Chapter 181: Mentor and Student’s Farewell

Ann’s vision flashed. Stars sparkling through her sight as she teetered on the sand. She kept herself standing, shaking off what was probably a concussion she’d need healed later.

“What’s wrong?” Remmi asked. She sounded like a parent who knew without being told that something was bothering her kid. “You’re sloppy today. Sloppier. Still, you’re better than this.”

Ann dropped her guard and sighed. Remmi was right. Her head wasn’t in it today. “Got a lot on my mind, is all,” Ann shrugged. “Lots of things happening recently.”

“Yeah, heard,” Remmi nodded, her short red bob bouncing with the motion. “Heard people are doing as good as they could be, though. King’s not fully dead, Kat just lost an eye. Just, hah. Girl’s tough. Candy wouldn’t have let her go until she was.”

“Sorry, Candy?”

“Candelaria. Polaris? General and big fuckoff armoured bitch with tusks to match?” Remmi chuckled. “Got a letter from her the other day. She’s in full lockdown at the Keep. Too much planning to make a trip out.”

“Ah. Well, there’s another thing. Is there anywhere we can talk alone?”

“Secrets?” Remmi raised an eyebrow. “Juicy. C’mon. Got a private room off to the side.”

Ann followed quietly. She wondered how much to tell Remmi, but her teacher wouldn’t let her continue until she got the truth. The chocolate skinned woman was like that. Stubborn as a mule, violent, but a good heart under her incredible abrasiveness.

Remmi pulled open a door and pushed Ann through, slamming it behind her. No half measures for her. The room was sparse, with benches and a couch along the walls. A metal training dummy was set up in the centre. The thing was covered in roughly fist-sized dents and others that looked like kicks. Ann took it as a reminder of how much Remmi was holding back during their training.

“So spill it, kiddo. What’s got your head in the clouds and away from the fight?” Remmi asked, dropping to sit cross-legged.

“No one can hear us?”

“Nope. I get loud when I train. That thing basically rings whenever I hit it,” Remmi sticl a thumb over her shoulder at the dummy. “Apparently, I was distracting the others. Pansies. So yeah, soundproof. Why? Got the Inquisition after you?”

“And more,” Ann sighed. “Hear anything about Kat and the Queen?”

“Not a word,” Remmi shook her head. “Try to keep out of all that shit as much as I can.”

“Fair. So, Kat’s grounded. Basically, Orlana told us to go find another fighter to replace her, ‘cause she’s not letting her leave the city.”

Remmi’s face scrunched up, then a manic glee lit up her face. “So you’re breaking out?”

“Sneaking,” Ann laughed. “We can’t fight a whole city yet.”

“You’ll get there,” Remmi said, clapping Ann’s shoulder. “So, you gotta get the princess out without being noticed. You’ve got the inquisition and I’m betting the guard keeping tabs on all of you, and are worried as fuck about it all. Yeah, sounds shitty. How can I help?”

“You… you want to help?”

“Fuck yeah, I do! Never let those fuckers doubt that Remmi Mulsfardottr was ever one to kowtow to those in charge. Gods forbid actually helping them.”

“But you’re friends with Polaris? Wouldn’t that mean you help her, and the military by extension?”

“Candy’s an exception,” Remmi shrugged. “She earned my cooperation. Think I still have a dent in my skull from that. All that to say, yeah, fuck ‘em. You need me to help, you’ve got me.”

“Well, shit, that actually helps a bit. We were going to sneak out under a tent with an invisibility enchantment. Get to one of the side gates and make our way through. Just need to hide Kat, really.”

“No good. Inquisition can detect that shit. If it’s on the Queen’s orders, they’ll be extra careful.”

“Damnit, I thought they might. So, I guess that’d be where we’d need help. Any way you could, I dunno, make them not a problem?”

Remmi grinned. It was the smile of a madwoman who’d just been let loose. “Oooh, that sounds fun! Sneaky fucks are a bit of a problem to track down, but if they’re tracking you, then it’ll be no problem. Might be able to give you a distraction, too. Hehe, oh this city hasn’t had me rampaging in it yet. You little things have gotten so used to me being polite.”

“Little? I’m taller than you?”

“Right, never got to explain all of that. Been too busy kicking you into shape.”

“Literally,” Ann grumbled.

“It’s not a long story. Was orphaned as a babe. Left nearby a Mulsfar tribe. My parents took me in and raised me. Taught me how to be big and strong. When literal giants raise you, everything is small. Not me, though. Got the heart of a giant, so I’m basically their kin.”

“Riiight,” Ann said.

“Oh, don’t give me that, mangy mutt,” Remmi said, giving her a look. “Apparently it’s common for Mulsfarkin. S’what we call ourselves. Kin of the Mulsfar? Not too clever, but doesn’t seem like any of us are, so it fits. Candy said she’s run into a few, and they all treat people like the tiny critters you are. Good to know I’m not alone, right? So yeah, we got distracted from distractions. I can’t distract the Inquisition. They’re too specialised and focused. I’ll knock ‘em out. Simple as. Now, for the Guard, that’ll be the fun part. Gonna start me a brawl.”

“Try not to hurt anyone too bad,” Ann groaned.

Remmi let out an exaggerated sigh. “Gods, fine. I’ll beat them up, cause a ruckus, then dip. Been in this city too long as it is. Had some little hound that I needed to teach how to walk.”

“That sounds good,” Ann nodded. “Sorry to keep you here for so long.”

“Eh, now that I know who you are, I’m not mad. Getting to train the Chosen of a Goddess is pretty fucking awesome. Just spread the word who taught you, yeah? Well, if anyone asks. Gotta leave my name in the history books, too! Master of the Chosen of Orenous. Like that. So yeah. No skin off my back.”

“We’ve got pretty much everything else arranged. So, that’s all we’ll really need from you,” Ann said. “Do you want any pay or something like that?”

“Nope! Getting jotted down as what I just said is more than enough. So, when’s the breakout?”

“We were thinking tomorrow. We’ve already got plans in motion to get our gear and travel supplies out of the city. All close friends, or at least closest acquaintances, so no reason to worry there. Rosalyn needs her glasses, and that’s when we pick up the tent. You just solved our largest issue by far.”

“Happy to help,” Remmi beamed. “You’ve come far, little pup. I’m excited to hear what you get up to next. Not sure where the fuck I’m gonna go after I leave, but I’ll stop by any fighter’s guilds in the areas. Check in with them to see if I’ve been around. Y’know, if you need me for anything. Hm, maybe south? Thalten’s pretty this time of year. Big plains of snow.”

“Well, we’re going north, so no travelling together.”

“Yeah. Eh, I’m sure we’ll butt heads again eventually. Someone like you’s only gonna get stronger, and I want to fight that stronger version.”

“Deal,” Ann chuckled. They tapped fists, then stood.

“So, what’s the skill you never told me about? You were cagey about details on a few things.”

“Right, so it’s Predatory Sensuality, and hikes up my Libido resource by 40 every time I use it. I say some dirty shit, maybe flash some skin, and the target drops their guard. Seems to be more effective the more explicit the display. The next physical hit they take does a ton of damage.”

Remmi sat there, thinking the information over. “How does the Libido reset?”

“I have to get off. One orgasm is all it takes, but… well… I’m usually not done that fast when I get in the mood.”

“Shit, that’s awkward,” Remmi hummed. “The stat do anything else? Any other skills?”

“Boosts my Faith stat the closer it gets to the limit. I legit hit harder when I’m hornier.”

“Orenous really went all in there. What’s the issue with the limit? Can’t use spells that increase the stat afterwards?”

“I get sent into a horny fugue state,” Ann shrugged. “All I can really think about is sex. Longest it’s lasted is about six hours, and that should be very, very well known by now.”

“Damn, that’s what happened there? Thought that was just post victory fucking. Know I get in the mood after a good fight. Alright, yeah, that’s a hell of a drawback. I get why you didn’t let me in on that, or the skill, cause that shit sounds a little creepy even when it’s just a distraction skill.”

“Right? Sounds like I’m some creeper stalker,” Ann sighed.

“Still damn strong. Someone with a solid will might or focus could shrug it off, but flashing that body could get anyone distracted. Is it just sexual?”

“Huh?”

“The skill. How’s it worded?”

“Requires a display of sensuality to activate.”

“Well, that’s vague and could depend on your target. Shit, showing those freaks your paws might be considered sensual by someone. Flicking your tongue between your fingers? Simple enough, I guess. Annoying it’s not just a standard taunt or distraction.”

“Hey, it’s gonna be easier now that I’ve got gauntlets instead of the sword and gun.”

“True, true. You still have that thing?”

“Yeah. Helps to have something to hit from a distance,” Ann nodded. “Otherwise I’m just relying on Rosalyn and Lucia.”

“Yeah, well, I’d keep it on you, but your role is dealing with the close up shit. Make sure your skills focus on that. Versatility is nice after you get your base set up.”

“Ok. Minmax for now, then spread out later. Makes sense,” Ann nodded. “So, any more sage wisdom for me before I head out?”

“Oh, yeah, don’t get hit,” Remmi laughed. “Sounds like a joke, but I’m not. Don’t rely on your armour to tank everything. Not getting hit is the most important thing. You’re not Kat.”

“Don’t I know it,” Ann chuckled. “It’d be nice to get hit and shrug it off like she does.”

“Not our lot. Oh, and with your Libido being a source of power, look out for skills that capitalise on it. Orenous wants you to get into risk-and-reward situations. I’ve got ideas about where that’s going, but that’s your decision. Don’t let the costs scare you from something that could be ridiculously powerful.”

“Ugh, yeah. Hope I get some way to lower that stat, but I doubt it.”

“Maybe lock it for a time? Dunno. Orenous will guide you. I had to make all my choices myself.”

“Can I ask what level you are?” Ann asked, perking up. It was something she’d meant to do, but it always felt like the wrong time.

“Uh, sec. Yup, two hundred forty-three. Still behind Polaris, but levels kinda stopped mattering after a point. Going from fifteen to twenty Strength is huge, but going from two hundred to two hundred and five? Barely noticeable.”

“So no diminishing returns on your stats?”

“Nah, at least not how I’m set up. Stats do stat things. Just I’ll be able to hit slightly harder. Take a hit a little better. Honestly, resources like Mind and your Libido are much more impactful later—more resources to use more skills. Don’t neglect those when you get choices. Alright, theoreticals are over. I’m bored. Let’s hit each other a little and we’ll say bye.”

Ann stood, falling easily into a stance Remmi had drilled into her over the past few weeks. Feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, weight centred, hands up covering any paths of attack. Under Remmi’s instruction, she didn’t make fists anymore. She could if she really needed to, but her strength was in her claws, so they’d settled on an open hand start. Since they couldn’t blunt her claws without it looking ridiculous, Ann just used her fingertips for anything that would be a stabbing or slashing attack. Remmi, to her credit, would adjust as if she were hit.

This was the dance they’d gotten into almost every morning. Remmi rushed forward in a blur of speed. Her torso leaned to the right. A windup for a right hook. Ann adjusted her stance to defend and capitalise on a counter. It was a feint. Remmi’s left hit Ann’s forearm with bruising force. She’d just barely blocked it.

Twisting her paws, she shoved the fist to her side and lunged with her right. Tightening her hand into a knife, she drove it forward into Remmi’s shoulder.

Remmi grabbed the arm that had defended and pulled Ann off balance. A swift kick to her legs, and Ann was sent tumbling. Dexterity, along with being way too used to getting tossed around, allowed Ann to tuck into a roll and gain her feet again.

Remmi was already on her—no time to breathe. Two more hits impacted Ann’s defences, then her trainer was gone. Pain bloomed in her back as another hit drove into her. She’d never seen Remmi move that fast.

Growling, Ann stomped down on one of Remmi’s feet, and twisted her core. What was a high back kick turned into a leg lock that pulled Remmi to the side by her neck. Ann went with the momentum, landing on her knees with Remmi’s neck under her left thigh and legs under her right shin. Ann threw a few more stabbing strikes at Remmi’s exposed side before she was thrown bodily off.

Ann hit the wall hard, bounced, and landed on her paws. Gasping for the breath that had been driven out of her, she was just barely able to avoid the next strike that came at her face. Somehow, she still felt the impact on her cheek. Remmi was using some of her skills. Ann hadn’t seen nearly all of them, but her teacher had started to mix them in over the past week. Something about needing to know how not fight fair: Ann was allowed to retaliate in kind once Remmi started.

Dropping into a boxer’s stance, Ann weaved through the next few jabs from Remmi before starting her own offence. One jab left. Two right. Feint a third right. Twisting her whole body, she drove a fist into Remmi’s exposed side. Smite of Orenous flashed purple with the strike, leaving a burn mark behind. Ann didn’t let up. She tried another tripping manoeuvre, but Remmi hopped over her leg. There wasn’t time to think as a two-handed strike flew downward at Ann’s head.

Dodge. She had to dodge! Ann let her upper body go limp, and her legs launched her backwards. Acrobatics had become a decent part of their training, mainly because Ann would need to fight larger creatures than a human. She tumbled gracefully, her insane flexibility allowing her to bend in half backwards, then get her legs down before she ate shit. Remmi’s strike hit the floor, cracking it slightly. The fighter wasn’t done, though. She shoved forward with her shoulder. It knocked Ann back a step, then those same two hands raced towards her chin.

Ann just went with the shove, letting her body get pushed further back and out of the way of the strike. One of Remmi’s most frequent lessons was to let your opponent make mistakes. Let them hang themselves. Remmi’s arms were flung high as she followed through. Ann planted her right paw behind her and stepped in with a punch to the chest. Another Smite flashed across Remmi’s chest. The smell of burning cloth filled Ann’s nose. She grabbed the edges of the burnt hole and hauled Remmi forward. The woman was still human, so lifting her wasn’t impossible. If she stuck her feet in the ground, maybe. She’d done that before.

Remmi tumbled on the ground and got up backwards. Ann threw a punch at her unprotected back, wanting to take advantage of Rogues Do It From Behind. Remmi’s arm twisted in an unnatural way and caught her hand. Calmly, the woman stood and turned to face Ann, twisting her hand as she did. Pain blossomed through Ann’s wrist, shoulder, and elbow as they were locked, then forced further. Her body arched instinctively, and she did a little sideways flip to release the pressure. Remmi, expecting that, had already levelled a kick at where she’d land. Once again, the air was knocked from Ann’s lungs as she flew into a wall.

“Yield!” Ann cried, gasping for breath as she held a hand up.

Remmi pulled up short, fist raised, then nodded. “Good fight, Ann.”

“I know you’re still holding back.”

“Well, duh. I don’t want to kill my first student. Gotta make a case for why it’s a terrible idea to learn from me,” Remmi laughed, then helped Ann stand. “Seriously? I’m gonna miss this. Didn’t think teaching someone could be so fun.”

“You just like it ‘cause you could kick the crap out of me.”

“And did I hear any complaining?”

“Nope!”

They exchanged a grin. Both of them had a touch of battle craze in them. Remmi might have a lot more than she was showing.

“Shit, c’mere, kid,” Remmi said, opening her arms.

Ann hesitated.

“Promise it’s not a trap,” Remmi sighed, rolling her eyes.

Ann, still wary, accepted the embrace. Thankfully, Remmi was telling the truth this time. The hug was still bone crushingly tight. Several pops came from Ann’s back before her teacher was satisfied and released her.

“Damnit. I’m gonna miss this too,” Ann laughed through the pain. “Thanks for getting me ready for how I’ve gotta live my life.”

“Just remember the lessons and drills, keep practising, and get creative. You’re going far. I know it. Now get out of here before I kick your ass again. I don’t have healing potions on me today.”

Ann scrambled to the door, bursting out as maniacal laughter followed her.