Since she was quick, Mina decided to reward Melody. She handed over her blade, the one she resides in, and withdrew inside of it. The feeling of being held by a human was strange, almost alien. It didn't feel the same as her own hands, nor the grip of a beast.
"Master, we will be entering the town soon. I'm sorry the others can't enter with us, it's just... humans."
Melody looked genuinely sad, her eyes filled with guilt.
'Maybe she used to treat other races kindly. What could have changed her? Something I'll find out.'
Mina realized they were in a building, something akin to a mayoral suite. Nothing fancy, just higher end than the rest. She materialized, but didn't take her Sword Body back.
"So... what's yours is mine?"
Those words set a fire in Melody's eyes as she nodded vigourously.
'I pity you, but I need you. Some day, I'll free you. The choice to stay will be yours.'
Mina stood to the side of a window, her gaze trailing into the street below. The town was older, but with magic they had already developed stone streets and stronger buildings. Mina was delighted.
"So the dungeon, how soon can we enter?"
Melody seemed downtrodden.
"Erm... while I'd like to not keep my Master waiting, it'll be another day. We have a squad sent inside for materials. Do you think..."
A lewd look was in her eyes, but she didn't seem like punishment was intentionally desired here.
"...you could wait?"
Mina snatched the blade, whipping around to slap Melody from behind with it. With an excited shriek, Melody looked behind her. Mina gave her a dazzling smile, then nodded.
"The others need a way inside, but Chisana and Suriza can be out."
Suriza uncoiled from around Melody's neck, while she opened a pack on her waist. Melody pulled out Chisana, setting her carefully on the nearby desk. She gave her a soft tap on her head, then stroked her back.
"Chisana is quite adorable, Master. I must not get distracted by her softness."
Mina smiled softly, enjoying the sight of a woman finding cuteness.
'Oh boy. What to do for the next day?'
Mina set her Sword Body on the desk near Chisana. The tiny bat placed her wing on it, drifting off to sleep. Mina sat against the desk, surprising herself when she didn't fall through.
"So, any idea how to get my friends in here? You're an official, but even you can't drag beasts inside. Inferna may be another story..."
["Inferna, I think you can switch into your demi form to get inside. You'll have to look like a slave, but don't let the humans get to you. I'm sending Melody to you now."]
Mina looked up, watching Melody set off.
["Fine. I best get rewarded! I'm not fond of bullies."]
Mina could hear her voice and see her pout as she read the words. The door opened again, causing her to look up. In the doorway were a couple of men. They seemed to be devising a nasty plan, as they didn't see Mina when they entered.
"So we hide inside, wait for her to return, and boom. We've got a trapped slut for the taking!"
Mina frowned.
"So you even go so far against your own people. Absolutely disgusting. I'm not a crazed killer, but you're in here already. I can't let you leave."
She flashed a kind smile, dashing towards the men. Every last one fell where he stood, unable to respond.
"I need to get arrows. Maybe Melody can help with that."
Stepping out from the group of bodies, Mina suddenly became aware of her two friends lying asleep. Both of them seemed to have a strange power inside of them erupting.
"Holy shit... they're evolving. God I feel like a trainer now."
Mina put her face in her hand, then decided to wipe away the blood from her blade. Chisana and Suriza remained asleep, probably due to their evolutions being quite strenuous. They were smaller creatures, after all.
Finally entering the room, Melody calmly stepped around the bodies. Behind her was a face that Mina instantly regretted. Tears slid down, dripping from her chin. Mina crept closer, [Coalesce] activating. She wiped the tears, then held her hands. Inferna sniffled, but kept her gaze focused.
"I should burn this town."
Mina turned slightly, realizing that Melody was the one who spoke.
"Wait, what?"
Melody had her arms crossed, she looked absolutely pissed.
"Well first off, those bastards. They wanted to take me from Master, but they got what they deserved! Then the town itself, they cursed as Miss Inferna for being a demi. She didn't deserve that. She has done no wrong. I'll need to apologize to Rin when she comes back. Since I can think clearly, this makes being friendly so much easier."
Mina rubbed her thumb against the back of Inferna's hand, but her attention was on Melody.
"So you mean, your thoughts were clouded? I'd this common for humans?"
Melody sighed and nodded.
"I believe the Font of Flame has something to do with it. The Guardian hasn't spoken to the king in so long, I'm almost positive they are trapped or hurt. Problem is, no one can get inside of a font."
Mina smirked, but kept quiet. Her eyes fell back to Inferna.
"You okay? No one touched... they cut you."
Mina noticed a small gash on Inferna. It was almost invisible, but was assuredly made by a blade. Melody stepped closer, her eyes narrowing.
"Who the... ugh. I'll handle this. With my rank, and the cover... someone seriously had the balls to cut what was disguised as mine?!"
The door slammed behind her, though she shoved the dead bodies out of the room first.
"Huh. I'll get Asahi to come inside. I believe... yes, here we go."
Mina opened a nearby window. It wasn't over the streets, but over an alley. She could already see the bird kareening towards the window, flapping inside and landing softly.
"Holy whoa. Screw humans."
Mina pointed to the cut, Asahi getting the memo.
"Jeez, cutting Inferna like it's normal. Idiot bastards."
Mina watched as the lightning magic sealed the wound. She was glad that there wasn't any apparent poisons.
"Now we wait... though I'd love to get Fubuki insi- what the hell?"
Standing in the doorway, Melody was standing beside Fubuki.
"Pretended I got a pet when we were out in the forest. They all bought it."
Mina smiled, her incorporeal heart calming.
--
Thank you,
JScott and croix!