"This dress still feels so light. Am I really a tank? I feel lightweight and small... won't I just get sent flying?"
Fubuki bounced softly, many eyes watching her as ice practically sparkled around her as she moved.
"Fubuki, Master believes in you. Don't look down on your form and how beautiful you have become."
Her large wolf ears went flat as her pale skin turned pink. Her feet shuffled, making her seem small and cute although her body was far from cute. The eyes following her went wide as a loud uproar came from the crowd.
"Sh-shut up! All of you! Stupid dummies."
Gripping her clothes lightly, Fubuki slowed her breathing as she looked around the small battlefield arena created within the town. Being built as a form of entertainment, healers were on standby while small fights were being held regularly. A great way to show dominance, Fubuki had been challenged by Melody as a way to show off for Mina's sake.
"Now, ready yourself. I know you've gone through another evolution while Mina has been away. You delve into the dungeon regularly, honing your skills with that new weapon of yours. Bring it out."
Fubuki placed her hand over her slowly beating heart, feeling deep within her soul for the weapon given to her as she grew. Her eyes seemed to gleam as she reached for it.
"Freeze all in your wake. Frost Dweller."
Throwing her hand to the ground, a patch of ice exploded from beneath her. Dead center, a hilt emitting frost lay in wait. As her pale fingers slid across, the frost exuded began to flow downwards as she pulled the blade from the ground. Fubuki lifted an incredibly thin blade, reaching nearly eight feet in length.
"Hmm. That weapon still makes me wonder. It's a rare style of weapon, although made from ice... the blade is like a diamond. Are you prepared?"
Holding her ornate spear, Melody was excited for the oncoming fight.
"Melody, this may be dangerous. Do you mind if I show you why?"
"I've never seen you wield the blade, so have at it. If you're really that strong, I'll forfeit. Then you can make Mina's lunch when she gets back."
Fubuki's ears flicked. Every since she had gained a physical body, Mina has been able to eat. It's not necessary, but she does enjoy the warmth in her belly from time to time.
"Melody, back up."
The serious tone in her voice made the woman leap backwards. As soon as her feet hit the ground, frost coated a ten meter radius around Fubuki. She wielded her blade with slow movements, but steadily grew in speed. As she watched, Melody knew she was outmatched in a duel. Every place that her blade traced, a trail of ice would burst a moment later. The ice would then fade, allowing Fubuki to move through her Frost Field unhindered.
"This is only the tip of the iceberg."
A soft smile from Fubuki, she hopped barely leaving the ground as a ice spike jetted forth. She stood over the field, the arena heavily dropping in temperature. The Frost Field was not a flat zone, but a large sphere going in all directions.
"Is this enough?"
Melody waved her hand as the field began to thaw. Fubuki hopped down, her arm holding her breasts as she hit the ground.
"Don't need these flailing about. Throws off my balance sometimes."
"Quit showing off."
Melody had a teasing smirk as the crowd went wild. Fubuki was not seen as an idol in the town, heavily admired for her beauty, strength and unending grace.
"Melody, my skills have improved a lot. Do you think Mina will bring me along next time? I miss her, as well as the others... but I want to spend time with Mina."
Her small pout made Melody giggle.
"I miss Master as well. Just give it time. She will never abandon you, or me. That silly spirit has a heart of gold. Keep practicing, never let another try to outmatched that power you wield. Inferna will reach her own weapon in another evolution, while the others need at least two or more. When they get there, they'll all be relying on you for advice on how to call it out and wield it. Each weapon will be unique, so have at it out here when you can. Maybe even take on Mina. I wonder... how many of you can win her kisses by defeating her in combat?"
Fubuki began to play with her fingers as a massive, awkward, grin appeared on her reddened face.
"A k-k-kiss? M-maybe. Hehehe... it's making my face all hot just thinking of her hugging me, but a kiss?"
Fubuki continued to gush, the audience adoring her happy face as she walked off the arena field.
"Fubuki, go ahead and make sure that Mai is feeling better. Her fever isn't dangerous, but she will need to be in high spirits for Hysteria."
"Oh. Okay, I'm on it."
With that, Fubuki ran off. Her dress trailing in the wind as ice practically danced from her body.
-
Making her way into a secluded building, Melody's office and home, Fubuki walked into the addition Melody had prepared. Within, many beds were lined up for their groups use. In the bed nearest the door, Mai was sitting up. She sighed softly, looking up with a small smile on her face as Fubuki entered.
"You're awake. That's good. I'm not quite sure how you got so sick, but take it easy."
Mai nodded.
"It was weird. I was perfectly fine, heading back here, when a group of short strong people attacked me. They weren't a threat, practically asleep whenever they attacked, but I felt my energy drain as if I had been awake for days on end. I'm lucky I collapsed nearby, though risking my life is my job... I uh... you know. Hysteria..."
Her fevered face held another level of redness, so Fubuki blew a small bit of frost her way.
"Chill out. You're gonna make it worse."
Shivering softly, Mai made a face of complaint.
"My nurse is bullying me. This Inn sucks."
Both girls burst into a fit of giggles, leaving the small people to be dealt with after Mina returned.
"So Fubuki, how's defense of the town going? Since the humans are moreover sane again, we have had merchants and adventurers coming from all over. The fact they gave this entire town over to Melody, though under Mina, was a great surprise."
"The town is fine. The people are crazy. They treat me like some sort of Goddess as I walk around town. It's exhausting and unwelcome. They won't worship Mina like that, so of course I don't deserve it."
"Don't make light of yourself. You're strong and gorgeous. Not to mention terrifying when pissed. I remember how you handled the pervert trying to smack your ass, and so does the town."
Fubuki turned scarlet.
"That's only for Mina! Jenks trying to touch this body can freeze for eternity. Humph."
She pouted and crossed her arms, falling into a small fit of laughter as their day finally came to a close.
--
Thank you,
JScott and croix!