Reincarnated Into Two Bodies

Both of me are in the dance hall right now. We are here to be protected from kidnappers, so a bunch of armed guards are around us. The other students were sent home. I understand protecting Carine, but why Feyt? Was it because I'm father's "Personal Choice" whatever that means? I looked around the room we were in.

The dance hall is a wide circular room decorated heavily with gold. The floor is made out of special material that enhances your footsteps greatly, they say it's because tap dancing is gaining popularity, thank god I'm not required to learn that. There's a balcony of sorts for spectators filled with tables and chairs that circles around the dance hall. We are currently in the center of the dance hall, which is carpeted.

The guards that are around us numbered around 23... They are not on the carpet as they are walking around on the dance floor, so their walk is accompanied by a heavy *Tap* *Tap* due to the floor's special material.

"My Lady, Sir Feyt, are you not thirsty?"

Leila said that from behind our couch. A table is in front of us as we sat together on a couch and a cold untouched tea is sitting there.

"No, It's not like that..."

I answered her as Carine.

I'm worried, they said that mother was being controlled by someone. I know mother was acting suspicious, that's why I reported it to father. But to think she's controlled... I don't like it... I just hope that father can save mother. I only started seeing her as my own family recently, I don't want to lose her like this.

Hm? I felt someone patting both of my heads. Both of my bodies looked behind and saw Leila gently putting her hands on our heads.

"It's alright... Lady Peyna will be alright... Just wait and be patient okay?"

She brushes her hand through our hairs wearing a gentle smile... It feels comforting...

"I know that My Lady loves her mother, but it would seem that you also worry about her Sir Feyt... That is kind of you."

Leila flashed a sweet and wholesome smile.

"Th-thanks..."

My cheeks grew red.

...

Our hearts calmed down a bit thanks to Leila, she poured us new cups of warm tea.

"Here you go My Lady, Sir Feyt"

We grabbed the tea cups and said our thanks.

"Thank you Leila."
"Thanks,"

As we are about to drink it. The main door swung open violently.

"!!"

"IT'S LADY PEYNA!!" One of the guards shouted.

We dropped our tea onto the carpet, on the door that was just slammed opened was mother brandishing a bloodied sword with a blank face. Behind her are three unconscious guards laying on the floor with slash wounds.

"Men! Protect Lady Carine and Sir Feyt, no matter what!"

"YES SIR!"

The guards started forming formations in front of her, trying to prevent her from pushing further.

"My Lady, Sir Feyt! Stay back!"

Leila pulled out a dagger from behind her clothes and entered a stance in front of us.

"...must...capture..."

Mother started walking to the guards formation, wobbling slightly each step. A loud *Tap* sound can be heard for every step she takes.

"Lady Peyna! Please snap out of it!!"

One of the guards pleaded with her, however she didn't seem to react.

"...for...my family..."

The guards are screaming for mother to stop, but she keeps on walking with soulless looking eyes.

"Gh!- Men! Restrain her!"

"YES SIR!"

The guards started to rush her with carefully planned movements, aiming to restrain her arms and legs. But, as the guards close in.

Mother ducked down and immediately rushed forwards, slashing two of the guards on their thighs.

"Gak!-"

"My leg-!"

Mother jumped back after slashing them and stretched her right arm.

"[Blood Drain]"

A large pool of blood began to seep out of the two guards wounds. It pooled up into a ball on mother's palm.

"I... Feel dizzy..."

"Hngh...gh..."

The two guards fainted with pale faces, their swords fell down to the floor.

"Damn it! Don't get wounded! She'll drain your blood away!"

"YES SIR!"

The guards continue to try to restrain her... But mother managed to dodge every single one of them with quick movements. I can barely see what she is doing, despite me having [Enhanced Sight]. I can block attacks by seeing their movements, but if I'm up against mother, there'll be no hope.

What are we going to do? Is there no way out?

"...Lady Carine, Sir Feyt, please stand back."

I stood with Lady Carine and Sir Feyt behind me. The remaining guards are down, each with pale faces. And in front of me is Lady Peyna, the cause of this scene before me. What kind of monster can control Lady Peyna to this extent? I called out to her, in hopes we can avoid a fight.

"Lady Peyna! Please! Don't let someone control you like this!"

However, as expected, she didn't react to it at all. Then that means the only way I can keep Lady Carine and Sir Feyt safe is...

"...Lady Carine, Sir Feyt, please stand back."

I pulled out my dagger from behind my dress, it's a dagger coated with paralyzing poison strong enough to stun a minotaur. If I can just slice her skin once, she won't be able to do anything. I will at least have enough time to escape with Lady Carine and Sir Feyt. I only need to land a single hit, however, the same holds true for Lady Peyna as well. One wound from her, and I will end as pale as the guards.

She might not be strong physically, but her techniques and reflexes are something to be worried about. She never honed her strength, rather her understanding of movement and speed, because one strike is all she really needs to incapacitate her opponent. I used to have her as a sparring partner to test my skills. Even though I never won against her, Lady Peyna think of me as worthy and assigned me to protect Lady Carine. Still, I never land a single hit on her, even to this day, despite the fact that I use the best of my Talents. But now, that will change.

I can win this fight with Lady Peyna, no, I HAVE to!

I rushed towards her with the help of my [Enhanced Agility]. I ran out of her field of vision and readied my swing. But Lady Peyna turned her back towards me almost immediately and parried my swing with her sword and immediately went for a counter attack. I jumped back to avoid her attack, barely escaping the tip of her sword.

This has happened countless times during our sparing sessions, I assume that she predicted my move. But that means she can still think, or at least have a sense of what she's doing. Yet her face is emotionless as ever, as if she's not thinking at all.

I held my dagger tightly as I rushed towards her again, this time I faced her head on. If I attack relentlessly, then maybe I can land a hit, a dagger is faster than a sword after all.

Lady Peyna blocked my first attack, but I immediately went for a second one. She blocked that one too, perhaps she is faster than me... But that just means that I have to be faster!

I continue to attack her in a rapid pace, not giving her a chance to swing her sword. This continues as the sound of steel clashing reverberated across the dance hall. After a while, I see an opening! Lady Peyna prepares to thrust, seemingly trying to get a hit in. I jumped at this chance and slashed at her face.

It was a success! A small slash wound can be seen on Lady Peyna's forehead! She immediately slumped down to her knees as the poison start to kick in. She can no longer fight like this, now I can-

"...[Blood Drain]..."

"-Ghk!"

I felt a sharp pain on my left hand, I looked towards the source of it and found a small slash wound. Her thrust from before made contact?!

A pool of blood is being pulled out of the wound straight into Lady Peyna's palm. My energy is sucked out in an instant and my body slumped down to the floor. The pool of blood stopped flowing out of the wound, but now I can barely open my eyes. Even though I can no longer stand, Lady Carine and Sir Feyt can still run away! But as I was about to call out to them, Lady Peyna stood up.

"...What?"

That's impossible! The poison should be deep inside her veins now! She should be out of consciousness by now! How did she-

No... She used my blood to recover?! This is bad! I can't do anything to protect Carine and Feyt. There's no way they can fight her on their own, and there's no one coming either. And my consciousness is starting to fade away...

Is there... no hope?

Please, anyone...

save them...

 

I didn't know that she could fight, I can barely see her movements too. I know that she is secretly strong thanks to some events, but I didn't think she is this strong.

But despite it all, she fell unconscious. Her skin is as pale as the guards who tried to restrain mother before.

Mother approaches us with wobbly movements, she stares us with no emotions. I know that we're supposed to run. But, I doubt we can escape from her...

"...capture...to...protect..."

I can't stay here. I need to do something!

I looked around me, and I noticed the two unconscious guards laying near us.

We rushed towards them and took their swords. We brandished it at mother to prevent her from getting closer.

"...do you...resist...?"

"Mother! Please! Come back!"

I don't want to see her like this... Please! Go back to normal!

"must capture...with force...if...resist..."

Mother took a stance and rushed towards us, but her movements are slower than usual, as if she's being dragged down by something. Is it connected to when she slumped down after being slashed by Leila? I have no time to ponder however, mother is still fast, but slow enough for me to read her movements now.

She prepares to swing her sword towards us, but thanks to her slowed movements, I can see it! The sword is coming from upwards!

I hold my sword up as Carine and managed to block it. But mother pulled her sword back almost instantly and attacked my head with the pommel of the sword.

"GYAK!-"

Carine's body fell onto the soft carpet. My head hurts and I feel immense dizziness. It seems I can't see all of her attacks yet, she is too fast.

I stood up again and rushed towards Feyt's side.

"...Carine...still...standing...?"

Mother looks confused on how I kept walking after that. Yes, it was painful, but I can't give up there!

I brandished both of my swords as both Feyt and Carine. I know the basic techniques that mother and father has taught me, I can use that to stall for time at least! Maybe father will come back soon!

Mother rushed again, it's the same move!

I rushed to block the front using Carine's sword and managed to block it. I then immediately attack mother using Feyt's sword from the side before she can parry!

Suddenly, I felt a flash of pain on my face.

"GUHAK!"

I was kicked, I fell backwards onto the carpet. Mother then pushed Carine's sword away, and she too fell backwards.

I can't see her movements as Feyt, that's why I didn't react to her kick. I know Feyt only has [Enhanced Hearing] and I can use that to predict her moves based on where she steps... But I can't hear footsteps on carpets! It's too soft!

I stood back up immediately, I can't let her out of my sight for one second!

Right now, only Carine can see her attacks. So I rushed towards her using Carine's body, she prepares to counter attack.

She's going to block from the sides! Then I shall attack her from below. Mother blocked it! But only barely!

Mother jumped back to the area outside of the carpet to avoid my attack. Her foot made a tapping sound as she landed...

That's it! We can block her every move if this works!

I rushed both of my bodies to fight outside the carpet.

 

Why? Why am I fighting them...

My head... Feels heavy...

Carine and Feyt...

My attacks, they're all blocked by either Carine or Feyt.

My movements are slower due to Leila's poison, but.

I didn't get a single hit in once I've stepped outside the carpet.

Carine sees my attacks and blocks it.

Feyt hears my steps on the floor to determine my moves.

They're working really well together...

I'm proud... Yet, why am I doing this?

The loud sounds of our swords clashing won't stop.

Sword swings after sword swings... All my attacks are blocked.

They are doing great.

But... They need to attack if they want to win.

I want to tell them that... But I can't...

My mouth feels like it's knitted shut by chains...

My arms and legs move like they're being pulled by chains...

My whole body feels like it's covered in chains...

Why... Why am I doing this...

I ponder...

But soon, that thought was gone, as if yanked away by a chain...

...

For the sake of my family... Yes... I must do this for my family...

For Carine... For Kyrat...

I must capture Carine and Feyt...

I attack them again, using a new move that hasn't been taught yet in the training.

But as expected, they blocked it again...

They are strong... Those Unique Talents of theirs complement each other well...

I keep being pushed back by them, and them I felt something touching my back. It's the wall.

They were trying to corner me? Why would they...

Feyt rushed ahead, he's attacking from below.

"HYAAAAH"

I blocked him, he's pushing his sword onto me...

His strength is still weak, but I can't push him away either thanks to the poison. His posture is a bit low, what is he trying to do...

"-!!"

Carine ran towards Feyt and jumped on to his shoulder and used it to do another jump. Her body is soaring high from the jump.

"HAAAAAAAAA!!"

Carine is falling down, she's ready to swing her sword down on me...

My sword... Feyt is locking it?! I can't block Carine's attack...

The pommel of the sword hit me on the head. It's enough to make me bleed and drop my sword.

I dropped down to my knees, holding my head in pain.

"Mother!"

Carine suddenly hugged me...

"Please! Come back!!"

Her hug feels... Warm... How long has it been since the last time I hugged Carine...

My thoughts are starting to clear up...

No! I mustn't!

I pushed her away with a shove.

"Mother?!"
"Mo-Madam Sareid?!"

I picked up the sword again, ready to attack...

Wait...

Why do I want to attack them...

What... What am I trying to do?

Hm? I feel a new order inside my head...

Peyna! Capture them already! This is starting to get annoying! Hurry up! Do it for your family!!

Right... I must do it for the family...

I'll activate [Blood Drain] to drain blood from their wounds to heal-

Wait... Wounds?

I took a close look at them...

Carine and Feyt, they are covered in bruises and sword slashes... Those are... From me...

Am I... Really doing this for the family?

Am I really protecting them?

No... No no no no no no!

I'm hurting them!

I was the one who attacked them!!

What...

What was I doing?!

My head starts to hurt... I dropped my swored and held my head to suppress the pain.

I can hear it... Those orders...

Capture them and bring them to this location.

"No..."

If they resist, capture them forcefully.

"No no no..."

"Mother?"

Even if they get hurt, it's for their sake.

"NO!!"

"M-Madam Sareid?"

Do it! For the sake of your family!

"NO! NO NO NO NO!! I DON'T WANT TO!"

I shake my head, trying to shake away his voice.

"I DON'T WANT TO! I DON'T WANT TO! I DON'T WANT TOOOOO!!"

I shake my head more violently. I need to get that voice out! I don't want to hurt my family anymore!

"GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!"

"Mother!"
"Mother!"

Carine and Feyt hugged me, I stopped shaking my head.

...

Ah... I feel... Free...

My mouth, my arms, my legs...

My whole body was released from the enveloping chains... It's replaced by the warmth of Carine and Feyt...

It's almost as if the demon who is holding those chains tight, was killed instantaneously...

The relief of being free from that monster... It's too much...

Ah... My consciousness...

It's... fading...

"Mother!"
"Madam Sareid!!"

 

 

"So~ Still won't leave??"

"I won't leave until you're dead!!"

The old man and his guards are attacking me pointlessly.

Shit... Where are the reinforcement?! I thought the main base already sent them here a few days ago?!

"Let my wife go!!"

The sounds of their swords coming in contact with my shield is starting to hurt my ears.

"Stop attacking already!! It's annoying!!"

"...Like hell I will... Not after you guys tried to hurt my brother!!"

Tia said that with her muffled voice while attacking, though her spear can do nothing to this parchment's shield.

It's truly unbreakable, I wonder how the boss made it. I have no business asking him that though.

I'm starting to doubt reinforcement will come, I need to hasten up the capture...

Since my comrades haven't contacted me, I assume that Peyna still haven't bring them to the base...

I'll give her another order just in case.

Peyna! Capture them already! This is starting to get annoying! Hurry up! Do it for your family!!

Good, that should do it.

Just saying "Do it for your family!" is enough to-

...

I feel a large vibration in my chest.

My heart started to beat loudly.

I suddenly feel suffocated.

"Ghk!!"

I held my chest in pain.

"GUHAKK!! *Cough* *Cough*"

I coughed up blood?!

What happened?! Is this... A penalty?!

She rejected the order?! How?!

I thought my control over her was complete?!

"UGUH-"

I feel more blood coming out of my throat!

"GHAK! *Cough* *Cough*"

A large amount of blood got spewed out onto the floor.

Why? I haven't even given any orders yet?!

"GAAAAGH, MY CHEST! IT HUUUURTS!"

I dropped down to my knees, both of my hands holding my chest.

How can she reject my orders that much?!

I-I need to stand back up...

My legs are shaking as I do so.

Hm?

I looked down at the pool of my coughed up blood, there, the parchment that protects me was soaked in blood on the floor. Not on my hand...

I widened my eyes in fear.

"I DROPPED THE PARCHME-"

Suddenly, a sharp pain ruptures through my chest.

My chest was pierced by both the old man's sword and Tia's spear. The metallic feel in my chest is painful... More painful than that penalty...

"GHUAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

They both pulled their weapons out, and I fall backwards with my eyes wide open...

I feel my blood seeping out of the hole in my chest...

My body grows numb and cold instantly...

Is this... Death?

I'll... Die here...?

In a dungeon... In the middle of nowhere...?

What... About my... Riches...?

My... Future...

"quick! to the house!"

"understood!"

The voices sound... Muffled...

My vision is... Darkening...

...

...