"There was strong magic here." Lelei spoke observing the large hill. "Alnus Hill is said to be Holy Ground, this is where you woke?" The young magic student asked, peering over to the frightening form of Tatsumi.
"It is." Tatsumi spoke in Lelei's native tongue, only a few days of teaching and the Tyrant's adaptive ability had made him easily understand and apply the words. It was almost cheating. The young Wizard thought that he was just an incredibly intelligent species of Dragon.
Once the two were able to communicate, Lelei couldn't hold back her curiosity and asked where he had come from which led them coming to Alnus Hill on this small excursion. Tatsumi had some hope that the girl might be able to find him a way back to the Empire, but he knew it was a long shot and with a look in her direction and the puzzled look on her face, she didn't have the slightest clue.
"Guess I'll be sticking around for a while." With that Tatsumi crashed into the ground, spread out enjoying the breeze that washed over the hill.
"You're odd for a Dragon." Lelei pointed out as she approached.
"You know many Dragon's?" Tatsumi asked, rolling over and propping his head up on his hand.
"No, but no books have ever told me this kind of behaviour of a Dragon." Tatsumi chuckled lightly as he rose a finger and placed it on her head and begun to swirl it slightly.
"Books won't tell you anything." He told her, Lelei stumbling slightly the swirling motion beginning to make her feel dizzy. "Plus, I wasn't born a Dragon. I was human. This is still all relatively new for me too." This surprised Lelei immensely as she looked into the large eyes of the Dragon, a hidden sadness could be caught if you looked carefully enough.
"How did you get like this, if you were human?" Lelei asked cautiously, knowing that it might be a sensitive subject. Tatsumi watched her for a short time, the wind drifting between them. He would have smiled would it not have frightened the girl. Instead he told her.
"It started out, when I wanted to join the Empire." Lelei listened, Tatsumi going into the details of his training up until he left his small village, to where he and his friends set off from their home to join the Empire. Lelei coming to understand that the Empire Tatsumi spoke of and the one she knew, were not one in the same. The one Tatsumi had come from seemed evil, and much darker than the stories she had been told of under Emperor Augustus reign. It almost seem that those in power in Tatsumi's Empire relished in the corruption.
She was horrified to learn of the fate of his companions over his time as an assassin, how much he had lost fighting in a revolution he would never be recognised for. Only to learn that the weapon he wielded slowly consumed him over time, the Tyrant's will overlapping his and trying to take over dominance. Only for him to transform into the Dragon that he was today. He himself didn't know how he had woken up here on Alnus Hill, only that after he had been transformed into the Tyrant incarnate, and losing the life at the blade of a comrade did he find himself here, in full control of the Dragon's body.
"I've never heard of a magic that can transform it's user into a Dragon before, even through the means of which you said the weapon was created." Lelei told him as she sat rested up against her side, Tatsumi chuckled lightly causing the girl to look up at him in confusion.
"It wasn't magic." He told her. "The Teigu were created with science." It was clear that she didn't understand the term, or at the very least didn't understand how science worked. She may be a magical genius as he heard her Master Cato speak about, but she didn't seem to have a lot of worldly knowledge. "Where I came from, magic didn't exist."
"Impossible." Lelei responded instantly. "Even if it was an entirely different world, magic would exist." Tatsumi simply shrugged his shoulders, but he couldn't help but think on what she had said. Perhaps the Emperor of old that had created the Teigu had somehow manipulated magic into science to create them? Either way, it didn't matter how Incursio was made.
"Whatever you say little genius." Lelei puffed up her cheeks before Tatsumi rose up. "Are we heading to this town you spoke of?"
"Itallica." Lelei nodded as she rose up, picking her flying broom up in response. Their destination wasn't Alnus Hill alone, Lelei had recently learnt to fly on a broom and had been tasked by her Master to collect several ingredients from the trade city of Italica. Lelei stepped over her broom as Tatsumi spread his wings, Tatsumi knew the danger of approaching the city but other than the small village near Cato's hut, he hadn't ventured further than the forest. No one had discovered his presence as of yet.
Both took to the skies, Lelei's flying magic was still in early development and Tatsumi kept close keeping a close eye on her. It was odd, he had never truly been protective of anyone, or anything before. He always fought for what he believed in but he had never had someone look up to him the way Lelei did. He had to wonder if this was how Bulat felt when Tatsumi first joined Night Raid.
"You should cloak yourself." Lelei called over to him, bringing Tatsumi from his thoughts as he looked at her. "Itallica will be in view shortly and if they see a Dragon flying towards them, they'll sound the alarm." Tatsumi activated the Tyrant's invisibility and disappeared from sight, barely a shimmer to where he was last. Lelei looked back, the city now looming far on the horizon, she still wasn't sure on why Tatsumi wished to come to the city but couldn't very well stop him.
"Once you're done, I'll meet you outside the city gate." Tatsumi's voice came back from her and she nodded as she flew forward before arching downward to the city gates where Tatsumi could see several others with wagon's wanting to get into the city, Tatsumi noted that the guards on the walls were mainly prominent around the entrances as he surveyed from the sky. Lowering himself he landed on a portion of the wall where no guards were present, the only singal to show that he had landed was the shifting of dust on the walls.
"It'd be difficult to maneuver through the street in my current size." He mused, which was unfortunate because he wanted to learn more about this Empire. He really needed to learn how to get back to being human, or at the very least resemble that of what Incursio looked like, he could get away with walking around in armor as long as it wasn't too animalistic, the more human the better.
Lelei was young and while smart, didn't have the information he wanted. He hated to think he had left one corrupt Empire for another. If it was, he wouldn't just sit idly by and do nothing. He might not be with Night Raid anymore, but his values were the same and if he had to take up arms against a Corrupt Empire, he would happily do so. Hearing voices from down below he looked over the side of the wall to see people walking by, nothing of what they said was of much interest so he didn't pay attention for too long. Instead he rose his head and set his sights on the large opposing building in the centre of Italica, no doubt it was where Count Colt resided. Lelei didn't have much information on him, just his name. Tatsumi hoped that this world's nobles were nothing like the ones he had left behind.
Spreading his wings he lifted from the wall, unfortunately not as quietly as he would have liked causing a stir below who were shocked at the sudden pick up of wind from the invisible Dragon's wings. He watched those below go about and as Lelei had said it was a bustling town full of trading of all kinds. His flight across the city was slow, he was taking in the people, they seemed content with their daily lives and he had spotted anything amiss as of yet.
Landing gently in the courtyard, he curled his wings up behind his back before raising his head to the sky. Sniffing, catching the scents of spices and fresh meat from the markets, however there wasn't a single ounce of human blood in the air, at least not that wouldn't be normal for a city. It was already different to what he knew, there was no hidden blood curdling screams of toturted innocents that the nobles of the Empire were use too, no decayed stench of rotting bodies that had yet to be disposed off.
He was searching for something that wasn't there.
Maneuvering around the estate, he was careful not to brush up the side of the building or allow his presence to be known. However what Tatsumi wasn't expecting was for a man to exit the building, stationed at his sides were two female attendants, dressed as maids. What had him bewildered was their animalistic traits, something he had truly not been expecting.
The man appeared to be in his late years. He had long gray hair that went past his shoulders and he wore clothes of a noble. From this, Tatsumi deducted that the man was Count Formal. When the first maid pointed to him, Tatsumi knew what had happened as the Count himself looked directly in Tatsumi's direction. Their animal senses had picked him up.
Her unique physic resembled that of a cat, almost similar to Leone's transformed state when using Lionel. Two cat ears, slitted eyes similar to that of a cat's, and a tail matching the same color as her hair. Her hair was purple with violet tips worn in a ponytail. She had a small pair of glasses over her aquamarine eyes and was dressed as a maid.
The other girl, while resembling being a human with a closer look one could tell that wasn't all. The thing that made her different was her red hair which was made up of snakes. She had a short stature and was dressed as a maid.
"I know you're there." The count called out to Tatsumi, making Tatsumi question whether he should flee or reveal himself. Deciding to reveal himself, knowing he couldn't just stay hidden from the world for the rest of his days, he dropped the invisibility and almost winced at the horrified looks come to the faces of the two maids as the count himself remained calm in the face of the reborn Tyrant. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. He sometimes forgot just how horrifying he looked these days, Lelei had been accustomed to it so he hadn't thought much on it.
"I am Count Formal." The man introduced himself. "Can you speak?" He asked approaching a few steps closer as he spoke.
"I can." Tatsumi replied eyeing the man, unsure of his intentions.
"May I ask your intentions here, in Italica?" Count Formal asked as Tatsumi stared down at him. This was really not the way he had been expecting this to play out, he half expected to be run off by the city guards.
"Just visiting." Tatsumi stated and he could almost see the man's lip twitch into that of a smile but he was professional and remain composed. "An acquaintance of mine is at your market."
"I see." The Count mused. "Please, would you allow for me to call your acquaintance here? There is much that I'd like to discuss, with both you and them." Tatsumi grew slightly concerned at that, unsure of why they would want to see Lelei, obviously they wanted answers but surely it was odd not to do anything when a terrifying Dragon had easily infiltrated the city.
"If you bring no harm to her." Tatsumi answered making the man smile and nod his head.
"You have my word, no harm shall be brought to you or your acquaintance." While it could be said one couldn't trust the word of a Noble Tatsumi had really no hesitation to completely turn this estate into nothing but rubble did the Count break his word. He had been tricked by the sweet words of a Noble with Aria, he wouldn't let that happen ever again.
Tatsumi disclosed Lelei's information to the Count who gave the order to his maids to go and collect the young Wizard from the marketplace. The Count remained behind and Tatsumi talked with him, learning more about him and how he didn't seem like the nobles that Tatsumi had grown to know in the Empire. The man cared about the wellbeing of Italica, and offered a hand to any in need. When Lelei arrived with the count's maids it was clear the young girl was confused as the maids held her shopping that she had done.
"Tatsumi?" She questioned.
"Ah, this must be the young Wizard you've told me about Tatsumi." The elderly man said as he turned and greeted the young girl. "I've just been getting to know your friend here." He said smiling up at the large form of Tatsumi.
"Count Formal." Lelei bowed her head while offering a small curtsy. "I am Lelei La Lalena, I hail from the Nomad Tribe, Rurudo, I am currently studying under the Sage, Cato El Altestan."
"From Coda Village, correct?" The Count asked.
"Yes." Lelei nodded.
"It is nice to meet a student of the Great Sage." The Count continued. "It was a surprise to me to find that a Dragon had entered Italica but speaking with Tatsumi I see that there is no need for concern. Quite the remarkable creature." He said looking up at Tatsumi.
"I only came to see what the Nobles here were like." Tatsumi told him causing the man to frown as Tatsumi continued. "Where I come from, it's a world riddled by corruption. I hated to think I had come to a place much similar to where I am from."
"Tatsumi was transported here, to Alnus hill by unknown means." Lelei spoke up, seeing the confusion on the Count's face along with the maids that had escorted her here. At her words the Count's face grew grim.
"Perhaps what the Emperor is trying to do wasn't just rumours?" He whispered softly to himself causing Tatsumi's eyes to harden. Sensing the tension the Count decided to relay the information, he didn't think it'd go well if he hid information from the intelligent Dragon. "Just in passing rumours, we've heard that Emperor Augustus is starting to gather the forces of the Empire along with the allying nations. While it will take considerable time, and that along with Prince Zorzal wanting to crusade in the North East." He sighed, having heard the reports of the Prince's voice in the Senate to allow for the Empire's forces to quell those in the North mainly the barbaric tribes of the Warrior Bunnies, so far the Prince hadn't gopt his way but no doubt he would and no doubt there would be slaves and refugees coming soon after. Prince Zorzal wasn't know for his kindness, he had to wonder if the Prince was someone like Tatsumi had been expecting to find when he came to Italica.
"Also, the Emperor has been reaching out for information on the history of Alnus Hill, stating that a Gate will appear with endless resources for the Empire. Someone has been giving him this information and he's dead set on see it becoming a reality." Tatsumi remained silent as he listened to the Count's words. "No doubt, my own forces will be conscripted and be forced to serve the Emperor's will."
"This Gate, when will it appear?" Lelei asked curiously. "If it truly is a Gate, possibly it's a way for Tatsumi to return home?" Both the Count and Lelei looked up at Tatsumi, the large Dragon's face hard to read. Tatsumi simply closed his eyes, Mine was still back there along with Akame, Leone and Najenda but what would they think of him now, that he was this. For all he knew, Mine could still be in her coma like he had last scene her. Maybe it was better if they thought he was just gone. Coming back and looking like this, he didn't know if he'd be accepted back.
"There has been no definite news, nor have the rumors been proved to be true." The count interjected once more. "I just thought perhaps, with Tatsumi appearing at Alnus hill there might be some truth to it." Lelei frowned slightly as she looked up at Tatsumi, unsure as to what he was thinking.
"Doesn't matter now does it, if the Gate appears I'll take a nosy look around and see where it leads." The large Dragon stated. "It might not even lead to where I come from."
"True." Lelei nodded, there was silence for a short while as the young girl looked up at the Dragon. "We should return home, Tatsumi." The dragon looked down at her and gave a nod of agreement. He hadn't been expecting to talk to the count, let alone learn of what the current Emperor's plans were, even if they were just rumours.
"Tatsumi." The count began causing the former assassin to turn to face him. "You are an intelligent creature, far exceeding my expectations of today." He began. "Should you ever wish it, feel free to visit Italica I'll be sure no harm comes to you." Tatsumi offered a small smile, which only made his teeth that much more ferocious.
"I appreciate it, and one day I might take you up on the offer." Tatsumi began. "But right now, the less people know about me the better. I don't want to be hunted down."
"Very well, I'll respect your decision." Count Formal bowed. Tatsumi shimmered from sight before completing disappearing from sight as his invisibility activated. The gust of wind showed that he had flown into the air. Lelei received her goods she had purchased from the maids and lifted off the ground with her broom before flying off, only the slightest shimmer could be seen from Tatsumi that followed after her.
"Truly a remarkable creature." Count Formal smiled. "It almost resembles the creature from old Folk Tales."
Once far enough away from Italica, Tatsumi dropped his invisibility and flew next to Lelei as they headed for the forest surrounding Coda Village. Lelei watched him as she flew, her mind troubled due to the Dragon's state. He said he was once human before becoming the creature he was now, there must be a way to reverse it, right? Then there was his hesitancy in returning to where he was from, was that due to his current form?
The silence remained between them as they touched down in the familiar clearing that Tatsumi now called his home. Lelei stood for a moment as Tatsumi found his usual spot and layed down, closing his eyes. Deciding to let the matter rest, she turned and headed for the direction of Coda Village, not wishing to disturb the Dragon anymore than necessary.
"At least Italica isn't corrupt." Tatsumi thought to himself as he heard Lelei leave. "Well, not that I could see anyway, a deeper investigation might be needed." He mused. "However the Emperor might be another story, traveling to other worlds for resources? If he goes to the Empire and they're still recovering from the Revolution it might be bad. It didn't sound like it would be a peaceful act if the Emperor is gathering his military." A scowl came to Tatsumi's features as his eyes opened.
"This damn body isn't good for infiltration." He grumbled as he rose to his feet and braced himself. "Time to wake up damn Tyrant, I need a better form!"