Some things about Amazonian culture.

It wasn’t like Ishtar and Johana were close friends. Or even friends at all. They had spent a grand total of an hour together at most since they met at a tavern. They had rolled around together in the sheets for a bit but even that was rudely cut short by invading soldiers. Despite that, Ishtar felt gleeful and excited to see Johana again, hale and hearty. The incubi and succubi in the other world were, in a way, her people, but Johana felt more like a personal link to her old life. The last person she met before her old life was gone. If possible, she wanted her around. It also didn’t hurt that she was a strong warrior that wore her emotions and intentions in her sleeve, even though she usually didn’t even have sleeves. Despite having just met her again, Johana was more trustworthy than any other guest in this shady place.

“I have an offer to make,” Ishtar began. “You see, Will and I are just about to start our own hunting agency. We’re pretty strong, but complete newbies when it comes to the job itself. We could use someone to show us the ropes. What do you say? Why don’t you come work with us? We’ll pay you well.”

Johana raised an eyebrow and put a hand on her hip. “Interesting proposal, but I think you don’t know exactly what you’re asking.”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“Either you’ve forgotten or you were never too familiar with Amazonian culture. The only times we work in groups is during war or when we’re made to by someone stronger. Money has no place in deals with Amazons. It’s why I’m still a freelancer. What you’re asking, princess, is for a one-on-one duel with me. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

Ishtar was a little taken aback. She had completely forgotten that little tidbit. Even way before, it was just a meaningless piece of trivia for her considering how little she interacted with any Amazons. And not only that, but Johana was confident. Amazons were a devoted warrior culture, trained from an early age in many aspects of magic and combat. Another, now more meaningful, piece of trivia was that they were recognized as warriors when they got their first barehanded solo kill on a wild beast. And we’re talking wild MAGICAL beasts, meaning bears thrice the size of any you’d find in the material world, giant snakes, fire-maned lions and the like.

“I…”

‘Say yes, Ishtar. I’ll take her on.’

Ishtar blinked, now completely stunned by Will’s words.

‘Did you… not hear what I just said? Giant bears, giant snakes, fire lions… BAREHANDED? Will, when it comes to magical output, I don’t doubt we’re leagues stronger, but a duel is something else. She has experience and technique that towers over whatever we have. I was a soldier in my mother’s army, but that doesn’t mean squat next to the Amazons. Will, their tribes were never more than 50 people, and yet no standing armies dared to threaten them. You could fuck an Amazon, maybe, but you never fuck WITH an Amazon.’

‘I know. Or at least, I understand what you mean. Believe me, I feel your fear, Ishtar.’

‘Who says I’m scared!?’

‘Don’t hide it. I know you are. And I don’t blame you. Even the way she stands… It puts me on edge. She could punch my head off before I finished blinking.’

‘Ugh… And you still want to fight her?’

‘There is… something I want to confirm. Nothing about her, but about myself. I need to know if I’m going insane or not.’

‘And you’re willing to get all your bones broken just to find out?’

‘I think it’s the only way for me to find out.’

‘Will… You… Oh. Well, damn. I didn’t notice.’

‘I’m not sure about it myself. That’s why I’m asking. I want to find out.’

‘Crazy bastard. Alright, it’s your choice, so you tell her yourself.’

Ishtar sighed. “I had forgotten about that, actually. Really makes one reconsider. Sadly, my partner is… curious about something. Here, he has something to tell you.”

With another deep breath, Ishtar and Will seamlessly switched places. Johana watched it happen, eyes going wide. Ishtar’s loose, relaxed stance was gone. Instead, Will stood with a straight back, firm, aware. He put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the blonde woman. She really was huge.

“William Sawyer. A pleasure, Johana.”

“So you two really do work together…”

“We do. And while my partner advised against it, I’d like to formally extend the challenge. Johana, would you fight me in a duel?”

Johana frowned and stopped herself from snarling. “Boy, you’re not even confident you can win. I see it in your face.”

“I’m not trying to hide it,” Will admitted. “My teacher is strong and I still haven’t been able to beat her fairly. I think she’d be a much better match against you. But I’m the one who wants to fight you.”

“Why? You understand that I’m strong, don’t you?”

“It’s precisely because of that. Sparring with my teacher is that, a lesson, practice. This will be… different. And that’s what I need. And hey, if I win, you’ll work with us and that’s what Ishtar wants.”

Johana’s frown went away, and in its place a gentle smile settled on her face. “I see. Then I’d be happy to accept the challenge. Understanding the danger but moving forward anyway. There’s a fine line between bravery and recklessness, William. But I like the look in your eyes, brave one.”

She extended her hand and offered it to Will. He took his own out of his pocket and shook it. The strength of her grip already told him what he had signed up for. Even so…

“Thank you. I’ll say though, I’m not weak.”

“I hope that’s true.”

“Do you have a phone? We’ll be able to coordinate the date better that way.”

Johana’s eyes widened. Her cheeks turned pink, which on her looked hilarious and adorable.

“I do, but I don’t understand how it works.”

Will smiled sympathetically. “The technology of our world can be too complex for its own good sometimes. Let me help you.”

Johana brought out a smartphone from her pocket, the screen of which was cracked on the upper left corner. It could’ve easily been from a fall, but the handshake made Will doubt that.

They exchanged contact info and Will taught her how to make and answer calls. After a couple of tries, once she got it down, Will returned to Amelia, Cynthia and Aoi. John and Paul had left, having been called to see other business partners.

It was better that way. Will took the opportunity to tell the girls what that had been about. Aoi was not very happy with his decision to challenge an Amazon, and Amelia and Cynthia wouldn’t be, either, once they understood what Will had truly gotten himself into.