Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.
I'm also occasionally chilling in JaxWolf4's (Author of Nah, I'd Adapt) Discord Server. It's a chaotic lobotomy mess. Not for the faint of heart.
Here's the link:
Disc: HrPrTeam
-Story Start-
A relieved exhale echoed in the Student Council Room.
"I take it those are good news? Lady Ariel?" Luke questioned, his trepid yet inquisitive gaze fixated on his mistress.
Her tight grip on a specific letter loosened considerably, as she smiled sadly.
"It is nothing, Luke. Father is in great health, that is all." She gently placed the letter on her desk.
A feminine voice chimed in, standing beside Luke, "Isn't such news a simple overreaction, Lady Ariel?"
Shaking her head, Ariel replied, "We are in no position for a battle for the throne just yet. Should Father's health deteriorate, I fear we may have no choice but to march to our deaths, Clarice."
She snorted, "My, my. I must be an awful daughter. My concern regarding Father dearest's health amounts only to my own self-interest~"
Clarice giggled, "Forgive me for my treasonous words, Lady Ariel..."
Her smile faltered for a brief second, a flash of pain crossing her eyes, "But His Majesty is a useless tool. For his daughter to be hounded and cornered like this her entire life. The life of my brother may not have been lost if he wasn't so... Inadequate." She stated with a hint of cold disdain.
The mention of the Third Son of the Redbat Family soured Luke's expression.
He was a dear colleague, friend, and a grim reminder of his own weakness.
Nevertheless, it was an incident no one could have predicted.
Blaming His Majesty is a loose thread of a loose thread.
Coughing, he chastised, "We're going off-topic, Clarice. Officially, you have no connection with us, so make it quick. Do you want to endanger your noble house?" He reminded her.
Rolling her eyes, Clarice turned to Ariel.
With a casual wave of her hand, as if brushing off a bothersome fly, "Disregarding the matter of Quagmire's sisters being hosted by Cliff Grimoire and Elinalise Dragonroad. I have a suggestion that might shift our fortunes, my lady."
Ariel paused for a moment, studying Clarice's expression before giving a brief nod, "Speak." she said, her voice measured, as she gestured for her to continue.
Clarice nodded, her gaze sharp as her lips thinned.
Her words came out cold, "As things stand, and as they are currently progressing. It is as you mentioned. Sooner or later, we'll march to our own deaths. The rate of recruitment of allies among talented Adventurers, Academy Students, and otherwise can't outmatch the First Prince's Faction and resources."
She turned to Luke, "Even with the backing of the Notos Greyrat household and other veiled alliances with minor houses who have yet to be threatened into submission."
Ariel cut her off, eyes narrowed, "Your suggestion?"
"You've held off trying to convince other kingdoms in the-"
"Rejected." Ariel firmly stated.
Frowning, Clarice opened her mouth to retort.
Only for Ariel's glare and leaning figure to cease her objections.
"It is too risky. It will be war and will cause untold numbers of bloodshed. Weakening the Kingdom, and allowing them to invade, in other words, take advantage of their positions in our Kingdom to stage some kind of ploy. I will not resort to such desperation, your departed brother would agree with me. In such a case, it is better for Elder Brother to take the throne than for such a dire catastrophe to strike our Kingdom. So soon, after the Teleport Incident Calamity."
Clarice bit her lip, so Ariel elaborated, "I am willing to use any and every tool at my disposal for our goals."
"However, if it conflicts with my values, I will prioritize them. If staying loyal to my values leads us to our deaths. You are welcome to discontinue your service."
Smiling gently, Ariel genuinely thanked her, "I thank you for your support thus far, Clarice. But your older brother has done more than enough for me. He gave me purpose."
"Any more from you, and I think the Anemoi Asura bloodline would be eternally in your debts." She stated with a hint of mirth.
A moment of sullen silence passed.
Only for Clarice to sigh, "And that is the reason we stand with you. My Lady... Don't worry, the Redbat House stands eternally with you, Ariel Anemoi Asura." She smiled.
Shaking her head, Clarice took out her handy note, "It is a shame, really. With the image you've managed to paint that we are allied with Gojo Satoru, negotiations with other countries would definitely be easier."
Luke chimed in, "Would that not be foul play? Assuring his presence in the struggle for the throne, only to discover he had no say or knowledge on the matter? Wouldn't the alliance turn on Ariel in such a case? Wouldn't he himself be enraged at such a..."
He corrected himself, "On second thought, I don't believe that man would care."
Snorting, Clarice pointed at him, "By then, it'll be too late for the fools!" She snidely remarked, answering his first point.
Luke only deadpanned unamusedly at Clarice's words.
Ariel giggled lightly.
Clarice turned to Ariel once more, "Well, by your leave. My Lady." She bowed as etiquette guided.
Ariel nodded, bowing lightly, given her superior position, "I will see you soon, Clarice."
Turning to the door, Clarice grabbed onto the handle of the door, pausing before opening it, looking over her shoulder at her mistress.
Clarice mentioned, her tone stoic, "I still believe we ought to try and garner support from other Kingdoms. A lending of resources at the least, or loyal adventurers with naught an interest in politics. The hearsay of Gojo Satoru being an ally of yours might not stand in the long term. But once you take the throne, we can fulfill agreements and promises with little issue."
Ariel's expression tightened, her mind racing through the implications.
She hesitated, the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her.
Yet, she knew the risks were too great.
She finally said, her voice heavy with unspoken doubts, "It's a dangerous game you're suggesting, Clarice."
Nodding, Clarice added, a thin line on her face, "It's worth a mulling or two. No need to reject it so prematurely. Did you not say Risks is our only bet? Lady Ariel? I, for one, agree." She reminded Ariel of her own words and statement to solidify her point.
With a looming creak that cut through the contemplative silence, the door opened, Clarice left and closed the door with a thud.
Leaving Ariel and Luke to contemplate her suggestion.
Her steps echoed weakly beyond the door, as silence reigned in the Student Council Room.
A Student Council who were discussing anything BUT Student matters.
Silence reigned for a good two minutes.
Ariel's mood cut through the silence.
Pinching her forehead, she sighed.
Luke mentions Clarice's suggestion, "While it may be a dishonest strategy..."
Ariel remained silent, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk as she weighed the risks.
Luke continued unbothered, "When she puts it that way, Clarice has a point."
Turning to give him a look, Ariel stated, "And how do you suggest I go about it? Setting up an arrangement with another Kingdom will require us to take an extended leave from the Academy."
Tilting her head she gestured lightly at the window, showing the snowy dark outside, "While that may not be an issue, given Principal Georg's flexibility. The issues stem from us needing to leave the relatively safe haven of Ranoa."
"Sylphy won't be back for another month at the earliest, and we barely made it here ourselves. While we shouldn't encounter too much trouble if we don't try and cross through Asura... That's not even mentioning what Kingdoms we can even attempt to persuade."
She immediately mentioned off the top of her head, "Getting to the Kingdoms in the South of the Central Continent is impossible and would take too long. It means passing through the Strife Zone and Asura, which guarantees the loss of our lives."
Her thoughts raced, calculating the potential allies and enemies in each move.
"That leaves Neris, Bashrant, and Biheiril." She stated with finality, a sigh, and a shake of her head to signal her distress.
Ranoa is as neutral as they get, no matter Ariel's offers or promises, any type of negotiation involving conflict would result in a straightforward and quick refusal.
Luke frowned, as he kept his silence.
He had no argument, truth be told, he lost track of Ariel's thought process in her quick thinking.
She added, "Out of all of these, Biheiril is our best bet. While it is the farthest away, it's the Kingdom of Adventurers and Ogres at its core. They respect strength, and Gojo Satoru's name alone could wo-"
Just then.
A sudden knock on the door prompted the gaze of the student council members, Ariel's words caught in her mouth at the possible guest.
Plastering a smile, Ariel's voice rang like a bell, "Enter."
The door creaked open slowly, as a figure of a girl wearing a thick coat entered.
Below her coat, was barely a glimmer of the standard Academy Uniform.
"L-Lady Ariel?" She stammered nervously.
Ariel's eyes narrowed at the girl, as she quickly gestured at Luke, whose guard was slightly raised.
Flashing a closed-eyed smile at the girl, Ariel inquired, "And you are...?"
She blinked, her body twitching nervously as she bowed in a rush, "Arisa Brownhare!"
Mulling over the name for a moment, Ariel nodded in recognition, "Brownhare... A minor nobility in southern Asura. Correct?"
"Mhm!" Arisa's nervous expression changed into an eager smile, nodding in enthusiasm at Ariel's recognition.
"My... How eager. But please, address me as simply Ariel in this school. How can I help you?" She inquired, sending a quick look at Luke whilst Arisa collected herself.
Nodding, Arisa approached Ariel's table, only to be paused by Luke's hand.
She turned to him with a questioning look, as he shook his head, "Any closer to Lady Ariel is not permitted."
She nodded in understanding, "Erm... Gojo Satoru and the Beast Princesses have stolen all the food and have arranged arm wrestling matches to distribute it..."
Luke's eye twitched at the news, "Again...?" He grits his teeth.
Yet his guard had not loosened.
Silence reigned for a moment, as Ariel contemplated the approach to the news.
Leaning into her folded hands, Ariel smirked, her heart pounded, but she kept her voice steady, a cold edge slicing through her words, "Who are you? Among the 10,000 Students whose faces I have memorized... You aren't among them."
Arisa froze at Ariel's accusation.
Luke's sword flew to the girl's neck, as Ariel continued, "You should have posed as a new student. But mentioning such regular news when you're a face I don't recognize? It blew your cover."
Ariel's voice was calm, but her heart hammered in her chest, each beat echoing the potential ending of this confrontation.
A suffocating silence enveloped them, as no one moved a muscle.
Ariel and Luke trepidly awaited Arisa's reply.
While the former two held confident and stoic expressions, their nerves were transparently inflamed.
Arisa's eyes lowered to look at Luke's blade, her gaze scrutinizing its high quality, as she lifted her head to level a look at Ariel once more.
A single annoyed mutter escaped her, "No matter..."
With that, she burst into motion.
Luke's sword was met with a dagger, as the loud clang of metal hitting metal resonated in the room.
Being slightly pushed back by the petite girl's strength, he stood firmly in a practiced stance.
Luke's expression twisted in agitation, as he yelled with all his might, swinging his blade at the coated assailant, "LADY ARIEL! RUN!"
Once more, the blade met with a dagger, as it expertly deflected the swing.
Ariel used that opportunity to break out into a run, jumping over the table.
Her uniform hadn't made it an easy affair, yet she tried to weave through the sword and dagger exchange in front of her.
Only to pause as Luke was sent flying into the wall with a powerful kick.
"GAH!" He roared, as his body hit the wall with a loud thud.
His eyes turned in a panic towards the assailant, who had used the opportunity to throw a dagger at Ariel with expert aim.
"LOOK OUT!" He yelled as he got up and ran.
Ariel's brisk and loud steps echoed as she reached the door...
Only to bend over in pain at a sudden sharp, agonizing pain in her leg.
Luke's warning had failed to arrive in time.
Biting her lip in agony, Ariel lowered her head in a rush to scrutinize her wound.
A dagger, deeply embedded in the flesh of her left calf, blood flowing like a waterfall from the sudden wound, staining the ground and her uniform crimson.
Her vision blurred with tears of pain, and a cold sweat drenched her paling skin.
But even as the looming fear of death tightened around her heart, Ariel forced herself into a shaky stand, determined to face her opponent, nay, her likely end, with dignity.
As she turned around, she was met with the fast-approaching assailant and the trailing figure of Luke, whose sword had been kicked away from him, his fists tightened and expression enraged.
Dagger in hand, it would be mere seconds before Ariel's life would be put to an end.
And she realized it as fact.
Time seemed to crawl to a standstill in her eyes.
As her life flashed before her eyes.
All she had done.
All she had accomplished.
Her friends.
Her loyal retainers.
The people who trusted her.
The people who died for her.
The hopes and wills of others that were entrusted to her.
It all came to an end, so abruptly.
But truthfully... It was always a hopeless battle, wasn't it?
She would have died sooner or later.
She's... Grateful she had managed to get this far.
As the cold edge of the dagger loomed closer, her thoughts drifted to the faces of those she loved, those she had failed.
Like the man beside her.
Managing to flash a bleeding smile, Ariel gave her final words.
Her final, selfish, and cheeky request to her most loyal friend.
"Would you cry for me? Luke?" Her words brought tears to Luke's eyes as she closed her own.
Accepting Death.
Just like that... The Second Princess Of Asura...
Ariel Anemoi Asura, met her end.
As the dagger swung towards her neck... All hope seemed lost.
Keyword being... Seemed.
The agonizing pain and the subsequent nothingness that Ariel expected had not come to pass.
Confused, Ariel hesitantly lifted her eyelids and was met with a gobsmacked and shocked scene.
And, she could share in their shock...
Given who just saved her, just in the nick of time.
The tension shattered like glass, replaced by a sudden wave of relief.
A cheery voice cut through the stupor, "Lacking a little in security detail, don't you think? Princess?" Blue eyes leveled an amused look at the bent figure of Ariel.
His figure stood between Ariel and the assailant.
A dagger aimed at Ariel's throat was met with the man's back.
Only... For it to stop just short from piercing him.
This man was...
"Gojo Satoru..." Arisa Brownhare muttered in realization.
Fear and astonishment were evident in her tone.
It was clear...
That she had not signed up for this.
Slowly, hope and a shadow of a smile formed on Ariel's face, as she jested back at Satoru despite the tension and the excruciating pain in her calf.
After all...
Nothing was more reassuring than having a Great Power protecting you.
"Are you offering?" She teased, relief clearly washing over her expression.
To Be Continued!
-Author Note Start-
Hey hey fellas!
Been a while right?
Sorry, I barely had time to write, ngl.
And it's likely I won't have next week too.
So I'll try to pump out another chapter since there's a specific part I really want to get done (Tho that extra chapter in Ptr eon is where that part will be finished before I post another two lmao).
I'd like to set some concerns straight - If ya'll are concerned Gojo will be Ariel's tool or some hibby jibby shi like that.
Then don't.
Next, I'll spoil a lil since I want to get ya'll excited, but Gojo will be leaving the Academy for an extended period of time pretty soon.
It's not what ya'll are thinking.
But I've hinted at it somewhere.
As for him returning... He does have to finish making that "Return Home" Teleport ya know?
He has no reason to leave forever.
Anywho hope ya'll enjoyed this chapter!
You can read 1 chapter ahead on P A T R E 0 NN
Here's the link:
patre0n.com/BurgerNoTomatoes
As always, feedback and such is much appreciated and have a lovely day!