A/N: I forgot to mention what our spacefarer was wearing to the Exhibition last time. Rectifying that here. Also, the ambiguous "Tech" I mentioned in the last chapter is basically the STARK Hologram Technology from Captain America: Civil War & Spider-Man: Far From Home. And finally, while the first song I reference here doesn't have it, I'm making it a duet. How? You'll see the secret sometime. As for defining them?
Kamvex - *~Bold~*
Mystery Singer - *~Italics~*
Together - *~Both~*
? - *~?~*
Disruptions
Powerful. That's the thought she had going through her head. Louise knew of Kamvex's ability, but was very concerned when this had started. Dressed in his now usual servant garb before she'd even woken for the day, it was obvious that late nights and constant work from the day before were not sitting well with him. He'd been slow and somewhat irritable, but also pleased. And now she knew why. That he'd been able to write, practice and perform this in just under twelve hours was nothing short of astounding. Though bringing that up would probably be unbelievable to most of her peers.
Coming out of her own little world, Louise noticed a great amount of clapping and applause. Most of it came from behind with the servants, though they did outnumber the students to be fair. The staff, too, were all applauding. Politely of course. These were not too strange. What was however, was the student body. It seemed a good half of the students were clapping in earnest, while the others seemed more than stubborn about it. At least Tabitha put down her book, so that seemed to be a good sign. She even got a thumbs up and wink from Kirche!
*Thank goodness Mother can't see the students in the tent...* she did NOT need to deal with that particular development of her life yet. With the song over, Kamvex closed the fallboard before rising and bowing. *Now, what else do you have for me, my Envoy?*
Meanwhile in the tent, Henrietta was nearly in tears. The song was touching and something she hadn't known she'd needed. Her dear friend and her familiar had taken one line from her yesterday, and he had crafted a song as a call to her. An anthem for her to be free. It was liberating and heartwarming. She choked up a bit before clapping, watery eyes screaming thanks, uncaring of how her guards or Duchess Valliere saw her at this moment.
Beside her, Karin's piercing eyes continued to narrow. Objectively, the song and playing was very good, possibly on her eldest's level of the piano. It was the message itself that she was struggling with. Not because she disagreed, she would be a hypocrite had she thought so. But that it was sung with such conviction for not only her Princess, soon-to-be Queen, but also for the servants. What ideas could some of them gain with this message. Before she could ponder any further, the familiar rose from his seat and came to the front of the stage.
With a slight bow and flourish, Kamvex smirked as he overlooked the crowd. He was happy to see a majority of the crowd liked his song, though it was obvious to him as well that many were just being to prideful as to clap for the Zero's Familiar. Speaking of which, that was next on the agenda. "I'm glad you all enjoyed my classical styling," he began. "Well, classical to me, anyway. There was something I wanted to demonstrate with that piece, and I'm sure some of you know what it is." He turned a serious eye first onto Henrietta, before moving it to the students. "Words have power. As many of you are mages, you know that the spoken word holds this as truth."
He turns, going to the back of the stage and grabbing the lever he'd installed, and pulled. The low whine of the generator below kicked in, and more of his equipment kicked on. To the surprise of all but Colbert and a few of the other workers, the center of the stage begins to rise. Doing so revealed to the crowd a large black box, ten feet in length and four in height. At least, until Kamvex flipped up another half from behind. Other than the top and bottom six inches being plain black bars, those who looked closely could see the rest was somewhat segmented. With the snap of his fingers, a slight glowing began from behind, and only Louise knew what is signified. A change of clothes.
No longer was his hair tied up and back as per his usual servant look, it was once again kept in check with his headband, as the messy locks started to spill over. He was also no longer wearing a long sleeve shirt and pleated pants, instead a gold vest with twin tail coats and royal purple trim and insides covered his chest, while baggy pants of the same purple went down to his boots. Without a shirt, it freed up the look of his arms, both organic and metallic. It had been decided that there was no need to hide his arm on this particular setting, Henrietta having already seen the arm, and no doubt Louise's mother had as well. It also freed up just enough of his midriff to tease what was there. And to be fair to his now brightly blushing master, he hadn't quite told her about THIS part of the show. It was an outfit of clear Varisian design with the colors of Shelyn's followers as it's base. As Kamvex moved, the purple simmered into turquoise when the light hit right.
Comfortable in his outfit, Kamvex took in the scene. There was far more than Louise blushing. Most of the girls were blushing, once again getting a response out of Kirche and Tabitha, who decided to try and hide in her book, as well as a number of other students and servants. He could even see Siesta in the back blushing like mad with a few of the other maids chattering amongst themselves. Now even the Princess was blushing deeply as he looked around, though the Duchess didn't look amused at all. *Well, time to get back to it.*
"Sorry, my equipment works better when I have the right stuff to use it on. My Entertainers Outfit if you will. Now," he explained before grabbing an instrument, his guitar, "As I said, words have power and meaning in their interpretation. Such as, I believe you all have called my Master..." With a wave of a hand, his tech came to life, and a hologram word appeared behind and above him in large print, "Zero." Violet eyes scanned the crowd of students, most looking nonplussed, With Guiche and Kirche looking guilty. Siesta looked in Louise's direction sadly, knowing how difficult that word has been to her. Louise however was intrigued. Other than knowing the first song was supposed to be for the Princess, she had no clue as to the next two. *Is this next one... for me?* She wondered.
The entertainer smiled at her, "shall I tell them the meaning of Zero, Louise?"
Almost hesitantly, she nodded. "Excellent. Now, I can't do this alone. I neeed..." He pressed a few buttons before closing and opening his metal hand, as more holograms came to life. A drummer on top of the large black box, a bassist to his right and another guitarist to the left, each nondescript but still human in shape. The colors were solid but shifting, making sure that the 'instruments' and 'players' never blended together. "Hmm... that's good... but i think there's something missing... ah!" He lifted his hand to the center, more light billowing there, as the outline of a feminine figure appeared, and just detailed enough to make out the dress they would wear. The figure stood at about five foot three, with hair that was tied in a high ponytail with a ribbon, and two long strands falling down her nondescript face. the audience could also tell somewhat what she was wearing: the top looked right now to be a leotard of some kind, with long sleeves that ended in a ring around the middle fingers. At the waist looked like the front of one of the school skirts, but the back and sides turned into a long, almost bridal train, layering down to just over the ankles, with a large bow in the back adding an additional two lengths to the train. This lead the focus to the open legs, with what could be tights and low heels on the feet of complete the clear image. His eyes lit up at the image. "Perfect! And now, without any further delay..."
[A/N: Quick little edit if you want to see the specific bottom half of this costume, check this out(miccostumes qwxx-my-hero-academia-himiko-toga-cosplay-costume-sweet-lolita-bridal-wedding-gown-ruffle-dress-112173p . html) The top is based on Kasumi's gymnast outfit in Persona 5 Royal. Alright, onto the show!]
~{Endless Possibility - NateWantsToBattle}~
The crowd then brings it's attention back to Kamvex as the simple electronic riff goes through the speakers behind him, every note bringing light to the LEDs within. Soon the second guitar joins before the drums crash and the bass kicks in. At that point, the clear image begins to fill with color from the dark heels.
*~This is my escape
I'm running through this world
And I'm not looking back
Cause I know I can go
Where no one's ever gone
And I'm not looking back~*
The audience stares in wonder at the light show as the music fills them. Then the gown of the woman begins to color in black with silver blue trim at each wave of the train.
*~But how will I know when I get there
And how will I know when to leave
We've all gotta start from somewhere
And it's right there for me
The possibilities are never ending!~*
As the song continues, Kamvex walks along the stage as a true showman, bobbing his head as his voice amplifies over and alongside the instruments. The image of the woman fills more, the silver blue trim of the dress becoming the color of the leotard, and complimenting nicely with the hint of light skin to her. Some were sure of who it was that was appearing, but couldn't actually believe it.
*~I see it, I see it
And now it's all within my reach
Endless possibility!
I see it, I see it now
It's always been inside of me
And now I feel so free!
Endless Possibility!~*
As the final note of the chorus finished, the rest of the image came to fruition. The youthful yet mature look of an eighteen year old woman appeared, but Louise wouldn't believe who it was until the hair colored itself out and she opened her eyes, pink met pink, and Louise felt like she was staring at a mirror. And then, unbelievably, the image sung out with a female voice!
*~And so I'll carry on
My time to shine has come
I feel it!
As fast as I can go
Straight to the top, I know
You'll see it!~*
She twirled and danced before coming back to back with Kamvex, raising her hand before pointing straight at the true Louise, a confident smile on her lips.
*~So please wake me up when I get there
It feels like I'm lost in a dream
I know it my heart that it's my time
And I already see! The possibilities are never ending!
I see it, I see it
And now it's all within my reach
Endless possibility!
I see it, I see it now
It's always been inside of me
And now I feel so free!
Endless Possibility!~*
Both leads sway and dance around each other as the song continues. Then the area begins to darken, smoke filling the area and causing some of the audience to become nervous. A three headed beast appeared stage right, the two singers turning to face it.
*~Drop that smile 'cause you're beaten again~*
*~Now this is where my journey begins~*
Illusion Louise took a step forward, wand in hand and a determined look in her eye.
*~You're losing speed
You're losing your flow~*
*~But inside me's a power you'll never know~*
*~Just let it out, it's inside you~*
*~You Better all stand back, 'cause I'm coming through~*
With the raising of her wand, Louise dispelled the shadowy figure in a burst of light as the music continued. Kamvex making sure to show off as much as possible with his play while the doppelganger continued to sway and dance
*~I see it, I see it
And now it's all within my reach~*
*~I see it, I see it now
It's always been inside of me~*
*~I see it, I see it
And now it's all within my reach
Endless possibility!
I see it, I see it now
It's always been inside of me
And now I feel so free!
Endless Possibility!
Endless Possibility
Endless Possibility!
Endless Possibility
Endless Possibility!~*
As the song winds down, the illusion turns back to the large 'Zero' still hanging in the air. She floats to it, her wand glowing and begins to write, before turning and bursting into butterflies, each one flying to those that knew her best, and to Louise herself. When the crowd turned their attention back to the stage, a panting Kamvex was bowing slightly. And a roar of applause came from the servants and a good number of the students. The teachers as well were clapping in earnest. The boy hadn't lied, no one here had ever seen or heard anything like it before. Louise was beaming at what she'd seen, then looked skyward to the massage her doppelganger had left.
Zero does not equal nothing. It is a Void, a start, with Endless Possibility.
It dawned on the young mage exactly what Kamvex had done, and she quickly looked around to see if anyone else caught it as the message dissipated. Most of the staff, students and servants were just chatting excitedly to see what was next, but a few key figures were near rock still, either looking still where the message was, or at her directly.
Since the first time she'd met him, Guiche de Gramont had actually dropped his rose wand, staring up in the sky unblinking while Montmorency kept poking him and trying to get him out of his stupor. Colbert seemed like the only teacher to give the words a true look, his face unreadable at all. She could tell three faces were looking at her now, one calculating, one in disbelief, and one utter joy and happiness.
In the row of students stood out the short blue and tall red of Tabitha and Kirche, the busty redhead shaking the blunette as if asking confirmation. Tabitha however just kept staring at Louise, silently asking for an answer. They had read the sign, and seemed to just want the confirmation. She thought for a moment before staring Tabitha down with as serious a look she could... and nodded. Their gazed remained locked for a moment longer before the blunette nodded and slowly turned back to face the front. Kirche however was now frozen in disbelief before righting herself and mouthing 'we're talking about this later, Louise.'
The pinkette sighed, and turned her head once more to the servant area of the stands, and saw Siesta, just smiling. She had a bright smile on and just shot her a look of congratulations. The genuine kindness upon the maid's face made the noble's face heat up rather quickly. Hiding her hand, she quickly cast her Message to speak with her.
*I feel your kindness from here. Thank you, Siesta.*
*Of course Miss Valliere. We should celebrate later tonight.*
With a simple nod, Louise finished her plans for the night. Even if she and Kamvex didn't win, she wanted to have a good time with... with her friends. It was an odd feeling she had now. A realization. Only four of her peers had noticed what the message actually said. The question was, 'What was the meaning of Zero, in regards to the oft-targeted Louise?' It was only her friends that found the answer. And only they deserved it.
[Meanwhile, in the Royal Tent]
Osmand stroked his beard with a serious look on his face. It seemed to confirm now that the young Valliere knew of her magic origins, and neither he nor Colbert could properly talk to the young lady. For a brief moment, he thought about playing up the goofy old man persona for the ladies on his left, try to deny that he knew of this beforehand. But then came a pointed stare from the familiar on-stage. *It seems he won't let this go. Well then, i should figure out what to say to-*
"How long, Osmand," came the stern voice to the leftmost of the tent. Karin had not taken her eyes off the familiar from the moment the words in the sky disappeared. She absolutely could not believe such a claim. Between her and the elder man sat a still stunned Henrietta, listening, but still awed by both the display and the message.
The old man closed his eyes. "We suspected within days of the summoning, and Colbert and I confirmed it between ourselves within the week."
"Why were my husband and I not informed. Why wasn't the Crown or the Pope?"
Wizened eyes pulled themselves to the duchess. "Had the crown been told in official capacity, Her Majesty would have been forced to send her friend to the Pope. In turn, He would then wield them against the elves until she died, like so many other Gandálfr and their mages." Turning his head fully to address her, he continued, "Is that the life you wish for your youngest?"
"It doesn't matter right now," the youngest of the three stated. She, like Karin, wanted to know more. But until they could speak privately after the festivities, they would have to drop this subject. "We have a meeting scheduled with the two of them correct? Then I shall have them wrap up here with an encore from the winner."
"Hmmm? Will you not let the boy finish then?"
Henrietta giggled lightly. "All things considered Sir Osmand, I do believe he'll get to play his third so-"
{[CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!]}
The bystanders and spectators of the show so far were rocked as what felt like an earthquake hit the grounds. "By the Founder, what was that!?" "Henrietta exclaimed.
"Your Majesty!"/"Are you alright?" came from either side of her. Her guards were watching over things as staff began to try calming the students.
"I'm fine," she answered, just in time to see Louise and Kamvex come together.
Whatever this was, Kamvex didn't think it was natural. Looking around the panicking students, servants and staff spelled that out to him quickly as well. He looked around the courtyard to see that the only ones with any chill to their demeanor were Colbert, Karin, Osmond Tabitha and Louise, who was coming up to him.
"This would happen to be your doing, would it?" She questioned.
"Nope, not me," he answered swiftly.
A heavy sigh. "I thought not. Any ideas?"
"Well..." Kamvex thought, "All security detail is on Henrietta, so of course someone would attack while the princess is here." He snapped his fingers again to reveal his adventurer's outfit, and fished the datapad from the pockets. "That's odd..."
"What is it?"
"None of my sensors are going off," he said scrolling through camera feeds. "That means whoever's doing this is someone my system has registered. This is an inside job." Finally he got to the feed of the disturbance. On the other side of the school, pounding on the Tower of Void, was a fifteen foot monstrosity of an earth golem. On top was an androgynous looking figure with a deep green robe and forest green cloak obscuring their features. Tilting the screen to his mistress, he asks, "someone you know?"
Louise took a quick look before realizing the perpetrator. "I believe that's Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth. She's a renown thief in the kingdom, but has only ever stolen from low ranking nobles in the past. What could he be thinking...?"
"What do you mean?"
Louise shook her head, "The Tower of Void is quite possibly the most heavily protected place in the country next to Royal Palace. You can't just force your way in with normal magic."
"Hmmm..." Kamvex's eyes blared open and locked onto her. "Do you think Void magic could do it though?"
She considered it a moment before figuring out what he was implying. "You think whoever it is, is trying to use me?" Then her eyes widened further at another implication. "But how would anyone know of my status as a Void Mage? I didn't know until two days ago..."
A cool heavy hand soon came to rest on her shoulders, "We'll figure it out. Perhaps it's dumb luck, but it's good to be cautious." His eyes always seemed to reassure her when she started doubting something. Pink met violet as she nodded in thanks. Then the two turned their attention to the still panicking crowd. "Time to deal with this then..." he said before straitening up. Looking over the crowd, he was disappointed to find that no one was doing anything to calm things down. The servants were freaking out, the sheltered students near hysteria, and none of the teachers seemed keen to get control of the situation, save Colbert. He then turned to the chaos surrounding the tent with Henrietta, seeing the guards moving in and the captain arguing with Karin over what seemed to be protocol, while the princess and Osmand looked between them worriedly.
The captain stepped forward to stand parallel with Louise before muttering to her, "Stand with me and be stern, we need to be united here. I have a plan, but you have more clout than me if it comes down to it. Afterwards we make our plan on the way to the Tower." A swift nod and positioning gave them what they needed. Kamvex then turned to address the crowd. "Everyone calm down!" he shouted over the noise, gathering attention to him. Once he had it, he continued, "a situation has arisen, and someone has taken advantage of our festivities here! They are currently attacking the Tower of Void, seeking entrance. Our first priority must be the protection of those who need it: Her Highness, the students and the serving staff!" A few of the teaching staff became disgruntled about not being included, so he rounded on them. "Are you not all at least Triangle Class mages? Are you not all experienced? It is your duty to look after the student body in times of trouble! And that is what you will do." Only Colbert stood at attention, leading the boy to believe he had some military experience. *I'll take advantage of that...* "Mr. Colbert! I want you to take the students, save a few, and with the other teachers get them somewhere safe!"
The older gentleman nodded, "Of course. I know just the place."
"Good," Kamvex nodded. He then turned his head to the students. "I don't care what you lot think of me or my master right now. Get to safety and wait till this is over. That is, except for Tabitha, Kirche and Guiche!" At the mentions of their names, the three turned their heads to the stage. "You three are to look after the serving staff. Marteau, as the longest tenured member here, I want you in charge of where you go. The three students I named will protect you until you get there. Afterward, Tabitha, I need you to grab Sylphid and provide air support in case our thief tries to get away." The three students looked to each other before nodding and moving to the servants. As they moved, many of the students began questioning them.
"What is this commoner's deal?/Why do we have to listen to this?/Why are you three taking his orders?"
None of the three cared to answer them, instead moving to the servants and leading them away. The teachers than began moving the students in a separate direction. With that done, Kamvex then turned to the final few people in and surrounding the tent. "I want the guard to fetch the Princess' retainers and have the horses and carriage ready to go thirty minutes ago!" When none of them moved except to confusedly look at each other, he ordered, "Now, you fools! Do not make me say it again! Or would you prefer to show Her Majesty your ineptitude further!?" That got their attention, and the guards scrambled to do their job. That just left, "Knight-Captain Valliere, Sir Osmond, I leave the Princess in your hands. Get to the awaiting carriage and if something should happen, get her majesty to safety."
Karin, for the first time since meeting the boy, was impressed. Though she held command at a younger age, she could see the tell-tale signs of a natural born leader in these orders. There was only one thing bothering her. "Why give out these specific orders, Boy?"
Kamvex met her gaze before explaining. "I have more information than anyone here about the situation, and had it beforehand. The mass of students requires the multitude of teachers. The servants require some protection and thus i gave it with the few students I trust. The Princess needs the highest protection and that should be the two able to blow away anyone in their path."
"And the attacker?"
"Will be taken care of by Louise and myself."
"No!" Henrietta cried out. "If they are so powerful as to gain entrance to the Tower of Void, it would be foolish to send one student and her familiar to deal with it."
"They haven't yet, Your Majesty." Louise spoke up. "They are still attacking with a large earth golem. I can destroy the golem while Kamvex in incapacitates the thief. However... "Louise looked over to her familiar as if asking permission to speak of something before he nodded. "Kamvex is tired, Princess. He worked tirelessly the last few days to make this performance and even stayed up all through the night making and practicing his first song. These precautions are for if we... fail." Again a comforting weight placed itself on her shoulder, as if to assure her that the wouldn't.
Henrietta sighed. She wished she could have seen the rest of the performance instead of this, but it was up to her choice now. The case was compelling and well thought out. However, she needed to hear one more thing from the boy standing with her friend. "What would you have me do then, Mr. Familiar? Your plan is good, but your master has pointed out a fatal flaw." Her own teal gaze hardened to ice as she leveled a glare. "Tell me why I should not just have Duchess Valliere take care of this thief, while you two protect me?"
"No disrespect meant, but any experience I've heard of with wind going up again't earth doesn't end well, even with an unstoppable force. You have a perfect team here with Louise and myself, that needs to move now if we are to catch them before they become frustrated and leave," he explained. If Karin was offended, she didn't show it, so Kamvex continued. "Sometimes, as a leader, you have to have some faith in your allies and confidants. I'm certain you count Louise as both of those, Your Majesty."
The banging and crashing was getting louder and more frequent. While Kamvex wanted to stick around for Louise's sake, this delay would soon take it's toll. As he was about to move, Henrietta sighed and spoke again. "Very well. You make a good case, Mr. Familiar. I do trust my old friend..." With that, she turned her attention to the pinkette, "Louise Françoise. In the name of the Crown of Tristain, I task you with the apprehension of this thief that has threatened the Academy of Magic. Will you do this?"
Louise nodded before kneeling in front of the Princess, "I will not let you down, Your Highness."
"I know you won't." Once again, she turned to Kamvex, "and Mr. Familiar? Do keep her safe."
He smirked. "You got it, Princess. Let's go, Louise!" With a nod, the two turned and headed to the Tower of Void.
As the two took off the two remaining women stared off, watching them go, only being pulled from their reprieve by Osmond's call to them. "Come now, Your Highness. Even if this leads to nothing, it's best we follow the plan laid out for us." With a heavy sigh and a resolute nod, the Princess of Tristain turned her attention to her new guard detail, and had them lead her away. Now was the time to trust her friend and see how much she's grown.
*Please be safe, Louise Françoise*
A/N: So, I'm not 100% happy with this one, but I think it's relatively good. And quite honestly, this is one of those chapters that I'd probably hold onto for like two months and not do anything to instead of progressing. So let us progress. Hope you like the song and bit of mystery within it. I like the separate interpretation that I took with a Sonic the Hedgehog song of all things, but what do you guys think so far? Did I hit the mark? Let me know in a review!
See yō̶̧̤̲̤̻͈̦̗̳̿͘͝͠ư̸̢̮͕̙͎̞̮̱̥͖̇͑̉͜ ̸͙̙͇̟̼̮̯͍͛̓̈́̉̍̏̈̅̏̉͑̽͋͌͝l̸̨̗̜̪̳̬͉̭͔̖̒͛́̐͂a̶̢̡̨̧̰̥̝̳̩͇͚̙̤̼͆̎͝t̴̨̧̟͑́̒͐͆̀̌͗̓̅̆͋̕͠e̴̢̟͙̖̓̏̋̓͛̑̈̔̀̈͠͠͝r̶͈̕̕r
[INCOMING TRANSMISSION...]
She had been working tirelessly on the ship as the others were moving about, gearing up for their long mission. In three days, Mini was the only one to not leave the Sunrise Maiden. She'd barely left her chair in that time! But she was close! She could feel it. The team was going to be leaving tomorrow once the final upgrades and provisions were brought on board. Wherever Kamvex was, it wasn't going to be a short trip. The eight of them may never come back, So she needed to figure this out NOW! Kishalee tech was fascinating but it was SO complicated! The comm units were linked up, she just couldn't understand the interstellar frequency that the extinct race used for communication...
"Wait..." Her little eyes went wide in understanding and near apocalyptic fury! "STUPID KISHALEE TECH, CHEW!"
{Thud!}
Mini was already back to work as heavy footfalls came from behind her in the form of Karikta, now awake due to the noise. "Must you be so loud, Small One?" He growled out, His cybernetic eye taking in all detail of what the Ysoki was doing. The two had their ups and downs the last year, but the two had turned their initially hostile banter into a more playful variety. An indignant 'Chew!' is all the vesk got from her as she continued her work. "Need anything?"
"Your DCU, your regular comm units, all of them, and the strongest caffeinated drink you can find."
"You were cut off from those."
"CHEW! Gimme the coffee so i can finish this! and it better be a large, chew!"
The large reptilian sighed before going about his task. At least she wasn't a skittermander asking for that level of energy. *Now, where does one find Goblin-strength coffee at two in the morning?*
[...END TRANSMISSION]
... By the way, looking at my initial skeleton of this story, I have no fucking clue how I thought I'd be at this point in chapter NINE!