"Yuma! Yuma what's going-? On?..." Dante's voice fell flat, the elevator ding echoed allowing them to exit into the lobby.. it was surprisingly empty besides a few of the unknown analysts and receptionists.. "what the? He's not here! You sure he said it was the lobby Cole?"
"Y-yes! That's what the message played for us... I'm not sure what's happening here. B-but He wouldn't tell us to come here for no reason.."
"Clearly. Something is going on. I'm not a fan of being kept in the dark...it annoys me." Rose wasn't having none of this, as she walked passed them and towards the reception desk speaking to the workers calmly "excuse me. Might I ask if you have seen Second Rank Knight Yuma Lionheart around..."
"O-oh!... Yes ma'am! He was just here moments ago... he left us this note to give you three. he claimed you would know what to do..." the receptionist stammered slightly, glancing at her ears every other second before looking down "Gomen'nasai...I'm new here."
"Is there a problem?" Rose's expression immediately became irritated as she could clearly see the glances "take a picture it'll last you longer."
"N-no.... Gomen'nasai! You are the first Dark Elf Knight... I am... a huge fan of yours..." the receptionist said nervously pulling out a marker pen and a laminated poster of.. Rose battling the Tora Sibling "would you.....sign me an autograph?...I think... the way you stood up for yourself. Despite being looked down upon... and treated differently was really cool. The way you defended your friend.. even though he's human and your not... was amazing..."
'Did that Lionheart put her up to this?... when I see him. I'm going to castrate that jerk...' Rose thought initially though it seemed to vanish when her emerald eyes gazed at the poster 'wait... this is real?.... Was our exam really that big of a deal?' It didn't take long for her to realize that this was actually someone being sincere in their admiration.
Cole could see the awkward tension as the poor receptionist was practically sinking in her chair, not wanting to offend the Knight as he stammered "R-rose... I think you should give your signature.. write some words of encouragement." He explained hoping to get her to finally do something, as Dante smiled a bit "Oi... You have a fan in the building! That's awesome! Want my autograph too?-"
"Shut up Dante!" The dark elf silenced instantly, making him nearly cry in the corner as she picked up the pen and signed her name in elven.. "what are you dreams?..."
"O-oh! I'm just interning!... I want to become a medic for The Order. Ever since I was a child. Im no good with weapons or very athletic but if I can become a doctor, to help the knights that defend us then I'll be doing my part!" The receptionist told her dream as she lifted the necklace hidden under her shirt, an insignia of the medical squad. "My parents we're both in that division before retiring!"
"I see....well." Rose sighed writing some extra words, before handing it back to her "remember to keep doing your best. You'll get where you want to be...no matter the struggle."
"H-hai!!...." The receptionist stood up and saluted at her proudly "I have always been a fan of elven culture! It was my elective in the Royal Academy, all of my projects sided with the dark elves... s-so when I saw you actually become a Knight for humanity on the tv! I knew... that not everything is impossible"
"Hm..." Rose.. felt uncomfortable suddenly; nodding her head she walked off waving her hand in a lazy motion "See you around. Dante.. Cole. let's go."
"Wait for us!.... Sorry we've got places to be!..." Dante rushed off after her, as Cole Young stood there for a second smiling to himself at that interaction 'things are changing around here. I can feel it!..' his thoughts we're interrupted as the second receptionist whispered "that black haired one... Cole right.. he's cute...even more than the exam.. he's like glowing a bit." clearly they didn't realize how close of a proximity he was as the male blushed and just rushed off nervously not used to being complimented in such a manner. 'W-what are they talking about?'
—————————————————————————
Meanwhile.
Within the confines.. of a massive Office, a shiny mahogany desk; the windows we're virtual but displayed different horizon views of sunsets and sunrises; at the desk sitting in a black leather chair. Her hands we're busy, scribbling several things onto papers. Director Clara Narukami... head of the Order. Valkyrie of Knights. "How did your nephew do on the Course? Did he pass?..." she questioned suddenly not even looking up from her work as she continued "judging by the hesitation in answering I am to assume he did not."
"Kid gets close to the end... but he's having trouble with the sentinel..." Daisuke spoke as he sat across from her, not exactly expressing disappointment "I expected him to pass the second time. No trouble..."
"You've changed the setting to an extremely difficult adjustment. even a more experienced first class knight would struggle... You've overestimated his affinity with that Massive pool of mana in his spirit core. It takes proper strategizing, tactical planning to get passed even the greatest of enemies... brute force can only get you so far." Narukami huffed finally putting down her pen, and looking up at Daisuke with a raised eyebrow "you understand.. that if he does not pass the next attempt. He will be benched... you and your disciple rose will go on missions without him..there is much too do. We do not have time to hold there hands forever..."
"Come on. Clara... you can't put it off just a bit longer? Even for me?..." Daisuke questioned trying to weasel his way to her head but unfortunately she wouldn't have it "no. Not even for you. Our history as comrades on the field is exactly that... history. We're living in the now. Things have become dire. I was going to wait to notify you. But... there is trouble." Fixing strands of her hair, she pulled out a report and slid it over.
"Hm." Daisuke picked it up and began reading it... his emerald eyes suddenly... widened.. as his hand crumbled it up "what? How is this possible?!.." his usual laid back demeanor shifted
"Your Brother Sozen has sent no word... in over a week. That man is the most punctual individual we know. Cleaning up the borders of any Aragoto stragglers should have been easy.. we're gathering information Right now.. you better pray Dante passes his third attempt. If not... I will officially transfer him to Soldier division." Director Clara was serious as she crossed her hands in front of her face "we've put it off for a week at your request. You need to get on the field. Immediately, Rose is a superb Knight and should be more than enough. Dante Kudo will simply have to wait longer.."
"Fighting in an Arena. Training in a forest with me is drastically different than field operation. He just started grasping the concept of Mana Control and is slowly developing it well." Daisuke explained not thrilled at the news he received, before standing up "give the brat one more chance... he'll get it right."
"He better pass his next Attempt Daisuke. As long as your aware of what's at stake..." Director Narukami pressed again, reiterating it loudly "I will not tolerate a slow learner in the most professional organization of the Human Realm. The Order of Knights is not a playground! It is a job. A duty to our kingdom.. how is it possible that a Dark elf is outdoing the child of the Most Legendary knight in history. Your nephew on top of that... you and Kisuke would have blew the operation out of the water at his age...in fact your the reason the adjustments we're created to begin with..."
"I'm aware.. Clara. Just. Let it go... he'll get it done.." turning in his heel, as a knock was heard at the door, moving toward it as the automatic doors opened up revealing.. it was the crimson haired 3rd Commander Nero Kasuga.. clad in armor as he entered alongside two individuals.. a woman just a bit taller than him.. lusciously black hair, matching onyx eyes; wearing a blood red robe with beige trimmed waistband and scarf.. she was extremely elegant and graceful; lion turtle shoulder guards; a long sword with a gilt that matched her outfit... behind her..
was a familiar face.
A blonde haired girl.. with golden colored eyes... with the air of an heiress surrounding her.. hair up in a ponytail; the attire was of similar color scheme that she wore during her entrance exams though with a bit of flare, rather than pants she wore a skirt and long legged battle boots; the sword that was strapped to her side was different and much larger in size.. her eyes wavered suddenly as she felt her confidence lack in the presence of her mother.. Clara whom didn't even greet her.
"Forgive our intrusion.. Daisuke-sama..." Nero bowed respectfully to his veteran superior "We've come to give our report.. our scouts gathered information on the outskirts of the elven realm.. and also to turn in Kira Narukami's evaluations. Corporal Marika. Do the honors.." He informed, stepping aside to allow the black haired woman through "hai! Kasuga-sama!"
"Marika Albarea?... incredible! I remember when you we're just a brat. Your old man couldn't help but brag about how talented of a daughter you we're..." Daisuke chuckled as he recognized her immediately "and a Corporal too, impressive. I'm assuming Kira Narukami is shadowing you.. learning?.."
"H-hai... Daisuke-sama..." Marika crossed her arms, a bit flustered embarrassed by the mention of her Father's eccentric ways "I am doing everything I can to prepare her for any and all challenges..."
"How is that old bat by the way?.... Still making the greatest weapons in the world I bet... there isn't a blacksmith that could compare to him...even the tech of nowadays would be put to shame by his steel.." The Dragonknight complimented her fathers work further "Cailin Albarea.. the phenom of Forges..."
"He is the one that forged my Saint Blade... his skills to this day are still unmatched in my belief.. Marika gains her work ethic and passion from him.." Nero spoke with a small proud smirk, as his weapon was made specifically for him "it is not easy using a Dragon's claw into a Meridian Ore mix..."
"I'm more curious as to how that brother of yours is doing?... the Hero of Ninnguang. Quite a title, some are saying he's the greatest swordsman of the current generation...traveling around that side of the realm saving humans and non-humans alike...defending Ninnguang from a Troll siege..why he refused to join The Order is beyond me.. he would have been even a successor to Kisuke I believe...I'm surprised he would return to that kingdom after knowing what your family went through to reside in Bushido.." Clara Finally spoke up as it was a valid question, "he even took the volunteer aptitude exam we did that one year. Aced it... but rejected our offer."
"I.. believe that was simply to prove to Ninnguang his worth... Narukami-sama... we haven't spoken in well over two years since I joined..." Marika explained as she stepped forward gracefully handing the Director their report and Kira's file "Arigatou for the opportunity to have The heiress of the Narukami clan as my shadow.. it is an honor."
"None sense.. the honor is mine.. rather than have her go through the regular process, having an experienced knight such as yourself train her and with Nero Kasuga the Knight Saint himself as her Commander was the icing on the cake... my daughter must learn from the absolute best if she is to become head of the clan someday..." the Director continued praising them both, before glancing at her daughter "She is getting proper rest between tasks I assume..."
"H-hai...Mother.. I am..." Kira stammered suddenly her face becoming beet red as her nerves skyrocketed "I hope my grades are satisfactory"
"Hn. They will be." Clara nodded putting her file to the side, as Daisuke observed Marika with curiosity up and down "a brother making a name for himself.... A father with legend status... and your already becoming quite a knight. Beautiful like your mother too... I remember your about my Nephew's age. Dante Kudo... I see! I should introduce you two when I get the chance.. the kids at the age already.."
"H-huh?!....A-Ano!.." Marika's ears perked up.. her graceful and elegant nature suddenly changed.. to timid.. and blushing heavily "Daisuke-sama! I do not believe that would be professional!...b-besides... a person of that legacy wouldn't be interested in someone like me!"
Commander Nero Kasuga chuckled suddenly "You've got her to change her tune Daisuke... I haven't seen that in a while.. I did see her mesmerized by the video of Dante's Entrance exam...perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea Corporal.. you do need to get out more..enjoy life a bit."
Corporal Marika slapped him in the shoulder suddenly "e-enough of that!... or I won't do your paperwork anymore!..." she huffed embarrassed as Clara shook her head at their bond "So.. you pawn off your paperwork to her... guess even A Kasuga has his days..."
"Well I do get busy helping the other knights of my division perfect their swordplay and form.." Kasuga sweatdropped as the cat was out of the bag on his end "I still try to do the arbitrary things from time to time but Corporal Marika is much better with writing than I.. which is why I agree with Daisuke-Sensei.."
"I..I highly doubt Dante Kudo... is even thinking of such a thing..." Kira suddenly chimed in without realizing "growing up on a farm... I don't believe he would even understand how to socialize properly. He was... quite literally dense during the exam."
"My nephew isn't as dense as he likes to portray..." Daisuke smirked suddenly knowing Dante better than anyone "besides! Marika would be a great candidate...the Albarea and Kudo's becoming a family.. that's massive. Not even a Noble Clan would stand a chance against that.."
"A New Clan has not been formed in several decades... it certainly is an interesting concept.. two strong bloodlines becoming one.." Director Clara added humoring Daisuke's idea with a small smirk.
Marika looked away at a loss for words, as Kira stared at her for several seconds " well... I-..." though before she could speak.. she was Interrupted by her cellphone blaring, pulling it out of her waistband pocket and opening it up The heiress looked up "Forgive me... Mother... Daisuke-sama... Kasuga-sama... Marika-Chan....I... have somewhere I must go.." she said dismissing herself with a curtsey as she left the office quickly.
Clara Narukami took note of something interesting but brushed it aside as she looked at Daisuke with a raised eyebrow "you should go and get rest Daisuke... tomorrow morning is your nephews big day. Let's hope he does you proud..."
Daisuke shook his head, thinking of what Clara had revealed to him before, nodding "I'm not worried. Kids got it in the bag.. I'm sure of it." Before leaving the office as well he looked at Marika and winked "let me know if your interested! I can give you his number any day.."
Marika stepped back, hands straight down as her face heated up once again "A-Ano... whatever you say Daisuke-sama..." she sighed not enjoying being put on the spot, as Nero Kasuga saluted the veteran taking his leave "That Daisuke is such a laid back person. I'm curious to see how his disciples have grown... we should watch Dante's field operation tomorrow. If you like Corporal?..."
"H-huh?! Not you too!.... Enough of that commander!.." Marika huffed, though in the back of her mind she did want to see it live "maybe we can give it a glance I suppose.. after reports are done. We still have to collect our Spirit Core analysis from Commander Shina Shimizu.. you wished to see her progress on the phenomenon."
Nero Kasuga smiled kindly with a knowing aura "You really are a workaholic. It's gracious...I quite enjoyed Dante as a person perhaps you two will get along swimmingly..." he chuckled a bit before suddenly thinking "I wonder where Knight Narukami went off too in such a hurry."
'Hm?... she did seem tense in the end there...I do hope she's alright?' Corporal Marika thought as well, following her commander away from the Director's office toward their wing of the HQ.
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"I don't see him anywhere!!! We looked all over. Third street... Main Street.. Rukon Square! But no dice!.....I thought the note said it's around this area!. Ugh! Why's he making us go on a Easter egg hunt?!" Dante Kudo huffed frustrated as he sat at a park bench, arms crossed and eyes closed in thought.
"Tch. Damn Lionheart! Now is not the time for pranks.. we could be working on your form. To make sure your ready. This is ridiculous..." Rose was practically fuming and ready to cuss up a storm, though it was odd of her to lose her cool, One person that could get under her skin very easily.. was that playboy.
"Hm.. let me read that note..." Cole requested as he ruffled his hair and analyzed it further "Downtown Titan... by the gate of the slums... you'll see the celestial palace waiting." He read it over and over trying to piece it together; as the trio sat within Rukon Square park 'this doesn't make sense... there aren't any palaces near the entrance to the slums.. plus there's multiple ways to get down there. Hm... wait." Suddenly the black haired genius facepalmed "w-wait! Rose-Chan... Dante-San! I know where it is...it's close! The Celestial Palace isn't an actual palace! It's just a fancy way naming a specific place. If we look at other words with similar meaning.. by process of elimination. Celestial is just code for Divine... Bar and Grill Divinity!"
"Bar and What?..." Rose questioned gripping her fist "he sent us an emergency... for this?!.." her red hair covered her face, as it shadowed.. comedically she was angry and started walking toward the place they we're to meet Yuma Lionheart, fuming. Dante sweatdropped as he followed suit.. grabbing her arm and trying to pull her back "R-rose!! You gotta calm down! There's gotta be a reason for this!..."
"H-hai!! Don't kill him Rose-chan!..." Cole followed Dante's lead and grabbed her other arm... but the two we're being dragged away leaving the park and into the streets as The Divinity Bar and Grill came into view several kilometers away. "He dies! Today!"
"ROSE!!-" The pair yelled together trying to get her to stop, as the dark elf stomped her way toward the extremely fancy spot..
by the entranced was a security guard that was very sturdy; and beside him leaning on a railing staring at his watch... the brown haired male... the heartthrob of the Royal academy and pride of the Lionheart clan... Second Rank Knight Yuma Lionheart. Unlike the others, he was wearing a grey hooded coat; regular white shirt with a black stripe in the middle, his hair was a bit lighter with a single streak, the only combat oriented thing he had on we're fingerless combat gloves and matching boots. Looking up his eyes we're amber as before but a bit more profound.. his swagger had become more refined in the last couple of months. "Yo. About time you guys showed up? Thought I was going to be stood up by my peers- huh?! What the hell?!" He suddenly spoke as he was thrown against the wall, Rose Atarah grabbing him by the collar.
"You sent us on a wild goose chase around downtown. Calling it an emergency. Wasting our time. Just to gather us here to eat? For what?.. answer quickly... before I completely castrate you Lionheart." She grunted as Dante and Cole we're out of breathe behind her, The male raised his eyebrow as he chuckled not really phased by her anger, as he relaxed under her grip..
"Oi.. if your gonna throw me against the wall like this. You gotta take me out to dinner first... Red, mean and hotness.." the words rolled off his tongue smoother than a pack of butter.. Rose.. froze suddenly.. at his flirtation. Suddenly realizing the proximity they we're in cause a small redness to reach her cheeks, as her hands softened.
"come on Lycoris. Live a little.. you got me this close already. Why not seal the deal-?! Agh!" Leaving her dominating strength, the male was thrown aside by a kick.. "fuck! Stop abusing me already!...is it your time of the month?!"
"Hmm?... oh... Kira-Chan!..." Dante stood up straight hands on his side as he walked over to the blonde girl, she was still just an inch taller than him.. as he smiled genuinely happy to see her "wow! You look great!"
"I-I do not wish to hear it Dante!.." Kira Narukami said suddenly not wanting to get flustered as she wasn't in the mood, she was glaring at Yuma "you idiotic Lionheart! I was in the middle of an important task when you sent that urgent call!... and I come, catching you flirting with Rose! How many times do I have to tell you! Cease being this perverse!!"
Meanwhile Rose was caught off guard by the sudden arrival of Kira, and realized she had still been in the same position as before.. regaining her posture she shook her head 'damn you.. lionheart...'
The white knight laughed a bit at their interaction, really enjoying it as it was very nice to see they haven't changed much 'poor Yuma.. can't ever catch a break with these two..' he thought as they bickered amongst themselves.
Yuma sat up, rubbing his side and huffing "your a buzzkill as always. Narukami..she threw me against the wall. We we're just playing around is all." he said as Cole young walked over and helped him up speaking up "But.. Y-yuma San... why would you call us all here... so suddenly. Something like this is better p-planned out. right?"
"Clearly you haven't grown since the Royal Academy. Still up to those player schemes of yours.." Kira narrowed her eyes not even giving the alchemist a chance to explain himself "it's been five months since the entrance exam. We've all seen each other in passing...their is no point to this."
"That right?..." Yuma Lionheart glanced between each of them, before shaking his head "this ain't no trick or scheme. We all passed that exam together... we beat that cheating bully down together and watched each others backs. Look. All I'm saying is... we've been hard at work the past five months and deserve some R&R.. what do Yah say? Nothing wrong with enjoying a meal between Peers and comrades, right?"
It didn't take long.. as the silence that came afterward was interrupted by the large growling of a hungry stomach; Cole young's face flushed as he realized something "w-well I've been working so hard at the lab... I didn't quite eat anything at all today. And it's already late...I-I could go for a good meal."
Dante followed his lead and raised his hand "Same. I took a bit of a beating before... so my body needs to refuel anyway! Yuma's got the right idea! Besides I've never eaten from here before... I can smell some good stuff!" He agreed looking at Rose, as he wished to have her approval as well.
The Dark elf was sort of against it, but had to admit she was also... a bit hungry as she locked eyes with Dante whom tried giving her the puppy dog expression making her cringe before nodding "fine. Whatever. But after this... your going to focus. Understand!"
"Hai!! I'll focus, I promise you!!" Dante smiled childishly glad that she would accept, as Kira Narukami wasn't impressed by Yuma's words at all "I don't think-..." suddenly... something came to mind of her meeting prior.. many things came about... Corporal Marika.. and Daisuke... before she glanced at Dante's cheerful expression before pinching the bridge of her nose... "F..fine... I won't argue. We will.. dine at this establishment. Together..."
"That's great... come on. I already reserved a table for us.. I've been coming here for a long time. The owners are good friends of mine" Yuma smirked confidently, as he motioned for them all to follow him into the restaurant gesturing for the security guard.. as he stepped aside and the group entered and we're greeted by a plethora of hostesses.. eventually led to their table.
This place was quite fancy indeed.... A very elegant and Lester aesthetic; glass and golden chandeliers.. an Aquarium surrounding the entire inside giving it a very mystical vibe. "Welcome to Bar and Grill divinity!... hope you enjoy your meals!"
It didn't take long for each knight to ask for appetizers, Entrees and desserts... it was a full on three course meal.. they weren't quite old enough to drink yet. Well Kira was closer than the others.. at 17 but the age of drinking in Bushido is 18.. the others we're 16 well except for Rose Atarah who was 15 but would be 16 soon.
In the midst of all this chatting, and positivity being passed around. The food was amazing to say the least and beyond satisfactory, the juice drinks we're all made fresh on site.
Rose Atarah.. started to really think. She wouldn't admit it or openly show it... but for a Dark Elf to go on missions alone without a peer was going to be troublesome and if Dante couldn't pass this course to be cleared for the field.. she wouldn't enjoy leaving him behind. 'What.. can we do?... Daisuke-sama.. has the sentinel set to near impossible settings.. and Dante is strong, our sparring proves that. But what could be holding him back? Why is he struggling?.. if he's focused on his duty and getting out there to help others, what could be stopping?...' she thought trying to piece it together, in the corner of his eye he could see the red haired girl sitting next to him deep in thought and While Kira was asking Cole about his work and Dante's training he whispered something "it's obvious you know..."
Rose's sharp ears perked up, as she looked at Yuma with curiosity "oh?... how is it obvious?..." she questioned before Yuma continued pointing it out to her
"Look at him. You see the joy spreading from ear to ear... to be able to sit down. Relax and enjoy time with people he's familiar with... not none stop training.. he's homesick.. and that's plaguing the guys mind." He explained already catching it as he nodded "we snuck out of HQ together multiple times and he always mentions his village... the villagers and mom.. he misses them but he can't quite go to see them yet."
"Home... sick?..." Rose said softly, staring at Dante.. seeing that it was true. Perhaps being gone from his home for so long has caused him to lack motivation.. hindering his performance. 'I.. see...' she thought understanding it, as her ears went down and she thought about something similar... "when I first came to the human realm... I too felt it... I was able to speak to my mother.. to help push me to become a knight"
"Right but talking may work for you... or someone from Titan city... but.. Dante is a Farmboy... he lives for family and bonds... it isn't a thing of just calling his mother, I'm sure he does that regularly. It's about... being surrounded and enjoying a moment with people he likes and is familiar with..." Yuma Lionheart explained further taking a sip of his drink and putting it down "I've been planning this since before he took his field course earlier... this. Is what he needed... a proper supporting group.. a proper moment between friends...tomorrow morning. Dante is going to pass that course with no problem... I guarantee it."
"Hn. Your a schemer that's clear as day... but.. your heart is in the right place...I'll give you credit for that..." Rose spoke suddenly actually giving a small compliment "don't ruin the moment with a flirt... I swear to you I'll walk out."
"Heh... you wound me. Don't worry... I'll keep it to myself... till next time I mean.." Yuma Lionheart chuckled at her words as he sat back in his chair and observed the group "you should watch it.. his course I mean. He is your squadmate. I'm sure knowing your watching will be helpful.."
"Hm?..." She replied thinking on a bit... 'perhaps... I will. I'll do it.. for his sake... the first human to look passed my ears.. deserves as much. I suppose..'