Disclaimer: I do not own Familiar of Zero, nor it's series or charters. Neither do I own Destiny. May that go to it's respective owners.
This is a work of fiction inspired by other fictional works of many other talented writers and those that are inspired by the series of the Anime and Game. As such, this will not be following the exact same Canon as intended.
Soil crunched underfoot as five people made their way up and over a set of hills, the Academy just over the distance and having shrunk in size with distance. Eldwin was leading the way, seemingly having a good idea of where to head, and leading his three Warlock students and one curious Colbert along.
Today Colbert had no classes to teach, and the three second year students were given a small pass for this little lesson the elder Warlock had in mind. Louise wasn't too happy they were walking most of the way, and it could be easily seen she would have rather had gone by horse. Something Eldwin had swiftly denied.
Strengthening of the Body was just as needed as it was for the mind. That was a fact Warlocks had to keep to some level. They might not compare to a Hunter or Titan, but that was no excuse to be lazy.
"We are here." He soon announced while walking up to the peak of the next hill, this one providing a nice vantage point over the other rolling hills around them. He looked over the ground some and then to the sun set on high. It was about to reach noon, which was perfect.
Making his way up, Colbert gave a long glance around, turning to the darkly robed man and asking, "Sir Eldwin, might I ask what we are all doing so far out of the Academy?" It felt odd they were sofar away. What could have been the reason for them to have walked out here?
It was with a glance to Colbert and the three students with also confused looks, that eldwin told, "Today we will be seeing if you can touch, comune and make contact with the first element I felt you should, Sol."
At this, all perked up, Louise asking, "We're going to be learning about how to use our light to use one of your elements?"A strange thrill of excitement filling her. While all the lessons in magic were nice, it only provided so much. And this, was something entirely new for her to learn about. A new topic she only could glean so much from Ghost or eldwin at times.
"Correct, young Louise." Nodded Eldwin. He motioned for them all to sit, before he held up a hand as it to reach for the sun. "Sol is the Element that pertains to the Sun itself. Sol is the embodiment of the Sun and the many Stars that are just like it, a light in the dark so bright you can see it for distances unfathomable."
Hand coming back down to himself, Eldwin took a moment to focus as he told, "Sol is more like a furnace inside yourself. Once it had acknowledged you, you must feed and help stoke it's flames, keep them strong and bright. And as you learn of how to bathe in it's light, you must embrace it, consume it, let it consume you." With a bright flash of light, the four almost had to block their eyes for a moment.
When they adjusted some to the light that was almost like the sun itself, hot rays of heat washing over them, each one only stared on in a form of awe. Eldwin, bathed in pure golden light that consumed his entire from. No shadow could be seen around himself, the very air wavering at the heart the man gave off. A odd trimming power caressing them all, making the small part of their Light seemingly sing out. "Only with that, do we hope to become Radiant."
When it cut, when that light of Radiance had been canceled out, did the feeling stop. Their Light calming and becoming quite, while the four sat in confusion for a slight moment. "W-what.. What was..?" Voiced Kirche, trying to grasp the feeling she just felt.
"Radiance." Began Eldwin, "Is a state that a Sunsinger reaches. A state where their light fuses with that of Sol, producing a light so strong and so bright, not even the Darkest of places can snuff it, and those with Light ca not help but gain a sudden well of strength from it."
Glancing over each, Eldwin told, "The process of going about gaining a loyalty form Sol, comes from how you approach it. Each element has a different process to this, and with Sol it is a process of almost being much like a flame, though I use the term loosely."
Scrunching up her face, Kirche asked, "But isn't the sun a large fire?"
Chuckling, Eldwin told, "No." Looking at each, especially Colbert who wanted to disagree. "The Sun is much different. Have you ever seen the night sky, lit with a billion small lights that are stars? They too, are suns in their own right. And the sun is a Star in it's own right, merly much closer."
He paused to let this new thought, this whole new line of thinking sink in before going on. "Sol is part of fourth state of matter that you are not yet aware of, Plasma. It is a state that even your supposedly lost Element, Void, is partially made up of, and I say this as the Sun, the Stars, they are in the vastness that is the Void, just outside the reach of your world's skies."
Much to Colbert's dismay, Kirche asked, "So you know about Void? As an actual element?"
Chuckling, Eldwin nodded, "I do. Guardians, like myself, use it. Siesta now draws form small amount of the Void to power more of her abilities." Then held up a hand to forestall. "But I have a inkling, that the elements of the world, such as fire, water, wind and earth, do not like me for that reason. Void is empty and always hungering. You could say they feel… intimidated or threatened. So it is not something I will be teaching soon until I understand more."
Seeing as that pacidated the young redhead for the moment, Eldwin sat down and told, "Now, comes what could only be described, as the somewhat boring part." Amusement touching in his tone. "The reason I chose of this spot, is it is open, and the sun can touch us."
"Now, eyes closed." He instructed. "Call on your light, well it inside of you, feel it and hold it." Waiting for a moment so each of his students could do this. His ears in particular picking up the sounds of Tabatha placing down her staff. "Now. I need you to all focus on the warmth on your skin, the heat that comes from the Star over our heads. The rays of light that help aid life here on this world."
Like many times before, Colbert just stayed off to the side as Eldwin began to help guide the three younger minds in getting this new element to mix with their Light. The Professor was a little down trodden to know that he couldn't actually wield Light and learn of these fascinating things as well, but it was possible he could still learn something and apply it to magic.
He and Eldwin had talked about such subjects before.
I think the most fascinating quality of this, is how they go about obtaining this 'Gift' of a element. That was how Eldwin defined it once. Gift. It wasn't like how a Mage drew on an element's existing form, either moisture from the air, dirt from the ground, heat of the area or the wind that surrounded them. No, this was some form of power that is drawn from the very element itself by a link made by the caster. A link that transcended space itself, as if making a pack with a spirit to the element.
It was Eldwin's theory that the same could be done with Wind, Water, Fire and Earth, though the man had no means to prove this without either making a connection himself, or someone else doing so. And Eldwin was not willing to risk his student on figuring out how. And Colbert had to agree, how the elements reacted to the man was… negative. Even this, while tame and fairly safe, Eldiwn did drag them out into the open, presumably if something went wrong.
Colbert felt it had something to do with this 'Radiance' the Guardian demonstrated. It felt like they were next to a hot furnace of a smiths, perhaps heven hotter than that.
Still, the the former Fire Snake could only sit and watch as the four as they went into this meditation for the Sun's gift of it's power. Leaving him to keep watch, and wait for any results to start showing up.
For hours they sat, the three young nobles occasionally scrunching their faces or shifting some. Once or twice, Colbert was sure he saw something, only to find nothing out of place. He had considered casting a spell, one to help gauge how things might be progressing, but dismissed it. It worked for magic, but he doubted it would work for Light or this Sol.
Sol: Element to the sun itself, a burning strength and light of a Star. Colbert had to pull his brows together at the mere idea that their sun, the thing over in the sky, was a Star. And not only that, but not made of fire, as many have believed it to be. There was also something else. Curessed and held in the void.
Void was a element of nothing, a vast expanse of nothing. That was the idea of Void. And yet, Eldwin spoke of it with such familiarity that beyond their skies and where their sun presided, was the Void. Was it truly just that close to them? Colbert would question the man on how he knew this, though he tossed it up to him having some possession over Void itself. Still, they were questions he wanted to have answers to.
There was a light gasp, one that reared the professor's attention after hours of waiting and got his eyes to glance at Kirche. The young women had her eyes open, a look of realization seemingly on her face. Or, realization and something else, like she had felt something. It was enough of a disturbance to pull Louise and Tabatha out of their meditations.
"It feels… so warm, hot." Kirche spoke almost breathlessly. Eldwin's head titled slightly, letting Colbert know the man was indeed paying attention and not lost in meditation. "It's… it feels so full of… of power. And, and almost like…" The Zerbst tried to find a explanation, something to compare words to. But it was so hard. "Waves of pure, rolling light and heat and…"
She took a long, calming breath, eyes linking furiously to try and make sense of it all. "It's so… old. It feels so very old. Like, like I'm a small little… little speck." Balling her fists, Kirche closed her eyes again. She could almost just see it. The vapor like substances, the heavy force that pulled it together, the welling spiraling force that drew in things around it. The heavy and burning core of their sun, the lively and explosive outer skin of it. It was like being in the hottest of flames, without it being fire. It felt so alien, but oh so familiar all at the same time.
Kirche was broken out of her state at a hand setting heavily on her shoulder, causing her to jump a bit and her connection break for a moment. This caused so much of her connection to break, but her awareness, her mind, could still feel the slight tells, the slight strings of feeling to that wonderfully scorching heat.
Eldwin was looking at her, directly and calmly. He held up his other hand, a golden orb forming and lighting with the same golden like light she felt like she had touched not too long ago. "You felt it's heat, Kirche. The well of light and all it's might."
He clenched his fist, extinguishing that little orb of Sol, and used it to raise each of her hands up, telling, "Use your Light. Coax that power of a Star between your fingers. Ask your Star, your Sun, for the gift of it's Light, it's heat, it's heavy core." Kirche gave a questioning look, but did as told.
She focused her Light and, almost cautiously, reached for that well of power she had felt. It was almost intimidating, but she shook that off. She reached into herself, took hold of that connection and in a mental manner, moved it closer to her Light.
For those watching, the whitish glow of light Kirche made soon began to spark with something new. Something much more hotter and golden in sheen. "Let it shine, Kirche." Eldwin encuraged. "Let it merge with your Light, and become it's very own Star." Both watching on with a touch of pride as the element of Sol began to form between the woman's fingers.
Blowing and letting out a small trail of smoke leave from his lips, Osmond inched a bit more comfortably into his chair before glancing back to Colbert. With a at ease motion with his hand, the elderly man asked, "How has progress been with the students under sir Eldwin's tutelage, Professor?"
Looking for the right words, Colbert said, "Odd, exotic… and honestly progressing rather smoothly." Clearing his voice a bit, Colbert went on to tell, "The initial part of each lesson takes a while, but once a explanation or example is made, the students tend to catch on quickly afterwards. He has a much more hands on approach compared to the staff here."
Stroking his beard, Osmond said, "I see, I see…" Almost idly nodding as part of his mind got a little distracted at what their dinner would be today. It took him a moment to place those thoughts aside before clearing his voice to ask. "And what of this 'Sol' element?" Wanting to know the progress to that.
"Mixed, to say the least." Told Colbert. "After some hours, Miss Zerbst was able to make a connection with it. I surmised it had to do something with elemental affinity, as Fire and Sol seem to share a small connection of sorts." Then thought on to continue, "Miss Valliere was the next to get it, though it took some time. And Miss Gallia was the last to be able to make a connection, a shaky one at best."
Thinking up on it more, Colbert admitted, "Eldwin seems to agree that their affinities seem to slightly tie into their progress in certain areas. In this case, Miss Zerbst's magical affinity towards fire seems more accepting towards this Sol element, while Miss Gallia's, while wind related, seems to also have a edge of ice, in Eldwin's mind."
"I direct opposite to fire, or Sol." Mused the elderly man in understanding. "Louise seems to be the middle way case then, having made a moderate connection?" Figuring this was a huge improvement, considering the girl had no natural elements to her name or use.
"Moderate, but well handled." Nodded Jean Colbert. "While Miss Zerbst has a much more uncanny connection that she enjoys, Louise has a much more… calmer approach to it." It was odd, really. Louise seemed fine with using Sol, manipulating it bit by bit after she gained her connection. But it seemed less… lively than Kirche's.
Speaking of the active young women, Kirche seemed to have gained a new appreciation for the sun, for whatever reason. He asked her about it, and the only way Kirche defined it was she felt just [i]more[/i] while in the sun's rays. It took a while to figure out that his student was experiencing some sort of empowerment because of her stronger connection. While Tabatha, while just as able, didn't seem as enthusiastic.
If anything, the wind mage seemed almost awkward while handling it. Like she wasn't sure how she should handle it.
Twisting his face a bit at the thought, Colbert admitted, "Each of the three show different degrees of skill, and even seem to have different takes on how to handle the element. If what Eldwin once said holds true, that each element has a form of self sentence on itself, then it's possible the relationship between the student's and this Sol element may vary due to their own person's and personalities."
Sighing, Osmond said, "Yet another side of magic that is being rediscovered under our very noses." It seemed with the new Familiar the young Valliere had pulled to their Academy, new things were being brought to the forefront. "Anything else to be noted of?" Went on to ask the Headmaster. "I have heard a bit of slip form the teachers that Eldwin has some skills in magic."
Smiling to that, Colbert gave a firm nod. "That he is. While his magic is indeed different, Eldwin shows to have a firm grasp of it. He has been delving into our own forms of magic, and I think he's getting close to figuring out how to do more with it, even mixing our two forms of magic more easily."
Nodding some, Osmond said, "Very good. I would like to see the results to this little project of his, it might make nice new little bit of knowledge for us all to learn from." To that, the elderly mage could see Colbert gave an agreeing nod, feeling rather hopeful of what might come from all of this.
There was a knock at the door, stopping the two form talking any further as Osmond cleared his voice and called out, "Yes Miss Longueville?" Waiting a moment as the door eventually opened and once more showing the secretary. It was of note that she looked a little tense, perhaps even a little irritated.
With poise though ,she spoke with a fairly straight face, "Count Mott is here to see you, Headmaster. A missive from the capital."
Letting out a weary sigh, Osmond gave a nod and motioned for the women to let him in. His good mood somewhat took a nosedive at the news, and he now understood why the lovely woman's face was so terse. "Thank you Miss Longueville. Jean, if you don't mind?"
"Of course, Osmond." Nodded Colbert, giving a nod as he moved out of the office and past the man he was presumed to be this Count Mott. The Teacher gave the man a careful look over, well aware of the Royal messengers… reputation when it came to interests.
Choosing to ignore this, Colbert began to descend the steps more focused on another thought. While the new forms of magic were all intriguing, there was one thing he wasn't able to touch on with Osmond, mostly because he felt the need to confirm it. Setting a path to find Eldwin, Colbert worked over some of the things the man had been teaching his students after they gotten a small idea of how to handle Sol.
Simple as it all was, Colbert was able to discern some of the practice movements when molding the power of Sol were… combat like. Sweeps, pushes, counters, even potential grapples were placed into the style. He didn't notice it at first, but his own military lifestyle kept the Fire Snake's mind sharp. And what he witness was subtle military training being installed into his students.
This wasn't entirely a bad thing, a Mage and Noble needed to know how to protect themselves from threats. No, what was concerning him was intent. He knew Eldwin was some form of warrior from his home, a sort of magical knight if that was a close enough equivalent. He had fought, and last Clebert checked, Eldwin never did say his fight was over. His home was still fighting.
Part of Colbert hoped Eldwin wasn't turning those three girls into soldiers. Conduct aside where it's more appropriate for young men to prepare for war, Colbert just didn't want to install that sense of 'glory in battle' that he used to have when he was younger. Though that seemed far from what Eldwin was teaching as of yet.
Still, as he stalked the halls, Colbert needed to know the truth. Siesta was proof of this military training. The Maid, as shy and kind as she was, had slowly molded into a force to be reckoned with to possibly Line class mages. And that was no small feat, when most Commoners can hardly handle a competent Dot class mage. And this was not mentioning the girls defensive potential with that 'Ward of Dawn', which could maybe handle Trigal class magic.
It was hard to tell, seeing as the only examples of exertion Siesta was ever under was with Eldwin sending magic at her barrier of Light. The girl straining with Arc, Void and Sol clashing against her own power. And considering Arc alone was lightning to them, that was triangle class magic. It was the best guess Colbert had to the power the girl could take during an assault.
Over all, everything spoke of some form of military or warrior like training being given to the girls. And this alone made Colbert concern of what the man might be intending, as innocent as the teachings seemed. And let it be known that despite how strict Eldwin was, he seemed to approve of questions. Colbert doubt the man will try to brush off or evade his questions.
Moving through the main floors of the Academy, Colbert glanced outside in a almost curious wonder. As of right now, most of the classes were back in progress, leaving most of the Academy mostly empty of teaching staff and students. But inwardly, Colbert wondered about those Light enabled. Even as the servants went about their duties, Colbert was reminded that the Nobility were no longer the only ones with a powerful gift, as there were Commoners with the same power Siesta could wield. What will change if that began to spread?
I am certain the Academy will have a new branch of teaching to pursue and express. That was the overall first thing that came to Colberts mind. But with how Osmond had more than once thought about the church itself, he had to grimace at what could happen. One of the main teachings was that all Nobility were given that right, as they were Mages, a gift from God to Brimer, which the legendary man spread to those worthy.
But the ability to wield Light wasn't just some mere bloodline- not from what Eldwin could understand. It was theorized Bloodline helped increase the chances, but bloodline alone didn't define who could wield their Light. It was random and by chance, for all they could tell. Them being the Warlock Guardians. Though a few, like Eldwin, believed it had to do something with a person's being or very soul, that might define who can or can't use Light to such extreme levels.
Regardless of reasons, it would possibly undermine the church's authority, something that might also call forth a inquisition. But so far there had been nothing much to undermine their faith in Brimer. Possibly question who had the rights of gifts and why Nobility weren't the only ones with special power, but that was something that could possibly waved off. After all, it was something Nobility and Commoner shared, Light. Even if they all couldn't use it as a tool, they all had it in their very souls.
Pushing this aside, Colbert refocused looking around for Edlwin to have his talk. After checking in the Library, and Louise's dorm, did the Professor try one last place, and the most expansive. Outside. It was a long search, going around the different court yards and checking the towers, seeing where eldwin might have wandered off to. The man could be peculiar in finding places to be, like tower tops, on the wall or just someplace in the grass.
Thankfully, Colbert did find Eldwin, back in the training yard and going through what looked to be practice movements. Here, without interruption or break in focus, Colbert could easily tell the man was practicing a combat form. It wasn't one he was admittedly familiar with, but the way the man fluently moved told Colbert that Eldwin was just as capable of fighting without his magic as he was with it.
Politely, colbert moved to the side and waited and just watched. The style itself was completely different from the one he had been teaching to the students, bare Siesta. That girl was apparently being taught an entirely different fighting style.
After some moment's longer of arm swipes and footwork, that Eldwin stopped and resumed a much more relaxed stance. The man turned, seeming to realize someone had been watching and spoke as soon as he saw who it was. "Professor. Is there something you needed of me?"
Nodding, and finding no need to dispense pleasantries, Colbert got to the point. "I've started to notice lately that you're more… physical lessons for the girls have an almost combat like style to it." It was another thing Colbert liked about Eldwin, he was fast to business when need be.
And like the fire mage predicted, Eldwin responded without faltering. "Some basic Warlock based hand-to-hand techniques. Both to utilize the body, or one's Light while in dire situations where precious moments to focus magic and Light are limited."
Nodding to this, Colbert asked with a touch more sternness, "Are you training them to be like soldiers?" Something that Jean himself wasn't sure if he was really all that fine with. Peace was something he was trying to strive for, after all.
"Warrior-Scholars, Colbert." Eldwin told in a reminding tone. "That is what a Warlock is. War is quite literally part of the name. We are as much fighters as we are learned minds. Our knowledge and wisdom, is our power and strength. A versatile tool we can weaponize further than any simple blade or club."
That, was far from reassuring to Colbert's ears. It made him frown some, but with a deep breath, Colbert asked, "You say you'll not put the students at risk, but I would have to question on how far you plan to push them in terms of combat training?"
"Not by far." Told the Guardian. "I think Tabatha might take to it more easily, and Kirche seems familiar with the idea. Louise is strong at heart, and might take to it like a fish to water, honestly." Then thought a bit to himself, head cocked to the side before speaking on. "But no intense training into combat. I'm more focused on expanding their knowledge and understanding of how to properly wield Light, Magic and their bodies as one. Combat should only be a last resort at this moment in time."
To this, Colbert could take solace in. He is preparing and readying them, but not completely pushing for them to be war able just yet, or willing to set them into the area of war. It might have been a bit paranoid of him to think that, but it was a fairly real concern. Especially for Louise, who was next to a protege under Eldwin.
"You are concerned about these facts." Asked Eldwin, more of making a open observation than a question.
"As you know, the safety of my students is a top priority for me." Responded Colbert. "Being former military, I know the risks that come with it."
Nodding to that in complete understanding, Eldwin said, "It is not something I plan to expose them to soon. My job is three fold, Professor Colbert. I am a Teacher to four young women, a defender to one of them, and also a protector to all four as they are my Students." Glancing to the Academy, he went on, "I can not rush them into the fire of war yet. Metal needs to be carefully forged before being used."
Glad to hear that the man had at least the sense to be patient, Colbert decided to go onto a different subject. "What sort of combat style were you doing just now?" His curiosity finally re-peaking at the scene he had been watching.
Chuckling, Eldwin turned back to tell, "A little something a Hunter once taught me. Blade Dancers seem to have the most unique of combat kata's or techniques. Graceful, efficient and deadly. Mine is a sort of… incorporation of a few moves, mixed with a Warlock's touch to use one's magic in each blow."
Holding a hand out, Eldwin asked, "Would you like to learn it? Once you get down your own wandless magic, it would be a nice little trick to have. Hnds coated in fire would be a sight that might scare your opponent into giving up."
While Colbert would rather not touch a very aggressive style meant for fighting, the man had to admit the idea of lighting his hands on fire to scare a few off might be worth it. "I may pass on the offer, Sir Eldwin." Declined the mage, "I left my military career behind. I would rather try and stay more as a teacher."
"If you wish." Eldwin accepted. "Just keep in mind that the offer will stand. Knowledge is important, and this is something you could possess yourself, or teach to others. Mastering of the body is just as important of a lesson for your Students to learn."
To that, Colbert had to agree with. A few of his student's could possibly use a bit of moving around outside instead of just sitting around and doing nothing. Some wre just too out of shape, and it was a real shame. Though he himself wasn't one to speak about it too much. Colbert himself wasn't as in shape as he used to be, but at least he kept up some exercise. More so than some.
Waving that thoght away, Colbert smiled and told, "I will keep that in mind, Sir Eldwin." Then gave a slight nod and told, "If you can excuse me? I have a few things to get back to before the day's up. Maybe we can talk over our theories over natural magic and how it may function to form bonds with mages. Like your elements do."
Nodding, eldwin agreed, "It is something I would like to work out. If Kirche and Tabatha are to go by, they could benefit from making similar bonds to their elements, once we know what must be archived to reach that sort of goal." It was, after all, mostly theoretical at the moment. Since Edlwin had no idea of how to properly make contact, then having either student try on their own might be hazardous.
He could, after all, come back from the dead if the means to gain loyalty meant risking death itself.
