A/N
(imitating Pyrrha's tone from RWBY) hello again.
(coughs) (normal tone) right then. (grins) first i would like to thank everyone that faved and followed. I'm glad you liked the first chapter. And it's very uplifting seeing people interested in the story.
Quick reminder, I'm using the LN and anime as source, but the plot (hopefully) won't be a simple rehash of canon. Its why I'm re-watching and rereading the series. That way I can be original within the canon rules, though don't be surprised/discouraged if I discard certain elements at some points, or if maybe I was unaware of a canon element.
There might be some liberties on backstories events if canon has no info on them, so there's that as well.
Now then, last we saw of Louise, she had successfully summoned her familiar, Adam Gates, who turned out to be a human knight in dragon themed armor. Running off on the high of success, Louise finds herself in high spirits.
But now, as she learns more about her familiar, will she be lifted to new heights? Or will she crashed down to earth?
Chapter 2
Louise and Adam entered the tower as they headed towards the classroom.
"One moment, Louise," Adam said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"What is it?" Louise asked. "We're going to be late!"
"Well, I can't wear my armor all the time now can I?" Adam said.
Louise stiffened. That's right! But where was she going to get clothes for him all of a sudden?
As it turned out, she didn't have to do anything. Her familiar's armor vanished into smoke, leaving Adam - in the Academy's second year uniform?!
"How are you wearing that?!" Louise shouted as she pointed.
Adam grinned. "Ordinarily I wouldn't be so obvious, but since everyone knows about magic, I figured it wouldn't be a problem if I used it."
Louise felt her heart stop. "You can use magic? Like actual magic?!"
It wasn't simply enchanted armor?!
"Of course," he said. "Didn't you notice it when we made the contract?"
Her stomach lurched. Louise felt sick.
Adam lost his smile. "Hey, you okay? You look pale."
"You…" the words were stuck in her throat. "You, you're a… you're a noble?!" Her heart pounded against her chest, looking for an escape. "You're a noble," she repeated. "Oh Founder help me, I turned a noble into my familiar!"
No, no, no! Louise thought. This was the absolute worst thing she had ever done! Even worse than when she and Princess Henrietta had let loose Cattleya's pets when they were children!
A noble as a familiar! She was going to be branded a barbarian, a blasphemer! She could be expelled!
Ha! Who was she kidding?! Expulsion was too kind! She was going to prison at best, executed at worst!
"L...e," a faint voice said. "Cn...ou...ear...me?"
Her body began to calm. She was on the floor, leaning against Adam.
"Wha…?" Louise said. Why was she on the floor? "What happened?"
"I don't know," Adam said. "You fainted out of nowhere. Where's the infirmary?"
"No," Louise said. "I'm… I'm fine."
Adam didn't look convinced. Louise turned away from him. She looked down to where Adam was holding her and saw two silver rings in each gloved hand, glowing with a soft green light.
"What are those?" Louise said.
"This is Twilight Healing," he said. "It's a magic item with healing powers."
"So you're a noble," Louise dazedly said, "and you have magic items too. I'm in so much trouble."
She heard Adam sigh. He moved a hand to her hair and ruffled it.
"Whatever concerns you have right now," Adam said, "will be dealt with in private. Right now, you have to go to class."
Louise wanted to argue, but she didn't have the strength. She led the way to the classroom. It didn't take long to get there.
"That's correct, Mister Gramont," a female teacher could be heard saying as Louise opened the door.
All eyes were instantly on Louise and Adam. The teacher was at the lower level while the students sat on the upper levels in seats arranged upwards like stairs.
"May I help you?" the teacher said.
"My name is Louise Valliere," she said. "I'm in this class."
"What took you so long Zero?" Kirche said. She then smirked. "Spending time with your secret boyfriend is it? Good for you, you could use some loosening up."
Her classmates laughed at The Enemy's joke. Louise grit her teeth as she held back her retort. She felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Now now, little lady," Adam said to Kirche. "There's no need to be jealous just because the boys you spend time with clearly can't satisfy you."
Louise felt satisfaction at seeing Kirche choke at the rebuttal. A few of the girls that disliked Kirche's boy hogging laughed while the boys Adam insulted glared at him.
"That's enough children," the teacher addressed the class. "As for you Miss Valliere, since not only were you late but you saw fit to disrupt my class, you will participate in today's lesson."
"But Kirche was the one that started it!" Louise said.
"Perhaps," the teacher said. "But at least she was on time."
"Yes, professor," Louise said as she walked next to the teacher's desk. Adam stood at her right.
"Young man, please take a seat," the teacher said. "Only Miss Valliere is needed."
Louise saw Adam give a charming smile. "As I am the reason Miss Valliere was late, it is only fitting that I share in the punishment. Don't you think, Professor…?"
"Chevreuse," the teacher said. "I am Chevreuse the Red Clay, and I will be teaching earth magic this year."
Mrs. Chevreuse turned to her desk and waved her wand. A few pebbles appeared on the desktop.
"Now then," the teacher said. "Mister Gramont had just explained the five elements. Miss Valliere, do you know what they are?"
"The five elements are Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Void," Louise answered.
Why would she not know the five elements! She had tried every single one hoping to get a spell to work!
The only exception was Void because there were no spells for it and because it the Founder's holy element. To even think of claiming Void as her element would brand her as a heretic! Not even the Princess would be able to save her!
"That is correct, Miss Valliere," Mrs Chevreuse said. "Now, one of the basic spells of earth magic is Transmutation."
Turning her attention to the pebbles, she whispered a spell and the pebbles glowed. When the light dimmed, they were now sparkling lumps of metal.
"Is that gold?!" Kirche said, leaning over her desk. The action made her cleavage even more noticeable. Louise saw a few boys twisting their necks in a desire to gawk.
"No, its brass," Mrs Chevreuse said. "Gold can only be done by Square class mages. I'm simply a Triangle mage."
"Now then, Miss Valliere," Mrs Chevreuse called. She replaced the brass with different pebbles. "Change the pebbles to a metal of your choice."
"Professor," Kirche called. "Maybe it's better if she didn't do the spell."
Louise frowned. A slight heat tickled her wrist.
"And why not?" the teacher asked.
"It's dangerous," Kirche simply said. The rest of the class nodded.
"Tch," Louise sounded. "I'll do it!"
She ignored her classmates as they hid under their chairs.
"Louise," Adam whispered as he knelt next to her.
The fact that he had to kneel in order to whisper was very annoying to Louise. It made her wonder if it would be okay to cut him off at the knees since as he had those healing rings handy he likely wouldn't die from the injury.
Adam made to speak but then got a confused look as if he suddenly forgot what he was going to say. He turned his face to the side and started snickering for no reason.
"Ha," Adam said, calming down. "Louise. Do you have an earth mage that you admire or wish you could imitate?"
Louise frowned. What kind of question was that?
"Why?" she asked.
"Yes or no?" he asked.
Louise let out a sigh. "I guess it would be my older sister Cattleya. She's a Triangle class earth mage."
"Perfect," he said. "In that case, I want you think about what she means to you, and what she can do with her magic."
Adam stood up and gave her an encouraging smile.
"You're weird," Louise said. Regardless if he was a noble or a knight, Adam was weird in her opinion.
Louise turned to the desk. She raised her wand. And stopped.
Should she follow his advice? Louise couldn't understand how thinking of her sister Cattleya would help. True, she was the only one in her family that was actually supportive of her, regardless of her explosives failures.
She was so engrossed in her thoughts, she ignored the damp feeling in her wrist.
Louise thought back to her first transmutation lesson with Cattleya. Her older sister had turned chunks of stone into iron.
Louise waved her wand, chanting the spell. She wasn't sure why, but she heard the distant sound of crashing waves.
She pointed the wand at the pebbles. The rocks glowed, and trembled.
Constant failures flashed through her mind and Louise closed her eyes for the explosion.
Silence.
"Eh?" one of her classmates reacted.
"What happened?" another asked. "Where's the explosion?"
Louise opened her eyes. And then opened them further at what lied in front of her.
"Hahaha," Kirche laughed as she stood from her hiding place and leaned over her desk. "This is just perfect! Are you such a zero that you can't… even… ex…"
Louise was certain that Kirche was making a hilarious expression, but she couldn't tear her sight away from the teacher's desk. From the pebbles she had successfully transmuted.
Transmuted into gold! Three small pieces of gold sparkled on top of the teacher's desk.
"My goodness," Mrs. Chevreuse said, apparently snapping out of her shock. "I must say this was most unexpected. I didn't think I'd have a Square class mage in my class. Excellent work Miss Valliere."
Louise felt her body go numb. The world tilted sideways.
"Miss Valliere!" the teacher shouted.
"Louise! / Zero!" the others shouted.
Someone stopped her from hitting the floor. Louise moved her groggy head and saw Adam grinning at her.
He looked up, likely at the teacher, and said, "No worries Mrs Chevreuse. It looks like simple exhaustion. She'll be fine."
Louise felt Adam hook his arms under her legs and back and then he carried her to a seat at the top of the stairs. Adam placed her on a seat. Louise slumped on the desk.
How embarrassing! Louise thought. To faint after her first successful casting! Mother must never find out about this!
"Adam," she called with a whisper. Not like she could raise her voice any higher anyway. "What happened?"
"You used every ounce of your magic for a spell that only needed a small amount," Adam said in her ear. Louise shivered. "Don't worry, you just have to regain energy from your surroundings."
Louise frowned. That was not how Willpower recovery worked. Like at all! Her noble/knight familiar was an idiot.
Adam snorted. "Listen," he said. "When it comes to contracts with me, the other party often gets… well, they get something from me. Some sort of skill or ability, sometimes it's an tool or weapon. Often times, through no fault of my own, they manifest a variation of the Seven Zaiakus. You my dear, have managed to manifest all seven!"
Adam looked amazed and proud but Louise have no idea what he was talking about. Why couldn't her familiar make sense?!
"I just saw how Netami manifested," he said. "I have a rough idea on what Gekido might do. The reason I'm telling to get energy from your surroundings is because I'm confident one of the other five zaiakus gave you that ability, but I don't know which."
"Wouldn't it be obvious-" Louise said, only to be interrupted.
"Young man, Miss Valliere," Mrs Chevreuse called. "Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."
"Sorry," Adam said. "I just transferred from a distant academy and our teachings are a bit different. I was asking Louise if I got the ranking system right."
"You're supposed to ask me, Mister- what is your name?" the teacher asked.
"Adam Gates," he said. "Sorry about that. My former classmates and I used to help each other all the time, even during class."
"Well, make sure not to repeat it," Mrs Chevreuse said. "Now then, do you understand the magic rankings or do you need further clarification?"
"I think I got it," Adam said, lifting up a notebook Louise was sure he did not have before then. "A Dot class is the use of a single element. A Line class is the use of two Dot class elements like Earth and Fire, or the use of a stronger single element like Fire-Fire. Order the chicken- wait what?!"
Louise watched as Adam looked closer at his notes while the class laughed at him.
"That's enough children," the teacher waved her wand and the laughter stopped. There were muffled noises from parts of the room. "You'll stay that way for the rest of the lesson. That'll teach you to mock your classmates."
"Sorry about that," Adam said, addressing the teacher. "That was a reminder on what to eat for dinner. Anyway, the other classes are Triangle class, which is three elements, or a Line class element with a Dot class element, or an even stronger single element. And finally Square class, which can be either four elements, a Triangle class element with a Dot class element, two Line class elements, a Line class element and two Dot class elements, or the strongest single element."
Adam put the notebook down. "I'm guessing Square is the highest because Void is a super hard element to use?"
"Mister Gates," the teacher said. "It's not that Void is hard to learn, though I'm sure it probably is - but rather that the Void element can't be learned at all."
"Seriously?" Adam looked surprised at that news.
"That's correct. There has been no users of the Void element other than the Founder Brimir six thousand years ago."
"Is that so?" Adam said. For some reason, Louise was certain he was grinning on the inside. "Thank you, Mrs Chevreuse. I'll try not to disturb the class any further."
Adam sat down and looked at Louise. He frowned. He whispered, "Why are you still lying down?! Get energy from the world already!"
"And how am I supposed to do that, you idiot?!" Louise hissed.
"You imagine yourself as a container and tell the world to fill you with energy," he said like it was the simplest thing in the world. "Just make sure you don't go past your safety limit. It tends to end badly."
"How bad?" Louise couldn't help asking.
Adam shut his eyes and sucked in a breath. He shook his head to dispel whatever had popped into his mind. "Bad."
Louise couldn't help the grimace. If it was that bad, it was in her best interest to not go overboard. Assuming it actually worked in the first place.
Louise closed her eyes. Maybe it would work better that way, she figured.
Hey world! Louise cried out. Fill me up with energy!
Nothing happened. Louise felt like an idiot.
Then her wrist stung and a woo sound blew in her ear.
"What the heck," she said, opening her eyes. That stinging had been happening a lot lately.
She pulled her left sleeve back a bit and saw seven markings on her wrist. Three of them were in a triangle formation while the other four made a square.
She leaned in close and found herself understanding that they were images. The triangle had a lion, a serpent, and a dragon. The square had a grizzly, a fox, a boar, and a goat.
Most of them were colored black. The ones that were different were the green serpent, the half black half pink goat, and although it was black, the circling dragon had a red outline.
I wonder, Louise thought. Staring at the marks, she focused on getting energy from the world once more.
Immediately, her wrist stung as the pink color on the goat slowly moved to overtake the black and a breeze sounded in her ear. Louise imagined herself as a cup and the energy as wine. The more wine that poured into the cup, the better she felt, and the louder the wind sounded.
As the wine neared the rim, she cut off the flow. The wind died down and her wrist stopped stinging.
The goat mark was now all pink, no black in sight.
Louise felt her lips curve into a grin. Then she frowned. Where did the marks come from and why did she have them?
"All right class," Mrs Chevreuse said. "That'll be all for today."
Louise watched as her classmates left, some of them glancing her way, muttering about her successful spell, calling it a fluke or a trick.
Louise felt her blood boil. A hand fell on her shoulder, calming her down. She glanced at Adam, who was grinning like an evil dragon she had once seen in a painting.
"So," he said, "Aiyoku is the one that gives you energy. I thought Kentan or Yokubari would've been the battery power."
Aiyoku? Kentan? Yokubari? What did those words mean?!
Her annoyance - for that was what she felt, not confusion, definitely not confusion but obviously annoyance! - must have shown on her face because his features softened.
"I'll explain what I can soon," Adam said. "For now, let's go wherever it is we have to go."
"Hmph! We're going to dinner at the Alviss Hall," Louise said as she moved to the classroom door.
Outside the room, Louise found Kirche using her salamander, Flame as a seat. Tabitha stood next to them, reading a book as always.
What is she reading? Louise wondered as she and Adam headed their way. The dining hall was in that direction unfortunately.
"What took you so long, Louise?" Kirche asked. She lounged in a way that would've driven the boys crazy, but as there were no boys in the corridor since everyone was heading to dinner, it simply drove Louise crazy for a different reason. "Making out with your boyfriend?"
Germanian cow! Louise screamed internally seeing The Enemy's chest on display.
Wait… boyfriend?! Louise felt her face heat up.
"Greetings," Adam said, giving a small bow. "My name is Adam Gates. It's your pleasure to meet me." He grinned.
Kirche blinked, as if not sure what to do since Adam wasn't staring at her breasts.
Tabitha glanced at Adam. One second, two second, three seconds, then turned back to her book.
Wow, Louise thought. Pretty sure that was a record.
"Well, aren't you interesting?" Kirche said as she rose to her feet. Her chest bounced. "And how did a handsome guy like yourself associate with a zero like Louise?"
Kirche got close to Adam and used her index finger to make circles against Adam's shirt. Louise felt her brow twitch.
Adam held Kirche's hand and moved it away. He walked around her as he spoke, "Well, as I said earlier, I just arrived today, and the reason I'm with Louise is because she's cute and interesting."
"Wha-wha-what are you saying?!" Louise shouted. She approached Adam with clenched fists. "You can't just say things like that!"
"I talk less when I'm eating," Adam said, walking backwards from the fuming Louise. "So how about you show me the way to the dining hall and I won't embarrass you further by saying what color your panties are."
"Grk!" Louise grunted. "You you saw my, my."
"Not just yours," Adam said with a grin. "You'd be surprised what I can see from my pet. Though that blue haired cutie over there did well to hide that treasured view from me. How did you notice my invisible serpent?"
"Wind magic," Tabitha answered.
"Somebody's paranoid," Adam said. "Going that far to protect your modesty in a school. This place might be more perverted than I thought."
Louise raised her wand. "The only pervert here is you and that cow!"
"Heh heh, catch me if you can," Adam said as he rushed down the hall.
"Get back here you pervert!" Louise shouted as she gave chase.
They made it to the end of the corridor and Adam rounded the corner. She made the turn, only to be pulled against Adam's body with her mouth covered.
"Mmph!" Louise complained.
"Would you relax?" Adam said. "I didn't want them asking questions."
Louise glared at Adam. He removed his hands, but she wasn't going to let him off easy.
She stomped his foot.
"What the hell?!" he said as he hopped.
"You embarrassed me in front of that cow!" Louise said as she moved for the stairs. She heard Adam hiss as he followed her down. "So what did you mean by questions?"
Adam had a look that made Louise think he was thinking of pushing her down the stairs. Louise gulped. He wouldn't really do that right? He was a knight after all. Possibly a noble too. At the very least she was confident he was too much of a gentleman to do so. Oh Founder help her!
"As annoying as you might find that redhead," Adam said, very pointedly not pushing her down the stairs, "she's not an idiot. At least as far as I can tell. Maybe she's a school idiot but I'm pretty sure she's an observant girl. That cute friend of hers even more so."
"Oh please," Louise said, flipping her hair. "The only thing Kirche observes is which boy to take to her room. As for Tabitha…"
Louise didn't know much about Tabitha. Shorter than herself, which was a small blessing Louise was thankful for. Rarely if ever seen without a book. Top of their year in theoretical and practical studies. As far as Louise knew, the girl had yet to speak more than five words in a sentence.
"Tabitha might notice things," Louise said. They exited the stairs and entered the corridor for Alviss Hall. "But chances are she'll keep them to herself. Unless she thinks we're causing trouble, in which case, who knows what she'll do."
"I'm hoping she'll fight," Adam said. He grinned. "People like her are usually good fighters. Or tacticians."
He placed his hands behind his head. "Such a shame I didn't managed to see her panties though."
Louise whirled. "And that's another thing! When and how did you see my underwear?! And what did you mean by invisible snake? I haven't seen any snakes around here."
Adam raised his eyebrow so high, it looked like it was trying to escape. His grin was so wide, it had to be painful.
Weirded out by his reaction, Louise faced forward. The silent walk gave her the time to think on her words.
I haven't seen any invisible snakes?! Louise thought. She sagged her shoulders. I'm such an idiot!
"So what's the deal with this school anyway?" Adam asked.
Louise immediately perked up.
"This is the Tristainian Academy Of Magic," she said. She spread her arms in her walk, as if displaying the school's majesty. "It's the most prestigious school in Tristain, if not all of Halkeginia. However, the school doesn't simply teach magic."
"Go on," Adam said.
"Almost all mages are nobles. We receive education on magic, but we also get educated in other concepts befitting our status."
"So you get classes like Public Speaking 101 and Get the Better Part of the Deal Advanced Class and This is How to Avoid Embarrassing Yourself in Front of an Ambassador Master Course?"
Louise whirled around. Adam had innocent look on his face.
"You're mocking me aren't you?" she asked.
"No, no, no, no- pfft yeah." Adam said. His cheeks stretched as he grinned.
Louise felt like kicking him. She really did. Fortunately, - or unfortunately, she wasn't sure yet - she was more hungry than angry.
Entering the dining hall, Louise and Adam were greeted by a large room. Three very long tables were arranged parallel to each other and could easily seat a hundred people each.
The tables were divided by year and cloak color. First years had brown cloaks. Second years had black cloaks. Third years had purple cloaks. The teachers themselves were seated at an upper level.
Louise tried not to drool at the food as she walked to some open seats. Her hands twitched, wanting to take everything in reach. Even outside her reach. She could do magic now right? A little Levitation with that chicken and that cake and- What was with her today?! She was being all weird!
A scraping sound brought her to reality. Adam had pulled back a chair for her. Louise grinned. Her familiar was the best! She sat down. Adam joined her at her right side. Louise stiffened at that. Familiars were supposed to wait outside, but no one knew Adam was her familiar. He had removed his armor in an empty hall, he had introduced himself as an exchange student to her classmates, and his runes were covered by his gloves. As far as anyone would know, there was nothing wrong with Adam being next to her.
Other than being next to Louise the Zero. Obviously!
Louise clenched a fist under the table.
"Well, well, well," said Kirche's sultry voice. "It seems you were simply hungry, little Louise." Kirche sat down across from the glaring Louise. Tabitha sat next to Kirche. "See Tabitha? I told you she wasn't avoiding us. After all, who doesn't like to be near me?" Kirche's laughter made her chest quake.
Tabitha flipped a page.
"Apology accepted," Kirche said, patting Tabitha's head.
"So Adam, where did- what is that?" Kirche said, making a dumb face.
Louise glanced at Adam to see why Kirche made a fool of herself - Louise wished it happened more often - and saw a small fox around Adam's shoulder.
That was it? Louise thought as she faced forward. So he's got a fox on him. What does- Louise whipped her head to the side again. Where did the fox come from?!
The fox was wrapped around Adam like a scarf. It had golden fur all over its body. It had black fur around its eyes and snout, looking like a mask. It also had black fur on its tail tip, making it look like an inked brush. It seemed to be sleeping.
"All this food for dinner?" Adam said. He rubbed his hands. "Being Halkeginian nobility must be nice."
"But aren't you a noble as well?" Kirche asked.
Louise saw Tabitha peek up from her book, then look down. The girl was listening in. A few others close enough to listen were doing so as well. Then again with Kirche taking part in the talk, it's to be expected.
"Noble? Yes." Adam said. He was looking at the food, not at Kirche. Louise smiled lightly at that. "From Halkeginia? No."
He really is nobility?! Louise thought. That meant she had to make a good impression as a master/partner so his people don't take her taking of Adam as an insult or a crime and order an attack or a trial.
Why did her familiar have to be so troublesome without meaning to?! She couldn't even be angry at him for giving her so many headaches! So unfair!
"Pardon my intrusion, my lord and ladies," a voice called. Louise looked at the commoner maid that spoke. The maid looked about Louise's age. She had black hair that framed her face.
"Yes?" Adam asked. He smiled handsomely at the maid. "Oh. Well aren't you a cute one."
"Tch." Louise clicked her tongue. Shameless flirt! Called Louise cute, called Tabitha cute, and now this commoner is cute as well!
Louise rubbed her forehead with a hand. She supposed that as long as Adam didn't flirt with that Germanian cow harlot, he could do as he wished.
"Eep!" the maid squeaked. Her face was red. "I um. Eh-hem. Forgive my intrusion milord, but I must remind you that familiars are not allowed in the dining hall. If you are concerned about feeding your fox, I can bring him food outside."
"Oh thank god. You were talking about Inari," Adam said. He took hold of the fox into his arms. "What do you think Inari? Feeding by cute maid, or feeding by hunting?"
The fox yawned. Louise felt her wrist sting, this time it felt like touching smooth stone.
I don't feel like hunting today, a voice said in her head. The fox looked at the maid. I'll have the cute maid feed me.
The fox can talk?! Louise thought in alarm.
"May I have your name?" Adam asked the maid.
"My name is Siesta, milord," she said, bowing.
"Okay Siesta," Adam said. "I'm entrusting you to feed Inari here." He passed Inari to Siesta. The fox rested its face on the maid's modest bosom. "If he disappears after you're done feeding him, don't worry about it. He likes to hide when he wants peace."
Heh heh heh, the fox laughed. I'm touching native breasts before you are, master. So soft.
Louise snickered as she saw Adam feel a spark of irritation.
"I understand milord," Siesta said. "With your leave." She bowed and walked away.
Louise saw that everyone was about to say the prayer. She nudged Adam with her elbow, and gestured to follow her lead as she put her hands together.
"Oh, Great Founder Brimir, and our lady, the Queen," everyone chorused, "we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this evening."
Louise wasted no time in stuffing her face. Fortunately, she didn't forget her manners in her hunger, so she didn't look like an uncultured swine.
"So Adam," Kirche said. "If you're not from Halkeginia, where are you from?"
"I doubt you've heard of it," Adam said. "I imagine not much is known about what lies beyond the seas."
"Could you tell me anyway?" Kirche asked, leaning forward a bit.
Louise had to bite a apple to keep her temper down. How dare that harlot try to seduce her familiar?! It didn't matter that no one knew Adam was the same black knight she summoned earlier, he said he was a noble anyway, and nobility are not supposed to bed whoever caught their fancy!
At least not real nobility like Tristainians. Not that fake Germanian nobility that could be bought if one was rich enough.
Stupid cow.
Adam took a drink. "I'm afraid that's not possible," he said. "I cannot tell you anything about myself that my partner does not already know."
"Partner?" Kirche asked. Tabitha glanced in Louise's direction.
"Yes," Adam said. "My partner whom I will not reveal."
"Is it the Zero?" Kirche asked, pointing at Louise.
Louise felt a burning sting on her wrist and she bit into a chicken leg hard enough to crack its bone.
"Maybe," Adam said with a grin. "If she finds me worthy."
"I don't think little Louise," Kirche looked at Louise, making sure to display her cleavage, "can afford to deny any companionship offered to her."
Louise felt her face burn at the comment. Who did that cow think she was? Louise could get com- compa- companionship! whenever she wanted! She simply didn't bring every boy that caught her eye back to her room.
Not that many boys caught her eye anyway. No way she was going to be courted by a classmate that constantly mocked her. Most of the third years were interested someone already, usually Kirche the Germanian Cow! Being with a first year felt like an embarrassing thought, but she would've given them a chance if anyone had approached her.
Why was she thinking about this?! She was already engaged anyway! Even if it had been years since she interacted with Jean-Jacques Wardes, it didn't change the fact she was engaged to him! Mother would kill her if she even entertained the thought of dating while engaged.
The rest of meal was spent with Louise trying to control her temper from Kirche's words as she continued to interrogate Adam, who continued to deflect or ignore the questions.
After dinner, Louise lead Adam to her room. The room was nothing special. A large window that let in light, a big bed, a large dresser, a desk, and a table. Her room back home was roomier than this one. Plus it was near Cattleya's room, which made it the best room ever!
Adam closed the door behind him. Louise threw herself on the bed. So exhausted! She heard the scrape of Adam sitting down on a chair.
"You okay?" Adam asked.
Louise shifted to a sitting position. Adam had removed his cloak and gloves. He was indeed sitting on the chair next to the table.
"I'm just tired is all," she said. "Adam. Are you really nobility?"
Adam ran a hand through his already swept back hair.
"Yes and no," he said. Louise raised an eyebrow. "I do have the influence and authority, but I don't have any lands or obligations. My burden has always been to fight, to protect. I was more important somewhere in the field than behind a desk. Not that I couldn't be behind a desk, I had the brains for it, but I was more useful on the field."
"I see," Louise said. It was a strange set up to her. A noble without land or duties yet still respected and admired for his battle prowess. "Will your people respond negatively to me bringing you here?"
If Adam was a hero to his homeland, then her taking and contracting of him may not seat well with his comrades and allies. She needed to ensure that having him as a familiar would not endanger Tristain.
"Ordinarily I'd say yes," Adam said. Louise felt a pit form in her stomach. "But since I made known that I would embark on a journey to all the faction leaders, being out of contact won't be a problem. Also, it was my choice to become your familiar. Had it happened while I was unconscious or ignorant of the contract, then we would have had a problem."
"Heh heh, right," Louise said, remembering his words of ending the contract if she got out of hand. At least she didn't have to worry about an army storming the continent looking for their hero. Though she was sure Adam didn't actually need an army to rescue him.
She turned her eyes to the room. She would need to ready herself for bed soon. Speaking of bed, where was Adam going to sleep? She looked at the hay pile next to her bed. It had been intended for whatever animal she summoned, assuming it was small enough to be inside.
Her face heated up as she began to take off her shoes. Would it be okay for them to share the bed? By Halkeginian law, Adam was a familiar, an extension of the mage. But Adam was also noble! A foreign noble, but still a noble! What would Mother say?!
A jolt passed through her spine as she felt Adam's gaze as she slowly removed her stockings. He had been sitting patiently, but now she saw him tapping his fingers on his crossed arms. She acted ignorant of his gaze. Acted as if she didn't feel as if Adam himself was removing the stocking, his fingers gliding against her skin.
Oh Founder! She needed a distraction! But what?!
Her eyes fell on her left wrist, to the seven animals marks. Perfect!
"Adam!" she shouted.
"Shaah!" Adam shouted as he fell off the chair.
"What is it?" he said from the floor, rubbing his backside.
"What are these things?" Louise asked, showing him her marked wrist.
Adam got up from the floor, and sat on the bed, close enough to brush against her.
Does he not know about personal space?! Louise shouted. Maybe he was comfortable with having her close, even though they just met? But what about her feelings?! She never had a boy this close before! What was she supposed to do?!
"Ah," Adam said. He had her wrist in his hand. "So you did get the Seven Zaiakus after all."
"And what are these zaiaku?" Louise asked, trying to ignore the warmth from his hand, and how soft it felt.
Adam looked at Louise in her eyes. She felt entranced, felt like she could lose herse- her wrist stung, and a sense of calm washed over her.
She looked at her wrist. The lion mark was turning purple. And the boar mark had turned orange without her notice.
"What in the world?" she murmured.
"Interesting," Adam said. "So that's what Hokori does."
"What?" Louise asked.
"Louise, do you know of a concept known as the Seven Deadly Sins?" Adam asked.
"No," Louise said. She had never heard of such a term, though it sounded vaguely Romalian. "What are they?"
"The Seven Sins, or Seven Zaiakus," Adam said, "refer to the most extreme vices humans indulge in." He pointed at the purple lion. "Hokori, Pride, is when a person believes themselves above everyone else, that no one can challenge their actions and that all must bow before them."
Louise was reminded of a few nobles that acted that way. That they were above commoners, seeing them as slaves, and sometimes even other nobles, viewing them as worthless.
While nobility was indeed above the commoners, they had a duty to protect them as as well as entailed by the Brimic Faith. Surely those nobles didn't think themselves above Founder Brimir did they? No, wait… the point of Pride was that they would think themselves above even Founder Brimir! How terrifying!
Adam glided his digit to the green serpent. "Netami, Envy, is when a person desires another's possession so badly they wish ill-will towards them in order to take it for themselves, and that's assuming they don't take matters into their own hands."
Louise gulped. She could understand this sin. How often had she wished to cast magic like her family? Like a mage was supposed to instead of her constant explosions? There had been times when she had wished that she would give anything to cast a proper spell. Nothing ever came out of it however, and the frustration simply mounted higher.
The black, red outlined, dragon. "Gekido, Wrath. One of the more dangerous sins. Violent and aggressive individuals tend to represent this sin. But its not simply about violence but also the frequency. Those affected tend to lash out at anything and everything constantly. Always one word away from injuring someone, or worse."
Louise felt cold. How often did she get angry at her peers? The constant insults always floated in her head, making her want to cast a failing Fireball and send them all to the infirmary to shut them up!
Adam didn't seem to notice her distress and kept talking. This time, it was the still black grizzly. "Namakemono, or Sloth, represents the waste of potential. This is often interpreted as laziness. While it's not exactly a wrong belief, sloth is more about being apathetic and disinterested in events around you. For example, what if you see someone being attacked? The sloth would not care enough to do anything about it. So you see? Waste of potential along with apathy and disinterest."
As much as Louise didn't want to, Kirche popped in her head. The Germanian was from the Zerbst family, a noble family whose land shared borders with her own, the Vallieres. Because of this, their families were the first to engage whenever disputes broke out between Tristain and Germania.
The Zerbst family were renowned for their fire magic, and Kirche was supposedly a Triangle class. Yet for all her talents, Kirche preferred to spend her time with boys than doing something useful with her studies. Pathetic!
"Yokubari, Greed," Adam said, tapping the also black fox mark. "Its similar to Netami, as both deal with the desire to possess something, however, Yokubari simply wants to have the thing, as opposed to Netami who would put their possessions to use. Yokubari simply hoards - gold, clothing, food, trinkets. It doesn't matter if it has actual value or not, if the greedy wants it, they'll take it and they'll keep it. No matter what."
Louise didn't think this one applied to her. And she couldn't think of anyone it might fit. Whew! Good to know she didn't have greedy people around her.
"Kentan, Gluttony," Adam said about the orange boar mark. Louise still wondered when it had changed. "Often associated with excessive eating, gluttony is also about the excess use of resources. Like using more water than one is supposed to, or making a feast that won't be eaten entirely."
Was that last one about dinner? He did say it was more extravagant than he had expected for a simple meal outside a celebration.
"And finally, Aiyoku, Lust." The pink goat mark. "As it can be inferred, it tends to be associated with sexual desire, which is not all that surprising. After all, humans are perverted creatures, no matter how they try to pretend otherwise." He grinned.
Louise felt warm. She felt a chill on her bare legs. Why did she remove the stockings?! Her eyes peeked at his lips. The same lips that took her first kiss - her first simple kiss and her first lover's kiss! He was a good kisser though. Maybe- no!
"While sex often comes to mind when thinking of lust," Adam said, ignorant of her plight, "it also refers to simply whatever it is that brings you pleasure, and how far one is willing to go to get that pleasure."
"I see," Louise said. She licked her lips. "And um, why exactly do I have them? I mean, I can't actually have all seven sins apply to me right? Heh heh- oof!"
Adam had pushed her down on the bed. Her legs were under him, so she might be able to kick him off of her if she had to. Louise glared right at Adam.
"What is the meaning of this?!" she shouted.
Adam didn't answer. He stared into her eyes, his brown eyes shined with a pink outline. Louise felt her body grow warm. Her heart sped up, her breath quickened. Adam began to lower his face.
A sense of calm washed over Louise as her wrist pulsed. Her palm on his chest instantly halted Adam's advance. A different heat took over as she glared at her familiar.
"What… do you think… you're doing?" she asked. Her tone was heated and controlled. Much different from the outburst she expected.
Her wrist caught her eye. The purple lion and the now red dragon had a slight shine to them. Were they the reason she was like this?
"So it is possible to use more than one at time," Adam mused, looking the hand on his chest.
"What are you doing?!" Louise repeated. The green serpent lit up. She felt a heat on her palm as it generated heat and started burning Adam's shirt.
"Not bad, not bad," Adam said, ignoring the palm shaped burn on his shirt as he got off the bed. Strangely, there was no burn on his skin.
"Adam Gates. Explain," she demanded.
Adam chuckled a bit as his shirt repaired itself. Louise was amazed by the act, but her feelings felt contained, as if held back so she wouldn't be impulsive. Curious.
Adam let loose a breath, and the air around him shifted. Not dangerous, but rather serious.
"What I did," Adam said, "was check out what abilities the Seven Zaiakus may have given you."
"I see," Louise said. "And what are they?"
Adam sat down on the chair. "Before I explain that, you should know the reason you have them is because of the contract between us. Not only did you form your familiar contract with me, I also casted a contract of my own, using the terms I described when I talked to you as the basis."
Louise grabbed the sheets under her hands. So that's what that burning was!
"Took you long enough to say so," she said.
"We didn't have privacy," Adam said with a shrug and a grin. "Now then. Like I said in class earlier, those I make contracts with are blessed with some sort of power or artifact. What they get is dependent on the person but like I mentioned, the Seven Zaiakus tend to show up in some shape or form."
Adam gave her a curious look. "One or two zaiakus is pretty common. Three or four are rare but still possible. Five or six are miracles. But all seven? I used to think it was impossible. Until now."
Louise couldn't help grinning and sitting straighter.
"Here is how your Zaiakus have manifested so far," Adam said. "Hokori, Pride, seems to grant you a resistance to magic that affects your mind. Netami, Envy, gives you the abilities of people you look up to."
"People I look up to? Like my sister Cattleya you mean," Louise said. "That's why I was able to use the Transmutation spell! Because is something she can do!"
"That's right," Adam said.
"So, it's not that I'm an earth mage then," Louise said. Her shoulders sagged.
"I'm afraid not," Adam said. "Netami tends to be a copycat ability, though how they copy tends to vary. As for your own magic, well I have suspicions about that, but I'll keep that to myself until I know more. No sense in giving you false hope."
"I understand I guess," Louise said, miserable.
"Gekido, Wrath, gives you super strength," he said.
"Really?!" Louise shouted, grinning. She frowned. "But I haven't exactly felt strong when I used it. I think."
"We'll test it another time," Adam said. "This ability is pretty common for Gekido actually, though there are occasional problems to it."
"Like what?" Louise asked.
"Usually temper issues," Adam said. "Though occasionally there's also that the user's body can't handle the power and injure themselves when fighting."
Louise winced. "Sounds painful."
"It is," Adam said. "Now then, next is Aiyoku, Lust." Adam grinned at her, his eyes on her bare legs. "As you experienced in the classroom, Aiyoku absorbs magical energy from your surroundings and refills your magic power. There is also a chance it might also heal your injuries."
"Great, so that means I can cast a lot of spells and heal myself if I get hurt." Louise grinned.
"Yeah, but do me a favor and avoid getting hurt in the first place," Adam said. "Kentan, Gluttony seems active, but I couldn't tell what ability it gave you. Namakemono, Sloth, and Yokubari, Greed, are still inactive and I can't get a hint at what they do. Sorry."
"It's fine," Louise said. "We'll figure them out another time. Well, That explains what I can do with the powers you gave me. However… Could you do me a favor and stop staring at my legs?!"
"And why, pray tell, would I look away from such beauty?" Adam said, his gaze set on her thighs.
Louise grabbed the bed sheet and covered herself like an evil witch from Eleanore's bedtime stories with only her face visible.
"You are not taking my purity, you noble brute!" Louise shouted.
"I don't have to take anything," Adam said, stalking towards her. At the edge of the bed, he cupped her face. She could smell his fruity breath as he neared her. "In time, you will offer yourself to me." He rubbed her cheeks with his thumb. "But don't worry, I'm a patient man. Take all the time you need."
He kissed her forehead, which made her warm up. He gave her a soft smile and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?!" Louise asked.
"You need privacy to change into your sleepwear. Unless you want me to stay."
"Eep!" Louise yelped, covering her face with the sheet.
He chuckled. "I'll go for walk and come back later. At what time shall I wake you?"
"Before sunrise if we want to make it to breakfast on time," she answered.
"Very well," Adam said.
Louise saw him put his hand flat on the door. A moment later, large circles filled with intricate symbols and designs glowed on the door, the walls, the floor, and the ceiling.
"Whoa," she breathed. She got a sense of beauty and power from those markings.
The circles vanished. Adam left the room.
"Aaah!" Louise yelled as she threw the sheet off of her and trashed on the bed. "Stupid familiar! Why did he have to be so troublesome and helpful and handsome and kind?! None of the other mages have to deal with a familiar whose contracting might ignite a war! Why does mine?!"
She sat up on the bed, her appearance haggard. "Haaa. At least he already said his people won't accuse me of abducting him."
Her mind flashed to her contract kiss, and then to a few moments ago when he was on top of her on the bed.
"No!" she shouted. She shook her head furiously, her pink locks flying about. "No! No! No! No! Noooo!"
Louise jumped off the bed. "I am Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière! I am the third daughter of the esteemed Valliere family and I am engaged to Viscount Wardes, a respected noble and knight captain! I will not behave like a harlot and betray the honor and trust of my family and fiancee!"
She stood proud, her fists on her hips, a grin on her face.
She took a deep breath, and exhaled. Her body relaxed, and a smile remained on her face.
"Much better," she said. She began to loosen her cloak. "Now I should change before Adam returns and sees me undressed." She grinned. "Surely my nude beauty would prove too much for his restraint and he'd try to have his way with me. Hee hee."
The sacred, beautiful, and strong familiar she had wished for had answered her call. And while he turned out to be a heroic knight noble from a far off land, Louise didn't find herself disappointed.
And why would she? Adam was a hero, a knight, and a noble! Her familiar was straight out of her older sisters' novels and bedtime stories.
Louise straighten her nightgown once she slid it on. Hmmm… actually, she should probably send her family a letter concerning her familiar. The contract was already made, so there wasn't much they could do if they didn't like it, but perhaps they could help her by giving her advice on the contract terms.
"But that's for tomorrow," Louise decided.
She went to her bed. With a snap of her fingers, the glow of the lamp died down. A shroud of darkness fell on the room, only slightly broken by the shine of the twin moons.
She laid on her side, her eyes on the sky outside the window. She closed her eyes, ready to sleep.
The contract kiss flashed in her mind once more. Her eyes snapped open.
"Oh come on!" she complained.
Sleep did not come easy for Louise.
A/N
So, what do you readers think of this chapter?
The reasons certain terms were in Japanese is because Adam is from DxD Japan. They stay that way because Japanese is not a language in ZnT/FoZ.
Louise got quite the shock, seeing Adam use magic. What are your thoughts on her reaction?
Twilight Healing is a Sacred Gear from Highschool DxD. While its a rare SG, its been said there are multiple of them.
Ah. (grin) the class of magical exposition! (snickers) in this scene, Louise's demonstration goes horribly right as she turns pebbles into gold! Too bad it used all her MP. (grins) here we get a glimpse of a few changes brought out by Adam's contracting.
The marks on Louise's left wrist are from another anime. Can anyone guess which one?
Next up, dinner! Further interaction between the characters, and Siesta's introduction!
Louise and Adam retreat to her room, and they have a much needed talk about their partnership. Afterwards, a short explanation on Louise's success in the classroom, and what she can do in the future.
(claps once) All right then! That's it for chapter 2.
Review and let me know your thoughts. What do think of the characters so far? Their interactions? What are you looking forward to in the story? What would you like to see?
Until next time. (waves goodbye)
Signed,
kingpariah