underwater sexy times !!!!!!!!

  Awesome fic! I love it! Keep it going!! I wanna see moreeeeee!!!!!! 

[MsSmigge]

Kawaii beam: Hey, better late than never! Welcome here and I am glad you like my writings~ Thanks!

darkacex99: Here you will have your long waited action And thank you!

rndmnwierd: Hey, even the big, bad leader's have their "weak points" Thanks for the comment!

maikeatoot: Lol, Maybe it's better Reina wont chase our counselor panda. An takagaki children.... hmm, lets see Thanks!

Koei: Heey, and welcome to you too! Thank you, and I am happy that this fic has caught your attention

And to everyone, thank you again so much for your interest, comments and thank yous!! I really appreciate it~


I intended to post this chapter later, but once again I'm in so happy mood, that I just decided to post this today. The reason for my happy mood: I freaking got into university!!!!! OMG, I can't believe this! 

Anyways, to the fic!

The next chapter, here we go!


Chapter 34 – The darkness was on the move again



Thinking it would be a good idea to make her girlfriend calm down a bit more, Ai decided to take Risa to a small trip. The bean had been very irritated after their visit at the nurse's place and being afraid of sleeping alone for a week, the leader had decided to appease her. She took Risa to a small village, which was about ten kilometers away from the Castle.

The place did not have anything special, but because of it's calm and nature close atmosphere it was very popular destination. Also, Ai had been so long inside her own village's walls that she wanted to get outside for a while. Risa did not know much places nearby either, so it would also be a good trip for her, too.

The leader's plan had worked surprisingly well and Risa had calmed down in one day. They spent a lot of time just walking around, Ai showing places to the bean and telling her how things worked in here. The bean also ended up buying something for herself when the leader showed her one shop which was famous of it woodwork. A small woodwork, which had two horse's, both on their back feet and facing each others, was taken with the bean as they visited the shop.

“You bought it because it reminds you of Fuego, ne?”

Ai had questioned, which Risa had answered only by nodding her head. The two horses were like exact copies of the black stallion, which only the bean was able to control. That was almost the only shopping they did, Ai only buying one scabbard for herself, because she had broken her knife's shelter in a training few weeks earlier.

The rest of their five days trip, the two just walked around, relaxed and enjoyed each others company. At one point the leader also managed to break the kissing, cuddling and closure ban Risa had made. She had been very careful, so the bean would not make it any longer. Once when they had been walking in a forest, they had stopped to rest. Ai had offered her lap for Risa to sit down, which the younger one had surprisingly accepted.

When the leader had felt her lover to relax, she had gently started to massage her arms and shoulders. The bean had only mumbled something and moaned as knots were opened in her muscles. The massage had continued for a while, when Ai had decided to make a bit more bolt move. She had started to plant soft feather like kisses on Risa's neck and when she didn't get a punch for her actions, she had continued upwards, towards Risa's ear. When she had reached her goal, the younger girl had suddenly tensed up and spun around to face the leader.

Ai had only smiled sheepishly, for she had been in so big trouble. But instead of getting yelled or punched, Risa had just turned in her lap slowly, so that she was face to face with the other female. Ai had even backed away a bit, the two ending up to crawl few meters, Ai on her butt and Risa on her fours. The situation had ended, when the bean had suddenly grabbed the leader's collar and pulled her closer. They ended up kissing, the older one totally shocked by her lover's actions. But when Risa did not let go and just continued the kiss, Ai had been back in the game. In no time, she had flipped them over and they had been making out quite heavily on the ground.

After their little kissing session, they two had just llain under the forest trees and enjoyed each others company. The bean hadn't been able to control herself when she had been in Ai's lap and she had missed the kissing and such as much as Ai had. It was the final blow, when the leader had started to kiss her neck, kicking the bean's hormones on the move and ending the ban she had made. But she was quite happy, that she had done so and Ai was even happier. But this all Risa kept for herself, for she knew, that she would never hear the end of this from Ai and the only way to silence her eager lover was to threaten her with another ban and that the bean couldn't stand. So, the monkey had claimed her victory and Risa was sure, that she could feel that stupid grin on Ai's face, even though she could not see her lover.

So came their last day at the small village. The couple was staying overnight in a small cottage and were now sound asleep on the floor where they had a futon under them. Risa was comfortably nestled against Ai's chest, her back facing the leader, who had her arms protectively around the bean's waist and her head buried somewhere in Risa's long hair. They didn't have any kind of cover over them, for it was so warm. They were also only dressed in their ”underwear” that being black shorts and a white loose shirt with short sleeves.

The younger one got woken up by the light which tried to peek inside from behind the curtains. At first she only stirred, but when the light got too annoying, the bean decided to get up. But as she tried to do so, the arms around her waist immediately tightened and pulled the bean back against her lover's chest, the monkey murmuring something ”Where are you going”, against her neck.

“I am going to get up.” Risa said a bit lazily, for she was still quite sleepy. Stupid sun ray had woken her up and once that happened, the bean rarely could fall asleep again. So, the only choice was to get up. ”You should do that too.”

Risa tried to get up, but again, Ai pulled her down and this time she wrapped her leg around the younger girl's so she would not move anywhere. A curse escaped the bean's lips when she realized that she was trapped by her lover. Damn that monkey!

“You do realize we have nowhere to rush?”

Ai asked as she raised her upper body a bit at the same time, so she could see Risa's face. The bean turned her frowning face to a smiling one, when she saw the grumpy and sleepy leader looking at her with half closed eyes. She just couldn't resist that face of hers. Ai was always like this in the mornings. She hated waking up early and more than anything, she hated that annoying habit of her girlfriend who could not fall back asleep when she had been woken up once. During this half year, Ai had gotten so used to sleep with Risa, that she barely could sleep without the bean anymore.

“Yes, but I know I can't sleep anymore, so I am going to get up. Now, let me go.”

Being quiet for a while, Ai frowned and turned to look outside. The sun was quite low, which told her that it was indeed early morning. Turning slowly back to Risa, Ai started to get up but only to get on top of the bean. Interested, what the leader would do, Risa let her had her way and soon she found herself on her back, Ai straddling her waist and pinning her hands above her head. The leader was quiet for a while, before she slowly shook her head.

“Risa, Risa, Risa... Have you not learnt anything during this half year?”

Ai was speaking quite slowly, which revealed that she indeed was still half asleep. The bean tried to bite her lip so she would not laugh at her lover.

”Like what?”

Leaning downwards, Ai landed on top of Risa, using her as a pillow but being very aware not to crush her under her. She kicked her legs straight and tangled her fingers with, the younger one gasping in surprise as she felt the wight on her. She could still breath easily, but now she was going nowhere. Ai was way too relaxed now and Risa felt how she could not move an inch.

“That I hate waking up early and that when you're on vacation, you have nowhere to rush.”

Chuckling, Risa just listened her girlfriend's soft voice as she enjoyed the closure she gave to her. Or well, she was more like a pillow to the leader now. But it did not take long when the bean felt soft kisses on her neck and Ai's hot breathing against her skin. The bean squirmed a bit under the contact and moaned at the same time.

'Oh, so you have energy to do this but not to get up...'

Then, she got an idea. There was only one sure way to get this sleepyhead on top of her out of the bed at this time and Risa would try it. Smirking, she raised her head a bit so she could reach just underneath Ai's ear and give a quick bite on it. This caused the leader to freeze totally. The kissing on her neck stopped and when Risa gently took a hold of the older one's face and brought it in front of hers, she was greeted by a deer in the headlights. Ai had her eyes wide open now, as she was staring in space.

Grinning, Risa leaned up again, giving a quick peck on the leader's lips. But still, the older one did not move an inch. She just kept on staring in space, not reacting to anything the younger one did to her. Sighing deeply, the bean rolled her eyes and turned her head to side. Maybe Ai indeed was not ready to wake up yet...

“Fine, lets go to sleep then if you want to...”

But as soon she said so The bean found her lips stolen and a familiar tongue enter her mouth, exploring it so eagerly that the bean had hard time following with it's pace. In no time, her hands were released as Ai's shot them down to play with her shirt's hem and explore her skin underneath it. Giggling by the skin to skin contact, Risa soon answered Ai's actions and started to roam her hands around her body as well, only encouraging the leader more. Her white shirt started to be removed quite quickly, but the bean would not loose to her lover. She was just about to go and move the older one's shirt so that it would have been easier to take away, when there was a loud crash. In no time, the kiss was broken and Risa found herself being covered protectively by Ai's body as more crashes erupted.

“Up!”

The leader yelled suddenly and forcefully dragged the bean on her feet. Risa was still a bit confused of all this, but did as Ai ordered. Soon, there was another kind of a voice, like a snake hissing. As the two looked behind them, they saw how small black things were scattered around them and small sparks erupted from them

“Oh shit... RUN!!”

Ai yelled suddenly and rushed out to another room with Risa, trying to get to the outdoor. They did not reach it however, which the leader realized very soon. She counted in her head and when it was time, she threw herself to the ground, taking Risa with her. Using her own body as a shelter, Ai covered the younger one as well as she could, burying the younger one's head under her body with her one arm, while the other one protected her own head and neck. The bean was curled up into a fetal position under Ai, while the older one was hovering over her.

Just when they hit the ground a lot of loud explosion were heard, and Risa could feel how a shock wave traveled through her body. After the explosions, which lasted for few seconds, they stayed still for a while, till Ai moved a bit so she could check her surroundings. As soon she did so, a groan escaped her lips when a sharp pain traveled down her back and neck.

“Damn it...”

Finally starting to realize what had happened, Risa got very alarmed. It also made her almost panic, when she saw something red drip on her shirt sleeve from above. She didn't need to ask what that thing was and where did it come from.

“AI! Oh my gosh, you're hurt!!”

Getting up, Risa pushed the leader so that she fell on her butt, the bean immediately starting to examine the wound. A small black and sharp object was pointing out just below her neck. Realization washed over Risa as she counted what would have happened, if the thing had flown just few inches higher. Had that happened, Ai would be now lifeless on the ground.

“Risa, I'm fine... Are you okay?”

”I am fine, but you...!”

”We got to get out...”

”No! We will treat this first!”

Her nurse's senses kicking in, Risa ripped the sleeve of Ai's white shirt off and took a hold of the object in her upper back. She placed the piece of texture in Ai's hand, which the leader looked with a frown.

“When I say now, you press this on where I show you to. Got it?”

Calculating the situation in her head again, Ai nodded and got prepared. Noticing that the older one was ready, Risa placed her hand above the object, but did not touch it yet. She took a deep breath, when she suddenly took a hold of the black thing, pulling it away forcefully. A loud cry was heard from Ai, as the object was teared away from her upper back. In no time, Risa guided the leader's arm, which was already on the way, on the wound and pressed it with her for a moment.

“Hold this!!”

She yelled and once it was sure that Ai would hold on, the bean got up and ran to where their equipment were. She rummaged through her jacket and to her surprise and relieve, she found what she was looking for.

“Thank god Lin Lin, for always nagging to me how I should keep one of these always with me....”

Risa muttered as she got one bandage with some medicine out from her coat. But those were not the only things she took with her. As she came back to the leader, who was now trying to scout out from the window what was happening, Risa threw the two swords on the floor and then went to treat Ai.

“Move your hand.”

The leader obeyed immediately, the bean throwing something in the wound and then pressing it with the binding she had just opened. After she had pressed the wound for a moment, she started to move the bandage so she could get it stay on the wound. Ripping Ai's shirt open a bit and revealing the chest binding, which the older one had luckily left on, Risa tied the bandage under her left arm and neck, trying to make it stay still. During this operation, her hands of course had to brush over Ai's chest, making them both to curse silently.

'Well now something like this happens.....'

It did not take long for her to end the treatment and as soon Risa gave Ai a pat on her shoulder, the leader was up and reaching for her sword, Risa following suit. They rushed out where they could hear screams and all kind of other unpleasant sounds. The leader looked around, when she noticed a horse approaching her, having a rider who was wearing a samurai armor.

She waved at the warrior, but to her surprise, the samurai only raised a sword and on his way to Ai, she threw something black inside one building's window, causing the people inside run out very quickly when explosions were heard inside. After that, it looked like the warrior would continue his destruction, as he turned the horse around and approached another building.

Eyes widening and anger raising inside her, Ai whistled so that the rider's attention would turn to her. Her plan worked as the man turned his horse forcefully around and soon the animal was running towards the leader again, the warrior riding it keeping his sword ready to hit. Just when he could reach the leader, Ai crouched down, turning her sword's edge forwards at the same time. The horse tripped on the weapon's dull side, causing the warrior on it fly in a wide circle, landing face first to the ground. Ai got immediately up and ran after the warrior. When she reached him, the leader pointed the sword's edge against the man's throat.

“What the hell do you think you're doing?”

She growled, which the man seemed to react to. He tried to get up, but Ai pinned him down by pressing the edge against his throat. Suddenly, panic took hold of him and the man raised his hands in front of him, sobbing something incoherent at the same time.

“I am... I am just fulfilling my orders!”

The leader frowned. This wasn't one of their men. First, he wasn't anyone familiar. Though there were a lot of soldiers and Ai didn't know even half of them, she recognized who was own and who not. Second, no one of their own soldiers would act like this when they lost. But this man was shivering and trying to beg for mercy. But why did he have this land's samurai armor...

'What the hell...'

Quickly scanning her surroundings and making sure that no one would surprise her, Ai crouched down and took a hold of the man's collar. She pulled his face forcefully closer, the man giving a pathetic whine as she did so.

”Orders from who?”

Ai growled, making the man only panic even more. He stayed quiet, till Ai took hold of his head and pretended to pierce his throat. The man whined again, before he yelled.

“FROM HENG!!”

The blade in Ai's hands froze as she heard the name. No, this could not be...

“Ai! Behind you!”

Risa yelled suddenly, which caused the leader to look behind her. There were about 5 men on horseback, approaching her. Everyone had the same costume as the man she was holding right now. But now Ai knew who they were. They were not their own warriors, they were enemies.

“Ai...”

The man whispered, but Ai didn't listen to him. She just roughly showed the guy to the ground and turned to face the approaching warriors who were laughing at her. At this moment, Risa went to the man Ai had just threatened and pointed her sword towards him, making the man to stay down. At the same time, she scouted around her, making sure that no one else wasn't attacking them.

“What's this? Young lady had a bit tough night.” One of the enemies laughed.

”Trying to protect people in here like some hero?” Another said as she stopped his horse. ”You look ridiculous.”

“Go home girl, so you wont get hurt.”

The men were laughing at her, but Ai did not listen. She was just too furious but at the same time, the thing she had to do now ate her thoughts. She had to kill now, which she had not done in a half year. Finally, when she had found the real meaning of fighting and being a warrior, she had to do something she had grown to hate in this half year. Not that she had ever liked to kill anyone, but during the peace, she had grown to prefer to stay away from fights and such.

Taking a better stance, Ai prepared herself, causing the men only laugh more. They circled her with their horse's and now Risa got worried. Ai was truly outnumbered and the enemy had horse's too, so this situation would turn into very bad, very soon.

“Takahashi!!”

A loud voice shout out of nowhere, causing all the enemy's men froze immediately after hearing the name. There was a person running towards them in a black dress which gave out the soldier position. However, only Ai and Risa could see the dark green pictures painted over the black texture as the warrior approached them.

“General?”

Risa whispered, while Ai just raised her brow. What was she doing here?

“Eh?”

”What, this? There's no way... GYAAAHH!!”

The man who had just started talking screamed as his throat was slid open. Ai had seen her opportunity against strong enemy and used their confusion to her advantage. Because her enemy was on horseback, The leader had had to jump high so she could reach her goal.

After she had opened the man's throat and landed down to the ground, the leader hit the horse nearby hard on it's rear, causing it to jump aside and startle the other animals. The riders got now even more confused as some fell down, the other having problems with controlling their horse. Seeing this, the young warrior was merciless. She pushed her katana in one man's stomach who had just fallen down. While the man was still screaming in pain, the squad leader kicked his head, a loud crack sound telling her, that the neck was broken. The man's wailing ended as quickly as his neck had been broken, his body slouching to the ground lifeless.

Ai kept on walking, killing one more man on her way as she approached the rest. By now, all the man where down from horseback, their swords drawn out. But they were not ready as the squad leader kept on getting closer, the dark look in her eyes once again. She did not walk alone for a long however, when the person who had approached them a while ago joined her, walking with a same kind of expression as the younger girl beside her.

“Guys... I think.... I think that person really is Takahashi...”

One of the men whispered in fear while another nodded. There were three of them left, one ending his life in seconds as he attacked Ai. With a small dodge, the leader moved to side and pierced the man's body with her sword, rudely just kicking him backwards so she could get her sword in use again. The man fell backwards lifeless and now the two left started to panic. One of them decided to attack, facing the same end as her former friend, when both Goto and Ai sliced his sides and in the end, Goto finished him by slashing his throat open. The last one noticed it would be best way to get out of this, if he just retreated now. But as soon as he turned his back, he could take only few steps before a sharp pain was felt in his neck. The body fell down to the ground as two objects pointed out from the man's neck.

Both women had thrown a sword as they had noticed what was going to happen and as wrong as it was to kill a retreating warrior, there was no way this man could be just let got. He had gotten information, which should not reach their enemy. As the two warriors went to take their weapons, a weird feeling washed over Ai. She felt tired and somehow, very irritated as she saw all the blood and death in front of her. But she should go on, for this was not over yet. Taking her sword the leader raised her head up to meet with the general's dark gaze.

”General... What are you doing here?”

Ai asked, while the older female just took the sword out of their enemy's neck.

“A lucky coincidence.”

She said coldly as she turned around and went to Risa, who was still watching over the enemy's warrior who by now was very panicked, for all his friends were dead. Goto walked to him, took a firm hold of his collar and stared deeply in the man's eyes.

“Is there more of you?”

Goto's cold voice and piercing gaze made the man shiver in fear, but it also loosened his tongue a lot.

“N-o... No, no... T-there's... no....”

He babbled, unable to form anything very sensible. Never trusting her enemy, Goto looked around her in the village which was under chaos now.

“Go check the village. I'll take care of this guy.”

Ai and Risa nodded immediately as they rushed to where they were ordered. They were still in their sleeping clothes and underwear, Ai having a ripped shirt which revealed quite much of her upper body, but they could not think about that now. They had to go check the village immediately or then it would be too late to save someone in there. Memories flashed in both warrior's head rapidly as they saw all the smoke and burning buildings, but luckily it was not as bad as it had been in their own past. Surprisingly, there had not been so much damage as it had seem to be and Ai and Risa did not need to do anything else than help few people out from a building which was full of smoke.

Luckily, this village had people who had served as warriors when they had been younger, so they didn't panic when the attack had launched. They had just protected others and made sure that no one would get hurt in the explosions. Some even told that that they had fought against the intruders, but only to keep them away. They had also noticed how inexperienced the soldiers had been; when they had seen that they could not win these elder people with their weapons, they just retreated and started to run around the town, throwing bombs at the same time.

After everything was taken care of they returned to Goto, who by now had tied the man she had been questioning. They reported everything to her, which seemed to put the general to think about something.

“Take this man to a place where he doesn't make any harm and can be kept safely. Also, clean those bodies away from street and make sure they are out of view. We will bury them later. After that, we will keep a brief conversation. Go.”

Both Ai and Risa made a small salute and went to work. First, they took the man inside the building they had spend their night in and made sure he could not get away by tying him in one heavy dresser. They also took their coats on the way, so they would have at least something to cover their bodies. After that they went outside and made sure to keep the front door all the time under their eyes as they went to clean up the street. They found a small barn like building and took the bodies behind it, piling them in one place and covering them with some branches. When that was done they went back to the man and took him with them. It did not take long to find one older samurai who gladly helped them and kept the man on eye as Ai and Risa rushed to find Goto.

The general was doing some investigation at the town square where many men and women were gathered to be questioned about the attack. When she noticed the younger warriors, Goto thanked the crowd and led the couple with her in a nearby pub. It was empty and quiet place, for everyone had gone out of it during the raid. Also, the general had asked, if she could use it as a place to held a conversation with her warriors, which the tender had accepted with.

They sat down around a small round table, Goto following in suit as she took her weapon and started to clean it at the same time so it would not get rusted from all the blood.

“I bet you know what this attack means.”

She said nonchalantly, not taking her eyes away from her weapon as she spoke. Both Risa and Ai nodded their head in approval. There was only one thing which would launch this kind of attack and they had also heard the man who they held as a prisoner now.

“There are good and not so good things in this.”

The general continued as she put her sword away and turned to face the younger warriors in front of her.

“Lets start with the good things. Judging by the warrior's skills we saw today, Heng is accepting all kind of people in her army, which means we might face enemy which outnumbers us clearly, but they are weak and even our students could take care of them.” The general paused as she raised her elbows on the table and leaned her chin against her hands. ”The bad thing is, of course, that Heng is back and we are in war again...”

Silence fell over them as the general said the situation as it was now. It felt like something heavy had been dropped over them as they heard the word war and everything seemed so dark again. Just yesterday, they had been happily together, thinking about their future and not paying attention to the war at all. But in few hours, their life was back like it was a half year ago. It felt frustrating, but they also had to accept the fact that they knew this would happen one day. When the peace had come, it hadn't been eternal one.

“What we do next is this,”

Goto said, as she stood up and grabbed the sword on the table.

“We all return to Castle to report about this, unless they already know it. Anyways, we have to head back to our village and get prepared. There might have been more attacks like this so we have to be ready to lead our troops if needed. Get ready and go. I'll make sure that things in here are in order.”

And with that the general left the two and went outside to take care of things. Both Ai and Risa sat in silence for a long while, musing all these things in their minds.
Ai looked up at her lover and noticing how down she was, she placed her hand gently on Risa's, making the bean to look up at her. The leader's soft gaze was enough to make a small smile raise on Risa's lips which gave immediately a better feeling to her.

“We will make through this...”

She whispered quietly as she tangled her fingers with the younger girl's.

“Un....”

Risa nodded her head, answering her lover's actions. But soon a deep frown formed on her face as something which had scared her earlier came back to her mind.

“What is it?”

Ai asked immediately as she noticed how her lover's expression changed.

“I am afraid...”

The bean whispered. This made the leader to smile sadly and pull the younger one a little bit closer, so she could hug her with her free arm. But Risa didn't hug her back. She just let the older one to move her, but nothing else. Ai even felt how the bean tensed up when she hugged her.

“It's normal when war comes, but I am with you...”

“It's not the war I am afraid of....”

Frowning, Ai tried to figure out what her girlfriend meant. If it was not the war she was afraid of then what was it?

“Then what are you so afraid of?”

There was a silence. Neither moved an inch, when Ai was waiting for Risa's answer and the later one thought, if it was okay to say this or not. Finally, she decided to open her mouth and speak her mind out.

”You.”

Silence fell once again above them as the leader rolled the word Risa had just said in her head.

'Me?'

Sensing, how the leader was quite outside of this, Risa pulled a bit away looking up in Ai's eyes. The older gasped a bit as she saw how sorrowful the bean suddenly looked. But it was not only the sorrow she saw. Risa was also looking frightened, like back then when the leader had not been herself.

“I am afraid that you will change again...”

The bean said. Still not able to form words, Ai just stared at Risa with wide eyes. What the heck was she talking about? Finally, the leader laughed shortly. The atmosphere had gotten a bit too heavy for her liking so she tried to make it lighter. Also, what Risa had just said would never happen again. Never.

“What? Me changing again? How could...”

”I saw how you fought the enemy this morning.”

Risa interrupted the leader, causing her to frown.

“You had the same look... The same look, when we first met.”

Slowly starting to realize what the bean meant, somehow, a very regretful expression washed over the leader's face. The feeling from this morning after she had killed those men came back to her mind. Had she really changed when she had fought? Could she still change back to that jerk she had been?

She was not the same horrible Ai she had been for five years anymore and the leader had vowed she would never turn like that anymore, never.  But it was true that when she had gotten angry this morning, those same feelings she had felt when she hadn't been herself, had washed over her again during the battle. It had even scared herself, but this time she was able to control them. But it was not the main thing. They were still somewhere deep inside her and Ai was not sure if these emotions would ever leave her. This was just an easy battle, but what would happen when they would return to the front? What if someone close to her died again? What if she would just snap? What if?

There were just so many what ifs, that Ai didn't want to think about this anymore. She had done a promise to herself that would not happen again and she intended to keep it like that.

'I wont let that happen...'

Letting Risa's hand go, Ai used her both arms to wrap them tightly around the younger girl and pull her closer, taking the bean by surprise. The leader buried her face in her lovers neck, causing shivers to run through Risa's body. Soon,the bean felt how Ai spoke against her skin, the warmness from her breath tickling her.

“I will never ever let those emotions take control of me. I promise that....”

Risa was quiet for a while trying to cease the fear inside, but she could not help but feel afraid all the time. What if Ai just snapped someday, lost control of all and would be that horrible person again?

”How can you be so sure?”

This time, Ai pulled a bit away, so she could look directly in Risa's eyes. The bean gasped when she saw that determined look on her lover's face. It wasn't angry or anything, but the bean just got this feeling that Ai would make a hole to a wall with that piercing look of hers.

”I can, cause I made a promise to myself I would never again hurt my friends or anyone close to me. But mostly...”

Ai said quietly, as she raised one hand to cares Risa's cheek, some memories immediately rushing in both of their minds. Then, Ai pulled the younger girl's head closer, hugging her tightly. Her other arm had sneaked around Risa's waist and was pulling her close as well.

”I will never ever hurt you again...”

The leader whispered and somehow, it made them both calm down. Though there was still small fear that Ai would turn someday, the promise she had just made, eased Risa's mind a lot. She knew Ai didn't want to turn back and would do everything in her might to stay as she was now.

'I will do it because of you... I will never ever hurt you again as I did some time ago. I promise.'

--------------------

Ai and Risa returned to Castle in no time and as soon as they arrived, they could see that nothing was like when they had left. Everyone was rushing around, soldiers were nowhere in sight and there was just this dark and heavy atmosphere above everyone. It was like everyone was rushing around in hurry to get prepared to something big. It would easily be mixed to a festival time or such, but the worried and sad looks on people's face told everyone what was going on. There were no smiles, only worry and sorrow. The peace had ended and replaced by war.

“Ai! Risa!”

They spun towards the familiar voice and noticed how Eri was approaching them, with her armor on. She had her helmet in her hands as she ran to her friends. Even Eri had changed her expression. Just few days ago, she had been that careless aho, but now, she was back to the soldier she was.

“It's good to see you. We have a lot to do here.”

”What's the situation?”

Ai asked in her commanding tone. Her warrior senses kicked in as she noticed how serious this thing was again. Risa looked at her lover beside her, a sad expression washing over her face. She was still remembering the look earlier this morning and just the fact how suddenly people could change during times like these, scared her.

“We have been ordered some extra training in which the rest of us are just now. Captain is keeping it and general is somewhere taking care of things. Yoshizawa has send Jun Jun on field again with some men and she is making some of her own business right now. Also, captain informed she wants to see you as soon as possible.”

Nodding her head, Ai gave Eri an order to go continue her mission or what ever she was ordered to, the turtle saluting her briefly and leaving.

Risa watched after her friend who soon disappeared in the human crowd. After that, she turned to Ai who was deep in thoughts. She placed her hand gently on the leader's shoulder, who only turned to look at her expressionless. However, when the bean smiled, Ai answered it with her own and took a hold of the hand on her shoulder. They knew now was not the time for this kind of things, but they also knew that knowing there was someone always on their side and watching over them, gave some incredible strength to them to carry on. Yes, If they just had their loved one beside them, unhurt and alive, they would make through this again.

---------------------------------

The training area was full of warriors who were practicing under Miki's lead. Everyone had their full armor on, some were dueling, some practicing something else. Ai entered the area with Risa, both wearing their armors now. Miki noticed them immediately and she ordered one of the higher ranking samurais to take care of the training for a while. After taking care of that, the captain jogged to her squad leader and Risa, who both saluted her.

“At ease. Risa, you go join the training. Ai, I need to talk with you.”

The two warriors went to where they were ordered to, Ai following Miki and Risa going to report to the warrior whom the captain had given lead now. Ai was taken outside of the training area, where she could have conversation with the captain so no one else could disturb them. They went to the room, which was used as a dressing room.

“Sit down.”

Miki ordered, sitting herself down too. Ai did as she was said to and the two warriors sat in a silence for a moment, before the captain spoke.

“It has begun again.”

She said and kept a brief pause, but the younger leader did not interrupt. There was always something when Miki or Goto took one of the leader's like this so no one else could hear.

“The enemy is more forceful than before, at least by their number...”

The captain continued soon, looking the floor at the same time. She was all the time brushing her palms against each others, which Ai noticed. There was something she wanted to say, but could not just spill it out. Miki was rarely this nervous, so something was eating her mind now.

“Though they are not as skilled as we are, they still outnumber us clearly and superiority is always superiority. What we need now is a damn good tactic.”

This time Ai raised her head a bit up as Miki stood up. The captain walked in front of the young leader, her arms now at her sides. The squad leader waited, for the captain was not finished yet.

“You know that your team is one of our special forces. It's the best one now and we have to use you wisely. Use all the skills you have in your team and think situations from a different aspect now. This war is not going to be the same as it was half a year ago.”

A sharp feeling was felt in the leader's chest as she heard the captain's words. So this was the thing she had wanted to say. No wonder the captain had been so nervous a while ago.

Every single person in the Team Alfa had been specialised to something which they were very good at and oveskilled everyone in it. What the captain was asking indirectly, was that Ai would split her team and make them lead their own group which were educated the same as they were. It would mean that all the specialist would be split all over the troops, so they would not attack in one small group, because then they would lose more specialist, if something went totally wrong. Of course, it was the right thing to do, because specialist were always needed and it was very important to not loose much of them, at least not at the same time. Ai was silent for a long while, pondering what she should do. She knew what her friends would say about this, she knew what Miki and Goto waited from her and she knew what her decision would cause to all the people in this land.

“Captain...”

Ai finally said as she stood up. She turned her look slowly towards the older woman, who was still waiting for the squad leader's answer.

“Do I have a say in this?”

The captain looked expressionlessly at the young leader. She knew this would happen. There was just no way Ai would just accept the things when it came to her own squad and more importantly friends.

”Well of course you have. It's your group in the end. But...”

Miki started, but for some reason, she paused suddenly. Soon, she only shook her head and let the leader continue.

“No. Nothing, forget it. Please, continue.”

Frowning, Ai did as she was ordered to and spoke her mind.

“If I may, I would like to keep my group and not to split it. The reason for this; We work well as a team and I know I am taking a huge risk with this, but after we have worked so much in one group, I am not sure would we work so well if we were separated now.”

There was a silence, as the two females looked at each others, trying to see in each others minds. Or more likely, the younger one tried, since the captain knew almost everything going inside her mind. In the end, she was watching the mini copy of her late trainer. Finally, Miki sighed deeply, breaking the silence.

'I knew this...'

Noticing how the older one reacted to this, Ai tried to rearrange her words so she wouldn't be understood in a wrong way. She really wanted to keep her squad together. They would probably work better like that, plus in that way, the young leader could keep her friends close to her.

“If this is okay, of course, Captain?”

Ai asked carefully. She had known this was not something she was expected to decide, but the leader just could not split her group just like that. She had grown fond to them all and she worked a lot better with them than alone. She needed her group with her and also, when they were close to her, she was also able to protect them. If they worked together, they would beat anyone.

“It is okay. It's your decision.”

Miki said, now in a lot more stern voice than a while ago. Ai noticed the change and did not question the subject anymore. It was okay, though the leader could still see the disappointment in the captain's eyes, but there was also something else. Was she... Smiling?”

”Captain... Was there something else?”

Noticing the suspicious look on Ai's face, the captain quickly wiped her smile away. She cleared her throat and dismissed the younger leader.

”No Ai. You can go now.”

Hearing her name from Miki's mouth made the squad leader confuse. She frowned a bit but did as asked, bowing towards the captain before leaving for the training. As she left, Miki looked after her with a stern face, which soon melted into a warm smile. She then looked up on the wall where a small window was, letting some light inside. The captain looked at the clear blue sky and shook her head gently.

'She is just like you... I know that you would have done exactly the same decision. There's no questioning whose daughter she is...'


---------------------------

The end of the chapter is a bit messy, but I am too lazy (Or more like too hyper active...) to check it properly  I hope you enjoyed~

[maikeatoot]

Ahh .. Ano .. Ahm ...

What's next ? Hahaha !!

I bet the next chap would be very oh so serious ?

And Ai ~ please control urself .. Dont hurt risa again ~~

KILL ALL THOSE ENEMYYYYY !!!!
HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT TO THEIR RABURABU SESSION ????!!!!!

[darkacex99]

you have quenched my thirst for the long awaited action lawd gawd ai was soooo beast she was killin it


poor risa is scared ai will turn back to her old self    well thats only natural cuz ai is wicked scary

thanks for ur hard work again and another awesome chapter

[rndmnwierd]

Ah, back to war. I'm sure Risa has nothing to worry about, Ai now has something to fight for! WUB WILL CONQUER ALL!! 

[MsSmigge]

maikeatoot: Well this chapter is not very serious, yet. But the next ones... They aren't filled with much happiness ^^'

darkacex99: Ai will be more in the action in the future~ Glad you liked it!

rndmnwierd: Oh, don't be so sure there's nothing to worry about 

Thank you everyone once again for you interest! Just to note you that after this chapter, things are going to turn serious and... Ah, I hate myself for making the story go this way... Lets just say that there's not much happy moments in the next chapters. And some people are probably going to hate me for what I am planning to do ^^'

ANYWAYS, here's the next chapter!

Here we go~



Chapter 35 – I will always return to you


The next few days were spent in the middle of training and meetings as leader's organized their troops and made plans. No one had much free time and when they had, they spend it helping others or resting. Heng had made some more of these small attacks, but now that people were more prepared, the enemy didn't manage to do much damage. The reason why the enemy got so deep in Kibo was that they had somehow managed to change their clothes very similar to Kibo's people. Immediately many had known who was behind this, for Kyuoku's people were very known to be bad at magic. The one who had betrayed them, Sayaka, was the only one who could have done this all. Because of this, every village made their security very strict and checked everyone who entered villages or the country. Magicians were also sent to duty, for some were able to dispel the clothes and show who was enemy and who wasn't.

The Team Alfa had also a lot of things to do, especially Ai, who had to do a lot of planning. Eri and the others had offered their help which the leader had accepted but didn't let any of her friends work too much.

The five friends had gathered to Ai's place at one evening where they were making their plans and some paperwork. They would leave for the battlefront in few days and since they didn't know how busy they would be in those few days, they wanted to spend this evening together with each others. Ai was writing down her plans on paper in her living room with Risa, who was sitting beside her, one of her arms loosely wrapped around the leader's waist. Ai had claimed that she could concentrate better on her work, if she had the bean close to her. At first, Risa had refused, but when the leader had promised that she would behave, the bean had given in and see, if the older on was worth of her words. After hearing this, Ai had just smiled and pecked her girlfriend on lips before she had gone back to her work.

They had sat here at least for two hours now and still, Ai had not tried anything funny. The leader had done her work nicely and Risa was a bit embarrassed to admit that it was she who had almost intended to just throw the papers away and make out with her girlfriend. But she knew that this was important, so she would not interrupt her lover.

Sayu was doing some of her plannings too. She was seated in the other end of the small table in the leader's living room. There was a tall pile of papers beside her, some maps and a small game board like thing. It was the bunny's tactic board, which no one else but she herself understood. Eri was sitting beside her girlfriend, doing her sub-leader's duty which mostly considered about the troop's working order and upkeep.

From time to time, Ai would pass her papers to Sayu, which the tactician would check and put in different piles. The leader had ordered her to check her plans because she just trusted the bunny more when it came to tactics and she knew, that Sayu was the only person in this place who could surely say, if some plan worked or not.

Reina was also doing her own plans. She however wasn't seated with the others but she was on the couch behind the table. It was required that everyone, who had enough badges in their sleeve and was educated to be a leader, would do a plan in case they had to lead a squad of their own.

“Damn it...”

Sayu growled as she threw another paper away. This caught Eri's attention and she leaned closer to her girlfriend to check the situation. The bunny was deep in thoughts as she tried to figure out some kind of a problem.

“What is it?”

Eri asked as she moved closer the younger girl, who didn't turn towards her but kept her frowning face at the papers in front of her.

“I have holes in my plans and I can't fix them....”

Hearing this, Eri gently nudged Sayu's hand out of the way and looked at the paper. There were all kind of lines and arrows with names after them. Though Sayu could do all kind of tactics and one would imagine all her plannings were ultra hard for everyone else to figure out, the bunny kept these things surprisingly simple. It was just her logic that simple plans were something the enemy would not wait for them to do and also, if someone else had to take care of her plans, the person would read them more easily and even put them into work .Sometimes, Sayu had wondered that how people would always go the harder way when there were easier ways to solve things. Also, it was easier for troops to understand simple plans and orders so this also made them more effective.

They were in silence for a while, when Eri suddenly took the pen from Sayu's hands and started to write something down.

“What about this...”

She mumbled as she ruled out one of Sayu's plans, drew few more arrows and names and made new adds in it. The bunny watched what her girlfriend was doing and bit by bit, her face started to lighten up as she understood what the turtle was trying to say to her.

“Eri!! You're genius!!”

She exclaimed, causing everyone else to look up. Once the bunny had made sure that this plan would really work out, she turned to her girlfriend with a broad smile.

“I had totally forgotten the archers! Thank you!!”

And with that, Sayu scooped the older girl in her arms and pressed her lips firmly against hers, startling Eri. Reina just rolled her eyes a bit, while Ai just went back to her work. Risa watched the kissing couple for a while, before she frowned and glanced the leader beside herself who was still occupied by her work. The bean couldn't help but feel like the papers interested the older one more than she did and it made her feel uncomfortable.

Finally, Ai put her pen away and passed her papers to Sayu, who by now had Eri in her lap as she kept on checking their plans. The leader turned smiling towards Risa and gave a quick peck on her lips before getting up and walking to her kitchen, leaving the still frowning bean behind. For some reason, Risa felt like she just wanted to cuddle up with Ai and draw all her attention, but the monkey just seemed to have other things in her mind. Damn paperwork. During these few hours, the bean had totally learnt to grow hate those small white pieces.

Soon, Ai got back with a small tray which had four cups on it. She placed the drinks on the table and sat back down beside Risa, once again giving a quick peck on her lips, before she turned to take some new papers from beside her and continued writing.

While cuddling with Sayu and doing her own plans, Eri noticed what Ai had brought and in no time, she squirmed herself away from her girlfriend and went to take two mugs. The bunny groaned a bit as she noticed how Eri's attention was somewhere else again. But her smile was back as soon as the turtle came back with two cups in her hand, handing one of them to Sayu.

“Thank you dear.”

The tactician thanked and pulled the other girl back in her lap in her previous position. Soon, also Reina had one of the cups, savoring the warm feeling the liquid gave to her throat as she drank. But Risa did not reach for the last container. Instead, she just stared at Ai with a frown, while the leader just kept on scribbling something down.

“Ai.”

The leader's head popped up in no time, as she heard Risa's voice. She had a questioning look on her face, when the bean did not start to talk immediately.

“What is it?”

”Why is there only four mugs?”

Ai turned her head to the tray where only one cup was left. She looked around her and when she noticed that all her friends had something to drink a pleasant smile crept on her face.

“The last one is for you. Go on, drink it.”

Frowning, Risa took the mug but didn't drink from it.

“Where's yours?”

”I don't need it, thanks.”

Ai said, her head now lowered again as she continued doing her plans. This caused Risa to sigh deeply. Damn that leader, always doing things for others, but never doing anything for herself. Bringing the mug against her lips, Risa took a small sip from it. It was tea, which the leader had flavored with honey, making it taste sweet.

'Well she's definitely going to have some too...'

Risa thought as she placed the mug just beside Ai's arm and tapped it gently.

“You drink some too...”

The bean said as she took the paper and pen from Ai and passed them in the middle of the table. The leader frowned and tried to reach for the papers, but Risa just held her in place and looked at the cup on the table. They had a small staring competition which finally ended when the leader sighed and took the mug. She knew that look Risa was giving to her and if she didn't do as asked, the bean would turn sad and Ai would end up to sleep on her own. Satisfied by the leader's actions, the bean hugged her once again with one arm and snuggled closer.

When all the drink was gone, Ai reached for the paper in the middle of the table, only to notice that Sayu had already scribbled it down. After finishing her writing the tactician put the paper away and smiled to her leader, who returned it with her own.

“That was the last paper.”

Sayu's words echoed in the room, which caused Risa's and one certain kitten's spirits to lit up immediately.

“Finally!”

Reina groaned as she slouched on the couch she was sitting on. She had just finished her own plans and now that the others had also done their paperwork, there was no more work to do for this evening.

“Can we go to sleep now? This warm drink and all work made me quite sleepy....”

The kitten continued as she just turned on her side on the couch, facing her friends, and closed her eyes. Ai chuckled as she turned to her tired kitten friend.

“Of course if you want to, but there's a bed for....”

Soon, a light snoring sound interrupted the leader. Everyone turned to look at the now sleeping warrior on the couch, who had been tired out by the work. Smiling, Ai got up, grabbed a blanket nearby and put it over Reina which caused the kitten to jump up suddenly. She had her eyes half closed an judging by that, the was half awake, half asleep.

“Go back to sleep.”

Ai said gently. Reina stared in front of her for a moment, tying to keep her eyes open. But her mind screamed for rest and soon, she just fell back down on the couch and fell asleep.

“I think we should go to sleep too...”

Sayu said quietly as she got up with Eri and went to their bed which was spread on the living room floor.

“Yeah. We'll do that too. Good night.”

The leader said as she helped Risa up and headed to the upstairs with her. Eri looked after them as she stripped to her underwear which were grey shorts and black shirt, Sayu following in suit. She noticed soon how the turtle was watching after the other couple.

“What are you looking at?”

”Huh?” Eri spun around and looked like she had been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to. ”Oh, I was just watching how happy they seem to be...”

The turtle answered mumbling quietly, as she got in the bed beside Sayu. The bunny kept the blanket up as the older one snuggled up to her before wrapping it tightly around them both. They were in silence for a while, just snuggling up close to each others, till Eri spoke again.

“Who could have ever thought that those two would end up falling in love with each others...”

Sayu smiled shortly at her girlfriend's words and placed a quick kiss on top of her head.

“Yeah, but I think the old Ai would have done that easily...”

”Well that's true. I totally forgot we had a very different Ai for five years... It's so good to have her back.”

Sayu didn't reply anymore, she just held Eri tighter against her chest. Sensing something, the turtle pressed herself a bit closer too, enjoying the warmth she got from the younger girl.

“I hate these moments....”

Sayu mumbled.

“I know. I don't like this very much either....”

Eri answered as she once again felt how Sayu tensed up a bit.

“It's like... I can't stop thinking how this would be the last time I am holding you like...”

”Don't say that.”

Suddenly pushing the younger girl so that she got on top of her, Eri gave a dark look to Sayu. She had the same feeling, but she did not want to think about it now.

“When I am with you, there's no war. When we are like this, there's only us and nothing else, got it?”

Sayu sighed deeply and nodded her head. Yes, she should not talk about things like that when they were finally having some alone time together. Or well, almost alone time. Anyhow, these moments should be spend doing something else than talking about how this could be their last night together.

“You're right. Sorry.”

Smiling a bit, Eri leaned down and placed her lips on Sayu's, gaining a soft moan from the younger one.

“It's okay....”

She whispered quietly and was about to roll on her side again. But the bunny just continued the roll till she was on top of Eri. Taking the older one by surprise, the bunny kissed the turtle deeply, immobilizing her hands at the same time by pinning them down. Eri's eyes widened as she was kissed, but she soon found Sayu's rhythm and just followed the kiss, which grew all the time deeper and deeper. Soon, the tactician's lips started to kiss her lover's neck, till she reached her collarbone. Stopping there, the younger girl sighed a bit and went back up to Eri's lips and gave a much more gentle kiss this time.

“Lets go to sleep...”

Eri whispered, but Sayu just pressed her head against hers and held the turtle closer.

“Lets stay like this for a while. Just a moment...”

Sighing deeply, Eri wrapped her arms around Sayu's upper body. She was tired and she knew the other girl was too, but holding each others like this had just grown to be habit for them before a battle. It relaxed and calmed them down a lot when they felt the other one nearby. She was still here with them and not under the ground.

They stayed this for a long while, before the bunny finally rolled on her side, taking a better hold around Eri at the same time. Just when they had settled down comfortably and were about to fall asleep, a sudden scream from the upstairs got their attention. Both jumped up from their bed and looked at each others. It didn't take long when they both started to climb up the stairs in order to check if their two friends upstairs were okay.

"What's going on?" Eri said as she walked the stairs up.

"I have no idea... Better check it out." Sayu mumbled.

When they finally reached the bedroom door, Sayu called through the door, before opening it.

"Ai? Risa? Everything okay?

------------------------------------
*This part is in the perv section! Click

Don't have access? Get it when you're of age! - Yuu
-------------------------------------

Sayaka made some last arrangements at the stables with her squad. They were ready to attack in few days and it was only a matter of time when Heng would give an order to start the raid. As the black haired woman put her last box down on the ground, someone placed her foot on it, making it impossible to move the item anymore.

“What do you want, Ju?”

Sayaka asked annoyed, which the other warrior answered with an arrogant laugh.

“Just came to check, if everything's under control in here.”

The other woman growled as she heard the army leader's words. She was able to take care of things in here on her own and she didn't need anyone else to help her.

“We're fine in here... You can go.”

But Ju just snarled as she took her foot away from on top of the box. She walked a bit away, watching the starry sky at the same time.

“Nah, I have nothing to do, so I might as well spend my time in here with you.”

'Damn....'

Sayaka cursed as she took something from the box in front of her and made her way a bit away from the other warrior. She didn't like the arrogant leader at all so she decided to keep some distance in her. But Ju just followed after her. She knew how much Sayaka enjoyed her company and that only made her even more eager to tease her.

“Well, tell me, Sayaka.” Ju said happily as she slouched down on one box. ”How it feels to fight against your own men once again?”

Sayaka was silent for a while, before she gave a very dark glare to Ju.

“They are not my people. They never were and they never will be.”

A dry laugh escaped Ju's mouth. She knew how the other warrior wasn't very fond to talk about her past and who she had sided before. It was still quite sensitive subject to her and Ju made sure to take all the fun from this.

“Well, you do whatever you want to, but make sure to leave Takahashi to me. She's mine and I'll beat her in this battle.”

'Takahashi....'

Suddenly, Sayaka stopped her actions as she turned her gaze towards the starry sky. Weak wind blew through the stable yard and silence fell after it. Ju followed the other woman's actions, smirking a bit.

“You're still not over that thing?”

She asked dryly, which caused Sayaka to snap back from her thoughts. She turned around and gave a furious glare to the leader. She knew nothing about this and even though she knew, there was no way the army leader would ever understand it's real meaning.

“There has never been anything to come over with.”

Sayaka spat as she made her way back in the stable. Ju just laughed but didn't follow after her anymore. She had to spare her energy to this incoming battle, so she would have enough cruel words for Takahashi.

“You do whatever you want to, but remember, that Takahashi is mine.”

Not listening at all what the other warrior had said, Sayaka went inside the stable and sat down on a nearby bench. She was silent for a moment, before she took a pendant out from under her shirt. Examining the small object, Sayaka closed her eyes and let her thoughts run freely. In no time, however, her fist shut and her eyes flashed open. There was a dark look on her face as she got up and walked out of the stable.

'I'll make sure she will never land a hand on you... Not, before I do. Takahashi... Takahashi... Ai.'

--------------------------------------------------

“Master, troops are ready and everything else is settled too.”

A warrior spoke sternly after she had entered a large tent which was outside the other buildings. There was a small table which was covered under all kind of documents and papers and was surrounded by two women. Either didn't take their eyes away from the objects on the table, but one of them just raised her hand up and the soldier left immediately.

“You sure this is going to work?”

Heng asked quietly, while her sister just laughed a bit.

“Sis, really, I have been in the best tactic training and I know how these things work.”

Min laughed evilly as she examined the scrolls. Heng just frowned a bit as she sat down, staring in the space. She had prepared for the attack for a long time now but she was still a bit unsure. This attack should have been made during the festival time, so they would have gained some surprise. Beside, after she would have won the enemy then, she would done new rules and those stupid festivals would not be held anymore. After she would take control over both these lands, her word would be the law and she could do anything she desired to.

“You're thinking something useless again, arent you?”

Min's voice was soon heard as she walked closer to her sister. Though they were siblings, there was a freezing atmosphere in the tent. They were close and cared about each others, but in their own cruel way.

“I never think anything useless.”

Heng growled. Min just laughed a bit and sat down beside her sister.

“Sis, we have larger army than before. Those idiots from kibo have just celebrated through this time when we have practiced our troops and made them stronger. We will crush them and make sure to conquer everything which is under their control now.”

Somehow, her younger sister's words made Heng calm down. She did not know how Min did it, but her words were just always so convincing. The two sisters had a small staring competition, before the older one stood up and walked outside of the tent. But before leaving, she turned one more time towards her sister, giving her a cold look.

“This better to work. I want to conquer Kiboo in 2 weeks, not in 2 years. Understood?”

”Leave this to me sister.”

Heng just stared her sister blankly, before she left the tent. Min sat silently on the bench, as a pleasant smirk spread on her face.

“Oh, sis. We are soon going to rule over this whole land and I might finally get my own area under my control. Yes, under my control....”

--------------------------------------

Aaaaand all the happiness is over! Hope you liked this!

Good night!

[darkacex99]

  oh my

wow...yep...im speechless good job my friend...good job...

[yellow]

nice chapter  but please be careful with what you post. the content of AiGaki's play time should belong to the perv section. 

[maikeatoot]

Haay . I really love this but I can't help thinking what would be happening next ? I don't wanna hate you so please ~ Aigaki and sayueri are my only happiness so please don't break theeeem !!!

[alwaysYou]

All those lovely moments will end soon huh.

I wonder why sayaka hates aichan so much. Both sayaka and ju seem to be aiming to kill aichan? What happen in the past? Did aichan kill someone precious to them?

Ahhhhh next chp pls. Lol

[MsSmigge]

darkacex99: Yay, I got someone speechless with my writings!! Lol and Thanks~

yellow: Thank you for your notification! I happily posted it in here and when I read your comment, I got it checked and well, go check the perv section  I should never post things when it's like 1 AM when my head isn't working. Though, it never works well so...

maikeatoot: Oh, you're so going to hate me after this, like probably many many others too... 

alwaysYou: Yup, happiness is over~ And I wont reveal anything about Sayaka and other stuff. Yet 

Thank you everyone for your interest once again. It's nice to know that my story still interests people This chapter turned out to be mega long, but I just couldn't cut it. All this stuff had to be in one chapter.

To the chapter then!

Here we go~


Chapter 36 – If you don't cheat, you don't really want to win

“So you're going to leave tomorrow?”

Risa asked quietly as she handle Ai her water container. They were at the training area where the troops were having their final training. The bean had had her hands full of her own tasks, so she hadn't been able to take part in this training. She however had gotten a bit free time and was able to come to follow the rest of it.

“Yes... Tomorrow morning.”

The leader answered as she took a sip from the bottle. She gave it then back to Risa and before she left, she gave a small pat on her back.

“I'll go change. Do you have time now?”

Smiling a bit, Risa nodded her head, which the leader answered with her own.

“Wait me outside.” Leaning a bit forwards, Ai placed a quick kiss on Risa's lips, holding her hands at the same time. ”I'll be there in no time.”

And with that Ai left to change her clothes, while Risa went outside. It didn't take very long before the leader came back, her clothes now changed in the casual black dress. The bean had learnt by now, that always when Ai made her to wait, the leader would act twice faster than normally. She hated to have the younger girl wait for her so she always did everything fast.

As she emerged from the building, Ai held her hand out, which Risa took with a smile and  they started to walk towards the leader's place hand in hand. When there, Ai put her equipment away while Risa headed to the kitchen. She made something to eat for them and just when she had done some breads, the leader appeared behind her, circling her arms around her waist and placing her head on the bean's shoulder.

“Mou, how many times I have told you that you don't have to do this?” She grumbled. ”I live in here and I should host my quests.”

Ai whined, but Risa just pushed her aside and went to the living room, where she placed the tray in her hands down on a small table. After that, she sat down, patted a pillow beside her and took one bread.

“It's not a big deal plus you can't do everything. Now, eat.”

Frowning, Ai did as she was asked to. As she sat down, Risa showed the bread in her mouth. At first, the leader protested, but soon she just let her girlfriend feed her. The bean smiled pleasantly and after few bites, the bread was gone. When all the food was eaten they just laid on the pillows. Ai took Risa in her embrace, wrapping one arm around the bean's shoulders while her hand intertwined fingers with the younger girl.

“Nee, Ai-chan.”

”What is it?”

”What do you want to do after this war is over?”

A bit confused by the question, Ai turned her head so that she could look in Risa's eyes. The bean just smiled at her and snuggled a bit closer, waiting for the answer which Ai finally gave after a short silence.

“Well I am not sure... I'll maybe keep on working for the military....”

”Even after the war?” Risa asked frowning. ”Yeah.” Ai said nonchalantly, before she turned back to Risa, smiling gently. ”How about you, dear?”

It took a while before Risa answered, for she was still thinking about what Ai had said just a moment ago.

“Well I think I want to settle down.” She said, smiling. The leader raised an eyebrow as she heard the younger girls words, but soon a wide smirk spread across her face as she decided to tease her girlfriend a bit.

“With who?” she cooed and kissed Risa's forehead, pulling her closer at the same time.

“Well who do you think...” the bean huffed, but soon started to giggle as Ai's lips found her neck.

“Mmm, that person better be me, or I have to take care of someone....”

Risa laughed at her girlfriend's answer. In a way, it felt nice to be ”possessed” like this. At least there was someone who wanted to be with her no matter what. It felt good indeed. A pleased sigh escaped Risa's lips as Ai started to gently massage her shoulders and back with her hand, her lips working at the same time against her neck.

“No worries. I'll only settle down with you.”

The bean answered and she swore that she could once again feel Ai's smirk against her skin. The leader moved her head so she could capture Risa's lips with her own. They kissed slowly, their lips moving slowly against each others. When they finally parted, Ai smiled gently at the younger girl.

“That sounds good to me.”

Risa smiled back as she placed herself better in the older one's embrace. They were in a silence for a moment, before something popped back in Risa's mind once again.

“You really want to stay in the military? Even after the war?”

Slowly, Ai pushed Risa a bit away so she could look in her eyes. The leader was having a small frown on her face and she looked at the bean like the younger one had just made a silly question.

“Yes. I think I'll stay in the military even after the war.”

”You think?” Risa asked, a bit of hope clear in her voice.

“Yeah.” Ai said shrugging. ”Or more likely, I know that.”

Hearing that, Risa's face dropped. Of course, Ai noticed this and got worried in no time.

“Hey, what is it?”

The bean was quiet, before she turned her frowning face towards Ai.

“It's just... Why do you need to continue in the military when the war is over?”

Again, Ai was confused by Risa's words. Where was she going with this? Finally, a laugh escaped her lips.

“Risa, you know that even after the war is over, military stays. You never know when the next one will begin.”

By now, Risa's head had dropped down a bit and it looked like she was deep in thoughts.

“So you're after wars then?”

This caused Ai's smile to drop and her frown to deepen. She however tried to get some kind of an eye contact with her girlfriend, but it was easier said than done, when the bean kept on staring in empty space.

“Of course not. Who would go after wars?”

”Warriors?”

Ai laughed again at Risa's answer, before she took a gentle hold of her face with her both hands and made the bean look at her.

“We are not going after wars.”

”Then what do you do then?” Risa asked, her tone having a bit different sound now.

“We do this, because we want to protect others and our homeland. Though I am a warrior, I don't enjoy fighting or wars. I do this, cause I want to protect others..”

A silence followed after Ai's words. Risa moved her eyes so that she could examine the floor, while the leader just held her face in one place and tried to keep the eye contact she had just gained.

“Can't you leave that protecting to someone else once you have done your duties after the war?” Risa asked quietly, still not raising her head up.

Ai frowned again. What was with Risa, for she was asking questions like this? And the way she was acting told her, that something was bothering her badly.

“I think, that I will never leave my duties in the military. It's just that....”

”What?” The bean yelped suddenly as her head shot up and she was looking at her girlfriend with wide eyes. At the same time, she got a bit up so she was now leaning on her elbow. ”You... You will never leave?”

Risa was now looking in the leader's eyes with a bit shocked expression, her mouth open and eyes wide. Ai followed her girlfriend's actions as she too got up on her elbow.

“Well, I have practiced whole my life, so I am not very sure, If I could live my life in any other way. It's just in my veins to be a warrior and I think I'll be one for the rest of my days.”

Still staring the leader like she had seen a ghost, Risa didn't say a word. However, her expression slowly turned into a sad one. Once again, Ai noticed this and started to question what was wrong.

“Risa, what's going on?”

She moved her hand on the bean's cheek and gently turned it towards herself. Risa didn't react to the act. She only spoke in a quiet tone after a short silence.

“I am just... a bit afraid.”

”Afraid of what? Hey, I already told you you don't have to worry about me. I wont change back to my old self.” The leader assured as she tried to bring Risa back in her arms. But the bean only shook her head an refused, confusing the older one.

“About us...”

Now the leader was totally lost. What on earth was Risa trying to tell her?

”Why are you afraid of us?” She asked, now even a bit amused. But the amusement was soon gone as she saw Risa's face.

“I am afraid that things wont work out on our part, if we keep on going like this.”

Once again, silence fell in the room as the couple stared at each others. Risa had quite serious face, while Ai was very confused.

“What do you mean?”

”I mean...” Risa sighed deeply and looked a bit away.

“If you keep on being a warrior even after the war, that means you will probably be in duty a lot. Am I right?”

”Well, that's true,” Ai said in before she smiled gently. ”But what does it matter? I can still spend a lot of time with you even though I am a warrior...”

”I don't think so.”

Risa said immediately after Ai, confusing the older one even more.

“If you are going to be a warrior in the future too, you're going to do a lot of work. Even though, there is no war going on.”

”It probably is like that, but how does that concern us?” The leader asked nonchalantly.

This time, Risa's face turned serious as she looked at the older one with a dark look.

“Warriors are always on duty, aren't they Ai-chan?”

”Yes, they are.”

”And if you're on duty all the time, it means that you wont have much time to anything else than your work. You're either on the battlefield, doing some other duties or then you're resting at home. But most of the time, you will be on duty.”

Ai was silent. She just stared at Risa and tried to figure out what the younger one tried to say to her. When she didn't answer, the bean understood what the other one was thinking. She sighed deeply and shook her head a bit.

“What I am trying to say is, that when this war is over, I want to calm my life down and forget all that is related to this damn war...”

She kept a small pause, so the leader could run these words in her head.

“Also... Also, I want to have a family of my own one day and I don't want to have one, which doesn't live together. Do you understand, what I am saying?”

With that, Risa raised her head up and looked deep In the leader's eyes. Ai was still running all that Risa had said in her head, not quite catching what was wrong with her being a warrior, if Risa wanted a future like that.

“So, you want to have a family, which stays together?”

”Yes.”

Slowly, the leader got on her knees. She raised her arms up a bit and spread them on her sides. At the same time, a small smile spread on her lips too.

“Well what's the deal then? Lets do that if you want to.”

Risa only shook her head as she got up on her knees as well. Ai kept her arms on her sides, yet she wasn't smiling anymore when she noticed how the bean looked like.

“No, you don't understand. If you're going to be a warrior even after the war, the family thing wont happen.”

”Eh, why not?”

Now it was Risa's turn to frown at her girlfriend. She really had thought that the monkey would have realized something like this already.

“Ai, during peace, warriors work as much as they do when it's war. They rebuild and guard places.”

”Honey, I know that...”

”Well it seems that you don't realize at all what I am talking about.”

Risa said in a bit louder tone, which caused Ai to twitch a bit. Her girlfriend rarely raised her voice like this and when she did, she was either pissed off, or pissed off.

“Ai.” Risa continued, her tone more gentle now. ”You would be away from home a lot when you're on your duties. Though there is no war to fight, warriors still stay away from home a lot, for they have other duties to do. I bet you have noticed this too."

And now Ai knew what the bean meant. Because Risa was a warrior too, they had a chance to spend a lot of time together. But if Risa was a civilian... The leader had some friends who were not samurais and last time she had seen them was during some festival time. Warriors and civilian rarely had time together and especially when one was trained to be in a special force, it meant their life circled only around the military.

Sighing, the leader moved a bit closer to her girlfriend and took her in her arms. Risa didn't refuse and she even circled her own arms loosely around Ai's lower back.

“I know what you mean.” Ai said quietly against the bean's neck. “But I can try to spend as much time with you as possible...”

“It's not only that.” Risa said quickly.

“What is it then?” A sigh escaped Ai's lips. She was even more confused by Risa's behavior and to tell the truth, she started to be a bit frustrated too.

”When this war will be over, I want it to end totally in my life. I don't want to hear a word of this thing and I want to erase all things that remind me of it.”

Ai pulled a bit away and stared Risa with a blank face, before she laughed shortly, yet dryly.

“Well that's easier to say than do. You realize that there will always be something that reminds you of this war? No matter how much you want to erase them all, it's impossible. This is a warrior village and...”

”In that case, I want to erase it as much as possible then.”

There was determination in the bean's voice as she spoke. Her whole being was somehow colder now and Ai didn't feel very good about what was about to come. She sighed deeply and shook her head a bit.

“Risa, I hate this war as much as you do but it's just impossible to erase something from your life just like that. Also, me being a warrior in the future.... How does it affect you?”

Now it was Risa's turn to raise her eyebrow. It seemed, that even now Ai hadn't realized what she wanted to say.

“If you keep on going as a warrior, war or not, you would still remind me of this thing.”

”Well I think I would do that even, if I retired from the military...”

”But if you do that, you would remind me less.”

Ai was about to answer, but somehow she just didn't find words. She shook her head again as she got up and walked to the window. Risa stayed down and just looked after her lover. She could sense that Ai was going to get frustrated and she was not far behind.

“In my opinion” The leader started, pondering in her mind, if she should say this or not. It would lead to something she didn't like, but she couldn't lie to Risa about this either. She decided to speak her mind out. ”You're over reacting whit this a bit...”

The leader finally spoke as she turned around to face the bean.

“Me? Over reacting?” Risa said, slightly surprised by Ai's words.

”Yes. I don't understand how me being in the military would affect your life so much. Okay, I would be on duty a lot, but what I would do, if I retired? This is my job Risa. I have done this my whole life and I have no idea what I would do, if I retired.”

There was a short silence before Risa spoke again.

“You could do some normal work...”

”I don't want to.” Ai said ct in quickly. By now, the leader had come closer to the bean. She dropped down on her knees in front of her and took her hands in her own.

“Dear, try to understand what you're asking me to do. Being a warrior is my way of life and I couldn't imagine myself doing something else.”

”So your work goes before me?” Risa blurter suddenly, which caused the leader to sigh again.

“No, you're important too, of course...”

“But you cannot give up your job because of me?”

Suddenly, Ai let go of Risa's hands as she held her hands in the air.

“Woah there! I think you're really over reacting now. What's this sudden 'give up your career as a warrior and stay with me?' I am not going anywhere you know and...”

“Ai.” Risa interrupted again, which caused the older one to quiet down. The bean had a very serious expression now and as Ai looked that beautiful face of hers, she calmed down a bit and lowered her hands.

“I want to have a future where I know I can have my loved ones close to me. It's true, we can't be together every second, but I don't want, that you're away for weeks, months or even years, because you have missions to do. And if you stay in the military, you probably wont stay in here for long...”

Ai frowned at the bean's words. What the heck did she mean? Noticing this, Risa knew immediately what the older one was wondering. Damn, that monkey was slow...

“You would go on the field all the time. I just know it.”

”How, if I may ask?”

Risa snorted a bit as she turned her head away.

“Ai, we all know how great fighter and leader you're. Of course they would put you on the field all the time, for they need someone who is good.”

”Well I can resign in missions which wont take me far away...”

”You really think they would let you?”

Risa asked as she whipped her head back towards the leader. She had gotten a bit irritated by now, how Ai couldn't see the true side of things and lived in her own little world, where everything would just work out somehow.

“What, of course they would, if I just ask them!”

Ai said in a bit louder voice as she spread her arms to her sides again. The bean just looked at her with a blank stare, before she sighed in order to calm her down. This wasn't going very well.

“Ai, they would sent you out.”

”But I just...” The leader tried to say in, but Risa just kept on going:

”You're so highly skilled that of course they would use you! Try to understand that you're their best warrior and unless you get out of the military, they can order you anywhere they need you.”

Not being able to find words, Ai just stayed quiet as she tried to figure out what to say to that. It was true that she was highly skilled and that she would be the first on the list, if they needed some help from warriors. But Ai didn't want to admit it. She couldn't leave the military just like that, for it had been her life as long as she remembered. It was in her veins that she had to protect others and fight for her country. No, she could not live her life as something else than a samurai.

“Try to understand, that I don't want a future, where I will stay at home while you're all the time on the field, playing with your life.”

”After the war, I wont play with my life.” Ai said in quickly to defend herself, but Risa had something to say in this too.

“After the war is over, warriors take care of the criminals and other things related to the war and they are usually the most hated people then. And since you have gained a huge reputation on both sides, they will probably want to hunt you down first.”

Risa was right, but once again, Ai didn't want to admit it. If she did that, she would loose this word battle. And she never lost a battle and never would.

'But I just can't leave...'

“It's not so easy to just leave like that...”

Ai mumbled as she turned her gaze back to Risa, but this time, she had a very serious face. Noticing this, Risa sighed and shook her head. She didn't want to make a fight about this, but she didn't want to give up either. She wanted to have a future, where she could surely have Ai with her.

“I know it's not, but could you even think about it?”

It wasn't a direct ”Leave the military after this is over” request,  but Ai could see behind the bean's words. She knew, what she in truth wanted.

“No.”

Ai got up and walked in front of the window again, turning her back to Risa. But she was not quiet for a long while.

“I can't leave the military. I just can't....”

Hearing this made Risa feel crushed. She had hoped that the leader would hate this war as much as she did and be willing to leave this part of her life behind, but it didn't seem like that. Slowly, the bean got up as well and went behind Ai. She placed her hand on the leader's shoulder, which the older one soon took a hold of with her own.

“Ai...”

She called gently and when the leader did nothing, the bean was sure that she was listening to her.

“Ai, how do you know something before you try it?”

It was quiet again, till the leader dropped her hand down and spun around to face the bean. Seeing her expression, Risa gasped a bit; Ai had a very dark look in her eyes and she looked almost angry.

“Can't you drop this subject already?” She said in low tone, not quite growling, but not sounding very nice either. ”I already told you I wont quit military and that's that.”

”But Ai....”

”No, you listen to me now!”

Ai said in a bit louder tone, which caused Risa to back away. It had been a long while since the leader had last acted like this and it had been back then, when she had not been herself. It scared the bean somehow.

“You're asking me to give up something I have known my whole life and exchange it to something I have only know for a half year! Also, isn't it a bit too early to look so far in the future? Lets live day by day and do decisions with that.”

Though Ai's spoke sense, Risa couldn't help but feel a bit hurt of what she had just said. It sounded like fighting went before her and that the leader would change the bean to a good fight or saving people anytime. But the bean wouldn't stay down. Crossing her arms in front of her, she challenged the leader.

“But knowing that you wont never give up the military already affects our futures. How do you know you wont change your mind about this tomorrow?”

Ai was silent for a while, before she spoke in a serious tone.

“This is something I wont change my mind. Never.”

“So you're going to devote your whole life to military? What about your friends? What about me? You know how much I hate all this and I do this only because I want this to end!  I....”

”Maybe you should grow up and learn to live with the pain in your life. You just can't erase all the bad things you have experienced just like that. They are part of you the rest of your life and...”

”Don't interrupt me.”

Risa spat suddenly and now it was the leader's turn to back away a bit. This conversation had indeed taken a whole different turn than they had planned to. At first, Ai was confused, but soon, she got angry.

“Well for you to know, you just did the same to me. Don't tell others to do something you don't even do yourself.”

She snarled. Her tone was mean and her expression showed, how much disgust she felt right now. The bean only answered with a glare and snort.

“And you stop ordering me around.”

Suddenly, the bean had gotten so irritated that she only wanted to answer everything the leader said to her. Ai was not far behind, for she really felt angry right now and anything Risa said, sounded very annoying.

“Don't you tell me what I am supposed to do.”

Ai said and took few steps closer, while Risa just stood still and stared in the leader's eyes with a very serious expression. It was the battle of two stubborn heads, neither giving in at all anymore. They just wanted to win and show that they were right. At any cost.

“I do whatever I want to.”

Risa snarled back, not taking her eyes away from Ai's.

“And so do I. You nor anyone else wont make decisions for me. I live my life like I want and no one will change it for me.”

”That's quite selfish from you.”

Risa answered back immediately, which caused Ai to get even more angry.

“Oh, and it's not selfish from you at all to ask someone to give up something which has been the person's life for 20 years only because you don't like it?”

”And you could think others than yourself too...”

”You're asking me to give up my life, don't you get it dammit??!!”

Ai roared suddenly, startling the bean in front of her. The younger one took few steps backwards, staring her lover with wide eyes. The leader was now breathing more deeply as she tried to control herself somehow.

“Don't you get it that It's not so easy to give up something like this just like that?? I bet there's  something you have had for your whole life and how would it feel, if I asked you to give it up?”

Though she had gotten surprised, Risa was soon back on the battlefield as her anger got the better of herself.

“It's not that you wont give it up, but the fact that you wont even consider about giving it up! I understand that it's something very important to you, but if you just...”

”Oh, you really understand this. Of course you do...”

This was enough for the leader, who gave her answer in a sarcastic tone. And this of course made the bean even more angry. She got very irritated when someone interrupted her and it didn't help at all now. She should calm the situation down soon, or something bad would happen. But it was already too late.

“Damn it, listen to me what I have to say!” The bean demanded.

”I am not very interested to listen something I have already heard and given my answer to.” The leader snorted, only giving fuel to her lover's growing anger.

“Oh, so when you face something uneasy, you just shut it out and escape it. Coward.”

”What did you say?” Ai snarled suddenly and came a bit closer, Risa not moving an inch. She kept facing the older one, anger very clear in her eyes.

“I said you're a coward. You avoid problems and you're not ready to let go of old things in order to explore new things.”

“I am not coward! Just doing things in other way than you is not running...”

”Well you're not solving them either!”

By now, the bean was so irritated that she forgot to play the game by the rules she had set. She interrupted the leader in order to speak her mind out and of course, Ai caught everything.

“Who's now interrupting?”

She growled while Risa leaned a bit forwards and glared the older woman.

“Well if you ask me, it's okay to interrupt you, since there's nothing reasonable coming out from your mouth.”

”And you have then?”

”More than you.”

“Yes, ripping someone's life away and replacing it with her own is very reasonable.”

”I am not ripping your life away!” The bean tried to defend herself. She had thrown her arms to her sides and the look in her eyes was even pleading as she tried to make her lover understand what she wanted to tell her. ”I am only trying to make our future so, that it would be nice for the both of us..”

”You're just trying to make it nice for yourself, cause you're so coward that you can't live with your own fears!” Ai interrupted and slowly, it started to sink in Risa's head that this wouldn't indeed end well.

”It's not that...”

”It is and it irritates me how you can't understand how I feel about this!”

And that was it. Annoyed how she couldn't finish her sentence and speak her mind out, the bean glared the older one darkly taking few steps closer at the same time.

”Well do you, oh, your highness, have any kind of feeling how I might feel about this?”

A silence fell again between the fighting couple, who was now glaring at each others deadly.

“No.” Ai answered simply as she stared back in Risa's eyes. The cold look was there once again and it was like the old Ai was back. ”And right now, I am not even interest how you feel about this.”

”What?”

Risa gasped. Ai didn't care how she felt about this?

“If you're as selfish as you sound, I am not very sure, if I am even willing to share my future with you who only wants her own things in there.”

Though the leader was speaking in a calm tone, the coldness in her words made Risa shiver. By now, the bean had gotten so angry, that she only wanted to shoot back. She didn't even think about stopping this and try to solve the situation. She only wanted to hurt Ai with her words.

“Well I am not sure either, if I want to live with such a cold and heartless person like you.”

“Well if it's like that then, you know where the door is!”

Ai yelled suddenly and pointed towards her front door. She was tired of hearing the bean's voice and excuses by now. This made Risa stop for a while and examine the leader's face. When she found only rage and coldness in there the bean made her decision.

“With pleasure.”

She huffed and spun around quickly. She took all her stuff with her, not even daring to look if she took something which was Ai's with her, and went to the front door. But before she closed the door behind her, she shouted one more time after her;

”You stay here thinking your great future as a warrior and a loner, who can't have anyone beside, cause she is so tied in her job.”

With that, Risa slammed the door shut. Immediately after this Ai dashed after her but stopped in front of the door, yelling through it.

“And you go to your home to dwell in your self-pity which you can never get over!! You hear me??!!”

She roared and banged the door few times. But as soon as her punches subsided, as soon the leader fell down on her knees. She dived her hand through her short hair and cursed under her breath.

“Damn it...”

Meanwhile, Risa was walking briskly away from Ai's apartment. The bean had considered turning back and thinking about things again, but after hearing the leader's words, she had decided to keep on going. No, she didn't want to see Ai right now and even about thinking her made her mad. It was like back then when the leader had been her assholeself. And that person, Risa didn't want to see ever again.

“Damn it...”

The bean cursed as she kept on going to her own apartment, carrying a heavy and unknown pain in her chest.

---------------------------------------

That night, neither Ai or Risa slept well. They had gotten so used to sleep with the other one around but now that they were alone, it was nearly impossible to fall asleep. But it wasn't only that, but the earlier fight kept on repeating in their heads.

The next day, when the troops were about to leave, Ai was getting her horse ready. She had dark circles under her eyes and she looked like a walking zombie. Just when she was about to mount, the leader felt a light tap on her shoulder. Spinning around Ai found her lover behind her, looking down and holding something in her hands. Immediately, Ai noticed the dark circles equal to hers under Risa's eyes. The bean hadn't slept either and she felt guilty for that. Ai knew why she hadn't slept well because she had quite the same reason.

Sighing deeply, the older woman took a step closer but this made Risa to snap back on earth. Before the other one could speak or do anything else, the bean reached her arms out and tied a neck protector around Ai's neck. She had taken it accidentally with her when she had stormed out from Ai' home yesterday. Letting the bean dress her, the leader closed her eyes as she enjoyed the gentle touch of the younger girls fingers against her skin. The feeling, she had missed last night. Damn, they should solve this thing quickly or she would turn crazy.

“Risa...”

Ai started, but the bean only put her finger in front of her mouth, silencing the leader. Great, this only meant that she was still mad at her... But what happened next confused Ai. Risa leaned in and gave a quick peck on her lips, before pulling away. Eyes wide, Ai looked the bean with a shocked expression.

“Risa... You...”

”I am still mad at you.” Risa said bluntly, not looking in her lover's eyes. ”We will settle this down after you'll get back.”

The bean grumbled and was just about to leave, when Ai suddenly caught her arm and pulled her in a tight hug.

“Then why did you kiss me, if you're still mad at me?”

Risa sighed deeply in Ai's arms, but didn't hug her back. She took in her scent, which she had missed last night. And the warmth, which without she couldn't sleep.

“Though I am mad at you, it doesn't mean I don't love you.”

Ai pulled a bit away so she could see Risa's eyes. The bean had a very serious expression on her face and the leader was sure she was not going to get a smile from her this morning. But that kiss and Risa's words had made it somehow and Ai could leave with a bit lighter heart.

“I'll come back.”

The leader whispered, letting the bean finally go. Risa only nodded her head as an answer and gave Ai another serious look.

“You better.”

They looked each others expressionless for a while, when the order to leave was announced. Ai mounted her horse, while Risa just stood still. They gave each others one last looks, before the leader rode away, the bean staying still and waving to the leaving warriors. She smiled at Eri and the others as they passed by, but as soon as the gates closed after everyone, the dark expression was back again. This scene only reminded her of her incoming future, if things didn't change at all. Looking up at the clear sky, Risa made a prayer for her friends and lover, so that they would be able to get back safely. After that, she spun around and headed to the Palace, where she could do some thinking. She would settle things down after her friends and her lover would return from this battle.

------------------------------------------

No one had anticipated how long this battle would be. It had already been three weeks and it did seem that there was no end of this fight. The enemy kept on attacking all the time and there was an enormous number of them. Heng had recruited everyone capable in her army, making it outnumber Yoshizawa's men. But as Goto and Miki had said, the enemy had a lot of inexperienced warriors, which made the situation a bit easier, even though the enemy had superiority.

Ai ran behind a small knoll, which blocked an arrow shower which was flying towards her. The enemy's aim was bad, but with such a huge number, there was always someone who could accidentally hit bullseye. Ai jumped down to the ground, crawled few meters in order to get in better hide and then sat up against the knoll. She was soon joined by her sub leader, who was crawling in the same hide as Ai. They were both panting heavily, for they had been fighting for hours today. They had not slept well in days and everyday they had to survive these heated battles. They had destroyed a lot of enemy troops, but they had also lost a lot.

Both warriors had bloodstained armors and ripped clothes. Their faces were under blood and dirt. Ai was even sure that her skin had started to turn into darker shade by now, because every time she had had a chance to wash her face or hands, her skin color hadn't changed much.

“Situation?!”

Ai yelled as she watched how another arrow shower flew over them.

“Half of my squad is down, but Sayu is doing quite well!” Eri yelled, trying to catch her breath at the same time. ”We are able to keep the enemy away, but we need some evacuation!”

The leader nodded her head and quickly peeked behind the hill to check the situation. Fortunately, the enemy didn't notice her and she was able to make some situation calling for a longer while. They had had to split The Team Alfa in two, for they had needed leader's for squads. It was weird to fight like this, but Ai had made a decision to keep at least two Alfa members together, so no one wouldn't be alone.

“Name a squad leader after the evacuation in your teams! We got to get the Alfa team together!”

Ai yelled as she dropped back down behind their shelter when another arrow shower was launched. When the arrows had hit the ground, Ai turned to Eri.

“We'll meet where our horses are. Inform everyone, that we are going to attack from the side.”

Eri listened to her leader, but she was frowning.

“Ai, you know that our enemy has blocked it sides by now! There's no way we can attack from there!”

”I have an idea! Trust me!”

The leader yelled at the turtle. They stared each others for a long while, before Eri nodded her head in approval.

“Roger that.”

And with that they went back to their squads, naming one to lead them and gathering their own team together. But what Ai didn't do was to send a message to the higher ups. She knew what Goto would think of this now and she would never let Ai go with her plan. So she kept quiet about this and just gathered her own team together.

---------------------------------

On the enemy's side Sayaka and Ju were following from horse back the battle on the field. They were quite satisfied by the results they had gained, for it was a lot better than what they had anticipated.

Lowering her binocular, Sayaka glared at the general beside her, who had a maniac grin on her face.

“What is this your, oh, so great plan?”

She asked. Ju didn't lowered her binocular, nor did she answer the question. But soon, her grin got even wider and she lowered the object in her hands. She started to encourage the horse under her forwards by hitting the animals sides with her heels, making the mare to jump.

“You'll see soon.”

She said in a low growl as she rode forwards. She was soon met by a small group of her special forces, who were having a person as a prisoner. The group threw the exhausted warrior to the ground, who groaned in pain. She didn't have her helmet in her head anymore and her clothes and armor were broken. She had blood everywhere in her clothes and body. yet all wasn't hers.

As the prisoner looked up, she was met by Ju's maniac grin as the general landed from the horse back. She walked closer and took a hold of her prisoners dark hair, pulling her up painfully.

“You, are going to be the key to my victory.”

By now, Sayaka had rode beside the general and was watching the groaning prisoner in her hands. The warrior only snarled at the other female before she turned her gaze back forwards.

“And now we just have to get their attention...”

Ju said as she handed her prisoner away. Two warriors took her and dragged her from aside. However, they had some difficulties with holding the female for she was fighting back so much. When it seemed that the two couldn't handle her and almost let her escape, a third warrior finally came and silenced her by hitting her hard in stomach. The prisoner let out a voiceless gasp as she was dragged to the side.

“Use smoke bombs.”

Sayaka said to Ju. The general only shook her head as she seemed to be in thoughts.

“No, it raises too much attention...”

“I wont.”

Turning her head towards the younger female beside her, Ju glared at Sayaka.

“Oh it will....”

“It wont. Trust me.” Sayaka said as she took one of the bombs out from her pocket.

“These are quite commonly used in Kibo's side plus, you will get cover from this.”

“And how do you know that?” Ju snarled. "Also, how it will raise Takahashi's attention, if it's so commonly used?" Sayaka just kept her cool in front of the roaring Heng warrior. She glanced at the general before snorting.

“I just used to be on their side. I know how they fight. Smoke bombs are used when someone asks help or such. In no time, someone will come to check the situation what's wrong.”

Ju listened, pondering what she had just heard. Yes, that was true that Sayaka indeed knew how Kibo's people fought and what they used and what kind of tactics they usually had. Maybe the girl was for once right and she could trust her.

“Fine. But that better not to raise too much attention.”

“Don't worry. I have troops taking care of those two you want to see the less right now. After this, I am off to lead them and I will leave A-Takahashi to you.”

Not missing a beat of what Sayaka said, Ju examined her expressionless face. There was something the other one was planning but she also seemed to be willing to let Ju handle her rival.

“Sounds good to me.” Ju finally said as she turned to look the battlefield which had quieted down in front of them. Not wasting any time the general  gave few hand signals to her men and turned to look at Sayaka beside her.

“The bomb.”

Sayaka looked at the general beside her with a surprised expression. ”So soon?” She asked. Ju only nodded her head, grinning like a maniac. Sayaka frowned, but finally threw the small object away from her hands. She took a small metal ring away from the bomb, before throwing it far away from them. It took only few moments when thick smoke started to fill the now empty field.

As soon as that was done without saying a word Sayaka turned around, mounted her horse and rode away. Ju glared after her but was soon back to her main goal. Takahashi would be hers today.

Meanwhile Goto and Miki were leading their own platoons. It was like any battle from before, but something wasn't just right.

“Captain. Do you notice anything weird?”

Miki turned to the general and when she noticed how she was looking at the battlefront, she turned to eaxmine it too.

“Well now that you say, the enemy is attacking quite lazily in here... It's even retiring.” Miki answered the generals question, gaining some nods as an answer.

”Yes, exactly. It's very weird...”

The two higher ups were a bit further away from the front line. They were on a small hill behind the woods, where they had a good view to the field but a good cover from the enemy.

Goto had been wondering the weird situation for a while now and she didn't like this. Something just told her that bad things were about to happen soon. That's why, she had wracked her brain all the time in order to figure out what was going on. She started to look around her, when something suddenly caught her eyes.

”What the... Captain! Look!”

And at the same time, someone ran to them, yelling like there was fire somewhere.

“GENERAL! CAPTAIN!!”

--------------------------------------------

The Team Alfa was gathering their group together and would soon be ready to surprise their enemy. They were positioned in different places, so it took some time for everyone to get to the meeting spot. Ai and Eri were the first ones and Reina followed after few minutes.

”Reina reporting in!”

The kitten huffed as she ran to the other warriors. She was panting quite heavily and her face was as clean as her friends. Her equipment were all in dust, blood and mud and the kitten herself felt that she was dead tired. But she couldn't give up or that would mean death. When she reached her friends, the warrior put her hands against her knees and tried to catch her breath. If she could rest even for then minutes...

“She's late....” Ai said suddenly as she looked around nervously.

“Sayu?”

Eri asked as she looked at her leader. Ai had a deep frown on her face as she was still spinning and looking around herself as if Sayu would pop up from somewhere.

“Maybe... Maybe she got slowed down by... something...”

“She's never late.” Ai interrupted the huffing Reina. The two younger team members looked at each others. Why was she so nervous? In this kind of situation it was quite understandable, if someone couldn't reach the given time limits.

“But the situation is quite hard so it's no wonder, if she's late...” Eri said to the leader. But Ai was not convinced.

“No. Sayu has never been late. She is now and that means that something is wrong.”

As if Ai had summoned something or someone up with her words there was a sound of footsteps. Everyone turned to look as one man emerged from behind some bushes, holding his bleeding arm. In no time, the Team Alfa ran to the warrior, helping him to stay on his feet.

“What happened?”

Ai interrogated the situation immediately as Reina and Eri supported the heavily panting man.

“They.... They have... Superiority... AARGH!!” The man cried as he tried to ease the pain in his shoulder. ”Michishige-san send me... she needs help...”

The trio barely heard what the man said because he was talking so quietly and panting at the same time.

“Sayu needs help?”

Ai repeated as the man only nodded his head. Eri got quickly alarmed as she looked at the leader.

“We got to help her!”

But instead of nodding at her friends request, the young leader examined the wounded warrior in front of her with suspicious. Not saying a word, she placed her hand on the man's neck and took something in her fingers. Reina could see how Ai took the dog tag out from under the warrior's armor and was now examining it carefully.

“Ai, we got to hurry....” Eri started but was soon cut off by Ai, who had now raised her hand in order to silence the younger girl.

“What's your name, blood type and when's your birthday?”

Everyone stared at the leader as if she had grown another head. Just what the heck was she doing?

When the man didn't answer, Ai repeated her question. This time, the wounded warrior only hung his head down, not making any eye contact with the leader. It was silent for a while, until the man spoke quietly.

“I'm Kouji. Blood type is A positive and My birthday is 23th December...”

”Doesn't fit.” Ai said dryly as she dropped the dog tag. ”Should have learnt you tags better when you stole it from someone...” The leader snarled. The man's head shot up as he looked at the young warrior with scared eyes.

“What? Impossible! That's what it says!”

But Ai didn't listen. Instead, she motioned few soldiers nearby to come closer.

“Take care of this guy and don't let him get away.”

“Ai, what is it?” Eri asked. When the man was taken away, the leader walked briskly to her horse and mounted it.

“He's a spy.” Reina and Eri gasped. Could it really be?

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. The tag had totally different information and he also didn't look familiar.” She turned her horse around and faced the way the man had just come. ”Plus, if a spy comes and gives us info like that in out uniform, it only means Sayu is in trouble.”

And with that the leader encouraged her horse to gallop, leaving Eri and Reina behind. But the two soon mounted their horses too and followed Ai in the forest. But the further they got, the worse they could see in front of them.

“What's this?” Eri mumbled.

“It's a smoke bomb...” The kitten answered as they kept on going. Soon, they didn't see a thing and that made them to halt. It would be dangerous to just run in this thick smoke when they knew that the enemy was close.

“Where's Ai?”

The two turned their horses around, totally lost in the smoke.

“Better take cover...” Reina said as she got down from the horse, Eri following in suit. They soon found a small knoll and jumped behind it. But when they got down on one knee, the kitten brushed her leg in something. Or rather, someone.

Looking down she could see a woman's corpse. She had the same kind of armor as Reina and Eri were wearing and beside her was another warrior. From Yoshizawa's side too.

“Oh my gosh...”

Eri gasped as she noticed more corpses around them. By now, the smoke had started to disappear, but it didn't bring any good news. It was quite the opposite.

About fifty meters ahead, they could see their squad leader, down from the horseback and facing away from them. And in front of her was the enemy. There were about sixty warriors, everyone gathered in one big mass and in front of them stood one person.

“Ju....”

Both Eri and Reina said at the same time. And indeed the enemy's general was standing in front of her warriors, smiling wickedly and examining the young squad leader in front of her. It was a miracle that no one had launched an arrow towards Ai by now. She was in open and childishly easy target for an archer. But for some reason, no one had shoot an arrow. After scouting the group in front of them, Reina noticed now, that none of them actually had bows. That was also the reason Ai was so calm in the open. She knew no one could reach her there and if they wanted to fight, they had to approach her and then she would have enough time to prepare herself.

In no time, Eri had taken her bow and aimed at Ju, while Reina drew her sword out. This of course didn't go unnoticed by the general. But her main focus was to fight with Ai. Making sure that she could fight with her without interruptions, the general pointed at Eri, smiling as she did so.

“If you want your friend alive, you put that bow away.”

What did she mean? Eri kept her aim and when Ju's words didn't have any effect, the general only snapped her fingers once. The group behind her moved, causing the trio to tense up and get ready to fight. But in no time, they all froze as they saw what Ju's men had just brought up.

A black haired woman was dragged from behind the group. Her head hung low and her whole being was very limb. She had been beaten very badly and she even might have had few broken bones. Ju walked closer to the prisoner and took a hold of her hair, pulling her head up. Sayu's face was covered in blood and she was barely conscious. Her eyes were half open and she was breathing heavily.

“No...”

Ai gasped. This was bad. Having Sayu as a hostage, the general could play the game as she wanted. Would Ai refuse a thing, Sayu would die.

“Sayu!!”

Eri yelled, forgetting her bow immediately and trying to rush to help her lover. Reina however stopped her just in time by grabbing her arm and pulling her behind the cover.

“No! You only get killed, if you attack just like that!”

The turtle tried to struggle away, but Reina's grip was strong. As she held her friend the kitten cursed in her head how stupid they had been when they had just dashed in here. There were about one hundred against three and now even their friend was a hostage.

“Let Sayu go!!” Ai yelled as she took few steps closer. Ju only smirked smugly as she took her sword out.

“Oh sure, I'll let her go.” She said in a mocking tone. ”Sorry, but you don't have enough badges in your sleeve to order me around, kid. And even if you had, I wouldn't obey.”

Biting her lip so hard that she could taste blood, Ai cursed the general. This was so low trick that she really just wanted to dash in there and kill her.

“But you can save your friend.” Ju said, grinning like a madman. ”Duel with me.”

Though Sayu was in bad condition, she could still hear everything around her. As she forced her eyes open, she could see Ai in front of her. She was far away, but still too close. Gathering her strength, the tactician tried to struggle free as she yelled.

“GET OUT OF HE- OUFF!!”

A hard punch by Ju in stomach silenced Sayu. Her eyes widened in pain and her head hung low as she tried to bare with the horrible feeling which was radiating through her body. Ju's smirk had turned into a glare as she looked at her prisoner like a pile of rubbish.

“Sayu...!!”

Eri yelled and tried to get to her lover again, only to be stopped by Reina. This caused Ai to growl even more. She had to make a decision quickly or she would pay with her friends life. Dammit, why had she rushed in here so fast without thinking? There could have been a lot of better ways to save her friend, but now they were all in danger. The good thing was that the enemy didn't seem to have archers, while they had one expert. But right now, it didn't help much. By the way Eri was yelling from the background, Ai knew she had totally forgotten her bow.

'Dammit...'

Cursing, Ai looked down at her swords hilt, before slowly placing her hand on it. She drew the weapon out and looked at the now very pleasantly smirking general.

“Very well...” She said slowly. ”But you'll let Sayu go first! Otherwise, I wont duel you at all.”

Ju grinned happily, getting just what she had wanted to. This was so great she couldn't believe it! Everything had went just as she had hoped and if this continued, Takahashi would be dead in no time.

“Okay. Challenge accepted...”

The general said and snapped her fingers again. In no time, Sayu was pushed to the ground harshly. The tactician tried to get up and somehow, she managed to struggle on her knees She looked at the leader and tried to say something, but her voice was weak and she couldn't utter a word. But she had to. She knew where this was going and she had to save her friends.

And then, someone walked beside her. But Sayu didn't care. She was too weak to escape or fight and she clearly knew what was about to happen. All she now tried to do was to get her friends away from here.

Ju looked at her prisoner in front of her before turning her face towards Ai. The way she was smiling made the squad leader anxious.

“Ju, we have a deal!” She yelled. But the general only smiled wider. Oh, she was so enjoying this.

“We're now in a duel and I'm your opponent.” Ai kept on yelling as she had started to approach the two. Noticing this, Sayu got panicked.

'No!! Go awayy!'

This was bad. Very bad. Once again summoning all her willpower and the strength she had left, the bunny raised her head up and yelled as hard as she could.

“GET THE FUCKING OUT OF HERE!! IT'S AN AMBUSH!!”

Ai froze in her steps and so did Eri and Reina behind the knoll. Soon, the turtle had somehow gotten the bow back in her hands and was aiming the general once again. She was angry and she would not let her harm Sayu. But Ju knew that she was aimed and she also knew how she could save herself.

“Oh, but I'm only keeping my side of the deal.” She said and suddenly pulled Sayu painfully up by her hair, causing her to growl in pain. ”I'm letting her go. To her eternal rest.”

And by that, the general took a small sword from her waist and pushed it in one swift motion in Sayu's stomach. The tactician eyes widened as blood rushed out of her mouth and an enormous pain shot through her body. Ju brought her face closer to Sayu's enjoying the confused look in her eyes.

“Too bad your friends couldn't save you...” She whispered, before letting go of the sword and Sayu's hair, causing the tactician's lifeless body to fall down to the ground face first.

“NO!!!”

Not thinking what she was doing, Ai started to run towards her friend and the general. She could hear how Eri cried something behind her with Reina and she could see how Sayu was lifeless on the ground. But what she didn't see, was how Ju was grinning widely. She just wanted to kill that bastard, nothing else.

“SAYU!!!!”

Ai screamed as she tried to go faster in order to save her friend. But it was already too late. The leader could see how her friend had an empty look in her eyes as she tried to struggle on the ground, gasping for air as her hands fumbled on the weapon in her stomach.

“And now, I'll take care of you.” Ju said. She snapped her fingers once again and then suddenly, the two men who had held Sayu, crouched down and took bows from out of nowhere. Quickly, they launched two arrows, one hitting Ai's shoulder while the other hit her right thigh. Yelling loudly, Ai fell to the ground on her back as tearing pain traveled through her body. She had been only about ten meters away from the archers which caused the arrows to sink deep in her flesh.

“AI!!!”

Reina yelled. She looked helplessly at her friends, one totally down and another wounded badly. But her fighter senses kicked soon in as she remembered they still had a bow.

“ERI! SHOOT THEM!”

But Eri was out of the game as well. All she did was to look at her fallen lover who was very close to death now. She didn't react at all when Reina tried to slap some sense in her. The kitten even hit her in shoulder, but with no results. She just stared ahead, nothing else.

“Fuck...”

Reina cursed as she took the bow herself. She tried to shoot, but she wasn't an archer. The arrow missed miserably and when she was trying to shoot the next one, Ju had already reached Ai.

The leader was down on the ground, holding her shoulder. The pain was unbearable and just when she was about to get up, someone kicked her down hard. Ju stamped over her wounded shoulder, causing Ai to howl in pain.

“Finally, I got you...”

Ju said quietly. It was like her dream had come true when she was standing above Ai, ready to kill her.

“No one can save you now.” The general took a hold of the arrow in Ai's shoulder and pulled it a bit away, causing Ai's upper body to be lifted from the ground. The leader's eyes widened but no sound came from her mouth. The pain was so horrible that she was about to faint, but Ju wouldn't allow that. It would be boring to kill her rival when she was unconscious. No. The last thing Takahashi should see was her victorious face.

”Finally, I will be the most feared warrior on the field.” Ju said in low whisper, still holding the arrow in her hand and moving it, causing pain travel through Ai's body.

”Finally, I get rid of you. Everyone is going to remember my name, the great samurai Ju, who beat the ”legendary Takahashi Ai.”" Ju pulled Ai a bit further up and crouched down so she could get her face closer to Ai's

”Everyone will remember my name, but yours will be wiped away from the history books!”

And with that, the general pushed the younger warrior to the ground, causing her to groan in pain. Ju took her own sword and raised it up, ready to hit the younger leader who was struggling under her. Ai tried to reach for her own sword, but every time she moved, Ju would just kick her in the wounded shoulder, immobilizing her completely. The general only laughed cruelly when she watched the young woman under her struggle in pain.

“Oh my, this is so great. The great Takahashi Ai, totally under my mercy. Too pity I have to end your life now.”

Ai managed to open her eyes so, that she could see Ju's silhouette above her. The katana raised slowly, stopping for a moment. Million thoughts ran through Ai's head and her whole life flashed quickly in front of her eyes. Her friends, family and Risa. She would never see her again and she would never be close to her. She was going to die. There was just no way no one could save her anymore.

"No..."

The leader growled. She had promises to keep, she couldn't die now. Summoning some unknown powers inside her, the leader pushed herself up one more time, not caring about the pain in her shoulder and thigh. But Ju only kicked her in her wound, making the young squad leader to fall back to the ground. The general made sure that her prey wouldn't escape, so she literally stood over the younger one's shoulder, not letting her to move at all.

The last thing before shutting her eyes tightly Ai saw, was Ju's wide grin, just as the general had hoped, and how she hit her with the katana in her hands. This was the end of her journey and no matter how much she wanted to fight back, Ai just couldn't do a thing.

“AI!!!”

------------------------------------

This was so hard to write  Well, I hope you liked it~ *Runs away from all the Sayu fans*