• Chapter 3: The Principal's Wrath

    Cedric stared at Kagetora Sojo with uninterested eyes. "I have no reason to fight you. A bout against you would be a waste of time for you, as well as it would be for me.
    An evil grin, similar to that of a hungry wolf, spread on Sojo's face. "If that's the case..." he said as he lunged at Natsuhiko. "...I'll give you a reason!!!"
    Sojo swung his sword in an arch, intent on killing Natsuhiko. But before the blade's edge could hit Natsuhiko, Cedric stopped the swing, catching the blade with his palm.
    Blood dripped from Cedric's arm, staining the ground red as it fell onto the concrete. Cedric lifted his head, meeting Sojo's intense glare with his own. As Sojo looked into Cedric's eyes, he saw the pain that Cedric was enduring at that moment was nothing compared to some other experience from his past.
    Cedric's tone of voice rose. Clutching the katana tightly, he exclaimed, "If you dare...to spill so much as even a drop of my Young Master's blood..."
    Sojo was startled when he was lifted from the ground by Cedric, whose hand still held onto the sharp edge of his katana. "If you dare to even THINK about harming Natsuhiko...I'll do everything in my power to stop you. I'll even KILL you if necessary!!!"
    Cedric flung Sojo through the air. Sojo landed on his toes, excited that he had picked a fight with Cedric. 'Cedric Tempel. You live up to your reputation as the most powerful butler to have attended this school. It will be an honor to fight against you,' he thought.

    Cedric and Sojo were now a good distance away. Cedric picked up the blade of one of the butlers that Sojo had defeated minutes ago. "Now that the fighting conditions are even, let's see how long you last in a fight against me," Cedric proclaimed.
    Sojo felt insulted. "I'll admit that you startled me, but don't get cocky!" Both butlers charged at each other, their blades reflecting the light of the sun.
    Natsuhiko and Folgore watched as the fight between the two high class butlers ensued. The gentle wind that had felt so soothing just seconds ago, now felt like invisible blades piercing at Natsuhiko's skin.
    The blades clashed, each strike and parry reflecting the anger of wielders. However, Sojo felt that something was wrong.
    'H-have I become slower?' Sojo wondered. With every minute that passed, Sojo felt as if he were moving slower and slower.
    However, Sojo was not becoming slower, but rather, Cedric was speeing up. "I'm through playing around, Sojo!"
    'Th-this feeling...is it fear? What is it about this man that makes me feel something that no other being has made me feel before?!' he wondered as he stared into Cedric's cold eyes.
    Cedric struck Sojo's arm, causing him to drop his katana. "That was for striking when I wasn't ready!"
    Next, Cedric struck Sojo's leg, making him immobile. "THAT was for aiming for Young Master Natsuhiko!
    "And THIS..." Cedric said as he raised the blade above his head. "...is for making the mistake of challenging me!!!"
    As Cedric was about to swing the blade, Natsuhiko stepped in front of Cedric. Cedric scowled. "Out of the way, Young Master..."
    Natsuhiko refused to budge. "Enough is enough, Cedric. If you kill Sojo, the Yamanaka household will appear to be like all of the other ones. Cold, heartless killers. Is that what you want to be viewed as Cedric?! After building up such a huge reputation?! Everyone looks up to you!
    "So please...don't kill him..." he pleaded. Cedric looked into his master's eyes. No, he looked beyond Natsuhiko's eyes, seeing his very soul.
    'Hmph. Your soul has grown. It's no longer that of a weak crybaby. There's no doubt that these past few years have shaped you into an honorable man.' he thought.
    Cedric lowered the sword; it echoed like a wind-chime as it hit the floor. "Let's go, Young Master," Cedric said half-heartedly. "We'd best get your wound looked at," Natsuhiko agreed.

    "Are you satisfied now, Sojo?" Folgore asked. Sojo stared at the ground, his body trembling as he sat on the ground, bleeding. Folgore shook his head. "Look at the shape that you're in. We should get your wounds looked at, too."
    Sojo chuckled maniacally. "Don't bother," he replied, "I'll treat them myself. And anyways...I want to keep these scars as a reminder that there is a man out there who outranks me."
    Folgore sighed. "You're one sore loser, Sojo."
    "Technically, I didn't lose due to outside interference, Young Master."

    The rest of the day went by smoothly for Natsuhiko and his servants. Other than a scolding from Regina, Cedric and Natsuhiko didn't get into too much trouble that day. The next day was a different matter, however.

    Natsuhiko waited impatiently in the school's office, waiting for his turn to see the principal. The ticking of a clock that hung in the office hall echoed through the tiny waiting room.
    He was nervous to be called to the principal's office on the second day. 'I can't believe it!" Natsuhiko thought. 'I'm worrying that we might be in trouble for causing a fight on the first day of school, but THIS dork...'
    Natsuhiko turned to stare at a mummified Cedric. '...he's not worried at all! It's annoying!' The door clicked open. "The principal told me to call you in," said a boy with dark hair and glasses.
    The moment of truth came. Natsuhiko and Cedric stepped into the office...only to get clothes-lined by the a blond blur! The sound of their bodies colliding wit the floor shook the entire building.
    "Good morning, gentlemen," the principal greeted. His blond hair was spiked up; his coat shimmered in the sunlight. "How are you two doing today?" he asked.
    Natsuhiko raised his head slightly. "We'd be doing better...if you hadn't attacked us the moment we walked through the door!" he replied.
    "Oops! Sorry, 'bout that! Just a reflex!" He picked up both of the boys and sat them down on leather chairs.
    "Anyways, let's get down to business. The reason why I've called you here concerns the fight that was reported yesterday," the principal said nonchalantly.
    Natsuhiko straightened his back. "Forgive us, sir. We were the ones who fought against another family." Natsuhiko closed his eyes, expecting to be pummeled to the floor by the principal.
    He was surprised, however, when he heard the principal chuckling. "I guess that I heard right, then. The reason why I called you here is BECAUSE you fought and did a splendid job, or so I've heard.
    "Cedric's skills seem to have improved since he last attended our school. We'd love to have him join our butler brawling team."
    Cedric seemed concerned. "Butler brawling team? This is the first time that I've heard of it. Tell me what it is, sir."
    The principal crossed his arms. "Butler brawling is a new sport in which people from all over the world pit their butlers against each other. people bet on the outcomes, and the winning teams of each round win 70% of the money gambled.
    Cedric would be a perfect addition to the team. And if I remember correctly, you guys are low on money. If Cedric joins my team, I guarantee that it'll be worth your while. What do you boys say?"
    Natsuhiko did not hesitate to respond. "Take your offer back and shove it!" The principal frowned. "Why not, Yamanaka? Knowing Cedric, he'll be fine."
    Natsuhiko grit his teeth. "I'd never do ANYTHING that would put my servants in danger. To make others participate in such a sport against their will is despicable!"

    Natsuhiko walked to his class in a very bad mood. Cedric waited for him outside of the classroom like an obedient dog.
    'Young Master...' he thought. 'I'm glad that you're growing up to be a responsible person who cares for others. If you were to ever stray from your path, I would gladly give up my life to set you on your course again. I can't wait to see you when you become a grown man, as well as the type of man you will become.'