SOD: FINALLY! 100 thousand damn words!
Andrew: Congrats Shinn. But was it neccessary to break the window with a mallet?
SOD: ANDREW, LET ME CELEBRATE!
Andrew: Okay. Okay. My apologies Shinn-sama.
SOD: That's better. Now, time for some fluff.
A strong force pushes Relon off his feet colliding with the wall.
"Ack!" Wincing, he falls to the ground. (Not a day goes by where I'm not slammed into something.) He whispers to himself slowly getting to his feet.
Shaking his head, he takes in the burnt room, the barrier having held on protecting the group of five. Looking across, he sees Giliath on one knee before he too gets up.
"Ready to quit?"
"Not in the slightest." Both ready themselves for more only for Prince Olivert to walk in between them at the middle of the damaged room.
"Gentlemen, as much as I'm sure you would like to continue, we will have to call this 'sparring match' to a close."
"Huh? How come?"
"Care to explain, Prince Olivert?" Osborne wonders for a crack to ring through the room.
All eyes including the chancellor's fall onto the black sword seeing a crack form quickly expanding before the whole blade suddenly shatters.
"That is why. Had this match continued, your weapon would have shattered."
"But how could this be?"
"Simple, Osborne." All look to see Relon walking over and stopping next to Olivert now reverting to normal. "Your sword simply couldn't take the heat. That and with how cold it is in here, your constant swinging of your hot sword from my attacks in cold air resulted in it cracking and breaking. Simple science."
With that statement, Osborne glances to his shatter blade.
"Not to mention, you keep blocking my own flames so adding with Pippin's only increased the chance of this happening. Though... had you been truly going all out, things wouldn't have led to this. But I'm sure you know this."
"... Haha, indeed. Though these turn of events were not foreseen, I'll accept this as my loss." The man says rather satisfied.
"Tch, and you're just gonna act it off as usual."
"I'll admit based solely off of your resolve, I'll acknowledge this feeble ideal of yours. Though both methods are effective, only one stands above the other."
"So after all that, you're still going to be stubborn." Relon crosses his arms.
"I simply choose what is the most effective and will end whatever is at play the fastest. This 'third path' may not always lead to this."
"It is still better than ruining the lives of others." Relon retorts calmly.
"If you wish to believe that, then who am I to deter you? Now that we are done, I must bid you all farewell. I look forward to seeing your growth, Relon Namikaze-Lucinance." He grins walking away.
"And the whole time, he knew. Damn it, he one-upped me."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Olivert interjects, his eyes not leaving the man.
"What do you mean?"
"I believe your resolve pierced his iron will. A small crack if you will now resides in his thoughts. Everything you said seems to have truly gotten to him. You did well, Relon." He looks at the teen smiling proudly.
"Prince Olivert..." Giving a smile of his own, he releases a chortle. "Thanks... Whoa!" Catching himself from falling, he stabs Pippin into the ground. "I'm fine. My body is just a little tired. Nothing seriously."
"Well, that is a relief."
"Yeah, too bad for the guy that I get my strength back from explosions." Relon chuckles. "I'm still ready to go a few more rounds."
"I can only fantasize over what your training these last three years must have been like."
"Intense. Brutal. Anything that describes rough. Oh, I know, hell itself."
"But you survived and look at the results. This third path you've spoken of. It is an ideology I too can support. One I believe can help achieve the peace many including myself have been seeking."
"Really?!"
"Yes. You've grown so much and what you said during your match told all of us just how much you've grown not just physically."
"Thank you, Prince Olivert. That means a lot."
"Come now, we're practically family. Just call me brother!"
"Aaaaaaand we're done with this conversation." He steps away from the blonde's grand gesture.
"Relon Lucinance." Looking past the blonde, he's greeted by the king and queen along with both Ironbloods.
"Your majesties. I am terribly sorry about the ro-
"Well done."
"... I'm sorry, what?"
"Well done." The queen repeats for the king.
"Yes, that was quite the performance you put on. I was not expecting such a match to become so political let alone expect you to say such things. The words you spoke reminded me of my son right next to you. In three years, you've shattered what you once were. I look forward to what you'll become in the future. Until then." The two depart stopping at one of the entrances. "Oh, and I expect you to rank well in your class at Thors once you graduate." The king smirks before he and a smiling queen disappear behind the corner.
Jaw completely dropped with bulged eyes, Relon falls back landing on his butt.
"That means I got in..." He breathes out in disbelief.
"Leave it to father to say such a thing." Olivert chuckles.
"I never knew the king could hold a funny side." Lechter comments looking down at the broken boy.
"Looks like Relon will be going to Thors like you and me, you highness." This snapping the boy to the girl.
"Wait! You went to Thors, Claire?!"
"Graduated from Thors. I didn't tell you?"
"Pffffftt, no!" He responds throwing his hands all over the air before dramatically falling onto his back.
"Claire, I think you broke your boyfriend." Lechter notes poking an unresponsive Relon.
"He's not-" She sighs. "What's the point." She shakes her head.
"You're right, what's the point in denying it?" Lechter winks for the girl to blush irritably whipping out and pointing her orbal gun at the redhead with a dangerous smile.
"Want to continue this?" He nervously sweatdrops raising his arms slowly.
"I give." He mutters for Claire to put away her gun.
"Ah young love. One of the blisses bestowed by Aidios herself."
"So what should we do with Relon?" I'm pretty sure he's beyond shell-shocked."
"We'll bring him to a guest room until he wakes up. He mentioned wanting to get Norowareta back home tonight." Claire says.
"Alright, I'll carry him." Lechter complies picking the teen up. "To think he had plenty of energy after fighting the boss but completely is defeated by two facts.
"He did mention having taken the test and wondered how he did when we were returning to the palace so him passing must have surprised him."
"With how smart he is? Now, that's a shocker." Lechter comments as Pippin floats out the boy's grasp and into its sheathe
"What will you do, your highness?"
"I have some work to be done so I'll leave Relon in your care."
"Yes, sir." Both state, Claire saluting as Olivert leaves.
Before long, they reach the room placing Relon down.
"Alright, I got work to do so I'll leave prince charming in your care."
"Can you go a minute without joking about my love life?" She crosses her arms giving her fellow Ironblood a judgeful look.
"What? It's entertaining. That and it's pretty obvious to everybody that you two have a thing for the other though I never took you for a cougar." A single twitch escapes as she reaches for her gun.
"Alright! Alright! I'm gone!" He leaves. "Can silence me but can't silence the truth!" He shouts to her annoyance.
Sighing, she closes the door walking to sit next to the boy.
"To think he had an information overload of two simple things. Odd as ever." She giggles to herself to note Pippin sleeping on a pillow next to Relon. "You're kinda spoiled, aren't you?" At her off-handed question, the sword raises up to nod its handle at her question before laying back down.
These two together are something else.
Shaking her head, her hot pink eyes shift back over to the dormant boy. Moving a few strands of hair from his eyes, Lechter's teasing comes back to mind.
I'm not a cougar. He's only three years younger. We're both adults.
Looking on, her eyes shift to the steady breath he exudes from his lips. The young woman feeling drawn to shake her head.
No, no, no. Mind, no. He's a friend. We're not even dating yet. Not to mention stealing his first kiss is just wrong.
At that last thought she stops.
Wait, has he had his first kiss? No, I'm not thinking this.
"I need some fresh air." Getting up, she heads out onto the balcony.
(Ugh, whoa that was an info bundle.) Relon whispers barely audible slowly waking up. "Where am I?" Looking around, he finds himself in a bedroom. "A guest room?" Looking to his left, he sees his partner resting next to him.
Noticing light come in, he sees the balcony door open. Going over, he sees a certain bluenette staring out at the night city.
"I missed this." She turns seeing Relon walk next to her.
"Finally awake I see."
"How long was I out?"
"Only for about 30 minutes. It's only half past nine."
"Really? Had this crazy dream I was with some girl." He scratches his head, the older woman slightly widening at the mention though she remains stoic looking ahead.
"Is that so? What happened?"
"Met in school, fought together against some villains, had a date, got together, and was in the middle of studying when I woke up. Nice girl too." He shrugs.
"What did she look like?"
"Has this wonderful sky-blue hair and these beautiful hot pink eyes. Think she was maybe... three years older?" He smirks giving a glance at the woman whose cheeks have heated up quite noticeably.
(Seems you've gotten too good of an understanding at these emotions of yours.)
"Thank mainly my aunt and Mister. The other orphans helped a good deal too." He smiles looking at the nighttime city alit by hundreds of lights. "It's thanks to everyone I've met that I've grown so much."
(This isn't fair. Since when did you become such a flirt.)
"Not a flirt." He defends raising a single finger up. "I'm just being honest."
Turning back, he leans over the railing, a comfortable silence falling between the duo. Feeling something soft press against his arm, he tenses looking to spot Claire. Blushing, he keeps his eyes forward.
"You may have been taught a thing or two but I'm willing to bet they didn't prepare you for a situation like this."
"Touché." He mutters. "Didn't know you could be so bold."
"Never underestimate us women." Relon widening for a split second remembering when Musse said those very words.
Stepping back away from the boy stifling her laughter, he breathe a breath of relief.
(That was unfair. When did you become a flirt?) He cuts his eyes pouting.
"Hmm. Who knows...? Aren't you used to it considering a certain greenette likes clinging to you?"
"Just because she likes to do it doesn't mean I do. Only when Alfin has my other arm am I forced to bear with it. Neither listening to reason from me or Elise. I honestly feel bad for her." He gives a subtle laugh at the mention.
"And you don't feel bad for me?"
"No, because I know you can handle it. If I didn't, I wouldn't have handed over my position to you. Don't forget my teacherly scolding back at the school." He perks an eyebrow.
"Honestly, you may want to look at being an instructor somewhere. You're quite good at it."
"Meh, I'll put it in the back of my head for now. All I plan to do right now is do good in Thors. Don't want to let my favorite senpai down." He jokes.
"Oh? Since when was I your favorite? No, better question. Why am I?"
"If this is your way of making me confess that I like you, I'm going to remind you back to the dream I had." He flatly notes. "And teasing me? That's just mean." He smirks. "I don't hear you confessing."
"I like you."
He opens his mouth to continue but freezes at the words registering. Lifting up, he turns to see Claire properly facing him.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I'm sure it was pretty obvious back then and today especially but since you apparently didn't hear me, I'll say it once again. Ahem, I like you Relon Lucinance. Wait, let me correct that. Relon Namikaze-Lucinance. Quite the name now that I say it out loud." She laughs to eye the teen still at a loss for words only now averting his eyes bashfully.
Leave it to her to one-up me. Wait, now that I think about it, Osborne and both Ironbloods have one-upped me. Lechter back at the Gigantic's grand reopening, Osborne after our fight, and Claire now. Wait, think later. Act now.
Calming himself, he looks back to see the slightly blushing Claire.
"Off in thought at a time like this? Not exactly romantic." She notes jokingly.
"S-Sorry, just... speechless honestly. You really are amazing being able to confess like that unlike myself." He apologizes which takes her aback for a moment to compose herself.
"Y-You are as well. Not many can say they beat the Giliath Osborne."
"You honestly think I'm the type of guy to flaunt something like that? He wasn't even going all out against me either."
"No, but you are the type who speaks their minds."
"Is that a good thing or bad?"
"Good. It means you're not afraid to say what you believe is right." She turns back towards the city as does Relon. "Many I've met are too afraid to do such a thing."
That's right, she's with the RMP after all so some cases must have her interrogating people. I'm kinda scared to think how she gets answers out of them. They don't call her the Icy Maiden for nothing.
Shivering at the thought, Claire takes note.
"Are you cold? It is quite chilly tonight." She mentions breathing a puff of visible air.
Did she forget I'm always warm? Wait, is she signaling she's cold...?
Glancing for a moment, he gives into his idea.
"Hey." Looking to him, she sees his arm extended. "If you're cold, why not huddle closer? I mean, if you want." He scratches his cheek.
"... Thanks. I'll take you up on that offer." She moves closer wrapping her arms around the boy. "You really are warm all the time."
"So you did remember... You pulled one over me."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She hums hugging closer, the sheer warmth she finds pure comfort.
"I swear." He happily sighs, easing himself wrapping his arm around her waist. (I could get used to this.)
Feeling a soft sensation he swore he wouldn't forget, he glances in time to see Claire pull back resting her head in the crook of his neck.
(So could I.)
Deciding to leave it at that, they divulge themselves into a relaxing silence. One both have become quite fond of.
Midnight
"Hmm, I wonder if Alfin and Noro are still up." Relon says, he and Claire having left to get his sister.
"Possibly considering the way you left them. I'm sure they must be worried."
"Damn it. Now I feel bad for doing that to Noro. Hopefully her last gift will make up for it."
"You still have another gift for her?"
"Yeah. Though, this one isn't bought. More so seen."
"So a location?"
"Yup." They stop before Alfin's room.
Knocking a few times, no response comes.
"Alfin? Noro? It's Relon and Claire, we're coming in." He announces opening the door as they both step through. "You have got to be kidding me."
"What's wrong?" She walks past to see the cause of his comment.
On a bed befit for a princes lays Alfin and Norowareta cuddled together sleeping soundly.
"Looks like today took its toll on her." Claire notes as Relon walks over gently patting her head before walking out followed by Claire. "You're not going to wake her?"
"No. She's beyond exhausted. She was probably tired by the time we ran into Osborne." He glances at the two girls closing the door. "Noro needs her rest. I'll just show her the last gift some other time. Looks like we'll be staying the night." He concludes, the two walking back.
"Some things just can't be helped."
"I'm not complaining. Get to spend a little more time with you after all." He smiles placing his arms behind his head. "Though, it still remains the same."
"What does?"
"I still need to get stronger. The sooner the better."
"Is that all you think about? Getting stronger?"
"No. I think of you a lot." She stops walking as Relon continues.
"You walked into that one, you know." He notes as she catches up.
"Is this how we're going to do things."
"Who knows, I can't have you one-upping me every chance you get." (I still need to give you another one to even it out...)
"Another what?" Now Relon is the one to stop, his face growing red as he resumes walking at a slightly faster pace.
"N-Nothing! Don't worry about it." He states bashfully.
"H-Hey! There's no need to run!"
Before long, they reach his room. Relon falling onto his bed with an arm covering his mouth as he looks to the roof of the bed. Claire closing and locking the door behind her to glance at Relon.
"You're being more bashful that usual." Claire notes with cross arms taking a seat next to him.
Rolling with his back facing her, he lets out a sigh.
"I'm just being silly." He rolls back looking to Claire. "You know, the more I look at those eyes, the more I adore them." At those words, both widen, Relon shooting up. "Why did I- The words just came out! I mean-" He groans falling back on the bed with his arms extended to both sides.
From the corner of the room, Pippin can only shake before going back to its slumber.
"T-Thanks."
"I really need to stop speaking my thoughts. That'll get me in trouble." Relon sighs.
"Then maybe a certain someone should focus some more."
"I focus!"
"Suuurre you do. You're only human after all." She jokes.
"... You think I'm human?" She stops her light fit of chuckles to eye the male strangely.
"Relon?"
"Hey, Claire, tell me something. How many people have you seen, heard, and read about that can use fire like me? Has a magical sword like Pippin even?"
"Well..."
"You only read about stuff like that in fictional books yet... here we are. We know strange things lie within Erebonia. Senate is one example and Pippin along with myself falls into the same category." He raises his left hand looking at his palm seeing the smallest of flames. "No matter how you look it, it's clear as crystal. I'm not human. Not a normal one in the slightest."
"..." Claire looks to the floor trying to figure out what to say.
"But, I'm okay with this." She snaps back to a now smiling Relon. "I may be different but that doesn't change who I am on the inside. When I first thought about it, the thought bothered me. It's why I told you guys I wasn't some boy."
"Wait, you weren't referring to being a man?"
"I mean I was, but that wasn't the main point I was suggesting. I meant not to underestimate me because I'm not human. I mean, come on, what human can heal in seconds from a stab wound to the heart let alone not have a scar left?" He jokes.
"Relon..."
"I've accepted who I am. It doesn't bother me anymore. Not in the slightest. I've made friends, I've gained a family, places I can call home, and... now I have you. At least for now." He corrects.
"What makes you think it that?"
"One thing: you reside within Heimdallr as apart of the military police and I will reside at Thors."
"Then we'll simply have to be patient." She shrugs. "It cannot be helped."
"Yup. I have no complaints. Just have to make the most of our time now then. Wait!" He rises up. "Shouldn't you be getting to bed?"
"Tomorrow is Sunday so I actually have nothing planned aside from going with the princess if she chooses to go out. If anything, I'll just be in the library studying."
"I'm sure I'm going to get an earful from Aunt Cecily along with a list of errands and chores to do. Kinda don't want to return home now." He laughs falling back once more only to rise up. "Oh yeah!" The sudden shout making Claire jump.
"What is it?!" She questions watching him get up and look around frantically.
"Oh, come on! Where did it go!" He rushes around the room and looking down the hall before coming back. "What is it?" He ignores her looking under the bed before getting to his feet. "That only leaves...!" Tossing both pillows, his concern changes to joy. "There it is!" He exclaims picking up a purchased bag capable of being hidden in one's pocket.
"Isn't that something from The Change? When did you buy that?"
"I bought it as I was leaving while you and Musse were changing. I saw it and thought it would look good on you." He explains holding out the small bag.
"For me...?"
"Yeah! Here."
Taking it, she simply blinks unable to say anything. Digging her hand in, she pulls out a black scrunchie.
"Relon, I don't know what to say...!"
"You could try it on for starters."
Getting to her feet, she walks over to a tall mirror. Pulling her hair together along her side, she inserts the accessory through her hair adjusting her new look.
"Alright." She announces, turning to face Relon, the boy at a loss for words. "What do you think? Be honest."
"I didn't think you could be more gorgeous." He says as if in a trance to snap at his own words facepalming. (Damn it! Not again!)
"You think so?" He looks up to Claire fidgeting in place twirling her side-ponytail with a finger.
All he can do is nod dumbly, Relon not trusting his own thoughts at this point. A small but happy smile comes to the woman's face.
"Then I'll be using this new look, I suppose."
"I think I just learned something else about me..." He falls back on the bed stretching his arms out.
"What's that?"
"I have a thing for ponytails."
Both share a laugh as she sits back next to him. Claire noticing the relaxed form he has.
"Hey." Relon calls.
"What is it?"
"I forgot how great these beds were."
"Getting tired?"
"No... Not yet at least." He moves to lay properly with his head on a pillow patting the other for Claire.
Complying, she moves over laying next to Relon.
"I still can't believe you actually agreed to that contest with Musse. Mind telling me what you were thinking exactly?"
"To get one over on Musse. That and to impress you. So, what'd you think of the swimsuit?" She grins to his surprise.
"Eh?! Wait, wait, wait! I'm not falling for this. You know what I thought. I gave you the point after all."
"I know. But that's not the only thing you did." Relon's cheeks go red as he avert his eyes.
"Stop teasing me. Jeez, where did this come from?"
"Blame Musse. Though I have to ask, did-"
"Yes I liked the view." He interrupts rolling on his stomach burying his head in the pillow to hide his embarrassment. "Why do all females like teasing me?" He questions through muffled speech.
Feeling a hand gently caress his hair, he looks to see a smiling Claire.
"It's only because we care. Musse I'm not too sure about though."
"Musse has an odd way of showing she cares though I want to believe she does just like how she cares about Alfin and Elise. Even if she goes overboard... a lot."
"I'll say. You haven't had to deal with her for the last three years."
"No, I've been lucky with two." He chuckles to rest his eyes on the woman next to him.
"What are you thinking about?"
"How nice this is." He answer softly.
"I couldn't agree more." She rolls to her side resting her head on his arm.
"... Hey."
"Yes?"
"What if... I told you I had an idea?" Hearing this, tints of pink appear on the maiden's cheeks as she notices the similar feature on Relon.
"I'm listening..."
"Well... I'll be going to Thors soon..."
"Go on..."
"And since we don't know when the next time we'll be able to hang out, I was maybe wondering if..."
"If what...?" His mouth quivers for a moment before speaking.
"You know where I'm going with this and you're still making me say it." He deadpans.
"I have no idea what you're referring to." A single twitch escapes the boy.
(Of course you don't.) "Would you be... open to the idea of maybe..." He takes notice of her looking on expectantly.
She totally knows!
Feeling a burst of irritation rise from within, he releases it rolling over in a swift motion laying overtop of her to the woman's surprise. Placing both hands to the space between the sides of her head and her arms, he calms himself.
"You know something? I can only handle so much teasing for one day. So, wanna sleep together or not?" Blinking attempting to understand their new situation, she nods dumbly. "Great." He falls back to his side. "So, you sleeping in that or do you want to change into a night attire? Be kinda sus if someone saw you in that outfit still tomorrow morning. Especially if that someone is either Lechter or worse, Osborne."
"You have a point..." She thinks before sitting up. "I'll be back." She says leaving the room.
(I can't believe I just did that.) He sighs getting to his feet. "Hey Pippin." He walks over squatting before his faithful partner. "Letting you know we're waking up fairly early. The others must be worried sick so the sooner we get back, the better." Waiting for a response, one comes in the sound of the sword clicking its sheathe. "Night, buddy." He stands back up just as the door opens.
Turning around, his eyes does a once over without his permission of the girl. Blue pajamas with white polka dots. The top few buttons undone revealing some skin below her collarbone.
"That was fast." He notes walking back to the bed.
"My room isn't that far from yours." She states to receive an 'ah' from the teen which turns into a yawn.
"Whoa, that came out of nowhere."
"Given all that happened today, it's only natural."
"Good point." He gets under the covers as too does Claire.
"You know you don't have to be on your side, right?" He mentions to her surprise. "Look, after all the teasing you girls have done and the fact I got accepted into Thors, I'm mentally drained."
"Honestly, I didn't think you'd snap." She chuckles inching closer.
"Well, let's see. There's Musse, there's Alfin, and then there's you. Not to mention Osborne and Prince Olivert."
"I took away some of your mentality?"
"Yes. That fashion contest did a number to me." He bluntly states.
"You weren't joking about being mentally exhausted."
"Nope. And I feel like Mister isn't going to let me hear the end of it. Considering he's been teasing me over the 'us' prospect for so long."
"The Wandering Beast has?"
"Not a day goes by where he doesn't mention either you or the girls." Relon says reaching and taking hold of her hand. "Honestly, not a day went by where I haven't thought of you."
"Relon...!" She gives a small pout. "You really are a flirt." She says resting her head on his chest, an arm over him showing claim as her own.
"I told you..." He starts brushing a few locks of hair out of her face as she looks up at him. "I'm no flirt. Not like you and Musse." He laughs in comfort.
"Hmm. Claire Namikaze-Lucinance."
"... Huh?"
"What? I'm just thinking if we stay together, what my possible new surname would sound like." She answers with a small grin.
(And you say I'm a flirt) "But tell me, milady. What do you think of it?"
"I like. It has an odd, but nice, ring to it." She snuggles closer, Relon doing his best to ignore a certain area of her pressing into his side.
"Ah... that's good to hear." He chokes out.
"Seems I managed to get another reaction out of you after all." She gives a subtle laugh.
"That one wasn't fair. Not in the slightest and you know it."
"Will you retaliate?"
"Nope. Enjoying this too much."
"I figured as much." She moves to his confusion which becomes pure stunned as she lays overtop copying the gesture he previous did unto her.
"Uh, Claire?" He calls, his eyes locked on hers, a portion of her cleavage visible out his peripheral though the teen dares not look. "Is something wrong?"
"No." She descends resting her body on top of his. "Just fishing for another reaction." He eases himself, his arms wrapping around her waist.
"That's cold." He gives a chuckle.
"And you're warm."
"You're not wrong there. Hmm..." He hums in thought.
"What is it?" She lifts up curiously to arch her back slightly before laying back down on his chest.
Relon having opted to snake his rather warm hands under her pajama shirt to press them to her back, the warmth ever noticeable.
"Better?"
"Much." She says getting close and planting a three second kiss on his cheek before pulling back with a smile ever evident.
(That's two I owe you now...)
(You don't have to owe me anything. Though, I wouldn't mind one every now and then.)
"Noted. Goodnight Claire."
"Goodnight, Relon."
And with those final words came a blissful sleep for the new couple.