Here we are at Chapter 12. Time for more family drama. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 12. Enjoy.
Chapter 12: A Magical Reunion
After Yuki and Hiei decide on a game plan for their future, Yuki sent a letter to Hikaru at the Crystalglove villa the next day. Hikaru's reply was quick and to the point.
"I'll be right back. I'll bring Hiei's parents here to have a discussion on the matter," and that was it.
Hiei only grew more nervous from what was written, "She's bringing my parents HERE?! There's no way this can go well!"
"I'm sure it'll be alright, Hiei. I'll be with you every step of the way," Yuki kisses her cheek.
Hiei sighs, "Thank you, Yuki,"
Hana comes down from the ceiling, "Yuki's right. No use crying over it now. The best you can do is just prepare your best argument with your parents on why you can, should, and will marry Yuki and just hope they agree with it. Having the support of the imperial family should help with that. For now, let's just focus on our classes. I heard we're having a few special guest lecturers coming in today," Hana says.
"Yes. I wonder what they'll be like," Yuki notes.
With no other choice, Hiei goes along with the girls' plan. It's not she can run from this forever.
...
Meanwhile, May walks through the village where Fuyumi first met Yukitsuki. The village itself is nothing special. It's not big, but not small. The people seem normal enough as well. It truly appeared to be an average village. But then, that begs the question:
"How did someone as special as Yukitsuki end up in a place like this?" May wonders.
She starts by asking around with the locals, seeing if anyone remembers Yukitsuki by her description. It has been several years since Fuyumi found her here. Unfortunately, most of the locals don't even remember the girl. May remembers when she first met Yukitsuki. Her clothes were worn and ragged, just like someone who lived by themselves on the streets. A few had an inkling about who May was referring to, but not enough to be tangible. The day moves on to the late afternoon hours and May's search has come up with next to nothing.
May sighs, "I knew it would be difficult, but I hoped there would at least be someone here who might remember her,"
"Excuse me miss, I heard you're asking around about a little girl?" May turns to find an unassuming man with slightly tanned skin, short black hair, and wearing the same clothes as the other villagers.
May can't compare their clothes to hers. She's wearing the outfit she wore before when she worked for the empire under a dark cloak with a hood.
"Yes, I am. Would you happen to know anything about her?" May asks.
"Me, don't know much. But I know someone who does. He's got a bum leg, so he can't walk around much these days. I can show you the way if you like," the man points behind him.
"...Very well. Show me to this friend of yours," May says.
"Follow me. He actually lives in a small hut just outside the village," the man says.
The man walks away with May following him. They end up leaving the village just as the man said and enter a forest.
"We're just about there," the man says, glancing back at her.
May looks around, looking for the hut. Just then, the man stops in front of her.
"So, are we nearby?" May asks.
"Yeah, this should be... just the spot," the man turns and smirks.
Just then, several men step out from behind the trees, each carrying a blade or a club.
"Friends of yours?" May asks, not looking intimidated at all.
"Yeah. Truth be told, I'm not actually from around here. We were scoping the place out, seeing what valuables we could steal and women we could sell. Then you came along. Don't know about this girl you're searching for, but if we ever find her, we'll be sure to bring her to you. She sounds like a beauty, just like you," the man snickers.
May sighs, "No matter where I go, there's always pests to get rid of," May takes off her cloak, revealing herself in her usual outfit back in the war.
The boys get sick smiles on their faces when they see her nice figure and beautiful face.
"Man, you'll definitely fetch a high price. Boys, we might need to sample these goods first, though," the man, apparently the leader, laughs as do the rest.
"I don't have a lot of time... which means you lot don't have any. So, I'll make this quick," May uses her darkness magic to conjure her scythe.
"What the-she can use magic?! Get her. Get her now!" the leader yells.
The goons attack her all at once. May swings her scythe, slice two in half. Jumping above their bodies, she swings her scythe down on a third and then decapitates a fourth. Two turns to flee with the leader, but May casts a shadow spell, binding them with their own shadows. She's been improving her magic since the war with Fuyumi's help.
"What the-I can't move!" the leader screams.
"Now then, I'm going to ask questions and you're going to answer them honestly. Answer correctly, and you live. Answer otherwise and, well..." May swings her arm, slicing off the head of one of the remaining three bandits.
The two survivors pale at seeing her kill their buddies with such a lack of remorse. It's no different than if she were crushing a few ants under her boots.
"Now then, do you know anything about the girl I was asking about?" May glares down on them.
"W-W-We don't know anything about no girl! Like I said, we only recently came around here to scope out and eventually loop the place. I swear!" the leader sings real fast.
"What about your little gang? Are there any others around here?" May asks.
"N-No, it was just this group. Before you started slaughtering us," the second survivor says.
"If you kidnapped the woman and were planning on selling them, where would you go for that?" May asks.
"The illegal slave trade took a huge blow after the war with the empire. But, smaller pockets still pop up here and there. Nothing like before though. The merchandise quality has dropped since they couldn't get their hands on rare breeds like the elves. That's why we've been going wherever we could. See if we can find some gods worth something," the leader explains.
May stares at them, "Luckily for you two... I can tell when someone is lying. You're telling the truth,"
"Oh, thank you. We're sorry about how we acted before... huh?" the men look relieved, only for that relief to disappear when May raises her scythe. "What... are you doing?"
"I said you would live. I didn't say for how long. Besides, vermin like you... must be eradicated," May says before swinging her scythe.
Two headless bodies fall to the ground. May sighs at finding herself with no solid leads. Back to square one, it seems.
'That's quite a mess you made," an older voice says. May turns with her scythe at the ready, only to see an old man with a cane in his right hand. "I would say it was wrong to kill them, but after hearing what they intended to do with the village, I guess I should thank you instead. Kids these days, always so quick to violence," he shakes his head.
"And you would be?" May asks.
The leader of the bandits talk about a man living in the woods with a bad knee. Is this him? Could he be in league with them?
"No need to be so defensive. I'm not here to fight. I wouldn't stand a chance against you anyway," the old man says.
"Answer the question. Who are you?" May demands.
"You may call me Cole. Just an old man who spends his time making medicine for the village. I live in a hut nearby. Better for cultivating the medicinal herbs I need. Besides, I have trouble walking these days so it's better to live in the forest than away from it," Cole introduces himself.
"These goons mentioned you. Why?" May asks, lowering her scythe just a little bit.
"Probably heard about my work from the villagers and used me as a scam to get to you. A poor choice on their part. Now, I explained myself, so it's your turn. May I ask for the lady's name?" Cole beckons.
"...I'm May Fanchone. I serve House Crystalglove. I'm looking for information on someone who once lived in this village. She would've been a little girl at the time, several years ago. She had black hair with white undertones and blue eyes. Does that sound familiar to you?" May asks.
"Hmmm... Ah, I remember the girl you speak of. But, this is not the place to speak. After you take care of those bodies there, let us continue this conversation back at my home," Cole says.
May looks back at the dead bodies around her, "...Right. Great," she groans.
...
Back at the royal academy, Yuki and Hiei get ready for their magic class as they take their seats. Professor Vaunklief steps into the room a moment later.
"Settle down, now. Listen up, we have a special guest lecturer today who will impart some of their wisdom onto you. So I suggest you listen carefully and show them the respect they deserve. Understood? Good. You may come in now," the professor looks to the door.
It opens and everyone gasps in shock and awe. Yuki most of all. After all, the guest lecturer is none other than her mother, Anelia.
"It's the archmage. The archmage is going to teach our class. How cool is that?!" one male student whispers.
"Do you think I could get her autograph. Or even to teach me some of her strongest spells?" a female student wonders.
"I said settle down. Now then, Archmage Anelia Kusanagi has taken her valuable time to give a lesson for you all. Make sure you listen to her every word and do as she says. I will be observing in case my services are needed. Alright, Lady Anelia, the floor is yours," Vaunklief says.
"Thank you, Professor. I admit, I am not as experienced as Professor Vaunklief when it comes to teaching, but I will do my best. Today's lesson will cover mana control and mana stamina. Each of you have different forms of magic. Each differ in terms of strength or control or stamina. Today, I'll be showing you a method on how to test and train you mana control as well as help to improve your mana stamina. As a reminder, mana stamina refers to the amount of mana a person possesses. Some have more than others, but that does not mean what you have is what you will be stuck with for the rest of your life. With diligence, determination, and hard work, one can improve their mana stamina so they have more magical energy for casting spells. Mana control refers to how well you can cast and control the spells you cast. Even if your spell is powerful, if you can't control the precise intricacies of a spell, it will go out of control and all you will have accomplished is wasting your magic. Professor Vaunklief, if you would be so kind," Anelia explains.
Professor Vaunklief nods before raising his wand, "Spirits of the earth, raise your arms and shield me... Earth pillar," Vaunklief conjures a small pillar of stone in front of each student, with a stone dish on top of the small pillars containing a round stone inside.
"Your task for today is to create a small spell, depending on your affinity, and move it around this stone without ever touching it for as long as possible. Being a great mage doesn't mean knowing how to cast big spells that are powerful and create large explosions and such. Sometimes, being a great mage means knowing how to use a more... subtle approach to magic. Now, show me what you can do," Anelia says.
The students conjure small forms of magic, whether that be a small ball of water or fire, a light or a shadow, or even an icicle. Anelia walks around, inspecting each student as they attempt to complete the assignment.
"Remember, do not try to force it. You'll only drain yourselves or your magical energy much faster that way. Learn to let it flow and control it. Magical control is just like a muscle. Learn your limits, reach your limits, and then work to slowly move past them. Each of you will have different limits, but don't try to compete with each other. Focus only on your own assignment," Anelia instructs them.
Some students are having a harder time than others. Anelia can see small beads of sweat form on their brows. No doubt a number of these students have spent more time learning how to conjure a spell and then move on rather than focus on finer control of their mana. Others have an easier time though. Anelia shows a subtle smile when she sees her daughter Yukitsuki effortlessly move an icicle around the stone ball. But, then again, Anelia had already taught her everything she knows about magic. Her friend Hiei is doing well with her magic too. A small fireball drifts around the stone. While Hiei's expression isn't as calm as Yukitsuki's, she's doing better than most of the other students. Most of the students realize that just because you can cast a few powerful spells, that doesn't make you a great mage. Controlling your magic, strengthening it from within. That kind of precision is how a mage truly grows. When the lesson ends, a good number of students did well, while other struggled through the whole thing. The class ends shortly after that and students begin to leave for the next period. However, Yuki stops to say a quick word to Anelia.
"It was nice to receive another lesson from you, Mother Anelia. I'm happy to see you're doing well," Yuki greets her mother.
"I'm happy to see you're doing well too, Yukitsuki. You've improved since the last time I saw you. I've heard about your friends... and about Lady Hiei. I'm happy you found someone so important to you," Anelia says.
"Thank you, Mother Anelia. I really am happy I got to meet Hiei," Yuki glances at the kitsune next to her, who then blushes.
"Hiei, I'm counting on you to look after my daughter. Don't disappoint me," Anelia tells her.
"I won't. I give you my word. Like with you, Yuki is important to me. I want to stand by her side, come what may," Hiei notes with conviction.
"I'll hold you to that. Now then, run along. We'll have more time to talk later," Anelia says.
Yuki and Hiei head off while Anelia watches them with a smile. While at lunch, Yuki's usual table gets swapped with students who all ask the big question swirling around right now.
"Lady Yukitsuki, are you and Lady Hiei together?" everyone waits with anticipation.
"Yes, we are. I wish to marry Hiei and become her wife," Yuki says.
Hiei sighs, knowing that Yuki's straightforwardness is just a part of who she is. The girls around the table gush and scream like a bunch of fangirls while the boys groan at this revelation.
"Lady Yuki, what about having multiple wives? Do you intend to have a harem of your own like your mother, Ser Fuyumi?" one girl asks.
"Hmm, I wouldn't mind it, though probably not as many as Mother Fuyumi. And I'd want Hiei to be the head wife like Mother Emilia is Mother Fuyumi's head wife," Yuki says after a moment of thought.
"What about boys? Do you intend to take an actual husband or have any interest in boys?" one boy asks, his face desperate.
Yuki shakes her head, "No, not really,"
The boys lament at their loss of having a chance with Yukitsuki while some of the girls start getting ideas. They can't be the first wife since Yuki chose Hiei for that role, but they may have a chance a becoming another future wife for her. The rest of the girls are just interested in love stories like this and that's all. When lunch ends, the girls make their way to the next class, only to find a roadblock in front of them.
"Lady Yukitsuki, a word if you so please?" Professor Tiana stands before them.
"You girls go on ahead. I'll be right over," Yuki says and Hiei and Hana leave. "What is it you want to speak to me about, Professor Tiana?"
"It's about our previous discussion. I know you said you care about Lady Hiei, but as a lady of noble society, you are making a mistake. You must find a husband to marry and bear them an heir for the family's future. If you continue down this path, your family will suffer for it. The great ducal house of Crystalglove will decline and fall and that cannot be allowed. Giving birth to noble bloodlines is how noble women best contribute to the county's future and wellbeing," Professor Tiana goes on about the same thing again.
"And yet, my mothers contributed to the country's future in different ways. The war, building stronger ties with the Dragon Alliance and the elves. Proposing new ideas to help build up the country. And none of them had to marry a man and girth an heir to do it. They found their own paths and walk upon them with courage and determination in their hearts. I choose the same path as them," Yuki argues.
Professor Tiana shows her displeasure, "But that is not how a noble lady is supposed to act. We represent the beauty and grace of noble society. Yes, your parents helped us win the war, but that was years ago. Those barbaric times have ended. We cannot allow such uncouth behavior represent us women. Please, I am saying this for your own good. End this ridiculous and blasphemous relationship with Lady Hiei and find a husband to marry. The son of Duke Defoster would make an excellent candidate. Two great noble houses coming together, and you could-,"
"I think that's enough, Professor Tiana," they turn when they spot Lady Sophia walking forth, interrupting her. "A teacher of the prestigious Royal Academy trying to coerce a student into marrying someone they have no wish to marry? What would people say if they heard that. Especially if House Crystalglove heard about this. Or even the royal family as I heard Princess Iris herself gave Yuki and Hiei her full support, which means they would have the support of the royal family as well. What do you think about that, Professor?" Sophia smirks as she stands beside Yuki.
"I-I-I never meant to force Lady Yukitsuki to marry someone against her will. I was just offering her important advice, as both her teacher and a noble lady," Professor Tiana retorts.
"Then it's Lady Yukitsuki's choice whether or not she decides to act on that advice. And from what I've seen, I don't think she cares to do so. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have classes to attend to. Come along now, Lady Yukitsuki," Sophia says before escorting Yuki away from the angry teacher.
"Thanks for your help, Lady Sophia. Honestly, I was starting to get upset when she talked about my family," Yuki sighs.
"It's no problem dear. And you can just call me Sophia since we're friends after all," Sophia smiles.
"Then you can just call me Yuki. I suppose I owe you a debt of gratitude now. Hopefully, I can repay you for all you've done for me," Yuki says.
"Well, if you want to pay me back... then how about a date?" Sophia suggests.
"A date?" Yuki asks.
"Yes, a date. That doesn't sound so bad, right," Sophia says.
"Hmm..." Yuki thinks on it. It actually doesn't sound so bad. Sophia has always been a good friend to her and it's better than being forced to date a boy. She may have to ask Hiei about it first, but... "I suppose that would be okay. Though, it'll have to wait until after I meet with Hiei's parents and inform them about our relationship. I'm hoping to get engaged to her before anyone else,"
"I understand. Still, as long as I get that date. I certainly can't wait," Sophia shows her glee.
And that's the chapter. Yuki deals with more drama at school, but at least she got to see Anelia again. But now she has two new tasks ahead of her: meeting Hiei's parents and going on a date with Sophia. How will those events unfold? Until then, please Read and Review.