Evening had fallen upon the Meadow of the Tetra by the time a shimmering sphere of light ascended from its cluster of patrons and sped off over the countryside. It arrived at Nillyna's home and coalesced into said Lepidopteran, who stamped her cane and let out a sigh of relief at the sight of her familiar abode.
 
 
 
 
"Leave it to the Tetra to haggle so passionately." Griza had really run Nillyna through the ringer with the negotiation on the final price, stacking up hidden fees that would make middle income citizens sweat bullets. But it was worth it, as long as Nillyna had gotten what Lily needed.
 
 
 
 
And speaking of need…
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's stomach gave a loud rumble.
 
 
 
 
Since the shipment of wild game would not arrive for a week at the most Nillyna would have to come up with something to satisfy her beautiful guest until then, but her own hunger made itself known after the deal with Griza was finalized. After all such things tend to take it out of you. So Nillyna decided to stop by her house for some quick dinner before heading out to find Lily some sustenance, for how could you care for another if you don't take care of yourself?
 
 
 
 
Making herself a scrumptious stew quickly, Nillyna gracefully spoon fed herself while letting her mind wander for the first time in days. She contemplated random topics, mostly centered around Lily and how much she was enjoying having her around. She also thought of things she and Lily could do together, as well as what they could do for each other.
 
 
 
 
Eating also reminded her of something; this stew was good but Nillyna knew about something that tasted so divine that anything else pales in comparison.
 
 
 
 
"I wonder if Lily would let me sip her nectar on occasion, when we're not engaged in passion." As sophisticated as she was, as a moth, Nillyna still had primordial desires inherited from her evolutionary ancestors. In fact, why did she need to bother Lily for that? Her property was brimming with exotic flowers, maybe one had nectar that was just as succulent as Lily's. Though Nillyna had doubts, but that could just be her being biased because of her feelings for Lily.
 
 
 
 
But it never hurts to try.
 
 
 
 
After finishing her stew Nillyna gazed out the nearest window and saw that the sun had completely set. She would definitely need her talisman now, but its stores should be more than enough for her to get Lily something for herself. And while she was at it, ask the plant girl how long she can go without nurishment.
 
 
 
 
After all, if she wasn't ravenous to the point of constantly needing to feed there might be a chance all Nillyna would have to do is provide her with something filling this once than just wait for the rest to arrive.
 
 
 
 
Walking out into the crisp night Nillyna gazed up at the two moons, their brilliant luminescence dancing in her eyes. One was waxing, one was waning, another rare comdo. It was too bad sorcery couldn't be fueled by moonlight or Nillyna would be even more talented than she already was, what with how much she enjoys watching the lunar bodies as they make trek after trek over the beautiful, starry sky they call home.
 
 
 
 
The luminous pillars of moonlight illuminated one of Nillyna's numerous gardens, this one inhabited by night blooming flowers, their buds spreading their petals to greet the night with their colors. Nillyna's proboscis-like tongue poked out of her mouth and ran across her lips as her primordial desires returned. Surely Lily could wait a few more seconds while Nillyna indulged her instincts, couldn't she?
 
 
 
 
Her cane lightly impacting the dirt and grass beneath her Nillyna approached her garden and cupped the head of one of the night-blooming jasmines that had called this place home almost as long as Nillyna had. Her tongue poked into the epicenter and did what it was evolutionarily designed to do, syphoning the nectar within and delivering it into Nillyna's body. Its flavor was enjoyable, not on par with Lily's, but likeable enough.
 
 
 
 
"Mmmmm," Nillyna hummed to herself as she released the flower, licking her lips. Wanting to try more Nillyna brought her attention to a standing fountain housed in the garden.
 
 
 
 
Several night-blooming water Lily's swayed in the rippling water as the fountain sprinkled them, Nillyna's newfound desires making them almost look like delicacies prepared by a master chef. She gently scooped one up and, careful not to break the delicate stem, extended her tongue again and dipped more nectar. Whereas the jasmine was sweet, water lilies had a more tart flavor, but Nillyna enjoyed it nonetheless.
 
 
 
 
"Oh, how barbaric!" Nillyna jumped at the sound of the sudden voice, dropping the lily back into the water amongst its fellows and almost dropping her cane too.
 
 
 
 
Linda had been lying in wait for the perfect opportunity to ambush Nillyna as soon as she got home, taking refuge in a sizable bush that sat near the house. She could have waited within the house, but decided against it. Even caught off guard, Linda was certain Nillyna was going to be a tough foe in combat, and more room for maneuverability was favorable to confining hallways.
 
 
 
 
Not to mention she intended to make this place hers once she concluded her 'business'.
 
 
 
 
Linda had sensed Nillyna's return from her hiding place and was letting her complacent in her home before striking. She had no doubt that Nillyna would venture outside before the night was up, she remembered vividly (along with everything else involving Nillyna in her life) that back in magic school Nillyna loved to look at the moons and it wasn't likely that had changed over the years, for which she was right.
 
 
 
 
As predicted Nillyna ventured into the still night to gaze skyward.
 
 
 
 
Linda knew this was her chance, gripping the sword in preparation to strike. That is until Nillyna wandered in her direction. At first Linda worried she had been discovered, but Nillyna circumnavigated the bush she took refuge in and headed to the nearest garden.
 
 
 
 
It was here that Linda saw something that made her wrinkle her nose in disgust.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna actually began feeding on the flowers with her proboscis. Such undignifying behavior was heavily frowned upon by Lepidopteran society, expected of their miniscule cousins that still flutter in the breeze of Pangaea to this day. To see Nillyna, the most accomplished Lepidopteran sorceress ever known, engaging in such primitive activities was unexpected to say the least.
 
 
 
 
Not to mention... opportunistic, in Linda's case. Years ago Linda was ridiculed for unorthodox behavior, and seeing the perpetrator of that incident, who was also her hated rival, conducting such actions gave her an opportunity for retaliation she never thought she'd have. Forget the element of surprise, this opportunity was too important.
 
 
 
 
Throwing caution to the wind, Linda emerged from her hiding place and made her announcement of barbarism.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna practically jumped out of her skin at the unfamiliar voice, lifting her cane and turning on the spot.
 
 
 
 
"WHO'S THERE?" She screamed, frantically looking around. "WHO DARES TRESPASS UPON MY PROPERTY?"
 
 
 
 
"Hmph, to think you are the most accomplished of us."
 
 
 
The sound of the unfamiliar voice finally allowed Nillyna to locate the owner. She saw a fellow Lepidopteran standing next to a large bush, her complexion almost onix in color, explaining why Nillyna had not noticed her immediately in the still night. Not that she intended to take this intrusion any less likely because of that.
 
 
 
 
"Who are you?" She demanded, pointing the crimson orb of her cane at the intruder. "What do you want?"
 
 
 
 
Linda only smirked, "To think, the great Nillyna, sucking nectar out of flowers like a savage."
 
 
 
 
Nillyna could not help but blush. She was indeed aware that sipping nectar was frowned upon in her society, and knew if word of it got around it would impact her status as a Lepidopteran. Seeing that embarrassed look on her face was more valuable to Linda than a king's ransom.
 
 
 
 
Finally, a little justice for Nillyna's slight against her all those years ago.
 
 
 
 
"Leave," said Nillyna to the other Lepidopteran, her eyes narrowing coldly. "Before I throw you over the side."
 
 
 
 
The look of irritation on Nillyna's face was satisfying for Linda to say the least, but it also made her curious about something. Irritation was the only thing present in Nillyna's eyes, there wasn't any hint of recognition. She... couldn't have forgotten, could she?
 
 
 
 
"Oh, I don't think I will be going anywhere, Nillyna," said Linda, casually trotting closer.
 
 
 
 
"Not another step!" Warned Nillyna as a fireball appeared in one of her hands.
 
 
 
 
"Tsk tsk tsk," said Linda, waggling a finger, "Is that anyway to treat an old classmate, Nillyna, or is slurping flower syrup not the only barbaric thing you engage in."
 
 
 
 
The old classmate's comment made Nillyna pause. Her academic days were long ago and she barely retained anything from then, other than the precious knowledge she had acquired. She didn't belong to a trend or clubs back then either, so her peers were barely even a hazy memory.
 
 
 
 
"Do I know you?" Nillyna could not help but ask.
 
 
 
 
For the first time since discovering this unorthodox habit of Nillyna's Linda's smirk morphed into a irritated scowl. It was bad enough living in this person's shadow, now she had the audacity to actually not remember her? Especially after what she did to her in the end.
 
 
 
 
"Do you remember a fellow Lepidopteran girl who was always this close to surpassing you?" All four of Linda's hands balled into fists. "Do you remember how she would always be the only one that could compare to you in terms of power and skill, do you remember how you ruined everything she had worked for just because she was willing to do anything to succeed?!"
 
 
 
 
As Linda ranted ancient memories began to bubble up in Nillyna's mind. Memories of studying in the classroom of the most prestigious school of magic, the clattering of fellow students at work around her. Memories of another Lepidopteran girl who sat across the class from her.
 
 
 
 
A dark colored Lepidopteran, with eyes like blood.
 
 
 
 
'What was her name…?Lemie…? Lemil…?'
 
 
 
 
Linda.
 
 
 
 
That was her name. That one classmate who got almost as good a grade as she did. She hadn't paid much attention to her then, she paid little attention to anything other than studying then, and Linda may have been close to her in terms of grades, but Nillyna didn't care.
 
 
 
 
She was out to succeed in school but never for the purpose of surpassing fellow magic students. No, back then, same as now, Nillyna's goal was to be the best magic practitioner in the world, and such things could not be accomplished if you expend all your effort trying to be better than someone else, which Nillyna always felt she was above. Rivalry and competition distracts from what is really important, diminishing the chance of real success.
 
 
 
 
No, the only person Nillyna had anything to prove to was herself, and it only made her that much more competent in her abilities.
 
 
 
 
Linda, on the other hand, obviously had different opinions. Nillyna may have been devoted to her studies to the point of obliviousness back then, but eventually she noticed the angry scoffs and nasty scowling everytime the grades came out. Nillyna even noticed the growing jealousy Linda had towards her, but she paid it no more mind than anything else back then, it just wasn't important to her.
 
 
 
 
But she did mind that, towards the time towards graduation, Linda seemed to obsess over everything she did. Reading the same books, walking like she did, and staring at her vigorously. The reason became clear when Nillyna caught Linda trying to swipe her graduation project, and, other than being royally pissed at someone attempting to steal something she had worked so hard on, such an act disgusted Nillyna. How pathetic that this girl wasted so much time trying to steal work not her own.
 
 
 
 
If that was the case, she wasn't worthy to pursue magic. Having been exposed and thwarted in her theft attempt Linda had been thrown out of school and Nillyna never heard from her again, nor paid her any second thought. Until now...
 
 
 
 
...For she was standing but a few paces away from her.
 
 
 
 
"Linda," breathed Nillyna.
 
 
 
 
Linda smirked at hearing her name out of her mouth. So Nillyna did indeed remember her, good, that will make what comes next that much more satisfying. "It pleases me to no end that you actually remember me."
 
 
 
 
"Does it?" Scowled Nillyna, not the least but pleased at this reunion.
 
 
 
 
"Indeed," answered Linda. "It will make my retribution complete."
 
 
 
 
"Retribution?" It didn't take long to deduce what was transpiring here and Nillyna just sighed and shook her head in pity. "So, you're still bitter about what happened all those years ago, huh Linda?"
 
 
 
 
"AND WHY NOT?!" Shrieked Linda, her composure snapping like old twine momentarily. "Do you have any idea what I have endured because of what you did to me?"
 
 
 
 
Nillyna didn't know, nor did she practically care.
 
 
 
 
"Years of strife, just to survive," Linda continued, her stature tensing up as years of resentment found an outlet for the first time in years. "My potential, wasted on menial tasks, working for tidbits and living on the margins."
 
 
 
 
This explanation didn't garner any pity within Nillyna. "Whatever hardships you've endured you brought upon yourself Linda."
 
 
 
 
Linda tightened her fists so hard her black knuckles turned white. "I have suffered so much because of you."
 
 
 
 
"And once again, it was your own fault," said Nillyna, "You attempted to steal my work."
 
 
 
 
"I was willing to do anything in order to succeed," growled Linda.
 
 
 
 
"Success built on the work of another isn't success at all," said Nillyna, "An accomplishment you yourself make happen through your own diligence is the only thing to be proud of in this world."
 
 
 
 
"YOU TOOK THAT AWAY FROM ME!" Screeched Linda.
 
 
 
 
"I took nothing that wasn't rightfully mine," said Nillyna, starting to get annoyed. "And if memory serves, the incident that got you ousted from the magic community was not even necessary. You were a splendid student, Linda, but your envy towards me consumed you. You became obsessed with surpassing me.
 
 
 
 
"If you had focused on your own education instead you would have succeeded."
 
 
 
 
Linda was out of patience. She was being lectured by the person whom she had blamed for her predicament since the beginning of her struggles and it was starting to override her satisfaction of finally getting to confront Nillyna face to face.
 
 
 
 
Maybe it was time to wrap this up and get what she came for. She reached into her robes and grasped the hilt of the sword, ready to draw it. Nillyna noticed this action and was immediately on guard, lifting her cane in preparation to defend herself.
 
 
 
 
"What are you doing?" Nillyna asked.
 
 
 
 
"Same thing I was doing all those years ago." Linda drew her sword with a metallic tinkling. "Succeeding by whatever means necessary."
 
 
 
 
Nillyna picked up on Linda's meaning immediately, staring at her sword wearily. But it didn't garner fear, it was the mere fact that someone drew a bladed weapon and was obviously intent on using it...on her. But Nillyna was not concerned about herself.
 
 
 
 
She was a professional in all forms of magic, including offensive magic. So if this reject was serious about a confrontation Nillyna was more than happy to oblige. It was self defense, as far as she was concerned.
 
 
 
 
And it had been quite some time since she had a good row.
 
 
 
 
So, without much fanfare, Nillyna channeled magic from her cane to fuel three attack spells, one lightning, one ice, and one fire, each one flying from her hands not holding her cane like elemental missiles. Their target didn't even attempt to evade, getting a dose of ice, fire and electricity all at once.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna smiled as her opponent vanished behind a curtain of her magic.
 
 
 
 
'Did she honestly think she could take me, or that a simple sword would give her the advantage…?'
 
 
 
 
But Nillyna soon noticed that her triple attack wasn't dissipating to reveal the singed, electrocuted, frostbitten corpse of Linda. No, her combined spells were swirling around, as if caught in a whirlwind, lightning, fire, and ice rotating with each other and diminishing in size as if receding in on itself. Smaller and smaller the conglomeration grew until Linda's head popped out, unharmed and wearing a smug grin.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna stood frozen as her opponent came back into view, not the least fit harmed and brandishing her sword.
 
 
 
 
'How is this possible? I hit her with enough magic to down a dragon mid-flight.' Nillyna's focus honed in the sword, finally getting a good look at it.
 
 
 
 
It was jet black from tip to hilt, a large ruby set in the coin shaped pommel. Remnants of Nillyna's spells were flowing into it from all angles, a chomping, crunching noise following suit. It was almost like...the sword was eating the magic.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's eyes widened in shock, the shimmering aura she noticed around the sword confirming her suspicion.
 
 
 
 
"That's...a Viper Sword?"
 
 
 
 
"Right on the money, Nillyna," said Linda, twirling the forenamed Viper Sword in one hand before tossing it to another.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna froze up in shock and terror.
 
 
 
 
Viper Swords we're extremely dangerous dark objects that absorb any magic they come in contact with. They are insatiable in the consumption of magic and are highly banned in high society, due to the fact that they draw from their wielder, as well as from whatever opponent they face. In fact, they were probably more dangerous to the wielder than anything else.
 
 
 
 
For once they are done consuming magic from their wielder they move on to their life force next.
 
 
 
 
"Linda, get rid of that sword, now!" Nillyna said, backing up worriedly.
 
 
 
 
"Why should I?" Asked Linda nastily, twirling her sword again.
 
 
 
 
"Do I need to spell it out for you?" Nillyna didn't understand how Linda could hold that thing so casually. Surely, even now, it was feeding upon her magic, it would not be long until her arcanic reserves were depleted and her very life would be sucked away next; especially at night, we're replenishment magic wasn't available, meaning Linda's life force would be put on the menu all the sooner.
 
 
 
 
"You must know that Viper Swords feed on their wielders just as much as they do anything else, as well as drain their lives!" Yet Nillyna still tried to reach Linda in a sensible fashion. She didn't know why she was trying to convince Linda to discard the sword. It would be her undoing if she wasn't careful. Maybe the situation played to her sensibility somehow, even though she tried to kill Linda not a moment prior.
 
 
 
 
Maybe she was connecting this situation to how helpless she herself had been in Lily's meadow?
 
 
 
 
In a way, they were similar. She had faced off against an opponent she had no hope of defeating without her magic, and if Linda kept using that sword not only was she going to be up against an opponent who had extra magic reserves while her's dwindled, but she would be hindered by her body weakening due to having the life drained out of it. Not even the magic contained within their talismans would escape the swords hunger, and Nillyna's cane had vastly more stores than the ruby ring Nillyna could see on Linda's finger, its glow that signified it as a talisman already dangerously dim, meaning she was seconds away from having no magic left for the sword to feed on, leaving nothing but her life energy.
 
 
 
 
Or maybe she just didn't want to face the sword herself.
 
 
 
 
"Concerned for my well-being all of a sudden?" Asked Linda smugly. "How sweet, but don't concern yourself for my sake."
 
 
 
 
She peeled back the hem of her robe to reveal a side pouch at her waist, reaching in with a rattling sound, and withdrew…
 
 
 
 
...a ring fitted with a sapphire, which glowed in the evening shadows.
 
 
 
 
Linda tore off the ruby ring, nonshalontly dropping it to the ground as she swapped it with the sapphire ring.
 
 
 
 
"Ah, much better," said Linda in a relieved tone.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's sharp, analytical mind was beginning to piece together Linda's plans. Confront her with a Viper Sword that would slowly ebb away her magic while constantly renewing her own magic reserves with multiple talismans. The sword would absorb any spell of any type used by either of them, so with it being present magic was totally out of the picture, so this was going to come down to a physical, hand's on fight. It was starting to get ridiculous.
 
 
 
 
Linda was breaking so many law's by doing this.
 
 
 
 
Not only was she threatening someone, with a forbidden weapon no less, she was way past the allowed number of talismans one was allowed to carry at any given time. Magic users were regulated to one talisman each, laws put in place to ensure they obey, for if someone had multiple talismans who could stop someone who had multiple stores of magic that could last indefinitely? And Linda had to have stolen them from others.
 
 
 
 
You can't just walk into a store and buy talismans, they're issued by highly cohort individuals who heavily regulate them.
 
 
 
 
If, somehow, Linda walked away from this, the law would have her head, literally.
 
 
 
"By the moons Linda, what have you done?" Asked Nillyna, shaking her head in pity.
 
 
 
 
"Whatever I have to to succeed, as I always have." Linda pointed the sword at Nillyna.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna wasn't intimidated though, "Linda, I give you one chance. Leave now and never come back."
 
 
 
 
"Or what?" Sneered Linda. "As long as I have this sword neither of us can use magic, but I have a hefty supply of talismans that the sword can feed on until I run you dry of magic."
 
 
 
 
"You think that sword gives you the advantage?" Asked Nillyna.
 
 
 
 
"Well, doesn't it!" Linda shot back, "It's still a sword, and if there's one thing I know, it's how to use a sword. For, you see, while you were pampering yourself up here in your lofty paradise I was battling day in day out just to survive. All my life I haven't gone a week without winding up engaged in a physical brawl, I think that makes me more experienced at hand to hand, don't you think?"
 
 
 
 
Still, Nillyna wasn't intimidated.
 
 
 
 
"Did you think I've done nothing but sit on my hands and read spell books this entire time?" Nillyna lifted her cane and gripped the ruby orb. It was true, that sword could drain magic from anything, even talisman, but the off side to that is, while it can absorb spells and magic from bodies rapidly, Viper Swords can only 'sip' from talismans. If she kept from doing flashy attacks Nillyna could last long enough to overwhelm her opponent.
 
 
 
 
But she was gonna need a weapon too.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna ripped her hand away from her can, the orb trailing with it. Or partially so. When Nillyna gripped her cane's orb its smooth texture became gelatinous and when she pulled away she dragged a stretchy portion with it.
 
 
 
 
The strand from the orb began to mold and take shape, extended about two feet and narrowing into a point. Where there once was a walking cane was now a short, silver lance with a crystalin, red cone as the head. Nillyna struck a battle pose, brandishing her weapon.
 
 
 
 
"I have studied the art of wielding blade weapons myself." It was true, there isn't a hobby Nillyna hadn't tried, and swordplay was one of them.
 
 
 
 
Linda eyed Nillyna's new weapon with a scowl.
 
 
 
 
It was bad enough being second at arcane study to this pale witch back at magic school, now she was to believe that she had been studying combat skills as well. The one thing Linda took pride in nowadays was her fighting prowess, something she felt she had succeeded in over everything else, something she had had to really hone in order to survive. But now she learns that she was once again competing with Nillyna in terms of raw skill.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Something within her snapped.
 
 
 
 
Linda charged forward, brandishing her weapon and huffing like a mad bull. Nillyna paired the blow with her cane turned stabbing instrument, metal meeting crystal with a musical tinkling. Instantly, she felt the reservoir of magic within her cane being siphoned away by the ravenous sword.
 
 
 
 
But if Linda was really intent on fighting her it was time for the gloves to come off.
 
 
 
 
Pushing her weight into her shoulders, Nillyna managed to throw Linda off and lunged forward, aiming to impact Linda's sword arm in the hopes of making her relinquish her hold. Linda sidesteps her, taking the initiative to thrust her sword at Nillyna's neck. Nillyna's eyes widened at the incoming sword's tip lunging for her collar, responding by letting her body go limp and be pulled to the ground by gravity, barely missing getting gored in the neck. As she impacted the ground on her back she immediately tensed up again and rolled onto her hands and knees, sweeping her short spear out and knocking Linda's legs out from under her.
 
 
 
 
Linda tumbled to the ground, but planted three hands and front flipped, swiping at Nillyna with her sword as she flew past.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna ducked, feeling the black edge swipe not an inch above her antenna. Not hesitating, Nillyna sprang to her feet just as Linda landed on hers, both Lepidopteran girls beginning to circle one another in an attempt to keep each other in their line of sight, as well as trying to predict their next move. Their expressions were as hard as stone.
 
 
 
 
"This is pointless, Linda," said Nillyna as she kept her gaze fixated on the other moth girl. "What exactly do you hope to accomplish? Revenge will not bring you peace, and destroying me will not wipe your slate of all the shame and ridicule you've brought on yourself."
 
 
 
 
Linda blinked once then let out a dry chuckle. "Oh, I get it, you think I'm merely her to challenge you to this meager confrontation."
 
 
 
 
Nillyna arched an eyebrow in confusion. "Well, aren't you?"
 
 
 
 
Linda dryly chuckled again. "I won't deny, the very thought of you finally getting your comeuppance for all my strife is an appealing thought, I can't get what I want from you if I outright kill you."
 
 
 
 
Nillyna hadn't considered that. "And just what do you want?"
 
 
 
 
Linda grew that sinister smile again. "Your latest magical prodigy."
 
 
 
 
If Nillyna wasn't focusing most of her attention on keeping her guard up she would have facepalmed. "All this time, and you have not changed, Linda."
 
 
 
 
"And you have?" Said Linda sarcastically, gesturing around at all the grandeur.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna didn't make the same comparison that Linda obviously did. There's a difference between the rewards of one's own accomplishments and coveting things that you have no right to.
 
 
 
 
And this newly discovered variant involving Linda's motivation brought up another matter altogether.
 
 
 
 
"If stealing my latest accomplishment is your goal, Linda, you are going to be deeply disappointed." Her and Linda continued to circle each other, weapons raised, eye contact unwavering. "I don't have a current project at the moment, anything you find here will already be patented in my name already."
 
 
 
 
"No current project? tsk tsk tsk." Linda wiggled a finger. "Such modesty, now that is unbecoming of the great Nillyna, who not once made any attempt in hiding her involvement in the hundreds, if not thousands of the most extravagant arcane achievements this world has ever known."
 
 
 
 
"But it's true," argued Nillyna, "I don't currently have a project."
 
 
 
 
"Oh?" With a flare of her dark robe, Linda withdrew an aged book and held it before her. "So you aren't currently in the process of perfecting a potion that grants eternal youth?"
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's eyes widened as she beheld the ancient potions book. She hadn't thought of it for days, hadn't thought about what had been her past motivation for so long for days. Her desire to be young forever. It had all seemed so pointless, now that Lily was in her life.
 
 
 
 
But, apparently, Linda picked up on her shock at seeing the book, taking it as confirmation to her suspicion.
 
 
 
 
"Aha, I knew it!" She said triumphantly, withdrawing the book back into her clothes. "So you are working on an elixir that grants eternal youth."
 
 
 
 
Nillyna was still too shocked about what Linda had stumbled upon to rebuttal her. Something told her that things were so much worse, now that Linda knew about it.
 
 
 
 
"Ohohoho, this is perfect," said Linda, her expression turning hungry. "Not only am I going to claim what is rightfully mine, but I will be young and beautiful forever. Once you hand over the Immortalitus plant to me."
 
 
 
 
That last comment confirmed Nillyna's growing fears. So now Linda was after the Immortalitus plant...her girlfriend.
 
 
 
 
"NEVER!" She lunged forward, the tip of her crystal javelin aimed at Linda's greedy heart.
 
 
 
 
The dark Lepidopteran parried the blow, Nillyna feeling more of her talisman's reserves drained away with each physical contact with the Viper Sword. Linda swiped the pointy tip away, lunging forward with a downward swipe. Nillyna sidestepped, bringing her hand to hand training to the forefront of her mind.
 
 
 
 
It was oddly ironic.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna had only ever learned these skills because she found the art of swordplay elegant and graceful, now she was using them in the defense of the most important thing in her life. Linda would never get her hands on Lily, not as long as she drew breath.
 
 
 
 
Another thrust of the wicked sword was blocked by the platinum shaft of an elegant javelin, Nillyna using the leftover momentum to steer the blade downward and imbed it into the soft soil of the garden. Nillyna used this initiative to introduce her heel to Linda's sternum, staggering her and knocking the wind from her lungs. She would have retaliated, but at the moment she was still trying to dislodge her weapon from the ground.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna decided to help her with that.
 
 
 
 
The next thing to be introduced to a part of Linda's body was the butt of Nillyna's cane, nailing her right between the eyes with enough force to dislodge the weapon, but now that it wasn't acting as a brace Linda fell back, a throbbing red welt on her forehead. Under any other circumstances Nillyna would have given her opponent another option to retreat, but Linda was unworthy of such mercy. No, she wasn't just threatening her life, but someone very dear to her as well.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna pressed her attack, towering over Linda with the tip of her javelin posed to strike.
 
 
 
 
Linda's mind cleared enough to see the glistening red tip thrusted towards her heart, narrowly positioning her sword in time to deflect it with the flat of the blade. Her lower left hand had grabbed a handful of dirt during this, and once Nillyna's attack had been halted, threw it into her face.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna cried out in pain, clutching her burning eyes.
 
 
 
 
Linda was about to retaliate with a thrust to the stomach, but a jarring sensation in her body drew her attention. She stood up, looking to her fingers to see her current talisman depleted, meaning the Viper Sword was that much closer to feeding on her life force. She cursed in her mind. The talismans we're being depleted too quickly, if it happened at the wrong time she was finished.
 
 
 
 
After all, it would be difficult to exchange them while parrying blows.
 
 
 
 
She needed to extend the time between the talismans depletion point, and she could only think of one solution. Ripping off the sapphire ring she had put on not an hour ago, Linda also reached into her pouch and withdrew, not one, but two talismans, these taking the form of identical rings within topaz gem's fitted to the bands. She slipped them on, sighing in relief as the Viper Sword drew its attention to them instead of her.
 
 
She hefted it and charged at Nillyna, who was still rubbing her face to try and clear the dirt from her eyes.
 
 
 
 
She succeeded only in time to see the sword not an inch from piercing between her breasts. She lunged to the side, but the blade passed under her arm, the metal grazing her bicep. The ravenous nature of the sword sucked out whatever residual magic Nillyna could store in her body naturally, the horrible sucking sensation making her cry out in pain.
 
 
 
 
She jumped of the blade, convulsing
 
 
 
 
Linda smirked, lifting the sword up to drive it home, before Nillyna began sparkling and something happened that made her freeze up in shock. Nillyna's robe apparently lost its enchantment, morphing into scaly, white wings, patterned with blue diamond shapes. And leaving Nillyna as bare as a newborn caterpillar.
 
 
 
 
A blush formed on Linda's face.
 
 
 
 
Even in a heated moment like this, being so close to the nude body of someone would throw anyone off their game. Nillyna, fortunately, had retained enough I hear facilities to capitalize on this new situation. Yes, she was naked, in front of another no less, but it also presented a unique opportunity.
 
 
 
 
Taking advantage of Linda's distracted state, Nillyna did what a moth does best. She spread her wings and took to the sky. She made sure to uppercut Linda with the shaft of her javelin as she soared.
 
 
 
 
Linda staggered back from the blow, only having enough time to rub her chin in confusion and pain before having to dive out of the way of a speeding, white projectile. She landed in a crouching position, several strands of her onyx mane drifting in the air around her. She looked up to see Nillyna scowling at her from above, her delicate wings flapping gently to keep her airborne.
 
 
 
 
Linda knew she was at a disadvantage now and would need to compensate.
 
 
 
 
She focused, and in a flash, her own wings emerged from her own dark roses, adorned with red eyelike markings and crimson curve patterns that almost look like fang's. She took to the air herself, brandishing her sword while smirking. If this was to become an aerial battle so be it.
 
 
 
 
She didn't notice the potion book fall from where the hem of her robe once was.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna and Linda lunged at each other, passing within a hair's width, their weapon's colliding with the sound of metal meeting gemstone. They passed a few more times, a resounding clash echoing each time. Neither combatant was giving or gaining ground.
 
 
 
 
Eventually both Nillyna and Linda squared off above the trees of Nillyna's estate, their scowling faces mere inches from each other, their respective weapons intertwined in a stalemate of physical strength.
 
 
 
 
"Why don't you just tell me where the Immortalitus plant is?" Said Linda, cruelty I'm her voice.
 
 
 
 
"NEVER!" Was Nillyna's response.
 
 
 
 
Linda scowled.
 
 
 
 
Her Viper Sword was draining the last of the magic from her two current talismans, yet Nillyna's still seemed to have some to spare. She needed to gain the upper hand if she was to get what she wants, but so far their skills were too evenly matched. Even with magic outside of the picture Linda still wasn't able to beat Nillyna by the barest of margins.
 
 
 
 
No, she had come too far to fall short now.
 
 
 
 
Linda reached into her pouch with one of her lower arms and drew out a talisman, only this time without the intention of swapping out the depleted one's. She tossed it up to one of her upper arms, catching it between her fingers…and ran it along the edge of her sword. The honed edge cut into the band, splitting it apart. Linda then stretched it out with two fingers.
 
 
Nillyna saw all this happening, but was too laid up with fending of the sword to intervene.
 
 
 
 
Linda gripped the ravaged ring in her hand and made her move, thrusting it forward, the jagged edge of the split band poised for Nillyna's eye. Nillyna's eyes widened in shock at the incoming improvised weapon and attempted to divert the jab with her own hand not laid up with fending of the opposing weapon. She was only partially successful.
 
 
 
 
"AAAAAHHHH!"
 
 
 
 
Nillyna screamed in pain as the twisted metal embedded into her cheek, deep enough to get lodged there.
 
 
 
 
But it was nothing compared to the pain that followed.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's eyes widened as a foreign sensation rippled from her abdomen. Looking down, she saw the blade of the Viper Sword plunging deeper into her stomach. The world slowed, all comprehension left Nillyna as her mind refused to accept what had happened. Crimson blood began to flow from the wound, dripping down the blade like a little river of life essence.
 
 
 
 
Slowly, Nillyna looked up at Linda, whose expression bore only immense satisfaction.
 
 
 
 
She grabbed Nillyna's talisman and yanked it out of her grip, pulling the sword out as well. Nillyna stood there, suspended, before her expression drooped and she plummeted to the tree's below as her wings went limp. Blood trailed behind her as she fell.
 
 
 
 
Linda smirked as Nillyna fell from the sky like a stone. She never thought it would be so satisfying to feel her blade bite deep into her hated enemy, but if this is what it felt like she was regretting not doing it a long time ago. She looked at her weapon, smiling at the crimson streaks on the blade.
 
 
 
 
It was the last use she had for the thing.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna being so wounded now, plus without a talisman at night, her magic was not a threat anymore so this magic eater had served its purpose. It was also hindering her, now that she could use her magic to her heart's content without magical retaliation. Pitching back her arm, Linda threw the Viper Sword with all her strength.
 
 
 
 
It spun through the air, sailing over the edge of the floating island and towards the landscape below.
 
 
 
 
Smiling, Linda lifted Nillyna's cane, whose head had returned to an orb, and pointed it at the plummeting Nillyna. She was grasped in a field of red telekinesis before she hit the tips of the tallest trees and floated there. She was still breathing, but each breath was ragged and followed by a trail of blood from her mouth.
 
 
 
 
Linda had no intention of sparing Nillyna's life, no, by the end she would be dead. But she still needs something from her, something very important. And what could be more important than eternal youth.
 
 
 
 
Suddenly, the field keeping Nillyna suspended faltered and Linda had to struggle to renew it. The reason was obvious, for both the cane and the rings were greatly depleted by the Viper Sword. But Linda had talismans to spare.
 
 
 
 
Dropping both the cane and rings, Linda reached into her pouch and withdrew a jewel encrusted bangle bracelet and slipped it on, the replenishment of magic allowing her to lift Nillyna back to her height.
 
 
 
 
"Now, about the Immortalitus plant…?"
 
 
 
 
"Go…*cough* pounded sand," said Nillyna between coughing blood.
 
 
 
 
Linda didn't appreciate the comments but was more concerned with Nillyna's state. She couldn't divulge the whereabouts of the Immortalitus plant if she succumbed to her wound, and Linda desired that almost more than Nillyna's death. She put a hand to the wound and cast a spell.
 
 
 
 
It was, by no means, a recuperating spell, but it will keep it from getting worse. At least until Linda gets what she wants. And until then the wound will be agonizing until Linda releases it.
 
 
 
 
Linda smirked, she was going to enjoy this.
 
 
 
 
Slowly, Nillyna's limp form was lowered downward towards the ground, Linda following with gentle flaps of her wings.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Megan curled into a fetal position as the mist closed in around her. The smoldering remains of a campfire illuminated her surroundings just enough to reveal the blurry silhouettes of the mangled, dismembered corpses of the other members of the caravan, limp and motionless. Not a sound was heard except for the crackling of dying embers…
 
 
 
 
...and the scared weeping of a frightened six years old girl.
 
 
 
 
As far as Megan could tell, she was the last one alive. The rest of her company had either fled into the fog or lay in pieces around her. And whatever had been responsible for all this carnage was still out there.
 
 
 
 
 Megan could still remember the first night bedding down here. The sudden screaming, followed by the sound of tearing flesh. The sound of rustling somewhere in the trees.
 
 
 
 
Yellow eyes glowing in the depths of the fog.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
Megan jerked her head in the direction of the noise. She glimpsed two pinpricks of light in the distance before they vanished. She whimpered and tucked her knees to her chest tighter.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
An identical noise echoed from another direction, Megan again catching a glimpse of glowing eyes before they vanished in a heartbeat.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
This time the noise was directly in front of her.
 
 
 
 
Megan whipped her head forward, the fog so thick she could barely see three feet in front of her. But that was enough to make out the silhouettes of two padded forepaws standing directly before her. She slowly tilted her head up, a lupin figure was casting a shadow amongst the gloom, several times taller than any wolf should be…
 
 
 
 
... and with two glowing eyes glistening in its depths.
 
 
 
 
"Grrrrr!"
 
 
 
 
Megan whimpered as the ferocious growl echoed in her ears, tears cascading down her face as she clenched her eyes shut. This was it, she knew she was about to be this thing's next meal. She didn't try to resist, only prayed that she would not suffer too much.
 
 
 
 
'Tinkle'
 
 
 
 
Megan opened her eyes as something metal fell at her feet. There, just barely visible through the fog, was a ring of keys. She recognized them right away.
 
 
 
 
Megan looked to the shackle around her right ankle, a thick chain leading to a metal peg embedded in a nearby tree stump, hence the reason she didn't try to flee.
 
 
 
 
Megan technically wasn't an actual part of the caravan, but was actually a piece of the merchandise they had been transporting. All her life she had been bought and sold again and again, until eventually she had wound up with these traveling merchants, in destination to her next slave master. That is, until all her captors had been torn limb from limb, with her certain she was next.
 
 
 
 
But when the creature responsible for the mutilation of dozens of people confronted the poor slave child, rather than be introduced to blood smeared teeth, she was greeted by the literal key to freedom.
 
 
 
 
Megan wasted no time in grasping the key and fumbled with the lock of her shackles, finally inserting the right one, and with a click, it opened and Megan was free.
 
 
 
 
However, she soon found giant teeth gripping the back of the collar of her ragged dress, hoisting her up seemingly effortlessly. Then the creature bounded into the foliage of the forest, the mist parting like a curtain in its wake. All Megan could do was watch the ground fly underneath her as she was carried away.
 
 
 
 
She didn't know where this thing was taking her, but struggling was pointless. She wouldn't come out of falling from this height unharmed, and so far the thing hadn't hurt her, so she didn't want to provoke it. Whatever their destination may be, Megan had no choice but to go along willingly.
 
 
 
 
Eventually, the thudding of her carrier's paws, and all that had transpired recently meant Megan soon lost consciousness.
 
 
 
 
When she awoke there wasn't any trace of any monster, or mist for that matter. Megan was lying in the middle of a grassy field, dotted with scatterings of trees, the afternoon sun shining down from a cloudless sky. It was a tranquil image and Megan could not help but feel at ease as the wind ruffled the grass surrounding her.
 
 
 
 
"ALL PARTY, HAULT!"
 
 
Until a new voice, coupled with the sound of stomping hoofbeats and the neighing of horse's drew her attention behind her. A dozen armored riders on horseback had halted their mounts directly behind her. The lead rider approached her, his helm rimmed with a gold crown.
 
 
 
 
He was the king of a neighboring kingdom and brought Megan with him on his return to his castle to hear her story. Once she was coherent enough Megan explained what happened at Gloomy Pass and the fate of her company. The king sent armored troops to search the area for this man-eating creature, but, surprisingly enough, not a trace of it was found.
 
 
 
 
The bodies of the merchants were found simple enough, and their condition more than proved Megan's story to be true, but no further evidence could be found. No tracks, no spore, not even a shred of hair. It was as if whatever was responsible for such carnage simply vanished.
 
 
 
 
The rumors produced by the incident made traveler's weary of Gloomy Pass, but it was still the shortest route for merchants to get from one destination to the next, but no one would brave it without an extremely armed escort of guards. Eventually, the lack of a repeat incident meant fear of Gloomy Pass soon faded, and it once again became a frequently traveled path for merchants, but the occasional report of yellow eyes in the fog still cropped up from time to time. But no one ever went missing again.
 
 
 
 
As for Megan, she was eventually adopted by the king who found her, and would one day grow to occupy the throne. She would occasionally wonder why that vicious creature not only spared her life, but carried her to safety, while it took the rest of the member's of her party. She wondered sometime maybe it all revolved around her.
 
 
 
 
Maybe her desire for freedom was so strong it manifested into a creature that had the power to liberate her. Maybe the merchant's insensitive, apathetic treatment towards her manifested into the very creature that consumed them. Whatever the case, because of that creature, Megan went from an abused slave to a queen.
 
 
 
 
And she would forever be grateful for its interference on her behalf.
 
 
 
 
Lily closed the finished book, her mind reeling with excitement.
 
 
 
 
She had never enjoyed a book so much, and was grateful for the experience. She especially liked how the monster of the story used misdirection and startlement on its prey. Who would have thought to use scare tactics to wear down one's prey, then strike when the time was right?
 
 
 
 
"Maybe I should try that on my next meal when Nillyna gets my game for me…" Nillyna halted her conversation with herself when she felt something strike the closed aperture of her pod. "Huh?"
 
 
 
 
Lily drew out up and out of herself in search of what had hit her. It was too heavy to have been rain, tree leaves, or even a tree branch, and the reason became obvious when Lily finally spotted the culprit. Her eyes widened.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's cane was lying before her.
 
 
 
 
But before she could comprehend why something so valuable to Nillyna was just lying there with her nowhere in sight two more things fell on her, this time on her head, getting logged in her hair. Scowling in annoyance, Lily ran her fingers through her green locks, fishing out two tiny objects. They were two identical rings, the yellow glow emanating from them signified them as talismans, though judging by their dim glow, they were mostly depleted.
 
 
 
 
It was strange, Nillyna's talisman was an ornate cane, and as far as Lily knew she didn't have any others.
 
 
 
 
"Tell me where it is!"
 
 
 
 
"Never, *cough cough*!"
 
 
 
 
Two voices drew Lily to the tree's closest to her. She recognized one to be Nillyna, but the other voice was a mystery to her. And, from the sound of Nillyna's voice, she was in a great deal of pain.
 
 
 
 
Lily's hand flew up to her mouth at the sound of Nillyna's pained voice, an action she didn't quite understand, along with the sensation brewing in her chest.
 
 
 
 
She slowly extended out of her pod, gliding along the ground with her stem. She reached the closest tree and slowly peaked around it. Sure enough, Nillyna was there, along with what could only be another Lepidopteran, black in color. Lily's heart began to race as she took the whole situation in.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna was lying on the ground, breathing heavily, the other Lepidopteran's foot planted on her chest, pinning her to the ground. Not that Nillyna looked like she would be able to get up if that wasn't the case. Blood flowed from her mouth and stomach, pooling around the dirt under in a crimson circle. The perpetrator was obviously the other Lepidopteran, for blood coated her hand as well as the foot placed to Nillyna's chest.
 
 
 
 
"I won't ask again," said the dark Lepidopteran, stomping her foot on Nillyna's wound resulting in her crying out in pain.
 
 
 
 
Lily jumped back at the sound of agony, not out of fear, but the screaming, coupled by the sight of Nillyna's condition made the new sensation in her chest feel like it was jumping around inside her, impacting her heart.
 
 
 
 
"No…" was Nillyna's garbled reply.
 
 
 
 
Linda scowled and stomped on Nillyna's wound again, her ears ringing with the delicious sound of Nillyna's agony. "You are only prolonging your agony."
 
 
 
 
"I will…*cough*...*cough*…" another spout of blood. "Die before I let you…*cough*...*cough*...hurt...her…" Nillyna was so delirious she wasn't fully aware of what she was saying, but one thought lingered in the ocean of pain filling her mind, a certain plant girl.
 
 
 
 
Linda scowled and pointed her arm adorned with a bedazzled bangle at Nillyna, her palm glowing. Nillyna's blood began to flow in reverse, seeping back into her wound, but renewed its retreat from its host's body once Linda stopped her spell. Linda looked at the bracelet, noticing it was practically depleted. She shrugged, threw off the bracelet and rummaged around in her side pouch, drawing out a gold medallion set with an emerald.
 
 
 
 
She slipped the thing on, letting the magic flow into her while shaking her head at her victim. "Do you hear yourself? No matter how important, a plant is a plant, it's not a she. Now tell me where it is and I will be glad to end your suffering, otherwise I still have plenty of talismans left I can use to keep you nice and alive to feel everything."
 
 
 
 
Lily watched as the black moth woman swapped an obviously depleted talisman for a fresh one, the pouch at her side jingling with more contents. As before, Lily was powerless against magic, and such a supply of talismans meant, even in the dead of night such as this, this sorceress had a sizable store of magic. And Lily always considered herself lucky whenever she faced someone with access to only one talisman.
 
 
 
 
But she wasn't afraid.
 
 
 
 
Lily's teeth clenched, and her lips bent upwards in a snarl as she heard these cruel words and saw these repulsive actions, the new sensation in her heart intensifying. NiLilyna was extremely hurt, and whoever this was was taking great pleasure in hurting her more. Never before had Lily seen such cruelty. Actually, that's not true.
 
 
 
 
'She's just the same as Shadow…' the thought of that dark witch sent Lily's sap boiling.
 
 
 
 
And not only that.
 
 
 
 
Seeing Nillyna in such a state…
 
 
 
 
Memories of them spending time together yesterday reminded Lily that, despite trying to conceal it behind a mask of apathy, Lily had grown to care for the petite Lepidopteran. She had taken care of her, spent time with her, made her feel...desired. Nillyna should not be lying on the ground, bleeding out, she should be whole and happy.
 
 
 
 
And by Lily's side.
 
 
 
 
Lily's fist clenched around the two talismans she still held, for for the first time in her life, she wanted to see someone hurt. She wanted to lash out at this Lepidopteran and make her suffer for what she's done and doing to Nillyna. She wanted to wrap her in her thorny vines and bleed her.
 
 
 
 
So this was wrath.
 
 
 
 
But she didn't act on it yet.
 
 
 
 
Lily was no fool. She knew full well she would not stand a chance in a frontal confrontation against this harpy of an insect, due to the massive disadvantage she had against magic. But she wasn't just going to leave Nillyna to mercy of this nasty person. Especially since she was obviously defending Lily from her.
 
 
 
 
This stranger said she was looking for the Immortalitus plant, in other words, her.
 
 
 
 
And Lily also doubted that this Lepidopteran would not have a change of heart regarding her fruit like Nillyna had.
 
 
 
 
But she needed a plan, something that would give her an advantage against this witch and her magic.
 
 
 
 
Inspiration struck like a mountain top falling from its place on the mountain. Lily looked down at The Peril of Gloomy Pass still held in her grasp, a smile spreading across her face. Maybe she should literally take a leaf out of a book, regarding a certain predator in the mist.
 
 
 
 
Just submitted the shadows of the night for the mist.
 
 
 
 
'If only my eyes glow, that would really complete…' thoughts halted as she opened her fist to look at the two glowing rings. Her eyes may not glow, but these do.
 
 
 
 
With a plan in mind Lily drew forth her vines, two of them picking up glowing a ring and wrapping them each in a leaf. There was no time to tarry, Nillyna didn't look so good.
 
 
 
 
Whenever Nillyna's mind started to grow hazy she was yanked back into the agony of reality by Linda. Two minutes felt like two years as pain wracked her from her abdomen. But she didn't falter, who knows what Linda would do to Lily.
 
 
 
 
Linda huffed in annoyance as she once again ripped Nillyna back from the brink. "This is starting to bore me. Tell me where the Immortalitus plant is, or I might just open another wound from the opposite direction…"
 
 
 
 
Thud!
 
 
 
 
The sudden noise made Linda jump slightly, Nillyna crying out as her heel dug into her wound.
 
 
 
 
But Linda wasn't interested in Nillyna's torment at the moment.
 
 
 
 
"What was that?" She asked.
 
 
 
 
Thud!
 
 
 
 
 A rock impacted the ground not far away. Linda saw it and, knowing it could not have flown through the air under its own power, drew the conclusion that someone else was up here with them.
 
 
 
 
"Entertaining a guest, Nillyna?" She asked the limp form below her.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna's eyes widened in panic, recognizing their surroundings. If what she thought was true, then Lily was near. Fear gripped her heart, concerned for her love.
But she didn't say anything, either to dissuade Linda or forewarn Lily. Both would be pointless, especially considering Lily's rooted in status.
 
 
 
 
All she could do was hope her girlfriend could take care of herself.
 
 
 
 
Linda hopped off of Nillyna as casually as jumping down from a stool. She was confident that whomever was out there was no match for her skills. She sneered into the shadows, conjuring a fireball into her hand.
 
 
 
 
"Come out, come out, whoever you are!" She called.
 
 
 
 
Lily saw the flickering fame and, to her own surprise, felt no nervousness. She was confident her plan would work. All she needed to do was make her move and hope she could predict this woman's reactions.
 
 
 
 
She wriggled two of her vines to the area opposite of her location, feeling around until she found a stick.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
"Aha!" Linda cast her spell in the direction of the noise of a stick snapping, no doubt because whomever it was out there was too clumsy to watch their step.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linda smiled wickedly as her spell exploded against the source of the noise and illuminated…
 
 
...nothing.
 
 
 
 
"Huh?" Said Linda as her spell petered out, nothing there.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
This sound came from further to Linda's left than the last.
 
 
 
 
"There you are!" She said, casting another fire spell, only to get the same results as before. "What the hell?"
 
 
 
 
Lily breathed a sigh of relief. Those spells came dangerously close to the vines she was using to snap twigs, but thankfully the Lepidopteran seemed to be aiming for someone standing at full height. And now that she had her attention it was time to instill some fear.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
Linda scowled in the direction of the latest noise, beginning to grow irritated.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
But the next noise brought about a look of surprise. That last one was too far from the one before it to have come from the same source. Someone could have teleported from one place to the next, but Linda didn't see the telltale flash of magic that herald such a spell.
 
 
 
 
Was more than one person up here?
 
 
 
 
Lily could see the concern beginning to form on the Lepidopteran's face and decided to put the next phase of her plan in motion. Slowly, she slipped a lone vine near this vile girl's feet, trying not to draw her attention to it. Once it was in position Lily moved two more vines elsewhere, some distance in the trees before the individual scanning for the source of her noises.
 
 
 
 
Then a third and fourth vine grasped a fallen stick.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
Linda turned to the latest noise…
 
 
 
 
And Lily withdrew the leaves away from the luminous ring's.
 
 
 
 
Linda's jaw dropped as two luminous pinpricks appeared among the trees in the direction of the noise... pointed at her... looking at her.
 
 
 
 
"WHAT IS THAT?!" She fired fire from one hand, lightning from another, but once again, the light from the spell illuminated nothing, nor did they hit anything.
 
 
 
 
Lily watched as magic flew from her enemies hands, far away from where she concealed her humanoid torso. Now that she was distracted it was time.
 
 
 
 
Linda kept up her assault, desperate to hit something. You don't see eyes staring at you from the shadows and not feel fear. Yes, she knew that those lights had to be eyes...and no civilized beings had eyes that virtually glow.
 
 
 
 
Only creatures bred to hunt luminate shadows with their eyes.
 
 
 
 
Suddenly, Linda felt a jerk at her waist, and to her horror, saw that her pouch of talismans was gone. She looked around, but saw no trace of it. Now she was left with only what was left in the medallion around her neck.
 
 
 
 
Lily examined the glittering contents of the pouch her vine she had positioned at the Lepidopteran's feet had snatched. So many talismans would have been a problem, but now that they were beyond her enemies reach the predicament wasn't quite so dire. Now she just had one talisman worth of magic to deal with.
 
 
 
 
And she knew how.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
Linda turned from her search of the pouch of talismans to see those yellow eyes in the distance. Her eyes widened again as she flung another spell that hit air.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
She turned and saw the eyes again, firing another spell that had no target.
 
 
 
 
Lily watched as spell after spell was launched at the places where she concealed the vines holding the rings, the talisman around the Lepidopteran's neck dimming with each one. After it was barely burning Lily decided it was time to wrap it up. She wanted the Immortalitus plant, well she was going to get it.
 
 
 
 
She picked up a stick with her own two hands and snapped it.
 
 
 
 
Snap!
 
 
 
 
At this latest noise, Linda changed tactics. Instead of using an offensive spell, she reached out with telekinesis in the hopes of grabbing whatever made the noise. She felt something, and from the feeling of it it was alive.
 
 
 
 
So she dragged it out into the open.
 
 
 
 
Lily watched as she was dragged into view by a shroud of white light. She was intending to draw attention to her humanoid body, but didn't expect this. It would still work to her advantage though.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linda gawked as her magic drew forth what could only be described as a cross between a plant and a human woman.
 
 
 
 
"What?!"
 
 
 
 
Lily saw the confusion in her opponents eyes and decided to resort to the old strategy she always used when confronting sentient prey in the past.
 
 
 
 
Fain helplessness.
 
 
 
 
"Please, don't hurt me," she mumbled.
 
 
 
 
Linda looked at the creature before her, having never seen anything like it. "What the hell are you?"
 
 
 
 
Lily looked up, forcing crocodile tears into her eyes. "My...my name is Lily."
 
 
 
 
Linda cocked her head, this thing had a name? "Have you been the one scurrying around in the dark?"
 
 
 
 
Deciding to play dumb as well, Lily quickly threw together a childish explanation, keeping her attention focused on her. "You and Nillyna looked like you were having fun, I wanted to play."
 
 
 
 
Linda scowled at the childish voice, but was quickly putting together what was happening. This creature was obviously part plant, and was affiliated with Nillyna. And Nillyna had referred to the Immortalitus plant as a she.
 
 
 
 
All other concerns evaporated from Linda's mind, her cruel smirk returning. "So, you're the Immortalitus plant?"
 
 
 
 
'Good, that should keep her distracted.' thought Lily.
 
 
 
 
"Some call me that," she answered.
 
 
 
 
Linda hadn't expected the Immortalitus plant to be like this, but in the end, did it matter? So long as the fruit was as real as it...she is that's all that counts.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna could do nothing but lay on the ground in pain as her love confronted Linda. It was tearing her up more than her wound, but she was powerless. Her only hope now was that somehow Lily wasn't harmed.
 
 
 
 
*Rustle*
 
 
 
 
Rustling brought Nillyna's attention to nearby foliage and her eyes widened as Lily's plant mouth slithered before and past her. She had been wondering what Lily hoped to accomplish with what she was doing, now it was apparent. She held her breath, hoping to not draw attention to her or Lily's plant mouth.
 
 
 
 
She didn't envy Linda's position.
 
 
 
 
Linda was examining the example of a cross of human and plant until her telekinesis faltered and died, her last talisman spent. Quickly, she grabbed the plant girl by the hair, producing a cry of shock and pain, then drew her silver dagger, holding it under her captives jaw. It may be savage, but Linda's motto was do anything to succeed.
 
 
 
 
Lily put on a mask of fear as the glistening blade was placed to her skin, but internationally she was smiling.
 
 
 
 
'So her talisman is depleted? Good.'
 
 
 
 
"Please, let go of my hair," she said pitifully.
 
 
 
 
"Don't worry, I will," said the Lepidopteran, taking off the dead talisman and tossing it away. "After you give me back the talismans you took. And you give me all your fruit."
 
 
 
 
The same old song, was Nillyna the only person in the world who saw Lily as a person? It made saving her all the more important to Lily.
 
 
 
 
"You... want fruit…?" She asked, using her terrified voice one last time.
 
 
 
 
"Yes, and you will hand it over, if you don't want a rather unpleasant pruning," answered Linda smugly, unaware of the shadow that had fallen upon her.
 
 
 
 
Suddenly, Lily's terrified expression melting away to be replaced by a sneer more sinister than the Lepidopteran holding her hair.
 
 
 
 
"If you care about my fruit so much…" Lily's smirk became ravenous, "Then you won't have a problem nourishing me so I can produce more."
 
 
 
 
Linda took a second to register what the plant girl said. "What!"
 
 
 
 
Lily thrusted the stem of her plant mouth against the ground.
 
 
 
 
*Thump*
 
 
 
 
Linda whirled around at the noise, coming face to face with a large, green, cylindrical object. Her head slowly tilted up to see it was a large stem arching downward near the top, and tipped by a huge bud. If she didn't know any better she would swear it resembled a... mouth?
 
 
 
 
"What the…?" Suddenly, the bud split open to reveal a toothy maw.
 
 
 
 
"AAAAAHHHHMMMFFF!"
 
 
 
 
Linda's scream of terror was cut short when the maw clamped over her head and shoulders, dropping her silver dagger in shock.
 
 
 
 
'Excellent, I didn't want that metal thing in me. And now...'
 
 
 
 
Lily hoisted her prey off the ground, snapped her jaws about until she had engulfed the Lepidopteran up to her waist, her black legs kicking futilely.
 
 
 
 
Linda took a second to realize what had happened, only when her arms and chest joined her was it confirmed that this was indeed a mouth. She could feel the flesh of the pallet encompassing her, saliva dripping all over her. A velvet tongue lay beneath her chest, slathering her breasts in spit.
 
 
 
 
"LET ME OUT OF HER!" She screamed into the confines of the mouth.
 
 
 
 
"LEMMPH MEM OMT OM MHERF!" Was what Lily perceived of her captives' protest as her legs kicked from outside her mouth, her crumpled wings twitching uselessly, the motion of her legs making her buttocks wiggle.
 
 
 
 
Lily got involved to aid Nillyna, but could not help but indulge in a certain hobby she always engaged in when consuming someone, especially a girl. She wiggled her tongue out from under the Lepidopteran's hips, aiming for a certain part. The leaf shaped tongue ran along the labia of the ensnared moth girl, probing and tasting the sweet nectar involuntarily produced by the stimulation.
 
 
 
 
Linda gasped as she felt something attack her groin, the ridges of a large tongue passing over her lips and clit. Her heart pounded as her sex was tasted passionately, her arousal surfacing despite her predicament. The first involuntary moan allowed sweet tasting saliva to flood her mouth.
 
 
 
 
"Mmmmfffgllmffumf!" Lily watched as two legs kicked and scissored in an attempt to bat the tongue away from her sex, but only allowing the muscle access to more the sensitive pieces.
 
 
 
 
It never failed, Lily knew all the places to touch a female to get the best reaction.
 
 
 
 
Linda was losing control of her facilities, banging her head against the roof of the mouth as she jerked and squirmed against the assaulting tongue attacking her loins. She could feel her approaching climax and was powerless to keep it at bay. Her legs separated in opposite directions as she could not close them due to her body's reaction.
 
 
 
 
Lily watched as a trickle of cum flowed past her tongue, adding to the delightful flavor of this soft girl. She tasted a lot like Nillyna had. It was strange how two women could have that in common while so different in other ways. But now that the initial fun was over it was time for what came next.
 
 
 
 
The plant mouth tilted its head back, putting Linda directly into the force of gravity. Her legs kicked in protest, but it did her no good, the lips held firm. Her butt slipped to the threshold of the lips, halted by her moth abdomen, but seeing how it was slowly folding down, that would not last.
 
 
 
 
Linda screamed inside the mouth, her fear mounting as her head slipped past a wall of flesh and into a moist tunnel that could only be a throat. If she had a talisman she might be able to escape, but her magic was dry. She was helpless.
 
 
 
 
"LET ME OUT, YOU MONSTER!" Her pleas fell on deaf ears.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna watched as Linda fell further into the vertical plant mouth, her butt vanishing inside, her flailing legs clicking futilely against the upper and lower jaws. She felt a small flare of pity for her fellow Lepidopteran, but she had given her several chances to walk away and she had rejected them all, insisting on pursuing things not belonging to her. Now she was reaping what she had sown.
 
 
 
 
Linda was terrified as her calves slid into the maw, followed by the rest of her legs, until only her feet remained outside.
 
 
 
 
Lily smirked as the wiggling feet slid into her mouth with a slurping noise, her mouth closing with a gulp.
 
 
 
 
The trip down the slimy tunnel was swift and Linda soon found herself in a round, fleshy chamber that could only be a stomach.
 
 
 
 
"NO... LET ME OUT!"
 
 
 
 
Lily cooed in enjoyment.
 
 
 
 
It had been so long since she had live prey, her squirming was most enjoyable. Plus, now she knew this method of catching prey was effective and would be useful in the future. Now she was content with the squirming within her.
 
 
 
 
*COUGH COUGH!*
 
 
 
 
Until the sound of frantic choking reminded her of a certain someone who was in desperate need of help.
 
 
 
 
"NILLYNA!" Lily scampered over to the wounded Lepidopteran, passing through her pooling blood as she did so.
 
 
 
 
"Nillyna!" Lily grabbed her friend's hand and looked down at her with intense worry.
"What can I do?!"
 
 
 
 
"The…" Nillyna struggled to breathe, her eyes going blurry. "The talismans... Lily."
 
 
 
 
Lily knew what she was talking about immediately. She brought the side pouch up with a vine, rummaging in it and pulling out the first talisman she could get a grip on. She pulled out a ring with three amethyst crystals, passing it into Nillyna's weak, blood stained hand.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna channeled magic into her body, focusing it towards her wound. Gradually, the wound sealed up without a scar, and Nillyna's breathing returned to normal. She slowly sat up, shaking her head.
 
 
 
 
"Are you okay…" Lily was cut off when Nillyna threw herself at her, drawing her close in an embrace.
 
 
 
 
"Thank you," she mumbled, tears splashing Lily's shoulder.
 
 
 
 
Lily herself felt relieved to the point of shedding a single tear herself, returning the hug, glad her friend was okay.
 
 
 
 
"Well, I couldn't very well let you die before I got my food." She couldn't help but deliver a snarky comment.
 
 
 
 
Nillyna laughed and gently removed herself from the hug. She looked down at Lily's plant mouth as it sat not too far away. She lifted the hand gripping the talisman and suddenly sent a pulse of magic down the stem.
 
 
 
 
Lily gasped, but felt nothing. The girl inside her stomach had stopped struggling though, going limp inside her. She was dead.
 
 
 
 
So ends the reject sorceress Linda.
 
 
 
 
Lily looked at Nillyna in confusion. "Why did you do that?"
 
 
 
 
"I wasn't going to give her the opportunity to escape, no matter how small," said Nillyna, remembering how she escaped that very stomach, against all odds. "She was after you, after all."
 
 
 
 
Nillyna looked down in pity. "Plus, I was partially responsible for her turning out the way she did."
 
 
 
 
That night, Nillyna explained to Lily the concept of envy and jealousy, the notions foreign to the plant girl who was only ever concerned with consumption all her life. Nillyna spent the night in Lily's sanctuary that night, wanting her close, as well as being precautious in case anything else happened. No one would ever know what transpired between Nillyna, Lily, and Linda that night, Nillyna turning over the stolen talismans to the proper authorities anonymously.
 
 
 
 
She searched for the Viper Sword, but it was never seen again.
 
 
 
 
Linda would be remembered by Nillyna, mostly with regret. For maybe, just maybe if she hadn't been so apathetic back then they may have been friends. At least Lily had something to tide her over until a proper supply of prey arrived and was established.