Disclaimer: Campione! was written by Taketsuki Jou, I get nothing out of writing this fanfic save personal satisfaction (and possibly reviews).
Author's Notes: My apologies for not updating sooner, I had another one of those strange blocks where nothing I do seem to be any good. Also I was watching Zettai Karen Children.
I'd also like to apologize some something I said last chapter; I had said that this chapter was supposed to be in Liliana's point of view, but because Liliana already narrated the fight with Verethragna and Lucretia narrated the one with Melqart, I decided to switch to Erica. I had also considered rewriting Athena's insert into chapter 8, to include the fight... but I chickened out.
Anyway... by the time I get this out I probably still haven't completely touched up Athena's insert, but I did edited out a few mistakes I found (Yes, it seems that I'm not that incompetent XD). Fortunately, the corrections will hardly affect this chapter (So you don't have to read it before reading this chapter- unless you want to XD).
I didn't get to proofread this very well. So if you see some really bad grammar and mistakes, please pm me about it.
I'd ask you to go visit my Author Page to answer a poll but, I haven't changed it yet. XD
- - - 7th - - -
Pet na Campione-sama!
- - - 7th - - -
Chapter Eight: Erica: "Goddess, Heroes, and Demons."
- - - 7th - - -
Once again the range of Godou's authorities continue to astound and puzzle me. The dark presence that had enveloped since summoning the swarm, made it clear that he was not using any of Verethragna's authorities. It made me wonder, rather than just Authorities, did he usurp parts of the both gods into himself? It wasn't strange for a Campione to gain multiple Authorities from a single Heretic God, but it was rare and riddled with limitations. But Godou seemed to have defied the theory of restriction. And while there were side effects with the use of Verethragna's Authorities, still, for a side effect, it seemed like a very light price to pay. Perhaps, the Authorities gained from Melqart will reveal a similar weakness .
I had spared a few seconds to look behind us, as Godou and Liliana had. And quickly noted the status of the injured girl behind up. Since Godou had earlier claimed that Athena was calling for him, and we were close to the girl when we magically arrived. Then I can only conclude that the injured girl was the Goddess Athena. Of course, I had some initial doubts. Her costume, for example, was too modern; but perhaps there is a reason for that. Besides if she weren't Athena, or if she weren't a goddess, I doubt that she would still be alive with those injuries.
For now, I turned most of my attention to the man in front of us; sparing only half of my hearing towards paying attention to conversation between Godou and the injured goddess.
"Your injuries?" I picked up a hint of worry in his emotionless voice.
"These injuries whilst not kill one," The goddess informed Godou with the same monotone voice, but there seemed to be embarrassment in her eyes. I might be wrong, but somehow I just feel that she did not want Godou to see her like this.
"...that's good." Godou's voice held a hint of genuine relief... how curious.
"Agreed..." It seemed, to me, that the goddess had tried not to outright thank Godou for coming to her rescue. I had found understandable; they were natural enemies. "however, this goddess hath no power reserved to fight nor to flee."
"I see..."
From the corner of my eye, I watched as Godou turned his attention forward. Without looking at his face, I knew he was enraged. The dark aura of power that had serenely shrouded Godou, since he activated his authority earlier, had turned malevolent and bloodthirsty. Just being near him was quite stifling.
But the blond man before us, who had been quiet until now, just smiled towards us. He didn't seem like a god. He was handsome, I'll give him that much. But his garments, like that of the girl behind us, was not something one expected from a deity of old. Although there was no mistaking that the bow in his hands was a divine weapon. However, the man himself did not feel like he was powerful, at least when compared to Godou or the two gods we've recently encountered. But to grievously injure the goddess of war and wisdom, meant that he had some power.
How will Godou deal with him?
"Your hostility is misplaced, god-slayer. Your enemy is behind you." Said the blond man.
But Godou ignored him and instead took a few steps forward before he raised his left hand into the air.
A familiar wave of power washed over us and the area. I quickly realized that Godou had summoned the swarm of locusts again.
In seconds the now familiar noise of hundreds of thousands locusts filled the air. A swarm of approximately two or three thousand locusts converged towards Godou's arm, and to my surprise, the infernal creatures melded together into a black mass of flesh and bone. The grotesque mass, which was roughly three times the size of Godou's body, merged with Godou' arm. The black flesh twisted and transformed into the neck and head of a black dragon.
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
Godou's transformed arm roared out loud like a real dragon. It's piercing howl shook the air. The roar was not a threat nor a warning, but a declaration.
I had this feeling- no, I was sure that Godou was going to kill him... because he had hurt "Athena". To be honest, I felt a little jealous. But since he got this angry at Verethragna for me as well, and he was human at the time, I realize this was just his nature.
And as soon as the dragon's head finished its roar, it pointed itself right at the blond man and shot a wide burst of dark light straight towards the blond man.
The man immediately ducked and rolled out of its way.
We could only watch as the burst of dark light shot from the Dragon's mouth destroyed everything in its path; the ancient stone road, historical buildings, cars and buses, boats and a small chunk of the harbor... even sea water was not spared.
"Amazing..." I couldn't help being overwhelmed by scale that Godou's "light of destruction" had magnified after biologically polymerizing part of his body with his familiars. My amazement dwarfed my worry for any collateral damage caused by Godou's attack.
"▂▂▂▄▄▃▃▅▃▂▄▃▃▂▂!"
The dragon head growled as it shrunk to half its original size. I see! It's made up of the familiars that gather food and energy. Using that energy must have depleted quite an amount of power and thus reduced its size,
The blond man should have realized it too, that Godou could do that attack a number of times more, but the smile only grew on his face.
"That form is a mistake, god-slayer!" He said as he dispelled his golden bow and in its place summoned a sword of silver. "My name Perseus! The Serpent Slaying Hero!"
Perseus?! I was surprised by the man's revelation. Then is he a heretic god? But why did feel far less intimidating than any of the gods we've met? Why did he feel just barely stronger than the injured goddess behind us. And if the goddess behind us is Athena, why would Perseus be fighting her?
Before I could ponder it any further, the man who introduced himself as the Hero Perseus leapt to a superhuman height and slashed down at Godou.
Wait! If he really is the Serpent Slaying Hero then-!
"!"
I could not voice the realization I had to warn Godou in time and watched with horror as Godou poised the dragon head to block the attack.
Perseus' sword made contact with the dragon head with a loud and audible crunch. The smile in Perseus' face widened, but only for a small instant, it soon contorted into shock, panic and confusion.
I was shocked as well, but I somehow quickly gathered my thoughts and I focused my eyes where his sword struck. There I saw that the sword had barely damaged the boney scales.
"Wha-How?!" Perseus shouted his question.
"No matter what shape they've taken... they're insects, Idiot." It seems even Godou realized that Perseus' title gave him a special authority. Yet through some fortune, Godou had unknowingly tricked him (and me).
Godou then pointed his free and unaugmented hand at Perseus. The said hand glowed and shot a small burst of light that Perseus.
The self proclaimed serpent slaying hero just barely dodged by jumping to the side.
More of the locusts swarmed toward Godou's transformed arm. The familiars fused with the dragon's neck allowing Godou to restore its size and increase its length to reach Perseus without even taking a step.
Again Perseus dodged, with some effort, the dragon's head. However this time the dragon head's charged with so much force that it buried itself through the ancient stone floor.
Taking advantage of the opening, Perseus rush towards Godou. However to our surprise, smaller dragon heads sprouted out of the neck and fired smaller bursts of that destructive dark light at the self proclaimed hero.
None had hit him, but once again, Perseus was forced to increase the distance between them.
"Tch!-" I could just barely hear Perseus clicked his tongue in frustration before declaring, "I'll concede this match to you, god-slayer."
Perseus whistled towards the sky and I was not the only one surprised to see what answered his call. A winged white horse. The divine beast,
"Pegasus!?" I heard Lily exclaimed in surprise.
But wait! It's Bellerophon that had caught Pegasus not Perseus. Pegasus shouldn't be with... no, this must be the result of the corruption of their myth. There are versions of the myth where Athena had tamed Pegasus and had given it to Perseus for his adventure. That is the only reason I can think of why, the two of them were together.
"Farewell!" the self proclaimed hero bade his goodbye with a smug look.
The divine beast flew close to the ground, but probably just barely out of the reach of Godou's transfigured arm. Perseus quickly jumped onto the flying horse's back and rode it into the sky.
I had expected Godou to command the swarm to attack Pegasus from all sides to slow it down. But instead we watched the remainder of the swarm converged towards Godou. The dragon head reverted to a mass of flesh and absorbed the remainder of the swarm. It grew larger and larger until it had engulfed Godou inside it.
The now massive mass of flesh twisted, coiled, fused, defused, formed, reformed and transformed into nine headed hydra.
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
No!- these roars are louder, but it's the same as that of the dragon head... Godou must have used that mass of flesh to make nine larger copies of the dragon head earlier. And this time he had created a body to store the rest of the swarm's collective energy into one place.
The creature size was roughly equivalent to two or three full grown elephants. Its scales was a shiny bog black. Its fangs and claws were of a beautiful white ivory. It looked so pristine, despite being a monstrous beast, that I could not help but think that it was a kind of avatar or a divine beast.
Was it a Avatar of Melqart? It did not seem to fit any the divine king's incarnations. Or was this just a form that Godou himself likes? Can Godou only transform that black mass of flesh into serpent like forms? Or was he now deliberately using the form of serpentine beasts to taunt Perseus?
But these thoughts can wait... if Godou had created the same dragon head- then that means!?
I watched as eight dragon heads positioned themselves in a perfect circle. The ninth head was in the center.
An inhuman sounding voice then roared, "Return to your myth!"
Eight, of the nine, dragon heads fired a wide beams of the dark light. But they were not directly aimed at Perseus. Instead it was aimed far around him, effectively trapping him in the center and preventing him from dodging the ninth head's attack.
"▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅!"
The last dragon head roared and fired.
It had probably made contact. I couldn't really tell, because all I could see was the grandiosely wide beam of dark light etching itself in the afternoon sky.
'Even with all the magic associations working together, they're are going to have a lot trouble covering this up.'
The dragon heads began shrinking and shrinking. Its tail was sucked into its body; the moment the eight heads fired. In a few moments, Godou became visible again. And by the time Godou halted his attack, the monstrous hydra had been reduced to a nine headed snake that was coiled around his right arm.
Godou was panting and sweating feverishly.
I dismissed Cuore di Leone and approached Godou.
"Godou?" I called.
But he didn't turn around.
The tiny hydra in his arm suddenly dried up and turned to ashes.
"!" I gasped.
"Kusanagi Godou!" Lily yelled with worry.
Godou started to fall backwards. I dashed and caught him before he hit the ground.
"How is he?" Lily asked as she reached my side.
"His body feels cold to the touch, but he's breathing." I answered with relief.
"Tis what one wouldst expect of a child of Epimetheus. To foolishly expend one's entire reserves to slay even a fake god." To our surprise, the injured goddess spoke.
Lily and I turned to her. She was leisurely plucking out the arrows from her body and closing the wound.
Seeing as we were the only ones around, and Godou had fainted from exhausting all his energy, her statement could only be directed to us or she was talking to herself. But I decided to take a chance and assume that she was conversing with us.
"A fake?" I asked.
"Tis so... warrior. That man was merely a simulacrum of serpent slaying hero. Kusanagi Godou shouldest hath discerned that much." I tried my best not to looked surprised when she answered.
Godou knew? I found myself looking at his pale face. It shouldn't have been surprising; after all, he defeated the undefeatable warlord, Verethragna, made short work of the divine king, Melqart, is somehow associated with a goddess, and had tricked me, Erica Blandelli, into spending more money on food than I've ever spent on a single shopping spree.
"Witch," I looked at the goddess, thinking she was still talking to me, only to find out she turned her attention to Lily. " Tellest this to him whence he wakest. This Athena whilst appearest again with recompense. Amendest one of thy failing as a warrior and survivest till that time cometh." With that the tiny body of the goddess turned into dark smoke and vanished with the wind.
I've at least confirmed that her name was Athena, but quite a few things didn't make sense. And why did she choose Lily as her messenger?
"For now, let us head to the Bronze Black Cross' Napoli Chapter." Lily suggested.
I took a moment to consider it. Lucretia had said that Napoli had been more or less evacuated. No one besides Lily, Lucretia and myself should know of the Godou's existence yet. That meant that there was a good chance that they'll just think that it was the attack of one of the fighting gods. Although using Godou's authority to organize a cover up would make things go more smoothly. However, Godou does not look like he was in any condition to even bluff his way through a meeting. Going into hiding, and let the other mages figure things out on their own, seemed to be the more prudent course of action.
"Shouldn't we head for the inn that the Copper Black Cross sponsor's instead? It's closer." I counter suggested, as the chances of Godou getting found out was higher in a magic association's branch headquarters as opposed to a semi-public inn.
Lily's face turned serious. Well she usually was, but she had an air of resolve about her at the moment. "I... I do not wish to involve you any further, Erica. You've been of great help to me and Kusanagi Godou. Things might have gone differently if you weren't there."
"Then all the more that I should stay with you two." I lightly argued.
"I believe you've done more than enough. Right now, even if you expose that you were with a new Campione, you can still get away with it being a coincidence. You have not rendered any aid with regards to slaying a god. And all you've done was simply fulfill your obligations to Kusanagi Godou prior his transformation."
"Lily..." I was a little surprised that Lily had thought it that far.
"But if stay you with us any longer, someone might manipulate the information and make it appear that you've assisted a different Campione. You might lose your candidacy for the title of Diavolo Rosso."
I had not thought of that. While it was my uncle's former title, it was the high ranking knights of the Copper Black Cross who will choose its next holder. And while none of Italy's magic associations have formally sworn to serve Salvatore Doni, he was nonetheless the unwritten and indisputable Demon King of Italy. Members of the Copper Black Cross, especially those who might want the title for themselves, will use this against me.
"You might be right... but what about you, Lily?" I asked.
"I intend to follow Kusanagi Godou to Japan." She boldly stated.
I was a little surprised. "In other words, you'll become his knight from this point on?"
"If he'll have me as such. But even if he were to refuse, I will return to Japan and watch over him."
"And if the your grandfather orders you otherwise?" Lily was probably fortunate that Bronze Black Cross, despite being an Italian magic association, has some connection with Duke Voban. So Lily's grandfather would probably not command her to do otherwise, as a connection with another Campione will undoubtedly increase their prestige. But still there was a chance that he might, or that he would be commanded give such an order.
"Then I shall return my surcoat." Lily said as she tapped the garment on her shoulders.
The surcoat Lily was referring to was the blue and black short cape she wore. To the common people, it would simply be seen as a fashion. In the possession of mages, it granted defenses equivalent to that of wearing an armor. But it also served to state her association's colors; and marked her amongst the Bronze Black Cross' elite, as it was only given to those who achieved the rank of great knight. Lily had worked hard for it.
"Are you serious?" I asked as I stared straight into her eyes.
She locked into mine and answered. "Extremely."
Her eyes didn't waver one bit. I sighed.
"I still think, bringing him straight to your headquarters as he is right now is a bad idea." I said as I raised a hand to silence her incoming objection. "Why don't we head to the inn first, it's closer. And with the evacuation order, it should be empty. We can hide there until Godou wakes up. It would also give Lucretia a chance to send our luggage over."
Lily looked like she wanted to refuse, but then relented. With a sigh, she said, "Very well."
I couldn't help smiling at that. As resolved as she was, Lily was not very flexible with her plans. And even though she possess skills that I have found unnecessary, she's rather spoiled in her own way. I wonder if she can really pull off living in Japan and serving him...
- - - 7th - - -
We arrived at the inn, riding a car we had liberated and manipulated into running with magic. As expected, it was empty. We unlocked the doors with the same kind of magic we used to drive the car, and made ourselves at home.
After putting Godou in a bed, Lily had gone to the kitchen to prepare some food, while I called Lucretia and updated her on our situation.
'I see... so Godou has defeated yet another Heretic God.'
"Not quite, according the goddess, it was a fake god." I had decided not mentioned the goddess' name. Although she had introduced herself as Athena, I wasn't entirely convinced. Especially after seeing the way she choose to disappear from our view. Perhaps her myth had also been corrupted? Whatever her reason, it will be sufficient to think of her plainly as a goddess for now.
'A fake god you say?!' Lucretia sounded genuinely surprised and almost worried.
"Yes. Do you know about it?"
'Hmm... We'll discuss the specifics some other time.' It feels like I've found out about something troublesome. It might be good idea to follow up on this lead later. 'But suffice to say that it's only a weak copy of a god, and it's doubtful that the young king will usurp any authorities after defeating it.'
"That's a little disappointing. Yet at the same time quite a relief."
'I agree. And that young man has to learn to hold back a little. I could see that beam of light all the way from here.'
"The goddess had thought so as well, although she was more concerned about Godou than the light show."
Lucretia laughed at my joke a little, before changing the subject. 'What are you plans now?'
"We'll wait for Godou to wake up. Lily intends to hide him right under her association's nose. She probably intends to either wait for the associations to get things under wraps, and get her things in order in preparation for her next position."
'Next position?'
"Lily seems intent on going back to Japan with Godou."
'I see.' Lucretia sounded rather pleased.
"You don't sound surprised?"
'Although it does seem rather sudden, I do not find it a surprise. But if you had told me that you are going with them, then that's a different story.'
"Oh? How so?"
Lucretia mischievously giggled over the phone. 'Just a feeling.'
"Did you divine it?"
'Nothing so extravagant. Just a woman's intuition.' Lucretia said with a teasing tone.
"I see."
I can't exactly say that she was wrong. While I found myself becoming slightly romantically interested in Godou, I have no intention of basing my decisions on my feelings. I was their traveling companion, because I had my own motives. I became a witness to the defeat of two gods (three if the fake had to be counted), by pure chance. I had found Godou fascinating... despite the odd first impressions. But at the end, my priorities remained the same.
'Anyway, I shall send your luggage to you shortly.' Lucretia broke my thoughts,
"We appreciate it."
We said our goodbyes and hung up. I expected the Luggage to arrive within the better part of the hour.
For now there is nothing I can do, but wait.
- - - 7th - - -
At the lounge, I was considering my next course of action while waiting for our luggage to appear. Frankly, Lily's sudden choice and Lucretia's teasing had got me thinking. There was something exciting about the prospect of building a new organization. It felt like Godou's rebirth was a historic moment in magic history and a part of me wanted to see how far he would go.
Is that why Lily choose to accompany Godou?
I wonder what uncle would say...
The sound of slow and heavy footsteps, climbing down the stairs, took me from my thoughts. I turned and saw Godou, walking down slowly while clinging to the rail.
"Godou?" I could not hide the worry in my voice, when I called his name.
Godou still looked very pale. His eyes looked half asleep. And it seemed like he was trying hard to take slow breaths.
"E...ri...ca..." He said my name weakly, increasing my anxiety. "I'-m... cold."
I walked up the stairs. When I reached his side, I took one of his arms off the railing and placed it around my shoulder. It was my intention to assist him down or up the stairs. But suddenly, Godou clung to me with both arms.
"Hey, Godou-!" I was about to get angry, but then I noticed how cold he actually was. 'It's like has no body heat!?'
Could this be the side effect of the Authority he used? Or was it because he had completely exhausted his energy? I could not tell. But it was clear that he needed to get warm. Actually for him to still be able to move in such a condition was only a testament to how absurd a Campione's body was.
While I was distracted with my speculations, Godou pressed his body onto mine and held on tight (like his life depended on it).
"Godou!" I tried to reprimand him.
"Eri..ca... warm..." he muttered contently as he nuzzled his face underneath my hair.
Embarrassment and outrage should have taken over. But I just couldn't bring myself to get angry.
Using magic, I reinforced my body's strength and eased us into a more comfortable position on the stairs. Then I controlled and increased my core body temperature; to even out how much Godou's cold body was cooling me down.
If anyone saw me right now, I'll be ruined... I hate it when Lily's right.
- - - 7th - - -
And hour passed us by. Godou's body had started to feel a little warmer, but was hardly anywhere near normal. I had played with the idea of using that special method to cast a spell to help his body speed the process.
But I couldn't do it. If this was an emergency or that if his life was on the line, I might have... But right now. We were safe, he will recover in time, and I have been shamed enough for one day.
Another thing on my mind was, why had Godou gone so far as to use up all his energy in that one attack? The goddess had more or less claimed that he didn't have to.
Did he do it out of anger? Was he compelled by his authority to do so? Or maybe he was making sure that he would not have even an ounce of energy, so that he would not be compelled by the rumored Campione's instinct to fight the Heretic Goddess (that is assuming that their connection prior to his rebirth was favorable)?
I silently sighed. As frustrating as all this mystery that surrounded Godou, it was far more interesting than the antics of Italy's idiotic King.
"Erica!" I suddenly heard Lily angrily shout as she ran towards us from across the hall. She looked almost appalled, most likely because my proximity with Godou could only be seen as scandalous. But somehow her rationality and semi-familiarity with Godou's personality had prevailed, which quickly calmed her down.
"What happened?!" she asked after she caught her breath.
"It seems that Godou was suffering from a kind of side effect. He could not restore his own body temperature and sought something warm." I explained.
"I see... But why didn't you just use the inn's hearth?"
"I do not know how clean it is. And it would be suspicious for an supposedly empty inn to have a fireplace lit in the middle of summer." I half lied.
It was true that lighting the fireplace might attract attention to ourselves prematurely. But I simply failed to even consider other options to get Godou warm... not that I'll admit it to Lily.
"Since you're now free, perhaps you could-"
Before I could finish my sentence, Godou starts moving. He loosened his embrace and slowly withdrew.
"Good... Morning~" He sleepily greeted in Japanese.
"Kusanagi Godou, How are you feeling?" Lily asked with a voice laced with worry.
"Hmm... still cold." Godou answered.
"Wait a moment, I'll draw you a hot bath."
Lily was about to head upstairs, when Godou grabbed her arm.
"Kusanagi Godou?" Lily had probably meant to ask what him what he was doing.
But instead of answering, Godou pulled Lily down to him. Lily of course tried to struggle; but I know from experience that Godou isn't actually very strong right now, so she should be able to free herself if she was serious. And as I expected, she had let him embrace her.
"So warm... and such a delicious smell." Godou drowsily said.
Lily instantly turned as red as my clothes.
I could not and did not hold my short burst of laughter, which made Lily glare at me. Not that it had any effect, with her looking so embarrassed. "I'm sure he doesn't mean it in a perverted way." I should probably note that, Lily did smell rather savory and a bit smokey at the moment (she was probably grilling something in the kitchen earlier).
"I know what he meant!" Lily half yelled angrily at me... but it only made her cuter.
Relieved of my burden, I decided to stretch my legs and draw that hot bath in Lily's place.
"Use a spell to warm yourself Lily, he was holding onto me for about an hour and he's only barely warming." I advised.
"I don't need you to tell me what to do!" Once again her anger only made her reaction all the more amusing.
It was so amusing, that I had to poke the flames one more time before I left.
I gave her my best knowing smile and said, "Very well. Enjoy yourself, while I get that bath ready."
She looked shocked for a moment, then yelled, "Shut up and go already!"
- - - 7th - - -
After I had drawn the water, I returned to the stairs to help Lily with Godou.
"Godou, get up. The bath has been filled for you." I said as I shook his back.
"ie...sam...i...li...na..."
But Godou responded by holding Lily tighter and mumbling something incoherent.
"It seems that he doesn't want to move." Lily stated as she tried to look at me without appearing embarrassed.
"Oh? Spoiling him already? Rather than a knight you seem more like his maid." I teased.
Lily glared at me, but she didn't look very angry to me. "Shut up!"
"That's your prerogative, I suppose." Deciding to end teasing there, I changed the subject. "Anyway, neither of you can stay here all night."
"Then what should we do?"
"Lucretia has already sent over our luggage, I say we drag him into the bathroom and dump him in the bathtub."
"And if he doesn't let go of me?"
I just smiled and she got the idea.
...
Fortunately for Lily, Godou had seemed to have regained some of his mental faculties, and allowed us to drop him in the bathtub, without dragging either of us in with him.
- - - 7th - - -
After a long soak in hot water, Godou had returned to his normal self. I had stayed by the bathroom to make sure he didn't fall asleep and drown himself, while Lily finished preparing our dinner.
I was about to take another peek in when I heard Godou call, "Erica..."
Since it was still mostly quite inside, I was sure that he had not yet started to strip off his soaking wet clothes. So without reservation I poked my head through the gap of the half open door. "What is it, Godou?"
"Sorry... and... Thank you."
I was taken aback. Partially because I don't know what he's apologizing and thanking me for. And mostly because, I felt very flattered all of a sudden. But I couldn't let him control my emotions.
So I gathered my wits and asked him, "What are you apologizing for?"
"I'm not sure."
The fluffy feeling in my belly sank all of a sudden. "Then an apology is unneeded."
"Hmmm... I guess."
"And am I correct in guessing that you don't know what you're thanking me for either."
"Hm..." Godou hummed in affirmation, which made me sigh in slight exasperation. "But I just feel that Erica saved me."
I blushed. I knew that he was referring to when I allowed him to hold on to me earlier. He was barely conscious, so I would not blame him for not remembering. But I guess his intuition even in that state is sharp.
"You're welcome."
- - - 7th - - -
After Godou had bathed (and ordered to get dressed). We headed down where a small feast was waiting. I was a little worried that perhaps Godou would not eat the same ridiculous amount; because he only expended magic this time around. So I was relieved for Lily and our money, that the food did not go to waste.
Godou feel asleep soon after dinner, Lily had to carry him up to his room. I was a little disappointed that I did not have time to ask Godou about his authorities, but I doubted that Lily would allow me to ask anyway.
- - - 7th - - -
The next day. By the time I had found the will to get out of bed, Lily and Godou were long gone.
I found a note from lily in the room I was staying. It reads,
Erica,
Kusanagi Godou and I have left for the Bronze Black Cross' Napoli Headquarters. My apologies for not waiting for you to wake up, but doing so would terribly delay us.
I have left some sandwiches for you. I almost certain that you are not completely inept with housework, and that you can at least make tea for yourself. But should that not be the case, I have squeezed some juice for you. Or wait for Arianna to arrive.
Speaking of Arianna, I had called her and told her of your location. Expect her by noon.
Liliana Kranjcar
I wasn't exactly sure if Lily actually thought that, I might possibly not know how to make tea, or if it was her way of trying to hide that she actually cared for our friendship. But I found the attempt to insult me, while still caring that I had something to drink, amusing.
- - - 7th - - -
Arianna arrived at noon, in one of the Copper Black Cross' service cars, like Lily had wrote she would.
"Miss Erica, I'm glad that you are safe." Arianna said as she practically leapt into my arms and locked me into a tight hug.
I found the reaction understandable. Arianna has thought of me as her benefactor, at least with regards to the magic world. She possess some magic in her blood, but she herself is rather untalented in execution. Many teachers have given up on her and she was on the road to leaving the world of magic.
Arianna was assigned to me as an assistant during my final exam. And I had taken a shine on her housekeeping skills. I decided to keep her as an apprentice mage, after I graduated, so that I could monopolize her services. I was disappointed that she was a bad student when it comes to practice. But for as long as she wishes to have my guidance, I would not mind having her.
Thankfully Arianna is very innocent and had only seen my acceptance of her as an act of magnanimity. Not that I would tell her otherwise. And even if she figured it out, the fact remains that I'm willing to teach her so long as she's my apprentice. And as with most apprentices, they are required to live with and serve their maestro.
"Thank you, Arianna."
- - - 7th - - -
After I had left letter for the inn keeper; to inform him that we had let ourselves in and helped ourselves to the simple luxuries of the inn. We headed out of Napoli in the slightly beat up car that Arianna brought.
Traffic started becoming bad as the people were beginning to return to the city. With nothing to do, I decided to pass some time by asking Arianna some questions.
"Arianna, did you tell anyone where you were going?"
"No, miss Erica. Miss Liliana had advised that you wanted your situation a secret for the time being."
"I see." I silently applauded Lily for thinking ahead. "How is my uncle doing?"
"He was confident that you would return soon. But in private, I felt that he was actually very worried."
I wryly smiled at that. I was touched by my uncle's confidence in me and was slightly regretful that I had caused him some anxiety.
"Miss Erica, happened to miss Liliana's guest?"
My smile unconsciously straightened.
"He's still with Lily."
I couldn't quite share the answer I wanted to give her. After all, I had promised Lily that I will keep things secret and to submit my report after she and Godou had left for Japan.
"He'll be returning to Japan soon." I added.
"I see." Arianna muttered.
"Did you want take care of him again?" I teased.
Arianna's ears had turned red. She probably remembered the time that she had walked in on Godou while he had been naked.
"O-of course not, miss Erica!" Arianna's voice had suddenly become a little squeaky.
"Everyone gets curious about the opposite sex, Arianna. It's nothing you need to be a shamed about."
"Miss Erica!"
I held my laughter in and changed the subject.
"Is there any news that I should know?"
"Hmmm... Oh! Lord Salvatore has returned."
"Already?!" I nearly shouted in surprise.
This might be bad.
"Is something the matter, Miss Erica?"
I didn't answer Arianna.
Instead I pulled out my phone and turned it on. After a flood of unread emails, text messages and voice mails were received, I immediately called Lily's cell phone.
It did not ring. Instead a voice recording had informed me, that the phone number that I dialed was either turned off or was not in service.
"Damn..." I cursed our probable bad luck.
From this point on, I can only hope that Lily picks up on the news soon. For Italy's sake... I vehemently hope she does.
- - - 7th - - -
Chapter Eight: End
- - - 7th - - -
Chapter End Notes: Uh-oh! Doni's back!
I had almost posted this after the fight... but I'm glad I didn't. I had a lot of fun having Erica mess with Lily and Arianna.
I know that the Lily's decision is rather sudden. But that'll (probably) be explained in her chapter, which might be next. (no promises...)
Arianna and Erica's past connection was something I made up. To my knowledge, it has yet to be developed in Canon. As for Erica's supposed final exam. I am assuming that western magicians and witches (like Erica and Lilianna) have magic schools.
A "Thank You" to Marcus Galen Sands, author of the Campione! x Fate/Stay Night crossover "God Slaying Blade Works", for showing me that it was possible to use Berserker's howl font in this site.
