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Nile, Princess of Guarude

It was... rather cool today. 98 degrees Fahrenheit? Nyeh heh... that's cool. Very cool.

For as far as the eye can see, there was nothing but sand. It shimmered a golden color, sweeping along the ground and through the air as the wind billowed. Above, there were endless blue skies with white clouds dotted here and there... along with the relentless, overbearing sun. It was a landscape that stretched on for what could only be described as an eternity. Endless sands, broken only by hills and valleys of more sand, and occasional structures of a forgotten origin.

That is until she appears...

Wind blew along her face as she traveled through the desert fields atop her steed. Though... calling it a 'steed' may not be entirely accurate. Normally when one speaks of a 'noble steed', they talk of a horse, or something to that affect. But that's not what she was currently riding on.

It was a reptilian creature, on that was as large as a horse, though it ran on two legs as oppose to four. Their scales came in a variety of colors, though hers were a pitch black. It scurried through the desert sands at a great speed, its chest hunkered close to the ground, all while her hands remained steady on its reins.

Her hands...

The woman who rode upon this reptilian creature remained mostly obscured, for on her body was a white cloak. It helped protect her from the relentless heat and wind of the desert around her, but there were still attributes visible through its translucent surface. From the silhouette that was cast upon her cloak, one could tell that she was a powerful though lithe woman. But that's all they'd be able to see.

Her father and their many servants would often tell her the dangers of her desert. How it was unwise to venture out into them, less one desires to be forever lost within its expansive sands. Doubly so after a sandstorm, for there is no telling when another storm may occur.

She... often ignored such cries.

To her, the best time to adventure out into the desert was when the storms occurred. Whenever the sands had been peeled from the ground, many treasures were often unveiled. Her home – her kingdom – was rich with history, both known and unknown. Many of which had been lost to time, so uncovering it never failed to delight her. Besides, who could turn down the chance of collecting gold?

Many would say her antics were unbecoming of someone in her station, and at times, she would agree. But for as elegant and regal as she could be, within her chest beat the heart of an adventurer. She yearned to see distant lands, having spent almost every waking hour of her life within the protective hull of her kingdom. And while it was a beautiful place filled with everything she could ever want in life, it was all so very... familiar.

But alas, such is her life. As much as she'd love to see what laid beyond the sands of her home, her duty was steadfast. So for now, adventures in the desert it would be. But, hey, it's not too bad; she had done this many, many times.

And many, many times before, she often found many amazing things to take home with her. But Today? Today...

“RRAAAAAKKK!!!"

Pulling on the reins of her beast, the woman brought it to a halt. It stood on its hind legs, being soothed by its owner as she gently brushed her hand along its curved snout. Sitting up straight, the woman grabbed her cloak by its hood and pulled it down, revealing... the ears of a feline.

The woman's nose pointed to the skies, where she sniffed it a few times. Curious... the wind carried with it a peculiar scent this morning, one she was all too familiar with. Whenever that smell struck her nose, it meant that somewhere in this expansive and endless desert, a storm had occurred.

A grin formed on her lips.

…

Welcome to Gu---os

Or...

'Welcome to Guarpos' is what the sign is supposed to say. Years of age and erosion had warped it, however.

In the year 894, the desert kingdom of Guarude and the neighboring nation Kelpos, came together. It was discovered that the Niburu River – the river that bordered the two countries – was rich with minerals. Metals of all kind could be located along its edge, from unrefined ores, to rarer elements. And, yes, more than just a few bits of gold.

When this was discovered, the countries decided to mine the land and discover exactly what laid within. Of course, there was plenty of arguments as to who actually owned the metals. While Niburu River bordered their countries, it was always seen as a Guarudian locale, and thus was argued that all minerals found within belonged to it and its people.

However, instead of building animosity between them and their neighbor, the ruler of Guarude at the time – Pharaoh Shadi – decided to build rapport with the ruler of Kelpos, Czar Ptolemy. Together, they would created factories at the mouth of Niburu River, ones that their people would operate together, where they'd mine the river of its ore. With a 50-50 split, the two kingdoms would share these metals, and come closer as a result.

Thus Outpost Guarude-Kelpos was born. Its name was quickly replaced with the far more beloved 'Guarpos'.

Guarpos would operate for ten years, where it would steadily increase in side. What once was one factory became two, became three, became five, became seven. All with the 'imaginative' names of Guarpos #1, Guarpos #2, Guarpos #3, and so on, and so forth. These factories would be staffed with hundreds of people at a time, all working to strip the land of the riches that laid within.

When there was but one factory, that was all that was needed. Within its walls would be contained sleeping quarters and a mess hall so that its workers would never be too far from work. But as the factories grew in number, so too did the area surrounding them. Guarpos was only meant to be an outpost for work, but it soon grew large enough to have a proper housing system, with its own metropolitan area containing things like restaurants and stores. A location only meant for work, became a place where people could live.

But... that was well over thirty years ago. If one were to go through Guarpos now (which is a frequent occurrence as it's one of the best ways to enter and exit Guarude), then all they'd be greeted with is a ghost town.

“And that's when I said 'Listen, Bitch, I ain't pay you to talk, I paid you to get to fuckin' work!'"

Although... he'd probably prefer the company of ghosts to his...

Through the abandoned and sandy roads of Guarpos, a caravan could be spotted. Its steam engine pumped furiously, filling the air with noxious fumes as its wheels turned steadily. At the front was its driver's seat, from which the owner of the vehicle – this portly man with a cigar bigger than a thumb – sat. At the back was the caravan itself: this large structure that jumped and jostled with the large number of items contained within. Couldn't this guy even bother with tying these things down? Some kind of merchant he is!

When traveling through the world as a seller of various wares, it is important that one has the protection needed to survive. While most countries were civilized places where law and order were paramount, that did not mean bandits and thieves no longer existed! There were still plenty of places where they hid within shadows, waiting to attack unsuspecting victims. And with the distance between Guarude and Kelpos being so great with few settlements between them, having protection is even more important!

That's where he comes in... though he'd rather be anywhere but here...

“Hey! Ya hear me back there, Legato!?" shouted the driver

“Gggghgh... how could I not..." a young man whispered back.

He sat on the back of the caravan, one leg rested on the other as he reclined against the wall behind him. A young man, he was somewhere in his early twenties, but no older than 24. His body was tall and sleek, with this lithe musculature that made it clear he was someone who was active more often than not. With his figure being so spry and athletic, he had a physique reminiscent of an archer.

From his head fell messy brown hair, one that could be as bright as wood in some lights, while as black as the night in others. His eyes too were brown, while also being sharp and serious, giving him a no-nonsense kind of air. With his serious face that looked both bored and annoyed, he didn't really give off an approachable air.

Maybe that was the point...

He was a dangerous looking man, and no, not because of his face... though that helped. No, he was dangerous because of the tools he cared with him. Around his waist was tied this belt, one that contained a wide number of pouches which themselves held... who knows what within. Uniquely, on his right arm was a gauntlet, one that was black in color and sharp in certain areas. It matched with the dangerous obsidian rifle that rested at his side.

As well as the jet-black cloak he had on his shoulders.

It was long and wispy, a hood that could both obscure his face if need be, while containing a variety of items and objects within. The only problem with it was the fact that, ya'know, it was black, and he was heading into a desert land.

Not the wisest decision he's made in life...

His name was Legato Corvus, a mercenary... and a rather skillful one at that. For the right price, he'd do a lot of things, from professional hits, to aid in battle, and plenty of things in between. But for this job... he was really beginning to wonder if the coin he'd get for it was worth the headache.

The answer is 'no', by the way...

“Aaaannnyyyywaaay! That's when I take the nearest thing I can, which was a mug by the way! And I'm about to lob it at 'em, when this big fucking horseman comes it out of fuckin' nowhere!"

“Oh gods..."

Palming his face, Legato groaned into his palm as the merchant continued with his story. And, really, calling it a 'story' was a bit too generous. It was more like a long, endless stream of rambling nonsense. Yes, he had been hired to protect this fat fool, but did he really have to talk during it all? Silence would be preferable.

As the merchant continued his 'tale', the mercenary's eyes would wonder. He couldn't sleep well with the engine of this caravan going, and of course, no amount of ignoring him would stop the merchant from talking. So he either listened and went insane, or he looked for something else to escape this situation. And that 'something else' would be their surroundings.

Guarpos was a modest town, one with rusted metal buildings that were contained along the sides of Niburu River. Having been abandoned for a few decades now, nature had already started reclaiming it. Vines were growing through various structures, even going so far as to uproot the pavement of the roads and sidewalks. As they passed what he assumed was the town's square, Legato swept his eyes along the assortment of businesses that once were in operation here.

Stores, restaurants, even a theater from which live shows were performed, could all be seen here. All of them were just as derelict and as abandoned as the rest of the town, with shattered glass, crumbling ceilings, and vandalized structures. And in the distance, one could hear the waters of Niburu River flowing.

There were seven factories that once were in operation here. Three would sit on the side of Guarude, and three would sit on the side of Kelpos. Those would be Guarpos numbers 2 through 7. That left Guarpos #1, which was the first factory, and the largest. When it was created, it was going to be the only factory to work within, so to prove the union of both kingdoms, it would also bridge them. Thus, Guarpos #1 was a factory large enough to bridge the gap between both Kelpos and Guarude as it hung over Niburu River entirely.

The factory was visible from all areas of the ghost town, even here. Looking up, Legato gazed at the structure. Like the rest of the city, Guarpos #1 was marred by the ravages of time, with its walls rusted, crumbling, and steadily being reclaimed by nature. But due to its greater size, it felt so... melancholic.

Klklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklkl!!!

“Huh...?"

“Huuhh!? Didja say somethin' back there, Legato?"

“Ggghh... no... I did not..." he muttered in annoyance.

Getting up from his seat, Legato grabbed his rifle and readied it in his hands. To the confusion of the merchant, he rushed ahead of him and his caravan, standing before him. The merchant came to a halt, even asking 'What's wrong?', though that fell on deaf ears to the mercenary. One does not work in this business for as long as he has without gaining an awareness for their surroundings.

“What is wrong, Legato!?" shouted the merchant.

“Will you shut it!?" he snapped back, “There's someone here..."

For a few moments, the area grew silent. All one could hear was the sound of wind whistling as it brushed along the jagged edges of the abandoned town around them. Legato remained stern however, glaring through the environment in search of what triggered those sounds he heard. It was like footsteps from a beast of some sort.

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKL!!!

And it was getting louder.

Legato looked to his left. Through holes and alleys between buildings, he saw a dust cloud being thrown up by rushing beasts. Gritting his teeth, the mercenary readied his rifle, sliding a few bullets into its chamber in preparation. He then flipped a switch, causing a glass sight to unfold from the top of the gun. Resting his rifle in his arms, he took aim down the road in front of him, readying himself for an attack. But...

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLK!!!

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKL!!!

KLKLKLklklklklkKLKLKLKLKlklklklklkLKLKL!!!

The sounds started echoing all around them, causing Legato to turn one way to the other and back again. It was all a cacophony, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly where the sounds were coming from. Ahead, to the sides, behind, above...

Wait... above?

“RRAAAAAAKKKK!!!"

SWIIISHH!!!

“What the!?"

Legato ducked down. Right above his head, leaping over objects forgotten to time, was this big, scaly, reptilian beast! It landed on the ground a few yards away from him, where it quickly spun around. On this beasts back was a man with a hood on, one that covered his face from the nose up.

But he was not alone...

“RAAAK!"

“GRAAAK!"

“KRRAAAAAKK!!!"

All around Legato, more of these reptilian beasts landed. This wasn't just one man, but a group of men! About four in number, they all road upon these scaly animals, wearing long white hoods to obscure vision of their faces and identities. And from the looks of it, even more were coming in the distance.

“What the hell?" growled Legato through gritted teeth.

“Welcome to Guarpos..." said one of the men before him, “Unless you wish harm to befall you and your caravan, drop your weapon now. We will not be long."

“Wh-what!? My caravan!?" shouted the merchant, “D-dammit, Legato! Take care of 'em! I ain't payin' you to just stand there!"

“Gghh... won't you be quiet for just a few moments?" muttered the mercenary under his breath, before he shifted his gaze back towards the men above him, “Hey! Gentleman! Is this any way to welcome people into your... ahem... 'humble' abode?"

“Times are getting rough," said the leader of this bandit troupe, “As you can tell, Guarpos is not in the... best of straits. So..." he shrugged his shoulders, “We do what we must. Please, do not feel anything personal about it. But we so rarely get merchants through these parts. Now then..." he extended his hand, “Put. Down. Your. Gun."

“You know I can't do that..." Legato growled beneath his chin.

“Heh..." the leader smiled, “I figured as much," he then pulled back on the reins of his reptilian beast, causing it to juke back, “You heard him men! Get to work!"

KLKLKLKLKLKKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLK!!!

All around him in this vicious circle, these bandits and their scaled beasts started circling around Legato and his client. It was one man against four, with more on the way; he needed to keep his cool, less he make some mistake. While these odds weren't in his favor, he had faced worse in his time and somehow managed to keep his life. He just needed to create an opening, and he knew exactly how to do it.

Legato raised his rifle... and pulled the trigger...

KER-POW!

With deadly accuracy, the muzzle of his rifle flashed through the dusty city, and a shimmering bullet was launched forward. It pierced air and sand, howling through the wind...

“GAAK!?"

And striking its target square in the shoulder.

One of the bandits was launched off his reptilian beast, where he fell on the ground and rolled to a halt. They were moving fast, but Legato was more than capable of pinpointing the location of his targets. He struck that man square in his chest, and the force of his bullet was so great, that he was knocked off his animal.

But that was just one; there were more coming! And now that he'd stricken, they were poised to strike back.

One of the bandits came rushing towards Legato. In his hand was a scimitar, one whose silver blade glimmered in the sunlight above. The mercenary was about to take aim, but he was not stupid. Behind him was another bandit, one who wielded a spear. In unison, the two struck at him in the same time...

Fwooosh!

But they missed.

Legato's black cloak blurred through the wind as he leaped well over their attacks. Landing safely some yards away, he quickly took aim, and pulled the trigger of his rifle.

KER-POW! KER-POW! KER-POW!

Three bullets flowed from his rifle with deadly, striking one of the bandits in the shoulder, the chest, and then the head. He tumbled off the back of his reptilian beast, which howled to the air, and then began scampering off. That left two more bandits... no... three more... no... six more!

What the hell!?

Legato's eyes grew wide and he gritted his teeth, watching as the gang constantly replenished its numbers. Just how many bandits were waiting in the walls of this ghost town!? The mercenary had energy to spare, but it wasn't endless! If he was going to escape this place alive, he was going to need more than just a good aim. He was going to need cunning too. Fortunately, he had plenty.

“Stay right there," Legato said to the merchant as he reached to one of the pouches around his hips, “I'll get us through--"

“FUCK THIS!!!"

“What!?"

Was it fear? Yes. Did it matter? No.

In the mass of confusion, the merchant slammed his foot down on the pedal of his caravan. The once sputtering and anemic engine suddenly began roaring with life and energy. Pumping steam at a furious degree, the merchant and his caravan peeled out through the group of people, forcing the gang of bandits to part... and leaving Legato in its wake!

The mercenary's mouth gaped. Honestly, he was more surprised that thing could move so fast, than he was at being abandoned.

But he was abandoned nonetheless, and left alone to the gang of bandits around him. The angry gang of bandits. He did kill two of their members so far, and had ruined their chance of getting their hands on goods. If they were only aiming to maim him before, they were going to kill him outright now! And they were bringing out the big guns.

RAT-POW!!!

Literally in this case.

A bullet penetrated the ground between his legs. Was it a warning shot? No. Whoever fired at him only missed because their beast jumped so much. Still, the next shot may not be so poor.

But, again, Legato has dealt with situations like this before. Reaching into his pouch of things, he grabbed a strange blue liquid that was contained in a circular, glass bottle, and then slammed it down.

KRAAACK! SPPLLLIIIIIISSSSHHHH"!!!

When the glass broke and the liquid was freed, a hazy mist of opaque gas was produced around Legato. It covered him from head to toe, blocking view of him from those outside. That didn't stop the bandits from rushing into the fog, their blades swinging in an attempt to strike the mercenary. Amid their confusion, the rifleman slipped his gun into his cloak... where it seemed to vanish. Freeing his arm up, he looked up through the fog and--

Fwaaah!

Leaped out of the shadows.

Landing in the windows of a nearby store, Legato quickly sprinted through it, making his escape. He vaulted over objects and cut through hallways, where he broke through to the other side. Just a few blocks away, he saw Guarpos' housing system. If he escaped there, maybe he could hide among them until the bandits ceased their chase.

Maybe...

Like a black blur, Legato zipped towards the houses, while he heard the bandits behind him. They already realized he had escaped during his gas bomb, and were on the chase once more. He could hear them and their reptilian beasts as they pounded through the town, searching for the mercenary. Before anyone could see him, Legato slipped among the buildings of the housing area, hiding within them.

Long ago, this place was a home to a family, one who worked at the once bustling factories. Now it was the home to bandits, thieves and murderers. Withdrawing his rifle from his cloak, Legato brandished it, while his eyes gazed through the shattered windows of these homes. He could see the bandits in the distance, circling the area in search of him. If he was going to escape this place, he was going to need to be smart and deft... and maybe have generous use of his potions.

First he was going to wait for an opening, then he was going to--

Shshshshshshshshshshshhs...!

“Wh-what?"

THTHTHTHTHTHHDDDD!!!

“GAAAH!?"

Nothing. He was going to do nothing.

Eyes wide, Legato watched as various objects around him were lifted into the air via an invisible force... including him. Pulled off his feet, he was yanked from the house he was hiding in and raised into the air like some pinata. Slowly, he was drawn forward, and no matter how much he struggled, this invisible force would not free him. But who caused it? Why was this happening?

Oh... because of her...

In front of him was a woman in a white cloak, one who wore a black mask on her face. It was a unique mask as it was shaped like a jackal, and had golden highlights running on its edges. Her hands were raised and her fingers were posed in a specific position, with glowing rings of light wrapped around her wrists. Cocking his head at her, Legato watched as the woman brought him closer and closer... before groaning in annoyance.

“A fucking mage?" he growled beneath his lips, “They had a fucking mage!? Dammit!"

The spellcaster brought Legato closer and closer... before releasing her magical might.

Thud!

“Ooof!? Aaaah..."

For a few moments he groaned on the ground, before shifting his gaze up towards the woman in front of her. With the mask on her face, he could not see who she was. But the indifferent frown on her lips made it clear that she thought lowly of him.

“Found you..." said the woman sarcastically.

“Yeah... nngh... I'm aware of that," Legato replied.

That was stupid of him. He underestimated this gang, thinking they were nothing more than bandits and thieves. Now he was face to face with a wizard, one with a surprising level of magical talent. She stood before him with one hand on her hip and the other hand held out towards him, ready to force her arcane abilities on him at any moment. If he was aware of her, he could have prepared a counterattack. This was not his first time dealing with a spellcaster, after all.

But with each passing second, the gang of thieves started increasing in numbers yet again. Now aware of where he was, the group converged upon the mercenary, joining their wizard as they circled around him.

“So... what? You're their leader?" asked Legato, to which the woman shrugged her shoulders.

“Maybe... maybe not," she replied, “Doesn't matter to you, not any more," she then snapped her fingers and pointed at him, “Safir. Remove his cloak. It has hammerspace within it. That's where most of his things are contained."

Damn. She was a good wizard if she was able to tell that from eyesight alone. And if Legato was thinking of being sneaky, she raised her hand, causing that invisible force to grip him again. His arms were forced above his head, allowing one of her bandits to walk over and remove his cloak from his person.

“Now what?" Legato growled through gritted teeth.

“Good question," the wizard replied, “Hmmm... oh...!" and a grin spread on her lips, “You just costed us a bit of penny with that escaping caravan, and I really don't like the fact that you shot some of my men. Sooooo..." she poked his nose, “We're gonna make you work, mercenary!"

“Oh? Really? Me?" he said, “Heh... are you sure about that? This may come as a shock, but I'm not too good at manual labor."

“Really? Nhhh... you will be once we're through with you," straightening away, she looked to the side, “Take him away. And if he tries anything funny, don't hesitate to kill--" Klklklklklklklk! “Him...? Hmm?"

Together, the spellcaster, her gang, and even Legato, all looked into the direction where they heard the pounding of feet. Another one of those reptilian creatures were coming, but this was not another member of this gang. This was someone else.

And that someone else...

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKL!!! KRRRRLLK!

Came to a stop before them.

It was a woman, one who wore a white cloak that covered her from head to toe. She road on the back of one of those reptilian creatures, one whose scales were as black as the night. However, the reins and saddle of it were all golden, giving this creature – and the woman – an air of majesty.

On the back of her beast, she stood before the gang and their captive, her white cloak flowing in the subtle wind of the ghost town. For several moments, no one said a word. The group of bandits could all only look at one another, confused by this woman's mysterious appearance. Was she with Legato? No! He didn't even know who she was!

But that didn't stop this woman from dismounting her beast, where she traveled her hand along its snout in a soothing manner. Shifting her gaze forward, she started walking up towards the group, before grabbing her hood and pulling it back.

Blue. Her hair was blue. Technically, the exact color is imperial blue, with its darker shade. In some lights, you could even mistake it for being black. Stylized in this sporty pixie cut, it was short. curly, came down just cheeks, and had a golden tiara resting in the center of it.

Her eyes were sharp and slender, seemingly fixed in an almost permanent glare. On the face of a human, it looked almost intense. But something about her was so... catlike. Yes, her black eyes were not the eyes of a human, but instead the eyes of a feline. Her lips too held this catlike bend to it, as they were curled into this soft smirk.

Catlike. He kept comparing this woman to a cat. Oh... that's because she didn't have the ears of a human, but the ears of a feline. This young woman was no human, at least, not 100% human. She was a beastkin: a class of humans who have animal-like attributes. Hers being that of a feline.

This young woman walked up towards the group, her white cloak covering her from the neck down. But even with it on, one didn't need to be told that she was a sporty and athletic girl. The cloak clung close to her, close enough to flaunt her tomboyish physique, with her rounded shoulders, her wide hips, her narrow midsection... and her bountiful chest.

This hoyden young woman gazed at the group of bandits and Legato trapped in the middle, giving this curious, almost nonchalant look. Then her eyes focused no the spellcaster, where her catlike smile grew in size.

“What's going on here?" she asked, “A party?"

The spellcaster was not enthused.

“For the love of..." she muttered with a roll of her eyes before pointing at the young woman, “Samuel. Handle her."

One of the bandits nodded, before walking over towards the girl in the distance. He was a large and burly man, one who stood taller than seven feet in height, and had the physique of a wall. He stood tall above the girl, his head cocked to one side. Despite coming face to face with this monolith of a man, the young woman cocked her head back, still smiling in a catlike manner.

“Are you Samuel?" she asked.

“I really hate to lay my hands on a woman," he said in a genuine manner, “But I cannot deny my mistress."

“Oh... how kind of you!" said the hoyden girl.

“Now please..."

This big man extended his hand, reaching down for the girl. She reached back, like a dainty noblewoman to her guide. Placing her hand into his, for a few short moments they remained that way... until the woman's once cheeky smile turned into a dangerous grin. Gripping hard on the man's hand, she caused his eyes to swell with surprise. Before he could retaliate, the young woman twisted his hand, causing his wrist to break with an audible 'SNAP!' She then put her foot between his legs and kicked him, knocking the man off his feet and tossing him to his side.

“Sobek! Run!" she shouted, causing her reptilian steed to straighten up.

Obeying the commands of its mistress, the mount rushed off for the distance, leaving her alone in its wake. While the group and Legato gazed at her in shock and confusion, the young woman grabbed her cloak, gripped it tight--

Fwwwooosh!

And tossed it off her body, revealing herself in full!

She was a powerful though lithe young woman, one whose flesh was as golden-brown as the sands she walked upon! Standing tall as she was now, she had shapely hips and thighs, a trim waistline, and this ever so buxom chest. There was even light musculature on her arms, legs and stomach! Yet she easily retained this feminine, beautiful, graceful, and – dare I say – divine body.

Her clothing helped highlight her physique, for it was incredibly light. This thin top that both covered and supported her bosom, with a dress that was open around the front, exposing her pelvis and feline tail... as well as the fact that she wasn't wearing shorts. Nor was she wearing panties. It seemed as if the only thing covering her crotch, was what could be compared to a metal, golden thong.

And 'gold' was certainly the word for it. She was wearing a lot of gold. She had this golden belt around her waist, just beneath her bosom in fact, which helped flaunt her figure. Around her neck was wrapped this golden necklace and choker which held up the top of her clothes. On her feet were golden boots that clanked against the ground. And lastly, around her wrists and forearms were these gold and blue gauntlets, ones that wings extending from them.

All of these golden details were immaculately carved, as if etched by a true artisan. On the body of this young woman, it helped to further elevate her as being someone who... wasn't normal. And as she approached the gang, showing not one hint of fear or apprehension, she proved herself as being someone...

Above...

And she wasn't even done yet.

The young woman extended her hands out before her. At her open palm, a bright, gilded light suddenly formed. With every passing second, the light grew thicker and thicker, where it formed a physical object. And when the young woman grabbed it...

Flash!

The light dissipated. Replacing it was a spear. Opulent and decadent, the weapon was gold and black, with twin blades at the tip that were pointed like a fork. With the weapon in hand, she twirled it about like it was a light baton, before resting it at her side as her eyes cut forward.

“So... mind telling me what you guys are doing to this traveler?" asked the girl with a saucy grin.

Even from behind her mask, one could feel the spellcaster's eyes grow wide. Who was this girl, and where did she come from? She so easily tossed Samuel to the side like he was made of paper, and produced a weapon from thin air! These were not a magical feats one does casually. In fact, it requires incredible practice. Yet she did it with ease!

Gritting her teeth, the spellcaster began putting distance between her and the group whilst shouting out--

“Deal with her!"

Obeying her commands, the group of bandits quickly rushed after the catgirl, who's grin grew in turn. She wasn't scared, but excited, and it showed on her face! Her black eyes growing sharper, she grabbed her spear with both hands, and then rushed towards the group of bandits in front of her! It did not matter if it was one man or ten, all would fall before her!

And she was going to prove it.

“FUAAAH!!!"

SLAM!

Thrusting the bottom of her spear into the ground, the girl cast out rays of bright, golden light which flooded the immediate area in front of her. Taken off guard, the thralls of bandits were knocked off their feet, as if they had been buffeted by a mighty gust of wind! Some merely collapsed upon one another, others were blown back outright, but it was all so that the girl could make way for herself. And once it was created...

“Nyaaah!"

She leaped into the center of the group, where she spiraled her spear around in circles. For her, this wasn't a life and death situation, but instead a show! And as this 'show's' lead performer, she would put on a presentation worth remembering!

One by one, the gang all got to their feet, their eyes locked on the hoyden girl in the center of them all. Some were frustrated, others confused, and most outright angry, but that didn't stop them from pulling out blades of their own. Brandishing their weapons, they slowly began to encroach upon the young woman, who continued grinning at them. It didn't matter if they were in front of her or behind her; she could feel them all!

“Hyaaah!"

Clash!

As one such bandit would learn.

He struck from behind with his scimitar, aiming to slash at this girl's hip. But with ease, she thrusted back her spear, blocking his attack with its handle. He looked up, where his eyes met the grin on her lips. Twisting her spear up, she knocked the scimitar from his hands, then spun around with a thrusting kick! It slammed into his chest with so force, he was knocked back.

As he stumbled, he was replaced with two more. They came in at both sides, attempting to slash at her in unison. But again, she blocked their attacks with her spear, which was long enough to stop them both. One sword was caught in the fork-like blades of her javelin, the other was stopped by the bottom. But before either one could pull away--

“NYAAAH!"

GWWWEEEAAM!

A bright ray of gilded light exploded from the young woman's spear, knocking them back much like she had done before. She wasn't just a talented fighter, but her mastery over magic was second to none! And she would prove it.

At the end of her spear, her golden light grew thick and bright. Extending out, the catgirl produced a whip of golden magic, one that flowed through the air like a water travels through a river. When she spun about her spear, that whip-like stream of magic followed. Then both hands gripped her spear, where she swung it at the air!

Her whip of magic grew long, flying out from her javelin and dancing on the ground. Leaping in the air, she spun her spear around, causing the whip to do likewise. It struck the feet of the bandits around them, knocking them down. But she didn't end there, for once she landed back on the ground, she swung her spear about again.

THRASH! LASH! SLASH!

It may have looked whimsical, but the whip of golden light felt as painful as a tree's trunk! When it struck them, it knocked the bandits side to side in a flurry of strikes! But even as they suffered such blows, they wouldn't stop. How many bandits were around? Too many for her to care about counting! Besides...

They were never her real target.

SLAM!

“URK!?"

THUD!

“Wh-what the!?"

Oh, right, Legato! He was still here, still on his knees. He should have run away by now, but he was so mesmerized by this young woman, that he almost forgot where he was. Watching her work was like watching a goddess dance. That's when she locked her eyes on him. Or – more accurately – that's when she locked her eyes on the man behind him.

The man holding his cloak had suddenly fallen over. Looking over his shoulder, Legato's eyes fell on his unconscious body, where he quickly scurried for his things. Picking it up, he wrapped it back on his shoulders, and then withdrew his rifle.

Click!

Holding his gun in hand, Legato gazed over towards that young woman and the gang of thieves. They had forgotten entirely about the mercenary, instead focused on the warrior currently tearing through their ranks.

She was a whirlwind of speed and precision: this lithe dynamo that was impossible to catch a hold on. Blades would fly and cut through the air, always missing flesh or being deflected outright by her blade. It was almost inhuman how she battled the troupe, as she always knew where an attack was coming from, regardless of which direction.

Sitting there, Legato gazed down to the rifle in his hand, clutching it close. With the bandits focused on her, and the multiple buildings around them, it would be easy for him to make his escape. While he was thankful for her save, that didn't exactly mean he owed her anything. He is a mercenary; he lives his life by the wallet.

But...

“Gahh... dammit..."

Legato was not heartless. Besides, he never liked owing a person anything. It makes for bad business.

As the mysterious girl continued her one-woman battle against the gang of bandits, one appeared from around the corner. He was a lanky and tall man, one who had the appearance – if not the overall aura – of a rat. And like a rat, one could hear him snicker as he procured a gun from his hip. While she was busy besting his allies in battle, he'd take aim at her. Just one shot; that's all it would take. Just... one... sh--

KER-POW!

“GAK!?"

A bullet suddenly struck him in the shoulder, dropping rat-like man quickly. The bandits stopped, looking around in search of their attacker, when their eyes fell on Legato in the distance. Aiming down the glass sights of his gun, he targeted another bandit and--

KER-POW! KER-POW! KER-POW!

Another bandit dropped, followed by another, and another! With deadly precision, Legato struck down bandit after bandit, helping the mysterious youth clear through their numbers. She looked at him, at first stunned, before this saucy grin spread on her cheeks. Performing leaps, flips and twirls, the catgirl jumped to Legato's side, where she pressed her back up against his.

“Nyeh heh! Thanks for the save there, bud!" she said, causing him to roll his eyes.

“I'm just paying you back for your earlier save," he replied as the bandits started encroaching upon them again, “Tch... these guys really don't give up, do they?"

“I'm not surprised," said the catgirl as she readied her spear in her hand once more, “Follow my lead! If we can make a big enough space, we can escape them!"

“Alright then... lead the way!"

“Nyeh heh heh!"

Twirling her spear around again, the mysterious youth quickly rushed at the group of bandits. But this time, she did not do so alone. As her blade clashed with theirs, Legato remained in the distance, firing shots with incredible precision. Bullets would strike arms, chests, stomachs, even hands, knocking their weapons from their grasp. This gave her enough freedom to strike and lash at their enemies, tearing through flesh with her blade, or swatting them aside with her magic.

But it was all for naught. No matter how many bandits they struck down, more seemed ready to replace them. Legato realized this quickly as he reloaded his rifle for the fourth time. Just how many bandits were here? Was this entire ghost town a brigand's den?

The mysterious girl didn't seem to mind. She'd strike down bandit after bandit, and seemed no closer to growing tired. Did she have infinite energy? Legato knew a thing or two about going the distance, but not even he could go on forever! Fortunately for him, the girl he fought with seemed to notice something.

“There!" she said, pointing to the distance.

“There?" Legato replied as he unloaded on another bandit.

“Yup! Right there!" she answered, “Hey! Follow me, bud!"

“I'm not your 'bud'!"

The girl didn't seem to care about his response. No, she laughed. This powerful, cheeky, boyish laugh, one that filled the air around her.. At the same time, she raised her spear up high, its twin blades pointed to the heavens. Garnering the gaze of everyone in the area, she conjured a bright golden light which hovered between her trident's spires, and--

FLAAAASSSHHH!!!

“AH!?"

“GAH!?

“WHAT IN THE!?"

The golden light exploded, sending out bright rays of light which flooded into the eyes of everyone who saw it. Temporarily blinded, the brigands were forced back, covering their faces in an attempt to soothe the pain. But, oddly enough, Legato was spared such pain. Yes, the light was bright, but he could still see everything.

“C'mon! Follow me!" said the mysterious girl, making him nod.

“R-right!"

Stuffing his rifle back into his cloak, Legato followed behind her. Together, the duo rushed for a building in the distance. But this wasn't a house, or one of the many stores in the town's center, no... this was one of those abandoned factories. Specifically, it was Guarpos #1, the oldest and largest of the factories in the area.

The two pushed through one of its many doors, entering into a derelict hallway. As it was in the rest of the town, it was most obvious here; nature was reclaiming this structure. Green vines grew through its walls, sand had collected through it, cacti was growing through its floors, and there were even a few animals scurrying about. On its walls was the insignia of both Kelpos and Guarude, but it lacked the design ethos of both nations. This wasn't some gilded paradise like Guarude, nor was it a marble haven like Kelpos. No, these factories were created for business, and business alone.

“Let's keep going," said the girl as she rushed inside, “Those goons'll be coming after us before we know it!"

Nodding, Legato followed behind this girl, running down this hallway and that hallway. She seemed aware of this place, as she knew exactly where she was going. But how's that possible? He questioned it in his head, but when they heard the footsteps of others, he decided to shake it off. For now, they just needed to find safety.

“Alright, right here," said the girl as she crawled under an overturned bench, “We can hide in this room."

“This room?" replied Legato as he crouched down to check the bench, “What even is 'this room'?"

“Come inside and you'll see! Nyeh heh heh!" she replied in a teasing manner.

He rolled his eyes, annoyed by this young woman's teasing nature. Clearly, her catlike attributes weren't just for show; she embodied those creatures. Regardless, he'd rather be stuck with someone who helped him fight off a bunch of bandits, than be stuck with said bandits. He doubted they'd be appreciative of him anyway.

So... he crawled under the bench.

“Nngh...! What in the...? Hm...?"

And entered into what looked like a living quarters.

It wasn't a big place, nor was it small. In the past, it contained various cots so that the workers could sleep when not on duty. Not comfortably, mind you, but sleep nonetheless. Now, it was a derelict and crumbling little chamber, with a hole in its wall and ceiling that allowed natural sunlight to pierce through. There was also a lot of trash and objects resting around, as the place had been vandalized by multiple individuals throughout its decades of disuse.

Not that this mysterious girl seemed to mind.

Pushing her arms out above her head, she stretched herself in such a way that it flaunted the limberness of her spine. At the same time, this gleeful, catlike smile formed on her lips, and her eyes closed shut. She was relaxing herself in a situation like this, even while one could hear the footsteps of bandits echo around them.

Legato couldn't agree. Leaning up against the wall behind him, he glanced through the holes in it, searching for any brigands that may happen upon their hiding spot. But as he did so, his eyes would cut over towards the young woman he was with. At first it was accidental; he was only making sure she was okay. But as the seconds ticked on, he found his eyes staying on her more and more.

Did her clothing have to be so... revealing? Like, look, Legato's a mercenary; he's done plenty of ugly things in his life, and he's seen far, far worse! But on the other hand, this young woman's clothing was both flashy and skimpy. The straps of her bodice just barely covered the center of her breasts, allowing the sides of her busty bosom to be exposed. Her arms were out bare, her legs were exposed as well, and that's not even getting into her pelvis. Seriously, what was she wearing that covered her womanhood? A metal, golden thong?

If she suffered a gust of wind that was even a little bit strong, her body would be completely exposed!

She didn't seem to mind. Like a true feline, the catgirl performed stretch after stretch, almost like she was flaunting her body. The sensual and athletic curves of her hips, arms, and midsection, were all free to be ogled, and she showed no shame with this fact. She was a beautiful young woman; why should she be ashamed of her divine body?

“Nyaaaah... so... are you going to stay cooped up against that wall all day?" asked the girl as she shot Legato a teasing smile, “You can relax, you know! No one comes down these areas, so we're safe."

“How do you know that?" he asked in an skeptical manner, “In fact... who are you?"

“Nyeh heh heh! Now you ask?" said the girl as she sat on a nearby stole with a grin on her lips, “I should be asking you first! You are in my homeland, after all! And going by the way you carry that gun..." she cocked her head, “You're no mere traveler, are you?"

“Tch... and you're no mere girl," he replied with his arms crossed, “I thank you for helping me with those bandits, but I don't exactly trust you either."

“Oh wow! I can tell... you're a cynical kind of guy, aren't you?"

“It pays to be in my line of work," he replied, to which she nodded.

“Okay! Okay okay okay! Fine," said the girl with a shrug of her shoulders, “The last thing I want to do is make the man with the gun uncomfortable, so..." dropping her arms, she gave him a warm smile, “The name's Nile. I live here in Guarude. I'm a treasure-hunter."

“A treasure-hunter...?"

“Mm-hm! I travel the lands on the back of my reptoid, looking for any treasure I can find! Guarude is rich with it. It's almost impossible to not find pockets of gold when you're running in the endless sands! Though, unless you know what you're doing, most people end up dead for it."

“R-reptoid...?" Legato repeated, “What's a reptoid?"

“Nyeh heh! You haven't been in Guarude long, have you, traveler?" she asked, “That lizard creature I road on, and the ones all these bandits have? They're called reptoids. They're native to Guarude, and we use them for things like travel."

“Oh... I see..." muttered the mercenary, while the catgirl crossed her arms beneath her chest.

“Okay, okay! Now it's your turn!" said Nile as she hopped up and down on her stool with excitement, “What's your name, traveler?"

“I'm not a traveler," he replied with a groan, “I'm a mercenary. I came here for business. I was supposed to be protecting a merchant on his way into a city called Atem in Guarude. Buuuuut, then those bandits came, and that merchant decides to haul ass, leaving me alone with that gang. I fought them off and was going to escape, but..."

“Nyeh heh! You underestimated them?" said Nile, causing him to shoot her an annoyed glare.

“I didn't underestimated them," he growled, “They had a wizard with them. I didn't expect that."

“Which sounds like you underestimated them," the young woman teased, “But that's fine. There's quite a few magic users in Guarude. I hear that not a lot of people have access to common magic in other areas of the world. Still... for one to be with this gang..."

Nile took a thoughtful pose for a few moments. Her eyes closed, her smile faded, and her cat ears even twitched. She remained this way for a couple of moments, before dropping her hands to her sides as she glared at the mercenary.

“Hey, wait a sec... you still didn't tell me your name, mercenary! What is it? I can't just call you 'Mercenary' or 'Bud' all the time, can I?"

“I'd rather like it if you didn't," he said with a groan, “My name's Legato."

“Legato...?" repeated Nile, before her face grew bright with awe, “Ah! With a name like that... are you from the mountain kingdom of Orchestra?"

“Tch... what? You can tell that from name alone?" asked Legato, to which the feline chuckled.

“Ah-ha! I knew it! I knew your gun was weird! No one has a firearm like that in Guarude or Kelpos! And with that glass sight on it? I knew you had to come from somewhere far!"

“O-okay, okay! C-calm down..." he said, to which Nile did.

“Nyeh... apologies," she said, “It's just rare when I get to meet people from so far away. I don't think I've ever met someone from Orchestra."

“I don't know what you've heard of my homeland, but it's not all its cracked up to be," said Legato in a dismissive manner, “It's just a bunch of elitist assholes who bark orders at others cuz they think they're so smart," he shook his head, “Now enough about our homelands, we need to focus on how to get out of here. Hiding in these holes isn't going to make those bandits go away, you know."

“Nyeh heh heh! I know that," said Nile, “Look, I know you're a mercenary and whatnot, but you can stand to relax a little bit, Legato. There's no point in stressing yourself out now; we're already stuck in this position."

He cocked his head at her, a little annoyed with how nonchalant she was being. On one hand, she belittled the dangerous situation they were in. On the other, she did flaunt magical abilities that would put well-trained wizards to shame. Maybe she had a reason to be so nonplussed about everything.

“Okay then... fine," said Legato as he crossed his arms, “Since this is your homeland, you take lead point. How do you think we get out of this situation?"

“Weeeell... it should be easy," replied Nile, “This factory has many escape routes in case of an emergency back in its prime. We could use any number of them to get out of this place. But..."

“But... what?"

“But... those bandits," said the catgirl, “We can't just let them stay here. I don't mind people living in Guarpos, but I do mind when they decide to attack innocent travelers merely trying to come and go. We need to deal with them, and we can do that by taking care of their leader, that spellcaster!"

“What? Are you daft?" snapped Legato, “We're stuck in their base, Nile! We need to focus on getting out of here! Let Guarude's law enforcement or army or whatever deal with this gang!"

“Nyeh heh heh! Why should we? We're right here!" replied Nile, further confusing him, “And we worked so well together, that if we got to work, these bandits will be eradicated before the moon rises!"

“I can't believe I'm hearing this," Legato groaned, “Look, if you want to try and fight this gang by yourself, then be my guest! Just lead me to one of those escape routes you talked about; I'll figure out the rest on my own."

“What? You don't think we can do it?" asked Nile, to which he shook his head.

“I don't care if we can do it or not, I just don't see a point," he answered, “Besides, I need to go find that punk merchant who thought he could leave me to that gang. He hasn't finished paying me for my services."

“Oooooh! Riiight! Nyeh heh heh! You're a mercenary!" said the treasure-hunter, as if this was some epiphany, “Okay, okay! Tell you what, Legato," snapping her fingers, she pointed at him, “You help me get rid of those bandits, and I make it worth your while."

“What? No, you can't be serious..." he replied whilst gazing away.

“Nope, I'm being 100% honest with you, Legato," said Nile as she walked up towards him, “You use those mercenary skills of yours to help me take care of these bandits, and I'll pay you handsomely for it. I am a treasure-hunter, you know, so I can make it worth your while."

“I can't believe..." muttered Legato with a shake of his head, “No... I need proof. How do I know this isn't some lie? That merchant already skipped out on me, what makes me think you won't do the same?"

“Jeeze, you really are a cynic," said Nile with a grin, “But I understand. I doubt there are plenty of kind, cuddly mercenaries in the world," looking down, she placed her hand on one of her gauntlets and began tugging on it, “See this? This is made from pure Guarudian gold. It was also created by the famous artisan of Guarude named Mahad. If you play your cards right, selling this one gauntlet would be enough to let you retire right now and live the rest of your days in luxury."

“Bullshit..."

“I'm not done yet," said Nile, making him flinch.

Click!

Standing there, Legato watched as the catgirl removed her gauntlet. She then handed it to him all with a smile on her face. For a moment, the mercenary hesitated.. but then he reached down, grabbing the gauntlet. Holding it in his hand, the first thing he thought was... 'This is heavy'. Seriously, this gauntlet alone had to weigh a few pounds. His one gauntlet is pretty heavy, but that's just one. Was Nile really fighting with two of these things on her arms?

He took a few moments to appreciate the piece of armor. His thumb stroked along its surface, and his eyes ran along it. While it was mostly golden, it had some blue highlights here and there, and had certain hieroglyphs etched into its surface. And the wings that extended from them looked both sharp and immaculately carved.

“If you help me take care of these bandits, I'll give you my other gauntlet as well," said Nile, making him flinch.

“N-no... you can't be serious," said Legato, making the treasure-hunter giggle.

“I am being serious!" she replied, “Both gauntlets can be yours, but only if you help me deal with those bandits! And don't think about running away. You saw that I can do with my spear; I will catch you."

“I... I don't get it," he said, “Why go through this? You're a treasure-hunter, right? Why do you care about a group of bandits? What? Are they messing with your business by stealing treasure in the land?"

“Just because I'm a treasure-hunter, doesn't mean I don't care about my kingdom," said Nile, “In fact, it's because I'm a treasure-hunter that I care so much about my kingdom! The things you learn when you search through old temples and cathedrals, simply do not have equal. I love Guarude more than anything, and if there are bandits who attack others that come into my country, I will do everything in my power to route them out. So..." she smiled at him, “You will help me, Legato! Once they're dealt with, my gauntlets will be yours, and we can go our separate ways!"

Again, Legato looked down at the gauntlet in his hand. So far, this day had been a whirlwind of emotions. From boredom, to adrenaline, to being saved by Nile, hiding away with her, and now being hired by her. If he knew this would've all happened when he woke up this morning, he may have very well stayed at the inn he rented. This was too much.

But on the other hand...

Legato knows the difference between real gold and false gold. And this? This? This was real gold. No, this was more than just 'gold'. This mineral was so bright, so smooth, that it was almost impossible how beautiful it was. He's heard of how Guarudian gold was different from the gold you'd find in other lands, but he didn't think it would be this great.

So heavy... so bright... so firm...

Oh gods... he wasn't actually considering this, was he? After everything that had happened, was he seriously thinking about helping Nile defeat these bandits? Well... yes... yes he was. Hey, he already missed out on being paid by that merchant. He wasn't about to end this day with an empty wallet.

“Okay... fine," said Legato as he slid Nile's gauntlet into his cloak, “I'll help you deal with these bandits, and that's that."

“Nyah hah hah! Yeah! That's it!" said the treasure-hunter as she pumped her arm through the air, “Let's do it, Legato! They won't know what hit 'em!"

“You're sounding way too excited by this..."

This girl was weird. And, no, not weird in the fact that her personality was strange... even though that was true. This tomboyish, sprightly, feline, treasure-hunter, also had so much love for her homeland, that she was willing to eradicate bandits she came across? Was it him, or did that sound a bit strange? He's met treasure-hunters before, and none were as chivalrous as she was.

Most of them were either money-grubbing jackasses who'd just as quickly stab someone in the back for a shiny coin, or thrill-seeking nut-jobs who really don't know when to stop when they're ahead. Nile appeared to be more the latter than the former; she clearly had an adventurous spirit to her. But there was more to it than that.

What treasure-hunter has skills like her? Her ability in battle was great enough to put arena warriors to shame, and her mastery over magic was second to none. Coupled with all that gold on her body, and it was clear to him that she was more than just some first-rate treasure-hunter. She was more like some golden idol.

But on the other hand...

She had hired him for this job, and regardless of him questioning her position in life, he would never fail a client. Besides, she had already proven herself a trustworthy individual, unlike that fucking merchant. Speaking of, if he gets out of this alive, he was going to track that son of a bitch down!

“Okay... well... since you know this place so well..." muttered Legato as he scratched the back of his head, “Gods... I can't believe I'm considering this... haaah... lead the way, Nile."

“Nyeh heh heh! This is gonna be a blast, Legato!" she said whilst jabbing his shoulder, “Get your gun ready! I can't wait to see how you perform!"

“Ughhhgh... I'm beginning to have second thoughts..."

Nile giggled at his lackluster response, then headed over towards the door they walked in through... errr... crawled in through. With feline speed, the catgirl quickly slipped beneath the bench that barred entry to the room, leaving Legato alone. For a moment he hesitated as his hand slipped beneath his cloak. Pulling out the gauntlet Nile gave him, he checked it one last time, before sighing.

It was time to go...

…

KER-POW! KER-POW! KER-POW KER-POW!

He was like a shadow. A darting, moving, shapeless, shadow. He was only visible at select moments, and usually... that was at the final moments of someone's life.

Decades ago, the main floor of this factory was used to help process ores. Using machines powered by circulating magic, they'd refine rocks and stones into metals and gold of all kinds. How many men and women toiled down here in this massive flat? One could only wonder what this factory was like in its prime. Now however?

Now it was an arena.

CLANK!

His rifle in hand, Legato landed upon a table. Before him was a group of bandits – about five in number – who approached him with blades in hand. Gritting his teeth, the mercenary twirled his rifle about on one finger, before taking aim at his enemies.

Nile was right before about his rifle being weird. In all the world, there was no country as advanced in technology as his homeland of Orchestra. Despite their relatively small size, they had mastered magi-tech, and created wonderful inventions that you'd discover nowhere else. And, yes, that includes their weaponry.

Legato's rifle was as much a work of art as it was a deadly weapon. Its surface was obsidian, it had a glass sight that not only helped him aim, but never knew grime or smudge, and it could fire a bullet as quickly as he pulled a trigger! Most uniquely was its recoil... or lack thereof. With his gauntlet on his arm, whenever the mercenary pulled the trigger of his rifle, the kickback was nullified. This allowed him to quickly snap his aim on another target, and fire just as quickly.

As he was doing now.

KER-POW! KER-POW! KER-POW!

With three precise shots, Legato's rifle pierced the bodies of three of the brigands before him. Two were lucky enough to be shot in the belly, one was unfortunate enough to meet a bullet straight through his throat. That still left two more targets however, who quickly rushed the mercenary in an attempt to overwhelm him. But, right, they can't outrun bullets, can they?

KER-POW! KER-POW!

THUD! WHUMP!

Now then, with those five dealt with, there were others he needed to battle. And those 'others' were right behind. Fortunately for the mercenary...

SLASH! THLASH! KLASH!

Ba-dump!

Legato stood up straight and looked over his shoulder. Behind him were the writhing and defeated bodies of bandits who thought they could sneak up on the mercenary. He then looked over to his left, watching as Nile casually walked past him with her spear resting on her shoulder... and this smirk on her lips.

It was odd fighting side-by-side with the treasure-hunter. Her skills in battle were unparalleled. Very rarely did Legato feel the need to look out for her because of it; she could clearly take care of herself. But it was more than that. Fighting with Nile made him feel... comfortable? Yes, that's it; fighting with Nile made him feel comfortable. Since she was so skilled, the mercenary didn't feel the need to look over his shoulder as much as he usually did. As she had just proven – and had proven time and time again – she had his back.

And that's what made it feel so odd. It had been a looooooong time since he's felt safe fighting with someone.

“Don't forget to reload your gun, Legato," said Nile, causing him to scoff and roll his eyes.

“I've done this plenty of times before," he replied as he speedily loaded bullet after bullet into his rifle, “I don't need you babysitting me, Nile. Besides..." he looked ahead, “There's more coming."

“Nyeh heh heh! These guys really don't know when to quit, do they?" said the treasure-hunter as she readied her spear once again, “Keep your eyes on my back, Legato. I'll tear through them!"

Without hesitation, Nile rushed towards the approaching group of bandits. Legato lingered behind, rolled his eyes as well... and then readied his rifle in his hand. He aimed at the brigands, but did not pull the trigger. Why bother wasting the ammo? There were five assailants, and Nile was going to crush them in a matter of moments.

Legato almost felt bad for them.

KLASH!

The blades of her spear clashed with the scimitar of the thief in front of her. He pushed back against her, while one of his allies came swinging with a blade of his own. But right before his sword could meet flesh...

Blink!

“What the!?"

Nile seemed to vanished, her body blinking in a golden light like an optical illusion. The group of bandits could hear her giggling as she seemed to fade in in out of reality, before suddenly blinking back into existence a few feet away. A grin laid on her lips, while they could only look at her in confusion.

Didn't stop them from continuing their attack.

SWIPE! SLASH! FWIPE!

Again and again, one after another after another; the group of brigands attempted to slash at Nile with their weapons. And each one met nothing but air. The feline beastkin was as fluid as water; flawlessly dodging strike after strike after strike. It didn't matter how precise they were, how fast, or how close they came to hitting her; they just weren't good enough. And when the treasure-hunter decided to retaliate...

SLASH!

“GACK!?"

She was deadly accurate.

With a swing of her spear, she struck a man's chest with so much force, that not only was clothing torn and flesh split, but he was knocked away by the blow. She then spun around her lance, transitioning the momentum of her slash into another strike! The bandit she attacked was fortunate enough to bring up his blade to defend himself, but the blow was still strong enough to shatter his scimitar into pieces.

THWAK!

Kicking him with enough force to break ribs, Nile knocked him into his ally behind him. As they scrambled on the ground, two more brigands came to take their place, slashing at her with swords and knives. Her spear ever at the ready, she clashed with these two, fending them off with little effort on her end.

Legato thought it before, but it begs repeating now; Watching Nile fight was like watching a goddess dance. The treasure-hunter was never out of place, never too weak, nor ever too strong. She didn't overextend, nor did she underestimate. She was absolutely flawless. She dodged, she parried, she counterattacked, all with perfect precision. Droves of men could throw themselves at her, and she'd fell them all with little effort on her end.

Though her deadly waltz did little to deter those looking to get lucky. Such as these two right here! They were coming from behind, aiming to take advantage of her onslaught. But before they could even raise their blades above their heads...

KER-POW KER-POW!

“URRGK!?"

“GAH!?"

They were felled by two precise shots to the back.

Nile stopped in the center of these men, her spear planted at her side. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes fell on Legato in the distance, who slowly let his rifle drop. She was grinning; he was not.

“I think that's the last of them," said Nile as her partner walked up to her side.

“Are you sure about that?" asked Legato.

“Yes!? Are you so sure!?" another voice shouted over the two.

Nile and Legato both took battle-ready stances as their eyes looked in the direction of this voice. Standing on a platform that hung above the main floor of the abandoned factory, still wearing that black and gold jackal mask, was her again... the spellcaster.

The gang's mistress.

Despite the distance between them and her, one could feel the malice flowing off of her form. The mage's body language screamed anger, as her teeth were clinched, and her shoulders were raised. Even with the mask on her face, one could feel the glare she was giving them.

“You two... you should have been killed several times over!" she shouted as she pointed her finger at Nile, “Who are you!? Are you a member of Guarude's forces!?"

“Me? Nyeh heh! No. I'm just a treasure-hunter, one who loves her country," Nile replied, “And you? You shame our land and your ancestors by abusing your magical prowess. Attacking defenseless merchants with your capabilities? Bah! You should ashamed of yourself!"

“Hold your tongue, feline!" the spellcaster snarled, “You know nothing of what happens on Guarude's outskirts, and I will not stand here and be judged by a mere treasure-hunter!" Bleam! Bleam! “If you think I will give up that which I have worked so hard for, you have another thing coming! Arise! Makyura!"

“Makyura...?" Nile and Legato said in unison.

THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!

Every step caused the factory floor to quiver. Both Nile and Legato looked down, then at one another, before gazing into the direction of the mage again. The shaking was coming from her platform... and the cause of it soon revealed itself.

It was – what could be generously described as – a walking suit of armor. Black and gold, it shimmered in the light which pierced through the holes in the factory's ceiling. Standing well above eight feet tall, this walking armor was a tower of defense and power. Spikes adorned its shoulders, its knees, its elbows, and its boots, and it even had two horn-like structures jutting from the sides of its head like a bull. Instead of hands, this being had three long, curved, silver claws that looked sharp enough to cut through even the mightiest of steels. Said claws extended beyond its hands, as they came all the way up to this creature's elbows. The walking suit of armor had a visor on its head, one that had but one singular eye in the center of it. And that one eye glowed a deep, burning crimson.

“What is that...?" whispered Legato, while Nile gritted her teeth.

“This?" answered the spellcaster, somehow having heard him despite the distance, “This is the instrument of your destruction."

For the first time since this little adventure started, a face of genuine anger formed on the treasure-hunter's face. She even fidgeted in place, as if struggling to maintain the rage she was feeling.

“You... you dare create such a monstrosity with your abilities?" Nile snarled, “You are without shame!"

“And without patience!" the mage growled before pointing forward, “Makyura! Destroy them!"

“GRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH...!"

The walking suit of armor – Makyura – stepped forward... and then leaped over the edge of the platform.

THOOOOOOOMMM!!!

A wicked quake was triggered by the beast's landing, followed by a cloud of dust. Said dust was so high and so thick, that it covered Makyura in an opaque cloud. But it could not cover the fiend's glowing red eye... or the glint of its silver blade.

SLASH!!!

“Nyah!?"

“Tch!?"

In the blink of an eye, the towering monolith of steel and metal brought its silver claw down. Despite its titanic size, it moved faster than the wind, giving the two almost no time to dodge it. Almost. In the moment it took for the fiend to attack, both Nile and Legato dodged the strike, their bodies blurring like black and gold specters. They landed safely a few feet away, while the armor's claws were embedded in the ground. When the fiend pulled its arm back, the ground shook beneath it, and its singular red eye again locked on the two.

KER-POW! KER-POW! KER-POW!

BLANK! CLANK! SPLANK!

Firing bullet after bullet, Legato unloaded on Makyura, doing absolutely nothing. All it did was serve to garner its attentions, as its singular red eye locked squarely on the mercenary. But that was the point...

THWOOOSHH!!!

Moving impossibly fast for a creature of its size with its bulky armor, the fiendish suit of armor dashed straight for Legato. In an instant, his eyes grew wide, taken off guard by this beast's capabilities. In the next instant, he quickly leaped out of Makyura's way, dodging a slash just in time! But in Legato's wake...

Clank! Thank! Crash!

He dropped clear bottles filled with an unknown liquid. And when those small bottles hit the ground...

Flash! Sparkle! Bleam!

Bright lights illuminated the factory! Legato had some magical capabilities, but not to the level that one would call him a spellcaster of any sort. He made up for this deficiency with his wide assortment of gadgets and tools. From smoke bombs, to gas bombs, to bomb bombs, the mercenary had the right tool for every situation. In this case, he used bright flash bombs to hopefully blind Makyura.

It didn't work.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

“Shit! Ah!?"

Even with his bright lights constantly flickering about, the fiendish suit of armor struck at Legato with deadly accuracy. Had the mercenary himself not been such a nimble man, he would have been sliced to bloody ribbons!

He leaped back again, putting distance between himself and Makyura, but the suit of armor would not be denied. With another impressive showing of speed, it dashed at Legato, forcing him up against a wall. The mercenary had just enough time to reach for his belt of items when--

CLASH!

Makyura's blades were blocked.

Legato looked up. Between him and this suit of armor was Nile. The treasure-hunter held firm against Makyura, halting its blades with her gilded spear. Both claws were pushing down on her, causing her feet to slide back. And yet – despite its greater size in comparison to hers – the catgirl was capable of fighting back, as she started pushing against the suit of armor.

But it was obvious that of all the obstacles they had faced thus far, Makyura was putting up a challenge.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnn!!!

It began pushing down on Nile, forcing her back. She gritted her teeth and kept trying to push back, before swinging with her spear to deflect Makyura's claws.

“NYAAAH!"

KLASH!

Sparks flew as she pushed the fiend back, causing it to stumble slightly. But it was staggered for only a few moments, before its singular red eye again locked down on the cat and mercenary in front of it.

“This guy doesn't know when to quit, does he?" asked Legato as he glanced at Nile, “You seem to know what this thing is... care to share with the rest of the class?"

“In Guarude, we call them ushabtis," answered Nile, “They are funeral figurines, created in the image of the recently deceased. When prayed to, they can come to life, where they obey the will of the creator. Think of them like... golems in another land. However, in Guarude, we carve the name of the deceased into the ushabtis, so that the dead may live again in a limited capacity."

“I see... so... what, it's necromancy?"

Nile rolled her eyes.

“To a certain degree," she replied, “However, this... Makyura is a corruption. Ushabtis are respected! They are only made to aid us with simple tasks! They are not executors like this monstrosity is. For that witch up there to corrupt something we hold dear..." she shook her head, “No, I will not let this stand."

“That's good and all, but..." Legato took aim as Makyura as it began marching towards them yet again, “That thing's coming to kill us again. Do you have anyway of dealing with it?"

“There's two. We either destroy it outright, which may take some time considering its armor. Oooorrr..."

“Oooorrrr...?"

“Or..." Nile looked up, “We deal with this gang's mistress. If we can stop her, then we can stop Makyura."

“But that'll be difficult with her... uh... ushabti chasing us, won't it?"

“Nyeh heh heh!" turning to face Legato, Nile flashed him a smile, “Good job! You pronounced it pretty well on your first time!" she then looked back, her face growing serious again, “Okay, so here's the plan, you go up there and deal with this gang's leader. I'll stay here and keep Makyura's attentions focused on me."

“What!? Are you serious!?" Legato shouted, “Nile, this thing'll kill you if you fight it by yourself!"

“Aaaawwwww..." said Nile as her tail slithered up. Gently, she brushed it along the mercenary's chin, causing him to quake in place as he looked at her in confusion, “You care, don't you, Legato?"

“Wh-what!?" he replied as he blushed in slight annoyance, “D-dammit, Nile! This isn't a joke! Look, I can't get paid if you're torn to shreds! I don't pickpocket corpses! Besides, I couldn't even fight that witch before! She tossed me around like a ragdoll!"

“Nyeh heh! Do not worry, Legato," said Nile as she gave him a coy wink, “The wings of Horus are covering you."

“Horus...?" he repeated.

SLASH!

Makyura brought its blades down, slicing the air and creating yet another claw mark in the ground. Leaping away, both Nile and Legato dodged the beast, though the treasure-hunter was quick to come rushing back. With a grin on her lips and her spear at the ready, she clashed blades with the ushabti yet again, forcing it back.

Slash after slash after slash rained down from her blade, but Makyura was capable of blocking them all. It was abnormal watching such a big, supposedly lumbering beast, move with enough speed to defend itself from Nile's onslaught. But that did little to deter the treasure-hunter, who forced the fiend on the defensive.

“Legato, go!" she shouted as they locked blades yet again, “Don't worry! I can handle this!"

“Grrr! Fine!" he said as he stuffed his rifle back into his cloak, “But don't you go dying on me, Nile!"

“Nyeh heh heh! I wouldn't even think of it!"

Turning away, Legato darted for the distance, while Nile continued her battle with Makyura. He could hear the clashing of their blades and even see the flashing of their sparks, but remained focus on his own mission. Coming to the wall at the end of the main floor, he looked up towards the platform that was the second floor. The mage was nowhere to be seen, having retreated back to whatever room she crawled out of. He wasn't going to give her the chance to escape.

With quick and powerful leaps, Legato jumped up the wall towards the second floor of the factory. In front of him were the doors which once led to the factory's observation deck. However, on the other end now laid nothing but...

“WHAT!?"

Treasure.

Resting beside one another were piles upon piles of coins. Gold, silver, bronze; it didn't matter. Diamonds too were among them, coming in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. What about furniture, suits of armor, and even paintings? Yes, they too laid in this room, being haphazardly placed about without rhyme or reason. And in the center of it all, out of place among such ill-gotten goods, was a bed.

And a certain witch was sitting on it.

“How did you get in here!?" said the gang's leader as she fixed her mask on her face, “Makyura should have sliced you to shreds!"

“Unfortunately, I've never been much into butchery," said Legato as he pulled his rifle out from his cloak, “As surprising as this may be to hear, it has too much blood for my liking. Besides," he focused his aim on her, “I have to pay you back for earlier."

“You... You!" the witch shouted, “You're a mercenary, are you not!? You work for coin, not for honor! So..." she extended out her hands, “See all of this? My treasure which I've spent years amassing? I can easily pay you more than whatever that girl is! So take some, and leave me be!"

“I can't do that," said Legato as he shook his head, “I've never been the kind of man to shift his priorities just because someone promises me a higher pay. If I do that, Nile will give a negative review for me, and that's just bad for business."

“You foul cur!" shouted the witch, “Fine then! I gave you the chance to leave with your life!" extending her hands, her fingers took on a specific position as she summoned her magical might, “Now, you die!"

KER-POW!

One bullet. One mighty bullet that could puncture all but the hardest of armor. It flew through the air, howling with a great speed... only to come to a complete halt. Rings of light had formed around the witch's wrists, allowing her to stop the bullet from piercing her skull. Eyes growing wide, Legato let his rifle drop slightly, while the room around him began shaking.

“VOLLO TAH!" shouted the mage, causing her magics to explode around her.

Shshshshshshshshshshshhs...!

“Ah... shit..." Legato muttered.

THTHTHTHTHTHHDDDD!!!

Like before when he attempted to hide from the gang, the objects around Legato suddenly began floating in the air... himself included. This time however, she wasn't going to just force him forward. This time, she was going to throw him over the edge and straight to his doom.

Dammit! This was exactly what he feared would happen! He's faced off against spellcaster's before, but this woman was different from the rest! Her abilities were almost... too good. Like they were being empowered by something.

Empowered...? Her mask!

But, great, he knew that she was being enhanced by her clothing; what good did that do him now? He could try and fire at her again, but she'd just stop the bullets. Maybe he could pull out one of his explosive bottles? A flash bang should be enough to stop her, right?

Wait... what was this warmth he was feeling? And this golden light? Where was that coming from?

“What the...?" said Legato as he looked down at his cloak.

“What!?" shouted the witch, “What is that!?"

That...

Was Nile's gauntlet.

Floating out from Legato's cloak was the gauntlet Nile gave him as down payment for his services. It hovered in the air, emitting this glowing, golden light that grew brighter and brighter. The mercenary closed his eyes, the witch did too, and right at the moment of max brightness.

SPLAAASHH!!!

“GUH!?"

“ACK!?"

The gauntlet exploded with light, triggering enough force to blow the witch back. No longer keeping hold over her magic, she allowed Legato to drop to the ground. While she recoiled from the explosive force, he reached out for the gauntlet given to him, and picked it up.

“The wings of Horus are covering me, eh?" said Legato as he brushed his fingers on the wings that jutted from the gauntlet, “Nile, you brilliant bitch."

“That gauntlet... gaah... it's a magic reflector!" the witch snarled as Legato snapped the piece of armor on his free hand with an audible--

CLANG

“It sure is," he said as this grin spread on his lips, “But let's not make it seem like I'm the only one with some extra armor on. I know that mask of yours is amplifying your abilities!"

“Grrrrr! Even if you do, you won't live long enough to act on that knowledge!" extending her hands, the witch again produced those rings of light around her wrists whilst crying out, “VOLLO TAH!"

With Nile's gauntlet around his wrist, Legato was protected from the witch's invisible force. They both knew this, so she wasn't even going to try it on him anymore. Instead, she caused various objects to raise in the air: coins, furniture, treasure chests, even those full sets of armor!

“HAAH!!!"

With great speed and power, she launched the objects at Legato in an attempt to bludgeon him to death. But with Nile's gauntlet on, the mercenary felt invigorated, allowing him to move faster than he had before. Dodging the projectiles with impressive dashes, he caused them to crash into the walls, the floor, even other objects! The witch's magic was impressive... but her aim could use a little help.

KER-POW!

“Glknk!?"

Amid one of his leaps, Legato fired a bullet aimed for the witch's head. Again, her magical barrier kept her protected... but this bullet came far closer than the other had. And the mercenary wasn't letting up.

KER-POW! KER-POW! KER-POW!

“Ah!? Haah!? Haah!?"

Again, his bullets pierced the air, stopping only a few inches shy of penetrating her body. And all of them – all of them! – were aimed straight for her head! If her focus faltered for even a moment...

“No... NO!!!"

She didn't even want to think about it.

Whipping her hand left and right, the spellcaster caused her ill-gotten goods to fly in front of her like a makeshift barrier. His bullets struck coins and other random objects, bouncing off in random directions and protecting her. Coming to a halt, Legato watched as her barrier of items began twisting around like a funnel. With that in the way, he wouldn't be able to land a direct shot on the witch beneath. He needed more firepower.

Key word being fire.

Sliding open the chamber of his rifle, the mercenary loaded a special bullet. The casing was the same bronze color as usual, but the tip – the actual bullet itself – was a red color.

Cha-Chink!

Once it was loaded, Legato took aim at the barrier of junk, and pulled the trigger.

KER-THOOOM!!!

“WHAT IN THE-- AAHH!?"

A wicked explosion was triggered by the impact of his bullet against her wall, sending coins and junk flying all directions! The witch was knocked back by the explosion as well, striking the wall behind her. Wincing with pain, she clutched her head and groaned while staggering forward. Dazed by the blow she suffered, she looked up, watching as Legato walked up with his rifle trained on her.

“Explosive rounds... packs one hell of a punch, doesn't it?" he said, to which she growled.

“You bastard! Vollo Tah!"

Extending her hands and fingers, the witch tried to blow Legato back with a blast of power. But of course, with Nile's gauntlet on his arm, all he felt was a soft gust of wind. The objects around him were blown away, but the mercenary himself remained still. It was rather pathetic watching her try to defend herself. Legato almost felt sorry for her.

Almost...

Thwak!

“Guh!?"

With an backhanded fist, Legato struck the witch with enough force to knock her back...

Ca-Clank! Clank... Lank...

And remove the mask from her face.

She was a young woman; no younger or older than he was in fact. Legato could tell that much from eyesight alone however, even with her mask on her face. She had dark skin, long black hair, and the ears and tail of a jackal. Another beastkin? Were all Guarudians beastkin? He hadn't noticed until now.

Collapsing on the floor, the witch panted for breath as Legato stood above her. Even though she appeared subdued, Legato did not want to risk it. He kept his gun trained on her head, while she looked up at him... and then blocked view of her face with her hands. But in that brief moment, he saw what appeared to be a scar running down her face.

“You... you heartless bastard!" she snarled, to which Legato shook his head.

“C'mon... you're a bandit, right? You can come up with a better insult than that!" he replied sarcastically, “I mean... at least call me an asshole. 'Bastard'... is a bit too close to home for me."

“Enjoy your jokes," she growled whilst standing up, though her hands continued blocking her face, “It will be the LAST THING YOU EVER SAY! HYAAAH!"

THWAK!

Well... she didn't lack for confidence, he'll give her that!

In one last, vain attempt to kill Legato, the witch rushed forward with her hands reaching for his face. But with one kick to the gut, he knocked her back into the wall behind her. The blow was so fast, she didn't have enough time to even cry out in pain. One moment her eyes were wide and mouth was gape... the next moment, she was falling down on the ground in an unconscious heap.

Standing above her, Legato glared down upon the witch. Without that mask on her face, she was nowhere near the dangerous gang leader she was before. Speaking of that mask...

Legato looked over over, where he saw it on the ground nearby. Picking it up, his eyes danced along its surface, marveling at its impressive craftsmanship. From afar, it looked like nothing more than a normal – though beautifully made – mask.

“How'd you even get your hands on this...?" Legato thought aloud.

KLASH! CLANK! TANK!

“Oh! Nile!"

Shit! He was so focused on the witch, he almost forgot the entire reason for fighting her in the first place! Ya'know, the fact that Nile was battling a murder machine by herself!

Quickly stuffing the witch's mask into his cloak, Legato rushed out of the treasure room and back to the second floor platform.

KLASH! CRASH! SLASH!

Theirs was a dazzling display of blades, sparks, flashing speeds... and deadly efficiency. If one were to watch their battle from afar, all they'd see were the strokes of their blades, glimmering in the air like streamers in the sky. Twin blurs of gold and black would meet again and again and again, clashing weapons at inhuman speeds. With every impact, the room would brighten up and glow with the sparks of their blades.

SWISH!

FWISH!

Landing a few yards away from each other, Nile and Makyura sized each other up. Without a face to gaze upon, this onyx golem showed no weaknesses, nor flaws. The thing didn't even look like it could get tired. On the other hand, a thin layer of sweat had formed on the treasure-hunter's body. Makyura was pushing Nile in a way she hadn't felt in quite some time.

It was rather exciting!

“Nyeh heh heh! While you are an affront to Guarude, I will say your mistress created you with utmost dedication," said the hoyden feline as she spun her spear around, “Do not worry. I shall liberate you from the chains of bondage."

Resting her spear behind her, Nile took a battle-ready stance. Her hand was extended out, her body swayed left and right, and this saucy grin laid on her lips. She was like an idol of danger, and it radiated off her body like a gilded aura.

The ushabti she faced shifted its body up slightly, causing the sound of sliding metal to echo throughout the factory floor. It didn't care about its opponent's shift in disposition, for it could not be intimidated. It just moved forward, sending a powerful quake throughout the factory with its heavy steps.

THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!

And then it dashed...

THWOOOSHH!!!

Makyura rushed at Nile, bringing its claw down in a vertical slice. In a fraction of a second, she swung her spear back, clashing blades with the fiendish ushabti yet again. It did not stop there however. Continuing its onslaught, the beast struck at Nile again and again and again and again. Each strike was so fast, all one would be able to see was the glint of its silver claws as it blurred through the air. And yet...

CLASH! CLACK! KLASKH!

Each blow was parried by the treasure-hunter, deflecting its attacks as she was forced on the defensive. But as the seconds ticked on, Nile began pushing back. Instead of blocking and parrying strikes, she started swinging her spear against Makyura, forcing him to blow and move backwards. She was getting faster and faster with her every stroke, fast enough that not even the sinister ushabti could keep up with her! Perhaps it was getting frustrated, for it suddenly brought down both claws in unison.

SLASH! SLASH!

CKLAAAASHH!!!

But like time and time before, Nile stopped its attack.

Both blades pushed down upon the treasure-hunter, who held her spear out horizontally to block it. Pushing down further, Makyura attempted to crush her with its superior weight, but, again, Nile stopped it. With her own strength, she pushed back against the ushabti, locking the both of them into this struggle that neither side could break.

That is... until Nile's foot began to glow.

Makyura's head cocked to one side, while the treasure-hunter looked up at it with a grin on her lips.

“NIIIYAAAAHH!!!"

Flipping back, Nile placed her hands on the ground, performing a handspring kick! Her body cartwheeled backwards, while her feet struck Makyura square on the chin. The force was so great, its head was knocked back, making it stumble. But Nile didn't stop there. When the ushabti's head snapped back into place...

GWEEAAAAMM!!!

It came face to face with Nile's spear.

Pointing her javelin at Makyura's chest, a glowing orb of golden magic had formed between its two points. It shined before the suit of armor's single red eyes, glowing bright enough to cast shadows upon the rest of the factory. But the ushabti was not deterred. In another attempt to lacerate the treasure-hunter, it brought up its claws, and--

BURRRSSTTTT!!!

Was blown away.

The golden orb of magic Nile had formed, erupted in a vibrant explosion of gilded power. Despite its great size and heavy weight, the force of the detonation was great enough to throw Makyura away, launching him across the factory floor, and into a nearby wall.

KRRAAASSSHH!!!

Dust and sand were uprooted by the impact, creating an opaque fog. Through it, Nile could see Makyura's single red eye as it staggered forward. The treasure-hunter remained at the ready, her spear prepared to strike the ushabti down if it attempted another attack. But...

Ka-Thunk!

The armored fiend fell to its knees.

Upon its once impervious surface, visible cracks appeared. They traveled up and down its obsidian body, and shined with this iridescent light. Standing there, Nile remained at the ready, just in case this was another attack. But Makyura's body began rumbling, quaking as if something within its surface was desperate to get out. And after a few moments...

KA-THOOOM!!!

A wicked explosion rung out!

Makyura's armor was propelled in all directions, littering the factory floor in bits of black plating. Letting up on her stance, Nile watched the glorious light of the ushabti's explosion begin to fade. There in the center of the factory, the once relentless warrior had been revealed in his true form.

And that was of a shriveled and emaciated man.

Resting in this suit of armor that was three-times his size, he appeared almost mummified. But after a few moments...

“Gaaaaaah..."

He weakly gasped. This man was still alive.

Slowly, Nile approached Makyura, who could do nothing but lay there. Her eyes ran up and down his body, while he slowly looked up at her. This was not an ushabti in the truest sense; this man was more like a battery to operate the golem. The treasure-hunter felt bad for him, watching as this weak smile spread out on his skeletal lips.

“Thank... you..."

Crouching down before him, Nile nodded and reached out for Makyura. Gently she placed her hand on his head, brushing him, and then pulling back.

“NIIILLEEEE!!!"

Having returned, an expression of worry was on Legato's face as he looked down from the second floor platform. He almost expected to see nothing but a blood bath, with the treasure-hunter having lost her life. Instead, that same treasure-hunter was looking at him with this catlike smirk on her lips.

“Heya, bud!" she said whilst waving at him, “How are things going up there?"

Legato almost immediately deflated at the sound of the word 'bud'. But instead of growing angry or frustrated... a smile spread out on his lips. He even started to chuckle as he gazed down upon the treasure-hunter beneath him. It was hard to stay mad at someone who was as charming as she was, especially when that beaming, catlike smile was on her lips.

“Well... why don't you come up here and check for yourself?" asked Legato as he leaned on the banister's edge, “I think there's something up here that a treasure-hunter like you will liked to see."

“Nyeh heh heh! You better not be lying about that!" she replied sarcastically.

Extending her hand, Nile dispelled her spear, causing it to vanish in a flash of golden light. Then – much like Legato before her – she performed a series of quick jumps to scale up the wall before her, coming to the second floor.

“Are you okay?" asked Legato, making the treasure-hunter smile.

“Nyeh heh! I really like it when you let your guard down," she replied whilst looking over her shoulder at him, this wide grin on her lips, “It makes you so cute! I'm not a big fan of the cold, emotionally stunted type!"

“Hrrgh... well... I see fighting that golem didn't ruin your sense of humor," said Legato as he shook his head, “But..." walking to her side, he gave her a soft smile and nodded, “I am happy you're fine."

“Heh..." Nile winked at him, “I'm happy you're okay, too."

For a few moments, their eyes met; her black ones, and his brown ones. The smile she wore was the type of smile that could brighten a room, even though it was subdued. Nile so effortlessly exuded this lively and energetic aura, one that made one feel like she could do anything. And considering the fact that she not only fought Makyura by herself, but also defeated him, perhaps she really could do anything.

“So," said Nile as she faced the doors in front of them, “I take it this is where the gang leader ran off into?"

“Why don't you see for yourself?" replied Legato.

Nile nodded, and together, the two entered into the gang's treasure room. The feline's eyes grew wide with awe, stunned by the amount of goods they had amassed during their reign. So much gold! So much diamonds! This was an impressive little fortune for a gang operating in Guarpos!

There was just one tiny problem...

“Where's the witch?" asked Nile as she looked at Legato.

“Huh? She's right... wh-what!?"

The mercenary's eyes grew wide. He had left the mage as nothing more than a crumpled heap against the wall. But when he looked at the spot where she once was, he saw nothing! She wasn't there... she was gone!

“Wh-what the...?" said Legato as he rushed to the empty spot she once occupied, “She... she should... she was right here! I left her right here! How did she--?"

“Nyah hah hah! We shouldn't be too surprised," said Nile as she sat down on the bed in the treasure, drawing his attentions over, “A wormy little witch like her? Of course she found a way to slither out of here like the snake she is."

“Grrrh... shit..." muttered the mercenary as he palmed his head, “I shouldn't have taken my eyes of her. Fuck..."

“Hey, hey... there's no need worrying about it," said the treasure-hunter with a smile, “It's not like she could do much anyway. We dismantled her gang, destroyed her ushabti, and once I tell Guarude's forces about this place, all of her these things will be confiscated! She'll be left with nothing!" falling back into the bed, Nile gave a groan of pleasure, “Aaah... a job well done!"

“Especially without this mask," said Legato, making the catgirl look at him.

“Hm? What mask?"

“This one."

Approaching Nile on the bed, he handed her the jackal-shaped mask the witch once wore. The treasure-hunter's eyes grew wide, amazed by the artifact. When she held it, her fingers gently stroked along its edges and curves, marveling at its craftsmanship... and the power which resonated within.

“I see," said Nile, “That's why she was so strong."

“I thought as much," Legato remarked, “This mask was amplifying her power, wasn't it?"

“This mask... hm... its similar to..." she shook her head, then looked up at Legato with a smirk on her lips, “Nyeh heh! You're one hell of a mercenary, Legato! You took out this witch by yourself. I was lucky to hire you."

“Hey... I couldn't do it all by myself," he replied as he pulled Nile's gauntlet out of his cloak, “If it weren't for you giving me this, that witch would've flung me through the door with her powers."

“What? Really?" said Nile in a playful manner, “Naaawww! Couldn't be! I think you would've handled that witch just fine on your own. My gauntlet just... gave you a little push is all," her rascally demeanor then faded, becoming warmer as her grin subsided, “Thanks for all the help, Legato."

Looking down at the gauntlet in his hand, Legato's face shifted. For some reason, he felt... unsure of himself. It was difficult to explain, but after all that had happened, he suddenly felt as if holding this arm guard was... wrong.

Sitting down next to Nile on the bed, he continued looking at the gauntlet she gave her, even tossing it up and down a few times. Then he laxly leaned it over, offering it back to the catgirl.

“Go ahead... take it..." he said, causing Nile to lean up.

“Hm? Why would I do that?" she asked, “That's your payment, remember?"

“Naw... it feels... wrong... I don't like it," Legato replied, “This guard is clearly unique. It bounced back that spellcaster's magic, and kept me protected. I know it's supposed to be my down payment, but..." he shook his head, “Just take it back, Nile. Consider it my thanks for saving me in the first place. We're even. Besides..." his eyes roamed around the treasure room they were in, “I can easily swipe some things in here and take it back with me. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

“Nyeh heh heh... not at all," replied Nile as she shook her head, “Buuuuuuuut... I still want to thank you in some way. You helped me route out these bandits... it feels wrong to not reward you with something. Hmm... what possible treasure could this treasure-hunter give you to repay your valiant efforts?"

“Guh... just drop it, Nile," said Legato as he shot her an annoyed look.

“No, no, no! I should give you something, shouldn't I? Nyeh heh heh! What could I give you outside of money?"

“How about... some peace and quiet?"

“Nyah hah ha! Well, I can't give you that!" Nile said with a hardy laugh, “Hmmm... Oh! Nyeh heh... but I can give you this~"

Reaching up, the treasure-hunter grabbed Legato's wrist. He looked at her, eyebrow raised in curiosity, watching as she lifted his hand up, guided it over, and placed it...

Plap...

Right upon her bosom.

Legato's eyes grew wide, his face perplexed as he felt Nile's bust breast pressed against the palm of his hand. The thin white top she wore was as protective as paper, meaning that when he touched her, it was almost as if he was touching her flesh directly.

Her pristine, perfect, flesh.

Wait... what was he doing!?

“N-N-Nile!?" Legato said as he stared down at her bosom, then snapped his gaze up towards her smiling face, “Wh-wh-what are you doing!?"

“Nyeh heh... watching you stutter is kinda... cute, Legato," she replied whilst leaning her head in closer, “I don't think that's like you."

Clutching her hand over Legato's, Nile squeezed his grip atop her bosom. A man who knew his way around a wide variety of guns, was it any surprise that he had incredibly strong fingers? When they clinched in, he gripped her tit tight, drawing this lustful groan from her lips.

The sight of her face so close, and the sound of her erotic voice, both sent this heat rushing through Legato's body. Despite all that had happened throughout the day – the running, the fighting, the adventure as a whole – the mercenary felt energy again start to funnel through him. But this time, the energy wasn't focused on survival. This time, the energy was focusing on something else. Something... between his legs.

“Why are you doing this?" asked Legato as her face drifted closer to his.

“It's just payment," she answered while her eyes started closing shut, “So... let's have fun. Nmmmph~"

“Mmmm..."

Nile's lips... met his own. And when they did, one word came to mind: curvy. Nile's lips were curvy. The way they bent and shifted... ah... it truly was like kissing a cat.

Their eyes closed shut, allowing their lips to dance in the middle of this treasure room. Things were subtle at first; just chaste lips atop chaste lips. But as the seconds ticked by, their kiss increased in pace. Boldly, Nile's tongue wormed its way into Legato's mouth, where it was just as thin and as deft as befitting a cat. In comparison, the mercenary's tongue lagged behind.

But only for a few moments...

Legato was no playboy, but he's been with his fair share of women. When one has done the things he's done, and has seen the things he's seen, it probably comes as no surprise that he's amassed quite the skill in the bedroom. Once Nile's tongue brushed along his own, the mercenary felt emboldened to lick back.

Brushing his tongue along hers, Legato coaxed a groan from the feline's lips. Together, their tongues slipped, swirled, and slid along one another, vying for dominance in this lewd dance of lust. Soft clicks and softer suckles echoed from the two, while their heads tilted to deepen their kiss. All the while, the mercenary's once slack hand, began squeezing and groping Nile's tit on its own.

And...

Fuck...

Such a big, firm, heavy tit. Nile's shapely bosom pushed down on his palm, coaxing him to squeeze her, and then push in. Not stopping there, Legato began rolling her bosom around and around and around in circles, kneading her outright amid their kiss. With each squeeze, each grope, each rolling of her tit, randy groans of desire were drawn from her lips.

Nile wanted more.

Smack!

Chu!

Their kiss parted, with slivers of spittle sliding down their lips. For a few moment, Nile and Legato looked at one another, while they breathed in the same, randy air. One could feel the heat rise between them, building, building, building. They were not unaware of this either, and they leaned in once more.

Legato's nose pressed to Niles. She pushed back, groaning lustfully as their eyes slid shut. If their first kiss was an exploration...

“Mmmph!!!"

“Nmmmm~!"

Then their second kiss was a feast!

Legato and Nile groaned against one another as they fell down in the bed beneath them. Coins and gold were tossed up by their fall, sprinkling down upon them. They didn't care however; they were far too focused on the taste of each others' bodies.

Their tongues whipped and slid along one another, their lips pursing and kissing. Occasionally, their mouths would part, but only so that their tongues could lewdly swirl about in the space between them. And then they'd push right back in.

Putting it lightly, Nile tasted phenomenal. It was this unique flavor, like honey, chocolate and syrup, all mixed into one. What did this treasure-hunter dine on when she was at home? Pure decadence? It was an odd thing to say, but if Legato had to equate the catgirl's taste to something, it would be gold. Yes, if gold had a flavor, it would be Nile.

His hand did not remain still however. Amid the kiss they shared, Legato's hand would continue groping and kneading the treasure-hunter's tit. He thought it before, but it begs repeating; her bosom was so big and so damn firm! Nile's body was fit, young and athletic. Not one aspect of her body was out of line or unsightly. She was this youthful, feline dynamo, and like her stretches before, she was not ashamed of her body.

To think he'd get the chance to touch it in such a lewd manner.

Though, that's not to say Nile was doing nothing. Arms wrapping around his neck, the catgirl continued swapping spit with the mercenary, pushing her body against him. Her curvy body ground against his flat one, her back arching out to flaunt her feline physique. Feeling this, Legato's free hand trailed down the treasure-hunter's spine, coaxing these cute moans from her lips until his hand fell upon her butt.

Oh... if only this skirt wasn't in the way.

Sllliiiddeee!

Pop!

“Huh?"

Breaking their kiss, Legato watched as Nile pushed into him, nudging the mercenary over until he was resting on his back. With a grin on her lips, the treasure-hunter mounted him, straddling his hips while she sat up high. Chuckling in a taunting, boyish manner, her hands reached around to the back of her neck... where she undid the clips that kept her top up.

Fwwww...

Legato's eyes widened, watching as her bodice dropped... only to be caught by Nile's speedy hands. Crossing her arms beneath her bosom, she continued covering her chest while she shot the mercenary a cocky grin. He was so desperate to see her breasts in all of their gilded glory. So... why bother drawing out the inevitable?

Nile's arms dropped...

Fwump!

“Aaah...!?"

Without an ounce of shame, the treasure-hunter exposed her divine bust before Legato's unflinching eyes. Not only were they so big, not only were they so firm, but they were so perky as well. Their shape was curved and erotic, and her nipples... oooooh... so dark, so brown, and oh so hard.

Nile was unlike any women Legato had ever been with in his entire life. Her body was heavenly, athletic, and luscious. She was this golden goddess, and dammit, she deserved to be revered, if not outright worshiped as one!

But Nile's uniqueness extended beyond just her body. It extended to her personality as well. Even the most boldest of women did not flaunt their nude body with such authority as she did. But the treasure-hunter? Oh, she owned her divinity. Placing her hands on her hips, her catlike lips curled into this glowing smile, her eyes closed shut, and she pushed out her chest. Hell, golden sparkles even seem to flash around her body like a show!

A show all for him.

“You like 'em, don'tcha?" asked Nile in a teasing manner.

“Hell yeah I do," Legato replied.

Placing his hands on her hips, he caused the treasure-hunter to look down on him with a grin on her lips and a lewd glint in her eyes. She said nothing, instead remaining still as his hands stroked up and down her hips, before gliding up to her sides. For a few moments, he stroked his hands along golden belt she wore... but of course, that wasn't his real target.

His real target...

“Nyyaah~ nyeh heh heh!"

Legato's fingers pushed into Nile's bosom, sinking into her firm tit-flesh. So smooth and erotic; he squeezed her much like he did before, but now he was touching her bosom directly. His hands were both nimble yet strong, easily capable of grasping as much of her breasts as he could. He clawed at her breasts, causing her back to arch as she offered more of her chest to his agile fingers. His thumbs gently stroked along her hard nipples, flicking them up, and sending jolts through her body.

“Aaah~ Nyaaaahh~ ooooh~ Nyeh heh heh~ you're pretty good at this," Nile whispered, “Guess mastering your gun taught you how to use your fingers for more... ahem... recreational purposes, huh?"

“That's... one way to put it..." Legato whispered as he brought his head in, “Hmm... you have a very beautiful body, Nile."

“Coming from someone like you? Nnnyyy~ thank you... ahhh~~"

Legato's mouth wrapped around one of Nile's perky nipples. It was so wet and warm, wrapping her bosom with drizzles of spit and drool. Gripping her tit from the bottom, he squeezed more of her bosom into his awaiting mouth, giving him more to suckle, slurp, and lick upon. Just like her lips and tongue, the treasure-hunter's body tasted like honey, chocolate, and sugar.

Nile's body tasted like gold.

Like he was some baby, Legato's mouth pursed, sucking hard around the catgirl's nipple. The pleasure she felt caused her to reach up and clutch the back of his head, holding him against her bosom as her back arched. Sonorous and erotic moans left her lips without end, without filter, while her hands worked through his dusty brown hair.

“Nyaaaaaaaah ~~! Haaaaaahh~~ Nmmmm~!"

Biting into her bottom lip, Nile began rocking her hips atop Legato's waist. She could feel a certain 'something' press and grind back against her through his pants. Oh gods, it was so big and thick, and that's all she could feel through his pants. When it was freed, aaah, it was going to be amazing.

But first things first. She couldn't be so quick get to the main event. Cat though she was, Nile knew the importance of taking her time. Besides, the hunt was always the part that was the most fun.

Reaching down, the treasure-hunter slid her hands beneath Legato's cloak. Not only did he wear this jacket of his all day, but it was jet-black. In the desert land of Guarude, he must have been soaking, and that's not even taking into account all the fighting they've done.

Gently, Nile gripped the strings which kept his cloak hung around his neck. Undoing them, she guided the garment off his body, revealing his bare upper body to her. As expected of a man of his skill and caliber, Legato was fit, firm and lean. Muscles laid on his body, giving him this broad chest and abs on his stomach. There's a reason why he was able to fight for as long and as hard as he could, and even compete with Nile in terms of speed and tenacity.

Placing her fingers up on his chest, she idly stroked her hands down his body, exploring his tone physique. He was still focused on suckling from her tits, but that didn't stop groans from leaving him as she touched his body. Nile's touch was remarkable. She handled a spear with the great and beauty of a talented dancer... while be still being as deadly and precise as a trained warrior. Now those hands were gently stroking along his body, sending more and more heat through Legato's body.

But the treasure-hunter didn't stop there. As amazing as his hands were, there was a slight problem with him, specifically, his right arm. He was still wearing his black and sharp gauntlet. Gripping it, Nile slowly started pulling it off his arm. Legato didn't fight her off...

Clank! Clank! Shling!

The gauntlet fell to the side, revealing his hand. Uniquely, on the mercenary's right arm was a tattoo, one of a black serpent. It spiraled and spread up and down his arm with an immaculate design. Gazing upon it, Nile gave a curious gasp, before looking back down at Legato.

“Tattoos...?" she asked, to which he pulled from her tit and looked to the side.

“I'd... rather not talk about it," he replied.

“Hmm..."

Nile nodded, accepting it. She wasn't going to push the issue; it wasn't her place to ponder on his past, especially if he didn't want to share it. Besides, why ruin what they had going on? Now that his hand was freed, both were free to grope and knead her body at his own leisure.

And, yes, his touch felt twice as good without that gauntlet on his hand. Placing his hands upon the sides of Nile's breasts, Legato groped both at the same time, squeezing and pressing them together, and then lifting both up. A grin spread out on her lips, chuckling at how enamored the mercenary was with her body.

As he returned to suckling from her tits, Nile reached around to her back. Undoing the clips of her golden belt, she loosen it – and the rest of her dress – from her body. Without her belt in the way, her dress was equivalent to a white and gold blanket. So easily she pulled it from her body, allowing it to fall off her arms, and reveal her nude form in all its glory.

And glorious was certainly the word for it. The curves, the straights, the golden-brown skin, the athletic firmness with the soft femininity; Nile truly was this golden goddess, and never was that more obvious than right now! Raising her hands, she placed her hands into her hair, ruffling it up more as this grin appeared on her catlike lips.

“Nyah hah hah~!"

Even her hardy laugh was laced with eroticism and divinity.

Looking up, Legato's brown eyes met Nile's black ones, with her laugh dying down into this saucy grin. For a few moments they sat there, gazing at one another. Reaching down, the treasure-hunter placed her hands on his face, framing it with her own. At the same time, the mercenary reached up and placed his hands on her hips. For a few more moments they sat there, marveling at the other... before their lips moved in for a kiss again.

“Hmmmph~~!"

“Hmmmmff!"

Their mouths meshed together, their tongues danced, and Nile used her full weight to push Legato down into the mattress beneath them. While they furiously swapped spit with all the randy desire of horny beasts, the mercenary's hands traced up and down her body. Marveling at her breasts were one thing, but she had a whole body to marvel at and explore. And that's what his fingers were doing; exploring.

They trailed up and down her body, feeling the limberness of her spine before coming down to her butt. So pert and firm; you could bounce of a coin off her ass. Its shape was remarkable too; this luscious peach that drove Legato to grip it, and grip it hard.

“Hmmmmmmnnn~~~!"

Nile moaned in their lips, her head pulling back to break their kiss. Biting into her bottom lip, her tail sprung up and she looked over her shoulder, watching his hand knead her curvaceous ass. Around and around and around he worked her ass, squeezing his fingers into it, then pulling his hand back to deliver a swatting--

SMACK!

“Nyaaaahh~~~! Ffuuuuuuuu! Haaaah~!" looking down, Nile shot Legato another grin, who smirked back for a change, “Nyeh heh! Getting spicy, eh?"

“Well... it's not like you're giving me much of a choice," replied the mercenary, making her chuckle.

“Okay, fine then, Mr. Mercenary!" Nile said as she leaned on his body and tapped his nose, “Since someone wants to be bold, then let's get bold! Nyeh heh heh! I'm going to show you the glory of a Guarudian woman!"

With her words in his head, Nile slipped down Legato's body, coming to his pelvis. Sitting upright on the bed, he watched as the treasure-hunter got to work. Her devious fingers undid the buckle of his belt and then the button of his pants, all while giggling and chuckling. In a matter of moments his trousers were loosened around his pants, allowing Nile to pull them down. Inch... inch... inch... inch... inch!

FWIP!

“NYAH!?"

“Ah...!"

Ya'know... until now, he hadn't realized just how hard his cock was.

Flicking to light between the two, Legato's dick launched a streak of pre-cum upon Nile's face, one which ran right down the center. The treasure-hunter groaned with desire, as some of his pre-cum drizzled upon her lips, giving her a slight taste of his burly cock.

It was long and hard, glistening with sweat in the light of the treasure room, with his pulsating veins running down its sides, and his musky scent flowing through the air. And 'musky' was certainly the word for it. All day, Legato had been wearing his black cloak and black pants. Sure, he didn't have a shirt beneath his cloak, but that didn't stop all that heat from cooking his body. And then you have all the fighting, which further made him heat up. Altogether, it caused his body to radiate with this powerful and thick musk; his natural body odor.

And Nile?

“Sniff sniff! Oh my~! Sniff sniff sniiiiifff~~! Haaaah... wow, Legato... nnghh~" looking up at him, he gave her a seductive look, “You smell really good."

“Um... th-thanks...?" he replied.

Like, seriously, how does he respond to that? No woman's ever praised his smell before. Maybe it was a beastkin thing...

Nile's praise for his member didn't end just there. Leaning in, she pressed her small nose up against his cock, and let her nostrils flair. With loud and lewd smells, the treasure-hunter gleefully took in randy whiff after randy whiff of Legato's girthy cock. The sweat and musk off his body was drawn into her nose, filling her with a hint of his taste. It sent heat rumbling through her body, and made her shudder with such erotic desire.

“Nyaaaaaaaaahhhh ~~~soooo goooooood~~~" she cooed.

To see a woman be so enamored with his cock of all things, was a level of lewdness that Legato had never experienced before. And Nile wasn't even trying to hide her desire for him! With the catlike smile on her face, and the red haze of arousal on her cheeks, the treasure-hunter looked downright lust drunk!

From his big, sweaty balls up to his swollen tip, Nile dragged her nose. His odor was intoxicating, making her ears twitch and her tail slither. Extending her tongue, the treasure-hunter began guiding it along Legato's shaft, coaxing a grunt from his lips. A throb was sent coursing through his length as he felt her lithe tongue, followed by a grunt, and then a groan. But she wasn't going to stop there. Palming the side of his length, Nile held it in place, allowing her tongue to start its assault in earnest.

“Sliick! Slick! Lick! Slik! Slrrrp!"

“Aaah! Hnnnghh! Aaah!"

Up and down, up and down, up and down, Nile attacked Legato's cock with a relentless barrage of licks! They weren't just long, they weren't just loud, they weren't even just lewd, but they were so damn strong! The way she pressed her tongue along his cock and dragged it up, meant that the mercenary could feel every bump and ridge of that pink muscle. Precise as well, she would occasionally use the tip of her tongue to trace along the highway that was his veins.

Swiveling up towards the tip of his length, Nile began sliding her tongue around his glands in a swirling motion. With both hands gripping the base of his cock, she held him in place, forcing Legato to endure the onslaught of her sexual skill.

And endure he did!

Gazing down upon Nile, the mercenary read the lewd face she wore. Her mouth was in this 'o', her tongue still licking and swirling, and her eyes staring back up at him. The sight made his fingers and toes curl with an ever growing tension. He could feel the seed within his hefty balls surge and churn, desperate to unleash the contents within.

But...

“Slrrrp!"

“Guh! Aaah...! Hah!"

Nile pulled back, leaving Legato's length lathered in spit. It oozed down the glands, mixing with his pre-cum to create these thick and gooey bridges of lust. During all of her licking, she never once took the direct plunge and pushed his cock into her mouth. Instead, she let his taste dance on her tongue, before slurping it up and swallowing it.

So bitter... so salty... so randy... nyeh... even a little dirty... ah... befitting a man like him.

Of course, Nile was not finished just yet. She promised to show him the glory of a Guarudian woman, did he not? It was time to make good on that declaration.

Massaging his thighs, Nile kept them nice and open for her while she lifted up. Legato watched as she hovered her chest above his cock, his head tilted to one side. For a moment, he was confused, having never seen a woman do this before. And then Nile dropped down.

Plap!

“Guh!?"

And showed him that her breasts could do more than just be suckled upon.

Legato's long and burly cock was sandwiched on both sides by Nile's firm, busty breasts. He could feel every inch of her warm, pliable, smooth tit-flesh as it cradled every inch of his throbbing and rigid length. Never before had a woman done such a thing to him, and going by the grin on her lips, the treasure-hunter was aware of this.

“Nyeh heh heh~!"

Her hoyden laugh filling his ears, she gripped the sides of her tits and began pushing them together. On both ends she smothered his cock, where she began kneading her own bosom. Her fingers sank into her firm breasts, squeezing them hard, which caused them to clamp down around Legato's cock. Then she began groping her chest, rubbing them around and around in circles, which caused her bosom to grind on his dick.

Clinching his teeth, Legato gripped the edge of the bed beneath him, watching as the treasure-hunter performed her titjob with this elegant skill. Her chest would rub left and right, smacking his cock side to side, then lift up and push down. And he felt it – he felt all of it! He felt the sliding, the swaying left and right, the bouncing! And with every push, every grope, every bounce, his cock would thrust through the valley of her tits like a sword.

Watching him get lost in the pleasure, Nile's saucy grin shifted into a more lurid smile. She even batted her eyes at him as her ears drank in the sounds of his deep moans. It felt good to please him in such a way, and it made her want to please him more. And she knew how to do that.

Opening her mouth, Nile wrapped her curvy lips around the head of Legato's cock. Her lips pursed hard, suckling down on the first inch or so of his length as she let it sit in her maw. Gently, she rested the head of his cock on her tongue, while her teeth plucked and ground against the top and bottom of it.

With erotic skill, Nile not only continued her paizuri, she sucked on the head of his cock at the same time! Up and down her head started to softly bob, sinking his length into her maw as she kept it captured within. All this heat, all this drool, it collected upon the head of Legato's dick, and slipped through the creases of Nile's lips. She wouldn't let him escape. Whether it be between her tits or within her mouth, his cock was hers!

Pat!

But the mercenary wasn't going to go down without a fight!

“Nnnghh! Damn! You really are a greedy little bitch, aren't you?" groaned Legato as he palmed the top of Nile's head, his hand resting between her ears, “Haaah! Guess you really are a treasure-hunter! Fine then! You want it so bad!?"

Plap!

“Nmmmgph~~!"

“Then take it!"

Invigorated, Legato began thrusting with his hips, driving his cock between Nile's tits, and into her mouth! He pushed in deep with his burly length, almost deep enough to enter her throat; her breasts be damned! But even as he started to fuck her mouth in earnest, the treasure-hunter did not stop her titjob. She did the opposite in fact; she squeezed her tits harder around his cock, and sucked it harder as well!

PLAP! PLAP! PLAP! PLAP! PLAP!

“NMMM ~~! HMMM~~~! SLRRRP! HNNNMMM~~~!"

“Aah! Haah! Ha! Ha! Nnngghh! Aaaaahh!"

Through her tits and into her mouth, his long rod pounded with nothing in the way! Nile's head bounced up and down, both by her own desires, and as she was guided by his firm grip! Together, the two worked hard to bring him to that amazing climax! And after one thrust too many--

“GUH!"

“NYYHHHHNNN~~~!"

SPURT! SPURRT! SPLRRRT! SPLUURRRT!!!

Cum! Hot, spicy, virile, fragrant, cum!

Thick globules of Legato's semen was pumped from his balls, through his shaft, out the tip, and straight into Nile's awaiting mouth! It coated her tongue, teeth and gums, and pushed down with this heavy weight. The thickness of his spunk oozed within the treasure-hunter's mouth, stretching like gelatinous strands.

Eyes closed shut, Nile slowly pulled her lips off of Legato's cock, flinging cum and spit about as she did so. Her face appeared tense for several moments as she swathed his seed about with her tongue, but then she looked up, meeting his gaze with her own.

“Aaaaaawwww..."

Opening her mouth, Nile let Legato watch his cum ooze about within. Then she closed her lips, relaxing as she--

“Gllp! Gulp! Guulp!"

Swallowed it down.

“Fuuuuuu... aaah... nyeh heh... you were... pretty backed up there," said Nile as she looked up again, shooting Legato a sly wink as she did so, “Guess you don't spend a lot of time..." raising her hand, she wrapped her fingers around an invisible phallus, where she performed the lewd gesture of stroking it off, “Rubbing it out, huh? Nyeh heh heh!"

Legato's face dropped, appearing annoyed... but only for a few seconds before a grin of his own appeared on his lips.

“From the skills you show, you know a thing or two about 'rubbing it out' dontcha?" he replied, making her head cock to one side.

“Nyeh heh heh! Yeah! That's more like it!" said the treasure-hunter as she playfully jabbed his side, “I like this side of you, Legato! It's way more approachable than how you usually are. Hnnn~" standing up before him, she leaned forward, hovering her face right in front of his, “But a strong guy like you..." then her hand dropped, where she began gently rubbing the head of his cock, “I know you've got a lot more energy to give. Nyeh heh...! So... let's get going!"

Reaching down, Nile gripped that unique underwear she wore... though, Legato was still unsure if he should call it underwear or not. The item she used to cover her pelvis, didn't even hook around entirely to cover the entirety of a hips! It was like a crotch plate, but it was just tiny enough to cover her pelvis. The treasure-hunter was just about to pull it down, when she noticed his gaze of curiosity. Smiling at him, she answered the question he'd been looking for, saying,

“It's called a c-string."

And then she pulled it down.

Clank!

In all of her nude, gilded glory, Nile stood before Legato. Her ears were straight, her fists were on her hips, her chest was pushed out, her tail danced from side to side, and this smug look was on her face. She was a cat, through and through, and like any feline worth their weight, she was looking for one thing.

“You look beautiful, Nile."

Praise!

“Nyeh heh heh! Thank you, Legato," she said before opening her eyes and looking down, “Now, it's your turn to get acquainted with my body! Pffft!"

She began walking forward, making him think she was again going to mount him... only to place her hands on the bed to his side. Turning his head, Legato watched as Nile crawled upon the mattress, her butt raised in the air and her hips swaying left to right. Left and right, she flicked a few coins aside, making a nice spot in the bed for her...

Fwump!

Cling! Clang! Shing! Shink!

And then fell into it, tossing up gold with her impact.

Resting on her back, Nile's legs laid atop one another and her hands sat beside her head. When Legato's eyes trailed along her form, marveling at it, indulging in it, it made her chest expand and her smile grew stronger. And then he started crawling over, approaching her on the mattress. Reaching out for her, the mercenary placed his hands on her knees, where he kneaded them gently... and then guided them open.

Nile didn't stop him.

“Haaaah..."

The treasure-hunter's pussy...

Was truly like gold.

Perfect and flawless in every way of the words, Nile's mound was slick and wet, glistening with her nectar. Its shape was thin, the labia tone, and her clit hard. She was also cleanly shaven... though no, that's not exactly true. She had pubic hair, but it had been cute into a unique symbol. Hanging above her cunt, her royal blue pubic hair was shaved in the shape of...

“An ankh...?" said Legato aloud, making Nile giggle.

“Mm-hmm~ it's the symbol of life," said the treasure hunter as she stroked her hands above her cunt, “Do you see it? Nyeh heh heh! My pussy is so pink and flawless... just like I am! Pfffft! Come here, Legato... taste from my honeypot..."

“Nnnmmph!"

“Oooh~~!?"

Legato was quick and deadly. That was true in battle... and that was true in the bedroom.

Once given the go to dine on Nile's divine body, he didn't hesitate to do so. His mouth pressed upon the treasure-hunter's cunt, clamping down upon her. He then began sucking and slurping, drawing her nectar straight into his awaiting mouth. His lurid dining on her pussy was no different from when he sucked on her tits earlier. And just like when he sucked on her breasts...

“Nyaaaah~! Aaah~! Haah ~~! Oooh~! Hnmnmmphh~~~!"

From Nile's lips were sonorous cries or erotic bliss. Legato's tongue was as devious as it was strong. It licked and lapped at her folds, dancing along her pussy, even striking at her clit. He'd kiss on the nub, suckle on it too, sending jolts down the feline's spine and making it arch. Then he came back down, again teasing at her folds with his tongue... before pushing it inside.

“Haaaaahh ~~~! Nyaaaaaahhnnn~~~! Oooooh~~~!"

Reaching down, Nile placed her hand on Legato's head. Her fingers worked through his hair, gripping his scalp... and pushing him in deeper. She could feel his tongue push into her sweltering folds, prying them apart, and running along her ridges. Each one was dragged, plucked and toyed with, drawing more cries of pleasure from her mouth.

“Hyaaaaahhhnnn ~~~! Fuck, Legatooooo~~~ Nmmmmphh~! Nyeh heh heh~! Aaahhnn~!"

Her endless honey poured into his awaiting mouth, staining his lips and coating his tongue. And, well... is it any surprise that Nile's body was fucking divine? Like her lips and tits before, the treasure-hunter's pussy tasted like every sweat flavor mixed into one. What came from Nile's pussy was not fluids, but ambrosia.

And Legato never wanted to lose this taste.

“Hmmmph! Hrrrmmph! Mmmmmph!"

“Haaah! Nyaaah~! Fuck! Aaahnnn ~~! Y-you're... guh~! Nyaaaaah~! E-eating... too... haarr—aaaahhh~~~!"

It was coming! Ooooooh, it was coming! The more Legato licked her, and the deeper his tongue reached, the better Nile felt! This grin spreading out on her lips, the treasure-hunter laid down on the mattress beneath her, letting its coins and diamonds fall on her form. Her one hand continued to grip Legato's head, while her other hand reached up to grab her tit. In tandem with his voracious cunnilingus, she groped and kneaded her own bosom, building her pleasure higher and higher and higher until--

“NYAAAAAHHH~~~!"

SQUIRRRRT!!!

“Hrrmmph!"

All on Legato's face and in his mouth, Nile unleashed her ambrosial nectar, drenching him. It shot out from her folds in strong, clear juices, almost like a geyser was shooting out from her folds! Nile was a fucking squirter, and a hard one at that! Her hips jerked upright, shooting her juices all over his face, marring him in her clear honey. It oozed down his clear features, falling on the bed, while his lips caught as much as he possibly could.

Now it was his turn to indulge in the taste of Nile's orgasm. Its sweet flavor, its weighty texture, and its clear appearance; he enjoyed it all. And right now in this moment, his tongue swashed it left and right, even licked his lips... before swallowing it down.

“Gulp! Aaaaah..."

Looking down, Legato dragged his arm against his lips to clean off some of Nile's fem-cum. For a few moments, the treasure-hunter remained laying on the bed, panting for breath... before chuckling at the sight of him above her.

“Did ya like it?" she asked in a rhetorical manner, causing him to leer at her.

“What do you think?" he asked.

“Nyeh heh heh~! I thought you'd respond like that," she said whilst leaning up, “Nnnmmm~ for a mercenary, you're really good at pleasing a woman! Nyeh! I guess you can do more than just shoot things!"

“Is that supposed to be praise or an insult?" asked Legato as he drew in close.

“I guess you can pick," she replied with a snicker.

Their noses met, with his face being somewhat indifferent, and her face being that cheeky grin of hers. Reaching up her hands, she draped her arms on his neck, bringing him in closer and closer... before pressing their lips together. Their kiss was slow and soft, trading the taste of cum with one another; both his and hers. It didn't last for too long however, before Nile pulled away.

“Nyeh heh heh!"

With her chortles filling the air, the treasure-hunter pulled out from under Legato, retreating deeper into the bed. Laying down on her side, she relaxed amid the gold and coins of the bed with her peach-shaped ass pointed towards his face. The slit of her pussy, her tight puckering anus; all of it was exposed before the mercenary without an ounce of shame.

“Come on, come on~" she said, her hand curling in a beckoning manner, “I don't think I need to tell you what to do next~"

Nile's knowing tone flowed into Legato's ears, drawing him in closer. Her illustrious and divine body was there for the taking, if not outright excited by it. The catlike smile, the dancing tail, the twitching ears, even the chuckles that left her now and then; it all yearned to be pleased.

And, damn, he was going to please her. He was going to please her so fucking much.

Reaching down, Legato gripped his cock by the base and pushed it forward. When the head of his burly length pressed against Nile's tight folds, the treasure-hunter bit into her bottom lip and groaned. Her feline fangs were sharp and white, and her face was twisting with desire. But she said not a word, instead batting her eyes at him as he continued rubbing his length along her pussy.

Up and down, side to side, his cock teased her cunt, sending jolts of excitement down Nile's spine. She nodded furiously, chuckled too, then reached down and grabbed her ass. Fingers sinking into her firm butt, the treasure-hunter pulled on her cheeks, exposing more of her pussy and ass to him, before releasing her butt and letting it--

Clap!

Was this typical cat behavior? Legato wondered. And then he shook his head. Did it really matter?

No... not really...

Puuuuuuuussssshhh!!!

“Nnnggghh ~~~! Nyaaaaahh~~~! Fuck~! I~~ nnnmmmm!!!"

Deeper... deeper... deeepeeerrrrrr... Legato's length pushed deep into Nile's folds, spreading her apart, inch by inch by inch. The head of his burly cock ground against the individual ridges and folds of her pussy, with her cunt clamping down and wrapping around him. Tighter and tighter her grip became, stroking off the mercenary's member while her warmth and juices tangled around him.

Never... Never, ever, ever... Never...

Never had bedding a woman felt so glorious before! Nile's pussy was like the rest of her body; this divine womanhood that felt superior to anything he's ever experienced in his entire life. The tightness, the warmth, the nectar, and her velvety ridges, all milked and stroked his cock off for all it was worth. If she were to tell him that she could make him cum at any moment with her pussy, he'd believe her.

“Fuck~ nyaaaaah~ hmmmph...! Holy shit! Nyaaah~ So big...! Your dick's pushing so fucking deeeeep~! Ah~~~" said Nile as her pussy gave greedy little twitches.

Placing his hand on her hip, Legato kneaded the treasure-hunter gently, his thumb sinking into her ass. With his tight grip holding her firm, the mercenary pulled his hips back slowly, drawing his cock along every inch of her pussy. Nile groaned with desire, feeling his length bottom out of her cunt... before shooting right back in!

PAT!

“NYAAAH~!"

“Ggnnn...!"

Shit! That felt fucking amazing! It was just one thrust, but the power in it sent quakes not just through Nile's body, but the bed beneath them. Coins and diamonds were tossed up from the impact, where they sprinkled down upon the treasure-hunter's form.

But her body was superior.

The image of her gilded flesh, rolling with waves that coursed from her ass, through her chest, and up to her hair, drew a gasp from Legato's lips. His deep groans filled the air, mixing with the sounds of their bodies impacting, and the moans from Nile's sonorous lips.

Those moans... those erotic, beautiful, divine moans... Legato wanted to hear more of it. And he knew exactly how to get it!

PAT! PAT! PAT! PAT! PAT! PAT! PAT! PAT!

“Nyaah~! Haaah~ Aaah~ Ooooh~ Fuck! Nnnghh~~!"

With a pendulous sway, Nile's shapely tits bounced up and down, jerking in time with Legato's thrusts. They'd flow up and down, nearly blurring as her sharp nipples cut through the air. And when he thrusted particularly hard, her shapely breasts would rise high enough to smack the bottom of her chin!

Reaching up, the treasure-hunter gripped a nearby pillow and clinched it tight as she endure thrust after thrust after thrust! Legato's long and thick cock slammed in deep into her pussy, using the power in his hips to control him! And those hips, oooooh, those hips! Those hips of his have propelled him over long distances in battle. Now they were being used to bring her to higher and higher pleasure!

“Guh! Nyaaaahh~~! Nngggghh...! Fucking... Ah~! S-stirr me up! Stir up my pusssyyy! Nyaaaaahh~!"

“Nngghh! You got it!"

THWAP!

“NYAAAAAHH!!!"

Legato's thrusts grew twice as fast, twice as strong, slamming and pushing his cock even deeper into Nile's cunt! When his hips met her ass, the fit and firm flesh of her butt quivered like rippling waves. She too recoiled like she was being stricken, her teeth clinched and face jerking back, before her eyes opened and her mouth did likewise. Panting such hard, lewd breaths, the treasure-hunter endured the onslaught of thrusts that shot into her pussy, feeling herself being brought closer and closer to that blissful high.

But, right, she had a request, a command, did she not? She told him to stir up her pussy, did he not? Then, dammit, he was going to fucking do it!

Grab! Fwump!

“Huh?"

Placing his hands on Nile's hips, Legato rolled her over on her back. She looked up at him, taken off guard by his sudden forcefulness... before letting that shock shift into a lurid grin. Up and down, her chest heaved with lustful breaths, while a few taunting chuckles left her lips. But it was her eyes which he found most attractive of all. How they looked up at him with their feline shape... and how they glowed with this gilded light.

It was deep in the center, shining brighter than the piles of gold around them. Seeing her lay here, so youthful and wanting, brought Legato's hands up. Gently he clutched her face, holding her cheeks in his palms. Then he moved, pressing his lips to hers.

“Hmmm..."

“Nmmm~"

It was a kiss that was this odd mix between slow passion, and frenetic hunger. Their tongues met first, brushing along one another, before moving in so that their lips could meet. When they did, the two desperately suckled on one another's faces, their tongues whipping and lapping at one another, while spit and drool was traded and swapped. Their hands too grasped and groped at one another, with their fingers working through each others' hairs.

And then Legato thrusted.

THWAP!

“Hnnggghh~~~!"

His cock had shifted its angle. Legato was no longer thrusting for thrusting's sake; his movements now had a reason behind it. He guided his cock along the ridges of her pussy, stroking each and every one of them. The folds all quivered around his member, before tightening in. She was trying to keep him inside, forcing him to again pull his hips back, and thrust them inside of her sweltering cunt.

THWAP! THWAP! THWAP!

“NNNGGGGHH~~~!"

Still kissing Nile, he guided his cock in and out of her pussy, fucking her in the bed with his hips rocking gently. Along her folds he pried her apart, giving her exactly what she yearned for. To have her pussy stirred up!

“POP! FUCK! NYAAAAHHNNN~~~!"

Crooning her head back, Nile cried out to the treasure room around her as her pussy was so thoroughly fucked. Like he would in battle, Legato quickly identified her weaknesses, and was using it to his advantage. The angles he took with his cock struck all of her sweet spots, making her body jolt and twitch, and made her pussy do likewise.

“Fuck! Aah~! If you keep this up, I'm gonna...! Nyaaaaahhh~~~!" Nile cried out, making Legato's eyes widen.

Pulling back, he sat up tall above Nile, drinking in the glorious sight of her divine body being wracked with pleasure. Her bouncing tits, her fluttering hair, her erotic face; he couldn't pull his eyes away from any of it! This beautiful, confident, competent, and divine treasure-hunter, was being pleased by his cock! He slammed in and in and in and in and in! Harder and harder! Stirring up her pussy! Triggering these loud, lewd, primal gasp from her mouth, and making her cunt tighten hard around his cock!

She wanted it; she wanted all of it! And she was going to get it!

“Nileeeeeee!" Legato groaned as he placed his hands down beside the sides of her body and hovered his face above hers, “I'm gonna... nnghh! I'm gonna--"

Clinch!

“Then do it!" she replied.

Legato's eyes widened and he looked over his shoulder. Not only did Nile drape her legs around his hips, but in a showing of flexibility, she locked her legs around his waist entirely. She gave him juuuuust enough room to fuck her pussy, otherwise...

Otherwise...

Otherwise, Legato was going nowhere. His cock was going to pound into her pussy, and he was going to unleash his spunk straight into her divine pussy.

Looking back down, he didn't see Nile's moaning face, but instead a grinning one. The treasure-hunter knew exactly what she was doing, and she wasn't going to let him escape. Gripping his neck and shoulders, her claws dragged gently down his skin, scratching line in his body, while her pussy gripped his dick harder and harder and harder. There was no escape. He could do nothing but--

THWAPTHWAPTHWAPTHWAPTHWAP!!!

Push on through!

Fucking, fucking, fucking! The bed was bouncing, bouncing, bouncing! Coins were flying, flying, flying! And they? They were cumming, cumming, CUMMING!!!

“GUH!?"

“NYAAAAAAAAHHHH~~~!"

GLRRRK! GLLLLNKK! GRRRRRKKK!!!

SQUUUUUIIIRRRRRRRRTTTT!!!

Legato's balls were big. And, no, not just in the metaphorical sense... though one has to have either big balls or barren brains to take on the line of work he does! No, no, no, Legato's balls were physically big. And right now, they were drawn up close to his body.

As if in defiance to his earlier climax – and his body as a whole – the mercenary deposited an even larger sum of spunk inside of Nile's pussy, than he did in her mouth before! It traveled throughout his cock; these large, thick wads of seed, which painted her pussy white, and filled her straight to her womb! It was so great, so thick, that cum came spurring out of her pussy and around his member, exploding like an eruption of semen!

Not that Nile was to be outdone.

Leaning back, a feline cry of pleasure left her lips as her pussy spasmed around Legato's cock. Her juices – clear, hot and divine – squirted from her folds like a jet-stream, marring down his pelvis, dick, and balls. They pushed hard too, with her body undulating from climax after climax after climax. And every recoil she suffered, caused her pussy to clamp down harder around his dick, clinching him tight, and holding him hostage.

Like with her legs, her pussy wasn't going to let go. Not until he gave her every... drop...

On this bed of stolen goods, their bodies laid intertwined in equal parts passion and lust. The air was thick with the pungent odor of sex and sweat, and the sounds of their heavy breathing echoed off the walls. As their climaxes subsided, Nile finally dropped her legs from Legato's lips, while her eyes gazed into his. Several more moments passed of the two merely breathing... before they pushed in to--

“Nmmph!"

“Mmmph!"

They kissed one another. They kissed one another again and again and again. All the while, their bodies relaxed on the mattress, still clutching one another near as their tongues danced. It was Legato who pulled back first. Gazing down upon Nile, he watched her lips curl into a fang-flashing grin, as her eyes again glowed with this subtle golden light.

“Tired yet?" asked Nile.

Legato swallowed his spit.

“No."

…

So... this was what night was like in Guarude. It was rather... beautiful.

The sun had set on the desert nation of Guarude, painting the skies a variety of colors. Blacks and blues, indigos and purples, even a few fleeting reds and oranges could be seen across the horizon. And above – mixing with them to bring life to a void-like expanse – were the variety of stars that peppered the sky. Oh, yes, and one could not forget the large, silver moon which hovered above them all.

He's been to a large number of lands throughout his life and career, but he could easily say that nights in Guarude were unlike nights in any other country.

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKL!!!

Though... he'd rather ride on the back of a horse than on the back of a reptoid.

Along the desert roads of Guarude, Legato and Nile road upon the back of the latter's reptoid. His chest was to her back, and his hands were resting on her shapely hips. Perhaps if she was someone else, the mercenary wouldn't be so touchy-touchy. But, hey, they did just get done fucking in the treasure room of a gang; if he couldn't be close to her, who could he be close with? Besides...

Who could really take their hands off of Nile?

The reptoid beneath them moved well above thirty miles an hour, and showed no strain on its body keeping up such a pace. There was one slight problem however...

“Can this thing be a bit... smoother?" asked Legato, to which Nile chuckled.

“Hm? What's that? Nyah hah! Hear that, Sobek? Someone doesn't like your manner of movement!" she said whilst gently rubbing the head of her reptoid.

“Rrraaaaaak!" replied the beast.

Legato rolled his eyes at Nile's playful response. She must have felt the gesture, because she gave a brash laugh which filled the air around them. Again he rolled his eyes, pouted too. But despite his attempts to remain abrasive, he just couldn't when he was with her. The catgirl's charms were stronger than her weapons. They could even soothe the heart of a man like him.

Besides, she was giving him a ride to the nearest town.

“Oh! There it is!"

Speaking of which...

Legato gazed over Nile's shoulder, where he saw the walls and amber lights of a settlement. Finally, after what felt like hours of running on the back of Sobek, they had arrived at the town of Atem. Being so close, the mercenary felt a wave of joy wash over him. Finally, he'd be able to get into a bed! Well... a different bed from the one he was on before. A lot less money, and with no catgirl.

Wait... this other bed sounds way worse, doesn't it?

“I want to thank you again for all of your aid, Legato," said Nile, snapping him from his thoughts, “If it weren't for you, I don't think I would've been able to take down all those bandits."

“Tch... don't try and act humble," he said in a slightly annoyed manner, “We both know that if you happened upon those bandits by yourself, you would've beaten them without my help. If anyone should be thanking someone here, I should be thanking you. You saved me and got me to Atem. And I got more money out of it than I would if I stuck around with that cowardly merchant."

“Nyeh heh heh! Even if your words are 100% true, adventuring with you through Guarpos was far more fun than if I had done so alone. Besides..." looking over at him, she shot him a sly wink, “I think the end of our time together was quite memorable, wouldn't you?"

“I... huaaaah..."

Even now, just riding with Nile, was enough to remind him of what just transpired. The touch of her hand against his body, her lips on his lips, her taste on his tongue, and the cries of ecstasy they both gave, would forever be ingrained in his mind. Even now, just holding upon her for support, was enough to make him yearn for her... desire her.

“I suppose... this is where I time together comes to an end," said Nile as they arrived at the front gates of Atem, “Huh... I feel a bit... forlorn..."

“Nile," Legato said.

Coming to a halt, Nile and Legato dismounted from Sobek's back. Gently, the catgirl brushed her hand along her reptoid's snout, while the mercenary behind her rubbed his head sheepishly. Bringing his brown eyes up, he stroked them upon the treasure-hunter's figure, taking the time to again marvel at her beauty. But Nile's divinity stretched beyond just her outward appearance. Her personality too seemed to radiate like gold, being so playful, so tomboyish, so confident, and so vivacious. Again... there just weren't any women even close to her.

Was he thinking this? Was he seriously thinking this? No, he couldn't be, right? It was just some stupid thought, right? Well...

“Nile."

“Hm...?"

She looked over her shoulder towards Legato, who looked back with a serious face... and red cheeks. He couldn't believe he was about to say, but hey: You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

“Nile... we make a good team, don't we?" said Legato as he stepped in closer, “So... why don't you come with me? I know mercenary business may not be the most glamorous or expensive, but... if we work together, there's nothing we can do. We'll travel the world together... we'll see such amazing things. I'm just saying... ah..." he shrugged his shoulders, “Treasure hunting and mercenary business aren't that much different."

“Pffft! Nyah hah hah! Yeah, sure, they're not!" said Nile sarcastically... before her boisterous demeanor shifted into something more reserved, “Look, Legato... we do make a good team. Fighting with you... haaah..." turning, she faced him directly, “I could just cut back and let loose. I didn't need to look over my shoulder and watch my back, because I knew you had it. It was really amazing, really... but..." placing her hands behind her back, Nile's eyes glanced to the side, staring to the distance, “My heart is here... in Guarude. I cannot leave... not yet."

Legato knew that would be her answer. He knew that – no matter what he said – she'd remain here in her nation. And yet, that didn't make the pain of being denied any less powerful. His shoulders fell forward and he closed his eyes... but ultimately, he nodded. Hurt though he was, he had no choice but to accept Nile's words. Besides...

When his eyes reopened, the treasure-hunter was just a few inches shy of his face. On her lips was this wide grin, while her eyes slid into these sensual glares. Reaching up, she said not a word as she wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulder. She then pulled him in, pressing her lips to his.

It was a slow kiss. It was a strong kiss. It was a passionate kiss. It was a kiss that said...

See ya around sometime...

When their kiss ended, both Nile and Legato pulled back. A smile laid on her lips, while he could only stand there, his mind awash with thoughts... before he again nodded. Yes, while she may not be adventuring with him again any time soon, that did not mean they'd never see each other again. There was a very good chance that one day... they would see each other again.

One day...

“Alright, Sobek," said Nile as she turned and grabbed her reptoid's reins, “Let's go back ho--

“Gah!? Princess Nile! There you are!" a voice suddenly shouted.

“Wh-what...?" muttered Legato as he looked over towards Atem's front gates.

Walking towards them was a large man. His flesh was black while the ears and tail of a jackal extended from his head and backside. He wore baggy purple pants, a long hat, and had a glorious gold and black necklace wrapped around his neck, one that was adorned with various red jewels. In his hand was a scepter, one that was opulent and golden, and had a golden orb at the end. From eyesight alone, one could tell this man was important. And if you couldn't tell, the fact that he was flanked on both sides with guards made it even more obvious!

Looking over towards Atem's front gates, the mercenary's eyes fell upon a man.

“Princess Nile!" shouted the man as he marched up to the treasure-hunter, who looked away in an annoyed manner, “Where have you been!? I've been looking all over the place for you! You were there in the morning, and then you weren't! And... oh no..." he shook his head, “Please, do not tell me you actually went out after the sandstorm, didn't you?"

“Maybe I did... maybe I didn't," replied Nile as she crossed her arms.

“Oh! By the gods, my princess!" cried the man, “You are nineteen years old! You cannot keep running out in the sands on your own, especially after a storm! What if you were lost!? You are the pharaoh's only daughter! And... and..." he turned, gazing at Legato, who looked back with a face of bewilderment, “And who is this!? Guards, seize him!"

“WHAT!?" Legato shouted as the guards started to approach him, only for Nile to stand in front of him.

“Guards, stand down!" she shouted, causing them to straighten up. She then glared at the man before her, where she shot him an annoyed look, “Vizier Ramses, this man is a friend of mine. If it were not for him, I may not have returned at all. I will not stand idly by and let you disrespect him, do you understand?"

“I... I uh... I... I understand," said the man as he gave her a bow of reverence, “My apologies, sir. I've just been worried is all. It's not uncommon for the princess to vanish without telling people."

“Okay, wait, I'm sorry," said Legato as he waved his hands through the air, “Can someone please explain to me what's going on!?" he then looked at Nile, his head cocked to one side, “Nile... you're a princess!?"

“Nyeh heh heh! What? I didn't say that? Must've slipped my mind..." she replied, causing his eyes to swell even more

“How can something that important 'slip your mind'!?" he shouted, to which she shot him a wry grin.

“Heeeey... no one said I couldn't be a treasure-hunter and a princess, did they?" she asked sarcastically.

“I'm pretty sure being a princess supercedes being a treasure-hunter!"

All this time, he wasn't adventuring and fighting with some skilled treasure-hunter. Nooooooo... all this time, he was adventuring and fighting with the Princess of Guarude! How did he not realize that!? Of course someone of her caliber wouldn't be a mere treasure-hunter! No treasure-hunter had capabilities like hers, especially in regards to magic! They would have to be something... more.

Nile was true divinity: a golden goddess in every aspect of her life.

And he fucked her.

Wait...

HE FUCKED A PRINCESS!?

Now, most men would be elated with such a realization. He'd call those men fucking stupid. Of all the woman he could sleep with, sleeping with a princess easily had to be the worse, dumbest, stupidest choice he could make! Seriously, these guards were going to arrest him for merely standing next to their future ruler! Imagine what they'd do if they knew he slept with her!

And, ya'know, came in her. Ummm... maybe it's best to not think about such a thing. That is unless he wanted to have a short life expectancy.

“Now then," said this man – Vizier Ramses – as he tapped the ground with his scepter, “If we are done here, we must return home, Princess Nile. Pharaoh Amenhotep is looking for you. Let us return home quickly."

“I'm coming, I'm coming," said Nile as she mounted her reptoid, “It has been a long day."

“Yes it has..." the vizier muttered.

Turning, he started walking back towards the town with the guards still flanking his sides. Nile was about to follow, but she stopped, where she turned and faced Legato with a smile on her face.

“If you're ever in Guarude sometime, send me a message," said the princess as she began following behind her men, “We can go on another adventure sometime, Legato! Just you and I"

“Tch... yeah... sure," he replied with a smirk.

With a hardy laugh, Nile shook on the reins of Sobek, causing the reptoid to start rushing forward. Under her expert control, the reptilian beast leaped clear over the head of her vizier, nearly knocking him over. Gasping, he started shouting at the princess, scolding and berating her for her childish antics. And yet, all one could hear was her laughing as she began rushing off into the distance.

That left Legato. Standing idly by, he watched Nile leave with the vizier and his guards following behind. While he was still flummoxed by her true identity of a princess, he couldn't help but to find her even more remarkable. Nile was a princess, a treasure-hunter, and a golden goddess... and he adored her.

Maybe one day... one day... he'd get to see her again. And, hey... she could get him a bed in his palace!

Is that a bit too hopeful? Yeah, yeah it is.

Shaking his head, Legato chuckled to himself as he walked forward and entered into the town of Atem. Nile was a person he wouldn't ever forget. Not even death would be enough to make him forget the treasure-hunter/princess who he fought alongside. But that did not mean his own mission was over. Oh, no, no no! Far from it!

There was a certain merchant that owed him money.

…

“And that's when I said 'Listen, Bitch, I ain't pay you to talk, I paid you to get to fuckin' work!'"

“BWAH HAH HA!"

Was the story good? No, of course not. Were they too drunk enough to care? Yes, yes they were.

'Siri's Bar' was this pub's name... though he didn't really know it. The text was in Gaurudian, and despite being a traveling merchant, he couldn't decipher it. Fortunately for him, more than a few people here spoke a language he did understand! Besides, money and wealth was a great equalizer.

His name was Boris. Since he first sold a dusty hat at the age of nine, his path had been made for him. He was going to be a merchant, and travel the lands procuring and selling goods to the highest bidder. But time is long. Once nine, he was now forty-nine, and had seen and done many things in his time. He grew taller, put on a couple hundred pounds, had a few illegitimate children; you know the deal. All the while, he amassed himself quite the humble fortune... and quite the ego.

The day's events were almost too small to remember for someone like him. Did leave Legato in Guarpos? Yeah, but hey! That was his job, right? He's a mercenary; laying his life on the line for payment is what they do! If anything, he should be happy that Boris escaped with his life and goods in tact! Is that not a job well done?

Indeed... quite the ego.

But enough about the past; think about the future! Boris' mind was filled with thoughts of all the things he'd procure while he was in Guarude, as well as all the the things he'd sell. The desert land was a mecca of commerce, being one of the most affluent nations in the world! With its rich assortment of gold, if he was able to fill even one of his coffers with wealth, he'd probably be capable of retiring right now!

However! For as arrogant and egotistical as Boris could be, he was not so foolish as to count his chickadees before they hatch! While he planned on making good business in Guarude, he'd pace himself... take his time. Soon, he'd be rewarded for his efforts.

Relaxing in his seat, a smile spread on Boris' lips as he took puff of the thick cigar between his lips. Everyone was still laughing at the story he told, and the cute waitress was coming back with another mug of beer. Watching her approach, a grin spread out from cheek to cheek as he tossed the ashes of his cigar into a nearby tray.

“Here is your drink, sir," said the cute waitress with that lovely Guarudian accent that he couldn't get enough of.

“Thank you, dear," he replied.

She placed down one mug of beer... and then she placed down another. Boris was so excited, he quickly grabbed his cup by the handle and brought it to his lips. It wasn't until he drank down a few gulps that he realized she had given him two.

“Gllp! Ah... sorry sweetheart, but..." Boris said as he cocked his head at the other cup, “But why'd you bring me two cups?"

“Oh, it's not for you," she answered.

“I-it's not...?"

“No... it's for me."

That voice... that indifferent, nonchalant, cool voice... it echoed into Boris' ears, making his eyes wide, his body shudder, and sending a cold sweat down his brow. Even though the rest of the bar was raucous with the conversations of others going on, he could still hear the heavy footsteps of a certain mercenary walking up behind him.

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

A hand fell on the chair opposite of Boris at this table... a hand that was covered in a black gauntlet. Gripping the chair, the hand pulled it back, for sitting into it was--

“How did--" Boris whispered.

“I survive?" said Legato, finishing his words for him, “Good question. You see, I kinda remember... a certain someone peeling out on me, and leaving me to die by the hands of those bandits. I was so blinded with rage, that I forgot what happened next. I just knew that..." he smiled, “That I needed to get you."

“Gnnngh!!! L-L-L-L-Legato! N-n-n-n-n-now l-l-listen here! I-I-I...! I was just...! T-t-taking care of myself! Y-y-you understand! R-r-r-right!?"

“Oh, yeah..." his smile grew sinister as he reached into his cloak. Pulling out his rifle, Legato leaned back in his chair, reclining and relaxing himself, as the barrel of his weapon took aim with Boris' chest, “I understand, Boris. I really understand."

“L-L-L-L-Legatooooo...!"

“I understand so much that... I think it's time we... renegotiated our deal with one another," the mercenary continued on, “Because a certain someone didn't finish paying me, and I gotta say, my interest rates are hell."

“Gggllp!"

“I recommend you enjoy your beer, Boris. It's gonna be your last for a long while."