Breaking Through by ProbablyIX

On the continent of Vratan, in the southwestern reaches of the kingdom of Genrich, a little outlying village lived in relative peace. An island of civilisation in the windswept ocean of grassy hills, it’s high walls offered travellers respite from their dangerous travels. And dangerous they were, here on the border.

Just a few hundred meters from where the village stood, the Giant’s Forest loomed. Red-wooded trees some hundred-and-fifty feet tall towered over the human settlement, dominating the southern skyline.

An autumn breeze swept over the town, dancing through wind chimes and hanging clothes. It was a lazy afternoon for the villagers, who went about their various chores with a sort of languid satisfaction under the cloudless blue sky.

It had been a very long time since a giant had emerged near the village. Longer still since one attacked. The villagers praised the craftsmanship of their founder. A daring man who had helped establish the village some hundred years ago with the creation of a fierce ballista, mounted upon the strong stone walls.

Most giants who dared approach them were swiftly dissuaded at the sight of it, and those bold enough to attack them anyway were swiftly punished with a giant metal bolt through the knee.

The ballista was old and rickety now, but it still scared off intruders, and allowed the villagers to live out their lives in peace.

Another gust blew from the south, carrying a new scent. Dogs started barking. A low rumble vibrated through the ground and into the bones of suddenly panicked elders. A distant rustling pricked at the ears of one of few permanent guardsmen, who shook her partner awake to look.

The clanging of bells slowly crept through the village, spreading from house to house. Farmers quickly gathered their tools and ran for the safety of the walls. Children were rushed inside. The solitary, south-facing gate rattled closed. 

As the final guards staggered up onto the wall, the giant finally emerged from the treeline. 

 

                                                                                ~~~                                                                                                         

 

Sandy stepped out of the shaded woods, stretching her arms in preparation. She could hear the clanging of bells as the humans skittered about at the sight of her. Moving on to stretching her neck, she smiled. People said this village had actually fought off her kind in the past, so she was ready for a fight.

The council wanted her out gathering food? Well, there was a pretty good haul of it right here. The best kind too: Humans.

Sandy stomped toward them, clearing the distance with ease. Her bare feet dug into the soft grassy ground. It was a far cry from the prickly undergrowth of the forest, which was nice. The breeze was stronger out here too, not having to squeeze between the trees. Sandy basked in it, slowing her stride.

Fuck, it was nice out here. Maybe one day she could build a house here in the human lands, lord over some hamlet like a queen. She smirked at the thought. Or maybe she could just fuck off to the middle of nowhere and be alone. That’d be one way to get her mother off her back. That, and she wouldn’t have to face-

Stop it. Sandy chided herself, shaking her head. This was supposed to be fun, and she wasn’t about to ruin that for herself by moping. She opened her eyes again to scan her target.

She was about fifty meters away from the village. From her vantage point, she could see the humans scurrying about behind their wall. Most of them were just barely taller than her ankle. She smirked down at the pathetic things, some of whom froze in place under her toothy smile.

Their wall wasn’t much better. From here she reckoned it just about came up to her knees. She snickered at the thought. Their little crossbow was pretty cool, though. It looked a bit small for her hands, so she figured they built it themselves. Sandy grinned down at the trembling guards gathering behind it.

“Hey bugs.” She mocked, resting her hands on her hips, just above her shorts. “What’cha got there?” Her smile grew as they heaved, aiming the weapon towards her. “Hah. Is that supposed to scare me?”

A rusted bolt of metal clicked as the drawstring was pulled back, arming the creaking wooden thing. Sandy chuckled. “When’s the last time you used that thing? It isn’t lookin’ too good.”

Still, she wasn’t stupid. A weapon like that could seriously hurt her, even kill her. She bent her knees, tensing her muscles to leap out of the way of the projectile.

“C’mon,” She breathed, locking eyes with the woman behind the trigger. “Give me your best shot.”

A barked order pricked at Sandy’s ears, and the human fired the antique ballista.

…Which immediately shattered into a million pieces, scattering chunks of carpentry and metal fixings across the wall.

Sandy didn’t even get to react, the thing just blew up under the pressure of its own drawstring. The guards were flung back by the force of it, some sent stumbling back over the wall with a yell. The rusted bolt flew a few limp meters, before pathetically falling to the ground with a thunk.

She blinked, stunned. Then she burst out laughing. Hollering down at the panicking humans.  

“Come on! Really!?” She managed between laughs, clutching her gut. “I was hoping for a little more than that! Fuck me, that’s funny.” She cackled.

The humans were really panicking now. She could spot guards scrambling for weapons, and a few daring opportunists were scrambling toward the gate as others struggled to get it back open. Sandy got the last of her mirth out of her system, wiping a couple tears from her eyes.

“Y’know they told me this place was dangerous. Hah. I guess no one’s bothered to actually try you in a while, huh? And here I was hoping this time would actually be more interesting…” She sighed. “Ah well, Let’s get started, eh?” Grinning wickedly, she reared back her right leg, and kicked.

For the humans, their cobblestone wall was near-impenetrable. But for a giant, it was more like a collection of pebbles held together with thin glue. Sandy’s foot exploded through the knee-high wall, scattering rubble in a wave across the village.

Huge clumps of stones smashed holes in thatched roofs. The guards were sent sprawling, variously injured or unconscious. The villagers scattered, taking cover and fleeing for their lives.

Sandy stepped up, scraping at the walls with her feet, opening the breach further. It wasn’t that tall. She could just step over. But this was more fun. Let the humans know how much better she was, how much more powerful. Once it was wide enough, she stepped through, squatting down to get a better look.

The humans ran around like rats, letting out a cacophony of shouts and screams. Sandy could watch humans skitter around like this forever, but she had a job to do. She fingered open the drawstring leather pouch hanging from her waist. Time to start grabbing.

Sandy scanned the ground between her feet. Most of the guards down there were injured, writhing and groaning. They wouldn’t do. Though one in particular caught her eye. The same woman from before – the one behind the trigger. She had scrambled to her feet, clutching a spear. She trembled beneath Sandy’s gaze as she grinned down at the terrified human. She looked unharmed. Sandy guessed she got off lucky, only being winded from the fall.

Sandy reached down towards her. Before the woman could move Sandy flicked at the top of her spear, snapping it in half like a toothpick. The guardswoman stumbled back from the blow, staring hopelessly at the now-useless handle in her hands.

Chuckling, Sandy gripped the human between her fingers. The guardswoman screamed as she was lifted off the ground, battering at the giant fingers pressing against her chest. Sandy caught her eye, grinning.

“Worst day ever, right?” She mocked. Not giving the woman a chance to respond, she stuffed the squirming human into her pouch. She tumbled down into the leather sack, flailing wildly as Sandy jostled it a bit to settle her toward the bottom.

Sandy rose to her feet. Off to her left, she spotted a large gathering of humans all clustered around the village gate, shoving and tripping over each other to be the first to escape. A few were gathered around a tiny winch, slowly hoisting the portcullis back open with a tinny rattle.

Smiling, Sandy reached down and gave the winch a heavy flick, shattering the mechanism and scattering the humans who were too slow to dodge. She scanned the far ends of the wall for any other escape routes. When she saw none, she cackled.

“Do you guys really only have one gate? That’s a bit shit isn’t it, where are you gonna go now?” She mocked, looming over the trapped crowd. These ones ought to do. She thought as she reached down and started plucking humans from the mob.

One by one, they vanished into her pouch. Sandy was selective about it, trying to get the healthiest or cutest ones she could. Healthiest so they’d last the trip home, and cutest just in case. You never know what people might want them for. Keeping humans as pets or servants was common enough, and she might be able to squeeze some extra money out of anyone who wants the extra cute ones. 

Her pouch slowly filled up with wriggling bodies, squirming against her thigh. The feeling was making it hard to resist swallowing one or two of them right there. Her mouth watered, but she held back. She could always sort a good snack from the group when she was finished.

Something silver caught the light in her periphery, and the quiet sound of bells tickled her ears. She peered back to where she had left the injured guards. A pair of what looked like healers had appeared, and were crouched near the wounded. They wore long, black clothes, and carried silver bells atop wooden staves that shone in the light as they whispered out prayers. One was old and greying, his back bent over as he worked. The other though…

Sandy reached over and plucked the petite healer from her ministrations. She screamed, dropping her staff and flailing as she was hoisted into the air by the scruff of her clothes. The old one cried out, reaching for her too late as Sandy brought her up for a closer look.

The cleric was titchy, even for a human. A simple black dress hung off her thin frame, and a long black fringe covered the right side of her face. She froze, no longer flailing as Sandy met her terrified green eyes.

“Ohh~ look at you, cutie. Tryna fix up the guards so they could come stab me? Very naughty.” She cooed, mocking the trembling thing. “You scared of heights?” She stood to her full height, bringing the shrieking girl up with her. She laughed, her voice overpowering the human’s screams.

“I bet you’d fetch me a great price back home. Though…” Sandy tugged on the back of her dress, tightening it against the human’s frame. “Oof, yeah you’re real skinny. I’m not sure you’d last the trip back.” She smiled, feeling saliva building up in her mouth. Sandy brought the human closer, letting her breath wash over her. “So how’s about I just…“

Sandy’s voice trailed off. She could hear something coming, off to the west. Hoofbeats.

Distracted from the girl dangling between her fingers, Sandy looked toward its source. A human on horseback was thundering across the grassy hills.

Heading straight towards her.

 

                                                                                 ~~~                                                                                                     

 

Mary hunched low, urging the borrowed horse to gallop faster. The wind rushed past her ears as she thundered over the grassy plain, sweeping her dark auburn hair back across her scalp. All she could hear was hoofbeats, and the puffing of her steed. Her brown eyes were fixed on her target.

The rampaging giantess had noticed her, ignoring her captive for now. Mary took the chance to size up her opponent. She was tall for a giantess, standing some ninety feet tall if Mary had to guess. Broad and muscular, too. Her defined physique on full display beneath a tan brown singlet and dark shorts. She was barefoot, per the usual for most giants Mary had met. Dark eyes narrowed down at her from between the giantess’ choppy, blood-red locks. She glared back into them with defiance.

Mary was in range now. She slowed her horse ever so slightly and rose in the saddle. With practiced poise, she stepped onto the horse’s back. She planted her feet and bent her knees, keeping her stance wide for balance. Her dusty brown cloak billowed behind her, revealing her leather vest and a skirt cut above the knee.

Mary reached back into a simple pouch tied to the small of her back, retrieving a tiny toothpick shaped object. She held it out wide, bracing as the javelin suddenly returned to its full size. She held it steady, tensed her muscles and kept her body in sync with her mount’s gallop. The next time its hooves hit the ground, she threw.

The next rise of the gallop aided her throw as she heaved the projectile forward. The slight boost shot it forward like an arrow, it’s iron tip gleaming in the sunlight. Mary’s aim was true, but the giantess caught sight of the gleam and tilted her head just in time. The javelin grazed just past her eye, drawing a thin line of blood across her temple before vanishing into the distance.

Tsking, Mary landed heavily back in the saddle with a scowl, urging the horse to go faster. The giantess’ eye flicked toward the tiny wound in mild surprise. A recognition passed over her features as she looked back toward Mary. The marauder’s expression lit up, grinning eagerly at the challenge. Looks like Mary’s reputation was ahead of her this time.

The horse’s gallop bounded forward. She was almost there. Mary made a mental note to take care with her approach here. The giantess still had that girl in her grasp. Knocking the giant down too quickly could kill her.

As if she was reading her mind, the giantess’ eyes flicked back toward her prey, thrashing between her fingertips. Casting a smirk back toward Mary, she opened her mouth and flicked the shrieking girl inside. Her jaw flexed as she tossed the human around a moment, savouring the taste. Then she tossed her head back and swallowed, sending the poor girl down to her stomach.

Mary cursed under her breath. She was on the clock now. The predatory giantess shot a grin toward Mary, challenging her. She rose in the saddle again, readying a rushed dismount. At the same time, the giantess crouched low, picking up a piece of rubble the size of her fist from the shattered wall. Mary barely had time to react as the giantess stood and hurled the chunk of debris toward her.

Mary’s muscles moved before she could even think, hurling her from the saddle and shoving the horse away as the massive projectile descended upon her. She hit the ground rolling, letting the momentum take her. The chunk of wall slammed into the ground a second later, shattering on impact and spraying dirt just two meters from where Mary was a moment ago.

The attack also broke the last of the horse’s patience. The terrified creature was beyond spooked, and bolted away squealing from the giantess. Her booming laughter reached Mary’s ears as she stood, shaking herself off. Back on her feet, she glared up, locking eyes with her smirking opponent. The giantess took a few booming steps toward her. Mary did the same, slowly closing the distance. They stopped a mere dozen meters from one another, Mary glaring up past the giantess’ towering body.

“Well, look at you.” The redhead drawled, grinning down at Mary. “You must be that little killer everyone’s been talkin’ about! What have they been calling you? Gutter?” She laughed. “Lemme guess, you’re gonna try and cut me open? Save the girl?” The giantess pat her abdomen roughly through her singlet. “Well sorry, bug but it’s not gonna happen. That cutie’s all mine, and I’m not giving her back.”

Mary stayed silent, waiting. Her blood raged through her body, thundering in her ears. Her heart was aflame, urging her to strike now, to tear into the monster in front of her. But still, she waited. The giantess scoffed at her.

“What’s your body count now, Gutter? Eight?” She said. “They must’ve been pretty fucking stupid, going down to the likes of you.” She spat. “Though shit, I’ll give credit,” The giantess raised her hands in mock respect. “That javelin trick was pretty cool. It’s been a long time since someone’s got me bleeding. ‘Specially a human. But…” She leaned down, looming over Mary. “You don’t seem so tough up close. You might be a little big for a human, but that’s not saying much.” She smirked. “And I don’t see any more little spears on you. So what are you gonna do now?”

Mary gripped the side of her cloak, pulling it off in a single motion. With her right hand, she reached behind herself, drawing the blade she kept on her back. It was a sword of odd proportions. The grip was thick in her hands, and the crossguard too wide for the short, doubled-edged blade. It caught the light as she held it before herself, highlighting the strange markings etched into the flat of the blade, running up and down its length. She settled into a fighting stance, defiant.

The giantess snorted out a laugh, before losing herself to a harsh cackle. “A sword!? You seriously think you can hurt me with a human broadsword!?” She reared back, taken by her laughter. “Oh gods, that’s funny!” Another burst of laughter came over her. She palmed at her face, covering her eyes.

Now.

Mary dashed. She only had a few seconds. Holding her blade out to her left, she sprinted toward the laughing giant’s right heel. The sun vanished under the shadow of the giantess. This close, Mary could feel the heat radiating off of her body. Skidding to a halt past the side of the heel, she gripped her sword in both hands and swung.

With the sudden momentum, the spell on her blade released. A whoosh of displaced air signalled the growth, as in an instant, the blade more than tripled in size. Mary had swung with the force of a broadsword, and the huge blade kept that momentum despite its greatly increased weight.

The enlarged weapon slammed through the giantess’ heel like a greatsword, severing her Achilles tendon and scattering hot blood across the grass. The blade continued on its path until it slammed into the ground. Then the loss of momentum re-engaged the spell, shrinking the blade back down.

The giantess’ laughter was cut off by a cry of pain, her massive voice straining Mary’s ears. No longer able to support her great weight, her right leg crumpled. Her knee slammed into the ground as she collapsed forward, clutching at the wound and seething in pain.

Mary couldn’t let up yet. She kept up the momentum, dashing the short distance to the giantess’ remaining ankle. Leaping forward in a diagonal slash, her enchanted blade grew once again, cleaving right through the unguarded heel with violent ease. A spray of red burst from the wound as the giantess howled louder.

Mary sprinted out from under the giant shadow, making some distance to avoid being crushed if the giantess collapsed. She felt the sun on her back as she emerged from behind the giant’s left flank. The giantess fell to her hands and knees, shaking in fury and pain.

“Fuuuuuuuckk…” She hissed. Her furious eyes locked onto Mary. “You little SHIT.” The giantess threw out her arm in retaliation.

Mary barely dodged in time as a massive hand swiped at her. It clipped her in the side, and Mary was sent rolling by the impact. She gripped her sword tightly, desperately clinging to her only weapon.

Mary came to a stop face-down. She quickly gathered herself. She couldn’t afford to take her eyes off the monster. She spun in time to see the open palm rocketing down toward her.

The giantess’ hand slammed into her. Her vision flashed white as the air was driven from her lungs. Pain exploded across her body, forcing a gasp from her. She could feel several bones had snapped in that single blow.

The palm raised again, preparing for another slap. Mary’s instincts were screaming at her through the pain. She had to move. She had to dodge. Heaving with exertion, she willed her body to roll aside. Scrambling out of the handprint the giantess had left in the earth. Blessedly, the giantess’ palm retreated, called back to support her weight as she reeled from the pain of her wounds.

Both Mary and the giantess took a moment to recover. The giantess swore between heavy breaths, her eyes squeezed shut. Mary stumbled to her feet, forcing her body to move despite the pain. Thank the gods her legs weren’t broken. She prepared herself for the next attack, holding her blade steady.

The giantess turned to face her, her legs shifting across the grass. Her eyes snapped open, bloodshot and angry. Mary held her gaze as they shared a glare, breathing heavily. The furious giantess balled her right hand into a fist, raising it high. It passed over the sun, casting Mary in its shadow. She tensed, readying for the attack.

“Dodge this.” The giantess spat.

Her fist hurtled down from the sky like a meteor. Time seemed to crawl as Mary waited for the right moment to dodge. The giantess was focused now. If she dodged too early she’d be caught by an adjustment. So she waited. Waited for just the right moment.

The fist approached closer, gaining speed. Still, Mary waited.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Her body screamed at her to move. She waited until she could make out the tiny lines of the giantess’ fingerprints. Her instincts cried out.

NOW

The fist slammed into the ground, spraying dirt and loose grass from the impact. Mary was right next to it, braced against the shockwave and unharmed. She grit her teeth and dug her boots into the ground. She held onto her sword with a white-knuckle grip. With a full-throated cry, she heaved her blade in an upwards slash.

The enlarged blade cut deeply across the giantess’ wrist, flicking fresh blood into the air with the force of it. She cried out in pain, grasping at the wound. Mary stumbled back, breathing heavily. The giantess collapsed down to her elbows, clutching her wrist. With that, Mary knew it was over.

The giantess’ trembling grip slid as she held the wound. Blood smeared on her forearm, and oozed from her heels, Mary saw in the giantess’ eyes something she’d seen in all of them – fear. Her dark eyes were wide, her hands were shaking, her breathing grew ragged.

Mary could imagine the thoughts going through her head. To be so self-assured in her own power over humans, only to be brought low by a single woman with a sword. To go from being in control, to staring death in the face. She could see the panic cascading behind the giantess’ eyes, as she had in all of the others.

Mary stepped forward, dragging her bloodied blade through the grass behind her. She solemnly marched toward the giantess’ throat.

The giantess’ gaze flicked toward the movement, eyes wide with a newfound fear toward Mary.

“W-wait…” She croaked. “Y-you don’t have to do this.”

“Neither did you.” Mary replied, her first spoken words to the giant raider. The fallen giant blanched, desperately searching Mary’s face for a way out. She didn’t find one.

“H-have mercy…” She whispered, terrified. Mary came to a halt just below her chin. She met the giantess’ eyes with a grim expression.

“Would you?”

The giantess paled. Hefting her blade, Mary swung, slashing through her throat.

The giantess’ cried out, clutching at her neck as she reared back. Mary quickly stepped back, avoiding the thrashing giantess as her blood splattered to the ground. Taking deep and heavy breaths, Mary recovered what little stamina she could.

Mary watched as the once-mighty giantess writhed on the ground, gurgling out her last breaths. She ended up on her back, her movements slowing as she stared into the sky. Mary watched until the giantess finally stilled, dead. Only then, finally, did she let her guard down. A heavy breath rattled out of her bruised lungs.

Mary trudged over to her massive body, sheathing her sword to free both hands. It was almost over, but Mary wasn’t finished yet. It was time to live up to her namesake.

Mary tried to clear her mind as she climbed up the side of the giantess’ abdomen, grabbing fistfuls of cloth as she used her clothes for leverage. Heaving her battered body up onto the giantess’ toned abs, Mary prepared herself for the nasty work of carving into her stomach to – hopefully – save that girl. Positioning herself over the rough location of the stomach, Mary drew her blade, and got to work.

Beyond, the villagers slowly began to trickle out of the shattered wall. First with caution, then with shocked abandon. Many of them rushed to heave open the giant’s pouch, rescuing their battered loved ones from the darkness. Others just gawked at the fallen giantess.

Mary ignored them, trying to focus on the task at hand. She had to cut slowly. Recklessly releasing the spell on the blade could endanger the girl inside. She slowly carved through the flesh of the giantess, digging her way deeper. Even the fifth time, it was still disgusting work. Mary cleared her mind, blocking out the world around her and just letting her body move on its own.

But like always, memories surfaced from the pale. Memories of fire, and screaming townsfolk. The memory of Mary’s father, dead on the floor of his workshop. The memories enflamed her emotions, and she channelled the rage into her aching muscles as she hacked deeper.

Finally, Mary blade cut into an open chamber. She cut the opening wider, and prepared for the worst. Setting her blade aside, she dug her arms into the acrid sack. Keeping her face away from the gore, she fumbled blindly for anything solid.

After a minute, Mary’s fingers brushed against a limb. Praying it was attached to the rest of the girl, she pulled. A right arm emerged from the stomach, and blessedly, a very red, but very alive girl came out with it. Mary gripped her under the shoulders and heaved the now naked girl back into the light, glad to be free from the giantess’ insides.

The girl was badly burnt all along her right side, the skin red and raw. But she was still breathing. Mary finally allowed herself to relax. Hoisting the thin girl onto her shoulder, Mary stumbled down the giantess’ flank onto the grass.

The villagers were all milling about now. Some embraced their abducted loved ones, teary with joy, others threw rocks at the slain giantess. Over the crowd, Mary noticed an elderly man, dressed in black and carrying a bell-topped staff. He was hobbling toward her as fast as his old legs could carry him.

“Clara! Please! Stay with us!” He cried, rushing over. His voice was strained and tired, wavering with a panic Mary had grown to recognise. He had frizzled grey hair that matched the thick beard his tears were dribbling down into. Mary recognised the silver bell for what it was, and started toward him. Mary brought the girl – Clara – down from her shoulder and handed her over to the distraught elder.

“Here,” She grunted. “She’s still breathing, thank the gods.” The old man cried out, embracing the girl tightly.

“Thank the gods…” He whispered. “Thank you.” He said, meeting Mary’s eyes. Gratitude shone from his pale green gaze. He immediately launched into a restorative prayer, grasping his staff. The silver bell tolled softly, shining out a pale light as Clara’s skin started to repair itself. The edges of her wounds shone with the same silver light as they knit closed.

The old healer sighed with relief, cradling the girl tightly. His daughter? Granddaughter? Apprentice? Mary wasn’t sure. He stood to his feet, hefting the petite girl in his arms. Mary was impressed by the old man’s strength. Her awareness snapped back to her when she realised the old man had asked her a question.

“…What?”

“I asked if you were alright.” He said, looking over at her with concern. “I saw that blow you took earlier. I’m amazed you can still walk.” Mary waved a dismissal hand.

“I’m fine.” She lied. “Focus on her, she needs your magic more than I do.” The old man frowned, clearly not buying her tough front. Still, concern over the girl swayed his decision.

“All right… If you’re sure.” He said, worried eyes returning to the cradled girl as she whimpered incoherently, brushing up against the veil of consciousness. “But make sure you come see me tomorrow! I’ll not have my granddaughter’s saviour collapsing of preventable injuries!” Mary couldn’t help but smile at the old man’s attitude.

The old healer gave a final thank-you, before turning to rush his granddaughter back to the village. Mary sighed, retrieving her sword, she moved to follow. She definitely needed medical attention, but she could wait. There were other villagers that took priority.

Mary staggered forward. She just needed a good rest and a drink is all. A dull ache crept into her head as the adrenaline of combat started to wear off. She was going to be fine. She just-

Then her legs stopped working.

“…Shit…” She muttered, before collapsing into the darkness of unconsciousness.

 

                                                                             ~~~                                                                                                         

 

Mary drifted through the murky depths of sleep.

Vague impressions of thoughts and feelings brushed past her awareness. Twisting in and out of view behind her eyes. Memories of her father’s smile. Of his workshop. Of the mud she trudged through as she left behind its burnt-out shell. She regret not looking back.

Something warm pricked at her eyes.

More memories came, unwelcome but untethered from their chains. Mary remembered the day from her childhood when she pestered her father for a magic bag, having read about one in a book. She remembered her birthday years later, when he finally made her childish desire a reality. She remembered the night the giantess came, and watching the monster run her father through, after he begged her to listen.

The rage Mary had been carrying so long boiled beneath her thoughts. Her emotions writhed, striving for action but made impotent by the mire of unconsciousness. She groaned, twisting her body.

Her face was hot. Her eyes twitched again. A dull ache fished her mind up from the murky dark. 

 Mary opened her eyes, only to be hit with a direct beam of afternoon sunlight. She grunted, squeezing her eyes shut again and stretching her body. She felt the thin sunbeam pass across her face as she sat up.

Rubbing at her eyes, Mary gathered her bearings as she woke up. She was sitting on the edge of a simple bed, the thin mattress letting its wooden frame bite into her thighs. The bed sat against the wall of a pristine stone room, with a closed door ahead of her, and a large opening to her left leading elsewhere. Placed around the room were several other, similar beds – all empty. Two large windows here ahead and behind her, slightly ajar and letting golden sunlight beam in through the shutters. Scattered about the room were various pieces of medical equipment. Trays of silver utensils, and cabinets filled with various bottles and jars. A large silver bell was suspended from ceiling, gently swaying in an imperceptible breeze.

Mary assumed she had been delivered to the old man’s clinic after her collapse. She sighed, disappointed in herself. The poor man had enough on his plate already. She rubbed at her eyes again, this time noticing the bandages across her arms. Looking down, she saw her body wrapped all over by the things. Most of them concentrated around her ribs, beneath her simple white singlet. She twisted to get a better look about herself, and a potent ache ran through her exhausted body. She grimaced.

Moving slower, Mary fetched a small mirror from a nearby tray. Lifting it up, she inspected herself. Her own brown eyes looked back at her, peering out from her scruffy, reddish-brown hair. She gripped a lock between forefinger and thumb. It was down past her chin now. Getting a bit long for her liking. She ran a hand over her sharp features, checking for bruises. Again, no scars this time, she noted, only slightly disappointed. She counted herself lucky a giant had never gotten a good hit in against her head. She doubted she’d survive one.

Feeling the lightness of her chest, Mary found her leather vest folded off to the side of her bed, along with her bag and sword. Its thick pommel shone in the golden sunlight. A worried little part of her relaxed to know her equipment was safe. She placed the mirror back down. Feeling her body’s fatigue, she considered laying back down until morning.

The thought was interrupted by the door ahead of Mary opening, revealing the old healer from before. His tired green eyes widened as he saw her. He walked over, a look of surprise on his face.

“My, you’re up quicker than I thought you’d be.” He said, coming to a stop by her side. “It’s only been a few hours, I was expecting you to sleep through the night.” He said, eyebrows raised. Mary could hear the strain of age in his voice, though she could sense the vitality behind his eyes as they flicked over her bandages. “I was just coming in to check up on you. How are you feeling?” Seemingly satisfied with his inspection, he met her eyes, idly stroking his pale beard.

“Stiff.” Mary grunted out, rolling an aching shoulder. “But my bones are back together, so I can sleep it off.” The old man blew out a sigh.

“I’m glad.” He replied. “I was worried about the bones I couldn’t see. Let me know if you feel any sharp pains when you move.” Mary nodded, idly pressing at her ribs one by one to check. She noted the exhaustion written in the lines of the old healer’s face.

“Sorry for the trouble.” She sighed. A bemused expression crossed the man’s face. “You had enough injured to deal with, you shouldn’t’ve had to fix me up too.” The old man chuckled at her apology, shaking his head.

“Please. It’s the least I could’ve done.” He met Mary’s eyes with a smile. “Healing has been my business for more than fifty years. The handful of twisted ankles and dislocated joints most of the others suffered were easy enough to fix.” He paused, a solemn look coming over his wrinkled features. “And even if they weren’t, I’d owe it to you regardless.” His eyes unfocused, looking past her. “My granddaughter… If you hadn’t been here, she would have…” He sighed, looking at her with tired eyes. “I lost my daughter to the same fate. Seeing Clara taken like that as well…” He shuddered. He placed a hand on Mary’s shoulder, meeting her eyes. “The debt I owe you cannot be put into words.”

Mary shook her head. “You don’t have to owe me anything.” She cast a glance toward her blade. “Killing giants is just what I do now.” The old man followed her glance.

“I’d heard rumours about a giant slaying human from the eastern villages.” He stroked his beard pensively. “I suppose the stories were true, though you’re younger than I would have guessed.” Mary chuckled.

“My name’s Mary.” She said, offering a hand toward the old man. He started.

“Ah- My apologies for not introducing myself sooner. I’m Charles.” Charles took her calloused hand in his weathered own, giving it a soft shake.

A flicker of movement caught Mary’s eye. Green eyes glanced back at her nervously from behind the opening to her left, as Clara peeked into the room. Catching her eye, Mary offered a small smile.

“I’m glad you’re ok.” She said. Charles turned, noticing Clara as she stepped into view.

The girl – no, woman, Mary realised – meekly slunk into the room. She was short, something like five foot and a couple of inches if Mary had to guess. A simple black dress covered her thin frame, short sleeved and cut below the knee. Her dark black hair hung down in a messy bob, with a long fringe covering the right side of her face. As Clara wrung her hands building up the courage to speak, Mary noticed the deep red scars covering one of her arms. They were blotchy and sporadic, and when Mary looked again she noticed they covered the entire right side of her body, splattered across her right arm and leg. The burn scars even spread up her neck and across her face, just visible under her fringe. Seeing the young woman so badly scarred pained Mary’s heart.

Clara took a few breaths, her eyes screwed shut, before leaning forward in an awkward bow.

“Thank you!” She blurted, louder than she probably meant to. She blushed. “I-I mean, thank you… for saving my life.” She repeated, softer this time. She reached for Mary’s hand, stopped, then decided it was a good idea and clutched Mary’s left hand between both of her own. “When I passed out-“ She paused, wincing. “…inside her… I… wasn’t expecting to wake up again. I can’t thank you enough.” She said, nervously.

Mary didn’t acknowledge the thanks, her gaze stuck on the burns running down Clara’s arm.

“I hope you can forgive me prioritizing Clara’s wounds over your own.” Charles apologised, misunderstanding Mary’s expression. “I’m sure you would be feeling in much better health had I not used up all my energy tending to her.”

Mary shook her head. “No, you did the right thing.” She said. “I’ve pulled people out like that before. Acid burns can leave you numb if they aren’t treated quickly.” Clara paled a little. Charles nodded with a sigh. Mary’s face fell as she met Clara’s eyes. “I’m sorry I wasn’t faster.” She apologised. Clara frowned, confused. “If I’d got here even a minute sooner, you wouldn’t have had to suffer this.” Mary grimaced, glancing at her burns.

Wide-eyed, Clara shook her head frantically. “N-no don’t apologise. She’d already grabbed me, it couldn’t be helped.” Charles nodded along, agreeing. “Besides, my hairstyle covers the burn on my face anyway.” She joked with a weak smile.

Before Mary could argue, a rumbling growl crept up from her stomach. She didn’t miss the tiny flinch it elicited from Clara. Charles started, clasping his hands together.

“Gods above you both must be starving! In all the rush I had completely forgotten. I’ll go fix us some dinner, I’ll be just a moment.” He rushed back through the door from whence he’d come, and Mary could hear the rattling sound of kitchenware elsewhere in the house.

Clara stepped back, tottering about awkwardly a moment before sitting down on a bed across from Mary. She toyed with her hands nervously. Mary gazed a moment, before breaking the silence.

“Your grandfather mentioned losing your mother to a giant attack.” She led. Clara’s idle fidgeting froze, a morose look crossing her features. “What happened?” Mary asked. Clara’s nervousness faded as she conjured the memories.

“…It happened when I was a little girl.” She began. “My parents and I were moving to a town further away from the border. I think they wanted to raise me somewhere they felt safer.” She said. “We were only a few days east, settling down for the night, when the giants came. I never saw their faces, only heard their voices; felt their footsteps. My parents were quick to hide me. Our carriage was filled with boxes carrying our belongings, so they quickly dumped one out and hid me inside.” Clara raised her knees to her chest. “They told me to hide, to not make a sound. They promised someone would find me.” She frowned. “I don’t think they expected to survive.” She murmured, her eyes falling to the floor. “I did as they asked. I don’t think I could’ve done anything else. …All I could do was close my eyes and pretend I couldn’t hear them being devoured.” She sighed, letting her knees fall. “The giants didn’t find me. I don’t they were interested in our belongings. I heard them take our horses and stomp away, until I was left alone in the dark.” She closed her eyes. “I stayed hidden in that box until some passerby found me a few days later. I think…” She trailed off, finding the words. “I think I felt like if I moved, if I opened my eyes, then it would all be real.” She sighed, feeling at her wrist. “I was lucky someone found me when they did, and brought me back home. I probably would have starved to death in that box if they hadn’t. Though I still never got that weight back.” She joked half-heartedly.

Reaching into her pocket, Clara pulled out a tiny silver bell, dangling from a necklace. It tinkled as she gazed down at it fondly. “Right before I hid, my mother gave me this. She was never as pious as grandfather, but she still kept her faith. She told me to never take it off, so Falx could watch over me forever.” She looked up at Mary, sheepishly. “Of course, the one day I forget it, I get eaten. Fate is cruel, sometimes, I guess…” She trailed off, before clasping the necklace around her neck.

Mary seethed, her anger rising at the story. At the cruelty of it all. “Typical fucking giants.” She spat, digging her nails into the wooden bedframe. “They probably didn’t even hesitate for a second before attacking you. Gods forbid they ever see us as people.” She released her grip, leaving marks in the wood. She rubbed the bridge of her nose, trying to force the anger down. Clara didn’t need to suffer her rage as well. The young healer caught her gaze, shuffling where she sat.

“They took something from you too, didn’t they?” She asked softly. Mary tensed a little under Clara’s empathetic gaze. She sighed, choosing her words carefully.

“My father.” Said Mary. “Three years ago, a giantess attacked us.” Clara’s eyes widened at the recency. “She killed my father. Destroyed our home.” Mary paused. “My father hid me the same way. I watched as the giantess cut him down, and then just left like it was nothing.” She said, venom colouring the last few words. She met Clara’s eyes. “I’ve been looking for her ever since. Travelling east along the border hoping I’d find her. That I’d catch her attacking again.” Mary sighed. “But I haven’t found her. I haven’t even heard a whisper. And all the giants I’ve met since then have been too busy treating people like fucking candy for me to question them.” Her eyes darkened. ”Though it’s not as if they could talk with a cut throat.” She muttered gravely. Clara glanced at her equipment, toward her sword.

“You really are that giant-slayer people have been talking about.” She said. Mary nodded, still mired in her thoughts. Clara looked back to her eyes, curious. “I heard some of the guards talking about that sword you carry. They said it grew larger when you swung it.” Mary tensed, dreading the question that always came next. “And I looked in your bag when we gathered your things, it’s incredible!” Mary closed her eyes. “That kind of magic is far beyond anything we humans can do. Granted, our connection to the divine is strong, but the arcane has never been in our grasp.” Clara spoke more animatedly now, her curious admiration lighting up her features. “If you don’t mind me asking, where did you find enchanted items like that? Has a great human mage finally appeared? N-not that I think you couldn’t have done it yourself” She clarified. “It’s just you don’t exactly seem the… um, ‘bookish’ type.” She blushed. Mary smirked despite herself. “B-but really! If magic like that is in human hands now, it could change the world! Where on earth did you find it?” There it was. Mary took a deep breath, not sure how to answer.

Blessedly, the moment was cut off as Charles re-entered, bringing the warm scent of coffee with him. He sat three mugs down, offering one to both of them. Mary took hers gladly, taking in the familiar scent. It reminded her of home.

“I know it’s a little late,” Charles said. “But I think after the day we’ve had, the energy is welcome.” Both women nodded along gratefully. Clara blew softly over the hot beverage. Mary downed a gulp, toughing through the heat. Gods, she was tired. She felt her body relax as it melted her insides. Off to the side, she spotted Clara dumping sugars into her mug with abandon while Charles wasn’t looking.

“I’ve just put on something simple. It shouldn’t be too long.” Charles said, gesturing back toward what Mary assumed was the kitchen. He took a sip of his coffee as he gathered a stool and sat down. He released a grunted breath as he rested his old bones. “Now, Mary, I’d like to offer that you stay here tonight. I’m certain many of the villagers would gladly offer a more comfortable bed, but I’d like to check on your bandages in the morning.” Mary nodded.

“Anything beats sleeping outdoors.” She smiled. Charles peered at her over his beverage.

“You’ve been travelling a lot, then?” He asked. “Perhaps we could offer you a permanent place here. You’re certainly more effective than our previous defences.” He joked.

Mary smiled at the offer, but shook her head ‘no’. “I’m sorry, but I’m moving on as soon as I can.” She said. Charles raised his eyebrows in question. “I’m not just travelling for the fun of it.” Mary’s eyes hardened. “I’m looking for the giantess that murdered my father. Killing other giants along the way is just incidental.” She confessed. Charles pondered on that, taking a deep sip.

“I see…” He finally answered, stroking his beard. “You’ve been travelling along the border in the hopes you would find her, I assume?” Mary nodded.

“But I’ve had no luck.” She sighed. “I’ve been travelling for three years and there’s been no sign of her.” She turned her gaze toward the south, her mind’s eye seeing past the stone walls of the clinic and into the shadowy woods. “I’m going to head south, into the giant’s forest. I ought to have better luck searching for her in the giant’s lands themselves.” She decided.

“I see.” Charles said. “Well, we can at least hope that your victory today serves as a decent deterrent toward further attacks.” He raised his eyebrows at Mary. “Still, into the giant’s forest?” He asked “You’ve been plying a dangerous enough trade already, just skirting the border. It only takes one good blow from a giant to leave a person half-dead – or worse. Some of the wounds you took today could have been fatal if not for my healing.” He said, concern in his eyes. “There aren’t any human settlements beyond the border – at least none that I know of. You would be alone in your quest, without the support that I suspect you rely on. It may come to be that you lose your life before ever even finding the object of your revenge.” He concluded, shaking his head.

Mary frowned. Of course she knew it was dangerous. But what choice did she have? “I know.” She said. “But this is just something I have to do.” She glanced back at her equipment. Across from her, Clara shuffled in place awkwardly.

“I’ll go with you.” She said.

Shocked, Mary snapped her gaze toward the meek healer, meeting her surprisingly determined eyes. Charles looked at his granddaughter with wide eyes. 

“What? Like hell you will. No.” Mary replied, incredulously. “We were just talking about how dangerous it is out there, I’m not dragging you into that.” She waved a dismissive hand.

“That’s exactly why I should come.” Clara argued. “I’m just as good at channelling divine magic as Charles, if not better!” Mary glanced at the old man, who was just staring at his granddaughter. An unreadable frown gently coming over his features. “If I go with you, I can give you the support you wouldn’t have otherwise. How do you expect to survive without healing magic?” Clara held her hands in fists before her, defiant.

“I’ve been relying on potions and other alchemy that I buy from the towns I pass.” Mary answered, glancing away from the determined healer.

“But you’ve run out, haven’t you? Otherwise you wouldn’t have collapsed today.” Clara countered, pointing a finger toward Mary.

“I was hoping to restock here, actually.” She sighed, getting frustrated. “Most villages have at least one alchemist I can barter with.”

“Not this one. Our local alchemist died of old age recently.” Clara said, matter-of-factly. Eyebrows raised, Mary looked towards Charles for confirmation.

“That’s true I’m afraid. She passed away just last month.” Charles mumbled in confirmation, his eyes still inspecting Clara. “We don’t have any potions we can spare you.” Mary exhaled in frustration. She really didn’t want to admit that Clara’s offer made sense.

“I owe you my life,” Clara continued. “Supporting you in your travels is the least I can do to repay you.” She insisted.

“I already told you, you don’t owe me anything.” Mary said, matching Clara’s frown. “Charles could you please talk some sense into your granddaughter?” She pleaded, hoping the old healer would veto Clara’s decision. 

The old man had scarcely moved since Clara’s suggestion, staring at his granddaughter with a tense contemplation. Clara met his gaze with her own, a pleading expression in her eyes. He sighed, stroking his beard and gazing out the window, considering the broken wall that could be spotted outside.

“You can’t actually be considering this.” Mary said, incredulous that Charles hadn’t shot down the suggestion immediately. There’s no way he actually thought this was a good idea.

“I think,” He paused, considering his words for a moment. “That Clara is right.” He sighed. Mary felt her jaw hang open, gawking at the old man. Clara’s eyes lit up. “You can’t deny she has a point.” He continued, meeting Mary’s eyes. “Her talent for channelling the divine is great, and she can offer you the support you’ll need to survive on the other side of the border.” He said. “And besides…” His tired eyes sweeping over the devastation the giantess had left in her wake. “Today, I watched our stone wall be blown apart like toy blocks, our weapons fail us, and our guards overwhelmed. Then, you arrived and defeated the giant single-handedly. When I consider Clara’s continued safety,” He glanced at his granddaughter fondly. “I honestly can’t think of a safer place than at your side.” Charles spoke the last few words at an uptilt, as if surprised at his own conclusion. “Hell, even if I did refuse, Clara is a grown adult. I can’t tell her what to do anymore.” He chuckled, casting a half-apologetic look toward Mary.

Mary groaned, rubbed her face in her hands as she rolled the idea over in her mind. Clara really had no idea what she was getting herself into. “Clara.” Mary started, meeting her eyes. “If you come with me, it’s not just going to be dangerous. We’re going to be surrounded by giants. More than either of us have ever known. It’s more than likely going to be violent, especially when I get my revenge.” She said. She let out a sigh. “And there’s a good chance we both get eaten – or worse – before we can achieve anything at all.” Clara paled a little at that. Charles looked like he may have regret some of his words.

Clara blew out a deep breath, gathering her courage before meeting Mary’s eyes again. “I’m going with you.” She said, a determination rising beneath her anxious features. “I’m certain this is what I’m supposed to do, where I’m supposed to go.” She gripped the silver bell hanging from her neck. “I made peace with Falx a long time ago. Whenever she decides to take me… I’ll accept it.” She concluded.

Mary hung her head, defeated. She couldn’t argue with this girl. She blew out a tired sigh. “…Fine.” She relented. “If you really insist, I’d be stupid to refuse the help.” Clara visibly relaxed at her acceptance, smiling broadly. Mary looked up with a smirk. “My tent might be a little snug, though. It wasn’t built for two.”

Clara blushed a little, breaking eye contact as she started fidgeting again. “T-that’s fine!” She stuttered. “Being that close… probably will make me feel safer…” She mumbled. It was Mary’s turn to blush at the comment.

Charles let out a chuckling sigh, shaking his head at the two of them. “There is a part of me that cannot believe I’m alright with this. I’ll be sad to see you go, Clara.” He looked at her with a melancholic smile. “The clinic will be a lot lonelier without you.” He said. “Keep her safe, will you?” He asked Mary. Despite his words, Mary could still see the concern of a worried grandparent in his eyes.

“With my life.” She answered, nodding.

“I’ll come back when it’s all over. I promise.” Clara said. Nodding in turn at her grandfather. Charles bent his head in return, as reassured as he could be.

He clapped his hands together. “Dinner should almost be ready.” He announced, brightening with the change of subject. “You’re welcome to join us, Mary.” He offered. Mary gave a small smile.

“I will, thank you.” She said.

Returning her expression, Charles led them back into their home. Mary felt warm as she shared the meal, soothing her tired body as the sun set outside. They spoke brightly, Charles and Clara making the most of their now limited time together. Still, Mary couldn’t completely shake her nervousness toward the next day. Based on the subtleties of her expressions, neither could Clara. But the food was good, and eventually the exhaustion of the day’s events began to settle upon her body. Full and feeling the fatigue, Mary excused herself, retreating back to her bed. She let her mind collapse back into the misty haze of sleep, filled with thoughts of what the future may bring.

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Translator's Note:

Hello dear reader. I am the individual responsible for translating these tales from their native common tongue to your 'English'. In this case, I am translating from Vratan Common.  

While I have remained silent in the past, this story means a lot to me, as it involves more than one person whom I have come to consider a friend. This story is also more involved than those previous, with more complex topics discussed. Thus, I have deigned to reveal myself. 

Most of the translation I do is in regard to dialogue between characters, so most of my notes will be concerning that. This chapter's notes are as follows:

• Sandy refers to the humans as 'bugs' in a derogatory sense twice in this chapter. This isn't the case in the original language, as you may have guessed. Insects are so beneath the notice of the giants that the colloquialism does not really exist in their language. What she actually said was a human-targeted slur specific to their language. I struggled to translate it directly, as its meaning was hard to get across concisely. Leaving it untranslated was unfortunately not an option either, due to the involved sentence structure of this planet's languages. Thus, I chose a suitable English substitute instead. I hope this didn't create any confusion. 

• The mythological figure Achilles is not present in any Voeul mythologies, any mentions of him are purely translational.  

• The word 'earth' is mentioned twice. The characters do not live on earth, they live on Voeul. The word does mean the same thing, however. A different translation could be, 'Where on the ground', or some such. 

• Coffee - surprisingly - does actually exist on their planet, and it's mention in this chapter is unfabricated. 

That's all for this chapter. If you have any questions about the translation or translation process, feel free to ask in the reviews.