Change My Destiny Chapter 6: Moving Plans

Sorry it's been a while. I was actually in a slump for this chapter. I spoke to my friends and reviewed my plans, I even went and read other fan fiction to help me organize my thoughts on this, and I think I've come to a good point. Updates will probably be just as sporadic as this, so I apologize in advance. Proper story planning takes a lot of effort.

EDIT: After some contemplation, I removed two segments from this chapter; one with Fouquet and one with Raziel. I determined that they were irrelevant and only added clutter, so I removed them. Nothing was added.

Enjoy!

Henrietta sighed. She had been doing that a lot lately. She began tapping her fingers on her lap, becoming slightly impatient. This meeting was getting nowhere.

"Please, your majesty, this is a great matter of concern! We must retaliate against Albion at once!" The bishop Mazarin wiped his head with a handkerchief, his eyes bloodshot and exhausted. In his hand was a letter that had been received just hours earlier, which was the current topic of the meeting.

"You don't actually believe this nonsense, do you? Commoners learning magic? That's impossible!" cried out the royal messenger, and the deliverer of the letter, Count Mott. He crossed his arms, a stubborn expression on his face. It did seem rather impossible. But Henrietta knew that this source could be trusted.

It was, after all, from the prince of Albion, Wales Tudor, himself.

Both the royal messenger and the bishop quieted at the dark glare that was directed at them by the young man across the table. He wore simple light brown trousers, with a dark red shirt and black cape, bearing the royal family insignia. His wand-sword sat on his hip, within easy reach. Running his hands through his short, dark purple hair, he stood from his seat, the young king Henrik of Tristain slammed his hands down on the table.

"Are you saying that the Prince of Albion is not to be trusted? That he would stoop to lies? No, we can trust him. However, we simply do not have the force necessary to fight against Albion! We would be destroyed!" exclaimed Henrik.

"Which is why we need the alliance with Germania! Surely presenting the princess as a token to them would give us the edge we need!" the bishop replied.

"My sister is not a tool to be used in such a way!" Henrietta, however, waved him off.

"Little brother, please, I am very well capable of making my own decisions." Henrietta motioned for her brother to sit down, and he did so grudgingly. Sighing once again, Henrietta took the letter from the bishop, her eyes flickering across the letter with a slight hint of worry. She knew the risk that came with Germania's alliance, but she also wanted to help Wales as soon as possible. She truly was trapped in a corner. Still…

"I will think about the alliance with Germania. But for now, we will disclose this matter until further notice. Do NOT speak of this to anyone." Henrietta then turned to her brother, saying, "Henrik, may we speak alone?"

With the meeting concluded, the two old men left their charges, worried expressions on their faces. Henrietta watched them go, giving a small, considerate smile to Mazarin, who returned it. Agnes, Henrietta's personal guard, opened the doors as they exited, closing it firmly behind her.

"It didn't go well huh?" said the young, blonde swords-woman. Henrik sighed.

"About as well as expected."

"It has always been this way, little brother. Though I can't speak for the Count, Mazarin means well and has guided our father with good judgement. We can trust him!"

"I know, I know. The Cardinal is indeed very wise, although I wouldn't say he makes good company. Ah, I miss the old days, when it was just you, Louise and I." Turning towards Agnes as he stood, Henrik bowed. "Even the lovely Agnes and her sour puss attitude is more interesting."

"Well, I'm glad that I could be of service. If you ever require my sword, I'll be happy to shove it up your-"

"Agnes! Please refrain from such language in front of our king!" Henrietta said wildly, a panicked expression on her face. Henrik laughed loudly, waving his arms at Agnes dismissively. Agnes let out a crooked grin.

"There you go again, with all of that ridiculous décor! Annie, you hate the royal titles just as much as I do; so just use my name. I may have been ordained, but no matter what anyone may say, we both know Agnes is the most capable swordsman in our command. A little friendly banter now and again won't hurt, especially not when she can back it up."

"Your words humble me, my king. By the way, the score is still 10-0, in my favour."

"Hah! You, humble? Now there's the turn of the century. What was it that you said? A stable girl would do a better job of milking my-"

"B-B-B-BROTHER!"

The conversation continued, Agnes and Henrik playfully teasing each other, with Henrietta in the middle, red as a tomato and unsure of what to do besides flail her arms. Even after two years, she still couldn't understand how the two became so close. She was a bit jealous.

"Ah, but I have matters to attend to. More meetings, more shaking of hands, more ass kissing and the like. Please be safe my sister. Rest well, and don't worry about Wales; everything will be fine." Kissing his sister's cheek, Henrik was about to leave, but a thoughtful expression stopped him.

"Say, isn't the familiar's festival coming up soon? Why don't you go visit Louise? It may help take your mind off of things. I can keep everyone else busy while you're gone." With a wink, he left the two alone, Henrietta watching her brother's back. She had always done that. Despite being the younger sibling, Henrik was always one step ahead of her, as if he knew that the next corner would be their destination. She greatly admired him for that.

And that idea of his seemed splendid…

"Agnes?" Henrietta looked at her faithful guard. She nodded, understanding, and without a word, the two headed out.

-Change My Destiny-

"Oh dear, it looks like I've gone too far again."

Louise and Katie looked back and forth between the unconscious Avalon and his smug mother, not sure what to say. They felt like they should be laughing, but the unexpectedness of it all just kept them in silence. Sasha and Avalon had gathered them together in thr courtyard and just finished training together, Avalon wanting to show Louise and Katie more of his skills. It ended in a spectacular defeat. Sasha did not hold back on him.

"Is… Is he going to be alright?" Louise looked over Avalon, seeing the small bruise forming on his head. Sasha let out a small chuckle.

"Don't worry, this is very normal. Sietsa!"

As soon as she was called, Siesta appeared at Sasha's side, holding a bucket of water.

"Here you go, Mrs. Sasha," the maid answered, her attitude chipper. Sasha was about to pour the bucket's content's on Avalon, before she smiled.

"Louise, would you like to do the honors?"

"U-Uhm, I don't think Avalon would appreciate it," replied Katie, looking very nervous. Sasha shook her head.

"Nonsense! I'm sure he won't mind at all!"

Louise took a moment to consider, before taking the bucket and pouring the water on Avalon's head. She began laughing as he shot up, sputtering as the water splashed on his face and onto the ground. She didn't expect this from elves. Being raised and told that elves were dangerous creatures, seeing them go about life like any other person just made her giggle.

"It's enough that you embarrass me in front of my friends, now you have them in on your shenanigans? " Avalon moaned, drying himself with magic. Sasha puffed out her chest, her hands on her hips.

"Why, dearest Avalon, there is no greater joy for a mother than to embarrass their children. Speaking of such, would you like to hear some embarrassing stories about Avalon's childhood? Why, there was one time where—"

Katie, unable to control herself, fell onto her backside with Louise in laughter as Avalon turned red, shouting a resounding "Oh come on!" Siesta joined in as well, giving Avalon a wet towel. He thanked her. Though it was a useless gesture, he didn't want to offend her. He wiped himself off .

"Thanks Siesta," said Avalon. She smiled in response, leaning in close.

"Don't worry about Mrs. Sasha. She loves you very much, and is quick to boast to the other servants about you," she whispered. Pausing for a moment, Avalon smiled.

"Thank you." Turning back to the still laughing Louise and Katie, Avalon tried to calm them down, with little success. Siesta and Sasha watched from the side.

"So what's this about a familiar's festival I've been hearing about?" Sasha asked Siesta after the group collected themselves.

"Oh! It's an exhibition of sorts, a few days from now. Everyone is very excited especially since Princess Henrietta will be attending!" She clapped her hands with joy.

"Princess Henrietta? She's coming!?" replied Louise, suddenly attentive.

"Yes! I hear from some friends who work at the castle. We are also in a big hurry preparing for her arrival. She should be here by tonight."

"Oh no! I haven't prepared anything, and we only have two days left! Avalon, Katie, quick! Help me come up with some ideas!"

As Avalon, Katie, and Louise traded ideas, Siesta turned to Sasha.

"I'll be going then, Mrs. Sasha. Take care!"

"Alright, we'll see you at the ceremony!" Sasha waved goodbye, and Siesta smiled, bringing her hands together.

"Avalon, please make sure you do your best!" the maid said. Stopping his conversation with Louise and Katie, Avalon looked over at Siesta, giving a thumbs up.

"No problem!"

As the day went on and evening came, Louise, Avalon and Sasha settled into her room.

"How is her progress?" Sasha asked Avalon as Louise changed. Avalon hummed in thought.

"She's getting better at sensing mana, for sure. It's a slow process though. She'll need more time to… accept her fears." Louise looked around the corner of her closet door.

"Well, I'm sorry I'm slowing down things," she said sarcastically. Avalon waved her off.

"Come on, don't be like that. This isn't something that can be solved in a day. For now, we'll just continue working on meditation before we move onto manipulation." Avalon was about to continue, but a knock on the door stopped him.

"Who could be here at this hour?" Louise asked, and went to open the door. Just as she did, a hooded figure burst in, another, taller one close behind. Metal clinked, and Avalon discerned the sword on the taller one's hip. Louise took out her wand reflexively, surprised, while Avalon and Sasha both prepared magic. They could sense the magic of the shorter one.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Louise demanded. The shorter one was about to speak, but the taller one immediately drew out their sword, swinging it at Sasha.

"Mom!" Avalon shouted. His hands glowed green as he caught the assailant's blade in his hands. The tall figure let out a cry of surprise as her sword seemed to hit a rock instead of cutting through. Avalon's eyes flashed green, and an invisible force blasted her in the chest, knocking her off her feet and into the wall. Avalon scrambled to grab the grip of the sword and was about to attack, but the shorter one stood between them.

"W-Wait! We mean you no harm!" The figure immediately took off her hood, revealing a very beautiful and fair face. Her dark, shoulder length hair shone purple in the candlelight, her eyes a deep, ocean blue. Avalon was almost stunned, but the idea that it could be a trap kept him focused.

"P-P-P-Princess Henrietta?!" Louise shouted. Avalon and Sasha's gazes snapped to her.

"This is the princess?!" Avalon exclaimed. The grounded figure struggled to get up.

"P-Princess, run, it's too dangerous," growled the grounded figure. However, the princess refused to move.

"Please… we mean you no harm. Forgive my guard, but we came here to see my childhood friend. We did not expect to see an elf here…"

There was a short tension in the air before Louise nodded, and Avalon and Sasha lowered their hands. Sasha took the chance to speak first.

"Please forgive us, Princess. We merely moved to defend ourselves."

"There is nothing to forgive, for you were in the right. Although, Louise, if you could explain?" Looking towards her, Louise then explained what had happened during the familiar's summoning ritual.

"Incredible… to summon an elf's child as your familiar! I always knew you were amazing, Louise!" Giving her friend a hug, Avalon, Sasha, and the newly introduced Agnes took a seat at the table. As the two talked on their own, Agnes eyed Avalon and Sasha.

"I apologize for my actions. I only did what I thought necessary to protect the princess." Sasha waved her off.

"Think nothing of it. You acted remarkably fast, Agnes. You take your duty very seriously, and you should be proud of that." Agnes nodded, though the tension in her shoulders did not ease. Sasha chuckled.

"I understand if you feel the need to be cautious around one such as I, though. So feel free to ask your questions." Agnes then proceeded to ask about her background, which Sasha freely answered. Her story was the same as what she gave Osmond.

After another moment of silence, Agnes spoke.

"Are you a threat to my princess?"

Sasha was about to reply, but Henrietta stopped her conversation with Louise.

"Please, Agnes! That is no way to treat another person!" Sasha smiled at Henrietta's words, but shook her head.

"Do not worry, princess. Eliminating unknowns is part of the process." Agnes nodded in approval, a slight glint of respect growing in her eyes. "But to answer your question, no, I am not a threat, and am willing to participate in helping Tristain reach higher heights of prosperity. In fact, Professor Colbert and I are developing some machinery that I think would be of great benefit to this nation."

"Ah, is that so? I would like to see it when it's completed." Henrietta then walked over to Avalon, who, unsure where to look, kept his eyes on her face. She was very pretty though.

"And you are Louise's familiar, yes? Please continue to take care of my friend." Taking his hands in hers, Henrietta sighed. "She means much to me."

"Don't worry, princess. I will do everything I can to help her." Henrietta smiled.

Finally, the princess rose.

"I have to go now Louise, but this was the most fun I had in years," she smiled brightly. "Good luck with the festival Louise, Mrs. Sasha, sir Avalon."

- Change my Destiny-

Romalia

Julio Chesare prided himself in his ability to read others. And he knew from the start that this Charlotte representative of Reconquista could not be trusted. Leaning down, he whispered into the Pope's ear.

"Please reconsider, master, this woman is dangerous," he said as Charlotte walked down the throne room with a confident and beautiful stride, escorted by two of Julio's soldiers, who were garbed in white and blue robes like himself. The Pope waved him off.

"Fear not, Julio. You're my guard, I trust you to protect me if anything goes sour. Besides, these are just simple negotiations. Perhaps we can both get something from this."

"Vittorio, you're always like this! For once can't you just hold onto some form of caution?!" Crossing his arms and straightening his back, Julio stood back up straight as Charlotte stopped some feet away from the throne, gracefully curtseying. Julio kept his eyes trained on her, making eye contact with his men. They firmly held their spears,

"Pope Vittorio, I am pleased to know you are well. I hope that the gifts I presented were to your liking?" Her voice was a smooth alto. Julio couldn't discern any intent behind her movements.

"Ah, the fabrics were wonderful! Thank you for the splendid gift."

"Please, it was my husband's pleasure. Now, onto business." Straightening herself and her dress, Charlotte gently held her hands together in front of her. "It is my understanding that you had negotiations in mind, regarding our nation's, correct?"

Vittorio's face turned serious. The soldiers at Charlotte's side tensed, but kept their calm under Julio's watch.

"Indeed. There is something I would like to show you. Julio, if you would?"

Moving to hand her a few documents, Charlotte took the time to examine them, surprise showing in her eyes as she read more and more. Double checking the papers, Charlotte hummed as she set them all back in order.

"This is quite the information you have here on the Dragon Mountains. Where did you come across all this?"

"Thank my familiar, Julio, for that." Vittorio gestured towards him, surprising Charlotte. Fake surprise, Julio noted, but surprise none the less.

"A human familiar, you say? And not just any either, but one of Founder Brimir's?"

"Yes. And as such, I am a void mage. It has been foretold since time immemorial that the coming of the void mages means a great disaster is upon us. And the signs have begun to manifest, as the reports have shown."

"Which brings me to my proposal: I would like to form an alliance with Albion, not only to being together our forces, but also in hopes of finding one of the remaining three remaining void mages."

Charlotte remained silent and still, taking the information in stride. Julio thought it to be suspicious. While the history of the void and its users was widespread among the nobility, many in fact did not believe it to be true. Void was believed to be exclusively for Brimir alone, as none of his four sons inherited the void, but instead mastered one of the four elements of wind, water, fire, and earth. With no void mages to show, the legend became just that. The other representatives that Julio and Vittorio had brought this up with considered all of this a joke.

But not this woman. She knew something. He could feel it.

"...We will agree with your terms regarding the search for the other void mages. However, the republic of Reconquista will have to decline the alliance of our nation's."

This time it was Vittorio's turn to be surprised.

"What?! But surely you understand the purpose of this alliance! We need to be united, so that the oncoming threat can be—"

"Think about what you are asking, Pope. We of Reconquista are not what you remember; we despise the nobility. Everything we stand for, everything we have fought for, would fall if we were to join you. As such, we will not interfere if you search for the void mages, so long as you don't interfere with us. We will also find our own solution to this threat, I assure you. Raziel is as much blessed by the Goddess as you are." Charlotte smirked, putting the soldiers and Julio on edge. "I'm sure that your information network has heard of our liberation of Albion's magic, haven't you? Beware, because you might be next."

"You… how dare you!" Vittorio stood up as Julio motioned for his soldiers to move, pulling out his sword wand. His men locked their spears at her throat, though the woman didn't seem at all phased. She opened her mouth, uttering something in a language he didn't understand.

Vittorio froze, much to Julio's surprise. Julio stomped up to her, pointing his sword between her eyes.

"Galia…? But how?! What did you do?!" the pope demanded, but was completely ignored.

"Raziel knows more than you could ever hope to, and nothing you do will ever stop what he has planned for Halkeginia."

Julio didn't even blink, and yet she was gone. Whipping his head around, he turned to see Charlotte at Vittorio's side, her hand on his shoulder. Vittorio was shocked beyond words.

"It's time for the era of Brimir to end."

"Master!" Julio lunged at her, but just like before, she vanished. His eyes scanned the hall, orders tumbling out of his mouth as his soldiers bolted towards the doors. He was about to move himself, but Vittorio's words stopped him.

"That wretched bitch… How dare she! Julio!"

Julio faced his master and nearly flinched. The rage in his eyes was unlike anything he had ever seen in his life.

"I want you to disguise yourself and infiltrate Reconquista. I want to know everything they're planning! All their tactics, all their methods, all their plans and strategies! I want it all! We're going to bring them into the ground, and make them regret ever crossing me!"

-Finish the Fight-

It was dusk as Julio entered his home with a sigh, the days events running over and over through his mind. The brick house was a simple one, with one floor consisting of a living room, two bedrooms, and a small kitchen. Furniture and portraits decorated the lanterned walls.

"Just what was that language? And her speed, it was beyond anything I had ever encountered!" Julio muttered. Before he could pursue the thought further, a small bundle jumped at him, which he caught with a small laugh.

"Daddy! You're home! Welcome back!" His platinum blonde daughter gave him a toothy smile as his wife stepped into the living room, a small pot of boiling stew in her hands.

"Welcome home dear. I made your favorite stew!" Her wide and bright smile eased his burdens. Julio smiled.

"Thank you dear. But I'm afraid I won't be here long." Kissing his confused daughter before putting her down, Julio moved to his wife and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "The Pope has issued an order for me. I have to leave for a while."

"What? But you just got back daddy! Where are you going?!" The little girl ran up to her father's legs, clutching at his pants tightly. "Don't go! Stay with us!"

Crouching down, Julio pulled her close as be stroked her head. "Don't worry, Alexis, I'm only going to be gone for a little while. I'll make sure to bring you a nice doll. Would you like a doll?"

"No! I want you daddy! I don't understand! Why do you always have to go?!"

"Because daddy is a knight of the church. I have to go out and defend the people, I had sworn an oath on it." Pulling away, he looked into her heterochromic eyes. Her left eye was a soft red, and her right eye a bright blue; just like his own. "I promise that I will come back. I always have, haven't I?"

Alexis answers with another hug. Julio eyed his wife, who stood off to the side, a saddened expression on her face.

"Now go play in your room. Your mother and I need to talk." Unsure but willing, the daughter went on her way, and there was silence.

"Where are you going?" His wife broke the silence.

"I am… going to Albion." He answered after a moment's hesitation. He didn't look at her. She didn't move. The tension was high.

"So then… it's something about Reconquista then, isn't it?"

Julio didn't answer. His wife walked up behind him and embraced him tightly.

"I don't want you to go… he always sends you to these dangerous places… first the Germanian civil war, then dragon mountains, now this?! I don't want you to die! Stay with me, please…" her voice trembled with a depthless sadness that made his heart twist.

"I'm sorry. But I can't this time. The Pope himself gave me this order. I must fulfill it." He turned to her and pulled her close as she cried into his shoulder. "Forgive me, Cassandra."