Chapter 3: The Showcase

Kazuko had woken up from his date with Kirche. He thought the date was nice and he thought that Kirche wasn't as much of a mindless flirt as he believed. He turned to see Kirche was still asleep and clinging to his arm, first time he ever had someone next to him like this and it was very peaceful. Kazuko quietly got out of her embrace and started getting dressed but was then caught without a shirt with Louise barging in the door.

"Louise why did you just barge into my room without knocking?!", asked Kirche.

Louise panting replied, "Kirche the princess of Tristain is coming today so when you find Kazuko, tell him to get ready!", she left in a rush and slammed the door not noticing Kazuko was right there. Then immediately after that Louise came back asking a valid question, "What are you doing in Kirche's room?!"

"I spent the night here.", he answered.

Louise stood there speechless and was in complete disbelief. "You know what I'm not going to ask. Just meet me downstairs.", she said.

Kazuko and Kirche looked at each other wondering what was her problem? Soon Kazuko got dressed and went to go meet up with Louise. "Wait for me darling I'm coming with you. ", Kirche said.

"Wait don't get dressed with me in the room for crying out loud I'm not comfortable with that.", Kazuko said covering his eyes.

"Just give me a little bit and we'll head out together.", you left the room and waited until she got out. What was expected to be two minutes took nearly fifteen. Then she finally came out looking as lovely as ever, "C'mon we can't expect to miss the royal princess' arrival. It would be rude.", she grabbed Kazuko by his hand and hastily walked outside with him.

Soon they met up with Louise inside a huge crowd awaiting the princess' arrival. Louise whispered in a very restrained angry tone, "What was keeping you? You almost missed it."

"I was waiting for her is that such a big deal?", Kazuko replied.

"What did you do last night?", Saito whispered.

"Nothing, I spent the night there."

"Did you sleep with her?"

"Yes."

"WHAT?! Are you serious?", Louise and Saito both reacted.

"Yes, whats the big deal? That doesn't mean anything, it was late and we just slept in the same bed. End of story."

"Kazuko if you were under my contract I swear I'd-", soon the princess' carriage arrived inside the grounds and stopped.

"So who is this princess? From all I've heard in my world they aren't the best role models towards young little girls.", Kazuko said.

Louise hit Kazuko in the stomach while replying, "She is a compassionate and mature woman who is of the highest respect. I think she doesn't deserve that first impression from you of all people.", Louise insisted.

"True. Earth does have different views on these kinds of people.", Kazuko replied.

The carriage doors opened and everyone kneeled silently, Kazuko caught his breath and saw the carriage door opening. As the door opened all the way, what came out was a figure of pure beauty and class. Kazuko was acting completely stunned, unable to move, unable to think, unable to even speak.

He just watched her in her gown walking past the students and addressing the headmaster. Saito looked all googly-eyed at her with Louise grabbing his head and shoving it in the dirt.

"Princess Henrietta, it is an unexpected honor to have you arrive here.", said the headmaster.

She replied kindly with, "I couldn't miss the exhibition this year.", Henrietta said.

"And why is that your highness?", asked the headmaster.

"For personal reasons.", she answered. Kazuko couldn't do anything except stare which was rude but he couldn't help it. Her beauty to him was unparalleled to even Kirche. When she left he snapped out of it and felt his heart beat elevate.

"Why was I staring at her? Jeez that was weird. I never felt that way about anyone before, not even Kirche." Kazuko was feeling embarrassed but luckily nobody noticed.

"Well she wasn't all that bad but nobody is more beautiful than me. So darling want to go spend the day together? I've got plans for the two of us after class.", Kirche asked.

"Uhh no you go on ahead. I've...got some meditating to do. I'll catch up with you later.", he really just wanted to get some time alone to clear his mind in hopes it would calm him down from seeing Henrietta.

"Oh darn. Well in case you get hung up with it, the offer to move in my room still stands.", she winked leaving to go to her class. Kazuko couldn't help but smile at her charming personality.

He went off to meditate again but only for a couple of hours so he'd meet up with Saito tonight. He tried to keep his thoughts calm and focused but his mind would always flash and flicker of Henrietta every time he tried to empty his mind. Soon it was so frustrating that he quite his meditating for the day and met up with Saito. He caught him trying to do some sword swinging. "Saito what are you doing exactly?", Kazuko asked.

"Trying to do something impressive for the exhibition tomorrow. Or else Louise will kill me for real. The whole thing is to show how well Mages have trained their familiars so this is all I got to show.", replied Saito.

"Why? It's a popularity contest more than anything, but what's the big deal honestly?", Kazuko said.

"Can you help me with doing just one move?", asked Saito.

"I'll do more than that, from now on I'll train you how to swing that sword properly without your familiar powers. But we'll do this more than just tonight, I want you to train with me ounce a day for at least an hour got it?", Saito nodded.

"Now listen, first hold the sword in a conformable stance, preferably one with you holding it with both hands.", instructed Kazuko. Saito did just that, "Great now try to simply swing the sword like a baseball bat.", told Kazuko. Saito held the sword in back of him but fell over due to how heavy the swords was. "This could take a while.", Kazuko knew.

Kazuko trained Saito but it soon occurred that this task was harder than it seemed. Kazuko began with him getting used to swinging it without the weight throwing Saito off-balance. Saito fell back again after trying to swing horizontally and kept failing until he eventually got it right. Next it was him swinging it with form and grace which he failed miserably at no matter how many times he tried he couldn't pull it off. Kazuko then had Saito try to attack him by surprise which he did not do very well at. Plus he swung it too slowly with Kazuko disarming and pinning Saito. Saito tried to catch him off guard again but got seriously pwnd! Saito was being schooled by Kazuko every time.

Eventually overnight Saito was getting better and was getting used to his blade becoming one with it. And he had to do a few push up's to get a better grip on his sword. Then he finally manged to follow on a sword combo and managed to get Kazuko to yield.

"Kazuko, thank you so much for training me.", Saito thanked.

"Saito if I was really training you then we'd still be training. But great job none the less, that's all for today. I think I finally know what we'll do tomorrow to impress those people.", said Kazuko.

"Great, tell me after I go take a power nap and have a hot meal. See you around buddy.", Saito said waving goodbye.

Kazuko went back to Louise's room to grab his things as he started considering the idea to move into Kirche's room. Kazuko walked in confidently like he accomplished an impossible task. "Now don't crowd around me I know my powers exceed that of the chaos force, but I did it. That was not easy, but I did it.", Louise was a little perplexed but didn't care.

"What did you accomplish?"

"Training your familiar. I mean I've heard how tough it can be train some people but that was nearly impossible." Then Saito came in holding a plate full of food in his hand.

"Where did you get that Saito?!", Louise said angrily.

"Oh Siesta made it for me it's delicious. Want some?", Saito was unknowingly adding fuel to Louise's fiery rage as she always seemed to get mad when it came to Saito and other women.

Suddenly a woman in a cloak randomly entered the room and went straight for Louise! But it was none other than Princess Henrietta who turned out to be Louise's old childhood friend.

"Louise! It is so great to see you again. I have missed you for such a long time.", Henrietta said. Kazuko was surprised as hell to see her and just after he got her out of his mind.

"I wanted to see you again after so many years.", Louise kneeled down in respect and was honored to have her visit her personally. "Your highness thank you for coming but why are you here?", Louise asked.

"I received word of your familiar and this other, pardon me your name never came across the reports.", Kazuko bowed his head as he revealed his name.

"Kazuko Uchiha and it is a true pleasure to meet you your highness.", he greeted formally. She smiled and thanked him which made his heart stop.

"As I was saying your Familiar and Kazuko caused a stir in Count Mott's mansion. And I've been keeping an eye on you as a result ever since.", continued Henrietta.

"Oh please Princess it wasn't their fault I'm responsible for them and-", Henrietta interrupted her before she could finish.

"Do not worry I took care of it. As I said a long time ago I'd always be there to help you out of a bind.", Henrietta reassured her.

"Thank you.", said Saito said in a beguiled manner. Saito was then pulled down like a dog yet again and Louise was getting angry for him thinking she was pretty.

While Kazuko was glad he never had to deal with Louise's anger he didn't blame Saito this time. She was gorgeous but he kept a more level head about his feelings instead of showing them off like Saito.

"Well I hope to see your familiar do well tomorrow Louise and you too Mr. Uchiha.", Henrietta said leaving.

"Please, Kazuko is just fine with me.", he said kindly.

"Very well Kazuko. I hope you do your best tomorrow morning.", Henrietta said with some excitement. She left and with that sign of good fortune Kazuko placed his back on the door and slowly fell down like he was completely satisfied by just that remark.

"Wow she is something. Wait one minute?! I'm doing it again! Argh WHY CAN'T I STOP MYSELF FROM THINKING THESE THINGS?! Jeez every time she talked there was a sense of tenderness in her voice and at the same time almost familiar. Even her scent smelled the same. Wait? Oh dammit now I sound like Saito! But there is some sort of connection between my random feeling towards her and why she sounds so familiar like I should know her. Heck I couldn't even meditate properly. Never mind that now. The showcase starts at day break and I need my sleep.", thought Kazuko.


It was morning and the Showcase was about to begin. Guiche had his mole and himself pose in a bouche of flowers. Next Kirche with her salamander with a fire display and many others. It was Louise's turn next but she wanted Kazuko and Saito to only bow and leave the stage.

"No way I worked with him too long to just resort to that!", Kazuko yelled at Louise.

"He's my Familiar, Kazuko and that's my final word.", demanded Louise.

"Hold it I agree with him", said Saito, "I will show off how well I can wield a sword in whatever way he tells me to. So trust us with this.", continued Saito.

"OK fine but please don't embarrass me.", she complained.

"I know you don't have much faith right now but I promise it will be worth it.", Kazuko said. They walked on stage feeling confident. But as they walked, Kazuko saw Henrietta in the front row. He took a deep breath and whispered to Saito, "Remember what you did yesterday. Just do the same thing and the crowd will cheer.", Saito nodded and began to introduce themselves.

"Uhhh hi everyone. Uhh we represent Miss Louise Vallière and we will have a small duel to demonstrate our swordsman ship.", the crowd was laughing because they didn't expect much from them. The only ones who clapped were Kirche, Guiche, and Henrietta. Kazuko and Saito took a deep breath and Kazuko said, "Begin!"

Kazuko and Saito took their swords out of their scabbards and then got in their fighting stances. Then they stared each other down waiting for who would make the first move. They knew they would be waiting for the other to make the first move so they instinctively leaped for each other at the same time and their blades clashed. Kazuko was holding back the whole time because even though Saito was strong and could stand his ground he was still more than a match for him.

Saito and Kazuko clashed their swords in a display of clean and flowing movements of two high ranking swordsman. It soon became time to let the match go to Saito and Kazuko pretended to drop his guard but then Saito's runes in his hand glowed and then Saito started becoming a worthy opponent for Kazuko forcing his to stagger back. Then in a lightning fast move Saito leg swiped Kazuko off the ground and held his sword in front of Kazuko.

The crowd roared and applauded for them. Kazuko was both shocked and proud of Saito. Saito grabbed him up from the stage and high-fived knowing they nailed it. Louise was shocked by their duel and roared in joy, relishing in seeing Saito's victory and her own. Henrietta rose up from her seat and clapped for the duo along with Kirche and Guiche.

Kazuko and Saito left in pure pride. "Dude that was awesome I don't even care if we don't win we kicked ass and we had the entire crowd roar!", said Kazuko.

"Dude that was amazing I will never doubt you again! Wait a second what is that sound?", asked Saito. Louise then ran over to them about to congratulate them but then they all looked up and Louise yelled,"Golem!" There was an enormous golem made of earth that was attacking the main tower.

"Is that somebody's over-sized familiar?", asked Saito.

"Saito don't you think we'd have seen something that big if someone had that giant ass thing here!?", replied Kazuko.

"Your luck has now run out!", said the woman controlling the golem. The golem then reached out and tried to crush Louise and Saito but Kazuko pushed them out of the way. Before the hand could crush him Kazuko jumped out of the way just in time and grabbed on the golem's finger and climbed up its arm.

"Whooooooooah! This thing is a bit too shaky for me. I think I'm gonna be air-sick.", Kazuko said sickly. He finally made it to the golems shoulder and took out his sword.

"The boy.", the thief said as she saw Kazuko trying to get across the other side of the golem.

"Call this thing off!", Kazuko held his blade in attack stance and charged at the thief. She then shot magical spears at him but he dodged them with ease.

"Pity he could have used you.", said the thief. Kazuko leaped toward the thief while he swung his sword, but she placed a barrier that knocked Kazuko off the golem and landed head first on the ground rendering him unconscious.

"Kazuko!", yelled Louise and Saito. "Your gonna pay for that FIRBALL!", cried Louise. Suddenly an explosion appeared...but right next to the golem making a dent to the tower destroying it's magical barrier.

"You call that a fireball?", the thief gloated. But she noticed something where she blasted the spell. "Huh that magic she used that broke the barrier. Now golem!" The golem hit the tower with a single punch giving the thief the opening she needed to steal something from the school vault.

"Hey put that back you coward!", yelled Saito. The golem then grabbed him holding him up 4 stories above ground.

"I would love to take a hostage with me for them to lay off my back but I have what I came for and your just a peasant." The golem released it's grip on Saito as he began falling. However Tabitha with her familiar swooped in and rescued Saito. The thief left escaping with whatever she took.

Later the headmaster Osmond investigated the vault and saw an engraving in the vault door. The thief turned out to be Fouquet the sculptor. Meanwhile Kazuko regained consciousness and was shocked that she got away. "That was totally unacceptable on my part. How could I have been knocked back by a barrier, crashed to the ground and that's all it takes to beat me?", Kazuko said in shame.

"Don't be hard on yourself Kazuko.", replied Saito.

"Yes at any rate she was a triangle class mage it's obvious for her magic to be more than a match for you.", said Louise.

"That's not helping! I need my powers back, I need my full strength back, and I need it if we have any chance at surviving out here.", yelled Kazuko.

"Hey we still got a long way to go. I'm sure you'll get them back soon enough.", said Saito.

"Heh you sometimes make me forget that you can talk like an old wise man.", Kazuko joked.

"Hey I may be a pervert but I'm not stupid. Wait that doesn't make any sense.", Saito said.

"Louise! I was so worried when I found out that thing had attacked you three. And you especially Kazuko.", said Henrietta. Kazuko blushed from her concern but hide it from her.

"Princess I hope they don't blame you for this." said Louise.

"Don't worry Louise I'll take care of things at the palace. You just need to worry about your friend's." Henrietta left the academy leaving Kazuko hoping to see her again.

"I hope she isn't blamed for this too. So were going after her correct Louise?", Kazuko said thinking about the ramifications of the day's events.

"Oh yes and were going to redeem ourselves to the princess by bringing that thief to justice.", said Louise in a prideful boast.

"You two have fun with that I'm going to wash your panties again, have fun.", said Saito walking away sheepishly.

"Hold up Saito your coming with us. And so help me your going to use that sword for real next time when we find her.", said Kazuko.