Post by Nadezhda Esterházy on Feb 14, 2019 17:38:10 GMT -5
Splosh. Splosh. Splosh. The sound of liquid tracks broke through the fading moans of desperate saints. Some whispers cried out for mercy while others carried prayers to a reticent God. "Your faith seems misplaced." A tiny voice said out of view of the dying brothers. The pitter-patter of wet footsteps continued to echo through the chamber before two feet landed in view of an elderly monk. His eyes carefully watched as she wiggled her toes before cautiously raising his gaze. With every inch of distance and every second of time, his fear intensified.
Nadezhda's big, bright eyes rested on the monk's timeworn face. His agony was visible in every line on his face. Even his pale, faded eyes betrayed his quiet resolve. Nadezhda's expression fell flat as she crouched, lowering herself toward the monk. They gazed into one another's eyes for a moment, the monk feeling paralyzed by her presence. He was fearful of what she would do next, but to his surprise, she smiled and let out a playful giggle. She scooped a generous amount of blood onto her finger and tapped him directly on the nose. "Tag, you're it." She announced playfully. She adjusted her posture as she further addressed the monk. "I guess that wouldn't be fair, huh?" She jested cruelly.
A breath of air rushed by Nadezhda before one of the antique hanging candelabra began swaying from left to right. "We need more of a challenge, Koschei. While these humans are fun target practice, it would be better if someone stronger was our target. Everything you have to offer is wasted on these decrepit fools." Nadezhda's more serious tone startled the barely conscious monks. A weak, brittle voice interrupted Nadezhda. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?" She tilted her head to the side and looked at the man curiously. Without saying a word, she slowly walked across the blood-soaked floor.
Splosh. Splosh. Splosh. The sound of her footsteps in the blood horrified the monk brave enough to ask her motives. She passed him by, to his relief, and proceeded to a nearby shrine. Her blood-drenched fingers traced the contours of the statue as she looked over the inscription. "Latin. I don't speak Latin. What does it say, wise monk?" She asked innocently. "If you declare with your mouth and believe in your heard, you will be saved." The elderly monk stated with a shaky voice. "Mýlíš se." Nadezhda responded quickly in Czech. She stared at the shrine closely, observing the detail and work that went into replicating their savior.
Nadezhda inhaled deeply and exhaled heavily as the silence thickened and tension swelled. "I don't understand." The man said weepingly. She remained silent while drenching her hand in blood. The blood dripped down her wrist as she pressed her hand into the face of this holy statue, defacing it with a bloody print. Just then a sweet, feminine voice whispered to him from the tip of his nose. "She said 'you're wrong'." The man's body quaked as his eyes looked forward in order to see Koschei's ghastly visage materializing. "Jestliže vyznáváme naše hříchy," she recited slowly before pausing momentarily, "je věrný a spravedlivý a odpustí nám naše hříchy a očistí nás od veškeré nespravedlivosti."
While she spoke her tiny fingers further defaced their sacred shrines by tracing over them with trails of blood. Koschei then took her large, claw-like hands and hoisted the man into the air. Her sharp claws easily pierced his garments, slicing into his skin. "She doesn't mean to hook you like a slab of meat, but those hands weren't intended to be delicate tools." Nadezhda grinned as the man attempted to avert his gaze from Koschei's frightening face. He wasn't certain what was staring back at him. He was, however, convinced it was a messenger of hell with its hollow eyes and devious smirk. "I bet you wanna know what I said. Or maybe you don't. People often lie about what they really want."
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." She said softly. "They never spoke to us in Latin. So, I could only share with you this wise saying in my native tongue. They sure did like repeating that to all of us good boys and girls. It's awful these words survived the last 400 years, but I shouldn't be surprised." Nadezhda sprinted over to the elderly man as Koschei abruptly twirled him upside down. Nadezhda grabbed both his cheeks and squished his wrinkled face while smiling. "We've had so much fun, haven't we?"
Nadezhda simply nodded at Koschei before her claws lengthened and cleaved the man in half at the waist. Half of his body tumbled to the floor and drenched it with blood. The living monks cowered and wept as they watched Nadezhda dance in the monk's warm blood. She hummed and twirled before grabbing onto Koschei for support. She rubbed her face into Koschei's body as she glanced over at the others. "And to think that all it took for me to gain entrance to this place was to knock and shed a couple false tears. Admittedly, you were more kind than the others." Nadezhda's expression shifted to doubt as she contemplated her own words.
"Did I make a boo-boo?" She asked aloud. Her sweet face darkened as she glanced at the others. "Nope." Suddenly she bared her teeth and a terrifying look carved into her face before she launched at the monks. She sank her teeth into their flesh and tore them apart like a rabid beast. At the end of it, while picking her teeth with her finger, she again marked her crime with her signature print. She dipped her hand into some blood and pressed it against the inside of the window before smudging it slightly. "Let's go, Koschei." She said sweetly. "We need to go on the hunt for something more worth our while."
Nadezhda wasn't certain of her full potential, but she suspected she had barely scratched the surface. It had been more than a century since she used both dolls, and even then, despite her strength, she wasn't strong enough to ward off the endless string of threats. She desperately needed to learn more about Bount. What were they? From where do they originate? It was already evident they possessed the ability to summon dolls. They felt like fragments of her own soul, a part of her. She knew there was more. It only made sense. Despite this optimism, she was troubled by her lack of progress. Sure she had regained Koschei, but Libuse remained out of reach.
To her displeasure, Luke was pacing her slowly. He was either irritatingly cautious or incompetent himself. She had only seen one of his dolls, leaving her to wonder whether he had more. Is it possible to have more than two dolls? Would she gain another ally should she grow stronger? The number of questions wore at her. Luke's hesitation made her angry. Why not just be upfront? This was more of a reason to cut him into pieces after he served his purpose. The other one knew nothing, or else she didn't bother sharing. Stupid girl and her petty love affairs with Shinigami." Nadezhda growled. We'll just need to be more patient. You've come this far, haven't you?"
Koschei was right. She would need to find a way to subdue her impatience for the time being. Such a task was difficult for Nadezhda, a girl largely guided by impulses and basic instincts. At her core, she felt uncontrollable hunger but had the faculties to quiet it from time-to-time. She was in enough control to avoid wild massacres that would draw immediate attention to herself. She had constructed a temporary cell for those impulses, but they were overflowing, frequently spilling out. She'd have to stick to regular humans as others posed a threat in her weakened state. She had learned that Bount were not the only beings with spiritual awareness. There are others, though they largely remain a mystery.
"Do you remember some of the things I was once able to do?" She asked. Nadezhda looked over at Koschei and frowned. "Surely you remember. I had more power at my disposal back then, but now I may as well be a child, not just stuck in one's body." Koschei looked into the distance before her eyes glowed brightly. With a honeyed voice, she attempted to comfort Nadezhda. "I remember, yes. I also remember how surprised you were when those unique abilities manifested. They were always so unexpected, the exception being those you cultivated intentionally. I imagine things will unfold similarly. We are together once more and soon Libuse will join us. Everything will come together. Now, stop pouting. We have work to do."
Nadezhda huffed stubbornly before a smile crept onto her lips. She was fortunate to have Koschei. Koschei was the more motherly and supportive of the two dolls, which came in handy. She was willing to comfort and motivate Nadezhda should her resolve falter. "You rest. I've got my eye on the perfect place for us to restore our energy. It wasn't far from where we came from. I remember seeing it on our way here." Koschei faded from view as she spoke. "You killed the man who controlled that metal contraption." Nadezhda's face went blank as she recalled her err in judgment. "They are called cars." Nadezhda responded defiantly as if to dismiss the consequences of her mistake.
“This world seems to be crawling with people like me, so it shouldn't be too hard. It seems even with oceans between us we gravitate to one another. It is as though we are magnets and pull at each other without us knowing it. It would explain why so many things happened as they did. I need to know more, Koschei. I want to learn all I can. It might prove useful.” As she wandered the dense forest bordering nearby Karakura, she stumbled upon an open field. This field seemed to go on forever and in the distance was a single point of light.
She would eventually see the source of the light and the expansive compound existing just beyond the field. A farm? Koschei asked curiously. “Yes, a rather large one, too. We should pay them and a visit and perhaps we can find somewhere nice to rest of the night. And we’ll have some food for the morning. If only it was raining that would really help gain some sympathy.” She noted before strolling up to the large farm. “Stop right there.” A voice demanded out of nowhere. Who were you talking to just now? Are you alone or not?”
We got sloppy, Naze. I sense them, but I can’t see them. Koschei stated with alarm in her voice. I’ve got this. Don’t distract me. Nadezhda’s expression continued to soften as she looked around. She wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed. “I was talkin’ to Cestmir, ms. He is my bestest friend in da whole wide big giant enormous world. Wanna see?” She asked with a toothy grin. She then slipped the backpack off her back and onto the ground. She rummaged through it before pulling out her teddy bear.
With a loud burst of energy she shouted. “Ta-da!!! See! This is Cestmir. He and I have all kinds of talks. Sometimes he tells me not to go runnin’ around in the rain and snow. Other times I tell him not to talk back. And sometimes we play games. Hide and seek, ya know?” A plump woman seemed to descend from the sky before appearing on the ground. The woman smiled warmly at Nadezhda before approaching her. Her rounded figure was imposing, but her demeanor kind and gentle. In a sweet, but robust voice, she apologized.
“I’m sorry, hun. We have to be extra careful ‘round these parts, so try not to hold it against us. There are plenty of things lurking in these woods that would love to gain entrance to our humble home." The buxom brunette smirked as she leaned in toward Nadezhda. "Surely you know what I’m talkin’ about. Between hollows and visits from the Vandenreich, we have our hands full. And now a Bount. This forest used to be so quiet and relaxing, but there has been a ton of commotion lately.”
Nadezhda panicked for a moment while keeping her expression still. Naze, don’t play this complete naive. Pretend as though you don’t know as much as you do. But you have to say something NOW! Despite Koschei calm disposition, there was a hint of panic in her voice. She was clearly concerned for Nadezhda, not knowing who or what this person was. Nadezhda’s eyes glanced at the woman who was staring at her as if she anticipated Nadezhda’s shock. How did she know Nadezhda was a Bount? She was getting so good at hiding it.
"You know I’m a bean?” She asked cleverly. The woman smiled brightly and patted her on the head. “You mean Bount?” She said with a hearty chuckle. “Well, of course, hun. Your reiatsu gives you away clear as day, at least for me. You see, I’m what they call a sensory expert. I can sense even the slightest reiatsu from miles and miles away. Even the subtlest changes can’t escape my gaze. You were like a leaky faucet to me. To someone less experience you might have been harder to decipher, but as I said, I’m quite special.” Her smile was like sunshine and her voice like honey.
Nadezhda couldn’t deny just how kind she was, and evidently a well of knowledge. Reiatsu? What was that? Sensory? That would explain why she could sometimes feel things about other people as if they were surrounded by energy she could read like words. There were times when some of that energy was blurry and harder to decipher whereas others felt familiar. It seemed with more practice and skill others’ energy can tell a lot about them, which made her even more concerned about this so-called “leaky faucet.” Nadezhda looked up at her and hugged her bear tightly.
“I’m leaky?” The woman grinned before pressing her hand into Nadezhda’s back. “You’re just a youngin’, huh? So much you don’t know, even your own race. That’s a shame. Why don’t you come along with me and I’ll fill that belly with some old fashion home cookin’ before we get you in a bath. You are smellin’ ripe girl. Come on.” She insisted sweetly as they ventured toward the farm. “Emmilene, you can let down the wall. We’re coming in.” She shouted into the distance. “Uhm. But Caroline...we really should…”
She was cut-off by Caroline’s more demanding second request. “I said let down the wall! Now listen and quit your yappin’. We have a guest who is in desperate need of some warm food and a hot bath. Isn’t that right?” There was something about her that was completely disarming, even for Nadezhda. Her warmth and generosity quieted even Nadezhda’s cynicism and dark nature. Can we trust this woman? She seems far too eager to help us. Nadezhda was quiet as the woman sat her at the table and attended to her stove and oven.
Nadezhda became mesmerized by the woman’s delicate humming as she joyously danced around her kitchen over simmering stews and roasting meats. Naze! Koschei called out to her nervously. I heard you, Koschei. Can’t you sense it? She’s harmless. She radiates this bright, wondrous energy. I can’t explain it. I know you can sense it. And she knows so much. What if she can teach us? Koschei seemed to vibrate with concern from within Nadezhda’s body. I can sense it. But what if she is deceiving you like you have deceived others. Admittedly...she seems genuine. I’m keeping my eye on all of them.
Caroline hurried over to the table, her hands filled with plates and bowls. She set them down in front of Nadezhda and nodded for her to eat. Nadezhda just stared at her cautiously. “Go on! Eat-up! There is plenty. This here is my grandma’s special stew! Nadezhda began wildly inhaling the strew and an assortment of meats, vegetables, and bread. The woman smiled fondly as she exited the kitchen into a nearby sitting room. A tall, but curvy bodied woman barreled into the sitting room. Her round, amber eyes fixated on Caroline. She stared intensely at Caroline, but neither said a word.
Caroline watched Nadezhda eat lovingly from a distance before Emmilene impatiently addressed her sister. “Apparently we’re just going to ignore what she is? DID YOU SMELL HER, SISTER?!” Caroline looked over at her sister and sighed with an eye-roll. “Yes, I sensed it…” Emmilene interrupted frantically. “SHE REEKS OF BLOOD!!! Are you fucking nuts Caroline! You permitted her access! And what was that dog and pony show out there for? You knew she was talkin’ to her doll and then just let her stroll in. Oh my lord.” The woman’s exasperation was building as she paced around the room nervously.
“We need to get rid of her. She’s out of here after she eats. No bath. No bed. Nothing.” Caroline looked at her sister and gestured impatiently. “Would you calm down, for the love of God. Don’t let her hear you.” Emmilene bolted toward her sister and dramatically pointed at the wall separating them from the kitchen. “She is not staying, you hear me? She cannot stay. She can’t Caroline. She can’t. I’m serious. Don’t give me that look. She can’t. Mom and Dad. Oh my lord. Mom and Dad. You stupid woman. Oh my God. Mom and Dad. They are gonna be so angry.” She said nervously as she paced from side-to-side.
“Are you done?” Caroline asked unamused. “No. I’m not nearly halfway done.” Caroline gestured in her sister’s direction. “Yeah, you’re done.” She cut off her sister and proceeded back into the kitchen, her sister frantically gesturing for her to come back. Emmilene peeked around the corner, narrowing her eyes as they settled on Nadezhda. “Oh, look, it is my sister. Her name is Emmilene. She’s not nearly as strange as she seems, I promise.” Emmilene shot daggers at Caroline as Nadezhda looked at her curiously, her cheeks bulging with food. Emmilene nervously sat down, as if to cringe from dirt or grime on the chair.
She tapped her fingers into the table before Caroline quickly dropped a plate in front of her, halting her irritating habit. “Eat. Be happy.” Emmilene stared at Nadezhda as she brought a spoon full of food toward her lips. She was concentrating so hard on Nadezhda that she missed her mouth and hot stew spilled along her cheek. She quickly toweled herself off to the melody of Nadezhda’s adorable laughter. “You’re a funny lady.” Nadezhda said before spooning a generous amount of mashed potatoes into her mouth. Emmilene was about to say something spiteful before Caroline patted her on the back. “She’s a riot, hun.”
Nadezhda thought to herself for a moment, still wondering about everything Caroline had shared with her earlier. She looked up at Emmilene, who was scowling in her direction and then to Caroline, who smiled brightly from the stove. “You have questions?” Caroline asked pointedly. Nadezhda was taken aback. How does she know so much? How can she tell what Nadezhda is thinking? “Can you read my melon?” Nadezhda asked curiously. “Melon!” She laughed. “You’re so cute. I get what you mean. I can’t read your mind, no. I can see things others can’t. Glimpses into a person. I can sense your frustration. Your hunger. Your...confusion and fear. There is some other stuff, too, but I don’t wanna pry.”
Emmilene raised her head suddenly. “I’ll tell you what she’s feelin’.” She barked before being cut off by a smack from Caroline. Emmilene scowled as Nadezhda giggled. Nadezhda leaned over and plucked one of the carrots from her plate and stuffed it into her mouth. “What is Ray Toot.” She asked while food sprayed from her lips. Caroline laughed and corrected her. “It’s called reiatsu, hun. It’s the energy that exists in practically everything, especially those of us who are spiritually aware. Some of us have large amounts of reiatsu and others less so. Think of it like a bucket of water. Some buckets are fuller and others are even larger than others. That’s kinda how reiatsu works between people.”
“You’re probably more familiar with sucking the bucket dry with those fangs…” Emmilene growled before Caroline clocked her in the head with a dinner roll. “What my sister meant to say is you’re a Bount. Do you know what I mean by that?” Nadezhda nodded. “Uhm. Well, Mr. Clockburn told me I am a...bount. He said, uhm, we need to be careful ‘cause people wanna hurt us. Like white faces and shinigami.” Caroline’s eyes widened as sadness washed over her face. She turned her back to Nadezhda and began stirring her stew.
“There is a lot of bad people out their, hun. Those white faces, or hollows, are particularly bad news. They’ll take a bite out of anything and not think twice. In fact, they don’t really think at all. They’re mostly mindless creatures with one thing on their mind: eating souls. Emmilene then muttered unkind words toward Nadezhda. “You have that in common with them.” She said as she lowered her face toward her stew and spooned some into her mouth. Caroline sighed. “Hun, what’s your name?” Nadezhda looked at Caroline’s back and hesitated. “Nadezhda.”
“That’s a lovely, but uncommon name. Can’t say I’ve ever heard it. Well, Nadezhda, This Clockburn fella was telling you the truth, minus some details. You must be wary of hollows and Arrancar, the things hollows sometimes grow into. Shinigami aren’t all that bad, but some can be. In the past, they were pretty rotten and you should always be cautious, but don’t attack them recklessly. They ain’t no wallflowers. You, of course, got people like us. We’re Quincy. But don’t confuse us with those other Quincy.” She said before turning to face Nadezhda.
“Not all Shinigami are bad. Not all Bounts are bad. Not all Quincy are bad. There are good and bad on all sides. However, when it comes to Hollows, they are all bad news. Don’t try and make friends with them, ya hear?” Nadezhda nodded. She then looked down at her plate and picked up the last carrot and tossed it into her mouth. She chewed it slowly and said nothing as she pondered. “Your a good...Qu...Qui…” Caroline smiled. “Quincy. Yes, we’re good Quincy. We’re no slaves, not like the others. They are real lunatics. They call themselves The Vandenreich.”
Both Caroline and Emmilene’s expression shifted at the mere mention. “They’re a bunch of assholes” Emmilene said quietly. Nadezhda stared quizzically at the sisters. What are they talking about? Good Quincy? Bad Quincy? Ask them to clarify, Naze. Caroline walked over and set down a huge slice of cake in front of Nadezhda, before drizzling a red, shiny sauce over it. “This is my special super marvelous chocolate-chocolate hate with a tart cherry sauce. Dig in and then we can get you up to that hot bath and scrub off all that grime.” Nadezhda smiled and immediately began forking the moist, fluffy cake into her mouth.
Her lips puckered and her eyes closed tightly. Caroline laughed. “Wooee. You got a taste of that yummy cherry tart sauce. Good, huh?” She said. Nadezhda smiled and nodded. She had never felt so warm before. It was an odd sensation. No, if she thought back, she remembered it after all. She felt this way centuries ago. She felt this when her mother would sing or as she watched Nadezhda eat. It was as though this woman, whom she just met, possessed the spirit of her mother. It was able to melt her defenses and calm even her sinister aura.
Nadezhda snapped out of the haze and looked up at Caroline. “What is the Van..vanen.” Emmilene interrupted Nadezhda. “She said Vandenreich.” She barked with a grimace. “Remember how I said Hollows are bad news? Well, double that for The Vandenreich. For a long time, I thought hollows were the worst thing in the world, and then I had a run in with the Vandenreich. See, they’re not mindless eating machines. They kill because they like it. Because they want to control others. They say it is for survival, but some just kill because they find it fun. If you ever meet a Quincy with a white militaryy uniform, you best run. Run like the dickens. You got me?” She said sternly.
Nadezhda nodded. Caroline then hurried her up the stairs and ran her a hot bath. Nadezhda stared at the giant tub as if it was foreign. “Come on, don’t act as if you’ve never seen a tub. Now soak for a bit and then scrub. Get all that icky stuff off. Towels are there. Let me know when you’re done with a holler. ” Nadezhda stared at her with a clueless expression. “Holler. You know....Yell.” As Nadezhda soaked in the water, she contemplated what Caroline had shared.
Nadezhda disturbed the still water with a couple flicks of her finger. The bubbles floated on the surface as she poked at them with her finger, her eyes scanning the bathroom. While Nadezhda could not deny her surprising affection for Caroline, she was equally aware of something less pleasant. She rested both of her hands on the edge of the tub before resting her chin on them. Her searching expression complemented the doubt and uncertainty projected in her gaze. With her guard down, it is more possible to see the depth and variety of Nadezhda’s emotional palette.
Normally she hides behind nearly impenetrable layers of deception. When she’s playing the part of an innocent child one only gets to see glimpses of the real Nadezhda. Beneath the cruel and impure impulses resides a number of conflicts, which Caroline’s kindness are unfairly poking. A part of her is whispering for her to kill them both, but not because they pose a threat. There is something special about them. They smell delicious. Even that word doesn’t begin to describe the sensation of their aroma.
Nadezhda knew she couldn’t stay. She had to leave soon because she wasn’t sure how long she could control her impulses. It felt like a separate force was compelling her as if she was a puppet. This force was pushing at her from the inside and she worried her feelings wouldn’t be enough to control it. You’re sad. Why? Is it because of this woman? Koschei asked with a somberness in her voice. Because I am realizing for the first time in four centuries how lonely life has been... And how it will continue to be.
Nadezhda chance encounter with these Quincy sisters had appeared to have a profound impact. Caroline’s kindness and generosity, despite she and her sister’s awareness, shifted something deep in Nadezhda’s soul. Behind all the subterfuge was a deeply painful and regrettable realization. You have us. You’re not alone. Nadezhda’s expression saddened as she flicked the drain on the tub. Yes...I do. Like I said, for the first time I’m realizing how I’ll never have anyone else who is close to me because I can’t be trusted not to hurt them. The temptation is simply too strong.
It was apparent Nadezhda was feeling the weight of these uncontrollable drives, and they were causing her to doubt herself. She felt a genuine connection with Caroline even though they had just met. The wishful, impractical part of her wanted to believe this was her mother reincarnated. She wouldn’t allow herself to entertain that thought for long. She knew it was only a matter of time before her impulses won and she killed someone she could potentially learn to care about. This was something she was unwilling to jeopardize. It seemed Caroline was aware of Nadezhda’s secrets, to some degree, and yet she remained kind and welcoming.
Knock. Knock. Knock. “You done? I fixed up your room…” . Caroline was interrupted by Nadezhda opening the door. She looked up at Caroline as she gestured for her to follow. As she entered her room she was immediately greeted by the smell of jasmine and lavender. “I’m washing that adorable, yet filthy, dress of yours. It’ll be done soon and i’ll lay it on the bench outside your room. Now you get into bed. It is late and you need to get some sleep. We don’t want you getting sick from not getting enough sleep. Not sleeping is just plain bad for you.
Nadezhda climbed into the bed that seemed to hug her as she laid down. The sheets were so smooth and soft and the pillow cradled her perfectly. It felt wonderful to be cared for like this after so many centuries. She looked up at Caroline’s face, taking notice of her smile and rose-colored cheeks. “You live here, but where do the others live. Do they all have farms?” She asked innocently. Caroline gave a breathy chuckle and smiled as she tucked Nadezhda in. “Well, some Quincy live here in the human world, along with a bunch of other people like you and those like you." Said while playfully tapping Nadezhda on the nose.
“There also exists a world beyond our own. It’s populated with other spiritually aware beings, namely Shinigami. You can’t just access that place, though. You have to have a special key otherwise the door stays firmly locked.” She said with a grin and wink. “Why do they keep it locked? So monsters like hollows can’t get inside.” Caroline fell silent for a second as she contemplated Nadezhda’s question. “Well, I suppose. That place, which I believe is called the Soul Society, is for those who have passed on. They exist there until they are eventually given a new body here on Earth. Some of them stay and protect both there and here from things like hollows and other scary things. Now go to bed. More stories for tomorrow."
She lifted herself from the bed and walked over to the door. She looked back at Nadezhda whose eyes were fixated on her. She smiled and flicked off the light as she closed the door behind her. Nadezhda sat in her bed for a moment, contemplating her next move. Before she knew it she had drifted off. After a night of deep sleep, Nadezhda’s finally awakened. Her eyes sprang open and she scanned the room. She knew what she had to do. She had to leave this place or risk hurting Caroline. She gently opened the door and retrieved her dress. She readied herself before leaping from the window.
As she ventured toward the field a familiar voice called out to her. "Take the food my sister left for you. That’s the least you can do considering you’re bailing, as she predicted." Emmilene revealed herself from the shadows and stared down Nadezhda. Nadezhda was about to speak, but the Quincy wasn’t interested. She raised her hand to stop her. “I honestly don’t care. I didn’t want you here anyways, but my sister is kind and loving and made that knowing you’d leave before she woke. She’s perceptive like that. The wall is down, so you can leave freely without getting fried, thought that is my sister’s doing."
Nadezhda looked back at Emmilene as a sad expression washed over her face. “Would you tell her I’m sorry and...thank her for her kindness and, uhm, wamrth. You as well.” With that Nadezhda bolted into the distance. As she passed the wall the invisible barrier reformed in order to keep out intruders. Nadezhda stopped suddenly, a part of her wanting to turn back. She looked over her shoulder, but wasn’t strong enough to look back. She then began to run as fast as she could until the farm was no longer in view. As she wandered through the forest she was doing all she could to clear her mind.
It was then that she sensed something familiar. Something completely intoxicating. She bolted up a tree and skillfully leaped from one another while shrouded by the overgrowth. In the distance her eyes fixated on an unfamiliar figure. A man chopping wood with an axe. “A Quincy.” She said mischievously. Despite her grin, Nadezhda’s ill-intent was radiating off her person. “And he’s wearing white. That could mean only one thing, right, Koschei?” Nadezhda had decided to full embrace her drives by preying on the male Quincy. Little did she know, a part of her allowed this in order to forget about Caroline.
Suddenly the man turned and fired and arrow in her direction. Nadezhda watched in slow motion as the arrowed soared straight for her. Nadezhda had the presence of mind to evade the arrow, but the Quincy had now vanished. Nadezhda remained still, blending in with her environment and quieting her entire person. Very good. Now he definitely cannot sense us. But where is he...to your left. Koschei advised. Nadezhda’s eyes landed on the man as she stood at the edge of the forest. Nadezhda suddenly had an arrow slam into the trunk of the tree, narrowly missing her chest.
As another arrow bolted in her direction, she felt a peculiar sensation enter her body. She glanced toward the axe and then vanished from the tree. She stumbled onto the ground, bolting at high speeds twice before reaching the stump. “Well, I haven’t felt that in a while. Good to know that is coming back." Nadezhda evaded another arrow before appearing behind the bow-wielding Quincy. “What’s that you have there?” She asked from behind. Before he could react Nadezhda slammed the axe into his back. He vanished from sight and appeared with the axe in hand. Nadezhda grinned before deviously reciting the magical words needed to release her doll.
“Ukaž se” The Quincy stared down Nadezhda with a painful mixture of frustration and confusion. “What’d you just say you little brat?” He said as his back slowly mended the wound inflicted by the axe. Nadezhda simply grinned in his direction, noting his inability to sense Koschei’s release. “I’m so glad you showed up, Mr. We were lookin’ for something juss like you. Nadezhda’s words were dripping with a most sinister residue all while delivering an adorable smile. The man tossed the axe to the side and prepared to use hirenkyaku. Just before he could, a set of claws tore into his chest.
The crimson liquid glistened on Koschei’s knifey fingers before she flicked it off with a jerk of her wrist. The blood splashed onto the ground as Koschei faded from view. The attack startled the Quincy, leaving his chest maimed and disfigured. Despite the surprise, he was able to use hirenkyaku to distance himself from where he stood. His eyes nervously looked around, but he could only sense Nadezhda. What had attacked him and why couldn’t he see it? “What’s wrong, Mr? You seem awfully frightened.” The man looked over at Nadezhda peculiarly, noticing her change in speech. “You’re not regular creepy kid, are you?” He sighed regrettably just before his wound began to heal.
Nadezhda’s eyes widened with curiosity as she peered at his wounds. He rubbed the back of his head and glanced at Nadezhda. “Having to kill a kid will just put a real damper on this week. I have to keep reminding myself that you’re trying to kill me, otherwise I’m gonna feel guilty and hesitate. Nadezhda pursed her lips and stubbornly released a large exhale through her nostrils. “You can heal your body somehow. That’s no good, Mr. I like when my food stays dead.” The man’s expression dramatically shifted at the mention of him becoming a meal. “Wh...Wh...What did you just say?” Nadezhda grinned before responding. “Oh, I think you heard me.”
Koschei rushed toward the Quincy, transforming both of her hands into giant, spiked maces. Her black, ashy skin vibrated before taking on the spherical shape. The six inch-long spikes erupted along the entire surface of her mace before she struck the Quincy on the left side of his torso. The sheer force of the blow knocked him over and send him sliding across the ground. He instinctively rolled to the left, narrowly escaping Koschei’s second attack. Her spiked mace collided with the ground, pulverizing it with her massive strength. The force of her attack bore into the soil while spreading dust and debris in the air. “Wriggly little worm, aren’t you?” A soft, feminine voice asked of the Quincy.
His eyes drained of their vitality as the ghostly voice reached his ears. Nadezhda agreeably from a distance as Koschei taunted the Quincy. “That handsome face is ruined by that expression. She said as her right hand stretched out by three feet, the edge turning into a sharp blade. She now wielded a katana and a mace and her opponent had yet to lay his eyes on her. Her mysterious presence gnawed at him because he knew it would be difficult to fight what he couldn’t see. As Koschei approached him, she was distracted by the faint clinking sound. A small metallic tube rolled away from his body and settled between the two.
Koschei stared at it curiously before a blinding light burst forth from the container. The bright light blanketed the area with a monochromatic veil. Koschei’s reeled from the exposure, covering her face as she distanced herself. Nadezhda feel to the ground and rubbed her eyes, the sheer intensity of the attack causing tears to flow down her cheek. She opened her eyes to a blurred mixture of images. Her sight seemed to be speckled with fragmented blotches of color, likely a result of such intense exposure. “Prašný Oblak.” She shouted to Koschei. Koschei’s body suddenly burst into a massive cloud of black dust that swirled and filled the entire area. “Get him.” Nadezhda said as she lifted her body from the ground.
The black dust spread so widely it was easy to located the Quincy despite his previous efforts. A hand manifest in the dust and grabbed both of his legs and pulled him to the ground. Those same hands vanished and another pair manifested around the Quincy’s throat. A gentle, but menacing voice echoed from within the sea of black dust. “Do tell me if I’m gripping too tightly.” A blade manifest in the Quincy’s hand which he proceeded to swing recklessly. “Oh, he’s trying to cut you, Koschei. That’s just no good.” Nadezhda walked over and picked-up the axe before approaching the Quincy. “Let’s see how good you are at healing with your head chopped off.” She said while raising the axe.
He raised his left head and fired a small arrow that pierced Nadezhda’s shoulder. She stumbled back a few steps before pulling it from her shoulder. She narrowed her eyes and grimaced. Suddenly an arrow pierced the thick cloud of dust and erupted into a dense smoke. Koschei immediately coalsed her body and grabbed Nadezhda, leaping from the smoke. The man held his breath before vanishing and appearing beside a short, frumpy blonde. He inhaled deeply as he stood beside her. “Thanks. That little girl and her doll are more difficult than I originally thought they’d be. Actually...I couldn’t even sense her doll before her hands were directly around my throat. I can’t now, either. Can you?”
The woman glanced at him before gazing stoically in the distance. “No, I cannot. It’s a shame she didn’t breathe in any of my arrow’s toxins." Before the man could respond to the woman responsible for saving him, Koschei’s kukri-like arm pierced his chest. She lifted him in the air as blood poured from his wound and drenched the blade protruding from his chest. “You look away too long and you get knifed in the back. I’m thankful the anecdotes from centuries ago still apply.” She jested with honeyed words. "It’s about time for Jasný popel, Koschei. No better time than now to perfect it.” Despite this victory, something felt amiss as the woman casually distanced herself.
The body of the man suddenly exploded, envelopeding Koschei in a swirl of fiery spiritual energy. The color drained from Nadezhda’s face as she stared petrifyingly at the spiraling energy. Nadezhda’s panic was disrupted when Koschei appeared beside her, deflecting arrows aimed at her back. She turned and stared at Koschei, relieved by her relative safety. "A technique as weak as that could never cripple me, Naze.” She said before directing her attention to the man and woman safely standing beneath the forest canopy. Nadezhda has never seen Koschei move so quickly. Koschei’s reflexes appeared to have advanced alongside her own.
"You deal with the woman. I want him. Don’t worry. I was distracted by my worry for you, but I can see that isn’t an issue. Don’t hold back, Koschei." Nadezhda grinned as Koschei’s reacted Lovec as she glanced over at the woman, her creepy smiling fading as her body became invisible. “I’ll right. Let’s try this again. She said while activating her step technique and with a burst of speed landing in the shade of the forest. Nadezhda blended seemingly in the shadows, suppressing everything including her bloodlust. Her impish gaze pierced the shadows as she settled her sights on on the Quincy man. She was sloppy earlier, allowing him to see through her stealth, but not now. She was much more focused.
As for Koschei, the woman was able to vaguely sense her whereabouts. It lacked refinement and was prone to mistakes, which the Quincy was largely aware. She needed to stay focused and avoid awkward movements, otherwise Koschei could potentially slip through completely undetected and land a death blow. She knew well-enough that Koschei’s body was somehow malleable, having pierced that stand in technique from earlier. Koschei ominous laughter taunted Quincy. The sound of her amusement seemed to echo from every direction. Even with great focus, Koschei’s presence was ephemeral and difficult to pinpoint.
The woman’s attention was instantly arrested by an intense heat from her left. She bolted to her right and activated an unknown property of her release, branches of reishi seemingly appeared in the air around her, spreading out before mysterious buds formed. “I planted these seedlets earlier. Enjoy you foul creature.” The constellation of reishi branches bloomed with life, multiple flowers stretching their petals. The petals abruptly detached and is pulled by a magnet fired simultaneously in Koschei’s direction. Koschei maneuvered through the volley of spear-like petals, inching closer to the woman.
The woman smiled as the petals struck the ground and burst into clouds of noxious dust. Koschei was aware of her miasma from earlier, but this was slightly different. She increased her speed and lunged at the woman, turning her right arm into a massive arced blade. The woman summoned a black blade that collided with clumsily with Koschei’s arm. To her dismay, Koschei’s strength cleaved through the pitiful blade. The searing hot blade sliced diagonally across her torso. The woman stumbled backwards before collapsing. Her pain was evident in her face, but she had rendered her own blow in this exchange.
Koschei’s body was now covered in the yellow dust released by the petals. It was a deceptively complex technique she had used, which now rendered Koschei visible. The woman jumped to her feet and dropped a metallic tube. The tube exploded into a bright light, but Koschei would not be blinded twice. Shielding her gaze, she opened her eyes to see the woman several feet away and firing a volley of arrows in her direction. Koschei ignored the arrows for a moment as she examined her body. It was covered in what seemed to be pollen. She arrogantly attempted to side-step the arrows, but found herself dizzy and increasingly disoriented. She fumbled as the arrows struck her body.
To the Quincy’s displeasure, the arrows didn’t even pierce her skin. This grimaced with an audible scoff. “You’re quite sturdy for being as lanky as you are.” Koschei said nothing as she stumbled, practically circling her location in a stupor. “You’re really feeling the effects of my pollen, aren’t you?” She said as a massive arrow coalesced in her bow. “This should end your miserable life." Koschei looked up as the massive arrow barreled toward her. Her body sizzled as the pollen started to darken and burn away. Not really knowing what direction she was going in, she bolted to the left and slammed into the nearby building.
The building erupted in flames as the woman looked on confusingly. Meanwhile, in the distance, Nadezhda was having fun torturing the male Quincy. Unlike his female counterpart, he could not sense Nadezhda at all. And each time he attempted to vacate the woods a series of trees tumbled down, blocking his path. The man desperately fired an explosive arrow to disperse the trees, but before he could escape Nadezhda leaped from the shadow and punched him square in the face. While released, Nadezhda’s strength dwarfed that of the Quincy. She giggled as he spat blood and a loose tooth from his mouth. “There’s that smell again. Your blood smells like nothing I’ve ever experienced. You are one strange thing, Mr. A Quincy, as I recall. I’ve heard all about your kind. Who knew you’d smell so irresistible. A rarity these days. I want to sink my teeth into your flesh and see what all the fuss is about."
Nadezhda sensed this man’s strength, and it wasn’t nearly as much as his fellow Quincy. He was weaker and less experienced. A decent trial run for her to explore her newly discovered strength. The man attempted to flee the area through the opening he had created, but was quickly intercepted by Nadezhda, who grabbed his arm and tossed him like a rag doll. She rushed in his direction and punched him in the chest. The man coughed up blood, which she wiped off her hand and tasted with her tongue. She smiled sweetly at the taste before stomping on his ankle.
The man collapsed, now suffering from cracked ribs and a broken left ankle. Nadezhda stood over him as he glanced up at her sweet, smiling face. “What do you want?” He shouted angrily. He then attempted to fire a crossbow at her, but she grabbed his wrist and twisted it tightly. “Didn’t I already tell you?” She said as she tossed him to the side with ease. She slowly walked in his direction as the shade of the forest cast a dark net across her face. As she inched closer all he could focus on was the macabre present in her seemingly glowing eyes. “I wanted to see what all the fuss was about." As if to dislocate her jaw, Nadezhda opened her mouth and bared her teeth before lunging at the Quincy.
The female Quincy’s attention was drawn to the horrifying screams originating from the forest. A look of pain and disgust washed over her face, preventing her from reacting to what was coming her way. Suddenly Koschei’s hand wrapped around her throat and lifted her off the ground.“You should have remained focused, young one." The heat the woman had used as an early warning measure had betrayed her. She couldn’t have possibly known that the heat emanating from Koschei’s body would intensify, allowing her to incinerate the pollen that clung to her body. With the pollen gone, Koschei’s senses returned and she was able to perceive and understand her surroundings perfectly.
The screams of the other Quincy opened a convenient window of opportunity, allowing Koschei to bypass the woman’s senses and achieve optimal closeness. Koschei’s body radiated heat, including her hand which was now burning through the woman’s flesh. Koschei dropped her, having inflicted a lethal burn to her throat. So much so she couldn’t speak and lied helplessly on the ground. Koschei allowed her opponent to gaze upon her body in her last moments, her sinful smile beaming down at her."Trust me, if you knew just how horrifying your friends death was, you’d gladly choose to have your throat dissolved by my touch. Better than being eaten alive, piece-by-piece. You might not know it now, but I am doing you a favor.”
Nadezhda casually emerged from the woods, dragging bloodied leg behind her. She smiled in Koschei’s direction just before the Quincy female delivered a faint, but devious smile. Nadezhda’s expression faded before the area erupted into a pillar of blue flames. Nadezhda watched as Koschei limped out of the flames and collapsed on the ground. She ran to her aid and stroked her head. "Koschei! Are you okay?” The light emanating fro her hollow sockets dimmed as she responded to Nadezhda. “I will be fine. I just need to rest…” Koschei’s body faded as Nadezhda sat on the ground and stared into the distance.
Nadezhda's big, bright eyes rested on the monk's timeworn face. His agony was visible in every line on his face. Even his pale, faded eyes betrayed his quiet resolve. Nadezhda's expression fell flat as she crouched, lowering herself toward the monk. They gazed into one another's eyes for a moment, the monk feeling paralyzed by her presence. He was fearful of what she would do next, but to his surprise, she smiled and let out a playful giggle. She scooped a generous amount of blood onto her finger and tapped him directly on the nose. "Tag, you're it." She announced playfully. She adjusted her posture as she further addressed the monk. "I guess that wouldn't be fair, huh?" She jested cruelly.
A breath of air rushed by Nadezhda before one of the antique hanging candelabra began swaying from left to right. "We need more of a challenge, Koschei. While these humans are fun target practice, it would be better if someone stronger was our target. Everything you have to offer is wasted on these decrepit fools." Nadezhda's more serious tone startled the barely conscious monks. A weak, brittle voice interrupted Nadezhda. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?" She tilted her head to the side and looked at the man curiously. Without saying a word, she slowly walked across the blood-soaked floor.
Splosh. Splosh. Splosh. The sound of her footsteps in the blood horrified the monk brave enough to ask her motives. She passed him by, to his relief, and proceeded to a nearby shrine. Her blood-drenched fingers traced the contours of the statue as she looked over the inscription. "Latin. I don't speak Latin. What does it say, wise monk?" She asked innocently. "If you declare with your mouth and believe in your heard, you will be saved." The elderly monk stated with a shaky voice. "Mýlíš se." Nadezhda responded quickly in Czech. She stared at the shrine closely, observing the detail and work that went into replicating their savior.
Nadezhda inhaled deeply and exhaled heavily as the silence thickened and tension swelled. "I don't understand." The man said weepingly. She remained silent while drenching her hand in blood. The blood dripped down her wrist as she pressed her hand into the face of this holy statue, defacing it with a bloody print. Just then a sweet, feminine voice whispered to him from the tip of his nose. "She said 'you're wrong'." The man's body quaked as his eyes looked forward in order to see Koschei's ghastly visage materializing. "Jestliže vyznáváme naše hříchy," she recited slowly before pausing momentarily, "je věrný a spravedlivý a odpustí nám naše hříchy a očistí nás od veškeré nespravedlivosti."
While she spoke her tiny fingers further defaced their sacred shrines by tracing over them with trails of blood. Koschei then took her large, claw-like hands and hoisted the man into the air. Her sharp claws easily pierced his garments, slicing into his skin. "She doesn't mean to hook you like a slab of meat, but those hands weren't intended to be delicate tools." Nadezhda grinned as the man attempted to avert his gaze from Koschei's frightening face. He wasn't certain what was staring back at him. He was, however, convinced it was a messenger of hell with its hollow eyes and devious smirk. "I bet you wanna know what I said. Or maybe you don't. People often lie about what they really want."
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." She said softly. "They never spoke to us in Latin. So, I could only share with you this wise saying in my native tongue. They sure did like repeating that to all of us good boys and girls. It's awful these words survived the last 400 years, but I shouldn't be surprised." Nadezhda sprinted over to the elderly man as Koschei abruptly twirled him upside down. Nadezhda grabbed both his cheeks and squished his wrinkled face while smiling. "We've had so much fun, haven't we?"
Nadezhda simply nodded at Koschei before her claws lengthened and cleaved the man in half at the waist. Half of his body tumbled to the floor and drenched it with blood. The living monks cowered and wept as they watched Nadezhda dance in the monk's warm blood. She hummed and twirled before grabbing onto Koschei for support. She rubbed her face into Koschei's body as she glanced over at the others. "And to think that all it took for me to gain entrance to this place was to knock and shed a couple false tears. Admittedly, you were more kind than the others." Nadezhda's expression shifted to doubt as she contemplated her own words.
"Did I make a boo-boo?" She asked aloud. Her sweet face darkened as she glanced at the others. "Nope." Suddenly she bared her teeth and a terrifying look carved into her face before she launched at the monks. She sank her teeth into their flesh and tore them apart like a rabid beast. At the end of it, while picking her teeth with her finger, she again marked her crime with her signature print. She dipped her hand into some blood and pressed it against the inside of the window before smudging it slightly. "Let's go, Koschei." She said sweetly. "We need to go on the hunt for something more worth our while."
Nadezhda wasn't certain of her full potential, but she suspected she had barely scratched the surface. It had been more than a century since she used both dolls, and even then, despite her strength, she wasn't strong enough to ward off the endless string of threats. She desperately needed to learn more about Bount. What were they? From where do they originate? It was already evident they possessed the ability to summon dolls. They felt like fragments of her own soul, a part of her. She knew there was more. It only made sense. Despite this optimism, she was troubled by her lack of progress. Sure she had regained Koschei, but Libuse remained out of reach.
To her displeasure, Luke was pacing her slowly. He was either irritatingly cautious or incompetent himself. She had only seen one of his dolls, leaving her to wonder whether he had more. Is it possible to have more than two dolls? Would she gain another ally should she grow stronger? The number of questions wore at her. Luke's hesitation made her angry. Why not just be upfront? This was more of a reason to cut him into pieces after he served his purpose. The other one knew nothing, or else she didn't bother sharing. Stupid girl and her petty love affairs with Shinigami." Nadezhda growled. We'll just need to be more patient. You've come this far, haven't you?"
Koschei was right. She would need to find a way to subdue her impatience for the time being. Such a task was difficult for Nadezhda, a girl largely guided by impulses and basic instincts. At her core, she felt uncontrollable hunger but had the faculties to quiet it from time-to-time. She was in enough control to avoid wild massacres that would draw immediate attention to herself. She had constructed a temporary cell for those impulses, but they were overflowing, frequently spilling out. She'd have to stick to regular humans as others posed a threat in her weakened state. She had learned that Bount were not the only beings with spiritual awareness. There are others, though they largely remain a mystery.
"Do you remember some of the things I was once able to do?" She asked. Nadezhda looked over at Koschei and frowned. "Surely you remember. I had more power at my disposal back then, but now I may as well be a child, not just stuck in one's body." Koschei looked into the distance before her eyes glowed brightly. With a honeyed voice, she attempted to comfort Nadezhda. "I remember, yes. I also remember how surprised you were when those unique abilities manifested. They were always so unexpected, the exception being those you cultivated intentionally. I imagine things will unfold similarly. We are together once more and soon Libuse will join us. Everything will come together. Now, stop pouting. We have work to do."
Nadezhda huffed stubbornly before a smile crept onto her lips. She was fortunate to have Koschei. Koschei was the more motherly and supportive of the two dolls, which came in handy. She was willing to comfort and motivate Nadezhda should her resolve falter. "You rest. I've got my eye on the perfect place for us to restore our energy. It wasn't far from where we came from. I remember seeing it on our way here." Koschei faded from view as she spoke. "You killed the man who controlled that metal contraption." Nadezhda's face went blank as she recalled her err in judgment. "They are called cars." Nadezhda responded defiantly as if to dismiss the consequences of her mistake.
“This world seems to be crawling with people like me, so it shouldn't be too hard. It seems even with oceans between us we gravitate to one another. It is as though we are magnets and pull at each other without us knowing it. It would explain why so many things happened as they did. I need to know more, Koschei. I want to learn all I can. It might prove useful.” As she wandered the dense forest bordering nearby Karakura, she stumbled upon an open field. This field seemed to go on forever and in the distance was a single point of light.
She would eventually see the source of the light and the expansive compound existing just beyond the field. A farm? Koschei asked curiously. “Yes, a rather large one, too. We should pay them and a visit and perhaps we can find somewhere nice to rest of the night. And we’ll have some food for the morning. If only it was raining that would really help gain some sympathy.” She noted before strolling up to the large farm. “Stop right there.” A voice demanded out of nowhere. Who were you talking to just now? Are you alone or not?”
We got sloppy, Naze. I sense them, but I can’t see them. Koschei stated with alarm in her voice. I’ve got this. Don’t distract me. Nadezhda’s expression continued to soften as she looked around. She wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed. “I was talkin’ to Cestmir, ms. He is my bestest friend in da whole wide big giant enormous world. Wanna see?” She asked with a toothy grin. She then slipped the backpack off her back and onto the ground. She rummaged through it before pulling out her teddy bear.
With a loud burst of energy she shouted. “Ta-da!!! See! This is Cestmir. He and I have all kinds of talks. Sometimes he tells me not to go runnin’ around in the rain and snow. Other times I tell him not to talk back. And sometimes we play games. Hide and seek, ya know?” A plump woman seemed to descend from the sky before appearing on the ground. The woman smiled warmly at Nadezhda before approaching her. Her rounded figure was imposing, but her demeanor kind and gentle. In a sweet, but robust voice, she apologized.
“I’m sorry, hun. We have to be extra careful ‘round these parts, so try not to hold it against us. There are plenty of things lurking in these woods that would love to gain entrance to our humble home." The buxom brunette smirked as she leaned in toward Nadezhda. "Surely you know what I’m talkin’ about. Between hollows and visits from the Vandenreich, we have our hands full. And now a Bount. This forest used to be so quiet and relaxing, but there has been a ton of commotion lately.”
Nadezhda panicked for a moment while keeping her expression still. Naze, don’t play this complete naive. Pretend as though you don’t know as much as you do. But you have to say something NOW! Despite Koschei calm disposition, there was a hint of panic in her voice. She was clearly concerned for Nadezhda, not knowing who or what this person was. Nadezhda’s eyes glanced at the woman who was staring at her as if she anticipated Nadezhda’s shock. How did she know Nadezhda was a Bount? She was getting so good at hiding it.
"You know I’m a bean?” She asked cleverly. The woman smiled brightly and patted her on the head. “You mean Bount?” She said with a hearty chuckle. “Well, of course, hun. Your reiatsu gives you away clear as day, at least for me. You see, I’m what they call a sensory expert. I can sense even the slightest reiatsu from miles and miles away. Even the subtlest changes can’t escape my gaze. You were like a leaky faucet to me. To someone less experience you might have been harder to decipher, but as I said, I’m quite special.” Her smile was like sunshine and her voice like honey.
Nadezhda couldn’t deny just how kind she was, and evidently a well of knowledge. Reiatsu? What was that? Sensory? That would explain why she could sometimes feel things about other people as if they were surrounded by energy she could read like words. There were times when some of that energy was blurry and harder to decipher whereas others felt familiar. It seemed with more practice and skill others’ energy can tell a lot about them, which made her even more concerned about this so-called “leaky faucet.” Nadezhda looked up at her and hugged her bear tightly.
“I’m leaky?” The woman grinned before pressing her hand into Nadezhda’s back. “You’re just a youngin’, huh? So much you don’t know, even your own race. That’s a shame. Why don’t you come along with me and I’ll fill that belly with some old fashion home cookin’ before we get you in a bath. You are smellin’ ripe girl. Come on.” She insisted sweetly as they ventured toward the farm. “Emmilene, you can let down the wall. We’re coming in.” She shouted into the distance. “Uhm. But Caroline...we really should…”
She was cut-off by Caroline’s more demanding second request. “I said let down the wall! Now listen and quit your yappin’. We have a guest who is in desperate need of some warm food and a hot bath. Isn’t that right?” There was something about her that was completely disarming, even for Nadezhda. Her warmth and generosity quieted even Nadezhda’s cynicism and dark nature. Can we trust this woman? She seems far too eager to help us. Nadezhda was quiet as the woman sat her at the table and attended to her stove and oven.
Nadezhda became mesmerized by the woman’s delicate humming as she joyously danced around her kitchen over simmering stews and roasting meats. Naze! Koschei called out to her nervously. I heard you, Koschei. Can’t you sense it? She’s harmless. She radiates this bright, wondrous energy. I can’t explain it. I know you can sense it. And she knows so much. What if she can teach us? Koschei seemed to vibrate with concern from within Nadezhda’s body. I can sense it. But what if she is deceiving you like you have deceived others. Admittedly...she seems genuine. I’m keeping my eye on all of them.
Caroline hurried over to the table, her hands filled with plates and bowls. She set them down in front of Nadezhda and nodded for her to eat. Nadezhda just stared at her cautiously. “Go on! Eat-up! There is plenty. This here is my grandma’s special stew! Nadezhda began wildly inhaling the strew and an assortment of meats, vegetables, and bread. The woman smiled fondly as she exited the kitchen into a nearby sitting room. A tall, but curvy bodied woman barreled into the sitting room. Her round, amber eyes fixated on Caroline. She stared intensely at Caroline, but neither said a word.
Caroline watched Nadezhda eat lovingly from a distance before Emmilene impatiently addressed her sister. “Apparently we’re just going to ignore what she is? DID YOU SMELL HER, SISTER?!” Caroline looked over at her sister and sighed with an eye-roll. “Yes, I sensed it…” Emmilene interrupted frantically. “SHE REEKS OF BLOOD!!! Are you fucking nuts Caroline! You permitted her access! And what was that dog and pony show out there for? You knew she was talkin’ to her doll and then just let her stroll in. Oh my lord.” The woman’s exasperation was building as she paced around the room nervously.
“We need to get rid of her. She’s out of here after she eats. No bath. No bed. Nothing.” Caroline looked at her sister and gestured impatiently. “Would you calm down, for the love of God. Don’t let her hear you.” Emmilene bolted toward her sister and dramatically pointed at the wall separating them from the kitchen. “She is not staying, you hear me? She cannot stay. She can’t Caroline. She can’t. I’m serious. Don’t give me that look. She can’t. Mom and Dad. Oh my lord. Mom and Dad. You stupid woman. Oh my God. Mom and Dad. They are gonna be so angry.” She said nervously as she paced from side-to-side.
“Are you done?” Caroline asked unamused. “No. I’m not nearly halfway done.” Caroline gestured in her sister’s direction. “Yeah, you’re done.” She cut off her sister and proceeded back into the kitchen, her sister frantically gesturing for her to come back. Emmilene peeked around the corner, narrowing her eyes as they settled on Nadezhda. “Oh, look, it is my sister. Her name is Emmilene. She’s not nearly as strange as she seems, I promise.” Emmilene shot daggers at Caroline as Nadezhda looked at her curiously, her cheeks bulging with food. Emmilene nervously sat down, as if to cringe from dirt or grime on the chair.
She tapped her fingers into the table before Caroline quickly dropped a plate in front of her, halting her irritating habit. “Eat. Be happy.” Emmilene stared at Nadezhda as she brought a spoon full of food toward her lips. She was concentrating so hard on Nadezhda that she missed her mouth and hot stew spilled along her cheek. She quickly toweled herself off to the melody of Nadezhda’s adorable laughter. “You’re a funny lady.” Nadezhda said before spooning a generous amount of mashed potatoes into her mouth. Emmilene was about to say something spiteful before Caroline patted her on the back. “She’s a riot, hun.”
Nadezhda thought to herself for a moment, still wondering about everything Caroline had shared with her earlier. She looked up at Emmilene, who was scowling in her direction and then to Caroline, who smiled brightly from the stove. “You have questions?” Caroline asked pointedly. Nadezhda was taken aback. How does she know so much? How can she tell what Nadezhda is thinking? “Can you read my melon?” Nadezhda asked curiously. “Melon!” She laughed. “You’re so cute. I get what you mean. I can’t read your mind, no. I can see things others can’t. Glimpses into a person. I can sense your frustration. Your hunger. Your...confusion and fear. There is some other stuff, too, but I don’t wanna pry.”
Emmilene raised her head suddenly. “I’ll tell you what she’s feelin’.” She barked before being cut off by a smack from Caroline. Emmilene scowled as Nadezhda giggled. Nadezhda leaned over and plucked one of the carrots from her plate and stuffed it into her mouth. “What is Ray Toot.” She asked while food sprayed from her lips. Caroline laughed and corrected her. “It’s called reiatsu, hun. It’s the energy that exists in practically everything, especially those of us who are spiritually aware. Some of us have large amounts of reiatsu and others less so. Think of it like a bucket of water. Some buckets are fuller and others are even larger than others. That’s kinda how reiatsu works between people.”
“You’re probably more familiar with sucking the bucket dry with those fangs…” Emmilene growled before Caroline clocked her in the head with a dinner roll. “What my sister meant to say is you’re a Bount. Do you know what I mean by that?” Nadezhda nodded. “Uhm. Well, Mr. Clockburn told me I am a...bount. He said, uhm, we need to be careful ‘cause people wanna hurt us. Like white faces and shinigami.” Caroline’s eyes widened as sadness washed over her face. She turned her back to Nadezhda and began stirring her stew.
“There is a lot of bad people out their, hun. Those white faces, or hollows, are particularly bad news. They’ll take a bite out of anything and not think twice. In fact, they don’t really think at all. They’re mostly mindless creatures with one thing on their mind: eating souls. Emmilene then muttered unkind words toward Nadezhda. “You have that in common with them.” She said as she lowered her face toward her stew and spooned some into her mouth. Caroline sighed. “Hun, what’s your name?” Nadezhda looked at Caroline’s back and hesitated. “Nadezhda.”
“That’s a lovely, but uncommon name. Can’t say I’ve ever heard it. Well, Nadezhda, This Clockburn fella was telling you the truth, minus some details. You must be wary of hollows and Arrancar, the things hollows sometimes grow into. Shinigami aren’t all that bad, but some can be. In the past, they were pretty rotten and you should always be cautious, but don’t attack them recklessly. They ain’t no wallflowers. You, of course, got people like us. We’re Quincy. But don’t confuse us with those other Quincy.” She said before turning to face Nadezhda.
“Not all Shinigami are bad. Not all Bounts are bad. Not all Quincy are bad. There are good and bad on all sides. However, when it comes to Hollows, they are all bad news. Don’t try and make friends with them, ya hear?” Nadezhda nodded. She then looked down at her plate and picked up the last carrot and tossed it into her mouth. She chewed it slowly and said nothing as she pondered. “Your a good...Qu...Qui…” Caroline smiled. “Quincy. Yes, we’re good Quincy. We’re no slaves, not like the others. They are real lunatics. They call themselves The Vandenreich.”
Both Caroline and Emmilene’s expression shifted at the mere mention. “They’re a bunch of assholes” Emmilene said quietly. Nadezhda stared quizzically at the sisters. What are they talking about? Good Quincy? Bad Quincy? Ask them to clarify, Naze. Caroline walked over and set down a huge slice of cake in front of Nadezhda, before drizzling a red, shiny sauce over it. “This is my special super marvelous chocolate-chocolate hate with a tart cherry sauce. Dig in and then we can get you up to that hot bath and scrub off all that grime.” Nadezhda smiled and immediately began forking the moist, fluffy cake into her mouth.
Her lips puckered and her eyes closed tightly. Caroline laughed. “Wooee. You got a taste of that yummy cherry tart sauce. Good, huh?” She said. Nadezhda smiled and nodded. She had never felt so warm before. It was an odd sensation. No, if she thought back, she remembered it after all. She felt this way centuries ago. She felt this when her mother would sing or as she watched Nadezhda eat. It was as though this woman, whom she just met, possessed the spirit of her mother. It was able to melt her defenses and calm even her sinister aura.
Nadezhda snapped out of the haze and looked up at Caroline. “What is the Van..vanen.” Emmilene interrupted Nadezhda. “She said Vandenreich.” She barked with a grimace. “Remember how I said Hollows are bad news? Well, double that for The Vandenreich. For a long time, I thought hollows were the worst thing in the world, and then I had a run in with the Vandenreich. See, they’re not mindless eating machines. They kill because they like it. Because they want to control others. They say it is for survival, but some just kill because they find it fun. If you ever meet a Quincy with a white militaryy uniform, you best run. Run like the dickens. You got me?” She said sternly.
Nadezhda nodded. Caroline then hurried her up the stairs and ran her a hot bath. Nadezhda stared at the giant tub as if it was foreign. “Come on, don’t act as if you’ve never seen a tub. Now soak for a bit and then scrub. Get all that icky stuff off. Towels are there. Let me know when you’re done with a holler. ” Nadezhda stared at her with a clueless expression. “Holler. You know....Yell.” As Nadezhda soaked in the water, she contemplated what Caroline had shared.
Nadezhda disturbed the still water with a couple flicks of her finger. The bubbles floated on the surface as she poked at them with her finger, her eyes scanning the bathroom. While Nadezhda could not deny her surprising affection for Caroline, she was equally aware of something less pleasant. She rested both of her hands on the edge of the tub before resting her chin on them. Her searching expression complemented the doubt and uncertainty projected in her gaze. With her guard down, it is more possible to see the depth and variety of Nadezhda’s emotional palette.
Normally she hides behind nearly impenetrable layers of deception. When she’s playing the part of an innocent child one only gets to see glimpses of the real Nadezhda. Beneath the cruel and impure impulses resides a number of conflicts, which Caroline’s kindness are unfairly poking. A part of her is whispering for her to kill them both, but not because they pose a threat. There is something special about them. They smell delicious. Even that word doesn’t begin to describe the sensation of their aroma.
Nadezhda knew she couldn’t stay. She had to leave soon because she wasn’t sure how long she could control her impulses. It felt like a separate force was compelling her as if she was a puppet. This force was pushing at her from the inside and she worried her feelings wouldn’t be enough to control it. You’re sad. Why? Is it because of this woman? Koschei asked with a somberness in her voice. Because I am realizing for the first time in four centuries how lonely life has been... And how it will continue to be.
Nadezhda chance encounter with these Quincy sisters had appeared to have a profound impact. Caroline’s kindness and generosity, despite she and her sister’s awareness, shifted something deep in Nadezhda’s soul. Behind all the subterfuge was a deeply painful and regrettable realization. You have us. You’re not alone. Nadezhda’s expression saddened as she flicked the drain on the tub. Yes...I do. Like I said, for the first time I’m realizing how I’ll never have anyone else who is close to me because I can’t be trusted not to hurt them. The temptation is simply too strong.
It was apparent Nadezhda was feeling the weight of these uncontrollable drives, and they were causing her to doubt herself. She felt a genuine connection with Caroline even though they had just met. The wishful, impractical part of her wanted to believe this was her mother reincarnated. She wouldn’t allow herself to entertain that thought for long. She knew it was only a matter of time before her impulses won and she killed someone she could potentially learn to care about. This was something she was unwilling to jeopardize. It seemed Caroline was aware of Nadezhda’s secrets, to some degree, and yet she remained kind and welcoming.
Knock. Knock. Knock. “You done? I fixed up your room…” . Caroline was interrupted by Nadezhda opening the door. She looked up at Caroline as she gestured for her to follow. As she entered her room she was immediately greeted by the smell of jasmine and lavender. “I’m washing that adorable, yet filthy, dress of yours. It’ll be done soon and i’ll lay it on the bench outside your room. Now you get into bed. It is late and you need to get some sleep. We don’t want you getting sick from not getting enough sleep. Not sleeping is just plain bad for you.
Nadezhda climbed into the bed that seemed to hug her as she laid down. The sheets were so smooth and soft and the pillow cradled her perfectly. It felt wonderful to be cared for like this after so many centuries. She looked up at Caroline’s face, taking notice of her smile and rose-colored cheeks. “You live here, but where do the others live. Do they all have farms?” She asked innocently. Caroline gave a breathy chuckle and smiled as she tucked Nadezhda in. “Well, some Quincy live here in the human world, along with a bunch of other people like you and those like you." Said while playfully tapping Nadezhda on the nose.
“There also exists a world beyond our own. It’s populated with other spiritually aware beings, namely Shinigami. You can’t just access that place, though. You have to have a special key otherwise the door stays firmly locked.” She said with a grin and wink. “Why do they keep it locked? So monsters like hollows can’t get inside.” Caroline fell silent for a second as she contemplated Nadezhda’s question. “Well, I suppose. That place, which I believe is called the Soul Society, is for those who have passed on. They exist there until they are eventually given a new body here on Earth. Some of them stay and protect both there and here from things like hollows and other scary things. Now go to bed. More stories for tomorrow."
She lifted herself from the bed and walked over to the door. She looked back at Nadezhda whose eyes were fixated on her. She smiled and flicked off the light as she closed the door behind her. Nadezhda sat in her bed for a moment, contemplating her next move. Before she knew it she had drifted off. After a night of deep sleep, Nadezhda’s finally awakened. Her eyes sprang open and she scanned the room. She knew what she had to do. She had to leave this place or risk hurting Caroline. She gently opened the door and retrieved her dress. She readied herself before leaping from the window.
As she ventured toward the field a familiar voice called out to her. "Take the food my sister left for you. That’s the least you can do considering you’re bailing, as she predicted." Emmilene revealed herself from the shadows and stared down Nadezhda. Nadezhda was about to speak, but the Quincy wasn’t interested. She raised her hand to stop her. “I honestly don’t care. I didn’t want you here anyways, but my sister is kind and loving and made that knowing you’d leave before she woke. She’s perceptive like that. The wall is down, so you can leave freely without getting fried, thought that is my sister’s doing."
Nadezhda looked back at Emmilene as a sad expression washed over her face. “Would you tell her I’m sorry and...thank her for her kindness and, uhm, wamrth. You as well.” With that Nadezhda bolted into the distance. As she passed the wall the invisible barrier reformed in order to keep out intruders. Nadezhda stopped suddenly, a part of her wanting to turn back. She looked over her shoulder, but wasn’t strong enough to look back. She then began to run as fast as she could until the farm was no longer in view. As she wandered through the forest she was doing all she could to clear her mind.
It was then that she sensed something familiar. Something completely intoxicating. She bolted up a tree and skillfully leaped from one another while shrouded by the overgrowth. In the distance her eyes fixated on an unfamiliar figure. A man chopping wood with an axe. “A Quincy.” She said mischievously. Despite her grin, Nadezhda’s ill-intent was radiating off her person. “And he’s wearing white. That could mean only one thing, right, Koschei?” Nadezhda had decided to full embrace her drives by preying on the male Quincy. Little did she know, a part of her allowed this in order to forget about Caroline.
Suddenly the man turned and fired and arrow in her direction. Nadezhda watched in slow motion as the arrowed soared straight for her. Nadezhda had the presence of mind to evade the arrow, but the Quincy had now vanished. Nadezhda remained still, blending in with her environment and quieting her entire person. Very good. Now he definitely cannot sense us. But where is he...to your left. Koschei advised. Nadezhda’s eyes landed on the man as she stood at the edge of the forest. Nadezhda suddenly had an arrow slam into the trunk of the tree, narrowly missing her chest.
As another arrow bolted in her direction, she felt a peculiar sensation enter her body. She glanced toward the axe and then vanished from the tree. She stumbled onto the ground, bolting at high speeds twice before reaching the stump. “Well, I haven’t felt that in a while. Good to know that is coming back." Nadezhda evaded another arrow before appearing behind the bow-wielding Quincy. “What’s that you have there?” She asked from behind. Before he could react Nadezhda slammed the axe into his back. He vanished from sight and appeared with the axe in hand. Nadezhda grinned before deviously reciting the magical words needed to release her doll.
“Ukaž se” The Quincy stared down Nadezhda with a painful mixture of frustration and confusion. “What’d you just say you little brat?” He said as his back slowly mended the wound inflicted by the axe. Nadezhda simply grinned in his direction, noting his inability to sense Koschei’s release. “I’m so glad you showed up, Mr. We were lookin’ for something juss like you. Nadezhda’s words were dripping with a most sinister residue all while delivering an adorable smile. The man tossed the axe to the side and prepared to use hirenkyaku. Just before he could, a set of claws tore into his chest.
The crimson liquid glistened on Koschei’s knifey fingers before she flicked it off with a jerk of her wrist. The blood splashed onto the ground as Koschei faded from view. The attack startled the Quincy, leaving his chest maimed and disfigured. Despite the surprise, he was able to use hirenkyaku to distance himself from where he stood. His eyes nervously looked around, but he could only sense Nadezhda. What had attacked him and why couldn’t he see it? “What’s wrong, Mr? You seem awfully frightened.” The man looked over at Nadezhda peculiarly, noticing her change in speech. “You’re not regular creepy kid, are you?” He sighed regrettably just before his wound began to heal.
Nadezhda’s eyes widened with curiosity as she peered at his wounds. He rubbed the back of his head and glanced at Nadezhda. “Having to kill a kid will just put a real damper on this week. I have to keep reminding myself that you’re trying to kill me, otherwise I’m gonna feel guilty and hesitate. Nadezhda pursed her lips and stubbornly released a large exhale through her nostrils. “You can heal your body somehow. That’s no good, Mr. I like when my food stays dead.” The man’s expression dramatically shifted at the mention of him becoming a meal. “Wh...Wh...What did you just say?” Nadezhda grinned before responding. “Oh, I think you heard me.”
Koschei rushed toward the Quincy, transforming both of her hands into giant, spiked maces. Her black, ashy skin vibrated before taking on the spherical shape. The six inch-long spikes erupted along the entire surface of her mace before she struck the Quincy on the left side of his torso. The sheer force of the blow knocked him over and send him sliding across the ground. He instinctively rolled to the left, narrowly escaping Koschei’s second attack. Her spiked mace collided with the ground, pulverizing it with her massive strength. The force of her attack bore into the soil while spreading dust and debris in the air. “Wriggly little worm, aren’t you?” A soft, feminine voice asked of the Quincy.
His eyes drained of their vitality as the ghostly voice reached his ears. Nadezhda agreeably from a distance as Koschei taunted the Quincy. “That handsome face is ruined by that expression. She said as her right hand stretched out by three feet, the edge turning into a sharp blade. She now wielded a katana and a mace and her opponent had yet to lay his eyes on her. Her mysterious presence gnawed at him because he knew it would be difficult to fight what he couldn’t see. As Koschei approached him, she was distracted by the faint clinking sound. A small metallic tube rolled away from his body and settled between the two.
Koschei stared at it curiously before a blinding light burst forth from the container. The bright light blanketed the area with a monochromatic veil. Koschei’s reeled from the exposure, covering her face as she distanced herself. Nadezhda feel to the ground and rubbed her eyes, the sheer intensity of the attack causing tears to flow down her cheek. She opened her eyes to a blurred mixture of images. Her sight seemed to be speckled with fragmented blotches of color, likely a result of such intense exposure. “Prašný Oblak.” She shouted to Koschei. Koschei’s body suddenly burst into a massive cloud of black dust that swirled and filled the entire area. “Get him.” Nadezhda said as she lifted her body from the ground.
The black dust spread so widely it was easy to located the Quincy despite his previous efforts. A hand manifest in the dust and grabbed both of his legs and pulled him to the ground. Those same hands vanished and another pair manifested around the Quincy’s throat. A gentle, but menacing voice echoed from within the sea of black dust. “Do tell me if I’m gripping too tightly.” A blade manifest in the Quincy’s hand which he proceeded to swing recklessly. “Oh, he’s trying to cut you, Koschei. That’s just no good.” Nadezhda walked over and picked-up the axe before approaching the Quincy. “Let’s see how good you are at healing with your head chopped off.” She said while raising the axe.
He raised his left head and fired a small arrow that pierced Nadezhda’s shoulder. She stumbled back a few steps before pulling it from her shoulder. She narrowed her eyes and grimaced. Suddenly an arrow pierced the thick cloud of dust and erupted into a dense smoke. Koschei immediately coalsed her body and grabbed Nadezhda, leaping from the smoke. The man held his breath before vanishing and appearing beside a short, frumpy blonde. He inhaled deeply as he stood beside her. “Thanks. That little girl and her doll are more difficult than I originally thought they’d be. Actually...I couldn’t even sense her doll before her hands were directly around my throat. I can’t now, either. Can you?”
The woman glanced at him before gazing stoically in the distance. “No, I cannot. It’s a shame she didn’t breathe in any of my arrow’s toxins." Before the man could respond to the woman responsible for saving him, Koschei’s kukri-like arm pierced his chest. She lifted him in the air as blood poured from his wound and drenched the blade protruding from his chest. “You look away too long and you get knifed in the back. I’m thankful the anecdotes from centuries ago still apply.” She jested with honeyed words. "It’s about time for Jasný popel, Koschei. No better time than now to perfect it.” Despite this victory, something felt amiss as the woman casually distanced herself.
The body of the man suddenly exploded, envelopeding Koschei in a swirl of fiery spiritual energy. The color drained from Nadezhda’s face as she stared petrifyingly at the spiraling energy. Nadezhda’s panic was disrupted when Koschei appeared beside her, deflecting arrows aimed at her back. She turned and stared at Koschei, relieved by her relative safety. "A technique as weak as that could never cripple me, Naze.” She said before directing her attention to the man and woman safely standing beneath the forest canopy. Nadezhda has never seen Koschei move so quickly. Koschei’s reflexes appeared to have advanced alongside her own.
"You deal with the woman. I want him. Don’t worry. I was distracted by my worry for you, but I can see that isn’t an issue. Don’t hold back, Koschei." Nadezhda grinned as Koschei’s reacted Lovec as she glanced over at the woman, her creepy smiling fading as her body became invisible. “I’ll right. Let’s try this again. She said while activating her step technique and with a burst of speed landing in the shade of the forest. Nadezhda blended seemingly in the shadows, suppressing everything including her bloodlust. Her impish gaze pierced the shadows as she settled her sights on on the Quincy man. She was sloppy earlier, allowing him to see through her stealth, but not now. She was much more focused.
As for Koschei, the woman was able to vaguely sense her whereabouts. It lacked refinement and was prone to mistakes, which the Quincy was largely aware. She needed to stay focused and avoid awkward movements, otherwise Koschei could potentially slip through completely undetected and land a death blow. She knew well-enough that Koschei’s body was somehow malleable, having pierced that stand in technique from earlier. Koschei ominous laughter taunted Quincy. The sound of her amusement seemed to echo from every direction. Even with great focus, Koschei’s presence was ephemeral and difficult to pinpoint.
The woman’s attention was instantly arrested by an intense heat from her left. She bolted to her right and activated an unknown property of her release, branches of reishi seemingly appeared in the air around her, spreading out before mysterious buds formed. “I planted these seedlets earlier. Enjoy you foul creature.” The constellation of reishi branches bloomed with life, multiple flowers stretching their petals. The petals abruptly detached and is pulled by a magnet fired simultaneously in Koschei’s direction. Koschei maneuvered through the volley of spear-like petals, inching closer to the woman.
The woman smiled as the petals struck the ground and burst into clouds of noxious dust. Koschei was aware of her miasma from earlier, but this was slightly different. She increased her speed and lunged at the woman, turning her right arm into a massive arced blade. The woman summoned a black blade that collided with clumsily with Koschei’s arm. To her dismay, Koschei’s strength cleaved through the pitiful blade. The searing hot blade sliced diagonally across her torso. The woman stumbled backwards before collapsing. Her pain was evident in her face, but she had rendered her own blow in this exchange.
Koschei’s body was now covered in the yellow dust released by the petals. It was a deceptively complex technique she had used, which now rendered Koschei visible. The woman jumped to her feet and dropped a metallic tube. The tube exploded into a bright light, but Koschei would not be blinded twice. Shielding her gaze, she opened her eyes to see the woman several feet away and firing a volley of arrows in her direction. Koschei ignored the arrows for a moment as she examined her body. It was covered in what seemed to be pollen. She arrogantly attempted to side-step the arrows, but found herself dizzy and increasingly disoriented. She fumbled as the arrows struck her body.
To the Quincy’s displeasure, the arrows didn’t even pierce her skin. This grimaced with an audible scoff. “You’re quite sturdy for being as lanky as you are.” Koschei said nothing as she stumbled, practically circling her location in a stupor. “You’re really feeling the effects of my pollen, aren’t you?” She said as a massive arrow coalesced in her bow. “This should end your miserable life." Koschei looked up as the massive arrow barreled toward her. Her body sizzled as the pollen started to darken and burn away. Not really knowing what direction she was going in, she bolted to the left and slammed into the nearby building.
The building erupted in flames as the woman looked on confusingly. Meanwhile, in the distance, Nadezhda was having fun torturing the male Quincy. Unlike his female counterpart, he could not sense Nadezhda at all. And each time he attempted to vacate the woods a series of trees tumbled down, blocking his path. The man desperately fired an explosive arrow to disperse the trees, but before he could escape Nadezhda leaped from the shadow and punched him square in the face. While released, Nadezhda’s strength dwarfed that of the Quincy. She giggled as he spat blood and a loose tooth from his mouth. “There’s that smell again. Your blood smells like nothing I’ve ever experienced. You are one strange thing, Mr. A Quincy, as I recall. I’ve heard all about your kind. Who knew you’d smell so irresistible. A rarity these days. I want to sink my teeth into your flesh and see what all the fuss is about."
Nadezhda sensed this man’s strength, and it wasn’t nearly as much as his fellow Quincy. He was weaker and less experienced. A decent trial run for her to explore her newly discovered strength. The man attempted to flee the area through the opening he had created, but was quickly intercepted by Nadezhda, who grabbed his arm and tossed him like a rag doll. She rushed in his direction and punched him in the chest. The man coughed up blood, which she wiped off her hand and tasted with her tongue. She smiled sweetly at the taste before stomping on his ankle.
The man collapsed, now suffering from cracked ribs and a broken left ankle. Nadezhda stood over him as he glanced up at her sweet, smiling face. “What do you want?” He shouted angrily. He then attempted to fire a crossbow at her, but she grabbed his wrist and twisted it tightly. “Didn’t I already tell you?” She said as she tossed him to the side with ease. She slowly walked in his direction as the shade of the forest cast a dark net across her face. As she inched closer all he could focus on was the macabre present in her seemingly glowing eyes. “I wanted to see what all the fuss was about." As if to dislocate her jaw, Nadezhda opened her mouth and bared her teeth before lunging at the Quincy.
The female Quincy’s attention was drawn to the horrifying screams originating from the forest. A look of pain and disgust washed over her face, preventing her from reacting to what was coming her way. Suddenly Koschei’s hand wrapped around her throat and lifted her off the ground.“You should have remained focused, young one." The heat the woman had used as an early warning measure had betrayed her. She couldn’t have possibly known that the heat emanating from Koschei’s body would intensify, allowing her to incinerate the pollen that clung to her body. With the pollen gone, Koschei’s senses returned and she was able to perceive and understand her surroundings perfectly.
The screams of the other Quincy opened a convenient window of opportunity, allowing Koschei to bypass the woman’s senses and achieve optimal closeness. Koschei’s body radiated heat, including her hand which was now burning through the woman’s flesh. Koschei dropped her, having inflicted a lethal burn to her throat. So much so she couldn’t speak and lied helplessly on the ground. Koschei allowed her opponent to gaze upon her body in her last moments, her sinful smile beaming down at her."Trust me, if you knew just how horrifying your friends death was, you’d gladly choose to have your throat dissolved by my touch. Better than being eaten alive, piece-by-piece. You might not know it now, but I am doing you a favor.”
Nadezhda casually emerged from the woods, dragging bloodied leg behind her. She smiled in Koschei’s direction just before the Quincy female delivered a faint, but devious smile. Nadezhda’s expression faded before the area erupted into a pillar of blue flames. Nadezhda watched as Koschei limped out of the flames and collapsed on the ground. She ran to her aid and stroked her head. "Koschei! Are you okay?” The light emanating fro her hollow sockets dimmed as she responded to Nadezhda. “I will be fine. I just need to rest…” Koschei’s body faded as Nadezhda sat on the ground and stared into the distance.
