Aethra pulled her hand out and 5 people came tumbling out. The Kagenou parents looked oddly satisfied with their talk. Claire was seething still, but that was immaterial, given where she was staring when her glares started. Beatrix and Aurora looked rather hungry… Given their shared interest in Minoru, they seemed to be rather comfortable with each other now. Maybe it was the guarantee that Minoru would keep the peace- he seemed really intent on it.
"As much as we're curious about the future, I do think the two of us are irrelevant to the story being told. Please allow us to return to our time and place. Besides, Cid- or Minoru- and Claire are both strong and mature enough to take care of themselves." In truth, Seiichi had been expecting to ask the couple if they were up to seeing the future… but this happened, so he shrugged and dropped them back. They were frozen in time where they were.
"We've sent them back. Whether they remember is up to me" 'And you, Minoru, but don't tell them that, will you?' the dragon intoned, the last part being mental. "That said, we do need more guests… and I know just the people!" And so it was that five people landed right on top of Aethra, burying her under them, and pissing her off. How was the latter known? The way she flung them off of her, of course! She stalked towards him, intent on finally killing her partner (and really stupid friend) but he just sparred with her till she got exhausted… The brutalization did leave her slightly tired, after all.
As she regained her breath, and recovered from the embarrassment of being the butt of a joke, the ones brought there looked around. The silver-haired girl, of course, was on guard, but the redhead next to her looked extremely protective of her. The drill-blonde girl had a hand on her blade, keeping vigil on the pink-haired shortie cutie with a heart-shaped ahoge- one that drew Minoru's attention, much to the Seven Shades' irritation. The last one was male, and shared his hair colour with that of the redheaded female mentioned earlier. He just looked around calmly.
Seiichi cleared his throat and drew their attention. He then gave the standard explanation that was not given to Shadow Garden, and introduced them to the current company. And vice versa
"So, we're being given the chance to watch the future, then?" The redheaded female, named Iris Midgar asked. She's a beauty with fiery straight hair that reaches down to her back and redeyes. She's wearing a knight order uniform sans cape, a royal dark violet uniform with light edges and black shoulder straps, with cuffs folded back one-third up her arm from the wrist. Part of her attire requires her to wear white gloves for her dressing, a black shirt with matching edges to her uniform, a ruby-like gem with a single ribbon necktie that stretches down into her uniform and white trousers and knee-high heeled boots with single-tie laces at the collar which folds over, and she has her sword adorning her side on her waist belt. Well, it's scabbard, at any rate, seeing as the blade is being pointed at Seiichi. She hasn't seen Beatrix behind her, or she'dve been calmer.
Her little sister, Alexia, is a pretty young girl with red eyes and long silver hair. She's tied her hair in pigtails using a large black bow, and she was in her civilian attire. comfortable clothing, preferably a turtleneck sweater with shorts, and thigh-high stocking while wearing ankle boots. Judging by the frown on her face, she didn't appreciate the protection her older sister was giving- seeing as it was unwarranted- even her father, Klaus Midgar, was calm, and while she saw him as a bit of a wimp, she couldn't deny his ability to run an entire country.
The drill-blonde, named Rose Orianna, is a beautiful young woman with an athletic figure and a noticeable bosom, with bright honey-yellow eyes that match her long honey-blonde hair, with bangs over her eyes and curls going down into spirals, hence the drill-blonde description. Her attire was fashionably cute for a teenager- a blue shirt with a knee-length black skirt, and fashion-oriented boots. She decided to butt into the conversation. "While I disagree with the notion that the situation is suspicious, there is the question of why we were only called now , as opposed to when this entire 'viewing' thing started" and she raises a good point.
"That, my dear princess, is simply because you were irrelevant to the timeline up until this moment. Though I'd like to indulge this little one's curiosity." Seiichi said, pointing to Sherry Barnett, who is a cute girl of moderate-to-short height with peach or pink on both hair and eyes. She has short, shoulder-length hair with a lock of hair sticking out on top and braided on both sides. She has a medium build and is slender. She had also been staring at him with question marks floating over her head, courtesy of Aethra.
She was startled, since she didn't expect to be called upon, for anything. "I… only have two questions for now. At what point of time have the ones apart from us been summoned from? And why isn't Otou-sama here with us?" Minoru gave her a side over, sniffing a trope while she blinked curiously.
"Those 11 have been summoned from two years ago, in your point of view. And the events you will see occurring will be from 7 months in the future. As for your step-father… Let's just say that while he's relevant to the timeline, Aethra and I personally don't like him for spoiler reasons." Seiichi took on a tone of disgust as he mentioned her step-father. Minoru was so right about a trope.
"Anyway, now that you're up to speed on the situation, sit on a couch and we can begin!"
Claire was shoehorned to the sidelines, while Beatrix was sitting beside Alpha, seeing as they decided that they WOULD get to know each other. It gave Beatrix the additional benefit of sitting near Minoru, which appealed to her sense of power- she had taken the opportunity to shake hands with him, which gave her a clearer idea of his ability… while blushing, of course. Aurora took the seat opposing Alpha on the couch- Beta being 'persuaded' to move aside.
"Let the show begin!" Seiichi and Aethra chorus.
[Cid] voiceovers about the girls' decision. Given his delusions, he thinks that they had given up the charade to live their real lives when in reality, the girls were doing as they said they'd do- scatter into the wind and gather resources to fight the {Cult}. He laments the apparent loss of their childish innocence and thrill seeking nature. He laments that he has to keep trying to be the ultimate shadowbroker all alone, while affirming that he'd do it all alone if he must. All this, while he's on a train to the {Royal Midgar Magic Knight Academy}.
Knowing that this was an AU, the newcomers assumed that the 'setting' was real. This made the princesses take notice. Klaus, thinking that he could take notes on how to defeat the Cult, was following Beta's examples.
"What's a shadowbroker?" Sherry asked, Rose similarly confused, not helped by Aurora's staring at her.
"Just my idiot brother having chuunibyou," Claire waved it off. Alpha did give them a general surmise, Iris frowning while Alexia hummed.
He's reminiscing about his past life's end- breaking his skull on the rock chanting "Mana" over and over, in a forest. Suddenly, the lights attract his attention. Following it, he never breaks his chant. As such, he runs head first into a truck-kun… whose headlights he mistakes for mana… Why does anyone ever not use common sense? Cue Opening credits
Again, the Seven shades laugh in their heads, now because they know how he really dies… though his method to gain magic ended in a roundabout success. Minoru, on the other hand, can't believe that he's been Truck-kun'd
Alexia, the cold-hearted bi-err, woman that she is, laughs at him… Only for Iris to smack her on the back of her head.
Rose feels that he's striving for strength… power… and beauty in a sense… she starts feeling some respect for Minoru.
Sherry simply pales. She's the only one horrified at this… while sitting stock-still. Claire is just incapable of trying to strangle him while Klaus was wide eyed.
Seeing as the girls left him two years ago, [Cid]'s now 15. He leaves the station to find himself in the capital, a metropolis with population stats surpassing Tokyo at its best (15 million, as compared to 13.99 million, it was checked)... Good to know. Mandatory attendance means that everyone born an aristocrat must attend, one way or another once they reach the age of 15. Untalented Baronies are NPCs, but at the same time, they're no exception. Seven months have passed since his arrival, and [Cid], having settled down at the dorm- outside the academy for those who are low-ranked and untalented… which is how he's ended up there… he is pretending to be an NPC after all… meet his NPFriends. [Hyoro Gari/Skel Etal] and [Jaga Imo/Po Tato] are true-blue NPCs, who have the unfortunately dubious luck of being friends with our protag-kun (not that he knows that he's the protag-kun).
'Huh, didn't think it was as large as Tokyo in population' Minoru thought to the Shades, to give them context. He also transferred his knowledge on Tokyo's stats to explain his ability to say that..
One look at Hyoro and Jaga, on the other hand, makes the Seven shades disgusted. They can't believe that their master (in every sense of the word) would go that far to keep the persona of the NPC alive… If only they knew… In the meantime, they were plotting the demise of the Gari and Imo families… much to Minoru's horror, since he really doesn't want Eta dismantling such fine meatshields.
(Which he's totally befriending later, screw them.)
Claire had an expression of indifference, somewhat used to this reality at this point.
Alexia can't figure Minoru out. She's thinking that he's an idiot, then changes her mind because the man blended in perfectly with those two… What a confusing person.
Rose is in a similar dilemma… On the one hand, she respects his determination to gain power at all costs. On the other, she can't understand why… If only she knew…
Iris merely took note of his acting skills, maybe she could use him…
The three NPCs head to the {Academy}, while discussing the bet's loser… apparently the one who scored the least on last week's test must confess to the most beautiful first-year in the school. Unsurprisingly, this turns out to be our cold-hearted bitch, [Princess Alexia Midgar], who just happens to reject a rather good proposal from a relatively good-looking person… in a heart-rending way. Murphy is waiting to strike her down. [Hyoro] tells [Cid] not to back down. [Cid] shows some bravado in response.
Alexia has to reply… "Good luck recovering from that heartbreak, moron!" to his face, as she stood up and walked to him.
The Seven and Claire, along with Aurora and Beatrix are relieved from bitch-slicing duty, as Minoru just casually replies with a "Come back when you can match Epsilon in beauty! That's the least level you'd have to have to make up for the frozen heart that I have to melt!" Alexia just returns to her seat, steaming mad. The anger intensifies when Iris smacks her on the head again.
Rose and Sherry just watch in disappointment as she gets burned- even they know that what she did was uncalled for. Then they take a good look at Epsilon, who was blushing… and realize just how badly she was burned in response. And she's not even the most beautiful of that bunch. That goes to the blonde hugging onto Minoru's arm. They almost feel sorry for her, before they remember why she was burned that bad.
On the other hand… 'this is a set up, isn't it?' Not even his roasting practice could distract his otaku instincts, eyes looking to Seiichi, who just laughed. Minoru groaned, he apparently needs to read when his plans are too easy to be true.
All that bravado fades in the evening, as [Cid] faces [Alexia] in the same spot where she rejected the earlier guy in the morning. He's blushing and nervous. Or so everyone's thinking… Really, he's excited, and has prepared the cringiest confession method to get dumped.
Confession! Begin!
Staccato as you stutter her name! Mess up the line to show fatigue and embarrassment! Tremble and hunch forward 60 degrees, as if you'd fall over! Move your gaze around, but avoid the partner's own by keeping it down! No respite! Raise your hand and straighten that spine out! Note the distance between both of you- 182 cm is IDEAL! FULL SPEED 90 DEGREE BOW!
"I LOVE YOU! PLEASE GO OUT WITH ME?" Make it a question and you're set!
Confession ENDS!
He smiles as the expected result should come… except!
"Alright then, let's go out. Best regards." Confound it all! She accepted! DEFCON 0!
Alexia just… shuts down.
Iris blinks once, then twice, then turns to Alexia, then to Minoru and… blinks.
The shades tilt their heads, Zeta holding her laughter back while Gamma looks at Alexia, dead serious, "Can I do business with you later?"
Alexia's brain's still inoperative, Claire facepalming while the rest comments on the act, Minoru cursing in every language he knows, Sherry just doing mathematical equations in her head, trying to compute the chances of Alexia being stupid enough to actually like him based on that confession. It wasn't that high.
Beatrix is mad, though not at Minoru- she's mad that Alexia puts herself so low as to accept someone who would make such a confession. She also may or may not want Minoru free for herself and her niece.
Klaus pinches his nose while Rose's torn between feeling impressed and severely dumbfounded. Claire's killing intent eventually snaps Alexia back and she… promptly starts trying to beat a still irrationally enraged Cid up, blushing all over. Too bad he dodges her easily.
Aethra's blank press of a button brings everyone back.
The next day, [Cid]'s receiving a looooot of scrutiny. He sits and has the cheapest lunch with the Mob Duo, who try (unnecessarily) to convince him that she's looking for something in the relationship… he already suspects it. Of course, they also try to convince him to take liberties with her… just as she comes up to meet him. Begin 'Operation: Dump me already, BIATCH!'. Act like a total hooligan- steal her food and make himself look like a bad romantic partner- since mobs never dump a princess. TOO BAD! She enjoys having him do that! In fact she makes it a ROYAL DECREE that he switches to class 1 of the Royal Bushin style. He's in class 9, the lowest.
"Alexia, I thought you wouldn't be stupid enough to do this… maybe I should disown you for a few years to show you the hardships of life…" Klaus sighs and states. He's realized why she's doing all this.
Alexia simply responds with "Well, respect my will when I say that I don't wanna do it then!" … She didn't need to yell.
Iris frowns, confused.
Minoru, hearing this, just wonders what she hates about him, but oh well.
Meanwhile, Beta momentarily pauses her writing, frowning, something's not right about Alexia's behaviour, the Princess notices her stare and just raises an eyebrow.
The shades are wondering if the food there is good. Delta hunted better looking stuff while Zeta snarks about her master's ranking. Gamma inwardly covers her face over it, deeply embarrassed, should she enrol in one of those damned classes? Even Eta's better than her…
Rose is still embarrassed by his dining manners (though she shouldn't be… he's acting after all) and Sherry's eyes sparkle in excitement, she was so busy studying she never paid attention to actual sword fights. This was gonna be super cool! Minoru gives her a fond smile and a pat, weirdly liking her naïvete.
The teacher is named [Zenon Griffey]. Apparently he's one of the people responsible for the popularization of the Royal Bushin swordplay style. He's handsome and some of the female students are head-over-heels for him… Considering that he's the royal swordplay instructor, I'd wager he's at least decent at it. [Cid] and [Alexia], as the 'it' couple of the school, naturally pair up. [Alexia] copies [Cid]'s stretching technique and holds back to his mob-style level. They have similar styles- both removing the excess and focusing on the fundamentals, thus clearing it with zero flair. [Alexia] remarks that he's using her style and states for the record that she hates it. After class, [Zenon] confronts her about her phase and tells her that she will grow out of it and see himself as a good choice but she rebuffs him, stating that she's a child who can't understand an adult's choice.
"The fuck's wrong with you, huh!?" Minoru snaps at Alexia. Alpha turns to him, surprised. He's never snapped at the girls, after all.
"I'm pretty sure you'll get an explanation to whatever problem you have as this progresses… Why don't you shut up till then?" Alexia rebuts. Minoru backs down, but he grumbles about the 'non-existent issue with that style of swordplay'. This confuses Alpha further.
Epsilon awkwardly notes he focused on the wrong thing. Then again, his on- screen self did notice something wrong, as expected of her master!
Iris is surprised at Alexia hating her style of swordplay. She couldn't fathom a reason for that, she supposes they can talk it over later, but the viewing might be faster, frowning sadly. They're never growing closer again, huh?
Claire's surprised that Minoru's making a big deal about something in this. She doesn't get it, "Cid, what's wrong about it?"
Minoru sulked, ignoring her, "Alpha, as well as the rest of you, keep an eye on Zenon when we get back. Alexia is right to be distrustful of him," the princess makes an "oho?" at the casualness while Klaus is not sure that the whippersnapper is right, "although the me over there is less suspicious because, well, I'm apparently treating this like a game."
"To be fair, you expected me to rebuff you, you don't even want to be there," Alexia rolls her eyes, but she's given a mean smile in return and tches.
"Anyway, NO ONE's as perfect as he is," Iris' odd flinch at the word goes unnoticed, "I never claimed perfection as well, so keep it in mind." Minoru commands the Seven Shades, Alpha primarily, after he's calmed down.
Seiichi, having heard it, smiles happily at the way Minoru's treating the situation. He's hellbent on keeping his end of the deal. Because Shadow is the biggest anti-Cult weapon, and now he knows it.
Rose does give Alexia a frown at the end while Sherry looks contemplative, the way he was speaking… it's almost like he's saying the instructor's a bad guy, it can't be… right? Otou-sama would tell her if there was anything wrong with the personnel at the academy, wouldn't he? She bites her lips.
Later, at a secluded fountain, [Cid] confronts [Alexia] about using him as a patsy to get outta marriage with [Zenon]. She is unrepentant, and tries blackmailing him into staying, seeing as the Mob Duo immediately caved into telling her about the penalty game. HE can't risk that, since an NPC cannot draw attention. She also flips a coin into his vision.
"Do I look like I bend over backwards for money?"
"Yes, you do"
"Well, you're goddamn right"
Since he has to get funds for his undercover activities, he literally turns into a dog for her… without looking remotely like either Delta or his dog from his previous life. And so the great fake relationship starts!
Gamma deadpans at her master. 'You do realize that you could've asked me at any time for money after the time passes, yes?' Minoru avoids that gaze, sheepish.
"That's okay, boss man, we all make mistakes!" Delta hugs him, it helps a little. Then again, he probably didn't know where Gamma was anyway. He mentions as much mentally, making her apologize for her insolence. She's forgiven.
Alexia laughed a bit though, Rose cringing even more now, she can admire a person's strength and determination while feeling embarrassed over them, right?! Aethra catches her eye and nods.
Cue dating montage. As lovey-dovey moments keep occurring between [Cid] and [Alexia], [Zenon] has taken a wait-and-watch approach. 1 week passes, [Alexia] and [Cid] discuss why [Zenon] isn't as good a marriage partner as he seems to be. [Alexia] rightfully points out that the man is too perfect. And that's the end of the discussion. Her preference for [Cid] is because he's riddled with flaws, of course.
Alpha notes that Alexia is sharp. Someone to make an ally out of, if nothing else. Though she needs to be broken down and re-built up for that insult toward him.
Beta's less restrained in her displeasure, as she growls at Alexia. Delta and Epsilon attack her, only Aurora does her job as enforcer and restrains them both… and proceeds to lecture them. Zeta, Eta and Gamma follow suit to Beta.
Alexia frowns at them, but turns back, she knows she's right.
"Alexia?" The princess raises a brow, "I'm with you here, but mind toning it down in the future if we actually do the act? Being stoic is good and everything, but cooperating is also essential. That stubborn act of yours will lead to your demise sooner or later you know, advice from an ally," Minoru closed his eyes, he didn't really care about her insult to himself, unlike the girls, but she's really starting to annoy him.
"..." Alexia tched.
Iris contemplated going near, but didn't think it was a good time.
Rose didn't frown this time, "Alexia-san, if you'd like, I can arrange tea time for us after this."
She was given a terse nod.
Another week passes, and on the train, [Alexia] calls his swordplay mysterious. His style focuses only on the fundamentals, and it draws her eyes, never letting it go. She still hates it though. Her swordplay was particularly sloppy that day… according to a white-clothed. This one is probably capable of judging things better though. [Cid] learns that [Alexia] wants to catch up to her older sister in swordplay. Said sister… is [Iris Midgar]. Yeah… suffice it to say that the comparisons are rough on her… in addition to [Alexia] herself using the 'Blade of the Mediocre', as it's dubbed. She's less gifted as it is… as if!
When he says that he likes that style, she reveals that she had been told the same by [Iris] herself… right after a loss in the Bushin Festival. No wonder she hates it. He reveals his incredible willpower and says that he will stick to his guns anyway… that he does it deadpan says a lot, since he wouldn't care one whit if a million people died on the other side of the world… Fair, he has no stakes. She says farewell… while pointing her sword at him, to the fear of one of the doormen.
Everyone felt like scolding Iris, but an oppressing aura fell onto the field. Its source? One Minoru Kageno. He was smiling with his eyes closed. This scared the nine girls surrounding him, since he had never snapped that much. Ever. The others were wondering where the aura was coming from.
"Right then… Seiichi, d'you mind making two swords and equalizing Iris and me in all physical stats and mana count?" Minoru immediately asked. Seiichi, knowing what he's thinking, just nods and does exactly that. A glove also appears in Minoru's hand, which he throws on Iris' face.
The gauntlet is thrown. Iris is shocked, but she accepts- seeing as he just challenged her to a spar. The two swords are sheathed and paced on their hips. Aethra facepalms, before Minoru's thought process registers in her mind. Then she grins.
An arena appears, large and clean. Minoru and Iris take stances on either side. Iris uses her personal style, while Minoru takes the standard Royal Bushin style. It's obvious what's going through his mind. Aethra steps up as nominal referee. Iris, warming up, notices that her physical condition is higher than usual. Fortunately, she's used to heightened physical conditioning. Minoru notices that he's restricted to about 30% of his normal mana count. He's sure that it'd be more strict if he grew it at the normal pace… and he's already noticing a tighter seal, given that he's training his mana at all times.
"The rules are simple. The fight will end once a combatant is dead- they'll be revived, so no issues there. No armour, or artifacts." Here, Minoru loses his slime bodysuit… and Iris loses her underarmour "Do you understand the rules as I have stated them?" Both nod. "Very well then. On the falling coin" she flips a coin.
It hits the ground, and Iris charges… only to flail as she hits thin air. Minoru is behind her. She proceeds to start a barrage of high-speed toward him, which he easily parries. Each move of his stopping at least 3 of hers, Alexia notes that while Iris has a heightened physical- a result of the equalization which speaks more about his physical conditioning than her physical fitness, Minoru has used absolutely zero magic, by her senses.
In fact, all of his moves exhibit flawless execution of the fundamentals, removing all excess. He moves to counter 3 moves of her sister with one of his own. And it's beautiful. It has already exceeded excellence and taken a step into the transcendental. She's also noticing how he uses his magic- nothing in excess, and contrary to the idea of always using magic to keep up, he uses it at moments he needs it. But at the base of it all… his sword style is identical to hers- the 'Blade of the Mediocre'. That's enough to break her.
And then she sees it, the expression of consternation on Iris's face, the glint of confusion in her eyes, and she sees that he's managed to corner her using nothing but the basics. All this, and he's keeping outside of her maai- her range of attack- while keeping her within his.
Alexia's eyes never leave his blade.
Claire is shocked. Yes, he killed Viscount Olba/Grease last night, but that and fighting Princess Iris are two completely different matters. She can't believe that he's dealing with her with as much ease as is taking a stroll.
Rose is closely observing the battle, and Minoru's blade seems familiar to her. In fact, its beauty draws her mind to the night she met him … and then it happens. The moment Minoru jumps to deliver a slash on Iris, she sees the Stylish Bandit Slayer's blade in Minoru Kageno's blade. And she can't help but tear up, seeing her saviour in front of her. She claps a hand over her mouth to cover her sobs of joy, as it might get in the way of the fight.
Sherry is just in awe. She can't see the battle clearly, so she can only imagine the level that both combatants are at. Even then, she can see that Minoru's blade is better than Iris' and that he's winning.
And then it happens. Iris is beheaded, only for it to be reversed and Iris to reel in shock at the fact that she lost- to someone 6 years younger than herself. Klaus is similar, he could also see the battle, and he could see clearly the amount of effort that went into Iris' offence, yet after using Alexia's blade style, Minoru easily took her out, as if it were nothing but a task he needed to do.
Beatrix and Aurora aren't that surprised, they can and have felt his strength and skill from the proximity they share. The Seven Shades are similar, except they're hollering, cheering and making the general racket of a football hooligan group. Scary!
Minoru simply returns the blade, feels his slime bodysuit return, and takes a seat, to be fussed over by the Seven Shades- let's all be honest, they just want an excuse to feel his muscles. Delta just sniffs superiorly at Iris.
He grabs the remote and everyone's attention is grabbed by the resuming content.
Iris is sat, completely shaking, the heck just happened?
The next morning, as [Cid] and the Mob Duo discuss the 'relationship' and which base he got to, they are stopped by some Magic Knights. Turns out, [Cid]'d been the last one to have seen [Alexia], as she hadn't returned to the dorm that night. Seeing the Knights ready to use force on him, he just locks his fingers behind his head and kneels to be arrested. Cue Ending Credits- Last time, the image was that of Alpha… this time, it was of Beta
No one.
Absolutely no one.
Claire just went for a still white Iris' head. Only to be stopped by Minoru's blade. "Welp, it's confirmed. Zenon Griffey is to be taken down as soon as possible." he just casually says, as he passes the remote to Seiichi.
Everyone else is in shock.
Seiichi then says "Alright then, who wants to see the next part of this saga?" Everyone just tells him to go on.
Sherry herself was a bit anticipatory, but mostly shocked... This, she h-has to talk with O-otou-sama after t-this…!
AN: DAMN, did we work hard on this one or not? Comment on the brief fight scene, I consider that my personal masterpiece. Neutral didn't give much input on that (as much as I'd appreciate it). Also, Next chapter is a 2-for-1 extra- owing to the link between the episodes, I decided that it'd be better to conclude it at once... I hope that one request for a mindbreak for Iris was satisfied... Neutral will probably add onto this once they see this.
Read and Review!
Until then, Neutral And Seiichi are Bonkers at the Races!