Author Notes:
To be perfectly honest, I don't think its ever said in the official Brimir Faith about the 'genocide elves' thing as I don't remember it from the books or anime. However, from a logical perspective it makes sense. In order to make destroying a entire people and sleep at night, you first have to demonize them to the point they become 'the other'.
Once that's achieved, then the 'other' could be dealt with all kinds of abuse. It's been shown in history time and time again and sadly even in present. That said, its obvious the whole situation isn't black and white but the full details are never given. That said, the elves being stronger and long lived don't care but that's not the point. It's more making it easier to sleep at night for the humans by killing even children if the crusade was successful without losing sleep over it if they're basically just Hell-Spawn in humanoid form.
Also, in case anyone is wondering about the bits and pieces of convo between Levante and Saito about earth in a public area there was a method to the madness.
1 The group was at the very far end table, so no one would be hearing much or paying attention.
2 Even if they did, considering they have absolutely no proof of their claims, it would be considered a group of crazies or a bunch of people telling extremely tall tales. After all, while not a bar it is similar and those people are inclined to hugely exaggerate or tell all kinds of stories. Even so, it was best to hold the rest in private as a just in case.
It still, in hindsight may not have been the smartest decision even with those into account but it does make some sense. In regards to Tiffania revealing her half-elf nature; some may feel it too soon but I think it would be something she'd do considering. Remember how she acted at the academy, and even going through the the 'boiling' thing.
Vittorio frowned, putting another book as he searched through the grand library. Books upon shelves of books seem to stretch on endlessly and curve to other parts of the room. It was without a doubt the largest concentration of books in Halkgenia, even beating the royal library but it also made it that much harder to find things at times.
Three years ago no one would have expected the young man to be in his current position, he after all was very young compared to many of the politicians and popes that had came long before him. As such as he was underestimated and dismissed.
This had led to a variety of 'accidents' of his much older, and many would say political betters that allowed him to rise as one of the youngest Pope's in recent history. The people before had been far too slow and short-sighted for the challenges ahead. If it was left to them, the human race would go extinct before too long.
After that it was matter of cleaning out the incompetent and going over those who just needed guidance with some gentle, but firm combing through. Not all were too far lost that they couldn't be made to serve the task of protecting humanity at hand; much like worn out swords they only needed a bit of fixing to be straight again.
Still, it had been far from a easy task. If he had not kept his wits about him he would have lost his own head in return. Even now he had to be careful.
All this was for the simple fact of one thing:
If something wasn't done, humanity at least in this part of the world would die.
Over the many years, the Windstones which helped make Halkegenia what it was today would ironically also be its undoing. Eventually the stones would overturn the entire land which would cause a lack of resources. It would not be that which would cause humanity to cease here, but the vicious in fighting that would take places to survive on increasingly limited food and the like.
This was why despite everything else, he had decided if it meant he'd become a monster he'd do it.
Already many things had been set into motion and the weight of his sins were at times crushing but he would do whatever it took to save them. Assuming his plans worked out and he was able to gather all the Void Mages, he would be able to take back the Holy Lands. The land of birth, and also the land of their salvation.
The death of elves of those lands would be needed. Talking would be pointless to heretical savages who wouldn't and couldn't understand in his eyes. They would take back what was theirs in the first place whether they wanted to cooperate or not as the time for talking had come passed.
Pausing as they reached a far wall that seemed a dead end, he pressed a single hand against the surface as it groaned in protest before it turned allowing them to slip through and close behind him. A massive array of weapons and items that ranged from fire arms to more exotic such as a few glowing orbs encased in glass cases.
While all these items had their own charm and interest, some were more then others. This was simply one of the many hidden vaults within Romalia that kept many of the churches and world's hidden mysteries stashed away. Over the years, it had become a rather large collection of odd to extremely powerful items which origin often times couldn't be figured out.
Vittorio knew better as did the few others what many of the items represented if the full truth came out and that was basically the death knell of the church's power. The knowledge of different worlds would fundamentally challenge the core doctrine depending on what was encountered. That was why it was decided it was best to leave such things out for now, besides such things would be of no use to them when their own world was in such dire straights.
Just as I remember it.
At the furthest end and in a very thick glass case reinforced with magic were four pendants attached to a necklace. For the most part nothing out of the ordinary would stand out except for the slight and faint glow from time to time of the pendant itself.
These were the magical pedants belonging to people known as The Five in far distant past.
Long ago but still after the great Brimir's death, five individuals had used these items to transform into special magical warriors defending those under their care. In those times they had fought demons and all matter of other strange and legendary beings. Their power had been great enough to break the back of armies both commoner and Noble alike. Some argued their power exceeded that of Brimir, but that was of course regarded as foolish commoner talk and blasphemy in itself.
Yet despite this, The Five hadn't been interested in much of the politics and instead defending people or even taking the crusade against the elves. Over time the legend had become very much watered down and missing some parts even with the church doing their best to construct with the best kept records. The Five, if history is be believed, were not of this world themselves.
Vittorio placed his hand on the glass case, feeling a slight pulse even from there even now. Many times in test Nobles had come to see if the power would be blessed upon them only for nothing to happen when it was used. Time and time again this happened, until eventually it was concluded they simply didn't know how to work or they were broken.
He knew better. The items thought all present were unworthy of their power. Vittorio knew this because the werealive. Whatever their origin may have been, they had a mind of their own and wouldn't allow just anyone to use it; anyone with the gifts of magic would be able to tell when holding them. If and when they thought the person was unworthy they would dismiss it thus making it more of a partnership then anything.
If only he could get the them to work surely they would prove invaluable on the crusade against elf kind..
Musing were cut short when all of the pendants began glowing brightly causing him to shield his eyes as it reached its apex before dying down. When the light faded, it revealed a empty glass case which caused the young pope's eyes to widen, almost subconsciously taking a step back.
This wasn't good, and he had no clue what exactly had happened but he was going to find out. The items of the Five couldn't just be lost to fate.
In her all her life Henrietta hadn't ever been as lost as she felt right now.
The meeting had raised so many questions in the young monarch's mind and also with them a large variety of concerns and musings of her own. One of the very first was the new revelation of not just other world's within the stars just out of their reach but literal other worlds that existed even further away; 'dimensions' as they were called.
When she was a child, Henrietta had read stories of world's like that, even in some books the main character could enter into books themselves to experience other places. To think there was actual truth to stories like that made the young woman eager to learn more before the somber reality hit after her high of learning of these new things.
No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't visit those other world and dimensions. She was like a bird within a cage; no matter how beautiful it may have been it didn't change the fact she was bounded to this one due to her duties.
Not the first time and won't be the last. Henrietta thought wistfully.
On a lighter note what she was able to learn from the meeting besides news of world's were this 'New Calus' Henry and the others arrived in. Apparently at least according to him the place was east from the academy and a bit a ways out from here. It was home to a variety of races, some quite fascinating and others at least one in particular she wasn't too sure of.
Elves were one of her main concerns and though they were indeed from another world and therefore different from Halkgenia's elves there was still some reservations. Personally, Henrietta didn't have much feelings for them positive or negative. But the rest of the world including many subjects would feel otherwise.
What would the His Holiness think of such a thing? Other countries? If she offered them some sort of trade would that then be their eyes a betrayal and thus excuse to cleanse them? What would many think of different energies that could be learned by anyone such as this 'Ki' that could rival magic? There were many doubts and concerns that weighed heavily on her mind.
According to Henry, the elves and humanity were friends and allies along with other races but they had been enemies in the past with many conflicts before then. Part of the reason for this changing of relations had been simply necessity as their home, earth, was apparently a hot spot for other worlds to enter. The Ralphlim for example, had to flee their home dimension Noreal after their Great Tree which sustained life began to wither and die, slowly taking the world with it.
They came into earth and apparently scattered to other worlds to live. It was lucky by that time the people were more accepting and in turn they gained staunch powerful allies.
Simply adapt or die. There hadn't been exactly too many other options.
On top of that, certain people had helped pushed for better relationships between the races. Lord Reifer, a dragon had been a key player among many in helping those matters along with his now wife Iliara who was a..Wind Youkai? The foreign name and tongue sounded so strange to her even now where they lived together at present in Halzara: an neighboring realm and ally of earth's.
Despite Henry's kindly demeanor that reminded her of a old grandfather, there had been something else there. More to the point a reason for showing them about the demons and a bit of what they and the races of that world were capable of via those Arcane Recorders.
A show of power, giving them somewhat idea of what they could potentially face if they crossed paths. It was hardly everything and Henrietta suspected Henry was hiding a great many things—which she couldn't rightfully blame him being a ruler herself but it was still enough to let her know she didn't want a conflict by any stretch of the imagination.
Dragons that far put their own to shame, cutting giant swaths of destruction in their wake.,Nosferartu as the race was called creating shadows as large and imposing as some of the buildings seen. The races were fierce apart, but they were all the more fiercer when they worked together against the demons.
And if a small town that had been dragged here against its will that had such warriors her country couldn't afford a direct conflict with Earth itself.
Even if they were more comparable to what she was used to, the sheer numbers would crush them if not just bleed them dry resources wise. Unlike Halkgenia, earth was united and along with that they had other allies connected to them. Simply put if nothing else sheer numbers would crush them. If they made blood enemies out of them and they managed to go back home..
No. They couldn't afford it even if all of them had been line mages at best in power. More importantly she hoped many others weren't stupid enough to throw themselves body first into the dragon's fiery maw. Henry's people and by reflection earth seemed like a decent lot as they simply wanted to be left alone besides some trading until they could get back home.
If they could become allies and trusted friends to Henry's people and by proxy those of earth, then Henrietta could only imagine the potential gain. It was a far cry better then becoming enemies and it could potentially open untold possibilities.
Simply put, the myriad of ways it could help Tristian and potentially her whole world was too much of a opportunity to at least not try before their chance was lost forever. No doubt the other powers would be planning their moves accordingly or even had a similar idea.
She disliked the idea of scheming but it was part of her world now and she did genuinely want to get to know their people more.
Sighing, she brushed herself off as she stood to her full height as she looked herself over in the mirror. Two days since the first meeting and now only another day before the last one had concluded and things had gone reasonably well despite the last one having it take place within the palace walls.
Classes in the academy had naturally been closed down and when they would open their doors was unknown but it would take some time. In the mean time, Louise along with a few others had came here while others went home if they could.
A soft knocking was heard at the door, the female guard took a silent cursory glance at the crowned princess who nodded.
Entering was Louise and her familiar Avril once again, the former eyes lighting up as she came over. "Prin-Henrietta. What did you summon us for?" Out of habit she had almost called her princess but in private she had stressed she could relax more as they were just among friends.
"I wanted to see how you were holding up—and I have a request. Before I get to that I want to see how you two have been adjusting here," Henrietta offered a small smile. "Was the food to your liking?"
"Of course!" Louise replied without missing a beat. "The chefs really know how to properly make meals which is more then I can say for some."
Avril shrugged a bit but added in. "I don't need to eat, but its just as well. I liked the taste." It was short and to the point but Avril had never been one for much small talk.
The guard after a moment excused themselves and left out the door to stand outside, closing the door gently behind them. Henrietta smiled, nodding. "I'm glad. I'm hoping while you stay here because of the accident at the school you find yourself at home. I've arranged to make contact with your mother-" Louise made a strange noise in the back of her throat. "-As she's your parent she does deserve to know as does your father."
Louise's reaction was not joy but one of dread and something else. "Ah..would..that really be needed?"
"Of course," Henrietta's smile slowly turn into a frown, noting her reaction. "..Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing!" Louise spoke too quickly as she waved her arms, Avril raising a brow. "Nothing at all! Just forget I said anything."
"It doesn't sound like nothing.." Avril mumbled under her breath but otherwise let it drop.
Henrietta wasn't sure about Louise's behavior but she'd ask about it later. "That said, the real reason I asked you Louise and you too Avril is I need your help. I have very few people that I can trust and the situation with New Calus is very delicate. I would like you to go there and get to know Henry and the others."
Louise's eyes widened. Shock, disbelief and a bit of hope was shone. "You're..trusting me with this?" It came out as a whisper.
Avril didn't react at first but said something on Louise's mind. "Why though? Don't you have trained diplomats? It's not that I don't have faith in Louise-" The small admission seemed to perk the youngest Vallerie up. "-But at the same time I'm just trying to find your line of reasoning behind it. As you said the whole thing is delicate."
"It's because as I said there are few people I can trust right now, without their own agenda." Henrietta said sincerely. "The situation with New Calus is not just a foreign affairs event; its something that can change the whole power structure of Halkgenia, even the best may be tempted to do something. I will still have diplomats of course, but I'm more asking for your perspective and presence."
Louise felt overwhelmed, her knee's almost buckled. "Of course I'll accept-"
She was cut off by the older woman gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "No Louise," She began, her voice was gentle but firm as a bit of confusion reflected in Louise's eyes. "Not as your queen or royalty but asking as a friend. Do you want to do it Louise?"
This time Louise did pause, but she was not any less resolute. "I'll do that and then some."
In response Henrietta gave a more warmer but tired smile as she retracted her hand. "Good. You two are free to relax for now, but tomorrow you'll head out. I believe Sir Henry and his people will be up in the higher rooms so seek them out then. If you can't find them, then the guards should show you."
That seemed acceptable, but Avril had something else on her mind. "How are the other powers taking things?"
The young woman's mood went down a notch. "I'm..not sure. Obviously finding out about elves was upsetting but seeing what they're potentially capable of and not being from this world tempered things. Some clearly aren't happy about things. I just hope no one does anything reckless. No doubt their planning of how to handle things."
"No offense, but I hate politics." Avril said with a grunt. Henrietta smile was slightly bitter.
"On that we both agree Avril."
Louise felt a bit of joy and dread in the pit of her stomach after the meeting with Henrietta not too long ago. She was naturally honored at such a chance to do something of importance but that horrible self doubt and loathing—ironically the same Avril seemed to have to a degree clawed at her mockingly.
After all she was always the one that was failing leaving aside her academic achievements. But even her spells which always promptly exploded in her face(and usually the general area) then she could at least do something. It didn't have to be magic like the others but become at least somebody of renowned and respect.
They said a familiar reflected the potential and personality in some way as a mage.
Kriche was a obvious example: a fire Salamander that burned just as brightly as that annoying passion of hers.
Tabtiha had a powerful dragon, a creature that demanded respect and power. It did not have to grandstand or boast. It simply was. It's presence even silent let others know of this fact.
Then that left Avril who was a oddity.
She wasn't a majestic dragon or a fierce Gryphon but there was no doubt now that Avril was certainly powerful in her own right. More then that, she had remarked she wasn't as strong as she was used to when coming here and therefore weaker. If so, how powerful was she?
That aside with Avril had been the introduction of worlds. Other worlds! Even now the concept seemed completely surreal there was other places in the sky and dimensions. For all her strength, and the knowledge from this, Avril seemed to have a self-loathing about herself that no doubt shaped how she viewed and interacted with everyone.
That thought had come later but as she did, and Louise had mused of what Avril represented exactly as a familiar that she saw a bit of herself there in that sense. Except Louise still didn't believe she had any noteworthy strength.
At the arrival of their room down the long hall, Avril went to the window to look out the streets down below while Louise proceeded to get dressed in a nightgown and crawl into her bed. Tomorrow was going to be quite the day and she wanted to get well rested.
"..That story where you got my name," Avril started quietly, back turned as she stared out the window. "Could you tell me the story?"
Not expecting anything in this regard took Louise off guard as her eyes opened and she stood half way up in her bed. "Why do you want to know?"
"I just.." Avril paused before turning around. "I just want to know. Names usually have meaning and you picked that story so I would like to know."
Louise hadn't expected this but it was a reasonable request all the same and she nodded reciting the story from memory.
"On a isolated cabin in the woods, there was a mage who wanted to create a living doll that was not only like a human but very strong as well. He was old and weak by the time he finally finished after many years of failing before the doll was made. When the doll came to life, they didn't have a name and the person who created them died. Without a name or purpose, they wandered about the land."
"The doll was lonely. They had no friends and they knew next to nothing about the world besides the basics of what the magic gave them. Still they searched for a home and a name. Eventually they found a small village where the people who greeted them."
Avril said nothing merely moving a chair that had been in the corner wall to sit nearby as Louise spun her story. She actually had a talent for it.
"Why don't you have a name? One of them asked, a little girl and the doll said they just didn't. So the little girl introduced herself as Ambre and said the doll's name was now Avril. For a time, Avril still found herself lost in the world but she was happy to have a friend, and a name."
"One day, a horrible monster attacked and Avril being the only one that could fight confronted them. In a long battle, Avril defeated the monster and the village accepted her as family. She finally found what she was looking for."
"And they lived happily ever after?" Avril questioned neutrally.
Louise nodded. "More or less. Mother told me the story when I was small, but I still remember it clearly. I'm not sure why I liked it so much even then. But..I heard in the original before it was changed Avril dies.." She mumbled the last part.
"I see," Avril answered casually. "Though, the way you sounded almost scared of your mother earlier. What is she like?"
"She's.." Louise felt the words close but couldn't push them passed her tongue at first. "She's very stern and unyielding. Like the stone among the ocean. Some part of me is scared of her or rather not meeting her expectations. But.." Her eyes softened. "..My mother, Karin, there's a lot more to her. She's not a heartless monster or built of granite. It's just only a select few people get to see it."
Avril greeted Louise's confession with patient silence before speaking again. "I don't know what it's like to have a parent in that sense, good or bad. In that way its not something I could ever relate to. I don't think I told you about myself. At least my past or how I got here."
"I didn't want to pry," Louise admitted after a pregnant pause. "I don't know what it is you went through but you keep guarded about it and what you did tell me sounded horrible."
"There was twelve of us," Avril said finally and Louise went quite, listening. "We didn't really have names, so we just were referred to as numbers. I can remember my first thoughts of not knowing where I was and being in a white room and scared. It was explained to us we had certain expectations that had to be met but it was very..vague at the time. The people responsible for our existence was called Vertex Enterprise and its a place that stretches to multiple planets."
"The people working where were born, they were at least kind in raising us as small children but naturally that eventually wasn't enough when we got old enough. So we had to run 'test'. To see how we stacked up against creatures they had made. When some of the people protested they were removed either politely or by force."
Louise felt something twitch. She wasn't stupid and had ideas what that meant.
"The programming, at least the control aspect of it didn't happen until later as another fail safe as we got stronger. It reached the point we literally had no choice but to go with whatever direction they wanted when we were 'shipped' to serve various peoples. I don't have elaborate of why but suffice to say I was forced to take lives of many who didn't deserve it."
Avril didn't need to breath but she did pause before sighing and going on. "Before I came to you, I was desperate to get free but there's a ironic catch to it if I did. Basically my..race I guess for lack of a better word should they break the control either become mindless besekers or subconsciously it will work to that end and kill indiscriminately in a more subtle way. I..think that's what happened with the duel with Guiche as to why it even happened in the first place and that scares me Louise. I didn't even realize I was doing it."
"But..you didn't," Louise countered. "You stopped yourself."
"No, I didn't," Avril agreed partly looking back out the direction of the window. "Anyway, you recall when I talked about Orns and the nature of my world and how someone was finding a alternative source? We'll, my 'employer' as I refuse to call them master wanted to get close to them and their family and I had no choice. I was to get close and lead them out sooner or later after gaining their trust. Celn was the father and Sima was the daughter. Their mother passed away."
Louise frowned as she remembered Avril talking about it. "..Didn't you say the energy source they were using was messing up your world?"
"It was and is," Avril answered. "But don't underestimate people's greed when there was so much profit in the status quo even if they nick their own throat long term in the process."
"I liked being there. I was at home and at peace but it just made it worse I couldn't say anything. Then eventually.." She hesitated. "..Eventually I did earn that trust and I did lead them into a trap after getting them away from safety. They were killed." Louise grimaced and Avril smiled bitterly. "By that point, I wanted to rip the throat out of my employer more then I had before but I was powerless. So I opted for the next thing: my death."
"But it didn't exactly work as I wanted. In my last job I pushed just for enough control to freeze my movements and get struck by a killing blow. It was another android I was fighting but I wanted to be stopped. I saw the explosion. I felt it. I should have died. Instead I found myself here.." Her gaze turned towards to Louise. "And with you."
Louise opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. There were so many thing that swam into her mind but through the conflict she managed to gather her wits about her. "What keeps you going after all that?"
"I don't think I can ever make up for all I've done, but I want to at least try. If I die, no one will be around to tell their stories of those I care about that have passed on. And.." Avril trailed off slightly. "Fear."
"Fear?"
"Yes. Fear. I'm not some super noble person, part of this is purely selfish. I don't want to die. Death scares me believe it or not. I'm just able to hide it better and control it," Avril rested her head on her knee's. "Now you know why I called myself a monster when we first met."
Silence was the only reply for a moment before Louise moved over and surprisingly, hugged Avril. "You aren't a monster. You did a lot of bad things, horrible even but those actions weren't you. I can't say some magic words to make it all go away; but I can at least be here for you as a friend." Avril stiffened slightly.
"..You really consider me a friend?"
"Of course," Louise stopped her hug. "And when I see you after you told me about your story, it..kinda makes sense now. Deep beneath that shell of yours seems to be a lonely, scared little girl that just wants a place to belong. I say this because you remind me a bit of..we'll me being honest in some ways."
Avril said nothing. Her head finally moved towards Louise to regard her words. "When did you get so mature?" The words weren't mocking, just searching.
"I don't know," Louise shrugged a bit. "But I do mean what I said. Do you consider me a friend?"
"Yes," Avril said, then with more strength. "Yes I do. To an extent Kriche and Tabitha too."
"Tabitha is fine but Kriche.." Louise wrinkled her nose. "I suppose she's all right once she stops with the teasing and actually takes things as a true noble would. Do you feel that programming messing with you now?"
Avril shook her head. "Actually no. My power seems to be coming back to me and that part weaker. I think its a effect of the runes, I'm not sure."
"Good. Perhaps Colbert would know something. In the meantime, I'm heading to bed." Louise laid down on the bed. For some odd reason she felt a lot more tired around this time then she should have normally.
"Good night Louise." Was the last thing she heard before she drifted off from the uncaring world for the night.
Avril woke up the next morning, the sunlight beaming in her face but that wasn't actually what had woken her up in the first place. She did have a sense of touch, in some ways a bit sharper then most which was both a good and bad thing at times depending. But with that included pain.
Pain seemed like a odd thing to add to a Assassin Android but there was a method to the madness. In addition to fully mimic a organic life form pain was a excellent teacher of what to avoid as far as mistakes in a fight were concerned. It also was nature's reminder of 'Don't do that' when you were pushing your body too much. Thankfully it was muted but it also meant if she felt serious pain she would have be damaged rather badly.
After all, without pain some would do rather stupid things that would seriously harm them. Though even without that no one would need the feeling of pain to know sticking your hand into a oven was a bad idea.
….
On second thought, she would amend that statement: some would.
Deciding that a change of pace as far as clothing was concerned Avril went to the mirror and closed her eyes. Blue digital code lined with numbers shrouded her form from view in the same colored light before flickering out of existence.
When it died down, she was changed. Blue jeans, shirt, with another decorated with orange stripes underneath as another layer. Two other things were merely just for show, a pair of reading glasses and a brown cabbie cap. It was an unusual style of clothes to be sure probably but she didn't care as she liked them. She had told Louise she could change her appearance, but this had been the first time she had done anything of the sort.
As for the glasses? Yes they were pretty much pointless but she was allowed some vanity.
A tired groan interrupted her thoughts as Louise rose up half way, rubbing her eyes. "I had the most strangest dream."
"Which was?" Avril asked without turning to her.
"Nothing."
This made the android pause, but shrugged it off and then Louise noticed her outfit. "Do you really need the glasses? You wear them with both clothes."
"No. I just like them. Besides, they have another use," Avril moved from the mirror back to the window to peer outside. "Appearance ties not only how people perceive you, but makes first impressions. What would you think if I wore armor with a sword?"
"I would think you were a fighter or warrior of some sort," Louise said thoughtfully. "Depending how good the armor made even a higher ranking knight or mage."
Avril was pleased, Louise was always smart but it was good she caught on quickly. "Exactly. And now. Do I look like a fighter? What would you think not knowing me and with my glasses?"
"Hm.." Louise paused, looking over at Avril's attire with a more critical eye. "Commoner. But obviously you are anything but just a normal person with your strength magic or no. Then with your glasses, if I was stupid and just went by first looks I may think you have poor eyesight. Knowing the mind-set of many nobles, and that you had no magic they'd dismiss you as a threat."
"Never assume. Assumptions lead to death. Especially when dealing with the complete unknown in a combat situation," Avril said. "It's something one of my..family members said when were in the facility that created us. I'll be honest I've been guilty of this a few times but I try not too. Too much. On some level you do have to assume certain things."
"That sounds like something my mother would say," Louise hopped out of bed and went to the dresser to retrieve some clothes and setting them on the bed. "I wonder what Kriche and Tabitha are up to?"
Avril gave her usual shrug. "Who knows. You sound like you miss even Kriche. Can't get enough of her teasing you?"
"No I'm just..curious."
"You're a horrible liar Louise."
"You're insufferable sometimes."
"I've been called much worse."
"Ugh..!" Louise threw up her hands at Avril's slightly amused expression. "Forget it. There's nothing to be gained from this conversation."
Avril left Louise alone to finish getting dressed as she turned back towards the window. A small part of her was worried about those demons and more percisely what they represented. If they could come here, then what else could?
She just hoped if it came down to it they were strong enough for whatever may come their way.
Siesta had mixed feelings when she arrived at her home, Tarbes, after the academy had been shut down due to the demon attack. On some level she was of course happy to be back home, but on the other hand she had a hard time getting the image of those demons and the terrified students out of her mind. Nor the terror and helplessness she had felt being there.
Her initial fear that aside when things settled down had of course been her job and income. It hadn't been a easy task getting a job as a maid so she was at a loss of what to do now. Thankfully the Headmaster had sent her a bit extra before heading back home. But what was she going to do? She would do just about anything for her family, which were struggling as is.
Strangely or not, she had developed something of a friendship with the young noble Katie. It helped she was quite different from the other nobles, very quite, soft spoken and shy. Instead of the mocking arrogance there seemed to be someone who actually had low self-esteem. Though she wasn't sure what the cause of it was and she had felt it rude to pry.
Amara had played the role of mother hen and fussed over them both as the healers did their magic. Katie hadn't taken that long to recover from the wound's themselves but she had been abnormally tired and bed ridden until recently. Their savior had been a welcomed addition and she finally got to know slightly bit more about them. Her race were called 'Nosferartu' which was a really strange name in Siesta's mind.
Normally it would take about three days to reach Tarbes from the academy but the introduction of Amara's group made traveling there much faster. There were some of those strange horseless carriages and even odder airships they called transports but they hadn't taken either of them. Instead it was one of those large dragons, a silver one.
While it would definitely still draw attention, dragons were at least a sight people were used to. On top of that people were still adjusting to the newcomers presence and many still didn't even know they had came here in the first place. Katie had wanted to come and Amara had been less surprising to come along, but Siesta would have thought she had other things to do. Same with Katie, but more about her family? Weren't they worried?
Something was off. It had to be, as Siesta thought about it but she didn't push Katie for details but she could guess she didn't have a home to go back too.
Before too long, the Silver Dragon landed on the outskirts of the village drawing gawks, stares and whispers from the villagers present. The dragon paid this no mind they crouched down to let the precious cargo to disembark in relative safety before standing back to their full height.
Amara looked to the dragon, which inclined their head as if having some silent conversation before going in the direction of the field without another word exchanged. Katie had somewhat nervously behind the other two as went further into the village. Amara wasn't wearing that strange armor anymore so it drew less attention and instead a black body suit, backpack with a few misc items attached. It was still standing out, but not nearly as much before.
The village was welcoming as it always had been, a few people greeting the young guest as they passed them even if they were far more curious then normal due to the guest. Siesta waved to a few and talked to another before making her way towards her home but didn't have to go inside; off to her left was a giant, bear of a man holding a few farmer tools.
Instantly their face brightened and they pulled Siesta into a crushing hug.
"Father..you're crushing me.."
Instantly she was released and the man chuckled. "Sorry Siesta, your father was very worried about you after the news. You are all right, aren't you?"
"I'm fine," Siesta insisted, the best she could anyway.
It seemed they would argue before letting it drop, turning towards the other two women with a smile. "My name is Clovis. Siesta never told me she made some new friends.." His gaze turned towards Katie. "Are you a noble?"
The girl nodded lightly. "Y-yes sir, Katie Armstead ," She bowed slightly. "It's nice to meet you."
Clovis blinked a bit as if finding a foreign food before chuckling again. "Young lady, I think we'll get along just fine. You seem to be a nice girl."
Amara extended her hand after. "Amara Mort, soldier of U.E.D.I or just United Earth Defense for its full name. I'm here to escort your daughter and Katie to here but I can't stay for too long. Nice digs though."
"Digs?" Clovis asked puzzled. "We don't have any holes worth looking at."
"..I meant your home, Tarbes. It's another word for nice place where I come from." Amara tried her best to keep a straight face.
Siesta and Katie giggled and Clovis blinked as the confusion went away. He never the less shook her hand, rough calloused hands from the field working meeting their own. "You have some strange wording where you come from."
"Father, where is mother?" Siesta asked, changing the subject.
"She left, she'll be back. No idea where that woman goes at times," Clovis said before looking Siesta sideways. "If she was here, you know she'll be wondering when you will bring back a husband."
Siesta flushed a bit to that. "It's something I'm working on."
"You know," Amara started, a small twinkle in her eyes. "I could help with that. There's plenty of nice young men your age I could introduce you to. Maybe even someone you haven't realized you met yet."
This embarrassed Siesta more then anything else. "I-I'll think about it."
Clovis only chuckled before turning around. "Come you three, I'll show you around but there is something very important I want to give Siesta while she's here. It's from her grandfather."
This confused Siesta. Her grandfather had been dead for years now, so the only thing she think of was something that was to be passed down to her when she reached a certain age. The only thing was, she couldn't think of what it could possibly be. Wealth? No. Her grandfather would have given that to all of them with how much they struggled.
The group of four entered the small home that had been through its fair share of rough patches, but it was due to that it gave a much welcoming feeling. For the most part, it was fairly simple. Wooden table that made somewhere to eat, a chair along with a few other family items.
Clovis retreated into the back room before coming out moments later with a small chest that was already now opened. "It's in there. Both of them. They told me that you need to read the first page of that journal before you do anything else."
Siesta was still confused but never the less gently took the chest before retrieving a old journal that was worn around the edges with more then a few battle wounds. The medallion was warm to the touch but that wasn't what caught her eye. The symbol was strange, having two snakes in a circle biting each others tails while the center was a deep blue.
It was pretty but she wished the snakes were replaced with something else. As she put it on, clasping it around her neck carefully making it more a necklace she opened the journal. Water had done its fair share of damage and it was falling apart in others but it was still legible where she needed to read.
'Dear Siesta, by the time you read this I will probably have passed on though I am pleased you're able to read this in the first place in my native language from those lessons. I do not mean to keep this secret from you but I wanted you to have a normal life, but towards the end of my own I felt fate may not allow us that luxury much longer.
The medallion you see is magical, but not just a mere magical item. It's a item from my original world and belonged to one of my closes friends before they passed away. It's known as a Sync Device but its called by many other names but all of them basically mean the samething. It will transform you, making you much stronger with your own magical powers.
This is a large understatement. If you train and hone the power properly there won't be a single thing within Halkgenia that would be a threat in one on one combat; or even in large numbers. That includes even the Elves of this world.
Siesta's eyes widened. That couldn't be right, her grandfather had to be exaggerating but she read on now more eagerly then before.
This Sync Device is not a toy and its not something you should take on a whim. The power has a slight mind on its own and can reject its host if you abuse its power outright. If you do decide to use it, please be careful. Power tends to attract power, the only reason I've decided to give you this to be ready for what comes into this world. At first its was just a hunch, but I'm now more certain demons and other things will come to this world. You will need this strength to protect yourself and those you care about.
You can activate the item by concentrating on it and clearing your mind, it should do the rest. It's rather hard to explain as I cannot use it but it was explained many times by my friend. Lastly..there is a resident of sorts. Do not be alarmed when you hear a voice after activating the Sync Device, its normal. They are a bit rude and foul mouthed at times but a good sort.
I also have what is left of my earlier days of youth within the journal. My sins, failings, regrets are all recorded for the you to see. I suppose its a foolish man's old wish to have this. No matter what you may eventually come to think of me, know I'll always love you.
Siesta finished the letter, wiping her eyes as they teared up with her sleeve as Katie placed a quite hand on her shoulder. "Did you read this?"
Clovis looked a bit uncomfortable. "That, but not the rest. I didn't believe him when he talked about demons and things but now.." They sighed. "Now I do after that letter from the academy and everything else. I don't want you fighting Siesta, but you're not little anymore. Follow your heart, its what you've always done since you were little."
Amara peered at the medallion. "Yeah, that's definitely from my home. No doubts about it."
The admission of more information and the fact her grandfather had something in common with the new arrivals caught Siesta's attention. "Really?"
"Yep," Amara said. "Of course, its not really anything I've seen before. I know its a Sync Device, but that's it. It's old, real old. Going by its look it kinda reminds me something you'd see in Egypt which is a place back home. Anyway, its your call what you want to do kiddo. Normally I would see about taking it back since its too dangerous but this is a bit of a different case. I'll ask now though: What do you intend to do with it?"
Siesta wasn't sure at first.
She wanted to help, and she didn't want to be helpless again if these demons were attacking. Grandfather had said not only them but others may come to this world. Something she honestly hadn't really believed in until recently. If she used the item, then she'd be able to defend herself and others, and maybe even become a hero.
But what would the other consequences be?
Her gaze turned to her father's worried face, before her thoughts drifted back to her laughing little sisters and her mother. For a moment she imagined their faces twisted in terror before shaking her head willing the images away.
The consequences for not using the Sync Device were worse.
"I'll use it to protect the people I care about. Other then that, I don't know."
Clovis wasn't happy but he was accepting. "All right. If that's what you decided Siesta."
In the back, Katie finally spoke up. "Does this mean you'll be a Noble then Siesta?"
Siesta was playing the medallion between her fingers before the question came up. "Maybe? Nobles are those with magic right? And I can only use magic when I use this so wouldn't that technically me be using a magical item?"
To be honest, she really didn't want to be a Noble. She had nothing against Katie as she was far more kinder then the average one but she wanted to be herself still. Siesta had no desire for change in that regard. That aside to have this power, and be a commoner would be much more like the heroes in the stories. They weren't Nobles but ordinary people who from various means rose up.
Plus the slight anti Noble sentiments within the village. Siesta didn't want people here thinking her different.
"I guess so," Katie said after a moment. "But most Nobles can only properly use magic when they have a focus, like a wand. Then again if you don't feel magical by yourself then probably not."
Amara shrugged. "I'll leave it to you guys. I don't know the deeper politics about this place so I shut up about it. What was the name of your grandfather Siesta? Maybe I could do some digging for you later."
"Keitaro Hama."
"No bells at all," Amara said more to herself. "I'll look into it later."
"The field would be a good spot to try it out," Clovis offered. "It's also has the most open space."
Wordlessly, Siesta headed out the door followed by the others. She could barely contain her excitement as she picked up her pace until they reached the field. Currently no one was working there which made it a bit better for the intended task.
Siesta stopped once they got into the middle of the field and held the medallion in her hand, closing her eyes as she tried to clear everything out. She wasn't sure what to expect—she wasn't even sure of exactly would be the trigger but the instructions had set off a starting point even if the end point was rather vague.
At first nothing happened before she saw something in the darkness, the same medallion that was in her hand but it was floating by itself and at least twice her own size this time. Siesta was more then a bit confused but figured it was part of the task.
Hesitantly, she strode forward as her hands touched the surface of the medallions center mass.
Blue energy lashed out angrily from Siesta's form, forcing the others back a bit and Amara to steady the others from the force. It covered her into a dome like a aura, keeping her from view and tearing cracks apart the ground before it stopped as suddenly as it begun.
Standing previously in the 'eye' of the short lived storm was Siesta changed completely from before, at least clothing wise. A gray dress instead of the maid outfit she normally wore replaced what she had been previously with before. Two black fighting gloves with two glowing emeralds(or at least Siesta thought they were) were on both hands.
The only physical change to herself was her hair; it had grown down to her waist. The two black wings didn't count, as they seemed attached to the clothes themselves then herself physically. She looked down at her hands.
..What is this?
The others, having recovered, went over. Katie watched with wide eyes and Clovis had a look of someone who had seen a real life character from a book come to life. Amara was the only one not phased as much.
"Damn. That must be one hell of a Sync Device to be that dramatic of a first activation. They always are but geez."
Siesta opened her mouth to say something before a unknown, grumpy male voice interrupted.
"..Who the hell woke me up? Oh. It's you. Just another Holder."
Katie glanced around. "Did you hear something?"
Clovis scratched his chin. "It wasn't just you."
"Ugh. Not this game again. Look, the voice its coming from medallion. Pay attention." The others did and Siesta looked down to see the medallion hung loosely around her neck. "There you go. Name's Lesdur at your service so you don't get killed and stuff, I guess. You guys are?
Siesta was a bit put off, she was expecting a noble, regal sounding voice or something for a companion like in the stories despite what grandfather had said. Still it was a let down. "Siesta." The others introduced themselves after
"Siesta?" Lesdur said after a moment. "Another word for sleep? Pretty odd name but who's checking with mine. So kid, what do you know about Prime Worlds? How long have you been at this?"
"Um.." Siesta started nervously. "..I just started today and I only know about other world's a few days ago too so not sure what you're talking about."
Lesdur paused for a long moment. "Let me get this straight then. You have no idea what the hell you're doing and you've been launched ass first in the deep end of the water without being taught how to swim first?"
Clovis frowned. "Not completely. Her grandfather Keitaro gave her instructions and even mentioned you but not by name."
"I repeat: head first," The voice then sighed. "Oh well. No point in whining about it. I'll have to drill you on everything because I'm not letting my Holder get themselves killed. Not here though. Kinda attracting a crowd, you guys got a place?"
True to his words, when Siesta looked around a few of the villagers had been drawn to the burst of energy, which meant it had been visible from further away then she thought.
"You're kinda a jerk Lesdur but seem all right." Amara said as Clovis lead the way back.
"I get that a lot for some reason."
Siesta choose to ignore the banter and the stares of other people as they walked passed. Some gave her the same as the times Nobles were among them. She didn't much care for it.
When they arrived, Clovis closed the door before speaking simply. "Talk then."
"Keep your shirt on, I'm getting to it," Lesdur said irritated. "I don't feel like giving history lessons so I'm going to try to get to the important parts as much as possible. Have a seat. Or don't. I really don't care. So starting off with the basics, a Holder is basically just a term that was coined a long time ago for all the people who wielded this power. Me? I'm your partner even if actual combat I'm not that useful."
"I can however, share memories and such with your permission. Can't force it. Bad mojo and all even if I could do that. You'll also get some of the skill previous Holders had, such as hand to hand and a bit of the magic so you aren't completely reliant on power. Still gotta train to actually make the most out of it or you'll end up in a world of hurt against anyone you can't just overpower that's actually a good fighter."
Even if it wasn't in class, Katie raised her hand. "The memories won't effect Siesta's personality would it?"
Siesta was going to ask the samething but Katie beat her to it, she was thankful for it. Even in the short time she was proving to be a actual friend.
"Nope," Lesdur said cheerfully. "It's more like watching a movie..erh play I guess in your terms. You see the characters acting on their own and what they did, but it doesn't effect you. At least no more then that would anyway."
Amara had been mostly silent during the exchange. "Just what exactly are you Lesdur? A spirit?"
"Pfft," Lesdur snorted "I'm something infinitely more awesome then any glorified spirit lurking around. They wish they could be anything like me."
"Stuck in a item and helping teenage girls and Magical Girls?"
"Heh. You got me there. But rather I was something before I got stuck inside here, I wasn't always like this. And no, I'm not going into it now. Sides, you wouldn't believe me at first anyway." If Lesdur could have, Siesta would have imagined them shrugging.
"Where was I? I'm starting to sound old. Anyway, one of the things that power gives you besides superhuman physical stats is energy sensing, which is pretty damned nifty if understated. You also get some magical Gylphs which do various things. Some are for shielding others explode, can be used for platforms, you get the idea. Lastly the wings aren't just for show. A lot of this you'll know a bit on some level but will have to train to really use it properly."
There was something that was bothering Siesta since this happened. "Why me? Why did you pick me?"
"I didn't do anything," The statement confused everyone present. "The power inside of it did, its not me at all. It's the land owner, I'm just the guy paying rent. In laymans terms the power picks people based on who they are on a person. You obviously have the qualities its looking for, so you must be a good person. So besides anything else, I can't say shit even if I wanted to."
Siesta felt a bit better at that, but she couldn't help but wonder what exactly those qualities were. It did, however, make her happy to hear that.
"One thing you need to know before I start trying to train you is the nature of power by itself. Now you do know about other worlds and crap so I don't have to explain or prove it. Every race, in some sense have unlimited potential. It's just very few have it under their own natural ability. It's more by learning other energies and things. Take for instance Katie."
"Me?" The young noble asked.
"Yeah. You got magic, no doubt about it but its definitely the inborn kind. Most like that reach a certain point and then just get stuck. The body can push past this but it requires a lot to get through in the first place, and even then there's no promises. Even within the same race, people have different limits of what they could reach before they have to learn stuff outside their natural powers if they have any."
"So I can't get that much stronger?" Katie seemed slightly put off.
"Eh. Like I said kid, it depends. If you wanted to grow stronger without fear of hitting a wall then you would have to learn foreign magic. So if you have a race that's naturally much stronger, like say a dragon they would have advantage over a human but it doesn't mean a human can never match them or things much higher on the food chain. What I'm saying is, race only plays a part of it but there's a lot of other factors involved. Very few people exceed the norm of their race that much, that's why they're legends in the first place."
"But here's the kicker, no matter how strong and badass you become its kinda useless without the skill to back it up. A bit of a warning though, if its anything like the last time then your powers will burn out and you'll turn to normal."
"You mean I'll turn back to my normal self?" Siesta asked wearily.
"In extreme situations, yeah," Lesdur answered. "The power you have is pretty damned strong but it was on its way out the last time I was here. Best to ride it until the wheels fall off, but it should last long enough to get the job done. Hell, maybe it'll fix itself but don't hold your breath. You guy are in some type of crisis or something right?"
Katie nodded slowly. "Demons attacked our school..and a lot of people died..." She shivered almost subconsciously and Amara placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Lesdur went into a thoughtful silence.
"We'll that sucks. I'll try not let you guys get killed."
Siesta wished she had gotten a talking animal instead.
Ending Notes: I was originally going to make it longer but to hit my 'two, maybe three chapters' goal I decided to make still long but shorter chapters.
Did I mention I hate describing clothes with a passion of the nine hells? If you want a better idea of Siesta's outfit, look at my profile same with Avril's clothes. Tanius City is up, as is Amara's picture even if she's a minor character. That said I'm rather happy with how Avril and Louise's heart to heart turned out if nothing else.
You also have some Fridge Brilliance of why Avril fought Guiche in the first place in the very beginning. That's what makes it harder to fight against, its more subtle and seems 'normal' at least when its not taking outright control. Ironically, Louise's runes are actually changing her so in a way Avril has Louise to thank for her new freedom, it just took some time at first.
The gist of Lesdur's convo and general 'rule' of the Meus Ceus Multiverse is, yeah sure, a Devil or something may have uber genetics and powers but it doesn't mean a 'weaker' race can't match them. Relying and not improving your natural talent will only get you so far and even then you have to work at it. This also prevents Can't Catch Up symptom that some series suffer from, DBZ being notorious for it if you weren't a Sayain. It'll be explained a bit more in depth later in story, I dislike info dumping as I'm sure most people do.
