Starry Savana Night
Chapter 3: The Apple Tree Pixie
The nurses at the infirmary finished placing the salve and bandages over her scrapes, cuts, and bruises. While most of her injuries were minor, and she normally would just walk it off, the staff insisted upon cleaning and sanitizing each one.
"Why do I get the feeling my dad's been in contact with the Headmaster?" She sighed and looked up at Jack. He had only one small scratch along his arm where their teammates' claws had dug in during the scrape. "Sorry for the trouble."
"While I appreciate the fact you stood up for me, you really shouldn't pick fights when you're not physically capable of backing up your words. You'll just wind up getting hurt like this, and causing other people trouble."
"Yeah, I got that." She sighed heavily, ears lowered. "Looks like I owe the Housewarden a thank you and an apology."
"...and I owe you one."
"Hmm?" Yuu's eyes lifted to Jack. "Why?"
"First a thank you for what you said and did… and an apology that I couldn't protect you when you put yourself on the line for me."
"That's sweet of you, um… Jack was it?"
"Yes, Jack Howl." He held his hand out to her, and she took it with a firm shake. "Your name is Yuuki, right?"
"You can call me Yuu, and this is my familiar Grim."
"Nice to meetcha!" Grim waved his uninjured paw up.
"Same…" Jack sat on the bed across from her. "What's Inola's beef with you, anyway?"
"I don't know, I think the guy just likes playing the Alpha." She laid back on the bed staring up at the ceiling. "He can't stand up to guys like you and Leona who are true Alphas, so he chooses to pick on the little guys. Tch, the coward."
"You think I'm a true alpha?" For some reason that thought made Jack smile. Yuu immediately shot up in bed.
"Are you kidding me? You're amazing, Jack!" Her face lit up and she sat cross legged facing him. "I saw you during the Freshman hunt. You were like a silver bullet just darting across the Savana… PEW PEW PEW!" She whipped her hands around excitedly.
"Yeah, and you were wicked fast on the Spelldrive court!" Grim agreed, jumping around the bed. "You were like BAH! And GRR! And then like WHOA!"
Jack laughed at their descriptions, then sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well I try. It's my dream to play alongside strong players like Leona-senpai and Malleus Draconia."
"Malleus Draconia?" Yuu blinked and lifted her eyes up to the ceiling as she tried to figure out where she'd heard that name before.
"Yeah, he goes to school here too. He's the housewarden of Diasomnia."
"OH! THAT'S who was missing during the entrance ceremony. Have you actually met him? He's like one of the most powerful wizards in the world, right?"
"Oh yeah… I saw him during the Interscholastic games. Him and Aiden Daybreak were battling it out, and I've never seen a more wicked and intense game. Their talents are just incomparable."
"Do you think Leona Senpai is that strong?" She asked curiously. "He's pretty intimidating up close but… he kinda seems like someone who'd rather take a nap, than put any intense effort into anything."
"You're not wrong." This from Ruggie who waltzed into the room. "Leona's talented and gifted… but because of that he's pretty lazy. He's been held back two years because classes bore him to tears."
"Well that's encouraging…" Yuu pouted. "If he's so smart why doesn't the school just let him graduate? Seems kinda redundant."
"You'd have to ask Leona about that, he's got his reasons for staying put." Ruggie ruffled her hair. "You doing okay, kid?"
"Yeah…" she straightened her bangs out. "Is Leona-senpai mad at me?"
"I would say more annoyed than anything else. For reasons I won't divulge he's asked me to look after you and make sure you don't get into anymore trouble. So…" He crouched down in front of her. "Mind keeping your nose out of trouble? Leave Inola to me and Leona. We'll make sure he doesn't bother you again."
"Okay…" Her ears went flat and her tail went limp on the bed.
"You better keep that promise, or next time I'm gonna roast that fox for what he did to Yuu!" Grim announced protectively.
"Well we wouldn't want that would we?" Ruggie pet Grim too and stood up. "The nurses are bringing you guys some lunch. Eat, and rest up, and then I'll finish giving you a tour of the school. Right now I have to go pick up Leona's dry cleaning. Be sure you stop by and apologize to him properly, okay?"
"Okay, thanks Ruggie-senpai!"
"Yes, Thank you." Jack bowed his head respectfully.
"Shyehehe, enjoy the quiet while it lasts you two. Once classes start, things are gonna get way more excitable."
~Savanaclaw: Leona's Room~
As the afternoon drifted into evening, Yuu returned to the dorm and headed for the house warden's quarters in the opposite wing. She raised her hand to knock on the door, but jolted when she heard him shouting. Curious she leaned in and pressed her ear to the door to listen in.
"Get my robes back this instant!" Leona shouted at Ruggie.
"I gotta get 'em? From Malleus? D-Don't be ridiculous. I can't do that!" Ruggie complained, his face suddenly covered in sweat.
"What? Are you scared of a coddled prince like him?"
"Well, yeah! It's THE Malleus Draconia of Briar Valley after all. No one's got a clue what goes on in his head. If you, so much as, look at him in the wrong way he'll…"
"Pathetic. You call yourself a member of Savanaclaw?" Leona criticized.
"I'll do it!" Yuu suddenly shouted, opening the doors. Both of them whipped their heads in her direction. "I'll go get your robes from Diasomnia!"
"You? Ha!" Leona laughed out loud. "Now that's rich. You gonna let this girl show you up, Ruggie?"
"Ugh… you cut me deep, Leona-san." Ruggie shrunk in shame.
"Please, Leona-senpai. Let me do this for you." She closed her hands together. "It's the least I could do for all the trouble I caused you this morning."
"Humph…" Leona crossed his arms looking her up and down. "Alright. You do owe me one for saving your bacon." His smile faded and he pointed down at Grim who sat at her heels. "Your familiar stays here though. His loud mouth will only get you killed."
"Hey!" Grim bristled, feeling insulted. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means he's saving you from getting roasted by one of the most powerful wizards of our generation." Ruggie grabbed him by the scruff. "Come on, you can tag along with me while I wrestle up dinner for us all. You want the usual, Leona?" Ruggie asked even as he left the room with a wriggling monster in hand.
"Extra meat…" Leona replied simply and started to strip off the robes. Yuu averted her eyes, staring at the floor blushing. When he tossed the robes over her head, she inhaled deep. His potent masculine scent made her flush more.
"So I just have to exchange the robes, right?" She gingerly pulled them off, and neatly folded them.
"That's right…" he answered as he buttoned up his shirt to the clavicle. "Take heed of Ruggie's warning, though. Malleus is not so much temperamental as he is moody. If he doesn't like you, he'll let you know."
"Understood, I'll do my best not to insult him then." She slowly turned away.
"Oh and Yuu?"
The use of her name made her tail stand up straight, and she slowly turned her head back over her shoulder.
"Um… yes? Harumph!" She mewled a bit when he tossed a random shirt over her head.
"Since you seem to like my scent so much…" he leaned down and whispered in her ear. "... you can use that at your leisure."
"Wha!?" Her face went blood red and she immediately shoved the shirt back at him. "No, no, no… not necessary. Thank you, bye!" She hurried out the room, Leona's laughter echoing down the halls.
~Diasomnia: Front Door~
Yuu was still flushed when she stepped up to the huge castle that served as Diasomnia's dorm. She had been eager to see inside the other dorms, but hadn't expected to receive the opportunity to do so, so soon. She held the robes tightly to her chest as her heart did a little skittering dance. The macabre decor gave everything a bit of an eerie vibe, and the aura surrounding the place made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door three times, and waited for someone to answer. She bounced a bit in her boots, looking around nervously before jerking to attention the moment the door opened.
"Can I help you?" The boy with silver hair and violet eyes questioned.
"I'm sorry if I'm intruding… but I was sent here on an errand from my Housewarden, Leona." She explained. "Is Prince Malleus available?"
"He is…" Silver looked the girl up and down, and determined her not to be a threat. He opened the door wider. "Come on in. He's in the common room."
"Thank you." She let out an easy breath and followed Silver inside. Her wide expressive eyes took in her surroundings. "Wow, your guys' dorm makes ours look like a small hut."
"I wouldn't know, we've never been invited to any of the other houses…" he paused at the opening leading to the common room. "I'm sorry, what did you say your name and house was?"
"Oh, uh Yuuki. Yuuki Emcee from Savanaclaw."
"Alright, wait here a moment while I announce you to Lord Malleus." Silver had her wait at the steps and then descended them.
"Announce me?" Yuu raised a curious brow and arched her neck to peer down and inside.
"Excuse me, Lord Malleus."
"Silver! That was rude! You interrupted Master Lilia as he was speaking! How dare you?" Sebek scolded him
"You're being more disruptive than I am." Silver sighed and held his temple. He really didn't care for Sebek's loud and obnoxious tendencies. He turned his attention back to the task at hand. "Lord Malleus, there is a young girl here to see you. She said she was sent by Savanaclaw's housewarden."
"Kingscholar, eh?" Malleus held his chin, frowning. "I don't recall having any form of appointment with him today."
"Um… excuse me?" Yuu, unable to stay where she was, descended the steps cautiously. "I apologize for any interruption. I'm just here on an errand."
"Hmmm?" Malleus' electric green eyes turned to the tiny female. Yuu was immediately struck cold with intimidation. She froze in place at the bottom of the steps, her hair bristling and ears low. To Malleus, she looked like a baby kitten that wasn't sure whether to swipe or to run away in a panic. "Well now, aren't you a petite thing? It's not often Leona sends me visitors, let alone ones so small."
"I uh…" her throat closed up, and she struggled to get the sound out. Movement caught her eye and she whipped her head in Sebek's direction. Her fear instantly subsided. "Oh! It's you!"
"Hmmm?" Sebek narrowed his eyes, but then recalled her face. "Ah! The girl in the apple tree!"
"That's me!" Her face suddenly broke into a smile, and every muscle in her body instantly relaxed. She walked over to him. "Did you apologize to the tree?"
"I did, and he was kind enough to grant me fruit to bring back to Lord Malleus. He quite enjoyed them, so I apologize for my rudeness earlier and thank you for setting me straight."
"It's quite alright, I know you meant well. My father is a strict rule keeper too, so I'm used to getting yelled at." She laughed.
"Sounds like an upstanding gentleman." Sebek laughed with her.
"Well now this is rare…" Lilia chuckled. "Sebek, is it possible that you've actually made a friend?"
"Yes, Lord Malleus, Master Lilia, please allow me to introduce to you… um." Sebek flushed when he realized he didn't know her name.
"Yuuki." She whispered to him.
"Miss Yuuki!" He smiled appreciatively. "We met early this morning during my rounds. She's the one who inspired me to bring home the apples for our breakfast this morning."
"Oh!" Lilia clapped his hands together. "So you're the illustrious Apple Tree Pixie. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Apple tree pixie?" Yuu blinked and Sebek went tense and flushed.
"Ah, that is. At the time I didn't know your name, so I came up with an elaborate metaphor to describe you when I retold the tale of our meeting. It was meant as an endearment."
"Well that's a new one." She smiled. "I've been called many things in regards to my short stature, but a pixie is definitely a new one. I kind of like it."
"Well Miss Pixie…" Malleus' deep voice cut the lighthearted mood like a sharp blade. Yuu's body went back on alert as she turned to him. "You said you came here on an errand. Can I ask what for?"
"Oh… uh…" she shifted uncomfortably and held out the box holding the ceremonial robes. "Here."
"Hmmm? A gift for me?" Malleus took the box, and opened it. "These are… ceremonial robes." He lifted it up, and noticed the unique design on the hood. "Ah… now I see." He smiled and set the box down holding the robes up in place. "It would seem mine and Leona's robes were switched at the cleaners. I thank you for returning them."
"You're welcome… your highness." She did a quick curtsey that made him laugh.
"You can relax, child. You're a friend of my underclassman, and you've done me a kind service. You're quite safe." He waved his hand, producing Leona's robes to exchange for his. Yuu took them, carefully folding them as she'd done his.
"Thank you, uh… I'm sorry, how should I address you? I don't really know the protocol."
"You may call me anything you wish, dear girl. We're friends now after all." His smile, while still a bit frightening, had some gentleness and genuine affection. It made Yuu smile in return.
"Alright… um…" Her ears twitched a little as she thought. "Since we're friends, would it be alright if I just call you by your first name?"
"Yuuki-san!" Sebek gasped and took her shoulder. "You shouldn't be so-"
"It would be a pleasure…" Malleus nodded in approval and had Sebek gasping.
"What… but… but… Lord Malleus?!"
"It's quite alright, Sebek." He lifted a hand petting Yuu atop the head making her fur tingle, but she continued to smile. "No one has ever been so brave as to request that of me. Bravery like that must be rewarded, especially by such a simple gesture."
"I see…" Sebek's smile slowly spread. "If that is the case, then I'm glad. Miss Yuuki, Lord Malleus has been gracious enough to extend his hand of friendship towards you. Please feel free to come visit us anytime you like."
"You've a funny way of saying, "let's hang out sometime" Sebek." Yuu giggled and waved. "I'll be sure to drop by sometime. For now I need to get back. It was nice meeting all of you."
"The pleasure was ours, Miss Yuu. Be safe on your way back, and give Leona our regards." Lilia waved back at her as Yuu exited the castle. "What a delightful girl, and so well mannered. She's not at all like the other members of her dorm."
"I agree…" Malleus put on the robes, admiring them. "I'm happy you made such a kind friend, Sebek. It allowed me to gain her friendship as well. I shall cherish this moment, as she's the first real friend I've made here."
"Lord Malleus…" Sebek went to his knees, tears in his eyes. "I'm happy to be of service to you. I too shall cherish this new friendship we've made."
"Be sure that you do." Lilia nodded, and sighed as Silver had dozed off in a chair sometime during the interaction. "We must always cherish those who are important to us."
~Savanaclaw: Leona's Room~
Leona was asleep when she returned, the door was slightly open so she gave it a nudge.
"Um… Housewarden?"
"Zzzzzz…"
Yuu's ears lowered, and she did her best to fight off the blush as she stepped into his room. Not wanting to be further intrusive, she laid the robes on a chair and turned to leave.
Leona shifted on the bed, making her jolt. When he just continued to snore, she curiously tilted her head side to side wondering if he really was asleep. She took a cautious few steps forward, and relaxed when she saw his sleeping face. He really was something to look at.
He had gorgeous tanned skin, a long luscious dark mane, and a strong yet leanly muscled form that gave him such a dangerous and alluring look. Though his eyes were closed she could recall the golden green glow of them, slitted and intense when focused on you. Both him and Jack were the kind of males who made her young female heart flutter: Strong, proud, and fiercely protective.
"What are you staring at, Frosh?"
"EH!?" Yuu yelped, her ears and tail standing at attention. Leona's eyes opened and he slowly sat up with a sleepy grunt. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to wake you up! I-I-I was just returning your robes."
"Alright," His annoyed look turned into one of amusement. "Seems like you survived your first encounter with the Fairy Prince."
"Ah… yeah…" she laughed and fidgeted. "It wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be. Turns out I met one of his subordinates earlier today, and it made the transaction a little less tense."
"Oh?" Leona raised a brow and leaned on one of his updrawn knees. "So what did the prissy prince have to say?"
"Not much of anything really." She looked down at her fingers as they wiggled and fidgeted nervously under his gaze. "He thanked me for returning the robes, and I've been invited to return whenever I please."
"So he took a liking to you. Heh… that's rare." Leona smirked. "Did you cast a charm spell on him or something?"
"Even if I thought to do so, do you really think it would work on a guy like Malleus?" She pouted at him.
"No, I suppose not." He swung his legs over the edge. "All in all, your debt has been paid. Feel free to see yourself out."
"Okay." She took a step back, then hesitated. " I didn't really say it properly before but thanks for saving me today."
"Just what kind of hunter are you, anyway?" He said with some annoyance. "Did your mom and dad not train you properly?"
"Hey I managed to catch a rabbit just fine on my own." She put her hands on her hips scowling. "If it wasn't for that annoying fox…"
"Rules of the Savana, shorty, it's survival of the fittest. The reason why women, where we come from anyway, are the ones primarily doing the hunting and fighting is because they're built for it. You are nothing like them."
"Yet…" she muttered and went on alert when Leona stood up and approached her.
"You've got plenty of spine and grit. You've more than proved that today… but you're not physically capable of battling it out with another predator should the time come. If you don't build up some muscle, and improve your abilities then you're not gonna be of any use to anyone in the future."
"I was already planning on doing that. It's the whole reason I'm here to begin with." She put her hands on her hips, then got an intriguing idea. "All I really need is someone to train me."
"Hah?" Leona's eyes narrowed. "Why are you looking at me like that? Don't think for even an instant that I'd take you on as a pupil."
"Why not? You're the housewarden aren't you? It's your responsibility to get us underclassmen in shape…" her smirk came fast and she crossed her arms. "... then again, I've never actually seen you fight or train, and from what I hear you're pretty lazy. Rumors and your royal blood isn't exactly proof of your abilities."
"'m plenty strong, but my mind is more powerful than any raw muscle." He scowled at her. "If you want a physical trainer you should talk to your friend, Jack. He seems like the raring go-getter type."
"You might be right about that…" she sighed and shrugged. "... besides he's way more personable than you. Could be he's way stronger than you are too and just doesn't know it yet."
"I could wipe the floor with that wet pup." He snarled.
"With what? Your mind?" She tapped her temple. "I've seen Jack hunt. There's no way you could beat him predator vs. predator."
"Listen here, kitten." He pinned her to the wall, glaring down at her. "I know what you're trying to do, and it's not going to work. I'm NOT going to train you. So get it out of your head, NOW!"
"Come on, senpai…" she turned on the charm, eyes wide and innocent, ears low and submissive, her bowed lips pursed just a little in a pout. "Pwease?!"
"Grrr… you're so annoying." He lifted his hand, circling it around her throat. He was tempted to finish what Inola had started. "Fine… one week."
"A month…" she counter offered, her hands slipping over his chest and gripping into the fabric of his vest. "I wanna be ready to try out for the Spelldrive team. If I make it, then I won't ever bug you, or make trouble for you again. You can spend the rest of the school year, Frosh-free. Deal?"
"Tch, you drive a hard bargain." He slipped his hand around to cup her neck and pulled her close. "We start tomorrow morning. Wake me up and bring me breakfast. Got it?"
"Mmm okay…" For a minute, Yuu thought he was gonna kiss her. She started to raise up on her toes, and her eyes softly closed to brace for the contact. Instead she found herself kissing pavement as Leona tossed her out his bedroom door and slammed the door closed. "Hey!"
"Be sure my breakfast doesn't have any of that sugary crap, Meat and eggs! You can handle that right, Kitten?"
"Grrrr…" Yuu huffed and got to her feet. "Yeah I can handle it, Prince Jerk!" She turned up her nose and stalked down the hallway and went in search of Ruggie and Grim.