Festival Shenanigans, pt1.

"You look good in a royal Pathfinder uniform." 

Charlotte teased, brushing pretend dust from the Director's shoulders. 

The director sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Do not patronize me, your majesty."

He sounded embarrassed. It wasn't overtly obvious, but when you knew him as well as Charlotte did. 

It was as clear as day.

"Aw, is my top agent getting cold feet?" She babied him, moving her hands to squeeze his shoulders. "You're a big boy."

The director sighed softly. "Sometimes, I think you're the greatest threat to this kingdom."

Charlotte scoffed. "Oh, please. Without me, this kingdom would be embroiled in another holy war." She quipped, stepping back while crossing her arms. 

The director gave a rare smirk. "I suppose, though that doesn't mean much when you have a rebellion brewing."

Charlotte arched an eyebrow before frowning. 

"Touché, Leopold."

Just then, the door to Charlotte's office opened. 

A tall woman in black robes stepped in. She had long black hair, sharp white canines, and a cloth around her eyes.

Donna.

"Yo Char, we gotta go–" 

Donna paused, her head slowly turning to meet the Director— Leopold's gaze. 

She grinned. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite snack." She crossed her arms while sticking out her hip. 

Leopold narrowed his eyes. 

"My identity is a secret; I prefer to keep it that way."

Danna laughed. "Then you shouldn't have such a handsome face, boy. I can see those eyes burning through that mask of stoicism."

Leopold glanced at Charlotte, who was straightening out her dress. 

"Well, I'll be waiting In the carriage with Emmanuel. See you two at the festival."

Charlotte winked at Leopold before turning on her heel and walking out. 

Donna let her pass without hassle before blocking the door. 

Leopold grumbled while crossing his arms. 

"Let's not do this."

Donna playfully shook her head. "You don't have a choice, darling." She teased, stepping closer. "You can try and run or fight, but we both know I'm better."

Leopold clenched his jaw. 

He knew Donna surpassed him in everything except intelligence. 

And even then, her instincts made up for that. 

Talking was his only way out.

"Donna, we have more pressing matters to address. Find someone else to satisfy your urges."

Donna shrugged. "Nope, I. Want. You."

Donna was now in prime striking distance, threatening to swallow him whole.

"I will defend myself." Leopold's voice was tense, but his mask didn't crack.

Donna smirked, looking down at him. "Good, I like a challenge."

Leopold swallowed hard. 

— — —

Leopold and Donna stepped onto the palace courtyard, where the royal entourage prepared to depart.

"By the goddess, what happened to you, Leopold?" 

Charlotte stepped towards him with a teasing smirk. 

Her eyes drifted over the faint scratches and bruises that decorated his jaw and neck.

Leopold frowned, straightening his collar. "You know what you did." His tone was clipped as he approached the lead carriage. 

Donna trailed behind him with a lazy smirk, humming softly to herself. 

Charlotte chuckled as she shook her head. 

"They're too adorable."

— — —

Alexander stepped out of his dorm with a sigh, adjusting his blazer with a pull. 

He looked around the campus and saw large gatherings of students and professors walking the grounds. 

The stalls and booths were getting last-minute lookovers while large crates of supplies were stashed behind said attractions.

"Well, I'd wish you luck, gentlemen." Jules began, running a hand through his hair. "But I need it all for myself."

Karl chuckled. "Still can't believe she agreed."

Alexander looked over his shoulder while walking. 

"Who'd you ask out anyway?"

Karl smirked while Jules wiggled his eyebrows.

 "Oh, just a fair maiden by the name of Mimi."

Alexander's eyes widened. 

"Seriously?" He asked in disbelief, "You're braver than I thought."

Jules grinned. "Is that jealousy I hear, Sir Alexander?" 

Alexander raised his hands in surrender as he shook his head. "Nope, I said she was fair game. Just surprised you pulled it off, is all."

"You should've been there; his lines were hilarious." Karl chimed.

Alexander smirked. "Oh yeah, give me one."

"I couldn't help but notice your beauty. Is it natural or homemade?" Karl chuckles while mimicking Jules' dramatic tone. 

Alexander let out a short laugh. 

"That worked?"

"Right!" Karl nodded with a chuckle.

Mimi had the emotional capacity of a brick; there was no way she'd be swooned by that.

Or maybe Alexander didn't know her as well as he thought.

Jules shrugged. "Any who, I was told to meet her at the training hall until later."

He split from the group with a wink. 

Karl and Alexander continued to the girls' junior dorm, which held grade years one through five.

"You're serious about taking Anna out?" 

Alexander asked with a side-eye. 

Karl shrugged, "I asked her out, didn't I?"

Alexander smirked. "I wanna be like you when I grow up."

Stepping into the dorm's lobby, the boys were greeted by a bustling lobby. Some girls sat and talked, while others walked with a chip on their shoulder.

The atmosphere was sweet and warm. A picket carpet floor sprawled beneath their boots, and a grand chandelier hung above.

As the boys looked around, they were immediately given curious looks. 

Karl raised his hands in peace, "We're just here for our dates."

Alexander sighed, shifting behind Karl as whispers filled the air. It wasn't every day boys entered the girls' dorms.

Karl chuckled with a smirk. "You think they'll make us wait long?" He asked, glancing at Alexander.

"I hope not; I don't like how these girls look at us." 

Karl was unfazed, pocketing his hands as he sighed. "Well, here's hoping."

Ten minutes passed, and at that time, other boys stopped by to pick up their dates before leaving. 

Alexander was slightly unsettled, leaning against the wall as the chatter between students grew louder. 

Glancing at Karl, Alexander was met with a relaxed smile. 

"Scared?" 

Alexander scoffed, shaking his head. 

"Nope."

Just then, Alexander felt his hair flare up. Shifting his gaze down the hall, he spotted Louise and Anna walking together.

They walked with effortless grace, Louise with a haughty pep and Anna with unmovable confidence. 

They were dressed in academy uniforms, but something about them differed. Their hair, make-up, and jewelry made them look older and more mature.

Alexander gulped. 

He felt a little underdressed for the occasion. 

"It's about time, Anna." Karl teased, "Ready to go?"

Anna smirked. "Not so fast; you know what you have to do."

Karl chuckled, reaching out his arm. "I figured you already knew how beautiful you looked."

Anna rolled her eyes as she took his arm with a smirk. 

"Oh, your flattery will get you nowhere, Karl." She teased, a pink blush on her cheeks.

Louise, meanwhile, stood before Alexander with an expectant glare. 

"Well?"

Alexander smiled wryly. 

"You're gorgeous, Louise. I hope you act as good as you look."

Louise narrowed her eyes. "Can you not say a compliment and leave it at that?" 

Alexander exhaled. "Yeah, all right, come on." He grabbed her hand, his fingers linking with hers. 

Louise frowned but didn't resist. "Fine." She muttered. 

Karl and Anna smiled at each other as they led the way out.

Neither of them said anything, but it was apparent what they were thinking about

Stepping on the campus grounds, they met with a dazzling sight. 

The crowd had almost tripled, with parents now walking amongst their children. 

Nobles and pathfinders dressed in crisp suits and uniforms. 

Colorful banners waved in the breeze.

Lanterns illuminated the pathways.

The scent of grilled meats and sweets, along with music and conversation, danced through the afternoon air.

For a moment, Alexander almost forgot his predicament. 

A soft smile played on his lips, and he tightened his grip around Louise's hand. 

"Enjoy the festival, you two; I'm taking Anna to find our families."

It was Karl who said this as he led Anna towards the entrance. 

"Alright, Karl." Alexander nodded.

"Have fun, Louise." Anna teased with a wink. 

Louise glared at her.

Alexander and Louise continued towards the bustling festival center, their hands still tightly linked. 

Neither of them acknowledged this.

Louise remained composed, eyes scanning the crowd as if looking for something. 

Alexander noticed this and raised an eyebrow. 

"Who are you looking for?" 

Louise huffed. "I would think it's obvious."

Alexander groaned.

"My mother." She admitted, turning to look towards the entrance. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted a familiar figure in the distance.

"There she is."