Flashback
"What's next?" Relon asks tired.
"Thors." Yujiro answers. "Your training is complete."
Flashback End
I can't believe three years have passed.
"Big brother."
Turning around with a smile on his face, he places down his book as he's greeted by the youngest sister. Now the age of 11, her long silvery-white hair remains at her waist level and she's she's also wearing a simple lavender dress.
I've completed my training which leaves only one thing.
"Ready to go, birthday girl?" A happy nod comes in response.
"Alright, let's go then." He gets up wheeling her outside, both looking to the rising sun.
"It's so warm."
"Feels great, doesn't it?" She nods happily as they begin their stroll out of the quaint town.
"Most of the monsters haven't appeared the roads yet. You ready for a fun day?" She looks to him nodding a slightly bigger nod than usual, her version of excitement.
Walking down the path, both eye the numerous windmills slowly spinning to the soft breeze. Passing a small farm owned by a man named Syro and his family, both wave at the family starting their morning. Eventually, the two stop at a fork in the road.
"Hm?" Norowareta releases a soft hum through her lips looking behind at Relon.
"Down that right road leads to Trista." He answers as the girl looks in the same direction where the sign indicates the very location.
"Trista..." She looks up at Relon as he looks down to her. "That's where you're going?"
"That's where we're going." He corrects for the girl to let out a small 'eep' as in a smooth motion, Relon lifts her up bridal style."
Flying from his waist hovers Pippin in his sheathe. The case now full of holes allowing the sword to see where its going while remaining encased. An idea Cecily had mentioned though Relon was hesitant at first but in the end it allowed Pippin to watch his back instead of simply warning him by rattling in something came from his blind spot. Laying down at waist level, Relon places Norowareta on it.
"There. Now wrap this around you and you're all set."
"Huh?"
"What? I told you the other day that today is a day you won't forget. Not too mention busy so wheeling you around will take too long. Which is why I'm giving you one of your presents now." Her eyes seem to widen in realization at where he's going with the topic as she looks to Pippin.
"Then..."
"Yup. Today, you'll be flying. Happy birthday, Norowareta." He grins a cheeky smile as she can only look on at a loss of words.
Tears begin to form. Unable to speak through words, she does through action reaching out and hugging Relon.
"Big brother!" She cries out. Taken aback, he eases himself and the girl petting her head. (Thank you.)
Smiling, they hold one another before eventually separating.
"Don't thank me yet. This is just one of your presents."
Going over to the wheel chair, he clicks a button on the back of the seat as the orbal chair folds down to backpack size.
"Gotta love technology." He comments putting his arms through the straps. "Ready, milady?" He bows earning a giggle followed by a nod from the girl. "Alright, just let Pippin know when to go fast and slow as well as to go higher or lower. I'll be right beside if not under you." Another nod. "Okay, ready when you are." He stands next to the girl.
Now that I think about it, she basically looks like a witch with Pippin as her broomstick with the way she's sitting sideways.
"Okay. Let's go." Obeying, they take off at a steady pace.
Gripping the cloth tightly, she steadily loosens her grip as she takes in sensation of the air hitting her face, her silvery-white hair flowing behind her the Relon's amusement.
This feels amazing!
"Pippin, can we go faster?" To answer her question, the swords does just that.
Running along the path, Relon chuckles at the sight.
I should get going. Don't want to let them get too far ahead.
With a boost to his step, he takes off catching up. Before long, Trista comes into view. Norowareta coming down as Relon assists her into her wheelchair. Walking up the small slope, they stop right at its tiny park.
"Here we are."
Both eye the many shops and homes surrounding the central park which holds a few benches. Closing her eyes, the girl listens to the quiet sound the town gives.
"It's peaceful."
"Yeah." He looks the the road going deeper into the town. "And see that building with the bell far off over there?"
Norowareta opens her eyes to look in the direction Relon is pointing seeing said building.
"Is that it?"
"Yup."
"That's Thor's Military Academy. The place where Aunt Cecily and Mister went to school."
"Then that's..." He nods.
"In about a week, that's where I'll be hopefully. Good thing I'll be minutes away."
Norowareta remains silent as she goes into thought.
I wish... No, I shouldn't... That's selfish.
"Noro, try not to think of it as goodbye when the day comes." His words widening the girl's eyes slightly as she looks up to her brother. "Think of it as simply seeing each other later. Besides, it's not like I won't come and visit every now and then. Celdic is barely an hour away when I'm really moving. I've grown a lot these last few years. Plus Silver will be the oldest boy so you and Blaze have to keep him in check while I'm gone." He grins.
"Big brother..."
"Now that I look at you, you've grown a lot too." This causing her eyebrows assist in her quizzical expression.
"When we first met, you didn't really socialize much with any of the others. Now look at you. You're socializing with everyone on a daily basis and you've stepped out of your shell. You're even speaking more. Just remember not to push yourself too much. I can't help but worry." He laughs to himself.
Looking back to Thors, Norowareta takes in all her brother has just spoken. Leaning back in her seat, she rests her head against Relon.
"You're the same, big brother." Her voice gaining his attention as he looks down seeing the girl now looking up at him, the top of her head touching his stomach. "You're stronger but also kinder. Sister, Silver, and I worry about you and will continue to." Her voice a normal volume which is quite rare for the girl.
"Noro..."
"I don't know what the future holds. That why... I want to make the most of my time here and now. That way, when the time finally comes, neither of us can have any regrets. So, don't worry about me."
"... Sorry, but I can't do that." She opens her eyes looking confused. "You're right about not knowing the future. No one does. It's hard to predict at times. But, I'll always worry. Not just because you're my little sister, but because you are someone dear to me for whom I wish to cherish for as long as possible."
"... Hehe. I guess that's family for you. "
"Yup, but you do have one point. Before that day comes, let's make the most of everyday we have together. Deal?"
"Deal."
"But I meant what I said. Every word, Norowareta. Don't forget that." He gently caresses her head.
"I won't, Relon." She holds the hand overtop her head with both smiling at the boy.
"Good. Now, I doubt we can walk on campus so how about we walk around a little and then head for our next destination?" She nods, the two enjoying the small town looking at what it had to offer before heading back to the highway.
Once Norowareta is back on Pippin, they head back to the fork in the road. This time, they go left.
"It'll take the whole day if we go at a slow pace. Think you can handle a little speed?" A confident nod. "Alright, with how far Heimdallr is, my current speed might not be enough so..." He steps a few meters away from the girl as she gives a curious look to widen slightly as a visible heat expels from the boy.
Lines of flames erupt from the ground in all directions for an explosion to go off. in its place, Relon with his altered appearance.
"Alright, now I'm ready." He finishes looking to his sister who's in awe. "Too scary?" She quickly dismisses the comment with a few shakes. "Phew. That's relieving."
"So this is it. Your other form." She notes, her voice low once more as he nods.
"Yeah. It's been forever since I've used it bsides the other day with Mister so I'm curious to see how much my training has paid off. Knowing how fast I was before, I can only imagine hiw fast I am now." Pippin seeming to take offence as it gets closer lightly tapping his side. "Sorry buddy. I know you've gotten faster too. Alright, ready to go?" A nod from the girl and from the sword come as an answer. "Okay. The sooner we get there, the more fun we can have. Let's go!"
With that declaration, Pippin and Norowareta take off high into the sky in seconds as a blast of fire erupts from the spot Relon once stood. Only a red streak is the only proof of the blitzing boy running along the path.
"So fast...!" Norowareta awes at the red streak that is Relon. "Pippin, let's go faster too!" She calls gripping the cloth.
With the tip of its blade igniting, they fly off, Relon looking at the small flame streak above him to chuckle. Before long, the reach the famous city Relon has come to know, respect, and love.
Glancing down at his sister in the wheelchair. She stares in awe at everything around them.
The amount of times she's been speechless since we met have broken some kind of record by now.
As they walk along the sidewalk eyeing the many buildings, they soon come to a stop.
"Hm?"
"We're here." He states, Norowareta glancing to what seems similar to Thors with a bell at the top.
"An academy?"
"Kinda. St. Astraia Girl's School." He states, the two rolling up to the guards in front of the gate.
Both move forward as Relon comes to a halt.
"Hey guys. Been a while, huh?" Both guards eye the boy recognizing him.
"Well if it isn't Relon." One guard says grinning. "Heard you were coming by but they didn't tell us when."
"You've certainly grown since the last time you were here. You seem more refined even." The other greets, Relon shaking both of their hands.
"Yeah, I've been training my butt off ever since I left. Have to in preparation for when I fully return. Though I don't know when that will be."
"I hear you. Then this must be the special girl, right?" The first guard says looking to Norowareta.
"H-Hello." She mumbles giving a small bow.
"Cut it out Scoob, you're scaring the girl. Don't mind him, he doesn't know how to handle kids. Happy birthday by the way." The other man smiles pulling his partner away.
"Jeez, Shaggy, I'm not that scaring." He mumbles, Relon chuckling at the two's antics as they allow the two through.
"Those two haven't changed much." Relon comments as they enter the building. "Man, the school hasn't changed one bit either. Now then, she told me their classroom hadn't changed nor their classmates..." Walking at a leisurely pace down the hall, they come to a classroom.
Giving her brother a curious look once again, he puts a finger to his lips motioning for silence which the girl nods at. Listening carefully, he hears a woman's voice.
That must be Ms. Murray. Ms. Freda- no. Arentula's replacement. It's still bewildering to think about her as a Leaguient. And we haven't gotten much info since aside from some movement but nothing concrete.
Forced to stop, he backs away as the door opens and closes revealing the teacher.
"Oh?" She eyes the boy and girl in the wheelchair before smiling. "They're waiting for you, Instructor." She chuckles before walking away, Relon mentally groaning at the comment with odd amusement.
Leave it to Alfin to not keep things a secret.
"Instructor?"
"Just a nickname I earned. Still don't know how I feel about it." He sighs. "Well, don't want to keep the others waiting. You ready to meet some people? You did really well in front of the guards." She gives a nervous nod.
He turns bending down so they're eye level.
"Don't worry. All of them are nice girls. Though, there is one that stands out. Don't worry, she means well... I think." He averts his eyes on that last comment.
"Um. Okay."
"Atta girl." He says patting her head.
Standing back up, he hears slight commotion, his name coming up a few times.
So much for keeping the news of my appearance on the down low. Jeez.
Not wanting to waste anymore time, he knocks. All commotion ceasing. Cautiously opening the door, he gets Norowareta and pushes her inside. The faces of around 21 girls locked on him. Stopping in front of the podium, a sense of nostalgia washes over him as he looks to the familiar faces in their seats.
"You know, I'm relieved you girls didn't go nuts compared to when we first met." He says with relief moving from behind his sister to the side.
The moment he does, though, all of the girls stand and rush in surrounding him. Commotion arising once more much to the boy's dismay.
"I THOUGHT YOU GIRLS WERE BETTER THAN THIS!" He shouts as they all just fall into laughter.
"WELCOME BACK, INSTRUCTOR RELON!" They all bow as a twitch escape's Relon before he slowly facepalms.
"Alright. Thank you, girls. It's good to be back even if it's only for the day but tell me. I'm sure I know the answer but who exactly told you all I would be coming?" He crosses his arms, his eyes half open showing annoyance though no one is bothered by it.
"Hehe, was I not supposed to?" A voice speaks up as Relon looks up.
A girl with a rather large amount of elegant blonde hair in uniform steps through the small crowd followed by two others. One with green hair and the other a dark purple.
"My, instructor, how rude of you to keep such a surprise from us fair maidens."
"Relon, I tried to stop her. I really did."
"Honestly I should have seen this coming. What I didn't see coming was a certain someone planning this kind of greeting." He barely hollers to the 22nd female in the room situated by the window.
No longer leaning against the wall, he watches as the figure joins the fray. A young woman with sky blue hair and pink eyes stands before him along with the others.
"Claire, Alfin, Elise, and..." He sighs. "Musse. Plus everyone here. It's good to see all of you again." He greets for a hand to gesture to Norowareta. "And this is my sister, Norowareta. She's on the shy side so don't be too much please."
"H-Hello..." She bows on cue.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOROWARETA!" The class chants, most of the girls grouping around the young girl casually asking simple things which Norowareta begins to answer with more confidence on each question.
Atta girl, Noro.
"Ahem." His thoughts are cut short as he turns for two bodies of flesh to tackle into him.
"Whoa!" Keeping his footing, he looks down to be met with Alfin and Musse. "Jeez, it's good to see you guys." He pats their heads.
"Oh, instructor, you seem to have figured out how to get to our hearts while you were away~." Musse teases looking up as Relon immediately stop patting her head.
"And you seem to have not changed one bit." He deadpans earning laughter from the class.
"Awe, don't be like that instructor. I've changed in more ways than one. Care to see~?"
"Sorry, the only things I want to see is Noro enjoy herself. Everything else can come later."
"My, that isn't a no so I'll be waiting, dear~." He sighs as some girls squeal giving their own comments.
"Do me a favor, dear. Don't give Noro any misleading ideas with that talk of yours." He sighs.
"Teehee, as you wish, darling."
"I swear. You and your nicknames. And Alfin..." He looks to the other girl. "I thought I said you were allowed to only tell your family, Claire and Elise. What exactly happened to that?"
"Hm? I could have sworn you also mentioned Musse..." She averts her eyes unable to hide the growing smile on her face.
"You are such a terrible liar."
"Hehe, oh come now. You were going to see everyone regardless so what harm is there?"
"Alfin, you..." His words falter as he shakes his head. "Truly, you are something else. These two must be difficult to deal with, huh Elise?"
"You don't know the half of it." She sighs walking to Relon. "How have you been?"
"Meh. Training day in, day out. Honestly, between fighting Mister, my aunt, and a giant primate, I feel the most comfortable with the primate."
"That rough?"
"Yeah, but I'm a heck of a lot stronger than I was when I left. Speaking of, have you heard anything from Rean?"
"He's still training. Apparently, he's been having some difficulties."
"Hmm, I wonder if it has to do you know what."
"Yes, so do I."
"Well, no point in worrying. Rean's pushing through just like the rest of us."
"Yes, you're right!"
"Well, it seems you three are still close as ever." (Mainly Elise struggling to keep order over the two of you.) "Which leaves only one person..." He rolls his eyes and head to the young woman.
"For a moment, I thought you forgot about me."
"Oh? Your words wound my pride as a male. How could I forget such an elegant and intelligent yet dangerous woman?" He jokes relaxing himself placing a hand on Pippins handle.
"I'm quite curious actually. What makes you think I'm dangerous?" She smiles.
"Hm, I don't know. Maybe the fact you had a hand on you gun the moment Musse started Musseing."
"Musseing. Quite a ring to it." The troublemaker claps at the thought.
"You. Hush." Relon shakes his head. "And I didn't forget that you're a crackshot with a gun." Relon chuckles. "I saw that enough back then. But it is great to see you again, Claire."
"As am I. Seems like only yesterday you gave your role to me."
"I can only guess someone of your caliber has been performing spectacularly."
"Of course. I am responsible for the princess of Erebonia after all."
(I can't if those two are talking casually or if they're still acting.) Elise whispers.
(Neither can I, Elise. Musse?)
(I would go as far as to say they're doing a little bit of both.)
"So, Musse. Claire. I've been wanting to ask this the day after I left so now's my best chance." Both girls listening to the boy. "Elise, how have these two been getting along?"
"Wait, why not ask us?" Claire questions.
"Simple. As my Aunt once told me. If two people are arguing, look to the witnesses for the answer and not the source."
"Teehee, we've been getting along quite well actually." Musse states.
"Musse, it doesn't take a genius to tell how much of a fat lie that is." Relon comments looking to Elise for the true answer. "Three things; how often, who starts it, how does it resolve?"
"Everyday. Musse. Me." She answers with another sigh for Relon to facepalm.
"Why did I already know the answers? Claire, Musse, care to explain?" He asks crossing his arms.
"Uh oh, Relon's entering Instructor mode." Alfin giggles.
"And why are you all still going on about that? I was instructor for only two days! And the second I had Claire for help."
"What can we say, Instructor Relon just... stuck." Musse answers along with nods from the whole class.
"Alright, fine. But explain to me why you two are constantly going at it."
"Why, because of you of course~."
"..." He looks between Musse, Alfin, Elise, Claire, and the rest of the girls before his attention falls back on the greenette. "I'm sorry, what?"
"The only reason they argue is because you're always a topic." Elise explains.
"Okay... Now I'm nervous to ask why?" He glances to a smiling Musse and a slightly blushing Claire.
"You left an impression on us all and we always end up speaking of how much you've done for me and the others." Alfin explains. "But along those lines, thing take a turn for... Well, not the best, ehehe."
"Some people simply choose to not show class but rather an unsettling amount of affection towards you." Claire speaks up glaring at Musse.
"My, Major, Is it so wrong to show affection towards one wo has captured thine heart." Musse retorts grabbing ahold of Relon's arm.
"H-Hey!" Both Relon and Claire widen as the class squeals at the rising situation.
"It seem my affections for the instructor simply outmatches yours. What a pity, I believed you to be quite the challenge but it seems that is no longer that case now that he is here." She narrows her eyes seductively..
"What was that?!"
"ALRIGHT!" Relon exclaims, a warm wave of air washing over the room for only a moment. "Jeez, Musse, you should really respect adults and Claire is no exception."
"Fiiiiiine~."
"And Claire, it's Musse. You saw how she was the day I left. You shouldn't let her get to you. She is famous for getting a tease out of people." He says eyeing the smiling troublemaker.
"You... make a good point."
"Though I should also apologize." This gaining all of the girls' attention. "Seems even in my absence, I've managed to stir trouble..."
"No! You have nothing to apologize for!" Claire insists.
"Yes, we were the ones at fault! If anything, this is our fault!"
"Wonderful!" Relon gives a smile copying Alfins clapping gesture. "Then you two can get along and no one has to deal with anymore drama! Now then, class. How are those grades looking?" He walks off to the rest of the class, some groaning. "Don't complain, you still have one period left so let's see how far you all have come." He claps, the girls sulking back to their seats.
"Did he just pull one over us?" Claire questions.
"I do believe he did." Musse responds, Elise and Alfin giggling.
"Also, Instructor Claire, I would like your input on some of the material." He beams that creepy smile. "As a teacher, I only want what's best for my students and if they are struggling, then it only makes sense to double our efforts, wouldn't you agree?"
"D-Double? Are you sure about that?"
"Why of course. I refuse to see even one of my beloved students fail to grasp the material. If a student fails, it feels as though I, their teacher, have failed as well."
"W-Well..."
"Excellent. I've already heard that today you all have a test so let's do some intense reviewing, shall we?" He announces with that smile of his opening a textbook. "Now, who can figure out what X equals for this equation?"
(Alfin, when did Relon gain such a sadistic side?!)
(I don't know, Elise. What I can tell is that we're in for quite the lecture today.)
(Teehee, it seems Instructor Relon has missed his position more than even I expected.)
(You have no right to be laughing at our situation when you're partially to blame!)
Looking between Relon and the trio of girls, Claire can only shiver at the scary thoughts that infested her mind.
With that, the class was subject to intense math problems before taking their test. The feminine trio even struggling on most of the presented problems. Over an hour later, the bell signaling the end of school echoed much to the relief of many.
"Good job on that test, girls. Skimming through, it seems you all have done an outstanding job after just one of our study sessions!" Relon happily states stacking the papers neatly together.
"It's finally over.." One girl groans.
"My head aches..." Another complains.
"I forgot how much Instructor Relon loved math..."
Before long, all bid their teacher and his sister goodbye leaving the female trio and Claire with the brother and sister.
"I think I learned my lesson, instructor." Musse says with a sigh amongst the circled group.
"Good. Consider all that your punishment. And Claire, don't think I forgot about you."
"W-What do you mean?"
"I'm talking about your punishment of course. Who else is going to grade all of these papers." At that, all can see the soul of the woman leave as she slumps her shoulders.
"You... Very well."
(I don't know who has it worse. The villains Relon has had to fight against or those two.)
(Teehee, in the end, it was all fun.)
"Brother." The young girl's voice gaining all of their attention to see her small pout.
"I get it. I wasn't going to let into them anymore than I already have." He chuckles. "So what did you think of school, Noro?"
"It was... fun." This earning smiles from all.
"Glad you enjoyed it. Still a few more gifts coming your way though."
"Really?"
"Yup and we won't be alone either. As you probably guessed earlier, these are my friends I told you about. Including a certain princess." On que, Alfin stands before the young girl.
"Then you're...!"
"Teehee, Relon has told a lot about you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Norowareta. I am Alfin Reise Arnor. Though you can just call me Alfin." She winks.
"A real princess...!"
"I knew you'd be excited. With how much you talk about being one, I thought the best gift was a day with an actual princess. Though, now that I think about it..."
"Hm? Think about what?" Elise wonders looking to her fellow friend.
"Honestly, any of you I could see as princesses."
"... Huh?" All four gasp in unison, blushes quickly forming on their cheeks.
"What? I could see it." He shrugs walking over to his sister. "What're you girls waiting for? We have a birthday to celebrate!" He calls looking over already in the process of escorting Norowareta out.
(My. He's certainly gotten better at capturing my heart~.)
(Musse, can you not make a comment like that for one minute?!)
(Musse has a point, Elise. Relon may or may not have realized it, but he's definitely gotten smoother.) Alfin comments. (I mean, look, Major Claire is still bewildered, hehe.) Looking to the young woman, they can tell she's in her own little world.
"Come on or we'll leave you girls." He calls already down the hall, the four quickly catching up.
Bidding farewell to the guards, the five walk along the sidewalk of the Sankt District. Alfin wheeling Norowareta. The trio chatting with Norowareta leaving Relon in the back with Claire. Though, every now and then, he'd notice the four give glances.
What's with them?
Glancing to Claire, he sees the young woman just staring ahead before catching his gaze.
"Is something wrong?" This gaining the other's attention.
"What's with you four stealing glances at me?" He flatly wonders for three out of the four to tense slightly. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh no, Instructor~. We're just admiring that hunk of meat you've gained~."
"... Musse."
"Yes~?"
"For as long as we both are breathing, don't ever use that phrase again. I can't even begin to list the ways that is wrong." He shivers to her amusement.
"Hehe, I only speak from the heart, Instructor. You've become so handsome, checking you out is irresistible~." Now Relon is the one to gain heat to his cheeks as he scans the others for confirmation.
Holy whatever, she's telling the truth.
"Erm... thanks... I think?"
"Hehe, no thank you." She winks before starting another conversation with a oblivious Norowareta.
"That girl I swear." She shakes to immediately go into thought.
Well, she actually has a point. Looking at myself, I've definitely buffed up more than when I left. At least, it's way more noticeable through my clothing. Then again...
His eyes slowly wonder to the three girls ahead, his eyes landing on Musse putting extra sway in her hips.
No! Bad, Relon! And... Musse to an extent. Ugh, I can't tell if she's doing what comes natural or on purpose. At least, Elise and Alfin aren't making it so obvious. Ugh, puberty is stupid. Why is this even a thing.
At the thought, Musse glances behind winking. His eyes widen as they slowly look to his side eyeing the blue beauty glaring back.
Okay, so maybe my body isn't the only one that noticeably changed... and maybe is isn't all that stupid... Whoa! No! No! Look away before she catches you!
Snapping forward just as Claire happens to look his way, his face remains still like stone until after arching an eyebrow, Claire looks back ahead. Much to Relon's relief.
Okay. Body and mind. Calm. The hell. Down!
"What's so funny, Musse? You better not be messing with Relon again."
"But Elise, I don't know when I'll ever see him again. I must get all that I can from our time together. Wouldn't you agree, Relon."
Shivering, he unconsciously flexes his fingers.
"You know something, Musse. I think I prefer it when you call me Instructor." He sighs, the girls and Claire widening in disbelief.
"Oh? Why is that. Do you like it?"
"No, you simply calling me by my name alone just makes a shiver go down my spine. And that, to be honest, feels way to weird."
"I still await that private tutoring session~."
"Then you're gonna have to keep waiting cause that won't be happening anytime soon." He deadpans.
"Hehe, I don't mind waiting. I'll be counting the days until."
"Noro, don't become like her. Stay pure." Relon states, the girls nodding dumbly completely lost.