Sexy Warriors, Episode 21

Shallista was feeling good as she made her way to the entertainment district.  She got in a morning of gardening, working out, and helping Wendy groom her new horse.  It was a productive day so far and figured to be even more productive.  With Wendy, Penelope, Cordelia, and Vilka in tow, she marched ahead, ready to work.

When they arrived, however, her good feelings disappeared.  Several of the buildings they had fixed had been vandalized.  Windows had been smashed, eggs had been splattered, paint and feces had been smeared, holes had been knocked in wall, as well as other assorted damages.  Perhaps the damage to the workers was worse, as they all looked defeated.  Several were crying and Epsley was sitting on the ground, dejected.

"Oh no," Shallista said, trying not to get emotional herself.  "What happened?"

"No one knows," Epsley said.  "It was like this when we arrived.  For something like this to happen after all that hard work..."  He sniffled.

Penelope ran over and sat down to comfort him.  "Don't worry.  We're here now.  We're going to fix these buildings and make things right."

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.  "Thank you, Penelope."

"Not to interrupt your tender moment," Vilka said, "but do you have any idea who could have done this?"

Epsley shook his head.  "None at all.  All the citizens seemed to be on board, so I don't think it was any of them.  Maybe some of the visitors could have done it, but why?  It doesn't make sense."

Maybe whoever did it was still in town.  "I'll ask around," Shallista said.  "The rest of you stay and help the builders."

"Yes, milady," her charges all said.

*

Shallista found herself in front of the inn.  If a traveler was the culprit and still in town, they'd likely be here.  Either way, she would get to the bottom of this.

She noticed an armored woman sitting out front, looking away from her.  It was the woman she fought in the guild hall a while ago.  "Hey, you!  Remember me?"

The woman did not look her way.

She decided to walk over and plop down in front of her.  "I'm not here to fight.  I just want to ask if you've seen anyone suspicious around here."

Without looking at her the woman said, "As if I'd help you, whore."

"Okay, fair enough."  Shallista stood up.  "By the way, you wouldn't mind changing into your sexy armor so I can check you out, would you?"

She noticed a slight crack in the woman's expression.  "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"You can't fool me," Shallista said.  "One of my guild members left the storage area with some armor and didn't say where she was taking it.  Judging by the size of the missing armor and what you should look like under your armor, I'm assuming she gave it to you."

"S-she could have g-given it to anyone," the woman said.

"But, no new members came through my door," Shallista said.  "That could only mean the person who received the sexy armor was trying to keep it a secret."

"Piss off!" the woman shouted.

Shallista sighed.  "Just put it on and show me what's hiding under all those plates.  It's nothing to be ashamed of.  You can come to my headquarters and show me later if you're too embarrassed to do it in public."

Suddenly, another armored woman shot up of the inn, sword drawn.  "What's going on, Lady Victoria?"  Then, she noticed her.  "You!  What are you doing to my guild member?"

"Just a little friendly conversation," Shallista said.  "By the way, have you seen anyone suspicious at the inn?"

The woman simply looked her up and down with a look of disgust.

"You girls need to chill out.  Try wearing some sexy armor.  It'll help you relax."  She left them to themselves and entered the inn.

All eyes were immediately on her as she stepped inside.  She noticed three more armored women sitting on a sofa, sneering at her.  She turned away from them and looked to the check-in clerk.

"Stinking whore!" a female voice said.

"Nobody wants you around, so go away!" another said.

She turned back to the armored women.

"Yeah, we said it," one of them said.  "What are you going to do about it?"

She wasn't here for a fight.  "Since you're talking to me, perhaps you've seen-"

"Shut up, harlot!" one of the women said.

"Hey, no fighting," the clerk said.

Shallista nodded at him.  "Have you seen anyone suspicious wandering around here?"

The clerk laughed.  "I run an inn.  See 'em all the time.  Yer gonna have to be more specific."

She thought back to the condition of some of the buildings that got vandalized.  "Maybe their clothes were a little dirty or they smelled odd.  Perhaps they were carrying a bag of some sort."

He looked up for a moment as if thinking before he looked at her again.  "Now that I think about, a young man did come in with a bag of...something.  But I never saw 'im leave.  Maybe one of my employees saw 'im after I went to bed.  Or maybe Lady Grizelda saw.  I've never seen her sleep since she's been here."

"Lady Grizelda?" Shallista asked.

"The leader of that armored lot you just had a falling out with."

She wasn't going to get any answers from her.  She'd have to go straight to the source.  "What room is the young man currently staying in?"

He looked uneasy as he answered, "Room 205, on the second floor.  Please don't cause any trouble."

She nodded.  "I'm just going to talk."  At least that was the hope.  She made her way to the stairs and headed up.

When she got to 205, she gave the door a good knock.  "Hello, young man.  My name is Shallista, guildmaster of the Sexy Warriors.  I would like to ask you a few questions."

No answer.  She attempted to twist the knob, but it was locked.  Busting down the door wasn't an option and the innkeeper likely wasn't going to let her in to invade his privacy.  She wasn't totally up a creek, though.

She made her way back to the innkeeper and asked, "Would you be willing to give me a description of the young man?"

"It couldn't hurt," he said.  "He was a young fella, maybe in his late teens.  Pale skin, brown moptop hair, average height.  Heck, just a regular kid by all standards."

"Hmm, that doesn't really narrow down the possibilities," she said.  "But it could still be helpful.  Thanks."

"Sorry I couldn't be more help," he said.  "I'll let 'im know you stopped by if I see 'im."

*

Shallista returned to see everybody cleaning buildings with their heads hanging.  Epsley just happened to see her, hope in his eyes.  "Did you find the piece of crap who ruined our work?"

Everyone stopped working and all eyes shifted to her.  Unfortunately, she had to let them down.  "I'm afraid not, but I did find out that the person may still be in town.  If this is true, I promise me and my Sexy Warriors will find him.  We'll crush him, drag him here, and throw him at your feet for judgment."

Epsley nodded.  "Heh, me and the boys can't wait."  Other builders nodded and chuckled eerily.

She turned and started walking.  "Okay, girls, let's go.  We have to make things right."

Wendy, Cordelia, Penelope, and Vilka nodded and said, "Yes, milady."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 20

Shallista was in the old entertainment district with Wendy, Cordelia, Penelope, and Vilka, looking over their work.  One side of the road had nice, freshly restored buildings while the other side was still rundown.  It was a tale of two sides.  "Looks like things are progressing nicely."

"It does, milady," Penelope said.

"It sure does," a male voice said.  It was Epsley, walking out of one of the buildings.  "We've really been moving fast, thanks to your guild.  We still have a long way to go, but we should finish by the season's end.  Unfortunately, we'll still have to find businesses to occupy them all.  That could take months or even years.  It makes me wonder if some, if not most, of our work will go to waste."

Suddenly, a man screamed and flew out of a window.  Shallista sprang into action, running, diving under and catching him, and embracing for protection him unto they rolled to a stop.  "Are you okay?" she asked, standing and dusting herself off.

"Yeah, no thanks to you," he said.

Had she just heard right?  "Excuse me?"

"I was trying to injure myself so that cutie could heal me with her magic," he said, pointing at Wendy.

Wendy recoiled and held her arm up defensively.  "Ack!"

"What if you had died, stupid?" Shallista asked.  "Even she can't heal death."

He looked down at himself, then at Wendy.

"Yep," Shallista said.

"I'm so sorry, ladies," Epsley said.  "I hope you'll continue working with us.  If not, I'll understand."

Shallista looked at Wendy.  "It's up to you.  Well..."

"I-I guess it's fine...but I'm not healing him," Wendy said, pointing at him.  "He can become a splat on the ground for all I care."

"Whoa, harsh," Cordelia said.  "So much for a gentle, caring light wizard."

Vilka stretched and yawned.  "Well, if we're done for the day, I'm gonna go back to headquarters for some training."  She flexed her biceps on one arm and slapped the resulting bulge with the other hand.  "Can't let the steel get weak."

Shallista nodded.  "That's fine.  Do as you will, everyone.  I'm going to stay and help the guys clean up."

*

Wendy was enjoying ice cream in the city center with Penelope and Cordelia.  "You know, this is a nice area," she said.  "It's a good place to sit down, relax, and be noticed."

"That's kind of the point," Penelope said.  "The city center was originally a gathering place for everyone to do everything.  City planning, plays, activities for children, this is the place where everyone came together.  Of course, that all was before I was born.  Now it's just a regular old park for mingling."

"That's interesting," Cordelia said.  "Now that I think about it, we still don't know this city that well.  Maybe you could give us a tour one day."

"As long as that day isn't today," Penelope said.  "Right now, I just want to sit back and eat ice cream with my friends."

Wendy smiled.  "I like this."

Suddenly, Cordelia looked off to the left and gasped.  "There's trouble, you guys."

Wendy and Penelope looked.  Nothing was there, which meant Cordelia was using her super sight to see, "Outside the city gates?  What's going on?"

"Someone is outside being dragged by horse about a mile up the road," Cordelia said.

Penelope hopped off the bench.  "Time to jump into action.  Sexy Warriors, mobilize!"

"Well, someone's really getting into it," Cordelia said.  "Let's go."

*

The three of them rushed to the city gate and looked out.  "There they are," Wendy said.  "Leave this to me."  She walked out as the horse got closer by the second.  She held her staff in front of her and chanted, "Gods and Goddesses, pierce their sight.  Flash!"

A bright light flashed, causing the horse to stop, cry out, and fall to the side.  Wendy immediately rushed over to reassure it and stroke its head.  "It's okay.  No one's going to hurt you."

Penelope and Cordelia rushed in to untie the foot of the man the horse was dragging and pulled him away.  "Are you okay?" Penelope said.

"Urgh..." he said, stirring to life.  "I thought I was gonna die."  Then, he opened his eyes and looked around.  "Wait.  I'm not dead, am I?"

"No, you're quite safe," Cordelia said.

"No, I must be dead," he said.  "I wouldn't be able to see this many angels if I weren't."

"Oh," Cordelia and Penelope said at the same time, rolling their eyes.

"This horse is the angel," Wendy said, continuing to strike its head.  "This shiny brown coat is immaculate to the touch."

He tried sitting up, "Her name is...urgh!"

Wendy was sure the horse's name wasn't Urgh!  "I'm a light wizard.  Do you need healing?"

"Of course I do," he said.  "I was dragged five miles by a horse."

"Five miles?" Penelope asked.

"How did such a thing happen?" Cordelia asked.

Wendy came over and cast a healing spell.  "Okay, tell us all about it."

"I was trying to show off for a pretty girl with some horse tricks," he said.  "One of the tricks went bad and I ended up falling off.  It must have scared Waterlily because she started running and didn't stop and I wound up tagging along.  I was hoping she'd tire herself out, but she never did.  All I could do was was pray after that."

So, the horse's name was Waterlily.  She offered him a hand up.  "If you're hungry, we'd be willing to feed you and Waterlily."

He grabbed her hand, giving her the once over as he did.  "The person who owns the horse, his name is Wagner."

She pulled him up.  "And the woman who's breasts you're staring at, her name is Wendy."

"Ooh, Wendy!" Cordelia and Penelope said together.

"Shut up, you two," Wendy shot.

*

Wendy brought Wagner back to the guild and showed Wagner and Waterlily the stable.  "As you can see, we don't have a horse, but we have a nice stable.  Our guild master built it with her own two hands."

"Looks like there's enough room for three or four," he said.  "Well-constructed, too.  Your guild master seems like quite the handyman."

"I'm hoping to get a horse, a unicorn, and a Pegasus," she said.  "Though, the last time I rode a Pegasus, I learned I get air sick.  Still, it would be nice to have one.  Until then, perhaps you'd be willing to let Waterlily break it in."

He nodded.  "That's fine.  We brought her all this way.  May as well put it to use."

After putting Waterlily in one of the stalls and giving her some food, they left the stable and joined Cordelia and Penelope for sandwiches in the guild hall.  After eating, they conversed for a bit until Shallista showed up.

"Well, what's this?" Shallista asked.  "Who's boy toy is this?"

Penelope and Cordelia pointed at Wendy.

"Ack!" Wendy gasped.  "He's not my boy toy!"  She looked to Wagner.  "S-so, this is my guildmaster."

Wagner stand and shook Shallista's hand.  "Howdy, lady."  He gestured to the stable.  "Rumor has it this is your handiwork.  Looking at you, I can tell you know your way around a hammer."

"All we need to do now is get a horse for Wendy to put in there," Shallista said.  "She's a horse-fiend...but I'm sure you've figured that out faster than you figured out her cup size."

"Heh, she does have great knowledge of horses...and a mighty fine chest," Wagner said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Shallista turned and headed for the garden.  "She's the only healer I've got.  Try not to be too rough with her.  It'd be ashamed if she broke."

Penelope and Cordelia simply sat there, wide-eyed.

Wagner turned to Wendy, scratching the back of his head.  "Well, she certainly is...direct, isn't she."

Wendy was so embarrassed, she couldn't speak.  She just wanted to melt away.

*

Wendy was out in the fields riding Waterlily.  The wind felt good blowing over her body and through her hair.  She hadn't ridden a horse in a while.  She couldn't get rid of her smile if she punched herself in the face.

Unfortunately, it had to come to an end eventually.  It was late and Wagner was waiting for them at the edge of the fields near the back of the city.  She didn't want to keep him waiting all night.  "Okay, we're going back, Waterlily," she said, guiding the horse into a U-turn, beginning the charge back to the city.

As they got closer, Wagner eventually came into sight.  They drew closer and she said, "Whoa, Waterlily.  Whoa."  The horse galloped to a walk, then stop in front of her owner.  Wendy hopped off.  "Thanks for letting me ride her.  It was quite a thrill."

"I'm still surprised she let you ride her so easily," he said.  "I had a hard time even getting on her my first ride.  You really do have a magic touch with horses."

"Yeah, I guess so," she replied.  "Well, I'm headed back to headquarters.  If you're still in town tomorrow, I'd love to ride her again.  Have a restful night."  As she walked away, she felt him grab her arm.  She turned.  "What is it?"

He was looking off to the side with a sheepish look on her face.  "You know, the redhead may have been a little too direct, but she wasn't wrong.  I have to admit, with you having that body and wearing that outfit, I'm having a hard time being a gentleman and all.  I guess I'm saying, I wouldn't mind being your boy toy."

Was she really hearing this?  "What are you saying?"

He let go of her arm and gently stroked her thigh.  "I've been wanting to touch you all over your body since the moment I saw you.  I want a hot, passionate night of loving you."

His hand against her leg for so good, she nearly moaned out loud, but she stopped herself.  "But we just met today.  You seem like a great guy and all, but I'd like to take a little more time before I offer myself to you.  Maybe after marriage or at least some sort of engagement."

"Heh, a woman of principle, even in that outfit," he said.  "I like that.  Maybe I will take you up on that one day.  Too bad I don't have anything for you to hold on to until then."  He looked up, then at Waterlily, and finally her.  "Why don't watch Waterlily for me?"

She thought she was going to faint.  "Ack...What?  I can't take Waterlily!  She's yours!"

"But you want a horse, right?" he asked.  "She really seems to like you and you already have a place to put her.  I can say she doesn't always like me.  Why do you think I wound up getting dragged for miles?  I just think she'd be in better hands with you.  I can always find another horse."

"Are you serious?" she asked.  "You'd really let me have Waterlily?"

"Yeah, I insist."

"Hmm," she said, giving some thought to the situation.  Then, she grabbed his hand and put it on her breast.  "Waterlily will be safe with me."

He pulled himself in and gave her a long kiss.  "Looks like we have a deal.  See you when I see you.  Maybe I'll have a husband for Waterlily when I do."

"Oooh!  Hear that, Waterlily?  You might be getting a boy toy of your own."

*

Shallista awoke feeling good.  A glance out her bedroom window told her everything she needed to know.  The sun was shining.  There were no clouds in the sky.  Farmers were out in the fields working.  It was time for her to do likewise and tend to garden out back.

She hopped out of bed and stretched.  She briefly contemplated going out naked, before choosing to don her armor.  She left her room and headed downstairs.  She entered the guild hall and greeted  Jelena and Lupe, who were having breakfast.  Then, she walked down the long hall to the back, twisted the doorknob, and opened it, ready to step out into the world.

Suddenly, she heard a thunderous thudding sounds and something large whizzed past the door, stopping her dead in her tracks.  "Huh?"  She poked her head out and saw it was Wendy riding Waterlily.

Wendy looked back and said, "Look, milady.  I got a horse, I got a horse, I got a horse!"

That was nice.  The stable she worked she hard on would finally have an occupant.  She did wonder what Wendy had to do to get it, though.  "She must have screwed that man's brains out."

The Travels Of Xiang, Episode 20

Xiang found herself in bed, staring up at the ceiling.  The last day she trained with Master Tsu kept replaying in her mind.  She remembered it well enough, but still needed to fill in some gaps.

She remembered it was raining that day.  As a result, they held their training session inside.  She had run straight over from the fields, dried off, and changed into a spare outfit one of the quitters left.  After doing the appropriate stretches and warm ups.

It was an intense session, capped off with the ultimate test; she had to score a single hit on Master Tsu.  A tall task for even a highly-skilled warrior was much more so for a fifteen-year old student under his tutelage.  After all, what could she do that he would see coming.

After numerous failing, she had decided to plot and cheat.  First, she pretended to trip, which caused Tsu to let down his guard and try to aid his student out of concern.  Then, when she was within strike range, she tackled him down and punched him in the shoulder.  She celebrated by saying, "I got you!"

He gasped.  Then he snapped, "Get off me, dumb girl!"

Instead off listening, she continued to gloat.  "I can't be that dumb if you fell for my trick."  She looked down into his eyes.  "I knew you would fall for it.  Admit it.  This dumb girl got over on you."

He looked up at her with a look she couldn't recognize.  It wasn't anger, nor was it joy.  It wasn't even the look of pride she'd been so used to getting.  It seemed to be a look of surprise and exhaustion, but not quite.  Then he said, "dumb girl," and sent her flying with a Burst Fist to the stomach.

She remembered flying back into a wall and crashing to the ground.  It hurt so much.  She couldn't move her body.  All she could do was look and, through the pain, grunt, "I'm sorry, Master Tsu.  I didn't mean to make you angry."  The last thing she remembered about the situation was a concerned Tsu running over to her.  Afterwards, she woke up at home in bed and never saw Tsu again.

What happened after she passed out and before she woke up at home?  Whatever it was, it was so horrible that it made Tsu disappear.  She had to know...even if it hurt.  She gathered up some courage, got out of bed, and headed out.

Chika, who was staying in the next room, happened to come out as well.  "Is everything alright Xiang Wenling?"

"I'm fine...hopefully."

"I certainly can't leave you alone after hearing that.  I'll come, too."

Chika's support might come in handy.  "Thank you."  With Chika in tow, Xiang left the inn.

After walking for a while, she came to the alley where she saw Tsu passed out last night.  He was still there, downing a bottle of liquor.  Two more empty bottles lay beside him.  "Master Tsu…"

He looked at her, as drunk as drunk could be.  "Xi-Xiang?  W-what do you w-want?"

Xiang grumbled and balled up her fist.  It hurt seeing him reduced to this.  It made he sick to her stomach.  It made her angry.  She stormed right up to him and, yanking the bottle out of his hand, said, "Give me this freaking crap!"  Then, she poured it out.

"No, I need it!" he said, crawling over to where Xiang poured it out and licking the dirt.

Xiang groaned and held back tears as her heart broke.  She angrily grabbed him by the hair and made him look at her.  "I can't believe how pathetic you've become.  Passed out in alleys?  Licking alcohol from the dirt?  That not the Master Tsu I know."

He freed himself from her grip and sat back against the wall.  Through slurred speech, he said, "The Tsu you knew is dead and gone.  Can't you see that?  I've vowed never to teach martial arts again, so what value do I have now?  All that's left is a broken bum who's answers are at the bottom of a bottle."

"And how many answers have you found in the four years you've been like this?" Xiang snapped.  "What answers have you been able to obtain passed out drunk in an alley?  What kind of answers...can you give me?"

He let out a long, loud belch before asking, "So you still have stuff you want to know?  Might as well answer your questions.  So what do you want to know?"

Her questions wouldn't be too long.  Drunk or not, he should know what she was asking.  "Why?"

He shrugged.  "I don't know.  I guess I lost my way.  Believe me when I say, you were truly my best student.  It was a slow process, but for nine years you stuck with it.  Your devotion was genuinely something to be admired."

"When?" she asked.

He looked into the air as if searching for the answer.  After a moment, he finally answered, "It must have been right about when you performed the Burst Fist for the first time.  It made me happier than you could know.  Finally, my teachings seemed to be helping someone.  What instructor wouldn't be happy when coming to that realization?"

Chika dropped to her knees and vomited.

"Chika!" Xiang said, kneeling to aid the dragon woman.  "Are you okay?"

"I am sorry," Chika said.  "This is...excrement.  I cannot listen to it anymore.  I shall be in my room if you need me."  With that, she stood and staggered off.

In truth, Xiang wanted to vomit, too.  Perhaps she would later.  Right now she needed clarity.  She needed to bear with it.  She looked at Master Tsu again.  "How?"

"I don't know," he said.  "I truly wish I had an answer."

Now, for the question with potentially the most painful answer.  "W-what happened after you knocked me out with the Burst Fist?"

He took a deep breath before answering.  "Nothing.  At least nothing harmful.  I simply packed my bags and left.  I knew I could no longer remain in that town.  I could no longer be near you."

That gave her a great sense of relief.  She could rest easy knowing that.  There was just one more thing she needed to know?  "I can channel energy through me fist and nothing else.  You told me that the Burst Fist was just the the tip of the iceberg of the defense arts.  I want to complete my technique.  Where can I receive further training?"

He was silent for a moment.  "So you're still serious about the defense arts, huh?  As you're now aware, I can no longer teach you...but perhaps my teacher can.  Go to the northmost mountains of Tzezhange Island.  There, you should find a temple.  Knock on the doors and ask for a man called Zhe Chou.  He was already quite old when I became his pupil thirty years ago, but if he has any strength left in his body, he will teach you the remaining techniques of the defense arts."

She bowed and said, "Thank you, Master."  Then, as she turned to leave, she asked, "What will you do now?"

"Heh, I don't know," he answered.  "I will never take on anymore students, so I no longer have a purpose in this world, but I don't have the courage to kill myself or the will allow myself to be killed.  I guess I'll just walk around drinking until my body stops moving...or maybe I'll get on a boat and sail around the world until a storm sinks the boat, taking me under the sea with it."

It hurt to hear what he had been reduced to.  This man she once thought was so great.  She lifted her hand up to her chest and clinched her fist.  "So...you've decided to give up on life?  I'm sorry if I did anything to bring this upon you, Master."

"Remember, the fault is not with you, dumb girl," he said.  "It is with me.  I've made my decision.  Now it's time you got going and stopped wasting your time talking to a piece of garbage like me.  Go, master the defense arts and live the life of happiness you were meant to live."

"Zhe Chou in the northmost mountains of Tzezhange Island, right?" she asked.

"Yep..."

With him in the mental state he was in, she might never see him again.  She didn't know whether or not that was a good thing.  What she did know is that if these were her last word to him, she didn't want them to be of hatred or malice.  "Thank you, Master Tsu.  Farewell."

The Travels Of Xiang, Episode 19

Xiang was lying down in the field outside of town, sorrow in her heart.  As much as she hated it, thoughts of past training sessions with Tsu ran through her head.  It made her want to cry, but she had run out of tears quite some time ago.

She remembered eagerly running to her training sessions after working in the fields.  Sometimes she'd show up dirty, sweaty, and reeking of the fields because she'd go straight from the fields to Master Tsu.  She'd stay for hours, even skipping meals sometimes, until he said he was tired and that it was time to go home.

She remembered the prideful smiles he would give her when she accomplished something.  Nothing seemed to make him happier than when she successfully performed the Burst Fist for the first time.  That, in turn, made her happy.  She remembered jumping in his arms, cheering that she had done it.  It had taken seven years, but she did it.  She had made her instructor proud.

How she longed for those days again.  Knowing what she knew now, though, those days were long gone.  There could be no going back.

What made it worse is that she asked for this.  She's the one who chased Tsu through the city.  She's the one who demanded answers.  The despair she was feeling was entirely her fault.  She couldn't even bring herself to move.  She was broken and it was her own doing.

"Why did I do it?  Why did I chase him down?  I should have let him run away.  I wish I'd never seen him again.  I wish...I'd never left home."

"Xiang!" a voice called out in the distance.  It sounded like Chika.  "Xiang!  Where are you?"  The voice kept calling out.  Was it getting closer?  She couldn't tell.

She struggled to sit up and saw a light bobbing up and down.  The voice was coming from that direction.

"Xiang Wenling!  Please answer!"  At that point, she knew it was Chika.  The voice got closer and closer, gradually giving her visual conformation.  She was alone.

Xiang plopped back down.  It didn't matter who it was anymore.  Nothing could fix the hole in her heart.  All she wanted to do was lie alone in the darkness of the field.

"Xiang Wenling!" Chika said.  She ran over, knelt down, and sat her up.  "Are you injured?"

"Go...away," Xiang said.

"No," Chika said.  She embraced her.  "I shall not leave.  Not while my friend is in pain.  I know you are hurting.  Allow me to help."

She could feel Chika's warmth, the smoothness of her skin, and the beating of her heart.  She had only known her for a few days.  When had they gotten so close?  "Why..."

"Because you are genuinely a good person," Chika answered.  "There are so few people like you in this world, I always attach myself to them when I see them.  I do not have many friends, but it is about the quality of those friends, not the number.  I consider you to be in that select group, so please let me in."

Xiang returned her embrace.  "Oh, Chika..."

"To think, mere hours ago we were having fun and enjoying our time together," Chika said.  "Then that man showed up..."

"I should have let him leave," Xiang said.  "If I had done so, I could've continued to remember him fondly.  I could remember him as the man who taught me so many things.  He could have remained that person who gave me so much happiness as a kid."  Her eyes stung, but tears would not come out.  "Now I'm sitting here as a shattered woman because I relied on him so much."

"We can pick up the pieces together," Chika said.  "I shall stay with as long as I have to until you feel better.  Now come.  Let us get back to the inn.  That man is no longer there."

She felt Chika trying to help her up.  With shaky legs and assistance, Xiang worked her way to her feet and stood.  Maybe she'd regret asking this later but she did it anyway.  "Did he say where he was going?"

"No, but I believe I saw him going to a bar," Chika answered.  "He truly seemed remorseful about the situation.  As detestably as he behaved, I do not believe he is bad person.  After all, he did not turn into that monster.  He could have, but did not."

"I know," Xiang said.  "This whole time, he was trying to protect me from that monster.  Still, it's hard for me to believe he was the monster.  My entire foundation was shaken when I came to that realization."  She lifted up her fist and looked at it.  "My entire foundation... I can never view him the same way again.  It hurts."

Chika grabbed her hand and they headed toward the city.  "I'll be here as long as you need me.  I'll assist you in any way I can."

"What about your adventure?"

"I can always go on an adventure," Chika answered.

"But I don't want to be a burden-"

"Silence," Chika said.  "I won't hear of it."

They walked until they got back into the city.  After a bit more walking, Xiang just happened to look in an alley.  There, she saw the sight of Master Tsu, passed out with a bottle of liquor in his hands.  Just when she thought she had no more tears to shed...

Sexy Warriors, Episode 19

She entered the town and looked around.  It was small, but busy.  People were floating around, sitting on benches, and conversing.  It was a nice, laidback area.

She took a deep breath and exhaled.  The air was so fresh and clean.  She didn't know an area occupied by humans could smell like this.  She'd spent so much time staying in big cities, this place was genuinely a surprise to her.  She had spent some time in Elf Territory, which had clean air, but it was nice to be in an area like this with humans.  "Hmm...maybe I'll stick around here a while."

Then, she saw her.  A tall, redhaired woman with decent musculature playing catch with some kids.  Her...clothing, for lack of a better word, didn't leave much to the imagination.  If not for her boots and gloves, she'd practically be naked.  All the better for her tastes.  She was enamored with the female form and this woman was beautiful.

As impressive as her body was, the smile on her face was angelic.  It made her want to faint.  She was full of life, almost as if she was a big child herself.  How old was she, anyway?  She looked so youthful.

Then, the woman looked her way.

She looked away, her heart racing.  Had she noticed her staring?

"Hey, you!"

Was that her voice?  She had noticed.  She looked back and saw the woman coming her way.  She had to run.

"Don't run," the woman said.

She turned all the way around to face her.  Was she going to get the crap beaten out of her?  If it came down to a fight she wouldn't stand a chance, for she was not a fighter.  "I'm sorry for staring."

"No worries," the woman said.  "It's not as if you could help it.  People can't help but stare when Sexy Warriors are near."

"Sexy Warriors?"

"Scantily clan vixens who solve problems and help others with little more than their underwear and a weapon," the woman said.  "I've put together a guild of them right in this town."

A bunch of nearly naked women together in one place?  She was intrigued.  "Take me there.  I wish to see if such a place exists."

The woman nodded.  "Follow me, then."

When the woman turned around, the sight she saw was immaculate.  "B-b-butt..."

The woman looked back over her shoulder.  "But what?"

Was she really dressed like that in public?  Did she not know that her rear end was 99% exposed?  "I...can't...take anymore."  She fell to the ground and blacked out.

*

She awoke in a bed in a room she'd never been in surrounded by people she'd never seen.  Where was she?  She sat up and looked around.  There were three women in the room with her.  One was a voluptous woman with long black twin ponytails.  Another had short, hay-colored hair and brilliant green eyes.  The last one was a slight thick woman with short black hair.  They all were dressed like that redhaired woman, so they must have been her friends.

"So, you're awake," a woke with black twin ponytails said.  "Are you unharmed?  Do you need healing?"

She gave her the once over.  "What kind of healing are we talking?"

"Huh..." the woman said.  "Anyway, I'm Wendy.  It's nice to meet you."

The woman with the hay-colored hair said, "I'm Cordelia."

The final woman said, "And I'm Penelope.  Welcome to the Sexy Warriors guild."

So the place did exist.  Attractive, scantily-clad women all gathered together in one place.  "Where's that redhead?"

"Oh, you mean Shallista," Wendy said.  "She's sitting in the guild hall.  Do you have the energy to walk?  I'll take you there."

Her name was Shallista.  What a beautiful name.  She hopped out of bed.  "Lead the way."  She followed Wendy and the others out of the room and down a hallway, checking them out the whole time.  They all were packing the goods.  Without even thinking about it, she said, "Yeah..."

Penelope looked back.  "Huh?  What's going on back there."

"Shallista said she fell on the way here," Cordelia said.  "Maybe she fell on her head."

As they went down the hall, a voice came into being and got louder as they advanced.  Eventually they entered an bar-like area and there it was.  Shallista was sitting, her feet propped up on a table, singing a beautiful song.  She was so entranced, she dropped to her knees.

Cordelia and Penelope helped her up.  "You okay?" Penelope asked.  "You need to go back to bed?"

She shook her head.  "I'm fine."

Shallista looked over, stopping her song.  "So you've finally come to.  Feel free to come over and have a seat.  Or perhaps you'd like a tour."

She walked over and sat across from Shallista.  "You're Shallista, right?  Your friends told me."

"I am Shallista.  Shallista the Siren, leader of the Sexy Warriors guild.  This is the fabled base of operations I told you about.  Is there anything you want to know?  Perhaps you want to join."

There wasn't anything pressing she needed to know.  She was just curious to see if such a place existed.  As for joining... "I don't think I can pull off the outfit.  I think they look nice, though."

"You sure you don't want to try it?" Shallista said.  "I think you'd look better than you believe."

She thought about it, but almost fainted at the idea.  "No, I'm fine."

"Perhaps you're hungry?" Shallista asked.  "You did just wake up after passing out for a few hours."

She could go for a meal.  "Sure.  Feed me."

Shallista nodded, slid her feet off the table, and stood.  "Okay.  The rest of the girls are in the back making barbecue.  Let's go back and meet them."

She looked at the seat Shallista got up from, then at everyone else.  "I'll be out soon.  Just give me a few minutes to rest.  I'm feeling kind of dizzy."

"Okay," Shallista said.  "It's straight back through the door.  Join us when you're ready."  Shallista and the others left.

She looked around.  This place was impressive.  Just how many people lived here?

Then, she looked at Shallista's chair again.  "Shallista was just sitting there."  She knelt down.  "Her butt was on this seat mere moments.  Her beautiful, delicious butt."  She leaned her head down and licked it.  Again.  And again.

"Oh, by the way..." someone said.

Surprised, she stop what she was doing and looked over, a tingle going through her body as she did.  There stood a very confused-look Shallista.  "Oh...hey..."

"What are you doing to that chair?" Shallista asked.

The wheels started turning.  "I was just standing up, on my way out to join you.  Then, I suddenly lost all my energy and had to kneel."

"Hmm...you sure do seem to faint a lot, yet you don't look particularly ill," Shallista said.  "I guess I'll help you get outside."  She came over, helped her up and braced her.  "Okay, here we go."

She was being touched by Shallista.  She warm, smooth, and firm.  It was a dream come true.  She was so excited, she couldn't move her legs.  All she could do was tremble.

"You're shaking," Shallista said.  "Are you cold?"

"I'm fine," she answered.  "Low blood sugar, that's all."

Shallista chuckled.  "We'll fix that soon enough.  By the way, when we were on the way here, it seemed like you want to say to me.  What was it?"

"Huh?"

"You said but.  But what?"

Oh no.  She couldn't let her know she fainted because she looked at her butt.  It would be too embarrassing.  "I don't recall.  It probably wasn't important.  I'll let you know if I remember."

"Okay."

Eventually, they came to a door.  Shallista pushed it open, to reveal a jovial scene.  It was nighttime.  A number of women were gathered around a grill with a bright fire burning.  The smell of fresh grilled meat and vegetables wafted through the air and into her nose.  There were jokes, laughter, and comradery.  It was something she wanted to be apart of.

Shallista said, "You want to join the guild now, right?  I'm not sure if I can let you join, though."

"Huh?  Why not?"

"You're always getting dizzy," Shallista said.  "You couldn't even get out here by yourself.  You wouldn't be able to handle any workload you got.  It makes me wonder how you got to this town in the first place."

It looked like it was time to come clean.  She pushed away from Shallista.  "The truth is...I want to lick you so bad right now.  When I fainted earlier...it's because I saw your butt...and got a little too excited.  And the chair...I was licking it because you had been sitting in it.  I'm sorry if I made you worry.  I was afraid you would hit me if I told you."

She realized it was quiet.  Everyone was looking at her, mouths agape.  Oh no.  They didn't accept her.  She looked up at Shallista, who looked oddly serene.  Was she going to hit her?  "Umm..."

"I suppose it was only a matter of time before it happened," Shallista said.  "With this many women walking around in sexy armor, it was evitable that one attracted to women would turn up."  She looked at her.  "As long as you can work, you're welcome to join up."

Was it that easy?  "You don't have a problem with me being gay?"

"As long as you don't go around harassing my girls, it won't be a problem."  Shallista extend a hand to her.  "Care to suit up and join us?"

She looked around.  "Do I really have to wear it?

Shallista shook her head.  "Not all the time.  Just when you're working."

She wanted to be the ogler, not the one being ogled.  Sexy armor looked uncomfortable.  But she didn't know when she was going to leave.  She planned on staying a while.  Maybe she could give it a try at the very least.  It would give her something to do.  "Umm...sure.  I've got nothing better to do"  She shook Shallista's hand.

"Welcome aboard," Shallista said.  "Introduce yourself, name, age, and class."

"Oh...umm...I'm Natalie, 24, and I...can't fight.  I've never held a weapon, don't know magic, and can't even make medicine.  I'm just a random traveler."

Shallista walked around her, looking her over as she did.  "You seem fit enough.  How about we fix that lack of skill with some training?"

It would be a new experience.  And if it meant staying around all these hot women, she might as well give it a try.  Shrugging her shoulders, she said, "It couldn't hurt."  Could it?

Sexy Warriors, Episode 18

Shallista was in the bar area, taking a break from her garden work.  That's when Nicolotte in, tugging at her outfit.  "Hello, there.  Did you have a restful night?"

"Yeah, but I still can't believe this armor," Nicolotte answered.  "It looks as uncomfortable as it feels.  This is certainly going to be an adjustment."

"Tugging at it isn't going to make it cover more of your body, you know," Shallista said.

"It does make me wonder why you chose this particular design," Nicolotte said, continuing to squirm around and tug at her armor."

She thought back to that woman who came to her village when she was a teenager.  "My heroine wore it.  I chose this armor to be like her."

"You mean older women wear this stuff?" Nicolotte asked.

"I'm not sure," Shallista answered.  "I haven't seen her in seventeen years.  She looked to be in her late twenties at the time, so she's probably in her forties by now.  Admittedly, I haven't come across many women who are bold enough to wear this at that age.  I hope to be one of the few."

Nicolotte stopped struggling with her armor.  "You're really all in with this Sexy Warriors thing, huh?  How long do you think you'll do it?"

"If I'm blessed enough to have the body to pulled it off, until the day I day, whether that be tomorrow or a thousand years from now," Shallista answered.  "I don't want to imagine moving on."

Nicolotte made a few final adjustments.  "Okay, how do I look?"

Shallista walked around her, looking her up and down as she did.  "You're fine.  Well then, I'm going to tend to my garden.  You can come with me or go to work with some of the other girls."

A garden?  She was interested.  "I'll take the garden, please."

"Okay, let's head out back."  She stood and headed out the back door with her newest member in tow.

*

Minerva entered her home, weary from a long journey.  She saw her husband eating dinner alone.  There was a extra plate set up, presumably for her.  She decided to sit and join him.

He looked up from his meal, almost seeming startled to see her.  "You've been gone for days.  Where have you been?"

The meal was steak and rice.  She shoveled a forkful of rice into her mouth, chewed a few times, and swallowed.  "Nowhere particularly dangerous.  Just getting a few things set up."  She let out a short, maniacal laugh.

"Is something wrong, Minerva?  You've been acting strange lately.  You never used to laugh like that."

She shook her head.  "No.  Nothing is wrong.  As a matter of fact, I've got everything - covered."  She let out another maniacal laugh while trying to eat some steak before being forced to cough it up to keep from chocking.

Her husband gave her a weird look, then went back to his meal.

*

Nicolotte was enjoying some ice cream in the city center with Shallista after a hard day's work.  "Nothing hits to spot like some ice cream after gardening."  She looked around, taking note of all the male gazes they were drawing.  "Still, I can't help but feel like this is kind of embarrassing,wearing sexy armor in public, you know."

Shallista shrugged.  "Meh.  Comes with the territory."

She looked and also noticed to various stares from women.  There were looks of disgust, anger, and annoyance, among others.  A handful of the women were even turned on.  "The looks we're getting from the women are...interesting, to say the least.  There's variety, I guess."

"That comes with the territory, too," Shallista said.  "Sexy armor isn't for the faint of heart."

A man came over with a sleazy look on his face and walked right up to Shallista.  "Hey, baby.  Would you do me the honor of having sex with me?"

Nicolotte was so shocked, she couldn't keep herself from gasping.

"Unfortunately, I'm saving myself," Shallista answered.  "Sorry."

He walked away, hanging his head in defeat.

Then, a teen girl walked over to Shallista.  "Your skin is so beautiful, it's hard to believe it's real.  Can I touch you?"

"I usually charge for touches and reserve them for adults," Shallista said.  "But as long you're willing to settle for an arm, I can let you have a free touch."  She extended her arm out.

"How much to touch a thigh?" the girl asked.

"That's for adults only," Shallista answered.  "It's the arm or nothing."

"Aww," the girl said.  She gave Shallista's arm a good rub.  "It's real!  It's really real!"  She run away squealing.

"Huh," Nicolotte said.  "You charge to let people touch you?"

"It's a nice, safe source of income," Shallista said.  "People want to touch me.  I might as well use it to my advantage."

"But what if someone tries to go too far?" Nicolotte asked.

Shallista leaned back and smiled.  "Travel the world.  Anywhere you see a man with a broken arm is a place I've been."

A chill ran down Nicolotte's spine.  Then a question popped into her mind.  "You've been all over the world dressed like this, right?"

Almost as if anticipating where the conversation was going, Shallista answered, "Sexy warriors don't get cold."

"Huh?"

Shallista looked at her.  "You were going to ask if I've been to any cold places, right?  I have and I never worn a scrap of clothing more then what I'm wearing now."

"I don't know if I could do it," Nicolotte said, shaking her head.  "I'm getting frostbite just thinking about it."

Suddenly, she heard a maniacal laugh.  She looked and saw a village woman sauntering their way.  "Well, well, if it isn't the Sexy Whore-iors," she said to Shallista.  "Roped in another one, have you?  Heh, have your fun while you can."

Shallista looked confused.  "Wait, who are you, again?  Oh, you're that woman who crumpled up our poster that one time.  Are you doing well?"

"Not yet, but soon enough," the woman said.  "Make no mistake, you will never forget the name Minerva."  She turned and started walking away, throwing her head back and letting out a maniacal laugh as she did.  Then, she tripped over her own foot and fell.

Shallista hopped off the bench and ran to aid her.  "Are you okay?"

Minerva slapped her hand away.  "Don't touch me.  I would rather slither on the ground than except help from a whore."

"A Sexy Warrior always lends a helping hand."  Shallista grabbed her under the shoulders and lifted her up to feet.  "There you go.  Be more careful."

As Shallista turned to face her, Nicolotte saw a rage building up in Minerva as she looked her up and down.  "Hey, Shallista…"

Then, Minerva punched Shallista in the butt, resulting in a loud smack that echoed through the area, and shouted, "whore!"

Shallista turned around.  "You just couldn't wait to touch it, could you?  That's going to cost you a pretty hefty sum.  They haven't even conceived the number for the amount you're going to owe me for that.  But, I'd be willing to forgive your debt if you'd give sexy armor a try."

Minerva looked up at her, shaking her hand as if trying to relieve pain.  "Soon enough, whore.  Soon enough."  Then, she turned and walked off.

Nicolotte didn't know what was more impressive;  that someone could get that angry for seemingly no reason or the fact the she hurt her hand by punching Shallista in the butt.  "Is this normal?"

Shallista nodded.  "Yeah.  It's pretty normal."

Sexy Warriors, Episode 17

Shallista, Penelope, and Audrixia were in the fields outside of town.  They had just sat down on a blanket Penelope made, about to enjoy a picnic.  "Isn't today a lovely day?" Shallista asked.  "The sun is shining and we're in the company of friends.  Could anything be better?"

"Honestly, I'd rather be training," Audrixia said.

"You can't just train all the time," Shallista said.  "I like exercise as much as the next gal, but there's more to life than just training.  Live a little, Lady Audrixia."

"I...guess it couldn't hurt," Audrixia said.  "I've been training for years, so I guess a break won't undo everything I've worked to achieve."

Then, Penelope pointed out further into the fields.  "Hey!  There's a person staggering around out there.  She may be injured."

Shallista looked.  There was indeed a woman stumbling around.  The woman then fell and vanished into the grass.  "Crap!  Let's go help her out."

*

She awoke and found herself looking up into the eyes of a green-eyed, redhaired woman.  She was dazzled.  "Wow, you're beautiful."

"I'm glad to hear it," the woman said.  "You passed out in the fields not long ago.  My friends and I brought you over to our picnic and checked you out, but you don't appear to be injured.  Maybe you're just hungry.  We'd be willing to share our picnic lunch with you if you'd like."

She hadn't eaten in several days.  Maybe that's why she passed out.  Perhaps she'd take this woman up on her offer.  "I can do anything but pork.  I'm allergic."  No need in eating something that would kill her.  That would defeat the purpose of trying not to starve to death.

"We have roast chicken sandwiches," the woman said.  "They are topped with strips of bacon, but I guess we can pull them off one."

"Oh, I'll take one, then."  She sat up and looked around.  There were two other women, one with dark skin and braided hair, the other a pale skinned woman with short black hair.  They all had one thing in common.  "W-where are your clothes?"

They all looked down at their barely covered bodies.  "We're wearing plenty of clothing," the redhead said.

"You're barely even wearing underwear," she shot back.

"As long as you can't see the naughty bits, we're technically fully-covered," the black-haired woman said.  "Embarrassed, but fully-covered."

The redhead handed her a sandwich, putting the bacon that used to be in it in another sandwich.  "One bacon-free chicken sandwich."

She took the sandwich and savored it.  As she did, she looked around at the women.  They were very relaxed, sharing jokes and laughs.  "How can you all be so...at ease dressed like that?"

The redhead gave her a sly glance.  "Would you like to find out?  You can feel it a lot better than I can explain it.  We can size you up for sexy armor."

"No!" she squealed.  "I don't want to try it.  I just want to know what's going through your minds.  Aren't you worried about being laughed at?  Being called sluts?  Being raped by a group of men who can't control themselves?"

The black-haired woman raised her hand.  "I have been laughed at.  Yes, it is quite embarrassing, but I don't regret my decision to wear sexy armor."

"And being called a slut is no big deal," the dark-skinned woman said.  "It doesn't matter what you wear, somebody is always going to have something to say."

"And if men get too excited and try to take one of us by force, it won't go too well for them," the redhead said.  "I can guarantee that much."

They were so confident.  She did notice they were very fit and armed.  These women were all warriors, which only made their attire that much more baffling.  "If a fight broke out, you'd have no protection.  An opponent could literally hit you anywhere and it would kill you."

"Then maybe we just won't get hit," the redhead said.  "Wearing sexy armor is indeed a risky undertaking.  It takes a special type to successfully pull it off.  Most people can't.  So, what class do you think that puts us in?"

These women must have been monsters on the battlefield.  The best of the best.  Who were they and why had she never heard of them before.  Surely women who could traipse into battle dressed like them and walk out victorious would have a number of credible victories and battles under their belts.  "Who are you people?"

"Glad you asked," the redhead said.  "We are the Sexy Warriors guild and I'm the guild leader, Shallista the Siren."

Total unknowns.  "How many battles have you people fought in?"

"As a guild, not a single one," Shallista said.  "By myself, I've fought in a lot of skirmishes and dust ups with bandits, monsters, deserters, and various riff-raff."

"Well, I was a wizard knight for the Kingdom of Tolunda," the dark-skinned woman said.  "Tolunda doesn't have any real enemies and is generally peaceful, so I asked to be discharged to venture the world.  I've been in a brawl here and there, but nothing to really test my skills.  I am, however, devoted to my training and am more than a match for whoever I may face out in the world."

"I'm just a town watch in the sleepy town you were walking towards," the black-haired woman said.  "In fact, Shallista was my first real fight.  I got my ass kicked."

Their resumes weren't impressive, but she could sense they were strong.  Shallista, in particular, was giving her the vibe of someone not to be trifled with.  She wasn't an intimidating person, but that was just it.  When someone was that relaxed, it was a sign they were trying to keep some monstrous power or skill in check.  Behind that beautiful exterior was a warrior forged in the flames of battle.  "Sexy Warriors, huh?  I'd be interested in seeing what kind of training you do."

Shallista smiled.  "Can't wait to get out of those hot clothes huh?  Come to our guild hall and we'll get you fitted."  She stood and dusted herself off.

"I-I don't want to wear the outfit," she said.  "I j-just want to see how you train to effectively fight in such outlandish clothes."

"Sure, sure," Shallista said.  "Well, Audrixia.  Penelope.  Picnic's over.  Let's welcome our new recruit."

"Yes, milady," the other two said.

"Are you listening?" she asked.  "I said I don't want to join you or wear your clothes."  The Shallista turned around and bent over to pick something up.  "Eww..."

"What's wrong?" Shallista asked.

"You're wearing a thong," she said.  "I can see your butt."

"Duh, it's sexy armor," Shallista said.  "I'd be disappointed if you didn't see it."  Then she stood up and looked back, trying to see her buttocks.  "Wait.  I'm not getting saggy, am I?"

The dark-skinned woman looked.  "You're fine."

The black-haired woman said, "Perfect as always, milady."

Was this real?  "You can't possibly be comfortable walking around like that."

"Do any of us look uncomfortable?" Shallista asked.  "Now follow us and see what it takes to be a Sexy Warrior."

*

She followed Shallista and the others, eventually coming to a stop in front of a large building.

"Well, here we are," Shallista said.  "Welcome to the headquarters of the Sexy Warriors guild."

"You mean this monster of a building is yours?" she asked.  "You must have an army of women behind you."

"Not yet," Shallista said.  "Eventually, this building will be packed with Sexy Warriors.  It's going to be special.  Join up now and enjoy the glory in the future."

"No," she said.  "Just no."

They entered and Shallista gave her a quick tour before taking her to where she really wanted to go; the training grounds.  Now she would see what they were made of.

The sight was unbelievable.  Several women were lounging around in sexy armor.  Some were sunbathing, some were reading books, and one was even dancing.  There was one practicing archery, but everyone was quite relaxed.  "What the hell is this?  A resort?"

"We work hard around here, so my girls are enjoying some well deserved rest," Shallista answered.

"If somebody raided this place, you'd all be killed," she said.  "I came to see how well you all can fight, not how well you can read and sunbath."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and all eyes were on her.

"Do you doubt us?" Shallista asked, pulling a pair of training swords from a nearby rack.  "Feel free to put our skills to the test."  She handed her one of the training swords.  "Pick any of my girls to spar with.  You can even pick me if you want.  The only one off limits is the one with the black pigtails.  She's a healer and won't fight."

With that in mind, she looked over the nine candidates.  "Heh, it doesn't matter which one I choose, it would be a humiliating defeat for her."

"It doesn't matter, huh?" Shallista said.  She handed the other training sword to the dark-skinned woman.  "You're up, Audrixia."

Audrixia took it.  "Yes, milady."

She smiled.  "Sending in your lackeys, huh?'

"Not without reason," Shallista said.  "As a wizard knight, Audrixia is the mightiest of us.  If you can defeat her, you can defeat anyone here.  Well?  Care to give it a try?"

At least they you showing her the proper respect.  "I'm glad you're not sending a weakling after me.  I'll accept the challenge."

"Good," Shallista said.  "Now make sure you win or you'll have to wear sexy armor."

"What!" she screeched.  "I agreed to no such terms.  And what do I get if you win?"

"Me and my girls will wear decent armor and never wear sexy armor again," Shallista answered.  "In other words, the fate of this guild lies in your hands."

That did sound pretty good.  If she could contribute to there being fewer women dressed like them, she will have made the world a better place.  "Okay."  She looked around.  "Get ready to cover up everyone."  Then, she got into her stance and faced Audrixia.  "You ready?"

Audrixia got into her stance.

"Okay, fight!" Shallista said, raising her arm to signify the start of the battle.

She was thinking about making the first move, but saw Audrixia preparing to strike.  She got set to block and counter.  She did block, but Audrixia blocked her counter.

Audrixia then went on the attack, forcing her back with a flurry of slashes.  The strikes were powerful, too.  It was almost pointless to block.  And she left no openings in between attacks.  Powerful, fast, and quick.  And being a wizard knight, she hadn't even started using magic yet because this was just a training session.  Had she truly never been in a real battle?  Was she a perfect warrior?

This couldn't continue.  She had to find a way to strike her.  She was a highly skilled warrior, too.  She would not be made a fool of.  She continued to block until the time was right.  Then, she struck.

Audrixia sidestepped, then lunged behind her, and gave her a good whack in the small of the back.

She seized up from the pain, dropping her training sword and falling to the ground.  "Oww…"

"Is she going to be okay?" one of the women asked.

"Don't paralyze the recruits, Audrixia," Shallista said.

"Sorry, milady," Audrixia said.

Shallista then came over to her and knelt down.  "Rest up.  Round two is in two minutes."

That hit hurt.  Really hurt.  "Do you always hit each other like that?  How are you all not bruised and battered?"

Shallista pointed to the woman with the pigtails.  "If not for our resident healer, there be a lot of hurting going on around here.  As long as she's here, we can train all day."

Maybe... "I'd like some healing, please."

"From a little hit like that?" Shallista asked.  "Surely, this isn't the most a fully dressed woman can take from a woman in sexy armor.  Is it?"

So that was the game.  She shook off the pain and rose back up to her feet.  "I won't lose!"

*

"Just give up already," Shallista said.  "You aren't going to beat Audrixia."

She'd been knocked down fifteen times and was in a good deal of pain, but she couldn't give up.  She wouldn't give up.  Doing so would mean having to wear that embarrassing armor.  "I won't do it.  I won't wear sexy armor!"  She looked around.  "I won't be like all of you!  I can't be!  I refuse!"

She looked at Audrixia, who was ready to give it another go.  What kind of monsters were they training around here?  After years of training, was this the best she could do.  She was outmatched.  She simply didn't stack up.  "Damn it..."  She dropped to her knees as the first tears started to run down her cheeks.  "Damn it!  I give up..."

Shallista knelt down and patted her shoulder.  "Is the idea of wearing sexy armor really that bad?"

"It's not the armor," she said.  "It's the difference in skill.  I didn't think I was so far behind.  I never had a chance."

"There no shame in losing to Audrixia," Shallista said.  "I'll tell you what.  You don't have to wear the armor if you don't want to.  You're free to go."

A sense of relieve came over her but her sense of honor overwhelmed it.  "No, I said I would do it.  I'll wear it."  She looked at Audrixia, then back at Shallista.  "And there's a lot I can learn from her.  With a beast like her training me, it can only be good for me.  So...if you'll have me...I'd like to join your guild."

"Are you sure about this?" Shallista asked.

"Yes.  Make me a Sexy Warrior."

Shallista took her hand in her own and shook it.  "Welcome to our guild...um..."

She looked into Shallista eyes and gave a smile.  "Nicolotte.  My name is Nicolotte."

"Welcome to the guild, Nicolotte.  Feel free to introduce yourself to everybody.  And don't be shy about asking Wendy for healing."  Then, as Shallista looked over her charges, she looked puzzled.  "Now that I think about it, Akiko's been gone for a few days.  Has anyone seen her?"

The others looked around, confused.

That's when a diminutive woman came out of the building and into the training grounds.  She was dressed like the others, but her body was covered with bruises and cut.  Her leg dragged as she walked toward everyone.

"Akiko!" Shallista said, hopping up to her feet and bolting over to her.  "What happened?"

The woman with the pigtails hurried over as well, likely preparing a healing spell.

Akiko handed Shallista a piece of paper.  "I'm done gathering intel.  It's a map of the surrounding area.  Landmarks, surrounding town, threats, everything you need to know is on it."

"I need to know what happened to you," Shallista said.

Akiko shook her head.  "There's no need.  The threat has been eliminated."  Once her wounds were healed, she turned around and headed for the door.  "Well, I'm off to gather more intel.  See you soon."

And just like that, she was gone.

What a group of women she'd joined.  Hanging around here just might be fun.