The 1.000 year Great Sage ---> COMPLETED STORY

Some days later, at breakfast in the cafeteria, Seya's friends were eating while happily chatting.

Seya went to his room really early by a Gateway, and he went in search of them. As usual, he was following Ryn's Magic Flow.

- Hello everyone. Missed me?

Ryn jumped towards Seya.

- Seya!

Chuac!

Princess Arys made a throw-up face.

- Annoying love birds! Drop dead already!

Princess Heiji shook her head.

- Envy is such an ugly sin! Big Brother, you're going to stay longer?

- Yes, I need to attend some classes. Or else the teachers will start to complain. I also missed Ryn.

Hina crossed her arms over the table and she rested her head on them, looking sad.

- Oh, I also want a boyfriend…

Princess Arys made a frown towards Zak Holstrem.

- Zak, do something about Hina already! You coward brat!

Zak was looking at Hina, but Arys voice woke him up.

- What?

Princess Arys pointed towards Hina while looking very angry.

- Don't you 'what' me now! Do something about that maiden's heart! You stupid brat!

Zak had his face all red and he became silent.

Seya placed his hand on one of Arys shoulder, to make her stop.

- You are getting your nose where you shouldn't. Maybe it was better if you minded your own life, no?

Princess Arys slapped Seya's hand.

- It worked with you and Ryn, right?

- Well… yes…

Princess Arys pointed her finger to Seya.

- So shut up and let me do my job! If it weren't for me, you both would still be just looking at each other from afar, without the courage to evolve that, to where you are now!

With that outburst, Seya was dumbfounded. Until that moment, he never realized it really was because of the constant teasing of his cousin that he gathered the courage to declare to Ryn. Arys then punched the table.

Pum!

- And you Zak, you don't want to say anything to Hina, you coward?

Zak was becoming more, and more red and he looked depressed.

Hina was feeling sorry for Zak, but she was also feeling her face becoming hotter so she buried her face on her arms.

- Princess, please stop.

Princess Arys was spiting with so much anger.

- Puny little human! A disgrace of a second class noble! You should just kill yourself if you can't at least acknowledge your own feelings! Always going on, and on, and on and never doing anything about what you really want!

Zak shouted, he was almost crying.

- What do you want me to do? I'm just a second son of a second class Noble, as Princess Heiji says! I don't deserve to be with Hina! Just leave me alone!

Seya looked at Zak running away, completely defeated.

- You made him run away. Really, I don't know what's under those ears of yours!

Princess Arys wasn't over, so she kept on insulting Zak while he was leaving the cafeteria, while everyone in there was looking at them.

- Yeah, run away, you low life! Go crawl under some rock, you piece of Jumping Mouse manure!

- Your turn Hina, go get him! If he thinks that he doesn't deserve you, he will become an amazing husband for you, always doing his best to make you happy! Go, go! Catch him! You can thank me later!

Hina raised her head, and she looked so surprised! She nodded her head towards Arys and she started to run to catch Zak. Seya was shaking his head. What had happened?

- What? You really had a plan?

Princess Arys was shining with an amazing smile on her face.

- Why does it surprise you? I always have a plan for anything that I do. If everything goes well, Hina will get herself a boyfriend that will do anything that she wants!

Seya was surprised for seeing that caring side of his cousin.

- If you put that much effort on your own life, you would have already found a good boyfriend for you also.

Princess Arys shook her head and then she held Myra's hands.

- I don't have time for that now, I still have to take care of Myra here. Don't worry, I'll get you a good one, you can count on me!

Myra had her eyes wide open. She was still in shock over what happened.

- Thanks, I guess. But I'm not really looking for a boyfriend!

- I see. So you prefer a girlfriend? Well, I like you but being your girlfriend is a little too much for me. I'm sorry, but I will help you, don't worry!

Myra raised her voice, worried about misunderstandings.

- No! You understood all wrong! I like boys! I like them a lot!

Princess Arys looked around with a preoccupied look.

- Myra, lower your voice! Or else everyone in this cafeteria will think that you are a devourer of men!

Myra Calcym also looked all around.

- No! Not that!

Princess Heiji finally burst in laughter. She was looking at everything that was happening so far, amused by all that mess.

- Ahahahahah! This Princess is completely nuts! Ahahahah!

A lot of eyes were upon all of them. Every student in the cafeteria has heard some bits of their conversation, messing around with each other, and they were still looking at them while smiling.

Suddenly, Seya heard a familiar voice.

- Milord Seya, I'm glad to see Milord here!

Princess Arys was looking at the boy calling, completely hypnotized and unable to speak while her ears were twitching like if they were alive.

- …ah…

Seya looked at the direction from where the voice came, just to see a familiar boy approaching him.

- Oh, young Duncan Macleod, from the clan Macleod, how have you been? I really like your name! Eheheheheh!

- I'm glad Milord likes it! This school is amazing! There are a lot of talented people here! I have a lot of opportunities to find opponents!

- I see. Maybe because there are a lot of students that are curious about you, right?

Duncan scratched his head, feeling awkward.

- … well…

- Ok, what's the matter?

- Nothing to worry Milord with, really. I can take care of myself.

Seya noticed the quick looks that Duncan made towards a group of students that were frowning while looking at both of them.

- I think I understand. What do you say, shall we fight seriously after breakfast at the fighting class? Like that, everyone will be able to understand that they are no match for you.

Duncan was all smiles, excited for that opportunity.

- It would be an honor, Milord! Can we fight with Magic? I didn't have a chance yet, during class.

- Sure, but I will not go easy on you!

Duncan bowed towards Seya, before leaving.

- Thank you, Milord, I'll do my best! I shall take my leave then, sorry for intruding.

…

Ryn was looking the all time, without saying a word. When the boy leaves, she could not hold it anymore.

- Who was that boy, Seya?

- He's the son of the Baron of our lands. I forgot to introduce him, he went away before I could think about that!

Princess Arys seemed a little off, still looking at Duncan's back.

- A Baron's son… and why he's in this school? He looks like he's your age.

- I've asked the Principal. I thought it was a good place for him to improve. He's an amazing swordsman and he's almost at the same Fire level of my father.

Princess Arys had a strange sparkle on her eyes, still looking at Duncan that was leaving the cafeteria.

- That's very impressive for a human. Uncle Rolland can use a lot of Fire Magic, so being that young and already like that!

Myra was smiling, she understood what was happening, but she tried to tease a little with Princess Arys.

- And he's really good looking, right Princess?

Princess Arys suddenly turned towards Myra, thinking that her friend might like him!

- Yeah… Myra, you… ah…

Myra placed her hand on Arys hands.

- Actually, I was thinking that he was good looking for you!

Princess Arys suddenly had her face and ears all red, and she couldn't say a word, she just stood there, with her mouth open. Seya didn't let that opportunity to slip by, it was too good!

- Now she shuts up! That's a first! What's the matter? Too scared to acknowledge your own feelings?

Princess Arys tried to speak, but she stuttered.

- … no… I just… Mother told me about this. But I didn't believe her at that time.

Seya smiled.

- What? That there are humans that could impress your cold heart?

Princess Arys looked to Seya, she was so serious!

- No. Mother said that amongst our race we often fall in love at first sight when we meet our partner for life. She said it's a bond called 'imprint'. But I never believed her. Until now… me, for a human… impossible…

- Oh, like what happened when I saw Ryn for the first time! Maybe that's why I was feeling a twitching all over my body, every time I saw her!

- Yeah, on a RabbitKind, that twitching is concentrated in the ears. You have more of a RabbitKind than you look, cousin.

Ryn smiled at Seya but she suddenly had a dark thought.

- Princess, what would happen if you never found your partner?

- I could also fall in love over time, as humans do.

Ryn still thought that there was more to it.

- And what would happen if you had fallen in love, got married and later on, you found the one that could 'imprint' you?

- It doesn't work like that. The "imprint" is the same as falling in love at first sight. But in a Rabbit Kind, our body reacts to that happening with a twitching in our ears. It's beautiful when it happens to two RabbitKind at the same time, like what happened with my parent's. When they both saw the "imprint" signal on each other, they didn't waste any time on hiding their feelings, they immediately knew that they were a match for each other.

All of them became silent. They were just staring at Princess Arys while thinking. Seems that it was a very serious and peculiar feature of a RabbitKind that none of them had any idea. Seya was the first to talk, to lighten the mood.

- Don't worry, you choose well. And we are not going to do what you are always doing, we won't interfere. Let him fall for you, on his own time.

Princess Arys was looking down, feeling a little ashamed.

- Yeah, thank you, everyone.

Princess Heiji clapped her hands, she was all smiles.

- It will be so funny, seeing this crazy RabbitKind girl acting like a maiden in love!

Princess Arys kept on looking down. Princess Heiji poked Arys ears, to see her reaction.

- Hey, no nasty response? That's weird. Seems that this is really serious!

Princess Arys didn't even slap Heiji's hand, she just stood there in silence.

- …

- Don't worry Big Sister, that boy won't be able to resist you. You just need to shut up and try to act more normal. At least, until he falls for you. After that, you can return to your usual self. Seeing you so quiet like this its making me nervous!

Princess Arys raised her head and she made a little smile.

- … yeah…

All of them thought at the same time that Princess Arys was different like that. And it was weird!

They finished eating and went to the back yard for the Fighting Class. They waited for a while, just talking a little amongst them while keeping an eye over Princess Arys.

She, in turn, was keeping an eye on Duncan O'Sullivan, that was leaning against the wall while polishing his sword.

The RabbitKind Teacher raised his hand, to call for attention.

- Shall we start? Choose your opponents for armed training.

Seya stepped forward, smiling.

- Teacher, can I use Magic this time? I've also chosen my opponent.

- Sure. Who will be the victim?

Duncan Macleod raised his hand.

- It will be me, Teacher.

The other students started to talk amongst them, and from time to time, Seya could hear some words.

- … it's that Empire boy… yeah, he will get a lesson now…

Seya raised an eyebrow and he looked at Duncan.

- Seems like you have there a big fan club, young Duncan. What have you been doing around here?

Duncan shrugged his shoulders.

- Nothing much, Milord. Just defeating every single one that challenged me. But I guess I've inadvertently hurt some pride along the way.

- Ahahah! Well, shall we begin? Since you use Fire, I'm also going to use Fire Magic. Get ready, here I go!

They both bowed at each other and prepared for the fight. At a signal from the Teacher to everyone start their fights, Seya rushed against Duncan and swung his sword aimed at his head. Duncan defended and deflected Seya's sword while doing a kick that hit the air because of an effective left arm defense by Seya.

Duncan made a high curve with his sword, trying to slash Seya from top to bottom, but Seya just deflected to the side with his own sword while throwing a direct punch to Duncan's face.

Fuush! Clang! Pum!

To avoid Seya's punch, Duncan made a backflip while trying to kick Seya in the face. Seya took one jump back to avoid it. That was close!

While Seya was worried about the kick, Duncan had already started his Magic chant in a very low voice.

- "Oh, Fire from the Goddess…"

But Seya didn't need to hear it, he sensed Duncan gathering Magic and he immediately jumped forward while doing a downward slash. Duncan defended it and deflected again to the side while thrusting his sword forward by the hilt against Seya stomach, only to see Seya turn to the side and throw a side slash that Duncan had to avoid by ducking to the floor.

Clang! Clang!

While ducking, Duncan continued to recite is chant in low voice.

- "…hear my call and gather in my hands!"

Seya knew he was almost using it, so he did a kick to Duncan's head, just to see it hit the air because Duncan rolled on the ground while doing a side slash at Seya's feet.

Seya almost hadn't time to avoid it, he had to strike his sword hard in the ground to stop Duncan's sword from chopping off his feet!

Pum! Clang! Clang!

Following all this, was a very interested RabbitKind girl that was also fighting with her opponent.

- So cool…

Princess Heiji screamed.

- Hey, wake up, crazy girl! I almost chop off your head!

- "…Fire Shot!"

Duncan fired an enormous ball of Fire, that was stopped by the Fire Wall that Seya instantly made in front of him. While behind it, Seya created a Fire Cage to hold Duncan inside, but Duncan had already jumped away, as soon as he saw the beginning of the Fire Cage.

- Oh, you evaded the Fire Cage? Well done!

- Thank you, Milord. "Oh, Fire from the Goddess, hear my call and gather in my hands!"

Duncan did a fast chant, preparing his next Magic attack while running towards Seya.

He did a side slash as a feint that he suddenly changed to a front kick followed by a downward slash. Seya avoided all that on the last second and when Seya was about to throw a side slash, Duncan had already jumped backward, getting out of reach.

Flash! Clang! Clang!

- "…Fire Spear!"

Duncan was at a safe distance after that backflip, so he threw is Magic attack only to be stopped by an equally powerful one made by Seya.

- ||… Fire Spear to you too…||…

Bum!

When both Fire Spears collide, they did a big noise and obliterate each one. Seya smiled.

- It seems I just negated your Spear with mine.

Duncan was already gathering more Magic.

- Yes, but now…

While Duncan was still talking, Seya had already jumped and with a side sweep followed by curling his sword with Duncan's, Seya pushed both swords to the air and he used his sword hilt to hit Duncan in the wrist. Duncan loosed his grip immediately and Duncan's sword fell to the ground.

Clang!

- Oh, my sword! I thought I could have put more of a fight, Milord.

- Are you crazy? You did very well!

The students that were also fighting while looking at that fight were all amazed.

- … amazing… he could go against Seya… amazing sword movements…

Especially one girl that lost her concentration during her fight.

- He's so… so…

Princess Heiji noticed a moment too late what was about to happen.

- Watch out!

Pum!

- Argh!!! My arm!

Along with her concentration, Arys also loses her arm. Princess Heiji shouted, in panic.

- Seya! We need help!

- What were you doing? Where's the arm?

Duncan grabbed the bloody arm that was on the floor.

- It's here, Milord!

- Duncan, hold it steady while I heal her!

While Seya was healing Princess Arys, she was very ashamed. She couldn't yet feel her arm that was being held by that beautiful boy, but when Seya finished and she felt Duncan's grip, she turned bright red. Seeing her face suddenly so red, Duncan thought that Princess Arys was not feeling well. Maybe something was wrong with her arm?

- Milady, how are you feeling?

- I'm… alright… I guess.

Seya looked at Arys arm to confirm if everything was ok, and he then looked to the little Princess.

- Princess Heiji, what happened here?

- It wasn't my fault! We were fighting but she was always looking at you both!

Seya poked Arys nose with his right index finger.

- Princess Arys, you know very well that during a fight with real weapons, you must always look sharp! What were you thinking?

- I was… just watching… it was such a great fight! I got distracted. I'm sorry.

Duncan was looking at Seya, then at Arys and back to Seya.

- Princess? Milord, she's actually a Princess?

- Yes, she's my cousin, actually. She is Princess Arys Denar'an, of the RabbitKind Kingdom.

Duncan did a deep bow.

- It's an honor, my Princess. I'm sorry if our fight made Milady lose her concentration.

- No, I was the one at fault. I should never get myself distracted. It never happened before! I don't know what I was doing, not looking at my opponent!

The RabbitKind Teacher noticed that Arys was still very red.

- Maybe it's better if Princess Arys take a rest.

Duncan timidly asked, while giving a glance to Princess Arys.

- May I be allowed to make Milady company? I feel kind of responsible for what happened.

Seya nodded. He also noted that Arys was hiding a smile.

- That's a splendid idea. Don't let this cousin of mine wander all alone, ok?

- Of course, Milord. I will never leave her side!

Seya smiled, and he looked at Duncan very closely.

- That's a very strong promise! Being a Princess's personal escort is a very serious job. I hope you are up to the task!

- …I… will do my best, Milord…

The RabbitKind Teacher looked all around to the students watching the scene.

- Why are you all standing there? Fight already!

…

While the other students were fighting, Duncan and Princess Arys were seated on a bench, watching. Arys was still very ashamed. How could she do such a blunder in front of that boy?

- I'm sorry for showing this weak side of mine. It never happened before! I never got hurt like that! I'm really ashamed of myself.

- Don't be, Milady. It's only natural that someone gets hurt during a fight. That's why I don't like to fight.

- Really? But your swordsmanship is very good!

- Being able to fight and wanting to fight are two different things, Milady. I started training with the sword only to defend myself. I don't like hurting people. I like fighting Milord Seya because it's really fun with him, but still…

- That's a very admirable way of thinking. But please stop calling me Milady, you are making me nervous. Can't you just call me Princess Arys, like everyone else? Or just Arys, if you prefer? Duncan…

- Milady, I can't do that! It is not befitting of such a beautiful Lady, to be addressed so casually. I'm just a Baron's son.

- I don't mind. And I also don't mind about your upbringing. Can't you just call me Arys?

- If it pleases Milady. I mean, Arys.

Princess Arys was all smiles, despite her red face and ears.

- Heheheh! Yes, it pleases me very much, Duncan.

- Very well then, Arys. How are you feeling now?

- I'm… very happy, actually…

Hearing that, and also, seeing the beautiful smile that Arys had while looking at him, made his heart skip a beat and his face turned red.

- Happy? …oh… ok… I'm glad.

- Heheheh!

Watching Duncan becoming all red like she was previously, made Arys started to giggle while thinking that this boy is really something! Maybe having him falling for her was something that she could achieve. As long as she behaved as Princess Heiji said.