Hey guys! Thought I might share something that I wrote for the last subreddit event, unfortunately didn't decide to submit it since it was much too long to meet the word requirement, but I figured maybe someone might enjoy it so I've decided to post it now that the event is over. Hope you guys don't mind reading my terrible prose. :P

'Queen of Blades,' a white-haired woman muses to herself, amusedly, 'As if my weapons liken me to royalty.'

Sefia had been given many titles, whispered reverently and in hushed, awed tones over the years by the countless villagers she had saved with the swords she carried on her back and the stories that came with them were often embellished beyond recognition. She thought nothing of them, usually. Justice was the lady she served and the judgement she passed on to the terrible, otherworldy creatures that plagued Grand Gaia was simply her duty. Recognition wasn't what she sought, rather, the safety of the people was her only concern but this most recent title was particularly indulgent.

'They bow to me now, as if I were truly a Queen,' Sefia laments with an air of embarrassment, as she traverses the darkening, evening plains of Grand Gaia, 'As if it were them serving me, rather than I serving them. Though, I suppose it isn't so ba-'

The swordswoman's thoughts were cut off, almost literally, by a black handled kunai travelling with unerring accuracy and power directly at her remaining eye. A beautiful sword, pure ivory and surrounded by a light so pure, it was painful to watch directly materialised in the dagger's path, knocking it astray with nary a thought from its wielder.

"Oh, how quaint. I suppose I should have expected at least that much from the legendary wielder of eight blades," a mocking voice lilted, carrying softly, but dangerously from the shadows in the distance.

"How fitting for a denizen of darkness to attack from shadow," Sefia has heard it all before. No manner of provocation would invoke a reaction. "Do you have a name, dark one, or shall I decide on an epithet after I slay you?"

There is a rustling of robes, soft and menacing, before a sandalled foot steps out from the darkness. A regal kimono follows, a beautiful violet shade, with intricate gold designs embroidered into the hem, and to Sefia's surprise the creature encased within the garment is a young woman; dainty and slight. But the sharpness in those blood red eyes betray her intelligence and the graceful sway in her movements bely a dangerous strength. The white haired swordswoman tenses, wary of a formidable foe.

"Kukuku, such strong words. Yes... you will do nicely, white does stain oh so nicely with crimson blood."

"If you have brought no harm to any humans, we have no quarrel, demon." A pacifist at heart, Sefia was hesitant to cut down such a humanoid looking creature.

"Oh, but this Kikuri does have a bone to pick with you," The dagger wielding dancer cackles, "You will draw your swords, or you will bleed."

Sefia barely has time to think as a second black tipped dagger, sharp and deadly attempts to bury itself into her chest, light flaring into existence as one of her blades slides into place in front of her, stopping the small blade in its path.

Without hesitation, and unwilling to continue the inevitable (she realises) fight on the back foot, Sefia extends her hand, all eight blades flashing into existence around her. One by one they venture forth, directed by her will, moving with great speed, and in intricate formations, all aiming to eviscerate their target. It's an attack that has never failed to end any encounter Sefia has ever experienced.

But something was different this time.

Cackling madly, with sinister enjoyment, a purple-clad demon was dancing. Moving gracefully, swaying casually to the rhythm of an unheard melody, the Dark Lady Kikuri weaves her way around Sefia's blades of light with enviable ease.

Eyes narrowing in frustration, Sefia concentrates harder and her blades respond, moving faster and with more precision; filling the air with light and scoring the ground with large slashes. However, ever laughing, Kikuri dances in the eye of the storm, swaying and twisting with dangerous grace, nary a scratch to be seen on neither her person nor even her flamboyant attire.

'I will end you with one blow, demon.' Sefia promises, blood boiling with rage and possibly a hint of fear. She clenches her fists. 'My eight blades, answer my call. Destructive Chain!'

The result is instantaneous. All eight blades stop poised in mid-air above their prey. They turn as one towards the dancer in their centre. The light surrounding each blade grows stronger, so bright that the evening sky could pass for day.

There is a pause, and the field is silent with anticipation.

Then all 8 blades hurtle towards the kimono-clad woman, light trailing behind them like shooting stars. The impact is tremendous, the wind generated enough to rip the leaves off the nearest trees. Sefia stands unruffled and satisfied as the gale whips through her hair.

As the light clears, all that's left is a crater, not a single trace of the demon remains.

Sefia stands tall, "How challenging, but in the end-kh"

The Queen of blades is cut off, voice choking as a metallic taste fills her mouth. Bringing her hands up, she is shocked to see them stained red, liquid gathering and dripping into the grassy field on which she stands.

Sefia falls. Pain finally registering, flaring from her back, where 10 small blades have found purchase.

'When did she-' her thoughts grow hazy as she slumps, broken and bloody onto the field.

"Che." Through fading vision, the white haired protector watches as the dancing demon scoffs in derision, back already turned and walking away.

"How dull."

As her consciousness fades, Sefia makes a final vow.

'This isn't over. We will meet again. And next time, I will truly be a Queen of Blades.'

Hopefully that wasn't too painful a read and I hope at least a couple of you found some enjoyment in it. :>

Any comments/criticisms/encouragements are welcome. Let me know what you thought!