"Levi?" Sir Alastair exclaimed, surprised by his sudden drop in. "How did you-.... Where did you come from?"
"So this is the fell dragon host." Archmagister Aryn noted aloud. "What auspicious timing."
"I have to say, I was expecting a bit more..." Sir Gallahan said. He had began to walk towards Levi, his hulking figure casting a shadow over him. He raised one of his giant arms, and brought it down on Levi's shoulder. "From the beast which decimated my clan."
Levi felt his knees buckle under the weight. There was suddenly a lot of pressure on him, making it hard to breathe. Sir Gallahan stared right into his eyes, his wide grin never leaving his face. His grip tightened on Levi's shoulder causing him to wince in pain. He started to feel light headed.
"Gallahan," Lady Zetta reprimanded sharply. "Stand down, you're killing the boy."
Levi's eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness. Gallahan was busy looking back at Zetta to notice though. His tight grip on his shoulder the only thing keeping Levi aright. "It's just a little pressure, relax."
His laugh was cut short as he felt smaller fingers dig into his own arm. He looked back to find the boy with completely white hair, he raised his head to reveal both eyes turned a piercing draconic green. He returned Gallahan's wide grin, his sharp teeth gleaning.
Gallahan tried yanking his arm back, but to no avail. "It's just a little pressure," Abaddon repeated smugly. "Relax."
The moment was cut short by a blade to Abaddon's throat. Holding the hilt was Lady Zetta, she pressed it closer. "Release him, now. Unless you want to lose that hand."
Abaddon glared at her from the side of his eye, unwilling to comply. He looked around the room to find all the other captain-commanders also on high alert. Even the king had sat forward in his throne.
"Fine." He seethed, dropping the knight's arm. He raised both hands in mock surrender. Zetta eyed him cautiously before slowly lowering her sword.
"Try that again, and you'll be lucky to keep your head." He said to Gallahan before shutting his eyes. Everyone in the room watched as the white in his hair receded slowly. When he opened his eyes again the boy was back.
Levi wasn't sure why everyone was staring at him so seriously. He noticed Sir Gallahan clutching his arm, he was bleeding. "Oh, you're hurt. Please, allow me."
He reached forward, and before Gallahan could object, healed his arm. Gallahan shook it to-and-fro, he was sure some bones had been broken but it felt good as new now.
"A-amazing!" Edward exclaimed, clutching his staff closer to his chest. "So efficient, and quick as well."
Ayra placed a hand in front of him to keep him from getting closer.
Gallahan swiveled around boldly, then asked the king. "This is far from fine, your highness. The dragon is a pending liability!"
"Oh, please." Zetta sighed. "You brought that upon yourself. Stop whining, he already healed you did he not?"
Gallahan looked betrayed. "I thought you were on my side for once Zetta!"
Zetta didn't answer, instead walked back elegantly to her original position by the other captain-commanders.
"Now that all that fuss is over," Sir Andrius cut in. "Levi, would you mind telling us where exactly you fell from?"
Levi chuckled nervously, he was sure Veliona would not be amused with him telling them her secret. Lucky for him the door's opened at this time and interrupted them.
It was Sir Kazuki. His serenely emotionless expression the same as ever. "My apologies... I got lost again."
He barely acknowledged Levi as he strutted past. The heat emanating from his armor searing Levi's nose. The other captain-commanders made way for him, making sure there was a considerable space between them. The king's influence did not eliminate the heat he created at all times, but only kept it close to his own body in a thin layer. Thinner the closer the two of them were.
"Please," Sir Kazuki said to the other captains. "Continue your conversation."
Ayra took him up on his offer. "I was under the impression the dragon could not take over forcibly. If this is untrue it has become exponentially more unsafe to let him roam freely. Especially with delegates from other nations around. If word gets around that Yves is harboring a dragon, let alone the fell dragon, things could get... overly complicated."
The king sighed, rubbing his temple. He had to agree. He turned his attention to Levi, his gaze serious. "Can you assure me you can keep Abaddon from taking over forcibly in the future?"
Levi wanted to say yes but couldn't help doubting it himself. "I..."
[You cannot, Abaddon finished for him in his head.]
"I can't." The words finally came out.
The king took a moment before announcing. "Very well then. You shall remain near me and Sir Kazuki until the tourney ends. There is no greater security, I should think."
If any of the captain-commanders objected, they didn't speak up about it. The king adjourned the meeting and the knights filed out at their own pace. Sir Alastair gave Levi a look as he walked by with Sir Andrius. Levi did not like the look of it. Was that what Aldrich got whenever he was about to get told off?
"Your virtue, is simply incredible!" Levi jumped back a little, not having noticed the green haired elf get so close to him. His eyes shone with wonder as he excitedly grabbed Levi's hand. "You could do so much good with the Order of the Cross. Please, come see me soon."
"Come along Edward. I have some tests I'd like you to assist me with." Ayra called as she walked by, her coat dragging on the carpet. Before Levi could give a response Sir Edward had been ushered out by the woman.
Soon the room was almost empty. The only ones left apart from Levi being the king, Sir Kazuki and Sir Noctisse.
The king raised an eyebrow. "Was there something else, Sir Noctisse?"
Sir Noctisse smiled elegantly, walking forward slightly. His cane made soft thuds as it hit the carpet. "Nothing urgent. I just wanted to ask if you've reconsidered my offer to get you your own cane. I know all the best places." He twirled his own cane around as he said this.
"You've been talking to Veliona again haven't you," The king questioned, suspicious. "Fine then. But, not until after the tourney. Can't have the other kingdoms thinking I look weak now can I?"
Sir Noctisse grinned. "On the contrary, I think a cane would make you look quite distinguished. Well now, I believe it is time I get started on the domain. If you will excuse me."
A cloud passed over head outside the palace windows casting a quick shadow over the room. Once it passed Sir Noctisse had disappeared with it. Levi looked around the room but the enigmatic man was nowhere to be found.
The king slumped in his throne, exhaling loudly. "Honestly, having all eight of them in one place at a time is as tiring as it is rare."
"I located two fragments of the dragon's soul while I was away." Sir Kazuki interrupted. Levi wondered why he had waited till everyone had left to bring it up. Maybe they just didn't want the others to worry.
The king sat upright. "How fortunate."
[Well, where are they?! Abaddon demanded loudly, even though they couldn't hear him.]
"You can have them..." The king said. "If you behave yourself for the next few days."
[Playing games as usual, Abaddon seethed. But I will be the one who laughs last.]
"He says he'll be on his best behavior!" Levi relayed.
The king smiled and clapped his hands together. "Perfect! Now then, there are still a few things for me to tend to before the tourney can begin. Sir Noctisse should be on it right now, we should join him."