Familiar of Zero The Risen Familiar

by BlackHawk571X

Torn from a war ravaged America, Erik Roland lands in a world where magic dominates the world instead of science and technology. Now he must find a way home or begin his call to duty here and help bring his new home to heights of greatness. Who say's Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness is only an American way of life? Rated M for lang, dark past, and adult themes.(OCXHarem)

4. FOZ: Humble Beginnings

Hello everyone! Blackhawk571X here! :D I hope you guys like how I brought Louise up to Void mage like that, but know that no one else would know except her friends and her familiars. It will take few chapters to reveal the truth of her magic, and Louise will be meeting her parents shortly before Albion invades. AND, Erik may help her family again, with another problem that was plagued them. I'll let you think on that but now! For Chapter 4 of the Familiar of Zero: The Risen Familiar!

After what felt like hours, when it was really thirty minutes, Louise stood there with a smile on her face. Why you would ask? The answer is really simple. For years, she, her family, and her school really thought she could not cast magic. But one person, one familiar...changed all that, as the man named Erik Von Roland stood behind her grinning like a proud brother as he slapped her shoulder, staring at her work of blown up tree parts everywhere. The next words out of his mouth really made her happy.

"Congratulations Louise, you are now the first mage in-training in the arts of Void magic in the last 6000 years of history. And, if I may be so bold, I think Louise The Zero has a nice ring to it. Would you agree?" Erik said with grin, proud that he was able to solve her problem and give this continent the Second Coming of Void magic. But alas, there will be those who will try to use her as a weapon for their own deeds. But before they would have have even the smallest of chance, for now, like his master before him, will teach her everything he knows and someday the true reason of his nature. Louise looked up to meet his eyes all watery and threw herself into his chest, which made him hug her. She sobbed for a bit before said something that was mumbled but he could hear it.

"Thank you Erik, for everything." Louise said, making him shake his head.

"Not everything." Erik said, getting a shocked look from Louise as she got out of his hug to look at him. This got an eyebrow raise from him.

"Come on Louise, you say that now like your expecting me to walk away. I may have got you to cast your first ever spell that works for you, but this is not the end. I'm gonna be staying here for now, for one purpose in mind. And that is to train you, Louise." Erik said, getting a gaped look from her.

"Does...does that mean..?" Louise said, getting more teary eyed at the idea of what he is about to say. To which Erik smiled at her.

"Today, you are my first student, not just of the ideas of magic we will discover together, but of the ways I was taught on my world, the arts of the Risen" Erik said, making her smile and hug him again. For once, she felt like the world needed her around and because of a commoner, she will be able to be called a true mage. But now she wondered how her parents would react to it. But that was put aside as Erik ended the hug.

"Alright Louise, I think you would need the day off. Don't want you to be pushed too much after the amount of spells you cast today. I think Colbert would agree to let you have your day off." Erik said, getting a nod from Colbert as he and the others walked up to them.

"Indeed Miss Vallière, with all those casts, you must be winded by now. I'll explain that whatever Erik did was successful, and that he will be teaching you privately in both arts since no other teacher would be willing to teach her again, knowing her magic beforehand" Colbert said, getting a nod from Erik.

"Which is a good thing, cause there would be people who would use her as a tool in their ambitions, like conquering the nations and such. Which is why we shouldn't report it to the crown." Erik said, getting gasps from all the nobles.

"But why?! If I can use Void magic, why can't the Queen know?" Louise asked, which made Erik knelt to eye level.

"Remember why I said about the church, little Louise?" Erik asked, getting a nod from Louise as she realized what Erik was about to say.

"There are three ways I may think is going on. One, The church may have been hiding how to cast Void magic from everyone else, because they did not want someone they can't control to be leading the whole continent. Two, their laws was so strict, that it would force anyone with even the idea of having Void magic, would make them live as lower birth as even commoners just to live. Or three..." Erik said, getting a look from Louise as she felt like he was holding something from her.

"Or three?" Louise asked nervously.

"Or three...the reason that no other Void mage was recorded for the last 6 centuries...is because it was foretold and made to happen...by Brimir himself." Erik said getting looks of shock from all of them. Louise starred in shocked at what Erik may be getting at. She was, may or may not, be chosen by Brimir himself! For what reason, she did not know, but Erik may have an idea.

"For what reason, I don't even know Louise. But these are got theories of a bigger picture. So until this world version of the Vatican could literary hand us the keys to their vault, these will just be as I said. Theories. But don't let that stop you now Louise. By fear of laws, secrets of a hidden society or by the plans of God himself, you are now and forever, a Void Mage." Erik said as he stood up, looking down at her with a smile. Louise smiled back with a very hopeful heart. Suddenly, the name of Zero don't feel like a mocking anymore, but it felt...right. She nodded her head as Erik looked to everyone.

"Alright everyone, I know you may be excited to tell everyone that the 'Second coming of Void' is here, but I need you guys to keep it closed lip on this. For even a slip up could cost us the lives and the livelihood of this school. When the time comes, the known world will know of her, and when they do...stay with her, for she'll need all her friends in her journey. Call it selfish yes, but you guys do owe her for all the times you treat her badly." Erik said, getting signs from all of them.

"Yeah, your right. I can't believe she holds Void now, and our families are rivals for our past histories." Kirche said, getting a nod from Erik.

"Well maybe this will end the rivalry then. Perhaps now that you've seen what she is capable of and seen and hear what she had to go through, you two can start being friends now." Erik said, seeing them look at each other, actually thinking about what he said. Kirche then laughed out loud, getting some sweat drops.

"Well 'Zero', you finally beat me at something. Maybe now I can see you as a true rival to surpass you, Vallière." Kirche said, teasingly.

"Shut it Zerbst! Just because you finally acknowledge me as your rival now, doesn't mean I'm gonna fail to you." Louise said as if the flames between them have rekindled. But unlike before, to Erik, this flame was warm and friendly, not like the heat you wo use to have. Realizing the two are just bickering for show, Erik shook his head as he felt someone pull on his arm. To which he looked down to see Tabitha pulled his shirt to grab his attention. Erik smiled at how she looked like a cousin he used to have before she moved away, Erik then knelt to eye level.

"I don't believe we had the acquaintance Miss...?" Erik said, leaving the last word for her, to which she nodded.

"Tabitha. Of Gallia. Wind mage. Knight." Tabitha said, confident that she could trust him with some information. Erik nodded at how Tabitha whispered the last part as if she want no one else to know.

"And I supposed that you trust me with this information because you want something?" Erik said, getting a nod from her. She looked around her and then lean towards him to whisper something in his ear. The face on Erik's face did not change other than the smile turned into a slight frown, but his eyes held sadness, anger, and pity for the young girl. And he thought he had family issues, but what Tabitha had told him, humbled him so. Erik then see her leaned back to see her eyes watering a bit, seeing that her usual mask of no emotions being cracked by the second. To which Erik grabbed her shoulder and stared in her eyes, to which widen at the sternness of them.

"I know you had a bad experience, but for now you need to back down whose emotions, for it is not the time to cry, but a time to truly move forward." Erik said in his 'voice', the kind of voice when a higher up of the army would talk to a man of lower status to stop him from breaking down. Tabitha realized what he was doing, and with a wipe from her arms, she dried the tears and rebuilt her mask with a new emotion behind it, determined anger. Erik nodded as he looked back, seeing that Louise and Kirche was still bickering, much to everyone dismay. But for him and Tabitha, it was the perfect distraction for them to converse.

"Miss Tabitha, what you have said to me is no small secret, and sometime in the future I will help stop your uncle and make him pay for what he has done. This I promise as a Risen warrior." Erik said, with his right hand over his heart, which looked clawed by how he arranged his fingers to look like claws of a bird. Tabitha stared in shock at the promise he had given her.

"Wh...why?" Tabitha asked, which got a determined grin from him.

"Because no one, not even royalty, should suffer from those who are supposed to be trusted and loved because they are blood. This king, after I'm done with him, will be very humbled after I'm done with him." Erik said with his trademark smirk, which got a small smile from Tabitha, finally she told her herself, she wasn't truly alone in her quest to free her mother. But she shook it out of her head as he place a hand on her shoulder.

"I know that look anywhere. And to answer that, you aren't alone. For you have us all to help you now, and forever." Erik said, getting her to look around her. Louise, Saito, Siesta, Kirche, Katie, Guiche, Montmorency, and Colbert. She then realized before, and it made her smile, which made Erik smile.

"Not totally alone, now are we?" Erik said, getting a shake from her. He then stood up just as Louise and Kirche finally relented to Colbert telling them at they needed to return to the academy. Erik then ruffled Tabitha hair to get her flustered at the contact.

"We discuss this more when we can, but you and the others need to return to class. Mister Colbert, after you are done with getting everyone to where they are needed, you and I need to address these finding to the headmaster and what we can do from here." Erik stated to everyone, which got a nod from the teacher.

"Yes, we need to tell him this wonderful news of Louise's magic, and your theory of magical training for anyone. I will see you after classes are done." Colbert said, getting a nod from Erik.

"Say no more, teach. I'll be around the grounds if you wish to find me. I'll probably be training her some less physical training will everyone's in class. Louise, if you please, we'll be heading to the kitchens first." Erik said, getting a crest fall look from Louise.

"What why Erik? What's so important of a commoners workplace?" Louise said, getting an eyebrow raise from Erik. But he smiled, knowing that it will be difficult to change Louise's mind set of the world she lives in.

"Three reasons Louise. One, not all training will be about magic and how to harness them, but by doing the same hard tasks and chores of those who served you. Why you asked, because they have to live with doing more for less in near poverty and that make them live humble lives, for every decision they make is life altering." Erik said, getting wide eyes in realization of Erik was trying to do. By having Erik 'force' Louise to practically live like a commoner, not only to make her see through the eyes of the non-nobility but also make decisions only nobles could have the benefit of making on their own, while commoners would have to make do with what they got and given. Louise nodded in understanding as Erik continued.

"Two, not everywhere we go we could have the luxury we have here in the academy. Say that we were split up in the wood with nothing but the clothes on our backs. How many of you would survive the first night with no food, water, clean clothes, and a warm bed to rest in?" Erik said, making them shuddered in revolution at the idea. They then realize what Erik was getting at again as he continue.

"Not easy to have those things out there when they are practically given to you here at birth, is it. But commoners? They had to hunt for their food, find a source of water to drink from, wash the clothes they make, and rest in beds that, to be honest, would break your guys back just to lay in it after sleeping in beds that are so comfortable, even the clouds are jealous of them." Erik said, getting nods from everyone, even Tabitha and Colbert. Despite the difference in their lives, what he said is true, for being lost in the woods with nothing to cast your magic with is a nightmare for anyone in nobility. And yet for commoners, it's an everyday challenge for them, and they the nobles call themselves the rulers of this continents, and yet if something were to happen to their magic, they would fall, Hard. But not commoners, it would be nothing but a walk in the park. Then the truth sunk in, it's the noble that needed the commoners, but the commoners sure as hell don't need the nobles. By having Louise be taught in what the commoners know and do, it's an excellent backup for magic, and a good training of mentally, for everything is harder without magic, and how the commoners do it, they will make excellent teachers for Louise. They nodded again, and just before Erik said the last piece, a grumble sound out. Everyone looked around to see Louise blushing up a storm, which made Erik smile.

"And three, your hungry. I would be surprised actually that you wouldn't be hungry after all those casts of explosion. So come on Louise, for I shall have the head cook teach you on how to bake your first cake." Erik said, getting a droll from Louise at the idea of cake. The others, other than Tabitha and Colbert, grown at how lucky Louise was about having cake while they had class, while Siesta and Saito sighed at how difficult it will be for Louise. Colbert wondered how Louise will perform since cake making is not something to be done by magic. He hope Louise will not have her wand during the making. Tabitha thought back to what Erik said, and felt a warming sensation at the promise Erik made. Was this what they called Love? She did not know, but she know it was the same like how she loved her mother, almost like family love. Erik and Louise walked to the ground as they leave behind the circle, not seeing the figure in the far trees not blown up by Louise. It was the teacher Erik dressed down for being disrespectful for mummering what he thought was disrespectful for a commoner to demand to speak to the headmaster in private. The man was growling in rage at the idea of his enemies daughter being more than a 'Zero'. When he heard how the youngest daughter was having trouble with magic, he was happy at the fact that Karin De Vallière was struggling to help Louise cast successful magic at a young age, but now this no name familiar commoner helped her were no one could. He waited until he could not see them, and walked up the very thing that helped her find her magic, the circle the commoner made. He waited to destroy it as soon as Louise found her magic, but he waited until nobody was around and now he had an opportunity. He then wondered if it really helped her and stepped into the circle, and instead of the white pillar of light he expected, he saw a blacken cloud surrounding him. He then felt a draining sensation as the cloud dissipated and the elements in the jars suddenly flared to life, and then he lost conscious. When he would wake up, he will find that his magic, the proud water magic of his family, will be no more for him to call on, for it will serve another master well.

Academy Kitchens

Erik and Louise walked to the hall to the kitchen to teach Louise how to bake a cake. Erik and Louise was followed by Siesta since the others are covering for her. She was happy to be around Erik as she wanted to be around him. She tried to convince herself that she wasn't in love with him, only that she had a crush on him. They reached the kitchens to see the head chief and a few cooks preparing for the lunch course for the nobles. This made Louise tilt her head in confusion at why the head chief and others would prepare for the academy lunch, but then she realized how many of the nobles, both student and teacher, was here and the cooks had to prepare for not only the sole lunch items, but for extras they may order. She felt some sadness for the commoner since that they can't have the same 'freedoms' as Erik called them. Chief Marteau was telling a chief of what items are needed for lunch, when he was surprised by the sight of Erik, Louise and Siesta walked into the kitchen. He then hurried the chief away to meet the champion of the commoners.

"Ah hello Our Sword. What can I do for you today?" Marteau asked, seeing the noble with a curious glance. Erik patted Louise's shoulder and spoke to him.

"This is louise De Vallière, and for the next few days, you are gonna teach her in the ways of the kitchen." Erik said with a grin, which got looks of shock from the cooks of the academy. Marteau shook his head.

"Not that I'm complaining, but why do you want me to teach a noble on how to cook?" Marteau asked, getting a sad pout from Louise.

"Because cooking is a certain mentality only calm people can wield. So, for Louise's training, she is learning how to cooking to teach herself to be calm in stressful and fast paced situations. And it's for only a few items of cooking that is basic. If you feel she can do better or learn more recipes, you can ask her, but for now she is to bake a cake. Can you do that for her, since she found out true magic?" Erik asked, getting a shocked look from the chief.

"You manage to solve her magic problems?" Marteau asked, getting a nod from Erik, which he then walked up to him and whispered in his ear. Louise watched as head chef widen his eyes and looked at her with shock. Erik then walked back to Louise, walked behind her and gripped both her shoulders.

"So what do you say Marteau? Care to humble a noble in the world of commoners?" Erik asked, getting a determined nod from the chief after the shocks wore off.

"Very well Our Sword! I shall make this a very good education for the young Vallière. Come on miss, we got to have you change into something more cooking attire." Marteau Said, turning to walk away, which made Louise walked forward before Erik hugged her from behind to whisper into her ear.

"Whatever he is teaching, learn it by heart. Whatever he does to make you bake that cake, know that he is teaching you. And whatever words that is meant to get you down for failure, perk up, for it is the sign that you are learning and these cooks aren't afraid to tell you what is wrong and what is right, alright?" Erik said, which he got a nod from her. And then they heard Marteau yell out.

"Come on Miss Vallière, we need to start cooking for everyone in a few hours, so I need to teach you soon!" The chief yelled out, getting a look from Louise as she was fumbling. Erik pushed her forward to get her to run, which she did to not make the chief mad. Erik stood there smiling at how Louise's first task is simply mundand in the eyes of nobility. But they will have to admit that it worked, for it's one of many to make Louise the most powerful Void mage of her time. Erik then see Siesta dazing off when he snapped his fingers in front of her. This got her out of her daydreaming of her 'teaching' him how to cook in a naked apron again, and she looked at him with a blushed expression. This reaction got a smile from Erik as now he wanted to ask her something in private.

"Well now that there are two of us, may we go somewhere more private? There is something I want to ask about you." Erik said, and Siesta stood there red as a rose, thinking that he was gonna ask her to serve him now since she blurted out that she was fine being a personal servant. She nodded her head and ask her to follow him. Erik smiled at the misunderstanding Siesta was making, and he just went along with it. But the real reason he wanted to ask her in private, is because he was really curious of her ancestry. In his world, only one group of people have blue eyes and black hair, and they came from the Asian continent. So far from what he's seen here, people could have any kind of hair from red and blond like Kirche, Guiche and Montmorency to pink and blue hair like Louise and Tabitha. This pool of hair color tells him what he needs to know about the reason why Siesta's hair is black. The answer is because her line is not of this continent, or even on this planet. Only one way to find out. And after a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the servant house. Siesta opened the door to peek in to see no one inside, and she let Erik inside. Erik looked around to see bunk beds stretching from the door of one side to the other side of the building he's one. It really made him ticked off to see the state of commoners by the hands of nobility, and thought of few more things, not realizing that Siesta is 'preparing' for Erik. Erik then decided to ask her now that his line of questioning and turned around only to find Siesta is not around him, wondering where she went off to, and yelled out.

"Siesta?" Erik said with an higher octave used for a hush yell out for anyone nearby

"I'll...I'll be out in a minute. M...make yourself comfortable sir knight." Siesta said, making Erik eyebrow raise. 'Sir knight?' He thought, that was new. But he shrugged his shoulders thinking that she was set on not saying his real name without embarrassing herself. And got comfortable he did, as he rested on top of one of the beds. Despite what he had said earlier about commoners being experts of non-magic endeavors nothing would prepare him for the bed he rested on, for it was comfortable to lay on indeed. And lay there he did as he closed his eyes and thought about the last time he slept on a bed this good. During the Revolution, he had to sleep on makeshift beds in order in get some sleep, which was like 4-5 hours a night before the rebels had to move on to the next city for liberation. The last time Alivon ordered a 8 hour nap piece for last year and when he heard it, he immediately and literally hit the sack. And he was surprise to know that he rested for 10 hours because his group wanted to let him have it for everything he did for them, and even a nice breakfast when the rations came in. Erik smiled at the thought as before the order was given, he had pushed through 4 days without sleep because the enemy was dead-set on making sure every street count, and boy did they counted. But before Erik could think more on to this, he felt a human weight on him, making him pop an eye open. What he saw, should've set any man into a nosebleed rocket as he saw Siesta in literally nothing but an apron. He fully opens his eyes and smirked at the sight since before coming to this world, he had a few 'weekend warriors' to keep himself grounded to the needs of adulthood. He waited until Siesta was done as she shifted to lay her head on his chest, and then he looped his arms around her waist, surprising her. She was about to say something before Erik said his piece.

"Well well well Miss Siesta, I don't know if I should indulge on that fantasy of yours from earlier and take you right here and now?" Erik said grinning, liking to see her reactions. From his point-of-view, her head steamed at the idea since she really was forced herself to do this. Erik rolled his eyes and told his tenet to hold off the 'air' for him. With a grunt, the aura around him stopped, which made Siesta snapped out of the trance he believed that she was in and looked at him. He smiled since now she had to explain what happened to her.

"Sorry about that, but my tenet of power is dead-set on having me mate with any female I come across with most of the time. I hope you're not mad at me." Erik said with a sincere smile, which made Siesta confused.

"What is your tenet of power? And why did it want you...to..?" Siesta said, confused at first before she blushed at what his 'tenet' wanted him to do. Erik patted her head to calm her down, which surprisingly it worked just like Louise.

"I know it's confusing, but know that the powerful entity sealed inside me will not be making your female instincts go wild anymore, so you have nothing to worry about, ok?" Erik said, getting a nod from Siesta still blushing at now how she was gonna get off of him without him seeing her naked. But before that Erik lead her head to meet her eyes, only to kiss her forehead and then hugged her tighter, making Siesta's heart beat faster.

"I think we should know each other a lot better before you toss away your virginity. Don't you agree?" Erik said, making Siesta nod her head softly, before poking her shoulder.

"Ok then, go ahead and get proper. There's something I need to ask you personally." Erik said, closing his eyes to not see Siesta nude, but Siesta was really think about let him see her nude after all. But she know he wasn't like the others and probably want to make her night special or something just like in the romance books she has. She then went back to the washroom to dress back into her maid uniform, wondering if he was the type at sweep her off her feet or the one to wait until she was ready to have him take her. While she let the fantasies run wild, Erik layed there on his bed wondering if he should have that 'mating ensnachment' pheromones off since he didn't want unnecessary female attraction right now, but decided to have it off around people he cares about and his enemies could suffer the full brunt of it. He then thought of how Louise is doing in her training and decided to see her after his talk with Siesta. Which was now since Siesta returned all back in her uniform, still red dusting on her cheeks. Erik smile and sat up.

"Alright Siesta, now that we are proper again, let me ask you something that has been on my mind for awhile." Erik said, getting a nod from her, wondering what he was about to ask her. What he asked threw her off.

"Can you tell me your family bloodline?" Erik asked, getting a huh and a tilt of the head from Siesta, not really thought he would asked that.

"Why do you want to know about my family, sir knight?" Siesta asked.

"Because I want to know why you are different then the rest of the people here. You have black hair and blue eyes and a certain trait of eye shape that is different to the others here. So I figured I would know why that is if you tell me family line." Erik said, getting her to nod at his reasoning since she would like to know too.

"Well it all started with my grandfather. He used to tell stories of how he came to this world. At first, we thought it was crazy but then he showed us the Robe of the Dragon, and told us that he flew it during a war when he and his 'wingman' flew towards the sun and entered our world. He partner escaped but my grandfather could not. Perhaps I can show it, but it's a family heirloom so I don't know if my father will let you see it." Siesta said, getting a shake from Erik.

"You don't have to show me right now Siesta, I think I have an idea of what family line you are. But that will be another time since you need to return to your duties." Erik said with a brow raised. This made her huh, before she gasped.

"Oh no! I was only supposed to be covered for an hour. What am I gonna do?!" Siesta said flailing her arms, which made Erik chuckle as he got up and hugged her, making her stop.

"If anyone has a problem with why you are late, tell them that Erik the Mage Buster demanded to speak with you personally. If that doesn't work, then let me handle them, for I will tolerate the abuse you commoners you go through no longer. Promise me ok?" Erik said softly, getting a nod from Siesta. He then patted her back and let go.

"Ok then, I see yo.." Erik said, before being interrupted by a kiss to the cheek from Siesta. She gasped out lightly at her boldness, but as she turned to walk, she smiled to herself lightly blushing.

"Good day Sir Knight." Siesta said, getting a shake of his head from Erik.

"So now you're calling me a knight huh?" Erik said, before his eyes turned to the window in sadness.

"If only you knew the horror I went through, and the blood I've spilt then." Erik said, as he close his eyes to the memory of his first every mission in the Rebellion.

The Battle of Las Vegas

WARNING! DARK CONTENT, OFFENSIVE, AND OVER USE OF LANGUAGE AHEAD! IF YOU ARE UNDER 16, SKIP NOW OR ELSE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! DON'T COMPLAIN TO ME IF YOU DIDN'T HEED IT!

4 years ago

North America

United States of America

Risen/ US Government Front Line

Las Vegas

9:31 P.M

Erich suddenly woke up the sounds of war itself, as the sounds of rockets, helicopters, tank fire, jets passing by, and gunfire dominate the former gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas. He looked to see his commanders, Alivon Vulken and his brethren fight the cowards who surrendered to the 'new order' of America. He was about to ask what was happening since the fight doesn't start till 10:00, when the Risen Commander ducked down at the last minute before the sniper shot would have connected, and it made him curse.

"God damn mother fucking sonva fucking bitches! If only you cowards were this good in Iraq, then those Isis allah lunatics would've lost years ago! I guess the whole war on terror was a complete fucking joke then Huh!? Fucking political jerk me offs, when I finally stump into D.C., I'm gonna shove my boot into the asses of each and every fucking single suit and tie of the capitol I lay my eyes on!" Alivon said, as he was firing from his hybrid weapons platform, shooting up a few soldiers that dared to get out of cover.

"Well you have to admit it brother, when the call for a revolution happens in your own backyard, you too would send all the best you can to crush them immediately." Vladimir said amused at Alivon throwing a bitch fit, shooting with an AK-47.

"Well excuse fucking me for wanting to tear into the assholes who practically sold our country to our enemies just because they promised them riches and splendor at the expense of the middle, the poor and the motherfucking homeless of the country they were born, raised, and moved in!" Alivon said, shooting up more and ducking occentionally. He then put up his head to feel a shot in the shoulders armor that made him pushed back. Alivon then shook his head at the sudden whiplash, and he was pissed off.

"Motherfucking...sonava...call of duty no life fuckers! I am not gonna sit here with a thumb up my ass waiting, just so some fucker could pop my god damn head off!" Alivon said as he flared up his radio.

"Zircon Royal, this is Risen Hawk! Come in Zircon Royal!" Alivon said, getting a static before he got a response.

"Copy that Risen Hawk, this is Zircon Royal. What are your orders over?" The radioman said.

"Zircon Royal, I am ordering a danger close fire mission near our position. I repeat, we're stuck here at the edge of the city and getting royally fucked here! I need some damn rocket support now, over!" Alivon said.

"Roger that Risen Hawk, ordering a danger close fire mission for our F-150 ZR Kashayka Rocket Trucks to rain hell there, over." The radioman said.

"Copy that Zircon Royal! Tell them to fire at will, over!" Alivon said.

"Roger that, Risen Hawk. Rocket trucks firing at will." The radioman.

"Copy that Zircon Royal, stand by for rocket damage report." Alivon said, as he ended that radio, to address his brethren and troops.

"Alright everyone listen up! Our rocket trucks are gonna rain hell over these fuckwits so we can move in to take the city! Get to cover now!" Alivon said, as he and everyone got to cover. Erich was still leaning against the makeshift sandbag cover when his attention was grabbed by Vlad.

"Hey little buddy, get your head out of the clouds now, cause we are about to shoot up them slot machines and walk away smiling like crooks." Vlad said amused at the surprised look from the warrior in training, with an AK-47 at his side.

"He's right, my student. You better get ready to run once those rockets are done and we need to run in quickly." Edmund said, with a bullpup rifle in hand. Erich then nodded his head and got his M16 ready to head into the city on his leader's orders.

"Such a shame the city's gonna be in ruins before we actually can hit these poker tables after we are done here. I would like to experience it once in life." Zula said, with a tinge of disappointment.

"You don't have casinos where you're from Zula?" Zao asked with a smirk, causing his African born brother to deadpan look at him.

"Really? As if half of Central Africa can afford to have casinos like the rest of the first world countries. Even I couldn't afford one during my time as a Drug Warlord. It's a real shame that all of Africa can't find common ground now, especially since that massacre in South Africa a few months back." Zula said, getting nods from almost all of them and a sigh from Zao.

"You're telling me Brother. China is finally breaking down after all these years of corruption, backstabbing and enslavement of its people. Even the president and his advisers are nowhere to be found from what I've heard. And my fellow slaves are rising up to tear the country apart" Zao said, getting a sigh from Nat.

"Damn...seems like the whole world is crumbling around us, even Eastern Europe and Russia are facing civil unrest themselves at the moment….. Are we the cause of all this?" Natalya said.

"I sure hope so Nat, because we are gonna fix all their mistakes our-fucking-selves once we're done here in America." Vlad said.

"Enough commentary! Here they come." Alivon said, and true to his word, the loud whistling of rockets came down and hit the american line hard. They waited a few seconds after the 100 rocket barrage came down and Alivon reported it.

"Zircon Royal, this is Risen Hawk. Rockets have hit their targets and they have felt it. Thanks for the assist, stand by for new orders, over." Alivon said, getting a static before spoke up.

"Roger that Risen Hawk, standing by, over." The radioman said.

"Copy that Zircon Royal, Risen Hawk out." Alivon said, ending the call. He then turn to a radioman beside him.

"Steiner, give the order! We're marching in, now!" Alivon said, getting a yes sir, and then he gave the order. The next second, whistles sounded out to give everyone the order to move forward on their commander's order. Alivon then whipped his wrist to extend his blade and raise it up.

"Alright people! We gonna taking this city tonight and the whole world is gonna fucking watch us! Move! Move! Move in NOW!" Alivon yelled. And after the speech, the yells of a thousand men scream out to sprite to the city streets to start it's liberation from it oppressors. Erich vaulted over the makeshift cover as he readied his weapon, running right besides the commanders. Out in front of him, three black and red Risen Abram tanks fired their shells at a building, seeing that their desert camo counterparts are nothing but spare parts to wipe out the snipers in the buildings before them. Erich followed Edmund to a hotel at the beginning of the sin city, as A-10 Warthogs, and AH-1 Cobra helicopters flew over to lay waste to their targets on the ground, while the new and modernized F-16 falcons dogfight the F-18s Hornets in the air. He then saw soldiers and both of them put up their weapon to shoot them down, which resulted in a short firefight. Edmund then pulled out a grenade launcher and fired at them, which made four bodies fly out from cover. Edmund then put it away and then ordered his troops to follow him. They followed him to the Vegas strip when they were hit by fire from the enemy. Edmund was in a doorway of a casino, taking cover from fire from across the street. He then sprayed some bullets at them without exposing himself. Erich then spayed to distract them, while a rocket group got a RPG ready. Many of their weapons had to be bought from the black market since America no longer make firearms since it's collapse, and more than half of the firearms in the hands of citizens were taken away, and those who refused were treated to prison time or a firing squad. Erich then see the RPG team coming towards him, and he told them where to fire. Edmund then ordered a cover fire to give the rocket team a chance to kill at least a few of them. Erich sprayed his weapon while the rocket team got into position and fired. He watched as the RPG hit the building as the fire from the snipers ceased for good, and they waited for a bit to see if the weapon hit their target. Edmund then stick his head for a second, and then pulled it back to see a bullet hole form on his top hat. He then took it off to see the damage, and he shook his head.

"So uncivilized." Edmund said, as he put his hat back. He then waited as he pulled out his glass piece, ordered one of them to stick their helmets out for a distraction. He then stick out the glass to see the sniper shot at his troops helmet thinking that was the end of him, but Risen troops have been using this technique for a while now to fool snipers to think they killed a target, when they actually shot an open helmet. He then pulled back the glass after seeing his target and readied his own sniper, a FN SCAR-H, and waited for the next shot. And he didn't wait long for the sniper to take his last shot.

Crack, went the shot the enemy sniper shot out, only to reveal himself to Edmund as he got out of cover to fire.

Crack! Went Edmund's shot and he pulled back to his cover. For a few minutes after exposing the dummy helmets, Edmund decided that the snipe is dead and they were ready to push forward. They then head to the next casino. They continued on as the night went on till 4:00 am in the morning, when reinforcements from the Risen side arrive to the help take the rest of the city. Erich saw the F-16's still flying over after gaining air dominance over the enemy with 47/47 F-18's to 38/50 F-16's down with the remaining jets flying over. He haven't seen any A-10's in the area and only a couple of cobras still fly low to take out hidden enemy positions. He figured that the battle was nearly over, when the yell of contact sounded out from the right, there were 30 soldiers firing at them. Gunfire pressures on for a few minutes and some of them got shoot during it when Erich, with radio in hand, ordered a fire mission.

"Zircon Royal, this is Hessian 1. Requesting a A-10 gun run near our position." Erich said, getting looks of shock from his team and his master.

"Erich?! What are you doing?! Those A-10's will tear us up!" Edmund said, but he saw Erich ignore him to hear the radio.

"Copy that, Hessian 1, pull out a smoke for our hogs and they'll take come do the rest." The radio awac said. Erich pulled out an orange smoke frag.

"Roger that Zircon Royal, targets for fire is 7 meters ahead of us, north of orange smoke." Erich said as he tossed the orange smoke. Edmund looked in horror at what he did, and just as he was about to yell at him again, the two words he did not want to hear so soon sounded out.

"Hog Thunder." The radio blared out, getting looks of white shocked faces. But then they remember something.

Run.

"Run!" Edmund yelled, and everyone took of running in the opposite direction of the smoke. Edmund catched up to Erich and started yelled at him.

"You and I are gonna have a discussion after this, Erich!" Edmund yelled, making Erich yelled back.

"Save it, I know what I was doing!" Erich said, as they heard the familiar engine roars of two A-10's ready to tear up the strip. Just when they both leap for cover inside a building, the hellfire came loose.

BBBBBRRRRRTTTTTTTT!

Two Gatling guns that should be impossible to carry other than A-10's spun up and laid the rain on the enemy soldiers. Erich and Edmund walked out to see the damage and it was immense. Cars left behind during the evacuation were nothing but swiss cheese, scrap and car parts, the sidewalk all chewed out, and the pavement is now unsafe for cars to travel on. All because of two aircraft, the very ones the U.S. Government wanted to scrap it for nothing for the F-35's. But not the Risen, for Alivon still saw the ground attack capabilities of the aircraft and took all the ones left to rust and made it into their go-to ground attacker with the much needed modifications to compete with whatever the despot government can throw at them. Erich and Edmund then walked up to where the soldier where...only to realize the horror of war itself. No one is safe from war. Erich stared at the bodies of 13 to 16 year old militia troops when Edmund grabbed and hugged Erich to stop him from staring.

"I know what you're thinking Erich, but it's not your fault. These kids were forced into a militia, the New Vegas Militia, during the fall of the old government, and they had to learn how to live their new lives while their families could do nothing but watch. We were gonna stop them this battle, but the fact they shot us up, we needed to put them down. You should not beat yourself up for their deaths Erich, think of the blessing of heaven God now gave those kids." Edmund said, while Erich try not to cry of taking the live of kids who should be in middle and high school was now laying dead before him. Alivon was seen by Erich and Edmund as he walked up to him with his other brethren behind him, to see the very children Erich ordered to kill to save the lives of his teammates and teacher. Natalya saw the state Erich was in and got him out of Edmund's arms and pulled his head into her breast pillow to let him shed any tears he would have shredded, but none were shed as he felt angry at his quick decision. But what could he do? Let him and his team, and teacher to be gunned down from some misguided children. Alivon knelt by what looks to be the ringleader and shook his head.

"This is why child soldiers should never be recruited for war. Just because they're kids, doesn't mean someone won't care to shoot them up. But as long as they point their guns to us, misguided or not, they are the enemy. Sigh* And as much as that statement is fucked up enough to say, God forgive us, we will not let our enemy get the best of us by playing with our righteous morales, to strike us down with those who had yet to experience adulthood. For that will quicken their ends and hasten our thirst...for the blood of the monsters responsible of such evil things." Alivon said as he aimed his weapon at the kidnapper of the militia and blown his head off. Edmund and the rest stared in shock as Erich saw what happened. Alivon then walked up to Erich as he handed him the tags of the militia leader.

"This is not just a war for our country's liberation, but for the salvation of this country's soul. Yes, they will send...every man, woman, and child.. to stop us one way or another. But that will not be so, for no matter what they do or what throw at us, we will win this revolution or die trying to the last man. And that is all that matters now." Alivon said sternly as he walked away.

"Get any identification tags off them, and then bury the bodies with full rights and honors to their names outside the city. Contact any surviving family members, for they deserve to know what happened here. The world will know about this, and maybe then…..maybe then that will wake them the fuck up." Alivon yelled out while saying the last part softly as his brethren spat out curses at how fucked this battle ended. Erich was still in Nat's arms, when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked to see Alivon with a sad look on his face.

"It isn't easy as you thought it was, didn't you? You may not agree to what I'm about to say, but you did the right thing. You've put the lives of those closest to you over then some kids forced into being mindless soldiers for crazed psychopath. You wouldn't have known what you were up against unless they killed you personally or until you killed them. Do not pity the dead Erich, pity the living. Especially the ones...who can live without love. And especially whose who can sleep at night knowing what they did and not feel any sadness in their hearts. You may not feel like you did the right thing, but know that to us, to the Risen, you did. It will take some time, so let it out Erich. Let it out for the world to hear. Let them hear what the bastards in Washington forced you to do." Alivon said, breaking whatever dam Erich had put up to not look weak. But if he said so, he allowed the tears to come out and the soul crushing cries he admitted that day. Alivon then hugged his back to give his support to Erich, and the rest of his brethren followed along with him. The Risen soldiers watched in sadness at the mental scar Erich gave himself to save his fellow rebels, as the ones who surrendered to the Risen watched the sight too and felt ashamed of what they've allowed their 'government' to do. What Erich did not realized that day, is the shit that hit the fan by the ton, and took the world by storm as many leaders spoke in outcries against the new american government for what they have allowed and done. On that day, the Risen rebels did not fit the narrative of the propaganda of the usurpers, and the Risen was seen in a different light. On that day, the cries of destroying the Risen begin to falter, and the cries to aid them...began in earnest.

Present Day

Erik sniffed at the memory of his first combat mission, to take Las Vegas and the first crime he committed against humanity. Sure he did it to save his fellow rebels, but to kill children to do so was not such thing he could ever do again, ever. He wiped the tears from his eyes as he thought of what Alivon told him that day.

"Do not pity the dead, pity the living. Especially those...who can live without love."

He nodded his head at what he said and took it to heart. Yeah, they were kids, but if they were pointing guns at him or people he cared about...then all bets of human morels are thrown out. Because he will defend those he cared for, no matter who or what or how old they are. Erik then wiped the remaining tears from his face to leave the building. He still needed to see how Louise was doing and no trip to memory lane is gonna ruin it for him. For as long as he lived, the living close to him will be loved greatly.

Academy Kitchens

Louise stood there as she stirred her cake mix for what will be a chocolate cake. The head chief watch as she stirred the simple ingredients in a large bowl. He had a cake pan ready for her as soon as he tells her that the cake is stirred enough. The head chief didn't realized that Erik came in and walked behind him, watching Louise work on the simple cake that even he could make. Erik remembered the times that the head cook in his unit would get too sick to run the kitchens and he took over for him, needless to say he can cook about 17 different dishes and 8 desert items. But he watched as Marteau told her to stop stirring and put the mix into the pan, while he opened the door of an very wide oven inside and saw flames on the side. The head chief grabbed a giant spoon which he put the cake pan on and put it in the oven, and then he closed it.

"Now you see Miss Vallière, we will leave the cake in there for about 30 minutes or so, then we will take it out to decorate it, and then it's ready to be eaten. As we wait, I could teach you a few more recipes while we wait for our sword to return." Marteau said, before noticing Erik behind Louise as he hugged behind her, making her scream.

"Whhhaaaaaa!" Louise screamed, but she halted as she heard chuckling behind her. She then fumed in her usual fashion pouting cutely.

"Erik! Why did you scare me you big jerk!? Don't do that." Louise said yelling before mumbling the last part. Erik grinned as he let her go and patted her head, turning his attention to the head chief.

"I do hope she wasn't much trouble to teach, Mr. Marteau? She can be temperamental with certain subjects." Erik said, and felt a pain on his right foot from Louise stomping on it.

"I am not temperamental Erik! I only get angry at someone asking or saying stupid things about me." Louise said with a 'hmph' and crossed her arms to her chest. For any one, the pain would be hurtful, but for Erik it was nothing as he then pinched the right cheek of the pink firecracker.

"Ah, don't try to deny it, little firecracker. It's okay to admit our weaknesses to help us grow" Erik said snickering as Louise turned to face him with her wand...only for him to snatch it up quick, much to her dismay. Louise then pouted cutely as she presented her hand, and Erik smiled at her and handed it back. Louise look at the wand and Erik with some hesitation, thinking that the trick he did to the mage earlier will happen to her. Erik saw it and patted her head to put her at ease.

"Don't worry Louise, I won't do that same trick with you. To be honest, you are doing better than I thought with the truth of class indifference. If you keep this up, any maid and servants will be grateful to be serving you for your kind and humble nature." Erik said, getting a blush from embarrassment of Erik's complement. She then thought about what he said and found some truth in it as the day goes by with Erik as her familiar. She wouldn't put Saito in the same group as Erik for he was different then him. Saito lived in a time of peace, had a family to care for him and lived in plenty. While Erik lived in a time of war, been disowned by his family and fought for a revolution with little resources and food, but plenty in fighting spirit. She thought that Saito could be different like Erik since that day he fought Guiche, but he would sometimes look at other girls like a dog in heat due to their 'girls'. Surprisingly, she doesn't feel that way with Erik at most due to him acting rather brotherly in nature than a potential lover. She would blush very hard at the idea of being married to Erik, but she tried to brush it off cause of the way Erik was being like the brother she never had. She then looked at him and smiled.

"Thank you Erik, I wouldn't know what to do if I lost my wand." Louise said, getting a chuckle from Erik, which caused her to tilt her head in confusion. Then he patted her shoulder and looked at her with a grin.

"Ah, but that's the idea Louise. I'm training you how to thrive in this world with both sides of the coin before you. You need to learn how to live in this world with and without your magic. Cause not everything in this world is done through magic, and I'm gonna show you how." Erik said, getting a smile from Louise, as he patted her shoulder.

"Alright, continue you training Louise. And once he is finished with you, the real training can start. Chief Marteau, teach her well and put her through the paces." Erik said, getting a nod from the head chief, and then he walked away. He walked to where he saw the noble from before at breakfast and watched with a look of disappointment. Reginald had never felt such humiliation in his life! Somehow, one commoner, a familiar of the Zero, made his wand unmovable from the brimir damned ground! He then laughed at the idea of hat Erik said, that the only way to get his wand back was be being humble. In what way that he was not humble! He had titles! Land! Weath! Power! And all the servants he could ask for to satisfy him! What way did that commoner thought of the meaning of humbleness. He was laying on the ground from exhaustion when he then went to get up, to try again...and he saw him! Erik shook his head tisking.

"You've got to do better than that if you want your magic back. I'm surprise your friends aren't here helping you." Erik said in amusement, which caused him to growl in anger.

"The only reason, peasant, is because they tried everything! They tried to lift it, move the dirt, and even burn it for fun! And what happens?! Nothing! Absolutely Nothing! And when try to grab anyone's wand, even a spare, it burns my hand! How?! How did you do it?!" Reginald said as he grabbed the front of Erik's uniform, which made Erik raise an eyebrow.

"I'm guessing you haven't made any progress to become humble then?" Erik said with a teasing smirk, which made the noble very angry and tried to use his fists. Erik moved out of the way to deliver his own punch to his stomach, which ended him doubled over with a yelp in gurgled pain and spelled out his breakfast onto the ground with hints of blood in it. The noble gasped in pain as this was nothing like he felt and fell on the ground, hoarsely breathing as if every last breath counts. He then see Erik kneeling before him with shake of his head.

"You really are hopeless are you? You lived with everything you've gotten asked for, and this is how you would end up without your wand? I've seen more weaker people with stronger willpower than you kid, and if you keep this up...then you would really lose everything kid." Erik said standing up at the last sentence, and then he walked away. Reginald move to see him grabbing the attention of a random student an must've told him something as when he walked away, that very student ran up to him and cast a spell of levitation on him. He asked what he was doing, and the response made him furious, the student was told to take him to the infirmary to get checked up for any ruptures. He then tried to move away only to feel pain in his stomach, and then his world went black as the sudden spike of pain. Erik watched as he shake his head in disappointment at the arrogance of the noble for he had everything handed to him, but now that very arrogance is gonna be the very thing that took everything away, even his father's respect for the boy if he had any. But then something else caught his eye, at the courtyard he saw a Guiche trying to speak to Montmorency, but she was totally ignoring him and his way of words. It all stopped when one of her friend told her to come with her and chat, which she gladly joined leaving Guighe in the dust. He tried to grab her attention by yelling, before he sighed in despair and sit at a table. Erik thought it was time and walked to him, grab his shoulder. Guiche scream at the sudden tough of his arm, only to see Erik with a neutral look on his face, before sighing looking back at the table.

"Leave me alone familiar, I've already have a bad morning enough." Guiche said dejected, which made Erik in the chai beside him.

"Then perhaps you won't mind venting then? Maybe I can help you somehow?" Erik said, getting a glare from Guiche.

"You want me to vent, fine! Not only is my lovely Montmorency refusing to speak to me, but half of the school no longer respects for the nobility I have. My father is the great general of Tristan's forces and now I have no way to get his praise ever! I'm such a failure." Guiche said angrily before he rested his head in sadness. Erik looked with sadness at how hard Guiche was taking the recent events since he was founded out for two timing Montmorency and Katie. He then patted his shoulder.

"You're not a failure Guiche. The very fact that you admitted to feel like a failure should make you feel more of a winner around here." Erik said, getting a look from Guiche that spoke 'you can't be serious'. He then shook his head laughing.

"Believe me Guiche you should. The fact that you feel that you can't get your father by the means you've used to date means that a new path can be opened to you. And only then, wherever your father praises you or not should not be your concern, but rather the praises of the people that care for you." Erik said, getting a wide eyed look from the young noble.

"Why should I be worried about the praises of those who care for me? Would I be trying to gein approve of my father?" Guiche asked, getting a shake from Erik.

"To me, gaining the approval of just your father is selfishness of itself and you need to stop that, for you will miss out on the incredible friends you may make in this life. Trust me...I speak from experience." Erik said, getting a confused stare from Guiche.

"What do you mean?" Guiche asked, and for the first time, he saw sadness in his eyes. Erik sighed at the memories that came back to him a second time.

"Years ago, before I even joined the Risen Rebellion, I was a student in Germany. At the time...I was more like you Guiche." Erik sadi, getting a shocked look from Guiche.

"Li..like me? But how?...You're so...mature...wise and..con.." Confident? Ha, yes. The ladies fell to the trappings of my silver tongue every time I compliment them. But even then, I try not to date them, because of the scars of my past." Erik said, looking at Guiche, who looked like his mouth was about to hit the ground. Guiche couldn't believe it! Here he was, admitting to be almost like him...but.

"Wha...what happened?" Guiche asked, getting a sad look from Erik as he breath in and out slowly.

"Karma happened. They said that for every bad decision you make, there were consequences. How right they were, because...I thought I could date two women at once, and thought no one would be wiser. Turns out the two were friends and as soon as one asked me to marry them, I broke it off with the other. The very next day, the school who admired me so only looked at me like I was scum, and the girls told me that they hate me. But that...that wasn't the worst of it." Erik said sadly.

"What happened?" Guiche asked, getting shocked at how Erik suddenly turned anger.

"My father happened. Due to him being a president of a company, he was widely viewed as a respectful man with a good family. But on that day, he waited for me to get home, only to punish me with a belt using it as a whip. Never had I seen my father like that, and I was fearful for my life. I tried to get help from my mother and sister, but they had the sames looks. My mother was so disappointed at me wonder where she had gone wrong with raising me. And my sister...oh my sweet caring sister no longer looked up to me as her big brother but as a stranger that day, my life was so turn upside down I thought nothing could heal it. And on that day I've decided." Erik said angrily at first, then sadly, and then determined. Guiche could not believe what he heard. Erik pretty much suffered much worse then what he was going through right now. But he wondered what he did then.

"What did you decided?" Guiche asked, getting a sigh from Erik.

"I've decided to join the Army Reserves, hoping that by being in the military, I get the respect and praise I used to get. But even then it wasn't enough, for I was refused by the recruiter and I had to return to my family. My father got so angry at me and threw a punch at me. My family watched as the man that I once called father punched until I punched him back, knocking out several of his teeth. After that I run away, hoping to escape it. But what I didn't realized back then, Karma punished me again, for my sister chased me to Berlin. For what reason I didn't know...but." Erik said, trying to not let the tears fall. Guiche stare at him in sadness, for he now had no reason to feel the way he did, because Erik, the one that defeated him, had suffered worse than him. But the next part must be hard for Erik as he stopped to wipe his face.

"But?" Guiche said heiastly, hoping that he didn't ask for too much. Erik breathed in and out slowly.

"But...the next time I saw her...she had departed from the world...gunned down like an animal." Erik said closing his eyes, feeling the few tears coming out. And Guiche sat there in shock, all feelings of the familiar replaced with sadness. Erik wiped his eyes, and finished it.

"In the span of six months, my entire life was so destroyed to the point of losing everything. So much that I welcomed death to take me away. But then...they came." Erik said with acceptance, before it turned to sounding happy. This confused Guiche, he lost everything but sounded happy that some people came to him.

"Who came?" Guiche said, and to his growing confusion at the eyes that once held sadness now held glory, honor, and happiness.

"The Risen came. At first they came to rescue their brother, but they ended up returning to their war with a hundred thousand soldiers to join their cause. With me as their commander." Erik said with pride in his voice, making Guiche gape at the audacity of the idea of finding happiness of joining of a rebellion. But he watched Erik explained how bad his life turned out and how he found purpose again with a rebellion. He waited until Erik finished his story.

"After all of that, for four years, the Risen taught me everything I knew and it's commanders and their lieutenant's treated me like family, more than my real family ever did." Erik said with a smile and looked at Guiche.

"So yeah, after everything that has happened, I've found a greater purpose than the army reserves, and got a great family in return. But know that, because of that, I had to see the worst of what humanity is capable of, and was trained on how to stop them. My life has seen many bad things but also good things, and as long as you cherish all the good you've done and learn from the bad, you can be a fine person." Erik said, getting a nod from Guiche as he sat there and became humbled by Erik. He then slapped a hand on Guiche's shoulder as he stood up.

"Come on Guiche, now that we got the sob stories out of the way, let's do some training." Erik said, getting a look of shock from Guiche.

"Training?!...Wait why are we training for, Erik? I have class in five minutes." Guiche said, getting a nod from Erik.

"I know that Guiche, but I'm sure the teachers won't mind me change a former playboy into a better man, one that a father can be proud of. And if they give you trouble, tell them to take it out on me, alright?" Erik said with a grin and an arm around his shoulders. On the outside, Guiche was shocked at what he heard, but on the inside, it made him happy to hear that the one that bested and torn him down in a duel was willing to train him into a better man. But then the next words he heard stop.

"Though if you are gonna do this, you must promise to never, until I say so, compliment another girl again." Erik said, getting Guiche to stop at look at him like he was crazy.

"What! Why!? Complimenting girls make me happy, complimenting them is what makes me confident. What am I gonna do without saying anything?" Guiche said desperately. Erik chuckled at his dilemma and patted his shoulder.

"I didn't say to not talk to them, I'm saying for the time being, reel in that casanova of yours and watch what happens. All the girls here know that you always try to be charmer and it has gotten old for them. But think what would happen if you stopped that? What then?" Erik said, getting Guiche to really think on it. He really did talked to many girls as a charmer, but thinking that he would stop that will probably change their opinions. He then thought on how the girl he likes, Montmorency, would react to him no longer the charmer he was. He then thought what Erik was trying to do.

"Wait? Are you saying that if I stop being the charmer that everyone knows...it may get my darling Montmorency to notice me again?" Guiche said, getting a nod from the soldier as he loosen as arm from his shoulders and walked in front of him with arms crossed.

"And not just that, but maybe your father can see that you've change.. and maybe tell you how proud he is of you. All because I gave you the hand, the tools, and the knowledge I know, to make a better you. I can do all of that, but only if you are ready." Erik said with a look of a stern teacher ready to teach his next appreticise. Guiche looked with wide eyes before they soften and he looked back to see if his darling followed. When he didn't, he looked back to Erik, looked down before they closed and looked back with a determined look of his face.

"I'm ready sensei." Guiche said with a fire in his eyes that made Erik already proud of him, allowing a small smile on his face before it reverted to a stern glare.

"Then on this day Guiche, until the end of this training, you will no longer call yourself Guiche the Bronze, for that name will no longer serve you now, as that name will be replaced by the man I am ready to forge you into. Are you ready, my student?" Erik said grabbing his rifle and reformed it into a staff. Guiche stared at the weapon with a hint of fear before he pushed that down and readied his rose wand with a look of confidence.

"I am." Guiche said getting a nod from Erik.

"Good, cause for the next six months or so, I will plunge you into the path of hell I about to start you on for today, for you to rise above it and reach for your paradise." Erik said as he twirled his staff, making Guiche throw 15 rose petals to reveal golems fully armed. But nothing could prepare him for what was to come, for Erik was easing Louise as she already how her magic works until something comes along, Guiche had years of magic training. But Erik was ready to tare into the golems when he spotted a head of yellow drills near them. Erik smiled, knowing that already Guiche made the right move, for his future other half now watched to see a man about to be forged by him, by a commoner...by a rebel…..by a Risen Soldier of the Second American Revolution.

And done! :D Hope you guys enjoy this latest chapter, and sorry that the rating has changed from T to M. Don't want the admins to tear down this story for not properly give the rating that matches the story content. But it's fine, for there will be more dark stuff, more foul language, and perhaps more sexual content. Anyway hope you guys enjoy the story so far, and I'll see you in the next chapter. Later!