Act 8 - "Burning Desire"
"That's it. Just focus your hand on that spot."
"Like this?"
"Yes, yes... that's it. Feels great doesn't it?"
"I can't keep holding it like this Akagi..."
"Just a little more will do, and you will beat your previous record."
"Ah..."
Ignia Castle Library.
A few days after Fuubuki's awakening of his aptitude for flame magic, Fuubuki's life had become a lot busier than before.
Apart from his morning training with the knights, and his literacy lectures with Akagi, another agenda was added to his daily schedule: magic lessons.
"It faded..."
"You really can't hold it for long, can you?"
The two of them sighed in defeat as Fuubuki's attempt at making a fireball failed again for another time. The leftover sparks of his short-lived flame died off not long after his fire ball dissipated.
"Focus your mind, and don't tense up your body," Akagi instructs as she holds Fuubuki's wrist and tries to get them to let loose.
"This isn't quite as easy as I thought," Fuubuki sighs, feeling defeated.
"It's fine. Just follow my instructions well. Although to be fair, you can do it... but the problem is you being unable to control it. Your mana pool must be so deep for you to produce such gigantic flames but without control, it will only be a liability to you and others around you."
Fuubuki nods in silence as he makes another attempt.
"Come on now. Hold your breath, relax your muscles, and feel the power flow inside you. Control it. Don't just force it all out at once."
Following her words, Fuubuki brings his hands together and focuses his mind on creating his fireball. A faint light emanates from his hands, though not yet enough to create a spark.
"How's your training doing young ones," Marcellus greeted, appearing from behind a bookshelf while holding a small grimoire in his hand.
"Not good so far. He's really struggling with his control. It's either he lets out too much or nothing at all."
The old man approaches them, careful not to disturb Fuubuki from his focus. He observes as faint sparks of embers materializes between Fuubuki's palms but quickly dissipating.
It looks as if he's halting them from growing rather than him struggling to create one. The first few sparks are always strong but then he tones it down a bit excessively to the point that it loses gas completely.
Once again, a small burst of fire erupted between his palms then disappeared again. After the countless attempts, he decides to let it go for now, lowering his hands.
"It's no use. Let's not force it. I already feel exhausted," he said.
"Rest is also vital. Don't rush it young man. You're already impressive enough with how you are able to cast fire magic without any traces of the royal bloodline in you," Marcellus agrees wholeheartedly.
The mystery behind Fuubuki's ability to cast fire magic remains living rent-free inside Marcellus' head. He had already conducted excessive research on the complete history of the Ignia family, yet there really was no sign that he was connected whatsoever. The fact that Fuubuki's actual origins are unknown added to the mystery.
"Is it really that hard to do this?" Akagi said as she effortlessly produced a small fireball from her palm before letting it vaporize.
"Maybe he's the type to learn through practice rather than theory. Also, using yourself as a baseline is a rather high standard, your highness. Your talent is naturally better as a direct descendant of the Ignia bloodline," Marcellus remarked.
"When you say it like that... it sounds like my hardwork barely did anything at all," Akagi pouted.
"Oh nonsense, your highness! A talented mage that never hones their abilities will never reach the peak of a hardworking novice," Marcellus rebutted.
As the three of them were having casual talks, a knock on the door of the library was heard before it swung open. The knight captain, Griffon, then entered the room and strolled his way to the three.
"Apologies for interrupting, your highness, father, and Young Fuubuki," he greeted.
"Oh, what brings you here boy? It's rare for you to visit this place. Finally thought of spending some time with your old man?" Marcellus teased.
"Haha, no, not quite yet father. My purpose lies with Young Fuubuki. May I have a word with him for a bit?"
Griffon, Marcellus, and Akagi turned their head towards Fuubuki as his name was mentioned.
"Is it something that needs to be discussed privately?" Akagi asked, speaking in Fuubuki's place as his mistress.
"Oh, not exactly your highness. Alright then, forget I asked. I'll just say it right now."
Griffon clears his throat before proceeding.
"Young Fuubuki, would you like to participate in an all-out exhibition match with me?"
"All-out exhibition match?" Fuubuki asked.
"Yeah. Nothing too complicated, it's just like our usual sparring sessions but this time, no holding back for either of us," Griffon explained.
"But... we weren't holding back at all in our recents sparrings right?"
"That's right, but this time, we'll be using actual weapons."
Fuubuki's eyes widened at Griffon's sudden proposition. A fight with real weapons. An actual duel.
"What's the purpose of this?" Akagi asked, feeling worried over the idea of Fuubuki facing the captain at his full potential.
"Honestly, I would be lying if I said it's not for my own entertainment. Ever since Young Fuubuki joined our ranks, I've been blessed with such thrilling sparring sessions. It's been a while since I faced someone that can match me. The last I remembered was when I was still sparring with the king in our younger days," Griffon proudly smiles as memories of his prime came back to him.
"I've witnessed Young Fuubuki's insane growth these past few days, and that's why I would like to face him in actual combat now before he surpasses me to the point that I am no longer a worthy opponent to him. That's my selfish reason at least..." he trails off to take a quick breath.
"As for an official purpose, well, perhaps a combat demonstration for my subordinates will prove beneficial to them. That's why, if you may permit, your highness, I would like to request a match with your guardian," Griffon bows his head to show his sincerity for this favor.
The three of them stare in awe as the proud knight captain bows his head for the sake of asking a bout with Fuubuki. Marcellus scruffed his beard habitually as he worked his mind.
"Griffon, an all-out duel means... anything goes right?" Marcellus asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. With our weapon, and gear of choice. Of course, it's not a battle to the death. Why?"
"Hmm, maybe this will work. Young Fuubuki, you can use this chance to hone your fire magic in combat. Should you accept, I would be observing closely to see how well you utilize your fire magic in combat," Marcellus suggested.
"But... I can't control it yet."
"Even more so. Don't worry about it, my boy here is rather experienced in anti-magic combat. After all, he was trained by none other than the king himself."
"Alright. I accept. But first, Lady Akagi, may I have your permission?" Fuubuki faced Akagi to ask her directly.
Akagi's worries still lingers, yet she knows that this is an opportunity that she can't deny to Fuubuki. The determination in his face makes it harder for Akagi to refuse. With a deep breath, she decides to do the sensible action.
"Permission granted. I expect a good fight between the two of you," she finally said.
"Thank you," Griffon voiced his appreciation as he straightens himself up before turning around.
"I shall be waiting in the barracks this evening. Prepare as much as you need Young Fuubuki. I look forward to our duel."
The knight captain then exits the room, leaving the three of them on their own.
"Ohh! What an exciting match! This is giving me goosebumps! No, the king can't miss this! I'll go fetch him!" Marcellus said, taking off outside the room at a blinding speed.
"Oh dear, this has suddenly turned into some big deal," Akagi sighed as she let loose a bit now that the two of them are left alone.
"An all-out duel huh..." Fuubuki muttered.
He then released his sword from its sheath and inspects it carefully. The sword he gained from his first day as a guardian. He never had the chance to use it since there wasn't any need to, apart from that one time where he was attacked. However his sword was left behind during that ambush so he was not able to use it.
But now...
"Is that sword going to be okay? If I remember correctly, Captain Griffon uses a greatsword. That thin blade of yours might get destroyed," Akagi remarked.
"I can get you a new one," she suggested.
"No... no need," Fuubuki quickly replied as he continues to inspect the weapon.
"Why?"
"There's no need. This sword is enough... no, this sword is exactly what I need. I don't know why but, it makes me feel complete."
"Hah... if you say so. Just don't say I didn't warn you if it breaks during your fight," Akagi sighed.
"It won't break, I promise. It's hard to explain but I trust this sword will make it through."
"Yeah, yeah..."
Later that day...
News of the duel between the knight captain, and the boy who saved the princess' life spread quickly around the castle, and even beyond.
Nobles from different houses rushed their way to the royal castle, and straight to the barracks' arena to witness this spectacle. Rumors about the prodigy knight have already long been in circulation, and now, it is time for them to witness him in action against the best knight in the kingdom.
King Helios sat on his special seat, accompanied by his daughter beside him, and Kuroe, his aide on the other side. The barracks arena suddenly was filled with spectators. More than what Griffo, and Fuubuki anticipated.
"Wow, I didn't expect our duel to gain this much attention," the knight captain said as he surveyed the circle of spectators surrounding the ring.
"Sorry about this."
"No, it's fine. I don't mind them," Fuubuki briefly replied.
The two of them stood a fair distance away from each other. As this was an all-out duel, the two of them were equipped with their best gear.
Griffon's body is covered all over with his heavy armor. His mighty greatsword stabbed onto the ground as he assumes a valiant pose. He was the embodiment of what an ideal knight should be. Strong, steadfast, and intimidating.
Meanwhile, for the first time since he got it, Fuubuki is finally about to use the sword he gained from his instatement as a guardian. However, compared to his opponent which is covered in metallic armor all over, all he had was a measly shoulder guard to cover his dominant arm.
"Are you really sure about this, Young Fuubuki?" Griffon asked, feeling concerned for the lack of protection on Fuubuki's body.
"I'm quite fine. Thank you for your concern," Fuubuki nods.
"Very well, then I shall not press further," the knight captain said as he pulls his sword from the ground and assumes an offensive pose.
Fuubuki does the same as he lowered his body, ready to spring into action.
"Your highness, on your word," Griffon said out loud, asking the king for the signal to begin their epic duel.
Helios then nods briefly before speaking.
"Well then, Knight Captain Griffon and Young Hero Fuubuki, may you two battle your hearts out and show everyone the skills you possess. May the White Sovereign look after you and honor this friendly duel to recognize your capabilities. Gentlemen, begin!"
The moment King Helios finished his speech, Fuubuki's body quickly sprang into action as he sprints at a blinding speed towards Griffon.
The knight captain's eyes darts around, trying to follow Fuubuki's movements yet he could not keep up. Nevertheless, he remains calm as he knows he has the base advantage thanks to his armor.
Griffon's tactic was simple, exhaust Fuubuki as he always does in their daily sparrings. With his getup, he can easily tank a hit or two from Fuubuki's thin sword and deliver a counter blow that will hasten the process.
"Hup!"
Upon finding a vulnerable spot, Fuubuki closes in and brings his blade down which Griffon quickly blocks with his own sword. However, what he did not expect was for Fuubuki to use this as leverage to boost himself up into the air. The momentum he accumulated from his rush allows him to somersault into the air, giving him the position to bring down his sword once again.
Griffon quickly leaps back before the attack reaches him. But before he can even land his feet, Fuubuki is already running after him, ready for another swing of his blade.
The spectators watch in awe as the famous knight captain that they know of is getting pushed back by the young boy who they barely know. Their fellow knights cheered from the sidelines while watching the intense battle unfold. King Helios' mouth hung open as he watches his best soldier struggles in his defense.
Fuubuki's attacks were relentless. Everytime he attacks, he's already prepared to make his next move. Griffon could only block or dodge but doing either does not stop Fuubuki's onslaught.
Griffon's blocks simply served as a steppingstone for Fuubuki to launch an even stronger attack. Meanwhile, dodging buys him some space but not enough time to launch an offensive counter attack.
What makes things worse for the knight captain is that his tactic is being used against him. The weight of his equipment and all this moving around exhausts him more than he anticipated. Fuubuki's stamina looks like it hasn't decreased one bit. At this rate, it'll only be a matter of time before he makes a misstep.
"Hah!" Griffon shouts as he finally decides to use his armor to his advantage, taking a hit from Fuubuki's blade which lodges the edge of the blade onto his armor. He then uses this chance to throw his heavy weight to tackle Fuubuki.
However, the nimble young knight moves to the side just in time before he gets hit with the knight captain's heavily armored shoulder. Griffon's momentum pushed him forward a fair distance before turning around. Fuubuki's sword remains lodged in his armor.
"It's just as I thought. You've already surpassed me," he praises Fuubuki as he tries to catch his breath.
Fuubuki rushines in again, this time however, he doesn't have his weapon, and Griffon decides to use that to his advantage. He allowed Fuubuki to close in on him. Surely, he's looking to retrieve his weapon but that's when Griffon decides to strike.
However he forgot about one thing...
As Fuubuki is about to reach the handle of his blade, he sees Griffon's greatsword about to swing at him from his left side. Just before it reaches his body, Fuubuki quickly hops up. His feet barely missing the greatsword below.
Griffon's body leans down with his strike. As Fuubuki's sword angles down along with the armor, Fuubuki gracefully planted his feet from his jump on the handle of the blade.
The blade dislodges from the armor thanks to Fuubuki's weight on the opposite side. Fuubuki quickly grabbed the handle and planted his sword on the ground... just in time to block Griffon's second strike.
Not missing a beat, Fuubuki aimed his palm on Griffon's chest.
"Blow away!"
Using his newly learned magic, Fuubuki casted a quick fireball and released it on his left arm. He used his tendency to release quick bursts of flames rather than continuous cadting to his advantage. The attack blasted Griffon's chestpiece and sent him flying backwards.
Fuubuki chases after Griffon as he flies through the air. As soon as Griffon's body reaches the ground, Fuubuki hops on top of his now cracked armor and aimed his blade against his chest. Griffon's body slides on the ground for a fair bit of distance with Fuubuki over him.
"I... I yield..." Griffon brought his arms over his head as he finally admitted his defeat.
The crowd went silent.
There was a long pause as everyone processed what they just witnessed. The nobles murmured amongst thenselves while the knights remain dumbfounded.
"T-that's enough! Winner: Fuubuki!" Helios declared, breaking the defeaning silence.
The crowd erupted into amazed cheers as the duel was officially concluded. There was a loud applause from the crowd of knights, and slow, flabbergasted claps from the nobles.
Fuubuki then quickly stepped off Griffon's body and offered his hand to help him up. Without hesitation, Griffon pulled himself up while Fuubuki assisted him. As soon as he stood up, he raised Fuubuki's hand in the air, further recognizing his victory for everyone to see.
"Be proud, Young Fuubuki! This is your victory!"
As the cheers continued Fuubuki couldn't help but marvel in the sights before him. There are cheers everywhere, and those cheers are directed at him. Not once did he imagine in his life that he would reach this point. He basked in the glory of his victory.
"I was mistaken. I'm no longer a match for you after all. I have been surpassed greatly. I haven't been able to fought back at all," Griffon sighed.
"Don't say that. It is thanks to our sparring that I honed my skill to this extent. Thank you for everything," Fuubuki lowered his head, showing his appreciation to his mentor.
"Well? What do you think about officially joining the knights?" Griffon offered, although he already knew how this was going to go.
"No thanks. I belong elsewhere," Fuubuki answered immediately without a second of hesitation. He turned around and caught the sight of his proud lover who is clapping along with the crowd.
"Well, couldn't hurt to ask."
Later at the dining hall...
"That was amazing! I couldn't even see you at all!"
After the conclusion of the epic duel, the king decided to set up a small celebratory feast to entertain the nobles some more rather than having them leave immediately after the main event. The feast was rather feeble in size compared to the recently held one during Akagi's birthday but it was still quite a decent crowd.
Fuubuki, the star of the evening, is dining on the scrumptious dishes laid out for him... or rather he is trying to were it not for the group of knights and some nobles crowding on him. The sudden surge of attention made him quite uneasy as this is the first time he is getting this type of reception, specifically a positive one. Back in the day, these knights would be chasing him around the market to take back what he stole from the vendors but now they are looking up to him.
"Please teach me your ways!" screamed an overly enthusiastic knight.
"Uh... Luka right?" Fuubuki asked as he recognized the face of the knight who he had a first proper conversation with back then.
"Ah! You remember me?!" Luka squealed.
"Of course I do," Fuubuki replied nonchalantly before taking another bite of his food.
"I feel so honored! Please! Take me under your wing!"
"Calm down..."
The crowd got even more rowdier as more of the nobles joined in. However, in contrast to the knights who were mostly males, the nobles were a group of pretty young ladies trying to woo him.
"Sir Fuubuki, you were so cool back there! May I have a few moments with you?"
"I have a proposal to make Sir Knight!"
"Please give me your children!"
The young ladies pushed their way through the crowd of knights, surrounding Fuubuki all around. Various remarks float through the air, especially those meant to seduce him.
Now that his ability to use magic has become common knowledge, the nobles can no longer see him as a lowly peasant that is no different than dirt in their eyes. Only someone possessing the Ignia blood can use fire magic, that much is well-known. No matter how distant he is to the main family, as long as even an infinitesimal portion of his blood has Ignia traces in it, such power is granted to him.
To the young noble ladies, this makes him a candidate to be a partner for an arranged marriage. For the young men however, this makes him a competition, especially...
"Excuse me, coming through, out of the way please, thank you."
Out of the corner of his eye, Fuubuki saw Akagi pushing through the crowd in order to reach him.
"Ah! Lady Akagi..." Fuubuki called out to her as he gently pulled her away from the mass of bodies.
"Geez, look at you. You're a celebrity now," Akagi sighed. Once again, the mask has to be put on, else she risk exposing themselves in public. Although with how things are now, perhaps now is a good time?
"I feel like I'm suffocating from the attention," Fuubuki chuckled while taking another bite from his meal.
"Don't drown yourself in the praises too much. Come now, let's enjoy the party. This is your victory feast after all," Akagi smiled.
"Also... I also have something to give you later so... look forward to it," she added in a cryptic way.
The feast lasted for quite some time before the guests slowly started heading home. The festive atmosphere slowly fizzled out until it was time for the castle servants to clean up the dining hall.
"Come on, let's go already!" Akagi urged, pulling Fuubuki by his arm as she leads them both back to their quarters.
"No need to rush La- Akagi," Fuubuki replied, quickly correcting himself now that they're gone from the public eye.
Upon reaching the room...
"Oh yeah, before we head off to sleep, wasn't there something you wanted to give to me?" Fuubuki asked, remembering Akagi's words from earlier.
"That's right... but first, let's head inside," Akagi strongly invited. Her heart was pounding loudly against her chest. She knows she's about to make a decision that will either change their relationship for better or worse. Nevertheless, she is committed to this.
Fuubuki then opened the door to her bedroom then head inside. Akagi quickly followed and, with an audible click, made sure that the door is locked close.
The oblivious young knight placed his sword down right beside his part of the bed as where it usually is. He then removed the shoulder guard from himself and placed it on top of the shelf before sitting on the bed.
Upon turning his head, he realized Akagi hasn't moved an inch from the front of the door.
"What's wrong? Still not sleepy?" he asked.
Slowly, Akagi made her way to her side of the bed. She sat down on the soft mattress, not saying a word.
Fuubuki lied down on the bed, preparing to doze off after a tiring day. However, Akagi had other plans in mind.
The young princess straddled the bewildered young knight, pressing down on his chest with her arms. She then slowly leaned down onto him and planted a kiss on his lips.
The contact lasted for a few seconds before Akagi briefly pulled back. She saw the flushed look on Fuubuki's face. The same look that she's quite sure is painted on her face.
"Akagi..."
"Does your chest hurt?" Akagi asked, making sure that the same incident from before doesn't repeat itself.
"No, I'm quite fine..." Fuubuki replied embarassingly. Now that he has the slightest bit of idea about Akagi's actions thanks to the things he learned while studying under her guidance, the feelings from before became clearer to him now.
The sensations are now more vivid. The feeling of her lips against his, the smell of her breath, the taste of her mouth, everything is no longer an unknown concept to him.
Yet despite all of this, there is still one territory he hasn't reached.
"Fuubuki... I love you..." Akagi whispered.
This short but meaningful set of words started a series of reactions inside Fuubuki's body that he cannot control at all. First is the sudden rising of his body temperature, followed by the melting feeling of his muscles. The flushed expression on his face got worse, and his breathing became heavy.
Slowly, these indescribable feelings plagued his body and began driving his mind crazy. His lower half began to ache in a pleasant way, and his pants bulged outwards which Akagi immediately felt. It was the reaction she was hoping for.
"Fuubuki... take me..." she whispered once more, urging Fuubuki to act based on his instincts.
It was as if a poison was being fed to his system as he progressively began losing control of his body. His vision begins to darken, and his breathing now short raspy breaths.
Until finally...
Snap
"Ahn~" Akagi yelped as Fuubuki grabbed her by her sides and flips their positions around. Akagi now lays under Fuubuki whose expression was unreadable.
"Eh? Fuubuki?" Akagi called out with a hint of fear in her voice, somehow, something doesn't feel right. But it was too late.
It was the point of no return. She could tell that much. She closed her eyes and braced herself as Fuubuki finally made the move.
It was that night that the young naiive princess experienced pain and pleasure, intermingled.