"Remind me again why we're in the hospital?" Reitia asked as she and Matthew walked through the hospital halls.
It had been a couple hours since the duel between Artorian and Claire, and since then the former has been recovering at the top floor of the hospital. A section that was meant for critical conditions or high value patients.
But the two weren't currently heading that way, rather being on the second floor. "Artorian's been unconscious for several hours now, and according to Claire he's being kept sedated for an undisclosed amount of time. According to the profile he sent Little Garden, he has a close friend by the name of Karen Kisaragi staying here. I figured it'd be best to explain to her why he didn't visit before the hours ended."
"Doesn't that mean we shouldn't be here either?" Reitia brought up, yawning as she did. "It's late, we should be getting some sleep, not walking around the hospital for someone we don't know."
"I'm a part of Selectives, I have a few extra privileges that most students here don't." He said, the stopping outside Karen's room before looking down to Reitia. "Besides, someone would have had to inform her anyways so I volunteered to."
"That's a little out of character for you."
"Apparently Karen is the only reason that Artorian had applied to become a Slayer." He continued, holding his PDA up to the sensor, sliding the door open after it accepted his code. "I wish to meet her so that I can better understand his motives."
"That, that is more like you." Reitia commented as they walked in, her eyes widening in shock when she saw the girl. As she was playing a videogame on her bed's station, Reitia took note of her thin and frail body.
"She contracted Severance around ten years ago." Matthew detailed as he saw his partner's shocked gaze. "The disease hit her hard, you probably can't tell by looking at her, but she's 16."
Karen then looked up from her game to the two, Matthew elbowing Reitia to stop her staring. "Um… who are you?" Karen asked before she recognized their uniforms. "You're students?"
"Yes, pardon us for the intrusion." Matthew responded as he bowed lightly. "My name is Matthew Ornisium, I'm a first year student here and Artorian's classmate."
"I'm Reitia Saintemillion, I'm also a first year." Reitia spoke herself, trying her best not to stare at Karen's frail form.
"I'm sorry to say we aren't here under the best of terms." Matthew explained, looking back up after their introduction. "Earlier today Artorian had a duel with Claire, the student president, and suffered injuries after the battle ended."
"Is he okay?" Karen asked in concern, leaning forward in her bed towards the two.
"Fortunately, he didn't suffer any fatal injuries in the fight. However, he did take a full power attack from Claire and is currently being treated for burns across his arms. He'll have burn scars but once he wakes up he has the option to heal them should he wish to."
"Thank goodness." Karen sighed in relief, closing her eyes as she was glad that Artorian was okay. The relief however left her as she realized what Matthew had said and looked up to him. "Wait, did you say he was asleep?"
"Yeah, his injuries weren't horrible but for them to be treated he needed to be sedated." Reitia said. "He's still out, but I'm sure the procedure is done by now."
"Oh no!" Both students were confused at Karen's outburst, the girl looking to them desperately. "How long has he been asleep!?"
"About five hours, although he's being kept sedated until tomorrow morning." Matthew answered, raising an eyebrow as Karen looked more distraught. "Is something the matter?"
"The stuff you gave him won't last that long!" Karen then began to try and move herself to the side of her bed, desperation on her face.
Both Matthew and Reitia were quickly to her side, stopping her while also being careful not to hurt her. "Whoa hold up there! You're not supposed to move like that."
"What do you mean what they put in him won't last?" Matthew asked, looking to Karen. "The most advanced medical equipment is here. Even with his father's blood the sedative will keep him down for a few hours."
"There's… there's something else." Karen admitted. "You have to believe me! Something bad is in Artorian; he wakes up screaming in terror and gets violent if I'm not there when he wakes up!"
While Reitia was skeptical at the idea, finding someone like Artorian affected by a potential nightmare, Matthew nearly froze in place. He looked down to Karen with widened eyes. "He… he inherited it from his father?"
"Inherited what?"
"I'm… not allowed to say what." Karen admitted. "Artorian says bad things could happen if the wrong person finds out." She then looked over to Matthew, pleading as she spoke. "My cards said someone who knew would come, you must have an idea what's going to happen if I don't get to him."
"Matthew?" Reitia asked, looking to her friend. "What is she talking about?"
"Reitia, get her into her wheelchair, I need to make a few calls." Matthew said as he released Karen, making Reitia have to carry her while pulling out his PDA. He was quick to his contacts and called Erica, knowing the vice-president was the most likely to answer.
"Hello Matthew, is there something that you-"
"Where are you?" The student interrupted, the urgency in his voice getting to Erica instantly.
"In the lobby for floor 10 with Liddy. Claire wished to check in on Artorian's condition." Erica answered.
"Okay, that works." Matthew stated, looking out the door to see the hall clear. "Listen Erica, Artorian is about to wake up with fury. If you and Liddy don't get in there to help Claire contain him, we're going to be dealing with a threat of a Trenta Savage in the confines of this hospital."
"Understood, any more information for us?" Erica asked, Matthew hearing her and Liddy already on the move through the lobby door.
"Avoid letting him get up, keep him on the bed until I arrive with Karen Kisaragi." He added, turning back to see Reitia put the mentioned girl in her autonomous wheelchair. "She will be able to solve the situation, but he has to be contained for it to work."
"We're on it." And with that confirmation, Matthew and Erica hung up, the boy keeping an eye on Karen.
"You afraid of moving quick on that thing?"
"It's my first time without Miharu, but I'll do my best!" Karen responded.
"Good, we don't have much time if he has that in him."
"What are you Artorian?" Claire spoke to herself as she stood next to Artorian, the boy appearing bothered as he rested. "Only a few hours of experience with your Hundred and you managed to back me into a corner after being on the verge of defeat."
She then looked to his bandaged arms, the extent of his injuries from their battle. "Not only that, but my full power didn't knock you unconscious and you left with your arms still intact. If a Savage were hit with as much power as you were, it wouldn't be left standing."
As the student president thought to herself, the door to the room opened, Emile walking in. "Hey Artorian, just checking in on you again…" Emile started to say, stopping as he saw the president and instantly becoming hostile instantly. "What are you doing here?"
"Making sure that Artorian's treatment was properly done." Claire responded, looking back to Emile.
"Am I supposed to just believe that?" Emile questioned as he walked up to Claire, glaring heatedly. "You're the reason he's in here in the first place. All because you activated your Full-Body Armament against someone who just got his Hundred yesterday!"
"I am aware of my actions Emile, you are not stating anything I haven't taken accountability for." Claire said calmly, which caused Emile to get even more heated. "That is the very reason I came here. I put a student in critical condition because I underestimated him and panicked. I wished to see his condition and make sure there was no permanent damage."
"You burnt his arms to a crisp! Even if we can remove the scars, his nerves must have been burned out!" Emile growled as he tightened his fists. "That's pretty permanent damage if you ask me." While Emile's anger was taking precedence in the room, Artorian's face flinched, a spike of pain running through him.
"We are capable of treating lost nerves Emile, his whole time here was about that." Claire kept her calm demeanor, but returned Emile's furious glare with a cold one. "As for my part in the damage, that is the very reason I take concern in this."
"I seriously doubt that. I bet the only reason you're here is to-"
"Stop…" Artorian groaned as he winced, the two Slayers stopping their argument to look at him.
'His sedatives are wearing off? It hasn't been long enough.' Claire thought while Emile ran to Artorian's side, crouching to be more leveled with him.
"You're okay!" He cheered, before back tracking as Artorian winced more sharply, breaking into a cold sweat.
"Please… stop…" He gasped in pain, his body twitching as his face scrunched in agony.
"Artorian?"
"Something isn't right, he shouldn't be waking up." Claire stated as she walked up next to Emile, who looked up to her. "What's more the procedure was a success, he should be in pain like he is."
"Look away… from it." Artorian mumbled, sounding clearer as he clenched his hands on the sheets. "Look away, for it… it…" Black mist then began to escape from Artorian's skin, Claire and Emile stepping back in shock as Artorian's eyes snapped open. "It stares back!"
As the black mist continued to spread, Artorian's eyes began to glow bright red, appearing derange as he stared at the two. The Slayers' instincts kicked in the moment his eyes opened and the two moved quickly, grabbing ahold of his arms as he began to thrash his body.
"Artorian, calm down!" Emile shouted, struggling to keep his arm down as he bucked furiously.
"Stand down Artorian!" Claire ordered as she herself was having difficulty keeping Artorian down. During their duel she was aware of the physical differences between them, but with the two of them she thought it would be easier to contain him.
"RRAAAAAAGH!" As his thrashing was getting more intense, his screaming increased in volume along with his eyes glowing brighter. The intensity of the mist then went up as well, covering his body but evaporating shortly after leaving it.
"Claire!" Erica shouted as she and Liddy got through the door, both freezing as they saw the mist emanate a demonic presence around Artorian. The presence was formless, but the sharp and vile red eyes in it seemed to stare back at the two, a black line slowly forming below.
'This energy, it feels so… evil.' Erica thought in shock, unable to come up with a better description as the line became jagged line it was outlining sharp teeth. As it was slowly gaining form, the two's attention was brought to the eyes, the bright color pulling all of their focus. The two were almost unable to pull their gazes away, the presence nearly forming into that of a beast.
"Erica! Liddy!" But as its mouth was about to open, Claire's shouting snapped them back into reality, the presence disappearing while the mist remained. "We need assistance restraining Artorian!"
"R-Right!" The two shook their heads, getting the image of the beast out of their heads before rushing to the bedside. Without their variable suits or Hundreds, using their energy would be impossible. But with the numbers they have, keeping the possessed student down was much more doable, his thrashing barely getting any grounds as they struggled against him.
They were fighting to hold him down for almost five minutes, and as they were feeling him begin to push back more Karen called out to them, Matthew and Reitia entering the room before she rolled in. "Everyone let him go! And don't look at the mist!"
The four holding him down looked back at the girl in confusion, wondering what she could possibly be thinking. But as she rolled up to the bed, Matthew shouted as he closed his eyes. "Just let him go before he throws one of you out the damn window!"
Despite their better judgment, the four all released Artorian and quickly retreated back to the others, allowing him to kick off the bed and land on his feet. The ground began to slowly crack as the mist around him picked up in intensity, an animalistic growl escaping his throat as Karen approached him.
"Artorian, it's me. I'm here now, you don't have to worry." Karen said as she reached into her sleeve, not showing any fear as Artorian bared his teeth at her, his eyes wide in pure malice. "It can't hurt you now, it will be warded off in just a moment." Pulling her hand out, Karen revealed a silver pendant in her hand, and almost by instinct Artorian shot his hand out and grabbed her hand.
His grip was painfully tight, but she let off no more than a whimper. Artorian's beastly growls continued as his face was now an inch from her face, his body slowly being lost by the mist. All that was clear to see was his eyes, giving her the confidence to stare back and smile at him.
The pendant then began to glow bright with a white light, the mist around Artorian's arm being instantly destroyed by its radiance. The light then spread out in a dome, pushing the mist completely away from him and burn it away into nothing. And as the last of it disappeared, Artorian's eyes slowly transformed back to its natural blue.
His senses then returned to him, and he realized that he was leaning down to Karen, holding her hand tightly. The first thing he did was release her hand, showing the pendant as the light returned to it and died out. Shock mixed with relief filled Artorian as he moved his hands to cup Karen's face, his eyes looking for any kind of injury.
"I… I didn't… did I?" He could barely say, his voice rough from the shouting and growling.
Karen however knew what he was trying to ask, shaking her head as she continued to smile at him. "No, nothing bad happened. The dreams didn't come true, you're still free."
Utter relief came from him as he collapsed to his knees in front of her, his hands now on her shoulders as he looked down. He was shaking as he laughed lightly, the presence of tears in his eyes as he struggled to balance everything that he had saw with what was real.
'The visions this time, they…' He thought as he looked up to Karen. For a brief second he saw the last vision he had, her bloody body on the ground with his twisted and deformed body standing over her. Her still beating heart in his grasp as he let out a monstrous roar.
'They're feeling too real.'
"So it's starting to weaken the effects of drugs." Charlotte commented as she stood next to Artorian, the boy now restrained on the bed by metal bars. It had been an hour since his outburst, and since then he was on lockdown until Charlotte could speak to him.
"Even the ones capable of keeping down Lords won't keep me under for longer than a few hours." He said, looking over to the window. "Did I hurt anyone?"
"Aside from Karen's hand suffering some bruises no one was injured." She said, getting a painful twitch from him. "We'll talk about this more when we're in a more secure environment. For now we have to remain as we should; how are your arms?"
Artorian looked down to the mentioned limbs, the bandaging around now removed to expose the reddened skin. "Mostly alright, touch feels a little off but other than that there isn't any problems."
"Your nerves are still recovering, but they'll be back to 100% in another hour." Charlotte informed, looking to his burns. "We can get rid of the scars if you want, I'll preform the operation myself so that you don't have to go under."
"Nah, I think I'm good." He responded, giving a dry chuckle as he looked over to the short doctor. "I've always heard chicks dig scars, so why risk the chance to catch a few more's gaze?"
Charlotte than sighed with a smile as she looked to the side. "You're just like your father in that way. You better be careful with that attitude or you might end up attracting dozens of girls' attention like he did."
"I'm pretty sure I already have a few looking at me." He said, rolling his shoulders in mild discomfort. "Hey Charlotte, can you deactivate the restraints? I feel like a log right now."
"Well technically you're to stay locked like that for three hours, but when have I been good at following those kinds of rules?" She asked rhetorically as she pulled out a remote and deactivated the locks, allowing Artorian to push the bars away and sit up.
"Ah, that's better." He sighed as he stretched his arms. "Gotta say, this place has a real way of making people feel at home. Seriously, a 10/10 from me."
"I take that as your admission that you're breaking out?" Charlotte asked as he stood up.
"Yeah, that'd probably be right." He shrugged, walking over to the corner where his clothes were laid out. "But that's also probably the sign that you walked out before the idea of busting out was ever considered."
"Are you sure, I don't even recall you saying that." Charlotte smirked as she pulled a lollipop out from her pocket, unwrapping it and placing it in her mouth before waving. "Try not to get caught right away, it'll look bad on both of us if you do."
"Right." He said as he took off his hospital gown, putting his boxers and pants on first.
"And your sword and Hundred are both back in your room. I figured you could live the walk back without it in your hands." She finished saying before walking out, Artorian putting his shirt on as she did.
With it on, Artorian simply slipped his shoes on before looking up to the mirror placed in the room. Seeing his right eye glow red for a second he tightened his fists before blinking, the light vanishing as soon as it came.
"Someone was staring at it for too long." He spoke as he looked away, recalling his last moment of control before the Abyss took over. He then rubbed the eye as he walked out the door. Getting out of the hospital took a bit of finesse, but since it was so late into the night he didn't need to worry about being caught.
Before leaving he was sure to pay a quick visit to Karen, giving a light kiss on her forehead while she slept as thanks for stopping the Abyss. He had trusted her with the pendant solely because he believed she was the only one who'd be close enough to give it to him to use it. But she stunned him at how she was capable of preforming the feat herself after holding it only once. The process that had happened earlier was routine for the two now, although it would become more intense each time.
Once he left, Artorian went right to his and Emile's room, entering without turning on the lights. Despite the darkness, he was able to see Emile passed out on the bed, sleeping peacefully. That caused him to chuckle, walking past and grabbing his sword. With the blade in hand, he turned to leave, pausing to look at the Hundred on his nightstand.
He had almost considered bringing it, but passed the opportunity and walked out, closing the door silently to avoid waking his roommate. From there he walked out to Little Garden's park, seeing no one out with him.
"Complete silence, no one around to watch, open area to really move around… perfect." He commented as he held his sword out with both hands, getting into a readied posture. Swinging his sword in a wide arc, Artorian followed it by releasing one of his hands before swinging up.
With him unable to sleep, Artorian would focus the entire night on training his body. He knew he wouldn't have much time in the day, making night the perfect time to do so. And even then he knew he would be losing that opportunity as well, work likely taking over most of his time. So he'd make good with the time he had, regardless of his body's current condition.
He was swinging his sword with intensity, the wind picking up after each slash went out. Nearly an hour went by before he swung high and wide, stopping instantly as he saw someone in the way of the swing.
"My, you're quite lively aren't you?" Matthew asked, the edge of Artorian's sword just an inch away from his cheek. He was completely calm, not even considering the blade's presence. "Everyone thought you would remain in that hospital for at least another day given your outburst."
"Charlotte allowed me to leave early." Artorian answered as he retracted his sword and rested it on his shoulder. "My outburst was an expected action, the only thing that went wrong was me waking up early. I'm sure you get that considering you ran in with Karen."
"She was quite adamant on heading to you right away, her resolve was commendable given her condition." Matthew shrugged. "And with someone afflicted with the Abyss so close, any chance to quell it was important. If you trusted her with the Silver Pendant, then I suppose my judgment was correct then."
"So you're going to confront me on that?" Artorian asked, not surprised at Matthew's knowledge of the Abyss. "I guess I should have expected this, your boss has been trying to figure me out since the ceremony, hasn't she? Did you tell her?"
"No, I'm not dumb enough to let something as disastrous be known to her. I have no doubt she'd activate her Hundred and hunt you to the ends of the earth if she learned of it now." Matthew admitted, getting a nod from Artorian. "She takes her duty as Slayer seriously, and it doesn't matter if it's a Savage or another monster, she'll take down anything that threatens her comrades."
"And what about you? You must have your own opinion on what's dwelling in me."
"I see a flame, black and twisted as the entity it comes from." Matthew stated. "But also as powerful and potent as the flame that gave Lords life. The Abyss has been used in the past, to defeat the Savage when they appeared centuries ago. Despite what humanity has come to believe, the threat is not a new or unexpected one. The Lords have known about them since we first battled for their sake."
"True, we didn't call for the Abyss, but the desperation called for harnessing it. And it paid off, as we stopped the first invasion with an army using its power." Matthew continued on. "And I know better than even Judal himself what the Savage are capable of. We cannot risk allowing more hosts of the Abyss to exist, but with your born affliction you should possess more than enough to power."
"An interesting position from someone with a much more flashy power." Artorian responded, smirking as he regarded the Slayer. "I recall your power was just as useful in that invasion, if I recall yours was used to completely immobilize and open the bastards up."
"So, your father told you." Matthew said, not even questioning it.
"Even if he didn't die during the invasion at Yamato, he likely only had a few more years of sanity." Artorian explained, twisting his blade and stabbing it into the ground to lean his elbow against it. "He told me everything when I was five, he said it was better to get it out of the way instead of waiting for the last minute. He wasn't the patient sort, nothing like your father."
"You're aware of my lineage even?"
"Even if he didn't mention him by name, your last name is Ornisium, are you surprised I know?"
"No, it matches up with the way Artorias would act." Matthew sighed, shaking his head. "So now that we clearly know of each other's identities, what would you have to say about our current situation?"
"I'd damn well say it was bound to happen." Artorian admitted. "It's what our two families have been doing for generations isn't it? Fighting an endless battle that we clearly know we'll have to pass on. Our fathers were just the unlucky ones that got caught up in it too far apart from each other. And now that we're here, looks like you'll have the same job as he was supposed to."
"You're aware that means I will slay you should you prove unable to control the Abyss anymore?"
"No one else I trust with the job." Artorian shrugged. "That Silver Pendant can only help me for so long, I honestly have no idea how long I have. So I'd rather have the top two Slayers on this boat with their sights on me. That way, you'll be able to react quick enough if it eventually takes me."
"You're rather casual on this, you're talking about your life being ended for just a lack of control."
"That lack of control turned my father into a monster and almost made him kill me." Artorian responded coldly, looking down as he thought of the distant memory. "I have a promise to keep, so I'll be fighting to my last thought against the Abyss' pull on me. But I'd rather be killed than even move a muscle towards Karen with it in complete control."
"A noble sentiment, that's the same drive a knight has." Matthew commented as he turned away, beginning to walk away. "Should it come down to it, I will fulfill your desire. Until then, don't disappoint and slay as many Savage as you can. It'd be a shame if you failed to live up to your potential."
"Precocious bastard." Artorian muttered as he kicked and twisted his blade back up onto his shoulder. "I don't need you reminding me what's expected of me." He'd then resume his training, the conversation running through his head as he did.
'To actually think him of all people would keep that a secret from her.' He thought, placing both hands on his blade's handle. 'Charlotte must trust him enough to not even confront him on it. He's confident and experienced, so that faith has ground. So I'll follow it too, he'll do his job when it comes.'
Meanwhile at the same time, Matthew thought on his own about the interaction with Artorian. 'The effects of the Abyss are already completely gone from him, it's like he wasn't even possessed an hour ago. Not even his father had that kind of compatibility, this is completely unheard of.'
'However, while his body has been shown to handle it, his mind has clearly been affected by the constant use. I don't imagine his mind will be capable of handling its influence for a few more years.' He concluded, looking up to the moon as he did. 'But that still leaves a question. No signs of the Abyss were shown during his duel, so what helped him narrow the gap between him and Claire? And could it effect the Abyss as well?'
After the long night of training, Artorian returned to the dorms to wash up before the day really began. The bath that Emile brought up was as good as he let on, and when he was done Artorian felt like all his fatigue was gone.
"Yo Emile, you were right about the bath." Artorian spoke up as he opened the door, giving a sort of warning before he entered. "The water really did the trick, I haven't felt this good in years." When he didn't get a response, he looked to see that Emile was absent from the room; surprising considering it was still relatively early in the day.
"Huh, wonder where he could've run off to." He muttered as he walked over to his bed and sat down, getting a good look at the room as he did.
'I wonder how different he is now from back then. Aside from the obvious anyways.' He'd think to himself, looking back to the window with a somber gaze.
He was alone for only a few minutes before the door opened again, revealing Emile. The student paused when he saw Artorian sitting on his bed, seeming perfectly fine after the experience he had yesterday. "Yo Emile, surprised to see you woke up already."
"Artorian!" Emile said gleefully as he ran towards him, about to lunge out and hug him. He was stopped as Artorian flipped his blade and held the handle out, hitting it against his forehead. "Ow! What was that for?"
"What did I say about surprise hugs?" Artorian responded, standing up off the bed as he sighed. "What was even the big deal there? You just see me and suddenly you're in a hugging mood. It seriously confused me."
"Are you honestly surprised, you were knocked out for several hours, only to wake up like you were going through hell." Emile stated, concern on his face as he looked up to Artorian. "I tried talking to Char on it, but she wouldn't tell me anything. I was concerned the something bad might've happened to you."
"Right, you were in there when I went off." The older of the two groaned as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well you don't have to worry, that just happens sometimes. Once a month when I sleep I just have a bad episode is all, nothing big."
"If it wasn't something big Char would've explained it." Emile muttered as he looked down. He was disappointed that he wasn't trusted enough to know, even more so that it had to do with Artorian's health. But if neither would say anything he couldn't even understand what was happening.
Seeing Emile look down, Artorian scoffed as he rolled his eyes. "Don't give that look, it isn't going to get you anywhere with me." He then sighed before letting his shoulder sag down, relenting to an extent and placing his free hand on Emile's head. "Look, it's just with how I am there isn't a whole lot you can do. Even Charlotte's limited to how much she can help. We just don't want you worrying over something that can't be solved."
"If it comes up again, will you tell me?"
"Sure, why not. If it gets that bad again I'll tell you."
'Why the hell did I agree to that!?'
"Okay, I'll drop it then." Emile said as Artorian took his hand off his head, letting him look up. "So how are you feeling?"
"Better than great." He grinned in response, shifting his sword back onto his shoulder. "I have a lot more stamina than you expect, so I was recovered from the fight by the time I woke up. And after the stress I built up I took a bath in the public one you told me about. That really hit the spot, even the soreness in my arms from training is gone."
"Wow, all the energy you exerted and you feel completely fine?" Emile questioned. "Man, and I went through the trouble to return the favor…"
"Hmm? What favor?" Artorian questioned, before noticing the bag in Emile's hand.
"For yesterday, when you brought me the juice pouch." Emile explained, reaching into the bag and pulling out a juice pouch. "I figured that once you got back you'd want something to bring your energy back, but I guess your just fine."
"Well, the thought's what counts, thanks buddy." Artorian responded.
"I guess…" Emile muttered, placing the pouch on Artorian's nightstand before looking back up to him. "Hey Artorian, did you want to go to central? We have the day off, and I figured you'd like the chance to relax."
"Central? That's where all the shops and restaurants are right?" Artorian asked, getting a nod from him.
"Yeah, I figured you would want to relax and get a view of the ship when it isn't night. We can go to some of the best spots and I can even buy you something to eat as thanks for fighting the president for me."
"See the ship when it isn't night, huh?" Artorian raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. He knew there was an ulterior motive, but he didn't call the boy out on it as he shrugged. "Why not, I could use a bit of a break after everything."
"Yes!" Emile cheered as he turned around, pumping his hands into the air. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"
"Guess you're more excited than I thought huh?" Artorian smirked, placing his free hand on his hip as he looked down to the energetic student. "You wouldn't be happening to use me as an excuse to just pig out at one of the places are you?"
"What, no not at all." Emile smiled, turning back to him. "I'm just excited to go on a date with you."
'Fucking called it you little shit.' He thought as he chuckled, admitting that he was at least glad Emile was honest.
"Wow, this place is a lot busier than I thought it would be." Artorian commented as he and Emile walked through central, both with a parfait in hand. They had both changed into their uniforms, and for the past two hours have been exploring the ship and enjoying the scenery. The giant screens around the town that he had seen at night were on and playing loud, pop music going on as if to brighten the mood more.
"Yeah, you'd almost forget that we're on a ship and not in one of the big cities." Emile added in, smiling brightly as they walked around.
"Hey can I ask you something? Are all of the stares bothering you?" Artorian questioned as he sent a secret glare to the crowd of people around. Almost all of them were staring at the two, a mixture of awe and excitement on them.
"I should be asking you that, after all they're looking at you." He responded. "If they weren't interested in that big sword of yours, they all were impressed by the fight you gave yesterday. I bet everyone who couldn't make it in the arena were watching it from their TVs."
"Is that so, huh?" Artorian hummed. He was used to getting stared at, it was common given his circumstances. But he felt the need to ask since he doubted Emile necessarily was used to the crowd gaze like he was.
"But enough about that, check this out." Emile spoke up, holding his banana and chocolate parfait up to him. "You need to relax, why not try a bite?"
"I mean, I already have one and…" Artorian started to argue, sighing as he already knew how this would go down if he continued. "Alright fine." He gave in, taking a bite from the top before looking away.
"So, did you like it?"
"It's okay… I guess."
"I know! Hey, let me try a bite of yours now!" Emile cheered, surprising Artorian as he took a bite from his blackberry parfait.
"Hey, just because both my hands are occupied doesn't mean I can't deck ya!" Artorian argued, having been too late to pull his treat away before Emile stole a bite.
"Mmmmm! The blackberry and vanilla really blend well, don't they?" Emile ignored his protest, enjoying the mixture of flavors.
"If you wanted a bite you didn't have to chomp at my arm for it, I'm not that foreign to sharing desserts."
"Wow, Abyssal and Crossfode seem really close." Artorian then mentally sighed as he heard someone in the crowd comment, knowing where this was leading.
"Well they are roommates after all, or even more than that!"
'Wow, only two days here and that's already an idea. Can't say I blame them.' He thought as he recalled most of his public interactions with Emile thus far. Their private ones weren't much better, but luckily there wasn't anyone aware of that to make accusations. 'Well, at least they're fun to poke fun at, even leading them on is better than letting it get to me.'
"You want to head out and get some real food now Emile?" Artorian asked.
"Before we do, there's something I actually wanted to show you." Emile said, getting a nod from Artorian in response.
"Well lead the way then, you're my humble guide for this time."
Thirty minutes of walking went by before the duo made it to the front edge of the ship, where there was a beautiful sight of the skyline and ocean. Even someone who didn't care for such things like Artorian had to admit the sight was one to behold, signaling his surprise with a whistle.
"Wow, that's one hell of a view." He commented, staring out into the water. He then took notice of the dozen or so couples in the area, smirking knowingly before looking back down to Emile. "So you decide that a generic date spot would be perfect for the first date huh? Talk about trying to play it smooth man."
"Man, I'm almost surprised at how well you take that." Emile admitted, looking back to Artorian. "I know you messed with me back in our room on the first night, but I never thought you'd be so open to being on a date with a guy." He then looked away in slight embarrassment, his shoulders tensing as he spoke. "I mean, based on how you talked to the president I thought for certain you'd be into girls."
"Eh, who cares who I'm into?" Artorian shrugged. "To be honest, I don't really care that much either. If I like the person, why the hell should I care about other stuff like that?"
"Thanks Artorian… that means a lot." Emile smiled, looking over to the ocean. "I really wanted to bring you here, it's my favorite spot on the ship. And they say when the sun goes down, it's even more romantic."
"Guess we'll have to see when that happens then, huh?" He asked with a knowing smirk before his PDA started to ring. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled it out to see that Karen was calling. "Hey, mind waiting for a minute? I gotta take this?"
"Is it Karen?" Emile asked, getting a nod in return as he answered the call.
"Hey Karen, how are you doing?"
"Artorian, why didn't you tell me you left the hospital last night?" Karen asked in return, getting Artorian to tense up in realization.
"O-oh, well you know me, I've never been big on hospitals and so I sort of… I had permission I swear." Artorian tried to excuse himself, surprising Emile at how cautious he was.
"Everyone's been talking about you here and I got worried. A girl with purple hair told me you were okay, but I looked at my tarot cards to see if anything else was wrong."
'Shit! Those damn cards!' Artorian thought in panic. 'If there's one thing worse than her lack of studying, it's how good she is with those damn things!'
"And among the cards, I saw a threatening woman! You aren't with any girls right now, are you?" Artorian then paused as he looked over to Emile, confusing the boy as he tried to keep himself composed.
"…No?"
"Is that the truth? I heard hesitation."
"…Yes?"
"Then would you mind if I came out and checked?"
"Is Miharu okay with you going out of the hospital?" Artorian asked in return.
"Yes, she has permission." Miharu's voice came from over the phone, the nurse next to Karen as she looked through her cards. "The only condition I can accept that though is that you're watching over her once she gets off the bus. I have a few other temporary patients to see to as we're understaffed today."
Artorian then sighed as he shook his head, smiling as he responded. "Alright then, I guess I'll take her out of your hair for awhile to give you some breathing room."
"Artorian! Don't say that like I'm a bother!" Karen complained over the phone, getting a chuckle from him in return.
"Sorry, sorry. I'll see you in a few minutes I guess." Artorian apologized before hanging up. "Sorry if this throws a wrench into our date, but Karen wanted to come and meet you."
"Oh, I don't mind at all." Emile responded. "I didn't really get the chance to meet her yet, so this should be fun!"
"Well look at you, confident and rolling on out of that hospital like it's nothing." Artorian smiled as he saw Karen steer her wheelchair over to him and Emile from the bus. She was wearing he casual clothes, having been allowed to since earlier this morning. Thanks to the advancements of technology, her anatomy has already been keyed in and the need of the hospital gown is only for if her condition goes critical, something that none of the staff say is possible.
"I couldn't pass up the opportunity for fresh air." Karen smiled as she saw Artorian. The moment she spotted Emile however, her gaze went slightly narrowed as she pouted her lip. "Wait a second, I thought you said you were alone."
"…No." Artorian responded, keeping as better composer than before. "I never said I was alone, I just didn't say that Emile was here with me."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Karen, my names Emile Crossfode. I'm Artorian's roommate." Emile introduced himself.
"And you're a boy… interesting…" Karen said suspiciously, taking a close gaze at Emile, specifically his chest.
"Um… of course I am…" Emile responded, slightly off put by the comment.
"Then I'll get straight to the point. Do you find yourself attracted to "other" men?"
"Karen, that's rude." Artorian said, although not surprised at the question.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made an accusation like that." Karen said as the trios were now going through central. "Do you promise you're not trying to seduce my best friend?"
"Oh no, it isn't anything like that I swear." Emile said, brushing off the comment. "We're just really good friends and roommates is all. We like to mess around with each other, and unfortunately Artorian's way too good for me to catch him off guard."
'That's not how you were talking earlier.' Artorian thought as he smiled at the two's conversation.
"I suppose I'll believe you for now." Karen said before bringing her fingers up, curling them like claws. "But if you mess with Artorian I'll put a curse on you. Rawr! Rawr!"
"Karen I said no cursing people." Artorian warned, the three stopping as traffic moved on the road ahead.
"Fine…" Karen pouted. The pout only lasted for a few seconds as the sound of signing instantly brought her excitement back up and she looked to the screen on the building across the road. "Oh, that's Sakura!"
"Oh, that lip sinker you enjoy listening to?" Artorian asked, looking up to the screen to see the mentioned artist. Sakura Kirishima was a16-year-old girl with bright pink hair and matching eyes. In most of her concerts she wore a white and red kimono, all the bright colors actually hurting his eyes as he stared at her image on screen.
"She is not a lip sinker, how dare you!" Karen pouted as she pinched his arm, getting little reaction as she did. "She is an amazing pop singer, why can't you just admit that she's so gifted?"
"Nobody with that much pink can just sing like that. She's clearly just set up to be the next big thing." He responded. "But if you want my honest opinion, she at least isn't too painful on the eyes. Maybe without the hair dye and contacts she'd make a killer 8.5/10."
"That's her natural look, why must you always be so rude!?" She complained as she looked away, crossing her arms as she continued to pout.
"You know her next concert's going to be at the Zwei Islands tomorrow, that's pretty close to where we are." Emile commented, brightening the light in Karen's eyes.
"The Zwei Islands, that's so cool." She then looked over to Artorian, who flinched at her innocent stare and instantly broke.
"Darn it, don't give me that look." He said looking away. "Pop music hurts my head, and that's all she does. Are you seriously going to make me go to a whole concert just because you like a single pampered Idol?"
"Pleeeeeeeease?" Karen begged, messing with him even more.
"Fine, I'll see if I can get tickets." He relented, sighing as Karen cheered ecstatically.
"Yay!"
"I spoil you way too much, you know that?" He said before looking to Emile. "So, I think next on the list of things to do is lunch right? Aside from me having to get tickets."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" Emile responded. "Is there anything you guys are in the mood for?"
"Hey Artorian, I actually have a place I'd like to try out." Karen spoke up, getting a smile from the two.
"Sure thing. You are the guest of honor now."
"Thank you!"
"You know, I'm not sure what I was expecting?" Artorian commented as the three walked into the cafeteria. It wasn't anything fancy; in fact most of the better seats were outside rather than in. Although at the far end Artorian saw Reitia and Matthew eating, the former seeing him and waving. He returned the wave reluctantly, him and Matthew sharing a sharp gaze at each other before returning to their current affairs.
"I've never been in one before, I was so excited that I have the chance to now." Karen smiled, looking at the holographic menu in front of them. "What do you think I should get? They have so many choices! Salisbury steak, and the shrimp looks amazing! Oh, and they even have pop stickers!"
"Hey, careful now. Too much of that kind of food and you'll get sick." Artorian warned, sounding concerned as he knew she'd try to eat all of it.
"But there's so many things I want to try here while I have the chance." Karen argued. "Oh, and please don't tell Miharu that I had so much please."
"If you have trouble I can help you eat it." Emile offered.
"That's okay, I'd rather Artorian helped me out. Hmph!" She responded, giving a pout as she looked away.
"Guess she hasn't exactly warmed up to you yet, huh?" Artorian asked, getting a nervous chuckle from Emile. "Okay Karen, I will allow you to have two things you want, we'll come back and you can try some more next time. Sound fair?"
"Yes!"
The three then ordered their food and took it outside, sitting down and moving the table around so that Karen could move in properly. Artorian then leaned his sword against the nearest table, resting it down as he went to his food.
Karen had decided on having Sirloin Steak with a side of fried rice, and the excitement and enjoyment on her face as she took her first bite brought smiles to the Slayers' faces. "This is amazing! The hospital food they bring me is okay but I've never had anything like this! It's so heavenly!"
"If you'd like to try some of my pasta, help yourself." Emile offered, placing a bit of his food onto her plate. Karen was reluctant, giving him a warning gaze before accepting the food, smiling in joy at the flavor. "So how was it?"
"It's fantastic!" She said without thinking, realizing who she was speaking to before looking away with a poker face. "This doesn't change anything, I'm still watching you!"
"Ooh, a swing and a miss." Artorian chuckled as he cut up a bit of his chicken and ate it. "That's two for zero on ya Emile, Karen's really working you to the bone today."
"Ah, there you are Artorian." The meal was then interrupted as Claire spoke up, the three turning to see her along with Erica and Liddy.
"Oh goodie, it's the president." Artorian mumbled, getting heard by Karen.
"President? So that blonde with the huge chest is the one that burned your arms like that?" Karen spoke as she gave Claire a warning gaze, appearing unaffected by the Slayer's presence.
"Karen, rude things are for me to say. You shouldn't speak like that when I'm present to do it for you."
"A little late for that though." Claire said, placing her hands on her hips as she regarded the two. "So is this foul mouthed girl the same girl you had instated to give treatment for."
"Yeah, that's her." Artorian responded simply, spinning his form as he regarded her.
"Artorian! You aren't supposed to agree to that!" Karen complained.
"I'm sorry, but I've been a horrible influence on you." He admitted, shrugging as he looked to her. "You can be pretty foul mouthed at times, although your leagues better than me still." He then turned back to Claire, giving her a dry stare as he pointed his fork at her. "And I'd reframe from saying such negative things about her. You haven't exactly given her a reason to respect you."
"And I… apologize for that. You injuries were solely my fault and I failed in my job as Student President." Claire stated, catching Artorian off guard.
"Oh… okay?"
"But if I may ask, what is the relation between you and…"
"Her name is Karen Kisaragi." A young boy's voice spoke up from behind Claire. The boy then walked around to reveal himself, appearing no older than 14 while wearing a formal middle schooler uniform. "She's the daughter of the deceased Hamaki and Matsuda Kisaragi and a childhood friend of-" Before the boy finished his sentenced, he jumped in fear as Artorian threw his fork just beside his cheek. It didn't even graze him, but the sound of it impaling into the building several meters behind him sent a shiver down his spine.
"Take that Sherlock deduction somewhere that doesn't have a paranoid Slayer with good aim." He warned, giving the boy a cold glare as he did.
"I-I'm sorry." He said in response, bowing as he did. "M-My name is Chris Steinbelt, a second year middle schooler and Ms. Claire's personal assistant."
"Boy toy, got it." Artorian instantly responded, leaning back as he did. "Didn't know you liked them young Claire, I'm shocked at this revelation."
"I-It is not like that you curd!" Claire stated. "He is a child genius and excellent at interfacing with Hundred statistics and Savage study." She said before calming herself, knowing that Artorian was trying to get to him. "But beside this, there is something that I wish to talk to you about."
"Oh this will be good." He chuckled as he stood up, grabbing his sword as he stepped up from the table. "What does the princess have to say to the low class peon knight in her service?"
"The… Student Council requires some help and you're the perfect man for the job."
"Hold on, why does Artorian have to help you with anything?" Emile argued as he walked next to him. "Everything was settled yesterday with the duel. He has no reason to have to help you in any way."
"Calm yourself, this is by no means mandatory." Liddy stated.
"We are only here to recruit him." Erica added in.
"I don't do butt stuff."
"Artorian…" Claire sighed heavily as she ignored his words, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "I invite you to join what we call Selections: a special unit under the Student Council."
"Okay, pretend I don't know what it is you do. I mean, besides scarring freshmen students anyways."
"You would follow direct orders from Warslran HQ." Erica explained. "You would still be a student here, but be expected to follow the duties of a fully realized Slayer. Going on missions set by the authority you serve under."
"These missions would include guarding facilities, bodyguard duty, and actual combat with Savages." Liddy added in.
"Combat with Savages." Artorian muttered as he tightened his free fist, Karen looking at him in concern as he kept himself composed.
"Due to the recent Savage Nest Elimination mission, we have too few active members to rely on." Erica informed. "Aside from ourselves, our only other active Slayer is Matthew, limiting us significantly."
"I will reiterate what Erica has said. Our condition is of importance, but a yes isn't necessary of you. However I believe in Noblest Oblige, I'm sure with your history you've heard of it. It means-"
"Those with power protect those who don't and all that noise. Yeah I've heard it." Artorian interrupted, shrugging as he did. "Honestly that knight oath tier stuff lost its taste years ago for me, I haven't thought much of fighting for the greater good. It's of no interest to me to die for the sake of someone I don't even know."
"So, then your answer is-"
"Let me finish." Artorian spoke again, stopping Claire from responding. "But there's two things that I desire more than anything else. Keeping Karen safe, and eliminating every one of those alien bastards off the face of this planet." His last words came with conviction, his eyes wide at the mere thought of the beasts. "They took nearly everything from me, and that's something I can't forgive. So I don't care for your Noblest Oblige, but if your signing me up to hunt Savage early than I'll gladly accept it."
"And I would gladly join forces with Artorian as well." Emile stated with equal conviction.
"Sadly, you don't meet our criteria." Liddy stated. "One has to be able to fight head on with a Savage and win, and you would just drag everyone down."
"Emile scoffed at the insult, seeing it as a challenge. "So you want me to face off with the President in a duel as well, is that it?"
Emile Crossfode, that was disrespectful!" Liddy responded, taking the attack on Claire as a personal insult.
"It doesn't have to be the President. How about you, Liddy Steinberg?" Emile offered. "That should be enough to prove my abilities to you."
'Here we go again.' Artorian thought while rolling his eyes.
"I doubt that."
"When do you want to suit up? I'm ready to suit up right now if you are." Emile challenged as he pulled his Variable Stone out, throwing it into the air and activating his Hundred. "Hundred On!"
"He has a dragoon type as well?" Claire questioned in surprise, seeing his Arms Shroud with the canons ready.
"So what do you say vice-president? Are you in, or out?"
"You'll learn your place." Liddy said as she pulled out her own Variable Stone. "Hundred On!" Throwing it to the side, her own Hundred formed for her, the javelin and shield even larger than it was in the footage Artorian saw of it.
"Liddy that's enough, you're going too far." Erica responded.
"Stay out of this, if we let these actions go uncorrected it will set a bad example." Liddy stated, getting a grin from Emile.
"That sounds more like it."
"Don't you dare consider firing one of those things Emile." Artorian warned, standing in front of Karen without hesitation. Claire was surprised at how quickly he moved to protect her, not even a second guess visible on him in face of a dragoon type.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of it." Emile said as he held his hand out. His canons then vanished as the buildup energy transformed into a white javelin matching Liddy's. "This seems more fitting doesn't it?"
"He changed the form of his whole Armament?" Both Erica and Claire were further shocked by the development, having never seen a Hundred do such a thing before.
"Get ready, because here I come!" Emile shouted as he charged Liddy, the vice-president readying for him as he approached. The moment before they collided however, they were stopped when Artorian's sword impaled the ground between them. They weren't able to react when they felt hands grip the back of their necks and push them face first into the ground.
"Under zero circumstances will there ever be a fight when Karen is present." Artorian warned further as he kept them held down, his grip on them tight to prevent their escape. "Do I make myself clear?"
'He moved this fast without a variable suit or Hundred on?' Liddy thought in shock as he effortlessly held the two of them in place. In the second she looked up to him, she saw the shadow of the presence she witnessed in the hospital, and she instantly froze in fear as it remained over him.
"I said, do I make myself clear!?" No one else could see the visage, and after a second it vanished from Liddy's sight as well.
Before either of the fighters could respond, everyone's attention was taken away as a siren went off. Hearing it, Artorian quickly stood back up and grabbed his sword, going over to Karen in a defensive position. 'An alert? At this time?'
"Claire, we have an immediate order." Erica informed, looking down to her PDA.
At the same time, Matthew and Reitia rushed out of the cafeteria, running over to the group in a hurry. "We've got Savage incoming, we have to get to intelligence now." The former of the two said, getting an affirmative nod from Claire.
"We're moving out, Liddy disengage." Claire ordered, the vice-president deactivating her Hundred and getting up.
"Hold on, you're going after Savage?" Artorian questioned.
"It's an immediate response order, we don't have time to discuss things." The president stated. "You should all return to your rooms at once and wait till we've returned."
"Like hell, I'm going with you!"
"You are not in position to make demands Artorian. The offer will stand but for a mission so suddenly to occur we cannot allow it."
"Hold on Claire." Everyone's attention was again taken as Charlotte approached, appearing serious as she did. "You should bring Artorian and Emile with you."
"What was that?"
"Artorian, your first battle is at hand." Charlotte stated, looking over to him as she did. "This will not be a luck of the run mission, the Savage approaching are dangerous and will kill you if you lower your guard. Are you sure you want in?"
"Is there even a doubt?" Artorian responded, stepping up as he did. "A chance to get back at them for what happened, I've been waiting for the chance. My blood's boiling more than ever right now and it's screaming for the Savage."
"Very well. Let's go." Charlotte said, turning around and walking away.
"You know I'm with you, right?" Emile asked, stepping up beside him.
"Just don't fall behind." He said, walking off with the Student Council. He then turned back to look to Karen and Reitia. "Oi Reitia, bring Karen back to the hospital for me, will ya?"
"Huh? Sure, no problem." Reitia responded, seeing the group go off. "Matthew! Be careful okay?"
"It shouldn't be a large invasion, I'll be fine." He stated, not even looking back as he walked off.
Reitia looked down in response, the answer the same as the one he gave her last time he ran off to fight Savage. He returned with a broken arm and dozens of smaller injuries, which didn't put much confidence in her.
"They'll be okay." Karen said as she saw Reitia's somber expression. "Artorian will be with them, he won't let anything bad happen. I promise."
"If you say so." Reitia responded, smiling lightly as she looked down to her.
The two then smiled as they stared at each other, a bond already forming from their limited interactions. "So… do you like that boy?"
"W-What!?"
(A/N): Wow has it been awhile since I wrote this. I have to seriously apologize for that. Honestly I never thought this would be popular, but I've been getting a few requests for the next chapter and have been working hard to get this out. I hope you enjoy it, and I promise to not drop this for as long as I had. And as a special thanks to Fortitude501, Watcher 217, Redith, and Forsaken Watcher for the recent comments, the support is appriciated and I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter.