Disclaimer: I do not own Familiar of Zero, only the D&D character that causes mayhem and discord.

A/N: I'm not gonna bother to try and make excuses for myself. I was gone. That's that. Classes are nearing the end and hitting their crescendo. There, that's that. Moving on.

As for this chapter, I wanted to add a little more characterization onto Lyall, give him more emotions than goofy and kickass. I'm not entirely sure how I did, but I hope it works.

To make up for my being missing, I'll be putting two chapters up. Just to show how sorry I am.

Anyway, read/review and, most importantly, enjoy!

The Alpha of Zero

Chapter Three

The Talking Sword

I stood in a small clearing within the school grounds, my sword drawn. My eyes were closed as I breathed in and out slowly, slowly clenching and unclenching my hand on the hilt. Exhaling and inhaling, I made sure to remain as silent as possible, which came to me as second nature. Bringing my arm down, I held my sword perpendicular to the ground and crouched slowly, bending my legs gradually. I pushed a foot back and turned my body to shift my weight into a more comfortable position.

With a single exhale, my eyes shot open as I lunged forward, slashing with my sword. Inhaling in junction with my next swipe, I tore through the air with blurring speed. Spinning to the side, I flipped my wrist and released the hilt of my sword, quickly grabbing it again to grasp it in a reverse grip. Stabbing the air again, I inhaled once again to maintain my breath. Turning again, I released the sword with my right hand and threw my left forward, catching the hilt in an instant, lunging with the blade even farther.

Grasping the hilt with hands, I crouched and lunged forward, slashing again and again. In my mind's eye, I visualized a group of enemies before me and struck as quickly and as efficiently as I knew how.

The first attack would've surprised the first by nearly tearing him in half.

The second attack would brought me around the first target and against the next enemy, goring him in the back.

The third would've threw him off my blade and staggering into one of his allies.

At this point, they would've seen me. Since I was alone, they would no doubt try to circle me. Holding my sword at the ready, I would wait and watch as two of them would go to opposite sides of me. Another would inevitably charge me head-on as a distraction.

I could feel a rush of power surge through me as I held my sword loosely but firmly.

Stepping to the side, I would tumble behind the man and thrust my sword into his back, striking a vital point. He drop to the ground, close to death if not dead already. Getting quickly to my feet, I bring my blade to the side, parrying an attack from one of the flankers. The second would try and capitalize on my supposed distraction and lunge at my open back. I would respond by turning quickly, slashing at him with my weapon.

That would leave me open to the first flanker, who would also strike at my open back.

To which I would have to turn back to him and block his attack.

Which would cause the second to try again.

Which I would block by turning to parry him.

Which would cause the first to attack me...again.

Frustration seeping into my focus, I released a tired breath and stabbed the ground with my sword. Tapping my foot quickly, I tried to rein in any excessive anger since I didn't need to give the students at this school any more reason to be scared shitless of me.

"Lyall, are you okay? You were doing so well."

I looked over to the person who had decided to view my personal training. Siesta was at my side with her head cocked to the side in confusion. She held a towel out to me as she waited for my answer. Truthfully, she and Louise were the only people who I was with on a slightly regular basis. I wouldn't be lying if I said I enjoyed her company.

"I lost focus." I gratefully took the towel and wiped my forehead.

Siesta pursed her lips, clearly confused. "You lost focus? What do you mean?"

I gestured to my sword. "I'm not used to fighting with only one sword. My favored, and perfected, fighting style is a two-weapon style. I left my other sword back home, so I'm left with only this one." Pulling the sword out of the ground, I casually sheathed it with a small flourish.

"Oh, well, can't you get a new one here?" She asked me innocently.

"I would, but I have no money and I doubt I'd find a sword that would work well in tandem with mine."

After a moment of silence, Siesta pouted at me, "You know, sometimes I wonder if you tease me on purpose when you speak about things from your world."

I arched and eyebrow at her, then felt myself grin widely. "It's a possibility." When her pout deepened, I couldn't hold back the laughter that had forced itself free. Wiping the back of my neck with the towel, I shake my head and said, "I'm sorry, I'm just not used to this place yet."

Siesta sighed and shook her head lightly, "It's alright; just remember that I'm a maid, not a soldier."

"I don't know, you're taking to my impromptu training rather quickly. You may have had a past life in my world as someone in the light infantry." I smiled at the flushed expression on her face.

"I'm glad you think that, but I'm no stranger to hard work. I am the oldest of eight siblings, so I had help out on the farm before coming here."

Dabbing my neck to remove the sweat, I cocked my head to the side, "Large family, huh?"

She nodded, "Yeah, I'm from a small village in Tarbes. Do have any family back at your home?" Siesta asked me innocently, clearly probing for information about the mysterious familiar of Louise Francoise.

I looked to the ground, "Ah, no..." My voice was soft. "I didn't have a family growing up, I was kind of on my own..." I looked up to her and smiled widely, trying to hide old pain that refused to go away with time.

Siesta lifted her hands to her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry, Lyall. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories!"

I shook my head, trying to reassure her. "No, it's okay. It is a sore subject, but I learned a lot from it. I ended much better off as I grew up." I tapped the hilt of my sword, "I became a pretty damn good swordsman and I'm one of the best when it comes to stealth." I placed a hand on my chin, looking to the side with a small, sly grin. "And I was blessed with these devilish good looks."

Siesta laughed at my antics, covering her mouth. After a few moments, she released a breath, "Well, I'm glad you turned out the way you did. You're strong and humble, unlike the nobles in this world."

I snorted, "I have to be humble; you have no idea how many people I knew that would kick my ass if I wasn't. Too many to count, that's how much." Shaking my head with a smile, I released a small breath. Placing a hand on my stomach, I heard the grumbling of the disgruntled beast that had awoken within me. "Do you know where I can find something to eat? That work out built up one hell of an appetite."

Siesta placed a finger on her chin in thought, then smiled softly. "Of course, follow me."

"Well, what do you think, Blade?" The large chef grinned down at me as I began to eat the stew and bread given to me. He was a large set man with a muscular frame and well-trimmed goatee. Clad in the white garb of a chef, he waited for my response.

"Um, for the last time, please call me 'Lyall'. 'Our Blade' is a little a pretentious in my opinion. I mean, all I did was smack around a child." I told the man and turned to my meal. Grabbing the spoon, I scooped some of the stew out and ate it. As soon as I did, I released a groan of contentment. "This is incredible."

Marteau let loose a heavy laugh. "Humble and skilled! We're truly blessed to have someone like you appear here!"

After taking a bite of the bread, I shook my head. "I don't care what you call me, only of you let me eat here whenever I'm hungry."

Marteau laughed heartily, "I don't mind it, though some of us may not always be here all the time." He grinned easily, "Though I'm sure Siesta would love to cook for you every so often."

"Mr. Marteau..." Siesta flushed embarrassedly.

Arching an eyebrow at her, then at Marteau, I shrugged.

-Louise -

I looked at my wand, feeling much more sure of myself. Lyall's words were rather blunt, but the meaning behind them and his confidence helped get the message to me.

"I can really do magic?"

"Hell, yeah! What do you call all those explosions you keep creating?"

I groaned, glaring at him. "What are you trying to say?"

He palmed his face, "What I'm trying to say is this: if you couldn't do magic, then those explosions wouldn't be happening. I'm not an expert, but what I do know about magic as a whole is that when you have a lot of it, but not a lot of control, then things tend to go boom when you don't really want them to."

I gave him a level look, then cleared my throat. "So...I'm not Zero?"

"Oh, you're Zero alright, but for an entirely different reason. Not Zero success rate, but Zero control. No doubt about it there."

I glared at him, clenched my fists tightly. "Lyall, give me one good reason why not to put you in the center of one of my explosions."

He lifted hand and extended a finger, "I have several: first, you wouldn't catch me. Second, I would take your wand and keep it from you for trying. Third, you should be better than that." He extended a finger for every one of his points. At the end, he lowered his hand and crossed his arms. "There's not much I can do about magic application-wise, but I know a little magic theory." He was silent for a few seconds, but resumed talking, "Tell me again, what are the four affinities?"

"Wind, water, fire and earth." I explained to him. "There is also the fifth, lost element, Void. What difference does asking that make? I've already tried to use all four of the elements and none of them worked."

"Have you tried Void, then?" Lyall asked me, completely serious.

I gave him a frustrated look, "Of course not! Void is a lost element. It hasn't been used for 6,000 years!"

"That's oddly specific..." He muttered to himself, then shook his head. "Regardless of that, have you even tried to it?"

I huffed and shook my head.

"Well, now we know what's on the agenda..."

"How can I try something that's been lost for 3 millennia?" I muttered angrily as I crossed my arms and leaned back in my seat. I was about to get into bed, when I heard a sudden yelp and a crash. Jumping out of my chair, I grabbed my wand and raced to the door. I threw it open and saw my familiar, Lyall, standing over a red salamander with his sword pressed against its underbelly.

"I have no idea what you're trying to pull, but you don't drag me into dark rooms! I have standards, you damned lizard, and you most certainly do not fit them." His voice was a harsh whisper as I noticed his hand tightly clench the hilt of his sword.

Before I could say anything, the door to the aforementioned dark room was quickly pushed open, revealing that cursed Zerbst woman clad in nothing but a sheer purple night gown. "Oh, please don't impale Flame with your sword, Mr. Lyall. Please, impale me instead." I swear, that woman knows no modesty.

However, while I could've intervened, a part of me wanted to wait and see how he reacted to Kirche's advances. Lyall narrowed his eyes at the fire mage and said, "I see what you did there. That's some pretty naughty wordplay you're throwing around, young lady." He sighed and looked from her, to her familiar. After a moment, he lifted his sword and pulled it away from Flame. "Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, I honestly don't know, but no one is getting impaled tonight." He eyed Kirche critically, and said, "Since this guy is yours, I'm assuming you told him to do drag me into your room?"

Kirche pushed out her chest and smiled sultrily. "Of course. My body was burning for the company of a real man. So, I had Flame bring the only candidate to my room."

Lyall rolled his eyes, "Yeah, whatever, I'm not some pubescent teenager. I don't go weak-kneed at the sight of breasts, which you seem to flaunt relentlessly."

"Well, I do have to catch the eye of my target, don't I?"

"Like I said, I'm not a little boy anymore. I'm a man who knows what he wants. It'll take more than your peep show to drag me into your bedroom." He was about to turn, but Kirche grabbed his arm.

"Then what will it take?" Her voice was heavy with something that I'd rather not describe.

Lyall simply smirked and gabbed her wrist. Pulling it off of his arm, he said, "If you have to ask, then you won't know. If you know, then you don't need to ask." As he blew off Kirche, he took notice of me standing in my doorway. He lifted a hand and smiled, "Oh, hey, Louise! How long have you been standing there?"

As I looked passed him and saw the shocked expression on the Zerbst woman's face, I couldn't help but smile. "Long enough." When my familiar walked into my room, I lifted a hand and said, "Good night, Zerbst." I then stepped into my room and shut the door. Lyall was sitting at the table, propping his feet up. "You blew her off."

He looked to me with a somewhat tired expression. "I'm sorry?"

"Kirche. You blew her off. I'm curious as to why..." I probed lightly.

He shrugged lightly, "She did send her familiar to forcefully drag me to her room. I do things willingly, or not at all. There's also the fact that she's a bit too...expressive for my tastes. I prefer the women I court to be tasteful, at least when in public."

I felt myself smile lightly, "It's good to know you actually think things through, and don't drool at every attractive girl you come across."

"Don't get me wrong, I did when I was younger." Lyall shuddered, "I was surprisingly a lot like that blonde fop, Guiche, when it came to womanizing, in my early years." He paused, placing a hand on my chin. "Though, I was much more discreet and quite a bit more varied in my compliments. I only got caught once, but it was one hell of an ass-kicking." The warrior grimaced and shook his head, "I've never seen war priestesses the same since."

I arched an eyebrow at him, "Then I'm glad you learned from your mistake."

"So am I, Louise, so am I." He held a hand to his mouth and yawned silently. Leaning back, he released a tired breath. "When's your next day off?"

I walked over to my dresser and began changing. "In two days, why?"

"I was wondering if we could go into town and pick up a few things. I only need a second sword and some equipment to keep them properly maintained. It shouldn't be too much."

I was silent for a moment, thinking about how much of my allowance was left. I honestly had no idea what the normal price for a sword was, but as long as he didn't request a specially made one, then it wouldn't be a problem. "I don't see why not. I need to get something for myself anyway. However, don't you already have a sword and all of your daggers? Why do you need a second one?"

"I specialize in dual-wielding swords of same or similar sizes. While a few daggers would be more than enough for a noble like Guiche, I'm not arrogant enough to believe that there won't be someone more capable than I am. One of the first things I learned in my training as an Occult Slayer is to always assume my opponent is more powerful than I am, and act accordingly. To do that to the best of my abilities, I need to be at my best; so, I need a second sword." Lyall explained succinctly, adjusting the strap on his bandolier absent-mindedly.

I nodded, now dressed in my pink night gown. "I see. It's reassuring to know that you've put that much thought into it. Hopefully, you'll do the same before you cause another incident like you did with Guiche." I glared at him.

Lyall simply smirked, "I only act out when I know no one can punish me for it or when I'm feeling vindictive. As you get to know me, you'll learn to prefer it when I'm a little immature. There are two other attitudes I take on when not goofing around. The second is the attitude when you first summoned me. The third..." He paused, as if lost in thought; then shook his head, "Well, let me just say I hope you never have to see it." He yawned again and got up from his seat, "I've had a tiring day, so I'm going to crash. Night."

Lyall promptly took his place on the floor next to the table, closing his eyes and quickly falling asleep.

I climbed into my bed and lied down, "Good night..."

Rage is an ugly thing.

Or at least I think so. I haven't seen anyone truly angry enough to lash out before witnessing Lyall provoke Guiche. It's just not something you think about, but the dream I had that night gave me a clue to what he mentioned earlier...

I stood in front of a burning building, with bodies scattered around the site. No one was there, save for a single man, illuminated by the firelight. His arms outstretched and head leaned back, as if basking in the atmosphere.

The sound of clinking armor and heavy breaths pulled my attention from the morbid sight. My familiar led the group of people I had seen with him two times before. Lyall came to a stuttering stop, his eyes wide with shock and disgust.

"My god..." One of the men behind him cursed under his breath.

Lyall blinked and mouthed something that escaped me. "You killed all of them? Why?" His voice shook with emotion. "What did they do to deserve this?!" He cried out in anger, stepping forward.

A taller man quickly grabbed him by the arm. "Lyall, calm down." He was taller by a small margin, but clad in a set of chain mail.

"He killed all of them, Auren." Lyall hissed through gritted teeth. "They did nothing to him and he killed them without remorse." He turned and took hold of Auren's collar. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill him where he stands!"

Auren met Lyall's gaze evenly, not backing an inch. "The man's a noble on the Lord's Council. Current act notwithstanding, we have no right to kill him."

"Screw that." Lyall growled out. Pushing Auren off of him, he turned and drew his swords.

"Auren, stop him or I will." A goateed man clad in golden armor warned.

Lyall threw him a glare and said, "Try anything, Ralos, and I'll kill you. This man, noble or not, killed innocent people trying to live their lives in peace. We let him go now, he'll only be lost in the bureaucratic bullshit that he helped create"

"We can't know that." Auren beseeched my familiar.

"Oh, he's right, Mr. Janten." The man cut into the conversation with a wide smile. "If you don't try and kill me now, then I can live the rest of my life knowing that the red tape preventing my execution will remain. However, if you do try and kill me, there's the whole issue of treason." He laughed lightly, "Oh, isn't it difficult to do good in a world dominated by evil?"

Lyall snarled, "Silence, murderer!" He began to walk forward, but Auren stopped him again. "Let me go, Janten." His words were coarse and cruel.

"You realize he's doing this on purpose. He knows about your old relationship with this family. About their daughter..." Auren whispered to him.

Lyall threw Auren a threatening glare, "Let me go."

"Oh, yes, Margaret. The oh-so-kind people that used to live here told me so much about their daughter. A fine hunter she was, don't you agree? Always providing her family with all the food and supplies they would ever need. It's a shame she decided to enlist. Otherwise, she never would've met you, Lyall." The man goaded my familiar, smiling easily.

I was confused, completely unable to follow what was going on, but the moment I heard that phrase, I understood. The family that was killed by this man was connected to Lyall by way of a young woman he knew. Something must've happened to her before this.

"Shut up." Lyall muttered dangerously.

"You've been searching all this time, haven't you? Trying to find out who sent those assassins." The man paced side to side. "It was difficult, mind you, trying to smuggle in those assassins with all the paladins patrolling. But all it took was a little mind control here, a little patrol reassignment there, and some bribery sprinkled everywhere. Finally, all I needed was the perfect target. I needed to shake one of you up, the so-called 'treasured vanguards' of the Shieldlands military. I knew that if even one of you were off balance, then the dominoes would fall." He placed a hand on his chin. "So, I decided to target the most easily influenced one of you: the weak-minded rogue. After all, if he wasn't able to track your targets or find a few well-hidden traps, then all of you would be dead in the water."

Lyall ripped his arm from Auren's grasp and took a step forward. Lifting an arm, he pointed his sword towards the man. "What the hell are you trying to say?"

The man grinned manically, "What I'm saying is that it was me who had your precious Margaret killed."

Lyall froze, his eyes wide with disbelief as his arm fell to the side. He stood frightening still for a few moments, looking as though he wasn't even breathing. The air was still, silent save for the crackling of the flame. His normally soft grey eyes were swimming with emotion.

"Lyall..." I muttered lightly.

Then he began to laugh. Closing his eyes, he stabbed his sword into the ground and palmed his face. Laughing lightly, his shoulders shook with every sudden exhalation. The laugh started off small, then grew to a boisterous guffaw. I stared in shock at my familiar's sudden change in attitude, as did everyone else in his group.

"All this time." He began to speak in between the laughs. "I've been searching; looking; digging for the person who killed her." Shaking his head, he wiped his eyes of a tear and smiled widely. "Only for me to finally learn it was someone so high up they could cut me off. It's a relief to finally have clarity, to finally have the fog lifted." He released a breath and rested a hand on his sword. "The entire time, I kept thinking about how I would deal with that son of a bitch once I found him, because I knew that I would eventually. Now that he's standing before me, well..." He quickly grabbed his sword and ripped it from the ground. Crouching, he held both swords ready.

It was frightening, nightmarish, the bloodlust behind that manic grin of his. His eyes were alive with a calm fury, watching his adversary closely. His black blades were simply invisible in the firelight, apparitions with the capability to harm.

"Well what, Mr. Greycloak?" The man said, amusement present in his tone.

Lyall simply let a small, animalistic chuckle escape from him. "I'm going to fucking kill you." He shot forward, disappearing from sight.

The man's eyes widened in surprise, losing my familiar.

"Behind you..." His voice came from seemingly everywhere as a blade of black steel removed his arm.

The man staggered forward, screaming in shock at the loss of an arm. Looking behind him, he saw Lyall standing there with a wide grin on his face, blood from the man's wound staining his cheek.

"What are you screaming for? We're just getting started."

-Lyall-

"Are you sure you slept well last night? Because those bags under your eyes don't tell the same story." I asked the young girl as we walked through the town.

"I told you, I'm fine." Louise grumbled lightly.

I sighed, "I'll take your word for it, but I'm going to be the one riding the horse back. You nearly fell off the horse five times."

She shook her head, "I said I'm fine..." She grumbled again.

Shaking my head, I replied, "Alright, I'll take your word for it, but if you're going to fall over, just warn me. If worse comes to worst, I'll carry you, okay."

Louise looked to me for a moment, her eyes scanning my face critically.

Seeing her watch me, I arched an eyebrow. "Are you trying to tell me that there's something on face without actually saying it? Because there are better ways to do it that staring."

Louise flushed and looked away from me. "I wasn't staring at you."

"Then what were you doing?" I asked her, my voice deadpanned. She muttered something under her breath. I didn't quite catch it, so I replied with, "Oi, shorty, I don't have super hearing. Speak up so I can hear you."

Louise bit her lip. "Who was Margaret?"

I stopped in my tracks, completely forgetting about the people all around me and focusing solely on Louise right in front of me. Louise stopped and fidgeted under my gaze. I felt my eyes narrow dangerously, my thoughts emptying. "How do you know that name?" My voice came out in a hoarse whisper, unconsciously promising violence.

"I-I had a dream..." Louise said softly.

"A dream? How does that explain you knowing that name?" I demanded from her, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know!" She whispered harshly.

I forced myself to calm down, closing my eyes tightly. Exhaling softly, I allowed my body to relax, my shoulders to loosen. Opening my eyes, I lifted my hand and looked at the gauntlet covered limb. "This must have something to do with the runes on my hand and our connection..." I muttered and shook my head. Lowering my hand, I looked to Louise, who was looking down and away from me. Releasing a breath, I replied softly, "She was someone I came to genuinely care for..."

Louise looked up to me in surprise. Then she whispered, "The war priestess?"

I let out a small laugh and shook her head. "No, I met her after that incident. She'd do worse than the war priestess. She was actually better than me at swordsmanship, though I was still the better hunter." I felt a small, reminiscent grin.

"So you loved her?" Louise asked me innocently.

I blinked at the question. Did I love her? It had been years since I had even heard her name, but her memory was with me. Did I love her? "Yeah, you could say I did."

We resumed walking, heading towards the blacksmith's shop. "What was she like?"

I arched an eyebrow at her. "You're full of questions aren't you?"

"If you don't want to answer, then you don't have to..." Louise said softly.

Shaking my head, I said, "No, it's alright. It's just been a while since I revisited these memories." Leaning my head back, I tried to remember. "She was stubborn and proud. When she set a goal for herself, she wouldn't stop until she reached it."

"That's admirable. Was she a mage in your world?"

I snorted, "You've heard that I'm a mage hunter and assume that she's a mage. The chances of me courting an arcanist in my world were slim to none. Of course not, she was an aspiring mage hunter like myself." I grinned at the shocked expression on her face.

"There are more of you in your world?!" She asked, completely thrown off balance.

"Of course, but it's a pretty small group of people. Arcane spellcasters don't appreciate it when people like that come into play. Plus, plenty of people prejudiced against mages aspire to be one. Luckily, the training is rather rigorous and painful, so only the most determined and skilled become masters." I grinned and placed a hand on my chest. "Yours truly is one of the few. She made it, too. As a matter of fact, we shared the same teacher and the same time. We would go out on missions meant for our specialties and complete them together."

"So, you were a pair of mage hunters who happened to fall for one another?"

"No." I shook my head quickly. "She didn't fall for me at first. She didn't really like me at all in the beginning. She thought I was an arrogant womanizer who flaunted his position as one of the enemies' most wanted."

Louise arched an eyebrow at me. "Were you?"

I sucked in a breath, "I may have been at one point, but I was on the mend from that particular ailment when I met her. It took a while, but I was finally able to win her affections through hard work, perseverance and saving her life at the cost of me being placed in extensive care for a few weeks."

Louise shook her head, "Why do I find that so obvious?"

"Hey!" I said, feeling a little insulted. "I wasn't thinking when I saved her. I just did what I felt was right."

She smiled lightly, "Maybe that's what helped you win her over."

"Yeah, maybe, but we never got far. The day I was allowed leave from the hospital was the day our camp was infiltrated by assassins." I paused, trying not to let old emotions resurface. It was already a painful memory, but I still had to confront it. "The first thing I did was go looking for her. By the time I found her, she was surrounded by the attacking force. After I made it to her, though, everything kind of goes blank. The very next thing I remember is holding her in my arms, dead. I don't even know if I said 'goodbye'."

"Did you cry?" The innocent question from Louise struck me.

"Yeah, I cried. I was a mess for weeks. I was barred from missions until I regained my head. With my newfound free time, I found her family and told them the horrible news." I shook my head and crossed my arms. "Though they said otherwise, I was sure they blamed me. My group did have a penchant for being danger magnets." I eyed Louise for a moment, then asked, "What dream did you have to spark these questions?"

She bit her lip, clearly nervous. After a moment of silence between us, she said, "It had fire, the man who caused it and claimed to have sent the assassins..."

"Oh... That incident..." I said softly. "How much did you see?"

"Him provoking you and you...killing him..." Louise shuddered, as if reliving a bad memory.

"I don't remember a thing after he flat out said he killed her. All I remember was Auren holding me back, then me standing in the midst of...pieces." I said as I looked to the young girl next to me. Her face was paled and sleep-deprived. "You saw everything, didn't you?" She nodded lightly. I was silent for a little while before reaching to the side and placing a hand on her head. Surprised, Louise looked up to me. "Don't be afraid. That was years ago. I'm a new person now. I have a new person to protect. She's proud and determined, if a little lost, but I think I can help her. So don't be afraid, because anything that threatens you, I'll put it down. I may not be the familiar you've always wanted, but I'll be more than that. I'll be the older brother that protects you from bullies; the mentor that uses his experience to make sure you make sure you don't make the same mistakes; the soundboard for whatever you're thinking about; and I'll be the hunter cloaked in darkness that strikes down all foes before they can harm you." I smiled down at her and lifted my hand from her head, "Got it, shorty? The first order of business I'll be doing is changing 'Zero' from an insult to a badge of pride."

Louise was still for a moment before her eyes began to swim with emotion. Her lip twitched lightly as tears began to flow as she started to cry. Leaning into my side, she let out a small shudder.

Leading us out of the way, I muttered, "Just take your time, Louise. Take your time. I'll be here when you finish. I promise you..."

"How about this sword? It's made by the famous Germanian alchemist Lord Shupei. It's able to cut through metal like butter because of the enchantments placed upon it."

The shopkeeper pushed the aforementioned sword into my hands. I held the large golden blade in my hands, getting a feel for it. The instant I saw it, I knew without a doubt that it was not the sword for me. First off, it's a two-hander, so that gave it a demerit in my book. Second, it was too...gaudy. The swords I prefer to work with can't stand out too much, otherwise my modus operandi is thrown out the window, a major no-no. Third, it was an ornamental blade, meant to be hung above a fireplace, not to be used on a battlefield.

Louise gave the sword a critical look as the shopkeeper continued, "In all of my wares, it is the only sword worthy of being used in defense of a noble. It's pristine beauty trumps all other blades it would meet on the battlefield."

"How much?" Louise asked, clearly sold.

Before the shopkeeper could respond, I held it back to him. "Not interested. It doesn't fit my criteria."

The man took it with a shocked expression. He arched an eyebrow at me, "Alright, sir, then could you tell what would work for you?"

"Of course. First, it must be a hand-and-a-half sword, single or double-edged doesn't matter. Second, it can't be overtly decorated; it can't draw overt attention to me. Third, I'd prefer it if you didn't hand me a fireplace ornament and call it a weapon. I may not be the smartest person, but I know my swords; and that hunk of gold is not a weapon. The fact that it's made of gold should tell you everything you need to know." I then shrugged and added, "Plus, I already have a sword that can cut through armor like butter. Having a second would be overkill."

The shopkeeper blinked in shock at my statement and was about to snap back, but Louise interrupted him. "Sir, you heard my familiar." She smirked haughtily, crossing her arms. "Please do as he asks."

The shopkeeper frowned and was about to turn and walk to the back of the store, but a fourth voice interjected, "Heh heh, looks like they got you."

The shopkeeper rolled his eyes, "Be quiet Derf."

I looked around the shop, seeing no other person, only weapons. "Um, who was that talking earlier? I don't see anyone else in here..."

"Back here, genius!" That same voice called out. I turned towards to the source of the voice, drawn to a barrel of old swords next to the door. Looking closer, I noticed the quillion of a rusted, brown sword move up and down. "I see you finally found me, boy. How 'bout you pull me out of this thing. It's a bit cramped."

Blinking slowly, I turned and pointed to the barrel. The shopkeeper waved his hand quickly, giving me the go ahead. I walked over to it and grabbed the sword by the hilt. Pulling it free from the barrel, I examined the blade and got a feel for its weight. The blade was rusted to all hell, caked brown and red. But...there was something about it that seemed...well, alive. The weight of the weapon was nearly perfect for me to wield one-handed. Testing the waters, I flipped the hand around my hand, adjusting my grip and giving a few test swings. The hilt was a little longer than what I was used to, but it made little difference in the fact that I wanted this sword.

"I have to say, kid, you know how to swing a sword. What do you say about being my partner?" The voice came directly from the sword.

I looked to Louise and gave her a look that amounted to a child when offered candy. Pointing to the sword with my free hand, I said, "I really want this sword, Louise. Pay the man what he needs."

Louise palmed her face at my antics and turned to the shopkeeper. "How much for that one?"

"For Derf? 100 gold coins."

A part of me wanted to lash out at the man. Only a 100 for the work of art that I held in my hand? Any person in their right mind would hoard it until someone with enough money to buy out an entire kingdom came along. However, I kept my mouth shut. Louise was going to buy me an intelligent weapon, and I'd be damned if I made it more difficult for myself.

Louise promptly paid the man for the sword and a set of tools to clean it, then we left. As we left, she looked to me with a confused expression. "Pray tell, what's so impressive about a talking sword?"

I gave her a gaping look of shock. "It's a talking sword for god's sake! Do you know how rare they are?!"

The sword that was now strapped to my back stuck it's hilt partially out of the sheathe and said, "So, partner, you know about talking swords?"

"Know about them? You're damn right I do. In my world, they're called intelligent weapons and they impart special abilities onto the wielders if they share the same agenda. They're heavily enchanted weapons that are extremely rare and even more difficult to get a hold of; I didn't say anything earlier, but a true intelligent weapon is priceless. You can bet your ass I'm keeping this guy near me at all times."

"Ha! I only just met you and I already like you, partner. What's your name? I'm the great Derflinger, but you can just call me Derf."

I grinned, "The name's Lyall, Derf. I can't wait to get into another duel if it means I can test you out with my other sword." Looking to Louise, I quickly asked her, "Who in the academy do you not like?! I want to get into another battle!"

Louise palmed her face, groaning heavily at my antics.

Auren would have a field day with this. Hell, he'd be green with envy if he learned I got my hands on an intelligent weapon that shared a frequency with me. That, or scared shitless for society as whole.

Most likely the latter.

I held both my swords ready and closed my eyes, preparing myself for a second run. Flexing my hands lightly, I reaffirmed my grips and lunged forward with the sword in my right hand. Following up with a slash from the left hand, I slid to the side and evaded a phantom retaliation. Bring my left hand up, I blocked a second strike and followed up with a strike from my right.

Stepping forward, I slashed with my swords in rapid succession, incapacitating nearly every phantom enemy that stood against me. Twisting mid step, I casually let go of the sword in my right hand, allowing it to flip midair, before snatching it back of the air. Using the momentum behind my swipe, I added to the force of my slash, tearing through the air. Turning to the side, I blocked with the blade in my right hand and swung with the one in my left.

I could feel power flooding through my body, augmenting my every move. I was already extremely proficient in the use of my sword, but something in the magic that enhanced my capability to beyond what a master would have. With every swing of my sword, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that a life would be taken as easily as severing a string. I could feel an exhilarated grin take residence on my face as I went about my silent routine, carving through phantom opponents.

Ending with a flourish, I slashed downwards, nearly tearing into the ground, and released a small breath. I opened my eyes slowly and rolled my shoulders, allowing the minute tension I felt to dissipate. Looking to the side, I turned towards my small audience of Louise and Siesta. Unbeknownst to me, in the middle of my practice, the audience grew by a small amount.

Kirche, Tabitha, Montmorency and Guiche had all appeared behind them. The look they had ran a small gamut between admiration, slightly enthralled apathy and hesitant fear.

Frankly, I was a little surprised at the look that Guiche was showing me. After the scaring I gave him, I was expecting to him piss himself and run in fear every time I would step into his periphery, let alone in front of him, yet he looked quite intrigued.

When it came to Kirche, I was not shocked at all. She was watching me with a small smirk, her face flushed ever so slightly.

Tabitha was simply watching me over her book, while going back to it every so often.

Montmorency was just like every other girl that I walked by, hesitant and a little apprehensive, but not completely avoiding me.

"So...is there any reason why I'm performing for an audience?" I asked Louise and Siesta, sheathing my swords.

Louise groaned and turned towards Kirche, "You see, Zerbst, I told you Lyall wouldn't want you here. There's a reason he blew you off."

"You wouldn't understand. A Vallière, of all people, wouldn't truly know how someone like me experiences love. Darling simply doesn't see how I feel for him." Kirche strode over to me and grabbed my arm, pulling it into her 'tracts of land'.

"'Darling'?" I asked her, completely perplexed.

"Yes, of course. I have utterly fallen for you, Lyall, my Darling. Your strength has captivated me and I must have you to sate the burning fervor that has taken form deep within me." Kirche squeezed my arm, pulling it even deeper into her cushiony embrace.

I sucked in a breath, lifting my free arm to sheathe one of my swords. "You keep saying that to yourself, Kirche. You still don't know what it takes to catch my eye."

At that, I couldn't help notice Siesta's attention perk up slightly, clearly listening to what I just said. However, before she could say anything, the blonde fop I used to assert dominance within the school spoke up.

"Sir Lyall, first allow me to give my most sincerest apologies for my attitude to you earlier. I had no idea that yo-."

I lifted my free hand, and said, "Hold it. I know excessive flattery when I see it. What do you want?"

Guiche paused and cleared his throat, "I've reflected on my wrongdoing and weaknesses after our duel. I feel that I need to better myself and that I cannot do it on my own. What I'm asking of you, Sir Lyall, is if you'll train me to be a warrior, like yourself."

"Nope." I said without hesitation, warranting a small laugh from Louise and a giggle from Siesta.

Guiche gawked, shocked at my sudden denial of his request. "Why not?"

One moment, my arm was trapped within Kirche's 'pillows' and the next I was behind the group, arms crossed and smirking. "For one, a mage hunter doesn't just teach his skills to the first rich boy that asks. It just wouldn't work for you at best, or outright kill you from the inside at worst. Second, I highly doubt you're asking this out of repentance."

Guiche's eyes widened, no doubt realizing that I've caught his act.

"However..." I said, allowing the boy to feel a small ray of hope. "I can teach you how to properly fight in melee, without relying too much on those golems of yours. On one condition."

Guiche placed a hand on his chest and proclaimed, "Anything, Sir Lyall!"

"Drop the 'Sir'. Ass-kissing doesn't work on people who can see you're full of shit." I cleared my throat and allowed a small grin to appear on my face. "I won't teach you my Occult Slayer techniques, but I will teach you how to use a sword and how to manipulate your words and those of others with frightening proficiency on the condition that you make a choice. Just a single harmless choice: you must either remain chaste and never flirt with a member of the fairer sex..."

Guiche's face paled quickly, his eyes widening shock. "...Or?"

"Or remain faithful to one girl. Only one, if you cheat on her or she breaks it off with you, you can't pursue another girl." I allowed my grin to become feral. "And before you can think about sneaking it, just know that I've been a master of stealth for little under a decade and know every trick of the trade. In other words, I'll know if you cheat or lie." I allowed a silence to fall over the group as I waited for Guiche's response.

The young noble blinked once, clearly distraught over the ultimatum I had given him. He looked to be at a loss for words, unsure of which 'poison' he had choose. Then he squared his shoulders and released breath. "Mister Lyall, I will choose the latter."

I nodded, showing a half-smidgen of approval. "Okay. Who will it be?"

Guiche suddenly turned towards the girl at his side. "Montmorency, will you do the honor of being my one and only lady?"

The girl gave him a long look, then looked to me. "Do you really think he'll keep to his word?"

"Oh, he will. I guarantee it; because if he doesn't, I'll beat him within an inch of his life." I said with a smile.

"Eh?" Guiche said quickly, shocked.

I gave him a smirk, "Yeah, when a man gives his word, he's expected to follow it through to the end. Where I came from, people were really steeped into honor and oaths." I placed a finger on my chin in thought, "You know, this reminds of a time when I witnessed someone breaking their word to an old acquaintance. There was a duel between the two almost immediately and the one who broke his word ended up being beaten to a bloody pulp." I nodded my head, "Yeah, that's how I'm going to do it. If you want me to teach the ways of verbal and physical swordplay, then you're going to have to play by my rules. If you go against your word, I'll force you into another duel and there will no 'yield' available. I will beat you in bloody, broken, bruised, battered, bawling heap. It will not be pretty."

"B-But, why?" He asked me, hesitant.

I shrugged, "I don't like you. You remind me of myself when I was a major prick, which is not a good thing. I'm willing to help, but the price and stakes will be higher. You're free to walk away right now, but once you start, it's till I deem you ready. Using the sword will fly by, I'll beat the basics into you to the point where you'll be dreaming of swinging a sword; however, the art of verbal manipulation is an always evolving art. There's a never an end to what can be learned. I will teach you the foundations, then leave you to your own devices. You'll learn what works best for you, rather than mimicking someone else's style. You will cry as I teach you; but if you get the pain out of the way now, there will be less as you move on." I grinned and crossed my arms, waiting for his answer.

Guiche was silent for the longest, his face pallor. He gulped and gave me a resolute gaze. "I'll do it."

I arched an eyebrow at him, in slight disbelief. I let out a small chuckle, "Looks like you actually have some steel in you, after all. I'll make to temper it...thoroughly."

Louise cleared her throat, catching my attention. "Didn't you say that you'd help me with my magic?"

Before I could respond, Kirche replied, "What magic, Zero? You can't even do the smallest spell."

"Don't make any assumptions too soon. Pinky has quite a bit of potential in her." Looking to Louise, I said, "I did say that and I will. It'll just take me a little bit to think of something. I'm not the familiar with the way the magic in this world works." Turning to Siesta, I winked lightly, "As for you, I haven't forgotten. Our training will be much more thorough. I know stealth much better than magic and combat."

Siesta flushed and nodded, "I'm looking forward to it."

I released a sudden breath and pushed a hand through my hair. "Speaking of stealth, magic and combat, when is that...Familiar Exhibition thing you and I hear people talking about?"

"In two days; why?" Louise replied with a confused expression.

I grinned, "Because I'm gonna win it for you, hands down." I paused, "Though I may have some competition."

Kirche puffed out her impressive chest. "Of course, it would be my Flame."

Guiche scoffed, though he was still shaken. "I must disagree, my lovely Verdandi will be the victor."

Montmorency simply rolled her eyes.

I scoffed and shook my head. "Nope, not talking any of them. I can beat a salamander, easily. It's just fire." Pointing to Guiche, I said, "Your mole? What're you gonna with it? Lie down in roses?" Smirking at his shocked expression, I looked to Montmorency and blinked, "Sorry, but, uh, I'm not gonna lose to a frog." She scoffed and crossing her arms.

Ending in Tabitha, I approached the smaller girl. "My biggest competition is going to be Tabitha and Sylphid. I'm going to have to think of something exceptional if I want to stand out against a dragon." I held my hand out to the girl, offering a good-natured challenge.

The young girl looked up from her book with an empty expression. Her eyes went from my face to her book, then to my hand. After a moment of silence, she allowed her staff to fall forward and the hook fell into my palm.

I smiled, "I'll take that." Letting my hand fall, I turned to face the group. "Well, I gotta go. Hunger calls." My stomach roared, as if on cue.

"Oh! I'll make you something, Lyall!" The maid rushed off, no doubt towards the kitchens.

I walked after her, unable to hide the anxiousness I felt for the future.