Disclaimer: Campione! was written by Taketsuki Jou, I get nothing out of writing this fanfic save personal satisfaction (and possibly reviews).
Author's Notes: I'm going with a chronological storytelling, as opposed to the light novel's rather time skippy, and flashback system, because I'm not advanced enough nor devoted enough for that. Also note that while I'll try to reduce cannon events and sequences, simply because it's cannon, this is AU and I want to try not to spoil the light novels to those who haven't read them (if I get that far).
This was last Updated/Corrected Dec 24, 2012.
- - - 7th - - -
Pet na Campione-sama!
- - - 7th - - -
Chapter One: Liliana Kranjcar: "A fated meeting?"
- - - 7th - - -
"Well then, Lady Liliana, I will see you in Napoli in a few days." said Karen, my maid servant and junior mage in the order of the Bronze Black Cross.
We were supposed to leave Japan together after a long excursion to scavenge and purchase rare ingredients exclusively for magical purposes, but I had been asked to leave for Italy as soon as possible. Karen had driven me to the airport and had deemed it her duty to keep me company until my flight to Napoli had started boarding. I'm grateful at her thoughtfulness, especially since she probably could have spent the time packing our things.
"Yes. Take care of the re-"
Before I could complete my sentence a high pitched, but impressively loud voice resounded in the air which instantly took our attention.
"Oni-chan, are you really alright on you're own?!"
Karen and I turned to see a young Japanese man and a Japanese girl, who was probably younger than Karen and I.
The young man nodded in response to the girl's question.
"If only I didn't have my club duties. And why did grandpa suddenly skip out?!"
"... I don't know."
"I wouldn't expect you to! Anyway, do you remember the name of the person you're suppose to meet?!" The young brown haired girl in a middle school uniform asked a dark haired young man. From the way she referred to him I imagined that they were siblings, but it might simply be a term of endearment towards a slightly older male friend or relative.
Again the young man took a moment, but soon answered with a simple word.
"Yes."
I found his response, and the time it took him to do so, a little annoying.
The younger girl looked a little exasperated, but seemed to have shrugged it off before asking. "What is her name then?"
Again the young man took a moment before answering, "Lucretia Zola."
The name caught not just my own, but also Karen's attention. Lucretia Zola, is quite famous among the European magic societies. She was a witch of the highest order, and was amid the top ranks amongst all the premier witches on the planet. She was capable of wielding magics of flight, possess her familiars, control her own age, and is rumored to possess a grand collection of magical artifacts that rival most magical societies.
So what was the relation of the two normal, young Japanese have with such a premier Italian witch? No-wait... normal didn't seem quite right. Or at least something about the young man didn't quite seem to add up.
"Hmm... that's right." The young girl sighed with disappointment. I get the feeling that she is really worried about the young man. "Did you remember to bring that thing that you're suppose to deliver?"
Yet again, the young man took a few seconds to answer. Although rather than answering he took off his back pack, unzipped the main compartment and revealed a trinket to her that caught my eye. No, calling it a trinket would be disrespectful. It was a grimoire, an ancient magical tome of knowledge and power. I see, so that's the what I was sensing from the young man.
Before I could consider the issue any further, Karen interrupted my thoughts. "Lady Liliana, don't you think this is a great chance?"
"Chance?" I echoed.
Karen nodded happily. "Yes! Wouldn't becoming acquaintances with the famed witch of Sardinia be a great step for you?"
I couldn't disagree. Lucretia Zola, while very famous, was also quite the infamous recluse. Adding the fact that she did not belong to any magical society had made her quite detached towards most magicians and witches. Karen was suggesting to at least become a casual acquaintance so that I might become a possible bridge should the Bronze Black Cross require the expertise of the famous witch. But how exactly?
"The elder brother seems to have some sort of mental handicap which worries his younger sister who can't accompany him in his trip. Maybe you should introduce yourself and offer to escort him to his destination? You can claim to be a fan of Signora Zola and wanted to meet her."
I found myself at awe at how quickly Karen had thought of all that. And there was no need for deception at all. Still... I peeked at the young man from the corner at my eyes. He was slowly repacking his back pack (and failing), while the younger girl was lecturing him with worry in her voice as she tried to help him (was actually doing most of the work).
"He seems harmless enough. It seems like you would worry more about your patience rather than your chastity." Karen shamelessly added.
"Why are you bringing that up!?"
Karen just laughed off my indignation and began pushing me towards the two.
"Excuse us!" Karen interrupted the young girl's sermon, causing the attention of the two to fall onto us. "I am Karen Jankulovski and this my mistress, Liliana Kranjcar."
The young girl was surprised, I wouldn't blame her, two foreigners suddenly introducing themselves would throw most people off. But somehow the young girl caught herself, then introduced herself and her companion. "Eh? Ah! I'm Kusanagi Shizuka and this is my older brother, Kusanagi Godou."
I don't know why hearing that they were actual siblings spread a breath of relief in my heart, but I mentally shrug off the thought.
"We couldn't help over hearing your conversation and Lady Liliana here would like to provide her assistance to you. Isn't that right, Lady Liliana?"
"Eh? Ah! Yes! I would." I decided to go with the flow. Not that I had much of a choice now. They would probably be even more suspicious of us if I don't go through with it.
"Eh?" the young girl, Shizuka, seemed a little confused and apprehensive.
"Of course, Lady Liliana isn't doing it simply to help you. She's a big fan of Signora Zola and wishes to meet her."
"Eh? This Lucretia Zola is a famous person?" Shizuka asked with a surprised voice.
"Yes! Signora Zola is a rather famous historian and folklorist. She's also a fantasy and romance novelist. But she's rather reclusive and does not meet with her fans." I'm a little shocked at how quickly Karen had strung together all those half truths to make a convincing, and somewhat true story.
According to the Bronze Black Cross Intelligence Department, Lucretia Zola has traveled the world and had studied various subjects, one of them was history. As a witch, her life was already deeply entrenched in mystical. And she did really publish two novels a few years ago. All in all, there is no where that I can disrepute Karen's story.
"Lady Liliana has read all her books! It's been her dream to see her in person."
But surprisingly, Shizuka gave Karen a skeptical look then pointed her doubtful eyes at me. Then she suddenly asked, "What's a title of one of her books?"
"Eh?!" Karen was surprised by the question, and then worried when Shizuka pulled out her smart phone. I wasn't surprised; while Karen held the broad scope of the intelligence reports, she had probably not held those things as facts of notable importance, or interest, and so forgot them even with magic reinforcing her memory.
"A Hero's Sojourn." I confidently stated.
Karen tried to hide her relief and kept her deceptive mask on. "Ah that one! You read it quite a few times didn't you Lady Liliana! I saw often saw you reading that book."
"Huh?- Oh- Yes." I followed.
Karen wasn't lying about having seen me reading that book. But it wasn't because I particularly loved it, it was oddly flavored with many terminologies common in modern video games (that I had to research to understand), which gave me some difficulty, hence why Karen often saw me with it. Still I cannot say that I particularly hated it, it was a difficult read, but I liked the protagonist.
We watched as Shizuka typed in the name of the book in a search engine and waited for the result. The novel was written in Italian, but for some reason Lucretia Zola had written the title in English.
It took Shizuka a few attempts to type in the correct spelling of both the title of the book and the author's name, but was given an instant result. And just like that it seemed that Shizuka's doubts were dispelled. "I guess you're telling the truth. But I'm not so sure I can trouble you with watching over my brother."
I had expected that Karen's suggestion to be refused. We were strangers; save from the fact that we've introduced ourselves.
"My brother is rather strange you know; he's slow, and will sometimes forget to answer you when you're talking to him; he eats a lot, and even eats twice as often than most people; he spaces out often; he hallucinates, and sometimes talks to himself. If we weren't siblings I'm almost sure I'd leave him to mental institution."
Karen and I were at a loss for words. It seems that Shizuka had to put up with so much trouble. I too was starting to have doubts about this little venture.
"Shizuka... mean." Godou muttered as he started at his sister with an expressionless face.
"Ah! I only said the truth! That's why be grateful that I became your sister."
Godou said nothing. Instead he raised his hand, gently touched the top of his sister's head, and began to lightly stroke his sister's hair.
Shizuka blush and pouted, but didn't complain or make any attempt to stop him. I could sense that she was actually quite happy about it. I almost felt envious at such a sweet relationship the siblings have. I don't know why, but Godou's actions had won my heart over; even though my mind was telling me that going through with Karen's plan, after hearing what Shizuka had said, would be too troublesome.
"But won't you be at ease to know that he's safe?" I seemed to have surprised Karen, who looked like she wouldn't wish such a wearisome task even on her enemies.
"Well..." I could sense Shizuka faltering.
"As a Knight, I promise to be patient with him and ensure that he reaches his destination with the security and comfort that you would have provided him."
"A Knight?"
Oh no! I slipped up.
"Yes!" Karen suddenly admitted with an enthusiastic voice. "Lady Liliana is a descendant of an old knight family. She's rather proud of it and exercises chivalry in her daily life. It's one of the reasons she likes Lucretia Zola's books."
Thank you for the support Karen.
"I see." Shizuka seems to have bought the excuse, which was thankfully mostly true... we just didn't mention some special details. "Well... I suppose I would feel better that way. But.."
She gives her brother a worried look, who answers her with a pat on her head.
"I'll even call you every day to update you about his well being and help him on his return trip."
"But it seems like we'll be taking advantage of your desire to meet your favorite author."
"Eh? Please don't worry about it! This is a small price to pay for a diehard fan!" I think I was starting to get carried away with this fan ruse, but I had to convince her.
"What do you think, Oni-chan?"
Karen and I turned our attention towards Godou and awaited his response.
"I do not want..." I was shocked, we had forgotten his own will and choice. Perhaps he had wanted to be independent despite his disability. Or perhaps he didn't like me?... That thought made me a little sad. But before I could speculate about it more, he suddenly followed up his response. "... Shizuka to worry."
"Then that means?!" Karen almost jumped with joy.
"I guess I'll gratefully accept your offer, Liliana-san." She then bowed deeply and said. "Please take care of my brother for me."
"I'll do my best and more."
- - - 7th - - -
We had Godou's ticket upgraded to first class with me and then used Karen's magic to 'convince' a few people to trade seats. Shizuka also handed over Godou's extra food supply to me, exchanged numbers with me, and gives me a crash course on how to deal with her brother. Such as how to tell if he's actually listening to you. What signs to look out for to tell that he's getting hungry, but is too 'lazy' or out of it to say so. How he might try to remove his clothes in public while complaining about the heat, or how his sweat is making the shirt unbearable or some other nonsense... I've been instructed to stop him no matter what. And quite a few other things... that almost made me regret that I've decided to do this.
But when I compared this to accommodating the Balkan's Devil or trying to keep the King of Swords in check, this is definitely preferable.
Who knows, perhaps Shizuku was exaggerating a little...
- - - 7th - - -
Three hours after the plane had takeoff, I came to realize that I've been a little too wishful.
I noticed that Godou was suddenly looking sleepy as he gazed out the plane's window. I remembered that Shizuka had mentioned that Godou rarely mentioned when he's hungry, so instead I had to constantly check to see if he looked tired.
So I called the flight stewardess to order something for him to drink, and randomly took out a few of the convenience store sandwiches; that were among the food Shizuka had packed for him.
Thankfully, Shizuka had mentioned that Godou had no allergies and no preferences in food or drink. What I had to watch out for instead was him finding something strange to try, and that if there was a choice between hot and cold food, he would surely choose hot, or something new over something familiar.
A few moments passed since the cans of juice I ordered arrived and were his tray table along with the sandwiches, but Godou didn't avert his gaze from the window or showed that he at least realized that there was food in front of him.
"Kusanagi Godou, please eat up."
He blinked a full three seconds after I had said that then. His eyes had a hint of realization in them as he turn towards me, then looked down at his tray. He unwrapped the packaging of a random sandwich then paused. Closed his eyes. And took a moderately long whiff of the sandwich, then looked at it with mild satisfaction before taking a bite out of the sandwich.
"Thank you." he said after swallowing his first mouthful.
"You're welcome."
But I was not in the clear just yet. After finishing the second sandwich, I realized that Godou had not even bothered to open the cans of juice that I got for him. At first I wondered if Shizuku was actually wrong about him not having preferences. However, I decided to calm myself before my worry turned into panic.
Perhaps there was a logical explanation as to why he's not drinking. A random thought suddenly came to mind.
'Perhaps because the cans were still closed?'
It seemed silly. As opening a can was something so simple; a child could do it. Yet... I wondered if it was as simple for someone with his disabilities? I decided not to be insensitive about it and just opened the can for him. And was relieved to see that him take a few gulps as if he had ran a marathon then let out a sigh of satisfaction.
He then look towards me and once again said, "Thank you."
"Y-you're welcome." My heart skipped a beat.
It felt oddly nice to be thanked by him. It felt like he was truly grateful over something so simple. Could this be why Shizuka could put up with such a troublesome, high maintenance, and dependent sibling?
- - - 7th - - -
I had thought that seeing the amount of food Shizuka bought for Godou and her telling me of his eating capacity would soften up the shock of watching him actually eat.
And it did; at first.
His first meal tally was five double-decker half sandwiches, and two cans of apple juice. An impressive amount. He then took a nap for a few hours. After his nap he consumed two pre-packed bento boxes, a can of orange juice, and a bottle of mineral water. Then, three hours later, devoured two servings of rice balls, the in flight meal (he chose spaghetti with meat balls, garlic bread and mushroom soup), and a half liter bottle of iced tea. And finally, two and a half hours later, he decimated several boxes of favored breadsticks, a large pack of wasabi flavored peanuts, a half dozen packets of rice crackers, and two cans of lime flavored soda.
The other passengers looked at him with amusement at first, that later became envy during his second meal, then it changed into astonishment on his third and to worry at his forth. I too was a little concerned as he had only visited the lavatory after his nap. What kind of body does he have?
Other than that, I can tell that the other passengers and the airplane crew must have found the two of us a rather odd combination. I would not blame them. I feel the same. However, this is a task I promised to accomplish. I would not be a knight if I concerned myself too much which the views of the populace.
- - - 7th - - -
Time flew by faster than I thought it would. Perhaps because I was busy observing Godou. I had intended to read a novel or two, but most of my attention was focused on keeping an eye on him.
So far, other than Godou's appetite, I have not seen any of the weird things that his sister had mentioned. Perhaps he's, in his own way, trying to not trouble me as much as he would a relative? I'm not sure whether to be relieved or worried.
But just as our plane was preparing for decent Godou said something rather strange.
"There are giant animals... all over the island."
Shizuka said that I should humor him in these times, but not to the point that I should lie about seeing them.
"Oh? What kind of animals?" I had really intended to simply humor him, and leaned over to his side where the window was. But upon looking outside I could see disturbances caused by the presence of a divine beast. There were several, but to me at this distance they were simply a haze of magic.
"A ram with drill shaped horns. A bright white stallion. A jet black boar with gigantic tusks. A golden raptor. A bull with horns of gold. A brown one humped camel. A goat dancing in thunder." He muttered with short pauses in between.
I was just barely able to hold my surprise at how specific he was. I looked out again and counted the distortions. I could only see four of them.
'Can he really see these animals? Or was he hallucinating just as Shizuka said?' I decided to test a theory.
I pointed at the nearest looking distortion, and I asked him, "What animal is over there."
"A flock of regularly sized owls."
'A different and regular sized animal?' Well he did say he something about giant animals. I decided to try another spot.
I pointed at the direction of a forest where I sensed one of the distortions. "What about over there?"
"A swarm of locust."
A different animal again?
"Ah... The bull was killed."
Hiding my frustration, I decided to just ask him where the bull was.
He pointed towards the country side just outside the capital Sardinia. And as luck would have it, I just witnessed the distortion in that area disappear.
He can see divine beasts! Could it be that what Shizuka thought was hallucinations were actually the presence of gods and their avatars?! Could their magic bloodline have dried up only to revive with Godou? I could not tell. The power emanating from divine instrument was too potent to sense if he had any.
"What killed it?" I asked curiously.
"... a teenager, with a golden sword." I had noticed that Godou's response time was improving. Could it be because he knows that I'm talking to him? I file the thought away for now and made a mental note of all the animals that he has mentioned.
"Is the teen a blond man?" I asked, wondering if Lord Salvatore was in the area. While he was not a teenager anymore, his appearance was still mistakable for an eighteen or nineteen year old.
"... no. "
'It's not the Lord?!'
"... but."
"But?" I unconsciously held my breath as I awaited his next words.
"... it is a boy."
'A young man with a golden sword?' Forget possessing an authority that relates to having a golden sword, there was no campione in the world that matched the appearance of the teenager he mentioned... but what about a god?'
The island of Sardinia was soon out of view as our plane approached Naples International Airport, yet Godou stuck to his window closely. Was he looking at the sea? Italy from the sky? Or those giant animals that only he could see?
- - - 7th - - -
As soon as we arrived, I was greeted by the person on the last of my list of seven people I do not wish to cross paths with.
"Buongiorno, Lily!" She called out to me with the nickname she had decided upon since our childhood.
"Erica... Blandelli..." I tried to muttered stoically at the blonde knight.
"I heard that you were arriving today. Since I was already in the area, I decided to drop by and welcome you back." she said with that fox like smile of hers.
"Doubtful. I don't know what you're up to, but I'm not falling for it."
"Can't a person simply pick up her friend from the airport?" I could feel that she was up to something.
"We aren't friends."
"You're right! How forgetful of me. We're childhood friends! Bound together by an odd string of fate."
She's a really insufferable woman.
"Don't get too angry, Lily. It's bad for your skin."
"Then don't make me angry."
"Fine, fine."
"Lili... ana."
"Yes?" I turned to Godou for a moment, but once again Erica calls my attention.
"By the way, Lily, who is that with you?"
"An acquaintance requested that I escort him." There was no reason to share my current objectives with her, so avoided mentioning Signora Lucretia's name.
"He's carrying something rather dangerous isn't he?"
"He's just delivering it. Anyway he's not like us so try to watch what you say." I cut the conversation with her and turned my attention back Godou.
"I'm sorry, Kusanagi Godou, were you saying something?"
"... the boar... is coming."
"The Boar?" Erica echoed curiously.
I had not intended in getting Erica involved or even sharing my thoughts on Godou's ability with Erica. But the situation cannot be helped; and it is not in my nature to lie either. I asked Godou to wait a moment as a I pulled Erica aside.
"Listen, Erica. I'll explain quickly. This young man, Kusanagi Godou, is normal person. That is to say, he has no connection with magic. However, it seems that he possess the ability to clearly see divine beasts and maybe gods."
"Really?!" Erica took another look at Godou. "That's amazing."
"Truly. However, he doesn't know this. His sibling seems to believe it's a disability and that he is hallucinating. And as you can see, it seems that these eyes of his seems to be hindering his mind."
"Hmmm... that might be true. But even so, he'd still be quite useful."
"I don't intend to involve him."
"But indoctrinating him into magical society might be beneficial for him."
"That..." I had not thought of that. Perhaps there was a potion that could aid his condition, or his ability could support himself so that he need not rely exclusively on his sister.
Still the world of magic difficult for newcomers. I do not wish to bring any more hardship onto him. Magical societies are tolerant of gods, campiones and of those with power. They blend with the common populace and mostly work in the shadows. Someone slow like Godou already has enough difficulty blending in with normal people, he might not be able to keep up with magicians despite such a special ability.
"Well, we can talk about that issue later." Erica suddenly declared. "Right now, he mentioned something about a boar?"
"Ah... Yes. On the plane he said, that he saw seven giant animals. A ram, a stallion, a boar, a raptor, a bull, a camel, and a goat."
"I see. I was hoping you'd say something about locusts."
"Actually, he mentioned seeing a swarm of locusts and a flock owls as well." I was so surprised that she mentioned locusts specifically that I let the information slip.
"Really?! Impressive." Erica's blue eyes opened wide. She looked genuinely impressed, which was rare for her.
"Why do you ask?"
"We have confirmed that a wind god and Melqart had clashed at Punta La Marmora two days ago."
Melqart? That explains the locusts. "What was the outcome?"
"Somehow the battle ended with mutual injury. Melqart has hidden himself when the wind god's avatars were scattered. We've already sent word to Lord Salvatore, but he's in South America right now and there's no telling when he'll arrive to deal with them."
Our Lord, the Italian Campione, Salvatore Doni, has always been lazy and very eccentric. He was a man that does things on a whim. While we do not doubt his ability to slay gods (anymore at least), it was hard to ask him to do anything.
"Um... Lily. I hate to bring you bad news, but that young man seems to have wandered off." Erica said as she pointed behind me.
"Eh?!" I quickly turned back to where I had asked him to wait, hoping that Erica was toying with me, only to find that he was no longer there.
"I have to find him!" I said as I grabbed my luggage off the floor.
I immediately intended to use a location spell, however, I had realized that I had not tagged him with magic. The best way to find him would be to detect the presence of the grimoire that he was carrying and begin the search in that direction.
But to my surprise, and growing worry, I could not sense it anymore.
"I can't find him or the grimoire. What about you, Lily?"
"It seems that I can't either."
"That's strange..."
"I'll worry about it later! I'll just have to look for him with my own eyes!"
I declared as I started to walk off towards a random direction; only for Erica to suddenly grab my hand, effectively halting me from my departure.
"Let go!" I demanded a little angrily, but Erica just gave me a calm look.
"Lily, it seems that someone's here to meet you." Erica said as she used her eyes to point towards the exit, where several apprentice mages affiliated with the Bronze Black Cross were waiting for me.
"I don't have time for this..." I muttered. "I swore to watch over him. I can't let him wander around a foreign country on his own."
"I don't think you'll have much of a choice. Seeing as how many people your grandfather sent to pick you up." Erica's lips suddenly curved into that annoying fox smile of hers. "Although, if you're that determined to run off to find him, I wouldn't mind holding a few apprentices for an impromptu magic lesson."
I could only silently click my tongue in frustration. "Quit joking around, that'll only create an unfavorable incident between our Orders."
"That's true..." She paused and looked like she was considering something for a moment. "It can't be help. I'll find him for you."
I was slightly taken a back by the offer. Erica wouldn't help others for the sake of being of help. And I hate to owe Erica anything, but just this once reluctantly I agreed. "Very well. But he's got special needs."
Erica released her grip and haughtily used that hand to strike one of her annoying poses (specifically putting her hand on her chest). "I'm sure I can handle one disabled man."
"I don't doubt you can handle most men. And while I doubt you can take care of him, I have no other choice. So at least let me cast an instruction spell on you to pass some information."
"Go ahead." Erica offered her hand out to me.
I collected the Shizuka's notes, and my observations on Godou together into my mind. Then wordlessly I cast the spell, and locked onto those thoughts. And finally I touched Erica's hand with the intent of imparting the information.
"I've received them..." She then made a bothered face. "He really has to eat that much?"
"Yeah..."
Erica gave me a grave look. "He's not actually a campione that has somehow eluded notice is he?"
I would have smiled at that inside joke like question, but I quickly realized that Erica was actually mostly serious.
"I certainly hope not..."
- - - 7th - - -
The Bronze Black Cross' Napoli Chapter was large mansion and multifunctional facility that housed several knights, including myself, and a few apprentices. It was also our main base of operations in Napoli.
My grandfather, Russo Kranjcar, the commander in chief of the order, preferred being in the Milan; but he would always visit personally when he issued instructions or missions to me.
I was directed to his office as soon as I arrived.
"Liliana, welcome back to Italy."
I wordlessly bowed. Since the loss of my mother, my father, and all my blood related aunt and uncles, grandfather had changed. He used to be an admirable and exemplary example of a knight. But now, all he cares about is the prestige, influence and power of the Order. I had once respected him, but since his decision to offer me and more than a dozen young girls to Marquis Voban, to use as mediums to summon a heretic god a few years ago, all that was left was obedience and hope that he'll someday relinquish command of the Order to me.
Yet a part of me knew that my grandfather had no choice but to obey the Devil King. Perhaps it was just a childish grudge... I could not forgive my grandfather for including me in the group to be sacrificed. But in doing so he had probably saved at least one innocent girl.
I had dreamed of restore the Order of the Bronze Black Cross to its former glory. But they are just dreams. I myself do not have the courage to defy a Campione.
Realizing that I still do not intend to engage him with greetings nor small talk, he proceeds to the heart of matter.
"We've received reports that Heraion seems to be showing some kind of reaction."
"The Heraion?!" This was troubling news, could it be reacting to the divine beasts that Godou saw?
"We do not know what is causing it. For now inspect the artifact. Should it need special attention you are free to deal with it as you deem fit."
I decide not to present my findings nor divulge the information that Erica gave out a little too easily. Although, it would have been prudent of me to... my promise to see Godou to his destination and back home was my priority.
"Should you need assistance, I you can call on Diana Mililito. Do you have any questions?"
"No."
Grandfather looked disappointed to hear my answer, but did not say anything. "Very well, you may go."
Just as I was about to leave, when a powerful roar suddenly blasted at my ears. It was then followed by an earthquake, although rather that coming from the earth, one could feel something shaking the earth and not the earth shaking.
'Wait a minute... The Boar!' I had almost forgotten about it. 'I wonder if Erica has found Godou?'
"Liliana," I turned to my grandfather. "The Heraion can wait a little longer. Investigate source of that roar."
"As you command." I had intended to do so without being told.
- - - 7th - - -
"Wings of Artemis, bestow onto me the blessing of flight!" I cast the flight spell and too off into the roof tops of Naples. Godou had mention that it boar was heading towards the airport from Sardinia before he wandered off.
To be honest, I'm more worried about him than the divine beast. And while my instructions were to investigate the cause of the roar, my primary objective was to find Godou.
Flying easily gave me a view of the airport for the second time today. But I had quickly descended onto a building's roof when the giant form of the boar became visible to my eyes. I was surprised, not that it was here, but because Godou had described it correctly. A giant jet black boar with gigantic tusks. I realized that I had entered it's divine space.
But then, a powerful hurricane enveloped the beast. The winds sliced at the boar's flesh, spilling it's blue-black blood, as it roared in pain unable to fight back or escape. The winds accelerated and expanded until it completely enveloped the beast.
But then stopped. The boar was hurt but it gave no indication that it was anywhere near defeated.
I then sensed a powerful magical release... I could tell that an authority was activated. Something about it felt familiar. Following the activation the sky darkened instantly. A storm?! Could it be Melqart? The black beast was struck multiple times by lightning.
I ran for cover inside the building and continued to watch from behind the door, ready to cast a barrier to defend myself if needed.
The lightning continued a little longer but then stopped.
The beast roared twice before suddenly falling silent. I peaked out of my hiding place, and found that it had vanished from sight. Without the divine beast, the mystical space that I had entered had began shrinking and quickly forced me out of the divine domain.
I cast the location spell once more, hoping that the reason I could not sense the grimoire was because of the boar's overwhelming presence. But I still could not find it.
Just as I was about to leap off into the sky to resume my search for Godou, my phone suddenly rang. I checked the caller and almost felt a hint of relief at seeing it display the name "Erica Blandelli".
"Erica, did you find him." I frantically asked as I answered the phone.
'I did. But...'
"But what?"
'... I don't know why, but he was unconscious when I found him.'
My heart throbbed with worry. "Where are you?"
"We're on our way to an Inn sponsored by the Copper Black Cross."
"Is miss Arialdi driving?"
"Arianna? Yes, she is. Why?"
"Nothing." 'I guess it's fortunate that he's unconscious already.' "Please forward the address to me, I'll complete my tasks and head there as soon as I can." I cut the call and proceeded to call the Order's Napoli Branch Office to report what I had just witnessed.
In truth, I had really wanted to head to Godou's side and make sure that was alright. But I trust Erica's healing skills, I am sure she could take care of him just as well as I could in that respect. Arialdi can take care of the rest of his needs until I get there, I suppose.
- - - 7th - - -
Chapter One: End
- - - 7th - - -
Chapter End Notes: Okay, maybe I went wild with Godou's eating requirements, but it amuses me so I'm sticking with it! I had wondered what Godou and Liliana's relationship would be like if he had meet her first instead of Erica. That thought also made me decide to change the order of the girls Godou meet.
In case you were wondering, I just randomly selected a italian name for Liliana's grandfather because he has not been named unlike Erica's uncle... (correct me if I'm wrong about that)
