9 Chapter 9
YESTERDAY
Michael and Aqua arrived at the training field early in the morning, enough after dawn for the sun to start to appear be bright, but not blindingly so.
Darkness hadn't arrived in the guild yesterday, but she had left a message for Michael that she was well, and just getting in some last bit of practice before his exam.
Michael didn't have a reason to suspect this behavior, as some people are known to cram before tests, even if they studied hard. He mentally took a point off of her assessment, as knowing to rest well before a big day was important.
The second Michael reached Darkness, his instinct that something was off flared up. Darkness stood resting her hands on the pommel of the sword in front of her. Her pose was like that of a dignified knight, standing at attention.
And if it had been just that Michael would have just took this situation, to Darkness acting formal (or cool) in front of them.
It was her eyes thought and made it clear something was off.
They were half-open like people who are too relaxed and mellow to care. Someone high, half-asleep or...
Don't think it. Don't think it. Don't think it.
Someone who just had a good...self-gratifying release.
Which prompted Michael's brain to wonder why that is weird. He shouldn't be surprised that Darkness actually got off to the enchanted sword insulting her. So what was setting warning bells off in his head?
"Hey, Darkness! Why didn't you come meet us yesterday?" Aqua greeted the Crusader.
"Good morning, Aqua. I...wanted to prepare for today. I didn't wish to make a bad impression." She said with a content smile, that made Michael's neck hair stand on end.
"I don't think you have anything to worry about." Michael told her. "Mainly I wanted to see how dedicated you are, to working in this party. Given how hard you worked the past few days, I can honestly say, you're already half-way to passing my test."
Darkness shivered, but unlike her usual routine of publicly displaying her pleasure, she shook herself and recomposed herself.
Immediately Michael started to discreetly look around, and see if this Darkness was an impostor or under mind control.
"I hope to meet your expectation." Said Darkness. "However, may I suggest a spar," Darkness took up the sword she was resting on, and held it in front of her, facing Michael. "Maybe it's haughty, but I wish to test myself against you, Sir Michael."
...Darkness didn't mention accepting any punishment for being over-confident.
Okay, time to treat this as a hostile situation.
"Sure, I hope you're ready you fucking degenerate."
"Hmmmph!" Darkness shivered, moan, and pulled her arms closer like she wanted to hug herself. "M-M-Michael!?" Darkness looked at Michael with both surprise, arousal, anticipation, guilt and maybe hope. Even Aqua raised her eyebrow at this exchange.
It was bizarre to see so many expression pass by Darkness, from Michael's comment.
It did at least cement one thing though.
"Oh, you really are Darkness." He said matter-of-factly as he projected a sword, and took a combat stance of his own.
"W-Why would you think I'm not me?" She blinked in surprise.
"Sorry, I just had a feeling. I assumed you can't control yourself even when you're taking a situation seriously, I apologize."
"O-Oh," Darkness blush, shook her head, and focused on the match. "That's quite alright, I understand. How about we just start the spar, okay?"
A bit too eager, isn't she? No, wait. Spars means getting hit. That would be normal for Darkness. Michael thought. So where is this uneasiness coming from?
Both combatants took their position facing each other.
"Do your best, guys!" Aqua cheered from the side. "And Michael don't distract Darkness with insults."
"I'm not gonna cheat."
"I-I wouldn't be distracted!"
Michael shook his head in amusement, and looked back at the blushing Darkness.
"Go," he gave a nod and signaled for her to begin.
Darkness dashed forward, raised her sword and...
Clang!
It actually connected with Michael's blade.
Michael couldn't help a proud smile, at seeing Darkness had went from her attacks flying so wildly, when an enemy is right in front of her, to landing it a hit against his blade strong enough to require him to put up a strong opposition to match it.
Darkness actually looked surprised and happy as well for landing a strike, even it's against another opponent's weapon. She followed it up by trying to push his blade aside, and follow it up with another slash.
Dodged that one, only to see that she would need to jump back to dodge the follow up after that. Then he met her blade again, before trying to catch her off guard, but making it seem like he was swinging a powerful attack, only to just hit her blade to match her expectation, before swinging his in the opposite direction, to catch her in a surprise attack toward her head.
Darkness actually managed to take a step back, correct her sword position with minimal movement, and quickly block the overhead strike.
Should I take credit for that? I mean, I may have made that sword to help her, but I feel like I shouldn't take credit for this. Michael couldn't help but smile as he saw her improvement, and silent promised himself that he would take her on as a student after she joined the party.
After that first exchange however, Michael started to frown as he noticed Darkness was...good. Not a beginner going up the rapid starting learning curve, but someone who is actually decent.
Michael went on the defensive for a bit to see how she would act. Darkness rushed forward going for large swings, to his body mass. When Michael parried the slash, and attacked with a few sword gabs, she would parry, or take the hit, while counter attacking.
If she had started dodging then clearly she was a fake, and Michael would have stopped holding back.
The issue was that the more they exchange sword strikes, Michael could see that Darkness had techniques and stances more than what I specifically taught her.
No, he did show her the complete forms of the three style in the beginning. Is it possible that Darkness perfected the nine moves he showed her, and then went on to learn the rest from memory?
A short exchange later, where Michael forced situations for Darkness to use those moves, and he got his answer. Yes Darkness had mastered the moves he specifically taught her, and then went beyond that.
He battered away the feeling of pride, because he had literally nothing to do with it. Maybe a smidgen of pride in the enchanted sword, but that's it.
Was Darkness maybe a genius in swordsmanship or learning in general, when her masochism was involved? It seemed likely.
However, the feeling that something was off wasn't dissipating.
"Man, Darkness, you're so good now, I'm almost wondering if you're cheating somehow, or were just that good all along?" Michael chuckled, as he clashed with Darkness a few more times.
"Of course not! I would never sully my honor as a knight, by cheating or lying." She said scandalous.
"Sorry, my bad." Michael grinned friendly. Again, what was off here? "I have to say though, your memory is to be commended. You practiced the stuff after the moves I showed you, only after viewing them once."
"Of course, part of my training growing up involved memorizing a lot of rules. I had to be good at recalling information."
"Yeah, true. I guess, I just imagined that someone had trained you while I was away, and felt jealous. Sorry, that was a silly thought." Michael chuckled to himself.
Darkness stumbled. A misstep in her foot where she almost fell, before quickly regaining her balance.
"T-T-That is silly indeed, Michael. I mean, it was just me and ma...the sword you made for me, training. All alone. All this time. No one else." Darkness started blushing. "Jealousy at someone else teaching me? Is...is this going to be a competition between two masters wanting to own me? Fighting over my like I was an object?" Darkness muttered very quietly to herself and started panting, excitement now bleeding into her combat focus.
...Darkness can't act or hide secrets for shit.
Michael sighed as he started to form a picture of what was happening. After another sword exchange, Michael started to notice that Darkness was trying to push him, into fighting with more than the styles and moves he showed her. Like what he did to her, trying to force him in situations where he would need a new sword move to react to her.
Then there was the fact that she was reacting minimally to his taunts, jokes, or comments, rather than fantasize about the worst case scenario of what his words could imply.
And he did hear her, when she was talking to herself about two masters fighting over her.
I think I'm beginning to figure out what's going on here.
Michael had noticed that this world, had a lot of silly moments like some of the "events" that would happen at Chaldea. So there was one way to deal with this. Confront it head on.
"Stop!"
Darkness immediately halted. The way she did so, in a very obedient manner was very telling.
"W-Why are we stopping?" She looked nervous, like she was worried she failed at something.
"Say, Darkness," Michael smiled cheerfully. "What do you use your own sword, rather than the enchanted one, it is a practice sword after all?" Which Michael noticed wasn't insulting Darkness, even when she executing her moves correctly, and there is no way Darkness reached a level of skill where the blade would no longer activate indicating, there is no room for improvement left. "After all, you seem to have learned far more than what I expected you to. So why not cut loose with some real swords?"
"This sword is made of iron, and is quite good enough for me." Darkness instantly replied.
"But it's not sharp enough, not durable enough. Come on Darkness, the blade isn't even activating and talking. You clearly have surpassed the need to use it as a teaching aid." Michael extended his hand in a kindly manner, that he was sure looked ominous from the Crusader's point of view.
"I, but, that is..." Darkness seemed at lost for what to do, now clearly looking between the sword and Michael in indecision.
"Darkness," Michael said sweetly. "Hand it over~." He pressed, insistent.
"I...I..." Her hand shook, beginning to move, as though to hand it over, while sweat profusely.
[I'm afraid she can't do that, Michael]
Darkness sighed in relief as the decision was taken away from her.
"Michael, Michael." Aqua said sounding off put by the blade suddenly talking.
"Yes, Aqua?"
"Did that sword just talk like a creepy A.I.?"
"Yes, yes it did."
"Oh...How bad is this situation?"
"We're about to find out."
[And you, you worthless bitch. 'This sword is quite good enough for me'? How dare you forget your place your masochistic trash!]
"Hmmmph! Sorry~ Master~." Finally, the poor mask of dignity was shattered, and Darkness starting panting, shivering openly in ecstasy, and red faced from her arousal at this whole situation. Of her status as a slave to a sword being revealed, and her likely "betraying" her teammates in some way. "I really tried to hide it, but fighting Michael, hmmmph, it's too difficult not to react when you sound so similar."
[I suppose I should have have expected a defective tool, to succeed at such a simple task]
As the Sword continued to berate the ecstatic Darkness, Michael spoke to Aqua without turning away from the scene.
"Aqua, Aqua."
"Yes, Michael?" The Water Goddess, answered automatically, before she realized what Michael did, and quietly giggled.
"I'm pretty sure I made that sword to just work on an 'if, then' model. Do a move correctly and it insults you. How the hell could it even possibly develop sentience?"
"Well, there is an element of Luck in all crafting, especially when it's a magic item, even if it's usually small, so maybe you just...got...lucky and..." Aqua's widened as she looked away nervously. "I think, maybe the Blessing I cast on you, might have been too effective." Aqua fiddled with her hand, while nervously sweating and looking away. "And I used a Blessing on the sword while recording the lines, so the finished product would end up even better, once it's finally 'complete'."
"...Ah." Michael didn't look toward Aqua, but she knew he had a very disappointed expression, from this whole situation. "And naturally, either intentionally on the Sword's part, or because of Darkness's extreme degenerate fetish, Darkness subbed herself to the enchanted sword." Michael sighed.
"Hmmmph! To be looked downed upon like that." Darkness shivered at Michael's words, which seemed to piss the Sword off.
[Oi, stupid Pet, don't get off to people other than your Master.]
"Hmmmph! Sorry, Master~."
"Yeah, this went on long enough." Michael was done with this comedic, but stupid situation. "Darkness, I'm taking that sword destroying it, then we'll talk about your habits, and how to safely indulge in them." Michael blurred forward.
"Wai--" Darkness instinctively moved to block Michael, only to find his strike holding far more power than expected, causing the weapon to nearly fly out of her hand.
Her grip on the Enchanted Sword loosed, but she didn't let of, holding the blade form the pommel, while the top of the hilt was empty.
Michael grabbed the hand free part of the hilt, intending to pull the sword out of Darkness's hands, and palm strike her away.
That's when everything went wrong.
Michael felt something from his magical energy being pulled out of him, and instantly jumped away from Darkness and the Sword.
"What did you do?" He glared at the weapon.
"Michael, why did you let go?"
[HehehehehehahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHA]
"Master, did you succeed?" Darkness asked in excitement.
"It was trying to copy magecraft knowledge from me," Michael frowned. "I don't know what, but at most, it would have only gotten one spell, and it couldn't have been anything big or complex."
[Oh yes, but this? This doesn't need to be complex. Tell me how it feels, Pet?]
ZAP!
"AAAAAAH! YES, I FEEL YOU, MASTER!" Arcs of electricity went around Darkness, who moan in delight.
"Michael, Michael." Aqua's tone was deadpanned.
"Yes, Aqua." Michael's answer was equally monotone.
"The sword learn magic to shock Darkness." Aqua stated the obvious.
"Yes, it did."
"They were just using you for there erotic play."
"Aqua, I'm going to cry, please stop."
[Erotic play?] The sword stopped it's spell to which Darkness moaned in disappointment. [Yes, that is certainly one of the reasons, but the fact that you can't see beyond that, shows the limits of your creativity, Michael]
"Oh really?" Michael deadpanned, not really buying what the new born magic A.I. was saying. However, after a moment, his brain actually started to think on how using a zapping spell to only shock the user can apply. Then he added Darkness into the mix...
Michael's eyes widened.
[Yes. Pet, you know what to do, lean into the pain]
Electricity danced around Darkness again, but now it didn't seem to be touching her.
"Yes, my Master!" Darkness dashed toward Michael who instantly responded.
Michael expected that electricity to shock him in someway, a self-damaging yet continuous effect to attack the opponent to. He prepared himself to insulate magic away from him, he felt nothing.
Darkness however.
"Hmmmph!"
The Crusader's attacks now were much faster and sharper. Michael actually had to take this fight seriously, and not as a spar. He block one blow, only to see her reverse her blade afterwards, to attack him from the opposite direction, a move he used on her in the beginning.
Darkness could feel the shocks of the thunder spell, yet she didn't stop her, rather as she moaned, shivered in arousal, her attacks, defense and movement seemed to grow in skill and technique.
"You...are you serious right now?" Michael tsked as he was beginning to see what was happening. The two combatants separated, putting some distance between them and entered a lull in battle.
"Eh, Michael what is it?" Aqua shouted from the sideline.
[As we are right now, Darkness can't beat you, and I can't extract all the combat knowledge you have. I suspect, no, I am sure if I tried to reach for more than what I aimed for, you would have annihilated me. But a thunder spell to shock the person hold me, and use it as a muzzle to direct this pain slut? And it is someone you won't kill out of hand? I have the perfect tool, and learn everything from you, and surpass you as a warrior]
"Hmmmph! A muzzle? Master really wants to hold me down like pet. How degrading~." Darkness shivered at the fantasy. Michael wondered if Darkness realized that fantasy won't work with the Sword having no hands to hold her reins.
"Ha! Michael, this thing really talks a big game." Aqua boasted. "Sorry, Darkness, but in front of you is one of the greatest heroes to ever live. He had beat foes far more powerful and skillful than you. You and that stupid sword, should give up right now."
"Hmmmph! And my former allies are insulting me. Finally, my humiliation begins~."
"Go on, Michael. Beat them already." Aqua proudly exclaimed, while pointing her arm forward dramatically, like a commander of an army. "Michael?" She looked toward the Dark Paladin in confusion when she saw he didn't move.
"I can't." Annoyance filled Michael's voice.
"Eh? Why not?"
[Could you not figure it out, you stupid goddess?]
"Hey!"
[The more he fights us, the more I'll improve, and the impart what I learn to my Pet with electric shocks. He can't afford to fights us in a prolonged battle]
"What? This...this is so absurd." Aqua exclaim. "Michael, this sword is saying you can't beat them."
"The problem isn't beating them." Michael's scowl deepened. "The problem is that Darkness is in that zone of skill where I can't knock her out of hand in one go. I could do it, but it would take multiple hits, due to her Endurance. Of course, in the mean time, the Sword would just learn what I'm doing, and using shock therapy, he's making Darkness's sword skill raise as we are fighting." And that was the crux of the issue.
Michael was stuck in a very odd catch 22.
"...Holy shit, Darkness was a sword genius all along."
"...Ah," Darkness blushed. "I'm not sure how to react to that type of praise."
[More like a genius at being a degenerate masochist]
"Hmmmph!"
"Well, just use hypnosis then?" Aqua said.
"Eh? Hypnosis?" Darkness stopped, and actually looked at Michael in anticipation.
[Wait, what?] Even the Sword looked alarmed at this development.
"...I can't."
"Awww," Darkness pouted.
[Phew, dodged a bullet there]
"What? Why not?"
"I had a bad experience with mind control once," Michael started, giving Aqua a side look while keeping Darkness and the Sword in his sights. "I used a sacrifice formalcraft spell, to exchange my entire potential to ever use that branch of magecraft, so I never get mind controlled again." He explained.
"...And you can't just pull out some OP Hax solution to win anyways?" Aqua asked.
[Hahahahaha, you really are a Useless Goddess] The Sword said. [He already explained to you that he can't. Not unless he's willing to kill this bitch anyways.]
"Hah ha hah, my life really is in danger." Darkness's pupils dilated as she stared at Michael with uncomfortable intensity.
"Who are you calling 'useless'?" Aqua shouted.
[You are. After all, you're idiotic meddling is what caused this situation, you know? What? did you not figure out that this entire situation is your fault, you Useless Goddess]
"Shut up, I'm not useless. Michael think so, right?" Even though Aqua said that with confidence, she looked at Michael slightly worried.
"You're not, Aqua. Ignore what that thing is say, it's just trash talking, because that's all it knows to do."
[Oh, I wouldn't say that. The fact that I can make plan and succeed shows how far I have advance beyond your initial designs and imagination, you hack hero!] Michael rolled his eyes at the Sword words. [And of course, he wouldn't say you're useless, even though that's exactly what you are. After all, the idiot is on a 'experience life' high. Going around taking everything that happens to him, good or bad, because 'life is to be experienced in all it's shades'.]
"Wha..." Michael blinked at those words.
[When you made me, you made me with your magical energy, you imbued me with your knowledge, and then the Impulsive Goddess over there add her divine power, and Luck to the mix. Did you think I didn't gain more from you than just initially intended? Sure, I didn't get more combat data, but I got a general feel of you life, past and present. The past was filled with strife and bittersweet joy. The present with content acceptance. So yes, I know for you, no matter how the Useless Goddess screws up, or even how much of a headache this blonde bitch is causing you, you're fine with it all. Because it's another story to tell.] Michael stood quiet. [So come on, Creator. Let's add another story to tell, of how you made the ultimate weapon and swordsman. Move, Pet!]
Darkness dashed forward. Michael brought up his sword, locking his and Darkness's blade together. Michael felt Darkness's strength push him back a bit.
"Hmm, I see." Michael drew on his power, pushing the Crusader back, who was blinking in surprise at someone actually managing to push her back in a contest of pure strength. "Then I guess it's time to show you, how little you truly know about me."
"Y-You don't me, you can do more?" Darkness asked with trepidation and anticipation.
[No, I accounted for every possibility. You have nothing else to win.] Worry entered the Sword's tone.
"Yeah! Go, Michael. Beat that hunk of metal's ass."
"That's right," Michael broke the sword lock, pushing Darkness's sword away, and leaving her torso opened. Michael palm stuck her iron wall of a stomach, forcing her several feet away. "I suppose it's time for me to use, the ultimate non-lethal tactic!"
[Impossible] The Sword shouted.
"What is it?" Darkness panted.
"It can't be!" Aqua cried out, covering his mouth, just to be included in the scene.
Michael dash...toward Aqua, picking her up and carrying her over his shoulder, and ran away.
"RETREAT!"
"Wha--That denial play isn't what I want!" Darkness shouted.
[You coward!] The Sword cried out in disbelief. [If you don't come back in three days, I'm taking Darkness and facing the Demon King' Army directly!] It threw out an ultimatum, to Darkness's delight and Michael's annoyance.
Aqua flipped the Sword off.
===x===
Back to the Present Day
"And that is everything that happened." Michael finished telling Chris the story.
"...Phew, okay." Chris let out a breath, closed her eyes and thought deeply on what to do.
The group waited for the Thief to gather her thoughts, but the answer she would likely reach was predictable.
Chris opened her eyes.
"We're gonna need a team of professionals for this heist."
Chris did not find professionals.
