User blog:Radaboum/Herbalmist Chapter 1&2

Chapter 1

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Valpierre was a small village removed from human civilization. In fact, it was closer to the nearby Demon realm border, some fifteen miles away, than to the closest settlement of mankind which needed five full days to reach by foot. Enclosed between two ancient forests, Silvergreen and Noircimes, it was not surprising not to find this tiny community on any maps, as the trail leading to the main road across those woods was almost nonexistent. His inhabitants, descendants from some exiled, cherished their independence and simple life. No lords or gods cared about them and they felt they faired quite well thanks to that. They had some livestock and fields to sustain themselves but for what they lacked wild games and various gathering from the sea of tree, which surrounded them, would make up for that. However, when they needed goods they could not find nor produce, they had no choice than to go to either Human or Demon realm. In those occasions, the elders would argue over where to seek supplies. Each had their pros and cons regarding numerous questions such as the price. Trading with fellow men required money they didn't have, whereas going to deal with Mamonos, Demon realm denizens, would often result with the loss of the envoy, taken as a mate by one of them. On the other hand, they had more friendly relations with the latter as some villagers married them and lived near Manarkham, the nearest Mamono city. Going to mankind also had its advantages since the one sent was likely to return with the goods, more abundantly found on market, but purchasing large stock of merchandise was likely to rise suspicion and the last thing Valpierre people wanted was attention from their kind. It was quite a complicated matter.

However, those worry were far away from the mind of one of this village youth, at this instant. Concentrating upon erasing his presence, he had been still in this patch of tall grass for over two hours. His bow in one hand, an arrow in the other, he patiently waited for a prey to enter the area. He didn't chose this place at random since it was a path leading to a spring. Its fresh and vivid water was the life source of this Silvergreen forest part, as such, animals were bound to come seeking. All over, the lush vegetation, wearing a metallic green colour which reminded people of a precious ore, hence the name, was growing ever taller in search of precious light thanks to the richness of the soil, strangling their own kind in the fight.

Sylph was Valpierre best hunter as he rarely came home empty handed. His skill with the bow were one thing which granted him this title as he could nailed a moving target three hundred feet away. Of course, this feat was hardly possible in the forest because of too many obstacles, nonetheless, a prey scarcely escaped him when in range. Still, it was his wits and knowledge which allowed him to be so successful, though those who know him would not describe him as smart, he had instinct which made him learn all sort of things. Despite his lazy usual behaviour, he was actually a jovial and good natured young man. There was not many things he didn't like and some told him he was optimistic to a fault, if not too innocent. Well, he was conscious of that and did his best to understand the worry of others but he could not help being an easy going type of person. He was simply happy with his life which mostly consisted of back and forth trips between the forest and his village. Above all else he loved walking in the wood. When he was not hunting, he was collecting plants either for his herbarium or his master. In fact, before being a hunter, he was an Herbalmist apprentice.

If all living thing had a bit of magic flowing in them, there was not many human who could retain a sufficient amount to give it an use. Among these rare kinds, there was many different ones, such as Magician, Sorcerer, Enchanter or Alchemist. Herbalmist were an art derived from Alchemy. It specialize in using plants as a base to make all kind of potion imbued with the crafter power. It was due to its similarity with Mamono own art that their ancestors were exiled, or more likely other Alchemists ignorance and envy. Even to these days, the natural talent of Valpierre people with magic, or Lys like they call it among themselves, didn't drop a bit.

Sylph's master, Baba, was one of the elder. Her knowledge was deep and her wisdom earned her the title of Sage. No critical decisions were taken until her words on the matters were heard. Of course, the young man had great respect for her as she was his own grandmother, but he followed more frequently his whims than her advices. It was sometime driving her crazy like that one time where one wrong experiment had gone south and the whole laboratory exploded. Never again should he mix valerian seeds with thunbergia flowers and zinc powder in magic imbued water.

The memory of Baba chasing him for two long hours across Noircimes after that event took a smile out of him. Had she succeed in catching him he does not know what would have happen to him. He had stayed a week hidden in the forest before daring to come back. By that time, she had calmed down but he still faced harsh punishment.

A sudden rustle in the surrounding vegetation removed Sylph from his brief reminiscence. His concentration came back instantly. Gently he armed his bow with his arrow as his breath became softer. All his muscles relaxed and his heart pace slowed down. Having taken measures to hide his scent by rolling himself previously on fresh smelling grass, he was now part of this forest. No bloodlust could be felt from him, his mind was serene and steady. Taking the live of animal was not something he rejoice over. He certainly enjoyed hunting as long as it was a necessary thing for his village but he would never think of killing for fun. His dad taught him to see this as some sort of sacred ritual where a live was taken to sustain many others. There should be no hatred, no useless violence nor guilt, only gratitude.

What will emerge from those grasses ? This question floating in Sylph's mind was answered when a doe appeared from it. The young man readied his weapon but stopped almost at the same time. It was not alone, its fawn was with it. No herd were in sight so the two of them must have temporary separated from it. If he killed the mother, the fawn may not return on its own to the herd. It would be like killing him the same. Another hunter from his village might not have made the same judgement. It was his own policy and he was aware it may not means anything to other but him. He should not kill unnecessarily as the doe was a life on which another relied to survive. His decision taken, he concentrated to erase his presence so as to not be spotted by the two. At this instant, two whistles were briefly heard as a pair of bolt tore through air. In small plaints, the two animals collapsed on the ground.

-Nice shots, men ! I didn't thought you could nailed this little shit. Those new crossbows are quite accurate. The Order made the right call to order their mass production. With this, we will crush many evil. -Yes captain, those dirty monsters will be skewered before they can utter one spell or budge one muscle. -What do we do with those corpses, captain ? -Let them be. We don't want to be found out by the higher up about going around to try those things. Let's return to camp, it'll be soon time to eat our share of gruel. -Are you sure ? It's a waste, we could make a nice stew with that. Way better than that mud we have. -If you want it to be your last meal, be my guest. As soon as you return with this, the other will flock to you like flies and our Oni of commander will find out you disregarded her order to stay in camp. Then, it's you who will end up in a stew. -I'm sorry captain, i didn't thought. -That's why i'm the captain. We don't want to waste anymore time, let's go you two.

The three soldiers turned away from their kills. They wore some pieces of metallic armours but nothing too restraining to be able to walk through the forest. Their others pieces of equipment were mostly leather clothes specially boiled to be hardened, with a notable sword hanging from their waist, and a type of bow Sylph had never seen before. However what made his mind alarmed was the emblem engraved in their plate shoulders. It was the symbol of the chief god, one only those who belong in the Order of God can wear. What did they do here, so close to the border and still so out of place in these lost lands ? As their ancestors were chased because their arts were assimilated to one of demonic origin, Valpierre villagers feared the Order who branded them heretics. Suddenly worried of what these soldiers presence meant. Sylph decided to follow them to know exactly what they were plotting.

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 Sylph had no need to follow them closely. Even if they were not wearing their full armour, their heavy steps still dug deeply into the light soil leaving clear footmarks under the dense vegetation. Even without this, he saw them orienting themselves with cuts they had left against trunks to lead them back to their encampment. There was no way he could lose them with such conditions. Even one with no hunting experience could track them down from afar.



 They walked through the wood during two hours until they entered a glade. Sylph though stopped way before that when he spotted many sentries lurking around. However, the three soldiers knew where they were and avoided them quite skilfully to sneak back home. The young man deemed it was not a careful plan to follow their paths. There was too many things he ignored. No, he had another idea, a better idea. People tend to scarcely look upward. It was not a natural thing for them. Quite luckily, Silvergreen trees were very tall and luxuriant with many sturdy branches. Having grown here, it was an easy task for Sylph to climb them and slip through the sentries watch.



 At the edge of the sea of trees, from his hiding and observation point he discovered the clearing he knew so well blighted by dozens of tents made with bright white fabric, camp fires lit here and there to push away the darkness of the falling night, and at least two hundred soldiers and their equipments. It was not some lost patrol but a full war battalion of the Order. There was not many explanations for them being here. Either they wanted to launch a small scale assault on the Demon realm which was very unlikely since they had come a great roundabout way, or they were only a part of a large scale army which had made a detour for tactical purposes. However, another explanation was floating on Sylph mind. A punishment force against his village. The young man could not shake away this thought. For many generations they had been hiding here and likely forgotten by all who wished to harm them. He had to make sure.



 Sylph was lightly clothed, nothing was restraining his movement except for a bag hanging around his waist. It was tightly bound to his body at his belt and by a strap around his shoulder so that it would not budge with each movements. That way, its content was well guarded against random bumps. At this point, the bag was a part of himself.



 With one movement, he opened it and its content was revealed. It was full of a dozen of flasks. Inside them, there was all sort of colourful liquids, vivid or dull, multicoloured or monochrome. He took one of them and drank a mouthful of this light blue potion. Then, for a split second, his heart stopped, his mind wavered and his body froze. However, slowly he sensed magic invading his senses and the falling night was flashed alight for him. He could see, hear and smell anything from a range of six hundred feet around him as clearly as if it was in front of him. That was the effect of the Five Beastly Sense serum, the enhancing of each aspect of perception. The amount of information that crossed Sylph was enough to drive mad anyone. Still, he was trained to restrain and concentrate this ability to bend it to his will.



 Firstly, he confirmed the exact location of the sentries and found out that one quarter of them were almost already sleepy. Their security was lax but it could not be help, they seemed really tired. They must have been made to advance at forced march.

 After confirming that, the young man turned his attention toward the camp. It was no difficult task to located the resting place of the one in command. There was three people inside the white and scarlet tent that occupied the glade middle. He could hear them talk clearly. With a little concentration, Sylph made his vision pierced through the tent fabric frame.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "...shall double marching pace from tomorrow onward."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's not wise Gladys-sama, our soldiers can't keep up with this."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Quiet ! We must emerge from this cursed forest before the main force reach the border. Otherwise it would be meaningless to attempt such a move. I don't remember having a bunch of wimps in my   battalion, Sharkro-san. If they can't endure moving through those woods, how do they expect to fight against Monsters ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You're right my Lady, they are quite valorous soldiers of the Order. However, they would fair quite better on the battlefield if you were a bit easier on them."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Nonsense. The body is steel which must be battered to come out perfectly and the will is   its cutting edge that shall be sharpened to slay evil. We will clean those lands from them and restore the Chief God holy dominion."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Yes, my Lady."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Siska, we will depart at dawn tomorrow, I won't forgive any delay."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "As you wish, Gladys-sama. Still what shall we do about direction ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "We will follow the trail. Have some men begin to clean it up. Like this, we will gain some more time and with luck, it will lead us to some Monsters settlement."

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> That was bad. Really bad. Shall they succeed in following the trail, it won't be too long before they found Valpierre. He had heard enough. The woman who was in command was beautifully cold like a death blade. Her eyes were merciless and deep inside a frozen blaze of hate was raging, consuming her. She was containing it but Sylph sensed her immense bloodlust. She would slaughter his entire village if it was to fall into the range of her murderous hands. Still, despite his profound fear and disgust, he could not help but to notice her beauty. Nothing about her could be described as warm, nevertheless she was a very attractive woman, like a poisonous sweet.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She inspired awe however one could not help but to admire her womanly features. She had long bluish-dark hair cascading almost all the distance of her back, deeply contrasting with her fair skin that allowed her sharp lightning-blue eyes to shine more brightly above two delicate ripened-fruit coloured lips. As her proportion, she had nothing to feel ashamed either, as she was undoubtedly one of the taller woman Sylph had ever seen. She had an athletic body further enhancing her charm. Her waist possessed a nice curve to it whereas her bust was a perfect match for her whole features, not too big nor too small. She would be quite a wonder if her personality was anything normal. A shame she was a real monster in human clothing.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> At this present moment, however, she inspired more dread than any other things to Sylph. He had to get away.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Wait... I sense something." whispered the demon-like woman.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Something inside the young man froze. It was unthinkable to consider she could detect him, two hundred feet away, or that was how he would normally think. There, at this point of time, however, his guts were damned sure she had picked a shred of his presence. If she was able to confirm her sensation, something told him he would not be able to escape her. So, despite his urge to flee, he stayed put, cleaning his head of anything and calming his distressed heart. It was a hunt but this time, he was the prey. He closed all five senses only allowing her existence to be felt in his mind. The woods, small animals, soldiers, tents and even light and darkness vanished from his perception. Then pushing himself into this state, he heard her pulse. It was a weird sensation, as if he had entered her soul. For an instant, he even forgot himself, who he was and what defined him. That's when he heard a cry, hers. Time stopped.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Weird... I would have swore..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Is there something, Gladys-sama ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Nothing. It's alright you two, you can get back to rest. That will be all."

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> He slipped through her watch. It was a miracle. He didn't wanted to give her another chance to spot him so he fled with caution. He used the few minutes remaining before Five Beastly Senses wore out to evaded with ease the sentries. He had to get back to his village, quickly. Earlier he would got there, the more chances they would have to escape this woman's claws.

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However, what happened when she tried to located him was bothering his mind. It was a weird sensation as if he had merged with her. More importantly he heard her weep but he knew full well she had not done that, so what was that ? Disturbed, he ran at full speed through the night filled forest.

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How could something like that happen to him ? How on earth could it be possible to be so careless ? No matter the amount of reproach Sylph could throw at himself, he knew it was a mistake he may not have been able to avoid even under normal circumstances. In fact, there was no way to not be taken by surprise by this trap. It was so unexpected for the young man that he wondered for a second if all this was not a nightmare to begin with. And he well meant all of this. To begin with, soldiers of the Holy church Order had invaded the surrounding forest and would stumble in time onto his village. To make it worse, they were led by a cold blooded woman who would not hesitate to pass god judgement on his friends and family. Then, there was this stupid thing that happened to him...

It had so much of a bad timing that it was almost hilarious. Almost. His close ones lives were at stake and he was stuck here. Here was a jail of silk, a web. However not a normal one, a giant one that would, according to logic, be owned by some Mamonos. A trap to catch food and humans alike. He had fallen victim to it and, no matter how much he struggled to release himself from it, he could not separate from the sticky threads. In fact, the more he tried to shake it away from his body, the more he found himself glued to it. Still, he did not give up, too much things depended on him for that.

"My ! What a wonderful catch... So lively."

Cold sweat ran across Sylph back hearing this sweet voice. Looking upward, an eight-legged Mamono was slowly gliding along one of her threads. It was an Arachne, one of the many kinds of womanized monsters. Quite long ago, they were full-fledged monstrosity but with the ascend of a new Demon queen, a succubus one, their own essence was altered. They were no longer those ancient killing machines that rejoiced in mankind blood. Far from it, this change brought a turn-about in their behaviours. Humans were still their favourite preys but no longer to feed or simply to kill. Mamonos now considered men as their greatest treasures, their husbands, and women like sisters to be, as some species of Monster girls had the ability to change them into their kinds. It was not all since their physical characteristics were also altered to match their new thinking way. That way, from repulsive creatures meant to ingrain fear and despair upon Humans, they all took to some degrees womanly forms able to entice and capture men's bodies and hearts. Still they retained some of their old monstrous features. They were now hybrids creature driven by deep crave of love and lust.

In the present case, the Arachne had the lower body of a spider with eight legs supporting a furry thorax that served as a hub to attach her insect-like abdomen and her woman-shaped upper torso. It was quite a bizarre view especially since it was the first Mamono Sylph ever met. In fact, the parts of Silvergreen forest he and his village were exploiting had always been void of them since many generations. Noircimes, which was closer to the Demon Realm border, had some of them, mostly Elfs but according to an old pact, each communities were ignoring the existence of one another. As such, the young man had no experience dealing with Mamonos.

There was not much more to say about her monster half as it was very... spider-like. However, her human-shaped counterpart was much more inspiring to Sylph. As she was closing in, he could make out her long and amethyst hair fluttering in her apparent weightlessness, out of the darkness, as well as her ruby-lighted eyes where shone an intense desire. Her ears, piercing through her ponytailed hairstyle, were pointy and slightly curved near the edge. Her clothes, if it could be described as clothes, consisted of the bare shame minimum, thus with a maximum of exposure of her womanly assets. Hardened insect-like legged chitin was covering a very small portion of her breast, enhancing the greatness of her voluptuous bosom. She also wore the same material at various others places in very tiny quantity which use was obviously more aesthetic than practical. With apparently the same objective, her two slender human arms were set into fine purple long-sleeved gloves made out of what Sylph guessed was her own silk. To say the least, she was quite an exotic woman...

"Hello lady... I'm sorry to have ruined your wonderful work here, truly I am. Could you please release me ? I'm quite in a desperate hurry."

There was so much bad things that happened today that he thought he could try to see if his lucky star really died or not.

"Don't want to, i'm sorry."

She was not ! She showed an amused smile as she said that with a somewhat tender tone. Did his luck really ran out ? If only he could grab the content of his bag... By moving some more to try to attain it, the only thing he succeed in doing so was to wrap himself deeper inside her sticky silky trap.

"You're quite an energetic man. So lovable... And you don't seem to fear me either. I love those eyes of yours. Why such haste in them ?"

Fear ? Well, It was a fact he did not. He knew she had no intention of harming him so he was not afraid of her. Unlike most Humans, he did not hate Mamonos either. They were somewhat of a handful and maybe selfish and stronger but it was common knowledge inside his village they were not fundamentally evil like the Order wanted them to believe so.

"Please, you must release me ! It's dangerous ! Many soldiers of the Order have assembled close by."

"What ? My... Those pesky believers are here ? Are they chasing you, dear little one ?"

What he said seemed to have somewhat made it through her desire filled mind. Maybe there was some hope finally.

She let herself fall onto her trapping web and came on him. With few swift legs movements, she slightly untangled him so that he could face her. He was still mostly bound, his back glued to her silk threads as his head found itself stuck inside her cleavage in a split second.

"You don't have to worry, dear little one. I won't let them touch even one inch of you with their blood dirtied hands. Those savages who even kill their own. Disgusting garbage."

Some deep anger and distaste tainted her last words like she was summoning a curse.

Sylph began to sense a bit of lassitude. He was tired because of the long day and the use he made of his Herbalmist serum. Arguing with a Mamono after all that was not a good resting way. Still, he could not deny that his position was quite comfortable. Buried in her soft and bountiful breast, many men would dream of swapping place with him. But he could not enjoy this situation, his mind was torn asunder trying to find a solution. It was clear he had to explain things clearly with as much truth as he could.

"I'm pleased you are so fond of me for some reasons, but please you have to release me. Those soldiers are not directly after me but they will discover my village. They don't think dearly of us and will burn our homes and slaughter my family and friends, if I don't come back and inform them in time . I beg you."

Finding his way out of her woman lushness, he appealed to her with all the unrest and despair he had inside. It was his last card, his final attempt at reasoning with her. If he could not reach her understanding he did not know what to do after that as his feelings swirled inside him.

"Are you serious ? A human village, here, in these parts ?"

She was obviously shaken. Doubt had slipped inside her mind. Was it the truth ? Was a human settlement existing inside this forest ? It was very unlikely to her but the young man's eyes showed true despair. It displayed he was not worried about his own fate but other's. There was honesty inside them but most importantly she saw a burning will that had more impact on her than any of his words. She wanted him. Not like she had sought other males, it was slightly different. His fire had communicated itself inside her, lighting something she did not know existed as her own. It was but a small flame however because of its frailty she wanted to protect it. She knew it was something precious and she wanted to discover more of it, to let it grow into a burning blaze. For that she needed him. If she let him go, she would lose this, still if she did not his appealing yet strong-willed gaze was telling her he would never forgive her, thus resulting in the same thing. Her heart seemed to contract in pain at the thought. What to do ? Which answer was the right one ?

"I swear it's the truth. You have to believe me."

His honest eyes were piercing her so much she could not stand to drown into it any longer and bashfully turned to look away, a small heat getting to her cheeks.

"It.. It's not like I don't believe you, you know !"

What was happening to her ? She did not know why she began to stutter. Her head was light and fuzzy. Maybe that's why she did not sense it coming.

To the surprise of the pair, two flashes of light tore through the silk web in a split second with a high-pitched metallic sound. They were under attack.

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Before he could understand what was happening, Sylph was suddenly pulled by a thread out of the torn web, where he was trapped a second ago, and was sent to land a bit harshly against a tree. This way, the Arachne stole away the young man just in time from the reach of their aggressor.

"Give him... Need him." "What the hell are you doing ? Giving him to you... Are you out of your mind ? He is mine !"

Although he was a bit stunned by this sudden stunt, he identified who they were facing. If the darkness of the night was not playing tricks on him, it was another Mamono. A Mantis, more precisely. She was easily recognizable by the two blades that were curving out of her wrists. Contrary to the Arachne, she had a much more human like figure. Of course, one could not mistake her even for one moment for a normal woman. She was a full-fledged Monster girl with hard chitin plates covering her sides, back and shoulders like an armour. Underneath she was clothed with a more supple and thin one. Made to look like a tight fitting dress on her chest, it was, however, barely hiding her womanhood with its short and tattered hem, letting her desirable thighs uncovered. In the same fashion, she had made boots for herself with the same mix of hard and malleable material. On her head, other than her semi-long brown hair, arranged with two insect eyes-like slides on each sides, two antennas were deployed as they were moving like touching invisible things above a seemingly expressionless face. Finally, to prove further her Mamono nature she had an insect-abdomen sticking behind her where two small membranous wings were retracted.

Sylph quickly regained his composure. He had to keep a level head if he wanted to get of here as quickly as possible. However, he could not just try to flee letting the two of them fight over him as they were always wary of his whereabouts.

For the young man who was just now acquainted with his first Monster girl, meeting a second one so early after was a bit too crazy. Still, he had enough surprises, coincidences and maybe fate involved today to make him depleted of anymore astonished feelings.

With few movements, he rid himself of the remaining sticky threads that were restraining him and stood up.

"Not yours... yet..." "He fell into my web, made with my silk so he is MY man !" "But... Did not mate yet... So just have to... snatch him." "You thieving cat ! Don't tell me it's your mating time ?" "It is... So have to use a man...My body... itching all over... need him... now." As they argued over his ownership or something, they began to fought violently, their demonic energy surging around their bodies. Yet, it was not a serious fight between two Mamanos as they were not trying to really hurt each other, just to get to him before the other. For them it was maybe at the level of a cat fight thought Sylph.

Nevertheless, he had no intention of sitting still, waiting to be taken away. He opened his bag, searching for the right serum. One that would prevent him from being caught by those crazy women. He had one that would fit his needs but it was not a canon recipes of the art. It was the result of his own research, or should he say, his own meddling fun... He had already tested the effects and it was ok but it was then just a little sip. At this moment, he had to face two desire-driven Mamonos by himself, so just a sip would not cut it. More than anything, it was a pure product that was not distilled and concentrated for obvious safety reasons. He did not want to die with a deadly unknown serum he had made. As long as it was pure and nothing more than a drop of it, its effects were mostly harmless. However, now, he would have welcomed one that would have undergone a strong distillation. As only wishing was not a solution in itself he took his creation and drank it till nothing was left inside the flask.

"You sure are stubborn Acilya. I don't care if it's your mating season or not, this dear little one is off limits." "Selfish... Erea nee-sama... but... it's not only... mine."

The named Erea, the Arachne, blemished instantly.

"Don't tell me... "

A deep groan behind her and the young man confirmed her fear.

"Aneki... is man-hunting too... see ?"

She had been careless. To think her two younger sisters were having their mating season at the same time this year, it was a stroke of bad luck. Of course, they were not really siblings but their bonds were those of real ones. She had known them since their births and cared for them like they were related. As their older sister, she wished nothing more for them, who loathed humans under normal circumstances, than to find their fated one. However, she was not willing to let go of this man, her instinct made her unyielding on that point. He was hers.

Still, if she thought herself able to manage Acilya, holding both of them was out of question as Akuren was a Jinko, a tiger-like Mamono. Ordinarily, like her Mantis sister, she was quite indifferent toward males, and as a rule she despised mankind. However, during their mating season, both of their dispositions change. They still despise human but they begin to seek men like other Monster girls. The fact being that today is their first encounter with one while being in that state. If Acilya managed to retain her sanity despite being in heat, Akuren, on the other hand, seemed to have lost it completely.

Amidst the darkness of the surrounding, Sylph could only deduce the same as he saw a Mamono he never heard about emerging. She looked like an enormous black-striped cat with heavy white fur growing on her long tail and all her limbs which she used to move around as she was on all four. At their end, she was not equipped with cute paws but big ones armed with deadly claws huge enough to behead him shall she try to stroke his cheek. Apart from that, this Mamono was wearing scanty clothes, as expected by the young man now. They were made of ice-blue coloured metallic plates decorated with silver design and two bells located for one on her bra, between her breast, and the other as a pendant round her fluffy white neck. She also had two imposing shoulder plates, each mounted with a ferocious animal head representation. Should he guess, Sylph would bet it was her natural counterpart, the monster or beast from which she descended.

However, he had other things to think about. Her eyes were shining in the night and were locked on him, like hypnotised. Her long and curvy snowy hair were, for a part, let down on her face hiding a great deal of it.

Erea was at a loss, she could barely fend off Acilya as she was watching Akuren slowly approaching her young man.

"Akuren, snap out of it ! I'll find you another one but this man is mine alone. Hear your sister, Akuren !"

None. There was no reaction from her. It was as if she had not heard her. Akuren was the most powerful of the three of them. Her body steeled by strong but not unwomanly muscles, a feature shared by her kin, softly tensed up. Erea had no time to react before she disappeared the second after. She had jumped on the young man with lightning speed.

That's the moment the serum chose to kick in. His eyes could not possibly follow this huge jumping and berserk kitty, nevertheless, his mind could. He could saw all the air waves produced in his surrounding, from her subtle muscle movements, before she leaped at him, to her form soaring through the night. From the beginning, he understood her timing, her speed and trajectory which made apparent for him a countermeasure. With ease he evaded her and all she grasped with her hugging arms was nothing more than fin air.

A sudden silence followed the outcome as the three Mamonos were stunned by the young man feat. It was a near impossible task to escape a Jinko in heat in this situation. In fact, it was so much of a shock for her, that she recovered from her purely instinct-driven state of mind. She saw him vanish from her sight as she was almost on him. She did not understand what had happen as he did not use any spell to teleport or something.

However, Acilya and Erea standing away from the scene saw the truth. This young man had just made a step aside. It was a simple step, a silly little step that allowed him to evade the attack. It was a quick one for a human but it was not nearly enough to explain how Akuren failed her attempt.

The young Mantis was the first to recover a bit of composure. That allowed her to take advantage of the confusion. She passed through the now open guard of Erea and charge toward the back exposed young man. She will tore down his clothes in one stoke of her scythes, push him down and make him her own. Another surprise struck them all when her assault was stopped by him. Her first attack should have rendered him almost naked but he halted its movement with a blade stopping palms technique that she never knew a human could pull outside of tales.

"Impossible...You... No hero... No trace of God blessing... How ?"

Acilya had quite a lot of pride in her swordsmanship, like all Mantis, she had been training since birth with her blades. She was confident she was quite skilful with their handling and her technique was near flawless. In quickness, precision, agility, strength she was also the better of humans. She never missed, never failed to bring down her prey with the bare minimum amount of effort, avoiding any unnecessary movement. However, for the first time in her life, she was dominated by a man who was not even a hero nor a soldier. He did not just avoid her he simply stopped her and barehanded nonetheless.

Men were nothing more than breeding tools in her mind. She was only responding to her bodily needs by going after him. Other than that, most of them were nothing more than flies for her, with the exception of the Order soldiers who she considered like hateful barbarians. However, as if a veil had been lift before her eyes, for the first time she felt something more for a human. It was interest and maybe another thing she was not sure about. But, more than ever, she wanted him. Still, her aggressive behaviour had recessed and a weird feeling invaded her heart making her usually expressionless but cute face as red as a setting sun. Her mind ran at full speed to understand what was happening. Unable to come with so much as a tiny answer, she overheated and immediately froze in place.

"Auuuuuu..."

Seeing her reaction, Sylph released her blade but she did not move an inch and it was no exaggeration, as his newly named Serene Mind of Air Perception serum was enabling him to feel even the tiniest air motion. The southing feeling it was releasing in his body was another effect that annihilated any ill emotions and promoted quick thinking and action.

"I'm not done yet !" "Yes, you are !"

Before Sylph could breathe a sigh. The Mamono named Akuren had moved to try to seize him again but Erea reacted instantly by shooting one of her thread. Then an ever bigger mess occurred.

Erea silk shot stuck to Akuren legs who lost her footing when her sister pulled it. As a result the big kitty began to fell down on Sylph. With the power of his beverage he saw that coming and tried to escape but stumbled upon a root which was out of detection from the serum effects as an unmoving object. A big crash happened.

When confusion died down, he was entirely surrounded by maddening softness. On his back, on his front and... on his lips. With reciprocal wide eyes, Akuren and him were staring at each other. They were kissing gently almost naturally. His heart skipped more than a beat as her generous chest was pushing against his own and their legs intertwined. A warm sensation filled Sylph head as his lust began to surge over his urge to return to his village. As two arms were also tenderly hugging him from behind, pressing another set of womanly wonders against his back, his mind was slowly melting. Akuren had fallen on him and he fell on Acilya, thus the awkward but enjoyable situation.

However, it ended as fast as it occurred.

"You bunch of idiots ! Stupid, stupid, stupid ! Get away from him now !"

Erea was mad with anger. Silk rained on them like water and before anyone could take a breath, Acilya and Akuren were hanging, head down, from a tree, enclosed in a tight cocoon. Still, the two were too shocked by their contact with the young man that they did not complain one bit, being lost in some part of their minds.

Even Sylph was completely drained of his will as he stared blankly at the approaching Arachne. He had a hard time collecting his thought and his heart was a mess. It's the sudden moist feeling on his lips that awoke him. Erea was bent over him and passionately kissing him. Her arms were gently but firmly embracing him as she was deeply enjoying marking him, pouring as much little Demonic energy as she could inside him while sucking the more spirit energy that a kiss allowed to. Summoning the last of his strength, he pulled away from her

"Am I... no good ?"

The sadness in her eyes as she said that to him almost blew his reason away but he endured.

"That's not it. I swear. But I need to get back to my village."

"Then do you... like me ?"

Now she was looking at him with a devouring hope. From this close, he could see very clearly despite the darkness all the little details of her face. Her long and black eyelashes, her ruby like pupils shining like crystals, her cheeks flushed a beautiful pink, her skin as smooth and endearing as a woman's can be, and those amethyst bangs slightly hiding scales on her forehead, posing as spider eyes, but shaped like precious gems and having their beauty. She was not human but she was a living being, a sensible one. Not a monster. There was no evil in her soul. Like all Mamonos she was a bit extreme in her behaviour but although hard to do, there was a way to reach them. Sylph in seeing her believed that. He did not think all monster were good though, people, humans and Mamonos alike, could be good or bad ones depending on their actions. There was no distinction between races. However, did he liked her ? That was a difficult question...

"I ... don't hate you... is all I can say, for now."

Bashful, he turned his head, reddening a bit.

"For now ? For now, you say ? Then that mean, you don't want to leave me, right ?"

Sylph did not expect his answer to trigger such a thrilled reaction from her. She seemed overjoyed as she hugged him burying him again in her vast cleavage.

"Then it's decided ! I'm going to help you come back to your village ! I'm coming with you, my dear ! It will be faster that way, you'll see."

"Huh ?"

The young man stared wide eyes at her, dumbfounded. How could it lead to that ?

"Don't think you can escape with him alone, nee-sama !"

"Yes... Monopolizing... forbidden... Erea nee-sama."

Her two sisters wriggled in their bounds before finally broking through and coming down with much agility.

"I'm coming with you, wherever my Love go, i'll accompany him. " "Must go... with Dana-sama... No other ways." "He is my Dear ! Mine and mine alone ! Go search for another man, you pair of thieving cats !" "What are you saying, nee-sama ? I kissed him first ! Even if you're nee-sama..." "Sharing...Between siblings... Good thing..."

The feud started anew. Sylph gave a tired smile as he began to walk out of it toward his village. Was it a good thing to bring them along ? Well, he did not have a choice. He could not possibly shake them off. All in all, they were better that the nasty crew resting way back in the glade. Maybe, those three could even be useful ? They were quite an exhaustive company but somehow he could not bring himself to hate it, quite the opposite.

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p style="text-align: center;">

<p style="text-align: center;">Chapter 2

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Humm... So your name is Sylph. Sylph...Sylph...Sylph..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As they introduced each other, Erea seemed to enjoy very much saying his name again and again like it was some kind of happiness making spell. The young man was riding on her abdomen, tightly attached to her with one of her thread, despite that he could not help embracing her from behind so as not to fall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> They were fast moving through the woods, heading for his village to inform them of the proximity of an Order's full war battalion. It was a nasty bunch of the Chief God's believers who would not hesitate to slaughter his small community as they branded them heretics to their faith because of the practice they had of Herbalmism, a magic Art.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> On his way back he had encountered Erea and her two sisters, Acilya and Akuren. The three of them were Mamonos and even if a big mess followed their meeting, they seemed to have taken a liking to him and were willing to help him reach his village earlier than he expected. In fact, he was not planning on letting the Arachne give him a free ride, however having used serum twice this day, he was quite exhausted. Adding to that all the miles he had covered through Silvergreen Forest in a few hours and the mental depleted state that those Monster Girls had incurred on him, he had no choice but to give in to her solicitude.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Erea was not displeased by this situation, quite the opposite, as expected from a Mamono. The closer he was from her, the more joy she felt. So having him embracing her and sitting on her was enough to fill her head with a dense pink feeling making her almost dizzy. She even began singing his name with an improvised song.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Sylph   ♪ Lalala ♪ Sylph ♪"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Still, her two siblings were not as thrilled as she was. They were glaring quite hard at her, obviously dreaming to be the one tasked with carrying him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Then they came here... I understand now why you want to get back home, my Love. Unforgivable. It's the wife duty to protect her husband and what he hold dear. If they come I will fight them to death."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Umu... Protect... Dana-sama's home... Wife duty."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Akuren and Acilya were quite motivated to battle the Order after Sylph had explained to them his circumstances.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Please don't, I don't doubt your strength but there is two hundred of them. No matter what, it's too much. I don't want you to be wounded or worse."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "My..M..My Love. You care for me that much ? It can't be helped, then."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Acilya... moved...Dana-sama care... for me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Their reaction was quite embarrassing. It was normal for Sylph to not want them to be hurt protecting Valpierre. They were not concerned by his village's problems to begin with. He could not ask them to go to war for his sake. However, Akuren and Acilya were looking at him with stars in their eyes while blushing a shade of light pink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Still, Dear, if you don't want to fight them, what will you do ? If they follow the trail like you said, they will find your home."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Erea asked that with a sudden serious tone tinged with a bit of worry.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "There is nothing to fear. Baba-sama will know what to do."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Baba-sama ? Is... Is that a girl ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "My Love ! You... You have another woman ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Cheating... Forbidden..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's my grand-mother !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Those three were driving him mad... There was so many things wrong with them. At least, he had no time to feel bored but what would he not do, here and now, to have a good night rest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> For an hour they ran through the forest at full speed. If his companions had not continuously argued between themselves during this time, he might have fallen asleep. Thanks to that, he was able to direct them. At this point, he estimated they were pretty close from Valpierre. His heart was beginning to evacuate some anxiety as his duty was nearing completion. With the time he gained from riding on Erea, there will be more than enough of it to organize and prepare a countermeasure. Of course, they would not fight as they were no warriors. Still, there was other ways.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As he began to relax, he found himself enjoying Erea closeness. A light fragrance of flower was enveloping her. It was a nice and pleasant scent, sweet and southing, but nothing heady. Her warmth was also quite appeasing him. Without realising, he tightened a bit his embrace.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You can fall asleep if you want, my Dear. I'll be sure to get you home."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> The Arachne had noticed his weariness since a while ago. In fact, all three of them had, as they never diverted completely their attention from him. Erea gentle voice, almost a whisper, was making him feel safe. It was a comforting feeling balancing the insecurity the Order female commander and her soldiers was stirring inside him. Did he trust those girls enough to let himself drift into sleep ? Without a doubt, yes. He was sure they were going to do as they said. However...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Thank you, but I'm alright. I can't rest until I know that my hometown is aware of the danger threatening it. Also, I have to lead you."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "My... You are indeed a lovable man."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> For a reason, Erea giggled happily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "My love is a brave man. Well, as expected of my husband.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "My... Sylph is not yours Akuren. He chose me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Even if you're nee-sama, I won't forgive you stealing him from me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Who's stealing him from who ? Say that again."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Sharing... Sharing... Aneki...Erea nee-sama...Sharing between siblings."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">   "Shut up Acilya !" "That won't happen !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Auuuuu...Unfair... Stupid pair of Onees-sama."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Here they were going at it again... Well, the young man was beginning to get used to it. Human adaptability skill was truly magnificent. It was a strange thing to see women fight over him. He did not know if he was pleased or annoyed by this. As he smiled wryly, something in the surrounding suddenly changed. A pressure... It was a sensation he had felt earlier in the day... Bloodlust.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> A sharp pain ran through his left cheek. A very small arrow had brushed against it. If Erea had not suddenly pulled sideway in her tracks he would have died. Warm blood was rolling down his skin from his wound.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Get away, girls. We just want this human's life."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> All around them, six humanoid figures were threatening them. At first sight they looked like men but with a closer look, it appeared clearly they were not. Their bodies were integrally covered in hard organic-plates so that only their joints were slightly exposed. In guise of a face, only a smooth plate could be seen as was the top of their heads. They also had no ears, in their places, small scales were protecting their sides and back of their napes. Lastly but not the least, they were armed with various weapons, they seemed to handle skilfully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> It was the first time any of them encountered those kind of creature. They were no Mamonos as they did not look like even remotely like a girl and more importantly, no demonic energy could be felt from them. If Sylph was quite confused, it was not the case of his companion who had came from both side to protect him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> For an instant, no sound could be heard but the small whisper of the night breeze. Still...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "How dare you... How could you..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Unforgivable...they hurt my Love"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Dana-sama... bleeding..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Demonic energy suddenly exploded all around them and before anyone could react Akuren had crushed the creature who talked to them. Despite his thick armor, he was shred to piece in an instant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "We don't know who you are but we won't let you take our precious one away ! Never again we will allow it to happen !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With this roar, Akuren stated what all three of them had thought. Never again...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Then, following their leader demise, the other charged. One had just the time to take a step before his head got severed by two blades. Two others were reaped by Erea's thread and fell before she leaped on them and impaled each with one of her powerful and sharp legs. While all that happened, Sylph had not budged from his place on her back and watched confused this scene. His sight fell then on Akuren who was fighting one aggressor. Despite greatly dominating her panicking opponent, she was not aware of the last one who sneaked behind her and planned to stroke her with his spear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Cold sweat ran down Sylph back. Without much thinking his bow had came in his hand and an arrow was fired from it. With a flash, it came piercing through the coward neck tearing the small place between his scales. His motion stopped as he shouted in pain and the next instant he was finished off by Acilya while Akuren opponent last breath was heard.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Ten seconds. It was all it took for three Mamonos to bring down those things. No matter how hard or thick the protection, they tore through it like fin paper sheets. If Sylph did not know they   were only defending him, it would have been the most frightful experience he ever had. On the contrary, he was quite confused they got so angry for his sake and also, somewhat happy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Dana-sama... it hurt ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Acilya had hurried by his side and was worryingly watching him and his bleeding cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What rude fellows ! How could they dare to lay their dirty hands on you, my Dear. They had it coming. They wanted your life they said... Unthinkable."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Well, they were fools. What kind of Mamono just forfeit their husband's life ? Don't worry my Love, I don't know who they were but they won't bother you any further. And... Thank you... For helping me... Ahhh ! Acilya !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Akuren pointed out at her sister as she began sneakily licking Sylph wound. Continuing her motion she embraced her arms around his neck and pushed him gently down on Erea's spider abdomen.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Umm... A... Acilya-san ? What are you doing ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> The young man was quite at a loss at the Mantis sister's actions. Now she was pressing herself against him while persisting in licking the arrow scratch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Just Acilya... fine... Tending to you... Dana-sama..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Knock it off already !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ah ! ... Erea-nee-sama... meanie"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Erea threw her sister off her back and glared at her with anger and a tinge of envy. She obviously wanted to do that herself. However, she quickly regained her composure as something was bothering her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Did you know them, my Dear ? Why were they seeking your life ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I have absolutely no idea. That's the first time I saw them and also the first time I encounter one of their kind. I don't even know which species they belong to..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> There was more races in this world than just Humans and Mamonos. Still, none of them were matching their aggressors description. It was quite disturbing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Well, they were weaklings so there is nothing to worry. If another bunch of them pop out again and attempt to your life, we'll just have to teach them a lesson again, my Love."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's not so simple Akuren. They are indeed weak compared to us but they are more than a match for regular Humans. There is also the fact they seemed to have been waiting for us."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Nothing... on them... Beside their weapons."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I don't think we will find any answers by staying there thinking. For now, we should proceed to my village. We're almost there."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You're right, Dear. Acilya you take the vanguard and Akuren, the rear. We were careless to let them ambush us so easily. We won't make the same mistake twice."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Acilya...cut down...anything ... on Dana-sama path."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Alright, nee-sama. You can leave the rear to me. I'll crush any opponent trying to sneak again on us. Letting my Love be injured is a failure I won't let happen again."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

Their determination was quite passionate and Sylph was, in fact, grateful to have met them. Without those three he may not have survived those weird people attack. Their identities was a mystery as were their motivations. All he knew was their goal : his life.

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Nestled in a large clearing between Silvergreen and Noircimes forests, Valpierre was pretty difficult to find without the trail, however Sylph had no problem finding his way back without it even in an exhausted state. He knew how to move and to get his bearing in those woods. One had to possess the knowledge to read his surrounding to live here. According to which plants were growing around his location, the young man could roughly say where he was. Then the moss covering tree trunks was his compass and, if not sufficient, some landmarks like a weirdly shaped oak, a great rock or sounds of water completed his orientation when needed. Still, the first skill, he had to learn was survival. Before mastering how to accurately travel through this sea, he got lost more than one time and had to spend many days wandering before either someone discovered him or he finally found his way back on his own. When in this situation he could only count on himself, that's how he became accustomed to this lifestyle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> The wise never fear to be lost because there is always some light among darkness. That is what his mother said to him the first time she took him there. Due to some of his mischief he was separated from her ten whole minutes before she finally emerged from a bush in her search of him. It was the ten longer minutes of his life. Still, he learned something precious that day : to never fear the unknown.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Maybe that is why he was able to interact with Mamonos so peacefully for the first time despite them being stronger, faster and greatly different from Humans. However, it was his instinct that whispered to him they were of no harm to him. Well, if one considered to be sexually harassed as no harm... In fact, they were much less aggressive than he would have thought. For some reasons, they were somewhat passive before him in contrast with their encounter where they openly tried to take him by sheer force. They were also compassionate since they agreed to help him, or maybe the girls just sought his affection but there was definitely kindness in their behaviour. Erea and her sisters were still quite the mystery for Sylph.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As they were emerging from Silvergreen, Sylph wondered if it was really a good idea to have brought them here. What if they shifted their lust toward some fellow villagers ? Well, it was too late to worry about that and a bit useless since he did not really had a choice on that matter. He would not have reached the village before noon if he had been alone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "So this is your home, my Dear ? What a lovely place."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> There was delight and a strange tinge of loneliness, or maybe nostalgia, in Erea's voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Yes, it is where I grew up. There is no gold nor any richness here but it is a nice village where people are warm and gentle. So... could you promise me one thing ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Anything you want, my Love."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "State...it."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I would be really grateful if you would agree to not attack or seduce any of its inhabitants."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "How rude ! Our love is, and will be, only for you, my Dear. True Mamonos do not cheat on the one they acknowledge as their husband...despite how much I would love my sisters to go search for other men..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I heard you, nee-sama ! I won't give up on him, you know."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Yeah, yeah... That I know... I guess we should make up our minds to share him properly."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Yes ! Sharing... good... between siblings."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Uh...Hello ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's frustrating, but it can't be helped, right ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Don't I have a saying in the matter ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ara ? Do you want to say something, my Dear ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph sighted after smiling wryly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Never mind that for now... I have to go talk to Grandmother. Could you follow me ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> The young man jumped from Erea's abdomen and walked down the path leading to Valpierre's entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Yes. And... You don't have to be jealous, my Love, as nee-sama said, we won't cheat on you."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Jealous ? Where did Akuren fetched that ? Sylph was again dumbfounded. He was only concerned about their lust going off control when surrounded with many Humans. However was it all of it ? He wondered. Could it be he really wanted to keep them for himself ? That was a funny thought but also a pleasant one. Still, he was not in love with them. They were just pushing themselves against him. Despite that, he did not hate them either. His feelings were a bit confused with all the mayhem that happened in few hours.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Jealous ?... Arara ? Is that so ? Ufufufu."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Jealous... Dana-sama...cute."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Hearing the girls repeating that word was, for some reasons, embarrassing, so Sylph quickened his pace while showered by their delighted   giggles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Valpierre was divided in two parts that covered one third of the entire clearing. One of this two parts was simply made of wooden houses and community buildings like a storage barn or a small tavern, the other half, on another hand, was constituted by various fields. No matter how you saw it, that was a human settlement like there was thousands of them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "How... many people ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What do you mean ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph had a bit of a hard time to understand Acilya. She had a quiet voice and her sentences were sliced in addition to being devoid of some words quite frequently. He could not decide if she was shy or just a very calm type of girl. Either way, she seemed a bit displeased with him not getting what she meant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "How many...Humans...live here ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She said that while pouting slightly but she made an effort to make him understand. Even her tone was a bit louder. The young man found her reaction surprisingly cuter than what he expected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Well, we are roughly seventy people here. With the young Nyla's birth, last month, our count should be seventy-four."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ara ? Babies ? Is there a lot of human babies here ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Something in Erea's eyes seemed to have fired up as Sylph mentioned the newborn. Her hands joined against her chest, she was feeling, unexpectedly, quite excited by this topic of discussion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Why are you asking, Erea ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Of course, because I love them ! They are round, smooth, so helpless and their smiles...Aah ! Just seeing them make me so very happy ! I remember when you two, sisters, were just small little babies. I could not help myself, I had to watch you all day long... Even if now you've grown into thieving cats... Aah ! How lovely you were, cradling all over the place. So innocent !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Here she come with her obsession. And... What are saying ? Thieving cats ? Do you think we would not hear you ? No, you said it on purpose, didn't   you ? I thought we just agreed to share him !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I did agree because it can't be help but you're still thieving cats who tried to steal happiness from your loving big sister. How awful of you two ! Don't think I will forget easily how you acted in the forest."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ugh... "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Erea-nee-sama..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Now that I shut them up... My Dear ? How many babies do you want ? No matter the number, I'll be happy to bear them if it's yours. If given a choice, I want many, many daughters ! Ah... Only thinking about our future together make me happier by the second. I'll find ourselves a fine loving nest where we would be able to cuddle all day and night. Ah... No more... I'm itching all over. I have to stop now or I won't be able to control myself anymore. Ah... I want babies."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She was scary... Sylph was amazed by that spur of... weirdness ? Well, he understood that talking about babies implied to her the act of making them as an accessory thought. However, her obsession was something he had to watch out for. Making babies with her ? A deep shade of red coloured his cheeks as his body temperature raised suddenly. He had not touched a girl before, either Human or Mamono, how could he think about making children ? Erea was making him nuts. He had to cool his head fast.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Surprisingly enough, his hot feelings were actually cooled down quite rapidly as a quick blow on his head made him come back to his senses. A chilled ran along his back when he saw who helped a hit on him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph thought no one would be up in his village, as it was still so early and dark. However, he was mistaking as an old and small woman was standing before him without even him noticing her beforehand. His companions were also shocked to be taken aback again and so easily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Grandmother ? "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Stupid Grandson ! Could you explain to me what you're doing here with this company before I skin you alive and dish out your guts to the pigs?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> That was bad. As expected, she was angry and scary as hell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Even if you're his Grandmother, how dare you threaten My Love !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Akuren took a step forward before a cold glare stopped her right in her track.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ah ? Would you just shut up, Kitty ? You have quite a nice white fur, don't give me a reason to make it into a blanket for my old bones. "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> No matter how small and frail she seemed, one look from her was enough to froze even a mighty Mamono. Her long staff, which helped her get her bearing, was also used as a powerful blunt weapon to correct all wrongdoers. Sylph had tasted it many time in the past and knew how painful it was. And today again, he was reminded of it as he felt a great bump forming where she just struck him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's right ! Grandmother, there is soldiers of the Order in Silvergreen ! They are coming this way ! What shall we do ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "The Order ? What in the depth of the Clergy's ass are you saying ? They forgot about us, don't know about our village. What's more, why would they even bury themselves so far in Silvergreen ? Are you trying to confuse me with some crappy excuses ? Is that it, stupid Grandson ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I don't really know what they are doing here but there is a war battalion settled in the western glade. They found the hidden trail and are following it so they will end up here soon enough."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Did those girls made you smoke something weird back in the green sea ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I'm not joking, Grandmother ! I swear it's the truth ! You have to believe me !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> There seemed to be some conflicting thought inside Baba's mind as her dubious eyes were staring straight into Sylph's. Then, she apparently came up with a conclusion as she closed her lids and sighted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Damned shitty fanatics ! They had to show up... They're like rats going everywhere in their crazy search of their so called justice. Ah... Pisses me off. If I was twenty years younger I would go and kick their asses myself."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Don't be ridiculous, there is two hundred of them and their commander... She is trouble."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Shut up, stupid Grandson, do you really think two hundred men would have been enough to stop me ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Well, it was crazy to think that but, scary as she was nowadays, maybe her twenty years younger self could have swept the floor with them. No... something told him she was dead serious. There was no maybe or perhaps to have here.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What about their commander ? A woman ? That's not uncommon, so what ? Be it men or women I don't care. That doesn't make a difference for me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's not it. She is... well... She is a monster. In mere seconds, she detected me although I was using Five Beastly Senses from two hundred feet away. I don't know how I could get away alive."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What ? Hum...You may be right. That's bad news. If she succeeded in sensing you from that far, she must be blessed. In other words, a Heroine."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "So what shall we do ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You ? Nothing. In your state, you would be more of a hindrance than any help. Go rest a bit for now. I'll take it from here. You did well for once, stupid Grandson."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Thank you Grandmother."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph smiled a bit bitterly. However, despite the fact she did not change her way of calling him, he was a bit happy she praised him like that. It could not be help, he had made many mischief in the past, so it had become an habit for her to address him this way. Feeling all tension drawing back, he was grateful to have been granted a bit of resting time. As he began to walk back home to take some sleep, the girls followed him silently still intimidated by this Grandmother of his.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "And where do you think you three are going ? Huh ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With a threatening tone of voice, Baba stopped them in their tracks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "A... A man can't sleep well without hugging his wife body. For My Dear... I shall... S..So..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "So what ? Wife ? Who ? You ? What does that mean stupid Grandson ? Did you have the nerve to screw them on your way back ? Is that it ? Huh ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Of course not ! They helped me. It's thanks to them I was able to get back here so fast and unscathed."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Oh ? What do you mean by unscathed ? Did you forgot to report something to me ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Strange creatures wanted to claim My Love's life, just before reaching your village, Grandmother. They ambushed us but they were no match for us. You can be at ease letting your Grandson in our care."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Is that so ?... And who is your Grandmother, Kitty ? Huh ?   If you want to even dream of marrying him, you better make yourself useful here and by the dirty rear of the devout, we have more work to do than arms to process it, now. Come with me, girls, I'll make good use of those bodies of yours. And you, go to bed, now. You'll be needed later."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With that said, the three Mamonos parted way with Sylph with an expression of despair on their faces as if they would not see him again. However, for some reasons, they could not disobey this old lady. She was a terrifying grandma who they felt could snapped their neck if her whims deemed so.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "My Dear, even if I'm not with you, you have to sleep well. I'll... I'll definitely come back to you. Please bear with it for now !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Even if we're apart, my heart is yours, My Love !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Dana-sama...away... from Dana-sama... Have to endure... I'll be...brave... so...wait for me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Stop spouting nonsense, you dumb girls. Are you some kind of travelling comedians ? Get your asses here, now, or I'll kick them to destination myself. By the Gods, why did he bring you back ? If you're lazy or useless, you better get back home. I won't allow women who can't hold their own in this village to marry my Grandson. Remember that, lasses."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That mean, if we prove ourselves useful we will have your approval, Grandmother ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Don't call me Grandmother, Kitty ! I might consider it but don't count your chickens before they are hatched."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I'll work hard Grandmother. I'll prove myself worthy of being your Granddaughter."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I'll be... useful... a good wife...for Dana-sama... Grandmother."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Don't call me that, you damn girls !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Now, Dear Grandmother, tell us what you need us to do !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As Sylph was moving away from them he still heard them bickering. It seems that their fear of his Grandmother was transcended by their desire to be approved by her. The young man smiled wryly while entering the wooden house which was his home. He was too tired to feel bothered by the three additions to his life and as soon as he saw his bed, he fell on it, asleep before reaching it.

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "One little stone rippling on the surface of the lake. What's its name ? Round, round it is, rippling on the lake. Bounce, bounce little stone. How far will you go ? How far before the Banished catch you ? And in this world's true darkness pull you ? Bounce, bounce little stone. To the sky going you shall. Before catching His tail you should hope. One little stone rippling on the surface of the lake but ripples no more it shall make. Falling from the sky where it jumped. In a shocking big rock it'll return. Striking the dark water of the lake. And revealing to all in full light the Fake. "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph was hearing what seemed to be a strange nursery rhyme. The voice singing it was a bit crazy, changing from laughing to dark tone in split seconds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> His mind was a wreck and he had a hard time regaining his senses as if he was intoxicated with something that prevented him from fully awakening. It was leaving him in a state of confusion and uneasiness that he never experienced before.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Hum ? What do we have here ? A new little stone ? I wonder what cute ripples it could make."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Where am I ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> A simple whisper pierced through his lips as he was still unable to open his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Oh ? A talking stone ? That's unusual."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Finally, Sylph succeed in regaining most control over his body and mind. It was returning slowly but now he could see. However, his first sight was quite a frightful one. A face was leaning before him. A weird one with a big and round red nose, pure white skin, jet black eyes devoid of pupils and dishevelled red hairs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Woaaaaah ! "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Scared, the young man could not help but jump away in fright.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Who are you ? Where am I ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I'm no one and you're nowhere, tiny talking stone."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Are you mocking me ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "If you have eyes look around you, if you have ears listen to the silence. Then, and only then, if you have a tongue, speak. Hihi."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph was completely lost here. This thing was looking like a human but it was just too strange. Beside his unusual facial features, his clothes were also quite weird. They were baggy and coloured with many dyes without any logic or aestheticism. No, it was giving him a sense of incongruity that was inspiring the urge to laugh. However, something about him was also quite fearful. Despite his abnormally long and thin limbs, there was something about him much more dreadful that its whole appearance. If it was to be explained, It would be, without a doubt, his eyes, black marbles so intense it could be discerned even among thick darkness. Sinister and devouring, one staring too long into them would lose his soul. At least, it was this kind of feeling the young man was sensing from them. Turning his head away from those, that's when he was hit with another surprise. Aside from the two of them there was nothing around   but large coils of darkness. Even where he stood was nothing but dark smoke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What's this place ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ears you have but brain seems to be missing, poor little stone."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> What was this thing saying ? Did he mean he already answered, maybe ? That could be...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Nowhere ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">   "Oh ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "This place is Nowhere and your name is... No One ? "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "That's right ! Hihi hin hin hin ah ah ah ! "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> No One confirmed Sylph assumption whit a big laugh revealing long pointy teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Smart small stone is the first to get my riddle so fast ! Good ripples it shall make on the lake."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Was it a riddle ? The young man did not get how he caught his nonsense in the first place. However, this thing looked quite pleased with him, now. Maybe he could learn a bit more about what he was doing here.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Is this a dream ? Am I in a dream ? What am I doing here ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "A dream ? Strange tiny stone is so narrow minded. Can you tell what's a dream ? What's reality ? All this is junk. Many layers clothe this old world. Nowhere is just one of them. If you want it to call it a dream so be it because Nowhere is yours but also don't belong to you. That's why here you came of your own. That's why... nobody but you know what for you came."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I don't quite get it... Then, what are you doing here ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Hihi... I love watching rare little stones making ripples. Whether they will sink or ascend to the sky. Doki Doki ! Hahaha ! The watcher I am, hiding in mist and shadows in joy and demise the same... So, lovely stone, will you let me see your bounces ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Before Sylph, No One opened its white hand, unfolding unusually long fingers with sharp nails. On its palm, he held a single smooth pebble. There was nothing peculiar about it no matter how the young man looked at it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Why are you giving me this ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Just take it."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Things were just getting weirder by the minute. What to do ? He had no real reason to refuse and did not wanted to displeased his companion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Thanks... but now that I have it, what exactly do you want me to do with the stone ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Eheh ! Close your hand on it and don't open it before I tell you... Hihihi."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> What the hell ? Sylph had a feeling he was being taken for a fool. However No One was watching with excitation the stone it gave him. What was it expecting ? Nothing should happen even if he obeyed, but the quicker he would unfold this dream the sooner he would wake up. With that in mind, he did as told. Still, he was wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As soon as he closed his hand, the stone began to burn inside. An intense pain struck Sylph. Aside than the heat from the burning stone, he sensed it also seemingly burying itself inside his palm where he felt multiple thin objects beginning to drill their way up his arm. The sensation was awful like some parasite making its home inside his body. Expulsing all the air from his lungs, Sylph howled. Then, at the same moment, all those sensations vanished along his own energy and he collapses on the floorless ground.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Stunning, isn't it ? Hihihi ! I always love this effect ! Now, let's see what kind of little stone you are truly, shall we ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Gently, No One leaned on the motionless young man and carefully made him release his grip on the little rock. However, the pebble had completely disappeared. In place of it, a glittering gem was in his hand. Both of them showed surprised at this appearance but surely not for the same reasons.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What an astonishing meeting ! Oh oh oh !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What...the hell did you do to me ? Did you try to kill me ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Humm ? I did nothing to you. You did that yourself, on your own accord, precious one."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What nonsense are you..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> " Wouldn't you rather have a look at yourself ? It'd be better than ranting on spilled milk. Hihi !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Saying that, No One pointed at the stone he was now holding. It was shining an azure radiance from its finely oval-shaped cut that was truly mesmerising. Still, despite its natural beauty, it was the magic dark-bluish flames burning inside it which was truly captivating. They were dancing slowly but fiercely before their sight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What is this ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "It's you, of course. You're a rare blue diamond, a Starfire, and an unique piece of work at that, I must say. Very few stones have a name and you're among them. Yours is Orion, the loved one and the long lost."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What ? I..I don't understand what you mean."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Hihihi ! Things are finally getting interesting !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> No One was no longer listening to him. It was performing a crazy dance before him while loudly laughing like a lunatic. Sylph had no idea what was happening. Was it a dream or reality ? The pain he felt was quite real but all this was just too weird to exist. However, something had caught his attention. A name. Orion. He did not know it but it seemed to be stuck in his mind making loops inside his head. There was something about it he could not explain. It was a name he never heard but somehow he was familiar with. There was like an echo ringing in his ears when he was thinking about it. Indistinct voices calling, weakened by the distance, but seeking him desperately. His heart accelerated as all things were slowly beginning to merge together. The laughing mixed with the voices, the darkness with the colourful clothes. Only one thing was still clear. The blue diamond in his hand. It was gently shining to him as its flames seemed to be quite reassuring for unknown reasons. It was going to be alright was the feeling it was conveying to him. Sylph relaxed and closed his eyes. Then as he was going deeper into unconsciousness, he heard it like whispers carried by the wind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

"Orion... Come back to us."

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p style="text-align: center;">

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Soaring through the sky of his dream, Sylph had no more worries. He was filled with nothing more than a feeling of peace and freedom. His memories of his previous dream had completely been wiped out of him. All of it had vanished excepted for the name that was nestling inside his heart by now and the Starfire's light which was unforgettable no matter what. However, there was only happiness attached to them. They were like tiny pieces of treasures he had picked on his way out of the lighted road. Then, as he was about to begin to fall asleep inside his own world, he was forced awake.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Sylph, wake up. Do you hear me ? How long are going to lay there ? There, wake up !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Something soft landed on his lips as he was slowly emerging. Then, he sensed a pressure like someone straddling him. This sensation... His body warmth was suddenly chased out of his body as he realised what was happening. It was her. If there was a person he feared more than his own grandmother, there was no doubt it was this woman. Praying that it was all a nightmare, he struggled to wake up. However, when he opened his eyes, he was covered by what seemed to be red fluffy hair as his mouth was being violated by a raging invader. Trying to disengage himself, he tried to shake her off but it was no use. She was restraining his every move, holding both his hands, sitting on his gravity centre and locking his legs with her own.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Finally... You woke up... Mmm... Thanks for the meal and good morning."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As she realised he was conscious, she stopped her kiss and licked her lips with greed when greeting him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "What the hell are you doing, Shaya-nee ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I should be the one asking that Syl-chan. You know, women don't like when their fiancés cheat on them. It makes them really, really sad and jealous. I know you're a good boy, Syl-chan. I know you would not try anything funny like that. Still, what should I think when you come back with three temptresses, early in the morning, exhausted ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> " Who is your fiancé ? I'm not ! It's a bad dream... "

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Again with your sweet shyness. From the moment you were born, you were already mine, you know."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She was another reason why he was spending most of his time in the forest. There, even if she had a knack for hunting him out, he was out of her reach. However, once he returned to the village, he had to watch his back because she was sure to snatch him and impose on him her delusion of marriage. Well, there was not many young people in the village so it was a given he would marry one of the few girls he had known since childhood. However, he did not want to spend even a minute with this one. She was not only a lunatic but also a dangerous maniac...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Moving back to the topic at hand... Who are those whores, Syl-chan ? They raped you in the woods right ? Right ? That's their dirty nature, poor little one. I shall cleanse your body with mine so you can forget them. I didn't intend to do this before marriage... But, oh well... Can't be help.   Once it's done, I'll go kill them slooowly so they don't lay their hands again on you."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Shaya had a screw loose when it came to him. All of Valpierre was aware of it. Even so, she was without a doubt the most beautiful flower of the village. Slender but well endowed, her body was made to seduce easily any men she had her eyes on, if it was not for her bent personality. She also had abundant silky red hair, that were lightly curved like fire, which seemed to consume the marbled skin of her back, shoulders and face. The later was embedded with two amber gems set with embers like stars shining here and there in her eyes. Overall, her brazen appearance, often thinly clothed, and, sometimes, dangerous behaviour had earned her the title of Flame Succubus or "Flamecubus". Well, people were taking it mostly as a joke because they did not have to put up with her weird side like Sylph had to. Also, his fellow villagers were all a bit crazy to begin with and were having fun watching their antics.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Stop spouting nonsense and release me now, Shaya-nee. And... What's with this dress ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Now that he had cleared all drowsiness from his mind, he was clearly seeing what she was wearing. It was a skimpy black one piece sewed with complicated patterns and a bit of frills that let careless eyes see almost through its fabric. As if it was not enough, the hem was so short it was not covering nearly enough of her thighs to be called a dress anymore. In fact, it was more of a naughty night gown than anything else. Her breast were swelling nicely under it, ready to burst at any moment as her neither region was warming up his own. Sylph was slowly realising that maybe she was getting serious here.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Do you like it ? I made it myself, just for you, just for this."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She was smiling gently but the young man was at a loss. A part of him was tempted to surrender to her and drown in her scent and heat, as another one was screaming to him to shake her off violently. She was nuts but her feelings were genuine and she had always cared for him in her own way. Why could he not give himself to her, simply ? Something was preventing him from that. It was a little thing hidden deep inside him he could not understand. Something he had long forgotten but was still lurking in his soul. What was it ?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I see. You're at a loss for words before my beauty, right ? I understand but you don't have to restrain yourself anymore. I'm all yours, Syl-chan."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As she was approaching herself to land a new kiss on his lips, Sylph gathered all his strength and tried to push her away in one go. Was she waiting for him to do that ? As soon as he made his attempt, Shaya had switch her whole weight in order to stop his motion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ah...I love your liveliness. Don't worry, you can be as rough as you want with me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Stop that ! Let me go, we don't have time for that. There is enemy soldiers getting here, don't you know ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Don't care. I can't let you go now that you've been tainted by other women. I can't stop myself here. Be it soldiers or Mamonos, I'll kill anyone enter this room to bother us."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Her breath was getting rough, her eyes strangely moist and her voice had sweeter tones than usual. She was getting more and more in the mood here. It was a bad...lustful dream.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> However, for once, when the young man thought he was going to get eaten alive with nothing more than the hungry look she was giving him, he received an unexpected help in the form of a full blow suddenly hitting the back of her head. The fiery young woman collapsed, allowing him to quickly take advantage of her released grip to escape her claws. Jumping out of bed, he swiftly opened some space with her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Oooh... My head... What ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You quick-witted girl, I should have guessed you would pull some stunts like this. Even if I would like to see some great-grandchildren soon, this is surely not the moment to make a move like this !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> To make herself more clear, his saviour of a grandmother gave another taste of her long staff to the bad child. Yet, Shaya leaped out of the bed like a cat and evaded further damage. After a somersault, she landed safely behind Baba.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You're too green, little girl !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With lightning speed, the elder extended the reach of her staff and with a low circular blow swept her footing. Surprised, her opponent did not had time to react and her bottom kissed the floor as her eyes were made to look at the ceiling. She was again utterly defeated by Baba. Sylph did not remember exactly how many time she had defied his grandmother to earn the right to marry him on the spot. However, all she ever gained from those many duels was only pain and shame.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I... I was only trying to wake him up like you asked,   dear grandmother."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Is that so ? And what was it again this talk about cleansing his body and killing our newly acquired hard-working recruits ? Uh ? Want me to show you how to cleanse your rotten head instead, you perverted brat ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "No, that's alright."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Ah ! Here she was. Her cheeks puffed like a kid. Shaya was pouting while turning her head away. It was quite cute, is what would have thought Sylph if she had not tried to rape him just then.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Then go help the others with the moving ! And put something more decent on, I can see your ass with this rag you call a dress, you damned shameless kid."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Aye... Right away."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With a last blazing look at the object of her desire, she quickly disappeared from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Gods, I always wonder what you did to make her so enthralled with you."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Absolutely nothing. If I knew what it was I would have gotten rid of her long ago. She is so troublesome..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Answering his grandmother sigh, he was also wondering what was wrong with her. Still, he did not expected to take his share of hit because of it...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Ouch ! What was that for ? What did I do ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "You stupid grandson ! You really have a thick skull, huh ? Maybe I should have let her make a real man out of you... Enough ! Get something to eat and get your ass in the village hall, we shall finish evacuating by tonight."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Are we fleeing, grandmother ?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> At his question, she revealed a fearless smile, a terrible one. Baba was dangerous in body and mind, she was planning something that neither him nor their enemy will like.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Something like that, kiddo, but not quite so."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> In her turn, she exited his bedroom with those words. What was that ? Well, he had enough to worry already. If she had a plan, it was good enough... maybe. He just hoped she would not get too into it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> As he was thinking that. He saw something glittering on the floor. Dumbfounded, he clearly recognised the stone set in the pendant lying there. A blue Starfire... His heart skipped a bit as he picked it from the floor. What was it doing here ?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Orion."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> This name escaped his lips in a whisper as he was silently staring at it. Then, as if it was a natural thing, he opened the silver chain carrying the pendant and chose to wear it on his neck, under his clothes. He would have all the leisure in the world to clear this mystery once danger would have vanished past his village. This new weight on his skin, he followed his grandmother advice and made a visit to the kitchen, praying for the turmoil to die down soon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> What was he doing here ? Perhaps, trusting Baba for a normal answer to their problems was too much to begin with... She was believed to be the wisest out of all elders. However, at this instant, Sylph was questioning that fact. He was standing at the village’s entrance with his grandmother at his side. Just the two of them, they were waiting for their foes to arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With just a day and a night they had moved all essentials equipments, supplies and, more importantly, evacuated all villagers from the vicinity into a maze of tunnels spreading under this region. Valpierre’s people had a fair amount of knowledge on them but despite many decades working on exploring and making it their own, they still had no idea how far and how deep they were going. Even if the Order found a way in, they were on for a long ride searching for them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “That’s a bad idea, grandmother...”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Shut your trap, damn brat. Of course, you don’t like it but we don’t have much of a choice here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Even so, I don’t think we should do that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “I heard you. Now can you get ready ? They’re here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Great... I hope we can get out of this mess alive.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> There was no apparent change in their surroundings. However, they were born and raised here so it was an easy task for them to spot armoured soldiers deploying themselves around their village. Small leafs rustlings, shadows moving and, above all, the silence. No birds could be heard singing although it was morning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Don’t bother hiding, Order’s dogs ! Come out !”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> An answer to Baba’s provocation came promptly when a few people emerged from the sea of trees. Leading her knights, Sylph recognised the cold woman he feared. If he remembered well, her subordinates called her Gladys and if his grandmother was right she was bestowed the quality of a Hero. She was the greatest problem they had to face but, if she was to fall her battalion would surely follow. Her existence was altogether strength and weakness to this expedition. In reality, however, it was more of a theory thing because taking her down was a feat even Baba could not pull. That’s why they were reduced to this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Watch your mouth old woman. You are insulting God’s Will here. Well... I shall not have too much expectation for you, corrupted ones, I guess. If you are here, you must be prepared to be purified, right ? Where are your companions ? Speak now and I shall give you a quick death.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> The enemy commander’s voice was calm but devoid of any warmth. She was looking at them with disgust like she was watching garbage that shall be disposed of.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Don’t make me laugh, lass. All you know is hiding behind God name. Can’t you do something on your own for once ? If you want to fight have the courage to do that on your free will, coward.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Baba’s was starting a fire here. The lady commander frowned to this answer as she was beginning to feel more displeased by the seconds. This corrupted woman had lived far too long. It was time she put her out of her misery to bring her soul back to light. Gladys was God’s blade, this duty was hers to accomplish. Yes, she would purify the world of all those abominations.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “As you wish...”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Slowly she unsheathed her long sword and started coming down on them. Her eyes were of ice but although dreadful in her black and blue mix of armour and fabric Sylph thought again she was beautiful. It was the beauty of death itself, alluring yet fatally dangerous.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Before this threatening appearance Baba didn’t faltered one bit. She took a tiny flask out of her mantle. It was a serum Sylph had never seen but the frightening smile crossing his grandmother face was giving him a deep shiver. He was between a dragon and a tiger here but there was no way he could run away from this. So he gathered all his bravery to stand his ground there. Strangely enough, a part of him was as calm as a small waterway. In spite of cowering when cornered like this, his heart was filled by a steeled will.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Baba drank her deep blue liquid entirely and took a step onward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> For a second, time seemed to come to a stop as if even it was holding its breath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Then all the tension accumulated in the atmosphere burst when two flashes of light clashed together. Baba’s staff had heavily crashed onto Gladys’ weapon. However, the blow was parried entirely despite the heroine being a bit surprised by this sudden and fierce assault coming from an elderly woman.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “You’re too full of yourself, lass.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “I think you’re the one who don’t know your place.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> With a powerful slash, she repelled her short opponent away but Baba had no difficulty to stabilize herself as she held her ground and stroke again. Sensing her mistake, Gladys chose to evade. This was the right thing to do as the staff came crashing on the ground so violently that it dig a hole in the ground. Dust flew in the air forming a small cloud from which the old lady came flying with high speed right on the Order commander.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Gladys clicked her tongue. She had underestimated her foe, a fault she was regretting. Has she been too full of herself as this corrupted woman said ? Then she had to atone for this by showing her true strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “You’re mine !”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Baba shouted with all her lungs as she was ready to deliver another blow. But, she never made it. Gladys had disappeared in a split second. All Baba hit was fin air. The time she processed her situation, she had been sent flying away like she was nothing more than a bug. She came crashing into one of the village’s house piercing the walls like it was mere paper. The sound this landing produced was horrible. It was almost as if a firestone had come from the sky to destroy the wooden building.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Grandmother !”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph shouted but had no chance to get near. Soldiers were following the lead of their commander and began to invade the village. Still, they were not the most immediate threat he had to face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Now, young boy, it’s your turn. Will you tell me where your fellows fallen ones are hiding ?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Another flash of light never gave him a chance to answer her. Baba’s staff had struck Gladys’ side and she, in turn, was sent to disappear with a roar into another house.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “I told you not to get ahead of yourself, girl. I won’t kick the bucket so easily.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> His grandma had pulled herself out of the rubbles. She was obviously hurt but was still standing proudly, her fighting spirit untouched. However, an unwise knight deemed her injured enough to take a chance. Before he could even try to lift his sword, Baba had landed a hit so powerful it bent a single breast plate with a flying kick alone. The piece of metal crushed his ribs that pierced his heart and lungs in time. With a last but brief grunt the soldier collapsed on the ground, blood pooling out of his mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Fool... You should have stayed home in place of following some dumb rules and orders.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> There was a bit of pity in the old woman voice. The one she killed just now was a young lad not much older than her grandson. Her hate for the Order and their complacent goons was making her sick with disgust. They were sending fledglings out in the wild to fight battles that were not their own and enemies they had no knowledge of. Most of them would die quickly and meaninglessly like that. The Order knew that but chose to send them nonetheless because they were just pawns fed with lies since their birth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> “Leave her to me. Capture the young one and search the whole village while I take care of her. “

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Lady Gladys was already on her feet, apparently unscathed. The disgrace of being touched by this filthy being in battle and her subordinates having to suffer from this was unforgivable. She had lost a rightful soul before even crossing blades with true monsters. The joints of her delicate fingers blemished as she tightened her grip around the handle of her sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> However as the first soldiers were resuming their advance, one of them was once again stopped on their track. His life reaped along his heart. In disbelief, he looked at the arrow piercing his chest and collapsed the same way his companion fell seconds ago. Then, whistling through the air, two shots drove though another two men's throats.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Gladys' blood froze. Let alone the first strike, she had not sensed the other two either. There was no bloodlust here that could be felt. That is why she did not understood soon enough who was firing at her precious underlings. When her eyes fell upon the young man with the bow, she did not reacted immediately either to the arrowhead looking directly at her. As a heroine she was used to feel danger by sensing killing intent. Fighting someone without this was incredibly hazardous even when one were a seasoned warrior. For her it was like losing one of her sense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Sylph's hand released the string of his bow along the arrow which vanished in fin air. Only a whistle was proof it had not simply disappeared. That is what saved Gladys as this high pitched sound triggered her well honed survival instinct. She pulled her left arm before her whose vambrace was equipped with a steel buckler. The projectile hit her protection gear a quarter second after with enough power to make her slide back half a meter. She howled under the strain it was putting on her arm. A cold sweat even ran back her chin as she heard her shield begin to crack. However, the body of the missile was not sturdy enough to withstand its kinetic energy resulting in its disintegration in small wood pieces.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Silence fell on this strange battlefield. The soldiers' heads had been cooled down by what was happening here. They thought they were just launching an assault against an heretic settlement. However, they were facing beings strong enough to give a hard time to their commander. Four of them had fallen without having the chance to fend themselves. If there was other people of this calibre in this hell, they were all going to be slaughtered. Still, they were not the only ones bewildered by all this as Baba was looking at her grandson with disbelief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She knew he was a great hunter. His skill with the bow undeniably bested any of Valpierre's inhabitant. Despite that, he had hardly the stuff of which warriors were made of. Then, in that case, who was the man standing there if not her grandson ?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Standing upright, Sylph looked taller than usual, his presence was also more imposing as his eyes were calmly staring at her missed target. He was feeling appeased, his breath was steady as his blood flow, and he was filled with a sensation of both power and confidence. At his neck, the Starfire was shining slightly with an unnatural glow but, in plain day, it was hard to see it. Because of that, nobody had noticed this and the changes in the young man behaviour were still a mystery.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I can't stand this any longer... You monsters... You've sold your soul to them for this power... Disgusting. Disgusting !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Seething with rage, Gladys leapt at her new opponent, closing on him in the blink of an eye despite being sixty feet away from him. But, all her blade could bite was dust since Sylph had taken a step away, a new arrow knocked in his bow for her. Just in time, she evaded and made a counterattack. The young man deviated the slash with a new shot and in a split second was firing another one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> For those around, it was difficult to follow this close quarter fight. They were exchanging blows with speed none of the soldiers could match. It was fierce and frightful but seeing their commander seemingly push back this foe made them regain their bravery.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "For the Gods ! Burn this damned village to the ground !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Two hundred warmongers charged into Valpierre but Gladys and Sylph were unaware of that fact. They were in their own world where only the two of them existed. Still, if with one look the commander appeared to have the upper hand, she, on another hand, was starting to feel pressured beyond her limit. With each passing second, he was getting more and more stronger, swifter and unpredictable. He was using the bow like it had been a close combat weapon all along and she felt her attacks were losing their edges more and more. He was grasping her fighting style, analysing all her moves and maybe more than that. She had the strange and uneasy thought he was staring straight into her. Maybe it was at this moment she began to realize she should have never led her men in there. In her mind she was starting to touch the idea she could lose this battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> From Baba's standpoint, however, it was a done deal since the very second the last soldier had left its hiding in the forest to come invade her cherished village. Another smile crossed her face as she grabbed a small hunting horn. When she blew in there, a low groan echoed through the glade as far as deep in the surrounding forests. Then answering her from the foliage, rain began to fall. However, it was not made of water. No, it was a rain of arrow who fell like death for the invaders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************************

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Siska could not believe what she was seeing. All of this was like a nightmare and for the first time in her life, her heart was wavering. The only thing that was preventing her from feeling despair was the sight of her Onee-sama fighting with all her might.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> She was a captain of the Order under the direct supervision of Gladys, her half sister, two years older than her. As such, she had the same long bluish-dark hair, that she chose to bind partly with a ponytail while letting the rest flow down freely on her back. Her skin had the same fair complexion, however, she was smaller than her Onee-sama and her eyes were embedded with emerald. The feeling she was giving   was also different. She was a very serious girl but was warm and openly caring for others. Her womanly forms were not lacking either but, compared to her older sister, she was not a match. Still, her beauty could be described as well above average with a mix of gentleness and firmness that could tame most men into submission.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> When the first flight of arrows came pouring down on them, she was the one who rallied the confused soldiers. How could they have been tricked like that ? They had properly scouted the entire area before deploying. Such a thing was out of expectation. But, Siska shook her head. There was no point crying over spilled milk. They were under attack and while her sister was fighting this strange bow master, it was her job to command the soldiers. First, she had them regrouped in battle formation with a wall of shields facing the sky. It was done in mere seconds under her order. They had been thoroughly trained after all. However, with a glance, Siska knew she had lost around two tenth of her men. It was a crushing blow for them.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Siska-dono ! What the hell is this ?"

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "An ambush, Sharkro-san. Can't you see for yourself ?"

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "How could this happen ? Damn blaspheming peasants, we'll butcher them in the name of the Gods."

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Oh would you just shut up ! Your pride as a devout   won't spare you from getting an arrow in your butt. One of your magical barrier on the other hand would be more than helpful, if we want to overcome them without too much damage."

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Understood. Brothers of faith, by us, let the divine protection shine on justice swords !"

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Siska did not like this man named Sharkro. He was too full of himself, blinded by his high birth, his rank as a head priest and, finally, his faith. His skills at divine art were nonetheless a big help but his personality was bad. He was condescending toward those of lower rank and sickly sweet when it came to those higher than him. But, more than anything, he was a coward. Siska knew that deep down. She had an eye for people and this one was nothing but trouble. If things were to go even more badly than now, he would flee. She would not mind it, if he was not an officer ranked third in command. Well, if it came down to it, she would gladly slaughter him like the pig he was so as to prevent her unit from being rooted out.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> For now, he was making the appropriate formation with his priests but time was of essence here as another volley was fired anew on them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "Sharkro ! Hurry the hell up !"

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> "I know that ! Oh Goddess of righteousness, please bestow upon us your grace ! Protect your people from evil. Repel their claws away with your light ! Kabe ! Hi ! Seishin ! Kekkai !"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> Then, like a strong gust of wind was being summoned, the arrows which were coming down on them were all repelled and vanished into thin air. An invisible wall had been erected around them, protecting them from harm. However, Siska had noticed something from this. Something strange. As she casted a look at those who fell on the first flight, she understood. They were not facing Humans. Those arrows were made of magic with the intent of incapacitating people, not killing them. Those hiding in those woods wanted them alive. They were Mamonos.

Meanwhile, her sister was being pushed back, slowly but surely by Sylph. Her frustration was building with each missed blow. She knew it was no good to let this sort of feeling take place in her heart while fighting. Still, that was the first in a long time she had the sensation of being toyed with. All her hate for Monsters was surfacing. She despised the man in front of her for losing his soul to Mamonos but she was more than anything blaming herself for her lack of capacity. She should have been able to deal with him with ease as a champion of God. However, she was shaming her name for struggling like this against a mere bowman, no matter his skill. She could not deny his ability but it was wrongly acquired. Gladys had taken the sword and trained relentlessly to be chosen as one of Heaven's envoy. In contrary, this young man strength was borrowed from Monsters in exchange from coupling with them. In her eyes, that was how things were. Men were unreliable creatures led by their desires. They were weak and easily seduced by those devils. She hated weakness, she hated Mamonos and she hated herself.

As she was trying to drain those thought to focus on the battle, she was suddenly hit by one of her opponent arrow. It was shallow but enough to repel her ten feet away. Again, she had been careless. Swiftly, she put a defensive stand to parry the following attack. But, it never came.

"Why are you crying ?"

Cry ? She was not.

The young man was not assuming any hostile form toward her. He was just looking at her with a mind as calm as hers was in turmoil. For an instant, she felt like drowning in his blue eyes. Maybe, it could ease her from the pain. Was she in pain ? Obviously, she was hurt from the fight but it was not it. What was it ?

"Where are you seeing me weep, insolent ? You may be powerful enough to face me but you won't see me shame myself in front of you. Ever. God's apostles don't cry, know this."

Her throat was dry as she said those lines.

"Your body is the sole thing that hold you up. Your soul, mind and heart are crying. I can see it."

His words then froze her. What was he taking about ? Was he trying to break her focus. That's right. He is just toying with her. Even if young, it was a despicable opponent.

Sylph was watching her waver and wondered. Why was she fighting like that ? She was obviously hurt by something. A long term wound that made her so sad he felt like hugging her. Still, she was standing there with so much hate and rage toward him, he wondered which he should treat like the true her. Then, as they battled he came to understand what it was that made him uneasy. His hunter's intuition was seeing her as a wounded animal. She was feeling insecure toward the world to have been hurt like this. She had felt a loss that should not have happened.

The former fear he had toward her was now gone. He did not know how, but she was not an overwhelming existence for him anymore. He was fighting her on equal foot. Deep down, he was amazed by how he could engage her like that and with a bow, nonetheless. However, for now, he was more curious about that woman than his own prowess, for some reason. That's why he pushed her back to break the fight and initiated a talk. Still, it seems it was not an easy task to get past the wall she had built between the world and herself in her mind.

She was defiant toward him. Well, it was an obvious thing. Then maybe another approach ?

"Tell me. Why are you fighting ?"

"To kill all of those Monsters and their followers !"

A direct answer. As expected of a person from the Order. Still...

"Why ?"

She snorted with disgust.

"How dare you ask that... Those things are mankind natural enemy. Kingdom fall because of them, families are destroyed. Wherever they go, there is nothing more than ruin in their wake. They rape men and enslave them into their toys and make woman change into their kinds. They can't be forgiven even by God. So, let me return your question. Why are you fighting for them ?"

That was the point of view from almost all of Humanity, was it not ? Was it right or wrong ? As far as he knew Mamonos, he could not described them as evil. The three sisters were a handful but they were not bad people. However, the answer to her question was quite simple in Sylph's mind.

"I don't fight for Mamonos. I fight for my village and family. I fight so that our blood won't be spilled by your faith because we don't want to be bound by it. In my eyes, you are the bloodthirsty monsters, not them."

At Sylph's answer, Gladys bit her lips. She will not be swayed by mere words. The Order is rightful and Monsters are evil that shall perish along all heretics. Her mind will not falter so... why was her heart squeezing so tight in her chest ? She had no reason to listen to him in the first place. Ultimately, to escape from his gaze and end this conversation, she leapt at him while shouting.

"You deserved this ! How can you dare to forsake your God and side with those things ! I can't accept that !"

However, before reaching her target, her sword was deflected by another blade.

"Won't... let you."

In face of her was standing one of those she despised. It was a Mantis and she was fiercely glaring at her. Despite her exhaustion building up, fire flared in her stomach. Her true target was right in front of her. Finally, she could do it. She had a chance to slay one of them.

"Just die, monster !"

There was nothing more in her sight than the Mantis. Like the wind, she took a step forward and, like a rock, she fell in the trap. The soil caved in under her foot and her balance was disrupted. There was nothing for her to do in her state. Struck by her own astonishment, she was helpless in evading this pitfall. When she recovered from the treachery, she thought that it was foolish for them to think they could restrain her in here. She had still plenty of strength to escape this kind of thing. But, she was the foolish one because she did not land on hard earth. No, it was something soft and sticky she could not shake off her body. Her weapon was soon pull out of her hand and with horror she saw the creature that had been waiting for her all along here.

"Hello there, lady knight. Bear with me for a bit, it will soon be finished. Fufufu."

Sylph was feeling a little bad to end this like this but if it meant not shedding more blood then it was a good bargain.

"Are you... hurt... Dana-sama ?"

"Hum ? Nope, I'm good. Thanks, Acilya."

"Umu... Wife's duty... Licking Dana-sama's...wound."

Ah. She had just made him remember her licking his arrow's scratch. While embarrassed, he smiled wryly.

"Ho...How does it go down there ?"

Wanting to change topic, he took a look in the pitfall to see how Erea was doing with the female commander.

"No worry, my Dear. I'm quite enjoying this but it will be done in a bit. Be a little more patient." "Whe...Where are touching, you beast ! No... No ! What the hell are you doing ! Ah ! Ah... Don't !"

"Arara... Don't struggle this much... Well... In fact, I don't mind if you struggle more. No... do struggle more ! Here !"

"NO ! I'll tear you apart... I'll kill you ! I swear !"

"Ufufufu... What a lively woman. Well, let's remove all this unfashionable metal wears."

"Don't touch me ! No !"

"Oh ! You're quite a catch..."

"Where are you looking at, you perverted monster ! No ! Someone ! I don't care who, but help me ! No... Don't take off my shirt ! I swear... If you do that... I'll...I'll...no... You beeaaaaast ! Nooooooooooo !"

"Only bared skin can enjoy my silk to the fullest, you know. It would be a waste to let you clothes on."

"I don't care ! Release me now ! I hate you all !"

Sylph looked in amazement as Erea was playing with Gladys. It was just meant to enclose her in a silk cocoon but seeing them wiggling down there was quite a watch. A sharp pain to his head made him come back from his contemplation.

"Don't just stand there, stupid grandson."

"Ah, Grandmother ! Are you alright ?"

"Humpf ! This much is nothing. We have to deal with the remaining fools. Let's wrap this up. I want this to be finished before lunch."

"Understood. Shall I call reinforcement ?"

"Well, that's the right time I guess. Please, do."

With those words, Sylph took a special arrow in his quiver with a cylindrical head and shot it sky-high. There, it exploded releasing a red smoke. Soon after this signal, a great deal of buzzing emanated from the surrounding forest. Then, from the foliage, it was no more arrows that emerged but a swarm of moving shadows.

"Hornet monsters !"

That shout, coming from the Order's soldiers was quite accurate. With two pair of wings on their back, insect-like abdomen sticking out of their butts and antennas pointing proudly from the top of their head, they were equipped with various weapons for the sole purpose of capturing men. They were not very powerful Mamonos taken individually. Their strength, however, lied in their sheer number.

"Lunch is ready for them, at least."

With that sentence, Baba was smiling mischievously and Sylph was once more convinced she was a bad person. The poor show that unfolded next before his eyes was going to make him shiver at night for one week after it. He was glad to be born a man of this village and not a knight of the Order... Well, the fact that he was showered with affection by three Mamonos did not make him feel safe, after all.

Twenty minutes later, Valpierre's crisis was put to an end. All soldiers were captured and to be divided between the hornet girls and the elfs who helped the village in repelling invaders. It was payment for completed service said Baba. The few deceased were carried to be buried and a feast was planned to happen by night. Sylph did not know what to think of all this. He was glad to have won and survived but the things he experienced in the last couple of days were weighting a bit too much on his mind. For now, he decided to put it to rest and enjoy the party without realising the pendant he had wore on his neck had disappeared.

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