Today, Luna and I was back in class. Again, I paid no attention as my mind was filled with the thought of running to the guild to see if a letter came in, looking out the window in a daze. I could just be getting my hopes up, as the Kaede in this world could just be a coincidence but still, I had to check.
Kendal: "Ellen!"
Ellen: "Yes!"
Kendal: "I know you're ahead of the class, but try and look as if your listening please."
Ellen: "S-sorry"
I felt embarrassed being called out like that, but he is right; I shouldn't be neglecting my studies.
Kendal: "Right, that will be all. Now lets head out the the training area for practice."
During our practice sessions, I still continued to use one of the swords the school provides as I didn't want to damage my rapier for no reason. My rapier has been with me since I was 5, so I couldn't misuse it, it was precious to me.
Entering the training area, I could see another knight class had joined us.
Kendal: "This will be another joint class with the third years. It's to show you the difference in skill that you all should hope to achieve by the end."
Third years? That means... I look around and just as I expected, I could see my brother, Fabian was part of this class. As if he knew I was looking at him, he turned his gaze directly at me through the crowd, giving me a displeased look like usual.
Luna: "Does this mean you'll be fighting your brother?"
She noticed where I was looking, tugging at my sleeve to get my attention.
Ellen: "Maybe. We'll have to see what our teachers have in mind."
?: "Good afternoon first years. My name is Rupert, I teach the third years. Kendal and I will oversee both classes for this joint mock battle."
Kendal: "You will be fighting together in a class vs class battle. So first years, please pay attention to the third years, try to learn from them as you fight."
So its a group battle, interesting... I look around my class to find Duane. He didn't look my way, but his face told me that he was determined. It gave me a peace of mind knowing that he will be taking this seriously. "If we're fighting the third year students, then maybe I should use my rapier" I think to myself as our instructors continue.
Rupert: "Third years. Do be careful to judge the level of your opponents. We don't want any unnecessary deaths."
If I were to fight my brother though, I wouldn't want to dirty my rapier, so maybe using the sword Kendal had given us will be good enough.
Kendal: "You all will split into groups of 4, with 1 group against the other. First years, remember what I have taught you, work together. You're free to choose your partners."
Almost immediately, I got swarmed by the class except for Duane, with everyone wanting to be part of my team. Its not like this is a test, I don't know why they are this eager. If its 4 people per group then didn't I already have 4 people? Luna, George and... When I went to look for Mark, I noticed he was back with Duane. He was his friend so it's understandable.
Ellen: "Didn't you want to be in Duane's group?"
George: "Yeah, but Luna will be with you right? So I want to be part of your group if you'll have me"
He whispered to me, not wanting Luna to overhear. "Interesting." He doesn't see me as a rival so he feels comfortable to tell me his interest in Luna?
Ellen: "Hmmm. What do you think Luna? Want George to join us?"
Luna: "Wouldn't you be leaving out your friends?"
George: "I guess... Okay~"
He begrudgingly moved back over to Duane's side as it looked like he had now finished finding the last person for his 4th. Now that leaves me to deal with this mess. I was still getting swarmed by guys wanting to join me, but I couldn't stand it any longer.
...
Ellen: "Luna! You choose!"
Luna: "Kay!"
She looked like she chose 2 people at complete random, leaving the rest with sad expressions as they go to form their own groups.
?: "Thank you for choosing us. My name is Maelon."
?: "And I'm Walden"
Ellen/Luna: "Nice to meet you."
Walden had a spear like weapon, with Maelon using a sword and shield. I could understand why Luna chose these 2 as a spear with range along with a sword and shield will make for a good defense, leaving Luna and I do deal the damage. I smile at her in approval of her decision.
Kendal: "Right, If everyone is ready, lets begin!"
Kendal and Rupert arranged our groups so that the best of their class would be the last group. Wanting to make sure the playing field was even as I watched on, as the groups before us battled against the third years. Needless to say, they were completely dominated. The third years looked more like a team, with our class still acting as 4 individuals. After some time, my group was called. I didn't see my brother fight in any of the previous groups so I knew he would be the one fighting against us, and after stepping forward, there he was, as pompous as ever.
Fabian's team looked strong, consisting of 3 shield users with himself using a longsword. Seems as if he wants to be the spotlight of the group huh.
Rupert: "Start!"
As if blinded by everything else, Fabian stormed ahead towards me with his party following close behind him. "So he wants a fight huh?"
Ellen: "I'll deal with the sword user, you 3 deal with the rest."
I think back to the days when I was just a toddler, with Fabian wanting to playfight with me. Finally now was the time, for our long awaited fight, brother.
Luna took my right hand side, as she kept the person occupied, leaving me to deal with Fabian as our swords clash together. He looked more dignified than the last time I saw him, as his skills were excellent but was still outclassed by Alice, so reading his attacks felt comfortable to me. I notice to my sides that my team is struggling, with Luna managing to barely keep equal to her opponent, both dealing blows to one another.
Fabian: "Why wont you look my way!"
His attacks became harder, as I turn to pay attention to him, where I notice his face was mad, but also... sad?
Ellen: "Why should I?"
We started having a conversation in the midst of our fight.
Fabian: "Did you know how happy I was to have a little sister?
Ellen: "You didn't seem all too happy-"
Fabian: "I was a kid back then! And when I realized you couldn't use magic, sure I belittled you. And even though you never looked my way, I always looked at you."
Ellen: "..."
Fabian: "Alice always dragged you away every chance she got that I got mad... and selfish. I wanted to be the one to practice with you, but you seemed to have casted me out as the years went by."
So this is how he felt? All he wanted was this? I give him a smile at his pained expression.
Ellen: "I'm sorry I neglected you brother. So I'll show you the fruits of my hard work. Prepare yourself!"
Fabian: "Yes!"
He turned a smile on his face, the first one I have ever seen as we happily clash our swords with one another. I was serious now, as moments pass before I find an opening to disarm him, wedging my blade under his sword's guard, flinging it away from his arm before pointing my blade at his face, completely outclassing him as he gave me a gentle smile. However, I was now surrounded by the other 3 seniors, pointing their blades at me as well.
Kendal: "Over!"
Luna and the other 2 guys must of been defeated as I look over to Luna. She was panting, but not too heavily, with the other 2 guys looking like they are about to pass out. I can only guess she got overwhelmed when one of the guys lost, it made the most sense. Fabian and I share one more look with each other. We both smiled before heading back with our classes.
Kendal: "Excellent work guys. I knew you all would fail, but I was pleasantly surprised by many of you. Once again Ellen, you fail to disappoint.
Ellen: "Thank you sir"
Class concluded after that, giving Luna and I time to finally make the trip back to the guild; exiting the academy. I was in such a good mood after what happened today. It was unexpected to make up with Fabian after all these years. To think he was jealous over Alice, but I also was jealous of him being able to use magic, so we were even; but I'm glad he could vent his frustration to me during our fight.
Luna: "Well that was unexpected. You and Fabian making up after all these years."
Ellen: "I still don't know if we fully made up yet, but yeah. I'm glad."
We knew exactly where we were going as we quickly made our way towards the guild. Inside, we were greeted by the same lady as yesterday.
Lady: "Your letter has arrived"
Before I could even open my mouth, she had already given me the answer before going into one of the nearby drawers before handing me the letter.
Ellen: "Thank you so much!"
She gives us a smile as Luna and I made our way to one of the free tables inside. Looking closely at the letter, it looks like the sender wasn't from the person I expected, but instead someone by the name of Fleur.
Luna: "Strange. You sent the latter to Kaede right? Who's this Fleur person?"
Ellen: "I'm not sure..."
Opening up the letter further, I go to read it's contents and to my surprise, it was all in the same language in my old world. "Kaede..." My heart was racing at just the sight of my old language. There was no way that this wasn't from her.
Letter: "Sender- Fleur Ilaria: I can't believe you're actually here. Every day I think back on that day; our anniversary. You probably are wondering why I'm here... But I'll save that story for when we see each other. I might be in trouble right now, so it might be dangerous for me to travel, but if it means that I can see you, I'll do everything I can. I love you Yui."
Luna: "You okay?"
My tears were dripping constantly on the letter as my tears weren't stopping.
Ellen: "...It's her"