The next morning…
Within Newcastle's port inside the cave, Zero stood in a queue to board the Eagle, surrounded by rushing people that were not able to leave with Marie Galante.
"Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to let go..." Derflinger muttered silently. He was hanging by a string on Zero's back. It was unbearable, during days like those, to have no one to talk to.
"Stop saying it…"
"Why?"
"I feel sick when you say it."
"You mean 'Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to let go'…That?"
"Why don't you stop saying that?"
"I understand. I won't say it anymore, if partner asks. Yet, we have to discuss a few things about our future. Have you decided where to go, since we have lots of free time now?" Derflinger asked, pretending not to know.
"We'll be headed back to Tristian." Zero said calmly.
"And there we will look for the way to return to partner's former world?"
"Nope. I've not finished my mission." Zero said.
"What mission is that?" Derflinger asked him.
"As it stands, there isn't anything i can do about the way things are going. But I know that Wardes will protect Louise until he messes up. When he does, I'll kill the bastard and then Louise will be safe." Zero said simply.
"Wait, what? What about all that stuff last night?"
"Eh. It was all true. Providing Wardes doesn't prove me right. If that's the case, I'll simply destroy this movement that will rob this world of its freedom in the sake of something holy," Zero said with a vehemence. He'd approached the prince last night, and was again rejected. It was for the royalty. It appeared that he even held some sentiment for the soldiers of the other side. misguided he'd called them. To want to protect the kingdom you loved, by preventing a larger war. He shook his head.
It was finally Zero's time to board the ship. When he rose up the gangway, he saw that the refugee ship was everything one could expect it to be – many people squeezed next to each other so that it wasn't possible to find a place to sit on the deck.
Zero looked at the limestone cave from the edge of the gunwale. At that moment, Louise was in the middle of her wedding.
People still kept boarding the ship one after another. It was really overcrowded and a mass of people tried to push Zero around the deck.
***Break***
Meanwhile, in a chapel, where the Founder Brimir's portrait hung, Crown Prince Wales was waiting for the bridegroom and the bride to appear. There were no other people around, as everybody was busy preparing for the upcoming battle. Wales also had planned, once the ceremony was over, to prepare for the battle as well.
Wales was dressed in the Crown Prince's formal uniform. He wore a bright purple mantle, the symbol of the royal family, and a hat with seven colored wings, the symbol of Albion's royal family.
The door opened, Louise and Wardes had arrived. Louise stood with a dazzled expression on her face so Wales had to urge her to come and stand in front of him.
Louise was puzzled. Everything happened so suddenly. She was puzzled, because desperate feelings were swelling in her mind. She agreed last night without thinking. Because of the prince who was determined to die and Zero's attitude yesterday, she was very depressed.
Wardes, after telling Louise that it was "Time to do the wedding now", put on a bridal veil borrowed from Albion's royal family on Louise's head. The veil was nicely made, and the flowers, that were eternally fresh due to magic, made it look indescribably beautiful.
Then, Wardes removed Louise's black mantle and replaced it with a white one, that was also borrowed from Albion's royal family. Only brides were allowed to wear it, as it was a mantle of a virgin.
However, even while being dressed up by Wardes' hands, Louise was still unresponsive. But Wardes understood Louise's mood as a sign of her affirmative will.
Wardes and Louise stood up in front of Wales, who was standing below the image of the Founder Brimir, wearing his official uniform. Wardes, who himself was wearing his usual clothes and a magical mantle, bowed his head.
"Well then, let's start the ceremony."
The Prince's voice reached Louise's ears. However, it sounded like a weak sound of a distant bell. Louise's mind was still lost in the fog of her own thoughts.
"Bridegroom, Viscount Jean-Jacques Francis de Wardes. Do you take this girl as your wife, and swear to respect and love her in the name of the Founder Brimir?"
Wardes nodded solemnly and grasped the cane with his left hand, holding it out in front of his chest.
"I swear."
Wales looked at Louise and smiled encouragingly.
"Bride, the third daughter of the Duke de La Vallière, Louise Françoise le Blanc de La Vallière…"
Wales read the oath in a clear voice.
Just then, Louise noticed that she was in the middle of a wedding ceremony. Her partner – reliable Wardes, for whom she once yearned. A marriage arranged by their fathers. Only now was her childish, absent-minded, distant future starting to turn into reality.
It is not like I hate Wardes. Maybe I even like him. But if it is so, why do I feel such pain? Why do I feel so sad?
Is it because I saw a kingdom turning into ruins? Or is it because I faced a prince who deserted his love and hopes, in order to die?
It's not that. Though those are sad events that hurt, there wouldn't be such a cloud of sadness hanging on my mind just because of that.
It was a deep, melancholic cloud, which was hard to bear.
Louise suddenly remembered the expression on Zero's face when she said "marriage" to him.
Why did I say such a thing to him?
It is because I wanted to be stopped.
By whom?
Because I wanted Zero to stop me.
Why?
Louise started to blush once thinking about the reason. Just like thinking about the reason why the previous night she, though in deep sorrow, so easily jumped into Zero's chest, whom she accidentally met in the corridor.
But are those feelings true ones? I don't know. But isn't it worth it to try to find out?
After all, no matter how excited or sad she had been, she never jumped into a man's chest before.
***Break***
On the warship Eagle deck.
Zero, who was depressingly leaning against the edge of the gunwale, began to lose focus on everything around him.
"Mmm?"
"What is it, partner?"
Zero's view grew dim. Just like in the heat haze of midsummer, the view in his left eye started swinging.
"My eyes are acting strange."
"It's because you are tired."Derflinger said, pretending not to know the real reason.
"Partner, you know exactly how not possible that is," Zero said, becoming more irritated.
***Break***
"Bride?"
Wales looked at her direction. Louise looked up panicking.
She had the expression of a person who didn't know what she was doing there at all. Louise was puzzled. What should she do? What should she do at times like this? No one taught her that. Only Louise's familiar, who was leaving the ground at the moment, might know the answer.
"Are you nervous? That's alright. It's your first time, it is normal to be nervous."
Wales smiled, while talking.
"Oh dear, we still have to hold the etiquette. Doing this would have meaning only if we are to follow etiquette. Then, let me repeat. Do you take this man as your husband, and swear to respect and love him in the name of the Founder Brimir…"
Louise realized. She shouldn't hesitate with the answer, waiting for someone to tell her what to do.
She had to make decisions for herself.
Determined Louise took a deep, deep breath.
And, before Wales finished his words, Louise shook her head.
"Bride?"
"Louise?"
Two people suspiciously looked into Louise's face. She looked at Wardes with a sad expression on her face and once again shook her head.
"By all means, Louise. Are you feeling bad?"
"No, that's not it. I am sorry…"
"If today is bad, then another time…"
"That's not it, that's not it. I'm sorry Wardes, I cannot marry you."
Wales looked doubtful at the sudden change of events.
"Bride, this is not the marriage you want?"
"Yes, that's how it is. I want to apologize to both of you, for my rudeness. It was a painful decision to make, but I do not want to marry."
An angry red blush quickly spread on Wardes face. Wales turned to him and said in an embarrassed, doubtful and regretful voice.
"Viscount, I am terribly sorry, but the bride doesn't want for this ceremony to continue."
However, Wardes didn't pay any attention to Wales, and took Louise's hand.
"…You are just nervous. Dear Louise. You cannot be seriously refusing my offer."
"I'm sorry, Wardes. I yearned for you. Maybe… maybe even loved you once. However, it is different now."
Then, Wardes gripped Louise's shoulder. The expression in his eyes changed. Gone was the usual kindness from his face, replaced with the chilly coldness of a reptile.
Wardes shouted in a feverish tone.
"The world, Louise! I will rule the world! You are necessary for that!"
Frightened by the sudden change in Wardes, Louise kept on shaking her head.
"…I, I am not needed for that."
Wardes extended both his hands, drawing Louise closer "You are necessary for me! Your ability! Your power!"
This Wardes was frightening Louise more and more. Not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine the gentle Wardes frowning or shouting like this. Louise tried to turn away.
"Louise, have you forgotten what I once told you! You are not inferior to even the Founder Brimir, you will grow up as an excellent mage some day! You just do not know about it yet! That talent!"
"Wardes, you…" Louise's voice was trembling with fear. It was not the Wardes that Louise knew. What had changed him into such a person?
***Break***
On the warship Eagle, Zero rubbed his eyes again.
"What is it, partner?"
"My left eye is really acting strange."
"That's because you are tired."
However, the view of Zero's left eye was getting distorted more and more.
"I can see something!" Zero shouted. That was really someone's view. Zero's left and right eye felt like completely separate parts. "I can see…"
"What can you see, partner?"
"Maybe, this is Louise's view." Zero said.
Now he recalled what Louise said some time age. "A familiar is the eyes and ears of its master, that's their ability." However, Louise said she couldn't see anything through my eyes... It must be, there must be cases when the rules are reversed.
But why can I see Louise's view all of sudden?
Zero looked at his left hand. The rune carved there was shining brightly, even though he wasn't holding any weapon. Indeed, his guess must be correct. This must be another ability of the legendary familiar Gandálfr. 'Let's see, I guess that's what Louise is seeing with her left eye then?' While thinking so, Zero's natural curiosity took the lead.
***Break***
Wales, who couldn't stand Wardes' threatening attitude towards Louise any longer, stepped in.
"Viscount…, that's enough. Behave like a gentlema…"
However, Wardes struck away Wales' extended hand.
"Shut up!"
Wales stood still, surprised by Wardes words. Wardes clasped Louise's hand with his and she felt as if it was a snake twining around it.
"Louise! You are necessary for me!"
"I don't have any talent as a mage."
"I told you many times already! You are just not aware of your power, Louise!"
Louise tried to shake off Wardes' hand, but the incredible strength with which he was holding on to her prevented it. Grimacing in pain, Louise spoke. "I would rather die than marry you. I understand now, you never loved me. You only loved a magical power in me that you foolishly think I have. It is cruel, to marry someone just because of such a reason. It's an insult!"
Louise raged. Wales put a hand on Wardes' shoulder, trying to pull him away, but Wardes pushed Wales instead, who fell on the ground. Wales face turned red, and, after standing up again, he pulled out his cane. "You, what impoliteness! It's an insult! Viscount, move your hands away from la Vallière right now! Or else my magical blade will tear you up!"
Only then Wardes' hand finally let Louise go. A kind smile spread on his lips. However, the smile was forced and obviously fake. "Even if I ask you this way you won't do it? Louise. My Louise."
Louise spoke, while trembling from anger. "No, there is no doubt left that you are not the one whom I would ever marry."
Wardes looked up at the sky. "And I made such great efforts, to capture your feelings during this journey…"
Wardes spread his hands widely, while throwing his head backwards. "Well, it can't be helped. I guess I will have to give up on this goal."
"Goal?" Louise looked doubtful. What was he thinking about?
The corners of Wardes' lips went up, forming an ill looking smile.
"That's right. There were three goals for me to achieve during this travel. Sadly, I achieved only two of them."
"Achieve? Two? What are you talking about?" Louise asked, feeling the shivers of uneasiness travel down her spine. Her mind was working at full power, trying to figure out what was happening.
Wardes put out his right hand in front holding up three fingers, and bent his forefinger. "First one was you, Louise. I had to get you. However, it seems that I won't be able to accomplish that."
"Obviously not!"
Wardes smiled, bending his middle finger.
"The second goal, I have right here, Louise, Henrietta's letter."
Louise was startled. When had he taken it?
"Wardes, you…"
"And, the third…"
After hearing Wardes saying "Henrietta's letter", Wales understood everything, as he pulled out his cane and started to chant a spell.
However, Wardes had already prepared two complete spells before.
Wardes aimed his wind cane that had started shining and with the tip pierced Wales chest.
"D-damn you…'Reconquista'…" Blood suddenly gushed out of Wales mouth and Louise screamed.
Wardes muttered while piercing his shining cane deeper into Wales chest. "The third, is your damned life, Wales."
With that, Wales fell to the ground.
"A noble! Aren't you an Albionian noble as well! Wardes!" Louise shouted while trembling. Wardes was a traitor.
"That's right. I am really a member of Albion's noble faction, 'Reconquista'" Wardes replied in a cold, emotionless voice.
"Why! Why, would you, Tristain nobility, do such thing?"
"We are the first heralds of Halkeginia's future – a union of nobles that has no national borders. We are borderless."
Wardes raised the cane again.
"Halkeginia will be reunited into one by our hands, we will restore the Founder Brimir's 'Sacred Land' once again."
"Before... you were not like this before. What changed you so much? Wardes..."
"Years, accidents and destiny. Though it changed me from whom you knew, it didn't change my nature that you are talking about. And you are talking too much."
Louise tried to duck when Wardes moved the cane, however his spell still hit her with ease, throwing her to the floor."Help..." Louise's face turned pale. She tried to stand up, but her legs stopped obeying her.
Wardes threw back his head. "For this! For this you rejected my offer to rule the world together!"
He started to cast another wind spell. "Breaking Wind". And Louise was blown away like piece of paper.
"No…Help…" she cried.
"Even the smallest bird can't hear you, it seems like you will have to bow your head in defeat, huh, Louise?
She was thrown against the wall and left lying on the floor, groaning in pain. Tears started rolling down her face.
She still asked for the help of her familiar that wasn't there.
"Help me…please…"
Louise repeated the words like chanting a spell. Enjoying himself, Wardes slowly started chanting. "Lightning Cloud"
"It is regrettable… That your life will be taken by this hand…"
If even Zero's arm was scorched by this spell, there was no chance of survival if she was hit by it directly.
From shock her breath was rough and her whole body was in pain. Louise, scared like a child, cried "Zero! Help!"
At that moment, Wardes finished the spell and lowered his cane, aiming towards Louise and...
The wall of the chapel collapsed with a roaring sound, and a strong gust of wind blew in from the outside.
"Damn you…"Wardes muttered.
After breaking the wall, Zero jumped in and with Derflinger in his hand stopped Wardes' cane.
"You…" Zero swung the sword toward his right side. Wardes dodged it by jumping back.
Zero saw Louise with the corner of his eye.
After screaming her last words, Louise fainted and hadn't moved since.
With raging anger in his eyes, Zero glared at Wardes. Lust for blood was boiling in his body. Zero groaned while biting his lip hard. He felt a power welling inside of him. "You bastard!" he yelled, but merely stood stationary.
"Why are you here, Gandálfr?" Wardes asked with a cruel smile on his lips.
Not answering, Zero simply stood there, his armor changing, his body changing. The red bled from his armor, being replaced by a glossy black. His eyes, once blue were black and flat.
Wardes crossed his hands while floating next to the Founder Brimir's portrait. Looking confident and self-sure.
"You betrayed Louise!" Zero said, his voice different from normal. His shout of a moment ago was gone. He seemed calm, collected, but at the same time, off.
After saying this, he took a few steps towards Wardes while thrusting the sword forwards. Yet, Wardes flew up, dodged it and landed gracefully on the floor. He moved around like a feather.
Zero fired two short buster shots up at Wardes. Yet, Wardes flew up, dodged them and landed gracefully on the floor. His calm pose was interrupted by the charged blast that he narrowly dodged, at the expense of his cape. The fact that the whole back of the church had been destroyed caused him more than a little alarm.
"To accomplish a goal, you can't be selective with the means." Wardes said with a haughtiness and smugness that showed he didn't even feel anything for what he did.
"Louise believed in you! You were her fiance… you were her comfort when she was young…" Zero accused.
"Such selfish belief." Wardes answered with contempt thick in his voice.
Wardes dodged the sword while floating. Then he swung the cane and fired another spell. Zero slashed Derflinger through the spell, but was unable to block it all. He was pushed into the air, but landed on his feet, weapon ready.
"That's it? Gandálfr. Your movements are too slow. At least try and make it entertaining. Where is that power you used before? Is it all just a petty light show to intimidate me?" A cruel smile floated on Wardes' lips.
At that moment, Derflinger shouted. "I remembered!"
"What are you talking about, at a time like this?" Zero asked of the sword, blocking two more spells.
"Right…Gandálfr!" Derflinger said happily.
"What! Make some sense!" Zero demanded.
"No, from my older times, the hand that held me. Gandálfr. But I forgot. It was 600 years ago, old times."
"Don't talk nonsense!" Zero said, dodging more of the electricity the knight was releasing while deflecting what we could with his blade.
Wardes released "Breaking Wind" again. Zero tried to dodge it but only a portion of it was absorbed and he was blown away again.
"It's so nostalgic. I could cry. Right, no, that's what I was missing. My partner – that 'Gandálfr'!"
"Cut it out! Either tell me what you're talking about, or shut up so i can fight." Zero said to the talking sword.
"I'm glad! Now no one can ignore me! I will show you how cool I am!" Derflinger shouted as his blade started to shine and change shape slightly.
Zero was taken aback for a moment and watched Derflinger in amazement.
Wardes recited "Breaking Wind" again.
Raging wind flew out aiming at Zero as he put out the shining Derflinger in front of himself.
"It's useless! A sword cannot stop it!" Wardes shouted.
Yet, the wind, instead of pushing Zero away, was sucked into Derflinger's blade entirely.
The light coming out of Derflinger intensified.
"Derf? You…" Zero asked in wonderment. while he'd been able to absorb parts of spells before, he'd been unable to take them in entirely.
"This is my true form! Partner! No, I forgot it! My tired body changed itself without magic to sustain itself! Anyhow, it's a pretty interesting story, partner!" Derflinger said, shouting in glee
"Make it short!" Zero said, using his sword to absorb the different elemental attacks Wardes was trying to attack him with.
"Impatient. I forgot. But, don't worry, partner. I suck in all magic around me! That's me, Gandálfr's left hand – Lord Derflinger!"
Wardes watched with interest at the sword that Zero was holding. "Indeed… You are not an ordinary sword. I should have noticed that when you reduced my "Lightning Cloud," Still, Wardes did not lose his confidence.
He smiled thinly, when setting out the cane.
"Now, then, let's get serious, shall we? It is time to teach you why this magic is called the strongest."
Though Zero jumped at him, Wardes dodged it and uttered the spell.
"Ubiquitous Dell Wind…"
When the spell was completed, Wardes' body suddenly doubled.
One… Two… Three… Four… Wardes' doubles, together with the real body, surrounded Zero.
"Soul body!" Zero muttered, "Shoulda known this was gonna come out."
"It's called "Ubiquitous Wind", uneven distribution… The wind is unevenly distributed. The place where it blows is not just a matter of appearance, but it has a substantial power too."
One of Wardes doubles suddenly pulled a white mask from the cloak and wore it.
"I was wondering when you were going to give that away. Without proof i couldn't do a damned thing. But now i can kill you with absolutely no loose ends" Zero said seriously.
"You believe so? Each of my doubles has the power of the original. I told you, right? 'Wind' is unevenly distributed!"
One of the Wardes jumped at Zero, who impaled it on Derflinger, and as it faded another Wardes other uttered a spell, making the cane shine.
"Air Needle", the same spell that pierced Wales' heart before.
"The cane is surrounded by a magical whirlpool, so the sword cannot suck it in!" Wardes announced triumphantly.
The cane was shaking as the whirlpool was rotating around it forming a blade, of which tip was aimed at Zero's body during the attack. Zero brought up his buster and fired two shots, one at the cane, and the other at the head of the clone. It was dispersed before the second shot even hit.
Wardes laughed. "Not bad for a commoner. After all you are the legendary Gandálfr. However, this is where it ends. You are no match for my "Ubiquitous Wind" spell!" as he replaced the two clones that had been destroyed with four more.
Gradually, Wardes surrounded Zero as he replenished his clones.
"Can't say I could be any more happy with a choice of a weapon, partner" Zero said to Derflinger.
"Well I am legendary, just like you!" Derflinger shot back.
"Yeah, you are. Woulda been a steal for the 3000 gold that the shop keeper wanted us to pay for that toy he was trying to peddle!" Zero said chuckling.
"Damn right!" Derflinger agreed.
One of the Wardes flew up and tried to hit Zero with his cane, but Derflinger connected with its neck.
"Useless! What kind of legend is this!" Wardes shouted, sounding almost desperate, "You might have some skill but you'll never defeat a mage as powerful as me. You won't be able keep up with my "Ubiquitous Wind"spell forever!"
The Wardes kept on attacking violently, but Zero was almost lazily attacking back with Derflinger, and his buster. Zero wondered how much will power the mage had to keep making these clones.
Meanwhile… fifteen feet from the place where Zero was fighting, Louise woke up. When Louise saw Zero fighting, out numbered by so many Wardes, her face was momentarily blank with surprise, but then she grasped her wand.
"Run away while you can! Idiot!" Zero shouted, but Louise didn't stop. The spell was uttered and the wand was aimed. She chanted the 'Fire Ball' spell. The spell aimed at Wardes exploded hitting the floor beneath him with a large explosion. With that loud sound that Wardes disappeared while Louise watched amazed.
"Eh? Disappeared? Because of my magic?" she sounded stunned.
The remaining Wardes tried to jump on Louise.
"Run away!" Zero shouted, but Louise stubbornly started to chant the same spell again. However, she was blown away by Wardes' cane before Zero could react.
Zero stared with astonishment. He started shaking with anger. When Louise's body hit the wall right before his eyes, a beast-like roar escaped his mouth, and the black glow encompassed him further, lifting him off the floor.
Once Louise's body was blown off again, the remaining Wardes clones concentrated on Zero trying to press him further. However, Zero's movement gradually increased in speed and viciousness. Soon none of the Wardes could even see him as he moved. The only thing that they could see, was their ranks being thinned by large blasts of plasma, and the glint of Derflinger's swings.
All of the Wardes' breathing became irregular and rough. Still, even then, their expression didn't change.
"Why did you come back to die? To risk your life for Louise who despises you? I can't understand how a commoner's mind works!"
Zero shouted while swinging the sword through two more doubles. "Why did you try to kill Louise! You were her fiancee!"
"Hahaha, you are in love with Louise? A servant's hopeless love for his master! That's really funny! That arrogant Louise will never turn to you! Mere compassion mistaken for love! Fool!"
"That doesn't matter!" Zero shouted "However…"
"However, what?"
"I said I would protect her!" Zero shouted.
"What?" A puzzled expression floated on Wardes' face. "Why? She mistreats you. She looks down on you. She orders you around. Why does that matter!"
"You could never understand" Zero said simply. "You only care about yourself. Therefore I would never expect garbage like you to understand the true meaning of caring for someone aside from yourself" Zero screamed.
"Wha?" Wardes grimaced in an unbearable pain as another of his clones was removed, without the means to replace it.
"Gandálfr's source of power is feelings! Anger! Sadness! Love! Pleasure! Anything is good! And now you seem to be really shaken, my Gandálfr!" Derflinger shouted, overjoyed at the power flowing through him.
Zero spun the blade in his grip as he ran past Wardes. Because of its terrible speed, Wardes was not able to react to the sword in time and disappeared.
"D-damn you…"
Only three remained now, and none of them were being replaced Zero noted.
"Do not forget! You are fighting me! You can't surpass my skills!"
Zero leaped high up into the air, holding his sword. Wardes also flew.
"The air is my element… Do not forget! Gandálfr!"
Zero had noticed the sword wasn't absorbing the magic as well as before. Instinctively he activated his fire chip. With the heat, the air would disperse, making it easier to get through. At least that had been his theory. What he had not expected was the massive blast of fire that was released from Derflinger, Dispelling the remaining doubles.
With all of his doubles defeated, the remaining real Wardes' body fell down on the floor badly burned. His cut off left arm, landed there after a few seconds.
Zero also landed on the ground.
"What the hell was that, Partner!" Derflinger demanded. "You forced the collected magic out of me!"
"Sorry, I instinctively tried to use my fire element chip to disperse the air a bit. I figured with the heated and expanded air, it would excite the molecules enough to make it harder to control them," Zero stated, as he looked down at the sword.
Wardes stood up staggering and stared at Zero. "Damn… You really defeated me…" Wardes said, hatred clear in his voice. After a moment he calmed. "Oh dear, it seems that I managed to accomplish only two of the goals. Anyways, now you are mine 'Gandálfr' – a large army will soon burst in. Can you hear the sound of horses' hooves and dragons' wings!"
Indeed, one could hear the noise of cannons and sounds of fire magic explosions outside, as well as the roaring voices of nobles and soldiers mixed up in a battle.
"You and your foolish master will be turned to ashes! Gandálfr!" Throwing these last parting words, Wardes disappeared through the hole in the wall.
Zero narrowed his eyes and thought of giving chase, suddenly stopped, and yelled,"Louise!" as he ran to her prone form. Zero shook Louise trying to wake her up to no avail. Zero put his ear to Louise's chest in panic. Hearing the faint heartbeat, he breathed out a sigh of relief. Louise was worn-out. Her mantle was torn, and her knees and cheek bruised. But there must be more bruises under the clothes with how she was thrown around.
Louise's hand was grasping her chest. Her breast pocket button came off, and one could see Henreitta's letter peeping out from the inside. It seemed that, even unconscious, Louise was still protecting the letter.
Really, I am so glad you are alive. I came just in time. Zero thought.
"But partner… What do we do now? The Eagle already left the port…"
That's right. To save Louise, Zero jumped down from the departing Eagle's deck.
"Eh? Really. Can you hear the shouts outside? What do you think Wales' men would think seeing his body lying on the floor? They would think we are traitors for sure." Derflinger said.
Indeed, explosions and battle roars were getting closer and closer to the walls. It was only a matter of time before they would come bursting in here.
Zero quietly laid Louise on the chair. And then stood up before her, standing guard.
"What are you doing, partner?" Derflinger questioned.
"Defending Louise." Zero said.
When Zero said this, Derflinger trembled while twitching. "Ha. Other than that. I understand. Partner Gandálfr, it was nice to know you and this noble girl, your master, partner."
"Stop joking around." Zero said seriously.
"Hm?" the sword responded
"Louise and I, we will both survive."
"Were you listening to the king's speech? There are fifty-thousand enemies." the sword stated, wondering if his partner had taken leave of his senses.
"Doesn't matter." Zero said, grasping his sword. Fifty-thousand, even a hundred-thousand, numbers truly never meant anything to him. These people had been good people. They had been some of the few good nobles he'd met. Taken down by the greedy and ruthless. The rebels were no better than Sigma. After a few moments he amended. They were worse than Sigma. Sigma had been turned by MY virus. He didn't have any real control after that. These people would destroy that which was good in this world for the sake of gold, and power.
Derflinger's shaking became louder and louder.
"That's right! That's the way I like it. Who cares about fifty-thousand. Let them come to us!" Zero said holding Derflinger at ready.
They waited, for sooner or later an enemy to come, But then…The ground, near the place where Louise was laid, rose up.
"What?" Derflinger shouted in surprise.
Zero watched the ground. "Is it an enemy? Digging under?"
He lowered the sword towards the hole, out of which a brown animal soon popped it's head.
And then that brown animal started groping Louise's body that was lying near the hole.
"You… you are the huge mole Beldandy! Guiche's familiar!" Zero shouted.
Soon enough from the same hole that Beldandy came out, Guiche's face appeared. "Hey! Beldandy! You can dig a hole anywhere! Good boy!"
Guiche turned his soil smeared face from Zero and noticed Louise lying nearby on the chair, then said pretending not to know. "Ha! You! You are here!"
"Damn you guys barely got here on time!"Zero shouted. "But don't you all realize how dangerous this place is now! How do you expect to get out of here?" Zero demanded. He could maybe protect one person if he kept to the entrances. But with each person added to the situation it would be harder.
Then, near Guiche, Kirche's face popped out. "Tabitha's Sylphid."
"Kirche!" Zero said.
"We tried to follow you, but you but you never made it to the port. So the only thing we could do, was rely on my dear Beldandy's nose to guide us to the ring that Louise wears." Meanwhile the huge mole was pressing his nose to the 'Ruby of Water' that was shining on Louise's finger. Guiche nodded.
"Indeed. He followed the smell of the ruby, and started digging a tunnel to here. My cute Beldandy, because of his love for jewels he was able to follow from La Rochelle and dug a hole to get here."
Zero opened his mouth in amazement. He surely, never planned to be saved by a mole.
"By the way, darling, what are you doing here?" Kirche asked while wiping off the dirt from her face with a handkerchief.
Zero looked at them, shaking his head. He had known Wardes was a traitor. If he'd kill him earlier this situation would have been avoided.
"Dear? Is something wrong dear?" Kirche asked him
"We'll talk about it later! The enemy will burst in soon! Take Louise and hide in that hole!" Zero said
"What about the mission? What about Viscount Wardes?"
"Wardes was a traitor! Return now!" Zero shouted.
"What? Well I do not understand it, but it seems everything ended already." Kirche said in nonchalant voice.
With Louise in his arms, Zero transferred her body to Kirche," Take care of her, please" Nodding, he walked up the the Prince Wales and looked him over. He looked for some keepsake to give to Henrietta. He noticed a big ruby on his finger. He gently eased the ring off the finger of the young man. Henrietta deserved at least that much. However, Wales had already died. A good man died because of his inaction.
Zero shut his eyes and silently vowed to take revenge on the bastard who did this. Crippled or not, he'd end Wardes life in the most painful way he could.
"Hey! What are you doing there! Come quickly!" Guiche called Zero back.
"No, i don't think I will" Zero said simply."Wait for me in that hole. I have an army to kill" Zero said in a voice that none could argue with.
"You're pissed, aren't you, partner?" Derflinger asked hesitantly.
"Of course not. I'm mildly irritated." Zero said in the same voice, as he started stepping to the door of the church. Without having to protect anyone, Zero would be free to fight, and kill as required. he wouldn't be held back. And honestly, he could not ever remember a time he'd been so damned pissed.
"Brave prince… You won't be forgotten." Zero muttered. "I swear to you that I will also defend the things I believe in! It might not be what you wanted, but I will follow your example and follow what I believe to be right."
"Wardes, for the first time in your life I shall allow it. I will let everything out. To protect the people worth protecting i shall cut down your army. I swear, I'll destroy you and your entire rotten organization. I Don't care if it requires me to destroy Albion itself. I will fucking end you!" Zero shouted, hoping that Wardes was close enough to hear. His body lifting off the ground, his whole body shining, not black but a beautiful ruby color that returned his armor to its previous color. There were no limits on him now. He would show them what a weapon could truly do. The runes on his hand blinding the closest of the attacking force. Zero started to laugh uncontrollably.
"Partner, what the hell is this? Its insane! Its even more than before!" Derflinger cried out.
"This is my true power. Just as you weren't using your full power or form, neither have I! One could call it, the original Zero" He stated in a deadly quiet voice. "The creation of a madman bent on ruling the world. They are just like him. They are an enemy, and I will cut them down!" He sped into the battle field, Derflinger in one hand, his saber in the other. Before him stood an army of at least fifty thousand strong, and he noticed at least twenty dragons. more than enough to kill the ragged group that was failing to defend New Castle.
Zero charged, cutting through ten men in his initial rush, and absorbing multiple spells with Derflinger. Turning to look at the cause, he noticed multiple mages, and he simply swung his blade activating the ice chip, encasing two of the mages in rough blocks of Ice. Raising his saber above his head, Zero swung it horizontally, creating a wave of energy that shattered the ice, mages and all. The ranks behind the mages erupted in blood as the beam cleaved them in half. More Magic was blasted at him, and he swung at each spell, using Derflinger to absorb the magic. Activating his lightening chip, he swung, releasing arcs of electricity into their ranks. Having no control over the elements once released, he noticed the more spells he absorbed before using the chip, the more damage he could cause. He smiled in a terrible manner, as he charged, and slashed, parried and countered. Suddenly, the enemy soldiers and mages lost track of him in a flash of light, and a great many of them fell to the ground, having been sliced into pieces by an unseen saber and swordsman. There was no mercy this day. No control. These people were evil. And he would destroy them. Suddenly he felt a draft of air, as a dragon swooped low, breathing fire.
"Ah, the big guns have arrived. I was getting bored" Zero said, a maniac grin on his face.
"Partner, I can't absorb that! Its not magic!" Derflinger cried
Zero nodded, and dashed to the side, exchanged his saber for his buster, and fired three bolts of plasma at the dragon, taking off the top of its skull and leaving a third of its left wing. He didn't stop to watch it fall, he merely turned his attention to the dragons in the sky. He fired shot after shot, maiming and killing the dragons and their riders, all while slashing and attacking the nobles and common soldiers that were facing him on the ground. Soon the dragons were no longer an issue.
Suddenly, and unbidden, a voice from the past game into his mind,"I'll leave this world to you... Please allow me... to rest in peace... for a while... I'm sorry, Zero." X said regretfully. X would have wanted him to protect this world. He wanted to laugh. Neither X nor himself had looked at themselves as heroes. They each held the belief that the other was best suited to save the world. He'd do this. For X. For his partner. For Louise. For everyone, he'd show them the cost of being a maverick. He felt a sudden calm as something clicked within him.
The soldiers and mages were stubborn, He'd give them that. He rolled forward with his redrawn saber. Screams could be heard all around him, but it didn't matter. These mavericks would pay. He rushed the enemy, and suddenly, where there was one Zero, there was suddenly two, both slashing at anything close to him. After a few moments the copy faded, and Zero stood still for a moment. He looked at the bodies around him as he absently blocked an incoming fire spell. He'd outclassed them this whole fight. But still they fought to surround him, to trap him. They didn't realize yet just what they were facing, he smiled. His rune flared red, and his right hand was surrounded by a brilliant white energy. Slamming his fist into the ground as hard as he could, a white dome of energy erupted from him. Clipped cries and the smell of burned flesh was all that followed. Those who were near the blast were mercifully incinerated. Those that were at the outer edge of the blast lay on the ground broken, battered, burned and bleeding. Finally realizing their current situation, they attempted to break rank, trying to run. Zero gave chase. He hunted them with a rage unlike any he recalled. As he approached the final soldier he knew he'd be able to find, he stopped, Derflinger pointed at him. "You, maverick!" Zero stated, his voice full of contempt and hatred.
"Yes?" The panicked young man shouted.
"You're the last of this little army, aren't you?" Zero asked.
"I don't know!" The young man, nearly a boy cried.
"I have a message you should deliver to your superiors" Zero said in a suddenly conversational tone. "Will you bring it?"
"I don't have a choice do I?"
"You always have a choice. But with choice comes consequences." Zero said, narrowing his eyes, and bringing the sword closer to the young man.
"I'll, do it. Just please, don't hurt me!" the young man cowered in front of the man who had single handedly turned back an army.
"Let your superiors know, that that I will eventually come for them. That they can do what they want to prepare, but that nothing in this world will keep the bastards safe." Zero stated calmly. He knelt and drew the soldiers sword, snapping the blade off with his hand. "With this you can even give a good reason as to why you ran. You fought until I broke your blade in my hand!" Zero watched the young soldier rush off after he tossed the remains of the weapon at him.
Zero turned back towards the church, noting the bodies scattered. Apparently the defenders had fled or all been killed in the attack. He sighed as he started his way back to the church. Bodies surrounded him. He didn't feel any remorse for what he did. He only felt remorse for his inaction. He noted that all of the defenders seemed to be either dead, or gone before he'd joined the battle. The prince had died because of him. The princess would be broken, he knew that. And the alliance with Germania was pretty much shot. The mission had been a spectacular failure. With all his power, he'd effectively slaughtered an army, and in the process saved nothing. "X, I sure fucked this up huh partner? The killing alone would probably disappoint ya. But then again, we've always been different. I don't think I'll ever be able to be the hero you were. So I'll just do what I can. In my own way."
***Break***
The tunnel Beldandy dug ran right under the Albion's continent. So the moment Zero followed the others out of the hole, there was nothing but clouds beneath, yet Sylphid successfully caught all four falling people and a mole. The mole let out a cry, protesting its position int he mouth of a dragon.
"Please try to endure it, my cute Beldandy. Bare with it until we get off in Tristain again."
With powerful wing strokes, the wind dragon broke through the surrounding clouds and changed direction to the Magical Academy.
Zero, with Louise in his arms, looked up at the continent of Albion.
Clouded and empty, blue inside, the Albion continent disappeared. Though it was a short stay there, Zero would likely never forget this place. Or the promise he had made.
Zero watched Louise lying in his arms. Her white cheeks were dirty with blood and soil, yet even in this state, one could see her aristocratic features. There were two stripes from her eyes down her cheeks left by her tears. Zero couldn't bear to see her face this way. It had been his fault. If he had acted, if he'd anticipated. He'd known something was off, but had been too relaxed, too sure he knew how Wardes was going to act. Zero wiped Louise's face as best he could.
Louise was still unconscious from the shock. Looking at Louise's face was somehow painful to Zero. "I'm sorry,"
***Break***
Louise was absent-mindedly wandering in dream. The dream in la Vallière's, in her hometown. A pond in a forgotten courtyard. There a small boat was floating… Here Louise was lying down when facing difficulties. Louise always hid herself and slept there. Her world that no one else intruded in. Her secret place. Louise's heart was in pain. But Wardes didn't come here anymore. Gentle viscount Wardes, her childhood noble crush, her fiance of marriage arranged by their fathers' mutual agreement. Young Louise sobbed softly, there was no Wardes who would take her from her secret place anymore. He was a dirty betrayer that murdered the courageous prince, those kind hands belonged to a murderer…Louise then, someone came."Is that you, Viscount?"Louise asked in her dream. But she shook her head at once. No, the viscount didn't come here anymore. Then, who?
It was Zero. The sword was hanging on his back, when he without hesitation about getting wet stepped into the pond and approached Louise's small boat.
Louise's heart throbbed.
Zero picked up Louise and held her in his arms.
"Have you been crying?" Zero asked. Louise nodded childishly in her dream. "Stop crying. Louise. My Louise."
Louise tried to get angry. This familiar, how dare he call me 'My Louise'. But when she opened her mouth to scold him, her lips were closed again with a kiss. Though she wriggled in rage at first, the strength soon left her body.
Louise woke up on a wind dragon's back, in Zero's arms. She became aware that she was held in Zero's arms. They were sitting near the wind-dragon's tail, and Zero sat there embracing her. She stared at his face from the side as it seemed like he didn't notice that she was awake.
Kirche, Tabitha, Guiche – all three of them, were sitting on the front of the wind dragon's back.
The wind was blowing against her cheeks. This isn't a dream? So I survived. Louise's mind was filled with feverish thoughts. I was almost killed by that traitor Wardes, but then Zero jumped in. Then I fainted. Then I woke up again and chanted some magic. After that, though, I lost consciousness… maybe Zero won again.
But only we survived, maybe the royal army was still defeated. Wales died as well. The happiness of surviving mixed with sadness almost made Louise cry. However, not wanting to cry in front of Zero, she closed her eyes. She was also ashamed to say thank you. Though she could not understand why, she was comfortable with Kirche, Tabitha, Guiche – with all of them. But thanking Zero before everyone felt really embarrassing. Therefore, Louise decided to pretend she was sleeping. Nevertheless, Louise still secretly watched him from the corner of her half-closed eyes.
Zero looked into her eyes. He looked directly at her.
Those eyes made Louise recall her last dream.
The air dragon increased speed.
Strong wind hit her cheeks.
But that wind felt pleasant.
That wind and Zero's burning gaze, Louise couldn't hide her feelings. Her mind was in turmoil…Wardes was a traitor. The crown prince's death…Noble union's 'Reconquista' total victory… She had to report to the Princess…For various reasons, and while Louise felt sorry for them all, right now all Louise's thoughts were blown away by the wind. After nearly escaping death, she wanted to savor the feeling of life for a while. Like that, savoring the feeling of life without limits, while pretending to sleep…Zero's face moved heart skipped a beat. Before Zero's lips met her forehead. Louise heard him say,"I'm so sorry."
Louise instinctively lifted her hand to push him away…but returned it back to her chest instead.
Strong wind hit Louise's cheeks, as Sylphid flew through the sky.
Something warm filled her heart, a heart that was wounded by sad events was healed.
Some time ago she was struggling violently against the feeling in her dream.
But at least for now…
The pleasant wind blew from a different world…
Resting her cheek against his chest, she silently fell asleep.
***Author's notes***
Hey all. Zero has labeled a particular movement as Mavericks. Even though he was technically labeled a maverick himself
And it looks like he remembered how to use some of his own personal skills.
Zero: That was Copy X, and we all know that was just an excuse. And you have no room to talk Mr. "You're not giving me a reason to give them to you". My EX skills are overpowered, but you gave me my
Messenkou? A freaking equivalent of a tactical nuke! Of all things, you gave me that? Are you freakin crazy? You also gave me all that other crap! How is that less powerful!
Well... Technically its not your Messenkou exactly. And they're not EX skills! I never claimed it was about overpowered or not. Mostly about what I liked.
Zero: Wait, you mean...
Yep.
Zero: I have no idea what to say. I wonder if any of the readers will figure it out.
We have a few bright ones. They've probably already got it all worked out. They're probably a lot smarter than I am.
Zero: They might be smart, but you're just a crazy bastard. Did ya think of that?
Yep. Well that's all for today. I hope you enjoyed Zero butchering a whole lotta people, and I hope some of the fans are starting to put at least a bit of what is happening together.
As a side note, i would like to say, I got some inspiration for this battle from X vs Zero Decisive battle 2 by Ultimatemavrickhunterx on youtube. Check it out, if you don't know much about Zero or his original capabilities, this is a pretty bad ass demonstration of him and X.
Okay, no more updates till Monday. gonna work on a bit of a buffer.