Melody

  ***

  Wiping away my sweat, I looked at my test creation. Rather creations. In front of me were some new weapons that I had just forged. I say forged, but in reality it was mostly magic that did the forging. Anyway, I was looking at two swords and three spears, all made from orichalcum. Given the fact that I have a good amount, I decided to try my hand at weapon making. I’ve made plenty with Orion and Celestia, so it wasn’t too hard. That being said, it was time consuming. Luckily everyone is busy today, so no one should notice that I’m gone.

  With Angelica sleeping in the corner, I did this all by my lonesome self. Boo-hoo, how sad, it’s just me and my cool swords. Picking one of them up, it was about as long as a standard sword with a grip that could only fit one hand. My hand specifically. Okay, well not quite. It’s bigger so that I can grow into it, but I can always adjust it ter.

  Why would I need to grow into a sword? That’s simple. Eventually Charlotte, the Saint, will head out into the world to fight the Demon Lord. And if I don’t get to him first, I’ll go with her to help keep her safe. And if I can’t go as Melody, I’m pnning on going as Evelyn. After all, according to the stories, the earliest the Saint has ever been sent out is at sixteen and those Magical Girls who live that long lose their powers near that age. Maybe I’ll be lucky and become a witch, I can already use dark magic but let’s not assume that’ll happen. Regardless, I’ve still got some years before that possibility arrives.

  What I need next is armor. And that’s hard to make, especially when predicting my own body shape, so let’s wait a bit on that. Swinging my sword around for fun, I thought of what I wanted it to look like. I want it to look cool, so I may steal a design from Earth. Not sure yet. Anyway, putting my sword back, I carefully picked up Angelica and flew off towards home. I beat a few demons on the way, but it was nothing to worry about- wait. If I get rid of the demons on the way to or from my hideout can’t people track where I’m going? I’m not sure if people can, but the Demon Lord might. Okay, let’s let these guys off the hook from now on. It’s not like I’m near any towns or vilges, so they shouldn’t cause any problems for people.

  With that possibility accounted for, I headed home. It’s rather early given my usual schedule, so the sun hasn’t even started to set. I might actually go to sleep on time! Making sure that no one was around, I flew into my window and put Angelica in the little bed I made for her. After hiding her away on top of the wardrobe, I reappeared, turned back to Evelyn, changed into pajamas, and climbed into bed. Time to sleep!

  …

  “Lady Evelyn.” A familiar voice called out to me.

  “Huh?” I opened my eyes slowly.

  Standing over me was one of the Shadows, and judging from the sound of her voice, it must be 17.

  “Is something wrong?” I asked, rising from bed. “Are there demons?”

  “How are you feeling?” She asked.

  “I’m a bit sleepy.” I admitted. “Did something happen?”

  “No, I’m just checking in on you.” She said. “Are you feeling alright?”

  “?” I couldn’t help but be confused.

  What is going on? It wasn’t that dark yet, so not much time should have passed.

  “Am I supposed to say no?” I asked.

  “Are you sick?” She asked.

  “No?” I said.

  “Do you have any pns?” She asked.

  “I was just going to go to sleep…” I said.

  “Do you not pn on attending any events?” She asked.

  “Um. Am I missing something?” I asked. “Am I supposed to be somewhere?”

  “…” She looked at me.

  “?” Seriously, what is going on?

  “Don’t worry about it.” She gently pced a hand on my head. “Get some sleep.”

  “I was trying to…” I yawned.

  “Sorry.” She said. “Do you happen to have the communication device?”

  “It’s in there.” I pointed to my night stand.

  “I’m going to borrow it for a moment.” She said. “You’ll have it back by tomorrow.”

  “Okay…” I decided to y down.

  “Goodnight, Lady Evelyn.” She said, covering me with my bnket.

  “Night…” I said, once more resting my eyes.

  Hearing only the slightest sounds of my nightstand, I fell asleep for the second time tonight…

  Charlotte

  ***

  Finally getting some time to myself, I sighed. Sorry Amber, but I really need you to take the heat for a moment. At the Twin Regents’ tea party, I’ve been bombarded by questions and proposals. All because I’m a candidate to be the Saint. No, I’m saying that like there is anyone else. According to the Church, I am the Saint. All signs and visions from the Goddess say that it’s me. I keep denying it in hopes that the Goddess might pick someone else. After all, it seemed to work for Melody.

  Getting away from the crowds, I headed to a small balcony which seemed to be unoccupied. Maybe some fresh air will refresh me? As I approached, something made me pause. My body forced itself to stop. Although it wasn’t the same feeling that happened back at the training camp when that demon took over my body. Ah, speaking of that incident, Mother, and Father, and Amber, and every one of my house's servants profusely thanked Evelyn for saving me that time. Who knows what that demon would have done if she hadn’t been there to stop it.

  Anyway, just before I entered the balcony, I paused. I heard… Voices? It seems like someone is out there. Before I could check to see who it was, I heard part of their conversation.

  “Are you sure it was a good idea not to tell her?” A voice said.

  “The letter was delivered to me.” Another voice said. “And with her attitude, it’s not like she deserves to be here anyway.”

  Ah, family drama. I don’t want to get involved. I should leave.

  “But isn’t she the head of your household?” The first voice asked.

  “Figurehead more like it.” The second snorted.

  Yep. I really don’t want to get involved. Turning to leave, I heard one more thing.

  “She’s sick so often, I doubt she’ll live that long-” The second continued.

  I walked away before I could hear him finish. Whatever he was talking about, it sounds complicated. The head of the household being sick isn’t anything new. As I walked, a question popped into my mind. Why would a head of a household be invited to this party? It’s for kids… Wait… Looking at the many tables, I searched for my friend. Surely it can’t be her, right?

  “Is something wrong Lady Lottaway?” A familiar voice asked.

  “Ah, it’s nothing, Your Grace.” I offered a polite bow.

  Rising, I saw Lna Rsenr, one of the Twin Regents. She’s a polite, and not overly formal person. I’m sure that it’s just in my mind, but she seems to be the more casual of the two. Not that I would go out of my way to try and prove it. Wearing a dress that looked more casual than someone of her rank should wear, she was easy to approach and talk to. Had this been her brother, I doubt I would even be able to look her in her eyes.

  “It seemed like you were looking for someone.” She said. “If it’s your sister, I believe I saw her over by the snake table.”

  Gncing over, I saw Amber taking refuge next to some cupcakes with one of her friends by her side. Luckily the snack table is a no go zone for serious conversation. After all, it is rude to talk with one’s mouth full.

  “Ah, thank you.” I said, despite not needing the help.

  Hmn… Wait, maybe she would know?

  “Forgive me for asking, but is Lady Eytell attending?” I asked, as politely as I could.

  “Ah, Lady Eytell.” She nodded. “It seems that she’s feeling under the weather and couldn’t make it.”

  “Is that so.” I said.

  Well, that’s nothing new for her. I should have expected that.

  “Yes, her brother told me that earlier.” She said.

  “Is that so…” I nodded.

  Oh no. Given what I know of her retionship with her family, I couldn’t help but worry. I hope that I’m just overthinking things…

  “Is something wrong?” Young Lady Rsenr asked.

  “No, it’s nothing.” I shook my head.

  Gncing at the balcony, I still couldn’t quite see who was out there. But I hoped that I’m wrong…

  Evelyn

  ***

  Getting ready for school in the morning, I was eating the breakfast that was prepared for me. As usual, it was quiet. 38 was gone and Angelica was waiting outside for me. The st time she was in here, she was almost discovered, and I don’t want anyone to start asking why a Raven was following me around. So, cutting into my pancakes-

  “MAGICAL GIRL!” A familiar voice sounded out.

  “You again!?” I said out loud to no one. “I thought I beat you!”

  “IT IS I THE GREAT GOKARUL THE DISMEMBERER! I HAVE BEEN REBORN AND I ONCE MORE CHALLENGE YOU!” Gokarul said.

  “Okay I guess we’re doing this again!” I said.

  With a fsh of pale light I transformed into Melody. Taking flight, I turned invisible and flew out the nearest window. Sorry breakfast, but duty calls! Flying high up in the sky, I searched for any signs of magic. Obviously since he was sending out his signal to everyone, I picked up many false positives. Searching for the strongest of the signals, I saw one that was particurly strong coming from far in the west. That must be him! Thinking that, I speed off.

  “YOU MAY HAVE BEATEN ME BEFORE, BUT I WILL NOT BE HUMILIATED AGAIN!” He shouted.

  The further I got from people, the clearer the source was. Looks like he’s by himself in a again. I wonder if I’ll be able to get any useful information from him this time?

  “SHOW YOURSELF AND-” He looked up and spotted me. “AH, THERE YOU ARE!”

  “Came back for round two huh?” I shouted.

  “THIS TIME I WILL BE VICTORIOUS!” He said. “ALTHOUGH YOU MUST FORGIVE ME FOR NOT PREPARING A PROPER PLACE FOR BATTLE THIS TIME.”

  “Yeah I noticed that. You’re just kinda out in the open.” I said.

  That much is true. He’s just kind of standing in an open field with not much around.

  “WELL LAST TIME YOU JUST DESTROYED THE ARENA SO, I DIDN’T WANT ANOTHER PLACE GOING TO WASTE AGAIN.” He said.

  “Oh, sorry about that.” I apologized.

  That pce did look cool, but I really had to blow it up if I wanted to hide the fact that I took the orichalcum.

  “I won’t do it again if I can help it.” I said.

  “WAIT, REALLY?” He asked.

  “Well, yeah.” I said. “I don’t want to go out of my way to destroy things if I can help it.”

  “I’LL KEEP THAT IN MIND FOR NEXT TIME.” He said. “IF THERE IS A NEXT TIME! ANYWAY GET DOWN HERE AND FIGHT ME!”

  “Just you wait!” I said.

  Before nding however, I quickly looked around for any traps. If there were, I might be able to get some more precious metals! Seeing a few, I nded and hoped for the best. They didn’t activate? Maybe they are timed?

  “I’M A NICE GUY, SO I’LL GIVE YOU THE FIRST SHOT!” He said.

  Okay, I guess the trap is activated with magic, so I suppose that's how he wants to py this. Well, it’s not like he can hurt me, so I’ll py along.

  “Your loss.” I said. “Cryo-bloom spiral!”

  Raising my staff, white flowers bloomed across the field. Each one made of ice, spreading frost across the ground, individual crystals reflecting the sunlight, creating a cold, sparkling snowscape in the early morning light. With the initial set up complete, I was about to sm my staff into the floor when the traps went off.

  From both my left and right, two red lights shone out. With what looked to be ancient texts, these words circled around me, obstructing my view and even blocking out the sunlight.

  “YOU HAVE FALLEN FOR MY TRAP YOU FOOL!” He said proudly. “EACH OF THOSE IS A CURSE DRAINING YOU OF YOUR MAGIC AND GIVING IT ALL TO ME! SOON YOU WILL BE POWERLESS AND I WILL DESTROY YOU AND TAKE OVER THE WORLD FOR THE GREAT DEMON LORD!”

  Oh, it’s one of these. Yeah, I don’t even need to do anything. Not even bothering to finish my spell, I simply waited for the inevitable.

  “THIS POWER!” He said. “IT’S MINE! ALL MINE! I’M OVERFLOWING WITH ENERGY!!!”

  “…” It shouldn’t be long now.

  “IT’S-” His voice trembled. “IT’S TOO MUCH!!!!”

  From behind the curses, I saw beams of white light suddenly appear with the sounds of flesh tearing, and the scent of blood.

  “I CAN’T TAKE IT!!!” He yelled. “IT’S TEARING ME APART! AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!”

  With a fsh of light, the curses were blown away along with accumuted snow and frozen petals. Huh, it looks like I was too close to hear the explosion. Not only that but the air tastes metallic and burnt. I suppose that’s what’s left of his blood. I hope none got on me. Checking myself over, I saw that I was clean of blood. Only a bit of ice was on me. Speaking of ice, my lovely flowers seem to have been damaged. Let’s go ahead and fix those. Also, let's check on the traps while I’m at it.

  …

  Once more I flew into a window into my home. Waiting for me there was 17. I wonder if this is going to be a frequent occurrence? I hope not. She’s one of the shadows who’s supposed to be guarding the Regents. Regardless, I should show off that I’m fine.

  “I’m back.” I said, turning off my invisibility. “Nothing to worry about.”

  “Good to hear.” She said. “The Regents wish to speak with you.”

  “Got it.” I nodded. “Should I head over right now?”

  “No, they’ll have a carriage for you after school.” She said.

  “Okay.” I said. “I’ll be ready.”

  Nodding once, she headed off. Okay, no goodbye. I’ll see you ter than. Transforming back to Evelyn, I quickly headed to the kitchen. Given what just happened, they probably have a snack or something that I can eat on my way to school. If I hurry, I can make it to school on time.

  …

  Entering css just moments before the bell, I quickly took my seat next to Charlotte.

  “Good morning.” I said to her.

  “Good morning.” She replied, although looking a bit troubled. “How was your weekend?”

  “Uneventful.” I said.

  Obviously I can’t go around telling everyone my activities. Although my answer didn’t seem like the one she wanted.

  “Were you feeling ill or anything?” She asked.

  This again? Do I look tired or something?

  “No, I’m feeling fine.” I said.

  “Are you sure?” She asked.

  “Do I really look ill?” I asked.

  I got more sleep than usual st night and aside from that one thing, I wasn’t in a particur rush this morning. I really wish that I had a pocket mirror, but sadly I don’t. I lost mine, and haven’t yet bought a new one. Trying to figure out what was wrong, I couldn’t help but touch my face.

  “No no, these nothing wrong, you look fine.” She tried to ease my concerns. “It’s just…”

  She paused, as if looking for the right words.

  “Never mind, it’s nothing.” She said. “We can talk about it ter.”

  Well, it certainly didn’t sound like it’s nothing, but I’ll just have to take her word for it. Css is starting after all…

  Eventually, and with plenty of worried looks from Charlotte, css eventually went on break. Now, let’s figure out what she- Oh it’s Lloyd. What’s he doing here?

  “Lady Eytell, it’s a pleasure to speak with you.” Lloyd politely bowed to me.

  “The pleasure is mine.” I responded in kind. “For what reason do I have the honor of speaking to you?”

  “Forgive the blunt question, but were you ill yesterday?” He asked.

  This again!? What happened? What did I miss? What did I do!?

  “I’m starting to think that I should say yes to that question.” I sighed. “I know that I’m ill often, but I wasn’t yesterday. I was simply at home studying.”

  Lloyd looked troubled. Look pal, I’m the one who’s troubled by this.

  “Again, forgive the blunt question, but what of the invitation that was sent to you?” He asked.

  I guess I missed a party or something? Well, don’t bme me. Nobody told me anything.

  “I received no such invitations.” I said.

  “Is that so…” He seemed to be working something out in his head. “In that case, allow me to deliver this myself.”

  Saying that, he took out an ivory letter with a gold trim, sealed with a blue wax seal of the Regent’s family. Seeing this, my eyes widened. I guess I missed something big! Why didn’t 17 warn me!? I am going to get into so much trouble!

  “I see.” I managed to say, mostly calmly. “I’m honored to receive this.”

  “The honor is mine.” He said. “Think of it as an apology for mishandling our previous invitation. From now on I’ll personally deliver any to you myself.”

  Seriously, what did I miss!? Given everyone’s reaction and the fact that the next leader of The Empire will personally deliver things to me it has to be big! Unable to help myself I gnced at 38 and 19 who were nodding as if some great deed was done. Despite this being about me, I couldn’t help but be the most confused person in the room…

  Grayburne