CHAPTER THREE: Staff Of Destruction Part 1

After rescuing Siesta life went as normal (Well as normal as it was going to get being the only human familiar in Halkegenia.) Louise was curious about how Siesta got back, and was shock at Michiru tale, she knew about the mist, but she never thought Michiru had illusion ability (Though it would explain the fog.), truth be told she was somewhat surprise but was also annoyed that Michiru did it behind her back, but let it slide for now. all in all it was normal But tonight something was different

"NONONO! you're doing it wrong." Louise snapped

"Well i'm sorry whiny, but i was never much of a marcher that was more of a faceless mook thing!" Michiru snapped.

"Aggh, this is never going to work." Louise sighed rubbing the spot between her eyebrows "Nothing about you is right, your manners, your way of speech..."

"Hey! What's with this all of a sudden!" Michiru snapped annoyed. "I'm not that bad! Why are you so interested in marching anyway?"

"It because I been careless. I'd completely forgotten about the exhibition..."

"Exhibition?"

"Tristain Magic Academy holds a gathering known as the Familiar Exhibition which happens every year. During it, the second year students are required to show off the familiars they summoned to everyone at the academy-"

"Oh like an American pep rally. Except instead of showing school spirit, it sorta more like it namesake, showing first year students of what they might get if they had a chance of summoning a familiar." Michiru said

Louise gave Michiru somewhat of a strange look since she never heard of a pep rally (let alone this 'american') but decided that Michiru somewhat got the gist of it. "Yes but there going to be a VERY important guest coming, and I just want to avoid any embarrassment. Since your not an ordinary familiar I was thinking you could do some sort of witty speech or sing or dance or something... Hey maybe you can do your mist thing"

"I don't know i don't feel like using that for an exhibition, i prefer to use it for battle." Michiru said, then deciding to tease Louise, she added "Maybe I should show them cleaning your laundry. Uou gotta admit, saying washing your frilly panties is better than some dance"

Michiru snickered then hear what sounds like a riding crop being brought out with a snap. Michiru look to see Louise holding one, looking pissed.

"Is that everything you wanted to say...?" Louise growled.

"Okay there are two reason you don't want to do what i think your thinking."

"Which are?"

"One you forget I have training which can easily make you drop your weapon and put you in a painful hold." Michiru said.

Louise seem to consider this. "What's number two."

"You sorta proving Kirche assessment that your some kind of wannabe mistress who secretly like being a sub if we add part one," Michiru said the last part jokingly.

"THAT'S NOT FUNNY!" Louise snapped angrily as she was able to give two angry slaps with the riding crop on Michiru head.

"OW!" Michiru grunted, it didn't really hurt due to her kaizo-ningen skin. but it still hurt as say a wasp sting. Michiru gave a annoyed look as she grabbed the riding crop, threw it in the air and cut it down. "There, no more of that."

Michiru expected Louise to get angry at the loss of her riding crop, but she had a look on her face that clearly show she had an idea "Wait a minute, YOUR SCYTHES, that what you can use!"

"My scythes?"

"Yeah! You're expert at them, so you should be able to impress them with that by doing some simple demonstrations." Louise said

"Hmm... Alright that sounds fair enough." Michiru shrugged.

"Excellent! we had a shot at this." Louise grinned, nothing can go wrong.

"So that's the portal machine?" #01 said questioning.

"Correct." Ankokou said as he was there watching the expedition with scientist working to maintain the portal.

"Huh... I was expecting something abit more futuristic and less steam punk." #07 said as Gebok brought a row of motorcycles with the front shape to look like horses head "And what are those?"

"The motorcycles for your trip. They are program with two modes, one as a motorcycle and the other-" Ankokou pressed a button and to the amazement of the NUMBERS, it transformed to a mechanical horse with a hologram covering it mechanize appearance. "-Just in case were dealing with a non-technological society."

"So what you're saying there a chance were dealing with something on the other side that may not be technological but something else." #03 said

"Again, Correct."

"Wait you mean we could be facing anything when we crossed through. like say rhetorically speaking, it's possible we could dropped off to a village that suffering from a disease that makes them nuts but it's actually cause of a strange demon like thingie." #01 gulped

"... That is the stupidest thing I ever heard." #06 said, "Next you be saying we'll drop in a dimension where #13 is related to the vongolia family from that anime Katekyo hitman reborn."

"It was just a theory." #01 mumbled.

"Right well heres a pack that has enough ration that should last you on this trip. And i suggest you go now." Ankokou said reverting the mech-horse back to a motorcycle. everyone nodded as they got in.

"#01, heading out." #01 rode in first.

#01 noticed he landed in some kind of forest at night. "So this is a new world... i kinda expected it to be more ali-." He stop as he saw the two moons. "Never mind."

The scientist study the screen before saying "The transfer was successful."

"Cool. Oh and #03 heading out." Aforementioned rider spoke as he rode through. it went like this till it was #13 turn.

"Number 13, moving out." He started up his bike and raced into the portal. However when he enter the portal that where the room started to flash red

"What going on." Ankokou said angrily

"The portal malfunctioning." A scientist said scared as spark seem to shot out of machine

"Well stabilize it." Ankokou snapped

"Were trying!" The same scientist said scared as more sparks shot out.

The NUMBERS that made it to the portal watch shock as the portal got brighter and brighter.

"IT'S GOING TO EXPLODE! HIT THE DECK!" someone shouted as they duck, just as a blinding flash consumed everything. Moments later, when the light had left, getting up they could see a scorch mark showing a unconcious #13 with his motorcycle not to far off.

"#13!" #08 shouted as he and #07 rush to check if he was okay. #13 groaned as he slowly flicker his eyes open.

"Are you alright?" #07 said, she didn't see any physical damage.

"I don't know, i must start a internal diagnostic." #13 said, his helmet lens began to flash as they began scanning for internal damage.

20 minutes past with #06, tired of waiting demanded "Well are you alright or not?"

"Hey give him a moment, these things take awhile." #08 snapped.

#13 ignored them as he said "My diagnostic scan is complete."

"And?"

"It appear that I'm only suffering 2 percent damage. Luckily it is something that should not affect the mission." #13 said

"Really, holy ** that is lucky! Maybe this mission won't end badly." #01 said optimistically. However if Gebok knew what part was damage in the two percent, he wouldn't be sharing his optimism. In fact Gebok would be VERY angry.

"Indeed, plus it doesn't seem like I was lying when I reported to GIN-SHOCKER." #03 said, they had a two way communicator that allow them to talk to GIN-SHOCKER.

"Are you ladies done gossiping" #06 sneered "Cause we all have our respective mission to carry each nodded as they got on there respective bikes before heading out to there respective team but before #07 left #13 said "#07."

"Yes?"

"Good luck with your mission."

#07 blinked surprise at that, she could have sworn she heard tentative hint of emotion in #13 voice. 'Must be imagining things.' She still nodded at #13 before heading out.

Michiru swung her legs back and forth as she sat on the edge of a bridge. She was very young. Standing over her was a wizened old woman dressed in an elegant kimono and obi. "Grandma, what's a geisha?"

The old woman chuckled. "A geisha is not a what, dear. A geisha is an entertainer." The old woman brought out a rice ball before handing one to young Hana. "In ages past, geisha where also assassins when shinobi would not do." The old woman wasn't one to lie and neither was she one to beat around the bush. "While we geisha have never been without work, there have been hard times."

"Did Mommy do a bad thing?"

The old woman chuckled. "The heart wants what it wants, and besides," the old woman cracked a wide smile, "I would never have had such a sweet granddaughter as you."

Michiru smiled biting into the rice ball. "Grandma, can I have a banana?"

The old woman outright laughed. Members of their family were known to have weird habits. The old woman herself loved popsicles. "A chocolate covered one, dear?"

"Yes please." The old woman and reached into her sleeves and pulled out said banana before handing it to Michiru. "Grandma can I be…" Michiru looked up into the sky. She honestly didn't know what she wanted to be.

Louise woke up with a start, looking shock. "Was that... no couldn't be." She looked at Michiru suspiciously. Ever since she gotten her she been having weird dreams abit, mostly just vague images, but this one. It appear so real.

'Stress, it gotta be stress.' Louise mutter as she try to get back to sleep.

two days latter

"The Princess of Tristain! Her Royal Highness, Lady Henrietta has arrived!" Shouted a voice from the walls around the academy. Michiru stood in the crowd with Louise and Siesta watching the princess arrive.

"So the princess is the special guest." Michiru muttered

"Lady Henrietta has been the great symbol of our existence to all our citizens since the king passed away a few years ago." Siesta explained

"Hmm i see, but what about her mother." Michiru questioned

"She still ruling though i heard she considering stepping down." Louise said

"Where you heard that?" Siesta said, she admits not being too big on rumors but this one seem to be something that would have been heard by everybody.

"UH...Look there the princess." Louise said. Michiru turn her head to see to see a girl about her age stepping out of one of the carriages, she had shoulder length purple hair and blue eyes and wore an elegant purple cloak over white robes with jewels encrusted in them.

'Wow she cute.' Michiru thought, she was going to ask Louise something but saw her 'master' smiling happily at the sight of the Princess. 'Hmm this is new.'

Meanwhile in a village not that far off.

"Hmm, this place sure is crowded." #01 muttered.

"What do you expect one of there ruler appearing so close. Off course there going to be a crowd." #07 muttered.

"Heh, then it suck to be those without rooms." #06 sniggered

"You pickpocket peoples money to buy said rooms." #07 said

"Ah quit complaining." #06 said annoyed.

"Whatever..." #07 muttered she turn to #01 and ask "You're positive she somewhere in this area."

"As part of my cybernetic is to sense energy with a 200 miles radius so yes," #01 nodded then added "Although I'm getting trouble locating her for some reason."

"How? from what i seen this place lacks proper tech." #06 said

"I don't know whatever it is it causing interference some 200 miles," #01 said pulling a map "Somewhere around here.

Unknown too them a mysterious women was watching the scene curiously. She haad no idea what they were talking about, but what she gather they were looking for someone and if weak one was point at what she thought he was pointing at 'Well this shall prove useful.'

"Excuse me." All three of the NUMBERS looked at the women, "I couldn't help but overhearing what your saying and I think we can help each other."

"Listen lady we-" #06 was about to tell her to buzz off when she dropped a sack of coins on the table "-Would be honor to help you. Tell us what you need."

"I need to break into that area your friend is pointing at. so I figure you could act as distraction for me, and when i'm done with my job. I can act as distraction for you."

"Hmm, very well." #06 said getting incredulous looks from his fellow numbers.

"Excellent now before we seal the deal I need to know the name of my partners. after-all makes things less complicated you lot 'you' all the time.

"The name Jin Majutsushi, these are my lackeys Todoriko Shiki and Hana Nekozawa."The now dubbed Jin said

"Lackies." Hana question annoyed with Todoriko glaring at them.

"Now what your name my dear. " Jin questioned, ignoring his team-mates.

"You may call me Fouquet." The women said with a smirk.

"Are you sure this will work?" Louise asked.

"Oh relax, if Siesta pulls through then it shall work perfectly." Michiru assured her.

"Hmm." Louise grumbled as knocking could be heard from the door.

"Wonder who that is" Michiru muttered went over to open the door, only as soon as she opened it a hooded figure burst in, knocking Michiru on her butt, and shut the door behind her. (Michiru assume it was a her due to the bust size.)

Louise gasped "Who are you!" Michiru quickly got up and prepare a fighting stance

"Why Louise Françoise Valliere, don't tell me you forgotten about me." then figure said lowering her hood to reveal...

"Princess!" Exclaimed Louise as she and Princess hugged.

"Oh, its been so long and I've missed you so much!" Henrietta said with a smile.

"B-But.-" Louise said trying to find words till she noticed Michiru (Who dropped the fighting stance and was now in a kneeling position, not wanting to show disrespect she quickly broke off the hug and did the same.)

"No please stand up, there no need for that." Henrietta said. Both Louise and Michiru quickly stood up.

"Thank you ma'am, and if i might say it nice to see such a beautiful member of royalty in this room." Michiru said in a slight flirting tone

"You idiot! don't flirt with the princess!" Louise snapped, looking ready to pull her wand. But Henrietta just chuckled.

"No it's fine Louise, Pluis it nice to finally see you're familiar. It's nice to make your acquaintance Miss."

"Michiru Misami, at your service Milady!" Michiru grinned

"My what a polite familiar Louise" noted the princess.

M'am if you don't mind me asking, but how do the two of you know each other?" Michiru questioned.

"If you must know. When we were little girl I was allowed the honor of being the Princesses playmate and closest companion due to my mother previous role as bodyguard to the queen." Replied Louise.

"Louise don't say it like that, I think of us as child-hood friends!" Henrietta said.

"Princess I don't deserve this honor."

"Nonsense I consider no one more worthy of the role! You were the only one who truly understood me aside from father..." Henrietta trailed off.

"Princess..." Louise said.

"I'm alright, don't worry about it." Henrietta assured her, she then took note of the time.

"I wish I had more time but I need to make this short. I'm sure we will meet again in the near future, Louise. I missed you so much" and the Princess hugged Louise again.

"As with me as well... Henrietta." Louise said. Michiru smiled softly at the sight.

They released the hug and the Princess turned to me "Good luck with the exhibition, I think you've summoned up a splendid familiar Louise and i have a hunch you'll both do the best at the Familiar Exhibition." Henrietta smiled as she left the room.

"What a good friend."

"Yeah..." Louise muttered. before realizing "OI, DON'T TALK about the princess in such a familiar tone!"

"Why she seem cool with it." Michiru said. the two began to argue abit

thirty-five minute later

A guard yawn to himself. he was working guard-shift duty on the gate.

"Hello." The guard was startled as he saw Jin walking towards him.

"HALT!" The guard said as he pointed his halberd at Jin.

"Here's a thought. How about you halt." Jin then grabbed the weapon and to the guard shock crystal began covering the weapon rapidly. The guard try to let go but it already was covering his hands.

"In fact why don't you stay there forever." Jin smiled darkly

Meanwhile everyone including Princess Henrietta was in attendance and soon the Familiar Exhibition began. Kirche had Flame (her salamander) shoot fascinating flaming patterns from his mouth. Montmorency had her toad croak along to a song she played on a violin. Tabitha perform some spectacular aerial movement on top of her dragon while Guiche... was just posing alongside his golem's with a large creature of some sort.

"Well at least ours won't be as bad as Guiche." Michiru said just as Siesta began rolling a cart full of fruits towards them (though there were some watermelons).

"Ah there you are. Do you have the bowl too." Michiru asked.

"Yep, here you go." Siesta said handing the bowl to Louise.

"This better work," Louise muttered

"Oh it will work, it may not be flashy but it will work." Michiru grinned as they got on stage. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I do hope you enjoy our part in the exhibition, Siesta,"

Siesta nodded as she began to throw fruits at Michiru with pretty good accuracy. Michiru closed her eyes as she turned her arms to scythes, and began cutting. Michiru found her rhythm, cutting through the fruits in front of her while trusting Louise to catch the cut pieces. When Michiru opened her eyes and smirked at the site of Louise holding a bowl of delicious fruit salad.

'I can't believe that work.' Louise thought surprise. There was light clapping coming from the princess, who has a smile on her face. at the sight of the princess clapping the crowd quickly began to do the same." Louise and Michiru bowed as they began to walk off stage.

"I think that went well." Michiru said.

"Went well. It went great!" Louise said with a smirk. Michiru had to suppress a smile at Louise happiness. she notice Tabitha frowning at the stage "What wrong?"

"Whose that." Tabitha said pointing to the stage, Michiru turn her gaze and nearly gawk at the sight of Jin standing on stage smiling darkly.

"06," uttered Michiru in surprise. Louise heard what she had said.

"Hello, everyone!" grinned Jin. "I hope you're all enjoying the show! Unfortunately, we're going to have to end this whole party abruptly. So, if you don't mind, please hand over all your valuables." There was a murmurs from the crowd, wondering if this guy was serious.

"And before you ask yourself, why should I listen to this cockbite. Let me give you this as a rebuttal." Jin then (to the amazement of the crowd) created a spear of pure crystal in his hands. He then took on a throwing stance and was ready to spear someone before something stop him.

That something was a kick to the face.

Jin screamed as he was sent flying to the side from Michiru kick.

"EVERYONE OUT NOW." Michiru said/shouted. normally some nobles would be ** about being order around by a familiar of all things, but since there was an (Apparent) psycho earth mage on the lose, everyone complied, Osmond and Colbert helped lead the students away as the guards took the princess to safety.

"OW! sonuvabitch OW!" Michiru turn her head to see Jin getting up slightly clutching his cheek and glaring at Michiru. "That hurt you bitch!"

"Yeah well you deserve it. What are you even doing here." Michiru said annoyed

"What do you think! I'm here to bring you back to GIN-SHOCKER." Jin snapped.

"And that includes threatening a crowd of innocent people, that also apart of bringing me back plan."

"Well... was also being part of a job for extra cash as it were." Jin shrugged, Michiru frowned. "Now you could help me out or not but i'm going to get paid." Jin said as he was about to leave.

"I'm not going to let you."

"What?" Jin said as he saw Michiru glaring at him angrily.

"I said i'm not going to let you. You're not going to hurt anyone." Michiru said

"Why do you care? you have about as much blood on your hands as I do." Jin said annoyed

Michiru took offense to that and summoned her Spark Core. Jin cocked an eyebrow and grinned.

"So, the hard way, huh? Are you sure it's worth it?" Jin asked.

"This time I'm gonna decide who I fight," Michiru retorted. "Are you ready?"

"We're NUMBERS. We're always ready," Jin said. "HENSHIN!"

"HENSHIN!"

Kirche sighed annoyed, "What the hell was that about. what thief would be crazy enough to do that."

Tabitha shrugged as she doesn't have an answer to that. She turn her head slightly to see Louise slipping past the crowd and back towards the stage "Look."

"What?" Kirche turn her head and squawked at the site of her. "OI zero, don't go back there!" If Louise heard her, she wasn't listening as headed towards there.

"Damnit. Come on Tabitha we gotta stop her." Kirche said annoyed. She may not like Louise but she wasn't going to let her kill herself. Tabitha nodded as they and there familiars followed Louise they stopped abit as Louise was watching something curiously. Before Kirche could reprimand her she gasp at the sight in front of her.

Two armor figures were battling one another. The first was male was emerald green in color and his chestplate resembled a beetle's abdomen. His helmets visor had three horizontal slits running over his eyes so he could see. the second was female her armor was light purple in color. Her boots had sharp high heels and the shoulders looked like flower petals. Her suit also came with a flexible chain-mail battle skirt. Her helmet was styled after a mantis.

"What the hell." Louise jumped and took notice of the four others around her.

"Don't do that Kirche, gave me a heart-attack." Louise snapped.

"Forget that, who are those two. What happen to that guy and your familiar."

"That is them." Louise said. She gotten a incredulous look "Look i know it's strange but notice the weapon the girl one is using."

Kirche notice carefully and saw the girls hand was scythes. "No way..."

Carmen/Michiru fired her shoulder guns, unleashing a storm of pink energy bullets at Jin/Petrifier who blocked with crystal shields. He wasn't fazed by her attack at all.

"Nice attack, here mine." Jin/Petrifier snapped as he slammed his hands on the crystal wall. it sent thousands of crystal shot forward. Carmen began to swing her arms in rapid succession. When the barrage stop. she charge forward. as Jin jumped over the shield (Covering his lower forearm with crystal. She swung out at Jin/Petrifier who blocked the hits but She raised her leg and deliver a front kick to his stomach causing him to stumble backwards.

"Why you..." Petrifier snapped as he about to rush forward but was stopped by webbing shot to his feet.

"Cut it out." both they and the unseen audience saw two more figure walking forward. One was female whose armor was mainly black with blood red shoulders, torso armor, gloves, and boots. Her helmet was silver and black with two large eyes and six smaller ones for decoration. the second was male whose helmet was covered by a metallic hood and the mouthguard looked like a circular mouth filled with razor sharp metallic teeth. His torso was covered in black armor and he had circular pads on his palms that looked like suckers.

"Don't blame me, #11 was the one who started it." Petrifier snapped.

"Hana-chan... what are you doing here." Carmen said

"You didn't tell her?"

"I might have implied I was doing it solo." Petrifier stated.

Arachnea rolled her eyes as she turn to Carmen "Michiru were here to bring you back."

Carmen was silent for a moment before saying. "I'm sorry Hana-chan but no."

"What? Why not?"

"Look, This world doesn't have GIN-SHOCKER, and I don't have to kill anyone anymore. I don't want to kill anymore," said Carmen. "We can be free here. Sure, it's primitive, but it's better than living as killing machines."

"She talking crazy." Todoriko/Scanner stated with Petrifier nodding. Only Arachnea wasn't laughing.

"Hana-chan, Surely you can see what i'm talking about. We can live our lives her in peace." Carmen said

Arachnea didn't say anything at first but muttered "I-"

Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by a loud rumbling noise, like a giant footstep. "What the hell was that?" Carmen asked.

Scanner gave a shock gasp as he shakily pointed his finger. everyone look to see what looked like a huge rock creature that was at least one hundred feet tall. Spiked manacles made of rock were around its wrists while its legs with trunk-like. It didn't have a head, but instead eyes in some kind of hole that was visible near the top of its torso. On top of it's shoulder there was movement which alerted us to someone else being there. was a figure black cloak which hid her face but she did have long green hair that spilled out from the sides.

"Holy **! When Fouquet said she doing a distraction she does a distraction." Petrifier whistled. The golem lowered down and grabbed Scanner, Arachnea and Petrifier in one hand and was about to do the same to Carmen with The other when a sudden explosion occurred that cause some damage to the hand making it withdraw quickly.

"What the-" Carmen said confused as she received a bop to her knocking "What the- Louise?"

"That's for keeping secrets!" Louise said annoyed "And after we take care of this, I want answers okay."

"Right." Michiru nodded as she saw Tabitha and Kirche riding Sylphid (Tabitha dragon).

Sylphid banked towards the golem. Tabitha pulled out her staff intent to use magic, with Kirche doing the same with her wand. Tabitha was the first to cast a spell, chanting an incantaion that conjured a whirlwind to strike the golem. Unfortunately it had no effect and nor did Kirche's fireball.

"Well I guess we now know what the interference is!" a voice (Probably Scanner) stated. Petrifier ignored him as he pointed his crystal cover arm at Sylphid and began firing at them but the dragon dodge the attack using aerial movement.

Carmen quickly activated her super speed as she ran up a wall before stopping as she launch forward turning in a angle with both her feet pointed foward "Double Rider Kick!" She hit the golem in the stomach causing some cracks on the stomach but not damaging it as she jump back on the ground.

"That didn't work." Louise said.

"No, but your spell will if it hits that spot."

"What!?" Louise said confused/shocked

"Look from what i seen yours was the only one that did even the slightest damage to that thing. You can do this."

Louise look skeptical but nodded as she pointed her wand at the golem.

"Just aim and cast," Carmen advised.

Louise nodded as she took aim, making sure she got the spot where Carmen damage the golem before unleashing a fireball which exploded on impact, and like Michiru predicted it did considerable damage to the golem, it stumbled abit looking ready to collapse.

"Well It appeared I overstayed my welcome." Fouquet mention as she lifted a case and pointed her wands at the NUMBERS." I think we've overstayed my welcome... don't you?" she said just as the Princess, headmaster Osmond and older students with some of the guards arriving, she levitated the number as she jumped off the golem just as it crumbled down and created a dustcloud. When it was clear there was no signs of Fouquet and the three NUMBERS.

Tabitha landed Sylphid next to them. "That was a really big golem she was controlling! There is no doubt in my mind, she was a triangle-class mage..."

"Yeah... not to mention she working with some odd cohorts!" Kirche said eying Carmen who reverted back to Michiru during the dustcloud.

Michiru sighed, look like she might have to tell those two too about what her connection with the other three.

They all heard footsteps coming towards them and saw the princess and her guards approach them, they quickly kneel. "My lady I'm so sorry about all this..." Louise said

"Raise your head Louise, this is not your fault. In fact if it wasn't for you, your friends and your familiar it could have gone much worse" Henrietta assured her.

Before Louise could correct the princess about the friend part, one of the guard stated"Princess, we must go" Henrietta looked at him and nodded

"I have to go now, I must make a full report of this incident to the palace, Please take care of yourself, until we meet again" Henrietta said as she and the guard move out.

As the sun set signalling night Michiru had a feeling that as hard as today was, tomorrow would be harder.