Sexy Warriors, Episode 16

Penelope had just gotten off the clock and plopped down on a bench to enjoy an ice cream cone she'd purchased.  She gave it one lick and ripples of pleasure surged through her body.  "It the simple things the matter most."

Then, a woman in full armor sat down next to her.  She had ice cream as well.  She looked Penelope up and down and said, "Ugh!  Whatever."

Penelope was confused.  "But you sat next to me."

"You got a problem with my armor?" the woman asked.

"But I didn't say anything," Penelope said.

Maybe it'd be best to not make eye contact.  Penelope turned away and went back to eating her ice cream.

"You're jealous, aren't you?" the woman asked.  "You're embarrassed to be sitting next to a woman in practical, functional armor, right?"

Penelope looked back over her shoulder.  "Honestly?  Yeah, kind of.  Here I am wearing less than underwear while you're in full mail and plates.  It make me realize how lacking my armor truly is.  Honestly, I'm getting a little cold just thinking about it."  She went back to her ice cream.

"Heh, how does it feel to be a slut?" the woman asked.

"Huh?  What's you're problem?  I'm not a slut.  My armor is just a little low, that's all."

"People like you give female warriors a bad name," the woman said.  "Why do you do it?  Why do you persist in wearing such ridiculous attire?"

Penelope thought about what she was feeling right now.  Once she looked past the growing sense of annoyance because this woman, she came to a conclusion.  "Because it feels good.  I've never really been one for full armor.  Regular clothes are more my jam, but they don't offer much more protection than sexy armor.  It's really not a big leap for me."

"But it's so risky and looks embarrassing," the woman asked.  "Are you really comfortable like that?"

"You don't have to wear it if you don't want to," Penelope said.

"But what if I did?" the woman asked.  She gasped.  "I-I mean during my downtime.  N-not in combat.  Where would one buy such armor?"

Penelope smiled.  "But aren't you afraid you'll look like a slut?"

"I said I'm not going to be wearing it in public," the woman said.  "Just tell me where you got it."

"Me?  I got mine from a guild mate.  I can take you to my guild.  My guild master is this smoking hot redhead who would love to size you up."

"No!" the woman said.  "I-I mean, I'm not try to join a guild.  I'm already in one."

That was strange.  The only guild in town to her knowledge was the Sexy Warriors.  "Oh, so you must be traveling.  I'd be glad to drop the armor off at the inn for you.  What's your name so I can ask the innkeeper who to look for."

"N-no," the woman said.  "My guild master would have a fit if she knew I was procuring such a thing.  I-I'll meet you somewhere.  Just outside the town gates after dark.  Does that sound good?"

"Okay, I'll see what I can grab for you."

*

Penelope exited the city gates, bag in hand.  Where was that woman?  She looked around and saw a light waving around in the distance.  Was that her?  She decided to go check it out.

As she got closer, she saw it was her, stripped down to her underwear with her armor in a pile next to her.  "Ah, you came.  Do you have the armor?"

"Are you insane?" Penelope asked.  "What if it wasn't me?  Anybody walk have walked over here and seen you."

"I'm a trained warrior," the woman said.  "I can handle a little danger."

"You fail to see the point," Penelope said.  She offered the bag to her.  "Anyway, here's the armor."

The woman took it.

"Have fun with it."

"W-wait.  C-could you stay for a minute?  I need someone to tell me how I look."

Penelope turned away.  "Okay, go for it."

After a minute or so, the woman said, "You can look now."

Penelope did so.

The woman was looking at the ground.  "I'm so freaking embarrassed.  So, d-do I look a stupid as I feel?"

Penelope really took her in.  "You look fine."  What would Shallista do?  "Turn around.  Let me see your backside."

The woman did so, covering her butt as she did.

"Don't do that," Penelope said.  "If you're going to wear sexy armor, you have to be unashamed to bare it all.  Hard all the way or don't go at all."

"O-okay."  The woman said.  She held her arms at her side and said, "Do your worst."

Penelope gave her a good look.  "You're fine.  My guild master would like you.  You sure you don't want to join the Sexy Warriors?"

"N-no, I'm happy in my current guild."

"Then why do you have to hid the fact that you're wearing sexy armor?"

"And your guild doesn't have rules about what you can or can't wear?" the woman asked.

Penelope shook her head.  "Not during our downtime.  Even on the job, we can customize our outfits with things like cloaks, capes, and braces."

"Hmm...sounds like fun."

Penelope thought back to what Shallista would do.  "Take a deep breath and tell me how you feel."

The woman breathed deep, exhaled, then thought for a moment.  "I feel cold...and naked...and embarrassed...and horny.  How does one keep from being aroused wearing this?"

Penelope thought.  "I don't know.  I've never felt horny on the job.  I guess if I had to give you an answer, it would be to just focus on the task at hand.  It shouldn't matter what you're wearing as long as you can focus."

"I guess so," the woman said.  "Say, do you want to go on an adventure together some time?  I'd like to put this stuff to the test, see if it's more practical than it looks."

"I guess it couldn't hurt," Penelope said.

"Alright."  The woman expended a hand toward her.  "The name's Lady Victoria."

Penelope shook her hand.  "Penelope.  I look forward to working with you one day."

*

It was very late when Lady Victoria got back to the inn.  She had changed back into her armor and had the sexy armor in the bag Penelope had given her.  She though back to how she felt wearing it and sighed.  "How nice."

When she opened the door, she saw Lady Grizelda was sitting there playing chess with her.  She felt her butt tighten.

Lady Grizelda looked from her game.  "You were out even later than last night.  Where did you go?"

"Nowhere," Lady Victoria answered.  "I was just hovering around."  It wasn't a total lie.  She couldn't let her know she was frolicking through the tulips in sexy armor.  Best to end things quickly.  "Well, I'm feeling tired, milady.  Have a restful night."

"Before you go, what's in the bag?" Lady Grizelda asked.

Drat.  She should have known she wasn't going to get away without having to answer that.  "J-just some candy."

Lady Grizelda stood.  "Ooh, let me have some.  You know I have quite the sweet tooth."

Lady Victoria shook her head.  "I don't want to share."

Lady Grizelda sat back down.  "That good, huh?  At least tell me where you got it so I can pick some up tomorrow."

Great.  What was she going to say now?  Maybe...  "A stranger gave it to me.  They were giving out free samples, so I didn't refuse.  It looked like they were headed out of town, so it's unlikely we'll run into him again."

"Well, that sucks."  Lady Grizelda returned to her game.  "Enjoy your candy.  I do hope you'll change your mind and share, though.  It looks like more than one human being could ever eat.  If you need an extra mouth to finish it, I'm willing to help."

Lady Victoria headed up to her room, closed the door behind her, and breathed a sigh of relief.  Then she pulled the armor out of the bag and set it on the bed.  "Heh, heh, you be my little secret."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 15

She had finally made it to the inn, still feeling embarrassed by her defeat at the hands of that red-haired wench.  "I can't believe I lost to someone who was totally naked.  Lady Grizelda would have a fit if she found out."

She thought back to the fight.  She remembered how that stood on her chest and almost ran her through with her own sword.  She remembered crying out for her mother.  "How embarrassing..."

She remembered how easily she was defeated.  She never had a chance.  "Darn her and her stupid red hair.  And her dumb confidence.  And her lousy long legs...ooh, I just want to break them.  And those breasts...I just want to rip them off her chest.  And..."  Suddenly, she felt warm in between her legs.

"Gah!" she screamed.  "I'm not even gay!"

The inn's door flew open and a fully-armored woman rushed out with her sword drawn.  "Who goes there?  Huh?  Lady Victoria?  Where did you go?"  Then, she looked at her and gasped.  "Why are you standing out here screaming with your hand between your legs?"

She looked down.  Her hand certainly was there.  She hadn't even realized it.  Was this because she was thinking about that red-haired woman?  "I-I don't know.  I'm sorry, Lady Grizelda.  Did I wake you?"

"No," Lady Grizelda said.  She got closer.  "What happened to your face?  Where did you go?"

She couldn't let her know the truth.  She couldn't let her know she was defeated by a totally nude opponent.  "I was just walking when I came across a group of kids.  One of them threw a rock at me and they ran.  I didn't see where which direction."

"Hmm...very well," Lady Grizelda said.  "Try not to stay out too late."  She turned to head back inside.

"L-lady Grizelda?"

She turned.  "Yes?"

"About those Sexy Warriors," Lady Victoria asked.  "Do you think we might destroy them soon?"

Lady Grizelda shook her head.  "There's no reason to rush it.  They know they shouldn't be walking around like that.  Whores like them give female warriors everywhere a bad image.  They have no right to exist, especially that red-haired floozy.  But our goal isn't to rid the world of skimpy armor or those who wear it.  Our goal is to repair the damage sexy armor does to the female warrior image and save as many future female warriors from the humiliating fate of wearing it.  Why do you ask?"

"N-no reason," Lady Victoria answered.  "I just think it would make more sense to give them a thrashing so they will learn the folly of their ways."

Lady Grizelda started to look concerned.  "You wavered at the beginning.  Heavens, you want to wear that hideous armor, don't you?  They got to you, didn't they?"

"N-no, it'd be too embarrassing to wear something like that," Lady Victoria said.  "Make no mistake, I want to see them fall hard."

Lady Grizelda grumbled.  "Are you being totally honest with me?  You really don't want to wear it?"

"No," Lady Victoria answered.  "It sucks and they look like idiots.  Anyone with common sense can see that much."

Lady Grizelda nodded.  "I'm glad to hear it.  Anyway, let's not be too hasty on attacking those floozies.  We'll get our chance to show them.  Timing is everything."

*

Shallista was sitting on Penelope's porch, taking it the night sky.  There was a chill in the air that felt good on her bare skin.  She breathed deep and exhaled.  Memories of growing up in the mountains of the nation of Dimell filled her head.  Those days were several continents away, almost twenty years in the past.  "Hmm...good times."

That door opened and the smell of liquor wafted out.  Penelope wasn't far behind it.  "It's rather chilly out, milady.  I'll get you a sweater."

Shallista shook her head.  "I'm fine."

"Okay."  Penelope said.  "Mind if I sit with you?"

"If you'd like."

Penelope closed her door, then came over and plopped down next to her.

"You reek of alcohol," Shallista said.  "Are you drunk?"

"No, but everybody else is.  They all passed out, so there's no one to talk to."  It was silent for a moment.  "So what do you do when you're bored, milady?"

"Many things," Shallista said.  "Above all else, I keep my mind occupied.  You know what they say about idle minds..."

"Yeah, idle minds sucks," Penelope said.  "Oh, can I ask you a question, milady?"

"I don't see why not?"

Penelope looked her over.  "Were you embarrassed the first time you wore sexy armor?  I mean, you're a smoking hot vixen with nothing to be ashamed of these days, but how did you feel the first time you put it on?"

"Embarrassed?  No.  I just wanted to be cool...like her."

"Like who?"

Shallista remembered the day the woman entered her village woman well.  It was sunset.  She came in with long black braid and two short swords sheathed on her back.  Her outfit didn't leave much to the imagination, all the better two take in the woman's physique.  She was very fit, not quite at barbarian levels of musculature, but far beyond what an average woman could look like from a workout here and there.

What she remembered most was the woman's confidence.  There was no hesitation in her movements or embarrassment on her face.  She was a strong woman.  Even though the two never spoke and she never learned her name, but Shallista knew she wanted to be like that.

"The woman who motivated me," she finally said.  "That was seventeen years ago, when I was only sixteen.  She looked to be in her late twenties at the time.  She must be in her mid-forties by now.  I wonder what's she's doing now.  Is she still wearing sexy armor?"

Penelope asked, "Do you think about the you'll have to hang up the halberd and cover up?  Do you think about the day you can no longer be a sexy warrior?"

"Honestly, I try not to think about it," Shallista said.  "I am well aware the day will come when I'll no longer be sexy and can no longer be a warrior.  All I can do is milk this body for everything it's worth and bow out gracefully when my sun sets."

"Shallista…"

"But I'm assuming that time is many years from now," Shallista said.  "After all, I'm in the prime of life and at the peak of fitness."

Penelope had another question.  "If you hadn't become a warrior, do you think you would have been a singer."

Shallista looked up.  "Maybe.  Ha, I haven't sang since that day."  That day in the mountains when her...boyfriend for lack of a better word, was killed by his jealous friends.  "What a mess..."

"I didn't mean to bring up something so painful," Penelope said.  "I was just curious."

"I know," Shallista said.  "Honestly, I do like to sing.  If my singing wasn't dangerous for men to hear, I probably would sing for a little coin here and there."

"I don't mean to be selfish, but can I hear you sing?" Penelope asked.  "It's just us girls, so there shouldn't be any harm."

Shallista looked around.  "I guess.  I must warn you, I haven't sang in eight years.  I might be a little out of tune."  With that, she stood, cleared her throat, and started singing a childhood favorite of hers.  After she was done, she noticed Penelope crying.  "Penelope?"

"It was beautiful," Penelope said, wiping away tears and sniffling.  "Your singing voice is so beautiful.  The world has truly been robbed of a gift."

Shallista's body tingled with embarrassment.  "I don't know about all that..."

Then, it happened.  A man lumbered around the corner, as if he were a zombie.  "Maaa...sterrr…"  He must have heard her.  She knew he was totally under her control.

"Damn it!" Shallista said.  She should have been more observant.  "This is why I don't sing.  I'm lucky it was just one of them."

"Your...orders...maaa...sterrr."

"J-just sit there," Shallista said.  "Don't move, no matter what happens or what I say."

"Yes...maaa...sterrr."  He then sat down cross-legged and stared off into space.

"You weren't lying about controlling men with your singing," Penelope said.  "It's too bad.  Others really should hear you."

"I'll never sing again," Shallista said.  "It's too risky.  All it takes is for one man to stumble along and I have a potential killer drone on my hands."

"But you could have an army of loyal do-gooders, as well," Penelope said.  "Imagine the possibilities."

"That's too artificial," Shallista said.  "I want to win the people over with charisma, good deeds, and maybe a pinch of sexuality, not control them with a spell.  And when that spell wears off, all that'll be left is a bunch of confused people.  I don't want that.  Anyway, I'm going home after this man comes to his senses again.  I'm leaving my girls in your hands."

"Okay," Penelope said.  She headed for the door and opened it, then looked back at Shallista.  "I don't know how, but I'll make it safe for you to sing again.  I promise."

Shallista didn't know what she was planning, but she felt like she could believe her.  "Very well.  I leave my singing voice in your hands."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 14

Audrixia, Seffany, Lupe, and Jelena were all jogging through town.  Audrixia looked back to see them all lagging behind and gasping for air.  She turned, jogging in place, and said, "Come on, maggots.  Get those knees up and run."

They all just groaned and fell to their knees.

Audrixia stopped jogging herself.  "Okay, take a two minute break, maggots.  Rest up and be ready to get those knees up."

"Yes, drill instructor," they all said.

She looked around for a bench to sit on while her comrades rested.  She saw one nearby, sat, and took in the sights.  Suddenly, five women in full armor came out of nowhere and gave her the staredown.  "May I help you?"

"I can't believe there's another one," one of them said.  "Don't you people have any shame?"

"I just so happen to proudly be ashamed," Audrixia said.  "Sure, the armor is embarrassing, but it does feel good to wear.  You should try it, even if only for a few minutes."

Another of the women rolled her eyes.  "As if.  We're too far above you common whores to dress like you."  She put her hand on her sword.  "We'd be glad to show you just how stupid wearing sexy armor is."

So, it was going to be that kind of day.  Audrixia simply glared up at her.  "You don't want to try me.  You really don't."

"Oh, yeah, whore?" a third one said.  "What if we do, whore?"

Audrixia stood.  "Just turn around and keep walking."

Jelena, Seffany, and Lupe came running over.  "Is everything okay, milady?" Seffany asked.

"Yeah," Audrixia said.  "Just a couple of insects.  Nothing I can't handle on my own."

The armored women looked them all up and down.  "You've got to be kidding me," one of them said.  "They're multiplying?  How?  Where are they all coming from?"

"I'll bet this is the work of that red-haired trollop," another said.

Red-haired trollop?  Were they talking about Shallista?  It was time to set the record straight.  "We're all wearing this because we want to.  We haven't tricked by anyone."

"You must have been because no one would willing wear such a thing, especially in combat," one of the armored women said.

Jelena raised her hand.  "I'm a stealthy type, so armor isn't really apart of my wardrobe.  It doesn't really hurt me to wear something like this.  In fact, it can be to my benefit."

"And armor like yours would tired me out," Lupe said.  "Also, my technique is design to target weak points of armored foes, so armor doesn't give you any real advantage over me."

"Well...I'm just trying to get my husband to put a baby in me," Seffany said.  "So...I guess I am kind of a whore."

One of the armored women turned to her friends.  "I can't believe what I'm hearing.  They're trying to justify wearing such outlandish outfits.  Let's go before our minds get infected by the stupidity."

*

It was late as Shallista was sitting nude in the guild hall, drinking water.  "Another hard day's work complete."  She kicked up her heels, leaned back, and breathed deep.  "I love my job."

Then, the door opened and a woman stepped in.  It was one of the armored women she saw the other day.  "Oh, I'm sorry.  We're closed right now."

The woman looked away.  "Heavens...what's wrong with you?  Do you have some sick aversion to clothing?"

Shallista nodded.  "Yep.  I can't stand the stuff.  I would always be naked if it were legal.  Anyway, come back in the morning.  We'll be open and ready to take your job then."

"I didn't come to offer you and your slut brigade a job," the woman said.  "I came to see what kind of debauchery goes on here.  I should have known you'd be naked.  You're barely covered in public, so I should have expected this much."

Shallista smiled.  "So you're interested in my guild, huh?"

The woman grumbled.  "I'm not interested in your stupid guild.  I just wanted to see what passes for acceptable behavior around here."

Shallista stood and looked her over.  "Upon closer inspection, you're a cutie.  We may have something in your size.  I'll go get it."

"I'm not trying to join your stupid guild or wear your stupid armor," the woman said.

"Then why haven't you left yet?" Shallista asked.  "And why are you so embarrassed?  I'm the one who's naked."

"One of us has to be ashamed," the woman said.  "That clearly isn't going to be you."

Shallista wondered.  "Hey, look at me."

The woman didn't.  "No, you're disgusting.  Put something on first."

Shallista walked over and turned her head her way.  "I'm not nearly as stupid as you think.  You're not a client, so there are only three possible reasons you came here.  One, you really hate us and came to scout us out for an attack.  If that were the case, though, you wouldn't have been stupid enough to just walk in here, alone no less, and confront me direct.  That leaves two other reasons.  Either you want to join my guild or...you were hoping to see some scantily-clad women."

The woman tried to look away, but Shallista wouldn't let her.  Finally, she slapped her hand away.  "That's preposterous.  I don't want either of those."

"There's nothing wrong with it," Shallista said.  "It's only natural that we'd catch the hearts of a few women.  So, which of my girls do you like?  I don't think any of them are into women, but I'd be willing to ask around."

The woman growled, "You filthy bitch!"  Then she swung at her.

Shallista caught her arm, slapped her in the face three times, then kicked her back.  "Is it me?"

The woman looked her up and down, a look of disbelief etched on her face.

"It's true, isn't it?" Shallista asked.  "You're attracted to me, aren't you?  I guess I can't really blame you, but the idea of bedding a woman doesn't appeal to me."

The woman reached for her sword.

Shallista closed the gap, knocked her hand away so she could draw the sword, and stuck it in the floor.  Then, she grabbed the woman's head, lowered it, and drove her knee into her face, causing her to stumble back and fall.  Afterwards, she pulled the sword out of the floor and stepped on the woman's chest, pinning her down and raised the sword up.  "It's all over."

The woman looked up with fear in her   "N-no.  Please.  Let me go."

Shallista stabbed down.

"Mom!" the woman screamed, closing her eyes.

Thunk!

The sword pierce the floor nearly just missing the woman's head.  "See that?" Shallista said.  "I could have killed you just now.  A fully armored woman killed by a naked, unarmed one.  Lucky for you, I don't believe in killing humans anymore, but how embarrassing would that have been?"  She took her foot off of her.  "You're free to go.  Don't come back unless you skimpy up that armor a little."

The woman got up, grabbed her sword, and appeared to think about attacking her.

"Just give up," Shallista said.  "You can't beat me."

The woman grumbled and headed for the door.  "You'll pay for this humiliation, whore.  You'll pay!"  She sheathed her sword and stormed out.

As Shallista returned to her seat, Penelope came from the back.  "Well, I'm headed home, milady.  By the way, I heard yelling just now.  Did something happen?"

"Just talking to myself," Shallista said.  "Sometimes I get myself really heated."

"Is that so?" Penelope asked.  "Wendy, Cordelia, and Vilka are meeting me at my place for drinks.  Would you like to join us?"

Shallista shook her head.  "I don't drink.  I wouldn't mind enjoying your company, though.  Just give me a minute to get dressed."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 13

Velpanie looked up in fear at four thuggish men staring down at her.  They had the most evil smiles on their faces.  This was not good.  "W-what are you go to do to me?"

"Heh, heh," one of the men laughed.  "I don't know.  We might rob ya.  We might kill ya.  We might...heh, heh, heh."

"N-n-no," Velpanie whimpered.  She was so scared she couldn't move.  "Someone...please help me..."

"Heh, ain't no one gonna help ya out here," one of the men said.  "Ain't nowhere to run.  Ain't nowhere to hide.  Ain't nothing ya can do.  We're gonna have a lot of fun with you."

She still couldn't move.  Try as she might, her body simply wouldn't respond.  "Is this the end?  No...I don't want to die."

"Back away from the girl while you have the chance," a female voice warned.

Velpanie knew that voice.  Hope welled up inside of her and erupted as looked back and she cried out, "Shallista!"

There she stood, her red-hair savior, flanked by two women.  One of the women was hay-haired and had a loaded bow trained on one of the men.  The other was a curvy black-hair goddess of a woman with a staff.  They all looked, "So cool..."

One of the men whistled.  "Ooh-we, we done hit the jackpot tonight.  Get a load of that redhead."

"That black-haired one is a tall drink of water," another man said.

Yet another of the men said, "That one with the bow has pretty eyes."

"Admire us all you want," Shallista said, "but you will let the girl go."

"Or maybe we could beat the crap out of you and have all four of you for dessert," one of the men said.

"Very well," Shallista said.  "Velpanie, close your eyes."

She did so.  The next thing she knew, there was a bright flash of light.  After that, she heard men screaming and butt getting kicked.

About a minute later the light dimmed and Shallista said, "You can open your eyes now."

She did so.  The men were all knocked out and Shallista was standing tall.  She felt her heart skip a beat.  "Shallista…"

The woman with the staff walked over to her and knelt down.  "I'm a light wizard.  Do you need healing?"

Her heart skipped another beat as their eyes met.  "I-I'm fine  H-how did you find me?"

Shallista gestured to the woman with the bow.  "Cordelia's eyes are the best.  Even in total darkness, she can see for miles.  She deserves all the thanks here.  If not for her, we might not have found you until morning."

Velpanie shuddered at the thought of not being found for so long.  What condition would she have been in?  Would she have even survived that long?  She shook her head and the thought along with it.  She had been saved.  That's all that mattered right now.  "Thank you, Miss Cordelia."

"Just Cordelia is fine," Cordelia said.

She turned her attention back to the woman with the staff.  "And you are?"

"I'm Wendy."

Velpanie looked her over.  "Wendy, huh?  Mind if I call you Double Stack instead?"

"Double Stack?" Wendy asked.  "Why do I get the feeling a hamburger restaurant chain somewhere in the universe is filing a lawsuit right now?"

"Okay, that's enough of that," Shallista said.  "Let's hurry and get you home."

All the energy drained out of Velpanie's body.  "No..."

"What?" Shallista asked.  "Why not?"

"She's going to yell at me again.  She might even hit me."

Shallista shook her head.  "I don't believe that will be the case.  She's worried about you.  So worried that she begged me to rescue you...after punching me in the face and calling me a slut."

"That should be the proof that she will do again," Velpanie said.  "I'll never go back.  Take me to the next village.  I'll start a new life there."

"That is insanity," Shallista said.  "That's not how a child should be living.  And if I did something like that, it would make my guild look bad.  There's no way I can return without you in tow."

Velpanie was silent for a moment.  "I'll return if you let me join your guild."

Shallista shook her head.  "This isn't a negotiation."

Velpanie grumbled.  "Fine, I'll get there on my own."

"Yeah, because you were doing such a good job of that before we got here," Shallista said sarcastically.  "Stop arguing and come along, child."

Velpanie felt her heart break.  "I can't believe I actually looked up to you.  You make me want to vomit."

Cordelia and Wendy gasped as Shallista grumbled and headed her way.  "Milady..." Wendy said.

Shallista walked right over, knelt down, put a hand on her shoulder, and...smiled.  "It's going to be okay.  She won't hurt you again.  You can trust me."

This woman's smile was comforting.  She felt like she could trust her.  "O-okay."

With that, they all stood and headed back.

*

Shallista and the others returned to the guild hall to see the mother sitting there.  She looked anxious until she saw them.

"Velpanie!" she said, jumping out of her seat, running over and embracing the girl.  "My precious daughter.  I'm sorry.  I'll never do it again."

Velpanie returned her embrace.  "I...I...mom!"

Shallista and her guildmates were about to leave them so they could have a private moment.

Then, the mother looked at her with tears in her eyes and said.  "Thank you, Sexy Warriors.  I'll never forget this.  How much do I owe you?"

"Just make sure you don't forget your promise and we'll call it even," Shallista said.

The mother nodded.

*

Shallista was headed up to the front of her building to finish painting over the negative words someone painted there yesterday.  Upon getting there, however, she saw someone had already done it.  She also saw Velpanie right in front of the door, sleeping with a paintbrush in her hand.  It was a cute scene, but she couldn't just let her stay like that.  She clapped and said, "Wake up!"

Velpanie shot up, startled.  "Oh, hey, Shallista."  She stretched and yawned.

"Why are you here?" Shallista asked.  "Your mother said to stay away."

"Yeah...she let up a little after what went down last night," Velpanie answered.  "So I decided to come back and finish the paint job."

Shallista looked her work over.  "It's well done.  I suppose thanks is in order."

"So you'll let me join your guild?"

"No," Shallista said.

A look of absolute shock came across the girl's face.  "What?  But I stayed up all night to get this done."

Shallista shook her head.  "It wouldn't matter if you saved one of our lives, I'm not letting a kid join my guild.  Have you forgotten that talk we had?"

"I haven't, but after last night, I knew beyond any doubt that I want to be one of you.  I saw first hand what it really means to be a Sexy Warrior.  Please, make an exception just this once."

"I'm not changing my mind on who I'll let join my guild" Shallista said.  "I will, however treat you to breakfast.  What'll you have?"

Velpanie was silent for a moment.  Then, she said, "I'm going to train hard for the next two years.  I'm going to train so hard that I'll be even better than you.  Then, you'll be begging me to join your guild."

Shallista smiled.  "Is that so?  I look forward to seeing how far you'll progress."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 12

"Well, here we are," the girl said as she and Shallista came to a house.  "I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

Suddenly, the door opened and a middle-aged woman came storming out.  "Get away from my daughter, whore!"

Thoroughly confused, Shallista only manage to say, "Huh?"

"Mom!" the girl shot.

"Shut up, Velpanie, and get in the house!"

"Yes, mom," the girl said, her head hanging.

The woman turned her attention back to Shallista.  "I won't let you infect my daughter with your whorish ways!  Honestly, walking around like that.  Where do women like you come from?"

"I can't speak for all Sexy Warriors, but I'm from the mountains of Dimell," Shallista said.

"Whore!" the woman shouted, slamming the door angrily.

Shallista was about to leave until she heard yelling on the other side of the door.

"You didn't let that whore sway you, did you?" the mother said.

"She was trying to talk me out of being like her, mom."

After a brief silence, the mother said, "Don't go over there any more."

"But she's a good person, mom.  She's kind and gentle and caring and-"

The next thing Shallista heard was a slap.

"I'm sorry, mom!"

"Do what I say, child!  Stay away from those whores!"

Shallista hated the abuse of children more than anything.  She felt herself trembling with anger.  She resisted the urge to kick down the door and left.

*

Shallista returned to the guild to see Hilde sitting with her head on the table and Neeka rubbing her back.  "Hey, there."

Hilde lifted her head just long enough to see who it was before plopping it back down on the table.  "Milady...I'd like to quit."

"Huh?" Shallista said.  "I guess I don't mind, but why?"

"Because I'm not a Sexy Warrior," Hilde said.  "I'm not even an attractive one."

"Is this because of what that girl said?" Shallista asked.

Hilde bawled and sobbed.  "She said I look like a boy!  Wah!"

Shallista walked over and sat near her.  "This doesn't make any sense.  Remember when we fought that giant fire-breathing wolf and his pack.  If not for your powerful magic, we all might have been wiped out.  So you can defeat that wolf, but a teenage girl mistakes you for a boy and that's just too much?"

"You wouldn't know anything about it," Hilde said.  "You've never been mistaken for a boy.  You've got a killer body that any straight male would want.  You'd probably be able to turn most gay men straight and turn some straight women gay.  I'm just an ugly bookworm."

"Darn it, Hilde," Shallista said.  "Not just anyone can be a Sexy Warrior.  I chose you for a reason.  We all are meant to cater to the tastes of different people.  When we first came to town, the eyes of the people were drawn to all of us.  They weren't just looking at me and the others.  They were looking at you, too."

"That's just because we're wearing this embarrassing armor," Hilde said.

Shallista stood, grabbed her by the arm, and yanked her up to her feet.  "That's it.  We're leaving right now.  You, too, Neeka."

"What did I do?" Neeka asked.

"Nothing," Shallista answered.  "I'm just trying to prove a point.  Let's go."

"Ow!" Hilde said.  "My wrist.  You're hurting me, milady."

Shallista let her go.  "Oh...sorry."

*

Shallista, Hilde, and Neeka entered a building filled with shelves of books and mostly male patrons.  "This is where you guys come when you get off duty, right?" Shallista asked.

"Yeah, but why are we here now?" Hilde asked.

Shallista clapped her hands and said, "Hey, everybody!  Look this way!"

Everybody did so.

Hilde and Neeka looked around, eyes wide.  "Are you insane, milady?" Hilde squealed.

Shallista looked at her and smiled.  "Check it out."

Hilde looked around.  "They're looking at me and Neeka.  Their practically drooling."

Neeka looked around, too.  "Yeah.  And it's almost like Shallista isn't here."

"Yep," Shallista said, nodding.  "I'm not their type, but you two are.  Still think you're ugly?"

One person did notice her, though.  A woman, perhaps in her mid-fifties, walked over and said, "This is a library, young lady.  You need to shut up and read a book or leave."

Shallista covered her mouth.  "Whoops!  I'll be going now.  Hilde.  Neeka.  Have fun basking in your glory."

*

Shallista entered the guild and saw a woman sitting there.  It was Velpanie's mother.  "Well this is unexpected.  Welcome to the Sexy Warriors guild.  What can I do for you?"

"Where is she, whore?"

"Huh?" Shallista asked.  She thought about it for a moment, but nothing came to mind.  "What?"

"My daughter!  Where are you hiding her?"

"I've got no idea what you're talking about," Shallista said.

Audrixia came into the guild hall.  "I'm sorry ma'am, but it looks like nobody is here but guild members.  Oh, hey Shallista."

"What going on, Audrixia?"

"Her daughter ran away from home and apparently she thinks she here?"

"Lousy, stinking whore!" the woman shouted.  "This is your fault!"  The woman shot up to her feet, marched over to Shallista, and punched her in the face.

Shallista barely felt it.  She was more shocked by it than anything.  Had she actually been hit by this woman?  "Is this some kind of joke?  Please let me in on it so I can laugh."

The woman shook and massaged her hand.  "Damn...what the heck are you made of, filthy slut?"

The nerve of this woman.  "Shut up," Shallista shot.

"Don't you tell me to shut up!" the woman shot back.  "You corrupted my daughter and made her run away!  I have every right to be mad!"

"No, she probably ran away because you abused her!" Shallista replied.  "You even slapped her!  I heard it all and it pissed me off!  It's taking everything in my power just to keep from strangling the life out of you!"

Wendy, Cordelia, Penelope, and Vilka came in.  Cordelia ran in between them.  "Calm down, milady."

"What's going on?" Wendy asked.  "I've never seen Shallista so angry before."

"Whores!" the woman said.  "Is anybody here not a whore?  You all look disgusting!"

Penelope stepped and waved in the woman's face.  "Um...hi.  You may what to stop antagonizing the six foot two woman with the halberd.  In case you haven't noticed, she's really big and strong.  If she really wanted to get to you, there's not much any of us could do about it."

"I don't want to hear anything from you, traitor!"  The woman softened.  "I-I just want my daughter back."  She dropped to her knees and bowed.  "Please...I'll pay whatever you want.  Just find her."

Shallista took a deep breath and exhaled.  "She's not here.  Where do you think she could have gone?"

The woman didn't look up.  "Y-you'll do it?"

"I'm not doing this for you," Shallista said.  "I can't ignore a missing child.  You need to learn from this, though.  We'll find her, but you have to treat her better.  So, how long has it been since you last saw her?"

"M-maybe a few hours ago, a-after you dropped her off.  I thought she might have come here.  I don't know where else she might go."

Shallista clapped her hands.  "Okay, Sexy Warriors, let's move out.  The girl can't have gotten far, but time is still of the essence."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 11

Penelope had just arrived at the Sexy Warriors guild building when she saw it.  Painted on the front of the building was the statement "Get lost, whores!" multiple times in big letters.  Who could have done this?

She went straight to the garden, where Shallista was working.  "Have you seen the front of the building, milady?"

Continuing to work, Shallista asked, "No.  What's wrong with it?"

"There is an unflattering message written on it."

Shallista stopped working and handed her the hoe she was using.  "I'll take care of it.  You're on garden duty until I get back."

*

Shallista took a long look at the front of her building.  "What a mess.  This is going to take days to fix."  First off, she was out of paint and need to go buy some more.  Maybe the guys could spare some when she and the others went to do construction work later.  Of course that meant the building would have to stay vandalized for another day.  Or maybe she could let Wendy take the lead on the construction job while she came back and painted over the letters.

Suddenly, she heard a female voice behind her say, "Some people are just douches, huh?"

Shallista turned.  The person was a teenage girl hauling a small cart covered with a burlap tarp.  "I guess."

"You wouldn't happen to be those one of those Sexy Warriors, I've been hearing so much about, would you?" the girl asked.

"Depends," Shallista answered.  "What have you heard?"

"That you've all been working so hard," the girl said.  "Working hard to restore the Entertainment District.  Working hard to prove that scantily-clad warriors are more than just some ridiculous fetish.  Heck, I heard you worked hard to fix up this building that nobody else wanted.  When I saw you defend Jessibelle from those armored women yesterday, I knew the rumors had to be true.  I thought something special was going on out here."  She looked away, blushing.  "Something that I want to be a part of."

Was this what Shallista thought it was?  "How old are you?"

"Huh?" the girl asked, her head snapping forward as a look of shock came across her face.

"I believe I was quite clear," Shallista said.  "How?  Old?  Are?  You?"

The girl looked down.  "E-eighteen."

Shallista put her head under the girl's chin and made her look up, giving her an eerie smile.  "Don't BS me, little girl.  How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

Shallista let her go.  "Why did you lie?"

"Because I knew you wouldn't let me join your guild if you knew my real age."

"And you'd be right," Shallista said.  "We're a guild for adults.  No kids allowed."

"You're not even going to give me a chance?" the girl asked.

"No means no," Shallista said.  "Move along, child."

"But I brought this cart full of stuff to give you."

"You can't buy your way in," Shallista said.  "And because you tried to lie about your age, I'll never let you join."

"Oh..." the girl said, slumping her shoulders and looking down.  "I guess I'll leave, then.  Feel free to keep the stuff."

Shallista shook her head.  "Take your stuff, too."

"But there's paint in there," the girl said.  "I want you to have it so you can fix your building.  I'll take everything else."

Shallista grumbled.  She did need paint and didn't want to go through the trouble of heading into town to get it.  "You any good with a brush?"

The girl's face lit up.  "You mean..."

"I'm not letting you join my guild," Shallista said.  "No children allowed.  I'm not budging on that.  I am, however, giving you a chance to redeem yourself.  Do a good job helping me and maybe I'll let you join in two years, after you become an adult.  Also, I want to talk to you about what it really means to be a Sexy Warrior."

*

Shallista and the girl were in the guild hall, enjoying a few mugs of ice water.  "Nothing like a frosty mug of water after a hard day's work."

The girl drank some water.  "We got a lot done, but there's still more to do."

Shallista decided it was time to have that talk.  "Being a Sexy Warrior isn't always this easy, you know.  You may see us walking around town and it looks like fun and games, but it isn't."

The girl rolled her eyes and sighed.  "Heavens..."

"I'm trying to let you know that this may or may not be the type of thing you want to do," Shallista said.  "Being a Sexy Warrior is risky.  You'll also get a lot of attention, wanted and unwanted.  It comes with the territory.  This is why no one under eighteen can join my guild.  It's a lot for a young woman to deal with, so why rush it?"

"But you look pretty young yourself," the girl said.  "When did you start?"

"I officially began my journey as a Sexy Warrior when I was nineteen," Shallista answered.  "But I remember being just like you when I was sixteen.  That's when I saw a Sexy Warrior for the first time.  I thought she looked cool and couldn't wait to become one myself.  I went out and bought myself some sexy armor that day and set out to find her."

"See?" the girl said.  "You can't come down on me for wanting to do the same thing."

"Shut up," Shallista said.  "I'm not done yet.  Anyway, trouble started as soon as I got to the next village.  Men couldn't stop staring at me.  I, of course, wasn't prepared to handle that reality at such a young age.  I was just a kid.  I just thought I was being cool like that woman I saw.  I didn't think that grown men would look at me like that.  I didn't WANT grown men looking at me like that.  Then, one of them attempted to...forcefully use me.  The only reason I was able to escape from him is because I landed a lucky strike and pierced him through the heart with the sword I was carrying."

The girl squirmed uncomfortably.  It looked like the message was getting through.

"I returned home, broken and crying," Shallista continued.  "I knew that if I wanted to be a Sexy Warrior, I needed to do some growing.  It took three years for me to get back to the point to even attempt it again.  You don't just put on sexy armor and suddenly become cool, confident, and powerful.  It takes a lot of training, both physically and mentally.  Children like you can't manage it."

"I guess I understand what you're trying to say," the girl said.  "You did it before you were ready and almost instantly regretted it.  When you're looking on with starry-eyes, you don't see the downside or potential problems."

Then, Hilde, Seffany, Lupe, Jelena, Neeka strolled in.

"I see you're all finally back," Shallista said.  "How did the job go?"

"It was great," Jelena said.  "We made bank and all we had to do was stand there and be drawn.  He sheltered us and fed us, too."

Seffany stretched.  "I bet my husband is at home, waiting to see me in this armor.  I know I've missed him.  Someone's getting laid tonight."

The girl looked at Hilde, then grumbled at Shallista.  "You freaking liar."

"Huh?" Shallista asked.  "What did I do?"

"You tell me I can't join your guild, but that boy can?" the girl complained.  "He can't be but thirteen, but I'm sixteen and can't join."

Shallista looked around.  Was she missing something?  "What boy?"

The girl pointed at Hilde.  "That one."

Shallista gasped.  "Oh...Hilde isn't-"

"But I'm eighteen...and female," Hilde said, frowning.

The girl looked her over.  "Are you sure?"

Hilde burst into tears and ran away.  "Waaaaah!"

Neeka gave chase.  "Hilde, wait!"

Shallista stood and patted the girl on the shoulder.  "It's getting late.  I'll walk you home, okay.  We can finish painting tomorrow."

"Did I do something wrong?" the girl asked.

Shallista shook her head.  "No.  I'm just trying to be a good role model and guild master."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 10

It was a beautiful day as Jessibelle stepped out of her house.  "My, my, what a day."  She walked down the street, greeting others as well as being greeted.

Eventually, she got out of the neighborhood and entered the commercial district of the town.  She then, went to a street vendor, grabbed an ice cream cone, and sat down on a nearby bench.  "Okay, time to create some characters."  She whipped a notepad and pen from her purse and watched people walk by while eating ice cream.

She knew most of the people who walked by, so they weren't good inspiration.  All she could do was hope that some visitor would wander past.  Someone like that woman from the building she visited last night.  She was interesting with that muscular physique and that horrendous armor.

She shook her head.  "No!"  She didn't want to think about that place.  Did she really intend to make her wear that?  She couldn't do that.  She was a mature woman.  A feminine woman.

Then, she saw a woman walking down the street.  She was tall with a fiery red mane tied back in a French braid.  She was wearing...that armor.  What's more is she seemed to be looking at her.  Was she coming her way?  "Ack!"  She looked away.

It didn't help, as the woman plopped down right next to her.  Why did she have to sit there?  What possible reason could she have had for sitting on this particular bench at this particular time?  She was so panicked, she started shaking.

"Nice day, huh?" the woman asked.

Was she talking to her?  What a stupid question.  Of course she was?  It'd be rude to not at least acknowledge her.  "Sure."

It was silent for a moment.  "Is there some reason you can't look at me?" the woman asked.

"What do you want?" Jessibelle asked.

"You caught my interest and I simply wanted to talk to you," the woman answered.  "After all, you kind of stand out with the parasol, sun dress, and sun hat."

"Like you're one to talk," Jessibelle said.  "You're so tall and wearing...that."

The woman leaned across her lap and looked her in the face with the brightest smile.  "You stopped by my building yesterday, right?"

This woman was gorgeous.  Jessibelle looked away.  "N-no."

"It's no use lying," the woman said.  "Your perfume is a dead give away.  I smelled it all over the place when I returned last night.  So, what brought you over?"

Her nose was that good?  Maybe lying wouldn't do her any good.  "I was just checkin' the place out."

The woman got off her lap and sat upright again.  "That whip on your hip tells me something different.  Simply having a weapon sets you apart from other people in this town.  And those boots on you feet aren't just for fashion.  They're functional and well-worn, clashing with your the rest of your outfit.  I'm guessing that you were looking for others like you.  People who like to go on adventures, putting life and limb on the line for nothing more than a thrill."

She was so close, but so far off at the same time.  "I was just lookin' for people ta base characters on for my new book.  I saw a Sexy Warriors poster on a buildin' and figured there must be all kinds of unique people in there.  Instead, the one person I saw tried ta recruit me."

"It's no wonder," the woman said.  "You're a cutie and we don't have a Southern belle-type yet.  So what do you say?  There will be plenty of adventures and people for you to base future books on.  It'll be cheaper than hiring us and we get a new member.  It's a good deal for both sides."

The thought of wearing that armor sent shivers through her body.  "I could never wear that stuff.  It's so...lacking."  She remembered what the woman last night said.  "Your name wouldn't happen ta be Shallista, would it?"

"It is," the woman said.

"So, you're the leader of the Sexy Warriors guild, right?"

"I am," Shallista said.  "Why are you asking?"

"I simply must know why you insist on wear such unsightly, impractical armor," Jessibelle said.  "It's uncivil and unladylike.  Also, it reeks of stupidity.  How are you still alive?  You're so exposed."

"Short answer to your first question," Shallista said.  "I don't like full armor.  I don't like the feel of it.  Also, I like to show off this body I've worked so hard obtain.  As for why I'm still alive.  I simply haven't been killed.  I don't lose and rarely take hits.  I won't lie, it takes a lot of skill to go into combat like this.  At the end, though, I'm the one who's still standing.  I like to view myself, my guildmates, and even barbarians as proof that it can be done.  That you can wear sexy armor and still be a successful warrior."

She had a point.  Barbarians were scary and some of them fought totally naked.  And this woman had an totally unblemished body.  If she took any hits, it was a very long time ago.  This woman must have been some kind of monster, a warrior of unparalleled skill to constantly defeat more heavily armored opponents and not even have wounds.  She would be an excellent protagonist for her next book.  She just needed to see one thing.  "I want to see how you fight.  Take me on an adventure.  I'll pay whatever you need me to."

"Are you sure you don't want to join us and experience the joy of wearing sexy armor for yourself?  You can't really know what it's like until you try it."

"N-no," Jessibelle said.  "I-I just want to observe."

Shallista patted her on the back.  "You're not fooling anyone.  Just join my guild, put on sexy armor, and get it over with.  You know you want to."

"Gah!" Jessibelle screamed.  "I can't!"  She got up and ran as fast away as she could.  She continued running until she couldn't run anyway, stopping near the city gate.

She hunched over, trying to catch her breath.  Then, she found herself being shoved down from behind, faceplanting in the dirt.  Was it Shallista?  How dare she?  "Stop it, idiot!  I don't want ta join your guild!"

"Idiot, huh?" a female voice said.  It wasn't Shallista's.

She looked back over her shoulder and saw five women in full armor staring down at her.  "Oh, sorry.  I thought y'all was someone else."

"I thought so, hick," the apparent leader of the group said.

"Hey, that's not called for," Jessibelle said.  "And y'all didn't have ta shove me down."

"So you're tough, huh?" another of the women asked.

"N-no," Jessibelle said.  "I was just sayin' that y'all were being rude.  I apologized for callin' ya an idiot.  Can't you apologize for shovin' me down."

"I think she thinks she's tough," another of the armored women said.  "She's even got a whip."

A city guard came over.  "Hey, don't start trouble, ladies.  This is a peaceful town."

The women stared Jessibelle down.  "Just don't let it happen again."

She watched as the women turned away from her.  Shallista had gotten there at some point and the women caught sight of her.  She then watched as they stared Shallista down.

One of the women rolled her eyes.  "Ugh!  Seriously?"

Shallista gave them the once over and said, "Don't be jealous."

"You give female warriors a bad name," the leader said.  "Put on some decent armor, whore."

Shallista simply walked past them and walked over to her as the armored women stare at her in disgust.  She knelt down and extended a hand to Jessibelle.  "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes, I believe so," Jessibelle answered, grabbing her hand.  She felt Shallista's strength as she helped her up.  She was so beautiful, yet so powerful.  Jessibelle had no choice but to look away.

"Have I done something wrong?" Shallista asked.

"N-no."

Shallista looked back over her shoulder at the armored women.  "Who really gives female warriors a bad name?  A woman in skimpy armor who helps people in need or a bunch of armored twits acting like bullies?"

"You filthy trollop..." one of the women said, putting a hand on the sword sheathed on her hip and starting for her.

The leader held her back.  "She's not worth our time.  Look at her armor.  We would kill the poor woman in seconds."  The group turned and walked away, the leader lingering behind to stare her down for a moment.

"Are you sure it was a good idea to antagonize those women?" Jessibelle asked.

"I couldn't just sit back and watch them be idiots," Shallista said.  "That's not the way of a Sexy Warrior."  She then looked at Jessibelle with a bright smile.  "You're welcome to come join the guild any time.  All you have to do is show up."  With that, she took her leave.

Jessibelle watched her walk away.  She was beautiful, kind, confident, and had good morals.  "Shallista…"  What a woman.

Sexy Warriors, Episode 9

"Keep going, maggots!" Audrixia bellowed.

"Yes, milady," the other five women said, doing push ups.

Shallista, Wendy, Penelope, Cordelia, and Vilka were all out doing a job, which meant she was in charge.  Akiko was out doing something, so she was free from the torture.  Seffany, Yelena, Lupe, Neeka, and Hilde were the only ones left, undoubtedly feeling the burn.

"Push ups are essential to being a warrior," Audrixia said.

"But Neeka and I are wizards," Hilde said.  "We don't use weapons or fight in melee combat."

"Silence, maggot," Audrixia said.  "If you can talk, you can do push ups.  Don't use too much energy, though, because squats are next.  Then, we're going on a jog through town.  Maybe afterwards we can take a fifteen minute break, then more push ups."

Everyone groaned and collapsed.  "I give up," Jelena said.

"I can't feel my arms any more," Lupe whined.

"What a bunch of maggots," Audrixia said.  "Less complaining, more push ups."

Then, Akiko walked into the training grounds.  "We have a potential client, milady.  Should I send him away?"

"No!" everyone else said.

They seemed quite enthusiastic about it.  "Okay.  Let's go hear him out."

"Finally, something other than working out," someone whispered.

"I heard that...Lupe.  You're doing double the squats when this is settled."

"Heck!" Lupe whispered.

Audrixia led everyone inside and, upon entering the guild hall, saw a sleazy-looking man sitting there.  She didn't like the way this looked, but according to Shallista, she should at least hear out anyone who came in as a client.  "Welcome to the Sexy Warriors guild.  Rumor has it you have a job for us."

He looked them all over.  "So, it's true.  An entire building full of gorgeous women in sexy armor."

"Is that all you need?" Audrixia said.  "A couple women to drool over?"

"Sort of," he answered.  "You see, I'm a traveling artist.  I try to look for the most beautiful sights everywhere I go and paint them.  After asking around, I heard about this place."

"So you just want to paint a few half-naked women?" Audrixia said.  "As long as you're paying, I guess it's fine.  How many of us do you need?"

"Five should be good."

Audrixia looked at the women under her charge.  "Any volunteers?"

"Me!" Hilde, Neeka, Lupe, Jelena, and Seffany all said.

"I'll be out gathering intel," Akiko said.

So it was settled.  "Okay, they're all yours.  You all can work out the details from here.  Oh, and Lupe?  You're not getting out of those squats.  We'll pick continue this when you return."

"Drat!" Lupe complained.

Before she knew it, Audrixia was alone in the guild hall.  She shrugged.  "Time for a workout."

*

It was dusk when Audrixia returned to the guild.  "Nothing beats a run around town."  She couldn't wait get inside and enjoy an ice cold mug of water to refuel.  She could already taste it.

She pushed open the door and saw a young woman looking around the guild hall.  The woman was petite with long, brown hair flowing from under a sun hat.  She was clad in a white sun dress, white stockings, white shoulder-length gloves, half-heeled ankle boot, and carrying a parasol.  There a thin belt around her waist with a wound up whip hanging from it.  She seemed to be looking for someone.  "Welcome to the Sexy Warriors guild.  How can I help you?"

The woman turned to look at her.  "Well, my, my.  I was startin' ta think nobody was gonna show up."  She took off her hat and bow.  "My name is Jessibelle.  I'm lookin' for the leader of this guild."

"She's out right now, so I'm the leader until she gets back," Audrixia said.  "So, what kind of business do you have for us?"

"I just want to observe y'all for a while.  See how things are run."

"I...guess that's okay, but for what purpose?"

"I'm a writer and adventurer," Jessibelle said.  "I'm lookin' for people ta use as inspiration for characters for a novel I have in the works.  It'd also be nice to find out how y'all girls fight in that skimpy little armor."

What would Shallista do here?  "You know, the best way to learn is to experience it.  Perhaps you'd like to become a temporary member and go on an adventure with me.  You'd have to wear the armor, but you'd have actual experience.  Write what you know, right?"

Jessibelle brought a hand up to her and flashed a smile.  "My, my, what are you suggesting?  A proper lady like me could never wear such an embarrassing outfit.  Heavens, your rear ends aren't even covered.  A true lady would certainly never walk around like that."

"You ain't never lied," Audrixia said.  "But this is the outfit.  Shallista won't have it any other way.  She'd probably let you keep wearing the sun hat and boots, though.  A unique twist, you know."

"Heavens, that'd be even more embarrassing," Jessibelle said, her looking down and blushing."

Had Audrixia hit on something?  "You want to do it, don't you?  I think we have something in your size."

"N-no.  I'm a proper lady."

"We can go as soon as you change."

"No!" Jessibelle screeched, running out the door as fast as she could.

*

It was late when Audrixia watched Shallista enter the guild hall.  "Welcome back, milady."

Shallista plopped down in a chair.  "You're all alone?"

Audrixia nodded.  "Akiko is gathering intel and the others are out on a job.  They haven't returned yet.  You're alone, too."

"The others went out on dates right after we finished work," Shallista said.  It was silent for a moment.  Then, Shallista sniffed the air.  "So, did anything interesting happen?"

"Probably," Audrixia said.  "We'll see tomorrow.  I might take an adventuring job soon, just to get away from the base.  After all, what the use in doing all this training if I never use it?"

"Maybe I'll let you borrow some of the girls.  Just let me know when you plan on going."  After another brief silence, Shallista asked, "So, do you want to spar?"

"You're on."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 8

It was nighttime.  Shallista, Vilka, and Lupe were enjoying a conversation together.  That's when Penelope, Wendy, and Cordelia walked in in slinky little dresses.  Penelope wore a little red dress, Wendy wore a little white dress, and Cordelia wore a little black dress.  Shallista whistled.  "You all look smoking hot."

Cordelia chuckled.  "That's what the guys said, too."

She noticed they were lacking the company of said guys.  "What happened?" Shallista asked.  "Why aren't those guys with you?  Your triple date went well, right?"

"It went..some way," Penelope said.

Wendy was smiling ear to ear.  "Those poor guys never stood a chance."

"Right?" Cordelia said.  "We show up in these little dresses, they start crying and begging for mercy.  It was quite pathetic to watch."

"So you walked all over them, huh?" Shallista said.

"And it felt so good," Penelope said.  "I never would have known this feeling if it weren't for you, milady."  She bowed.  "Thank you."

Shallista didn't know what to think, so she moved on.  "So, is there going to be a second date?"

"Sure...if they can gather up enough backbone to look us in the eye and ask us out again," Wendy said.  "We'll bend them to our will and rob them blind."

Shallista was truly shocked.  "I didn't know you had something like that in you, Wendy."

"Neither did I and I've been friends with her for ten years," Cordelia said.

"So, you're really good friends?" Penelope asked.  "You must have some good stories.  Tell me everything.  We can go to my place."

As they left again, Lupe asked, "You've been doing this for fourteen years, right, milady?  How did you handle things like overly aggressive men?  And did you have any legitimate relationships?"

"I was nineteen the first time I wore sexy armor," Shallista said.  "Being so young and fresh, there were a number of men who tried to get to forceful with me.  At first I had to break a few arms, but eventually I realized that was a fact of wearing sexy armor.  If you wear it, men are going to come at you with less than pure intentions.  I still broke a few arms here and there, but I learned to use this body I've been given to get the things I want."

"So, I've heard," Vilka said.  "Rumor has it you got Rixson and a few of the other guys to help you build this wonderful guild hall for nothing more than a couple touches of your rear end."

"It's true," Shallista said.  "A part of successfully wearing sexy armor is knowing when, where, and who to use your charms on.  Of course I could have sung to them and got the same result, but I don't like doing that."

"Sung to them?" Lupe asked.

Shallista smiled.  "What is my name?"

"Shallista, right?" Lupe said.

"What the second half of my name?  The title I go by?" Shallista asked.

"The Siren?" Vilka said in an asking way.

Shallista nodded.  "That title isn't just for show or dramatic effect.  I have a hidden power that I never use.  When I sing, I can charm every man within fifty feet of me who hears my voice to do my bidding for about an hour or so.  The people from my hometown gave the title and I've kept it ever since."

"You can sing?" Lupe asked.  "Let us hear."

"It only works on men, so perhaps I will sing for you later.  In the meantime, I believe I have a second question to answer."

"Right," Lupe said.  "Relationships."

"I've been on several dates, but only had one relationship that could have been serious," Shallista said.

"Could have been?" Vilka asked.

"Yes.  I remember, it was eight years ago, when I was twenty-five.  I had been traveling in the mountains and had stopped to take a break.  I thought I was alone, so I started singing.  At some point, a man I hadn't known was there walked up to me and complimented my singing.  I tried ordering him to do something, but he resisted.  His ability to resist my power made me unable to resist his manly charms.  I gave in to him, but he resisted my body."

"Heavens," Lupe said, fanning herself.  "So romantic.  I'm actually getting hot over here."

"In the two weeks we spent walking to his village, I think I fell in love with him," Shallista said.  "Apparently, he fell in love with me, because he showed me off to his friends and family.  After a week, we started heading back to my village so I could introduce him to my family.  Then, as we got back to the mountains where we first met, a group of his friends emerged from nowhere and killed him.  It turns out they we jealous of him, so they decided to get him out of the way and take my body for themselves.  I was angry, but my weapon was out of my reach, so I sang and commanded them to kill each other.  I haven't attempted to fall in love or used my power since."

"Oh, Shallista…" Vilka said.

Shallista shook her head.  "There's no need to feel sorry for me.  It's been eight years and I only knew him for a few weeks.  It doesn't hurt anymore.  So what about you ladies?"

*

Penelope opened the door to her home and stepped inside.  "Come in.  Make yourself at home."

Wendy and Cordelia came in.  "Thanks for inviting us in," Wendy said.

"It's not a big deal among friends," she said, plopping down in a chair near a table in the center of the room.  "Now let's hear those stories."

Wendy and Cordelia sat in some chairs near that same table.  "I guess we should start from the beginning," Wendy said.  "I spent my childhood practicing the healing ways of light magic.  I thought I could do more if I traveled the world, healing people who needed it, so I decided to leave home at eighteen.  Shortly after I left, I met Cordelia."

"Bandits raided my village just before I met Wendy," Cordelia said.  "They killed the adults and captured the children.  At sixteen, I was one of the oldest children and was able to fight.  But I failed.  The bandits beat me within inches of my life, broke both of my arm and legs, and left me for dead in the forest.  I cried out for aid for days and Wendy just happened to come by.  She healed my limbs and left, allowing me to chase down the bandits.  I freed a few of the able-bodied teenagers and we were able to fight and kill the bandits.  Wendy wasn't with me when that happened, so I decided to track her down."

"I remember it well," Wendy said.  "It had been about a week after I first met Cordelia in that forest.  I had just arrived in a city and been there a few days.  I didn't know the area or the people.  I wound up dragged into an alley by several men, robbed, and forced to strip naked.  As I stood there naked and scared, one by one the men all dropped dead, each of them penetrated by an arrow through his chest or back.  Another person came down the alley.  It was Cordelia.  She had killed all the men and rescued me from what almost certainly would have been my death."

"We decided to travel together from that moment on," Cordelia said.

"Oh..." Penelope said.  "I was expecting something a little lighter than that."

"We have plenty of light stories," Wendy said.  "But we've seen plenty of dark times.  I look back and know I wouldn't be alive without Cordelia's bow to protect me."

"And don't want to imagine where I'd be without Wendy's healing magic," Cordelia said.  She wrapped her arm around Wendy's shoulder.  "She truly is my best friend."

Penelope saw they were really close.  "Are you two...screwing?"

They looked at each other, then her.  "No..." they said at the same time, confused looks on their faces.  "Why would we?"

"It's just that you're both so pretty and you've been traveling together so long..."  Penelope stopped herself.  "Never mind."  She felt awkward.  "Please, don't hit me."

"We're not mad," Cordelia said.  "We might have some questions to ask, though."

"I'm not...it's not like that...I was just...wondering..."

"We're not going to stop being you're friend," Wendy said.  "We're not mad.  Really."  She smiled.  "So which one of us are you into?"

"Neither," Penelope said.

"It's Shallista, isn't it?" Cordelia asked.  "I guess there's no shame in that.  She's a sexy woman.  If I were into women, I'd probably date her."

"I don't like women!" Penelope shouted.  "I like guys!  I like...Epsley."  Had she really said that out loud?  "Dammit!"

"Ooh, tell us more," Wendy said.  "I'm sure you have some interesting tales about growing up alongside him while denying your own feelings."

"You two made me say that, didn't you?" Penelope said.  It was already out there.  She might as well come clean.  "Yeah...I like him.  I've liked him from the beginning.  I may even love him."

"So, why don't you just tell him?" Cordelia said.  "He's already made it known he likes you.  Why play games like we all did with him and his friends tonight?"

Penelope smiled.  "Because I want to push him to his breaking point.  I want to see how long he can last."  She looked away and toyed with her hair.  "I want to see how much he can take...before he ravages me."

"Ooh, Penelope," Wendy said.  "Someone likes it rough.  I never would have figured you to be one of those types."  She nudged Cordelia with her elbow.  "I wonder what else we can find out."

"Hey, hey, we're here so you can tell me some stories about you," Penelope said.  "If were going to share embarrassing things, let's at least take turns.  You're next."

"I guess that's fine," Cordelia said.  "Let us strengthen our bond through the sharing of embarrassing stories."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 7

As she went home feeling defeated, she though about that red-hair woman.  She looked down at her wrist, still red from where the woman grabbed her.  She'd never been grabbed that hard by another woman before.  What kind of monster was she?

"Dumb red-haired orge with her dumb skimpy armor and her dumb great abs and her dumb sexy butt..."  She stopped talking and shook her head.  "What am I thinking about?  I'm not attracted to women.  I have a husband."

It was a problem, though.  What could she do about that red-haired woman?  She was almost a foot taller than her, about ten years younger, very strong physically, and had a nasty-looking halberd.  If it came down to a fight, she wouldn't stand a chance of a chance.

"Damn," she grumbled.  "There's got to be something I can do about that woman and her guild."  She felt so helpless.

Then, it hit her.  "Heh, heh!  I know just how I'm going to throw that woman and her friends out right on their barely covered asses.  Ha, ha!"

She realized that a man was standing there looking at her.  "You okay, Minerva?  It's not normal to talk to yourself in the dark like that."

She was embarrassed, but downplayed it.  "I'm fine.  Just rehearsing something."  It wasn't a total lie.

*

Shallista was farming out back with Penelope early in the morning.  It was a cool morning, perfect for intense labor.  She stopped for a moment to soak it all in.

She noticed Wendy come out of the guild building and run her way.

Eventually, Wendy made it to the farm.  "We have our first client, milady!  He's in the guild hall right now!"

"I guess I'll head on in and greet him," Shallista said.  She stuck her hoe in the ground and slapped Penelope's butt, causing her to yelp and stand bolt upright.  "Farm's in your hand until I return."

"Y-yes, milady," Penelope said, relaxing and returning to her task.

She followed Wendy and getting to the guild hall, she saw a man sitting at the bar.  He was gruff and grizzled, perhaps in his mid-forties.  She recognized him immediately.  He was one of the people who helped her fix this building.  "Well, hello, Rixson.  Come to get another feel?"

He shook his head.  "No.  I came to give you a job, if you're interested."

"Depends one what it is, though I can't imagine turning it down," Shallista said.  "My guild is willing to take on almost any job, after all."

"Good," he said.  "When we were touching this place up, I couldn't help but notice you're pretty handy with a hammer and a paint brush.  Maybe you'd be willing to help me and the boys fix up a few places.  It'd be steady work for you and something for the boys to look at during their breaks."

Shallista smiled.  "I see.  Okay, how many people do you need?"

"I think about five, if you have 'em to spare."

"And you'll pay them all?" she asked.

"Of course," he said.  "I don't cheat people."

Shallista nodded.  "Alright, we'll do it.  Just tell us where to go, I'll round up four of my ladies, and meet you there."

*

Shallista, Wendy, Cordelia, Penelope, and Vilka arrived at a shady-looking part of town.  With the exception of men working on buildings and stray animals looking for food, the area abandoned.  "Look at it all, ladies.  This is what getting paid looks like."

Wendy looked around nervously.  "Are we going to be okay?"

"We'll be fine," Penelope answered.  "Things tend to stay pretty calm around here.  And the guys just like to stare a little too much, but they're harmless."

Rixson just happened to come out of a build and see them.  "Ah, there you are."  He gave them all a once over.  "You all look capable for the most part.  As you can see, there's plenty of work to do, so pick a building, grab some tools, and get started."

"A little history lesson, first," Shallista said.  "What is this place and what happened to it."

Penelope spoke up.  "Oh, this was the entertainment district...back when the city got a lot of visitors.  I used to come through here and play games all the time as a kid.  It was so much fun."

One part caught Shallista's attention.  "Why did people stop coming?"

"It was too far out of the way for most people to get to," Vilka said.  "Also, a dragon would attack people on the main road from time to time.  Some soldiers eventually killed the dragon, but the damage was done.  We were no longer getting tourists and the local population wasn't big enough to support the businesses, so the whole district went under.  The city restructured into a crafts and farming town."

"So this wasn't just some quaint little town before, huh?"  Shallista asked.

"Sure, it was no metropolis, but it wasn't the sticks, either," Rixson said.  "Honestly, I like what our town has become, but I can't deny it was nice to have something to do besides gather at the pub and drink beer after work."

"Hmm..."

"What is it, milady?" Wendy asked.

Shallista shook her head.  "Nothing.  Just thinking about things.  Okay, ladies, let's get to work."

*

Penelope, Wendy, and Cordelia were enjoying a water break together when a couple of guys came over.  Penelope simple asked, "Yes?"

The youngest, a man roughly Penelope's age, said, "Man, Penelope.  I didn't know you had such a nice body.  Your friends ain't bad, either."

"I know, right," another man, in his late twenties, said.  "That gal with the pigtails has a bangin' body."

"Umm...my name is Wendy," she said nervously.

"Who are these people?" Cordelia asked Penelope.

"Just some people I've known since childhood."  She pointed to the youngest one.  "That one's been crushing on me for about ten years now."  She looked at him.  "Isn't that right, Epsley?"

"Come on, don't tell 'em that," Epsley said.  "I can't lie, though.  Seeing you like this is a dream come true."

A third guy walked around them.  "Nice legs, Hay-top.  Can I have a feel?"

"It's Cordelia," she grumbled.  "And no, you can't.

"That's enough, guys," Penelope said.  "Get back to work."

"Not until you promise to have a drink with me after work," Epsley said.  "Please?"

Penelope huffed and looked away.  "So annoying."

"I think it's kind of cute," Wendy said.  "He's into you and not just because of your body.  The one's coming onto me and Cordelia however..."

"We're trying, but you're shooting us down," Cordelia's candidate said.

"Then perhaps you shouldn't start by asking to touch my legs," Cordelia scolded.

"That's right," Wendy said.  "I know we're wearing this skimpy armor, but at least pretend you're looking at more than just our bodies."

"That's hard to do when someone looks like you," Wendy's candidate said.

"Oh..." Wendy said, looking away and blushing.

"That's all it took?" Penelope screeched at her.

"Seriously, just give us a chance," Epsley said.  "A triple date?  What do you say?"

"Please?" Cordelia and Wendy's candidates said, hands together with puppy-dog eyes.

Cordelia looked away.  "I guess I understand.  Our armor is sexy, so it's hard to look under the surface under these circumstances.  Okay, I'll give you one chance.  But if you bring up my legs just one time, I'm walking."

Epsley reached out to Penelope.  "You're the only one left.  What do you say?  After ten years, can I have just one date?  You know us, so you know we won't get out of line."

Penelope grumbled.  "Fine.  Just try not to get too handsy or we walk."

Three men high-fived.  "You won't regret this," Epsley said.  Then, he and his friends took their leave.

That's when Shallista came around the corner.  "Ooh, you all have dates."

Penelope stiffened, but relaxed upon seeing it was her.  "Heavens, you almost scared the piss out of me.  How long have you been there?"

"Since Wendy melted over a stranger's compliment."

"Y-you heard that?" Wendy asked, looking down at her feet.

"Come on, don't be embarrassed," Shallista said.  "It's natural to feel good about something like that, especially when it comes from someone as cute as those guys.  And when you feel good, so do I.  I feel so good, in fact, I'll let you leave an hour earlier to prepare for your date.  Surely you want to wear something besides your armor and you certainly don't want to go reeking of paint and sweat."

"Are you sure, milady?" Cordelia asked.

"It'll be fine," Shallista said.  "But that's still a few hours down the road.  Until then, get those butts in gear."

"Yes, milady," Penelope, Wendy, and Cordelia all said with the biggest smiles.

Sexy Warriors, Episode 6

Shallista was in the guild hall, enjoying a cold mug of water.  Others were there as well.  Akiko and Vilka were sitting at the bar, conversing.  Hilde and Neeka were off the clock, covered up in full wizard robes, headed out.

Lupe came in and plopped down next to her.  "Audrixia can train with the best of them.  I can't keep up with her."

"Of course," Shallista said.  "Very few people can keep up with a wizard knight.  Audrixia is a fine example of what it takes to be one.  I'm lucky I was able to get her."  She put her feet up on the table and leaned back in her chair.  "Fencers are particularly skilled as well.  I'm glad to have you aboard."

"And I'm glad that I'm wanted," Lupe said.  "I promise to do my best, regardless of the job."

Wendy, Cordelia, and Penelope came in, each wearing a large bag on her back.  "We have the posters," Wendy said.  "I made a job request poster and a recruitment poster, so we shouldn't have trouble get jobs or members.  All we have to do is post them up around town."

Hilde and Neeka turned around.  "Do you need us?  We can change back into our armor and join you."

Shallista shook her head.  "I won't hear of it.  You girls go and enjoy the rest of your evening.  Both of you being young wizards, I'm sure you have much you want to share with each other."

"O-okay, if you're sure," Hilde said.  She and Neeka finally left.

Shallista put her feet back on the ground and hopped out of her seat.  "Well, let's get those posters up, ladies.  Audrixia's in charge until I get back."

Vilka stood.  "Those three are looking kinda flimsy.  I'll help.  Let me have one of those bags."

Wendy, Cordelia, and Penelope rushed over.  "Please, take mine," Cordelia said.

"What?" Wendy said.  "No fair.  I'm a healer, not a fighter.  I'm not built to carry heavy bags like this.  She should take mine."

"No, she should take mine," Penelope said.

"But you're in better shape than we are," Wendy said.

"I need to give my muscles a break after all that farming I did earlier," Penelope said.

Shallista took Cordelia's bag.

Wendy quickly shoved hers into Vilka's chest.

"Dammit," Penelope complained.

"Do you need my assistance, milady," Akiko asked.

"No," Shallista said.  "Me, Wendy, Penelope, Cordelia, and Vilka should be enough.  You can gather intel if you want."

"And me?" Lupe asked.

"You just sit somewhere and look pretty," Shallista said.  "You've earned a break."

*

After a few hours, Shallista and the others reassembled in the town center.  "Okay, ladies, how did we do?"

"Vilka and I still have a few, but not too many," Wendy said.

"We still have half of ours because Penelope was moving too slow," Cordelia said.

"My back hurts and my legs are on fire," Penelope said.

Satisfied, Shallista nodded.  "Okay, put all the posters in one bag and give them to me.  I'll finish up.  The rest of you can go home."

Collapsing, Penelope said, "Thank the heavens."

"Are you sure?" Wendy asked.  "I can help out if you need me."

"You all look exhausted and it's my job as leader to make sure all my ladies are taken care of," Shallista said.  "Take a load off."

Penelope shot to her feet.  "If you're staying out, I can still go."  Then, she dropped to her knees and grabbed her calf.  "Ow!  Leg cramp..."

A woman came over with a crumpled piece of paper and flung it at Shallista.  "Go away, Sexy Whore-iors!  You're not wanted here!"

Shallista caught the paper, then looked around at all the men staring and drooling.  "I think you're in the minority."

The woman huffed.  "They're just perverts and you're nothing more than a bunch of whores."

Penelope worked her way to her feet.  "Hey, lay off."

"And you should be ashamed of yourself," the woman scolded.  "You were so against them before.  Now look at you, wearing such an embarrassing outfit."  She walked over and raised her hand as if threatening to slap Penelope.

Shallista stepped in the way and grabbed her arm.  "Don't even attempt it."

The woman tried to yank her arm away, but couldn't get lose.

Shallista tightened her grip.  "As the leader of the Sexy Warriors, I have to protect my ladies.  If you raise a hand to one of them, you're going to have to deal with me.  Is that understood?"

The woman dropped to her knees.  "Argh...let go, you ogre!"

"Is that understood?" Shallista repeated.

"Oww!  I get it," the woman said.

Shallista let her go and faced her group.  "Okay, head home, ladies.  I'll finish with the posters."

The woman grumbled and stood, massaging her wrist.  "This isn't over.  I'll make you pay if it's the last thing I do."

Shallista looked back over her shoulder.  "Feel free to try."

The woman simply grumbled and walked away.

"Oh no, we've just made an enemy," Wendy said to Shallista.  "What do we do?"

Shallista smiled.  "She isn't the first and she won't be the last.  We'll win her over, just like we will from now on."  She uncrumpled the paper and saw it was one of the posters they had just put up.  "I'll make her wear sexy armor."