Quicksilver Sash.
"You know the effect of the potion will eventually banish... Right?"
"And how long do I have to wait, huh?!"
"Well... Maybe around a month or a year... I think..."
"A year?! What the hell did you put in that potion?!"
"I-I was just experimenting with a few ingredients... It was supposed to be an aphrodisiac brew... But I guess since Miss Leona is quite resistant to magic, the potion only manipulated her feelings..."
"So you are saying she was supposed to rape or something like that, huh?!"
"N-No! I was just trying to m-maximise the effect of the potion by-"
"By turning the victim into a beast?! If we can't cure Leona, I will let you rot in jail!"
"Please, Louise...! I said I was sorry...! Forgive me...!"
"Come on, Louise... I'm pretty sure Montmorency has already apologized enough, I think you should forgive her-"
"Guiche... You do realize she wanted to turn you into her slave, right?"
"On second thought..." Guiche tried to say but Montmorency punched him.
Louise just sighed in exhaustion... It was Montmo fault after all. The stupid noble had actually crafted a real love potion in the school grounds... It was actually amazing since Louise knew such potions required a lot of skill and if the magicians weren't actually good at their job, the potion could result in disastrous consequences and even death... Louise couldn't help but admire the talent her fellow classmate displayed, Montmo was basically a genius when it came to potions and other magical brews... But love potions were considered forbidden in the kingdom of Tristain and the punishment for such crime an eternity in jail... And that was if the victim didn't request death sentence... So Montmo was basically at Louise mercy... Leona may not have a word, But Louise was the daughter of one of the most influential families in Tristain, and she WAS a close friend of queen Henrietta... Montmo ignored that last part but Louise decided it was for the best to leave that important part of her life as a secret since it could mean troubles for Henrietta.
Montmo had told Louise the effect of the potion would eventually expire... But Louise couldn't just let Leona live like that... With false feelings created by an illegal liquid, Louise knew Leona's true feelings... The Radiant Dawn considered Louise as a precious friend and now a family since the Valliere had joined the Rakkor... Louise simply didn't have the heart to see Leona like this... So she made Montmo help her fix the Radiant Dawn.
Right now, they were looking for the final ingredient of the antidote... A tear of the water spirit that dwelled in the lake of Ragdorian near of the border with the country of Gallia... After convincing Montmo with 'subtle' tactics, the water magician had acceded to go with Louise after the last part of the... Guiche simply decided to tag along, saying that as the gentleman he was, he couldn't just abandon his dear Montmorency... But Louise believed he just wanted to watch the charmed Leona for as long as possible.
Truth to be told, the Radiant Dawn was acting like a complete lovestruck teenager... Always wanting to hold Louise and keep her for herself... She acted like some sort of spoiled feline creature, always demanding Louise attention and hissing or glaring to anyone who tried to interrupt her time with her summoner... Louise couldn't deny the cuteness of the Radiant Dawn and she really wanted to enjoy the love of Leona... But she knew the Radiant Dawn was actually luring her into her hands... Leona hadn't tried anything extreme ever since the kiss at the Fairy Tavern, but Louise could see how the Sun Goddess hungered for her body... She had to spend the whole night awake just to be sure Leona didn't try anything at all... And she also had a hard time resisting the seduction of Leona.
Right now, she was on Leona's lap, riding a horse and hoping she would get the last part of the antidote... She could feel her eyelids heavy due to the all-nighter she pulled yesterday... And the soft purrs of Leona, her sweet scent, and her warmth only made Louise's more sleepy... But she had to carry one... She had to cure Leona... She really wanted to indulge herself in these faux feelings, But Leona was too important for her... So she was willing to do anything in her power to save her... She even brought Derflinger if the spirit wasn't willing to give them the tear... Louise couldn't control her powers yet... But she had confidence in the strength she had gained and in her instincts.
She was ready to kill if necessary.
"Are you alright, Louise?" The soft whisper of Leona made her shiver in delight.
"Yes... I am just thinking."
"I see... If there is something troubling, do not hesitate to tell me... You know I will do anything for your happiness, my little Louise."
"Thank you, Leona..."
"You don't have to... I do this because I love you..." Leona whispered kissing Louise forehead.
Louise clenched her teeth... She wanted to believe those words more than anything else... But she also knew those weren't Leona's words... That was the potion manipulating the heart of the Radiant Dawn... Louise needed to save Leona as fast as she could... Otherwise, she would definitely fall into the delicious trap... And she would do something Leona would not forgive her.
"We are almost there!" The voice of Montmo came from afar "Just a few more miles behind this hill!"
Yes... It was here... Louise could feel it in her heart... She could feel the aura of the spirit... It was close... Just a little bit and-
"What is this?!"
"The Valley and the town... Are flooded?!"
Louise couldn't believe her eyes... She could see the rooftops and some trees over the water... How could this be possible? She had never visited the Ragdorian but this couldn't possibly be right... Why would the lake suddenly overflow the point of flooding the village? Something was terribly wrong... She could feel the presence of the water spirit in the lake... And she was sure the spirit could feel her as well.
"What happened here?" Guiche asked in horror.
"Someone must have angered the water spirit of the lake... I came here when I was younger and the lake hadn't overflow like this... But who would be stupid enough to anger them?" Montmorency explained studying the edge of the lake.
"Then, Should we fight the spirit of what?" Louise asked.
"You can't fight a spirit... None of the elements can actually harm the spirit in any form... I formed a contract a long time ago so the spirit should listen to my request."
"Then what are you waiting for? Call the spirit already!"
"I can't... We must wait for the afternoon..." Montmorency said dismounting her horse and sitting on the grass "It's already noon so we just have to wait for a few hours..."
"Wait?! We can't wait anymore! We have to cure Leona right now!"
"It is not my fault your stupid familiar couldn't mind her own business! She is in this situation because she is busybody!"
"How dare you, Montmo!? You better take that back or else, you are going to have a really bad time!"
"Now, now girls..." Guiche tried to defuse the situation "We should remain together as the nobles we are and-"
"SHUT UP, GUICHE!" Both girls roared making the poor boy yelp quietly.
Louise huffed in anger and glared at Montmorency... This was all her fault... All because she couldn't control her boyfriend, all because she was so stupid she actually used a dangerous love potion that was forbidden by the government... Montmorency was a noble so she was aware of the consequences of her acts... And yet, she decided to act like an idiotic little girl! And the worst part was that she had actually decided to not tell Louise or Leona a single thing! Louise was completely wrong when she thought both Mott and Turenne were the worst nobles she had met... At least, those two knew what they were getting into... Montmorency was just a stupid little girl!
Louise could feel her fury boiling in her chest... She could also feel how her powers began leaking through her body as she saw both Guiche and Montmorency shiver in fear... But the soft caress of Leona in her head calmed her anger.
"It's okay..." Leona whispered in her ear "Everything will be alright... Control your emotions... The sun can be a wonderful father like a good day in spring... Or he could be a ruthless monster like a day in the desert... You must choose which one you will be..." Louise breathed slowly and deeply until the anger had banished "Feeling better?"
"Yes... I am alright now..." Leona smiled and dismounted before she helped Louise off the horse "I suppose we can wait... But I am getting the cure today!"
Leona giggled and sat on the grass... She then opened her arms and smiled to Louise... Louise knew she shouldn't allow any more of this behavior because she was sure it would be awkward once Leona was cured... But she couldn't rein over her heart... Deep inside, she knew she craved the warmth of Leona... She sighed and made herself comfortable on Leona's lap... It was warm and pleasant, Leona smelled like the sunflowers and Louise could feel her calming aura surrounding her body... She was definitely going to miss this... Although, she was sure that if she asked, the Radiant Dawn would allow her to do this every day.
But Louise wouldn't.
"You know..." The annoying voice of Montmorency killed the good mood "I can't understand why are you so mad about the whole thing... You seem to be enjoying the situation..."
"Shut up, Montmo..." Louise groaned as she hid her face in Leona's chest.
"But I really am curious about Leona's resistance to the potion... That was probably one of the best brews I have ever made... Did she really withstand all the effects?" Montmorency asked curiously.
"What do you mean with 'all the effects'?" Louise asked back a bit interested.
"I have already told you the love potion I created was designed to fill the subject-"
"Victim," Louise interjected.
"Whatever... It was supposed to fill them with a powerful aphrodisiac and an obsession with the first being they saw after drinking the potion..." Montmorency continued "But I also added some other effects that were quite interesting and useful."
"Which effects are you talking about?" Louise asked truly curious this time.
"Well... For starters, total obedience... I also added a truth serum so the... 'Target' wouldn't be able to lie... I wonder if that also worked!"
"You know... I always thought you were an arrogant girl... But now I can see you are truly diabolic... I'm so sorry the crazy one is after you, Guiche." Louise commented looking at Montmorency with disgust.
"W-What?! I was just trying to to find something else to do aside from glaring at each other! You don't have to be so aggressive!"
"You are speaking of Leona as if she was an object! You have done enough damage already, Montmo!"
"Fine! I was just trying to help!" Montmorency exclaimed truly hurt.
But Montmo had raised a pretty interesting point there... If she was right, Leona would answer any question Louise may have about everything she knew... Louise wasn't a child, so she knew that Leona was hiding dark truths in order to protect her... And while Louise was really grateful for that, a part of her wasn't in accordance with that... Especially when such secrets regarded the League of Legends and Louise's role as a summoner... But Louise couldn't just ask Leona for those secrets in front of Guiche and Montmorency... it was regrettable but those secrets would remain hidden since Louise knew Leona wouldn't speak of them unless she felt Louise was ready to hear the truth... Such a shame.
But there were other things that she could ask... Things completely normal... Things Louise was ashamed to admit she was more interested in than the secrets of the League.
The secrets of Leona's heart.
"Leona... Can I ask you a question?" Louise asked shyly.
"Of course you can!" The Radiant Dawn answered with a warm smile.
"Well..." It wasn't as easy as Louise had initially thought, but she wanted to know "You remember the whole summoning ceremony... Right?"
"Yes! You kissed me in order to seal the contract!" Much to Louise anger, both Guiche and Montmorency were completely listening to them "Why do you ask?"
"It's because that... That was... That was my first kiss!" Louise could hear the snickers of the two idiots "And I... I was wondering if that was your first kiss as well..." Louise was definitely going to kill Guiche and Montmorency after this.
"While I feel extremely honored to be your first kiss... I am afraid that wasn't my first kiss..." Leona explained a bit sad.
Well... Louise knew it was to be expected... There was no way a beautiful woman such as Leona wouldn't have a few men chasing after her... And the probability of her having a boyfriend was pretty high as well... But Louise knew she was still a maiden and that made her feel reassured... Although she wasn't sure why.
"I see... Then... Can I ask you who was your first kiss?!" Louise asked a bit more nervous than she actually tried to be... It was the time fo the truth, Louise didn't really know how she would feel about Leona's first love interest... But she really needed to know... And once again, she wasn't sure why...
"It was Diana, of course!" Leona answered with a bright smile.
...
...
What...
"Uh... You mean that Diana who became the Chosen of the Moon... That Diana who killed the elders... That Diana who hates you... Right?" Louise knew she was being rude... But she wasn't expecting that answer.
"Yes! That is correct... But Louise, you have to understand Diana wasn't always the angry and bitter woman she is now... She used to be just like you, a life-sized doll with platinum hair and sapphire eyes... She was the most beautiful I had ever seen in my life..." Leona explained with dreamy eyes.
"But... But you said you didn't love her like that?!"
"I lied!" Leona exclaimed sticking out her tongue "There was no way I was going to tell you that kind of thing!"
"So... So you love women?!" Guiche asked sadly.
"Not really..." Leona answered with a confusion "As a Rakkor woman, I feel attraction for strong men... But Diana was especial... I always felt like we were meant to be together... That's why I kissed her in the first place!"
"You forced her?!" This time, It was Montmorency who was surprised.
"Kind of... I said it was an accident... But I accidentally did that on purpose!"
"H-How can this be...?" Guiche asked shocked " But... At least I know Miss Leona loves strong men, so maybe I-"
"Guiche, I am afraid to tell you I will always see you as a weak, childish and pathetic boy!" Leona told him bluntly.
"So mean!"
Guiche didn't have enough time to feel miserable because Montmorency was already storming on him, Leona giggled as she watched the young lovebirds' quarrel... Louise was the only one who was very far away from there... She always had the suspicion that Leona hadn't been honest with her feeling towards the Lunari... But why did it bother her so much? It wasn't like she cared that much for who Leona loved... At least, that was what she had been saying to herself... But the reality was different... And it hurt...
"Leona..." Louise whispered softly.
"Yes?" Leona whispered as well, feeling the conflict in Louise's mind.
"W... What do you... What do you feel about me...? Do you... Do you truly love me as you said before...?"
"... I... I don't know... I can feel my heart beating whenever you are by my side... But I am also aware of the potion that runs through my veins... I simply don't know how I feel... I want to believe my feelings for you are real... But I want you to know Louise that even if these feelings do disappear after I drink the antidote, I made a promise... I promised you I would be your shield... And even if you can't forgive me... I will always be by your side... I am the Sun, and the Sun shines for everyone who needs it."
Louise knew Leona's words were sincere and kind... She would never abandon Louise... Maybe Leona did not love her... Maybe this was a simple dream... A cruel dream that was bound to be forgotten at the end of the night... But the Sun would always rise for Louise... And just like the Father in the Sky, Leona would always be there for her... Leona was the Sun, Leona was Louise's familiar, Leona was the Radiant Dawn...
But above everything else...
Leona was Louise shield...
And the Dawn of the Zero.
"I think it's time..." Montmorency commented getting up and dusting her skirt, the sky above was dyed with orange and red and the early moons could be seen at the distance "Let us proceed."
Louise felt weak... She wasn't ready to get up... She wasn't ready to let go of the warmth of Leona... She wasn't ready to weak up... But the gentle smile of Leona erased her doubts and fears... She was no longer the little and scared girl she was in the past... She wasn't the failure and shame of her family... She wasn't the Zero... She was a Rakkor, she was a Solari, she was the Chosen of the Sun... And she was the Radiant Dawn of Halkeginia.
"Alright, Robin..." Montmorency spoke to her frog "Look for the water spirit and show them this..." She took out a needle from her pocket, pricked her finger, and smeared a small blood drop on Robin's head "Tell the ancient spirit of the Lake that your master wishes to meet them... Good luck, Robin" And with that, Montmorency threw the small frog into the river "if Robin finds them, He will bring them here..."
"Will they come?" Louise asked watching the waters of the lake.
"I don't know... My father brought me here many years ago in order to make a contract with the spirit... If the spirit remembers me, they will come to us..."
"And how do we get the tear? Do we need to kill it or something like that?" Louise asked fastening Derflinger to her back.
"There is no way a normal human can fight a spirit!" Montmorency exclaimed horrified at Louise idea "If you anger the spirit, they might actually kill us! Besides, 'Tear' is just a common name... What we are asking for is a part of their body."
So the spirit was that strong... Louise had no doubt Leona could defeat such monster easily... But she had her own share of worries... The sun was already setting and the night was beginning... Leona had told Louise it was forbidden to call for the Sun in the middle of the night... Not because it was impossible or something like that, but because it could actually damage the body and the soul... Louise decided it was for the best if Leona didn't fight at all... She was still the Radiant Dawn but Louise wasn't sure how the potion would affect her powers... If they did have to fight the spirit, it would be Louise job to defeat it if possible... The young Valliere didn't count Guiche and Montmorency in her plans because they were simply too weak... It would be her job to finish any treat ahead of her.
"It's coming!" Montmorency exclaimed pointing at the middle of the lake.
The waters began twisting and a geyser exploded in the middle of it, propelling the liquid into the skies creating rainbows and showering the land nearby... Louise could feel and see the form of the spirit hiding in the waters, it was as strong as she had thought... But it wasn't impossible to defeat, she was sure she could fight it and even defeat it... As long as she trusted in in her instincts and in Derflinger, she could win any battle...
"My, my..." She heard the sword cackle behind her " It has certainly been a while, hasn't it?" Louise tried to make some sense of Derflinger's words but the voice of Montmorency distracted her.
"I am Montmorency Margarita la Fere de Montmorency..." She chanted slowly "Member of the ancient clan of water masters who signed a pact with your kin... If you remember my blood, answer me in words I can understand."
The geyser of water twisted itself unnaturally and began shaping its form... It began with a fish-like tail at the end of it, followed by the petite body of a young woman, the arms were formed afterward with long and graceful fins in each one, the face of the creature was of a beautiful maiden crowned by a regal and humble tiara made of material Louise had never seen in her entire life... The creature seemed to float over the water and with the last movement of her hands, a staff with the symbol of the tides appeared by her side... The creature stared at each one of them... But it seemed to have a peculiar interest on Louise and Leona.
"Oh! It's Nami!" The Radiant Dawn exclaimed happily, earning a hush from Montmorency.
"I remember the liquid that runs through your veins, feeble human..." The spirit spoke icily.
"I feel honored, Great spirit of the waters..." Montmorency said with a bow "I have come here with a request... I wish for you to share a small part of your body, Great spirit of the waters..."
"I refuse, feeble human..." The spirit answered bluntly.
"Wha... Great spirit! Why would you deny-" But before Montmorency could finish her question, she was shoved away by Louise "Whar are you doing, Zero?!"
"Spirit of the lake!" Louise spoke with determination "I wish to know why you refuse to aid us!"
"I simply had no interest in the matters of the mortals, feeble hu... No... You are not a feeble human... I can sense something different inside of you, Master of Lifprasir... What exactly are you, Master of Lifprasir?" The spirit asked with interest.
"I do not know what is this 'Lifprasir' you speak of... But I am Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere, a daughter of the Sun and the future Radiant Dawn of Halkeginia!" Louise answered calling for the power of the Sun and allowing it to feel her being with its might "Now give me a proper answer and tell me why you refuse to give us a part of your body, spirit!"
"I will give you a part of my body, daughter of the Sun..." The spirit answered slowly.
"Then I suppose I have no other choice but to... I'm sorry... What did you say?"
"I said I will give a part of my body, daughter of the Sun..."
"Uh... Thanks, I suppose... But why?"
"The tribe I was originated in, the Marai, spoke of an ancient legend created at the beginning of everything... They spoke of the Sun and the Moon and how the father and the mother in the sky would bring balance in the Celestial vault that is the sky... If you have been awakened in this world, daughter of the Sun, that means the daughter of the Moon will soon arise and join you in order to bring glory to the kingdom of silver and gold... It is the mission of the Marai to aid the Chosen of the Moon... And you are the only once who can find and protect her, daughter of the Sun." The spirit spoke softly.
"Well... I suppose if you put it like that... I guess I can accept your reasoning... But it leaves a bad taste in my mouth to accept your help with nothing in exchange. If there is something I can help you with, tell me and I shall fight for your cause..."
"I appreciate your kindness, daughter of the Sun... I wish for you to end the lives of my enemies..."
"Your enemies?"
"Feeble humans whose objective is to end our own existence... Please, daughter of the Sun, protect me from their evil deeds..."
"Hmph! I suppose I can do that much... Very well! I shall deal with them tonight!" Louise claimed with pride.
"We thank you for your kindness, daughter of the Sun... And we will be waiting for your victory..." The water spirit said before it returned to the lake.
Louise could feel the Rakkor ways burning in her chest... The thrill of the battle... She was sure the water spirit was quite strong, so the enemies were equally strong or stronger of they were trying to kill such powerful spirit... She could taste their blood in her mouth, she could hear Derflinger clashing against their steel or their magic, she could smell the victory ahead of her... She lifted her gaze and saw the dying sun on the horizon... The enemies were going to try something in the middle of the night when Louise's and Leona's powers were harder to use... But the young Valliere couldn't help but smile in excitement.
They now had a chance to defeat the Solari...
A small chance.
"I have already told you I don't want to do it!" Montmo complained once again. "You should have just taken the tear! We could be at the academy by now!"
"And I have already told you I couldn't care less about your complaints, Montmo! It is your fault we are here doing this! And you will stay until the end!" Louise replied once again with anger "Now shut up and let my focus... If my assumptions are right, the magicians behind these attacks must be incredibly strong if they are trying to defeat the spirit of the Lake..."
"Maybe I should fight as well..." Leona commented nuzzling Louise's cheek.
"N-No!" Louise exclaimed nervously as she pushed Leona gently "I-I told you I want you to stay out of this until you are cured!" Leona pouted and hugged Louise "Guiche, Montmo, and I will deal with this problem by ourselves."
"Then I think we need a plan!" Guiche said with a wide smile "We should divide our forces and attack the enemy from every flank and-"
"You are so weak the enemy will defeat you with a single hit." Both Louise and Montmorency stated cruelly.
"SO MEAN!" Guiche cried in despair
"The plan is actually simple..."Louise continued ignoring Guiche's whimpering "I will distract them and Guiche will strike from the back... Leona will only act if necessary... Montmo, you stay here and look for her."
"I suppose I can do that much... And stop calling me Montmo!"
"Whatever... Leona, stay with Montmo and only help me if I request it, do you understand?"
"But... But Louise...!"
"It is an order."
"Fine... But I don't have to like it!" Leona said puffing her cheeks.
"Very good... Let's go, Guiche." Louise said dragging the crying form of Guiche towards the lake.
It was a beautiful night outside... The crickets were singing and the fireflies were dancing... The light of the twin moons illuminated the hill where she predicted the magicians would appear... She waited at the shore of the lake with Derflinger's hilt on her hand... She could see Guiche behind a tree preparing his golems and other magic tricks he had in store... But if Louise was right, the would do little in the fight... Nothing more but annoying distractions designed to give Louise time to disengage and reposition herself... It wasn't the best plan, but it was the only thing Louise could do without relying on Leona's power... Besides, this was a good practice for the Rakkor initiation.
"They are here, partner!" Derflinger cackled in excitement, the sword also missed the battle.
Louise was able to see at the distance two hooded figures getting closer... The shorter one was holding a staff while the taller one was apparently unarmed... But Louise could guess they had their wand hidden somewhere in the cloak... For now, she just needed to wait for the perfect moment to strike with precision and-
"TAKE THIS, YOU EVILDOERS!" Guiche yelled summoning his golems and throwing them at the enemies... It was needless to say that both, Guiche and the golems were blasted away with an explosion of fire and wind.
"Derf..."
"What partner?"
"Could you help me remember why did we include that idiot in the plan?"
"Because you knew exactly this was going to happen... So you could say that idiot has been already punished!"
"Good point... One less thing I have to worry about..." Louise breathed deeply feeling the air filling her lungs "Let's do this, Derf!"
"Go get 'em, partner!"
Louise waited patiently at the shore of the lake for the enemies to notice her... The first one to do it was the taller one... Louise didn't need to see their faces to realize they were confused, the way their bodies moved told her everything she needed to know... With a wild smile on her face, she rushed towards the enemies at an alarming speed... She could feel how the wind was breaking with her body as she unsheathed Derflinger from his scabbard, the magical sword laughed maniacally when Louise lunged his blade to the closest target.
The shorter enemy summoned a wall of thick ice in front of her... But it was useless, Derflinger cut through the wall as if it was made of wet bread... Using the momentum of her last attack, Louise spun on her own axis bringing down the full length of Derflinger on the head of the shorter enemy... But before she could cleave the enemy, a sudden burst of fire made her redirect Derflinger towards the fire. The magical sword cut through the sea of fire and to Louise surprise, it absorbed the fire as if it was some sort of food.
"Thanks for the meal!" Derflinger burped with a cackle.
Louise smiled as she felt a new surge of ecstasy soaring through her veins... She could feel the shock and the fright in her enemies, they simply couldn't believe a small child like her was giving them the hardest battle of their life... And Louise was going to make sure this was their last.
With this new energy, Louise dashed towards the fire enemy with Derflinger ready behind to cut them in half... But once again, she was interrupted when a barrage of ice spikes were shot at her. Louise somersaulted backward in order to dodge all of them, she kept jumping away until she was at the shore again... She focused on the enemies and realized they were now together chanting something... She could see the tip of the wand and the staff glowing in synchrony... Fire and Air waves surrounded the magicians and Louise could guess what they were trying to do: A hellish storm... Sounded like fun.
"Derf... Do you trust me?" Louise asked as she watched how the storm began scorching the soil beneath it.
"I will follow to the depths of the abyss and beyond, pinkie..." The cackling sound of Derflinger came through the sizzle of the lake being evaporated.
"Then... Let the sun guide us to victory!" Louise exclaimed before she rushed towards the storm.
The enemies saw her come and directed the wand and the staff at her... The firestorm groaned with anger as it burned everything that it touched... Louise smiled as she was getting close to the living hell in front of her... And on the last moment...
She threw Derflinger through the skies and hopped into the firestorm.
Louise felt the intense fire of the blazing brimstone... She could feel how her clothes scorched beneath the hellish pressure of the storm... But her mind was clear and her body was unharmed... The sharp pain in her chest was just an annoyance... She could see how the Eclipse began forming around her, this little fire was nothing in comparison with the fury of the King of the Celestial Vault... It was as if the world was moving in slow-motion... She could see the waves of fire colliding against her golden orb of sun energy... And when it was ready, she screamed in fury and exploded, the golden waves burned the walking hell easily as if it was nothing but a warm breeze... Louise emerged right in front of the enemies, she could see how they tried to get away from her... But with a mighty roar, Louise's tiny hands grabbed the enemies with an iron grip and she smashed their bodies into the ground... She lifted her hand to the skies just in time to catch Derflinger and placed the edge of the blade on the throat of the taller enemy.
"It's over" Louise voice resonated through the night "You better yield to me before I had to deal with you and your friend for good-"
"Louise?" Called a terrified but familiar and annoying voice.
The taller figure removed their hood slowly to reveal the familiar red hair and tanned skin... Her orange and frightened eyes were pierced by the molten orbs of Louise, small tears began forming on Kirche's eyes as she witnessed how the little girl she used to tease so much had her life in her hands... Words of regret and plead ran through Kirche's throat... But the burning fury in Louise's eyes made those words die in Kirche's tongue... She prayed to Brimir and hoped he had a place for her in the afterlife.
"Kirche? What are you doing here?" It wasn't the voice of a monster, it was Louise's confused voice... And Kirche was thankful for that. "And Tabitha is here too? What are you two doing here in the middle of the night?!"
"Could ask you the same?" Tabitha asked as calmly as always.
"Montmo did something stupid and poisoned Leona with a love potion..." Louise explained as she helped Kirche and Tabitha up "The last ingredient is the 'tear' of the water spirit... As a favor to her, I was tasked with the elimination of her enemies... But I can't believe you two are the enemies... How did that happen?"
"Water levels were rising. Flooding was getting out of control. The land was getting harmed. Had to deal with it one way or another."
"I see... Montmo did mention the water spirit was angry... Maybe I can ask her why is she angry and then we can help her solve her problem so... Why are you staring at me like that, Zerbst?" Louise finally asked as she couldn't take how annoying the Kirche was acting.
Kirche simply wanted to make sure the girl in front of her was the Valliere and no one else... Through her scorched clothes, Kirche could see the milky skin of the Valliere. He childish body hadn't changed a single bit, there were no lumps of fat but the muscles were also missing... So Kirche had no idea how Louise had managed to defeat Tabitha's and her joint attack with ease... She also noted the long-sword she was holding... Kirche knew the Valliere would never use such dangerous weapon...
Just... Who was this girl?
"Louise!" Came a familiar voice "Louise! Are you okay?" Leona appeared from behind the trees being followed by Montmorency and a beaten up Guiche.
"I could be better... My clothes are a mess... But I have no wounds." Louise explained sheathing Derflinger behind her back.
"I was so worried about you, Louise," The Radiant Dawn said hugging Louise "And I told you not to use the power of the Sun in the middle of the night!"
"I am sorry..." Louise said with a guilty smile "But I needed it..."
"At least you are alright..." Leona exclaimed in relief.
"Wha- Kirche and Tabitha were the enemies?!" Montmorency exclaimed in surprise "No wonder Guiche was defeated so easily!"
"SO MEAN!" Guiche cried again.
"Well... With this out of the way, I think we can deal with the other problem..." Louise said as she stood at the shore "Water Spirit! I have defeated your enemies! I wish to speak with you again!"
"If you think the spirit will just come whenever you call her then you are completely w-" Montmo began but to her surprise, the Marai did appear in front of Louise "How did you do that?!"
"I can see you didn't fail us, daughter of the Sun..." The water spirit spoke softly "We are thankful for your services and we give you what we promised..." A small and blue bottle hovered until it landed on Montmorency's hands.
"It was quite easy... But I want to ask you why are you flooding the valley?"
"Your kind has stolen a treasure that was given to me to protect for all eternity, a relic of the ancient isles that used to overflow with life before the black mist... The ring of Andvari."
"Do you know who stole that ring from you?"
"I only know the name of one of them: Cromwell."
"I see... Great water spirit... I want to make another deal with you, I will recover your ring from the hands of this Cromwell... But in exchange, I want you to return the lake to its place."
"Will you really help me once again, Daughter of the Sun?"
"I promise I will."
"Then I will trust in the Master of Lifprasir... But I have another gift for you, daughter of the Sun..." A small and brilliant orb emerged from the waters revealing a black pearl "The daughter of the Moon will be chosen on this realm... This Moonstone will allow you to find her... Please, protect her, daughter of the Sun." The small pearl floated until it landed on Louise's hands "We will pray for your success, Daugther of the Sun." And with that, the Marai returned to the depths of the lake.
It was awkward.
It was painful and suffocating.
It was Louise room.
Louise was sitting on the bed while Leona was on the table... It had been an hour since Leona had finally drunk the antidote... The effects of the potion were immediately cured and now she just remained there in complete silence... Louise couldn't really blame her... Even the Valliere wanted to disappear and become air or something like that... Hell, even Derflinger could feel the pressure of the situation and remained quiet and hidden in his sheath... Louise knew there were things she needed to ask because she knew Leona could remember every second she spent charmed by the potion... Leona knew very well she had said many things she wanted to hide... The Radiant Dawn lifted her gaze and was surprised when she saw her summoner yelp in surprise and try to look inconspicuous.
Leona was forgetting that her summoner was a child... A teenager that was going through puberty... A child that had lived suffering the bullying of her peers... A child that had accepted the overwhelming destiny as the Chosen of the Sun... Yes, Louise was just a child... A child that needed a guide during this hard stage of her life... Louise needed an adult to guide her and protect her from the cruel world... And ven though Leona didn't have as much experience as she wished she had... She was going to try her best.
She slowly got up and made her way towards the bed, she sat beside Louise and hugged the child softly... She felt how Louise shivered in her warm embrace and she caressed her head... Louise needed Leona... And Leona needed Louise.
"It's okay..." Leona whispered softly "We can take our time to figure things out... It's okay, I promise I would be there for you... SO don't worry... It's okay..."
Louise lifted her gaze and stared into the molten orbs of Leona... It never ceased to amaze her just how beautiful Leona's eyes were... Louise could feel her desires betraying her reasoning, she knew Leona would not refuse her... But her pride was stopping her from closing the gap... Her lips looked so soft... Louise needed to get away... She needed to escape... Before she did something she would regret... But Leona smelled so good... So Louise simply gave up and-
The window of the room was suddenly opened and a hooded figure floated inside, both Louise and Leona already had their swords ready and were preparing their attack when the figure spoke.
"This place is in such good spirits as I remember" The figure spoke with a soft voice.
"Princess Henrietta?" Louise and Leona asked in shock.
"You guessed right!" The princess said as she took off her hood "Louise... Leona... Please... Save Tristain."
Well, Hello there...
This is the corner where I will answer you question or things like that...
Here we go...
Ridli Scott: The five hundred is actually a reference... Because you start with 500 G on summoners rift. :3
valguienmas1: Ke, Ke, ke... Don't worry, I'll be sure to choose wisely. :3