Author Notes: Hello everyone. This is simply going to be a one shot and a experiment of sorts. I have no intention of making this a story though can change depending on the feedback and I get hit with enough plot bunnies. Besides, trying to do two FoZ stories at the same time is asking for trouble.
Tiffania's past is very sketchy and not enough detail is given so I have to take what's given and fill in the blanks to the best of my ability.
I loved Solomon Goldsmith as a character, and it sucked hard he died when he was having a come around. So, I wanted to give him a second chance elsewhere once his time was over. I also wanted to do something different then having Louise summoning him, so here's the result for good or ill. I do not own any of the characters, if I did this would be animated. Only thing I own is any original characters and elements that may show up.
A man in a business suit in the streets of New York wasn't anything unusual, even as they slowly made their way into the darken alley ways. Their steps were plodding and slow as they dragged themselves towards the dead end resting against a chain-linked fence.
The only thing that would be strange about the man known as Solomon Goldsmith was his condition; battered, tired and feeling the poison of her blood flow through his body. The cruel irony of the woman he loved being the cause of his death.
The thought of causing her pain, seeing her face twist into tears as he turned to dust. He wouldn't and couldn't be that cruel to the woman he cared for.
Best to die where she couldn't see. Alone.
But he would have done it again even if he knew his fate ahead of time and knowing Saya didn't love him the way he wanted as her heart had been taken by another. No. He thought with slight bitterness. Saya's heart was never really open to him from the beginning, he just couldn't realize it at the time.
Because besides her love, Saya had given him something else just as precious and priceless.
She had given him back his will. The spark he had long before that he had since died when Solomon Goldsmith passed and just Solomon the Chevalier replaced them. With the downside came regrets, many which he pushed aside began pumping towards the surface. Things he hadn't done, and acts that shouldn't have come to pass.
Impending death had a nice habit of making one self reflective as he was starting to learn quickly.
Wincing, he ripped part of his business shirt to see his skin turning into a dull gray color, looking more like drying clay that slowly twisted itself around its form; small spider cracks appearing in odd angles. It was a mockery of his normal skin, but he knew it was due to Saya's blood. That same power would do it to any member of his kind if they weren't of the same blood.
How much time did he have? The pain was getting steadily worse and his vision was starting to lose the normal sharp focus it had before.
If he could just..
"What sad sight. My pitiful brother."
Solomon rose his head up, another man in a business suit, middle-aged man was frowning down at him. A look of passive disinterest showed on their features, as if witnessing a insect curling up and dying then their own flesh and blood.
"Amshel.." Solomon said slowly, forcing his back a bit straighter.
"What did you think would happen?" Amshel replied idly. "That Saya would come to you? That you would be rewarded in some fashion? Foolishness. The only thing you've done is get yourself in this predicament. If you come with me, I can perhaps save you little brother but do it quickly. I suspect you aren't long for this world."
Amshel spoke in the same matter of fact tone, waiting patiently as Solomon forced himself to stand up fully and ease his body off the fence.
This man—no thing was not his big brother. Amshel had always loved knowledge and science but he would have never been this cruel to seek it out so ruthlessly no matter the cost.
Or perhaps he always was but just needed the proper outlet. That realization was perhaps more painful then the current fire coursing through his body.
"I won't," Solomon managed to say with rapidly diminishing strength. "I'm going to do something I haven't done in a long time, the right thing."
This time Amshel face broke into a small sneer. "I had thought you had left such idiotic naivety long ago, Solomon. The man who sat idly by as Diva did as she pleased and many experiments. You have no leg which to stand on little brother but strike me down ff you can. Do you have it in you? Or will you fail like many times before?"
"..."
Solomon said nothing, Amshel was correct and he couldn't refute the claims. He forced his legs to move despite feeling them rapidly began to freeze and lock up. He forced his right hand which morphed to a wick, organic blade to raise as his former brother aiming to end it all by striking from neck.
Only it shattered like so much glass on contact. Solomon faltered, unable to stand up as Amshel surprisingly caught him.
"What a foolish brother I have.."
Those were the last words Solomon heard before death claimed their due.
"-By the Founder. What happened to you?"
Solomon found his blurry vision slowly blink to focus as he realized he wasn't in the alleyway of New York. He wasn't even in a city, instead it was a room with many different beds and strangest of all the walls looked like they belonged to a castle.
How was he still alive? And why were the voices speaking his native language, French?
A woman with blue hair dressed as a maid greeted them, turning in surprise. "Ah! You're awake! Thank goodness."
Solomon moved slightly, feeling a muted pain from his actions. The first woman went over, a short thing but not intimidated as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You need to rest. You barely made it out alive."
"But-"
His protest was further cut off but a gentle, but firm push and Solomon winced faintly.
"See? You aren't fine. Please just rest for a little longer."
The words reminded Solomon of another time, back when he believed in helping people in the battlefield which had ironically had been the key to his current lot's choices. "I apologize. I'm not used to being still for long periods," Or my healing factor not taking care of it. "Where did you find me and what state?"
He had many other questions, of course but he needed to establish a few things before he asked about anything else.
"Oh," The woman began backing up to give him personal space. "Our Archduke Othomont had summoned you. He was convinced it was time to summon another familiar after so much time had passed. When we found you-" She winced. "-When we found you, you were in a horrible mess. A arm was missing and you weren't responding. We thought you dead, but then you started breathing so you were brought here in the infirmary to heal."
But how? Saya's blood had gotten into my system there's no way I could have survived.. Solomon was more then a bit baffled. As a man who had grown up with his brother of analytical and scientific mind along with being a former doctor, he liked things to make sense.
This made none so he went with a few logical choices.
The first was Amshel had spared him. It was possible, from the last words that sounded almost like regret if it wasn't just feverish and foolish hope that the big brother he had grown up with and loved was still alive.
But then there was the how. If Amshel had took his head off and allowed himself to regenerate he would not be in the place he was currently. He wasn't sure if his race could even survive having their head removed in the first place. It wasn't exactly something done before.
Secondly, who had Archdukes anymore? The monarchy was long gone in most parts of the world. Sure there was royalty within the United Kingdom but that was the only major one that came to mind. Plus summon as she said.
Summoning implied he was brought here, willingly or not. For a brief moment he entertained the thought of magic being the only explanation he had came here alive.
But that was completely absurd. Magic didn't exist. That still didn't ease the uncomfortable feeling rising in his gut.
"I see," Solomon said, neutrally weighing on his next move. "So, if you don't mind me asking where am I?"
"You are in the floating island known as Albion. Currently in the castle called Londinum."
Solomon was more then skeptical of the claim of a 'floating island' for good reason but he wasn't going to be rude to his hostess. He flashed a small smile. "Just as well then. I'm Solomon Goldsmith, its a pleasure to meet you."
They gave a small curtsey in response. "Mine too. Alexis is my name." She clasped her hands together and behind her back after.
Heavy foot steps were heard before the next new deep voice interrupted the conversation. "Good. It seems you're awake. I hope you're feeling better."
The man that came into view was rather tall, a bit darker skinned though more of someone who had been outside more then normal. Their shoulders were broad and they had a stern face but it wasn't a unkind one. The armor they wore reminded Solomon of ages passed, mostly in medieval times and the cape with the white gloves only assented that fact.
"Lord Othomont about earlier-" Alexis started before the man held up a hand.
"It's fine. I will worry about it later. Leave us be for now Alexis," His gaze turned to Solomon as if evaluating the other man while the woman bowed before leaving the room and closing the door behind them. "I am Othomont, Archduke of Albion. I summoned you with my magic but I was expecting something not able to think," His face twitched into the smallest of smiles. "I suppose this works just as well."
"Solomon Goldsmith. And forgive me for my skepticism but where I come from, 'magic' doesn't exist. What proof do you have to your claims?" Things didn't add up, but there had to be a rational explanation to all this.
There was a pause before the other man held a wand, summoning a fireball. It was the size of a basketball but it quickly receded as if never was there. Then again; this time it was water of a similar shape before that too was dismissed.
"Would this answer your claims, Solomon?"
Solomon frowned. He couldn't deny what he saw but calling it magic annoyed him. There had to be a reason of how it worked exactly but for now he would accept. "It does," There was another question. One of many. "You said you summoned me. So what exactly is a familiar?"
"A familiar is like a companion, or pet that a mage summons from the gift the Founder has given us. They help us perform a variety of task, many of the fighting capable ones more as bodyguards," Othomont paused. "Obviously, I didn't expect to summon something that can think, so you'd be more of a companion and bodyguard."
Solomon's eyes narrowed slightly. "And if I refused this task you have given me?"
"That would be unfortunate," The Archduke said simply. "If you don't know what magic is, then you obviously are from far away. With that, I'm guessing you would not know the layout of the land of where ever you came from. My guess is you come from Beyond the Holy lands. It wouldn't be the first time one was summoned from so far a distance."
Mentally, Solomon cursed. Of course, he thought dryly. He was a politician, he would naturally know about the game of politics. A game Solomon thoroughly detested.
"However," He began again. "I did not summon you for that, but for something else. I want you to hear out my request. In exchange I can also help you learn about this part of the world."
It wasn't like he had many options in his current state. Solomon sighed resignedly . "I'm listening."
There was a moment of silence at first before they began speaking again. "It's..for my daughter, Tiffania. I want you to protect her from herself and others. She is a half-elf, haven't gotten it from her mother and a small child at that. I do not think it will be too long before one or both are found out. When that happens, I will be unable to protect either."
"Elves exist?" Solomon muttered.
Magic and now elves. It seemed like a Lord of the Rings novel had came to life before his eyes but he listened despite the insanity of it all.
"Yes, elves. They exist. I do not know from where you hail from, Goldsmith but here humans and elves have been enemies for centuries. You must come from a isolated place indeed," The Archduke then shrugged. "With that said, you can imagine why I have to hide my daughter's heritage."
"Why trust me with this?" Solomon said. "You do not know a thing about me, or even if I'm a fighter of any kind."
"It's not so much a matter of trust, but precedent," Othomont argued. "Not once in the entire history even with intelligent familiars have they struck their summoners in the back unless they were treated poorly. There is a bond there, one not so easily broken. See you right arm?"
Solomon looked down, seeing a strange runic symbols on his left arm. "..What is this?"
"A mark," Was the reply. "When a familiar is summoned, those runes appear to show the bond. As I said, the bond is a Gift from both God and the Founder."
The last words almost made Solomon's hackles rise but pushed the ugly feeling down. Not now.
Solomon had rejected god when they had rejected him and his family. When his sister, who had been such a bright soul had died in agony in her own bed from illness. He pushed the old memory away. Not this time.
"As for a fighter.." Othomont peered at them. "You are obviously powerful in your own right. Not many people grow back their arms. Which reminds me, you aren't human, are you?"
The words that came out next were slow. "No. I'm not."
"Then what are you?"
"That'll be my own secret. You have yours, I have mine."
The Archduke frowned thinly but nodded, backing up slightly. "I see that as fair. That being said, will you do it? Help protect my daughter?"
Can I? Should I?
It wasn't something Solomon wanted to get involved in. This 'Albion' was obviously not home and there was even more politics involved he wasn't aware of. However, he didn't know about where he was which means he would be stumbling in the dark without knowing things first.
And the girl, Tiffania was it? She was just a child apparently, doomed to be isolated and outcasted because of what she was. Solomon even in his darker days never harmed children personally but company and by proxy people he worked with were a different matter.
If he could not return to Saya, then for now he could make amends. Become the person he used to be rather then what he had become over time.
Fate or whatever had brought him here for a second chance. He would not sit idly and waste it.
"I'll do it. But you keep your end of the bargain and tell me more about this place."
Even with the proof had been shown of where he was further, Solomon couldn't help but find the whole situation surreal like he was in a dream that as a boy he would have loved. After all serving kings and saving the day in some fantasy world was a timeless tradition among many young growing boys; it was just he hadn't expected to happen to him in reality.
Magic seemed to be genetic, so that eased Solomon somewhat and made him curious of what the mechanics of it were. But it made little sense there would be a class system based on it when having children with normal people would make new mages. When asked, Othomont had shrugged and said commoners with mages typically resulted in a weaker mage or just commoner.
Perhaps these people were in fact a sub race of humanity? That could explain their natural magic and the 'commoners' at any rate.
If Amshel was here he would have been far more fascinated about these and elves then he was and not in the good way. He'd want to analyze, control and dissect it until he could find everything about the subject to the tiniest detail like he had done in the past without a ounce of care or ethics.
It was a good thing he wasn't. But it would have been funny to likely see him trying to explain two moons.
Solomon had also made sure his employer(he was never going to use the term master and thankfully the duke had the sense not to push his luck) knew of his..feeding habits. His kind didn't need blood often and could go for long periods without it but it was a important substance to them. When asked if he was a vampire, he had said no. He was something else entirely which was believed, as he didn't burst into flames or have any host of other weaknesses or quirks.
Tiffania, as to keep her heritage a secret, wasn't too often in the main parts of Albion where she was in constant danger. Her mother had illusion spells which kept them both from being discovered and causing people to think them humans instead. It was only a few people who knew and the spell could not last forever by itself.
His duties left him chained to this part of the world and Shajar, his wife in secret did not want to leave her husband. In a way it reminded Solomon of the many tragic romance stories where there wasn't truly a happy ending at the end of the story. This situation was a powdered keg waiting to happen as it was only a matter of when not if someone casually or accidentally lit the match.
This time was different. Tiffania was apparently with one of her few friends, a girl named Matilda who's father was a friend of the families. There was seven year age difference between the two young girls but that mattered little as they were already rather close.
Solomon could scarcely remember when his family had been close himself. It had been so many years ago. In truth even when they were alive, his family had died a long time ago.
Beautiful singing, though faint was heard and got steadily louder as they approached, a woman's from the sound of it.
Othomont reached two large double doors before giving it a firm knock. A moment later a attractive, petite blond woman in a tunic opened the door stepping aside to allow them to enter. The Archduke only had a moments peace before a blond blur attached to himself to his leg.
A little girl, Solomon realized. They were wearing a green dress and if he had to make a educated guess they were probably four, no older then six. Oddly she smelt of earth as did the woman who now kissed the duke on the cheek. The little one must be Tiffania from what I was told.
There was another girl slightly in the back, green hair with a blue dress. It was a bit fancier then the one Tiffania apparently wore.
Othmont's eyes softened as he gently patted the girl on the head before removing her from his leg. "I cannot stay for too long, I'm sorry." This seemed to burst the bubble in the little girls excitement.
"You never get to stay.."
"I know," Othmont said simply. "I want to introduce you to your body guard, one Solomon Goldsmith. Solomon, this is Tiffania, the woman is my Shajar and the other girl is Matilda—a old friend of Tiffania and the family."
"I hope we can be friends while we're here little one." Solomon said pleasantly. It had been some time, since he interacted with children he had forgotten the finer nuisances when dealing with them. The last time had been on a plane flight keeping a excitable little girl a ear to talk about anything that came to mind.
"I must go now. Shajar, we have things to discuss."
The words made the grown elf pause, green eyes looking at Solomon curiously. "Take care of my daughter and Matilda."
It was a simple, harmless request but Solomon picked up the slight warning in the tone. It was dismissed as he could understand a worried parent or someone precious to protect.
That and he had no desire to test himself against a elf or the magics of this world. Not without a clearer idea of what they could do. Firearms and modern weapons he could easily fend off, but magics if books were anything to go by worked in exotic ways as some bypassed normal defense entirely.
"I will."
Shajar gave a faint nod, and strode out with her husband.
Once the two left, Tiffania watched him or rather looked up at him with curious eyes and Matilda had her arms crossed.
"You look suspicious," Matilda said frowning. "Why are your clothes strange?"
"Matilda! Be nice!" The smaller girl scolded.
Strange? Solomon mused, keeping himself from chuckling. Matilda tried to act older then what she was. It was true she was probably a preteen from her looks but she was still very much a child. If memory recalled correctly Matilda was rather protective of the younger girl which she regarded as a sibling.
"My clothes are rather odd for this place aren't they?" Solomon mused. "They aren't really up to some of the standards of some, like your clothes."
Matilda flushed slightly. "You can't just come here and take over though. I'm suppose to protect Tiffania."
Ah. So that was her problem.
"We'll," Solomon began with a bit more thought then needed. "I am, only a bodyguard and since you're a friend of Tiffania that would extend to you. Still, I'll need a guide and a good set of ears for while I'm here. So how about you help with that and I handle the rest?"
The green-haired girl eyes flickered to Tiffania then back to their Chiropertan protector. "O-okay. But no funny business."
"No funny business," Solomon agreed with a slight chuckle. "What do you two want to do now?"
"..We could go to the garden," Tiffania offered timidly, her voice was naturally quite. Solomon wouldn't hear her at times if not for his hearing.
Remembering that as one of the places that was all right to take them, Solomon nodded. "If that's what you want. Matilda?"
Matilda seemed to be thinking before coming to a decision. "I like that idea."
The matter settled, the three headed to the garden. It didn't take too long to reach their destination but Solomon was almost taken back by the place. It was more like a maze, with perfectly lined up bushes that traveled in different lines. Plants of all sizes and shapes and various flowers of different colored hues. It was overall beautiful and who ever had done it had obviously put time and effort into it.
"When you two grow up, what do you want to do?" Solomon asked idly as gave the garden another glance.
"I don't know," Matilda honestly answered. "Being a grown up sounds boring."
"It has its moments," Solomon once again agreed. "But it has its upsides too." Tiffania was once more quite before speaking again.
"Outside. I want to go around the world."
"There's nothing exciting out there," Matilda disagreed. "But if you go, I'll go with you okay?"
"I wouldn't say that Matilda," Solomon wasn't sure about this world but even in the more mundane one he had came from held wonders that ignited his imagination despite the years making most things common and uninteresting. "The world is full of things. Great things, and also bad things."
Of the bad things he knew all too well. Not something children should hear in detail.
Tiffania's eyes widened at that. "Then can you tell me?" Even Matilda seemed curious now.
"I'd be happy too." Solomon would of course have to leave many things out but he could talk a bit about some of sights and things he had seen back at home. Matilda finally said:
"You know, you're an all right guy Solomon."
This actually made Solomon laugh. Children were amusing. "I'm glad you think so Matilda. Now there's a lot of stories I can share but I'll start with a favorite of mine.."
Before they knew it, time had passed until it was time for Solomon to get both young children to bed. Both of them were actually rather good children and he didn't mind spending time with them for the most part. Tiffania had fallen asleep and had to be carried to bed while Matilda had trudged on despite being tired(along probably with a bit of stubbornness if nothing else)
After setting Tiffania to be tucked in and letting Matilda plop into her own bed as they shared a room he headed out to walk among the castle and think.
He had first done this for information about this world and possibly how to get home but the more time he spent, the more he was thinking it may not be possible. More importantly, what exactly would he be returning home too when and if he was able to return back home? All his family had since turned to dust as did his friends. He cared little for the material wealth of his company. It was nice but it didn't do anything for him.
'Perhaps, I'm just a little lonely too.'
Those words said to Saya some time ago had a deeper meaning for Solomon after Carl's death. For all the material wealth, his looks and the superhuman gifts that came with his race it didn't change the fact he was more or less alone. His brother was distant and cold, the other Chevaliers lost in their own worlds while Diva had long since lost any warmth she may have; something that was not helped by his big brother in the slightest.
He should have done something more. Could have.
But that was done, there was nothing he could do about the many past regrets.
The only thing that anchored him back to the other world truly, was Saya. The same Saya that was in love with Haji and be forever out of his reach. No. Though he was now happy Saya had found someone who would make her happy, he had no desire to watch from the side lines. Besides, he was confident now she'd be able to put Diva out of his misery. Though with that came the bitter realization before his 'death'.
Not one but Saya would miss him when he was gone.
So if there was nothing to tie him further to that world, then he had no reason to go back. This meant he would be building a new life within Halkgenia to the best of his ability. It was too a similar purpose but different from when he served Diva; to protect and keep company. Diva had acted like a child half the time so while different there were some similarties.
For now he'd stay and protect them and create new memories even if they might not last. Already he felt slightly happier in their presence then without as if nothing else they distracted them from the myriad things that plague his conscious.
If the girls needed a Chevalier, then he would lend his blade.
Ending Notes:
Blood Plus had a horrible habit of killing off all the characters I liked(I.E. Irene, Solomon, Moses) and leaving characters alive I can't stand. But perhaps that was the point. I was of course sad at seeing Solomon go and thought it was too cruel of a fate to die of a freaking scratch.
So then here's a idea for Solomon to have a second lease of life and be happy. It also helps I find him a more fascinating character then Haji by far, but each their own. I wanted to portray Solomon as a good, but flawed person. Someone who realized at the end he fucked up multiple times but is trying to make a change that's how this idea got started.
I think its a fresher take on things, and I'm sure people are kinda tired of 'Louise summons X'. If I continue this which more depends on my muse, time and feedback but for now consider this a one shot. I at least had fun writing it. It would focus naturally on Solomon, Tiffania and Matilda naturally and more character focused then anything else.
Take care of yourselves out there.