Chapter 10: The fiancé's arrival
Both master and familiar did not expect this, the princess showing up out of nowhere lightly bowing in front of them. "It's good to see you." Henrietta said as a smile crossed her features.
"P-Princess Henrietta?" Louise gasped before she knelt on the ground in front of her. "What are you doing here?" She asks as Sora relinquished his weapon as he also greets her highness.
"Hey Henrietta. Is everything alright?" Louise glared at him as she is royalty and he should still show a little more respect than that.
She walked to the two of them and slightly bowed in front of them "I am in need of a favour from the two of you and I need it done in secrecy." She walked to the bed as she began explaining the situation to her "You see I've chosen to accept a marriage proposal from Germania."
Louise gave a startled gasp. "Princess, why would you do that? Why are you marrying a country of neanderthals?"
"This is all to keep the peace of Tristain, in case something were to happen we need allies on our side as much as I don't want to. I must do what I can for my people."
Louise was sympathetic "Even so... the thought of that is just..."
The princess shook her head lightly "There is no need for that Louise. As princess of Tristain I will not hesitate to sacrifice my own needs to put my kingdom first and foremost." She put on a brave face as she walked to the window staring at her reflection before saying "However...There is something rather important I need your help with."
Louise didn't hesitate and accepted the princesses request "Please you highness, if there's anything I can do to be of assistance to you I'll do it!"
"The same goes for me!" Sora stepped up "I might not know what's going on? But I'll help in any way I can." He said right now Louise would probably call him out but not this time, she just looked at him as the both locked eyes with the princess who smiled at her friend's determination.
"You two...Thank you Louise, and you too Sora." The princess replied "There is a letter that I would want the two of you to retrieve."
"A letter?"
"I sent it to Prince Wales of the kingdom of Albion." She told the pink and brown haired teenager's in the room
"Albion!" Louise gasped with a surprise tone in her voice.
"Is that another country?" Asked Sora. Louise answered saying that it's an independent country that lies a little out at sea. And actually a little before he came to Halkeginia there have been rumors of an uproar as of late.
"Louise is right. Right now Albion's government has been growing more and more unstable." Said Henrietta "So much so that the prince went into hiding."
"I also have been hearing that there's been a rebellion for the crown and civilians are likely going to start a civil war." Louise finished.
"It is very difficult to ask this of my best friend, but you two are the only ones I can rely on for this situation." The princess said as her voice cracked that it almost sounded like she would have been brought to tears "At this rate, Whales will be dethroned and the kingdom of Albion will fall into the hands of the rebellion. If that were to happen..."
Louise immediately dropped to a knee in front of the princess. "It is an honor to serve you Henrietta. Please leave it to us."
Sora frowned a bit when he heard that there is fighting among everyone else, it sounded almost like the keyblade war only their might not be that much of an aftermath but still this all sounds horrible but if there is anything he could do to help, even just a little he'll do it and if this country is a bad as they say them likely the guy in black and the heartless might also have a part in this as well.
In the midst of their conversation, no one seemed to notice that Louise's door was slightly cracked open. It wasn't until the conversation was about finished the door slowly cracked open "Who's there?" Everyone turned towards the door to see a familiar blond pretty boy, leaning against the frame of the doorway as he elegantly held his rose wand in his hand.
Sora immediately called out his name "Guiche. What are you doing here?"
"I was just seeing how Louise was doing after we gave her the antidote, when I overheard everything that was going on." He said as he walked to the princess and his friend but not before kneeling in front of Henrietta. "Forgive me for my interruption princess Henrietta, if I may I would be honored if you would let me join in this quest. For me, Guiche de Gramont will assist them in any way I can."
Louise rejects the idea, seeing that this was her mission and a chance to prove herself "No! You'll only get it the way!" She turned to Sora "Come on, say something?"
Sora scratched the back of his head "The more the merrier, besides I don't see it being a problem. He did help us get you back to normal." Louise curled up her hand soon realizing that it was stupid to try and talk to him about this.
As for the princess she only stared at them in confusion "Antidote?" Louise quickly said to her that it was nothing, nothing she should worry about!
"Um, alright?" The princess was unsure what that was about but chose to leave it alone "And Gramont? You wouldn't happen to be related of the general would you." The princess asked to the blonde playboy who was still kneeling
"That I am, your Majesty." Answered Guiche
"Is he trustworthy?" Asked the princess to Sora.
"He is." Sora began "He's a good guy despite a few bad habits he has, not only that he did help me out in uh, recent events."
"What kind of recent events?"
"It's kinda funny, actually. You see Louise-" Sora soon grit his teeth as he felt pressure on his foot he looked at Louise who growled at him with her eyes turning pure white and her teeth looking akin to that of a shark's. "Nevermind." He said with a bead of sweat dripping down his face.
The princess wasn't sure what was happening right now but chose to forget it for now. "Alright then, if you vouch for Mr.Gramont then I'll accept his offer to assist you both." Said the Violet haired girl with a smile on that note Louise screaming while Sora and Guiche simply high-five one another excited for another adventure.
(Outside)
Sora had brought Delf with him to work on his swordplay, especially his duel wielding he forgot how cool it used to be. As he grabbed the sword from his back, taking a position a brief memory appeared in his mind.
Flashback
Henrietta smiled a bit before she pulled off her ring and gave it to her. "This is the ruby of water. If prince Whales happens to see this, he will know that I sent you if you show it to him. And tomorrow you will meet someone else who will be joining you on your mission. He is also someone I trust deeply. He knows the geography of Albion better than anyone else I know, he will be your guide."
"I understand princess." Louise said. "I swear, I will not fail you!" She said in determined.
The princess had left the room, Guiche also went back to his room as well to prepare for the trip too. Sora had asked Louise if he could go outside for a little bit, to prepare for the trip ahead. In her mind he's like going to work on his swordplay, with nothing to do she agreed to his request. But he shouldn't stay long; they also need time to get ready.
Flashback End
Sora knew Louise wouldn't hesitate to help but something in her voice wasn't the same, it was more like she was desperately trying to prove herself more he feels like this might turn into an obsession for her. Just what could Sora do for her? What can he say to keep her spirits up?
"Hello." Sora turned around as he felt someone tapping his left shoulder, it was Siesta.
"Oh hey Siesta." Sora greeted. "Why are you here?"
"I was taking a break from work, so I thought I would get some air." She asked before asking about another question "What are you doing out here.
"Just getting in a little work out before tomorrow." He replied to the maid
"Are you leaving?"
"Well I'm going out for a while with Guiche and Louise." He said as the black haired maid's response was why. "Well I'm not supposed to tell anyone this but we got a mission for her highness. We're leaving tomorrow." Siesta was shocked to hear that they are going on a mission that was directly asked by the princess herself.
"Wow!" She whispered.
"I know right, Louise was very insistent on doing this." He looked up at where the lights were still on in one of the towers. "I know she wants to help but I'm a little worried about her, that she might take it too far." Siesta could hear the tone in his voice. He sounded concerned about her, even Siesta knew about the 'difficulty' she had as well. Either way she had Sora so maybe things might work well.
"Speaking of Miss Vallière, how is she doing?" The maid asked as she was also curious about the current state of the petite pink-haired mage.
"A lot better! That antidote worked fast."
"That's a relief." She said with a smile and a sigh.
"Why do you mean, and why do you look so happy?"
Her expression soon changed when he said that, her look was now turned too embarrassment as she blushed from ear to ear. She was relieved that Louise was back to normal because she didn't want anything to happen between them, she wasn't jealous she was just concerned!
"I mean you must be relieved! Yeah that's what I meant!" She said still blushes adding on to it with a nervous laugh.
"Okay?" The keyblade wielder tilted his head confused about why she is laughing right now. But still when she mentioned the antidote, Sora's mind darted back to the words left behind by the water spirit how they're was another guardian of light, probably from the time before the keyblade war began that must have meant that this world was connected in the past and others had come and go from here before, but then this one keyblade wielder that came here.
He appeared over thirty years ago and all that was left behind was his keyblade, the very same one that was now in Sora's possession. But what he was really thinking about was what the water spirit said to him about how someone named Gandálfr made and kept a promise to her in the past. Just who is or what Gandálfr is supposed to be anyway.
Still not paying attention, Siesta soon came back to reality when she could see the puzzle expression that was on the spiky hair teen face. "Are you alright?" Asked the maid.
"Just thinking." He said "Hey, do you know someone who is like, really good with history?" Sora asked as she thought about his question 'good with history' their was only one person that came to Siesta's mind.
(Louise room)
Louise was sitting on her bed looking at the ring that the princess had given her. The fact that Henrietta would entrust her a mission like this was a little bit overwhelming to her, she was and has been call a failure all her life and her best friend nay her majesty gave her such a mission such as this it played in her head like a loop and kept popping in her mind over and over could she really do this? What if she were to fail, would there be a war between two countries because of her.
As worry and anxiety took over Sora came through the door finishing his work out. "I'm back!" Sora announced "You're still up?"
"I'm just a little worried." She said "What if we fail."
"There is nothing to worry about, we'll get Henrietta's letter to the prince, no problem." Sora said not sounding a little worried at all. "Although, kinda makes ya wonder what's so important about a letter anyway?"
Louise shook her head, completely unsure herself. "I'm not sure but I can say that if we don't succeed then it will cause trouble for the royal family on both sides. l bet you didn't know this but Princess Henrietta and Prince Wales are actually cousins."
"Seriously!?" Sora said with a bit of shock in his voice.
Louise nodded at him then she soon sign. "I don't what to do Sora. I can't use magic to save a live, but the princess is expecting me to undertake a task like this." Louise curled up holding her legs tight, Sora could see it in her eyes that she is still having doubts about her own power. She has already done a lot with or without magic but Louise didn't see it that way.
"...I don't think she wouldn't come to you if she didn't believe you." Louise looked at him "She came to you because she trust you Louise. You two have been friends forever right? So naturally she has faith in you, not because of magic but because you are a hard worker, because you are strong in your own way is why she is believing in you."
"But...Can I really do this?" Louise was about to keep downing herself as Sora came up to her and put his hands on her shoulders.
Sora gave his master a gentle expression "You know worrying' gets you nowhere. Magic or no magic, you've done some pretty impressive thing. You can be pretty stubborn at times but anyone else can see you have a strong heart, you're a kind person too, all you just need to do is believe in yourself a little more, and you can accomplish anything." He took his hands from her shoulder and pointed a finger towards where her heart was.
"Just trust yourself a little more."
Louise looked at him every time, he was doing nothing but giving her kindness even after all the times she was being mean to him Louise started to feel like she didn't deserve it. She gently brushed him off and rolled under the covers. "Must be nice being optimistic all the time." Louise sigh
Sora watched her and he sat on his straw bed, his back against the wall. "Hey Louise."
"What is it?"
"No matter what happens, I promise I'll be there to protect you." Sora replied to her as she suddenly blurted out to him
"Well that's to be expected! You are my familiar after all!"
What she said had Sora stifled a giggle "Well I mean as a friend too, I wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt you." He said but Louise didn't reply back. She probably went to sleep right now Sora adjusted his body against the wall and gave one more look at the pink-haired mage.
'Goodnight Louise. And may your heart be your guiding key.'
He silently gave Louise a small prayer as he soon fell asleep. However little did he know Louise was still awake, she didn't expect that he would say he would protect her, she thought he would do it as her familiar but she was thinking differently. She turned over and looked at him as he was fast asleep, she didn't do anything but stare at the spikey familiar as she also clutched her hand and put it close to her slow but loud beating heart. What is it that she is feeling, maybe there are still effects of the aphrodisiac still in her system, Louise turned away from Sora closing her eyes and falling into slumber.
(Academy of magic- Morning)
"Hello. Mr.Colbert, are you busy?" Sora knocked on the door of a small shack.The door soon opened and the teacher Sora called out too appeared right in front of him.
"Oh Sora. Good to see you." Mr.Colbert "Is everything alright?" He asked the teen if he wanted to talk inside of the small house-like building. When he got inside the place looked to be a type of laboratory with beakers on the table and books on the shelf and along the wall there was a map of Halkeginia also. Sora looked around a bit, and he was amazed Siesta wasn't kidding around when she said that he very much indulges in everything old.
"Is this like a private study?" Sora asked
"Something like that, yes." The teacher answered. "It's where I do most of my work. And right now I am currently working on discovering and locating an item that came into this world, very rare treasure.."
"Where is it?" Sora asked with excitement and curiosity
"I don't know, I'm narrowing down the locations and I think I might know where it might be." He replied "Now then is there something else going on?" Mr.Colbert asked, obviously there was something on his mind. Sora soon began explaining to the teacher about what he had to ask.
(2 minutes later)
After some time explaining Mr.Colbert began to understand what this was about, actually he was expecting sooner or later he would bring this up but to think the Miss Longueville, no, Fouquet the crumbling dirt had that knowledge already where did she come across that information. The water spirit is one thing but her. "...Now I understand. Honestly I expected that you come and ask me about Gandálfr sooner or later."
Sora stared at him "You know who he is?"
"Yes and that's you." He said as Sora was confused.
"Me?"
Jean Nodded "The form of magic you wield is different from our world right? Your power comes from your keyblade, a weapon of light and those who are able to use them must be strong of heart whether their hearts are light or darkness."
"Right. And once we do we soon unlock our abilities to use magic. Although we rely more on our sword skills." Sora finished. And Mr. Colbert continued.
"But as you see, here in our world, those born in the family of nobility are born with at least one affinity for magic, each one representing the shape of the pentagon, fire, earth, water, and wind. However there is one element that is now considered to be forgotten to the ages, and that missing fragment was once known as void magic." Mr Colbert explained.
"Void magic?" Sora repeated he's never heard of that before.
"That's right. It's said the users of the lost void magic were said to be the most powerful of all the spell casters, and Gandálfr happened to be the familiar of void. The runes on your left hand are exactly that of Gandálfr." Mr.Colbert continued "Legends also say that Gandálfr had the power to freely manipulate any weapon he came in contact with." Sora pulled off his gloves and looked at the markings inscribed on his hand.
"So. If I really am this Gandálfr, doesn't that mean Louise is a void mage?" The keyblade wielder said as the teacher was unsure.
"Well it's a possibility but, we can't be certain of that."
"What do you mean?"
"Because no mage nowadays has ever been known to possess void magic. While the runes on your hand do resemble the same on Gandálfr possessed in the past, however we can only make an assumption but there's no way of telling if you really are Gandálfr or that Miss Vallière is a void caster."
As Mr.Colbert finished explaining everything he knew Sora was left to his own thoughts. His eyes stared intensely at the markings of what he said could be true after all when he is holding Derf in his hand or when he's using form change it's like- almost like something is taking over but at the same time it also felt like he was in control. But if he really is supposed to be this legendary familiar then Louise has to be a void mage, is that the reason she has no control over her power?
Oh, right Louise! Sora just realized that today is their mission for the princess.
"Oh, I just remember I have to be somewhere! Thanks for the talk." Sora bolted to the door but was stopped by the teacher.
"Before you go. Can you please not tell Miss Vallière about this, at least until we have confirmation, I don't want her to get her hopes up for nothing." He said to Sora worried how his student would feel. The keyblade wielder also thought about Louise's feeling and said he won't tell her about any of this. He soon left the small hut leaving the teacher alone but soon went to work again.
(The school gates)
Louise and Guiche were at the gates, the pink haired mage was on top of the horse she picked out while Guiche had two horses that were being held by him, one for him and another for Sora. They had everything ready now all that's left is the escort that the princess had provided, and a certain brown haired teen, just where he is, Louise felt like he forgot or something, as she tried to assess his whereabouts she soon heard his voice.
"Hey!" Sora ran up to them with Derf slugged over him "Sorry I'm late."
"Where have you been?" Asked Louise as Guiche handed him his horse.
"Uh, just." Sora tried to explain but Louise ignored it.
"Nevermind you're here at least. Now where is this escort?" She said looking around for whoever the princess sent, when suddenly she heard a noise off of the ground. The trio watched the ground when suddenly a huge mole popped out from the dirt.
'Why is there a giant mole?' Sora thought to himself. As he did Guiche began doting his partner.
"Verdandi!" Guiche jumped from the horse and towards his familiar.
"Oh, my darling Verdandi. You must have been so lonely, you wanted to come with us didn't you." Guiche continued to cuddle this familiar as Sora and Louise walked towards him.
"Hey Guiche, is this your familiar?" Asked Sora and Guiche answered yes.
"Oh no, we are not taking a big mole with us." Argued Louise
"Why not?" Guiche countered. "Sora's your familiar."
"He has more uses than a mole the size of a cub would." She said as Verdandi came up from the dirt and crawled over to the explosive mage. Louise was on guard as the giant mole knocked Louise off her feet and started sniffing all over her.
"Ahhh!!!" She Screamed "Get it off me!" She pleaded as they kept rolling over and over, they soon stopped as the mole was sniffing the water ruby.
Guiche soon realized what Verdandi really wanted. "Oh now it makes sense, he only wants the ring."
"Why's that?" Sora asked
"Well, because my Verdandi loves jewels. Especially gems that are of great value."
"You mean he eats gems?" Sora assumed. But Guiche said no, being an earth mage Verdandi tends to bring him all kinds of exotic jewels from the ground. But Louise wasn't having it and this ring isn't something that this over sized mole will take.
"You can't be serious! This isn't just some piece of jewelry that belongs to her majesty! I'm not letting some oversized rat take it from me!" She yelled at the boys who were still watching her struggle "Now will someone please help me!" Louise begged just a strong gust of wind came out of nowhere pushing the mole off of Louise.
Guiche screamed in a panic "My Verdandi! Who's out there!?" Guiche ready his wand and Sora was prepared to unsheathe the sword from his back both mage and swordsman looked around the area and found no one when suddenly a strange noise was heard, but they didn't know where it came from above. All three looked sky something came down a griffin and it appears it wasn't alone, on its back was a man with long gray hair, a goatee, and a large hat with a feather attach.
The man who was on the griffon jump of. "Who are you?" Guiche angrily said, still pointing his wand at him.
The figure tipped his hat "I mean you all no harm. My name is Wardes, captain of the Griffin unit. And I am the one who is to serve as your escort." He raised his hat now showing his face.
"Sir Wardes?" Louise squeaked as she stood up and brushed the dirt off her clothes.
Sora raised an eyebrow in confusion as he looked between the man and Louise a few times. How did Louise know this man?
"You know him?" Asked Sora.
"You will have to forgive me. I feared that something was attacking my precious fiancée." He said as he gave a small bow. Then he turned to Louise before walking up to her. Sora and Guiche couldn't believe the words that just came out from this man's mouth.
"What?! Fiancèe?!" Sora blurted
"You can't be serious...!?" Guiche followed up.
He reached down and grasped her hand before gently kissing it. "It is good to see you in such good health, though I do admit, this was a strange way to be reunited after all these years. My darling Louise."
Louise looked at him with a flustered look on her face "It-It's a pleasure to see you as well."
"Come now there is no need to be so shy." He said as he picked her up in his arms "I see you are light as a bird's feather, as all ways." That comment made her blush even more. He soon carried her to his griffin before sitting down. He then turned to Sora and Guiche. "Now then let us be off!" He exclaimed the boy as they soon got on their horses and began following him.
Meanwhile upstairs in the tower Kirche had woken up from a noise that was happening out and saw that handsome fellow carrying Louise. That display had her fuming, she was confused as to why is everyone suddenly liking that little loser!
During the trip, Sora couldn't believe how Louise was acting, she was shy, quiet, and spoke in a well-mannered tone of voice much different from her usual self and it was all because of this man, he never thought Louise was getting married so why didn't she mention it?
"I'm surprised, I never thought I would see you Sir Wardes." Louise said.
"Well, we can't mobilize the entire unit for this operation. When her majesty consulted me about the letter to the prince, I offered to serve as your escort."
"Y-You offered to help us."
Wardes gave a gentle look at the girl he was carrying "I couldn't just sit idly by after hearing your name." His comment made Louise smile with a bit of pink on her face.
"Sir Wardes." She smiled blushing at her fiancé.
Meanwhile in the back Sora watched the two of them interact with each other, it felt so weird seeing Louise acting like this she must really like this guy does she have a thing for older guys or something. 'Man, it's bizarre seeing Louise act like this.' As Sora continued his inner dialogue, he soon looked at Guiche, Louise wasn't the only person acting weird today.
"I can't believe we are in the presence of the captain of the elite Griffin Knights, this is truly a heartfelt moment." He said with a pleasant sight.
"Wait, what exactly is a Griffin knight?" Sora asked as Guiche was about to fall off the saddle at Sora's question, has he been living under a rock. Guiche regained his composure and began explaining: They are the most skilled and powerful mages that are hand-picked by the Tristain royal family.
"They were picked out by the princess."
"Yes." Guiche replied "But they're not the only ones, they're the Manticore knights and then there are the Dragon knights, the Musketeer knights, a group made up of just women and so on. Believe it or not Louise's mother was a previous captain once before and an extremely powerful one."
A look of surprise was painted on Sora's face. Louise's mom was a captain, she really has a lot of secrets about herself and her family but at the same time he was starting to feel like this was completely unfair. He told her everything about himself but she still was reluctant to say anything about herself and after everything that they've been through together you'd think she started to trust him a little more. Just then, as Sora felt something in the air, the horses and the griffin were spooked by something in the road.
A small number of heartless appeared out of nowhere, some shadows and a few bandits and fat bandits. Everyone looked startled just as Sora jumped off the horse and summoned his favorite deputy keyblade. He ran in front and cut down the shadows and a group of red nocturnes took the place of the fallen shadow. The bandits began swinging their sword's, Sora clashed his keyblade with them, sparks began to fly from their blades as they both were in a deadlock.
Just then one of the fat bandits chose to take advantage of this by coming up behind Sora, and preparing a breath attack. The keyblade wielder quickly turn his head and performed a roll, getting out of the way, before fire came out of it's mouth setting the bandit heartless ablaze. Sora quickly did a slide dash and slain both heartless with ease, he looked back at all the remaining forces as he jumped out of the way of incoming fire balls.
"Waterga." Sora moved to the center of the red nocturnes and summoned a large ring of water at the nocturnes as they soon disappeared, now all that was left was the ones on the ground. The words Jean said replayed in his head, how Gandálfr had the power to wield any weapon, well let find out if that's really true, Sora raised the favorite deputy keyblade as he transformed into strike form and a rocket flew out from the keyblade and went back to it and extended to the hyper hammer, as the transformation was finished a blue light came off from under his glove.
Now, time to take action, Sora ignited the rocket on the hammer and dashed at the fat bandits as he was swinging the hammer with the ignition still on. The moment it was turned off Sora began swinging the hyper hammer across and followed up by having it at his side as did a powerful upper swing that also sent him in the air, after that, the rocket grew in size and Sora did a downward strike at fat bandits, now all that was left were the remaining bandit heartless who soon ran at him, he spun the hammer in the air and ice surrounded Sora, encasing the heartless.
The hammer started to shrink down and wrapped around his arm and it transformed into the drill punch. Sora aimed the drill in front of him and it turned into a claw and it grabbed one of the frozen heartless "This'll hurt!" Sora lifted the heartless into the air and started using the claw to slam it into the others that were still frozen in ice. As he finished he slammed the last one hard into the ground leaving a few cracks into the dirt.
"And that's that." Sora said as his transformation wore off he ran to the others. "You guys alright?"
"Yes!" Wardes said "We're all fine."
"Times, I am both impressed, and somewhat afraid of your power." Guiche said as he reminded himself from their duel, but Sora tilted his head not sure why he would say that.
"I must say that was quite interesting." Wardes said, drawing Sora's attention. "You're quite skilled for one so young. I guess those words were true after all." The griffin walked by him as Wardes looked behind him, his eyes met with Sora's before looking back. Sora slightly narrowed his eyes out of caution.
"Sora!" Guiche got his attention. "Come on, we're leaving." He said as his horse walked past him.
"Yeah, coming." He walked and jumped on the horse that he was riding and began to follow them.
(Academy of magic)
Back at the School, the headmaster met with the princess who arrived some time early after their departure to Albion.
"I'm surprised you didn't come along with the Viscount." The old sorcerer said "You could have seen them off."
"No. I have faith in them. Founder Brimir, please watch over them." The princess closed her eyes and she started to pray for their safety.
As she finished there was a fast knocking on the door. Knock, Knock, Knock*
"Enter." Old Osmond said and burst forth was Mr.Colbert with a worried expression on his face.
"Your highness, master Osmond. We have an emergency!" He announced with a bead of sweat "It's Fouquet... She's escaped!"
"What!?" He shouted
"I heard from one of the guards, apparently she's been missing for some time now."
"How did this happen?" Asked the princess
"One of the guards who was on duty said that he was knocked out by wind magic.
"I can't believe this happened!" The princess said as the headmaster wore a very serious look. If what mr.Colbert said is true then that means...
"Your Majesty, if the information is correct, then this means we have a traitor among us." Said the headmaster to the others.
"Yes sir, you're right." Agreed Jean.
"But what about Louise and the others, Fouquet would still have a grudge against them, especially towards Sora." The princess said with worry.
"I wouldn't say too much about them. If it's him he'll be able to endure anything."
"Why is that?" Henrietta asked as the educators looked at each other
"Have you heard of the stories about Gandálfr?" Mr.Colbert said, which made the princess curious.
"You mean, the familiar of the void?" She replied to the old man, as he and Mr.Colbert began explaining a hypothesis that they had for a while and it all began with Miss Vallière.
(A few minutes later)
"Are you saying that Louise is a descendant of the founder?" The princess said
Both teacher and headmaster nodded "That's right. While Sora has the mark of Gandálfr, we are still uncertain whether or not Miss Vallière is a descendant of the void. But we can count on Sora and his power." Osmond said to the prince as Mr.Colbert followed up.
"He's right, Sora is actually more than you'd think. Not only does he wield magic but he always hails from another-."
Chough* "Goodness." Old Osmond coughed "Must've had something in my throat." He said before shooting a look at the bald headed teacher, he soon realized what he was doing.
"Um, You see. Sora comes from a land far from Halkeginia we may not know where his homeland is entirely but I can say that he has done and seen many amazing things in this world of ours." Mr.Colbert said turning to the head master "Isn't that right sir."
"Yes. That's right." The old sorcerer also said.
The princess could tell that they must be hiding something, and it probably involves Sora, but going along with them she chose to believe them. "Very well then, I'll pray for their success." Said Princess Henrietta as she went back to more important matters "Well then, I should return to the palace and assess the situation."
"Very well then."
"Please excuse me." Henrietta bowed, taking her leave as soon as she was gone, leaving the educators by themselves.
"Blabbermouth." Osmond said harshly as Jean slightly laughed.
Meanwhile, everyone was riding through a narrow gorge in the mountains, although Sora was confused why they would take a mountain path to reach a port. Guiche said to him that he will see very soon why they are passing through a mountain, just then they all could see a town this far in. They had finally made it to their destination, the port of La Rochelle.
As they entered the village, Sora couldn't help but be impressed, it looked like this entire place was made out of the stone, which in fact it was, Guiche had explained to him that a group of square-class mages who were skilled in earth magic were able one bolder into this piece of art that is know now as La Rochelle. Sora was amazed by this whole city from one giant rock. He had to take pictures to show everyone else, even if they wouldn't believe it.
It didn't take long for Sir Wardes to lead them to a small inn where they would wait until the ships would leave for Albion. Currently, Guiche, Sora, Wardes, and Louise were all sitting at a table in the inn's restaurant, eating a meal.
"I find it interesting that you managed to summon a human to be your familiar, Louise." He said as he gently smiled at the girl.
Louise had a blush of embarrassment on her face as she looked away from the handsome man. "It is the shame of my career as a mage."
The Viscount reassured her "No. I don't want to be sarcastic. I genuinely mean it Louise, this is an amazing achievement."
Louise blushed, smiling at her fiancée but Sora wasn't paying attention and neither was Guiche. They were having a second helping of the food that was on that table but the keyblade wielder stopped as he saw Wardes staring at him.
"I have heard a lot about you." Wardes said, catching Sora's attention. "I heard that you have quite a winning streak against nobles, am I right? Your first fight was between the two of you wasn't it?" Said the viscount.
"Yeah." Sora looked at the man in the eyes "But how did you know?"
"Being in my position, I have heard about a lot of detailed information. There have been all kinds of rumors about a young boy, who is able to use the magic arts and who uses a key-like sword, you fit that description quite well." He said with a trusting smile.
"So you know a lot about me?"
Nodded Wardes "Yes. To your battle with Count Mott to how you captured Fouquet the crumbling dirt."
Sora couldn't believe that there were rumors about him going around maybe that's why he looked at him the way he did, no that's not it he couldn't explain it but there was something in the pit of his stomach that is putting him on edge, he seems like a good person and more tolerable than the other nobles in this world but he felt like he couldn't trust him, why is that?
"I speak on behalf of the magic guards, and myself, thank you for saving princess Henrietta and for protecting my fiancé."
"It's not that big of a deal. I did what was right, nothing more." He said as the Viscount had a hearty laugh which soon came to a stop.
"You know I'm starting to grow interested in you. In fact…" He said as his eyes narrowed a bit. "I would like to test Sora's skill for myself."
Louise gasped as well as Guiche, and Sora was a bit surprised that he would challenge him of his own accord. "You want to fight me?"
"Viscount!?" Louise was opposed to the idea.
"Our ship isn't leaving until tomorrow. And I would rather not spend my time merely sitting around. Would you be opposed to a duel, Sora?"
"I guess it would be fine?" Sora looked at him curiously but still accepted the duel.
"Sir Wardes! There is no need to duel my familiar!" said before she turned to Sora. "Sora, as your master, I forbid you from dueling Sir Wardes."
"Don't worry Louise." Wardes said gently, but firmly. "I told you it's fine. I just want to see the power this child possesses." The two stared at each other but Sora narrowed his eyes a tiny bit as he took a sip of water before he took a long drink.
(Sora and Guiche)
After dinner everyone went to the prepared rooms, Sora and Guiche were assigned a room together, while Louise and Wardes were in a room of their own.
Guiche was outside on the balcony taking in the view while Sora was lying on the bed with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed, he stared straight up at the ceiling.
"I must say it's a beautiful night." Guiche said
"I guess it's alright." Sora replied. And Guiche suddenly gasps "What?" Sora asked, sitting criss-cross on the bed.
"Oh, right. I just remember that I have something important to take care of." Guiche said ecstatically
"Like what."
"I remember seeing a charming young woman during our dinner. It's considered poor manners if I don't introduce myself to her." He quickly walked out of the room Leaving Sora and Derf alone.
Sora smiled at him in amusement "You'd think he learned after that whole love potion fiasco."
[The hard headed never learn.] The sword as Sora smiled laughing at what the sword said.
"I guess so." Sora replied as he took Derf out to the balcony along with himself. He stared at the night sky and he looked to have something important on his mind "Say Derf."
[What is it?]
"I was wondering, do you know anything about Gandálfr?"
Derf couldn't believe he was asking him about that now [You're seriously asking me that now?]
"Hm?"
[If you're not Gandálfr, then who exactly are you? It doesn't matter whether it's 6,000 years to now, my partner forever remains Gandálfr. And that's you.]
"What do you mean?"
(Louise and Wardes- Play-Happy things)
Meanwhile Louise and Wardes were together having a glass of wine catching up on old times.
"I must say, it's quite astounding to see how beautiful you have become." Wardes comment.
"Thanks, it means a lot." Louise said
"I truly mean it." Said the viscount "Ha, I remember how your mother and father would always compare your magic abilities to your sisters Éléonore and Cattleya. And you would also cry in that little boat, remember that." He said playfully embarrassing her.
"Aw. Sir Wardes. Please."
"But even when you were still a child I sensed an aura in you that no one else possessed."
Louise repeated "An aura no one else possessed."
The viscount continued to compliment her. "That's right. You have a special kind of power Louise, and you're the only one who has it."
Louise was flustered as well as being modest "N-No. Even now, I'm still unsuccessful at casting even one spell."
"When this journey is over, I ask for your hand in marriage." Louise gasped at the sudden proposal.
(Sora and Derf)
The two continued their talk on the balcony "We just bought you at an armory for cheap. I mean that was a coincidence..."
[For a guy who travels to different worlds, are the people who you've met just some random encounter, I think not.] The sword said.
[I believe that there is no such thing as coincidences, in this world or any other. Like how you met that noble girl. And our meeting as well, you've always been my partner and I exist to be used by Gandálfr. Do you understand now.]
Sora actually is starting to get the picture and with everything that's been going on, it can only be true. "Then why didn't you say anything before? If you knew more than what you were letting on?"
[Because you never asked.]
"True." Sora said back. He does have a point he probably should have asked beforehand but everything Mr.Colbert said must be true then, and what Delf said also must have been confirmed. He took off his left gantlet and eyed the marks that were engraved on his hand. "The ability to manipulate any weapon in my hand." As it sounded it's also kinda cool.
[But let me say this, that power is only good for weapons that are meant to be used as weapons. Remember that shiny sword that red-headed girl wanted to give you, it doesn't work for decorative items like that.]
"Alright then. But tell me, why does it work when I do my transformations but not my keyblades in general?" Asked Sora which was true it always seemed to work with his keyblade transformation but not the keyblade itself.
Derf had a little theory about that, it probably was because his keyblade was something so unique and uncommon. It was a weapon with a mind of its own that only is to be wielded by only certain individuals. Not only that he's been wielding it for a long time so naturally he likely has more knowledge of it. Now as for why it activates during his transformations, the rules of it likely change after the transmogrification.
"I guess that makes sense." Sora told the sword leaning his back against the rail "So if I wield you in a fight I'll win?"
[Fool! It's on you to win or lose. I'm only getting used.]
"Then I guess we'll have to win tomorrow then. I'm counting on you... Partner!"
(Louise and Wardes)
"You remember how my parents passed away a long time ago." He narrated "It was a long road that I had to endure and wanting to make myself known I entered and rose through the ranks to become a captain of the Griffin unit. But just so you know I don't want to end my career just as a knight, someday I want to rule a country. No one day, I want to be someone who can change the world of Halkegenia."
"But to ask me to marry you..."
"That's because a man came to me, and said that I have the power to make a difference, but he also said I couldn't do it alone. You were on my thoughts at the time Louise and I couldn't have asked for anyone else to take my side in this rising darkness."
"Okay but a marriage this sudden?" Louise said as Wardes suddenly caressed her face and cupped her chin he looked her directly into the window of her soul. As Louise accepted his affection closing her eyes awaiting a kiss.
"Louise, my darling...I swear, I'll do whatever I can to protect you." He said but for some reason Louise thought of someone who said those words.
(Stop playing-happy things)
'No matter what happens, I promise I'll be there to protect you.'
"...Sora." The Viscount pulled away confused as to why she would say his name.
Louise on the other hand just realized what she had said. "Wait! No, I didn't mean it like that. You see Sora came here from another-. I-I mean I summoned him here from his homeland so I have a responsibility-."
"I see that someone else has taken place in your heart." The viscount said
Louise denied what she said "No that's not true!"
"Don't worry. I won't force you to make a decision. But by the end of this trip, your heart will be with mine." He said calmly as he walked to the door.
"Wait! Listen to me." Louise pleaded
"I think I'll rent one more room." He said before exiting the door he looked back at his fiancé "Goodnight Louise." He said as he closed the door behind him.
Louise wasn't sure what to do, she just sat back in her chair with her head on the table, covering her face with both hands completely embarrassed at what she just said before uncovering her face as a bit of red was showing. Why did she say Sora's name, that potion should be out of her body, or maybe it's not the potion but...No, no that can't be, it could never happen could it?
(Outside)
The night was peaceful, calm and quiet but in the shadows three mysterious figures were all standing on a building, one with a mask and two with hoods covering their faces.
"So where were you two?" The masked figure said
"Relax. We made sure that we weren't spotted by anyone." One replied he sounded to be a man
"Are you sure you know what to do?" One said in a female voice.
"Of course he does." The hooded man said to the female "You see unlike you, he's actually assessing this carefully and calmly, you could probably learn a thing or two." He teased her.
"Why you...!"
"Enough! Both of you." He said to them "I need you both to work together if our plans are to succeed." The female looked at her partners, one she trusts the other she doesn't but if their plans are she bit the bullet and sighs reluctantly.
"What would you have us do?"
(Next Morning)
In a back alley Sora and Wardes were well prepared for their duel. Louise was present as well but she kept trying to talk them out of this madness.
"Listen to me Sora, Wardes, please there is no need to do this!"
"There are times we nobles can't help but to see the strength and weakness in others and compare it to our own." He said to Louise before engaging with Sora
"So are you ready?"
Sora looked eager, "Yeah." Sora said as he drew Derf from his back. Wardes as well went into a fighting stance also.
The swordsmen both ran at each other and began crossing blades with one another. Wardes style was more controlled and his footwork with a sword was also well balanced; he blocked some of Sora's strikes but as he countered and began attacking, Sora went on the defensive, dodging and blocking his strikes in turn.
"Del wil sol la winde."
[Watch out!] Derf warning.
"Aerora."
The two of them both cast a wind spell. As their spells collided with one another they were both pushed back. Wardes dragged his feet against the ground and Sora was sent flying to a wall but flipped his body landing on the wall and using the momentum to spring back. The captain quickly parried his attack, pushed him back and Sora landed on the ground.
"I must say, your skills are fantastic. You are certainly no naive that I can say for certain." Wardes praised.
"Thanks! I don't know what 'naive' means but you ain't so bad yourself." Sora said back as he gripped Derf tight and Wardes held on with his sword with a good grip. He soon rushed at the captain who blocked his attack back and forth. The two continued to cross blades, sparks flew off their swords and a look of excitement was shown on their faces. Wardes did a series of jabs with his sword, Sora deflect each one as he did a turn holding Derf straight out as he and thrust Derf straight at him, but, Wardes parry his attack the swung their steel back and forth Sora leaped backwards and ran to Wardes.
Wardes quickly put his guard up and soon the two were in a deadlock. Sparks began to fly off as their weapons were grinding against one another. This standstill seemed to go on and not one of them looked to be backing down, the swordsmen looked eyes as well, Wardes could see the fire, the passion this child possessed, but soon, he became overpowered as Sora flicked the viscount sword out of his hand. The blade clanked to the ground, and Sora pointed Derf at the captain.
The fight was over, Sora pulled back and placed Derf on his back.
"That was quite exhilarating. I haven't had a match like that in a long time." The viscount said walking to his sword and picking it up. "You know if you weren't Louise's familiar I would make you a member of my unit. But I have to ask why you were holding back?"
"What?" Asked Sora. Louise didn't even notice.
"You were moving faster but I could see you were matching my strength, why is that?" The viscount asked.
"Well because you're important to Louise. That's why I was holding back, because I didn't want to see her sad."
He answered Louise blushed a little, so he wasn't really serious and he was also doing it for her sake.
"You seem like someone who is rather emotional, and sometimes blind trust can be foolish. If you show mercy to your enemies they'll always find a way to take advantage of that kindness. You know the heart can sometimes mislead people."
"Maybe but I think that there is light in every heart." Sora stated
"And that is a child's way of thinking. You mistake kindness as a strength but it can also be a kind of weakness. You may have defeated nobles but you still showed restraint. I'm sorry to tell you this, but as long as you think that way everyone you know will end up hurt." Wardes got to the point as he walked off
"What I mean to say is that even the brightest light can soon turn dark. As long as you carry on that weakness, you won't be able to protect anyone."
Louise called out to him, saying there was no need to be so harsh but her words passed him as he continued to walk away. Louise turned to Sora who had a hurt expression on his face, seeing him like this wasn't good, in fact this was the first time she saw him like this.
Louise thought maybe she could say something to the keyblade wielder to try and snap him out of it. "Um...Sora?" Sora didn't even reply back as he too walked away leaving Louise all by herself.
End.
