I noticed the dark frown on Constance’s face, but surprisingly she held tongue and remained silent.
Was she thinking of how easily Caelum had dispatched her on Saturday?
If Crescent’s Familiars were able to use their Fragments as well if not better than Caelum, then what chance would any of us have?
I realized that I was thinking of Caelum as being on a level above mine.
For the most part that was wrong.
Caelum’s fighting prowess was weak compared to mine, and the use of his Fragment was always unbalanced because he could only summon one of the two shield-blades. But on the occasion he summoned both of them, he was clearly a threat despite having weak combat skills. Saturday might have been the first time I’d witnessed both shield-blades manifesting, but I had no doubt it would grow progressively easier for him to summon them.
It would take time, and a great deal of effort, but there was no doubt in my heart that Caelum was a far stronger Familiar than I was.
After all, after a year of using my mother’s Fragment, the Valkyrie Armor, I was unable to fully manifest it. At best, I could only call upon the leg armament and the bladed gauntlets. Arisa had told me the Valkyrie Armor was an Artifact, not a Fragment that had been in my bloodline for generations, always handed down from mother to daughter.
However, I was yet to call upon its true power.
That both frustrated and shamed me.
I looked at Severin. “I agree with Maya. Regardless of how we see ourselves, none of us are able to face Crimson Crescent. We’ve never worked together, and more to the point, we don’t trust each other.” I held back from looking across at Constance. “It’s impossible for us to work effectively.” I paused before adding, “And we’ve lost Caelum. Even if he lacks training, you’re all aware of how strong his Gauntlet is.”
Prissila Ventiss smiled broadly. “Well said, Lanfear.”
I asked her, “Why are you here?”
“You mentioned trust. Well, the Ventiss Family doesn’t trust the Alucard Family. To that end, we have now become involved in order to gauge for ourselves how trustworthy and dependable you all are. What better way than to become part of the operation.”
Severin folded his hands behind his back. “It’s as she says. An agreement was reached between the Ventiss and Alucard factions within the Raynar Pride. Part of that agreement was that Familiars affiliated with both families would work together to protect the academy from Crimson Crescent.”
I glanced at Simone, then focused on Severin. “The Alucard Family has a Familiar chained to them?”
Prissila raised an eyebrow at me. “Chained? What an interesting point of view.”
I ignored her and kept my attention on Severin. “Are they a member of the student body here at Galatea?”
“No, they’re not. They’re transferring in from a sister academy. The problem is that some transfers take longer than others. They won’t be here until early next week.”
Prissila’s lips drew back into a pained smile. “To think the Alucards had bonded such a strong Familiar. I’m jealous.”
Simone sniped, “Don’t you mean envious?”
The girls glared at each other, completely disregarding the company they were in. Prissila didn’t notice Constance clenching her jaw, but I did.
Maya sighed and shook her head. “I never thought this would happen….”
“What does that mean?” Prissila asked haughtily.
“All three of us together again…in the same room.”
It was impossible to miss the reaction on Prissila and Simone’s faces. A feeling of deep regret marred their features. A few moments went by and Prissila bit her lower lip while Simone turned away with a look of veiled anguish.
Maya sighed again, and planted both hands on her hips. “Well, let’s leave that aside for now.” She addressed Severin. “As I said, we’re not ready to face Crescent. So what do we do about it?”
Severin replied, “An arrangement has been made to alleviate that problem.”
Maya’s face gave him a half smile. “Oh? What kind of arrangement?”
“Every day after class and on weekends, you will be transported to a training facility. It’s used by the Artemis, and will provide the perfect environment to improve your skills.”
Maya couldn’t help but be impressed. “An Artemis training center? Wow, that’s pulling some strings.” She frowned a heartbeat later. “I should point out this is going to affect our school studies.”
“I know. To that end, special dispensation will be granted to all of you, including extra course credits. But you’ll still need to study for mid-terms and finals.”
Maya laughed and brushed a hand through her dark hair. “Ha ha, well that will keep mother on my back. I hope she appreciates what we’re doing for the sake of her Pride.”
I interrupted by asking, “When do we start?”
“Today. You’re expected to train for at least three months, regardless of whether Crescent make their move or not.”
Maya frowned. “We’re being trained to work as a unit? Wouldn’t that put us in competition with the Artemis squads?”
“That’s not a concern,” Severin calmly stated.
Maya was deathly still for many heartbeats. Then she shrugged and folded her arms under her modest breasts. “If you say so….”
I asked, “What about Caelum Desanto? When will his Fragment be returned to him?”
Severin shook his head. “I don’t know. For now, he’s no longer involved with this operation.”
I stared at him flatly. “Very well. Then consider me no longer involved either.”
I turned and started walking toward the door.
Simone’s voice chased me. “Caprice—what do you mean?”
I paused and half turned. “I agreed to be a part of this because Caelum agreed to help. If he’s no longer a part of this operation, then neither am I.” I chose to turn and bowed to her politely. “Thank you, and goodbye.”
I opened the door and walked out.
“Caprice—wait.” Simone chased me into the wide corridor outside. “Caprice, we need you. We need your talent and your skill. We need your strength.”
I continued walking. “Then hurry up and get Caelum’s Fragment re-instated to him.”
“I can’t do that. You have to believe me that I’ve tried. I thought my mother would agree with me, but instead she’s refused to help me. I don’t have anything to bargain with. I have no leverage over her.”
I stopped and half turned my body in order to look at her. “What do you mean?”
The Countess looked despairingly at me. “I don’t have any means to convince my mother to help. In fact, I learnt that Caelum is being considered a liability. The Powers-that-be are glad he isn’t involved with the intervention.”
I held back a frown, even though it would have been faint. “Why is that? Shouldn’t they welcome all the help they can get?”
“That’s true…but Caelum’s situation is somewhat complicated.” She looked really troubled, and I couldn’t help showing her a little of my confusion.
“Please explain.”
Simone sighed. “I can’t. In fact, I may have said too much. But please, do me this one favor. Please, talk it over with Caelum. If he agrees you should help, then won’t you come back to us?”
I thought her proposal over. “I will speak to Caelum. I won’t promise you anything else.”
Simone gave me a relieved smile, even though I hadn’t committed to helping the Student Council.
Did she have that much faith Caelum would convince me to continue helping Simone and Severin?
I turned away, and continued walking away.
Her voice chased me. “Caprice, I’ll send you the details of where to meet after classes end.”
I didn’t acknowledge her. Instead, I bit the inside of my mouth and tried to ignore the unease bubbling in my chest.
I walked a little faster back to the cafeteria, hoping t
o join up with Caelum and talk the matter over with him.
Chapter 13 – Divisions.
(Caelum)
I watched the girls from Track-and-Field run around the sports field.
However, I was remembering that time with Simone in the storeroom. Her scent and warmth came to mind.
I couldn’t believe she was acting out a scene from a book she’d read.
And it was an erotic book to boot.
Sighing inwardly in dismay, I regarded the girls running around the track.
Such trim and taut bodies.
Maybe I should try my hand at erotic fiction.
Perhaps a story involving the girls of the Track-and-Field club.
Ah what the Hell am I thinking?
My eyes caught sight of Haruka arguing with her friends, or deep in an animated discussion. Though far away, I could see it was Siobhan, Alistair and Haruka on the grassy knoll overlooking the running track.
Since parting ways after lunch time yesterday, she and I hadn’t spoken a word to each other. We had a messaged each other a few times, but today those had come to an end.
I understood she had issues she needed to resolve on her end, such as that senior who was interested in her, Duncan Armand Avenir. He was the biggest problem she had to deal with.
If she needed my support I was going to be there for her. The problem was I had no idea how to help her. I had no idea if she’d spoken to Duncan, or was planning to, or how she was thinking of breaking the news to him.
I was also worried that she might be having second thoughts about us. After all, both of us were caught up in the moment and we said some pretty heartfelt words. But now that both our heads and hearts were clearer, was she having doubts?
Was I having doubts?
No, I was certain of how I felt toward her. I really did love her.
And yet…why was I feeling guilty?
I looked at the empty seat across from me.
When I thought I would lose Caprice, my heart felt as though it was being crushed by an industrial press. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much Caprice meant to me.
So the question I’d been asking myself was…did I love Caprice?
Seeing her back in class, I wanted to walk up to her, pick her up and hug her tightly.
And those were my honest feelings.
I loved Haruka, but did I also love Caprice?
I looked out the window at the scene of Haruka and her friends packing up and leaving the grassy knoll.
My feelings aside, I knew how Haruka felt about me. But I had no idea how Caprice felt. There were times I thought she barely tolerated me. And then there were times she would smile faintly at me, and my chest would ache while my heartbeat grew fast.
I looked down at my empty plate, a part of me glad my appetite had returned.
I looked down and wondered how I would resolve my problems of the heart.
I shook my head inwardly.
I was too young to be having these issues. And there were more important problems to deal with, such as getting my Fragment back and dealing with Crimson Crescent.
I looked up and saw an unexpected sight. Duncan Armand Avenir was walking toward me. He stopped at the table.
“Caelum Desanto, might we talk?”
I took a long, quiet breath as I regarded him silently for a long moment. “Talk about what?”
“About a mutual interest?”
I laughed under my breath. “Don’t mince words with me. I don’t have the time nor the patience for it.”
“I won’t take long,” he said.
It didn’t look like he was going to take no for an answer.
I kept him waiting for another long moment, my gaze firmly locked on his face.
Then I shrugged half-heartedly and waved at the chair Caprice had vacated some ten minutes ago.
“Thank you,” Duncan said as he pulled the chair back and then sat down opposite me.
Since he was tall and damn well good looking, it was no wonder he attracted the attention of the female student body. I was getting pissed off just staring at him.
His confident yet earnest expression was making my blood boil.
If he turns out to be a nice guy, I’ll kill him.
“I’ll be honest,” Duncan said. “I like Haruka Amiella. I like her a lot, probably more than any girl I’ve ever come across.”
“Really. And what do you like about her?”
“I like her positive outlook in life.”
I felt like laughing at that.
Duncan continued obliviously. “I like her honesty, and I like her spirit. I find that we have a lot in common, and my friends approve of her. She’s kind and sweet. She smart and easy to talk to.”
“Is that so…and is that all?”
In the corner of my eye, I noticed the girls in the nearby tables were glancing our way. They gave Duncan admiring looks. They gave me curious and unpleasant glares. They were probably mortified to see such a handsome senior talking to a lowly Familiar like me. Was I going to damage his reputation and corrode his good looks by breathing in his direction?
Uggh, I was starting to grow irritated.
Duncan frowned. “What do you mean ‘is that all’?”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Well, I thought her looks might count for something.”
He gave me a faintly withering look. “Yes, Haruka is a very attractive girl.”
Aggh, I couldn’t take this anymore.
I leaned forward and slapped the table. “Okay. Time out! Let’s drop the niceties. Haruka is a very attractive girl? Give me a gods damn break. She’s not an attractive girl! She’s a babe. She’s hot. She’s the kind of girl you want a poster of on your wall. She’s so hot she can stop traffic, and she was hot before she became one of your kind. So now she’s easily a nine point five out ten.”
“Eh,” Duncan uttered.
“Believe me I’d give her a ten out of ten, but then I’d feel biased. I mean, I’ve known her since we were kids, so of course I’d naturally want to bump up her rating but a nine point five is a top mark.” I pointed at him. “Don’t you agree?”
“Ah…yes….”
“Great! Now don’t tell me you haven’t thought of her in a swimsuit, or skimpy lingerie. I mean, she’s got the body for it.”
“Uh, well, it’s not like I haven’t wondered—”
“And those breasts.” I mimed fondling them. “I mean, can you imagine what they feel like? They must be amazing. Firm and soft and heavy. One look and you know babies aren’t light weight, and they’ve got just the right bounce. You’re not going to tell me you haven’t peeked down her top?”
“Ah, well, maybe once or twice.”
I slapped the table again. “Once or twice isn’t good enough. You have to take every opportunity that comes your way. Those puppies were grown to be looked at. You have to appreciate them at every turn.” I stood up and leaned on the table. “You have to grab her with both hands, wrap her in your arms, and feel them against your chest. If you can’t do that you’re not man enough for her.”
Duncan rose to his feet and glared down at me. “What the Hell are you trying to say?”
“I’m telling you to be a man and take that girl before someone takes her away from you.”
Now he looked stunned. “What?”
I challenged him with a smile. “Better get a good grip on her or Haruka’s going to slip through your fingers. In fact, she’s already slipping out of your grasp.”
“I definitely have a good grip on her—just you watch. This time next week, that girl will be mine, and I’ll let the whole colony know about it.”
I laughed at his bravado. “You seriously think you have what it takes to make her yours? Is Haruka really number one in your heart? Aren’t you just playing around with her?”
Duncan punched the table. “Haruka is number one in my heart. In fact, she’s the only one in my heart.” He slapped his chest hard. “There’s no other g
irl in here!”
Almost on queue I heard the sound of crashing plastic plates and trays, and more than a few cups and utensils.
Duncan and I turned slowly to witness a sea of female eyes staring at us.
It seemed every girl in the cafeteria had caught onto our conversation, and was now gaping at us with shocked expressions.
Then quite a few broke down in tears.
“It’s over. It’s all over,” an unidentified girl cried. “I can’t even dream anymore.”
“Aggh, no wonder he never replied to my love letter,” another girl wailed.
“I knew he liked someone, but why is it that second year girl?”
“What’s so good about her?”
“It’s those breasts she has! Tear them off.”
“What the Hell is it with men and large breasts? What’s so good about them?”
“It’s not fair. And I drink milk every day!”
“Death to girls with large breasts.”
“There’s one. Look at her. She’s so shameless. Aggh, I’m going to wipe that smile off her face.”
I stared at the commotion beginning to brew around us.
Little by little, more and more girls were starting to argue and loudly complain.
One girl slapped her hands on a table. “It’s true! Paul pays more attention to my sister than me—and he’s supposed to be my boyfriend!” She pounded the table. “And it’s all because she’s a Dee cup! It’s not fair.”
“Every time we’re at the water park, Marcus is always ogling the girls busting out of their swimsuits. What’s wrong with my swimsuit? I look good in a swimsuit.”
“I hate the posters he has on his bedroom walls.”
“I’m going to delete all the wallpaper images on his slate.”
“Why did he choose my cousin and not me?”
“He said he likes them small but I know he’s lying!”
“I’m tired of wearing falsies for his sake.”
“My push-up bra is so uncomfortable.”
“My legs are better than hers, but he’s always checking out my sister’s chest.”
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