FieLover: This seems very interesting. Might read it all again. So I'm just gonna ask cuz I'm curious. Is this FieXRean?
YES!
TheGreatDoaistDumpling: Ngl this a bit too shonen for me, I'll keep on reading and abstain from judgement. On the upside he got over his trauma after a year unlike rean.
Well first, thank you. And second, yeah. Relon has too many mysteries surrounding him so he is frustrated over not having the answers.
Dantheman2000009: Every time I see this story update my day is officially made I need more so keep up the good work I'm loving it!
Awe! That made my night when I first read that.
Hansuke21: Hello Shinn of Destiny, this is Hansuke and I'm loving your fanfiction of Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel regarding with your own character OC bonding with the other characters and seeing a younger version of the cast themselves that we only get a glimpse of during it in motion in the series. I am looking forward to more of your chapters later down the road and seeing how you approach with Claire(more of her will be nice later down the line especially with her older sister personality) and the other members of Ironbloods and the Senate organization you made in this fanfic. Thank you for the latest chapter as well and I'm looking forward to more of your work.
I was ecstatic when I got this big review. First one for this story so definitely appreciated. Throughout the series, we really only ge small glimpses of those of Class VII and their childhood both new and old so I wanted to expand on that. Rean, Laura, and Alfin especially. Honestly when you said you were looking forward to how I go about Claire, me and Andrew were comedically sweating bullets because at the time, I had just finished writing Relon and her getting together lol. But yeah Claire is an older sister figure so I personally can't wait till I add Millium. Oh, the ideas I have for my favorite tank. And thank you for the review!
yukkikage66: Okay ... sorry about this but WHO THE HELL NAMES A GIRL NOROWARETA (呪われたcursed"!? Really!? Can't you think of any other names?
Oh it's all gucci and yes, I could have named her a bunch of others from my unique list of names but Norowareta is one I feel fits. And not just because of its meaning. Hint hint.
tackler5rb:Fantastic chapter! I am a big fan of your story and can't wait for the next chapter!
Thank ya thank ya! And here it is, bud! Also for some silly reason, FFN wouldn't let me type your name correctly so my apologies.
speedkarate: Awesome job I love rival Musse and Claire which is epic. I am looking forward more of Relon. I am looking forward how Relon affect story at Thors.
Thanks a lot! When I was thinking about writing this fanfic, I already knew my character would have some love quarrels. The moment I finally thought of it, I already knew I wanted Musse cause let's be real. Musse is a BIG mood. That and I like see her and Claire, both analytic as all hell, go at it over Relon. And Relon is going to affect Thors in more ways than one.
tackler5rb: Yessss it happened! please continue asap!
The first ship has sailed and oh am I gonna enjoy writing the drama that follows haha.
Guest: Bit too shounen for my liking. the way Relon and Claire's interactions are written look pretty similar to a famous Rean/Claire fic over at Archive of Our Own too. hope I'm not right and the author doesn't get wind of it.
Meh. Some like it, some don't. Can't win them all lol. And are they? I don't use AO3 so huh, learn something new everyday.
Dramaticmusic2I really love this store. I was done at one point waiting for the backstory to end. Then we got to the point of the princess kidnapping and I was interested to continue reading. This is an incredible story. I can't too see how the main story comes together. Keep up the good work.
Well for staerters, I'm glad and yeah, BSFB gonna have some highs and lows back and forth, but hopefully it'll keep you entertained.
siddharthdasani: First of, I am enjoying this quiet a bit please do continue. Second, in this chapter it should be emperor and empress, not king and queen (Erobonia is an empire).
First off, thank you lol and I most certainly will. Just don't know for how long, haha. And second, thanks for the correction. Will fix when the chance arises.
Guest: Could you please type the link for the artwork I looked for it but I could not find it.
Oh, all you have to do is type the word, 'Zenerz.'
FieLover: Fie falling in love~
You know it~.
A/N: ALRIGHT, STORY TIME! I couldn't figure out a good stopping point so here's an extra 2k words lol. Also, please keep on reviewin' everyone. Love getting feedback on the story :D
Finally reaching just outside of Trista, Claire pulls over along the road.
"It feels like forever since I was last here. Didn't think I'd be back here under these kinds of conditions." She says glancing at the back seat.
Unbuckling herself, she steps out opening the back door and goes to the trunk messing around before closing it and opening the back door.
"Relon. We're here." She calls. The boy rolling onto his back, his legs hanging off the side of the seat.
Slowly stirring, he pushes the blanket off his upper body as he stretches.
"That was so needed."
"The nap or the blanket?"
"The nap, the blanket, and you." He answers still laying down earning a happy yet hidden smile from the woman. "Time?"
"Eight o'clock on the dot." She answers.
"Truly you are a lifesaver." He thanks.
"Shouldn't you be getting up?"
"The principal is probably giving the orientation and I refuse to interrupt showing up in front of the whole school with the way I am. I'll just wait until that's done to meet my class." Relon says to get an idea. "So before you go..." He stretches his arms out sitting up now leaning his back against the door. One leg draped against the edge of the seat and the other crossed under him.
"Really?"
"I don't know when I'll see you again so yes."
"With how your luck is, I wouldn't be surprised if it was in two weeks or so." Claire chuckles looking around.
"Why do I feel like you just jinxed it?" He wonders perturbed only for his expression to cease as she takes her hat off getting in, Pippin floating onto the floor.
Turning over leaning her back against him, Relon rests his chin on her shoulder as he wraps his arms around her waist.
"According to the schedule, the orientation should only last about 20 minutes so we have about 10 to kill."
"Someone did their research."
"What can I say? I like to be prepared." He says giving a peck to her neck. "One left." He notes for the woman to chuckle softly.
"You're something else, you know that?"
"Oh?" He wonders, his arms leaving her waist as they snake around to hold her toned yet soft stomach. "Am I still something else?" He wonders.
Not answering, she lets out small relieving breath sinking into the boy before turning her head to kiss his cheek.
"Yes. You are. Back up two by the way." Twitching at her antics, he looks at the woman as she continues to eye him lovingly.
"Hey Claire?"
"Yes?"
He doesn't say no more though but simply presses his forehead against her, the woman widening a little.
"Wanna try that again?"
She traces his eyes finding his words to hold true.
"I thought you'd want our first kiss to be..."
"More romantic? Yeah. But considering what all transpired within the last hour combined with my bad luck, I don't know when another opportunity will present itself. Plus, we just fought off an evil organization on the sunny morning I have my first day of school. I'd say the setting we're in is pretty romantic. All that plus the dream I had I dreamt I kissed you and I'd very much like to make that a reality if that's okay with you." He finishes.
"Who am I to say no after a good reason like that?" She closes her eyes perking upwards.
Closing his own, he inches closer until...
Beep beep beep.
Both open their eyes as Relon leans back groaning.
"And cue both the timer and my bad luck."
"It's fine. Though we should probably get going." She comments looking at the time.
"Yeah..." His words fall as she moves forward.
Damn it!
"Claire!" He reaches out grabbing her arm.
"Huh? Mmf!"
Turning her around, his lips meets hers. Taken aback for only a mere moment, she returns the kiss. Breaking apart, Relon sports a heavy blush.
"Did someone reach their breaking point?" She wonders with a teasing tone.
"N-No. I just didn't want this moment to go to waste." He answers bluntly from the ordeal.
"I'm glad." She holds up her orbal phone for Relon to widen.
"You said it was... You never said exactly what time it was." He realizes the woman having pulled one over him.
"Consider that payback from the fashion contest." She teases turning back to give him a chaste kiss.
"I'll remember that." He mumbles as his blush lessens.
"I hope you do." She winks putting back on her hat, the two stepping outside.
Grabbing his stuff, he looks off towards Trista mere feet away.
"Thanks again, Claire. I feel like you're always helping me out."
"I could say the same about you."
"Then I guess we're just meant to help each other out." Relon laughs.
"That is one of the meanings behind a couple."
Walking and embracing one another, they exchange one last kiss before parting.
"Good luck at Thors."
"Good luck with Viper."
With a honk of the horn, she drives off leaving Relon alone.
"Okay!" Turning to the town, he walks off.
In only a few minutes, he reaches the school awing at the camp grounds.
"Whoa..."
"There you are!" A female voice calls fir Relon to look but see nothing. "Look down please." He does and nearly jumps seeing a female student with a board in hand.
She's a rather petite woman with brown hair tied into a ponytail and lime green eyes.
"Oh, sorry. Wait, were you expecting me?"
"Yes. You're the last to arrive so please come with me." She informs kindly leading the way. "I'm guessing you got into a little trouble by the dirty uniform?" She asks.
"You have no idea." He sighs chuckling. Heading past the main building, they touch a dirt path following it. Looking ahead, he sees an odd building and outside seeming to wait around are students in the same red colored uniform as himself.
"He's here!" The brown haired girl announces as all look to the approaching duo. "Welcome to Thors by the way. I'll take your belongings to the dorm." The girl bids walking away.
"What just happened?" He wonders, his sword not responding.
"Glad you could join us." The woman states as Relon groups with the others.
"I'm really sorry. Trouble happened on the train I was aboard." Relon apologizes.
"That explains the uniform. Well as long as you're here, that's what matters." The instructor shrugs.
Wow, she's pretty lenient.
Glancing around, all eyes are on him.
Great. So much for not standing out.
His eyes fall upon a boy with black hair and fuchsia eyes looking to him, both thinking for a moment before it clicks.
"Rean?"
"Relon?"
Both boys grin as they exchange a fist bump.
"What are the odds?" Rean asks happily.
"You're telling me. Looks like my day is already looking up. Wait." His head turns past his staring classmates onto the blue-ponytailed girl wide-eyed walking towards him. "Laura?"
"Aidios, what are the chances?!" She smiles hugging the boy who returns it before parting.
"I didn't even recognize you!"
"I could say the same for you! When I had encountered Rean, we hadn't seen nor heard from you so we were left only to speculate. Quite the surprise you decided to bring today."
"Trust me, it wasn't my intention." He sighs rubbing the back of his head.
"Let me guess; your bad luck struck once again?"
"Worse than ever before." He groans.
"My, considering your luck's history, I can only imagine."
"Yeah... I'll fill you guys in later." Both childhood friends nodding.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, we can get started~." The woman sings opening and walking through the door into the building.
"Gah, is she going to even tell us what all of this is about?!" The green haired teen with glasses complains.
Looking to Laura, she sighs.
"I suppose the only way to know is to see what awaits us." With that, the class begins filling in.
"This place looks like a haunted house or something..." An orange haired boy comments.
"You're not wrong there." Relon agrees.
"I too am quite curious on the meaning behind all of this." The white haired girl mentions before turning her attention to Relon. "So you are the famous Relon Lucinance. Laura and Master has told me a great deal about you. Especially your 'fighting style.'" She gives an ominous smile narrowing her eyes.
"Master? Do you mean Uncle Victor? Wait, then that means you're Aurelia, right? Laura's told me a lot about you two. Not everyday one meets a practitioner of both the Arseid and the Vander style." He extends his hand. "Hope we can get along." He smiles, the girl gripping it firmly.
"Likewise. I'm quite curious as to see what you'll reveal today."
"Hey Laura, how much did you three tell her about me?"
"Only about Pippin." She smiles.
"Thanks for keeping my secrets safe." Relon places a hand over his heart.
"You won't believe how much Aurelia pestered us over it." Laura sighs earning laughs from the rest.
"Let's get going. Don't want to keep the others waiting." Rean says, all nodding heading inside.
Right as Relon takes a step, his sword clinks once gaining his attention.
"Huh?" Focusing for a sec, he looks over at a nearby cliff to see the girl and three others looking down.
From the looks on their faces, they're probably startled to see him looking at them as they are having been seen.
"Maybe upperclassmen or something." He mutters.
Shrugging, he heads turns ahead to see something out of his peripheral. Looking to his left now, he spots a purple cat.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're probably a familiar like the ones from the fictional books I read with how odd your fur is." He off-handedly comments with a chuckle before heading inside missing the feline going wide-eyed.
"I'm surprised he was able to sense us." The leather clad girl mentions. "Someone definitely has some sharp senses."
"You're telling me."
"Too bad he's a boy. If that was a girl, I'd love to play some hide-and-seek with her."
"And there she goes again." The chubby boy chuckles.
"But still, for this fledgling class, we have to do all we can regardless to help." The shortest of the four says.
"Dark and ominous on the outside, still dark and ominous on the inside. Yeah, your guess may be spot on." Relon notes as they all stop before the stage which the instructor standing on.
"The name's Sara Valestein. I'm the instructor taking care of class VII, which means you lucky kiddies get the pleasure of seeing me all year. Happy to meet each of you~."
"Class VII?" Relon repeats in confusion. "I don't remember that being mentioned during enrollment."
"Neither do I." Laura agrees.
"Excuse me, Instructor. I was under the impression there were only five classes at this academy with the student split amongst them based off of their social class an home region." A girl with glasses comments.
"Correct you are, Ms. Second Top Scorer on the Thors entrance exam!"
"Any idea who the first is?" The green haired boy asks.
Oh, please don't tell them.
"Him." She points to Relon with a wink. "That's Mr. Top Scorer."
"I've been given a lot of nicknames and for some reason, I don't like the way you said that one." Relon sweatdrops.
"You're the top scorer?" He questions indignantly causing Relon to raise an eyebrow.
"Is that a problem?" Laura questions before Relon can, her arms crossed.
"No, of course not. I was just..."
"Not expecting that?" Relon wonders.
"Yes. That's it."
"Well what can I say, I'm full of surprises." Relon shrugs.
"To make a long story short, we at Thors decided to mix things up this year." Sara begins. "As we now have a sixth class fittingly titled, Class VII. Here, there is no distinction between neither nobles or commoners."
"So you really jumped from V to VII?" Rean wonders.
"You're really putting nobles and commoners in the same class? That doesn't sound like a good idea." The blond girl mentions.
"THIS HAS TO BE SOME SICK JOKE!" An irate voice belonging to none other than the bespectacled teen.
"He's loud." The short white-haired girl complains.
"Very." Relon agrees, both digging at their ringing ears.
"WHY IS THIS THE FIRST WE'VE HEARD OF THIS?!"
"Well, you see, uh... who were you again?"
At her question, his eye begins to twitch before he breathes adjusting his glasses.
"Machias Regnitz!" He answers though he seems like a kettle ready to blow.
Regnitz? Is he the son of Governor Regnitz? I think I met the man once or twice when I was watching over Alfin.
"With all do respect, Instructor, the mere thought of mixing commoners and nobles is beyond imprudent!"
"I refuse to spend my years alongside such arrogant, no good-
"Hey Machias, right?" A voice calls placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"What? I'm in the middle-" He jumps away holding his shoulder seeming to have heated up quickly to the point of irritation. "What was-
"Look. I can't speak for the rest of our classmates or Instructor…" He looks over.
"Instructor Sara is fine~." She chimes.
"Thank you. Or Instructor Sara, but I've had a very brutal morning and the last thing I need is some guy complaining over a bunch of petty statuses. If you haven't noticed, probably half of our class are nobles but do you hear any of them complaining?"
"Well no-
"No indeed. So, instead of sitting hear complaining giving a hard time on the instructor who probably has nothing to do with it because she's an instructor, how about you shut up and listen to what she has to say? After it's all said and done and you still want to leave, there's the door behind us."
"You think I would back down so easily?! Who the hell do you think you are? You're probably another haughty noble who believes they can come in and just order us commoners around, don't you?!"
"... What?" Relon looks with pure confusion.
"Don't act dumb! All of you damn nobles are the same! Spouting about what's right and wrong taking away from the less fortunate as everything is handed to you! You don't know the meaning of hard work, do you?!"
"... Again. What?"
"For the love of Aidios! ARE YOU OR ARE YOU NOT A NOBLE?"
"What makes you think I'm a noble?" Relon tilts his head.
"WHAT?!"
"What makes you think I'm a noble? I'm kinda curious." Relon repeats with crossed arms. "Is it the way I stopped you from making a long rant? I'm seriously wondering."
"It's...! It's..."
"Hm. Got nothing, huh? Alright, allow me to shed a little piece of advice." Relon says. "Regardless of whether I'm a noble or a commoner, I'm not going to just stand by when someone like you gives people who are only doing their jobs a hard time. Not to mention have possible classmates put up with your whole spiel over why you hate nobles."
"That attitude still seems like that of a noble." Machias sneers. "So tell us then. What are you? A noble or a commoner."
"You really seem hellbent on knowing, huh? To answer your question, I don't know." Relon shrugs, everyone seeming surprised except for Sara, Rean, and Laura.
Aurelia gives a glance at her companion to get a nod from Laura.
"... What?"
"Yup. Don't know. Been an orphan for as long as I can remember.. Never knew my parents. All I have from them is my sword and a small note saying my name. That's it." He shrugs indifferently. "Hate to break it to you, but I honestly don't know whether I am a noble or not. If I ever find out, it won't really matter much to me."
"You say that now. How can you be certain?"
"Simple." Relon walks in the direction of the male blonde. "Excuse me, good sir." He states, the boy moving out of the way. "Instructor Sara, interior damage wise, how much are we allowed to cause?" He asks inspecting the wall.
"A good bit." She laughs.
Grinning, he rears his fist back before punching the wall, a loud thud sounding out.
"What power..." The tall light-skinned male utters.
Stepping away, all awe as they're shown a small but deep crack now in the wall.
"I may not have had a family but I know a hell of a lot of people that helped me get to where I am. That's why I can say for certain that no matter what happens as far as my social status goes, I'll remain the same." He walks back. "Not all nobles are bad, you know? You just have to be kind to others and do a little searching and eventually you'll find them."
Finishing with a heavy sigh, he walks back in between Laura and Rean.
"To everyone here, please don't pity me. I'm happy with the way things have turned out for me. As for you, Machias; I'm not one for violence but if you still want to complain, Imma just deck you in the schnoz." A tense silence follows before Machias grunts turning around.
"... Tch. Fine."
"Instructor. Continue." To which she does.
(I didn't get enough rest after all.) Relon groans to himself.
(Nice job talking some sense into the fool.) Laura whispers back.
(I get that people hate inequality. Hell, I do too but that doesn't mean you can just go around acting with such disrespect.)
(I think I can see why you've taken such an interest in Relon, Laura.) Aurelia mentions, Laura looking to her with a slight blush.
(What in Aidios' name are you talking about, Aurelia?!)
"Now, I'm sure some of you have more than a few grievances, but we can deal with that later. Right now, we have a fun game- I mean exercise to commence." She states backing to a pillar behind her.
"I'm scared to ask what you mean by that." The orange-haired teen nervously comments.
"What exactly does this 'game' involve." Aurelia questions.
"Oh, it's just a little something I like to call... T.F.A.F.T.E."
"Think fast...? Oh crap!" Relon jumps back just as Sara pulls a lever, the floor opening up beneath as everyone falls in.
"WHOA!" Everyone shouts falling down followed by a few thuds.
"Really? I expected much from Fie but you too?" Sara huffs.
"Guess we have the best reflexes, huh?" Relon wonders. "
"Guess so." Fie answers hanging by her grappling hook.
Both look to Sara who's giving a bored look.
"You want us to go down there, don't you?" Relon sighs for the teacher to happily nod.
"Dang it." He sighs.
"Lame."
"And there's no prize is there?" Relon asks saddened.
"Not until the end." Sara winks. "How else are you two going to make friends~?"
"Double lame." Relon retorts hopping into the trap door along with Fie. "Kinda hoping we wouldn't have to do this." He comments sliding down.
"Same."
They land at the bottom.
"Name's Relon." He extends fist.
"Fie." She answers stoically though gives a smile for a second returning the fist bump. "You seemed pretty fast up there. Not many can react in time to Sara's tricks.
"You could say I'm used to stuff like that so my reflexes and speed are above average."
"Hm. Cool." She replies, the two joining the circle.
"What happened to you?" Relon asks seeing Rean holding his red cheek.
"An accident happened." He comments.
"A very unfortunate one at that." Aurelia adds, Elliot and Laura agreeing as all look to the blonde girl who looks away.
"I think I can guess what happened. But hey, we've both hit rock bottom so the only way is up now." Relon pats his friend's shoulder.
"Yeah, I hope. So, where are we?"
"I was hoping you guys knew. Instructor Sara wouldn't let Fie and I skip even though we won. Totally unfair no less." He mutters.
"She gets like that a lot."
"You don't say." Rean chuckles.
Ring ring ring. Ring ring ring.
"Isn't that..." The orange boy wonders.
"Our orbal phones?" Relon finishes, everyone pulling their own out. "These are different from the ones I'm used to seeing."
"You're used to seeing orbal gear?" The blonde girl asks with interest for Relon to nod.
"I have a friend who relies on orbal equipment."
"Hello~. Can you hear me?" Sara's voice comes in.
"Loud an clear, Instructor." Rean answers.
"Wonderful! These handy little devices are special battle orbments."
"Wait... don't tell me.." The blonde begins.
"They are the newly-made fifth-gen battle orbments. Otherwise known as the ARCUS units."
"ARCUS, huh?" Rean says to himself.
"Nice name." Relon comments.
"That means we'll be able to use arts, right?"
Arts, huh...? Ugh, Osborne flashbacks.
Shivering, Laura takes notice.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just a bad thought came to mind." He reassures.
"Sure will! Just set a quartz and off you go like pew-pew and such all day long. And I, being the wonderful instructor that I am, prepared enough for each and every one of you. Find yours and try setting the quartz into your ARCUS."
"I suppose it can't hurt to try." Laura surmises, slowly everyone going to their appointed spots.
Wait a sec.
Ring Ring Ring.
Looking down at his ARCUS, he answers it.
"Hello?"
"Hey there, Peacekeeper."
"Okay, that's a better nickname. I'm guessing your call has to do with my quartz?" Relon asks watching everyone mess with theirs, Laura approaching.
"Correctamundo. For some reason, your compatibility with the ARCUS was like the others but quartz-wise not so much."
"You don't say." Relon says.
"Yeah, but we already know you don't need arts~." The instructor says.
(She has a point.) Laura whispers.
"Anyway, just wanted to give you the heads up so there should be no problems."
"Thanks, Instructor Sara."
Hearing something creek open, all see a gated door lift up.
"Since you all have set up your master quartz, you're all ready to go. When you step through that door, you'll be in the underground testing area. Basically a dungeon. Lost of twists and turns but should you make it through, you'll be returned to the first floor of the old schoolhouse. There are monsters wandering around, so don't let your guard down~. Commence our special game- I mean exercise!" She hangs up before any can argue.
Gathering in a circle, all look between one another.
"Well, before we get going, it may be best for proper introductions. At least our names if nothing else." Relon suggests, everyone looking around for some to nod in agreement. "I'm Relon Lucinance." He looks to Rean next to him.
"Rean Schwarzer."
Some of the class looks to him in awe.
"You're the son of the legendary Divine Blade of Frost?" The blonde boy questions.
"Yeah. Though I'm adopted. So not a drop of noble blood in me as far as I know."
"I've heard stories of his battle prowess. Quite amazing honestly." The tall teen says.
"Haha, thanks. Many look up to him." Relon chuckles glancing to the orange haired boy.
"Oh! U-Um, Elliot Craig."
Craig? Isn't that... that... crap, it's on the tip of my tongue, Argh, it'll hit me later. Relon dismisses.
"Alisa R."
"Just R.?" Rean wonders.
"Yes. It's not like I have to tell you anything." She looks away.
"Oof." Relon comments.
"Machias Regnitz." He looks to the blonde boy.
"Considering you all have gone, I might as well. Jusis... Albarea." The blonde introduces looking to Machias who widens. "And yes, in case you didn't know, I am a noble."
"H-He's from one of the Four Great Houses." Elliot says.
"The son of Duke Albarea..." Rean begins.
"Lord of the Kreuzen province in the southeast." Relon finishes.
"Well you don't get much more noble than that." Alisa comments.
"Interesting." Laura says to herself.
"Seems those rumors were true after all." Aurelia says.
"I'M NOT IMPRESSED!"
"And here we go again." Laura sighs.
"Looks like you'll be giving him that knuckle sandwich early." Fie comments, a stoic grin on her face.
"Nah, I have something way better." Relon responds grinning between Laura and Rean.
"You're not thinking..." Rean wonders.
"Yup. Lets finish these introductions so I can do my introduction again. Hopefully they'll stop by then." Everyone watching as the two bicker to look away from each other. "Awe, I was gonna make a grand introduction to." Relon sarcastically sighs.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Emma Millstein."
"Also a pleasure. I'm Gaius Worzel."
"Fie Claussell."
"Aurelia Le Guin. A pleasure." Her name gaining both of the stubborn boys' attention.
"You're the countess of the Le Guin family!" Machias exclaims.
"Indeed I am. I there a problem?" She narrows, the boy shivering slightly to cough into his hand.
"N-No, there isn't."
"And last but certainly not least..." Relon notes.
"Laura S. Arseid. A pleasure." Machias' eyes bulging.
"You're the daughter of Victor S. Arseid, also the heiress to the Arseid family..." Machias comments barely audible.
"And back to me. You know it's funny, I was planning to be the most reserved one here yet here I am being the most social. Let's see... One. Two. Three... Okay, 12 of us. Perfect," Relon claps.
"Um, Relon, I think you may have miscounted. I only count 11 of us." Elliot says.
"No. There's twelve. If we count Pippin."
"Pippin?" Alisa repeats.
"Yup. Alright buddy, you've rested enough." He looks down, his sword rustling before shooting out to hover in front of Relon, everyone jumping back a few feet.
"I-It's alive?!" Machias stutters out.
"Yup."
"A-And we're not d-dreaming this, are we?" Elliot asks timidly hiding behind Rean slightly .
"Nope. Don't worry, Pippin is harmless." He finishes as the sword turns to Rean happily circling him and Elliot.
"It's been a while. You've been good I'm guessing?" Rean greets for the sword to nod happily before it looks to see Laura and zooms over.
""Hey, Pippin! It's been a while!" She greets caressing the top of its handle, much to Pippin's pleasure as it dances in place.
"So this is the 'friend' you spoke of. You weren't joking when you said you were full of surprises." Aurelia notes leaning towards the sword for it to just stare back slightly leaning towards Laura still petting it.
"Yup. It's been forever since it saw Rean and Laura so I knew that would wake Pippin right up."
"Laura more than Rean from the looks of it."
"Yeah, I never hung around Pippin as much as Laura and Relon did though I'm honestly just thankful it remembers me."
"Pippin doesn't forget friends. Right, partner?" The sword slowly hovering back to Relon nodding. "For those still shocked, this is Pippin. Both my weapon and dear friend." Relon introduces as Pippin slowly hovers around. "Piece of advice, it likes being rubbed on the top of its handle."
Flying to Elliot, the boy nervously steps from behind Rean.
"H-Hello, nice to meet you?" He asks, the sword bobbing back and forth like Relon is with his head.
"It's acting more human than before." Laura comments. "It's acting just like a child."
"Hmm? Yeah, I can see it. It has been with me for 17 years after all."
Reaching out and rubbing the handle, Pippin happily hovers as Elliot eases up.
"Ha, this isn't so bad after all!" The sword moving on to Alisa. 'Alisa, you have to try it!"
"Eh? Erm..." She glances to the sword hovering expectantly. "Alright fine! Like this?" She careful rubs the top of the handle for the sword to sway in delight. "Hey! You're right this is kinda fun." She smiles.
"That look I think suits you more." Rean compliments halting all action from the girl as she looks away stubbornly.
"Keep trying, buddy." Relon comforts as Rean just scratches his head.
Hovering to Machias and Jusis, Pippin looks on between the two.
"Pippin, skip 'em. They're... preoccupied." Nodding at its partner, it stops before Emma.
Could this be a familiar? I'll need to get with Celine to know for sure.
"It's nice to meet you, Pippin." Emma smiles rubbing its handle, the sword spinning around in delight.
Moving on, Pippin goes to Gaius spinning around from his legs up to his face.
"You're quite the sight to behold." Gaius rubs the handle. "Energetic too. A pleasure to meet you, Pippin." The sword nodding before moving on.
Stopping before Fie, it floats motionlessly. The girl tilting her head for Pippin to copy her. Tilting to the left, Pippin does as well. Stepping back, Pippin floats back and forward, Pippin moves back forward.
"Cool." Fie smiles rubbing its handle.
As it moves, on her eyes locks onto Rean's. Smiling at the girl, she looks back to the sword averting contact.
What was that about? Rean wonders.
"You seem like quite a strong opponent. I'd love to duel against you sometime." Aurelia greets rubbing its handle.
"Careful, Aurelia. Even without me wielding it, Pippin can be quite the opponent."
"Oh? That just gets me even more excited to see you both in action."
Floating around the class, Pippin goes to Relon only to feint to the boy's left returning to Laura.
"Honestly saw that coming." Relon sighs watching Pippin snuggle up to Laura. "You spoiled it silly back then and now that we're back together, it's going to be wanting more rubs."
"Are you saying it's my fault." Laura laughs.
"Yes actually. Not a day went by where you two didn't go off somewhere to just relax and every time I found you rubbing Pippin. If your sword was alive, I bet its feelings would have been hurt."
"I have no idea what you're talking about?" Laura looks away. "Right, Pippin?" The sword happily agrees with the young swordswoman.
"I swear, you two are unfair as always. Anyway, now that all introductions are done, we can finally get started. The reason I mentioned there being 12 of us was that if anyone has no problems, we could split up into small groups. If anyone wants to go off solo, that works too. Just be careful."
"I'll be going on ahead." Jusis announces departing.
"Now wait just a minute! Where do you think you're going?"
"I am not obligated to answer anything you say. I'm surprised you, of all people, give a damn what I do."
"What was that?!"
"If you were listening, Relon just mentioned that if anyone wished to leave alone they could. Or was that too much for your feeble mind to process?"
"What was that?!" Machias steps forward.
"Pippin." Relon calls, the sword shooting faster than the eyes of everyone can keep up before halting in between both boys.
"Cool it, Machias. Jusis, you too. The last thing we need is to argue with each other." Both boys look to Relon before back to each other to look away.
"As I stated earlier, I'm going ahead."
"As am I! I'll find a way out long before you do."
With that, both boys walk going in opposite directions.
"Well that went about as well as expected." Gaius commented, the class circle growing closer.
"Thanks, Pippin." The sword hovering back to Laura. "Anyone else?" Looking around, no one else objects. Alright, we have 10 total. Nine excluding Pippin."
"Should we split into two groups of five? Or three groups of three excluding Pippin?" Elliot wonders.
"Considering this is an exercise on the first day, I doubt anything crazy will happen." Alisa notes.
"Doubt it. This is Sara after all." Fie comments.
"Is she the kind of person that loves making things difficult on others?" Rean asks.
"Yup."
"Great." Relon sighs. "Anyway, how about we split the groups by gender? Keep it simple since the path seem to diverge."
"Sounds good to me." Rean agrees.
"I'm okay with that."
"As am I."
"Sounds good to me."
"Great idea!"
"'Kay."
"Very well."
"I concur."
Heading through the door and stopping at the diverging paths, both teams separate.
"See you girls at the exit." Elliot waves.
"You all be careful." Emma bids.
Stopping at a small opening, the boys huddle up.
"Alright, what're we all rockin' for weapons?" Relon asks, Pippin going to his side as the other three boys draw their weapons of choice.
"A spear, but it has an odd cross-shaped head." Relon notes.
"So cool!" Relon and Elliot awe at the fascinating weapon.
"Think of it as combining that of a spear and a pole-axe. I was pretty handy with it back home. But speaking of cool, I'd have to say yours is right up there, Elliot."
"That's the new orbal staff, right?" Relon asks.
"Yeah. It's still in the development stages but apparently I had a high efficiency so I just kinda... ran with it. But that said, I'm curious about what you have Rean."
"It's different from the swords I thought people in the Empire use..."
"It's an Eastern style of saber called a tachi. Any way you slice it, though, it's basically a longsword."
"Any way you slice it... Did you do that on purpose?" Relon asks with a deadpanned expression.
"Huh? Oh, haha, no. I didn't even realize. But I have to say, Relon, I read your letter but looking at those up close, I can only imagine what it must feel like being on the receiving end."
"Are those gloves made of crystal and fabric? I've never seen or heard of anything like it."
"Neither have I. It is quite a sight to behold."
"Yeah. As a martial artist, I didn't want to injure my hands so a friend made these for me a few years back. Whenever I'm fighting without Pippin, I rely on these." He punches his hands together.
"So you won't be wielding Pippin?" Gaius asks.
"Nope. Pippin, can you orbit around Elliot for the time being?" The sword complying moving next to Elliot. "I tend to fight monsters with others every now and then so I'm used to being on the front lines while I have Pippin cover those in the rear."
"That's quite a sound strategy."
"Indeed."
"Yeah, I can focus on casting arts while Pippin protects me. I'm counting on you Pippin!" The sword nods already circling the orange-haired teen.
"Okay. Let's take this slow and steady. We need to adapt to each other's fighting styles to really get an understanding as a team."
"Right."
"Okay, got it."
"Alright boys, and Pippin, let's move out!" Rean declares.
"Yeah/Right!"
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!