Chapter 17: Training
(Academy of magic)
Sora was sitting on the roof of the school, gazing over the horizon. He needed some time to himself for a bit; since that incident with Henrietta, the young champion of light had so much to deal with – learning about Wales being a nobody, Xehanort, and Xigbar, and finally, a new Organization XIII.
He just couldn't believe this. Why was it that every time they defeated the organization, they always found some way to come back? That battle at the Keyblade Graveyard should have been the last of them, but apparently, it wasn't.
The sound of wings flapping and a strong wind blew in his direction. He turned around and saw Slyphid and Tabitha standing side by side.
"Hey you two." Sora greeted.
Tabitha spoke to him and said, "Come." However, Sora didn't understand what she meant.
"The boys are leaving the academy; Guiche is also going."
'Oh right, the guys are all going off to war.' Sora nearly forgot about that fact. Tabitha offered him a ride down. The keyblade wielder noticed that the blue haired girl was still a little standoffish and she still kept to herself but she seems to be trying to come out of her bubble. Although what could the reason be?
At the school gates all the boys were packed up and ready to be shipped out. Guiche was among the boys who were ready to be deployed, but not before giving a farewell to his girlfriend.
Taking Tabitha's offer for a ride, Sora climbed onto the dragon's back. As they both got on top of it, they began to fall to the ground. Louise watched them from above, feeling the wind blowing through her hair. She could see Sora sitting on the dragon's back, holding tightly to Tabitha.
And so they all headed to the gate, ever saying goodbye to one another.
"Guiche, I am going to miss you. Please be careful." Montmorency said as she gave Guiche a small hug.
"Well, if I do parish away, it will be defending my country. If I die for the sake of Honor, I will be fine with that." Guiche said, returning the hug back to her.
Sora and the girls stood in the back, giving Montgomey and Guiche their moment. What he just said, however, left a sour taste.
'If I die for the sake of honor, I will be fine with that.'
What the hell! Why would someone die for the sake of honor? Why did he say that? Should there be more than just honor?
"So, Sora, how does it feel to be the only boy on campus?" Kirche said.
Louise lightly elbowed him when she said that "You better not get any ideas."
"Of course not." Sora said in a flat tone of voice. He and the girls walked over to the two blond teens.
"Guiche." Sora called as he raised his hand in greeting.
Guiche and Montmorency looked over at the approaching ground.
"Sora. And you girls are here too." The playboy blonde said to the trio of girls behind Sora.
"Yeah we came to see you off." Sora said, giving his signature grin.
Guiche smiled as he dramatically flipped his hair. "Well, I do appreciate it." He said as he turned to the girls. "And I suspect the beautiful maidens are bidding farewell to their knight as well?"
Both Louise and Kirche gave him a flat look. And said at the same time "No way."
Tabitha was too engrossed in a book to pay attention to him.
Guiche dramatically fell to the ground, a storm cloud forming over his head.
Montmorency's eyebrow was twitching uncontrollably at his antics. "Guiche, I swear, if the war does not kill you, then I will." She said as she crossed her arms.
Guiche looked up at her, his eyes widening with over dramatic tears falling down his cheeks. "Montmorency!"
Sora couldn't help but laugh at the situation the male blonde was in. He simply rubbed his back, trying to comfort him out of pity. It seemed that he still hadn't learned a thing from the whole 'love potion incident,' but whatever; he wasn't changing.
"Ah! Thank you, Sora. You're a true friend to me!" Guiche cried tears of joy.
Sora stopped rubbing his back and held out his right hand towards Guiche.
"Good luck, Guiche. You better make it back too."
Guiche returned the hand shake. The girls couldn't help but smile at this, the two were nothing alike, but the connection they have is a strong one. It's also kind of funny how they became friends in the first place all it took was one little duel and the two of them were friends.
"There is something coming towards us.
A student caught wind of a dragon's call as he and everyone else who was still present saw something in the sky. Everyone looked up and saw a dragon flying towards them. And not just a dragon, but a white dragon that was flying at them and what also appeared to be a rider as well.
The massive creature continued to approach before it finally was close enough to land. Now that it was on the ground, everyone got a good look at who was riding the magnificent beast.
As soon as the dragon landed, the man leaped off and stood straight, looking at the surrounding people with a small grin on his face.
The entire courtyard was silent for a few moments before it erupted with activity. Most of the female population squealed in delight, raving about his attire and attractiveness. Most of the girls went as far as abandoning the boys they were seeing off in favor of this new knight in shining armor.
He had platinum blonde hair and was wearing a very appealing attire that made him give off the aura of a noble.
But his most distinguishing feature was his eyes. His right one was blue and his left one was red.
He also possessed a confident air that made all the girls squeal.
"Who's that?" Sora asked, turning to the girls. Both Louise and Tabitha looked at the man with curiosity as well. Montmorency and Kirche on the other hand were a part of the crowd, supporting a healthy blush.
"Oh, who is this handsome new stranger?" Kirche was completely mesmerized.
The young man suddenly turned his attention towards Sora and his party before his confident grin grew a little. He elegantly made his way over to them.
"My name is Julio Chesaré, pleased to meet you." He said with a small bow.
Kirche stepped in front "My name is Kirche von Zerbsts." She pushed out her chest.
"And mine is Montmorency Margarita la Fère de Montmorency." her face growing a bit hotter under his piercing gaze.. Guiche tried to get her attention but was brushed aside.
His tears ran down his face.
Juilo then turned his attention to the rest of the group.
They gave their names as well "Tabitha."
"My name is Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière."
"Guiche de Gramont." Guiche said, still upset.
"I'm Sora."
"The pleasure is all mine." He held his hand as Sora shook his hand. Julio gave another smile before he turned away from them. "I am pleased to meet your acquaintance. I have transferred here from Romalia. I look forward to studying with you all." He said before he started to walk off.
"Wait, where are you going?" Kirche called out.
Julio laughed softly as he turned to them. "To class of course. Classes are about to start if I am not mistaken."
Louise realized that he was right. Class was about to start. She locked arms with Sora and dragged him to her classroom.
Julio watched as the pink haired girl was dragging the young brunette around. He grabbed his chin.
"Louise Fançoise… and Sora, hm."
It wasn't moments later that Sora found himself sitting in the classroom again. The only difference was that there was a severe lack of males…and the fact that nearly all the girls in the room were staring at Julio.
They all gave pleasant sighs and moans at how handsome he was.
Sora was seeing him being rather calm about this as the heterochromie student was calmly taking notes as Professor Colbert was going over today's lesson. Only a couple girls were actually paying, mostly Tabitha and Louise as Kirche and the rest of the girls were gushing over Julio.
Professor Colbert also seemed to notice the major distraction that was happening to his students. The bald instructor would occasionally try to get their attention but it would fail miserably as the girls in class were more interested in the young man than in the lesson. Sora started to pity the teacher.
The lesson was going fine until the door suddenly slammed open, causing everyone to either jump a bit, and take their attention away from Julio to see what the disturbance was. There was a line of musketeers that suddenly entered the room followed closely by a very stern, but familiar face.
"Agnès?" Sora commented out loud.
Just as he said, Agnes was standing in the doorway of the classroom, a sour expression on her face. From the looks of it, she really didn't want to be here.
"Alright, class is over." She barked as she moved forward. "We have been assigned here by the queen to provide the student basic combat instructions. You are all to report outside on the field!"
All the mages looked around in uncertainty at the sudden orders. Whispers began to flow through the classroom from curious students.
"Combat instructions?"
"What."
Michelle growled at the lack of response "Did you all not here, class is suspended, now MOVE!" She barked, causing a few students to jump a bit before standing from their seats.
Colbert frowned when he saw this. "Everyone stay in your seats." He said before he turned to Agnes. He gave her a very stern stare.
"Sir, in case you aren't aware that we are in the midst of a war. Now is not the time to hold lectures."
"I will not have you bringing war into my class Agnès.
Agnes narrowed her eyes a bit before she gave him a confident smile. "Is that right?" She said before she quickly drew her sword, resting the point right under his chin.
"Whoa, Agnès, what are you doing!?" Sora got up from his chair.
"We are in the middle of war. We need every hand available. I hate mages with a passion, especially ones that use fire. This is an order from the Queen, so if you get in my way…" She left that threat hanging in the air.
Agnès lowered her sword from Professor Colbert's throat, causing the man to take a few steps back and nearly collapse.
Agnès turned to the class again before her eyes narrowed. "What are you waiting for? Out on the courtyard, NOW!" she barked, causing the rest of the students to quickly stand up and made their way out of the classroom.
Sora walked down with Louise but he stopped and turned to the blonde knight. "Agnès, you didn't need to go that far!"
Sora barked. Agnès merely scuffed and walked away. "Don't tell me how my job is done."
She and her other knights walked. Sora walked over to the teacher and asked if he was alright. Mr.Colbert replied that he was fine. The keyblade wielder turned back to the door, what's the deal with her, why was she being so rude.
(Courtyard)
It wasn't long before all of the students were standing on the academy grounds, the hot sun beating down on them. Each of the students were given a long staff and ordered to stand in rows. Agnès gave a small demonstration of what they would be practicing before she commanded them to start the drills.
There were a couple students that thought this was a waste of time, that magic could triumph over physical combat any day. Agnès however quickly disarmed one of the girls, telling them that magic can always save you, and you don't have enough time to cast a spell. If she were an enemy, that girl would be dead on the spot.
Sora did agree with Agnès on that, something magic isn't always going to save you, that's why he worked more on his swordsmanship. All keyblade wielders mostly focus on melee attacks and then combine them with magic. But they mostly focus on their own sword skills.
He continued to watch the girls sparring with each other as he soon saw a good few of them surrounding Juilo, they all asked if he could partner up with one of them, but Juilo humbly declined as he took Louise as his partner.
They girls all felt heartbroken. Why Louise of all people!?
The platinum blonde let her make the first move she rushed in only to fumble and nearly trip. Juilo however caught her and showed her how to truly do it right. Louise started to feel her face heat up, getting a closer look at his face he is quite pleasing to look at.
Sora watched Juilo give Louise a demonstration. He wore a blank stare as he noticed how close he was to her. He might be too close to her. Sora thought as he had a sudden displeased feeling in his chest, his gaze must've made contact with Louise as she turned her head into this direction, Sora quickly looked away, not wanting his eyes to meet hers.
'Okay, what am I doing?' He wondered.
The guardian of light stood up and started to walk away from the group of students and knights. Since they were training, he felt that maybe he should do it too. Plus it might do him some good just in case the new organization decided to make a sudden appearance.
"And where do you think you are going?"
Sora stopped and saw that it was one of the knights that was following Agnès.
"Me?" He pointed to himself.
"Yes, you. Everyone is doing drills, why are you just standing here, lazing about?" Michelle said.
Sora replied to her, "Well, I was going to do my own training." He glanced over at the girls who still had a difficult time trying to deal with the rods in their hands. It's pretty clear that none of them have ever held a weapon in their hands.
The only thing that gave him an actual workout was when he was training with Guiche.
"So, you think your method is better?" She challenged whether he thought that this training was inadequate.
"I never said that." Sora raised his hand in defense. "I'm just saying that I like to train by myself."
Michelle threw a wooden sword at Sora and demanded a challenge "Then why don't you have a spar with me? I've heard about you. They say you're the reason we won the battle at Tarbes, and that you single handedly beat the previous captain of the griffin unit, as well as monsters. Show me that the rumors are true, that you're not just some brat with good luck."
Sora's eyebrow twitched, did she really need to be that disrespectful? Did she forget that Agnes threatened Colbert or was she and Agnès looking for a reason to start some trouble. And good luck, he really did that stuff, no luck included.
Gripping the handle of the wooden sword, Sora got in his single-keyblade stance. If she wants a spar then she is going to get one.
The musketeer also got into a rough stance before she quickly rushed forward, bringing the sword above her head. Sora quickly deflected it with an upward block. Sora then pushed her back with all his might, she didn't realize that a frail looking boy like him was actually strong. She then ran over to him swinging the wooden sword.
But each slash was block by Sora, he had no problem dealing with her attacks as he and Michelle were now in a deadlock, he pushed her back and went on the offence he started swinging his wooden sword at her, She stumbled a backwards a little bit but she regained her balance and was avoiding his strikes. She was a bit more agile than he thought.
Back and forth the two dodge and clash swords. As Sora did an overhead flip, swinging the blade on her side and pushing her down to the ground. The woman scrambled to her feet, her eyes full of anger and humiliation. Crouching down, Sora got ready to attack.
Seeing this, the musketeer readied herself, preparing for whatever he had up his sleeve. He dashed towards her and she prepared to block but much to her surprise the sword was knocked out of her hand. The keyblade wielder brought the sword down on her shoulder and then to her ribs and finally to her gut.
She fell on her knees because of the force of the blow. She looked at him with narrow eyes.
It was her own fault for underestimating her, now she knows better. Being a good sport Sora offered her hand up, but she rejected and walked away.
She challenged him first and she was sore about it. Sora was about to walk away and do his own training However, he noticed that the little duel had attracted the attention of most of the students. They had stopped the drill and were staring at Sora in awe.
It had been some time since they saw Sora fight, the last time was when that heartless attack occurred during the exhibition. The girls stared at him, amazed at how skilled he was with a sword. He gave a small blush of embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head.
Agnès had also watched the short match between him and Michelle as well. So he really was a skilled swordsman.
"Michelle!" Agnès called out to her subordinate. "Take this defeat as a lesson, never underestimate your opponent."
Michelle bit the inside of her cheek "Yes, captain!" Agnès said as she turned to Sora, only to find him walking away again. "Where are you going Sora?"
He turned around, "Well I'm going to train."
"There is no need to be by yourself, you're more than welcome to train with us." Sora glanced back at the students, who had continued their drills. He'd rather not since there wasn't really a person who could keep up with him, maybe if he held back but still he would rather not take any chances.
"Uh, yeah. Well I don't want to take any chances."
"So that means that your training regimen is a lot tougher than we believe?"
Sora turned to see the new student, Julio, approaching with the staff in his hand. He stopped within a few feet with a hand on his hip, a confident grin on his face. "Based on your impressive display, I can tell you are very strong. I would be interested in testing my own strength against you, if you would not be opposed."
Sora stared at Julio, so it sounded like he wanted to fight him.
"Sure, why not." Sora agreed
Julio held up both his hands. "Oh, no. Not right now. How about tomorrow afternoon? I am a little tired from the drills today."
Sora looked at Julio, they were only just starting, and he's already tired. No that wasn't it he didn't look tired at all.
Regardless, Sora agreed to his request. "Sure thing."
"Excellent. How about we make this interesting…" Julio said as he closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. He called Louise over here.
"Louise, can you come here for a minute." The pink haired girl heard her name being called and walked over to Agnès and the other.
"What's wrong?" The girl asked.
"Nothing really. I just happened to ask Sora for a friendly duel." Juilo said.
Louise looked at Sora. He expression was dull but her eyes said 'Do you get involved in fights all the time?'
"Don't give me that look. I don't go looking for trouble or looking for fights. It's the other way around."
"Sure it is. And…"
"And I was thinking about a little wager."
"A wager?" Sora repeated.
Juilo nodded "That's right, how about the winner of our duel gets a kiss from Louise." That remark made both Sora and Louise blush.
"What!?"
"Don't make suggestions like that!"
The rest of the girls heard this and couldn't believe what kind of deal was being made.
"You're from Romalia, Right?" Agnès asked
"Correct. And truth be told I also happen to be a flamen." Julio replied.
"Flamen?" Sora asked not familiar with the term.
Agnès translated "It means he's a priest."
Julio kept his confident smile "Right again."
"Then should a priest be engaging in desires?" Louise asked.
"Under the pope, I've returned to a more secular life. I may have been trained in priesthood, but my body was not trained as well. So it reacts this way whenever I'm in the presence of a beautiful woman." He teased by grabbing her by the waist and pulling her towards him. Louise started to blush by the sudden action.
Juilo laughed just as Sora got in between them and pushed them both away. He was then protecting Louise, having her stay behind his back.
"Alright alright! Calm down."
"Was it something I did?"
The blonde and the brunette were staring at each other.
Sora couldn't explain why, but for some reason, him getting so close to Louise really annoyed and upset him.
"If you want a match I'll give you one!"
"I look forward to it."
Juilo humbly walked away. Sora did the same but he huffed as he walked away.
The girls who were watching could only hold their breaths as they were looking at a scene from a romance book, about two individuals who loved a noble woman who would duel for her hand in marriage.
They all squealed covering their mouths, while some of them were green eyed. Kirche among those jealous girls. Why was someone like Louise suddenly so popular?
Agnès gave a depressing sigh as she shook her head in disappointment. The blonde haired knight soon composed herself and ordered the girls back to training.
"What kind of effort is that?!" Agnes barked, shaking up a few students in the process. It had been about an hour before the mages of Tristain were already exhausted from the drills. It was rather pathetic in Agnès's opinion.
A few students grumbled as they pushed themselves back to their feet to continue. However, a majority of them continued to complain about being tired and sore.
Agnes snorted in distaste as she heard the complaints. "And you are supposed to be royalty and mages, all I see is a pathetic group of weaklings. We are done for today. Make sure you rest up because today I was going easy on you. Tomorrow we will start the real drills."
Most of the Nobles' faces went pale at hearing that. A few others grumbled, but silently left the courtyard, retreating back into the academy. Agnes gave a frustrated sigh as she watched them leave. That just left the small group of Tabitha, Kirche, Montmorency, and Louise
"My arms." Louise whined as her arms were so sore.
"Oh gosh dammit."
"I don't think I can go on.."
Agnes gave a frustrated sigh. People were dying for Tristan on the battlefield, but here these mages were complaining about a couple combat drills.
But as she was tired of hearing them complain, she began to wonder about Sora, what kind of training he was doing.
Her mind grew curiouser and curiouser about the kind of training that he was up to.
"Michelle" Agnès said, getting the woman's attention. "Go on without me. I need to check on something."
Michelle stared at her leader for a few seconds before she shrugged. She turned and walked away into the academy.
Agnès then came up to the girls. "Louise. Do you happen to know where Sora went off to?"
"No~." She tiredly said.
Agnès then started to make her way in the direction where she saw Sora walk off to. The girls began to follow even though they were still sluggishly slow.
they searched all on the school grounds but they ran into Siesta, who was washing clothes. Louise asked if she had seen Sora anywhere. The maid did see Sora earlier by the school gates, so he should still be there.
They all found themselves outside of the walls of the school, looking for the keyblade hero.
It didn't take long, Tabitha spotted something in the distance, as did the others. It was Sora and in his hand was the same halberd that he used previously. He held it in both his hands as he did a dash forward striking outward before seeing the spear change forms into a flag he began whirling the storm flag all around his body.
He twirled the storm flag over head then gave a strong kick mix in with how he was spinning his weapon. Sora followed up by doing a backflip with the storm flag in hand as he then planted the end of the flag in the ground and spun around it. He finished by jumping in the air ending with a spike drop.
He then switched from his strike form to his blitz form with his blizzard blades, he started to skate with the ice on his feet giving a slash with his right hand following up with his left. He jumped in the air with a twist and then started to use the ice skates in the air. Before landing on the ground landing on his hand doing spinning slashes while alternating hands. He ended by doing a leg sweep making an ice ring, Sora then disappeared and reappeared up top the circle. Slamming his hand down creating a ring of ice spikes.
He took a breath powering down from his form change. The spikes disappeared.
"So, how was that?" Sora said to Delf. He wiped the sweat from his face
[Not bad. You're definitely putting Gandálfr's powers to good use.] The sword commented.
"Yeah. The new organization won't stand a chance with the abilities I got!" Sora said with confidence. Let organization XIII come, he's beaten them so many times over this would be nothing.
[Hey, we got an audience.]
Sora turned around and saw Louise and the others who were watching him work.
"How long have you been there?" Sora asked.
Agnès stepped forward "Not long. I was curious about the training you were doing."
"Impressive as always darling, that's why you're my number one." Kirche said, latching onto him.
"I have to ask, what were those?" Agnès asked.
"You mean my formchanges?"
"Formchanges?" Sora explained to Agnès that he had the ability to transform his keyblade into different kinds of weapons, a sword, shield, guns. Even a war hammer and a few others. This fascinated her. He was an excellent dragon rider, he used unusual weapons, and he also was a magic user.
But that wasn't all since she knows that Louise is a void mage; she also happens to know the legend of Gandálfr as well. Did all of his abilities come from his powers as a familiar or were they something else?
"Just who are you, and where do you come from."
"It's difficult to explain."
"Try me." Agnes said flatly. "There have been all kinds of strange activities that's been happening, even her majesty the queen is also at a loss. And it all revolves around you plus this group, Organization XIII? You seem to know them and they know about you. Is there more to you than what you're letting on about?"
Everyone fell silent; they knew the reason for everything that had happened. But they couldn't say a word about it. This made Agnès even more suspicious of them. But she did have a valid reason, her seeing heartless and a couple of nobodies are one thing but the prince of Albino alive and collaborating with the enemy honestly who wouldn't be suspicious of that.
"Well…" She said impatiently.
Sora asked Kirche to let go and she did. "Listen, I know you and Henrietta have a lot of questions. But it's not so easy to explain my situation."
Agnes gave a sigh "I suppose people are inclined to keep secrets."
Sora raised an eyebrow at her. "You sound like you speak from experience."
She briefly turned away "Let's just say I also have a past I don't like sharing."
She said as she also remembered how Sora called out the names of those people back at the lake. That one Xemnas he called, she hadn't forgotten the stare he made at her. Actually she remembered his voice from the forest when she was on her way to help queen Henrietta.
'Still… that one, how did he know my past?' She grimmed. The first time they talked to each other Xemnas knew who she was and everything about her. Then just before he vanished, he told her to hold on to her vengeance, her rage, that it would be the fuel for her own abilities.
She had no ability to speak of that man must've been talking nonsense.
Sora looked at her with worried eyes. Something must have happened to her, something bad and how she glared at the once leader of the original organization. He must have said something to her, that's why she looks bothered.
"Listen, my story is a complicated one, but maybe after all this is over I might tell you and Henrietta everything."
Louise pulled Sora close to her and whispered in his ear "Hey, are you sure about that?"
"She and the queen are already a part of this. They know something is going on and sooner or later, they're gonna ask."
Louise couldn't help but believe what Sora was saying was true. They did have questions and that they would need answers to those questions.
The only thing is whether or not they choose to believe that Sora is from another world, and that the prince is and at the same time is not Wales.
"In that case…" Agnès said as she suddenly drew her sword.
Sora guessed what this is about ""You want to fight me?"
"I do. I heard that you bested Wardes in swordplay. Practicing with wood swords is helpful, but it's nothing compared to fighting with the real thing. I figured since you are so good, I would be able to get some real practice in."
Sora gleamed with a confident grin
"Okay…But just to be fair" he drew the sword on his back. And got to a rough sword stance.
"You're not using your other sword?"
"Nope, like I said I want it to be fair. And to give you a bit of leverage I won't be using any magic either!"
Agnès smiled as she got in a balanced stance with her sword. The two sword wielders ran towards each other and clashed blades.
Sora ran to her with a side sweep but Agnès quickly carried it while swinging her sword at him but Sora reacted and dodged her attack by stepping to the. They two grind at each other. Agnès ran towards him steel began to clash with one another, sparks started to fly off their blade all while they kept a joyful grin.
(30 minutes later)
"Wow those two are really going at it."
The sun was setting and the girls were still watching Sora and Agnès go at it, they were covered in sweaty as they continued to cross blades with each other, Agnès couldn't help but admit that this boy was definitely well trained in the art of swordplay, but his movement were definitely that of someone who was self taught.
Sora also could see Agnès was really good, her foot work was good, and her coordination was great. If she ever had magic or was trained as a keyblade wielder, she would really be a force to be reckoned with.
It wasn't moments later that Agnès finally stopped attacking. She dug her sword into the ground, falling into her knees while she tried to get her breath back. She looked up at him in frustration, seeing that he wasn't really breathing that heavily. Actually he looked less tired than before. His moves matched her's, was he holding back?
Sora put away his sword and walked over to Agnès giving her a hand, she accepted it as Sora hoisted around to her feet.
"That was a good match." Sora said to her as she also sheathed her sword.
"Yes it was. Now I was able to see how you were able to handle yourself and Wardes." Agnès complement.
"But why were you holding back?"
Sora was surprised that she could tell. "You knew?"
The blonde knight nodded. "Your speed was a lot slower than from what I was seeing earlier, not to mention you were matching my sword skill."
"I only use my full power when I'm fighting bad guys, and heartless."
Agnès took that as an insult "So you only use your maximum when you're dealing with real threats. How childish."
"How so. You were doing the same thing." Sora said.
Agnès eyes widen a bit "So you notice as well."
Sora rubbed his nose with a grin "Don't underestimate me."
"Still Agnès. You are a lot better than Wardes, that's for sure."
"I will take that as a compliment. Wardes was an expert swordsman…But it's obvious your skills are self taught."
"Me and my best friend used to practice with wooden swords all the time back on my Island."
This information intrigued Agnès. He's from an Island. She asked for more info about him. He didn't have to reveal everything about himself, just what he was okay to talk about. Sora started to answer some of her questions. Like his keyblade, where did it come from? And where there are others like him.
Sora and Agnès began walking to the back too the school as the girls followed behind him, Sora started to tell Agnès some of the things about where he grew up, and the places that he seen during his travels. Agnès then asked about his keyblade and where it came from, he said that he acquired it at least two years ago as it was a weapon that can only go to those with a strong heart.
So there was a requirement for using a weapon like this. The blonde haired woman asked where there were other keyblade wielders like him in the past, since she's never heard of them. Sora said yes, there was a long time ago, but they all ended up turning against each other resulting in a civil war. Leaving almost no survivors.
Louise and the others knew he was talking about the first keyblade war. That's when the pink haired girl asked how many are left now.
He explained that it's just him and nine other wielders. So basically ten in total.
Agnès gasped. While Montmorency covered her mouth and the others were at a loss of words. There's only ten keyblade wielders, they didn't even stop to think how many are left let alone how small of a number it actually was.
Louise apologized. Sora however didn't seem to be bothered by it.
Siesta heard this as well, there were that many now, actually she wondered if there was something side could do, since her fathers side was the same as Sora.
But getting back to the subject Sora then asked about Agnès. Where did she come from? She gave a sigh, "I was born in a village called D'Angleterre…"
After her story was done Sora looked at her with a somber expression. "I am so sorry that happened to you. Is that why you hate mages?"
"Yes. I never knew the reason why my home was targeted but I lost everything. My friends, my parents, everyone I ever loved was burned away. I was close to dying myself, but someone saved me."
"Ever since then, I have worked hard to get my position as a chevalier as well as a captain. Queen Henrietta took a chance with me and I want to repay that judgment she made making me captain of the musketeer knights. And one day, I'll find that son of a bitch, and make him pay for what he has done!"
Sora didn't say anything as he looked up at her. She had a fire in her eyes, but it wasn't determined.
It was hatred.
"Anyway, I never really told anyone else about this…so…thank you for listening to my story." She walked away.
"Agnès…" Sora thought as she walked further away. To be the sole survivor of a terrible tragedy. It can be frustrating and to be honest Sora could understand why she wanted revenge, but living with just vengeance in your heart, it doesn't amount to anything. It just changes you for the worse.
Siesta spoke up "Sora, are you alright?" the black haired girl asked.
"Yeah. I'm fine." He said but didn't sound okay.
(Albion)
"I can't believe you failed at obtaining the queen, Wales." Wardes said, sitting at the table.
After their plan was unsuccessful. The members of the new Organization XIII returned to Albion, in the old castle.
"To be far, I haven't seen his abilities first hand. I only knew what I heard from Xehanort."
"And let's not forget that the brat also has Gandálfr's powers too. Along with his little void master."
Matilda said, propping her head with her arm. She scoffed, "That boy has got more power than any noble or mage combined."
"That's right. You would know. Considering that you lost to him before, Matilda." Wardes. The green haired woman clicked her tongue.
"And let's not forget how you were defeated by him more than once, Wardes." Matilda said back.
The silver haired man growled at her. Wales smiled at her remark "Yes. While I wasn't present to see your previous battles with Sora, I was witnessing your aerial one. You were so close too."
Wardes summoned his sword and Wales had his wand in his hand. "For someone with no heart, you seem to be quite audacious."
The blonde prince stared down the Viscount. "And who was the reason I became this thing?"
"Besides, while I have no heart, I do see the humor in this. You worked with Xigbar, only to be used and to become a pawn to him."
They were ready to start a fight. A dark corridor appeared. "Well, good to see you children getting along." Xigbar said with Xehanort by his side
"Oh, you." Wales said with venom.
"That's quite enough. Come now there is no need for this foolish drivel." Xehanort said. They both relinquished their items.
"What do you want?" Matilda asked.
Xigbar said, "Nothing, just seeing how you lot are getting along with each other."
Xigbar said obviously playing games. As he could see they had a displeased conversation with each other.
"We were just having a disagreement." Wardes replied.
"Didn't seem like that to me. But of course there is still some bad blood."
"You don't have to worry."
"That's right."
They tried to sound convincing. They both could tell that three of them were all trying to sound as convincing as they could. The two organization members opened a corridor of darkness and left the other three alone. As they left, Wardes looked at the spot where.
He thought back to when he and Matilda were turned into these 'nobodies' and how if they help him, that he would let them go and return them human. He had no trust for that one-eyed bastard nor his constituents. They did however decided to go along with his plans for the time being
But if he ever got the chance, he would make Xigbar pay for this.
And when that's done, Sora and the queen were next.
And once he returned to his previous state he will rule over Halkeginia.
(Morning)
The next day Sora and Julio were squaring up with each other, their wooden swords drawn. They had quite the crowd, though most of them were cheering for Julio. The boy seemed to relish in the attention, from what Sora could see.
Agnès was overseeing the duel, but she had a knowing grin on her face. She knew that Julio didn't stand a chance.
"I hope you're ready Sora." Julio said as he flicked his hair in a manner that reminded him of Guiche. This also made the keyblade wielder remember the first time he and Guiche dueled.
"Bring it on!" got into his basic stance with the single wooden sword. Julio also got into his own comfortable stance, both waiting for Agnes to signal the start of the match.
"Begin."
The two dashed towards each, Juilo was able to make the first move but Sora was quickly able to parry his attack Sora and Julio continued to clash their swords at each other and chips of wood began to fly off with each strike.
The girls started to cheer from the excitement of the duel that they were witnessing.
Sora did a flurry of back to back strikes as he jumped into the air, the platinum blonde block the upward attack the he performed just as Sora twisted his body while still in mid air landing on the ground they keyblade wielder then rush at him with a strong diagonal slash but Julio was quick to block the attack. Julio quickly jumped backwards, his arms already shaking from the force of the blow.
Juilo ran to Sora but as he was preparing to do, the blue eyed teen blocked that oncoming attack and the two were in a deadlock.
"Impressive strength, Sora." Julio said.
Sora smirked, "Thanks, you're not half bad yourself." The two pushed away from each other and charged again.
"Sora…" Louise said holding Delf.
[Quite yer worrying so much. That guy may have years. But my parents got experience.]
"So he'll win."
[Yep. They're about done testing each other.]
The sword was right Sora and Julio were just measuring each other's strengths. Now it was time to see how well they actually are. Sora did a reversal avoiding Julio's strike but Sora lunged at him while holding his wooden sword out Julio did a back step.
After at least twenty minutes had passed both swordsmen were still going strong. Juilo was feeling rather excited, he'd heard all kinds of rumors but to see the level of skill and power that he possessed was unbelievable. Sora also couldn't believe how well Juilo could handle a sword. He definitely was someone with years of experience and training. They both were thrilled dueling each other but now it was time to end this.
Sora got into his keyblade stance and Julio held the wooden sword in a well balanced stance. They ran towards one another and locked blades. Julio pushed Sora back and continued to strike at him but with Sora's reaction speed he blocked everyone of his attacks.
Sora did a flip over his head and held the sword right giving him a strong and swift strike. Juilo didn't have time to block but as he tried the sword was knocked out of his hand and he toppled falling on the grass.
"I…I guess you win." Julio said, as he really did enjoy that match.
Sora nodded before he extended his hand to Julio. "Yeah well, you're no slouch."
Julio looked at the hand that was stretched out to him. He didn't expect someone that strong to be humble enough to offer help getting up. He smiled at the gesture of kindness that he was showing.
He grabbed his hand and Sora hoisted him up on his feet.
"So why did you want to fight me?" Sora asked.
"I just wanted to see the strength of my teammate."
"Teammate?" Sora repeated "What do you mean?"
"Oh, you will find out soon enough." Julio said as he was suddenly bombarded by a horde of girls, promptly knocking Sora away from him.
"Oh yeah. Don't you have a prize to collect!" He said, as he was sweet talking to the girls.
Sora thought about what he was talking about and soon remembered the wager he made. About how the winner would get a kiss from Louise.
He forgot about that.
Sora walked over to Louise saying that she didn't have to do it if she really didn't want to.
But Louise thought oppositely, she took a deep breath and gave him a small peck on his left cheek. Sora held his hand on his face not believing that she would accept that deal so far. But at the same time he was relieved that she didn't do the same to Julio.
Wait he was relieved… Why did he think that…
"Well, anyway. L-Let get something to eat." They began to walk away when they were stopped.
"Codename: Zero. We have a situation." Agnès said, her countenance taking more of a professional manner.
"The two of you are to come with me to Headmaster Osmond's office."
Sora and Louise looked at one another before following orders.
It was later that Louise and Sora walked into the office alongside Agnès. Sora immediately noticed that Julio somehow managed to escape the group of girls. He was leaning against the wall waiting for them.
"When did you get here?" Sora asked.
"You don't need to worry about that. I was also called here by a certain guest."
"Guest?"
Julio pointed to the person standing near the window, wearing a hooded robe. The robed individuals pulled back their hood to show their face and it was the face of none other than the Queen.
Louise immediately kneeled "You Majesty."
The queen giggled before quickly walking over to Louise and gently grabbing her shoulders and raised her up. "Please Louise, there is no need for formality."
"But what are you doing here?" Sora asked.
"For many reasons. But first I want to thank you both for the other day."
Louise knew she was talking about that time with Wales. "Please it was no trouble. Sorry for my familiar's recklessness."
Henrietta lightly shook her head. "No. It was because of that recklessness is why I was saved."
"Sora, I must thank you for helping me see what was going on. I may not know what he means but one thing is clear. He is no longer the man I once loved, that is clear to me. I also must apologize for how I acted towards you both." Henrietta said. Sora replied to her saying that none of that was her fault.
"But it is, but you two didn't give up on me, you saved me from making the biggest mistake I could've made."
"It's what friends do." Sora gave her his goofy grin.
Henrietta stared at Sora for a moment before giving a relaxing smile of her own. "I don't know what I did to deserve such friends."
Julio walked next to Sora "I heard about prince Wales as well.That he is alive and now working with the enemy."
"So Julio, why are you here?" Sora asked.
"That's quite rude of you, Sora. Did I not just say that we are teammates."
"Yeah you said that but-" Sora was cut off by Henrietta.
"The royal pope of Romalia had sent him to aid us." Henrietta said getting the young brunette's attention "He wants to avoid war like I do, that's why he is here, to lend us his strength. But this situation remains profound."
She then turned to face them "Louise, Agnès, Julio, Sora. The four of you are the only ones I can trust. Will you all please lend me your powers."
"Yes your highness, my acquaintance and I will do our best to support you with all our strength!" Louise eagerly said. Sora nodded in agreement.
Julio however pushed off the wall and walked in front of him before grabbing Louise's hands. "I am looking forward to working with you Louise." He said as he kissed her hand. She blushed at the show of affection but was immediately pulled away by Sora as he narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Come now Sora, I was just being friendly towards her."
"Right…" He said in a flat tone of voice not believing a single word. But again this same feeling of unease took over, why did this bother him.
"Sora?" Louise said as he looked away.
He answered, "It's nothing. Well I hope we can get along, Julio." He had his hand stretch outward for a handshake with the platinum blonde reciprocated shaking his hand.
But Louise thought why Sora would act like this, that's when it hit her. He was Jealous of Julio. A malevolent grin dawned on her face as Sora asked her why she was smiling like that. Her reply to her was that it was nothing, but she couldn't believe that she made Sora jealous. Maybe someday soon she'll be the only girl his eyes would capture.
(Albion)
"Everyone, I have regrettable news. On the day that princess Henrietta ascended the throne and became the new queen, she killed our king Cromwell."
Sheffield was riling up the soldiers with her lies.
"Those Dogs!"
"Unforgivable!"
"Military forces are coming to invade our borders, it seems the bloodlust of the queen knows no bound! It is time that we show them that we will not surrender to them so easily. We will show them the might of Albion, Tristan will fear us and we will see that Henrietta will beg for death as her nation is burned to cinders!"
They all were cheering for Sheffield's declaration. All the while in the background among the soldiers Xigbar was seeing how much of an impact she had on these people, and from the looks of it, it seemed to be going pretty well.
"Not bad, lady. Not bad at all."
He disappeared meeting up with his other organization members.
"So, how did they take the news?" Vanitas asked.
"Pretty well, she definitely knows what's she's doing."
"So, do you believe she could be beneficial to us?" Asked Ansem.
"I would believe so, but not just Sheffield, that woman, Agnès. I could tell she holds a strong desire for revenge. The darkness she hold is still weak at the moment but if properly nurtured…I believe she would be a worthy ally to use as well." Xemnas finished.
"Then let us see what she does. This is only the beginning, after all…" Young Xehanort .
"Maybe. But don't forget she might not give in that easily. Not if Sora has something to say about it." Xigbar said in disgust knowing his goodie two shoes. He'll most definitely try to help her if they go after her especially if he knows that they see her as a new candidate. And if that happens they'll have to find a new member.
With that said they all disappeared into dark corridors.
End.
