the first chunk of this story is the OC's story of his life before he got teleported, so please bare with it as the familiar of zero world will come into play this chapter. Also helpful criticism is always welcome.
i don't own the rights to familiar of zero
"Mark! Get your butt in here!" said person groaned as he slammed his head on his pillow, not yet wanting to wake up to the wonderful day in Australia. Several minutes passed, and no other response. Mark smiled to himself maybe just maybe he'd let him get away with it, considering it was the day of his eighteenth birthday and all.
smiling to himself he went to grab his blankets, but before he could grab them something snatched them away.
Mark jumped, as the sudden loss of warmth was now lost. Slowly turning around, he noticed his father standing there with a huge goofy grin on his face. Turning his eyes into slits he glared at his father. "Was that really necessary?"
"I believe it was, after all just because it's your eighteenth today. Don't think for one damn second that you're getting out of work that easily," replied his father.
Groaning to himself, Mark sluggishly rolled out of bed and headed to the shower. His father giving a nod of approval, walked downstairs towards the garage.
Heading towards the shower, Mark allowed the warm water to coax him, and slowly wake him from his morning stupor.
several minutes later he was washed, and dressed in his usual blue overalls. Placing the kettle on for his morning coffee, and putting two slices of bread in the toaster. Mark watched his father working on, yet another car through the kitchens murky window.
the house itself wasn't the most sanitary of houses, though it was still home. Mark, and his father's house was located right beside the mechanic garage where they worked. It was only just him and dad, as well as a few others.
Though short staff wasn't really a hassle, as the town they lived in only had a couple thousand people in it.
Even still Mark didn't mind, as it was still home and he found peace in that. Besides the sooner, he got his job done the sooner he could watch, an anime he had been getting into then prepare for his party. He was no serious Otaku or anything, but he did enjoy the occasional anime, and manga every so often. Besides he rarely got stuff like that so far out in the outback.
The sound of the click from the kettle signifying the water was boiled broke Mark out of his thoughts. Placing two teaspoons of coffee in his mug, and then pouring the water in Mark took his mug, and took a sip.
Right on cue the sound of the toaster going off made Marks morning all the sweeter. He devoured the toast with vegemite, and butter in a couple of minutes. After that in which his coffee was half drunken, checking his silver Rolex watch he sighed at the time (7:00AM.)
Sculling the rest of the coffee which had cooled down by now, Mark snatched his lucky harmonica strapped to a string. According to dad it was his mothers, so he kept it on him at all times. It may of seemed foolish but it gave him a major sense of calm. Like despite her no longer being around she was still watching over him, but not that he'd ever tell anyone that.
Taking one last glance at his abode he stepped outside onto the wooden veranda, letting the gauze door close naturally.
Hearing the audible click of it closing, he walked down the cracked cement path leading to his good old rusted gate. The sound of barking could be heard, as there golden Labrador Clayton in his kennel area, barked at the racket coming from the garage.
He did it every, so often in the end though he always ended up tired of it after a while. Ignoring it Mark proceeded to his destination.
-
The rest of the day went relatively fast, as his work had his full attention. Before he knew it, several hours had past, and the town was now bustling. Mark had always found it strange how one minute the sun was just rising, and the next thing you knew it was high in the sky. He found it incredibly similar to his town, because just like the sun they had risen before he knew it.
Some people may have been bothered by time seemingly flying by them, but not Mark he enjoyed the surprise it gave him.
instead of letting it bother him he embraced it. Enjoying the excitement of knowing you had to make the most of each day, because you never knew when it would be over.
Smiling to himself at that he rolled back underneath the car he was working on, and got back to work.
From a distance, Marks father saw his son smiling to himself, and not for the first time he truly wondered went through that head of his.
By the end of the work day Mark was bushed, the top half of his overalls were around his waist, due to the heat. Leaving his white singlet full of grease, and sweat covering his torso.
Walking beside his son Marks dad rubbed his son's golden hair roughly, messing it up even more. Looking at his dad annoyingly, all his dad did was let loose one of his goofy grins, as if that answered why.
Rolling his eyes in annoyance he jokingly shoved his dad slightly. Letting out a laugh he opened the gauze door, and shoved his son inside. "Yeah yeah stop being a sook, and get prepared for your party."
Stumbling to a stop Mark looked back at his father. "Why it's in a couple hours there's plenty of time," said Mark.
It was Marks dads turn to roll his eyes. "Don't back chat me boy just get it done alright. Better late than never."
"I'm pretty sure you mean better early than never," stated Mark sarcastically.
Playfully grabbing his son into a friendly choker hold he replied, "what did I say about back chatting, now just get up there would ya."
Laughing all the while Mark gave in, and decided to appease his father. Slowly ascending the creaky stair case, he looked back at his father he seemed to have a serene look on his face. Putting that to the back of his mind Mark arrived in his messy room.
Clothes, and other assorted items were scattered all over the floor. His dad had told him many times to clean it, but you know he had just never got around to it. Picking through his 'closet' Mark found a fresh pair of undies, and grabbed his black, button up, collared shirt and denim jeans.
Quickly finishing his shower, and drying himself off Mark proceeded to iron his shirt and jeans. Placing them neatly on his bed, Mark finally turned to his desk where his laptop lay. Finally, he can continue the anime he was watching (Familiar of Zero.)
He wasn't going to lie he found the show somewhat tedious at times, but he had a tendency of finishing what he started. And this lead to him being determined to complete it, as weird as it sounded. Still Mark wasn't going to lie it still had its good moments, so he kept on watching.
-
Time flying by seemed to be the theme of the day, as the time for Mark's party finally came around. Quickly placing him, and his father at the only pub in town. Parking into the run down car park both occupants got out of the ute. Several friends and family were already there, as Mark and his dad made their way onto the front porch of the pub.
Several people greeted them upon their arrival, while others were just there because they could. Many happy birthdays, and congratulations were thrown around, as Mark proceeded through the old saloon style doors.
inside the pub proper everything had a rustic work hard kinda feel to it. The bar was right in front of them as they entered, shaped in an L shape. With several giant barrels, off to the left of the bar to be used as tables.
looking to the right another doorway lead into the restaurant area of the pub. As soon as Mark entered through there he was instantly met with noise, as several people raised their glasses in cheers upon his arrival.
Within an instant, he was swarmed, as several people surrounded asking how he's been, and the like. Looking desperately for his father, Mark saw him walking in from the pub with a grin on his face. He had two beers in his hands. Shouting over the noise of the crowd he spoke, "alright! You bludgers that's enough! Stop suffocating my son!"
At that everyone laughed, as they slowly dispersed. Walking up to Mark he handed him one of the beers. "here son, first ones on the house."
And so began the first drink of many, as Mark partied the night away. Though like all good things they must come to an end. To Mark the night was a blur of enjoyment, as he laughed, chatted, caught up, and danced (quite horribly.) He had also got a couple of presents some whisky, and a football, so that was nice.
Despite it all he had a great time making a fool of himself. Sometime later Marks dad caught the courtesy bus home. He had a bit too much to drink, as he was incredibly tipsy, but he went out in fashion at least, as his last words were. "Alright alright! Everyone I know when I'm not wanted. Don't worry throwing me out either I can do that myself." And he did, he grabbed his own collar and tossed himself out.
It was only an hour or so after dad left that Mark decided to call it quits, and got the courtesy bus home. Stopping out the front of his house Mark got out with a slurred, "you know yourra gooood drive-drivvverrr okay dokey, and don't let anyone tell ya otherwise."
The guy just shook his head, and told him to get some rest. Which Mark just nodded to, and stumbled to his rustic gate with a dopey smile, and wave.
Though while he was walking to his house he swore he could hear a feminine voice calling him, must be the booze thought Mark, as he continued his trek. Though there was something tingling in the back of Marks mind like the words sounded familiar. Shrugging it off as his drunken state he continued onwards ignoring the words. Well until the words wonderful, beautiful, and perfect came up. "why thank you strange voice from nowhere, and everywhere," Slurred out Mark.
the sound of the bus driving off could be heard, as Mark stumbled into the house. He didn't have time to register the strange glowing green orb inside his house, as he fell through it.
Marks stomach caught in his throat, as he felt himself tumbling to the earth below. Crinkling his eyes shut from the burst of light. He slowly adjusted his hazel eyes, and to his surprise the sky was blue it was daytime. He knew he had thought about time flying by, but this was ridiculous. Even with his drunken state he could tell this was bad. His addled brain tried to process what was happening, but that was a tall order, as he was tumbling all over the place.
Finally regaining his composure he saw the ground becoming terrifyingly close. Covering his head with his arms, Mark braced for impact… that didn't come as he felt another burst of vertigo hit him, as his descent was slowed considerably. Reopening his eyes slowly all he could see was smoke. Forcing his eyes shut from once again from it getting his eyes, Marks hearing was heightened he heard voices. They were speaking in a different language… French maybe?Once the dust cleared Marks mouth was left open, as he processed where he was. It wasn't possible, no way, absolutely impossible. This has to be a dream thought Mark yeah that's it a terrible dream. Pinching himself to convince himself this was a dream failed spectacularly. As the pain was most definitely real.
-
Looking at the recent carnage she had caused, Louise just stood there, as the mean taunts were thrown her way. Though that was suddenly stopped, as someone spotted a shadow in the dust. "look the zero did summon something."
At this Louise looked up in surprise, and shock. Just as everyone else did, and sure enough there was a shadow of a figure. Using a simple wind spell the balding professor Colbert cleared the dust away. In the centre of the now destroyed summoning circle stood a man with an open mouth, most likely in surprise. Oddly enough he also had some weird oval shape ball, and some strange bag with something in it.
He was decently groomed, sort of like he came from an event or something. But Louise didn't care about that, as she quickly turned to Colbert. "professor can I please retry the summoning."
Nodding his head sombrely Colbert replied, "Louise you cannot. The regional summoning ritual is a sacred event; to redo it would be the greatest of insults. Like it or not he is your familiar, so stop wasting time and complete the contract."
The moment wasn't helped by the tanned red head named Kirche's snark reply, "look at the bright side zero at least he's kind of cute."
Glaring at her, Kirche just raised her hands up as if to say 'what did I say.'
Ignoring her Louise trudged towards the blonde haired individual. "Be grateful commoner most people don't get such an honour as this."
What surprised Louise was how he pushed back, as if finally recovering from his earlier stupor. Louise was having none of it, as she finally succeeded in something and wasn't going to let it slip from her so easily. Very quickly she stepped on her toes, and pecked Mark on his lips before he could respond.
In response to this Mark stepped back in surprise, and an instant later his left hand started to burn and glow. It was at this moment that Mark realised this was definitely not a dream, as Marks adrenaline finally started to wear off, and dreariness took its place; resulting in him succumbing to the pain and fainting.
Mark found himself lying on a soft bed, as he slowly opened his eyes to his surroundings, but what he saw was himself in a finesse bedroom dorm. Coming to the absolute conclusion that this was somehow all real. By some miracle, or disaster (depending on how you look at it) he had been transported to the world of familiar of zero. He didn't know how or why; the only theory Mark could come up with was the multiverse theory. And that was a whole other can of worms he didn't want to open at the moment.
Looking at his hand he saw the runes etched into them, letting out a groan Mark decided to get his thoughts straight. From what he could see Louise wasn't back yet, he wasn't complaining as he really didn't need her right now.
moving his legs to sit on the bed Mark clutched at his head, as a hangover battered him 'just great.'
Doing his best to ignore it he got up with the bed creaking underneath him.
This though woke up someone by the window which made Mark jump in shock it was Louise. He hadn't looked that direction as he knew all it held was a window. Still it scared the hell out of him, but that didn't stop Mark from doing a double as he saw it was night outside. Honestly how bloody long was he out for?
Glancing at the ticking time bomb he knew was Louise, Mark braced himself for the imminent argument. Rubbing the sleepy eyes which made her look adorable, but Mark knew better. There it was almost instantaneously her eyes went wide, and then into a frown, and so it began.
Sadly however as Louise spoke he realised this had to involve an explosion bloody hell. After what felt like ages of running from the crop. Louise finally stopped to catch her breath finally realising she was getting nowhere. Glancing at her desk she grabbed her wand and pointed it at Mark, bracing himself with his arms, which didn't help at all as he coughed from the dust the explosion caused. "Damn it failed again," said Louise.
"Hey hold on I understand you" replied Mark in mock surprise, as he had already predicted this would happen.
Louise just looked at her familiar in surprise. "And I understand you, finally you stupid dog you know how much trouble you caused me."
Mark just looked at her with a risen eyebrow, this scene though was completely unpredicted, as he was pretty sure she never said that with her and Saito's first meeting.
"Alright I'll bite what did I do?" queried Mark.
In response Louise pointed her wand at him which may have been more fearsome than the riding crop. "What did you do! You arrived drunk, brought strong alcohol onto academy grounds," Louise froze to quickly catch her breath, hoo boy she was mad, "And to top it off one glass! One glass I tell you got principal Osmond drunk!"
Mark froze at that old Osmond did what? "wait wait, hold on. Why did he drink it in the first place?"
Raising her hands up in the air in exasperation Louise replied, "how the hell am I supposed to know. The point of the matter is he did, and so the blames now on me via me being your master!"
Clutching his head in agony Mark grunted out, "Louise ok stop shouting, my heads starting to hurt again. I'm sorry ok so just please stop."
Looking back it appeared to Mark she was ready to explode, Louise's face was as red as a tomato in rage, 'not good' panicked Mark.
"Stop shouting! Oh you want me to stop do you?! I'm sorry is my troubles inconvenient to you?! I'm the master, and you're my familiar so you don't give the orders here, I do!"
Mark couldn't take it as he clutched his head, and groaned in agony on the floor. His head felt like it was splitting in two. Also, the fact she was flogging him with the riding crop didn't help.
Until suddenly the insults of 'stupid dog' and 'stupid familiar' faded away, as well as the flogging. Looking up at his 'master' uncertainly she spoke, "hold on a second how did you know my name before I even told you it?"
Freezing Marks mind went into overdrive trying to find an answer. Telling her this world was an anime, and light novel from another world probably wouldn't cut it. After a while he finally found it. "um I heard your name when you were calling me," yeah that sounds legit.
Nodding her head in understanding she decided to accept it, and continued her tirade. Afterwards he was forced to sleep with hay laid on the floor. He expected that as well, and figured it was better than nothing. Besides tomorrow was going to be a long day, because according to Louise he had slept through the day and woke up in the middle of the night. To make things worse he had to see old Osmond first thing to apologize, which Mark guessed was understandable.
But that unnerved Mark somewhat this was not the way things went in the anime or light novel. It truly made him think if anything was different in this world than the story. Letting that thought slide for now Mark allowed his eyes to droop, and fell back into slumber.
-
Louise was not much of a morning person, as Mark later found out. He woke her up deciding to get her ready for the day. Apparently though she called him insane, and slapped him. Now Mark walked with Louise beside her in a huff. Silence lingered between the two, as they finally arrived at the huge double oak doors of Osmond's office.
Being told to enter they proceeded, what they saw was a disgruntled Osmond clutching at his head, and a jug Mark presumed was full of water, and the secretary Mark knew as right now miss Longueville. Looking up at his new guests a disgruntled Osmond smiled at them, but it came dreary and downright odd.
"Hello there good morning," said Osmond, "that alcohol what was it?"
Unsure of how to respond Mark came to quickly realise he was addressing him. "um where I come from its called 'whisky', and its mean to be taken in small doses. How big was the glass?"
Louise nudged Mark in the ribs but he just looked her, what he seriously wanted to know. Laughing at that, but quickly regretting it as Longueville poured him another glass of water, which he downed in one gulp.
"About the size of this glass why?"
Mark just sighed, "so you downed it by treating it as a regular drink in a regular glass. Besides why'd you drink it in the first place anyway?"
At this Osmond looked down dejectedly before responding, "why you ask? As a principal, it's not every day you get to treat yourself, so I apologise for taking what wasn't mine. Besides the feeling of the liquor made me forget about my woes."
Wow that was deep thought Mark, right after thinking that however he saw a mouse run up to his shoulder, and whispered in his ear. "Oh really the silky white ones again how interesting," which resulted in Osmond being beaten with an inch of his life via his secretary.
In which Louise, and Mark just sweat dropped. Coughing into her hand Longueville spoke, "I think I'll take my leave now."
Once she left it was just the three in the room, "so my boy back to business small doses huh. Why might I ask you have such strong alcohol."
And he responded in kind, "because yesterday was my eighteenth birthday, and it was given to me as a gift. Just like the ball I had with me."
Osmond rose an eyebrow at that, "I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Though as you can see your predicament is quite the unusual one. I assure you though humans have never been summoned before."
of course it was Mark who suspected as much. Well on the bright side Mark realised it didn't take Osmond much to get drunk, and as far as he knew he couldn't break the contract, except by dying and he didn't want that. Also, he knew that Gandalfr also infected the mind making him more subservient. That thought wasn't, so pleasant to think about. For now, he'd have to deal with these runes before he gets home, because even if he got home with them it would make life difficult unless he could deal with the mind problems first.
Realising he left behind an awkward silence while in his thoughts, Mark decided to break the tension. "I figured as much, because if that was the case then I'd be furious right about now."
Nodding his head Osmond replied while combing his beard, "is that so? Well you do seem relatively calm about this whole affair. People with your confidence to talk to your higher ups like you have been with me, seems like you don't care much about your situation. Or it could just be that you choose to not worry too much about it."
shrugging his shoulders Mark responded nonchalantly, "more the latter I don't think I should worry about it, as of now anyway I'm stuck here if I like it or not, but I assure you in the mean time I will try and find a way home to my world."
Both had their eyes widen by that last statement, "other world?" said both Louise and Osmond in perfect unison.
nodding his head Mark took this as a sign to continue, "yes where I come from there is no magic, and as a result we are mainly run by machines highly more advanced than yours. Also our world only has one moon, and it's white not red or blue."
"Impossible, you lie" stated Louise.
"what reason could I have for lying," shrugged Mark.
Louise realised he had a point, and looked at him uncertainly.
nodding his head sagely Osmond took over, "yes… Mark was it? This is most concerning. However if what you say is true than for now I recommend we keep this on the down low."
nodding their heads in unison, Mark and Louise were both kindly excused, but before they left Mark looked back at Osmond. "um I'm just curious can I possibly get my ball, and whiskey back."
Staring at Mark Osmond responded, "the alcohol, no that has been confiscated for… reasons." Osmond coughed into his hand, as he continued. "But I see no harm in giving your ball back. Here you go." Using wind magic Osmond tossed the football from behind his desk, and to have Mark catch it. Looking at it Mark figured it was better than nothing. He would have to see about the whisky later he guessed.
As they left miss Longueville waved them good bye, but Mark had his suspicions that she heard everything. Best be on his guard thought Mark, as the duo descended the stairs.