A/N: The story continues! And the reviews keep piling in! Looking forward to hearing even more commentary from you, the readers. Again, thank you for making this story such a wonderful success.

Responding to a review: Deepspob: I do admit in hindsight I would've liked to hold back Kerrigan's secret longer then I did, but felt it would be detrimental to building the plot if I did so. Remember though, no one but Kerrigan knows where the Brood has gone, so no one knows how strong it has become.

Also! For those who aren't familiar with the Familiar of Zero series, I suggest checking out the Zero No Tsukaima wiki. Just search that and look at all the characters I've mentioned so far if you want to know more about their back stories. Enjoy all!


Tristainia-Palace

"Louise Francoise! Before you go, take this as a symbol of legitimacy for your mission." Henrietta reached onto her own hand and pulled off a spectacular blue ruby ring.

Louise began, "This is the-."

"Water Ruby, one of the artifacts entrusted by the Founder to the Royal families of Halkeginia," Henrietta finished for her.

Kerrigan was awestruck by the sheer beauty of the ring. She had never seen such a vibrant gem, let alone a blue ruby before!

Henrietta continued with their briefing and finished leaving Kerrigan and Louise to stay in the Palace overnight so both could return during the daylight hours. Their contact would meet that at the Academy later that week.

Louise was fast asleep in the guest suite while Kerrigan remained on edge from the Princess's words.

'Albion. Erebus, what do you know of the situation there currently?'

'Mistress, everyone and everything is in a state of chaos there currently. I have little intelligence on current activities of either Royalist or Rebel factions, and have been unable to land scout troops on the island nation. As it's an airborne island, standard infiltration is impossible.'

'Do we have any covert flying assets?'

'Yes Mistress, all are still in initial planning however and remain incomplete.'

'Push everything into getting said units operational. I want transports and fighters to have those characteristics. We're going to Albion, and we'll need the power of the full swarm ready.'

'Mistress, should I take us to war time status?'

'No, not yet. I can't risk exposing our existence to the general populace yet and potentially risking the Brood. Just get me those units Erebus.'

Also Mistress, the Neural Parasite you ordered placed has been picked up some rather interesting details.'

'Such as?'

'Someone just broke Fouquet out of jail, a man named Viscount Wardes'

'I guess my little gamble paid off, if only Wardes knew what was coming.'


Road to the Academy: The Next Day

Kerrigan and Louise both rode the Ultralisk back towards the Academy without difficulty. Both dismounted the Ultralisk who after receiving thanks from both young women went to rest outside in the field. School had been let out for a short break, and most students had gone home.

Louise could feel the stress Kerrigan held on her shoulders, "Are you okay Sarah?"

Kerrigan turned to Louise and gave her shoulder a squeeze, "I'm alright Louise, just pre-combat jitters."

"Isn't it a bit early for that? We haven't even met our contact yet?"

"The moment we are issued a mission is the moment a Ghost's life becomes threatened. It's better to be nervous and prepared then care-free and be destroyed."

Louise closed her eyes for a moment at this brief bit of wisdom from Sarah. 'I really do appreciate all she's done for me, and what she continues to do.'

"We should get to training Louise, we don't have much time. I think it's time you meet someone else who has the gift."


"SHE HAS IT TOO?!" Kerrigan burst out laughing at the two young women's expression from learning of each others power.

"Afraid so girls. Time for your training, I don't have the time available to train you separately, so I'm going to shove it down your throats right now. Siesta, I've cleared your schedule, so you'll be training full time along Louise for the next few days. Now for some physical training!

Kerrigan put the pair of Ghost Acolytes through the wringer. Suicide runs, pushups, pull ups, sprints and long distance jogs. The former Ghost knew that war would come to Tristain, and she had to have warriors she could depend on. Mental training was just as tough, mathematics, physics, and using their powers to manipulate objects.

Louise was a natural at breaking things, mastering a Psionic Lash that tore through solid stone. The break looked like it had been smoothed over by a Perdition set to simmer. She could also unleash massive shockwaves when she screamed, capable of stunning even the strongest willed, and potentially killing the lesser. She also showed an affinity for energy manipulation, which could in theory let Louise not only use Psi Storms, but even create tools out of Psi, and even a wand. Kerrigan mused silently, 'Her Void magic may have more to play with her Psionic talents then I previously thought. It is unlikely however that a non-void user could control energy the same way she can however.' Kerrigan took a deep breath and found herself thinking again, 'She would be incredibly deadly against someone she hated, devastatingly so even. God help any poor bastard who underestimates her.'

Siesta's abilities seemed to focus on defensive, rather than offensive Psi abilities. She was a natural with illusions and mirages, and even managed to cloak herself for a few seconds before becoming faint and collapsing. Then she was doing it again the next day for several minutes at a time, Psionic cloaks are very difficult to maintain, but Siesta seems to require less concentration for her own skill set. 'She would make one hell of a Scout. The fact she doesn't need implants or a suit to regulate her power is even more impressive.'

She smiled at this; their power was increasing daily to the point where it may just be a matter of practice until they master their abilities. 'They can only go up from here. They will be the next generation of Ghosts, ones who maintain their moral compass, who hold their values and prides intact. If only Jim could see what I've done.' In addition to this Kerrigan realized that their own Psi abilities naturally complimented each other

Kerrigan shook her head, 'I may see him again one day, but I have to focus on today and the futures of these two young women.' She redoubled her efforts and pushed both young maidens to the edge of human endurance, and well past it.

The first day of training had concluded at sundown, both young women had to be carried to the baths; they were too weak to make it there on their own. Both Siesta and Louise's clothes were ruined from the work they had been put through, so Kerrigan just ripped them off of them and dunked them under cold water to ensure they were awake.

Both jumped back into reality from the cold shock and immediately began to shiver, "You girls are awake enough to shiver! I didn't push you hard enough!" Both girls had their flushed cheeks drain of all their color, much to Kerrigan's twisted amusement. She cackled at both of them, "You should've seen the looks on your faces!" Neither Louise nor Siesta looked amused to her, and her own laughing began to quickly dissipate. "Too soon?"

"Very," both girls gave her a Psionic shove into the baths and jumped in after her.

Kerrigan had not yet taken her own clothes off and was weighed down by them. Splashing each other and laughing while the Acolytes came after her with everything they had. 'Life is good.'

Needless to say all were tired that night and slept. Kerrigan for the first time in weeks.


Kerrigan woke early, oddly refreshed, 'Mistress? Is everything alright?'

Kerrigan was still half asleep, 'Yes, what is going on?'

'We lost connection to you for a time, approximately 45 minutes without a link to you Mistress.'

Kerrigan was fully awake now, 'I was sleeping Erebus, for the first time since who knows when.'

'I figured that Mistress, however for future reference; do not keep so much time between periods of REM sleep. The longer the time gap the longer you disconnect from the Hive.'

'Noted Erebus. What's our status on those fliers?' 'Nearly complete Mistress, when you make your trip you will have 3 Overlords, one Overseer, a flight of Mutalisks and Corruptors, plus a ground troop compliment carried by the Overlords.'

'I appreciate the effort, and these will all have some degree of optical camouflage correct?'

'Yes Mistress, however it is strictly passive only, much like a chameleon effect. It will only work at a distance, particularly for the airborne units. Unfortunately, the Ultralisk is just not compatible with optical camouflage due to its hardened chitinous armor.'

'The Zerg In question have been modified with an immolation organ that will completely vaporize the remains if they are killed.' Kerrigan was impressed at how fast the Erebus was learning how to handle a covert operation.

'That's acceptable, continue research and development. After this mission I will be visiting the Hive with my two Acolytes to evaluate your progress Erebus. Carry on'

'Yes Mistress.'

'Back to training then,' Kerrigan smiled at the thought.


"Alright girls, that's enough for today. Get some food and sleep, you both have earned it." Both girls went to their respective quarters and proceeded to clean up. Both held an enormous amount of pride in them for all they had accomplished over the course of the week. Both had modest to strong control over the various parts of their power and had learned how to mask their abilities so other sensitives don't notice them. Their short training schedule had been a total success, and both young women were as ready as they could be on short notice.

Sarah had herself just gotten out of the bath and put a robe on when a solid, strong knock on the door resonated throughout the room.

"Coming!"

Sarah opened the door, maintaining enough balance and strength to slam it back shut if a threat should present itself.

"Hello Miss. I am looking for Louise Francoise de la Blanc de La Valliere? Is she available?

"She's resting Mister-" "Wardes, Viscount Jean-Jacques Francis Wardes. I am looking for my fiancée.


On the outside Kerrigan simply asked to wait a moment, but on the inside, Kerrigan's mind went into overdrive.

'He just said Wardes didn't he?'

'All I KNOW IS THAT HIS NAME IS WARDES!'

'That's Wardes for certain Mistress, the voice is a match from Fouquet's recording from earlier.'

'Holy shit. Fiancée to Louise, it seems too convenient. No matter now, I have to get Louise up.'

"Louise, our contact is here! Time to get up!"

"He's here?"

"Damn right he is we've gotta go! He's waiting outside your door!" Kerrigan threw Louise a bathrobe and when she had it secured, she let Wardes come inside.

Louise was stunned, their contact was Jean? Her betrothed?

"My you've aged quite well, but you seem as light as you were as a child my little Louise."

Kerrigan was all smiles towards Wardes but on the inside she was nearly sick, 'Betrayal is bad enough but she is way too young for a man his age.'

Louise had picked up on her discomfort with the Viscount's advances toward her, and quickly extradited herself from his grasp and they began to socialize.

"So I heard you had summoned a familiar, where is it Louise?"

Kerrigan glared daggers into the back of the Viscount's head, 'He's doing this on purpose, I know the act.'

"She's right behind you Jean," Louise answered him, his face plastered with fake shock. "I'm sorry I should have introduced myself earlier, I am Viscount Wardes and you are?"

"Lady Sarah Kerrigan of Char. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." She offered him her hand, which he accepted.

'No sense in not being polite.'

"As you are probably aware I am the contact her Highness has entrusted with this task, and will be escorting you personally to Albion." Kerrigan nodded and gave a small smile.

'Going to have a long discussion with the Princess about proper background checks after this charade.'

"Shall we get going?" "Sure, let us gather our belongings."

After 10 minutes both Louise and Sarah were packed with the bare essentials for their trip, she and her wand, and Kerrigan with Delflinger and some spare ECU she had found lying around.

Wardes then began to discuss their trip, "So, from here we will go to La Rochelle in Gallia to take an airship to Albion, since Tristain has suspended all flights to and from Albion. We will meet with Wales and make the exchange. Then we leave. Simple."

Kerrigan grinned, "No plan survives First Contact with the enemy Wardes." The Viscount ignored Kerrigan's jab but was not immune to its effect. The Viscount was just now becoming aware of Kerrigan's military aptitude, but had no idea just how much she knew.

'Erebus, prepare the direct action and covert teams for deployment to La Rochelle in Gallia.'

'Yes Mistress, all will be traveling by Nydus and will await your command. Overlords will stand by, while the Overseer runs forward recon.'

Kerrigan acknowledged the directive and closed the link. 'Showtime.'

Wardes then picked up Louise in a bridal carry and went to sit with her on his gryphon, "I will be giving my fiancée a lift on my Gryphon, and you can grab a horse from the stables if you want." Wardes was taunting Kerrigan yet again, but she won't fall for it without a few strikes of her own.

"No need Viscount, I have my own ride," Kerrigan gave a whistle and the Ultralisk erupted from the ground. It got onto its hind legs and roared a challenge towards the gryphon, which had no intention of returning the challenge.

'I am unsure of this feeling Mistress, I either want to eat or fight this bird-thing.'

"Down boy, there will be a time to compare sizes later," Kerrigan nuzzled the siege beast, it purred in contentment. Wardes was speechless, "How does a familiar have a familiar of her own?" Kerrigan turned to the Ultralisk, which was giving Wardes a dirty look.

'As the Terrans say Mistress, 'Asshole.''

"Well I am from a distant land, but here all nobles use magic do they not? And since I am a noble here, I would qualify as a mage, much like you Viscount."

Wardes shrugged, "What sort of mage are you?"

"The psychotic, genocidal kind Viscount," Kerrigan grinned and cackled madly towards Wardes, who was most certainly disturbed.


Both parties had left for the south of Tristain, neither aware of the 3 young students who had overheard their exchange. If it's such an important mission, I am honor bound as a Gramont to partake!" Guiche puffed his chest out in a horribly vain attempt to appear tough. Both actions were summarily ignored by Tabitha and Kirche who were more interested where they may be going.

What was even more shocking was that Louise had a fiancée already set aside for her, "She never mentioned she was engaged before, and especially not to such a handsome man." "Embarrassed," Tabitha suggested quietly.

Kirche folded her arms over her always dramatic bust, "Still, we would've heard something by know, and the amount of physical affection from him to her is something that is bothering me." 'Not to mention Louise's rapid recovery.'

"He's hiding something," Tabitha said without any thought. She whistled for Sylphid who dutifully appeared, "We should follow."

Kirche smiled, "Let's see what we find out. I feel like a detective!" Tabitha rolled her eyes.


The journey to La Rochelle proved to be an uneventful one for either the girls or Wardes, who were making good time even with the Ultralisk running down everything in sight. They would make it almost certainly make it before nightfall. It was then Kerrigan noticed Sylphid gliding lazily 2 kilometers behind them, 'So the bluenette has decided to take a gander at where we are up to. This could be useful.' Kerrigan then zoomed in on Sylphid, finding not just Tabitha, but found out it carried both Kirche, and sadly Guiche.

'Oh God, scratch that.'

Kerrigan saw the Viscount land up ahead and slowed down when she met up with him. "We'll walk it from here-"

'Mistress! Terran forces on the hill just down the road lying in wait!'

The Overseer reported to Kerrigan, 'Are they armed?'

Heavily, crossbows, longbows, low grade muskets and a few magic users.'

'Have you been seen?'

'No, staying out of sight.'

'Stay there for now, ill tell you if you need to do otherwise,' Kerrigan closed the link when the Overseer acknowledged.

"Hold fast Viscount! My over watch called out, we got an enemy ambush being set, most likely for us up ahead," Kerrigan yelled to the overconfident Wardes.

"What do you mean, there's nothing there-"

Wardes started but was interrupted by an arrow nicking his cheek, barely missing Louise. 'The bastard was anticipating the ambush and it came back to bite him. Fitting.'

"AMBUSH!"

'Ultra, cover our position!'

'Yes Mistress!'

The Ultralisk immediately went in front of the group and extended its armor like a hanging garden, deflecting arrows and crossbow bolts being shot at them if not shattering them entirely.

'They aren't getting through Mistress, only problem could be the Mages.' As if on cue a fireball exploded against the armor shielding them, some dust coming off of the affected plates.

'Minimal damage, although to be fair that actually hurt,' the Ultralisk retorted to himself.

'Overseer, I want you to completely sludge their position. I want them barely able to stand.'

'Yes Mistress, they won't be doing more than crawling now.'

Thankfully the Erebus added a crowd control functionality to the Overseer's normally structure specific sludge attack that would disable crowds of infantry or light vehicles from operating within the area of effect. The effect could still shut down a Terran or Protoss production structure if the situation called for it.

'The second group of mages on the dragon came by and fired on the Terrans. The sludge ignited, all ambushers are down.'

'We're clear Ultra,' the Ultralisk retracted its armor plating. Kerrigan saw Sylphid circle and then land nearby, letting off the students.

Louise cried out to the newcomers, "What are YOU doing here Zerbst!?"

"I heard something about a secret mission and a dashing nobleman; I had to come see why Louise the Zero would be on such a task. What? Is he your lover Louise?" Kirche glomped onto the unamused Viscount, who gently pushed her off of him. Louise's blood began to boil before Kerrigan motioned for her to calm down.

Guiche spoke up meekly, still intimidated, but not downright fearful as he used to be, "I merely wish to be of service to her Highness." Guiche's mole popped up from the ground and grunted an acknowledgement. It then left the Earth and started waddling towards Louise and tackled her to the ground. Kerrigan started cracking up, Louise was being violated by a mole. Kerrigan pulled the mole off and Guiche explained that Verdandi was naturally attracted to gemstones, 'The Water Ruby.' Guiche finished talking and Kerrigan turned to the bluenette.

Tabitha finished, "Worried."

Kerrigan looked to Tabitha and nodded, 'She suspects Wardes too.'

"So this is the powerful Ultralisk up close huh? I never had a chance to get to meet him," Kirche approached and touched the hardened Kaiser blades. She cut herself on them unintentionally leaving a small gash across her palm, "How sharp are these?!"

"Sharp enough?" Kerrigan responded with a sly grin to Kirche, who stuck her tongue out.

The Ultralisk came up to Sylphid, and nuzzled her wings, pulling back his Kaiser blades to avoid cutting her. Sylphid cooed in response, gently passing her wings over the Ultra's spiked armor.

"Well this is getting a little awkward," Louise muttered to no one in particular.

"I think we are all third wheels right now Louise," Kerrigan responded to her with a knowing smile.

'Mistress, this Sylphid is strange. I have never felt such a presence from someone or something before.'

Kerrigan could barely keep herself from laughing out loud, 'I believe the feeling is infatuation Ultra, it's a Terran trait typically.'

'No Mistress, it's not that. She is similar to you Mistress.'

Kerrigan excused herself for a bathroom break, 'Explain Ultra.'

'She's sentient Mistress.' Kerrigan found herself breathless, and speechless.

Kerrigan knew that sentient dragons, while common in Terran folklore were simply not present in Halkeginia, at least not anymore. Only one species conformed to this rule however, and they were extinct.

Rhyme Dragon

'Keep this information to yourself and no one else Ultra, my orders.'

'Yes Mistress'

Kerrigan returned to the group and all began to finish making the move into La Rochelle.


La Rochelle-Gallia

As the group walked into the large, bustling port city they were greeted with throngs of people intent on staring at them, particularly the Ultralisk, who contrary to looking intimidating and undaunted was rather uncomfortable.

'Mistress, I am really not liking all the attention we're getting. I may be strong but my instincts are screaming at me to cut everyone down.'

Kerrigan could feel the Ultralisk's uneasiness and did her best to console her, 'I know it doesn't feel good, but this won't be a problem for long. When we leave by ship you'll take one of the Overlords to Albion, you won't be stuck on the airship.'

Kerrigan could feel a sense of relief coming from the walking tank, an Overlord's ventral pouch was a far more comfortable place then the hold of a ship. For the Zerg anyways. For a Terran, it's a mix between being next to a corpse and a pile of dog shit.

After ten minutes they found a proper inn to stay at. Sylphid, the Ultralisk and Gryphon remained outdoors while the humans went inside to get a proper room for the night.

After some haggling with the Innkeeper, Kerrigan and the entire group sat down together to eat dinner. Kerrigan, Wardes, and Tabitha were sizing each other up, the formers itching for a fight.

"So I heard you got into a duel with Mr. Gramont here Lady Kerrigan," Wardes spoke to Kerrigan, highly confident. Guiche paled when he thought of their duel and its results.

"I did in fact, I won using my magic, but at the time Mr. Gramont was not aware of my magical abilities."

"In addition your familiar went on to take down Fouquet the Sculptor's golem with little difficulty after erupting from the ground."

"Also correct Viscount."

"Given that you are my fiancee's familiar and we will be going to Albion soon I want to have a practice match with you to get a feel for your abilities." Louise's jaw dropped, dumbfounded at the Viscount's challenge.

'He wants to know what I am capable of. I can show him some things to whet his appetite.'

"Very well Viscount, a practice match it is, after dinner then?"

Wardes nodded, "In the arena by the side of the Inn." Kerrigan smiled, "I'll be there."


Inn Exterior

Countless people had come to watch the sparring match between the nobles at the Inn. The Ultralisk was watching with the utmost intention, ordered not to intervene regardless of the outcome. Wardes was in his corner stretching out with his sword, while Kerrigan meditated with Delflinger lain across her lap.

Louise was beyond nervous, seeing her square class fiancee match up with her borderline demigoddess familiar. Louise sent a message to Kerrigan, 'Don't hurt him badly okay Sarah?'

Kerrigan smiled towards her, 'Don't worry, he'll be fine.' Louise gulped.

Kerrigan ditched her noble robes for a purple skintight suit, similar to the armor she used as a Ghost that she had the Brood make just for combat. 'I don't want to tell Wardes too much.' Many of the men around the room gawked at Kerrigan, seeing skin tight clothing on a woman in broad daylight was something that never happened in La Rochelle. To say they were enjoying this rare treat was an understatement, it was wrapped up with a bow for them when Kerrigan turned and winked at the group.

Kerrigan felt Kirche's frustration and heard, "I've got to get me one of those."

Wardes began to speak, "The terms of this sparring match are simple. Both sides continue to fight until one yields, or is incapacitated. Do you accept the terms as listed Lady Kerrigan?"

"I accept Viscount Wardes, let us begin," Kerrigan smiled a dark grin towards the Viscount who drew his sword and charged. Kerrigan drew Delflinger and felt her rune activate, boosting her physical prowess in the fight and giving her the swordsmanship skills she would need for the coming battle.

Wardes hit first with an Air Cutter directed towards Kerrigan which impacted squarely. He smiled and looked and saw what appeared to be a fading image where Kerrigan stood just moments earlier. 'An illusion?'

"Impressive isn't it?" Wardes spun around and slashed his sword against Kerrigan, who deftly parried the blow to her left, putting the Viscount off balance. Kerrigan gave an open handed palm strike to Wardes solar plexus, knocking him back and nearly off his feet. Wardes was stunned by the impact, 'It was like taking a mace to the chest! Who is this woman?'

Kerrigan sprinted towards Wardes, maintaining the pressure on him to weaken his defenses enough for her to knock him out of combat. Wardes had none of it, and with a burst of speed got behind Kerrigan and blasted her point blank with a square class Air Hammer, sending her flying into a wall. She used the equivalent of a Psionic airbag to lessen the impact, and immediately got up just as Wardes hit her repeatedly with his spell-sword, dealing slow but effective damage to her stance.

Kerrigan bounced back, using a Mirage to catch Wardes' attention momentarily.

The crowd was stunned, a relatively unknown noble was holding her own against a skilled military officer and square class mage, with spells none of them had seen previously.

Kerrigan returned to a fighting stance, holding her weaker hand out, ready to cast additional Psionic attacks while holding Delf in her dominant hand above and behind her, the blade unmoving and pointing straight towards Wardes. She was tiring slightly, but still felt in control. She was holding back her power, knowing she would fight Wardes for real some time fairly soon.

"So Wardes, did you hear about my performance at the Exhibition?" Wardes gulped, 'So he has heard about it, then it won't matter if I use some more power-'

Kerrigan suddenly felt herself be blasted back by Chain Lightning, cracking her head against the wall, stunning her enough that Wardes was able to land several strikes with his blade, the superheated blade cutting several gashes through her torso. Kerrigan blinked back, 'Damn, that hurt!'

"Hey Wardes, this is a practice match, careful with the electricity! You could kill somebody!"

Wardes was stunned, Kerrigan was standing just fine, with her wound already begining to close. "I'd use my own lightning but it's too dangerous with a crowd around. I can however make you feel very uncomfortable." Kerrigan began to fiddle with Wardes internal organs, poking, proding and manipulating to get entertaining results. Random flatulence and twitches, but in a moment of control Kerrigan was speared by a a shot of lightning, throwing both to the ground.

"STOP IT!" Wardes stopped attacking, and Sarah held herself back.

"I'm calling the match right now Sarah, I'm sorry."

Kerrigan weakly smiled and rolled onto her back and began to rest.

"I'm just going to lay here for a few, I'll be back in the Inn soon." 'Got complacent again didn't you Kerrigan?' Kerrigan scolded herself.

'At least I didn't show him something I would regret later.'


Later

Wardes was making sleeping arrangements for the night and began insisting on having Louise stay with him tonight. Kerrigan was still weak and uninterested, and let Wardes have his way for now.

'I could fight him on this, but I don't really have the interest at this point. I can only interfere if he takes actions that would be considered immoral.'

The people of Halkeginia, particularly the nobles based their lives on the part of being moral. They didn't all follow that choice however, and certainly not a traitor.

Kerrigan closed her eyes and tried to get a little sleep. The simple human behavior was remarkable at restoring her Psionic levels in short order, and after each session her own Psionic talent and power slowly began to return to her. She roomed with the rest of the girls and laid down on the floor, trying to get some shut eye for the coming trial.


'MISTRESS!'

Kerrigan bolted awake, the girls were still sleeping it seems, undisturbed. 'What is it Erebus?'

'The Neural Parasite was discovered and removed Mistress! Wardes knows he's been compromised!'

'For how long?' 'No more then 4 hours ago Mistress, been trying to wake you ever since.' 'Fuck me!'

'Mistress! The Terran man and girl are leaving on one of the ships! I don't know how they snuck up on me, but Wardes paralyzed me with a spell!'

"Kirche! Tabitha! Awake! Wardes is a traitor to our mission!" Kerrigan made a psionic pulse that activated their adrenaline glands, they woke up just as fast as Kerrigan had.

"What do you mean?"

"I've known Wardes was a traitor since we dealt with Fouquet! He got her out of prison! He works for Reconquista!"

Suddenly the roof and wall disappeared as a massive golem ripped the building apart.

'Erebus! Send us air support, focus all power on the Golem.'

'Yes Mistress, Mutalisks moving to support, Corruptors engaging along with a single Brood Lord.'

"What is that buzzing sound?"

"Zerg Corruptors! They'll keep the golem busy while we regroup! Go!" Kerrigan turned and saw two Mutalisks explode into flame, hit from a boulder thrown by the Golem. Two others, rained on by shrapnel were forced to pull back as their wounds healed. The Corruptors used both their own attacks and a second batch of organic acid to soften the Golem's ridiculously heavy armor. The effect was having little effect however and would take time to seep into the Golem's armor.

The Nydus broke through the pier and unloaded several Roaches, which joined the assault along with Banelings which exploded against the Golem's legs.

'Erebus, send the Overlords to pick us up, we can't fight the Golem here in town.' 'On their way Mistress. Reinforcements inbound, time to contact 35 minutes.'

"Kirche get Guiche awake and get your familiars, we're getting picked up by Overlords." Kirche ran out the door in her underwear, carrying only a single bag and a wand.

Tabitha, let's get on Sylphid and take down the Golem," Tabitha nodded, and both ran down the stairs to the lobby.

Sylphid began circling the golem, as Tabitha sent potshots down onto the golem with the Brood Lord running interference, using Broodlings to search the nearby buildings for Fouquet.

'The Broodlings report no trace of Fouquet in the nearby buildings Mistress, expanding search into forest and shipyard.'

At this point the Ultralisk had snapped out of it's paralysis, which in theory should never have worked with the Ultralisk's Berserk trait. It was pissed and immediately searched for the Golem and charged it. He noticed a dramatic difference, this golem didn't crumble or even crumple from the impact, he began to use his Kaisers to cut through the arms finding success as he took out huge chunks that had been softened by the Corruptor acid. After enough hits the golem fell over and found itself being body slammed by the Ultralisk into submission.

The Golem had been destroyed, but Fouquet had escaped. Worst of all Louise was now in Wardes' captivity.

There was nothing more that Kerrigan could do in La Rochelle, and had everyone picked up by Overlord. It was now a race against time to stop Wardes before their mission became a total failure.


Mid Morning

Over the Brimic Ocean

The Overlords moved through the beautiful clouds over a sparkling, flawless blue sea. They, along with the remaining Corruptor and Mutalisks continued along with them, their chameleonic cloaking holding, making them looking like clouds.

Kirche was thoroughly disgusted. She was used to traveling in style, from state of the air warships to gilded carriages. She now was riding in a giant airbag and it smelled like severe decomposition with the stench of dog shit on the side.

"I'll be glad when this ride is over! Need some fucking fresh air down here!"

The Overlord grunted, sending a blast of cool sea air into the ventral sac, clearing out the disgusting odor and replacing it with a saline scent.

"Ah much better."

Kerrigan found herself in thought, and highly pissed off at how caught off-guard she was by Wardes.

'I underestimated an opponent again. Every time I do it I fail miserably. Now I could fail my mission completely and get Louise, one of my Acolytes killed. This is shameful.' Kerrigan sighed, despair in her voice for the first time since Tarsonis.

'Erebus, analysis of the previous engagement'

'High casualties Mistress, 3 Corruptors were lost along with half the Mutalisks we sent in. Two others are resting in the forest, still recovering from their injuries. They will join you once they are able to do so.' Kerrigan frowned.

'What are we missing Erebus? The Brood Lord wasn't able to do much damage if any at all.'

'Mistress, I am currently pulling from old Terran tactics from earlier wars. The use of fire as a weapon will improve our combat rating, but requires significant evolutionary change for any creatures that use it. Dragons here cannot breathe fire and breathe in oxygen at the same time, we can overcome that, but again, significant evolutionary changes will be needed.'

'There is another option Mistress, Terran air warfare in the 20th and 21st centuries used Strategic Bombers to deal massive damage to stationary targets, and eventually worked on semi-stationary targets. We do have some genetic information from the Swarm's interstellar travellers available.'

'Those were never developed though Erebus, we don't even have a place to grow something that big. We'd need a massive footprint for those creatures, if not a dedicated space station.'

'Then why don't we establish an orbital presence here on Halkeginia?'

Kerrigan began to think and started talking details with the Erebus.

Tabitha was riding Sylphid, both had taken a break by getting a lift from an Overlord and both were enjoying the fresh ocean air to the fullest. Albion appeared in the distance. Sylphid was anxious, but prepared for the coming storm. Tabitha had grown up in conflict, whether it be the bloody struggle for the Throne, or just surviving the insane missions she was given as a young Dame. It was just another job.

It was only a matter of time until all of them would be fighting once again.


Albion

Unknown Location

Wardes bridal carried Louise through the lush Albion forests. 'She really is as light as a feather,' Wardes had mused to himself. The sedative she had snuck into her late night drink was working like a charm. It would stay active until he found the perfect moment to wake her from her induced slumber.

He had been forced to push ahead with his plans prematurely upon learning that Fouquet had been compromised by Kerrigan. She had done it with a sort of mind probe that required 2 square class water mages to remove. Upon its removal the probe turned to dust, preventing them from analyzing it further.

'Mind probes like that are extremely powerful and difficult to cast, some could say it borders on Black Magic even. How would a noblewoman know such skills?'

The Viscount knew he was lucky, Kerrigan had simply underestimated him, since she believed she held total superiority over Wardes due to her knowledge. She had held back considerably during the duel, and had she been at full power she could've easily killed him.

'Thankfully the next ship to Albion won't be leaving till at least this afternoon, plenty enough time to accomplish my task. For the Faith.'

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden clearing and a small church in the middle of it. "I found it," he said with a smile.

He made his way to the church, and awoke Louise from her sleep.

"Where is my familiar Jean?"

"She was left behind, Fouquet attacked us at the port, you and I managed to get aboard the ship on time. We are about to meet with the Royalists, you have the ring?"

"I do, are you certain he is here?" The Viscount nodded, and opened the doors.

The Viscount and Louise both entered the church and immediately were surrounded by heavily armored knights.

After the Viscount and Louise both introduced themselves and their purpose, she displayed the Water Ruby, eliciting a response from the Knight Commander

That is the Water Ruby of Tristain, the Knight pulled off his glove and showed his hand to Louise, "I hold the Air Ruby, place your ring next to mine to prove its authenticity." Louise did so, and instantly a small glowing rainbow appeared between them.

"Both the Air and Water Rubies are treasures given to our ancestors by Brimir, the Founder as symbols of His legacy. The Knight removed his helmet and spoke once more, "Hello Miss Valliere, I am Crown Prince Wales Tudor. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."


Albion-Coastline

"Alright everyone! As soon as we land stay together, we're all going to follow Verdandi!" Kerrigan groaned out loud, 'I don't believe I'm going to be taking cues from a God damn mole'

The Overlords dropped the teams onto the cliff face and withdrew under the island itself along with their air support.

The mole immediately began tracking the Water Ruby and started to follow a path down towards a river glen. Kerrigan grudgingly followed close behind.


Albion-Church

The Prince had asked to meet private with Louise, away from prying ears. He finished reading the letter Henrietta had sent for him. He sighed and closed the letter.

"Yes, I understand. Here take this letter to Henrietta."

"Can I ask a question your Highness?" "Was the letter a suggestion to seek exile in Tristain?"

"An emissary doesn't hold the place to question what is contained in a formal document, you know that."

"I apologize your Highness," Louise bowed her head.

Wales held her shoulder, "Reconquista is behind this."

Louise stood dumbfounded, "So the nobles that are rebelling are-"

"Just pawns in Reconquista's gambit for domination of the entire continent."

"Tell Henrietta that I'm sorry." The prince became emotional and walked away.

'This will not be easy explaining to her Highness.'


Church Exterior

Louise found herself sitting on a stone bench deep in thought, when Wardes approached her, "That is the letter in question?"

She nodded, and found herself in an embrace from the Viscount.

"Louise, I want to get married now."

"Like here and now?" Louise became nervous and began stuttering randomly.

"Yes my little Louise, now is the best time. Before madness comes crawling towards us. The Prince would gladly do our service!"

"Right now? Here like this? I-I cannot! I must deliver the letter first!"

Wardes own hold became tighter, You don't need to worry about that Louise, I'll be taking it off your hands soon enough."

"Wait, stop!" "I cannot my little Louise, I need you, or should I say Reconquista needs you. Descendant of the Void."

Louise froze as Wardes voiced an inscription, and the mind control serum that he laced her midnight water with took effect.

"Now you'll only belong to me Louise."


It had taken hours, but the group found their way to a church in a clearing that looked deserted. Kerrigan knew better though, she detected Louise's Psionic signal from the Church proper.

'Sarah! Save me!' Kerrigan gasped, Wardes had made his move.

"She's in there, and she's calling for help! Everyone move in!"


"We are gathered here today," Prince Wales began to read as the marriage ceremony began. Louise had tears in her eyes, not of happiness, but of terror and despair.

'How can they not tell! He's Reconquista! He's here to destroy you all!'

"Do you, Jean Jacques Francis, Viscount of Wardes take Louise Francoise Le Blanc de la Valliere to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

Do you Louise Francoise le Blanc de la Valliere take Jean-Jacques Francis of Wardes to be your lawfully wedded husband?

"I- *CRASH*"

All eyes snapped to now shattered doorway which Sarah Kerrigan walked nonchalantly through carrying Delflinger one handed with a big smile on her face. She had transformed herself into her full form of the Queen of Blades just to make an impression. "I. Object." "Sarah!" Louise yelled out, her eyes full of tears of happiness.

"How?! That water poison was supposed to be untreatable! Damn you Kerrigan!"

"What is this madness Wardes-" Wales was cut off as an energized saber was blasted up through his liver, diaphragm, and right lung. Wales was stunned, "Damned Reconquista!"

Wardes threw Wales clear off the altar and onto Louise. Wales had just enough strength to grab onto Louise's hand, and give her the Wind Ruby before passing on. "NO! WALES!" Louise gave a look to a smirking Wardes, who saw her eyes glowing orange as he was blasted back into the organ, playing a perverse melody.

Wardes jumped back onto his feet and began to boast, "Well, I came here to accomplish three goals, and I have achieved two of them. Tristain will fall with the letter gone! Louise checked her pockets, not finding the previously placed I will let none have a descendant of the Void but me!"

Wardes charged Louise attempting to take her head with his sword, but instead of cowering Louise stood up. Wardes closed in and as Kerrigan was about to freeze him, Sarah felt the Young Void mage's Psionic power begin to burst at the seams and reach levels at which a human should never be able to function. Louise put up a forcefield around her, stopping Wardes in his tracks. Louise gave a sickening grin, and began to psychically break every bone in his hand and feet. With each sickening *SNAP* Wardes screaming became louder and more dramatic. Kerrigan approached Wardes and took his weapons, and wands. He also scanned his mind to find a hidden flintlock pistol built into a boot, removing it as well. The Queen of Blades was ready to baptize her Acolyte.

"Use your rage and emotions Louise, do whatever you please to Wardes. He would've used your body, your magic, your heart, and your soul until there was nothing left but a rotten husk. Tear into him, it's not just honor anymore. He made it personal."

Kerrigan backed away from Louise, leaving her alone with a still dazed Wardes. Louise gained a bit of fire and punched Wardes in the jaw with a hit of Psionic power, shattering the bone at the impact site, sending blood and teeth hurling into the pews. She screamed at him, the noise deafening some temporarily, Wardes nose and ears began to bleed profusely from the concussive force of her voice. "Reap what you sow you ungrateful bastard of a man." Louise grabbed two Psionic leashes out of the air and began to whip and lash at Wardes as he died a slow and agonizing death. Tendon, bone and muscle began to be shredded like paper and blood leaked in gratuitous amounts across her face and body as well as the walls and floors. 'Crude, but downright intimidating.'

Kerrigan walked up to the group of students, Kirche looked to Kerrigan and asked over the sound of sickening crunching sounds, "Why did you let her do this?"

Sarah looked to the Germanian, "She needs to learn how, and soon. So I let Louise test her newly developing powers on him as a way of learning how to better use her emotions to fuel her destructive tendencies. When she feels that she has learned enough, she will put him down. She's earned the right to do that much."

"A war is coming, her role and her use of Void magic makes her both the ultimate target, and ultimate combatant. It's essential she remove all doubts of her function now. After this I will explain this personally to Louise's parents, and why she is so truly necessary."

Louise screamed a war cry and took Wardes' head with a single motion. She was redeemed, and it was finally over. Her powers dissipated and she succumbed to unconsciousness.


Shakuras-The Citadel

Koprulu Sector

A grainy image came in across the video messenger, "Zeratul, it's good to see you again."

Zeratul nodded towards the image, "Likewise Raynor. Why have you contacted me so suddenly?"

"Remember our discussion about the Queen of Blades?"

"In detail, why do you ask?" Zeratul began tapping his talons on his command chair.

During the Second Great War Zeratul and Raynor met covertly to discuss Kerrigan, then the Queen of Blades and about her importance in the near future, and how the so called Dark Voice could prove to be an even darker evil.

Zeratul in no uncertain terms said that should Raynor kill Kerrigan, the Dark Voice would gain complete control of the Zerg, and wipe out all Protoss and Terrans from the face of the galaxy.

"We have a problem. When the Xel'Naga artifact was activated on Char near Kerrigan's Hive Cluster it had an unintended side effect. She wasn't killed or reverted to her human state. She vanished Zeratul, and I think it was through some form of Warp Gate."

'By the Creators, what could've done that?'

Zeratul talons stopped moving, "Well I can already tell you with absolute certainty that we had no ships close enough to perform such a gate. Are you sure that this occurred; only an Arbiter can perform Warp jumps such as that without an anchor at one or both points." Zeratul didn't mention that Arbiters were in such short supply within Protoss territory they were all accounted for before, during, and after the battle for Char. Zeratul ordered another roll call for them just to be sure.

Raynor eyes narrowed, "Take a look at the scans we picked up from the distortion where we believe Kerrigan last stood before the pulse hit." Data came through the FTL communication onto his stylus that made the Dark Templar freeze for a moment before returning to his calm demeanor.

Raynor was a cop back on Mar Sara, and knew a 'tell' when he saw one, even if the perp in this case was his best friend, a Protoss. "You know what's going on Zeratul, open up to me."

I can't speak to you about this over an FTL transmission; we need to meet in person. As soon as possible to discuss your findings."

"We're still here on Char, you could come-"

"Leave Char Jim, she's not there anymore. Get to Shakuras as fast as you can." Zeratul cut the transmission. The stylus held the energy signature that returned with a 98% likelihood of a match to something that chilled the Dark Templar to the bone.

"And pray I'm wrong."


A/N: OHH ITS ON!