I'm no trooper

Chapter 40: The Storm's Approach

F/N's perspective

F/N: "Miss me, Ice queen?"

I said, looking upon a stunned Esdeath, her mouth hanging open slightly. A clusterfuck of emotions ran through her expression as I pulled the cowl back over my face. Esdeath took a moment to recollect herself as she leaned in, her hand laying over mine, squeezing my hand as if it would vanish.

Esdeath: "H-how, you...the Sister, your hand."

She said in incomplete thoughts, though I pulled my left hand back a bit and shrugged.

F/N: "That would be my cosmic benefactor.... though, it did come at a cost."

I muttered, Esdeath leaning back in her seat as I held up my right arm. Slowly, I pulled back the sleeve, the general's eyes widening more than they were at the stub that lay beneath—a sigh leaving my lips as I pulled it back into the cloak.

Esdeath: "So, she wasn't lying...but we have a chance now. If you're alive, then we can-

F/N: "Have a sliver at success... I wasn't referring to the hand when I meant came at a cost."

Esdeath's expression shifted as her gaze fell to where my other land lay, an understanding befalling her, the light in her eyes dimming.

Esdeath: "You lost them, your powers."

F/N: "Yes, which means I have to play by your rules now, Imperial arms vs. a space wizard with a dual plasma sword. This should be fun."

I stated with a slight dry chuckle and took a sip from the mead. Esdeath looked down, a bitter smile adorning her face.

Esdeath: "She gave me your weapon, but by your tone, it's useless now, right?"

She asked as I wiped my mouth, a slight shrug following soon after.

F/N: "Mostly, it'll still work. The blade won't be as strong as it once was, but I'll have you know that the others are still safe."

I said, changing the subject, a look of relief washing over Esdeah as she sat back. The cacophony of emotions was a whirlwind for the older women.

Esdeath: "That's good. I was worried with you gone, Night Raid would have killed them."

F/N: "And you'd be correct, I was lucky I got back when I did."

Esdeath nodded, her gaze dropping to her lap as mine returned to the shallow amber liquid sloshing around in my mug. The air was tense; we both knew what would come next.

Esdeath: "What happened after you died?"

She said in a sober tone, looking up at me, I presume as my gaze never left my mug, watching the flow of the mead as it rhythmically moved within the mug in circles. I stayed silent for a few moments before looking up into her crystal blue eyes.

F/N: "Well, after the pain subsided, I was met by my benefactor. That conversation, though, will stay private for the sake of the mission. However, what came after, well...

Flashback

The dark night air against my skin felt cold, biting at my fingers and toes. The feeling, despite its irritancies, was better than nothing. Better than anything but that numbness or the heat of a blade passing through my chest. It kept my staggered steps going as I trenched through the endless waves of sand and rocky outcrops. The small light of a cottage tucked within the gap of two aches lit my way, dark clouds overcasting the moon and stars that once laid witness to my fall.

Feet caving a trail behind me as I hobbled towards safety, hand clutched over what part of me I had lost, the taste of blood lingering on my tongue as my inner cheek lay scared. Voices, which were once mere mutters, slowly came into focus. Tones of anger being thrown at one another, other emotions laced under the growls and harsh words.