Zero no Tsukaima: Abandoned Hero of Zero
After the capture of the criminal Fouquet Louise's Father forces the contract between them to break forever…but this in not the end of our hero Saito as he now strives for not himself but for the people of Tristain as he becomes the sword of the people, the dog of the kingdom and the abandoned hero.
Chapter XI: The Battle of Tarbes Part I
Atop of the hill situated a small castle, which once belonged to the former Duke of Tarbes, before his betrayal was brought to light. It was here that the soldiers of Tristain and the Hunters Guild, Dragon's Soul, set up a base command.
While most of the troops were posted outside of the castle, the civilians and farmers were relocated inside the castle wall's to protect them. Back in the old days if raiders ever attacked the town, the duke would bar the doors to the people and they would just have to take their chances in the forest that surrounded them. But thanks to Saito that was no longer the case.
The castle was now used to house the people of Tarbes for the coming invasion, as it was meant to be. Small huddles of families were camped around small fires, and rations were given out to people as they waited for the inevitable. Fear drifted through the air as the civilians whispered and muttered among themselves. The subject was war, the inevitable war between the kingdoms of Albion and Tristain.
The only reason they had not attempted this before was because of Prince Wales, rightful heir to the throne of Albion, who went into hiding until he could reclaim his throne. But with his death at the hands of the disgraced Wardes, their plans could now be set in motion. But Tristain would not go down without a fight, for those brave souls now stood up in the Dukes old chambers.
These leaders to the Armies of Trsitain and the loyal members of Dragon's Soul had convened to discuss their plans to defend the small village and drive away the invading force. For in only a matter of hours, the fight for the sake of their kingdom was about to begin.
Henrietta stood before them all, dressed in her royal armour as she looked over the final plans to secure their victory, or their possible defeat. "We place the Cannon here away from the main fight, while some of the Gunpowder squad guards the ammunition stocks next to it" Henrietta said as she pointed to the marked location.
"We should be able to fool the frigate if we place some of the non-functioning ones here, here and here. That should give us the element of surprise, if we want to catch the frigate of guard and land a killing blow" she said as the men and women nodded at the plan.
"And I'll be ready to power it up after we take out most of the dragon riders, it should be enough to punch right through the hull of that beast, if what Armin say's is true" Saito said as the large man nodded at this.
"As long as you make sure to hit the gun powder reserves here, at the front section of the ship. It should ignite the whole thing and send it crashing down, along with everyone onboard" he said as he pointed to the old schematics of the frigate class ship.
"But we only have enough to fire one round at that beast. I we miss by even a centimeter…its over" he said as Aaron glared at the board. "Which means we'll only have one shot at this" Aaron said as he stroked his beard slight and turned to Isabella.
"Isabella we'll need you to aim the canon with Saito and fire on your mark," he said as the woman nodded.
"Don't worry Aaron I never miss," she said as the man nodded to the woman. He then turned to the princess as he pointed to behind a section of soldiers
"Your highness it would be best if you co-ordinate with the rest of the men at the back of the battalion. It's imperative that you not fall in the battle, being an important figurehead as you are. No disrespect your majesty." Henrietta nodded her head at the man.
"I understand my role on the battlefield and accept my charge." She then turned to the rest of the men gathered as they stood up.
"Tomorrow will be the fight of our lives. We cannot allow the enemy to take Tarbes. I have faith in all of you and I know you will see us through this terrible storm. You are dismissed."
The guild and advisors nodded as each and every one of them piled out of the room. Saito walking away as his mind was deep in thought. The weight of his role in the coming battle would be vital to the war effort. And if he failed, the Tarbes would be destroyed and cleave a path straight into capital.
He could not allow that to happen.
"What do you think Derflinger? Do you think we can win?" the ancient blade only hummed slightly as it too weighed the possibility of success.
"Honestly Partner your guess is as good as mine. Even I can't predict what will happen? But I know there will be losses on both sides."
"Agreed I think we should-Arg!" Saito clutched his left hand as a searing pain burned against his skin "Damn it! That still hurts! Are you sure there isn't a less painful way to do this Derf?" the blade rattled in its sheath to signal no.
"Sorry partner, but this is the only way I can speed up the Weapon boost. It's our only chance against the army of Albion." Saito sighed as he nodded his head to the sword.
He knew Derlfinger was right and the quickest way was for him to experience this pain. He knew that he needed this power, if he hoped to stand a chance against a large army such as Albion. He knew that this would be different from the conflict at the castle. These were men and women were trained in combat and nothing like the killers and murders he fought. He knew that this time he would have to willingly kill a man this time.
No knocking them out, or injuring them enough to stop but to straight up kill them, pure and simple.
"Enough about that, we need to check on Colbert and see if he's finished with fuel" he said before leaving for the professors hut.
The armies had stopped at the Tristain Academy to recruit willing mages and teachers to fight in the battle. A few teachers' volunteered to protect their home, while the rest returned to the Capital. Among those who came to Tarbes were Tabitha, Kirche, Guchie, Montmorency and Jean Colbert.
They volunteered to be apart of the support group and to heal any of the injured soldiers brought in. Saito was just glad that his friends would be far away from the combat as they could be.
Before leaving the Academy, Saito had the chance to poke around Colbert's studies and discovered a strange, but familiar substance in his laboratory. Colbert claimed that it was Dragon's blood from one of the Robes of the Dragons that he acquired years ago. But Saito knew exactly what the substance was; it was petrol, a valuable substance that came directly from his world used to power most machines.
And that's when he was struck with inspiration.
He asked Colbert if he could replicate the substance, and have enough of it to take to Tarbes with him. If Saito was right about this, then he could get the Zero Fighter up and running before the invasion begins. With his powers returning and the plane in working order.
The Zero Fighter plane would fly once again, and hopefully win them the day. But that all depended if he could get his original powers back, the same ones he had when he was contracted to Louise. Derflinger had said that replicating the powers would be hard enough without the assistance of a Void Mage. And the only Void mage that they had was Louise, but recent events had made her somewhat unstable. She had gone through enough that Saito believed that she should remain at the Capital with her mother.
Walking along the grounds, he took the time to observe the people he had sworn to protect. The same smiling faces that he knew in Tarbes were replaced with looks of dread and fear.
He never wanted this for them; he never wanted to involve them in a war for their lives. But the fact was that this would have been inevitable, if he didn't expose the Duke's treachery a lot more people would have died...or worse. He finally made it to a small wooden shack that was supplied to the Academy teacher. The man busy mixing and combining various liquids and transmuting them with his magic.
"Mister Colbert, how's it going?" the man looked up from his work as he gestured to the beak.
"Ah Saito good to see you! I've nearly replicated enough of the 'Dragons Blood' and should have them ready for tomorrow's assault…" the man looked down as he trailed off.
"Mister Colbert?" Saito asked slightly concerned of the man's behaviour.
"Its nothing Saito, its just that…I hate war and I've never liked the idea of fighting, the death and destruction that follow it…it sickens me." Saito lowered his head as he heard this.
"I know what you mean…before all of this, coming to this world. I would have never hurt another human being. And now I'm expected to kill anyone that comes at me with a blade…how am I suppose to be a soldier when I hate killing?" Colbert smiled at this as he looked at the young man.
"I truly envy your world Saito to produce a man such as yourself. Truly it must be a peaceful existence in your home" Saito looked away at this.
"I wouldn't say that Professor…" he then looked over to the clock as he saw the time. "I've got to make sure the last of the preparations are complete, you got everything under control Professor?" the man nodded.
"Yes everything will be ready. Despite all of this, I'm really curious to see the legendary 'Robe of the Dragon' fly high above the sky. It should be quite fascinating" Saito chuckled at this as he left the man to his work.
Saito walked along the barracks until he spotted some of the academy students, some were helping the older medics, and while the rest were moving items from place to place. Sitting not to far from them were some of Saito's friends. Montmorency, Kirche, Guiche and Tabitha.
The teens were situated around the fire as they spoke to two familiar faces. The Twin Mages Flare and Blaze, it seemed that Kirche was getting some pointers on flame magic as the twins showed her a few of their forms. Blaze looked up as he spotted the young man.
"Oi Saito! Come here have and have a seat with us" he called out to the boy. Seeing no reason why he shouldn't, Saito sat down as he smiled to his friends.
"Hey guys, getting friendly I see" Kirche nodded at this as she gestured to the twins.
"Of course darling, Sir Blaze and Madam Flare were going over a few magical tips in flame magic. They are really quite adept with Flames." Blaze chuckled at this.
"Aw stop your going to make us blush!"
"Knock it off Blaze, don't mind him Kirche, he just likes it when pretty girls complement him". Blaze huffed slightly, before he turned his head away from his sister. Earning a chuckle or a laugh from the group.
"So Saito how are you holding up? It's going to be a big day tomorrow" Saito bowed his head slightly at this.
"Honestly…I don't know, I mean I've never been in an actual war before. The biggest skirmish I've ever been in was the raid on Tristain Castle, and that only happened two days ago. But this…" he motioned to the large groups of soldiers and the large cannon. "I don't know how to respond to this…" He then looked up to the two with conflict evident on his worrying face.
"How do you guys handle it? Fighting in a war?" the twins were silent before they shared a brief glance to each other.
"I guess…we got through it because we've always had each other" Blaze said as he patted his sister's shoulder.
"Flare was with me from the first day of the Academy, to the day we enlisted in the army" he chuckled slightly. "She's had my back more times then I can count."
"One more then you brother" Flare chuckled to her twin her laughed as well. She then turned her attention back to the boy as she looked into his eyes.
"The point is Saito, no one is every truly ready for war. Not even the most hardened veterans ever get used to war…first time I killed a man, I wept for two days straight." The mage said as she looked at her hands.
"I had just kept thinking, maybe I should have cast a sleeping spell on him. Or maybe even just bind him with some earth magic…" Flare lowered her head as she thought back to a time long ago.
"But I later realised that a sleeping spell takes to long to cast, and I know very little earth magic…It wasn't till Blaze here killed his first man too did I realise the truth. In war, death is to be expected of us. Because if we don't kill them, they'll us" she then looked up as she looked to the young faces.
"So don't worry Saito, everyone is here for you. You just have to realise that, now if you'll excuse us Blaze and I have to fortify the walls with some flame barriers. If they fall, then the rest of the villagers will die" Blaze said as he and his sister rose up from the camp. As he continued his small trip around the village, he spotted his mentor and the rest of the guild as he waved to them. Aaron soon noticed him as he walked towards the boy.
"Saito how are you, ready for the next battle?" Aaron asked the young man who remained blank; he then turned his head to the countryside and away from the man. "You ok Saito?"
"…Master? Can I be honest with you?" Aaron nodded to the boy who looked back up to hm. "I'm…I'm scared…" Aaron sighed as he patted the boy's shoulder.
"I know…this battle will be like nothing you have ever faced before. In fact the last time I was apart of something like this, was during my third year in the guild. We had to raid a rival guild that was ravishing a small village off the coast."
"We spent three day's fighting them back until we finally drove them back to their own guild. We even gave them the option to surrender and spare their lives…but they refused and fought us to the last breath" he shook his head as he looked up to the sky.
"I remember watching as the last man died at my hands, a spear driven straight into his heart…and the last thing I saw, was his pained filled face as I sent him to his ancestors."
"War is a scary thing Saito, it demands so much of us, and takes so much more from us." Aaron turned to the boy as he placed his hand on his head. "But as long as you fight to protect the ones closets to you…then the fight was worth something" Saito stared at the man before he nodded and walked away from him. The man watching as the boy traversed this path alone, to find his resolve to fight.
A small travel away and Saito stood in one of Tarbes un-used grain fields; the area was cleared to allow Saito to bring out their second secret weapon. The WWII Zero Japanese Fighter, an heirloom passed down from Siesta's great-grandfather. The old fighter was in miraculous condition, thanks to the spell that was cast upon it years ago.
Saito placed his hand upon the painted green metal as he thought back to his world. He began to think about the life he lived there, and compared it to his new life. He could easily see the massive gap that separated him from his old world. But he also could barely recognise himself, from the boy who left to the man he had become.
And if that were the case, would his parents ever recognize him?
The sound of crunching grass caught his attention as he turned his head to see Siesta walking towards him, a blanket draped around her shoulders as she walked towards him.
"You ok Saito?" she asked as she draped an arm around his waist, he complied and did the same to her as he sighed into her embrace.
"I don't know Siesta...a lot of people are counting on me tomorrow, The Kingdom, the princess, her armies and your people." He sighed as he looked over to the girl.
"And I just keep asking myself, what if I fail them? What if I fail to protect them like I failed Wales…what will happen if -" He was stopped as Siesta brought the boy into a hug, the top of her head rested just under his chin.
"I believe in you Saito and I know for a fact that you won't let us down tomorrow. You haven't let us down once and you won't tomorrow either. Besides you aren't alone in this." He looked confused before she brought her head up to look at him.
"You have Aaron, Isabella, Armin, Jonathan…and me. So don't lose hope Saito, not when we need it the most" Saito just stared at the woman rest upon his chest, before he brought his arms around her and rested his back against the old machine. He sighed as he quietly stroked he long black hair.
"What did I do to deserve such a beautiful woman like you Siesta?"
"Should I bring out the list?" Saito chuckled as he held her close.
"No, no that won't be necessary…but thank you" the two just stayed like that for the longest time before they rose up and walked back into the village, hand in hand all the way.
The couple held each other's hand as they returned to the village. His heart still heavy, and his belief shaking as he walked beside the one he loved. He knew what was expected of him now, and what he needed to do. He just wondered that when the time came, would he lead them to victory? Or fall with them into defeat?
Siesta needed to check in on her family, and be with them for the final assault. "Remember Saito, you're not alone in this, and you still have all of us and me," she said as she left him.
"Thank you…Siesta" Saito could only watch as the first kind person he had ever met leave. Seeing nothing more that he could do, he turned as he headed back to his chamber in the castle.
He knew that in a few more hours the invasion would begin. He had just closed the door and leaned against the old oaken wood as the weight of this war grew on his soul. He was about to make it to bed when a painful shock surged in his left hand. This one was different from the earlier ones he felt during the day. It was more intense and burned at his very soul.
He fell to his knees as he grasped his wrist "D-Derf! What's happening?!" Saito said though pained filled breaths.
"Its happening partner! The final procedure is about to begin!" the sword said as Saito fell to his knees, and grasped his hand tightly.
"What?! What do I do?" he asked the sword, as pain seared itself into his flesh.
"There's not much you can do…only survive" Saito glared at his pulsing hand and groaned in pain. He slowly rose up off the ground as he tried to make it towards his bed. But another surge of pain shot through his body as he collapsed to the ground. He held his wrist tight as a small wisp of smoke began to rise of his hand. His teeth were clenched and sweat began to pour off his brow as he glared at the smoking image from his hand.
He tore off his glove as he watched a small blue light burn under the surface of his skin. The blue small light traced a pattern on his hand, as the light soon broke forth and the blue light burned his skin.
Saito only glared and snarled in pain as he looked at his hand. He knew that he would pay any price to protect the ones he loved. He would battle a thousand armies, face a hundred monsters and demons if it meant that they would be safe. He then held his chest as he coughed up blood and sprayed it onto the floor.
He grasped his heart as his body convulsed and steam began to slowly rise from his skin. To him it was as if his entire body was on fire. The pain was like nothing he had ever felt before, not even when he was separated from Louise did he ever feel this kind of pain.
But this pain…this pain was just a small price he would pay to save their lives…he would endure this for them.
Cromwell's Flagship
Cromwell smirked as he twirled the red liquid in his wine glass. A satisfied grin on his face as he thought about tomorrow's battle. He knew that the armies of Tristain were always small in number and could have easily been defeated long ago.
For years he spent plotting his little coupé attempt to overthrow the Albion Royal Family, by gathering enough Noble support, which whom they shared his ideals. But it wasn't until he received the Ring Andvari and managed to turn the people against their King.
With it he was able to cement his place as the Ruler of Albion, and killed the King himself. But he knew that as long as the Prince Wales was alive, he could not begin his plan to invade Tristain. But he also needed to remove Tristain of its Allies if he wanted to completely take over the country. And as luck would have it, the Princess of Tristain had been having a secret relationship with the former Prince Wales.
The letter he had Wardes retrieved from the dead Prince, brought an effective end to the Germanian alliance and secured his path to victory. He felt as if nothing could stop him now.
But recent events had started to make him doubt about his chances of success. An unknown factor had been thrown into his game and could possibly foil his plan. An unknown element named Saito Hiraga, a warrior born in Tarbes and possessed a strange power called 'Aura'. The boy had caused him much trouble since he made an appearance.
It was because of him that Tristain was aware of his plans to invade Tristain in the first place. By defeating the former Duke of Tarbes and annihilating the dark guild that he paid to cause havoc in Tristain. He had also learned that his recent plan to assassinate the Tristain Royal Family had failed because of Saito, when he killed Duke Valliere with his bare hands no less.
His fears only grew when Wardes returned from Albion, defeated and badly scarred by the boy Saito Hiraga. He began to fear the kind of power the young man possessed. And worried that his invasion could very well fail. But he could not worry about that, now that his plans were in full motion.
The invasion had begun his men were ready to fight and was assured that Tarbes defences had been severely crippled, thanks to the Dukes negligence of the main cannons. So he sighed a breath of relief as he placed the glass down and looked out to the two bright moons.
A feeling of self-accomplishment washed over the man as he rested in his luxurious chair.
The door then opened as a dark figure walked into the room. The heavy sound of metal platting and gasping breaths meet his ears as he turned to face the arrival. "Ah Sir Wardes, how are you feeling?" Cromwell asked the dark cloaked man, as he glared slightly through his dark metal helmet.
Wardes now wore dark metal plating on his arms and chest with a dark metal helmet in the shape of a furious griffin on his head. To mask the external injuries that now scarred his once handsome face.
"Anger, fury, hatred...especially for the brat who did this to me" he grasped at the dark metal plating on his face. A look of anger could be seen in his eye, as Cromwell only smirked at this.
"While I do admire the devotion you have to killing this boy, do not forget the main goal. Kill the Princess Henrietta and secure the Kingdom of Tristain." Wardes looked at him as he slammed his hand into the wall.
"Do not tell me what to do! I know full well of what we need to accomplish! But mark my words! Saito Hiraga will die by my hands! And my hands alone!" he yelled in fury before a laugh was heard behind him.
"Now this is a rare sight to see. Sir Jean-Jacques Francis de Wardes, former Captain of the Griffin Knights, swearing bloody vengeance? My, my, Saito must have really pissed you off this time" Wardes spun around as he glared at Fouquet.
"Silence you wench! Least you meet the end of my blade!" He grasped his rapier to emphasize his point as the green haired woman only chuckled.
"Now Wardes, there is no need for that kind of action. Save it for the fight with Saito~, beside he is the one you want revenge on right?" the man glared at her before he relaxed and began to walk out of the room.
But he stopped just before the door as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Fouquet. "Make no mistake Fouquet, try something like that again and I will not hesitate to kill you" Fouquet smirked as the man left.
"He seems very temperamental today," she said as Cromwell nodded at her.
"Indeed, right now anger is the only thing driving him at this point. This is both a boon and a hindrance to him." Fouquet raised an eyebrow at this as the man laced his fingers. "He will be stronger then before and strike without mercy. But in his rage he will forget the mission and focus all his rage to kill that boy." He looked up as he narrowed his eyes to her.
"We must make sure to kill that boy if our plans are to succeed at all. Let him have his battle with the boy, but if it looks like he will lose assist him" he asked as the woman pondered this.
"That could be harder then you think" the man looked confused at this. "When I fought him for the Staff of Destruction, he was formidable enough with Gandálfr's power." She narrowed her vision as she remembered their second encounter.
"But the second time I fought him in La Rochelle, he used a power I had never seen before. He glowed with these strange emerald green flames and completely demolished my Golem." Cromwell nodded at this as he had heard both reports from Wardes and Fouquet. The boy had a mysterious power, not like magic but something entirely new. Powers that rivalled and surpassed magic in both of power and diversity. He began to wonder if the boy was born with this power.
Or did he clam it himself through hard work?
"Thank you Fouquet, just keep to your task and we should win this battle with little effort," he said as the green haired woman nodded and left the room. The man leaned back in his seat as he picked up the glass again and watched the red liquid glow in the moon's light.
"To the fall of Tristain" he said as he raised his glass to toast his success.
Only for the glass to crack slightly, as he looked at the ominous crack in his glass, and for the first time in his life felt something he though he'd never feel…Doubt
Edge of the Tarbes Forest early morning
The darkness of night broke away as the first rays of sunlight shone through the horizon. Among the horizon was a large shape, slowly moving towards the large fields of Tarbes.
The large frigate glided through the air as it brought both a sense of wonder and doom upon its sails. But through the eyes of a telescope, it meant the battle was about to begin.
Jonathan narrowed his eye, as he and the Tristain scouts hid amongst the trees of the forest. He signaled to the men as one of the scouts nodded and tied a small message to a flacon. The falcon flew at tops speed as it reached the castle, the falcon rested upon Aaron's outreached arm as he retrieved the note inside. With a solemn look he turned around as he Agnes as she turned the soldiers.
"Scouting party has just spotted the target. First battalion to the fronts lines!" she ordered as the first line of men moved to large open fields. "Second battalion follows in after them! Followed next by the Archers and Riflemen!" she hollered as the men and woman moved in unison.
"Third Battalion stay here and protect the castle! If the first and second are to fall, then the third will move in and the forth will take your place!' she ordered as the man saluted.
"Dragon soul! You will take orders from Captain Agnes and myself! Ensure that no one dies under you care!" Aaron commanded as the men and woman of Dragon soul howled in response. He then turned to Agnes, as he looked her in the eye "I'm going to go check on Saito, without him this battle is as a good as lost." She nodded as the man walked past him.
He soon came upon Saito's room as he knocked on the door "Saito scouts have spotted the vessel and the invasion is about to begin, are you ready?" he heard no response as he looked at the door.
"Saito?" he called out again as once again he heard no response. He reached for the handle, before the door opened by itself and Saito stood at the entrance. He had small bags under his eyes and a thin trail of blood running down his chin. His hair was a mess and he looked slightly tired and worn. Aaron grew slightly concerned, as the boy just seemed to stare at him.
"Saito? Are you ok?" he asked as he reached out to check the boy. But he stopped as he Saito grabbed a hold of his wrist and looked up at the man. His eyes glowed for a brief moment, before they returned to their normal blue.
Saito smiled slightly as he saw his master "I'm fine Master, sorry about my behavior, I've just had a bit of a…rough night" he glanced down to his left hand, that was now wrapped in dark blue cloth.
Aaron instantly caught on as a grim expression grew on his face, "Did it hurt?" he asked as the boy only nodded. "Are you going to be fit for battle?" Saito nodded again as pointed to his bed.
"It stopped around three this morning, so I was able to get some sleep in. Still hurt like hell though," he said as he rubbed his wrist. "Where are they now?" he asked as they walked down the hall.
"Not to far, they just passed mountain range and are closing in fast. You now the plan right?" Saito nodded as they left the castle.
"Yeah, as soon as the battle starts take out as many of the dragon riders as I can. Then join up with Isabella for the final attack" Aaron nodded as they soon reached the old plane.
Already waiting for them were Professor Colbert and Siesta as the troops had just finished loading the last of the fuel into the plane. "Saito the plane is fueled up and ready to go. I'm quite curious to see this machine flying in the air" Colbert said as Saito nodded.
"Then I shall not disappoint you Colbert," he said as Saito walked over to Siesta as she held something in her hands.
"Here Saito, these belonged to my great-grandfather when he was alive. I think that you should use them, in memory of him" she said as she handed him an old worn aviator goggles and helmet, along with it an old worn out scarf, with a pair of aviator gloves.
Saito took them in his hands as he looked at the goggles and smiled softly at them. Before he could speak Siesta wrapped her arms around him, as she held him tight. "Promise me you'll make it back?" she whispered softly as she held on for dear life. Saito only caressed her back as he held her close.
"I always do, don't I?" he said as he released her and looked at the plane. Aaron walked over as he placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"We'll buy as much time as we can, the rest will be up to you my boy" he said as Saito nodded and began to climb the machine. A sudden thought had occurred to him, today would also be the day of an Eclipse, the one chance he would ever have to return home.
He could just fly the plane right through the portal and be home before he even knew it. He looked around him at his Master, friends and loved one as the thought was instantly perished from his mind.
'That's not my life anymore this is...with the people I love' he thought before he climbed into the cockpit and placed the gear on himself. His face now covered by the white scarf and eyes shielded by the goggles. He breathed in slowly as he looked to his left hand and unwrapped the piece of cloth.
The symbol now burnt into his skin was a circle with runes inscribed around the outside with two swords crossing in the middle. On top of the swords was the image of a Wolfs head, devouring a small blue flame.
He placed his hand on the control as he waited to see if it worked. At first nothing happened as fear and dread stabbed at his heart, thinking that all the pain he went through was nothing.
But then the symbol glowed a pale blue light, as knowledge and information rushed into his head. Years of training and experience absorbed instantly by the symbol.
Saito smirked as eh expertly started the engine, as the fighter sprung to life, with the engines roaring to life for the first time in so many years. He then pulled the handle as the propeller began to spin and turn as the plan began to move down the track. He pulled back as the plane was then launched into the air and left a trial of air in his wake.
Siesta clasped her hands together as she sent a silent pray to the boy, hoping above all else that he would win this day, and return to her safe and sound.
Meanwhile away from the castle, a large frigate hovered over the deserted fields and cast a large shadow across the ground. Those civilians who had not made it to the castle, looked up in shock and horror as the ship hung above them in the sky.
Accompanying the ship was a large platoon of fire-type Dragons, each with them a rider clad in armour and a dark purple cloak. Aboard the large ship stood the three major conspirators of the Albion Coupe Wardes, Fouquet and Oliver Cromwell. The three stood aboard the massive warship as they say in the distance the small town of Tarbes.
And below them were the assembled masses of the Tristain Royal Army, or the small amount that they could muster to defend Tristain. The groups consisted of the Royal Army, the gunpowder squadron, the Griffin Knights and the Guild Dragon's soul.
Cromwell smirked as he looked down at the gathered army. "This is the best that Tristain could offer? A rag tag army of misfits and mercenaries?" he chuckled as Wardes motioned to the men.
"Get the cannons ready and begin bombardment!" he ordered as the men began to ready the cannons. Wardes looked ahead of them to see the remnants of the Griffin Knights as the attempted to engage the dragon riders. But they were taking heavy losses as the dragons proved to be far superior then the griffin knights.
"Pathetic weaklings, they were only strong because of me. Without my leadership, they crumble like dust" he spoke with no remorse as he watched his once fellow knights, perish under the claws of dragons.
"Looks like they have some of the cannons from the castle" Fouquet said as he pointed to some of the defense cannons.
"They are just a decoy, I had personally seen the duke dismantle them myself on my last visit to Tarbes" the dark helmeted captain said as he watched the soldiers die before them.
"It doesn't seem that they will put up much of a fight sire, victory appears to be ours" Fouquet said as Cromwell grinned at this. He looked down as cannons shot at the horsemen below.
The grounds exploding in a hail of dirt and fire as the brave men and women tried their best to defend their homes. The Princess shouting orders to her men, as they followed her orders.
Aaron below sending out orders to his men, as they attempted to shot down the riders. But proved futile as the riders flew higher and shot blasts of fire at the men. Some screamed in pain as they were set ablaze while others were given merciful deaths. Cromwell only smirked as he watched the pathetic attempt to save their home.
"All according to plan" he said as he basked in soon to be victory.
Suddenly a strange noise echoed in the area as the fighting was brought to a halt. Cromwell, Fouquet and Wardes looked around as they tried to find the strange sound.
"What in blazes is that sound?" he ordered as he and the men searched the sky for the strange noise. While down below Aaron grinned as he heard the noise, as did the others around him, while the troops of Tristian looked around just as confused.
In the castle far away from the battle, Siesta and her whole family watched the sky as the sound resonated loudly in the air. Siesta clasped her hands together as she looked to the sky.
"Saito…"
High above the clouds soared the Zero Fighter and its pilot Saito Hiraga, as he looked down to see the smoke and fire. "Looks like Albion's not holding back at all!" Saito yelled over the wind as he looked at the battle below.
"They're acting cocky, thinking that nothing can stop them! They are about to be sorely mistaken partner!" Derflinger yelled back as Saito closed the hatch shut and preceded to enter the battle.
Before the first rider could even react, Saito dive-bombed towards him as he fired at the rider. Bullets ripping through the dragon and rider, like rain through rice paper. He then maneuvered as he attacked two more dragons, easily destroying the beasts.
"Wh-what type of dragon is that!" one of the riders yelled as he and his partner tried to dodge the attack. Only to be shot down instantly as Saito appeared behind them and gunned the down.
Meanwhile down below the troops cheered as they watched the boy shot down another dragon. They sent out a mighty cheer as he shot another before it could even fight back. Aaron smirked at this as he watched his student fight for his friends.
"Amazing!" Agnes said beside the man as she watched the impressive display of Ariel-combat. The sounds of gunfire following closely behind, as another best fell from the sky. Henrietta watched in awe as the boy who swore to protect her and her people, fight with everything he had.
A sense of hope grew in her chest as she turned to her men. "This is our chance brave warriors!" she said as she raised her staff. "We must give Sir Saito all our support! If we wish to win this fight!" she yelled as the men roared at her words.
While on the Frigate, the three conspirators watched in horror as their flying escort was shot out of the sky so easily. "What power! Where was Tristain hiding a weapon like that?" Fouquet said as she watched the small craft fly in the sky.
Wardes looked over as the plane just passed under them. And his eyes widened in anger as he got a good look at the pilot. "Saito Hiraga!" he growled as his fist clenched tightly on the wooden rail.
"Wardes! What is that thing!?" Cromwell yelled out in fear, as he watched his best riders be shot out of the sky. Wardes only growled as he turned and walked to the hull.
"Where are you going!?" he yelled out as the helmeted man looked back as growled at him.
"To kill a filthy peasant! Fouquet! It looks like we might actually be need for this fight!" he said as the green haired woman only smirked as she followed the man as well.
Saito fired again as another of the riders fell from the sky. The rider didn't even have a chance to shoot back, before it was shot out of the sky. "OK that's the last of them, sky should be clear for a while! I need to get to the meeting point!"
But before he could turn the plane around. A black blur shot past him as the wind nearly knocked him off course. "What the hell was that?" he said as he turned to see a man dressed in dark and riding a black dragon.
"We meet again peasant!" the masked man said as Saito narrowed his eyes at the man.
"Partner thats!" Saito nodded as he reached out with his Aura sense.
"Yeah I know! its Wardes! But he seems different from before? There's a large amount of anger and rage emanating from his soul!" he said as he could see the vortex of magic inside him, twisting and burning in rage.
"You burnt my face off the last time we met! Allow me to return the favour in kind! You filthy peasant!" he yelled as the dragon shot a large amount of wind, followed by him firing an intense fire blast at the boy.
The two attacks combined in mid air, becoming a large ball of fire racing towards Saito. Saito was able to pull away as the ball of fire raced past him and incinerated large section of the forest.
"Damn that was close! It's a good thing the civilians are in the castle!" Saito said as he looked at the destruction. "I need to take him out now!" he roared as he maneuvered the plane to face the man again.
"Foolish Boy!" Wardes yelled as he fired another blast of fire and air at the boy. But Saito quickly opened the cockpit and slashed at the attack. A wave of Aura shot out of the blade as it collided with the ball of fire.
A huge explosion blasted the sky, as the soldiers down below had to cover their eyes from the light. "What a battle!" Agnes said as she recoiled from the blast. Henrietta nodded beside her as she too had to shield herself from the blast.
Wardes growled as he sent a blast of air to clear the sky. But when the smoke cleared Saito was gone "What!" he yelled before the sounds of the plane appeared behind him. He turned to see the fighter plane right behind him as Saito glared down the sight of the plane.
"Got you!" Saito yelled as he pulled the trigger of the gun. Only for the gun to make empty clicking noises as Saito's eyes widened in shock. "Shit! I'm out of ammo!" Wardes smirked at this as he turned and fired another blast of air at him. Saito managed to absorb the attack with Derflinger.
But even he knew that with out his planes main guns, he might as well be a sitting duck, while down below Henrietta grew a concerned look on her face. "What's wrong? Why isn't Saito fighting back?" she asked as Aaron observed the fight.
"The contraption he is flying must no be able to attack again. All he has left is his Aura attacks and his pistols. But against a wind-type Dragon with a much higher speed then fire-type Dragons…it's near impossible" Aaron said as he watched his apprentice above.
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Agnes asked as she watched the fighting above. Aaron pondered this for a brief moment, until he was struck with an idea.
"Get me all the mages with ranged attacks and the Gunpowder squad that aren't protecting the ammunition!" he ordered as the men nodded and set out to do his orders. He looked up to the sky as Wardes fire wave after wave of air at the boy.
'Saito hold on!' he thought as he returned his attention back to his plan.
Saito narrowly dodged every attack, as Wardes continued to fire at the boy. He only managed to survive so long against him was because of Derflinger and Judgment's ability to absorb magic.
'Shit! This is getting to close for comfort, if I don't think of some way to take him down I'm a goner!' he turned his attention to the left as he narrowed his eyes. 'Not to mention we still need to follow the plan! This is not going to end well!'
"Partner look out!" Derflinger yelled as a blast of wind tore straight through the wing. Smoke and fire spewed out of the plane, as Saito struggled to maintain control of the plane. From a distance Siesta's eyes widened in shock as she watched fire spewing out of the plane. A feeling of dread and fear struck her soul as a lone tear streaked down her face.
"Shit! I'm losing altitude! I can't regain control!" Saito yelled as he struggled to keep the metal plane in the air. Wardes on the other hand smirked as he saw this and charged another attack.
"This is the end boy!" he yelled as lighting surged around his sword. But then one lucky bullet grazed the side of his helmet, causing him to fire off to the left. The ball of fire ignited above the forest and destroyed the top halves of the trees.
Wardes growled as he turned his head to the shooter. "Who dares!" he yelled as he looked down at the battlefield as Agnes and another row of marksmen aimed at the former captain again. "Agnes de Milan! You always were a pain in my side!" he said as he raised his blade again.
"But not even you! Will get in the way of my vengeance!" he yelled as he shot down multiple spheres of wind. The sphere impacted the ground as dirt and rubble blasted off the ground.
"All units open fire!" Agnes ordered as multiple men and women took aim at the man. And fired off musket rounds, arrows and fireballs as the man had no choice but to dodge the attacks and get him further from their range.
"Thanks Agnes! Master Aaron!" Saito managed to yell over the wind as he directed the plane towards a small clearing. 'Time for phase two of the plan' he thought as he landed, more crashed, the plane into the clearing.
"Damn it! You insolent pests are in my way! Huh?" he said as he then spotted Saito as he managed to land the plane in a small clearing. Next to what looked like a large tent.
"What is he up to?" he said as Saito ran over to a blond haired woman as together then pulled off the large tarp. His eyes then widened in shock as the tent revealed a large cannon. "A defence cannon? What can they do with one defence-!" he stopped as He then looked back up, as he saw the frigate directly in it's line of fire.
"NO! They can't possibly be planning to take out the frigate!" he said as he looked down to see the two aimed the cannon.
While down on the ground Saito and Isabella took aim, as they adjusted the cannon. "We only got one shot at this! Are you ready Saito?" Isabella yelled as he nodded to the woman.
"About as ready as I'll ever be!" he then turned to the cannon as he rubbed his hands together. "Here goes…everything!" he yelled as he placed his hands on the metal. And concentrated and focused his Aura. He struggled as blue waves of energy began to swirl around the cannon. And the metal structure began to creak and groan from the strain.
The cannon glowed an ominous blue as the light of the from the glow drew everyones attention. "What is that?" Cromwell asked as he looked over to the clearing, as the blue light grew brighter.
"Its seems to be a defence Cannon sire! But they only have one of them!" a servicemen yelled out, as he peered through a telescope. Cromwell chuckled as waved his hand dismissively.
"Pathetic, what can one messily defence cannon do to a frigate?" he said as he only chuckled at the display. Wardes on the other hand growled as he saw the cannon glowing with energy.
"I won't let you! HIRAGA!" he yelled as he flew towards the cannon at alarming speeds.
"Shit! He's on to them!" Agnes yelled as she pointed to the sky. "All units open fire on Wardes!" she yelled as multiple arrows and bullets flew through the air. But Wardes only summoned a sphere of wind around him as continued his mad charge to the boy.
"Are we ready?" Saito yelled as he continued to pour energy into the cannon.
"Almost there!" she yelled back as she lined up the sights in the cannon. The shifting of gears and turning of handles strained as she aimed at the ship.
Wardes was no closer as he raised his blade to the sky. And summoned a large ball of electricity, the ball of energy growing larger as he glared at the two near the cannon. "Eat this!" he yelled as he thrust his sword forward, as the sphere was lunched at the pair. Then the sight was aligned as Isabella grinned at this.
"Ready!" the ball of energy growing closer and closer to the pair. "Aim!" the surging of electricity and the pounding of his heart echoed in his ears as Wardes grinned evilly, as he watched his attack grow ever closer to the duo. But that all changed as Saito yelled out one word, that forever turned the tide of the battle.
"FIRE!"
A loud boom was heard as the cannon blasted the cannonball at high speeds towards the target. The ball glowing bright blue and shimmered like star, soared towards the eclectic ball as it shot right through the sphere. Canceling out the attack as it continued it path, unheeded by the distraction.
"What!" Wardes yelled in disbelief, as he watched his attack be demolished by the glowing ball? But then his eyes widened as he saw the ball heading straight for him. "Damn it!" he yelled as he tired to manoeuvre away from the light. But all too late, as the attack shot right past the dragon and ripped half of its body to pieces.
"ARRGH!" the man yelled as he and his destroyed Dragon plummeted to the ground. While the cannon ball still continued on its path as Cromwell could only look in horror as the attack sped faster towards him. In a last ditch effort he turned to the captain and yelled.
"Get us out of here-!"
All too late as the cannon ball shot right into the side of the ship and tore a giant hole straight through hull. The gunpowder reserves instantly ignited, as the ship began to explode and plummet to the ground. The giant ship made a loud dying sound as it crashed into the ground as the yells and screams of the soldiers on board echoed in the far distance, kicking up a larg plume of dust into the air.
While the Tristain Soldiers could only watch in awe.
"My god…" Agnes said as she watched the massive war ship rumble to the ground. Aaron too was stunned as eh narrowed his eyes and turned to the men.
"This isn't over yet! We need to make sure they stay down! All units converge on the wreckage!" he yelled as them men shook off their shock and charged towards the ship.
Saito meanwhile panted and gasped for air as he fell to his knees. Sweat poured down his face as he looked at the burning wreckage. "Whoa…" was all he could say as he watched the men charge at the burning debris. Isabella walked over as she too sat near the boy.
"You did good Saito," she said as she patted his shoulder. "Aaron and Agnes should be able to handle the rest, so just sit back and rest," she said as she leaned against the now destroyed cannon. The two gazed out as they watched the main focus of the army, attack what was left of the Albion forces. A calm air brezzed in as Saito leaned against the old metal. The sound of pattering feet drew his attention as Dusk walked over to him.
"Hey boy, you doing ok?" he asked as the wolf only nodded its head and sat down beside his master. He then looked up as he gazed at the old plane, half buried beneath the earth.
'Thank you Siesta's grandfather and you too Zero Fighter…thank you for helping me protect the people I love' he thought as he rested his head back and closed his eyes. Ready to let the fatigue and stress of the war wash away from him and let him slumber.
Suddenly a loud explosion was heard, as his eyes snapped open as he and Isabella looked back at the battlefield. Tristanian soldiers flying through the air as another blast of wind sent the flying.
"What the hell!" he yelled out as he stood up right and narrowed his senses to the fight. His eyes then widened as he saw the familiar vortex of energy, emanating and drowning in a thick aura of anger and hatred. "Wardes…" he said the man stood on top of the broken wreckage of the ship. A section of his helmet destroyed as a scarred eye glared at the solders.
"You…will…all…suffer…" he spoke as he raised his blade into the air. A large amount of lightning grew on the tip as he swung his bald e down. "YOU WILL ALL SUFFER!" he yelled as the lightning struck the ground and blasted away more of the troops. The man then laughed as he looked to the men. "IS THIS THE BEST THAT TRISTAIN HAS? PATHETIC!" he hollered in madness as Saito growled in anger at this as he began to run to the field.
"Dusk!" he yelled as the wolf bounded along side him as he quickly jumped upon the wolf's back and charged at the man.
"Saito wait!" Isabella tried to yell out, but was useless as the boy continued towards the man. Wardes stopped his attack as he turned to see Saito, bounding towards him on his mighty wolf.
A feral grin would have been seen on his face, had it not been blocked by the mask. "At last!" he yelled as Saito rushed towards the man. "Face me like a man!" he yelled as Saito jumped off of Dusk and ran towards him, sword drawn and flashing in the setting sunlight. His eyes glowing blue and the mark on his hand shimmered brightly as he raced across the battlefield, to meet his opponent face to face.
Saito jumped into the air and sailed across the filed as the two locked eyes with each other. And they instantly knew what was to come, not a battle to decide the fate of Tristain, Nor was it a battle to see what was stronger, the will of Magic or the strength of Aura? No on this day it would be a battle of survival...and who would emerge victorious?
The hero? Or the villain...
And scene, well here it is at last, Chapter 11 of Abandoned Hero of Zero. Sorry for the long wait, I was very preoccupied and was suffering some minor writers block with this story.
But I'm back and I would like to assure you that this story is not abandoned but still alive. So be patient and get ready for Chapter 12: The Battle of Tristain Part II
Sincerely Masseffect-TxS
