A/N: So, I didn't claim disclaimer in the first chapter, so I will do so here! Disclaimer! I am not doing this for any sort of money! Just out of sheer fun!
Are you still listening, mortal? I hope so. We are only just beginning. As you know thus far, the human, well not quite human, Vaati has agreed to the deal. But that was only just the beginning. We had many adventures planned ahead for us by cruel fate, adventures neither of us planned for. But alas, that is a story for later times. Let us focus on the present for now, shall we? That very same night, we had discussed various approaches regarding Vaati's predicament. But why don't you experience it for yourself?
"So what do you suggest we do? I haven't heard about anything that could restore any magical power that we could easily get to." Vaati said as he walked past me to sit down.
"No, you are correct. There aren't any, at least to our knowledge, but that isn't the plan," I reply as I step inside and shut the door behind me.
"You have a plan? Care to tell me?"
"Of course. For now, we don't focus on you gaining magical power, but a powerful position."
"Powerful position? What are you talking about?" I allow myself a small smirk. It doesn't seem like he can be the, well, brightest crayon in the box sometimes now, can he? I chuckle to myself.
"A powerful social position. This country runs on a monarchy, yes? No doubt there are nobles and others of the such. What I am suggesting is that you climb the social ladder to nobleism. When you reach that, I am sure you will catch the attention of the royal family. After all, it isn't common that a citizen reaches a high status so quickly." He leaned back and closed his eyes, I presume thinking about what I just said. With a nod, he says, "Yes, that could work." He paused and put a hand to his chin in thought.
"And It'll be easy with you around. I am sure you have some kind of trick up your sleeve, no?"
"Of course I do. I am a demon, I always have a trick up my sleeve."
Allow me to interrupt. I'll spare you of having to listen to this conversation. I am sure it would bore you to no end just listening to our plans. I shall give you a summary. Basically, we just ironed out how we were going to have him ascend into nobleism. And, I do say so with shame, I am going to have to play the part of his servant. Really, a shameful position to be just a lowly butler, but it is required to move forward. Now, shall we get back to the story?
It was a few days after we have agreed on our next step forward now. We had claimed a rather sizeable house in Castle Town to start off with the plan. After all, what kind of noble lives in a regular old house? We both acquired appropriate clothing to fit our roles and I have to say...I am less than pleased…
.
.
.
"You aren't serious are you?"
"Of course I am! What kind of servant wears...that!"
"I'll have you know that 'that' is a symbol of great power where I come from!"
"Where you come from means nothing here! Look, I know you aren't happy with it, but deal with it. Besides, it isn't like you have to wear it all day everyday. Just when we are out or are expecting people."
"...Oh alright, fine. But don't expect me to not hate it every second."
"Yea, yea, whatever." I sighed. Goddess's above, why do you not spare me any mercy. Wearing this terrible outfit is an insult to my very name. But...I guess it will be worth it all in the end. At least it better damn well.
"Anyways, what is on the schedule?" He asks me. I take a moment to myself to recall with whom I have scheduled meetings with.
"Several business owners, I didn't care to catch their business though...I set up a meeting with the blacksmith so you can gain some weapons that don't require magic...Hm, that should be all regarding meeting up with people. I already took the liberty to set you up with connections that will benefit you in the future as well."
"Sounds like you have gotten a lot done. When is all this?"
"Tomorrow, starting at 11 o'clock." He sighs and puts a hand to his forehead and says, "I can already feel a headache coming up from this. Oh, I've been thinking, we should probably come up with aliases as well as a little backstory for the both of us. It isn't like I could go up and say 'Hey, I'm Vaati and a sorcerer but not the guy that tried killing you all,' and you very well can't just say your name without someone knowing it."
I nod my head in agreeance and start tidying up the place, taking time to make sure everything is in place. I don't know about him, but I will not allow a single speck of dust to be present while I am around. I also take the time to map out and memorize the layout of the house. Ugh, I hate to call myself this, but the butler should know his master's house like the back of his hand. When I finish up, I return to the main living area, where I find Vaati sitting and reading.
"That was fast. Given how dusty this place was when we bought it I figured it would take you a little longer," he says while never looking up.
"I am quite swifter than the average being, you shall soon see. Besides, I can't stand even a speck of dust anywhere near me," I say while opening a window to let fresh air in.
"I never would have taken you for a clean freak. Well, better that than you being a slob. But enough with idle chit chat," Vaati says and closes the book.
"Something you wish to discuss?" I ask and look at him in curiosity.
"More of a request. A few of them," he says and looks back at me. I give him a question glance at which he continues, "First, I can already say you know much more swordplay than I do. If and when I take control, it would be best if I didn't just rely on magic. Second, I wish for you to teach me more about your kind." I give him a slight look of surprise, more towards his second request. I think for a moment before answering,
"Very well. I understand. It shouldn't be a problem teaching you, considering you already know a fair deal, correct?" He nods his head. "And...I suppose it wouldn't hurt to know more about what you shall become. When do you wish to start?"
"Right away. Might as well start now when there is downtime." He stands up, and I follow him outside to what shall be our training area. He summons his own sword while I do so with mine.
"I assume you already know the basics, the typical horizontal and vertical slices, thrusts and spin attacks, correct" I ask. He nods.
"Good. Let us start with a technique that comes from my time. Have you ever heard of the Skyward Strike?" I ask.
"Yes, I have heard of it. I never tried learning it though." He says, though I believe I hear a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"Hm. Well, you shall be trying it now. The Skyward Strike isn't just raising your sword up. It is more than that. A Skyward Strike requires you to focus your energy, your very being into your sword. Your must wait until that energy reaches the zenith before you release it, otherwise you shall break it. There are a number of ways to release this energy, depending on which sword move you do. You could to a horizontal or vertical slash to create a psychical sword beam. You could do a thrust to create a ball of that energy, or you could do a spin attack, which it shall extend the length of your sword as well as the power in the spin attack. For now, let us focus on focusing your energy into your blade."
"Alright. How would I do that?"
"It is actually quite a simple process just looking at it. But it could take some practice getting it down so you are able to do it in the nick of time. You must relax your mind, clear it. Focus only on the energy that flows through your being. Focus on every little bit of it, and imagine it flowing up through your body, through your hands and transferring over to the sword." As I finish, he nods and says, "Alright. Got it. Doesn't sound too difficult." I watch as he closes his eyes and takes a long breath in and out. He raises his sword skyward, and in only a few moments, his sword glows with a lavender light.
"Impressive. I didn't think you would get it on the first try. Now, let's just start with a vertical slice. Swing your sword towards me."
"Won't it hurt though?" he asks, and I give him a look of confusement before understanding.
"Worry not, dear Vaati. I shall not be harmed, though I am flattered that you care," I say the last remark in a slight mocking tone.
"I care not for your well being," he says and swings his sword downwards. As soon as it approaches me, I swing my sword the same and dispel it. I nod my head in approval, and instruct him to do the same a few more times, each time using a different swing. I must say, it is rather impressive and shocking he was able to do so this early. I hadn't even thought he would be able to transfer the energy yet. It was a rather pleasant surprise.
"Excellent. Now, let's move to something else. Over the years, I have learned about these sword moves called 'Hidden Techniques.' Have you heard of them?"
"Never."
"Not surprising. They are hidden for a reason. They were used by the hero of the Twilight Era, taught by one known only as the Hero's Shade. Through extensive search, though, I have found these techniques. The one I will teach you now is called the Back Slice. Mostly, you use this for enemies that have a weakness in their back, or are wearing a suit of armour. What you do is you focus on the target, perform a sideways roll so you end up on their backside, and swing," after I say this, I demonstrate it on Vaati, though not actually attacking him.
"Sounds easy enough," he says, and then does so with me. I must say, I am quite taken that he his learning these techniques so quickly. Normally it would take a person at least a day to learn just how to do it.
"I am pleased you are able to learn quickly. That shall be all for today. Learning too much at one time will overcrowd your head, and you could mix these up, and let me tell you, that will not be good on the battlefield. Of course, we shall be practices these two tomorrow before I teach you anything else."
"Great," he says in an exaggerated tone. We both put our swords away and head back inside.
"Now, let us head to the library. I am sure they have some background knowledge on my kind that I can go off of."