Chapter 2
Xavier lazily lounged on a chair at the small cafe table outside of the "Faerie Fun Cafe". His booted feet were propped up on the chair opposite of him, his sunglasses hid his golden eyes from the harsh rays of the sun, as well as the chance of being recognized for who he was. After all Crown Prince Xavier Sunabae, was the future Emperor of not just the Sunabae Empire, but the future Alpha of all Yokai kin. With snow white hair, fox ears peeking out of the meticulous styled chonmage ponytail, and nine tails it was very obvious to every single Yokai who he was. It wasn't the first time he was grateful for his cloaking magic that kept not just his aura but could hide any or all of his tails.
Across from Asher sat a man with dark red skin, nothing this man could wear would hide is bulky form, muscles flexing with every tiny movement he made. His eyes were the color of a fiery sunset, and a pair of horns jutted out of his ink black hair. This man was Asher's best friend and body guard, a member of the Oni clan. His name was Kai, and the two of them had been together for as long as either could remember, Kai was born on the same day as Xavier. It is customary that any of the Oni clan born on the same day as a member of the Imperial family, it is their destiny to be tied to said child for life.
Both of the young men were dressed similarly with their ribbed tank tops and jeans, together they watched the people pass by the cafe. Even though the two of them looked like they were relaxing in the sun, waiting for a server to appear, both of the men were on high alert for any potential situation they may need to avoid.
"Honestly, I'm shocked at how busy it is. Isn't this week reserved for Royalty or those students representing royalty to move in?" Asher commented to Kai, who simply grunted in return. Trying to start a conversation with the stoic Oni was always difficult. Asher crossed one ankle over the other, as he let his head fall back with a sigh. "It wasn't this busy last year, during move in."
"Well, there are more students this year. I heard mention that this is one the biggest Freshman class in a decade." Kai spoke in a gruff deep voice.
The twittering of a group of pixies that had seemed to have landed on the table next to the two, was already annoying Xavier. Their high voices grating against his sensitive ears, he could feel his ears involuntarily twitching trying to find a position which would tune the tittering out. The young waitress finally returned with the order they had placed almost half an hour now. Even though the drinks were fresh made, sweat was already collecting on the chilled coffee drinks made by the barista.
The waitress had reddish brown hair, a pair of hair circle ears blending in at the top of her head, her tail was a stripped fluffy reddish brown and dark brown. I gave a discreet sniff, trying to discern what type of Yokai she was. The girl seemed nervous as she begin to set out drinks on the table.
"I'm so sorry for the wait." She said. "Her voice had a high pitched barking like sound. "We...usually aren't this busy and I'm still new." Her tail hung low in nervousness or maybe submission. It was then that Asher recognized her musty wet dog type scent. She was a Tanuki.
"Don't worry about it. These things happen, thanks for delivering these even with how busy you are." With that Xavier put five dollar bill on her tray as a tip, she gave the two of them a cute smile as her striped tail flicked happily. Xavier flashed her a smile, before unwrapping his straw and putting it in the drink. He took a sip of the creamy chocolate coffee drink. It wasn't as sweet as he had expected, in fact it had a slight bit of bitterness to the chocolate which complemented the caramel taste of the expresso.
"So what's next on our itinerary?" Xavier asked Kai.
Kai reached into his pocket pulling a folded piece of paper. He unfolded it, looking over it as he sipped his coffee. He didn't bother with a straw, since his lid wasn't domed to make room for whipped cream, the flat lid seemed to have a slot for drinking without the need of one. He seemed to have just gotten a black iced coffee, his dark black bangs falling down to cover his red eyes. Xavier watched as he perused the itinerary before him.
"Tonight is an informal dinner for those who have arrived today, at seven. Then the schedule is pretty clear until the official welcome dinner and ball in two days." Kai answered, before sliding the paper over to his Master. Xavier glanced over the itinerary, sipping on the coffee. After the official welcome thing the schedule was packed with meet and greets of the various nobles in his kingdom, because he was the Crown Prince he was in charge of setting up the dorm, as well as leading it. Not to mention he was a member of the Student Council himself. Thankfully Kai was there to assist him with the momentous tasks ahead, he was grateful his friend was able to attend the school with him
"We should finish up getting the things we need and I still need to go the Pear store to get my computer looked at." Xavier hand the paper back to Kai, he folds it neatly putting it back in his pocket.
"What time is the latest shuttle we can get with enough time to get ready for tonight?" Xavier asked, as he stood up with his beverage in hand.
"If we want to be on time, we will need to get the 5 o'clock shuttle" Kai said as he looked at his watch. "Do you think they'll be able to look at your computer before then?"
"Hmmmm. What time is it now?"
"3:30"
"That should be enough time. Lets go." The two of them started to make their way down the street. drawing attention, both secretive glances and out right stares, after all Kitsune's are pretty rare. Xavier would stand out even more if he hadn't hidden seven of my nine tails. Still even a two tailed Kitsune attracts unwanted attention, Kitsune are known for being superior in magic and traits. In fact it took Xavier thirty years just to learn how to control his pheromones. Most of the Yokai are able to control their pheromones by the time they are at least twenty. However, due to his superior Alpha traits it took him longer. Xavier's father assured him it was completely normal, considering it took him thirty years also to learn how to control his. Although it has been fifty years since both Xavier and Kai's bith, in terms of development and education they are considered the same age as everyone else who starts the Academy. After all Yokai and most of the other races grow much slower than the average human.
Xavier took in the city that had sprung up around the Royal Academy over the past century. With technological advances going at lightening speed, along with people learning to combine technology with magic. As he walked through the streets heading to the computer store, Xavier thought about the history his mother had told him of the Academy. A millennium ago a famous ancestor Benimaru Sunabae had managed to convince the other Kingdoms the importance of educating the next generation of nobility and rulers. It also encouraged unity between the younger generation, often by the time they graduated many of the nobles had found their mates, which only strengthened ties within all the Kingdoms. Hoping to strengthen ties to the Fae Kin and the Draconian Kingdom's was one of Xavier's goals. Thinking about how to get close to the Princes and Princesses sent here meant that Xavier wasn't pay attention and his body was rocked as something ran into him hard. Kai quickly reached out to grab the offending person.
When Xavier looked down at what, or rather who, had run into him, the words he was about to shout at the offending party caught in his throat. Xavier was stunned at the beauty that was in front of him, and the boy smelled like his home during the Flower Viewing Festival. The soft scent of sakura trees in bloom, the scent of those soft pink petals floating down from a light early spring breeze that would blow through the air. Xavier felt his pulse speed up, as he reached out grabbing the upper arms of the beauty to keep him from falling back on his ass. The touch sent a zing through Xavier, that went straight down to his groin. Xavier swallowed hard as he looked down, amethyst eyes that glittered like a well shined gemstone looked up at him, porcelain skin so milky white it made him think of sweet whipped cream, it gave Xavier the urge to lick his lips. Red lips the color of a slightly ripened raspberry, caused Xavier to wonder if the beauty's lips would taste just as sweet. His body was slender, with a slight curve to his hips, long legs clad in tight black denim clung to his body accentuating his pert ass. His well defined calves were clad in knee high leather boots that had a slight heel to them, making him a couple inches taller than he probably was, but still left him several inches shorter of Xavier's statuesque frame. His black v-neck tank top sported the name of a band I was unfamiliar with called Destiny, and stopped just slightly above his navel, the creamy skin there enticing as a silver hoop caught the sunlight attracting attention.
"Oh I'm sorry." A mellifluous voice, with a sultry undertone came out of those luscious lips, pulling Xavier out of his lusty thoughts. The young man looked up at Kai who was glaring at his Master's hands holding onto the boy. The beauty gracefully stepped back, raising his hands up showing he meant no harm, a gentle smile on his lips. Xavier found himself seething with jealousy at the smile directed at Kai.
"I mean no harm, but can I pick my pastries up?" He held the air of nobility around him, and obviously seemed to know that if there was a guard with someone they were of much higher status. Xavier bent down and picked up the pastry box, which seemed to be dented.
"You should check to see if they are ruined." Xavier stiffly handed the box to him, and he shot me a sheepish smile. He opened the box, peeking inside, I managed to see that some of the pastries had been smushed.
"It doesn't matter whether they are broken or not. They'll still taste delicious either way." He gave me a wink and a flirtatious smile, and Xavier swear to all the Gods in the heavens he felt my heart flip.
"Let me at least get you new ones to replace the ones that got ruined." Xavier offered, really he just wanted to spend more time with the beauty.
"No need. Like I said, the way they look won't affect the taste. Plus I'm kind of in a hurry to catch the shuttle." He closed the box back up and gave Xavier and Kai a wave. "Plus you should worry more about your coffee. Apparently I owe you one, Mr...?" He trailed off fishing for my name.
"Xavier, just Xavier." Goosebumps travelled along my body as he let out a giggle.
"Well then the next time we me Just Xavier" He emphasized the just, with a hint of teasing in his voice. "I'll have to treat you to coffee and you can buy me a slice of cake." He laughed again with a wave, as he raced off towards the shuttle stop. Xavier stood there stunned watching his back disappear into the crowd.
"Wait...I didn't catch your name!" Xavier hollered after him, but by that point he was too far away to hear him and Xavier had completely lost sight of him. The only thing that was left of the incident was my spilt drink on the ground, and the lingering scent of cherry blossoms swirling around.