Here we are at Chapter 15. Time for Fuyumi to go back to school. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 15. Enjoy. Have a Merry Christmas!
Chapter 15: The Magi Academy
Everyone stares in awe as Fuyumi introduces herself to the class. Not to tote her own horn, but Fuyumi enjoys the attention at her beauty.
"Miss Hikaru here is from the Dragon Alliance, show please show her due courtesy. Miss Hikaru, you may take the seat next to Anelia that is currently open," the teacher points to the empty desk next to Anelia.
Fuyumi walks over, only to smile and wave at Anelia, "A pleasure to see you again, Anelia. It's nice knowing we're in the same class," she greets her before taking her seat.
"Huh?!" the whole class silently gasps.
"Hi, Yukina. It's nice to see you again," Anelia greets her, though she feels uncomfortable from all the stares/glares from the rest of the class.
"Oh, you know Miss Hikaru, Miss Lumare?" the teacher notes.
"Yes, we met while she was on a special assignment from the headmistress. She and I have become friends, and she's been a big help to me in getting acclimated to Anatolia," Fuyumi sounds all cheery.
"I see, then in that case, should you have any questions, and if there are no instructors present, then she can aid you. Now then, come along everyone, let's begin today's lesson," the teacher moves on.
With that, everyone focuses on the lesson, but Anelia can feel the subtle glares at her from the other students. They're all wondering the same thing.
"How did someone like her become friends with a girl as beautiful as Yukina?"
…
After first class ended, Anelia breathes a slight sigh of relief. The tension never left her shoulders. In the past, most students didn't pay much attention to her, despite her high magical aptitude. Mostly due to her low status. Of course, there was still tension from her reason for coming back: to find the ones that want her dead. Luckily, Fuyumi would be with her every step of the way. Doesn't make the current situation any less intimidating though.
"Hey, Miss Hikaru, where exactly are you from in the Dragon Alliance?" one female student asks.
"Miss Hikaru, do you want to study together later?" a blushing male student asks.
"My goddess, your eyes shine just like the stars!" and one male student tries to woo her.
However, Fuyumi answers each question with grace, and politely rejects the study offer, and just smiles at the compliment. Anelia can't figure out how she handles all that so easily.
Anelia gets up from her desk, "Um, Yukina, we should probably-," she tries to get her attention, but more students crowd around her fiancé, preventing her from being heard.
"Miss Hikaru, do you have a boyfriend?" one guy asks.
"Or a girlfriend?" one girl asks almost frantically.
Fuyumi laughs it off, "Let's just say that right now, I am not married," she gives a concrete, but somewhat vague answer. However, it seems to do the trick as the other students get stars in their eyes at the idea that she is not currently taken at this time. If only they knew the truth. "Come on, Anelia, I believe we have the same class next. Best get going now, or else we'll be late," she stands from her desk and prepares to leave as Anelia joins her.
"Wait, Miss Hikaru, allow me to escort you," one boy offers his hand while giving a subtle look at Anelia.
"Hey, let me do it!" one pushes him aside.
"Now, now, boys, we'd best get going. Besides, not all of us are in the same class. I wouldn't want you to be late because of me," Fuyumi shows them a lovely smile, practically having them in the palm of her hand.
The bickering stops and Fuyumi and Anelia head to their next class, eyes on their backs.
"Sorry about them. They can be... intense at times," Anelia bows her head.
"It's fine. Personally, I think it's my fault. Sometimes, my beauty can be more of a curse than a blessing. But, it has its uses... and it can be amusing seeing people's reactions. Besides, never forget, Anelia... You are my fiancé. Just like Emilia. I will always choose you over them," Fuyumi whispers the last part so no one else can hear, but it still makes Anelia smile.
They head to their next class, set outside for practical lessons. In the courtyard, there lay several targets for the students to practice their magic on. The targets are sets of armor on polls, each given magical enhancements to make them more durable.
"Now then, we'll be having target training on these suits of armor. Your objective is not just to hit them, but to actually penetrate their defenses and hit the true target inside," the instructor explains.
Fuyumi quickly sees the reasoning for it. In battle, their target is not the armor, but the person wearing it. Even if the armor gets destroyed, if the person inside still lives, then the target is missed. The students are all lined up in several lines for each target. If a student manages to destroy the armor, then it is replaced with a new set, all ready to go. Students prepare their chants, casting different forms of offensive magic towards the armor sets. Some miss their mark, while others may hit their target, but fail to penetrate the defenses. At least a few manage to break through. Soon enough, Anelia comes up for her shot. She gathers her magic and prepares her strike.
"Spirits of wind, slice through my enemies. Air Cutter!" sending out a concentrated blade of wind, she cuts through her target completely, armor and all.
"Excellent job, Miss Lumare. Just as expected," the instructor tallies the scores.
Anelia smiles at the praise, but it's quickly lost when she notices some of the other students glaring at her. Fuyumi flashes her a quick smile to cheer her up and it does, at least a little bit. Next up is a teenage boy with red hair slicked back, golden eyes, and an air about him that almost screams "spoiled rich-boy living off daddy's money".
"Next up, Allan Beauford," and the boy steps forth.
Aiming his left hand, the boy begins, "Flames of Hell, burn everything to cinders. Explosion!" he releases a massive ball of flame that flies towards the target.
When it hits, it creates a large explosion that incinerates both the armor and the target within. The boy flicks his hand through a few strands of his hair. However, as he walks back, he sends a wink Fuyumi's way. She doesn't react, but inside, she's practically gagging. For the time being, she just focuses on the class.
"Next, Yukina Hikaru," the instructor calls out.
All eyes turn to Fuyumi as she steps forth. She raises her right hand and conjures her frost shards, sending them flying to skewer the armor, shredding it apart. The spectacle makes everyone gasp in shock and awe for multiple reasons.
"Casting magic with chanting... Incredible," even the instructor is stunned. "U-Uh, masterful work, Miss Hikaru. Well done," no doubt he'll give her a passing grade.
Fuyumi returns to her spot, smiling along the way. The other students still have their eyes on her. They've never seen, nor heard of anyone that could cast magic without chanting. They know she's from the Dragon Alliance. Could other people there be other people like her out there? After Fuyumi leaves the stage, some of the students flock to her with more questions.
"How were you able to cast magic without chanting? Not even the great archmage could do that, and he's a legend?" one student asks.
"It's kind of a long story. Let's just say that my family goes through some intensive training to be able to do such things. However, I'm afraid that's a closely-guarded family secret, so I can't tell you," putting a finger to her lips, Fuyumi flashes them a gorgeous smile that makes some of them swoon.
Just then, Allan walks up to her, "Beautiful and talented in magic. You are truly impressive, Lady Hikaru. Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am Allan von Beauford, son of Earl Beauford. A pleasure to meet such a lovely woman such as yourself," he bows and plants a kiss on her hand.
Fuyumi returns in with a light smile, "A pleasure, Lord Allan," she is curt, but keeps her true revulsion inside.
She's not the only one upset by his actions. Fuyumi can feel a dark aura nearby and glances to see Anelia glaring at Allan. She's never seen the girl look so angry. Honestly, it was quite adorable since she's only angry for Fuyumi's sake. She'll have to spoil her a little bit later when it's just the two of them.
"Mr. Beauford, that's enough of that. Save the fraternizing for after lessons are over, thank you. Come on, let's keep the line moving," the instructor interjects.
Allan sighs, "Oh well, guess this will have to wait. We'll talk again soon, my lady," Allan bows again and walks away.
The class eventually comes to a close and the students move on to the next period. As the day goes on, Fuyumi finishes the rest of her classes and dealing with the other students. While some were genuinely curious about her and wanted to speak with her, there were others (mostly boys) who tried to woo her. Suffice to say, their efforts were in vain. After getting through all that drama, Fuyumi goes looking for Anelia. They didn't have every class together, so as not to seem suspicious. Looking around for her second fiancé, she comes outside and makes her way to the back of the school. It is here that she hears some commotion going on.
"Why did you come back?! Someone like you doesn't deserve to be here!" she hears someone yelling, a boy. Spying around the corner, she finds Anelia and three other students surrounding them, one of them being Allan Beauford. "This school is a place where noble children hone their magical skills. It is not the place for commoner trash like you," Allan sneers.
"Yeah, just because you're good at magic, doesn't mean you get to be here," another boy says.
"How do we know she can even use all the magic she claims to use anyway. Maybe she persuaded the professors to do so and give her a passing grade by offering them services," another joked.
"I admit, you have a few things going for you with your looks, but that's all. However, most self-respecting nobles wouldn't be caught dead with a lowly commoner like you," Allan insults her again. All the while, Anelia just stands there, looking a bit downtrodden. "But, maybe if you help us out with something, we'll back off. Maybe even say that you didn't use your body to pass your classes," she grins.
"W-What are you talking about? I never did anything like that," Anelia tries to defend herself.
"Look, if you put in a good word with Yukina Hikaru for us, then we'll back off," Allan suggests.
"What?" Anelia doesn't understand.
"I don't understand why someone like Yukina would ever consider you a friend. That woman is much too good for you. She's beautiful, and talented with magic. She deserves a strong man with noble stature by her side. Like myself. Or maybe, you're not actually friends after all, and you're really just her servant," Allan snickers.
"Makes sense to me. She probably wanted someone to show her around, and then wait on her hand and foot. That's what it is," one of his buddies notes.
They start laughing while Anelia almost looks like she's about to cry. Just as she's about to help Anelia, another voice joins in.
"What's going on here?" they all look to see Headmistress Gloria approaching them. "I believe that is quite enough for one day, Mr. Beauford. Need I remind you that this school has a zero-tolerance policy on bullying fellow students. Now, leave at once or I will be forced to suspend you from your classes. Exams are coming up soon. You wouldn't want to upset your father by having your grades drop," Gloria warns him. Allan looks like he's about to retort, but thinks twice and leave with his cronies. Gloria watches them leave before she sighs. "Are you alright, Anelia?"
"Y-yes, I'm okay. Thank you, Headmistress," Anelia bows her head.
"Anelia," they look to see Fuyumi joining them. "Are you alright? I came by when I heard some noise as I was looking for you. I came upon Allan and his cronies insulting you. I was about to intervene when the headmistress beat me to it,"
"I'm fine, Fuyumi. This is nothing new," Anelia smiles sadly.
"Has that cretin always bullied her?" Fuyumi makes her displeasure known.
"Allan Beauford. He's got strength in fire magic, but not so much when it comes to manners. I tolerate him, but only to a certain extent. He and others like him don't take too kindly to commoners with magic potential enrolling at this school. However, his animosity towards Miss Lumare was more tame until recently," Gloria explains.
"What do you mean?" Fuyumi asks.
"Weeks ago, we had a sparring class, with students going against one another in one-on-one duels to test and show off their progress with their studies. Anelia faced off against Mr. Beauford in one such duel and was soundly defeated. I imagine it didn't sit well with him, or his father, to lose to someone who was not of noble status. His father is quite adamant about his social status, especially when it comes to commoners. He can't stand the idea that a commoner can be better than this children in anything, whether it be magic, mathematics, or politics. After that defeat, Allan's antagonism towards Anelia became much worse," Gloria explains.
"Hmm, I'd say it would be best to steer clear of him for now, but with how interested he is in me, I doubt it'll be that easy. It's been a long day, Headmistress. Anelia and I should return to our room," Fuyumi says.
"Yes, do get some rest. You've gained quite the attention, both of you. Hopefully, we'll be able to solve this crisis sooner than later. Good day to you, ladies," Gloria nods her head and then takes her leave.
Anelia sighs, "I'm sorry you had to see that, Fuyumi,"
"Hey, it's not your fault, Anelia. Come on, let's head back to our room. You remember what we have to do, right?" Fuyumi asks.
Anelia nods, "Yes, I remember,"
Anelia heads back to her room, with Fuyumi not far behind. The plan was to make it look like they sleep in different rooms. When Anelia enters her room, she then opens up the window to allow Fuyumi to teleport inside. Anelia closes the window after making sure no one saw Fuyumi, only for the latter to wrap her arms around the girl in a warm embrace.
"F-F-Fuyumi!" a blushing Anelia squeaks.
"I'm sorry you had to endure that again. If only I reacted faster. I'm sorry," Fuyumi apologizes.
"Fuyumi, it's okay. It's not your fault," Anelia returns the embrace.
"You are strong, Anelia. I've seen it, and I'm not just talking about your magic. You're strong in spirit. You need only bring it out when you choose to. But, that won't stop me from being there for you. Just as I am with Emilia, I care about you. I want to share in your joy, and in your sorrow. To feel your happiness, and your pain. You are mine and I am yours. That won't change," Fuyumi leans back to look into Anelia's eyes.
"Fuyumi..." Anelia feels warmth in her heart at her words.
"Do not worry about those idiots' words. You are not a servant, nor are you beneath me. I wouldn't have become so smitten with you otherwise," Fuyumi says.
"But... I'm not a high-ranking noble. Even with my possible lineage. I'm not rich, and I'm certainly not beautiful," Anelia bemoans.
"Beauty is a matter of perspective, Anelia. There are plenty of beautiful women in the world. All pretty little flowers... But, that is all they are. Just pretty. I prefer women who have more than just their beauty. Emilia is beautiful, but she is also dutiful, charming, and has goals. You, too, are beautiful, but you're also strong. Despite the abuse you went through, you still went out into the real world to become a mercenary. Others in your position might not have made the same choice. And another thing too," Fuyumi continues.
"What?" Anelia asks.
"The one thing you must remember about bullies is this: they are cowards. They gang up on someone they think weaker than them to hide their own fear and insecurities. When they bully you, it's not because of your commoner status; it's because you're better than them at magic. Because they are jealous of you," Fuyumi says.
"Jealous... f me?" Anelia easily shows her surprise.
Fuyumi guides Anelia to her bed, "Yes. You have shown how skilled you are with magic. That Allan idiot may be strong in fire magic, but that is all. You can us four affinities in magic, and you're strong in each of them. You have more control over your power as well. More so than his. I watched his performance in class today. His little show looked strong, but it was just flashy. He sprayed his flames around, rather than focusing them. You don't make the same mistake as him. What's more, people who feel they have to flaunt their status, money, or power are really just trying to mask some failure or fear they don't want coming out. You are not like them. You're better. That's just one of the reasons why I care about you so much,"
Her words make a blushing Anelia smile and she leans into Fuyumi's embrace once more. They end up falling onto the bed, still in the embrace. Fuyumi gets bold and kisses Anelia on her forehead, causing her to look up at her. Fuyumi then takes this chance to plant a quick kiss on Anelia's lips. The younger girl freezes from the contact, only to slowly smile a few moments later. She closes her eyes, inviting Fuyumi in. Fuyumi happily obliges and gives Anelia a full kiss this time. The two end up spending a while just lying there, kissing each other. Suffice to say, aside from a few instances, Fuyumi had a good first day at school.
…
Meanwhile, Allan was having a fit in his dorm room, "That little, disgusting commoner. I can't believe she came back. Worse, she and Yukina Hikaru are friends. I swear that little insect always gets in my way. What's even worse is how that old hag, the headmistress, is always protecting her. Our school should be just for nobles and no one else. I swear, this time, I will make you pay for humiliating me. And then, with you gone, Yukina will be all mine," he shows a twisted smile on his face.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi gets to see how the royal magi academy does things, encountering people of different varieties, including the worst kind. Will she be able to uncover the ones responsible for trying to kill Anelia? What does Allan Beauford have planned for them? Until then, please Read and Review. Have a Merry Christmas!