(??? Pov)
My name is Nebula Shadowtail. I'm the sole heiress of the Shadowtail clan.
I was given the mission to gather intel on why the seclusionist Demon King of Fluff would go down to Altheria. I was given this task to prove I could handle becoming a [True Assassin Grandmaster]
My mission started out great. My father sent 4 elites to get all the staff out of the way so I could sneak in and follow the demon king. From what I'm told the Demon King of Fluff isn't that great at detection so I could just hide in her shadow with my stealth on.
I succeeded in getting into her shadow when 4 strong killing intents came out of nowhere alerting the demon king. The demon king then left to see who it was only to find 4 of what I thought were Wolf-Beastmen. 2 of which were transformed into a wolf form.
When I first saw them the thought of them being of the True Fenrir clan crossed my mind. But I just thought it was a coincidence as they were also seclusionists who stayed in the north of the Alfria Great Forest.
At least until she started talking about the growth stages of the clans which is only known by the clan leaders and their children. This thought was only further solidified when she said she was the successor of the Fenrir clan and was talking about the "Gathering of Clan Leaders".
But why would the successor of the Fenrir clan be here? And why does it seem like I'm missing something really important here? Is she perhaps the reason the demon king came down here?
Yeah, no. The True Fenrir wouldn't even have a way of contacting the demon king let alone want to. That clan only leaves their territory to go for the "Gathering of Clan Leaders" and even then, they leave for their territory as soon as it's over.
So, then why is the successor and 3 others here? Hmm, I might find out more when they start talking.
Ugh, this is sooo boring. They haven't talked about anything since they arrived.
All of what they have been doing is eating a lot. I mean that's a lot even for the growing stage. I mean the most I've seen any in our clan eat at this stage is at most 6 horned rabbits worth of food a day. But all of them are eating 7-8 horned rabbits' worth of food each. And that's just for one meal!
Hmm, but she did say she's growing faster than normal so maybe that's normal for True Fenrir? I mean I've never been told how much they actually eat during meals. But I doubt it's this much for 1 meal.
*Clank*
"Hey, Ella *Sniff Sniff* there's a rat in here."(?)
*Cold Sweat* What? D-Did she find me? No, not possible. I'm hidden in the shadows and I'm using stealth. And plus, the Fenrir clan are speed warriors, not assassins.
"(Confused) What are you talking about?"(Ella)
"It's right behind you."(?)
*Panicked* Shit! Did she really find me!?
"*Looks behind* (Confused) Where I don't see anything?"(Ella)
"*Sigh* I'll get it."(?)
*Ccrr woosh*
*Squeak!*
(Scared) Sh-She shot an ice spike right by me. *Relieved* But, it seems I wasn't found. (Looks around) But where did that rat come from? I didn't notice it until it was pointed out.
Huh? Where did she go?
"*Grabs* You know it's not very nice to spy on people while they eat."(?)
Wh-
*fuwm thump*
Shit! Got to ru-
"No can-do little fox. You're staying right there. *Snap*"(?)
*Cccrrr*
*Panicked* Shit, I can't move! And for some reason, I can't use Primal magic to break it!
"*Shacks head* You're not breaking that ice without using all your mana."(?)
When I heard that I started to despair.
(Rina Pov)
Now you're probably wondering why I have Dark Fox trapped in ice made of Aether-made primal ice. Well, I kind of noticed them tailing Ella since she left her room. And well I wanted to see if they'd make their move or not. But they seem to just be hiding and tailing Ella for whatever reason.
Then I found a rat while we were eating. It was made by someone to be used as some kind of undetectable spy. Well, undetectable to normal people, not by people who are True Assassin Grandmasters. For us, it's really easy to spot.
The real question is who did it? I doubt it was whoever sent the little vixen over there so, who? Maybe an enemy nation? That's what my intuition is telling me at least. And those are annoyingly right at times like this. *Sigh* Well let's get this over with.
And hey I think I'll take her as mine. I mean my instincts are just screaming at me to do it. And Mom always said to take whoever my instincts tell me to before they get stolen away. I mean that's exactly how Mom and Dad got together.
"*Smile* Now, little foxy, who are you and why are you here?"(Rina)
"(Nervous) I-I'm the heir of th-the Shadowtail clan a-and I-I don't think I can say my mission to another clan."(?)
(Surprised) Well, that's unexpected but, that's not what I asked her. Also, she does realize just how much power I have over her right now, right?
"*Drops smile* First, that's not what I asked, and you do realize you violated the treaty between the clans, right?"(Rina)
As soon as she heard me mention the treaty, she went pale, and for good reason to. She violated a major rule in the treaty. That's the rule of not interfering with the business of another clan whether that be directly or indirectly.
And well, spying on the heir or leader of a clan is a crime that no matter who it is, they can be punished. The worst part about it is that your life is in the hands of the Clan Leader so, if they wanted you dead, they could. They could also keep them prisoners or let them go free. It all depends on how lenient the Clan Leader is.
Now, why would such a thing be made you ask? Well, it was made so that the clans already dying out wouldn't fight and wipe each other out.
"(Confused) Wh-"(Ella)
"(Glance over) Not now. I'll tell you later. (Looks back) Now, are you going to tell me who you are and why you're here or not."(Rina)
"(Blinks) *Sigh* My name is Nebula Shadowtail heiress of the Shadow Fox clan. My mission is to find out why the Demon King of Fluff who's known as a shut-in (Hey! I am not a shut-in! (Ella)), seclusionist is suddenly coming down from her castle and staying in Altheria.
It was a test to prove I could handle becoming a True Assassin Grandmaster and gaining intel on why the demon king suddenly came down here.
(Glare) The real question is why the seclusionistic Fenrir clan is here. Especially their heir who hasn't even reached adulthood yet."(Nebula)
Fufu. It seems she's trying to intimidate not knowing just how much power I hold. Well, I like strong wills but, as the Clan Leader, I can't allow those sly threats and offhand comments. But let's think of a punishment later.
"(Amused) Hehe, you seem to have the wrong perception of me. I'm not the heir anymore. I'm the Clan Leader."(Rina)
When she heard that her face went pale then to one of rage.
I wonder why?
"(Enraged) You bitch you killed your family just to be- *Choke*"(Nebula)
When I heard what she was saying I got very pissed off and ran up to her dispelling the [Ice Prison] and holding her by her throat.
Even if I have feelings for her that is a line that she should never cross. I would never dream of killing them, yet what made me so mad was that it felt like she was right.
They died trying to protect me. And it's my fault for being too weak to stand and protect them. But I will find a way to bring them back. I don't care if I have to kill the creator of the damn universe to do it. I'll get them back.
I then released my killing intent. Completely unaware that the others had surrounded us and were doing the same.
"(Glare) (Pissed) Never speak such bullshit in my presence again if you want to live. I don't care how much I have feelings for you I WILL end you without a second thought. (Teary-eyed) My family meant everything to me. I was too weak back then and they died protecting me. And I was still captured and nearly enslaved, but I escaped, and I want revenge.
So, I plan to erase those responsible for taking my family away from me. Then, I will find a way to bring them back. I don't care how long it takes or who or what I have to kill or destroy I will bring them back no matter what."(Rina)
*Thump*
"Gah!"(Nebula)
*Cccrrr*
I then through her at a wall and re-casted [Ice Prison] on her.
Now how should I punish her? I was going to go easy on her on account of my feelings but, I'm mad. I need a way to vent. But how?
Hmm...*Evil Grin* I know! I'll use "that" magic. I still wonder where master learned it. From what I know demons don't teach this magic, but it's master so he probably learned it from some weirdo.
*Step Step Step*
"*Evil Grin* Now I can't just let what you said slide so."(Rina)
I then bit my finger and drew our clan's insignia of the wolf on her forehead with my blood. I saw Ella's eyes go wide when she saw me do this. Almost like she knew what I was doing but, well I'll ask her about that later.
[Slave Seal]
*Flash*
And a hidden slave crest with the Clan insignia appeared on her forehead.
Yep, I used slavery magic. Racial magic of the demon. Well, all Mystic races can use it if they're taught it as it is an attribute-less spell. It's actually, similar to curses as it's easier to use for those with an affinity for the dark attribute which just so happens to be one of the affinities, I use the best.
"While I was going to let you off easily but, after what you said I'm in a very bad mood, so you'll have to live like this for a while until I decide to free you. But this works fine with me as well as it suits my plans anyways. So, for now, you are not to talk to anyone in your clan or inform anyone of what you saw or heard without my permission. You're also not allowed to leave without my permission.
Now I'm going to my room to cool down."(Rina)
"Rina w-"(Ella)
"(Teary Eyed) Ella I'll come to talk about what we promised later. But right now, I'm not in the mood. I need you to have a maid get three new sets of clothes like the ones I'm wearing. Just ones for a mage, one for a speed-type fighter, and the last for a tank. *Snap* There's the money. Also, give her a room to stay in.
So, now please just leave me be. I need some time to think."(Rina)
"*Sigh* Alright. (Concerned) If you need me, you can always call me."(Ella)
"(Teary eyed smile) Thanks. Let's go."(Rina)
{{"Alright"}}
*Flash*x4
*Flash*x4
*Thump*
As soon as we go to the room I collapsed onto my knees. And Blizzard transformed into wolf form, and they wrapped their bodies around me. And I unconsciously started hugging them.
"*Hic* *Sniffle* why? Why did I have to be so weak!? *Hic* I-If only I was stronger! *Hic* It's my fault they're dead! *Sniffle* Waaahhh! *Hic *Hic* Mom! Dad! Why!? Why did you have to protect something so useless as me with my siblings and die!? *Hic* Y-You should have just left me and lived! *Hic* *Hic*
It's all my fault you guys died! *Hic* *Hic* Wwwaaaaahhhh! *Hic* *Sniffle* I'm so useless! *Hic* I should have just died then instead of living on! *Hic* *Sniffle* Wwwwwaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!! It's *Hic* a-all m-my f-f-fault! *Hic* *Sniffle*
*Hic* Why did you have to care so much for such a useless daughter like me!? *Hic* *Sniffle* T-This happens every time someone loves me! *Hic* *Sniffle*I-I just want to love someone and be loved! *Hic* Is that so wrong! *Hic*"(Rina)
I then started punching whatever I could hit in frustration and rage. The others didn't move or even flinch when I hit them.
(1 hour later)
"Are you better?"(Snow)
"(Sleepily nodding) Yeah. Can I nap here fo..r a b..it?"(Rina)
"Sure."(Hail)
"Th...anks. *Soft Snoring*"(Rina)
"Hehe, seeing her like this you wouldn't think she hits like a bag of bricks or she's the oldest."(Blizzard)
"Mmm. *punch*"(Rina)
"Oww. Hey are you awake?"(Blizzard)
"*Soft Snoring*"(Rina)
"(Shocked) She really is out cold."(Blizzard)
"(Shakes head) Mom, Dad, elder brothers, elder sisters don't go! No, NO n-not you three too! D-Don't leave me! I-I'm scared! I'll listen! (Crying) I-I'll do anything just don't leave me all alone! *hic* I-I'm scared. I- I don't want to be alone forever. *hic*"(Rina)
"""*Nuzzle* Were right here. We won't leave you by yourself we promise."""
"*Nuzzle* *hic* Blizzard, Snow, Hail, your all I have. Please, never leave me. I- I would die without you guys. *hic*"(Rina)
"""We won't leave. We're here for you. Even if you try to push us away, we'll come back."""
"*Nuzzle* (Smile) Mmm, yeah let's live together for all our lives."(Rina)
"*Sigh* Even in her sleep she can't avoid her trauma. What are we going to do? She can't stay like this forever. Even Snow has a limit on how much she can suppress her depression.
She'll only grow worse if we don't help her overcome this. And it's not like we can just take away her emotions and memories. That's just cruel and wouldn't fix the problem."(Blizzard)
"*Sigh* For now let's just help her overcome the hurdle of revenge and let's find a way to revive our family. If we can do that, we can get rid of some of her guilt and help her overcome all of this."(Snow)
"Yeah, your probably as much as I hate to admit it, you're right. But let's not focus on that but on our little guest that's been hiding in the shadows."(Hail)
"*Fuwm* So you guys could also sense me, huh."(Nebula)