Fran…

Fran…

Fran…

"Fran…" Caules murmured softly, his arms imitating a soft pillow as he rested. He nestled deeper into his sleeves, taking refuge in the wooly sweater that hugged him. Stirring, he released a quiet yawn.

A duo peered over the sleeping brunet, exchanging confused glances at each other. Class had ended a few minutes ago and Caules was never one to linger too long.

"Is he dreaming?" Svin tilted his head as he observed his peer, getting in a bit to listen closer. "'Sounds like it."

Flat perked up some. "Ooh, who do you think he's dreaming of, Le Chien?" His hand lingered over his friend for a moment before he moved in to poke his head, only to be foiled by Svin. "Hey-"

Svin swatted the blond's hand gently. He sighed. "Stop it. Let him rest, he's been on edge lately."

Flat pouted for only a moment before the duo was interrupted by a taller man.

"What are you two up to?" The voice of their teacher erupted next to them, immediately ceasing the foolery.

"Ah, Sir." Svin backed off, pulling Flat with him. "We just noticed Caules sleeping in class-"

Lord El-Melloi II cut them off curtly. "I will deal with this. You two, run along." His orders were short, but stern enough to get his point across.

"Yes, sir!" The blonds nodded, only to be further shooed away by the lord.

Lord El-Melloi II pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment as he leaned on the desk next to Caules. He shook his head before placing a hand on the boy's arm. "Caules." His authoritative tone, accompanied with a firm shake was enough to draw the boy back to the present.

"Huh-" Caules forced his sleep-filled eyes open, though only peering through his eyelids before he noticed the figure towering over him. "P-Professor-!" He swiftly shot up to a more proper posture, his face flushing out his natural tone into a bright red. "Ah-" His arm moved to wipe off the saliva running down his chin with his sleeve.

"Compose yourself and meet me in my office." Simple were the words he spilled before heading in the direction of the stated destination.

Caules felt a chill run down his spine. Although he wasn't always the best and smartest student, he was one to keep trying when he wasn't getting something right and even came to enjoy magecraft- even if only just a little. He gulped and gave a short nod. "Yes sir…"

Unsure of what was to come, the brunet took his time packing his things. He had never been in trouble before. Hell, none of them had ever really seen Lord El-Melloi II seriously mad. He was normally one to ignore antics or let things go easily. So, the near future of facing him was a clouded danger.

Normally, the brunet wasn't one to hold onto such worries. He couldn't even remember a time of his life where he was so on edge. But after the war, everything had changed. Not only were the sleepless nights taking a toll on his mental health, the pressure he had from now being the head mage of his family was still an adjustment he was getting used to.

It was hard not to compare himself to Fiore. Basically deemed as a super genius, he knew he would have to work ten times as hard to get near her level, and even then he might be off some. His parents didn't even want him in this position. They worked hard to make that clear to Caules, even at a young age. So of course they were unsupportive and he wasn't even sure if he felt comfortable opening up to his sister about these worries. Though not always the best company, the best support he really had was his class. Lord El-Melloi II's class.

Perhaps that was why he was so draped with anxiety. Lord El-Melloi II was one of the first people to really see the talent Caules had. The thought of disappointing him, along with proving to himself that while he had more grit than his sister, she was really the only one suited to be the head mage of their family, was a burden too heavy for him to carry alone. The thought of failing left a sickness in his gut.

He took the scenic route through campus, having no issue with stalling now. He even took time to assure the peers who questioned him on the way that he was sincerely alright. Some even teased him about being in trouble with their teacher, which honestly made the pit in his stomach heavier.

As Caules strolled, he managed to try to keep the voices of his peers out of his head enough to keep his overflowing worries at bay. However, he was suddenly taken aback by the approaching presence of another student he was acquainted with, but really didn't know all too well.

"If it isn't little Caules." A taunting voice belonging to a blue-haired boy made space next to him, followed by an uncanny grin. "I heard you got in trouble with El-Melloi."

Rolling his eyes at the comment, he brunet ignored the rumor-esque tone in his phrase. "It's nothing big like that, Shinji." He assured, hoping to nip in the bud whatever plot planned by his associate. "I was just caught sleeping in class. Nothing you need to involve yourself in…"

"I don't mean to overstep." Shinji moved in front of Caules, leaning a bit on the wall to hinder his path and force their conversation going. "I only want to help. You and I, we're buddies." Unsteadily, his grin grew. "Aren't we, Caules?"

"Uh-" Offering an awkward chuckle, Caules raised his shoulders. "Yeah, I suppose we are." The lie forced itself past his teeth.

Shinji moved in close, patting his shoulder. "If anyone does end up giving you trouble, you just tell your good friend Shinji here, okay?"

Tension quickly clutched down on Caules's muscles and he sidestepped to avoid any more physical touch. "I'm fine, I assure you." Strainful was the attempt to stay civil with his classmate. It wasn't that Caules didn't like Shinji. It was just rumored that Shinji had a way of only playing nice with you if there was something he wanted. Though, Caules had never seen proof of these accusations.

"Are you sure?" The resilience Shinji displayed didn't waiver. "Is everything going on okay back home?"

"Back home…?" Caules tilted his head in question.

"Romania." Shinji continued on with his explanation. "Did you get any bad news? Any plans to visit family?" Shinji backed off slightly, retreating back to his spot on the wall. "I know things have been a bit hard for your family lately, with the whole Great Grail War. And I'm sure Christmas won't be the same without your sister." His original grin slowly faded, folding down into a concerned frown. "Is there any news about her whereabouts?"

Caules swallowed hard. Although generally weary of Shinji, he couldn't help but accept the bit of sympathy he was ready to offer. He wanted to believe that his peer was truly and earnestly here to offer support to him- especially after mentioning something as heavy as Fiore. Yet, he knew he couldn't let his guard down too much. But until given a real reason not to trust, maybe there was nothing wrong with accepting this. He felt guilty for assuming the worst based on hearsay, so he wanted to give him a fair chance. For now.

"I appreciate it," He proceeded with a short nod. "But no, uh, we haven't heard anything about her yet." Lying through his teeth wasn't always Caules's strong suit, but he had gotten better at it. "Thanks for your concern. I should be flying down to see everyone soonish." He shrugged at his estimation.

"Of course!" Shinji, closing the space between them, went to pat his back. "We're buddies, Caules. I want to be here for you. And if you need anyone to come down with you to celebrate the holidays, I'd love to stay with you." He flashed a smile at the brunet, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

Caules carefully untangled himself from the blue-haired boy, returning a forced smile of his own. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, uh-" Stepping away, he began his retreat. "If you'll excuse me, I've gotta make it to Lord El-Melloi II's office now. I'll see you around." Once facing away from Shinji, he didn't look back.

"Stay out of trouble!" Caules rolled his eyes as the boy called after him, deciding to ignore that as he focused on the matter at hand.

The wrath of his teacher.

Soon enough he arrived outside the office. Trepidation filled his lungs for only a brief moment before he swallowed the feelings and puffed out his chest in hopes he could bury them down. With a tight fist, he knocked twice, holding his breath. It would be a relief if his professor was out.

"Come in!"

So much for that dream.

Caules quickly wiped the sweat forming from his brow as he followed the command. As he entered, he noticed Lord El-Melloi II, seated at his desk expectedly. Almost as if he had waited in this exact spot for the last fifteen minutes as Caules strolled around the school, killing time. His face flushed once more.

The one thing he hated most about his teacher was the inability to read him. His dark eyes were dull, lacking emotions as they followed Caules. Though mysterious, there was still a hint of something in them, almost a negative energy, if he had to guess. The professor sat with his elbows on the top of the desk, the tips of his fingers pressed together as if he was plotting the brunet's punishment. Caules wouldn't say he was afraid of Lord El-Melloi II, but the enigmatic aura emanating him made him at least uncomfortable.

"Take a seat." Lord El-Melloi II motioned with a demanding urge.

Caules followed his instructions, unable to hide his uneasiness as he stiffly shuffled into the chair across from him. He wasn't sure if his forced smile was coming through correctly, or if it seemed like an anxious grimace.

Lord El-Melloi II shook his head to himself at seeing the unsteady nature of his student. He began. "Do you know why I called you here, Caules?"

He swallowed hard. "I… I was sleeping in class." He offered.

"Well, yes." He continued. "But, that's not all of it." The lord leaned forward over the desk. "You've been this way for a while. Is something going on outside of class?" Now, normally Lord El-Melloi II wouldn't meddle so much in student affairs, but Caules was a strange case. He was a survivor.

"Oh, uh-" Being taken aback, Caules fell back into the seat, finally feeling a sense of alleviation over not being in trouble. "I assure you, sir, it's nothing big enough to make a issue of-"

He was promptly cut off. "That wasn't the question." Their eyes met and Caules felt another sting of intimidation. "You've been acting strange. You do not normally sleep in class or worry about such mundane things as a talk with your teacher."

Caules rubbed the back of his head, extending an embarrassed smile at being called out. "I-I see! Um…" As he tried to continue on, he felt his words pulled back by hesitation. Grasping for a deep breath, he let the silence surround them.

Lord El-Melloi II watched him steadily. Sighing, he leaned back as well, crossing one leg over the other. "I'll understand. More than most people probably would." Though not in the most compassionate tone, Caules could read the support and care behind the words.

"I've just been having dreams. About the grail war." The student's shoulders lifted at the confession. "I… I made a lot of mistakes."

The professor began his response with a nod. "I think that's how a lot of people feel afterwards. Especially those of us who participated so young."

Caules felt compelled to go on. "So much happened. And I didn't even want it for most of it. I never had a wish or a dream. I barely had a choice." Sulking his head, his gaze met contact with the back of his hand, where his command seals used to be. "I want to move on. I don't know how to, what to do or anything." He lifted himself once more. "How did you do it?"

"How did I move on?"

"Yeah. From the memories. From the mistakes." Uncertainty forced Caules to pause for a moment. He made eye contact with his teacher, sinking his teeth into his bottom lip as he spoke with his words in a whisper. "From your servant…"

At his last comment, Lord El-Melloi II raised a brow. He thought he had a pretty good idea of what things his student was going to bring up that was applicable to most grail wars. However, this threw him through a small hoop. "How to move on from your servant…" He repeated aloud

"I-I mean-" Defenses were put up by the brunet and he diligently moved to try and lessen the shame. "Don't you miss your servant sometimes? If you had a good relationship with them?"

No matter how hard he tried, both of them could easily see through his attempts of downplaying things.

Lord El-Melloi II retorted after a moment of deliberation. "I had a strange relationship with my servant. We didn't always see eye to eye, but he had a tremendous impact on me. And it's thanks to him that I'm where I am today." Even he couldn't completely hide the soft smile that dared to curl up his lips.

"She had an impact on me too." Caules admitted sheepishly. "I…I let her die. I encouraged it. Well, her noble phantasm was self destructive but I… I regret it even to this day."

Lord El-Melloi II listened intently to his words, nodding along to show him. "It's an unfortunate thing that happened. I'm sure you did everything you could. To many, servants are weapons. But your support of your servant is evident to even me, who wasn't there." His attempt to put care in his words was successful and Caules retorted.

"I just want a chance to make it right. I'm not sure how to, unless…" As his words fell from his lips, a thought popped into his head. Suddenly, it was grasping onto his consciousness for life and no matter how much he shook his head, its resilience refused to let go. "I want to join another grail war."

His teacher raised a brow at his suggestion, only to be cut off again by the boy.

"If there is another one, wouldn't you do anything to go?" He dared to make the assumption at his teacher. "I know anyone, even you would jump at the chance for the grail."

He took a moment of pause, pondering the words his student offered. Well, he was hoping he was pondering his response, not thinking of a way to punish him for being so nosy.

"I would." Lord El-Melloi II finally admitted, once more moving forward in his seat with a lean to listen to his proposition.

Caules took a deep breath as he continued. "So, take me with you." Pushing his posture up, he pulled himself together and forced their eyes to meet. "I promise, I have no desire for the grail. I wouldn't be in it for any sort of wish. I just want to see her again." Though striving to hold his composure together and keep his determination visible, a hint of desperation tainted his message. "I wouldn't be an enemy. But please just listen and understand this. I just need to see her one last time. To finally get the closure I need."

As he finished his speech, a silence began to infiltrate the room. Neither men were willing to be the first to break their glare from one another,and being the first to shatter the silence was daunting as well. Though, even with Lord El-Melloi II keeping up his aloof demeanor, Caules was able to see the gears turning in his head. He bit his lip.

Finally, he spoke. "I accept your proposal." Caules lifted as he carried on. "When the time comes, the two of us can discuss the specifics. I would like to know your servant and what they're capable of."

"Her name is-" Caules wasn't even able to finish his sentence.

Lord El-Melloi II put his hand up, deciding it was his turn to speak again. "You don't have to tell me now. I've kept you long enough."

Caules stuttered. "But sir-"

"No." He shot back sternly. "Now, leave me to work."

Unable to argue any further, Caules nodded in return. "Yes sir." With his dismissal, he shuffled out of the office, moving to carry on with his day.

The rest of the day passed by Caules without other events to dampen his spirit. Granted, after such an agreement between himself and Lord El-Melloi II, he couldn't think of much that would break his spirit. Though he merely went through the motions like any normal day, he held onto the words and those around him noticed a more upbeat tone to his nature.

As night was drawing near, Caules found it easier to rest. Bundled up in his blankets to protect him from the harsh December snow outside, the howling of the wind was enough of a lullaby to lull him to sleep effortlessly for the first time in a long time. Maybe tonight he'd dream of her once more. And maybe this time it would be a good he drifted off, the dreams filled his head, not resembling the usual ones that haunted him during this time. However, as soon as he found a place of comfort, an outwardly force snuck in to steal that from him.

"Caules!"

"Huh…?" The boy groggily forced his eyes open as a thundering voice echoed through his room, tearing him away from slumber. It took the brunet a moment of focused staring as his eyes adjusted to the dark room barely illuminated by the moon's rays. He sat himself up, rubbing his eyes. "What's- Ah!" He gave a yelp of realization as his eyes locked with the intruders. "Professor?!" He cried as he pulled up a blanket to cover his bare chest. "What're you doing in my room?!"

There was Lord El-Melloi II, standing over the student's bed. Without a further explanation, the man dropped a pair of clothes onto him, which Caules believed were the ones pulled from his unfolded laundry. "Get up."

"Professor, aren't there rules against this kind of thing? This can't be legal!" Caules scowled in demand, sniffing to determine their cleanliness before quickly throwing on the pants in a poor attempt to save himself the shame of being seen in his boxers by his teacher. "What time is it?" He popped his glasses onto his face, still grimacing at his teacher.

"It's 3:00 am." The teacher retorted, reaching into his jacket pocket without any more explanation.

The brunet groaned, rubbing his temple. He took a composing breath. "Could this not have waited until mo-" As Lord El-Melloi II shoved a piece of paper in his face, Caules swallowed his was a plane ticket.

"Pack your things. We're going to Romania."