A/N
Welcome reader!
We have reached what I've noticed is the "make it or break it" part of an FoZ/ZnT fanfic.
Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 3
Adam closed the door to Louise's room.
The corridor was empty, which was good, because he didn't feel explaining why he was in a female student's room.
Adam chanted a spell in his mind: Chameleon Arch.
He lifted an open palm. There was a plain gold ring on it. He put it on his index finger and felt a soft feeling blanket him.
He walked down the corridor. He had no concern for being noticed. The Chameleon Arch: Ring of Concealment was a ring he created after reading a book series revolving around the destruction of an evil ring which granted invisibility.
Fortunately, his attempts in creating the ring kept the invisibility and lacked any evil connection.
Adam passed a few maids who were cleaning the halls. He passed a blond second year flirting with a brunette first year.
Master, a soft female voice called out in his mind.
Oh? Adam didn't think his snake servant would have something to report so soon.
Yes Medusa? Adam replied as he climbed up the stairs. He closed his left eye, and that side of his perspective shifted as he now saw what Medusa was seeing.
The bald man from this morning seems to have found something interesting, Medusa said. She was clinging to a bookshelf as she observed the teacher get excited at whatever he was reading. This is the liveliest he's been since he got here.
Keep shadowing him and report to me later, Adam said. I'll be on the roof if anything happens.
He cut off the visual connection as he exited the stairs and reached the roof. A chilly breeze ruffled his clothes. A grin formed on his face as he removed his ring.
"How long has it been," he said, "since I last felt the wind?"
He raised his left hand where the familiar runes were branded. His hand trembled a bit.
"I, who is about to awaken,"
Adam clenched his hand. Honestly! What the hell was he thinking, nearly activating the Juggernaut Drive?!
This school was fortunate he managed to stop at the last minute. Though he almost lost control when that professor guy used a spell on him. If Adam hadn't realized it was benign, there wouldn't be a professor anymore.
"I have to find a way to get rid of this excess energy," Adam said as he crossed his arms. He looked to some far away hills. "Maybe I could blow up a mountain or two. It's either that or-"
Master, rang the voice of Inari in Adam's mind. There's something you need to see!
The fox's tone was dripping with mischief. Adam was certain making a sensory link would backfire somehow.
Adam sighed. Best get it over with. He closed his left eye, and his sight changed to what Inari the fox was seeing and hearing.
White marble greeted Adam's sight. Steam floated in the room and a pool of water splashed nearby. Female chatter reached his ears.
Adam gripped his biceps as he realized the mischief. He was observing the girls' bath!
Nice view eh master? Inari said. Adam could tell the fox was grinning as the image of Siesta and the other maids filled their vision.
Not good! Adam thought. His heart quickened. He vaguely felt his nails cut through fabric and skin.
Most girls had a towel covering their bodies, and the ones that didn't were protected by the steam.
Thank god for that, Adam thought.
He had teased Louise because she seemed like a prideful girl that wouldn't give in easily. There was also the understanding that they were equals to each other even with the master-familiar contract in place.
Adam only had surface suspicions, but he felt like the nobles in this land might be like the Old Satan Faction: the strong rule and the weak obey!
As he had already passed himself off as a noble to Louise's classmates during class and at dinner, he couldn't claim to be anything else to the servants without causing problems for himself. There's also the fact that Siesta already thought of him as a noble as well.
If he went after these girls, it would be from a position of authority, one he might end up abusing if he didn't find a way to calm down!
"Look Big Sis!" a female voice reached Adam's ears. "Its Older Brother!"
Adam instinctively shot his sight upward, but there was nothing but moons and stars.
"Spectator: Farsight," he called. Adam felt a figurative third eye snap open, and his vision zoomed, catching glimpse of a large silhouette.
"Is that…" Adam murmured.
Is that an enemy threat? Inari asked.
Right, Adam thought. The link was still up.
Enemy? Uncertain. Threat? Maybe in a few centuries. Adam grinned. Stay with the servants in case this gets hairy.
Understood, Inari said before cutting off the link.
Adam looked at the flying dragon. He had meant what he said about the threat level. As someone that stalemated the Dragon Emperors at once, the young dragon above him was no issue at present.
Adam waved his arms, signaling the dragon to come down. The dragon would no doubt see him and informed its rider, probably that Big Sis he heard of a moment ago.
Whether the rider would accept his invite however…
The dragon circled the tower as it descended. Invite accepted apparently. Adam grinned.
As the dragon neared and his vision adjusted, Adam saw blue scales and a very petite blue haired rider.
What was her name again? Adam thought. Toh… Tuh… Ta… Tabitha!
Whoosh! The wind buffeted Adam as the dragon landed on the roof.
Tabitha jumped down and approached Adam. He noticed her grip on her staff and the caution in her eyes.
Looks like he had been right. Tabitha was a fighter.
"Hello there," Adam greeted. "Tabitha, right? The friend of lizard girl?"
Tabitha raised an eyebrow, then nodded.
"Congratulations on the dragon familiar," Adam said. "They can be a handful sometimes, but they're good friends as long as you stay on their good side."
Tabitha tilted her head. "Familiar?"
"Hm? You mean where's my familiar?" Adam asked. "He's… taking a bath."
Tabitha shook her head. "Familiar. Black knight. You."
That was fast, Adam complained. Did he lose his sneakiness while he was in the Gap? Now what? Diplomacy or violence?
Diplomacy first, Adam decided. Violence can be had at any moment, but diplomacy can be hard to get.
"What makes you say that?" Adam said.
"Louise. You. No knight."
"You really think a knight in full armor is going to be allowed in the classroom?"
"Patrolled area," Tabitha said. "No sign."
She had a point there. Adam had dismissed his Scale Mail armor and did not recreate it as an automaton. The black knight Louise had summoned has not been seen since this morning. Meanwhile, a sudden transfer student gets close to Louise?
There's no doubt about it, Tabitha was a fighter, a real fighter. That was the most sensible reason for that sharp insight.
"So," Adam said, "because I'm friendly with the first person I met upon my arrival to this academy, and because you haven't seen a familiar whose presence is not your concern, you assume that I am that familiar?"
Adam grinned as he crossed his arms. "Sounds ridiculous."
Tabitha's cold gaze never left Adam's amused sight. A cold breeze passed, fluttering their capes.
A loud Crack! sounded on the roof as an amused Adam struck a defending Tabitha's staff with his gloved fist. He noticed small inscriptions on the staff. For her part, Tabitha didn't even blink.
A moment later and Adam was standing at his previous spot and Tabitha stood calmly as if nothing happened.
"You're definitely not a simple student," Adam said.
Tabitha stared. "Friend or foe?"
"That punch wasn't enough to tell?"
Tabitha shook her head. "Restrained."
Okay, Adam thought, narrowing his eyes. There's such a thing as being too sharp.
That settles it, he thought. She needed to be on his side or else he'd worry about her next actions.
"What do you want from me?" Adam said.
"Friend," Tabitha repeated. She tightened her grip on her staff. "Or foe?"
"Friend," Adam answered. "For the moment."
The cold air got even colder. Adam wasn't fazed.
"I am Louise Valliere's sword and shield," Adam said. "If you have no quarrel with her, you have no quarrel with me."
"That being said," he continued. "There will be trouble if you try to tell others of my status as a familiar."
"Simple deduction," Tabitha said.
"Not anymore," Adam said. "Thanks for the tip, by the way."
"Listen," Adam continued, walking towards Tabitha. "I'm not here to make enemies. … At least not on purpose. I am here to enjoy whatever there is to enjoy in your continent; culture, women, weather, women, religion, women, society, women, and have I mentioned women yet?" Adam grinned at the end.
Tabitha stared at him with half-lidded eyes. She probably thought of him as an idiotic pervert.
Adam blamed Issei for the idiot part.
Adam extended his hand. "Friends?"
The look Tabitha gave his hand made Adam feel filthy.
Don't look at my hand like that! Adam screamed in his head. My hands are clean! I haven't killed anyone yet!
Tabitha raised her sight. "Friends," she said with a nod.
She turned around and walked over to her dragon.
"Fly," she said to her dragon.
Adam watched as Tabitha took off, leaving him hanging as she never actually shook his hand.
A grin formed on his face as he shifted his position to look at the moons.
"This feels like Sona all over again," he said.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the breeze blowing by.
He exhaled. Then his expression hardened.
"Tarasque," Adam called.
The light of the moons had stretched his shadow across the rooftop. The shadow that had darkened to a degree that even a child could tell the shadow was abnormal.
And then two red lights appeared on the shadow.
"For a moment there I thought you had forgotten me," a voice sounded from around Adam.
"What makes you say that?" Adam asked.
"You summoned Medusa to spy on the teacher within seconds of being brought here," Tarasque said. "You gave Inari to the servants so he could scout the area without suspicion. And yet you gave me no such task."
"And what exactly, would I have had you do?" Adam asked.
The shadow didn't reply.
"Exactly," Adam said. "Besides, I'm giving you a job now aren't I?"
The red lights thinned. Tarasque said, "I am to pose as the child's black knight familiar. Leaving you free to act as a noble from a foreign faraway land."
Adam stretched. The shadow did not copy his actions.
"Looks like our time in the Dimensional Gap," Adam said, "disoriented us a bit. An oversight like that was rare back home."
The air tremble as Tarasque grumbled in displeasure. The shadow's red eyes flashed. "Any other setbacks we should look out for?"
Adam shrugged. "I'll have to check on the Sacred Gears to find out. The four of us seemed to have survived the trip without much issue. Other than the buzz from the aborted Juggernaut Drive, my body and magic feel as strong as ever."
"Speaking of which," Adam said. "How high do you think is a good height to purge this excess energy and not break something important?"
The shadow shifted, stretching upward like a reverse waterfall. The darkness seemed to take form, until it became the black draconic knight the young nobles had seen this morning.
"Above the clouds is usually a safe bet," Tarasque said. His voice had the metallic ring Adam's had when he used the armor. "I'll keep an eye on the girl and have Medusa and Inari report to me while you're up there."
"Good," Adam said, hopping on his feet. "I swear if I fail this jump, I'm going to die of embarrassment."
"You were revived once before," Tarasque said. "We should be able pull it off again."
"I'd rather not die in such a worthless manner," Adam said as he bent his knees. "Or ever again for that matter."
Adam then launched himself into the sky at lightning speed.
Louise slept soundly.
"Louise," Adam's voice called. "It's time to get up."
"Uhh. Five more minutes," she murmured.
"Oh master," a female voice said. "She's absolutely adorable! Can we keep her? Can we? Can we? Pretty please?"
"Hahahahaha," a young boy laughed. "Have you forgotten Medusa? Master has already contracted the girl into his service. She won't be going anywhere."
"Oh please," a male voice said. "The contract between master and the girl is different from ours. There's no telling what will happen once it's completed."
Louise shifted but stayed asleep.
"If she doesn't wake up, we'll miss breakfast," the boy said. "Let's throw a water bucket on her."
"Inari, behave yourself," the girl chided. "Don't be disrespectful to master's ally."
"But I'm sooooo huuungryyyyyy!" the boy complained.
Adam said, "I have to agree with Inari- not the bucket thing you idiot! Put that away!"
Adam sighed. "I meant about being hungry. Time to do this the hard way."
Something pinched Louise's nose.
"Nnh! Yaah!" Louise screamed while flailing.
"Good morning sleepyhead," Adam said.
Louise sat up and turned her sleepy gaze in Adam's direction. He was sitting on the bed. She blinked a few times before her mind caught up.
"Right. Familiar. Adam," she said, rubbing her eyes.
She looked to the side, and saw three people she didn't know - a blond kid, a curvy woman with long purple hair, and a tan teen with white and red hair - and should not be in her room on that fact alone.
"Waaah!" Louise screamed as she hid under the sheets. "Who are these people and why are they in my room?!"
"Hahahahahahaha!" the boy laughed. "Oh that was perfect! Hahahaha."
"That's enough Inari," said the woman. "Her reaction is only natural."
Louie felt the bed shift. The covers were pulled back a bit to reveal Adam.
"Calm down Louise," he said. "These people are my servants."
"What?!" Louise shouted. "Servants? Where did they come from?! And why are they in my room?! Especially them?!" Louise gestured at the boys.
"Everyone," Adam said, turning to look at the trio. "Introductions."
The blond boy jumped to his feet from his spot on the table. His gold eyes glittered in mischief even though his smile gave the image of innocence.
He was dressed in black shoes and pants, a white shirt unbuttoned at the top that showed three or so gold chains, and a black cloak with a gold trim.
"I am Inari the Nine Tailed Fox, and master Adam's Jack of Hearts!" he said. He spread his arms as if to bask in the audience's awe.
Louise gaped. A nine tailed fox?! She had read about them, they were ancient and powerful creatures known for their wisdom and mischief. How did Adam get one as a servant?! And why was he so young?! Shouldn't nine tailed foxes be older?! That's how they got nine tails in the first place!
The woman stepped forward. Her purple hair wasn't simply long, it nearly brushed the floor! She had enchanting grey eyes and a sisterly smile. She wore a loose yet alluring black blouse and skirt with black leggings and shoes.
"Greetings," she bowed. "I am Medusa, Basilisk Queen and the Ten of Hearts."
"Wh-Wh-What?!" Louise shouted. "A basilisk?! Buh-Buh-But you look so beautiful! Aren't you supposed to be big and scaly and, and, and what do you mean by queen?! Are you royalty?!" She whirled on Adam. "Why did you contract royalty as a mere servant?! Are you insane?!"
Adam leaned back in surprise. Medusa's giggles calmed Louise's temper.
"There is no need for concern, little one," Medusa said. "The title of Basilisk Queen is one of strength. Though I suppose strength equaled royalty for my people. In any case, while I was the strongest of my kind back home, I was not yet strong enough to bear the title of Basilisk King." She smiled at Adam. "It was one of the reasons I joined master Adam. I had the feeling I would get stronger at his side. I'm certain if I displayed my strength now, I would be acknowledged as King without problems."
Louise clasped her hands in front of her chest. She looked at Medusa with stars in her eyes. "Amazing!"
Medusa smiled. She turned to the last person in the room and said, "Be nice."
The third person remained leaning against the wall. He was a tall and muscular individual with a slim build and tanned skin. He had spiky white and red hair, and the stare of his amber eyes made him unapproachable in Louise's opinion.
He wore a white cloak and a strange gold trimmed black shirt that lacked sleeves and buttons. He wore black pants that were tucked into brown boots, and what Louise thought was a gold armor piece on his left forearm.
"My name is Tarasque," he said. "I'm a Dragon King, and the Queen of Hearts."
"Ghh!" Louise choked.
Dragon king?! Was he royalty, or was it like a symbol of strength like Medusa? Even if it was, that meant he was incredibly strong!
A nine tailed fox, a basilisk queen, and a dragon king. How did Adam get these people as his servants?!
Louise furrowed her brow. "Hearts? You guys keep saying that. What does it mean?"
Louise felt the bed shift as Adam stood up. He smiled at her.
"We'll answer that later," he said. "We're all hungry, and we don't want to miss breakfast."
"Ah that's right!" Louise shouted. She pointed at the door. "Get out of my room you perverts!"
The group snickered, but it didn't feel like the times her classmates did it. It felt, warmer. Better.
"Oh," Adam said near the door. The others were in the hall, waiting. "I almost forgot. Tarasque is going to be acting as your black knight familiar from now on."
Tarasque showed her the back of his left hand, where the same runes Adam had were visible.
Her eyes instantly went over to Adam's gloved hand. A spark or a tug of sorts was felt when Louise set her eyes on it. The contract was still in place. She was his master, and Adam was still her familiar. That was good.
But why the ruse?
Something must have shown on her face, because Adam said, "I'll explain soon."
He closed the door, leaving Louise in her room.
Louise sighed. First thing in the morning, and already her familiar was giving her a headache. Was that possible?
After putting on the uniform that was laid out - Louise wasn't sure if it had been Adam or Miss Medusa - Louise opened the door to see Adam and Mister Tarasque being questioned by Kirche.
Oh great, Louise thought. Another headache.
"Ohoho," Kirche laughed, twirling her index finger on Mister Tarasque's chest. "So you are Louise's familiar?"
Louise saw Tabitha glance at Adam for moment, who winked at her, and focus on her book again.
"I must say," Kirche said, "you look handsome without all that annoying metal in the way."
"Kirche," Louise said. "Lay off my familiar!"
"But Louise," Kirche whined as she took hold of Mister Tarasque's arm and pressed it into her cleavage. "You already have the exotic transfer student. It's only fair I get the handsome foreign familiar."
Louise felt her face burn.
"Kirche," Adam said.
"Mmmm!" Kirche voiced. "Say my name again."
"We're going to be late for breakfast," Adam said, not skipping a beat despite Louise herself looking horrified, Mister Tarasque being annoyed at probably everything, and Tabitha's raised eyebrow despite not looking up from her book. "Can we continue this after we get a full stomach?"
What?! Louise screamed, and Adam and Mister Tarasque flinched.
Louise blinked. What was that about?
"Kirche. Breakfast," Tabitha said.
Kirche let go of Mister Tarasque and brushed her hair back with her hand.
"Breakfast it is," Kirche said. "Let's go Tabitha. And I'll be seeing you three later." Kirche blew a kiss before leaving.
"Stupid Kirche," Louise said.
"So, what do you think?" Adam asked, looking amused.
"Reminds me of Kuroka or Serafall actually," Mister Tarasque said. "Not sure if to feel amused or terrified."
"Feel hungry," Adam said, patting Mister Tarasque on the shoulder as he walked by him. "Come on."
Adam took hold of Louise's hand and led the way.
Having the big and warm hand over her own sent a warmth up her arm and into her chest. Louise decided to humor Adam since there wasn't anyone to see her act so familiar with her familiar.
"Where are…" Louise paused as she thought how to address Adam's other servants. "Miss Medusa? and Mister Inari?"
Mister Tarasque let out a chuckle from behind them up the steps.
Adam sounded amused as he said, "There's no need for titles, Louise. They all know the circumstances. Treat them as friends or colleagues in private, and in Tarasque's case, as a familiar in public. We know whatever discipline you give out is part of the act."
"Right," Louise said. Treating people as equals was going to get some getting used to. "So… where are they?"
"Inari is supposed to be my fox familiar," Adam said. "So he went ahead to join the other familiars. Medusa is giving herself a tour of the school."
"I see," Louise said. "I could have given her a tour if she wanted."
Adam grinned as he let go of her hand. They were about to reach the main corridor and the chatter of students could be heard.
"Medusa… likes to explore by herself," Adam said.
Louise raised an eyebrow. "She won't get in trouble will she?"
"Only if she gets caught," Adam said.
"He means no," Mister-… Tarasque said.
They entered the main corridor, joining the groups of students also heading for breakfast.
Louise caught a glimpse of Kirche and Tabitha.
Oh good, Louise thought. They sat farther away this time.
This time it was Mi- Tarasque, she reminded herself, that pull out her seat.
"Good work, familiar," she said imperiously as she sat down.
She glanced at Adam next to her, who gave her a slight nod and a wink.
Louise swiftly turned to the food in front of her. She said the prayer and began to eat. As she ate, she reviewed her To-do list.
Today was a free day for second years so they could bond with their familiars. Her familiar Adam was a noble and hero from who knows where. She should probably ask about that. And do the same about how he managed to get three rare species of familiars as his servants, especially ones that could take human form!
She glanced at her wrist, to the Seven Sins marks. She had some understanding of what they did, but if these things gave her magic, she needed to know how to use them.
Master, Louise was startled when she heard Inari's voice in her head. There is a dragon here that says you're friends with her big sister. Is that true?
Yes Inari, Adam said, and Louise caught him glancing to Kirche and Tabitha. Though we're off to a rocky start.
Is the big sister cute? Inari asked.
There was a mental snort, and for some reason, Louise turned her head behind her to look at Tarasque, who stood amusingly annoyed and cross armed.
What? Tarasque asked without moving his mouth.
Louise, wide eyed, whipped her head towards Adam, who hadn't stop eating.
Make friends with the dragon if you can, Adam said, biting an apple. And watch what you say. It seems Louise can eavesdrop. He grinned at the end without looking at her.
Louise felt her cheeks warm.
Shut up! she shouted. It's not like I want to listen!
Hahahaha! Inari laughed. She's part of the network now? Ooooh! The possibilities! Oh yes, I can work with this!
Plan your pranks later, Adam said. And try not to get eaten by the dragon.
Louise stared at Adam as her head went silent and the hall's chatter sounded once more.
Honestly, she thought. Will her familiar ever make sense?!
After breakfast ended, Louise, Adam, and Tarasque went outside to the courtyard.
Numerous tables and chairs had been set up and Louise saw many second years had already formed groups.
Let's see, Louise thought as she looked around. Somewhere private enough that others won't eavesdrop- Ah ha!
Louie grinned as she found the perfect table. It was away from those that would bother her yet still in range of the servants' hearing.
"This way," Louise said as she headed to the table. She saw the maids serving delicious looking cakes with drinks. Nn, by the time the maids passed by her chosen table, there might not be any left. Wait! "Tarasque! Go fetch a platter of cakes and drinks!"
Due to Tarasque's default expression apparently being a glare, Louise wasn't sure if he was bothered by the order despite Adam's earlier words.
Tarasque broke off from their walk and Louise exhale in relief. She saw Adam shake his head, smiling.
They reached the table.
"Okay," Louise said when they sat. "I want to know everything about you that you haven't told me already."
Adam didn't seem surprised by the demand so Louise suspected he was expecting her to ask eventually. He was a mysterious foreign noble knight hero from a distant land. Of course he expected her to be curious!
"My history is a bit complicated," Adam said. "And our way of life is probably different from yours."
"If this partnership is going to work," Louise said, "then I need to know you better. You and your servants."
Tarasque returned with a platter of cakes, a teapot and two cups.
Master. Summoner, Tarasque said. Inari wants me to assist that maid from yesterday in handing out the desserts. Your thoughts?
When Tarasque had placed the platter on the table, Adam served her and himself two pieces of cake and filled the cups with tea.
Placing the teapot on the table, Adam said, Knowing Inari, he's probably trying to set you guys up. Sounds fun!
"Ow!" Louise cried when she bit too hard in her fork.
"I know the cake is good," Adam said with a grin. "But you don't have to bite that hard."
"Shut up," Louise said. "You know why I did it." Turning to Tarasque, she said, "Go ahead and assist the maid. It'll give you something to do while Adam and I converse."
"Very well," Tarasque said. He turned and left.
"Ready for storytime?" Adam asked.
Louise glared at Adam.
"Well," Adam started. "You know I said I'm a war hero right?" Louise nodded. "That war became known as the Second Great War." Louise widened her eyes mid-bite. "The First Great War was fought millenia ago by The Three Great Factions of Akuma, Tenshi, and Grigori. The war ended when the leaders of the Akuma and the Tenshi perished in battle and also because they, like the Grigori, lost the majority of their forces, forcing an unofficial ceasefire."
Louise took a sip of her tea. She asked, "What broke it?"
Adam took a sip of his own tea. He said, "Well as can be expected, some people from all sides were dissatisfied with the way the war ended and the grudges endured until present day."
Louise nodded. Her family's own history with the Zerbsts was proof of how long a grudge could last.
"It happened in-"
Master! Inari shouted, cutting Adam off. Tarasque is choking one of these idiot children!
Louise and Adam shared an alarmed look and then ran in a rush.
There was a commotion nearly on the other side of the yard from where their table was, where a crowd had formed.
Adam forced his way through, shouting at them to move out of the way. Louise followed in his wake, unnoticed compared to her familiar's more noticeable actions.
They reached the center of the crowd and saw Tarasque choking a kneeling Guiche with one hand. Inari was in his fox form, biting and tugging Tarasque's pants. The maid, Siesta, Louise recalled, was half raised on the ground, as if she had being pushed down and froze mid-way of getting up.
Adam jostled Louise with an elbow bump.
"What?" she asked.
Adam leaned in and whispered, "Control your familiar, Louise."
A candlewick lit up in Louise's mind. That's right! she thought. Tarasque is my familiar!
"Tarasque!" Louise called as marched closer to the him. "Let him go now!"
Tarasque let Guiche go. Guiche took a massive breath of air as he held his hand against his throat as he coughed.
"What is the meaning of this?" Louise demanded.
Tarasque sneered in Guiche's direction. "The fool got caught courting two females at the same time and got slapped for it. He then blamed the maid since she was returning a perfume bottle he had dropped and tried to strike her."
"That foolish maid should been more discreet in returning the perfume," Guiche said. He was now standing and trying to look superior, as if his humiliation had never happened. "When I said the bottle wasn't mine, she should've gone away and returned it another time."
"No," Tarasque growled. "What should have happened was you taking responsibility for being stupid enough to court two girls from the same school, apologize to both of them, and then beg whichever one of them you really liked for forgiveness. Not that you actually deserve any for being a conceited, ignorant, womanizing moron."
The crowd around them chatted and laughed.
"Yeah Guiche," someone said. "It's your fault!"
"How dare you speak to a noble that way, you commoner?!" Guiche shouted at Tarasque.
Louise felt a spark of anger from Tarasque and imposed herself between him and Guiche.
"That is enough, Guiche," Louise said. "This discussion is over."
"Preposterous," Guiche said. "My honor and that of two maidens has been damaged. I challenge this commoner fool to a duel!"
The declaration seemed to excite the crowd.
"Duels are forbidden, Guiche," Louise said. She wonder if Guiche was still air deprived.
"Only between nobility," Guiche countered with a smug grin. "There's nothing stopping a duel between a noble and a commoner."
"That sound wonderful," Adam said as he walked up to them. He clapped his hands. "There's just one problem. If I recall, a familiar is an extension of the mage, correct?"
"Yes," Louise said as a knot formed in her stomach.
"In that case," Adam grinned, as if celebrating his birthday. "The fool is not challenging the commoner, but rather Louise herself."
Louise felt the knot in her stomach tighten.
Guiche blinked as if the thought had never occurred to him. He then waved his rose wand arrogantly. "I'm going to duel Louise the Zero? It won't be much of a duel then, won't it?"
Louise suddenly felt like punching Guiche in the face.
"Louise would be more than happy to accept your challenge," Adam said.
"What?!" Louise shouted, rounding on Adam. "I just said duels were forbidden!"
"Quite true," Adam said. He turned to the crowd. "But I'm sure none of you will tell a teacher, right? Hey Kirche, don't you want to see Louise put this idiot in his place? After all, if it had been you he cheated on, you'd want him punished, right?"
Kirche laughed annoyingly. "Ohoho! I'd burn him to a crisp myself. But I wouldn't mind seeing little Louise do it for me."
"I don't need your approval, Zerbst!" Louise shouted.
Kirche simply smiled.
"It's a duel!" Adam said, catching Louise's attention again. "So, idiot two timer. When and where?"
Guiche twisted his face. "I don't see a reason to duel the Zero. It would be a waste of my time."
Louise clenched her fist. A red hot rage danced inside her.
"What's the matter, Guiche?" Louise said. "You'll fight a commoner but not another noble? Ha! You really are a spineless coward! Pathetic!"
The crowd around Louise burst into cheers and laughter. Guiche flushed crimson.
"Fine!" Guiche said, turning away with a flourish. "I'll see you in Vestri Court, Louise the Zero."
A chunk of the crowd followed after Guiche. The rest gossipped among themselves.
"I have to say Louise," Kirche said as she joined Louise's group. "It's fun to see your fire burning someone else for a change."
Louise made to say something, but was stopped by Adam.
Just take the compliment, Adam said.
Louise glared at Adam, her inner fire stoked.
"What were you thinking getting me involved in this?!" she shouted.
"So you don't want to humiliate," Adam said, "one of your tormentors and defend the honor of your fellow maidens? What kind of noble are you?"
"That's not what I meant and you know it!" Louise shouted. "How in Brimir's name do you expect me to win a duel when-"
Louise stopped when Adam put his hand on her head. He knelt in front of her.
"I have full confidence that you will win, Louise," Adam said.
Louise felt her heart speed up at those words.
"You have great magic Louise," Adam said. "Never doubt that."
Have faith in yourself, Adam continued. Let the Sins guide you to victory.
Louise felt her wrist tingle. She heard a gentle breeze, crashing waves, and tumbling rocks. She felt intervals of hot and cold. She smelled a fruity aroma, and felt a sense of calm.
Louise nodded her head in a trance.
Adam smiled. As he straighten, he said, "Lead the way."
Louise turned and headed to Vestri Court. She was followed by Adam, Tarasque, Kirche, and Tabitha.
A crowd had formed in Vestri Court, the idiot Guiche in its center. The crowd parted as Louise's group approached.
"I commend you for not running away, Louise the Zero," Guiche said.
Louise faced Guiche at a distance. Adam and the others stayed at the edge of the crowd.
"Oh please," Louise said, with sudden confidence. "Who would run away from you?"
The crowd laughed at that, making Guiche redden.
"It seems like you've forgotten your place, zero!" Guiche flicked his rose and a petal floated to the ground.
The petal glowed, and a golem appeared. It looked like an armor clad female warrior constructed from metal.
"Tch," Louise clicked her tongue.
Guiche's signature bronze Valkyries. Despite being a pompous flirt, his detailed constructs were impressive for a Dot level mage.
"Charge!" Guiche ordered.
The Valkyrie rushed and was in front of Louise with its arm reared back.
"Yah!" Louise screamed and covered her face with her arms.
Nothing happened.
Louise opened her eyes and saw she was face to face with the Valkyrie.
"Get away!" she shouted, and a strong gale sent the Valkyrie towards Guiche at high speed.
"Levitate!" Guiche quickly chanted as he aimed at the golem. The golem slowed and was held aloft.
"I'm curious as to how you defended yourself, Zero," Guiche said as he lowered the Valkyrie on the ground.
Louise blinked, her only sign of confusion.
What is he-? Her thoughts paused when she saw what he meant.
The Valkyrie's left hand, the one it used to strike her, was gone!
The Valkyrie readied her spear.
"Lets see if you can duplicate a fluke, Zero," Guiche said. He pointed his rose forward and the Valkyrie rushed ahead.
Louise cast her her spell quickly. "Earth Wall!"
Instantly, the ground rose in front of the Valkyrie. Crash! The Valkyrie plowed through the wall but fell over to the ground.
Louise aimed at the golem as a spell rushed out of her mouth. "Ha-di!"
The Valkyrie exploded into pieces!
A hush fell on the courtyard. Louise stared at the spot she just blew up. Never before had she caused an explosion on purpose, and never this controlled.
In fact, she had never even heard of the spell she just used!
"Did Louise just blow up that golem?" a girl said.
"And she cast an earth spell too," a boy said.
"And she wasn't hurt earlier when the golem hit her," another girl said.
Guiche laughed. "Even now you can't avoid exploding something can you?"
He flicked his rose and three petals fell to the ground. A moment later, three Valkyries rose from the ground.
Louise gripped her wand as she shifted her body stance; wand slightly away from her, feet ready for movement. Her left hand was hidden in her cloak; fingers flexing as tingles ran up her arm and to the rest of her body.
"Get her!" Guiche ordered.
The three Valkyries charged. The middle one went straight ahead while the other two fanned out on the sides.
"Eh?" Louise made a noise of confusion. These golems weren't moving as fast as the first one.
Did Guiche mess up the spell? Louise thought. She narrowed her eyes. It doesn't matter. I have to beat three of these things now!
"Stone Rampart!" she cast.
A larger wall of earth rose from the ground, about seven feet in height and length.
The two flanking Valkyries were far enough to not be bothered, but the middle one-
"Levitate!" Guiche cast.
-will go over without issue.
Louise found herself grinning. The three golems were still coming, but with Guiche now blind to her side of the wall…
"Pitfall." She waved her wand at the spot the middle Valkyrie would land in. Sure enough, the ground sank and the golem fell into a pit.
Louise felt a slight chill and jumped backwards just as a spear struck where her legs used to be.
"Yah!" she shouted as she pedaled back. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw the left Valkyrie near her, fist raised.
Louise raised her left arm as the golem struck-
-and the fist stopped short on her palm without fail.
"Eeeeh?! Louise shouted.
She heard a whoosh sound and dropped to a knee as the other Valkyrie's spear sailed where her head was.
They're trying to kill me! Louise shouted in surprise.
Surprise, but not panic; which Louise found strange.
Her mind flashed to a lesson with Eleanore. She recalled her oldest sister blowing away all the dust in the room after a failed casting.
"Gale Sweep!" Louise cast, raising her wand high.
Shouts of surprise were lost to the powerful wind that surged outward from Louise. The Valkyries were swept away towards the wall where they smashed to pieces and the wall broke down as well.
I'm alive? Louise thought as she panted. She felt tired and energetic at the same time. She had never cast this many spells before, so she should be low on Willpower. But thanks to Lust, she was sure she could still cast a few more.
Interesting, said Adam's voice in her head. So that's what Gluttony and Sloth do.
Louise blinked. Was Adam talking to her?
If I'm not mistaken, Tarasque said. That was an Egyptian Word of Power she used to destroy that construct.
Hahahahaha! I know! Adam said. To think her Envy would be that strong! To use a form of magic she didn't even know existed! She's fantastic!
Louise felt her cheeks warm.
A rumbling noise forced her attention forward, where the remains of her wall were moving.
The remains glowed, and in a flash, ten Valkyries now stood in a file.
Louise readied her wand again as she shifted her foot back, tracing a pattern.
"It is amazing," Guiche said, "how much good fortune you've used to survive this long."
Hm? Louise noticed that Guiche seemed to shake a bit. Her eyes narrowed. It seemed like Guiche was low on Willpower too.
The Valkyrie that fell in the pit crawled out in that moment.
Joy, Louise thought. Eleven Valkyries to deal with.
"Good fortune, is it?!" Louise said, grinning. "Are you sure that it's not the fact that you've spent too much time flirting and less time practicing spells?"
"Enough! Attack!" Guiche shouted.
"Guiche that's enough!" someone shouted.
"You're going too far!" another shouted.
The Valkyries didn't stop, and Louise kept her grin.
Three feet away from her, and the first Valkyries smacked into an invisible wall.
They rounded Louise, and it was noticed that the wall was more of a dome.
"Nice try Guiche," Louise said.
"But how?!" Guiche said.
Surrounded by eleven Valkyries, the perfect spell came to mind, and Louise felt a nauseous taste in her mouth.
Why did it have to be this spell?! Louise complained even as she raised her wand high.
"Pillar of Passion!" she cast.
The world around Louise was lost in a soaring fire. Bright orange flames roared upwards.
"Wow," Louise said as she stared transfixed.
I did this, she thought, smiling. She lowered her wand and the flames calmed as she did.
A black, burned grass patch ringed her defensive dome. She looked down, and saw the pattern her foot had drawn.
"Drowah," she read unknowingly.
"How is this possible?" Guiche said, panting heavily. "I… I yield."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The slow claps brought Louise out of her reverie. Adam was walking towards her.
"Girls and boys," Adam said, "I give you the winner of the duel, Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière!"
The crowd broke into cheers.
"Impressive duel, Zero!" someone said.
"She's not a zero anymore! Did you see all those spells she cast?!" a girl said.
"Valliere!" an unpleasant voice called.
Kirche walked over with her hands on her hips. Louise glared at Kirche and tighten her wand grip.
"You have a lot of nerve," Kirche said, "using one of my family's signature spells to win."
"Hmph! Your family has stolen plenty from mine," Louise said. "It's only fair I steal something from you." She grinned. "And do it better than you too."
"How dare you?!" Kirche shouted. "A boring, prudish, sheltered Tristainian like you would never understand the all consuming passion that represents this spell!"
"Come summoner," Tarasque said, imposing himself between them. "There's been enough excitement for one day. You need food and rest."
With a calming exhale, Louise started to feel how tired she was. But she didn't let it show.
"Fine," Louise said. "I shouldn't waste my time any more than I already have."
"Why I ought to- huh?" Kirche was interrupted by Tabitha's staff in front of her.
"Ruining moment," Tabitha said.
Kirche grit her teeth but didn't argue further.
Facing Louise, Tabitha said, "Congratulations."
Tabitha gave Adam a glance, then walked away.
"Hey, wait for me," Kirche said as she followed.
Adam put a hand on her back and lead her away. The crowd parted for her, some of them smiling and congratulating her.
Louise felt light as she walked with pride. She had done it! She cast successful spells and won the duel!
"Hm?" Louise saw that Adam was leading them to their table, and that fox Inari, and that Siesta maid were waiting for them.
Way to go! Inari said, running circles around Louise and Adam. That was amazing!
Louise blushed. Siesta walked up to them and bowed.
"My deepest apologies for causing so much trouble," Siesta said.
"It was not your fault," Tarasque said, stepping forward. "If that fool did not wish to get caught two-timing, he should have been more discreet."
"Your name is Siesta, correct?" Louise asked.
"Yes milady," Siesta said. "I apologized once more for-"
"You're not the one who involved me in the duel," Louise interrupted. She then glared at Adam. "Isn't that right?"
"Siesta," Adam said, ignoring Louise. Louise felt a vein throb. "With Inari taking such a liking to you, I wonder if it might be possible to have you in my service?"
Louise and Siesta widened their eyes at that.
A personal work offer from a noble? Louise thought. That could end up paying more than the academy - but then again, Louise had heard from her family that some nobles have other ideas for hiring beauties like Siesta.
What's the big idea? Louise said, looking at Adam.
"That being said," Adam continued, "as my documents will take some time to deal with, being so far from home, you will on paper be under Louise's employ."
What?! Louise shouted. Inari's fur puffed up in surprise.
"Milord?" Siesta said.
"Louise and I will speak with the headmaster," Adam said, "and place you as Louise's personal maid. If you wish, we can request that you be allowed to continue assisting your fellow maids after your done with your duties with Louise."
"Not to sound ungrateful milord," Siesta said, "but why would you offer me this?"
"Yes," Louise glared up at Adam. "Why?!"
Adam looked at Louise. "I think that you need some female presence that won't anger you, and Medusa and Siesta are perfect for that. Medusa can pass off as a gift from your family, and with Siesta in your service, she can be around you without issues."
"A friend?" Louise said. "You're hiring a servant to be my friend?!"
Siesta fidgeted.
Adam shrugged. "Well you hate everyone your age, and they ridicule you. I figured some new blood might do you good."
Louise raised a fist. Who does this think he is? Making me a playdate?! I ought to whip him into shape!
Adam moved and placed a hand on Siesta's shoulder. The maid stiffened and blushed.
"Don't worry," Adam said "Louise and I will take good care of you."
Siesta nodded. Inari yelped and ran circles around Siesta, wagging his tail.
"See?" Adam said, though Louise wasn't sure if it was meant for her or Siesta. "Inari agrees."
Siesta knelt and scratched Inari's head. "Well I do feed him. He has a bias."
"Will you accept my offer?" Adam asked.
Siesta stood up, hands folded at the waist.
"Could I ask for some time, milord?" Siesta asked.
"Of course," Adam smiled. "Such a decision should not be taken lightly."
"My gratitude, milord," Siesta bowed.
Louise watched the maid walk away.
"So what's the real reason you want to hire her?" Louise said as she and Adam sat down at their table.
Adam waved a black wand with a ruby tip at the teapot and cups. She felt the heat wash over them.
"What I said wasn't the real reason?" Adam asked.
"Nobles don't usually hire servants like her out of the goodness of their hearts," she said.
"And that speaks volumes about Halkegenia's nobility," Adam said.
Louise grit her teeth.
"To be fair though," Adam added, "the Akuma and Grigori were of similar mindset for quite some time."
Louise took a sip of her tea.
"I meant what I said," Adam said. "You need more friends outside of Kirche-"
"Kirche?!" Louise slammed her cup on the table. "I am not friends with that oversized, promiscuous, good for nothing cow!"
Adam looked at her. He shrugged and drank his tea.
"Anyway," Adam said. "Other than you making friends, I think Siesta may be capable of using Sacred Gears."
"Sacred what?" Louise said. She blinked. "Oh! You mean those healing rings of yours?!"
"Yes," Adam said. "I'm certain she might be able to use those, or maybe another one. Who knows, she might end up with two."
"And why aren't you giving me a Sacred Gear?" Louise said.
Tarasque snorted. Inari stood on his back paws and looked at Louise over the chair.
Oh no little master! Inari said. You already have all of the Seven Deadly Sins! Adding any more foreign power could harm you!
"What?!" Louise shouted at Inari. She looked at Adam. "Is that true?!"
"It's a possibility," Adam said. "And even if it wasn't, I wouldn't give you a Sacred Gear."
"Why not?!" Louise said.
"Because," Adam grinned, "with your versions of the sins, it would be redundant. In theory, almost anything a Sacred Gear can do, so could you."
"Really?!" Louise straightened, grinning.
"In theory," Adam repeated.
Hahahaha! Inari laughed. He then snuggled on Louise's thigh. No need to be so greedy little master.
Louise blushed. "Shut up! I'm not greedy! I just want to know why my familiar would give a random maid an enchanted artifact but to not his master!"
Adam grinned. "I already gave you eleven treasures you didn't have before. What more do you want?"
"Eleven?" Louise scrunched her face.
"He means," Tarasque said, "the Seven Deadly Sins, himself, and the three of us."
"Oh!" Louise said. "So what's next?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Adam said. "You'll be practicing how to use the sins better. You got lucky today with your instincts, but that won't always work for you. You need to know what you can do so you can do it better."
Louise slumped her shoulders a bit.
Lessons? Just what she needed - another teacher to disappoint.
Don't worry little master, Inari said, catching her attention. You'll do great with master's lessons.
Louise widened her eyes with a jolt. She hadn't intended to transmit those thoughts.
Adam steepled his fingers under his chin as he leaned on the table.
"Come now Louise," Adam said. "Do you really think I would be angry at you if you had trouble using your new magic?"
"Nnh," Louise whined as her face burned.
Adam refilled their cups.
"You and I," Adam said as he raised his cup, "are going to have all kinds of fun." He winked and drank his tea.
"Y-Y-Y-You remember your place, familiar!" Louise glared through her blush.
"I know my place," Adam said. "Right now, it's here. With you."
Ba-bump, ba-bump went her heart. Louise drank her tea to calm down. It half-worked.
"So when do we start the lessons?" Louise asked.
"We have the whole day to ourselves," Adam said. "Is it all right to go to town or something? That way might be the safer way to sneak away than simply staying in your room all day. Who knows what rumors will pop up?"
"Guh! Cufh! Cufh!" Louise choked on her tea. "What are you implying?!"
"Me? Nothing. Your bullies on the other hand will wonder why you spend all day in your room with a handsome gentleman."
"But you're my-! Oh wait. No one knows you're my familiar," Louise said. She looked at Tarasque. Then at Adam. "They won't question why I spent all day in my room with Tarasque, because human boy or not, he is supposed to be my familiar. You on the other hand…"
"Am passing of as a foreign noble from a very far off country," Adam said. "Academy lessons and public venues are one thing, but loitering around your room will invite curiosity about our relationship."
"Like it hasn't already?" Louise said. "Suddenly having a friend, a guy friend, plus my strange human familiar? I don't even want to know what they're saying about me."
You really don't, Inari said.
"There really are rumors?!" Louise shouted. "What do they say?"
But you said-,
"Forget what I said," Louise interrupted, shaking Inari in her hands. "Listen to what I'm saying now."
Inari went poof! becoming smoke that swiftly faded.
Catch me if you can little master! Inari said. Hahahahahaha!
"Why you little furball!" Louise shouted and ran off to search.
As she ran, she caught a snippet from Tarasque and Adam.
"So did she pass your test?" Tarasque asked.
"She did better than I expected in that duel," Adam said. "Honestly, to have summoned me from the Dimensional Gap, and obtained such strong versions of all Seven Deadly Sins with such instinctive use…"
"It reminds you of yourself doesn't it?" Tarasque asked. "Of when you met the Sekiryuutei and Hakuryuukou."
"If what the teacher and headmaster said was true," Adam's voice said. "Then it won't be long before destiny calls."
"Will we respond once it does?" Tarasque said.
"That's not our decision," Adam said. "It will be Louise's."
Louise paused in the arches of the corridors.
What were those two talking about? Louise thought. Maybe-
"Ow!" Louise jumped when something bit her ankle.
Hopping on one foot, she saw the laughing Inari running away.
"You're going to pay for that, you rotten fox!"
Louise ran after Inari, her mind discarding all thoughts not focused on how to punish the fox once she caught him.
Author's Note
Hello reader!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
That's right. The "make it or break it" point of many FoZ/ZnT fanfics, from what ive seen, is the duel with guiche!
(inhale, exhale) so how did i do? (grin) Was it a good twist, having louise duel him? Did you see that coming? What did you think of the duel?
Please review your thoughts on the duel and the chapter, let me know what you liked and didn't like.
Have a great day, and I'll see you next update. (grin)
Signed,
kingpariah