Here we are at Chapter 10. With every fight, there comes a fallout. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 10. Enjoy.

Chapter 10: Fallout and Questions

After Yukisuki woke up, Carol had caused a stir, crying in relief that she's alright. Carol rushed out to inform the other, and Hiei was a little more dramatic than the maid. She latched onto Yuki, holding her close. At least everyone was happy that Yuki woke up. However, when Hiei asked how Yukitsuki did what she did to defeat the monsters and how her hair had changed color, Yukitsuki merely replied...

"Huh? What are you talking about? I don't remember doing that," Yuki said.

This confused them. Hana chocked it up to the blow to the head Yuki suffered. Perhaps the injury made her forget some things. As for the power, maybe she had been holding back this entire time. Hiei didn't want to force the issue. She just wanted Yuki back, and now she has. Despite the need for rest, when reports of Yuki's awakening reached the castle, she and her friends were summoned to meet the royal family to speak on the incident in the forest.

"His Majesty wants to see me?" Yuki asks while sipping tea.

She and her friends were invited to another tea party with the princess, who told them this.

"Yes. My brother wishes to hear about the incident from your perspectives. He also wishes to reward you for your efforts. Normally, this wouldn't happen since it was a school field trip, but that monster horde was not a part of the lesson. Those creatures typically don't exist in that area. Had they been allowed to roam free, who knows how many people could've been killed. While others made contributions to the battle, you did exemplary work. He cannot allow you to go unrewarded," Princess Iris explains.

"Then I guess we'll be heading to the castle then," Yukitsuki accepts the offer.

...

The next day, the trio are escorted to the royal castle with the Princess. Yuki was wearing a blue formal dress sand a pair of blue ribbons in her hair since she's meeting with the king. Hana wore the top of a burgundy dress with flowing sleeves while Hiei is wearing a white and red set of armor on top, though it appears feminine, with a long red skirt on the bottom (similar to the armor onna-musha wore). Her hair was also up in another ponytail as well.

"I've never seen you wear that armor before, Hiei. Is it from your homeland?" Yuki asks.

"Yes, it is the traditional garb that female warriors wear back home, though slightly different from others for my own preference," Hiei notes.

Yuki smiles, "You look quite dashing in it,"

Hiei blushes and stutters, "P-P-Please, do not t-t-tease me so, Yuki!"

They eventually reach the castle and are escorted inside by royal guards. Once inside, they meet up with Sophia Ramona, who is wearing white pants, black heeled boots, and a blue military-styled dress shirt with a cloak flowing off her left shoulder.

"Ah, I heard you were coming, Yukitsuki. I'm glad to see you recovered from your injuries. You look beautiful as well. Your friends have their own charms as well," Sophia greets them.

"Thank you, Sophia. And thanks for your help back in the forest. I was impressed by your skills with water magic," Yuki replies.

"Well, not as skilled as you with ice magic. Besides, I couldn't let my juniors steal all the fun," Sophia chuckles.

"Are you all done?" they turn to see Sophia's brother, Thorsen Ramona, approaching. "If you're done wasting time, the king is expecting us,"

"And you would be?" Hiei doesn't appreciate his condescending tone.

"Ladies, this is my older brother, Thorsen. He's a third year at the academy and the heir to my family. You won't see him around much since he's an upperclassman. Thorsen, we're on our way. No need to rush the ladies," Sophia says.

Thorsen walks up to Sophia's face, "You showed your skills in this recent battle, but never forget where you stand. You have our family's name, but that does not make you one of us. Father kept you because you're useful, and that is all," Thorsen mutters before taking his leave.

"He's a real joy, isn't he," Hana notes coldly.

Yuki notices Sophia's left hand clenched tightly, "Sophia, are you alright?"

Sophia puts on a brave face, "Oh, don't worry, I'm fine dear. My brother does have a point. We really should be going. Come along now," Sophia takes the leave.

Deciding to leave it alone for now, Yuki and the others follow her. As they do, they come across Emilia and her parents along with Iris and even Hikaru.

"Mother Emilia, Mother Iris, it's good to see you again," Yuki greets them with a curtsy.

"I came as soon as I heard the news. I'm glad you weren't seriously harmed," Emilia affectionately strokes her cheek.

"I'm fine, Mother. My friends were there to help me after all. And I remembered everything you all taught me," Yuki smiles.

Emilia looks relieved, "As long as you're okay,"

"Grandmother, Grandfather, I'm happy to see you again," she curtsies to the former duke and his wife.

"It's good to see you again, Yukitsuki. I just wish it was under better circumstances. I hope things have been well at the academy," Eleonora greets her.

"Yes, very much so. I've made some very good friends there," Yuki nods.

"That's good. The academy can be intense at times, but I always believed you'd do fine," Joseph says.

Yuki then turns to Hikaru, "It's wonderful to see you again, Moth-eh?" Yuki suddenly freezes up.

For some reason, there's a menacing aura around Hikaru that takes the form of a dark dragon. Its red eyes glare at Yuki before it flies over and opens its mouth to bite her head off, only for the aura to fade.

"My, my, did you say something, Yuki?" Hikaru hides her smile behind a folding fan.

"Eh, I mean... it's wonderful to see you again, Big Sister Hikaru," Yuki corrects herself.

Now Hikaru's smile is beaming, "It's wonderful to see you again as well, dear Yuki,"

Emilia sighs, "You are ridiculous. You're the oldest one here in the entire capital. Maybe even the whole country. And Yukitsuki is your daughter, not your sister,"

"Oh, let me have my fun, will you?" Hikaru pouts. She then tuns serious and stares at Hana and Hiei. "You two, step forth," Hiei and Hana do so and kneel before her. "Explain yourselves."

"We do not ask for your forgiveness, You Highness. You tasked us with protecting Yukitsuki, and we failed in that mission. We are ready to accept whatever punishment you deem fit," Hiei says, keeping her head down.

"Indeed. You did fail. While what happened was completely unexpected, as trained warriors who serve my family, you should've been prepared for the unexpected. And yet, my daughter was still injured. Know that your punishment will not-," Hikaru leers down at them.

"Please, wait Big Sister Hikaru," Yuki stands between the dragon princess and her friends. "I understand you're angry, but they did their best. And it's just as you said. No one expected what happened in the forest to actually happen. I ask that you show mercy to them," she pleads.

"Yukitsuki, I understand that you're protecting your friends, but just as you are the daughter of a duchess of Anatolia, you are also a princess of the Dragon Alliance. The fact that they failed to aid you in your hour of need is a serious offense. You could've died that night. Do you have any idea how worried we all were. If Fuyumi, Anelia, and the others were here right now, they'd be just as worried for you," Hikaru says.

"Then as the one they were tasked with protecting, let me decide their punishment," Yuki suggests.

Hikaru is surprised by Yuki's statement. She was so sure Yukitsuki would defend them that she'd try to get them out of a punishment at all costs, not dish it out herself.

"Very well... But, we will finish this later. The king is waiting," Hikaru sighs.

With that settled, the group move to the audience chamber. Though, Hiei and Hana are worried about what kind of punishment Yuki might decide for them. Hiei especially, considering their current relationship which Yuki's family still doesn't know about yet. Inside the audience chamber, the royal family awaits them. They see King Mikhail on his throne along with Princess Iris on a smaller throne next to his. Next to Mikhail is the queen herself. A woman with blonde hair like Mikhail's, tied into a bun with a pair of braids on the sides, and blue eyes with a hint of grey to them. A crown adorns her head and she wears a white and gold dress. The queen, Veronica Minnauno Anatolia. Next to her is a young boy with blonde hair like the royal couple, and eyes like the queen. The crown prince, Rutherford Lux Anatolia. After the pleasantries are given, everyone gets right down to business.

"Yukitsuki Crystalglove. Your efforts to defeat the monster horde are worthy of note. You performed exemplary work," King Mikhail says.

Yuki curtsies and bows her head low, "I am honored by your praise, Your Majesty,"

"In light of your courage, I believe you have earned yourself a reward. If it is within my power, then it shall be granted. What would you like?" King Mikhail asks.

"Your Majesty, instead of a reward, I ask for a request. In regards to the Schwartz family," Yuki raises her head, gaining everyone's attention.

Though Raul remains imprisoned at the moment, his father is here at the command of the king. The man, Count George von Schwartz, looks just like an older version of his son, if less arrogant and sorting a short beard. How could he be arrogant right now, considering the terrible situation his son put their family in.

"Go on," King Mikhail inclines.

"I will not speak on behalf of Raul Schwartz. His actions were both foolish and despicable. People lost their lives due to his crimes. However, I do not believe his family, or at least everyone in his family, should be punished for actions that were not their own. If you must punish the Schwartz family, then I will not go against Your Majesty's wishes. I only ask that you show mercy to the rest of his family," Yuki asks.

Count Schwartz was not expecting this turn of events. He fully believed that Yuki would throw the book at his whole family for his son's misdeeds. He has a wife and a young daughter. He was worried about what would happen to them should they face disgrace. But here stands the girl that was the target of Raul's harassment and crimes showing his family mercy. He can only look on in shock.

"I see. Why would you ask of this, Lady Crystalglove? You were a victim of all of Raul Schwartz's actions," King Mikhail asks.

"Just as a son should not be punished for his father's crimes, I believe the reverse also exists. While his father may have failed to properly raise his son, his mother and sister shouldn't suffer because of him. I know in the realm of nobility, things are not always so simple. But still, I believe there is virtue in mercy when the situation calls for it, Your Majesty," Yuki explains.

She and the king have a staring contest, a battle of wills, before the king hums.

"Very well. Count Schwartz, step forth," the king looks to the count.

"Your Majesty," Count Schwartz kneels beside Yukitsuki.

"Your son's crimes are clear and unconscionable. However, out of respect for Lady Yukitsuki's wishes, I will show at least some mercy. Your son will be stripped of his noble status, disowned from your family, and shall remain in prison for life. Normally, his actions would result in being put to death, so this is the only mercy I can show. As for your family, your noble rank will be demoted to viscount and a portion of your territory will be seized by the royal family until we can figure out what to do with it. No direct punishment will go to your wife and daughter. Do you disagree with this punishment?" King Mikhail decrees.

"Your Majesty, I have no complaints with this decision. It was my lack of good parenting that turned my son into the fool he is. I have failed, as both a noble and a father. But, you have shown mercy to my son who should've been put to death. For that, you have my undying gratitude," Count Schwartz says.

"I am not the one you should be grateful to," King Mikhail glances at Yuki.

"You are correct, Your Majesty," Count Schwartz turns to Yukitsuki. "Lady Yukitsuki von Crystalglove. I admit, my opinion of you was a poor one, due to you not being of noble blood. However, I see now that I was wrong. Nobility is more than just blood, and you have shown that today. My son may never feel the same, but I am grateful on behalf of my family," he says.

"You failed with your son. Live with that. Learn from it. Just don't make the same mistake with the rest of your family. I think enough families have been torn apart for one day, don't you," Yuki replies.

Schwartz bows his head, "As you say,"

The rest of the meeting goes by quickly after that. While some of the nobles, primarily those who lost their children, wished that the Schwartz family would receive a much harsher punishment, they would not oppose the decision of their king or a powerful house like the Crystalgloves. Once it was finished, Yuki and her friends and family exited the royal castle. But, before they could return home, they had one last thing to deal with.

"Now then, are you two prepared for the punishments I have decided for you?" Yuki asks.

"We are, Princess," Hana and Hiei kneel at her feet, their heads bowed.

"Good. For you, Hanazuki, your punishment will be no cheesecake for a month, plus you are forbidden from making any new clothes for a month without my strict approval. And no working with Carol on that matter either. Finally, you will let me ride on your back whenever we have a class together for a week," Yuki says.

Hana looks almost mortified, "Seriously? No sewing or cake? Ugh,"

"For you, Hiei. When we're not in class, you will wear a maid uniform and serve me for two whole weeks. And, for a month, you will let me pet your ears and your tail whenever I want," Yuki says.

Hiei's head snaps up, "My tail?!" it seems that's more important than the maid uniform thing.

"Yes. I've always wanted to know what your tail felt like. And I'm going to find out... right now. So, stick out your tail for me," Yuki commands.

"What? Here? But, everyone will see-," Hiei shakes her head.

"Are you refusing the punishment your princess decided for you?" Yuki stares down at her.

Hiei's ears flatten, "No... Princess. I will accept your punishment,"

Hiei reluctantly sticks out her tail to Yuki. As soon as Yuki places a hand upon it, she is overcome with a warm sensation.

"So soft... so warm... so fluffy!" Yuki's expression actually gets a goofy smile now.

She holds Hiei's tail, rubbing her face into her soft fur. Hiei's face is full of embarrassment, squeaking from someone touching her sensitive tail.

"P-P-Please Yuki... not there-ah!" Hiei gasps.

"So fluffy," Yuki ignores her, focusing on the fluff.

"My, my, Yukitsuki never acted like this, even with the stuffed toys we gave her when she was little. She looks so cute right now, as does Hiei," Emilia coos.

"Is this a suitable punishment, Hikaru?" Eleonora asks.

Hikaru nods, "Yes, this will do. It's funny seeing Hiei, who's usually so serious, act like this. Honestly, I'm tempted to pet her tail too," she giggles.

"So fluffy," Yuki is consumed by the fluff, while Hiei is filled with humiliation.

Truly a fitting punishment indeed.

...

Inside his office, King Mikhail finishes the paperwork related to the incident just as Queen Veronica enters the room.

"It seems like this ordeal has been settled then," the queen notes.

"Indeed. Hopefully the rest of the nobility will learn from this and not cause problems," King Mikhail leans back in his chair.

"Lady Yukitsuki was quite an interesting girl. She does not possess the greed some nobles typically do," Queen Veronica points out.

"Considering her origins and her family, she really has everything she could want. Honestly, I have half a mind to consider having her marry Rutherford and become the future queen," King Mikhail says.

Queen Veronica raises an eyebrow, "Oh, then why not make it so?"

King Mikhail chuckles, "Because after learning what I did from Iris, I doubt Lady Yukitsuki would go along with it. Despite not having her blood, she really is like Ser Fuyumi. Like mother, like daughter,"

...

Everyone returns to a villa the Crystagloves have in the capital for something to eat. There, they come across May Fanchone who already had a meal prepared for them.

"Aunt May, it is good to see you again," Yuki greets her with a small smile.

"I am delighted to see you are well, Lady Yukitsuki. Lady Emilia was quite beside herself when she heard the news," May bows.

"Alright, that's enough of that. Come, let us sit and eat. It's been a long day for us all, I'm sure," Emilia dissuades them from the current topic.

They sit around the table, enjoying a pleasant meal together before getting to one juicy topic.

"Public opinion has grown favorably for you, Yukitsuki. I'm glad to see people are recognizing you more and more now," Emilia notes.

"I'm just glad there's less people being annoying and tiresome now," Yukitsuki says.

"We've also received a few letters from some noble families. Majority of them involve proposals of marriage for you to their sons. Your talents and good qualities have gained more attention in recent days," Joseph says.

"You don't have to decide now, but you should take time to consider them," Eleonora notes.

"There's no need. I'll politely turn them all down," Yukitsuki says offhandedly.

"Huh? Yukitsuki, what do you mean?" Hikaru asks.

"Because I intend to marry Hiei and become her wife," Yukitsuki reveals with no hesitation.

"Huh?" the adults mutters.

"YUKI!" Hiei shouts.

"You wish to marry Hiei? Does that mean... that you and her are..." Emilia looks between her daughter and the kitsune.

"Yes, we're together," Yuki replies.

"Yuki, please think more carefully on your words!" Yuki blushes.

"Oh really..." Hikaru's smile does not look pleasant as she stares at Hiei. "My, Hiei, you've certainly been busy. I never realized you were romantically involved with my daughter. And without letting me know, hmmm,"

"I-I-It was only recently, Your Highness! Just before the trip into the forest and everything that happened afterwards. And we haven't done anything too serious. We've only been on one date," Hiei tries to defend herself.

"And I kissed you on the cheek. And you saved me from falling into a mud pit during combat class, carrying me in your arms. You told me about the scar on your back and I told you about the scar on my chest. I also think your both strong and beautiful. Plus, your tail is really fluffy," Yuki gives off a list of things.

"Yuki, please, I'm begging you!" Hiei looks mortified now.

"Well, well, it seems you two have been busy. What do you think Hikaru?" Emilia asks.

Hiei fears the dragon princess's answer. Even in the Dragon Alliance, many know about Yukitsuki being the daughter of her and her mate Fuyumi. And how protective she can be of her daughter as well.

"Hiei Mamoriko," Hikaru calls out her full name.

Hiei stands at attention, "Yes, Your Highness," sweat slides down her brow.

"Do you love my daughter? I want the honest truth," Hikaru commands.

"I... I do not know. I do know that I care about Yukitsuki and I want to be with her. Our relationship is still fresh. I can't say for certain if I love her or not. But, I do wish to stand by her side. Not out of obligation or duty. But, because that's what I feel like my heart is telling me. I wish to walk beside her, come what may," Hie lets her feelings out.

"And you, Yukitsuki?" Hikaru looks at her daughter.

"I like Hiei. I'm not experienced in things like love, but..." she holds Hiei's hand, who returns the gesture. "I do know that being with Hiei feels right,"

"Pardon me for asking, but what is your position in the Dragon Alliance, Lady Hiei?" Joseph asks.

"Hiei's father is a soldier in our military. During the war, he fought bravely and earned merit for his courage. He earned the rank of Daimyo and was given a small territory in our land. Her mother works as a common seamstress before becoming the lady of his house. They're lowborn in origin, but rose to a position of prominence, even if it's not the greatest. Besides, we in the Dragon Alliance are not quite as focused on bloodlines or social status as Anatolia is. It wouldn't be too difficult to arrange a marriage between them. If anything, I'm sure Hiei's family would like it, considering Yukitsuki is a princess back home," Hikaru explains.

"I see," Joseph strokes his chin.

"Well, for now let's hold off on that. At the very least, we can give you our permission to be in a relationship. Let's see where things go from here," Emilia says.

"You're okay with this, Mother?" Yuki asks.

"It would be hypocritical to say otherwise, considering who I married. As Fuyumi's head wife, I hold even greater sway in family matters than Hikaru. Hiei, we're entrusting you with our daughter. Don't disappoint us, and more importantly, don't disappoint her," Emilia says.

Hiei stares at Yuki, "You have my word. I won't fail you again,"

"Alright, you girls run along. The adults have boring adult stuff to talk about," Hikaru waves them off.

Yukitsuki, Hana, and Hiei take their leave. When they're gone, the atmosphere in the room gets more serious.

"We were impressed with Yuki's talent with ice magic, but this recent incident..." Emilia trails off.

"Indeed. Her power may be greater than we realize. Could it have something to do with her origins? We never did uncover much about her," Hikaru points out.

"Who knows? I, for one, want nothing happening to my daughter. May," Emilia turns to the made.

May bows her head, "Milady,"

"I want you to investigate Yukitsuki's origins. Leave no stone unturned. If Yukitsuki's past, which she cannot remember, has anything to do with this, we need to know before something happens again. This way, we can better protect her," Emilia says.

"At once, Milady," May replies.

Emilia sighs, "Let us hope this turns out to be nothing in the end,"

And that's the chapter. Yuki and Hiei's relationship becomes official in their eyes of her family. But now they are wondering: who exactly is Yukitsuki? Until then, please Read and Review.