Disclaimer: I don't own The Familiar of Zero or Atelier Sophie.

ArcherShirou: Err… thanks but I honestly don't think this is on par with the actual series though.

lightdreamer1: Thanks for the review and suggestion, I really appreciate it. I didn't know that since I only ever played Atelier Sophie.

Y-2013: I plan to but I'm very slow at it.

OnePunchPlayer: The cast of Halkeginia doesn't know of Saito existence in this story, as it exists in a different world from the world of Mysterious. Yet, he will have a role in Halkeginia latter down the line.


Chapter 03: Forest and Honeycomb

[Forest Path – Afternoon]

(Sophie POV)

It has been a dozen or so minutes since we departed from the atelier and so far, he had been rather quiet. Eyes staring at the trees we've pass, no doubt thinking about his home. His world…

"Hey, Saito," I break the silence, catching his attention. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what is your world like?" I inquire.

"Huh?"

"I'm just curious. You're from a different world, right? What is it like there?"

"My world..." He let out a hum as he adapts a thinking pose. "It's a very busy place to be honest."

"Really?"

"Yeah, whether it be work, study or wasting time, everybody is always doing something. The only time that they ever rest are when they are either sleeping or taking a break. Heck, my dad works even when he's supposed to be on vacation."

"I see." Not the answer I was expecting but it's nice knowing his folks were very active and admirable people. Though, maybe not that last one. "Looks like I have to work even harder on my alchemy!"

"Wait. How did you come to that conclusion!?"

Hm? Is there something wrong with what I just said?

"Speaking of which Saito, of the three category you mention earlier, which one do you usually fall under?"

"S-studying," He said while scratching his cheek. "Anyway, where I'm from everybody needs to go school. I'm just your average guy there."

"True, you do look kind of plain."

"Hey!"

"In a good sort of way." I added.

So, he's been to school before. Even though he doesn't look like it, could he be really smart? Maybe he could share what he learned with us when we get back, I'm sure there's will be knowledge that I could use further my alchemy with.

"So, when will we reach this Blessed Forest?"

"Hmm, we're already are in Blessed Forest." He shows a confuse look. He probably thought that we'll stop once we reach the forest. Which is true but. "Right now, we're going to a specific place, a well-known clearing in the forest where kids love to play. It is just ahead of us."

And true enough, we soon come across a small clearing. "Here it is, we're finally here."

Xxxx

[Blessed Forest – Afternoon]

As always, this little area of the forest holds itself with an air of tranquillity, especially now with reddish hue washing over the place. Compare to the rest of the forest, this spot is the most peaceful.

"So, what are we supposed to do here?" Saito stroll forward as he took in his surroundings.

"We are going to collect honeycomb,"

"Eh!? We're looking for something that dangerous!" He exclaims. And I couldn't help but giggle a bit. It reminds me of how Oskar would react if he were here right now.

"No, the hive we're seeking has been completely abandoned from what I've been told."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." I reassure him. Mr Horst is the most reliable source when it comes to things like this. "Now, if I've remembered correctly. He said that it's somewhere near a big log..."

"Maybe we could check out over there."

"Ah, don't worry I found it."

"ALREADY!?"

Xxxx

"Umm, I could make some really nice alchemy with this." I nod happily. The quality and texture are among the best I've ever gotten my hands on. Not to mention the quantity! There's enough here to last an entire café for months. I'm sure Mr Horst and Monica would love some as well. Bringing a pouch out from my bag, I direct it to my companion, "Alright, Saito help me put them in here."

"Sure."

And for the next minute or so we were stuffing the bag full of honeycombs. They were quite easy to handle so it wasn't a problem for us, but with how many of them are it'll take us quite awhile before we finish.

Huh? Now that I think about it… Why is there so much left? Given how widespread the rumour is, I'd expect a whole lot less of what we're gathering now, maybe a few people around here too. Instead, the clearing was empty save the two of us. How strange.

"Hey, Sophie." Saito voice brought me out from my thoughts. "What is that?"

Turning to where he points to, my blood froze. There, standing openly in front of us, is a small plant-like creature with a pair of large yellow eyes and a tendril head. Its menacing glare directing at our being.

"M-mandragon!"

"A What?"

This is bad, I had hope that we wouldn't encounter anything dangerous like this. Worst yet, I didn't bring any items I could used against it save for my staff. I was completely unprepared.

Glancing to the side, Saito is still oblivious to the danger we're in. "Saito be careful. We're going to flee as soon as we can."

"Is it really that dan—"

KKYYEEEE

Xxxx

(Saito POV)

That was close, that thing was upon us before I could even finish. Sophie, taking advantage of this opportunity, slam her staff upon it, knocking the creature crashing into the nearest bush.

"Come on Saito, let's go!" Eh? Having grabbed her bag, Sophie quickly pull me into a run. Soon enough, we were making haste through the forest and judging by the shriek behind us I would definitely say that creature is in hot pursue of us. Thanks, phys ed teacher, your lesson is finally paying off for something other than arriving to school on time.

"Looks like it's not planning to let us go!"

"I know. Wait. Over there!" Straight ahead of us, remnants of a couple of stone structures could be seen. "We can lose it through there."

Following her lead, we pass through an archway, before turning a corner, and jumping over a fallen column as we weave through a few more structures trying to lose it but...

KYYEEEE

"Ehhhh, how is it still following us!?"

"How should I know! It's my first time see this thing!" I shout back. Despite the twists and turns we made, that critter is still able to track us somehow. This is bad; I'm starting to get tired.

Sophie, whether it's because she noticed my fatigue or not, decide to cease her running.

"Saito! Stand back, I'm going to try fighting it off." She ready her staff in anticipation. Heeding her words, I quickly took a couple of steps back and take the opportunity to catch my breath.

Moments later, the creature finally caught up to us. Not wasting any time, it leaps at her with its open maw. Dodging it, Sophie counter with a swing of her staff before repeating her swing and landing another hit in.

Undaunted, the mandragon whips back with it's tendril head, striking Sophie across her side, causing her to flinch and opening her up to a few more attacks. It not long till even I can tell Sophie is having a hard time against it.

"No good, it looks like she in trouble," I winced as Sophie suffer another blow. But what can I do? Looking at the area there are only broken rocks and stones around. Wait, what am I talking about. I could use them! Picking one of them up, I could tell from the weight that it'll do a lot of damage if thrown, so-

"Hey!" That shout seems to catch their attention. With that monetarily lapse of focus, I threw the stone straight at the creature, striking it at its head.

Now, if this creature were like any animal of the same size back on earth it would had work but…

"Wha-!?"

Lifting itself back to its feet like it was nothing, it let out a low growl, then bolt towards me. Its body wisping some nasty purple substance in the process.

"Look out!" Even before it got within range, Sophie slide in to intercept the creature with a defensive stance. The critter, halt before her and discharge a large cloud of purple mist that engulf Sophie completely.

"Sophie! Sophie are you alright!"

There was no response. This is bad. What the heck is this cloud - poison!? It was not until the mist partially dissipate, that I manage to see Sophie on her knees. Rushing to her crouched form, I immediately pull her out of there.

"Don't worry... I'm... alright."

"No, you're not, you look like someone who's about to fall over." Thankfully, the mist had also obscured us from the creature's view, so it won't be making any move soon. Glancing back, I could see the glow of its eyes through the cloud. I shuddered a little. Then I felt my arm being tug.

"Saito, can you... distract it for awhile." Sophie struggle to stay conscious. "I'm going… to finish this…"

"Finish this?" I repeated the word. I would like to suggest that we get as far away while we still can, but I realise that with her current condition, and the way that thing track us, the only way out is for us to defeat it.

Not only that, I could also feel the trust Sophie had in me. She genuinely thinks that I can hold off that mandragon long enough for her to do something. For her to put her trust in someone like me who she'd only know for a short while, I can't back down now can I?

"... Yeah, don't worry. Just leave it to me." I'm not sure what she had in mind, but I will trust her too.

The mist clears and the mandragon charge at us. Pushing some strength into my voice, I yell, "Here I come!"

Running forth, I swing my arm out, hoping to somehow miraculously connect it. The result? I missed and was rewarded with its jaw to my forearm.

"Owowwowow, get off of me!" Yelping, I manage to pry it off my arm only for it to lock its maw onto my other arm. It's only when I ram it against the wall that it finally let go. Again, I try my luck punching it, but it twisted itself away and the same thing repeat itself. "Gah. This is getting irritating."

The mandragon is too nimble to hit with just my fist. If only I had something like Sophie's staff that I could use against it, then I'd have a chance against it. At that moment I spot something that could be of help.

There laying on the ground was a long sturdy branch, it was no metal bat or bokken, but it'll do. I rather not get bitten again. With that I swiftly grab hold of it.

"Take this!" I bat the monster away. It didn't do any damage except knock it back a bit, but it'll buy time for whatever Sophie's planning. That's why-

"Hyah!" Letting lose a fury of swings with some hitting and many more other missing, I focus solely on pushing the mandragon back.

But the mandragon isn't going to take it lying down. No, it returns the favour by whipping my forearms whenever I miss. And I miss a lot. My sleeve manages to soften the strike, but it still hurts like hell!

We continue this exchange for awhile and I could feel it. The tension in the branch slowly giving away with each and every swing, it won't be long till it reach its limit. Hurry up Sophie!

"Saito! Get out now!" Hearing that, I immediately dive to the side. Looking back, what I saw was unbelievable. Sophie, despite her current state, stood tall with one of her arms outstretched. Near the palm of her hand, a white iridescent orb of energy with many strains of smaller energy pulse and encircle it. With a mighty swing of her staff, she launch it at the creature.

Streaking forth, it explodes as it hit the monster dead on, releasing a huge burst of power that even send me rolling back. In the epicentre the creature let out a deafening screech before being drown out in the roar of power.

"Wow."

It must have packed a lot more power than I realised because there was nothing left of that creature afterwards save for a sizable crater where the creature once stood. Even the surrounding stone walls were blown away in its wake.

Plopping back onto the ground, I'm so glad that I wasn't hit with it.

Thus, our fight ended.

Xxxx

"What was that Sophie?" I breathed, still awed at what I had witnessed earlier. Who knew she could do something like this.

"..."

"Sophie?"

"..."

Ah, that's right! She was poisoned. I could feel the nervous energy pumping back. "Sophie!"

I force myself up. There lying on the ground motionless, she's, she's…

"Hehe..."

!?

"Plachta... look I made... a new synthesis..."

She's sleeping!? Phew, I thought something else had happen. I collapse back to the cool hard ground, and strangely it was very comfortable as I slowly close my eyes to take a nap.

"Wait a minute. This is no place to take a nap!" I shot back up. What if there's another one of them around. I don't think we can survive another attack. I quickly made my way to the sleeping Sophie. "Wake up, Sophie we need to get out of here. Come on, Sophie, wake up."

Xxxx

(Sophie POV)

Plachta was already awaiting us by the doorstep when we arrive back at the atelier. By then it was already nightfall and both of us look like we had just fallen off a cliff.

"Welcome back, Sophie, Saito. I'm glad you've return. I been worrying that something had happen." Plachta said in a cool but caring demeanour. "Was. I. Wrong."

"Ahahaha yeah, something did happen," I scratch the back of my neck nervously. Plachta is definitely angry. "But don't worry! With Saito's help, we managed to beat it."

"Beat what exactly?"

"A mandragon, a very scary one too." I answer. "It attacked us when we were gathering honeycombs."

"Really?" Plachta circle around me. "Were you harm anywhere?"

"No, not particularly, but Saito on the other hand…" We turn to look at him.

"My arm a little sore."

Although he tries not to show it, I know how much it hurts since I receive some myself. Though, not to the extent he endured.

"Take a seat for now Saito. I'll get the Berg Medicine." I offered. He was now my responsibility after all. Returning with the Berg medicine in hand I sat right next to him. "Saito show me your arm, I'll apply it for you."

At first, he was reluctant but with the help of Plachta we convince him otherwise. Rolling up his sleeve, I grimace at the extent of his injuries. Lashes and bite marks were litter all over his forearms. If we don't treat it right away its only going to get worse. Applying the cream, he hiss at my touch before relaxing.

"I have a proposal to make," Plachta begun, fluttering close.

Eyes still trained on the berg medicine curiously, Saito prompted, "What is it?"

"I'm unsure if Sophie had already told you but you'll be staying here with us for the time being while we search for a lead to send you back."

"Really? Thank you, that really means a lot!" At her words, Saito brighten up, momentarily forgetting the pain on his arms.

"But-" Hmm? Is there something else? I glance at Plachta. "In exchange you will be working as Sophie's assistant."

""Assistant?""

This is the first time I'm hearing it. Plachta nodded as she elaborates. "That's right. Until then we can't have you lazing around the atelier. Your job is to be Sophie's helping hand."

I could hear the quiet "like what?" in Saito's raised eyebrow. "In menial tasks like organising ingredients, helping to carry heavy objects, bringing refreshments, testing synthesis quality, helping others. These are the daily grind an alchemist has to go through. With you around, it would help lessen Sophie's burden. Also, Sophie isn't known for keeping her place tidy without the assistant of others."

"Hey that's not true!" How could Plachta say that, I did plenty of cleaning up myself such as when… when Monika last visited?

Plachta Ignore me as she round back to Saito. "Are you up for it?"

"Sure."

"Good, you'll start once you're arm recover. Until then don't strain yourself."

After I'm done treating his wound, I began mine. While I'm at it, I lean in close to Plachta, so Saito couldn't hear us.

"Plachta, why did you make him my assistant?"

"It's to help him adapt better. If he were to live here. Him being your assistant it would naturally expose him to how to operate in this world. Not only that, it would also preoccupy his mind off his world and lessen his homesickness."

"I see, you have thought that far." I finish taking care of my wounds.

"I have an ample amount of time to think while you were out." She stated. "Now, are you sure you're not hurt anywhere else?"

"Yes, I'm sure." I let out a yawn. While the effect of the mist still lingers in me, I'm sure a good night rest will fix it. "I think I'll turn it in for the day."

"Very well, it's getting late."

After I inform Saito of where he'll be sleeping. I sink myself onto my soft comfy bed, not caring if I'd taken my coat off or not, as I drift into sleep.


Hi, I apologise for being absent for about five months. I have a lot of assignment to do in real life.

Also, another reason is because, I have a ton of trouble writing my first ever fight scene. Especially since Saito is not Gandalfr in this story. As the only reference on how he fights without being Gandalfr or have any experience because of it, is during his fight with Guiche. And it was pretty one sided.

Hopefully the next chapter, won't take as long to release.