[Lisa]: "You... You want to learn magic?"
[Julius]: "Mmh. I do."
The exhausted pair stand upright in Lisa's room, where Julius asked to speak to her alone, with a determined and serious look on his face. Lisa stares at him with her brow furrowed in confusion, watching as Julius takes a short step closer, shrinking the gap between them.
[Julius]: "You could teach me right? Or maybe I could even train with you under Lawrence?"
[Lisa]: "Woah, hold on. We don't know if you can even use magic yet, and when you tried to you came back all bloody."
The rays of light that beam through the large arched window shine off of Lisa's face, illuminating her eyes as she shares her concerns for him. Learning to use magic is hard enough for the average person, but Julius's body has shown several times that it is below average in terms of handling mana.
[Julius]: "I know you're worried about me, but I believe that with your help, I can learn to use it. Back at the village with Lucille, I was able to use that trick you taught me to break her restraints, even if it was just a small amount, I was able to use mana nonetheless."
Lisa's eyes shifted slightly, adopting a soft gleam of hope and curiosity when she hears that Julius was able to manipulate mana, albeit at a very low level.
[Lisa]: "Really? You could?"
[Julius]: "Yeah. Although, it did take quite the toll on me. Just using it two times in a row caused me to throw up blood, and my vision went all hazy. Mana exertion, right?"
Lisa softly gasped and placed her hand up to her chin in thought. Julius continued to watch her with his determined eyes, desperate for her to agree to train him.
[Lisa]: "Only two times? Something as small as that shouldn't have had such a big effect on you, your body must really suck at controlling mana."
[Julius]: "Ah-... Is it really that bad? Man, I was so happy when I did it too."
Julius rubs the back of his neck, letting out a quiet, awkward chuckle. His smile quickly returns to him when he hears Lisa click her fingers, pointing at him.
[Lisa]: "Either way, the fact that you can control it at all means that you can be taught. It might take a lot more time and effort than it normally would due to your sensitivity to it though. Alright! I'll try my best to teach you!"
She takes a wide stance and her mouth shifts into a wide smile, all while still pointing at Julius proudly. This stance along with her words cause Julius to audibly gasp, bringing his fists up to his chest in excitement, and letting a large smile appear on his face.
[Julius]: "Really!? You'll teach me!?"
[Lisa]: "Mmhm!"
[Julius]: "Thank you so much Lisa! This means the world to me!"
Julius quickly closes the gap between the two, lunging into her and wrapping his arms tightly around her torso, almost picking her up off the ground out of pure excitement and happiness.
[Lisa]: "W-WOAH!"
She gets caught off guard easily when Julius shakes her side to side with his embrace, causing her to go slightly red and hold on to him for support.
[Lisa]: "A-ah, be careful! Does it really mean that much to you? Why do you have a sudden interest in learning it anyway?"
He stops shaking her and softens his embrace enough to pull back, looking into her eyes with a more serious face, but still with a wide smile, and that same determined look in his eyes.
[Julius]: "That's simple... It's so i can protect my friends."
Lisa's eyes widen, taking a slow inhale as she hears his reason for learning how to use magic. His desire to change, to not feel week, to protect the people he now holds close to his heart, the ones that took him in. She looks into his eyes, locking gazes with him, which allows her to feel a deeper understanding of his reasons.
[Lisa]: "Julius..."
[Julius]: "I don't want the same thing as before happen again. I don't want to feel helpless like that ever again. I want to help you all, even if all I can do is use a single attack, being useless is my biggest regret."
Lisa's heart tightens upon hearing the serious tone in his voice, causing her to lean back in and hold him close to her again. Julius lets out a soft "Ah" as her head hits his chest, but takes no time to wrap his arms around her tightly.
[Lisa]: "I understand, J. I promise to give my all into teaching you."
[Julius]: "Mmh. Thank you Lisa."
The two share the moment within the familiar embrace of each others arms, letting their warmth unify, and grow into a comforting aura that fills the room. As the two spend a while in a peaceful silence, their moment is broken when they hear a knock on Lisa's door.
[Lisa]: "O-oh! Coming!"
Lisa jumps slightly at the sudden noise, but quickly recovers herself and runs towards the door, followed slowly by Julius. As the door creaks open, the two are met with the familiar face of Lawrence, a butler with long green hair that covered his eye.
Julius had only ever gotten short glimpses of Lawrence's right eye, but from the small amount of time he had spent close enough to see it, he found it interesting that Lawrence had two difference eye colors. His left, was a deep green that matched his hair, and his right, was a more yellowish lime color.
The butler wore a different outfit than the last time they had seen him. It was still a butlers outfit, but had more accessories and looked more casual. He carried a pile of clothes in his arms as he took a short step closer.
[Lawrence]: "I've brought new clothes for both of you. Your current ones are dirty from last nights fight, especially yours, Julius."
Julius felt a shade of embarrassment wash over him as he looks at himself, noticing he had forgotten that his clothes were torn and covered in dried blood.
[Julius]: "Ah, right."
Julius and Lisa quietly giggle to themselves as she accepts the clothes from Lawrence. She waves as Lawrence walks away, turning back to Julius and handing him his new clothes.
[Julius]: "Is it really okay for me to just be taking clothes from here? I feel guilty that I ruined these ones."
[Lisa]: "Of course its okay. After all, I'm sure my mom doesn't mind since you helped get Lucille back."
[Julius]: "Hm. If you say so then, I guess its fine if I accept these."
He looks down at the clothes in his arms, taking a strong liking to the color of them, which is a dark white color, similar to grey, and had a dark blue belt that tied around the waist.
[Lisa]: "You should get changed in your room, lets meet in the lobby, okay?"
[Julius]: "Alright, I'll see you down there then."
Julius smiles and tilts his head slightly, giving his last thankful look to Lisa, who returns it eagerly and waves at him as he leaves the room. She closes the door behind him, their eyes locking one last time through the crack in the door as it shuts.
Julius walks down the halls of the manor towards his room and begins to recall the night in silence. The memories of his first fight scare him, but at the same time it fills him with determination, and fuels his desire to become stronger.
Julius smiles when he recalls his interaction with Lucille just before talking with Lisa. "From what I've seen and heard, Lucille isn't the type of person to open up to anyone, let alone get so close to them, I wonder if she will behave differently from now on." He thought.
Reaching his room, he enters it and closes the door behind him, starting to undress. He watches himself in the mirror as he changes, paying close attention to how his body looks when he slips his robes off. His bare body lacked muscle, and despite being a fairly tall person, he was far weaker than anyone his age. This was due to the bland diet he was on, but mostly caused by the lack of exercise and the radiation therapy that he was constantly under in his world.
Once fully naked, Julius began to put on his new clothes. The gentle cloth of the yukata clung to his body firmly, providing a snug and comfortable fit. The dark blue obi belt brought a delicate contrast to his light robes. Seeing himself in such good looking clothing brought a smile to his face as he admired them in the mirror, clothes that were completely different to what he was used to.
After putting on the haori, the final addition, he left the room with a pleased exhale, feeling like a new person. Even though he was the same old boy that feared almost anything, he could at least feel like new by wearing such noble robes, it made him feel fancy.
[Lisa]: "J! Wow, that looks great on you. You really shine in our group, don't you!"
Lisa shouted out to Julius who had just entered the lobby of the manor. His face lit up at the compliment, but it could also be said that the cause of his excitement was seeing Lisa again, despite only being gone for a few minutes.
[Julius]: "O-ooh..."
Julius watched ahead as the girl ran up to him, admiring the new outfit that she wore. Lisa's new clothes were the usual white and pink combo with flower patterns, but this kimono was more snug fitted, and was mostly covered with a white haori that added a layered effect to her outfit.
[Lisa]: "You okay J? Is there something wrong with my clothes?"
The girl had now reached Julius, and stood in front of him with a subtle look of confusion. The look caused by Julius who was staring at her with parted lips and a look of admiration.
[Julius]: "So cute."
[Lisa]: "W-WAH!? Cute!? I-... I guess it is, isn't it.."
Lisa averts her gaze downwards in embarrassment as her face turns red, but her shyness is met quickly with Julius's hand on her head, petting her.
[Lisa]: "Gyah!"
Julius chuckled with a grin on his face, pleased by the interaction between the two. She eventually succumbed to the warmth that Julius's hand radiated, leaning into his touch until a different voice pierces the air.
[Muriel]: "Oh good, I got the sizes right! As I suspected, that color looks great on you Julius dear."
Turning their gaze to the stairs, the two watch as Muriel walks down to the lobby wearing new clothes of her own-- A fancy red kimono with a fur trimmed coat over top of it.
[Julius]: "Muriel! Thank you for the clothes. I can't be any more grateful for your hospitality."
[Muriel]: "Oh there's no need to thank me, you have provided us more than enough help after all, think of it as part of our repayment dear, hmhm."
Julius lets out an affirmative hum, watching as Alcard and Camilla walk down the stairs behind her, still wearing their casual 'day off' clothes.
After Lawrence had finished his tasks and joined everyone in the lobby, the last to make an appearance was Lucille, who had gone to her room to change after returning from the yard, clinging to Julius's arm-- something that had certainly shocked anyone who saw it, due to her usually finding physical contact revolting.
[Lucille]: "Sorry... It looks like I'm the last to get changed..."
Everyone turns their heads in unison, looking at the hallway entrance where a dark haired girl stands. The woman wore a brand new black and white maid dress, and her face was slightly red from the recent crying, which was a common occurrence that would lead her to get very defensive if anyone asked about it.
[Julius]: "Lucille... It's good to see you again!"
Lucille shares a smile with him, radiating a strong warmth through the air-- shocking the rest of the group as they had never seen Lucille in such a good mood, as if she was truly happy.
Lucille approaches Julius and stands beside him as she flattens out the creases on her dress. The moment is short and sweet, shared between the group that was even blessed with Alcard's presence before Muriel speaks up.
[Muriel]: "Now that everyone is in one place, there's no better time to say this than now."
[Lisa]: "Hmm?"
Everyone turns their attention to Muriel who now stands near the front door, even Alcard who leaned against the wall listened in.
[Muriel]: "I know this is bad timing, in fact I planned to celebrate a little for getting our dear Lucille back. But... About an hour ago, I received an important letter."
[Lucille]: "An important letter? Who from?"
Muriel took a small pause, before speaking louder than before so everyone could hear her.
[Muriel]: "It's from the current ruler of Rantari, the sky city. Its queen, Jericho, has invited me there to discuss future trade affairs with Cataphrania. She would like me to journey there as soon as possible."
the name has no weight to Julius, who has no idea what the city even is, but he could tell that it was the subject of high importance just by gauging the reactions of everyone around him.
[Lucille]: "O-ooh. Rantari? That's pretty far. Isn't it, lady Astoria?"
[Lisa]: "You're going to Rantari!? How long will you be gone!?"
[Muriel]: "It's not too far, still within the continent. And actually. I would be bringing all of you with me."
An audible gasp is heard from almost everyone as she says that sentence. That she would not only be traveling to a far away city, but also that she would be taking everyone with her.
[Lisa]: "Really!? We can go with you!? To Rantari!?"
Lisa's face lights up with excitement, the city of Rantari had always been a place of interest for her, but had never been able to visit due to how far away it is, along with the simple fact that the city was-- putting it lightly, unstable.
[Muriel]: "Mmhm. I've already talked it over with Alcard here, he will be joining us since he is the highest ranking member of the capital that's available right now.
[Alcard]: "Mmh."
A strong sense of excitement seems to wash over the group, but Julius is still left a little anxious. He remembers seeing Rantari on the map in Muriel's office, but actually going there was a little nerve racking. Even the outer rings of Cataphrania were enough to easily overwhelm him.
His anxiety seemed to melt away in an instant as he feels Lisa's hand grip his own, looking down at her to see her smiling back up at him. Along with Lisa's warm gaze, he also had Lucille, who was standing so close to him that he could feel her warmth seeping into his bones.
Fighting the urge to lunge out and cling onto his arm, Lucille stood as close as she could without making it seem awkward, fearing that Lisa would react negatively from her taking him away from her.
[Muriel]: "I'd like you all to pack your things for the week, and meet me out front, our ride is already on its way."
"Our ride? Are we not using the drake?" Julius thought. But as everyone started to go off and pack, Julius joined them swiftly, not wanting to be left behind.
-
Opening the front door, Julius is met with the gaze of Lisa, who stood just beyond it waiting for him. He was the last to walk outside, despite having basically nothing to pack.
Lisa immediately grabs his hand and leads him down the stairs to meet back up with everyone, who all look ahead to see a large carriage entering the manor gates.
The carriage is engraved with silver and gold, and built mainly out of a dark colored wood. Pulling it, is two large avian-like creatures with strong clawed legs-- The capitals own royal drakes.
[Julius]: "Woah... So fancy. Um, Camilla, are you joining us too?"
The purple haired woman turns her head to Julius and smiles. She turns her body slowly to face him, bringing her hands up to fidget with them as she speaks.
[Camilla]: "Ah, well... No, I'm not. Being the only healer in the royal guard, I need to stay in the capital."
[Julius]: "Mh, I guess that makes sense. So it will just be Alcard then?"
[Muriel]: "It's not just Alcard joining us dear. Just for further representation, I've personally invited another member of the royal guard. He's inside that carriage right now."
Julius appears shocked when she chimes in, telling him that there will be someone else accompanying them that he has yet to meet.
[Alcard]: "You invited HIM? Tsk, this trip will be a long one for sure then."
As Muriel giggled to herself, the carriage finally stopped in front of them, and muffled footsteps are heard from within. Everyone watches intently as the door to the carriage slowly creaks open-- the man that Muriel had invited, was just a few meters away from Julius, who watched closer than anyone else, curious to see who else worked with Alcard.
As if a storm had suddenly appeared, the aura that emanated from the open carriage door was powerful, and almost soul crushing.
[Lisa]: "Eek!"
[Lucille]: "Ah-!"
The two girls hid behind Julius, who continued to stare at the open door with extreme focus. He had certainly grown used to suffocating aura's, after all, he had felt more than enough just in the last few days alone to grow used to them.
Stepping out of the carriage is a tall man who wore loose, white robes and had his hands in his pockets. He has short blue hair and sharp fang-like teeth. Alcard and Camilla appeared unfazed as he continued to walk down the small steps of the carriage and onto the dirt path in front of everyone.
This man had a powerful and authoritative stare. He had a stern and somewhat irritated look on his face-- the natural expression of the royal guards 'Blue Haired Demon'.
No one could speak in his overwhelming presence, no one wanted to, they simply just watched as he approached closer and stopped in front of the group. Julius could tell that this man was extremely powerful, and very respected-- so he stood still, and waited for him to make the next move.
When he spoke, his voice was course but higher pitched than you would think by his looks. Nonetheless, his voice held no empathy or friendliness, just a strong weight behind his words.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Nakada Kinugawa. Please just call me Nakada."
---