Xrosed Path of the Familiar
by Lunar Wave

A/N: Ahaha, I made a minor mistake regarding Puppetmon. Considering that I'm using the Japanese names of people here, I fixed Puppetmon's Name as Pinochimon. People reading previous chapters might see those changes being implemented now.

The Familiar, the Princess, and the Thief!


Halkeginia: Tristain Academy of Magic


It was nearing midnight, and no one was still expected to be awake. Even Colbert had finally fallen to the warm embrace of sleep. Taiki himself would've been asleep… except he was currently being levitated by Tabitha as his master and Kirche were having this stupid argument that Taiki will never agree to. It was simply silly for Taiki to care about the whole thing. Why? Because he already argued about this just a week ago.

"Taiki prefers my sword than that ornament in your hands, Zerbst."

"Ornament? This is a fine Germanian Sword here! I'd very much be surprised if Mikey-darling not give up that rusty piece of metal and use this instead!"

"I take offense since the general himself had picked me out of the whole lot!" Derf said, and you can easily imagine a scowl if he only had a face.

"He was simply suffering from a situation where the master is so much of a cheapskate and can't even buy him a decent sword."

"You don't even know anything about swords, do you? Well Taiki does, and he chose this sword instead of that piece of junk."

For the record, Taiki didn't really know much about swords either, but he knows that his rune would react if he was holding a real weapon with intent to use it. So the scales were very much tipping towards the Tristain Noble's side. Of course, Taiki was pretty much unable to speak about that and sighed. Maybe he shouldn't have ordered Derf to remain silent in front of others as well. Well, no use regretting what happened in the past. He immediately zoned them out like he usually does when Zenjirou yells at him to duel him again.

Speaking of Zenjirou, Taiki had decided to tell Siesta and, by extension, Derf as much of his life as possible, so that he wouldn't forget it due to the rune's curse. He had already explained about his status as General, and hoped that he could start talking about his own life, while not telling them anything about the existence of the Real World. The fact that there's one parallel world already confused the two. Adding another one might be too difficult for them. He'll tell them at the right time but not while they're still digesting the fact that he came from a land where he was a general. Also, there's still some debate on what to call that particular world; Real World is hardly the ideal way to call it.

Even after all that thinking Taiki just did, the two were still at it, and Tabitha was looking tired. Taiki didn't really know much about the silent magician, but he can't help but feel sorry for her. Taiki immediately signaled a few signs that he hoped Tabitha would notice.

"… Very well." Tabitha immediately lowered the boy without another word. Two words. The first he ever heard more than one word come out of the girl's mouth. Taiki immediately walked over to them and shook his head.

"Kirche, thanks for the effort to buy the sword, but I'm very happy having Derflinger at my side." Taiki took the rusty steel blade from his master, who was smirking at the Zerbst heir. He slung the sword on his shoulder once more and Taiki could have sworn that the blade made a sound as though relieved.

"Well, just take this sword and try it out when you have the chance, won't you, Mikey-darling?" Taiki nodded. Unfortunately, he can't dual wield, so that will never happen, Taiki chuckled in his mind as he took the sword from the woman. The red-haired noble left immediately, as though pursuing a more noble route. Silence filled the yard, as all three mages left the area. If Louise had been expecting Taiki to follow, she would have merely been disappointed. Though she does not yet know of Taiki's current living arrangements, she at least guessed that the boy would be much more comfortable remaining as far away from her. She hasn't even approached him about using [Reload], being focused on the fair two days later.

Taiki breathed once more.

"Good to know that you're still with me on the sword thing, Partner!"

"I'll never abandon you anyway." Taiki grinned, as he held the extra blade in its scabbard. "Let's go have dinner at the kitchen again."

"Partner, you know I can't eat." A roar of laughter erupted from the Xros Loader and Taiki himself, as the two walked to their destination.

The boy kept a slow pace, not worrying about being quick. The kitchens were on the other side of the academy, so the time it takes to get there was rather long. If he was a bit quicker he might've avoided seeing something strange. That something strange was a big lumbering golem, about 10 meters tall, approaching the side of one of the big building in the center. Taiki looked in alarm as he saw the big monstrosity. He soon found a human figure on the monster's shoulder, and did his best to remain quiet.

"General, what the hell is that!?" Pinochimon voice was unfortunately a bit loud enough for the monster's master to spot them.

"Wha-… How… Ch… I thought that Gandalfr no longer slept outside…" The figure growled slightly. The voice sounded quite feminine, but Taiki didn't really pay attention to that as he stabbed the scabbard of the extra blade onto the ground and pulled out Derflinger.

"Who are you, and what do you plan to do with that… giant?" Taiki called out, as he prepared the rune on his left hand for anything. No answer came from the mysterious figure and the golem turned towards the boy. The golem then immediately aimed a punch at the boy, and Taiki was sent flying across the field.

"DigiXros Time." Derflinger told him. "This isn't something we can cut." As much as Derf didn't like that fact, even he can't deny that a big lumbering monster of earth was something that he can't even expect to beat up.

Taiki nodded, sheathing the blade and pulling out the Xros Loader."Okay. [Pinochimon DigiXros]!" A bright light exited the Xros Loader and covered the area. A metal hammer appeared on his hand, and a wooden x was now tied to his two hands and legs respectively, while the x in itself is attached to his back. His clothes, unchanged, and his goggles now sported a brown hue and the glass is now red. But when he opens his eyes, he saw that the DigiXros was for naught, as the mysterious figure had already disappeared.

"Okay, now that's just a little strange…" Pinochimon mumbled, as they looked around. The figure was no longer in sight, and Taiki cautiously looked around, hoping to see some sign of the figure. Nothing.

"Okay… now that is a little strange…"


Too close. Too close for comfort. That Gandalfr, I didn't expect him to be out and about in this time of night! How… It's best if no one learns of me as of yet, but if the boy tells his master about her… The Staff of Destruction can wait. Yes. Wait. Maybe during the Evaluation Fair, when everyone is away… I'll need to time it when that Chevalier is performing, seeing as she is the bigger threat…

'Is she really the bigger threat?'

Ah, now I'm not sure… There was the legendary Gandalfr… It might be strange, but the boy might be the scarier threat. No. Stick to the plan. A mage is more powerful than a kid who can summon random weapons when he yells the incantation 'di-ji-cross'. Not that I ever learned what that incantation meant. For all I know, he can do more than summon that weird mace. A boy full of mysteries, and a powerful mage girl. Which was truly the bigger threat?

AGH, this is too confusing!

Okay, so the princess girl will be coming tomorrow, and will sleep too near the Staff of Destruction then I would want. The guards will pay special attention there. So tomorrow is out of the question. If I remember correctly, the princess would remain in the academy for a day or so after the Evaluation Fair, to discuss something important with the principal. What it is, even I wasn't privy to the details. Well, it's either that, or old fart Osmond still doesn't know anything about it.

Whatever. If I was able to steal the supposedly dangerous staff, then I would need to outsmart them all. Including the Royal Guards. Would it truly be wise to strike now? The safety of the young princess would be the priority. They would focus on the event itself. After all, nobles are proud people. And the Royal Guards are composed of these damned nobles. They wouldn't even think twice of watching for potential recruits. And laughing at any of the incredulous familiars summoned. Mostly the latter than the former.

… I think I'll go with that. Yes. I'll strike when the idiot guards are all up there gawking at the familiars. Now… Valliere, or that Chevalier?


Taiki's Room


"… That sounds strangely like the thief, Fouquet the Crumbling Dust, Taiki…" Siesta muttered as she sat on Taiki's bed. The boy himself was situated on the nearby window, and Taiki had hung Derf near the bedside table. This was the natural position that the three would normally hold their conversations, with Derf serving as an alarm if there were any footsteps. Derf didn't really need to input much information after all. Taiki had [Reloaded] one of the PawnChessmonz to stand guard near the door. The ornament blade was discarded in a corner of the room.

"So what do you plan to do with her?"

"Nothing much really. We aren't even sure if it is Fouquet. She didn't seem to have stolen anything, and I don't want to get everyone's spirits down. Not when it's so close to the Evaluation Fair."

"Are you sure we shouldn't say anything about that incident, partner?"

"Yeah, Derf. But I do want Siesta to keep an eye out." Taiki nodded to the red band that covers the girl's wrist. "Just contact me with the wrister, if you find anything."

"I understand." Siesta looked at the object and smiled a bit. The wrister that she had was old and worn out, one of the first made. Taiki had procured this one from Akari, after she said that she won't really need it. The nobles haven't noticed the object during the course of the four days she has spent on wearing it, and the other staff members just thought of it as a present from Taiki, which they had taken glee on teasing her about. Siesta nearly buried her face in embarrassment as she thought of that, and immediately went for a change of subject.

"So, speaking about the Evaluation Fair… What are you planning to do?"

"Nothing really… Louise told me to try and play an instrument or something, but I'll just sound like an amateur. And speeches are beyond me. I'll probably just sing or throw a few puns or something…"

"NO PUNS!" The Xros Loader's occupants all yelled in an instant. "You could literally freeze people with them!" Taiki winced and just nodded.

"Okay… No jokes. I could hardly show them kendo when there's no one to spar with though, so swordplay is out."

"So you're going to sing?" Siesta asked, smiling slightly. "You do have a pretty good voice… So I guess it could work…"

"Oh, Partner, I think the little maid would prefer if she was able to watch your performance as well~" Derf cackled as Siesta face turned into a deep shade of red. Taiki looked thoughtfully, however.

"If you want to that's fine. But no promises that it will be any good."

"Know something, partner? Practice tomorrow, and we'll just tell you when you go tone deaf. And what about the music?"

"Wisemon's handling that with Shoutmon."

"Ah, no wonder the noisy hooded man hasn't appeared yet." Derf chuckled as he heard this little detail.

"They'll probably just illegally download the instrumental from the internet or something…" Taiki sighed, not really happy with the fact, but knew that they could technically do it and get away with it. It still doesn't feel right though.

And obviously, neither of the two people he is speaking with understood what 'download' and 'internet' meant. They just decided to ignore that though, since they already knew that everyone had odd terms that no one really understood. A sword would not truly understand everything about a human, and a maid will not understand an army leader. With these accepted facts, they easily brushed off any unnecessary worries.

"At any rate, I want you to remain wary of any threats, okay?" Now this they could understand. Derf made a sound that sounded like a snort, but it also sounded like a positive answer.

"Alright, Taiki." Siesta nodded. "Good night, I think you'll need a good rest." Taiki nodded appreciatively. Siesta smiled and walked over to the PawnChessmon near the door. The PawnChessmon immediately moved aside for the maid to exit. Siesta curtsied to her 'master', and left the room.

Taiki sighed and walked over to the bed and collapsed into it. He was immediately knocked out. After all, Pinochimon is still a mega-level Digimon. He's weaker than the counterparts in the other Digital Worlds, but he was still strong. Too strong for Taiki's body to handle. The PawnChessmon immediately jumped back inside the Xros Loader.

"Hey Partner…" Derf sighed, "Why do you work so hard not to let anyone see how much you are pushing yourself?" But the boy was already fast asleep.


Siesta


Not good. Siesta thought to herself. Why… what's going… Why are all the servants inside the whole academy gathered here? She had merely thought to get herself a glass of water before going to bed, but why was everyone here? And what's worse, why were they all staring at her. Shaking her head to get rid of her reddening cheeks, she forced herself to say a few words. "Ummm… what's going on?" The group grimaced upon realizing who it was, but Chef Marteau, the unofficial yet unconditional leader of the Academy Staff, simply turned to the others and nodded.

"It's time. Let's tell her."


Henrietta


To say that Henrietta de Tristain was confused was a rather large understatement. So many things in the territory her parents are ruling over that she has no control over are happening at the same time. And she has no control over it at all. Her recent engagement with the King of Germania is only another thing to pile on her growing stack. However, what is currently plaguing her mind is the situation in Albion. She sighed, knowing that she wouldn't be able to directly address that problem, and instead diverted her attention to another problem: the strange flag that was somehow waving in the skies around the southern lands.

But the main problem is not why it appeared. True, the sudden appearance of an unknown flag in the skies of many of the southern lands is a huge problem on its own, but that problem was already over with its disappearance as well. No. The problem is what it meant. It obviously meant something to the farmer commoners who were tilling the soil in the nearby farmlands. She remembered the response of the farmers when she inquired on their knowledge.

"That mark was seen on a commoner boy who was travelling around with that mark emblazoned on his shirt. I don't know all the details, as all I know are secondhand knowledge. But what I DO know is that the boy was going to rescue a maidservant from her oppressive master." This was the answer to her knowledge. And naturally Henrietta probed for more answers.

The man did not know any other details except that the mark defeated the master and had been honored by the man's estate to be taken back to where he came on the master's carriage. The noble was said to try to claim that the boy was actually a noble in disguise, but according to the farmers of that same noble, the boy had willingly helped at any of the farmers he stopped by and had not even tried to use magic to lighten his workload. He had also introduced himself as a commoner to them. These facts all pointed to his position as commoner. The mentioned noble wasn't named.

But the mark that represented the boy became a remembered mark among the people of that village, as they had all seen the flying flag before it disappeared. The man produced the mark to the princess, who merely only looked on it and shivered at the sight. It looked like a round face with a clear V symbol imprinted over it.

Henrietta sighed deeply, looking up from her desk. Tomorrow, she rides to the academy, where she hopes her dear childhood friend, Louise Francoise, would be there, and willing to catch up for old times' sake. Maybe she'll even ditch most of the guards and go on early.


The Next Day


As of recent, Taiki hadn't really experienced sleeping in. And today was no exception. He was up before most anyone, and he soon used the time that he had to wait out for food to jog around the place. Pulling on a spare crown shirt, he placed Derflinger on his back, and soon, he was running around the campus, trying to recite the names of all the locations as he passed it.

"Tower of Void…" Taiki muttered as he passed the said tower, but simply sighed, knowing how stubborn Louise can be. Taiki had since concluded that Louise must most likely be a Void Mage. Isn't she? They hadn't even tested the idea out, after all. Taiki simply shrugged and kept running, but was soon stopped when he found a mysterious carriage, with a weird cloaked man next to the coachman. Taiki immediately moved to a nearby wall, not too sure what to expect from this mysterious vehicle. And soon, he was face to face with one of the most stunning beauties that he saw in his whole stay in Halkeginia. Taiki immediately turned away from the girl and tried sneaking nearer. The two were not as attentive as you would expect.

"It is a wonder that we had not been spotted by anyone," the man muttered. The man quickly went to tend to the horses, muttering other nasty things that he had to say. Taiki looked at the man bemusedly. The man was obviously a commoner, but he had such animosity against the princess, that it practically hurt. Taiki sighed and turned to the girl.

"Thank you for your help, dear coachman." The girl had told the man as she walked off to the nearby. Taiki could see the Tiara on the girl's head and instantly knew that the girl was most likely the princess of the country who was expected to be one of the judges in the panel tomorrow. The question is: why is she here so early, and without guards? Taiki immediately followed the girl as she covered her head with a hood. Fouquet was still lurking around, and he was not going to chance anything in regards to the royals of this country. The girl looked around occasionally, which just brought a bemused expression on Taiki's face. And then Taiki saw something in the corner of his eye. An earth golem seemed to be standing near the same tower last night. Taiki knew he had to move. He immediately jumped on the princess and clamped his hand on her mouth.


Henrietta


"Thank you for your help, dear coachman."

Henrietta told the man as he pulled the carriage and the horses away. Henrietta smiled, knowing that the man did a big favor for her to ride without even a guard. She could make out the few mutters that she knew were complaints. But, right now, that wasn't the most important part. She needed to speak with Louise Francoise and hoped that she would not turn her away. She had not heard from the girl ever since she started schooling, and she was worried that their friendship was beginning to wane.

She immediately set off for the student dormitories. But soon, she heard a rustling sound from behind. She immediately spun around, wary of any assassins or spies. Gripping her princess scepter tightly, she did not relax at all when she saw no one. She warily continued to walk, looking around occasionally. She was about to round the corner when she suddenly found herself lying flat on the ground with a hand covering her mouth. The princess immediately struggled, but the intruder's strength did not budge. She can't chant like this to activate her magic, nor could she do anything against her capture. She immediately regretted doing something so foolish as said intruder dragged her away silently. She had one last shot. She prayed that the intruder was male and immediately aimed a strike between the boy's legs.


Back To Taiki


Taiki resisted the pain as he forced the still hooded princess down onto the ground. He didn't know how he was able to restrain himself from a stronger reaction but he chalked it up to adrenaline after seeing the earth golem. Taiki immediately turned to look at the site, to see the earth golem nowhere to be found. He then sighed and turned to the girl.

"That hurt!" He told the girl whose mouth he's still covering. "I was just trying to not alert Fouquet and you had to do that, didn't you?" This seemed to settle the girl down and Taiki immediately released the girl. Finally Taiki was free to comfort his own pains and immediately lay down as he writhed a bit in agony. He then felt a sort of soothe aura from somewhere and found that the princess was using her magic to heal him.


Henrietta


Huh? Fouquet? Was this boy on the trail of Fouquet and instead of assaulting her, was actually trying to protect her? She looked at the boy who was writhing on the ground and saw his strange appearance. His clothes were by no means normal. How did he make a shirt that didn't look like it was stitched, and yet had different colors was beyond her own knowledge. But then again, her knowledge mainly dealt with trade and politics. She sighed, knowing that this was her own fault and started casting a healing spell. The boy was soon looking at her with a slightly annoyed expression, before standing up.

"I guess we got off on the wrong foot there… Name's Taiki. And yours?"

"… Ann." This was her reply until Taiki was more forthcoming with information. "What did you mean by Fouquet?" Taiki immediately put his finger to his mouth and made a sshhh sound, before he dragged Henrietta bodily to the nearby servant's quarters. She soon found herself in a bedroom, which the boy locked the door of. The boy motioned her to sit on the bed as he pulled the stool nearby and sat near the window.

"Sorry, can't let people know too much about it." Taiki apologized. "Ann, right? Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything to you." Henrietta nodded slightly. Taiki smiled and shrugged.

"I found an earth golem last night, with someone who seemed to be capable of extraordinary earth magic. This figure attacked me last night, and disappeared when I tried to fend it off. This morning, when I saw the earth golem, I saw you and panicked, thinking you might become a target if the figure spotted you."

"An Earth Golem… It sounds like something Fouquet WOULD be capable of making…" Henrietta nodded. "People have classed her as a Square, after all…" Now, Henrietta is convinced. Taiki seemed to be an honest person, and she at least has some pride in being able to read people. Taiki nodded, and turned to walk to the door. A questionable act as far as the girl was concerned.

"Where are you going?" Henrietta immediately stood up, and followed the boy.

"Oh, I was just going to see if the thief left anything behind." Taiki replied.

"Then I'll join you." Henrietta replied immediately. She had only taken the boy's word for it. She had yet to see any proof, and she would at least like that. Taiki nodded and opened the door, to find a very flustered maidservant.


Siesta


Was that a girl in Taiki's room? Was he… What's… Siesta couldn't even begin to think as she stood next to the door of Taiki's room. She even forgot what she was about to tell Taiki, regarding last night. She was too choked up to think straight. And when he opened it, she found her thoughts confirmed when the boy was followed by what appears to be a hooded curvy figure. The maid choked a bit, and felt tears in her eyes when Taiki immediately pulled her in the room. Taiki immediately closed the door, leaving the girl behind him confused.

"Siesta, this is someone I met earlier. I pulled her out when I thought I saw an Earth Golem in the courtyard. Can I ask you to feed her as I check the location?" This explanation immediately quelled any of Siesta's fears. Taiki was obviously not one to lie so easily, and he seemed to be incapable of thinking anything except another's welfare. But Siesta remained on guard around the girl, especially as she voiced her disdain in the idea.

"I told you I would join you in the investigation!" The girl had replied, but it seemed her stomach had other ideas as it growled slightly, but was still heard by the two. Siesta smiled with a wicked grin. Potential rival wasn't about to get any more affection points from Taiki. She nodded and dragged the protesting girl to the dining hall. Taiki ran by to grab a piece of bread and was soon out the door.

"I believe it's polite to remove your hood when you eat." Siesta looked on the girl who was tentatively biting into the meal. The girl shook her head and resumed eating, and now seemed to be in a hurry. Siesta noted that she probably wished to follow Taiki and Siesta quickly followed suit. The two finished at almost the exact time and the two immediately rushed out of the door and after Taiki.


Taiki


"This part of the grass seemed as though it was stomped on…" Taiki mumbled as he examined the creased part of the lawn. Enough proof for him at least. He started searching for anything else, hoping for a trinket or locket or anything, but it seemed as though there's none. Taiki endeavored to search for more and was soon face-to-face with two tired girls, one in a hood and the other in a maid outfit.

"It seemed that the golem WAS here." Taiki informed the two, pointing at the suspicious trails. "But it seems to disappear somewhere along here." He pointed at the wall. The hooded girl nodded and waved her scepter a bit.

"There appears to be a large amount of earth magic residue in the area." The girl nodded. "I don't know what that means, but it seems to support what we know of Fouquet." Siesta winced, nodding slightly. Knowing the girl was a noble was not amusing to her. She had been a bit oppressive to the girl, and her instincts dictate that she should've been a bit more courteous. But she also knew that the one she served was Taiki and King Shoutmon, not anyone else. She simply worked here as a maid, not as a slave. So she simply opted to remain neutral to the girl's status, as Taiki seemed fine with that.

"I guess we're not finding much of anything anymore… Well, I'm really hungry so I'll go eat…" Taiki sighed. "Siesta, if you see Fouquet again, please contact me with the wrister." Siesta nodded. Taiki turned to Ann. "Well, Ann, I suppose there is something that I interrupted when I pushed you on the ground?" Ann shook her head.

"I'll go to Principal Osmond first. If what you say is true, he should increase security in these parts. Whatever Fouquet wanted to steal, it's here."

"How did you come to conclude that?" Siesta asked.

"Taiki has told me of the incident last night and that it also happened here." Ann nodded. Siesta glared at Taiki, a bit angry at not knowing that particular piece of information. Taiki shrugged helplessly. Ann smiled at the two. "I'll go inform Osmond, and I'll meet you in that room you dragged me to, Taiki. Let's discuss this a bit more."

"Wouldn't you think that Osmond would've called for us as well?"

"No, I don't think so. My word has enough weight to get the man to tighten security." Ann shook her head. She turned to Siesta. "Siesta, correct? Can I ask you to go to the coachman at the stables and inform him not to announce my arrival just yet?" Siesta nodded and left.

"Well then, it's nice meeting you, Princess." Taiki nodded as he walked away, back to the Servant's Quarters. The hooded girl blanched a bit. How did he know?


Fouquet


"Those wards are as strong as that old codger said." Fouquet grumbled as she stood in her bedroom. She hadn't been able to enter the place as she expected. Magical attempts to enter was stopped, and so was Physical attempts. So how did she expect to get the item? There must be something destructive enough to be able to enter that place. Like the staff of destruction! Of course that's what she was trying to steal to begin with, why would that work? Frustrated, she finally fell on her bed, exhausted, not knowing of a meeting between Princess Henrietta and the Old Principal who had chosen to wake up early today for no foreseeable reason. Though a white mouse entering Longueville's room might have something to do with it.


Henrietta


She has convinced the principal to hide the fact that she is in the academy for now, and that the coachman was immediately sent back with a note to the castle. The coachman complained a bit, but since his gold pouch got heavier, he wasn't so frantic. The princess sighed, as she straightened her back and pulled on her hood. She rushed back to the servant's quarters, hoping to talk and maybe silence the two about her presence. Though she didn't think she would need to silence the two.

She soon found herself in the silent Servant's Quarters. She had taken the back entrance to hopefully avoid meeting with staff until she recognized the room that Taiki had pulled her in. She found herself back in the room, but neither Siesta nor Taiki were there. She sighed and collapsed in the bed. She didn't notice when the fatigue took over and she zoned onto a different land.


Later


Taiki sighed, as he stretched. He had finished the daily nursery things that he needed to worry about regarding his master. True, the girl has not demanded so much of his attention, but she DOES demand for at least some. Taiki, being Taiki, complied to her demands.

Taiki stretched, as he stood outside his door. Ann must be pretty impatient by now, as he opened the door to his own room. And to his surprise, he found a sleeping princess on the bed. Taiki grinned a bit and pulled the tiara off her head and placed it on the bedside table. He then adjusted the girl so that he can tuck her in the blankets. He pulled a set of keys from the desk drawer and put it in his pocket. He locked it for now, not wanting anyone to barge in and find the sleeping princess.

He then spent time in the kitchen practicing his song. And this song obviously got the commoners riled up and started working harder. Chef Marteau only grinned and thanked the boy for the morale booster. Taiki laughed and nodded, as he resumed practicing. Soon, the whole staff could at least sing the chorus with him, but they can't get through the rap part as easily. Taiki just laughed. And soon, lunchtime was upon them.

"I'll eat lunch in my room, may I?" Taiki asked the Chef. With a hearty laugh, a tray was allowed for Taiki to bring to his room. A tray of food for the nobles, which he brought directly to his room. Opening the door with the key, he was greeted by the still sleeping form of the princess.

Taiki idly wondered if sleeping was also an etiquette as the girl was still as immaculate as he left her. Was she trained to NOT move in her sleep? Taiki simply sighed, knowing that she'll need to wake soon. Locking the door, he contacted Siesta with his wrister to bring him food as well when she brings her own. He then turned to the sleeping princess.

"Hello, princess, wake up… you need to eat." The girl did not need telling twice, apparently, as she immediately arose and stood up, and with a somewhat rehearsed movement, righted herself.

"I'm sorry, it seems I fell asleep whilst… Oh, it's you, Taiki." Ann laughed a bit.

"Did you think you were at the castle?" Taiki asked with a grin. He then gestured to the tray of food and gave the meal to her. The princess gratefully took the tray and ate quietly. Taiki immediately took a seat nearby, waiting for Siesta.

"Sir Taiki, I believe you haven't been too forthcoming with information regarding your confrontation with Fouquet the Crumbling Dust." The princess said. "Clearly, a commoner who was somehow found by a mage would've been silenced immediately instead of being able to escape?" She turned eagerly in Taiki's direction. "How did you throw off Fouquet?"

"I don't really know myself…" Taiki laughed a bit. "I had my sword out at the time, and the familiar runes on my left hand gives me a certain boost when I hold on a weapon. I guess that's why it doesn't-" He was stopped with a clatter of the utensils. Taiki turned to look at her with a questioning glance.

"Familiar Runes? And most importantly, on your left hand? And when you hold a weapon, it gives you a power boost?"

Taiki merely nodded, showing the teen princess the symbol that marked him as a familiar. The princess gasped slightly. Taiki looked at her with a bemused expression.

"I don't think that you need to be so uptight about protocol while you are here, dear princess." Taiki grinned, "I'm not one of your subjects, but I can most assuredly be a friend."

"… That sounds like Gandalfr… A legendary familiar…" Taiki blinked at the term legendary until the young princess put her tray to the side and knelt to him, as though he was a king. Taiki gagged a bit at this treatment.

"Lord Familiar… I am Princess Henrietta de Tristain, heir apparent to the throne of my father, the King of Tristain. I am sorry for what has happened earlier when you tried to keep me out of danger." The girl asked, looking on his face as though in some shame.

Taiki shook his head quickly. "Henrietta?" When the princess made no move to correct him for using her first name, he continued. "Okay… Henrietta, I forgive you, but please stand, 'cause I seriously have no clue what you are trying to say to me."

"Surely you know?" Henrietta gasped, "The fact that you are the Shield of God, the Legendary Gandalfr shouldn't have escaped the principal's notice!"

"I only figured out my powers recently, Henrietta. And considering your station, I think you'd want to not be seen kneeling to what everyone, including my master, calls a commoner." Henrietta relented, standing and returning to the bed to resume eating.

An uncomfortable silence dredged up the atmosphere as Henrietta seemed to fidget with herself.

"Lord Familiar…" Taiki raised his hand to silence the girl.

"Taiki. Kudou Taiki." Taiki told her immediately. "I let you use my first name already, Henrietta. You don't need to revert." Henrietta recoiled slightly at being reprimanded but continued with what she wished to say.

"Lord Fami-" An exasperated look from Taiki made her instantly revert, "Taiki, can I ask who your master is?"

"Uh… Louise Francoise de la Valliere…" Taiki replied, confident in his answer, when another clatter of utensils fell on Henrietta's tray. Taiki looked at her in alarm.

"To think that… No. That doesn't matter for now." Henrietta shook her head, as she breathed a bit.

"Can you tell me more about Gandalfr, Henrietta?" Taiki swore he was still tripping across her name. To Taiki, this was a very cumbersome name. A-n-ri-e-ta. Writing down her name sounds like a pretty difficult thing to do, and Taiki wondered if he could return to calling her by her nickname when someone knocked on her door.

"Taiki, I brought you food."

Taiki sighed, as he turned to Henrietta. She looked as though ready to divulge the details, until Siesta showed up. Taiki stretched and wordlessly made his apology and walked to the door to allow the girl in.


Siesta


Balancing the tray of food in her hand carefully, she sighed a bit. Two portions of staff meal were all she can get today. The staff seemed to think that Taiki had just taken a meal of his own to his room. But Siesta knew that the one who was most likely to be given said meal is that noble girl that Taiki recently picked up. Knowing that she can't really fault Taiki, she made it a point to just ignore the two's ramblings and just rapped her free hand on the door.

And naturally, she almost dropped the tray when Taiki opened the door. For who sat on the bed was none other than Princess Henrietta de Tristain, the princess and heir to the throne of Tristain. She gasped a bit as Taiki took the tray and she automatically bowed down. Taiki looked blankly at her and shrugged at the sight. He immediately closed the door as Siesta stood and took her own meal from the tray.

"My, my… this is quite a strange sight." Derf cackled from his scabbard in his corner. "The heir to the throne, a maid, and a knight in strange armor! All in one place."

"Let's not forget the sword wielded by legends, Lord Derflinger." Taiki grinned. The sword gave a sound of affirmation and laughed with him, as Taiki scooped mouthfuls of the meal into his mouth, without much care for manners, unlike the other two human

"The sword speaks?" Henrietta blankly stared at the blade.

"And can woo girls better than partner here too!"

"Taiki doesn't need to woo girls, Lord Derflinger." Siesta laughed, then remembered the presence of the princess in the room. She quickly went quiet, but Taiki didn't seem to mind.

"So Henrietta," Siesta reeled in shock in hearing how casually the boy calls the princess, "what are the current arrangements? I mean, you're the princess. Shouldn't you be announced?"

"Everyone will be under the impression that I will be arriving tomorrow. I sent my carriage back and informed them of Fouquet's possible involvement in this area. As we didn't want to alert anyone, only five people knows of my presence here. The coachman, the principal, and the rest are in this room."

"It would be best if we could guess what the thief is after." Taiki shrugged, "If we learned that, we could simply avoid the worse of anything."

"The principal believes that Fouquet is after the Staff of Destruction." Henrietta replied. Seeing the confused looks on the two, she explained. "The Staff of Destruction is a magical object that is supposedly able to defeat even dragons with a single strike." Taiki grimaced at the idea of such a powerful weapon. That magic must be really destructive.

"But aren't dragons resistant to magic?" Siesta asked, "That must be a very powerful object…"

"It truly is. People have tried to understand how the staff works, but the only one to ever use it has passed away from an illness we knew naught. I wonder what use the item would be to Fouquet."

"… So Fouquet's objective's unknown. What we do know is that she wants to steal something. And that something is in this very same academy. And it is likely that it is that staff of destruction…" Taiki just sighed as they didn't get all that far with the Fouquet case. So he decided to pursue a different topic. "Henrietta, please explain to me what is a Gandalfr?" Both girls jerked out of their stupors, and looked at him incredulously. When it looked like he wasn't going to budge, Siesta decided to plainly reply.

"Gandalfr is one of the four legendary familiars of Founder Brimir. Represents Brimir's Left Hand, and is known as the Shield of God. Gandalfr is said to wield a spear in one hand and a sword in the other."

Here Henrietta picked up the pace, "However, Gandalfr didn't just use those weapons. If he held any weapon in his hands, he can rise to any challenge. When Brimir was in danger, Gandalfr was always first to know." Siesta nodded slightly.

"Why did you want to know?" To Siesta's question, Taiki merely showed his left hand, proving Henrietta's suspicions. "You believe yourself Gandalfr? But that would make your Master a Void Mage, like Founder Brimir!"

"And she still doesn't believe me when I told her she could be one." Taiki laughed.

"The Valliere's ARE linked to the blood of royalty, Taiki. It's not far off from the mark." Henrietta mumbled.

"What do we expect from that close-minded fool?" Wisemon mumbled only loudly enough for Taiki to hear. Taiki sighed in an apologetic manner. Wisemon kept shut after that. The whole Xros Loader group seemed more interested listening instead of talking anyway. And they'd rather not tell people about Xros Heart until absolutely necessary.

"Fouquet won't try anything in the daytime when there might be a few young nobles walking around." Siesta shrugged, "So this is a moot discussion until later at night."

"Lord Taiki, it would be of help if you would capture Fouquet before I officially arrive in the academe." Henrietta told him.

"I know, Ann." Henrietta flustered when Taiki once more called her by the pseudonym that she used for herself. Siesta herself looked shocked on how casual Taiki can be to a royal. Then she reminded herself that Shoutmon himself was a royal and he was probably not used to speaking formally. But she wasn't about to venture out and point that out. No matter how casual Taiki is, he's still her master. So she decided to just make a suggestion.

"Taiki, shouldn't we ask the White Pickmon tonight to scout out who Fouquet is?" Siesta ventured out. Taiki turned and nodded. And now, she somewhat smiled as the princess looked confused on the topic.

"Maybe I should use the Monitamons instead though." Taiki shrugged.

"Taiki, you can barely [Reload] PawnChessmon. You won't be able to [Reload] three Monitamons." Derf rebuked him. Taiki nodded and sighed. That wasn't something he wanted to think about really.

"You need to DigiXros with Shoutmon tomorrow to be able to perform. So you shouldn't waste too much energy keeping three Monitamons out and about." Siesta told him. She didn't know whether she was out of bounds with what she is saying, but at least Taiki seemed to accept her logic.

Taiki grinned and nodded. "Thanks. I usually need a reminder on my limits sometimes. Okay, I'll let the White Pickmons scout."

"Umm… I do not know what you are speaking of, but I sincerely hope that you would be able to handle things, Lord Taiki." Henrietta nodded.

"Oh, stop adding Lord to my name. It's embarrassing… Taiki is fine. After all, aren't we friends?" Henrietta recoiled slightly at this response. She nodded slightly and smiled.

"Very well, Taiki. You can call me Henrietta, or Ann for short when we are talking in private. But it would be best if you still referred to me as Princess when you meet me in public."

"Where would you be sleeping, Princess?" Derf asked the girl.

"I… I would think that Osmond would have some plan in mind, but I couldn't truly fault him if there's none. And I have no idea as to how I would contact him without bringing attention to myself." Taiki pondered on that for a bit, and nodded.

"I guess the next course of action would be to speak with Osmond." Taiki stretched. "I'll handle that, while you will remain in this room. Siesta, please act like everything's normal. I still need you to keep an eye on anything unusual." Siesta nodded, and brought the trays out of the door. Taiki moved as well, leaving the Princess to stare blankly, not knowing what she should do whilst she waited. Looking at a book that was nearby, she pulled it and tried to read it. And didn't understand a single thing in it.

"… I think I should keep him being Gandalfr a secret for now. At least, until he tells me most of the secrets he hides." Closing that book, she placed it back on the table and decided she should just practice a bit of her magic instead.


Taiki


Taiki walked purposefully to the doors of the principal. And when she walked she eventually found someone that he did not expect to see. A woman, with green hair, who was walking with a book enclosed in her hands. The woman then saw him, and seemed to automatically recoil at sight. The woman then left immediately, in the opposite direction of Taiki. Taiki thought a bit and muttered.

"White Pickmon, [Reload]." Sending a Chibickmon in the direction of the woman, he prayed and hoped that his suspicions are wrong.

He knocked on the principal's door, but he received no response. He knocked a second time, and nothing changed. He once more knocked and he groaned slightly as he finally just tried the door instead. He soon found no one in the room. Taiki was on the verge of cursing, but kept his own manner in check. He walked back out and closed the door. And he was soon face to face with an old man.

"… Are you supposed to be Professor Dumbledore?" Taiki asked with a bit of amusement. The man laughed a bit.

"Oh no, I'm Principal Osmond. And there is no one by the name of Dumbledore in these halls. Now, what would the familiar of Louise de la Valliere want with me?"

"It's best if we speak in a quieter area. It is regarding the guest that has appeared this morning." The principal shot a look at the boy and nodded. Opening the door of his office, he ushered the boy in. Locking the door, he casted several silencing spells on the walls of his room. He also added an intruder charm in front of the doors. He briefly pulled out a white mouse from his pocket and had it search the room for anything out of the ordinary.

"So what is the news regarding the princess?"

"She is currently staying in my room at the servant quarters, and she would want to know anything about her sleeping arrangements for tonight."

"Indeed, you have the princess of your own age, in your room, you say?" Osmond chuckled, impressed at the boy's self-control. "It would be best if we don't alert anyone of her current presence. I've already started the preparations for her sleeping quarters this morning, but it would be best if she doesn't sleep there yet, especially with Fouquet on the loose. How about her meals? Is she eating well enough?"

"Siesta is currently employed here as a maid, but her contract is under me, so I should be able to supply her well with food. Oh, I remembered, I still haven't thanked you for re-accepting Siesta's application."

"Oh no worries." The old man laughed. "Miss Valliere's Familiar is basically royalty, considering your status as… Oh, I shouldn't have said that."

"If you're speaking about my being Gandalfr, I already know." Taiki replied. "Also, I would like to point out that the reason why my master is constantly failing spells is most likely because she is a Void Mage like Brimir."

"Indeed." The man nodded. "And true enough, I believe you are right. However, there is no one in these halls that could teach the girl how to use Void Magic, so I can't really help her cultivate her ability…"

"Well, it would be best if you informed her parents and my master about it at least, as she seems to be regarded as a failure for not being able to cast simple spells."

"Oh, she is not a failure, dear Gandalfr. She is more or less the top in all her classes besides those dealing with magic. She has a good handle in politics, and she has a surprising aptitude in the non-magic field. But, if you think it is better, I believe I shall inform her as soon as possible." He then walked to a nearby table and stood to walk out the door.

"Wait, what about A… the princess's room?" The man turned around and thought.

"Can you accommodate her for the night, Gandalfr? It would be an honor if you would."

"I guess I'll set up the sleeping bag outside tonight." Taiki nodded.

"No, Gandalfr. Fouquet would be wary of your presence if he learns of your plan to sleep outside. You might even cause him to be wary by simply sleeping in a different location. Also, you might find it difficult to bring the princess in and out of the maid's quarters. Your quarters are closer to the backdoor, yes? The maid's rooms are on the second floor, and I don't doubt you might get a few too many gossipy hens there. I suggest you simply allow her to stay in your room, and just promise us not to touch our princess." Taiki nodded slightly. For the princess's sake, he was okay with leaving the bed to her and just sleep on the floor. "Also, now that I think about it, let's keep Miss Valliere's Void heritage a secret a bit longer. I hope that she would be a bit more mature so that she doesn't brag about her magic and cause undue problems."

"What do you mean?"

"Gandalfr, you do understand that Miss Valliere's pride has been trodden on so many times, that the moment you tell her, she might brag about it. And… Brimir's Void magic is something of a legend. I don't want idiots from the capital experimenting on her. No human should be subject to that."

"In other words, you want her to accept her magic more responsibly before she says anything."

"Though I do believe that a single word from our princess would automatically silence her, it would be best if she takes this easily. In the meantime, I'll inform all the teachers to never call upon Miss Valliere to perform magic. And also to not grade her for using magic." And with this, the two left the room. Osmond took off all the spells he placed and with a satisfied smile briskly walked away.


Taiki's Room


"… and so, Ann, you will be staying here in my room for tonight only." Taiki summarized. The girl nodded. Siesta was currently out serving tea to the nobles, and he himself was currently brewing something for the princess. Taiki passed the drink to Henrietta, which she took thankfully.

"Thank you, Taiki. And uh… Taiki, can I ask you for one of those 'wristers'? I think it would be best if we would be able to establish contact when it is necessary." Taiki thought silently for a bit and nodded. Pulling out his Xros Loader, he muttered something to it and the item was [Reloaded] into the world. He gave the object to the girl, and wrapped it on her wrist. The girl took an interest in studying the item, when she suddenly noticed the mark on the item. A face that seemed to glare at a person. And more importantly, the item was as red as the flag that was seen.

"… Taiki… what does this mark mean?"


Chapter End


LW: Okay, I should just stop informing people of the title of next chapter. I always get sidetracked and now, I'm in a totally different scenario.

Taiki: Well, at least we know what's happening next. Fouquet's plan, Henrietta learning of Xros Heart, and finally, would Henrietta join Xros Heart? Find out on the next chapter!

Red Monitamons: No new updates regarding zones.

LW: Okay! Then to all who reads this chapter, this is my overall longest chapter to date, and I would appreciate it if you would review this chapter for me~ And also, for those who have seen the prologue chapter, Kirche's Digital Flame Salamander, please know that I do not plan on continuing that story. XPotF is a bit of a favorite, and having two stories set with the same world and different characters is not fun. So know that KDFS is now up for adoption. Thank you.