What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter of Zero's Origin. A big thanks to Titanic X for the assist last chapter. Go on, say a few words to the crowd, X.
Titanic X: Thanks. :) I hope this next chapter satisfies you, peeps, as well. And this time we'll try to get it up sooner as well as make it longer. ;3
In any case, this chapter will get your bloodlust up because there will be… CARNAGE! See what I did there? Eh? Eh?
*Cricket chirp*
...Bunch of stiffs.
Now for the disclaimer: We do not own, except our OCs, Familiar of Zero or Gundam. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!
Zero's Origin
Chapter 4: Talking Swords and Bloody Rescues
Tristain - Town Square (1st POV)
This was a bad idea from the start…
Why do you ask? Simple, really.
I woke Louise up, she got dressed and ate breakfast at the dining hall, and brought out a horse that she and I would ride together (though she was blushing seemingly at the thought). Overall, it didn't seem all that bad, right? Wrong…
For one instance, I couldn't get on a horse because I weighed more than the darn thing could carry. I had to walk the entire way there and keep pace with Louise on her steed. There was also the fact that when we got into town, I was being stared at like I was the next circus freak to pass around! And, as if to add insult to injury, my so-called 'master' was dragging me all over the place like I was a chihuahua in a handbag!
Not a good start.
"I hate you so much right now, Louise…" I growled.
"Stop whining and keep walking," The small pinkette shouted with a look of annoyance. "I said that I was going to get you a weapon and that's final."
"I don't see why though. I've got more weapons than I can count." I pointed out, which wasn't further from the truth since my current armaments and my MARS gives me practically any weapon I can think of.
"Well, right now, you look like a walking suit of armor without a sword," Louise stated. "And I will not tolerate any familiar of mine to walk around defenseless."
I'll show you defenseless, you little-
Shrugging off my annoyance, I gave the town a quick scan. Ever since I came to this weird planet, I pictured the cities and kingdoms of these lands to be similar to medieval England. And I was right. The buildings alone were only two stories high. The streets were packed with people who went about their daily business doing whatever menial tasks they had planned while the sides of the road were loaded with vendors of all kinds. There were even a few children playing around and having fun, which brought a mental smile to my nonexistent lips.
What surprised me most was that the city seemed to be mostly occupied with commoners based on how they were all dressed and acted, which was a breath of fresh air compared to all those sniveling noble brats back at the academy. Despite the lack of magic, the populace seemed happy and content, and the city itself was much nicer than I had originally expected.
Though I would like it a lot more if we could find the goddamn shop already! Everywhere we go, it's like we're passing by signs with only pictures on them. Obviously, the nobles are the only ones that receive an education while commoners have to rely on pictures. Yet another reason why I hate this backwater planet…
"Ah, there it is!" Louise cried out happily as she pointed at a building right across from us, a bronze sword-shaped sign dangling above it.
Huh, well that's convenient.
We entered the shop and my optics were immediately hit with smoke, forcing me to rub the glass surface to wipe away any ash residue. I could hear Louise coughing a bit, probably from the strong scent of ash and coal. Inside was relatively dim despite the sun lighting from the windows, and the place was filled with different kinds of weapons on display, whether hanging from the ceiling, in glass cases, or even stockpiled in barrels. They seem decent enough for a human to use, but I was a Gundam and I needed something with more… oomph.
Still, it's surprising that Louise would choose a place like this instead of something fancier. Then again, when has there ever been a blacksmith that was fancy?
Standing behind the counter of the shop was a man with a rat-like face, who eyed the two of us with slight interest. That is until he caught sight of the pentagram symbol on Louise's outfit, immediately recognizing her as a noble and straightening himself up. "Ah, welcome young lady to 'Sword'. Finest weapon shop on the side of town." I couldn't help but snort in amusement at the name of the shop. "How may I help you today? I assure you all my wares are real and reasonably priced."
Yeah, I call bullshit on that…
"I want to see one of your finest swords you have on sale," Louise ordered as she approached the counter. "Something simple but capable of defending oneself."
"Oh? A noble buying a sword? Quite a rarity these days," The man said with his interest peaked.
"It's not for me but for my familiar here," She gestured to me since I was standing there still as a statue. "He's in need of a weapon to use for my services, so be sure you give him something of working order, got it?"
"And what is he? Some kind of golem? A human in armor?" The man inquired then shrugged. "Well, whatever. Just a moment then."
The shopkeeper turned and made his way to the back room, probably wondering how much he could rip off my little loudmouth of a 'master'.
"You could've been a bit nicer to the guy," I informed the pinkette.
Louise only huffed and crossed her arms, "Don't misunderstand my intentions. I brought us here to get you a weapon to protect yourself with and nothing more. I'm not here to play nice or waste time, got it?"
Fine, but don't blame me if you get swindled.
A few seconds later, the owner came back with what appeared to be a standard looking longsword and sheath. "There you go. This here is one of our best-selling pieces to date."
"Is that right?" Louise inquired while I walked over to inspect the weapon. I grasped the sword and drew the blade from its' sheath, testing the weight in my servo. Since I couldn't feel anything, I'm guessing I could swing it as easy as if it were a stick.
"Indeed. Been selling like hotcakes to a lot of knights around the castle lately. Heck, they've even been allowing the servants to carry weapons on them. Something about a troublesome thief wandering around or something like that," The shopkeeper said with a shrug.
Well, that's news to me. If there's a thief going around stealing from the nobility then they're okay in my book. Sounds like a big fat punch in the dick for those pompous asses with wealth.
"Well? How is it?" Louise asked me.
"Truth be told, it's too light for my tastes," I answered, no doubt surprising the shopkeeper. "I'm gonna need something with more weight and stronger material."
The pinkette nodded and turned to the owner. "You heard him. Get him something bigger and broader."
Why'd she have to phrase it like that…?
The owner looked uncertain. "Ma'am, I'm sorry but judging from his size and appearance alone, I might not have many-"
"I said I want bigger and broader!" Louise declared sternly.
That's what she said…
Reluctantly, the shopkeeper nodded and went to the back again, mumbling as he did.
And since I had nothing better to do but look at these medieval tools, I decided to take a gander while Louise waited for something 'bigger and broader' as she put it.
My optics scanned each of the weapons. Already I could see the data on the age of the weapon, the metal used to forge it, and even the durability when it came to being used. So far, none of these weapons had the capacity to match anything in my arsenal. Matter of fact, I could break each and every one of these pieces of scrap with just a digit.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," The voice of the shopkeeper drew me from my inspections. When I turned to face him, the man was grinning as he walked back to the counter with a new weapon in hand. "Here, this should be more to your liking, little Miss."
The man revealed the piece he had brought out, the sight of which made Louise gawk in awe and caused me… to stare with a dry expression.
"What the hell is this?" I asked with a bit of annoyance.
The sword was certainly larger and broader by at least three times the size of the previous one. And it definitely looked heavier and more detailed as well, even embedded with a couple of rubies in the handle. However, there was one tiny problem with the weapon that stood out to me...
...The damn thing was entirely made out of solid gold.
"It's the best weapon in the whole shop," The owner said with a wide smile. "It was made by the Germanian alchemist, Lord Shupei. It'll slice steel right in half."
"Not possible because gold isn't a good metal to use for a sword. It's unbalanced and weak." I pointed out while staring at the abomination this fool called a weapon. "Hell, I could break this thing with a butter knife. This junk is only good for one thing and that's being a trophy mounted on someone's wall."
Louise looked at me in surprise while the rat-faced sleaze started to panic but hid it behind a smile, "I-It's much stronger than you give it credit for, sir. A weapon like this is crafted once in a lifetime and was done with distinct precision. Trust me when I say it's definitely worth the price for buying it."
"And just how much is the price?" Louise asked in suspicion. Good, she noticed that she's being swindled.
"Three-thousand new gold coins," The owner answered.
The pinkette looked shocked. "You could buy a freshly-built house with a forest and yard with that much gold!" She exclaimed.
Three thousand gold pieces are worth a new house? Damn, these guys must have a good mortgage.
Regardless, there is no way that I'm wielding this piece of shit. "No way are we buying this. The previous blade was better than this abomination. You better have something else before we decide that we've wasted our time here." I warned the man.
"Haha! They've got you there, you old snake." A voice spoke out, surprising me and Louise.
The man scowled and glared at a barrel that seemed to be shaking. "Quiet, Derflinger! You're bothering my customers!"
"Hey," The voice, Derflinger, called out. "The guy in the fancy white armor. Why don't you come over and give me a try?"
If I had my eyebrows then one of them would be raised in confusion. Despite my initial surprise, I strolled over to the shaking barrel and noticed a sword that seemed to shake amongst the others. Cautiously, I grasped the hilt of the weapon and pulled it out to give it a proper inspection… and HOLY SHIT!
Whatever material this sword was made from was stronger than anything my computer brain could ever make a diagnosis on. The weapon itself was a single-edged longsword with a decently sized handguard. The handle was wrapped in white bandages while a loose metal flap circled the blade just above the handguard. The blade itself was a bit dulled but still relatively sharp; though the whole weapon was covered in rust, giving it a brownish-colored tint. Overall, despite the age and wear, it looked like it could have been a fine weapon long ago.
Though the more important factor was the energy that this blade was giving off. It was like something akin to a miniature star that would release frequent pulses of energy that seemed to make it highly addicting.
"So, you're the guy that I've been waiting for so long." The voice of Derflinger spoke again… with the sword shaking with each word.
"Holy shit…" I said aloud as I stared at the weapon in surprise. "A talking sword?"
"Not just any talking sword. I am the legendary Derflinger! But you may call me Lord Derflinger!" The weapon boasted proudly. "So come on, buddy. Why don't ya buy me off from this shifty rat and let me come with ya?"
Just what I need… a sword with an ego. Still, Derflinger was way better than the other pieces of crap in this lame ass store.
"Alright, I'll take it," I said with a mental grin.
"Eh!?" Louise shouted in disbelief. "W-Wait a second, you're not serious, are you, Origin? You really want that t-thing to come with us? Couldn't you just get something else? Something less… lively?"
"Nope. Derf is a lot better than the rest of these weapons. So he's coming with us," I replied firmly.
"B-But-" Louise tried to protest but I was already ignoring her in favor of greeting my new blade.
"The name is Origin, Gundam Origin. You can call me Ori, for short," I introduced myself to the living weapon.
"Origin, huh? Weird name for you. Ah, whatever. Nice meeting ya, partner!" Derflinger greeted back.
I could faintly hear Louise face-palming herself. No doubt, she had given up trying to understand what had happened between me and Derf.
Later...
After getting the owner to sell Derflinger for the original price of one hundred gold, thanks in part to Louise playing up her nobility role (and my scary demeanor), we found ourselves returning to the academy without much incident. All the while, I spent most of the trip back to the academy, conversing with Derf about my misadventures here. He even laughed about the results of my fight with Guiche and made the snob piss himself. Though Louise, being silent, didn't seem to like Derf's ability to speak and even looked a bit annoyed by him, especially when he started messing with her.
Overall, despite the unusual experience, the day had gone as planned and ended without further incident.
"So what do you think, darling?"
Or at least it had until she showed up.
"Why are you even here, Zerbst?" Louise fiercely demanded from Kirche, her rival standing across from her while Tabitha sat on Louise's bed reading another book.
I was a little confused as to why the redhead and her friend barged into my master's room without so much as a knock.
"Why? Why, to give a present to my dear Origin, of course," Kirche answered with an all-too-innocent smile. "I just so happened to find a sword befitting of my dear love and decided to get it for him."
And by a sword, she meant that golden piece of crap we saw earlier...
"You followed us," Louise stated (more like accused).
"Oh, nothing of the sort," The buxom redhead waved the notion away. "I just happened to catch sight of you both back in town when you left that weapon shop. And since I wanted to apologize to my beloved for what transpired last night, I decided to offer this wonderful beauty as a sign of peace," She chuckled and gave the small girl a challenging smirk. "Not that it's any of your business, little Louise, as it's a private matter between the two of us. A very, very private matter."
While Louise's temper threatened to reach its boiling point at the hidden meaning, I, on the other hand, decided to end this little debacle here and now. I took the trophy weapon in my servo and handed it back to Kirche, much to the Germanian's surprise.
"Listen, I appreciate the gift and all, but I'm not interested in a trash sword," I said in a calm and dignified manner. "I already have a weapon worthy of my stature."
"Ah, partner, you're making me blush," Derflinger laughed, surprising both Kirche and Tabitha at the living sword's sentience.
"Derf, not the best time to speak right now," I pointed out.
"Hey, I belong to the world, partner. Especially this fine piece of ass that you're speaking with," The sword remarked.
Great. I've got an egotistical and perverted sword...
Night
The next few days had passed with relative ease, except for Kirche's constant attempts to flirt with me and steal my heart, which only creeped the hell out of me.
I mean, I've got no problem with girls fawning over me, but when you're someone as obsessive as Kirche… it tends to drive you a bit insane.
Still, that little annoyance did little to stop my training with Derflinger. Since I now had a physical blade I can use without having to worry about using my beam weaponry, I had to practice day-and-night just to keep my skills sharp.
"You're getting better, partner. If I didn't know, I'd say you were holding out on me." Derflinger said to me.
"Thanks for the compliment," I said to the sword.
At least I was getting better. When I was still human, I couldn't swing a sword to save my life. Well, mostly because I had no reason to. But now? Now I could do things I could only dream of performing. Flips, lunges, slashes, and even a few martial arts moves.
With a final leaping slash, I chopped a tree, quite literally, in half. The two trunks fell to the side with a loud thump.
And now that my training is done, I can go back inside and take a break. At least, I would have, if the sudden interjection of someone clapping didn't catch my attention.
Looking back, I was met with the familiar face of… "Siesta?" I spoke aloud.
The beautiful raven-haired maiden finished clapping and walked over to me with a look of awe on her face. "That was amazing, Sir Origin. I didn't realize you knew how to use a sword in such a manner."
I couldn't help but chuckle bashfully, "Well, I guess you could say that I've got some experience…" Well, that and Star Wars.
"I see. Still, I've never seen anybody do what you just did before. It was truly amazing," Siesta complimented with a smile.
"Oh, hoh, who is this, partner?" Derf asked me teasingly. "You didn't tell me you knew such a hot babe. She's quite the beauty, isn't she? Don't tell me you've got a secret fling going on while serving your dear sweet ma-"
"Derf, you keep talking, and I'm turning you into melted scrap," I warned the magic sword in an irritated voice.
Of all the times that Derf would speak, it had to be about goddamn girls! All it does is make me feel like less of a man!
Even after I sheathed the loudmouth I have for a sword, the damage was already done because Siesta's face turned bright red while looking at Derf, surprised. "D-Did that sword just-"
"Yep, he talked," I replied coolly. "This is Derflinger. He tends to mess with people so don't let what he says get to you, okay?"
"I-I see," The dark-haired maid said as she recovered from her initial shock and smiled at me. "That's just like you, Origin-san. You're always full of surprises."
The honorific was a definite giveaway now. Siesta had to have some Eastern Asian blood in her. Though the question was how someone from Japan came to this godforsaken pisshole.
"So how have you been?" I asked. "I haven't seen you around lately."
"I'm fine, Origin-san. Just finishing up some last minute laundry before I turned in for the night. But I caught sight of you and well…" The girl blushed and looked embarrassed (which only made her cuter). "I couldn't help but watch. Sorry."
I shrugged, "No harm done. It's not like I was keeping it a secret or anything so there's no need to feel nervous about watching. Besides, training isn't that much of a big deal to me."
"But it is," Siesta's face suddenly seemed to glow with a serene happiness while her eyes looked like they were gleaming in the moonlight. "You're really amazing, Origin-san. You never let anything get you down and you follow your own path without any fear or hesitation. You don't care for how others look at you or judge you, and even when others call you a golem, you choose to ignore them and stay who are you. You're really amazing, you know?"
If I had my eyebrows then they'd be raised up in surprise, "Where is this all coming from all of a sudden?"
She looked down in an effort to hide her burning cheeks but I still noticed. "Well, you see… I know I haven't gotten the chance to talk to you lately because of how busy I've been, but I've been watching you whenever I could. I know it may sound strange, but because of you, I'm not as afraid as I used to be. I feel more courageous and confident in myself, and find it much easier now to do my best with my work. To not listen to the insults or comments people make and just move forward without fear or hesitation. You helped me find this strength in myself, Origin-san. A strength that I never knew I had, and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate it," Siesta crossed her hands in front of her and bowed. "So thank you, Origin-san. Thank you so very much for showing me what I couldn't see before in myself."
Okay, that actually stunned me silent. I was not expecting that kind of honesty and declaration from this beautiful girl at all. I'm starting to think that this girl… doesn't care what or who I am as long as I am me to her.
Regardless, Siesta was starting to embarrass me with her praise and I'm not quite used to it. "O-okay, I understand. Can you get up, please? There's no reason for you to bow or anything. I'm not really comfortable being treated like a noble," I said, rubbing the back of my helmet.
"Oh?" Why does she have a playful smile on her face? "Well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to work under a noble like you, Origin-san."
The way she phrased that sentence… was putting a lot of images in my head that would be too graphic to describe.
Apparently, my reaction (or lack thereof) seemed to amuse the raven-haired maid because she started giggling at me. Well, it was a bit of teasing so I couldn't help but chuckle myself.
"Hey, Siesta," I spoke up after having my laugh.
"Hm?" She looked at me with big, dark eyes.
"How about on your next break, let's hang out with each other," I suggested. The maid's eyes widened in surprise. "Let's just take a day off away from everything. The nobles, the work, and all that. Let's just sit down and… talk. We don't have to worry about anything else. What do you say?"
For some strange reason, Siesta's face turned a bright scarlet and lowered her gaze to the ground with interest. I don't know why but my onboard heartbeat monitor noticed that the girl's pulse was going faster than ever before. Despite that, she looked back up at me with a smile. "I'd like that very much."
If I still have a mouth, I would definitely be smiling right now. "Okay, it's settled. Next time when we're available, we'll have a whole day just to ourselves and have fun."
"I look forward to that day, Origin-san," She agreed, bowing to me once again. "I suppose I'd best be off until then. Have a good night, Origin-san."
"You as well, Siesta," came my reply as I gave my friend a light wave of my servo and prepared to head back to the tower.
"Ah, Origin-san?"
I paused mid-step and glanced back at the maid. "Yes?"
"I…" Siesta looked down nervously, almost hesitant even, before speaking up. "Are we… friends?"
Wait, is she doubting our friendship? I thought to myself and gave her my impression of an incredulous stare. "Of course we are Siesta. We'll always be friends." I assured her.
Her breath hitched but I guess she must've been surprised that I confirmed we were indeed friends. Seeing as how she'll be frozen for a time, I decided to head back to Louise's dorm with Derflinger in tow. Though had I stayed longer, I might've been able to pick up what Siesta was whispering.
"I'm glad, Origin-san… I'm so glad…"
The Next Morning…
You know, I consider myself a patient man. Well, not really, but when it comes to valuing one's privacy, I wish for people to understand it.
"Kyuui!"
This was not a person that understands that… at all.
"Sylphid, can you please get off of me?" I asked the blue dragon that had pounced on me from out of nowhere, sending me face-first into the dirt. I seriously need to find a store that sells dragon repellent.
"Kyuui!" Sylphid cried out, rubbing her muzzle against my head. It would be adorable… if I wasn't face-deep in the ground.
"Get off of me, you flying gecko!" My muffled yelling echoed in the dirt.
The dragon seemed to understand my plight and removed her weight off of my body. This gave me just enough time to remove my face from the ground… and stare into yet another Gundam face imprint.
"Sylphid as much as I like to play with you, tackling me out of nowhere is becoming a real pain in my exhaust port..." I know, scolding a dragon would be rather impossible but there was something human about Sylphid that I just couldn't put my finger on. "In any case, shouldn't you be messing around with Tabitha?"
"Kyuui!" And she was giving me the puppy-eyes… Dammit! Why do animals give me the puppy eyes!? It's the same with girls or children! I always fall for it!
"Agh! My power core can't take it!" A groan escaped my vocalizer. Sylphid knew I couldn't stay mad at her for long if she pulled that dirty trick. "I'm starting to think you enjoy messing with me…"
The dragon gave me a sort of sly grin while purring. Curse this magical world for making everything either cute or sexy!
"Ah, Our Knight! I see you are partaking in training the other familiars," Came the voice of Siesta's boss, Marteau.
"Oh, head chef," I greeted with a nod. "Um, can you not give me a title? It makes me sound like a noble."
"Oh, forgive me, Sir Origin," Marteau said with a bright smile as he patted my shoulder. "But I just can't help myself. So, any luck in recovering your human body?"
I shook my head. "None so far, no, but I'm not giving up just yet."
"A shame. I was hoping you'd be able to try my food one day," the head chef chuckled.
I couldn't help but chuckle either, "Believe me, once I get my body back, you'll be the first person I go to for a meal." I pat Sylphid on her head and shoo her off. "It was good seeing you again, Marteau. Tell Siesta that I said hello, okay?"
For some reason, the man's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, Siesta?"
"Yeah, Siesta," I replied, a bit confused. "Y'know, the black-haired maid that introduced me to you."
Suddenly, Marteau's expression went from surprise… to worry. "You mean… Siesta didn't tell you?" He asked me, grimly.
I don't know why, but I felt dread build up in my nonexistent stomach. "Tell me what?"
"She had to quit her job earlier this morning. She already packed her belongings and left the school grounds." He answered.
In case you readers are interested, I was completely shocked and baffled, especially since I had just spoken with Siesta last night and she made no mention of this at all to me. In fact, she seemed fine, and that only pissed me off even more because I didn't notice anything wrong with the first friend I made in this crazy world.
"Marteau, why did Siesta quit?" I asked the man.
He sighed and gave me a pitiful look. "Apparently, she was sold off to a noble named Count Mott to work as his own personal maid."
Just hearing the way he phrased this 'Count Mott' sent warning bells in my brain. I already knew that the nobility on this backwater planet was a bunch of assholes to the commoners, but I had a really bad feeling that Siesta was going to be more than just a personal maid.
I hated myself for being unable to notice the strife this was causing Siesta. That's probably why she was acting strange last night. She wanted to tell me that she was leaving, but she just smiled and went about it like it was nothing. All I did was make it worse by asking if she wanted to hang out even when I had no idea that the girl would leave me because of some bastard noble.
Hatred for the nobility… That's all I could think about. Commoners never have a say when it comes to these stuck-up elitist pricks. And because of that, Siesta now serves a pompous windbag for the rest of life...
I needed to know who this Count Mott really is… and I know only a few nobles that might give me a detailed explanation.
(BREAK)
A chibi Origin appears with a sign that says, "And then…"
(BREAK)
"Count Mott?" Louise turned to face me, a bit surprised by my unexpected question. Apparently, I interrupted her while she was brushing her hair. "Yes, I know of him. Why?"
"I'm a bit curious is all. I heard he passed through the school recently and wanted to know who he was," I explained as calmly as I possibly could. Though internally, I wanted to find the guy and tear his spine out.
My "master" gave me an incredulous glare then returned to brushing her bubblegum pink hair, "Count Mott is a royal messenger from the palace and one of the more notable higher-class nobles in the kingdom. He usually comes by to deliver important news or information to the headmaster directly," She explained. "Though personally, I don't like him very much. He always acts so cockily and arrogant, and he looks at the girls here with that stupid perverted face of his."
If I had my teeth, they'd be chipping from how much I'd be gritting them. "And Siesta is now working for a bastard like him?" I asked, my optics shifting from green to red for a few seconds then returned to their original color.
"It can't be helped," Louise shrugged. "There are always nobles interested in having one of our staff work for them. As long as they pay well then it's not really that big an issue." She explained it like it was a normal occurrence, but that only left a sour taste for me.
"But why Siesta in particular?" I pondered. "I heard she was requested by name. Did she know this guy or something?"
"Probably not," Derflinger spoke up from his spot against the wall. "When a nobleman requests a young girl by name, it's usually along the lines that she's to be his mistress."
"Say what!?" I exclaimed, flabbergasted.
"What? You mean you didn't know?" The living sword said, confused.
"It's probably true," Louise agreed, her voice laced with a slight tone of disgust. "Even though it's looked down upon you still hear stories of nobles buying servants from others just so they can turn them into a mistress or lover. There are even rumors that Mott is one of those who performs such practices." She paused in her brushing and developed her usual scowl. "Personally, I find such an act completely revolting and perverted; unbefitting of any true noble. But even though I feel sorry for that maid's situation, it sadly can't be helped."
"That's bullshit!" I yelled angrily, making Louise jump from my unexpected shouting. "If this is looked down upon then why the fuck is it even allowed to happen!?"
"It's not!" She quickly counted in defense. "You really think something like that would just be allowed by the palace? Of course not! But there's never been any evidence that Count Mott has conducted such activities to his servants. Otherwise, he'd never be allowed to do such a thing and would be stripped of his title in an instant. But because there's nothing but rumors and gossip to go on there's nothing that can be done about it."
I gave Louise a heated glare. "So you just gave up? You didn't even bother to investigate further? Send in any spies or agents to check? To see if anybody's been bribed or lied too to cover his tracks?" The pinkette started to flinch back nervously. "You're telling me that you'll condemn an innocent girl like Siesta to such atrocities just because there's no goddamn proof? Even when you know in your heart that it's still wrong?"
She looked down to the floor, probably feeling guilty but she cast it aside and turned away. "As I said, there's nothing that can be done. Without evidence, Count Mott has legal claim over that Siesta girl, meaning the only way she'd be freed is if she was either brought into the service of another noble or if he lets her go himself." Louise looked at me with a solemn expression. "I'm sorry for your friend, but for your sake and hers, it's best to just drop the matter and let it go."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing… Louise was asking me to forget about Siesta? To allow her to be used like some toy to this disgusting maggot?!
The hell I will...
I will never, ever allow some bastard to taint Siesta's pure soul with his grubby hands.
Images of Siesta, terrified and crying, filled my memory banks. I could see her, performing actions that would leave me sick to my stomach (if I still had one). Her beautiful, kind smile shattered into a broken mockery. Her eyes bright with life now dulled like the dead.
I could not stand for it… I won't stand for it!
"To hell with those claims…" I growled under my breath. I glanced over at Derf, knowing exactly what I was about to do.
Later...
My mission to find Count Mott and save Siesta had begun. First, I needed to find where that asshole lived. Louise didn't know where he lived so I had to talk to someone else.
Kirche was out for reasons that I will not describe. Tabitha? Definitely not. She'd sooner ignore me and continue reading her damn books. I could ask that Colbert guy, but I had a feeling that he'd stop me (not like he could).
That only left me with one option… and I cursed myself for even thinking it.
"Guiche!" I called out the name of the drama queen I kicked the shit out of prior to all this.
Apparently, the two-timing punk was talking to that blonde girl again. Montmorency if I remember correctly. Maybe he was trying to get back together with her. Either way, I didn't care because I wanted information and I wasn't going to be denied so easily.
"O-Origin!" Guiche stuttered fearfully at seeing the one who defeated him and almost killed him. He quickly collected himself and put up his best stance forward. "W-What do you want? Don't tell me you plan to intrude on my romantic moment wit-"
"Shut the fuck up and listen, you bloody twit," I ordered coldly.
The blonde was immediately silenced, figuring that I wasn't going to be bullshiting with him right now. He gulped loudly as he stared into my glowing green optics in fear.
"Do you know where Count Mott lives?" I asked him firmly.
"...Huh?" Guiche blinked in confusion.
"Don't make me ask again," I warned.
"Y-yes, I do!" The earth mage nodded vigorously.
"Tell me right now…"
Count Mott's Manor (3rd POV)
"How was your work, my dear? I hope you have gotten used to it," Count Mott asked, the noble sitting down and enjoying a cup of tea while he looked over Siesta's form right in front of him. No longer did she wear the standard maid uniform from the academy, instead she wore a work outfit that was far more revealing than her previous one.
"Yes, sir. For the most part," Siesta replied in a monotone voice. She kept her head pointed down out of duty and so she didn't have to look at the man before her.
Oh, how she hated this. Having to be forced into this kind of position. To be forced to bow and serve a noble who saw her as nothing more than a trophy or a toy to play with. She had seen it happen to many kind people in the past and it repulsed and horrified her to watch, but now it was even worse because she was the one put in such a position. At least at the academy, it had been different. While there was the occasional student who treated her like garbage, she was still taken care of and helped by either the nice professors or her fellow workers.
But now that life was over. Now she's been personally bought out by this Count Mott for her services and there was nothing that could be done about it. He owned her, and now she had to listen to his every demand without resistance less there be dire consequences for her or her family. Worse still was that she had been requested by name, meaning she knew exactly what the noble wanted from her, and the thought of it terrified the young woman.
It just wasn't fair at all and she hated it, but in the end, there was nothing she could do. She was simply another commoner and he was a noble. He could do whatever he pleased to her and she wouldn't be able to fight back.
However, despite knowing all that would happen to her, it paled in comparison to the true pain she felt in her heart.
'I wish I could have told you, Origin-san,' Siesta thought as she fought back her tears.
She bit her bottom lip as she struggled to steady her emotions. She wanted to tell Origin the truth, to let him know what was going to happen and hope he could somehow save her as he did before when she was almost killed. But in the end, she didn't have the courage or confidence to do so despite telling him otherwise, all because she was afraid of seeing those kind eyes of his lose their luster. It was her biggest regret of all, and she only wished that she could go back and apologize to him instead of hiding the truth away like a coward.
'Why… why did this have to happen?' The girl mentally cried as the count stood up from his chair.
"Good, good. I wouldn't want you to be overexerting yourself now," Mott said with a false smile. He then walked over towards Siesta and stood behind her, caressing her shoulder with his grubby hand. She grimaced at his touch but stayed in place.
"Yes sir," Siesta muttered obediently, though inside she was positively terrified. 'Please stop…'
"You know I didn't just hire you for household chores, my dear Siesta," The royal messenger whispered as he leaned close to her ear, much to her embarrassment and inner disgust.
'Please stop…'
"A woman of your beauty deserves to be treated with such gentle care and compassion that that old school won't show you."
Siesta's body shivered. "S-Sir, I-"
"Shhh," Mott grinned as he placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned even closer. "It's alright. I promise you'll enjoy it."
'Origin-san…'
Before things could escalate any further, a loud knocking at the door broke the tension.
"Excuse me, my lord!" A voice called from behind the door. The count's expression soured as he released Siesta, who let out a quiet breath of relief.
"What is it? I specifically recall asking not to be disturbed this evening, did I not?" Mott demanded, annoyed at the interruption.
"Apologies, sir, but there is someone here to see you. He claims to be from the academy."
Siesta's eyes widened in shock while Mott gained a confused look. "The Academy? What in Brimir's name is a messenger doing here so late?"
As the count turned and left to meet this messenger, Siesta placed a hand over her racing heart, for some reason feeling as if she knew exactly who it was.
'It couldn't be…'
(1st POV)
In light of his past misdeeds, Guiche was surprisingly helpful. Of course, it's probably because I put the fear of God in his little mongrel ass.
Unfortunately, I had to travel on foot because I still couldn't fly. I've got thrusters yet I don't know how to use them. Ain't that fucking ironic?
Anyways, the manor itself was quite large and not half bad to look at if it wasn't for whom it belonged to. Even though the bloody place looked easy to spot on the road, I was still a bit grateful for the playboy's help (though I'd never admitted it aloud since I still don't really like him).
The guards were suspicious, as expected, but I spoke up and told them that I was a messenger sent by the headmaster of the academy. And like idiots, they bought the story and allowed me to pass the gates. Man, tricking these backwater morons is gonna be easy as pie.
So here I stood, in the middle of the mansion's foyer, waiting for this Count Mott to make an appearance so that I could try and barter for Siesta's freedom. Now knowing these nobles, they will take two paths. The easy way. Or, my personal favorite, the hard way.
...I'm currently hoping it's the hard way.
Because God helps Mott if he either touched or hurt Siesta in any way possible… Oh, I'll make him scream for death if it's the last thing I do.
"So, you're the one from the Academy then?"
I spun around and fixed my sight on the master of the manor. Count Mott. His very appearance made me think of one of those old Victorian French noblemen from the past. He even had a curled mustache as well. He walked down the steps with a large wooden staff in hand.
Right then and there, I knew I was going to kill this man. For now, however, I had to be diplomatic.
"I am," I acknowledged with a nod. "My name is-"
"I could care less for your name, commoner," Mott rudely interrupted.
Okay, when I start hurting him, I'll rip out his tongue first.
"Tell me what brings you here at such a late hour and then begone. I don't have time to waste with such small trifles," Count Mott ordered with a hard and annoyed tone when he finally reached ground level.
I had to force my murderous urges down in order to focus on my current goal. "It's come to my attention that you've purchased a servant girl to work for you from the academy. She goes by the name of Siesta."
The count's brow rose in curiosity. "What of it?"
"I would like to request that you release your hold over the young maid and allow her to continue her work at the academy," I said.
The man released a loud scoff of disbelief. "You must be joking? I was interrupted by something like this? The nerve of commoners these days," He gestured to the door behind me. "Begone, golem! Be thankful I even bothered with this little charade seeing as you've wasted my precious time."
I glared at the noble. "I implore you to hear what I have to say, sir."
"I do not mince words, creature, nor do I like repeating myself. But if you insist on being stubborn then allow me to spell it out for you," Mott's lips broke into a cruel smirk. "Siesta is now an official servant of the Mott household. Meaning I as her master decide whether she goes or not. And I can assure you I have no intention of letting her go for quite some time."
"So you can abuse your title and power on an innocent girl?" I shot back.
"Excuse me?" The meatbag gave me a dangerous glare but that's nothing to a guy who can't even feel it.
"I've heard all about the rumors swirling around you, Count," I spat the title with as much venom as I could muster. "How you take women into your servitude and use them to satisfy your own disgusting desires." With each word, the noble grew more enraged. I'm actually surprised he hasn't blown his mustache off yet. "A guy like you bearing the title of 'noble' is both sickening and pitiful."
"How dare you! Do you even realize who you're talking to, commoner!?" Mott shouted angrily.
"Oh, is that a question? Because my answer is that I'm talking to a lonely, pitiful, perverted piece of shit who acts more like a child than a grown ass man." Came my remark. I almost snickered in amusement too but held it back. "And you're an ugly troll."
"Arrest this fool and get him out of my house!" Count Mott ordered to his two guards.
"Now hold on," I interjected when the manor guards came in with spears and swords drawn. "I'm offering you a choice, Mott. It's quite simple actually. Release Siesta at once and we can forget this all happened or I take her back by force and paint the walls with your blood. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way."
Count Mott only scoffed in disgust, "And when you arrest this trash, kill him."
"Okay, hard way it is." I shrugged.
Truthfully, some part of me had been hoping for this.
My HUD scanned the surrounding guardsmen as they each gave me wary expressions since they had no idea how to approach me. I decided to spare them the pain and offer them a revelation.
"I understand you guys are just doing your job. So I'll make you this offer. Walk away and keep your lives…" I noticed a few of them flinch. "Or stay here and die by my hand. Better make your decision. I'm growing bored."
Some of the guards considered my offer and it would seem there would be less blood to spill...
"The first man who removes this bastard's head gets triple their pay!" Mott shouted.
...And like that, the greed of humanity overtook their minds. Now they were looking at me like I was a big game prize.
"Alright, but just know… I warned you." I said with a dark mental smirk. "Vulcan."
At my command, the Vulcan guns mounted on my head unleashed their armor-piercing payload upon the foolish meat bags. The bullets rammed straight through the armor of two guards, turning them into bits of blood, meat, and bone.
The guards that I missed recoiled in horror and disgust at seeing what had become of their fellows. And actually, it kind of made me wish I could grin.
A quick signal in my body jetted up my left shoulder, revealing the beam saber handle underneath and allowing me to grasp it in my right servo. The emitter unleashed the azure blue blade and pulsed menacingly as my optics flared.
"Who's next?" I taunted.
One of the guards charged at me, his sword in hand, ready for the strike. I couldn't help but chuckle darkly in amusement as I easily sidestepped such a sloppy attack, taking in the man's disbelief and fear for a second before driving the beam saber into the guard's stomach. The heat of weapon burning and melting his insides as he screamed in sheer agony. Ruthlessly, I tore my weapon from out of his gut to the side, revealing a charred, melted opening that I gripped with my other hand and promptly tore the half dangling body straight off.
A few other guards became sick on the spot at how easily I dismembered their compatriot.
"Anyone else?" I asked with faux innocence while bringing up my bloodied servo to stare at the red liquid dripping on each of my fingers. "I've been meaning to try out some techniques to remove a human ribcage with one's bare hands."
No one else stepped forward.
"Then I suggest you run and find a new line of work," I informed them. "Otherwise, I'll be using your skulls as drinking cups."
They all turned and bolted as fast as they could, some of them dropping their weapons in their panic.
"That's what I thought," I said with dark amusement.
Now I turned my attention to Mott, who looked downright furious. And I so love it when I piss off jackasses like this douche.
"If that's the best you've got then you're gonna need to get your money back," I taunted the noble in a snarky tone of voice.
The count snarled. "I shall not be made a fool of by some commoner trash!" He waved his staff to a vase on a nearby table. The vase shook before falling over and making the water spill out of it, only for the liquid to suddenly rise higher than a geyser. "I am Mott of the Wave and I am a Triangle-class Mage! Prepare to die, commoner!"
Is this guy serious? He thinks a little water is going to stop me? I might as well humor the poor fool. "Take your best shot, ya prick." I taunted with a gesture of my servo.
Count Mott snarled then swung his staff forward, causing the water to immediately shoot towards me at high speeds. Normally, if a human was hit with the force of a high-pressure water cannon, they'd definitely lose some flesh on their bones. However, my frame was made of a material tougher than anything these idiots have ever seen. So, naturally, I allowed the hit to come. To my amusement, all the water did was wash off the blood from my earlier kill.
"Thanks for the wash. I thought I'd have to scrub every inch of my body just to get the blood out." I said in a mocking tone of voice.
"You bothersome little fly," Mott yelled, lifting his staff up. "Well, let's see how you handle this!" He slammed the butt of his staff to the floor causing the wave of water to suddenly freeze solid and transform into several sharp swords of ice.
"Okay, I did not expect that…" I admitted.
With a hysterical smirk, Mott sent the ice swords at me like a rain of frozen daggers.
"Shield!" I quickly called out, summoning my Origin Shield to my left arm and allowing me to defend against the projectiles. A few tried to strike the joints between my armor plates so I had to use my Vulcans in order to shoot them down into snowflakes.
"Where's all your bravado, commoner? Does the power of the nobility finally silence your insolent tongue?" Mott taunted.
"Fat chance, dickhead!" I retorted. "This isn't even enough to get me warmed up. In fact, this is pretty boring! Show me something else, ya loser!"
Mott was anything but done. "Why won't you just die!" He screamed.
"Because I'm awesome," Came my snarky remark.
That only seemed to infuriate the noble even further. Mostly because he seemed to be calling forth a storm of ice swords to rain down upon me. While I wasn't concerned at the least, these damn things were really starting to piss me off.
I had to find a way to get rid of these annoying projectiles if I wanted to get close and take this bastard out.
A thought ran through my processor. Yes, that could work...
"Come on, you so-called noble! I'm hardly breaking a sweat. Aren't you magic users supposed to be tough?" I mocked Count Mott.
I think I could see a little vein on his forehead about to pop...
Some part of me took pride in this, and actually, it was kind of funny, in hindsight.
Unfortunately, I had no time for jokes. A short mental command to my frame's subatomic systems allowed me to call forth a new power that I've only seen from one certain Gundam.
...A Gundam that was known as the King of Hearts.
My HUD informed me that my temperature was rising to near nuclear levels. A small part of me was worried that this would backfire and melt my circuitry from the inside out, but I had absolute faith that my Gundam's design would hold.
A fiery aura shrouded my left arm and traveled all the way up to my shield. With a cry, I swung the defensive weapon to unleash a torrent of flames that melted the ice shards and evaporated the water until nothing but steam was left.
A sense of relief did flood my frame, I will admit, in knowing it had worked.
"What devilry is this!?" Count Mott exclaimed, seemingly horrified at my action. "How could a commoner produce magic?!"
"I never said that I was a commoner… or even human in that regard," A dark, mental smirk filled my thoughts as I stood up, heat and steam radiating around my metal frame. My optics glaring hatefully at the insignificant bug that dared to steal away a person I considered precious.
And boy, was it satisfying to see him squirm.
"Y-you're a spawn from the very bowels of Hell itself!" Count Mott exclaimed in fear. "Stay away! Stay your distance, you devil!"
"Devil?" I repeated the word he insulted me with. A cold chuckle escaped my vocalizer. "Oh, how right you are…"
Step by step, my footsteps echoed across the manor like a foreboding symphony. Each step only further striking terror in the heart of that pathetic worm that dared call himself a noble.
He started to scurry backward, his eyes wide in horror.
I brought up my right servo, which glowed with an aura of flame. "This hand of mine is burning red. Its loud roar tells me to defeat you…" I reared it back, entering a stance I knew long ago from the strongest mobile fighter in Gundam history. "Here I go!"
"Wait, mercy!" Mott pleaded.
"Erupting. Burning. FINGER!" I roared, thrusting my superheated servo directly into the gut of the whimpering noble. He gagged and screamed in agony as the heat charred his insides and boiled his blood vessels until they popped. "And now… Heat End!"
Closing my fist, the noble began to convulse until he slowly began expanding to the point he looked like a balloon… and then exploded.
Some of the blood splattered on my faceplate and chest, giving me a sinister appearance as I drew my servo back and looked at it.
The blood that had spilled on my fingers began to evaporate due to the extreme heat still generating from my altered programming. Burning Gundam's power was immediately silenced, allowing me to control my normal body temperature once again.
A feminine gasp drew my attention to the top of the stairs… and to my horror stood Siesta, who looked at me like I was a monster.
"Siesta…" I said the maid's name quietly.
"Origin-san…" She spoke, trembling.
If I could gulp, this would be that moment. "Did you… see all of that?" I asked with a hint of hesitance.
Siesta said nothing, but the underlying horror in her eyes told me everything...
My gaze left the woman in the provocative dress and drifted over to the bloody remains. "I wish you hadn't seen me like that…"
"What…" I heard the girl swallow hard. "What did you do to them?"
A bitter chuckle was all I could give. "Isn't it obvious? I killed them, especially that fool, Count Mott."
"Y-you… killed a noble!?"
"Not like I had much choice. I tried to resolve it peacefully, but, as usual, nobles decide to play it rough," I answered briskly. "I came here to rescue you, Siesta. Damn the consequences and damn those in power."
The dark-haired beauty gave me this look that I couldn't describe. However, the smile she had on her face was evidence enough of her reaction. "Origin-san, I'm touched… but you didn't have to kill them. I never want others to suffer because of me."
For some reason her words made me feel a bit weird inside.
"In fact, I only got a job under the nobility to support my family…" Siesta had a forlorn look on her lovely face. "But what am I to do now?"
"I'll find a way!" I interjected. "I'll help you and your family, Siesta. I'll support you in any way possible."
The young woman looked at me in surprise. "How? How can you?"
Well, she got me there. I can't exactly get a job since I'm not flesh and blood. I wouldn't dare take orders from some stuck-up noble. If anything, I could just...
"I think I have an idea, Siesta." If I could, I'd be smirking.
She cocked her head to the side, which was actually kind of cute… Dammit! Why do I still have to suffer like this?!
"Oh?" she asked. "What?"
"Well, let's just say that due to Count Mott's recent 'accident', you are about to be left with quite a fortune," I said with a mental grin.
Later…
After cleaning up the bodies (and burying them out back), I looked through old documents and journals that Mott kept in his studies. For only ten minutes, I went through trial and error to copy the former Count's handwriting. Finally, I managed to succeed in copying the man's writing and with as much elegance as possible, I managed to sign a waiver and an official document that detailed Siesta and her family as the successors to Count Mott's fortune and all his worldly possessions.
Granted, Siesta had no use in the possessions but the added funds should assist her family if they ever come under hard times.
"Origin-san, are you sure about this?" Siesta asked.
"Yes, I said I would help you and now…" I looked into her lovely eyes that shimmered like gems. "Now I've given you the chance to help your family without any worry."
The Asian beauty smiled at me but frowned. "I just… don't see myself as a noble, Origin-san."
A chuckle of amusement was all I could reply with at first, "If you want, I could have you written back as a maid at the academy. The kids there are still a bunch of pains in the ass, but they won't try anything with you."
"You would… really do that for me?" Siesta looked at me with wide eyes that gleamed with unshed tears.
"You're my friend. Of course, I would." I replied, taking the document and waiver then gently placing them into an envelope as I used a bit of red wax and sealed it with the Count's insignia.
I don't know why, but I felt… Yes, I actually felt something warm on my mask.
From the corner of my optics, I noticed Siesta back away with her cheeks tinged red. Though her smile was still ever present.
I think she just… kissed me...
And I felt it...
This is the greatest moment of my life.
My servo slowly drifted to my faceplate to touch the spot. There was still some lingering warmth that granted me peace beyond anything I've ever experienced.
"Siesta…" I spoke softly.
"Origin-san, thank you so much." The girl smiled brightly at me.
For a moment, I no longer felt like a cold machine… I felt...
...human again.
"You're quite welcome… Siesta." I said with a smile that none could ever see, but I knew that the girl could tell I was smiling.
A/N: That's it for this chapter and I apologize for taking too long.
Titanic X: We did make it longer though. And yes, Origin got a smooch~! XD ;3
And before any of you start ranting that he's a Gundam now and shouldn't be able to feel anything, you have to realize that Halkegenia is a world of magic and he possesses magic runes that will, over time, grant him back semblances of his humanity.
Titanic X: Anyway, we'll have a new chapter up as soon as we're able to. :3 See you next chapter, peeps~! ;D
Both: Ja ne!