Change my Destiny 8: The Fool Part 1

The world has truly gone to hell. I don't live in America, but I have family there. And with all the racism that's been happening Minnesota, I pray and hope and communicate every day with my family for their safety.

I don't know what its like to be subject to that kind of Racism even though I'm Asian myself. I was blessed in that I grew up surrounded by people who love and care for my wellbeing no matter what happens. I've never been called racial slurs or derogatory names. But that doesn't mean I'll sit by and stay silent when the rest of my family and friends are suffering.

Please. Be an ally right now to your coloured friends.

Educate yourself with the news and how people are feeling.

Listen to what they have to say and share their message.

Keep your opinion to yourself for now, and let those suffering do the talking.

Acknowledge that the people of colour around you are hurting and might not feel encouraged to share how they feel.

And don't be afraid to listen and join in on the hard conversations.

Stay safe everyone. #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd

-Change my Destiny-

Kirche was bothered.

Normally, that would be a good thing. Getting hot and bothered was nothing new to her, and a single fiery night of passion with one of the cute boys of the academy would usually be enough to sate her.

But right now, she wasn't hot. She wasn't in the mood. She was just bothered. Bothered by the fact that she had noticed her close friend had been spending her time with the elf boy.

Not that Tabitha had unevenly distributed her time. Oh, far from it. If there was one thing that Tabitha could do, it was manage her time. She made sure that she never spent more time with the elf boy than with her. In fact, she was doing a splendid job of making her still feel included in her life.

But the fact that she had never introduced him to her had stung.

She had thought at first it was because there was no need. They had already met, even if it was under poor circumstances. Since then they've only seen each other in passing, when she would go and find him and Tabitha together with her dragon familiar, which seemed to have a strange fondness for him. Sylphid was definitely smarter than the average familiar, so seeing her bond with him almost immediately had seemed like a normal thing at the time. Tabitha had told her about how Avalon smells like a dragon for some reason… whatever that means.

Hmm… If he smelled like a dragon, would he be packing like a dragon too?

She was curious to find out.

So here she was, standing before Tabitha, Avalon, and Louise as they tried to leave the school for a shopping trip, patiently waiting with her arms crossed as the little vixen went on another one of her rants.

"Sorry Louise, this isn't up for debate. Wherever Tabitha goes, I go," Kirche answered, putting her foot down on the matter. Louise threw her hands up into the air with an exasperated sigh.

"Okay, fine. But don't think you've won, cow! I know that look in your eye. You've got something planned, probably perverted!" Louise then marched onward past her tall, dark skinned self, heading towards Sylphid. Kirche let out a low chuckle. Well, she definitely was right about that. Eyeing the elf boy, she gave him a wink as he approached her with Tabitha close behind.

"Don't worry, mister elf. I've no intention of harming our little firebrand. In fact, I'm a little more interested in you." She stroked his collar, putting on a sultry smile. "I've heard a lot of rumours about how the big, strong lightning mage training in the courtyard every morning. Would you like to visit my chambers tonight for some… reprieve? I'm sure I can make it worth your while."

Kirche noted how Tabitha immediately panicked. Her breathing stopped, she shifted the position of her staff, and if she had a book, she would have started reading. It was not a tick one would normally notice.

Curious…

The elf boy raised his brow and gave her a polite smile.

"No thanks. I'm a good little elf boy who wants to preserve himself for marriage."

"Oh, how adorable. There aren't many like you left. But then again, that makes you quite the rare find. Don't think I'll be giving up so easily." Letting him go with a wink, Kirche made her way to Sylphid, putting an extra swing into her hips. She gave Louise a wicked smile as their eyes met.

Oh yes. This would be a fun challenge indeed.

-Change my Destiny-

The wind rushed as Sylphid flew high in the sky, directed by Tabitha. Avalon, sitting behind her with his hands on her shoulders, looked over her head at the approaching capital of Tristain with great delight. Though he couldn't move too much as Louise kept a firm grip on his waist behind him, Kirche sitting behind her with her arms around Louise's waist.

Tristain's capital sat at the edge of a tall hill, rolling green hills on one side, with the ocean in full view on the other. Avalon had seen many cities when he travelled with him mother for vacation, but what awed him now was the main castle in the far rear of the northern part of the city. It was easily the biggest building of them all. Seeing the structures was a dream come true for him. He had always wanted to visit Spain, and from what he could tell this was nearly identical. Stone bridges and streets decorated the city flooring, the roofs of the houses tiled red and the people dotting the streets, packed together like it was making a great impression of closeness. River streams flowed between the roads in the city.

"This is so awesome! Dragon riding is awesome!"

"Have you never ridden a dragon before?" Kirche shouted in reply. Avalon shook his head.

"Dragons are an endangered species where I come from!" Louise let out a startled gasp. "We aren't allowed to keep them as pets!"

"What?! Why?!"Louise shouted, joining in the conversation.

"It's a long story. But anyway, who thought it was a good idea to have your school in the middle of nowhere? How do you guys even manage to get help if the school is attacked or something?" Though Avalon didn't mind, it was because it had taken them quite a long flight to get here. He couldn't imagine how long it would have taken on horseback; or worse, on foot.

"It's because it was neutral ground. Tristain's magic academy was built as a sign of peace between the nations so it couldn't be anywhere that would be seen as favorable for Tristain. Besides, the professors are more than capable of protecting the school. And with your mother around, I think we can rule out danger," said Louise proudly. "Honestly I would feel sorry for anyone who would dare attack."

"Hold on," Tabitha interrupted in her usual tone. Avalon had barely heard her over the wind and tightened his grip. Kirche seemed much more relaxed about it, whooping as Sylphid swooped towards the ground floor.

Sylphid lowered as softly as she could as they approached to the side of the city's main gates, the hustling, and bustling of men and women coming and going from the city keeping the guards busy. The gates towered above the residents, sentries armed with bows atop the walls keeping a tight watch. Louise look the lead, jumping off Sylphid first.

"Now Avalon, just keep close and don't say anything. I'll do all the talking," she said strangely harshly. Avalon shrugged, but nodded his head. Shaking off the jitters of the flight, Louise composed herself. Avalon couldn't help but snicker.

"Louise, you say that like I want to start trouble." Avalon gave her a sly grin, which Louise replied with a glare.

"Knowing you, you probably would. Look, just don't go off on your own, okay? Tristain is big, and I can't say for sure I'll be able to find you in time if something happens."

"Don't worry about it, if I get lost, I'll find you guys."

Without another word, Louise strode towards the gates. The guards let her in without a word, the commoners making way. Avalon followed, making sure Kirche and Tabitha were close behind. Sylphid took off with a powerful jump into the air and headed towards the forest, most likely to hunt, Avalon assumed. As he turned his attention back to the commoners around him, he noted the fear in their eyes, closely watching the poor and dirty hiding in the shadows as they leered. The sound of hushed conversation surrounded them, and Avalon caught a few snippets.

Albion... and another war?

Avalon took the time to get a good look at the people surrounding him.

Commoners bartering for goods. Complaints about the rise in taxes and food. An unrest that seemed to keep everyone on edge, clutching close their belongings and warily watching their surroundings. Groups of men armed with knives and other easy to hide blades.

And in the air, he could sense a weight in the mana. Not anything that was oppressive, but just enough to notice, leaving behind a touch of worry in his heart.

"Alright, I get it. I'll be good." Avalon sighed.

"Good. Tabitha, keep an eye on him, please."

"Understood," Tabitha answered without missing a beat. Avalon couldn't help but slump his head.

"Is this the kind of faith you have in me?!"

"Yes! Now hurry up, we're going to Dimitry's first!" Louise shouted as they approached the main market. Kirche's laughter stopped them from proceeding, and Louise groaned.

"Oh, Louise, such poor taste! You actually intend to take Avalon to that poor man's tailor?" Kirche brushed back her hair, flaunting her figure shamelessly as some of the men they passed by drooled, forcefully pulled by their wives. "Let's go to Roberto's instead!"

Louise couldn't help but freeze. "W-What?! B-but Roberto's is…"

Kirche paused, examining Louise's expression. She smiled.

"Oh, dear me, Louise, do you even have any money?"

Louise's face blushed, her face visibly heating up at the seductress' amused gaze. "S-Shut up! Of course, I do! But I don't have enough to afford anything at Roberto's! I have a budget you know!"

"It's fine, it's fine! I know the clerks there very well. I'm sure I can convince them to give us a discount."

As the two continued to argue, Avalon gazed at the scenery with great interest as they continued on. There wasn't much in the way of writings on the walls of the buildings. Instead, shops were labeled with clear drawings of their services. A Bakery. A botany. And from the sounds of a hammer against metal in the distance, there was probably a blacksmith too.

"Say, Tabitha, tell me about the city! I can see some really old structures here, what's the deal?" Louise took the chance to step out of her argument with Kirche. She eyed Louise with a sly smile.

"You have a good eye. The city of Tristain was built on the foundations of an ancient ruin from long ago. We haven't been able to uncover much on the history of it, but many of the structures and machines Tristain's researchers were able to salvage became the foundation for today's inventions. Certain instruments like the panpipe, the viol, and the lute wouldn't exist. We wouldn't have mirrors, we wouldn't have the sun dial… although, I guess your mother's… clock, makes that obsolete. And other things like water powered saw mills." Louise slowed her pace, a glitter of intellect in her eye.

"Anyway, let's go to Roberto's. It seems like the cow can actually be useful after all." She gave a shooing motion with her hand. "Go on. I'll leave the honours of directing us to Roberto's to you."

"Oh Louise, every the slave driver." Her eyes glinted again, and with a speed far surpassed anything he expected, she roped her arms around his, and settled his arm between Kirche's ample bosom.

"Come on, darling. Let me tell you everything I know about Tristain. I'm sure that there's much you could learn from it. I know lots of places we could enjoy ourselves." Kirche started speed walking away with Avalon tripping to keep up, leaving Louise aghast and Tabitha shaking her head as they chased.

"Damn it, Kirche, let him go!"

-Change My Destiny-

South of the City of Tristain, Royal Messenger Estate

The royal messenger, Count Mott, sat comfortably in his rocking chair on his estate's balcony, the afternoon breeze soothing his old, aching bones, his silk robes gently caressing his skin. Before him were the rolling hills and waters of Tristain, commoners dotting the distance and the voices of his servants at work. A knock came from his door.

"Come in," he ordered. A maid came through, carrying a tray with his afternoon snacks neatly arranged on it.

"My Lord, I have brought your afternoon snack, as you requested." She laid the tray before him, and he felt his mouth water as he laid eyes on his tea, bread and apple slices.

"You didn't forget the milk and sugar this time did you?" Mott asked as he whiffed his tea, picking up the cup. "I hope I don't have to remind you what happened to the last servant who failed to do so."

"Y-Yes, my Lord, the tea has been prepared just as you asked." The servant curtseyed, and Mott took in her form, his eyes leering at her ample bosom. He took a sip.

"Very good, you are excused." He took another sip, savouring the taste.

"Thank you, my Lord." With a shiver, the servant prepared to leave, but before she passed through the doors, Mott called out to her again.

"Oh, dear Trish, please also don't forget to be at my chambers at sunset." A small, perverted smile stretched his thin lips. "There is something new I would like to try. That is all."

Shuddering, the woman curtseyed again, leaving the room. Count Mott turned back to his balcony, enjoying the view.

"Ah, such a beautiful sight… truly this is all I need to forget," he said to himself, his eyes losing focus, his mind wandering. He thought about how far they have come from the war, and how it nearly destroyed their kingdom. How his family greatly suffered from the post war efforts. Yet he survived, and now he could relish in pleasures as much as—

"My Lord, I bring urgent news from Albion!" A man banged at his door. One of his spies.

Suddenly, his body was tense again, sweat emerging from his brow. With a shaky hand he sipped his tea again, the warm liquid soothing him, though not completely. He cleared his throat.

"Enter."

A young commoner entered. He had dirty blonde hair, a plain cotton tunic and dirtied leather pants. Though repulsive, they were an effective disguise. The young man saluted in a way only a knight would know.

"Lucius, what news have you brought?" Mott sipped his tea in anticipation. Lucius tugged at his collar.

"My Lord, everything that the rumours say is true, and more." Lucius' expression became grave. "My Lord… their arcane arts mirror that of elves!"

Mott spat out his tea, coughing loudly.

"What?! You can't be serious! Are you playing me for a fool?!"

"Nay, my Lord, I wouldn't dream of it. I saw it with mine own eyes. Spellcasting without wands, manipulating mana and the very world around us, just like the stories! They even took the magic of some of Lord Wales' guard that they captured! Their powers are real!"

Suddenly, his world came crashing down on him. Scenarios played in his mind, all ending with his humiliating defeat, loss of his magic, and death. Mott grabbed his head in thought and panic.

No. He would not have it.

"My Lord?" Lucius asked as Mott stood up from his seat, moving to his bookcase. He rearranged a few titles, and a click echoed from behind the bookcase. The bookcase then slid off to the side, revealing a hidden door.

"I will not allow that to happen. I will not allow my magic to be taken." He proceeded down the stairs. "Come, Lucius. I have something I must show you."

Not one to disobey, Lucius followed Mott down the dark stairwell, leading him to a hidden chamber at the bottom. He laid his eyes on the madness inside.

"M-My Lord, this is—GacK!" his words were taken from him as a bubble of water wrapped around his head, and suddenly, he was drowning. He struggled to break free of the spell, rolling, tossing and turning on the ground, but it was useless. Mott did not allow him to escape, and soon, Lucius died, his lungs filled with waters.

Mott studied his corpse. With a wave of his wand, the water inside made it jerk and move. It stood up, and Mott examined it.

"Hmm, it seems my estimations were correct. Your body will be most useful in my experiments…" A mad grin stretched across his lips.

"I won't allow my peace to be disturbed. My own army will see to it."