"Blunt the edges, then strike!"
The Rage Steel shards suddenly flew off in different directions. Groans and dull beatings could never heard from all directions, but Hysteria continued to pout until the shards returned to her side. Smaller chunks had hidden underneath the clothing of their assailants, dragging them into the opening.
"Hmm. Fifteen elves. Nothing to worry about."
Before long, Hysteria had each and every elf tied up. She sat down, waiting for her comrades to reappear.
"I guess leaving the others to sleep was the right choice."
Hysteria looked up as Rin had returned. No injuries were visible, yet Hysteria still looked worried.
"Did you-"
"No, you shielded me. For that, I thank you. I don't see Mina get injured like that, so it's cool bit of a shock to see."
"Uh... protecting you was all that I had in mind. Knocking or breaking the arrow out of the air didn't even appear in my mind, just your safety. It's a light wound, plus poison doesn't work on spirits."
Rin set her palm on her forehead, proceeding to shake it.
"Let me look at it. Asahi is asleep, so I may as well tend to it. Can you remove... nevermind. You shouldn't need to worry about your shirt."
Hysteria looked down, then back up. Shrugging lightly, her shirt began to vanish until all that was left was a soft looking bra.
"They all have dark magic over their eyes, they can't see. I don't mind if you look."
Her sheepish smile made Rin look away briefly, her ears slightly reddening.
"Please don't tease me. I know your heart is genuine, but I'm not prepared for something like that. Just wait for Mia to return."
Hysteria's ears fell, her face turning away slightly.
"My bad. Please do what you were going to."
Hysteria felt Rin kneel down beside her, a warm and strong feeling beginning to erupt in her heart.
'Shit. Calm down. Don't get greedy. Don't look, don't look, don't look! You'll get lost in her eyes, or stare at her lips! Dammit, why did Mina give me such weird problems!?'
Rin's fingers made Hysteria gasp softly, the soft and sturdy skin against her felt warm and soothing. She turned slightly, her breath catching as Rin looked up into her eyes. They say there for what seemed like hours, though Rin continued to work on the wound.
"Rin, I..."
"Save it. That look in your eyes, you're just a maiden falling for beauty. Keep in mind, I am your slave as well as Mina's. I can't defy you, so-"
"Shut up."
Rin closed her mouth immediately, Hysteria's eyes popping open wide.
"N-no! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it that way! I just wanted you to stop seeing us as your Master! We aren't like the humans governed by Wrath! We won't hurt you, nor control you! Y-you can talk. I'm sorry for making you stop."
Hysteria stared down at her lap, her fingers clenching tightly to the fabric of the lower part of her dress.
"Hmph. A Master will make use of their slaves, yet I've not seen Mina order either of us around even once. I find her more appealing than a fragment of her soul that can't keep its feelings in check, thus sealing my lips rather than speaking to me plainly."
Hysteria instantly looked away, her eyes filling with tears. She sniffled softly as they began to fall, painting the quilt beneath the two of them.
"Jeez. This is what I mean. Someone is harsh once-"
"Rin, Hysteria would normally ignore a harsh tone. You're treating her like garbage for an accident. She's not used to having a slave, nor does she want one. You should understand her intentions, yet you're blindly attacking my friend."
"Lady Mina! Forgive me. I just... felt hurt being ordered. I let my anger out on her, so please-"
Mina glared at Rin, her eyes not angry, only disappointed.
"Apologizing to me is useless. Hysteria is the one crying within my soul. She is a being comprised of emotion, yet given even more because of how I accepted her. Her emotions are powerful."
Rin bowed her head, her eyes on Mina's white dress as it returned to being black.
"W-what?! Mina why did you make me come back out?!"
Her eyes now reddened, Hysteria began to wipe away the tears.
"I'm sorry."
She stopped, looking down at Rin. As she was mid wipe, her arms were still on her face as she began to reach out. Her hand trembled as she touched Rin's head, patting it softly.
"We're both sorry then. I'll stop bothering you, so go ahead and get some rest."
Hysteria got to her feet, her dress covering her body once again. Beginning to walk away, Rin finally looked up at her. Their eyes met for only an instant, but Rin quickly grabbed Hysteria's dress and pulled her down. Falling without grace, Hysteria ended up with her head against Rin's thighs. She looked up to see a slightly red face looking away from hers.
"This is... my apology. I can't accept your feelings now, as I don't even know how I feel to be honest, but I'd like to free the elves before I find someone I wish to be with. Can you-"
"I'll wait."
The serious look in Hysteria's eyes made Rin blush harder. Her hand quickly covered them, making Hysteria reach up and cover Rin's eyes as well.
"W-why?"
"Because you only get a glimpse of the smile you caused."
Hysteria opened her fingers slightly as Rin's hand fell from her eyes. Rin instantly saw a smile filled with warmth and not an ounce of strength. The beautiful smile of a girl graced with what she desired. Hysteria's fingers closed again, making Rin pout.
"How long are you going to do that?"
"I don't know. Until my smile goes away!"
--
Thank you,
JScott and croix!