The meerkat girl - dressed in shorts, a vest, and a short-sleeved shirt - wiped her forehead as she stalked through the jungle.
Amber loved the vest: It had enough pockets for all her various objects - notepads, writing utensils, recorders, and cameras - for an article she was writing about the small tropical island nation of Safilr: a heavily sanctioned country quite hostile to journalists.
The island was undergoing a historic event. For the first time in decades, an actual election was taking place. For years, the thylacine President - General Theolin - had ruled with an iron fist and all manner of political rivals had been met with ‘accidents’ or locked up never to be seen again.
Finally, though, someone was able to challenge the old marsupial and live: An old, charming, and wealthy dingo - Dr. Andrew “the Professor” Landis, PhD.
But Amber wasn’t just there to cover an election: she was following a lead.
According to an old contact of Amber’s, a large company had been using
The sign on the shop read:
‘Mystical Madame Mandy: Psychic Readings by Appointment’. A large neon eye was glowing above with huge wooden hands shimmying to and fro alongside.
Amber - ace meerkat reporter - snapped a photo of the storefront in a little strip mall in the north side of town. She had just photographed an elderly mink walking out of the subject’s shop. Amber vaguely recognized her as an heir to a steel works fortune.
The storefront was part of a strip mall close to the other shopping centers and next to a grocer, of all things. It was surprising that a successful con artist would choose such a place, but faux modesty probably went a long way in swindling people.
“She told me misfortune was following me,” The old hare woman had said when Amber interviewed her. “A-and she could help cleanse the negative energies in my life.”
“You believed her?”
“Yes: It made so much sense. My car had been repossessed, my septic tank had failed, then there was the tree that fell
Kashikoi: The Errant Parcel PT1 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Kashikoi: The Errant Parcel PT1
A Routine Delivery
The hover bike jumped a hill as the courier giggled in joy. She shot far into the air before settling back just over the dusty lands, plumes of dust plummeting around her.
The dust was heavy in the air, the lands scorched by the weapons of a long-forgotten war. Survival in the wasteland was a harsh and difficult existence for most.
She looked behind her at the rest of the expedition struggling to catch up: A water tanker, and a squad of the Baron’s house troops stumbled forward armed with blaster rifles.
“Hurry up guys! The digsite needs that water!” She called back at the group, her long dark cat’s tail flicked as she watched the group draw closer.
“Why is she in charge, Lenzar?” One of the full human house troopers grumbled.
“She’s ‘in charge’ in name only, Yato,” the other trooper replied, his foxtail swishing behind him, his helmet covering his fox ears. “Even if she is the Baron’s best courier. Just deal with her antics for now.”
“She had to be knocked
Kashikoi: The Errant Parcel PT3 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Kashikoi: The Errant Parcel PT3
Miss Terious
Kashi slumped against the wall of a teahouse, folded her arms, and sulked. “I need help tracking that spy down.” The neko pricked her ears forward, “Oh! Maybe there’s more pockets in this big coat!”
Kashikoi again rifled through the rat’s coat pockets. Soon, her fingers fumbled into a bit of paper: A receipt.
“Tellcen’s laundry services! I’ll just go there and inquire about this spy girl. I’m so smart!”
Straightening up in confidence and pushing herself off the wall, Kashikoi retraced her steps to her hoverbike, her tail swishing behind her. The courier knew every inch of the floating city: from the gleaming areas that flaunted wealth to the seedy underbelly that was almost as dangerous as - or more dangerous than - the wastelands far below.
The engine whined as Kashi gunned the throttle of her vehicle, the wind blowing her dyed hair, the clouds were giving the city a foggy sheen in the twilight lighting, her bike's beam barely cutting through the thick vapors.
As
Red's Tales: The Treasure of Caligula PT3 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Red's Tales: The Treasure of Caligula PT3
The flight started uneventful as they flew in silence. Occasionally the vessel hit some turbulence as they passed through a lightning storm, but the ship held together despite its rundown appearance and the squeaky noises.
It all changed as Hermes spoke. “Strange.”
“What is it,” Red asked.
“I got two ships on an intercept approach, military class gunships.”
Red parted her ears, “I don’t like the sound of that.”
Hermes grabbed his radio, “Control, I’ve got two gunships incoming. Any aerospace guard activities here?”
Hermes frowned, “I’m being jammed. That’s definitely not friendly.”
“It’s the mercenaries,” Ben cried out.
Hermes increased speed, “Let’s see them follow me into that sandstorm.”
Red gazed through the glass of the cockpit to see a swirling wall of sand looming before them. Behind, two craft with more firepower were pursuing them.
There was a rapid beeping sound from the cockpit and Hermes cursed.
“They’re going for a missile lock! Deploying countermeasures.”
The
Red's Tales: The Treasure of Caligula PT2 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Red's Tales: The Treasure of Caligula PT2
“Time to get up.”
Red’s voice stirred Ben from his rest. He opened his eyes to find her standing by the couch; she was fully dressed and equipped. Red wore her khaki coat with the sleeves rolled up, shorts and a tank top, with boots on her feet. Her long rifle was slung over her shoulder. She also had her Daedalian blade, the short curved chopping sword of her people on her hip, and at her thigh was her lampreytooth dagger.
“Right,” Ben said as he pulled his boots on.
Ben’s stomach growled.
Red chuckled, “Come on, I’ll buy you breakfast.”
There was a roll of thunder in the distance. The storm was still too far away to be of concern and gave enough time for them to grab a bite to eat.
They took Red’s buggy to Robert’s Cantina. Once inside, they stowed their long guns and settled into a booth, where they ordered speckled eggs and juice.
“So where are we going after this,” Ben asked.
“Somewhere to see if that beacon even functions,” Red responded.
Ben nodded. The two companions
Draknor: The Curse of Agratta PT4-4 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Draknor: The Curse of Agratta PT4-4
Draknor strode through the twisting cavern tunnels, sword at the ready, Ylla trailed behind him with a torch.
“Feels like we’ve been walking for miles.” Ylla noted.
“We have.” Draknor replied.
Ylla quickened her step to stand closer to Draknor, fearing being left behind.
“I was expecting more guards or priests.” Ylla admitted.
“We are near its domain now,” Draknor grunted. “Tologroth lies ahead. It feels no need for guards.”
Ylla glanced nervously into the dark, though she had excellent night vision even she could not see all that dwelled within the shadows.
“It took an army of dracoz to defeat those creatures last time, and their minions.”
“Yes, it did.” Draknor grunted.
“We are but two, and I am no warrior.”
“You are thinking this now? I told you not to come with me.”
Ylla raised her voice then, the same tone of voice she used to use on naughty pupils. It had been years since she had used that tone and it honestly felt right to use it again.
“If I hadn’t come
Yvette- Quest Days PT 3 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Yvette- Quest Days PT 3
Part of the Team
Yvette awoke to the sun coming through her blinds and a very persistent raven.
“Pay attention Yvette,” Cole cawed in a perfect imitation of Mr. S.
“I have the cheekiest familiar of them all,” Yvette groaned as she smooshed her pillow to her face. After a few seconds, a heavenly scent drifted towards Yvette’s nostrils as she got herself dressed for school; she came downstairs to find her dad had made pancakes.
“Pancakes for my champion,” he grinned.
Yvette scarfed the morsels down in gratitude before rushing out the door to the bus stop after a quick embrace. The other bus riders all seemed to stare at Yvette, most offered her wishes of good luck or support. Yvette smiled and nodded politely, still in shock over the situation.
A dwarf griffin and a hawk were fighting over a squirrel carcass as Yvette made it to school. She hoped it wasn’t some kind of obscure ill omen to witness such a thing. As Estrella talked the young witch’s ear off about a musician she liked,
Yvette: Quest Days PT1 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Yvette: Quest Days PT1
Meeting a Challenge
Yvette woke up to a raven pecking her forehead softly.
“Up, up, up!” The raven called.
The freckled brunette brushed the bird aside as she groaned and sat up in her bed, She glanced at her clock, two minutes before her alarm.
“Cole, why can’t you let me sleep two more minutes?”
“Morning time,” Cole squawked in her face.
The teen girl moaned. “Lunaday, first of the week. I hate it.”
Yvette quickly showered before changing into a button-down blue blouse and plaid skirt. Past the black-and-white photos and down the stairs she plodded with Cole perched atop her shoulder. The kitchen was silent and empty, the dining table bare save for a note from her dad.
Pumpkin,
Going in early to the station for inspections. You’re on your own for breakfast. Have a good day at school, my witchy daughter.
-Your mortal father.
Yvette shrugged as she slapped herself a PB&J together. She and her father survived off peanut butter and jelly it seemed. The house had been without
Yvette: Quest Days PT 7-7 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Yvette: Quest Days PT 7-7
Revelations
The trees were alive; this was no illusion. Somehow, the trees had become animated; their branches swinging, grasping for the champions. The group ducked and ran as the branches swept for them.
“How are we supposed to defeat the forest,” Arith asked.
“We don’t,” Yvette yelled. “We run!”
It was doubtful that even Hrothgar’s axes would prevail against the mass of hostile branches and Yvette didn’t wish to risk a forest fire with a fireball. So, they ran and didn’t stop until they found themselves in a different part of the woods.
The team was gulping in air, exhausted, as they looked up. Wooden platforms hung among the trees connected by rope courses, with more ropes hung down from the trees. A hawk soared overhead, dropping a rolled up piece of parchment which Arith quickly caught, unrolled, and read aloud.
“In this place, you will find a key to enter the manor ahead. Though there are other ways to enter, the key will be the easiest by far.”
“I sssay we pressss on,”
Draknor: The Curse of Agratta PT3 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Draknor: The Curse of Agratta PT3
(Warning! First half of this chapter contains our protagonists getting hurt and tortured in a brutal fashion, but second half will be him getting his just desserts)
The days slipped by and the castles mood became more festive than ever before, the day had come. Thurn was dressed in his best robes, a splendid sword at his side. His captain of the guards smirked as he had Draknor’s sword resting on his shoulder marveling at the size and heft of the blade, and the excellent craftsmanship.
Ylla was in attendance with the rest of the serving girls, she had dreaded this day. She hated these days, the time of sacrifice where some poor soul wound be presented to their dark god as a sacrifice. It was always a terrible sight to see the sacrifice, their screams, the blood. Ylla did her best to not look to turn her attention to serving refreshments.
The food was laid out, the court was in full attendance to receive the blessing of wealth and good fortune that would come from their
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT9-9 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT9-9
The Final Battle
Takeshi’s footsteps echoed in the cave as he walked, a sickly green light grew steadily brighter as he moved toward it. On a pedestal in pristine shape was the cursed blade of Miyashi. Takeshi huffed as he grabbed the katana. It was a work of art by the tsuka and tsuba alone. Rayskin made up the grip with bits of copper shining through the weave. The tsuba was not overly elegant but was a dark finished metal.
Even though the sword was within its saya, Takeshi could hear it whispering promises to him, “Free me. Free me and we shall be unstoppable. Every foe shall fall before our might.”
“Your price is too steep,” Takeshi retorted.
Though part of him longed to draw the blade, they were facing an army soon. Would he not need every advantage he could take? Takeshi placed his hand on the tsuka and the sword seemed to purr in eagerness, the saya rattled as the sword quivered in anticipation. Longing to be free, longing for blood and souls.
“No!” Takeshi yelled as he
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT8 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT8
Guardian of The Sword
The disadvantage of having an army was how long it took to traverse terrain that a smaller party could cover. That was why all armies had scouts, and the shogun's army was no exception. The mountains were rightfully feared, making the job of being a scout more dangerous.
“An oni, a dead one,” the scout had reported to the shogun.
The shogun had wanted to see it for himself.
“A minor oni. Seems he took a tumble down the mountain.”
The scout bowed, “Look closer my lord.”
The shogun frowned, “Broken arrow shafts. Tanaka, you old fool. You actually sent your pawns to fetch it for you.” He turned back to the scout. “Back to your work, I shall tell the paymaster to increase your wage.”
The scout bowed.
“Be wary, it seems we’re not the only ones in search of our prize.”
The shogun looked around before telling his bodyguards to remain put. Crossing to the shadows cast by the rocks he spoke.
“It seems your playmates are ahead of us. Continue to stay
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT6 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT6
Denizens of the Mountain
It was late morning, or so, Takeshi surmised from the position of the sun. They had been traveling since the early part of dawn, their path steadily growing steeper while rocks and boulders became more common amongst the grass. Takeshi’s wounds were healing nicely thanks to Narita’s skills. The ronin’s face betrayed no hint of any emotion as he trekked.
Of his confrontation with the Shinobi he had said but one thing and then never again.
“I hope our paths cross once more.”
Now Takeshi led the way, hand never straying far from his katana. Decius followed behind the sellsword’s eyes roaming across the new countryside in curiosity as they traveled. Behind him was Satsu, her naginata alternating from being carried or laying just over her shoulder.
“You never cease to impress,” Decius called to her.
“Why do you speak to me?” Satsu grunted.
“I was only going to compliment you.”
Satsu scoffed, “Your flattery is not needed.”
“No, no, I just wanted to tell you
Yvette: Quest Days PT5 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Yvette: Quest Days PT5
Trials
Yvette had her face set into a grim visage as she stalked her way through the sidelines, oblivious to the chanting cheerleaders and cheering crowd. In the arena’s center, the sword bouts had begun. Sellem’s champion was facing off against Priscillia’s.
Priscillia’s fae fencer lunged with her epee at the human male cadet who parried expertly with his gymnasium saber before making a counter swipe for the girl - who disengaged and feinted a high thrust, and then went low.
Yvette found Rook easily enough. He was distancing himself from the rest of the champions of Brumbridge, his ferret perched on his shoulder.
“Rook,” Yvette said sternly.
“Ah, Yvette, yes? Everything alright?”
She leveled her gaze on the warlock. “I’m going to give you this one chance to come clean, Rook.”
Rook frowned. “Come clean? What are you talking about?”
“Fightersbane. In those drinks you dropped off.”
Rook looked astonished. “What? I would never stoop that low. You’re seriously going to accuse me
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT2 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT2
Pirates and Storms
It was near sunset as the pirate dhow overtook the ship. The decks of the pirate vessel were crammed full of various scallywags all baying for loot and blood.
“Shove off! I have nothing valuable aboard,” the captain roared at them.
“We’ll take the ship then!” The pirates answered as slings, bows, and crossbows were loosed upon the ship.
One sailor went down with a crossbow bolt in his chest, another fell overboard having been struck in the head by a sling’s bullet. For the ship’s part, they had a good number of men who were excellent javelin throwers. They hurled their missiles at the pirate vessel and were rewarded with screams of pain. Some of the crew had crossbows of their own which they loosed bolts and stones from. Every pirate killed or wounded would be one less boarding them.
As the battle raged on, grappling hooks were tossed upon the ship, too many to cut away as the vessels were now alongside each other and the pirates began to clamber aboard. It was
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT5 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT5
Night Raid
Darkness was quickly creeping its way across the lands. Fireflies flitted about as the crickets sang their songs. The home was peaceful and silent, the calm before the harrowing journey that lay ahead.
Takeshi was taking another draught of tea before he would make himself ready for bed. As always the wandering swordsman’s face seemed impassive, though within he had a vortex of thoughts.
“May I join you.”
It was Lord Tanaka also with a cup of tea.
Takeshi inclined his head and the old warrior joined him at the tea table.
“Is it a painful homecoming,” Tanaka asked.
Takeshi shrugged, “I do not dwell in the past, only the road I am traveling on. One can not change the past, thus thinking about it is pointless.”
Tanaka grunted, “True, but the past has a way of coming back.”
“Then I will deal with it as it comes.”
Tanaka smiled, “I see you are at peace with yourself then.”
“I accept myself as I am, the only thing I wish to improve upon is my prowess.”
The older
Two Steps From Hell - Memories - YouTube
Queen Rejita, the newly-crowned ruler of Daedalia, strode through one of the halls of the palace. She was in the traditional garb of her people: a green sari-and-skirt combination, with her furred stomach bare except for a gold belly chain encircling her. Brilliant red fur gleamed in the light of the palace. Her long pointed canine ears seemed to constantly twitch, her tail swished behind her.
Visiting humans often compared Daedalians to jackals. Indeed they did resemble the Earth animal, but Daedalians didn’t care much for that comparison.
Today was a special day. Rejita had no pressing duties - a rarity. She aimed to make the most of it. Yesterday she had attended a ceremony for the opening of a brand new hospital and the queen had cut the velvet rope with her own blade.
It did her soul good to see her homeworld rebuilding after such a long period of war and occupation of the Sh’ra.
Even now, years after the war's conclusion, scars
Yvette: Quest Days PT2 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Yvette: Quest Days PT2
DarkLash
“I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do,” Principle Rania declared serenely.
The elf woman gazed at Yvette from behind her desk. Like most elves she hardly looked her age, long dark hair pinned back and luscious pale skin. Not bad for someone over six hundred.
Yvette looked crestfallen. “But Ms. Rania, I never meant to displace the school champion! I don’t even want to be the magic champion.”
Rania sighed. “It’s far too late for that now Yvette. You fought him and defeated him, thus he was shown to be unworthy. Whether you want it or not, you are now Normalton Academy’s magic champion for this year’s Quest Days.”
Yvette bit her lip. “Surely there’s something your magic can do.”
Rania shook her head. “The mark on your hand shows the school itself has chosen you as its champion. I cannot interfere, this is an old magic from the very foundation of this school. So tomorrow, report to Coach Chiros after school.”
A last desperate thought entered Yvette’s mind. “Could I give it
Kashikoi: The Errant Parcel PT4-4 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Kashikoi: The Errant Parcel PT4-4
The Finale
Complete darkness and silence... except for the engine turning over. Some feeling was returning to Kashi’s body, she could feel other objects pressed against her, all manner of junk. Far too dark to see what they were as she could feel the vehicle gliding away, further and further from safety.
Panic was rising in the neko’s mind, she was trapped, and restrained, a gag in her mouth. She wanted out! She took in a breath and calmed herself: At least her eyes were adjusting to the darkness.
Kashi had recovered enough to squirm around. There was a tool box of some sort. Rattling next to her was an empty bottle and she felt the soft touch of what must have been some old rags that stunk of grease. The neko flipped over on her stomach and felt something metal near the trunk. Her eyes were still adjusting, so it was hard to discern but it seemed to be a part of the vehicle.
Banging her head against the ceiling and contorting her muscles in ways her body didn’t like, Kashikoi
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT7 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Two Swords: The Cursed Blade PT7
Night On The Mountain
The sanctuary was warm against the cold mountain nights, and more importantly healing waters had been stocked up which the battered adventurers greatly appreciated. Takeshi especially. Bowls filled with a strong broth warmed the bones, though none thought to question their bakeneko host where the meat came from, or what it had been in life. All were afraid of the answer the feline would give.
“A rat the size of a human you say,” Tora asked.
“Yes,” Decius replied.
“Wielding an axe,” Tora continued his questioning.
“Correct.”
“And you fought this pirate rat?”
Decius nodded.
Tora waved his paw about, “Preposterous, you are lying. Rats the size of humans, ridiculous.”
Decius scowled, “Think what you want cat. It’s true.”
Takeshi was already testing his sword arm as Satsu sharpened the blade of her naginata. Narita caught Satsu’s eye as she sat next to her adoptive sister.
“You’re certain Lord Tanaka sent you on this quest?” Satsu asked.
Narita rolled her
The Cursed Blade: Epilogue by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
The Cursed Blade: Epilogue
Epilogue
The trip back down the mountain was far less eventful than the trip up, but it felt far longer. The cursed blade continued to whisper its false promises to all but Decius. The denizens of the mountain seemed to avoid the travelers, perhaps they could sense the curse and wanted nothing to do with it.
Even Tora seemed less hospitable than last time, despite his expressed happiness that they had not died.
Decius carried the sword wrapped in fabrics. To him it seemed to weigh more than it should have, but he was the best choice to carry the blade.
At long last they returned to the villa of Tanaka.
“Home,” Narita sighed at the sight.
Decius smiled at her, “You’ve completed a quest. You’re definitely not a tenderfoot now after everything we went through.”
She looked back at him.
“Thank you. But I think I’ve had quite enough with adventuring. It’s not what I thought it would be at all.”
Takeshi grunted, “Perhaps that is for the best. It’s not glamorous.”
Lord Tanaka was
Echoes of the Void PT1 by MercenaryBlade, literature
Literature
Echoes of the Void PT1
New York City is a giant place, and even a lifer like me can still find somewhere that they’ve never been to.
A divebar tucked away among more established businesses was a dime a dozen: a place to go to meet people who were hard to meet, although I usually insist they meet me at my office.
I hoped the food was good, I was craving burger sliders.
Introductions are in order I suppose. The name’s Snickertooth - Skreet Snickertooth. I’m a private eye.
...Also a rat if you really must know.
I had received a phone call from some dame named Ruby, claiming she needed my help and would go into greater detail in person.
I shoved my way through the glass door into the smoky bar room. A jukebox playing, laughter from a few beasts who had had a bit too much in the corner, silverware clinking on plates... Surprisingly there wasn’t cigarette smoke but the scent of alcohol and food clinging to the air instead.
I scanned the bar for my contact, I saw a pair of rats were playing on the
Farah moved silently through the tunnels. While the caverns made a good hideout there were only so many torches that could light the way. Farah used the dim lighting and cave formations to her advantage to avoid the Hornets. The cave was filled with loot: barrels of provisions lined the walls and piles of currency and jewelry lay strewn about.
“They have been doing well for themselves,” Farah remarked as she came to a tunnel.
A large badger loomed out of the gloom walking in the opposite direction and Farah found herself with nowhere to hide and too far in to double back and avoid him. Farah leaned against the wall in a nonchalant manner and smirked as the badger passed her, his eyes barely perceiving her before he moved on. The badger continued forward until he stopped and turned.
“Wait a minute...”
But the ferret was nowhere to be seen. The bandit scratched at his head as if considering if he should investigate or what he had seen was but a trick of the eyes. Finally, he