You are killing me.
Darling, I am,
No longer, this.
This is change.
Change is,
Death.
Bleeding, dust,
Fragments, essential,
Once. Before,
They were me.
All of me.
They were,
But I'm still here.
To be loved is to be changed.
You are killing me.
It is the first time I am okay,
With dying.
-=-
I can't say it, but there is a seed in the pit of my stomach.
There was one, is one, and now it grows, inside my chest, in that place just under the sternum. A wounded sound, bum bum, bum bum .
Is this familiar?
I can't say it, but vines canvas the inside, and flower bloom up, up, in my throat. Scars, old wounds, and warm water pours into the empty parts.
I can't say it, but I want to say it.
It hurts.
I think you know.
If I could say it, I would. My fingers shake with it. My body aches like Hell.
-=-
I'm the one in charge right now. Interim leader of an entire nation, though obviously with a council sharing the burden and decision-making.
Once, I'd been a highly praised member of the Human Resources department at a company, the next in line for the Head position. I was successful, but only in the realm of a hardworking, above-average individual. My words meant little outside of the company, and I was fine with that.
There is little need for a gear that squeaks and slips out of line.
Once, I was a soldier. Then, a Major, then a Lieutenant Colonel, then a Colonel. I went from being a member of a mage battalion to leading an entire Kampfgruppe. I was very successful, too successful if we're being forthright. My words held sway over many different parts of the military, and if I and the Empire managed to survive the war, it is likely I would have enjoyed a very comfortable life indeed. Perhaps I could have joined the government as a politician or become a member of the General Staff.
My duties lay then on the battlefield, and to myself and my subordinates. All that mattered was surviving, and making sure my soldiers were prepared to survive. Or die, as the case may be.
Now, I am the current – thankfully, temporary – figurehead of a nation. How? I just seem to stumble into these odd situations, I suppose. Fate is a farce, but you could be forgiven for thinking that this sort of consistent oddity is my lot in life. Or lives.
This is different than before. So much is different now.
What are my duties here? What responsibility do I hold towards these people? Undoubtedly, this is a far greater responsibility than I've ever held before. Further, the residents of Tempest are not soldiers. They are citizens, and thus they should be spared the worry of passing before their time.
Unlike those of my Kampfgruppe, these people cannot be expected to protect themselves. Their deaths cannot be excused by the wave of a hand, the dismissal of expected numerical devastation. They are not numbers, chaff to be discarded by that great harvester.
This is not an army, but a city. This role is of a protector, not a survivor.
I've spoken with Geld about this. He told me:
"Winter will not fall on this city."
If only it were that easy.
You'd think, if all of Tempest were to burn down, I'd simply escape with my life and wash my hands of this ordeal.
Yet, at the thought of such a thing, I hesitate.
I… don't want to leave.
"Why?", you may ask. I'm not a good person. I've never claimed to be.
I would never have hesitated before. If it means my own survival, nothing will stop me. All that matters is surviving…
…
…that's right. It's not just surviving.
At the end of the day, I am someone who did not die when I should have.
Excerpts from the Personal Journals of Lady Tanya, Vol.3
-=-=-=-
Morning
Council Room
Tempest, Jura Tempest Federation
"…that concludes my report." His voice is gruff, yet filled with satisfaction.
Tanya takes that as a good sign. "Excellent work as always, Kaijin."
"You flatter me." Kaijin bows his head. "My lady."
Tanya immediately sighs, as if it's forced from her. "Okay, who did it? Fess up. Who started that little joke? I'm already tired of it."
"I'm not sure your meaning." The laugh underlining his voice tells a different story.
"Kaijin. You know- never mind." Tanya turns away. Her attention shifts to the council room table, and the two objects Kaijin had only moments ago finished describing. Off to the side, Benimaru and Rigurd pay half-attention, in discussion but clearly wanting to know what is going on.
That's a fair sentiment to have, considering Tanya had secretly commissioned these little projects several months prior.
Reaching out with a hand, she gently picks up the item on the left, its cool metal exterior muted somewhat by its bright yellow paint. Her grip slides around, settling into a familiar role over the leather-wrapped handle.
"Rigurd, have the Rigur and the goblin riders been informed?"
Rigurd nods. "Yes. As you've said, they'll act at your signal. That device, it will activate it? Or, a spell?"
"No, no spell. Just a good friend in Very."
"Huh?" Rigurd and Benimaru exchange glances.
Tanya sighs again, waving them off.
"Military trivia, lost on everyone here…" She holds up the item, making sure not to point it at anyone. "It's a flare gun. Or at least, a prototype. A prototype that works as designed, presumably?"
She directs the question to Kaijin, who grunts affirmatively.
"Right, that's good. In case of emergency, we'll use this. The others?"
"As soon as you've tested that one…" Kaijin gestures, "Officially in production. You've got two test rounds first."
Tanya nods, cracking the prototype open and sliding out the large red and gold round. She holds it up, between two fingers, and looks over it for a moment, before sliding it back in and setting the whole thing down next to the spare round on the table.
"Good." She strikes a bit of an odd figure. A young woman in fashionable casual clothes, a white short-sleeve button-up and dark pants over brown combat boots, who is also holding a blocky, bright yellow gun. A bit of a clashing image there. "We'll do so later."
"Your prereqs didn't make it easy, you know. Just the prototype took a hell of a finagling."
"Why, Kaijin, I thought you liked a challenge?"
Kaijin chuckles. "That's one way to think of it. What d'ya need a waterproof smoke shooter for anyhow? Gonna need back up while deep diving?"
"Always be prepared." Tanya doesn't technically deny this. "There was a particular weapon in my previous world that could operate under any field condition known to man, and many known to none."
Tanya glances over at Rigurd and Benimaru, the two of which are now once again in their own discussion on the other side of the table. They appear to be gesturing toward the communication orb on the table's center, and the look of their faces has her more than a bit curious.
Still, she is an overexplainer at heart and continues speaking to Kaijin.
"An emergency is the worst time for equipment to malfunction. Consequently, it's also the most likely time for malfunctions, and so I'd prefer anything you've made at my behest to be operable in any condition. Or at least, the closest you can get to that point. Does that make sense?"
"It does. I understand needin' quality, don't worry about that." Kaijin scratches the back on his head. "But this gun of yours, it's a bit more complicated. A sword doesn't have little gears and explosive powder that needs isolating from the elements."
"Which is why I'm very impressed you managed to put this together so quickly for me, and on the barebones blueprints I'd managed to sketch for you." Tanya commends him. It's important to let your employees and coworkers know when their efforts are worth it. "I'm honestly not worried about waterproofing. If it fires at all, you'll have done your job."
"Still would've been easier using magic as the force, but… yeah, alright. Point's made."
"I don't want another Charybdis situation." Tanya reaches for the second item on display. "I may be a mage, but it's clear we can't always rely on that. And there's nothing quite as trustworthy as a well-made-"
"Tanya." The urgency in Benimaru's voice startles her, but she doesn't let it show.
"Hm." Tanya's hand rests on the second item, it's sleek steel exterior cold in a familiar way. "What is it?"
Even as she says this, she can feel it. Her sixth sense starts prickling, shoulders tensing, chest warming. Hard-wired instinct, years of deadly experience, a blood-soaked soul combined.
Something is wrong.
Benimaru looks at her, brow furrowed and panic lighting his eyes. He's holding the orb in his hand, which is a bit unusual.
It's dark.
A faint chill travels down her skin, then her spine. For a moment, Tanya hears her heart beating in her ears, and a faint ringing. The world is falling out beneath her feet.
What…? It feels like… reminds her of…
"We can't contact Lord Rimuru." His voice sounds far away. Underwater, under… fire?
It reminds her of… being on the frontline, the frozen calm moments before an artillery strike would rain down.
DANGER
Without warning, her body is suddenly very, very cold. Empty. She feels like she needs to throw up, the sensation of loss crashes over her. The bones in her fingers pulse, and a heavy weight settles over her shoulders.
Tanya spins on her heel. She marches to the windows, grabbing the closed curtains and throwing them open.
No, no, no.
Her hands lower, and she tries to ignore how they ache without pain. Her chest is tight, and it's hard to tell what from.
Magicules… the sky…
Behind her, she can hear the others move closer. She hears them gasp, then cough. Rigurd hunches over slightly, holding his chest. Benimaru's ambient warmth is greatly diminished.
For a moment, she feels short of breath too. It's hard to breathe.
The couple of seconds spent there feel like an eternity. It is far too long.
"We're under attack!" Tanya snaps out of it, hardwired instinct overrunning panic response. "Move!"
In a snap second, Tanya rushes past the table, swiping the items she'd been just examining and slotting them on her belt. Benimaru, Rigurd, and Kaijin follow after a beat, though they cannot hope to keep up with her for much longer.
Behind them, through the open windows, the clear blue sky is tinted a malicious hue.
-=-
"We've established sites here, here, and here. Excavation and building will begin in a few days' time. Geld will outsource the crew and Rigur will recruit able-bodied volunteers to assist. Kaijin and his brothers will also be on site at times. We'll want Lord Rimuru's assistance as backup."
Rigurd finishes speaking, then looks to his left, and lower, where Tanya and Benimaru stand. The former has her arms crossed, and the latter is holding his chin in his hand whilst studying the map they are currently pouring over.
This has been the norm for the past couple days, with Tempest's little "war council" meeting in the mornings and evenings every day since Souei's initial report. Including the day of the report itself.
"We can't rely on his assistance, however." Benimaru notes, a troubled furrow to his brow. Rimuru can pacify Demon Lords, but what can they do without him? It's been on his mind constantly as of late, though…
He glances at Tanya. "There is plenty to do before then. Get as much done as possible."
Rigurd nods. "I'll let them know the begin work soon."
"Belay that, actually."
"Tanya?" "Lady Tanya?"
Tanya uncrosses her arms and waves dismissively. "Priority change. If all else fails, we can have Treyni and her sisters lead the evacuation efforts; the forest is their domain. But what if evacuation is impossible?"
She steps closer to the table, raising her hand over it. Her eyes flash, and a glowing dome appears over top of the map's city of Tempest.
"How so?" Benimaru falls in next to her, leaning forward with a hand on her shoulder. Rigurd shuffles in as well. "You think they'd set up a barrier?"
Xerxes comes to mind. Scylla, Drake.
"It's a possibility. When you're trying to liberate a city, do you leave the door open? No." Tanya narrows her eyes. "You want everything inside, for maximum effect. Shock and awe, or propaganda, or power, it's all the same. So, you make it impossible for anyone to escape by conventional means. Whether that means a barrier of some kind, or a wall of flames and a group of soldiers and artillery pieces… well, all that matters for us is either making an escape they didn't think of, or making it so we don't need to escape at all."
-=-=-=-
Morning
Central Plaza
Tempest, Jura Tempest Federation
Red smoke carves a line above the Assembly Hall, a bleeding wound on the distorted sky. A flare burning, a stark warning.
The faint croak of a crow.
Caw. Caw. Caw.
Don't look at it.
In the ensuing moments, Tempest goes to Hell.
"THIS WAY!"
"HEAD TO YOUR DESIGNATED SECTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!"
"LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND!"
"FOLLOW YOUR ESCORTS!
"DO NOT PANIC!"
Crowds fill side streets and back alleys. A great swathe of monsters pour through the city, screaming, crying, yet as orderly as could be expected from such a number.
The problem? Evacuation from the city is currently impossible.
Those barriers which sparked much pain and panic from the offset, also prevented escape for magicule-dependent beings.
Luckily, the Executives privy to a potential war had planned for this possibility. More accurately, it was Tanya's idea, born from her own experience at Arene.
Though, she'd been the attacker, then.
"DON'T CROWD THE ENTRANCE!"
It's not a perfect solution, and indeed they had been given far less time than expected. Thus, the various "safehouses" throughout Tempest – larger ordinary buildings or groups of buildings that had been subtly reinforced through runic engravings and just plain physical improvements to foundations and key structural areas – could not technically be called complete.
The end goal is a series of large basements and underground tunnels leading outside the city – an idea similar to Xerxes, this time – but again, that is more of a long-term goal that would likely require Rimuru's assistance.
In the end, reinforcement and minor enhancements to structure were the most they could accomplish in the few days between learning of Falmuth's war preparation and today. Though, fireproofing was in fact a priority and implemented first in all designated locations.
Some locations only have fire proofing, but that all of them have it at all is a testament to the efficiency and efficacy of Tempest's Executives. Which leads to now, wherein the Goblin Riders, signaled by the red smoke cutting the sky, are directing traffic, preventing mishap, and guarding the rear as Tempest citizens enter safer areas.
There are a few stragglers, though.
In the central plaza, where the world flips on its axis, it is nearly impossible to leave. Whether out of a sense of responsibility, pain, or horror.
"Gah-!" Gobta stumbles back, a massive gash cutting across his chest, over an already bleeding diagonal cut from pec to hip.
"You know, this was pretty fun at first." Kyoya hums, looking at his stained blade with disinterested air.
Several meters behind him are previous examples of this "fun". Hakurou lies face down, a deep gash through his side. A pool of blood leeches through his fingers, though no pressure is being applied. His katana lies just ahead of his other, outstretched hand.
It's hard to tell, but he's probably still breathing. That is perhaps the only silver lining here.
Ever since those barriers went up…
Gobta has been lucky so far, not being this guy's – who is this fucking guy? He thinks – primary target. Or rather, he's gotten lucky because "this fucking guy" has just been toying with him the whole time.
With how heavy Gobta's limbs feel, and how short of breath just standing makes him, it's little more than a miracle he's still trying.
But he can't quit.
Quitting means death. Not just for him, but for Hakurou Sensei. For the few citizens he can see in the corner of his vision, those frozen, still watching for some reason or another. And of course-
"Lady Shuna, please get way from here!" He calls back, uselessly.
Behind him, Shuna is covering her horror and fury with the sleeve of her blue and teal kimono. Worse, however, is the disappointment and disgust with herself.
She is woefully underprepared for a situation such as this. Magic is her most powerful tool, and even then, most of her time up to now has been as a healer and an advisor. Not a fighter.
That does not make her incapable of combat, naturally, but in this situation, under these specific conditions… there is not much she can do.
And that… frustrates her to no end.
She is forced to simply stand back and watch.
Watch, as the clearly weakened Hakurou found his torso carved through like hot butter. Watch, as Gobta stands again and again, tossed around and bleeding like a mere training dummy.
If only I could…
Shuna bares her fangs, hidden by the fabric of her sleeve.
Leaving is not an option, either. How can she? How could she ever face herself, anyone else?
Gobta darts forward, slow and leaving a crimson trail. This hotshot punk, this Otherworlder, has the gall to grin. His parry is casual, like swatting a fly.
Sparks fly as their blades crash, once, twice-
Gobta stumbles, and instead of a killing blow the Otherworlder kicks him in the chest. Right atop the X-shaped gashes, digging in and sending Gobta flying back in Shuna's direction, until he lands roughly just a few steps away.
Shuna suppresses her flinch, and rushes kneeling to Gobta's side.
"Hmmm, this really is losing its fun." Kyoya takes his time approaching them. "Honestly, I think I'm done with this. You sure tried your best and all, but that doesn't mean much against me."
He shrugs, impervious to the glares being sent his way.
"Oh well." Kyoya stops, close enough to be threatening but not technically in range to kill them. "I suppose this ends here. They should be showing up soon anyway. In fact…"
"They?" Shuna says, propping Gobta up and doing her best to staunch his wounds. It soaks her sleeves, dark against the aquamarine.
She glares up at the Otherworlder, her hands steadying for a moment.
"You shouldn't worry about that." He steps forward, raising his sword a little higher and out to the side. "Hmm, Shogo did say he liked your body… but leaving you alive puts a bad taste in my mouth." Kyoya's eyes open, just a little, and he grins. "Ah, but I doubt he'll mind cold mea-"
His expression shifts, eyes widening. The Extra Skill: All-Seeing Eye forces him to react.
CLASH!
The air sizzles, alongside the horrific screech of metal against metal.
There is a person here who wasn't before. In the space between one blink and the next- no, even faster than that.
Kyoya stumbles back, rune-covered sword held chest height in a hastily formed guard. His hands tremble, white-hot spikes lancing through his fingers and forearms, and his footing shifts, part of the heel on his boot having cracked.
"I might actually pray, if I were in your situation."
"Huh? Pray?" Kyoya lowers his arms, staring incredulously. "Who are you supposed to be?"
It's a woman.
White button up, dark pants and combat boots. At her waist is a belt with various holsters and thrown haphazardly over her shoulders – but not actually being worn, oddly enough – is an unzipped dark green jacket, which appears to be held on by a dream rather than any chains or zippers. Dark fingerless gloves cover her hands, one of which is holding a combat knife in an underhanded grip.
This woman is-
"Tanya!"
Shuna calls out to her instinctively, relief and worry indistinguishable from one another. She could cry right now.
"Tanya?" Kyoya mutters, brow furrowing. "What a normal name. You don't look-"
A blur. His hand swipes up without a thought. He blinks.
This woman, Tanya. Her other hand is outstretched, fingers lax.
She threw one? Kyoya glances to the side, searching for the spare knife. What a cheap trick-
This is his mistake.
Barely, he spots the movement. If he'd been any slower, even by a millisecond, he would have died.
CRASH!
They collide head on. Tanya's original knife, the one in her right hand, locks against the base of Kyoya's blade. Her left hand presses against its pommel, locking them in place.
Kyoya's eyes, now wide open, glow. His gaze is searching ,and rapidly growing in irritation. But it is nothing to the blankness he sees in Tanya's expression.
"Pray. Nothing else would save you." Her gaze flickers, "Though, you should thank that Skill of yours."
"What-?"
Tanya shoves, forcing him back a step. In a flash, she is at his side, swiping up.
Kyoya deflects it, but she recovers immediately, and attacks again. And again.
A stab from the front. A slash at the side. A pommel strike from below.
Steel clashes, again and again and again.
He has the advantage of reach, but she is fast. And getting faster every moment.
Tanya sidesteps, crouches low. Her knife is an arc, flashing steel, the bright light at the end. Kyoya follows, his body moving to block before his brain can even register why. Yet, he can see her movements. He knows where she will be next and reacts accordingly.
Except, there is no clashing steel this time. Kyoya almost stumbles.
"Here. Use this."
Kyoya whirls around, holding his now scratched and scarred sword at the ready.
But… Tanya isn't even looking at him.
She isn't even looking at me. The disrespect stuns him. Truly stuns him.
Tanya is back with Shuna and Gobta. She reaches for her belt, grabbing a metal flask and handing it to the former.
"Tanya, this is-"
"It's fine, you won't need all of it."
"No," Shuna pushes the flask back into Tanya's hands, "It won't work. That boy's sword- spatial attribute, it's-"
"Okay." Tanya slips the flask back into her belt. "Get to the assembly hall, keep them alive. Hakurou?"
Shuna nods, already trying to shift Gobta into a better position.
Tanya frowns and looks around. Her breath catches on something, and she coughs into her fist, her frown turning to a grimace.
Kyoya snaps out of his stupor. "Hey! We were in the middle of something!"
"Right." Tanya ignores him and fails to notice Shuna's concerned glance. She takes a deep breath, easily brushing aside the faint pang in her throat. "Gobahi! Gobaruki! Gobiroshi!"
Tanya points to each Hobgoblin in turn with her off hand, each one a straggler that had remained in the plaza watching in shocked horror. In an instant, Tanya recalls their names and calls them to action.
"Stop gawking and make yourselves useful! Hakurou and Gobta are bleeding out over here and all you can do is stand and watch? Get your asses in gear and get them to a medical station ASAP!"
In a more cliché circumstance, no one would react to such a thing for a several moments. Just enough for it to sink in. But here, that did not happen.
The aforementioned Hobgoblins react immediately, driven to act by the authority of their interim leader and current savior. Shuna and Gobta jump a little, and Hakurou remain unconscious.
Kyoya actually lowers his sword a bit. Unlike the others, he doesn't react for a moment, even as they rush to comply with Tanya's orders.
"I- wait." He shakes his head, letting his stereotypically evil smirk reappear. "Where exactly are you looking that you'd think I would let you-"
Before he can finish, the arrogant Otherworlder is forced to guard again.
Steel rings out once more, and Kyoya glares. He hadn't even seen her get up from her crouch, but he doesn't let that worry him.
"It's rude to interrupt people, you know?" He tries for a calm approach, but it's clear his cool head is rapidly heating up.
"This isn't some anime, kid." Tanya disengages, then they crash together again, and again. "We're not doing the banter thing."
"Anime?" A swipe, a slash. Faster, then faster. She is picking up the pace and he is keeping up with her. Sparks, dancing, crash, crash, CRASH.
They separate. "You're an Otherworlder?"
"I know a few." Tanya eyes him, then his rune-inscribed blade. "Ever-Sharp, Multiplication, Sever. Some sort of visual Skill, a minor spatial Skill… you must be from the bargain bin."
"Bargain-?" This is the rare occasion of someone understanding a reference Tanya makes, but before he can appropriately react to it, All-Seeing Eye forces him into action. He adapts once more.
CLASH!
Huh? Kyoya jumps back, suddenly on edge. I barely even saw her move that time- no, no I just wasn't paying attention.
"If that's all, then I'll be ending this now." Tanya rises from a crouch, picking up her thrown knife from earlier and sheathing it on the back of her belt. Her right hand, still holding her other knife, shoots up and points.
"Gobiroshi! The katana!"
Only now, Kyoya looks around and realizes their position. The three Hobgoblins from earlier had gathered their wounded friends, making their way around the outskirts of his and Tanya's short skirmish. The little Hobgoblin he'd been beating up on earlier was already being carried out of the plaza, and the old geezer was halfway there too.
One of the Hobgoblins carrying the geezer was also carrying his wood-handled katana.
Her other knife, and those monsters too? She manipulated our positions so easily, and I didn't even notice!
"Yeah, right. Like I'd just-!!!" Kyoya flinches, his sword arm shooting up to deflect yet another knife. Then another.
How many fucking-?!
Cause it turns out, Tanya hadn't sheathed her knife at all. She'd simply slotted it into her belt, then redirected his attention elsewhere before grabbing it again. Throwing it with her left, then the one in her right, she effectively ties his hands whilst freeing her own.
It's just enough time for Gobiroshi to hand Hakurou's blade to Shuna, and for Shuna to throw it.
Tanya catches it, then rushes him in the same second he recovers.
It is a game of seconds, centimeters, of single instances and breathes. That's how fast it feels to Kyoya, who has never fought a foe of this caliber before. To him, it feels as though any wrong movement, any lapse in attention will be his end.
And now, he's lost his advantage of reach. Their blades are evenly spaced.
In that singular instance, Kyoya feels the disparity in their speed. For a single moment, he feels a spark of survival instinct flare within him.
…But that's all she has.
He is lucky, in this sense. For his All-Seeing Eye allows him to always meet this standard. Has always allowed him, so far. Even when losing one advantage, he has another that surpasses all others.
"Heh. Kekekekeh."
They swing, and swipe, and Tanya is forced back surprisingly easily, though Kyoya pays it no mind. He is, of course, superior. So, it only makes sense.
His arrogance douses his common sense. He can't help but smirk.
She's faster than anyone else, but All-Seeing Eye still makes up the difference. It doesn't matter how fast, especially when her attacks are so simplistic. Though, the fact that she can move so well under these barriers…
He is not stupid. She is still a threat, even if at their best he is coming out on top.
"You're going to end me? Not even Hinata Sakaguchi could do that." Kyoya scoffs, leveling his blade. "I thought you told me to pray, earlier. What exactly am I praying for?"
Tanya levels an exasperated stare at him. She sighs.
The others should have escaped by now. There is no point in keeping him here anymore.
"Nothing." There is finality in this. A sense of impending doom.
He blinks.
Tanya is in front of him.
In the space between one blink and another, she'd vanished- no, she'd hadn't vanished. She'd moved so quickly that her very image seemed to blur. His eyes are still opening as he reacts.
Kyoya's Extra Skill flashes on yet again, saving his life. He registers the situation at 300 times speed, perception shifting, his thoughts slowing the world down around him.
Low stance, katana pointed, stabbing at the side. Bring sword down on her blade, overwhelm and slide it up, carve through her neck.
His body follows these commands. He twists, bringing his sword down.
Tanya stabs, just as expected. He can practically feel it, the steel ringing, the horrific shriek, flesh giving way-
Huh?
His body is moving. He isn't controlling it, his body flinches, jerking back, All-Seeing Eye forcing him to-
A white-hot line carves up the side of his face, and his ability to breathe disappears.
-=-
"You want me to what?"
"No, I don't want you to do anything." Tanya leans back against her desk, Rigurd upright at her shoulder and Benimaru across the room, arms crossed in front of the door. "You're going to do it, and that's the end of the discussion."
"Miss Tanya…" Grucius tries. Nothing comes to mind, and he shakes his head. "Are you sure?"
"Tempest currently sits in the middle of a rapidly forming… tempest, forgive the pun. Falmuth, Eurazania, Milim's questionable status, and more. If it's up to me, and as of right now it is, I'd prefer to keep as many factors within my control as possible. That includes Youm's troupe." Tanya states drily. "Of course, if it makes you feel any better, I don't actually suspect Youm of foul play. But he is not his entire troupe. There might be one or two Falmuth loyalists in there, so keep an eye on them for me, yeah?"
"…Yeah." Grucius nods. "Yeah, understood. I've got a good nose for this sort of thing. Forgive the pun."
"I'd also like you to assist the border's goblin riders whenever possible. When you can, keep an eye on any new faces coming in and out. I wouldn't rule out an incursion before an actual attack." She shrugs, "Though, Souka will be working on that as well, so consider it of slightly less importance than your other assignment. If something happens, I need people to know to run. Understood?"
-=-
Tanya raises Hakurou's katana, then swipes down, a trickle of blood splattering against the road. Her left hand reaches up, idly rubbing near the bottom of her neck.
Damn. I missed?
Several meters away, that Otherworlder boy lies scrambling in the dusty pavement, clutching his face and thrashing about in spurts of agonized gasps.
…must be the katana. I'm used to a longer sword.
That Skill of his, the Extra Skill: All-Seeing Eye. It's powerful enough, though not exactly unique. A glorified advancement of Thought Acceleration that came with automatic reflexes. It even boosted the user's own abilities beyond the ordinary. Adaptation to certain stimuli. She'd carefully kept to a single knife/blade style, just in case it could go beyond that. But…
Milim's Eye is better.
It doesn't matter very much if Tanya can enhance her own physical capabilities far beyond him. It doesn't matter if you react to something if you can't stop it. It's the same reason Rimuru or her would trounce Hakurou in an actual fight, yet by skill or with swords alone the old man would utterly destroy them.
It is fortunate enough that these barriers cannot alter the magicules within her body. Mostly.
Thus, enhancement and reinforcement were not negatively affected.
She almost hadn't needed to feint her last strike, and the boot to his diaphragm was absolutely not necessary either. But damn, it did feel good.
One more left.
Three Otherworlders from Falmuth. An accusing, talkative, extremely bitchy girl. An arrogant looking guy with a sword and eyes like Brock from Pokémon. And some dude with spiky hair that had started a fight with Shion.
Grucius's speed, even under these circumstances, is commendable. She'll make sure to commend him later for meeting her halfway to this point, though after whatever "business" he had to take care of elsewhere.
Speed. Time. Those are key here.
Right, Shion likely can't hold out well under these barriers. The priority was the less physically capable, but now that's mostly taken care of.
Tanya clears her throat.
I'll finish him, then go find Shion. Shuna should already be-
"Tanya!"
Maybe I should have expected this.
"Shuna?!" Tanya spins, just in time for Shuna's arms to wrap around her. Normally, she would return the affection as expected, but right now-
"Why are you still here?! You should have evacuated with the-"
A booming voice echoes across the plaza.
"By the decree of the archbishop and with the blessing of King Edmaris Falmuth, all evil monsters shall be destroyed!"
"Oh you've got to be-"
-=-
"-kidding me! What were you thinking?!"
They're on a rooftop now, a few blocks away. Down below, the sound of stomping hooves and human shouts echoes. Fires are starting, thankfully empty homes and hangouts and stores put to the torch at the whim of some King, the will of some archbishop.
Tanya would make sure to deal with that later. It's personal. But right now-
"What was I thinking?" Shuna has that stubborn look in her eye. "What about you?! You saw Hakurou and Gobta's injuries. You should have retreated with us!"
Unfortunately for her, Tanya can match that stubbornness blow for blow.
"And left our backs exposed to the maniac with the God-complex? Absolutely not." Tanya points at her. "You should have gone while we were fighting. Hakurou and Gobta, they need your healing ability, don't they? You should be with them!"
It's rare that the two of them fight. Extremely rare.
Actually, this never happens at all. They're both level-headed, reasonable people. If they have something they disagree on or want to argue about, they'll usually do so with mutual respect and discussion.
But, well… this a bit of a difficult situation.
Shuna points in Tanya's face too, and now they're just pointing angrily at each other.
"You should be with them! With us! We had this discussion already!"
"This discussion- Charybdis? That's entirely different!"
"He carved through Hakurou like nothing! These barriers are- if anything, it's worse! It's everyone, me, you!"
"How can it be worse? I knew enough about the situation, and I knew there wouldn't be any issue! Why would I risk my own life without thought? I knew what I could and couldn't do, and because of that, I handled it-"
"And what if you didn't!"
Tanya recoils, eyes wide. Shuna glares at her, tear tracks trailing through splotches of dirt on her cheeks.
"What if you were wrong? What if he got lucky, what if those knights showed up any sooner, or if the barriers were- didn't- don't… don't go where I can't…" Her voices cracks, and she looks down, clenching her fists. Tight, to keep from reaching out. "A brother, my family, my village, tribe, I can't- I won't-"
As she is looking away, Shuna doesn't see the way Tanya's hands hover, her own expression conflicted and panicky. Needless to say, as a purposely emotionally stunted individual, Tanya does not best understand the answer to this.
She settles for stepping forward, reaching under Shuna's arms and pulling her into a tight hug.
"You won't lose me." Tanya says after a pause, as Shuna buries herself in her arms. She still looks a bit lost, but they aren't fighting anymore so it's a start.
"I was so scared…"
"I was scared too." And admitting that feels like a gunshot, a compromise of her ideals, but it's true. For Shuna, it's okay. "That I'd be too late. When the barriers went I up, it felt like…"
Shuna sobs, and Tanya trails off, her own eyes unusually misty.
"It's okay… it's okay. Um." Tanya runs her hands along Shuna's back, in slow motions she hopes are soothing. Usually, her back rubs are of a… different variety, so consolation is a bit new. Though, she had needed to console subordinates once or twice, especially after the death of-
Tanya shuts that memory down and in the same instant settles her resolve.
"…Shuna, I'm going to take you to the Assembly Hall. Okay?" Comforting someone is one thing, but compartmentalization in a crisis? Now that, Tanya has plenty of experience in. "Okay. It will only take a few seconds. You'll be safe there."
"No."
"What do you mean, no?"
Shuna pulls back and glares at her again, intimidating despite her tears.
"I said no, Tanya. No matter what you say, I'm staying at your side."
"No, you're not."
"Tanya! Don't try to be a hero!"
"A hero?" Somehow, that irritates her more than anything. "I'm just doing what needs to be done!"
"But you're not!" Shuna's hold on Tanya's sides tightens, as if to keep her from disappearing. "You aren't obligated to save anyone! You can run away! It's okay to run! You don't need to prove-"
Someone telling Tanya it's okay to run away. Who could have imagined that?
But Shuna had seen this coming weeks, months ago. She loves this woman, so how could she not?
Tanya grimaces. "We've spent too much time on this already."
"No! Tanya von Degurechaff, love of my life, if you fucking- !"
Before she can finish, Tanya tosses Shuna over her shoulder and takes off.
If you're so insistent on putting yourself in harm's way… I just won't let you try.
I'd like to see you try and stop me.
-=-
"Citizens of Tempest!" The stage is packed, and the plaza filled to the brim.
Tanya stands at the front, with carefully selected members of the Executives backing her. Shuna and Shion stand at either shoulder, and Rigurd is a few steps behind her.
"Hello! Yes, it's good to see you all in one place!" Via magic, her voice echoes across the area.
Tanya smiles, then, and it's not even a fake one. Beside and behind her, Shuna, Shion, and Rigurd can't help but smile too.
She does quite like seeing such a happy, productive populace. Of course, the fact that she knows quite a lot of the people in the audience helps. She'd be a poor leader, interim or otherwise, if she wasn't involved with the populace somehow.
There's a teacher a few rows back she'd helped with lesson plans, the vendor to her favorite meat skewer stand closer up front, a very tall Goblina tattoo artist that she'd spoken with on designs for potential clients, Koby and a few of his merchant friends…
"Yes, yes, thank you all for coming. I know you likely have other places to be, so I won't take up too much of your time."
The energy is upbeat, bouncy, with the crowd conversing and laughing and not fully paying attention, but that's okay. These are the signs of a relaxed, comfortable society.
"However, this is news you all want to hear. Lord Rimuru will soon return to Tempest!"
She can see the effect ripple across the crowd.
"Lord Rimuru?" "Lord Rimuru is coming back!" "Lord Rimuru is coming home!"
The crowd is excited and growing more so by the second. It bubbles, filling the ear.
Tanya raises a hand, and now she truly has their attention.
"To this end, and after deliberation from Tempest's Executives, there will officially be a festival honoring Lord Rimuru's return!"
The crowd roars.
If there's anything Tempest loves more than Rimuru, it's Rimuru AND a giant day-long party.
Tanya waits for the crowd to cool off, which takes several minutes.
The lower volume doesn't last for more than a second.
"I understand! You've been waiting, haven't you? It's been so long, hasn't it? He's kept us all waiting, doing his very best and working very hard. And here you all have been, doing your very best, working very hard to make Tempest the best nation it could possibly be! Here we stand as we always have! We are the proud citizens who fulfilled our leader's kind nature and generous will!"
She can barely hear herself think, but Tanya continues regardless.
"We may have been separated, but that has not led us into complacency! It has been so long, but we are still here! In fact, it is because we have been separated so long that we can proudly show our faces! Now, we welcome our beloved leader with open arms! Display the fruits of your efforts! Cultivate the world he wishes for you! Continue moving forward, knowing he will be overjoyed at your strength and health! It's time to show that Tempest has thrived, as it always has and will!"
Tanya lets the sound of the crowd wash over her, relaxing just a bit. If the goal were to hear anything or anyone, that would be impossible. All it is now the crowd, echoing around the plaza and the city itself.
"I, as interim leader of Tempest, do swear to uphold these ideals until the return of our Lord Rimuru Tempest! Also, further information regarding festival details will be posted this evening, along with a map of the city showcasing approximate venue locations and themes! Please note the appropriate facilities and safety zones in case of emergency! Thank you for your time!"
-=-
There's no telling how long it's been. By now, all the minutes and seconds since this nightmare began blended all together in this big mishmash fuckup of a situation.
There are- Otherworlders, there was a single Otherworlder, but he's gone now. There are knights, charging and shining so gallantly. So devilishly. There is fire, and smoke both black and red, and mostly empty streets except for-
A few stragglers. Children, injured folk. Regular people.
She is doing the best she can but- but there is only so much she can do right now. With these barriers, after that fight… and with her current baggage.
Tanya always insists on rationality. Be reasonable. Understand your situation, the numbers, resource management, give and take, cost benefit. Don't just think about it, be better.
It's true that the life of one Goblina child is not equal to her own. Not even 2 or 5 or even 10 would make an even bargain. Merely looking at it from a contribution standpoint, she is able to contribute far more to the success and safety of Tempest.
But that's not the point, is it?
It's been a long time. No more running.
Ah. It's over, then.
Shion closes her eyes. She will protect them, even if it means this. Readying herself for the pain she knows is coming-
Only to feel an arm around her waist, and weightlessness pulling her stomach. Then, she is kneeling on something solid, and her eyes open.
"Die under somebody else's purview!" Tanya is glaring hard at the group of knights in the streets below, a pained grimace roughing up her expression. She glances back, then down at the Goblina child in Shion's arms. "I've had enough trouble today. When we get through this..." She pauses, catching her breath, "Mandatory child safety lecture, for parents. This is just ridiculous. Or maybe it's the kids' fault for being rebellious? Never mind, thoughts for later."
The familiar rambling breaks the tension, just a little bit. Relief floods Shion's chest, and she takes a breath, not realizing she hadn't been breathing until that moment. Then, she startles.
Tanya is bleeding. It's a dull observation, but for some reason this fact stands out.
There is a slim cut along Tanya's cheek, a trickle of blood tracing down her jawline. And the closer Shion looks, the more she sees. Alongside her neck, over her forearm, and her other arm's bicep. Tanya's chest rises, and falls, hardly noticeable, but heavier than expected.
"T- Tanya-"
"Save it. There's no time." Tanya cuts her off, standing up straight and looking away. In her eyes, the glow of fire reflects along teal irises. Shadows dance along her features, and her voice darkens with them. "Almost everyone should be in safe zones already. Get to the Assembly Hall, seek medical attention if you need it. Do not engage with them any further."
Shion's bangs ruffle as Tanya takes off. She blinks.
For a moment, she feels the weight of her near death weighing on her.
If Tanya hadn't been here...
The child in her arms shifts, and Shion suppresses the existential dread that thought brings. There's no time for those thoughts now.
There's no-
-=-
-time.
Ever since the first levels of sapient life recognized the passage of time, all lifeforms have been trapped in the cycle. Day in, day out. Seconds, minutes, hours.
You know this.
The past, and the present, and the future.
Yes, you.
With time comes the concept of efficiency. To shave away time. To add more time. Efficiency breeds advancement. And life progresses. Civilization is proof of this. With time, advancement and progress are guaranteed. All you need is time.
But there's never enough. It always runs out.
A beautiful dream always comes to an end.
Dreams. Time.
All that matters is-
Ah, but what happens after?
Perhaps soon... no... now, there's no time at all.
-=-
"And finally… if need be, I'll handle it. I'd rather avoid fighting, but…"
Tanya spares one last glance for the map on the table, then turns to the open window. Staring out onto peaceful scene.
"If that's my role… if it's under my power, I won't let anything happen. That is the standard the leader of a proper nation must uphold. Interim or otherwise. I'll do what's expected of me… that's all."
-=-
She is searching. Perhaps she always has been.
What am I even doing?
Now, she is searching for survivors. Others. The knights still roam, but they are scared. They are greatly reduced in number. They find no one, and their swords gleam like white silver.
She is waiting.
Tanya leaves them be, now. There is no more damage they can do than physical, to the city itself, and buildings can always be replaced. Structures, statues, fountains, rebuilt.
Perhaps she is running. Moving forward, what's the difference?
But people… helpless citizens under her authority. As interim leader of Tempest, and further as the only being within these barriers with both the power and ability to mitigate disaster, it is her responsibility to be out here.
It is just… part of her job. Her duty.
Yes, it is required. For the sake of her image, for the sake of fulfilling the role she decided to take up after Rimuru's departure. It is because of a sense of self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, personal pride in doing a job and doing it right.
That's right. She has to do this.
It's only expected that a leader, interim or not, would look after their citizens. In the military, a leader is supposed to shoulder the burdens and mistakes of their subordinates. There is nothing different here.
That's all she tells herself.
It's not worth acknowledging. Not now, at least.
Now isn't the time. For atonement, for anything.
Someone is coming for her.
Her responsibility.
She is waiting.
Tanya runs through the streets, traveling to the outskirts. Her path tracks backstreets and alleys. Places where there might be a single holed up individual, places where someone might have fallen, or been forgotten. And, in the process, she approaches the barriers.
It is likely they can be destroyed. No, it is certain, if she puts her mind to it. Tetra Breaker is no child's toy, no pittance of an ability. The only reason she hadn't done so already is because of- well, because of the Otherworlders, and the knights, and the restriction on her ability to fly.
Now, barring yet more stragglers, there are no delays.
Except for that one.
The faint croak of a crow.
Caw. Caw. Caw.
Tanya stops.
Finally.
Around her is the crackling of flame. A few storefronts that couldn't be saved, half dead and burned. This sector of Tempest is a dead zone, evacuated and bereft of life. A beam collapses in a nearby shell of a bar, sending flickering orange and yellow flurries.
She breathes in… holds it… then breathes out.
"I was wondering if you'd notice."
She is not the one to speak.
Caw.
The fluttering of wings.
Tanya follows the noise and turns.
There is a familiar man, with a crow perching on his cloaked shoulder.
"I have long awaited our reunion, Tasha, Hero from the Western States." In the same instant, the crow dissolved into shadow. "Ah, I'm sorry. Demon Lord Seed Tanya."
Tanya is already frowning. She has been frowning, displeased, irritated, exhausted. It is not yet a day for smiling, and likely will not be.
"You're well informed." She says quietly, though her voice still carries over crackling embers and the dusty breeze. "But so am I. We received a report about your appearance.
"You've been expecting me."
"You're all the same. Another revenge plot. How original."
"We are the same. Do you often make others wish revenge on you?" Drake shakes his head. "No, never mind. I've waited a long time for this, and my patience is about run out."
"My own ran out hours ago." Tanya draws Hakurou's katana from her belt, her off hand steadying on the handle of one of her sheathed combat knives.
She refuses the urge to taunt, as per her usual modus operandi. She has the feeling her opponent's rage won't be an appropriate distractor this time around.
"Hm." Drake reaches up and grabs the front of his cloak, before tearing it away unceremoniously. There is a bundle of cloth on his back, and he pulls it over his shoulder, yanks at the strings tying it.
Tanya spots a flash of gold, and shoves down the bile in her throat.
Drake does not flourish this spear of his. He does not spin, or flex, with rattling prose and singing steel.
He stands before her, alone, unmoved, and calmly states his intent. His voice is strong, and his heart is steel.
"I am going to kill you."
-=-
You were terrified.
The thought of powerful, overwhelming emotion, of feeling, it shook you down to your core. At some point, you realized that the world isn't fair, and the only way to make it fair was to assimilate.
"I will not let myself be overtaken. I will never be out of control."
And, after a while, you even believed it. With every fiber of your being. You lost all interest in the world, beyond that you existed in it. To expect anymore was to open yourself up to disappointment.
"I know how this should work. I know the best way forward for myself. And because I know this, I can handle things calmly, and rationally. There's no need for anything else."
It isn't wrong to not have some great purpose. Life is most often given meaning after it ends, and trying to ascribe whatever you can in the middle of it all almost seems like a waste of the experience.
You really were content, weren't you? It's heartbreaking.
You made it a coat, and you dutifully took it from the coat rack and put it on for as long as you could. And you went home, and it's some facsimile of warmth that feels just "fine". And you go out, and you return home, and it's just a long line of "fine", "okay", "good enough".
Then, one day, you forget it. You are able to forget it. And you don't need it anymore.
You are content. It is better. You understand, finally.
Does it distress you? Don't let it, please.
You want to acknowledge it, but you can't. Perhaps if the feeling was weaker, you could talk about it more. But you know, and what you really intend to say, it doesn't need to be said.
…
…oh, right. If we're honest, it wasn't that you were unable to feel.
I think you were always, always afraid that you'd feel too much.
"All I wanted was to be by your side…"
There are none more Honored.
"Do you believe me human?"
Imagine, if you will… a happy ending.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Known Skills List
Tanya:
Common Skill: Thought Communication
Extra Skill: Flames of Babylon
Extra Skill: Magic Sense
Extra Skill: Magic Aura
Extra Skill: Voice of the World Communication
Unique Skill: Tetra Breaker
Mary:
Common Skill: Thought Communication
Extra Skill: Magic Sense
Extra Skill: Magic Aura
Extra/Intrinsic Skill: Physical Enhancement
Unique Skill: Ability Severance
Notes:
I don't know if I have to say this, but "noon" in Tempest is different from "noon" in Ingrassia, because they're on different parts of the continent. Timezones and all that. In case you were wondering why Rimuru and Mary won't be back until after everything's gone down.
Next time... ah, no title spoilers this time. Chapter 35 and 36 are very intertwined, so... we'll see.