Sunlight made its way into Princess Weiss' room. A new day was upon her. Weiss grumpily mumbled in her sleep at the invading sunlight. She turned to her side, not wanting to get up just yet. "I don't want to wake up, let me sleep a bit more…"
"..."
Weiss felt someone pinch her arm and she let out an undignified squeak before sitting up, wide awake. She was about to give the person who rudely awoke her a good scolding, but then realized it was her new "disguised" bodyguard. The zombie was now dressed appropriately in a red and white guard uniform. Her hair was dyed black, her misty eyes now had brown contacts in them. Not much can be done with her pale skin, but Weiss did apply makeup to her face to hide any indication she was a zombie.
"Zuzu! You didn't have to pinch me! I was going to get up eventually…" Weiss sighed as she rubbed at her eyes tiredly. She took a look at the clock and noticed it was 7:30. She quickly calculated how much sleep she has gotten and it was about 4 hours worth. Not nearly enough time to be fully refreshed for the day ahead of her.
Zuzu didn't say anything… or rather she couldn't at the moment and just stared at her blankly as if to say, "Yeah sure." Weiss stretched her arms out and slowly got out of bed. She gave one last once over on her work on the zombie before her. It was a lot of work, but she made a convincing human out of this zombie. Her other servants and guards were certainly fooled, but did find it strange that Weiss would hire another bodyguard to follow her at all times… let alone one that didn't speak.
"Well, I sure hope this disguise works in the long run. Just try and blend in as best you can. Don't act too… Zombie-like I guess…" Zuzu just gave a brief nod in response. Weiss smiled a little before heading towards the bathroom to get ready for the day. She closed the door behind her and started undressing. While she does that, she thought about what she learned about this zombie just from watching her.
While Zuzu does still retain some intellect than most zombies do, she still has a hunger for human flesh. She learned that the hard way when she watched in horror as Zuzu tried to bite a guard that was being mean to her, but she had just enough willpower to resist that instinct of hers. That was a fun thing to explain and work through…
She has yet to see if Zuzu was capable of turning others… but she didn't dare to risk anything with that… that just spells all kinds of trouble. She had to wonder though if there are more zombies out there that she isn't aware of. It is a tad strange there is only reports of one zombie being sighted. It really made her curious as to how Zuzu turned if that's the case. The only clue she has is what Zuzu was wearing when she met her. A white lab coat. She can guess that perhaps Zuzu was experimenting on something and it turned her, though that is a weak theory at the moment.
She'll figure out her real identity soon. She did cut out a piece of her hair and it is currently being looked at. Perhaps she'll find out today?
10 minutes later, Weiss came out of the bathroom all clean and freshened up. Zuzu looked away so she can get dressed. The princess smiled in response. "Come on, it's not like I have anything you haven't seen before. Besides, I am used to it. My security staff has already seen me naked anyways."
Weiss doesn't really mind people staring at her body. It was more of a compliment if anything. If they try anything inappropriate… then she'll mind. Otherwise, look as much as you want. Sure, having a changing screen in her room contradicts that, but it is just there because it decorates the room a bit.
Zuzu shook her head and continued to look away. If she wasn't a zombie, there probably would have been a heavy blush on her cheeks. Weiss shrugged in response. "Suit yourself, eye candy isn't for everyone I guess." She teased her before getting her clothes to get dressed for the day.
After a couple of slightly awkward moments, Weiss was fully dressed and ready to take on the day. Tomorrow is the ball and thankfully planning is all done. All that's left is to set it up. She is excited, but also slightly concerned. The ball will be fun… but at the same time, that Scream guy could very well show up like in her dream and ruin things. Hopefully she could take that guy on this time or at the very least fight him off until there is a way to deal with him permanently.
"Zuzu, are you going to use the bathroom?" Weiss asked, before they go along with their day. Zuzu looked at her for a moment, before shaking her head. The princess crossed her arms. Surely she needs to freshen up at least. Sure she doesn't need sleep anymore, but at least freshen up and possibly not reek of death? She can still smell it slightly.
"Look, I know you are a zombie, but that doesn't excuse you of living the… undead life of being stinky. If you are going to be my bodyguard… even if it is just pretend… kind of… you need to freshen up." Weiss forcefully grabbed her arm and dragged her to the bathroom.
"Ugghh…" Zuzu groaned, giving up.
10 more minutes later, Zuzu was ready for the day also. Weiss looked at the time and noticed it was nearing 8:00 AM. The maids were probably wondering where she was as she should be down in the dining hall eatingt breakfast by now.
"Oh! Uh want anything for breakfast? I mean… I can't feed you human flesh… but maybe I can feed you something else… equally as meaty?" Weiss honestly didn't know what to feed her. Zuzu didn't want anything last night sure, but surely she must be hungry now. She is a zombie after all.
"...B-...Ba…" Zuzu started but still was having difficulty speaking. Weiss snapped her fingers, knowing what she wanted.
"Ah, so you want bacon. Sure! I love bacon too. I will gladly ask for them to cook you some tasty bacon." Weiss smiled. She was just honestly happy to be spending time and or even talking with someone that doesn't really work under her. Ever since she became the ruler of this country when her dad died, she has become incredibly lonely. So this whole situation is a welcome change… more work added to her pile aside.
Zuzu nodded, confirming that that was what she was trying to say. With that, both of them headed downstairs to the dining hall. Upon arriving, they noticed that a good number of maids were already waiting for them.
"Your highness, where were you? You are never late for breakfast!"
"We were just about to go look for you!"
Weiss scratched her cheek nervously. "Oh I was just helping my new bodyguard get ready. And also get her up to speed of what is required of her around here." Good thing, the security cameras in her castle don't pick up audio, otherwise they would have definitely seen through her lie. Zuzu looked at her for a moment, hesitating, then ultimately nodded in affirmation that that was what happened.
"Plus I slept in later than I intended. I didn't mean to, but going to bed at 3 in the morning will do that." Weiss further explained to them. The maids didn't need to question that. They knew how hard their princess was working… though once again further worrying them that she might fall ill if she keeps this up.
"Now then, get me my usual traditional breakfast. Oh and please do feed my bodyguard too. She desires lots of bacon… possibly some toast and water." Weiss added those in because just giving her bacon is just weird. She didn't know if a zombie could eat toast, but might as well give it a shot.
The maids exchanged weird looks. This was a first. Weiss doesn't usually let someone eat with her, much less ask them to feed someone that works under her. The white haired girl was nervous but didn't let it show. To be fair, it was weird. A few awkward moments later, the maids just went ahead to the kitchen without any questions.
"Grrgh…" Zuzu groaned quietly.
"I know... But hey, at least you are getting fed and not have to eat… humans." She whispered the last part.
Both of them sat down at the dining table, Zuzu sitting not too far away from her, but not too close either. As they both sat there waiting for their breakfast, Weiss leaned forward in her chair and started thinking. She feels like she is forgetting something. It was nothing work related, she made sure to do everything yesterday that she needed to do… so what was it?
…
Weiss' eyes widened in realization. That's right. The detective! Wasn't he supposed to call her if he found something in that Clock Tower? Weiss pulled out her smartphone and called his number. Zuzu watched Weiss, wondering what she was up to. The princess bit her lower lip and drummed her fingers on the table, waiting.
"We're sorry, the number you have called is disconnected or not in service."
Weiss looked at her smartphone in shock. His number is disconnected? That doesn't make sense. He should have his smartphone on him at all times. Did something happen to him? Weiss looked in the general direction of where the Clock Tower was. She narrowed her eyes. That settles it. She has to visit that Clock Tower soon. Two people have already gone missing and it feels like it was her fault to send them off to such a dangerous place.
"...?" Zuzu let out a questionable sound to get her attention.
Weiss turned to face Zuzu and shook her head. "I-It's nothing. Was just trying to get in touch with someone and apparently they changed numbers or something. How rude!" Weiss lied through her teeth. It was a pretty obvious lie, but she hoped Zuzu wouldn't push anyways. The zombie looked at her for a few moments, shrugged, then looked elsewhere as if suddenly bored.
"Yuna… Fille… I hope both of you are still alive. I don't want any more guilt on my soul."
Few minutes later, their breakfast was served to them. Weiss watched as Zuzu tried to restrain herself from eating like an animal and picked up a fork, trying to eat the bacon normally. When the bacon disappeared into the mouth and she started chewing, Zuzu let out what seemed to be a pleased moan. Weiss giggled, it was actually kind of cute. She then turned red and shook her head. She probably shouldn't be thinking about such things. Probably not a good thing to find a zombie enjoying their food, cute, even if the zombie is abnormal. She is not into (kinda) Necrophilia.
Weiss turned to her food and started eating. Eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, toast, and orange juice. The typical breakfast that she loves to eat almost every morning. Sometimes she mixes it up a bit with pancakes or maybe even a breakfast sandwich, but for the most part, this is her go to.
"By the by your highness, you have a request from someone for a little meeting of sorts." One of the maids told her. Weiss paused mid-bite of her toast and looked her maid's way.
"A request? From whom?"
"They didn't write their name. Just that they wanted to meet to talk about info they wanted to share with you personally."
Weiss took a sip of her orange juice, thinking what to do about this request. Seems harmless enough. She won't know if this is some stupid request until she meets them.
"Did they write their number?"
"Yes, your highness."
"Then give them a call and tell them to meet me at 10:00 AM."
"As you wish."
If that was the only request she had for today, good, more time to work on other things that require her attention before the ball tomorrow. Weiss looked over to where Zuzu was sitting and noticed that she has already finished her bacon, water, AND the toast.
"My, you ate fast." Weiss said in surprise. So she can eat the toast. Good to know that her appetite isn't limited to just meat. Perhaps if she feeds her well enough, she won't have to crave human flesh. Maybe it will slowly turn her back to normal… even if just a little.
Zuzu nodded, rubbing her stomach in satisfaction. "T... Thaannkkkkss." She voiced out kinda raspy.
Weiss' eyes widened. That's the first time she heard her say a complete word. She couldn't hide the grin on her face even if she tried. "My pleasure. I do what I can."
Meanwhile…
Emma yawned as she sat in her Advanced Calculus class. In her opinion, math is fun, but not when it is stuff she already knows and it becomes painfully easy. Thank god it is just one more review day before they take their final exams on Monday. Frankly she wished she could do the exams now and have summer vacation start tomorrow, but nope, life never works conveniently like that.
"Bored?" Jess asked from the seat behind her.
"Extremely. Doesn't help when the teacher has a very monotone voice." Emma answered in a whisper. Jess can only nod to that.
"So Emma," Jess started, "Did you see the UFO last night?"
"Well I saw something in the sky, but I don't know if it was a UFO." It was a good thing this teacher allowed students to talk to each other if they didn't feel the need to review today just as long as they don't bother others that do.
"It is crazy how frequent they are. You think Aliens might decide to either talk with us or perhaps strike us down soon?"
"I am not sure." Emma shrugged. "If they really wanted to strike us down, they would have done so ages ago. I am not sure what they are up to if they are out there. Perhaps they are just seeing what we are up to."
"I guess."
Emma sighed and without anything better to do, pulled out the string with the black feather she found in the forest from her pocket. A piece of a Dreamcatcher… She hasn't really figured out what the significance of this thing is. The only thing she knows is that finding this was no coincidence. She wondered what that detective was up to regarding all these strange happenings that involve Dreams and Nightmares.
Jess eyed the item in her hands. "You still have that?"
"Yes." Emma responded, not even looking her way. "I am not just going to throw it away. It will probably have significance later… just… don't know when."
"It is just part of a Dreamcatcher you found. What significance is there?" Jess was honestly just confused at her friend's insistence to keep that thing.
"I'll figure it out." Emma simply said, before pocketing the item.
10 minutes later, the bell rang. Everybody started gathering their things to leave for their next class. "Okay class. Try and study this weekend. Your final exam is worth 50 percent of your grade after all!" The teacher told their leaving students.
Emma and Jess walked together out of class to head to their lockers. They were in no hurry to get to class. 10 minutes is a generous amount of time in between classes to go to your locker and get ready for your next class.
"Well, only 6 classes to go and then we are out for the weekend." Jess remarked as they arrived at their lockers. Emma just groaned in response. Sitting through more boring classes is just hell for her. She wonders why she even bothered to show up to school today, she could skip today too and probably nothing would change.
"I am just glad that my school days will be over soon." Emma said as she opened her locker and placed her Advanced Calculus book away. "Then I can start looking for a job."
"Oh right, forgot you don't have money to go to college."
Emma shook her head. "I would go to college if I could, but sadly I'll have to settle with a High School Diploma. With my grades I don't even qualify for a scholarship. Thems the breaks."
"Well I only known you for a short while, but you've been working hard, despite some laziness but hey I am proud of ya for getting this far." Jess smiled at her friend. Emma faked a pout at the laziness part of her sentence but then smiled afterwards.
"Thanks Jess."
Jess nodded before grabbing her book for next class and closed her locker. "Well, I will see you at lunch!" She waved Emma farewell before heading off. The blonde watched her go for a moment or two before grabbing her own book and walking in the opposite direction.
"Oh boy, time to get through Ceramics." Emma muttered to herself quietly as she walked in the general direction of her class. Upon nearing the entrance to her school, she spotted a person that looked really out of place. Mostly because of her outfit. Emma stared at a woman with black hair in a snowy owl mask that covered most of her face. She was wearing a very revealing black tank top, short red skirt and red high heels. Definitely not a student and certainly not school appropriate. She seemed to be on the phone with someone.
"Ah so she is willing to see me today?" The woman spoke out happily. "Oh 10:00 AM is just fine with me. I don't have anything to do around that time." Emma continued watching her as the woman leaned back on the wall. "My name? Does she really want to know my name?"
…
"Alright fair enough. My name is Alula. You will know when it is me when you see a snowy owl mask on my face… Yes seriously... Well alright, ta-ta!"
The woman now known as Alula hung up and pocketed her smartphone. She was just about to leave when she realized she was being watched. Emma flushed a bit as the woman looked her way.
"Well now, isn't it a bit rude to be eavesdropping, young lady?" Alula scolded, though she was smiling all the same. The woman walked over to Emma to get a better look at her. The blonde turned really red at how close she was to this woman.
"I am sorry to ask… but what are you doing at this school, miss?" Emma croaked out. She honestly just wanted to melt and die on the spot. She never does well being so close to rather beautiful women.
"Hmm? Why do you want to know?" Alula asked, genuinely curious.
"I well... You know what? Nevermind." Emma shook her head, wanting this conversation over with so she can go to class and stuff her face into her book in shame. The woman found this amusing and let out a small laugh.
"Well aren't you adorable." Alula patted her head. "If you really want to know then I'll tell you."
"Awfully trusting…" Emma thought to herself but gave the mysterious woman her undivided attention.
"To be frank, I was just here searching for an item and lo and behold I found it, thanks to your principal. To think he would help a random lady like me." Alula remarked.
"Well the principal here is a pervert… And your clothes certainly help…" Emma thought wryly. "Well cool. What is it if you don't mind me asking?" Alula contemplated for a bit, wondering if it was really alright to tell her. She looked at the young blonde as if judging her for a bit. Ultimately, she gave a smile and a nod, not seeing the harm.
"I don't see why not. You seem to be a nice young lady."
"T-Thanks…" Emma couldn't really deny that.
Alula reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out… Emma couldn't believe her eyes. It was another piece of a Dreamcatcher. That makes two now and surely… SURELY this wasn't just coincidence. The woman seemed to have noticed her reaction.
"Hmm, you seem to know what I am holding. Why is that?"
Emma reached into her pocket and pulled out her piece. Although Emma couldn't see it, the woman probably was shocked about what she held in her hand too. The tardy bell rang, but the blonde didn't care if she was tardy, this meeting was kinda worth it.
"Young lady... Where did you acquire such a thing?" Alula asked not unkindly.
"I um… found it in the middle of a forest…" Emma answered, refusing to tell her about the corpse part. Alula took the piece of the Dreamcatcher from her and looked at the two of them together. "H-Hey!" Emma protested, trying to grab the item back.
"Dear sweet young lady, I must take this. You must understand that these hold significant power and I have to bring them to the princess at once." Alula explained as she pocketed the items.
"Why? Does Princess Weiss know about them?"
"You'll understand in due time I am sure." Alula tapped her chin in thought. "In fact, I dare say you will play a part with the Princess regarding these." Before Emma could get a word in edgewise, a hall monitor walked by and spotted the two of them.
"Emma Falls! What are you doing?! Get to class right this instant! You are late!" The hall monitor scolded the blonde. The blonde squeaked in response. Shit, she was in trouble.
"Please excuse her, I held her up by talking with her, so I am the one at fault for her tardiness." Alula explained to the hall monitor.
"Oh you did huh? Well fine then. Emma, I'll let you off with a warning this time around. Be lucky you didn't get detention on one of your last days of school." With that, the hall monitor walked the other way. Emma wiped her forehead. Glad she didn't have to deal with that.
"T-Thanks for that."
"No, thank you for finding this. Now, I shall be on my way. Study well, dear."
Emma watched as the mysterious woman walked out of the school. The blonde wished she could have the piece of the Dreamcatcher back, but if this woman was being truthful, then it is best that Princess Weiss sees them. Maybe she can figure out this whole mess. It is certainly better than waiting around for an answer. With a sigh, Emma made her way to her Ceramics class. First things first, she has to endure more classes.
Elsewhere…
"How long have I been here? It has probably been over a week now." A young brunette adventurer thought to herself. She was currently looking up into the night sky while laying down in the grass. A lot of things happened over the course of her week here in this… new world she crashed into. Quite a number of good things… and quite a number of bad things. It was all just overwhelming for her and she really wants to head home. She just doesn't know how to go about it. How exactly do you return to your own world without perhaps a spaceship of some kind. And given what she knows about from this world, that just wasn't possible.
To think, it was all because she was pressured into going into the Clock Tower. She was not sure how it happened. All she knows is that she went in there, avoiding the spirits, traps, and other such nonsense… and then she entered a secret room she found. Next thing she knew, she was in the sky and fell into a place called Hanzo Academy. A school for shinobi. There she met 5 girls who took care of her. She was glad to meet them and also glad for their help, but she doesn't want to be a burden on anybody. She needs to head home soon and go on an adventure in her own world. But how exactly?
"Yuna-chan?"
Yuna didn't bother looking towards the direction of the voice. She knew it was her very busty friend, Asuka. She felt the girl lay down on the grass next to her. They both stared at the starry sky together for a few moments.
"What are you thinking about, Yuna-chan?" Asuka asked, giving her friend a sideways glance. Yuna looked back at her for a moment, before looking back at the sky, shrugging.
"My home." She said simply.
"Naruhodo…"
When Yuna first talked about wanting to go home, the girls were confused as to why she couldn't just go and do that. Like get a plane ticket home if she really wanted to go home that badly. The adventurer from that point didn't really know how to explain it without it being very weird. She can't just go about saying she is from a different world. First of all, would they even take her seriously? And second of all, she feels like it is an unspoken rule to not give away info that there are other worlds out there even if they didn't buy it. So for the time being, she just said it is very complicated to go home.
A week later, hardly any progress was made and Yuna was forced to accept that she will be here for quite a while. Not that staying here was all bad. She made some new friends, albeit it took her awhile to accept the fact that these girls wanted to be her friends given her self-deprecating ways.
"Yuna-chan, what's your home like?" Asuka asked, very curious. "If you are not going to tell me what the complications are… would you tell me at least this?"
The brunette thought for a moment. She should watch what she says here. In truth, she doesn't have a home she stays in indefinitely. She travels around the world, buys a vacation home there if she has the money, then moves on if there is nothing more to explore. The world is her home technically. Well, she can at least tell her half truths.
"Well it is a rather nice 2 story building located near the mountains. It is hardly ever warm where I live. The highest temperature around 67 degrees actually."
"Only that warm?" Asuka's eyes widened. "You must be well adapted to the cold."
Yuna smiled. "I am used to all kinds of climates actually. So cold weather nearly all the time doesn't bother me." She sat up and leaned back on her hands, still staring into the sky. "It is a rather beautiful place all things considered and ruled by a pretty good princess." Disregarding that one moment before she headed to the clock tower.
"Hime?"
"Right. She does a lot of work for her people. She is respected and loved by… well pretty much almost everyone. She is something else." Yuna explained. Asuka hummed in understanding before sitting up as well. She placed a hand on her shoulder as if trying to comfort her. Yuna blushed at the contact, but didn't object.
"Yuna-chan, you'll be able to return home soon… I am sure. In the meantime, stay with us for as long as you need." Asuka gave her a reassuring smile.
"Why are you all so nice to me?" Yuna just couldn't believe that these girls, this girl in particular, wanted to help her out. She was just some stupid, plain, ugly, and all other negative adjectives, type of girl.
"We're friends right? This is what friends do." Asuka stood up and helped Yuna to her feet. "Now then, let's go to sleep. It is very late." The young brunette shinobi tapped her chin in thought, feeling like she was forgetting something. "Oh right!"
"Hmm?"
"We got an invitation to go to an island to participate in something called 'Peach Beach Splash'." Asuka told her.
"Peach… Beach… Splash?" Yuna repeated, confused. That is a really strange title for some kind of event. What did it entail? Other than a Beach and possibly peaches… unless they mean a different kind of peach. She blushed heavily at the thought. And the splash part had something to do with water. So what is this event?
"I am just as confused as you are regarding the title, but the invitation did say to bring our bikinis."
"B-Bikinis?!" Yuna waved her hands in front of her face, blushing madly. "NO! NO! NO! I don't look good in a bikini! I don't want to show off my ugly body to people!"
"You are not ugly, Yuna. You're cute and I bet you'll look cuter in a bikini!" Asuka assured her truthfully with a smile. Yuna just shook her head in vehement denial. The young adventurer grabbed a paper bag and placed it on her head.
"I AM UGLY! NOT CUTE!"
"Mou… Yuna-chan." Asuka sighed. Making Yuna accept the fact that she is cute is hard work. Well, she'll come around eventually. With that, the Shinobi grabbed Yuna by the hand so they can go to sleep.
Elsewhere again…
Fille laid on the bed and stared up at the ceiling of the guest room he is in. He has only been here in this world for 6 hours, yet he learned quite a bit about it. He is still mulling over what everything meant, but he got the general gist.
He is currently at the Far East Branch that is run by Fenrir. There are branches all over the world that have soldiers known as God Eaters to take down these "Aragami" monsters. God like beings that infest this world and eat pretty much anything… not just a lot of things… ANYTHING. He shuddered at the thought. He was surprised there is still traces of human life with these monstrosities around, but apparently they came up with a solution pretty quickly with these weapons called God Arcs. Transformative weapons made up of… Oracle Cells that came from those monstrosities. Once defeated, the God Eater devours the core from them using the God Arc and if they collect some pretty strong cores from some strong Aragami, they can fortify the wall protecting the people from them because of something called the Bias factor. In simpler terms, it means the Aragami will find it unappealing to even eat it.
"What a fascinating world I turned up in…" Fille muttered to himself.
He thought back to the girl who saved his life. Kanon Daiba. So she is apparently one of these God Eaters that help keep humanity alive, even if it is just prolonging the inevitable. Apparently she is one of these Old Types kind of God Eaters that only a God Arc capable of only being one type of weapon… could be either melee or a gun. Not both. Those kinds of God Arcs are for more capable God Eaters that are called New Types.
"New Types, huh? And to think, they apparently see me as a potential New Type God Eater."
When Kanon accidentally let it slip that Fille could use magic of some kind and summon his gauntlets from seemingly out of nowhere, they were confused but wanted to see if Kanon's words held any merit. He didn't see the harm of showing them this AT THE TIME and gave them a brief show of his powers. Needless to say, they were astonished and wondered who he was. Fille chose at that point to keep his mouth shut and say that the information is classified.
And before he knew it, he was being tested on. To see if he has any compatibility with any of the God Arcs. To be honest though, if his magic and his gauntlets couldn't do any damage to the Aragami, he wasn't anything special, but apparently they wanted to see if he can be a God Eater. Lo and behold, he can be one. His potential is apparently almost on par with another New Type of this branch: A captain of the 1st unit, Yuu Kannagi. Fille has yet to meet him, but he seems to be famous around this branch.
Which leads to where he is now. Staying in a guest room while thinking about his response upon whether or not to become a God Eater and help protect humanity. Fille honestly didn't know what to do. This isn't his world. He can't just meddle here. If it was his own world, maybe, but some detective that somehow made it into this world and trying to change this world's history? That doesn't seem right.
Knock Knock
Fille broke out of his thoughts and sat up on the bed. "Come in." The door opened and in came the cheery pink haired girl that saved him. She appeared to have a plate of snacks of some kind. Cookies?
"Hi! Uh, was I interrupting anything?" Kanon asked sheepishly as she entered the room and closed the door behind her. Fille shook his head in response. She smiled and sat down on the bed next to him. The detective got a good look at the snacks that were on the plate. They looked to be some kind of cookie… almost looks like Oreos to be honest. Although the presentation of these cookies leave a little to be desired almost like they were burnt or something.
"So… I brought snacks! Snacks that I made…" Kanon said as if she was boasting about it, "And I was hoping that you would like to share them with me?"
Well, what kind of gentleman would he be to refuse a lady's offer like that? Especially if the lady made the treats herself. Not to mention how cute she is. "My thanks, Kanon. I will gladly try these."
He grabbed one and looked at it more closely. Out of the corner of his eye, Kanon was watching him expectantly. It still looks kinda appetizing, so that's something, but hey maybe it is tastier than it looks. With that in mind, he took a bite.
…
Fille's eyes widened behind his sunglasses. They were actually pretty delicious. They were actually better than Oreos and he was kinda neutral towards those cookies… too bad Kanon doesn't have any milk to compliment these cookies, but he'll take what he can get.
"Kanon, presentation aside, these are pretty delicious!" Fille complimented her while also telling her her main flaw with these cookies. Kanon smiled brightly at that, happy that he liked her cookies.
"Yeah I know my cookies don't look all that good, but if the taste is bad then no one wins." Kanon pointed out as she grabbed a cookie and plopped it in her mouth.
"Right."
They sat there in comfortable silence, eating the cookies together. Fille thought briefly on Kanon's character he has seen so far. She seems like a very nice young woman. Very cheerful… knows how to bake sweets at the least. And she seems somewhat clumsy. He hoped she wasn't that way in a fight, but she says she's been a God Eater over a year now… so perhaps she is an experienced fighter.
"So Fille," Kanon wiped her hands off after they finished eating all of the cookies. "Did you decide whether or not to become a God Eater?"
Fille shook his head. "I am honestly conflicted. I am trying to think of the pros and cons in my head… and I… still need time to think, Kanon." Though honestly, he prefers to find a way home if at all possible. It is not like he is stuck here forever right? Right? He bit his lower lip, hoping that's not the case. His home world is in trouble from being overrun by these Nightmares. Sure this world has it worse, but… priorities?
"Maybe Princess Weiss can save me. She surely must have already figured out I have gone missing and will go to the Clock Tower herself."
"Uh, Earth to Fille, you there?" Kanon waved her hand in front of his face, snapping Fille out of it.
"Sorry. I was just thinking about some other things. What did you say?"
"I said I understand, Fille." Kanon gave him a reassuring smile. "Becoming a God Eater isn't easy and you have to make a lot of sacrifices. I was nervous too when I became a God Eater… but the thought of protecting my family, friends, and my home gave me the courage to go through it and quite honestly… being a God Eater can be a lot of fun… Just slaying pitiful Aragami left and right all for the sake of preserving mankind! Woo!" Kanon explained cheerfully.
Fille could have sworn he saw something dark in her eyes when Kanon talked about slaying Aragami. It almost gave him a shiver down his spine. "Is that right? That's some good motivation, Kanon."
"Yeah, but hey, you do what you want to do. I'll support any decision… cause we're friends aren't we?" Kanon said, putting out a hand for a shake. Fille looked at her hand for a moment, before smiling and firmly shook her hand.
"Yes, we are definitely friends. I mean, you practically saved my life. I am really thankful."
"Aww, it was nothing. You looked like you were in trouble while I was out on my mission so I had to help out." Kanon blushed. "But I must say, if you do become a God Eater, would you go on missions with me? You are so cool and I would like it so much if you joined me!" Now Fille was the one blushing. That's something no one has ever called him before. 'Cool'. Something about this girl was giving him a lot of… unnecessary feelings and he is not sure if he likes it or not.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow. It is getting late." Kanon picked up the plate and started heading out the door. "Good night, Fille!" She cheerfully waved goodbye.
"G-Good night, Kanon…"
With that, Kanon left the room, leaving Fille back to being alone in the room. He sighed and took off his sunglasses to set on the counter. Honestly, it was getting rather late and he is very tired from everything that transpired today here and in Snowtramine. Shame there isn't any sleepwear for him, he'd hate to wrinkle his clothes, but nothing can be done about that. He turned off the lights and went to sleep. He began dreaming of going back home… and a certain cute God Eater.
Back at Weiss' castle
Weiss sat on her throne, waiting for the meeting to start with this, "Alula" person. Zuzu was standing not too far away from her, along with another bodyguard of hers. As usual, Weiss was bored just sitting around doing nothing but wait. She drummed her fingers impatiently.
"Ugh, I hate waiting around for meetings. Sometimes I just wish they ask me to do something else." Weiss complained, but knew that she shouldn't back out. It is a princess' duties to make their citizens happy. Zuzu turned to look at her for a moment, almost feeling sorry for her.
Weiss noticed this and gave her a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I am just rambling, ignore me." Zuzu shrugged before facing forward again.
"Yeah, she does that sometimes." The other bodyguard told Zuzu.
"Silence!"
The door to the throne room opened and in came one of the maids bringing in the woman known as Alula. Weiss examined her carefully, taking in her rather… risque type of outfit and the strange snowy owl mask covering all but her mouth. She looks tall, a lot taller than her even, which irked her to no end. She hated being short.
"Alula, is it? Welcome." Weiss greeted not unkindly. Alula kneeled down on one knee and bowed respectively before her.
"Your highness, it is a pleasure to meet you and thank you for taking time out of your busy day to meet with me."
"It is what I do…" Weiss cleared her throat, "Now then, you say you have info for me. Pray tell what kind of info you have that will interest me?" She was awfully curious as to what it is. She doesn't normally get requests of this nature.
Alula smiled, "Well your highness, I am sure you are well aware of the strange monsters popping up not too far from here?"
Weiss gave a brief nod at that. So far so good. If this is going where she thinks it's going then she might just get a new lead.
"These creatures of the night, Nightmares, must be stopped at all costs. And there is only one weapon that can deal with them… I believe you have heard of the Dreamcatcher sword?"
Weiss' eyes widened slightly. How did she know that? She only just found out about that weapon yesterday and surely this woman wasn't around when she learnt about it. Getting suspicious, she narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "Why yes… And what of that rumored sword?" Zuzu looked between the two, wondering where this was going.
"I know where it is. It is in that dreaded Clock Tower. You must grab the weapon and fight against the evil sending these monsters out to destroy us." Alula told her.
Weiss had an inkling that the Clock Tower had something to do with that sword, but to have it confirmed…although… "Hmm, why should I be the one to grab it? Why can't you grab it? For all I know this could be a trap."
Alula gave her a smile smile. "Your suspicions are justified your highness, but I cannot grab the sword. Those who try to get close to it get punished. Only one person that is brave, confident, and believes they can make their dream come true with hard work and determination can even touch it and therefore become its master." She then once again bowed respectively before Weiss. "And you, your highness, fits all the criteria. You are the one that will capture the Nightmares and end the evil behind it all."
"Only I? Hmm…" Weiss took in the information she heard. She decided to think about each point of interest one at a time. First of all, the sword punishing those who get close to the sword that are not worthy. Would that mean that Fille and Yuna came into contact with the sword and therefore got punished as a result? It would definitely explain their disappearance. She would hope that the punishment wasn't… death. "So what happens to those that are not worthy?"
"I do not know. I only have a decent amount of knowledge about the legendary weapon. My sincerest apologies."
"Hmm… where'd you get this info is what I'd like to know, but we'll talk about that later I am sure." Weiss rubbed her chin in thought. So it is not for certain both of them are dead, although it still leaves her uneasy. Next is the fact that she is the only one that fit that requirements to wield the sword. She is well… honored? A sword that she can wield and potentially put a stop to that person herself. It actually made her kind of excited, it sounded like she was the main character of some video game or even a story. "Alright, Weiss, don't enter geek mode."
"So… only me? And how would you know if any of that is true about me?" Not that she wasn't wrong. It's just really suspicious.
"Your highness, ever since you started ruling, you have been working hard for your dream of keeping your country happy and to appease your late father."
"My father…" Weiss whispered to herself, sadly. Alula noticed this, but continued on regardless.
"Taking on such a role requires a great number of confidence, bravery, and determination, don't you think?"
"... I guess point taken… Honestly though, where did you get all this info?" Weiss wanted to know who this person is.
"Let's just say…" Alula adjusted her mask on her face. "I have my sources… Very smart sources."
What did she mean by that exactly? Weiss wasn't sure, but was definitely sure that Alula wasn't going to shed more light on that. She hated when people withheld info, even if they have good reasons for doing so.
Zuzu on the other hand found all of this very interesting. This was the first time she ever heard about this sword and to think that the girl she is 'pretending' to protect is the potential wielder of it. Assuming all of this is true of course. If only she could speak more than one word so that she can talk to the princess about this later.
"Now then, I have something to offer you, something you definitely need for the Dreamcatcher Sword to get its power back." With that, Alula reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out the 2 strings of the Dreamcatcher.
"You have 2?!" Weiss exclaimed loudly. Alula expected this kind of reaction.
"Yes. One I found on school grounds… the other was… given to me by an adorable young lady at said school." Alula not giving away any more than that. "With the one I bet you are carrying around with you, that makes 3. Thus all the pieces are now together."
Weiss took out her own piece, but now was faced with another question. "Wait, was the Dreamcatcher sword broken apart or something? What happened?"
"Another time, another place, your highness. Explaining it to you all at once wouldn't be a good idea anyways. You'll know in due time."
"But I like exposition… especially when I want to know more!" Weiss complained in her head, but didn't show her disappointment. "Zuzu, bring me the other 2 pieces from her." The zombie obliged and walked forward to mysterious woman. Alula looked at this bodyguard closely for a moment, taking in all of her features. Zuzu stretched out her hand, waiting for her to coff them up. She stood up and gave them to her, but not before whispering her ear.
Weiss arched an eyebrow at the exchange. She sees Zuzu then look at her like she grew a second head and waved her off with a grunt. What was that about? Did Alula tell her something weird? The zombie walked up to her and handed it to her. She gave her a small smile then looked at the 3 strings now in her hands. So she has all 3 of them. Now what? Should she head to the Clock Tower now and get the sword?
I've been waiting for you…
Weiss gasped as the 3 strings circled around her, glowing blue. The bodyguards gasped and Alula just looked on, not worried in the slightest. The princess found herself floating in the air as they spun faster and faster. Then, in a blink of eye, the strings stopped, forming a triangle around her. Weiss' eyes were blank, but not lifeless. It was as if her body was left behind and her mind went elsewhere.
"Your highness!" The bodyguard was flabbergasted, as was Zuzu.
"She'll be fine." Alula assured them. "Think of it like she is sleeping. Once she wakes up, she'll return stronger than before."
"Well until then, you are staying with us! You brought this upon her after all!" The bodyguard pointed at her accusingly.
"Oh my… Well I wasn't going to go anywhere anytime soon anyways." Alula shrugged and then looked over at Zuzu. "You. I want you to help me with something while we wait…"
