Chapter 4: The Count Mansion
(Academy of magic-Dawn)
A new dawn had arisen. Actually the sun was yet to come up, Sora was outside with Siesta who was sitting down on the grass with her hands outward and eyes closed taking deep breaths. It's been a couple days of practice in the early morning and she was getting better and better at it.
That's right Sora made sure to keep his promise to teach the dark haired girl how to do magic and he honored his word. He first had to show her how to find the light within her heart and then bring it out it took a week but she was able to do it.
She was confused at what he meant when he told her to, 'look for the light in her heart' it took some explaining first, he had her close her eyes and center herself, then Sora told her to lo ok deep into the heart see if there was a bright warmth to see if anything was shining inside deep inside.
Again it took some time but she managed to find it, she was so happy when she had light glittering in her hands. Next was how to harness her own mana. Sora told her that mana is essentially a person's own energy or rather their own aura being channeled through the will of the user. Basically, Siesta beforehand was learning how to take her own energy and control the shape and form of it.
First, Sora decided to teach her some non-elemental first then move on to the elements. Siesta agreed and was given lessons on how to use spells like Reflect and Cure, Sora told her that Reflect creates a sphere of light that acts as a barrier with an offensive and defensive ability.
Siesta can understand its defense, but how is it good for attacking as well? Sora explained to her that reflect has a recoil effect that damages enemy's around, Sora gave a demonstration of the spell. He asked her to throw a rock at him as she did Sora raised his arm and channeled his energy and the rock hit the transparent dome as it burst in impact.
The maid was amazed. She thought the rock was going to hit him but instead it was the dome of light that was struck, Sora said they will be working on this for a while and he will teach her healing magic. Siesta asked if that was the same as the shield but Sora told her differently, he said that you are using your own mana onto a person that is injured or on yourself as well.
But like all magic you need to concentrate as well as have a clear focus otherwise you'll have difficulties and magic wouldn't work the way you want it. With that said, Siesta started her training for the second week she learned reflect, then next was mastering cure which didn't take that long, mostly five days at most but they continued on until she mastered them entirely.
"Remember just focus, concentrate, you already found your light now you just need to control it." The keyblade wielder said to the dark haired girl who was still sitting on the grass.
"Okay, like this?" She said still having her hands out and a small dome of light appeared.
"Yeah, just like that." He told her as she breathed out letting the barrier disappear. "I gotta say it cool how fast you pick up." Sora said.
"Well, I have to admit when you told me that you could teach me magic I thought it was a joke." Siesta said with a smile, she still couldn't believe she was actually doing magic.
Sora smiled at her. "I told you before, magic it's something anyone can do really. You just need to look for it. Now we can get work on elemental spells." He said with a little excitement in his voice, Sora held his hand out letting Siesta know that he was helping her off the ground. She took it with a faint blush remembering this is not the first time their hands touched.
"Really, I don't know if I'm ready for that?" Siesta said unsure.
"Come on, you already mastered this and cure your more then ready now watch' Fire." Sora said putting his arm straight out a small sized fireball appeared and traveled, hitting the wall. "First: we're going to try to control the level of output." Sora said to the maid but she had a confused look on her face. What did he mean 'output'?
He began reminding her that magic is especially your own energy projected, well he explained to her that you can regulate how much power you put into a spell. The fireball he shot out earlier only contained a portion of magic he summoned another one, the same size as the previous one.
He began pouring his magic energy into the small ball of flames and started to change size; it grew slightly bigger than what it was before telling her that this was a mid level fireball and the spell was called fira. Sora, who still had his hand out focused even more power and the ball of fire grew even bigger the last two, this was a firaga a higher level spell.
The dark haired maid was starting to understand what output meant the more magic energy you use the stronger the spell. "Now I understand, so like this?" She said with her hand out and a small size fireball appeared quickly growing in size.
"Wait not-!" Sora tried to stop her but it was too late. The maid was quickly pouring too much magic energy and with Sora breaking her focus the small to medium ball of flames exploded.
"*Cough*. Are you alright?" Sora said, coughing up smoke.
"*Cough Cough* I-I think so?" She said coughing as well although, there was the drift of wind and she felt chilly as the smoke started. Siesta saw Sora with owl eyes, his mouth slightly open and a blush on his face. She looked down to see what he was looking at and saw the top of her uniform was gone, her breasts were exposed.
Siesta immediately turned red as a tomato and screamed covering her chest with her arms. Sora immediately turned his back "So-Sorry I didn't mean to stare!" He said keeping his back turned.
"N-No it's okay. Guess I rushed and used too much huh." Siesta said feeling embarrassed "I can't believe this. I was so excited I wasn't paying attention." She thought to herself before feeling something over her head, she grabbed it and saw it was Sora's jacket.
"Here, I was going to tell you, you need to start slow. But you already understand what to do, a-anyway cover up with that." The keyblade wielder said now without his jacket wearing, "I um, I think we stop for right now, I got to wake up Louise." Sora said flustered.
"Um, alright, thank you and I'll make sure you get this back." Siesta said, holding his short sleeved hoodie over her chest and with bright red rosy cheeks.
But before she walked away Sora told her the difference about the other spells she can practice later. "Okay, I'll remember and I'll wash this later bye Sora." She told him as she was running back to her room.
Sora just stood in place for a second trying to forget seeing her chest, she wasn't as big as Kirche but they were big enough, good that the fireball got any bigger otherwise she would have been completely...
No, no, do not even go that far. He was a guardian of light, he thought about all the times Louise was just plain exposed right in front of him. Maybe it was because of that is why now he's having these thoughts, with a small blush he walked back to his master's room.
(Osmond office)
It was now morning and inside one of the academy towers Osmond was in a conversation with a man. He was wearing a long sleeved blue shirt, a red cloak with black pants, he also had a curvy mustache and eyebrows. He looked as if he had something important to say.
"And that's how it is. So you should be cautious." The man with curly eyebrows said
"I see, thank you for your warning, but I don't think she'll come for the staff of destruction." The principal said, leaving the man smirking and shaking his head.
"You'll be thinking differently when that weapon is stolen from you, you'll see first-hand what that woman is capable of." The man responded back as he had a piece of paper rolled up in his hand. "On another topic there is something that I want from this institution." He said showing the document to the headmaster who just sighed.
"I see, Count Mott, one of these days all this will come back to bite you."
"Haha we'll see about that." The person named Mott said with a prideful smile on his face as the old mage stamped his document taking his leave a closing the door. Yet as he was about to leave he was stopped by Osmond secretary who bowed in front of the aristocrat.
"I see you're looking beautiful as always, Miss Longueville." The count said looking at her eyes before drifting his focus to her large bosom making her act flustered.
"Thank you, Count Mott. Your words are too kind." She said with a smile on her face making the man in front of her continue smiling.
"We should get dinner some time. I promise it will be a good night between you and me." The count said taking his leave making the green haired woman drop her smile and look disgust, no way she knows who the count really about the lecherous bastard is and she would never go out with that man.
Her train of thought was soon interrupted when she heard a voice, one that she immediately recognized.
"I see you hate Mr.Curly am I right." She turned around and saw it was Xigbar stepping out of the same black portal that he appeared from some time ago.
"Xigbar, what are you doing here?" She questioned, he hasn't shown himself for weeks so why now?
"Just seeing how you're handling my little gift. You have been working to handle them, right miss thief." He told her in a teasing manner, making her put her finger to her mouth, indicating that he shouldn't say anymore after all someone could be listening, does he have to be so casual.
"Yes I have. I must say these heartless are quite obedient." The secretary told him in a low voice.
"Good, I don't also need to tell you that they can be controlled by someone with a strong will. Just be sure not to overstep, or else they'll be the ones taking your heart." He explained
"I see. But there is one thing that I don't get why?" She responded "Why are you helping me, what's in it for you?"
He sighs "I told you, I just want to see this world's reaction when darkness falls upon it. Not to mention I'm just going to keep watch over a few things, like that kid for one."
"Why are you so worried about some boy? I'll admit his sword skills are impressive but he seems no older than fifteen so why are you afraid?" She questions. Xigbar at one time said to the criminal in disguise that the kid was dangerous but she never understood why as soon as Miss Longueville said that the man gave a deviant smile under his hood with a small laugh.
"As if." He threw out his catchphrase "You think I'm scared of him please. I'm not, Sora is an acting storm, once he moves everything you worked for comes falling apart, that kid has power that even high ranked nobles can't measure up to. But it's not the keyblade that makes him strong, but the connections to the people in his life old and new that makes him powerful."
He corrected the thief also telling her why the boy in red and black wasn't a person she should trifle with. "Really that's what makes him strong?" She asked with interest in her voice. His ties to people make him strong.
"Heh you don't know the half of it." He said looking to the side "Well I gotta go there's something I gotta do later, just keep working on the heartless, oh and uh watch you back in there, chao little thief." He told her as he was just leaving though a dark portal disappearing from the green haired woman.
This man was mysterious just offering his services like this and asking for nothing was ominous to say the least. She may have been given new power, but she was still keeping her guard up around this man and what did mean by watch her back? She just ignored his message and proceeded to open the door.
"There you are, Miss Longueville. I was beginning to wonder where you were." Osmond spoke.
"Yes, sorry, I was stopped by lord Mott what a gentleman he was." She lied, leaving out the meeting she had with the one eyed man in black. "So what was he doing here?" The woman said, walking to her desk.
"His excellency was here with a message from the palace. Apparently there has been a series of theft's that have been happening lately, the most valuable items have been stolen by a young female, she goes by the name Fouquet, the Crumbling Dirt." He explained to his secretary who was acting ignorant and oblivious telling him she's never heard of this Fouquet.
"Well the palace thinks that she'll come here." The principal replied. "You see long before I hired you, we of this academy hold a powerful relic that was given up from the higher up The staff of destruction." Osmond spoke in detail about why the mage would come to this Institution and left a small smile on the thief's face.
"Staff of destruction and a mage criminal named Fouquet, quite a dangerous combination." The green haired woman said, placing books on the shelf.
The old man scuffed "They're being overly dramatic, we have a protection spell placed on that vault. Several mages tried to break in and not one ever succeeded." The principal said making the woman think about how she was going to steal the staff, her train of thought was broken as she felt something move up her back causing her to moan.
She turned and saw the same fake hand that was on Osmond desk, he used it to caress her spine, she should have known he did this! "That sexual harassment!" She shouted and just threw the hand back at him knocking the old man down, groaning in pain with swirling eyes.
'Tsk, always doing this old man even when my back is turned.' She thought to herself and instantly remembered what he said. Was this what he told her to, 'watch her back' Was this what he meant? How did he know?
(Siesta's room)
"Finished." The maid sighs, 'That was so embarrassing.' After the whole mess early this morning Siesta rushed back to her room for a change of clothes. She couldn't get over how she exposed herself, actually Sora seeing her like that was even more humiliating but for some reason she didn't mind if it was him.
She picked up his jacket up off her bed and looked at it with a deep stare. It was strange from the couple of weeks learning magic, to him learning how to read the language as well the day they first met there was this feeling in her chest that would only get stronger when he was around here.
She never forgot his kindness helping her cater, or how amazing he was when he defeated Guiche and that time, she didn't know what this feeling was, but it was pleasant. As she continued thinking about Sora, she brought his hoodie close to her and inhaled the smell from it; it smelled like salt water mixed with his own scent.
'Smell's like the ocean?'
"Wow. I knew you had a dirty mind, Siesta." She comically spit and turned and saw who said that it was Marteau with a smug look on his face.
"M-Ma-Marteau!? When did you-!" The dark haired girl screamed and shouted at the same time, how long was he standing there! "This isn't what it looks like! I was just, um?!" She tried making excuses but couldn't think of any.
"Ha Ha Ha, don't get so worked up I won't tell anyone about your little crush." He said in a teasing voice
"It-It's not like that!" She tried being defiant but he was still laughing but he then got serious telling her about something important. "Alright just give me a minute, I'll be right. there." She said putting the red and black jacket on the bed, closing the door behind her.
(night)
"So, so, cold. *Sigh* why does she want to do this now?" It was night and Sora was outside washing Louise's clothes. "This is ridiculous. I don't mind helping her, but she could at least say please or thank you." It had been two to almost three weeks he's been in this world and mostly he's been doing chores for the girl who contracted Sora.
He had been going to the school's library to see if there was a book about traveling to another world, but even after the lessons he's had with Siesta about how to read the writing here he didn't find anything about how to travel to other worlds. Despite that, there was one thing that was unsettling. It was the fact that he hasn't seen a single heartless ever since he got here. Sora wasn't sure if it was a good sign or a bad one, but still they could show up at any time and all the training he was doing was to be ready if an attack happens right now.
"What are you doing?" Sora's thinking was interrupted when he heard a voice he looked and saw it was Siesta. The keyblade wielder told the maid that Louise wanted him to wash her leggings, Siesta offered to do it a small gratitude for being her mentor Sora didn't want to bother her but in her heart she wanted to do this for him. "Alright, make sure that the silk is left out to dry in the shade."
"Thanks a lot. Sorry you had to do my work." He thanked her as she handed the laundry basket to him.
"Really I don't mind helping you, after all for everything you have done it seemed only right." She said to the spiky haired teen almost forgetting something she still had.
"Yeah but still, I should thank you especially for teaching me how to read here." Sora said with a toothy grin.
The dark haired girl remembered that his hoodie was in her room. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot your jacket come with me." They walked a small distance to the dorm where all the servants stay. She asked him to wait here while she retrieved his coat.
"Thank you." He said as the maid came out with his jacket folded handing it to him
"You're welcome." She replied back as Sora put his hoodie in the laundry basket. "Hey Sora."
"Hm?"
"I've been meaning to ask but, where are you from, and what do you do?" She questioned the younger teen after smelling his salty jacket she started to wonder where exactly he was from, maybe a port town?
"Um. Let me think, well I guess you can call me an adventurer. And as for where I'm from, I guess you could say some place far from Halkeginia, really far." He said with nostalgia, thinking how is everyone doing, how is she doing, as he looked at the night sky.
Siesta was looking at Sora about what was going on in his head. As she got his attention, she told him that he was spectacular, always helping anyone in any way he can. Siesta also said that he was a person who can stand up for what he believes is right as well as standing up for others, it's because of this is why she can work as best as she can.
Sora looked at Siesta with confusion on his face it almost sounded like she was trying to say something, but as he tried to talk he was met with a sudden embrace this caught him by surprise the dark haired girl hugged him tightly before releasing him and rushing back to her dorm closing the door behind her.
'What was that about?' He thought. Why would she hug him out of the blue, little did he know the maid had a sad look behind the door and she looked close to tears. She couldn't tell Sora she just couldn't but, it is nice to see him...even if it's for one last time.
As Sora walked down the hall to Louise's room, he just couldn't shake off Siesta's words or her hug "I wonder what all that was? It was almost like she was trying to say something?" He whispered under his breath it did sound like she was trying to tell him something important. His train of thought was soon cut when he heard a door open.
"~ Hello cutie." A shiver went down his spine when he looked to his left and saw a certain redhead wearing a plain white bra looking at the spiky haired teen with a grin. After their last encounter Sora had begun to fear Kirche, after she tried to have her way with him but she didn't stop. She kept trying different ways to seduce the brown haired teen and every moment the fire mage tried she was thwarted by the pink haired zero.
"Hey, Kirche. What's up?" Sora simply replied as he stood in front of her with a nervous smile on his face.
"I've got something to ask you." She said, grabbing his arm.
"What is it?" Sora questioned.
"You remember that golden sword from last time." Kirche reminded him about the golden sword
"You mean that shiny one?"
"Right, that's the one.You see I have no use for it, actually I tried to sell it back to that own but he doesn't do refunds so I was thinking of giving it to you." Kirche merely told the boy who was still in arms with the curvaceous teenager, was she really going to give it to him? No she probably wanted another chance to force herself on Sora again plus there was something about that sword he couldn't shake off. As he was about to talk to her his forearm was suddenly wrapped around something soft, warm, and big his arm was inside of her cleavage. The keybearer could only gasp; he was then jerked into Kirche's room, shutting the door behind her now they were sitting on the bed. "Here you go, one sword fit for a hero." She said, presenting the sword she bought for her love.
"Thanks, but I can't take this." Sora said with Kirche so close to him.
"Just forget about Louise the zero. You're your own person, remember." Kirche replied as she looked at him. "Anyway, I'm glad you like your gift my darling." She said with a look of hunger moving hand from the scabbard to Sora's thigh.
Sora quickly changed the mood, feeling shy and uncomfortable "Hey, why keep clinging to me?" The boy who was almost as red as a tomato said "I-I mean you have guys coming at you from every angle, so why me?" She did keep turning down every boy that was near her only focus on him.
"You have character that other nobles don't have." She said having Sora asking what kind of characteristics he has. She began listing what his traits were, his acting before thinking, his kindness to others, not to mention helping people like the servants from time to time.
This made him flustered with all the praises he was getting, she really is a lot like Axel those two always saying the first thing on her mind. As he was in his mind Kirche continued telling him his other features. She called his hair bizarre and abnormally spiky, he had a childlike sense of wonder, his ridiculously large shoes mix with he way of talking shows he was poorly educated and his clothes are out of the ordinary.
"You know, you remind me a lot about a friend I know." He said in a calm tone of voice as he gave her the sword back.
"Hold on, was it something I said?" She said innocently.
"It's not what you said but how you said it." He replied back as he picked up the laundry basket and started to walk to the door
"Wait a minute!" Kirche stopped him as She had a small box in her arms.
"Here, let me make it up to you." She told the young teen as she had a ring in her hand.
"What's-?"
"It's a rare item, a talisman ring." She offered as a way to apologize for the things she said.
Sora shook his head "It's nice, but no thank you."
"Well, how about these fire-bird blood earrings."
"No thanks."
"Ok, how bout this." She pulled out a silver necklace with a clear white stone. "A silver moonstone necklace, it's a lot more pretty than that crown one you wear all the time."
Sora got defensive. "A friend of mine gave this to me when we were younger." To her that was instantly a no, but she wasn't going to give up that easily. She reached deep into the box and pulled out a book
"Alright, alright, how about this then? It's a family heirloom from the Von Zerbst family." She showed him the book wrapped up in cloth.
"No! I wouldn't feel right taking that, especially if it's in your family. I think you got-" He told her as he rested hand on the door handle but as he was about to leave Kirche grabbed onto the guardian of light and pinned him to the floor.
"Sorry. But I won't let you go." She replied, taking off her top unveiling her breast with a slight bounce, as her eyes were locked on Sora who blushed strongly.
"Get off me!" He exclaimed.
"You keep denying me Sora and because of that my blood keeps getting hotter, the blood of the huntress keeps calling me." She said in a seductive tone of voice.
"Huntress?" Sora repeated
"You see, when someone denies my feelings, it only makes me want them even more." She answered pressing her body against his while she was enjoying herself Sora was trying to tell her something really important.
"Kirche! Listen to me, I-!" The door abruptly opened. They both looked and saw that it was Louise with an angry scowl on her face.
"Oh for crying out loud, don't you have anything better to do?" Kirche complained as she got off of Sora as her words were ignored.
"To my room! Now!" She ordered as Sora picked up the basket of laundry and followed Louise. Kirche couldn't believe this, why does she always do this, she thought as she put her bra back on. He may be a familiar but he is a human too so why does she get so possessive, she had one idea that came to her but there's no way right?
(Louise's room)
Sora and Louise returned to the room and she had him sitting on his straw bed and lecturing him. "How many times do I have to tell you, stay away from her and yet you still don't listen!" She yelled at the teen for disobeying her again.
"I told you she tried to give me that sword and I was trying to say no." Sora defended himself trying to reason with the strawberry haired girl only to be given a doubtful look.
"Really I thought you were okay with the sword I bought you." She said looking at the rusty sword laying on the hay.
"I am. I mean a sword that can talk, even though I haven't seen anything like it." He said smiling at his sword who introduced himself as Derflinger or Derf for short.
[Well I'm glad you know a real weapon when you see one, that ornamental one wouldn't do you any good.] Derflinger said, making him raise his brow. [And what do you mean, 'something even you haven't seen' you haven't met any swords that can talk, I thought you said you travel to different worlds.]
"I do. But even then, I've never seen any talking swords before." He replied back to Derf as Louise raised her eyebrow.
"Wait a minute? You told him you're from another world?" Louise asked as Sora said yes, but it was kinda a slip of the tongue. He and Derf were so caught up talking to each other it just came out. Well it's not like it would cause any problems and so far only two people know her and the blade. "I thought you were trying to protect the order of the world?"
"He-he." Sora laughed nervously.
"Whatever. You're still getting punished, no breakfast tomorrow.
"What." He comical whined
"Would you rather I get my whip." Louise threatened with a cold glare.
"I think I would prefer the whip then miss breakfast." Sora said with a snarky tone as Louise told him to go to sleep. "And by the way, what do you mean ornamental?" He turned his attention to The talking sword.
[I mean it's a fake kid. C'mon even you had to have noticed.] Derf told his partner as he had a look of realization on his face. He knew something about that sword was off, so he was right to trust his gut, and his partner's intuition.
(Classroom)
Louise was now in class jotting down note as a teacher was giving lectures but right now she didn't have Sora with her, as the lecture continued two girls whispered to Louise's about her familiar.
"Hey Vallière, where's your familiar?" One of the female students asked?
"He's outside with the others." Out of nowhere she decided that he is staying with the rest of the familiar's because she didn't want the brown haired boy to keep sleeping in class. Both girls were upset as a certain someone decided to join in.
"You know I think you're jealous." Someone said and Louise Knows that voice she looked up and saw her rival with a smug look on her face. Louise glared hard at her.
"What makes you think I'm jealous of some plebeian!" She quietly shouted.
"I mean he's a plebeian who can use magic while his master can not. Not to mention that he's the center of attention. That's why I say you're jealous." The redhead said with a grin.
"You forget he's not a noble, I could care less that he wields magic." She said but was still lying to herself and the others he is more than just a plebeian and really there are ordinary people outside this world who can use magic so a piece of her couldn't help but be a little envious.
"Alright, then maybe it's something else. Like you get all possessive when their are people around him." She also mentioned the look she gives Sora when other girls talk to him.
"What are you trying to say Kirche?" another of the girls questions before telling them and Louise that the master has a crush on her familiar. The two girls gasped while the pink haired mage blushed deeply.
"Wha!?"
"Ha I knew it, you're in love with your own familiar." She said with a mischievous look on her face. She couldn't figure out why it always bothered her when Sora wasn't around her now it makes sense. That could also explain what he was trying to say the first time.
"I am not in love with my familiar!" She shouted and quickly stood up trying to defend herself, only to realize that they were still in class and all the students and teacher heard what she said. They all began to laugh while the teacher told her to sit back down, and she did with her face deep red.
'I am a woman of noble birth; daughter of a duke. Me and that fool never in a hundred years he's so childish, he has terrible manners, and all he can do is sleep, I could never love him!'
(Outside)
Achoo* Meanwhile out in the courtyard Sora was with his keyblade training again still keeping himself prepared for any heartless that may show themselves but stopped after he sneezed. He felt like someone was talking about him, but he shrugged it off and continued. "Sylpheed." Sora jumped in the air dashing forward making a crescent slash after that he used his Lotus Frenzy to push himself back leaving a diagonal cut opposite of each other before descending on the ground.
Now he landed on the grass place himself in his usual "Triple Rush." Sora then twisting his body thrusting his keyblade three times, "Aegis Claw." The keybearer shouted, thrusting his blade forward following with a horizontal slice finishing with an upper slash. "Grand Chariot." This new move had the spiky haired teen flipping forward with his keyblade in hand slamming the tip on the ground creating a shock wave and pillars of light coming from the ground traveling straight.
Sora took a few puffs of air and wiped the sweat off his face. His moves were new skills were developing nicely since last four weeks he's been here.
"Alright! Now Time for a break." he said as he felt someone slap his back.
"There you are our key." Sora looked and saw it was Marteau the head chef. "Swing by the kitchen, I got something for you." The chef said with a toothy grin making the keyblade chosen one smile knowing what he was talking about.
(Kitchen)
"Hm, so good." Sora said taking a bite as the cook brought a plate to him Louise may have said no breakfast but that didn't stop him. "Thanks Marteau, this is amazing."
"No need to be so generous, their just a few leftovers." Marteau told the boy who took another bite he looked around and didn't see a certain dark haired maid anywhere, he didn't see her anywhere?
"Hey, where's Siesta?" The keyblade wielder question made the chef look conflicted "Right, I forgot. She works differently than the rest of you." Sora said as he looked at the chef with a blank look on his face.
"Wait a- you mean she didn't tell you?" The cook asked as Sora stuffed his face.
"She... quit?" Sora said with a sad voice.
"Yeah. It was decided out of nowhere that she was to work under Count Mott. She just left this morning." The chef said with a little regret "I'm sorry Sora, but there's nothing that can be done. We can't do anything but follow the action of nobility." He said with frustration and Sora looked back on their conversation last night.
'So that's what she was trying to tell me.' Why didn't she tell him, did she think it wasn't his concern?
(Louise's room)
"Count Mott is a messenger for the kingdom, occasionally he shows up to this school." Louise said brushing her hair the day was about over and the master and familiar duo returned to the room. Sora asked Louise what kind of person this count is supposed to be. "And as for what he's like: bossy and overconfident. No one really likes him anyway."
Sora looked at his master as he was cleaning the windows in her room "So, why is she even working with someone like that?" He question he probably doesn't have darkness but as Louise said he's more them like overzealous
[When a noble requests the name of a young maiden, it means that she is to be the mistress.] The rusty sword explained.
Sora was flabbergasted, this means that she was basically a tool to this count but Louise said that just how things work caused her familiar to look sad. "*Sigh, listen it's not that I don't feel bad for her. There is just nothing that you can do."
"But I can just stay here and do nothing!" He said.
"And what do you plan on doing? Tell him you're from another world and hope for the best?" Louise said sarcastically "He's not going to listen to you. By how things work here you are considered a plebeian, just because you can use magic he isn't going to take you seriously."
"Ok but-."
"Just forget about her, alright you can't do anything." She ordered the young teen nod with a depressed look. To get his mind off the maid, she ordered him to clean some washcloths and meet her for dinner. She left the room leaving Sora to look out the window.
"Sorry Louise. But I won't ever abandon my friends!" The keyblade wielder said with a very serious look.
(Cafeteria)
"He's not back yet?" Louise said, holding a small bowl and a piece of bread in both her hands. She currently is in the dining room with the other students, she usually has him getting his meals and having her spiky haired familiar eating outside Louise was getting impatient. How long does it take to clean a few rags?
"Hey where's Sora?" a voice she looked and saw that it was Kirche and Tabitha together, although the redhead had a cart of food with her.
"I don't know? And what's all this for?" The pink mage said, seeing the cart.
"What, this? Well I hate seeing you feed him scraps, so I thought I would give him something more nutritious." She replied with her friend keeping her neutral face.
She placed the bowl on the table, putting her hands on her hips. "Meaning: you want to bribe your way into his heart with food, don't feed my familiar."
"Well he's not here, where could he be?" Kirche questioned as Louise shook her head as the wondered Tabitha said he's gone making both girls look suspicious?
"Oh, are you looking for Sora?" A certain blond mage said getting the attention of the girls. Then nodded asking if Guiche knew something.
Flashback
Guiche and Montmorency were currently sitting near the fountain in the dorm, in the blonde female hands was a gift from Guiche. "Wow a mithril brooch. It is so beautiful." Montmorency said happily.
"I knew at first glance that this is perfect for you, my darling Monmon." He said with a smile acting all innocent but she wasn't buying it.
"Don't think this means that I forgot what happened." She said still mad at the fact that the bronze mage was cheating on her.
"Well no, I would assume not." He said, shaking his head. "But I do want another chance if you'll let me." Guiche replied but before she could give an answer, Sora called out to them.
"Hey guys!" Both look surprised to see him.
"Sora hello, I see your energetic today." Guiche said.
"Yeah well- hey is that a necklace?" He said, drifting his focus to the brooch in the blonde girl's hand. She nodded telling him that is a gift, then the male blonde then thanked the hooded teen, but Sora grinded putting his hands behind his head and told him that it was no big deal he was happy to see them together.
'Maybe I should get her something too.' He monologue thinking about Kairi, but was soon cut off from his thoughts.
[Hey partner, aren't you forgetting something?] Delf said, strapped to Sora's back.
"Oh right." Sora sheepishly laughed as the sword just sweat dropped. "Hey Guiche, there's something I need to ask you." The male blonde looked confused at what he wanted to ask?
Flashback end
As Guiche continued to talk, the girls, specifically Louise, looked shocked at what Sora asked for. "I can't believe this! You're telling me he went to count Mott!" She said with an irritable expression as the playboy replied yes.
"Probably got tired of working for you. But this is the first I heard of a familiar wanting a new master." Kirche said making the zero mad. Louise said that's not it she told the buxom girl that it's because of that maid. Louise explained why he went to him because Siesta was to be at service to him so that's why. Kirche was kinda disgusted to hear that, She knew that the count was also nothing but a pervert even the rest of the female students knew who he was.
Tabitha then spoke. "He went on horseback to his mansion. If a plebeian draws his sword." She said leaving the pink and red head looking at each other knowing what will happen to Sora, so the trio immediately left the cafeteria in hope to stop him. The girls soon hopped on top of Tabitha's dragon and began to fly in the air.
"You got to admit Louise, it's pretty admirable that he's willing to go so far for someone." Kirche said betting he's going to challenge the nobleman.
"Yeah, well..." She paused. "Let's just go with if you knew more about him, you would be surprised." Both the blue and red haired girl wondered what she meant by that. Even though she would sometimes feel envy towards Sora, she couldn't help but admire his bravery.
(Count Mott's estate)
Meanwhile; Sora and Derf just arrived outside of Count Mott's mansion. "Wow that big!" Sora said looking at the mansion that was in front of him with Delf replying to him that he's seen bigger.
[Weird. Shouldn't there be a guard or something?] The sword said as the Sora looked around and saw no one anywhere, Delf was right that was strange.
"I wonder where they're at?"
[Got me?] Sora did find it bizarre that no one was here. Maybe if he looked inside he might get a better look. With his flowmotion he jumped the front gate.
"Man, this place is bigger up close!" He said to the Sora that was on his back.
Crash* A window broke, getting Sora's and Derf and what fell to the ground and what he saw completely surprised him; it was a heartless; a shadow. By instinct it launched itself at Sora but was immediately cut down to size.
[What was that thing!]
'Siesta!' Sora immediately ran through the doors upon running he was shocked to see
"Heartless!" Sora called out as he saw neo-shadows, soldiers, shadows, all being led by an Invisible. In the center he saw a man holding a staff in his hand and he saw Siesta next to him while wearing a different maid outfit that was not the same as the original one. This one was red and had a shorter skirt, its upper chest portion was also cropped which revealed her chest Sora looked at the two of them, the guy over there likely had to be the noble Louise was talking about.
"What treachery is this?" Count Mott said as he used water magic but it had no effect on them. Suddenly one of the shadows was faced into the ground before coming up and leaving slash marks on his arm. As he dropped his staff Siesta immediately attended to her master but not before Neo-shadows and shadows leaped in the air prepared to attack, they both closed their eyes awaiting the end.
Slash*
Siesta slowly opened one eye and gasped at who was in front of her.
"S-Sora?!"
He grinned "Hey, you good?"
"Um, fine." She replied, but what was on her mind was what is he even doing here.
"Good."
'What is this? Another assassination on my life?'
"Heal." Sora casted his Cura spell upon the nobleman's arm; it glowed a bright green color and the scratches closed up. The Count was shocked that this boy could use a powerful healing spell despite his age.
"Now you guys hang back, I'll take care of this!" He summoned his kingdom key keyblade and got into his battle stance.
"Blaze." He casted his Fira spell at a soldier. Setting it on fire, Count Mott witnessed this and automatically thought of him as a noble, but what is a noble doing here anyway?
A Neo-shadow faced into the ground along with a second one, Sora did a dodge roll to evade the attack, the keyblade wielder soon did an airslide and struck the two neo-shadows, he then turned his attention the rest as he charged right at them and began slashing at the heartless. One of the soldiers tried to attack him but Sora countered by blocking with his keyblade and using counter kick when the invisible used it sword to strike at Sora he quickly parry the sword and the two began dancing with their blades until it broke Sora's attack, Sora slid underneath the invisible and stabbed his keyblade in ground, spinning it with him still holding on the blade and slashing it, killing the leader now all that was left were the few remaining heartless
Sora performed his radial blaster sending blade projectiles in multiple directions. "Ragnarök!" He shouted as he fired many projectiles of light at the last Heartless, immediately destroying them and landing back safely on the ground.
The battle was over and all of the Heartless were destroyed, Siesta stood in awe, while the nobleman was surprised to see this, this boy was far more powerful than he looked, maybe as close to a square class mage.
After things settle down, Sora, Siesta and Count Mott were in another room. The nobleman was sitting in a chair with Siesta standing beside him. While the keyblade's chosen one was standing in front of them, he likely wanted to get answers for why the heartless were here.
"You said your name was 'Sora' correct?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"I must say, I wasn't expecting another noble to enter my home."
Sora scrunched his eyebrow before realizing that he thought about the system of this world. So right now he decided to play along.
"Yeah. Yeah, that's right. I am a noble. But I really preferred an adventurous lifestyle." He said, making Count Mott curious. An adventurer despite being a noble, but that would make more sense, seeing how his outfit was made more for travel.
"I see." He said. "Still I wonder what those monsters were.
"They're called the heartless. Monsters that are born when a heart gives into darkness."
"Heartless?" He said back, "I've never heard of them."
"Neither have I." Said the maid.
"Well they're not from Tristan originally. But what I want to know is how they got here in the first place."
"Sora!" Siesta scowlded him, "Please forgive him sir."
"I'll allow it. It happened not too long ago. Earlier a man suddenly showed up out of nowhere.
Flashback
"Who are you!? How did you get into the mansion!?" He demanded an answer from this mysterious figure who wore an all black coat.
The man playfully said to him in a fake tone of voice. "Now is that anyway for a noble to talk to a lowly commoner like me. I mean I thought you noble people were supposed to be more well mannered. But then again a guy with catfish whiskers and eyebrows isn't the most trustworthy."
"What!" He was insulted.
"I mean it's true not to mention taking a young girl as a toy, not exactly the height of nobility."
This man continued to disrespect him. "You dare to insult me! In my own home!" He picked up his staff and was prepared to show him why he was called Mott the Wave. He casted a water spell directed at the black hooded man but he opened a portal to avoid his attack.
"How did you-!?"
"Sorry, but I don't have business with you Mr. Curly but I have some friends here who would love to keep you company." He snapped his fingers and heartless came.
Flashback end.
He finished explaining, as he gripped his sleeve tight with anger "It was bad enough for him to insult me as a nobleman but to send these creatures as well to attack me!" He remembered the humiliation of this but Sora was shocked to hear this. A man in an all black coat, with a hood. There was only one group of people who wore that kind of outfit. He pulled out his gummi phone and pulled up a pic of the coat he was talking about.
"This coat he was wearing. Did it happen to look like this?" He showed the picture on his phone. Count Mott looked at the image on the screen, it was an exact match.
"Yes, that's the one. How-?"
"I've met these people before. They're dangerous too."
"How dangerous?" Asked the maid. As Sora replied, she is very dangerous.
"Well then, I will report this to the palace. Take your leave."
Sora stopped him from leaving. "Wait, there's actually something I wanted to ask you." This got his attention. "I want you to let Siesta come back to the school."
"I know you're planning on having her as your mistress."
"Ha, that maid now is my belonging and what I want to do with her doesn't concern you, boy!" His answer with the high and mighty expression really made Sora growl in frustration. As a commoner, she should be honored to serve a high class noble like me. Now get out of here before I change my mind!"
"Hey! She's not your plaything, you know! She is a human being and my friend, she isn't something you just use as you see fit, and if I have to knock some sense into an old pervert like you…" He summoned his keyblade and pointed it at him with a scowl "...Then bright it!"
Siesta felt the air leave her body when he said all that, her heartbeat was slightly faster than normal.
Count Mott couldn't believe that there was another stranger would disrespect him like this "Enough of this!" He shouted "Fine then, if she's that important to you then let's make an agreement. If you defeat me in a duel, I'll relinquish all rights I have to Siesta. However, if I win, I'll strip you of your title and leave your family in ruins."
"Fine by me!" He shouted as he got into his fighting stance.
Sora leaped high into the air as a stream of water was directed right at him. Upon landing on the ground, he immediately shot at the Count before swinging his weapon.
Count Mott panicked for a brief moment before he waved his staff forming a water serpent which then darted toward Sora. The keyblade wielder used his reflect spell to put up a barrier to shield himself from the attack. When the snake dispersed Sora did a roll.
But as he moved out of the way Mott sent arrow-like projectiles at him as Sora grabbed his kingdom key and quickly slash through all of them. "Thunder!" A bolt of lightning was sent directly at the noble man who fell on his knee.
'Lightning?' He thought 'Right, he can use fire magic. I should have known.' He could feel his fingers going numb as electricity coerced in his body when a block of ice ensnared his arm that was holding his staff. He raised his head as Sora was holding in his hand the kingdom key, pointed right at his face.
"Well it looks like I win!" He gloated "That means you'll let Siesta go now, right?" He confidently asked the Count.
Count Mott could only grit his teeth in anger. Never once had he felt so humiliated like this in his life, especially for being defeated by some child. "You can not do this!" He said in rage. "You think I will just give you my maid like this!"
"You know I just realized that you don't have any guards, right. They all must've been turned into heartless, well don't worry when a heart is released from a heartless they'll go back to normal eventually. But uh, right now you have no one to help you. So…."
(Outside)
Meanwhile the girls all arrived at Count Mott's mansion. They each jumped off of Sylphid. Louise was thinking of a way to punish Sora extremely for this kind of disobedience, and with his kind of track record, it was likely that danger and trouble weren't too far behind him And low and behold he was here walking out the front gate with Siesta as she was no longer wearing her other maid attire.
"Louise, wait a minute!" Sora pleaded as Louise quickly stomped forward to him and immediately pulled on his ear, hard.
"Listen, you are in a lot of trouble! For sneaking off and lying to me!" She yelled "I specifically told you not to get involved, but you went behind my back!"
"P-Please miss Vallière!" Siesta tried to defuse this situation. "It's not what you think!"
"It's exactly what I think."
"Just let me Speak!" Sora screamed as he took back his head and held it both of his hands and was shaking in pain. Siesta asked if it hurt a lot. Sora said to her that it's not that bad, but the pink haired girl still wants an explanation especially for how he even managed to get Siesta out of his custody. Sora promised to explain everything when they got back to the academy.
The trio of girls got on Sylphid, while Sora and Siesta rode on horseback, Kirche on the other hand wanted to trade seats with the black hair girl and ride with Sora. But the dragon alright flew into the sky leaving the red-headed mage to pout as the horse began to follow them.
(Academy of magic)
On they're way back to the institute of magic, Sora had to explain to Louise and the others what really transpired at the mansion.
"Monsters?" Tabitha said.
"There were monsters at his mansion?" Kirche said.
Sora nodded "They're actually called heartless. And yeah." Louise looked at him as she remembered how he talked about heartless before. About how they are incarnations of the darkness that lie in people's hearts.
Sora could already tell that this is bad. He was wearing a black coat, so that could only mean one thing but, The organization was defeated, there had to be no way. But what if Mott really was telling the truth and there is still a survivor from that group. This could pose a problem for this world.
"But that still doesn't explain how you manage to talk to him about giving up Siesta?" Louise asked getting back to the topic
"We… made an agreement. And don't worry. I never said anything about being a familiar or you being my master. I promise, it won't ever happen again." While Louise was unsure what they agreed upon. But she felt that it must've been something impossible. She dotted her eyes at Siesta and asked what really happened.
She said that Sora saved his live from the heartless and he wanted to compensate for his bravery. She lied, leaving out the fact that they dueled for Siesta's freedom if she knew that she would explode.
After a moment, Louise took a deep breath before speaking in a more self-controlled tone. "Just so we're clear, you are still in so much trouble, so as for you punishment no meals at all tomorrow and you get to sleep outside tonight and tomorrow. She then turned away from Sora with a smile of satisfaction and victory plastered on her face.
"Oh, come on!" He groaned. "I save someone's life and I get in trouble for that?"
"Well we're going to bed, come on Tabitha." Kirche said as her blue haired friend began to follow her. That just leaves Sora and Siesta all alone.
"I'm sorry." She said
"Forget about it." He said back. "Come on, I'll walk you back." He picked up her suitcase and they walked over to the servant quarters.
"I know you must be glad to be back?" Sora asked as Siesta nodded.
"Yeah. It is." She smiled. "Thank you again for what you did."
"It's not a problem at all." Sora said to her. "But why did you tell me that you were leaving?" He said with a hint of sadness and disappointment in his voice
"It's not like I didn't want to tell you, I just didn't want to make a big deal out of it. After all, it wasn't your concern." She looked to the left with shame.
"Yes it does!" He said as Siesta looked at him. "You're my friend Siesta. Whatever happens to you is my concern. Louise said that he was going to make you into his mistress, you think I was going to just sit still and let you live a life I know you wouldn't want?" The maid gasped in disbelief as she brought her hands to her mouth.
"Of course not. Whatever's wrong you can always come and talk to me. I know I don't have all the answers but I won't think twice about helping a friend when they need it. So promise me if there is anything bothering you just let me know, okay?" He said.
Siesta lunged and hugged him tightly which surprised Sora very much with her sudden act. She began to feel a joyous emotion that took over as she smiled holding him tight. And just before letting go she gave a peck on his cheek.
"I promise." She said happily as she ran into her room.
Sora was left standing like an idiot but not long he held his hand to the spot where she kissed his face and his face immediately turned red. All the while Derf began to laugh.
[Ha ha ha!] The sword laugh [Wow! Who would have that thought you were such a ladies man!]
"What!? No!"
[They fact is you got skills.] The two argued back and forth as Sora began walking as he was saying that he wasn't a ladies man but Derf knew otherwise he could deny it but he had a certain charm. This continued through the night.
End.
