SOD: I'm still mad at you btw.
Andrew: Come on SOD, I said I was sorry!
SOD: No! This is a OC x CLAIRE! Not a damn OC x REAN!
Andrew: But SOD!
SOD: NO BUTS! WHERE THE ACTUAL HELL DID YOU EVEN GET SUCH AN IDEA?!
Andrew: BUT SOD! LISTEN!
SOD: NO! NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOO! I'M LIKE T'CHALLA, WE DON'T DO THAT HERE! NOT IN THIS STORY! REAN. GETS. FIE! RELON. GETS. CLAIRE! END OF STORY!
A/N: Just saying, I have no problem with Yaoi. This conversation came up with Andrew a while back and this is basically it word for word. It was a comedic argument to say the least. Anyway, enjoy and review!
Gigantic
"No..." Alfin trembles falling to the ground, tears rolling down. "Re... Re... RELOOOOOOOON!" She cries out.
"Brother. I have avenged you." Taking a moment of silence, it is interrupted.
"How dare you...?" Turning her head, she glances at the girl finally on her feet. "HOW DARE YOU?!"
"I simply helped my brother move on in peace. I'm sure his soul will rest well knowing his murderer is dead. Do you hate me? Do you despise me? Now you can understand my hatred for that boy." She states turning forward to continue her silence.
"Even so..." Lechter says finally on his feet. "What you just did... IS UNACCEPTABLE!"
Enraged, Claire takes aim as Lechter prepares to move in but before either can act, something whirls past them. Sensing something, Arentula fails to react in time as something pierces her cheek. Something burning hot. Screaming at the sudden pain, she turns to see the sword go through the robots destroying them before going over the ship. With no hesitation, it drops down into the sea.
"That damn sword! It went off to lay with its owner. Tch, fine. I still have a job to do." She turns towards Claire and Lechter. "I can just take my anger out on you. My perfect complexion ruined! So, who wants to die first?"
"Let's go, Lechter!"
"I know!"
Rushing in, Lechter takes the lead with Claire behind. Going for a stab, Arentula parries the strike pushing Lechter away in time to block a shot from Claire with he blade. Coming from behind, the woman cartwheels with elegance avoiding Lechter's sneak attack.
"Tch!" He goes back in, each strike aimed for a vital though the spider lover blocks each attack with ease for Lechter to dive for her.
Jumping out of the way, she smirks for the boy to roll smirking himself. Questioning this, she glances to Claire. Her orbal pistol having charged a powerful shot.
"Eat this!" She fires.
It only takes a second for the attack to make contact, Lechter retreating to Claire as out of the smoke drops Arentula. Her hair a completely mess with strands in all directions.
"YOU DAMN BRATS!" She charges knocking Lechter into the air and picking Claire up by her throat.
Catching himself in midair, Lechter flies over catching ahold of the railing. Strengthening her grip, Claire winces as she attempts to aim her gun at the woman but against the pressure, she drops her gun.
"I've dealt with a lot of annoying children but you three are by far the worse."
"Good..." Claire grins not giving the woman her satisfaction which only angers her more.
"I'm going to take my time with you unlike that other boy."
Fighting back as hard as she can, Claire can only think one thing.
Relon... I'm sorry...!
Underwater
I failed...
Slowly, he feels his consciousness slip.
Is this the path you have chosen? A path devoid of life? A voice speaks; Nameless.
Relon's eyes snap wide as he attempts to gather all his remaining strength. Only the twitching of fingers come. Soon, words come one after another.
Victor's words.
"If you wish to repay this debt then you need only do one thing. Become strong. Strong to which we can have a proper duel with neither of us holding back."
Laura's words.
(I knew this day would come. I accepted that fact. We are both practitioners of the sword as well as fellow students. But I say this not as either but rather as your best friend; Be careful out there.)
Yujiro's words.
"Well, let's say I've realized a few things from tonight. One being with how you hold yourself before others, you act like an adult. And as such, I should treat you like one. Though I'll still call you by your favorite nickname every now and then. That won't ever change."
Claire's words.
"What I do know is if I was the one in charge of her majesty like it should have been a year ago, then this wouldn't have happened."
Lechter's words.
"Well, as your senior, I can't have you doing all the work, now can I?"
His words to Claire and Lechter comes next.
"As Alfin's bodyguard and friend, I will save her."
Then Alfin's.
"I meant what I said before. I wanted no one else but you as my bodyguard. You saw me as a normal girl and threw your life on the line to protect mine. That's why I'm confident that no matter what, I won't have to worry one bit even if something happens."
And finally, the voice of his mother echoes from within.
"No matter what, you must stay alive so that one day we can be reunited as a family. I love you. No matter what."
What am I doing...
His arms begin to slowly wiggle.
I can't die here...
His body rotates slowly over.
I have... to protect them...
He shifts his body vertically.
I have people to return to!
He lifts a hand toward the surface.
But first...
He feels the connection he has since he was born. Through the water crashes his sword slowly moving towards him.
We have a job to do!
His hand grips the handle.
Gigantic
"Now... die!" She creams hysterically for a humongous splash to erupt like an explosion went off to rise behind Arentula.
"What?!" She drops Claire, the girl gasping for air.
"No way!" Lechter awes, a grin forming as he pulls himself up.
Slowly looking up, a breath of relief showers Claire as she is left speechless.
"Impossible!" Arentula shouts in denial at the sight before them all.
"Relon!" Alfin shouts, tears of joy evident.
True to the girl's words, standing on his hoversword is Relon Lucinance with his arms crossed staring directly at Arentula. Hoping off, he keeps his gaze on the woman.
"This can't be happening!" She blitzes to him extending a blade towards his skull for Relon to catch it effortlessly. "What?!" She exclaims as she throws her other blade for that one to be caught as well. "I stabbed you in the heart! You should be dead like any other human!"
"That's just it." He pulls her close to his face, his eyes closing to reopen them striking fear into her very soul. "I'm not human." In an instant, he breaks both blades like twigs for her to leap away taking in his appearance.
Donned in markings across his body, his eyes are now slits as a fiery red aura is veiled around Relon.
"What the hell are you?!"
"I am a Lucinance. Relon Lucinance. Taken in by the Wandering Beast. I am a practictioner of both the Arseid School and the Beastial Arts. And I am the bodyguard to Princess Alfin Reise Arnor!" He shouts, his voice demonic sounding as geat expels in all directions.
"Don't act so hot!" She flicks her wrists, new blades appearing as she rushes him.
With no effort, Relon dodges each strike to grab her wrist.
"And I only have two words for you;..." In a fast three hit combo, One to the face, abdomen and side, she stands unbalanced and dazed.
In a smooth motion, he lowers his palm to her abdomen. With a single utter, Arentula is blasted with such force she is sent skidding towards the the very hole the trio previously entered as she flies down across the hallway to lay motionless.
"The end."
Standing up, the sword flies over next to Relon as they help regroup with Claire and Lechter. Both speechless as for what to say. Their eyes tracing all over him taking in his appearance.
"You both alright?"
"How are you alive?" Claire asks the question ignoring his own.
"Yeah, sorry. I have to know as well. Your stab wounds are completely gone." Lechter agrees.
They watch as Relon motions his sword before them.
"My partner saved me. More so, he healed me. But we'll have to hold off on the questions for later." Relon turns feeling heat signatures far off for an aircraft to soon come into view. "You two go take Alfin and get off the ship. We'll try to stall as long as I can." He orders, backing away and hopping onto his sword taking ahold of the cloth. "I'll handle this." Both exchange a look before Lechter nods.
"Alright, leave the princess to us."
"Be careful." Clair cautions for him to nod before heading into the sky.
He stops before the aircraft. Both at a staredown before a speaker starts.
"Where is #26?" A male's voice calls.
"If you're referring to Arentula, she's out cold. Won't be waking up for sometime after what I did to her."
"A child bested Arentula? Hmpf. What's your name?"
"Who's asking? Better yet, I have an idea. Why don't you land and we speak face-to-face? I'm more curious over who you guys are to have the gal to attempt to abduct Prince Olivert years ago and now Princess Alfin."
"You speak a mighty big game, boy." Another male's voice calls. "Watch it though, you'll be left in pieces with that mouth of yours."
"Oh, I am no boy. But what will you do? As far as I see it, if you all are anything like Arentula, then I have nothing to worry about. Then again, you all do want to get your friend back, don't you?"
Come on... Take the bait.
"Ha! You think we care about her after failing her mission? Naw, she's as good as dead. Anyone that fails us should roll over and die!" At those words, a cannon appears at the bottom of the ship.
"I don't think so!" Clenching his fist, Relon unleashes a blazing stream that meets a beam fired from the cannon cancelling each other out.
"I swear. This is why I never wanted kids. They get in the way." A woman's voice comments with what sounds like a click of a button.
BOOM!
Turning around, Relon braces himself as the ship explodes.
They had a bomb planted from the start?! No! Alfin, Lechter, Claire!
"We're done here. Be wary, boy. Any that opposes Senate shall be vanquished without a second thought. Remember that." The first man speaks before the aircraft turns and leaves.
Looking back and forth, Relon can only curse to himself as he flies towards the ship. Explosion still going off as he race for Arentula's body only for a huge explosion to cover the hall she laid in.
"No!" Pulling back, he looks distraught. "The others! Claire must have caught up on a boat!" Racing over to the back of the ship, his nerves relax. Far away from the ship on a motor boat are his three companions.
"Relon!" Alfin waves as he flies over to them them hopping off his sword to be tackled in an embrace by the girl. "Thank goodness." She mutters, her body shaking. "I'm so happy..." She looks up to him, tears evident. "You're okay." She silently cries, Relon returning the embrace.
Heimdallr Port
Before long, they return to the port to be greeted by the RMP and none other than Yujiro himself in his casual posture; hands in his pocket not seeming to give a damn. His eyes locked on Relon's appearance.
"Seems like you all had a lot happen." Yujiro greets.
"That's an understatement." Lechter says.
"Very." Claire adds as they get out.
"Those guys were dressed like jaegers." Relon states exiting his transformation to everyone's mild surprise. "Mister, were those guys the same as back then?"
"Yeah. Those thugs were randomly hired by some shady people. So they knew nothing. What about you?"
"We have some more info but we should move somewhere more disclosed. Claire? Lechter?"
"Right this way." Claire responds.
Getting off the pier, Relon quickly has Alfin look away from the deceased corpses. Blood and gunfire littering the area. Claire guides the five getting into a RMP van as they are escorted off the premises. In the car, Relon sits with Yujiro and Alfin to both sides leaving Claire and Lecter across from them.
Sighing, Relon leans against his parental figure.
"So, you finally did it." Yujiro comments gaining all's attention.
Relon looks up at the hulking man he's leaning on to give a tired smile.
"Yeah. Finally."
"Hear anything from Nameless?" The man asks, the others clueless.
"Yeah. Not much but... it was more than enough to snap me out of it. I owe him and all of you a lot."
"Us?" Claire questions.
"Yeah. You each helped me out when it mattered most. As I was sinking into the ocean, I could clearly hear your voices. Uncle Vic and Laura's as well." Relon says to Yujiro. "I can't die. Not yet." He clenches a fist. "Claire, had you been Alfin's bodyguard, then maybe Alfin wouldn't have been taken." Everyone widening at this statement. "But... today helped me learn something. Becoming strong for yourself will only get you so far. It's growing strong for those dear to you that you gain true strength. Right?" He looks to Yujiro.
"Looks like you finally get it."
"Yeah." He looks to Alfin. "The mere thought of being too weak to not save you from being abducted will forever live with me. Even if you were saved, this shows I still need to become stronger. It will continue to frustrate me over how strong I believed I was but how weak in reality I turned out to be."
"Relon..."
"That's why..." He balls an open hand into a fist, markings appearing along his body as his eyes transition to slits. A noticeable heat around him though bearable. "With this power, I'll grow stronger. Strong enough to protect not only you but everyone dear to me." With that resolute statement, his transformation ceases. "I realize my weakness and now I'm going to progress forward."
"And I'll support you every step of the way." Alfin cheers smiling that one million mira smile.
"Hmpf. Maybe now you'll actually make me get a little serious when we spar."
"Huh?! You've been serious multiple times during our spars!" Relon protests to Lechter and Alfin's amusement.
"Pfft, yeah right! A year ago when we started training, you kept going berserk and I had to pluck your forehead that whole first week to knock you out." He laughs.
"Jeez, after seeing what you did, Relon. I can only imagine what it's like going at it with the Wandering beast himself." Lechter chuckles.
"It's terrible. It's like every punch is the equivalent to a freight train." Relon heavily shudders at the mere thought.
"Haha, you're used to it. Your punches I'm starting to feel."
"You're such a terrible liar." Relon mutters, everyone laughing.
"Excuse me." Everyone stops to look at Claire. "I just wish to apologize for my earlier behavior. I will be honest in stating my frustration with your position influenced me. For my past transgression, I am sorry." She humbly bows.
"Raise your head, Claire." Relon kindly asks which she does. "All that's behind us now. I was bothered by what you said, yeah, but you weren't entirely wrong." This causing the blue-haired girl to give another genuine look of shock as Relon bows his head. "Claire. Lechter. Thank you both for your help. I couldn't have saved the princess without your help."
Both blink still taken aback, Lechter being the first to recover.
"Honestly, I feel like I didn't do much. Especially when we got to the ballroom. Yeesh, I still can't believe you used a cat like a club. Remind me to never make you angry."
"I felt like I didn't contribute anywhere near as much as I could have." Claire agrees.
"That's not true. Lechter, had I been by myself, I would have tired myself out before the third deck and Claire, it's thanks to you for taking out that one grunt before they shot Lechter and I as well as those other riflemen."
"The way I see it, the three of you all did your fair share. You two should be proud." Yujiro states. "You have my thanks for looking out for the kid as well. Knowing how crappy his luck can be, it must have been terrible having to watch over this brat."
"Teehee, Mr. Yujiro you're too nice."
"Alfin, he is the furthest from nice." Relon deadpans earning more laughs from the girl an man.
"How about for training tonight, I show you how nice I can be."
"Please tell me you're joking! After all that today, I still have training?!" Relon goes white leaning back in his seat.
"Mr. Yujiro, Relon worked very hard and risked his life for me. Couldn't you give him a one day break?" Alfin pleads.
"Hmm."
"Pretty please?" She blinks repeatedly for Yujiro to groan.
"Fine. Just today."
"Oh, thank you Princess." Relon gives a huge sigh of relief.
"That rough, huh?" Lechter comments.
"The beast training is meant for a beast and I am nowhere close to even considering myself one." Relon says dryly.
"Haha, I'd consider you a lil cub. Hey! I should start calling you that."
"Please. Don't." This earning laughter from everyone.
Before long, they arrive at the palace. As they enter, they are greeted by none other than the king and queen themselves along with...
Giliath Osborne. Relon twitches a single time as they all approach.
"Alfin! Are you hurt?" The king asks for his daughter to shake her head smile.
"Nope! Not a scratch on me. Relon and the others protected me."
"Thank goodness." Her mother says, relief evident as she embraces her daughter.
As the two speak with Osbrone, Relon remembers something.
I nearly forgot they work for him. Looks like he'll be getting info on me after all.
"Relon Lucinance." His attention is gained as he looks to the King himself.
"Yes, sir?" He asks for the king to extend a hand.
"I'll admit, I had my doubts but today you proved to be truly capable when it mattered in protecting my daughter. You have my thanks. If you choose to continue to watch over her, then by all means you may."
Speechless, Relon quickly snaps out of it to grip the king.
"Thank you, sir. I know this is going to sound odd, but..." The king raises an eyebrow.
"You won't be continuing, will you?" The king asks with a surprising smile.
"I'm afraid not. I've learned a lot over the years but today opened my eyes. The princess could have been severely injured or taken. I with the help of Claire and Lechter prevented that but it opened my eyes that I still have a lot to learn. And in order to do that, I must go out and experience life with my own eyes. Once I feel like I've gained enough experience, I'll return. Oh, um, that is if you'll let me... sir." The man for the first time since Relon has spoken to him chuckles dropping the handshake.
"I'm sure that Alfin wouldn't have it any other way. Right, dear?"
"That's right! Though I have one request."
"Yes Alfin, I'm going to still be your bodyguard for tomorrow."
"How did you know I was going to ask that?"
"I've been spending the last two years with you. It's natural I'd pick up on a few habits of yours. And be somewhat able to get how you think. Besides, I still have to hand out that math test after all. I expect a perfect score from my star student." He winks, her eyes seeming to gleam with delight.
"Instructor Relon, I won't let you down!" She cheers.
"Please don't start calling me that, Princess. It's bad enough with Musse." Relon sweatdrops nervously.
"Then after your departure, I shall have to find a temporary replacement." The king comments.
"Oh! Your highness, if it's alright with you, I think I've found a suitable replacement." This causing everyone to look with interest and stunned looks.
"Oh? And who might that be?" At his question, Relon looks over his shoulder at Claire motioning for her to come over to his shock.
"I see. Claire Rieveldt. One of Giliath's Ironbloods. She was originally going to be Alfin's overseer but I am curious as to why you believe her to be a suitable replacement. Care to explain?"
"By all means. She shows great leadership when commanding the RMP once the unknown group had attacked. Shows great skill on the battlefield as well as intellect." This gaining both hers and Letcher's attention.
So when we were in the air, he also noticed Claire. Nice.
"She also is a crackshot with a gun. During the mission, she was able to hit her mark on every enemy from amazing distance with ease."
"And? What else?"
"She's a hard worker. Over the past year, I've gone to the library and every time, I've seen her hard at work studying. It doesn't take a genius to see that." Claire's mouth goes agape slightly hearing his words. "And finally, I just believe she can do the job if not better than myself. Call it a hunch."
"A hunch?" The king repeats.
"Yes, sir."
"A hunch is hard to go off of. You do know this, correct?"
"I do. But sometimes you just have to take a chance. You took one with me, didn't you?" Relon gives a prideful smile to the king who after noting his wife smiling, turns to Claire, the girl already at attention.
"What say you? Shall you, Claire Rieveldt, take up the mantle and protect my daughter from hurt, harm, and danger?"
"Yes, sir! I am fully capable and shall not fail." She salutes.
"Good. Keep in mind I'm agreeing to this on behalf of Relon. Be sure to not let either of us down."
"Yes, sir!" She glances over smiling at the boy who winks.
The rest of the day was filled with debriefing and etcetera. The unknown organization now identified as the Senate. Little is known aside from the fact that there are supposedly 25 remaining officers known as Leaguients now that Arentula is dead. Though they weren't fully sure how Senate's ranking system works. Now dark out, Relon is on the balcony, his sword next to him as the duo gazes at the night sky.
Knock knock knock.
Who could that be?
"It's open." He calls.
Opening and closing the door, he's surprised to see Claire.
"Excuse me." Claire greets walking in closing the door.
Glancing around his room, she walks stopping next to him looking at the stars.
"Claire? What are you doing here?"
"I was nearby so I was thought I'd check on you."
"Is that the RMP's way of saying you wanted to talk to me? You could just say that, you know." His words causing a small smile to grace the maiden's lips.
"So you saw through me, huh?"
"I have a... student that helps me train in perception you could say. Though I question just how much of what she says is real." He mutters the last part. "But what did you want to talk about?"
"Nothing much. I just wanted to thank you for giving me the job."
"No need. I meant what I said before. You'll probably do a better job than me. Plus, my mind is put at ease knowing it's you who's watching over Alfin."
"I've been meaning to ask but what is your relationship with each other?"
"Huh? We're just friends. Though, now that I think about it, she does tend to call me her older brother every now and then. Though I don't mind. Kinda like it even. Why do you ask?" He tilts his head, this seeming to throw her off.
"Um, I was just curious is all." The slightest bit of heat rising to her cheeks. Thankfully, the darkness shields its visibility.
"Oh, makes sense."
"What do you mean?"
"You just seem like the type who's always calculating several moves ahead. Since you'll be Alfin's bodyguard, it makes sense that you would compare my relationship with her to maybe make a goal for yourself. I don't know. You seem like a nice person around others so..." She looks at him oddly before a a chuckle escapes, Claire failing to stifle her laughter. "Hey! What's so funny?!"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She calms herself. "I just didn't expect you to say something like that. That's the first anyone has said something so..."
"Wrong?" He guesses.
"Right." She corrects.
"Huh?"
"All of the other officers assume I'm all serious which I am but most are too afraid to even address me casually. I don't mean to come off as strict all the time. But because I do, many often freeze up when I appear." She sighs looking to the night sky once more.
"Then they're idiots." Claire looking with surprise to Relon who continues. "If they can't handle a simple assignment under pressure like you can, then they should look for a job elsewhere. It's not your fault you take your job seriously and they can't." He stretches his arms to hear no response.
Looking towards her, he spots her face agape as if in a trance.
"Claire?" She comes to.
"Sorry, what you said just reminded me of someone."
"Close?"
"Yes. Very." She leans over the railing as does Relon.
"Their name wouldn't happen to be Emil, would they?" Her eyes widen once again as he continues. "The first time we met, I remember you calling me that. I always wondered about it. But I'm not gonna force you to talk about something that obviously hurts. I mean, we're practically strangers still considering we just properly met hours ago." He chuckles.
"No. I wouldn't say that." She turns to face him fully.
"Really?"
"We did fight with our lives on the line together."
"Haha. When you put it like that you have a point."
"At the very least, I would like to think of us as friends. If you're okay with that." She finishes, a warm smile greeting the boy.
For some the first time ever, a new feeling emanates from Relon. Because of it, he averts his eyes.
"Yeah. I'd like that." He calmly states fighting against the odd sensation. "Hey Claire."
"Yes?"
"What were the others reasons you came here?" Her eyes open slightly more before returning to their neutral state as she returns to gazing at the stars. "I'm guessing by that silence it relates to your boss." Neither eyeing the other.
"I confronted him about what you mentioned when we first met on the ship."
"I'm guessing he used some planned excuse to reflect, deny, or dismiss the question?" Silence. "I'll take that as a yes." He leans up off the railing as he rubs his sword's handle. "I'll tell you what I told Lechter. You have your reasonings and I won't judge you for it but you should be careful. Be able to step out of trouble before you get in too deep at least."
"Hmpf." The tiniest of smiles grace her face once more. "Are you saying that because you're looking out for a girl?"
"No. I'm saying that because it's you and I care." Surprise returns to Claire. "I worry about my friends and you're no different now. I'm already aware of the kind of man Osborne is but if you and Lechter are going to work under him, you should watch it. You can see he's a liar."
"What led you to think I thought of him as a liar?"
"Considering you wanted to be friends with me, I know for a fact that friends don't lie to one another. This goes for him not telling you my message." She goes quiet at the fact. "All I'm saying from my perspective is he simply can't be trusted so watch yourself. Lechter too. I don't want to see my friends get hurt." He mutters.
"Lechter and I... originally were tasked with keeping an eye on you. Lechter more than me."
"I've noticed over the last two year." He says dryly.
"Mr. Osborne knows a lot but even he seems to not be aware of everything surrounding you."
"Or at least, that was the case I'm guessing."
"No. He still doesn't." Relon finally looking to Claire.
"So then.."
"No. We didn't tell him everything."
"Ahh... Thanks then. I'm both scared and curious how much you both did tell him."
"Only about your sword."
"Dang, there goes my healing secret. Though, couldn't really hide it with the way I looked."
"I was confused when he first told me you were no boy. But after today, I can see it in how you hold yourself."
"I get that a lot. Mister forgets I'm even 13 most of the time with how I act. Then again, so do I. Hmm."
He jumps on the railing.
"Where are you going?"
"A night fly. Seeing as this will be the last night I'm here, I'd like to see the whole beauty of Heimdallr before I leave. Wanna come with?" He jumps on his hoversword wraping the cloth around his wrist.
"Can it support two people?"
"Yeah. Only thing is you have to hold on tight and I don't know if you're opposed to us being... basically... against one another." Realizing what's coming out of his mouth, a blush rises for him to look away.
"Oh..."
"I don't want you thinking I'm some kind of pervert. I'm just warning you ahead in case-
"Yes."
"You want to say no wait did you just say yes?" He blinks.
"I did." She nods smiling at his attitude.
"Oh... Alright then." He extends a hand.
Once more, that odd sensation comes full force as their hands make contact. Unbeknownst to him though, Claire's cheeks become somewhat flushed as well. Doing his best to ignore it, he gently grips her hand helping her aboard.
"You on?"
"Yes." She slides her hands to wrap around his waist.
I hope she doesn't feel how hot I am.
"Hey, Relon." She calls jolting the boy mentally.
"Y-Yeah?"
Why am I stuttering?!
"Is your body always warm because of your fire element?"
Oh my goodness, she can!
Just giving you all a heads up, my birthday is next week so be ready for a bunch of chapter uploads throughout said week. Duces~.