Frozen Moon

This is a byproduct of unused Change my Destiny ideas. Alternate Universe, some OOC. Expect characters to react in a slightly more mature manner.

…..

Two Years later

Continent of Albion

The Albion Army stood tall and proud, standing guard in front of the gate to their city.

There was no reason for them to be worried. Each and every one of their mage-commanders, ranging 50 in total of their 100 000 mage-soldiers, were square class generals with years of experience. Their Lieutenants did nothing but praise their leadership, boasting about their impending victory over the rebellious army of Reconquista. They were blinded by their ego and self-assured greatness, though, not like the commoner masses that they had roped into their little gambit. The normal soldiers, with their shields and swords and spears, stood tall and alert, knowing that despite their powerful leaders, they themselves did not have their magic. They were more than capable of dying in this war, so they needed to be on their toes. What kept them assured was their leader's ingenuity, managing to hide agents within the enemy ranks. The city's gates groaned, opening. The mage-commanders grew ecstatic, ordering their troops forward.

Then, the slaughter began.

...

Two Days Later

Tristain Magic Academy; Female Dorms

Tabitha slept soundly, staring into an empty darkness. She felt like she was floating, flying through the empty abyss without a care in the world.

But then it happened again.

The screaming came. It was the voice of a male teenager, probably older than she was. He was in pain, the agonizing wails piercing Tabitha's very soul. Followed by his screams, were the grotesque noises of pierced and bludgeoned flesh.

As the screams died out, light filled the darkness, and she saw the boy again. He was definitely older than her, probably only by a few years. The boy was handing from chains attached to a murky, dark cellar wall. He wore nothing but torn trousers, and hung like a puppet on strings, hands above his head. From what she could tell, he was tortured, but something in the back of her mind told her that was not the case. His body was bruised, long cuts all over his body. She could not see his features, his face covered by long, messy, silver white hair. His breathing was ragged, and his skin was pale.

What surprised her the most were his ears. They were dog ears, resting upon the top of his head like a wolf. He lifted his head, staring into her eyes with a pure, soul consuming hatred. As if to match his already unique strangeness, his eyes were yellow slits. His face was fair and angled, and ironically enough untouched compared to his body. Tabitha's mind raced, and her heart beat began to quicken as their eyes seemed to meet, when suddenly...

"BREAK SILENCE!"

Tabitha was blasted out of her dream, jolting out of bed and onto the wooden floor as a massive explosion rocked her entire room. After a small coughing fit, Tabitha reached for her glasses on the table, putting them on as she grabbed the staff her foster mother passed onto her. With a wave of her staff, the window opened, and the smoke cleared itself out. With a stern glare, Tabitha muttered something under her breath as Louise coughed, her school uniform and wand singed a burnt brown. Tabitha took a quick look at her room. For the most part, everything was fine, aside from her bed sheets being completely burnt black... again.

"Sorry about that... I was trying to disable the silence spell you put on, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised I failed again... I'm sorry Tabitha." Sighed Louise.

That's right... Tabitha is my new name now.

Even after two years, she still wasn't used to being called her biological mother's name. Her foster father had sent her to the Tristain Magic academy after, from what she was told, being freed from the Council's grasp. She tried to get a better explanation, even tried to follow her foster father at night, but he kept silent, taking great measure to hide whatever it was he was not telling her.

Still, she managed to take a good look at his notes before she left. However, all that she found were alchemist circles she didn't recognize, drawings on the human anatomy, notes on several types of mythological animals and a single name: Reconquista.

Tabitha shook her head, breaking free of her memories.

"Its fine." replied Tabitha, looking at her sheets. Louise apologized again, picking up her friend off the floor.

"I really mean it. The last two years have been wonderful; I'm glad you're my teacher, and it hurts me when I fail your expectations." Louise gave Tabitha a pained look. "I want to do something to make you proud." Tabitha returned a faint smile.

"Small progress is still progress." She replied. A haughty figure walked into the room as she finished replying.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's with all the ruckus in the morning? Louise, can't you go one day without causing an explosion? This is the tenth time you wrecked Tabitha's room!" said Kirche, who strode in the room with nothing but her sleeping blouse. Kirche scratched her head as she looked down at her friend. Louise blushed with embarrassment, despite Kirche's tone of voice. Deep down, the three of them loved and cherished each other.

Not that those two would ever admit it. Thought Tabitha.

"I-It's not like I want to cause these explosions! I was trying to wake her up, but the silence spell was on..."

"And you tried to disable it? Even though it failed the past three times?" Said Kirche, her arms crossed. Louise hung her head.

"...Yes."

"Did you apologize to Tabitha?"

"Of course I did! But anyway, that's not why I came here!" shouted Louise. Kirche was about to make a smart remark, like always, but Tabitha got between them. She then turned to Louise.

"What is it?" Tabitha asked Louise. Louise's eyes flashed in panic.

"I heard about it this morning from Professor Colbert; the rebels in Albion have conquered the royalty, and took over the country, renaming itself Reconquista!"

That caught Tabitha's attention.

"What?! But it has only been three days since the war began! How did the rebels conquer the entire continent so quickly?!" said Kirche. She stroked her chin, trying to absorb the sudden information. Tabitha however, was not as concerned about the country's status as she was with the name.

Reconquista. The name that her foster father had mentioned in his notes. If she remembered correctly, it means "to reclaim or reconquer". Just what was the connection here? Did it have to do something with those strange Alchemy circles? Not only that, like Kirche said, it hasn't been long since the civil war started. Something wasn't connecting here. Tabitha shook her head again.

"We'll talk about it later. Summon Ceremony today." said Tabitha. Kirche's face brightened up, and Louise's face flushed.

"Oh, that's right! Today is the summoning ceremony! I can't wait to see what we're all going to summon. Knowing me, I'll probably summon a grand, passionate flame type of animal. A salamander perhaps? Or a fire breathing dragon? Ah, the possibilities are endless!" over exaggerated Kirche, pretending to feel faint. Louise remained silent, but Tabitha placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry." said Tabitha. She was going to say more, but Louise's smile changed her mind. Tabitha had complete faith in her friend, that she would summon a powerful familiar. Kirche joined in.

"Yeah Louise, you worry too much! Don't you know that worrying and stress gives you wrinkles? As much as I hate to say it, you, Louise the Zero, have improved over the last year! Although all the credit should go to Tabitha. And me too. I mean, what would have happened to you without us?" laughed Kirche in honest jest. Louise smiled as well, understanding Kirche's words. It was true. Without each other, things may have gone differently for the three of them.

The school bell had rung, signaling that classes would start soon, and with a rough push, Tabitha forced her friends out the door.

…..

"Alright everyone, please settle down! We will now be beginning the summoning ceremony!" shouted Professor Colbert over the crowd of students. Everyone around Tabitha whispered in excitement, intent on debating whom would summon what. It was taught in their school that the power of their familiars reflected how strong they could potentially become. Many of the students hoped, and prayed that they would summon strong familiars.

However, amidst the summonings, Tabitha noticed Louise's nervousness. Tabitha placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"If you could choose, what would you summon?" Tabitha asked. Louise and Kirche gave Tabitha a questioning look.

"It matters not what I choose! For someone such as powerful as I, there is no doubt in my mind that I will summon a strong, obedient familiar!" announced Kirche, motioning her arms as if welcoming a child home. Louise was silent for a moment.

"If I could choose, I would want to summon the most sacred, beautiful, and powerful familiar! One that would be unmatched, even with everyone's familiars combined!" announced Louise. Everyone around her turned, smirking at her declaration. If it had been last year, everyone would have laughed, but through Tabitha's training Louise had earned their respect, even if only a little. No longer did they call her Louise the zero, but now acknowledged that she could, at the very least, control the magic flow.

"If you could choose that kind of familiar, it would be the end of the world." said Montmorency, approaching the trio after her summoning. Tabitha eyed her fellow classmate's familiar, a small, crimson frog. It croaked happily as it hopped on its master's head, and Montmorency smiled. "Unlike you, I would rather have something simple, practical! Something that I could bring with me everywhere. To be honest, while it's not what I had dreamed of, I am happy with my familiar." said Montmorency. Louise frowned somewhat, rethinking her choice of words.

"...My uncle once taught me..." started Tabitha, staring off into the sky. The others eyes widened, not much to Tabitha's surprise. She never talked about her family before.

"While those are remarkable words of wisdom, we have a ceremony to complete. Miss Tabitha, Miss Kirche, Miss Louise, you are the only ones left who have yet to summon." said Colbert, slightly impatient. Tabitha stared back at him, knowing the others didn't see it. Colbert closed his eyes.

"Oh, oh, let me go first!" said Kirche capriciously. She jogged into the center of the field, wand in hand. She waved her wand, muttering something to herself. She then pointed her wand to the ground, and the circle of Brimir appeared on the grass, glowing a dark, crimson red. The circle then left the ground like a plant growing in fast motion, weaving itself together.

Soon after, Kirche's familiar crawled before her. A salamander.

"Whoa, incredible! Look at the size of that salamander!" shouted Guiche, who was standing behind Montmorency. Kirche did her trademark laugh, striking a pose.

"Oh hoh hoh hoh! It is only to be expected of one such as me! I shall call you... Flame!" said Kirche, kneeling down to kiss her familiar, completing the contract. The familiar grumbled happily at its new master as Kirche stroked its head. Professor Colbert joined her, kneeling beside her.

"As expected of you, Miss Zerbst. This is truly a fascinating summon." said Colbert, his eyes glowing with academic zeal. Kirche then stood up, leading her familiar back to her friends.

"Alright Louise, you're up next." winked Kirche. Louise jumped with panic, followed by a wordless nod. Everyone hushed themselves, wondering what she would summon.

"I bet the spell's just going to explode again!" said one of the male students out loud.

"No doubt about that. Still, Tabitha managed to prove that she has some magic within her. Who knows what she'll summon?" said another.

"Whatever happens, keep your heads down and ready people!" replied the voice from before. Louise completely ignored the chatter around her, closing her eyes in focus. She may have been acting calm on the outside, but Tabitha knew her friend well enough that she was probably in another state of panic. Louise opened her eyes again, quivering so slightly that only Tabitha and Kirche noticed. She raised her wand, taking a deep breath.

"I beg of you... my servant who lives somewhere in the universe!"

Everyone around Tabitha looked up from their crouched positions, obviously not expecting such an unorthodox chant. Tabitha and Kirche, however, expected nothing less of their friend.

"Oh sacred, beautiful and strong familiar spirit! Hear my desire... respond to my plea, and answer to my guidance!"

Tabitha felt a massive surge of magic through the air, her head shooting up in alarm. The familiars around us started to cry and wail, their masters doing everything they can to calm down their sudden panic. Brimir's circle appeared on the ground, shining a bright blue. A tower of light shot out from the circle, piercing the clouds, reaching far into the sky. The school grounds rumbled, and with an echoing shhhhh noise, the tower of light exploded into sparkling fireflies, travelling back down to the circle of Brimir. The lights floated above the circle, then began to spin, as if turned by a whirlwind. The lights formed a shape.

"No way..." said Tabitha. Mildly surprised wouldn't even cut it. She was flabbergasted.

"I don't believe this!" shouted Kirche, equally surprised.

"What is that thing?!" shouted everyone else. Louise looked down with the same shock. Tabitha moved forward, taking a look at what her friend had summoned. Lying on the ground was a human.

But it wasn't an ordinary human.

His skin was a pale white, clothed in nothing but a pair of torn, dirty brown shorts. He was lying face down on the floor, trying to push himself up, his black hair covering his face. His back was covered with scars, bruises and fresh cuts that freely bled.

What shocked Tabitha the most were his arms and legs. While they had a human shape, and were average length for his size, they were not human arms. His arms from the shoulder downward were covered in red scales, much like a lizard. Instead of fingers, he had thick, sharp claws. Upon closer inspection, on his shoulders, Tabitha saw a large, circular scar, tracing around his arms. The boy pushed himself up, shaking warily. His legs had the same red skin as his arms. He had three toed talons, and stood on the balls of his feet. His knees were bent slightly, as if he were about to jump.

"W-where am I?" said the boy. He looked around, his dark black eyes taking in his surroundings. His face was malnourished and pale, and his upper body was also scarred. The class took several steps back as he faced them, wondering what was going on.

Louise however, did not budge from her spot. She wiped her shocked expression off her face, replacing it with a cool confidence. She walked up to him, sizing him up, despite the fear Tabitha could tell she felt.

"I summoned you to be my familiar. What's your name?" she asked. He tilted his head.

"My... name? My name... what's my name? I don't remember..." he replied, placing one of his claws on his head as he tried hard to remember. One of the other students snickered.

"Of course Louise would summon a half dead familiar with amnesia! As expected of you, Louise!"

"But look at him... He looks like he's been tortured!" said Montmorency.

"And what about this arms and legs? He can't be human!" said Guiche. Louise shook her head, ignoring their bickering. She held his face with her hands. Tabitha noticed Louise shiver slightly.

"Be grateful, normally no one would get this from a noble in their lifetime!" she hissed spitefully into his face. He didn't seem to notice it, and Louise closed her eyes.

"My name is Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière. To the pentagon that holds the five powers, bless this one and yield him as my Familiar…" she chanted. Tabitha took a few steps back, giving her friend some space. Louise kissed her familiar, much to his surprise. As she pulled away, a light shined on his left hand, and the familiar runes carved themselves in. Louise's familiar looked at them curiously. Colbert walked up to him, examining the runes. His eyes flashed.

"These runes..." he whispered. Tabitha also took a step forward, taking a look at the familiar runes. Her eyes also widened. These runes... she's seen them somewhere before. But where?

Tabitha eyed Louise, who stared intently at the runes, confused. Colbert, Louise and Tabitha took a step back when the boy put another claw on his head.

"My name... my name is... Saito... Louise... is my master?" Before Louise could reply, Colbert coughed.

"As interesting as all this is, we need to continue the ritual. Miss Tabitha, please continue. Miss Louise, please bring your familiar to the infirmary." Louise and Tabitha nodded.

"Come, Saito was it? Let's get you some proper clothes." said Louise, briskly walking away. Saito followed without question, taking in his surroundings. Tabitha watched her friend go, and when she turned the corner out of sight, she turned, pushing her thoughts aside. She could think about such things later. Tabitha concentrated the magic within her, letting its power flow through her veins, abiding by her will. As she lifted her staff, Joseph and Sheffield flashed in her mind.

"Uncle Joseph...Auntie Sheffield... I'll make you proud!"

Tabitha released the magic within her, and with a quick swipe of her staff, Brimir's summon circle appeared on the ground in front of her, glowing a bright green. Everyone gasped in surprise as they covered their eyes, shielding them from the blinding light. The light grew brighter and brighter, until, to the surprise of everyone who stood witness...

It exploded.

The bang was loud, large, and ultimately knocked everyone, including Tabitha off their feet. Tabitha's mind was rattled, obviously not expecting her summoning to explode akin to what happens every time Louise cast a spell. Where did she go wrong?!

"Brimir's balls, Tabitha's spell exploded! Just like Louise!" shouted Kirche amidst the dust.

"But this can't be right! Tabitha's the best there is! There's no way she could mess up like Louise!" shouted Montmorency. Standing up on her feet, Tabitha suddenly felt a familiar presence.

"It can't be..." thought Tabitha. The smoke cleared, and her thoughts were realized.

Before her, standing in the middle of the summon circle, which burnt itself into the grass, was the boy from her dreams. He was hunched over the ground, crawling on all fours like a predator, and like Saito was wearing nothing but torn trousers. However, unlike her dream, he looked older, no longer in his teens. He looked like a fully grown adult.

"What? Where is this?" said the boy, his facial expression alert and confused. His head whipped left and right, taking a quick look at those around him. His eyes widened.

"You... You're all mages! Don't tell me you're apart of Reconquista?!" he snarled. As Tabitha tried to cover her shock at hearing Reconquista's name again, Professor Colbert took a step forward.

"Everyone, get back! He's dangerous!" shouted Colbert. He lifted up his staff as Tabitha's familiar snarled.

"You won't get away this time, Mages! I'll kill you all!"

…

Somewhere in Albion

The pain was unbearable.

Lupien thrashed against his restraints as he felt his body being cut open, his internals being carefully taken and replaced.

What do you think you're doing?! Hold him down! I can't perform the experiment with him thrashing like this!

And just like that, a massive weight began to hold him down, as if the earth itself was absorbing him into the cold, hard marble he laid upon. The pain started again, and Lupien could do nothing but scream in pain, only for his voice to be muffled by the gag they placed on him.

Lady Nine, his body is barely able to handle this! If we go any further, Lupien will die!

He won't die. I know him. Keep going!

The voices stopped coming, and the pain increased, rushing through his body in waves, becoming stronger and stronger each time. No matter how much he struggled, the pain would not remedy, and eventually he became numb, his mind in an endless haze. He relished the feeling, glad that the pain was finally gone. Had he died?

Something flashed in his mind. He could see something, a young woman, lying on the floor, reaching out to him. He could not make out her features. A blaze of heat washed over him, bringing his senses into focus, changing his surroundings. He was lying on the dirt of his village, everything around him consumed in flames. Bodies littered the plaza, and the fire choked his lungs. Lupien reached out to the woman.

Mom...

The woman's arm fell, and her body became limp. Anger rose within him, hatred and anguish consuming his very being, threatening to devour his soul and drive him into a frenzy. He couldn't die. He had too much that he needed to accomplish. He needed to survive, no matter what it took...

….Sir!...e's...ive!

Slowly, Lupien's consciousness came back to him, but his body was still numb. He could not feel his limbs, and merely sat there, letting his body and his mind recover. He could smell several human scents within the room, each one distinguished and easily recognizable. He caught the echoes of the water dripping from the ceiling far off. The numbness slowly died as the minutes went on, and slowly, he clenched his hand.

What should we do now Lord Cromwell? Whispered one of the voices. He heard several footsteps coming closer to him. Lupien's body went rigid, and he did his best to play unconscious.

Get rid of his memories. Wipe them all clean, and kill off the rest of his ties. Friends, acquaintances, anyone who heard of the name Lupien van Willow.

Lupien's eyes snapped open, and in a rage, he snarled, renewed strength rushing through him. Memories of his past rushed back. His family slaughtered, his home burned to the ground. Rage drove him, and as Lupien screamed with fury, he forced his weak body to change. His bones cracked, his hands became claws, and his weakened muscles bulged with renewed vigor, allowing Lupien to pull himself free of his restraints. His mind deranged and wild, he slashed with his claws at the nearest person, tearing their throat wide open. He looked at his surroundings. He was in a domed ritual chamber, alchemy circles and wards placed all over the floor and walls. The men and women in long, white robes in the chamber screamed, and with a snarl he dashed forward, slicing whoever and whatever crossed his path to ribbons. Lupien smelled their scents as blood washed over him.

Where is he?!

"Y-you fools! What are you doing?! Stop him!" shouted a voice, the same voice who ordered his memories erased. Lupien turned to him, seeing the man who ruined his life. He shrieked as Lupien set his eyes on him, falling on his behind in a panic.

"CROMWELL!"

With a sharp turn, he rushed towards him, and the man lifted up his arms in fright. However, as Lupien was about to kill him, he heard the sound of wind blowing, followed by an invisible force knocking him off his feet. Rolling across the ground, Lupien set his eyes on his attacker. She wore knee high leather boots, white slacks, and a brown tunic with chain mail under it. Around her hips was a leather belt with two pockets at her sides. Around her shoulders was a mantle. She had a thin, silver wand up, pointed directly at Lupien, her short silver hair falling down her face.

"Damn you Nine! How could you side with someone like him?!" shouted Lupien, coiling his legs. He charged at the Albionian, claws raised. Reacting quickly, Nine rolled to the side as Lupien slashed at her, large phantom blades appearing as he swung his claws, tearing deeply into the marble wall. Nine lifted her wand with her right, chanted a spell, and threw daggers with her left at Lupien. Growling, he dodged the aqua coloured daggers, trying to charge at Nine again. However, with ruthless efficiency, Nine kept him at bay, forcing Lupien to retreat.

"Why do you deny our heritage, brother? Do you not see what the power we inherited from father can do? With magic, we can do anything!"

"I'll die before I submit myself to scum like Cromwell! He is but a blight on human kind, wars never end because of people like him! Are we not to be the guardians of humans, along with our fellow elves? I'll not stoop as low as you, to use the powers that tore our family apart!" Lupien replied, snarling. Nine's expression darkened.

"People like him are what bring about revolutions. Might controls everything, and without power you cannot protect anything." Swiping back her hair, the two glared at each other.

"The world is moving on little brother; I suggest you do the same."

There was no more need for words. The two siblings clashed with demonic ferocity, as if they had developed a pleasurable urge from their sibling rivalry. Lupien's claws tore at his sister's flesh, while Nine's spells broke her brother's insides. Still they battled, unrelenting, as their blows met each other with terrifying force. Their battle destroyed their surroundings, the spectators long gone, for fear of being torn to shreds by the brother and sister who snarled for each other's throats.

"I won't forgive you for turning away from us! For letting those humans experiment on us!" growled Lupien. With a swift kick, Lupien dug his heel into Nine's stomach, sending her flying. She gasped for air as she snarled back at him, rolling to recover.

"Our clan was nothing but old tradition! Feeble minded and weak, afraid to step out of the boundaries they created and into the unknown! I will create a new world, with a new race, led by only the strong!" Nine threw her aquatic daggers, their blades singing as Lupien tried to dodge but to no avail. They followed him, cutting him deeply and forcing him onto his knees. Dashing towards him, Nine blasted him point blank with a wind spell, sending Lupien spiraling into the wall. He fell to the ground, unable to stand, as Nine limped towards him, her breathing ragged. Their eyes met, their hatred for each other and themselves fueling their urge to fight.

Lupien forced himself up. Nine lifted up her wand.

"It's over little brother."

The world turned green.

…

Argh, what was that?! Lupien thought to himself. Everything was white, and it took him a few moments to adjust. Meanwhile, Tabitha, Colbert and the rest of the witnesses were shocked at Tabitha's summon.

"What? Where is this?" said Lupien, his mind alert but confused. His head whipped left and right, his eyes finally adjusted. He took a quick look at those around him, and his eyes widened.

"You... You're all mages! Don't tell me you're apart of Reconquista?!" he snarled. As Tabitha tried to cover her shock at hearing Reconquista's name again, Professor Colbert took a step forward.

"Everyone, get back! He's dangerous!" shouted Colbert. He lifted up his staff as Tabitha's familiar snarled.

"You won't get away this time, Mages! I'll kill you all!"

Lupien howled, his beast blood flowing through him, giving him power. He slashed with his claws, sending crescent waves of energy flying to the bald mage. With a flourish of his wand, Colbert negated the attack with his flames, creating a snake of fire.

"Get out of here, everyone! I will take care of him!" Colbert shouted, the other students running in a panic. However, Tabitha stayed behind, standing with Colbert.

"He's my familiar. I will help you."

"Are you sure about this, Miss Tabitha?" Colbert replied, worried. She nodded, and he sighed.

Before Colbert could reply, the savage familiar was already on them. He ran on all fours, his fangs sharp and his claws digging into the ground. The two mages split as Lupien tried to attack them both with his claws, retaliating with spells of fire and ice. Lupien dodged, his movement not hindered in the slightest by his momentum. He attacked wildly, his expression deranged and mad.

"Miss Tabitha, you must be careful! Your familiar is strong!" Colbert shouted as he fought off Lupien at close range, batting him away with his staff. Lupien avoided the attacks with ease, before kicking Colbert in the gut, sending him off his feet. Colbert gasped for air as he prepared another spell, rolling across the ground. Lupien charged again, and Colbert raised his staff.

"Windy Icicle!" Tabitha muttered, firing stakes of ice between Lupien and Colbert. The mad familiar's attention shifted to her.

"You dare?!" He snarled, but let out an annoyed howl as Colbert caught him from behind, wrapping the familiar up with a snake made of fire. Lupien struggled, trying to get away but it was useless. He got caught.

"Please, calm down! We don't want to hurt you! I don't know what happened before this, but you are in safe hands! You were summoned by her!" Colbert shouted, holding his stomach.

"W-What?!" Lupien reeled in surprise, and yet he couldn't help but wonder; was that what the green light was?

The adrenaline began to settle, Lupien's heavy breaths becoming slower and slower, but the shame remained. To be held down by magic was unforgivable for him. And yet….

His a deep sigh, he grunted, "I'm… I uh… apologize… for my behavior. I was rather stressed before this."

Tabitha gave him a wary look, and Colbert slowly let go of Lupien, the flame snake dissipating with a flash of sparks. Lupien dusted himself off, standing tall. Tabitha thought he looked like a noble for a second. Colbert stepped forward, his hands up.

"My name is Professor Colbert, and I am a teacher here at the Tristain academy of magic. Tell me; what is your name, and what are you?" He asked carefully, not wanting to offend Lupien. Lupien grunted, crossing his arms.

"I'm all the way in Tristain? Damn it…" He muttered, before answering Colbert's question. "My name is Lupien van Willow, part of the Willow clan of werewolves. I was in Albion before this." He said curtly. Though one of spoiled birth would have taken it as disrespectful, Colbert was far from offended with his tone. Instead, he was shocked.

"T-The Willow clan of werewolves?! But that's impossible! Werewolves haven't been seen in almost 5000 years, since the time of Brimir!" He shouted. Tabitha, however, pointed out his ears. Noticing them, Colbert coughed with embarrassment.

"I assure you, we're very real. Due to… a strain of circumstances between our clan and the humans, we moved into hiding. Also, my ears. Dead giveaway." Replied Lupien. He also pointed out his ears.

"M-My apologies… I didn't notice those." Lupien let out a soft 'hmph', but otherwise said nothing. Tabitha stepped forward.

"My name is Tabitha. I am the one who summoned you." She said, standing tall. Although it didn't do much, as Lupien was four heads taller than her. Lupien peered at Tabitha, his eyes scrutinizing her carefully.

"You… I've seen you before, somewhere…" He said, trying to remember. He let out a growl, annoyed. "But I can't remember where…" Tabitha said nothing, but merely nodded. "I as well. I remember seeing you in my dreams." Colbert perked up at that.

"Ah! Truly?! Could there have been a connection? Perhaps that is why you summoned him; you were destined to be together!" Colbert said ecstatically. Tabitha blushed lightly at the thought but said nothing, while Lupien shook his head.

"I don't have time to play slave for a stuck up, bratty magi. I need to return to Albion. Sorry, but that's the way it is." Lupien said harshly, more than he intended. He had no malice against humans, but Nine needed to be dealt with, and soon. She always liked planning big.

And when it was big, it always fell to Lupien to shut her down.

Colbert, deeply troubled, had no idea what to say. For a familiar to turn down the contract was unheard of!

"B-But you can't! The summoning ritual is a sacred tradition, one that has been adhered to by humans since Brimir established it!" exclaimed Colbert, but Lupien shook his head. "That's not my problem." He replied. Tabitha, however, didn't give up.

"Why?" She asked. With a stern glare, he looked her in the eye.

"There is someone out there that I need to put down, and I cannot be dawdling here. The more time I waste, the closer to her goals she gets. If I don't stop her, no one will, and the rest of Halkeginia will suffer for it."

"But who could possibly be such a threat?!" said Colbert, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. Tabitha listened silently. Perhaps it had to do with those who chained him up, like she saw in her dreams? If she were to make a compromise…

Taking a deep breath, Tabitha steeled herself.

"If I were to help you, then would you accept the contract?" said Tabitha. Lupien quirked his eyebrow while Colbert protested. Lupien ignored him.

"And how could a human such as yourself help me? You are but a child compared to myself." he replied. Tabitha took no offense from his words, but instead played her ace.

"You said before that you thought we were part of Reconquista, correct?" Lupien's eyes sharpened and Colbert gave her a warning look, promising that this was dangerous territory Tabitha walked on. She continued without wavering.

"I have documents pertaining to some of their practices. My uncle, the King of Galia, has been researching them extensively for the last two years. I can get you to meet him."

Colbert grimaced at her declaration, and Lupien remained silent. While Colbert was already aware of Tabitha's true identity, granted to him thanks to his closeness with Osmond, he still didn't like his students diving head first into danger. She was a student, first and foremost, even if she came from Galia. She was here to learn, not to put her life on the line.

Lupien had different thoughts. This was definitely an opportunity for himself, although his wolf pride had stung a little. Still, information, no matter who it came from, was a powerful weapon.

"Very well, girl. I will work with you. But let me make this clear; we are partners on this endeavor. I am using you to accomplish my goals, and you can freely use my skills to accomplish yours as well. I will protect you from your enemies just as you will protect me from mine." Kneeling down to eye level, Lupien stared deep into Tabitha's eyes.

"Think you can agree to that?"

...

I would like to thank FernandelDeLaFrance. Without his Author's Creed inspiring me to write this story, I would not be posting this. Kudos to him, and go read his story On Wings of an Eagle, an Assassins Creed/Zero no Tsukaima cross over! R&R!

There are many stories that are nothing more than... pastiches, written by unimaginative copycats and lazy writers, repeating word for word events in other stories and wasting the time of the one reading it.

And then there are many stories that are written by shallow and greedy men pandering to their audience, not daring to break out of the cage they have built for themselves, to surprise them, to create something new.

And then there are those who blindly follow what is known as the 'canon', not daring to break out of the mould that the original Creators gave us. Yet if they gave us such great gifts of imagination and the ability to exercise our free will, is it not a travesty for us to cling to stringent and arbitrary conventions, to write stories that make no effort to create something new, something inventive, something different

And that is why, Author, realize the truth of these words.

Where other men blindly follow others, fearful of creating something entirely their own, remember: Nothing is true.

Where other men are limited by the fear of their audience's backlash, by mainstream demand, terrified of breaking the mould and example set by society and their peers, remember: Everything is permitted.

To write what is right, and right what is wrong.
We work in the dark to serve the light.
We are Authors.

Nothing is true. Everything is permitted.

FernandelDeLaFranc