The Familiar of Zero – Trouble In Paradise
Chapter 6 – A New Problem
Tabitha was the first to return to Ornières Mansion on Slyphid. She'd done a sweep of the area, and found no trace of enemy forces in the area. The majority of the Royal Guard was still busy looking for survivors, and probably would be for some time to come, as they were having to tread very carefully through the burnt out buildings. A couple had collapsed already due to being weakened by the intense flames, but those had fortunately already been searched.
As Tabitha landed, she could see the people of the town all over the place, running backwards and forwards with whatever supplies they had managed to take with them as they fled from the battle. Instructing Slyphid to remain in dragon form for a while, she turned around to be met by Agnes. "Your Majesty, I'm so glad you've returned safely." It then dawned on her that Saito was not with her. "Where is Saito?" she asked. "He's coming with the Ostlant and the last of the civilians, as well as the wounded guard members" Agnes was more than a little surprised by what Tabitha had just said. "What's the Ostlant doing all the way out here?" Tabitha merely shrugged. "Came to visit Saito and Louise…" Agnes sighed. "It seems everyone decided today was the day to come and visit…" she thought allowed, then paused. "Is that professor with them?" she asked, clenching her fist as she thought about the man who had burnt her home to the ground so many years ago under the orders of Richmon. Tabitha merely nodded, seeing the rage in Agnes' eyes. Agnes mentally cursed. Although she'd forgiven Professor Colbert, who as she found out had been tricked into thinking that the town was full of a highly contagious and very deadly plague, and had tried to save as many people as he could when he found out the mistake, including Agnes, it was still hard to be around him.
Agnes took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She needed to move on; she knew that better than anyone. Richmon, the man behind all her pain, was dead, killed by her hand. "A Soldier called out from behind her "Captain, we need could do with an extra pair of hands in here." He called out. Agnes turned to the soldier and nodded, who quickly ran back inside to help where he could "What are your plans now, Your Majesty?" She asked. "I'll wait here for Saito and the others, and see if we can ready a place for them to land. I'll then help you inside when we've got the injured off the ship." Agnes nodded, gave a quick salute, and ran back inside the mansion, and back into the lounge. Inside, it had become a fully make-shift field hospital. Everyone looked tired and exhausted, but still kept working. Saito's parents, it turned out, had been on first-aid courses back on Earth, so at least knew how to treat some of the injuries they were being faced with, though they were very impressed with just how effective Henrietta's healing magic was. Wounds that might have meant certain death without surgery or antibiotics back on Earth were being healed without any complications.
Back on the Ostlant, the mansion was coming into view. Saito had finished explaining everything as best he could, though it hadn't been easy with Tiffania trying to bandage the wound on his head. She'd covered his mouth and nose several times while he was telling everyone his story, mainly because she was getting deeply into it herself and lost attention on what she was actually doing. Despite her being given such an important role by Human and Elven kind, she was still just as clumsy as ever. As Saito had expected, Professor Colbert was overjoyed upon hearing that his parents were now in Halkgenia. There were so many things he planned to ask them about Earth, and even more that he wanted to see for himself. Saito knew deep down that Professor Colbert probably wouldn't want to leave until he got to visit Earth… then again; he imagined that it might be the same for everyone, and even he was looking forward to maybe spending a few days back home once everything had been sorted out.
As Saito looked towards the mansion, he could see Tabitha and a large group of the townspeople waving them down to a cleared spot about a minute away from the mansion. Professor Colbert had seen that as well and was steadily taking the ship down. Several members of the Royal Guard had also left the mansion to help carry the injured inside for treatment. As the ship touched down, the plank was lowered quickly. "Okay, we need to get the wounded off first, followed by the women, children and elderly. If anyone can help others get down, please do so." Saito heard Kirche trying to organise the people. Saito went over and helped carry a wounded Guardsman. He had an arrow in his left arm, and it had gone right the way through the bone, and had also been hit in the leg. However, despite the seriousness of his injuries and loss of blood, he was still in a very chatty mood. "Man, my wife is going to kill me when she hears about this." Saito couldn't help but laugh. "At least you've got time until she finds out, so you can still prepare; mine's going to find out about this in the next few minutes, and I wouldn't be surprised if I get the cold shoulder for next week…" The guardsman laughed. "It won't be that bad, no women would be that cruel to a wounded man." Saito laughed at the guardsman's response. This man clearly had never met anyone like Louise.
As Saito carried the injured guardsman inside, he was waved over by Henrietta. Her white royal dress was stained red with blood from treating so many people, and she looked physically exhausted, but she was still trying to do everything she could. Saito helped lay the man down gently on the floor, and Henrietta set to work on his leg. "How many are we looking at here?" Henrietta asked. Professor Colbert followed behind with an injured civilian in his arms. "We've got around ten people who need healing magic. We've done what we can on board the Ostlant before we landed." He answered before Saito could. "Very Well, thank you Professor. Saito, hold him down for a second." Henrietta instructed. "This will hurt, but try and bear with it." She told the guard who nodded, and shut his eyes and clenched his fist tightly. Saito held the soldier down as best he could as Henrietta pulled the arrow out. The soldier winced, but didn't jump bolt upright, much to Saito's surprise. Henrietta then used her healing magic to close the wounds as best she could. "One down… about nine more to go." She thought to herself. Today had been anything like what she had thought it would be, though she knew, perhaps in some ways better than anyone, life was never anything if not unpredictable and complicated.
It took around an hour for everyone to be treated. During that time, the majority of the remaining royal guard had returned from the town with a few more people they'd found alive. Some had chosen to remain behind to keep looters away, and keep a watch in case the slavers decided they wanted another fight. Luciana and Vitartial had used their powers to create shelter for the people, as night was closing in quickly. It wasn't anything special, but it would at least put a roof over their heads and somewhere to rest during the night. While this did originally generate much fear and a few comments, the sight of Saito and Tabitha thanking them for their help with the injured put most people in a calmer state of being. Fortunately for the people, the land was currently going through its summer period, so there was little chance of any heavy rains to worry about. While Saito was talking with a few of the people, who were thanking him and the Royal Guards for coming to their aid so quickly, Louise and his parents came out to find him.
"Saito!" Louise cried when she saw him, Saito barely had time to brace himself as she threw herself into his arms, and held him tightly. She gave him a kick in the shins "That's for making me worry, and getting hurt!" she said angrily. "We were so worried… what happened to your head?" His mom asked. "I'd love to say it was during a heroic duel with the Slaver commander… sadly, the truth is I slipped and hit my head as I fell." Saito replied with a sigh and a shrug, which set the townspeople off laughing. "Well… at least he's honest about it!" One of them said. Louise didn't look that convinced, she'd gotten to know when Saito wasn't telling the truth pretty well, and she sensed this was one of those times. She put it down to not wanting to worry his parents, so decided not to press it any further. "Does it hurt?" his dad asked. Saito shook his head. "Nope, my pride on the other hand, is a different matter." He joked. "It looked like things went fairly smoothly in our emergency medical centre, though you all look exhausted." Saito added.
His Mom shook her head. "Believe me, this is one of those times I'm glad I was made to take that First Aid course… though I don't ever want to have to go through something like that again." Saito nodded. He knew that feeling all too well. He hated fighting, and would normally prefer to settle things with words, but in this case there'd been no choice. Mr Hiraga looked at the people who were resting under the shelters that had been built by Luciana and Vitratial. "Will they be alright?" he asked. Saito sighed. "I've given them permission to stay on the grounds for tonight. At first light, I'll accompany them back to the town and we can get a clearer idea of just how much needs to be rebuilt, and how long it'll take." Mr Hiraga was surprised. "You've really put thought into that already? It won't be cheap." "It won't be, but I'll make sure as much help is provided as possible." Henrietta said, as she joined the group. She'd borrowed some of Siesta's clothes, which as it turned out, suited her very well. Louise was stunned. "Your Majesty, surely you have something more… regal to wear?" she asked, trying not to sound rude. Henrietta giggled. "Always the noble huh Louise" she quipped, catching Louise of guard. "Besides, right now, it's not really the sort of time to be wearing expensive clothes. When I get back to the capital, I'll order the deployment of a group of Knights to defend the area, and an emergency fund will be available to you to help with the rebuilding of the town." A cheer erupted from the crowd of people nearby. "Long Live Queen Henrietta. Long Live Queen Charlotte!" Saito's parents were a bit confused. "Uhh… who's Charlotte? Is there another Queen here?" His mom whispered in Saito's ear as Henrietta and Tabitha were talking to the various people who had gathered to thank them for their help, and the offer of support. "It's Tabitha's real name. She called herself Tabitha to hide her identity for certain reasons, and it sort of stuck between friends and a few others. Most people do now just call her Charlotte." Louise answered in a low voice.
Mrs Hiraga nodded, trying to work out just what sort of situation would require her to hide her identity. "I guess that makes sense, sounds like there's some complicated reasons behind it though." "Believe me, there were" Came a reply from behind them. Kirche was walking up to them looking around, her flame red hair flowing in the breeze. Her shirt still looked like it was several sizes too small for her chest, but since when did she ever care about that? "I don't suppose you've seen darling anywhere have you? He vanished on my about ten minutes ago… Playing hard to get as usual I suspect." Everyone, apart from Saito's parents, sweat dropped. It looked like Professor Colbert had finally managed to slip away from her for a few minutes, which going on how clingy she was, was no small feat, though it was clear she hadn't given up trying to woo him. "Kirche… will you ever give up trying to make him fall in love with you?" Louise asked, shaking her head. "I mean, he is technically our teacher." Saito's parent's jaws nearly hit the floor in surprise… did this world have no rules against student – teacher relationships? Or was this man a very talented individual who became a teacher at a young age. If it was the latter, then it would make a bit more sense. "What can I say…? I love a man who has so much power… and he's a fire mage like me, so it makes it even better." It was only then that Kirche noticed Saito's parents, and the shocked expression they were wearing. "Umm… can I help you?" she asked innocently. "Kirche, these are Saito's parents, Mr and Mrs Hiraga." Louise said, shaking her head still. It took a few seconds for the penny to drop, Kirche became a bit embarrassed. "Oops… this is awkward I forgot Saito said you were here. Allow me to introduce myself, Kirche Zerbst, a flame mage." She said, bowing awkwardly "No if you'll excuse me… I think I can see darling over there!" and with that, she hurried away to continue looking for Professor Colbert.
There was a few seconds of silence before Louise looked over at a nearby tree. "Your safe for now!" she called out. A few seconds later, Professor Colbert dropped down, surprising everyone but Louise, who had seen him climb up quickly. "That girl is persistent, I'll give her that much." He muttered, brushing off a few leaves and sticks that had gotten caught to his coat and staff. Mr Hiraga couldn't help but chuckle. "I take it this is a very one-sided romance then?" he asked. Professor Colbert nodded. "I respect her skills as a mage and as my pupil, but I keep telling her I'm not interested in a relationship… though it seems she either doesn't get it, or refuses to listen." "Or she's playing you" Saito and Louise both thought. It was no secret that Kirche was the sort of woman who threw herself at men. She'd even tried to seduce Saito not long after he'd beaten Guiche in a duel. "Anyway, Professor Jean Colbert." He walked forward and shook Mr Hiraga's hand "I'm a teacher at the Magic Academy. I must say I'm so glad I finally get to meet you." Mrs Hiraga nodded "Saito has told us a lot about you today." Professor Colbert laughed "only the good I hope. I do have many things I'd like to ask you about your world, if you don't mind." "That'll have to wait… darling!" came a call from behind him. Kirche had found him, and had wrapped her arms around his waist tightly "Not again…" the professor thought to himself. "Can't I have a few minutes to myself?" he asked Kirche, who merely pouted playfully. "But I can't help it, I get lonely without you." "These two are like some really badly written soap couple" Saito's parents thought.
"Umm, Louise, Saito, can I speak to you both for a minute?" Came a call from Siesta inside the mansion. "Excuse us, we'll be right back." Saito and Louise walked back inside, leaving his parents to talk with the Professor. As they walked inside, they saw Illococoo had returned to her human form, and was sitting in the kitchens with Siesta. "I see you managed to find somewhere quiet to transform" Louise said. Illococoo nodded. "Sure, but it was not easy when people are constantly on the lookout for anything that is suspicious… You know there are times when I just wish master would let me openly transform… it would save me so much time." She sighed. "You can't exactly blame her, I mean, familiars being able to transform are a very rare thing. She just wants to keep you safe." Louise pointed out. Saito nodded. "Anyway, what's up Siesta?" Siesta paused for a second. "What are we going to do about food? I've taken a quick look, and there is no way we can provide enough food for everyone, let alone the townspeople. I really wasn't expecting to many people to suddenly turn up unannounced, and now what with the incident in the town… it's put us in a difficult position." Saito thought deeply. "Louise, Do you have enough power to open a portal now?" he asked. Louise thought about it for a second. "Well… I can probably open a portal into Earth, but I don't have anywhere near enough power to keep it open while you go grab some supplies. Hell, even opening it would be difficult, maintaining it… I don't know." She replied honestly. "Fine, no problem. I'd rather we didn't end up suddenly getting people stuck back on Earth, so let's not risk that." Saito replied. "Illococoo, when you were flying over-head, what were the state of the crops and other things?" Illococoo thought about it for a second. "They appeared largely untouched, but I don't think it's safe enough to risk going to grab what we need tonight. It's too dark, and for all we know, there could be a few pockets of resistance that have returned."
"Umm, maybe I can help" Came a call from the back door into the kitchen. As it opened, it revealed Tiffania, closely followed by Arie and Luctania. Tiffania ran over to Louise and gave her a big hug. "I've missed you so much." She said, as Louise returned it. "Same, how's things been in the Elven Lands." Saito coughed to interrupt them. "Sorry to interrupt, but we really need to think of a way to get everyone fed. Hungry people tend to be unhappy people; no matter how grateful they are for doing all we can to rescue them. What's your idea Tiffa?" he asked. "Well… the Ostlant did pick up a large amount of supplies in preparation for while travelled around the kingdoms for the various meetings we've got in the weeks ahead. I can't see any reason why we can't donate what's needed for tonight. And, while it'd be a bit tight and cramped, we could probably cook and prepare a lot of it on board the Ostlant." Saito thought about it. "If you can, it would be a huge help." Luctania looked at Arie "See if you can get a few humans who know anything about cooking, we're going to need some volunteers to help." Arie gave a huff. "Why me?" Luctania went serious. "Do it, or we're getting divorced!" Arie sighed "fine fine…" he muttered as he headed back outside. After a few moments, Luctania burst out laughing. "Ohh he is SO easy to manipulate…"
Authors Note:
I've had a few people asking me about how long this story will be. Currentplans are for around 10-12 chapters, but I have enough stuff on the sidelines to carry this on for a lot more than that. I'll keep this going as long as I can keep thinking of good material for it.