Magic

Bisento panted heavily as she laid prone on an examination table. 

"Her spine's been shattered. I doubt she has long to live. Even if we could somehow heal her, she'd never be able to move below the neck ever again," the doctor sighed.

"Hmm, we could just use healing magic. Thing is, I don't want to heal her," Shuzu scoffed.

"Why's that?" Machiko asked.

"She's an Aarlord elf. Attacked our place in the past, became Hougen's bitch. Sorry, but even an eccentric like me has limits when it comes to forgiveness."

"I'm of the same opinion," Mizata frowned.

"And us dwarves heal naturally, so we don't use healing magic. Even if we did, I wouldn't waste it on a warlord elf," Durell grumbled. 

Machiko shook her head. "Maybe she wronged you in the past, but to us, she was a savior. If there's a chance she can live, I'll take it."

As Machiko prepared to beg in dougeza, Ikebukuro locked eyes with Bisento.

The farthest back Bisento could remember was waking up with her sister in rags and chains. She had no idea if she had a past or parents. All she had with her to keep her warm in the cold goblin camp was her sister. Day in and day out, the goblins would force them along with the other prisoners to serve them food, often abusing and hindering them in the process.

"If only I could fight. I'd kill all these vermin," was the constant thought on Bisento's mind at the time.

Then one day, a party of humans came and killed all the goblins, freeing the slaves. One human took a liking to Bisento and Ikebukuro, taking them to his manor.

"I've never seen young elves before. What are your names?"

Hearing they had none, the man decided to name them Bisento and Ikebukuro. The two lived relatively peaceful lives, until the human was killed by his fellow townsfolk. The two were then sold back into slavery, but this time, Bisento had learned some magic, and managed to break free and slaughter everyone in the town. From there, the two elves wandered, eventually finding more elf comrades to form a tribe with.

Then came the day Shalala and Harajuku decided to challenge Hougen, resulting in the tribe being effectively controlled by Hougen. Some didn't mind as Hougen's mantra of conquest was exactly what they believed in, but for a non-combatant like Ikebukuro, life became much more troublesome.

Unable to use offensive magic, she instead focused on infiltration and planning, with Bisento stepping in to provide the muscle. Sometimes things went smoothly, other times Ikebukuro was caught and nearly killed. Needless to say, Bisento would risk everything to save and protect her, no matter how dire the situation. Naturally, this meant dying if that was the only way to protect her sister.

...

"I'm sorry, sister... I won't be able to be by your side anymore... I just hope this life really is happy for you," Bisento telepathically sighed as tears began to trickle down her face.

Ikebukuro slowly raised her hand, tears trickling down her face as well as she began using healing magic. Everyone stared in shock as Bisento's wounds healed, but less so at the fact that the wounds were healing and more so that Ikebukuro was using magic.

"Ikebukuro," Machiko gasped.

"I'm sorry. I'm well aware of magic and how to use it, but I was afraid," Ikebukuro smiled.

"NO! I said to let me die!" Bisento cried.

"Sorry to you too. I'm not going to lose you when I'm capable of saving you, even if it means risking it all."

"Guess that means you're an Aarlord too. But you shaved your head and then some, so as far as things go in elf culture, you're effectively disowned from your tribe," Mizata huffed aloud. 

Ikebukuro meekly smiled and finished healing Bisento. Sensation slowly returned to Bisento as she began to move her hand slowly. After a few minutes, she was able to sit up and slowly walk with some assistance. 

"You know it'll take time, so get some rest. I'll handle everything," Ikebukuro smiled. 

"I can't rest until I know you're at ease," Bisento frowned as she glanced over at Machiko. 

Ready to face the music, Ikebukuro looked Machiko in the eye and bowed her head, telling her everything about herself. When she finally finished, Machiko gently wrapped her hands around her face and tilted it up so she could see her. 

"You really have been through a lot," Machiko smiled as she embraced Ikebukuro in a hug. 

"You're letting everything go!?"

"You might've come here with malintent, but you changed for the better. You just said it yourself that us hitting it off and getting hitched was what made you abandon your conquest and choose peace and love. Don't worry, we're together till the end." 

Tears poured out of Ikebukuro's eyes as she smiled and kissed Machiko on the lips. 

"Sister, I too need to apologize for not saying this sooner; congratulations on your marriage," Bisento smiled. 

"Thank you. But if you truly want to apologize-"

"I'll have my hair cut short. I no longer need to be tied to the tribe. My power will be used only for you and this city."

"Mm, can I interject? Short hair doesn't mean much other than you're a weakling. You want full disownment from your tribe, gotta shave your head bald, eyebrows too," Shuzu smirked. 

"Like hell I'm shaving my head!" Bisento fumed. 

"Relax, we'll spare your eyelashes, but nothing else," Shuzu smirked as she encircled Bisento's head with wind magic. 

"No, if we shave her head, we should do it at the salon!" Ikebukuro interjected. 

But Bisento was already bald and browless. 

"NOW, you're disowned and forgiven for the war crimes against Evendale, so says my authority as queen," Shuzu smirked as she took her leave. 

"I don't care about elven matters," Durell scoffed as he too took his leave. 

"Looking good, girl. Sucks you can't whip your hair anymore, but rocking out bald is still amazing," Machiko smiled. 

"No, I'll deal with the bald look and keep it for the rest of my days, but I'll never accept that what you deem "music"," Bisento glared. 

"No worries. Music isn't for everyone, but thanks for finally acknowledging the relationship between me and Ikebukuro."

"If she's happy, that's all I can ask for."

"I'll be sure she is day in and day out. Now let's see if we can get Mu to come to terms with everything too."

"Mother?" Yamane frowned as she poked her head inside. 

"Oh, Yamane! Mu wake up yet!?" 

Yamane hung her head low as she shook her head. "No, Muki's dead."