The final clean up only took a couple of hours and everyone found themselves collecting themselves back at the entrance to Vim.
Harley stretched her arms out taking in the warm waning sunlight. "I think we should celebrate." Trina snapped her fingers drawing everyone's attention. Then flashing some signs with her hands.
"Nico laughed, "Your right Trina, we can go and celebrate at Hinori's place."
Harley raised an eyebrow. "Who is Hinori?"
Holly jumped on Nico's back. "Oh she is Nico's new girlfriend."
"REALLY!" Harley's face lit up.
Nico shrugged Holly off him. "She is just a friend, gods you guys have to stop with that. I mean its not like-"
Holly and Harley started laughing at his flustered reaction. As the group walked together down the street people were already out, disabling the isolation shields and setting up merchant stalls again. A few people gave them waves and a few handed them fruit. By the time they exited the Vim slums they had various gifts in their arms. Marty was sitting in the car waiting patiently. He turned, seeing everyone coming his way and got out of the car in a rush. "Lady Harley! I assume everything went well."
Harley smiled brightly, her hand on her hip. "Well I'd say that this incident was truly a tragedy, but yes we resolved it. We are going to head to a celebration, wanna come with?"
Marty scowled. "Aren't I the one that's driving you regardless?"
Nico raised a hand shifting some of the fruit in his arm. "Actually can you also give Holly and I a lift as well? We kinda ran here."
Trina signed out with her hands and Nico laughed. "Trina as well."
The group piled into the car with Nico stuck in the back between Holly and Harley as they chatted and laughed, Trina sat in the front with Marty as he drove toward The Roost. Marty kept his eyes forward feeling a bit out of place in this setting. He glanced nervously over at Trina, her Owl mask obscuring her face from him. "So umm, it's nice to meet you, Lady Trina." Trina's amber eyes flicked over to him as he drove, and he glanced at her awkwardly. She cracked a smile and winked at him, making him lower his gaze, his face going a bit red.
"Hey hey! Trina, don't go stealing my Hatchling now!" Harley shouted from the back seat. "That's my errand boy!"
Trina rolled her eyes under the mask. Waving her hand dismissively in the air. Nico laughed, looks like I'm not the only one that needs to be teased for picking up a significant other."
Marty jerked the wheel at his statement. "Lord Nico that is, I couldn't be, I'm still in school Sir!"
Harley smacked Nico in the back of the head making him laugh more. "Nonsense you are literally the same age, Harley is only nineteen you know."
"NICO!" Harley exclaimed.
Holly burst out laughing then stopped. "Wait! Did you just admit it Nico! You said you wouldn't be the only one! Are you saying!"
"No. NO NO NO! I was just saying that-" Nico stammered trying to defend himself.
"Oh this is wonderful. We need to have a girl talk with Hinori stat!" Holly said excitedly. Nico just sighed accepting his current fate.
Harley moved up between the two front seats. "Oi Hatchling, don't go getting any idea's just because we are the same age!" Trina shoved her back into her seat by her face, a playful smile splayed across her lips.
After a few minutes of playful back and forth Marty pulled into the service area of the Roost even from here the building was impressive, the center of the city, the tallest building giving a full view of the surrounding at the upper levels allowing all the members of Skyflock a strategic location to respond to threats and activity within Yunirith. The Silver and gold trimming was something the city's people had demanded stating that the building needed to be a status symbol. Rolling his window down he handed the guard his identification. "Marty Sross sir."
The guard looked at his ID and sighed, "Look kid i can't just let anyone into the Roost this is an important place for. "Trina poked her head over for the guard to see and he shut up. "L-Lady Trina." The Guard hit the gate switch letting them in. "I'm sorry Lady Trina."
Marty pulled forward parking the car, "Is it alright to let us in like that?" Nico laughed at him stepping out of the Car.
"Don't sweat it. People find Trina scary all the time, no way someone would fake being her." Trina walked over and punched his shoulder, turning and walking toward the Roost's entrance. Nico rubbed his shoulder with a grin.
Harley looked up at the Tower and sighed, "So are you telling me you guys gave her an apartment here at the roost?" Nico and Holly nodded. "And Nico is claiming she is not his girlfriend?"
Nico folded his arms and nodded. "I'll admit she is pretty, and kind, and I did save her life, but that doesn't mean..." He trailed off. "Let's just go up and Visit OK." Holly laughed hard as they entered the Roost heading for the elevators. It didn't take long to reach Hinori's apartment. Harley whistled as they walked up to the door. "Pretty sweet deal for this girl, getting a home in a government building alongside some of the monster powerful people in the city."
Nico reached out to knock pausing, "she is being hunted, some guy in some kind of organization i wasn't really paying attention to him. He talked a lot." He knocked on the door and after a short pause the door creaked open. A Small lightly freckled face with Silver eyes peered from the crack, the door closed immediately and several locks could be heard unlatching. The Door swung open and Hinori jumped out, throwing herself at Nico in an embrace. Her blue and pink hair spilled out of a bun she had apparently attempted. "Nico! I'm glad you finally showed up!"
Holly eyed Harley who smirked at the small interaction between the two. Trina just rolled her eyes.
Hinori let go of Nico and looked around at present company, her eyes glittering with excitement. "Holly! Trina! It's lovely to have you here again!" She looked over at Harley and Marty. "Hello, I'm Hinori." She smiled brightly, closing her eyes as she did. Harley hadn't realized but her jaw was slightly agape in a bit of shock. This girl is too good for Nico. Harley's thoughts spilled over for a moment as she attempted to say high back but choked on her words. "Harley. I'm Harley." She finally sputtered out.
"I am Marty Sross, it is very nice to meet you, Lady Hinori." Marty gave a curt bow.
Hinori covered her face at the formal greeting. "No, I'm not a Lady, just Hinori please. Come inside, I want to treat everyone!" Hinori led the way inside, Trina pushing the dumbfounded Harley forward. Instantly the air changed as they entered the apartment, subtle flora scents filling the air and soft lighting giving a comfortable vibe. The apartment was till somewhat plain considering Hinori had literally just moved in that wasn't a problem. Harley bit her nail. "Need to help her decorate." The walls were still plain and white and the carpet was a pale grey. Hinori led them to the interior room where to everyone's surprise a few things were floating and doing autonomous tasks. A duster was dusting on its own getting the high corners of the room, a ladle was self stirring a pot on the stove, flowers sitting in the large window where being watered by a small pale floating around o n its own. The room itself had a few comfy chairs, a counter that separated the kitchen and the lounge, and a sofa positioned across from the chairs. Between them was a glass table. Hinori skipped over the pot and the ladle lifted up to her letting her sip whatever was inside.
Nico, somewhat unfazed, took a seat on a sofa in the middle of the room. Stretching out his arms, he looked over at everyone's bewildered expressions. "Ah right. Hinori is a witch, she uses Dralth."
Harley nodded, taking a seat in a chair across from Nico While Trina say next to him taking off her Owl mask and placing it on the table. Holly walked over to Hinori grabbing her hands excitedly, "Hinori lets cook something for everyone!"
Marty stood a bit rigid, he glanced nervously around the room, upon seeing Trina without her mask his mouth dropped open. "L-lord, La-ladies, is it really ok for me to be in this gathering?"
Harley reclined, putting her hands behind her head and crossing her legs, "Time for work is over Hatchling, take a seat and enjoy the leisure. And no calling us formally, look even Trina took off her mask."
Marty nodded, walking over and taking a seat in the chair next to Harley. Nico laughed. "I know this seems a bit overwhelming but we are people too you know. Just think of this as a friendly gathering." He held his hand out and generated a glass in his hand, dark liquid filling it seemingly out of nowhere.
Trina snatched the glass from him and sipped it slowly, relaxing in her own way. Nico laughed. "You know if you wanted something you could just ask, I can make most anything."
Harley shook her head, "Learn that on your three years journey Nico? While the rest of us where training you where you were learning to make booze with Aura, Teach me too."
Marty raised his hand, "I'll take some Lor- umm, Nico."
Nico looked at him with a bit of surprise, his face lighting up. "Now that's the spirit! He made a few more glasses and passed them to Harley and Marty. Trina held up her glass and Nico smiled clinking it with his own, Marty and Harley followed suit. Everyone took a sip, Nico exhaling satisfied, Trina nodding looking at the Glass, Harley and Marty both had a green expression.
"Nico what is this?!" Harley said touching it with her aura to investigate.
"I was deep in the Mountains of Grove when I came across a small village that brewed their own whiskey from ice pears. I loved it so much I learned to produce it with aura."
Harley stuck out her tongue as did Marty. Harley reached out and flicked Marty's glass. The liquid gained a small red hue, she did the same with her own, and took a sip. "Now that's better." Nico scowled, don't ruin it Harley!"
Marty sipped his as well, his face brightening up. "?t-that's amazing L- Harley, what did you do?" Harley beamed, I cut it with fruit juice, apple to be exact!"
Nico shook his head. "Honestly sweetening you alcohol like this is childish"
Holly giggled watching the small scene play out, "Now then Hinori what shall we make?" Hinori clapped her hand excitedly, "Cookies!"
"We need sugar, flour, lemon, salt flour, butter, and vanilla beans!" Holly held out her hand concentrating for a moment her aura swirling around, after a short moment a couple of lemons fell from her hand to the counter top. Hinori smiled. "Watch this." She moved her hands over the surface of her table, small characters glowing around her hands, she wrote on the counter top with her finger tracing out several of these characters. When she finished a pile of flour began to appear and build up until there was enough for several cookies. Hinori beamed with pride, her hands on her hips.
Holly gasped intrigued. "So how does that work exactly?" Hinori seemed to get excited at her question.
"I'm glad you asked! You see, as a witch, I am born from this energy source known as Dralth!" She waved her hand in front of Holly, a soft blue energy appearing as she did. "This grants me a natural affinity towards it, letting me weave the energy and convert it into things I imagine. Most practitioners need to use a chant that helps them visualize what they are trying to do." She snapped her fingers and the blue energy turned into an ice crystal. Anyone can learn to use Dralth but it takes time, practice and imagination. "
Holly nodded, understanding, "when we use our aura to make something we have to understand every molecule that makes up what we intend to make, we have to construct it from scratch."
Hiniori nodded , "That certainly seems difficult, so every-time Nico used his lightning to protect me he was thinking of all that?" Holly nodded, producing some sugar in her hand.
"Well Hinori, I don't know how to make butter. Do you think you can help me with that?" Hinori beamed, weaving her hands around producing butter. The two of them laughed, continuing to make the cookies, while everyone else conversed and drank together. After a while the cookies made their way into the over and Hinori set a time joining Nico sitting down beside him, Holly took the remaining chair plopping down with a joyful squeal. "I love the chairs in these apartments! I'm glad I signed the order to outfit every room with these chairs."
Nico raised an eyebrow, "Is that a wise use of taxpayer money?"
Holly waved a hand. "It's fine! I did it for every apartment in the city, the demand for the furniture is not creating several thousand jobs and raising the living standards all over the city."
Trina shrugged signing quickly with her hand before taking a sip of her whiskey.
Harley nodded, "Trina is right, you cant expect meatheads to understand the inner workings of managing a city."
Nico nodded as well, folding his arms. "I suppose that makes us meat heads."
They all collectively sighed, "I wish Dustin was here. " Holly groaned."
Harley laughed at her. "Of course he is one of the smart ones, better at all the bureaucracy than we are."
Hinori touched a finger to her chin musing for a moment. "How many of you are there in Skyflock? Well I mean with that same rank as Nico here."
Marty sipped his whiskey. "Currently there are twenty-four named Skyflock members."
Nico nodded. "That sounds about right, I don't think I really ever counted, but leave it to an academy student to know the deets."
Hinori grew wide eyed at the number, "And everyone is on the same level of strength?!"
Trina folded her arms, shaking her head. "How do I put it, it's true that we are all strong but between us we are all at various levels of power." Holly said, sipping her own beverage.
Harley smirked, "It's true, I am better than Trina, and Nico than me, but if we want to talk about real power It'd have to be Dez."
"Fay." Nico corrected.
"Tase you mean." Holly said with a raised eyebrow.
Everyone looked at Marty who sipped his drink. "I- I think Lord Kumiho is the strongest."
Everyone looked at each other and laughed, well yea I guess that's a given. He is the founder after all." Nico said downing his whiskey before refilling it. They continued to talk and share for several hours into the afternoon, the cookies ended up finishing and everyone enjoyed them along with the drinks provided by Nico. Eventually, everyone started to leave one by one, first Harley and Marty, then Trina, and finally Holly.
Holly stood up stretching, "Well this has been amazing but it's getting late i, and I have a massive amount of paperwork to do." She shuddered just saying it aloud. Looking back to Nico and Hinori she smiled, "I'm sure you two have plenty to talk about." Holly waved a hand and walked out of the room, closing the door to the apartment softly behind her. Her footsteps slowly receded away as Hinori and Nico sat quietly in each other's company for a moment.
Nico shuffled in place," How are you actually feeling about all this? I know it's a very sudden change, but I did say I would help you get a fresh start."
Hinori was quiet for a moment and rested her head on Nico's shoulder. I'd be lying if I said everything was fine."
Nico was tense, he hadn't expected her to rest her head on him. "Hinori, I don't want you to think I saved you because you were some beautiful girl in danger or..."
"Nico." Hinori sat upright looking at him until he met her gaze. "I don't think that, and I know you and I just met today and all, but I'd be lying if i said i wasn't interested in you, you saved my life after all."
Nico's face burned red hearing her words, it was basically a confession. He was very interested in Hinori after all, but it felt wrong, she was vulnerable right now, in pain, feeling great loss. Nico smiled at her, "I just want you to take all the time you need to process your grief, the last thing you need is someone like me trying to sweep you up while you are hurting."
Hinori gave a sad smile nodding " You really are a wonderfully kind person Nico." She moved in and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."
As Nico was standing up Hinori also stood keeping his gaze. He fumbled a bit and laughed, "Lets get some of this cleaned up before I head out."
Hinori nodded, breaking eye contact, her face bright red, I can't believe I just did that! Nico began to grab the tray of cookies and some of the glasses everyone had left on the table. "I know i kinda just made these glasses but you can keep them as a-" An explosion sound from outside. Nico put the items down and ran to the widow looking down from her apartment window Guardsmen were engaging some enemy at the front checkpoint, in close quarters combat. Nico recognized the uniforms on the enemy assailants, that leather tailored outfits with buttons running up the front, and straps on the shoulder. His eyes narrowed in on one next to an open tear in the air itself.
"Vesker."
Hinori gasped at the name, visibly trembling, she took a step back, slumping to the ground. Nico looked back to her and smiled, "You don't have to worry, You're in Yunirth City now." His voice became serious. "And no one harms a citizen here, not without going through Skyflock." He slid open her window, it slid smoothly on its track clicking into place as he jumped out of it toward the ground several dozen stories down. As he exited the window closed again, and a blue shield erupted over it. Hinori crawled over to it, tears in her eyes as she watched Nico plummet toward the invading Witch Hunters.
Vesker looked up at the building before him, it was impressive, clad in white and gold, and with many windows the technology of this world was much like a few others he had been to, and fundamentally more advanced than that of The Diminutive Authority. "I guess those that rely on Dralth need not advance in technology, " he thought inwardly criticizing The Diminutive Authority. The Witch Hunters after all were only allied with them temporarily. He started walking forward, the sounds of hundred of feet marching sounded around him as his men bled fourth from the rift he had created. His thoughts drifted to the man that had saved the witch earlier that day, he was indeed impressive, but not invincible. Looking over his troops that filed forward he nodded, I will not underestimate him.
Ahead of him several men clad in White modern looking armor filed out rifles trained forward. One of them with a wing pained on his chest plate stepped forward. "You will all be taken into custody for trespassing on Restricted Skyflock grounds. Vesker snapped his fingers and all of his men formed ranks. He stepped forward and held his arms behind his back. "I am Commandant Vesker of the 77th Witch Hunter Corps. I am here on business hunting a dangerous fugitive, I advise you too hand her over to me."
The man with the wing folded his arms, "No authority of any other power is recognized within these walls, be they a King, or an Emperor. He drew his sword on his hip and leveled it at Vesker. "You will be taken by force, we do not negotiate with other powers hostile or otherwise."
Vesker gave a hand sign from behind his back and one of his soldiers stepped forward generating an orb of blue flame that made the air shimmer. The orb seems to scream as it sucked in oxygen hungrily burning bright enough to create intense glare and shadows even against the direct sunlight beating down on the scene. Vesker flicked his hand forward and the man launched the orb at the Guard, just before it hit it was grabbed by an unknown figure who had landed between the two groups. The figure's back was turned, they were hooded in a cloak of feathers. Throwing the orb into the air it exploded with great force right out into the air and shaking the windows of the building before them. The white clade guardsmen all took a sift knee in front of the figure and they stood again, ready for the fight about to ensue. The figure turned around slowly revealing and owl mask and gleaming amber eyes beneath it. From the build Vesker could only surmise they where female, but the cloak of feathers hid much of the figure's body.
The figure gave various hand signs to the guardsmen without turning to face them and then snapped her fingers. Each of the guards men discarded their rifles and began to draw various weapons of war from their hips and back, a spear, a mace, several swords, and one with a pair of daggers. Vesker let his hands drop to his sides and did a hand sign of his own, his men all aimed their rifles forward the frist rows kneeling for the second rows to aim as well. Snapping his fingers they open fired. When they did the hooded fighter threw small needles out fro her cloak countering every bullet fired from his men's assault rifles. Vesker grit his teeth, "So you too are a monster. Rifles down men, this is a powered fight. Attack!"
The witch hunters discarded their rifles and charged forward all of them drawing sabers, various abilities flaring to life among their ranks and they charged, fire, electricity, water, just to name a few. They outnumbered the guardsmen by more than double, but as they clashed, it was clear, that it was only just enough. Vesker did not move, he eyed they cloaked figure as he walked forward at his own pace while his men rushed past him slamming into the smaller ranks of the white clad guardsmen. The cloaked figure also walked forward, occasionally knocking out witch hunters that tried to attack her as she closed the gap with Vesker. Now only a few feet from each other they stopped eyeing each other up as explosions and yelling sounded around them.
"I don't suppose you can give me your name?" Vesker was deadly calm. " I am Vesker Nival."
She stood there several feet from him, unspeaking, unmoving, just glaring up at him, now that he was closer he could see tufts of her silver hair within the hood she wore. She was much shorter than him, possibly five foot three or so. And he could see many many needles hidden under the feathers of her cloak. "I suppose you are just like the man I fought before then, I look forward to being entertained." He lunged forward, flames erupting from his fingertips and wreathing his arm. The girl deftly slid under his lunge and threw many needles into his side. Swirling around to face her, more heat radiated off him scorching some of her feathers, the needles in his side melted off him and the temperature rose. She stepped back and flipped away from him attempting to gain distance, throwing hundreds of needles as she did.
Vesker shrugged the needles away with a wave of heat advancing on the girl quickly grabbing one of her shoulder and slamming her down into the ground the flames on his hand burning through her cloak and into her flesh. HE tore away her mask seeing her face, she was young, barley in her twenties from what he could tell. He crushed down with his grip breaking her shoulder and burning her flesh, her mouth opened in a silent scream, no sound came. "I see your mute then. Good no one will hear your cry for help."
She teeth grit together and she glared up at him., quickly curling her feet up she slammed them into his chest sending him flying upward. She rolled backwards, kicking to her feet as he landed back down. Her arm limply hung at her side, he could see her wincing in very obvious pain as she kept distance between them. He eyes her shoulder wound and was shocked to see it slowly healing itself, very slowly. He rushed forward attempted to prevent her from recovering, but as he did a flash of red lighting streaked in front of his, in an instant a women was in front of him, her fist flying up and connecting with his chin in an uppercut, in the next moment red lightning erupted from her fist send thousand of joules of power into his body. Vesker staggered backwards, smoke rolling off his head for her attack, he couldn't help but think of that man. He looked her over as he quickly recovered, she had dark blonde hair and blue eyes, a youthful face as well, easily twenty to twenty five years of age. She had a small mole under the left side of her left eye, and was clad in a white trench coat just like the man he had fought before. She took and aggressive stance facing down with him, sliding her foot along the ground between them he noticed electrical sparks arcing up her body, she is building static isn't she... he stalked forward keeping this in mind as he deftly side stepped a bolt of lighting from her. Rushing forward he reached out to grab her, just another frail women. As head reached out to grab her she reached out as well locking her hand with his, "Trina! Go assist the guardsmen!" Trina bolted away, mostly recovered as Holly yelled, dragging Vesker sideways with her grip on his hand. Vesker's face grew hard, as he realized her raw strength was greater than his own. He tumbled sideways keeping his fingers tightly interlocked with hers, even as she began to impart electricity. He returned the favor by channeling his flames and burning her hand, he let off enough heat to melt a person entirely and was shocked that she still had a firm grip on him despite the heat she was enduring. The smell of burning flesh filled his nose as she struggl;ed against her grip. Righting his stance he stole a glance at her hand seeing it healing as fast and he burned it. She yanked him toward her, twisting her body as she delivered a kick to his chest heat lightning arcing from her body. Vesker let out a grunt, her kick was heavily like being with a boulder. The red lightning pop and snapped at it licked the air around them. He lashed out with his free hand but she grabbed that one too, interlocking his finger with her own.
"Holding hands with you doesn't count as being romantic! Don't you dare think I am making a move on you invader! I'M NOT AN EASY WOMAN!" She shouted as she jumped up, slamming both of her feet into his gut and releasing his hands, sending him flying into a nearby concrete barricade crushing it. Vesker coughed the dust assaulting his lungs as he recovered from her kick, just like the man that he had fought before she was strong, monstrously so. He stood up the rubble rolling off his shoulder as he did. Between him and the girl landed an all too familiar figure, white lighting arcing around his body. His green eyes, his auburn hair, Vesker laughed, "FINALLY! Where is she boy! Bring me the witch."
The girl behind her hardened her gaze at him. "Nico, is this the man you talked about fighting before?"
Vesker smiled, heat rolling off his body. "So your name is Nico then! Its good to know the name of a worthy opponent!"
Nico rushed forward meeting Vesker head on, Vesker readied himself receiving his first strike with vigor. And countering with his own into Nico's ribs. The woman also started to close the gap flank to his right side, just as she was going to kick him Vesker smirked. Nico noticed twisting his body to kick Vesker in the face. "Holly get down!"
Vesker received Nico's kick but at the same time twisted his body with the force to counter attack Holly kicking her in the shin, a sickening crack resounding from the strike. Holly tumbled forward groaning in annoyance and her leg snapped back into place the crunching of bone audible to the three fighters.
"Nico, Holly, and Trina. So many powerful individuals. Your bravery is notable but," He looked toward the battle with the guardsmen, and while a large number of his men had fallen they were definitely holding their own, even with the Trina girl assisting, she was much too drained from her fight with him. "It seems I'm going to be able to prevail here after all."
Nico laughed, "You are insane. You are literally in the center of a city controlled by us, filled with millions of soldiers. Even everyday citizens know how to fight to some extent here. Time is not on your side, Vesker."
Vesker stole a glance around him again, noting that indeed they were in a large city, and he recalled the name of this organization being called Skyflock. "So you are the ruling government here then." A pitch black blade formed into his hand, it's very presence seems to vibrate the air around it. "Nice back up. "Dralth."
Vesker smirked, thrusting the blade to his right, a rift tearing the air there. Holly spit up bright red blood and collapsed to the ground wheezing as she struggled to breath, her swift shallow breaths wet and ragged. Nico's eyes narrowed as he bolted forward, electricity arcing off his body as he dodged, similar strikes from that blade. Vesker backpedaled as he fended off Nico, and parried various lightning strikes that left the smell of ozone in the air. "Now you are the one short on time Nico. I don't want to kill anyone except the witch! You are bringing this on yourself!"
Nico swung out with a kick that landed hard into Veskers ribs, deep cracking sounds making him wince as he was hurled away from Nico. Closing the gap before Vesker could recover Nico followed up with a chop toward Veskers skull. Vesker bright the black blade upward severing Nicos hand. Ni co unfazed shifted his strike from a chop to a jab and slammed his bloody wrist into vespers face. Vesker stumbled backwards, eyes widened at the intensity and lack of pain from Nico. Nico wrist grew a new hand in an instant, already balled into a fist knuckles white and palm bleeding from being clenched too tightly he slapped Vesker in the head again. Vesker met the attack with his forehead shattering Nicos' fingers. Though her didn't think that would stop his attack. He looked up and let out a torrent of flames from his mouth. Nico bent backwards avoiding the attack deftly and flung his foot out kicking Vesker in the chin. Vesker jabbed sideways into newly formed rifts with his black witch weapon. Holes erupted across Nico's chest and he spat blood, but he didn't slow down, righting himself, holes closing up rapidly he sprang forward meeting Vesker head on again, the Time Lighting jumped off Nico and blasted the blade from Veskers grasp. Vesker reacted quickly, regaining his posture as Nico closed in. He fiented a strike that Nico didn't fall for and they dodged under Nico's counter. A left hook, met by a right from Nico, a low kick grabbed by Nico, a successful head butt getting Nico to release him. Vesker went with another obvious feint but as Nico doubled down to ignore it Vesker instead of feinting followed through grabbing Nico by the face and dragging him across the ground. He ignited his flames channeling as much as he could into Nico Throwing him into the air. The smell of charred flesh was fresh in the air as Nico sailed upward, but it was quickly replaced by the smell of chlorine as a bold of white lightning erupted into the sky and down through Nico into Vesker. Nico landed several feet away his flesh already fully healed. He was breathing hard, Vesker would smirk at this point but he noticed he was also significantly winded.
They stood there for only a few seconds but to Vesker it was much longer, his ribs ached with a dull pain, obviously broken, he thought. Nico seemed to be able to heal at an insane rate, yet Vesker was left tanking all the damage, and it kept piling up. The sounds of fighting behind him continued, his men were fighting hard, the Holly girl's wheezing was now short rapid breaths, so they can all heal. Very troubling indeed. He felt his vision shake a bit, I need to end this quickly and retrieve the witch. Just before he began to advance on Nico a women appeared beside him, a ragged cloak around her shoulders, She had a hard serious expression. Sharp red eyes pierced him, he instinctively froze in space, confusion showing on Nico's face as he did. The Red eyed woman now standing beside Nico removed her hood her teal hair spilling out over her shoulders. She reached out and pushed Nico's shoulder down flattening him into the ground, causing a crater. She spoke one word, "Sit."
Vesker charged forward, not letting this chance slip from him as his adversary was down. Before he could perform a strike she was millimeters from his face with her own. Her eyes locked to his and she shifted in mid air delivering a kick that sent him crashing through the concrete ground toward the main battle with his men. Water tendrils began to form all over the battle area, stabbing holes in his men, outright killing some, and maiming others. Vesker groaned loudly, her strength was on another level. He shifted in his small crater and felt the cold blade of his witch weapon beneath him. While he was adamant about catching the witch, he was over matched here. The arrival of this woman was far too much for him currently. He grabbed the weapon and plunged it into the ground, warm fields and blue skies filled his mind as he pictured his destination, rifts formed beneath his remaining men that still drew breath. Vesker himself began to sink into a rift, but the woman was already on top of him, Water wrapped around her arms she threw it forward encasing Veskers head as he sank into his rift, he choked and inhaled starting to drown in the water she used on him. Just as his vision was growing dark he was elsewhere vomiting a torrent of water from his lungs, coughing and wheezing. He took a long moment to recover, the burning in his lungs was agonizing as he coughed. She really tried to drown him before he could escape.
Nico groaned getting up from his personal crater, his eyes flicked over to Holly who was slumped next to a barricade and slowly trying o heal. Standing he shook off his daze and walked over to her slumping down beside her and leaning on her shoulder channeling his aura slowly into her to help her heal. Holly coughed a wet ragged cough, "That fucker held my hands,"
Nico laughed. "Shut up silly your in no condition to talk." They stayed for a moment watching the Guardsmen clean up the bodies of the Witch Hunters that hadn't escaped, only couple Guradsmen seemed to be in any form serious condition and that was already being handled.
"I guess Fay is strong still huh." Holly rasped.
Nico's green eyes flicked over to the Teal haired woman standing in the middle of the area, her arms were crossed and she stood like a solid statue observing the scene with red eyes that seemed to glow. Her muscular figure was striking, not quite like Lyra, the Mountain, way more petite than that woman, but still enough for you to understand her toned body was not for show. She turned her head and locked eyes with Nico and started stalking over to him. Her footsteps sounded clearly on the pavement like impending doom. Nico finished his first aid on Holly and sat upright. "Sorry, Holly, it looks like you'll have to finish the rest on your own." Fay stopped over him glaring down at him.
"Nico. Get. Your. Ass. Up." She reached down and grabbed him by the color of his shirt and dragged him to his feet. "You are going to fill me in on this." She then embraced him in a hug. Nico stood there helplessly limp letting her crush him in her embrace.Releasing him her red eyes flicked down to Holly. "I'll give you a hug later Holls, you seem to be healing."
Holly groaned hearing the pet name again after so long.
Nico righted himself as Fay released him and walked with her, "Explain this mess Nico," Fay's tone was sharp.
Nico shrugged, rolling his shoulders. "I saved a girl from being burned at the stake today, they were the ones we were fighting, Slippery bastard got away again too."
Fay stopped walking. And nodded. "Witch Hunters huh, that means the girl you saved is a witch and they want her. She turned looking Nico in the eyes. "Good Job Nico."
Nico sighed heavily, "did you have to ground me, you could have just joined in the fight."
Fay grabbed him by the mouth, preventing him from complaining further. "You were taking too much damage Nico, while I didn't see you fight I did a quick inspection of your body. How many shots to your heart did he make with that witch weapon? I get that you are good at healing but you need to be put in time out, reckless healing like that is how you burn out and die." She let go of his mouth and continued to walk toward Trina who was writing a report with some enforcers that had shown up. Nico quickened his pace catching up to her. "You seem to know a hell of a lot about who these people are."
Fay nodded. "Yup."
Reaching Trina, Fay stopped, the two Enforcers where Captain Tano and Sergeant Hans. Seeing Fay they both stood at attention. "Lady Fay! Welcome home to the city." They said it in almost perfect unison. Fay eyed them both and then Trina, who was not looking at her, Trina quickly grabbed at her face and realized she wasn't wearing her mask. She lowered her face attempting to hide it from everyone. Fay Smiled. "I was just admiring you, Trina, it's been three years after all." She grabbed Trina's shoulder and instantly analyzed her body with her aura. "Tano, Hans remand Trina to the Roost until she recovers, no Aura. Get her under a machine." She patted Trina's head. "Rushed healing without precision can be bad for your body, Trina."
She walked past Trina and stopped flicking a gaze back to Nico. Finish the report, in Trina's place then rest." She walked toward the roost, her steps fading as she got further away. Nico glanced over to Trina who signed at him.
"Tano, Hans, Please get something for Trina to cover her face. Her mask was destroyed by today's assailants." Hans nodded, rushing to his vehicle right away. Nico collected the clipboard from Trina smiling. "Well, I guess it's time for some paper work." Just as he started to sign some of the documents from Tano, a car flew in on its air jets skidding to a halt at the entrance to the guards checkpoint, Harley kicked the door open, and rushed out looking around, when she looked over to holly she ran over to her, Nico observed for a few moments until Harley turned his way and ran over to him.
"Nico! What the hell happened! I was following up with Lyra at the guild when we got word of an attack at the Roost!?" Harley was visibly worried, her emerald eyes scanning around looking at the aftermath of the fight, sweat rolling off her brow, and a trembling that over took her hands.
"Relax Harley, Fay resolved it." Nico said, his voice calm.
"Fay... She is back." Harley looked left then right, then toward the roost. "I'm leaving Nico, Got to go back to the Hunter Guild." Harley sprinted back toward her car but didn't get far, as she was halfway to her car Fay landed in front of her and began talking, Nico couldn't hear it but it ended in a hug and a smack upside the head. Nico sighed with a smile. "Its good that more of us are returning."
After more questions then he cared to answer and the promise of more paperwork to be assigned he headed back to Hinori's apartment. He couldn't imagine her fear right now, but at least she was safe. Departing the elevator he made the turn toward her apartment his footsteps clicking softly on the polished wooden floor of the hallway, a countdown to his arrival at her door. Three steps, two, one... He stood there for a moment and raised his hand to knock on the polished wooden surface only stopping when he heard her sobs.
Hinori sat quietly, her back to her apartment door softly sobbing. The cool surface flat against her back was no consolation to the intense heat in her chest and face. The subtle flora scents of her small apartment were lost to her senses as she drowned in her own tears. They burned down her cheeks unrelenting in their flow. She didn't ask to be hunted, she had never harmed anyone before, yet they kept coming for her. Nico had saved her yet again, and been injured yet again. She was absolutely a burden.
"Hinori?" Nico's voice was soft and slightly muffled coming from the other side of the door. She didn't answer, a long pause followed only her soft sobs giving ambiance to the moment.
"Hinori, everyone is worried about you. It's safe to come out now."
A long pause again followed by her voice soft and choked with grief. " it's my fault Nico. I'm the reason they attack, the reason." She broke into a short sob. " The reason Holly got hurt. I'm just a burden."
Nico looked at the door for a long moment, taking her words in, a solemn expression on his face. He sat down there, his back against her door. He could feel the subtle vibrations of her sobs through the door. He didn't need to use Aura or any special techniques to know that she was hurting. It hadn't even been a day and she had already been in two life threatening situations and lost someone important to her.
"I don't d-deserve the kindness you have shown me. I came here knowing they would pursue me." He sobs intensified, she choked down air tears flowing harder.
Nico looked up closing his eyes, "I wont say something pretty like of course you deserve our kindness, Any form of me trying to smooth that out would be an insult to the intense emotions you are feeling right now, but i will say that you don't deserve to be hunted. Whether you deserve to live here, in this place, with all of us. That's up to you Hinori, at the very least, I won't forsake you." A long silence followed his words, the sound of the door creaking open made him turn around, Hinori stood there her face red, clenching the hem of her shirt tightly. She stood there for a moment before embracing him while he sat in her doorway, letting her grief and sorrow take over sobbing in his arms.
Nico stayed the rest of the day with Hinori comforting her as she grieved, and expressed her fears. Even when she finally exhausted herself he stayed with her in his arms sitting on her couch. The Dralth moving the various items in the room continued through the night, he stayed awake for her, sitting there patently now leaving her side as she slept. Noone came to disturb them, not even Fay. As dawn broke out over the city and filled the room with soft golden light she finally roused. Hinori got up slowly and looked up, seeing Nico still by her side. The events of yesterday washed over her and she clenched her small fist for a moment. "Thank you Nico." They both sat there for a time as the sun slowly rose over the Cityscape, and eventually they got up. Hinori gave him an embrace, thanking him again for staying with her. He simply smiled telling her not to thank him for doing what was right.
Nico exited her apartment feeling a bit of exhaustion rolling over him, he had after all stayed up the whole night. Channeling his aura he focused on the cells of his body, and the exhaustion faded away, leaving him feeling refreshed. Heading to the elevator he took it down to the ground floor, upon exiting he was greeted by a guardsmen, not just any guardsmen, he had a vine painted on his chest plate. "Lord Nico. Lady Dez requests your presence in the Central Gardens."
Nico nodded, turning toward the back entrance of the roost, the central gardens were between the major buildings here in the central district. The roost was the southernmost building acting as living quarters and an operational hub for Skyflock personnel. As he exited the backdoor the rich aroma of nature filled his nose, earthy smells, and floral scents, the trees and wild plants that grew here were basically conscious. At the center of this Garden was a tree, he could see it from his current position, an ancient tree that had been here since the founding of Yunirith. Calling the central gardens a garden was inherently wrong, it was more like a jungle with paved trails. It even had its own monsters, docile as they where they would still defend themselves if threatened. As he continued down the trail toward the center the sounds of insects and birds became deafening as they woke up for the day. When Nico finally entered the only clearing all of the noise abruptly stopped. Before him stood a massive tree that towered over the district. Its ancient bark was craggeled and wove intricate designs over its surface. In the branches high up in the tree sat what appeared to be a small child. Yunirith. The very avatar of the tree's consciousness, a lesser god that ruled over the garden and effectively the city, a being that Skyflock respected and cared for when needed. Nico gave a short bow as he continued toward the base of the tree. A lone woman sat among the dense roots of the tree. The roots snaked up out of the ground and back into it like a mangrove tree out of the water. She sat nestled in the cavernous openings beneath the roots. Her legs were crossed and eyes closed meditating almost gracefully serene. She wore simple street clothes, an unmarked jersey and sweatpants. Her long strawberry blonde hair spooled out on the ground around her. Occasionally a bird would land on her shoulder and fly away and several butterflies and other small creatures nestled around her in safety and comfort.
Nico walked forward, measuring his approach to not disturb the scene around her, but he failed and all the animals scattered heading for safety. The woman's eyes fluttered open revealing their deep violet hue.
"Hello Nico." She said without turning around.
Nico smiled. "Dez, Good to see you are doing well."
Dez stood up revealing her height standing a full foot over Nico. She approached him seemingly gliding across the distance between the and embraced him in a hug. It's good to have you back in the city. She pulled away looking deeply into his eyes piercing through him with her gaze.
"Still as righteous as always I see. Courage still beams in your soul Nico. You have grown significantly in the past 3 years as well."
Nico smiled up at her. " You know I haven't been aimlessly traveling. I bet it's the same for everyone else too."
Dez smiled softly. " I can also say that you still cause plenty of trouble. From monsters to invaders you have been busy today and all on your first day back." Her gaze gave off a warmth that made Nico feel at ease and filled him with a feeling of refreshing peace. "Welcome home Nico."