Reborn From the Cosmos

Had long had it been since she had a real challenge?

Not in the sense of facing powerful creatures. Alana did that every day. Her teacher was the size of a bug and a devote pacifist, but she had no doubt that if Rolly ever decided to fight, Alana wouldn't stand a chance. She was reminded of Kierra's strength every time the elf came to meld her body, occasionally taking the opportunity to wrestle her to the ground if Alana squirmed under her attentions.

As for Lou, she'd just reminded them of her strength. Reminded Alana of her goal and just how much work she'd have to put in to reach it. Lou hadn't taken the man's swings, but Alana doubted she'd have to set her feet or control the shaking in her arms. More telling was that the knight hadn't been able to respond to Lou's blow. Whatever the means available to the crown, it couldn't compare to the combined efforts of a succubus and a pure affinity. Once more, her lover was so far beyond her opponent in power, skill didn't enter the equation. The knight was an annoyance, one she could tolerate or slap away at will. He meant nothing to her.

That's why Alana wanted the fight.

"Alana…"

She didn't expect Lou to be thrilled about her decision. Didn't know how to explain it in a way the hedonistic woman would understand. If Lou could go the rest of her life without encountering a single challenge, she'd happily agree.

Alana wasn't a fan of struggling either. The difference between them was that the northerner had embraced it. Blood and pain were in her blood now. She saw the value in pushing herself. In facing a challenge she wasn't quite prepared for. A warrior honed themselves with training, but they evolved in battle, the more intense the better.

Besides, she wasn't truly in danger. With Kierra's pure affinity, the knight would have to completely destroy her, all at once, to keep her down. They may not be equals, but she was not so weak that he could annihilate her with a single move. Truly, the biggest danger was Lou's reaction if he managed to cause her substantial damage; it'd be a shame if the city was leveled again when it was finally starting to recover.

Thankfully, there was someone in their clan that understood.

"Let her have her fun," Kierra said, tone light and amused. "We interrupted her training."

"Saints preserve me…fine." Alana didn't see her pout, which her prideful lover would probably delude herself into thinking was a scowl, but imaging it made her smile.

"Care to make a wager?" Butterfly adds.

"I'm not making a bet against someone that can see the future."

"Why not? You can spare the crowns."

"It's the principle. Doing something that brainless is just asking for the saints to curse me. And stop distracting me! What happened to you? You saw something about us, didn't you?"

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Alana tuned them out, wholly focused on her opponent. She didn't have incredible senses like her lovers. They'd be able to see through and into him, but to her, all she can see is the threat of a well-armed opponent. A reluctant one. She can see his hesitation in the dip of his blade. A hint of de-escalation.

"I don't want to fight you, but I've been given a direct order from the king," he intoned gravely. "To keep me from fulfilling it would be obstruction of lawful duty. Treasonous. I could detain you all."

"And what are you using that authority for? To follow a woman who doesn't want your protection? To impede the duties of someone whose concerns are far greater than the worries of a soldier?"

Frustration leaks into his tone. "No one's concerns rank higher than the crown. We are all servants. That woman forgets her place. It makes me wonder why she's so eager to be rid of me. Proves the king had good reason to want her watched. I will not turn a blind eye while she consorts with the women who leveled a city and slew hundreds for a petty trifle."

Alana wouldn't call kidnapping friends and family a petty trifle. "Justify it however you like. We are going to leave and you are not going to accompany us."

"I can't allow that."

It was pitiful the man thought he had a choice. It was delusional he thought he was anything other than a distraction to the monsters seated at the table. Alana didn't look down on him for it. If she hadn't met Lou, she'd be in the same position, her world and understanding of it confined to the narrow views of the north. She wasn't here to broaden his mind. They would fight, she would grow, and then they'd go their separate ways. If he was lucky, he'd never have to encounter their clan again. If he was smart, he'd ensure he didn't.

The knight sighed. "A duel it is. I am York, knight of the crown," he announced, as if they stood in an arena rather than a random field. The pageantry made her want to sneer. Not just because of how ridiculous he looked introducing himself to an enemy, but because it reminded her of her teacher.

Smile! Shine! Whether you realize it or not, all the world's a stage and someone is always watching!

The lueorale lived by a strange philosophy; the strong were destined to live interesting lives. Like a scripted drama, trouble followed them, seeking them out whether they hid in the darkest caverns or atop the highest peaks. To fight it was to go mad; nothing lasted forever, not even peace. But to lean into it, to embrace the narrative, to control it, was also a kind of power.

Alana didn't know how much of it she believed. Just because this York had presented himself like the old knights in tales of chivalry didn't mean some grand force was directing her life and directing her toward the most dramatic outcomes.

But, on the off chance that there were all-powerful creatures watching her and judging her based on her style…

Inwardly questioning how her life had deviated so far from her simple dream of slaying titans, she twirled her sword in a uselessly flamboyant gesture and met the knight's stern glare. "Alana James…knight of my clan."

"What are the rules of our bout?"

Rules? Did he think this was training, where a grizzled knight would pull them apart by the back of their pants if they got too excited? Were they holding wooden swords? Did someone draw a ring in the dirt when she wasn't looking?

"Don't die."

"Foolish. Healers cannot cure death."

Showed how much he knew. Alana had watched someone brought back from having their neck broken. Lou was damn near invincible but if something managed to break through the incredible defenses of her crafted form, she could shrug off a fatal blow with the same ease as breathing. If you were strong enough, death was a suggestion, not a threat.

"Fine. If you want to risk your life, so be it. Don't expect me to take it easy on you."

"I'd be offended if you did."