"What's wrong, Watermelon, not happy to see your dad?" It was Rin of all people giving me shit. Gods, that smug smile on her face as she mocked me, I would not forget this Rin.
"Rin, I want you to remember this moment. How happy you are right now. I want you to remember this when I get even." I looked at her as I took a seat on the other side of Artoria from her.
"Okay, Watermelon." She replied as non expressively as possible, which just added to the stinging feeling in my gut.
"Dammit Roman." I laid my head on the counter. Artoria gave me a little pat on the back and I pulled myself back up, putting an arm around her.
"Oh boo hoo." The flamboyant Thief puffed out some smoke from his cigar before pushing it into an ashtray. "Not even a 'thank you' for making you a free man again? Just right to the gut-wrenching insults. What I go through for my little baby boy." He wiped a non-existent tear from his eye.
"Yeah, Schweinorg, be nice to your dad." Rin snorted.
"I like her." Roman snapped his fingers pointing at Rin. "I give you permission to date my son."
"Yeah, no." I immediately denied.
"Ugh." She made a choking noise.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I glared at Rin.
"Do I need to repeat myself?"
I flipped her off with the hand I had behind Artoria.
"Saber~ Your boyfriend, Watermelon is being mean to me." Rin whined.
"Wil, please don't make rude gestures towards Rin."
"You didn't even see what I was doing."
"Rin, please stop antagonizing him."
"Boo."
"Whipped." Miltia said, adding a cracking noise.
"Kinda cute though." Melanie added. "When he said he had a girlfriend last time, I didn't believe him. And I definitely didn't picture someone like her."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.
"Hell Kid, even I can see that you two don't look like you'd mix." Junior spoke up, wiping a glass in his hands. "Honestly, if her hair was white, I'd mistake her for a Schnee. And you….well, you're you."
"I feel like you're insulting me."
"You got good instincts." He didn't even deny it.
"They're not wrong." Rin chimed in. "Honestly, I wouldn't have put money on you two getting together if I hadn't seen it myself."
"Alright, tell me the truth." Roman took his hat off, placing it on the counter. "My boy is actually gay and this is all fake, isn't it?"
"Fuck you, Roman."
"Kind of proving his point then." Melanie remarked.
"No wonder he rejected me." Miltia nodded.
"You should see how much time he spends on his hair and clothes." Rin joined in. "I knew something was up."
"Alright, alright." Roman put his hands up. "We're not animals, and this isn't back in the day. We'll accept you no matter your preferences. I'm sure I can find you a nice boy to settle down with."
"Do you see what I put up with?" I looked at Artoria who genuinely looked amused by the whole thing.
She leaned over, placing her lips against mine in clear sight of everyone. "Do you feel better now?" She asked. There was a hint of shyness now, as Artoria was always bashful about being affectionate in public.
"Brothers, they're fucking adorable." Melanie scoffed.
"My teeth are gonna rot from the sweetness." Miltia agreed.
"Welp, that's enough wholesome for me. I'm going to need to go kick at least three orphans to get back to normal after this." Roman snapped his fingers. "Junior, hit me up I need something to wash this sugary taste out of my mouth with."
"It's not even 4pm, Roman." Junior gave him a side-eyed look.
"I've had a shit day, honestly, I need another drink." The Thief slumped. "Just found out that my Melodic Cudgel isn't salvageable. Going to have to get another one made."
"Your….cane?" I blinked, trying to remember. "Yeah, I remember you named it something stupid."
"Hey, it's a good name. Classy, even."
"I'm sure the people you hit over the head with it agree."
"They should be thankful. At least it isn't Neo dealing with them."
"That's….fair." She'd probably just stab them. "Speaking of, where's the murderous munchkin?"
"Oh, that's a good one, I'll need to remember it." He hummed. "And she was here a little while ago." He swept his hand towards Artoria and Rin. "While I was entertaining your wonderful Girlfriend and friend like a good father figure—"
"I could point out several things wrong with that sentence."
"When he was making our proper identification." Artoria clarified. "And I did not express proper gratitude. I can imagine that such a thing was not an easy endeavor with the systems they use to track residents."
"Well." Roman leaned on the counter, looking rather smug. "Aren't you a polite young miss. My Watermelon is lucky to have you. It's finally nice to get some recognition for all the hard work I do around here."
"It's really not difficult. Roman just has people to push the right paperwork at the right times without any questions being asked." Junior remarked.
"I feel underappreciated." He huffed. "Anyways, before I went off on a tangent. I was going to say that Neo was slipping the paperwork to the right places, she had to quickly go do it after getting their pictures so they got in before the offices closed in a few."
"Thanks for handling it, Roman." I said genuinely without the joking nature of our earlier back and forth.
"Yeah, yeah it's no problem." He waved it off, the usual smug and arrogant demeanor slipped away for the brief moment.
"You said your cane broke? Got it on you, I might be able to help." Rin was looking at the empty glass in front of her before facing him.
"You a blacksmith or something?"
"Or something." She smiled lightly.
Roman shrugged, reaching behind his back and taking out two halves of his cane, setting them on the counter and pushing them over. "Was probably just going to keep them on the shelf as a memento, but have at it."
"Damn Roman, that's a clean cut. What did you do, put it through an industrial Saw?' Junior snorted.
"Hey, don't look at me, you know how much I cared about that thing. It was the first weapon I ever designed. And some little – little brat." Roman spat out in annoyance. "Cut it in half with a stupid and overly large farming instrument!"
"A tractor?" I asked.
"No, a scythe you nit-wit." He huffed. "Why would a kid be using a tractor as a weapon? That's ridiculous."
"Right, because I should have assumed a weapon when you said 'farming instrument'. But a scythe you say?" I rubbed my chin, recalling a younger girl who had such a weapon.
"Some abomination, a combination between a sniper and a scythe or some other stupid nonsense. She wouldn't shut up about it. But she did this thing where the blade shifted and another blade came out, kind of green-like. Didn't think much of it, and I blocked her with my cane and it just sliced right in half!"
"What the hell is this thing?" Rin blurted out, looking at the two pieces of his weapon. "How many moving parts are there? Why are there so many things stuffed inside?"
"That my dear, is perfection compressed into a carriable and fashionable form. It's a 40 inch, sleek, atlas military grade steel cane, complete with working Dust-compatible gun mechanisms with alternating flare chamber –" He paused, raising a finger up. "With detachable grappling hook, complete with a 30 foot carbon-steel wiring mesh that can support up to 1200 pounds."
"Or at least it was." I added.
"That's a spanking when we get home." Roman's lips thinned. "But yes, it was."
"Yes, your stupid cane is impressive." Miltia rolled her eyes. "Maybe get something less ostentatious this time?"
"First, I'm surprised you even know what that word means." Roman countered. "Second, that is a masterpiece of engineering. Do you have any idea how hard it was to work all of that in there? The mesh wiring is 30 feet long when fully deployed!"
"Sounds overly complicated and unnecessary."
Roman scoffed. "Unnecessary? Complicated? What is this, the dark ages? Everyone uses more sophisticated weapons these days."
"I use a plain sword." I pointed out.
For what little value my swords counted as 'plain'.
"Basic Claws."
"My boots are pretty minimalistic. No mecha-shift."
The twins chimed in.
"I use a sword as well." Artoria chimed in.
"And I guess I use a spear? Also Martial Arts." Rin shrugged, examining the cane.
"Uncultured heathens." Roman looked aghast. "Atleast Junior here is using something presentable, even if it's something brutish and inelegant."
"Really, what do you use?" I asked him.
"A bat and Rocket Launcher combo." He replied.
"That's pretty neat." I noted. "And you said your cane has 30 feet of wiring in it? How the hell does that work?"
"Oh that was hard." Roman perked up. "It sort of works like a zipper. The wiring Mesh isn't intertwined until the hook is launched."
"That's….surprisingly brilliant."
"What do you mean surprisingly?" Roman looked aghast. "I am the epitome of intelligence and cunning."
"Says the guy who got done in by a little girl." Miltia snorted.
"That was bullshit!" Roman crossed his arms in annoyance. "I don't know what she did, probably some semblance crap that I didn't expect. My Cane could take a hit from one of Irondick's ship cannons and walk away fine!"
"Question." I raised my hand, interrupting his rant. "Did she happen to be wearing a red cape too?"
"….she did."
"Well….I do believe I may be at fault then."
"Bastard!."
"You're not wrong there." I hummed.
"What did you do?" Artoria looked at me. "I hope it is not something illicit."
"Damn, kid really is whipped. Did you give him a spanking after his little crime spree?" Roman chuckled."
"Fuck off, Roman." I chose to ignore him. "Nah, the girl, she was nice and helped me when I got disorientated from traveling." I think she understood what I meant by the way I said that. "Anyways, she helped me and went on about how she made her own weapon and everything and I gave her an ingot of Orichalcum as thanks."
"That was kind and thoughtful of you." She smiled.
"Thoughtful my pert behind." Roman Grumbled. "And what's this Orical-whatsit?"
"It's a rare metal, stronger than steel." I said simply.
"Interesting." Roman rubbed his chin. "Got anymore?"
"Oh, does dear old dad want something from little ol' me?" How the tables turn. "Can you repeat what you wanted? I'm just so unbelievably happy at my new adoption that I missed what you said."
"Well well well, if it isn't the consequences of my own actions." He sighed. "Alright, what do you want?"
"I'll think about it. For now, Rin should probably be able to fix your stupid toy."
"Not a toy!"
"Yeah, I can fix it." Rin replied. "Not as bad as I thought."
I knew she could. Just some meticulous use of Alteration and Structural Grasp should do the trick.
"How much you think it'll cost?" Roman asked. "I don't mind spending a bit, but if it's going to cost as much as –"
"Eh, don't worry about it." Rin cut him off. "You didn't charge us for the IDs and stuff, consider it as thanks."
"What's this, Rin not being a money grubber?" I looked at her in shock.
"Did you say something, Watermelon?" Rin shot back.
Damn, she must have really made a killing back in Skyrim.
"Why was Ruby even fighting you, Roman? You didn't go kick her puppy, did you?" I realized the missing core piece of information in what he said.
"Hey, I'm a law abiding citizen and I resent that" He puffed up. "At least according to Vale. Every where else still has a warrant for my arrest. And you for that matter. I wouldn't suggest going to Atlas or Mistral."
"Yeah, I already saw the shit show that happened after it was revealed to the public. But why were you fighting her?"
"Oh, it wasn't public knowledge yet when she saw me. I may or may not have said something to invigorate her inflated sense of 'justice' which led to us coming to blows." He said nonchalantly.
"You just egged her on because you were bored, didn't you?"
"You know your old man so well." He grinned.
"So what happened? Y'know, besides your toy getting cut in half."
"About what you'd expect from Huntsman – or huntsman lite in her case – fighting in the middle of the street. One of Beacon's teachers was nearby, the Deputy Headmistress. She intervened once things got a little out of hand. I of course completely claimed self defense and walked away without any repercussions."
"Roman, did you seriously manipulate a 15 year old girl into getting in trouble? I know her – sorta, and I'm gonna be pissed if she's getting in trouble because of that crap."
"Oh, stop being a baby. She got bailed out by the Beacon staff. Heard them offering her a spot at Beacon to avoid any criminal charges. Technically, if she were an official Huntress in training and attending beacon, she wouldn't get in trouble – yada yada. And It's not like I would have pressed charges."
"You're such an ass."
He shrugged, in a 'what can you do' sort of way. "Enough about that though, I'm curious how you landed a woman that's clearly out of your league. So, what's the story? And is it embarrassing? I can trade you a few of my own. Did he ever tell you the time he was getting robbed and in return robbed his robber?"
Artoria smiled brightly, shaking her head with a small chuckle. "I was being foolish and Wilhelm refused to allow me to continue as I was, to the point where he challenged me to a duel. I was moved by his actions and we had our first date shortly after."
"That's boring." Roman grunted. "Extremely cute, adorable even, but boring. I was expecting something juicier."
"Yeah, well, my life isn't a comedy for you to –"
"Ask him about his Harem." Rin smiled.
Dammit Rin.
[***]
Salem POV
When was the last time I walked amongst these….lesser beings.
Other than the time I spent with the source of my current confusion; I could not recall. Perhaps a few decades ago when I briefly satiated my curiosity after learning about certain advancements in their technology?
Yes, I believed it was when their first 'airships' were created. I had found it interesting enough to see them in person.
How time moved without one noticing when immortal.
I normally would not allow myself to wander amongst these lesser beings/humans/things but I found myself needing…..to breathe. To step away from what I knew and indulge in a different perspective.
I did not know what I was feeling at this moment. Discovering that everything I worked for, everything I sought was so…..insignificant left me with an unfamiliar feeling. I was the Queen of the Grimm, at my command, an army of black death could march and purge the world of every breathing person. Yet….at this moment, I felt wholly irrelevant, as if my existence meant nothing.
Was it hate swelling up within my breast?
No, I was not unfamiliar with hate. I had known hate for thousands of years. And…..I cannot bring myself to hate him when my cold still heart seems to beat in his presence.
It was vexing and made me even more annoyed.
A change of scenery.
The idea had sprung up in my mind and I allowed myself the whimsy. I cast a basic illusion over myself to appear as I did in my younger days. No paled skin or cursed marks, no red eyes and white hair. I looked as I did in my youth with vibrant blonde hair to match my fair complexion.
These ignorant mortals could not see through the simple disguise, so I cared not for the looks I received. Except for the few who stared at my behind for more than was appropriate.
They received a discreet chiding.
I felt a small annoyance when someone other than that foolish man did so.
Now, what was I to do? I simply came here on a whim, to this….human settlement. I commanded Cinder to fly me here, and I gave her orders to wait for my return, but I did not have a destination or plan in mind. How silly that I did this without any consideration.
Hmm, perhaps a tavern?
I turned to notice the gathering of patrons with drinks around.
Such a type of establishment was not uncommon in my era and it's obvious that it persisted through the millennia.
How nostalgic.
Ozma and I visited many places similar in our travels.
I found my feet carrying me without a second thought. Pushing the doors open, the patrons inside stared at me for a moment before turning back to their own matters.
I looked for an empty table in the corner and claimed it as my own. A piece of parchment awaited me, listing the services they provided. A manner of drinks that I did not recognize but were intriguing enough for me to indulge in this particular instance.
I barely noticed the next person to walk through the doors as I explored what this tavern had to offer. I barely gave them a glance, but my attention quickly was consumed by their presence.
They were staring right at me. The woman who walked inside, her eyes met my own and I knew that it wasn't merely a gaze casted in my direction or haphazardly on my person. No, they penetrated the illusion I had weaved around myself.
Did I stumble onto a Maiden by mere happenstance?
The thought was amusing enough that I found my mood ever so slightly lifted.
She walked towards my table, no amount of fear, nor hesitation on her part. I assumed she did not know who I was? A fly willingly moving towards the spider's web.
"You must be Salem." She spoke.
….or not.
"I am." I did not react. "Do you know me, child?" I raised a questioning eyebrow at her declaration. I wished to know with what confidence she approached me even knowing who I was.
"A child? I have not been called a child for at least two millennium. But yes, I do know you." She chuckled, taking the seat opposite at the same table as I. Her words did not quite register with me as she spoke again. "We share an interest, and he has spoken of you on many occasions. I did not expect to meet you here, but I suppose the whims of fate are thus."
"Who are you?"
"You can call me Scáthach."
[***]
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
Salem POV
"You are….his…lover?" I asked in surprise.
"Yes, among other things." She said simply as if it were not a significant discovery on my part. "How strange, I did not expect to meet you at this instance. But the whims of fate are often unexpected."
"You have appeared here by chance? The one time I leave my domain and venture outside?" I asked skeptically.
She held up a finger and the magic around her swirled to reveal a string of symbols I was familiar with. "I believe my student has mentioned this branch of Magecraft to you, yes?"
"Student?" I tilted my head. "And yes, he did. I have touched on it briefly, but I cannot depict what you did at mere sight just yet."
"I was his teacher." She smiled wistfully. "He came to me as a boy wanting to become stronger. He was oh so young back then. His youthful arrogance was cute even if I had to often beat it out of him." She reminisced, looking nostalgic. "As for my spell, it is just a simple matter of weaving myself into the web of fate and having it point me in a direction that would bring me some manner of excitement. As I approached this town, I had heard of a large group of these Grimm that were nearby, I had assumed they were the cause of my presence, but I believe I was mistaken until now."
"I see." I digested her words at face value even if they were…. startling. I suppose it was safe to assume that she had a similar…origin as his. "There was an Ancient Grimm nearby that was gathering its lesser brethren to attack this town. I did not wish to be disturbed so I commanded them to cease and disperse."
"Unfortunate." She hummed.
"….not the response I am accustomed to when speaking of Grimm tides attacking settlements."
"Oh, the town was in no danger" The corners of her lips tugged up. "It would take more than mere Grimm to overcome me."
"Your confidence is admirable." My lips thinned at her insinuation.
She let out a laugh in response. "I assume that my student has not told you about me then? He spoke that he was going to tell you everything. Did he fail to do so? Should I give him a gentle reminder about the responsibilities he has when courting a woman?"
I felt….oddly defensive of him when she said that. "It is my fault. After he told me where he 'came from' I told him that I needed space and time to myself."
"Hmm, I see." She hummed out a response. "Then it is good he has been proper."
"…His presence has not been unwelcomed." I replied. "Even when he stares at my behind."
"Of course he does." She laughed again. "My student may be lascivious, but he will not do anything to make you uncomfortable. He is a sweet and caring boy. I presented him my naked body and made efforts to entice him further yet he denied me until I became his woman first."
"Are we speaking about the same person?" I snorted, remembering all the times he very blatantly stared at my rear and even made lewd comments. "But I suppose you are correct….." He has never tried to initiate more than a simple kiss and his hands never wandered despite his obvious infatuation with certain parts of my body. "You said your name was –"
"I did not fully introduce myself." The woman took over. "You do not know of my history, so I can be willful. I am the Immortal Witch of Dun-Scaith. Queen of the Land of Shadows. Lord of Spirits. And God Slayer. I am Scáthach."
"….there are many things you just revealed that I have questions about but I am fairly sure I do not have the proper context to understand."
"You may ask me questions. I would prefer that you get your information from Wilhelm, but my matters are mine to speak of."
"What do you mean by God-slayer?" I asked the most pertinent.
"Does the concept not exist here?" She asked herself. "Jinn only spoke of her creators your – Brother Gods, yes? Are there no other deities around?"
"The Brother Gods are the only Gods of Remnant."
"How strange. From my world there were thousands if not more, depending on where one lived. But my title is just as you would expect. I have slain men, demons, monsters, dragons and even Gods."
"….I see." I did not know how to feel about her confession in comparison to my own failures.
"You are upset by what I said, I will not speak of it again." She once more simply replied.
I didn't even know what proper response to give to her statement. The term was logically something I understood, but I could not wrap my head around it being applied to the woman sitting in front of me. I saw the power of the Brothers first hand, and the thought of any mortal standing up to that was ridiculous after how horrendously I failed.
"You said you were his teacher?" I tapped my fingers on the table, deciding to just ignore that for now. I already had too much on my mind, I would understand more about that later. "How did you become his….woman, as you put it."
"Is it not a natural occurrence of events?" She tilted her head. "I would deny it to his face rather than bear his insufferable smugness, but my student is handsome and charming. Considering his other attractive traits and his personal strength, I would call it inevitable due to the years we spent together."
Inevitable, was it?
"And you don't care that he keeps other women?" I asked. "That he has a Harem."
She chuckled. "Such things are not strange in my culture. Strong men have many lovers. And if I did not promise myself to him fully, I may have had many lovers myself. But he is the only man I will ever have in my heart." She paused for a moment. "And between my legs now."
"I suppose that is a very….simplistic way to look at it."
"Do you disagree with it then? Do you not fancy my student?" She asked.
"….It is difficult to dislike him." I admitted, feeling oddly comfortable in the presence of this woman who was nearly a stranger.
"Are you asking me or asking for yourself, hmm? Do you dislike that he has other women that he holds in his heart? It is understandable if you do not accept his romantic pursuits due to this."
"It wasn't uncommon when I was younger." I briefly frowned thinking of my own parents. Their faces were very vague now, I could hardly remember what they looked like. But my father had many mistresses.
"You are not the only one of his pursuits to have reservations. One of his other paramours is currently on Remnant as well and she was hesitant about accepting this relationship."
"Another one of you?" I raised an eyebrow. "And is she like you as well?"
"Similar in some aspects, but different in others. I believe you have the concept of Knights here?"
"Yes, I am familiar with it."
"She is a Knight." The woman stated. "Her land of origin was very near my own, but we were separated by several centuries. However, we are very different in most aspects. My student's lovers are a very diverse lot."
"It seems I must apologize for my earlier comment in calling you a 'child'."
She cracked another grin. "Have you not met any other long-lived beings?"
"No." I pursed my lips. "Beyond my former husband bound by a curse to continuously reincarnate, I am the only immortal left in the world. If you don't mind me asking how old….?"
"My age?" She hummed. "That is a difficult question to answer as the human calendar changed at some point in my home. I was around 2200 when I died based on the calendar years that humans have kept."
"Pardon?" I blinked.
"Yes?"
"You died?"
"Oh, yes, you don't know. My existence is one of a spiritual nature now. It is unfortunate, but I am weaker than when I was a living being. Otherwise, I would think about seeking out those Brother Gods of yours to test myself"
"You….you are dead?" I repeated it because it sounded absurd. "If you're confident enough to seek out the Brothers, then what could have possibly killed you?"
"It was by my own hand." The woman turned sullen. "I was old, far too old and I no longer had a purpose for living. I was bound to my Realm of Shadows, isolated and alone. And I did something shameful to end my own misery."
...I could feel sympathy for her situation. I did not think it was possible to hear about someone else living so similarly to myself. "I would hardly call it shameful to kill yourself in that circumstance." I offered some verbal respite despite her still being a stranger to myself.
"No, I did something far worse. I wished to die as a warrior and asked the one person I could to fullfill my wish."
"….you asked Wilhelm to kill you."
"I hurt him in a way that my spear never could." She smiled wryly. "I knew the way he felt towards me, and I still asked him to do so."
"Yet you sit here." I pointed out.
"That foolish boy." She sighed, resting her arm on the table. "The lengths he went through to bring me back."
"So it is merely gratitude then? You are with him because he granted you your wish?"
"No." She shook her head, not at all upset by what I insinuated. "If it was merely the case of gratitude, I would still have been his woman, I would still allow him any part of me he desired. But my heart would still remain beyond his reach. I believe it is enough to say that the heart of this Scáthach belongs to him."
"He sounds like a good man." I said quietly.
"He is very much so."
"And the woman that is here as well. The one you said was usure? What is her opinion?"
"They recently confessed their love for one another."
"You have given me much to think about." Why was I feeling this strange sensation in my heart? "Thank you for speaking with me. It was…..interesting, speaking to someone similar. I will –"
"Where are you going?' The woman pushed an empty seat near us with her foot, blocking me from leaving. "Do you believe I would let you go so easily?" She raised a challenging eyebrow.
[***]
"And then – and then, he had the gall to ask me the color of my undergarments!" I huffed, drinking from this alcoholic beverage I had been given. "I was trying to figure out who in the Brother's name this strange person was, and he asked me such an absurd question!"
"Ufufu, he cannot help himself sometimes. That foolish boy pulled down my pants in front of the others just so he could grab my ass more easily. And that was merely recently."
"So I should be prepared to fend off his perversions."
"Who says you need to do so? I happily accept it." She grinned. "I do enjoy the aggressive and passionate side of him."
"I suppose it's nice to be desired again after so long." I grumbled, setting down my empty glass. "I'm out."
"I'll order another round." She replied. "However, you didn't answer."
"Didn't answer what?"
"What was your answer to his question?"
"I was forced to reveal that I was not wearing any undergarments at the time." I crossed my arms in annoyance. "And he has not let me forget it either."
"So like Jinn."
"That smug Relic Spirit." I snorted in annoyance. "She came to threaten me."
"She is a silly girl, still learning how to live outside of her predesignated role. I'm sorry if she said something offensive."
"Oh, I don't care so much about that. But she practically threw it in my face about where the Relic of Knowledge was."
The woman broke out in laughter. "Jinn enjoys making others uncomfortable."
"She very clearly enjoyed it when she did it to me. I was too embarrassed to even bring it up with Wilhelm." And she obviously knew that I previously wanted it and taunted me saying that I was free to 'take it' from her. "It wasn't an unpleasant experience, however."
"Having Jinn speak of her fetishes?" She tilted her head.
"No." I huffed. "I don't care about what deviances she prefers. I meant it was nice to not have someone cower or worship me on sight."
"What about Wilhelm?"
"Oh please, if I merely hike up my dress, I could get him to do whatever I wanted. If that is not worship, then I don't know what is."
"That sounds like him." She snorted. "However, I will warn you about leading him around by the cock, you will pay for it."
"Oh?"
"I have shared my bed many times so far,, but even I had trouble handling his stamina. That is all I will say on the matter."
"So he isn't merely bravado then?"
"You are free to test for yourself." She smiled.
Maybe I will.
"Where is the waiter, this is poor service." I looked around, wanting another refill. I had forgotten how many drinks I had at this point, but I suppose it did not matter.
"That is my fault, I had forgotten to remove the barrier around us. Those without a more prominent source of Magical Energy won't perceive us beyond merely existing here."
"Is that what you did? I just saw you put up a barrier and didn't care to question it." I waved it off., noticing that it was getting rather crowded and it looked like quite a few Huntsman had come in since we had been chatting.
I admit I lost track of time and the situation as it has been…..a very long time to have someone to talk to like this. Wilhelm of course was someone I had considered a peer in most regards, but when he was actively pursuing me it was….different.
A….friend?
"Hey there, Ladies, mind if I join you?"
Both Scáthach and I turned to look at the source of the voice. The one that was directed at us.
Black hair, red eyes, and a white collared shirt with a cape behind him and a large weapon on his back.
"I thought you said –"
"Yes, and it is still active." She stated.
"Curious, you look familiar." I looked at the man, not remembering where I'd seen him before.
"Should I be worried?" He chuckled. "Mind if I join you? All the other tables are full."
"Do you know him?" Scáthach looked at me.
"I think I've seen his picture before, which is odd in itself as I don't bother much with the matters of the world." I furrowed my brow, trying to recall, looking at him.
"The magic he wields is miniscule and weak."
"Wait, what?" The man blinked in confusion.
"Oh, now I recall. I did not remember until you mentioned the 'weak and miniscule'." I looked back at him. "I remember receiving your picture long ago. You are one of Ozma's pawns. How humorous to find one here by chance."
His eyes widened and he grabbed the hilt of his weapon, going defensive. "Who are you?"
"Did he not tell you about me? How very in character for him. My former husband likes to keep his disposable pawns dreadfully ignorant." I drawled. "I am Salem."
And that look of confusion turned to horror as realization set in. I admit that I took delight in it.
"Draw your weapon and you will die." I said simply, making him stiffen. "Sit down." I commanded.
He awkwardly edged towards the seat on the side, making himself look rather small as his eyes darted everywhere, looking for a means to escape.
"Is he your enemy?" Scáthach asked.
"Enemy is a rather strong word. I would not call a fly that annoys me an enemy. I don't even know why he was reaching for his weapon, at the very least, Ozma should have told him I'm immortal."
"Ah, the foolish kind then."
"Indeed." I smiled. "I suppose it could be called brave as well."
"Often they are the same."
I chuckled at that. "And what brings you here, pawn of Ozma? You clearly did not know of my existence, otherwise Ozma would no doubt have sent more than just one of his pieces."
"Who's this Ozma?" Scáthach asked.
"My former Husband." I scowled.
"What?" The man blinked again.
"Of course he did not tell you this." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, your 'leader' was my husband at one point in time. Like many young girls, I was stupid and naïve. A mistake that has been since rectified. Tell me, is he still stealing bodies from his victims and claiming the side of 'good'?" I was being pedantic, but who was going to call me out? Him? "Well, it was rhetorical, otherwise, I would be annoyed that you didn't answer me. But I did ask you a question." I narrowed my eyes.
"Uh…" He stiffened again. "I-I was coming along with the other Huntsman because of the reported Grimm Tide approaching."
"Yes, that was something happening." I hummed, remember what Scáthach said. "You need not worry, I am in a good mood and dispersed it some time ago."
"…what?"
"He seems not quite the intelligent sort." Scáthach noted. "What is your relationship with this Ozma beyond former matrimony? You appear hostile to him."
"We've fought over the years and have something of a shadow war going on. Or mostly him flailing around trying to 'defeat' me since he doesn't seem to know what the word 'Immortal' means. He tends to find impressionable children and fills their heads with delusions of grandeur and sends them at me in some half-hearted attempt at learning the definition."
"So this is one of his warriors then? He doesn't seem too bad." Scáthach admired. "He may be able to survive a few rounds if I went easy."
"You give him too much credit."
"Perhaps." She nodded. "Do you wish to kill him? He is aligned with your enemy, yes?"
I mulled it over and dismissed it. Wilhelm…..was against me killing it seemed. "I am in a good mood, you may leave." I gave him a point of mercy. But he just sat there, unmoving. "That was your cue to get up and flee before I change my mind."
"Right." He shot to his feet, the legs of his chair screeching against the floor.
"Wait." Scáthach called out, making the man stop in his tracks. "You possess one of those communication devices, yes?"
"M-my scroll?" He fumbled.
"Yes, hand it over."
He opened his mouth and closed it again, opted to put said device on the table and scrambled outside.
"Why did you ask for this? They are easy to commandeer or purchase elsewhere." I asked.
"You said that he answers to your former husband for whom you have had a falling out. I assume he did something worth your ire?"
"Yes." I still felt that ache after all these years since my children died.
"And this device can communicate with one he presumably owns, yes?"
I felt the corners of my lips tugging upwards as I realized what she was getting at. "Yes, yes it would. And he would not know what we have taken from his subordinate."
"Shall I fetch another round of drinks?" She offered with a wide grin.
I couldn't help myself but giggle. "Oh, this will be enjoyable."
[***]
A/N
Qrows Badluck semblance: Hey, you should go to this specific bar!
Qrow: Sounds good!
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