by Jake Taylor
“Sorry, I thought you were elderly enough that you wouldn’t hear me.”
“Don’t think I won’t beat you senseless with yer own arm.” Freya paused before ruffling his hair too, receiving a glare for her actions that just made her laugh. She waved far too cheerily at him before stepping around him to talk to Ophelia. “You keep lookin’ after me nephew, Phelly. ‘e needs someone smart keepin’ ‘im in line.”
The woman smiled at her. “That won’t be a problem. I learned how to deal with him quite a long time ago.”
Dalgus looked at them with a frown. “I’m right here, you know.”
Freya grinned at him. “So ye are. Wanna medal?”
“Yes.”
“Tough. Losers don’t get medals.”
Dalgus’ frown grew. “Should you be standing this long? Your back might give out.”
“Oho, y’ wanna go now, sonny?”
Dalgus cocked his head and grinned. “What kind of nephew would I be if I hurt my old aunt?”
Freya met his grin, folding her arms. “I been kickin’ ass since b’fore ye were born.”
“That’s kinda my point.”
“Keep that mouth o’ yers goin’ an’ I’ll be doin’ it long after yer dead, too.”
“Alright, alright, point taken.”
“Better be.” Freya gave him a playful shove before walking away from that group and over to where Haruka with her arms folded. She watched the monk’s face for a moment. “You alright, Ruka?”
“Not really,” the monk answered honestly, though her face betrayed little.
“You hang in there.” Freya set a hand on her shoulder. “I can see th’ effect you ‘ave on ‘er. My advice? Forget th’ last chapter long as you can an’ enjoy th’ book. You’re makin’ ‘er ‘appy, no reason t’ ruin that with a future problem.”
Haruka sighed. “I’ll try. Thank you for… everything you’ve done for us.”
Freya flashed a grin. “Ain’t a problem, lass. Come visit me sometime, eh?”
“I will. Promise.”
“Good.” Freya squeezed her shoulder before walking over to say goodbye to Isabella. The knight already had visible tears and Freya’s face fell at the sight. “Oh, don’t do that, lass, I won’t be able t’ hold out. I gotta tough pirate image t’ protect!”
Isabella smiled, wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry, I just… I’m going to miss you and I don’t know if I’ll see you again.”
Freya sighed, looking at the ground. “That’s ‘arder t’ deal with. I’m just gonna assume you will, alright?” Isabella hugged her and Freya blinked a few times as she patted her pack. “Don’t get all emotional on me. You’re stronger than y’ think; you’ll make it.”
Bella gave a shaky sigh, stepping back and looking at her. “Thank you… so much. We would never have made it this far without you. You’re the best thing to happen to us since this started.”
Freya took Bella by the shoulders, staring into her eyes. “I’d do more if I could. You promise you’ll come see me with Ruka over there, alright? Promise.”
Bella nodded, smiling weakly. “I promise.”
“I’m holdin’ you to that. You try t’ skip outta that, I’ll come find you wherever y’ are an’ drag you back, you ‘ear?” Bella laughed softly and Freya patted her shoulder before turning around, heading over to the horses to climb onto the one waiting for her. As the other mercenaries mounted theirs she turned back to the group, grinning. “You all don’t get into too much trouble without invitin’ me or I’ll never forgive you.”
Dalgus shook his head. “You bring us most of the trouble, like you’ve got a death wish and want to share it with the class.”
“Aye, it’s my job. Everybody dies, an’ I intend t’ deserve it.” She winked at them, giving a last look to Haruka and Isabella before kicking her horse forward and taking off with the others.
Isabella sighed, smiling at Haruka as the monk moved up beside her and took her hand. She looked back to watch Freya ride away, wondering if she actually would make it long enough to see her again.
Freya was wondering the same thing. As she reached the top of a distant hill she paused to look back at the small figures a good ways away. Part of her wanted to stay despite her life being miles away on the seas, but she knew she couldn’t. Instead she said a silent prayer to whoever was listening for her friends before she turned back and continued, riding until they were out of sight, but not out of mind.
If she was honest with herself, they’d probably never be out of mind.
Chapter 13: The Fight Is Eternal
“Did you ever get used to killing?” Suria had naively asked, a question she now couldn’t believe she’d been stupid enough to say to the woman.
Isabella had seemed so broken in that moment, even as she kept the smile that no longer seemed anything but self-deprecating. “I wish I hadn’t.”
IXH
Isabella stood atop a hill looking out over the plains around their current encampment. It had been two months since their arrival and they’d seen no sign of the Black Sun or Reis’ forces yet. She was beginning to hope that this meant the running was over; that Freya had been right in that they would remain safe here. Her head knew that wasn’t the case, but it still couldn’t convince her heart to give up its hopes. She squinted into the sunlight and turned, but there was nothing in sight in any direction – another safe day.
“Bella!” The knight turned to see Suria sprinting up the hill, stopping about halfway up. “She’s in the circle again!”
“What?!” Bella began running down the hill and Suria joined her once she reached her. “Why did no one tell me?” Bella shouted as they ran, reaching the edge of the tents and running between and around them.
“I’m telling you now!”
“I meant before it started!”
“It wasn’t planned!”
Soon after the sound of yelling reached their ears, a large crowd of mercenaries came into view. Bella and Suria ran into the crowd and they made room for them to reach the inner edge. Bella came to a stop, grinning as she caught her breath. Hundreds of mercenaries were crowded into a small area; in the middle there was an empty circle in which Haruka stood wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts, both kept tight to prevent grabbing and make movement easier. Since her porcelain mask was an unfair advantage, Isabella had made her a green cloth mask that she could wear instead. She was also sweating and breathing deeply, as was the large man across from her. Four other men sat nearby looking beaten and bruised, the previous fighters.
“Ruki!” Haruka blinked and looked over, grinning once she spotted Isabella waving. She winked at her and the man she was fighting took the opportunity to throw a punch, but Haruka was expecting such an obvious move and easily sidestepped it. Since his defenses weren’t up (as he’d believed he had an advantage), Haruka’s fist rocketed forward and slammed into his face, bringing his feet up off the ground before his body hit the dirt. Isabella and Suria cheered, as did most of the other mercenaries. Money was exchanged and someone tossed Haruka a towel, which she used as the next challenger stepped up, removing his shirt and boots before moving to the center of the circle.
Haruka tossed away the towel and clasped hands with the man before they backed off. As they raised their fists Suria looked up at Isabella. “Do you think he has a chance?”
Bella shook her head, smiling widely. “No one does, Red. No one.”
Haruka and the man circled each other for a few seconds before both moved forward at the same time. The man threw a punch and she knocked it aside, throwing her own. He blocked it with his other forearm and ducked down, aiming at her stomach. Haruka flexed her stomach and traded that hit for delivering one of her own to the side of the man’s head. He stumbled back and shook his head to clear it and she let him regain his footing before going after him. She darted forward and started high. When his block went up she dropped to a knee and turned her high punch into a low one, slamming her fist into his stomach. As he doubled
over she stood and brought her knee up into his chin, and as he went back up she struck his chest with an open palm, sending him back and to the ground.
Cheers went up again as she helped the man up and he declined to continue the fight, laughing and moving to the edge of the circle. Haruka looked around for the next challenger, and suddenly one side of the inner ring parted as Dalgus stepped through. Everyone looked at him as he drew the massive scimitar from his back and stabbed it into the ground, grinning at Haruka. As soon as he began removing his leather armor, the loudest cheers yet filled the air. Haruka looked over at Isabella, who was staring at him in surprise, as were other mercenaries; Dalgus rarely took part in these fights, and never had against Haruka. The knight looked back over at her girlfriend and smiled. “You can beat him, Ruki!”
Haruka nodded, returning the smile, which transformed into a feral grin aimed at Dalgus as she began stretching her arms. The mercenary general discarded his armor, leaving his scarred and muscular chest bare. The six-foot-four man walked into the circle and cracked his knuckles as he took his place opposite Haruka. “How about a real challenge?”
“It’s about time I found one,” the monk said with a glint in her eye. “But do you think you’re it?”
Dalgus chuckled. “I sure hope so, or this is going to make me look really bad in front of my men.”
The word went out fast, and more and more mercenaries were coming to watch. Tons of bets were being made on the next fight in both directions as they shouted out predictions. Haruka smirked, cracking her neck before nodding towards Isabella. “You might have to worry about that, but I’m not about to look bad in front of my girlfriend. Sorry, but I’m going to have to put you down… like a dog.”
“See, this is the worst part about letting people know you’re a werewolf; the terrible jokes.”
“I thought the worst part was the bad smell when it rains.”
“You’re asking for a beating, lady.”
“Please, I can beat a dog any day.”
“Well then let’s see you do it, monk.”
“Ladies first.”
“Are you saying I’m not manly?”
Haruka shrugged and grinned. “I’m dating a hotter girl than you ever will. What does that say?”
“It says that some hot girls have some pretty low standards.”
Haruka laughed. “Alright, that’s enough talk!” She brought her hands up, open-palm with thumbs folded in, and beckoned him with one. “Here, boy.”
The werewolf grinned at the joke but took the invitation, closing the distance rapidly. He moved fast, far faster than one would expect given his size, but Haruka was ready for it. He tried to bowl her over with size but she moved forward at the last moment and went to take out his legs. Dalgus threw himself forward and onto his hands, vaulting back to his feet and spinning to throw a punch. Haruka leaned to the side and threw her own punch into his chest, which didn’t seem to affect him much. He caught her arm and lifted her over his head and down on the other side. Before she hit the ground Haruka put his arm in a leg lock, using the leverage of her impact to force him down on his knees. Haruka released his leg and kicked up, returning to her feet and punching his face three times before he caught her wrist and yanked her up, bringing his other fist down and smashing her into the ground.
On the sidelines Isabella winced. Suria shook her head. “Oooh, that didn’t look fun.”
Ophelia appeared between the two, looking over her glasses at the encounter. “He doesn’t often step in. I think he’s excited.”
Suria looked up at her. “You wanna bet on them?”
The dark-haired woman paused before looking at the younger one. “Twenty on Dalgus.”
Suria blinked at her. A grin spread across her face. “It’s your money.”
Bella took a step forward, raising her voice over the cheers and yells of the hundreds of mercenaries. “Haruka, quit playing around! Show him what you can do!”
Dalgus backed off and Haruka took a breath before spinning to her feet. She brought her hands together and channeled her life energy throughout her body, strengthening her muscles in order to better match the larger man. After a few seconds she moved like lightning, her fist connecting with the werewolf’s chin in a fierce uppercut. Dalgus stumbled back a few steps and she darted forward, throwing another punch that he intercepted, knocking it away. Haruka’s momentum was stopped and they both planted their feet, beginning to trade blows. The impact of the hits was loud enough that everyone could hear, and that only made the crowd cheer harder.
Both fighters had dropped all defenses at this point and were now just seeing who could withstand more punishment. Suddenly Dalgus dropped and kicked Haruka’s legs out from under her. He planted his leg and her back landed on his knee, knocking the breath out of her. Haruka wasn’t done, though; she flipped herself backwards and drove her knee into his jaw as she went, sending him stumbling as she flipped from her hands to her feet. She took off towards him and he punched out but she ducked under it, slamming her fist into his stomach. His right hand tried to grab her and she ducked back under his left arm only to come up and hit his face again. Dalgus spun to his right to backhand her but she went under it and swept his legs out from under him, sending him to his back.
Haruka came up and back down with a punch she thought would finish it, but the werewolf caught it in both hands. He gripped her arm and stood, pulling her off the ground and slinging her around in a circle before flinging her away. Haruka spun in the air and landed on her feet, leaving furrows in the dirt as she skidded all the way back to the edge of the ring. As she came to a stop she realized she was right beside Isabella, who set a hand on her arm and leaned up to her ear so that she could be heard over the roar of the crowd. “If you win this,” Bella said in a low voice, “I will make you very, very happy.”
Haruka blinked, looking back at her. Bella gave her a sly smile and she turned back to Dalgus, marching forward and rolling her shoulder. “Alright, time to end this!”
Dalgus raised an eyebrow. “What got into you?”
“Motivation,” she answered before breaking into a run. Dalgus bent down and readied himself for her attack as she sped up. The second she reached him he reacted, bringing his hands up rapidly to catch her… except she wasn’t there. A split second later one of Haruka’s knees slammed into the back of his head and the other into his back. His eyes went wide and as he fell forward Haruka wrapped her legs around his neck and spun him to the ground instead, sending up a cloud of dirt with the impact. She rolled away and back to her feet, smiling at him. “Sorry… I had to.”
Everyone went dead silent for a few seconds before a mass chorus of cheers and yells went up. Once again money changed hands as Dalgus pushed himself to his knees, rubbing the back of his head. “Ow… I should’ve known better than to go hand-to-hand against a Black Sun monk.”
“Ruki!” Haruka turned and laughed as Bella collided with her, throwing her arms around her neck and kissing her hard. Haruka set her arms around Isabella’s waist, grinning as the knight pulled back, smiling proudly. “I knew you’d win.”
Dalgus stood up and dusted himself off, cracking his neck a few times. “Wanna go swords next? Or I could transform?”
Haruka looked over at him, smirking. “No, thanks. Unlike you, I know my strengths.”
The mercenary general brushed dirt from his hair. “No kidding.” He looked at Isabella. “You’ve got a pretty strong protector there.”
Isabella smiled. “The best,” she said as she pulled Haruka down into a deeper kiss.
“Aaaaand they’ve forgotten about me,” Dalgus said with a chuckle as he went to the side of the circle, where Ophelia handed him his armor.
“You cost me a fair sum of money,” the woman said as he pulled it on.
“Oh, I’m fine, thanks. My injuries are minor. I really appreciate your concern.”
Ophelia patted his shoulder. “Maybe you’ll win next time. As far as your injuries go, I’ve
pulled objects taller than I am out of your chest; I’m not feeling sorry for a few bruises.”
Suria watched Isabella and Haruka – they definitely weren’t paying attention to the rest of the world anymore. She smiled at the couple, deciding she’d congratulate Haruka later. She began looking around and spotted Able leaning against a tent pole some distance away, outside of the crowd as always. She clasped her hands behind her back, skipping over to him. “Did you watch?”
Able nodded. “Even though I knew who was going to win, it was entertaining.”
Suria tilted her head. “You knew?”
“I’ve fought beside Haruka. I don’t bet against her.”
“Hey, so did I! But I heard Dalgus was really, really good.”
“He is,” Able responded. “But he uses a sword. I’m sure he’s far more dangerous when using that giant thing.”
“So he’d beat Haruka if he used that?”
“Didn’t I just say I don’t bet against her?”
Suria laughed. “Okay, I get it. So why didn’t you fight?”
Able shrugged. “I don’t fistfight. There’s no way I could win against either of them. It’s the same reason you didn’t fight.”
Suria blinked at him. “Um, I’m a nineteen-year-old girl who’s spent most of her life in her room studying books. My punches would feel like a butterfly landing on you.”
“No spells to make yourself stronger?”
“There are but I don’t know them. Why would I?”
“That’s right, you blow stuff up.”
Suria grinned. “Right. Now if we decide to have a ‘blow stuff up’ competition, I’ll join that.”
“So will I.”
Suria raised an eyebrow. “Well… We could do that now…”
Able paused, studying her for a moment before saying, “You’re on.”
IXH
Two Weeks Later
Haruka chuckled as she sidestepped to avoid Isabella’s punch, backing up against their tent’s wall. “You’re getting slower.”
