AN: Hello again. Nothing important to comment right now other than thanking for those who support this story. I put all my effort into this story, so please try to enjoy it. Feel free to critique and correct me; if you see any spelling error please let me know, without a beta it's hard to detect every error. (If anyone wants the job you are more than welcome).
Thanks and please enjoy. Let's go on with the story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Zero no Tsukaima nor do I make profit with this work. If I did, no need for me to work part-time (seriously I do).
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Rebellion: A Zero no Tsukaima Fanfic
Countless feelings, memories, joys, miseries, hopes, dreams, ideas, beliefs, emotions, affections, resentments, friendships…an entire lifetime opened up in front of Zheo.
He could reach it, touch it, feel it, see it, hear it; he could live it.
His knowledge poured into his mind like a torrent, flooding his subconscious with facts and secrets not known to him until a few minutes ago. Powers countries would kill to possess, have been given to the young man in matter of seconds, but to Zheo who was currently seated in his private room, it seemed like a hundred years.
Body of eighteen, but a mind far more wise and old than those of the elder mages. From a certain point of view, it could be said he had lived more than any other human, having lived what He had lived not once, but many times.
Much too similar to what he was currently doing. Zheo had once again entered that realm, that dream; searching, observing for anything he had passed up, or ignored, or missed; something to make him understand what he could not.
Magic, medicine, the art of war, history, geography, economy, politics and far more other areas of Halkeginian knowledge had been learned by him. Zheo had understood all those lessons and facts; but he didn't know everything, he couldn't understand every single thing.
Zheo couldn't understand himself.
And as long as he couldn't, his world would be as gray as it had been for years; almost all color lost.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Shrouded in darkness, a woman awaited her contact. She had long brown hair, her eyes of deep green. She wore the usual attire of a maid, and was even using a broom to clean the dust and dirt in the alleyway she stood at. To every passing person she seemed just a common employee tasked with cleaning the outside of an expensive house.
However, she was not. And one person knew that.
"Mia Lancer?" The blonde girl said in a whisper, showing a little of nervousness and fear. It was her first time dealing with this kind of people.
Hearing her contact calling her, Mia turned around and smiled at her. "You must be Angelica." It was more a statement than an assumption. "It's a pleasure to meet you." With evident practice, the false maid made a small greeting with her dress. Angelica did the same "We will be working together from now on."
"Yes…we will…" Angelica had been contacted just a month ago, and just until now was she able to answer their call. Still…
"You don't seem too sure with this." Ashamed, the blonde lowered her head. She should be more confident; had she been so before she wouldn't be involved in this right now. "Let me guess; not too willing to dirty your hands."
"Please don't misunderstand me…It is not that I don't want this, but…" She gulped down a bit of saliva; she caught her breath out of nerves. "I have heard…things."
Mia sighed; she knew all too well what the girl meant. "Don't worry; we assure you all your friends will be safe, as well as the people living here. The execution of the nobles was meant for them, the nobles. I doubt you have friends in the aristocracy, do you?"
"Oh no, I don't." And truth be told, she had her fair share of hate for them. "I was just a bit nervous, that's all."
"Listen." The rebel put a hand in Angelica's shoulder. "We won't force you to do anything, if you are not sure of doing this, then you can go. We can find someone else for the job, and you can try and find other means to achieve your goals; all we ask is that you tell nobody." While it could be interpreted as a threat, the tone in Mia's voice remembered the blonde of her own mother; worried, not wanting her child to do things she really didn't want to.
"Mom…" Angelica swore, on her tomb, that she would do it; she would achieve her dreams and have the life her late mother didn't have.
She would do it, for her mom and herself.
Taking a deep breath, the blonde steeled herself. "It's okay, I'm fine now." While still there, the fear and nervousness didn't quite have the effect they were having on the blonde four minutes ago. "I guess I simply needed some motivation. I told myself I would reach my goals, and if I don't do it on behalf of the commoners, then I don't think I would ever could."
Mia genuinely smiled. "See? That's all you needed, inspiration. Don't worry, we will protect you and your family; and you job is an easy one as it is."
"Understood. So, what do I have to do?"
"You will have to wait for some weeks until the leader arrives, then we will act." She handed a scroll to her now partner. Angelica unrolled it, carefully read it once; twice; and nodded in acknowledgement; she could do it. "Oh! And…"
"…if you can, tell your friends to join in too."
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Through all of her life, even since she was barely 5 years old, Henrietta had been tutored into the correct behavior any good princess and eventual queen should have. It was thanks to those endless years of lessons and instructions that the current queen of Tristain wasn't crying on the floor. Even then, her voice was full of worry. "And… is Louise alright?"
"O-of course your majesty, she is just feeling a little weak; nothing some rest won't cure." Saito was trying to reassure the queen everything was going to be okay, but his own lack of confidence on the matter was making such task a hard one.
"I… I see…" Answered the queen; it was quite obvious she didn't buy the excuse at all. Mentally steeling herself, she proceeded as professionally as she could. "Exactly, what happened on the lake?"
"We-well, you see…" Saito rubbed the back of his head clearly unsure of how to speak. Julio took the question in Gandalf's place.
"Once we arrive at our destination…" Began the wyvern knight, taking everyone's attention. "…we were ambushed by Sheffield and a large group of monsters. We were able to take them out in time thanks to our comrades here." Julio extended a hand to signal Montmorency and Guiche, who were clearly enjoying the credit. "However, even after beating a steel golem Sheffield refused to give up. She used some mysterious orb and covered the entire lakefront in pitch black darkness; I couldn't even see my own body. Thankfully, we were able to resist the attack without any major loss long enough for Louise to cast a Void spell and finish all the enemies off, seemingly Sheffield as well. After that she collapsed to the ground unconscious and remained as such until a few hours ago; but even then was she feeling weak."
"And not only that" Thought Saito. After she woke up, Louise was medically treated by Montmorency in case it was some sort of poison. The problem was, however, that what the blonde called an "Aromatherapy" was in reality the act of smelling grotesque scents until you threw up whatever toxin was inside your body. In his mistress's case, it was a deep purple sparkling substance along her breakfast.
"Thanks Julio; you too, miss Montmorency."
"Your majesty." By the room's side Agnes had been witnessing the entire conversation; and while also curious about Louise's condition, there were more pressing matters at hand.
"What is that you wish to talk about, Agnes?" Deep inside, Henrietta knew what her guard was going to say.
"I'm sure this fact saddens you, your majesty, but as we feared this rebellion is a threat to Tristain that must be eradicated. These people refuse to negotiate with us."
By the tone of her voice, the queen sensed something perturbed the soldier. "Did something happen Agnes?"
The blonde kept quiet for a moment to gather the words. There was no way her leader would like the terrible news. "You see… not only was the peace talk a trap, but we also received notice that this very morning…" Agnes breathed deep. "…the rebels publicly beheaded nobles at the plaza of a village."
Everyone felt the room's temperature drop at least ten degrees. "Which nobles…?" Saito asked a question lingering on everyone's mind, knowing he wouldn't like the answer.
It was obvious Agnes was having a hard time as well. "Three days ago the rebels took siege of the four villages composing Tristain's east, and a few hours ago they executed the families watching over them." Saito gulped. "The entire families…"
Henrietta felt like crying. Those families were people she had known for quite some time; some not older than herself. "I see…" Muttered the queen darkly. "I think it was to be expected from Shavia…"
Curious as to what Henrietta was talking about, Saito left aside his growing despise for the rebels. "Excuse me your majesty, but what does the village have to do with their actions?"
"Oh…" Meeting her to the eyes, the familiar could see the former ruler fighting back tears; and starting to lose. "Forgive me mister Saito, but I forgot you do not know of our history." Breathing hard to calm down a little, the queen continued.
"You see. Five years ago, the eastern village of Shavia declared itself to be tired of the aristocracy and refused to work until their living conditions were improved; which was understandable since they lived in poor houses while the nobles took all the money to themselves."
"We sent some messengers to negotiate with them, but…" By this point Henrietta's voice was beginning to sob, and tears ran down her white cheeks.
"Your majesty!" Agnes tried to approach her leader out of worry, but she signaled her not to. She wanted to finish talking.
"They were aggressive people, full of resentment. They killed every messenger we sent, and even poisoned a nearby river which ran down to Orica, a nearby village. All their inhabitants… died. Due to their actions, my mother had no choice but to order the use of the army. The rebels were killed and the village reconstructed one year later in the watch of the Leveque family. We didn't think they would do it again, until now…"
She couldn't do it any longer. The person whom to many was a brave and ideal ruler broke down in tears. Agnes immediately kneeled next to Henrietta, trying to calm her down and lending some emotional support.
"So this isn't the first time they do this…" Saito felt his blood boil; to kill so many men, women and children just because your life was hard…
Looking at the crying queen, he could only imagine the pain she must have felt. Henrietta was a queen who loved everyone inside Tristain. To know her fellow villagers killed between themselves, to know her family had no other option but to eliminate the rebels through force, and now to know many of your friends died beheaded at the hands of those very rebels…
Saito had to admit, the queen was strong. Had it been him, he doubted he would have lasted so long before breaking down.
Right there and then, Gandalrf swore under his honor and name, that he would kill the rebels with his own hands. No need for Louise to dirty hers.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
"So you seek my services, again." It was dark, too dark for two people to hold a comfortable conversation. Nonetheless, both figures inside the spooky cave were able to distinguish one another with ease. And if someone found them, they would not be recognized.
"Yes I do."
"If I remember correctly, last time I didn't get the job done. Why would you want to hire me again?"
"The girl was underesteemed by us. Prove to that was her victory over our artificial fiend. We are confident of your abilities now."
"And what makes you think I would be able to deal with them this time?"
"Fear not, we will have them busy when your time arrives."
"Then what must I do now?"
"We need you to capture one person; alive and unharmed. We will pay you the double than what we did last time, and once you bring her to us, you are free to go; no guarding this time."
Silence ruled for a moment, one of the figures thinking over the offer of the other. "Do we have a deal?"
After some thinking, the mercenary agreed. "Okay. Who do you need me to capture?"
"A half elf…"
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
"I know I shouldn't be asking this, but was it really necessary to kill all the nobles in public." Alone and inside her chambers, Dianne was resting after a tiring day of keeping Montreas under control. As of now, there were currently more people against them than supporting them; and the ones who did, was mainly out of fear.
"They were despicable people, even the youngest ones. Besides, we need to make clear our position in this war." Inside her mind, the red head could clearly hear Lyon and his voice.
"Don't misunderstand us Lyon; we support this rebellion as much as you do. It's just that things like beheading people in public might turn commoners against us." You think? As of today, Dianne had to calm down thirteen people who feared for their lives. In the end, they asked to go away and she didn't have other option but to let them do so.
"They have lived with fear all their lives, afraid their mistakes might turn into punishment. Showing little to no mercy, despite the social class, will only make us look like tyrants or dictators. People's support is the key to our victory. Remember: a country is not made by its power or resources, but by the people living inside it." As always, Zheo the annoying voice of reason; the swords mistress wondered if it would ever come the day when he got something wrong.
"Thanks for the lecture Zheo." There, she felt better.
"Ok, I understand. We will not cause unnecessary deaths to nobles, but I still think the execution was an important step."
"Leaving that issue aside, what now?" Good question; it was Zheo's turn to answer.
"The information Mia and the others gathered reveals that, since we show no intention of forfeiting our revolution, they will officially take military action against us. From this point onwards we will be met by formidable resistance." Oh great.
"That was to be expected. For now we hold the east of Tristain, the question is how to advance towards the capital." The fewer soldiers she had to burn down to ashes, the better.
"We will reunite by the Saul's Valley to fight the military's main force; afterwards we will advance towards the academy before invading the capital." Dianne remembered that valley. So many good memories… too bad it was going to get repainted of red soon.
"The valley is not an issue. Since it isn't normally transited by merchants I have already sent a small group to make the appropriate preparations; that plus Zheo's plan, will assure us victory." Hooray! Another point for the freedom and justice of the commoners.
"The problem will be the academy. It is not only home for powerful magicians, but I have also failed to infiltrate any spies inside. On top of it all, Gandalf and two void masters reside in it. Seizing it won't be child's play." Thanks Zheo, you always know how to ruin a lady's joy.
"Now that you mention it, I have heard of one of the void users; Gandalrf's master. But I haven't heard who they are."
"…" To be expected, Lyon remained quiet. Dianne could already tell who the mage was.
"Gandalf is a boy known as Hiraga Saito and his mistress…"
"Is a Valliére" Oh crap.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
"I wonder if I will ever be allowed some short vacations" alone in his relatively little office, seated comfortably on his fine and expensive chair, old principal Osmond was currently dealing with annoying paperwork and shortage of time to finish said task.
Normally, old men were wise and experienced people; however, the veteran mage showed his knowledge gathered through years of living by cursing with terms few had ever heard (and were better without hearing them).
The palace had been clear about their intentions. With Henrietta still deciding the course of action in case of unforeseen circumstances, the court called for the services of the void. Thus, forced by his rank and title, the old man was forced to speed up Miss Louise's recovery treatments and send her in a mission along her familiar and the well endowed elf void mage.
And as if his conscience wasn't busy enough with the guilt of sending a still weakened girl to her possible death, the palace also sent him a letter asking for the records and educational history of every teacher, student and servant inside the Academy; all that just to find possible spies.
And as to be expected, he was tasked with the paperwork.
Patrolling, no.
Interrogating, no.
Inspecting female undergarments for possible clues…no.
He was tasked with the freaking paperwork, alone.
"When did things end up so messed up? When did we begin doing things wrong?" He could only wonder.
Maybe it was when he agreed to let children get involved into military affairs; maybe it was when Mister Hiraga Saito came from that strange world of his to be Louise's servant; maybe it was when the pinkette was transferred here, or when she showed no talent for magic, or when she was born; maybe it was when people began getting tired of their treatment and they answered with threats; maybe it was when nobles stopped being noble people, or when mages began thinking for themselves…
Maybe it all began when they thought themselves to be better just for casting magic; maybe it all began when they turned into villains.
Suffering a headache thanks to that train of thought, the academy principal rubbed his old temples and sighed. "No use thinking of that now. I better finish this before the deadline; THEN I will see this issue to be tended to."
He needed to rest; to relax. No person should be submitted to this kind of stress. Seeking some low pleasures, the old mage Osmond opened his desk and retrieved his trusty pipe. He placed it between his lips, attempting to inhale the addicting smoke a little to find some peace.
Just as he was beginning to inhale, however, the pipe was taken from him and lifted into the air away from his grasp and lungs. He tried to reach it, but it was then slammed and shattered into the wall.
Getting the indirect message, the principal turned to greet his mysterious visitor. A figure surrounded by a long cloak that gave nothing away but the person's toes.
Toes he knew all too well.
"I always hated seeing you smoke, sir." It was a feminine voice; a beautiful one. "If you do not watch your habits you will never make it to the hundred years."
"I never intended to reach such an age; who wants to be that old. You shouldn't stop a lonely and tired principal from enjoying of his few pleasures." He looked the woman to the spot where he knew her eyes were watching him. "Nonetheless it is nice seeing you again after so long, Mister Longueville."
From under the cloak's shadow, the face of a young, green-haired beauty emerged. Her lips were shaped into a small smile, and her eyes shined with vitality he had seen far too many times. Old Osmond would go as far as to say the earth mage was happy to see him again.
"It is nice seeing you too sir; but since long ago I have been going by the name of Fouquet, if you so remember."
"Regretfully I do. It has been some time; you didn't even pass to say good bye, or to pick up your things." The principal moved down his hand and began stroking his beard.
"I think that hasn't been too much of an issue; my things are still in the same place I left them" To her side, hr old notebooks and pencils remained along other stuff; a bit dusty, but still the same.
"Well, it isn't that often I get such a good secretary as yourself; and after you were taken away no one wanted the job. As you may see, I was never that willing to throw your stuff away."
"And is it really my fault? I am not the one who constantly peeked or touched his secretary." She got a point there. Fouquet adjusted her glasses. "But please do not misunderstand me. I am very grateful for all you have done to help me and my family; however, I am even more grateful to another person, whom I consider part of my family."
"Reconquista I guess." Longueville smiled a little wider; an affirmative. "And don't worry, Miss Longueville, I have already forgiven you. However…" He reached for his staff and gripped it. Principal Osmond stood up like a teacher about to lecture a naughty child. Yet, Fouquet remained serene.
"Don't worry sir; I assure you I came here with no intentions of harming you."
"I know." The response was immediate, thing which surprised the former secretary a little bit.
"Hadn't you lost your trust for me?"
"I have. I didn't trust in your word, a little fellow told me." Hearing itself being summoned, a small white mouse appeared at the top of the magician's head. The greenette immediately showed a face of disgust at the cute little familiar. All those peeking were still fresh in her mind. "One would think that after some many years working here, you would notice my familiar crawling around your body, but I guess you lost practice over the year."
"Yeah…I guess so too."
"Good. Now, may I ask why you are here? Or why shouldn't I call for the guards." He pointed his staff at Fouquet.
"Would you attack a lady without a wand to defend her with?"
"No, but I can still trap you with a small wrap spell."
"Yes…of course." Deep down, Longueville was hurt the old man had lost so much confidence for her over the time; not that she could blame him.
"So?"
"Calling for help won't be of use Sir; my golem is already distracting them." Osmond frowned; more paper work to be done for the repairs. "As for my purpose here, I came to deliver a letter." From under her cloak, Fouquet took out an envelope marked with the royal shield of Tristain. Whatever was inside, it was a royal document.
Slowly, she handed it to him. "What is this?"
The earth mage smiled amusedly. "Open it up and see." Pulling out a small white orb from her clothes, a blinding light shone down on the room impending sight. When the principal opened his eyes, his secretary was nowhere to be found.
Eyeing the envelope a couple of times, the old man opened it up and started reading. What came inside shocked Osmond to his very core.
He could just FEEL his temples burning.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
"Finally." Many hardships had he endured; many lives had he taken; many lives had he protected, all for the sake of but one single person. The only person that Lyon, in his weakness, had truly failed to protect; the only person he had lost right in front of him being unable to change it, to fix it.
Lyon had been guilty; he had lost control, he had succumbed to rage so deep, he didn't contemplate taking with him another person during his fall. The problem was that when the two of them should have died, Lyon didn't; because that person gave up her future for his future, her dreams for his, her ambitions for his.
It had been his fault, all his fault. No matter how you saw it, she could have still lived had Lyon been more civil; had Lyon be calmer, wiser.
But she didn't live; she was dead.
And so time passed. Life without her by his side took out a lot of color from the world; he felt sad, angry, miserable, and guilty; he still did, but he wasn't to fall. He wasn't going to lose control again, he promised so in front of her tomb.
He improved, he strived, he evolved, he grew; with his friends by his side, Lyon's future became a mirror of hers, his dreams became hers and his ambitions were born from hers. And so his journey began; to make the world see what their power was, that one little person in a sea of people could make the difference; could trigger something titanic.
And he wasn't going to stop, not until everyone heard the cry inside their hearts and souls. He would do the impossible, defeat all opposition, succeed over any difficulties, surpass all controversy; all for her sake, for her memory, dreams and honor.
He was going to make the world just exactly like she wanted, and wasn't going to stop until he did so.
What he couldn't do, however, was forgive. She was always merciful, friendly, gentle, forgiving; but he wasn't. She was an angel but because of that very reason she died. Too gentle; in the world they all lived in, that meant too weak. Lyon was going to change that; mercy and empathy would no longer be synonyms of weakness or submission.
But Lyon couldn't change everything. He couldn't change Them.
Those who though themselves to be better, to be chosen, to be the walking marvels. He couldn't forgive those who thought their dreams to be better than others; he couldn't be gentle or friendly with whoever believed his or her ambitions were more important that others; and he couldn't have mercy of those who put their future over the others.
Those who wouldn't care for others, who would gladly betray their neighbors, who would lie and manipulate; those who would put an innocent in the line of fire…
Those would never change; those nobles would die.
And as vessel for the dreams and ambitions of Her, Lyon would eradicate them. She wouldn't like the idea, she would object, but Lyon would do it anyway; because in his ever-changing world, that which couldn't change and adapt was meant for dead, destruction or ignorance. The world was changing, adapting, and if the aristocracy couldn't adapt to it, then the fires of revolution, their never-ending wills, would burn them down to ashes.
That way her world would come to life; that way her dreams, ambitions and the future she portrayed would come to this world, transform it and exist. That way, Lyon would finally feel at peace.
And he would take down all opposition, starting by the very person to kill her…
Lyon gripped his sword, put on his armor, checked his wind powers, and made it for the door. The valley was just two days of distance, and if he was lucky then He would come. "Valliére…"
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
The Ostland.
Compared to earth's technology, it's a mere old flying fortress that could be easily taken down with a couple of missiles; of course, as long as magic is not casted.
For Tristain however, it was the creation of either total geniuses, or an alien race.
Safe at its harbor, this flying marvel of machinery rested inside the castle, guarded by hundreds and hundreds of guardsmen. Even if it was stolen, it could be easily boarded and taken back by the wyvern riders; not to mention only two people knew how to operate it.
The first, the left hand of god with the inane skill of controlling all and any weapon; the second, the bald fire mage/academy professor who at that very moment was on his way towards the steel titan; along him were a young elf girl, the former operator of the Ostland, and the owner mage of such legendary figure; barely standing.
Glancing behind, Colbert could just sigh as Louise continued walking despite the young Hiraga boy asking her not too. The pinkette could barely stand, she needed Saito's and Tiffania's assistance to move forward; and whenever any of the two stopped to try and convince Louise, the mage would just ignore them, attempt to go by her own, and end u falling on her face.
"Louise! Just stop okay? You are still weak from our last fight." And not just that; Gandalrf had to endure countless hours of her bickering and frustration at how she was the only one who ended in such a condition when others who lacked her sacred powers like Kirche ended up just a little winded.
Even Guiche, that arrogant and egocentric boy, ended up being useful to the point of being considered their wining card at the last duel with Sheffield. Damn him, and his underground familiar! Had it not been for him sensing the incoming enemies when they made vibrations in the ground they could have died.
Louise hated thinking that.
"Shut up dog! This is my duty as a mage and noble. You should know it by now!" And she was right. Henrietta was still deciding what actions to take; meanwhile the royal court asked for their void forces to make an assault on the smaller camp of the revolution, and if it was a royal mission, no noble with a sense of duty would turn it down.
As for Saito…well, when your girlfriend is too hurt to properly work, it is just typical for you to try to stop her. And while he was a noble himself, Colbert shared the same opinion as the Japanese. No injured young lady or young lady in general, should be put in such a position.
And so, while arguing and stumbling all the way, the small group finally arrived at the hangar for the Ostland. To their right, workers and guards ran from one direction to another, preparing the machine for its departure. To their left, the Zero fighter was being lifted and put inside the flying fortress's own hangar. It was going to be used by the left hand of god and the two void mages to make a discreet entrance to the camp.
Finally, right in front of them, the Ostland stood chained in all its glory. Months of work had upgraded it to the point most of its weapons were advanced pieces of war crafting and it needed dozens of experienced workers and soldiers to operate, being able to carry a lot more.
The once plain wood structure was now strengthened with metal and enchanted ores. Thanks to that the gigantic ship could be camouflaged by activating an illusion with a team of ten triangle mages.
The deck and cabins were of steel imported from Germania (Courtesy of Kirche to her love) and even had their individual weapons and internal transportation system in case of a boarding from the enemy.
Finally, the motor engine was powered by even more and bigger windstones to ensure a faster and more efficient flight, reaching the double of its original speed.
Oh yes, a master piece made only after countless months of work; and it could be still be upgraded, it could still continue to evolve and become an instrument of epic potential. It was Colbert's pride, and shame.
Just as it could help, it could prejudice.
Just as it could save, it could kill.
Just as it could be beneficial for humanity in the right hands, in the wrong ones it could drown Tristain and Halkeginia in a sea of flames similar to the one Agnes suffered, witnessed and gladly survived.
Colbert wanted the Ostland to be used for the good of the people, and as he boarded it in a mission to attack and possibly obliterate commoners; that even if misguided; were still people, the fire professor just hoped he wouldn't be needed to give the order to fire, and thus, to kill.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Butlers, maids and soldiers poured in, and he was just one of them. Just one butler, one in a sea of servants; ignored by his masters, passed by his peers; like a bird, an insect or a fly. He was there, they knew it, but couldn't care less. He was nothing to them, just another person, and another stranger.
And that was what Zheo wanted; to be ignored, to be missed, to be passed by; because even if he was one of many, he wasn't less than them. He could hear, he could see; he could be the eyes and ears Lyon needed, without doing as much as ears dropping conversations while simulating to clean, or dust or fix.
At times he did that, out of impulse rather than habit, but his mind was always busy with registrating, understanding and remembering those conversations; because he needed them and the nobles he pretended to serve couldn't care less if he was there or not, if he heard them or not. Much like furniture, even if he was a witness he couldn't do a thing, or so the nobles thought.
He was one of them, a mage; a VOID mage, but he didn't want power, he didn't want influence or riches; Zheo wanted color. Money and power couldn't bring color to his world of grays, so Zheo didn't seek a position in court or the admiration of those who witnessed his power; rather, he searched for his friends company.
Currently they were the only color in his world. Red when mad, blue when sad, yellow when happy, green when surprised; they were rainbows, all of them: Lyon, Dianne, Joshua, Natasha, Ethan; a symphony of colors; each so different from one another, but each in harmony with the world around them.
Zheo wished he could be like them, but he wasn't. He was not colored, nor white, black or gray. He didn't have color, he was void.
He was jealous, yes; he was selfish, he admitted so; he wanted to help them, to follow them, to try and understand what is like to truly feel emotions. A few times before he had produced a bit of color thanks to his parents and Anastasia over anyone else, and he wanted to do so again.
That's why he followed, that's why he did what he did. He loved his friends, they were important to him and they were the only color in his world of grays; they were beautiful, such could he say with total confidence.
He was selfish because he wanted to help just to try and feel the color. Had they not produce color for him, Zheo probably wouldn't be helping them out; but they did and he was thankful. And thus he continued to walk, to be just one in a sea of people; to seem just like many others, but to be far more powerful, far wiser.
He would help his friends out, because if they succeeded; just then and just maybe; would Zheo see the smiles on Lyon's, Dianne's, Joshua's, Ethan's and Natasha's faces.
And just maybe and just then, would Zheo smile for the first time.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
Grey sky, blowing wind, low temperature; a storm was coming. Dianne liked that, it reminded her of Lyon: so passionate, so implacable, so determinate, and so beautiful.
The red-head wasn't in love of him. She had long ago left her crush aside and began seeing Lyon as a rival and a role model. She always wanted to be like a storm, powerful and in a way, beautiful, refreshing. Her friend was just like that, he had the drive she always desired since little and worked so hard to get.
She had determination, motivation, ambition; she had something to fight for, something to protect, something to hold close and something to hate. Dianne was just like she always wanted to, but she could be much more; and she was sure her dear brother had the key to be that way, to be someone worthy of power and admiration, to be like her late father.
The sword mistress continued to walk, Montreas far behind her and well secured by those loyal to their ideals. A storm was brewing and they were just on the edge; how she anticipated the moment she could ride those wild winds, to let her inner fire out and let it drive her forward towards tomorrow.
But such things would wait, because on the very plain she stood at Dianne could see Them descend. Clearly the palace wasted no time in sending its forces.
It was okay for her though, the storm had send wind in her direction to try and stop her, and Dianne would respond. She was going to let her fire out and ride those wild winds, right towards the tempest's eye.
DIVISION/DIVISION/DIVISION
AN: That's all for now. Got any comment to make? feel free to post it (But please, if you flame me explain why as well). So long so far, and not even half way; but that's okay, i got plenty of time to write.
Until next time. Peace.