Act 9: "Keep Your Enemies Close"
"The blacksmith?"
"Yes! I commissioned a certain equipment to be crafted there five days ago. I could have someone get it for me but I want to get this one myself."
Ignia Castle Courtyard.
Fuubuki had just finished his daily workout session with the knights and was taking a short break before Akagi walked up to him and mentioned her plans. Akagi looked quite dead-set on this plan already and was just waiting for Fuubuki to finish.
"I have no problem with it but do you have the king's permission to head outside?" Fuubuki asked while wiping the sweat off his body.
"Oh don't worry about that. Father already knows about this. In fact, he's in on this too!"
"In on this?" Fuubuki eyes her curiously.
"Ah! A-anyway! There you go! Nothing else to worry about! So come on now. Come, come," Akagi urged as she started pulling Fuubuki by the arm and dragging him towards the castle gates like an excited kid.
"Ah! I'm still sweaty! Hah... nevermind," Fuubuki sighed in submission as he simply lets himself get brought along. Akagi is strangely in a good mood, and he's not about to spoil her fun.
Upon reaching the gates, two of them then board the empty carriage that was waiting for them. Akagi sits beside Fuubuki, nuzzling herself against his body. It is one of those times where she can openly show her affection to Fuubuki after all.
Fuubuki responds by wrapping his arm around her shoulder and gently begins stroking her head. With his small gesture, Akagi couldn't help but embrace him tighter.
"Hiding our relationship is getting pretty tiring... I want to be all lovey-dovey with you whenever I can," Akagi sighed. Though her father, and their closests companions approved of their relationship, there those that still may not accept them fully, specifically Fuubuki not only because of his place in the social hierarchy but also his dark past.
"It can't be helped. I'm still a long way away before I can face the public proudly and be worthy of your love," Fuubuki replied bluntly.
"You are already worthy though..."
"Yes, and it's up to me to let everybody know that."
The two of them enjoyed the quiet ride down the commercial district, having idle chitchats, and enjoying each others' company.
Fuubuki takes a look outside as they pass through the bustling market streets. The days of him being the pest that he was back then all returned to him. He smiles as he observes the peaceful streets, already free from his own terrorizing. The town clock strucks ten, and it was usually at this time that this town was at its liveliest, however now, it was just another hour of the day.
The carriage proceeded further, out on the near outskirts of the district, nearing the slums. As they turn around a corner, a small building came into view.
"Here we are," Akagi declared finally as they approached the vicinity of the building.
"This place huh..." Fuubuki replied, curiously surveying the surroundings.
"You know this place?"
"I came by here once but it's not like it has any food for me to get so I didn't really stuck around much."
The carriage slowed to a stop at the front door of the small workshop. A grumpy, old man with a shaved head opened the wooden door upon hearing the arrival of the carriage.
"Who's there?" he asked with an annoyed tone as he scratched the back of his head.
The door to the carriage swung open and Akagi showed herself to the geezer.
"Tch. It's the spoiled brat of that brat huh? Came to pick up the order yourself I assume? Unexpected," he said with a haughty snort.
"The what?" Fuubuki asked curiously as this was the first time... apart from him... that someone dared talk to Akagi with such an attitude.
"Oh. Let me introduce you first. This person is... well... how do I call you?" Akagi tried to introduce the old man but was uncertain on how she would do it.
"Know that brat ruling this country? Yeah, I took care of 'im when he was young. Name's Gray. Nice to meetcha," the old man said, finishing the introduction himself.
"Yeah, there you have it... in a way, he's kind of like my grandfather?"
"Who you calling granddad?! I ain't that old! Anyway who's this fellow? It's rare for you to be introducing someone to me."
"Ah right..." Akagi blushed.
"This here is my um... my... I guess you could call him my future husband?" Akagi replied shyly.
"What?! This guy?! Take your filthy hands off my granddaughter! You little shit!" Gray suddenly shouted, grabbing Fuubuki by the collar. The force of his pull was so strong that Fuubuki's pendant flew out of his clothes.
"Hmm? This is..." Gray's eyes darted immediately onto the strange relic. His eyes scanned Fuubuki's body, fixating on the blade at his hips as soon as he spotted it.
"That blade as well... I see... Is that what you were doing Helios?" he mused to himself as he lets go of Fuubuki's collar.
"Geez, granddad, don't be so harsh on him!" Akagi snapped back.
"I ain't your granddad! Well... anyway hop inside. I'll go get your stuff for you," Gray invited.
"Well you heard him. Let's go," Akagi said, exiting the carriage.
Fuubuki looked dumbfounded as he hopped off as well after that strange interaction. Without saying a other word, he entered the workshop after Akagi.
As they entered the workshop, immediately they felt the sweltering heat of the place. There were a lot of ironworks standing by on the side such as armors, swords, and shields which all looked in pristine condition.
"Quite a lot of things on standby huh? Business hasn't been booming lately?" Akagi teased.
"Dumbass! There's nothing more joyous for an honest weapon merchant than a business that's not booming. It means those things aren't necessary at all at this time," Gray snapped back.
"Here's your order. A pair of lightweight but tough shoulder guards. What do you need these for any-- ohh..." the old man cut off suddenly as he turned his sights on Fuubuki.
Akagi shyly glanced at Fuubuki as her plan already became too obvious. The young knight felt uneasy as the two kept staring at him with expressions he couldn't quite read.
"W-what?" he asked finally, unable to handle the pressure.
"He's a bit dense, isn't he?"
"Yeah, he is... although that's one of his charms honestly."
Fuubuki's uneasiness got worse seeing the two of them laugh at him with such remarks. At that point, he really was convinced that those two are family.
Akagi then grabbed the shoulder guards from the old man and presented it to Fuubuki.
"Here you go. Happy Birthday!" she smiled.
"Eh? Birthday?" Fuubuki's eyes widened in surprise.
"I didn't even know when is my birthday?"
"Well, since you don't know when your birthday is, I decided to make it a month after my own so I can easily remember it. Well... it's only temporary until you remember the actual day of your birth," Akagi explained enthusiastically the thought process behind her decided date of birth for him.
"Well I... thank you... Akagi..." Fuubuki offered his gratitude while still overwhelmed with emotions.
"Well what are you waiting for! Go on try them on!" Akagi pushed.
"Oh uh... of course!" Fuubuki immediately began removing his old rusty shoulder guard. It hasn't been used much, but looking at its current state, it won't be long before it fails to do its job.
"Give me that old piece of junk, I'll take that as payment," Gray said, snatching away the used piece of armor.
The new shoulder guards fit him quite well, not to mention the alleviated burden on his shoulder as this pair together were even lighter than his old one.
"This feels a bit too light... won't it break easily?" Fuubuki asked worriedly.
"Nonsense! Those masterpieces were crafted from heavenly steel freshly imported from the mountains of Celestia," Gray proudly explained.
"Celestia?" Fuubuki curiously asked.
"The country of the zealots, the land of lightning. Haven't heard of 'em? They're avid worshippers of the Celestials, and because of that, their land is said to be blessed by their powers," Gray answered.
"Wouldn't want to be near them though. The people there aren't right in the head. Although those bad boys came from Celestia, those were actually bought from Olympia, the country of Valkyries."
"You're amazing grandfather! You got such high quality metal just for my request?!"
"Ehh, it was your father that gave it to me along with the request. Honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed. I've never touched such precious metal before that I was too afraid to work with it. I spent three days contemplating whether to work on this or not."
"And it turned out excellent! As expected of grandfather!" Akagi said, praising the old man's skills.
"Of course! Of co- hey what did you just call me you little shit?!"
The grumpy old man clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Anyways, what do you think Fuubuki? You like it?" Akagi asked. She looked at him, eagerly expecting for an answer.
"Yes! It's a perfect fit! I feel like I can move a bit more freely now... no, a lot more!" Fuubuki gladly replied.
"Alright, that concludes our business. Now off you go. I need my well-deserved sleep," Gray yawned as he urged the two to leave his shop.
After a short while, the three of them exit the door. However, as Fuubuki's foot step outside the premises, he immediately halted in his tracks.
"Akagi..."
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"Get back inside."
"Huh? Why what's wrong?"
"Just hurry and-"
Before Fuubuki could finish his words, he quickly removed his sword from its sheath, just in time to block an incoming attack from an unknown assailant.
"Kh!" the strength of the assailant surprised him as he was pushed back by a bit but he was able to maintain his ground.
Fuubuki swung his sword in a huge arc to push away the attacker who elegantly tumbled backwards and landed a few feet away.
"You again..." Fuubuki muttered.
"An assassin?!" Akagi's eyes went wide in surprise. It seems the threat to her life still hasn't subsided.
"Akagi, get back inside," Fuubuki repeated.
"Right!" Akagi said, turning around.
"Not on my watch!"
The assailant tried to go for another attack again but was caught in the middle of it by Fuubuki. The assailant barely dodged the attack as the blade made contact with their cheek, and caught the edge of her mask, releasing it from their head and exposing the identity of the mysterious attacker.
"What?!"
"You?!"
Fuubuki, and Akagi's eyes widened in surprise as they saw none other than the trusted aide of the king, Kuroe. Her black hair fluttered in the wind as they broke free from her hood. She ran a finger through the cut on her cheek, wiping off the blood.
"You just keep on being a pain until the very end don't you?" Kuroe clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"What is the meaning of this?" Akagi gasped, surprised that her father's closest personnel herself is attacking her.
"I hold no grudge against you, but I must continue my mission," Kuroe answers as she leaps again for her.
"You-!" Fuubuki stepped in again to intercept her but the skillful girl outmaneuvered him, twisting her body midair and went straight for Akagi.
As Kuroe's blade was about to reach Akagi's chest, she suddenly stopped. Kuroe felt fingers wrapped around her leg which prevented her from moving forwards.
"Get away from her!"
With a mighty swing of his arm, Fuubuki sends Kuroe flying as he throws her across the street. She crashes against the wall of the nearby building. The force of the impact made the decrepit walls crumble, raining rubble onto Kuroe.
"Quick! Get inside!" Fuubuki quickly urged after buying them enough time.
"Akagi! Come now! Let the young lad handle it. We'll only get in his way," Gray said as he started pulling Akagi inside.
"Ah! Wait! You! Go back to the palace and call for backup!" Akagi commanded their carriage driver.
Not wasting any time, the man immediately drives the carriage away at full speed. The horses galloped away so fast that the carriage was shaking as it left. Akagi then turned to Fuubuki.
"Be careful," she said with a worried look.
"As long as I know you're safe I can fight without worry. Now get inside," Fuubuki replied.
"Yeah. See you later. That's an order," Akagi nods with a smile.
Akagi and old man Gray then made themselves safe within the confines of the workshop. With all of his worries gone, Fuubuki then faced towards his greatest adversary yet.
"You really think you stand a chance against me? Don't you remember how last time went?" Kuroe taunted as she effortlessly pulled herself out of the rubble.
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who went running. Besides, I'm not the same person you faced back then," Fuubuki replied in a challenging tone. He then used the edge of his blade to draw a line on the ground.
"As long as I breathe you won't get past here."
Kuroe briefly stared at the line Fuubuki has drawn then glanced back to him with a condescending look on her face.
"So be it. I gave you your warning," she said as she started to dash towards Fuubuki.
The sounds of metals clanging echoed as their blades clashed against each other. The two exchanged offensive, and defensive strikes with one another.
The fight was so evenly match that if any mistake were to be done by one side, the consequences would be grave.
Akagi watched from inside the workshop, through a peephole on the door, the ensuing battle outside. Her worry clearly etched on her face, as well as her surprise from the unexpected assailant.
"Kuroe? Why? Why is she after me?!" she asked herself.
"I never liked that lass. I knew somethin was up with her the moment she appeared before your dumbass of a father," Gray snorted.
"But she's been faithfully serving father for years now! Why turn on us all of a sudden?! Also, if she's after my life, there were a lot of chances where she could've ended me..."
"Beats me. All I can say is 'I told ya so.' Well... that's meant for your father. Do tell him that when you get back."
Akagi gave the old man a curious stare.
"You speak as if you're certain that I am making it out of here alive."
"Don't you trust in your knight?"
"I do but... Kuroe's no slouch either!"
Akagi's thoughts were interrupted as the duel grew more violent outside. Fuubuki's movements have begun to show signs of slowing down while Kuroe remains stoic in her posture.
Fuubuki breathes heavily as the weight of his sword starts to strangely become a burden for him. Was he always this easy to tire?
Something doesn't feel right. He remembers his stamina being much better than this. The fight lasted for merely a minute, yet he already feels like he's been fighting for hours.
Suddenly...
"Urk!"
Fuubuki felt a tremendous pressure pushing him down. He fell on his knees, barely keeping his body up by holding onto his sword which is embedded into the ground.
"My body... feels so heavy!" he said as he tried to stand up but the pressure intensified, keeping him down.
He turns his sight on Kuroe whose hand is pointing towards him. Her fingers are positioned in a grasping motion, with her palm facing him. A dark aura is faintly seen seeping out of her palm and flowing into the ground below.
"That took more trouble than I intended too," Kuroe said as she approached him while keeping her grasping hand steady. Her sword was transferred to her non-dominant hand but with Fuubuki's state now, she doesn't need to exert more effort than this.
"I'll make it quick," she says as she prepares to stab Fuubuki through the heart.
Akagi's private lessons came flooding into Fuubuki's mind as he desperately searched for a way out of this situation.
Suddenly, it clicked to him. Hair dark as the night, dark magic flowing out of her palm, and finally, the poison he drank back then which can only be found at a certain land.
"You're... a Dark Magus!" Fuubuki exclaimed.
"Took you long enough to notice."
The revelation was heard by the two hiding in the workshop. A look of surprise etched on the two.
"A Dark Magus?!" Akagi repeated.
"She's from Phanty huh? That explains a lot. Those Dark Mages, it's so hard to tell them apart from the common folk. Anyway, isn't this looking kinda bad?" Gray showed his concern as the tides of the battle seems to be going on the enemy's favor.
"I need to help him!" Akagi cried as she tried to open the door.
"Don't! Akagi!"
Akagi's eyes widened in surprise. That order didn't come from Gray, but it was from Fuubuki himself, as if he could sense what she was about to do.
"Stay right there, Akagi. She's not going anywhere near you," Fuubuki strongly declares as he bravely faces Kuroe despite his predicament.
"I'll make it as painless as possible," Kuroe said as she was about to thrust the blade's edge against him.
"Now!" Fuubuki shouted. As he did so, a bright yellow light emanated from below him, enveloping the area into a sea of fire before...
"Tsk!" Kuroe quickly backed away just as she was about to be caught by the explosion that detonated around Fuubuki. The ground that Fuubuki kneeled on is now a scorched inferno, and the restrained knight broke free from his burden.
"Your fire magic huh? Slipped my mind... So that stunt you pulled off againdt Griffon wasn't just a fluke," Kuroe muttered under her breath. Her eyes narrowed, growing more observant as she realized that things may not proceed smoothly after all.
"Fuubuki. Are you really going to waste your life over this? I can still spare you. Just let me do my job, and you'll be left alive," she offered one last time, slightly lowering her blade to show her lack of hostility.
"Spare me? You can spare me the trouble if you just went away from here," Fuubuki snapped back.
"That so? Well, at least I tried," Kuroe sighs before her face stiffens once more as she gives her full attention to this battle.
"Haah!"
"Get lost!"
The two screamed their battle cry as they made a dash towards the other's position. The metallic sound of their blades colliding echoed in the air as the ensuing fight reaches its climax.