3: Advances
I arrived at the library and noticed that there was a light coming from the teachers section. As I thought, Colbert was still researching. I went up to where he was reading books and stopped when I heard him talking to himself.
Here to make sure Colbert isn't up late at night researching something he'll never find? 'Yep, the way I see it, if we don't let him know why these runes are different, he'll keep searching and never find out.' If you say so.
"No. The runes are different. Maybe chapter 11 has some examples?" Colbert muttered to himself.
"Looking for something about these?" I asked while stepping out from behind the book shelf with my left hand up.
"Ah!" He almost fell out of his chair from surprise. "H-how did you know I'd be here researching that?"
"Just a feeling. Anyway, I doubt you'd find anything." I tell him honestly.
"Wh-What?" He asked astonished.
"Yeah. These runes are a little different." I explain. "I believe the closest you'll find is under that book about the founder's familiars."
He gives me a curious look and grabs the appropriate book and starts leafing through it.
"The closest I find is Gandalfar, but the runes-"
"I know," I cut in "That's because the false motive was erased."
"False motive?" He asks. He doesn't know? Odd.
"When a contract is formed, a false motive is implanted in the familiar's mind to stay with their master. When my contract was formed, my runes looked like that, but after my false motive was erased the runes were changed, reflecting my state of mind."
He nods his head up and down. "I see, but when you were summoned you runes looked nothing like this. And how can your 'False Motive' be erased?" He asks. I forgot how many questions he asks when he's interested in something.
"When I was a familiar here they were like this, but back in my time, they were those ruins. As for your other question, that is something I am not at liberty to discuss. Rest assured, I will be able to tell you, later."
He looked at me quizzically, "What do you mean 'your time?'"
I give him a small smile. "Who's to say I'm from this time? For a more straightforward answer, I'm from a few years in the future. To me, it was several years ago when Louise summoned me. OH! And just to let you know, I'm also from another world." I explain nonchalantly.
Colbert stares at me, mouth agape. He appears to have just frozen up like he just became a PC with a virus and was experiencing his own personal blue screen of death. a few minute later he recovers enough to start forming thoughts and words once again.
"Yo-You're-"
"Yes. Hard to believe. But it's the truth. You might wan't to go back to your room and go take a nap to calm down."
He nods, puts the books away and walks away. Okay, I don't care what you think, you definitely overdid that one. I wince, 'Yeah, I probably could have broken it to him slowly.' Well, let's head back to Louise's room. She might start worrying if you're away for too long. 'At this point in time? I doubt it.' I still decide to go to Louise's room anyway. My work here is done.
*Scene Break*
A sense of dread crosses over me when I enter the hallway to Louise's room. Then a shiver goes down my spine and I feel like I'm being watched. I turn around and see a salamander with a fire tail looking straight at me, Then I remember. An event that happens during the night after the battle with Guiche.
Actually, didn't it happen about a week after that? 'Um... I think your right. Does it really matter?' I guess not.
The salamander jumps me and grabs onto my collar. I give a yell and put up a bit of a fight as it pulls me into a room.
Once inside the room, the salamander lets go of me. I start to get up and that's when I notice it. The person I was fearing most of all. In front of me is Louise's rival, Kirche, dressed in nothing but some skimpy nightwear. The memories of the first time this happen flood back to me. This was the first night Louise called me a dog and beat me with a whip. It was one day I could have gone on without. And here I was, experiencing it again.
"Welcome to my room." Kirche begins.
"Um, It's kind of dark in here."
She snaps her fingers and the lights come up.
"Sit down," She says while gesturing to the bed.
"I'd rather not." I reply.
"I get it." She says.
"Really? Because I don't." I respond.
"You think I'm a lowly, despicable women, who just wants to use you for a night of pleasure then toss you aside."
Yes, my inner monologue says, forgetting that only I can hear him, Yes I do. No, I don't think that. I know that.
"But believe me," says Kirche, "I want so much more from you. My runic name is the Ardent, I'm like torch-"
"Easy to set on fire?"
She pouts a little then reverts to her previous attitude, "No, I'm easy to turn on."
This set off some alarms in my head. My head was a jumble of thoughts, but one stood out above the others. Get me the **** out of here! 'Right, because I wasn't already thinking to do that. Thanks inner monologue.'
Then Kirche jumped me and pushed me onto the ground.
"Oh god, help!" I yell.
"Shhh," She whispers, then she puts her lips on top of mine. I begin to pray for something to save me. Thankfully it comes. Just then the door bursts open and Louise comes in. The sudden opening of the door startles Kirche and gives me time to breathe.
"Louise! Thank God! She kidnapped me and now she wants to-"
I was cut off by Kirche putting her lips on mine again, pretending not to notice Louise. Then Louise launches one of her flying kicks I know all to well right at Kirche, who dodges. And uses me as a shield. Flying kicks can't exactly be stopped midway through. In all honesty, I didn't need to feel another kick to the crotch courtesy of Louise.
"Eh! Sorry Saito!" Louise franticly apologizes.
I try to form words but the pain keeps me from doing so. Actually, I think this is the first time she called me by name. Interesting. I eventually regain my cognitive functions and manage to croak out. "That's fine, get me out of here."
She grabs my arm and drags me back towards her room before stopping and turning towards Kirche.
"Zerbst, Don't ever think of trying to take Saito again. He's my familiar. Not yours." Louise then drags me back to her room and closes and locks the door. Never before have I been so thankful for one of Louise's kicks.
After we are back in the safety of Louise's room, and I had stopped being curled in a fetal position of pain, Louise started the conversation.
"Saito," I shuddered, that was the tone she took before she began beating me with her whip of destruction. Actually, wasn't this the tone of voice she took the first time this happened? "Why were you in that stupid Zerbst's room?"
I took a breath and replied, "I was coming back from my walk, which I told you I was going on, and when I was here in the hallway, Her familiar ambushed me and brought me to her room."
"Why didn't you stop the familiar? You are Gandalfar after all," she asked with a hint of doubt in her voice. I wonder if she's doubting my Gandalfar status, or my excuse.
"You were there when I fought Guiche, when I grabbed the sword, the runes lit up. I only have the Gandalfar speed and reflexes when I'm holding a weapon. Without it, I'm nothing more than a regular human."
She eyes me, before accepting it. "Then why didn't you take another route? Didn't you know this would happen?"
I flinched. I really didn't want to have this conversation. "Well..." I began sheepishly, "Yes I was aware, but the circumstances were different the first time."
Louise raised an eyebrow. "Circumstances? Please elaborate."
Crap. Do we really have to have this conversation?
"Well, the first time it happened, I was asleep outside your room-"
"Why were you asleep outside the room? Were you not allowed inside?"
Crap. Quick, think of an excuse to get out of this talk!
"Well, Earlier in the day I was attending the class with you and fell asleep during the class. I had a bit of wine beforehand and... had this one dream during the class. Apparently I also talk in my sleep."
You idiot! Don't tell her what the dream was! 'Lying isn't going to get me anywhere, is it?' ... Damn. Fine, continue, but only if she asks.
Louise eyed me and I swear I could see a blush on her face.
"Dream? Elaborate."
'Crap.' Crap.
"Well, In my dream..." I began blushing furiously. "I was sleeping in my little pile of hay like usual, and in my dream you decided to join me in the haystack during the night and then you started-"
"What!" I wasn't imagining it, Louise was certainly blushing. "And you had this dream during class of all places!"
"Yes. You were not pleased. I had to sleep outside in the hallway. That's when that salamander kidnapped me. Since that didn't happen this time, I didn't register that the event was going to take place anyway."
"W-well I guess that's a good enough reason." Louise was still a little shaken about that dream I admitted to.
"Louise, If you don't mind, could we go out tomorrow and buy a sword? It would help if I had my own sword to defend myself with."
Louise mulled over the idea, then nodded her head. "That sounds like a good idea. It would be a benefit if you could defend yourself. It's decided. Since tomorrow is the day of v-void," Apparently she still hadn't forgotten about that little discussion we had about her magic earlier, "I will take you into town and buy a sword."
"Thank you Louise. Also, I don't think I'll be taking any more late night walks. I'd hate for Kirche to kidnap me again." I said.
Louise nodded and walked into her bed, pulled up the covers and went to sleep. I crawled into my pile of hay. Tomorrow, I'd be meeting another friend.
*Scene Break*
"Geez, I forgot how big this town is." I say more to myself than anyone else.
"Don't whine. Keep up."
The ride to town hadn't been the best trip ever. I doubt I'll ever get used to these long horseback trips. Being somewhat forced to just muscle through it, I ignored the pain and followed Louise.
"Hey Louise, is the store we're going to the only sword shop in the town?" I asked.
"It's not the only shop that sells swords, but it is the only one that only sells weapons. Other stores only sell swords because they have them on hand."
I felt a little relieved. This meant that he would be there.
"Here we are!" Louise exclaimed as she turned a corner.
"Ah. Yes it does seem familiar."
"Do you have a specific sword in mind? Is that why you asked if this was the only store that sold swords?"
"Yes and no. While that is part of the reason, I'm looking for an old friend." I told her.
"An old friend? Is he going to be at the shop?" Louise looked rather confused. I don't blame her.
"Yes. He will be. I can feel it." With that I walked into the store, Louise following behind me.
"Hello, are you the patron of the fine establishment?" I ask the men behind the counter.
"Yes, that I am." I recognize him, he is the one who ran the store where I got Derflinger.
"I heard from a friend of mine that you have a talking sword for sale. Would that happen to be the case?"
"What? A talking sword?" Asks Louise dumbfounded.
The salesman grunts and points towards a barrel near the back of the shop. "He's in there. Don't ask about price, just take him. He drives off too much business."
I rush towards the barrel and paw through until I find the one I was looking for. I see a familiar handle and sheath, and pull him out of the barrel.
"Huh, about time someone bought me. I tell ya, people just don't understand a sword when they see one! Ugh, why'd the only person to realize my magnificence have to be some half wit looking boy?" Said a voice.
I forgot how awesome this guy was! Buy him! Buy him now! 'You know, I thought, that being my inner monologue, you'd have a better understanding of what goes on in my head. I'm just your conscious, I don't have access to the higher thought processes.
"T-The sword talked!" Louise sounded a little frightened. I thought it was a little weird, shouldn't she be used to this type of thing by now?
"Are you Derflinger?" I ask the sword.
"Ah, so you recognize me, eh? Yes, I am the legendary sword Derflinger! Wait, how do you know me? You wouldn't happen to be a user would you?" Derf asks me.
"I'm still not sure what it means but, yes. I pretty sure I am."
"Well than, glad to meet you partner! What might your name be?"
"I'm Saito, weird name I know." I said knowing his response in advance.
"I'll say."
*Scene Break*
On the way back to the academy, I explained to Derf just about everything. He took the fact that not only was I from another world, but the future, pretty well. Derflinger always gave off a vibe of just accepting what happened around him so I suppose it wasn't that big of a surprise. When you're a legendary 6000 year old sentient sword, I imagine it becomes quite hard to surprise you. He did seem to think it rather interested though, and remained silent for most of the trip, pondering the fact that his new partner was from the future.
"So you're sure about that rusty old sword? We could have gotten a much better one." said Louise.
"Oi! I'm a legendary sword! They don't get much better than me!" Derflinger replied.
"Trust me Louise," I said, throwing my two cents in, "He's one of, if not the best, sword for our needs."
"If you say so. I just don't see how he can do anything another, shinier sword can't."
"He can't yet. Derflinger, do you remember anything about the past 6000 years? Any special abilities?" I ask the sword.
Derflinger remains silent for a bit, trying to remember. "Sorry partner. 6000 years is a long time. I'm having trouble remembering much."
"Well does the phrase, 'I'm the legendary familiar, Gandalfar,' mean anything to you?"
Derf shuts himself in his scabbard while he thinks it over. He pops back out a few minutes later.
"The name's familiar. It's on the tip of my tongue." It looks like he's almost hurting himself trying to remember.
"Like you said, 6000 years is a long time. It'll come to you when it needs to."
"I hope you're right Saito," said Louise, "I don't want to be seen with a useless piece of rust for my familiar's sword.
"Good thing he's not useless then, isn't that right?" I reply.
Louise looks at me and shrugs. "You know more than I do."
*Scene Break*
After we arrived at the academy, we went straight for Louise's room as quickly as possible. This was at my insistence. If we hurried we might avoid-
"Darling!"
Crap.
We turned to where the voice came from and we saw the demon herself. Kirche.
"Um... Hello there. What do you want?" I asked, trying not to sound nervous at the thought of her jumping me again.
"Nothing much. I just saw that Louise got you a nice rusted stick to swing around." She replied, taunting me. Derflinger was about to come out and say something but I pushed him into his scabbard to avoid any unnecessary insult fights.
"Actually, he's a sword," I respond trying to sound as calm as possible. "Also, Louise didn't buy it, the shop keeper gave it to us for free." I held up a hand to stop Kirche from making some type of snide comment. "Finally, I wanted this sword. There were other choices, but I wanted this one."
Kirche looks at me a little dumbfounded. She wasn't expecting me to rush her like that. "Well than I guess you don't want, this." She held out a shiny golden sword. Its the same golden sword I wanted the first time I went sword shopping with Louise. It's also the same sword that broke like a twig in my first real fight in this world. I'm about to say no, but Louise beats me to it. With a reply surpassing all expectations.
"Yes! Of course we'll take the sword!" She says with what I detect to by false enthusiasm.
"What?" comes everyone's response.
Louise takes the sword, grabs me, than pulls me into her room and she locks the door.
"Why did you want that sword?" I ask Louise. "Isn't Kirche, like, your arch enemy? Or something like that?"
Louise nods. "Yes, but, look at this sword. It's way-"
"Worse than Derf." I cut in. I decide I need to work on my manners later. I've been cutting people off too much lately.
"Eh? But it's-"
"Going to be as useful as a piece of dust in the first real fight we get in." Manners aren't high on my list of priorities.
Louise stared at me like I was crazy. I give her my own stare and try to convey the message, "Do not test me. I'm from the future."
"On the bright side, we could probably sell it. Get some money off it. A little spare change never hurts right?" I say.
She nods. "If it is as useless as you say, then I guess we probably should sell it."
I smile. "Good job. You're learning to trust me. Anyway, it's late. You better get ready for bed.
She nods and goes to her closet and gets her night clothes she starts changing, but then she remembers I'm in the same room. She starts blushing.
"A-aren't you the least bit embarrassed by this?" SHE asks ME. I repeat, SHE, Louise, the one who I almost had to convince to have some shame, was asking ME to have shame. I almost chuckle at the irony. She's right, shouldn't you be embarrassed? You were last time. Instead of answering him, I answer Louise's question.
I give yet another shrug. "Why should I? I am only a familiar. You might as well be changing in front of a dog, or a tree." I reply. Ah, clever. Though in a way, you are completely correct.
She nods, clearly still embarrassed, but she changes anyway.
"Think of it this way," I offer, "Its not like it's nothing I haven't seen. After all, last time I was the one who had to dress you at first. That sucked. Not to mention that one time at the fountain-" I cover my mouth with my hand. No one here, especially not this Louise, needs to know about that. Wow. You're really going to bring that up? 'I didn't mean to! It just slipped out!'
Louise, already changed into her night clothes, looks at me and raises an eyebrow. "Fountain? What fountain?"
I never should have mentioned it. "Nothing important. Nothing you would like. Forget I mentioned it, I know I'm trying to."
She pouts a little at me hanged some juicy information over her head and then removing it when she goes for it, but too bad. I am not mentioning that incident to her, no matter what she does. Trying my best to forget the awkwardness of my mention of that incident, I fall asleep.
*Louise POV*
I wasn't sure whether I should be embarrassed or angry. On one hand, I guess he's already seen me in every state of undress as possible. Why am I so embarrassed? Like he said, he's a familiar, I might as well be changing in front of a tree, or a rock. Still, when he just shrugged off me changing like that, I was a little upset. I kind of felt like my charm was being denied. I didn't know what to do with these conflicting feelings. Something else was bothering me though, "What did he mean by the fountain? Why wouldn't he want to forget about it?" I figure that thinking about it will get me nowhere and he won't talk about it, so I go to sleep. I had a dream where I saw flashes of what looked like Saito doing various things, various fights, but they moved too fast for me to make out any of them. I think about asking him, but decide against it. What do I ask about? How many fights he was in and to describe them in detail to me? I doubt that would work.