21 The competitive Ciri (Finale)

[Changed the writing format just a little in this chapter and let me know if you guys like it.]

We are rushing down the path and I have a small lead. She has gotten better at riding a horse, I won't lose however. I can see the tower off in the distance and my blood rushes at the thought of winning. I lost so much when Ciri and I did any sort of competition, now is the time I get to finally win. We are getting closer and closer to the finish line and I can hear her right behind me. Suddenly, I am no longer riding the horse on the path and I am chasing a madman and his men. They are launching magic at me to get space for a get away. Soon I am struck in the chest and I am brought back to the now. Ciri is in front of me and I know what just happened.

I pass the finish line and make my way to her. I should put on my best poker face as to not alarm her. "Well you made me eat my words, what is it you want as a reward?" I don't think she noticed that I just went through some memories. Guess it was my head I had to worry about, this is becoming a problem. They are coming more frequently and more vividly. It could prove to be dangerous for others if I am not careful.

I look to Ciri and see a big smile on her face. That is something that puts me in a better mood. "I have an idea of what I want~." I know that voice, I don't think we will have time for awhile. I think she gets that though. "I plan to cash that in at my nearest convenience.~" I think she is trying to get me excited to. My heart is not in it however. I will have to talk to someone who can help with this flashback problem. It's getting in the way of the good part of my life now.

I love the high energy part of Ciri. It brings the best out of a lot of people. "Don't tempt me with a good time Ciri. Last time, I was the one who made you loud enough that the Baron could hear you. I have a feeling that you will be in the same position as last time." As I say that, a massive blush appears on her face. I then hear footsteps approach and a drunk Philip is coming towards us. He seems wasted out of his mind compared to earlier.

"Well the winner of this fine race deserves a reward. *Burp* How does a barrel of wine sound lase?" I don't know what we would do with a barrel of wine. I understand that the man likes alcohol, but this is ridiculous. We still have a few hours of light left and it is relatively warm. The snow doesn't stop falling till summer though.

I look at Ciri as she has a nervous look on her face. She looks to me for an answer. "Well don't keep the Baron waiting. You won fair and square." I suppose a situation like this will help her deal with people who can be particularly difficult. I can't always be the one too speak for her.

She gives me a frustrated look and turns back to the Baron. "I would love some wine, however I do not fancy drink with the sun still up." Smart answer Ciri. I would have said the same thing, drinking before night can cause a whole lot of problems and I am sure the Baron knows about that.

He understands in his drunken state which is quite impressive if I have to say. "Aye, that's a *Hiccup* smart idea lase. I shall drink *Hiccup* in your stead." The Baron sure does like his drink, to an almost dangerous extent. I have never seen him so hammered. I turn to Ciri giving her a look as to hurry this along.

She catches it and starts getting rid of the Baron as I hear a loud shriek. I know that from earlier this week when I killed that cockatrice. The offspring have been out of the nest longer than I thought. Before either of us could say anything it is already on top of us and attacking. Doing fly byes with its claws latching out and trying to grab us.

I have managed some meager cuts so far. It is hard to get a good strike with such a fast moving target. The drunk Philip is doing more harm than good. I am constantly teleporting him to keep him out of harms way. Soon I get hit with a claw and its a good 20 feet I am thrown. The cockatrice takes this opportunity to bat Ciri away with its long neck. The last one standing is Philip. It has a brain between its ears, after getting rid of the two stronger targets, now it has its pray.

It picks up Philip and takes off towards the top of the tower. Ciri and I can hear the sounds of a struggle and Philip yelling for it to come after him. I look towards the tower and see we wont make it if we go by foot. I turn towards Ciri and she has the same idea as me. We teleport up the long distance jump and I immediately go for its wing. I swing hard and fast with my magic empowered arms, I cut clean through the damn thing as it screams in agony. As it turns its rage to me Ciri is already on its neck and shoves her sword into the base of the skull. A weak point on most creatures and it gives one last scream before it dies.

I look to her with knowing eyes and she also understands. The wild hunt will be able to find us because of the jump we did. We will have to leave as soon as we can to get them off our trail. I go to Philip and help him up. "I am sorry I was a waste of meat for the two of you. Thanks for the help." He has sobered up real fast. I am not planning to waste a single second, its still light out and that means we can travel.

I look to the man as he is waiting for a reply. "I am afraid we must leave Philip. The power we just used has consequences." I need to hurry and get us out of here. "Mind if we take the horses we raced with? We need to leave now." Hopefully he doesn't keep us held up. He gives a smart look and nods.

Ciri and I hop on our horses and prepare to leave. As we are getting ready Philip stops us one last time. "Remember you will always have allies at crows perch and I will never forget that you saved my life. I wont pry into why you are leaving, but I reckon its because of your strange abilities. You don't have to say anything, I didn't live this long because of luck." I give him a thankful nod and we race off since we have a few hours of day light left.

As we are crossing the bridge I yell to Ciri. "You have any idea's on where to go?!?" I know these lands well, but following Ciri will lead me to Avallac'h. I hear her voice call out to me.

"We need to go to Novigrad!! I have a message that needs deciphering!!! Will you help me?!?!" You don't even need to ask Ciri.

"Of course I will!!! We are a team now!!! I wouldn't just leave you again!!!" I see her look back at me as I say that and she gives me a heartfelt smile.

"I love you Cera!!!" My heart skips a beat after she says that to me.

She made me lose my train of thought there for a second. I better respond quickly or she will get upset. "I love you too Ciri!!!" I am confident in saying we have a thing now. I have never had anything for another woman. I am sure Ciri has never had anything with another man too. The virgin blood was a great indicator. If I didn't know any better I would say we are destined for one another, but destiny can be cruel too.