Disclaimer: I do not own Prototype or Familiar of Zero
Infection in Halkeginia
A New Weapon
The sounds of screaming and snarling dragged Collin from his slumber. Rubbing his head he groaned and opened his eyes. The sky was tinted red and black smoke blew lazily in the air. A red moon framed by skyscrapers cast its glow upon the city.
Wait a minute. Skyscrapers?
Jolting upwards Collin took a look around. By his side was a fallen APC and the dead bodies of blackwatch soldiers littered the ground. The infected were everywhere, the grotesque shapes of the once-humans filled the streets, and some had wandered over and begun feasting on the human bodies. Getting up he brushed himself off. The infected still hadn't noticed him.
Okay this is getting really weird. Wasn't I in some strange magical land a while ago?
Picking up a fallen M4A1 Collin made his way cautiously through the hoard of infected. He kept his finger off the trigger, just slightly; he didn't want to give them a reason to attack him. This place looked just like the New York he knew; in fact this was just down the road from the apartment he shared with his mom. There was the bakery that he used to buy breakfast from every morning. He felt a sharp pang on sadness as he noted the broken glass and corpses strewn inside. Eventually he made his way to Times Square, he had yet to meet any living human.
"Collin... Help... Please..." A voice called out to him.
Cocking the rifle Collin made his way cautiously towards the voice.
"MOM!" His heart skipped a best as his saw his mother trapped under the remains on an APC. Slinging the rifle he quickly knelt and tried to pull her out from under the wreckage.
Suddenly his mom screeched and burst into a bunch of tentacles that grabbed at him. Falling back in shock he quickly unloaded bullets into the creature, stopping only after the magazine was spent.
Wiping his forehead of sweat Collin tried to still his rapidly beating heart. Things were getting weirder and weirder.
"Pretty isn't it?" A cold voice stated.
Whipping around, rifle at the ready Collin spotted Mercer leaning casually against a lamppost.
"Zeus." Collin growled and pulled the trigger only to curse in frustration as the gun clicked, empty. He chucked the rifle aside. "What do you want?"
"I don't want anything. In fact I don't even want to be in here." Mercer raised his hands, walking towards Collin slowly.
"What are you talking about? You're the one that came back to New York after the outbreak. You started all this shit again. And because of you, I had to... I had to..."
Mercer stared at Collin emotionlessly. "You mean you haven't noticed? This isn't New York boy. This is in your head. This death. This decay. It's all you." As an afterthought he added. "I guess I am as well."
Collin snarled and charged at Mercer, grabbing and holding him by the throat. "Enough with the word games, tell me what is going on straight or else."
Mercer stared impassively down at him. "I don't think I will. You'll figure it out soon enough. Oh and by the way, you might want to let go right now or someone's going to get hurt."
Xxxxxxxx
The infirmary was a flurry of activity. Madam Pomfrey and several teachers were huddled around a cot.
"He's losing a lot of blood. Get another blood replenishing potion."
"By the Founder most of his bones are broken. It'll take a miracle and lots of rare reagents to get him back to his original condition."
"Forget that, we have our hands full trying to keep him alive!"
While the staff were fighting tooth and nail to keep their young student alive Louise sat an the far end of the infirmary keeping watch over Collin's still form.
She had given up calling for help after the first few minutes. "A noble is more important than a commoner. Duccio is our priority." They said.
She cast a worried look over Collin. His blue hoodie was stained with blood and his clothes were in tatters. He had been unconscious for over an hour since she knocked him out, and only the faint signs of breathing and his warm skin convinced her he was alive. How he was alright after the brutal beating Duccio gave him was a mystery to her. And what did she do right after he got up? That's right; she blasted him with an explosion. Dropping her head into her hands she berated herself for hurting her familiar, her partner, even after he defended her. If he died she would never forgive herself.
Collin started groaning and moving about, causing her to stop her brooding. His breath started picking up speed and he seemed to be in pain.
"Collin! Help! Someone please!" She called out to the teachers but they just ignored her, deep in the process of reconstructing Duccio's broken ribcage. She held on to his hand. "Hang in there Collin."
Suddenly he sat upright causing her to squeal in shock. "Collin! You shouldn't move! You're still-"
She was cut off as he roughly grabbed her by the throat and lifted her from where she was seating. Fortunately her feet could still reach the floor, preventing her from choking. She panicked when she saw his eyes. They were completely black, with no signs of consciousness behind them. She struggled futilely to free herself but his grip was like steel, she couldn't even budge a finger. Just as she was about to pass out from asphyxiation Collin blinked and his eyes returned to normal.
"Louise?" He said in confusion. Then he noticed what he was doing. "Louise! I'm so sorry!" He released his grip and she fell onto the floor grasping at her neck and taking in large gulps of air greedily.
Collin jumped out of bed. "I didn't mean it." He raised his hands by his head. He saw the look of fear she gave him as he did so and disgust welled up inside him. Turning he ran out of the infirmary.
He ran as fast as he could. His only thought was to put distance between them. He was a blur to the students as he whizzed by, oblivious to the stares and how the students shrunk away from him in fear.
Finally he stopped running and collapsed on his knees. He stared at his shaking hands. What have I become? He remembered his fight with Duccio. He remembered clearly how he mercilessly pulverized Duccio even after he surrendered. He remembered how he relished the feeling of power. But most of all he remembered the hunger he felt. He noticed that he was as the washing fountain where he did the laundry with Siesta. Scooping some water he washed his face. Looking down at his reflection he looked at his blood-stained clothing, both with his own as well as Duccio's. Filled with revulsion he tore off his clothes and started scrubbing them as furiously as he could. With dismay he noticed that they were ruined, he would have to find new clothes somehow. Looking at his bare body there was nigh a scratch on it. He forced his fear away. It's still too soon to tell. Maybe it's some weird magic that healed me like when I got here. I can't be infected. There was only one way to know.
Satisfied that he had gotten most of the gore out of his clothing Collin pulled on the hoodie and jeans and made his way to the kitchen.
Xxxxxxxxx
Louise stalked down the hallways looking for Collin; she rubbed her neck where his fingers left obvious bruises. Why is it every time he wakes up in the infirmary he runs away? She grumbled and pulled her cloak around her neck to hide the markings.
After she had regained her composure she had half a mind to leave Collin be. But he looked so sad and confused after he regained consciousness that she couldn't in good conscience leave him alone. After all he was her responsibility.
Spotting a familiar figure in black and white she called out "Siesta! Have you seen Collin?"
"Miss Vallière! Ah yes I did a while ago but he said he didn't want to be disturbed." She frowned. "He seemed rather out of sorts. But Miss Pomfrey seems to have done a good job healing him!"
"Yeah she did." Louise lied. "There's something that I really need to talk to him about. It's urgent."
"Oh dear is he going to be punished for what he did?" Siesta held a hand to her mouth in shock.
"No. No something else." Louise reassured her, but that sparked a new concern for herself. "Look its really urgent so could you tell me where he is?"
"He's at the washing fountain."
"Thanks Siesta!" Louise took off. After a few steps however she turned back and sheepishly asked. "Umm where is that?"
Xxxxxxx
Turn right at the school crest after passing the servants' quarters.
Louise's jogged past the servants' quarters and spotted the crest. The washing fountain would be right around the corner. She slowed down. What exactly would she say to Collin? She wasn't even exactly sure what she wanted to know. Would she ask how he was so strong? Or how he healed himself? Or maybe whether he was even human?
All these thoughts left her as she rounded the corner.
She spotted Collin kneeling by the fountain, one arm raising a huge kitchen knife, as he brought it down she sprinted over to him shouting in fear.
Collin heard her and his face registered shock before the knife gouged into his forearm. Pain contorted his face and he yelled.
"What do you think you're doing you idiot!" Louise grabbed his arm and inspected the deep wound. Blood flowed freely from the gash and poured into the fountain.
Gritting his teeth in pain Collin muttered "Watch."
And before her eyes something incredible happened. The flesh around the wound seemed to bubble and coil and weird black tendrils crossed from opposite sides of the gash, coiling while doing so. When they finally subsided his forearm was as good as new without a trace of a scar. She looked at him. No words were needed to convey how she felt.
"We need to talk."
Louise nodded grimly.
Xxxxxxxxx
"So you're saying that from where you're from. There is this guy called Alex Mercer who is a walking virus, who can shape shift, is super strong and nearly indestructible. He nearly destroyed your city and killed you and now you think you've become infected and are becoming like him?" Louise clarified.
Collin nodded. He was surprised, really. Louise seemed to be taking it too easily. If it were him he would be trying to find a way to escape and kill the other party.
Louise looked him closely. Then she raised a hand and touched it to his forehead. "Are you sure you're okay after that fight?" She just couldn't believe it. A world without magic but with buildings over 50 stories high, where weapons shot explosions and many other amazing things existed, impossible even with magic. Including a sentient virus.
Collin slapped her hand away. "Yes I'm sure. And I'm not joking. You saw what happened just now. I'm a danger to everyone here."
Louise tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well seeing that the whole school hasn't become a whole mess of dying people I don't think you're infected or whatever it is you call it. Besides I don't think you're dangerous, although Duccio would disagree."
"Even if it hasn't happened we don't know if it will. Besides what if I kill someone accidentally? What if I infect the entire kingdom. What if I lose control!?"
Louise was taken aback when he raised his voice at the end. He seemed surprised as well and slumped back into his chair, defeated. She remembered the confused look on his face after he regained consciousness. So that's what's bothering him. Taking his shaking hands in hers she reassured him. "You're not a monster. That you're afraid of becoming one is proof that you're not. Besides I trust you."
Collin raised his head and pink eyes met brown.
And the moment was ruined by his grumbling stomach.
"We'll I'm not so sure about that though. Come on let's to for dinner." Louise laughed trying to relieve the tense atmosphere; she released his hands and donned her cloak.
As she reached to open the door Collin grabbed her shoulder. "Don't tell anyone else."
She nodded her agreement and motioned him to follow her. As they left the room they didn't notice a shadow darting away.
Xxxxxxx
Kirche Von Zerbst steadied her breathing. As she heard the footsteps fade away she let out a sigh of relief. Louise and her familiar hadn't noticed her eavesdropping. She had been so shocked at everything she heard that she hadn't registered when they were about to leave. She barely had time to duck back into her room.
This was the most excitement she had experienced since entering the academy. Well excluding some of her more... nightly activities... She shook her head, now wasn't the time to think about all those. She raced off to find her best friend to share the news.
Tabitha sat on her bed, back propped against a stack of pillows. Her staff lay against her bedframe and she flipped through the book she was reading, The Arcane Arts of Triangle Class Wind Spells. When Kirche burst into her room she picked up her staff and muttered a quick silencing spell, continuing to read her book while Kirche ranted silently at her doorway. Such occurrences were rather common. Tabitha waved her staff again after a good 5 minutes had passed to catch Kirche saying "Collin is not human."
That caught her attention. She her book down. "Explain."
After repeating her entire speech Kirche added "We should keep an eye on him."
Tabitha nodded slowly "Dangerous." As a chevalier it was her duty to ensure the safety of the people. If this Collin was a danger, she would have to stop him.
"Exactly! I'm glad we're on the same page. Ooooo this is so exciting."
Xxxxxxxxxx
"Hey Louise?"
"Yes?"
"Does everyone usually avoid you?"
As they were walking towards the dining hall Collin noticed that all the students were giving them a wide berth. Some were muttering and pointing while others looked downright terrified and fled on sight.
"Well usually I would have been called Zero and teased about 10 times by now. So no. They are probably all terrified of you. You did almost kill Duccio you know?"
"Ah right. Thanks for stopping me by the way." He winced as he remembered the blast on his back.
"No problem. Here we are the Alviss dining hall."
Entering the dining hall Collin was greeted by the most magnificent sight he had ever laid eyes on. The hall was enormous. Huge and beautiful murals decorated the walls, depicting beautiful fields and various scenes of nature. The dining hall was lighted by glowing orbs of light suspended in mid-air. The ceiling was a beautiful dome adorned with precious gems of all kinds. All in all a dining hall oozing exquisiteness and fit for nobles. Servants pushed trolleys along the aisles serving food and drinks to the students.
Collins mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her head imperiously and began to explain. Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Tristan's Academy of Magic doesn't teach just magic, you know."
"Right..."
"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."
Louise went to her usual seat and sat down. As Collin followed her he noticed that the students that spotted him quickly went to the far end of the dining hall. He smirked, this could be fun.
Collin made to sit next to Louise. She opened her mouth and was about to inform him of the meal she had asked to be set out for him when she thought better of it. Kicking away the miserable plate with a loaf of bread at her feet she ordered food for the both of them.
Just as they were about to begin someone cleared his throat from behind. "Excuse me commoner but what do you think you're doing? How dare you eat in the students dining hall. Least of all at my seat. Zero I expected better of you when training your familiar." A high pitched snobbish voice cut across the now silence dining hall.
Slowly turning around Collin put his cutlery down. He looked at the chubby and rosy cheeked second year student who was looking down at him haughtily. Collin smiled.
Another student quickly ran up to the second year and whispered in his ear "Malicorne that's the commoner everyone's been talking about. The one that beat up Duccio."
Malicorne paled "S-seriously?" Collin widened his smile, making sure to show teeth. "I'm so sorry. I'll get lost now! You can have my seat anything you like." He looked so scared like he was going to piss himself; he had insulted his master after all.
Collin made a shooing gesture with his hand and Malicorne practically sprinted out the hall. The moment he was gone Collin guffawed with laughter and smacked his head against the table.
Louise lightly smacked his back "Don't mess with the students." though she seemed to be highly amused as well, after all Malicorne was one of those who loved to call her Zero.
Fortunately the rest of the meal went by rather uneventfully, after bidding Louise good night he headed for the servants quarters where he slept in the night before. They were going to have to order a bed for him so he could stay Louise's room. Louise tactfully avoided mentioning the fact that the pile of hay he noticed earlier was for him to sleep on.
Collin bit into an apple he snagged from the dining hall as he enjoyed the night breeze. He had to admit, this was quite nice. After living in a city like New York for most of his life the clear air and open views on this strange land were very appealing to him. He could come to love this place. A gust of wind washed over him as the blue dragon he met the day before landed heavily in front of him. It cocked its head and stared at him.
"Umm hello there." Collins waved awkwardly. When it ignored him he decided to just walk away. As he turned the dragon moved its head to follow him. Frowning he looked down at the apple and back to the dragon. Its eyes were fixed on it greedily. Collin waved the hand with the apple in the circle and the dragon comically moved its head to follow the motion.
Collin laughed. A dragon that eats fruits. Who would have guessed? Chuckling he tossed the apple to the dragon who snapped it up in an instant. Growling happily it moved closer and began nuzzling him.
"Alright alright you can have the other one too." Collin produced a second apple from his hoodies pocket and fed in to the dragon.
"No eating." A voice said from the darkness. He looks behind the dragon to see the blue haired girl he met with that red head. Looking back he noticed that the dragon had its mouth about his hand, about to take a bite out of it. Yelping he jumped backwards to the amusement of the dragon which did a weird snort-chuckle.
"Sigh...reduced to the plaything of a dragon. How far I have fallen." Collin joked. "Is she yours?"
The girl nodded. "Sylphid." The dragon responded at this and lumbered back to her master. "Tabitha."
Assuming that was her name Collin introduced himself. "Pleased to meet you Tabitha. I'm Collin."
"I know."
An awkward silence ensued. "Well. Good night." Collin bid them farewell and left. What a weird pair.
Tabitha watched him as he left. A polite young man definitely wasn't what she was expecting.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Collin crossed his arms and frowned, tapping his arm in irritation. Louise sat next to him calmly flipping through a textbook. Unable to take it anymore he stood up and shouted "Oh come on! I'm not going to eat you up!"
The other students in the class were fighting over the seats furthest from Louise and him. When they heard him they froze in fear, afraid he would pounce on them. Collin face palmed at the ridiculousness of the situation. While comical the first few times it was seriously getting on his nerves.
Collin had requested to join Louise for her lessons in order to learn more about magic. The classrooms in the academy were similar to the lecture theatres back in his college except they had proper desks to write on, not those ridiculous tiny platforms that kept sliding down.
"Miss Vallière please keep your familiar under control, he's terrifying the other students."
The door opened, and the teacher entered.
She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face with a friendly expression on it. Though her tone was stern her eyes sparkled mischievously.
The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.
"Well, everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière. He's become quite a topic between the teachers." she remarked as she looked at Collin. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom became deathly silent as they awaited Collins outburst.
He just waved and greeted "Nice to meet you too. I'm Collin."
Eventually the class settled down when they realized he wasn't about to go on a killing spree.
"Now then, let's begin the lesson."
Chevreuse coughed heavily and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.
"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"
"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind." The chubby was still terrified of Collin after his brush with him the night before. He cast fearful glances at Collin occasionally.
Chevreuse nodded.
"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."
Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.
"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic, we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's life."
"Now, everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who have already learned this in their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."
Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.
She then whispered a spell, and they began to glow brightly.
When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.
"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"
Kirche leaned forward over her desk.
"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..." Chevreuse gave a self-important cough. "A Triangle mage..."
Collin remembered Siesta's explanation on the ranking of a mage's skills. Which meant that although she didn't look like it Chevreuse was a powerful Mage.
"Now then would anyone like to try their hand at transmutation? How about you Miss Vallière?"
Louise looked troubled at the request. Remembering that Louise had always been ridiculed for being unable to cast a spell he nudged her "Go on Louise. I have faith in you." He figured that maybe all she needed was a confidence boost. He gave a glare about the classroom, daring the others to object. None of them said a word, more afraid on him than Louise's explosions.
"Alright then." Louise nervously got up from her seat and walked over to Chevreuse. Collin noticed Tabitha getting up and leaving the classroom.
"That's it dear. No need to be scared. Just imagine the metal you want to transform the pebbles into and say the incantation." Chevreuse reassured Louise.
After receiving a nod of encouragement from Collin she closed her eyes, uttered a short spell and flourished her wand.
The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.
Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on and were thrown against the blackboard, as people screamed. Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs, breathing a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.
The classroom was in pandemonium.
Collin grimaced as he felt his skin repairing where the pebbles had shredded though him. For some reason they had all flown directly at him after the explosion.
Mrs. Chevreuse lay on the floor; judging by her occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.
A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.
"Ooops"
After sending Chevreuse to the infirmary the other students left leaving Collin and Louise to clean up the classroom.
"Does that usually happen? The explosions I mean."
"Yes." Louise replied curtly.
"What's your elemental affinity?"
Louise mumbled something.
"I didn't catch that."
"I don't have one okay! That's why they call me a zero. I can't do any spells and I don't have an elemental affinity." She threw her broom aside in frustration struggling to hold back her tears.
They continued in silence for a while.
"Say... Didn't Mrs Chevreuse mention a fifth element? What was it...? Ah void! Maybe that's your element!" Collin snapped his fingers.
"Don't be ridiculous. There hasn't been a void Mage since Brimir himself. How could I be one?" She scoffed at the idea.
"We'll we know that you can do magic. I'm proof of that. And if none of the elemental spells are working for you the only logical explanation is that you're working with the wrong element." Noticing her scepticism he sighed. "Look just consider it okay? It can't hurt. On another topic we should go and buy some new clothes, my clothes are shredded and yours are ruined as well."
Louise looked down at her torn uniform. Between that, the one stained with Collins blood and the other 2 she ruined last week her supply of uniforms was indeed running low. "Okay it's the weekend tomorrow, we can go down to the capital."
As they finished cleaning the classroom Louise couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope at the possibility of being a void Mage.
Xxxxxxxxx
Collin groaned. They had left at sunrise and rode horses to the capital from the academy. It was slightly past midmorning when the capital came into view. It was amazing. The palace sat on top a hill in all its grandeur. Spreading out from the palace the surrounding buildings were built lower and lower. The richer districts were well painted and located closer to the palace while the districts further were slightly dingy. From a military viewpoint the capital could be defended easily, pulling soldiers back district by district, each more defensible than the last. Whoever designed planned the capital clearly had war in mind. The city was bustling with activity, with stalls and shops selling all sorts of weird items Collin had never seen before. There were magical artefacts, alchemy ingredients, wand shops and many others.
And out of all the amazing shops in the city here he was in a clothes shop. Louise flitted about the shop trying on various clothes and comparing cloths. He had made his selection and purchased new clothes within twenty minutes, Louise paying of course. She seemed content to spend the rest of the day trying on new clothes. One thing was for sure, girls here love shopping as much as where he came from.
"Ooooh this colour looks so pretty." Louise gushed as she picked at another fabric, feeling its soft texture.
"You have good taste Milady. This was just imported from Gallia. It's the finest silk they export and extremely popular with young girls now." The shopkeeper proudly promoted her wares.
Collin groaned and flopped on the couch he was resting on. Louise frowned but chose to ignore his not-so-silent complaints. She didn't come to the capital often and she was going to make the most of it.
The doorbell jingled signalling another customer.
"Ah welcome! Welcome! We sell the finest clothes and cloths in the city." The shopkeeper welcomed the customers
"Is that so? Well I shall have to take a look around then." A sultry voice replied.
Louise froze. Not here. Not of all places. Collin sat back up, he knew that voice.
"Why Louise! What a surprise meeting you here!" The buxom red head exclaimed as she spotted them. Tabitha was following her silently, nose buried in another book.
Seeing his chance Collin sprung up greeting them. "Hello! Pleasure meeting you here. I'm not sure if you remember me but I bumped into you on my first day."
"Of course I remember you. Everyone in school knows who you are Collin." Kirche purred stepping closer. "This quiet bookworm here is my best friend Tabitha."
Collin was impressed. She was the second student not to shrink away from him in fear. He was also surprised that were good friends. They were practically polar opposites of each other, both in appearances and personality.
"Yes we've met." Collin nodded a greeting to Tabitha.
She returned the nod without looking up from her book.
Snapping his fingers as if the idea has just occurred to him Collin suggested "Say why don't you keep Louise company while I take a look around town. It's my first time here and I would love to see what the city has to offer."
"You can't seriously be asking me to-" Louise exclaimed before being cut off by Collin.
"Listen. I know you're a bit of a loner in school so why don't you try to make some friends. Doing shopping with your schoolmates is a great way to bond." Collin whispered to her.
"But she-"
"We'd love to!" Kirche injected.
"Perfect! That's settled then! I'll see you later Louise!" Collin was out of the shop before Louise could object, leaving her to fume silently while Kirche went about pulling her around to looks at clothes. Oh he was so in for it later, but it was totally worth it.
Xxxxxxx
Collin felt a bit guilty for doing that to Louise but shrugged it off. It was her fault for insisting on doing so much clothes shopping. He tugged at his new cloak around his clothes. The loose clothing felt really strange, he had gotten accustomed to his tight jeans and pants he used to wear. Well beggars can't be choosers. Besides he had gotten some weird stares in his previous garb.
He wandered about the busy street looking at the various wares for sale.
"Selling eye of newt. Only 5 Écu a piece!"
"Selling fortune readings! Find the love of your life today!"
"This amazing wand was crafted using the latest technology! It reduced your willpower use by half!"
A shop caught his attention. The window display was lined with an array of ferocious weapons and the sign over the door showed a sword and shield.
For some reason Collin felt the urge to enter the weapons shop. The smell of oil greeted him as he entered along with the sound of screeching metal. A bell rang announcing his arrival. The screeching stopped and a stout bald man in a greasy apron came out from the back room. "Welcome to my humble store sir! Looking for a sword perhaps? Or maybe a mace? You have a strong build perfect for one."
Collin thought about it. He couldn't possible go about hammering everything with his fists. Not only did it seem crude but it was sure to raise questions. A weapon would be for the best.
"Well I'm not really familiar with weapons. What do you recommend?" Remembering how the mace he used shattered he added "And it has to be able to withstand hard impacts too."
"Oho a strong lad eh? Don't worry my wares are all sturdy and built for the toughest battle!" Going into the back room for a moment the shopkeeper brought out an exquisite looking broadsword. It had a golden sheen to it and the pommel was adorned with jewels. Grabbing it with both hands he gave it a test swing. He returned it shaking his head. "No good."
"What! That beauty was made by the famous Germanian alchemist Lord Shupei. It can cut through metal like butter because of the magic infused in it! See this inscription here?" The shopkeeper exclaimed. "It's the best I have!"
Collin shook his head again. "It doesn't feel right."
Grumbling something about picky customers the shopkeeper presented Collin with a whole array of weapons, ranging from rapiers to maces, war hammers and even great swords.
"Sir are you playing a prank on me?"
"Excuse me?"
"You said that you don't know anything about weapons but you know the perfect stance to take for every weapon I've handed to you." The shopkeeper glared at him accusingly.
True to his observation Collin had felt a sense of familiarity every time he touched the weapons. He even felt a slight surge in strength and his left hand itched every time he handled one of them. But none of them felt right.
The shopkeeper handed him another weapon. A hand and a half sword. The moment Collin touched it he knew that was the sword for him... He gave it a few swings. It was lightweight and flexible the balance was perfect and most importantly it felt familiar, like a best friend he had never known.
"I'll take it."
"Finally! That will be 2000ecu."
Looking into the money pouch Louise gave him he counted out 100 Écu. "I'm afraid I don't have enough."
The shopkeeper looked livid. "What! Are you saying you wasted all my time!?" He snatched the sword back and placed it back in the display cabinet. Collin desperately asked "What can I get for 100 Écu?"
"Look in the bin over there in the corner. Anything in it goes for 100." The shopkeeper returned to the back room grumbling about wasting time and money.
Collin looked over the sorry assortment of weapons in the rotting wooden barrel. He dejectedly sifted through them. They were all either rusted or rotten, picking up an ex-spiked mace he sighed.
"Money woes kid?" a metallic gruff voice asked.
"Yup."
"Why don't you try me? I'm sure you'll like it." the voice said suggestively.
"Excuse me?" Collin turned around.
There was no one there. The shopkeeper called out from the back. "You picked something yet?"
"No. I thought I heard someone talking to me."
"Down here kid. Damn you're blind." The voice called from the barrel.
Collin peered in expecting to see someone hiding inside.
"Are your eyes just for decoration? It's me!" And to emphasise the point a rusted sword jiggled about, the cross guard flapping in unison to the voice.
Collin jumped back "A talking sword!"
"DERF! You haven't spoken since I sold that rapier you professed your love to last month!" The shopkeeper exclaimed wiping his hands on his apron. "Although I sold that beauty at a loss it was worth it to shut you up!"
"Derf?"
"That's Lord Derflinger to you! Now pick me up and try me out." The sword rattled impatiently.
Cautiously extending his hand in case it decided to bite him or something Collin wrapped his hand about the hilt. It was a hand and a half sword not unsimilar to the one he took a fancy to though slightly thicker and heavier. The moment his fingers got a firm grip he felt a burning sensation on his left hand and energy coursed through him. He swung Derflinger around amazed at how light and easy it felt.
Tracing Derflinger in a series of complicated movements Collin wondered how he knew what to do. It seemed as if a little voice was instructing and guiding his body. Derflinger spoke up "So you finally came... Are you a user?"
"A user?"
"Hmmm so you don't even know your true powers huh? But I'll never forget this sensation. Hey Baldy wrap me up! I'm sold to this young man, what's your name by the way?"
"Collin." He didn't think that sword would last even a minute into a fight, but a sentient sword seemed cool to have. "100 Écu right?"
"Alright. If you're sure. Thank you for your business!" the shopkeeper said as he sheathed the sword and gave it to Collin pocketing the coins Collin handed over. "If it gets noisy, just shove it back in the scabbard, and it'll shut up.
"Hey partner."
"Yeah?" Collin asked as he attached the scabbard to his back.
"You're in for a hell of a ride."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Truth be told it wasn't a coincidence that Kirche and Tabitha entered the same store in the entire town as Louise. They had been trailing them from Sylphid's back ever since they left the academy, taking the opportunity to find out more about her mysterious familiar.
Kirche finally decided that it was time to broach the subject.
"Louise."
"Yeah?" She replied holding a dress over her clothes in front of a mirror.
"Your familiar sure is impressive. Are you sure he's human?" she cautiously asked watching Louise carefully.
Louise stiffened momentarily before relaxing "Yeah he's strong but human. We think it's his familiar abilities that gave him those abilities."
Kirche pressed on; although she had overheard them she wanted to confirm her information. "Are you sure? I've never heard of super strength and speed being a possible ability. In fact how did he heal so fast?"
"Why are you being so nosy Zerbst? I don't even know you that well!" Louise whirled around, hands on her hips deciding an offense was the best defence. "Are you in love with him or something?"
"Well actually..." Kirche tapped her chin thoughtfully. "He does seem quite muscular and his face isn't too bad either."
"Zerbst!"
"Quiet." Tabitha said quietly.
"Come on Tab aren't you curious in the least?"
"Listen."
As they shut up the sounds of screams and panicked footsteps could be heard. Suddenly the wall of the shop exploded inwards and only Tabitha's quick action stopped them from becoming Swiss cheese, staff in had she conjured an ice barrier to shield them.
"MY SHOP!" the shopkeeper wailed in despair.
Running out of the new exit the trio paused in shock. Down the street Collin was locked in combat with a man they didn't recognise.
xxxxxxx
Collin was walking back to the shop to meet up with the girls when a blonde man wearing the robes of a noble and wearing a fedora stepped in front of him. "Excuse me are you Collin?"
Collin eyed him cautiously. He had yet to meet anyone outside of the academy though he looked strangely familiar. "Yes. Who wants to know?"
With a flourish the stranger introduced himself "I am Frederico de Gramont, Sergeant of the Griffon Corps of Tristain and brother to Duccio de Gramont." Drawing a sword he raised his voice. "Attention commoners, you have 2 minutes to clear the area."
Hearing his warning the surrounding commoners panicked. None of them wanted to be caught in a mage battle and scrambled away as fast as they could.
"Hey partner when I said you were in for a hell of a ride I didn't expect it to be this soon. Friend of yours?" Derflinger commented from his back.
"No. Brother of one of my aqquantainces." Collin took a cautious stance, fists at the ready. He looked for signs of a wand but didn't see any. If he intended to take Collin on in physical combat he was in for a surprise. Collin smiled.
Noticing his smile Frederico warned "My family wants revenge for what you did to my brother commoner. Be warned, I am a combat trained triangle class mage. Do not expect to win as easily as you did with my brother. In fact don't expect to win at all."
"Yeah? Well your brother said the exact-" Collin was in the middle of the taunt when he realised a huge fireball was barrelling his way. Narrowly dodging it he heard huge explosion from behind him. He winced as he imagined what would have happened if he hadn't dodged it. Where had that fireball come from? Frederico wasn't using a wand.
Impressive. The commoner had better reflexes than he had expected. Though his pathetic attempt at taunting him betrayed his inexperience. Brandishing his spellsword and muttering a short incantation he sent another fireball down the street.
Collin dodged that as well and went on the offensive. Darting towards Frederico he put all his strength behind a right hook. Frederico smiled and easily dodged it. His movements were too easy to read. His smile faded when the punch landed on the wall behind where he stood and reduced it to rubble. His information seemed to be spot on, incredible as it seemed then. Making a mental note to avoid getting hit he cast a wind spell to quicken his movements. "Did you really beat my brother with such pathetic moves? I really must put him through combat training when he returns home."
Yelling Collin raced at him sending rapid left and right jabs. Easily predicting and dodging the attacks Frederico sidestepped and slashed his spellsword across Collins's back. Collin yelled in pain and collapsed.
"Collin!"
Frederico turned to the three students wearing the academy uniform racing toward them. He recognised Louise de la Vallière, Collin's master. With a quick flick of his spellsword he encased them in stone.
"I'm afraid I'll have to ask you ladies to stay out of this. Matters between men and all that. That is if Collin here can still fight."
"Don't worry Louise." Collin gritted his teeth and got to his feet, the wound on his back having sealed up. "I can handle this."
"Hey partner use me." Derflinger suggested.
"Are you sure? You might break."
"Bah! I've taken much worse, trust me kid."
"Is that a talking sword?" Kirche asked incredulously.
"Not the most importing this right now." Collin shot back, drawing Derflinger, familiar strength coursing through him.
Frederico was impressed at the tenacity the commoner showed. I should end this quickly. Summoning fiver fireballs he shot them right at Collin, covering all possible escape routes.
Collin grimaced and braced himself for the burning impact, there was no way he could avoid them. His eyes widened when Derflinger began to glow and the fireballs were absorbed into it. As the glow subsided Derflinger had changed as well. Gone was the brown and rusty blade. In its place was a gleaming steel sword with a gold cross guard.
"Ah! That felt good! Been decades since I had a good meal." Derflinger crowed. "Told you to trust me partner. Now let's get this pompous bastard."
Grinning Collin tightened his grip and sped forward and feinted to the right, as Frederico made to jump away Collin changed direction abruptly and swung from the left. With an instinct born of years of training Frederico managed to bring his sword up in time to block the attack. Breaking apart Frederico felt his hands sting, there was a lot of force behind that attack. What the hell just happened, magical talking sword aside it's as if he's a different person.
Collin noticed his discomfort and kept up a barrage of attacks hoping to tire out Frederico. Noticing his choice of attack Frederico begun parrying Collins attacks, avoiding the full force of his blows by having them glance off his spellsword. He couldn't keep this up and Collin didn't seem to be tiring. He noted that there always seemed to be a pause between his attacks and took advantage of this. Counter attacking he forced Collin on the defensive and also managed to get several knicks on Collin. With each hit blood spurt but Collin didn't seem to tire. Who was this commoner?
"Hey partner here's a tip. Try hitting him." Derflinger smartly commented.
"Shut up Derf."
Frederico levitated himself into the air putting distance between them. He rained fireballs down on Collin but each was just absorbed by Derflinger. If I can hit him then I'll just target the surroundings. Using another fireball he destroyed the base of the wall behind Collin. As the wall collapsed dust filled the area obscuring his sight.
Collin coughed as he was enveloped by the dust. He looked up at Frederico. That's just unfair. This must be how it feels like to be attacked by a chopper. A crazy idea filled his head. If Mercer could do it, why not him. Coiling his legs he jumped, higher than he ever had before.
Frederico's eyes widened as he saw the commoner springing up at him from the ground, covering over 4 stories in height. He was so shocked that we didn't have time to avoid Collin and they began grappling in the air as they both raced toward the ground, his levitation was only strong enough for one person.
They both collided with the ground but were up in an instant. To stay down was to die. Collin noticed that Frederico seemed injured while his own wounds had healed themselves. Taking the opportunity Collin swung a particularly vicious blow, managing to force the spellsword out of Frederico's hands. Seeing the opening he closed in for an attack and swung the sword at Frederico's neck.
He stopped an inch away from the finishing blow.
"Yield?" Collin panted.
Frederico seemed surprised that Collin had paused his attack. "Why would I? I have you in checkmate."
"Wha-?" Collin managed to ask before being hit in the gut but a huge blast of concentrated air. Knocked backwards he smashed into a wall, Derflinger flying from his grasp, without the pain relieving effort that came with it the pain washed over Collin. Although the wounds healed they still hurt. Looking up he noticed Frederico had a wand in his freehand. How?
Frederico pointed his wand down at the commoner. He had purposely allowed his spellsword to be knocked from his grasp. Grabbing the wand hidden in his sleeve holster he had managed to land a hit as Collin took the bait. "You are an impressive fighter Collin. Under different circumstances I would have loved to become your acquaintance. For sparing my brother's life I will spare yours now." He picked up his spellsword from where it had fallen. "A word of advice, if you wish to pick fights with nobles, you better make sure you're more prepared, trust your instincts and always watch your surroundings." whistling a griffon soared down from where it was circling in the sky and carried him away, leaving a stunned Collin behind.
The stone prison crumbled and the girls rushed forward to surround Collin.
"Collin are you alright?"
"That was an amazing fight!"
"..."
"Hey partner you never told me you can so many pretty girls chasing you. What a player!" Derflinger guffawed from where he had fallen, oblivious to the mood.
Getting up Collin shoved Derflinger into his scabbard shutting him up. He monotonously said "It's getting late. We should head back."
The girls looked at each other but chose to remain silent.
The carriage ride home was filled with laughter as Derflinger entertained the girls. He could be such a gentlemen if he wanted to. Collin sat facing out the window. Frederic's words rang through his ears. He had to become stronger. But how?
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Princess Henrietta stood alone on her balcony. She gazed forlornly at the twin orbs hanging in the sky, stroking the blue gem of her ring. I wonder if you are looking at the same view as I am my love.
Three rapid knocks sounded at her door followers by 2 long ones and 5 short ones.
"Come in" Henrietta knew who to expect.
A hooded figure slipped into the royal bedroom closing the door behind her quickly. Throwing her good off the guest knelt before Henrietta. "Greetings your highness."
"Please don't stand on ceremony Agnes. We know each other far too well." Henrietta helped the figure up. She gazed upon the leader of her musketeer forces, Captain Agnes Chevalier de Milan. She was a beauty save for the ugly burn that covered part of her neck. Although a commoner she had obtained the rank of chevalier, a noble's title, a low one but a title nonetheless.
Ever since her father died Henrietta had entered the world of politics of her kingdom. What she found disgusted her. The nobles were complacent and abusive. They abused their power and treated the commoners unfairly. Hence Henrietta had taken it upon herself to change the system of nobility to one of meritocracy. Agnes and her musketeers were proof of her success with the nobles in the other royal forces respecting their captain and her girls for their skills. Not a single one of the musketeers were mages, attributing to Henrietta's paranoia.
"What have you found out?"
"As you were confident of, Louise de la Vallière succeeded in summoning a familiar during the springtime summoning ritual." Agnes reported though the next part left her troubled. "It appears that she summoned a commoner but on the first day he managed to severely injure a third year student in a duel."
Henrietta gasped. Such events had never occurred before. Summoning a human and said human being able to defeat a noble in a straight up fight was incredible.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. My sources all said the same thing. A commoner with the strength of 20 men able to shrug off the most brutal of beatings."
"Incredible." A sudden worry struck Henrietta. "Is Louise in any danger?"
"My sources don't think so."
"Good." Henrietta pondered for a moment. "Agnes is the familiar fair in a couple of days?"
"Three days your highness. Forgive my bluntness but you can't seriously be thinking of going, you have the wedding to plan for."
Henrietta slammed a fist against her desk. "That is exactly why I'm going."
Realization dawned on Agnes. "You don't really want to marry the Germanian emperor do you your highness?"
Henrietta chuckled dryly "No. I need the Germanian troops if I wish to have my reforms succeed. The Germanians respect the role of commoners and will side with me against the corrupt nobles in Tristain. It's the only way to ensure the nobles do not attempt a coup. And didn't I tell you to call me by my name?"
"I have to maintain appearances your highness." This was why Agnes chose to serve Henrietta. She was willing to give up her happiness for the sake of the people. She would gladly die for her monarch.
"Inform Old Osmond that I'll arrive in two days' time." Henrietta turned and walked back to the balcony. "It's time I pay my dear childhood friend a visit."
"Of course your highness." Agnes noted her dismissal and quietly left the room, leaving Henrietta to stand silently in the night.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
A cloaked figure darted through the night, sticking to the shadows, moving only when the moons were obscured by the clouds. Finally it reached the meeting point.
Another hooded figure waited there.
"So you accept the job?"
"Yes." The first figure held out a hand. "The advance payment."
The second figure wordless handed over a heavy leather bag. "We expect good news from you. Don't fail us." He warned, stepping into the shadows and disappearing into the night.
The first figure threw back her good. Green hair billowed in the night wind as she counted the good pieces in the bag. She whistled when she counted 20000 Écu. She grinned. This was going to be an interesting job.
A/N
Hope you guys enjoyed chapter 4 of Infection in Halkeginia. I apologize to all of you who thought the title referred to Collin's bio weapons. I have an idea for them but it'll be about 3-4 chapters more before they are introduced so look forward to that! I originally intended to write this chapter next week but after my A level practicals I couldn't bring myself to study so here it is.
Thanks for the reviews; I appreciate the time you guys take to type them out. They've also helped me come up with some ideas for future chapters. I'm really far behind on my revision so expect to see the next chapter sometime in June when I'll have more time to write!
Wow my word count seemed to be doubling every chapter, if chapter 5 in 18k words I'll die typing it.
As always thanks for reading and please leave a review if you can.
To the reviewers:
To Kamagong: It was the first name to pop into my head when I thought of a nurse. You might recognise some other names from other universes as well.
To necrofantasia: Wow. You really hate the nobles don't you :P
To greyman19: Oho yes it will, I look forward to writing it.
To wqs: I know man. Thanks for the constant support.
To Kane: I'm afraid I can't answer that question. Well now that the redheaded rival knows about his nature…who knows?
To Haziq47: Thanks! I'll consider that suggestion. I won't say anything else to avoid spoilers!
To KO: Those are some interesting weapons. I've already gone some ideas for them; let's see how it plays out.
To Apocalyptian Scribe: I'll keep that in mind. And yes, yes it is.
To Crais117: Well lets go with Mercer wanting to retain his ability to fly, if he's too heavy he'll drop like a rock :P
To Coolstorybro: I'll keep that in mind. If you could can you be a little more specific as to the parts that need work? Thanks!
To Guest: That's a lot for me to consider. Thanks for the suggestions.
To To a review: Haha a double "To". *Ahem* Too true my friend. Too true.
To NIX'S WARDEN: Keep wondering :P
To Zaralann: Thanks!
To dragonborn21: Unfortunately this occurred during the events of Prototype 2. Collin needs a nemesis after all.
As always thanks for reading and please leave a review.