So, new one and yes, still Sylvie pairing, won't forget her!(In addition, it won't be now, but later. I think a lot later.)
Just for future clarification: The character is Ethan Sakamoto, but he uses the false identity of Ayato Amagiri. Let's see how this will go...
Not only that, different plot, taking out some characters, adding in crossover characters, making winks to different characters in a variety of series.
Chapter 1! Enjoy!
"Huh," said a black haired teen as he strolled down the stone walkway, "So this is the famed Seidoukan?"
-Flashback-
"Sadly for us, Queenvail is all-female, so we are sending you to Seidoukan instead."
"What am I supposed to do there?"
"Kill two birds with one stone. Well, three Stregas when sent to one location."
"Ah..."
"Something wrong?"
"Haha! Nothing! This is just something unexpected. How come you haven't sent a female operative to Queenvail?"
"Hmm, the boss suggested that love may be easier to exploit than a friendship. You already know. How many have you already eliminated? Five? This should be no different. Not to worry, the beginning of the endgame is near."
"Agreed...Who are my three targets then?"
"Julis Reissfeld, Claudia Enfield, and Sylvia Lyyneheym."
"I see...bigger and more influential targets now."
"They are. We haven't been this bold since the failure against Fan Xinglou."
"Bold, eh...I think we should be fine."
"As far as I can tell, only you have the potential to get close to the woman...I suppose child now, but woman. As to handling her...this is why we'll send you to these three. If you can beat all three...We may have a chance."
"Understood. Now...how am I supposed to approach?"
"In two weeks you will be sent out. Feign ignorance and act like a transfer. Do whatever, but do not mention that you know them. This is slightly different than before and you don't want them asking you where you've heard of them."
-Flashback End-
Ethan Sakamoto looked around in awe as he took in the surroundings, he had originally opted for Jie Long for its Asian traditions and general freedom, but they had decided against it. They weren't sure if Xinglou would find out about him being with them, "And do 'they' want to take that chance? No."
"Besides," Ethan chuckled to himself, "Killing just one or three? Of course I'll take out three, even if the one is more powerful. Or the most. Influence is the priority."
Suddenly his vision was obscured. He pulled at the object and looked at it as it fluttered in his hand, "What's this? A handkerchief?"
He looked around on at ground level and saw nobody. "Did that mean this was carried away by the wind?" Ethan asked himself and saw a flash of movement, looking up just in time to see someone drag their hand inside once opening a window.
"Ah! That must be it! If not...the 'Lost and Found' is always an option!" He leaped up few meters agilely onto the thin branch of a tree. This advantage was given to him and many other humans, these former humans now known as Genestella, due to a meteor strike a few centuries ago that held mana, which had enhanced many people in strength, agility, and endurance to name a few qualities. Once these humans gave birth to children, they also adopted the enhancement, now known as Genestella who live among humans. However, there are a few Genestella in the world who could use the prana inside them and manipulate that pool to create their own individual advantages and enhance themselves further who are called Dantes. Oh, that's the term for males. Males are called Dantes while females are called Stregas.
"And up we go!" Ethan shouted.
Landing at the window sill, he heard a girl's voice speak, "Ugh, not again!"
"Heya! May I ask if you dropped a handkerchief?"
The woman who stared at him as she was putting on her uniform grew red with embarrassment, "T-Turn away...now."
Ethan blinked and shrugged, nonchalantly complying. After a moment that he supposed was awkward silence for her, "I'll be honest, I really wouldn't care less about that. You can judge all you want. Just to let you know, I'm straight, but I don't have any interests in girls. You done yet?"
"Yes, you can turn around now," came the reply.
"Great! This is yours, right?" Ethan flashed a smile as he held out his hand holding the handkerchief and the girl froze, sighing in relief at the sight.
"Yes..." she breathed, "It is...thank you. This means so much to me... I, Julis Alexia-von Reissfield, now owe you a debt."
Just his luck, it took almost no effort for Ethan to slow his breathing and act natural, but it took effort nonetheless. He already found the first of three.
"No problem! I'll be going now, name is Ayato, by the way!" Ethan turned and started to jump out the window when he frowned and his instincts told him to move. Quickly. He pushed off the sill and quickly flew in the air, landing onto the soft grass below as the room behind him exploded, "What the hell?" Then a horrible thought occurred to him, "What...if she knows?"
His answer came seconds later as Julis landed and pointed a Lux at his forehead. "Wait, what's up with that? What did I do?"
Julis, unnaturally calm, answered, "You have invaded the girls' dorm. For breaking the rules, I must dish out the appropriate punishment."
Smiling in his mind, Ethan started to protest, "Waitwaitwaitwait! I went up there to return your handkerchief. I had an excuse to go up there. I saw the craftsmanship. I saw how long it has been cared for. I saw the effort. Would you rather to have me trash the handkerchief?" Julis froze and he saw her crack. Just a bit.
"No..."
"That's good to hear!" Ethan cheered and turned around, only to quickly dash left as an attack flew by him, "What now?"
Julis was clearly surprised at his speed but hardened her face, "I must punish you for watching a maiden dress. In her most vulnerable moment."
"But I...ugh," he slapped his face, "How can I handle this?"
"If you beat me in a duel, I will let this go."
Cheering inside at his chance, Ethan was about to accept when he realized he had two targets here. In addition to needing an opportunity to move to Sylvia later. If he made the news now...No, he decided against his actions, choosing to flinch and grin weakly, "How about I use the debt t-"
"No." The sharp reply disappointed him and he sighed helplessly. Dueling in academies is the most common thing in recent history, usually a cover for schoolground fights. All one simply had to do was to distribute a challenge and the other party would accept by touching their badge and agreeing or simply declining. Luckily, Ethan had his badge on at this moment, allowing him to accept the duel. In his pondering, he noticed a crowd had gathered around. Apparently, duels were not just a common thing, but a intriguing thing here and the girl was a popular person. So, if she's popular...This may be more troublesome than I thought if I continue, Ethan thought when he glanced around, Hmm, I expected them to know, but not idolizing...Well, I suppose so. Sylvia is the singer of the world, Julis is the princess, and Claudia's the student president.
"Fine, I, Ayato Amagiri, will accept your duel, Julis Alexia-von Reissfeld." A murmur ran through the crowd as he had nonchalantly accepted and Ethan grimaced. "Whoops," he muttered.
[Duel begins in twenty seconds]
"Do you have a weapon," asked Julis.
"I can do without one," Ethan replied and there was more chatter that was cut off as a voice broke through
"You can use mine!" A Lux flew through the air and he frowned at the voice. Catching the Lux without effort, he stared at the Lux as he tried but couldn't put his finger on why it sounded so familiar...
[Ten seconds...]
"Hmm," Ethan frowned.
[Five...]
"Ah! Yabuki!"
[Three...two...one...Begin!]
Julis immediately started the fight, "Burst into bloom! Longiflorum!"
Ethan feigned panic and quickly dodged each attack without effort, allowing them to miss by no more than mere millimeters. "Ah!" The crowd gasped as they fell for his antics, believing it was beginner's luck. Julis thought so too.
"Nice job, but you won't dodge this one! Burst into bloom-" Something caught Ethan's eye and he glanced right quickly to see movement. So, the plan is set into action. Thanks, boss, "-Amaryllis!"
Seeing the arrow fly as the flower flew at him, Ethan smirked inwardly. He finally drew out his personal kunai, favored by his forefather, and threw it into the attack without anyone noticing and ran at it. Seeing Julis grin, Ethan took that as a signal to activate the jutsu, move through space using Flying Thunder God, materializing to his kunai, grabbing it and holstering it as he pushed Julis, jumping over her as she fell. "Wha-" she started to ask but the arrow that flew struck right next to her head and disappeared. Ethan stood calmly as Julis quickly assessed the previous events and pieced together what had just happened. "Thank-"
"Did you see his speed? How did he move so fast?"
"But that nerve! He pushed the princess down!"
"Just like that! And look at him now! Look at his haughty face!"
Ethan ignored the comments, knowing full-well that Julis understood, "We have a duel to finish. Come, get up."
"Arara~ Another duel? He's a newcomer and you're already getting him in duels?" Hearing the voice he turned to its origin.
"Claudia!" Julis said in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
As Ethan widened his own eyes, Claudia Enfield giggled. The older, blonde woman waved her hand, "Oh the usual, helping the newcomers. And he just needs to get his paperwork done~"
Ethan sighed in 'relief' and Claudia perked, "Oh right! You'll have to save the duel for later. I'm going to call it void for now."
[Duel canceled]
"Now, let us finish your paperwork~"
They walked down the hallway to the student council office briskly, "Thanks Claudia. Just in time too." Now I don't have to bother asking or searching for you, you came right into my hands and now slowly moving towards the tip of my blade.
"Anytime, just be more careful. That woman tends to challenge others a lot."
"I see..." Ethan murmured, trying to recall what was his second purpose here. "So, what about the paperwork?"
"There's none. I just wanted to stop the duel." Ethan nodded absently as his mind ran on and on, trying to figure out what he needed today. The loss of Claudia in his vision snapped him back to the present and once they entered Claudia's office, she faced him.
"Ah, you know about the academies right?"
"Eh, slightly. Only Jie Long."
Claudia giggled and lifted her hand, summoning a presentation, "Well, I'll get explaining then. In Asterisk, there are six academies, Galahadworth, Rewolf, Arlequint, Jie Long, Queenvail, and finally Seidoukan."
Ethan's eyes hardened, But you don't mention the school that the Enterprise took down. Then again...unfortunately for you, your ignorance will kill you. You can put the blame on your ancestors.
"Of course, there's also a student president on each campus and each academy has its own notable features.
"In Galahadworth, most of the students are honorable and rarely issue duels, in contrast to Re Wolf, the most lawless of the academies as far as I've heard.
"Arlequint is essentially the academy pulling off most of the research. Other academies conduct research, but this is the most prominent one, building autonomous machines and Luxes for commercial use.
"In Jie Long, you already know it's more isolated from the Enterprise and holds more specific ethnical traditions than all other academies.
"Queenvail is the only all-girls school in the entire city and even has the nickname, 'Secret Flower Garden' because of the girl population there.
"Finally, Seidoukan is the school with the largest population of Dante and Stregas. In addition there's me that's here!" Ethan laughed as Claudia smiled at her joke and when his laughter died down.
In his thoughts, Ethan gave his own description of his former academy, where every surviving faculty and student forced into hiding, And Konoha, arguably the strongest next to Jie Long, the more ambitious twin of that school and was ranked the toughest to pass. The few students of said academy that managed to graduate were always successful. The ones that fail were permanently removed and transferred to restart from the first year at another academy. The fall of Konoha...that's another story for another day.
"Any questions?"
"Uh, just a few," Ethan raised a finger, "You are the president of this one?"
Claudia smiled sweetly, "Of course, that's why I'm here with you, and why I have this office to use." Ethan nodded happily but had known two weeks prior to today. Just as he remembered what other reason he was to be here, he asked another question first.
"Is there a girl named Sylvia in Queenvail?"
Claudia turned curious and didn't answer as her face showed surprise. "What?" Ethan repeated the question.
Claudia giggled then laughed, "Arara~ Trying to stalk the student president of Queenvail and world Songtress?"
"Huh?" he acted clueless but strained to keep his posture. Knowing too much is a problem at times and emotions must be given at those times.
"There is only one Sylvia in Queenvail so far and she is the president of that school and world-known singer."
"Oh..." he scratched his head, "Well, not to me. That's pretty awkward then. May you show me?'
Claudia smirked and brought up the web, showing Ethan many songs, albums and even few videos of her singing. When asked, Claudia also showed him videos of the Songtress fighting and her ability to handle opponents easily impressed him, "If she is on this level...why did she approach me?"
Claudia turned, "'Approach you?'"
"Well, she looked completely different but she walked the same and sounds the same. So...why not assume? In addition, she mentioned Queenvail and to see her one day there."
"When did this happen?" Claudia narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, just yesterday when I left the Ko-uhh, just came to Asterisk, I went to get a drink for myself. We both bumped into each other and she knocked over my drink onto my clothes. Sylvia offered to buy me new ones afterwards," Ethan blushed, "And somehow we went on a date."
"You are quite a seducer," Claudia teased and Ethan sighed.
"Dunno, I 'asked her out' I suppose. Really, I asked if she knew places to go to since it was the first time I actually walked the streets of Asterisk. She took that as a nonchalant way of asking her on a date and didn't take it too well."
"Really?" Ethan was silent, recalling what had happened hours earlier.
"Hey, you don't seem like a bad person, mind showing me the city?"
"..."
"What wrong?"
"What's wrong is that you're making a move on me, are you not?"
"Huh? No! I mean, you look pretty cute and all, but I won't like, care! I'm new to the city, literally got here early morning and I feel like I'll be lost finding my way around."
"..."
"Ah, if it doesn't feel right, you don't have to. Thanks for the new clothes though, Sylvia. Luckily I won't go to a tour guide looking like just I threw up on my shirt and shorts."
...
"Wait!"
"What's up? Do I have to pay you back one day? I cou-"
"No, it's not that. Uhm, I'll show you around."
"Ho? Thanks!"
Ethan laughed nervously, "Yeah, but I told her I was new to Asterisk, technically I was, and if she was suspicious I would be fine on exploring by myself. Sylvia didn't really care but took on my request just before I rounded around the corner. That honestly surprised me and I'm not sure what changed her mind...but that's how our date started. She admitted that she didn't expect that to happen but enjoyed the date...er, tour I guess. Not even sure which it was at this point."
Claudia nodded while smiling slightly. "I was glad for that. Not the date, but the tour."
"Are you really going to pass up a potential girlfriend just like that?" Claudia asked.
Suspicious and hesitant, "Well, what's wrong with that?"
"Are you dense?" Claudia giggled "If something like that happens with a girl like her, take the chance."
Ethan nodded, So, Claudia seems friendly, Sylvia may open up if I take things slowly, the only loose-cannon may be Julis. Have to also take things slowly with her.
"One last question," he stated, "How do we request for an Ogre Lux?" Specifically, the one my family is supposed to own. Before it was taken from them.
Morning:
"Eishirou!" Ethan exclaimed after seeing the brown-haired teen in a green hoodie.
"Hello new roommate. I guess you already got my name," he smirked. "Anyhow, Yabuki Eishirou, nice to meet you."
"Ayato Amagiri," Ethan's eyes glinted and Yabuki gave a small chuckle.
"ALRIGHT CLASS! Sit down!" Ethan turned to see the apparent homeroom teacher walk in. Listening to her words, he moved to his seat until, "Except you, Mr. Amagiri! Get to the front of the classroom and introduce yourself!"
Ethan 'nervously' walked to the front and stood for a moment, letting the noise die down, "Hey, everyone. I'm Ayato Amagiri and just transferred here recently from a country much farther away from here, but simply...Please make my time here enjoyable!" He bowed as the class politely clapped.
As Ethan walked by to his seat, he flicked the head of a cyan-haired student who was dozing off out of habit, "Hey, try not to sleep." The girl raised her head rather annoyed at the interruption to her rest and frowned. He blinked, "Ah, my bad. It's out of habit. My old school outside Asterisk, nobody was to sleep and we would be punished if we were cau-"
"Saya Sasamiya! Are you sleeping?"
He cut in, "Nah, she was just bored with my introduction. Not to worry, sensei!" The teacher grunted and he patted the back of Saya and continued on, not seeing Saya narrow her eyes slightly.
The day went by without any noticeable events. The teacher droned on and on about the lesson they were learning. When asked to recall, Ethan simply stared blankly at until the class was released. Saved by the bell, he stood and left with Yabuki, speaking about what each other missed during the time they worked in different locations.
"Ah, here's your Lux," Ethan held out his hand holding the blade. Yabuki shook his head.
"Still sharp as ever..." he sighed.
"Well, duh, anyhow, thanks for that. Otherwise, I may have had to use the Thunder God kunai more often," Ethan pointed out.
Yabuki nodded, "Yup. That's true...Luckily nobody caught you using it, not even the princess."
"There's one," Ethan smirked in reply.
"Ah, yes. The boy talking to you now. What do you think of the princess?"
"Julis...Not too shabby but I don't see her matching up to anyone we know in Konoha."
Yabuki slapped his forehead, "Of course...You're supposed to be a prodigy."
"Hey, you too!" He nudged the brown-haired teen then lowered his voice as people passed by them, "You passed the acting one with flying colors and your accuracy is impeccable. Anyhow, Julis is a real princess?"
"Yup, bona fide princess. No need to ask again. About her, nobody knows why she's here at all. That's what gathered people's attention. In addition, she pushes others away from her, no matter how they try to approach her."
"Really?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.
Yabuki chuckled in return, "Yeah...'I'm not a freak show! Leave me alone!'" Both laughed while Ethan shook his head. "Not many people took her kindly, sending challenges after challenges, but she handled herself pretty well."
"Yeah, against normal students...but we are Konoha students. The top of the top. She would have stood no chance if I were to actually try to kill her." A wicked smile was sent in return.
Yabuki snorted, "Of course you would say that...If you tried, you probably could reach Rank One in no time at all. Your speed is way out of her league, fastest I've ever seen and Seidoukan's current Rank One is fast. You're movement can be very unpredictable with Flying Thunder God, you most simple move, Rasengan, is freakishly deadly. Most of all, even if your kunai doesn't have to hit the mark and you just have to use the FTG comboed with Taijutsu to handle the opponent, you can literally snipe with your kunai. Not to mention, they aren't traditional kunai, but can be used as melee weapons. Even wielded between your teeth, and you've beaten Siegfried with just three kunai...I can see why you are just like your ancestor."
"Heh," came the reply. By this time, they were outside the school and heading down the cobblestone walkway.
"Hey...is that Lester?" Yabuki looked ahead when he heard a shout. "Oh ho! It is! Talk about a scoop! I think that's Julis!" Yabuki took out a camera, reminding Ethan of his roles. Editor of the Seidoukan Newspaper Club, member of the Shinobi Shadow Stars, and finally, the spy of Konoha in the Shinobi Shadow Stars.
"Wait, why's this important?" Ethan questioned, "Is he one of the top ranked students?"
"Yup, both Lester and Julis are Page Ones, the top twelve students. They are in seven and five respectively, however, as you can probably tell...They aren't in good terms. Lester challenged the princess multiple times-"
"And let me guess from here, utter failure."
"Hah!" Yabuki barked, "Yup! Anyho-" Both students covered their eyes at the sudden brightness and Ethan widened his eyes.
"Holy!" Julis...Julis Alexia-von Reissfeld, the Witch of the Resplendent Flames...That has a nice ring to it! Now, to stop her before she toasts...uh, Lester! Before she makes Lester a human steak.
He ran out into the opening and endured the flames, grabbing Julis's shoulder. Surprised, she put out the flames, "What are you doing! Won't you be hurt?"
Smirking, "You don't seem to worry about doing that to Lester a few moments ago." Julis hesitated and Lester grabbed Ethan, only to have the boy slip out of his grasp and he looked behind him to see him patting himself off. Lester looked at the floor and noticed a simple log clattering as it fell over.
"Who do you think you are kid?!"
"That's not nice, you shouldn't yell at women like that," Ethan scolded. Lester flared but his two friends managed to calm him down enough and lead him away. As the tall, lanky boy glared over his shoulder, Ethan gave a teasing wave while smirking. He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Julis smiling slightly. "You're fine, right?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Yabuki send a grim nod and immediately leave, freely letting Ethan start building the bond that will eventually kill Julis.
"Yeah," she laughed while answering, "You seem to have handled him pretty easily, Ayato. How'd you manage it?"
He flashed a smile, "Well, the teachers and examination proctors were much, much worse than him from where I transferred from. He's nothing."
Julis became curious, "Where did you come from?"
He opened his mouth to answer but stopped himself and took effort from glaring, "Eh...Some academy from outside Asterisk."
She stared at him for a moment, "Well...I guess. Let's see how long you'll last here."
"A long time I'll bet! This school is pretty tame!" Julis looked over his shoulder and he gave a thumbs up in response. Julis smiled a timid one and turned to walk away until Ethan called to her, "Eh, about your debt thingy."
Julis froze, "Uh...yes. What do you want me to do?"
"How about a tour of the school? I don't even know which way is the boy's dorm." She started at him for a moment and giggled before laughing out-loud and bending over as she caught her breath.
She looked up and saw Ethan grinning, "Yes?"
Shaking his head, "Nothing. Your laugh is really nice, that's all." Julis blushed and quickly sputtered while pointing at the direction of the boys dorm. Ethan nodded thanks and started jogging, not noticing as Julis watched him the whole time with a strange look on her face.
Next day, afterschool:
"Morning, Julis!" Ethan waved as he walked by. Julis looked up absent mindedly at him and nodded.
"Ah, morning, Ayato." The class froze and started to quietly mutter and as Julis was about to rant, Ethan held her shoulder and winked unbeknownst to their classmates, making her flush. He mouthed, 'Ignore them, not worth your time.' Julis nodded. "Anyhow, since we have a whole day today, do you want to start immediately?"
"Sure, wh-"
"What about a meeting today?" a voice interrupted.
Both noticed that Saya had woken up from her desk, rubbing her eyes. "Ah, Julis said she'd do me a favor, so I asked her to show me around school. Then the city the day after tomorrow. Since we have a three-day weekend. Pretty convenient, if you ask me."
"She doesn't look to happy though..." Saya muttered.
"What gives you that idea?" Julis cried.
"Well, first off your face and tone..." Saya replied stoically. "Why don't I do it?"
"No, if word gets out that I went back on my promise, what will people think?"
"At least Ayato will have a person who is willing to guide him around," Saya shot back
"Arara~ If that's the case, why don't I do it? I've been what you call a bona fide student since year one," Claudia interjected.
"Permission denied."
"Don't care who you are, no," Saya glared.
Claudia feigned sadness, "Why you gotta be so rude? Don't you know I'm human too?"
Julis frowned, "Anyhow, don't you have a lot to do as a president?"
"Ah, about that. It's hard if all the students are so well-behaved, you know. Ayato, here are the papers you need. Just sign as I've filled out all the personal information for you ahead of time."
He smiled, "Thanks, Claudia." He scribbled said signature and after erasing, he looked up, "Claudia and Julis, I've been wondering, are the two of you friends?"
"Of course~"
"Not in your life!" That caused a problem. If he were to bring them together, he'd need a good reason then.
"How rude," Claudia giggled, "Anyhow, I'll leave you guys alone to deal with the 'favor.'"
Julis flushed, "It's actually a favor, Claudia! Don't make it something scandalous!"
"Of course I won't~"
"J-Just go!" Ethan held back his smiles as Claudia walked out the room happily waving behind her.
"So...when do we start?"
Ethan and Saya followed Julis as she showed both of them the different areas of the school, "This, this is the newspaper club HQ." Saya stared in wonder.
"This is the public indoors training room," Julis waved, "At the back is outdoors in case the students don't like the interior."
"The library is over there," Julis pointed and at Saya's comment, turned, "Hey, you know I'm not giving the tour to you right?"
"I know, but I'm directionally challenged," Saya replied calmly.
Julis nodded but stopped, "Wait...Then why did you offer Ayato a tour if you are worse than m-"
"Hey," Ethan spoke up, "I'll...go get some ice-cream. You guys might need something to eat after the walk." Both nodded and he left. Taking a look at the flavors, he hesitated for a moment then shrugged and chose two strawberry ice-cream cones. Thinking about earlier, Julis wasn't that friendly to Claudia, which presented the first problem with two targets. The first and only one he had before were much easier as the two girls didn't know that he was 'cheating' and when he brought them together intentionally, killed them both and another boy in the process to imply a scene. Recalling the headlines, he laughed at how perfect it went.
Ethan was surprised when he returned to the destruction of the area he was just in. That explained the explosion earlier, he thought and blinked. "Hey, Saya, you don't wear anything under the uniform?"
"Huh? I don't need to," she replied after a quick glance at her shirt which became translucent after being soaked.
Julis pushed Ethan's face away from her, "Don't look at me!"
"H-hey! Didn't I already say I'm not interested in stuff like that already?"
Night:
"Claudia? I'm coming in!" Ethan called. He had seen her lightly scribbled note on the line for a signature and came here to respect the request.
"Mm, just in time~" he glanced to the left and saw steam coming out from the bathroom and Claudia came out dressed in just a bathrobe.
"That...was intentional, isn't it?" Came a tired sigh at her appearance.
"Well, I hope you don't mind, this is what I wear here everyday."
"Well..." Ethan shrugged. "Sure."
"I'm sorry to say, but the compatibility exam had to be delayed. I think you'll have to do it on Monday's break."
"Oh..." he blinked, "Well, not a problem. Ogre Lux or not, I'll handle myself.
"Of course. It's interesting that you seem so capable."
"Heh," Ethan breathed, "Oh! I'll have to inform Julis too! That I'll be unavailable on Monday."
Claudia snapped her fingers, "Right! About Julis..."
"Yes?"
"Can you watch over her?"
"...?" Claudia snapped her fingers in his face, "Why me?"
"I can trust you, that's why. Because lately, the potential Phoenix frontrunners have been attacked and sent to the hospital. Not only that, they refused help and insisted that when they got better, they would gain revenge by taking out their attacker."
"Uh-huh...?" Ethan had a suspicious feeling that it was his guys. The ones who watched him. They don't execute mass injuries and they aim to murder. But...Dantes and Stregas...that's who they all target. His mind snapped back to the present.
"Julis is different than most people. If she has something she cares about, she'll go out of her way to protect it. Not only that, if they target something valuable to her...Can you see?"
Ethan nodded slowly, "Ah...but what would be so important?"
"I...don't know. She distances herself from others, but you seem to be an exception. The only person right now who she opens up to. Even if it's slightly."
"Okay. I will. Now, do you know who would is causing these attacks?"
Claudia seemed deep in thought, "Either Jie Long or Arlequint. Galahadworth and Queenvail are out of the question as their reputations would be at stake. In addition, they have more to lose from this than to gain.
"Rewolf could, but they are focusing on the Lindwurm Festa currently and I see no reason why Seidoukan would attack themselves," Claudia sighed. Of course...I know we blackmailed the guy to do it. What a 'shame' that he'll be eliminated once his purpose is done...
"Hmm, I see. Yabuki knows all this too?" Ethan stood.
"Yeah, he's taking a look. Lester and Randy are suspects. Now if you are wondering about Silas-"
Here goes nothing, Ethan thought and interrupted, "I heard, he has an alibi. Still suspicious, as they never seem to separate."
"..." Claudia stared, "Eve-"
"Think, Claudia. Those three work as a group. Right?" Claudia nodded silently, "Now, Lester and Randy have their alibis, but no people to vouch for them. So, no alibi. The least Silas can do is vouch for them."
"B-"
"But, he stayed in his room the whole day. The one day out of how many, Claudia? One out of how many days they've been bullying people together?"
"..." Claudia recalled, "One of all of their days."
"Well, it's true they must split at night for their own rooms. But see my point? Today, the day the attacks happened, he was home. One day of all. That's in general every villain's alibi, stayed somewhere the whole day. Always the perpetrator."
Claudia smiled mischievously, "You are perceptive. Even more so than me. Even if you are younger by three years, you could easily be twice my age in almost every angle just by looking at you from now and earlier."
"Heh," Ethan smiled, "So, try to find proof and have Yabuki keep his eye on Silas. I don't trust him. But, but! I'll keep up the acts. Let me see if Lester and Randy are innocent and see if you can pick up evidence on Silas. I may be wrong, but this is all too coincidental."
Claudia stood and walked to the fridge, taking out a can of root beer and handing it to him, who smiled in thanks and drank a sip. They chatted until late night when Ethan stood, thanked his sister and reminded her to watch Silas closely, 'nervously' rejecting her request to stay the night.
Ethan jumped down and landed lightly on the ground. "So far, so good. Now to move on Julis before I can see if I can get Sylvia..." He kept alert on the to his room. When he did so, he dialed a number and the other person picked up.
[...Hello?]
"Hey," he answered, "Do you think you can change your schedule tomorrow?"
[...Uhm, how come?]
"I'll be busy on Monday with the Ogre Lux compatibility instead of tomorrow."
[Are you trying to make a move on me?]
"Huh?" Ethan was confused, "You said that you'll give me a tour tomorrow and I'm just informing yo-"
[I said that?]
"Wait, you aren't...Julis...?"
[No?]
He stared at the name, that ran at the bottom of the call, "Sylvia..."
[That's me?]
"I'm so, so sorry. Julis Reissfeld said she owed me a favor and she accepted my request to give a tour of Seidoukan and Asterisk. Well, the second half since you gave me one earlier today."
He waited in awkward silence and only listened to the breathing on the other side. "I hope we are okay?"
He heard a giggle and then a laugh.
[That's okay. If you don't mind, do you think we could finish the Asterisk tour? Tell Julis that you'll be busy tomorrow?]
He became nervous, unsure of what to do. Well, he had a few months to build his relationship with Julis and they attended the same school. Sylvia on the other hand..."Okay, I'll see what I can do. Can I contact you tomorrow morning? Like ten?"
[Anytime in the morning is fine. I wake up early anyhow. Hope to see you then.]
Ethan ended the call and then brought up a call for Julis after double-checking that it was her contact, "Hey, uh Julis?"
[Hmm? Yes?]
"Uh, sorry if I woke you up."
[Oh, no problem. I was just getting ready to sleep now. What's wrong?]
"Bad news. Kinda. My compatibility test for the Ogre Lux has been delayed and a friend of mine is going to need my help with personal business tomorrow. I doubt you'll be able to show me around Asterisk.
[...]
"Julis? Don't feel like you owe me something. You won't."
[No, it's nothing. I appreciate that you'll accept what little I gave. Just...stay safe.]
"Of course I would. Why do you need to ask?"
[To make sure. Please, watch yourself.]
Ethan didn't like her tone and the way she worded the statements the way she did. Something just felt...off. Not in a bad way, but she is troubled. Seriously troubled.
"I will. Promise."
Those few words allowed him to feel Julis's relief.
[Thank yo- Uh, thanks. I don't trust that you'll be exempt from the same attackers who targeted me. T-that's all! Don't see it as anything else!]
Next day, afternoon:
"Is that what you wear on a date?" Sylvia put her hands on her hips.
Ethan only shrugged nonchalantly, "It's only a tour. So I didn't dre-Did you say a 'date'? I thought you didn't want this to be one?"
"Well, yeah. I did. But I just thought that you should get me something in return because I accepted your request."
Lowering his voice, "In that case...I probably should've had Julis instead."
"Did you say something?"
"Eh? No! I wanted to ask if you want to start now!" Ethan quickly covered up his slip. As he started to move forward, he didn't see Sylvia secretly stifling a laugh behind his back. They walked around for hours and at Ethan's urging, finished at the pier between Seidoukan and Queenvail.
He turned from the setting sun, "Sorry if I feel like I'm going to do something. I've just heard that the view here at this time is splendid."
Sylvia tilted her head, "You haven't been here before?"
"Nah, transferred. As I said when we first met that day, I am new to Asterisk."
She locked eyes with him and he smiled before turning away, "New huh...? Something seemed off."
"Hmm?" Ethan asked as he turned.
Sylvia wasn't convinced, "But...if you didn't know the place, why did you get irked at me bumping into you? You stated that the place you bought it from was the best locally. You don't get that unless you've stayed a very long time."
He sighed, "Asking around?"
She smirked, "So, you 'asked' me out to keep tabs on me or what?"
Surprised at the mention of that, he assured her, "No, no! That's purely an accident. I swear! Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye! But it's thanks to you I finally got to map out the city."
Sylvia turned back to the railing. She seemed to relax a slight bit and Ethan leaned on the railing with his elbows. "Makes sense. The first thing you would do if you were new is ask where to go." Ethan nodded subtly.
They watched the sun set while they chatted as if they were long-time friends. As she opened more and more while he avoided pressing questions that would reveal his true intentions, Ethan smiled as he felt the satisfaction of killing another contributor to the fall of his academy. His original one.
They waved farewell and he started off in the opposite direction of Sylvia. However, after a few minutes, he felt a tingling feeling that sent shivers down his spine. He touched the ground lightly and felt no presence and was confused. Until he heard a scream, "Uwaaahh!"
That's...Sylvia! Ethan's thought flashed in his mind and he quickly ran to the direction where Sylvia should be if she walked at the same pace as him before quickly stopping. His thoughts were mixed: Did he mess up this time around? Did Sylvia find out about him and they stepped in to eliminate her themselves? No...they always contact the operator and break the news before elimination then they would fix them up. This is an outsider.
He saw her curled up and a hooded figure standing over her, a menacing darkness seeping from the figure as it attacked the student president of Queenvail. Hurling a kunai at the assailant, Ethan held out his hand and quickly brought a spiraling blue ball into his palm and when the opponent dodged, he moved in front of him, grabbed his kunai and brought the ball in towards him, "Rasengan!"
The opponent dodged and the ball slammed into the floor, forming a crater and sending chunks of rocks flying up, ruining the paved floor. "Who...are you to her?"
"A friend. I won't let you harm her. Even if I don't know her well, I don't think anyone will deal with her death well at all." He watched the hooded figure as he quickly formed hand seals while the darkness started moving towards him.
"Hmm, since you already saw me, I guess I'll make you forget too."
Bird! Ethan thought as he quickly finished the last seal, "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" The darkness stopped and from the ocean nearby rose multiple streams of water, forming into a dragon that glared at the enemy for one moment before slamming into him. Calmly walking over and examining the area, he saw nobody. Nothing. They escaped. Probably shouldn't have used that jutsu. Not my trump card...but powerful nonetheless.
He quickly turned and caught Sylvia, "You...didn't hurt her did you?"
"'Her?'" Ethan started, "That was a she?"
"Y-yes...My teacher. Is she dead?"
Ethan looked back at the crater, "Probably not. There's alway something that'll remain from that attack. Since there's nothing, I can guess that she teleported somewhere. Give me a moment."
He tapped the floor and shot his head right. He pointed in that direction and started to move when Sylvia grabbed his arm.
"Don't chase after her. I want to wait a bit so I can go myself," Sylvia gritted out as she gasped in pain.
Is this...the person behind the attacks on students? Ethan was unsure. Considering her teacher handled Sylvia rather easily...it could be no doubt that it was her and not Silas. But something didn't feel right. All the attacks were done by a third-person party and they remembered their attacks. This aura...this sucked knowledge. It erased memories and if the victim was unfortunately weak enough, amnesia won't be the worst. The worst would be death. Luckily that was avoided with Sylvia, who he saw was still struggling. Whether the effects and aftereffects or simply the shock of seeing her teacher that viewed Sylvia as an enemy.
In conclusion, it couldn't be her teacher. The attacker is powerful, but not this specific one because nobody is dead. It could be Silas...but he knew the risks and that they would simply erase him from the face of the earth if they found out. They only allowed Silas to fire that one arrow and nothing else. Period. Ethan was getting frustrated, if someone took his targets...he would not be happy.
Shoving the anger aside, he returned his attention to the present.
"Sylvia..." Ethan said quietly.
"Yes?"
"This is probably a bit too personal, but who and what happened to your teacher?"
Sylvia was silent and started to speak. Ethan learned that she was the student of Ursula Svento, who taught Sylvia everything Sylvia knew. Almost no knowledge came from outside her teacher. Then she simply disappeared one day for months. Until today. Sylvia felt that something was wrong and the moment she thought so, she was attacked.
Sylvia felt the immense pain. She didn't want to give up knowing just from feeling the darkness that it would consume her. It would kill her. Sylvia described the pain, described the feeling of the darkness. The void. He simply listened out of habit...but somehow got caught up in her words. He didn't know what made him want to listen. But listen he did. When she stumbled, he picked her up in a bridal carry, making her blush and protest.
"Hey, at this rate, we'll reach Queenvail in the morning. Just let me do this once so you can get back." Sylvia was tense for almost the entire trip but only relaxed when she realized he had no ill intentions and was fully pure. Or she thought. Not in that way, but this was intentional.
"What's wrong?" he asked when he noticed her shifting.
"N-nothing..." he nodded and started walking again, "Ayato, I forgot to say, thank you."
"Pssh, don't worry about it. It's just part of what I do. It's really a habit by now, protecting those who need help." Sylvia started to reply but yawned tiredly. She apologized, slightly embarrassed, and rested her head on his arm, slowly fell asleep in his arms at the steady pace of his brisk walk. Ethan glanced down and chuckled at the occasion and simply continued on without interruption, but kept watching the buildings and surroundings, until he realized he had his chance. A perfect chance. In addition, it was almost time for the daily report. In seconds, a call was brought up and when he picked up, there was only the sound of a robotic voice due to the encryptions.
[Oi, how's it today?]
"Perfect. I got Claudia's interest, along with the complete trust of Sylvia. Julis is the only person I haven't been able to capture completely."
[Good...good.]
"Hey, boss. In fact, I have Sylvia right now."
[Wait, so you already kidnapped her and are in a secluded area?]
"No, I saved her from someone and she's sleeping on me. We are in a public area and I can handle her right now. She won't even know what killed her and I can dump her into the sea."
[Perfect! Do so now!]
Ethan smiled devilishly and when he took out a push-blade and nimbly spinning it in his fingers, he stopped. What made his boss so eager to kill her? Yes, Sylvia is supposed to be a descendant of one person who assisted in the fall of Konoha...
But yet he felt that something was off. Ethan wanted to find out what. "Boss? Can I hold off the assassination? Besides, I can simply lead her to her death anytime. Just...want information out of her."
There was a tangible, angry silence on the other line. When he spoke, he spat out the words.
[Fine, but you have a month limit. No more. Obviously you can kill her before that.]
"One last thing. Are you sending someone to take my targets from me?"
There was a tense silence and the anxiety was noticeable.
[No? We only sent you and him. Although he hasn't returned yet.]
"I see. When is he supposed to? I saw him relaxing a while ag-...Oh."
[Hey, kid. What's up?]
"I think I know." He explained everything. How there was someone taking out the Phoenix Festa front-runners and the attacker may be Silas, along with two other students. But as he was concluding, his boss finished for him.
[Silas wants protection from us. I see. He's going to injure those people and if he manages to escape, protest that he is following in our footsteps. But...one, he isn't killing them. Two, we give the orders on who to kill. Ethan.]
"Yes?"
[You have the green light to eliminate him. Wipe him off the face of the earth. If not, it's fine. We'll handle him. Back to Sylvia, kill her soon too.]
Yes...there was an eagerness. This didn't seem like the usual, but instead as if there was a vendetta...But how can he know this seventeen-year old girl?
"Thank you, sir." He ended the call quickly to avoid him changing his mind. Ethan felt strange, what made him want to protect Sylvia all of a sudden?
Her ancestors helped the Enterprise take down Konoha...right? Konoha was forced to suffer horribly and humiliation before being shut down. They all laughed at his ancestors, didn't they? They stole everything and left the remaining teachers and students to hide in the shadows, unwilling to help...right?
Did he truly want information? Or was it his boss's eagerness that made him hesitate? The KRS is supposed to eradicate the students who caused the fall of Konoha before personal vendettas. In fact, targets for vendettas are strictly forbidden. Or was it...Ethan shook his head.
No, my purpose is to have her like me and I kill her. I cannot like her at all. I'm not supposed to.
Continuously pondering about her, Ethan eventually reaching the outer gates of Queenvail. He shook awake Sylvia and when she uttered a cute noise after a yawn, he froze at the sight of her beautiful face and slowly opening beady, purple eyes that shone. "Ugnh, we're there?"
"Uh, yeah," Ethan quickly answered as he glanced away. Sylvia climbed off and started to bow in thanks when he stopped her, "I'm the subordinate and require nothing like this. You're the superior one, Sylvia."
She smiled, "Sylvie. Please call me that. My friends do."
He simply shrugged in reply and Sylvia grabbed his arm. "Let me do this as thanks ay least," she rose and gave a peck right on his lips and drew away blushing lightly. As Ethan held the spot, "Are you sure you'll be safe getting back on your own? I won't let you do that."
He laughed, "Because you told me so much about you, I'll tell you something. I don't need to walk. I can simply use Flying Thunder God to move around if I must."
Sylvia stood watching as she didn't understand and after a smile, Ethan saw her face widen in surprise and his surroundings became his room as he stood in front of his desk that had the kunai with the tag stabbed into the wood. "There we go! I think she'll understand now."
Next day, morning:
Ethan turned when someone forcibly grabbed his arm, "Are you hurt?"
"What are you talking ab-"
Julis cut him off, "I know you're the one who caused all that at the pier. It's too coincidental for it to not be you. What happened?"
Quickly glancing at the time, he looked at Julis, "How about I tell you later? I have to go to the compatibility test now." Julis adamantly shook her head and reluctantly explained most of the details, leaving out that the attacker was Sylvia's former teacher and Julis's face hardened noticeably. "Julis?"
She glanced up sadly and reached for a pocket but quickly stopped herself, "It's...nothing. Really, it's nothing." Julis started to walk backwards and then turned around, quickly moving towards the exit.
Ethan narrowed his eyes and wanted to chase after her, but today is his final and only chance to be able to use the Ser-Veresta. As to why...he just felt like he needed an Ogre Lux and this Lux was originally his own family's before it was confiscated in the Konoha Rebellion.
Ethan quickly entered the elevator and it zoomed to the underground floors of the academy. Feeling the tense atmosphere and seeing Claudia quickly glance his way before returning her attention to the testing area, Ethan quickened his pace and walked up to her, "What's wrong?"
"A lot. McPhail tried to become the user for the Ser-Veresta and it quickly rejected him. Afterward, it basically went rogue and attacked anyone and anything that got near. I'm afraid that you can't ge-Ayato!" He had entered the area and the proctor quickly went for the microphone.
[Mr. Amagiri! Please, step away from the testing area now! It's not safe with the Se-]
"If nobody can handle it, I will! If everybody is afraid to try, who will? I will! Now, shut up and let me-" he didn't have a chance to finish as the sword flew right at him the moment it sensed his presence in the chamber. Nimbly rolling away from it, if a sword could show surprise, it definitely did. There was a malevolent hum as it aimed its blade at Ethan and flew faster than Claudia and proctor could see.
When it impaled him, he was caught off-guard and blood flew out from behind him. Clauda screamed as the proctor started to reach for the emergency medical attention button. But Ethan simply exploded into a puff of smoke and they looked to the side to see him standing unharmed. "Not bad...not bad. I see you don't like being tested and would rather choose to go full-out."
The sword nodded in mid-air and thrusted, to which he sidestepped and ducked under the following slash, rolling under the blade and performing a rail flip up onto his feet, seeing the movement of the sword as it attacked him slow down and he smiled. Dodging another slash, he feigned and the sword followed, leaving the hilt open.
Grabbing the hilt, the sword tried to shake him off, but sending all the prana into his arms, Ethan quickly slammed the blade of the sword hilt-deep into the steel floor, the edges glowing as it melted into liquids.
[My god. Compatibility rate, 89.8%]
"Bah, not an 'A,' right, Ser-Veresta?" The blade shut off and Ethan picked it up, twirling it in his hands. After few generations, we can finally hold it again. Mom...dad...I will make sure I will keep this forever and away from the hands of the Enterprise again.
He walked up to Claudia only to be slapped and scolded for making her worry, as she thought he had died in the initial attack. At that moment, he felt an uneasy feeling and Claudia shared the same experience. "Hey...did you..."
"Yes, I don't like this. Try and find Julis. And take the Ser-Veresta with you."
"Yes, Claudia. I fear something is wrong too, I have to go." Ethan gave no hesitation and sprinted out onto the hallway, up the stairs and onto the streets faster than Claudia can blink. The proctor was unused to the speed.
[Uh, Ms. Enfield, where did he run off to?]
Julis at the time Ethan had handled the Ser-Veresta, had chosen to meet the perpetuator of all the attacks of the Festa front-runners.
Finally meeting him, she found out that it was Silas Norman and was slightly surprised at that. Minutes after, Lester McPhail had come along too, unbeknownst to them that it was his plan: To kill them and blame all the attacks on Lester and have the two of them fall to each other's attacks when they dueled a decisive duel.
Refusing to fight each other and instead working together to capture Silas, the latter was disappointed and sent puppets at them to kill them himself. They quickly took down Lester as even the intimidator was intimidated at the resilience and number of enemies, but didn't have an easier time with Julis but they never tired.
She, on the other hand, fought for minutes against countless enemies and when trying to incinerate attacks, the gesture was futile and she was injured. Now facing a much larger puppet as it raised its axe, she hoped that at the least, Lester would wake and manage to spread the news of Silas's treachery.
However, on the inside, she prayed for a miracle that someone, or something would save her. Seeing the axe fly through the air, she shut her eyes tightly, the pain in her thigh ebbing away.
Lucky for her, she never felt the axe.
There we go. Chapter one complete. Chapter two is WIP and so is chapter eleven for Prove you Wrong! Albeit it'll be a bit slow. Once I upload that one, it'll probably be a bit quicker as I will not use the site anymore but rather Drive to do so. Favorite, follow, review!