AN: So! Back again! Uhh, some stuff happened almost immediately after I posted the last chapter, with my Grandfather passing a few days after. So dealing with that, trying to get back on track at work, and now we have this whole COVID-19 business? 2020 SUCKS so far! But we're back with more of this, I'm starting to make headway on my latest block so here's the next chapter! Though if anyone can tell me how to do the "Glitchy" sort of typing for this, that'd be great. Anyway, I've padded this out enough. Enjoy!

Truths and Unexpected Guests

It had been some time now that the duo had passed as Louise spoke of her childhood friend. How she and Henrietta would play together in their youth. That fond smile never left Louise's face as she talked and it was something Kamvex liked seeing.

"I was honored for the time we spent together," she started to wrap up. "To be the chosen playmate of the princess was something I would never forget." She looked down with a wistful smile, "even if she's probably forgotten about me."

Kamvex shook his head. "No way. If you remember it so fondly then I'm sure she does as well." He thought for a moment. "Actually, from how you spoke, you may be the only friend she had her age, other than possible family. "

Louise looked downward. "It's possible," she acknowledged. "After all, it's similar to my own upbringing. My sisters are nearly a decade older than me, and both were in the Academy by the time I was able to really be able to play with them. Then Cattleya got sick, and Eleanor became far more strict." She closed her eyes in thought. "Though maybe..."

*youngboyragsfriendlysmiledgoneNOTHING*

Louise winced as though she had a headache. She thought she was remembering something but...

"Never mind. Was that enough for you?"

The Envoy hummed and started typing on his datapad. "Its a start... I'll do what I can with this for now. In the meantime, dinner?"

Louise rolled her eyes good naturedly and smiled. "Of course. Let's get you fed then."

The hours leading to the next day were both fruitful and fruitless in differing ways for the young man. He had taken his equipment out into the forest to practice as much as he could with his songs he'd had at the ready, but Kamvex was still drawing a blank as to how his song for the princess should go.

He had a few ideas, something a bit slower to then build, but without seeing her, meeting her, it wouldn't FEEL like the song was meant for her. So he began writing something else that would probably be seen as controversial, but it was his feeling that he had to go with.

Then there was another source of frustration. It was time to tell Louise the truth of her magic, her home magic. But the ramifications could be devastating for her. He'd hoped to any god that Osmand or Colbert would talk to the girl, but it seemed the old man wanted to call his perceived bluff.

Kamvex trudged up the stairs, his suitcase of equipment lightly bouncing on their wheels in rhythm. This would be a difficult decision, but it had to be done before the princess arrived tomorrow. If there were repercussions, he would face them. But Louise could defend herself now. She deserved an answer to her greatest question.

"I'm back," he said opening the door. Sitting at her vanity was Louise, fretting over how she wanted to present herself tomorrow. Even if it was just to line up in a crowd, Louise wanted to be sure she was her best for Henrietta.

"Oh, Kamvex," she started as she turned. "How did your practice go? Do you have an idea for the Princess? "

He sighed. "Not much of one. If I could meet her in person I might be struck with inspiration, but for now I've got too much on my mind..."

Louise recognized the downcast look. Something was weighing on her familiar's mind, and it had been as such for about a week now. "Maybe I can help somehow?"

"Well... considering it has to do with you..." Kamvex pushed his equipment to the side and out of the way before grabbing Derflinger, who then popped out of his sheath.

"Finally gonna have that chat, partner?" He clinked away.

"Finally?"

"Uggh. Yes, Derf. We're having that talk and I was hoping you can help at times." Kamvex replied, a bit annoyed that the blade chose to out his hesitation.

"What is this about finally?"

"You can count on me, partner."

"Kamvex!" Louise yelled, stamping her foot. "What are the two of you talking about?"

The bronzed man inhaled heavily before sitting down next to his pack. He reached inside and pulled out a book, ornate, obviously Tristanian, with the Five Pentagon Powers emblazoned on the cover. "I found something. Before I was even able to find this, I overheard something else. Because of the implications I had heard and then what I've read, I wanted to be sure."

Louise sat back down. "What's all that supposed to mean?"

"Super secret stuff girly." Derf chimed in. "After being around you two for a while, I tend to agree that if my partner said what he's gonna say, you might've flipped a few weeks ago."

Louise was nervous now. Why were these two tip toeing around the subject. "So then what does this mean?"

"A question in response, Louise," Kamvex retorted. "What does a familiar symbolize for a mage here?"

The pinkette looked at him curiously. "They are symbols of maturity and the type of mage someone is."

"Correct. For four of the people we know somewhat well here, you could look at their familiars and guess right? Kirche, Tabitha, Guiche, and Montmorency. "

"Fire for the salamander, wind for the dragon, earth for the mole, and water for the frog, yes. What does that mean for you Kamvex?"

"Well..." he started, "apparently I'm part of a set of four specific familiars. There is only ever one of each for a special kind of mage." He opened the book to a marked page, and immediately, Louise's heart stopped.

VOID

The girl's eyes widened in disbelief. "I... I don't understand... Void magic is supposed to be lost holy magic..."

"Supposedly, it's extremely rare. And like I said, there can only be four at any given time. Though from what I've overheard from a discussion between Osmand and Colbert, there's at least two more out there somewhere..."

Louise couldn't take her eyes off the page, far too stunned about such a revelation. Truthfully, had he said anything without this book, she probably wouldn't believe him at best. At worst, he'd have been sleeping outside without any of his gear for a month. But with proof... "Which of the four are you?"

"Gandalfr, the Left Hand of God. Apparently, Derf here was forged by the first Gandalfr, who was the familiar to Brimir."

Louise's head snapped up at the mention of the founder before the sword began talking. "I don't know much. Six thousand years will do a number on the memory, but I do remember that Gandalfr was the first of the four familiars, and that you, little Louise, have inherited his most famous spell." Her breath hitched at that notion. Brimir's signature spell... was Explosion? "Though if I remember correctly, one of his explosions could wipe out a village, and that was on the small scale. "

Louise's eyes again bugged out before moving back to the book, finally taking hold and truly reading it. The pages on Gandalfr alone made the most sense. Instant weapon proficiency, increased physical prowess, faster learning curve. All thing her familiar showed in the last month. Then she read further.

~*Gandalfr is the sword and shield of the Void mages, and the most well known to historians outside the church. It's master, too, can be well known for their destructive capabilities, most notably appearing in the country of Tristan. Together, master and servant of this combination are the most offensively gifted of the Void.*~

*So... that's why everything had an explosion... it truly IS my magic,* Louise thought to herself. The more she read, the more fascinated she was by the premise. Though there was one more question for her to ask. "Why would the headmaster not want me to know this?"

Kamvex thought back to the month prior. "I don't think it was malicious. I believe he wanted to keep things under wraps from the church. Something about a Holy War?" He questioned, then shrugged. "Either way, ignorance isn't always bliss. Especially in consideration of... two more pages I think...?" He said reluctantly.

Louise looked up to him before nodding and going back to the book. In it was the rumored lifetimes and styles of those familiars and mages.

*Due to the overwhelming offensive power, Gandalfr and his master are said to be front line warriors whenever they would appear. Such a lifestyle however, makes for short lifespans. It is the belief of historians that the summoning of a Gandalfr usually comes with a lifetime with the mage of a maximum of...*

"... F-five years..."

Kamvex nodded solemnly. "I'd like to assume that's why you haven't been told, but you deserve that kind of knowledge. Anyone does. And do you want to know why?" Louise picked up her head, showing sad concerned eyes. Kamvex smiled, kneeling as a knight would for a princess. "Because with that, we will find a way to live. I swear."

"Well said, partner!"

Louise kept her eyes locked on Kamvex, before lowering them and shielding her eyes with her pink bangs. "Will... will you show me the universe...?"

"Hmm?"

"You have a ship yes? When it comes for you... will you take me with you...?" The girl started trembling, taking hold of his hand. "And if I wanted... would you come back, and stay with me...!"

Kamvex's eyes widened, as he realized where her mind was starting to fatalistically go. With a start, he pulled her to him and held her close, feeling the leaking tears she tried so desperately to hide. "All that and more, Louise. You will live a long and glorious life, one that you won't have to be afraid of the day you die."

He brought her to face him as he then cupped her cheeks, wiping away the tears. "You will find a loving mate to be with and have children with. Then you can watch over them as they grow. And one way or another..." he pressed his dark locks against her pink, foreheads touching, "I will always be with you."

Pink locked with violet. "How do you know?" Louise asked shakily.

Kamvex closed his eyes, and smirked. "Because I, am Kamvex Zamfi. Envoy Captain of the Sunrise Maiden, general improviser in the face of death, and most importantly..." he stood, bringing her with him. "I am the legendary familiar, Gandalfr, under an amazing young noble who I think has greatness in her future. One Louise Françoise la Blanc de la Vallière. And nothing, and no one, could stop us if they tried."

He held her smaller body to his own, her head against his chest. Both their hearts thundered at the closeness the two had, but neither wanted to break it.

"I've stared death in the face Louise," Kamvex started again. "Now that things seem to be... slowing down, those times might start to catch up to me. But so far, when I'm with you... I feel invincible." He cupped her chin and brought her to look at him. "I'm not leaving anytime soon. And neither are you."

"Kamvex..."

《*BA-THUMP*》

Suddenly, a glow came from the man's left arm, as well as the sheath for Derflinger. "Ahhhh! I remember this feeling..!" Derf clinked away. "Partner! Draw me!"

Kamvex turned his head momentarily, before releasing Louise with his right arm and drawing the shining blade. As the light dimmed down, it revealed a sharp and pristine Derflinger, looking as new as if fresh from the forge.

"What... caused this..?" Louise asked, still clutching the shirt of her familiar.

"I think it's coming back to me..." Derflinger began. "Oh. Oh that's it! Yeah, the bond between master and servant!"

"Huh?"

"While you two have been quite close since I've met you, these last few days have brought you together more that ever. You've become each others emotional rock, possibly to bloom into more, if either of you figures out what to do with that maid!" With that, Derf was promptly sheathed with a muffled "You know I'm right!"

"Mmmm... moment not... entirely ruined, but..." both mage and familiar were red in the face as they thought of this situation. Finally, Kamvex sighed. "Though, I certainly wouldn't deny an attraction to either of you. And neither should you." Louise looked up to him incredulously. "Don't give me that look. I've seen the both of you giving the 'noble/servant longing glance'. She wasn't exactly subtle earlier."

"You saw that!?" Louise exclaimed.

"Slightly, " he smirked. "She seems aggressive when she wants something and puts her mind to it. Though she seemed to be..." he thought for a moment, "... pressing."

"Uggh!" Louise pushed him away to the floor as he started laughing. "You are absolutely unbelievable! "

"Hey, she seemed sincere after she stopped trying so hard." He countered. "She's probably read one too many erotic tales between lords and ladies, and wanted to try it on you."

Louise turned and pouted. "Its not really all that comforting..." She the gasped as two arms embraced her from behind. "Wh-what are you-"

"And how about this?" Kamvex asked quietly. His arms were wrapped low near her elbows and he brought her back into his chest. "Is this better?"

She dared to look up to his face, and saw he wore his emotions plainly to see. Unsure, but determined. Strong, yet kind. She blushed hotly. "Kamvex..?"

"I like you Louise. I really do. I think you like me as well..." He nuzzled his chin against the top of her head. It made her freeze for a moment before her sense came back to her.

*This is... nice...* she thought. She brought her hands up, left holding onto his metal hand, and right gliding up his toned arm. Louise turned her head slightly, "Kamvex..." she called lowly.

He shivered as her delicate hand moved up his arm. He realized her neck was stretching and craning up, eyes half lidded. "Louise..." he started his way to meet her.

Quick loud buzzing came through the room as the unattended datapad sprang to life. Both romantic youths jumped from one another in surprise and embarrassment.

"Umm..." "Uhh..." "Were we..?" "Yeah..." "... can we..." "Later?" "Later." They smiled at each other, meekly and nervously for the mage and familiar respectively. Then Louise looked to the buzzing device, a red warning in his language.

"What's it say?"

Kamvex turned to the red light. "Intruder. I put some cameras around to detect unknown faces. Someone is here that the system doesn't recognize. And I made sure it recognized everyone on campus." He then strode over to the device to take a look at the footage.

"When did you set this up?" The pinkette asked. She was still blushing profusely, smoothing out her blouse.

"Partner set up these lenses around the gates and doorways that could capture moving images. It was... two days after the Siesta incident I think?"

"Yup." Kamvex pressed a few more buttons before he stopped. "Louise... you wouldn't happen to have what amounts to an older twin, would you?"

"What?" She asked incredulously. With one more press, and image popped up over the datapad of a stern looking woman in a regal battle uniform. Her pink hair was up in a tight bun as she strode toward the women's dorms. Louise's eyes widened. "M-mother!?"

Louise hadn't seen her mother in that state of dress for years! It wasn't the garb of a duchess, but that of a knight. For whatever reason she was here, it wasn't as Duchess Karin Désirée de la Vallière. It was as the now unretired Knight Captain Karin the Heavy Wind.

Her eyes snapped to Kamvex. "Make yourself presentable, quickly!" She yelled, snapping her fingers and causing magic to flow around her. Her clothes were now perfectly pressed and refreshed. Louise quickly scanned the room, making sure everything was in its proper place. Satisfied with a nod, she turned to Kamvex, seeing him now in what he claimed as his 'Servant Outfit'.

"This good?"

*click-clak click-clak. ... Knock Knock* "Louise." A stern female voice sounded from the other side of the door.

Louise sighed. "It'll have to be. Answer the door."

"Yes Miss." Kamvex said. Then he whispered. "And don't be afraid of the 'F' word if you need it. I understand." With that, he turned to the door and opened it. "Good evening ma'am. How may I help you?"

The calculating eyes of the older Vallière woman eyed the captain up, visually testing him. "I assume you are the 'Germainian Devil' the guardsmen of the disgraced Count Mott spoke of along with my daughter?"

"Ah, the Duchess de la Vallière. It is an honor," Kamvex bowed. "Though I am neither a devil nor Germainian. I am simply Miss Louise's familiar." He then stepped aside. "Please. I assume you wish to speak with you daughter?" He asked, gesturing the woman to enter.

"Hmm. It seems you were either brought up with good manners, or my daughter has been rather strict." Karin commented as she stepped through.

He chuckled. "Miss Louise can be, but she has been very kind to me."

The sharp eyes moved from the familiar to the room as she moved inside. The bronzed man closed the door behind him as her daughter came into view. The room itself was well kept, a testament to the familiar's work, and that of the serving staff at the Academy.

"Mother," Louise bowed in greeting. "It's good to see you again. What has brought you on such a surprise visit? And so late at that?"

"Louise, it's good to see you, my daughter." Even talking to her youngest she sounded stern. She turned to Kamvex again, "Familiar. Leave us for now. Bring us some tea."

Kamvex looked from mother to daughter, seeing Louise's nod, he bowed. "Of course Ma'am. Miss." When Karin looked away, he looked to Louise, tapping his temple twice with a smile. Then with a quick turn, he left the room.

Louise sighed, *Thank you, Kamvex,* she sent through her Message spell.

*Not a problem, Louise.*

"Louise," the Duchess said, "it seems you've come up in the Royal Courts, if what your father says is to be believed." With that, the elder woman sat next to the table.

Louise decided to stand. "And... what is it they are saying?" She asked nervously.

Crossing her legs and steepling her fingers to rest on the knee, she took in her daughter's nervous stance. "A Germainian devil and a destructive noblewoman from the Academy. With your... apparent familiar... that leaves only you to have such... destructive power." Louise gulped. "Well? Would you like to tell me just what you were doing?"

A/N the Second: NANI!? Wait, I THOUGHT I HAD ANOTHER MONTH!? THIS THING HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW!? ... Well I certainly didn't thing I'd ever write a story this big. Just about 66K words, nearly 7000 views and around an average of 40 Favorites and Alerts!? Wow... Damn. Thank you all so much for the support and I'm glad I could provide some entertainment to you all the past year. Let's see if I can get past the Season 1 plot points in year 2!

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!

Zamrok