Talking - "Hello"
Thinking - 'Hello'
Noble Arts or Techniques - Hello
I don't own Chivalry Of A Failed Knight, just my OC.
Chapter 2
•~•._.•-•._.•An Old Friend•._.•-•._.•~•
The sun rose, signaling the start of a new day. The light peered through the windows and into room, shining on Stella's face. The light hitting her eyes, caused her to stir. "It's morning already?" She muttered as she slowly opened her eyes. It was then, that a loud thud echoed in the room causing her to shoot and look around. She then looked down to see that Drayko had fallen to the floor from his bed. "Damn it." He groaned as he sat up and held his bruised face.
Stella couldn't take her eyes off of him for a moment for two reasons. The first being obvious he had fallen and she was worried. The second was because Drayko's shirt had ridden up showing his abs and she had a blush on her face. "Uh, good morning Drayko. Are you okay?" She asked and Drayko looked towards her with his hand still holding his face. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Good morning Stella." He said before he stood up.
He then walked into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. "So what are you doing today since we only have to attend the opening ceremony today?" Stella asked from her bed. "Well, I'm going to go for a run in a bit. As for later I'm not so sure, I might go and hang out with Saya or something." Drayko said before he turned of the sink and used a towel to dry his face off.
He then walked out of the bathroom and over to his closet. "A run? Then would you mind if I joined you?" Stella asked and Drayko shook his head. "Not at all come along if you want." He said as he grabbed his running clothes. "Okay!" Stella said as she smiled before she jumped out of her bed to also get ready. It didn't either long to get ready and head out the door for their run. Only if Drayko had told her it was a 20km run.
~~~Train~~~
As everyone prepared for their day, a train was coming into town. On the train was Shizuku Kurogane. She was on the phone with her older brother Ikki Kurogane. Ikki no longer lived in the country because after the death of Drayko and Saya's parents they left enough money for Ikki for him to go out and find someone that would train him. The Kurogane didn't mind since he wouldn't be in japan to tarnish their great bloodline.
He currently, lived china where he's been learning all he can. Shizuku on the other hand was on her way to Hagun academy. "I wish you could come with me brother." She said. "Sorry Shizuku. You know I'm learning everything I can hear. Plus, I don't think anyone would take me seriously on wanting to become a knight with no magic." He said. "That's not true! You're a wonderful knight! I think so and if Prince Drayko and Princess Saya were around they'd say the same." She said.
That was another thing, Shizuku didn't know that Drayko and Saya were alive or that they were at Hagun academy. "I know your right.. You miss them huh?" Ikki asked. "Yes, I just wonder where either of them might be or.. if they're even alive." She said. "I have a feeling they are and you never know. They may be closer than you think." Ikki said which caused Shizuku to tilt her head slightly. Now if Shizuku could see Ikki's face she would see him covering his mouth holding in his laughter.
The reason was because he happened to see the news report and he knew that Drayko as well as Saya were both at Hagun Academy. He also knew that Shizuku didn't know yet, so he was keeping it from her so she could find out on her own. Pretty much he was going to let everything blow up in Drayko's face as his own little prank. 'Drayko my friend good luck. No hard feelings but.. this is payback.' Ikki thought.
"Hm, what do you mean brother?" Shizuku asked confused. "Oh nothing but good luck on your first day and be safe." Ikki said. "I will brother. Be safe." She said smiling. "Yeah, I will and if you ever see Drayko and Saya again tell them I said Hi." He said before he hung up. "I will." She said replied as she put her phone into her pocket. 'Drayko. Saya. I wonder where you two are right now.' She thought as she looked out the window.
~~~Hagun Academy~~~
Drayko and Stella were running together down a path in the park. From the begging, Drayko ran until he stopped at a park table and pulled out a bottle of water. Stella showed up a bit after him breathing hard as she looked at him. "Are you seriously not tired?" She asked and Drayko glanced at her while he kept drinking from his water bottle. He then pulled the bottle away from his lips and sighed in relief.
"Nope, It's my routine to run 20km every day.." He said before he rolled his shoulders. "Besides this isn't as bad as my other routine but if it's too much for you, you don't have to come with me." Drayko said with a bit of worry in his tone. Stella looked at him and crossed her arms as she avoided his gaze. "I'm okay. This is nothing." She said and Drayko arched an eyebrow.
"Really? You seemed pretty tired when you showed up. Plus you do know that you have powerful magic that can compensate for your physical strength." Drayko said and Stella glared at him. "But so do you. So it's okay. And besides didn't I finish today?" Stella asked and Drayko sighed. "Geez, you really are competitive Stella." Drayko said before he held out his water bottle. "Here." He said and Stella looked at it with a small blush.
"B-but it's.." She said as her blush reddened. "It's a sports drink." He said and Stella shook her head. "Th-that's not what I mean. I mean, I'd be kissing you.. indirectly." She said as she looked down with steam fuming from her ears. Drayko then blinked a few times before he chuckled lightly. "Right, you wouldn't wanna drink out of something I put my mouth on.." He said before he pulled his water bottle back towards him.
"Besides it's not like it would be my first kiss whether directly or indirectly." Drayko said as he looked towards the sky with a somewhat nostalgic look in his eyes. "I-I didn't say that I minded.." She said before she abruptly paused and processed what Drayko had said. "Wait!? What!? You've already had your first kiss!?" She asked as she glared at him and Drayko looked at her before he tilted his head slightly.
"Well yeah, it was along time ago though." He said. "Who was it with!? How long ago!? And Why!?" Stella asked and Drayko arched an eyebrow. "Well it was back when I was 6. It was with my friend Shizuku. She kissed me after I had learned to use my powers to move a create an orb of ice with electricity sparking off of it. But why are you asking?" Drayko asked and Stella blushed as a smirk appeared on his face.
"Oh, Stella your not jealous of Shizuku are you?" Drayko asked and Stella looked stunned. "N-no way! W-who would be jealous of some kiss that happened 9 years ago! N-now never mind that. J-Just give it to me!" She said before she took the water bottle out of Drayko's hand. Drayko looked at her as he started to snicker before it fell to full out hysterical laughter and he fell to the ground.
"Oh my god! My side hurts! I haven't laughed like this in ages!" He said as he rolled on the ground. "W-What's so funny!" She asked confused. "So.. Stella. *Snicker* How and when should I *snicker* 'give it to you' hm?" Drayko asked as seriously as he could muster without laughing. Stella blinked a few times before her face turned red and she dumped the sports drink on his head. "Stupid pervert prince!" She said and Drayko sighed.
"You know it was meant to be a joke. You and Shizuku are seriously alike in some ways. She did the same thing once before I just can't remember why." Drayko said. "Uh Drayko." Stella called. "hm? Yeah, Stella." Drayko replied. "This girl do you.. Love her?" Stella asked with a blush. Drayko was surprised and he looked away with a blush of his own.
"Uh, I really can't say.. There's.. a lot I don't go into when that subject is involved. Plus I was kid the last time I saw her, so I'd be obvious that I didn't really think about those things. Why do you ask?" Drayko asked and Stella's face reddened before she looked away. "N-No reason just curious is all." She said before she glanced at him. "Uh do you wish you could see her again?" She asked and Drayko sighed.
"Uh, yeah I guess. I mean she was one of my best friends. Her brother, Ikki and I actually came up with the Itto Shura together. Saya liked spending time around her, too. But I probably won't be running into her anytime soon." Drayko said and Stella looked surprised. "Really!?.." She said before she coughed. "I-I mean why not? Why won't you see her anytime soon?" Stella asked hoping Drayko didn't notice the excitement that had been in her tone.
"Well.. Aunt Kurono told me she was going to a different chivalry school. It was one of the reasons I agreed to come to Hagun in the first place." Drayko said as he looked down. "You're avoiding her?" Stella asked and Drayko looked saddened. "I guess it seems like it, huh?" He asked before he sighed. "The truth is that it's more like I'm running away. While I know Saya would love to see them I don't think I can face them after disappearing like I did. I really am pathetic." Drayko said.
"That's not true." Stella muttered loud enough for Drayko to hear which made him look at her wide eyed. "You didn't want to drag them into everything. You didn't want them to get hurt. While you probably worried them, it was also a bit noble." She said and Drayko sighed. "Thanks.. Stella." He said and she smiled. "No problem, Drayko." She said before she realized something. "Uh, Drayko. You said earlier that the 20km run wasn't as bad as your other training routine, right?" She asked and he nodded.
"Yeah, why?" He asked. "Then what was your other routine that it was worse than this?" Stella asked and Drayko smiled sadly as a cloud of depression hung over his head. "Oh, uh. You know my aunt is a blazer right?" Drayko asked and Stella looked a bit worried but nodded anyway. "Yes, she's known as the World Clock if I remember correctly." Stella said and Drayko nodded.
"Yes she is and she's also friends with the demon princess Nene Saikyo who also happens to be a teacher here. And.. well.. the two of them.. sort of trained with me.. when I was younger after Saya and I disappeared." Drayko said and Stella stiffened. "T-they trained you?" She asked and he chuckled sadly. "Yep, and they didn't hold back at all." Drayko said. "O-oh, I'm sorry." Stella said. "Thanks." He said. "No problem." Stella said before her mind fully processed what Drayko had said.
If Drayko had been trained by Kurono and Nene then wouldn't that mean in some aspects Drayko should've out classed her and it was then that her face turned red, but not from embarrassment but instead it was from anger. "Wait? If they trained you, then does that mean you were holding back against me?" She growled and Drayko smiled innocently. "I have no idea what your talking about." He said before walking away. "Hey, get back here!" Stella shouted before she ran after him.
~~~Freshman Classroom~~~
All the first years students had gathered to their homerooms. Drayko had his head down on the desk, while Stella sat on his right. On his left was surprisingly Saya who had decided she wanted to be with Drayko then stay cooped up in Kuruno's office all day. At the front of the classroom was a young woman with back-length dark hair that had bangs that covered her forehead and completely covered her ears as well.
The most significant thing about her appearance were the bags under her eyes. "Hello, freshman! Congratulations on making it in! I'm your teacher, Yuuri Oriki! I'm new, and this is my first time having a class. You can all call me Yuuri-chan." She said. "I can already handle that Yuuri-chan." Drayko said as he picked his head up off of his desk. Yuuri looked at him and a smile spread across her face.
"Oh, it seems I have Dray-Dray-kun in my class. Hi, Dray-Dray-kun!" She said and Drayko's head slammed back down immediately as everyone looked at him while snickering. "Yuuri-chan it's only Drayko!" He shouted. "Not in this class its not." She said and Saya giggled at her brother's misfortune. Drayko then heard the snickering and with an out of place creaking sound he turned his head to look at the people who were snickering behind him with an evil glint in his eyes which made them all freeze.
"Anyone of you even so much as mention this out loud will never see the light of day again, got it?" He said menacingly and everyone that saw him nodded rapidly. "Good then we'll have no problems." He said in a normal tone before turning his head back around and laying back on the desk while Saya giggled even more. "Nii-chan really scared them good, huh?" She asked and Stella sweat dropped.
"H-How can you just giggle at that?" She asked but her question went ignored. "Now there's no class today, but I have one thing to add.. about the selection match for the seven stars battle festival." She said. "Everyone, you do remember what the director said about it during the ceremony, don't you?" Yuuri asked. 'Who could forget that?' Drayko thought as his mind remembered the opening ceremony earlier that day.
-Flashback-
All the students were gathered in the auditorium, while Kurono stood in front of them all on the stage. "Up until last year, this school selected the representatives based on their ability score. But starting this year, it will be by actual fighting where all students participate. The top six winners will become the school representatives. This method is very simple and also fair to everyone." Kurono said.
-Flashback End-
"So, the school matches will be starting next week! You'll be informed of your fight schedule and opponent by email to your student ID. So make sure to check them regularly!" Yuuri said before Stella raised her hand. "Teacher." Stella said and Yuuri quickly stopped her. "No, No. Call me Yuuri-chan, or I won't answer your questions." She said. This caused Stella and Drayko to sweat drop while the ends of Stella's ribbon fell.
"Y-Yuuri-chan." Stella stuttered out. "Yes. What is it, Stella-chan?" Yuuri asked with a smile. "Um, how many matches do we have to fight in total?" Stella asked and Yuuri developed a look indicating that she was thinking. "Well, easily over 10 matches per person. It's safe to assume that you'll have a match once every three days." Yuuri replied and a number of the students groaned.
'Well it's not like it concerns me. I'm not even going to deal with participating I'll just skip my first match, get disqualified, and I'll watch the rest of the time.' Drayko thought. "If you don't want to fight, you can withdraw from the match! It won't badly affect your grade. But in my opinion, giving a fair opportunity to everyone is a very wonderful thing. So I encourage you all to try." Yuuri said.
It was then that she and Saya looked at Drayko with an unreadable look in their eyes. "Well then, everyone! This coming year, do your very best! Okay! Then together let's say Hip hip hooray!" Yuuri said before she suddenly vomited a huge amount of blood. "Y-Yuuri-chan!" Stella yelled. "No! Yuuri-chan!" Saya shrieked. "Damn it! Not again!" Drayko shouted before the three shot out of their seats and down to Yuuri.
~~~Infirmary~~~
After Yuuri's little moment Drayko, Saya, and Stella quickly got her to the Infirmary. "I really must thank you three." Yuuri said before she seemed to look at Stella. "To tell you the truth, I vomit at least a liter of blood per day." She said before she started coughing. "Th-that must really be tough." Stella said and Drayko sighed. "You really shouldn't push yourself so hard, Yuuri-chan." Drayko said and Saya nodded. "Nii-chan's right. I'd hate it if something happened to you." She said and Yuuri smiled.
"Thank you for worrying you two, but you know, it was a day to celebrate, so I didn't wanna put an unhealthy look on my face." She said and Drayko sighed. "Geez, you troublesome woman what am I gonna do with you." He muttered before he noticed Stella looking at him. "What is it Stella?" he asked and she squeaked in mild surprise. "Sorry, I was just wondering.. You two seem really close to her." She said and Saya smiled.
"That's because Yuuri-chan knew our momma in high school. She's been visiting Icevale from time to time since nii-chan was born.." She said before Drayko continued. "After we came to live with aunt Kurono we saw her a lot more as well. It's actually why neither of us have a problem with calling her Yuuri-chan. We've both been doing it since we were a kids." Drayko said and Stella nodded. "I see." She replied before Yuuri smiled.
"Yes, Dray-Dray-kun was such a cute little baby. And Saya-chan was so adorable. But.. It's still unfortunate about that incident that though..." Yuuri said before she trailed off. The sad smile that had been on her face then vanished as she looked at Saya and Drayko with a bright smile. "But I'm always glad that you two are alright Dray-Dray-kun and Saya-chan." She said and Drayko sighed. "Yeah.." He said while Saya just watched him from the corner of her eye and Stella looked at him.
'An incident? Yuuri-chan seems to know about it. She could be just who I need to talk to, to get the answers I've been looking for.' Stella thought. She was then pulled out of her thoughts as Drayko stood up and headed for the door with Saya behind him. "I'll see you later. So take care until then, Yuuri-chan." Drayko said and Yuuri nodded. "Yes, I will. Bye Saya-chan. Bye Dray-Dray-kun." She said. "Bye, Yuuri-chan." Saya said before she and Drayko left the room, leaving Stella and Yuuri to themselves.
Stella then just stared at the door questioning whether she should leave or not. "You're curious aren't you?" Yuuri asked getting Stella's attention and Stella turned to her. "Huh?" Stella asked nervously and Yuuri giggled slightly. "No need to be embarrassed or nervous. I can tell by the way you look at Dray-Dray-kun that you're curious about the incident. You know a few things, but you still have questions, correct?" Yuuri asked and Stella looked down before she nodded.
"You're right." She said before she moved a bit in her seat. "Yuuri-chan.. What happened to Drayko and Saya's parents? What happened to make him lose control? Why does he would think he's not aloud to be happy?" Stella asked and Yuuri sighed. She the looked out the window before she looked down to her own hands. "Stella you know about the reports of the avalanche in Icevale, right?" Yuuri asked and Stella stiffened. 'What could that have to do with Drayko?' Stella thought before she nodded.
"Uh, yes. The reports said that there was an avalanche in the mountains surrounding Icevale. The entire town was completely destroyed, but luckily no one was killed because every member had left to go to some secret location that is considered sacred to the Hiryu for some kind of rite of passage or something like that. However, now no one knows where they are. It's like they all just disappeared." Stella said and Yuuri developed a sad smile.
"You're close." She said and Stella tilted her head in confusion. "Huh?" She asked. "Yes, you see that story is nothing but a lie." She said and Stella's eyes widened. 'A lie?' Stella thought. "Wh-what do you mean a lie?" Stella asked. "It means exactly as it sounds. It's a lie that was fabricated by a member of the government that is friends with the director. This friend knows about Drayko being a generation and knows that what happened was a complete accident too." She said and Stella looked nervous.
"Th-then what really happened?" She asked but before Yuuri could respond another answered. "Nii-chan killed them all.." Stella heard and turned her head to see Saya standing in the doorway with her hair shadowing her eyes. "Wh-what?" Stella asked with wide eyes. "I said nii-chan killed them all. In a matter of moments he killed every man, woman, child, and animal. He even destroyed the hole town. Nii-chan and I.. we're the last Hiryu." Saya said and more questions filled Stella's mind.
"But h-" Stella was about to ask before Saya interrupted. "Are you sure you want to know.. about that night?" She asked before she paused. "Because if I tell you there's no going back." She said and Stella didn't hesitate to nod her head. "I understand. I'm sure." She said and Saya walked in before she locked the door. "Alright then. I'll tell you what happened that night." She said before she sat down and began to tell Stella the event of her and Drayko's past.
-Flashback-
~.~.Saya's POV.~.~
[- 5 years Ago -]
5 years ago when nii-chan was 10 and I was only 3 it was nighttime. Nii-chan was sleeping peacefully in his bed. I was curled up next to him because i had, had a nightmare and wanted to sleep next to him. I've always loved my nii-chan and I found sleeping next to him after I had nightmares much more calming than sleeping in my parents bed. It was about 11:30 when the sound of a loud crash woke us up.
"Nii-chan what was that?" I had asked and nii-chan put a hand on my head before patting me. I really loved it when he did that, i really miss it. "I don't know but everything'll be okay." He said reassuringly and I smiled before I nodded. "Alright." I said before he got out of bed and walked towards the bedroom door. I felt afraid of being left alone so I got out of bed too and followed nii-chan as he walked out the door.
We got to the top of the stairs when we heard another loud crash, but this time we heard papa scream from downstairs. I looked towards nii-chan and he towards me before we raced downstairs and turned into the living room to see mama fighting someone. Papa was on the ground, it seemed he was leaning against the wall but it was too dark to see him clearly. It was then that we saw the person mama was fighting stab through her with a sword.
"Mama!" I screamed and caused both the assailant and mama to look towards us. "Saya.. Drayko.. No.. You two need to run now! get out of here!" She yelled but before we could the assailant raced towards us and slashed toward us. I couldn't do anything, I was afraid and I froze. It was then that I felt nii-chan grab my hand and then felt myself forcefully pulled forward. I soon realized that nii-chan had somehow gotten us out of the way and passed the person trying to kill us.
The assailant then turned around and slashed again. It was then that I realized I was in the way. There was no way nii-chan could've gotten me out of the way in time. I immediately closed my eyes only to realize that I didn't feel anything before I fell back. I opened my eyes to see that nii-chan had gotten in front of me and had taken the slash but the movement had been so sudden that he tripped backwards.
It luckily saved his life, but it resulted in him getting slashed from his left shoulder to the right side of his waist. The man slowly walked towards us and nii-chan started to slide back while keeping me behind him the entire time. It was then that my hand touched something warm and wet. "Huh?" I asked before I looked to see that we had gotten closer to papa. It was then the light of the moon filled the room and my eyes widened.
"No papa!" I cried as I looked at papa's dead body leaned up against the wall. I then looked at my hands to see that I had touched his blood. Nii-chan then looked behind him and his eyes widened as he began to cry. "No, daddy!" He cried before he turned to look at the person who was obviously responsible for all this madness. "Why did you take my mommy and daddy away!? Why!?" Nii-chan growled.
I had never really heard nii-chan get angry before, I had to admit it was a little frightening. However, the person who had killed papa and stabbed mama seemed to think otherwise because he just laughed. I could tell he was a man by the way his laugh sounded. "Oh, the little beast wants to growl. If you really must know. This all happened.. because you exist." he said and we both looked stunned. "What?" Nii-chan asked obviously stunned.
"Like i said it's because you. A generation. Exist in the Hiryu and your father wanted you to lead them and the elders didn't want that. They would've preferred your sister lead if she doesn't turn out to be a generation like you. But since your father wouldn't budge they hired me to kill your father, your mother, your sister, and you. So this is all your fault. Just by existing you brought this on them and yourself." The assailant said before he raised his sword.
I was completely stunned. The elders did this because they didn't want nii-chan, who happened to be born a generation to lead our family. They ruined our lives because of their own arrogance and this man had the nerve to try and blame nii-chan for it. I felt angry but.. I didn't know what I could've done. "Well, enough chit chat. Time to die, you better say your prayers." The man said before he raced towards us ready to end our lives.
(Play Sad Anime Ost : Believe Me)
Nii-chan must've felt it. Time seemed to slow as the realization that there was nothing we could do to stop the man settled in. It was then in that moment he turned around suddenly and hugged me close to his body. "N-Nii-chan?" I whispered startled by the sudden action. "I'm sorry Saya, but nii-chan isn't going to be around anymore." He whispered and I looked stunned. What did he mean he wasn't going to be around anymore, I wondered. "What?" I asked as tears welled up in my eyes.
"Yeah, I'll take the brunt of the attack and I want you to get out through the window. I just hope you can get away." he said and my eyes widened at what he meant. He was going to sacrifice himself and give me the chance to run. At that point I felt so helpless I didn't want to lose him, I had already lost mama and papa but him I didn't think I'd be able to survive at that point. I couldn't even speak as nii-chan pushed be back to get me closer to the window as the man closed in on him.
"Nii-chan!" I yelled as the man brought his sword down and he cut into flesh. However, it took me a moment to realize that the flesh he cut into wasn't nii-chan's.. It was mama's. She hadn't died after she got stabbed, but now.. now she was hugging nii-chan close to her protecting his body with her own. "Mom.. my?" I heard nii-chan ask. He was completely stunned at the sight of mama holding him and I think the part that really stunned him the most was the fact that she was smiling at him.
"My, my.. Such a good big brother.. wanting to protect his little sister.. But.. you can't die today sweetie.. you still need to keep her safe. I'm so proud of everything you've done. I wish i could stay to watch you two grow up. But it looks like your father and I will have to do that from heaven. Drayko remember to grow up to be a sweet and cool man like your father. And protect your sister." She said before managing to look at me.
"Saya sweetheart I want you to grow up to be a smart and beautiful young woman. Keep your big brother safe. And remember it's okay to be a crybaby believe me mama's one too." She said as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Just remember that crying doesn't make you weak. It just means that you've been strong for too long. Lastly, I want both of you to remember that your father and I.. love you two oh so much." She said before the man pulled his sword out of her back.
Her body then fell to the ground, the life leaving her eyes. "Tch, such sweet words, but they were wasted. Your brats will be following you soon enough." He said but I couldn't take my eyes off of nii-chan. He looked so broken and destroyed. At that all the fire I had seen in nii-chan's eyes went out. He cried, for the first time in my 4 years of life I saw my nii-chan cry while he hugged himself and it broke my heart as his cries got louder.
It was then that violet and pale blue energy exploded outward from nii-chan's body, sending the assailant flying back. It was then that i realized nii-chan was losing control as the ground below him started to freeze over in a layer of violet ice. His heart had completely broken, and as such like all other generations his powers were going out of control. I then watched as his hair slowly turned white, right as I felt a painful feeling begin to sting my legs.
I looked down to see that the ground was freezing under me and I realized that with nii-chan losing control no one was safe being so close. The ice mixed with electricity stung worse than just dealing with one or the other. It was then that I started to move back ignoring papa's blood as it soaked my nightgown before my back touched the wall. I was afraid, nii-chan was losing control and I had no idea of what to do.
I looked towards nii-chan to see bolts of electricity jump through the air just as 4 ice crystals shot out of his back. My eyes widened as I saw nii-chan start to cough up blood while his right eye turned white. I was so afraid, nii-chan was losing control and I had no idea of what to do. My eyes then landed on mama's body which had frozen and I remembered what she had asked of me as I looked into her seemingly lifeless eyes.
She had asked for me to keep nii-chan safe and at the moment I wasn't even doing that. So I did the only thing I could do. I slapped my cheek to snap myself out of it. I then stood up and walked over to nii-chan. Walking across the icy ground hurt badly. It made me realize just how powerful nii-chan's powers as a generation really were, but I couldn't give up. As I got closer nii-chan started to cause a mini snow storm to fill the room.
I pushed forward until I was standing in front of him. I then fell to my knees before I hugged him. It seemed to get him to look at me before he wrapped his arms around me and held me close. It was then that I failed once again. Being in his arms comforted me, and seemed to drain me of all my strength. Everything that had happened on this night had finally taken its toll on me, so.. I screamed and I cried. I screamed my anger at those who had caused this.
I cried for the those of mama and papa. I screamed my hatred at the heavens for doing this to us. I cried at my failure to save my nii-chan who I wanted to save, to comfort but instead he ended up doing exactly that for me. It was then that I heard loud rumbling while I felt the ground shake. Large ice crystals started to rise out of the ground causing our house to collapse and then piles of snow covered us before everything went black.
(End Sad Anime Ost : Believe Me)
-Flashback End-
"After that.. I woke up only to find myself in a bed next to nii-chan." Saya said and Stella looked stunned while Yuuri looked saddened. Even though she had heard the story before it still wasn't easy to hear. "I remember the director had gotten a call from her friend in the government." Yuuri said gaining Stella's attention. "He had told her that Icevale was just.. Gone. At the time we had no idea what had happened. But when she heard that. She, myself, and Nene all left immediately for Icevale." Yuuri said.
"She was so worried just as the rest of us were. But she.. looked like.. the worst out of the three of us. When we got to where Icevale should've been we met with her government friend and searched for any possible survivors. The director found the two of them barely alive. Drayko was badly injured while Emilia had some pretty bad injuries herself primarily the bottom of her feet and both were freezing." Yuuri said before she sighed.
"They had been in the same spot buried under snow for a least a week and they were lucky to have lived in such a condition." Yuuri said and Stella looked over to Saya. She then examined the girl and noticed something she hasn't paid attention to. Saya had on her thigh-high leggings but she wasn't wearing shoes and now that Stella really thought about it Saya hadn't worn any since the two had met.
"Saya?" Stella said getting the little girl's attention. "Yes?" she asked. "Is that why you don't wear shoes? Because of the injuries to the bottom of your feet?" She asked and Saya looked down with a sad smile. She then took off her right legging to reveal that the bottom of her foot looked badly scarred. Her knees had some pretty bad scarring and then there was some light marks on the back of her legs and Stella looked stunned.
"Nii-chan's power is ice and electricity mixed. It's true form is electrified frozen energy. It's dangerous because if a person is in direct physical contact with ice for too long the water present inside the cells of whatever body part that's in contact with the ice then freezes and form ice crystals. That's what the ice aspect of nii-chan's powers do." Saya said before she slid her legging back on before she continued.
"The electricity aspect of nii-chan's powers then cause these ice crystals to burst faster than they're meant to and much more violently causing damage to the frozen tissue. That's what happened to my knees, the back of my legs, and my feet which is as you guessed the reason I don't wear shoes. I find them very irritating. Now while he can do things like form ice crystals or frozen lightning bolts. This damaging effect is what all of nii-chan's attacks are doing and at varying levels." She said.
At this point Stella felt completely frozen inside. She had gotten her answers only to find out that the truth was horrible to say the least. But she now knew about the incident what had happened. It allowed her to really put things into perspective. 'Drayko.' She thought before she pulled her knees up and hugged her legs. "So.. That's why he's afraid to tap into his full powers." She said and Yuuri and Saya both nodded.
"Yes, he's afraid that the same thing will happen again. It's why he believes he's not aloud to be happy. After killing so many and hurting the one person he was meant to protect.. He came to believe that he didn't deserve to be happy or have good lasting memories. He believes that he doesn't deserve to live out his dreams or have friends. He also believes that.. he doesn't deserve to.. be loved by another." Yuuri said before she fell silent for a moment as tears welled up in her eyes.
Reminiscing these events was really painful, she much like the other people around Drayko hated seeing him so beaten down. But she felt Stella needed to know everything at this point. She hoped that maybe... "Because of how he feels he decided that he and Saya needed to get away from it all. So.. he decided that they needed to disappear. He even went so far as to let his two closest friends think he just went missing or ended up dead." She said as her tears rolled down her cheeks.
At this point she couldn't take it anymore and she fell silent as she looked down. "Nii-chan even gave up on his dreams to participating and trying to win the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, the King of Knights Tournament, and the God of War League." Saya said suddenly and Stella's eyes widened. 'He wanted to enter all of those. To prove himself and he just.. threw it all away.' She thought before she stood up.
"I.. I have to go. I'm going to go find him!" She said before she felt a tug on her clothes and she looked down to see Saya with her hair shadowing her eyes. "You know I never said I was letting you have free reign with nii-chan's heart, but.." She said before she placed a hand on Stella's stomach. "Tag.. Your it. So.. please look after nii-chan for a little while for me.. please?" She asked and Stella smiled softly before placing a hand on Saya's head.
"Of course, I promise. You'll get to see the old Drayko again, Saya." She said before she turned and ran out of the room. Yuuri watched as Stella left before she smiled softly. 'Your so lucky dray-dray-kun. You have people who care about you very much. Even if you don't want to see it yet.' she thought before she looked towards Saya who's shoulders were trembling as her hands balled up tightly. 'No matter how much it hurts, they'll still try to get through to you.' She thought.
~~~Outside~~~
Drayko walked around the campus with his hands in his pockets. While his face looked calm, his mind was anything but. As it was plagued by the sounds screams and the images of every person that lived in Icevale flooded his mind. Then the image of Saya, having difficult walked passed through his mind and his eyes grew even colder. 'I can't forget it.. I can never forget it.. If all the lives I took can't be happy then why should I get to.' Drayko thought.
"Wow! Its the Prince!" a girl said. "He's so cute! I hope he's single! I want him so badly!" Another girl said. "What's with his eyes? They're so unique." a 3rd girl said and Drayko gritted his teeth. 'These stupid eyes. They aren't unique.' Drayko thought. "Drayko!" Stella yelled as she stopped at his side. Drayko turned towards her alarmed and saw that she was panting. "Stella! What's up!? Is Yuuri-chan okay!? Is Saya okay!?" He asked clearly worried.
"Drayko, calm down. There both fine. Sorry if I worried you." She said and Drayko sighed in relief. "Oh, that's good. Then why'd you run after me like something terribly bad had happened?" He asked. "I was only trying to catch up to you. I've been looking for you. I wanted you to know that I know. I know about it." She said and Drayko arched an eyebrow. "You mind clarifying things for the prince here Stella? Cause he's very lost right now." Drayko said as he pointed at himself.
Stella then blushed before she walked closer to him so she could lean up to his ear. "I-I'm trying to tell you. I know about what happened at Icevale.. I know about how you lost control." She whispered and Drayko's eyes widened as he seemed to go pale. He started to back up, so that he could cut and run but Stella preempted any way of escape when she grabbed his arms and stopped him.
"Drayko, wait! I'm not afraid of you or anything like that.." She whispered before she started to feel a little nervous. "Drayko. I.. I want to help you." She said and Drayko looked at her with a sad look. "Stella you can't help me.. I don't deserve it." Drayko said before he muttered the last part but Stella was still able to hear it. "Don't do that. Don't start thinking that you don't deserve to be happy, or have dreams, or be loved. Because you do!" She said.
"Stella I can't I hurt so many people. Parents who will never see their children again. Children who will never see another Christmas or have another birthday again. So how can I be allowed to be happy when none of them will?" Drayko asked. Stella was about to respond but she before she could a random girl jumped and latched onto Drayko's arm. "Hiryu Senpai!" The girl said and Drayko tried to pull his arm away but the girl had a tight hold.
"Wow, I can finally talk to you, Senpai!" The girl said and Stella's face turned red. "W-w-w-what are you doing, Drayko?!" She asked. "That's actually my question!" Drayko said before he looked at the girl. "Soo.. who are you?" Drayko asked. "I'm Kagami Kusakabe, we're in the same class. I'm a big fan of yours!" Kagami said as her huge breasts pressed against Drayko's arm. "Oh, okay then. What do you want?" Drayko asked feeling very uncomfortable.
He knew he said getting close to people may not seem so bad but this was definitely not what he had in mind. And this girl Kagami Kusakabe, made him feel unnerved. She had the same name as his father despite her being a girl and it left him a bit.. emotionally weakened. He just wanted the conversation to end so he could get away. Stella on the other hand puffed up her cheeks as she crossed her arms while she watched Kagami flirt with Drayko, which he noticed.
"I happened to see the mock battle the other day. Senpai, you must be the strongest in the world." Kagami said. 'Not really.' He thought before he sighed. "T-thanks for the compliment, Kagami." Drayko said as he tried to get his arm out of her grip again. However, Kagami just squeeze her chest onto his arm some more, strengthening her grip. "To tell you the truth, I'm thinking about starting a newspaper club. And I want you to be on the front page of the historic issue! Please! Let me interview you!?" she asked.
Drayko sighed and was about to decline before he noticed something important. Everyone had in the immediate area who had heard Kagami's question was now looking at them. 'This little witch! She set me up!' He thought before Stella groaned. "Oh, goodie for you. You're already so popular on the first day of school." Stella said before she stormed off and Drayko glared at her back. "Fine, storm off we were done talking anyway!" Drayko said.
'Oh no we're not you big idiot. Not by a long shot. You may not want to believe it but you do deserve to be happy so I'll follow you and help you see that. I promised Saya and myself.' Stella thought. Drayko then looked back towards Kagami and remembered that she was still latched onto his arm. "I've already decided the headline! Drayko Hiryu, The lost prince knight who defeated the genius knight, wins flawlessly!" she said.
"Y-yeah, anyway, let's talk about that later." Drayko said. He then noticed that she had been slightly distracted, and so he used that opportunity to get out of her grip before he walked away. As he walked, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Geez what a day." He muttered before someone called out to him. "D-Drayko!" He heard before he immediately came to a screeching halt. 'Th-that voice. I know that voice, but it couldn't be, could it?' He thought before he looked around.
Play Sad Anime Ost : I Will (Piano)
His eyes then landed on a very familiar face, that made time seem to freeze. 'Shizuku? She's still so..' He thought as he stared at the stunned face of his childhood friend. "Shizuku." He said before she started moving closer to him. "Hey, That's..." Someone said. "Yeah, it's Lorelei!" Another said. "The second best freshmen!" Someone said. When Shizuku made it up to him, she just stared at him as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Prince Drayko.. I-Is that really you?" She asked and Drayko just nodded. "Y-Yeah.. Its me Shizuku. I.. I hardly recognized you." He said and she looked into his eyes a bit worried. "Is that bad?" She asked and he shook his head. "Not at all. I just mean you look.. very beautiful." He said and Shizuku blushed. "Th-Thank you, and look.. very handsome." She said and Drayko blushed slightly.
"Th-Thanks. and uh, how's Ikki?" Drayko asked. "H-he's doing well, he's training in China right now. Oh and.. He says hi." She replied and he nodded. "I see." He replied. It then fell silent between the two. They were both too stunned at seeing each other again to say or do anything else. Shizuku just stared at the boy in front of her and examined every detail of his body. 'He's gotten a lot taller. Did he dye his hair? And.. What happened to his eye?' She thought.
Meanwhile, Drayko's mind was everyone else. 'I.. This wasn't supposed to happen. Aunt Kurono said..' He thought before realization struck him. 'She lied! B-But why would she lie about Shizuku coming here?' He thought. It's not that he didn't want to see Shizuku, it's just like he had explained to Stella. He was running away and he knew it. He couldn't face her, not with the turmoil that swirled in his mind.
He did have a crush on Shizuku when they were younger. They were the same age and she was sweetest person he knew. He knew that if he saw her his mind and heart would be at war with each other, just like they were in this moment. His mind was saying that he didn't deserve to be happy and he knew that but his heart.. His heart was beating erratically at seeing Shizuku again. It wanted him to reach out and hold her and never let go.
It wanted him to hold her tight as he whispered sweet promises to her about how he was never going to leave her side again. The two smiled at each other for a moment before Shizuku gently pushed Drayko against a column and pressed her lips to his. Drayko was stunned for a moment and it was that moment that his heart took control and he wrapped his arms around her. It was then he remembered what his aunt had told him and Saya yesterday.
End Sad Anime Ost : I Will (Piano)
-Flashback-
"You know she cried when you two disappeared." Kurono said and Drayko as well as Saya looked at her surprised. "R-really?" He asked. "Sh-she cried?" Saya asked and Kurono nodded. "Saya, you were like family to her and Drayko.." She said before she paused and looked him in the eyes. "Well, she really loved you." She said and the siblings looked at her even more surprised. "I never knew that." Saya said as she looked down. "Neither did I." Drayko muttered.
-Flashback End-
Everyone looked on in shock at Drayko and Shizuku kissing. Most if not all the girls were cursing Shizuku in their minds while the reverse could be said for the boys and what they were thinking of Drayko. The only exception was Kagami who started taking pictures of the whole thing. Stella on the other hand felt anger well up inside and felt like she wanted to end the petite argent haired girl. "Wh-what the hell!?" Stella said.
"It's a scoop! Scoop! Scoop!" Kagami said as she continued to take pictures. Shizuku and Drayko kept kissing until Shizuku moved her head back. She then looked into Drayko's eyes as she placed her hand on his cheek. "I've missed you for the longest time, Drayko." Shizuku said. Then she surprised everyone again when she slapped Drayko in the face. "Dang it! Shizuku what was that for!?" He asked as he held his reddened cheek.
Play Sad Anime Ost : I Will (Piano)
"That was for scaring me! I thought something really bad happened to you! I didn't know if you or Saya were alive or not! I've been worried about you two! You big dummy!" She said before she started sobbing. Drayko looked at her completely shocked. It was then that the words 'she cried when you two disappeared' and 'and Drayko.. Well, she really loved you.' echoed inside his mind and his head looked down as his hair shadowed his eyes.
It was at that moment that his heart made a very convincing argument to get a one up over his mind. 'Despite saying I don't deserve to be happy, I never stopped to think how it would affect everyone else.' He thought before he lifted his right hand and covered his eyes. 'Damn it Drayko! How has being gone effected Shizuku. How has saying and thinking you don't deserve to be happy effected Yuuri-chan, Aunt Kurono, or Nene. Crap how has it affected Saya! Damn it you idiot!' He thought.
Tears welled up in his eyes but they didn't fall. He wouldn't let himself do that not now. Not when he's the reason Shizuku was crying at this very moment. Drayko then uncovered his eyes before he pulled Shizuku into a comforting hug. "I'm so sorry Shizuku.. I never meant to scare you like that. I never meant to make you cry. Geez, I'm really showing my pathetic side a lot today." He whispered into her ear while she cried into his shoulder.
"I wouldn't say pathetic.. You're just a little late on the uptake.. J-just promise me.. You'll never do something.. Like this again." She said as she held onto him tightly. Drayko could tell she was holding on scared that if she let go he'd vanish all over again. He knew the feeling well. After all he had done it himself only slightly and only for a moment.. on the night of the incident when his mom protected him with her own body.
"Yeah, I promise." He said before Shizuku pulled back. He then looked into her jade eyes and for the second time in that moment his heart took control. His right hand reached up and caressed her cheek. Shizuku leaned into his touch, having missed it for so long. She was then surprised herself along with everyone else when Drayko pulled her into another kiss.
End Sad Anime Ost : I Will (Piano)
"What!? the!? hell!?" Stella shouted. "H-hey, Drayko! W-w-what the hell are you doing!?" She asked. Shizuku pulled out of the kiss, already missing Drayko's lips against hers with a blush on her face. She then turned her head and looked towards Stella. Shizuku knew immediately that Stella was jealous. She had always been pretty observant, capable of telling if any girl showed any real interest in her childhood crush.
"We're kissing I'd think it'd be obvious. It is used as proof of affection. So it's only natural that two childhood friends like Drayko and I who have been reunited after so long do it too. It's like a greeting in foreign countries." She said and Drayko arched an eyebrow. "Really?" Drayko asked. "In my country, childhood friends don't kiss like that!" Stella said. "In any other country, actually!" Kagami said and Drayko just looked at Shizuku.
"You hear that?" He asked and Shizuku just smiled. "That's them. This is about us, Drayko. Considering we've been apart and longing for each other for 5 years, even sleeping together would be a simple greeting for us." She said and Drayko blushed slightly. "Wha?" Drayko muttered. "Don't lie to him! That in no way would be some simple greeting!" Stella shouted before Drayko sighed and patted Shizuku's head.
"Geez, Shizuku. That's not like you at all and you're a girl. You shouldn't be talking like that so carelessly." Drayko said and Shizuku smiled. 'So protective of me as always.' She thought. "I was just joking. But if that's what you want.." Shizuku said before she went in to kiss him again. "Oh no you don't!" Stella said before she grabbed Shizuku and pulled her off of Drayko. She then moved Shizuku over to the side before she got in Drayko's face.
"Drayko pull yourself together! Why are you letting this situation continue?" She asked and Drayko arched an eyebrow. "What are you freaking out about Stella? She's known me since we were kids and I haven't seen her in 5 years. Plus she was the first girl to kiss me so it's not like its weird or anything. Besides why do you care?" Drayko asked. "Huh!? B-b-but Drayko!" She stuttered.
"Don't but me. She's my childhood friend, we've known each other longer, and last I recall, I thought you said you weren't-". Drayko started to say, but he was immediately interrupted by Stella putting her hands over his mouth. "Sh-shut up! shut up! shut up! shut up! shut up! shut up! shut! up!" Stella said as she blushed furiously. "You're.. the Princess Stella I've heard about, correct?" Shizuku asked.
"Yeah, what of it?" Stella asked as she turned her head to look at Shizuku. Once she did she saw the petite girl standing there with a dark blue aura surrounding her boy with the occasional appearance of snowflakes. "Who are you to go around and get in the way of us? To interrupted a simple conversation between childhood friends?" She asked and Stella stood up while glaring at her.
"That was no simple conversation. A 'simple' conversation like 'that' shouldn't exist between childhood friends." She said and Shizuku waved her off. "That's for me and Drayko to decide.. Besides.." She said before she glared at Stella. "You don't know anything about us. If you did then you'd keep your mouth shut, little miss princess from a countryside." Shizuku said. "I know things about him, so.. so I am related to things.. in a way." Stella said softly and Drayko looked at her like she was crazy.
He didn't want Stella involved in his issues. She knew that well, but even now she was still pushing. "No, the hell your not." Drayko said but his comment went ignored while Shizuku arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And how are you related in a way, hmm?" Shizuku asked. In response Stella started to blush as she fidgeted around a little which made Drayko feel off. 'Wait she's not going to say..' Drayko thought concerned.
"W-well, Drayko is..." Stella said. "Stella you wouldn't?" Drayko asked but his words went ignored. "He's...?" Shizuku asked. "I'm serious Stella don't do it." Drayko said but his words again no one seemed to pay attention. 'She's not complete idiot she won't say what I think she's about to say, right?' Drayko thought. "He's my master, and I'm his servant!" Stella said a little too loudly and everyone except Shizuku and Drayko gasped.
"I was right your not a complete idiot.. You're a completely blithering moron." Drayko said in a bored tone before Kagami got in his face. "A big scandal!" Kagami said. "The headline of the first issue should be changed to.. Struggle in arms. The lost prince and a bonded princess servant in closed room for 72 hours!" Kagami said. "That's long. that's wrong. and that ain't happening." Drayko said.
"It's not wrong! When you won the battle, you gave me an order." Stella said and Drayko narrowed his eyes at her. "And that order was..?" He asked and Stella blushed as she poked her fingers together. "Stella, I order you to share a bed with me." She said as everyone seemed to see that she had 'remembered' an extremely cool and suave looking version of Drayko holding her close while asking the same question.
Drayko's right eyebrow started to twitch while he just stared at her with a blank face. "Okay one: I repeat your a blithering moron, two: Who was that cool guy?, and three: I'm going to freaking end you." Drayko said as his magic flared a bit and the temperature around him dropped a bit as sparks flew off of him. "Is this true?" Shizuku asked him and Drayko's aura died out as he looked at her to see her aura become a heavy and a bit murderous.
"W-what's that, Shizuku?" Drayko asked a bit nervously. "Drayko, I'm asking you if it's true? Did you do all that hold me, comfort me, and even kiss me while you've been trying to get into the pants of this nuisance." Shizuku asked. "No.. you see we have a bunk bed and-" Drayko started to say but Stella choose that moment to interrupt him. "It's all true! Very true! 100%!" Stella said and Drayko turned his head and stared at her.
"I'm going to seal you inside a block of ice and send you off to sea." Drayko said while Shizuku giggled maliciously. "Heh.. heh.. heh.. I see. In that case, I'll just kill you, you stupid princess and set my Drayko free." She said as she held up her right hand. "Splash, Yoi Shigure!" she said as she made her device, a silver bladed tanto that she held in a reverse grip appear in her hand. "Uh, you can't be serious, right Shizuku?" Drayko asked and Shizuku smiled at him.
"It's alright, Drayko. I'll be fine my element is water. Stella's is fire.. I can completely kill her." Shizuku said and Drayko tapped his chin before he shrugged. "Oh right. Forget I said anything and carry on then." Drayko said and Shizuku's smile brightened. "Serve me, Laevatein!" Stella said as she summoned her device and pointed it at Shizuku. "That's a very modest device. Just like your breasts." Stella said.
"The same goes for you. When you have breasts with no class, you have a tasteless device. They're both wastefully large." Shizuku responded. "Well, well, well. Words of jealousy from someone with poor breasts and mind are really hard to listen to." Stella said. "Why should I be jealous I already took Drayko's first kiss a long time ago and his second and third just today. Plus even before that day Drayko's father even said he could see us getting married. So if anyone's jealous it's you." Shizuku said.
"Ugly." Stella said. "Fat." Shizuku responded. 'Wait? Why do I feel like I forgot something important that has to do with this very situation.' Drayko thought. "Go to Hell!" The two girls yelled as they attacked each other. 'Oh that's right devices aren't aloud to be used in or out of school.' Drayko thought but it was too late to do anything as the attacks fired by two very angry girls collided and resulted in an explosion.
[- A Few Hours Later -]
Suffice to say, Kurono had found out about the incident involving Stella and Shizuku. She immediately dragged the girls off and lectured them before deciding their punishment for using their devices on school grounds. "Inside or outside of school, the use of devices in other than a permitted area is forbidden." Kurono said as she looked upon Stella and Shizuku. The two were inside a girl's restroom with mops.
Kurono had decided that cleaning the girl's restroom floor would be a suitable punishment for the two. "Now normally, you'd be suspended for doing something so stupid. However, taking into consideration that it was your first day, I'll be having you clean the restrooms for a week. You can thank me for this generous punishment." Kurono said. "Thank you very much, Director." Stella said.
"I'm sorry. I'll never do that again." Shizuku said and Kurono smiled. "Good. You can go home after you finish all the female restrooms in the school. Oh, and there are 27 of them, just so you know." She said smugly before she left the two to their punishment. However, even with this punishment Stella and Shizuku continued to glare at each other out of the corner of their eyes as they cleaned. "Washboard." Stella said and Shizuku's eye twitched.
"Advertising balloon." Shizuku said which resulted in the same response from Stella. "The size of an infant's." Stella replied and Shizuku tightened her grip around her mop. "Bigger than an old whore's." Shizuku retorted and Stella's grip tightened around her own mop as well. "Wet bucket." Stella said and Shizuku grit her teeth. "Small fireworks." Shizuku growled out and Stella grit her teeth. "Zero feet above sea level." Stella growled out. "Mt. Everest!" Shizuku said heatedly.
"A broken and flat water pillow!" Stella said a bit too loudly. "Over-inflated sex doll!" Shizuku threw back, but before Stella could retort Kurono suddenly came back. "Oh and vermillion." She said surprising the two girls. "Y-yes, Director?" Stella asked. "I heard from Yuuri and Saya that you know about the incident." Kurono said and Shizuku's eyes slightly widened as she looked at Stella. "Uh, yes I do." Stella said as she looked down a bit, remembering what she had learned earlier that day.
"I see and just curious but have you been able to get through to him?" Kurono asked and Stella shook her head. "No, sorry director. He still feels like he doesn't-" Stella started to say but Kurono cut her off. "I see well maybe you could get some help with that. I happen to know that there's a few people you've come in contact with here who know him a bit better than you do." Kurono said before she walked off.
'People I've come in contact with who know him a bit better that I do? Who?' Stella thought before it all hit her. Drayko had mentioned a few people that were in his life after the incident. She then turned her head slowly and looked at Shizuku. 'She knows him better than I do. And so does this Ikki guy I've heard about. So does Saya, then there's Yuuri-chan, then there's Nene Saikyo, and the director.' She thought.
"What?" Shizuku asked and Stella shook her head. "It's nothing I'll talk about it later." She said. The two then went back to cleaning as well as insulting each other. After a few more hours the two eventually finished cleaning all of the female bathrooms and they were tired and wanted to go home. "I-I think I'll give you a break now!" Stella said as she glared at Shizuku and Shizuku smirked.
"So you admit to losing? Then I want you to stay away from Drayko for the rest of your life." Shizuku said and Stella crossed her arms. "I don't admit that! And I'm sorry to tell you, but it's impossible to stay away from him forever.." Stella said before she sighed. "Besides that's not what I'm talking about." Stella said and Shizuku realized where the conversation was going. "That's right the director said you knew about the incident. But what was it you were saying?" Shizuku asked and Stella sighed.
She didn't want to rely on Shizuku. It was obvious to the two that they both had feelings for Drayko. Its what led to them immediately hating each other. But right now.. Stella wouldn't be able to get through to Drayko on her own. She didn't have the benefit of knowing for years like Shizuku or a few other people did. "I know why Drayko disappeared after the incident." Stella said and Shizuku's eyes widened. "You do? Why? How?" Shizuku asked completely unnerved.
She had been asking herself that for years, and could never figure out why he just up and disappeared. But now here was the source to that answer. "Yuuri-chan and Saya told me.. That after everything.. after killing so many and hurting Saya. He just.. stopped believing that he deserved to be happy, or have good lasting memories, or live out his dreams, or have friends, or.. be loved by another." Stella said as she and Shizuku began to tear up.
"Saya said he's given up on his dreams to participate and try winning the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, the King of Knights Tournament, and even the God of War League." Stella said and Shizuku felt cold after hearing that. She then fell to her knees as she held a hands over her chest. "That's why he left. why he disappeared. He thought.. He didn't deserve to have us around.." She said before she started to cry.
"That's crazy! Almost every person in that damn town hated him! With how most of them treated him, he deserves to be the happiest now that he's free, but.. Instead he's in pain! He's suffering!" Shizuku cried and Stella looked at the girl. 'Drayko.. I wish you could truly see that while you suffering might make most of the people who lived in Icevale happy.. It's tearing the rest of us apart.' She thought before she bent down to pat Shizuku's head.
"Yeah, Drayko's suffering, but.. That's why.. I.. I need your h-help." Stella forced out and Shizuku looked up at her. "What *sniff* do you want from *sniff* me?" Shizuku asked and Stella sighed. "We need to talk to him. But I.. I haven't known him long enough to get him to listen to me. Not completely anyway. Maybe if someone who's known him longer tried.. he'd listen and he'd see.. that he does deserve to be happy." She said and Shizuku wiped her face.
"Alright.. Then we have a temporary truce." Shizuku said as she held out her hand. Stella smiled before she gripped Shizuku's hand and the two shook on it. "Truce." Stella said before she and Shizuku stood up. "Oh, but before we go and find him we need to go and get a few more people." Stella said and Shizuku tilted her head. "Who?" Shizuku asked and Stella smiled. "You'll see." Stella said before the two girls were off on their mission.
~~~Park on Campus~~~
Drayko laid on a park bench while he looked towards the sky. "I wonder.. Is what aunt Kurono said true? Mom. Dad. Are you two.. really watching everything that's happening right now?" He asked. In his mind, Stella's words of 'Don't do that. Don't start thinking that you don't deserve to be happy, or have dreams, or be loved. Because you do!' echoed in his mind. He remembered how he replied and remember that she looked ready to retort.
'I wonder what she was gonna say.' He thought before he sighed. "Do I.. really deserve to be.. Happy?" He asked. "I think you really deserve it." A voice said and drayko sat up before he looked around before his eyes landed on Stella. "Stella. Look if you're here to try again after earlier I'm not interested." Drayko said and Stella shook her head. "No, I'm doing things differently. Besides I'll think you'll want to listen to what we have to say Drayko." She said and he arched an eyebrow.
"We?" Drayko asked and at that moment Kurono, Saya, and Shizuku walked up. "Aunt Kurono? Saya? Shizuku? What are you guys doing here?" Drayko asked before he saw are a pair of arms wrap around his neck from behind him he felt a head on his shoulder. "Why we're here to talk to you my cursed ice prince." A voice said and Drayko glanced to see that it was Nene leaning on him. "Nene, too? Okay what's going on?" He asked.
"Like that indecent woman said we're here to talk little nephew and I think you'll all want to hear what everyone has to say." She said and Drayko arched an eyebrow. "Really? And what's keeping me from just racing off?" Drayko asked and Kurono smiled which made Drayko became as pale as a ghost. "It's you and Nene isn't it?" He asked and she nodded. "Exactly, they know you're completely incapable of fighting the 2 of us and you'd stand no real chance to begin with." She said and he sighed.
"Well, damn. Fine I'll be good." Drayko said and Kurono smiled. "See, you can be a good boy." She said and Drayko's eyebrow twitched. 'Did I suddenly become a dog when I didn't realize it.' He thought as Saya, Shizuku, and Stella walked over. Stella sat on his right, Shizuku on his left, and Saya sat on his lap. Nene kept her normal hold on him while Kurono stood across from him. "I guess I'll start." Shizuku said and Drayko looked towards her.
Play Sad Anime Ost : I Will (Piano)
"Drayko.. I never knew you felt like you didn't deserve to be happy. Hearing that makes me sad because.. You've always been so kind to everyone even when they didn't deserve it. Most of your entire family saw you as a failure and a monster and yet.. You still care so deeply for all of them. I've always loved that about you and I still do." She said as tears started to roll down her cheeks while Drayko's eyes widened.
"I remember.. how you would always help my brother when my family was still doing the same thing to him. You more than anyone deserves to be happy because.. You've been through too much not to be. If you were never happy again then I don't think.. No, I know I could never be happy again when your in so much pain." She said before she leaned into his shoulder and continued to cry. "It looks like I'm next." Stella said and Drayko looked to her.
"Drayko.. I know we've only known each other for a short time and I don't have the luxury of having known you for years like Shizuku or anyone else, but.. I can honestly say.. that you're really sweet and really kind even if you don't want to admit it. And while you suffering may make some of the people who treated you badly back in Icevale happy if they were still alive.. what about the people that care about you?" She asked and Drayko eyes widened again. He had never really thought about before.
He had just been consumed by his own guilt that he never really thought it over. "I can tell you that it's not a fun thing to endure watching. It hurts to be honest. It honestly feels like being stabbed repeatedly.. You told me before.. that during our fight you realized that being close to people again may not be so bad. Well being close to people.. It also involves being able to be happy with those your close to." She said as tears rolled down her face.
She then leaned on his other shoulder with a sad smile. He felt Saya lean back against his chest and he looked down. "Nii-chan.. I remember how you used to smile all the time. I remember that one Christmas where you told me my gift was you spending the whole day with me.." She said as her hair shadowed his eyes. "I remember how you'd always let me sleep next to you when I had nightmares or.. how'd you pat my head when I tried really hard even if I messed up." She said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"But after what happened that night.. I started to feel.. so.. useless. You were in pain. I could see that easily. But no matter how much I tried.. You didn't budge. Then we hid and nothing really got better, you pretended to be fine but.. I could still see it. The pain. The guilt. Even when you looked at me. I could tell you felt guilty about me getting hurt." She said as he felt her start to tremble.
"But I stuck by you.. and did my best to try and make you feel better. But the pain never went away. I hated seeing my nii-chan look so broken. It was the same look you had when you realized that mama.." She said before trailing off. "All I want. Is to see you happy again. I'm sorry for being such a useless little sister.. But.. Could I please see my happy nii-chan again." She said and at that Drayko's head fell, his hair shadowed his eyes, and he bit his bottom lip.
He had only been starting to realize what his pain was doing to others, but now it was starting to become too much for even him. "It seems my dray-bou is finally starting see what he's been missing." Nene said with her eyes closed and a smile of her face before she continued. She didn't need to open her eyes to know that Drayko was listening or glancing towards her despite his hair hiding his eyes.
"You know.. I remember when we first met. I called you a little brat and you called me that accursed nickname." She said as her eyes opened revealing that she was a little ticked at the memory. However, it didn't last long before a soft smile appeared on her face. "But then.. you said the funniest thing. You said you'd become the strongest blazer in the world and that you'd beat me without some much as a struggle." She said.
"I remember I laughed but.. then I noticed something. The fire burning in your eyes when you said that. For a moment.. Just a fleeting little moment. It actually made me believe you. I remember my heart skipped a beat for the first time, it was kind of embarrassing. No man had ever been able to get me to react like that, but.. you did. You a 4 year old little brat got me a 13 year old to feel embarrassed and love struck." She said as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Then.. you surprised me even more. When you learned that I was a genius and had skipped grades. You didn't act like your pride had been wounded instead you.. I was cool. When you learned that I was only 6 when I fought Ku-chan in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.. You didn't act afraid of me instead you.. said I was amazing. When I complained about guys only liking girls that were taller than I was and had bigger breast.." She said before she paused.
"You looked absolutely confused but then you said something I never expected you to say. You said if it bothered me so much then you'd marry me if I was willing to wait a little while. And for the second time you made my heart skip a beat. Obviously I laughed it off, and reminded you about Shizuku. I asked.. What if she wanted to marry you and you said, you'd marry her too and then we'd both be happy." She said and Shizuku and Stella glanced up at him with a look of surprise.
"But then.. after that horrid night. You broke and it hurt seeing you in so much pain. But it was after you decided to hide here in Japan that I realized something. When you'd spend your time training I saw it.. It was only a little but.. I saw that fire again. I knew that the Dray-bou I knew who had determination the size of the sun was still in there. So.. I did what I could to try and rid you of all that pain." She said before she sighed.
"But it seemed no matter what I tried I couldn't do it, but now.. I think I can see him more clearly than ever before. Your at the wall, and you know what? Once you get past it, I know that you my cursed ice prince will be back and better than ever before. But the first step.. Is forgiving yourself and learning that it's alright to be happy. It's alright to live." She said. Drayko shook he was close, of so very close to breaking down.
It was then that he felt a hand on the top of his head. "Can you finally hear what they're saying little nephew. We love and care about you. We want you to be happy and live your life. Let me just say that seeing you so defeated like this.. It has me heartbroken and I can say with a guarantee that Kagami and Hitomi would be too. They love and believe in you and have always wanted the very best for you." She said.
"Don't you remember what you said Hitomi wanted. She wanted you to become a sweet and cool guy like your dad. Well, how are you supposed to do that if your sulking all day, everyday and going around believing you don't deserve happiness. But if you still need to hear more then here." She said before holding out a cell phone. Drayko glanced at it slightly before reaching up and taking it. "Hello?" He asked as he held it to his ear.
"Hey.. baby boy." He heard and his eyes widened. 'It.. It can't be.. That's..' He thought. "M.. Mom?" He asked causing Saya, Shizuku, Stella, and Nene to all look at him surprised. On the other end of the phone, Hitomi Hiryu smiled as she laid in her hospital bed. "Yeah.. It's me sweetie." She said. It was then that Drayko finally let go. He had been strong for far, far too long and tears started to stream down his cheeks.
His hand then fell to Saya's lap, pulling the phone away from his ear. Saya with tears in her eyes picked up the phone and put it on speaker. "Mama? Is.. Is that really you?" She asked. "Yeah, its me my sweet little girl.. You sound so different then you used to. I bet you've grown really big." Hitomi said and Saya gasped. "But.. How? We thought you.." She trailed off and Hitomi sighed.
"Believe me it was close. I was just lucky really is all. I had started using my ability to heal which is how I was able to get myself strong enough to move and keep Drayko from getting killed. When I thought everything was done and over for me Drayko's cryo-lightning snapped me out of it. Geez, that stuff can really hurt. But it hurt just enough to keep me from completely passing out." She said.
"I then used what strength I had to use my healing ability again before I blacked out. When I woke up I realized that I was under a pile of snow. So I dug myself from underneath it and looked around. I tried to find Drayko and Saya but soon realized that they weren't where I remembered. So I figured they had been saved already. Then I just walked. I don't really remember much before I think I found a house or something before I passed out again. Next thing I know I wake up here in Japan." She said.
"That really is lucky. But why didn't why didn't Ku-chan say anything?" Nene asked. "From what I hear, it seems my baby boy is really lost. She didn't want him blaming himself for me being in a coma up until now." She replied. "That makes sense. Does that mean you've heard everything we've said?" Shizuku asked. "Oh, Shizuku. You sound like you've probably grown into a real beauty." Hitomi said and causing Shizuku to blush.
"And to answer your question yes I did hear everything. And I have to say baby boy you have some really special people in your life." Hitomi said and Drayko chuckled. "I guess." He said and Hitomi scoffed. "You guess? No, no. You know. Shizuku has always cared for you ever since you two were kids." Hitomi said and Shizuku smiled. "Saya is your little sister and she loves and adores you to no end." She said and Saya smiled.
"While I don't know much about this Stella girl. She sounds like a very lovely girl who really cares about you." She said and Stella smiled with a small blush on her cheeks. "You've always looked up to Nene as much as you did your father or your aunt or even me. And while she didn't completely show it back then because she's just as stubborn she truly did and still does care about you." She said and Nene smiled.
"Your aunt has always adored you and has always cared about you. Much like Yuuri-chan, who I guess is sick in bed again. Then there's me. I have always been proud of you and have always believed in you. I have loved you baby boy since the day I learned I was pregnant with you. You're surrounded by people who love you and want to see your suffering stop. But it seems your mama has to get through that stubborn head of yours." She said.
"So I want you to keep quiet and listen to what I have to say. Only answer when I ask you something, okay?" She asked. "Alright." He said. "Good. So first things first I'm not gonna say that seeing you unhappy and in pain hurts me, you've heard that a few times already and you know me well enough to know that, that's already true about me, right?" She asked. "Yeah, I know." he replied.
"Good and next I'm not gonna try and sound all philosophical and say something like 'Happiness starts with you and all that'. For one that's not like me at all.." She said and everyone smiled at that. "Plus we both know that we're all human. We create bonds with people to learn and grow. And when we lose someone near and dear to us it can rip away our happiness in a matter of seconds. And if we feel like it was our fault.. Well.. We find ourselves blaming our own weakness." She said.
"But I will say this.. Right now your mind is stuck in Icevale. It's not only your home but it's also become your prison. And right now while your mind is stuck in Icevale your heart? Well baby boy it's trying to find happiness. That's where your problem starts, you're looking for happiness where you lost it. That's not what you do, because right now it's killing you inside every time you think about it. You have a new home, so start by looking for happiness there." She said.
"Next you need to ask yourself if you have the 3 things a person needs to be happy. Are you ready to hear what they are?" She asked. "Y-yeah." He said. "Okay, you need someone to love.. Love is beautiful thing. When it's with the right person it can be something meaningful. It makes us weak in front of the person we love but it can make us strong in front of the whole world. It's truly worthwhile." She said.
"Next you need something to do.. Humans all need a purpose in life without one we lose our way and become unmotivated and depressed. That's not a way to live. and lastly.. You need something to hope for. Humans need hope. It gives us a reason to continued to look and move forward to the next day and the day after that. It is stronger than fear and saves us from our own darkness and anguish." She said.
"Now from what I've been hearing you've come to believe that you don't deserve to be happy because the people who died can't be, right?" She asked. "Y-yeah." Drayko said and Hitomi sighed. "You truly are so kind. I don't think you've ever had a hateful bone in your body. Then if that's the case then you have only one thing you can do.." She said and Drayko looked confused. "What?" He asked.
"I'd think it'd be obvious. You live for them. Live, love, experience life for them, and be happy. Life is short so have fun and live to your fullest for all of them. you understand me baby boy?" Hitomi asked and Drayko chuckled. "Yeah, I understand." He said and Hitomi smiled. "Good. But if you ask me.. I honestly think that if all the people that ridiculed you could see you now they'd apologize and believe in you just like I do. Just like everyone else does." She said.
"Now this is the last thing. I asked you to become a sweet and cool guy. And like your aunt said how were you supposed to do that if your sulking all day, everyday and going around believing you don't deserve happiness. A Hiryu man always keeps his promises and when you survived that was you promising to grow up to be a fine man and to keep your sister safe." She said and he looked down.
"Sorry, mom." He said and she sighed. "It's alright this time, but now I'm gonna make you keep a new promise. I want you to promise to grow up to be a sweet, cool, happy, kind, courageous, and confident man who can look himself in the mirror and say he's lived a good life that he's proud of. I want you to promise to protect your loved ones. I want you to promise to follow your dreams." She said.
"And this is an important one I want you to promise.. Not to go around making girls cry in sadness when you can help it. I know life can have its ups and downs and sometimes you'll do something that will make a girl cry either tears of sadness or joy. Just try to make them tears of joy more than ones of sadness okay. Can you promise me that.. you'll try and keep all of these sweetie?" She asked and Drayko smiled softly.
"Yeah.. I promise." He said. "Good." Hitomi replied. "Now I'd love to keep talking but I only woke up yesterday so I'm gonna get some rest for now. Drayko. Saya. Make sure to come and visit me when you can and that counts for the rest of you, you hear. And make sure Yuuri-chan knows I'm counting her too." She said and everyone smiled. "Yes!" Stella, Shizuku, Nene, Saya, Drayko, and Kurono said. "Good, now bye bye." She said. "Bye!" Drayko and Saya replied before Hitomi hung up.
Drayko looked at the phone before he sighed, causing him to get everyone's attention. "Nii-chan?" Saya called. "Hmm?" Drayko responded. "Are you okay?" She asked. "For the longest time.. I've blamed myself for that night. And while I can't say I'll stop. I can say that I feel.. a bit better than I did before. So.. Thank you everyone." He said and Saya, Stella, Shizuku, and Nene hugged him tightly. While Kurono patted his head.
"It's no problem." Stella said. "I agree with the princess. You just feeling better even if its a little makes us happy." Shizuku said. "There right nii-chan. It's good to hear." Saya said and he smiled. "I'm glad." He said before sighed. "Okay, I've said thank you. Now.. I need to say sorry." He said causing Stella, Shizuku, and Saya to looked confused while Nene and Kurono smiled. "Sorry? For what?" Saya asked.
"Well first.." Drayko said as he looked to Shizuku. "Shizuku I'm sorry for making you cry so much today. And I'm sorry for worrying so much too." He said and Shizuku looked stunned before she smiled. "I see.. Then, I forgive you." She said and Drayko nodded before he looked towards Stella who blushed slightly. "Stella like you said we haven't known each other long but in that time. I have made you cry and worried you so I'm sorry." He said and she smiled.
"I forgive you." She said and Drayko then glanced at Nene. "Little demon-chan.." He said before he felt the air around her become murderous and felt her arms slightly tighten around his neck. "I mean my beautiful cursed demon princess.." He corrected instantly and Nene smiled like nothing ever happened while Shizuku and Stella glared at the woman. "I'm sorry for worrying you and for the first time I've ever seen.. making you cry." He said and Nene blushed slightly.
"I have no idea what your talking about. I never cried. But I forgive you. Don't do it again." She said and he chuckled. "Alright." He said before he looked towards Kurono. "Aunt Kurono.." He started before she waved him off. "Don't worry about my idiotic little nephew. I forgive you. Now don't you have someone more important to apologize to." She said and he nodded. He then looked down and wrapped his arms around Saya.
"And you, my adorable little sister. I'm so sorry for making you cry. I'm sorry for making you feel useless. That's something I never wanted you to feel, because.. You Saya Hiryu are not, never have been, and never will be useless in my eyes. In all honesty you saved me more than you really think. If it wasn't for you.. as sad and horrible as it sounds.. I'd probably have offed myself a long time ago." He said surprising everyone.
Saya turned her head and looked at him with a stunned expression. "I.. I kept you safe?" She asked and Drayko smiled brightly before he nodded. "Yeah.. more times than I can count." He said and Saya teared up. Drayko put a hand to her cheek and wiped her tears. Saya grabbed his hand and held it. "It's okay nii-chan. I'm just happy. I've been keeping my big brother safe for all these years. I wasn't useless." She said before she hugged him.
"Of course you weren't knucklehead. Like I said you are not, never have been, and never will be useless in my eyes. Never forget that." He said and Saya nodded. "Alright, nii-chan." She said before she yawned and seemed to doze off. "Well, aren't you a tired one." Drayko said quietly before he held her close and stood up with her in his arms. He then handed Saya to Kurono who took the 9 year old in her arms and he sighed.
"Today's really been a long day." he said and Kurono laughed. "Yes, yes it has. But tell me Drayko.." She said and he looked at her. "Hmm?" He asked. "The selection matches will you be participating or not?" She asked and he smiled softly. "Well, being in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival is one of my dreams. So it looks like I'll be fighting my hardest to make it a reality." he said and Kurono smiled.
Drayko looked towards his hands and clenched them tightly. 'This power.. I'll make it my own. I'll tame this wild beast. I'm still afraid that it'll hurt them, but.. it doesn't mean I can't be happy.' He thought before he noticed Nene, Shizuku, and Stella standing in front of him. "Drayko we have one more thing to say to you." Shizuku said and the other two nodded. "Uh, okay. What is it?" He asked with a confused look on his face.
"We want you to know.." Shizuku said. "That we'll follow you.." Stella said. "Down this path you've chosen to walk." Nene finished. Drayko blinked a few times before he sighed and put his hands in his pockets. "You know you've possibly made a terrible error in judgment. Let alone it being the most stupidest and dangerous choice in the history of stupid and dangerous choices. I don't know where this path of mine will lead." He said.
"And we'll take full responsibility!" The 3 said. "You know this could very well lead me to an early grave." He said and Nene sighed. "Stop trying to change our minds. We've decided and your stuck." She said and Stella and Shizuku nodded in agreement and Drayko just sighed. "Fine follow at your own risk.. knuckleheads." He said before muttering the last part under his breath. After that everyone went to their rooms to either rest or do whatever else because tomorrow would feel like a long day.
End Sad Anime Ost : I Will (Piano)
To Be Continued:
~Drayko's Harem~
Nene
Shizuku
Stella
Voice Actors:
Saya Hiryū: Kira Buckland (Think of Ayumi Otosaka from Charlotte.)
Drayko Hiryū: Ray Chase (Think of Yū Otosaka from Charlotte.)
Hitomi Hiryū: Monica Rial (Think of Houki Shinonono from IS: Infinite Stratos.)
Kagami Hiryū: Kirk Thornton (Think of Shirou Fujimoto from Blue Exorcist.)
Miu Hiryū: Lauren Landa (Think of Nao Tomori from Charlotte.)
Okay, I'll admit this was a very angst filled chapter but I needed to get a good chunk of it out of the way. So there we go. The person Kurono was visiting was Drayko and Saya's mom. Decided not to fully kill her off, for reasons that will appear in later chapters.
~Omegas790