"I'm surprised you chose to be in this party of all parties." Emma directed her comment at Viana, the party sitting down around one another at a table within the Academy's courtyard. "You left initially, right?"
Viana kept her focus on the clouds above as they cast a shadow across campus. "Nice day..." She mumbled.
Qicy looked to Emma. "She already left before?"
Emma nodded.
Viana sighed through her nose. "I thought I'd get something out of being in the Prince's party, but instead, all I got was isolation and lies. I'm not a very tolerant person, as you may imagine, and I won't allow myself to be lied to, not by some stuck-up fuck of a Prince at least."
"D-Damn... from what I could tell, he was pretty competent, so..." Emma shrugged.
"He's an emotionally disconnected ass who only does shit for his own gain. I never cared about him. But I thought it would be a more... mutual arrangement amongst his ilk. But I was wrong, very wrong."
"Is it because of Rogier as well that you're kinda like this? Like... the whole lying thing?"
"Is it not the same for you? I'm aware of the incident involving the Kobold. Didn't help that I was risking my life for someone who didn't give a rat's ass about me, nor needed my help to begin with."
Emma blinked. "Really learnin' a lot about ya today, huh."
"Goes for both of us, I suppose."
"Uh... from what I could... read... You seemed pretty loyal to your Coven when you first came here. What happened?"
Viana just scoffed, not bothering to answer. "I'm more surprised you could read me like that."
"I've just... seen stories."
"Then they aren't exactly inaccurate then." Viana sighed, looking off into the distance. "Don't get me wrong, I still work to serve my Coven, but... my faith has been shaken, to put it simply."
"Awfully cavalier about that, are we?"
Qicy chimed in, a hand outstretched. "I'm Qicy Copperpot! Welcome to the team!" She smiled.
Viana looked down at the optimistic Halfling, blinking. "I know your name."
"Oh, sorry!" She laughed. "To be honest, you have such a regal air about you that I thought for sure you'd forget about someone like me!"
"I don't forget things so easily," Viana simply stated before shaking Qicy's hand. After a moment had passed, Viana turned back to look at Emma. "I'm rather surprised that you decided to bring me back onto the team after what happened."
Emma pursed her lips, contemplating for a moment. "Well... the reason why I thought it wouldn't be too bad to bring you back in is cause... well... from what I can see, you won't just fuck me over... I think? Will you fuck me over?"
Viana shook her head. "I'll try not to. I have no reason to betray any of you, nor did I have any reason to betray my last party."
"Yet you were lied to and technically betrayed. Sucks." Emma sighed.
"For a moment I thought you accepted me only because you found me attractive--"
"Wow! Where is that confidence coming from!" Emma cut her off. "No, I didn't!" Emma sighed again. "I have a thing goin' on, so I'm not thinkin' about attractiveness when bringin' people in, okay?"
"I know, I was joking."
"You speak so dryly, I-I can't tell."
Viana shrugged.
"Alright!" Emma clapped. "Meeting adjourned. Glad to have ya with us, Viana."
Another shrug.
Dahlia smiled. "I'd like to say the same."
"Redhead's right-hand woman is speaking to me, finally."
"H-huh!?" Dahlia recoiled, put off by the comment.
"You two are stuck to each other's hips essentially, that's for sure. What are you two? Dating?"
Emma broke out into a coughing fit at the sudden question. "What's it to you!? I didn't take ya for a gossip!"
"So I was right."
Dahlia huffed, a frustrated expression on her face. "Anyway, thanks for coming back."
Viana smirked. "No problem~."
From there, the party went on their separate ways. "Oh, wait..." Emma stopped as both she and Dahlia had already made it some ways away from the table they had been sitting at earlier. "Shit! I forgot to bring up the celebration party!"
Dahlia's face dropped as well, eyes wide. "You're right! AH!" She teetered off into a groan. "Maybe we can text it?" She took out a phone almost as big as her palm, paging through her texts.
"Yeah, that works." Emma sighed. "Would Viana even come through?"
Dahlia shrugged. "I have no clue, but we might as well try."
"It'll only be us four..." Emma twisted her lips, and an uncomfortable expression sat on her face. "Shit... should we invite Meli and that Tymera chick?"
"You guys on good terms?"
"Better terms."
"I don't see why not then."
Emma took out her phone as well. "Then I'll invite them."
***
It would be more accurate to refer to the races of the world more as if they were separate, but closely related species to one another. This leads into the main topic of discussion here, but there is a massive variety of species in the world, ranging from Humans to Elves. Though no species is inherently superior to another, they do have particular advantages they can have over one another, along with different traits that may cause some of the known races to have a slightly different, or even immensely different, daily life from one another. In general, most races can mate with one another in some way, without causing a misunderstanding.
Elven races generally have a lower libido, a larger age range, better hearing, and superior sight compared to many existing species in the world. Of course, in general, longer living species have less of a drive to seek any romantic affection as a whole, or even a sense of unity with their own brethren. It still exists, but a lot of Elves in their later years become much more secluded compared to their younger selves. Their bodies are more lithe to support their more dexterous and quick pursuits-- too fit into tight spaces, et cetera.
Compared to Elves' closest relatives, through the Humans or Dwarves, they consistently are races that have a much higher libido compared to their long-eared counterparts. If we were to make a more apt comparison, the Elf population would actually number within the tens of millions, compared to many other races.
Humans have inconsistent libidos, but because of this, they are much more numerous, which also puts lifespan into consideration. The Human lifespan is neither too long nor too short—the perfect middle ground to lead to Humans being as dominant a species as they are currently. Dwarves are somewhat similar, sporting higher muscle mass and weight at birth, which explains their shorter stature. They are also plentiful, but due to their slightly increased lifespans, they are much more antisocial in comparison, similar to elves. In terms of their population, they do, in fact, rival humans, interestingly enough. Humans are around 4 billion strong, whilst Dwarves are around 2 billion, and, rivaling even them, are Haflings.
The Halfling population has been steadily increasing over the years due to their social nature and shorter lifespans compared to Humans, though not by much, mind you. Haflings often have bodies most suitable to withstand physical damage or strain due to their bones having special joints. However, they may not have a strength advantage from having naturally high muscle mass or other factors. Due to how their "bones" and "body" work, they are often considered to be very "lucky." As stated, they have special joints that can absorb the impact of high-speed objects or effects. Their body also naturally relaxes whenever they are in high-stress situations, rather than tensing up like other races.
Goblins, of course, have the most inconsistent population count, though. They mate constantly, but so many of them don't live long enough to reach sixty, which is the oldest a Goblin can get. There are a lot of factors that explain why Goblins have ended up the way they are now, and it's by no means their fault. This includes some stigmas surrounding Orcs, but we'll address them later.
A lot of species that would be put under the Boglyathrope identification were essentially conscripted by the Evil Gods of the world against their will, causing a lot of oppression and biases that persist even to this day.
Goblins tend to be hyperactive, but other than that, their population remains as inconsistent as it was in the past. However, what can be confirmed is that Goblins have the highest libido among most races and thrive in deep cave environments.
To put it another way, we can now move on to the main topic of conversation—the most odd, and deadly combination of all, Jotunn and Orcs. First, let's talk physiognomy.
To talk about the physiognomy of a Jotunn, or an Orc, comparisons are going to have to be made. Orcs, surprisingly enough, actually share a lot of similarities with the Beastkin races of the world-- that being Catfolk, Minotaurs, et cetera. The bodies of Orcs, or even their strength, can be compared to something like a chimpanzee, or a strong ape of some kind. It's the reason why Orcs can be both incredibly durable and possess an exceptional amount of strength. Unfortunately, though, what makes the comparison between Beastkin an apt comparison is through the Orc's hormone cycles.
Orcs often experience either a hormonal imbalance or an excess, depending on the time of year, the day, or the circumstances. This can apply to many other species, but it sounds unusual when stated aloud. There is science behind this, I swear. (By the way, like I said, this will always be the case; no species is superior to the other.) Orcs more often than not have a harder time regulating their emotions compared to a lot of different races. The thing is, though, with enough time and practice, there is a way to record the cycles an Orc can go through during their lifetime.
These cycles, though, are most apparent in the Women of the Orc community, however. Male Orcs have these cycles, but when they have a specific day and month when the Women of the Orcs are almost guaranteed to be able to conceive, things get odd. Similar to the Drow, Female Orcs are the dominant force within their species for this exact reason.
Think of the cycles of Orcs as similar to those of Lions, but with higher mood swings.
Let's talk about the Jotunn. They are large; to compensate for this stature, they have a muscle mass comparable to that of a Gorilla, a lot of which is focused in the leg region of the body to keep themselves upright. Due to their large bodies, they are also exceptionally resistant to the cold. Still, they must endure it just as much, as the Jotunn could easily overheat themselves under the wrong circumstances.
A little-known fact, though, is that Jotunn possesses a gland in their body that converts the fat they accumulate over time into cooling agents, allowing their body to function in hotter environments.
Jotunn themselves hold a longer lifespan, but, in contrast to Elves or Dwarves, desire connections. From here on, I will make statements based on observations, as the Jotunn are a very tight-knit species that rarely speak of themselves or allow themselves to be examined by the widely known scientific world. Jotunn are incredibly territorial. They are a race that uses violence as little as possible, but will enact said violence when necessary, being taught within their cultures not to be afraid of violence, to embrace it when the situation calls for it.
Maybe it is due to the Jotunn's physiology that a situation may occur for a long-lived race to desire connections so deeply. Perhaps it is the culture they were raised in that teaches the value of family and how something so deeply entrenched in their very way of living has seeped into them almost like a forced evolution — the importance of their ancestry from the Jotnar, and more.
There is a common thread here, but as stated, the Jotunn are very territorial. They treat the connections they have within their life as if that alone is a deity to worship.
Now I pose the question. What would happen if a Jotunn and an Orc mixed?
Emma, wearing a worried expression, scrolled through her phone, searching for the best course of action for her and Dahlia's relationship, and found various articles that reiterated the same talking points from before. Emma had to dig through a lot of trash, though, even to be able to get here, as most articles would be some bizarre hit piece on Orcs as a whole, calling them inferior, or maybe another article talking about how all Elves are pompous, no matter what.
Racist rhetoric. Speciesist Rhetoric? Is that even a word? Emma looked up as the door to her karaoke room was pushed open by Dahlia herself, forcing Emma to exit out of any tabs that could make her look bad before shutting off her phone altogether.
Emma chuckled. "Wow, you really are with me everywhere, huh?"
Dahlia laughed back, sitting right beside Emma. "Yeah, I guess I am." She playfully stuck out her tongue, hand up in an apologetic gesture. "Sorry~! It's gonna take a lot to get rid of me."
Emma thought back to some points she had read in the articles a few minutes ago. "Y-yeah, I'd imagine." Most of that shit probably wasn't real anyway. Maybe I'm overthinking it. She thought to herself as she relaxed into her seat.
Only a few seconds had passed before the next person came in, Meliana peeking into the room curiously before throwing herself into the booth. "Yo, Roja!" She waved at Emma, then looked to Dahlia, "Hola..." Meliana paused, scanning her. "I can't think of a nickname."
"I didn't want my nickname."
Dahlia's face lit up. "A nickname? You're gonna give me a nickname?" Dahlia giggled, then mumbled. "I've never had a nickname before."
Meliana huffed. "Yeah, I give people nicknames and shit, and I just realized I didn't give you one." She paused. "Is Gigante too on the nose?"
Viana entered the room, squeezing past Meliana into the booth, who recoiled at her sudden approach. "I'm here."
"Watch yer ass!" Meliana was forced to press herself against the booth chair, the best she could, to avoid Viana due to her small stature, making her face get too close for comfort to that ass mentioned above.
Viana shrugged, sitting down a fair distance away from Meliana.
"Oh wow, you actually got here pretty early," Emma commented, surprised.
"I have definitely arrived." A beat. "We're gonna sing karaoke or something?"
"Ain't nothin' wrong with a good sing."
Dahlia's smile grew wider. "I'm so excited! We're having a proper get-together, and there isn't the threat of someone coming to kill us! No loud music, no strangers! Just a us celebration!"
Emma chuckled. "Yeah, I know, right?"
Dahlia quickly turned to Emma with the most joy she had shown to the girl since they had first met, a beaming white smile almost blinding her as she continued, "Absolutely! Gods, I feel like all the stress is leaving my body all at once~!" Dahlia turned back around, clasping her hands together before breaking into a big stretch.
Emma couldn't help but stare and smile.
Viana raised a hand. "Are we gonna get drinks?"
Emma cocked a brow. "Like, alcohol?"
"Yeah."
"Absolutely."
"I! The Great Tymera has arrived with your iconic Halfling companion!" Her stomach holds Qicy, kept close to the tall devil woman's hip.
Qicy held a fist out triumphantly. "I have arrived~!"
"Hey," Meliana spoke up, directed toward Emma. "You don't mind if I invite someone, right?"
"No?"
"Well... I already invited them, but yeah, you don't mind if they come around?"
"Why would I?"
"It's that cat guy from the club."
"Oh?" Emma paused, thinking for a moment. "I don't really care, sure. You already invited 'em after all, why would I care now?" She snickered, her smile then slowly becoming a half-lidded smirk. "Anywho... why him?"
Meliana shrugged, "He's chill," Sharing a smirk with Emma.
Eventually, the booth was mainly packed in, becoming full when Ao arrived, sitting right beside Meliana.
Party Begins!
Tymera laughed triumphantly. "Gods! We really are packin' this place in, aren't we!?"
Emma sighed. "Okay, so... first-- Let's order some food, water, and..."
Viana held a hand up. "I can get my own drink."
"Sick, alright..." Emma popped her lips. "For now, I'll just decide on food." She took a tablet that had been set aside for a special occasion. "How are we feelin' on wings?"
"Absolutely."
"Man, I'm hungry."
"We need so much that we can feast on the bones-- does that make sense?"
Emma sighed again. "Okay, wings. Lemon Pepper, Buffalo?"
Meliana held up two fingers. "Two buffalo, two lemon pepper, some barbecue-- does that sound good?"
Dahlia let out a curious hum. "There should be a bigger-sized platter, too, actually. Terror Bird wings sound good..." Dahlia's mouth was practically watering looking over Emma's shoulder.
"I'll go with the biggest they can muster then," Emma said, ordering the wings. "Okay... next... pizza is a given, right?"
In nigh unison, "Yeah." From everyone within the booth.
"Okay, pizza as well."
Almost an hour later, alcohol and food had finally arrived, and everyone was digging into their meals along with any beverage that they could've ordered during that time.
"I guess I'll try and sing first," Ao commented, grabbing the mic and putting a song on for everyone to listen to. "Okay!"
Emma put a thumb up. "You got this, cat boy!"
"Not my name! It's Aoderiin, no 'cat boy'!" He laughed.
"Long ass name, I can't remember that shit!"
"Then just call me Ao! Alright, shut up! I'm about to sing!"
"Boo~!"
"Shut up!" Ao couldn't hold back his laughter as he brought the mic up to his face.
[♪The Distance by CAKE♪]
The party officially begins, people shooting the shit with one another, drinking, and singing. Meliana paid attention closely as the others focused on their meals or drinks, but nobody dared to interrupt, letting Ao take the spotlight for this moment, along with those that followed.
After a couple more hours, the singing had stopped, and the group moved on to playing party games. Taking initiative, Meliana placed a bottle on the table right in front of them. "It's simple-- Truth or Dare. We spin the bottle; whoever it lands on has to choose Truth or Dare. Whoever spun the bottle must make the command, or have a question ready."
Emma's face dropped. "Oh Gods."
"Of course, if you don't want to do it, you gotta take a shot!"
Emma blinked through her drunken state, leaning onto Dahlia. "Alright! Let's get more fucked up then." She laughed, holding up a glass before setting it back down, nursing a nearby glass of water instead.
At this rate, Tymera was the only one not at the very least tipsy, whilst Emma and Viana were getting hammered.
"Of course," Meliana continued. "Since I'm the one who put the bottle down, I'll spin it first~!"
Dahlia steeled herself with a huff, leaning forward onto the table. "I'm ready."
"Let's go!" Meliana put her hand on the bottle and then spun it as best she could. "Emma!"
"What!?" She exclaimed. "Already!?"
"Truth or Dare, Roja?"
Emma clicked her tongue. "Uh... dare, maybe?"
"Okay, okay. I get ya, Roja. Let's start with somethin' tame."
"I hoped you would."
"Hit..."
"Hit?"
Meliana scanned the room, and everyone suddenly became cautious. "Ao!"
"Oh! Fuck off!" He cried whilst Emma, without hesitation, reached across the table, smacking the ever living shit out of this poor cat man, causing him to almost fall from his seat.
Emma sat back down, a smile on her face. "Alright!" Before spinning the bottle herself.
After a small period of spinning, the bottle finally landed on someone, Dahlia.
Both of them cheered, Emma then pointing at Dahlia. "Truth or Dare~!"
"Truth!"
Emma rubbed her chin, attempting to think of a question to ask. "I can't imagine there being a lot of questions I could ask."
"Why do you think that?"
"You're a bit of an open book, y'know?"
"No! There are plenty of things I haven't said about myself!"
"Really now?" Emma slurred, snickering. "Okay, I'll think of something... Hm..." A pause, "What's something everyone else loves that you absolutely fuckin' despise?
Dahlia blinked. "Uh... that's a hard one. Oh... man. There really aren't a lot of things I hate..."
"I dunno, it doesn't even have to be something you hate. Just something you don't like that everyone else likes."
"I think pho is better than ramen."
"That's not really controversial."
Meliana looked perplexed. "How is that not controversial?"
"It's because she's right!"
"Nah! Saying one is just superior though? At the very least, someone should see them as equals!"
"Cowards," Viana spoke up, hand on the table, her face showing an even deeper shade of blue. "I think they're both mid!"
"Oh, shut up!"
As they argued, Dahlia reached out for the bottle, spinning it. After a moment, it landed on Aoderiin. "Oh, shit, it's me." He mumbled.
Dahlia held a hand up. "Truth or dare?"
"I'll go with Truth."
"What is... your most embarrassing moment?"
"Shit." Ao paused. "I've had a lot of those."
Meliana chuckled. "I bet you have, Gato."
"Yeah, I definitely have." He groaned, taking a shot before spinning the bottle for himself. "I'm not answering that. I'm not humiliating myself here."
"It's gonna happen eventually." Meliana snickered, elbowing the cat man.
"Wait, how!?" Dahlia looked down at the bottle, which was now pointed back at her.
"Aha!" Ao yelled. "Alright, Truth or Dare~!"
"Dare."
"Oh, really?" Ao smirked, slouching in their chair. "Hm~... what would be a good dare?"
"I've actually never played this game before," Dahlia whispered to Emma before straightening herself up again, watching Ao expectantly.
"Sing a love song for..." He rhythmically clicked his tongue, scanning the room. "Do it for Meli." He gestured to her, and Meliana rolled her eyes in response.
"To her?" Dahlia looked around the room for a moment, Emma watching with an unidentifiable expression, resting her head on her hand. Before she said another word, she grabbed a shot and threw it down the hatch. She shook her head to get the feeling of burning out from her throat. "Nope."
"Oh, come on! That's two now-- me and her that took a shot to avoid one..."
Dahlia spun the bottle, still making a sour expression from the last drink she had. After a moment, the bottle pointed to Qicy. "Oh, hey! Truth or Dare, Qicy?"
The Halfling girl giggled, "I've never done anything like this before, this is so fun! Uh... Dare! I want you to--"
"N-No, no!" Dahlia chuckled. "You have to do the Dare, Qicy."
"Oh... Regardless, Dare!"
"Okay..." Dahlia rubbed her chin, thinking about her answer. "What would you be willing to do?"
Emma smacked Dahlia's shoulder. "Willing!? It isn't about if it's willing, darlin'. You gotta do it or drink! No sympathy!" Emma cheered.
Dahlia nodded. "S-Sorry." Clearing her throat, she pursed her lips, looking back at Qicy with a speculative glare. "D-Do uh... man... why am I struggling so much to think of something now?" Dahlia paused for a beat. "Do... uh... 100 squats?"
"Okay!" Qicy scuttled out from her seat and under the room's table before hopping out and doing what she was told, starting her squats. "One! Two! Three!"
Emma chuckled, resting her head on her hand. "Oh shit, she's actually doin' it."
Dahlia shrugged. "It was the best I could think of."
"Spin it for me!" Qicy yelled.
Dahlia complied, spinning the bottle. A few seconds passed before finally landing on its target; this time, it was Meliana.
"AY!" Emma cheered, laughing to herself.
Qicy looked at Meliana, who smirked, looking back at the Halfling girl. "Okay! Wh-What do you c-choose!?"
"Truth~!" Meliana held up her glass, fully ready to chug it down if the question was too personal.
"Uh... s-so..." Qicy huffed, shaking her head to regain her composure. "W-What's your... uh... favorite candy!?"
"What? Candy?" Meliana chuckled. "You got a better question?"
"What!? No?"
"Uh... Whatever, that'll do, chica." Meliana reached over the table to spin the bottle. "Viana! Ha!"
Viana, eyes half-lidded, smirked as the bottle landed onto them. "It is my time to shine." She cracked her knuckles in response.
Emma smirked. "Never seen this side of you before, Viana."
"You haven't known me long enough to have... until now, actually. Huh?" Viana chuckled. "I'll go with a Dare. I ain't a pussy!"
"This chick is losin' her mind." Emma laughed.
Meliana's smile widened. "Okay~!" She spun the bottle again.
"W-Wait, what are you doing?"
"Emma!"
"What!?" The bottle pointed towards her. "Mel, what is this?"
"Kiss her!"
"Huh!? Yo--" Before Emma could speak, Viana lunged across the table, grabbing her face and planting her lips onto hers. Emma stiffened up, eyes going wild in confusion. They sat there for a moment, the entire room recoiling in shock as a massive smirk remained on Meliana's face. Viana pulled away, landing back into her side of the booth.
"I did what I was asked." Viana nursed a glass of water.
Meliana cackled, clutching her stomach; the rest of the group was flabbergasted that Viana actually followed through with the Dare. Qicy went pale, though, stopping halfway through her squats, muttering the words, "Uh oh..."
Meliana pointed at Qicy, "Ah! You still have some squats to go!"
"O-Oh!" Qicy continued doing her squats, slowly becoming worn down from the physical activity.
Emma put a hand over her lips, wiping off Viana's lipstick with a thumb, eyes wide in shock. Emma swallowed hard, looking over at Dahlia. Veins popped out from her neck, and her entire body flexed in fury; her ruby red eyes flared open, staring daggers at Meliana.
"I-I, I wasn't fast enough, I-I'm sorry..." Emma averted her gaze.
Dahlia's eyes snapped to look at Emma, taking a calmer expression before rolling up her sleeve and wiping Emma's mouth furiously.
"W-Wait! AH!"
Meliana snickered, a hand over her mouth.
Dahlia's ears flicked, her eyes landing on the small Kobold girl, staring daggers once more.
Some hours had passed, their celebratory party progressively becoming more and more disjointed and wild. Soon enough, the hours for their room had run out. The group was forced out of the Karaoke Bar, Dahlia leaning onto Emma after somehow managing to drink much more than she had throughout the entire excursion.
Then, they walked, sectioned off from one another, but still sticking together until they reached the Dorms.
Emma, red in the face from all of the alcohol they had drunk, attempted to keep steady, using their suit's tail to do so as they teetered from left to right against Dahlia's weight. "Fuck, this thing has been a whole ass mess." Emma glared at Meliana from afar, watching as she playfully headbutted Aoderiin. "She definitely did that just to piss us off... she's bitter from me kicking her out, isn't she?"
Dahlia pouted. "You kissed Viana..."
"S-She forced it! I tried to stop it, but she got to me before I could react!"
"I've seen you react faster."
"Combat and a casual environment are two different things!" Emma slurred, almost stumbling over herself.
"It doesn't change that you could've stopped it..."
Emma sighed. "I'm sorry... I didn't wanna do it, okay?" I'm more surprised that she's hung up on it to begin with, though I don't blame her. It pissed me off as well.
Dahlia began to take more steady steps, still holding onto Emma's back.
"You feelin' better?" Emma looked up to see Dahlia still pouting, looking down at Emma. "Um...?"
"You owe me."
"W-What do I owe you?"
"Y-"
At the front of the group, Meliana spoke up. "Yo! What's your deal, huh!?" Standing a few meters away from Meliana is a massive, pale woman, smiling. Meliana rolled her forked tongue across the back of her teeth. "You don't look very friendly, chica!"
The woman bowed. "You have great instincts, little Kobold."
Meliana reached into her belt, pulling a pistol out. "Ah... I don't like that attitude."
Aoderiin took a scarf out of his bag and threw it around his neck. "This stinks of shit..." He sighed, breath shaking from the nerves.
Tymera closed the distance between herself and Meliana. "This... that chick is stronger than me..." She smirked. "Just means she'll bring me to greater heights." Forming a portal beside her, she reached in to grab a longsword from within.
The woman smiled. "I am so happy that you are all prepared."
Emma cringed. "Shit, Rider's repairs aren't finished!"
The woman licked her lips. "I wouldn't want to disappoint."
Combat Begins!
"Don't let h--" Meliana was about to speak before this woman, clearly a Vampire, closed the distance in the span of a blink. CRACK! One moment, Meliana's feet are planted firmly into the ground, and in the next, she is sent spiraling through the air a good twenty meters away from the party, hitting the ground with a fleshy splat.
Tymera watched as her friend spiraled through the air, barely able to react as she was the next target in this onslaught. She gasped, and in that split second, she raised her blade, blocking the monster's strike against her body, sliding across the ground, hands shaking in pain.
The woman chuckled. "That felt good~."
"Shit..." Emma mumbled with a shaky voice, rushing to Meliana's aid. Emma scrambled over, sitting on her knees right beside the dying Kobold as they sputtered blood out from their lips. "S-Shit! Don't die!" Emma ran a hand through her bag, grabbing a metal rod from within a medkit before feeling out onto Meliana's chest, feeling for any pressure. "Got it!"
Ao whipped his head around to check on Meliana before looking back at the woman a few meters away from him. "You bitch!" He growled, rolling a gun out of a holster within the scarf. "You're my target!" He declared, leveling his weapon at the monstrous Vampire in front of him.
Pop! Pop! Two shots, both deflected by the woman, crushing the bullets with her fingertips. As she focused on Ao, a louder, more powerful shot fired out, hitting her straight in her side, blood pouring out like a river. "Oh?" She smiled. "Where did that come from?" Another shot, the woman being forced to weave out of the way.
Soon enough, her gaze locks onto a hiding Viana as she submerged herself in the darkness of a nearby alleyway.
CRUNCH! Meliana gagged, reflexively waking up as a metal rod was jabbed into her chest by Emma, blood spraying out from the tube. Soon, air returned to her, blinking away the pain.
Dahlia yelled to Emma, "I'm assisting the front!"
"Yeah! I'll help back here!" She replied.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Dahlia sprinted forward, making her way to the frontline before swinging down onto the Vampire, and, instead of a shield in hand, she had two encompassing Manica gauntlets. Her fist crashed into the Vampire, causing them to stagger back, licking their lips.
"W-What happened?" Meliana looked up at Emma, bleary-eyed.
"You got kicked hard enough that I thought you got hit by a fuckin' horse, girl! Just stay still, you almost died!"
"My-- My body hurts..."
Qicy ran over, forcing a health potion down Meliana's throat just as Emma removed the tube from her ribcage. "Yeah! Got here in time!"
This moment of positivity was suddenly interrupted by the sound of crushing metal and torn flesh as blood sprayed throughout the air—Dahlia's blood. There was only a dent on her Manica Gauntlets, but they managed to bypass through Dahlia's defenses, cleaving her straight through the cheek, a little down the neck. Blood poured out, rolling down her chest. Dahlia could barely keep herself standing, seeing double.
In that exact moment, Tymera's blade sliced cleanly through the Vampire's body, leaving a similar blue marking before fading, identical to Hero's gleaming blade, forcing the Vampire to recoil in pain after their devastating attack on Dahlia, and in response, they retaliated.
"Wa-" Before Tymera could speak, her body was thrown straight into the building behind her, her arm flying through the air as it was blown clean off one of her shoulders.
The group watched in a stunned silence.