Claymore Fanfiction Discussion

[Yosei]

Oh no, I'm sure I'd like a fair chunk of your music, since you mentioned other things apart from the hardcore rock genres. Yup, I'm pretty clueless about most rock circles, apparently Agalloch is one of those underground bands along the many that my friend loves, but I haven't really bothered asking him. I have a feeling that rock music makes me nod my head more than I type.

Much of the music I'm using now is performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, it's great.

[hell88]

Originally Posted by Yosei

Oh no, I'm sure I'd like a fair chunk of your music, since you mentioned other things apart from the hardcore rock genres. Yup, I'm pretty clueless about most rock circles, apparently Agalloch is one of those underground bands along the many that my friend loves, but I haven't really bothered asking him. I have a feeling that rock music makes me nod my head more than I type.

Much of the music I'm using now is performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, it's great.

Heres a good band for writing Claymore fics, they're called "Nightwish" and I think they're music fits perfectly with Claymore.

My favourite band is Metallica though, and I listen to them the most.

[ghazghkull]

I personally just listen to whatever the heck I feel like listening to XD

I primarily listen to Japanese music, but I do appreciate some Western and European music, among other kinds of songs, such as instrumental, orchestra, and a few other kinds XD

[KillerYomaFromSpace]

Originally Posted by Yosei

Hey guys, since this is a pretty open, friendly thread about everything fanfiction, I thought I'd start this mini-discussion.

I can't type without music. Music really helps me picture the mood of the setting and scene I'm writing, sometimes even the dialogue. I would be interested to hear what kind of music genres/songs you listen to when you write. Mine, currently, is European classical (in my previous stories it was rock).

Below you will see the tracklisting on my Itunes that I crank up whenever I write this current boxing fanfic. I reckon if you listen to a writer's "theme" for a character, you'll get a general idea of how that writer portrays that character. So if you're interested in how I "hear" my interpretations of the characters (and events) in Claymore, just tell me and I'll send you the soundtrack (mp3 attachment). They are not long, in fact they are quite short.

Spoiler for space:

1. Priscilla defeats Teresa

2. Irene's Hope

3. A Quiet Day at the Academy

4. Champion Carnival/The World Festival

5. Clare's Ambition

6. Preliminary Elimination

7. Championship Montage

8. Assault on Rabona Academy

9. Clare vs. Priscilla

10. Galatea's Theme

11. Isley's Theme

12. Rigardo's Theme

13. Irene's Theme

14. Flora's Theme

15. Cynthia's Triumph

16. Glory to Galatea's Students

17. Flora and Rigardo at the Hospital

18. Flora X Vincent

19. Teresa's Chosen One

20. The Boxers of Rabona (Final Battle)

21. The Royal Lancers (Final Battle)

22. The Meadows of Rabona

23. The New Age (Epilogue)

24. Reaching a Milestone (Final Chapter and Epilogue)

A DISCLAIMER: I renamed the actual tracks themselves for my own creative purposes. They are composed by other people and compiled in actual proper albums that I don't own. So I have kept their Artist and Album names. However, the track names are different. So I think that's still allowing intellectual integrity to the composer. I'm constantly updating this list.

This is an interesting post, because this very morning I thought that if I ever wrote a FF it wouldn't be the same without a soundtrack, I guess it only really plays and fits in the mind of the writter but it would be fun if there was some kind of website that autoplays the writter's chosen song depending on the opened chapter

btw... IRON MAIDEN!!

[NobodyMan]

Originally Posted by Yosei

@ Nobodyman: Ah, techno, cool. I like Japanese pop, although I have no idea what they're singing. :P some English and Chinese songs really rock for writing fanfiction though. I've been experimenting lately - in my first fanfics it was mostly Chinese and English pop and rock, now I've switched almost completely to orchestral.

NarutoFan is pretty huge I heard. I dunno, this is like, the only Anime forum I ever hang out consistently in. I tried to sign up for HiranoMoe forums because I love Hellsing but the webmaster is slack and hasn't verified my account

Yep, I love techno. My two favorite bands are Basshunter and Owl City, especially Owl City.

I like Owl City because most of the songs are really relaxing, so I listen to them when I'm writing a scene where the characters in the story are at rest. Overall, my favorite song is Dear Vienna.

Yeah, NF is huge, I only regular at a small portion of the entire forum.

[Yosei]

Originally Posted by KillerYomaFromSpace

this very morning I thought that if I ever wrote a FF

I thought we were gonna work something out? *nudge, nudge*

@ Nobody: I'll check out Owl City out sometime. The "rest music" I have is Buddha Bar and Zohar, but their... themes... don't really match Claymore.

[KillerYomaFromSpace]

Originally Posted by Yosei

I thought we were gonna work something out? *nudge, nudge*

I'm trying, but I must be 100% happy with it first, o else it won't go anywhere

[Yosei]

Fair enough. I reckon that's a very important thing to keep in mind - personal satisfaction of the work.

[shelter]

@Yosei:

Ehhh..it seems I miss a lot of the discussion here by not being online so often anymore

On your recent chapter: yes, Rigardo & Flora holding a stable/ decent conversation is rather - unnerving. Even in an AU I'd never think about it. I think its because Flora & Rigardo are seen as slain & slayer. So when I read that portion of the chapter I thought, "Wow - this is changing the way I look at Claymore"

Clare still is ambitious, I see. But I'm not sure why she would be so meek about beating Rigardo. If Cynthia & the others can sleep so soundly, she should be proud (a least visibly) that she beat Rigardo in a street fight.

And, yes, the last scene was - splendid. I like the imagery - extending Flora's teaching vocation to both her fight with Rigardo & her relationship with Vincent. With all your metaphors & imagery, Flora is turning out to be your most beautified character yet.

Originally Posted by Yosei

I can't type without music. Music really helps me picture the mood of the setting and scene I'm writing, sometimes even the dialogue. I would be interested to hear what kind of music genres/songs you listen to when you write. Mine, currently, is European classical (in my previous stories it was rock).

I once did a Claymore playlist when I wrote my first Claymore story. Unfortunately, I've lost quite a lot of interest with some of that music. I tend to use different genres to create different moods, so it isn't fixed for the story/ chunk of stories I write.

I think I'm like Hell. I need some good rock (but not too heavy) and some sentimental music & other kinds of tunes. I listen to a random combi of English-language heavy rock (Hurt, TFK, Lacuna Coil, Shinedown, Disturbed etc), Malay-language rock/ alternative (Peterpan, Sheila on 7, Samson) & of course, good Chinese music (Zhou Jie Lun, Wang Lee Hom).

[Ryuken]

@hell, Metallica, as far as heavy metal is concerned that is.

[hell88]

Originally Posted by Ryuken

@hell, Metallica, as far as heavy metal is concerned that is.

Rock on!

I'm really surprised at how quick this thread went from fanfiction to music. Yosei must have that special topic thing going on when he can just get people to start talking about other things besides what should be talked about.

[Yosei]

It's a strategy to distract you while I take a break from the main story... muahahaha. Kidding

But in all honesty it was just something to talk about in relation to writing... Now, it's that time again, yet another short break for me, and handing over to AkatsukiYu to continue with Reflections - Flora and Vincent's past. For myself, I was actually planning the final Clare/Priscilla battle and the Epilogue last night and it was a bit sad that there are only two major battles remaining before the conclusion. Anyhow enough whining.

As usual, I have read the guest chapter too, but I have not edited anything except for the occasional grammar. In its essence this is 100% not my work.

Spoiler for space:

Chapter 34: Guest Chapter by AkatsukiYu: Reflections III

“Hey Miss Janice, when will Miss Flora come back?” a little boy with green bright eyes and messy brown hair tugged the teacher’s dress getting her attention.

Miss Janice was a friend of Flora at the school. She was able to substitute for Flora whenever she could for her friend. She was an elegant woman like Flora, but instead of her wavy blond hair and silver eyes. Her radiance was a different beauty of a lovely brunette ponytail and soft brown eyes.

“She will be back soon Timmy, and then we’ll all go have fun outside for lunch.” Miss Janice implied to the boy nodded implying that he will wait. They were in a room adjacent to the front entrance so that children were able to be on the look out for Flora. But they were called back by Janice. They all sat on the ground except Janice who sat on a short stool and began to talk.

“Now children, while we all wait for Miss Flora to return, why don’t we all share what sort of fun we will have?” she asked sweetly to the children. Soon as she asked the question, the children began ranting at once what they were going to do. “Now, now children, one at a time please. There’s so many of you that I can only hear one at a time.”

“But you have two years Miss Janice.” a girl with pigtails smartly asked. The teacher slightly giggled inside of her.

“It’s ears sweetie, not years, but yes: I have two ears, but you too have two ears. Can you hear two different things at the same time Angela?” Janice asked.

“Yes.”

“But can you hear two voices at the same time?”

“No…” the girl looked disappointed.

“Now now… don’t worry Angela, I will listen to you all only one at a time.” Miss Janice told the child. “Now who wants to start? Let’s see let us start with you Angela since you were the brave one.”

“Okay Miss Janice,” the little girl chirped and the children were warped in a bunch of games that they would play.” Janice was listening carefully as each child named a game they wanted to play, many were repeated to be most favorable were: Pass it down, Tag, Simon Says, and more famous of all… Duck Duck Goose.

“She’s back!” A child bellowed pointing at the window, and was followed by a horde of children rushing to the windows in their classroom. Janice knew how strong of an influence Flora was to the children, she cared for them as if they were her own.

Each classroom had four windows, and there were thirty little kids trying to fit their head into them and see their teacher.

Miss Janice walked over to the windows as well. Pass the large bushes planted on the side of the fence was Flora and her horse. And, on the other side of the horse was, “a man?” she thought.

“Look there she is!” the little kids closest to the far right window.

Due to the angle, the kids on the far left window were unable to see her. “Do you want to go meet her at the front?” Miss Janice asked them since some were unable to see their angelic teacher. They all wanted too, so Miss Janice led them out of their classroom, and the hallway leading to the front entrance..

At the same time, Flora had just entered through the gate with her horse. As a pack of puppies, the children launched forward to go hug Flora. Flora saw how spirited they were and waited to be surrounded by the hugs of the small children.

Flora accepted them greatly as many of them welcomed her back, but all she heard was the howling voices of twenty little voices. Janice approached holding onto two little girls’ hands and the remainder of the class.

“I hope the grocery shopping was not difficult on you Flora,” Janice told her, as they hugged each other.

“Thank you Janice for watching them over for me, and no the market went well.” Flora replied breaking their friendly hug.

“Miss Flora can we go now!?”

“Yeah can we!?”

Before she can give an answer, their ears began ringing with their innocent voices. “Now, now everyone, we will go now… but first I want to introduce you to someone.” Flora told them.

“Um, Flora, what are you doing?” Janice nervously asked her friends. The children were always happy to meet people, except only if the school’s head allowed it.

“It’s alright Janice… you can come now!” Flora called out.

The children would jump whomever they meet as a friendly gesture, but when the person came out they were readied to, until…

The man came out and began walk towards the children, they began to prance but stopped and with one look into his eyes.

Those crimsons eyes with one look, was already enough to send them frightened…

“Ahh!!” some of the kids squealed and tried to hide behind Flora and Janice. Due to the two women’s width, only one child per each could hide behind them. The other children just stayed behind the two teachers holding onto the closest body... Janice was surprised that the children were scared, but the one who was most shocked was Flora.

Vincent stood firm in front of the scared little children. “I knew it,” he thought.

“Perhaps it was a bad idea Miss Flora.” Vincent told her bluntly eyeing her telling her it was a mistake after all.

“Children there are no reason why you should be frightened.” Flora tried to tell them.

“But he’s scary!”

Vincent saw there was no change in the attitude of the children, frightened they were of him, but he did want to “try.”

“There’s no need to be afraid of me, my eyes tell you differently… but there is nothing to be frightened about,” he told them. Flora took note that his tone somehow changed when addressing the children than to adults.

He kneeled down to their level of their eyes allowing them to view him from a shorter point of view. No one dare approached him still. One did, the little brave Angela walked towards the leveled man. The little girl showed neither positive nor negative expression on her face.

She touched his face with her hands; it was quite an uncomfortable feeling for Vincent for someone to just smudge their dirty hands all over your face.

“I like him!” Angela chirped giving Vincent an unforeseen childlike hug.

Dumbstruck was his expression as he could not believe it, and Flora silently giggled at the funny look he gave which soon turned into a simple small smile.

“You see children, you shouldn’t be afraid. No one should be called scary at the first sight of them.” Flora told them sweetly. The children decided to give into their teacher’s advice, and released the two teachers and approached him to examine him.

“Never judge a book by its cover…” Janice said to Flora as she walked next to Flora, “Who is he?”

Due to the little commotion the children gave, Vincent was not properly introduced. “Vincent Valentine,” Vincent said getting the attention of the schoolteacher Janice, “My name is Vincent Valentine.”

“That’s such a cool name!” a boy blurted out.

“Your eyes looked scary mister, sorry,” another child said feeling bad.

“You made a change impression of yourself Master Valentine. I am Flora’s colleague and friend Janice. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Since you were with Miss Flora are you her boyfriend?” that one random quote was enough to cause Vincent and Flora become statues, Flora gave a blush since it was hinted. Vincent was amazed how easily he can loose posture with the presence of Flora for some reason. The stern and solid fortification face of his was always tearing down for whatever reason it can be.

Janice saw the stone face of her friend and changed the subject quickly to save her friend’s shyness of the topic. “Alright, child, that’s enough,” she said gently, “we better hurry or lunch will soon miss us.”

They quickly hurried off with Janice to the place where they will have their lunch in the schoolyard. This allowed Flora and Vincent to regain themselves from the drama, but it had quickly made them quiet to each other. Flora took the reign of the horse and led it to a nice grassy area of the schoolyard.

As quickly as they hurried over to catch up with the children and Janice, they immediately began unpacking the groceries and began making some sandwiches and handing out some fruits and water they can eat for now.

Vincent pretty much just sat on the hillside on the soft grass as he watched the commotion take place before him. Before long, all the children were sitting and eating with their friends or with Miss Janice. It was… a childish happiness.

A sandwich came into his sight; he tilted his head up to see who it was. No other than Flora handing him the last of the sandwiches. Her deed in making them was completed.

“Arigato,” Vincent took the sandwich as Flora beamed as she plopped down next to him.

“I’ve only noticed but you’ve used foreign language a few times in your speech, what language is that Master Valentine?”

He swallowed a small bite of the sandwich before he started. “As I told you, I came from a distant land which is off this continent. The language is known to be oriental in my homeland of Kamimori.” Seemingly Flora was intrigued by his origins, but something differed.

“But your name does not seem to be origins of your native land Master Valentine.” Flora stated, due the common name of “Vincent” and “Valentine” of this continent, it was strange.

“No, I am actually native to this continent in fact.” she listened intently to his life’s story reading his lips. “When I was only a small child from what I remembered, my parents took me on their voyages as merchant traders to the different continents. We were happy with our lifestyle. We were always on the go.” his voice softened. “But one day, we have only recently arrived at one of our customers’ city harbor, a pirate raid from the sea came and began looting and killing. They’ve stolen our goods and burned my parents and everyone else on the ship alive on our boat… I was the only sole survivor from the boat. There wasn’t a passenger or crewman of the ship alive afterwards.”

His past was a sad one. She couldn’t resist but feel depressed for the man. A year ago, a child from her previous class became an orphan after the child’s parent fell to sickness. After that she never saw the child again…

“I apologize. I didn’t mean for you to tell me such tragedy of your life,” Flora expressed, she stare at her half eaten meat sandwich.

He saw her emotion and didn’t find a reason why she would be sorry, “I’m telling you because you asked, Miss Flora. Despite the tragedy, it has evolved me to be who I am now. If it didn’t I wouldn’t be here telling you this. The past is what shapes us now. No matter how sad or happy, the rough and easy times… we become that person that is here because of our past.” he assured her that she did not bring unpleasantness then continued.

“I had nothing left, my family gone, and my home sunk to the bottom of the sea. I was lost, until my parents’ customer who was also their closest friend was able to find me in the midst of the chaos afterwards. His name was Frederick. He knew no one else whom my parents may have had ties with, so he adopted me as his nephew into his house. He wanted to preserve who I was… the child of my parents. He wanted more than their flesh and blood to live on, but their name.” Vincent looked content with his past. He had no regrets.

“You must have a loving uncle.” Flora commented, forgetting about her sandwich entirely.

“He raised me, he was very fluently in the two languages, but since their native tongue was not English I had to learn theirs. Either way I learned both languages from him. He welcomed me into his house which I called home. He gave me a family that loves me back.”

“Master Valentine... ” she sighed his name; she found it intriguing to hear him tell his story. Vincent was going to continue, but it was disturbed by a small hyper voice.

“Miss Flora! Miss Flora! We’re done eating!” A little ponytail brunette girl hopped over showing her disposed garbage.

“Leave it with me Karen, you can tell the others that you can start playing right away as soon as everyone thrown away their garbage.”

“Miss Janice promised to play duck duck goose. Do you want to play?” the child asked Vincent.

“I’m not really interested in the game if duck duck goose.” Vincent told her familiar with the game.

“I won’t be able to play for now Kar…” Flora wanted to hear more of his story, little children do not know what mannerism was and made note to teach them of it.

“But you promised that this day was going to be special Miss Flora!” little Karen began to bawl, tears in her eyes.

Vincent was amused inside, as he returned to eating his sandwich then told Flora that the children required her attention more than him. Flora soon gave in and followed the child leaving behind her uneaten sandwich. Vincent finished his sandwich quickly, and became bored even quicker from watching the children and the two schoolteachers play.

“Duck duck goose” was definitely not his thing. He began looking around to see the speed of the wind. The wind was barely giving a breeze. He thought of a way to pass time, but then when he looked up and saw Flora tickling a little boy to death causing fits of laughter, knowing Flora was the goose and caught the duckling.

“God… I hate that game,” Vincent thought, as he pulled out a small pocketed box containing a hundred squared color papers tightly packed from the pocket inside his suit…

*****

The sun had tipped over to the west. Flora noticed the shift of the sun, and saw how exhausted the children were from countless games they have played. Not once have they taken a single break. Though in their eyes she saw they can last a life time of fun.

“Miss Flora is it time to go home now?” one of the school children asked her innocently seeing the other children from the school leaving the school grounds as some of the teachers were also leaving.

“Yes Myles it is… everyone gather around while I get Master Val –” horror struck her. She had completely forgotten about Vincent.

She ran over to the hillside where she can see him lying down with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed. “This was a horrible idea! I should never have asked Vincent to come to lunch with me (I mean us), how can I be stupid when the children also require my attention as well.”

Flower petals covered the land around him strangely, when she finally came into reach, “Master Valentine I am truly sorry. I did not mean to waste your time! Please forgive me I did not mean for this!” Flora bowed repeatedly.

“It’s alright really…” Vincent yawned his cold voice not opening his eyes. “I was able to pass time until I ran out of paper twenty minutes ago.”

“What could you have possible pass time quickly with…?” Flora took the time to notice the ground around him.

“Hey mister, it’s time to go home, mis…” the crowd of children came.

“Miss Flora we should really bring them back to the class… are you alright?” Janice asked worriedly. She noticed everyone’s gaze was at the man and the ground. “Oh my…”

“Wow mister! How did you make them!?” a girl exclaimed.

“What are they!? They’re so pretty!” another yelled.

“Hey mister how did you make them!?” the children began to shout out their curiosity. It was enough to stir Vincent’s eyes open and pulled his upper body up to face them. He took a look around him, to see how this can intrigue them so much.

What Flora saw from the distance wasn’t petals of flower, it was too large and had a particular shape. It was hand-made paper birds, Flora picked one of the colorful ones up, and it was large enough to put one in her palm. “Master Valentine, did you make all these?” Flora astonishingly asked, “There must be a hundred of them.” The little children began to pick one up each to examine it closer.

“A hundred seventy-six to be precise, this is called origami. It is an art where you simply fold paper to make an object out of it.” Vincent explained. “This would be called an origami crane. It resembles a true crane. It is the most common object to be made from origami.”

“Can I take one home minster Valentine!?” a little boy with short sandy hair asked, many children asked this question, it made Flora uncomfortable and guilty to do this to the poor man.

“Master Valentine spent the entire time making them,” Flora reasoned with the child. To accomplish something small yet vast as this was improper to take away the efforts put into making them.

“No it is alright, all of you can take as many as you like.” Vincent assured. “It is not a problem.”

The children happily began to pick up as many of the little colorful origami cranes (subtract the red and green colors). “But… a hundred seventy-six of these,” Miss Janice mouthed, astonished at the spectacular number.

“It’s nothing Miss Janice, truly. You can also take some and Miss Flora as well. If it is alright with Miss Flora, I can come by some other time to show the children how to make them.”

Immediately the attention of the kids went over to Flora, with pleading eyes. Flora nodded her head in approval.

The children cheered happily, Flora asked Janice if it was possible to take the children back to the classroom to gather their things before going home and that she can leave as well. The children and Janice bid their goodbyes to Flora and Vincent as they stayed behind.

There wasn’t an origami crane left except one in Flora’s hand, “Master Valentine, I…”

Vincent silenced her with his hand. “No… there’s nothing apologize for anything Miss Flora, so you can just drop it.”

Her heart ached with responsibility, he had saved her, he paid for her groceries, he agreed to come, he won over the children’s view of him, he had made these origami cranes to pass time for a devastating two hours, AND THEN give them up to the children. “Lord, take me now!” she screamed in her mind.

Unnoticed, he had taken out another origami figure. “Flora?” he called her name bringing her mind back to reality. Stunned, he was holding another origami figurine, a dozen origami red roses.

“Oh my god… they’re beautiful…” the origami roses are more sophisticated to make, it took up the red and green color papers he had, twenty-four to be exact.

“I’m glad I didn’t crush them,” he said, handing her the beautiful red origami flowers attached to green flower stems.

“Why…?” Flora asked.

“Because it would seem improper to go out to get some real roses, even though…”

“I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about why are you still here… why did you stay the entire time?” Flora refitted her question she would’ve expected him to leave her since she practically ditched him for the better part of the event.

Vincent closed his eyes and tried to tell her truthfully, “Words cannot speak my feelings. You are worth waiting for, Miss Flora. I find it strange, I don’t know what I feel, yet my actions are controlled by my feelings.” he told her. Though his voice may be cold, but there was emotion and sincerity in those words of his.

“Miss Flora, the sun stills shines. Would you like to take a walk with me in the city’s central park?” he offered his hand.

“Master Valentine, I would love to.” she replied. “And it is now my turn to tell my story.” She immediately hugged him.

“Perhaps on the way, we may stop at the flower shop so I can buy you real flowers. Then you can tell me the story on how you have the tendency to hug people and crush things in between.” he inform her musingly.

The origami flowers were flattened. “It’s because of you…”

[hell88]

Originally Posted by Yosei

It's a strategy to distract you while I take a break from the main story... muahahaha. Kidding

But in all honesty it was just something to talk about in relation to writing... Now, it's that time again, yet another short break for me, and handing over to AkatsukiYu to continue with Reflections - Flora and Vincent's past. For myself, I was actually planning the final Clare/Priscilla battle and the Epilogue last night and it was a bit sad that there are only two major battles remaining before the conclusion. Anyhow enough whining.

As usual, I have read the guest chapter too, but I have not edited anything except for the occasional grammar. In its essence this is 100% not my work.

Spoiler for space:

Chapter 34: Guest Chapter by AkatsukiYu: Reflections III

“Hey Miss Janice, when will Miss Flora come back?” a little boy with green bright eyes and messy brown hair tugged the teacher’s dress getting her attention.

Miss Janice was a friend of Flora at the school. She was able to substitute for Flora whenever she could for her friend. She was an elegant woman like Flora, but instead of her wavy blond hair and silver eyes. Her radiance was a different beauty of a lovely brunette ponytail and soft brown eyes.

“She will be back soon Timmy, and then we’ll all go have fun outside for lunch.” Miss Janice implied to the boy nodded implying that he will wait. They were in a room adjacent to the front entrance so that children were able to be on the look out for Flora. But they were called back by Janice. They all sat on the ground except Janice who sat on a short stool and began to talk.

“Now children, while we all wait for Miss Flora to return, why don’t we all share what sort of fun we will have?” she asked sweetly to the children. Soon as she asked the question, the children began ranting at once what they were going to do. “Now, now children, one at a time please. There’s so many of you that I can only hear one at a time.”

“But you have two years Miss Janice.” a girl with pigtails smartly asked. The teacher slightly giggled inside of her.

“It’s ears sweetie, not years, but yes: I have two ears, but you too have two ears. Can you hear two different things at the same time Angela?” Janice asked.

“Yes.”

“But can you hear two voices at the same time?”

“No…” the girl looked disappointed.

“Now now… don’t worry Angela, I will listen to you all only one at a time.” Miss Janice told the child. “Now who wants to start? Let’s see let us start with you Angela since you were the brave one.”

“Okay Miss Janice,” the little girl chirped and the children were warped in a bunch of games that they would play.” Janice was listening carefully as each child named a game they wanted to play, many were repeated to be most favorable were: Pass it down, Tag, Simon Says, and more famous of all… Duck Duck Goose.

“She’s back!” A child bellowed pointing at the window, and was followed by a horde of children rushing to the windows in their classroom. Janice knew how strong of an influence Flora was to the children, she cared for them as if they were her own.

Each classroom had four windows, and there were thirty little kids trying to fit their head into them and see their teacher.

Miss Janice walked over to the windows as well. Pass the large bushes planted on the side of the fence was Flora and her horse. And, on the other side of the horse was, “a man?” she thought.

“Look there she is!” the little kids closest to the far right window.

Due to the angle, the kids on the far left window were unable to see her. “Do you want to go meet her at the front?” Miss Janice asked them since some were unable to see their angelic teacher. They all wanted too, so Miss Janice led them out of their classroom, and the hallway leading to the front entrance..

At the same time, Flora had just entered through the gate with her horse. As a pack of puppies, the children launched forward to go hug Flora. Flora saw how spirited they were and waited to be surrounded by the hugs of the small children.

Flora accepted them greatly as many of them welcomed her back, but all she heard was the howling voices of twenty little voices. Janice approached holding onto two little girls’ hands and the remainder of the class.

“I hope the grocery shopping was not difficult on you Flora,” Janice told her, as they hugged each other.

“Thank you Janice for watching them over for me, and no the market went well.” Flora replied breaking their friendly hug.

“Miss Flora can we go now!?”

“Yeah can we!?”

Before she can give an answer, their ears began ringing with their innocent voices. “Now, now everyone, we will go now… but first I want to introduce you to someone.” Flora told them.

“Um, Flora, what are you doing?” Janice nervously asked her friends. The children were always happy to meet people, except only if the school’s head allowed it.

“It’s alright Janice… you can come now!” Flora called out.

The children would jump whomever they meet as a friendly gesture, but when the person came out they were readied to, until…

The man came out and began walk towards the children, they began to prance but stopped and with one look into his eyes.

Those crimsons eyes with one look, was already enough to send them frightened…

“Ahh!!” some of the kids squealed and tried to hide behind Flora and Janice. Due to the two women’s width, only one child per each could hide behind them. The other children just stayed behind the two teachers holding onto the closest body... Janice was surprised that the children were scared, but the one who was most shocked was Flora.

Vincent stood firm in front of the scared little children. “I knew it,” he thought.

“Perhaps it was a bad idea Miss Flora.” Vincent told her bluntly eyeing her telling her it was a mistake after all.

“Children there are no reason why you should be frightened.” Flora tried to tell them.

“But he’s scary!”

Vincent saw there was no change in the attitude of the children, frightened they were of him, but he did want to “try.”

“There’s no need to be afraid of me, my eyes tell you differently… but there is nothing to be frightened about,” he told them. Flora took note that his tone somehow changed when addressing the children than to adults.

He kneeled down to their level of their eyes allowing them to view him from a shorter point of view. No one dare approached him still. One did, the little brave Angela walked towards the leveled man. The little girl showed neither positive nor negative expression on her face.

She touched his face with her hands; it was quite an uncomfortable feeling for Vincent for someone to just smudge their dirty hands all over your face.

“I like him!” Angela chirped giving Vincent an unforeseen childlike hug.

Dumbstruck was his expression as he could not believe it, and Flora silently giggled at the funny look he gave which soon turned into a simple small smile.

“You see children, you shouldn’t be afraid. No one should be called scary at the first sight of them.” Flora told them sweetly. The children decided to give into their teacher’s advice, and released the two teachers and approached him to examine him.

“Never judge a book by its cover…” Janice said to Flora as she walked next to Flora, “Who is he?”

Due to the little commotion the children gave, Vincent was not properly introduced. “Vincent Valentine,” Vincent said getting the attention of the schoolteacher Janice, “My name is Vincent Valentine.”

“That’s such a cool name!” a boy blurted out.

“Your eyes looked scary mister, sorry,” another child said feeling bad.

“You made a change impression of yourself Master Valentine. I am Flora’s colleague and friend Janice. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Since you were with Miss Flora are you her boyfriend?” that one random quote was enough to cause Vincent and Flora become statues, Flora gave a blush since it was hinted. Vincent was amazed how easily he can loose posture with the presence of Flora for some reason. The stern and solid fortification face of his was always tearing down for whatever reason it can be.

Janice saw the stone face of her friend and changed the subject quickly to save her friend’s shyness of the topic. “Alright, child, that’s enough,” she said gently, “we better hurry or lunch will soon miss us.”

They quickly hurried off with Janice to the place where they will have their lunch in the schoolyard. This allowed Flora and Vincent to regain themselves from the drama, but it had quickly made them quiet to each other. Flora took the reign of the horse and led it to a nice grassy area of the schoolyard.

As quickly as they hurried over to catch up with the children and Janice, they immediately began unpacking the groceries and began making some sandwiches and handing out some fruits and water they can eat for now.

Vincent pretty much just sat on the hillside on the soft grass as he watched the commotion take place before him. Before long, all the children were sitting and eating with their friends or with Miss Janice. It was… a childish happiness.

A sandwich came into his sight; he tilted his head up to see who it was. No other than Flora handing him the last of the sandwiches. Her deed in making them was completed.

“Arigato,” Vincent took the sandwich as Flora beamed as she plopped down next to him.

“I’ve only noticed but you’ve used foreign language a few times in your speech, what language is that Master Valentine?”

He swallowed a small bite of the sandwich before he started. “As I told you, I came from a distant land which is off this continent. The language is known to be oriental in my homeland of Kamimori.” Seemingly Flora was intrigued by his origins, but something differed.

“But your name does not seem to be origins of your native land Master Valentine.” Flora stated, due the common name of “Vincent” and “Valentine” of this continent, it was strange.

“No, I am actually native to this continent in fact.” she listened intently to his life’s story reading his lips. “When I was only a small child from what I remembered, my parents took me on their voyages as merchant traders to the different continents. We were happy with our lifestyle. We were always on the go.” his voice softened. “But one day, we have only recently arrived at one of our customers’ city harbor, a pirate raid from the sea came and began looting and killing. They’ve stolen our goods and burned my parents and everyone else on the ship alive on our boat… I was the only sole survivor from the boat. There wasn’t a passenger or crewman of the ship alive afterwards.”

His past was a sad one. She couldn’t resist but feel depressed for the man. A year ago, a child from her previous class became an orphan after the child’s parent fell to sickness. After that she never saw the child again…

“I apologize. I didn’t mean for you to tell me such tragedy of your life,” Flora expressed, she stare at her half eaten meat sandwich.

He saw her emotion and didn’t find a reason why she would be sorry, “I’m telling you because you asked, Miss Flora. Despite the tragedy, it has evolved me to be who I am now. If it didn’t I wouldn’t be here telling you this. The past is what shapes us now. No matter how sad or happy, the rough and easy times… we become that person that is here because of our past.” he assured her that she did not bring unpleasantness then continued.

“I had nothing left, my family gone, and my home sunk to the bottom of the sea. I was lost, until my parents’ customer who was also their closest friend was able to find me in the midst of the chaos afterwards. His name was Frederick. He knew no one else whom my parents may have had ties with, so he adopted me as his nephew into his house. He wanted to preserve who I was… the child of my parents. He wanted more than their flesh and blood to live on, but their name.” Vincent looked content with his past. He had no regrets.

“You must have a loving uncle.” Flora commented, forgetting about her sandwich entirely.

“He raised me, he was very fluently in the two languages, but since their native tongue was not English I had to learn theirs. Either way I learned both languages from him. He welcomed me into his house which I called home. He gave me a family that loves me back.”

“Master Valentine... ” she sighed his name; she found it intriguing to hear him tell his story. Vincent was going to continue, but it was disturbed by a small hyper voice.

“Miss Flora! Miss Flora! We’re done eating!” A little ponytail brunette girl hopped over showing her disposed garbage.

“Leave it with me Karen, you can tell the others that you can start playing right away as soon as everyone thrown away their garbage.”

“Miss Janice promised to play duck duck goose. Do you want to play?” the child asked Vincent.

“I’m not really interested in the game if duck duck goose.” Vincent told her familiar with the game.

“I won’t be able to play for now Kar…” Flora wanted to hear more of his story, little children do not know what mannerism was and made note to teach them of it.

“But you promised that this day was going to be special Miss Flora!” little Karen began to bawl, tears in her eyes.

Vincent was amused inside, as he returned to eating his sandwich then told Flora that the children required her attention more than him. Flora soon gave in and followed the child leaving behind her uneaten sandwich. Vincent finished his sandwich quickly, and became bored even quicker from watching the children and the two schoolteachers play.

“Duck duck goose” was definitely not his thing. He began looking around to see the speed of the wind. The wind was barely giving a breeze. He thought of a way to pass time, but then when he looked up and saw Flora tickling a little boy to death causing fits of laughter, knowing Flora was the goose and caught the duckling.

“God… I hate that game,” Vincent thought, as he pulled out a small pocketed box containing a hundred squared color papers tightly packed from the pocket inside his suit…

*****

The sun had tipped over to the west. Flora noticed the shift of the sun, and saw how exhausted the children were from countless games they have played. Not once have they taken a single break. Though in their eyes she saw they can last a life time of fun.

“Miss Flora is it time to go home now?” one of the school children asked her innocently seeing the other children from the school leaving the school grounds as some of the teachers were also leaving.

“Yes Myles it is… everyone gather around while I get Master Val –” horror struck her. She had completely forgotten about Vincent.

She ran over to the hillside where she can see him lying down with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed. “This was a horrible idea! I should never have asked Vincent to come to lunch with me (I mean us), how can I be stupid when the children also require my attention as well.”

Flower petals covered the land around him strangely, when she finally came into reach, “Master Valentine I am truly sorry. I did not mean to waste your time! Please forgive me I did not mean for this!” Flora bowed repeatedly.

“It’s alright really…” Vincent yawned his cold voice not opening his eyes. “I was able to pass time until I ran out of paper twenty minutes ago.”

“What could you have possible pass time quickly with…?” Flora took the time to notice the ground around him.

“Hey mister, it’s time to go home, mis…” the crowd of children came.

“Miss Flora we should really bring them back to the class… are you alright?” Janice asked worriedly. She noticed everyone’s gaze was at the man and the ground. “Oh my…”

“Wow mister! How did you make them!?” a girl exclaimed.

“What are they!? They’re so pretty!” another yelled.

“Hey mister how did you make them!?” the children began to shout out their curiosity. It was enough to stir Vincent’s eyes open and pulled his upper body up to face them. He took a look around him, to see how this can intrigue them so much.

What Flora saw from the distance wasn’t petals of flower, it was too large and had a particular shape. It was hand-made paper birds, Flora picked one of the colorful ones up, and it was large enough to put one in her palm. “Master Valentine, did you make all these?” Flora astonishingly asked, “There must be a hundred of them.” The little children began to pick one up each to examine it closer.

“A hundred seventy-six to be precise, this is called origami. It is an art where you simply fold paper to make an object out of it.” Vincent explained. “This would be called an origami crane. It resembles a true crane. It is the most common object to be made from origami.”

“Can I take one home minster Valentine!?” a little boy with short sandy hair asked, many children asked this question, it made Flora uncomfortable and guilty to do this to the poor man.

“Master Valentine spent the entire time making them,” Flora reasoned with the child. To accomplish something small yet vast as this was improper to take away the efforts put into making them.

“No it is alright, all of you can take as many as you like.” Vincent assured. “It is not a problem.”

The children happily began to pick up as many of the little colorful origami cranes (subtract the red and green colors). “But… a hundred seventy-six of these,” Miss Janice mouthed, astonished at the spectacular number.

“It’s nothing Miss Janice, truly. You can also take some and Miss Flora as well. If it is alright with Miss Flora, I can come by some other time to show the children how to make them.”

Immediately the attention of the kids went over to Flora, with pleading eyes. Flora nodded her head in approval.

The children cheered happily, Flora asked Janice if it was possible to take the children back to the classroom to gather their things before going home and that she can leave as well. The children and Janice bid their goodbyes to Flora and Vincent as they stayed behind.

There wasn’t an origami crane left except one in Flora’s hand, “Master Valentine, I…”

Vincent silenced her with his hand. “No… there’s nothing apologize for anything Miss Flora, so you can just drop it.”

Her heart ached with responsibility, he had saved her, he paid for her groceries, he agreed to come, he won over the children’s view of him, he had made these origami cranes to pass time for a devastating two hours, AND THEN give them up to the children. “Lord, take me now!” she screamed in her mind.

Unnoticed, he had taken out another origami figure. “Flora?” he called her name bringing her mind back to reality. Stunned, he was holding another origami figurine, a dozen origami red roses.

“Oh my god… they’re beautiful…” the origami roses are more sophisticated to make, it took up the red and green color papers he had, twenty-four to be exact.

“I’m glad I didn’t crush them,” he said, handing her the beautiful red origami flowers attached to green flower stems.

“Why…?” Flora asked.

“Because it would seem improper to go out to get some real roses, even though…”

“I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about why are you still here… why did you stay the entire time?” Flora refitted her question she would’ve expected him to leave her since she practically ditched him for the better part of the event.

Vincent closed his eyes and tried to tell her truthfully, “Words cannot speak my feelings. You are worth waiting for, Miss Flora. I find it strange, I don’t know what I feel, yet my actions are controlled by my feelings.” he told her. Though his voice may be cold, but there was emotion and sincerity in those words of his.

“Miss Flora, the sun stills shines. Would you like to take a walk with me in the city’s central park?” he offered his hand.

“Master Valentine, I would love to.” she replied. “And it is now my turn to tell my story.” She immediately hugged him.

“Perhaps on the way, we may stop at the flower shop so I can buy you real flowers. Then you can tell me the story on how you have the tendency to hug people and crush things in between.” he inform her musingly.

The origami flowers were flattened. “It’s because of you…”

That was a nice chapter to slow down from the storyline. I have to say, but only one word comes to mind after reading this, well two actually. Cute because of the children, I was not expecting it to be like that, and after reading the end of the chapter, sweet would be the only other word that comes to mind.

You guys should bring back Master Sands, he was cool. It would be fun to see him again at the end of the story.

[AkatsukiYu]

He'll appear... in a way...

[hell88]

Originally Posted by AkatsukiYu

He'll appear... in a way...

Cool I hope he kicks some ass with his broomstick or something.

[shelter]

Originally Posted by hell88

I'm really surprised at how quick this thread went from fanfiction to music. Yosei must have that special topic thing going on when he can just get people to start talking about other things besides what should be talked about.

Yeah he apparently does We better get this thread back on track before the mods start thinking we're playing punk.

@AkatsukiYu: Must thank you for inventing the Flora - Vincent pairing. I read your comments on Chapter 33 (in spoilers) & realized that this particular Vincent in this story might not exactly be like the FF character down to the very last detail. But you seem to have found a pair of very unlikely characters across fandoms that go very well with each other.

[Yosei]

Originally Posted by shelter

@Yosei:


On your recent chapter: yes, Rigardo & Flora holding a stable/ decent conversation is rather - unnerving. Even in an AU I'd never think about it. I think its because Flora & Rigardo are seen as slain & slayer. So when I read that portion of the chapter I thought, "Wow - this is changing the way I look at Claymore"

And, yes, the last scene was - splendid. I like the imagery - extending Flora's teaching vocation to both her fight with Rigardo & her relationship with Vincent. With all your metaphors & imagery, Flora is turning out to be your most beautified character yet.

Flora is I daresay the saint of the story. A loving, sensual wife, a devoted friend, an exemplar teacher (as AkatsukiYu has admirably narrated) and is happy to forgive someone even though he was choking her to death hours earlier. I was hoping you (or anyone) would notice how she begins to call Rigardo "My Lord" - that is *THE* most respectful and most intimate honorific she blesses him with, especially after she takes care of him at the hospital scene. The tension is palpable, yet I think her dialogue of "My Lord" gives a different sort of tension. It means much more than simply an offer of friendship and forgiveness - she recognizes his strength and authority as a Royal Lancer, who are supposed to be her arch-enemies.

To me, that was the crowning "unnerving" part.

And yes Flora indeed teaches Vincent many things.

[AkatsukiYu]

@hell88: Well I was planning on making Mr. Sands appear in some way anyways. You will just have to wait and see.

@shelter: In overtime, the Vincent Valentine (if you know) from Final Fantasy VII series is practically a different Vincent Valentine. While portraying his personalities. He does open up little by little to Flora. But not entirely to change his identity. I'm sure I didn't get Vincent exactly like the FFVII series portrays him.

The Vincent Valentine Yosei written was very much like mine despite the "crying" and "weeping" abilities he has. It is unlikely for Vincent to cry. BUT my Vincent will vary to the actual FF and my novelty. Most certainly... he's not going to cry, but most certainly he will change while holding his cold/mysterious/dark enigma he carries with him.

Once the pair was made... it was automatic. Flora was to be saved by him by putting her into my novelty. Originally I was planning on making Vincent randomly saving Flora from the claw finger from Rigardo.

Soon the guilt of having Flora to live while others died was also a toll on me. Thus I given life to them all. Thus sprouted the 21 OCs. Book 1 became more of a continuing story through subtext of the arcs of Part 2. While Part 1, 3 are main focused on the evilness of the enemy :P

It's centric of FloraxVincent... and another fandom MiriaxRaiden (FFVSXIII guy) (he doesn't have a name yet) And a GalateaxNot sure. Galatea has a hard time with relationships in Book 1.

[Yosei]

Hmm it suddenly became quiet in here.

Back to the main plot until I receive new material from guest writers. We are getting quite close to the end now. Don't worry, the pain will be over soon.

Spoiler for space:

Chapter 35: Sudden Death

Outside Sutafu. Evening


Raki’s fists thundered in the depths of the ancient forest, observed by his master Isley and a small, young girl dressed in a modest blouse but barefoot. She had dark brown hair that trailed to her shoulders, and her eyes were innocent, naïve, wide. She was barely recognizable in her more amiable body. But unbeknownst to most, when enraged, she was a most lethal warrior, and the ultimate weapon of the Royal Lancers.

She was the current World Champion.

She was Priscilla.

Isley nodded approvingly beside her. “Now, show me your offensive forms.”

Raki paused, and entered into another stance, fists raised. He gave a sharp cry of exertion, and lashed out, his fist digging into the thick trunk of a tree, splintering it in half. The forest canopy rustled with the power of Isley’s disciple, and leaves fluttered to the shrouded ground. Several more trees succumbed to the strength of his calloused knuckles. Priscilla clapped her hands eagerly as he continued his deadly demonstration. “Big brother Raki is the strongest man in the world!” she cried, jumping up and down, snapping twigs and crinkling leaves in her wake.

“Very good, very good,” agreed Isley.

Raki suddenly paused, and lowered his hands. The forest fell quiet with him as he made his way near Priscilla and took up the small, golden belt that lay on the ground. It was a relatively small belt, but one that was encrusted with four different precious gems, representing the four elements: ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond. These four stones represented dominion over the very world itself.

This belt was the legendary honour than every bare-knuckle boxer craved.

It was the belt of the World Champion.

Raki stared at it, unable to tear his eyes away from the dazzling regalia. “Master.”

“Yes?”

“Why… are we throwing everything we have at Clare? Even Priscilla herself?” he added, glancing at the brown-haired girl who blinked at him innocently, smiling affectionately.

Isley shook his head. “A foolish question. Clare presents the greatest threat to us. You know this better than most.”

“No, Master. I’m asking why don’t we… you know… get Clare to see things our way?”

“On a superficial level, I want you and Priscilla to grow stronger. I have no pedagogical concern for a Rabona bumpkin girl like Clare. But more importantly – ” Isley smiled gently. “She stands with God-Eye Galatea and Flash-Strike Irene, in direct opposition to us, and Sutafu Academy. That reality alone is reason enough for this… war.”

“Complain, complain, complain,” grumbled Raki. “Why don’t you just sneak into Rabona, turn into that crazy centaur form of yours, and lance her in the face?”

Isley was chortling too heartily to reprimand the other’s insolence. But it was a façade; for there was something he needed to achieve this day. Something that would require…

A sacrifice.

“Speaking of lancing, Raki…” his face suddenly turned serious. “Perhaps it is time to proceed with our agreed course of action.”

The disciple’s face darkened. For a moment, it looked as if he was going to protest, but his muscular body was submissive as he walked towards his teacher. He met his commander's eyes uncomfortably.

“You are playing a central role in the vocation of the Royal Lancers. I trust you understand and are honoured by this.”

“Yeah, I know. But make it quick,” muttered Raki.

Without a hint of a blush, Isley drew near and clasped his student close to him, like a proud father embracing a son about to set off to a war. “There is no more commendable student in this world of bare-knuckle boxing than you,” he whispered, his left hand caressing Raki’s hair, leisurely, almost sensuously.

“King’s Lance,” he intoned, and with that, his right hand mutated into a mighty spear that impaled Raki through the abdomen.

*

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” smiled Isley beneficently, as his lance emerged from the back of Raki’s body, bursting through intestines, bone and skin and the fabric of his singlet.

“Gaaaaaagh…” Eyes wide, Raki vomited blood, and Isley backed away, letting his student slide off the end of his lance. The Knight of the Dawn fell to the ground, convulsing in tortured pain, a foot-wide hole through his stomach. He swore loudly, obscenely, if only to deal with the agony. “Fuck… this hurts… a lot more than I thought it would.”

Priscilla let out a short wail. “Big brother!!” Her eyes flashed yellow, and she glared at Isley. She took a step towards him, as if to rip him in half –

“Now, Raki. Tell her,” commanded Isley smoothly, his lance slowly returning to its human shape.

“Priscilla…” gritted Raki, his blood pouring across the ground. “Stop.”

Priscilla could not believe her ears. “He hurt you! I’ll kill him!”

He stared deep into her horrified eyes, his loving gaze unhindered by his agony. “No, sweet, brave girl. It is not his fault. Clare… has forced Isley to do this. Clare wants revenge for your victory over Teresa. She won’t stop at hurting those close to you… to get revenge. She wanted to hurt me, Priscilla. If you wish to avenge me… awaken your strength and bring out your power. Stop her. She is your challenger… You must stop her for me.”

“C… Clare?” mumbled Priscilla tearfully. "Hurt... you?"

His hand trembled, raising her World Championship belt to her.

“Take it… and fight in its name,” he moaned, gore spilling from his mouth. “Fight in my name.”

Weeping, she understood, taking it and donning it reluctantly, clipping it around her waist, trembling as she did.

His voice grew weaker, and he smiled one last time at the girl he had cared for so many years. He hated having to lie to her, but he had no choice. It was what he had agreed to. Even so, he could not help hiding an apology in his gentle words. “This may be the last time… we see each other again. No matter what happens to either of us, I will always love you, baby Priscilla.

“Master… please take of her.” Unable to cling to consciousness any longer, he fainted, his body falling limp before her.

“You have my word, boy,” murmured Isley, closing his eyes.

My insincere word, but my word nevertheless.

It did not take even a heartbeat for Priscilla to begin wailing and beating her breast. Her eyes turned yellow, and the ground below her erupted in a silver aura. Never had she felt such rage… not even when Teresa had taunted her in the pit; had taunted her of her youth.

Teresa had paid dearly for that. And now, so would Clare.

“I will kill her,” snarled Priscilla, her fists clenching furiously. “She made Isley hurt big brother Raki. I will rip out her guts and offer them up to him!”

Isley smiled as that most terrifying aura swirled around Priscilla. She was distressed, enraged, confused, hateful. It was everything he could have hoped for. She need not even train. Now, she was truly ready for the Championship.

“Very good, Raki,” he murmured, glancing at Raki’s motionless body.

“From hereon, we part ways. If you can survive, live on, and become the greatest man you can be. If not, then…

“Farewell.”

*

Morning


In the mansion of Sutafu, Isley stood on the balcony at the uppermost level, gazing out at the forest that surrounded the complex. “Rigardo took it upon himself to attack Rabona, injuring himself to the point that he can no longer participate in this World Festival.” He put a hand to his chin. “That does not surprise me. What surprises me more is that he was injured at all. But with Priscilla’s power awakening, no longer will I need to rely on the Royal Lancers as a totality.”

“The bout between him and Clare is already cancelled,” twittered Riful, standing beside him. “It seems that it’s now my turn.”

Isley nodded “Well, I trust you will prepare assiduously for it. It matters not a great deal, however. Now that Priscilla grows in grief and hate by the day, there is no possibility of defeat.”

Riful did not reply and departed, rendezvousing with Dauf outside Isley’s private chambers. They descended the spiral stairs in silence. She turned to Dauf only when they had strolled out of the Academy and into the immediate forest: positively out of Isley’s earshot. “It’s time.”

“What are we doing now?” he asked, scratching his head.

“What do you think, dummy? We must contact Galatea, and tell her of Priscilla's Awakening. We’re going to get the Rabona kids to attack Sutafu.”

“So soon?” cried Dauf. “I thought we were going to wait until the date of the bout. Wasn’t that the plan?”

“If that idiot Galatea had followed my suggestion to attack straight after Rigardo's attack, Isley wouldn't have gotten the genius idea to awaken Priscilla early. But noooo. When she's the one striking an alliance, it's all about her.”

"I hate her. She bashes me and the boys up, then she strikes some stupid secret deal with you a couple of weeks later?" snarled Dauf. His angry eyes turned cautious. "Isley will come after us, so we gotta be careful."

Riful laughed. “Isley wants us dead at Priscilla's hands, stupid. I hate Galatea too, but nothing’s worth this. I’m not putting my life on the line to delay and strengthen Priscilla’s awakening. I’m having the Rabona gang attack and kill Isley before he kills us all, and I’d advise you to come along if you don’t want to be sacrificial food for him.”

Dauf quickly regained himself. “Whatever you say, dear.”

She shot him a shifty look. “Have you laced the bottom levels with the explosives I provided you?”

“Yup. I strapped those babies everywhere,” said Dauf proudly, as they made their way outside the arcing gateway of the Academy’s path into the deeper forest. “I’ve set the fuse running. It’ll be anytime now.”

“No one saw you? That’s pretty amazing,” nodded Riful, as the couple gingerly put their hands to their ears. They ambled past the main gate of Sutafu, although Dauf’s step was eager and hurried, like a child playing a mischievous prank. “This lame forest has always needed some fireworks, anyway. And it’s not like we live here.”

“Three, two, one,” guffawed Dauf.

“Boom,” chirped Riful.

A mighty explosion thundered through the vicinity behind them, and several chunks of concrete hurled themselves into the sky, shooting past the forest canopy. Several separate blasts rocked the old structure, and the earth quaked as the explosives underground also released themselves, incinerating all the subterranean chambers and facilities within. The inferno engulfed the surrounding trees, pulling down the canopy down into the abyss of fiery devastation, devouring the school in a hungry, licking flame.

Within several heartbeats, generations of bare-knuckle boxing heritage were obliterated. Only a half of the Academy remained, and it wasn’t even certain if the personnel inside had survived.

Oh, well.

Riful whistled. “Isley won’t be too pleased,” she sniggered, fanning her face with a hand. “He wanted to pre-empt me, to corner me with Priscilla, but no one outwits Lady Riful. With this much damage to Sutafu, it should be easy for the Rabona kids to come in and mop up the rest. Whether they can beat Isley is a different story.

"Now come on, sweetie. We must go and report to our God-Eye ally.”

Spoiler for Please:

In the past two days I have been rather pooped from writing the final chapter and Epilogue, not to mention putting what little remained of my creative faculties in this chapter, and I think it is affecting my mood. I would ask that someone help me to the final battle between Isley and the Rabona boxers, and I have asked Hell to help me with the Clare vs Priscilla bout.

I think the reason for this is that the final conclusion of the Epilogue is really quite sad, and while I chide myself for concluding this story like that, I think it is narratively a good choice.

[KillerYomaFromSpace]

nice chapter, m8, can't wait for the next ones

and I understand how you feel, the end is always the hardest part, as it seems that the only "good" ends are the "bad" ends, then you feel guilty for it