Disclaimer: I do not own Prototype or Familiar of Zero.

A/N

Hey all Hazor here. It's been a long time! As I mentioned in my last update this is my rewrite of the story. For those who have been following I apologise for starting over but I was unsatisfied with the level of writing in my original chapters. I hope you take the time to read through again, you won't be disappointed – It is definitely an improvement in my opinion. For those new to the story I hope you enjoy this as well!

Infection in Halkeginia

Chapter 1

-Blackwatch Orion Company Briefing-

Gentlemen. Welcome to Operation Blackout. You are now cleared to access the following information.

In 1963 Gentek researched and designed a virus, designation: Redlight, at the request of the US military as a possible method of warfare against the USSR. Hope, Idaho, a small military town, was chosen as the testing site for this new weapon. On June 11, 1964 all 461 subjects were injected with the virus and the town's existence was erased. On 9 July 1965 the first sign of an infection was reported. Within one month the entire town had succumbed to the virus and all communication with the local researchers was lost.

That's when we were called in. What Blackwatch found could only be described as hell on earth. The virus did not kill the subjects but rather transformed them into what could only be referred to as zombies. Realizing that the test had far exceeded their expected parameters the military sought to end the infection before it could spread. Initial operations met with failure as BlackWatch Companies Ghost and Omega were slaughtered by the infected. Despite their appearances these infected demonstrated inhuman strength and durability. A controlling intelligence was suspected due to the brutally efficient way in which the companies were hunted down and eliminated. Blackwatch responded by shelling the city before moving in and searching the wreckage. Only one survivor was found and detained. Elizabeth Greene. She was brought to a classified secure facility for further research. What we found was unprecedented. Her strain of the virus had mutated allowing her to control other infected through means still unknown to us. Following the end of the Cold War there was no longer any urgent need for the bio weapon and funding was pulled. However Gentek continued their research, ultimately developing Blacklight.

In 2008 a Gentek scientist by the name of Alex Mercer in a fit of paranoia stole a vial of Blacklight. He was cornered by Blackwatch troops at Penn Station where he was gunned down, but not before releasing the virus. Fortunately the virus did not spread and his corpse was recovered. We thought he was dead. We were wrong. The virus transformed Mercer, giving him superhuman and shape shifting abilities. He was then designated code name: Zeus. Zeus proceeded to free Elizabeth Greene from the Gentek facility in Manhattan. Soon after, an infection similar to that of Hope, Idaho spread and encompassed most of the city. Zeus both repeatedly impeded and assisted Blackwatch operations in the city and his actions remain unclear till this day. Nothing we did could contain the outbreak and we resorted to a nuclear solution. Once again Zeus intervened, destroying the USS Reagan and dumping the nuke into the ocean before it detonated. Satellite imagery suggested that he had perished in the explosion.

Once again we were wrong. In 2012 Zeus made a reappearance in Penn Station releasing a version of the virus we have dubbed the 'Mercer virus'. His objective remains unknown. However yours are as follows: Contain the outbreaks to the Red Zones and eliminate all infected encountered. All sightings of Zeus are to be reported immediately to RedCrown. DO NOT underestimate him.

-End of initial briefing.-

Xxxxxxxxx

"Zeus has entered the base. Repeat, Zeus has entered the base. All Blackwatch personnel are to engage the enemy until primary assets are extracted." The PA systems blared even as the sounds of gunfire and explosion coming from motor pool rang in the background.

Collin sprinted as fast as he could down the corridor, trying to get as far away from the fighting as possible. His lungs burned and his legs ached. He wasn't what you would call athlete material but he wasn't a pushover either. His breathing came out in quick gasps and his heart pounded, resonating with the in his head. How could he be not be afraid? It was only two weeks ago that everything started. Two weeks since his life was wrenched away. And two weeks in which he witnessed firsthand all sorts of unimaginable atrocities be committed.

The air was heavy with the scent of Bloodtox, filtered through a special ventilation system the gas was meant to prevent the virus from entering the base. As the metallic stench filled his lungs it stung, giving him the overwhelming urge to cough. He violently suppressed it and focused on his footing. Left, right, left. There would be time for that later.

The white and sterile looking corridors were clear save for his ragged trio, the last of the black clad soldiers passing by them minutes ago. Unlike the bases used in the first outbreak in 2008, which were merely repurposed office buildings, this was an official military facility, which meant long corridors with multiple choke points, though these served to hinder them now. These bases had been constructed all about the city soon after the first outbreak was contained to facilitate complete eradication of the virus.

Collin felt his heart skip as his foot came down on a particularly smooth section of the floor, flailing out wildly to catch himself there was a sickening crunch as his ankle turned inward.

Strong arms gripped him before he could hit the ground. "You alright son?"

hn Shepard. One of Gentek's head scientists and the original Blacklight researchers. One of the few that had survived at the least; they had been out of the country during the first outbreak. And also his father. His eyes were framed with dark eye bags and his matted and dirty hair was almost completely grey.

"I'm fine." Collin grunted, pushing his father away.

Collin hated it. He hated being a liability. He had been a mere college student, just finishing his studies at Berkeley College in New York when the second outbreak started a fortnight ago. And as much as his father insisted otherwise, he knew that he was distracting his father from his work, work that could save thousands more. He was the reason they moved from his father's lab in the red zone to the yellow zone, wasting time that could have been spent finishing a cure.

But at the same time Collin was happy, and he detested himself even more for it. Since the last outbreak his father had changed, becoming distant and burying himself in his work, blaming himself for developing the virus. A little part of him felt that the time spent with his father the last two weeks was perfectly justified.

Purposely ignoring his father's hurt look Collin tested his ankle, hiding his wince as the twisted joint sent fire shooting through his nerves. "I'm fine." He repeated through tears. "Let's get going."

But his father wasn't having any of it, keeping a firm grip on Collin's arm.

"Professor Shepard we have to hurry!" The corporal leading them to the evacuation point yelled at them, noticing the delay. "They can only buy us so much time!"

Collin glanced at the soldier. He wore full body containment suit, similar to a Hazmat suit but less bulky and more armoured. Spiked shoulder pads made him look larger and more intimidating that normal. His bracers ended in blades as well. Designed for the entire body to be used as a weapon a hoodie covered his head and the eyes of his gas mask eerily glowed blue. He was hefting a modified M4A1 assault rifle. If not for the nametag with the name 'Jenkins' stencilled across Collin would not be able to tell him apart from his comrades.

Before either father or son could reply an earth shattering explosion shook the base to its very foundations. Collin clapped his hands over his ears as pain shot through them, the shock wave threatening to tear his ear drums. Through half closed eyes Collin saw his father mimic his movements, doubling over in pain. Cracks appeared along the walls and several light bulbs shattered, raining sparks and glass over them. Thankfully the floors and ceilings held. Only the corporal remained upright, sweeping the corridor with his rifle, completely unfazed by the explosion.

"We need to move. Now."

The soldier's voice was calm and level but the urgency in his voice was not lost on the deafened Collin. Feeling his father's inquiring look he nodded in response to the unspoken question and they quickly set off down the corridor, his father supporting Collin as he limp-hopped along.

Slowly as the pain in his head and ankle faded to bearable levels a thought that had been nagging at the back of his mind finally made itself heard.

The sounds of fighting had faded and the base was completely silent save for the desperate thumps and echoes of their footsteps. Collin felt his heart rate practically double. Was this it? He had seen the briefing and videos, even the classified ones. The ones that showed Mercer shrugging off a javelin anti-armour rocket to the face, the ones with him running up the side of a building, even the one where Mercer ripped a Challenger tank in half with his bare hands then threw them at the helicopters harassing him.

What else besides that monster could tear through an entire armed battalion of Blackwatch? Hell, he'd seen a squad of them dispatch a Hunter ambush like it was nothing.

"It's him isn't it."

The words were a whisper, Collin barely registered that he had said it.

Collin's father furrowed his brow in response. He abruptly stopped and shoved Collin forward causing him to stumble awkwardly.

"Dad what the hell?" Collin wheezed out as he finally stabilised himself against the wall.

"Corporal. Take my son and get to the evac point. Mercer wants me. I won't risk my son's life." His father ordered as he turned to head the other direction.

Horror dawned on Collin as he realised what his father intended to do. "Da-"

A bullet whizzed past his ear, feeling more than hearing it as the gunshot followed a split second after, to bury itself in the wall next to his head. He shakingly looked over his shoulder to see the corporal point his assault rifle directly at him, muzzle smoking.

"Professor you do not have the authority to override my orders. You are an asset, not your son. My orders are clear. Should you continue I will kill him, knock you out and drag you out of here like a sack of potatoes." His threat hung heavily in the pregnant silence that ensued.

A slow clap echoed throughout the silent corridor.

"The fanaticism of Blackwatch never ceases to amaze me." A mocking voice drawled out from behind Collin.

"Zeus!" The corporal cried out, shifting his aim towards something Collin couldn't see. Collin turned his head just in time to see a blur whiz past him for the second time. The whipfist impacting onto the corporal's chest before he could fire off a single bullet, sending him flying down the corridor. The corporal hit the far end with a wet thump, sliding down against the floor, a gaping hole in his chest. His rifle clattered uselessly against the floor.

Collin watched in morbid fascination as the tendrilled appendage slowly withdrew itself to its host before forming back into a human arm. The spikes retracting even as the gaps between tendrils filled up, rippling as the surface took on the appearance of a human arm just before a black sleeve covered it.

The Monster of Manhattan stood calmly in the passageway as though he hadn't just massacred his way through an entire base of soldiers. His clothes were immaculate, completely free of bloodstain and bulletholes. But it was the eyes that drew Collin's attention. So eerily human, but he had never seen eyes as cold as dead as those. Just the sight of him chilled Collin to his bones.

"Now then Shepard. Shall we do this the easy way or the hard way? Either is fine with me."

Mercer approached them with the slow gait of a predator, the confidence that came with the knowledge that nothing in the room could hurt him and that he had all the time in the world to play with his prey.

The small voice at the back of his head screamed at him to run. It was as if death itself had materialized before him. But try as his might, Collin's legs refused to respond

"What happened to you Alex? You were once a brilliant scientist. We worked together on so many projects. The Alex I knew would never do this." Shepard pleaded to his old friend, not flinching at all with only a sad expression on his face.

"That Alex you knew is dead. He died in Penn Station in 2008." Mercer stopped in front of Shepard. "And I mean that literally."

"What?"

Collin glanced between the two adults before him, lost as to what was going on. His knowledge on the outbreaks and the virus was scarce, limited only to what the news reported and whatever he had gleamed during his stay at Blackwatch. Though it appeared his father didn't understand what Mercer meant as well.

"No worries. The rest died without knowing either." Mercer smiled, wider than it would have been for a normal human. "Any last words? I'd rather you not scream and panic. It makes for such distasteful meals."

"At least let my son go. Do that and I promise you anything you want."

Mercer threw his head back and laughed. "You think you can make demands of me?"

An audible click made him pause mid laugh. He opened his eyes to see Shepard pointing a pistol at his own head. "If you don't I will blow my brains out. Good luck getting information out of me then."

Mercer narrowed his eyes. "You do that and your son is dead."

"And you won't get your information. I am the head scientist in charge of Whitelight after all. I think that information is well worth the trade." Shepard stared back unflinchingly.

Collin could only stand back as watch as he observed this dangerous game of brinkmanship. Mercer's body rippled in irritation and Collin tensed, waiting for the inevitable attack.

"Fine. The boy lives."

What?

"Get out of here Collin. Get to the helicopter. Leave the city as soon as you can. I'll..." Shepard voice faltered. "I'll follow as soon as possible." Mercer snorted at that.

"But Dad…" But his father's tone made it clear that there was no use arguing. What else could he do?

"I love you." He finally croaked out before limping away, supporting himself with one hand against the wall. "Be safe."

He had barely gone a dozen steps before he heard the crack of a pistol discharge followed by a cry of pain. Collin whirled around to find his father kneeling on the ground, grabbing at the bloody stump where his arm used to be, blood spurted out from between his fingers. The limb lay on the ground by his side, fingers still gripping the pistol tightly.

"You promised." His father wheezed between gasps of breath. His face was ashen white from shock, stark contrast to the bright crimson liquid leaking through his fingers.

Mercer stepped closer to him, hands morphed into claws. One claw was extended further than the rest, used to slice the arm off cleanly. He grinned. "I lied."

He pierced Shepard with his claws, the sharp implements going through his chest cleanly. "You see... there's one thing I hate more than Blackwatch, and that's someone who thinks they can tell me what to do."

Shepard's legs kicked useless in the air even as he was slowly lifted up, his body sickeningly and slowly sliding down as he was cut by gravity.

Collin could only stand there in shock as the scene was burned into his mind.

Shepard turned to look at Collin. He opened his mouth to speak but only blood bubbled out. Run. He mouthed. Then he was consumed, torn apart before Collin's eyes.

"No!" Collin screamed in anguish and looked about for something, anything to help his father. He spotted the fallen rifle and against his better judgement picked it up, the round was already loaded into the chamber and he opened fire. The rounds impacted against Mercer, easily ripping off chunks of flesh. Armour piercing rounds were standard ammunition against infected, tough enough to rip through hunters and hydras and when it came to standard infected... Well that didn't really matter then

But they were useless against Mercer, the wounds regenerated almost instantly.

Mercer looked at Collin with an amused smirk on his face, finishing his meal he slowly walked over to Collin, ignoring the armour-piercing rounds going through him.

"Die already!" He screamed. The rifle clacked, empty. Throwing it aside he drew the pistol he kept holstered on his jeans. The smaller rounds As Mercer drew closer Collin backed up, only to put weight on his injured ankle. With a cry of pain he fell backwards just as Mercer grabbed his arm.

Collin was roughly slammed against the wall. He heard rather than felt his bones crack, the adrenaline coursing through his body numbing the pain to mere throbbing.

"An admirable effort. Futile. But admirable." Mercer grinned as Collin struggled to free himself, feet dangling inches off the ground. Collin snarled in rage and as a last act of defiance spat in Mercer's face.

Mercer wiped his face. The grin was gone, replaced by a scowl of irritation. "That boy, was either very dumb or very brave." He morphed his other arm into a huge blade and drew it closer to Collin's face. Colin's breathing caught as he saw his own scared reflection on the dark metallic blade "I've been told the line between the two is often blurred.

He grimaced and closed his eyes. This was it. This was the end of his short eighteen years of life. He felt a slight prick on his cheek. The blade was a sharp as steel, but warm as if there was blood flowing directly underneath the surface. He felt the blade draw away and opened an eye. What now?

Collin saw a drop of crimson liquid hanging off the tip of the blade. Mercer stared at it for a moment before licking it off. He closed his eyes. "Hmm unfortunate. You don't seem to have a genetic structure resistant enough. Well this should be interesting either way."

"What are you -" Colin asked right before Mercer drew back his arm and drove the blade into his stomach. He screamed as the weapon invaded his body. But this pain was nothing compared to what followed. His nerves lighted up as if on fire as he felt something being pumped into him. He grasped at the blade, futilely trying to pull it free. But it was hopeless; he felt his strength rapidly draining. His arm dropped limply to his side and his consciousness faded.

There was darkness.

And then a flash of green light.

Xxxxxxxxx

It was a special day for the students at The Tristain Academy of Magic, a prestigious and private institution for nobles. It was here where many famous mages had been groomed and graduated and it was for that very reason that even nobles from the surrounding countries would spend fortunes to send them there.

Even as the last dregs of snow melted into puddles, the sun shone brightly in the sky, heralding the arrival of spring. And as per tradition it was to be a special day for the second years at the academy. It was the day where they would summon their familiars and advance on their path as mages. The Vestri Court was buzzing with activity and as to be expected the second years were extremely excited. All save for a certain pink haired girl.

Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière was on the verge of panic. For years she had lived with the false title of mage, unable to cast even the simplest of spells. From young her inability to perform magic had been extremely clear, especially when both her sisters had proven themselves to be extremely talented mages. Even the tutorage of the renowned Karin the Heavy Wind, former Commander of the Manticore Knights, most powerful wind mage to serve the Tristain Military, and most importantly, her mother, drew no results. Finally her parents sent her to Tristain Academy when she came of age, hoping it would draw out her non-existent talent.

No such luck. Only through pure willpower and determination did Louise managd to consistently stay at the top of the class in the written exams, scraping an overall grade sufficient to qualify her stay for the first year.

But it wouldn't be so easy this year. If she didn't summon a familiar, top scores or even her family name would not prevent her expulsion. A familiar was something every mage had - summoned from unknown origins the familiar would confirm the affinity of the mage, and most importantly, cement their status as a mage. Even untrained mages could perform the summoning ritual as it was based on one's affinity for magic and not their skill.

Louise glared around at the students showing off their successfully summoned familiars. The excited chatter jarred on her ears and only served to irritate her, amplifying her anxiety.

Over in the centre was plump Malicorne showing off his owl to a bunch of girls. The poor terrified bird huddled close to its master, trying to stay out of their reach. Over to the side the ever-flirting Guiche was sitting with his legs crossed, staring balefully at the giant mole before him who had begun to dig for worms. His on-off girlfriend Montmorency stood beside him stroking her toad while she talked to Guiche. At this time almost all the students had had their turn. Louise eyes darted around, watching the newly summoned familiars and their excited masters.

"No need to look about so enviously Zero. I'm sure you'll have one too." A mocking voice called out from behind her. "Maybe."

Not her... Not now... Louise groaned inwardly. This was the last thing she needed right now. Louise turned to glare at the buxom dark skinned girl strutting up to her, fiery hair blowing slightly in the light breeze.

Kirche Von Anhalt Zerbst, a transfer student from Germania who was coincidentally of the family the Vallières had been feuding against for decades. She had taken it upon herself to carry on the feud by mocking Louise for her zero affinity for magic, hence the nickname.

"Kirche." Louise growled out. "I don't have time to waste on you today." She extended herself to her maximum height and glared at the other girl, trying to intimidate her. To a bystander it would have had the opposite effect, seeing as the smaller girl barely came up to Kirche's chest.

"Oh? Weren't you so confident just a few days ago? What was it that you declared in front of the entire class?" Kirche placed one hand under her chin and tapped her lips thoughtfully. "Hmmm let me think."

Founder help me...

She snapped her fingers as if suddenly recalling. "Ah I remember now. 'I'll show you! I'll summon the most impressive familiar in the entire school!'" Kirche grinned, white teeth standing out from her tanned skin.

...not

Louise bit back a retort. She had admittedly played into Kirche's hand that day. It wasn't her fault; she had been stressed, fatigued and burnt out at the time, having spent all day and night for the past month desperately preparing for the ritual. At this point she would be happy with even a mouse!

Louise shrieked as she felt something warm and slimy engulf her hand. Jumping away she wildly whacked at whatever licked her and found herself running her delicate skin over rough scales which abraded her skin easily.

Drawing her hand back in pain Louise stared blankly at the giant red lizard looking up at her in confusion. It swished its fire tipped tail hesitantly, seemingly confused as to why this human rejected its friendly gesture. "Is that a salamander?" She gasped incredulously. Those appeared only to gifted fire mages.

Kirche knelt by the salamander and wrapped her arms around its neck. "It is! And look at its size! I'd say it came from the great Fire Mountain itself!" She proudly proclaimed, scratching the salamander under the chin as it gave a deep rumble. She smirked at Louise. "Impressive right?"

"O-of course not. Such a summoning is child's play for me." Louise hastily replied, puffing up her chest. The words sounded hollow even to her, why did she even bother?

"Oh it looks like its Tabitha's turn!" Kirche exclaimed, standing up get a better look.

Curious, Louise turned to look at the small clearing they had prepared for the summoning. She glanced at the blue haired girl standing directly in the centre. Tabitha was the most outstanding student in the entire second year, excelling in both theory and practical, the model student; though she was very withdrawn and didn't talk much if at all. How she and Kirche became best friends was beyond Louise, those two were as contrasting as day and night!

Professor Colbert stood by the clearing, wooden staff in hand. A balding, middle aged man of average height, he was the supervising teacher for their summoning. He called out. "Alright everyone stand back and stay quiet. Whenever you're ready Tabitha." He signalled with his staff for her to proceed.

Tabitha raised her own staff, opting against the traditional use of a wand, and began the invocation, waving her staff in the required motions. The wind picked up, messing up her short cropped hair, but even as strands stuck to her face her focus did not falter. Ignoring the distractions she calmly continued the spell, not missing a single word. As she did so the summoning circle began glowing a soft white.

The summoning circle had been etched into the ground since the founding of the school. It consisted of a pentagram within a circle and intricate and beautiful ancient runes were spread about it, their meaning lost in history. As Tabitha finished the spell the glow collected at the centre, forming a green portal. Everyone held their breath; they were all excited to see what a mage as talented as Tabitha would call forth.

There was a collective intake of breath as a huge blue scaled leg emerged from the portal, it was larger than Tabitha herself and stepped onto the soft ground with a heavy thud. The limb was swiftly followed by the head and the rest of the body, somehow squeezing through the portal that was much too small for it. Louise wasn't the only one awestruck. The entire courtyard was silent as the dragon finally sat down on its haunches in front of Tabitha. Dragons were creatures imbued with magic and would only appear in front of powerful mages, and this was a type of dragon Louise had never seen before.

It was a magnificent beast, its blue scales sparkled brilliantly in the spring sun, and its underbelly was white, perfectly complementing its scales. It folded its powerful wings, sending a gust washing over the gathered students. The dragon stared at Tabitha curiously, head cocked to one side, large and brilliant emerald eyes meeting pale blue.

Tabitha stepped forward and placed a hand against its cheek gently before bending forward and kissing it on the snout, sealing the familiar contract. Runes shone from its neck and the dragon's eyes widened before it cooed happily and rubbed its head against Tabitha. If a dragon could manage to look cute this one pulled it off perfectly.

"So... think you can beat that?"

"Shut it Zerbst." Louise growled. She had enough on her plate without the redhead taking jabs at her.

"Is that everyone then?" Colbert called out as he cast a glance over the assembled students, voice carrying clearly over noisy courtyard, born from years of teaching .

"Not yet Mr Colbert. Louise hasn't done the summoning ritual yet." Kirche called out towards the balding teacher before Louise could answer him herself, waving her arms to catch his attention.

Louise hissed at her. "I can tell him myself just fine thank you very much." The last thing she wanted was for everyone to think she was trying to skip the ritual.

Kirche gave her shove forward. "Just go Zero." Then her tone softened. "

Louise yelped as she stumbled forward from the unexpected push.

"And good luck."

The unnatural sincerity in Kirche's voice didn't escape her and she glanced back at Kirche who had her signature smirk back on her face. Louise shook her head. She must have misheard it.

She drew herself up proudly. No matter now. Nothing else mattered now. She walked towards the summoning circle with the pride expected of a Vallière. As she did so however she heard the students whispering among themselves.

"Is that the Zero?"

"Should we look for cover?"

"She can't even light a candle how can she summon a familiar?"

"I hope she doesn't cause another explosion, these are my favourite robes."

"Alright keep quiet. Show your classmate some respect." Colbert called for order.

"Yeah like she deserves it." Someone jeered causing many other to snigger. The loudnouth was immediately silenced by a look from the Professor.

Louise flashed her thanks to her teacher. Reaching the summoner's position she drew her wand and took a deep breath to steady her rapidly fluttering heart. She felt like throwing up.

"Whenever you're ready Miss Vallière. " Colbert smiled encouragingly. "Relax. Remember just let the magic flow."

Louise smiled back weakly, grateful for the encouragement. She liked Colbert. Unlike the other teachers in the academy he hadn't give up on her.

She wouldn't let him or her parents down. Louise closed her eyes and relaxed feeling the gentle warmth of the sun on her skin. She inhaled, taking in the heady scent of spring. She had to believe. Believe this would work. It was do or die.

Louise reached within herself and tapped into her store of magic letting it flow through her. "I beg of you…" Louise closed her eyes and began, voice resonating with magic. Everyone silenced themselves, waiting with bated breaths. "My slave who lives somewhere in the universe! Oh sacred, beautiful and strong familiar spirit! I desire and here I plead from my heart! Answer to my guidance!"

As she cast the spell she noticed something strange. This was different from all the other times she had cast spells. Usually she always felt as if there was a wall blocking her magic, and her spells would always result in an explosion. But now the magic was flowing though her smoothly. It felt right. She let herself enjoy the comforting feeling of magic coursing through her body. She had never felt so alive!

She heard gasps and shouts of alarm around her. Can't they stay quiet while I do this? I haven't even caused an explosion yet. Louise thought to herself, irritated.

"Louise open your eyes!" Kirche yelled.

What now? Louise opened her eyes, gasping as she saw what had everyone so riled up. The summoning circle was glowing but it wasn't the usual soft white. Instead the lines were filled with an intense purple. So intense that it was hurting her eyes as she stared at in; it was as if immense magic was straining to release itself. The air itself seemed to thrum. Even stranger was that as she stared at the light she began to feel hollow, as if she was being sucked in. Did I do all this? Was all she could think. At the moment she felt the faintest glimmer a pride, a feeling that she had not experienced for most of her life. She was doing magic, maybe not what she intended to do but it was a start.

"Miss Vallière cancel the spell!" Colbert exclaimed even as he directed the students to back away from the summoning circle, shooting gusts of wind at those who were too stunned to move.

Before Louise could do anything however the light suddenly died out.

"What-"

Then the centre of the summoning circle exploded in a great flash of fire and smoke. It was the largest explosion Louise had ever cast and she was sent flying. Colbert braced himself with his staff and stuck out his free arm to catch her. The students nearest to the epicentre were bowled over by the force of the blast and frightened familiars began running amok in panic even as their masters tried to calm them down.

It's over. Acrid smoke filled Louise's nostrils and she began a coughing fit. Her clothes and hair were on fire but she didn't care. It's all over. The words just kept repeating in her head. She failed again. It appeared that the universe had one last cruel trick in place for her. It had given her the faintest glimmer of hope only to dash it once again. It's over. Her life was over. She would be expelled and sent back home. Maybe she could work on the estate with the servants. Or maybe her parents would disown her, choosing to banish their source of dishonour.

"Did she fail?"

"Of course she did. Did you see that explosion?"

"Is the Zero laughing? What a freak."

Louise realised that she indeed was laughing, a cold cruel chuckle that held all the bitterness she felt. She no longer had any honour to defend. Let them laugh for all I care.

"There's something." The words were quiet. Barely a whisper. But it somehow carried over the commotion, drawing everyone's attention.

Tabitha sat atop her dragon, both of whom were the only ones to remain calm throughout the incident. With two word she had silenced the entire class. "There." She repeated, gesturing towards the smoke.

Against her better judgement Louise quickly got up. Her heart was pounding so hard she feared it would come right out of her chest. Was it true? Did I really succeed? Like a drowning man she was clutching at the last dregs of hope. She peered into the thick smoke that remained about the summoning circle, praying for something, anything.

Colbert waved his staff and murmured a short spell. A gust of cool wind quickly blew away the acrid smoke, revealing a strangely dressed boy standing in the centre of the scorched earth.

I did it. I summoned a familiar. Louise felt her legs go weak and she fell on her knees. She looked up into the sky and felt tears of joy threaten to leak out. Thank the Founder. Perhaps if she had been in a more stable state of mind she would have questioned why her familiar was a human. Perhaps even requested a second chance. But at this point all she could feel was the relief that her life wasn't ruined.

"A person? She summoned a person!"

"By the Founder! Is that even possible!"

Louise quickly wiped away her tears. It wouldn't do to show such a pathetic side at their first meeting. She quickly for off her knees, brushing soil and soot off her black skirt; she tried to fix her hair but quickly abandoned the attempt, choosing instead to brush the scorched strands away from her face.

"I am Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, third daughter to Duke de la Vallière and Karin the heavy wind." Louise proclaimed proudly, intending to awe him with the titles. "I have summoned you to serve as my familiar."

She waited for a response but there was none. The boy merely stood there staring forward.

Then he fell forwards.

It seemed fate wasn't quite done playing with her just yet.

Xxxxxxxxx

In his forty years Colbert had seen many strange things, both during his stint in the military and as an academic. However nothing could have prepared him for what happened.

He stared dumbstruck as the smoke cleared to reveal a boy, barely into adulthood, standing in the centre of the summoning circle. As far as memory served him there had never been any records of human familiars being summoned.

What in Founder's name did you do? He glanced down at the pink haired girl. She was covered in soot and her hair was singed, the tips of a few strands still glowing, but save for that she seemed a little worse for wear. In fact it looked as if she was actually smiling.

Nothing made sense. This girl was supposed to have no magical talent at all. For all it pained him to admit it as a teacher, he had to say she was completely and utterly incapable of any spells, even those used by children.

He remembered the day last year when practical lessons started, the name Louise became a hot topic in the teacher's lounge. A daughter of the influential Vallière family, the family that had produced two others that graduated from the very same school with flying colours, had failed every basic spell of every element. It was then that Colbert decided he would do whatever he could to help Louise.

But every supplementary lesson ended with explosions. After the first semester Colbert, as optimistic as he was, had lost hope that she would ever succeed. But he couldn't tell her that, not when she kept trying. Even after uncountable failures and teasing from her peers she doggedly and stubbornly continued to persevere. Though Louise was his most hopeless student, she was also the one he was most proud of.

Now this girl, this girl who was expected by everyone to fail the summoning ritual, had just released enormous magical power. His skin still remembered the crushing pressure that at the same time threatened to pull him apart, it was a hard sensation for the senses to grasp.

As Colbert struggled to find a explanation for these events he realised that Louise was already moving. "Miss Vallière wait!" There was no telling how the boy would react.

"I am Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, third daughter to Duke de la Vallière and Karin the heavy wind. I have summoned you to serve as my familiar." She declared, not hearing him.

He couldn't let them seal the familiar contract. This was neither a bird nor a beast, but an actual person. There were too many things to consider first. Where he came from, did he have family and other such considerations.

That's when he felt it. A sudden chill went down his spine. He sensed a strong killing aura emanating from the boy. Then it was gone, disappearing as suddenly as it came. Colbert already had his staff at the ready, combat grade fire spell on the tip of his tongue.

And then the boy fell forwards, unmoving.

Colbert rushed over to his side using the butt of his staff flipped the boy over. It was immediately obvious what was wrong. A strange implement was protruding from his abdomen. There's no blood. Colbert curiously noted. The boy's ruined shirt hung around the object, showing where it pierced his body, originating from the wounds were strange red lines branching out. Deciding that the unconscious boy was no threat at the moment Colbert knelt down for a closer inspection.

The clothes were of a strange design Colbert noted, feeling the fabric with his bare hands he was amazed at how soft it was, almost comparable but not quite like the silk the richer nobles wore. The lack of stitching was remarkable as well. A gleam caught Colbert's eye. A strange metal contraption lay by his side, having dropped to the found as he fell. An avid practitioner of alchemy Colbert recognised the faint scent of gunpowder wafting up from the device, identifying the device as a firearm, but not one that he recognised.

Pushing aside his curiosity Colbert returned to the task at hand. He quickly reached to check for a pulse, fearing for the worst. He immediately drew his fingers back in shock as he felt how hot the boy's skin was.

"P-professor. What's wrong with him?" Louise finally asked, having crept up behind the professor.

"I'm not sure." Colbert admitted glancing towards the worried girl. "Let's get him to the infirmary for now. Madame Lenessia will know what to do."

The boy's eyes snapped open, eyes glassy and dilated. Then he began screaming, a harsh primal cry of pain even as he body started convulsing violently.

"What in Founder's name!" Colbert exclaimed at the sudden movement.

"What do we do Professor?" Louise squeaked jumping back behind Colbert.

"I... I'm not sure." Colbert answered honestly, utterly lost as to how to process, he was a teacher not a healer for Founder's sake! Ripping open the shirt to get a better look at the injury Colbert gasped as he realised the extent of the wound. The red veins had spread across his entire chest and even as he watched they spread further, inching along the flesh.

He ran over the list of options in his mind. The infirmary? A healing spell? It was likely a poison and judging from the way the boy was behaving he didn't have much time left.

Colbert clenched his fists in frustration. This was beyond his meagre healing skills. Was there nothing he could do but watch the boy die before his eyes?

No... There was one alternative.

"I...might know of a way to save him." Colbert began hesitantly. He looked up into Louise's face. So full of hope at his words. Such a young face... Could he place this burden on her shoulders? "The summon servant contract. You must complete it."

Yes, the contract sealing ritual, it had a healing factor. That he knew for certain. In his years overseeing the summoning ritual he had seen injured familiars summoned only to be healed after finalizing the contract. But only physical damage. He had no idea if an injury of this extent could be healed.

"Then I shall do so immediately."

"I'm afraid you don't fully understand the consequences Miss Vallière. The bond between mage and familiar is special. At the highest level you will share even your senses. By forming the contact with him you will be tied to him for as long as either of you live. And..." He took a deep breath "...should this fail to succeed, I have no idea how his death will affect you emotionally, especially so soon after forming it. Most mages remain traumatized long after the event." I myself included.

Uncertainty crept onto Louise's face.

Beneath them the boy grey deathly still, a grey palour overtaking his skin. Her expression hardened. "I understand and I will still do it." She declared.

"Very well then. Begin the spell and I will pull this out as you finish." Colbert gripped the protrusion.

Louise took in a deep breath and concentrated. "Pentagon of the Five Elemental powers," She chanted, waving her wand. "Grant your blessings upon this creature and bind it as my familiar." Completing the spell she bent over to give the boy a kiss as was the practice.

With all his strength Colbert pulled the protrusion out of the boy's body, grunting at how surprisingly heavy it was given its size. He tossed it aside and watched as their lips met, sealing the contact. He mildly considered telling her there was no need to do it on the lips but decided to spare her the embarrassment.

Louise pulled back with a slight blush and they both looked expectantly at the boy. His convulsions had grown weaker and his cries softer as they dawdled. Were they too late?

Then the wound on his abdomens lighted up with magic and both teacher and student watched as the wound magically sealed itself, flesh stitching together seamlessly leaving skin as smooth a new-born's behind. The back of his left hand lighted up as well as the familiar runes were etched onto it. Colbert made a mental note to check that out later, they might shed some light on this strange occurrence. The boy's breathing had stabilized and slowed. After a quick check Colbert confirmed that his temperature had gone down as well.

"Is he alright now?" Louise asked in a small voice peering at her now familiar's pale face as the colour slowly returned, ashen white turning pink as blood flowed to the surface.

Colbert breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes I believe so Miss Vallière. He is merely sleeping now. Well done. Well done indeed. Now then we should bring him to see Madam Lenessia." He stood up and brushed the dirt off his robes.

Ah I almost forgot.

He turned to address the class to find that they had crept closer, curiosity overcoming their fear. They had been watching the proceedings silently, afraid of causing any other incidents. Clearing his throat loudly Colbert drew the attention of the students whose eyes were glued to the boy.

He began the mandatory speech which he regarded as the most important event of the day. "Well this has definitely been an…erm… eventful day and I'm sure you are all tired. Ahem. Congratulations on your summonings, every one of you. Whether or not you summoned what you wanted do remember that these familiars are your companions for life. Treat them with care and respect and will defend you with their lives among other things. "

He watched the students' reactions closely, noting as several beamed at his words while a few other turned their eyes down dejectedly, specifically those who summoned the rather more… mundane familiars. That would not do.

"Remember that it is not what you summoned that determines your calibre as mages but what you do from now on." Colbert paused for breath even as he recalled the very words his own instructor gave to him decades ago. "Do not get too complacent or too disheartened for I have seen talented mages let their skills go to waste." He glanced at Kirche and was pleasantly surprised to find her taking him seriously, a rare occasion for sure. "And I have also seen other rise up far and beyond my expectations." He noted with a slight grin that Louise as well as several others perked up at that.

He clapped his hands. "Now then! Esteemed students of Tristain Academy raise your heads and hold them high for you have officially become mages!"

He looked each student in the eye to make sure his message had sunk in. Satisfied he nodded and continued "Classes have been suspended for the remainder of today and tomorrow for you to get to know your familiars. You are dismissed. I look forward to watching your progress from now on."

With that the excited students dispersed. Some heading off on their own with their familiars while others disappeared in groups, eager to show off their familiars. A few cast curious glances back towards Louise but left it at that. Strange things happened around the Zero all the time after all.

With his duties done Colbert turned back to the boy. Bending down he picked up the metal contraption. Turning it over in his hand he confirmed it as a firearm. The barrel and trigger he recognized but the rest was alien to him. It was much sleeker and smallerthan the ones he knew - what bullet was so tiny? How would it do any damage? He looked forward to inspecting it and tucked it away in his robes. Placing it into one of his many pockets he looked around for the protrusion that caused all this trouble but it had gone missing. Ah well I had more urgent matters to attend to.

With a wave of his staff Colbert levitated the boy who bobbed up to waist height. "Very well then Miss Vallière. Let us be off." Louise nodded and they both set off for the infirmary.

Xxxxxxxxx

As the courtyard emptied a crow sat perched atop one of the lampposts, unnoticed by anyone. It stared intently at the retreating teacher and his students. Ruffling its dark feathers the crow gave a loud cry before flying away.

A/N

And that's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed reading chapter 1 of Infection in Halkeginia as much as I did writing it. I would like to thank everyone who reviewed, favourited and followed the story these last few months even with the lack of updates, I really appreciate the encouragement. That said I welcome any reviews be it mentioning which parts you like or any criticisms you may have – they all help to improve my writing and the story. Feel free to point out any errors as well, I'm only human and despite the dozen times I read through some mistakes may slip by me.

Now to address the story. If you caught on to it Collin will not be turning into an Evolved, at least not an Evolved per say. As Mercer mentioned he does not have the genetic resistance to turn into an evolved and would just generate into the usual zombie/infected. However remember that Gandalfr has the ability to use any weapon and what was Blacklight originally designed to be? With that in mind Collin's development will be unlike Mercer's or Heller's. However it will also not be as easy as just using the virus with a snap of his fingers.

Unlike many crossovers this one will not involve an experienced and powerful character and will follow both Collin's and Louise's attempts to master their newfound abilities.

That said as many have already noted I will just mention it now. Yes that crow is Mercer and it is from the fragment of the blade embedded and transported with Collin. The reason for having him there is to prevent this story from following the FoZ storyline. I will still be following it mainly but now and then I will deviate from it and perhaps even create an entire arc.

To the reviewers

I have replied to all reviews since the last update in the review section if you haven't already seen them.

As always thanks for reading and please leave a review if possible. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! I will see you guys next year.