The Competitive Ciri (Finale) (Page 21)

We're rushing down the path, and I have a small lead. She's gotten better at riding a horse. I can see the tower off in the distance, and my blood rushes at the thought of winning. I lost so much when Ciri and I did any sort of competition. Now it's time I get to win. We're getting closer and closer to the finish line, and I can hear her right behind me. Suddenly, I'm no longer riding the horse on the path, and I'm chasing a madman and his men, damn... This again... They're launching magic at me to get space for a getaway. I'm hit in the chest, and I'm brought back to the here and now. Ciri is in front of me, and I'm going to lose.

I pass the finish line and make my way to her. I should put on my best poker face as not to alarm her. "Well, you made me eat my words. What is it you want as a reward?" I don't think she noticed. Guess it was my head I had to worry about... This is becoming a problem. They're coming more frequently and more vividly. It could prove to be dangerous to others if I'm not careful.

I look at Ciri and see a big smile on her face. That is something that puts me in a better mood. "I have an idea of what I want.~..." She purrs out a response as she places her hand on my chest. I don't think we'll have time. She gets that, though. "I plan to cash that in at my nearest convenience.~..." She's trying to get me excited too. My heart is not in it, however. I'll have to talk to someone who can help with this flashback problem. It's getting in the way of the good part of my life now.

I love the high-energy part of Ciri. It brings the best out of a lot of people. "Don't tempt me with a good time Ciri. Last time, I was the one who made you loud enough that the Baron could hear you. I have a feeling that you'll be in the same position as last time." As I say that, a massive blush appears on her face. We hear footsteps approach, and a drunk Philip is coming towards us.

He seems wasted out of his mind compared to earlier. "Well, the winner of this fine race deserves a reward... *Burp*... How does a barrel of wine sound, lase?" I don't know what we would do with a barrel of wine. I understand that the man likes alcohol, but this is ridiculous. We still have a few hours of light left, and it's relatively warm. So why drink so soon in the day?

I look at Ciri as she has a nervous look on her face. She looks to me for an answer. "Well, don't keep the Baron waiting. You won, fair and square." I suppose a situation like this will help her deal with people who can be particularly difficult. I can't always be the one to speak.

She gives me a frustrated look and turns back to the Baron. "I would love some wine. However, I do not fancy drink with the sun still up." Smart answer, Ciri. I would've said the same thing. Drinking before night can cause a whole lot of problems, and I'm sure the Baron knows about that.

He understands in his drunken state, which is quite impressive, if I have to say. "Aye, that's a... *Hiccup*... Smart idea, lase. I shall drink... *Hiccup*... in your stead!" The Baron sure does like his drink, to an almost dangerous extent. I've never seen him so hammered. I turn to Ciri, giving her a look as to hurry this along.

She catches it and starts getting rid of the Baron as I hear a loud shriek. I know that shriek. I heard it from earlier this week when I killed that cockatrice. The offspring have been out of the nest longer than I thought. Before either of us could say anything, it's already on top of us and attacking. Doing flybys with its claws lashing out and trying to grab us.

I've managed some meager cuts so far. It's hard to get a good strike with such a fast-moving target. The drunk Philip is doing more harm than good. I'm constantly teleporting him to keep him out of harm's way. Soon, I get hit with a claw, and it's a good 20 feet I'm thrown. The cockatrice takes this opportunity to bat Ciri away with its long neck. The last one standing is Philip. It has a brain between its ears. After getting rid of the two stronger targets, now it has its prey.

It picks up Philip and takes off towards the top of the tower. Ciri and I can hear the sounds of a struggle and Philip yelling for it to come after him. I look towards the tower and see we won't make it if we go on foot. I turn towards Ciri, and she has the same idea as me. We teleport up the long-distance jump, and I immediately go for its wing. I swing hard and fast with my magic empowered arms. I cut clean through the damn thing as it screams in agony. As it turns its rage to me, Ciri is already on its neck and shoves her sword into the base of the skull. A weak point on most creatures, and it gives one last scream before it dies.

I look at her with knowing eyes, and she also understands. The wild hunt will be able to find us because of the jump we did. We'll have to leave as soon as we can to get them off our trail. I go to Philip and help him up. "I'm sorry I was a waste of meat for the two of you. Thanks for the help." He has sobered up real fast. I'm not planning to waste a single second, it's still light out, and that means we can travel.

I look to the man as he's waiting for a reply. "I'm afraid we must leave, Philip. The power we just used has consequences." I need to hurry and get us out of here. "Mind if we take the horses we raced with? We need to leave, now." Hopefully, he doesn't keep us held up. He gives a smart look and nods.

Ciri and I hop on our horses and prepare to leave. As we're getting ready, Philip stops us one last time. "Remember, you'll always have allies at crows perch, and I'll never forget that you saved my life. I won't pry into why you're leaving, but I reckon it's because of your strange abilities. You don't have to say anything. I didn't live this long because of luck." I give him a thankful nod, and we race off since we have a few hours of daylight left.

As we're crossing the bridge, I yell to Ciri. "You have any idea's on where to go?!?" I know these lands well, but following Ciri will lead me to Avallac'h. I hear her voice call out to me.

She has confidence in her voice. Probably leftover from the win she had. "We need to go to Novigrad!! I have a message that needs deciphering!!! Will you help me?!?!" You don't even need to ask Ciri.

I take a deep breath, and my heart races at the thought of going on this journey with Ciri. "Of course I will!!! We're a team now!!! I wouldn't just leave you again!!!" I see her look back at me as I say that, and she gives me a heartfelt smile.

She gives me an intoxicating look, indicating love, passion, and lust. "I love you, Cera!!!" My heart skips a beat after she says that to me. She made me lose my train of thought there for a second.

I better respond quickly, or she will get upset. "I love you too, Ciri!!!" I'm honest in saying we have a thing now. I've never had anything for another woman. I'm sure Ciri has never had anything with another man too. The virgin blood was a great indicator. If I didn't know any better, I would say we're destined for one another, but destiny can be cruel too.