The Familiar of Zero was written by Noboru Yamaguchi and published by Media Factory.
Code Geass was directed by Gorō Taniguchi and created by Sunrise.
I own neither, will not profit by these works, and will abide by the rules set before me, copyright held by them. I own only the creative bending of these worlds into a new project in an exercise of the imagination.
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Zero Over Zero
Stage Three
The Feverish Classmate
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"That? Yeah, the sick girl thing was actually my brother Naoto's idea. He said that it would be good cover for whenever I had to be away from the others. It worked really well, but I still couldn't help but be sick of it all the time. I wanted to be me, not pretend to be some frail and dainty invalid. Nobody wants to act like someone they aren't. Only people who have something to hide do."
-Kozuki Kallen, pilot of the GUREN S.E.I.T.E.N. and Ace of the Black Knights
"Oh, that one? It's something we try not to talk about too much anymore. I certainly thought I knew him, but he was always good at hiding his thoughts and feelings without letting anyone know. Sometimes I wonder if I could've helped him. I'm sure some of us do."
"I've wondered from time to time if things could have been different if I'd just gotten more involved. It's all too late now of course, but maybe somewhere deep inside he just needed some more guts!"
"In those days I thought that my wonderful antics could make people's school experience more exciting and cheer them up. In some ways it did. Nothing like a good meddling to get someone out of a rut! Ah, but yes, we thought he was something of a good friend to us back then. Good while things lasted."
-Millicent Ashford, news reporter and granddaughter of Reuben Ashford, principal of Ashford Academy
"Things that don't change go extinct."
-Milly
"She acts like some dirty old man!"
-Shirley Fenette
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Lelouch awoke to a blaring headache that threatened to put him back to sleep. He felt aches and pains, unlike anything he had felt before throughout his whole body, particularly of his upper half in his forehead, chest, and arms. If this was going to be his new power, he questioned how much he would be inclined to utilize it. I should have known. This power only delays the fatigue. This feels horrible.
Lelouch always dreaded exercise, avoiding it whenever possible. If there was one class he didn't mind failing, it was definitely physical education. He'd ditched, made excuses, and even got his maid Sayoko to pose as him at times. He couldn't keep it that way for long since she ended up outperforming him by far, causing no end of wild speculation. At the least, she didn't somersault over them. No one believed those students the last time she did.
Lelouch heard the door open slowly with a heavy clunking. He turned his head and saw Siesta bringing in a tray of bread and water. "Oh, Lelouch, you're awake. I'm so glad. The injuries you received were actually quite severe. You've been asleep for days now."
He deemed this power a last resort.
Emergency use at best, unless certain conditions can be met. Lelouch wasn't completely incapacitated, however, and gradually let himself up. He was wondering what Louise was up to when he saw her asleep at her dresser, breathing gently with her head down. He realized that she had let him use her bed to rest.
If it were that it would be too inconvenient to have him rest elsewhere, that meant she was keeping this up for as long as he was out.
Yes, he could see a large pile of laundry, an assortment of spent candles, and a girl concerned over her familiar.
"She's exhausted herself." Siesta, perhaps insightful and ever helpful, commented on the sleeping girl. "She was up each night looking after you and had asked me to bring you some food every morning in case you woke up."
"Is that so?" Lelouch wasn't completely sure what to make of it. He would readily admit that she was an unpleasant and disrespectful brat, but here her appearance was rather innocent and docile, the perpetual frown and glare now missing from her expression. A mere girl, much like his own sister in a way.
"Um, Mr. Lelouch?" Siesta was almost too quiet to hear. "Ah, no, nevermind it. Here are your clothes."
"Thank you." Lelouch took his clothes and put them on, trying not to think of who may have undressed him. He'd already felt violated too many times since coming to this place. "Siesta."
She straightened up and yelped, "Yes!?"
"Is there something wrong?" She was clearly avoiding eye contact and was speaking far more quietly than usual. Her odd behavior made him wonder if something significant had happened while he was unconscious.
"No, not at all. It's just… Your clothes are unique. I've never seen clothes tailored in such a way. There are bits of cloth here and there…"
"If you're curious, it's just the style of clothing from where I came from." If Louise was decent in covering up her thoughts, Siesta was mediocre at best. Her eyes widened as she looked downwards and away.
Lelouch began to have his suspicions.
"Sister Cattleya… the puppy…" He turned his head to see Louise mutter something in her sleep. For a moment he thought she had woken up.
The young man shifted and sat on the side of the bed. "Siesta, I'd like you to help me move Louise into this bed before I leave. I believe that I'm well enough to walk. She'd also want me to have that laundry done before long."
"Ah, yes, of course." They went to Louise and began to move her. When they had set her down, Lelouch spoke again.
"Oh, and Siesta, this may be a strange question for you, but tell me something." Lelouch looked at her with a piercing glare. She jumped much like the first time they met. "Are there firearms here in Tristain?"
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"Sister Cattleya, the puppy! The puppy won't come!"
A small Louise, no more than a child, ran and cried to her elder sister.
"What's wrong, my little Louise?" The tall woman shared the same color in her hair as her younger sister. She opened her arms where she sat to catch the sprinting girl, slowly and gently taking her into soft hands.
She continued to bawl, even when her sister was comforting her. "M-m-mother s-said that the puppy has to go away i-if he won't come when h-he's told to." She tried rubbing the tears out, but the streams would only flow faster down her cheeks. "I-I don't want the puppy to have to go away."
"There, there, there's no need to worry so much." She placed the child's head over her shoulder and patted her back like she always did when a certain someone was upset. It had a gentle lightness and a comforting weight, reducing the girl's crying to tiny sniffles. "Mother will not let the puppy go if you raise it well. As long as you take care of it properly, any little puppy will grow up to be big and strong."
"Really?" The girl leaned back, her eyes glued to her sister's, shiny with teary hopes.
She smiled at the short little noble and made her biggest smile. "Really."
"Really? Thank goodness!" Her sadness was washed away by her sister's assuring words. She'd raise the dog well, and it would come to her.
Louise gave off a bright smile of her own, bright as the sun in the sky.
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"Sister…" Louise could feel her eyes flinch at the light that peeked through the fold of her blanket, never failing to bother her, especially after what felt like a nice dream. She thought of her sister and puppies. Weak, but adorable puppies.
"Did you have a pleasant dream?" A familiar voice nudged her from her rest. This time, however, she recognized it. "I've washed and readied your clothes. Class should be starting soon as well."
Louise sat up as she usually did, rubbing her half-open eyes and yawning half-awake as of she was ready to go back to sleep.
Coming to her senses, she looked around to see the room neat and clean. Last she recalled she had her clothes in a pile and a mess of candles, but they were nowhere to be seen. "Did you clean everything? The laundry too?"
"Yes, I have. The laundry is hanging outside as we speak." He seemed much more cordial today than he had before and that struck her as odd.
He had been more aloof to her, yet here he was, smiling. When he smiled, he looked too different from before, even if it was just a change in his expression. But no, it was more than that. His movements were uncannily smooth and his voice was far too kind and friendly. Did he want something from her? Was he simply in a good mood? It was nice and it reminded her of Cattleya a bit, but that was weird. She felt suspicious all the same. It was probably all because if the dream she just had.
It made her wonder if something had happened while she was asleep. Did he get his head hit too hard? Whatever.
She left her bed, moving to an open spot in her room. "Just get things ready. You'll be accompanying me to class, so we'll be leaving shortly."
"Yes, my lady."
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It had been a long time since Lelouch had learned something new in a class. He remembered the many instances where he was able to skip or sleep through a lecture without consequence to his grade. His memory was excellent enough to keep up with both his schoolwork and the rebellion and was no less sharp than before. This learning experience, however, was more akin to quenching a parched throat with some exotically-flavored drink. Strange, but refreshing.
However, as much as he was enjoying himself, Louise had assumed an entirely different attitude altogether, sternly paying attention with an upright posture. Out of all her classmates, she seemed to be the one with the most intense focus, her paper filled from top to bottom with note and theory. She would add more whenever the professor spoke, and still more even when they did not. If Lelouch could read, he'd bet that he could find an overabundance of information on her papers.
Other than that, the only thing actually distracting her for the moment was him.
She'd glance in his direction every once in a while, observing his behavior, mainly that of his face. Lelouch did think to himself that it would be suicide to turn his head. The tiered amphitheater-like seating arrangement made the back of the room an absolutely dangerous territory to view. Still, he wasn't the kind of person to be interested.
In all honesty, the situation made him think of his old friend Milly a bit. She was an odd girl with an attraction to the most risqué of comments and scandalous of events. He often asked himself how the Academy he attended was still standing in spite of her leadership.
He had been one of her main targets of mischief due to the proximity of their student council positions and his avoidance of anything even remotely incriminating. Luckily for everyone involved, things usually resolved themselves before long.
She would have found his current position both hilarious and enviable. He, however, would much prefer to continue living.
"What are you doing with your hands under the table?" Louise gave him a worrying tone, slightly turning her head, going from glancing to staring down towards him.
So she noticed. He was practicing his handwriting. The script for this world's language was different, so he was attempting to teach himself the alphabet and how to write by observing Louise, the professor, and the lesson. It was pointless to ask for a page when she had used almost all of her's up, much less if she would even let him have any in the first place.
He wouldn't get everything in one day, but he wished to start as soon as possible, even if it did make for peculiar movement. "Please, you make it sound like I'm doing something weird. I'm fidgeting. Is that so bad?"
"Yes it is, so stop it." She probably thought he was strange. He didn't care enough though. It was a means to an end. Her opinion of him still wasn't very high anyway, even after that display against Guiche. He had to devise a more direct way to change her perspective.
"Well done, that is correct." The professor had been asking questions and praised the blonde girl from that debacle for her answer. Thinking about it, the boy had been in a good mood and Lelouch couldn't figure out why. Was he resilient, acting, or stupid?
The class continued. "All of you should know that the most basic of magic can be performed when you are a dot mage. I can presume that all of you are at least capable of casting one element, no?"
"Pardon me professor, but you would be incorrect in assuming so." Lelouch's ears pricked up. He didn't have to see to know that it was Kirche the Ardent. She was also present during the duel along with the distinctly blue-haired girl that sat next to her.
It made him curious as to why those two appeared to be friends. Perhaps it was one-sided, but everyone can have hidden qualities about them. He was keeping track of whoever he could, and, by his experience, the quiet ones were definitely no exception.
That one sat near the edge of the room in a seat close to the door. She had a book in hand, seemingly uninterested in anything. In fact, Lelouch remembered that she had the same book each time he'd seen her, whether it was at the summoning ritual, the duel, or now.
Lelouch noted his desire to get his hands on some literature while Kirche continued. "I hate to say this, but there is one student who can't use a single element, a student who has a zero percent success rate at casting magic."
Lelouch looked at Louise from the corner of his eye to gauge her reaction and was surprised to see that there was next to nothing. She didn't flinch, or sigh, or glare, but stayed silent and taciturn through and through, rapt as ever to the task at hand.
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"So you would simply let them get away with it?" Once they had entered, Lelouch leaned himself against the door to Louise's room, giving her an evaluating stare.
"Get away with what?" She whipped herself around, already squinting at him with unbidden irritation. Lelouch remained undeterred. Louise may have asked, but he knew that she was well aware of what he was talking about.
They were long overdue for a talk and if she was to be his partner, they would have to have change before they could establish anything. Destruction before creation. "The insults. The rumors. Are they true?"
"So what if they are?" Touchy. She only became more upset, clearly agitated by the subject. If she wasn't willing to talk about it, then there would be no progress. He could not let it be that way. He would prefer it if he knew what the problem was from the other students first, but secondhand gossip only got him so far before he would eventually need the precise facts.
"I don't think they could be completely true. From what I've learned since coming here, it's impossible for you to be a failure." The carrot would come first.
"And what do you mean by that?" Louise had crossed her arms, obviously in doubt, but more importantly, she was interested. She may have been full of skepticism, but curiosity, possibly hope, flickered in her expression.
"I mean it as I've said it. Whatever your problem is, I could help you be more than what you are now. After all, it is the job of a familiar to support his master." Here he gave her a smile, wishing to appear welcoming and confident in his answer.
She was quiet for a moment, giving him the same stare as he was giving her, judging and wary. Letting out a huff, she denied him. "I don't believe you."
She hesitated, so she's not lost yet, but there's still more to be done. A push here and there is all it should take. "And why not?" Lelouch's voice had become more forceful, almost sounding closer to a demand than a question.
She crossed her arms and put her nose in the air, prideful as ever. "Because what could you, a commoner, possibly know about magic, much less how to help me with it?"
He responded quickly to her venom to help quash her disagreement. "There's plenty that can be gleaned from mere observation alone." He left the door to stand straight and met her eyes directly, nonchalant and frowning. "I suggest that we take a look at your casting sometime. From there we can test your capabilities, find your limits, and identify your problems."
She was listening, paying attention to his words, but such miracles only lasted for so long. Like a pouty child, she stared at the floor and muttered, "They're not problems."
"That's no good." Lelouch shook his head, disappointed in her immaturity. "Problems are only solved after they're acknowledged. I know you've got the latter part down already. You know there's something wrong, everyone does, but you must first identify what that is."
She was angrier than he had thought, lashing back at him with a sharp indignation. "Since when were you the one to lecture me about anything anyway? As I have said, you are but a mere commoner. I know I am a mage, but I've read, and I've studied, and I've experimented and everything just ends in failure! I know that everyone knows. They mock me and I can't do anything about it, and if I can't do anything, I can't see how you could do anything to change that either, so just shut up and listen to me like a good familiar should instead of blabbering pointlessly about useless things!"
And now it was time for the stick. Lelouch shifted his focus from convincing her of benefits to informing her of losses. His tone became laced with a severe displeasure. "Perhaps I'd listen better if you at least had any more confidence than you do now. It's a shame your ability to think reflects your ability to cast magic. And if that's all true, why haven't you given up then? If you don't want to improve, then so be it. I can't help you if you don't want it, or rather, I can't help you if you want to stay being a zero."
That last comment pushed her over the edge. Lelouch saw tears form in the corners of her eyes and she began to shout at him with all her breath. He'd obviously touched on a sore spot of her's. "How dare you say that! No food for you, and I don't want to see your face either, so get out of here! Did you really think you could convince me? You can sleep outside for all I care, so get out!"
Oh, you'll come around. I'm certain of it. "Fine. I'll go then," he said as he moved near the door to leave, "but take this time to dwell on my words tonight. Know that I know for certain that you can be better than this, Louise. I can make sure of it."
"Just shut up and get out!"
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Siesta was probably in the kitchens or the servants quarters as of now. He had wanted to ask her earlier but didn't want to risk Louise overhearing their conversation.
Siesta knew something. What that was exactly, however, remained a mystery.
There were a number of possibilities that arose from their little conversation that morning. She could've been surprised at the modern quality of his clothes, but that was no reason for a person like Siesta to get so nervous. He also ruled out any other subject due to her reactions to his words being specific to what he wore.
That narrowed it down to a few possibilities.
Maybe she'd thought of stealing them or doing some other unspeakable thing with them. Unlikely and currently of no major concern. The tagging that lined the insides, however, was a red flag.
His clothes were Japanese.
Perhaps there was an equivalent to Japan here due to the fact that this place resembled western Europa United, a nation from where he came from, but that wasn't the theory that concerned him the most.
No, what worried him the most was that he may not have been the only thing brought from his world to this one. If that were the case, then he wanted answers.
The sun hadn't fully gone down yet, so he could catch a servant to find out where she was or find her himself soon enough. As luck would have it, someone else would find him first.
"Lelouch, over here!" He stopped to see who would call out his name and saw Guiche walking towards him. "I'd been meaning to talk to you sometime later, but finding you now is just as well."
While it wasn't vital to find Siesta immediately, Lelouch was almost looking forward to whatever it was she knew. If it had to wait though, then there was little to do about it. He'd been meaning to speak to Guiche too but lacked a reasonable opportunity to do so. The noble would have to come before the maid. "Is something the matter, Sir Gramont?"
"Ah, no, nothing like that. I simply wanted to thank you." His attitude was different, no longer looking down on him. He actually appeared friendlier than Lelouch had anticipated, no trace of the anger or annoyance from the last time they met.
Seeing the confusion in his silence, Guiche continued on. "That day I was shown true honor and mercy by you and since then I have gained much in thought and character. I had violated one of my father's tenants, underestimating you severely. Thus, I am inclined to make greater amends with you by inviting you for some conversation."
Lelouch saw another opportunity and was curious to see what had happened. It would make things easier for him if his former opponent actually wanted to get along. Hopefully, he wouldn't find trouble, but he found that unlikely. There was no need to be elaborate if he really wanted to oppress a peasant. He didn't seem like the type to do so either. "I would be glad to, but are you not afraid of associating yourself with a commoner?"
"Not at all, not at all. Here, come with me." Guiche straightened up as smug as ever, despite his previously humble words. "I am a man who now sees the error of his ways. Although people do speak of my loss, it is nothing compared to what I've gained from the duel we had. Your victory is well spoken of amongst my peers and the servants alike. It won't hurt at all to have a chat with someone like you."
"Then it would be my pleasure." His intrigue got the better of him and so he accepted the offer.
He would follow Guiche down a few corridors until they reached his room. As the mage opened the door, Lelouch could feel that he had learned plenty by just a glance.
His first observation was that Guiche de Gramont the Bronze was an absolute show-off.
Lelouch didn't roll his eyes, but Guiche wasn't helping matters either. The room itself was the same as the others, but the furnishing was beyond opulent. He had shelves and items permeated with various gemstones, red roses coupled with unlit candles lining the edges of his room, and worst of all a painting of himself hanging gloriously upon a wall.
Lelouch could assume they were for magical purposes. Mostly. Hopefully.
His eyes were caught.
He froze.
Chess.
It was the game that he loved to no end, even modeling his methods and plans after the motifs within it, and it was here in all of its checkered splendor. It verified his idea that this world held many particular similarities despite being fundamentally distinct and saved him the trouble of introducing the art if it was unavailable. Upon further inspection of the special box, it was a set made of crystal, no doubt that it could be terribly expensive.
Guiche noticed his open captivation. "That was a gift from my father, but it's been a while since I've touched it. It's beautiful though, isn't it?"
"It certainly is. It's also been a long time since I've played as well. Far too long." Lelouch was itching for a game and wanted to gauge Guiche. Anyone for that matter. As long as he could play, he would be happier than he already was. "If you could be so kind, would you mind having a game with me? I'd like to refresh myself with the rules."
"Very well then, another duel of sorts!" Guiche levitated the board to a small table as they took their seats. "I'd have food and drink ready too, but I hadn't planned on having you here until I saw you."
"It's not a problem to me at all, Sir Gramont. You've already been welcoming enough." Perhaps the fop wasn't as nasty as he thought he was. He'd find out later. Now was time for the game.
Guiche took white and Lelouch took black. The table was set and they began to play, Guiche instructing him on what to do here and there. The era had different rules than modern chess, giving Lelouch a new challenge yet again. There really were some good things about being here if one enjoyed learning something new.
"While we're at it, I'd like to talk about that power of yours." Lelouch wanted to see if he could gain a potent ally. If he was going to have Guiche on his side, then he'd like to know what he was capable of and more. "Having units instantly at your disposal must be quite the impressive feat."
Lelouch admittedly thought that such an ability was quite enviable. He'd have liked to have absolutely loyal units without the flaws associated with the manipulation of other human beings. The young man in front of him seemed to partially disagree. "Compared to the other students here I may be one of the more capable fighters, but in truth, it pales compared to the skills of my brothers, nothing to say of my father."
"Nonsense. Your father is a marshal in Tristain's army, is he not? It's not wise to compare yourself to him if he's that much better." Although I'm not one to follow that particular piece of advice.
"Ah, but Lelouch, it is precisely because he is my father that I think so of these things. It is my dream to surpass him and his exploits both as his son and as a man." Though he was being as melodramatic as always, Lelouch could see that it was an issue that truly bothered him. "For that, I plan to join the army someday as some of my brothers have. As the youngest of four, I have much catching up to do."
The pieces moved across the board, clicking and sliding in the candlelight as their conversation continued. Guiche was more familiar with the politics and courtly life of the kingdom, proving to be indispensable to Lelouch. Concerning the young man, his behavior took after the rest of the men in his family, all having a penchant for being charming, flamboyant, and strong. Lelouch could sympathize, even when the blonde was being naive about it too. Thankfully, it was also mentioned that the gemstones and much of the decor did serve a practical purpose or were the results of such efforts.
Guiche's familiar was napping on some hay underneath those shelves, and some of the bright minerals and metals were the product of his work. The giant mole's name was Verdandi and he, like many other familiars, could help their master find precious materials for more complicated spells and crafts. The brown lump was especially fond of precious stones, able to sniff them out at a distance. Magically, no doubt.
The game eventually progressed in Guiche's favor. It was as Lelouch had intended it, only testing the waters and nothing more, relishing it nonetheless. "And it looks like you have the advantage."
"Naturally." He was being smug again. Lelouch didn't mind. It seemed to be in the youth's nature and was the nature of youth. "But only because you are learning. I must say you grasp these things quite quickly. I was right not to underestimate you again." He let himself up frowned a bit. "But it saddens me to say that, despite our fun, I have another appointment tonight. Think not of this as a retreat, Lelouch, but as a promise of a next time. I'll be leaving this board here for you."
"Then I look forward to continuing sometime. We'll know where to find each other." Reviewing the board, Guiche had made cautious moves, making sure to protect his king piece and making little use of his queen. It was understandable since in this era the queen moved like the king.
It was disappointing to learn there was only a variant of the queen that moved so far. Madwoman's chess. A fitting name that reminded him of a certain queen of his, the king-like variant in front of him reminding him more of the pink one that he had left alone.
Lelouch also rose from his seat and began to make an offer. "Also, since you've been so kind, I'd like to leave you with a gift that may help you with your efforts." And with mine as well.
It was Lelouch's turn to see Guiche give him a curious look. "I'll need a quill and some paper if you don't mind. It's a diagram of something for your Valkyries. I'm certain it will be of use to you if all goes according to plan."
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Lelouch had left at the same time as Guiche. The noble had an appointment with the girl named Katie. Asking further, the former emperor was stunned beyond belief.
Apparently, the two girls he cheated on were now competing for his affections instead of him pursuing theirs.
Lelouch found it unfathomable. The nobles of this world were mad. They were mad. Why hadn't they just dumped him? Did they like him that much? It made his own plans easier, but why like this? It was no wonder why Guiche was so amiable to him.
He wasn't sure if he was going to laugh or cry. On one hand, he had a new ally that had the potential to be a force to be reckoned with if all goes well. On the other… Who am I kidding? They can do what they want. It's none of my business in the end. Yes, it is a means to an end. A means to an end.
Lelouch eventually made his way back, intending to return to Louise and check on how she was doing. He rounded the last corner on the way to her room when he took notice of another presence in the hallway.
At the other end was a giant red lizard with the tip of its tail flami-
It scurried up to him in a mad frenzy and Lelouch took a sudden step back. What the hell?! What does it want with me?! I need a weapon!
"Wait! Stay back! Don't come any closer!" Lelouch let out an unmanly shrill the moment it tackled him and began to drag him by the shirt to God knows where. He attempted an escape by unbuttoning it but only got so far before the creature reached its destination.
It proceeded to drag him through the door that was to the right of Louise's room. After depositing him on the floor, it scurried to the back as Lelouch jumped to his feet and became sharply aware of his surroundings.
He saw the moonlight crack through the thinly-veiled, maroon-colored curtains with a number of candles everywhere, silently flickering as they burned. The young man could smell a sweet thickness in the air that was just short of making it heavy to breathe. He heard a shuffle of cloth to his left where he knew the bed would have to be placed and dared not move his head to see what was waiting for him.
The ambiance set off an old alarm in his head more intensely than he ever remembered. He'd only encountered it a handful of times throughout his life and hoped to never know it again.
A madwoman was after him.
"Hello there, Lelouch Lamperouge, and welcome to my very private nest." A velvet voice invited him to dance with her without needing to ask.
This is insane. They're all insane. He'd known many fairly assertive women and with each passing day there appeared to be more. Trying to remain calm, Lelouch faced this new threat head-on. He'd be met with a robust figure equipped with undergarments that were astonishingly sparse. "So what business may I have with Kirche von Anhalt Zerbst?"
"Oh please, there's no need to be so formal. Although I do find gentleman attractive, a rogue is far more interesting." She wore a wide smile and began to slide off the sheets. "I know I shouldn't be doing this, but after your fight with Guiche, I couldn't stop thinking of you. You seemed so manly and strong." She maintained her gaze upon his whole body as she rose from her bed.
"I apologize, but your invitation was rather sudden. My master is expecting me to return soon, so I'll be taking my leave." A bit of a lie, but he wouldn't like to stick around and find out what could happen to him if he stayed. Before he could leave, however, Kirche had already closed in and wrapped her arms over his shoulders and around his neck, allowing her mountains to squeeze against the flats of his back.
"Oh, you poor thing. Why be so cold when you could light a fire with me?" Kirche spoke like she was cuddling a small animal. "That girl must be rubbing off on you too much if you're saying dour things like that. Why don't I treat you to something better?"
This brought a question to the front of his mind. He turned his head slightly and asked with genuine wonder, "Why is it that you torment Louise?"
She paused, perhaps slightly caught off guard. "Is that what it looks like to you? I suppose it might." She relaxed but still retained much of her sultry air. "I only do so because if that girl was left alone she'd overthink herself into oblivion. Call it motivation." She took this opportunity to tighten her grasp of him, bringing her chin to his shoulder. "You do see how hard she tries, don't you? She goes all out when she's challenged, as do I when you play hard to get."
The gears in Lelouch's mind began to work, sobering him up somewhat despite lacking any personal space. "You should know that there are better ways to encourage her, perhaps like being her friend for starters."
She let out a long, thoughtful moan in his ear. "It is she who doesn't want to be friends with anyone, and especially not with me, her rival." Getting closer, she whispered, "But let's not talk about her. Let's talk about us. I'd rather be a wonderful friend to you instead."
That made the young man impossibly uncomfortable. It was like she'd stripped him where he stood, his partially unbuttoned shirt not helping the imagery. Lelouch was prepared to make a getaway when the window burst open, pushing the curtains apart to reveal a boy looking immensely displeased. "Kirche, who is this scoundrel? I thought we were set for tonight!"
He could've guessed, but he didn't have to.
It's the third floor. So mages can levitate this high? I should've asked Guiche for more details on this.
"Not now, but how about in a few hours, Marcus?"
"That's not what we agreed on and that's not my name!" The intruder looked ready to jump through the window. The glare he was giving Lelouch made him feel like he was angry at the wrong person.
"That's enough out of you." Kirche grabbed her wand from her bed stand and threw a short snake of fire, knocking the boy out of the air. Lelouch heard a long shout gradually become further away.
So either there's astoundingly magical medical care, she's politically powerful, or she doesn't care. Great.
"So, where were we? Mmm, Right." A predator's grin revealed itself as she approached him, but was interrupted once again.
"Kirche, who-" This one was shot down faster than the first was, sent to the ground in seconds.
"Now then, allow me to-" Kirche could only turn to Lelouch before more interruptions arose.
"Kirche, who is that guy?!" Three separate peers of her's had found their way to her window, all trying to crowd through at the same time, getting in each other's way, glaring at Lelouch.
It was madness.
Lelouch felt a headache coming on. He chalked things up to various reasons until he completely ceased to think about the situation to preserve his sanity.
I'm done here. Lelouch took this opportunity to make his way to the door, careful to avoid Kirche's notice while she was distracted by the new victims. Her familiar proceeded to make short work of them by blasting a massive stream of fire out the window, sending them careening to the ground.
Lelouch also took notice of how well Kirche's room was decorated. Either she and Guiche each held a strong ego, or Louise was foregoing such things. It made him wonder what the statuses of their families were as he tried to open the door.
"And where do you think you're going?" It proved to be too late for him. "Stay with me and I, Kirche the Ardent, will treat you far better than that little tyrant ever will. You're too good to be her dog." She swiftly grabbed onto him as he tried to run, pulling him down onto his rear. "Or could it be…" She came up to his ear as closely as she could and said, "that you're a virgin?"
Lelouch became desperate.
The door swung open to reveal a silhouette backlit by the candles of the hallway, enveloped by a fluttering pink nightgown.
He was saved.
"Kirche!" Louise marched towards them, stopping within arm's reach, hands balled into fists. "Alright, Zerbst! Why are you trying to seduce my familiar!?"
Kirche remained nonchalant, her response collected and teasing. "I'm afraid it can't be helped. Love and passion are the destinies of the von Anhalt Zerbst family. I only wish to burn in flames of love."
Louise ignored the seductress and looked at Lelouch. "Come here," she commanded.
Kirche sat up, defiance on her posture and her words. "Now wait! He's-"
"I'd rather not, so if you'll excuse me." Without wasting a moment, Lelouch got up and strode off after Louise.
"Oh no, you're going home already?" She began to make puppy eyes, but very few people in the world could use such to get to him. Kirche was not one of them.
He stopped at the door for a moment.
"Yes, I am. Goodnight."
Then shut the door behind him just as quick.
·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·
Lelouch didn't think he'd be so thankful to have Louise as a master so soon. There were some merits to having a noble's protection.
After they entered her room, Lelouch broke the silence that lingered between them after they left. "Louise, what is your relationship with Kirche?"
"I'm the one who should be asking you that question." She was shuffling around the drawer to her dresser, opening it as soon as they had gotten in.
"She mentioned an animosity between the two of you in particular. I figure that she's a rival of yours?"
Louise stopped searching and began to rant. "The von Zerbst family and the la Valièrre family have been at each other's throats for generations." Talking more made her appear angrier, the thought of her enemy making her blood boil. "My family shares a Tristainian border with their Germanian lands. Because of this, they have tried to take whatever they could from us every time there is war. And even when there is not, they still seduce and thieve from our people. That makes it my duty to make sure they don't steal a single thing from us, even if it's just a dog."
"A dog?" Ah, right, that would be me, wouldn't it?
Louise didn't respond, but instead held a riding crop in her hands, taking one deep, shaky breath and letting out a decidedly unladylike growl.
Lelouch didn't like where this was going. "And what are you going to do with that?" He asked as if he didn't already know.
"That depends on your next answer." The whip made a light noise in her hand with each flick of her wrist, much like the countdown of a clock. "Why were you with that woman? I thought you were civilized at first, but are you really that much of a horny dog?"
Angry and presumptive. Kirche may have been right about Louise's general unfriendliness. Let's see if we can't try again to change that.
Now then…
He raised his palms in a gesture of surrender, much like he did before. "I was returning from a chat with Guiche when Kirche's familiar dragged me into her room. I have nothing to do with her antics."
Pink remained fixed on him for a while, staring at him in an attempt to read any falsehood. "You're not lying, are you?"
"Of course not. Guiche can vouch for me if you'd like to be sure." Same innocence, same smile, same old friendly act from the old days.
"Guiche?" She maintained her squint for a little longer, but gave up and dropped the whip back into where it came from. A moment more and he would have thought she was paranoid.
"How stupid." Her mood cooled to a low simmer as the insults continued. "I thought you were a swordsman. Couldn't you have fought off her salamander somehow?"
Lelouch let his arms down and relaxed, seeing that the worst had passed. "I believe my fighting capabilities from then stem from the contract we've made. I was never good with physical combat until then. This power appears to allow me to use swords and possibly other weaponry to maximum effect."
She went to her bed while he spoke, lost in her thoughts before settling down. "It's true that some familiars gain extra abilities when the contract is formed, such as black cats learning to talk."
It reminded Lelouch of witches. And then a particularly annoying one. I'm still waiting on that explanation too.
Aside from that, at that time he'd been impressed with himself, then disappointed just as well. As much as he wanted to one-up his best friend again, this was the way to another opportunity and he wouldn't miss it. "Whatever it is, it's triggered when I intend to use a weapon that I'm holding. It would be good to obtain one soon, wouldn't you agree?"
"Tomorrow does happen to be Hollow's Day." He could see that he had convinced her. He'd also convinced himself that she was at least somewhat rational. For now. "Get to sleep early today. We'll ride out to town and find you something. I will not have that Zerbst kidnap you whenever she wishes to, got it?"
·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·
Lelouch could taste the fresh morning air, allowing the sun to warm his aching body. The fight still left some kinks here and there and sleeping on the floor did him no wonders, but he would look forward to each day. Progress was to be made.
He saw pink hair approach with a plain brown horse in tow. "Louise, how far is the city from here?"
"A three-hour ride. If we are uninterrupted, that is." She was checking the saddle's straps and buckles, making sure that all of their necessities were properly secured.
"Allow me to take the reins." Lelouch casually strode up to the animal and stood next to Louise. "I should warn you that I might be a little out of practice though."
"You can ride?" It was as if she'd always doubt him no matter what came out of his mouth. "Fine then, but you'd better not mess up. There'll be consequences if I fall off."
They mounted the horse, Louise behind Lelouch. He familiarized himself with the saddle, rugged and well made, and braced himself for the ride. "Don't worry, I'll have it all under control."
·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·
"Tabitha! Tabitha, I need your help, so open the door!" She expected Kirche to eventually open the door without her help. She never vocally protested, but she knew her friend would still barge in regardless. It couldn't be helped, but whatever it was, she didn't really want to hear it.
It was a day off and it was time to read.
She cast a discreet silencing spell with her wooden cane before she burst in. Though her friend looked frantic, she couldn't hear a word from her. She'd have her peace for as long as she could.
They were friends because Kirche didn't care for her cold demeanor. She understood that she wouldn't respond like others would and respected that in a particularly unique way. Kirche could see people's motivations as well as she could and chose not to acknowledge them anyway like she did. Odd as it has been at first, it was because they were so unlike others that they were with each other. Both selfish, albeit for very different reasons.
But though that may be, she could do without the incessant rambling because she knew what the beauty had come for.
That familiar.
On second thought, the term familiar wasn't quite right. Familiars were supposed to be animals, loyal to their masters. Here was an exception. He was a young man, but a willful and calculated one, unphased by what would be certain death to others.
He knew what he was doing. And not in a foolhardy way.
She'd seen people like that. In a way, she was one of them too, someone who had seen the truth of people, how cruel the world can be, and were hardened because of it. Admittedly, she didn't like thinking about it, but she wasn't innocent either. As a result, there was an unflinching steel under every action. An unfettered bedrock that she happened to show on the outside too.
Kirche should have been nearly done, so she waved the spell away. Her ears were attacked by the "love" of her friend's heart.
"I love him! But that Valièrre has taken him to town and I need your familiar to have any hope of catching up to them!" She was practically begging her, and in the end, she'd say yes for her either way.
She slowly put her bookmark in her book and closed it. It was Ivaldi, her favorite too, but it would have to wait.
She left the comfort of her bed and opened the window. She put her fingers to her lips and made a shrill whistle. She jumped shortly after, Kirche following as if they weren't multiple stories up.
After a moment, her dragon had caught them and was soaring up into the sky. She'd lost count of how many times she'd done this, and thankfully it never got old. She'd summoned it out of necessity many years before she even came to the Academy and it had been her companion ever since.
"A horse. Two people." The blue dragon bobbed its head in understanding of the brief order. "Ah, no eating." Another bob and they were off, wind rushing through their hair.
·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·
Lelouch didn't know much about how shops worked around here, but he was questioning the legitimacy of the establishment they had entered.
He couldn't imagine how Louise could have heard of such an out-of-the-way place. While it seemed legitimate enough, the building itself had wood that seemed to creak with every step and some blades that seemed rusted beyond usefulness.
It was also worth mentioning that the shop owner of the store was his own case of shady business. He had a bulbous nose that seemed to complement his buck teeth and a smile as fake as the glittering sword in his hands.
At least it was still a weapon, regardless of the fancy decor, giving him the faint glow in his runes.
"So, how do you like it, sir?" He was rubbing his hands together as if he were standing next to a warm fire. "It's a fine blade forged by a famous Germanian blacksmith, guaranteed to cut through steel like butter!"
Like butter you say? Hmph, just like your words. As much as Lelouch wished to tell him so, he wasn't there to cause trouble. "I apologize. Though it's a nice sword, it's much more than what a mere servant needs. Isn't that right Louise?"
"I'll be the one to determine that." Louise faced the shopkeeper, unperturbed by the atmosphere. "How much for the sword?"
"That would be three-thousand new gold coins."
"What?" Louise was struck with a look of disbelief. "You could buy a decent new manor and a nice garden with that kind of money!"
Lelouch knew it would be expensive by just a glance at the golden body and inlaid jewels, but that seemed far too much for a lump of metal, enchanted or not.
"Ah, but a good sword can save your life and a life can be worth a fine castle, my lady." He may have been a rat-for-a-man, but he had a way with his words. They were meant to inflate a person's ego and desire, but Lelouch could see the scam for what it was. No matter how good a blade it was, this one was prohibitively expensive, beyond necessity, and exceedingly gaudy. He wouldn't be swindled and that meant that he wouldn't let Louise be swindled either.
"I don't have that much money right now though…" Louise seemed a little disappointed, and Lelouch realized he was too.
So studious in class, yet still so naive elsewhere. She's going to have a lot to learn if she wants to survive.
"How unfortunate." The young man set the sword down on the counter. "What can we afford then?"
Louise asked the shopkeeper, "What can we get for one-hundred coins?"
"There's a barrel of swords right there that you can pick from." He went to the pile of metal and pulled a blade from the others. "If you're going to choose from here, I suggest this one. It's not in too bad a shape and with some oil and a cloth you can get it back into good shape."
Lelouch let the sword into his hands and gave it a quick flourish. Though the blade was broad, it was surprisingly thin and light for its size, well-balanced too. It had a single edge that had a sharp angle at the end to make a triangular tip, clearly made for cuts and chops. The handle and hilt looked rather unique, however, undecorated save for an odd u-shaped part on top of the guard that rattled around when he swung the weapon around.
If he didn't know better, he would have thought that it was of a modern make somehow because of its precisely smooth edges and mere surface-level rusting. He chalked it up to the miracles of magic once more.
Louise's frown was becoming more of a scowl each time Lelouch took a look at her. "This piece of junk? It's the right size, but it's so badly rusted I couldn't tell what kind of sword it was when you pulled it out of that dark corner. It looks weird too and it's probably not even worth that much…"
Just when it looked like she was about to concede, they heard someone shout, "Alright! I've had enough outta you all! There's only so many times you can call someone a piece of junk until they've had it, y'know!?"
Lelouch identified the voice as belonging to the sword because the words moved in tandem with the odd bit of metal that hung around the base of the blade. That didn't stop him from nearly dropping it in a fright.
"Also, I'm at least worth as much, no, worth more than that hunk of jewelry you call a sword!" It prattled on, obviously angry at them for their ungracious commentary.
"It can talk?" Louise was as surprised as he was, if not more. "Sentient swords are rather uncommon and I've never seen one before." She looked at it with a cautious curiosity.
"Trust me, you won't want to see it again." It was the shopkeeper's turn to frown, apparently upset at the sudden outburst. "That thing's been scaring away potential customers every day and I was hoping to sell it off somehow before it said another word. I might as well throw that damn thing away!"
Lelouch began to think.
"Give it to me then."
"What?" The shopkeeper gave Lelouch a funny look. "No, I'm still going to have to try and sell it. I at least want my money's worth for what I bought it for!"
"Ha! The guy who sold me to you didn't know a good sword either! A hundred coins? What a chump!"
It was rather emotional for a sword, but Lelouch could work with that.
"Alright, give me a moment then." He raised the blade in his grip closer to himself. "So, do you have a name?"
"Yeah, funny you ask. People don't usually ask a sword for its name. Rude of them, really. It's Derflinger by the way."
"It's good to meet you then, Derflinger. Lelouch Lamperouge." He made a kind smile for a good deal of the time he was taking, making sure to read the sword and, again, have good first-impressions.
The way it chortled reminded him of an old man. "Well nice to meet you, Lulu! I've gotta say, I like you already, partner!"
"Likewise." His smile twitched. "I'd like to set the terms of our partnership with you. I'll be able to get you out of here once and for all if you agree." He would endure, keeping thoughts of disposing of this thing in the back of his mind if this matter didn't turn out well. "Oh, and please don't ever call me Lulu again."
Louise and the shopkeeper were having their own conversation as well. "Huh, he's having a decent talk with it. Didn't think that was possible."
"He's done similar things before, but founder, why do these weird things keep happening to me?" Her laments would go unanswered as Lelouch and Derflinger finished up.
"I'll take it."
As the exchange of money went about, each of them had similar thoughts of each other.
I can't believe this is happening. What an idiot of a familiar…
…to want such a crummy, annoying thing that's more of a liability if you can't use it right…
...to be sold away to a stranger, ignorant in the identification of a proper tool and its potential.
All three looked at each other once more, saying their goodbyes, and shared one last thought.
Stupid.
·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·
In her room, Lelouch bright up something that had been bothering him since he had been kidnapped by Kirche. While the matter didn't directly have to do with the fire mage, her possessions did. "Louise, I'd like to talk to you about something that concerns me."
She seated herself at her dresser and gave him another dirty glare. "And what is it this time, familiar? Are you going attempt to lecture me again?"
"No, not at all." He genuinely wanted to know because such a factor would affect him as much as it would her. "To assist you in the future it would be good for me to know why your purse has been so light. I have my guesses as to why, but I didn't want to assume anything before asking."
"And just what does my familiar have to say about how his master spends their coin?" She crossed her legs and arms, giving him another sideways pout. He'd come to know it as a defensive position of her's whenever she was unwilling to concede to anything even remotely unpleasant.
Put simply, she was being stubborn again.
"When I had visited Guiche and when I was captured by Kirche, I was able to have a look at their rooms. While I see that yours is sufficiently furnished, it lacks the decoration and luxury that I'd seen from the others, especially as the daughter of a family as powerful and wealthy as yours."
"And your point is?"
"You'd obviously wanted the more expensive blade, but lacked the funds for it. That rules out simple tastes as a reason. There's frugality as well, watching what you spend, but that doesn't entirely explain why you had so little money to start with. That leaves me with only a few possibilities."
He lifted one hand up and began to count on his fingers. "One, your family doesn't provide you with a large enough allowance. That I highly doubt unless there's a particular reason for it. Two, you've spent what you had on something else, whether it was for a service or some other need. There's also a third possibility," he said, lifting another finger, "Both are true."
She continued to glare at him until she pulled her head up in another fit of pride. "Well, you'd be right then. I had to spend it on keeping my familiar from falling into a coma or dying on me." She spat out those last few words like they left a bad taste in her mouth. Whether it was because he was her property or because she cared, he knew she had been worried.
"And the first reason?"
She opened her eyes and lowered her gaze, her head still slightly turned to the side, before taking a deep breath that was more of a sigh. "In the Vallière family, there is a philosophy set by my mother. She calls it the Rule of Steel. I wasn't allowed much more than I'd needed for my stay at the Academy."
That doesn't sound very pleasant. Lelouch thought of his own family and frowned. "And this Rule of Steel entails what?"
She didn't respond for a while, seemingly at a mental impasse. Seeing Louise's hesitation on the subject only made him feel the need to know more intensely. If she was willing to talk, then all of his efforts to make a connection with her will have finally borne fruit. "Go on, I'm listening."
If Lelouch had to guess, he'd say that she was wondering what she was doing, confiding in a familiar, but her words would still carry that eternal attitude of her's. "Well, I suppose it can't be helped. You would eventually have to learn of it anyway, so I'll tell you." She flipped her hair back, readying herself.
"My mother has always believed, for as long as I can remember, that the rules must be followed no matter what. This is the basis of the Rule of Steel, got it?" Lelouch nodded and she continued. "If the rules aren't followed, then you become a nuisance that drags others down with them."
Lelouch already disliked her mother. To ask for obedience without question was something he didn't sit well with. Not for himself anyway, as ironic as it was. He had his reasons though and she'd have better have her's as well. "And who makes these rules?"
"The nobility, of course. It's the laws and customs they set that must be followed. That's how order is kept and how society works, stupid."
He wanted to scoff, but not because of the demeaning way she was treating him. He knew he asked a question with an obvious answer, but it was all to be certain of some things.
To him, the Rule of Steel was too narrow-minded. While rules were required for civilization to function, they could also be used to hold it back. In this aristocratic environment even more archaic than his, he felt that these rules made by the powerful no doubt benefited them too. It was natural for this era, but he didn't have to like it.
"You were saying that it was your mother came up with this Rule of Steel. As your familiar, I should know about your family too, shouldn't I?" By this time Lelouch was sitting on his pile of hay with the rusty Derflinger set down next to him and watched Louise as she gradually began to relax as well. "For starters, how about your mother and father?"
Louise had let her shoulders down, placing her arms at her sides and setting her hands on her seat, staring at the floor in front of him with a thoughtful pout. He didn't know what to think of it, this being the calmest conversation they've ever had. He only felt satisfied that there was progress between them now.
"Well, mother is known as the strongest mage in Tristain. She's a square class wind mage known to most as the Heavy Wind, a name that armies would flee from if they'd heard even rumors of her approach, or so at least father tells me."
I wonder if Kallen would've liked to test that. "And your father?"
"Father is known as Centurion, Duke de la Vallière. He was awarded the land and title in his military days after the war. That's where he and mother met. He's a kind man if you get to know him." She paused once more, looking a little uncomfortable, but quickly resumed.
"Élénore is my oldest sister. She is a triangle earth mage who takes after my father with her blonde hair and does research at another academy." Louise made a wide frown as she went on about her sister. "Also, never mention marriage to her. She can be scary if you test her." He got the impression that they didn't get along all the time, evidenced by what he was seeing when Louise spoke of her.
She stopped as if she were finished, but Lelouch knew there was more. It would be good to change the subject to someone that, he assumed, was more pleasant than the others to the young girl. "And what about Cattleya?"
She looked up, visibly surprised at his question. "How do you know her name?"
"I heard you say it in your sleep the day I woke up after Guiche's fight. Along with something about puppies." He saw a fierce blush spread across her face as she moved her gaze to her feet. "Does she mean a lot to you?"
Keeping her face down, she gave a little nod of her head. "She does mean a lot to me. She's the nicest sister anyone could ever ask for. She has hair like mine and mother's and she always has all of these pets that follow her around. She takes care of each one with the gentlest love and kindness." Louise had a small smile now, slightly hidden by her pink bangs. "And I love her very, very much."
"It's good to know that there's someone who cares so much about you. You'll find that people like that become irreplaceable." He couldn't help but smile as well, remembering better days with better relationships. Euphie, what would you make of all this? This world, this situation, and this girl?
A knocking sound ended the moment and they turned their heads, wondering who on earth would want to see them at this time of night. They looked at each other for a moment before Lelouch got up to answer the door.
·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·
Louise could feel her face burn up in anger. How could she think that she had any right to come bursting into her room unannounced? Then again, if she had announced herself, there was no chance she'd let her in, but the Zerbst knew that. She knew she was being rude on purpose! "I want to know the meaning of this, Zerbst. Why the hell are you here?" And her friend too. That's my bed she's sitting on, but she's not the main problem here.
"I'm just here to give a handsome sword to a handsome man." In her hands was the golden sword that they'd seen from the shopkeeper they visited, let out from the sheath that contained it. "I feel so sorry for him. His master couldn't even afford a cheap blade like this, so I decided to get it for him."
"So you followed us?" Louise was surprised to hear her familiar speak up. She was actually about to ask the same thing, but the words were caught in her throat before he interrupted. "I'm sorry, but I can't say that your effort was worth the trip. After all, I chose this sword for myself."
"Oh no, my darling, there's no need to lie just because Louise is here. I saw how disappointed you were after you left the shop. There's no need to hide it." She couldn't tell if her enemy was being deliberately ignorant or seriously thought he was hiding the truth. "And Louise, try not to be such a cruel woman who can hardly understand a man's feelings."
What an idiot she is. He wasn't sad until I told him that I couldn't buy him any pistols. It's not my fault I ran out of money. "Are you deaf, Zerbst? Didn't you hear him? We don't need that or anything else that you have to give."
"I wouldn't be so quick to say that, Vallière." The blasted woman still refused to give in. "I hear this sword was a masterpiece from Germania. All the best swords and women come from there." She faced Louise once more and her smile grew. "There's no way a Tristain woman like you could compete."
Louise wouldn't take that lying down. It was a good thing she had been prepared for a long time. She made an evil smile too, feeling that she could deliver a fatal blow to her enemy's spirit. "I bet you flirted with so many men that nobody wanted to deal with you anymore and that's why you came here to study abroad in a neighboring country."
Pink saw red reach for their wand and so she did as well. Raising it at the Zerbst, Louise felt like it was about time she dealt with the thorn that had been pricking her for the longest time.
Kirche's smile was unchanged, but now there was a dangerous glint in her eyes that only signaled trouble. "That was quite the mouthful."
"Maybe, but it's the truth"
Louise heard the wooden rattle of a staff landing on the floor. She didn't know when it happened, but Lelouch was standing in between them, holding Derflinger at his side, hand tightly gripped around its handle. "A thousand apologies for the sudden intervention, Lady Tabitha, but I believe that your friend has overstepped her boundaries. I will not have Louise be threatened, especially not in her own room."
Louise was startled by how quickly he moved. She could better understand how terrified Guiche may have been during that fight. Lelouch was, however, defending her this time, something very few people had done for her in the past.
While it was natural for a familiar to jump to his master's aid, something felt odd about the way he was doing it. Maybe it was because he hadn't done so before now. Last time he opposed a noble was because of his own selfish decisions, yet here he was shielding her from her sworn rival. Did he really care so much about her or did he have a death wish? Was it both?
She looked over to see Tabitha with a sliver of surprise on her face. Though it was like trying to read a small word, she could still see it, which surprised her too. The blue-haired wind mage made eye contact with Louise and she noticed something out of place in her sight. Is it my imagination or is she sad? Not angry? But why?
"Oh no, Lelouch, has that witch corrupted you this much? How far has she gone to brainwash you?" Louise would have said something back if her familiar wasn't in the way, but he would retaliate for her once more.
"This witch you speak of is my partner." He held a firm, commanding aura that resonated in his words. Even she could feel his animosity even if she wasn't the target of his ire. It reminded her of Élénore a little too much. "Also, there is no brainwashing, only my loyalty. I'm very sorry, but I'll have to ask you to leave for tonight."
"Oh, fine then, but that doesn't mean I've given up just yet." She went over to her friend and took her hand. "Come on, Tabitha, we're leaving now, but we will be back."
Lelouch moved to pick up the staff he had knocked away from Kirche's companion. "I apologize again for my rude behavior. I wouldn't have had to if I wasn't provoked. Do keep your friend from misbehaving, if you can."
She adjusted her red glasses, jostled out of place when Kirche had pulled her up. She took the staff from his hands and stared at him for some time with her perpetually plain expression. "Apology accepted. No guarantee."
With that, the girl went to leave. Kirche had let go of her so she could take her staff and was now following her out. With her head peeking out from the doorway, she gave him a wink. "This isn't over, Louise. And I'll be seeing you, my love. Sweet dreams."
As the door was closing, Louise saw him exhale an exhausted sigh. "She simply doesn't get it, does she?"
"No, she doesn't and I can't tell if her friend does either. I'm certain they'll show up again sometime soon." Louise felt irritated at the thought. It wasn't too much to ask to be left alone, but people never really listened when you wanted them to the most.
"Hmph, all she'd need is a cell phone or a camera…" It was under his breath, but she still caught it. Her ears were rather sharp even if everything else about her body left more to be desired.
"A cam-ra?" She had suddenly become interested in her familiar's past. He had avoided telling her anything and she didn't care, but now she found herself wondering who he was before they met. "Now that I think about it, you haven't said anything about your past yet. Tell me about it."
She saw him move his eyes to look at her and held it for a while when she was startled yet again. "Well, if you wanna know that badly I'll tell ya! I can't say I remember much though, so you'll have to bear with me on that!"
She was livid. "Not you, you stupid piece of metal! I'm talking to Lelouch!" She'd kick it if it weren't a hunk of steel that'd hurt her foot if she did.
"Hey, what did I tell you about callin' me a piece of anything?!" Derflinger rattled around hard, like some struggling animal caught in someone's hands. "And wow, you actually called him by his actual name! Speaking of which, you too, partner! Keep me quiet for that long again and your name's gonna be Lul-oomph!"
Lelouch had shoved the blade back into its sheath, jamming it hard enough to shut its weird mouthpiece with a loud clap. "If so, then you'll never speak again. Please control yourself because we're about to go sleep now. I'll let you talk when I can. That, I promise."
He began to walk towards his bed without saying another word, but she'd have to thank the sword even if she'd never say it out loud.
Because now she had a trump card.
"Halt, familiar." And he did, glancing at her again, stopped in his tracks. "You didn't answer to my order before your sword interrupted us." She'd relish this moment for all it was because she knew that she'd get a reaction out of him this time. "Please continue from where we left off."
"It's late, isn't it, master? I'm certain that there will be plenty of time another day to reflect on the past. We can talk about it then, but for now, goodnight."
"No, we will not." She wouldn't let him get away with avoiding her this time, at least without losing something. "You master is the one who says it's bedtime."
He frowned.
And she smiled.
"Isn't that right, Lulu?"
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Author's Notes:
Heyo, Verrill here~ I hope you've all been well~
So.
You know what I think?
I think one of Lelouch's biggest weaknesses… is assertive women.
Maybe.
But aside from all of the jokes, I see that it's those kinds of characters that tend to get him all bothered on the inside and out. Some would consider Suzaku too, but let's not go there right now.
Such things make me think of Kirche who is also a character I liked, especially from what I know of her in the light novels about her being more of an insightful person under the hot passion that she is on the outside, out to help Louise in her own uniquely assertive way.
It must also be mentioned that, however much I like the other characters, Tabitha is one of my favorites from the Familiar of Zero. Some things about her make me think of Lelouch. If you know of her past or have watched or read further in the official materials, you might be able to see what I'm talking about. It's a shame we don't know more about her until much later, or so it feels to me at least.
It's a chapter with many jokes too. I believe that the frequency of antics this world has in store for Lelouch could be rather stressful for him. Of course, at his expense, I hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed imagining and writing them. It's something I've always dreamed of and it's absolutely wonderful~
In the end, was interesting to write this chapter because, as Lelouch does here, I see his friends and family in the characters of Louise's world. Just about everyone has something I see in them that brings me back to someone in Lelouch's world. And, of course, that's why I'm here.
Thus, once again, thank you for your time.
Otherwise, take care~