Disclaimer: I do not own Neptunia series and Zero no Tsukaima. They belong to their respective producers. I only own my OCs and the stories.
Welcome to my new story. This is my second story, and the first crossover. To the people who have read my first story, welcome back. There're a lot of missing information in the first chapter, but that's my intention. I will make sure, even when you haven't read my first one, you can still understand what I'm trying to do.
So no more words, hope you enjoy the first chapter of Past to present, Zero's another world!
A bit of basic fonts:
The Creator
The Observer
Story-telling
"Speaking, and telepathy if it's defined"
'Thinking/Telepathy'
Important information
Saito's, aka ?, POV
So, I am returning from my work (yes, work, not study) when my phone starts ringing up. I look at my phone screen, no name, no number. Strange. I push the call button and put the phone on my ear. "Hello? Who is that?"
Hey, it's me.
"Oh, T.O, long time no see! What's the matter?" It's been a while from the last time I saw him.
Remember our conversation 9 months ago? It's time.
The conversation? OH! "It's time already? Man, time sure runs fast."
Yeah, The Creator's order. Sorry to pull you out of your family.
"Don't worry, you have told us beforehand already. However, I need to talk to my family about it, okay?"
Of course. But I need you to complete it in about two hours. Kuro knew about the adventure, but not about you being summoned like him. If he's confused when you meet him, just tell him you're going with him.
"Okay. But when will I meet him? A few moments later?"
No, when you're summoned to the another universe. Kuro would be summoned just moments before you.
"Got it. Thank you." I close the phone and look at the sky. Nine months have passed already? After that day…
I'm standing in front of my house, and the moment I open the door, a little boy runs right to me, excitedly bouncing on his feet.
"You're back early! Did you have a good time in your job?"
I smile and rub his head: "Something like that. By the way, where is…"
"I'm here." Walking from inside to the door, a girl in her normal outfit minus her shoes, with an apron above it, is looking at me with her bright smile. "Welcome back home. Why are you returning so soon?"
"Well, the quests are a little too easy to deal with. Oh and, I'm leaving for about a few months."
The boy looks at me: "Why?" I answer: "Do you remember Kuro? About my planned travel?"
She understands: "Oh. It's time already?"
I nod. "Yes. I will miss you two so much." I pick the boy up and walk to the girl to get a group hug.
The girl smiles: "We will miss you too. Be safe, okay?"
The boy: "You should be okay, okay? If not, we'll be very angry."
I smile: "Of course. Believe in little old me, okay?" That causes the three of us to laugh.
About an hour later…
I got everything I need in my hammerspace now. Let's wait to see if there's anymore warning…
'My servant that existed somewhere in the vast universe'
Wait, where's that voice from? It belongs to a young girl, but I'm in my room now. Maybe…
'My divine, beautiful, wise, powerful servant, heed my call'
Then a portal appears before me. Maybe this is the gate to my adventure. And 'servant'? I am summoned to be a servant? It's not something I like.
Sorry about that, but there's no other option.
'T.O? Is something like this happened before?'
It's from the original.
'So that's why. Like some events Kuro didn't want to change?'
Yeah, something like that.
'Okay. But I still don't like the sound of it.'
No human likes to be summoned. I cannot do anything more, aside from giving you enough time to say your goodbye.
'Don't worry about it. Well, let's head in'
'I wish from very bottom of my heart and add to my guidance'
'My first real step to another universe, aside from my old world.'
'And appear!'
*BOOM!* Classic scene, ladies and gentleman.
*Cough* *Cough* 'Really? My first step starts with an explosion?' And smoke surrounding me too. I hope this is not a bad sign.
I almost forgot.
'Huh? What is it?'
Don't use magic. Not until Kuro spills everything out or let you do it, okay?
'Is that really crucial?'
This world works very different. Think of it as a Roman magical era.
'That bad?'
You will see, when your master talks to you.
'Oh god…Really?'
The smoke starts spreading out, and I can see things in front of me. And the first thing is…pink. Pink hair… I would say it's weird to see a person with pink hair, if I was on Earth. The one which it belongs to is a small girl in her 16-year. She has pink eyes also, anime protagonist detected everyone, and she's wearing a uniform of sort (white shirt and black skirt), with black cape covering her back and some kind of emblem on her shirt's collar. She wears black thigh-high socks and black shoes. Also, it seems Louise's eye color is different from anime to novel. I will try to stick with one, but it's kinda hard when I try to use the novel AND the anime wiki at the same time. And she is pointing a stick, no, a wand at me. Magical era, huh?
The girl asks me, demand clearly showing on her voice: "Who are you, commoner?" By the way, I'm kneeling on the ground, not lying down. I heard the problem from Kuro, and it seems he hated it, a lot.
"My name? It's Saito Hiraga." I'm using Western way to address name here, since I'm using English to write. It makes me feel more comfortable. If you don't like it, I will change in the future.
"Where are you from? I'm hoping you're from the same place with the previous one." Previous one? Kuro is here? That gives me way less trouble. But before I can answer…
"My, my… You also summoned a handsome boy, too. But blue for his eyes…I think he's fit for Tabitha more…" Another girl is walking near to the pink girl, and she is… well, more developed than the small girl. Wait, blue eyes? Last time I check my eyes were black… Now I finally notice my outfit, I'm wearing my old blue long-sleeved jacket over my white shirt, black jeans and white sneaker.
This is how I looked like before, not now! Don't tell me that, not only I'm de-aged, but I'm also turned back to my previous self?
When I'm snapped out of my thought, the pink girl's face is directly before me: "You should count yourself lucky. Normally, you'd go your whole life without a noble doing this to you." Noble… A word that hasn't used for quite a long time to address a title. No, I'm not talking about Noble-Six or another Nobles from Halo games. I'm talking about the politic ranks. Then she waves her wand on her hand and starts chanting: "My name is Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere. Pentagon of the Five Elemental Powers; bless this humble being and make him my familiar." Familiar? Oh no, I thought I was summoned to be a servant? Then, the next thing happens: she kisses me. Now, let's be real here, kissing is no stranger to me, since I have her as my wife, however, this method of contracting is not… familiar to me. Even when in Gamindustri…
She releases the kiss instantly and blushes. Yeah, right, kissing a stranger… "It's done." She sighs, and I feel relief in it. Suddenly, I feel my left hand starting to burn. I bite my lips to suppress a scream, as some kind of runes are being written on my hand. Then, like how suddenly it started, it stops.
"Congratulation. You have finished your Springtime Familiar Summoning." I look to the direction of the voice, to see a middle-aged man holding a wooden staff. So most people here are mages, huh?
"But it's because he's just like him, Professor Colbert. Both of them are just commoners." Again with that. Commoners? If they separate people by calling them Commoner or Noble, then that's just racist. Somehow.
"That doesn't matter. Young man, can I see your runes?" The man, who is called Colbert, asks me.
I look at my hand again, then show it to him: "Sure, why not?"
He looks at it, then draws it on a piece of paper, with a feather… Freaking feather… No wonder T.O said this world is like Roman era. I notice there's another piece with another rune drawing, maybe he writes down all of the familiar's runes and not just mine.
"Hey, young man, need to get up?" I see a hand stretching out to me. I look to the owner, and I sigh in relief. He's my friend. He's standing out among people, because he's wearing his lab coat, white shirt combined with black jeans and shoes. The short black hair and eyes are not hard to be mistaken around. I grab his hand and he pulls me off the ground.
"Thanks Kuro. Looks like you're here first." That earns me a confused look from him. Oh right, when we're in Gamindustri, this is not how I looked like.
"May I ask how you know my name Saito?"
Well, time for the truth, huh? "Yes, my name is Saito Hiraga, however, you have known me as…"
A moment before, Kuro's POV
'Now, let's see if I can change Halkeginia to the way we want.' And I'm terribly sorry to anyone who has read my first story, I messed up the name in the last chapter. From the chanting earlier, it seems the person who's summoning me is not Louise, but rather, Tabitha or Charlotte. It's a bit strange though, my Darkness is more compatible with the element Void than Water. Or Tabitha here is a Void mage as well? Well, who knows? Let's see about that.
A light occurs, forcing me to hold my hand up to block it. Then, it dies down, and I can see what's before me. And I was right, Tabitha is right before me. Not so many mages here are petite and have blue as main color like her. And, she kinda has that passive look to her. However, with my limited knowledge, I think she's trying to examine me. Not in that way you guys.
No words are spoken between us for a few seconds, then…
"Oh my Tabitha! You summoned a very handsome familiar!" Guess who.
Let's just say, Kirche is in her 'flirtatious' mode. And I know about it, so her words don't affect me…much.
Professor Colbert asks Tabitha: "Miss Tabitha, please complete your contract with him."
Tabitha looks at me for a bit, then turns to Colbert: "Another place." Forgive me if the characters are a bit OOC. I'm re-watching it to get a better idea. Also, seriously, the first five chapters of novel version don't have a single 'Tabitha' in it?
It seems Tabitha wants some privacy. Why though? I try to remember…Oh right. You have to use your real name to do the spell. She's using her alias now, so obviously it wouldn't work.
Colbert doesn't know about it, but still allows it: "You want some privacy? Okay. You can go, but please come back so I can write down the rune."
Tabitha nods and turns to me: "Please follow." Well, nothing else to do, so I follow her. She leads me to her room, for some reasons, and her room is…how can I say it? It's simple enough for me. One bed next to the window, which is directly opposite to the door, a small table next to the bed and a bookshelf. Yeah, it looks like a small library all right. And a few pictures hanging on the wall.
She closes the door behind her after we go in the room. She then looks at me.
…
…
"Name?"
"Kuro, for now. So, if I'm right, it's the Familiar Summoning time, right?"
*Nods* "You know?"
"I heard your chanting. Charlotte, isn't it?"
She looks at me in surprise. But then drops it instantly: "Secret."
I nod. "Of course. But… how many know about it?"
"Here? None."
"Even your red-hair friend?"
"Kirche. And no."
"Well, that's your choice. SO, you want to finish the contract or not?"
"Your choice."
I kneel down, so our eyes are in the same level. "Are you sure? This is very important to you." No answer yet. "Why do you do the summoning by the way?"
… "Need a friend."
I raise my eyebrow, even though I kind of have an idea. "She's not enough?"
"Need someone who can keep secret. Kirche too loud."
I chuckle. Yeah, even best friends can talk bad about each other. But they understand each other, that's what matters. "Then why do you think I'm different?"
Silence… "Feels so."
I should stop the questioning now. "All right. I will make the contract with you."
Her eyes widen a bit: "You will?"
I nod. She, along with Louise, will be the key to the changes.
She then starts chanting: "My name is Charlotte Helene de Orleans. Pentagon of the Five Elemental Powers; bless this humble being and make him my familiar." And she places her lips on mine. It lasts a tick of a second. And as soon as she lets go, my left hand is being scribed by runes. Once it's done, I decide to use the translation spell I made for everyone in Gamindustri to understand everything and see what it says.
'DEATH.'
Death… Does that mean I'm Death the God, or what? Or does it know about my condition? Either way…
"Pain?" She asks me, uncertainty about my reaction. She probably heard or saw from the previous summons, that the familiars were in pain a bit when they're scribed.
"A little bit. Come on, let's go back." She complies.
*BOOM!* So Louise has started her summoning. And when we reach the location, there's smoke everywhere. I use a little bit of my power, without anyone noticing, to summon a small wind to clear the smoke. And then when it goes out, it reveals a person in the middle of it. Black hair, blue eyes, blue jacket. Well, our main character is here as well. I let the contract happen, and when it's finished, I walk to him and offer my hand to him. He takes it and I pull him up.
"Thanks Kuro. Looks like you're here first." Wait, he knows me? I didn't see him around in Gamindustri, and sure as hell I haven't met him while I'm still alive.
"May I ask how you know my name Saito?"
And his answer? "Yes, my name is Saito Hiraga, however, you have known me as Adam."
Adam? The same Adam who's the A-Rank hunter? The one who has Falcom as his wife? Okay, what's going on here?
"So… Adam is only your nickname?"
He shakes his head: "No, Saito's my name before my reincarnation. I think you understand that, right?"
I look around me. The students here are giving us confused and curious looks. I turn back to him: "We might need to find the another place to speak." He nods, and I turn to Colbert, who's having confusion on his face as well. "Can we meet the Headmaster of this school, please? We need to talk about something."
Colbert snaps out of his daze, and answers me: "Of course, but I need to say my congrats to the students here."
"I understand. We can wait."
Louise's POV
How dare he speaks to our professor so casually like that! They're just commoners, and they're running their mouths like nothing happened! Then Kirche walks to me and asks me: "You and Tabitha sure summon unique familiars. What're you going to do with him?"
"Probably trying to beat some senses in them, if Tabitha allows me to do so on her familiar. They do not understand who they're talking to. And what're you trying to do to them when you complimented them like that?"
Kirche smirks: "Aren't my lines the truth? They're sure quite lookers. I'm a little bit jealous of you." And she hugs me from behind, and I try to pry myself out of those melons of her.
"Get off, Kirche! This is not comfortable!"
"But it's comfortable to me! You're so small and cute!"
Our ancestors would be very angry when they see us like this. The Valliere and Zerbst family always had constant fight with each other, from politics reasons to another thing as well. 'Had' is the keyword here. From what I heard from my sisters, my mother and Kirche's father suddenly had a peace treat between our family. They said our parents just decided to let the past on their backs, and started a new relationship between us. So, we're not enemies, mind you. However, I don't like her, because of…her… you know about it.
I struggle a bit, but then realize that everyone starts floating away. Maybe professor has done with his speaking. I see him walking back to our familiars and talk to them. They nod, then my familiar, Saito if I remember right, walks to me: "Louise, can you come with us to the Headmaster? We need to ask some favors from him."
I almost shout to him for the disrespect, but Kirche interrupts me: "Can I come with you too?"
Saito looks at her a bit, not once at her jiggle things much to my surprise, then turns his attention to Tabitha's familiar: "Hey Kuro, can she come with us?"
"Let her, Adam. She would follow us if we don't allow her either way." Adam? Didn't my familiar say to me that his name is Saito Hiraga or something? That's the future's matter. Saito then gives us the gesture to follow. How is he and his friend so calm before us like that?
We then walk up to the Headmaster's Office, and we're right in front of the door when we hear something inside: "Sorry, sorry! I won't say it again! I'm sorry! Please stop!" and sounds of something being stepped on.
Professor Colbert is about to open the door, when Tabitha's familiar, 'Kuro isn't it? I think Saito said that…' grabs his hand and shakes his head. He gets the message, and instead knocks on the door first. The sounds before instantly stop, and sounds of movement replace it. Then a little silence. The Professor looks at the familiar again, who nods, and he opens the door. Inside the room, directly at the end of the office is our Headmaster sitting at his table. Rumors say that he's one of the most powerful mages in Halkeginia, and one of the oldest to be alive. And at the left of the room, Miss Longueville who's Headmaster's secretary, is sitting at her table and doing her work. And 'Is she blushing?'.
All of us walk in. Professor Colbert is the one to talk first: "Old Osmond, this young man wants to talk with you about something." He's gesturing to Kuro.
Old Osmond: "Of course. Young man, what do you want to talk about?"
Kuro steps ahead: "Hello Headmaster. My name is Kuro. I and my friend here, Saito Hiraga, are summoned by your students here to become their familiars. We have done the contract, but we want to discuss with you about our living conditions here." This familiar sounds a little off. In his way of talking, it seems he has experienced with this.
Old Osmond: "Oh. You're summoned by the 'Springtime Familiar Summoning'? That's quite a surprise."
Professor Colbert suddenly says: "Oh! I nearly forgot! Mister Kuro, can I see your rune?"
Kuro looks at him, then turns to Tabitha, who gives him a nod. He then shows his left hand to Colbert. The Professor is about to write it down, when he narrows his eyes a bit to see the runes, and he steps back suddenly and drops his paper.
"This…this rune… It's not simply a rune…" What? What does he mean?
Miss Longueville: "This is just a rune, Colbert. You're overacting again."
Colbert looks at her: "You…can check if you want…"
Miss Longueville has a confusion look on her face, as she stands up, walks to Kuro and holds his rune hand up: "Seriously, what makes you…so… scared?" She stops as well, realization written on her face.
Old Osmond notices their reactions: "What's the matter you two?"
Kuro suddenly pockets his hand: "We will talk about it after this." He turns to Old Osmond: "As we're saying, we need a room to stay here. We cannot simply stay with our masters in the same room. People will get the wrong idea."
Old Osmond: "That's fine to me. However, because it's too sudden, so we need a bit of time to prepare. Meanwhile, can you two live in your masters' rooms for a while?"
Kuro nods: "If it won't take too long, then we're fine. And about our relationship as well…"
I decide to step up: "What about our relationship? We've summoned you two as our familiars, isn't that enough to spell out our connection?"
Kuro shakes his head: "No, it's not that simple. Familiars can be anything. As you can see, there's nearly all kinds of familiars: cats, dogs, snakes, dragons, and so on. However, they're mostly being seen as pets. To us, you have to treat us as a human, nothing below. You understand that, right?" Of course I do. My mother doesn't raise me up to treat you two like dogs… Maybe in my mind…That's not the point!
"Of course."
Kuro nods: "Thanks for your understanding. And the next things…are about our origins. I don't want this information to leak outside, okay?"
Kirche smiles: "Oh, a little dark secret from our boys here? I'm excited." And she walks up and grabs his right arm in between her things. Urgh, Kirche and her flirtatious mood.
"Please hand off, Kirche. I'm too old for you." First surprise: he doesn't react to it. Second: He knows Kirche's name. No wait, Tabitha might have said her name to Kuro. And third: He said he's too old? What does that mean? I mean, he looks like he's just reached his twenty, then why did he say like that?
"Oh, come on, darling." Already? "Don't be so harsh on me."
Kuro just sighs and looks at Colbert: "Can you close the door and put a silence spell in the room?"
The Professor nods and does that. After everything is done, Kuro pushes himself out of Kirche, and looks back to Old Osmond: "All right. Oh and before hand, can you explain to my friend here how this world works?" Saito walks to Kuro when he hears that. "As you can see, we're not from this world. I have an idea about this world, however my friend here is clueless about that. And I think hearing the history from the native is better than hearing from the others."
Old Osmond looks at the two: "Is that it? Then why the privacy?"
Kuro: "Because after this, our story might be treated as a heretic act to your world."
A little silence. Old Osmond speaks first: "I don't think a story might be that bad, but I respect your request. However, I think Colbert is the better one to explain about it. I'm not good at explaining this. Colbert, can you?" I decide not to do the running jokes about Osmond spelling Colbert's name wrong too often. I respect people's name, and only give them nicknames if they allow to.
He nods and starts the explanation: "If you're new to this world, then I should start from the beginning. This world is called Halkeginia, and there are five main human nations on it: Albion, Tristain, Germania, Gallia and Romalia. There're other nations but we'll talk about it later. Right now, we're at the Tristanian Academy of Magic, an institute that teaches students from aristocratic families in the arts of magic and the study of the elements earth, air, fire, water."
Saito interrupts him: "Wait a second. Aristocratic families? I thought an academy should teach everyone, not just royal people."
Colbert blinks: "Of course, there're schools for normal citizens as well, but…"
Kuro speaks: "I think you should say about the titles here, Colbert. About 'Noble' and such." How dare they speak so casually like that!
I'm fuming now, and Tabitha, who surprisingly doesn't have her book with her, pats my shoulder: "Calm…"
"How can I be calm Tabitha? They're nearly disrespecting the Professors for speaking like that!"
Tabitha shakes her head: "Not so sure…Different cultures…" I know that, but…
Colbert: "Well, there're two kinds of people here: nobles and commoners. Nobles are people who can use magic, and commoners are the ones who can't. This system works for 6000 thousands years now, and…" He notices that Saito is having a disbelieving look on his face. "What's the matter, Saito?"
He outbursts: "What's the matter? That's just as bad as our racism! Who decides that people who can use magic are called nobility?"
Old Osmond seems surprised by his outburst, but then speaks: "It's our nature from the beginning, why…"
Saito: "And you did nothing to change that? What kind of world did I land into?"
Kuro places his hand on Saito's shoulder to calm him: "I know you're upset, but let it go, for now."
Saito turns to him, shocks at what Kuro said: "Don't tell me you agree with them?"
"Of course not. But we cannot change that fact in one day or two. Let us deal with the matter at hand first."
Saito "TSK!" and crosses his arms. "Luckily T.O already warned me about this, if not…" T.O?
Kuro turns to the Headmaster: "Sorry about that. But, I have to be on his side. You should change that way of thinking sooner or later. If not, bad things will happen to you."
Colbert sighs: "Of course. A minor of us think like you two, nobility cannot just be addressed that easy. But it's in our culture, changing is considered heretic…"
"Speaking of heretic…" Saito speaks up again. "How many people or gods do you guys worship?"
Miss Longueville answers: "Only one. Brimir. He's the first Void mage, and he helps us pushing the elves out of our land. The elves are our constant danger, since they want to eliminate us."
Saito: "…" He doesn't say anything. Then he walks to the wall right next to the door and sits on the ground. "I don't think I can take it anymore."
Kirche tries to cheer him up by her usual way: "Come on darling. You shouldn't be down like that."
"Considering that I'm probably over hundred years old and have seen many things now, I don't think this world can be changed easily."
Shock's written all over our faces except Kuro. Hundred years old? Kuro then asks him: "So Adam is your new identity when you're reborn in Gamindustri? You died because of old age?"
Saito nods: "Yes. Unlike you, I lived a pretty normal life on Earth. I studied from young age, then went to work, married, retired and then lived peacefully until I died. And then, I'm having a second life in Gamindustri, and it's even more fun than the previous one. To think I was sent here to only find this world's problems…You understand that, do you, Kuro? That's why you're sent here?" Sent? We did summon you two, remember?
"Yes. I know. That's why I'm here. But I never thought you're Saito, and he would send you here." Kuro reaches his hand to Saito and smiles: "But if you're here, I hope that we can do it together. Do it alone is boring you know?"
Saito looks at him a bit, then smiles and grabs his hand: "You're right. Besides, he sent me here to help you." Kuro pulls him up, like before.
Kuro: "Thanks for that." He turns to Old Osmond: "Sorry about that. Anyway, I think the information is enough. It's time for us to tell about our world."
It perks Professor Colbert's interest as he pulls out his note and prepares to write at any moment. Kuro notices that and laughs: "You sure are interested with that."
He nods: "Of course! Anything can help us in improving our world!"
Kuro shakes his head but keeps his smile: "Well, many people would say the same. Okay, we'll talk about our original world first, then to our current living world before the girls summoned us."
Old Osmond asks: "Oh? Two worlds? You two are travelers?"
Kuro: "Well, that's a maybe in my case, but no in Saito's. You see, our first world's planet is called Earth."
I interrupt: "Earth? Who would call a planet a name like that?"
Kuro: "It's because earth is what we're standing on. Does that make sense?" I think of it. Yeah, it makes sense, but it sounds so dull.
Kuro: "Also it has only one moon."
Kirche: "One moon? But does it affect the Earth?"
Kuro sounds surprised: "You know about that?"
Kirche: "Well, I heard from my father, and he heard from some researchers, so…"
Kuro: "Hmm. Glad that someone actually has a mind to do researches. Well, for your question, it affects the Earth like your two moons affecting Halkeginia normally. Anyway, our world is more advanced than yours, however there's a time in the past we're in the same era like yours. And, there's no magic there."
"NO MAGIC?" Everyone looks at me, as I shrink back in embarrassment because of my outburst. I ask again, but in lower tone: "No magic? Then how can your world be more advanced than ours?"
My familiar, no, Saito, decides to answer: "That's because we don't have magic after all. That's why we have to rely on what we can do, and improve it. I will give you an example: Magic can give you fire instantly, but you cannot keep it for a long time. With what we learnt from the past, you can keep the fire as long as you want, even if you're in difficult conditions."
"How do you know?" Surprisingly, this time Tabitha asks him. But, because of her short question, it makes him look at her in confusion. Kuro understands it though: "I think she's asking how we know about magic if our world doesn't have one. Is that right, Tabitha?" She nods, surprised that he understands.
Kuro answers: "That's because, even though we don't have magic, we are aware that magic might exist, just not in our world. We have a lot of fictions and theories from the past to present, but until the time we left there, people couldn't find a solid proof that magic exists among us."
Kirche asks: "Then, how more advanced you are compared to us?"
Kuro thinks a bit, then turns to Saito: "Which global event should we use?"
Saito answers: "How about when Armstrong flew to the moon?"
Professor Colbert nearly drops his note when he hears that: "Are you kidding me? You guys can reach to the moon?" Everyone else is surprised as well.
Kuro nods: "We've also deployed unarmed vehicles to search for life in other planets as well, but so far, none has found."
"But then… how are you going to breath? I thought there's no air there." Kuro turns to me: "Where did you get that knowledge?" "From my mother."
Kuro turns to Saito, but doesn't say a word. They are staring at the other's eyes, and no words are spoken.
Telepathy, Kuro's POV
"This is troublesome. More than one person has knowledge that this world wasn't supposed to know."
"I know, right? The moon and the planet's gravity affection, lack of air in space…those knowledge is not possible for this kind of era. Are you going to find them?"
"Will be, but not now. We need to stick with Tabitha and Louise for a while. We'll meet them in the future, which is a guarantee."
"Fair point."
"Wait, T.O might now. T.O?"
I heard you. Yes, I'm aware of that, however The Creator said nothing to me too. But he gave me a clue that: Someone from the past will give you the answer.
"Hmm…"
"Do you know what he meant, Kuro?"
"Yes, I know. However, it's not very solid."
"So, our next move?"
"Right now, we just have to go with the flow. In the meantime… oh right. Louise is the childhood friend of Tristain's princess, she will visit her in the future. When the time comes, contact me so I would know."
"Roger that."
Reality, Louise's POV
Tabitha walks to them, and uses her staff to lightly hit them, but none of them react. I ask Professor Colbert: "Professor, what happens to them?"
He is running the possible sceneries in his head now. Then he says, surprise all of us: "I think…we have to throw out the fact they're just commoners now."
Kirche: "What do you mean by that, Professor?"
Old Osmond seems to understand this situation: "They're using some kind of Telepathy spell, right?"
Professor Colbert nods: "Yes. But this spell has to be extremely advanced, if there's no chanting and no pause in between the spell. Either both of them did the spell at the same time, or one of them is extremely powerful." That shocks us even more.
But after a few seconds, they snap back to reality. Kuro looks around and says: "Sorry for the wait. Let me continue my story."
Old Osmond interrupts him: "My apology, but I have to ask first. You two are not commoners, right? No, sorry, not that question. You two can use magic, right?"
Kuro turns to Saito 'oh no not again?' and says 'thanks Founder': "Do we need anything more to say?"
"I don't think so. If we say about religious stuffs, we might overload them."
"We WILL overload them with the second world."
"My point still stands though."
Kuro shrugs and turns to the Headmaster: "I think there's enough about Earth. We can say more in the future. But now, let us speak about our second world, Gamindustri."
That earns a laugh from Kirche: "I'm…I'm sorry. I know the logic of calling your first world's planet Earth, but I cannot see it in that name."
Kuro chuckles: "That's because the second world is mainly a reference in our first world. Anyway, it has five main nations, like yours. Planeptune, Lastation, Lowee, Leanbox, and the Research Land, the last one is newly and do not have the same purpose like the other nations. The nations are existed for about thousands of years, and their leaders are hundred years old or above, while the Research Land is only about a year old. The leaders are called CPU, or Console Patron Unit, and they have…"
"Wait, wait, wait. No human could survive that long. What kind of leaders are they?" No person in history I know lived that long, and even Brimir is only a human being, then…
Saito: "They're Goddesses, what do you expect?"
Colbert really drops his note now, as the others are having letter O as their eyes. "God…Goddesses? You have Goddesses in your world?"
Kuro nods: "Yes, Goddesses exists among us. They're the manifestation of citizen's fate and hope. The more people believe in them, the more powerful they are."
Old Osmond asks: "But if that's the case, then what happens if people don't believe in them anymore?"
Kuro: "Then they just get weaker and weaker, to the point they're just normal girls, only their immortality remains."
"That makes them sounds so weak."
Kuro chuckles: "Say that to them when one of them is holding her tower-size sword, or one with hundreds of spears." If you know about Neptunia, you know who we're talking about.
Everyone pales at that point: "Tower-size sword? Hundreds of spears?"
Saito: "Uh-huh. That's why they're called Goddesses. They earn their titles by their own strength, not just their status."
Tabitha asks: "Religious?"
Kuro: "None of it." That makes us all confused. "None of the citizens pray them or anything. We just see the CPUs as how you see your kings and queens: our leaders and our protectors." Then he chuckles: "The funny thing is: If you see how they normally act, you won't believe they're Goddesses. I will say it later. Anyway, about some differences…"
Kirche interrupts: "Hold on. You never said anything about the leader of the new nation. As if she never exists. Also, if Goddesses exist, then does magic too?"
Old Osmond continues: What Miss Zerbst said is true. You only talk about the first four nations, never once about the Research Land. And about magic…"
Kuro says: "Yes, I haven't said anything about the fifth nation's leader, yet. And about magic, yes we have it there. And everyone can use it."
A little silence. Everyone can use it? "But if everyone can use it, then how do you separate social classes?"
Kuro: "No, we don't. It happened in the Earth's past, but the system was destroyed a hundred years ago or so. And it never happens in Gamindustri. If there're social classes, there would be only two: The Goddesses and the people, nothing more. Of course, people who work harder and better get more respect by the others. Other than that, nothing else."
My mind is working like crazy now. Every person from this Gamindustri can use magic, but there's no separation between people? For a person with no talent in magic like me, will people still accept me? I know that I'm a Valliere, and I'm proud of that, but… the fact that I cannot do anything related to magic right, and my sisters and my parents are all extremely popular for their talents… No, I have to be strong! I'm a Valliere, I cannot let those thoughts sway me!
Old Osmond speaks: "Interesting…Everyone can use magic? What kind, may I ask?"
Kuro: "Anything you can imagine, really. Oh, and our magic do not simply tie to element, like you all. For example, fly spell has two ways to use: using wind like yours, or casting a spell that counters gravity itself."
Saito interrupts Kuro: "Wait, element tie? This world has limited elements?"
Kuro: "Core elements to be exact: Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Though I'm questioning why it's Air, I'm okay with the others."
Saito nods in agreement: "If that's core element, then I'm okay too."
Old Osmond looks at the familiars in confusion: "Core element?"
Kuro: "You can mix Earth and Fire to create Magma, right?" The Headmaster nods. "Then you don't have to think much about what we have just said."
Tabitha asks: "Goddesses' Element?"
Kuro ponders a bit, but Saito asks me: "But, are there any rules about who can use which kind of spell or not here?"
Colbert answers: "Not really, however most mages here mostly stick with their most powerful elements. Like mine is fire, and Old Osmond here is Earth."
Saito then turns to me, oh no. "Then what's my master's element?"
Silence. My wand hand turns white because I'm holding it too hard, and I'm biting my lips to not let out a shout of frustration.
Saito confuses, and asks again: "Uh, is there something with her? I didn't say anything offending her, did I?"
Old Osmond answers Saito: "The thing is… we don't know."
Saito turns to Old Osmond: "What do you mean?"
Old Osmond: "For some reasons, every spell, simple and complicated, all of them ends in an explosion. We tried to let her do all kind of spell before, however it's always the same result."
Kirche continues: "We nearly thought that she cannot control her magic, however her mother said that that's not her fault, and still let her continue her study. And we're still helping her till now, but nothing works, yet."
Saito asks in surprise: "Wait, you guys don't have any non-elemental spells?"
Colbert shakes his head: "No, not what we have heard, so far."
Saito: "Then… What, T.O?" This T.O again? He then listens to something, but we don't know. Then he turns to Old Osmond: "You guys have a lost element, Void, right? Why don't you let her use that?"
Everyone is surprised when he asks that. I am so angry that I shout at him: "I can't never be a Void mage! I'm not that talented, and that element has lost for thousands of years already, no one knows how to use Void spell! Don't say the impossible here!"
Saito is surprised by my outburst, but before he can say anything else, Kuro puts his hand on Saito's shoulder: "Saito…" Saito turns to him: "What?" "We will talk about that later. I can ask her if she knows something about the Void." Someone Kuro knows know about the Void?
Old Osmond says to Kuro: "You say the Void like it's common in your world."
Kuro shakes his head: "We have multiple definitions about the Void. It could be up there…" He points his finger up. "Or in some hidden dimensions that we cannot go by normal means. Your Void can have another definition as well. If you agree, we can help her in trying to use her magic in different ways."
My rage is dying down a bit, but: "Why do you think your way is going to help me? If even my mother cannot help me, then how are you going to do so?"
Kuro: "I'm not a God if I…" He puts his hands on his mouth to shut himself up, but the damage has done. He then looks at us. We're having surprised looks again, and Saito is facepalming: "Real smooth, Kuro." "Uh, oops?"
Kirche speaks in her surprise: "Wait, you're a God? Then that means…"
Kuro puts his hand down: "Yeah, I'm the newest God of Gamindustri, and the leader of the newest nation. However, I'm not the same with the Goddesses."
My mind nearly shuts down now. I'm talking to a God, and I was just shouting at him and…
"Then… Saito is…"
Kuro waves his hand: "Oh no. Saito is just normal human, don't worry. And if you're going to ask: "How is he human if he's hundred years old?" then this is my answer: He died when he's on Earth before, but he's reborn in Gamindustri and started a new life."
I calm down a bit, just a bit. The thought of the being before me is something no one can imagine to is too overwhelming.
Tabitha's stoic face now is full of surprised on it. Then she asks: "Rune?"
Kuro then looks at his left hand, and says: "It says 'Death'."
A sudden drop of temperature happens. I fall down on the ground, shaking. Death, the God who's responsible to deal with the dead people? Everyone is also backing up in fear too.
Except Saito. "I think it suits you." WHAT? "I mean, you did die before, right?" WHAT?
"Yeah. I think the spell knows what happened to me, so it scribed the rune like that."
Professor Colbert asks with his shaking voice: "What…happened to you?"
Kuro: "Like I said before, I'm not the same with the other Goddesses, but I will talk about it later. Or maybe in the future, it's kind of late now." True to his words, the sky has turned dark now. "I think I gave you all enough for the time being. I will say more in the future, but definitely not tomorrow. You need time to digest that."
Everyone slowly nods. Kuro then snaps his fingers, and the sound of magic barrier being broken down can be heard clearly. Then he walks to the door, opens it and makes the gesture of a butler: "You guys first."
Nighttime, did they skip dinner time in anime and novel? I don't know, Louise's Room, Louise's POV
We've just returned from the dinner hall. Some students look at us with weird eyes, because since Saito and Kuro are technically our familiars, they're humans, we decide that they should be treated like one. And, we fear that, if we do something stupid, Kuro might be mad at us. A God, standing right among us… And… Oh no…
Saito asks me curiously: "Did you expect to summon an animal as your familiar?" Right before him is a stack of hay. And like he said, yes, I did expect that…
"I'm…I'm sorry Saito, if I make you mad…"
Saito waves his hand: "Don't worry. I can get over it. Besides, I've prepared." Then he pulls out some kind of floppy tube out of nowhere. Oh right, magic. Also Kuro told us not to share the fact that Kuro and Saito can use magic. We can see why, if a Noble summons another 'Noble', then it would cause trouble and the Church would come to them...
"What is that?" I ask him as I poke the object. It feels so soft.
Saito: "It's a sleeping bag. Its name says it all. You can bring it everywhere, and easy to use."
People in their world sure know how to deal with problems. I then crawl on my bed and start to go to sleep, when Saito suddenly asks: "So, what's your first order, Louise? Or should I say 'master' now?"
I stop a bit. Yes, I really want him to call me 'master', however the fact he's century older than me, and he can beat me up at any second…
"Just call me Louise, and wake me up when it's dawn, okay?" "Okay." Then we both go to bed, or in Saito's case, his sleeping bag.
A bit of silence… "Hey, Saito."
"Yeah?"
"Do you…regret being my familiar?"
"Why do you ask that?"
"Because, to us, a familiar determines how powerful their master can be. You're my familiar, and yet, you're more talent and more powerful than me. I'm just a failure of a mage, and…"
"Stop, Louise." I turn silence. "If you can create explosions, even when all of them are just accidents, you have magic, and you're not a failure. It's just that, your world cannot comprehend what kind of magic you have. Don't be so down like. Also Kuro said that he can help you, right? Believe in him."
… "How much can you trust Kuro?"
"If it relates to people's life, I can trust him completely in protect theirs. Even though he's younger than me in mental age, he has spent his time in dark era for a long time. He understands that he has a responsibility to do: save the worlds from overwhelming darkness. And he won't stop until he achieved that, which is never since we both know it's impossible when it comes to sentient beings."
… "I hope I can trust him like you do."
*Chuckles* "You will, Louise. You will."
Tabitha's Room, Kuro's POV
"Quite a day, isn't it, Charlotte?" I ask Tabitha.
She nods. Right now, she's in her bed already, and I'm sitting on the ground right next to it.
"So, your order?"
… "Wake me up at dawn."
"Wilco. Goodnight, Princess." I chuckle. Well, she'll be one in the future, right?
"Don't. Embarrassing." Her face doesn't change much, but she is blushing now.
I smile, and pat her head. She's slowly drifting into her dream now. And she's out. I blow out the candle start sleeping as well. My back is facing the wall now, sometimes it's nice to sleep like that.
Well, before I'm completely asleep…
'Is anyone there?'
'Kuro? So you're starting your new adventure?'
'Yeah. Luckily you're here, Arfoire. I need to ask you something.'
'What is it?'
'Do you know any Void spell?'
'Void? Do my Dark Orb and Dark Spear count?'
'Hmm, maybe. Is there anything else?'
'We might need Histoire for that. She lives way longer than me.'
'Can you ask her for me? Some girls here need help.'
'Okay. But do you know where's Saito?'
'He's with me, don't worry. Where's Neptune and Nepgear may I ask?'
'I'm going to tell you: they disappeared. No trace of them…'
'Good.'
'… How is that good?'
'It means the flow of time is not broken.'
'They're decided to be like that?'
'Don't worry, Histy will find them. For now, just stick to the plan.'
'I hope you know what you're doing.'
'Of course I do.'
Longueville's POV
'So, Kuro is here. He's going to ruin my plan, for sure.'
'But, even when he might do that, he can help me in the future.'
'I'm a different person now, no longer the rat before. I have something to care about now, and I'm not wasting my second chance.'
'If you can hear me, please help me…'
'Kuro, no, I should call you, Hybrid Heart.'
First chapter end!
"Louise and Kirche are too OOC! FIX IT!" That's probably your thought after reading this chapter. Yes, I'm aware of that, however, as you can see, I have CHANGED THEIR PAST a bit. That's why they're not acting the same like the originals. But I will keep their personalities, because that's what make them who they are.
If you think Saito might be OP, then don't worry. He can solo with people like Mott with no problems, but it'll be a bit of a challenge if his opponent is Wardes or better. But, if you have read my first story, then Kuro IS OP, and I won't change that.
Yeah, a little bit of changing in the storyline. Also, there's a reason I put 'Past to present' and 'Zero's another world' in the same title. You'll see it in the future.
Oh, and Longueville knows Kuro. There's a hint about her, though.
SO, my second story has started. Leave a review if you like it, or you want something to make the story better. For now, goodbye, and see you in the next chapters!