Hope you guys weren't waiting long. Last chapter, we saw the Crumbling Dirt appear. This chapter, our hero and his friends are gonna fight him. Also, we get to see the Staff of Destruction, which we all know is just a bazooka.
Well, sit tight, eat some snacks and enjoy this new chapter!
Chapter 6: The Staff of Destruction
"Keep it up," Danny said as he watched Louise focus her magic with her wand. She looked exhausted from her training, which has been going for two hours. It's been a week since the incident with Fouquet, and it was the only thing everyone would talk about. Those who weren't near the treasury were confused on how Fouquet manage to break through its magical defenses.
Only Danny and Louise knew how it happened, since it was Louise's fault that the treasury was invaded, not that he blamed her.
"Okay, take a break," Danny said as he noticed that Louise was about to fall down. Louise gave a big sigh of relief as she fell to her knees. Danny handed her a towel to wipe her sweat off her face and neck.
The first three days were hard for Louise, since she was trying to focus the magical energy in her body. The only time she managed to use her powers when she was angry or frustrated. Thanks to Danny, she managed to gain hold of the magic power inside her body.
Now, Danny was teaching her how to use the power on her demand. It was hard at first, but after he helped her, and by help he meant annoying her until she became so mad that she used her magic to blast Danny on the face.
Since then, she focused on the feeling of the magic coursing through her wand and try to hold the form for hours to improve her control. It was only through Danny's experience with his Ghost Powers and magical enemies that she managed to get this better in one week.
"So, how's your friend?" Danny asked as he sat next to her, leaning on his elbows.
"The princess…" Louise said in a sad and worried tone. "It's going bad for her…because she was here during the incident, all the blame is going to her."
"That's the problem with politics," Danny said with a huff. "Since she's the next heir, they're all like 'hey! I'm your best friend. Do me a favor!' but if she needs help, they'll be like 'I don't know you! Get out of my way!' Dumb rich people."
Louise sweat dropped at Danny's explanation, but didn't deny that it was true.
"That's why she's lucky to have you," Danny said, surprising Louise. "She needs someone to fully trust, someone she knows won't use her for their advantage. And that person is you."
"You don't need to tell me that," Louise said with a huff, a blush on her cheeks. Danny smirked at her, seeing how happy she was from what he said.
Before he could react, he was suddenly tackled from behind. He gave a loud yelp as he fell face first on the ground as he felt something warm on his back.
"My, it seems Flame can't control himself around you," a familiar voice said in mirth. "I can't say I blame him."
"Zerbist!" Louise exclaimed as she jumped to her feet, her tiredness gone. "Get your Familiar off mine!"
"Sure," Kirche said before kneeling down and suddenly tracing Danny's chin with her finger. "As soon as Danny here becomes my boyfriend."
"No way!" Louise exclaimed angrily, getting into Kirche's face. "He's my Familiar! And besides, you already have a dozen boyfriends!"
"But they're not as interesting as he is," Kirche complained. "Besides, he wouldn't be interested in someone who's lacking feminine qualities." She crossed her arms under her breasts as she said that, making them jiggle and bigger.
"T-t-t-that's irrelevant!" Louise exclaimed, her face red.
"Can someone get me out of here?" Danny asked as Flame rested his head on Danny's head. "It's getting pretty warm."
Flame was suddenly lifted up to the air. The three saw that it was Tabitha's Familiar, picking Flame up with her mouth. She went and dropped Flame next to Kirche, who just shook his head from the impact. She then cuddled Danny with her head, earning a chuckle from him. On top of the dragon was Tabitha, reading a book.
"What are you doing here, anyway?" Louise said in frustration.
"Headmaster Osmond," Tabitha suddenly said.
"Oh, right!" Kirche exclaimed like she was remembering something. "Headmaster Osmond sent us to get you. He wants to see you and Tabitha."
"How could you forget something so important?" Louise said with a glare.
"I was distracted," Kirche said as she looked at Danny. "After all, Danny dear is here."
Louise growled and was about to argue again when Danny told them that the Headmaster was still waiting for them and shouldn't kept him waiting any longer. Louise nodded, though she was still mad.
The three students, and Danny, made their way to the Headmaster's office. As they walked there, Danny was wondering what the Headmaster wanted with them. When they entered the office, Osmond, Colbert, Loungeville and the rest of the instructors were waiting for them. From the atmosphere, Danny could tell that they were tense.
"Why are you here, Kirche?" Louise whispered to Kirche.
"Because I'm bored," Kirche said simply. Louise grew a tick mark on her head as she glared at Kirche. Danny nudged her on the sides. Louise looked at him and saw him gesturing at the adults around them. She coughed and gained her composure.
"Good day, Headmaster," Louise said with a bow as the door closed. Now all four kids were standing in front of the three adults.
"Ah, Miss Valliere," Osmond said with a grandfatherly smile. "Thank you for coming. I hope you've been having a good day."
"Not to seem rude, er…Headmaster," Danny said, interrupting them. "But why did you call Louise here?"
"Forgive him, Headmaster," Louise said as she lightly slaps Danny's arm.
"It's alright, Ms. Valliere," Osmond assured. His expression then changed to being serious. "I called you here, Ms. Valliere and Ms. Gallia, because it involves Fouquet." Louise and Danny became serious. "Since you two, and Ms. Valliere's Familiar, were there when it happened, and we want to make sure of something."
"What is it?" Danny asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ms. Loungeville," Osmond said, nodding that the woman, who showed them a sketchpad.
"I heard a rumor that a weird figure has been running back and forth in an abandoned shack at the edge of a forest," Loungeville said as she turned the sketch pad, showing a perfect drawing of Fouquet. "Is this Fouquet."
"Yes," Louise said as Tabitha nodded.
"I see," Osmond said as he took a puff of smoke from his pipe.
Danny was staring at the drawing with narrowed eyes. If it was a picture from a camera, he could understand, but this drawing was too perfect.
"If Fouquet really is such a skillful thief, there was no way she would let random people see her this well," he thought. "Could this be a trap? If it is, then what's the trap for?"
"Then we finally have a lead," Colbert said with a smile. "We should contact the palace and request for troops to capture Fouquet."
"No," Osmond said, getting their attention. "The palace is already in trouble because of this, so we shouldn't trouble them any further. Besides, by the time the troops reach there, Fouquet would have already escape. We must restore this school's honor, so we must to this ourselves. Raise your staff if you want to volunteer in capturing the Crumbling Dirt."
Everyone waited, but no one moved.
"No one?" Osmond said, looking at the teachers, who all looked down. "No one would volunteer to restore our honor?"
There was a moment of silence, the atmosphere very tense. Without warning, Louise stepped forward, surprising everyone. With a determined look, she pulled out her wand and raised it.
"Headmaster, I would like to volunteer," Louise said. The teachers were shocked that a first year student would volunteer on such a dangerous mission. "In the name of Valliere, I will apprehend Fouquet."
"Wait," one of the teachers said, only for Kirche to step forward.
"Oh no you don't!" she exclaimed as she pulled out her want, raising it. "I will also volunteer in the mission. I won't let a Valliere get all the glory."
"Why you," Louise said before a staff next to her was raised. Surprised, Louise and Kirche turned and saw Tabitha raising her staff.
"Tabitha?" Kirche said in a surprise tone.
"I can't let you two go alone," she said in an emotionless voice. The two were touched by her concern for them. Osmond looked at the three students before he nodded.
"Very well," he said, shocking the teachers.
"But Headmaster!" one of the teachers exclaimed. "They're just students! For them to go against Fouquet is dangerous."
"Then why aren't you guys volunteering?" Danny said, looking at the teachers. They became silent and avoided looking at Danny, who crossed his arms. "I rest my case."
"Besides," Osmond said, getting their attention. "These students aren't ordinary students, Ms. Valliere and Ms. Gallia has seen firsthand how strong Fouquet is. And Ms. Gallia here is a Chevalier Knight, quite an accomplishment for someone so young."
"You're a knight!?" Louise and Kirche said in awe. Danny already knew, from his many conversations with Illococoo before.
"Ms. Zerbist here is hailed from the well regarded Zerbist Family, and I hear her fire magic is of the highest class."
Kirche gave a smug grin as she puffed up her chest, making it look bigger. Danny couldn't help but look at her chest. He started wondering if this world has bras or not. Louise, noticing where Danny was looking at, growled and poked him on the sides, hard. Danny withheld a yelp as he rubbed sides.
"Oh…and Ms. Valliere here is hailed from the Valliere family, who has made many aspiring mages," Osmond said, causing Louise puff up her chest in pride. "She…also…er…" Everyone looked at Osmond, waiting to hear what she accomplished. As he tried to think of something, Louise started feeling sad. "She also summoned a remarkable Familiar here!" he said with a smile, though his compliments seemed to make Louise more depressed that her only accomplishment was summoning Danny, who gave her a small grin.
"That's right!" Colbert exclaimed in excitement. "The Familiar she summoned is the legendary Familiar, Vinda-omph!"
He was stopped when Osmond quickly used his staff to close Colbert's mouth, stopping him from talking. Everyone was confused by his action, except for Danny, who was suspicious from Colbert's slip.
"Vinda…Vindalf?" he thought as he remembered that name. it was the name that talking sword called him. "What's a Vindalf?"
"I look forward to your safe return from your duties as Nobles," Osmond said as the three students all lowered their wands and bowed. Danny, not knowing what to do, just nodded his head at the Headmaster. "Professor Colbert, help them prepare for their mission."
Colbert nodded and led the four kids out the office.
Later…
Danny, Louise, Kirche and Tabitha were riding on the back of a wagon, with Ms. Loungeville steering the horse. She decided to come with their mission to make sure they won't get hurt. Danny was tuning everything out, since Louise and Kirche were arguing in most of the trip. Tabitha was quietly reading her book, also tuning the two out.
He was busy looking at the empty space in front of him, preoccupied with his thoughts. His carefree smile was replaced with a serious frown. His been in a lot of traps before, so he could smell one in front of him.
"Danny?" Louise said, getting his attention. She's been starting to use his name instead of calling him Familiar. He turned his attention to him and saw that she looked apologetic. "Are you…are you mad at me for volunteering us?"
Danny blinked before he gave her a grin, making her a bit relieved. "Don't worry about it, Louise. I'm not mad at you for volunteering us. You're doing all this for your friend, and I respect that."
Louise gave a small smile, feeling a bit happy from what Danny said.
His grin then turned back to a frown, looking at the three girls. "But I am worried about something."
"Oh?" Loungeville said, turning her attention to him. "And why do you say that?"
"The drawing," Danny replied, earning a confused expression from his companions. "The drawing of Fouquet was too perfect. If she was such a great thief, then there was no way people could see her so much that they could give perfect descriptions of her appearance."
"You're right," Louise said, remembering how the sketch of Fouquet looks so real. "But what are you trying to say, Danny?"
"That this is a trap," Danny said, shocking everyone. "So we need to be on guard."
"Are you sure you're not overthinking things," Loungeville said with a small smile.
"I've been on a few traps before, I know one when I see one," Danny said seriously.
"I didn't realize how dangerous this mission was," Kirche said as she leaned towards Danny. "But I feel so safe with you here. Which reminds me, I have a present for you."
Out of nowhere, Kirche pulled out the decorative sword that she bought days ago and handed it to Danny, who recognized it. Danny blinked, wondering where she kept the sword.
"Here, a little something from me," she said as she gave Danny the sword. "It would be better than that old thing you got."
"Thanks for the offer," Danny said as he placed the sword down. "But I prefer a weapon, not an accessory."
"Won't you give it a try?" Kirche said with a flirty smile.
Danny looked at her before he took the sword and looked at it. His hand started glowing green, surprising the girls. The glow traveled to the sword, causing cracks to appear on the blade. In an instant, the blade was shattered to dust, leaving only the handle.
"See?" Danny said as he dropped the handle. "This is why I prefer my weapon over that accessory."
Truth be told, he didn't expect that. He thought the sword would melt, not shatter into billions of pieces. He guessed the Ryu no Kiba was a special weapon for Ghost energy, or spirit magic, or whatever they call it.
"Amazing!" Kirche exclaimed as she suddenly hugged him, her breasts pressing on his chest. "You're so amazing, dear!"
"Don't hug him, Zerbist!" Louise exclaimed as she pulled Danny out from her embrace and pushed her forehead to Kirche's.
"Oh? What are you going to do about it?" Kirche said with a challenging smirk. Louise growled angrily, fuming mad.
"Can you call Illococoo to give us a ride?" Danny asked Tabitha, watching the two girls fight.
"No," Tabitha said, though she looked like she wanted to.
"This is going to be a long ride," Danny said with a sigh as another argument occurred between the two girls.
After a few hours, which seemed longer because of Kirche and Louise, the group stopped in the middle of the forest, where the wagon can't be seen because of the dense trees. Loungeville decided to stay with the wagon, in case she spotted Fouquet.
The three students and one Familiar were walking through the trees and bushes, going towards the abandoned shack. They found the shack, which has seen better days.
"Okay," Danny said as the four crouched down. "Any of you guys know how to cast some kind of scanning spell?"
Tabitha raised her staff, causing Danny to nod, though he was actually kidding about the scanning spell thing.
"Then you're with me," Danny said before turning to Kirche and Louise. "You two stay outside and keep an eye out for our little thief."
"But-," Louise said before Danny and Tabitha sneak towards the shack.
Danny peeked through the window, seeing broken furniture and thick dust on the floor. He could see footprints on the ground, meaning there was someone here. Opening the door, he and Tabitha entered the shack.
"Do your stuff, Tabs," Danny said, earning a look from Tabitha for the nickname.
The spectacled girl raised her staff, emitting a soft glow. The glow traveled all over the shack before it disappeared. Tabitha looked at her staff before at Danny, shaking her head.
"That probably means she's outside," Danny said as he crossed his arms. "We could set up a trap, but I doubt that'll work."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because I know who our thief…Kirche!?" Danny exclaimed in shock as he and Tabitha looked at Kirche. "Didn't I tell you to stay outside with Louise?"
"I was bored," Kirche said with a shrug.
"So you left Louise alone?" Danny said as he gave Kirche a deadpanned look. "All alone, with a very dangerous mage out there?"
Suddenly, there was a loud rumble and they heard Louise scream. Eyes wide with worry, Danny rushed out the shack, breaking down the door. He pulled out his weapon and held it in both hands, looking at a giant stone golem. It was bigger than the last one he fought. His eyes widened when he saw Louise running away from it.
Kirche and Tabitha was about to follow when the floor suddenly broke down. Tabitha grabbed Kirche before she fell and the two saw an object wrapped in cloth.
"The Staff of Destruction," Kirche said in awe.
"Louise!" he exclaimed as he saw her trip. The golem raised its foot and was about to step on her. He raised his naginata, the blade glowing brightly. With a large swing, he sent an ectoplasmic wave towards the golem's leg, cutting it off.
"Danny?" Louise said as she looked at her Familiar.
"Quick! Get out of there!" Danny exclaimed as the golem's leg fixed itself. Danny spun his naginata before pointing it at the golem. "You wanna dance, dirt clot? Then let's dance!"
The golem lumbered towards Danny, who charged towards it. He jumped to the left to avoid getting stomp. He landed on its knee and used it to climb higher. When he was on its shoulder, he stabbed its neck five times before he was grabbed by a giant hand, the naginata sticking out of the golem's neck.
"Danny!" Louise exclaimed as the golem started crushing him. She ran towards the golem as Tabitha and Kirche ran out the shack, Kirche carrying the staff. The two watched as Louise was in front of the golem.
"Louise!" Kirche shouted as Louise stood in front of the golem, pointing her wand at it. "Get out of there!"
"I won't!" Louise shouted as she gathered all the energy she had. "I won't be useless anymore! I won't stand aside while my Familiar is in trouble!"
Using all the lessons Danny gave her, Louise's wand started glowing as a ball of white energy emerged from the tip. Kirche and Tabitha looked shocked that Louise could maintain such strong magic. Danny, who could have escaped a while ago, grinned as he saw Louise improving her control.
"Wait…can she aim?" he suddenly said as Louise prepared to fire.
With a shout, Louise fired at the golem. The blast hit the golem, right at the shoulder, releasing a bright light. When the light died, Danny saw that the spell took the golem's entire arm and shoulder. He broke through the crumbled hand and jumped towards his naginata, grabbing the hilt, pulling it out of the golem, and jumped towards Louise, who was on her knees, weak from the spell.
He grabbed her and ran as the golem fall, kicking up a dust storm. He ran towards Kirche and Tabitha, gently putting Louise down.
"Danny…" she said tiredly, causing Danny to give her a grin.
"You improved a lot, Louise," he said before there was a rumble behind them. He turned and saw the golem slowly forming back. "So sit tight and relax. I'll handle this one."
"But…" Louise said as she tried to stand up, only to wobble and fall, caught by Kirche. There was suddenly a roar and they all looked up. Everyone, except Tabitha, were relieved to see Sylphid flying towards them.
"You two, get her to a safe place," Danny said to the two girls before he turned his attention to the golem, now fully formed. "I'll take this guy, alone."
Before they could say something, Danny charged towards the golem. With a roar, he swung the naginata, firing a green wave towards it. Though it seemed like the golem learned its lesson, because the wave only scratched the arm. The golem looked up and tried to grab the dragon, but was stopped by Tabitha's spell.
Louise, Kirche and Tabitha were one Sylphid, watching as Danny fought the golem alone. They could see that the golem somehow become stronger than it was before. Danny was dodging the golem's hands and feet, slashing at the golem, but it didn't do anything, except give the golem some small scratches.
"We have to help him!" Louise exclaimed, feeling helpless as she watched Danny narrowly dodging a rocky fist. "Get me down there!"
"There's nothing we can do, Louise," Kirche said, though she looked like she wanted to help. Louise looked at her before at the Staff of Destruction.
"We can use this!" she exclaimed, grabbing the staff before turning to Tabitha. "Get me down there!"
Tabitha looked at her, the determination shining in Louise's eyes, before she gestured at Sylphid. The dragon levitated lower, just enough for Louise to jump down. She removed the cloth and held the staff upward. She tried using her magic, but she didn't feel anything, like the staff wasn't magical.
"Come on!" she exclaimed as Sylphid flew up. "Please, Staff of Destruction! Lend me your strength!"
Danny, hearing Louise's cries, turned around and saw her holding the Staff of Destructions. His eyes widened when he saw the staff.
"You've gotta be kidding me," he said as he jumped to the side, avoiding a rocky foot. He threw his naginata, hitting the golem by the head. With the golem distracted, Danny ran towards Louise and took the so called Staff of Destruction. Thanks to his parents' lessons on weapons, he knows the basics of using a rocket launcher.
He hefted it over his shoulder, pulled out the trigger and scope, knelt down and aimed at the golem's chest. Pulling the trigger, the rocket boomed out of the launcher and flew towards the golem. With a large explosion, the golem exploded into rubble, leaving a large, smoking crater.
Danny sighed as his naginata landed next to him, stabbing the ground. He put the rocket launcher down before turning to Louise, who was staring at him with wide eyes. Kirche, Tabitha and Sylphid landed next to them, the two girls dismounting off the dragon.
"That was amazing!" Kirche exclaimed as she suddenly hugged Danny, causing him to drop the rocket launcher. "I didn't know you could use magic!"
"That wasn't magic," Danny said as he untangled himself from Kirche. Before they could say anything, they heard the bushes rustle. They turned and saw Ms. Loungeville walking towards them, not a scratch on her.
"Good, you kids are okay," she said before she spotted the Staff of Destruction. "And you retrieved the staff. Excellent work."
"Miss Loungeville," Kirche and Louise exclaimed in relief, though Danny was looking at her with narrowed eyes, watching as she picked up the rocket launcher.
"So, is this why you set up the trap?" Danny asked, causing Loungeville to freeze and the girls to look at him in confusion. "You couldn't figure out how to use it, so you set up this trap and waited until a sucker shows you how."
"Danny, what are you talking about?" Louise asked, confused as they all looked at Loungeville, who was still smiling.
"Indeed, Mr. Danny," she said. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't need to pretend anymore," Danny said coldly as he pointed at Loungeville. "You're Fouquet, the Crumbling Dirt."
"My, what a heavy accusation," Loungeville said with a cold smile. "But what proof do you have?"
"I have plenty of proof," Danny said with a grin. "Like the sound of your voice, the color of your hair. And there was the fact that there's only us in this area. And who else could control that golem, but you?"
"How did you know that?" Loungeville asked, looking a bit nervous.
"I asked Tabs here to scan the area before entering the shack," Danny said as he gestured at Tabitha, who looked annoyed at the name. "So, how about you drop the act the already?"
"…My, how impressive," Loungeville, or Fouquet, said with a cruel smirk, removing her glasses and undoing her hair. "I guess you aren't your typical Commoner."
Kirche and Tabitha tried to aim their wands on them, but Fouquet aimed the Staff of Destruction towards them.
"Don't even think about it," she said smugly. "If you try to stop me, I'll blow you all up."
"Go ahead and try," Danny said with a smirk. The others looked at him like he was crazy. Danny started walking towards Fouquet, who lost her confident grin.
"Stay back!" she exclaimed as she aimed the Staff of Destruction at Danny, who just kept walking. Growling, Fouquet pulled the trigger, waiting for Danny to go boom. Everyone was quiet as Fouquet pulled the trigger again. She looked at the Staff of Destruction, confused.
Danny suddenly dashed towards her, grabbing the naginata on the ground. Fouquet, in a panic, threw the rocket launcher and grabbed her wand, but Danny was too fast. He hit Fouquet on the gut, using the butt of the weapon.
She fell forward, causing Danny to catch her before she hits the ground. He sheathed Ryu no Kiba on his back, hefted Fouquet over his shoulder and picked up the discarded rocket launcher. He then walked back to the girls, who were staring at him with wide eyes.
"How did you know the Staff of Destruction wouldn't work?" Louise asked as Danny reached them.
"Easy," Danny said as he handed her the rocket launcher. "This is from my world, though it looks like decades old."
"Your world?" Kirche said with a confused expression. "What do you mean by that?"
Danny didn't reply, looking at the weapon with a nostalgic look. Louise saw his expression and looked sad.
The four then climbed on Sylphid, taking the Staff of Destruction and the knocked out Fouquet with them. The dragon flew off the ground and back towards the direction of the Academy.
Later…
"Quite astounding," Osmond said to the three students and one Familiar. They just reported to him about the mission, from being attacked by the golem to Ms. Loungeville's double crossing. "Though I am quite sad that Ms. Loungeville is actually Fouquet."
"Indeed," Colbert said with a nod. "She was such a fine teacher."
"And a fine woman as well," Osmond said with a giggle and smile, his face red. Colbert nodded as well, blushing a bit. The children stared at them before Danny coughed, getting their attention. The two grown men looked embarrassed before they regained their composure. "I-in any case, I would like to be the first to congratulate you on a mission well done."
"Thank you, headmaster," the girls said, bowing their heads.
"I'll send word to the palace about your success," Osmond continued. "You two will sure be rewarded by your efforts, while Ms. Tabitha here will receive the Medal of Valor."
"Rewarded? By the palace?" Kirche said, sounding excited for a bit.
"Excuse me," Louise said, getting their attention. "But only three of us? What about Danny? He did all the work."
"I am sorry, Ms. Valliere," Osmond said sadly. "Bit since Danny here isn't a Noble, I'm afraid he won't be rewarded for his hard work."
"But that's not fair!" Louise exclaimed. If it wasn't for Danny, they wouldn't have beaten Fouquet or found out how the Staff of Destruction worked. He deserved to be rewarded more than them.
"I'm fine with it," Danny said with a shrug. "Being a Noble look to bothersome to me. Besides, I prefer being a disobedient Familiar."
"Very well then," Osmond said with a nod, though he still looked unhappy. He then perked up. "I suggest you all ready, for tonight we throw a banquet to celebrate your success!"
"Wow! A banquet," Kirche said with a smile. She then grabbed Tabitha by the arm and walked away. "C'mon, Tabitha! Let's get ready for it."
"Um…Headmaster?" Danny said as Louise was about to walk out the door. "Can I talk to you for a moment."
"Of course," Osmond said with a nod. He then turned to Louise, her hand on the door. Danny turned his attention to her before at Osmond.
"She can stay," he said. "She needs to hear this."
Osmond nodded before he took his pipe and took a puff. Louise stood next to Danny and she waited. Osmond exhaled before looking at Danny, waiting for his question.
"How did you get the Staff of Destruction?" Danny asked with a serious expression.
"Why would you like to know?" Osmond asked in a curious tone.
"Because it's from the same world where I'm from," Danny replied. "At least, I hope it is."
"I see," Osmond said, looking a bit surprised. "Well, that would explain why you seem so familiar." He saw their confused expression. "You see, it happened years ago, when I was about your age. I was on a mission when my group and I were ambushed by a minotaur. My group were killed and I was on my way to join them, when this strange-dressed man appeared out of nowhere. He was greatly wounded, but when he saw me in trouble, he pulled out one of his two Staves of Destruction and unleashed it on the minotaur.
The destructive power I witnessed that day was amazing. It was unlike any spell I have ever witnessed. Though I was saved, the man's life was slowly fading. I didn't know any healing spells, so I only watched helplessly as he died. He spoke in some strange language, but I did understand that he wanted me to protect his last Staff of Destruction. I buried him where he died and placed the Staff of Destruction in the Academy's treasury."
"I see," Danny said somberly. "Thank you for telling me, Headmaster."
Danny and Louise bowed to Osmond respectfully before they exited the room. Louise looked at Danny, noticing his sad look.
Later…
Danny was outside the room, trying to ignore the party inside. In his hand was a bottle of wine, which was the only thing he could drink in this party. Luckily, he couldn't get drunk, since he tried alcohol before out of curiosity, in his sophomore years. Though he wished he could get drunk today.
He looked at the sky, staring at the two moons. He missed his one, silver moon. He didn't think he would ever feel homesick, but here he was, drinking wine and thinking about home. He missed his room, his rocket model, his space telescope, his computer, his comics, manga and Japanese books, cheese burgers. French fries and soda, his parents and their inventions, his sister and his cousin/clone.
He was happy that he had something to do here in this world, but still, home is where the heart is, or something like that.
"Good evening, my good friend," a voice said behind him. He turned and saw Guiche, dressed in fancy clothes, holding a glass of wine.
"Nice pants, Guiche," Danny said sarcastically.
"Why thank you," Guiche said, not noticing the sarcasm. "If you had asked, I would have lent you a pair before the party."
"Thanks for the offer," Danny said with a deadpanned expression. He turned his attention back to the sky, his expression still somber. Guiche seemed to notice his silence and looked at him.
"What seems to be troubling you?" he asked, standing next to Danny.
Danny looked at Guiche before he sighed, taking a gulp of wine.
"Nothing, just feeling a little homesick," he said as he shook the bottle, seeing that he was nearly empty.
"I see," Guiche said, losing his smile. "Can't you visit them, or relay a message to them?"
"Too far," Danny said simply.
"How far?" Guiche asked, raising an eyebrow.
"So far that I might never see home again," Danny said. "Unless another portal appears."
"…I am sorry," Guiche said. "I should not have asked."
"Nah, it's fine," Danny said with a shrug. "I wished for something exciting and this is what I got. That's what you get for having a genie as an enemy."
"Okay…" Guiche said, looking at him weirdly, due to the genie comment. "Do you wish to go back?"
"That's it," Danny said. "I don't know. Do I want to go back or stay here?"
"Only you know that answer," Guiche said, not knowing what else to say. "Now, stop being depressed! We are at a party, my friend! Now drink and enjoy the fine flowers, dressed in fine feathers."
"Don't you mean birds?" Danny asked as he finished bottle. "Well, I could use another bottle. Good thing this world doesn't have a drinking age."
As he entered the party room, the guests of honor finally appeared. Kirche, Tabitha and Louise, all dressed is ball gowns that suited them. Kirche's gown accented her busty body, the gown Tabitha was dressed is a blue gown that matched her hair and Louise was dressed in a pink ball gown and her hair was straight, giving her a mature look.
Soon, all the boys were in front of the three girls, asking for a dance. Kirche seemed to be enjoying the attention, while Tabitha was ignoring them, looking like she wanted to read a book. Danny looked and was Louise being asked to dance by the boys who made fun of her before. Danny watched in amusement as Louise ignored them as she walked pass them.
Danny blinked when Louise stopped in front of him. She seemed nervous as she looked at him, causing him to look confused.
"There a problem, Louise?" Danny asked.
"I am waiting for you to ask me to dance," Louise said, looking to the side to hide her blush.
"Dance?" Danny said before looking around the room. There were a lot of couples dancing slowly. "Do I have to?"
"Yes, you should," Louise said, looking at Danny. "Especially in such an important ball."
"Okay…Um…can I have this dance?" Danny asked, rubbing the back of his neck while offering his right hand.
"You may," Louise said in an elegant fashion as she took the hand.
"Just so you know, I don't dance," Danny said to her as he awkwardly placed his left hand on her waist.
"Then just follow my lead," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder. The two circled around the room, following the slow music. Danny focused on not stepping on Louise's toes.
"…I still can't believe it," Louise suddenly said, getting Danny's attention.
"That I can't dance?"
"Not that," Louise said with a light glare. "About you being in a different world."
"Oh, that," Danny said. "Well, I'd be more surprise if you did. I mean, I hardly believed it myself."
"But then, that would explain a few things," Louise said again, looking at Danny. "Do you want to go back home?"
Danny looked at her and could see it in her eyes that she was worried about his answer.
"Right now, my only concern is making sure I don't make a fool of myself in the dancefloor," Danny said with a grin. "I'll worry about getting home, if there is a way."
Louise looked at him before looking down. It was her fault that he was living here in her world, making him her Familiar. When he first arrived here, she was embarrassed on having him as a Familiar. But as time moved on, she slowly gotten use to him and even improved a lot under his teaching.
"Danny," she said, getting his attention again. Before she could say anything, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around Danny, surprising them.
"May I cut in?" Kirche said, leaning her chin on Danny's shoulder.
"No, you can't!" Louise exclaimed as she tried to pull Danny away from her.
"But I wanted to dance with him," she pouted, not letting go of Danny. She pulled harder, trying to get Danny away from Kirche, who just smirked at her.
"I…can't…breathe!" Danny exclaimed as he hears his ribs cracking. "I'm…blacking out…"
The two girls seem to not hear him as they continued their tug of war. He missed his home, but at least it wasn't dull in his new home.
Finally! So sorry for the delay. I was busy with school, and working on a project. Also, playing Far Cry Primal, I enjoy the violence in that game. Hope you like the chapter, with some humor and action. Next chapter, working undercover, and a little surprise! Well, see you later!