Here we are at Chapter 8. Now that the fiasco with rescuing Emilia is done, let's see where Fuyumi goes from here. Regarding Null-polaris, it may have been a little fast, but I was kind of going for that love-at-first-sight thing here since Fuyumi saved Emilia from a tragic fate. What's more, when Arc saved Lauren (the noble girl at the beginning of the story) she saw him as a fairytale knight and would develop feelings for him. I'll try to take it a little slower with the other love-interests, but no promises, and I do appreciate your input. Anyway, I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 8. Enjoy.
Chapter 8: Mistle and Beyond
At the Crystalglove manor, Eleonora and Fuyumi are having tea in the garden. It has been a few days since they became engaged after Fuyumi rescued Emilia and met the royal family. Since then, things have quieted down for the duke's family... for the most part.
"Are you sure I shouldn't be with her?" Fuyumi asks Eleonora.
"Oh, don't worry, her father is with her. They can handle things themselves. This gives us a chance to spend some time together. After all, we are going to become family soon," Eleonora replies, dapping her face with a napkin.
"I'm sorry, but I can't help but feel like I'm responsible for this," Fuyumi notes.
As to what they are discussing, ever since they became engaged, the heads of noble families have been coming to the duke's manor, bringing their sons with them. They all came with the same objective: to convince Emilia to break off her engagement with Fuyumi and marry someone they say is more 'worthy of her'. Suffice to say, Emilia has been getting sick of it.
"This was bound to happen no matter who she chose to marry. Don't worry, Joseph is planning on sending a missive to his majesty asking for his assistance in this matter. The king is an understanding man. Once he says something, these tiresome visits from the other nobles should cease," Eleonora says.
Just then, Emilia returns to the garden. Despite maintaining a graceful posture, Fuyumi can see the exhaustion in her eyes.
"This is getting tiresome. Fuyumi, please grant me the energy of your presence," Emilia quickly sits next to her fiancé and wraps around her left arm. "Ah, I feel so much better now,"
"Now, now, Emilia, let's not forget that I am here. Remember your etiquette," Eleonora reminds her daughter.
With a slight pout, Emilia releases her, "Apologies Mother, but I'm just tired of it all. I should be feeling elated, and instead, I just feel like I want to sleep in my bed all day. I hope his majesty helps Father with this soon. These people don't understand when to let things go,"
"Well, I can't say I blame them. You are such a rare and beautiful flower. Who wouldn't want to marry you?" Fuyumi compliments her.
Emilia blushes, "P-P-Please, not in front of Mother,"
Eleonora coughs, "Ahem, she is right. I am still here after all,"
Just then, a maid approaches them, "Pardon me, my ladies, but we have another visitor,"
"No, whoever it is, just tell them to leave. I've had enough for one day," Emilia groans.
"It is Lady Fuyumi's friend, Lady Anelia," the maid says.
Immediately, Emilia's mood changes, "Please let her in at once." Anelia is allowed inside and meets them in the garden. "Anelia, I'm so glad to see someone who isn't an annoying noble trying to throw his son onto me!" she takes Anelia's hands in her own.
"Uh, hello, Emilia. I'm sorry, what's going on here?" Anelia doesn't quite understand what Emilia just said.
"Noble trouble. Nothing to worry about. Come join us," Fuyumi waves it off.
Anelia sits down with them, "I guess you've been a little busy,"
"A bit, though I'll be heading back out on mercenary work soon," Fuyumi says.
"Really? I thought since you're... engaged now, that you wouldn't be doing that," Anelia looks a little surprised.
"It wouldn't suit Fuyumi to be stuck with nothing but paperwork. I've been learning about finances, politics, and governing a territory. I plan to succeed my father and become the next Duchess of Crystalglove. This stuff, I do enjoy," Emilia says.
"I see. Well, I'm happy for you. If you're still doing mercenary work... then would it be alright if I come with you?" Anelia asks.
"Sure, I'd like that," Fuyumi nods.
"I know Fuyumi is strong, but I'll feel better knowing she'll have someone to fight alongside her. Plus, travelling alone cane by boring at times. And I trust you, Anelia," Emilia says.
Anelia smiles at their approval, "Thank you, I promise I won't slow you down,"
The rest of the conversation is done with idle chatter. At one point, Fuyumi wondered about her future wedding day with Emilia. Thinking about seeing her in a wedding dress. She would very much like to see that for real. However, another thought came to her mind that was more troubling. What if while she's gone, something happens to Emilia again? What if it takes too long for her to be informed of this matter and then it becomes too late? Could she leave her behind like that just for her own fancy? Later that night, Fuyumi asked to be alone with her thoughts and went back out into the garden. The thoughts that plagued her mind still haunt her.
"Something bothering you, Fuyumi," Fuyumi turns to see Emilia walk up behind her wearing a light blue nightgown and a shawl over her shoulders. "It wouldn't do well for my fiancé to look so conflicted."
"I'm sorry. I guess I worried you. There's just been... something on my mind," Fuyumi looks back out into the night sky.
Emilia gets a little concerned, "Are you... having second thoughts about our engagement?" she certainly hopes not.
Fuyumi takes her hand into her own, "Of course not. I'm more concerned about leaving to go about your mercenary work while you are remaining here. What if something happens to you like last time, only this time I'm not there to protect you? The life of a noble isn't exactly for me, though I know it is for you. I could always do mercenary work just for Crystalglove, or maybe become an actual knight, but... it would feel... different,"
"It's strange seeing the strong and resolute Fuyumi Kusanagi looking so distraught. Maybe if we... oh, look up there!" Emilia points up into the star-lit sky. Fuyumi looks up to spot a shooting star moving through the sky. "I hear that if you make a wish on a shooting star, it will come true. Come on let's make a wish," Emilia cups her hands together in prayer. "I wish for a happy marriage with Fuyumi," she mutters, making Fuyumi blush.
Fuyumi doesn't exactly see the point, but humors Emilia and does the same, "I wish... for an answer to my current problem,"
As if to answer her wish, the shooting star... suddenly changed course and was heading towards the manor.
Fuyumi noticed the change, "Uh, Emilia, I think we may need to move,"
"Huh, why?" Emilia asks.
The shooting star gets closer, so Fuyumi takes Emilia's hand, "We gotta move!" and runs for it. The star ends up impacting the center of the garden, kicking up a storm of debris and smoke. As the dust begins to settle, Fuyumi checks on Emilia. "Are you alright, Emilia?!"
Emilia coughs a bit, "Y-yeah, I'm fine. What was that?"
They look to see the dust settle. The garden is a mess, but more than that, something starts to peek out at the center of the small crater. It looks like a plant, but not a normal one.
"What is that thing?" Emilia wonders, but Fuyumi can only stare in shock.
"It can't be... That's impossible," Fuyumi stares wide-eyed.
"Fuyumi, what's wrong? Do you know what that is?" Emilia looks between the two.
Just then, the duke, his wife, Ser Conrad, and a few guards arrive on the scene, "What's going on? Is everyone alright?!" Duke Joseph calls out. He looks around and sees the crater. "What happened here? Are we under attack?"
"No, Father. I know it may sound strange, but we saw a shooting star in the sky. When we wished upon its glow, it then fell here, and then that... that plant appeared," Emilia points to the strange plant at the epicenter of the crater.
"What... is that thing? Ser Conrad?" Joseph looks to his knight.
"Forgive me, my lord, but I've never seen such a thing," Conrad shakes his head.
"I have..." Fuyumi gets their attention. "It is called a Mistle. A type of plant that has a special power within it," she steps closer to the plant.
"Fuyumi, how do you know that?" Eleonora asks.
"Because... this is a plant from my homeland," Fuyumi confesses. "How is this possible? I am no longer in the realm of the game, so this shouldn't exist here? Did it really come from that shooting star? I never once thought my wish would be granted... but, if this is indeed a mistle then maybe it works just like in the game. In the game, I used mistles to travel from one place to another. What's more, my gift, Vivification, returns me to the last mistle I touched without losing haze. I don't even need a second mistle to use that ability. With this, I can return mere seconds, no matter how far away. Maybe my wish was granted after all. I could wonder about this all day and the next, but as long as this helps me, I will make use of it,"
"Fuyumi, you said this is from your homeland. How can that be if it came from the shooting star?" Emilia asks.
"I do not know how, but I cannot deny what stands before me now. The mistle is no ordinary plant. It was very precious to my people, but not in a monetary way. No, it was a way to protect us, but more importantly, it was a way to move from one place to another in an instant. Even from places far away from one another. Tell me, Duke Joseph, is there magic in your lands that can transport people from one place to another in an instant?" Fuyumi asks.
"Hmm, there is magic that opens portals, gateways of sorts, known to our people. However, such magic is rare. Only those that possess the light elemental affinity are capable of wielding it, and even then, not everyone with this affinity can use such power. That is why those that can are usually put to service high-ranking nobles, churches, and even the royal family themselves, it is a rare commodity. Wait, are you saying this plant can do just that?" Joseph is astounded.
"In a way, yes. But, it first needs to be awakened," Fuyumi says.
"How so?" Ser Conrad asks.
"By giving it the right key," Fuyumi raises her hand, cutting her finger with a dagger. She drops her blood onto the plant. Just then, the plant opens up and glows bright white with faint blue sparkles. "Now, it will work,"
"By giving it blood, you can use these plants like gateways. I can't say I agree with the method to activate it, but it's still incredible," Joseph notes.
"No, not just anyone's blood will work. They will only be activated with my blood. My blood alone is the key. The plants will not work otherwise," Fuyumi explains.
"Why only your blood?" Emilia asks.
"Let's just say that I'm... unique among my people. Even with my people's skills and abilities, I am different. I can do things they cannot. I can't say why I was blessed with these gifts, but I accepted them nonetheless because they helped my people. I saw nothing wrong with that. Regardless, with this, even if I am on the other side of the continent, I have an ability that can transport me back to this place as long as this mistle remains intact. Duke Joseph, we will need to repair the garden, but please, leave the mistle intact and make sure no one touches it. I doubt it will work for them, but if it should somehow end up destroyed, I will have to take the long way back here," Fuyumi explains.
Though Duke Joseph is still perplexed by all this, he trusts Fuyumi and agrees to her request. The garden would be repaired within the coming days, but now with the mistle holding a special place within and with a gated fence around it among other plants. Meanwhile, Fuyumi thinks that this goddess or whatever these people pray too heard her and decided to lend a hand. She's never been too religious, even back in her old world, but in this case, she'll make an exception and thank the goddess for her help.
…
Duke Joseph sent a missive to the royal family, informing them about the nobles badgering him and his daughter about her engagement. Thankfully, the kind understand their plight and sends out a decree of sorts that basically tells the other nobles to stop bothering the Crystalglove family with unwanted marriage proposals or face the consequences for it. Suffice to say, it did the trick. Once the political drama had settled down, Fuyumi thought it might be time for her to get back on the road. She still has much to experience on her journey. In the morning one day, Fuyumi, back in her first outfit, and Anelia are with the duke's family near their gate.
"Are you sure you don't want a carriage. I mean, it would be more comfortable," Duke Joseph asks.
"We appreciate the offer, but no. The supplies you provided us will be enough," Fuyumi shakes her head, noting to the supplies she put away in her inventory.
"So, where will you be going this time?" Emilia asks.
"I'd like to explore more of your country. There's much I still want to see and experience. My journey is far from over," Fuyumi says.
"Then, might I suggest, the city of Daelom to the south. The city is known as the art hub of the kingdom. It is very beautiful this time of year," Eleonora suggests.
"Hmm, that sounds interesting. I suppose I could take some jobs there too while I'm out it," Fuyumi agrees to the idea.
"I've been there a few times. It always has something to catch your attention. You may find something you like there too, Anelia. I think you might find a few books on magic as well," Emilia says.
The magic student perks up at this, "Really? I'd like that,"
"Well, we'd best be off. I'll be back soon. Send a message should you need me back for an emergency," Fuyumi says.
"Safe travels, Fuyumi," Joseph bids her farewell.
As Fuyumi turns to leave, Emilia comes up to her, "Wait a moment," Emilia leans up to plant a quick kiss on her cheek. "Be safe and come back soon,"
Fuyumi smiles at the loving gesture and plants a kiss on Emilia's hand. With that, Fuyumi and Anelia take their leave from the manor. They decide to head to the mercenary guild to see if there are any jobs, they could take along the way to Daelom. When they reach the guild and check the quest board, they are lucky to find a quest that suits their purposes. The request is for bodyguards to guard a small merchant caravan that is heading from Crystalglove to Daelom. The pay is decent, and the caravan will even provide transportation for the journey. With their minds set, the pair accept the quest. It is said that the client will meet up with them at the south gate. The two make their way towards the gate. With the city being so large, it was necessary to have multiple gates built for all the traffic. Once they arrive, they find the caravan with a middle-aged man with a balding head and wearing common clothing waiting for them. There are a few younger men with him; most likely the rest of the merchant group.
"Are you Mr. Royce?" Fuyumi asks as they approach.
This gets their attention, and of course, the younger boys gawk at Fuyumi's beauty. The old man, however, remains professional.
"Yes. The name's Royce Barco. I take it you ladies are the mercenaries sent to provide security?" Royce greets them with a handshake.
"Indeed. We were planning on heading to Daelom, so protecting your caravan along the way helps us," Fuyumi says.
"Well, as long as you mercenaries can keep us safe until we reach, Daelom, my ride is your ride," Royce says.
Meanwhile, his coworkers have other thoughts.
"Are we really going on the road with two total hotties?!" one whispers to his friend.
"Are we sure they can keep us safe? They don't exactly look like warrior material," another notes, scrutinizing them.
"Dude, who cares. We get to hang out with two hot ladies. If either of them are single, I get the first shot at them," a third notes.
"Hey, enough with the mindless dribble! Get your butts moving and get the caravan moving. We got a schedule to keep here!" Royce yells at his boys to get them back on track.
The crew race to get the caravan ready for departure. There are a total of two carriages in the caravan. They get moving and leave the city, heading straight for Daelom. Royce said the journey will take them a few days, so they'll have to camp out at a night a couple of times. Fuyumi and Anelia sit in the front carriage with Royce at the reins.
"So, what brings a couple of girls like you into the mercenary business? Forgive me if I sound rude, but you don't exactly look the part," Royce calls back to them.
"We get that a lot. Well, I'm basically out here on a journey to gain more knowledge, experience, and see more of the world. Mercenary work just lines up with that. But don't worry, I can handle myself. Anelia is here for similar reasons," Fuyumi replies.
"I'm a student from the Royal Magic Academy on a special field assignment. I met Fuyumi in my travels, and we started working together," Anelia says.
"The magi academy, eh. You must be a pretty good magic caster then, little lady. I here only the best magic casters get into that place," Royce thinks.
Anelia looks bashful, "I-I'm not that special. Especially when compared to Fuyumi,"
"Oh, come now, you can use four magical affinities, two of which are wind and light affinities. I can't use those affinities. You also have the water affinity, which also allows you to use ice magic. I can use ice magic, but not water magic since my abilities are a tad different from yours. You're more special than you realize," Fuyumi pets her hair, making Anelia blush a bit. Fuyumi turns back to Royce. "I'm not from around these parts. Are there any kind of dangers along this road we should be aware of?"
"Well, down here we have to be careful of things like manticores, though there aren't a whole lot of them. You'll find slimes around these parts. They're usually no threat, unless they have a really big one, or there is a swarm of them. Occasionally, there have been bandits. And a few other nasty critters too. People travel down this route all the time, but every so often, something happens. That's why people often hire mercenaries for protection on these routes. This isn't our first time, and as long as we stay alive, it won't be our last. Gotta make money to put food on the table after all," Royce explains.
Fuyumi takes all this into account. Luckily, she's familiar with these creatures, and she's faced far worse. The first leg of the trip goes about smoothly, and the caravan sets up camp for the night a short ways off the road. They set up a fire and the tents, with one prepared for Fuyumi and Anelia. Around the campfire, the group have a hot meal around the fire. As they eat a nice stew made by Royce, which s pretty good, a few of the guys in the caravan decide to do what Fuyumi was expecting them to do.
"So, once we get to Daelom and settle things there, would you like to check out the sites with my, Miss Fuyumi? I know a few good spots there," one of the boys, sporting spikey brown hair, asks her out.
Fuyumi's disinterested look couldn't be more obvious, "Sorry. One, I have no interest in men, and two, I'm already engaged,"
The guy went down faster that a falling boulder, "What? You're already engaged... and you have no interest. Why is this world so cruel?!" the guy cries on the ground, much to his laughing friends' amusement.
Another one tries with Anelia, "Well, what about you? Are you already with someone?" he scootches a little closer to her.
Anelia looks uncomfortable, "I-I'm not with anyone right now,"
"Then, in that case, how about getting something to eat once we reach Daelom? My treat," the guy offers.
"I'm sorry... but I'm not interested," Anelia turns him down gently.
"Oh, come on now, don't be like that. I'm not a bad guy," the guy tries again.
However, Fuyumi shuts things down, "She said she wasn't interested, so respect her wishes. If you don't wise up right now... well, the monsters and the bandits on the road won't be the thing you'll have to worry about," she gives him a menacing look that makes him wise up real fast.
"Will you idiots quit it already! Geez, this is why you guys haven't found wives yet. No idea how to properly woo a woman. And that is why I've been married since I was your age," Royce adds.
"Sorry, boss," the boys all apologize together.
Suffice to say, the rest of the night was quiet before they went to sleep. Even when it's almost over, this is still a long road trip.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi finds something from her old world in this new one. Though, that begs the question, if mistles could exist in this world, what else could? Also, I put the mistle in there since Arc could use teleportation magic and Fuyumi may need something similar. This can also be a prelude for future stuff in the story. Fuyumi and Anelia begin their journey to Daelom, the art capital of Anatolia. What kind of wonders await them there? Until then, please Read and review.