AN: Thanks to anyone willing to read this notes, but I think I better explain things before more people get confused.

A couple of days ago someone PM-ed me asking about the relation between my fic and the light novels, as they have a story larger than that of the anime.

So to make things clear, this fanfic is to be considered as my own continuation to the anime, thus being based on it. Any concept, item, character or event that took place in the anime is taken into account. This work is what I think would be a great fourth season if they ever make one (which I don't think so).

You can also take this as an AU for the light novels. Even if I am not basing my story on them, I DO take into account some things from them that weren't explained in the anime. Example: Brimir's past and actions following the human's expelling from the holy land and leading to the genocide (If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't get too stressed over it. I'm pointing this out now because is not relevant to my plot, neither is it necessary to know to understand the story), or the way void magic works.

What I change is the fact Zheo is a new void mage, and since only four void mages can exist at a time, Vittorio is not one of them. In fewer words, unlike in the novels, Romalia's pope is not a void mage and Julio is not Windalfr. Since he isn't a void mage, Vittorio isn't planning the genocide of the elves. He DOES have, however, the ruby of fire and Joseph has the ruby of earth.

The novels also set Halkeginia to be in danger due to a large amount of windstones (shining crystals that could cause the destruction of the continent) growing underground; also not happening.

Finally, any concept not explained yet neither in the anime nor the novels might get a made-up concept from me.

That's all I think should be explained. Thanks to anyone who actually read this and feel free to ask any questions just in case I got you more confused; without further things, on with the fic.

Disclaimer: Nop, I don't own Zero no Tsukaima. If it was, it would either be a more serious anime or a plain hentai series (You can't blame me).

PS: If someone can explain me what "First born magic" is, I would appreciate it since Sheffield is able to use it, reason why it will help me develop her character.

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

Rebellion: A Zero no Tsukaima Fanfic

The notice spread like fire on dry grasslands. With speed only attained through constant gossip and chattering, news about the revolution reached every single understanding ear inside the kingdom of Tristain. It even reached some outside its borders.

But of course, a main rule remained. "History is written by those who come out victorious." And while it was uncertain who would be the one to rise over the rest, each party prepared their own version of history, just in case they attained victory.

So far, there were three versions.

The first was the less known about. It remained inside a selected circle of high ranked nobles who had found their place inside the royal council. Men and women who enjoyed of a gifted life produced only after countless lies, betrayals and bribes. To them, the distant ghosts of the past were coming for their revenge. Dark events long forgotten proved that, unlike what that selected circle had once believed, they would have repercussions.

Bad repercussions.

Those nobles knew the truth; the damned truth they had so carefully covered. They hadn't put much effort into it, just a thin veil composed by a single lie, the loyalty many had for the mages and a bit of ignorance from the public in general.

However, that veil had been ripped apart and the truth was starting to pour out, stronger than before.

And now, some idiotic survivor from that glorious night menaced to destroy everything they had strived to build for themselves. If the events that transpired that night were to be known, no amount of influence, power or money would save them from death. Not even if the damn excuse for a queen were to miraculously support them would they be completely safe; because they knew the people would want them to be punishment, and in the end, it was people who made a nation.

So, in an attempt to save themselves, the keepers of the truth forged another, ticker carpet of lies to cover the spreading revolution. This lies were to be told to everyone who didn´t know of what truly had happened five years ago in the eastern town of Shavia. That way, they would turn the people, and the entire nation, against the truth.

That modified history was the second version, told to the public in general. In it, it portrayed the leaders of the rebellion as little more than ruthless killers who wanted to take hold of the power in Tristain through lies of freedom and fairness. To sustain those declaration, the nobles used as a base the well-known past of Shavia, actually gaining support from the people. This second version of history was the one officially known and believed by the mages and those who directly served them.

The third was, however, quite the opposite.

For one, it wasn't well known, but rather told in whispers. It wasn't believed or supported by the nobles, but rather by the commoners. And it didn't depict the rebels as villains, but rather as heroes and heroines.

This third version was the one told by Lyon, Dianne, Joshua and Zheo, by now the three biggest public enemies of the crown, and the three biggest secret heroes of the commoners. They should be four, but Zheo had yet to make a public appearance.

That issue was, however, going to be taken care of soon enough.

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

Saito should have felt proud.

A little more over a year ago, he was just one in one billion; another ordinary person living a normal life millions of common people had. He had a family; went to school; had the typical problems with love and friends any teenager had, and even had a cute little puppy his little sister convinced their parents to buy her.

And then, in a matter of half a minute, his life got upside down.

A greenish dimensional portal bigger than his own father opens in front of the teenager, swallows him, and lands Saito in a world normally known inside fairy tales to be the servant slave of a spoiled noble pinkette.

Days pass, and he becomes involved in one problem after another; may it be one regarding his love affairs, dealing with annoying nobles, or fighting one of the many idiots walking around who seem to want Tristain destroyed.

Before, he was a normal teenager, Hiraga Saito, Japanese.

Now, he was a noble under the title of Chevalier; Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière's familiar, partner and boyfriend; a legendary familiar of the void, Gandalrf; the left of god; master of all weapons; and most of all, a hero of Tristain.

And now, like many times before, he was being called by the queen along many others to serve in her name and for the good of the kingdom.

Saito should have felt proud.

He, however, didn't.

Saito could already tell what he was going to be asked to do. Just the day before the entire academy had received the notice of a group of commoners starting a revolution; their aim to seize power in Tristain.

He, however, knew better than to believe anything coming from the mouth of Louise's father after the incident in their mansion. Because of this, Saito decided to do a little bit more of research up until he stumbled with Siesta, who was more than willing to tell him the secret version commoners told one another.

So, as far as the familiar could tell, these rebels were either a group of power hungry bastards using an illusion of freedom to gain support, or where commoners who had been oppressed far too much and grown sick. His world's history was full of oppressing governments and desire for fairness. Good examples would be the French Revolution or the Thirteen Colonies' Independence.

At any moment, Henrietta could either ask them to attempt a peace negotiation, or order them to fight against the revolution.

That's why he didn't feel proud.

Because if the later happened, and the rebels were just fighting for their rights, he would come up with a hard decision between following orders and joining Louise; who was sure to obey the queen; while crushing the dreams of others, or following his morals and probably causing a problem with the girl who gave him her heart and the kingdom of Tristain.

With so many problems, pride was hard to muster at the time.

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

Lyon stood over a silent figure. Not moving, not breathing, bathed in blood; a corpse lying in front of a broken window. It was simply one of many in the large list of dead people the swordsman had been forced to see; and no matter how nice the maid had been, Celia's death wasn't hurting him as much as others.

That fact, however, didn't calm his rage.

Turning around, the revolutionist came face to face with the responsible of this and many others' deaths. There he was, bonded with ropes to a chair, that stupid and proud smirk on his face. Lyon's glare could intimidate infinities of rampaging beings, but the royal messenger Augustus was used to receiving such treatments.

It was, after all, his job.

"What's the matter, Rebel? Can't find the words?" Teased the roped noble. The guard behind him was about to silence him with a strike of his lance's butt, but Lyon signaled him to wait.

Not blinking nor looking away, Lyon's facial expressions softened. Or at least, they seemed to. He had passed to a state of rage so great, he had to contain it or risk losing control.

He must never lose control.

Civil for the moment, he uttered a single word, in a simple way. "Why?"

Despite the vast amount of possible answers for such a question, Augustus knew all too well the one Lyon wanted to hear. "Because you are criminals, why else would it be? Your actions against the kingdom, the nobles and her majesty put in danger the society we all live in. Not fighting back would mean letting you create chaos and havoc, destroying everything until there is nothing to be destroyed."

Hands on the table, Lyon leaned forward, his glance intensifying. "First of all, we are not criminals, you and all those self-righteous aristocrats are. Second of all, the society I'm trying to destroy is the one that lets you drink fine wine while some commoners struggle to get, at least, a bucket of water to drink and bath with. And finally, you claim to fight back in order to protect peace and Tristain, but…"

Finally, Lyon snapped. His face twisted into one of hate and rage, promising punishment for the sins the noble had committed. In a harsh fashion, he jerked his arm to the right and pointed to the bloody corpse of his once-upon-a-time maid.

"HOW CAN YOU KILL INNOCENTS AND SAY IT'S IN THE NAME OF PEACE?"

"My, my, you certainly have issues don't you? I'm surprised the leader these commoners seem to adore can have such a short fuse."

"ANSWER ME!"

"Okay, I will answer your question, but first you must answer mine, rebel." Mocking the swordsman, Augustus imitated the last scene as best as he could. "You claim to be fighting for freedom and justice for the commoners, and you call me a murderer, but…" The messenger changed his tone of voice to one of amuse and tease. "How can you say all that, when you have killed just as many people yourself?"

Calming just a bit (a tiny, minuscule bit), Lyon answered. "I ONLY KILL THOSE WHO DESERVE IT, NO ONE ELSE! Don't you dare put me at the same level as you, noble. Now, answer my question."

"Fine, fine, just try not to lose your temper again." The noble raised his head and looked at the ceiling, fantasying with the sky above. "I can claim such things because it's for my best interest. Of course I don't care about peace, but your little rebellion endangers my sweet lifestyle; and since such is the case, I do what I do. That's all there is to it. You should know it yourself well after the first time we saw each other."

Returning to his normal temper, the rebel thought things over. He had failed to control himself and had exploded, right in front of Augustus. He had given the noble the satisfaction of knowing he was the one with the highest level of self-control.

But Lyon was not giving up. He may have lost the assault, but he could still win the match. In the end, it would be the messenger the one to be in despair.

He would personally see to that.

Focusing back towards the room he was currently in, Lyon continued the interrogation. "Is this the queen's will? To promise a peaceful talk to sort things out and then ordering a surprise assault?" Lyon partially blamed himself for that. He should have known such thing would happen, but the stories of Henrietta had reached his ears, and for a moment he thought of her as a decent human being.

Now, his opinion was another one.

This wouldn't have happened had Zheo been here. He would not have been fooled; he would have seen through the lies like he always did.

The weight of all the people relying on him suddenly increased. Failing seemed like the synonym to killing this entire revolution. One flaw, one mistake like the last one, and all Lyon had left in this world could disappear.

From now on, he wasn't going to trust them, or to stop doing things the way he did. From now on…

…he would show no mercy for the nobles who dared defy him.

Starting with the one in front of him.

"And who do you think gave the order? Like I said, you and all of these criminals endanger society; as such, you are a treat that needs to be eradicated."

"I see." Muttered Lyon darkly. "I should have known. That's the way the world works after all. The strong eats the weak."

"Good, you understand. Now, since it seems you are finally beginning to see reason perhaps we could discuss the conditions for freeing me and the other hostages."

Lyon raised an eyebrow, confused at what the noble was telling him. "What?"

Sighing, the messenger tried to explain it in a different way. "Fine, I will help you understand since it seems that even that is hard for you."

"By now you must realize you stand no chance against the imperial army, so the only way for you to succeed is through negotiations. That's why I am offering you a deal. You just have to follow my advice, and you will be able to gain a good share of gold in exchange for the nobles you keep as prisoners. With any luck, you might even gain a position in the aristocracy; and if things get too bad, you can always escape to another nation; I heard Gallia has a lovely weather in autumn. But of course, I will require an appropriate payment before lending you my services."

Lyon stared blankly at the man for a few minutes, not making a single sound besides breathing. His gaze was fixed and his face stoic; he didn't even blink. For a moment, both the guard and Augustus wondered if the man was really having that much of a problem understanding what the noble had said, or if he had suffered a mental breakdown.

Then, Lyon chuckled.

It began softly, barely audible; the only indication of such chuckling was the way his body moved and the grin plastered in his face. Slowly, it began to get louder and louder, until Lyon bursted into a maniacal laughter, confirming the doubts about a mental breakdown.

A couple of minutes passed, and the rebel calmed down enough to be able to speak again. "I-I can't believe it! Y-you… you really thought that… thought that…!" He began laughing hysterically again; however, it seemed that this one was making fun of the noble more than anything else.

As expected, Augustus felt insulted. "And may I ask what is that you find so funny about what I said?"

"EVERYTHING!" Even between laughs and chuckles, Lyon was able to respond. "All this time…" *Chuckle* "WRONG! You got it all wrong!"

"What's that I got wrong?" "By the founder, this man is crazy! The way he can switch moods… Just a few minutes ago he was ready to tear me apart!"

"This…" *Chuckle* "This whole situation."

"Would you care to explain?"

Laughing a few times to calm down and wiping some tears that had managed to escape his eyes, Lyon finally returned to a more stable form. He still continued to make fun of the noble nonetheless "Fine, I will help you understand since it seems that even that is hard for you."

Having his own words turned against him, Augustus glared at the greenette. "They call you Augustus, the sharp tongue of Tristain. You gained that nickname because of the way you won any oral dispute; no one could make you eat your words or counter your statements. And through all of our discussion, I was beginning to admit your superiority in that regard. BUT! It seems I overestimated you."

"What do you mean?"

"You are an old man, Augustus. You are the same since I saw you five years ago. And while you are good at what you do, not evolving in this ever changing world means you are either left behind or destroyed."

Augustus's glare deepened so much it seemed his face was going to split because of the bare volume of his frown. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN ABOUT ME HAVING BEEN LEFT BEHIND?"

"I MEAN YOU HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD US!" Lyon stopped grinning and went back to his dark and defying glare, one that put the messenger's to shame. "I never intended to win this battle by negotiations or dirty tricks. The only reason I agreed to this supposed peace talk was because I believed Henrietta was as much of a decent human being as I had heard, but it seems I was wrong. I will not use cowardly tricks like you nobles do, and that includes taking hostages."

"YOU ARE CRAZY! You have taken hostage the villages of Shavia, Orica, Montreas and Vhelia, including the noble families that were watching over them. How is that not taking hostages?"

"Those are not hostages because the commoners living inside them support our ideals, the few who do not were allowed to go. Everyone knows about the rebellion now, I would gain nothing from keeping them here. As for the aristocrats…"

"What? Why is that you have them here then?"

"I will use them as an example."

"An example for what?"

"To make one point clear: That any noble who thinks he or she is better than others simply because of their title, and uses that power to make innocents suffer…" Using his finger as a rhetorical knife, Lyon "cut" his neck with it to empathize his point. "…will pay dearly."

Finally getting what the swordsman was talking about, Augustus began being genuinely scared. "You can't…"

"Of course I can. You agreed with me on it: 'The strong eats the weak' and you are weak."

"Bu-but you said you only killed those who deserved it! You are just going to kill them for being nobles. That's the opposite of what you said!"

"That isn't a problem either. I made some investigations, and based on what the villagers told me, these nobles are no different from the Leveque family; using their ranks and powers to strip people from everything they had worked for; mistreating commoners. That's why first thing tomorrow morning, you, and the rest of these useless nobles, will be beheaded."

And, just like that, the table was turned. Sir Augustus was the one in despair now, and Lyon was the one with the control now.

He had won.

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT! AS SOON AS THEY HEAR OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, THE INPERIAL ARMY WILL COME TO KILL YOU ALL! YOU WILL NOT SURVIVE!"

"As usual, you are wrong. We have our own power, one that rivals even those of the mages, and we have numbers as well. I spent five whole years preparing for this, and I have a very reliable tactician on my side. I will not use dirty tricks to win this war, but I have tricks nonetheless. In this very moment, our plan is in action, and once finished the nobles will have no other option but to surrender or die."

Lyon straightened himself and headed for the door. "I think our discussion has ended, I only wanted to know why you had done this and if the queen had given the order, and I already have my answers. Guess I can't expect a peaceful solution once I kill you, but that's fine; things are never that easy, at least not for me." And just like that, the rebel left the room, ignoring the pleading and begging from the royal messenger.

He wasn't going to stop.

He wasn't going to trust them.

He wasn't going to show weaknesses.

He wasn't going to lose control.

He wasn't going to be defeated.

HE WASN'T GOING TO SHOW THEM MERCY!

And so, the next morning came. People reunited at the plaza of the village of Orica as one by one, the nobles that had ruled over them were killed for everyone to see. No one was spared.

As for Augustus Li Marcus, the 'Sharp tongue of Tristain'; royal messenger for the council and a triangle class mage…

…He died by Lyon's own blade.

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

Betrayers, Liars, Murderers, Thieves, Cheaters, Oppressors, Villains, Fiends, Demons, Monsters…

There were many ways to call the bad people that lived in both Halkeginia and the Earth, and both worlds were infested by such despicable people.

That's why Hiraga Saito felt a bit strange with himself after discovering that the leaders of this 'rebellion' were of such kind of people. He wasn't mad or angry, but rather relieved.

That fact somehow sorted some of his problems, but it still felt weird.

It all began when he was called before the queen along Louise, Kirche, Tabitha, Julio, Guiche and Montmorency. During their trip to the castle the Japanese had been having serious doubts about what he was going to do about the rebellion, and had been relieved when it turned out Henrietta wanted them to make a peace negotiation.

The queen had foretold such a thing could happen one day, and as soon as it did, she sent a letter to the rebels in hopes of resolving things. Two days after, she received the reply from them, asking to meet by the Crystal Lake and discuss their terms.

Such lake was a small body of water by the northeastern part of Tristain. It received its name because of the large jewel mines it had hidden underwater and which were emptied years ago. Now, it was just a simple lake with beautiful and clean water; a place which simply shouted 'peace' and 'calmness'.

And, as soon as the group arrived to meet these rebels, they got two important questions answered. Firstly, if the movement was for freedom or for power, and secondly, what had the king of Gallia been doing since they confronted him.

Seeing Sheffield in front of them with a smirk on her face was enough answer to those questions.

The mind of god didn't miss a second; she didn't wait for them to completely register her presence there and what it represented, neither for someone to have the obvious stated by saying things liked 'It's a trap!'. As soon as they were by the lakefront, she snapped her fingers and several monsters of different sizes and shapes appeared from the water and the forest behind them.

Giant bats, Demonic wolves, Floating manta rays and even red-eyed wyverns; all of them with the typical runes any creature summoned by the mind of god had. Sheffield herself was standing over a steel golem, a rare, resistant and aggressive steel golem.

"It has indeed been some time since we last saw, hasn't it?" Sheffield's voice was drowning in confidence and malice. "And look at you all! Purple capes. Congratulations on making it to the next year."

"Sheffield! What is the meaning of this?" As if he didn't really know, Saito couldn't help but to say what he said. He didn't know why, but he guessed it was just a typical thing to do in such situations.

"Isn't it obvious? It's a trap to get rid of all of you here and now."

"She is right Saito." Julio said matter-of-factly. "It WAS kind of obvious." Saito turned and glared to his fellow swordsman.

"Well, as much as I enjoy our talk, it's time to eat." Again, she snapped her fingers, signaling to all of the beats she magically controlled to charge and attack.

Strangely enough, none of the creatures obeyed her. Rather, they just stood there doing nothing. "What the hell?" Looking around, she spotted the blonde girl casting a spell with her wand pointed towards the sky. She couldn't see it, but she could smell the sweet fragrance that came from her.

It was attractive, soothing; almost, hypnotizing…

Shaking her head, Sheffield came back to her senses. "Damn bitch! HOW DARE YOU CONTROL THE BEASTS THAT I CONTROL?"

"Now, now." Guiche took a step forward to the mind of god, defying her. "It isn't polite to call a lady in such an awful way; especially when such lady is my sweet Montmorency." Everyone rolled their eyes. "Perhaps you need an etiquette lesson. Allow me to teach you." Waving his rose, petals flew through the air and transformed into the Valkyrie statues that identified Guiche. However, they were no longer of bronze, but of silver, a clear proof of his progress in earth magic.

Seemingly having their own mind, each statue shot forward and impaled the hypnotized creatures with the lances they carried.

Sheffield cursed. Not once, but twice was she being beaten to the ground by annoying kids. "Good try, I will give you that much, but the steel golem has no smell sense. Try to stop this!" She pointed towards the group and the golem below threw a punch.

And as seemingly impossible (annoying) as it would seem to be, the golem WAS stopped.

How? Well, thanks to the time bought by Giche and Montmorency, Louise could get enough time to cast a spell. Before it could reach them, a dispel landed on the golem, eliminating all magic that controlled and kept it together. Just in the middle of attacking, the mighty giant fell into pieces to the ground.

As her main weapon fell, Sheffield decided she had had enough. Before anyone else could make a move, she pulled out a dark-marble flute from her cloak and began to play it. Sinister music filled the air, and both mages and familiars covered their ears in pain. The music in itself wasn't heard by any of them, but somehow they couldn't stand being within hearing range.

Soon, the hellish melody stopped, the pain fading away. As soon as they recovered their senses, the royal agents were confronted by a worrisome sight. While Sheffield played whatever that flute was, monsters had arrived from both the sky and underground and were now awaiting orders from their mistress.

"Think you have defeated me? Sorry, but this time I came prepared for battle." Taking a black orb in hand, the mind of god smashed it on the ground, making the darkness inside it spread and cover the entire lake.

"You have done great until now, but let's see if you can keep up without your sight."

And so, the sound of battle continued to echo throughout the pitch black area.

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

They talked. She listened.

Or rather, spied.

And as much as she hated to, Mia had to swallow her pride and current beliefs to restrain herself from barging into the meeting room and, on a literal and brutal fashion, punching some sense into the thick skulls of those air-headed councilors.

As things were, she would have to wait for them to be captured by the rebels and, if she asked nicely, maybe even executing one herself.

She had the urge to do so.

The things they talked about; it sickened and enraged her.

One year ago, she was a common person living in a "reconstructed" Shavia, knowing little about its history and having the popular dislike for nobles; specially ones as despicable as the Leveque. Now that she knew the truth after a long talk with Zheo and countless spying, she could only wonder how things turned as they currently were.

To be ruled by people who thought so little of them…

They were humans, damn it!

Mia inhaled deep; once, twice. She finally calmed down and continued to listen, keeping the more important details to remember.

The royal council had summoned a private and secret (not to Mia) meeting to discuss what was to be done about the revolution and their leaders. Currently, they were finding a way for Henrietta to lend her personal support.

No matter if they didn't like her as queen, or the amount of power they had, the popularity of the queen was needed if they wanted to turn the people against the ideas of change.

And so, they talked.

Meanwhile, Mia, with a whole different face and dressed as one of the many maids, listened.

This was something Lyon would like to hear.

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

As much as she hated to admit it, Kirche wasn't all that surprised when her illumination spell failed to disperse the constant darkness she was trapped in; nonetheless she still cursed her luck.

It was as if being blind; she couldn't even see her own body. She could, however, still hear what happened around her. Sounds of wrestling, slicing and stabbing came from all directions; some distant from her, some close.

Kirche would gladly join the fight, but without her sight she could well end up incinerating her own comrades.

She remained still for some time, trying at least not to attract enemy attention or obstacle whatever fight was going under way. One minute lasted a year, and the red-head was getting impatient.

Suddenly, heat passed near her leg which surprised the mage and made her "eep". Thankfully, it was just her familiar trying to get some attention.

"What is it flame?" Kirche asked quietly, wandering what could her familiar possibly want in such a dire situation. The salamander simply produced a low growl and asked for his mistress to look a certain way.

Doing as her familiar asked, Kirche lifted her wand and mentally prepared to fire at the signal of any movement; none came. "This won't work. I can't smell these monsters unlike flame…" Thinking that line over a couple of times, the fire mage got an idea.

Finally putting that spell to use, she synchronized her senses with those of her familiar. She saw what flame saw; she heard what flame heard; and she smelled what flame smelled.

Kirche listened to the sounds; paid attention to the scents. Familiar smells let her spot her comrades; jasmine perfume for Montmorency, roses for Guiche, sweat and iron for Saito…Once she located everyone within her mental plane, the line mage combined fire and wind, releasing a strong current of heated air towards a gather of enemy monsters.

"Heat Air" was a favorite of Kirche, taught to her by both her favorite teacher and her favorite friend. It was strong, suffocating and easy to cast. Sure, it took a fair share of willpower, but it was worth it. The best part was that it dried the air around a certain area, which meant a little bit of fire would…

"Incinerate" the fire mage said. She didn't see it, but she definitely heard the load explosion that had served as a definitive blow. Nothing could beat that little combo of hers; her fire spells boosted by the lack of water in the air. Kirche was sure nothing remained but ashes.

Turning at the sound of crab-like feet, she fired…

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

Open senses; firm stance.

Saito remained quiet and unmoving. He knew the creature could detect him, but so could he. The sound they made while walking, the flapping of their wings, their breathing; all those factors showed Saito when and where to strike.

An enemy behind him approached ready to snap his neck off with its enormous pincers, but just as it was going to Saito turned and buried Derflinger on its head. The familiar paid no attention to the liquid which splashed his face; probably blood; and jumped just in time to intercept two flying creatures and slicing through their torsos.

Landing, Saito returned to his position besides Louise and shielded her from a long pair of claws. All he could hear from his summoner was her soft voice going through chants impossible to pronounce for common people.

The Galdarf knew quite well how his fights worked; he gave it his all to protect Louise, and once the pinkette finished with her seemingly endless words, she defeated everyone in a single blow and they were once again free to go home alive.

So far it was working.

Silently thanking Guiche after a valkirye got rid of one of the closer monsters, the left hand of god sidestepped a stab before delivering one of his own…

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

Deep, DEEP inside, Montmorency Margarita la Feré de Montmorency thanked the founder she was, somehow, able to stay with Guiche for such a long time. Sure, he was attractive, and secretly she didn't mind all that much him peeking on her. What she DID mind, however, was whenever he and his stupid club went around the academy trying to peek on Tiffania's panties.

The blonde's infidelity and two-timing had ridden her over the wall more times than she could count; still, she miraculously mustered the necessary patience and tolerance to stay by his side and continue calling him her "boyfriend".

It was probably because of that single reason that she was still alive.

Sheffield, wanting payback for ruining her control trick with some decent perfume, was currently engaged in battle with her. Unfortunately, the mind of god could see through her own darkness, thus almost killing the blonde a couple of times.

Hadn´t she had some extra protection from the valkyries that last fire-magic-grenade-thing would had fried her.

To make matters worse, her cute familiar lacked the senses to be able to locate enemies around the area, forcing Montmorency to guess where Sheffield was solely by following the sound of the valkyries when they attacked.

It was beyond her how Guiche could detect enemies so well.

Taking note of a big gather of statues in a certain spot, the blonde could only guess it was to make a grouped attack against the mind of god; combining elements, Montmorency casted a "Swamp field" on that very place, hoping to catch Sheffield while distracted by Guiche. The curse which came afterwards was confirmation enough of her success.

Knowing well her location, the blonde prepared to make the killing blow.

She, of course, grew doubts whether she was really ready, or not, to kill someone. It was, after all, the dearest thing someone had.

Life.

The opportunity to experience endless grief or joy; even if it was hard and cruel at times no one had come and told them life was going to be easy or happy. Living was passing through good and bad times, and how. It was precious, too precious to simply take it away from others.

Montmorency wasn't ready to die yet, so was she really ready to kill then?

The mage shook her head hard. Philosophy and insight left aside for now, she remembered her duty and loyalty; she couldn't just fail the queen and say "Life is a precious gift" as an excuse. Besides, the mind of god was willingly trying to end her life, then maybe…

Much to her relief, Montmorency's inner turmoil was no longer needed to be sorted out. Clearly hearing the end of Louise's spell, all the great darkness around her disappeared to make way for an even greater light.

After the void's wake, neither enemies nor Sheffield remained…

DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION

AN: Thanks you all for reading the chapter. It explains how my OC's and the main cast characters are NOT going to get along any time soon. Things would be far too boring if they made peace right away. Will they ever cooperate? Will they kill each other? Wait and read...

Also, as you may have realized, I dropped the rating down. After a bit of thinking, I realized my fanfic wasn't all that "strong". If you think that isn't the case, then feel free to tell me in a review.

Well, that's all for now. Have a nice day.

Peace.