"Come on! Look in my eyes! Fubuki, Inferna, just hold on!"
Asahi knelt beside the two girls, the light in their eyes long faded. She was pale and sickly, her lightning no longer sparking as her breathing got slower.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I can't! I'm too weak..."
Asahi collapsed over their bodies, tears spilling until footsteps came from behind her. When she looked up, Mina was looking down at her. She went to her, arms open.
"A failure like you? You were better off being left with your family. You're not worth my attention."
Asahi stopped in her tracks, a quick flash of Mina's leg sending her flying backwards. She rolled on the ground, slamming into Inferna and Fubuki. She looked at them, her tears continuing to fall.
"Am I really that useless when I run out of magic?"
"Of course you are. If Master says so, you're useless."
Melody stood over her, eyes wide as she smiled down at Asahi. Her ornate spear gleamed for a moment before Asahi stopped breathing.
-
"Have you seen how she looks now? I was expecting something better, but really... she's just a regular lamia."
"Don't be rude, Mina. She might be in here!"
With a soft sigh, Suriza blinked slowly as she revealed where she was standing. Mina and Inferna stared for a moment before they began to laugh.
"Is a lamia really that bad? My race prides itself on beautiful faces, does it not?"
Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as she approached them, but the scene changed as she drew near. Suriza was looking at Mina, her arm heavily mangled while cuts and gashes lined her body.
"M-Mina? Are you okay!?"
"Back off, traitor. Do you really believe I want you to act like you care, now of all times? You've already caused my friends to die, so why not kill me yourself?!"
Before she could react, Mina had already drawn close. Her dark blade raised high, all Suriza thought of was protecting herself. Her hands went up to guard her body, yet the distinct sound of a blade through flesh came from in front of her. She felt no pain, so in shock and surprise she opened her eyes. Her arm was extended, a blade shoved deep into Mina's throat. She coughed, her blood covering Suriza's face before her light faded.
"Mina... I didn't. I swear, I'm not your enemy! You saved me..."
-
"Asahi, it's kinda scary! Don't drop me!"
"Don't look down, and anyways... you'll drop yourself. Just don't let me go."
Asahi gave a toothy grin, flapping her arms hard to keep the two of them airborne. Mina looked up into her eyes, hugging her a bit tighter.
"I- am I heavy?"
"Nope. You're really easy to carry. If it's so bad... just focus on my face."
Asahi glanced away, her face a little red. Mina only smiled, leaning her head on Asahi's shoulder and looking up at her. She smiled slightly before nuzzling into her neck.
"This belt chafes though."
Mina began to giggle, nodding softly as she looked towards their waists. They were bound with a leather belt so that Mina wouldn't dangle from Asahi.
"Let's land. I'm pretty sure I need to sit down."
With a happy nod, Asahi began to descend. Before she could fully focus on it, Mina popped up and kissed her softly.
"This was fun."
-
Suriza was sitting, admiring her newest evolution. Similar to the other girls, she had acquired [Feralize], though it had given her normal legs while it was inactive. Her fingers traced her long legs, surprised by the softness instead of scales. She looked up in time to see Mina walking her way, nearly tripping in the process. With a small smile, Suriza vanished from her spot. Mina rubbed her eyes, confused.
"That shocked by my invisibility?"
Mina jumped as Suriza spoke from behind her, removing her stealth skill. She stood nearly a head and a half over Mina, being perfect for a model.
"Suriza, I asked you not to scare me! Gah... and here I was about to ask my guard woman to watch over me."
Suriza tilted her head.
"I wanted to bathe. This body may not get dirty, but I'll be defenseless while I enjoy myself."
Suriza held her nose, her fingers tinted a light red. She looked around, then nodded at Mina. This elicited a soft giggle from Mina, but she grabbed the Lamia's hand and lead her away.
"Even I'm too shy to bathe in front of someone, you'll have to deal with just hanging out."
Suriza looked away, her cheeks red. With a small squeeze, she grabbed Mina's attention.
"No... I've just come to realize I'm asleep. I wanted to thank you, for everything. I may not be as important as the rest, but you saved my life and took me in. I'll forever be in your debt, Mina."
Mina smiled, pulling Suriza into a hug.
--
Thank you,
JScott, croix and Tech!