| I’m just going to say this once… I am not lost! I just don’t know where I am… Around me was a forest, like a lush forest. It was so green I thought I might be on an alien planet from a bad old sci-fi movie. Let’s see...I remember getting dinner and going to bed around 10 or so...then...well….whelp! I don’t remember… I think I went to bed? But then, how’d I get in a forest? Looking around me, I saw nothing I knew was apart of Arizona. Thinking while sitting on a rock that had moss on it, I took notice of how much I was actually wearing. My pair of grey skinny jeans were ripped up one pant leg and the other was shredded. My purple tank top was missing one of the straps and the rim was almost matching the pant leg that was shredded. I didn’t have any shoes...and no glasses… Feeling my face in a panic I noticed I could actually see… “Holy shit..I’m no longer half blind…” Pushing part of my short hair out of my face, I looked up to see if I could see the sky. It was daytime, maybe evening? Or early morning? I wouldn’t be able to tell. After all...the bloody sky was almost completely blocked by the forest canopy. Taking a moment to watch the sky and trees I realize something of great importance… “Where the fuck is my DS!” I jump up and search around my mossy rock, tripping over my own feet. “And where the bloody fuck is my cane! I swear to the gods of this place or wherever the bloody hell I am, if I can’t find my DS I will bring hell upon whoever touched it!” Getting no response on the culprit who took my stuff, I huff and growl out a few profanities as I kick a small rock in anger. Calm..be calm...they might be at home...no one took it from me...just took me from them…right, much better. After calming down I took to looking around once more. “Okay Amber, this is no big deal...you’ve dealt with writing fan fictions and all that stuff...just, think of this as one of those...only...my life now...until I get home and make this a fan fiction… Oh man, my viewers are going to be pissed beyond belief, I promised an update soon to!” Or I’m just sleeping at my computer again... I sighed and started walking what I thought was North...or West...hell I don’t know… I just went forward. Little did I know I was moving away from civilization… After walking for maybe 2 hours, I don’t know, I can’t tell time without a watch or a clock in front of me... I realized it was becoming brighter from what was seen from the canopy of trees now. “Well, at least it’s daytime…” I was growing bored just from walking around so I started to hum one of my favorite songs. “Somebody make a move...somebody make a move...please somebody. Test my reality, check if there's a weak spot. Clinging to insanity, hope the world would ease up. Try to make it look like it’s all somehow getting better. ‘Cause I know how to play it pretty good against the measure.” Dancing around a tree, I find a large log with the moss growing all over it. It looked plush, like it was rich with water. “Everyone started out a little insane. But we learn pretty quick, how to fake it for the game. But some of you never learn how to drop the act. So under that skin of your’s is a heart attack.” Picking at a bit of the moss I followed the log trailing my fingers while not really paying any attention to the area as I moved more to the more open part of the dense forest. “Cause everybody’s so scared. We don’t wanna go there. We don’t wanna make a move. We’ve got all our lives to lose. Screaming in the dark while we just play our part. I’ll just play right along, like I don’t know what going on.” Stepping over a small creak I walked almost right into a tree trunk that was half fallen. “Somebody make a move. Somebody make a move. Please somebody make a move. We all know, we all know what’s going on. And if I had the answers, I’d have them written them out.” I saw an area that was less filled with fallen branches and started towards there without breaking my favorite song. “So I could tell you what to do and what this is about. But all I’ve ever learned comes second-handed. And I dare not preach what I don’t understand. You and I, we share the same disease. Cover up compromise with what we grieve. I’ve let more than my share of revivals die. This isn’t pretty but it’s what I am tonight.” While walking I found an old ruin like temple lying in the forest terrain. As if the forest was taking over it. Seeing no reason to stop my song I continued to sing as I walked around. Many things seemed to be destroyed or at least no longer usable anymore. “Cause everybody’s so scared. We don’t wanna go there. We don’t wanna make a move. We’ve got all our lives to lose. Screaming in the dark while we just play our part. I’ll just play right along, like I don’t know what going on.” Stepping around a rock I saw a very pretty silver helmet that looked to be from a knight’s set of armor. Slowly picking it up and continuing to walk around still singing. “Somebody make a move. Somebody make a move. Please somebody make a move. We all know, we all know what’s going on.” While walking around I was using my tank top to clean off a lot of the dirt from the helmet. “Pointing my fingers, the problem still linger. They keep getting bigger and I hold the trigger. Running with fire, I live like a liar. Please somebody make a move.” Using a little bit of the stream water that seemed to have collected in the wall that had vines growing up and down it and was half standing, on my shirt while I cleaned the helmet some more, I break in the song to breathe a little more. “Somebody make a move...somebody make a move...somebody make a move...Somebody, somebody make a move…” stopping to breathe, I focus more on cleaning my new helmet while singing a little more softly. “Cause everybody’s so scared. We don’t wanna go there. We don’t wanna make a move. We got all our lives to lose. Screaming in the dark while we just play our part...I’ll play right along…” “Cause everybody’s so scared. We don’t wanna go there. We don’t wanna make a move. We’ve got all our lives to lose. Screaming in the dark while we just play our part. I’ll just play right along, like I don’t know what going on. Somebody make a move. Somebody make a move. Please somebody make a move. We all know, we all know what’s going on.” Finishing the song I smiled to myself. “Yes, I finally got all that down, now if only I could get home to actually sing it to the music…” I looked down at my new helmet. “Mom would love you...hmm now that you're all clean, you such a pretty silver...Okay, time to get up and find something to eat…” Placing the helmet on my head, it was a little big but nothing I couldn’t deal with. Walking around the ruined temple turning forest I started to hum a random song that was very different from the one I sang when I heard a female voice talking. “That sounds very pretty...like a lullaby.” Misstepping and getting caught in a crack on the floor I stumbled and fell face first to the floor. Luckily I had a helmet on...until the helmet said ‘ow’. Silence was filling the air for what seemed like forever for me, slowly I move to get my leg out of the hole and sit on the floor. “Da fuck?” Taking the helmet off I looked at it and saw a silver blue glow in the eye slits. “....” “Hello human girl, I am Shinobu no Noriko. Protector of this temple. I thank you for waking...me...ah...human?” “...you can talk? Holy shit, a talking helmet...I found a cursed piece of armor…” I stated more to myself the more I talked out loud. “Mom will be so pissed at me if I end up coming home cursed…” “Human child, I am not a ‘curse object’ thank you very much….” The helmet sounded offended...turning to looked at the helmet’s eyes I stare at it. “I...offended you? You have emotions? Wait, am I really talking with a piece of armor? Oh my god, mom will have me committed!” I stated as horror started seeping into my voice. “Damn it, how am I supposed to hide this as well?” “Human child!” I suddenly found the helmet in my hands headbutting me to get my attention. “Ow! Hey, that was mean!” I say as I dropped the helmet to hold my head after I fell backwards. Looking from my new found place on the floor I watched the helmet float about an inch or so off the floor. “So...You’re Shinobu?” I stated not bothering to get up, simply because I felt no need. “Uh…” she seemed stunned, I wonder why? Oh...my mood swings...huh I wonder why I haven’t felt the effects of my other issues yet… “Yes, I’m Shinobu no Noriko. I was the protector of this temple while it was still standing tall and proud. I fell asleep for so long with nothing here to protect. Pieces of my armor have seemed to have been stolen or misplaced while I slept...Have you seen any other, laying around?” “Uh. No I haven’t. But let’s go looked for them! I’m sure no one would walk off with armor just laying around…” “You did…” “...I’m a special case. You can’t compare me with normal people…Normal people suck anyways. Oh, I’m Amber, nice to meet you Shinobu no Noriko.” “It’s a pleasure Human Amber...do you mind picking me back up…” “Sure.” Picking up the helmet was a little difficult. She was a little heavier than she was when she was asleep… Oh well, could be I was getting tired. She’s such a pretty color… “Thank you for the complement.” I tripped a little bit and looked at her. I could have swore I hadn’t spoke out loud, or was I talking out loud? Waiting a little before I continued walking around the desolate temple I saw a rock that had something under it that looked really pretty, moving a little closer I saw something slightly familiar. “Hey Shinobu, are these apart of your armor set?” “Yes, it’s my leg protectors” “They’re so dirty…” Setting down the helmet, I felt the curious stare of Shinobu as I pulled them out from under the rock. “Great, Human Amber, bring them here.” “Nope, they’re too dirty and I dun like it.” I stated full well knowing I was now acting like a child. I was getting a shocked look from her so I smiled. “I got to clean them before you can wear them. After all I cleaned up the helmet part why not the rest of you?” I stated as I got to work on it. The leg parts were slightly lighter than the helmet over all. Which was weird since last I checked a helmet had less mass and all that science-y and math crap. Getting them clean was not too difficult since I clean everyday at home. Bringing them over I saw a silhouette of a formed woman fill the leg protectors. I saw that the middle half and arms were still missing from Shinobu though. “So two more pieces?” I asked to get some sound going on. I still hate the silence, even in a forest that was getting dark and for all I know I was sleeping on my bed back home having a very vivid dream. “Yes, Human Amber. Only two more…” The embodiment of the helmet stood on the leg protectors and followed me as I moved around to find her other pieces. I could vaguely make out a spectral head and collar around the head piece, and about my height from the bottom of that to the calf guards which I could make out what looked like legs from the knees down. “So Human Amber-” “I’ll stop you right there, please stop trying to just define me as Human Amber. I know I am, so just call me Amber...I don’t need reminders…” “Though you are A Human...and Amber...So what’s wrong with how I call you Human Amber?” “Two reasons...reason one is it sounds racists to me, and that in itself is bad. Reason two, I just don’t like it. To me it sounds like that you’re making fun of me. And trust me, I deal with that a lot from humans already. I’d rather you not do it too…” I ended up mumbling, what do I care. For all I know this is a dream and I would wake up back home sitting at my computer. Even though my gut was telling me something else… “...my apologies Amber…” Oh god now she sounds way to formal. I sighed and continued walking...only to trip over something else. “Ah, come on!” I yelled as I got up and looked at what tripped me, only to see a hilt, a black one. Excitement ran through me as I thought I might have found a katana. Pulling at it, I noticed how heavy it was. “Wow, this is heavier than you were…” I mumbled a little. “Amber just leave that. We have something to do here.” Shinobu stated to like she was talking down a child. So of course I pouted like one. “Fine, but I wanna come back for it. It's so cool!” “You only saw the hilt. How can that tell you it's cool?” Shinobu stated as I saw her scowl toward the hilt I was still tugging at, trying to get it out. “Gut feeling! And I follow my gut feeling more than my brain.” After a while I got a sword out of the wall it was stuck in I saw how cool it was. “Wow, I knew it was cool!” “Great now put it down.” Shinobu ordered me, I sighed and pouted more and set it gently down against the wall. “Fine, but after I get you fixed up with finding the rest of you, I’m coming back for this.” Mumbling more as I walked away from it, I missed how the sword seemed to pulse and open an eye to look at Shinobu who glared back. After a while I noticed Shinobu was not following me… Wait… “Shit, did I get myself lost…?” Looking around I saw that I was deeper inside the temple. Walking over to an altar to sit and wait for an idea to come to me...or the fact that I was tired as getting to me. I laid down shivering a bit. It was getting late now, and getting colder. Looking around I saw that there was nothing, literally nothing I could use as a blanket. Well...there was a chest plate of armor on a stand in the corner...but that wouldn’t keep me warm… Though I guess it would be better than nothing right? Um...yeah sure why not. Getting up to walk over to the chest plate, I saw it looked to have a similar design as Shinobu’s Helmet piece and leg protectors. Giving it a similar cleaning to the leg protectors I slipped into the armor to find it would fit if I was a few cup sizes bigger, plus it wasn’t nearly as heavy as I thought it might be. I sighed as I felt the warmth around me. It...felt like a hug. I love hugs, they’re nice and warm...just like this... |
dcw2021May 16, 2016 8:54 PM
| copy and pasted my reply from before because im lazy |
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| [Copying my post from the original (misplaced) thread here] I can confirm that this story is indeed the first use of both Living Armor and Cursed Sword. And I'm already liking the tension between the two. More of that, please. And now a couple of notes: 1) You do all right with the grammar and spelling. I only saw a few errors, and nothing that pulled me out of the story. Kudos on that, doubly so if English is not your first language. 2) I can see that music is going to be a big part of how your MC interacts with the world. As someone else who went that route, I applaud you. Just be mindful to not let the music take over the story; there's a long segment of this chapter during which Amber is singing and not much else is happening, and that's not optimum. The story had a hard time holding my attention during that part. 3) Amber (the character, not the writer!) seems really perky. This is a welcome change from the surly loner trend that we see in a lot of MCs. And while I see some potential for her to be annoying, I consider this a good source of dramatic conflict if it's managed well. All in all, not a bad beginning. I look forward to your next chapter. :) |
| "When you have bought your own load of hooey, you know exactly what it is worth." -- Bruce Sterling |
| noooooooo copy pastes everywhere D: well welcome then :3 |
| Congratulations on starting the story - as from my experience, starting an story and then keeping an dedication to write are the biggest challenge I've met - I hope this comment didn't went out bad. If it did, I apologize. Did you decided whether you should make this a free form story or join up in MSGC shared universe? And of course, welcome to the club. |
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| Welcome to the club Amber. I didn't even need Google to know the song and band, count me pleasantly surprised. Everyone who finds a random helmet and doesn't wear it is boring; you passed the first test ;-) |
MetallumOperaturMay 13, 2016 2:27 PM
MetallumOperatur said: Everyone who finds a random helmet and doesn't wear it is boring No... some of them are paranoid. [points to self] And on the island, there are two kinds of human -- paranoids and rape victims. |
| "When you have bought your own load of hooey, you know exactly what it is worth." -- Bruce Sterling |
| I love yuri fluff. |
tygertyger said: No... some of them are paranoid. [points to self] And on the island, there are two kinds of human -- paranoids and rape victims. I sounds cool, but it's totally untrue in MSGC as there isn't any victim that indeed suffered through it and no one shows any signs of paranoia or fear if this fate. |
| Signature removed. It was too good for this cruel world. |
beast_regards said: I sounds cool, but it's totally untrue in MSGC as there isn't any victim that indeed suffered through it and no one shows any signs of paranoia or fear if this fate. Sleep deprivation due to implanted nightmares is most definitely suffering. |
| "When you have bought your own load of hooey, you know exactly what it is worth." -- Bruce Sterling |
beast_regards said: I sounds cool, but it's totally untrue in MSGC as there isn't any victim that indeed suffered through it and no one shows any signs of paranoia or fear if this fate. having every major bone in the body broken, being in a coma for 3 weeks, waking with amnesia, and then having a mental break down upon remembering counts i think |
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| I don't have much to mention that hasn't already been stated. I do like seeing things more upbeat, though I'm very curious how things will play out if/when this armor is able to move herself around a lot more. She seems sort of serious, after all...but serious about what? Something to find out about, I suppose. =) beast_regards said: I sounds cool, but it's totally untrue in MSGC as there isn't any victim that indeed suffered through it and no one shows any signs of paranoia or fear if this fate. I don't know about that...imps, devils, spiders, and overeager companions have caused any number of problems for my MC, from impromptu amputations to hysterical blindness =P |
| Wow, so much feedback! Thanks so much! To those mentioning the music, yes it will happen from time to time but its not my main focus. As such, yes Amber's companions are Cursed Sword and Living Armor. And this is a fluff, so it will be more cute moments and funny interactions from the characters. But also some serious things. I do hope you all enjoy this, as I do. It's my first so feedback is well loved. Next chapter will be out soon, very soon! Just has a few finishing touches to get! Again thanks for the love!~ AmbertheCat~ |
| Chapter 2 - Meeting the Cursed Sword - Haruna no Kokoro Listening to the battle running around the temple, the cries of the guardians ranged from fallen members to the invaders echoing from around the field. Blood and limbs could be seen on the forest floor, coating the stone and grass with organs from the insides of the fighters. Slowly the protectors of the temple went down, one after another. "Shinobu, this doesn't look to good..." I could understand that this battle was not looking in our favor, losing too many in our defenses while I was fighting off one of the offenders threatening my temple, my home. Flames burned the temple as fluids of blood dried and coated the grass. Trees were lit up like firewood on a dry summers night. Screams to fall back were called from the captain of the eastern wall as many fell back or became one of the fallen. Moving to retrieve one of my arm plates, I found something grabbing hold of the arm of the body. A claw formed around, ripping into the flesh, taking the arm of the man. His screams of pain became mixed with the raging fire and the screams of the others dying. Holding the wound to the shoulder, I witnessed someone or something take the other arm, equally tearing apart the flesh and tendons. Hanging there was the other arm in the beast's mouth. Blood was seeping out from the teeth of where the arm was severed. A scream...group of claws...fire with the smell blood and gore filled the my sight. The smell of burning flesh was registered in my mind. Pain and hate...pain and sorrow...pain and fear filled the senses. Darkness followed by the color of dark golden feline eyes that were filled with victory and smugness. Within a moment the heart beat that I loved was beating slower until it suddenly stopped. My eyes met with his dead blue colored ones. === Feeling a chill go down my spine, I awoke with a startled gasp and covered in sweat. I frowned at the sight in front of me, that this wasn't a dream, or a dream within a dream... I was really still in the forest temple, still in my ruined clothing...still curled up into a ball in that chest piece of armor. Only thing that was odd was...why did I feel a sense of fear, sorrow…and pain? "What did I dream this time?" I groaned out, knowing I wouldn't have an answer since I never remember my night terrors, though I get the feeling it wasn't like normal. Shaking off the chills I saw that it was dawn, or getting close to it. The sun was barely over the overgrowth of trees, the green canopy gave off a nice mist in the morning air. Standing up was easy. The armor seemed to fit better than it did the previous day. "Am I gaining weight?" Though for some reason I didn't want to take it off. The warmth it gave and the odd feeling of being hugged made me leave it on; it felt warm and welcoming. Plus I felt the terrors of the night rolling away slowly. I wasn't alone... I wasn't by myself here... Shinobu was somewhere here looking for the remainder of her armor. I frowned at that thought... 'She would leave once she doesn't need me to help her anymore...' It was a depressing train of thought, I know...but it was the truth. "Might as well try to backtrack to see where she is..." I stated softly, totally ignoring the ache of my stomach. I hadn't eaten the previous day so I was hungry. Walking the path that I barely remembered due to not paying any attention, I saw I was walking all the way back to where I last saw Shinobu and the sword I had found. Looking around I found the silence to be something that disturbed me. I never liked the silence and it went against my normal nature of who I was. Humming a vocal just to create a sound in the area I saw that the sun was getting higher and I was getting hungrier. Eventually I found my way back to the sword, which I saw was still leaning up against the wall from the previous day. Though, I remember the sword looking a little different from what it was now. It wasn’t as big as before...and now it only had one bladed side instead of two. Overall it looked the different...but somehow it felt like it was the same sword. I found the sword to be a messer now upon getting closer to it. The blade was a little more curved around the tip to give that look that reminded me of a cutlass. The cross guard was a mix of two colors: Ash Grey and Crimson Red. The overall color was a dark grey with a little bit of red, like the two main colors of the cross guard mixed there upon contact. Picking up the sword from then I saw that it didn't look like it needed to be cleaned or sharpened, which was good. I knew nothing on how to take care of a sword other than the most basic of the basics and even then it wasn’t much. The messer was about the same length as my forearm while it didn't feel very heavy, it was by no means light either. It's cross guard had a decoration on it that reminded me of a cloth or leather like gauntlet that was to wrap around the arm of the holder. Though I think I remember this being a bastard clay-more yesterday...not a curved messer… My train of thought was stopped by my stomach cramping up on me. Fighting my stomach was something I was told not to do anymore, and that I was to eat to keep healthy. Though I felt more healthy than I ever did back home. Holding the sword to my chest so I wouldn't trip over it, after all it was a sharp object, and I’m a clumsy person. I wasn't very tall, so carrying it was the best thing so it wouldn't get damaged; nor did I have anything to hold it otherwise. "You really are a beautiful sword; such a shame you were left here all alone..." Feeling the warmth of the sun was something I welcomed although the rays from the said fireball was not, it was blinding, which is something I don’t like. After walking for a little while I saw some of nature's blessing. A berry bush! FOOOODDD! Speed walking over to it, which if my hands weren't full I would have ran despite the soles of my feet slightly bleeding, due to being without shoes. And I didn't need to fall over while holding a sharp object... much like my pretty sword. As I reached over to take a berry I heard a voice telling me to stop...but it wasn't Shinobu. "You shouldn't eat those." A female voice called, it was a bit rugged, like it was hoarse from not using it. It startled me since it broke the silence I was finally getting used to, which caused me to drop however many berries I had gathered to the ground. I even almost dropped my sword. "They will make your insides bleed." now the voice sounded a mix of excitement and seriousness. Somehow I had a hard time figuring out how that could be. Looking around I saw no one around. "Hello?" "Hello." A small laughter that was easily compared to a chuckle, echoed through the small area I was standing in. Looking everywhere I couldn't find where the voice was coming from. The small laughter made me feel slightly embarrassed, I don’t know why but it did… Was my reaction funny? "Where are you?" "Who are you?" she replied back. I frowned at the question, why ask that question? Oh wait, maybe I should have asked for a name instead of the lady’s location first. "I am Amber, new to this lovely forest...who and where are you?" No reply. "Hello?" Did I scare her away? Nuuuu! Come back! I need someone to talk to! Nothing but the morning sound mixing with the waking forest. Then a soft voice, almost hesitant came to my ears. "I am Haruna no Kokoro..." Turning to see where I finally found the voice I saw that it came from my sword that still held to my chest. I stared at the deep emerald green eye that opened up in the middle of the sword's cross guard. It blinked while I just stared. Such a pretty color... "You mind letting me go?" she spoke almost full of sarcasm but with a hint of teasing. A small flush of a blush from embarrassment appeared on my face as I slowly released the sword. The crimson red and ash grey sword stood and an embodiment of a female appeared, though I could not make out much from her, only she had a dark red glow to her form from what I can see. The only other color was the Emerald Green eye that still stared at me. “So first armor and now weapons…” I mumbled while staring at the spirit or maybe I should stare at the sword? “I am the Cursed Sword Haruna no Kokoro. You were the human who freed me yes?” Her voice, slowly getting clearer as she spoke, was becoming full of confidence and pride. “Yes, I freed you from the evil wall of entrapment.” I stated in almost equal seriousness and confidence. A normal girl would be freaking out about this...but this is kinda cool! Living armor and talking swords! Dude, I feel like I’m in an anime!! Like Bleach! ...oh I do hope there isn’t any hollows around here too!... Huh, oh Haruna’s talking again… “...and I find it only reasonable for you to take responsibility for it.” ...what, responsibility? What did I do now...did I break something again? “I’m sorry, I kinda dozed off into a daydream…” I state while smiling sheepishly. I really need to learn to pay better attention. I don’t know how but Haruna didn’t seem to be angry that accidentally I tuned her out, but instead she seemed, amused? How could I even tell she was amused, I can’t even see her facial features! Though the glow of the embodiment was a soft red and grey, it changed from the soft color to a more darker of the two. “Well Amber, you are going to become my new host.” … …. I was silent for a small amount of time, watching Haruna who was slowly shifting once every few seconds. Taking a moment to realize I had yet to answer her, I then start to wonder if I wanted to or not. Finally after almost 5 minutes of silence on my part and small shifting from Haruna on her part. I answered. “Okay.” I stated while shrugging, though my voice seemed to startle her slightly. Her small jump wasn’t even all that noticeable. In fact I don’t think I would have saw it if I wasn’t staring at her intently. She seemed shocked by my answer though? “Interesting girl you are…” I heard Haruna mumble. “Take my handle and we shall be off.” I was slightly confused on why I would be interesting to a LIVING SWORD, but who am I to judge. Seeing the cloth gauntlet being held out for me to take I wonder for a moment if this would be a good decision. Then I remembered Shinobu. She was still around here somewhere...I think. “Do you mind if I pick up a friend before we head out?” Putting my right arm out, I watched Haruna’s gauntlet wrap itself around my arm. Making a makeshift arm guard going up to the middle of my upper arm. It was lighter than I thought it would. In fact, I barely feel there at all. Haruna’s emerald eye narrowed for a moment. “You mean pick the living armor…” Her tone was something almost equal to disgust. As I started to walk back to find Shinobu I had completely forgotten about eating and the cramps that my stomach was doing laid forgotten in my mind. “Shinobu is looking for her final pieces of armor and I said I would help…” “Helping her find her armor even though you know nothing of this place or what she had done to end up in pieces? Why help her even though you no nothing of her?” In the moment Haruna asked me that I really didn’t have a proper answer for her. And she seemed to be waiting for one. As I walked I could feel her watching for my answer or my reaction. “To be honest, I’m helping her because she has given no reason for me not to. She hasn’t been mean to me. She hasn’t harmed me nor has she made fun of me. She has been nothing but pleasant to me. And that more than I can say for some people in my life.” I frowned at the memories of the years of bullying I endured and constant times of when friendships were faked throughout my life. “She could be using you, in fact she is using you. Doesn’t that count?” Haruna stated with a slightly lighter tone. “No it doesn’t. Trust me, this isn’t the first time someone has used my weakness against me for their own game. I’m a naturally kind person...I saw her in trouble and I wanted to help. I know she is using me to find her armor, it's no secret. But she was kind about it, so I see no harm.” “Haven’t you wondered if she was a bad person since she was in pieces?” “Nope, I don’t take others ideas on how someone is. I will find out for myself if she is a good or bad person. Are you a bad person for being stuck in a wall? Not from what I can see…” “How would you know that?” Haruna seemed shocked by that. I guess I could understand it, not many people would take a talking sword coming towards them kindly. “You have done nothing wrong towards me. Even if you were trapped here just like Shinobu, it doesn’t mean you both are mean or evil people. You were trapped in a wall, Shinobu was scattered all over the place. You are a sword for offensive protection, Shinobu is armor for defensive protection. But does that make you both bad or good?” “...Amber you don’t think I’m evil or a bad person?” “You haven’t given me a reason to. Do you think I’m a bad or good person?” I asked back with a small smile. “You don’t seem bad. But I can’t say your good either…” “That’s because you don’t even know me. You have to get to know the person, find out what and who they are underneath the appearance they have.” “Wow…” I heard Haruna mumble. “So...tell me...tell me about yourself…” She asked now. “Hmm, how about when we find Shinobu? That way all three of us can get to know each other.” I smiled at her. As I smiled I felt the gauntlet get warm, almost on equal to the warmth I feel from the chest piece of armor I was wearing. Like a hug or close contact...in any case, it felt warm. While walking I eventually found a door that I was curious about. It looked like it was locked from the inside, though the bolts were really rusty. “Amber!” Shinobu? Turning I saw Shinobu coming down the hallway. She looked relieved and out of breath. “Good morning Shinobu, where’d you go last night.” I frowned slightly. “Where’d I go? You went off on your own! So I went looking for you!” She scowled slightly. “And I said to leave that sword back where you found it.” “Shinobu, calm down.” I stated as I lifted my left hand in a surrender pose. “What, can’t stand the idea of Amber liking my awesomeness, Plate?” Haruna taunted her, gaining the attention of Shinobu in the form of a glare. “Shut it, Knife.” She growled out, before she took a breath and looked back at me with a small smile. “I am glad you are okay. It’s dangerous here with how the terrain is...you found my chest piece?” “Huh? Oh, this? I found it last night.” I thought it looked similar to her design. “Did you want it back right now?” I mumbled out a little. “Uh, it's okay you can wear for the moment…” Shinobu stated with a small smile. “So, you found the chest piece she was looking for. Great…” Haruna stated with sarcasm, earning another glare from Shinobu. “So why don’t you just give it back to her so we can go?” “Actually, Butter knife, I’m planning to travel with Amber for her own safety, so why don’t you go away?” Shinobu stated with a glare at Haruna. “Why should I? I already have a host. Isn’t that right Amber?” Huh? “W-what?” Shinobu turned towards me. “You’re hosting that… that letter-opener?!” “Uh…” why do I feel like I’m not getting something… “Yeah, I said I would.” “But...you’re already hosting me…” she stated with a soft stutter. ...what? Okay, what am I missing about this whole Hosting thing… “Then I guess you’ll come with me when I leave?” I started to say unsure about what the hell was going on. “Or, she could leave you be and you’ll only host one of us…” Haruna said with a tone of mocking towards Shinobu. “Shut it toothpick.” “You can’t make me, heavy weight! Go find you own host!” “I had Amber first! You go find you own stick!” “Too late! She already agreed! HA!” By now I tuned them out and started to wonder about food and where I was going to get some new clothing. After all I was in a strange place and I had no money. I need to survive long enough to figure out where I was. Hell if I wanted to go home I needed information. And I can already tell that this was nowhere near home. But this place did seem a lot more interesting. “Well, I was going to take her to the Summer Festival!” What was that? “Ha? You think she would want to go to the festival with you?! She’d enjoy it more with a woman like me, after all she’s MY host.” “NO, SHE WAS TO BE MY HOST! NOT YOURS, YOU NEEDLE PRICK!” “SHE’S MY HOST NOW YOU ALUMINUM TIN!” Okay, this has gone off long enough. “I don’t mind hosting the both of you…” I said, breaking the yelling fit between the two. It got silent fast. The silence was actually a nice change for my current headache. “So, now that I can hear myself think, let’s introduce ourselves.” It was still silent from the two, but I could feel their attention on me. “Hi, I’m Amber, new here in the wonderful land of OZ. And you are?” “...Shinobu no Noriko, Living Armor…” “...Haruna no Kokoro, Cursed Sword…” Well I can already tell that this is either going to be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made or the best idea I’ve ever had... |
| Jolly cooperation ahead. |
| Haruna and Shinobu have the rivalry going for them. It was a lot of fun to type it up :3 |
| I have to think how Cursed Sword actually knows that aluminium can is. Easiest explanation is that she simply ran into someone from our world before, but even then it is unlikely she picked up the word to use it as an insult. It's definitely nice chapter overall, keep up the good work. |
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| Like Malise already mentioned there are a few inconsistencies, other than that a nice chapter; the MC is gong to have her hands full with those two :-P I'm curious as to why a Cursed Sword and a Living Armor, who both have been stuck at that complex for who knows how long, immediately want to bring the MC to the summer festival, though. |
MetallumOperatur said: Like Malise already mentioned there are a few inconsistencies, other than that a nice chapter; the MC is gong to have her hands full with those two :-P I'm curious as to why a Cursed Sword and a Living Armor, who both have been stuck at that complex for who knows how long, immediately want to bring the MC to the summer festival, though. Magic happens at the summer festival!! There could even be fireworks. =) |
| Hee hee... I expected tension between the armor and the sword, and I was not disappointed. "Plate..." "butterknife..." and the list goes on. I am going to enjoy listening to those two argue, I can tell. |
| "When you have bought your own load of hooey, you know exactly what it is worth." -- Bruce Sterling |
| Chapter 3 Maybe...having Shinobu and Haruna in the same room isn't the best idea... While I know I have no clue on where we are, they have no clue on when it is. To be honest I'm having a hard time understanding that, how does someone not know when it is? But then again, I don't understand a lot of things I hear. After hearing them yell at each other over the smallest things I began to wonder if this was the cause of the idea of defense vs offense. But again, I couldn't make heads or tails of half the things they say or everyone else around me says, normally. But that leads us to where we am now, still in front of the rusted shut door in the forest run down temple. And it was getting close to mid-day, early evening...and I still haven’t eaten and found water yet. But Shinobu and Haruna were fighting, yet again for the fourth time in a row today since we all stood together in front of this door. Throwing insult after insult at each other I could feel my patience was running thinner and thinner. And that's' saying something. I was wearing Shinobu as armor to keep myself warm since I was cold, plus I was still in my shredded clothing and she offered; and I still had Haruna around my right hand and arm, but that means with how they were arguing. It was like right in my ear...and I felt like my head would split apart if they did not shut up soon or at least tone it down. The mental images from the deep dark corners of my mind, showed a little image of a mini chibi me with her head splitting apart in a very gruesome and bloody way, copying a few horror deaths scenes from a few favorite scenes. Sighing a little and shaking my head to put my love for horror flicks back in the dark corner of ‘do not share with others’ and I focused back on reality. Only to have me ear blown off. "Well Living Paper Weight, I don't see why it's a problem anymore! We are the only ones here, so why not!" The current subject this argument was if we should take anything from the temple, yet again. No one would come over here any more, and I personally figure no one really knew it was here anymore, after all it has been a while I guess. So it shouldn't be a problem. At least that's what I think about this. But what I know about this place and who knows what. "Because, you Cursed Walking Stick, it wouldn't be right! It goes against all this place had stood for! AS YOU SHOULD KNOW!" I could hear my patience snap at that point. "Okay, PLEASE SHUT UP FOR A SECOND!" I was met with silence, thank the gods of this crazy place for that. "Thank you, now I don't really understand why you two are constantly trying to verbally kill each other. But would at least tone it down a few hundred knots? I'm kinda in the middle of you two remember? And I'd like to keep my hearing in my lifetime." "I apologize/Yeah whatever..." Shinobu and Haruna stated at the same time with an equal annoyance towards the other. Well, this isn’t going good so far... "Thank you." I smiled slightly,I felt like this was going to be a regular thing between them. Wow, I understood the idea of a healthy hostile attitude could be good for some people but really...this seemed somehow life threatening. And I'm not getting my neck cut off, like the Queen of Hearts for something like this. "Now I would love to keep you guys with me in my time exploring around this place but if you keep that level of volume of arguing I might have to put you both down to go on alone." But I knew I would come back to retrieve them... "That's too dangerous!/You wouldn't dare!" great they're no longer yelling at each other but at me...and I said IF! IF PEOPLE! "Miss Amber if you leave us here, you'll be in even more danger than you know!" Shinobu stated with a half panicked and scolding tone. "What the Plate said! Plus you already promised to host us! You will not be getting rid of us that easily!" Haruna yelled at me with tone telling me I had no choice in the matter. I could feel my emotional stress acting up from the yelling around me. I really did not want my fear of being yelled at to freak me out now and in front of them to boot. Rule number Twelve: Don’t show weakness to anyone. But I could feel my eyes starting to water despite my rule of thumb. Shit! Shit, shit, shit, shit, fuck! Calm down Amber! DO. NOT. START. CRYING. "Plus if you leave us here, you'll get lost, like before!" Shinobu stated, still like she was scolding me. From deep inside my mind I could feel it pulling me towards my safe wall I keep special for moments for this. I could feel my heart rate picking up in a panicking pace. As I felt my emotions get the better of me, I tried to strengthen my wall that I normally put up to protect me from my emotional breakdowns. Though it failed at the next thing they both stated at me. "Miss Amber/Are you even listening?!" they’re loud voices was right in my ear, like I asked them not to do. I could hear the voices echoing around inside the darkness within me mind. Fear filled my body in a odd fashion, since I didn’t see what there was to be afraid of. The loud noises turned into to other loud noises that I only seemed to hear. Sounds from trains outside the window of the house, sounds of the damn dogs barking at nothing, sounds of cat fighting in the neighborhood...sounds of the loud stress within my mind echoed like a vibrator amoung my mind. Finally I was faced with the one sound I hate more that life itself...the male voice inside my head… The harsh words of disappointment, scolding and upright yelling nonsense that I can’t even understand completely destroyed the wall I tried so hard to keep up. And the dam broke and the tears fell. The wall I put up around my memories and emotions was shattered as I recalled I had no idea where I was, I was lost in a forest with two female creatures yelling at me, I was hungry and thirsty, I had a headache from the echo inside my head, my feet were blistered and sore, I missed my home, my bed, my computer and 3DS and my cats, I missed my family, my older brother, younger brother and two younger sisters, my mother and step-father. I was hurting and in pain. Even the memories of the life I had back home whenever my ex's had try to force activities on me entered my mind. The abused from school and neighborhood bullies. The lost friendships. The lost of loved ones to death's hand. I felt like I had broke yet again in my life for the third or fourth time that I curled into the fetal position in order to fight off my mind's own terrors, while crying silently and trying to rebuild my walls around my own heart and mind. While I rocked myself, I could no longer hear the two companions of mine fighting or yelling anymore. It made me wonder was it another hallucination or if they really were there. The small hiccups and gasps from my own throat was all that I could hear. Not the yelling...no harsh sounds of scolding...even the sounds of my normal hallucinations of a male yelling at me wasn't there to continue tear into me. Slowly opening out of the fetal position I tried to build up my wall before anything else could try to break me again. I had to protect myself, after all I had made sure no one would know what I go through to help me. And I wasn't going to start now. No needs to know my terrors or abuse from the past...no needs to know... I don't need help... "M-Miss Amber?" Shinobu asked silently. "Are you...okay?" Haruna was even quieter. They both seemed to be real, and not male... I opened my eyes after putting up my wall around my heart and locking up my emotional tremors. "W-what is it?" I frowned and used my left hand to wipe away any stray tears, while I tried to calm my breathing. I knew I was always an emotional mess behind my mask of mock playful happiness and joy but really...that break down, it was shocking at how much it hurt compared to all the other times I broke down. I really need to work on keeping up my wall to keep others out. After a few seconds I realized that I actually had a breakdown in front of them. I could feel my muscles tighten in my automatic response to any questions or comments they could make. Memories tried to fight their way into my mindset only to for my mind to go completely blank. For a second I couldn't remember where I was or why I broke down… It actually took me a while to recall much of the other day when I first woke up here. "Miss Amber you alright?" "I didn't mean to upset you..." Haruna stated a little unsure on what she did to cause the reaction. For a second I had to think what had actually happened...and when I realized that I couldn't recall most of whatever had just happened, only memories were from me trying to calm them down. I came to the conclusion that I must have broke again. Slipping on my mask of fake happiness and joy, I smiled softly at them. "I'm good, I apologize for that...but what were we talking about again?" I smiled at them sadly. "I can't remember much." I was met with silence from the both of them. For some reason I really didn’t want them to know what was going on inside my head. Who knows how they would treat me if they found out. I knew I was legally insane, but other people didn’t need to know that. "Miss Amber...you had a breakdown...you sure you're alright?" Ah, so I was right. I broke yet again... My head was starting to hurt from trying to remember automatically. So I turned my direction in another way. "I'm okay now, that can happen sometimes from when my stress gets to me. But I never remember what I recall in my head so it's best to ignore it and let them pass." I shrugged at the worried looks. "Uh...what were we doing again?" "Deciding if we should take anything from here...but Amber, if you ignore all that stress for so long...won't it eat away at you?" Haruna asked. "True, stress isn't good to keep to yourself if that breakdown happens and then you don't remember...you'll never get better." Shinobu added. ...OH By The Gods of Heaven and Hell Combined! They're agreeing on something! "My stress has already eaten away at me long ago..." I muttered darkly. "In exchange I wear my mask to keep me safe..." "Mask?" both asked at the same time. Shit, rule four: don’t break or talk about my mask to others. Shit, I’m just breaking all my rules in a odd order here aren’t I? I was starting to get frustrated with myself, I’d spent 8 years holding to my rules and then I meet these two and I can’t keep my mouth shut. "Uh? What? Oh, it's nothing." New topic! I need to get them off this topic! I need to get them away from this topic now! "Hey Shinobu what if we only took enough to get by a little easier?" I know I could not handle getting into that right now. After all I must keep myself as safe as I can alone. I'll survive alone, just like always. Getting a little distracted from the topic that they were trying to get my attention back onto, I finally diverted their attention back at the issue at hand. To take or not to take anything from the temple. Finally, after a small fight on Shinobu's side, we agreed to get a few things from the treasure room which Shinobu knew how to get into. And it turns out that the door that we had stood in front of for most of the day was the door to a trap to protect the treasure room. Why was there a trap door in a Eastern looking Temple? I don’t get it, I sighed in slight frustration. Working our way around to the real door to the room, I noticed that it was oddly silent. It took me a while to realize that Haruna and Shinobu weren't fighting. It was shocking really. They have gone around 10 minutes now and haven't fought yet, although they haven't even spoken to the other either. But I still see it as plus. "Miss Amber?" "Huh? Oh yeah?" The sudden sound from Shinobu in my head was a little shocking since she was so quiet until now. I could even feel Haruna was shocked that she started talking after so long. "Could you sing another song? Like you did when I first woke up?" I could feel my cheeks burn a little from embarrassment. I knew I wasn't the best singer like most of my siblings. Hell, one of them even told me that I was tone deaf...which I don't think I really am... "You sang the Metal Plate awake?" Haruna almost sounded...jealous. "Well I wanna hear you sing too." okay now I know she's pouting. The image is of her pout was forced into my mind. How the hell did she do that?! B-but, that pout... "Alright, but I'm not used to singing to an audience so I can't say I will get all the words right..." I sighed as I vocalized a bit to get ready for a random song I knew. Welp, I knew this was going to be embarrassing... "She lives in the shadow of a lonely girl, a voice so quiet you don't hear a word. Always talking but she can't be heard. You can see her there if you catch her eye, you know she's strange but it's fantasized. Scared to talk and she don't know why. But I wish I knew back then what I know now. I wish could somehow go back in time and maybe listen to my own advice." I started out soft as I walked in the direction that Shinobu pointed out, somehow in my mind... The hall was going from lite orange and reds to slowly turning to a dark black from the sun resting behind the canopy of the trees and the temple's ruined roof from over head. The small cold breeze picked up the small mist that came from the forest floor, brushing against my bare ankles. While moving I noticed how quiet it was without Shinobu and Haruna talking or arguing at each other. I was starting to feel a little self conscious with the attention on me. "I'd tell her to speak up, I'd tell her to shout out, talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder, tell her she's beautiful, wonderful, everything she doesn't see. You got to speak up, you gotta shout out, and know that right here right now. You can be beautiful, wonderful, anything you wanna be. Little Me." Taking a turn from the hallway, I stepped over the rocks from what I guess could have been from the ceiling. While walking I remembered the notes of the song from the videos I learned from from. So I vocalized the notes, it was a little awkward since I learned the song from a nightcore video. "Yeah, you got a lot 'you got act your age'. But you can't write a book from a single page, hands in the clock only turn one way, run too fast and risk it all. Can't be afraid to take a fall. Clouds look big but you look so small. Wish I knew back then what I know now. Wish I could somehow go back in time, and maybe listen to my own advice." For some reason I was walking down the hallway towards a door. Shinobu mumbled to go through it as so I did. Haruna hadn't spoken yet since I started to sing. I wonder if she was enjoying the song? But I could feel myself getting into the song and so I sang a little louder. "I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out, talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder, tell her she's beautiful, wonderful, everything she doesn't see. You got to speak up. You gotta shout out. And know that right here and right now. You can be beautiful, wonderful, anything you wanna be. Little Me. To tell you one thing. I will say!" While walking down another hallway I could feel warmth coming from Haruna's hilt to the cloth around my right arm. While singing I found my eyes trail to her. Her green eye was closed yet it didn't feel like she was asleep. A small vibration was coming from her, as if she knew the tones from inside my head. "I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out, talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder, tell her she's beautiful, wonderful, everything she doesn't see, you got to speak up, you gotta shout out, and know that right here and right now, you can be beautiful, wonderful, anything you wanna be." "Tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out, talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder, tell her she's beautiful, wonderful, everything she doesn't see. You got to speak up, you gotta shout out, and know that right here and right now, you can be beautiful, wonderful, anything you wanna be. Little Me." After my song ended, it was very quiet. Not much could be heard other than my own breathing. Not even the normal sounds of a forest could be heard. It could be possible my singing scared the animals away. I could feel my nerves acting up from singing in front of them somehow, I wanted to hear their opinion but yet I knew I wasn't the best singer... "You have a nice voice." Haruna stated as she opened her green eye. It looked like she was being completely honest with me. I know my face must be turning red. It's not often I get compliments and attention...I don’t really know how to react to it... Smiling a little at her honesty, I don't think anyone really praised my singing before. For a moment I realized Shinobu was quiet as well now. "Shinobu? You okay?" "Uh? I'm fine. Your song...is there a meaning behind it?" "All songs I sing have meaning behind them." I stated as I came up to the door Shinobu pointed out to be the one that led to the treasure room. "I don't really see a point in learning a song if I feel like I can't relate somehow to them." "So that song?" Haruna stopped her sentence almost right after she started it. "Yes, as a child I had a very low self esteem. Singing, making my art and the like helped me a little. Bullies can't deny something they can't do themselves...and it kept me away from them." I smiled softly while opening the door. "You were picked on?" Haruna seemed shocked, I wonder why... "Of course I was, I was a tall for my age back then, short hair from me and my older brother cutting it and I was a white girl. I didn't have friends, due to me being socially awkward so I don't have necessary social skills so I was awkward. I was a lot happier back then just hiding behind my brother and my bedroom door. Anyways, this the room?" "Huh? Oh, yes miss Amber. This is the treasure room." Shinobu said looking into the room. The room was not in the best condition. The walls and ceiling were the only things still looking in proper, if it could be called that, care. Most items were either rusted beyond recognition, though some looked like gems. What kind of temple was this? I was expecting scrolls and other crap like that... "OH RUBIES! Get those Amber!" Haruna called as her green eye latched on the only ruby I could see. Which was on a small chest, it looked to be a jewelry box. That ruby seemed to be on a small ring too. Looked to be able to fit my ring finger... While walking into the room I saw a bunch of items I couldn't even tell what the hell they were. But they must have been worth something to be put in the treasure room. Due the time passage of how long these have been here, I couldn’t even tell what was important and good enough to take and what was simple things like decor. “Hey, hey, Amber grab that pretty red pendant. Oh and the red ring over there! Oh and that red scarf. Ooooooo grab that!” Haruna pointed herself at a red piece of cloth that looked like a dress in some sense...though it looked to be very revealing on the mannequin. I think I see a pattern here. Note to self, Haruna loves red objects… “No you toy knife if she will be taking any dresses from here it will be the silver one over there.” Shinobu motioned over to the blueish silver dress that was almost the exact same design but freaking silver blue...what was that color called really? Slate? Yeah slate. “Why do we need it?” I asked of curiosity. “To put you in.” Haruna stated without remorse. Oh , hell no. I ain’t no Barbie Doll! I don’t even let my grandma dress me up without a fight, and sure as hell won't let them do it. Fuck dresses! Fuck skirts! Fuck playing dress up! But seriously, why argue on dressing me up in something? “...why?” I asked carefully so I don’t blow up on them. “Well, you a very pretty girl Amber. You should show off that nice figure I see there.” Haruna stated in a flirtatious tone. My mind became muddled a little. Was...she flirting with me now? What? Wait...is that even flirting? Shit I don’t know. Maybe it wasn’t, it could be her own thing. Yeah that could be it. While packing away a few necklaces and bracelets. I found a few anklets to I put on to carry out. And a bag that I put a few cloths that looked at least a little sellable and a few scrolls and small paintings in. The bag was mostly full now and my sight turned to the two dresses just sitting there looking all innocent. I glared at them with all my might hoping to set them on fire really… But at the still fact that my two companions were still fighting over which one to take, I snuck both like the awesomeness of a ninja I am. While getting ready to leave, hoping to keep up my stealth skills up until I got out to the forest, but as it were Lady Luck wasn’t on my side. “Hey where did the red dress/silver dress go?” they almost stated at the same time. “Huh, oh I don’t know…” shit, was I caught. “We were going to have you try them on to decide…” Haruna almost seemed to be upset… While walking out, I kept my mouth shut on the fact that they both were in my bag. Too late to ditch them...I was beginning to wish I did try to burn them... ______ |
| Some missing words here and there, but a good chapter. Seems there is something dark upon the horizon. |
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| Monhan? Everyone’s getting along so well. |
| Nice :) I really like the interactions between the trio :3 |
AmbertheCat said: But at the still fact that my two companions were still fighting over which one to take, I snuck both like the awesomeness of a ninja I am. This is a rather confusing sentence and I do not know whether you put both dresses in the bag without them noticing, or you hid them somewhere so you didn't have to bring them with you. Also weren't you at that point wearing both of them as your armor and sword, how could they no notice, even if they were arguing? |
| "OH By The Gods of Heaven and Hell Combined! They're agreeing on something!" LOL! That is my favorite line in this chapter! Interesting insight into the MC's psyche in this episode (choice of words deliberate). Kudos on deepening the characterization. I agree that there are some grammar issues in this, but again there was nothing that took me out of the story. Do you have someone doing edits for you before you post? And more insults? I'll have to think about that -- it's hard to come up with stuff better than "plate" and "butterknife" (which I'm really looking forward to seeing become affectionate nicknames). How about "skillet" and "toothpick?" |
| "When you have bought your own load of hooey, you know exactly what it is worth." -- Bruce Sterling |
| Caught up :) |
| I don't have to know what I'm looking for. I just have to know when I find it. |
| It late around 2 AM when I finished this. Yup...but I had fun. Now to sleep for 12 hours night! ---- Chapter 4 Back to the Forest and Town While walking around the forest floor, it was a starting to get dark. I never thought about traveling at night, yet Haruna stated that it was for the best. Something about some dangerous things being less active at night. I’m not fully sure. I mean what could there be that would be dangerous. And isn’t it more dangerous at night than the day? I can’t seem to get the logic at this. But I’m new here so what do I know. Walking I noticed that my two companions weren’t talking again. And I was getting worried that they wouldn’t talk for the rest of time we were outside. In fact I was getting antsy. Shifting from one foot I felt the blisters and dirt from two days of not taking care of my body more so than I normally would. In fact I feel like I went rolling around in the mud and it was caking on me. Now I love mud as much as the next girl but dried mud was another thing, it felt like makeup and I hated that more than dresses. “Haruna is there a way for me to rinse myself off?” I asked. I didn’t know if this place even had showers and I had no idea how close this town we were heading towards was. She hummed a little as if she was thinking. “Yes, there is a nice size pond around the corner of this next hill.” Looking to the direction of the said hill, I saw the offending uphill I would have to treck in order to get clean. Sighing as I went up without complaint, I found I was fighting tree vines and all of the sort. In fact it was like I was losing the battle with mother nature and her forest. I was out of breath as I reach the top. “Wow, I am out of shape…” I mumbled, hoping that my two friends didn’t hear me. But I heard both chuckle which sank that hope. My face flushed with embarrassment at being laughed at yet not in a harsh way by the sounds of it, I looked downhill glaring at it. “I will have nightmares about this I know it…” I stated knowing they could hear me. I could hear Haruna still chuckling while Shinobu was slightly better at hiding it. Making my way down I only tripped a few times but steadied myself each time before Haruna’s laughter and Shinobu’s soft chuckles increased as I landed on my ass. Getting frustrated that I was making a fool of myself in front of the two I started cursing at the moon. But this only make both of them blow up in laughter. “You find this funny?” I growled out, slightly pouting. But I was angry from the simple fact that I was making a fool of myself with anyone’s help. “Miss Amber, I apologize.” Shinobu stated as she was trying to hide her laughter. “But you have no balance.” Haruna said as she didn’t even bother to hide her laughter. I frowned. “I can be graceful when I dance, but only when I know the routine. I’ll admit I have no balance alone but if I focus hard enough I can do it.” I was slightly offended by their laughter. It’s not like I was trying to be funny. It actually hurts every time I tripped. “Yeah right.” Haruna stated. “I’m sorry Miss Amber but in the time I’ve been with you. You tripped over nothing and fallen face first several times.” Shinobu stated as she chuckled. The hell?! They are agreeing on something and it's my clumsiness?! I growled at the thought. I wasn’t about to let someone laugh at my misfortune. It was bullying. I won’t stand for it. But what could I do against a Living Armor and Cursed Sword? I know! A bet! “I’ll bet you that I can get from here to the bottom of the hill without falling or tripping.” I stated in my tone of voice where it makes others interested. I love bets. I know other people love them too. So why shouldn’t Shinobu and Haruna? “A bet? What would I get if you fail?” Haruna floated in front of me. In fact she completely detached herself from my right arm for her to become somewhat visible to me. She was tall. Taller than my 5’5. I could make out bright red hair and green eyes. Her body seem to disappear and reappear from my sight. But from what I could see she had a small chest but nice sized hips. I had to look up slightly to see her face. I wasn’t comfortable looking at the naked body. Female or male it wasn’t sitting right for me. “I will do one thing you want from me. That goes for you too Shinobu, I making this bet to you as well.” I felt Shinobu remove herself from my body and almost immediately I felt the cold air of the moist forest air. It made me realize that I was relying on the Armor part of her to keep my warmth in. But I felt more cold than I thought I would. Like that moment a loved one lets go of a hug that you wanted to last a little longer. I saw all the pieces of her armor had melded together in their proper places of her aspiration. She too was tall, but not as tall as Haruna. I saw she was more robust in the chest and hips. A little more mass, but all like muscle and not fat. Her hair flowed out in bleach blonder curls and the silver eyes stared at me with a questioning gaze. “Anything I would want? No matter what it was?” “Nothing that would cause bodily harm to me or someone. But other than that I could be your maid, your personal cook or butler. I could be you lackey for a day. Things like that. I won't back out of it just as you can’t do so with what I would want when I win the bet.” I threw in a small amount of cockiness to try and coax them into the bet. I had a plan. And I will make it happen. I could see the gears turning as they looked at each other. Haruna smiled at me oddly. At first I couldn’t figure out why it looked weird. “I’ll take the bet, you’ll be my personal partner for a night.” She smiled as she winked at me. And for some reason I could feel my face heat up but before I could try and figure out why or what she meant Shinobu spoke up. “I’ll take the bet too! I’ll have you to myself for a night, away from the Kitchen Knife.” Shinobu spoke fast that I almost missed the first part. At the end though she was glaring at Haruna who was glaring right back at her. Silently they seemed to reach an agreement though. “I won’t lose to you Dagger.” “Good, if you give up it wouldn’t be fun for me if you did. I’ll be sure to kick your ass, you Walking Coffin.” I wasn’t sure what had just happened. But I saw them talking without yelling and I was happy about that. “Alright you can’t help me in anyway until I get my feet on the floor of this forest near that pond.” I said smiling. I knew I won right there. I wasn’t completely sure on what they wanted from but I don’t back down my bet unless they are my older brothers bets, even then I feel bad when I do. They both looked at me as I steady myself on the bams of my feet. I could see in the glow of crimson red and silver blue that they were watching me, waiting for me to go. “See you at the bottom.” And I took off running. I could hear the sounds of them gasping as they moved to keep up to watch me. But I was enjoying the feeling of running once again too much to notice. I saw a branch coming and I turned right to dodge never losing my descending speed. I smiled, I haven’t run like this since I was a kid. It felt great. No cane to trip me when I ran, no family to scream for me to stop or slow down. I was absolutely giddy. Jumping a little over a root that was to trip my I skidded down a little. Using my left hand to brush up some of the forest leaves in order to keep my balance and keep momentum, I was up and running once again. I had one more line of trees to pass before I was at the pond. So I danced around the last few like my lyrical teacher from my high school days taught me to land my feet in the bank before the pond. Shinobu and Haruna were already there watch me after I started running. They seemed shocked, or maybe it was the fact I sped pasted them and straight into knee deep water. Panting I looked at the moon smiling. I love running. It was great to feel it again after so many years. I felt like I could go for miles. I feel my nerves screaming to run again but I start walking back to the bank. “What?” I was still panting, my stamina wasn’t better like my legs but that doesn’t mean I can’t get that better too while I am here. This place was like a heaven sent for me. I could run, talk freely without worry about how others really feel, and I had the possibility to better myself. Hell no did I want to go home. If this was a dream, then I never want to wake up. “You just ran…” Haruna stated shocked. “Without hurting yourself…” Shinobu found that part to be more important. I smiled at them as I sat on the slightly rocky and mossy bank of the pond. “I won the bet.” “Huh?” they both stated at the same time before they frowned. “What is it would want us to do?” Shinobu seemed to accept the fact she lost but Haruna was pouting if body’s posture was telling anything. “Hmmm….I want you both to never and mean never make me the bunt of the joke.” I smiled. Haruna’s facial features, well from what I could see, jaw dropped. While Shinobu had become silent for a while before chuckling softly. “I can agree to that Miss Amber.” Shinobu stated. “Yeah I guess I can too.” okay, Haruna was clearly still pouting. Either it was for my request or that fact she lost whatever she meant by me being her partner for the night. I wonder what she and Shinobu meant anyways. I don’t think I quite got what they meant, but that's in the past now that I won so I’ll never find out. “Alright Amber strip.” ...huh? “What?” my mind went completely blank. “Strip, take those dirty clothes off. You’re going to clean yourself right?” Haruna seemed to perk up from her pouting moments. … “You two need to leave then.” I stated, okay now I knew my face was red. How was I supposed to take this? I don’t undress in front of anyone. I may have when me and sisters were taking showers when there was only one shower after swimming in the pool, but we’ve never took long looks at each or whatever. And somehow I felt...dare I say it, shy at the thought of being naked in front of them.. “It would be too dangerous if we left you here.” Shinobu started but I cut her off, not wanting this conversation right now. Not when I felt like I was a shy little girl meeting her first grade class for the first time. “Fine then please, go stand behind the trees. Just...don’t look.” I said with a slight stutter. I could heard Haruna chuckling and I know I heard Shinobu said cute and my name. But I was too embarrassed to really catch it. But they went and stood behind the first layer of trees. I could still see them, but they were facing the other way. I saw that this was as good as I was going to get. While keeping an eye on them I slowly removed my shredded and now muddy and wet purple tank top. I saw that I wasn’t wearing a bra which made me feel even more uncomfortable since I never left home without one, hell I always wore one, even to bed. Shaking my head I set it on the ground while keeping an eye out around me for anyone wandering by and my two companions to make sure they weren’t looking at me. Slowly I took off my skinny jeans and panies, laying them next the tank top as I made my way over to the pond. I was about hip deep when I looked at the moon, it looked full to me but I couldn’t tell with the clouds never giving me enough room or because the tree’s canopy was blocking it due to wind. I then felt very uncomfortable as I looked around and I saw that Haruna was watching me. I could see a smirk. My face lit up like a firework. “Shinobu take Haruna for a walk! Please” I cried, tears threatening to spill. Shinobu whipped around to see Haruna frowning at me, Shinobu looked at me and I felt a tear fall. Shinobu then grabbed Haruna’s Hilt with her hands that I still couldn’t see. Haruna frowned and looked back before they both went for the walk I begged for. Finally seeing them gone I took a shaky breathe to calm down. I don’t like being looked at while I bath or at all when I was naked. In fact why did I still feel eyes on me? I turned around and saw no one. Thinking I was being paranoid again I dunked my head and cleaned my body and hair a few times. Finally feel the cold water nip at me uncomfortably I set out to move out of the water, but I stopped when I heard a wolf whistle. I froze at the sound. It was male… Slowly I turned to the noise and I saw not one, not two but three men. As in full grown men. Two with scars and teeth missing. Hell one had only one eye. They looked like a gang of bandits. But I saw that they had weapons. Oh….fuck. “You know I’ve never come across a normal looking girl before.” The biggest one said. He was huge, as in fat. He wore no shirt only suspenders to keep his pants up. He hand no hair on his head but on his chest. It looked like a group of animals shed all over him. At his back was a large two sided axe. On his face was a x shaped scar. “From the clothes she was wearing she must be from home boss.” the smallest one stated. He was lanky and held a bow and arrows at his back. No shirt and pants being held up by a simple plain belt. His hair was oily black and slick back into a nasty lumpy ponytail. He had scars all over his face. The last one made no move to speak, his left eye was an empty socket. He was the only one with a shirt but he wasn’t all the appealing the way he was watching me. At his side was two swords and three daggers could be see from his pockets. I was willing to bet he was the most dangerous. And the boss. “You lost little flower?” he finally spoke as he walked forward. Both of the other two seemed to laugh at a unspoken joke. The fact that he held some normality made me even more scared of him. I wasn’t normally scared of males but something told me that I would not like how this was going to go. In fact I stumbled a little, falling a bit in the water. I was now on my butt, only the water came up to over enough of my lower regions that I was only in the need to cover my chest that was exposed to the three males in front of me. He seemed to find this funny. And I wasn’t laughing. I was down right scared stiff. “Would you like to see a good time tonight little flower. I can make you a blooming rose seeing as you haven’t been deflowered.” I blushed bright red at that. He...he...what...no s-stay away… I could feel tears coming to the corner of my eyes. “Oh don’t worry my little flower, I take proper care of my flowers when de-petaling them.” D-de-petaling? I-I’m sure that's not a word… “Boss can we have a go after you?” The lanky one with the bow asked. “Once I finish with her you both can have a turn. She’ll be our flower for the whole night.” The moment he said whole night I was praying to whatever god or demon, anything to make this stop. To bring back my heaven dream and get rid of this nightmare. Slowly the boss moved to the edge of the water, removing his shirt and his belt. The sound of the belt hitting the rocks caused me to shuffle back, scraping my skin of the ground in the water but I didn’t care at the moment. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be here. I DON’T WANT TO BE HERE! The man grabbed my ankle and pulled me towards him with a fake kind smile. The kind that would lead you into false safety. Faster than I will admit he pinned my arms above my head. As I stared with fear filled eye at the one eyed man on top of me. His other hand was slowly as if to prolong it, up my thighs towards my center. I don’t want to be here…. Tears fell from my eyes and I felt a wet and slimy object lick them away. “You taste so sweet, just from your tears...I wonder what your nectar would taste like…” he whispered in my ear. H-he licked me...n-no way...h-he was going to rape me! I-I was going to be ganged raped! His other hand traveled higher, closer to an area that I protected greatly from anyone's touch. Memories from my ex-boyfriends trying to touch me there and even trying to force it enter my head I could feel my fear as I couldn’t defend myself like before with a simple punch, ending up giving the offender a broken nose would not get me away from them. I had no way to hit him or fight off three grown men. He has me pinned. I don’t want to be here...I want...I want Shinobu and Haruna. I thought with tears rolling down my face as if it was raining. As he got higher and was starting to touch I started to fight or kick as it was the only thing I could do. Tear falling as I struggled, my shock over the situation fading and my fight or flight kicked in. He didn’t like that as he slapped my hard enough that I hit a rock in the pond. I didn’t even realize he pulled me so close to the bank. When the shock of the slap wore off I fought even harder. I don’t want to be here. I want Shinobu and Haruna! I don’t like this! I don’t want this! Feeling him slap me again I felt my vision waver, black dot was filling my vision. Echoing around the edges of my sight. My ears were ringing now too and I think I felt warm liquid from the back of my head for a moment before I started to feel dizzy. “Ah now that she has calmed down. How bout we continue where we-” His voice stopped as I heard a loud thud. Getting some of my vision back I saw the really large man on the ground with a sword that looked familiar sticking out of his back. H-Haruna? The other one, drew his bow and I watched him start shooting at something in a slight panic. The boss got off me as I saw Shinobu walking through the arrows like it was nothing but small pebbles being thrown. When she reach Haruna she pulled her out of the large one and let go. I saw Haruna form as did Shinobu, I didn’t realize I was only seeing their armor or just the sword parts of them until now. Shinobu grabbed and few of the arrows that had fallen around her and chucked at the archer. Getting him square in the forehead and neck. Finally the boss was all that was left. “You won’t be taking my prize.” P-Prize? He drew his swords and charged at both of my companions. Watching him attack them was like giving me a heart attack. I felt my heart stop at every strike I thought he gave only for them to deflect it. They were working together in perfect harmony. I was shocking and I was wondering if I was hallucinating again. Some of my vision was still gone but by the time I had regained my vision the boss was dead. And I was covered in small amounts of blood. Looking at the bodies I saw the gore and everything and the smell was causing my stomach to dry heave with nothing in it. Next thing I knew I feeling safe and warm. I passed out from the fact I didn’t want to take this any more. ----0o0----o0o----0o0----- I woke up to the sounds of chirping birds and a warm bed. Looking around I saw a slightly old fashioned room. I saw Haruna with her single green eye on her hilt closed leaning up against the bed. Shinobu was sitting over in a chair with no real holdings for her armor but it just seemed to float there. She too was sleeping. Where were we? Wh-what happened? Wh-what happen- memories from the previous time I was awake entered my head. I felt myself shiver with disgust and fear. I saw over on the table next to the bed I was on was a paper and pencil. The pencil was odd and old fashioned but I knew how to use it. Fighting my stress I began to sketch out the scenery before it became my nightmare. Working on the pond and and the trees I didn’t even notice Haruna waking up. She came over before I noticed and was watching. As I started working on the sky I saw Shinobu looking over as well. Finishing the sketch I slowly put down the paper and pencil. I reach over to Shinobu’s main armor piece and wrapping an arm around and the other around Haruna’s blade carefully. I pulled them into a hug as I tried to keep myself from shaking. “Miss Amber?” Shinobu asked. I shook my head and just held them close. The memories scared me and I was so powerless and now I had three faces to haunt me. “Amber it’s okay. You can cry.” Haruna stated softly. After being told it was okay the tears felt silently as I just held them as I cried silently. After a while I started to feel a little better but I was slipping into sleep. But I was afraid of nightmares that I tried to stay awake. Shinobu shifted carefully. “Miss Amber, we bought a small house for us, if you want to move over there later.” I nodded, in both saying okay and trying to shake myself awake. “Plate, let her sleep. I’ll be here so you go on and take care of that small issue.” Haruna said rather softly as I felt a warm body underneath me. At first I tensed at the feeling and saw Haruna had taken a physical form. Haruna was wearing something similar to a black metal bikini, she smiled softly at me and petted my head which lulled me to sleep against my wishes. My last sight was Haruna looking oddly at my picture before she smiled as I fell into the darkness of my mind. Awaking up yet again, only I had no night terrors like I feared I saw Haruna sleeping next to me, out of curiosity I looked for my picture she was was holding the night before, but it was gone. The room was still the same. So we haven’t move roms from wherever we were. Should the door opened and I freaked out, I tensed looking to the door hoping to see Shinobu. But it wasn’t but another female with two a beast/cow girl walked in with a glass of what I think was milk. When I locked eyes with her she flushed and fumbled a little. “H-hi.” “G-good morning…” I was slightly shocked to see something like her. It was like something from a fantasy game. She walked over and lightly touched the back of my head, and I notice Haruna woke up and wrapped her arms around my waist. Which I noticed was dressed in that red dress from the temple from before. I felt a little overexposed yet safe. “I’m Mana the Holstaur, my husband and I run this inn here in town. Your wives told me what happened, feel free to stay until you free better. O-oh, here. Fresh milk. Itll help with your terrors you’ve been having.” Mana stated. I smiled and looked at the glass. She seemed kind. W-wait...wives? “OH! And I love that picture you drew, would you mind making self portraits of me and my husband?” Mana asked still excited. I flushed a little red at that compliment and nodded a little yes. She was so excited that she ran out without giving me the milk. After a few seconds she came in and handed and ran back out. I smiled at her antics. If all the villagers were like her than I wouldn’t mind staying in this town. Shinobu then walked in, looking over her shoulder a little before looking at me. “You know, Mana is going around telling about a new talented artist in town...You might get more requests if you do well.” ...no pressure right? Slowly sipping the lukewarm milk, it was actually really nice to drink. And it did feel like it was keeping away my terrors. I smiled as I continued to drink. I saw that Haruna was still holding me and seemed to fall back asleep. After I finished the drink I turned to Shinobu and saw her getting ready to sleep on the chair again. “Shinobu, can you join us in bed?” I asked. Her head whipped around shocked. “What?” “I’d feel better if I had my saviors laying with keeping my terrors away. Please?” I said softly. Shinobu seemed to sigh and came over and got in the bed, wrapping her own arm around my shoulders protecting me from the other side of the bed. Normally I would be against no movement in sleep but this felt comforting and that's what I need right now. Again I fell asleep with no nightmares or terrors with a smile on my face. |
| I struggle to find the most appropriate comment right now, but I think it's worth to leave a comment here that it is nicely written chapter. |
|
| Indeed, it's very nicely written, and very enjoyable to read. :) I also like the progression of your plot and the relationship, neither too fast nor too slow, and the trio is becoming cuter and cuter :3 |
| Time for cute girls doing cute things. |
| So now you're in that red dress, but nobody says anything about you hiding it from both of them? |
|
| They'll scold her about the dress later. Right now she's traumatized. And now Amber has had her first encounter with the local men. I hope meeting Mana's husband convinces her that not all men on the island are so unpleasant. |
| "When you have bought your own load of hooey, you know exactly what it is worth." -- Bruce Sterling |
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