I will be discussing Saito's personality and augmentation for the moment.
Saito is one of the sociable Spartans (though not as extensive as Kurt-051, another example is Spartan-1337 who is quite a mouthful) which explains that he is somewhat laid back, as one of you say, and more open. We cannot always generalize them for they have individual personality, and also Saito is fairly new only having a few years of experience with successful mission and displays exceptional fighting skills that allow him to be recruited to the special teams like Noble Team. Plus he is 19 years old here so he will be more open than the older ones.
Now to the augmentations of the Spartan-III (3rd Generation of Spartans).
Project: CHRYSANTHEMUM uses the biological augmentations instead of surgical and cybernetic augmentations of the Spartan-II. They are as follows:
8942-LQ99 "carbide ceramic ossification catalyst" drug - Skeletons become virtually unbreakable, allowing survival in harder impacts.
88005-MX77 "fibroid muscular protein complex" drug - Increased density of individual's muscles, allowing heavier lifting.
88947-OP24 "retina-inversion stabilizer" drug - Color sharpness is significantly improved upon, and night vision is adapted.
87556-UD61 "improve the colloidal neural disunification solution" - Greatly improves the individual's reaction time, decreasing the time taken to react by 300%. "Spartan time".
These are the general augmentations given to the Spartan-III; I didn't include the last three which affects their mental stability thus increase aggression which are given to the Gamma Company. As you can see, there is no reference to the "Catalytic Thyroid Implant" of the Spartan-II thus doesn't have their sexual drives suppressed. Thus they can blush and be aroused by normal means.
In regards to the translation program, it works both ways between Saito and the people of Halkeginia. As Saito speak, his words are translated from English to French. As Louise and the others speak, their words are translated from French to English.
I believe that covers just about much of it.
Chapter 4:
Early Morning
Headmaster's Office
Headmaster Osmond is currently sitting beside his desk and is in deep thought. He is thinking back about his discussion with Prof. Colbert about the familiar of Louise Valliere.
[Flashback]
"Shouldn't we report this great discovery to the Palace? We have discovered the legendary Gandalfr in the modern world." Prof. Colbert asked.
"We cannot." Headmaster Osmond told him. "We cannot let those Palace idiots to get their hands on this kind of power. More so, on the familiar's powers and weapons. Those idiots will surely wage a war for no apparent reason."
"I understand." Prof. Colbert replied solemnly.
Prof. Colbert was shown the duel between the Spartan and Guiche. He is quite surprised at the prowess of the familiar and the weapons wielded.
[Flashback Ends]
Headmaster Osmond sighed as he slumped into his chair. He wonders how things will go now that a powerful familiar has been summoned to this world.
He then eyes his familiar, Motsognir, which is currently looking at Miss Longueville's underwear under her desk.
Academy Grounds
Saito is currently by the shed, where the warthog is parked, without of his helmet. He is currently sharpening his combat knives by sliding the blades with each other.
He is really bored ever since he was transferred into this world. It has been three days since his arrival. He never thought that the day would come when he would say this.
"Where is an elite or some grunts when you need them?" Saito sighed as he cleaned the combat knives with a cloth.
He then sheaths the combat knives into the holsters on his shoulders. He then slumps onto the driver's seat of the warthog and looks up into the clouds. He then places his hands behind his head and crosses his legs over the dashboard.
"It's really peaceful here. It has been a long time since I ever had time to relax like this."
He is resting there on the warthog when he heard footsteps heading towards his direction. His eyes focuses on them with his eyes narrowed as he reaches to one of his combat knives then partially unsheathes it and prepares himself.
The figure comes into view from the shed and is revealed to be Louise. He then sheathes the blade back and sits up.
"There you are, Saito! I've been looking everywhere for you." Louise said as she moved closer to the Warthog. She is somewhat annoyed by her familiar's frequent absence.
"Don't you have classes today?" Saito recalled.
"It's Void day. We have no classes today. We'll go to the city and buy some things for you." Louise answered blankly.
"I see." Saito then seated upright before he started the warthog's engine.
Louise suddenly jumps from the roar of the warthog's engine that she shouts at Saito.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, IDIOT!"
Saito raises an eyebrow in confusion until he recalls that he is in a world where science and technology is nearly a thousand years behind his world.
"I am just starting up the Warthog, Miss Louise. And sorry for scaring you like that."
Louise's face turns crimson from the embarrassment that she fumes at it.
"I-I WAS NOT SCARED!" She then calmed down a bit. "I was just surprised. And anyway we can't ride that; it will get too much attention. So is your armor."
Saito, like other Spartans, is not keen on leaving their armor unless necessary. But the situation calls for it; everyone will place their attention on them if he wears his armor. He reluctantly agrees to her logic.
"I understand. But I'll leave the armor in your room." Saito replied.
He then follows Louise back to her room. He then removes his armor and changes into a set of clothes from one of the kitchen staff. The clothes consist of a white shirt, a dark green sleeveless vest, black pants and a pair of boots. He sets the armor into lock mode until he retrieves it.
He then leaves his weapons at the compartment of the warthog but keeps the pair of combat knives and the M6G Magnum Sidearm, both of which are holstered to his waist. He locks the compartment and follows Louise to the stables.
Kirche's Dorm Room
Kirche is looking out of the window, rather bored, until she saw Louise and Saito riding on horseback out of the academy.
She quickly dresses up and picks up her wand. She then hurriedly heads towards the door and exits her room.
Tabitha's Room
Void day is Tabitha's favorite day in which she can immerse herself into the worlds of the books she reads. Under her glasses, her eyes glitters with full of energy as she reads the contents of the book she is holding.
She then heard loud knocks on her door which disturbed her current train of emotions as she doesn't want to be bothered.
Without looking, she picks up her staff and casts the "Spell of Tranquility" which negates all noises entering her room. But then the door opens forcefully as the person outside hurriedly enters her room.
She could have casted a cyclone to the intruder but the person turned out to be her friend, Kirche. Kirche then ran beside her as she started babbling about something inaudible due to the spell. But she didn't bother as she continued reading her book.
Kirche then snatches Tabitha's book and grabs Tabitha by the shoulder to make her look at her. Tabitha merely looks back at her blankly as her face is unreadable. Tabitha's eyes projects an unwelcoming gaze.
Seeing no way of changing Kirche's mind, she cancels the spell which allows Kirche's voice to return.
"Tabitha! Get yourself ready, we're going out!"
Tabitha merely explains to her friend with the words "Day of Void." Kirche immediately understands what she meant as she knows that Tabitha doesn't want to be disturbed from her books during this day. Tabitha then stands up as she tries to retrieve her book which is high up In the air, the height difference between Kirche and Tabitha makes the attempt futile.
"Tabitha, I know the Days of the Void are important to you. But we have no time. I'm in lo~ve. Do you get it?"
Tabitha shook her head in response. Kirche then sighed before continuing.
"Right… you won't move until I explain."
Tabitha shook her head again.
"Geez… I. AM. IN. LOVE! But that man is going out with that damn annoying Louise today! I want to go after them, and find out where they're going! Do you get it now?"
Tabitha still didn't understand especially since it didn't matter to her.
"They just left on horseback! I need your familiar to catch up with them without your familiar. Please help me with that."
Kirche said as tears started to flow from her eyes and her hands are clasped together. Tabitha finally nodded with it.
"You're the best, Tabitha! We must hurry."
Tabitha then opens her window and sends out a whistle. Large flapping wings can be heard and Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, a blue and white wind rhyme dragon appears before the window. Tabitha then jumps out of the window and to the back of the dragon. Kirche then jumps after Tabitha and rides over the dragon.
"Two people on horseback. Don't eat them." Tabitha whispered to Sylphid who grunted lightly as a reply.
Slyphid then flies over the street leading to the capital city of Tristania.
Meanwhile in the city of Tristania, Louise and Saito are walking down the Bourdonne Avenue which is filled with stalls along with side. There are quite a lot of people around the city. Even though it is the main avenue that leads straight to the Tristain Palace itself, its width is merely five meters.
They left their academy-loaned horse back at the city stables outside the city gates. They have bought a few of Saito's own clothes and also found some interesting bargains. At one clothing store, he found a complete set of UNSC Marine fatigues. When he asked the owner about it, the only answer he got was nothing as the owner only found them. He bought the fatigues, using Louise's money, and places them in the bag on his back.
The money is stored within small pouches around the inside of his vest. His eyes constantly scanned the surroundings to keep anyone from stealing them.
As they walk down the avenue, he noticed a store with a sword-shaped sign dangled under it. He assumed it to be an arms dealer's shop. He then looked at Louise and asked.
"Can we check out that store, Miss Louise?"
"Huh?" Louise raised an eyebrow. "Don't you already have that sword of yours? Why do you need another one?"
"My energy sword can only last for so long without having its energy depleted. Until I find a way to replenish its energy, I'm going to need another sword when the time comes."
"Fine." Louise sighed as they walked down the alley towards the shop and entered it.
Inside the Arms Dealer's Shop
The shop is a bit dark inside despite the bright outdoor daylight as it is only lit with a gas lamp. A man in his fifties smoking a pipe examines Louise suspiciously and notices the pentagram on her golden button. He removes his pipe and stands up behind the counter.
"My lady! All of my wares here are real and reasonable priced! There is nothing illegal here!"
Saito noticed his sudden outburst and decided to keep an eye on him and the wares.
"I need a sword." Louise said.
"That's rather unusual… A noble buying a sword! From what I remember nobles only needed wands. And swords are for soldiers."
"Oh, I'm not the one using it. My familiar is." She pointed at Saito standing beside her.
"A familiar you say." The shopkeeper said lively and looked at Saito. "I believe that would be this gentleman beside you?"
Louise nodded as the shopkeeper examined Saito and was taken aback. The young boy seemed to be strongly built and knowledgeable. He needed to be careful around him when he tried to sell him swords.
"Let me get something for you, lad."
He guides Saito to a collection of swords and picks a long slender one.
"How is this one?"
Saito takes it from his hands and did a few practice swings. He shakes his head and returns it.
"I need a stronger one. A broader one."
"I'll check something by the storage." The shopkeeper replied as he placed the sword back. He then walked to the storage behind a curtain.
"I can rip-off some extra profit from these two. I just got the one that will do the trick."
He picks up a large gold-colored broadsword with decorations on it which is strong on its own. He then carries it out of the storage and to the counter.
"Speaking of which, it seems nobles like to arm their servants with swords lately. The last time any of them came, they picked this type." He said as he placed the sword over the counter.
"A shiny glittering sword. A perfect sword for a noble." Louise thought.
"Is that a trend?" She asked. The shopkeeper nodded before replying.
"That's right. It seems that there's an increase of thievery on Tristain's streets lately…"
"Thievery?"
Saito decided to collect more information from the shopkeeper as he continued to listen.
"Yes. A mage thief that calls himself 'Fouquet, the Crumbling Dirt,' and I heard that he stole a lot of treasures from the nobles. That got them really rattled and started arming their servants."
Louise is not interested in thieves unlike Saito who gathered all the information which he may use in the future.
"This is the best thing I have for this, lad. It is strong and heavy that it is only reserved for strong men. Nobles wished to wear this one on their waist but can't bear the weight of it."
Saito picked it up with one hand and did a few practiced swings. The shopkeeper was surprised by this as the sword is real heavy but the lad merely picked it up and swung it with ease. Louise was not surprised by this as she already witnessed Saito's strength from the duel with Guiche.
"Seems sturdy and strong." Saito commented. "But the sword is too flashy and not designed for combat. The gold itself will reveal the wielder's presence anytime and makes that person the priority target. Also the weapon is not sharp enough and will break easily."
He then placed it over the counter. The shopkeeper and Louise are shocked with Saito's negative comments to the beautiful sword.
"Saito-!" The shocked Louise shouted.
"But this sword is made the famous Germanian alchemist, Lord Shupei. This is a very strong sword induced with magic. See the inscription here." The shopkeeper then raises the handle and points to the runes inscribed on it.
"How much for it?" Louise asked. "I'm a noble and I can afford it for this inconsiderate familiar of mine."
The shopkeeper's eyes twinkle in excitement as he is about to get a huge amount of profit.
"You can't get this any cheaper anywhere else. It costs about three thousand gold." The shopkeeper told her blankly.
"WHAT!" The shocked Louise exclaimed.
"Why I am not surprised." Saito sarcastically thought.
"You could already buy a holiday home with a garden with that." Louise said.
"This is made by a famous Germanian alchemist. If you can't afford it, you-"
"I'm going to need another sword, other than that decoration you called a sword. " Saito cut him off with a stern voice as he looked at the shopkeeper straight in the eye.
The shopkeeper is taken aback from the young lad's voice and sharp eyes. A drop of sweat flows down from his forehead.
He is saved when a voice interrupted the deafening silence.
"You're very knowledgeable with your swords. Too bad, the shopkeeper always raises his price."
Saito's head jerked as he faced the source of the sound and found no one there. Louise also tried to find the source of the voice.
Saito moved towards a barrel full of swords trying to look for the source.
"Over here."
Saito looked and saw a sword extended from its sheath and have a piece of jointed metal as a mouth.
"You look very strong kid. And pretty sharp eyes too." The sword commented.
"A talking sword?" Saito raised an eyebrow. It was a thin longsword and has rust all over its surface.
"Derf! If you don't keep that rotten tongue of yours, I will melt you down!"
"Tsk. I've already lived a very long time and quite bored being stuck here in this shop. I'd rather be melted down than being tormented." Derf said.
"Is that… a sentient sword?" Louise asked.
"That's right, lady. It's a sentient, intelligent magical sword. I wonder what kind of mage could make a sword speak." The shopkeeper said with a hint of anger for Derf.
Saito picked Derf up then lightly tapped the surface. He then listened to the tone from each tap.
"What are you doing, kid?" Derf asked.
"The sword still hasn't corroded despite the amount of rust." Saito said mentally.
"I'll take this one." Saito said.
"You want that thing? Can't you pick anything prettier that doesn't talk?" Louise reluctantly said.
"The sword is still in good shape. How much for this?" Saito then performed a few practice swings and is satisfied.
"Never look at a weapon by its looks." Saito remembered.
"100 gold coins will do."
"Isn't that a bit cheap?" Louise asked.
"I let you take him for cheap. He always causes me trouble." The shopkeeper waved his had dismissively.
Saito then took out the one pouch from his vest and poured its contents onto the counter. The shopkeeper carefully counted each coin and finally nodded.
"Thank you for your business. If it gets noisy, just shove it back in the scabbard to shut it up." The shopkeeper said as he gave the sheath for the sword.
The two then left the store with the sword on Saito's back.
Back at the academy
Louise's room
Saito, wearing his Mark V (B) armor, is sitting on the floor cleaning the Derf. After a few more wipes, Derf now looks brand new.
"Thanks for cleaning me up, partner." Derf then notices Saito's armor. "Wicked looking armor there. What's your name?"
"You can call me Saito. What's yours?"
"I'm the legendary Derflinger, a sentient magical sword. Nice meeting you partner." Derflinger answered proudly.
At the bed, Louise is currently sitting by the bed watching Saito. All weird things always come to her, first is Saito then the second is the sword. She then sighs before looking at Saito.
"Why did you choose that sword Saito? We could have bought another sword like it. That doesn't talk."
"Each weapon has its own strength and weaknesses. Derflinger here has a lot of rust earlier indicating how long he was being stored. And judging by that amount of rust, any sword should have corroded it. But when I tap him, the sword generated a heavy ring that indicates the strong intact structure of the sword. Considering that, Derflinger is quite a very strong sword."
"You got that right, partner!" Derflinger replied confidently.
Louise then let out a sigh as she stands up and walks towards the cabinet to change when footsteps can be heard outside the room.
The room is then forcefully opened and Kirche entered the room.
"Kirche have you no manners! You're not supposed to barge into someone's room without permission!" Louise angrily said.
Kirche didn't mind her and walks towards Saito carrying the decorated gold-colored Germanian sword.
"Darli~ng…" Kirche seductively said as she shoved the broadsword into Saito's arms. "I bought this for you. I know that you master here can't afford something this affordable."
Louise glares angrily at Kirche which Kirche returns with a proud look as she puffs out her large breasts by crossing her arms under them. Louise copies the gesture as they have a looking match.
Unnoticed by the two, Tabitha entered the room and sat by the bed as she continued reading. Saito noticed her as soon as she entered the room and sat by the bed.
"Who might you be?" Saito asked.
Tabitha didn't answer as she continues to read her book which causes Saito to figuratively sweat drop.
Louise and Kirche then look at Saito and decide to ask him which one is better.
"I know that the sword I bought for you is better than what Louise bought for you. It i~s made by a famous Germanian alchemist."
"Hmph... For your information, Germanian. Saito chose that sword on his own." Louise then crossed her arms with confidence.
"Oo~oh. Is that so? Or maybe he just chose it because you're broke." Kirche taunted.
Louise growled as she looked back at Kirche who was looking back confidently.
After a short glaring match, the two then look at Saito who is still sitting on the floor cleaning Derflinger and the broadsword before him.
"Saito, don't you think that my sword is better than that knife you're cleaning?" Kirche asked.
"Tell her, Saito. You wanted that sword because it has better quality." Louise prompted.
"That broadsword is also good but the arms dealer tried to swindle Louise with all of her money. But Derflinger has some… interesting qualities other than able to talk." Saito stated them as facts as he placed Derflinger into the sheath.
"Oh really." Kirche cooed as she looked at the sheathed Derflinger. She then faced Louise and said.
"You attract a lot of weird things, Louise. First an armored human familiar then a talking sword." Kirche commented. "I pity you."
"Butt out! Saito is special and knows things that we can't even comprehend." Louise retorted with a streak of crimson across her face.
Saito places his attention to his other weapons. He takes the MA5C and starts examining it for possible damage. Kirche looks at the weapon intently as this is her first time to see a very different variant of guns.
(The guns in Halkeginia are the blunderbuss, musket rifle and flint-lock pistols. They are first used during the Spanish expansion, American Revolution, and all other event during those times.)
"Strange gun you have their. Must be very powerful but too bad guns takes too long to reload." Kirche said.
"My guns are very different from the guns here. Compared to those, my gun can easily outmatch them all in every way." Saito replied. "Anyway it's getting late. We better sleep for tomorrow."
"If you say so." Kirche replied then faced Saito. "I'll be leaving that sword for you. You'll see that my sword is way better than that. Let's go, Tabitha."
Tabitha quickly stands up and leaves the room behind Kirche. As soon as the door is closed, Louise trembles in anger.
"Grrr…. That Kirche! She's getting on my nerves!"
"What's with you and Kirche?" Saito inquired. "You two are like cats and dogs always biting each other."
"She is a Germanian. And worse, she belongs to my family's rival, the von Zerbst." Louise explained with anger in them. "Our families are in constant fight because the von Zerbst always steals the love ones of ours. My great grandfather's lover was stolen from him by her great grandfather. This is then followed by my grandfather's lover."
She then growls angrily as her hands clench tightly.
"They are a family of thieves but the worst is. The von Zerbst's land is right in front of us across the Tristain-Germania border. So in the event a war is declared between our nations, we will be the first to fight. You understand what I mean?"
Saito sets aside his MA5C to the wall behind him then checks his M6G pistols as he replies.
"I understand why you hate her for those two reasons. But it doesn't mean you two have to fight all the time."
"Hmph." Louise puffs her cheeks as she moves towards the cabinet to change into her pajamas.
Louise then lazily drops on to her bed. She lies on her and looks out to the twin moons out the window.
"Hey, Saito." She asked in a sweeter tone like a dreaming child.
"Yes."
"What is like? To be up there?"
Saito pauses for the moment as he recalls his childhood memories, which are not forgotten, and recalls his time during his family trip on a cruiser.
He recalls the view out of the reinforced window if the cruiser and is in awe at the view of the planet below. After the slipspace jump, his father will point out to the star where he just comes from. It makes you wonder on how far you have travelled.
"It is… exciting."
"How exciting?"
'Well, you can see the moon and the planets up close. You feel amazed when you see the star you just came from. But it is also a dangerous place."
"Dangerous?" Louise looked at Saito with some confusion.
"Well, space is a void. Nothing is there, not even air. So when your craft is damaged, you risk yourself to be deprived of air or be sucked out into space." Saito told her.
"But when you're up there." He paused as he looked to the stars through the window. "And look down. You can see how beautiful the world is and appreciate its importance."
He then sets aside his M6G to his sides.
"Sounds nice to be up there." Louise then pulls up the blanket. "Good night, Saito."
"Good night."
Louise then falls to sleep with a dream being among the stars. After Saito confirms that Louise is asleep, he pulls out the holo-still of his parents and looks at it.
He reminisce about the memories of his childhood and parents. Tears start tricking down his left eye as he recalls the moments with his parents.
Well I'll wrap this chapter here. I'll be leaving the crying scene soon as he becomes accustomed to his new world. For the next chapter, please state in your reviews if you want to put the scene with Count Mott where he takes Siesta into his mansion.
The next chapter will be about the Familiar Expedition where the familiars show off their abilities. I'll stick with his super strength and speed. Please state in your ideas for this. Of course, Fouquet will appear to steal from the Academy Vault.
See you soon.