AN: Sorry for the delay and bla bla bla...
I guess we are all used to this, aren't we?
Moving on, thanks for everyone who reviewed and asked for the story to continue. You people are the other reason I do this. The first is, of course, because it's fun.
Well, hope you enjoy the chapter as much as I enjoyed writning it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Zero no Tsukaima and I am making absolutely no profit with this story. In other words, if you sue me, you won't gain much money.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Rebellion: A Zero no Tsukaima Fanfic
Delicate, feminine feet walked down a long corridor, making a soft sound with each step they took. Long, black hair danced lightly by the soft rhythm of the night breeze. The bright, dual moons shone over a beautiful, white face, entering the mansion it was in by the wide windows along the hallway. Deep, purple eyes glanced around at the surroundings, quietly amused by the marvelous decorations, the beautiful paintings and the golden ornaments. Slightly irritated ears listened tiredly as the voice beside them kept talking.
Slowly, the woman turned to her side to look at the maid walking along her. For the past ten minutes, she had been restlessly speaking about the mansion's owner. Patience was wearing thin, and after hearing over and over again about how great the maid's master, hero and crush was, she was more than tempted to punch the servant.
But she would keep listening, such was her task. To listen, observe and investigate, all with the objective of learning about the man who could be her means to seize power in Tristain.
The maid, oblivious to her guest's annoyance, simply continued with her adoration. Sighing, Sheffield turned once again towards the corridor she was walking through, amused by its state. Impressive, really, what a little determination could do to a burnt down building. It almost seemed as if a fire had never occurred.
Finally, both women reached a door, which the maid knocked softly to announce her arrival.
"Who is it?" Came a voice from inside the door. It was clearly that of a teenager or a young man, as it lacked both the softness of a child's and the deepness of an adult's. Sheffield was sure at that very instant; that was the voice of her target.
"It is me master Lyon, Celia. Lady Sheffield has arrived to see you." The maid's face was full of joy and serenity. She was not nervous nor afraid, but proud of speaking with the man she idolized so much. Sheffield could see that whatever Lyon's personality was like, it was one that could attract and influence people, or one that he wanted other people think he had.
Truly an interesting person, maybe even more than the Valliére girl.
"Let her enter please." And so, Celia opened the silver door to the revolutionist's studio. The room was full of maps, diagrams and military formations, some new, some old, some effective and orders a tactical failure. The room's furniture was practically non-visible, covered by countless papers. At the very center of the room, a table stood displaying the map of Tristain and its borders. Marks, whose meaning was unknown to Sheffield, were painted all over it, some even reaching Gallia and Germania. The leader, Lyon, was busy reading a book over the desk at the end of the room, just behind two large windows. He was a young man, around the early twenties, and short for his age. He had short, green hair, and wore a heavy armor outside any of the kingdoms' official uniform. On his back, a large silverfish sword rested inside its sheet.
He had to be either a confident warrior or a careless fool to position himself at a point that would facilitate an assassination.
"Do you need anything else sir?" Asked Celia, obviously anxious to please her master. Internally, the familiar wondered to which level the maid's "Service" had reached.
The man seemed to pay no attention to the maid and automatically responded with a negative. Celia then bowed and politely asked if Sheffield desired anything. Once she was again answered with a no, she then quietly exited the room and closed the door, making sure not to disturb the swordsman's reading.
As soon as Celia was clearly away from the studio, Lyon closed his book and looked at Sheffield with a neutral expression. Those crystal-clear blue eyes looked at the familiar's eyes. For a second, Sheffield was taken off guard as those eyes seemed to pierce her soul and all of her emotional barriers to know her fully, and judge her afterwards. But just as fast as it began, it ended. In less than a second, the mind of god put a soft and greeting smile on her face and Lyon's eyes suddenly lost their hypnotic effect.
"Miss Sheffield thanks for coming to my humble house tonight."
Humble? Yeah, right. If the mansion she had just walked through was humble, then she was a saint. "It was a pleasure. King Joseph is anxious to start negotiations with you."
"Yes, so I read on the letter you sent past week. Though, I must admit we weren't expecting you. After all, this is supposed to be a secret revolution."
"I am aware of your surprise, but you must know that the King has "Eyes" and "Ears" all over Halkeginia."
"I know what you mean; I myself have some contacts inside the royal palace. Also, if you don't mind I ask, I would like to know the reasons for your visit. The things on the letter were, shady, to say the least."
Sheffield smiled inside; finding out who those spies were could prove to be quite the advantage for her. "I apologize for being so mysterious, but we wanted to make sure that had the letter fall on wrong hands, no important information would be revealed. But don´t worry, I am more than willing to share my reasons for this visit."
"As I mentioned before, King Joseph of Gallia is sympathetic to your cause, and hopes to make negotiations were both sides come out beneficiated."
"In other words, he wants to make war business and ensure post-war income." Lyon said dryly, neutral face never flattering.
Sheffield´s smile didn´t change. She was right, this was an interesting one. "That is a…blunt way to put things, but let me clarify that the King is genuinely willing to support this revolution. The post-war income, as you call it, is for the benefit of Gallia. He, after all, has to ensure the country's economical stability."
"I understand, but let me ask you something. If he is so sympathetic to our cause, then why isn´t he coming in person? If I am right, he is no longer the public king of Gallia."
"Yes, due to some problems with some antagonist groups, the king was forced to go into hiding and leave the country's management to a court officer. But I assure you, this is just to prevent a possible murder from occurring, and the king is hoping to gain your support. He is the one who asked me to come after all."
"After all, you seem to say that phrase a lot don´t you?"
"It's basic politeness to explain my reasons for coming."
"Okay then. Let me ask you then, if you king is a lover of freedom like us, then why are the conditions for commoners in Gallia not so different from the ones here in Tristain?"
"That is not the King's will. As you know, many nobles tend to abuse of their power, and while the King is always making sure law plays fair for everybody, he can't follow each and every of the nobles who act in such a corrupt way."
"Why? Doesn't he have time? What could he be possibly doing that is more important than making sure his people are happy? That is, after all, the task of a ruler, if I am not mistaken."
"Like I said before, the King has been quite busy dealing with antagonist groups,"
"Are those groups of Gallian commoners?"
"While I'm sure they have commoners, they are foreign forces that wish to seize power in Gallia."
"You mean Reconquista?"
"Sadly, yes."
"…" Lyon kept silent for what seemed like hours, but were mere seconds. Then, his neutral face turned into a smile. "Fine then, if what you are telling me is true, then I will be more than happy to negotiate with your king. What is he willing to obtain from all this, exactly?"
"Friendship, mostly. He is willing to send secret supplies to support your forces, and once you free your Kingdom, he hopes you can help him get rid of both the corrupted officers in Gallia and the threat of Reconquista. Also, he would like some influence in commercial and political affairs in the new government of Tristain. Nothing too big to take power from you, just enough to create a solid economical relationship between our nations, and to be aware of any events in Tristain that could benefit or prejudice Gallia."
Lyon let out a small chuckle, obviously amused at her response. "Wow, you really ARE amazing. You can easily make a trap sound like a great deal. Aren´t I right Sheffield? Or should I call you…?" Lyon´s face erased the amused smiled it once had and replaced it with a deep, and serious glare. Again, his eyes seemed to enter Sheffield's very soul and judge it.
"…Myozthirirn, the mind of god, legendary familiar of King Joseph and leader of Reconquista."
Sheffield's mask dropped. Instead of the beautiful, smiling face, she now wore a serious expression with a serpent-like glare. "So you know."
"Of course I do. Do you really think I would start a revolution without knowing to the full about the events around Halkeginia? Like I said, I also have eyes and ears in the royal palace, but not just Tristain's." Sheffield's glare intensified. "I am well aware about the events that took place a few months ago between you and a group of Academy mages, one of which is another void mage with the legendary familiar Gandalrf."
"Then there is no reason to sugar cover this, is it? I will make my point clear. You help us overthrow Queen Henrietta, and King Joseph promises full power for you over this country, that is, of course, as long as you respond to him."
"While that is a tempting offer, there are two problems with it. First of all, I don't want to become King, neither do I want to overthrow the Queen. I know shit about ruling a kingdom. I just want commoners to be treated like humans and not trash."
"And second of all…" He came so close to Sheffield their noses almost touched, and their eyes deeply glanced into the other's pair, never blinking. "…I don´t make treaties with bitches like you."
For a full minute, neither moved, not a sound was made nor did both titans look away from the other's face. Finally, Sheffield gave an amused smiled and allowed herself a small laugh. Lyon didn´t seem to care.
"Disrespectful fool. Like you even had a word in this. My orders were to ensure your cooperation, and I plan to follow them." Lifting her right hand, Sheffield showed the sacred Ring of Andvari. She smirked, as it let out a sinister glow, and Lyon's eyes were immediately darkened, a submissive expression all over his once imposing face.
"See? That's what happens when you dare defy me." Her smirk suddenly dropped at what happened next.
Lyon's sword let out a bright blue light, and wind began surrounding him. In a second, the effect from the ring ended, and the warrior was once again in control of his mind.
He smirked at Sheffield's shocked expression. "If there is a fool here, Sheffield, that's you. When we talked earlier, you had a response for each and every one of my questions. Responses only someone who had been observing my movements for a long time should be able to give. Had you showed even a hint of anger or nervousness, I would have believed you to be genuine. But you were always calm, even after I questioned your Master."
"But even after all that spying, you failed to discover the source of my power. Both your ring and my sword use the same kind of ancient magic, so I can nullify the effects of the Ring of Andvari with my Healing Wind, however…" He stood up and placed a hand on the grip of his blade. "…Your brainwashing accessory can't nullify my sword!"
The sword came down on Sheffield. She barely managed to dodge, but even when the blade missed, a powerful wind threw her back to the wall, ruining some rather old maps. "You can dodge my blade, but you can´t dodge an Air Slash, after all, air is what surrounds you."
Quickly, Sheffield raised her hand and portals opened all over the room. From them, medium sized fiends came out floating, all wearing the same runes that flashed in Sheffield's forehead. The creatures charged at Lyon, who spun around with his sword, cutting two of the fiends and rising up a small tornado that cut the remaining fiends in half.
Realizing she couldn't win without her main weapons and with the swordsman having expected her, Myozthirirn threw a glass sphere to the floor, releasing a powerful and blinding light.
Once the radiance died down, Lyon stood alone in his studio, papers and maps messed all around it. He was surrounded by a sphere of wind which would have protected him had Sheffield tried something while he was blinded. Glancing around, he spotted a closing portal. Even with enhanced speed, it closed before he could reach it.
Lyon cursed internally. So close of killing her and he lets her escape. Guess she was going to be harder to catch than he thought. Still, he was glad to know his training had paid off. He had successfully cornered the Mind of God without a scratch or breaking a sweat.
Suddenly, the door to his studio burst open and a worried Celia came in running. "Master Lyon! Are you okay?"
"Yes Celia, I'm unharmed."
"What happened? Where is Lady Sheffield?"
"She and I had a little… "Disagreement"… and she decided to leave in a rather violent way."
"Should I alert the guards?"
"No, I can´t feel her anywhere near. She is surely traveling back to her King, no point in worrying our forces for nothing, however…," He turned to her and smiled warmly. "…I'm going to need your help cleaning up this mess."
"Of course my Master." Replied the Maid, both relieved that her hero was safe, and happy she was going to be of utility to her crush. At this rate, maybe she could even try to "help him out" all the way to sexual affairs, but she was going to have to wait.
There was a studio full of cut papers that needed order.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Hiraga Saito was bored. Not the way one was bored at school. NO. He was as bored as if he had been hired to read through all the telephone directory to try and find a single, random person with that person's number as the only clue.
Why was he feeling this way? Simple.
Louise, Tiffania and every other mage were all god-knows-where taking the final exam of the year. It was so important that it was held in a secret part of the forest, and no one, familiars included, were allowed to even witness it. All to make sure nobody cheated.
If Louise passed it, she was to be given a purple cape as signature of her graduation from the second year. If she failed…Saito shuddered. Louise would probably end up furious, and looking for a target to discharge her anger in, and with his luck, most possibly him.
Siesta and the rest of the servants were busy preparing the congratulations party, and even though he offered himself to help, he was thrown out like an animal.
So much for a national hero…
Agnes wasn´t going to tutor him on swordsmanship as she was with her majesty in the castle, too busy to mind him. Colbert, Osmond and every other professor had gone off along with the students.
Even Julius had to attend an urgent call from Romalia and had still to return to the Academy. That meant the only people for him to speak to were Derflinger and the guards who would probably just find him annoying.
Great, right?
He reached the academy's fountain and sat down at the edge. Bored, he looked inside the water as if it was the world's most interesting thing. Strangely enough, the water´s surface was completely still, almost like a mirror, despite water constantly flowing inside and outside of it. Magic, he supposed.
Thirty minutes passed without the water doing anything before Saito began remembering. About what, you may ask.
Four large months had passed since their fight against Joseph. After the king's Jormungandr was defeated, Gallia's ruler went into hiding. He left behind the throne to one of his most loyal subordinates, and both he and Sheffield escaped under the public excuse Joseph was being targeted by Reconquista in an attempt to murder him.
Of course, Saito knew better than to believe that kind of crap.
Not even a sound had been heard from Tabitha's uncle since then, which meant the ruler was planning some mayor evil scheme.
The mages, however, weren't just going to sit down and wait for the doom Joseph represented. Being unable to make his intentions publics (Since they lacked prove and credibility outside Tristain), they opted to training instead.
Saito had been constantly sparring against Agnes and Julius to polish his skill, both with the sword or any other weapon, as well as heeding Derflinger's advice when fighting.
Kirche and Tabitha tutored each other, both becoming line mages by the month in Fire and Wind magic. Something similar happened with Giche and Montmorency.
The Knights of Undine had also trained to aide their captain in combat. They, however, still had to control their second element before reaching Giche's level.
Colbert and the rest of the teachers began re-polishing their skills at Osmond's command, to ensure the Academy's safety. Colbert had been tutoring Kirche too, teaching her advanced fire magic. The busty student, of course, took most of the lesson's time to flirt with her "love", not caring the poor professor was so reluctant to show that kind of affection in public (or even in private).
Finally, the professor had continued with his studies of the Earth machinery with Saito's advice, eventually managing to upgrade both the Zero and the Ostland.
Tiffania, revealed to be the third void mage, had been studying hard to control her powers beyond erasing memories. In time, and thanks to Louise's and Derflinger's help, she managed to achieve a decent level of void magic, as well as continue practicing with elf magic.
As for Louise…
Wanting to make sure she would be able to protect Saito, the pink-haired had constantly been using the Blank Diary's advice to learn new Void spells. Thanks to both the Wind and Water rubies being kept inside the Academy, she was able to do such thing.
After Derflinger's continuous advice, both she and Saito had taken private lessons to strengthen their bond as Mage and Familiar, to the point Louise was able to "lend" some of her void magic to Saito among many other things, all with the condition of the two being close to each other and under visual range.
Still, and despite their closeness, Saito had failed to convince Louise into getting intimate with each other, seeing as the girl was simply not ready yet. To make matters even less promising, his proposal had been met by a painful, temper-fueled explosion.
Remembering that last occurrence, Saito sighed "So much for Louise's boyfriend". He really loved Louise, honestly, but with the constant flirting from Siesta and Tabitha as well as Tiffania's unaware accidents (Ex: Panty Shots!) he was not sure masturbation would keep his hormones under control for much longer.
Oh, how he yearned for Louise's body…
Already going through that train of thought, the swordsman started to imagine himself and Louise in various situations and positions, some of which would be considered "sick" (At least in Halkeginia). Soon, Louise was joined by Kirche, Siesta, Tabitha, Tiffania and many other girls in Saito's fantasies. So much was the boy's mental joy, that he failed to spot the figure of a maid approaching him.
"Master Saito!" Siesta called. "I am sorry for throwing you out of the preparations earlier, but it was just to keep it a secret. However, I am now finished so I came to make sure you were well accompanied." The maid was more than anxious to spend time with his master, especially now Louise was away, but she had been delayed by the party preparations up until the moment. "If you want me to, I could prepare some…"
Before the maid could continue, she took notice of Saito's expression. He was looking at her after hearing her calls, but was still trapped in his fantasies. He was drooling from the mouth, as well as bleeding from the nose. As icing to the cake, an erection was obvious from within his pants.
Her face red like a cherry, Siesta looked away from the sight, not ready for it. "My god, master Saito. If you wanted to do such things, you should have just asked me to." She finally said, hoping the whole scene wasn´t going to be ruined.
Unfortunately, it did.
Saito became even more "happier" at the maid's insinuations, and was allowing his fantasies to go wild. His sword, however, had different plans.
"Partner." Derflinger called from Saito's back.
No response.
"Partner." He said again, a little more hurried this time.
No, nothing.
"Partner!" Derflinger shouted, a bit panicked.
The last call got Siesta's attention, who immediately saw what the weapon was afraid of. Saito was, however, still in "Dreamland".
"SAITO!" Time froze, space broke, and Saito snapped back from his fantasies.
To his side, in perfect angle to see his now low erection was a pink haired mage with a red face, not of embarrassment, but of anger.
It was LOUISE.
Saito, fearing for his life, quickly spoke. "This is not what you think Louise."
"Oh, so you weren't having perverted fantasies about this maid, were you?" The mage responded.
"W-wait, you don't understand, she wasn't the only one…" Saito slapped himself on the forehead as soon as the last word was spoken. Daring to look, both Siesta and Louise had their eyes darkened by their hair, making it impossible to see them.
A clear promise of death.
"So I am not enough for you, am I Master Saito?" Siesta darkly spoke.
"N-n-no n-no no, you are enough, it's just I got a bit carried away."
"So she is what you want then, eh, Saito?" Louise continued.
"Yes, I mean, no, I mean, you were there too Louise…" He again slapped himself. Louise and Siesta both seemed to expel a dark aura. Students who were around the scene immediately ran away from the area, fearing for their safety.
Slowly and menacingly, they began walking towards him.
"Louise, Siesta, wait!" Saito fearfully begged. All traces from his previous excitation were long gone.
"Partner." Finally hearing his call, Saito turned towards Derflinger.
"Yes?"
"Run."
Not even arguing a little, Saito turned around and began his escape, using his Galdarf powers to boost his speed, becoming extremely fast. He didn't get far though. Since her last word Louise had been casting a spell, and was now ready to use it.
She pointed her wand to Saito, and sinisterly said "Drain".
At her command, Saito's energies started dropping to the point he was kneeling in the floor, sweating and gasping for breath. Looking behind him, both doom bringers continued their advance, and in less than half a minute, they were looming over him.
Siesta reached for her pocket and withdrew a large whip from it. "May I suggest using number 7 this time, Miss Louise?" It was a grey, thick whip with spikes and a small blade in the end, commonly used to tame wild or berserk wyverns.
"An adequate selection." Louise grabbed the whip and prepared to strike.
Her hair finally let Saito see her eyes, which were now red like the color of blood. "DIE, YOU FILTHY DOG."
All around the Academy, agony screams could be heard, as both students and servants quickly distanced themselves from the horrid scene.
At least, Saito was no longer bored.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
"Interesting…" And it indeed was. Joseph knew the rebel leader was strong, but for him to defeat Sheffield so easily…
The king smirked.
Everything was already working as he had planned.
Slowly, he turned towards his familiar, who had been unusually low on her voice, and spoke. "Sheffield, did you see anything particularly strange about his sword?"
She nodded. "His sword had runes inscribed at it, Master." Poor Sheffield, afraid of the consequences her "failure" had caused.
Joseph shook his head, ready to clarify things for her. "Sheffield, stop being so meek, I'm not angry at you."
Sheffield was shocked to hear this, and jolted her head to look at Gallia's king straight into his eyes. "Why?"
"Because I already knew of the result. I sent simply to confirm a couple of doubts I had been having lately about this rebellion."
Surprise and confusion took place in Sheffield´s mind and face. "But, Master Joseph, why did you send me there if I was going to lose? Why didn´t you tell me anything? And what are this doubts you have?"
"Simple. I sent you there solely to confirm Lyon's powers. I told you nothing just in case the void user over there spotted you and tried to force the information out of you. Finally, I am interested in the void mage who is participating in the rebellion. As much as I hate to admit it, he has powers and abilities even stronger than mines, and how far they go is what I want to know."
Sheffield had finally calmed down; beginning to make sense of what her master was trying to say. "When you speak about his power, are you referring to his control over the runes, or the fact he is able to cast magic without a wand?"
"Both actually. As interesting as the rebels are, he is the true jewel among them. Do you know what we could achieve by gaining his insight?" Joseph put on an enormous grin, one that showed hunger for power.
"Just think about it. The ability to manipulate these ancient runes. The only one who has been able to do such things up until now is the Founder Brimir. With it, we could create powerful magic beyond what anyone ever dreamed."
Sheffield now understood. Images of an army full of Gandalrfs under their command flew in and out her imagination. Those very same runes adorned her forehead, and if they managed to control them, they could be replicated over and over, as much as they wanted to.
There was only something bugging her…
"Master, how do you think this boy learnt such things?"
"I have my theories, but let's leave their confirmation after we take control of Tristain."
"You still plan on using this rebellion as a way to take hold of the kingdom?"
"Not doing so would be foolish. If they are giving us the opportunity, why waste it?" Gallia's former king grinned sinisterly. "The board is set, the pieces are arranged perfectly the way I want them to be."
"It is time to play"
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Ethan ran excitedly. He ran the way any eight year old would after hearing his heroes were departing soon. He wanted to see them and give them his best wishes before they set out to fight for their freedom. Not to mention his father was among them.
And speaking of him…
Spotting him ahead, the youngster made one final sprint and tackled the poor man who could only see a flash of yellow. Being held firmly by his father, Ethan couldn't feel happier.
Or sadder for that matter.
Sure, his dad was a hero. Sure, so where his aunt and uncles. Sure, he was fighting for Ethan and his mom, but deep inside, the youngster wished the world could give them all a break to be a normal family, with normal problems.
But it wasn't that way, so he was going to have to live up with it.
"Came to give your old man one final good bye?" Ethan looked up to meet the smiling face of his dad, happy to see his firstborn between his arms.
"Hm. I wish you good luck daddy."
"Who needs luck when you have my skill?" Joshua said in a playful matter, tickling his now giggling son. "But thanks nonetheless Ethan."
"Well, taking into account Zheo won't be around to tell you what to do, you will need as much luck as you can." From the distance, both father and son saw Natasha walking up to them, a warm smile firmly on her face.
"So you finally decided to come."
"You can´t blame me. Ethan just bolted away from me the moment I opened the door. I'm simply too slow to keep up with him."
Ethan looked up to his mother with a childish grin in his face. "Sorry mommy."
"Don't worry about it, but starting from today, it will be less sugar for you mister." Ignoring the *humph* she got as response, Natasha turned lovingly to her husband. "Promise me you will return safe."
"Have you no confidence I will be fine?"
"Have you ever given me a reason to believe that?"
"Touché." Closing the distance between their lips, husband and wife locked in a deep and loving kiss, much to the displeasure of a certain boy.
"Hey, keep it down! There ARE kids watching!" Both lovers parted lips at the shout from a red-haired woman who was walking up to them.
"Aunty!" With renewed emotion, Ethan ran and tackled his aunt, who caught him firmly in her arms.
"Hey there little guy!" Responded Dianne, as she got up from her spot in the ground.
"It is good to see you here Dianne." Natasha ran up to her sister and helped her up from the ground
"It is good to see you too sis! And don't worry; I won't let your man get himself in any dangerous situation."
"Good. I was beginning to get uneasy."
"Give it your best aunt! You too dad!" Cheered Ethan from below, receiving thanks from both warriors.
"Aren´t you forgetting about someone?" Said a figure walking towards them. He was a young man with short-green hair. By his side, another young man arrived, this one in robes of deep blue and his purple hair tied in a ponytail.
"Uncle Lyon! Uncle Zheo!" Repeating his overused process, the kid tackled both of his "uncles" and hugged them hard, expressing his abundant affection to everyone present.
"You going to be a good boy and listen to your mother?" The greenette asked the little boy.
"Of course I will! I'm the man of the house now!" Ethan stated quite proudly.
"A man of the house who is afraid of darkness." Dianne said bluntly, finding the reactions to her teasing amusing.
"AUNTY!" The youngster was red from both embarrassment and irritation. His aunt always teased him at any chance she got.
"Ethan…" Called Zheo in a low voice, but it was well heard nonetheless. "How are you progressing with that tome I gave you?"
"I'm doing superb uncle. By the time you get back I will have already finished. And one day, I will be as much of a great mage as you are."
"I look forward to such a day." Zheo patted his disciple's small head. It was hard to tell whether the young man felt any emotion, as his face was as empty as his affinity. But to those close to him, they could easily feel the affection he gave away by the tone of his voice.
"Excuse me sir." Everyone looked from the tender scene to the soldier who had just arrived. He was wearing the traditional armor any Tristain soldier wore, however, instead of the traditional symbol which portrayed Tristain's flag, his had the image of a common house with a white bird overflying it. In simple terms, it meant "Freedom for the commoners".
"What is it?" As the one in charge, Lyon was the one who the soldier had addressed to.
"The troops are ready to depart. They are just waiting for your words."
"Thanks. I will be over there in a moment." With a nod as well as a respectful bow, the soldier dismissed himself and went back to check on the troops.
"Guess it is time to go." Dianne said in a melancholic tone. Shavia had been her home for many years, and simply letting t behind was hard.
"Please be safe, all of you." Natasha held her son tightly between her arms. Right before her, the people she had come to consider as family for years were about to put their lives at stake for the sake of everyone.
The blonde dreaded that the image of herself and her son alone right in front of several graves came true, just like it had come true five years ago, when she lost her parents, her friends, and her house.
So absorbed was Natasha in her daytime nightmare, that she didn´t see her husband until he was hugging her tightly, Ethan in between. "It should have been like this from the start." Natasha thought. "Just the three of us, together, like any other family, with no concern other than that if our boy was growing up properly."
Natasha had tears welling up in her eyes, and so had Ethan. Everyone was silent. From all of them, they were the only one who would end up alone if something went wrong, so it was an expected reaction for them to be sad.
Slowly, Dianne reached up with her hand and touched her sister's shoulder before joining the little family in their hug; so did Lyon and so did Zheo. No words were needed, just the assurance in their touch that everything was going to be okay and a little time to be able to remember…
Their past.
Their present.
Their joy.
Their pain.
Their failures and victories.
Their hopes for the future.
Their dreams.
And most of all, to remember their loved ones.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
That very same day in the afternoon, in the eastern village of Shavia, a small group of people departed deeper inside the kingdom in hopes of reaching their dreams and ideals of freedom and justice.
They were not rich but poor, and they were not very strong by the exception of a few of them, but they were willing to lose it all just to fight in what they believed in; to shed tears and blood in hopes the ones who came after wouldn't be needed to do the same.
Unbeknown to most at that moment, that small group of dreamers would be the cause for the mayor change in the history of the continent of Halkeginia
May it be bad or good and for who was still uncertain.
The only certain thing was that at that very time and place…
…
The world changed.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
I know, kind of dramatic, but I was just trying to show things in a realistic way. Don't worry though, war is war, so action is a must. Next chapter will have it.
Thanks for reading and please review. All kind of support is welcome.
Peace.