Zero no Tsukaima: Abandoned Hero of Zero

After the capture of the criminal Fouquet Louise's Father forces the contract between them to break forever…but this in not the end of our hero Saito as he now strives for not himself but for the people of Tristain as he becomes the sword of the people, the dog of the kingdom and the abandoned hero.

Chapter X: Prepare for War

A blinding white light was the first thing to greet Saito as he forced open his eyes, at first he was confused as he tried to rise up from were he lay, but was forced to grunt as he felt his ribs aching in pain.

"…My ribs!" he said as he raised himself up into a sitting position, he then looked around as he realized he was in a room similar to the infirmary at the Academy nine months ago, but clearly it was not the same as the room was more equipped and better stocked. He looked down to see that his chest and arms was mostly covered in bandages from his wrists to his neck in clean white bandages, his right arm however was covered in an extra layer of bandages.

He tried to test his right arm and found that his right arm felt numb and shot as he could barley move his fingers. He could still move his arm but slowly and with great effort, which means whatever he did have shorted out the nerves in his arm temporarily. He then felt weigh on his leg as he turned his head to see Dusk as he laid his head on Saito's left leg, the large wolf gave the human a pleading look and a worried whine before Saito reached over and patted the wolf on the head with his left hand.

"Hey boy did…you miss me?" he asked as the wolf only responded with a soft whine before Saito started to scratch behind his ear, Saito smiled at this as he petted the wolf.

"You ok Saito?" a voice asked as he looked over to see Aaron leaning against the wall of the infirmary

"Master? What are you doing here? And where am I anyway?" he asked as his master approached him, Dusk soon got off his leg as he sat in a guarding position beside his master's bed.

"You're in the infirmary at the castle, you were moved here after the raid on the castle, the doctors said that you passed out from exhaustion most likely from overusing your Aura and not to mention the injures you sustained against Jack and Richelieu" he said as Saito nodded at this as he tried once again to raise himself into a sitting up position but struggled.

"Saito…do you remember anything from before you collapsed?" he asked as Saito placed his left hand on his temple.

"I…I remember fighting…we…we attacked the convicts in the courtyard…then we…we met up with Agnes and you sent me off to the court room…and then-"

He walked away from the man as a look of rage came across his face, then without warning he reached into his coat and pulled a long silver dagger from his coat and charged at the boys back.

"DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME COMMONER!" he yelled as he brought the blade down on the boy.

"SAITO!" everyone yelled as Saito turned around to see the man blindly charging at him.

Time moved slowly as the blade soared through the air as he attempted to kill him, but Saito dodged the blade with ease as his hand glowed yellow and crackled with electricity…

Right before he pierced the man straight through his chest as his arm shot out of the mans back, a look of shock and horror etched on his face as he looked down to see the boys electrified arm impaled deep inside his chest. Small sparks of electricity circled his arm as Richelieu looked up to see the boys horrified face as small drops of blood splattered across his face. He gazed back in shock as Richelieu dropped the dagger and grabbed a hold of the boys collar to look the boy dead in the eyes.

"H-how dare you…y-you c-commoner…scum," he said before he slid off the boys arm and collapsed on to the floor in a bloody heap, his blood pooling around him as a look of horror was etched upon his face…

A wave of nausea and disgust washed over him as he looked down at his bandaged right hand, but in his mind he was seeing the hand covered in blood and pierced into the mans chest.

"I-I Killed him…I-I-Hurk!" he said as he held his left hand to his mouth and he fought back the urge to empty his stomach but all that came out was dry heaving and gasping breathes as he found he could expel none. His breathing more laboured that he could barely breath as his vision turned white and the world distorting and waving like the it was crashing around him.

"SAITO! LISTEN TO ME AND CALM DOWN!" Aaron yelled as he was forced to restrain the boy from hurting himself as he thrashed around in his bed, he continued like this until his patience wore thin.

"THAT'S ENOUGH SAITO!" he yelled as he slapped the boy across the face, Saito stunned as he felt his cheek ache in pain from the rather harsh blow but managed to stop his breakdown. His ears slightly ringing as he felt the slap had shock his brain up slightly, when the ringing died down he turned to face his master as he gave his student a rather harsh glare.

"Listen to me Saito I know how you must feel right now but you have understand that it wasn't your fault, Duke Valliere had sown the seeds of his fate when he had betrayed his family and his country for greed" he then placed his hand on his shoulder as he looked the boy in the eye.

"You should never feel guilt for a man like that…in our line of work even if our enemy be a father or son we will do all what we must to protect the ones we love…" he said as Saito only looked down at his hands.

"But master…I killed him… I killed him with my bare hands…I reached into his chest and crushed his beating heart…how-how can I call myself a protector…if all I do is cause pain…and I killed Louise's father in front of her…how can I ever face her again after that?" he said as he looked at his bandaged right arm, images of blood still fresh in his mind.

"When I discovered this power I wanted it to be different from Magic…to use it for the good of mankind and protect the people of the world…but in the end I used it as a weapon of war and destroyed all in my path…how am I any different from him?" he asked as the man looked down at the floor failing to find the right words to say. Aaron was about to say something until there was a knock at the door; he turned his head to see a person that caused him raise an eyebrow.

"Duchesses Valliere? I didn't except you here?" he asked as the person was revealed to be the wife of the now deceased Richelieu Valliere, Karin shook her head when she heard that last name.

"Please do not affiliate me with that 'man' anymore, after my 'husbands' betrayal the Queen advised that I and my children use my Maiden Name Desiree from now on, in doing so it will not affiliate us with that Traitor and will spare my daughters from punishment…" she said as she held a look of anger in her eyes as she thought about he former husband Aaron nodded at this.

It was stated by law in the early years of Halkeginia's founding when a conspirator attempts to betray the Crown and fails the family name is strung through the mud and all possessions are confiscated, including land and status, sometimes the entire family and staff are put to death as a precaution.

But thanks to the Queens history and trust in her long time friend and for the fact that Karin had gave it her all to protect the Queen from the Duke she and her children were spared from such a fate. But in order to save face it was best that they use her Maiden name to avoid ridicule amongst the court and people, she then turned to the one responsible for her husbands death, the one who not only saved her own life but the lives of the Queen, the Courts and the Princesses.

She walked over as she gave the boy a hard look that caused him to flinch, "Saito Hiraga is it?" she asked as the boy nodded.

"Y-yes?" was all he could say before bopped him on the head with her fist as Aaron had bugged eyes at the pink haired woman sudden abrasive manner, even Dusk was shocked as he attempted to growl at the woman before she turned her glare to the wolf as he instantly shut up and hid his head behind his paws.

Saito on the other hand was nursing his now aching head 'I can see where Louise gets it from' Saito thought as he looked up at the woman.

"What the heck was that for?" he asked before she spoke again with a glare on her face.

"Man up already for Founders sake!" she said as Saito flinched back in shock at the woman's tone of voice.

"You're a warrior for Pete's sake! You set yourself on this path the moment you picked up a blade!" she said as she motioned to Derflinger and Judgment leaning against the side of his bed. She then grabbed him by the front of his bandages, as she looked straight into his eyes that seemed to burn with determination and fire.

"And whether you like it or not you will have to take a life if you wish to protect your loved ones! But not only that, you also have a power that rivals or even topples those of magical birth on even ground" she said as she waved her hand slightly.

"As for my late husband you are in no way like him…Unlike him you choose to use this power to protect instead of conquer, that kind of attitude is what makes you different from him". She let him go as he dropped back down into the bed. Saito looked down as registered what the pink haired woman before him, but then he smiled as he visibly relaxed into his bed and sighed in relief, he then looked up to the woman and smiled.

"Thank you Miss Desiree…it helps thank you" he said as the woman only smiled as she turned around.

"It was no trouble young man I had actually came by to say…thank you for saving my daughter, my life and the Kingdoms… for that you have my gratitude" she said and began to leave.

"Also you and Aaron are needed in the War room, we need to discuss the act of Reconquista assault and their next move" she said as the boy nodded.

After she left he swung his legs off the bed as he tried to regain his balance holding the side of the bed to keep himself straight, before Aaron could help him he held a hand to the man signaling him to not help him, he realized he was only dressed in his pants minus the boots and began to place his clothes back on his body.

"So how long have I been out? What's happened?" he asked as he pulled his long sleeved hooded shirt over his head, Aaron sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Its been a day since you collapse, after the Duke was killed the rest of the convicts gave up and surrendered without a fight, everyone was pretty worried about you, especially Siesta and Princess Henrietta" he said as the boy gained a slight blush on his face at the thought of the princess and his girlfriend,

"As for the current situation…its not good, nearly half the Court was killed by the Duke when he sealed the door behind him, and the Castle lost around fifty men in the attack and fifty servants, Luckily General Gramont wasn't too badly injured from the attack so he can still co-ordinate with the rest of the men" he said as Saito pulled his belt over his waist.

"But it seemed that during the attack Duke Valliere executed Duke Avalon and his son Valence in their cells instead of freeing them, probably for failing Reconquista" he said as he read off the mental list of things that happened in Saito's absence. Saito nodded as he strapped on his armour.

"I see…urgh!" he pulled a strap on his breast plate before grunting in pain as his ribs still hurt.

"Are you sure you are going to be all right Saito?" he asked as the boy nodded his head.

"Yeah I'm fine…my Aura is healing me as we speak…it should take a few hours before the pain in my ribs is gone, and I will have marks on my chest for a while but just that" he said as he gathered his equipment and strung his swords onto his back, Derflinger took this moment to pop out of the sheath.

"How are you feeling partner?" he asked as the boy was happy to see the talking sword, "I'm feeling better, good to see you by the way how goes acquiring the power?" he asked as he placed on his new Gauntlets bearing the Claws of The Dragon.

"Its going good I should be done in two days, I know I said that I would need three days of rest but at the rate things going I need to finish it as soon as possible, so at the moment I'm taking half hour breaks and continuing from there…Saito…I can feel it in my steel, something's coming and soon…be careful" he said as the boy nodded and finished placing his belt on his waist before turning to his master.

"Lets go," he said as the man nodded and opened the door for the boy as they walked down the halls to the War Room and deal with the threat of Reconquista.

Tristain War Room

Saito and his master soon walked in as the Queen turned to the young man "Master Hiraga, Master D'artagnan thank you for joining us" she said as she gestured the two to seat at the table. In the war room surrounded by her most trusted advisor was the Queen, her daughter Henrietta, her guard Captain Maverick, her gunpowder squad Agnes and her most trusted ally Karin of the heavy winds as they sat at the table along side Dragon Soul Members Allard, Jonathan and Isabella as they began to discuss their next moves.

"Before we begin I would like to sincerely thank Dragon Soul and all its members for rescuing not only myself but all of those in the castle, who would not be here today if not for you and your brave actions" she said as the members bowed to the Queen.

"And I would like to thank you personally Sir Saito for saving my daughter from certain death" she said as Saito blushed slightly at her praise.

"It was nothing your majesty I was just doing what I thought was right and keeping my promise to your daughter" he said as Henrietta blushed slightly at the mention of her. The queen smiled softy at this as she looked to the young man

"You are truly one of noble heart Sir Saito" she then turned her attention the war council. "From what we know Reconquista now has control over the Albion government and all its forces, they have an army that out matched and out numbered ours three to one and that they plan to use Tarbes as their staging grounds" Agnes said as she listed off the Intel from their spies.

"As it stands your majesty we are severely outnumbered against this threat with the casualties we have already sustained from the surprise attack, with most of the troops injured or deceased" he said as he read over a report from his men.

"We had to call back every soldier from the inner most regions of our country, we had to leave the troops on the border of our country where they are, but we have sent the order for the troops in or near Tarbes to gather and fortify the defences there" he said as he pointed to the map where most of the troops were being called to.

"Unfortunately the further most troops won't be able to reach Tarbes for at least a five days and our spies report that Reconquista plans to attack on the day of the eclipse, which is less then three days away" he said as he showed the battalions close to Tarbes.

"What we needed right now is a plan, one to combat the enemy and another to secure our hold in Tarbes," said General Gramont as he rubbed his face as he looked at the manifest for their troops and weapons.

Agnes then spoke up as she presented a manifest to the queen "There is even more bad news. Some of my men who stayed behind checked the armoury in the castle…we just got this back" she said as the queen read over the list.

"Nearly all the firearms there are in poor condition and barley salvageable, there was originally a hundred barrels of gun-powder in the armoury…but due to lack of maintenance or care we only have fifteen barrels left" she said as the Queen massaged her forehead.

"What of the Cannons, are any of them functional enough to take down a vessel?" she asked as Agnes shook her head.

"Most of the Cannons were badly damaged or barley maintained. As it stands out of the seven Cannons stationed we only have one Defence Cannon left in Tarbes, and to get more over there would take two weeks at the most due to their massive size" she said as she showed the sketching of the large cannons.

"Luckily the ammunition was not damaged so we still have that…but with only one defence cannon it would be a miracle to win this battle," she said as Agnes sighed and sat in her seat. The Queen sighed as she then turned her attention to the leader of Dragons soul

"Sir D'artagnan"

"Yes your majesty?"

"What I ask of your guild I fear will be too much, and while the loyalty of Dragons Soul has been absolute since this countries founding…I would not hold it against you or your men to turn away from this fight…" she said as the man stood before her tall and strong.

"I have lost too many good men to evil Sir D'Artangan…and it would pain me too see more good men die for nothing" she said as she looked at the man before he bowed to her.

"Your highness…since our founder forged our Guild we have held fast to a creed, and that creed demands that we honour our oaths, in Victory or Defeat, we will never abandon you my Queen" he said as he and the rest of the Dragon Soul members nodded at this, the Queen smiled at the man.

"Thank you once again…Aaron," she said with a soft smile.

Jonathan spoke up this time as he pointed to the map "My contacts in Albion have informed me that Albion has already begun its move, they are sending one Frigate with multiple Dragon Riders acting as defence" he said as he had read over his contacts reports.

Isabella scoffed at this "Clearly they are overconfident if they think can take over Tristain with a single Frigate" she said as she stabbed her dagger into the table, Jonathan nodded at this as he pointed to the map.

"They might just with the amount of forces we have left. But if we can somehow take out the main Frigate it would send the rest of their forces into disarray. And we can clean the rest of them with our men" he said as he laid out the blue prints of a standard Albion Frigate. Allard stroked his chin, as he looked at the blueprints and again at the mostly flat plain of the small village of Tarbes.

"Taking down one of those things is not easy, I should know I worked on one of these before I joined the guild. They are built to handle small cannon fire and pack a wallop with their fifty cannons on each side…our men will be sitting ducks in such a flat plain" he pointed to the map.

"Not to mention we only have one defence cannon available in Tarbes, if it were a smaller frigate it would be fine…but not against something this big" Agnes said as she looked down at the map. Pierce rubbed his head as he looked over the situation.

"So basically we are out gunned, out manned and only have one defence cannon left in our arsenal at Tarbes that won't even put a dent in that monster" he said as he growled in frustration.

"We need a miracle, or at least a chance at taking that monster down…but how?" Aaron questioned to the council as they could think of nothing.

Saito looked over the cannon and the lay out of the land as he looked at all the possible places for the men to have a small advantage over the Albion forces. So far it wasn't looking good, with their men outnumbered three to one they would really need a miracle. Saito fiddled with the pistol in his hand as he tried to think of something, anything, to give them an advantage over the Albion Forces. He then placed the gun next to the cannon designs as he rubbed his face in frustration.

'This is going to be hard, all of us against that thing. I have doubts we can win…I wish there was something I could do…But is not like I can just shoot it down with my gun or something' he thought as he placed his hand in his chin. But then a bolt of lighting passed his brain as he stopped and stared at the pistol and then to the cannon as he slowly looked down to his right hand as his Aura shimmered a faint blue light. A bright smile plastered itself over his face as he stood up from his seat drawings everyone's attention.

"I have an idea! I know how to bring it down!" he said as the others in the war room looked at the boy in shock. He then brought up his pistol as he allowed it to glow blue.

"I'm going to use my power to bring down the frigate," he said as he grinned to the men and women in the chamber.

Agnes and Maverick had wide eyes as they soon realised what Saito was planning, while Aaron smirked at his apprentice as he too realised his plan.

"Will that even work Saito? Can you do something like that?" he asked as his student placed the gun back down and shook his head.

"Sigh…I don't know honestly, I've never tried it on anything this big" he said as he gestured to the large cannon designs. "It may work…or it will destroy our only weapon against that thing," he said as he looked at the map.

"So our only choices are using something we are not fully aware of and may backfire on us. Or do nothing as we not only lose our home but the lives of many innocent people to Reconquista" Marianne said as she weighed the options before her.

"What do you think Daughter? Do you believe he can do it?" All eyes were now drawn on the maroon haired princess as she stiffened at the sudden drew of attention. She looked around nervously before she gazed over to Saito and looked into his eyes, then memories of his defiance to Richelieu and watching his promise to protect her made her heart flutter as she felt a powerful sense of hope in the boy.

"Yes I think he can…because I believe in him" she said and then looked to Saito as they shared a brief smile and a small blush on their faces. Aaron chuckled a little before he turned back to the Queen.

"I suggest we deploy now if we want to set up adequate defences before Reconquista arrive your majesty" he said as the Queen nodded to the man.

"Agreed Sir Aaron, General I want the troops prepped and deployed on the hour" she commanded as the general bowed to her. Henrietta soon stood up as the rest turned to her.

"Mother I wish to take part in the attack and co-ordinate with the troops" she said as the council, except her mother, gasped in shock.

"Princess Henrietta! You can't be serious It is too dangerous for you to be on the front lines! You are our future Queen! If we lose you the future of our country will be lost!" he said, as Henrietta stood defiant of the man.

"I care not for that Lord Advisor! I watched helplessly as my fellow citizens give their lives for our country while I could do nothing! I will not allow that to happen again!" she said as she spoke with a high commanding voice that made the man reel back in surprise.

"I will not stand by and let it happen again on my honour as Henrietta De Tristain, rightful heir to the throne!" she said tall and proud as she shocked the rest of the room with her resolve.

The Advisor soon turned to her majesty "Your majesty please talk some sense into your daughter. Please explain to her why the front lines are to dangerous for her majesty to place her self in danger!" he begged to the Queen as she still stared at her daughter.

"Is this what you truly want to do Henrietta?" she asked as he daughter turned to face her. "Are you really willing to place your life on the line for the sake of our country?" her question not out of anger or sorrow, but one of genuine curiosity.

Henrietta looked to her mother before she looked around the room at all who had fought valiantly against Reconquista's forces. Her eyes wondered to the many injuries that each and every member sported upon their bodies.

Her eyes finally set upon Saito and the bandages that poked out from the collar of his shirt, the memory of his back facing towards her as he stood against the mad mage and his ambitions of conquest and murder.

She then looked back to her mother as she nodded "Yes…" was all she said as the Queen smiled softly to her daughter.

"Then I see no need to stop you," she said, as Henrietta was shocked at this as well as everyone else in the room.

"Your majesty!" he once more before she raised a hand to silence the man, he stopped as he looked to his queen.

"It is my Daughters decision to go Lord Advisor and I will not deny her, besides I believe that if a member of the crown were seen amongst the troops it may raise their morale for the coming battle" she said as the Advisor looked down at this. He could understand her logic; if the leader of the nation were to be present on the battlefield it could have the possibility to raise the already diminished morale of its people.

But it also had the possibility to back fire as well if the princess were to be killed on the battlefield, morale would be totally crushed and their lineage lost to the dust. Thereby leaving them without a ruler and without hope.

"Now no more on the subject, we have wasted enough time as it is and we need to prepare," Queen Marianne said as she turned to the occupants in the room that now stood in attention at the queen.

"This will not be a simple battle my friends…but a war for the survival of our freedom, I wish you luck and the protection of the Maker, may he watch over us all" she said as the men and women prayed as well before they left. But before Saito could follow his guild members away a small petite hand grasped his arm as he looked to see the princess as she held as strange look in her eyes.

"Sir Saito can I speak with you for a moment…alone" she said as Saito looked cautiously at the girl before he nodded and turned back to his friends.

"I'll meet you back at the guild Master" he said as the man nodded and left the boy to follow the princess to discuss god knows what.

Henrietta's Private Quarters

The aftermath of the battle of Castle Tristain was devastating to say the least, walls and ceilings were splattered with blood, cracks and debris scattered the area and nearly everything valuable was destroyed in the raid, the casualties were grim as well, during the surprise attack nearly fifty percent of the castle staff were killed on sight.

Followed by the lost of fifty lives of Tristain soldiers loyal to the crown and out of the ten Court members five members were killed with three injured and one executed by Saito, the courtyard was destroyed as workers attempted to repair the damaged walls and the broken gate now imbedded in the castle wall.

Until then a temporary barricade was erected to prevent another attack and soldiers were put on high alert, luckily because of the promise made by Aaron he had ordered his men to assist in the repair and stationed some of his best men as guard detail for the remaining time, they were paid as well but they served more out of loyalty then coin. Those who lost their lives in the battle were buried and honored by Captain Maverick and Agnes as they saluted the dead.

The events that had transpired here would forever scar the country of Tristian and would always be remembered as the Tristain Massacre, the day corrupt nobles attempted to take control of the capital in the name of Reconquista.

But the brave sacrifices of the men and women of the Tristain military and Dragon Soul prevented this with their very lives. But right no Saito Hiraga bowed as the Princess held in her hands the amethyst ring of Prince Wales, the small purple gem reflecting off the sunlight from the windows as she held the ring tight to her chest as she looked down at the boy who refused to look at the girl.

"I am sorry Princess…by the time I warned him Wardes had already killed him…there was nothing I could do please forgive me" he said as he looked down at the ground, the girl sighed as she walked over to the boy and gestured him to stand, as he did he noticed the pained look on her face that she attempted to hide.

"You have no need to apologies Sir Saito…Gramonts Son had already told me what happened at the church…I knew that he would be willing to sacrifice himself for his county" she held the amethyst ring close to her chest in an attempt to savor what little warmth it had before slipping it on to her finger. Saito's gaze hardened at the thought of his former master.

"How is she…how is Louise" he asked as he dared to ask the question that had plagued his mind since he awoke from his fatigue, Henrietta looked down as well as she remembered the sight of her friends face as she saw her own father be killed by the man before her, with this she sighed as she looked out the window.

"I…I cannot answer that...she has suffered just as much as I have last night…with the betrayal of both her father and her fiancé, I cannot say what is on her mind…" she said as Saito continued to glare at the floor at the thought of the two traitors.

"Louise had a difficult childhood growing up…she always strove to please her father and win favor in his eyes and when that failed she would seek the comfort of sir Wardes…to be betrayed by both has made her…unstable…" she said as she remembered the broken and shattered look in her friends eyes.

The look of someone who just had their whole world turned upside down and all that they had believed in was a lie. For her the revelation of her Fiancée's betrayal and her fathers treachery were too much for the girl that it took Karin and Agnes from blowing up what remained of the court room. Saito looked down at this as he realised it wasn't just him that was affected by this but her as well

"I see…" he said as he thought about Wardes and her Father. She then looked to the boy as she saw the self blame in his eyes

"Please do not blame yourself Sir Saito…but I thank you for returning to Tristain and saving my life" she said as the boy looked up and stared into her eyes but as he looked into her yes he saw something familiar in them. Something he had felt so long ago and he instantly knew what he had to do, he then walked over to the princess till he was standing in front of the girl, she was confused until Saito wrapped his arms around her causing her to blush.

"S-S-Sir Saito What-?"

"Its ok" he said as she became confused at these words, "I know what you are feeling right now, I can feel it with my Aura…sadness…your heart is speaking out to me and you're trying to cover it up so no one has to worry" he said as the girl could do nothing but listen to the boy that had embraced her in his arms.

"You put on a brave face and save others from seeing your sorrow, you truly are a brave girl Princess…but I'm here to tell you that its ok" he said as the girl slowly wrapped her arms around him as tears started to gather in her eyes, Saito could feel her tears on his shoulder but still felt her holding back.

"Its ok Henrietta you don't have to burden yourself I'm here let it out …" he said as the tears she held back gathered even more before she burst into tears, she soon found no strength in her legs as she collapsed to the floor while still holding Saito. The boy guided her gently to the ground as he held her weeping form, she cried and cried as all the pain and sorrow that she had kept bottled up inside pour out in a wave of emotion. Saito only held her close as he stroked her maroon coloured hair while whispering softly to her.

"Its ok now Henrietta…it will be alright" he spoke to her as he looked out the window. An image of a smirking and arrogant Wardes and Richelieu appeared before his mind as he thought about the cause of all this pain that the girl was suffering.

'Reconquista…they have caused so much pain and suffering, they killed Prince Wales and tried to kill the Princess and have turned so many in their pursuit of power…' he thought as he held the girl in his arms, he raised his right arm up as he stared at the hand thinking about Richelieu and his insanity before his death. He then clenched the fist as he glared out into the country as the sun began to rise; they then separated as he helped her up off the ground before he looked her in the eye.

"Thank you…I needed that" she said as she wiped away the tears from her eyes, Saito smiled softly as he brushed his thumb across her cheek to clean the tears from her face.

"It was no problem Princess I will happily put my life on the line to protect the ones I care about the most" he said as the girl gained a healthy blush on her face.

"T-thank you," she said as she fiddled with her fingers a bit. Unbeknownst to them the Queen hid behind the door as she smiled softly at the pair, a plan began to form in her mind as she looked at the black haired swordsman, Saito took a deep breath as he looked at her.

"So what's going to happen now?" he asked as the girl sighed before she walked over to the window.

"Germania had cancelled the wedding after the letter was revealed…my mother is not angry with me, she believes that I have suffered too much as it is…but I still feel I let her down" she looked over at the window.

"Our county is small with a very limited military and we were hoping to strengthen ourselves with Germania to help defend against this threat…but now they are refusing to help, they will not help us against Albion" she said as Saito walked over to the window as he looked over the capital. Henrietta sighed as she watched all the people walking around, going about their lives and enjoying the peace they so richly enjoyed.

"This is a troubling time Saito…we are on the brink of war and our options are limited" she said as she sighed to herself.

"If we don't do something soon we will lose this war" she said as she grasped the window still with her hands, Saito looked on as he watched the people as well, but right now he was focusing on the Princess as he listened to her words.

"As Princess of Tristain it is my duty to defend this country from all threats…but…I fear I do not possess the power to do so…I fear that my actions will bring this country to ruins…" she said as she spoke out her worries and fears while her mother held a sad look from behind the door, she knew how hard it is to rule a country alone ever since the death of her husband.

And she knew that her daughter was still young to rule and that one day soon she would have to take her place, it weighed heavily on her heart, but then the most surprising thing happened as Henrietta put on a brave face.

"But I will not give up, I will never surrender until my people are safe…for that is my resolve as Henrietta de Tristain, future Queen of Tristain" she said as her eyes burned with determination and her voice rang strong and true something that made the Queen smile.

Saito himself was smiling at the girl as he heard her speech; it made him remember that despite all the horrible and corrupt Mages that he had encountered in this world there were people like The Princess, The Queen, Karin Desiree and General Gramont who wanted to protect the people instead of lord over them. He looked at the Princess and saw the determination and strength burning in her eyes, a fire that would never submit to extinction and he knew that he needed, wanted, to protect that flame.

He then took the princess hands into his own as he stared into her eyes causing her to blush in surprise.

"Princess you have my word that I will do everything in my power to protect this country and I will do anything you ask of…anything" he said as the Princess blushed more and her heartbeat increased slightly.

"…Saito…" she said as she gazed into his eyes as the Queen saw an opportunity and opened the door surprising the two as they realized that they were still holding hands and blushed feverously.

"I am glad to hear that young man," she said as she stood before the two as Saito instantly got in his knee and bowed to the Queen.

"Forgive me your majesty I was just-we were just" he tried to explain with a blush on his face, she chuckled as she waved a hand to the boy.

"Fear not young man my daughter was in turmoil and you comforted her, you have my thanks…my daughter could use man like you in her life" she said, as the Princess blushed hardcore at the implication.

She then grew a serious look on her face as she looked down at the boy, "But in any case Sir Saito Hiraga I have a favor to ask of you" she said as the boy looked up at the queen as the doors closed shut.

Dragons Soul Memorial Grounds later that night

The full moon shone down gently on the guild as no sound was heard or made in the usually cheerful guild, the tables were empty and bare, the drinks were still and empty, not a sound could be seen…

Far behind the Guild in a large clearing stood a large wall made of Black Obsidian, at the top of the wall was the symbol of Guild and multiple names etched upon its surface, this was the Guilds memorial ground.

The Memorial ground was a sacred place used to honor and salute the brave men and women of the Guild, who either fell in battle or had passed on from this world peacefully and with little regrets. Today it was used to honour those who fell in battle defending their homes and their Kingdom against the tyranny of greed and corruption.

In the clearing stood surrounded by burning lanterns was every member of the guild dressed in black cloaks over their usual attire, their weapons at their sides and held in respect as four bodies wrapped in white cloth were placed atop four pyres set to light on fire, the symbol of the guild stitched onto the cloth as a sign of respect.

A gentle breeze blew through the grass as the night became silent and still as Aaron stood before his men and began to speak.

"Today we have lost not only members of our Guild but members of our family…These brave men and women gave their lives to defend Tristain from those who sought to claim our land for themselves" he raised his head as the members holding torches raised them high into the air.

"And while they can no longer fight along side us on this world. Their sprits will guide us from beyond and protect us from the hollowing dark that one day threatens to consume us as well" he said as the men and women held the heads solemnly at his words. Saito had a blank and sad look on his face as he stood beside Siesta as she too was dressed in a cloak and a symbol of the guild etched onto her belt.

"It is in tradition that we send them to the Other side, so that they will find peace from this chaotic world…" he said as Jonathan handed him the torch in his hand and set the pyres alit, the fire instantly consuming the bodies in a blaze of orange flames.

Small specks of burning ash rising into the air as each member of the guild clanged their weapons together in a sort of soldiers salute; Aaron held his head high as he held the fire above his head "May the fires of their souls light our way in the hollowing darkness" he spoke as the members howled in response.

Saito stared into the flames as he watched the small flakes of ash fly into the air and disappeared into the dark night sky, he thought of the brave men and women that had died in the assault of the castle, how his decisions led to this, he blamed himself their deaths all because he hesitated in his fight with Wardes. He felt his hand be squeezed slightly as he turned to face the source of the squeeze, mainly being his girlfriend Siesta, she had been worried for Saito since he returned from the castle, and the look in his eyes told her the story, Aaron walked behind him as he placed his hand on the boys shoulder

"You can't blame yourself for this Saito, they willing sacrificed themselves for the safety of the kingdom. They were heroes in the end," he said as Saito only continued to look at the flames.

"I know that Siesta id truly do but…" he said as Aaron and Siesta looked at the boy concerned as he continued to stare into the flames,

"I know that they willing went to their deaths…I know that they chose to die for their country…I just wonder…if this fails…will their sacrifice be in vain?" he asked as Aaron could not respond and only stared into the flames as more ash floated into the air.

"We won't Saito…we won't," he said as the flecks of ash disappeared into the night.

Morning at Dragons Soul Guild

The early morning sky was still dark as every member of the Guild strapped weapons and armours into carts and wagons as they prepared for trip to Tarbes. No one said a word as Aaron directed the men where to place the weapons and supplies for the trip.

It was sightly strange for the early morning crowd of the city to see the usually lively and boastful guild to hold solemn and serious looks on their faces.

The faces of war…

Saito was finishing strapping the last of his supplies onto Dusk as he turned to Siesta as she too finished packing her supplies into a nap sack for travel. Saito sighed, as he turned to his girlfriend "I still don't like this Siesta" he said as she turned to face him.

"Don't like what Saito?" she asked as placed the nap sack on Dusk and fastened it tight on his harness.

"You going to Tarbes, being near what is probably the most dangerous battle of our lives…I still think it would be safer if you just stayed at the Guild or with you Uncle and Cousin until this is over" he said as she sent a small glance to him.

"It would be safer Saito-kun…but my family is down their with no idea of what's about to happen, I need to get back and warn them or at the most protect them while you save the day" she said as she smiled at him.

Saito however didn't smile back as he turned to see his fellow guild members preparing for a long bloody battle. Their faces steeled and their mood serious as they prepared for war "But what if I can't Siesta? What if I fail and I get everyone killed…what if I get you killed?" he said as he looked down at the ground and refused to look up.

Until he felt a petite hand on his cheek before his face was lifted up and a soft pair of lips was locked with his own, when it parted he saw the woman of his life with an honest smile on her face as she stared into his blue eyes.

"You won't my love…because I believe in you and I love you more then anything else in this world or the next…always" she said before Saito grasped the hand on his cheek and smiled before he captured her lips again in a tender embrace.

When their lips parted again he smiled, as they were alone in their own little world "Thank you Siesta…I needed that" he said as he stared into her eyes…

Before he noticed how quite it got all of a sudden and whipped his head to see every member of the guild grinning to the pair while that snickered at the two as their faces were soon glowing red in embarrassment.

"Go Saito!" "Atta Boy!" "You know what he likes!" "KISS AGAIN!" the guild taunted to the pair as they blushed brightly as the crowed mood had turned form serious to joyful in a matter of minutes.

"S-SHUT UP! AND GIVE US SOME PRIVACY FOR HEAVEN SAKE! " Saito yelled to the crowed while Siesta tried her best to hide in her hood. The crowed soon dispersed as they went back to work leaving the two lovers in peace.

Aaron chuckled slightly from his position far away from the group as he leaned against the gates of the guild; he smiled as the two lovers went back to packing their supplies with healthy glowing blushes on their faces.

But then his mood turned serious as he moved off the gate and back inside the guild as reached over to the 'Wall of the Fallen' and ran his hand over his son half broken blade. He sighed as he then ran a hand through his hair and looked to the blade.

"…Edmund…" he spoke as he lifted the blade from its resting place and held it in his hands, "…I miss you, not a day goes by when I think of how that…monster…took you away from me…and one day I shall see you and your mother again" he said as he stared at his reflection.

"But not yet…not until I know he is ready to take this Guild and lead it as I knew you would…but for today if I'm to be reunited with you again…I want you at my side, one last time to defend our home" he then sheathed the broken blade on the back of his waist as he turned and gazed once more at the guild before the great doors closed shut.

Aaron soon nodded to his men as they began to ride off towards the main gates of the city as they were soon met with Agnes and Maverick as a legion of soldiers and warriors stood behind them and the Princess dressed in armour while riding a unicorn at the head.

They silently nodded to each other as they motioned for the men to move out as Saito and Siesta moved to ride along side the princess with Agnes on her left and Aaron on Saito's right.

The sounds of marching feet echoed as each and every man and woman held strong as they prepared for the battle of their lives. To fight for the very survival of their country.

Saito glared out as he rode along side the Princess as the words of the queen echoed in his mind.

'Sir Saito…I fear this may be too much of you to ask but…' the sounds of heavy footsteps echoed as weapons and shields rattled in their sheaths.

'Please as a favour not from the Queen of Tristain but from a mother…'

The Princess held her head high as she rode on her unicorn towards the town of Tarbes as they soon reached the gate at midday.

'Please Protect my daughter…become her guard, her champion, her knight…'

Saito then looked up as his eyes flashed blue '…please protect her and keep her safe?' Saito then nodded and said.

'I promise your majesty…with my life'

Albion Flag Ship, Medical bay

"ARRGGGGHHHH!" loud and painful screams could be heard as Oliver Cromwell walked into the medical centre as a man trashed and yelled in rage as the doctors tried their best to keep him calm.

"Hold still Master Wardes! Your wounds are still too severe to be moving around! You need to calm down!" the head doctor said as the man now known as Wardes glared at him through the only gape in the bandages that now covered his face.

"Do not tell me to be calm you peasant! I will not rest until I have his head on a bloody pike for what he did to me!" he yelled as he thrashed again on the table and threw a man across the room just as Cromwell looked the scene and approached them.

"How goes it Doctor?" the man asked as one of the doctors moved away from the man as some of the medics were wrapping bandages around his face.

"Its not good your lordship, he has suffered severer burns to his face and his mind is all but shattered at this point, he keeps repeating over and over… of how he will kill Saito Hiraga for the…Damage…he has done to him" he said as the doctors were finally able to strap him down and finish their procedure on the scarred man.

"Doctor I need him up and about in two days time will you have him ready by then?" he asked as the doctor adjusted the monocle on his face.

"I will try my lord but I am no miracle worker, the wounds are burned so much I'm surprised he is still even alive…he must really hate this Saito boy if managed to do this to the Griffin Knight Captain" he said as the man glared at the ceiling before him.

The doctors soon adjusted the table as he lay flat on his back as they did their best to work their magic. The head doctor moved back to him as he began to change the bandages on the man who shook with rage and as the men removed to revel the once handsome man who was now deformed and ugly.

"Mark my words Hiraga…" he spoke menacingly as the medics dressed his wounds as the men brought over a large metal mask as they began to place it on the mans head.

"…Before this battle is done…" the straps and lock tightened as his breathing become dark and terrifying as the table slowly rose back up as the image of a murderous Griffin helmet with only one eye peaking through glared as he raised his fist.

"I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE! YOU DAMN DEMON! YOU! YOU! BLUE EYED DEVIL!" he roared as Cromwell smirked from the shadows as he soon left the room. But as he left and walked down the hall his ring glowed eerily purple as he raised it to his face and said.

"Then let the games…begin"

And Scene, Here is Chapter Ten of Abandoned Hero of Zero. Sorry for the wait I was extremely busy with some work for my family and had little time to do this before I was tired.

Please leave a review in the comment box below and tell me what you think, stay tuned for Chapter Eleven and see you soon.