The Lavender Knight

”Uh huh… I was expecting a cave. Lu, any ideas? ”

Lydia had dismounted near a tower in the location of her objective. Lu could only stare, blankly, as Lydia began to examine the area.

”Obvious signs of Demon activity… are completely missing. Nothing out of the ordinary besides the tower. Should I go in? Its pretty small. ”

Lydia had walked around the entire area, confused and curious. She patted Lu and sighed.

”Im going in. If Im not back within three hours, get back home and do your dance. ”

Lu shook and began to make himself comfortable as Lydia approached the ominous doors.

”Doesn feel like magic. Hmm. ”

Pushing the door open, Lydia could only see a deep and dark void. As she stepped through, the void began to feel as if it would crush Lydia. She fell straight to her knees as her breath caught.

”Damn… ”

She could only look up to see a couple of blurry figures staring down at her. Their words immediately told her what to do.

”Whats wrong with this knight? They just collapsed after walking through the anti-magic barrier. ”

”No idea, my Lady. ”

Lydia reached around and began to unfasten her chestplate, made for a man. As soon as it began to loosen, the front was nearly blasted forward.

”Did they just use a magic attack?! ”

”Majesty… they appear to have been wearing an armor set meant for… one with a smaller chest. They appear to have launched the armor from their body. ”

Lydia felt her breathing stabilize and her eyes focused.

”A wolfman and… a cute girl? Demons are incredibly diverse. ”

Climbing to her feet, Lydia stretched slightly. Her chest was sore, but not as unbearable as before. Being left in a fraction of her armor, she could only sigh as she removed the damaged bandages she had on. The soft white had turned a dingy grey.

”These were expensive… ”

As she looked back up, the demon girl was staring at the scraps in Lydias hands.

”What are these? Whyd you pull them out of your clothes? ”

Lydia gulped softly, her instincts already telling her to fear the girl.

”They
e used to make my chest smaller. I… pretend to be a man. ”

The curious girl began to poke them, but Lydia simply handed them over.

”They
e ruined. I can use them anymore. ”

”Ah. Was that why you fell over after coming in? I guess it makes sense for the Hero to be able to be a woman, especially pretending to be a man. ”

Lydia was confused, but kept her mouth shut.

”So you came to kill me, correct Hero? ”

”Uh… no? ”

The girl became silent as she looked up at Lydias helmet. Her blood red eyes seemed to glow as she threw her hand up. The helmet split cleanly, allowing Lydias face to emerge.

”Say that again. I do not like liars. ”

Lydia could only shake her head.

”I came here to clear out a cave. I inspected this tower as it was in the place of the cave. ”

The ruby eyes began to light up with understanding.

”Ah. Yes. We used the cave to create my tower. I plan on making it bigger before I take over this world! ”

Her excitement left Lydia speechless.

”Majesty, might I add that this Hero should die? ”

Feeling a cold pit in her stomach, Lydia could only look at the girl for a brief moment before she reacted. Her hand flew to the hilt of her sword, though a small and pale hand was over her dark gauntlet.

”Are you scared? A Hero should be fearless in the eyes of their eternal foe. ”

Lydia shuddered as she released her weapon.

”Im not a Hero. There has been no signs in ages. ”

The girl seemed confused, but she only sighed as she placed her hand on Lydias cheek. She was frozen in place as the girl locked eyes with her, turning motionless as well. Before long, Lydia felt a burning sensation in his chest and head. Unable to scream out, she could only feel her hot tears slide down her face.

”My Lady, what have you seen? ”

As if nothing had happened, the girl shoved Lydia to the ground.

”Not lying, apparently. Guess I should kill… no. Doren, should I enslave this human? I can make her my eyes and ears in the outside. She can spread my name and terrify my enemies to come! ”

”A marvelous idea. ”

Lydia was barely able to stand as she found the girl before her once more. Before she could do anything, the girl had placed their foreheads together. Her eyes quickly went dark.

”Oh no! This was never supposed to happen. Lydia, oh dear Lydia, can you hear me? ”

Her eyes opening, Lydia felt a soft and familiar warmth surround her. She was in a daze as she tried to move.

”Ah, good. Youve still got strength. Think you can push back against that? ”

Lydia felt her eyes drawn towards a dark and pulsing mass. Her eyes narrowed heavily, straight to slits, as she moved towards it. Her hands flew into it as she got close.

”Good. Keep trying. I would never want my little girl becoming someones plaything. ”

Lydia felt the surrounding area revert, but the situation left her confused. Her hands were no longer in a black mass, but wrapped tightly around a thin frame. Her eyes were directly interlocked with the demon girls.

”Mmmph! ”

Lydia blinked rapidly as she realized that the noise was from the girl. Lydia tried to breathe, but realized her lips were entangled with the demons. In an instant, her eyes flashed open wide and her arms released the girl. She shoved her backward, her hands touching her lips. Doren, off to the side, was left with his muzzle agape as he watched what had transpired.

”What the hell just happened?! ”

Lydia had her eyes on the demon as she shouted.

”How the hell should I know?! You just… just… ”

—

Thank you,

Anna Haig!