Here we are at Chapter 16. Let's see if Fuyumi can make any more progress in finding the ones after Anelia. I do not own Skeleton Knight or Code Vein. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 16. Enjoy.
Chapter 16: A Date with Danger
The early morning sun rises in the sky over Ustia. It has been a week since Fuyumi entered the academy as Yukina to find the one after Anelia, but so far, they've made little progress. In one of the dorm rooms for the royal magi academy, Anelia sleeps soundly in her bed. A nearby window slowly opens up and in climbs Fuyumi. She makes extra effort to not wake up Anelia by accident, especially since she just came back from getting another drink.
"This is cutting things way too close. The school has enchantments in place to detect unwanted guests and a few other security measures. Thankfully, I got a few abilities that help bypass all that. However...," she stares at Anelia's sleeping face. "How much longer can I keep this a secret. I definitely can't tell them about my true origins, but as far as Fuyumi's origins... Would they be scared of me if I told her? Told Emilia? I've been lucky so far, but luck can only go so far," she strokes a few strands of Anelia's hair. "Rise and shine, sleepy head," she gently coos Anelia awake.
Anelia groans as her eyes flutter open, "Uuuhhh, Fuyumi... Five more minutes, please,"
"I'm afraid not. We have morning class soon. Time to get up, get some breakfast, and then head over to class," Fuyumi replies.
Anelia groans again, but slowly sits up, "Okay..."
Fuyumi can't help but chuckle. Even sleepy Anelia is adorable.
…
Meanwhile, in one manor in the city, a man with short red hair and golden eyes stares out a window behind a mahogany desk.
"I thought I told you people not to come to my home like this. It could cause problems," the man says as he turns to see his desk sitting on a nice, white couch.
The guest has long black hair tied back in a low ponytail, wearing a black military-styled uniform, including a black cape to cover some of it. The man has white gloves, gold and red edging to the uniform, and gray eyes.
"If your family had been doing what you were told to do, I wouldn't be here. The shipments have been coming in behind schedule, and your son had us use valuable resources for a little spoiled errand of his, resources that we won't get back. Not our fault if your family is incompetent," the man replies calmly.
This ticks the red-haired man off, "You dare to slander me, ME, in my home?!"
"Your title means little to me, and to the rest of the continent, Earl Claveman von Beauford. You have no one to blame but yourselves. You put yourselves in this position when you chose to work with us in those shipments, shipments that are illegal in your country. If the royal family finds out, your family is finished. And even if you tried to implicate us, you have little evidence to prove your claims. All you can do now is clean up your mess, and follow our instructions. Keep the product moving, or else there will be consequences. When, at some point, our goals are completed; thanks in part to your contributions, we will happily reward you for your efforts. You came to us, so we will issue the orders here, Earl Beauford," the man says as he stands up from the couch.
"These shipments are more complicated than you know. They got more eyes on their movements now, and are interfering with our work. Of course, it will take more time. Did you really think they wouldn't notice, or attempt to get in our way?" Earl Beauford retorts.
"Finish up your side of the deal. Clean up your mess, and make sure no one finds out. Also, do be sure to keep your son on a tighter leash. We can't have anymore distractions, or useless waste of resources," the man goes to leave the room.
Claveman watches them leave and falls into his chair, "This had all better be worth it. I'm too deep in it now to turn back,"
Meanwhile, the man walks through the halls of the manor, only to be joined by another, hidden beneath a cloak and hood.
"The girl that foolish boy was after has returned to the magi academy. And it seems he is once more intent on killing her," a female voice says.
"That boy has no control, does he. Ignore him. We are not his babysitters," the man replies.
"He also appears to be interested in a new student at the school. A young woman who goes by the name of Yukina Hikaru. A white-haired beauty capable of casting magic without chants. He wants to claim her for himself," the woman says.
This makes the man stop, "I see. Well, then I'm afraid we'll have to disappoint him. Go along with his little plan for now, but when the time is right, deal with him and take the girl... alive,"
"As you wish, sir," his companion replies, their face still hidden by their cloak.
…
In the magi academy, Fuyumi and Anelia are in the middle of a lesson, taking notes in their books and listening in as the teacher goes on in their lecture.
"And despite previous conjecture, just because a mage has an affinity for, say, water magic, it does not mean that their descendants will have the same affinity. While there have been a small number of such cases, these are quite rare," the teacher explains.
"Professor, if I may?" Fuyumi raises a hand.
"Yes, Miss Hikaru?" the teacher stops his lecture.
"So, family lineage may not affect whether or not one has an affinity for one type of magic, but what about how many types of magical affinities one can possess?" Fuyumi asks.
She remembers how the headmistress stated that Anelia might be related to the great archmage from the past. Honestly, it made her a little curious about the matter. There's still quite a bit about this land's magic that she is not familiar with.
"Hmm, a good question. The two scenarios are similar in that regard, though not entirely different. People may be born with one affinity, no affinity, or multiple affinities. Whether they be commoners or nobles. There are commoners that have magic, and nobles that do not. As for whether or not they have multiple, that question has yet to reach a definitive answer. Scholars are still researching on the subject to this day. Many factors may be needed in order to discover such aspects. I, myself, can only use the earth affinity, just as you can use the ice variant of the water affinity, Miss Hikaru,"
"I see. Though, I can use multiple affinities just like Anelia can," Fuyumi notes.
This catches everyone's attention, as mages with multiple affinities are rare; people like Anelia even more so.
"Oh, then may I suggest showing this during your next practical session. I prefer to keep this room in one piece," the teacher remains stoic as always.
"As you wish, Professor," Fuyumi bows her head.
The class resumes, though there are a few more glances at Fuyumi's way this time. Not only could she use magic without chants, but she could also use multiple affinities. The rest of the class starts believing her to be a prodigy. As the day goes on, Fuyumi starts to get swamped with more people talking to her, especially the boys looking to get really close to her. However, even as she politely turns down any offers for a date or even marriage, the boys seem to only grow more determined to gain her attention. Honestly, it was starting to exhaust her. Soon enough, the break for lunch came around. As Fuyumi got her lunch and looked around for Anelia, she found her second fiancé sneaking away from the cafeteria through a door that leads to the outside. While ignoring the other students trying to gain her attention, Fuyumi follows Anelia outside, finding her sitting under a tree while eating her lunch.
"May I join you?" Fuyumi walks over.
Anelia looks up, "Are you sure? What if someone sees us?" she looks around, a little worried.
"Oh, let them look. I want to sit with you, so I will," Fuyumi sits right next to Anelia and begins to eat her lunch.
"Have you found out anything yet?" Anelia asks, referring to their mission.
"Nothing yet. I believe that if the whole thing started here, then someone from the academy is responsible. I have a few ideas of who, but without any evidence to prove it, there isn't much we can do. How are you holding up, dealing with everything going on?" Fuyumi asks in between bites.
"Well, it's still tough at times, but after everything we've been through in recent weeks, and with you here, it's much easier. After you told me about what some people here hate me, it made me realize: they attack me with their words, but that is all they attack me with. If they were to try and use magic, then I'd have the advantage there. If they ganged up on me, I might have some trouble, but one-on-one, they would lose. It's... comforting, what you said to me,"
"I've never been a fan of bullies. You possess gifts they could never hope to possess, no matter how hard they try. When they see that, they can't help but act the way they do. They can't accept that reality does not favor only them, only nobles. There's a saying, small dogs bark the loudest. But, enough about that, has anything come up on your end?" Fuyumi asks.
Anelia sighs, "Unfortunately no. I've been more on guard ever since coming back here, but other than the usual stuff, nothing like what happened with the assassins. I wonder if whoever was after me moved on,"
"Even if they are no longer here, that doesn't mean their attempts on your life have stopped. We'll just have to keep looking for the time being. Perhaps, maybe in another place," Fuyumi thinks.
"Like what?" Anelia cocks her head.
"The school is well-guarded, and there are many prying eyes about. But, what about the city beyond the school grounds. Perhaps if we go out on our next day off, then maybe we can lure them out into the open and take them prisoner. We'll need them alive if we're going to get some answers. Hopefully answers on who's behind all this," Fuyumi explains.
"Won't that be dangerous?" Anelia looks worried.
"I'm sure it won't be easy, but we don't have much choice. If we don't settle this soon enough, then it may only get worse later down the road. I don't want you to roam around, in constant worry about people trying to kill you," Fuyumi pats her head, making Anelia blush a bit.
"O-Okay, then we'll try that," Anelia agrees.
Fuyumi smiles, "Look at the bright side. This way, we can make a date out of it,"
"A d-d-d-d-date?!" Anelia nearly yells, blushing madly.
It appears she still has much progress to make in that regard.
…
On the next day off, Fuyumi head into town as planned, in their normal clothes (with Fuyumi in her first outfit).
"So, I've never been here before. What can we expect from this place in terms of good sights and stuff?" Fuyumi asks as they walk around.
"Um, well, I never actually went out much before leaving the school... for reasons. So, I'm not too familiar with what goes on in the city. The few times I did come out was just to find school supplies or things for class assignments," Anelia replies.
Fuyumi hums, "Hmm, then we'll just have to walk around and see what we can see. We'll check out the sites, taste the delicacies and see what else is around. All while keeping an eye out for our foes of course," she mutters the last part.
She pulls Anelia along and they head out on their date. Ustia city, being a city near one of the country's borders, has a number of troops patrolling the city. This is to help protect it from enemies looking to enter the domain. There's also a large number of mercenaries wandering about. Plenty of quests come and go here. The girls check out the shopping district, perusing the items on sale. As they do, Fuyumi occasionally gets hit on by guys that get hooked on her beauty alone. However, she breaks the hearts of each and every one of them by telling them that she's already engaged. Suffice to say, there was a lot of tears flowing. They end up buying a few articles of clothing and some items for the next time they go out on mercenary work. As they do, Fuyumi keeps an eye out for anyone suspicious. After doing a little shopping, and shooting down a few more date offers for Fuyumi, the girls decide to find a spot to eat for lunch. They eventually find a spot selling roasted meat on skewers and other items. The pair pay for their food, find a seat at one of the tables, and eat their lunch.
"Oooh, this is pretty good. It's seasoned just right," Fuyumi enjoys the taste.
"I never realized they had good food here. Most of the time, I just ate by myself at the academy with their food," Anelia seconds the opinion before having another bite.
"The world can be scary at times, especially when you're alone. But, there's so much to see. It's one of the reasons my people have their rite of courage and cowardice. For the young to explore and learn more about the world, and about themselves," Fuyumi notes.
"Do you miss your home?" Anelia asks.
Fuyumi hesitates to answer, "I... I can't really say. Maybe a bit of home sickness... but, I am enjoying my time her in Anatolia. With you and Emilia and everyone else," she shakes her head with a smile.
Anelia doesn't appear entirely convinced, but drops the issue.
"Okay, then how about... oh!" Anelia looks around and spots a stand nearby selling sweets. "How about a nice treat as a little desert? My treat. I'll be right back," Anelia gets up and walks to the sweet stand, bypassing people traveling down the street.
Fuyumi watches her go with a smile, until... "Ah, what a coincidence to meet you here, Lady Yukina," she turns her head to spot Allan von Beauford behind her, wearing expensive clothing and a bouquet in his hand. "I say, this must be fate," he offers a bow.
Fuyumi doesn't smile, but tries not to look irritated either, "Lord Allan, surprised to see you out among the commoners. A pleasure," she eyes the flowers in his hands. "I take it you're on your way somewhere to meet someone important. The flowers a gift for the lucky girl?"
"The flowers are for you, my dear, a show of my affection for you," he offers the flowers to her.
Fuyumi sighs. This farce has gone on long enough.
"I apologize for the misunderstanding, Lord Allan, but while I previously said that I was not married, I never said that I was single. I am currently engaged to another, and thus must respectfully decline your gift," Fuyumi tries to keep it civil.
Allan's posture gets stiff from the revelation, "Uh, you're already engaged? But, in that case, nothing is set in stone yet. Engagements between nobles have a tendency of falling out and the two people end up finding someone else. Besides, whoever the man is, I'm sure I could treat you far better than him. I am the son of an earl of Anatolia. We have riches that the Dragon Alliance could never possess," he tries to maintain his cool and doesn't give up.
Without him noticing, Fuyumi casts Antibody Generation, increasing her resistance to any debuffs for a time. Better to be safe than sorry.
"While that is true in some regards, it is not in others, and this is one of those times, Besides, I highly doubt you, being the son of an earl, can offer more than the family of a duke," Fuyumi says.
Allan loses more of his cool, "What? You're marrying into a duke's family? Who is it? I'm sure they don't have as strong of feelings for you as I do," Allan gets down on one knee and offers a ring to her. "Lady Yukina Hikaru, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Some of the people passing by stop to watch the scene unfold, with expressions between awe at the scene, or revulsion for those who hear Fuyumi say she was already engaged and declined his offer.
Fuyumi sighs again, "Let me make myself clear, Lord Allan. I am already engaged, to someone I love. Therefore, I will not marry you. I will not turn my back on someone I love," she says it loud enough for the crowd to here, getting a few more people on her side.
Allan can't seem to except reality though, "W-What?! You would reject me?! Allan von Beauford! I am the son of an earl. I am a noble with riches and power that most do not possess. How could you reject me for someone else. Even if they are from a duke's family. I have more to offer!"
Fuyumi stands from her seat, "No, you don't, and since you can't except this like a real man, I think we're done here. Besides, I can't keep Anelia waiting..." it is then that Fuyumi realizes that Anelia has not returned from the other stand.
"Anelia?" Fuyumi calls out, but gets no answer. "Anelia!" she goes to run, only for Allan to grab her arm. "Let go of me!"
"Forget about that commoner whore. You must be my bride! Think of all we can accomplish together! You should be by my side!" Allan refuses to let go.
"I said let go!" Fuyumi throws a lightning charge that sends the boy flying before she takes off to find Anelia.
The crowd falls back as she leaves, wondering and fearing just what the Hell is going on here. Anelia reaches the store and speaks with the seller.
"There was a girl here a moment ago. Brown hair, in white and black clothing. Shorter than me. Where did she go?" Fuyumi asks hastily.
"Huh? The girl from earlier? I think she went down that path there," the man points in the direction of a nearby alley. "After she purchased some of my stock, two soldiers came by and said they needed to speak with her in private about something. She didn't want to cause trouble, so she left. I didn't think it was an issue since the soldiers listen to the Marquess and he's a decent fellow who obeys the law, unlike some other nobles,"
"Damn it! Thank you!" Fuyumi quickly takes off down the alley. "Anelia, please just hang on!"
Meanwhile, an unconscious Anelia is tied up and gagged, laying in a moving carriage. Inside the carriage with her is a figure in a cloak.
"Don't worry. When this is over, you won't feel a thing. I'll promise you that much, at least," a female voice says, staring down at her.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and Anelia continue their investigation, but now Fuyumi must rescue Anelia from some unknown kidnappers. Enemies in the shadows are beginning to rear their head. Will Fuyumi save Anelia and figure out what's going on in Ustia and beyond? Until then, Please Read and Review.