Xrosed Path of the Familiar
by Lunar Wave
It's time to formalize the whole thing! Here we go!
Edited: 2/23/2014 Rebooted Chapter for those who've read this before said date.
The Familiars of the Void!
Tiffania Westwood carried her shopping basket out into the village. A shawl covering her long pointed ears was tightly secured over her head so that her ears are not visible. Around her neck is the pendant that she had always worn when she was young. A gift from her mother, an elf. Yes, Tiffania Westwood was a half-elf. However, being an elf, she had gained the ire of many people in the world.
Overall, no matter how unreasonable the hatred is, she was glad to have at least a few memoirs from her mother. Her ring and her pendant. The ring had the power to revive a person from near death, according to her, but Tiffania did not know if this was true.
The pendant held a beautiful jewel, a jewel that held no real merits, but it was beautiful nonetheless. It cannot be broken by anything, and the item it enclosed remains completely sheltered within. To Tiffania, the pendant represented protection, that she'll always be safe as long as she wears it.
The orphanage that Matilda left her was still fine. The children loved her, and none would ever divulge that she was, in actuality, a half-elf, out of fear of the matron's life. Tiffania smiled at that fact.
Albion's situation was worse than it has ever been. The Reconquista, a group of rebels, had assassinated the king and his court, and only the prince remains among the Albion nobility. But that wasn't something she should worry about. She is not nobility. Her father was one, if she recalled correctly, but she herself was not. And so she went on living, not minding that she might be ostracized, as long as she has the children and her mother's mementos, she'll continue struggling to survive.
Little did she know that a mage, seeing the pendant, now wants to steal it from her and take it back to Cromwell, the leader of Reconquista.
Taiki thought he was dreaming. It was dark… why? Oh, his eyes are still closed. Need to open them if I want light. Taiki tried forcing them open, but found some difficulty.
"Taiki's waking up, kyuu." Cutemon? Was that Cutemon?
"Are you alright, Taiki?" Dorulumon… but why? Why was he…
Oh yeah… he got knocked out during the battle, wasn't he? I remember that the water that Henrietta used to make that veil landing on top of me. She sure made that water thick if it was successful at knocking me out…
So he lost huh… Well, it's not really something he minds. The Code Crown wasn't all that important. It was the fact that Code Crown's won't be passed along easily if the person did not have a Xros Loader. He absent-mindedly reached for his Xros Loader, only to feel nothing.
"Taiki, you're okay…" Taiki heard Siesta's voice. Taiki looked towards the source to see the girl smiling. There was something she was sewing that she seemed to have discarded just to approach him.
"Hi, Siesta… Yeah, I'm fine." Taiki looked around, "Where's Ann?" Siesta sighed, deeply disappointed that the first thing Taiki asks about is the one she designated her rival for his affections. But she knew it was because Henrietta was also hurt during their encounter.
"She left earlier so that she may intercept her escorts so that she would appear to have just arrived at the academy. Tabitha is with her." Taiki nodded.
"Was she not injured?"
"She has a few cuts on her body, easily healed. Her stomach had a few burns, but otherwise, she is actually less damaged than yourself. You had taken nearly 13 bruises in various spots of your body. It was soon that Cutemon had showed up that we were able to remove your wounds."
"Yup, kyu!" Cutemon brought a peace sign towards Taiki. "Akari decided to lend the entire former Xros Heart Members that she has back to you!"
"That means… Dorulumon, Cutemon, and the rest of the PawnChessmonz…" Taiki blinked, "Well… she still does have the Digimon that she hunted, so it's not that much of a big deal but…"
"Oh she also told us that if you don't go back home, she's going to pound you to kingdom come." Taiki sweatdropped. "She's really worried."
"Well, that's Akari for you." Taiki turned back to Siesta, who had, once more, resumed to sew the item that was in her hand, now recognizable as the princess clothing that he had burnt last night. He sheepishly laughed. A knock was then heard on the door. Cutemon immediately jumped back in the Xros Loader.
"Come in!" Both Siesta and Taiki called. A maid entered the room, looking around and finding the futon on the floor upon which Taiki was sitting on.
"Excuse me, Sir Taiki." The maid said, "But Miss Valliere is calling for you. She said that you needed to be at the welcoming of the Princess."
"Oh right, okay!" Taiki nodded, getting off of bed. He grabbed his Xros Loader and Derflinger was slung on his back. He picked out the Xros Heart Shirt today, as it seemed relatively appropriate. You don't really wear the proof of being an advisor to another king when you meet a royal. He ran out the door, with a final cry, "And just call me Taiki! We're all equals after all!" And with that, two maids were left in the room.
"… Did you not tell him our proposal?" The maid asked Siesta. Siesta abruptly stopped her work.
"… I… forgot…" The maid sighed, but it seemed that she didn't seem to mind much.
"Just tell him before the day ends, please…"
"I'll try…"
"You're late!" Louise berated her familiar. Taiki shrugged sheepishly. "What's your excuse?" Every noble in the area snickered. What a lame familiar. They all thought. Especially when Taiki responded.
"I overslept." Louise glared a bit but was stopped by the coming of Principal Osmond. Professor Colbert was walking behind him, looking appropriately sheepish.
"Miss Valliere, please do not be too harsh on the young boy. He had a long night, what with capturing Fouquet of the Crumbling Dust." Of course this had the people literally gawking at the boy. "I must say that your Familiar is a very fine one. He will go very far." Osmond smiled. "To think that he caught on to Longueville's trick whilst she was right under my nose… I shame myself."
"The honor of capturing Fouquet goes to Ann and Tabitha." Taiki dismissed. Louise's eyes narrowed. She spotted Tabitha and saw the girl seem appropriately sleepy, if it was any indication. But who was Ann? Was it another noble? Or a servant girl that Taiki had wooed?
"Ah, but according to the two of them, it was you who stopped her from completing the task!"
"We had been drugged the previous night." Colbert explained. "I'm sure that if you hadn't headed her off, she would've escaped even the Chevalier Tabitha. Taiki scratched his head at the praise.
"I did what I had to do. I AM Louise's Familiar. The Familiar of Zero." Taiki replied with a grin. Louise glared at him at that response. She was about to berate him when Colbert interrupted.
"Or, in this case it would be more appropriate to name you, the Gan-" The glares sent his way from both Osmond and Taiki shut him up quickly.
"Ah, it would appear that the princess has arrived." And indeed, a familiar carriage was once more being lead into the academy, though this time is pulled by two very official looking knights. But Taiki was not one to care about these details. The door of the carriage has opened, and the handsome looking knight, who, Taiki notes, was being stared at by Louise, walked towards the open door and held out his hand. Taiki felt a twinge of annoyance at the man, that he couldn't understand why. The princess's gloved hand appeared and it was soon followed by the rest of her body.
Truly, if Taiki hadn't known that she was injured, she would've looked as though she was in the peak of health. But Taiki can notice the subtle twitches on her body when her stomach bent over to exit the carriage. Taiki worried for her, and was about to pull out his Xros Loader to subtly Reload Cutemon, when the knight looked in his direction and snapped. A griffin rushed past the crowd and immediately attacked him. Taiki had automatically ducked, pulling out his sword and prepared to defend against the beast.
"Oy!" Taiki yelled at the man rudely, "What was that for!" He definitely disliked the man now.
"Viscount Wardes, why did you attack the boy without provocation?" Henrietta also automatically scolded the knight. She tried not to appear angry, but it wasn't really working.
"He had a sword on his back, and he seemed to be reaching for something behind his back." Wardes replied uncaringly. "Also, he does not wear a cape, thus is not a noble, and instead wears clothing that truly stands out with the clashing blue and red."
"And that was enough to make you suspicious?" Henrietta glared at him. "He could've simply been reaching for an item that was placed in the pockets upon his back."
"He did not bow to you." Was the final statement. Henrietta knew that there was no way she could get Taiki out of that response, but it was Taiki who responded instead.
Taiki grinned at the girl, "If I bowed then, I would hit our principal with the sheath of my sword. I was afraid of that and so I just lowered my head in a pseudo-bow." No one can possibly claim that he was not pseudo-bowing (his head was a bit lowered when he was trying to get his Xros Loader, and the fact that the Principal was indeed behind him, he had a very good reason.
"I've received a satisfactory answer, Viscount. Please apologize to the boy." Henrietta told the man. The man growled slightly and reluctantly bowed to Taiki.
"Sorry for attacking you without provocation, commoner."
"Eh, don't mind don't mind…" Taiki replied off-handedly. "It was a misunderstanding so it's fine." But he still can't help but feel annoyed at this man. It has something to do with the way Louise looks at that man, he concluded, as there was no reason for him to have any hatred for the 'pretty man' as his instincts were calling him.
"I think it's best if the Princess is to be escorted into the academy now, don't you think?" Viscount Wardes asked, trying to redeem himself for his mistake. He growled slightly. A miscalculation. If the boy had been an assassin, he could've had a high chance of getting the princess's trust. But now, he made the mistake of attacking his own fiancée's familiar.
Henrietta ignored the man, favoring of pursuing the topic with Taiki, "May I ask for your name, young man?"
"Taiki. Kudou Taiki." Taiki automatically replied, without much thought. He didn't even remember to fix the orientation. "Taiki from the family Kudou, I suppose?"
"I see." The Princess nodded. She turned to Taiki and smiled at him, "Taiki, you have the privilege of escorting me to my quarters. Wardes, please see to my luggage." Taiki nodded, amused at the play that the two were doing. The most amusing part is that, they obviously did not plan this. It was like he and the princess were on similar wavelengths. Taiki had wondered how the two of them would be able to talk in private, but it seems as though fate (or Henrietta) has already fixed that problem for him.
Many of the mages gawked at the fact that the Tristainian Monarch had chosen a commoner to take her to her rooms, but she had also ordered the Griffin Knight Commander to see to her luggage. It was an insult to the commander, that much was certain. Wardes fumed as Taiki walked the princess to her rooms. He then pointed to a random commoner that was passing by, "Sort this out." It turns out the man was Chef Marteau himself.
"Sorry, but if I stop now, the meal for the princess will be less than prime." Chef Marteau responded. "I must hurry. The head chef must not be late!" The man grinned with much malice at the Viscount.
"If you are unwilling to do your job," Another voice piped up. Viscount Wardes turned around to see Siesta. "please allow me to do it for you. I am the servant of Taiki Kudou." And with that introduction, the bag was removed from Wardes care and was dragged away by the young maid.
Louise looked at the retreating back of the maid with much confusion. She was Taiki's servant? How? How did she? And why did the princess easily accept her servant to escort her to her rooms? And why were they so… angry at her fiancée? She did not understand this, nor would she most likely understand it at all.
"Ah, Louise." Louise turned to glare at the Zerbst that once more spoke. "Your familiar is way too charismatic. To think that he would already have such close relationships with the princess despite this being their first meeting… or is it?" Zerbst shrugged, remembering her conversation with him yesterday.
"After all, Principal Osmond did not even try to greet her. It was as though he had already done so."
Louise only looked dumbfounded as Zerbst walked away. Now she easily blended in with the rest of the dumbfounded nobles that had absolutely no clue what just happened. Including the Bishop that remains in the carriage, and the guards. Truly, Tristain lacked at teaching their guards how to handle surprises.
"Well, at least I didn't look like an idiot and did not know where your room was." Taiki chuckled sheepishly. He was actually walking behind the princess, and Siesta walking just behind them.
"Oh, you did your job admirably, General." Henrietta smiled. "By the way, has Wisemon told you about the arrangements that were made regarding the Southern Tristain Code Crown?"
"Eh? Did you not win it?" Taiki asked confusedly. "But I was knocked out in the end!"
"Same goes for myself, I'm afraid." The princess sighed. "So it was decided that the match was a draw."
"Then who does the Code Crown go to?" Taiki asked. Wisemon decided to speak at that moment.
"It would appear that we are now annexed together into one union, the Army of Xros Heart: Excellion."
"Why Excellion?" Taiki asked quickly.
"I don't know. But the Xros Heart: Excellion is a bigger army that composes of Xros Heart and Tristanian Monarch Henrietta. So rather than being an army of King Shoutmon alone, we are also now the army of Princess Henrietta."
Henrietta nodded slightly at that. "We can discuss this later. We have arrived at my quarters. It will not do if you were to be with me for too long. Siesta can help with my luggage. Please come back here later tonight, so that we may discuss the technicalities of Xros Heart: Excellion." And with that, the two leaders of XHE have separated for the day.
Who was this man? Tiffania asked as she stood backed up on a tree in the forest woods. The man had stopped her whilst she was finally done shopping, but he had decided to chase her down. Tiffania immediately ran in the direction away from her wards. It was best if they remained unharmed. But now she was a bit in a crisis.
"Now, now, young lady… All you need to do is give me your pendant, and we'll all be free to do as we want." The man said smoothly, his wand already pointed at her. Hand over her pendant? Why should she? It was hers! It was the one of the few things that she still cherished. She would not back down, no matter what the man says.
"No. I won't hand over the pendant that my mother gave me!" Tiffania cried out, as she dodged the wind spell that just came at her. She ran immediately.
"Stop being so difficult!" The man called out.
He pointed his wand at her legs and snapped out another wind spell. The spell caused her to fall, her shawl, that covers her ears, now came loose, allowing the man full view of her elven ears.
"Elf…" The man's eyes grew feral. And Tiffania became very fearful for her life.
Fouquet stood in the dark room that was her cell. She cursed her fate, to be captured by Gandalfr. To have allowed her guard to be so low. How did that unpredictable boy figure out that she was acting that night? She wondered about the safety of Tiffania and the children in the orphanage. Truly, she wished that she could escape, but the number of guards and the spells that enchanted the corridors did not allow for her escape.
But then she heard a cry, a yell coming from the guards. But she remained disinterested. What the guards did in their spare time was not her concern.
"It's almost a pity to see you have sunk so low, Fouquet." Fouquet sharply looked upon the bars of her door. A mysterious figure, masked and completely incognito. In his hands were keys, keys that will allow her to open the cell.
"… I suppose I will let you out, if you do just one favor for me."
"Oh? What favor is that?"
"Oh, I'll inform you soon, Fouquet. But nonetheless, here is a location that will allow you to hide out for a while. Never mind the staff of destruction. It is immaterial to this situation." Fouquet glared at the man slightly, but took the hand either way. If she was to support the orphanage then she would have to take the risk. The key ring was passed firmly in the midst of the handshake.
Fouquet has temporarily joined Reconquista
Tiffania lay on the ground, battered and broken. Her clothes were in tatters, her blood all over them. The man had decided to toy with her, as she was an elf, enemy of the Brimirian Nations. She wasn't even allowed a quick death. The only thankful thing she has is that the man had not touched upon her purity. It would appear that the man thought of it as beneath him.
He walked forward, his wand raised in the air. "Ah, that felt good. Brimir will surely bless me for what I've done. Now, it's time to die, elf! I'll be taking that gem back to Cromwell, and he'll be definitely be most pleased to have an elf's body be brought as well to prove our might. LONG LIVE RECONQUISTA!" The man threw a powerful wind spell in her direction. She could already tell what it was. A kamaitachi, cutting wind. It will definitely kill her. For she did not have the same defenses as a normal elf. She was not blessed by the earth, for half of her being was human. Surely, she was an exile of both, and belongs nowhere.
Tiffania was scared. She clutched the pendant desperately, wanting to get away from here, for a protector to come to her aid. The pendant then shone. Brighter than ever.
"WHAT DID YOU DO, ELF!"
The gem's light blinded the man but herself, she could still see fine. In her eyes, she could see a human shaped figure. But its features, it reminds her of a song, a song that she remembered from her father, and later her mother.
The left hand of God is Gandálfr, the ferocious shield of the lord.
His left hand wields a large sword and his right hand wields a long spear, protecting me with endless vigilance.
The Dragon on his left hand, which seems to carry a sword.
The right hand of God is Vindálfr, the kind-hearted flute of the lord.
He dominates all beasts of life, leading me through earth, sky, and water.
The Wolf on his right hand, which seems to carry a flute-like object.
The mind of God is Myoznitnirn, the book that carries the crystallization of thought.
It carries all knowledge and provides advice whenever I am in need.
Its intelligent blue eyes, making it as though it knew what was needed to be done.
There is one more person, but remembering its name gives me trouble…
Over its heart was a symbol. Half of a sun, and the other a symbol she did not recognize.
Taking the four disciples, I came to this land…
Was… was this Founder Brimir? The one that everyone that she knew loves and fears, the Founder of the Four Holy Lands of Albion, Tristain, Gallia, and Romania?
Do you wish to live?
Yes. She wants to. She certainly wants to. But will the Founder grant her wish? She was half an elf, the enemy of the Nations of Brimir!
Do you wish to live?
The question was repeated, as though sensing her doubt. With no more room for hesitation she answered. "Yes."
Then I shall aid you. Your heart is truly pure. As pure as Akashi Tagiru's Wish to surpass the heights of the world. As pure as Kudou Taiki's Melody was when he first grasped the Code Crown. As pure as Daimon Masaru's Will when faced with the world's end. As pure as Kanbara Takuya's Spirit when all hope was lost. As pure as Matsuda Takato's Love when he bonded with his partner. As pure as Motomiya Daisuke's Dreams when faced with the toughest adversary. As pure as the Bravery in Yagami Taichi. Do not worry if you do not recognize any of these names. They are names that comes from my own world.
"May I ask… who are you?"
I am Omegamon, the Royal Knight. I am the Omegamon who serves Yggdrasil. Not the imitation that exists in Daimon Masaru's World, but the real one, the one who presides over the whole Digital World. I, as well as the other Royal Knights, have watched over the world since time immemorial. But alas, our time is up, Tiffania Westwood.
"What am I to do?"
I shall give you the information you need. It shall be in your mind, and in your heart.
Tiffania looked even more confused when suddenly, she started knowing things. She learned how to use a certain magic, a magic that would help her in the time of need. The ability to summon a protector, Summon Servant.
She looked on the light once more. "Will we meet again?"
… Maybe not. But remember this, Tiffania Westwood. Remember the names: Akashi Tagiru, Kudou Taiki, Daimon Masaru, Kanbara Takuya, Matsuda Takato, Motomiya Daisuke, and Yagami Taichi. For these boys, though they are mere children, are going to change your world. Now, Tiffania Westwood, recite the incantation that I've imprinted in your heart.
Answer my call, a servant that is best suited for me.
One who will protect me,
Answer my plea!
And with those words stated, a green door opened, out of which a boy exited. The boy looks at the area carefully, his eyes finally glaring at the mage. He could see the fallen elf, whose clothes were in tatters and bloodied by the wounds the mage had inflicted upon her, and he understood what must've happened. A glare, he glared upon the monster that did this to his summoner, all he did was glare.
Taiki, Siesta, and Henrietta sat patiently in the young princess's room. Taiki placed a few PawnChessmonz on the doorway, to warn them of any unwarranted intruders. Like that Viscount Wardes (He tried to shove that hatred away, but it still seemed to keep coming back). Why were the three sitting patiently you might ask? Actually, in the case of Henrietta, she was actually lying face up, her stomach exposed to Cutemon's healing. Cutemon had forbidden Henrietta from doing anything beyond breathing whilst the pink creature healed the young teen.
"So… how did Louise take it?" Henrietta asked.
"Yeah… the moment I entered her room, she demanded to know exactly how I know you." Knowing Taiki, Henrietta added, he told her the whole truth, but it still had to be asked.
"What did you tell her?"
"That you arrived at school a day earlier than expected." Siesta laughed, and now knowing what Taiki told her about Miss Valliere…
"She must've demanded why you didn't tell her immediately." Siesta grinned. "And you also replied that you were forbidden to. And then…"
"She decided to pull out a horse whip." Okay… Wow… that is way too much now.
"… Naturally, you tried to run away." The two girls said in unison, laughing, though Henrietta winced slightly when she did so. Taiki shrugged. "I didn't actually get to do it though since she calmed down almost immediately, but the thing is… You two know me way too much, and I've only known Ann for only a day."
"You're very easy to read, Taiki." Henrietta replied.
Siesta added her own two cents, "And that's what I would've done if a horse whip was brought out with the intent of being used on my person."
"So she didn't actually go through with the threat?" Siesta asked.
"Yeah, she didn't. There had been no need to. She just accepted it. After all, it was a direct order from the princess."
"Okay, enough about Miss Valliere." Siesta sighed. "Let us take care of the business on hand. Xros Heart: Excellion, correct?"
"Yeah." Taiki nodded. "Shoutmon, you there?"
"Yeah. Right here. [Reload] me and let's get this thing on the road." Taiki nodded and Shoutmon was soon sitting on a nearby seat, his yellow scarf of kingship waving proudly.
"It is an honor to meet you, King Shoutmon." Henrietta told the dragon, "I'd shake your hand but I'm afraid your healer insists on me remaining on the bed."
"No worries. You scored quite the number on Taiki too."
"But he healed a lot faster than I did." Henrietta replied.
"That's because Taiki's already partly digital. You haven't been digitalized your entire life." Shoutmon replied dismissively. "It's only natural that Cutemon's healing would take a bit longer on you."
"So, about Xros Heart: Excellion…"
"First of all, the agreement is thus" Taiki shrugged. "If I lost, you get the Code Crown, and if you lost, you will join me in Xros Heart. And so, since we both lost, should we not honor that idea? You will own the Code Crown, but you will also be part of Xros Heart, or in this case, Xros Heart: Excellion."
"That seems simple enough."
"Also, any Code Crowns we earn in this realm will be under your control, rather than Xros Heart's." Shoutmon easily said. "However, we shall keep our name, despite us working with you."
"And I suppose that's how it is? That simple?"
"If the world was more familiar with the Digital World, we might probably go over trading stuff, but at the moment, this alliance is still all underground." Shoutmon shrugged. "I might also have moved for part-ownership, but I already have 108 Code Crowns on me. No need for more."
"And so with that said. Welcome to Xros Heart, Ann~" Taiki smiled. "We are honored to have you." Henrietta laughed, slightly embarrassed at the nickname but smiled back.
"And…" Siesta coughed, hoping to get the attention of the two. "Now that that's settled… Taiki…" Siesta said in a slightly awkward tone. She had meant to tell this to him the day the Princess had arrived, but so many things were happening in her mind that she was unable to do anything. She once more tried to inform Taiki last night, but the fact that he was asleep tempted her so much to fall asleep right next to him." I sort of forgot to tell you but… We got a few applicants for Xros Heart…"
"Oh?" Taiki and Henrietta looked upon the maid. "Who is it?"
"… Every member of the staff." Taiki and Henrietta only looked dumbfounded at the maid's declaration.
The mark of Gandalfr, imprisoned in his left glove, chose that moment to suddenly shine, shines in a way that no one would've been able to tell if they hadn't been looking at it.
Londinium, Capital of Albion
Cromwell rubbed his hands, as he held out the precious gem. He didn't know what it is, but he knew that it was valuable to the Gallian King. And thus, if he gives this to the King's Familiar, it would most certainly mean an alliance. The gem for their cooperation. Not a bad deal.
Cromwell wondered why the gem was so special. True, it was rare, but it was not as powerful as the Wind Stones that they have mined from the earth. That, he could tell. It was just a gem, with a strange object inside. The gem itself was already cut the moment it was found, and it was completely unbreakable. No amount of magic or force could so much as scratch the object. Well, he'll leave that information to the King. He didn't know what the hell it is, but since it doesn't seem magical, it would be worthless to him.
And so, he waited until the familiar arrives. The familiar of the Empty King will arrive soon. He already expected her to be there soon. And sure enough, a strange steam like sound was heard from the windows. Cromwell looked out, the window to see the figure of the one he wished to see.
"Did you need me for something, Reconquista?" The petit figure asked.
"Indeed, Lady Myoznitnirn." Cromwell sighed, "Soon, our offensive against the young Prince Wales will soon come to an end, and his head shall soon be set upon a spear. However, we are wary of any attackers that will come once we start invading the nearest country, Tristain. I seek to give you this" he held out the gem, "as payment for you to remain neutral in our conflict." The girl did not hesitate to take the yellow gem. The gem was removed and the man moved for a handshake. The girl seemed rather hesitant, but took it.
"... That's it right, no more strings attached? Just be neutral?"
"That is all I ask of you, legendary Mind of Founder Brimir." The girl grinned.
"Then, you can't take back the Code Crown, got it? Goodbye." And with that the figure jumped out the window, only to be caught by another strange figure. The creature that caught the Myoznitnirn was not familiar, but that was of no concern to the leader of the Reconquista. It was lucky that he was able to get the girl to accept quickly.
Cromwell didn't know how important that item was but it couldn't possibly affect him, right?
Oh how wrong he was, because an unknown entity, the one who looks over the war like a Cheshire cat could see the new update.
Reconquista has relinquished control over Southern Albion.
Southern Albion is now under the control of Gallian King Joseph.
In the night sky, the mark of Myoznitnirn shone down upon the world.
Vindálfr, or simplified into Windalfr was the Right Hand of God. Was it any wonder that the one to summon him was the young Pope of Romania, which represents the connection between Brimir and the world?
The Current Windalfr, Julio Cesare, unsure of what is going on in the rest of the world, could only stand and stare at the sky, unable to even concentrate on the lessons being taught to him. The tide has changed, he could tell. Nature itself has tipped the world out of balance. But why? Why did this feeling exist?
The mark on his right hand, however, seemed to know. For it now glows so brightly that it blinds the teacher that was trying to get his attention. The mark of Windalfr glowed bright towards the sky.
Little did he know; all four Familiars of Brimir has now been summoned.
Tiffania, looked at the figure before her. The boy was young, but that seemed to be of no concern for said teenager, as he punched the man that had been hurting her earlier. The punch threw the mage off.
"I don't know what the hell you were doing, but why the hell do you need to hurt her!" The boy yelled.
"That elf has something I want, brat, and I'll definitely get it." The man yelled roughly, his wand at his side once more. "I'll get you for this!" The aria for a wind slash was already on the man's tongue when the boy punched him again. The boy roughly pulled the man up by his collar, the wand laying forgotten on the ground. The boy punched him once more, sending him toppling once more. But it didn't stop there. The man fell flat on the floor, unable to comprehend what was going on. This was the first time he ever got physically damaged. He just laid on the floor, the absurdity of the situation crashing all over him.
"… Get lost." The boy snarled.
"Wait! Allow me to do something first." Tiffania finally found her voice as she ran forward. She held out the ring that her mother had. She grabbed the fallen wand, and pointed it at the man. She touched the boy and started to recite the only spell aria that she knows. Memory Void. The spell hit, and the man toppled over, unconscious.
The boy alternately looked between Tiffania and the mage. "… whoa… That was crazy. Was that… Magic? You can use magic? Well I suppose you are an elf…" The boy grinned, looking at the girl's ears. Tiffania embarrassedly grabbed her shawl and wrapped it around her head, hiding her ears once more.
"Aw… they were so cute too…" Wait, did the boy just call her ears cute? "Well, it can't be helped. Don't I at least get a reward for saving you?" The boy was rather calm about the situation, but she can't help but feel that he wasn't really taking it all that seriously.
Tiffania looked at the boy, remembering what she learned about the familiar summoning ritual. The requirement to kiss the familiar to allow the bond to form. She is familiar with the human custom, but she never did understand what was so bad about it. "My Name is… Tiffania Westwood. Pentagon of the five elemental powers; bless this humble being, and make him my familiar." And with that, she pressed her own lips on the boy's. The boy was surprised as to such an action. He was almost willing to let it continue but the sudden searing just above his chest caused him to stop.
"Are you okay?" Tiffania asked, concerned, as the boy fell on the ground, writhing in pain.
"Yeah, I'm fine… Dammit, it hurts, but I can make… oh, it's gone…" The boy groaned, as he raised his jacket. Scars were practically burnt neatly on his chest, as though they were magic runes. He stared at them. He didn't know what those were but he decided to just deal with it. The girl was looking over him so worriedly.
"… I'm okay. By the way, Ti-fa-ni-ya, right? Mind if I call you Tiffa instead? It's a bit easier." Tiffania nodded mutely, as she looked upon the boy's smiling face. Why was he not scared? She revealed that she was an elf (half-elf) to him right? Is that a trait of a familiar summoned by Summon Servant? No… That can't be it.
Her confused face made the boy look at her and laugh a bit awkwardly. "Oh, I haven't told you my name yet, right?" His blue and white hooded jacket once more pulled down over himself, his denim pants covering the entirety of his legs. "My name is Hiraga Saito. Friends call me Saito. Nice to meet you, Tiffa!" Underneath his shirt was the mark of Liveslatille, the Heart of God. And like its three brothers, the mark glowed brightly, hidden in the shirt of the child.
Chapter End
That's right; I STILL fudging summoned the boy that goes by the name of Hiraga Saito. So fudge it. Now, why was Saito so calm in comparison to when he was summoned by Louise... Here, Saito was summoned when the master was in danger, making him instinctively protective. Also, Saito could tell that he wasn't anywhere normal the moment he saw Tiffa's ears, and anyway, let's not forget that Tiffa is obviously very pretty.
In case you did not realize but, I really AM avoiding Louise being shown interacting with Taiki. Reason? It can easily be summarized without showing it at all. I can show you a whole conversation between the two, and only one or two facts would actually be made. Taiki just can't easily interact with Louise until she starts being more open-minded. And a way to do that? Next fudging chapter.
Well, next chapter will more than likely deal with Saito figuring out what's going on in this world, and the familiar evaluation contest. Joy!
And with this, all I have to say is, Read on and Review~
Time for an update on the Zone Wars! If you don't want to bother, don't need to read. Really. Honestly.
Please Note: When something is listed as Pending Territory, it means that the territory is siding by default with that Army, but the Code Crown has yet to be claimed. Thus it is possible for a zone to be pending for two sides at the same time.
Xros Heart Excellion Code Crown Count: 1
Territories:
1/9 Tristain Zones Southern Tristain
Pending Territories:
8/9 Tristain Zones
(Monarchy Default Allegiance)
Notable Members:
Xros Heart
Siesta
Henrietta de la Tristain
Albion Monarch Wales Code Crown Count: 1
Territories:
1/7 Albion Zones: Eastern Albion
Pending Territories:
None
Notable Members:
Prince Wales
Albion Citizen Tiffania Code Crown Count: 1
Territories:
1/7 Albion Zones: Albion Skyline
Pending Territories:
None
Notable Members:
Tiffania, the Half Elf of the Void
Hiraga Saito, Liveslatille
Reconquista Code Crown Count: 5
Territories:
4/7 Albion Zones Including:
Central Albion, Western Albion, Northern Albion, Albion Seas (The Sea directly Below Albion)
1/16 Sea Zones: Western Albion Sea Zone
Pending Territories:
None
Notable Members:
Cromwell
Viscount Wardes
(Temp) Fouquet of the Crumbling Dust
[-] Army Code Crown Count: 24
Territories:
9/16 Sea Zones, including South Romanian Sea Zone
3/17 Germanian Zones
12/30 Elven Zones
Pending Territories:
?
Notable Members:
Cheshire Cat Smile Guy
Gallian King Joseph Code Crown Count: 16
Territories:
11/16 Gallian Zones
4/16 Sea Zones including
South Western Gallian Sea Zone, Southern Gallian Sea Zone ,
Western Gallian Sea Zone, North Western Gallian Sea Zone
1/7 Albion Zones Southern Albion (Given as Gift for Neutrality)
Pending Territories:
5/16 Gallian Zones
(Monarchy Default Allegiance)
Notable Members:
Gallian King Joseph
?, Myoznitnirn
Court of Gallia
Unclaimed Territories: 60
8/9 Tristain Territories
0/7 Albion Territories
5/16 Gallian Territories
13/13 Romalian Territories
14/17 Germanian Territories
18/30 Elven Territories
2/16 Sea Zones
And that's all. If you actually understood this, congratulations. If not, no worries, all you need to know is that Taiki is a long ways away from getting every single code crown. And yes, there are still 108 Code Crowns in this world.