Nightborne Estate - Chapter 4
#4 of Nightborne Estate
The Nightborne Estate
Chapter 4
The Start of a New Daily Routine
Two weeks had passed in quick order as Xaoto tried, and mostly failed at falling into his new life style. Although he was always quick to pick up many things, doubly so when he had both teachers and books to use as his guide for learning, the sheer amount of stuff that Drydon and Xent attempted to teach Xaoto was far more than just overwhelming.
Although Drydon had assured Xaoto that he was strictly helping him learn the basics, it still seemed like there was too much to learn so quickly. Everything from learning what races were considered sentient and which were still called beasts or feral, to the common tongues of the magical and mythical communities, and even just learning the general customs that would soon become part of Xaoto's daily routine. The only saving grace that appeared to be present at all was the fact that the Nightborne Master had not only somehow filled an entire tower with the equivalent of several libraries worth of information, but also managed to alter the flow of time inside said tower as well, giving Xaoto nearly twice as many hours per day to work with, without the effects of extended insomnia.
"Alright, one last question for today." Drydon stated as he rested beside a large pile of books near the middle of the tower, Xent sitting in a chair off to the side reading himself, very much impressed with all the books that were present in the library, rarely ever having been allowed into the tower before. Drydon flipped to a random page in one of the elvish tomes looking it over before clicking his beak and looked to a worn out Xaoto who was ready to just leave the place. "The common elvish greeting among the dark elven communities that dwell beneath the mountains includes...?" Drydon asked looking up as he closed the book.
As usual, Xaoto's ears and tail twitched at annoyance as he looked to Drydon. At the very least however, they had not moved as much as they use to when angered as Xaoto spoke up. "Aren't those the retards who would sooner slit my throat for fact that I not a female and speak my mind..." Xaoto stated. "So, isn't that a trick question?"
Drydon and Xent both shared a chuckle at Xaoto's words. "It is true that men of any race are poorly treated and happen to be slaves to the females, but you are different. You are a Xaoto, a champion, one born of blood and bound by soul, to the Nightborne Master of all creatures. They would sooner cut off my hands and feet, remove my tongue, and leave me impaled over the gates to cities just for looking at them, but you..." Xent just smiled at the comment knowing exactly how his previous master dealt with them to demand their respect.
Drydon nodded knowing exactly where Xent was going with his words. "Xent is right. As far as you are concerned, you must be firm and direct. As the next in line for the Nightborne's vast power, you must show you will not tolerate such things from them, show them at they are beneath you if they wish your favor. They are one of the few groups who you can be very direct with and demand what you please from them within reason. The same goes for what you refuse to accept from them. They are not known for giving away female slaves, but prisoners and disrespectful males are still common gifts." Drydon reminded him as he stood up and looked to the hour glass above them, just floating near the center of the tower a few floors up, the last grain of sand falling, before there was a shift in the air around them, time had returned to normal once more. "We shall continue again tomorrow, for now we could do with something to eat. I am most curious to try this dish of strings and meat bathed in tomatos."
"It's called spaghetti and meatballs, a little old fashioned for me, but I can use something more familiar compared to all of this new stuff." Xaoto sighed as he pointed to the dozen or so piles of books on the tables around them, slowly rising up into the air to return to their proper places. "Speaking of old fashioned... I don't suppose are any martial artists around here, or did my grandfather only allow those suits of armor to fight for him?" Xaoto asked.
Xent gave him a rather quizzical look. "Martial artists... as in fighters? What for?"
"I'm growing restless and feel like I'm starting to get lazy, at least in the physical sense." Xaoto grumbled some as he started to walk towards the door with Drydon and Xent at his sides. "I've grow tired of all this sitting and reading, its too much too fast. If I keep up like that, I'll just keep forgetting the things I learned first trying to remember what you two just taught me. I need some way to keep myself busy and calm, someone to spar with."
"Ah, a fighter to spar with hmmm? I don't know much of humans, but I am familiar with some of your martial arts, or at least enough to know that some humans can hold their own in a hand to hand fight when magic is not a factor." Xent stated. "Tell me, how skilled are you?"
"My original plan was to hopefully open my own dojo at some point, but it never worked out well. I'm certainly not the best at what I do, but I most certainly know how to fight, good enough that I could have won a few tournaments if it weren't for outside interruptions. Which now that I think about it, seems to be the work of the curse that appears to have run my life for me." Xaoto responded as his tail twitched again.
Xent remained quiet himself for a few as he thought about the options, before smiling a bit. "I think I have just the pair in mind for you which may even play into you getting some respect from the residents of the mansion while you're at. We don't seem to be having a decent time proving that with being so busy on other subjects."
"Pair..." Xaoto repeated slowly.
"Yes, the Nightborne definitely favored elves. He often enjoyed them as a secondary blood source to sustain himself. He also enjoyed using them for many other things. As you will learn soon enough, at least half of the humanoid staff present on the estate at any given time are elves. They were one of the few races whose clans openly tried to oppose him most of them time. Their small rebellions never lasted long however. Thankfully, he only wiped out a few clans since his rise to power. He did make a habit of keeping many of the survivors from those clans as punishment for their actions and as examples to others." Xent told him as once again heard Xaoto growl. "Well... on the bright side, as least you've made plenty of progress learning to keep most of your temper in check. I can understand the anger right now, but it may be best to find something else to ease your anger rather then growling."
Xaoto just looked at him taking a few deep breaths. "It's genetic as far as I can tell. I can hold it back most of the time, but on weeks like this, where I can't just seem to keep up or catch a good break..." He explained.
"We should probably look into a spell to silence that as well, like with your ears, it makes you an easy to read book." Xent commented. "As for the pair I was talking about, the Nightborne Master kept a pair of elven battlemaidens. He mostly kept them around for their bodies and had them put on shows for him from time to time. They are a kind of sub-royalty so to speak, not quite princesses, but they were of royal blood. Both of them are excellent melee fighters, even if their position here in the estate has left them rather irritable. They have been forbidden from practicing their arts on their own, but it was through a simple word of command that you should be easily able to overwrite. Shall I send word for them?" Xent asked.
Xaoto looked to him, then back at Drydon to see if he would say anything, but he merely remained quite. "You might as well. I might just learn a something more about elves while I'm at it... and maybe it will stick. You make it sound like there are quite a few 'clans' of them out there, more then you first suggested."
"Well yes, there are at last count 421 various clans of elves above ground. The Nightborne didn't have much contact with their darker cousins, then again, no one really had much contact with them. They only left the humans alone through a series of very strict..." Xent started up to explain even more things to him, only to feel Xaoto glaring at him again. "I'll save that discussion for another day then. Where should I have Spirit and Purity meet you?"
"Spirit and Purity? Seriously, who the hell named them that?" Xent asked, having already had enough of you are lowly filth personalities lately in the mail.
"The elves of that specific clan did not pick their names not at birth, but after they have learned what it is to experience the world for a while. Of course the fact that the clan they came from had the whole 'we art holier then thou' thing about them and the fact that they happened to be twins, which were actually worshipped among their clans a bit certainly did not help." Xent explained. "In any event, a few thousand years of servitude have not gone over well with them, but at least they have learned that they are not superior to many of the creatures here in the estate. Despite this rough time for them, many other elves of the estate do look up to them a bit."
"Whatever..." Xaoto sighed. "Since I can't think of any open room other then the dining room, that's where I'll be waiting. And be sure to make it clear to them that I'm not like the old master. I'm just not familiar enough with the mansion to know where the best spot might be to spar."
Xent nodded as Reshara finally returned to Xaoto's side, ready to lead Xaoto back to the dining chamber as Xent turned to find the twins.
Reshara took the lead now as Xaoto's guide once more, the two of them began the supposedly long trek through the mansion to return to the central chambers. This time however, the trek was considerably shorter then before.
They rounded one last corner before entering the main hall and returned to the first floor once again earning more points of confusion from Xaoto for being so quick, but he ignored it for now.
The two of them rounded the last corner and entered the dining chambers, Xaoto having to stop, a very faint blush on his face as he stared at the two figures waiting in the middle of the room, talking with each other.
The two figures were obviously elves, with a very similar skin tone like that of Reshara if much lighter, and wearing full clothing for once that wasn't a maid's outfit. Their hair was of matching length, a solid shade of silver coming down just past their shoulders as well. Both of them were wearing scarlet outfits, with emerald trim, their dresses coming down to their shins, with long slits up to their things in the sides revealing their legs and matching very low v-cut tops, a slit in the middle of them exposing their mid rifts as well as additional open spots on their sides which actually turned out to expose most of their back, a fact that only presented itself when they turned away from him as if waiting for someone. The last thing that Xaoto noticed about them, was that their ears, already long and pointed, appeared to be tipped with some sort of gem studded metal bands, that sort of looked like miniature helmets just for their ears.
Xaoto couldn't help but actually find himself attracted to them, just something about how their outfits seemed to fit so perfectly on them and not just degrading. "The Nightborne Master made sure that they were some of his best prizes from the earliest elven wars." Reshara told him quietly. "Many have fallen for their looks, the Nightborne Master making sure that they were always lusted over, and often dominated, so long as they were not truly harmed."
"You mean that they were treated somewhat decently?" Xaoto looked at rather unsure of what Reshara had told him.
"Their punishment was more tailored to their clan rather then having just the normal spells and rules placed over them." Reshara explained. "Like most others, they are limited in their clothing, even if to a much broader range than most servants, but for them, the clothing choices they are given are just as degrading." Reshara explained. "Their clan believed that one may only show a little bare skin in public. Yes, the Nightborne Master let them wear such fancy clothing as that all the time, but to have so much skin exposed is a great insult to them, yet that kind of clothing is the most respectable thing they can wear. Additionally, they are required to show off their bodies with some exotic dancing almost every week. When the Nightborne was interested in something, he used them quiet often as part of his negotiations, even in your world. They are regular entertainment for many of his guests as well."
Xaoto sighed, that sounded more fitting of what he had heard of his grandfather so far. As he walked up, both of them were quick to finally notice and nearly stormed up to his face.
"What is this? Where is that bastard who demands our presence once more." The one on the right demand as they looked to Reshara. "Surely we are not be used as playthings for this human."
"We would rather die then let another of his kind use us." The one on the left quickly snapped as well.
Reshara merely bowed down to them before looking at them. "Allow me to introduce you to the new master of the Nightborne Estate." She stated motioning to Xaoto.
"What, this pathetic human can't be the new master. I will not be subject to his desires like the rest of the non-elven scum here." The one on the left continued before Xaoto merely raised up his hand to try and quiet them.
"You expect us to just be quiet and do as we're told, to allow you to take us as you please." The one on the right quickly reacted to his action.
"If you two would be quiet long enough for me to talk, you might actually learn something." Xaoto stated rather annoyed already.
"Ah, there you are. Sorry for not being here with them. Spirit, Purity." Xent stated as he walked in with Luna behind, first nodding to the on the left, then the one on the right. As Solana and Xent walked up though, they were carrying a small trunk behind them that they set down next to the small group once they joined. "Now then, I would highly suggest that you treat him with at least some respect. He's not the old master, but he still has just as much control over you if he needs it. Being bound by words of command, that makes adjusting your curses rather easy for the most part, even if only for a limited time." Xent explained as he undid the locks on the truck behind him. "It would appear that the Nightborne modified their battle dresses, adding a few enchantments to them. I can't be sure of what all he did with them, but given that they were being shown off in the armory, I assume he merely placed the usual preservation spells over them. I couldn't find your weapons though, but it should be easy enough to replace them with something basic later on until they can be found, or a new proper pair can be forged."
Both Spirit and Purity looked at each before speaking. "What is the meaning of this? Are you so demented that you would make us fight each other for you pleasure." Spirit demanded as she saw their battle dressed in the truck once Xent gave it a light kick, the locks popping open to reveal the trunk's content.
"You might as well kill us now, we will not fight for your enjoyment." Purity added.
"Are they always this rude to other people?" Xaoto asked Reshara who looked down, and gave a very light nod.
"Rude? You dare to call us rude?" Spirit once again spoke up.
Before she could start though, Xaoto was already glaring at them as he spoke up. "Yes, I am very much calling the both of you rather rude. I thought I told Xent to ask you come down here and make it clear that I wasn't the last guy who enslaved you. Instead, when I arrive, you two are already trying to jump down my throat automatically assuming that I'm here just to make you do something degrading for my personal amusement." Xaoto stated. "Xent recommended you two when I asked for someone. I didn't ask him for someone to use as a toy, or to show off, or even to make call me master. I don't know jack shit about this world or the rules or much else about your kind. All I know is that I need some way to try and calm down for the night, and for me, I do that best when practicing my martial arts. Now, from what I've gathered, its rather easy to change the rules you two play by in this mansion, and I'm told that at some point, you two were battlemaidens for a royal family. Is that true?"
Spirit and Purity both looked at each other, with quizzical looks on their faces before they turned to face him ready to throw more loud words his way. "And before you even think about answering that, I want a civilized answered." Xaoto quickly added in rather commanding tone.
It was obvious that both of them were ready to snap at him again, but his command clicked rather easily as they found themselves unable to shout at him. "Yes..." Spirit added as calmly as she could, still biting her tongue lightly.
"Now, from what Xent tells me, I have something in mind that can work out to all of our advantages." Xaoto said rather calmly now. "You two apparently get plenty of respect from most the staff here. If I'm going to start showing those in the estate that I'm not the monster that my grandfather was, I figure I can start by helping you, as long as you help me." Xaoto's last comment obviously went over poorly as both Spirit and Purity seemed to glare at him, still trying to scream at him. "Don't even start with that. I'm not here to use you like my grandfather did. I need someone who can help me learn how to deal with elves properly. Additionally, I would like to have someone to spar with from time to time, it helps keep me calm. I certainly won't expect you two to just keep running from me, that's no way to spar with someone. I would expect us to be on somewhat even ground, using out own martial arts to defend yourselves while trying to pin the other. The way I see it, you two can't exactly fight well in that, not while maintaining some decency however. Which is why I'm giving you the option to wear your battle dresses while we spar." Xaoto stated.
Both of them looked over each other once again, after finally of having heard him out, they both grinned. The chance to beat up on their master wasn't something they were going to miss out on, not after having been enslaved for so long. "Now, do we have a deal? You teach how me to deal with elves in a respectful manner, treated as equals, not as some human scum, as well as be respectful sparring partners and you have my word that you'll be among the first that I help to try and adjust your curses to make your life much more respectable. I won't promise to free of you from this estate because I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to, but you have my word that I'll do what I can within reason to make things that much easier for you." He stated.
"We accept your challenge." Spirit quickly stated with a sly smile, Purity obviously thinking the same thing as they nodded to each other.
"Well, that was remarkably simple." Xaoto quietly whispered to himself as he looked back to them. "Very well, is there any place that would be best for us to spar then?" He asked looking at them as they quickly nodded to each other, Xent closing the trunk once more.
"If you really are prepared to face in honorable combat, then allow half a turn to get ready. Reshara, we shall duel within the amphitheater out back." Spirit stated looking to Xent. "Bring our robes with you, we shall change in our rooms."
Xent just sighed a bit, the twins still not liking him even after all this time, mostly because he wasn't an elf. Still, he didn't make anything of it as he locked the trunk and nodded for Luna to help him out as they left him with just Reshara.
Reshara turned to look to Xaoto, only to find him with a rather confused look on his face. "Is something wrong?" Reshara asked as Xaoto turned to her.
"This place... has an... amphitheater?" Xaoto asked.
Reshara merely nodded at his words. "Do not all places of nobles and royalty have them or similar grounds?" Reshara asked, having traveled with her previous master a few times to other lands in the mythical communities and all of them always had some kind of large area strictly for entertainment.
"How big is this amphitheater?" He asked as Reshara started to move, heading for their next location.
"The master had it built in his early days of the mansion. The last time I was present, or have heard of it, it was said to comfortably seat over a hundred and some odd people within its stone confines. While the master rarely used it himself, it made good entertainment for his guests during the great balls he held here. Over time, he had expanded it a few times, but I am unsure if he had done so since I had last heard of it." Reshara explained.
Xaoto merely nodded at her words. "Okay... I guess I'll just have to see this for myself." He stated making a mental note to have Xent give him a full list of all rooms in the house, as well as outdoor structures.
It didn't take long for them to reach the back of the mansion, the full extent of the forest now finally visible to Xaoto as he looked on, seeing some of the other servants starting to gather off their left, as Reshara followed a stone trail through the trees. As they went deeper, the trees only got larger as Xaoto began to notice a few of the larger beasts that inhabited his estate grounds before at last they came to some kind of stone arch.
Reshara walked though and the sunlight was near instantly changed to the pale moonlight now as Xaoto looked over the amphitheater now. "This will hold a lot more then... a 100 people Reshara." Xaoto stated looking around, the stone structure nearly the size of small baseball diamond, capable of seating what Xaoto guessed to be closer to around a thousand people. The entire thing appeared to be made of what Xaoto guessed was marble, but some weird shade of blue as he noticed just how high the place was now.
He could already see a few dozen of shadowed figured in the stands, all of them looking away or for cover when he looked their way. Reshara merely lead him down one of the side paths, back behind the stage though to find Xent waiting for them.
"Is something wrong?" Xent asked seeing Xaoto's still slightly confused look.
"What other major surprises does this place hold?" He asked as he moved to a chair that Xent had waiting out for them, only for Xent to give him a questioning look. "What other kinds of large outdoor structures did you neglect to mention?" Xaoto stated.
"Well, there is this amphitheater, which has grown a bit since I last saw it, and there are the two docks along the river to the north. I think there might also be an enclosed garden or two somewhere on the estate as well. That should cover it." Xent stated as he opened up a much smaller trunk that was next to them. "Here. Try these on. They should be your size. They use to belong to one of the other guardians here, but he never uses them anymore. He used to meditate with them in the confines of elemental blazes, so they are quite durable and flexible."
Xaoto merely looked into the truck at the fine black clothing, what appeared to be a tunic with matching shorts and what appeared to be bracers and footwear made out of bandages. He gave himself a quick look over and readily decided he might as well change, his own clothing may not have been the best choice for sparring, a little too tight to move as quick as he would like.
Xent just tapped his foot twice as some kind of small curtain dropped beside them, giving Xent a place to change in private. "Thanks." He stated as moved into the curtain to change, coming back out a few minutes later dressed in the new garb. Xaoto flexed a bit in his new clothing. "Well, there a bit snug, but they definitely fit and I can move in them. A bit rough on my tail though." He stated adjusting the shorts again, only for Xent to pass him a small blade.
"Use it carefully, but it should make a nice slot for your tail to fit in. The blade will cut the cloth with ease, as well as alter the cloth as though it was always made with whatever adjustments you made with it." Xaoto nodded in thanks and returned to the curtain to take off the shorts and add a slot for this tail, before coming back out with his tail behind him and not propped up against his back.
Xent nodded as he inspected Xaoto now, Reshara taking his clothing and setting that in the trunk now to keep them clean and safe. "Well, take a seat, we've got a little bit of waiting to do now." Xent stated.
"Just how long are they going to take to get here?" Xaoto asked moving to stretch a bit more instead of sitting.
"They said half a turn didn't they." Xent reminded him.
"And what exactly is a turn?" Xaoto countered not familiar with many of the magical terms around the mansion.
"A turn is the common measurement of time used by many in our communities. It spawns from the time it takes the standard time-glass to run dry, or as you know them, hourglasses. It takes twenty turns of the glass to complete a full day, compared to the twenty-four hours humans use as their timetable. So, half a turn comes to roughly thirty-six minutes." Xent explained. "I'm sure they are on their way already, but I estimate it will take five or possibly ten minutes to get here. Word has already began to spread, so I expect a full house aside from those whose magic binds them to certain tasks that must be done at this time."
"Wait... I didn't ask for an audience while doing this." Xaoto stated.
"I would honestly be more concerned with what happens on the stage rather then in the stands if I were you. They may be rusty, but the twins will not just allow themselves to be bested, even if this is merely a sparring match." Xent reminded him.
Xaoto just took a few deep breathes now at Xent's words as he moved up to look over the main stage, the stands filling up in the back, very few daring to take a seat much closer that the back few rows.
Although a few did in fact try to take a closer seat, only one person, some kind of humanoid in a large hooded cloak was the only one to take a seat up front. However they looked like they were meditating rather then actually interested in what was going to happen.
Xaoto turned around once more and tried to take his mind off the massive audience that was gathering, stretching a bit more when Xent caught his attention and motioned to the side, both Spirit and Purity standing there in their battle dresses. Primarily a shade of orange, both of them wore matching outfits once more, much simpler then the elegant dresses that Xaoto has seen them in before. Wearing what appeared to be large open front robes with metal bands affixed to it over a suit of what Xaoto had to guess was a mix of leather and metal armor. They were dressed form head to toe as well, with the only bare skin being their faces and fingers. "Are you going fight in those mere rags?" Spirit asked as she looked him over.
Xaoto held back another growl but nodded. "This will do, all we are doing is just sparing. Don't try to actually injure me and I won't try to actually injure you." He reminded them as he moved up the stage, both Spirit and Purity following along behind him.
Xaoto relaxed some as he prepared himself. He slowly took his own stance, spreading his legs as he moved his arms up, letting his claws serve as his main offensive feature, even if they were well rounded.
Xent merely nodded as he pulled out a small orb from his pocket, before tossing it up into the air over them, an image of Xaoto and the twins appearing over them, the twins on one side, Xaoto on the other. "Shall we make this a time match, or merely first pin?" Xent asked as he took a seat on the edge of the stage.
"First pin might be better." Xaoto stated as the orb above them changed, separating the image of Xaoto from the twins, the image of three bodies replacing the images of their faces as something like fake armor appeared over all three of them for just a second, before it faded away as Xaoto turned to face Xent.
"What... was that..." Xaoto asked as he looked himself, not seeing anything different, but curious.
"That was the usual method use to promote and maintain order in a non-death match. The Nightborne purchased and modified several of them from the orcish clans. It will keep track of who is hit where, and more importantly, it will prevent one from inflicting fatal blows." Xent explained as Spirit just sighed.
"You truly are ignorant to things, or is this merely some farce to make us look the fool in the end?" Spirit demanded as she looked to Xaoto.
"Hey, give him a break. For only knowing of magic for all of three weeks at most, he certainly knows the right questions to ask." Xent countered. "And he's certainly no fool."
Xaoto gave a nod to Xent for defending him before turning back to face the twins. "Alright." He stated taking his stance once more, as both Spirit and Purity took their own. With their backs to each other, they mirrored each other perfectly as they stood to face Xaoto at a sideways angle, one arm behind their backs, the other with an open palm facing him, their legs bent ready to charge.
"Begin." Xent stated, catching Xaoto a bit off guard.
Spirit and Purity weren't slow at all however, already jumping forward several feet, closing the distance of some twenty feet touching the ground only a few times. Xaoto was quick to recover from the shock though, very much impressed with their feats already, rolling forward and down, just in time to avoid a high kick from both them, who quickly turned to face him once more, both of them moving in unison.
If Xaoto had merely been watching them fight, he would having already of been working to congratulate them for being so well in sync with each other, but being on stage with them however, he was left with little time but to just react as they came in prepared to kick at him again. He quickly used the bandages on his hands and wrists to dampen the blows, just barely blocking the kicks in time, pushing them back and forced to retreat once more.
It wasn't like Xaoto wanted to, but he knew that he wasn't entirely ready for this kind of fight, they were both serious, and in a way, he couldn't blame them, they only saw him as the same thing that their previous owner had been. Still, that was no reason to treat him the same as he moved to the side when they moved in to kick him again.
Side stepping Purity, he put himself in direct harms way of Spirit, a brief glimpse of armor showing as he took Spirit's kick to his back, only to reach back just as fast grabbing her ankle. Now in a position to do something, he didn't pass it up, keeping a firm grip as he as he ducked down and twisted his way under her leg, grabbing the knee with his other hand to flip and disorient Spirit, taking a small dive forward to throw Spirit completely off balance as she was forcibly pulled around for the ride.
Like with him taking the hit, as Spirit was pulled over, and then tossed into the ground, that same kind of armor appeared over her, showing where she had been hit as Xaoto went to plant a fist in her gut, intent to hold back even if they weren't so eager to.
He was unable to follow up with his plan however, as Purity was already upon him, Xaoto was pulled back firmly, with a bit of growl, Purity having yanked on his tail to pull him off her sister. Xaoto counted himself lucky however as he knew that should have hurt a great deal more, but didn't feel any major real pain from, although that was hardly his greatest concern at the moment.
Having been pulled back rather hard, Purity ducked under Xaoto, forcing him to roll a bit onto her back, only to be flung off, Xaoto just barely able to recover, landing on one knee and his hands looking up. Spirit was already back up as well, as she joined her sister. Purity came in, not letting up at all as she grabbed Xaoto's arm with one arm, twisting it back as she landed a blow with her palm in his gut, with Spirit running up to add to the pain.
With some quick thinking, mostly acting on instinct however, Xaoto took the next blow to let himself get in one himself, grabbing Purity to keep her there as he took the hit from Spirit, before ramming Purity into Spirit's side, knocking them both off balance as he rubbed his side a bit, the two of them very well focuses and coordinated, moving to try and hit the same spot on him, with great success.
The twins didn't stay down long however, Xaoto having to just act once more as they both got up with great speed. They both rolled along the toss, Spirit recovering first, grabbing Purity's arm and pulling her up, Purity keeping a hard grip on her sisters arm as she dashed forward, proving now only were they very fast, but very strong.
Spirit easily picked and practically threw her sister, feet first into Xaoto's face. He just barely had time to drop flat, rolling to the side getting back on his feet, to find Spirit there ready to keep him down already. He ducked left to dodge her jab, then down and to the right to avoid her hook, then back a few paces to keep her from kneeing him.
With so much attention on Spirit however, he was unaware of Purity, only to find her foot in his back, only to be coupled with Spirit's foot in his chest. The armor over his chest actually stayed for a second this time, rather then just appearing and fading out just as fast. He gasped out in pain, the air knocked out of his lungs.
The both smirked, only to press harder right off the bat, Xaoto forced to react, doing so only on instinct. He quickly turned, their legs turning a bit and shifting across his chest and back. He wrapped one arm back behind him, using his elbow to keep her leg pressed against his back, while at the same time moving to grab Spirit by her knee, pulling that arm up to force her to come in closer.
With them both so close now, he twisted himself sharply to the left. The result was all three of them toppling over, Xaoto recovering right off the bat, flipping back into a hand stand, and then flipping back again to avoid crashing into them as they tumbled beneath him. He jumped back once more, kneeling over to hold his chest for a few.
The twins were a bit slower to get up this time, obviously just slightly dazed, but they recovered in quick fashion as they steadied themselves, once more back to back, before charging forward.
Xaoto knew that he was still in trouble, these two would no doubt make great sparring partners to help keep him in shape and he was very interested in their fighting style, hoping that might have the chance to learn it himself one day.
Of course, none of that mattered right now as the twins drew closer, both ready to finish this as they jumped up. His vision blurred for second though, swearing he saw sparks of fire and vines of shadows for lack of better terms, only just for that second though. He thought at first he was just hallucinating, shaking his head as he got up and rushed to meet the twins. He decided to give it one last fighting blow before he would determine if he needed a break, rushing forward with his fist behind him, intent on at least getting a good hit on one of the two.
What happened next however, caught everyone, even Xent off guard. The hooded figure who had been meditating in the front row moved faster then Xaoto could even hope to see, at his seat one second, and between Xaoto and the twins the next, a blast of what appeared as blue fire erupting around him, a hand catching Xaoto's fist, stopping him, while his other arm just as easily deflected both blows from the twins, at the same time pinning them down to the floor.
There was an eerie quiet on the stage now, Xaoto panting a bit as he felt the familiar tinges of pain in chest, having mistaken them at first for the kicks to chest and back, only now feeling them for what they really were, his vision blurring a bit once more, but without any hallucinations this time. He fell down to one knee, holding his chest as he worked to control his breathing, Reshara running up to check on him now.
"What is the meaning of this?" Spirit's voice finally broke the silence as she was let go of the guardians grip, allowed to stand on her own. "I thought this was to be a fair and proper match, how dare you change these terms mid fight!" She screamed out, only to notice who the guardian was.
Xaoto finally looked up himself. "Why did you interfere?" He asked looking to the hooded figure.
"The Master must learn to watch his health." A dead voice stated as the figure turned to face him. "I cannot allow actual harm to come to the master." The voice was clearly male, a bit deep, but lacked any kind of commitment or anything else, just speaking as it turned to the twins. "The magic of the estate is properly awaking to the new master. His potential is coming forth. You're lives today have been spared." The figure stated as it walked off, leaving both Spirit and Purity looking over it, watching him intently, apparently in awe of the guardian's power.
Xent was next to join them, quickly dismissing the crowd, as well as Spirit and Purity as he looked over Xaoto, who was finally standing again. "What happened? He said you had to learn to watch your health." Xent asked, not at all familiar with the genetic mess that still plagued Xaoto, his appointment to fix a few weeks off.
"Gene attack... just a small one, but... enough that it could have ended badly in a fight." Xaoto explained.
"Gene attacks... what exactly are they?" Xent asked. "I've only heard little bits and pieces about them." He said as he helped Xaoto steady himself. "Let's get you back to the mansion."
"I shall have a drink ready for you when you return." Reshara stated as she quickly stated as Xent took over keeping an eye on Xaoto as he slowly started for the mansion.
"My tail, my claws, my fur, none of it are human, instead it was all spliced on. A gene attack is what happens when they don't mix well." Xaoto stated giving him the short version. "I'll need to bump up my appointment if possible. The sooner this is fixed, the better."
"I'm sure there are many magical ways to handle this issue." Xent stated as he quickly went about thinking who would have the best options.
"No... I'll stick to what I know in this. I know the risks of it, I know the costs, and more importantly, I know that I won't owe anyone anything down the line." Xaoto stated. "Science caused this mess and science can fix it. Science is something I know and am willing to trust to fix it. Besides... didn't you say that I have to appear strong to all these magical races. Getting them involved in a problem like that may not be the best way to do it." Xaoto gave a weak smile as Xent nodded.
"There is truth in those words, but I'll trust my health to a healer then your "magic science" any day." Xent stated as he helped Xaoto along.
"We all have what we trust more." Xaoto stated as he walked back into the estate, quickly finding their way back to the main hall, only to see several large chests and trunks. "Huh? What... what did I miss?"
Xent had to give the same look of confusion as well, for something to sneak past him was very dire news often as they heard someone behind them coming from the dining area. Both of them quickly turned around to see a woman, or rather what was a woman merely at first glance.
Xaoto was quick to notice the fox like ears and what appeared to be four tails of the woman, all coated in a gentle snow white fur with blue strips running through them. He was quickly corrected however when she bowed to him, spreading all seven of her tails out like a fan behind herself, the woman having a gentle smile on her, show off her small fangs as she looked to him.
"Ah, Sey Leo Maya. I was unaware that you had arrived. Still as clever and quiet as always I see." Xent stated as he pulled up a chair for Xaoto.
"Greetings oh Great Heir, Commander of the Dark, Keeper of the Contracts, Mas-..." Maya started her voice gentle and soft, before she was interrupted when Xaoto put his hand up to stop her.
"Don't waste your breath. No offense about using all these fancy titles, but if you must refer to me in a formal manner, Lord Xaoto is all that I put up with. I wasn't exactly raised as "royal stock" like I've heard so many of you were." Xaoto stated as he continued to slowly catch the rest of his breath, his most recent gene-attack still acting up just a bit, even if it had mostly passed.
"I... understand." Maya stated obviously debating her words before speaking. "I am Sey Leo Maya, third of the five daughters to my goddess and mother Lalu, Kyubi Elder Goddess of Fire have come to serve you, as your guide, your toy, your meal, anything you so desire of me to be to you." She stated firmly, no hesitation in her words at all as she spoke about why she was there.
Xaoto was quick to just turn to Xent though as soon as she went quiet. "Did she just say meal?" He asked rather annoyed.
Before Xent could answer though, Maya spoke up once more. "Are you so ready to prepare and devour me upon my first words with you?" She asked, very much nervous, but already accepting of that fate, one of her sisters having been offered up like she was now. Although the truth of the fate of Maya's sister was never confirmed, there were many rumors that the kyubi of eight tails had been served up and bleed dry in the first month.
Still, Maya let nothing show, keeping her cool and her head. "Would you not at least first like to learn of the gifts I have brought before feasting upon my soul?" She asked hoping that she could convince her new master of sparing her such a fate so soon. "I shall of course prepare myself if that is your wish, it is my purpose to please you however you so wish, to allow you to partake of my flesh however you so desire, whether for your own pleasure or hunger, no matter the cost to my health."
Xaoto once again found his anger getting the best of him, growling as his tail and ears twitched, Xent easily able to tell that he was doing his best to not just snap at her, even hit her for what all she had said. "I... do not... eat... living people..." He growled as he turned to walk away.
Maya was very much surprised by his words, a bit confused, but did her best to maintain an indifferent attitude and look over herself as she moved to follow. "Forgive my lord. I am unaware of many human customs. Aside from the fact that you have blessed and graced by taking the look and form of our kind, we know little about you. I remain completely at your mercy, as it should be however, a gift, a toy or meal if you should decide to use me as such." Maya stated, only for Xent to grab her arm.
"Take my advice. He's not the Nightborne Master. It would be wise to treat as such, learn what expects and not just assume that he will do what the old master did." Xent warned her as he looked her over, before walking off seeing Reshara coming up, a small tray with tea in hand for Xaoto, who quickly gulped down the much needed stabilizer.
"Find her a room, and just keep her out of trouble. I'm tired enough as it is." Xaoto told Reshara still doing his best not to growl once more as he turned back to Maya.
"I saw your fight." Maya smiled as she continued to follow along beside him. "Allowing yourself to enter harms way while under some strange sickness while further allowing the Hallowed Twin Battlemaidens of Lunar Scry Temple to fight unrestricted... it was most impressive. I worry for you health however."
"I'm fine..." Xaoto quickly stated, before pausing for a few. "Its merely the magic of the mansion trying to merge with me. It's a slow process... the mansion still fights for the old master it seems." Xaoto quickly added, knowing that he only needed to keep his condition under wraps for a few more weeks when his visit to Doctor Smiths, the undisputed expert of gene-therapy. And after that, it would be another short wait for his condition to hopefully be entirely dealt with.
"I see." Maya stated. "Very well, if wish to relax, I am more then able and willing to help. I was raised to serve the Nightborne, or rather you now. Although I was trained very much in the ways of pleasures of the flesh, I am still a virgin, ready to be used as you enjoy."
"You are way too eager to be a slave. Or was that just how you were raised as well?" Xaoto asked staring at her in annoyance.
"It is my purpose, my fate is yours alone to decide." Maya quickly explained. "If I am to be food for you, or fed to the lowest of animals, if I am to be nothing more then a mere slave for sex for you, if I am to be bound and gagged, beaten and raped, if I am to be anything at all, it will be by your will alone. My life is nothing to the New Lord of the Night, I am but a simple gift to be given and used as those of power and rights see fit..." Once more Xaoto cut her off.
"Do not assume I am the previous asshole who ran this place. I'll run it as I see fit. And that means you're not some meal waiting to be served or some thing for my personal pleasure. And I will not have you speak of this matter again. The letter said you would be guide. I'll admit that I don't know too much about your kind and quite frankly, I'm starting to care less and less about any of you." He stated firmly as he looked back to Reshara. "Find her a room, away from mine and see to it that she has what she needs." He said as kindly as he could to Reshara. "I'll deal with you tomorrow." He stated once more facing Maya. "Now then, I'm going to bed... goodnight."
Xaoto quickly left for the steps leading up to his room for a much needed night of rest.