Leoht Gaest II: Cyne Waelcyrge

By Twisted Eternal Wolvetta

Chooser of the Slain

Natsuki could've sworn she felt nothing but an overwhelming cold. What was this situation, she wondered? She didn't know; black stars littering her sight didn't clear this confusion. Furthermore, the sting, and agony of her wounds overwhelmed any concise answer. All she had were more questions.

Where was she? What was she doing sat upright against this rubble? Who was she?

Within the dull sunlight, rays beared down on her. She was unaware of her surroundings in this desolate desert. Perhaps that was a good thing, considering her situation?

With the silver of her armour gleaming, the metal reflected alike a mirror. These were shin-guards, shoulder-pads, and gauntlets which suggested a warrior at heart. This protective metal was ignored; or perhaps it was merely not noticed?

The warrior only paid attention to the taste of iron.

Blood dribbled down the corner of her lips, and down her jaw. Why? For how this predicament had even begun, she hadn't the faintest clue. Her tied hair was loose, strands resting against jagged, and worn shoulder-armour.

The adrenaline in her body dispersed suddenly, and she came to the harsh realisation. A halberd was pinning her against the rubble she was propped against. It was deeply impaled into her stomach, and she took an intake of air.

There was a shock that followed after this realisation. How had this happened? How hadn't she noticed this thing? Clutching at the weapon, her blurred sight took in the details.

The blade had ripped through the leather of her armour easily. Blood seeped from the wound freely, making her further lightheaded.

Cold, she felt even more so. She felt her blood freeze, and she breathed tightly. Spluttering, her ashen features twisted in pain.

To not know oneself when dying; was this that feeling she was experiencing? Roughly swallowing, she tasted further iron, and winced. Upon doing so, she caught sight of a bloody blade.

Its tip was cracked; a chasm following the column of the blade, making it useless. For some reason, she had the unrelenting urge to reach for it. But remain where she was she did. Her sight wobbled as she stared at the weapon.

This weapon; did it belong to her? As if that was enough, her hesitation was broken. For a moment, Natsuki prepared herself, and then she strained for it.

Flesh protested at her, screaming into her very nerve endings. She gagged, wheezed, and choked, her fingertips barely brushing the handle. Why did she want this blade, she wondered? It was broken, and had obviously been cast aside.

Yet even so, there she was, prising it closer between her fingers.

Grasping the naginata blade, she remained still. Gasping harshly, she cursed. What was she even doing?! It wasn't like she could swing the thing! Gritting her teeth, she hissed through them.

Really… to die like this…?

Staring down at the woman, Viola glided her black-booted foot away from the slowly advancing blood. What did she have here? The bloodied, and dirtied woman appeared like she had been thrown into a blender.

Her armour was ripped, and the metal was dented. Just what had happened to her? This question wasn't important. After all, they were in the Black Valley besides the Sprites Forest. This was the forgotten realm.

Resting a palm against her rapier, she leaned closer towards the warrior. Her trained eye studied the dead woman. What battle had she belonged to? Crimsons fixed with curiosity, and she latched her eyes to the strange polearm plunged inside the woman's gut.

The human had outright been gutted. Had she been standing? From her position, it seemed to be the case. Though the sand had been disturbed. Viola frowned. Had this woman experienced the Black Valley? Standing straight, she avoided the pool of blood. Expertly done, she eased beside the warrior.

This woman was also tightly clutching a sword. Paused in thought, she edged a hand towards her. Could this be what she had been waiting for? A human experiencing the Black Valley was unheard of; Let alone one also holding two weapons.

"...Are you Einherjar?" She murmured, pressing an index, and middle finger to the woman's throat. There was no response. She frowned in confusion, lowering her digits to the warrior's chest. "Are you a lost soul from Earth?"

Perhaps she was a wandering HiME who had accidentally found Valhalla? No, those gateways had been closed long ago. Sliding her fingers against the woman's chestplate, she sighed.

Within a small poach she prised out a purple crystal. It shone with a dazzling sunlight inside of this desolate place. If this soul wasn't going to respond, Viola would have to force it to communicate. From the essence of the throat, conversing shall be given.

Gently wiping an index finger across the pale woman's lips, the skin was immediately stained with blood. Rubbing it against her thumb, Viola pitted her gaze once more upon the woman. Pricking the crystal into her thumb, a glittering glow illuminated the crystal, particles flowing towards the warrior.

Patiently Viola watched the scene; the purple transforming into a green. A realisation cropped within her eyes, her mouth opening a hint. This wasn't a wandering soul at all! A HiME who had been slain! A HiME cursed with undeath, their only hope to be found by a Valkyrja!

"HiME einherjar, are you valid?" She questioned the corpse, the emerald particles seemingly flickering. An excitement almost betrayed her, before she refocused. "Einh-"

"Ugh." The woman muttered, sagging forward. Her weight grounded against the spear, but Natsuki didn't seem to notice. She was unaware of her surroundings, let alone the woman beside her.

Staring down at her grave wound, confusion gradually dug inside her. What? She was still alive? The dark stars lifted from her gaze, clearing her vision greatly. Upon this, her expression twisted, wondering why she felt nothing.

"Einherjar?"

Jumping, Natsuki's attention bolted to the brunette woman beside her. Who was this?! She stared, baffled, and then abruptly became angry. She couldn't explain why she felt so. Glaring outright at the woman, the brunette seemed amused.

"Y-you… who are you…?" Her throat was raw, and protested from being used. Why was that? Why could she even speak, let alone breathe?

"That isn't important." The woman spoke, watching her carefully.

The green particles scoped around Natsuki, and before she could comprehend, she fell unconscious. Into the brunette's arms she went, a strange warmth filling her.

What was this?

Natsuki's eyes bolted open. The first thing which hit her, was confusion. Flat on her back, and in discomfort, she found herself surrounded by warmth. An array of thick blankets was covering her form. They protected her from the cold within the room.

A large room, she might add.

In bafflement she looked around the huge chamber. Above her were wooden beams which supported the tall ceiling. In the bed she lay in, the curtains were thin, and transparent. This was enough to focus through the curtains, and further scope her environment.

"So you're awake." A lightly accented voice spoke, catching her off guard. Relentlessly Natsuki attempted to find the person, and did so.

Behind the curtain in the far corner this figure stood. By stature it was a woman who was beside an armchair. Natsuki's gaze fixated upon her, watching her every move.

Opening her mouth, Natsuki found nothing to escape. She merely stared at the unknown woman, watching her sit upon the armrest, and cross a leg.

From the edge of the curtain, Natsuki saw a long piece of clothing slung against the chair. A jacket? Did that belong to the woman, she pondered?

"It would appear you were somewhat lost." The woman spoke again, remaining on the opposite side of the room.

Lost? Natsuki sure felt it. She had absolutely no memories she could think of. Let alone comprehend the current events. She could understand what the woman said, but for how long would this last? It was like she was driving on instinct.

Natsuki was suspicious of this woman. Was she a threat? Who was she? What were her intentions? Where was she?

For a long while they both remained quiet. The two stared at one another, almost sizing each other up. After a further moment, the woman stood, venturing towards Natsuki.

"I found you in the Black Valley, a realm the living tend to avoid." The woman explained, pushing past the curtains. She eased closer to the cautious Natsuki, keeping a polite distance.

The Black Valley? What was this woman on about? Natsuki's expression twisted in confusion, but also curiosity.

The woman was slender, but had a sharp face. She was a light brunette, and carried a deadly, but oddly warm gaze within her… crimson eyes? Natsuki stared up at them, unable to fathom this.

Although she had no memories, she found the woman's eyes to be peculiar. Not that the woman's clothing was any more outlandish. Her shirt was ruffled in places, adding a feminine touch. Her collar remained undone, revealing her breasts – but only faintly.

Natsuki couldn't help but notice she also carried a rapier. The graceful blade was inside a waist holster, hanging from the woman's belt. Though her eyes soon strayed upon another detail; Red stained the woman's red trousers.

"Your trousers have… blood on them?" She murmured roughly, the brunette seeming surprised, but only for a moment. Natsuki could barely make out the stain of blood. Was it blood? Surely not?

For whatever reason, the woman avoided answering, and again spoke. "I would suggest you not to move. You were heavily wounded, and lost a large amount of blood."

"I did?" Natsuki asked, confused. But she didn't feel anything? There was a faintly cool sensation against her stomach. What was it? Looking below the covers, she paused.

Bandages had been wrapped around her torso entirely. It was a little too much, but at least kept her modesty. Against her abdomen however, was a stain of crimson.

"What happened?" She murmured, staring down at the covered injury.

"You were impaled. You're lucky I found you when I did." Pressing a palm gently to Natsuki's forehead, the brunette paused. This warrior was surprisingly reserved, considering she had been dead a few hours ago. Though personally Viola had never dealt with a HiME, so who knows?

"Who are you?" Natsuki questioned her, cautious green eyes scoping her. Pushing the hand away, she continued. "I don't remember anything, I can't even remember getting injured?"

Viola retreated her hand, the floorboards underneath her creaking. "I am S-"

"-Shizuru, I have the things you wanted." A light tapping sounded at the door.

The woman, Shizuru, paused mid-sentence. She passed Natsuki an apologetic glance, twisting on her heel. "Yes, come in, Mai." She said, venturing towards the door to open it.

"Is she awake?" The short redhead spoke, handing the woman a basin full of water. She glanced towards the bed ridden Natsuki, a grin plastering her face once seeing her. "Hey there."

"…Hi?" Natsuki arched a brow, watching the redhead oddly. She lifted a hand in regard, her focus soon reattaching to Shizuru.

The woman was heading back over towards her. She uttered her goodbyes to the newcomer, the redhead retreating from the room. "Now then…" Shizuru murmured, placing the basin against the nightstand. "Might I know your name?"

Her name? "Natsuki." She muttered suddenly, freezing once she realised what she had said. That was her name? Up until this Shizuru had asked her, she hadn't thought of such a thing at all.

"Na-tsuki." The brunette rolled the syllables upon her tongue, testing them. Observing the warrior, Shizuru tilted her head slightly. "Do you know the meaning of your name?"

Throwing her a puzzled expression, Shizuru pondered, brushing her fingers to her lips. Odd. Perhaps in her previous life, her name hadn't been given meaning like hers? "My name means quiet stop."

Instead, maybe she could choose a meaning instead? Kneeling before the woman's bed, Shizuru took the cloth from the basin. "May I?" She gestured to the wet fabric.

Quiet stop? To think then reflect? With her train of thought broken, Natsuki stared at her for a moment. The cloth- oh. "Let me." She gruffly mumbled, trying to grab at the cloth.

Having the fabric taken from her, Shizuru silently watched the smaller female. Natsuki went about rubbing the cloth along her face, ridding herself of sweat.

"Where is this place?" Natsuki questioned her, sliding the fabric along her jaw. She registered Shizuru quietly, still attempting to read her. She was, alas, unable to. A frustration quickly started to grind within her mind. What was her motive? Natsuki really didn't know whether she could trust her.

"This is Guadeloupe Palace. It's a small province within the Kingdom of Windbloom." The year is 333, and our ruler is Queen Mashiro Blan de Windbloom."

Natsuki blanked at the flood of information, absorbing the details sluggishly. "Right, so… I know nothing. I feel like I just dropped onto the planet."

The brunette passed her a knowing smile, baffling the warrior even further. "You will be fine. All that remains important, is you getting better. I will explain things when necessary."

But… Ugh. Staring at Shizuru, Natsuki covered the cloth over her eyes. It's not like she had any choice, was there? At this point, Natsuki was worried she was beginning to already feel restless.

She shuffled her legs unconsciously, trying to get at least some movement going. "What happens now?" Natsuki muttered, taking the cloth from her face. She handed it back to the woman, sighing.

"Recovering. I shall be leaving for a time, so you should rest." Shizuru rose, folding the cloth as she did so. Placing it inside the basin, she then took hold of it. "Once I will return you can eat."

With a click of the door, Natsuki was left in silence. She stared up at the ceiling of her bed, lost in thought. This Shizuru… had rescued her, she pondered? But why, and from the… Black Valley, yes?

Natsuki had the urge to find out for herself. But she couldn't exactly go waltzing around, could she? Besides, as this Shizuru had said, she had been wounded.

Even if she could stand, where would she go? This was a palace. A Queen lived here, so this meant heavy security. If she slipped up, it could be her throat on the line.

A frustration welled up inside her, and a growl emitted from her chest. Pushing the blankets from herself, she took a better look at her bandages.

They neatly lined her form, suggesting a caring, and focused hand had wrapped them. Had Shizuru done this, she wondered? It was possible.

Touching along the wound, it felt more alike to a harsh bruise. Curiosity caught her, and she added a tad weight into the touch. Regretting it, she flinched; pain spiking up her form jaggedly.

Hissing, she bolted her hand away, dropping it to the mattress. What was even going on?! Clueless! That's all she was!

Giving up, she eventually decided to take the woman's word. Uncomfortable even so, she relaxed, closing her eyes.

For a long while she was unable to sleep. For the past hour or so, the room's temperature had dropped. Her hands were frozen, and she was confused as to why.

She examined them absentmindedly, looking upon the blotches of her palms. The skin was much paler than usual, and the tips of her fingers were red. Why? Scrunching her hands into fists, she watched her knuckles whiten.

"Tomoe has returned from the expedition. Should I tell her about this person?" A familiar voice muffled from the other side of the door. Footsteps were heard above creaking floorboards, and Natsuki stiffened.

"No. It would be best that she meets her personally."

Shizuru and the redhead? That was Natsuki's only guess. She strained to hear more of their conversation, and jumped when the door opened.

"I will make arrangements later this evening. Thank you, Mai." Shizuru said, Mai on the other side of the doorway, probably.

"Of course. I'll see you later, Shizuru."

The door was shut firmly, and Natsuki regarded the brunette. The slender woman floated towards her with a tray in hand. Natsuki saw a bowl atop it, and wondered what it was. Food? It certainly smelled like it.

"Did you manage to sleep?" Shizuru asked, placing the tray onto the side table. She lowered closer to the injured woman, bracing her.

"N-not really." Being eased into a sitting position, Natsuki took a slow breath. The wound stung, but nowhere near enough to unsettle her. Again, why was that? She had been impaled, hadn't she?

With her pillow being adjusted by Shizuru, she watched her. She needed to understand who this woman was. This was her best bet.

"You have many questions, but so do I. Neither of us know what's happening. So shall we work together in order to piece this puzzle together?" Shizuru asked of her, guiding the tray down before Natsuki.

"Ah…" Natsuki was silenced. She looked down to the broth which was presented before her. "Thank you."

"Take your time." The woman smiled, the gesture not reaching her eyes.

A/N: This is the rewrite of my first ever fanfic, Valkyrie Saga. Back in 2009 I decided to try writing stories for the first time. Given I loved, and still love this series to bits, I thought, why not? Though the original story has long since been deleted (from the site), I decided to return to it.