Chapter 04: Like a Skyscraper
I don't have any clothes...
I hereby arrest you for indecent behavior! Follow me!
The man grabs my arm, dragging me with him. I couldn't resist...I was bruised, beaten to near death...I was so tired.
What's she in for?
Indecent behavior.
But...but..I was raped....
They didn't listen.
Ok. Ten lashes.
Aye, Sir!
No..wait!
CRACK!
AAAAAH!
He struck without mercy.
I lost count by the third stroke...but I remembered every searing pain it inflicted. The aftermath burns...and I raged. I began to hallucinate Vico's and the rest of the rapists' faces as my vision blurred. I cursed and swore to kill them all.
And then, darkness.
It was an extremely cold night. They gave me tattered rags and sent me on my way after a night in the dungeons. My wounds were left untreated and my bare feet numbed from the cold, wet streets.
By the grace of Allah, nothing untoward occurred to me as I returned to the Bear's Pit.
I slammed my room door shut behind me and quickly tossed my rags aside.
I needed a bath.
LP-er's Comment: The staple of anime softcore humor everywhere: Walking into the girl's bath.
Ah - what now?
It's Caron. He walks up to my tub with a wide grin on his face, looking at my breasts. I sank to the bottom of my tub, letting the water level rise up to my chin.
Hey there Aisha! How's the water?
Leave me be, Caron.
Aww...and I was so happy to see you. *He sighs with disappointment.*
I am too tired to argue with him. After what I've been through...
What do you want, Caron?
He smiles and takes my hand to place a gentle kiss upon it.
Leave me be, please. This isn't funny.
He wouldn't - would he?
I shall, in a moment. But first, I have to fetch something. I'll be right back.
He nonchalantly walks into Chelia's room. A few moments later he's back, carrying one of Chella's mirrors under his arm.
What are you doing with Chella's mirror?
She wants me to clean it. *He rolls his eyes.*
Hm. You?
Yeah. *He sighs.*
Please let me finish my bath, Caron. It's getting a bit chilly in here.
It's strange. I'm not afraid of Caron...I know what male would do to me in this state, but..somehow I knew..Caron wouldn't do that sort of thing. He's the mischievous sort, but not vile.
Alright. Oh, but I almost forgot. How did your talk with Master Nathan go the other day?
It wasn't so bad. He said he wants me to work for him, so no more kitchen work for me. I have to pass a couple of lessons first, however.
Oh, I see.
Hm, he didn't sound very happy.
What's wrong Caron?
Nothing...I'm glad you're getting a chance to do something else but kitchen work.
But...?
Yeah, well...
What?
You see, I liked that you were in the kitchen. Or rather, that you were around. It was fun spending time with you in the evenings, showing you my tricks and all...
LP-er Comment: Aww, he likes Aisha.. Wait, was that a confession?
Oh...
I don't know what to think. I guess...Caron likes me? But..I'm not ready to reply to his feelings. There's so much in my mind. I can't possibly tell him what happened.
Take care of yourself, okay? I'll try to catch you later.
He left the room. Of course, he's not gentleman enough to close it behind him. Too much to expect from a punk like him, I guess.
I rose from the bath, dried myself and closed the door.
I put on a spare change of clothes before collapsing to bed, dead tired.
The next morning....
I left the rags on the floor and sneaked out of the kitchen to avoid Chella's questions. I must be strong. They can take everything I have, but I'll rise from the ground! They'll see!
Oh, it's Caron by the hallway...
Things could be worse...
*He chuckles.* Still working on those lessons then?
Yes, I am.
Want to talk about them? I'm curious what you gotta do.
I diverted the question.
What are you doing here, Caron?
Well, Chella told me to take stock of the things that are in the crates. Seems like nobody really knows what we keep in there. *He grins.*
Did you find anything interesting?
I was in need of something. Anything to aid me in my trials. I lost everything the other day.
Some girl's lingerie, yesterday. Uh, you're not missing some panties by chance, are you? *He grins.*
LP-er comment:
Perhaps I should put romancing Caron to a vote, after all.
No, I'm not.
Darn. I was hoping they would be yours.
LP-er comment: The choices were: Blush / Giggle / Bad luck then / I never wear panties / Why's that? Let's...stay sane for a while.
Bad luck then.
Right. *He laughs.*
Talk to you later.
Heh, okay. But keep me updated will you?
Sure.
I left the Bear's Pit and revisited the Tea Shop. This time, they're open.
A bald man greeted me.
Master Nathan sends me. I'm here for a lesson.
A lesson? Hmm. And what do you think could you learn from me?
He told me you can show me how to fight!
How to fight? Hmm hmm. Taka! Do you think we can teach her?
There was no response from his disciple who busied himself with work behind the tea shop.
Please do not mind Taka. He does not talk a lot. Hmm. We have customers to serve. Let me propose something. You help us with the dishes and serving the customers, and later, in the evening we will talk about Master Nathan.
Why not...
Thank you. Your help is most welcome.
I pull up my sleeves and help do the dishes for a while. I've plenty of practice at the Bear's Pit.
So tell me. Why is it that you wanted to fight?
*Wipes another plate.* I thought it would be good if I could defend myself.
Defending yourself. Yes. I suppose, that would seem like a valid reason... Still, things are hardly ever as simple as that. Say, a mugger attacks you in the streets. What would you do?
I would try to defend myself as best as I can.
LP-er Comment: And failing that, get raped.
So you fight, and it becomes apparent that he's no match for you. Still, he won't give up. Would you hurt him then?
I think I would. But he started it!
Perhaps the mugger is forced to rob you. Maybe he has a sick child at home and needs your money to pay a healer. What if he tries to take your money for this reason? What would you tell her? That you killed her dad when he tried to save his -
LP-er Comment: Oh fuck me, Kreia in D&D! The other option is to listen patiently.
He shouldn't attack me! There are other ways to earn money.
That is true, and I do not mean to say that you should not defend yourself. But you need to think, and I mean really think, before you turn against somebody. There's a difference between killing a mugger just because and fending him off so he eventually gives up and runs.
LP-er Comment: There's a really evil choice here, but I think Aisha hasn't completely fallen to the dark side.
But what if he runs and attacks an old woman next who cannot defend herself? If I had killed him, I might have saved the old lady.
LP-er Comment: But...but...but..it's not! So it's not!
That is why there are authorities. If you kill the mugger, he's dead. For sure. If you let him go, he might go and hurt someone else. But if you take him to the city guard, he'll be put to justice.
LP-er Comment: And his child dies. And if he survives and grow up, he'll blame Aisha for sending his dad to jail. The circle of revenge continues. What now, bitches?
(After what I've been through...No.) Authorities? There's no justice in the city anymore, just...Dhorn!
That may be so, at the moment. But I know of a man who does his best to keep chaos at bay. Trust the one who sent you here.
Master Nathan?
*He nods briefly.* Well, I believe that is enough talk for now. Tell me, do you have a name, too?
Tina.
I lied. I should trust no one.
We shall continue later then, Tina. I should see to my customers. And perhaps you'd like to think about what we have discussed today.
How can he understand? He's a man trained in the art of combat. I'm just a helpless girl cast into this cesspit! What good is sparing evil, if evil lives to commit more sins? I refused to accept his teaching and focused on my chores.
When evening fell, I feel very exhausted.
Well, well, it seems our last customer has left us for the day. Taka! Please go downstairs and prepare everything. Our special guest and I will join you shortly.
That would be most kind, Master Hatori.
Taka is my student. He has to study hard, yet he never complains. He shows some good talent.
Hello Taka!
Taka didn't even look at me.
Could I...be your student too?
I am afraid not. I do not teach females.
Why is that?
It is the tradition of my order that females are educated by females only. So while I won't take you as a student, I will show you the basics of fighting. Let us go downstairs now.
I clenched my fist with resolve. I will be stronger.
The cellar is a small arena. Well-kept. Racks of weapons stood at the wall while training dummies awaits training strikes from the disciples.
I imagined the face of Vico and the rapists...nothing would please me more than bludgeoning their faces, and breaking their bones with the morning star. Their manhood will also be crushed.
I choose the morning star.
I gripped it tightly. It is my first weapon.
Now, what I want you to do first is practice with the dummy over there. It's not so easy to hit as it seems. Come back to me when you've landed ten blows on it.
I shall!
The first blow felt good. The rapists' face burned in my mind. I imagined the Dhorn torturer...and recalled the burning lashes on my back. I will have my revenge! I didn't fail to notice that my skirt was flying all over the place, giving Hatori ample view of my thighs, but if he's gazing at them, he hid it pretty well.
Ten! Okay, good. Well done.
I paused to catch my breath.
Knowing how to hit is only useful as long as you are alive, so what will you practice next is dodging your opponent's blows. We'll pit you against Taka. I will stand by and count down from ten. You must dodge his fists and stay on your feet until I reach zero.
Taka will attack...with his fists?
Indeed. Pay attention. His blows will hurt you for real.
Alright.
I steeled myself for my first armed combat with a live opponent.
Taka rushed at me and struck my throat with his empty palm. I was stunned. He followed up with a flurry of blows I could not parry. Dazed, I attempted to swing my weapon, only to strike naught but air.
8!
My knees gave way as his fist struck the sides of my ribs. It was barely the seventh count.
Stop!
Hatori did not say a word and tend to my wounds. I looked at him for advice, but gained nothing. He stepped back as I rose to my feet. He nodded and raised his hand.
Fight!
I thought of a plan to dodge Taka's blows better, a blessing perhaps. Would summoning a badger be considered cheating? I only needed to remain standing after ten counts, right?
My planning was interrupted with a stunning blow my throat.
As I fell backwards once more, I realized there's no way I could take Taka head on. Hatori healed my wounds once more, and started another bout.
I gambled on my footwork. I dash across, pillar to pillar, dodging blows from Taka. At times he was too far away to land a strike at me. Other times, I was not so quick and Taka gained an opportunistic strike, stealing a breath away from my lungs.
4!
It's working. I only need a little bit more...
1! Stop! The Fight's over!
Taka halted his advance and bowed. I remained standing, gasping for air. Did that satisfy Hatori?
Looks like you've dodged Taka's fist well enough. You've done well, girl. That was no easy task. *He smiles.*
Thank you.
I recommend that you rest now and gather your strength. Your final task will be difficult.
I did as he commanded and rest on the floor to tend to my wounds.
Now, we will test your skill by letting you fight a real opponent. *He motions to Taka.* Taka if you would be so kind?
I watched as Taka stepped towards a cage door. Inside, is a giant lizard. He opened it without hesitation!
We caught this giant lizard in the ruins near the harbor. While not an outright evil creature, the lizard will feast on any being it deems weaker than itself. Once Taka unleashes the beast, I want you to fight it.
Is that really necessary?
Yes, it is. Now get ready to fight!
I watched as the lizard leapt out of the open cage. Taka gave it a hard stare, and the beast froze in its tracks and scanned the room for weaker prey. It laid its eyes on me instead!
I clasped my palms together and summoned a dire badger to distract it!
As the badger traded blows, I stepped towards the lizard's sides and swung my weapon. The lizard sensed my attack and sidestepped it.
I prayed for Allah's blessing.
The creature finally succumbed to our combined assault. And Hatori watched proudly as I cut a piece of meat as a trophy.
I'm not sure it's edible...but...whatever.
You've done well, girl. You have passed my lesson. I will tell Master Nathan so.
Thank you.
I will also give you something for your protection. Something to keep you safe. I have a feeling you will have use of that in the future.
Thank you.
It is a suit of armor. It won't likely fit, so best to bring it to Igor the Smith. You can find him in his shop in Northern Betancuria. He will resize it to fit you. Be well, girl. Don't forget what you have learned here.
I won't Master Hatori, thank you for everything.
I stepped out of tea shop feeling proud with myself. I checked my pack and examined the piece of armor.
Yes.. This won't do. I have to get it repaired first. I hope Igor is willing to do it free of charge. I have no gold at the moment. I clutched my morning star tightly as I raced towards the marketplace.
A cry of a guard drew my attention. I nervously stopped in my tracks to respond to his call.
Oh, I'm sorry. I did not know it was not permitted...
Damn. That was silly of me. He could've confiscated it and I would end up with nothing to defend myself!
I found Igor's shop and stepped inside.
I have an armor here, but it doesn't fit me. Could you alter it so I can wear it?
Heh. And of course you just found it on the streets by chance, and did not steal it, did you?
Hatori gave it to me.
Hatori? Now did he?
Hatori was training me, if you must know.
Hatori already has a student. Don't lie to me, young lady.
I did not! Master Nathan sent me to him.
Oh, Master Nathan. I tell you what. I will alter this armor for free then. And I'll make it so that you look really good in it, too!
Sounds nice!
Show me the armor you want to be altered please.
I gave him the armor from Hatori.
Okay, let me see.
LP-er Comment: If Aisha had been patiently listening to Hatori's teachings and did not argue, she would get a better quality armor than this one.
It's going to be difficult to make it fit around your chest. No offense. *He grins.*
I'm sure you'll do your best.
Igor studies the armor again, then places it on his anvil and carefully cuts it in two. He takes one piece, makes me hold it in front of my front side and puts down marks on the material to indicate the required changes he needed to make. This procedure continues for a good while. He cuts the armor into smaller and smaller pieces, then slowly put the parts back together. Finally, he's done.
Here you go. I hope you like it!
Thank you, Master Igor.
Don't forget to stop by from time to time! I have shields, armors and weapons!
I shall. When I have the gold.
My first armor. I put it on.
I feel much more safer and confident.Things are looking up. I decided to return to the harbor to finish my lesson in disguise, but made a mental note to avoid the alleyway. I'm not ready to kill those rapists yet.
M'lady! M'lady! A moment, please!
Do I know you?
Well, I don't think we have met. But I saw you pass by and felt a lightning struck me! You're perfect! An angel! I beg you, please! Let me paint you so your beauty shall be preserved for all time!
You want to paint me?
LP-er Comment: Yes. Paint. Y'know....Paint. Wink Wink. Nudge nudge.
Yes! Oh, I'm sorry. I was so taken by you that I didn't even introduce myself. My name is Mart. I'm a painter. And I just have to create a painting of you!
Hm. I don't know. What's in it for me?
I'll give you 20 gold pieces!
(That's more than I've lost when I...I..lost it.) 20 gold coins, just so you may paint me?
I'll expect you to take off your clothes of course so I can point your most beautiful shape. But I'm an artist. Let me assure you, I will only look upon you with the eyes of a painter.
LP-er Comment: ......I knew it.
(I could really use the money. And I do have a weapon to defend myself. He doesn't look like the dangerous sort.) Hm, in that case you'd have to pay me a little more.
Oh...Let me see. *He rummages through his pockets and counts his money.* I can give you 26 gold coins! That's all I have! Please, fairest lady...
Well, okay.
Thank you so much! Come! We shall go to my atelier at once! It's right here, the building behind me!
Okay sure. (The moment I see another person in there, I'm bolting for the door.
LP-er Comment: If you can make the Save vs Cutscene paralysis that is.
Here we are! This is my atelier. It's not very glamorous, admittedly.
I look around and study the place. There doesn't seem to be anyone else lurking in the shadows...
Anyway...shall we begin? Let me tell you. I was thinking of something like a sleeping angel...
He steps closer and points to the bench.
You're resting on your bed, your clothes tangled up on the floor in front of you. You've picked up a cushion and cuddle your self up to it. There's a gentle, relaxed expression on your face, your eyes are closed. The light of the candles behind you bathes you in soft, glowing light, making you look like an angel from a star far, far away.
Why can't I wear a shift?
It wouldn't do your beauty justice, M'lady. But we will place the cushion in such a position that you won't wish to show is covered. I would never wish to make you uncomfortable.
I may arrange everything myself?
But of course, M'lady!
(He's convinced me.) Okay then.
Excellent! Please take off your dress now and make yourself comfortable on the bench.
I did as he ask and clutched the cushion firmly on my chest to cover my nakedness before placing myself on the bench.
Time passes.
Alright, M'lady, almost perfect. Please straighten your back a little more.
Beautiful, simply beautiful. Pleaes try not to move now for a while.
He starts working. The swipes on his brush, and gentle dipping on the ink impressed me. There's so much grace in his movement, things I've not witnessed for a long time since I've entered into this life.
This is going to be best painting I've ever done.
I smiled widely for him as he made a rectangular shape with his fingers to imagine a frame around me.
You're absolutely stunning. Your body is made for being painted.
More time passes.
Almost done now, M'lady. I'll show it to you in a moment. Just a little more pink here and...
Slowly, he places the tip on the canvas and made the final stroke with his brush. He let loose a breath he held for a while and exhaled with a smile.
Okay. Perfect!
Have a look!
He turns the painting around, it's really well done. I gave him the thumbs up. He places the canvas down and bent over to hand me over my clothes when the door to his some suddenly burst open.
LP-er Comment: