Frozen Moon: Promise of Dreams Act III
Three Days Later
Lupien's eyes slowly opened, the rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon. He stretched his stiff neck, the bed beneath him groaning as he moved. Beside him, Matilda let out a soft moan as she held him, her bare arms wrapped around him, the soft blanket covering them both. She shifted, adjusting her head as he moved, resting it on Lupien's shoulder. He smiled.
"Is it morning already?" Matilda asked, her voice groggy from sleep. Lupien chuckled.
"Indeed. Did you sleep well?" He replied. She lifted up her head, her eyes adjusting to the growing brightness.
"I did. I'm a little sore though." She giggled, rubbing her bare leg against Lupien's. He did the same, gently lifting himself up. Lupien placed himself on top of Matilda, his body pressed against hers.
"Want to go for another round?" She asked, her voice heavy with desire. Matilda began tracing his form with her fingers, making Lupien shiver slightly at her touch, his body yearning for her. He resisted.
"Sorry. I have to go meet Tabitha. She's been suspicious of my leaving the past three nights, so I want to get back before she wakes up. Besides, don't you have to help set up for the familiar festival?" Matilda pouted.
"Aww. And here I was looking forward to round seven." She said in a teasing tone. Lupien chuckled.
"Woman, one of these days you're going to kill me. Although... dying with you in my arms doesn't seem like a bad way to go." He kissed her deeply, before getting out of bed and putting on his clothes. Matilda watched him from the side, her eyes wandering across his body. Though at first she admired his lean, acrobat physique, the scars became all she could focus on. Precise incisions and holes spread all over his back and front, giving access to many vital organs. Her mood dulled as she took in the sight.
"...Do they still hurt? Your scars?" She asked. Lupien let out a soft hum.
"Sometimes." He replied, putting on his tunic. Fully dressed, he leaned towards Matilda, giving her another kiss.
"Don't worry about it. The past is done. They're scars; nothing more." He assured her. She smiled, letting him leave her room, but deep down she felt shame. Those scars were a constant reminder for her. A reminder of how she failed to protect him, how he gave himself to save her.
Lying back down on her bed, she gripped the sheets tightly, her anger at Reconquista growing.
"Don't worry, Lupien... I will destroy Reconquista, and get revenge for everything they've done to you. That, I will not fail."
*Scene Break*
Louise's Room
"Straighten your back more. Keep moving like that." Instructed Guiche. Saito did as told, making an accurate imitation of a march. Louise let out a frustrated sigh, more so towards herself than to Saito.
"This is all well and good, but how careless of me. I completely forgot to mention the Evaluation Fair..." Louise grumbled, shaking her head in frustration. Guiche sighed.
"You owe me for this Louise, but since Montmorency asked me to help you, I will do so. Yes, keep moving just like that." added Guiche, flaunting another rose. Kirche and Montmorency, cleaning their nails, sat by the table across from Louise and Saito, observing the pair. Flame laid on the floor by his master, sleeping, while Montmorency's frog sat on its master's head. Louise nodded, giving a hum of approval.
"Your behavior, speech and everything else were terrible before, but you learn fast for a commoner. Perhaps Guiche can get you to do something after all..." said Montmorency. Louise sighed again, her shoulders slumping as she rubbed her temples.
"That's so like you to forget Louise. Still, I can't blame you. We've been busy lately." Said Kirche. Louise nodded. Flame let out a croak as Saito gazed at the others, confused.
"E-Evaluation Fair?" asked Saito.
"It's a routine exam all second years must take. It's to show off the familiars that students have summoned to the entire academy." Explained Louise, getting up again. She walked across the room and sat down at the table.
"I see. Then... You want me to participate?" he said. Guiche gave Saito more instructions on how to improve his walking and bowing. Saito followed.
"More than anything, I want to avoid getting embarrassed. Since you can speak a little, I thought maybe you could perform a tasteful speech on stage but…" she started, but she looked down at the table, trying to hide depressing gaze. So far, she had Guiche teach Saito the basics of Noble courtesy; walking, dancing and gestures. He learned them fairly quickly after being shown them, which she was glad for, but she wanted something more. She wanted to impress her classmates, and not just make them laugh at her again.
"Oh, don't get your panties in a bunch Louise. You'll do fine. Everyone was impressed with Lupien and Saito's duel, why not have his claws tear at some practice dummies?" suggested Kirche. Louise gave her a thoughtful nod. "That might work... Speaking of Lupien and Tabitha, where are they?"
"Tabitha is still sleeping, Lupien I'm not sure. I encountered him last night; he said something about doing nightly patrols." Kirche shrugged her shoulders. "To be honest, I don't know why he bothers. The school is a rather safe place."
Louise let out a soft hum, but did not comment further as the bell tolled, signalling for morning breakfast to begin. Rising out of their seats, the group bid their farewells as they gathered their belongings, heading out the door.
"Saito, what's wrong?" Louise asked, standing by the door. He seemed to be staring off into space, his eyes firmly affixed on the window.
"I almost remembered something… watching the window over there." Saito placed a clawed hand on his head, shaking it slightly. Louise silently watched him as Saito squeezed his eyes shut, searching deep into his foggy memory for anything.
"Don't think too hard on it; I'm sure that it will come back with time. Now come on, we're going for breakfast." Louise turned to head out the door, but Saito stopped her.
"But is that enough?"
"W-What do you mean?" Louise asked, genuinely confused. She turned to face Saito again as he sat on the bed.
"I don't remember anything; who I am, how I got these limbs… I've been relying on you for everything, and I'm truly grateful, but can I really be your familiar the way I am now? I don't have the slightest clue what to do other than follow your orders… I feel so lost." He whimpered. He looked extremely fragile, like wood on the verge of snapping. Louise sighed, unable to help but feel slightly peeved. Why did you have to get a broken familiar? Why didn't she get anything else?
Then she remembered Tabitha's words.
"Saito deserves more respect."
What a hypocrite she was, thinking him broken. She too was once like him, lost and alone. She felt a small pang of self-loathing.
Walking up to Saito, Louise placed her hands firmly on his face. Saito didn't resist her.
"Hey, don't cry like that. It's unbecoming of you; you should be proud! You're the familiar of a Valliere, one of the most powerful families in Tristain! Even though you may not understand what to do now, as long as you do what I say, and search for who you were, I'm sure you'll find out what you want to do with your life." Letting go of his face, Louise headed towards the door, turning to face him as she turned the corner.
"And you're not alone either. As your master, it's my responsibility to take care of you. I'll help you find your memories, and do what I can to support you. Now come on! We have to practice for the familiar's fair. Let's go eat, and then see what we can do." Though confused at first, Saito couldn't help but smile. Louise, despite herself, smiled as well. Saito rose to his feet.
"Yes Master."
They exited the room together, and as they did, Lupien passed by, strolling casually towards Tabitha's room.
"Ah, master Lupien. A-Are you well?" said Saito as Lupien passed. He gave the pair a curt nod as Louise eyed him carefully, thinking about what Kirche said earlier. Patrolling the grounds?
"Where were you coming from just now?" Louise asked politely, stopping herself as Lupien walked on past the pair. He turned his head, but did not stop walking.
"I was on patrol. Anyway, you should go on ahead. I have to meet up with Tabitha. We'll meet at the usual spot at the usual time after classes, so we can continue training. Don't forget Saito." Replied Lupien.
"Y-Yes sir! Please take care!" said Saito, making Lupien chuckle. He placed his hand on Tabitha's door, stopping to look back at his student.
"Maybe one of these days we can work on that passivity of yours. Though in these times, it's not so bad." With a small smile, he entered Tabitha's room.
"Where were you? And learn to knock." Tabitha said, peeved as Lupien entered her room, without as much as a warning. Lupien let out a shrug as he sat down at the table, ignoring Tabitha's nudity. She contemplated taking her staff and bashing him with it, but instead opted to hastily put on her clothes, her face flushing as she did so. At least he wasn't staring.
"I was out patrolling during the night. Can't be too careful." He replied, putting his feet up on the table. With his hands behind his head, Lupien's eyes transfixed on the ceiling, his mind deep in thought.
Wales and Tiffania were still somewhere in Albion. All the more reason to hurry and travel as soon as possible. Clenching his teeth silently, he let out a small, frustrated sigh.
"Patrolling?" She asked. Tabitha too, had her reservations at first, but over time she came to see how safe the school grounds could be. Lupien shook his head.
"I've been itching for a real fight lately. I don't mind peace and tranquility, but sometimes it's good to get off your feet every now and again." Lupien lied. Tabitha didn't seem to notice, and frowned.
"Our spars?" She reminded, annoyed. Lupien scoffed.
"You're still learning. You have a long way to go kid." He turned is gaze to her as she finished putting on her clothes. "Besides, you've been holding back on me." Tabitha stiffened at his observation, but kept her perfect poker face.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She replied. Lupien gave an annoyed growl, but did not pursue the argument. He didn't need her to confirm that her element was void. Lupien's ears suddenly perked up, and he felt a familiar presence resonate within him. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes.
She's here.
But how? How did she find him so fast? There's no possible way Nine could have reached Tristain this quickly, unless...
"Tabitha, what day is it today?" He asked. After a moment of confusion, she told him. Lupien cursed.
"So Albion will be floating over Tristain in a month then? That's how... The damned island brought her here!" He thought, but outwardly he kept his calm. He would need it in this scenario. Though he had the home advantage, Lupien had his new contract with Tabitha, and it would not do well for his master if he let people die. It was a minor inconvenience, but one that he could deal with. Tabitha stared at Lupien.
"What are you thinking about?" Tabitha asked. Lupien shook his head.
"Nothing. Just recalling some old memories." As the feeling of his sister's presence grew stronger, unconsciously Lupien reached for the oval sapphire that hung around his neck.
*Scene Break*
Outside
The excitement of the crowd surrounded Nine as she entered the school grounds of Tristain's Magical Academy. She had decided to infiltrate in the clothes of a normal commoner, wearing a simple, dark maroon dress with flowers embroidered into it, using her water magic to bend the light around her wolf ears and hide them, as well as around her eyes to change them from her mother's yellow slits to her father's deep brown. She also dyed her hair a temporary brown, and grew it out over the past three days, the straight locks now falling down her shoulders. Underneath it all, Nine had her daggers, wand and chainmail. Also hidden underneath her water magic, attached firmly on her back was her new weapon, a new bladed staff called a Glaive. In her hands was small sack, containing her pants and tunic. Nine observed the crowd, taking in the sight of humans who wanted to attend the famous yearly event. Many men, women and children of all ages had attended, hearing rumors that this year would be a year of wonderful familiars.
He is here.
Though she could not see him yet, Nine could feel her bond with her brother. Ever since they discovered their magic elements, they had been connected, and were able to feel each other's magical presences so long as they wore their amulets. He was somewhere in this academy, just like the rumors had said. She couldn't help but grit her teeth.
Stealing the Staff of Destruction will be harder if he chose to interfere. That weapon was dangerous, and if wielded improperly it could destroy the one holding it. Even Nine herself, despite her vast knowledge of the arcane arts.
Nine followed the crowds, barely taking in the tour of the school as the female, green haired Secretary led the commoners around. Nine had arrived rather early, the event not starting until the afternoon, giving her ample time to explore the academy for potential exits, pathways and distractions that she could use. As the tour guide continued to lead the commoners, Nine couldn't help but feel a strange magic coming from the walls. It was faint in the area she was in, but she felt it none the less; someone had been placing their magic within the walls for a very long time. Nine's eyes narrowed as she thought of potential thieves who would attempt to steal anything of value from here.
All evidence pointed to the infamous Fouquet, but Nine couldn't be sure, as Fouquet had been active all over Halkeginia for the last month, stealing from various nobles and lords across Germania, Galia and Tristain. For all Nine knew, he or she could be stealing somewhere else right now. Or even had no intention of targeting a school with so many mages in one place. Still, it played to be on guard. If someone was here to steal, and it would not benefit her if the thief stole the staff.
Nine's thoughts were cut short as a small child bumped into her, the young girl falling on her behind. The flower in her hands fell on the floor, crushed under Nine's boot as she tried to regain her footing.
"Ah, oh no! My flower!" The child cried. The tears began to flow as the mother, Nine assumed, came to the child, apologizing profusely to Nine as she scolded her child for not being careful. Nostalgia hit Nine like a wave, the half wolf feeling sorry for the child. Kneeling down, Nine pulled out her wand and picked up the ruined flower. The parent and other adults gasped as a blue light surrounded the flower, invigorating it, renewing its life and shape. Nine ignored the whispers as the child awed at the display, taking the flower back with glee.
Matilda, the tour guide, became very uncomfortable as she witnessed the water magic come from the mage. She did not recognize this brunette.
"Wow! You fixed my flower! Thanks miss!" The child laughed, dancing in circles. Nine smiled, despite herself, placing a hand on the child's head, feeling motherly.
"Take care of the flower, young one. Make sure it grows up big and strong, okay?" She whispered soothingly. The child gave her a happy nod, walking away with the mother hand in hand. The piercing pain of regret shot through her as she watched the scene, and Nine unconsciously reached for the oval ruby hanging her neck.
"Tha' was mighty kind of ye, but what's a mage like you doin' 'round us folk?" asked a gruff voice from behind her. Nine turned to see an older man with balding gray hair standing before her, his form hunched as he leaned on his cane. Nine shrugged, not at all off put by his attitude. Behind him, the younger commoners were huddling together in fear.
"Not all mages wish to see the commoner masses put into slavery. Some of us wish for peace, even equality." Replied Nine. The man gave her a dry look, obviously not believing her but saying nothing all the same.
"And this is the famous Tristain Academy Vault, said to hold many treasures that were granted to the school by many prestiegeous nobles, such as the Duke de la Valliere, and even the king of Germania himself. The vault holds many treasures and artifacts, such as the infamous Staff of Destruction, the weapon forged by Brimir to fight against the foreign Barbarians from beyond the sea, when they invaded during the establishment of Halkeginia." Announced Matilda over their voices, catching Nine's attention instantly. Not only did Nine find where the Staff of Destruction lay, she also found the source of magic that she had been feeling within the walls.
Matilda felt unsure about what she was doing. She had taken a great risk, leading a water mage of all people to the vault doors. Matilda had not seen this mage before, and didn't know if she would be a hindrance in her plan. She needed to divert the situation somehow; this mage had no doubt felt the magic Matilda had placed in the walls.
"In order to protect the treasures that lay within, the faculty of Tristain academy have placed protective wards on these very doors over the many years that this vault had been under the Academy's care. It is customary for all the faculty at the end of every year, including those who have left, to place magic on the doors in order to protect them from thieves. Only those who are given a special spell by Principal Osmond himself can open these doors." She announced. Of course, she had lied about the annual ward binds and the special spell given to the teachers, but it was indeed true that each teacher hired by the Academy had placed wards on the doors. It was the main reason why all the teachers were required to be triangle class. In the end, only Osmond himself could open the doors.
Nine nearly cursed out loud when she heard this information. She had heard rumors that the vault had been protected, but to that degree? She should have expected it. She should have done more research.
"No matter. There is always a way." She would just need to get this so called special spell from the principal. For now, she would have to keep an eye on the vault.
The sounding of a horn alerted the group, turning their attention away from the doors. Matilda gave the fainted of smiles. Luck was on her side today.
"It seems that preparation for the stadium have been finished. If you will follow me, this ends our tour of Tristain's Magical Academy. Please remain in a single file line as we all return outside, and we of Tristain Magic Academy hope you enjoy this year's familiar festival!"
*Scene Break*
The roar of the crowd surrounded the courtyard as Lupien, Tabitha, Saito and Louise stood side by side in line, waiting. All the second years were there back stage, while everyone else sat in neatly arranged rows in the Vestri court, from the first year student body to the secretary, and in all her glory, Princess Henrietta of Tristein occupied the far back of the man-made stadium.
The time of the Evaluation Fair had arrived.
"Are you ready?" Lupien asked Tabitha. She made no verbal reply as she continued reading, but instead just nodded. Behind them, Saito whispered something to Louise. Tabitha looked back at the pink haired mage, but did not say anything. Lupien, rather curious, decided to listen. It wasn't like he had anything better to do.
"Are you nervous, master? P-Please try to relax." Said Saito. Louise whirled around, making him step back slightly.
"How can you be so calm at such an event? Don't you ever think of the consequences, or if anything goes wrong?" She scowled in a voice higher than usual, hurting Lupien's ears slightly. He gave an annoyed growl, but said nothing.
"Don't worry. Think about those things when they happen. Just have fun." Tabitha advised her. Her words seemed to do the trick; Louise's shoulders stopped trembling and her body seemed to loosen up. She nodded in agreement, somewhat relieved. "Thank you Tabitha." She replied. Tabitha nodded and Louise's eyes strayed back to Henrietta's direction. Lupien turned back towards the front of line, observing the stage scene.
Mailda, standing on the lefthand side of the stage, hid below the planks, observing the students. Though she had difficulty escaping from Osmond, she wanted to make sure that Lupien was here and not anywhere else. She would probably only have a few minutes to reach the vaults. She went over her plan once more, calculating her casting times, going over in her mind the path she prepared, and where she would take the staff for safekeeping. She needed to do everything before the festival was over.
Steeling her resolve, Matilda moved.
As Lupien and the group drew closer to the stage, the group could start making out some of the performances. As expected, the performances were well rehearsed and well executed – still, Lupien was far from impressed. Though he did commend their effort, and respected that they had talent.
Kirche coaxed her Salamander, named Flame, into breathing out a display of exotic flames that danced and fairly flitted throughout the stage. Montmorency played a fanciful, upbeat tune with her violin, as her frog familiar danced on a table. Lupien couldn't help but grin at the silliness of it. Guiche and his mole familiar lay on a bed of sparkling roses – how typical of them.
"Next, we have Miss Tabitha, and her Werewolf familiar, Lupien!" the announcer spoke. As he did, everyone went into whispers, excited at the lifetime opportunity of seeing a werewolf.
As Lupien and Tabitha made their way on stage, the audience began speculting on what our performance would be. Four of the earth mage instructors of the school assembled, forming several golems made of steel and iron, armed to the teeth with swords and shields.
Lupien's eyes locked onto a single mage, her disguise perfectly blending in with the crowd. But to Lupien, it made no difference.
What the hell are you doing? What are you waiting for?
Nine met her brother's eyes, intent on blendin with the crowd. Her face was a blank expression, and with a small shake of her head, she closed her eyes. Lupien caught the gesture. He grimaced. Lupien would let her go.
For now.
Turning towards the stage, Lupien gave a savage smile, then howled.
*Scene Break*
Matilda moved swiftly through the walls of the school, her spells making them crumble, then reassemble as she passed. She passed through various classrooms, hallways, and through the dining hall, before finally passing through the wall that stood directly in front of the vault. Matilda stopped for a moment to catch her breath, thanking her luck; she encountered no one on her way, meaning that everyone was distracted with the performances.
Walking towards the large double doors, Matilda placed her left hand on it, her wand held firmly in her right hand. She whispered her incantation, feeding her magic into the doors once more.
The months of preparation had paid off.
To her, the opening of the locks was like the sound of her salvation. The opening of the doors was like tasting her freedom. Walking through the doors of the vault felt like entering heaven. Yes. She was one step closer to destroying Reconquista.
The treasure room, to her surprise, wasn't all that she expected it to be. Instead of the vast canyon-like room that she had thought, it was instead a chain of seven rooms, spanning into a large circle, lit up by magic, ever-burning torches to guide her way. She thanked her luck again; the doors between each room were just that; doors. No locks, no magic, no problems. Luck was truly on her side this day.
Grabbing all the treasures and placing them in her magic bags of holding, Matilda reached the last room, intent on filling her pouches to maximum capacity when a cold breeze chilled her body. Her eyes wandered across the room, noting the differences between this room and the others. The previous rooms had been round in shape, treasure boxes and cabinets placed neatly around the walls. They were also small, going to higher than 9 feet in height. This room, however, was square, the treasure boxes and cabinets arranged neatly on her left and right. What caught her attention was the rooms' sanctuary like design. The ceiling reached high into the air, a chandelier illuminating the entire room. A red carpet was rolled across the floor, leading towards a small set of stairs. Upon the top of the stairs was a shrine, statues of Brimir glowing faintly in the torch light.
And placed horizontally at the base of the statues, lay the staff of destruction.
It was an exquisite, yet simple piece to behold. The staff was golden, expanding an even six feet in length. The butt of the staff was a spear in design, the small, stake-like blade sharp even after thousands of years. Inscriptions were written into the rod of the staff, the style far too old for her to fully understand. The head of the staff was a slot, and within it, a diamond shaped onyx, its deep black almost sucking her into its void. Matilda shook her head.
Now was not the time to be standing around.
Walking cautiously towards the staff, Matilda ignored the remaining treasures, her prize becoming all that she could think about. The fabled staff of destruction.
The staff that Brimir used to lead the people during the exile of the holy land.
The staff that enhanced a user's magic beyond their wildest dreams.
The staff that wiped out an entire race of beings.
Her heartbeat began to quicken as she slowly approached, the staff seemingly calling out for her. Voices began whispering inside her head, urging her to pick up the staff, to use it and fulfill her dreams. The voices promised that the staff would fulfill her every desire. A twisted sense of pleasure surged within Matilda as she stood in front of the staff, the voices inside her mind all that she could hear. They were louder now, asking her why she was hesitating. It was so hot. Matilda began to sweat, her gaze becoming a blurry vision of colours. Her knees shook with weakness, nearly giving out as Matilda reached for the staff, placing her hand on it.
All she saw was a golden light.
A piercing pain shot through her mind as something invaded her consciousness, Matilda shrieking as it did so. Memories that she had held onto for so long surged through her, her core desires rising to the surface like a volcanic eruption. Her body twisted and convulsed in pain, her knees bent over but her feet remained planted firmly on the ground as if held down by chains. The voices were screaming now. She tried to let go of the staff, but her body refused to obey her, the foreign invader taking over her very thoughts, her very soul. She fought desperately against it, the darkness settling in as tears began to streak down her face.
Lupien… help me…