"Haru, seriously- what the hell were you thinking?" Aurelia glared, and Haru stared back, hands trembling in her lap.
"I-I don't know- all I know is that I don't think it's right to stand by and leave somebody for dead- we're supposed to be the good guys and that doesn't mean-"
"You don't know,"
"Aurelia," Fox warned, but the Succupixie pressed on, snapping, leaning down and grabbing Haru's cheeks. There was a wild anger in her eyes, and Haru groaned, jaw creaking as nails bit into her skin. "-what being the good guys means. Tell me- what happened if we tried to save Alex from the god who EXPLODES PEOPLE WITH HIS MIND, Haru? Is that saving the day? Getting all of us brutally killed without even a chance to defend ourselves? Huh? Running out there in the rain and screaming about justice?" Glaring harder, Aurelia dug her hand into the badger girl's cheeks, breaths labored, angry. "YOU, HARU-"
"Hey." Fox was there, having been leaning against the wall until now, her hand sinking into Aurelia's wrist and twisting, hard, Aurelia's eyes widening, breaths quickening in pain. "Let, her, the fuck go. NOW."
"I could kill you for this," Aurelia snapped, glaring.
"Spent the first half of my life in a fucking test tube so I swear if you TOUCH her again I- I'll-," The dark-haired kitsune snapped back vilely, hyperventilating. "I don't know, fuck, you're not touching her again!! Haru stared with wide eyes, wincing; imagining the scared little girl who survived experimentation turning into this made her heart pang, in spite of the situation.
Silence, and after a long moment, she, Aurelia, shoved the woman back into a chair, heterochromia-split eyes flicking away. Fox stood there now, stubbornly guarding Haru's front as the snow-and-ash haired woman shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks.
"You don't know what being good means, Haru. This isn't your little reincarnation fantasy, and you were never meant to be anything but a shiny toy soldier."
"Haru is right, though," Fox huffed, staring balefully at Aurelia. "You didn't just prioritize the safety as many- you cared more about appearances and being obeyed than doing what's right. If we stay here- part of Wolfpack- is doing what's right going to involve leaving people for dead often?" Her voice was angry, energy barely contained. "Answer me, Aurelia. Haru doesn't know how to talk to people like you, but I do. I think she and I would rather walk than grow to be part of a team like this."
"I didn't- I can talk for myself-" Haru huffed, wincing. "Aurelia, I-"
"Shut up," Aurelia whispered, but Haru listened nonetheless. "We have information. We'll start working with it in the morning. For now- all of us need some good rest," she added, whispering, voice suddenly small, eyes glistening. Haru sighed, nodding and walking to Fox, who took her hand as they slipped toward the door, glaring adoringly up at her.
"I… Aurelia." Haru swallowed.
"What?"
"I might not know. How to lead a team. How to talk respectfully. How to. Be nice, and obedient. I um. I do, though. I mean I."
"You WHAT?"
"I know how to be, a good person. If that makes me stupid, then I'll BE stupid, b-but I wouldn't leave you to d-die. I meant that."
Lip trembling, the badger girl slunk into the hallway, hurrying off. Fox didn't speak at first, but when Haru stumbled, the shorter woman caught her, peering up worriedly.
"Doing okay, Haru…?"
"N-No...? I just, I want to save people- and it's not some reincarnation fantasy, it's not about being a hero, it's just… if I can save somebody, shouldn't I…? Writing Alex off as d-dead would have meant no search… no chance…" Fat tears starting to spill down her cheeks, she swallowed, crying. "I-I don't understand- and I know I'm just a dumbass, bleeding heart, soft civilian but I just can't bring myself to pretend that watching somebody die is okay," She sobbed, voice breaking, and sank slowly to her knees, Fox sliding down with her.
"Hey, Haru, hey, come on, I'm good at kicking pain in, not kissing it out… fairy girl has a few issues," Fox lamented, nodding. "Let's see how this investigation crap goes before we do anything rash, okay…? I'm here for you, I know you want to do what's right,"
"It's just, this is supposed to be the Good Queen's agents or whatever," Haru sobbed quietly, shaking her head. "I-I just feel like such a moron- I don't belong here, all I want is to help people," she cried, and Fox, smiling, tucked Haru's head into her chest, sighing.
"There, there, pretty uh, idiot woman… least a bleeding heart means you're human…?"
"If this is a world where being human doesn't matter, then what's the point… I should just go be a farmer…" Haru sighed, hiccupping weakly.
"I'd be your farmer wife," Fox laughed awkwardly, rubbing Haru's head. "No rabbits though. I'd hunt them."
"…idiot," Haru cried, laughing despite herself.
-
Some time later, Aurelia swayed, slightly off balance, wincing, and wiped brackish red-brown ichor from her cheeks, vision foggy with tears. Confusion, pain, fatigue- they all ripped at her.
"How long has it been since somebody challenged me? The others… they're not too scared to speak up, they could kill me…"
"Master Musashi, are you really going to look for them?!" Aurelia screamed, eyes afire with rage and indignation. "You have a duty to your people HERE- there are thousands of us, here, and only three out there!!! What if we die, in your absence?!"
The old man before her stopped, and tensed. Aurelia flinched… but he relaxed, exhaling slowly as he turned.
"Aurelia. You are young, and compassionate, and a hero at heart- but you do not yet understand what it means to care for others."
"I know damn well what it means, and you can kick me out of this gods-damned school if you truly believe that risking the lives of gods-know how many for the sake of only three- THREE- is the better chance. We've been facing attack after attack from the elves- and it's not even our fault, gods dammit!!"
"Aurelia," Musashi chuckled, sighing softly and stepping forward. Again, she flinched, as the old man knelt before her, gently cupping her cheek and smiling in the way that only a father can. "You are but a child- what, now, eleven? You cannot possibly understand. Tell me, what do you see when you look at me?"
"A teacher, a warrior, a master, a-"
"Wrong."
"…huh?"
"What do you really see when you look at me Aurelia? Be honest."
The succu-pixie swallowed, narrowing her eyes and glancing away. Part of her reared its head- the part that urged her to do things she didn't understand… but she suppressed it firmly, and spoke true.
"…a father. I already lost one of those…"
"I consider you as a daughter, Aurelia, in kind." Musashi tousled her hair, slowly, and stood. "Unfortunately, I see myself as a father to all who come to me. I care not where they come from- I care that they wish to be stronger. Better, than those around them, by leaps and bounds, yet only caring about how they, themselves, shine."
"Mm…"
"Aurelia. Would you leave me to die in the woods?"
"Never."
"Then you understand. Leading? Doing the right thing? Answer me this- what would have become of you, had I done things as they're meant to be done…?"
"My students are unsafe." Musashi nodded, turned… and was gone.
"Right…" Aurelia whispered, shaking the memory away, staring into the mirror. "Hey… dad? I know all that, spirits, and ghosts and stuff where you haunt my house to watch over me… ugh. Anyway. I… I'll, see if the Queen can stall. I'll do that. A-After all," She whispered, anger seeping into her voice, gripping the edge of the sink. "You wouldn't have left him there- and… you'd probably… make me go say sorry to Haru right now, huh…?"
"No… you'd tell me to sit with what I've done. That words mean nothing…"
Sighing, Aurelia turned and left her bathroom, shoving her way through the halls and to her balcony, taking flight.
-
"Halt," A young man with dark hair and long, pointed ears raised his hand as Aurelia approached, frowning. "None other than elves are allowed here. Turn back."
"Please," Aurelia mumbled, staring, taking a breath, and forcing her features to soften. "Will you let me talk to your captain please? I'll do anything."
"Anything?"
"Not that."
"Well, if you're so insistent, I suppose I can let somebody else turn you away."
-
"Alright," Ica laughed quietly, sitting forward.
"Where's Aurelia?" Haru cut in, swallowing, glancing around warily, remembering that sense of her jaw creaking. Under the table, Fox gently rubbed her knee, but still, Haru couldn't shake a vague sense of unease.
"She's out on an emergency mission," Lif offered helpfully, smiling, but Haru didn't believe it. His smile didn't reach his eyes, and he glanced away when she tried to make eye contact.
"Whatever. Sorry for interrupting."
"Don't be, we're a team!" Ica grinned, leaning forward and flicking a button on the table. Above it and between them all, a holographic map of Starria and Mir popped up, with four glowing points; three in Starria and one in Mir. "These are all of the major weapons' manufacturing headquarters around for twenty-thousand miles. Maybe one of them is to blame- and smart enough to keep info out of their headquarters. That's why we're going to be running covert ops; the whole team together including Lottie just in case they have any surprises in store for us."
"Oh lovely, I've been just itching for some blood under my nails," Charlotte muttered, rolling her eyes, and Haru glanced over her, thinking. So violent, all the time… but she looked… tired. That was the word for it, and it was the kind of tired that made Haru want to wrap her arms around the cat girl and ask what was on her mind.
Focus, Haru. Heh, remember? Softness has no place here.
"Don't worry, Charlotte," Ica grinned, kicking his legs up and laughing. "Here's the plan, yeah? First, we hit up the Mirian HQ, posing as generic thugs. I'm talking shotguns and masks; a real proper heist. We'll take some sick-ass weapons while we're there- it'll be so sick."
"More important, it will look like a random attack! Chaos and thievery!" Lif chuckled, clapping his hands together. "Like unorganized chaos!"
"Then," Lif continued, smirking. "When we make our way to Starria- it won't seem like us. At least, not in a way that they can immediately confirm- Mir, their enemies, were attacked first! We won't kill anybody; some of the alchemists have prepared rubber bullets laced with sleeping potions and red dye. BOOM!!! Give them six hours though, what looks like bloody bodies will wake up bruised and confused."
"Huh…" Fox nodded, thoughtful. "Will we show the same mercy to Starria?"
"If they let us," Ica replied with a lazy grin. "So let's relax a little, yeah? We're gonna be like, robbing a big-ass corporation and making like bandits- literally. I'm so ready to break some stuff."
"Me too. Breaking without killing sounds nice," Charlotte sighed, nodding. "When will we leave…?"
"Well, we can leave around sundown. Don't know if Aurelia will make it back in time, but security is looser at night, and we don't want anybody accidentally getting killed."
"This is legit!! Is that what the kids say?" Lif laughed, clapping his hands together. "Charlotte, Haru, cheer up- we are the good guys, really!!"
"Right, and all I'm here for is to be your strongest weapon," Charlotte muttered, picking at her nails.
"I understand, you worry you are bad man- woman, I mean. The good news; you kill only for good- only bad people!" Lif offered with a playful grin.
"Yippee," Charlotte replied drily, glaring up at him. "I'm so glad you APPRECIATE this bloody, weaponized mess of hormones and misery. I'm gonna get coffee now, and prep for later. Kay?"
"Er, y-yeah, sorry Charlotte- do you want to stay back?" Ica offered helpfully, smiling.
"Mm… no," Charlotte sighed, glancing at Haru. Let's get ready. You're gonna look good with a ski mask, badger chick. Lemme hear it- put the money in the bag," She added sarcastically, smirking.
"Har har," Haru laughed, slowly standing. "Fuck off. Oh and- for what it's worth. I don't see a weapon. I see an emo girly who needs to get some sun," She joked back, smirking. "See you later."
"Come on," Fox huffed, as if jealous of the attention, pulling at Haru's arm.
"Yeah, yeah, coming Fox," Haru nodded with a curious glance back at Charlotte before focusing on the kitsune.
"Do you like her?" Fox pouted as they stepped into the hallway, and Haru raised an eyebrow, thoughtful.
"I don't think so? She's pretty- but she's human. We all are, in some sense, you know?"
"Mm…" Fox shook her head. "Well, if you're going to give her attention, I need MORE. Me first, kay?" She added, pouting, but there was something serious in her eyes, and Haru blinked, face reddening slightly.
"Fox,"
"I mean it, I don't want to lose you. I can't own you, that's not right- but, please, don't throw me away," Fox whispered, eyes suddenly glassy. For a long moment, they just stared down at each other, Haru's eyes softening. She leaned down, before she knew what she was doing, and…
"Hot," Lif chuckled, and the two girls flew apart as he wandered past, laughing. "No, I am sorry! I did not mean to make fun- women kissing is very nice. I am a fan. Please do continue- once I have gone to the shower rooms and given you a respectful distance!!"
"DIE!!!" Fox screamed, and Haru fell back against the wall, chest heaving with laughter.
-
"Well, well, well. A demon in an elven forge," A masculine voice rang out behind her, and Aurelia glanced back. The man standing there couldn't have been older than twenty- physically. His voice was gravely, though, and spoke of more winters than she could dream of seeing.
"They let me in, didn't break any rules, or bones," Aurelia huffed and returned to what lay before her. Molten steel, sweat running down her arms and back, wearing only her tight sports bra, sweatpants… and of course a massive apron, gloves, and goggles with her hair tied back in a messy knot.
"You don't wear a shirt- succubus, was it? No, you always preferred pixie."
"Hot in here," Aurelia winced, raising her hammer again. Again. Clang. Clang. Clang.
"Right… well, they had a reason for letting you in. Owed you a favor, was it? Elves have impeccable memories."
"Didn't come here to cash in old favors," Aurelia huffed. "Just didn't want to tell them more," She added, her tail flicking about, the heart at its tip opening and closing, acid dripping onto the floor. Slam. Slam. Slam.
"I want to know your reason. Won't you tell me? You have closer forges. Much more modern."
"Can't be interrupted," Aurelia snarled. "Going to do something stupid."
"What's that?"
"I hurt somebody. Forgot where I came from," Aurelia snapped, panting between slams of the hammer, chest heaving with effort, tight.
"Ahhh, the demons. All they do is destroy, and maim, and hurt- it's in their nature! Their very blood screams for pain- they are creatures of hell, and no better than from whence they came! Does that sound right, Starrian?" There was an irony in his tone, though; a smirk, not a scowl.
"I'm a Starrian. I'm also a demon. Fuck off," Aurelia groaned. Clang. Clang. Clang.
"Aurelia…"
"Let me bleed in peace, old man…"
"That is…"
"I can do more than hurt. More than destroy," Aurelia winced. Clang, clang. "This isn't about me, though."
"Sure it is."
"No. This is about… making my words mean something," Aurelia panted out, and before she could be interrupted, the woman dropped her hammer, took out a knife, and dragged it across her arm, cursing as blood flowed hotly down her arm, into the molten metal beneath her. "N-Ng…!!"
"Aurelia-"
"Shut the fuck up old man!!" Aurelia snapped, gritting her teeth. "S-Sorry, it HURTS!!"
"You saved men with death. How ironic, to think that you would be here to build… Pixie Steel is the right choice."
"Yeah, think so," Aurelia muttered, head swimming, vision fogging as, with her uninjured arm, she pulled the weapon free of its mould and slammed it into a pool to her right, watching the water steam and bubble. Swallowing, she glanced around at the empty forge and shook her head. "D-Damnit… get out of my head old man…" She swallowed, sighing. "You're… you're gonna be proud of me… I haven't lost my way… I'm gonna… come back from this…"
No footsteps. No breaths but her own. Aurelia slid down the wall, succumbing to her fatigue and closing her eyes.
Just for five minutes, kay? Then I'll get back up…