SOD: I DID IT! HOLY S*
Andrew: What did you do?
SOD: I triple uploaded all of my stories. Holy Aidios I can't believe I tripled uploaded.
Andrew: Congratulations.
SOD: ANDREW!
Andrew: Yes?
SOD: YOU COULD BE A LITTLE MORE ECSTATIC FOR THE GUY THAT HELPED,U GET OVER YOUR ANIME TRAUMA.
Andrew: SAYS THE GUY THAT CAUSED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!
SOD: YOU KNOW WHAT, I HOPE YOU FALL FOR THE HOTTEST TRAP KNOWN TO MAN!
"So are you sure it's okay for me, a boy, to be walking around with you in an all girls school?" Relon asks.
"You are my bodyguard so I do not see any issue with that." The princess responds.
Today is Monday which marks the start of Relon and Yujiro's appointed positions as Princess Alfin's bodyguards. Relon more than Yujiro. Currently, the two are heading to St. Astraia Girl's School. Yujiro watching from a distance along the rooftops leaving Relon to stay at Alfin's side as they are now in the car. Not that he had a problem with it.
"Princess, do the other girls get out much?"
"What makes you ask such a question?"
"I've read the girls there are much like yourself. Pristine, elegant, and all that. I'm just worried something might happen if I, supposedly the only male on the grounds aside from the guards, just show up."
"Well..." She goes into thought. "There is the possibility that something along those lines could happen." At her words, Relon leans his head back against the soft head cushion sighing.
"Great..."
"But worry not! I can keep them in line so you have nothing to fear!"
"... Thanks, Princess Alfin."
"I told you, just Alfin is fine. Hearing everyone call me such can be tiring. Sometimes, I just wish everyone would treat me as a normal girl instead of one of Erebonia's national treasures." Her cheerful smile somewhat crestfallen.
Princess... I guess I can understand somewhat. Commoners and Nobles have always been at odds with the other. Yet neither side ever takes the time to see from the other's perspective. Her highness actually wishes to be treated normal. Like a commoner. Speaking of which, what does that make me...?
Glancing at the princess, he shakes the thought away putting on a smile rivalling hers.
"Alright!" This gaining her attention. "If it's fine with you, I'll call you Alfin." Hearing the agreement seems to relight something for the young girl's eyes gleam in delight.
"Yes!"
St. Astraia Girl's School
"Here we are." Relon mutters, the two having stepped out gazing at the school as their car drove off.
"Shall we?"
"After you, milady." He gestures.
Giggling, she leads the way with Relon close behind. Meeting the guards, they open the door allowing both inside. Pausing, Relon takes in the interior design. Columns along the walls with hallways leading into different directions with lanterns and chandeliers along the ceiling and columns. Scattered on a large wall is the emblem of a unicorn on a shield.
"No students so far."
"Oh, we're earlier than the normal time students arrive so there are most likely little to none here yet."
"Oh. That's good. Do you always arrive this early?"
"Yes. I am the class president after all."
"Honestly, I'm not surprised."
"Awe, really?"
"I mean, look at your family. History tells of how smart you all are so it's only natural that you're a genius academically." Just as soon as he finishes, Relon notes Alfin's reaction to realize his mistake. "Oh, um, my apologies princess for bringing up your status."
"No, no, no! That's not it. I just didn't think you knew the reasonings for my position. Most people just assume I'm smart because of who I am."
"Is that bad?"
"No, the complete opposite." She gives a cheerful smile. "I knew picking you was the right choice, hehe."
"Um, Princess?"
"Don't bother pondering it. Shall we go?"
"Oh, sure." Walking down one of the halls, they reach a classroom.
Opening the door, they both step inside looking around. It's a decent sized room seeming to hold around 20 or so students. At the podium is a teacher organizing herself. A woman on the short side around 5 even. She's wearing what Relon can only guess to be the adult version of St. Astraia's girl's uniform and has her brownish-black hair puling in a puffy bun.
"Oh, Princess Alfin, greetings." The two females curtsying to the other before their eyes shift to Relon
"Ms. Freda, good morning. This is Relon, my newly appointed bodyguard."
"A pleasure ma'am." He bows.
"My, I was informed but I didn't believe someone of your age would be protecting her highness. You must be quite skilled for your age."
"I'm not all that. Honest."
"Oh, don't be modest!" Alfin insists. "Ms. Freda, he's quite amazing."
"I would love to hear about it sometime. So, as you are her bodyguard, how shall you like to go about where you will be?"
"Hmm. Princess, where do you sit?"
"In the middle column, first row up."
"So up front, huh..."
There's a window showing some of the city and the door, which is the only other exit, has a see-through window. I could ask that Alfin move but that may stir some commotion. Now I'm glad mister told me about all of this yesterday.
"If it's alright with you, Ms. Freda, I'd like to be stationed on the sides of the class."
"Very well. If you ever need to leave for something during class, by all means don't hesitate to do so."
"I will. Thank you."
"We still have some time before school starts. I plan to do some work here so what will you do, Relon?"
"I'm going to look around before the students start coming in."
Mister showed me a schematic of the school and I need to confirm everything is where it is.
"Hurry back. Don't want the girls starting a commotion over a boy being here." Freda advises.
"Will do. Be back soon, Princess." She nods as he leaves. "Alright partner, let's look around, shall we?" A clasp of the sheathe comes in response as he walks off.
Throughout his walk, he runs into some guards and teachers including the principal, all of which have been notified of his status. Half an hour later, he circles back to the front of the school.
Everything is where it was in the schematic so that's good. We have a few entrances available so in case something happens, I'll know where everything is.
Just then, a bell sounds gaining his attention.
School must be starting soon. Don't want to start any commotion .
Turning in the direction of the class, Relon hears the front doors opening to widen as dozens of girls of all ages begin entering engaging in a multitude of conversations only to stop. All goes silent as they notice Relon.
"Is that a..."
Not good! Turning on a dime, Relon takes off, the sounds of stomping feet and squealing close behind.
Reaching the door, he opens it quickly closing it behind him huffing. The two other females in the room looking at him curiously to see the erupting crowd outside.
"I just want to say this now! I literally was heading back here when the bell rang so I had no chance whatsoever!" He pushes against the door. "And I thought these girls were ladylike! Going nuts over one boy is exactly what I was hoping they wouldn't do!" He continues.
"Oh my, this is quite the conundrum." Ms. Freda sighs.
"I shall calm them. Step aside, Relon."
"Princess, I really don't think that's wise!" He nearly stumbles over as they door is pushed inwards.
"It's fine. This sort of thing is rather normal actually."
"... I'm sorry, what?" Finally giving up, he looks with a questionable look forced to move to the side of the princess as the girls begin to pile in.
"Like I mentioned earlier, I shall deal with them. Ahem. LADIES!" She calls with such an authority to her voice, all stop including Relon. "This is no way to act like a proper lady. We are going to this school for many reasons but one thing we all are taught is how to act with etiquette. We mustn't soil the good name that is St. Astraia."
Murmurs go all around as Alfin pushes those in the classroom out, the girls forming around her. Looking to Relon still in the class room, she motions with her head for him to follow. Cautiously, he leaves the classroom entering the circle with Alfin looking around.
"He's so cute!" One squeals.
"He may be around my age." Another comments.
"Is that a sword?" One asks.
"Ahem. Ladies?" Alfin eyes around her silencing the girls once more before gesturing a hand to Relon.
Taking this as his cue, he speaks.
"Nice to meet you all. My name's Relon Lucinance. And yes, I am a swordsman." He decides to add.
"Relon is currently under my family's care so he will be attending with me here for the time being. So, we would appreciate if you all behave and welcomed him the St. Astraia way." She winks making Relon tilt his head to suddenly see every girl as far as the eye can see suddenly curtsy.
"WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE!"
"Whoa... Um, thanks. I'm in your care." He bows smiling for a good portion to gush over him.
"Alright ladies, let's get to class." Alfin claps, the crowd dispersing in moments with eyes lingering on Relon.
"See? Nothing to worry about." Alfin calls gaining his attention.
"I guess you were right. Glad that's taken care of. I owe you one, Princess."
"Don't worry about it. We're friends after all. Though we should probably get to class."
"Right."
I'm friends with the princess, huh? No. Friends with Alfin. Yes, that sounds better.
Heading inside, he eyes the twenty girls as they eye him back.
"Well class, as the princess stated earlier, Relon will be joining us for the time being so behave yourselves. Relon, care to tell a little about yourself?" Freda asks for the boy to nod walking in front of the podium.
"As I said earlier, my name is Relon Lucinance. I'm a traveler alongside my dad who's friends with Prince Olivert so we're staying here for a while on some business. I've been given the role of watching over the Princess. Hope we all can get along." All the girls begin small discussions until one raises their hand. "Oh, yes?"
"Are you really a swordsman?" All the girl repeating the question.
These kids... Wait, I'm a kid. Too bad I have to lie about some parts. One being Mister isn't my dad. Glancing at the Ms. Freda, she nods.
"Yeah. Though my sword is somewhat... unique."
"Oh yes, very much so!" Alfin agrees.
"Partner?" Relon calls, all girls seeming confused to watch in awe as his sword floats from the sheathe. "This is my partner. No name yet though. We're still thinking of one."
"Is it magical?" Another girl asks.
Looking to his sword, it nods gaining gasps and more awes.
"We've been together since I was a kid. We're about as close as close can get." He states, his sword floating around him before going back to its sheathe.
"All right ladies, let's get those books out, shall we?" Ms. Freda asks now behind the podium.
Relon moves over to the side of the room with a window choosing to lean against the wall as the lecture begins.
(I have a question.)
Looking from the teacher, his eyes land upon a girl seeming to be the same age as Alfin. She has short green hair with purple eyes and like Alfin, is wearing the school's small hat.
She doesn't seem all that surprised by my presence here. Guess not all the girls go nuts over boys. That's good at least.
(What's up?) Wondering, he notices the alluring expression on her face as he tilts his head seeming slightly confusion.
(I can't help but wonder. What's your relationship with the princess?)
(Nothing interesting. We're just friends.) Relon responds with a shrug causing the greenette to seem taken aback. (Nice try. I've been teased enough for the last two years by my uncle. You want to get me flustered, you'll have to try harder.) After a moment of surprise, she smirks.
(Is that a challenge?)
(Only if you think you're up to it.) He shrugs again giving a smirk of his own.
(Very well. I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances during your stay.) She winks before refocusing on the class.
One thing I've learned from Mister, Uncle Victor, and Klaus; read between the lines. So if she means what I think, then...
Relon Lucinance... Hehe, it seems I've just gained another piece...
Both glance to the other, Relon raising an eyebrow for the girl to smile facing back ahead.
What was that about? Anyway, Mister should be on one of those rooftops now that school has started.
Trying his best to find his target, he squints his eyes soon catching sight of the very man seeming to be perched over a rooftop and waving at the boy.
He can see that far away?! Jeez, Mister just continues to surprise me. That's right, we have training later once school ends. The beginning of my martial arts training.
Shuddering at the thought, he looks away from the window towards the math problem on the board.
If the training is anything like our fight on Ebel Highway, then I'm in for possibly a more grueler training compared to Uncle Victor and Klaus'. He mentioned to the royal family of me harnessing my anger. I still can't believe simply getting upset draws it out so easily. It feels like a curse more than anything. And Mister mentioned using it to help with protecting Alfin. But the last two times I gave into Nameless' power and went out of control. The second time, I faintly remember what happened but I just gave in.
Let's think for a second. I know that when I enter that phase, my fire becomes much more potent and it seems my physical traits increase like my speed. I remember using my fire like a flamethrower against Mister. If I can learn how I did that, that would definitely come in handy. Maybe that can be the next fire technique I learn. Then there's the matter of my red tattoo around my side. It appeared when I first transformed nothing's come of it since.
Nameless said it awoken when I first changed so could that have something to do with that? Wait, could I get other markings? Hmm. Still too many questions than answers. Patience, Relon. Just gotta take things one step at a time. No matter how much I may hate it.
Sighing, he is unaware of Alfin glancing his direction.
Later
"Alright, lunch time ladies." Freda dismisses.
The girls leave most likely heading to the cafeteria passing more glances at Relon.
Those math and English problems seem way to easy and I think Alfin along with the green-haired girl thinks the same. At least from what I could tell from their papers during the intermission between classes.
"Relon!" Snapping from his thoughts, he is met with Alfin.
"Oh, Princess, what's up?"
"I was hoping you wouldn't mind eating with us." She states raising a lunch box.
"By 'us,' I'm guessing you're referring to..." His eyes turn to the greenette having attempted at teasing him.
"Teehee, you're quite smart aren't you." The greenette stands up curtsying. "I couldn't properly introduce myself earlier. My name is Musse Egret. It's a pleasure."
"Musse, huh? Why do I feel like you'll be making these days here interesting?"
"My, whatever do you mean Relon?" Her voice full of innocence.
"Musse, you were whispering sweet nothings into his ear while he was next to you, weren't you?" Alfin questions though her questioning demeanor conflicts with the giddy expression she holds.
"Princess, why do you seem more excited than interrogative?" Relon sweatdrops nervously.
Great. Alfin and Musse are basically two of the same.
"But I have no problem at all. I was actually going to ask if you minded if I could. Just please tell me we don't have to go to the cafeteria."
"Wonderful! And do not worry, we both have packed lunches." She smiles, both girls holding up their respective boxes.
As they seat themselves, Relon notices something right away.
The princess isn't being swarmed. I guess she's been here for a while that all the girls don't do that. Could be they respect her too. But she's also eating in a classroom like other common people. I guess that's another reason she loves school. This is the closest she can get to acting normal.
"My, I wonder what that look is telling on your face, Relon. Could you be having some kind of forbidden thoughts relating to the princess?" Musse wonders.
"No, Musse. I'm actually thinking of what things I could do to you." He slowly turns giving his own seductive look for both to blush as Musse and Alfin clasp their cheeks embarrassed.
"Oh my~. I had no idea you felt this way. Relon, you beast~."
"Yeah right. We all know what I said was a lie. First of all, I'm 12. Alfin is 10 and taking a guess from your looks and the fact your in the same class as Alfin, I can only guess you're around 10 yourself."
"Then you would be right. I'm nine about to be 10."
"Great. A nine-year-old who speaks like a seductress and then Princess Alfin. If I didn't know any better, I'd guess you two aside from your contrasting looks were sisters."
"Hehe. Is that such a bad thing?" Alfin wonders.
"Kinda." Relon deadpans. "I'm scared to ask where you got that kind of mindset, Musse."
"Hehe. Curious? I don't mind telling you a maidens' secret." She winks.
A nine-year-old and a 10-year-old. Oh boy, these kids.
"No. I'm good for now." He raises a hand sighing.
The two break out into laughter as they go along with their lunch for Alfin to realize Relon didn't bring one. In his defense, he had opted to skip to focus on his job which after some light arguing back and forth, he came out victorious having to settle on a few pieces from the both girls respectively. He could tell in the back of his head that Mister could see and wouldn't let him live this down for some time to come.
Eventually the end of school came and after bidding farewell to Musse, the two entered their vehicle and headed home.
Falling onto his bed, he sighs taking the moment to rest after the not-so tiring but rather headache filled day dealing with Alfin and Musse.
"Those two are a nasty duo. They work off one another too easily." His sword floats out of its sheathe over to him as it gives a nod. "But still." He sits up. "It may be my mind playing tricks on me but it feels like there's something to Musse that she's hiding. It's like this feeling around her or something." Thinking on it, he shakes his head. "Maybe I'm thinking too much. She is after all only nine. Though the way she was talking made me think she was an adult at times. I guess that's one thing we may have in common."
Just then, a series of knocks come.
"Come in." Entering, it's Prince Olivert.
"Quickly getting to his feet, he greets the Prince.
"Oh, good afternoon, Prince Olivert. Is there something you need?"
"Relax, Relon. No need to act all professional. We're friends remember? I wish for you to treat me like you do Alfin."
"O-Oh, okay." He relaxes. "Did you need something?"
"No. I just came to bid farewell."
"You're leaving? Where to if you don't mind my asking?"
"Crossbell. You could say I have business there so I'll be gone for some time. I don't know how long exactly I'll be so in case you finish being Alfin's bodyguard before I return, I just wanted to thank you again for your services and wish you the best of luck for your future." He extends a hand; one Relon quickly accepts shaking.
"Thanks, Prince Olivert. Thank you for giving me such an opportunity like this. I, no. We promise we won't let you down." He and the sword bows as the blonde smiles.
"I leave Alfin in your care then. Until we meet again!" And just as fast as he entered, he exits waving his farewells.
"Crossbell. I read that place was having some problems so maybe that's why he's going. Well, this is Prince Olivert so if anyone can fix political problems, he can." He turns to lay back down, but realizes something. "Huh, I'm not tired anymore." Hurrying out the hall to the fading figure of Olivert, Relon wonders to himself. "Did Prince Olivert do something to me?"
"Why, hello there." A deep voice greets causing Relon to snap behind him as he immediately looks up take sight of a man seeming to be in his late 40's wearing a robe.
One side is red with the other black and the middle is a bronze-ish color. His most defining feature has to be his shaggy hair with a few strands white.
That robe...! Instinctively taking a step back, Relon takes in the man before him. He's Giliath Osborne! Otherwise known as...
"The Blood and Iron Chancellor." Relon calmly states, said man raising an eyebrow to smirk.
"So, the princess' bodyguard knows of me. Did someone happen to tell you or did you learn that on your own."
"I tend to learn things on my own."
"Oh? Interesting. I heard their highness' chose you over one of my subordinates. I've been curious as to why." This causes Relon to narrow slightly.
"What's stopping you from asking?" Relon challenges smirking himself.
"His majesty mentioned you having quite the... fiery attitude."
"He's not wrong. But by all means, sir, ask away. Or could it be you don't want to get burned?"
Both eye the other, neither blinking as what feels like forever goes before a voice calls.
"Oi, Relon." Seeming to snap out of it, Relon looks past the man to see Yujiro walking towards him with his hands in his pocket. "Well, well, if it isn't ole Osborne." Yujiro grins stopping next to Relon.
"Yujiro Namikaze. It has been some time sine we last met."
"Indeed it has. Seems you've met Relon already. Interested in trying to make him one of your Ironbloods?" Yujiro squints, now the two men are locked in an staring contest only for another voice to break it yet again.
"Oh, Boss, there you are." All three heads turn to see a redhead boy wearing white gloves walking towards them.
"Hmpf. It is but a thought." Osborne answers turning and walking a few feet away before stopping. "Though, it would be best for you to watch yourselves."
"Tell us something we don't know." Both Relon and Yujiro state with crossed arms.
"The boy certainly is your son."
"He isn't a boy." Yujiro flatly states stopping the chancellor once more looking over his shoulder. "You'd do best to remember that, Giliath."
"... I'll keep it in mind." He walks away meeting the boy who waves farewell.
"I don't like him, and I certainly don't care anything about his Ironbloods or whatever."
"Good. No way in hell am I letting him get ahold of you. What were you guys talking about anyway?"
"Said he heard some things from their majesties. That and apparently I took on of his subordinates' position of being the princess' bodyguard."
"Ha, sucks to be them."
"What ever are these Ironbloods?"
"Just a group of talented kids he's gathered together."
"Sounds like I would fit right in."
"You would."
"Thank whoever that I ain't interested."
"Atta boy! Now let's go. We got training."
"I had a feeling that was the reason why you were here. Partner!" At his beckoning call, the sword flies out hovering before them. "Time for round two. You ready?" It nods going into its sheathe. "So where are we going?"
"To my old training grounds under the city."
"Oh, okay... Wait. Under the city?"
Training Grounds
Now at the cemetery with the lowering sunset, Relon follows Yujiro.
"You really weren't joking, were you?"
"Nope."
"How?"
"Found it during my time here. Whole water sewers connects all throughout the city. Though, this is the closest entrance to the area I used in my younger days."
"I'm guessing its so far down that we can go all out."
"Yup. Though we may have the ceiling cave in if we go at it."
"Oh, joy." Relon rolls his eyes.
"Exciting, right?!" He turns to the boy grinning crazily.
"I was joking."
"I wasn't!"
"Great... I'm about to get tossed like a ragdoll."
Opening the secret passage, they head down the stairs into the dimly lit tunnels.
"Ah, amphibian monsters... my favorite." Yujiro snarls cracking his knuckles as a familiar aura appears around him.
It's just like back in Ashland against those wolves!
"Alright kid, stay behind me for a little bit. I need to work out some anger."
"I thought I was the one that needed to work out my anger!"
"No. See, you lose control when you get mad. I don't. Now then..." He hunches over before an explosion of wind dispels forcing Relon to hunker down covering his face as with one open eye, he watches as Yujiro mauls one monster after another with his bare hands. "Let's go, I can smell more fish."
"I am going to die." Relon mutters slowly going after the rampaging Yujiro.
Eventually after what seems like a solid hour of watching Yujiro massacre any monsters that were unlucky to step in his way, they reached a large dead-end with noticeable cracks and holes on the walls around.
"Ah, memories."
"I really am going to die."
"You'll be fine. Stop complaining. Now, then. Let's ready ourselves." At his words, the sword comes out and floats next to Relon.
"So how should we go about this?"
"Well we know one crucial thing. You transform when you begin to get upset after you reach a certain point. We're going to work on having you transform."
"So I just need to get mad, right?"
"Yep."
"Any ideas?"
"Just think of some bad thoughts. See if that works."
"Alright..."
Stepping away, he concentrates. he thinks to the day he first transformed. How it felt to be slashed. The maniacal grin on the hunter's face. The feral expression the cat had ready to devour its prey. The fear on his first friends' faces. Then he thinks to Nameless and his realization with his partner during his match against Victor. His years of training leading up to his fight against Yujiro. Then... Relon's eyes slowly open, his breathing calm.
"Why'd you stop?"
"This method won't work. At least not now." Relon sighs.
"Why is that?"
"Because the reasons for my past anger have been resolved. My anger towards the hunter is gone because Rean and Elise are safe. My anger towards you is gone because I know you were just testing me and you've told me about your past."
"So basically, you have no reason to be angry." Relon nods.
"I need to find something that can work as a catalyst until I have better control of this power."
"And you can't contact that spirit in you still?" A shake is the boy's answer.
"I've tried hundreds of times and Nameless never answers. It just said when the time comes, it'll contact me again."
"Hmm. Alright, then we'll have to do it the old fashioned way." Yujiro cracks his knuckles as the sword goes to Relon's hand.
"I had a feeling."
"Keep in mind that when you do feel it coming, try to stay in control instead of going berserk."
"Right."
15 Minutes Later
Slamming against the wall, Relon falls into the sewer water.
"Come on, kid. Don't tell me that's it. It hasn't even been a half hour yet. Maybe all that time with Vic was just a waste after all."
Slowly picking himself up, heat begins to exert from Relon.
"Shut up." Relon answers between a snarl and a growl, Yujiro grinning.
"What are you going to do? You're not strong enough to pose much of a challenge when I'm going all out so why should I? As far as I see it, you're too weak to beat me and maybe I'll just protect the princess while you go off and read in your books." He eggs on.
Finally standing, sword in hand, Relon raises his head revealing a fierce expression as given from the sudden marking and slit eyes.
"Good, you got to the first step. Now-
"Grah!" Relon shouts dashing going for a slice of his sword. One Yujiro avoids with ease as he sighs giving a deadpanned look to the boy.
"This is the part where you try to take control. Not hit me. Oi, can you even hear me?"
At the call, Relon slowly turns around placing his sword in his right hand as his left becomes engulfed in fire.
Seeing this, Relon can only facepalm before disappearing in the blink of an eye to reappear directly in Relon's face.
"You are supposed to be in control." He says before flicking the enraged boy's forehead, his eyes going wide before rolling back as the fire dissipates . His body falling back as he goes unconscious.
"We got our work ahead of us." Yujiro states throwing the boy over his shoulder and the sword at his waist. "Yeah, you fish better stay away. If I wasn't carrying these two, I'd rip you to shreds with my bare teeth if I could."
With that last mutter, he heads for the exit.