Chapter 24: Reason
(South Gotha)
"So this Silver Pentecost is like a festival?" Sora said as he watched the people having a blast.
"That's right."
The people of South Gotha were living it up in the city. Sora asked what this was earlier. Louise's answer was to commemorate the end of the year. Which basically means a kinda new year celebration. Actually it probably has been at least a few months since Sora has been in this world. So really not a whole year for him. But it was nice to see people having a good time despite there being a war going on.
"Hey, how about we take some time to relax too?" Sora said which irritated Louise.
"Relax, we're in the middle of a war! The same should be said about the people, just welcoming their enemy. Just where is their pride!"
Sora put his hands behind his head "I mean can you blame them. The army took all their food supplies and ran away. They practically deserted their own people. It was Henrietta's idea to provide them with something to eat so yeah, how could they not welcome Tristain."
The pink haired void mage let out a sigh. "Why are you so simple-minded? But I suppose that is a plebeian way of thinking!"
"It's called being positive." Sora wore a blank expression "And I think it's because we're in a war is why they're in high spirits, people just need a day to just unwind. So sorry if I think differently from nobles."
"Fine then, if you want to go and have fun. It's fine with me, I'm going to see her highness!" Louise started to storm off.
"Hey hold up!" Sora reached out and grabbed hold of her that is until she shook of his grip
"Let go! I don't need a lost puppy following me around, do what you want!"
"Puppy!?" Sora was surprised. Louise then walked away as Sora called out to her. As she was purposely ignoring him. Sora was holding his head annoyed with the fact that she brushed him off like that?
"*Sigh* This is giving me a headache." Sora began walking, checking out the festival.
(Rosyth)
Generals were all gathering for a meeting having a discussion on the state of the war. "We need to advance our forces. We only have enough rations to last for another few weeks! We brought our men here for the promise that this war would be over by Pentecost. If we fail to honor that promise it'll likely lower the morale of our army!"
"We should be glad that Albion requested this cease-fire today. But even though we've captured South Gotha, they may still decide to launch a surprise on us."
"And naturally should the enemy back out of our agreement we'll just go back to where we started."
One of the generals turned to Henrietta asking what she thought about this. But as she was about to voice her opinion there was a knocking on the tent.
"Enter!" Poitiers said as Louise and Agnès greeted the queen as well as the others.
"Your Highness!" Louise said
"Louise, it's good to see you." Henrietta greeted but noticed that wasn't with her.
The purple haired girl asked where the young brunette was,Louise lied and said that he went to help her with something. "But enough about him, tell me, do you have a mission for me?" Louise asked.
"Your Majesty, who is this girl?"
Henrietta turned to answer their question "She is my lady in waiting…"
So this is the person she spoke highly about, the first void user in the last few centuries. "Miss Zero. But why is she here?"
"I came to offer my assistance. Please tell me if there is anything I can do." The pink haired mage asked.
Henrietta spoke to her "Actually, there is one. Just the other day we were able to recover the machine that you both used to get here…His 'Glider' was it?"
"You found it!" Louise exclaimed
"You think it's possible to fly right now?" Asked Henrietta. Although, Louise wasn't sure if it was in the best condition to fly right now.
"Um…I'm sure it's fine." Louise said, unsure of how it really is.
Poitiers stepped forward "Right now, we are currently under a cease fire for Pentecost. But we don't know what it is their plotting during Pentecost. That is why we want you to fly to Londinium and spy on them for a bit."
"So a reconnaissance." Louise replied.
"That's right." Poitiers continued "If we were to use our own air forces to scope out the capital, then it would mean that we were breaking the promise on our side. But you are a student, if you are captured then it's not such a big loss."
"Poitiers!" Henrietta gasped.
"During your last mission it was a complete failure. So I'm certain a simple survey will be easy for you."
"Understood." Louise bowed and left the tent. Henrietta called out to Louise as she followed her outside of the tent. As Agnès stayed behind she was somewhat spiteful for their choice of words. But remember she had to keep calm.
Henrietta caught up to her best friend. "Louise, wait!" Henrietta stopped her.
"Is something wrong?" Louise asked.
"You'll have to forgive me for how Poitiers was talking to you." Replied Henrietta.
"No he was right, we did fail our mission."
"Mistakes are bound to happen, you shouldn't try and push yourself." Henrietta suggested.
"I appreciate your concern, Henrietta. But I promise I'll be fine." Said Louise.
"I know. However, I'm afraid that you might try and take things a little too far." Henrietta said back. She gently took Louise's hand and looked into her eyes "I'm sure this has a lot with you wanting to prove yourself. But Louise, there is nothing for you to prove. I acknowledge you for being by my side. Even now when I went with Wales, you were there to bring me back to my senses. I couldn't be any more grateful for that."
"To be honest. It was Sora that gave me the push that I needed. But he was right, you have and still are my friend as well. And I wasn't about to lose you." Louise said, remembering how Sora was there to help find the words to say to Louise when she herself was speechless.
Henrietta giggled. Think how much dependable Sora always is. "I see that you're not the only overachiever."
"Maybe so." Both girls started laughing, after the next few minutes their laughter stopped. But they were still smiling.
"Best of luck on your survey. And promise me that you'll get some rest after this."
Louise bowed "If that is your order, your highness. Then I will."
The void mage took her leave as Henrietta watched her go. Henrietta looked at her hand. Her memories from when she was drowning are still fuzzy, but she did remember the feelings of his hand touching hers. She then started to caress her lips. Just her remembering how he saved her life from Wales.
Again, Louise was lucky to have him standing by her. And she knows that she shouldn't harbor these feelings for him either. But she couldn't stop herself from having these emotions. But right now, she had no choice but to bottle up these feelings, as she returned to discuss with the others on how to proceed with the others.
(South Gotha)
Back in the forest, Matilda was standing in the same place where Sora and her were fighting. She was trying to figure out where he got the extra strength from. This doesn't make sense at all. Just now in Brimir's name could he even muster such strength. She had him right in her clutches but he managed to turn it all around. Just what is it that makes him tick anyway.
A dark corridor opened right in front of her. The person who stepped forward from the back portal was Wardes. "Matilda, so this is where you were. What are you doing out here?"
The green haired woman answered "Just thinking…" She replied, having a troubled and annoyed expression plastered on her face, "I don't understand. Just what is it about that kid that makes him so damn strong?"
"I know. I also find it infuriating as well." Wardes agreed. After the fight she returned to Londinium and explained to Wardes that Sora and Louise had arrived in Albion recently and had been held up in the city during Pentecost.
The silver haired man was remembering his defeat at the hands of said keyblade wielder. They were quite bitter. Though, if he still was human and had heart, he would still be feeling that mix of anger and humiliation. They heard from Xigbar and the others what happened at the Institute, and how Sora was likely having the guilt eating away at him.
But he seemed to be over it, or at least pushed his feelings aside. Either way it seemed like he found not only his strength back, but also his motivation too. Just what is it about this boy that makes him so powerful…
"I don't understand, the only thing that matters to a noble is their status and their magic abilities. But he is not a noble, nowhere even close to being one so how? How is he so strong, how is it that he always manages to turn the odds to his favor? Sora is either blessed by Brimir himself, or he possesses the fortune of the devil."
"Neither of those in fact." Another Corridor opened and two more seekers of darkness stepped forward. It was Ansem and Xemnas.
"The boy is blessed to wield great power, but this is not ultimately what gives him strength." Ansem said.
"You downfalls were not the result of his superior strength and skill. But rather due to the many ties that are linked to Sora's heart."
"Are you joking? Are you saying that just because he has friends it makes him stronger than us?"
"A strong man can always protect himself. But a stronger man will always protect others." The seeker of darkness said leading to confusion.
"What does that mean?" Matilda said.
"It's as it means. Those who are born or gain power, will always stand alone, having the means to protect himself. But those who have others they want to secure, be it a friend or a lover, they will always find the means to reach untold power and that power in turns is used to protect them."
"Wardes." Xemnas turned to the ex-griffin knight captain "You yourself heard those very words from Sora. Remember the church."
The viscount recalled what Sora said back at the church.
"You've been wrong about me, Wardes, especially as to where my strength comes from; not from the keyblade or anything else, but from the friends I made, the memories we all share both good and bad, the connection that we forge. I'm a part of their hearts and their part of mine."
"That's where my strength comes from and it will always be that. My friends are my power!"
Wardes just chucked it up to be nonsense "That utterly ridiculous. You mean when he said that his friends are his power he was serious."
"Connections give him power."
"And when those feelings are linked to bonds in Sora's heart. You've seen up close what he is capable of." Xemnas finished.
Despite the words of Ansem and Xemnas, Wardes still didn't believe it. Power is power and saying that bonds and connections are linked to it is foolish plain and simple.
"I still don't believe you both." He said. But that didn't seem to phase the two standing before them
"If you wish not to heed out words. I see nothing can be done about it. But I suppose his actions will have to make you understand what drives Sora to fight." The two organization members disappeared. Leaving Wardes alone with Matilda.
"What total bigotry, bonds, friends. Those are just words that don't give you strength. Magic is everything to a noble." He finished venting as he turned to Matilda. "I'm heading back me up with me." He said as he also disappeared via a dark corridor.
Matilda was standing by herself as she also remembered the words Sora said to her as she had him captured.
"My real power lies in the connections in the people that accepted me into their hearts. Those that call me a friend. The bonds I share are what give me strength to move forward."
"Power that comes from strong ties…" She whispered. Is that really a form of strength? She thought as she continued to think about it, until she remembered how she was also blushing, she shook that off and thought about why did that happen, she still hated him for her that hasn't changed, But there was something else that struck a chord.
She placed her hand over her chest, specifically where her heart was…and she was sure she felt something skip…She thought they said that they were just waking spirits with no heart. She shook it off and thought nothing more about it.
Well no use in worrying about it now, not since they still had plans tonight. As she disappeared as well.
Early on Louise told Sora where the glider was only after she found him hanging around a crowd of people.
They were cheering for him. He performed some magic as a kind show to them. He launched a fireball in the air and called forth light making a small firework. They were all having fun that is until she came up front with him and asked what he was doing showing off like that.
He was just wandering around until these people involved him to have a drink. But Sora was still underage to drink but he did accept the invite. Louise looked at the group of people who were impressed by Sora's magic; it was mostly a few men and one woman.
Louise reminded Sora that they were still at war so he shouldn't get too friends with strangers from foreign lands. But the spiky hair brunette wasn't sure why she should be saying that, he was just having a bit of fun, something she should try sometimes.
To the pink haired void user that was in insult. This was a serious matter and he should also be taking this seriously as well. He didn't know these people just he was being all buddy buddy with them.
As the argument continued the woman asked if there was anything wrong with them. Louise was first to say that he was her servant. Sora snapped his head and gasped, really, since when he was positive that what she said and what he is are two different words.
They immediately recognized her as a noble and showed some more respect. Asking if there was anything she needed him for an important task.
They bowed respectfully and departed. But not before the woman waved at Sora and told him bye. Sora waved back which made Louise drag him by his clothes. He asked where they were going and she replied that the queen has the machine they were riding so she wanted him to see if he could fly it.
After some time, Sora and Louize reached the glider.
The keyblade wielder was sitting on top of the glider, trying to make it fly. Louise was watching him but was getting bored and decided to go for a walk.
As she did she spotted Juilo. She turned to Sora who was still having a difficult time trying to get the glider airborne.
She began to approach the platinum blonde.
"Uh. Julio, can I ask you a favor." Louise timidly asked.
"Sure thing." Louise binked twice, surprised with how quick he responded.
"Just like that. You're not going to ask me about it?"
"If it's a request from someone as beautiful as you Louise, how could I possibly refuse." He said being smooth with his words.
Louise blush after hearing him call her beautiful.
"I heard that you're under the musketeers knight as a dragon knight, is that correct?"
"That's right. But I haven't officially joined the Tristain military, I am still a flamen from Romalia, remember." Julio reminded Louise.
"Come on, come on." His hands were on the handle, his cries were heard as the glider slightly hovered in the air. A big grin was on his face, but he immediately lost it as the glider fell back to the ground, smoke started to rise. Sora jumped off and started fanning the air around him, trying not to breathe it in.
Cough "Oh man." He said putting his right hand on the back of his head. The glider definitely took a big hit from the heartless the other day, not to mention it was stuck in a blizzard all night too. So there's no way it can fly right now.
He wasn't sure what to do next. He turned around to try and talk to Louise bout that to do next, when he did he saw her getting on top of Juilo's dragon with him holding on to her, Sora could see her reaction and raced over.
"Alright time to take off." Julio said. "Be careful not to bite your tongue." However as they were about to take off Sora stopped them
"Hey, where are you guys going?" Sora asked.
"We're just going on a date, if you would be so kind as to step aside."
Sora gasped "What!? Date!?"
"It's not like that! The queen had given me a mission earlier." Louise quickly corrected.
"Then why are you going with him?" Sora said
"Because that machine is practically useless to us right now." Louise pointed out as the smoke came off the glider.
"I'm sure I can-."
"And beside, while I was busy talking to the queen you were off goofing around. I don't need a familiar who doesn't take anything seriously. If you want to have fun then go and enjoy yourself! Julio!" Louise told Sora off as Julio commanded Azzurro to take to the skied.
Azzurro started flapping its wings and flew into the air, Sora called out to Louise but was ignored, the only thing she did in response was sticking her tongue out. And turning away. It wasn't long until they were gone.
"Okay fine! If that's how you want to be!" He yelled as he started walking back into town.
Meanwhile in the air a strong silence was between Louise and Julio. "...Are you alright with that?" Julio asked.
"Huh? What are you saying?" Louise asked.
"I mean l just leave him like that?" Julio was referring to Sora.
Louise was regretful for her choice of words but tried to keep a straight face. "It's fine…He just doesn't understand how serious this is. I want to show how determined I am to aid Henrietta, if he isn't that in earnest, then I don't want anything to do with him."
She said remembering earlier that he wanted to enjoy the festival, not caring that they were in war. Really doesn't he have any pride at all for himself.
Julio saw Louise's sad look and thought about what was going through her head. He began to smirk.
"You've known Sora longer than I have, haven't you? I think the reason you asked me on this mission was because you don't want to keep having him come and help you right?" Julio said, which startled Louise.
"Huh? What?"
"I heard during your last mission that it was basically Sora who was doing all the work. And you weren't able to do a single thing, isn't that right. This isn't just about helping her majesty, you want to prove yourself to her and everyone just what you are capable of on your own. But I also think you want Sora to see your growth especially."
"L-Like I care about him!" Louise stuttered.
"No need to be so shy." Julio teased Louise "I know how serious you are about him, and you know that he does take things wholeheartedly. But at the same time you want to show him that you are capable of handling situations on your own, yet he doesn't seem to notice. I bet that's why you're really angry."
Louise started to blush "But I could be wrong. I'm not a noble myself so I would understand." Julio said as they continued flying to Londinium.
Louise remained quiet with her face still blushing 'It's not like I…
As for Sora, he was talking through the streets of South Gotha, and he was still in a bad mood. Just what did she mean when he doesn't take anything seriously. Of course he was serious about this war, and she told him to go do what he wanted.
And why didn't she tell him that Henrietta gave her a mission, sure the glider wasn't working but that didn't have to be the only means of transportation Sora had. He could have used Attraction Flows to get them there. but no she went off and she did it with Julio too.
Sora stopped as he felt a tightness in his chest, why thought he was upset for the right reasons but when he thought about Louise going to Julio, he wasn't sure but it made him uncomfortable. She always would trust him but instead she trusted Julio, and it wasn't the only time. Was he actually feeling jealousy and if so why would he be jealous?
"Sora. Is that you?" The keyblade wielder looked up and immediately recognized that tone of voice.
"Siesta!" Sora was shocked.
The dark haired girl ran into his arms "Sora. I'm so glad you're alright! I can't believe I get to see you so soon!"
"It hasn't been that long." Sora said as Siesta let go "Wait a minute, what are you doing here?"
"The academy has been closed after you left, my uncle talked about going to Albion to try and earn some wages. But I never thought I'd see you here." Siesta explained.
"Wait a sec, you mean Scarron and Jessica are here too?" Sora asked. Siesta confirmed as she began dragging Sora along.
(Londinium)
Julio and Louise were flying over the capital of Albion. Luckily no one seemed to notice them but it was pretty quiet, nothing seemed out of the ordinary either. Julio commanded his dragon to fly by the castle. While inside, Sheffield was talking with two other people.
"What do you mean surrender? You wish to give up our country!?"
"Wait a sec, you mean Scarron and Jessica are here too?" Sora asked. Siesta confirmed as she began dragging Sora along.
"I can't believe you're scared, why not wave a white flag while your at it."
"Let's not forget that they have the void with them. Remember how they decimated our fleet the last time we invaded Tristain. And our plan to hold the academy students hostage failed as well. Right now, surrendering seems like our only option left."
Sheffield smirked "No. We won't surrender." the black haired woman said.
"Miss Sheffield, please consider they already captured South Gotha, it'll be a matter of time before they reach the capital."
Julio and Louise were flying over the capital of Albion. Luckily no one seemed to notice them but it was pretty quiet, nothing seemed out of the ordinary either. Julio commanded his dragon to fly by the castle. While inside, Sheffield was talking with two other people.
"How exactly?"
"I will place a trap in the town's water supply." She said to the others.
"You mean…poison."
"Not exactly poison." Sheffield corrected. As she glanced at her right ring finger where the Andvari ring was. Sheffield broke away and looked out the window
'It looks like everything is now in place, I managed to achieve results but it seems Albion is of no further use.' She noticed something in the sky.
"Send out the dragon knights! We have intruders!
Everything seemed okay with Julio and Louise. But Louise was lost in thought from what Julio said to her. Maybe she was wanting to prove herself to Sora, she couldn't recount all the time he had been there for her whether it was for emotional support or when he came to her rescue.
But at the same time she was beginning to feel inadequate. Her train of thought was interrupted when Julio called out to her, she looked straight forward and saw dragon knights flying towards them, at least four maybe five
"Looks like we've been spotted." Juilo said. "Hang on tight." He began to maneuver the dragon riding mages.
The knights on dragons were blasting them with fire. Azzurro quickly dodged and flew underneath the dragon, quickly spreading its wings and straightening out
"Azzurro! Now!" Following Julio's orders Azzurro unleashed a breath attack blasting all five of the knights.
They called for a tactical retreat and began to fly away.
Louise gazed over at Julio. 'Amazing…Even though he is not a noble nor does he possess magic, his skills with riding a dragon are phenomenal…We can always demand respect, but I'm starting to see how some people can earn it…'
"Well then, I think we overstayed our welcome. It's time for us to leave before more show up." Julio replied to Louise, causing her to snap back to reality.
"Right." She said as they were flying back to South Gotha "Julio. I must say the way you handled that was spectacular." Louise praise Julio for is skills.
"Thank you. The problem with most riders is how they use unnecessary movements when it comes to their dragon. It's not just enough to ride a dragon, you have to connect with one, be open. Once you have a strong bond with it, anything is possible. Right boy." Julio said, patting the white dragon which made him purr.
"And you didn't kill them." Said Louise.
"Despite being enemies, you're worried about them. I think Sora's influence is rubbing off on you more than you think."
"It's not like that!" She denied. Her flustered face made it more amusing for Julio as they flew back.
(South Gotha)
Siesta brought Sora to a tent where Scarron and Jessica were currently taking positions at. When Siesta returned to greet her cousin and uncle, they were surprised to see Sora was here as well.
"Tres bien! It's so good to see you, Sora." Scarron said
"Oh man, it's crazy to see you here." Jessica replied.
"Yeah." Sora said "I'm just as surprised as you all. I didn't think I would run into you guys here." It's always a small world after all.
"Oh yeah. I was wondering, you said that the academy is closed, but what's Kirche and the other's doing right now?" Sora asked.
Siesta answers that her and some other students decided to stay on campus while the other half went home. They're were even some staff workers who also decied to use this as a vacation. Sora asked what she had been doing since the school was closed.
She smiled and stretched her hand outward. And in a bright flash of light she was able to summon Starlight to her hand. Sora was caught off guard by this development.
"Woah!" He said.
"I know right!" She said releasing the keyblade from her hand made it disappear and reappeared again "I was doing some practice, and I finally managed to summon it." She said, making the Starlight keyblade disappeared for the last time.
"Well I'm proud of you. You definitely know how to amaze me." Sora complemented her as Siesta began to blush.
"Oh yeah. I notice that Louise isn't with you?" Jessica said "Is she here too?"
That also made Scarron and his niece wonder the same thing.
"She ditched me and went on a mission with…Julio " He said bitterly. The family heard the sour tone in his voice. It must have been another fight between them.
"Let me guess. You guys got into another fight?" Asked Jessica as she scooched her chair over.
"Ahh~ a quam between lovers." Scarron replied as Sora clarified that it wasn't like that, and they definitely aren't lovers! She just told him off because he was talking about relaxing and enjoying this festival. But of course She took it differently and said to him to do whatever he wants.
Siesta sheepishly laughed. That sounded basically like their usual argument.
"Well if you want, we could hang out." Jessica replied, causing Siesta to turn her head towards her cousin.
"Really?"
"Why not. You aren't really doing anything and I'm sure papa wouldn't mind either would you?" She turned to her father and shook his head.
"Well if you want, we could hang out." Jessica replied, causing Siesta to turn her head towards her cousin.
"Come on Sora. Are you okay with us hanging out?"
"No. I don't mind." Sora agreed. Siesta mouth gaped open.
"Then it's a date!" She stood up from her chair and immediately took Sora's hand and began dragging him out of the tent.
Siesta came back to reality and chased after them. "Hey wait. I'm coming too!" She followed them outside of the tent.
"It's so nice to be young."
Meanwhile the sun was beginning to set. Louise and Julio reported back to the generals, saying that there was nothing unusual happening in Londinium; everything seemed normal for the most part.
With nothing else to report they were dismissed. Louise went back to rest in a building that she and Sora were staying at. On the way up the stairs she started to have an inner monologue about what Julio was saying earlier, about how she doesn't want to keep feeling indebted to Sora for all his work
She was and is still grateful for all that he's done for her, both as a familiar and as a friend. But as a noble she was supposed to stand on her own now.
As she approached her room and opened the door she noticed Sora wasn't here. And from the looks of it it looked like he wasn't here at all.
"Hey old sword, wake up." She said to the Delflinger, leaning against the wall.
[Yawn* What is it?] Delf yawned before answering with a tired tone of voice.
"Where's Sora?" She said abruptly.
[What'cha mean. I thought he was with you?]
Louise let out a tired sigh "No."
[Oh I get it, you two get into another fight?]
"It wasn't like that…"
[Then I was right.] Louise kicked the sheath for Delf's smug attitude.
Louise made her way to the bed. "Geez. All I'm saying is that he should try and take things a little more seriously. But instead he just wants to goof off."
[He's an easy guy. And my partner is someone that people like to be around.] Delf replied [But I know it's not just that, so why don't you tell me what's really going on?]
Louise took a breath and said everything that she was thinking. About how he sometimes doesn't take things seriously and earlier when she was in town with him he was talking about joining for the festival. She couldn't stand his personality at times so she told him to go do as he pleased.
[Aren't you overreacting a bit?]
"I'm telling the truth here, he never-!"
[So my partner's decision to give up going back home and staying here wasn't a serious decision. And even though he doesn't originally come from this world he came here to this war as well. Why do you think that any way.]
Louise looked quite "Well…he's my familiar…"
[Familiar or not, he's loyal to the people he calls friends. He does take things seriously in his own way, you can't force him to have the same mindset as others. I mean, have you ever tried to see things from his point of view.]
Louise was holding onto the helm of her skirt looking down as Delf continued [It's pretty obvious that those girls are in love with him, and it's also clear that you love him too.]
Louise shifted to the sword "I…I don't…" She was too shy to say a word.
[So you don't love him?] Delf said. Louise took a big sigh and worked up the courage to say it as it was getting dark.
"Of course, I'm grateful to him for everything he's done. Both as my familiar and as a person. But I'm a noble…"
[Does that really-]
"I mean the responsibility that comes with it." Louise cut Delf "Remember how much of a failure our mission was, I couldn't do anything, Sora was doing everything, and it wasn't just that. He's saved me so many times, to the point that I feel indebted. I want to find a way to repay him, but if this war goes on, I were to get killed, I could never show him how thankful I am to him. Nor would I be able to tell him how I feel."
[That's why you gotta let him know how much he really means to you, keeping it bottled up won't change anything. The guy seems to let that romance stuff fly over his head, unless you really tell him.] Delf commented on his partner's being a bit dense, although it was a bit obvious that there was someone that he liked and the sword had a pretty clear idea who.
[He's done everything for you even if you don't want him too and you take it personal. Now it's about time you follow him instead.]
Louise was looking down thinking long and hard about it "Okay fine! Just stop lecturing and just tell me what you want to say!"
[Well, before you start, you can apologize... And if you want him to understand, then try this…]
Meanwhile back over at the tent the girls were sitting down drinking glasses of water. "Today has been really good." Siesta said to Jessica.
"Are you two already tired?" He said to his daughter and niece.
"Just a bit."
"Oh, is Sora still out?" Scarron asked.
"Last we saw him, he was playing with some kids. You'd think he was twelve with all energy." Jessica said. As she was wondering how someone like him has so much stamina.
"Are you two already tired?" He said to his daughter and niece.
"You know I can't dance." Siesta replied with a pout. "And you two looked like you were having fun."
Jessica could see Siesta starting to feel jealous. She was the person who reunited with Sora, and she didn't really get to spend any time with him. It was over a week since he and Louise left.
Jessica chuckled, "Aww how cute, you're adorable when you're jealous."
"Hey don't tease me!" Siesta said.
"Okay. But I don't blame you for liking Sora. He is a good guy, not someone you meet often."
"He is, isn't he." Even Scarron agreed which also begs the question why does Jessica also like Sora.
Siesta started to ask, Jessica replied honestly. When she first heard about him from Siesta she thought that someone that friendly doesn't exist, but when she got to meet him she could see her cousin was right. But what made her like him, well that had to do with that fat noble tax collector. When Louise was first to assault him no one was willing to do anything, and just as he was about to cause harm to Louise, Sora stepped in.
But that wasn't the only thing that caught her off guard. Him being able to throw a person who was twice his own weight across the room, definitely left an impression on her. Plus he was also really cute too.
Siesta was starting to understand how and why Jessica started to like Sora. Now she felt regret that she ever brought him up.
And as they were just talking about Sora, he returned from the festivities.
"Oh man, everyone has no idea what they're missing out on." Sora said entering the tent. As the two girls were whispering.
But that wasn't the only thing that caught her off guard. Him being able to throw a person who was twice his own weight across the room, definitely left an impression on her. Plus he was also really cute too.
Sora approaches Scarron and his family. "This has been the most fun I've ever had in a while."
"You haven't been to a festival?"
Sora answered "No I have, I just mean that it's been so long since I've hung out with friends. Wish that Louise would learn to just relax and have some fun."
"Hello, is anyone here?" A recognizably voice caught Sora, he turned around and saw Julio making an appearance.
"Julio." The keyblade wielder greeted the priest.
"Yo. How's it going." Julio greeted me. As he pulled up a chair.
Jessica noticed that this was the same guy from the tavern a while ago. So this was the guy Sora was talking about.
"I didn't know you were back." Sora said.
"Not only that. But guess who I ran into while I was taking in the scenery of this beautiful night." Julio said as another person followed him from behind.
Sora was aesthetic "What? Guiche!?" the spiky haired teen couldn't believe it.
"Greetings. It's been a while Sora." The blonde haired earth mage greeted back.
"Sir Gramont!" Siesta was also shocked.
"Oh man, it's so good to see you. What are you doing out here?"
Guiche answered Sora's question "Enjoying the end of the year celebration. I never expected that I would see you here."
"So if you're here does that mean Louise is also present in Albion?" The earth mage asked.
"Yeah. Kinda been thinking she hasn't really been enjoying herself lately. You know what, I'm gonna go and get her." Sora said as he was about to exit the tent.
"Hey Sora. Do you mind if we tag along?"
"Sure thing." Sora said as Scarron, Siesta, and Jessica all followed him to the apartment.
"T...This is the best idea you could come up with!?" Louise said, shaking.
[Yeah. The ideology of noble and commoner has no meaning for my partner since he's from another world, so a bit of role reversal is necessary for you both to understand each other. Just for today, you get to be the familiar, and he's the master.]
"I get that…" Louise said ready to explode as she looked at herself in the mirror, she was wearing a rather overly exposed black cat costume with ears and a matching tail included "...But why do I have to dress like a damn cat!? I am noble, not a street walker!"
[A black cat is a very popular familiar. And you kill it too in that outfit, just one look, and heads will turn. Plus, this should also boost some confidence. When he comes, you apologize while making your move.]
"Make my move?" Louise said. "What exactly do you want me to do?" Delf explained to Louise to use her feminine charm to seduce the keyblade wielder. Louise was too embarrassed at attempts to make moves like that.
But that was when Delf brought out the big guns, and told her if she was okay osing to that maid and the flaming red head from the academy. She was not ok as the sword contained pushing her buttons saying that they have more assets so of course they have more of an appealing allure.
That made her snap, she was now taking this personally.
Just then she heard the sound of footsteps. She felt like it was Sora coming up the stairs. Delflinger wished her luck as Lousie stood in front of the door.
'No allure, no assets. Just who do you think I am!' She doesn't need breasts to seduce him. Not only did she also discover his taste in apparel, but she also found out that he likes a woman wearing black, so this should be easy.
She bent forward, crossing her arms, forcibly squeezing her breasts together and placed her left hand on her thigh and screamed "T-t-t-today you are my master, Meow~!"
Louise waited for a reaction. She opened her eyes, wondering what the deal was…However, the person that greeted her wasn't Sora.
"M-m-m-miss Vallière?" Siesta stood in front of Louise, both girls were frozen stiff looking pale to see each other. Siesta for seeing Louise in such a lewd outfit, and Louise wondering why she is all the way here in Albion.
Neither of them spoke as Sora stood next to her just now, he was caught off guard as she fell to the floor "What the heck are you wearing…?"
And pretty soon, Jessica and her father saw Louise as well.
"Oh Louise, when did you turn into a cat?" Jessica replied.
"My, oh my even you can be cute when you want to be Louise darling." Scarron said as tears were starting to form.
She grabbed the covers from off the bed and was screaming, this was the most she had ever been humiliated.
Fireworks were launched up in the air brighting tents were filled with people from South Gotha, lots of people were living it up eating, drinking and singing for tonight.
After the whole 'Black cat' thing Louise wanted to stay inside but chose to follow them after all mostly because she wanted to forget that ever happened, as they arrived Guiche greeted the void mage but she brushed him aside and immediately poured herself a glass of wine.
He and Julio asked Sora if something happened but he wasn't sure what happened himself.
"Excuse me! Can I get a refill!" A bleary Louise waved her glass in the air asking for another round "Hello, I want another!"
She yelled for a waitress to come and serve her another drink "You ordered please." Siesta appeared before her dressed in uniform having a cheerful expression.
"I don't remember calling you." Louise glared before whispering "Chasing him…like a fool."
Despite hearing that Siesta kept her attitude "Meow~, master." She teased the pink haired noble which embarrassed her even more.
"Don't make fun of me!" Louise yelled "You got some nerve for insulting nobility."
"I think what's more insulting was you wearing something a pervert would have."
"At least I don't need my breast to snare a man. The only quality you and that Zerbsts cow have are big breasts!"
"At least I've got some, unlike someone with no femininity whatsoever. Short tempted, and a washboard!"
Their argument went back and forth getting the attention of everybody inside the tent. An award silence filled the air between Louise and Siesta until someone else changed the subject "Hey look, it's snowing!" said a woman
Everyone shifted their focus off the two girls and looked outside. And the woman was right, it really was snowing.
The people were in awe, watching from both inside and outside even Louise couldn't help but to admire the view. "A snowy pentecost, I've always dreamed of seeing one." Siesta said.
"Have you really?" Asked Louise.
The people were in awe, watching from both inside and outside even Louise couldn't help but to admire the view. "A snowy pentecost, I've always dreamed of seeing one." Siesta said.
She and Louise looked over at each other and smiled "You know what. Why don't we just call a truce?" Louise said not at all feeling bothered as she pulled out a chair "Here, have a seat." Siesta took her up on that offer and sat down next to her.
They both raised their glasses and made a toast to the end of the year.
Meanwhile Juilo, Sora and Guiche watched the girls now getting along. Seemed like a problem that solved itself.
"This time of year always seems to bring people together." Guiche said.
"I see that. Although it hasn't been a year for me at all. I wonder what everybody is doing right now." Sora started to think about Riku, Kairi and everyone else.
"I'm sure they're all doing fine." Guiche said as he remembered something important to show Sora he open his coat and showed him a metal that was inside. "Impressive wouldn't you agree."
"A medal?" The keyblade wielder said curiously.
"Not just a medal. This is the order of the white fleece spirit. I earned this when I was making a great contribution during a fight."
"Well what happened?" Sora said as Julio also was curious.
"It was on our way from Rosyth. We encountered Soldiers. The next thing I knew was that I was up in the mountains surrounded. I received a blow that was fatal, I was sure I was going to die." He explained which made Sora gasp.
"You're kidding me?" He said.
Guiche shook his head. "No, I'm serious."
Flashback
Guiche slowly walked throughout the forest holding onto himself, however he could muster the strength to go on any further and collapse.
He was gasping for air "Forgive me, Montmorency, my love. But I don't believe that I'm going to make it." He laid on the grass.
He believed that his time was up until he heard the sound of leaves rustling. He turned his head to a bright light shining in his direction. His eyes widen beyond belief.
Flashback end.
Guiche explained that someone up in those mountains saved his life, and when he came to that person was gone.
Maybe he was hallucinating or not but he swore he saw someone. She was most certainly a woman with golden blonde long hair and her whole body was sparkling in light. The only thing that came to his mind was that the woman had to have been a fairy.
"Fairy?" Sora said.
Julio let out a yawn "Are you positive you weren't just dreaming. It must have been just sunlight."
"No, I'm telling the truth, She was a fairy. I know what I saw!"
Sora was wondering if Guiche was telling the truth. Although he does know some fairies himself and one pixie. So Guiche could be right telling him what he saw.
"Sure, keep telling yourself that. Though I'm sure you were scared. Going off to battle and dying in an unknown location can be terrifying I bet." Julio said to the earth mage.
Guiche wasn't fazed by his response "Maybe it seems terrifying for you since you are not a noble, but not to me. If I were to die in the name of honor I would do so. Although I would at the very least accomplish a even greater task and receive another medal before that happens." Guiche began to laugh as if he was making a joke.
But for Sora that wasn't something to laugh about, he slammed both his hands on the table causing Guice to shut up "Are you really that insensitive!?"
"What did you say!"
"Have thought about Montmorency at all. You know how devastated she would be if she found out you died. You survived and that's something you should treasure not to mention me, I'm supposed to be your friend! All this talk about dying for honor and pride is so dumb!"
Guiche was ready to argue with Sora but Louise cut into the argument "Sora, apologize right now!"
"What? Why?" He said not understanding at all.
"Unlike you, the rest of us are ready and waiting to give up our lives for our honor!"
"Tell that to Colbert, you think he died defending his honor! No, he didn't, he gave up his life to save me, you and everyone else. That's what honor is, not what you guys have."
"You don't have to remind me of that. But this isn't about Mr.Colbert. Why don't you understand the value of a noble's pride?"
" Because I don't understand the value of it. There are things that are way more important than honor. I thought you were doing this for Henrietta or do you not care as long as your pride is here!"
That sting made Louise angry "Of course this is about the queen. You don't understand, what's important to me is my loyalty to her, I don't care about a medal, I just want to show the people who acknowledge me to see me. As long as there are those who understand, that's all I need." Tears started form in her eyes.
"That's what honor means to me and I would accept my death if it means I can show those my potential!" Sora witnessed that same expression before when they were fighting Fouquet.
Sora was left speechless as he turned away from Louise and began to walk away. "Sora wait, where are you going?" Louise tried to stop him but he was already gone.
"…Wait…What about professor Colbert…" Guiche was trying to understand what Sora was talking about. Julio reached over his shoulder.
"You better sit down. I may take some explaining.
Meanwhile outside of the city in the snow covered mountains, a corridor of darkness opened as young Xehanort, Xigbar, and Vanitas exited the portal with Sheffield following them.
"This should be the spot." The dark haired woman said as Xigbar summoned his arrow gun and was shooting into the snow.
"Pretty underhanded, putting a spell in the city's water supply." Xigbar said.
"It's a necessary evil, if were are to bring about control of this world then we need all the pieces together." Replied Sheffield.
She took off her glove and exposed the Andvari ring over the spot that Xigbar shot. Water seemed to flow, it appeared to be a river. "The power of this ring can not only control the dead, but also the living too."
Oh her forehead, that was barely covered by her hair, runes began to appear on her forehead.
She trusted her hand out and it seem the gem of the ring was beginning to melt. Almost as if she was melting it with her body heat herself.
Droplets from the ring entered the river, leading into the city.
(South Gotha)
Sora walked Aimlessly through the city. He was trying to understand what Louise was supposed to be fighting for. He's no noble just a regular guy from a small pair of Islands, But he was fighting for his friends and those that were in trouble. For Henrietta it was for her country, Agnès the queen.
But for Louise she was fighting not just for Henrietta but also recognition, but why doesn't she understand she doesn't need to perform great jobs to get noticed. But she is willing to get herself killed to have eyes on her. This reminded him about the talk they had in the forest when they were also with Henry. It seems that she doesn't understand at all.
"I don't understand, just what's so important about honor that you're willing to die for?" Sora said out loud as he heard a voice.
"Honor is the very core of a noble. But of course you wouldn't understand."
He looked all around as a corridor of darkness opened in front of him. "Who's there?!" He exclaimed.
Two individuals stepped out of the darkness, one being Wardes and the other being Wales. Sora quickly put up his guard as they walked forward.
"What are you two doing here?" Asked Sora.
"We've come to celebrate the year's end. What else would we be doing here?" Wardes said sarcastically "I noticed you're all alone. How is Louise doing?"
"And Henrietta, is she well?" Wales asked
"They're fine, thanks for asking." Sora replied before getting to the point "What are you even doing here?"
"I could help but notice that depressing state you were in. You think that it is dumb for a noble to fight for pride. It's the very essence of what makes up who we are. If you were a noble you would understand wealth, power, and territory. Those are the three main factors that make up nobility. If you have not one of these things, then you are no noble."
"So Sora, I want you to enlighten me. Say you were a noble, which of the three I listed out would you findmore important." Wardes plan was to expose Sora's true nature, to show him what he was truly thinking. And maybe that could lead to a weakness somewhere.
Sora crossed his arms thinking about Wardes question. If he was a noble, what would he decide? "If I had to guess, probably…power."
Wardes smiled "And why would you value power? To conquer nations or to have the whole world underneath your heel."
"...Not like that. I don't value power, I think it is important to protect what I really value."
Wales was curious as he asked what it is that he values. Sora started to list what he does value. His friend here in Halkeginia, and back where he comes from, Agnès, the queen, and of course Kairi too. Power might be important but he values his bonds more.
"So you value the people around you, more than power itself." Wales understood while Wardes was silent, losing his smile.
"That's right. The power I possess is something that was never given to me but I was able to show I was worthy to have it. if I had to choose why I would want power, I would use it to protect the bond I have."
"I don't have any idea why everyone here values their honor more than their friends, to me honor is something that exists in a person, it isn't something you go around and flaunt. I know there are more important things then just that. Having people standing by you should be more important."
Wales could see the purity in his eyes. That was something he wished he could have. Wardes on the other hand just couldn't figure him out. He always talks about friends and bonds, when action speaks louder. but why was this getting him so riled up? He previously was a captain and a skilled swordsman and mage but every time he looks at this boy, he feels a sense of envy towards Sora.
…Wait, at that moment the silver haired man actually felt something. He looked at Sora before scoffing "Forget this. I see this was pointless to talk with you. I only wanted to see your true colors, but I guess I was a fool. Enjoy this Pentecost, Sora, cause it might be the last." He said as he disappeared into the darkness leaving Wales alone with Sora.
"What?" Sora asked as Wales stared at him with a blake stare.
"...Even though we are enemies. Take care of Henrietta." That was all he said as he also vanish into thin air.
Sora was confused, but his confusion was broken as he heard a familiar voice from behind.
"Sora!" He turned around and saw Siesta running towards him.
"Siesta?" She had finally caught up with him.
"Are you-" She tried to talk but began to choke on her words. "Are you cold, come on!"
"I'm fine…"
"No your not, I don't want you to catch a cold!"
"Siesta I-"
People were beginning to make comments "Hey, Mr.Lady-killer it's not nice to make your girl cry!"
Sora felt awkward as people were staring. "We should go…" He said holding Siesta's hand looking for a place to get away from the eyes of the people.
Since there was no place for them, they wandered the city passing by merchants and soldiers until they found an inn. They asked the owner if they had any rooms available and it just so happened there was one room available.
Although the place that was rented was a bit shabby, at least there was a fireplace and a bed.
"They charged us for a place like this." Sora complained as he saw Siesta crying, he sat next to her and gently patted her head.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm sorry. I just…felt so bad for you Sora. I've seen you do so many amazing things, and she still says such mean things…"
Sora reassured her with a smile "Hey it's fine. It's gonna take a lot more than that to get me down."
Achoo* Siesta sneeze. Sora noticed how cold it was here.
He found some wood and threw it into the fireplace. Then with a bit of fire magic he lit it up "There, should start to warm up." Sora said.
Siesta got off the bed and hugged Sora from behind "I'm sorry. I bet it must be annoying having me come here."
"No not at all, I'm really glad to see you." Sora replied.
"I just wanted to see so badly. I know that we were at war, but if anything were to happen to you, I…I don't know how I could go on. That's why I asked Jessica and uncle to take me with them. I was so happy to see you again, it felt like my heart was going to explode. But when I saw you, I didn't know what to say."
Siesta started to weep "Even though you were exiled from your world, and were summoned to this one, you fight so hard for everyone. Someone so important to me, it feels like you're just a tool, and I can't stand watching you getting treated like that…"
"Listen…" Sora placed his hand on her shoulder and looked at her directly. Her heart was beating so fast, she pushed Sora to the floor and hovered above him, she quickly leaned forward and kissed him right on his lips. Sora's eyes widened by the sudden action of his dark haired friend, the warm and soft feeling of her lips pressed against his, he could think straight. A few seconds later she stopped and sat on top of him, her cheeks visibly red.
"W-What?" The keyblade wielder couldn't understand her reasons for doing this.
"Sora…I love you." She said, Sora was frozen when he heard her say that. "One time, Jessica said if I went far enough, no man would resist me. And if he didn't do anything, then that means he doesn't feel the same."
Ironic that she and Jessica both feel for the same person.
Siesta took his hand and placed it onto her breast, Sora flinched, taking back his hand. "Do you not like me!?"
"No, I do like you! I just-"
"Just what? You taught me things I never thought possible, you saved my family and my village, this is the least I can do to thank you so-."
"I can't do this because it would be taking advantage."
"Take advantage?" Siesta repeated.
"Yeah. Siesta you are important to me, the very first friend I made when I first arrived. It wouldn't feel right at all taking advantage of your feelings." Siesta pouted angrily. But she gave a tiny smile, she forgot he always puts others' feelings before his own.
"Remember how you told me that you came from a pair of Islands. And how you needed to get back. Well, despite that these feelings I have for you won't go away. Until my feelings reach you, until they are strong enough, maybe that day will never happen but on that day when you accept them, I will wait!"
Saying that Siesta got off of Sora's waist as he sat up in front of her. He wasn't sure how to proceed or handle this. First Kirche, now Siesta. He already has Kairi but he doesn't want to hurt their feelings either.
This was something he had to figure out on his own.
"I'm sure this must have been a surprise…Just for a bit, can you hold me, would that be okay?" She said with puppy dog eyes.
Sora started to stutter "I, um…"
Siesta then brought out her ultimatum "If you don't, I will strip! Don't think I won't do it!" She said having her hands on her clothes prepared to yank them off. Sora raised his hands and gave in.
Sora began to hug Siesta as she smiled warmly by his embrace.
Meanwhile Louise was also wandering all alone in the streets. 'Dummy. Why don't you understand…' She thought to herself, as a sudden explosion broke her concentration.
Elsewhere, Henrietta and Poitiers also heard the sound of something exploding, "What the devil?"
"What's going on?" Henrietta said as Agnès burst though the doors.
"Your Highness, it's a revolt! I don't know why, but our own soldiers are attacking each other!" Agnès said making both the general and the queen surprised.
"What do you mean?" Poitiers said. Agnès noticed something out the window she immediately ran towards Henrietta and held protectively. Though in her emotional state, her black wings wrapped around them causing Poitiers to be in shock as something crashed through the window. Flames burst forth in the building as Poitiers screamed. Agnès let go of Henrietta as the queen notice the large black angel wings.
"...Agnès…" Henrietta was baffled. As Agnès quickly noticed the wings. They disappeared in a black smoke.
'Oh Dammit!' She was thinking about the queen and how in danger she was and before she knew it, it just happened.
"Agnès, what?" Henrietta didn't understand. Where did those wings come from?
The purple haired queen screamed as she saw heartless appear in the fire two flame cores at least. Agnès held her arm out keeping the queen at bay as she called her Valkyrie's Rage to her hand and slashed the two fire heartless. She released her grip as her sword vanished in a dark crimson light.
"Come on, we have to go!"
"But Agnès…"
"There's no time, I'll explain later!" Taking the mentality confused queen by her arm, she started to drag her out of the city.
Agnès cursed herself for this blunder of hers. she hoped she wouldn't have to explain this to Henrietta but now there was no way to hide it any longer.
Meanwhile Sora and Siesta could hear the sounds of screams of people, something bad must be happening.
"What's going on?" Sora said as he stood up "Come on!"
Siesta stopped Sora from going any further. "Sora, are you going back to miss Vallière?"
She looked up as Sora nodded. "Then take this." She handed the keyblade wielder a bottle with something inside "It's a sleeping potion, have Miss Vallière drink this if she tries something dangerous, use this on her and take her away when she's asleep!"
"You don't have to…"
"It's normal for nobles to die for the queen, but since coming here, I've had this feeling of unease. I'm against this war and don't want you to get wrapped up in this!" She looked at Sora with desperate eyes. She conveyed her feelings to him so she doesn't want to lose him.
Outside, people were running for their lives, it wasn't just soldiers that had them running scared but monsters had also invaded South Gotha as well. On top of the roof Xigbar and Vanitas watch as a small crowd of heartless, nobodies and unverse we're roaming the city.
"Now this is a festival!" Xigbar said
"I couldn't agree more." Vanitas agreed.
Louise was running through the city trying to find Sora in all this commotion, she stopped to catch her breath as she looked to see soldiers attack each other and monsters chasing after civilians
'What is going on?' How could a peaceful celebration turn into a absolute nightmare.
End.