Here we are at Chapter 38. Time for another journey for Fuyumi and her friends. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 38. Enjoy.
Chapter 38: To the Far East
It's been several days since Fuyumi told the king about her origins and received the royal family's support. Since then, she's taken this chance to rest and relax with Emilia and her family. During this time, Anelia has been studying the magic books she recently bought and Iris continued her training with Ser Conrad. Meanwhile, Elane has been receiving messages from her village in regards to her mission, but so far, nothing new has come up. Fuyumi enjoyed the chance for a change in pace. All the recent tension and dangerous situations has been a bit taxing as of late. It helps that she has all her girls with her. She spends the night with a different one each night in order so they don't feel left out. Of course, nothing lasts forever. One afternoon in the garden at the manor, Fuyumi is enjoying some tea with Emilia when one of the maids approaches them.
"Pardon me, my ladies, but the duke has requested your presence post-haste," the maid bows her head to them.
The girls look at each other in confusion, "What could this be about?" Emilia wonders.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I bet it has something to do with the palace," Fuyumi thinks.
They end their afternoon tea and meet the duke and his wife in his office.
"A message has come in from the king. He wants you to travel to the Dragon Alliance to propose an alliance with them," Duke Joseph explains.
"Me? To the Dragon Alliance? But, wouldn't such a message require someone from the palace to act as an envoy?" Fuyumi asks.
"Normally yes, however, this is different. For a very long time, the Dragon Alliance has remained neutral in all conflicts on the continent. There have been attempts by other countries in the distant past to conquer their land... but each time ended in costly failure. Our country has tried to build friendly relations with them before, but each time we are rebuked. We try not to antagonize them. A nation ruled by dragons is not something one should take lightly. The king believes that with you, as a relatively new party who has a history of performing great feats, might have a better chance than someone from the palace. There's also the question of what you might encounter on the way to the alliance. Who knows what dangers await you before and once you reach them," Duke Joseph explains.
"What else do we know about the Dragon Alliance?" Fuyumi asks.
"From what I know, their culture is different from ours. As I once explained before, they are a coalition of different states that all fall under the rule of a powerful dragon family. The main state is called Kyoko, and the capital is known as Ryuuguu. The populace is primarily comprised of beastkin species, but they also have elves and even a small number of humans there. There is also a sub-species of dragons there known as Dragonewts, a cross between humans and dragons. Unlike in our country, which only pray to the Goddess as our primary deity, the Dragon Alliance give reverence to several deities, which is why they are on negative terms with the Conclave," Joseph explains.
However, a few details of his speech really catch Fuyumi's attention, "Kyoko? Ryuuguu? Those are Japanese terms from my old world. Could someone else have been brought to this world in the past and helped create the Dragon Alliance long ago?" she wonders.
"With things as they are now, the king is looking to make as many allies as possible before something terrible happens. That's why he's entrusting you with this task. He believes that you have a good chance of finally changing things between our two countries for the better," Duke Joseph explains.
With how serious he is, Fuyumi knows this is no joking matter. Due to recent events with unknown forces conspiring against the kingdom, the king is trying to be as prepared as possible.
"I understand. I'll set out tomorrow. We can cut the travel time in half by using the Mistle at Elane's village. We can travel to the alliance's capital after that. What about the ruling dragon family? Anything I should know about them?" Fuyumi asks.
"They have a monarch, like us, but their monarch goes by the title of emperor rather than king. Emperor Kagutsuchi. He's their first emperor because, as a dragon, he can live for hundreds if not thousands of years. From what I've gathered, he's a fire dragon with incredible power. I do not mean to disrespect you, Fuyumi, but I believe that even you would have a very hard time dealing with him in a fight. He has one mate, but several children. We don't know much else, but his eldest son is the heir to his throne. They tend to keep to themselves from other countries. Also, not just anyone is granted an audience with their emperor. Even with an official message from His Majesty, they still may not grant you an audience. You'll have to figure out some way to get his attention, without getting yourself into trouble. This won't be easy, but it is absolutely vital that you succeed," Duke Joseph explains.
"Of course. I'll do everything I can," Fuyumi nods.
…
The next morning, Fuyumi waits outside the manor with the others as she prepares for her journey.
"Make sure you be careful now, okay Fuyumi. If anything happens, return immediately with your power and the Mistle.," Emilia pleads.
Fuyumi takes her hand and plants a kiss upon it, "I promise I'll be careful, Emilia. Anelia, you look after her, okay?" she turns to her second fiance.
Anelia nods, "I admit, I'm a little bummed that I can't go with you this time, but I understand," she pouts a little.
Fuyumi chuckles, "I'll be back soon, Anelia," she kisses her hand as well.
Fuyumi decided to take Elane and Iris with her this time, leaving Anelia to watch over Emilia while they're away alongside Ser Conrad.
"I have faith that you'll succeed, Fuyumi. Good luck on your journey," Duke Joseph says.
"Be careful now, and come back soon," Lady Eleonora adds.
Fuyumi nods, "Of course. Well, I'll be heading out now. Let's go," she turns to Iris and Elane.
The pair place their hands upon her shoulders, while Umi lands on top of her head, and Fuyumi uses her power to transport them to the Mistle in the Elf Village.
…
In a building that looks almost like a red oriental temple, a woman in black clothing kneels before a rectangular table. Behind the table is a well-decorated couch, with someone sitting on it. The sunlight casts shadows that cloud the figure's appearance though.
"So, your mission was successful?" a female voice rings out.
The black-clad figures raises their head, revealing a pair of dark pink eyes, "Yes, we managed to free the kidnapped beastkin and brought them back to the country. We also ensured there were no witnesses," the female ninja replies.
"Good, good. Hopefully, we can find the rest of their family members... at least the ones we know are still alive. I'll see what I can do about finding them lodgings and work," the woman on the couch says.
"Pardon me for asking, ma'am, but what about the princess?" the ninja asks.
"Oh, she went out for a little fresh air. She should be back soon. Life in the imperial court can be so taxing at times. At least, that's what she tells me, anyway," the woman notes.
The ninja sighs, "I wish she would act in a manner befitting her station sometimes. She can be a real headache,"
The woman giggles, "Oh, come now, who would want that? If she was like that, then things would be much more boring. Besides... it's only because she is the way she is that we've had all this extra support to find our missing kin. Cut her some slack. Of course, she has her own issues to deal with," the woman sighs.
"Is it because of... that?" the ninja asks.
"That, among other things. Things were a lot simpler a long time ago," the woman turns her head towards the windows in the room, gazing up into the sky.
…
Back with Fuyumi's group, they have already left the elf village after a brief hello to Elane's parents and her people. With that done, they continue on their way towards the Dragon Alliance. They know they're getting close to the alliance's territory. The main question will be what to do once they get inside it.
"What do you guys think this Dragon Alliance place will be like? Have you ever been there before?" Fuyumi asks, petting Umi on her shoulder.
"No, but I've always been curious about it. I wonder what their soldiers are like," Iris notes.
"I've never been there, either. I heard some elves have traveled there before, but I've never held the desire to go there myself," Elane adds, and Umi just caws.
"I guess that's a 'no' from you too, huh," Fuyumi pets Umi. "Hmm, honestly I'm very curious about it. I know we have an important mission to take care of, but I'd still like to check out the place as well."
"Hopefully, things will go off without a hitch. However... considering your track record, Fuyumi, I find that to be highly unlikely," Elane notes.
"Hey, just what exactly are you implying?" Fuyumi scrutinizes her.
"Oh, I don't know, that trouble loves you. You attract it about as much as you attract women," Elane says.
"I attracted you, didn't I," Fuyumi smirks, causing Elane to blush a little bit.
"Alright, alright, that's enough. Though, the fact remains that wherever you go, Fuyumi, things always tend to get a bit chaotic. Look what happened at that combat tournament where we first met. You dealt with a slave tracking ring that nearly turned the whole city into an inferno," Iris notes.
"That wasn't even my fault!" Fuyumi retorts.
Before the argument can continue, a sudden noise rings out that catches their attention. They look ahead of them in the forest, only to see a pack of wolf-like monsters running towards them.
"Wolves?" Fuyumi takes out her blade while Umi takes to the skies for safety.
"Those are Haunted Wolves. Their fur gives off a pale blue light; that's how they got the name. I hear their tales can fetch a pretty good price," Iris says, drawing her sword.
"Well, they're heading right for us, so get ready," Elane aims her bow.
She fires the first shot, hitting one wolf right between its eyes. Two more charge at Fuyumi, but she takes them down with her Circulating Pulse gift, making quick slashes that kill the beasts. Iris runs at two more and makes a single cylindrical swing across both their sides; the wolves falling to the ground behind her.
"I see you've improved since the last time I saw you," Fuyumi notes.
"Training with Ser Conrad has been most beneficial," Iris replies.
Elane jumps over the last wolf that tries to bite her, firing an arrow into its skull. She lands on her feet just as the wolf dies on the ground.
"That's all of them. Though, it's strange. Haunted Wolves aren't usually seen in this territory. They do live further ahead of us, but the area is still a bit far from here," Elane notes.
Fuyumi walks up next to her, "Okay, but then why would they be out here?"
"They may have expanded their territory to look for food, or..." Elane stops when the ground shakes.
They look back to see something shaking the trees in front of them. A large, red body walks out, covered in crimson scales and green eyes. It's far larger than the wolves.
"I suppose that's the reason," Fuyumi groans.
"Just our luck. A Salamander. Big lizards that can breathe fire. Unlike dragons, they can't fly though, nor are they as big. It must've been chasing the wolves for its next meal," Elane states.
The salamander switches its gaze between the three women and the dead wolves lying at their feet.
"Think it'll settle for the wolves since we did the dirty work for it?" Iris asks.
The salamander turns back to them and roars.
"Yeah, that's a no," Fuyumi deadpans.
The salamander breathes fire at them, making them scatter while the dead wolves get cooked.
"Welp, so much for making some extra cash," Elane mutters.
"That's hardly our biggest concern right now!" Iris retorts, jumping to the side to avoid the Salamander's swinging tail.
Elane fires a few arrows at its eyes, but it moves its head and the arrows bounce off its hard scales. Fuyumi conjures up some ice shards and launches them at the beast. They pierce through its armor on its side, but this just seems to piss it off. As its attention turns to Fuyumi, Iris jumps onto its back and stabs her blade into its back. The monster roars in pain and swings its tail around at her. Iris jumps off just in time and lands next to Elane. Just as Fuyumi gets ready to fire off another blood gift, they hear noise behind them and look back to see a second salamander appear through the brush.
"So, is that one a mate?" Iris asks.
"Okay, you guys deal with that one. I'll focus on our first dance partner here," Fuyumi says.
However, before anyone can move, a shadow flies over them all. Fuyumi looks up to see a darkened form blocking the sun before it flies down and crashes on top of the first salamander. The girls cover their eyes as the dust rises up. Once it settles, they look up and quickly get worried. The salamander is dead, but that's not what concerns them. Looming over the dead salamander is a large red dragon with a light-colored underbelly, two slightly curved horns on the back of its head, jade green eyes, and sharp claws and teeth. The dragon moves its head up and roars to the sky. The second salamander gets scared and makes a run for it. However, the dragon takes a breath and breathes hot fire so fierce that it turns the salamander black when it's engulfed in the flames. Thankfully for the girls, the flames flew over them. But, with the salamanders dead, the dragon turns its attention to them now.
"So, any ideas, Fuyumi?" Iris asks.
"Um... maybe?" Fuyumi shrugs her shoulders. "I've never fought a dragon before, and if I know anything from video games and anime I watched back in my old world, it's that dragons are usually at the top of the food chain in fantasy worlds. Great, just great."
The dragon glares at them before its eyes focus on Fuyumi and then stares at her for what feels like an eternity. The dragon takes on a curious look (for a dragon, at least) and moves its head closer to Fuyumi. Elane and iris get ready to attack, but Fuyumi holds out a hand.
"Wait, don't do anything rash," Fuyumi pleads.
The dragon's head gets close and starts sniffing her, widening its eyes a moment later.
"I hope that doesn't mean I smell good enough to eat," Fuyumi mutters.
"What... are you?" the dragon suddenly speaks, even without moving its lips.
"Did that dragon... just talk?" Fuyumi wonders in surprise.
Now the dragon looks like it was insulted, "Of course we can talk. Dragons have existed for thousands of years. Of course we would learn to speak the human tongue long ago. At least those of us dragons with a brain in our skulls, unlike a few," the dragon replies in a female voice.
"Oh, um, my apologies. I didn't understand as I'm not from these lands," Fuyumi bows her head.
"Hmph, as long as you understand. Hmm, a human and an elf together? Outside my homeland, you don't really see that, given how humans have treated elves in the past. You're not their slave, are you elven woman?" the dragon glares at Iris.
"I most certainly am not, great dragon. I am an elven warrior and these two are my comrades," Elane scoffs.
"Hmm, even more interesting. Well, I suppose I could apologize for scaring you earlier. I was focused on these vermin here," she glances at the dead salamanders.
"Hunting for your next meal?" Iris asks.
"Hardly. I'm just not a fan of these beasts. They make a mockery of the great flame dragons of old. They can't even fly. I'll hunt for my food another time. Besides, I found something far more interesting," the dragon turns its gaze back to Fuyumi, making her nervous. Umi finally takes this chance to rejoin them and lands on Fuyumi's shoulder. "A spirit creature. You certainly have a rare companion by your side."
"Forgive me for asking, great dragon, but are you from the Dragon Alliance?" Elane asks.
"Oh, and what business do you have in my home, pray tell?" the dragon asks.
This surprises the girls a bit, but this could also be a big boon for them. They need to get into the Dragon Alliance to deliver the king's message, and this dragon might be their ticket in.
Iris steps forth, "We are emissaries from the Kingdom of Anatolia. We seek to deliver a message from his majesty, King Gaius, to the emperor of your nation. We were on our way to your country when we encountered a pack of haunted wolves, followed by those salamanders, and then you,"
"Emissaries? You certainly don't look like noble emissaries. We've had plenty of emissaries, from more than just your country, and it usually ends up the same way. You guys ask for us to forge an alliance, and our emperor turns you down. Maybe I should just save you the trip," the dragon says.
"Please, I know it sems tedious, but we have a really good reason for this. We must speak with the emperor," Fuyumi says.
"And who are you to ask of such things?" the dragon asks.
"My name is Fuyumi Kusanagi," Fuyumi introduces herself.
This catches the dragon's ear, "Fuyumi Kusanagi... My, my, you're becoming more interesting by the second. Though, you still haven't answered my first question. What are you?" the dragon asks.
"What do you mean?" Fuyumi asks. "Did she already figure out that I'm not a human?"
"I know the smell of human, for better or worse. As well as the smells, and occasionally tastes, of many other species that call this continent home. And yet, I do not recognize your scent, woman. I find it quite curious. So, what are you? Know that lying to me will have consequences," the dragon says.
"What do I do? I can't tell her straight up that I'm a Revenant. What if that only makes things worse?" Fuyumi wonders before coming to a decision. "If you want to know, you'll have to wait until after we speak with the emperor," Fuyumi offers a deal.
"What if I refuse and just decide to burn you all right now?" the dragon threatens her, embers escaping her lips.
"Then you'll always have that question burning in the back of your head about my origins," Fuyumi counters.
The dragon narrows her eyes at her, contemplating its answer. Fuyumi does not turn her eyes away; standing her ground. The tension rises with every passing second. Finally, the dragon comes to a decision.
"You are a bold one, Fuyumi Kusanagi. I like that. Very well, I will take you to the Dragon Alliance and help you gain an audience with the emperor. I... have a few connections that can help with that," the dragon says, much to the relief of Fuyumi's group.
"Thank you. We appreciate it, miss... I'm sorry, what is your name?" Fuyumi asks.
Flames suddenly erupt around the dragon, making the three girls step back. A moment later, the flames dissipate and standing in the place of the dragon is a young, beautiful woman with long red hair and jade green eyes like before. Instead of clothing, red scale-like armor coats a majority of her body, the only exposed sections being her navel, her head, and most of her rather large breasts. A pair of wings fold back behind her along with a long, red tail to match. Those certainly were the biggest Fuyumi has ever seen since coming to this world. The woman flashes a confident smirk as she approaches Fuyumi's group.
"A pleasure to meet you, Fuyumi Kusanagi. You may call me Hikaru," the dragon named Hikaru replies.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and her group make their way to the Dragon Alliance, only to encounter one of its denizens, the red dragon Hikaru, along the way. What's more, it seems this female dragon is already figuring out that Fuyumi isn't human. Will she complete her mission before her secret is found out? Until then, please Read and review.