I don't own Fate. Fate is the property of Type-Moon, and no financial gain is made from this or is sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Divergent Fate
Chapter 7
"For the last time I will not consent for either Kohaku or Hisui to be released into your custody!" Akiha irritably reiterated to the representative of the Touzaki Clan sent to meet with her.
"Lady Akiha, be reasonable…" the man began only for Akiha to slam a fist against the table in anger.
"Reasonable…?" she echoed. "There is nothing reasonable with your family's request! Do not think that I am unaware of your intentions for either of my…servants. They are Synchronizers, and you and I know it! Do you really think that I would let you and yours have their way with either of them? Over my dead body…!"
The Touzaki sighed and his face hardened. "Lady Akiha…" he began anew. "…we were hoping that you would be willing to consider this in a rational light. However it seems that we were wrong, at least in part. While it seems certain that your judgment is clouded, this is likely from your current youth. Please keep in mind that we can and will call your decision in this matter to question with the heads of the other branches."
Akiha's face turned incredulous. "Are you threatening me?" she asked.
"Please do not see this as a threat." The man replied. "A warning, against your youthful emotions clouding your judgment and potentially undermining your status as the family head in the long-term."
Akiha clenched her fists, and locked gazes without a word with her relative. The man met her gaze impassively for several long moments. "Get out." Akiha finally said.
"I beg your pardon?" the man asked in surprise.
"I said get out." Akiha snarled. "You might defy my authority as the head of the family because of my age, but this is still MY house, and I'm telling you to get out!"
The man sighed and stood. "Very well…" he said to the fuming girl. "…it seems that we must continue this discussion at a later date. I must however reiterate that Touzaki is committed to obtaining the…services of either of your Fujou servants, and that while we would wish for a peaceful resolution to this issue, we will not hesitate to secure our interests in this matter. I take my leave."
The man bowed and left, and as the living room door closed behind him Akiha gave in to her anger and flung the teapot at his back. The pot shattered against the hard wood, splattering hot tea and broken china on the ground, but she barely noticed, regretting losing her self-control even if only for a moment.
"Lady Akiha…!" Kohaku shouted in alarm as she entered the room, entering in concern over the sound of breaking china only to find her mistress struggling to rein in her demonic blood, hunched over in the couch and clutching at her face with one hand while breathing hard and heavy.
Meanwhile Hisui escorted the Touzaki representative out of the property. The man just short of the gate, and turned to address the redhead. "Lady Tohno treats you well, does she not?" he asked.
Hisui gave no answer, maintaining her stoic and emotionless façade as she had for a long time now. The man nodded after a moment.
"Loyalty…" he said. "…it is an admirable trait, and one that you should be commended for having. However we are not your enemies. We simply have our own roles to play, as do you. It is simply the way of things, and we must simply make the best of what we are dealt with by life."
"Sister and I serve Lady Akiha." Hisui said neutrally, and the man nodded again.
"Yes, you do…now." He agreed. "But things change with time. Rest assured, so long as you fulfill your given role, then all will be well."
The man nodded and passed through the gate, boarding and leaving in a waiting car. Hisui waited for a few moments longer, and then returned into the Tohno mansion. She headed straight for the living room, and found her sister massaging her neck while a weary-looking Akiha rested in her couch. "Sister…" she said. "…Lady Akiha, are you alright?"
"Yes, we're fine." Akiha said with a sigh. Kohaku glanced at her, and then at her sister. And then she gave a sigh.
"Lady Akiha…" she began. "…there's no need to court trouble with the rest of your family for our sake. Hisui can remain here, and I…"
"No." Akiha said firmly. "That is not an option. I may be the head of the Tohno Clan, but I am not my father. I won't let the others have their way. Not now, and not ever, am I understood?"
"But…"
Akiha smiled and raised a hand to forestall Kohaku's arguments. "I'm not done yet." She said. "I still have one more card of my own left to play."
"What of Master Shiki?" Hisui asked in her turn. "They may go after him to get to you, Lady Akiha."
"Shiki is with that Arcueid woman." Akiha said with a shrug. "I don't know what she is exactly, but I can tell that she's far stronger than any of my family. I doubt even cousin Kouma would last more than a few seconds against her. And Shiki's far from helpless. My brother is quite safe compared to us."
Hisui nodded, but Kohaku still remained concerned. "What do you intend to do, Lady Akiha?" she asked.
"If he's what they say he is…" Akiha said. "…and if by some miracle he feels sympathy – he is a magus after all and they aren't known for being kind – then I'm going to be keeping you and your sister safe."
"BANZAI…!" Miranda Carnarvon shouted with delight as she jumped off of the diving board and dove picture-perfect into the pool. Cattleya rolled her eyes from where she was reading at an umbrella-covered table.
"Banzai…? Are you serious?" she asked as Miranda surfaced and swam over to her side of the pool. "And a cliché school swimsuit…?"
"Hey, it's called being in-character." Miranda protested. "And you're wearing a kimono, Ms. 'I'm British not Japanese' so I doubt you're exactly one to talk."
"Yes well…" Cattleya fumbled before exasperatedly giving up.
"I'm also wearing a kimono." Susanna Carter signed as she approached. "Personally if one visits Japan, I think one should take at least one opportunity to wear a kimono. It's a great cultural trait Japan possesses and has contributed to world culture."
Miranda giggled, using her legs to stay afloat and freeing her hands for sign language. "You could be sisters, considering that you have similar hair and eye colors…" she said and signed at the same time. "…and you're both wearing kimonos."
"Hmm…" Cattleya mused aloud. "…I wouldn't mind having Susanna for a sister to be honest…"
Susanna looked flustered and glared at Miranda who grinned unabashedly before backstroking away. "Well…" she said while doing so. "…apart from the formal dinner tonight, and the conference beginning tomorrow, we have a bit of free time on our hands. Misaki Town's not Tokyo, but there should be something we can do, right?"
"Meh…" Cattleya said before diving back into her book. "…I'd much rather stay indoors than go wandering around and be stared at as a foreign tourist by the locals."
"I'd rather not get lost in the process of wandering." Susanna concurred while pulling out a book of her own. "And it's not like you aren't enjoying the facilities here, are you now Miranda?"
Mirandar stuck out her tongue and proceeded to turn her entire attention on swimming. "Where are the others anyway?" Cattleya asked curiously, and signing it to Susanna.
"David's watching TV." Susanna signed back. "Christopher went off somewhere."
"And my brother…?"
Susanna shrugged. "I think he's busy working out the details for the official events." She signed.
"I see."
The Lord Waver El-Melloi II was busy reviewing the itinerary for tonight's dinner at a hotel in downtown Misaki, a crystal decanter of brandy sitting at the table along with his cup of tea, to help him get over any and all sentiments of disaster having Kilua Zelretch Schweinorg present.
The presence of the Tohsaka was also another potential headache for him. Cattleya and her sister's reunion were all but guaranteed not to be peaceful. As he continued with his review, a maid arrived with a letter in her hands. "Sir…?" she asked diffidently.
"Yes…?" he asked, politely looking up from his paperwork as he did so. The maid stepped closer and offered the letter.
"A local maid arrived and said that this letter was for you." she said, and Waver blinked as he took the letter. He ran a brief scan of it just in case, and upon deducing its safety he opened it and began to read. He was a bit surprised at the name of the sender, and his expression turned to a mix of curiosity and apprehension at the letter's contents.
"My Lord Waver El-Melloi II…" it began. "…my name is Akiha Tohno, and I am the current head of the Tohno Clan. I would like to meet with you and other ranking members of the Association if possible, given the upcoming Japanese Mages Association Conference to be held here in Misaki Town. There is an issue that I would like to discuss with you, and while I would admit that it is something of a personally-motivated issue, I can also assure you that it also offers an opportunity for both your organization, and depending on how the matter is resolved, perhaps to even your own career. Sincerely yours…Akiha Tohno..."
Waver leaned back on the couch to think the matter over for a moment. It could be a trap of course, given that it was an open secret that the purpose of the conference was to increase Association influence in Japan, and to rein in the half-demon families in the wake of the Demon Hunter Organization's collapse.
However Waver – although he would never admit – felt and believed in giving the young woman a chance. And it wasn't like he didn't know of Akiha Tohno, a young girl only recently ascended to the post of clan head. No doubt she was cracking under the pressure, and given the Association's agenda, she was probably…
Waver blinked and tapped his chin several times. Was Tohno trying to peacefully resolve the Association's issues with her kin while simultaneously increasing her standing by a show of leadership…or was there something else?
"Either way…" he thought while pulling out a clean sheet of paper and beginning to write. "…the former would present a golden opportunity in terms of diplomacy and advancement for all concerned, and in the latter case, well we have enough Enforcers to say nothing of all the magi present in case the hybrids try something stupid."
He finished writing, and he carefully folded the letter. Tohno had been considerate in sending a second envelope inside the original one, clearly expecting a reply, and Waver was most grateful. He put his letter in and sealed the envelope. "Katejina-san wasn't it?" he asked the maid.
"Yes sir."
"Is that maid from before still around?"
"I will see sir."
Waver nodded and the maid left. A minute later and she returned. "She is sir." She reported, and Waver nodded and handed her his letter.
"Have her deliver this to her employer." He said, and Katejina took it and left with a bow. Taking a drink of his tea, Waver sighed and returned to his previous task.
Akiha read the reply sent back by the Lord El-Melloi II via Kohaku with satisfaction. She knew what the Association was really after, and she could hardly blame them. Just one look at her father and her insane relatives – to say nothing of the impulses she had to keep constantly in check – and she understood their concerns.
What satisfied her was that the Lord El-Melloi II was willing and able to give her a chance.
"Of course…" she thought while putting the letter down and sitting back on her couch. "…I doubt my relatives will sit still once they hear of this. They might not have seen Kohaku coming and going, but my presence in the Association dinner tonight will probably be marked by their spies. Blood traitor, they'll probably call me, and gods know what sort of uproar this'll stir up."
"Kohaku…" she said while getting up.
"My lady…?" she asked and following Akiha as they left the living room.
"We're going out tonight." Akiha said. "That's why you and I will be going out to…freshen up, shall we say?"
Kohaku beamed and Akiha smiled back. "Yes, Lady Akiha!" she said.
Meanwhile, as the two girls were busy preparing to go and 'freshen up', Shiki Tohno entered the living room to find Hisui clearing the spent tea set left behind. "Hey…" he said. "…where's Akiha?"
"Lady Akiha and sister are going out." She replied while walking out of the room. "They will be out on formal business tonight, and as Lady Akiha put it, they will be 'freshening up'."
Formal business…? What does that mean?
"Do you require something else, Master Shiki?" Hisui asked.
"No, nothing for now." He said, and Hisui nodded before continuing on her way. Shiki however gravitated towards a folded piece of paper lying on the table. He picked it up and opened it to read.
Ms. Akiha Tohno,
On behalf of the Mages Association,
The Lord El-Melloi II requests the presence of your company
Tonight at the Misaki Grand Hotel to honor the delegates of the Japanese Mages Association Conference
Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres at six o'clock this evening
Dinner followed by dance
Black tie
6676 Mishima Street, Misaki Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom, Misaki Town, Japan
Elsewhere in the city, a certain Executor was most perplexed as she followed Arcueid, who was from time-to-time pausing to sniff around while wandering seemingly at random. "Arcueid…" Ciel finally said as she emerged from hiding. "…what are you doing?"
"He's here." Arcueid said while sniffing around. "I can smell and feel him…and this way that he seems to be everywhere and nowhere at once…it's definitely him."
Ciel blinked and scratched her head in confusion, especially since Arcueid seemed excited at just who he was and that he was here. "Please tell me it's not another Dead Apostle." She thought.
"Who's that?" she asked instead.
"Grandpa Zel, who else…?" Arcueid said happily before prancing off.
Grandpa Zel…who in the world…oh no…no, no, no…he's involved in this conference? Oh come on!
Struck by a cold sweat, Ciel rushed off to prepare just in case things went south. Correction: she went to prepare for when things went south. Whenever and wherever Zelretch went, mayhem followed. That was ALWAYS a given.
"I still don't understand why I can't wear a navy uniform." Christopher grumbled while fiddling with the collar of his three-piece suit.
"Have you ever served in Her Majesty's Royal Navy?" Cattleya asked dryly, while both Susanna and Miranda stifled giggles.
"No." Christopher sullenly replied.
"There you have it." Cattleya said, and the other girls broke out into full-blown laughter.
"Yeah, you three are laughing." Christopher complained while eyeing the three of them. "But you're wearing kimonos. Isn't this supposed to be a formal dinner?"
"They're not wearing the yukatas they were wearing earlier – in Susanna and Cattleya's cases – but formal three-layer kimonos." David pointed out. Unlike his friend, he was wearing a frock coat complete with cravat as opposed to a modern three-piece suit. "Those are formal by the standards of this country, and are very expensive."
"Since we're in Japan…" Cattleya said with a smile. "…I think we can count on being in formal wear."
"How did you even manage to afford those three?" David asked curiously, and Cattleya glanced at Susanna who just fixed her glasses and looked a trifle smug. "Oh I see…forget I asked."
There was more laughter inside the car, even as it drove up into the hotel's driveway and a uniformed doorman opened the car door. Magi both Japanese and foreign were stepping up the stairs in varying forms of formal attire, though the spring-patterned kimonos worn by Cattleya, Susanna, and Miranda attracted a storm of attention, and set off a flurry of murmured discussion.
And from the sound of things, the effect was generally positive, the murmurs largely-composed of approval at their unique but very presentable appearance. "Ladies…" Susanna one-handedly signed with satisfaction and politely hiding her smile – in Japanese fashion – with a paper fan emblazoned with the Japanese Sun disc. "…mission accomplished. We've caught everyone's attention, and in a most satisfying way."
"Agreed…!" Cattleya said, also hiding her smile.
"Likewise…!" Miranda gushed in her turn.
"This is so unfair." Christopher complained as he and David followed the three ladies of the Pentagon…except all attention was focused on the three girls. "Why do they get to hog the limelight?"
"A gentleman does not begrudge proper ladies their due attention." David quoted piously, and Christopher snorted.
"Yeah, I suppose that's true." He conceded. "Well, the night's still young. I suppose we'll get our opportunities soon enough."
"That's the spirit." David said with a smile and patting his friend on the back. "Good things come to those who wait."
Christopher smiled back, and the two boys followed the three girls as they strode through the lobby towards the ballroom. "Presenting: the El-Melloi Pentagon!" the doorman – a member of the Clock Tower staff embedded inside the hotel staff for the occasion – announced as the five of them stepped as one into the ballroom.
There was a general sentiment of approval and excitement at seeing five of the Association's best and brightest – among the next generation at least – entering the room. "Kimonos…?" one of the Association students remarked to a friend as they joined in the general applause. "Honestly…if they didn't get such audacity from the Lord El-Melloi II, then I'll eat my kettle."
"Well…" the other student commented back. "…it's certainly audacious, but in a good way."
"I agree." An older magus said with a nod, making both students jump in surprise. "It's not bad, and it certainly shows off their spirit. Spirit is good, if channeled productively."
However not all eyes that followed them were admiring or approving. One pair of sapphire blue eyes seethed with resentment and envy, even more so as another pair of sapphire blue eyes looked on with approval. Indeed, apart from the fact that Sakura bore the Tohsaka Crest (which belonged by right to her eldest sister) Tokiomi Tohsaka fully approved of his younger daughter as she was right now in every way.
The man felt his daughter's eyes on him, and glanced at her, causing her to look away…not quickly enough. "Envious…?" he asked.
"As if…" she scoffed. "…she's certainly talented – she is my sister after all – but being a student of the Lord El-Melloi II is nothing to be proud of considering his dangerously radical ideas. The 'Karl Marx' of our society, as it is."
"I see." Tokiomi said, and turned his attention back to his other daughter. Granted, the man's ideas certainly were radical, but while Tokiomi would never espouse or endorse them, he couldn't argue with results.
A shame that in the long-term he will fail and all his students will go with him. Sakura will have to be separated from him before that happens. Considering that they're step-siblings, it will be hard for her, but for her own good it must be done. She'll thank me for it once she sees reason.
Unknown to either Rin or Tokiomi, another person was watching and had already divined their sentiments. Exquisite lips rose into a smirk, and red eyes twinkled with amusement. "How foolishly amusing…" Misaya Reiroukan thought to herself while watching more arrivals enter the ballroom. "…Tohsaka thinks that he can outplay the Lord El-Melloi II or his followers. This should be interesting to watch."
Meanwhile Cattleya and company had joined up with Waver and Zelretch at their section of the ballroom. "Hmm…" Zelretch mused aloud. "…the El-Melloi Pentagon…you are all so promising lads and lasses…I will be observing your careers with great interest. Now then Lord El-Melloi II…"
Waver and Zelretch began to converse about more serious matters, while the Pentagon began to murmur in excitement about being praised by the Zelretch, when a slight commotion drew eyes and attentions to the entrance. Silence fell and more than a few gasps could be heard as they recognized the blonde woman in a low-cut gown of blue and white elegantly embroidered with gold, her crimson eyes a dead giveaway. Even Waver looked stunned but Zelretch…Zelretch was smiling.
"My lords and ladies…" the pale and shaking doorman announced. "…the White Princess of the True Ancestors, Arcueid Brunestud."
A/N
Wow, all the comments about Arcueid being a Master…despite the fact that I said I was never serious about it.
Guest: Dark Sakura can't 'eat' Arcueid. That ability of hers is derived from Angra Mainyu, and his Authority as a Divine Spirit is overridden by Arcueid's Authority as a True Ancestor.
Yes, Misaya Reiroukan is there, despite the fact that she's Proto-Rin. Well, that's all for now, bye.