Two Fates: Divine Storm and War Maiden

Chapter Maya: Ball.

Maya was getting proper food after that display. Her father has not even stepped anywhere near her. Perhaps the fear that had manifested due to the violence his timid daughter shown before was enough to push them away. Sir Roderick had also not dared to make an appearance. The maids and servants were quiet and careful with whatever that Maya was getting. 

Though there was an event that Maya will be attending tonight. It was a ball, one that Maya had loathed in the past when she was Elena. Though the lessons she took as Elena for preparation of all the dances in the ball would come useful and Maya did not have any education regarding such matters. Not even any training in etiquette. So she was lucky for all of that training when she was Elena.

Though the question has popped up, will the person who is Crow's incarnation be there? She was thinking about what to say if she saw him. Will it be, 'I've missed you?' or was 'I love you?' or asking how was his day? Or ask about a letter? 

Maya's thoughts were running in her head like no tomorrow. The main thing that was on her mind was to consider what she wanted. What is the most important aspect that she wished. This was a life where they both can be together with no issue, where they would be allowed to date. Though there are protests but what's a bunch of people saying they disapprove of the relationship compared to a war? 

Maya  smirked to herself. Holding her pillow, hugging it. Letting her mind wonder, will Crow be that handsome devil she remembered all those years ago? Or will he be a youthful teenager that will steal her heart bit by bit? Or did he incarnate into a person who would smack his head into books? Or did he have the body he used to have when they were 15? Maybe his hair changed? 

So many possibilities, as Maya considered all the details. There was a lot to imagine Crow's incarnation by, but... If she had to choose. It would definitely be the Crow when she met him as Elena. Seeing him wear that black tailcoat with the white shoulder cape. A handsome smile as he leaned at the corner. Maya rolled in bed as she awaited for the time.

3 hours before the ball, Maya quickly readied herself. Doing all of it herself, refusing to let anyone help her. The preparation for herself, Aquila appeared not as a horse but as a suit of armor. 

"Aquila?" 

"This is the suit of armor for my rider. It will be easier to aid you this way." Maya smiled as Aquila helped her, brushing her hair. Even preparing the dress. A burgundy ball gown that suited a daughter of the Alistair Empire. 

"Aquila is that..." 

"Yes, that is the ball gown of Elena Strongbow. One that was made for her during the war but never known. Of course, the Spirit World denizens would prepare it. Stealing it since the humans threw it out." Maya liked it, despite the fact that the skirt reached past her ankles. She was still able to move comfortably, the skirt flows with her movement. The design had been modernized slightly, the skirt was not wide as it was previously. Shrinking it a bit was good for Maya's movement. 

"Now, let me do your make up." Aquila said, starting off with the foundation. Then the eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. 

"Thank you, I... I was never one who could do all this." 

"It is fine, My rider. I believe that your beloved... The one you long for with those eyes.. is the one who is able to do all this for you, correct?" Maya nodded with a beaming smile.

"That is true, Aquila." Maya said as she stepped out, seeing that her family has went ahead first including Consort Graham and Sir Roderick. Maya did not complain as she headed to the ballroom.

Her pressence was unexpected, seeing the eyes of the Empress that glared at her. Lashti who was trying her best to hide the scorn from her face.

"Her Highness, Maya Strongbow. Shall take the stage." It was a trap but Maya accepted it. 

"Where is your dance partner, Your Highness? I'm sure you will need one for such an occassion. I've heard that Sir Roderick was ill today." Maya did not let the atmosphere and whispers take over her pride. To which they heard footsteps. 

Maya turned, seeing a familiar figure. In an instant she smiled. The teenager moved to her, bowing before her. Then kissing her hand. 

"Crow." 

"Elena." The two smiled as the music played. A pair of masks appeared by their sides as they both put it on. Then walking away from each other as they walked over to knights. 

"May I have your saber?" 

"Yes, your highness." The knight passed the saber to Maya while Sieg wielded another katana though it was not named. 

The musicians stopped with their music, it seems that they were confused to what was going on between Sieg and Maya. They watched as the duo drew their blades. 

"Orchestra, the music that is to be played is Gaps Between Death. Page 72 of the book." Maya said where the maestro nodded. Then turning to the page, where the violins led the trumpets and piano. 

"I guess we still prefer dancing with our blades." Maya said.

"Of course." Sieg said as they both took their stances.When the trumpets sounded, that was their signal to fight. The kind of swordsmanship for this hall will be the flashy kind, one that is commonly used to greet a noble from other countries. It was mainly misdirecting each other's attacks. The swing of their blades produced sparks, their footwork was to mirror one another. 

A step to the side as Maya pushed her blade forward to pierce Sieg, where she watched as Sieg twirled to the right. Taking a step closer and then held her hand. Twirling her away from him. The Gaps Between Death was a song that is normally played when swordsmen meet. The music was aggressive and there was a lack of clarity in which instrument will lead as they switch between them. Giving different rhythms for swordsmen to follow.

Maya and Sieg smiled beneath their masks, they could hear the voices of the onlookers that observed them.

"How... I thought swords were barbaric." 

"To think one may dance with swords... Those are dulled out edges right?" 

"No. I believe they are dancing with sharpened blades." 

Maya and Sieg were careful, they did not even graze each other at all. Precision in their movements as Sieg would be the accompaniment while Maya led with her rhythm. When she would go fast strikes, Sieg would go slow. When she went slow, Sieg would move fast. Then the music slowed down, where Sieg and Maya stepped back from each other. Circling each other in the distance, waiting for the leading instrument to make its return. This time would be the violins and there will be one for each. One for the lead and one for the accompaniment. Sieg will take the lead and Maya will take the accompaniment.

Now was the time, the violins started with  a single note, where Sieg and Maya stopped circling each other. The second note started as Sieg and Maya charged at each other, unleashing flurry of attacks to each other. Eventually breaking the masks, where Sieg's hair tie snapped. The music died down afterwards, where they watched as Sieg and Maya sheathed the blades. Passing it back to their knights and Maya taking out a hair tie for Sieg to use.

Sieg turned his back as Maya tied his hair for him. He bowed, she curtsied. Now they proceeded to continue with their dance. Watching how Sieg was careful with Maya's aggressive footwork. They watched as to how Maya raised her leg, her heel was a finger away from Sieg's face. The calmness that was on Sieg's face was something many women admired but many men found it odd. Because normally the men would be leading or be more aggressive. 

In that living room itself, they were changing things within the ballroom. The pair's beaming smile, the way their hands held each other in a gentle, yet affectionate embrace. Maya could see Roderick scorning at the sight, to which the end of the waltz was Sieg and Maya standing with their backs turned to each other. 

Such a gesture, known only to certain nobles. It meant 'I wish to be with the person who stands behind me.' Maya and Sieg turned, a bow and a curtsy as they stepped back to the crowd.

Roderick walked on over to Sieg.

"Just whose fiancee do you think you're dancing with?" Roderick spoke with a glare, his hand tightly gripped to his blade.

"Oh, to my understanding you were sick. It's a shame that you left your dance partner alone." Sieg said as he picked up a glass of water, taking sips.

"You... You dare say all that?" 

"I dare because it is true. Her majesty said it herself. If you have a problem then take it up with her Majesty." Roderick could see the Empress shaking her head to the sight.

"Then I challenge you, for my fiancee's hand!" Roderick said as he threw a glove at Sieg who picked it up. Then walked on over to Maya.

"Maya, it seems your fiancee wants to duel me for your hand." Sieg siad where Maya smiled, placing her hand over Sieg's cheek. Pinching it a bit.

"Hey, don't pinch my cheeks too hard." 

"Oh, Roderick. I've heard you were sick. So it seems you've recovered. So you wish to duel him for my hand? Was I truly ever yours?"  Maya's phrasing of that line proved that Roderick was nothing before the eyes of the High Society.

"It seems you are a big fan of wasting my time, Sir Roderick. Why bother let your fiancee wait? Oh, sorry. You were sick or were you busy making out with the Duchess of Bortonby?" That was a strong accusation as the Duchess of Bortonby herself stepped forward.

"That is an absurd claim! Slander! How dare you say that to me!" Maya walked on over, slapping the Duchess's face. 

"If you want to have him, then by all means. Your Imperial Majesty." Maya turned to the Empress.

"What is it Maya? Must you make quite a mess?" 

"I wish to annul my engagement with Sir Roderick." 

"The rule states that Princess must be engaged to someone when you reach the age of 15. I see no better suitors for you." Maya casually pointed at Sieg who was standing beside her.

"The son of Duke Baratos?  Surely you jest?" The Empress asked. 

"You said I must be engaged. I chose my partner, is that a problem?"Maya spoke with not much focus to it. 

Maya and Sieg both heard something. The racking of the slide, where a person aimed at Maya. Sieg stood in front of Maya as the gunfire was heard. The bullet pierced through Sieg's coat, it did leave a mark over his chest and they see drops of blood from it. The gunman was about to fire again. Sieg vanished from sight, slashing the hands of the gunman up into the air with Azure White.

"It seems that the guards were lacking today, Your Imperial Majesty. Luckily for us, my partner had dealt with it." The gunman screamed in agony as Sieg walked over towards Maya, wiping the blood off Azure White with his left hand. 

"Then he must fight against Sir Roderick for your hand." Sieg shouldered Azure White but shook his head.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I believe that you did not hear Her Highness's Words. She herself can take on Sir Roderick." Sieg said where everyone began to gasp and murmured at Sieg's disrespect to the Empress.

"You do realize the gravity of this duel, Sieg?" 

"Of course. State your terms." Sieg said.

"If Sir Roderick wins, then the engagement shall continue and the Princess shall be an obedient partner to Sir Roderick. She will pay reparations for the disgraceful words to House Bortonby. Princess Maya, your terms?" 

"Sieg becomes my fiancee. I also wish to decide where I will live. Staying in the palace has been a chore." Maya said.

"Then so be it. The duel will be set in two weeks time. Prepare yourselves. The duel will also allow the use of garrison soldiers from both sides. However, Maya as you are representing yourself. You will not have access to this. But you may request for Sieg's aid." Sieg laughed at that remark by the Empress.

"Garrison soldiers. Ah now that's funny. Sir roderick of House Benenza. I hope you bring the best of the best. Because Maya does not need any help from me." Sieg said where Maya pinched his hceek.

"Hey, stop pinching my cheeks." 

"Thank you for your faith, Sieg." 

"It's not blind faith. I mean they have no idea what's about to happen anyway." Sieg said as he swung his katana at Sir Roderick's direction, three more gunmen fell to the ground. Sliced in half for the world to see.

"A sword must only cut what is intended by its wielder. Shall we take our leave, Maya?" Sieg said as he sheathed the blade to his hip.

"Yes, let us go." Maya took Sieg's hand as they both walked to the door. Where the knights stood to stop them.

"This is a party of the Royal Family, one must have proper reason to lea-" the team of 5 knights were thrown towards the throne. Everyone saw Maya do it, then she tapped the door.

"Oh, wow. A 9th Tier Lock spell. Normally you can keep people in with that but... Not Maya." Sieg said out loud, as they watched Maya punch through the door. Shattering the door until it became dust.

"Oh, I will not return until the Duel ends. I've also received my allowance. So thank you." Maya spoke as they both left the ballroom.

"I just love that about you." Sieg said to Maya.

"Oh, what is it that you love so much about me, Crow?" 

"Your defiance to what a woman should be and how easy it is for you to mock someone. And to be honest, I did see the face of Sir Roderick who seemed a little flustered. Your strength... I didn't think you could shatter that 9th Lock Spell." 

"Well, Maya is from my lineage. Specifically my sister, and I've only had 3 layers before. Now I have 10 layers. I'm sure you know what that means, don't you?" 

"You can turn anything into mince meat. That's some serious physical power. By the way. Want to know something interesting, Elena?" The two of them walked out of the palace, standing by the river. 

"One Eyed Hermit passed on, but... He made two blades for us. You know how in Yasogami Kingdom they create two versions of the same weapon. A Shadow Performer and A Star Performer?" 

"Yeah. Wait... You don't mean Morningstar was the Shadow?" 

"Yeah. Morningstar was the Shadow. He made another set of blades called Darkstar. That's the Star Performer. Mine is Heavenly Soujourn. And just from Heavenly Soujourn itself... It puts True Dusk and True Dawn to shame." Sieg told her, where Maya smiled broadly as tears fell from her eyes.

"I... I never thought I could see those blades again... So where is it?" Maya wiped her tears away, it seems that she was getting ready.

"Ragnarok Academy. Apparently we used to attend it. So tomorrow we'll be going back to class. How was the family?"

"I got a father that tries to set me up with Roderick. So they can kill me and let my younger sister get the powers. What about yours?" 

"Terrible step family, father that seems to not look at me at all. I live in an attic with leaky floors." Sieg said as flipped a coin.

"My room's a literal prison. They fed me steak with a bunch of rusted nails inside. Then tried to have me assaulted." 

"I bet they regret that." Sieg said as they both turned to look at the river.

"It is peaceful but... It's corrupt." Maya spoke, breaking the silence as she held Sieg's hand.

"Corruption or war. I'd prefer neither. A war makes it easier to justify why people die." Sieg said where Maya leaned into his shoulders.

"At least... We're together." It was a simple phrase, but to these two? It was like the story of the moon and the sun.

"Well, where are we going to stay tonight?" 

"Since this is Alistair.I did find an old abandoned house nearby. People thought it was haunted. I paid about 35 thousand Quill for it. Pretty cozy.." Sieg said.

"So what? We start living together before marriage? Get involved in a scandal?" Maya's playful tone as she brushed Sieg's arm.

"What, is Miss Elena Strongbow a little terrified of a little scandal?" 

"Of course not,  but isn't the Divine Storm even nervous about it?"  Maya said, intertwining their hands as they looked down to the river. Reflecting the stars above.

"It still hasn't hit me yet. That... You know, we're still alive. I just hope this isn't a dream and I wake up with you gone." Sieg said only to see Maya pinch his left cheek.

"Ow. Ow. ow. What was that for?" Sieg jumped when she did it. 

"To remind you it's not a dream, Crow. We're here. Though time is different. So let's go to that house." Maya said as she held his hand, pulling him away.