First time doing this whole talk before a chapter thing. Thank you. I appreciate all the PM's i've been sent and how much you love the story even if you don't love what's happening at certain points. I also enjoy just how far off the mark you guys are with some of your guesses, although I'm sure you guys are at least somewhat enjoying the suspense. If not, too bad ^^ Anyhow, on with the story
***Mission Start***
In the midst of my independent, solitary fights, within my already frozen heart, all this while, maybe I have been searching. From the imprisoned place. From the depths of my cold heart. For the Ivaldi who would come to save me. The coach they were in sped up. Anxiety, joy, hope, and then pride and self-respect... Fully loaded with various feelings, the coach headed towards the country border of Germania, dashing across the streets under the moonlight of the twin moons.
As she lay next to her mother, Tabitha was dreaming. At the dear Orléans mansion at the lakeside of Ragdorian Lake... There was a table at the center, and her gentle parents were having some snacks whilst chatting pleasantly. Being watched over by both of them, the doll her mother bought for her"Tabitha", the doll which could not be said to be very beautiful, beside her, she was reading a book. She was reading out "The Hero of Ivaldi" in a clear voice, a book which she had read for many times. A cheerful voice that she no longer had, was flowing out of her.
Those gentle times that had disappeared on the other side of her life, a time that could not return no matter what, they were right there.
Within the dream, Tabitha realized that she was in dreamland. That's because her father who was smiling so warmly, had already passed away.
Percerin , the butler, appeared.
"Your Highness, the guests have arrived," he informed them. Please show them here, her mother said. Charlotte's friends? That's quite rare, her father said with a smile.
Her academy friends' faces showed up at the courtyard.
With bunches of flowers in their hands, Guiche and Malicorne came forth. Montmorency was with them too.
With a somewhat embarrassed face, Louise handed Tabitha a paper bag. There were many sweets inside.
With her dazzlingly red hair, Kirche showed up. Smiling sweetly, she hugged Tabitha. Embraced by her close friend, Tabitha was touched without a reason. A friend's warmth is the hardest to substitute. Tabitha felt as if her frozen heart was melting.
Another close friend descended from the sky, and licked Tabitha.
"You have informed us, right?" Kyui, Sylphid happily purred. Tabitha gently patted the chin of her faithful familiar. Sylphid squinted her eyes.
The last one to show up was Zero. He had Derflinger attached to his back, and was chatting with the sword easily as he walked towards Tabitha slowly. As he looked at her, the smirk he wore changed to a warm smile, if only for a moment. As he placed his hand on her head he said,"Sorry, I'm late. Derf and I had a bet that I couldn't skip Axl more than seven times on the lake. I won by the way."
Tabitha smiled shyly and turned away.
"The Hero of Ivaldi", the book that she loved so much slipped from her hands as he stood before her. Was it because she had found her hero? She couldn't help but think that was she felt the warm of this gentle dream enshroud her.
***Break***
Within the deep, dark woods of Germania stood Von Zerbst Castle. But even though it was called a castle, it was considerably different from the Tristanian ones.
The old stone-made building probably had a splendid history, and the repeatedly added random extensions increased its original size twofold. The architectural style was uncertain as well. The rising top looked of ancient Tristain and Gallia archetecture, the high steeples belonged to Varon's style, while the middle wall underwent a massive transformation under Albion's architectural influence.
Next to the delicate Romalian brick tower stood a large Germanian citadel made of massive rocks… Thus, ignoring the looks and prestige, this building was a mess. Tristain's and Gallia's nobles furrowed their eyebrows upon seeing such a castle, and the respective liberty and innovation of Germania, the Country of Fire, made them frown deeply.
In this castle, within a room devoted to the cheerful and warm feeling of spring, Zero was sound asleep. For the first time, Zero had felt a need to sleep... In his sleep, Zero was dreaming. His dream was one battle... He stood glaring at an army of pantheons. His armor was in ruins, and all but his saber and buster were inoperable. He murmured,"This isn't even fun anymore." As he discarded his cloak and prepared to charge into battle. He was surprised when he heard a laugh from behind him. He turned to see Kirche standing there, her wand at ready.
"If it isn't fun, why continue? If you need help I will stand in your place."
Zero shook his head. "No. You'll die."
"It's alright." came another voice, and to Zero's surprise he saw Roll there, standing in his black armor. An even larger surprise, in this waste land, surrounded by enemies, a great number of people stood behind her. Guiche, Malicorn, Louise, Tabitha, and even Henrietta stood, their wands at ready.
"We'll take it from here." Guiche said proudly."We'll be fine because you showed us the meaning of courage." With that, the group moved as one, charging toward the enemy. Zero tried to rush after them but he felt so incredibly slow. The first to fall was Guiche, taking a buster shot to the chest. As he raced to catch up to them, his battered body not having the speed to keep up, he watched each and every one of the people who he valued, who he wanted to protect fall in front of him. He stood there, looking at the carnage as the Pantheons turned their baleful red eyes upon him. His helmet flickered with power, but it wasn't enough. An army this size was beyond his means now. Besides, for what reason did he need to fight? Everyone was dead... Because of him, because he had pulled them into battle. This was his fault and nobody elses. He deserved this... As he closed his eyes, he heard the sound of buster fire, but felt nothing, all he heard was a feminine scream. His eyes shot open and he saw Leviathan falling, crashing into him. Her body mostly destroyed by the myriad of buster fire that she had absorbed in his stead. "Why? Why the hell did you do that? You're with them right? Why did you stop them?" Zero screamed at her.
"B-because... You...saved..." Leviathan struggled out before her core failed.
Zero turned to face the pantheons. Damn it all, he'd destroyed them. Everything... All because he complained, all because he was tired of fighting, they had died. All because they had gotten close to him...Zero roared in pure rage, and he felt his power well up from within. As Zero launched himself forward he awkwardly landed on his feet pulling his saber out in a well practiced motion, but the surroundings shifted. He looked around, confused. Everyone was here... But why? How? "W-what?" Zero struggled out, his hand holding his saber high ready to attack, his helmet sparking with a high intensity. "Where? Where are we? Where are the pantheons?" Zero looked around, his eyes wild.
Leviathan was the first to speak, her spear in hand in a guarded position,"What are you talking about Zero? You went to sleep to perform some diagnostics almost a full day ago. You suddenly started screaming a few minutes ago, so we came in to try and wake you up."
"I...A dream?" Zero asked. He shuddered at the thought of it. "It was all a dream?" He laughed harshly. He rarely dreamt... And if this was what he would experience he was resolved to do so as little as possible.
"What's wrong, Zero?" Kirche asked as she took a step forward.
Zero took a step back and shook his head,"Nothing. Nothing is wrong. It's fine."
"It's not fine if you're acting like this!" Roll countered, noting the wild look and almost panicked look Zero still held.
"It's fine. Just a dream. That's all it was." Zero said, sounding as if he was trying to reassure himself more than anyone. He shook his head, trying to repress the memories. Seeing them all dead like that was something he had always feared. It had happened all too often before.
"Commander, I do not know what to say... But I believe you can talk about whatever you saw. None would call you weak, nor cowardly." Guiche said calmly as he took a step forward.
Zero shook his head violently. "It's nothing. Nothing at all. Just drop it."
Despite his better judgement Guiche shook his head. "No, I will not. Something is obviously wrong, and as your subordinate, nay your friend I would like to think... I can not let it simply pass."
"You probably won't get anything out of him. He'd take on the world before he does something he doesn't' want to do." Leviathan said regretfully, drawing the gaze of everyone in the room. "It's the truth. Zero's been the focal point of battle for a very long time. He always fights for what is 'right' no mater what anyone else things. With that much resolve, how are we to force anything out of him?"
"...Well, you can all start wearing those 'black cat' outfits that Zero loves so much. I'm sure that would be a good starting point." Said Axl who was standing outside the window looking in, Charity floating behind him, looked at Zero in a concerned fashion.
"I'm not in the mood for this Axl." Zero warned his friend.
"And? That's exactly why I say it." Axl shot back. "Besides, I have ways of making you speak."
With a growl Roll walked over to the window, already in her black armor. "Have we forgotten our talk so soon?" she ground out angrily.
"I didn't say how I had ways of making him sing." Axl replied with a shrug.
"And it wasn't going to involve either of those two?" Roll asked skeptically.
Axl shrugged,"Well, not gonna say yes or no now."
"As much fun as you're seeming to have with this, it was just a dream and that's all." Zero replied as he tried taking a step forward only to have Tabitha step in his path and look at him. She didn't say anything. She just stared. In that stare, Zero couldn't help but find an understanding and sighed as he turned away. "Listen, it was just about a fight alright? It was around the time I separated from Ciel and fought a nation on my own for a full year. It was part of the final battle before my body shut down." Zero said, hoping that they wouldn't dig any deeper.
"Ah... I see..." Guiche said, wondering just how bad a battle it must have been to cause Zero to wish to forget about it. The room became silent at this.
"I'm sorry, but I don't believe that for a moment." Leviathan said when nobody else spoke. "I know of that fight, and everything else you did during your battles against Neo Arcadia. The only time I've ever seen you looking that murderous was on the security feeds in the dark elf sealing room when..." Leviathan shuddered at the memory of the saber that had plunged into her Master's chest, ensuring his physical death, and the massive surge of power that Zero had released that had overpowered even the Dark Elf. "Whatever you dreamt about had nothing at all to do with you."
"Whatever you want to think. I already told you what my dream was about." Zero said, as he gently moved Tabitha to the side and made for the door. He was surprised to have Charity fly up and glare at him, effectively halting his movement. "What? Now you're yelling at me? I told them what the dream was about!" When the cyber elf looked at him, her eyes lidded and shook her head he couldn't help but look away. "Okay I told them most of it. The rest of it isn't important. It's not possible, so it's not a big deal."
"It sure as hell seemed like a big deal with you jumping out of your bed with your saber in hand, looking for all the world like you were about to fight for your life!" Leviathan cried.
Zero just looked at her and shrugged. "Fine, you want to know? You're going to push it? It was at the beginning of that last battle. You see, I was more or less on my last legs. I made a complaint about it not being fun anymore, just like I did then. Then you," Zero said pointing at Kirche,"Made some stupid comment about why do it? That you would step in for me. All of you. Every single one of you agreed and stepped in to fight my battle. It lasted seconds. Not one of you lived. Not even Leviathan. And only after you were all dead, only after I had lost everything, after every single thing I held dear was ripped away from me... Did i finally fucking do something about it. Just like last time!" Zero said in a deadly tone, leaving the room in shock at what he had just said.
Axl with a quick look at Charity said,"Ya know... I think it's even worse than we thought..." to which the cyber elf nodded and sped after Zero. With that he looked at the other girls and said,"Well, I've got to get back to what I was doing now that I'm sure Zero's alright. I felt a flare of power and then... Nothing. But anyhow, I'll be at the academy in a few weeks with what info I manage to get. Keep Zero under control while I'm gone. No small wars please. Involving him, or with him as the objective." Axl said playfully as he took off before anyone could answer.
***Break***
Roll looked at Leviathan as they sat in the garden near a beautiful fountain. "What should we do? You've known him longer than any of us, minus Axl."
"Listen, he's a combat reploid. Can you guess how long a combat reploid normally lasts?"
Roll shook her head.
"On average, a good combat reploid has a eighty percent chance of dying in it's first year. after the next twenty are more likely to live for about a hundred years on average. X, Zero, and apparently this Axl have been at it for far, far longer than any of them. Irregularities show up in many and are put down even if they're not 'mavericks'. But those three couldn't be put down, seeing as they were heroes who had saved the world repeatedly... I suppose this is why Zero was sealed away. He couldn't be killed, but at the same time... He couldn't be kept around. he couldn't adjust. The records that we found in an underwater facility showed that he had opted to be sealed away. He had not fought nor argued against it. He understood what type of danger he was, and if Master X had turned his buster on him at that point... I do not believe Zero would have fought."
Roll's eyes widened in horror as tears rolled down her face. "But that's... that's horrible!"
"So is a maverick combat reploid who can kill hundreds or in Zero's case million without any effort."
Roll looked at the unapologetic look on the girl's face. "So is that what you intend to do? Do you intend to put him down so to speak?" she demanded, barely contained rage in her voice.
"Of course not. I am just saying what I know. Zero goes against everything I do know. I have never been able to figure him out. The only time I have ever successfully figured out what he would do is when I went against everything I knew to be logical or sensible. While he has been the loss of much human life, it has been the human life that has could be most closely associated to mavericks. His time in the orphanage shows that he still is a gentle soul regardless of what he feels needs to be done at times. But I do not know what to do since we can't seal him here. We don't have the ability."
"Well.. We..." Roll stammered then shook her head,"No you're right. we can't seal him so the best way to deal with this is to get him better. If we're this human like... Maybe we can Diagnose this like a human mental illness and start from there?"
"Do you honestly think Zero would be open for that? We had to use the power of the strange kid and 'Charity' to get him to talk about a dream. What about the other horrors? Even I wasn't around for the elf wars. it was insane. Do you not understand how powerful he really is? It scares me." Leviathan said somberly.
Roll looked at Leviathan, her eyes wide in surprise. "You're afraid of Zero?'
"No! I'm afraid of what he's done to me. Already my system change. I'm becoming not me. I'm still me, I still feel the same way but at the same time, I feel my own power growing. I have limited usage of water again, if only to push and pull it slightly... If this keeps up I'll be just as powerful as he will be eventually! Do you know how much that scares me? And like him I won't have any limiting factors..."
"Oh I'm sure I do understand. I have the same problem. But you don't realize just what the biggest change to you will become." Roll said, a sad smile on her face.
"Oh, and what the hell is that supposed to mean?' Leviathan demanded," What else didn't he tell me about what he did to me? Did he link me to him? Is he going to be able to control me?"
"Provided you follow the same path that we seem to be on... You're going to make a fine mother someday, Leviathan. If you can keep your mood a bit more moderated." Roll said with a tight smile.
"What did you just say?" Leviathan asked in disbelief.
"You heard me. You'll be as capable as Zero and soon, myself of interacting with each other or humans in such a fashion. None of the humans are to know this."
"Trying to keep this to yourself so you can have him? Alright I'll agree to this, for Master X's older sister." Leviathan replied.
"No. Zero wishes for nobody to know. But what he did to you opens up this possibility. When you look at it that way it would be far more unfair to keep you in the dark. We've been given a... Gift of sorts. Something my father would have loved. Something that goes together with another project I have been working on... But if these both bear fruit, then there will be a very fine line between humans and robots. We can live in peace. Just like father wanted."
"Hmph. Sounds like a crazy old man." Leviathan commented, rolling her eyes at such blatant idealism.
"He's the man who built X, but decided that the world would not be ready for him, so he sealed him into a program with myself and my brother for thirty years to test him. He was a man who understand how bad humanity could be... But he never lost hope, he always wanted to give people the chance. He loved both humans and robots. He wasn't crazy, but he had a good heart... I think it is where Rock and X get it from."
"Don't leave yourself out. You seem like a nice enough girl." Leviathan commented.
"That may be, but I'm happy I do not need to tell the other girls about this. I'm happy in some ways I can share a secret... And if there was anything I could do to grab Zero's attention I would. He's the only reminder of home... And on top of that, he came into my life, woke me up, saved my life, and then did his best to wake up the single greatest obstacle of his creator. He woke me in this body, and has done nothing bout court me. He has done everything right, but he doesn't seem to understand! And he somehow does it to everyone he meets. He even has his own fanboys following him around, and I know there are a few interested in him that way as well!"
Leviathan looked at the smaller girl in disbelief. "Are you saying?"
"I... There are things I wouldn't do for him, but... I want him to be mine. He woke me up, he called me beautiful, and gave me these earrings... He has worked with me and listened to my ideas without ridicule, he's gotten along well with my older brother and has given me a window into the person that was my younger one..." Roll said, hot tears spilling from her eyes as she said this. "But that damned fool seems to be determined to get himself killed. You were less than a centimeter from piercing his core... I might have been able to repair it but I do not know if would have been the same Zero... And I'm worried about losing him to one of those girls. If he falls in love with one, he's going to out live them by a long time. That's just going to hurt him more! He's hurt enough! Every time I see or hear about him meeting one of those girls in his past his face clouds up and he puts that stupid mask up against everything, and I don't know what to do!"
"Well... You could beat the feelings out of him. It's how we came to our understandings..." Leviathan suggested.
"I... I don't think that's how it works..."
"You don't know till you try right?"
***Break***
Both Tabitha and her mother had been saved from Gallia's old castle six days ago. Two nights ago, they had arrived at Kirche's family's, the Von Zerbst's, residence in Germania. Louise, Roll, Zero, Kirche, Guiche and Montmorency, Malicorne, Leviathan, Tabitha and her mother; overall - nine people and Sylphid managed to safely cross the border. From the opening, Zero glanced into the room.
Mother and child, hugging each other tight, were sleeping soundly on the big bed.
Tabitha and her mother had been saved by Zero and the others. "Anyway, they are finally safe."
Louise, who stood by his side, nodded. "Oh well. Besides, this is Germania… Gallia can't do much here."
Zero nodded, though he had been feeling uneasy since yesterday. Trying to shake himself out of whatever it was that was making him feel this way he asked, "Hey, yesterday, when you sent the letter, what were you doing?"
The previous night, Louise sent a letter addressed to Henrietta in Tristain by owl. It was filled with Louise's lengthy apologies and an update on their return. First, it began with a report that Tabitha had been rescued safely, followed by an apology for defying her wishes even if she had agreed in the end. She also wrote her intent to take any punishment that the Princess believed that she deserved. "I had to write it. The princess gave us an order and you forced her hand. Even if she agreed to let you go, that does not change the fact that you threatened her royal person, and forced her to allow you to go. I will still throw myself upon her mercy, no matter what."
"Don't talk like that. We got permission, right?" Zero replied,"Besides,a s you said, it's my fault anyhow."
"I still chose to come..." Louise replied sadly."Partially because I was angry at princess..."
Before anything else could be said, Kirche walked into the room announcing,"Oh Louise, I have a gift for you!"
"Not needed." Louise replied looking away from the taller girl.
"It's a letter from Tristain."
Louise looked at the letter with a tense face. "She answered this fast... I do not know why she answered it so quickly..."
"Surely, it must be because she is so relieved to hear of your success, that gentle queen of your country." Said a relaxed Kirche as she spread her hands.
Louise carefully eyed the letter that Kirche passed to her. The envelope was made from high-class parchment and had the Kingdom of Tristain's signature placed on it. The Crest of Lilies that she got used to seeing a reply from Henrietta. In this letter, mine and the others' fates are written. Did she change her mind? Would she really accept them back? Her hand trembled from the tension. Zero watched her face and smiled reassuringly. Guiche, Montmorency, and Malicorne held their breath too, waiting for Louise to open the letter...
***Break***
In the workroom of Tristain's Royal Palace, the Queen worried alone. She had just sent a letter to Louise in Germania.
She was relieved and happy that her friend was safe, but though it had not turned out badly, she still felt uneasy.
As Henrietta read the letter that Louise had Right now, for Gallia, this doesn't mean a thing…"she let out a long sigh, just as a knock came from the door."Who is it?"
"It's me, Your Majesty." It was Musketeer Commander Agnes.
"Aah, you came at a good time, Commander." Henrietta stood up and opened the door. Agnes and a few of her troops stood there, prideful and hard as steel. The Queen showed a thankful expression.
"Please choose a few trusted subordinates and get ready to go."
"We are prepared to leave anytime. Your Majesty has only to tell us where." Interrupted by one of Agnes' eager soldiers,
Henrietta gave a slight smile. "To the La Valliere estate, then. Since it is an informal visit, please prepare a suitable coach too."
"Is something worrying you?" Agnes, noticing Henrietta's tired face, asked before leaving the room.
"Yes - the letter that came from Louise." Henrietta said, then noticing the concerned look from Agnes she smiled.
"Did something happen?"
"That's not it. She wrote that she would respectfully accept any punishment I deem necessary. Does that child not understand how worried she makes me?"
"Are you not going to punish her?"
Henrietta became silent.
"Was there an official protest from Gallia?" Agnes asked.
Henrietta shook her head.
"Then there are no punishments that need be given. While you objected at first, you relented in the end. No, Gallia has been acting seditious lately, so having a former royal family member or two at hand would not be politically bad at all. They also managed to turn another of the void familiar's to our side as well. The benefits compensate for the risks. They even removed an elf that could easily have been used against you, so how about settling with giving no rewards or punishments considering the disrespect and danger to the country that was present?" Agnes explained, sagely.
"You are kind, Commander."
"Your Majesty, why do you insist on passing the judgment at La Valliere's house?
"I wanted to publicly show that even though she is my friend, justice will be delivered fairly."
Agnes watched Henrietta with gentle eyes. "You are overdoing it, Your Majesty. The court will be witnessed by the noble family members."
"And for that reason, I need to show firm resolve."Henrietta, in a gesture of a thoughtful, fastidious girl, bit her lip.
Agnes smoothly drew her sword."I am Your Majesty's sword. Just order me and I will serve you with this sword. Yet, I am a sword and a shield. Whenever there is danger, I will shield Your Majesty with my body. However, how many of those court nobles are Your Majesty's swords and shields? Reliable in need, with the ethics and reason of a simple servicewoman like me, who would be completely devoted to Your Majesty. Who, with a heart of steel, would not doubt you no matter what. If you have such friends – value them dearly, Your Majesty."
Hearing Agnes's words, Henrietta bit her lip. Her restless fingers started fiddling with her skirt.
"But I agree with Your Majesty, remission without discipline is not acceptable. In this case, I will trust Your Majesty's judgment. Then how about repaying for that little unpaid work from before?"
Henrietta shifted uneasily.
"We need everyone's consent."
"And how many these 'everyone' could equal them in their noble deed?"
Henrietta became silent.
"It is everyone's answer."
Agnes bowed and went out of the working room to prepare the queen's carriage. Left alone, Henrietta watched the letter from Louise.
Then she made a face that was about to cry. "Everyone is just so selfish! People's hearts are a mystery! Not just me, father, the whole family!" After spewing out all those angry words, Henrietta pressed the letter against her heart. Besides, there was something she needed to talk with Louise's family about. It was really saddening. However, the first thing she needed to do was express her gratitude for her friends' safety, Henrietta thought. "I am glad you are alright. Thank you, Founder Brimir, for bringing my friends back, safe and sound."
After leaving the workroom, Agnes went to the stable to prepare the horses. After that, she went towards the musketeers' building nearby, and after calling the vice-commander of the troops, gave her the instructions on what to do during her absence. It didn't take long to finish the preparations. And now, riding a horse, she passed under the castle gates.
There, waiting for Agnes, stood a man whose face was hidden by a deep hood.
***Break***
In the La Valliere castle, powerful family members gathered and waited impatiently. A gorgeous lunch was served on the big table in the dining room; however, no one tried to touch the dishes.
Duke de La Valliere was sitting at the end of the table, his hard gray eyes were shining. His fist hit the table. Even though the sound was loud, no one, including servants, moved a muscle. It was not unusual for the duke to express his anger this openly "Louise, that chit, does she have an idea how worried she makes us?"
"It is as father says. Without the family's consent, she takes part in a war, crosses the national borders without permission, and sneaks into Gallia! It could turn into another war!"
Eleonore's sharp eyes were blazing behind her glasses when she agreed with her father's words. She gathered the information that leaked out of Tristania's academy.
Cattleya was silently listening to her father and elder sister's words, before her Louise-like pink hair started to shake as she began pleasantly laughing. "Isn't it great? Helping out a classmate from Gallia – how heroic. I'm proud of her."
Eleonore gave Cattleya a piercing glare. "This is not the time for laughs. Weren't you the one helping out that child last time? While you do not bring it up, I remember how you have taken her to the side and comforted her in your own way."
"Hmm, I can't remember such thing." Eleonore turned her face away, with a scowl.
Cattleya continued to laugh softly.
"Really? But this time this child broke the country's laws. Isn't Her Majesty coming here for this – to give her direct judgment? It could even mean the destruction of the whole family!" Eleanore said heatedly.
"You are exaggerating." Cattleya said while laughing."With all Louise and her Familiar have done, I doubt very much that she would pass a harsh judgement. Her familiar has already proven a match for any army brought against this country, and I do not see them doing anything to jeopardize him as an asset. And even if she were, I do not believe Zero would allow anything at all to happen to her."
"I am not exaggerating. As it is, because in the previous cases we did not send troops to the war, the government is not likely to be merciful. And is it just Zero now, instead of familiar?" Eleonore shot back.
The La Valliere duke hadn't sent even a single soldier during the recent Albion campaign as a protest for the attendance of their daughter. As a result, an enormous military service exemption tax was imposed. Though the La Valliere duke house obediently paid it, the nobles who went to the war criticized the duke as a "disloyal."
"He does have a name, and he has earned the title given to him. He has also given me a new lease upon my life. The actions that they have taken is not a revolt against the royal family. Besides, isn't Louise her majesty's friend? I don't think there will be a severe punishment given." Cattelya disagreed.
"She would not remember such an old thing. Besides, Louise returns from the Von Zerbst estate, right? The Ancestors would grieve hearing such a thing." Eleanore argued.
Then the sisters both fell silent as their mother, Duchess de La Valliere, opened her mouth."Before receiving judgment from Her Majesty, this family has its own punishment to deal."
With these words, the air in the dining room froze. The face of Duke de La Valliere blanched."P-Punishment to deal?"
"As stated, I will deal it myself."
The servants, who stood silently behind them, started to tremble.
Eléonore had an unusually strained smile on her lips. "I-It's nothing mother should be concerned with… Right, Cattleya?"
Cattleya's voice was nervous for a moment, remembering Zero's treatment of her own sister, and the evil looked he had when he spoke about dealing with her parents... She did not know if she would have a mother should this come to pass... "I-I think so too."
Duke de La Valliere coughed."Umm, Karin. It's like the daughters say. Nothing to bother with… Right Jerome?"
The duke requested an agreement from the butler. "Ah, I have to go. I just remembered I have things to do."
The old butler hastily retreated. As if by a signal, all servants left the dining room together.
Simultaneously, with the stomping sounds of the closing door, the duchess stood up. Her expression didn't change. However, something strong rose swaying in slow motion from her body.
"It's my responsibility for my daughter's carelessness, thus I myself will educate her. Isn't that so?"
Duke de La Valliere, with trembling fingers began to fiddle with his mustache. He recalled the old times. Youth, beauty, and the severe past of his wife…
"It is so! A-Asking for a strict lecture! Give me a second…"
These words were muted by a strong roaring sound. Dust fluttered down the table. Looking up, one could see the whole wall vanish completely, under the indescribably powerful spell.
The duchess who was holding the wand, shook her head and said.
"Even more so – we cannot look weak Well, I think so anyway."
"K-Karin! Therefore Louise"
The duchess glared at her husband's face.
"She is your and my daughter! It has to look strict! A long time from now, when you're looking back, you'll see her being raised up wrong because of your selfish whim!"
At the shout of his wife, the duke instinctively ducked his head.
"S-Sorry!"
"Our family is important, our daughter is important as well; I don't want to pass on either. That's why the "Heavy Wind" will give the punishment to our daughter. Her Majesty will see."
***break***
"Hey, Louise. Tell me what's wrong?" Zero was watching Louse with concern. Since the carriage entered La Valliere's territory, Louise had been trembling for a while. It was at the same time intense and restless.
Sitting on the opposite seat, Guiche, Malicorne, and Montmorency mysteriously watched Louise too.
"Do you have a fever? Are you cold?" Kirche, who was sitting next to Zero, placed a hand on surprisingly cold fingers and asked in a shocked voice.
Tabitha was sitting next them. Her mother was left in Kirche's residence rather than taking her to Tristain. Though Kirche recommended for her to remain in residence with her mother, Tabitha was stubborn. Well, she could leave Kirche's residence safely, as Tabitha would be taken as part of their traveling party. Tabitha's mother's mind was still because of the sickness, but she started to like seeing Tabitha more often and was not frightened by her anymore.
"Hey Tabitha, don't you agree that Louise is acting strange?"
Ignoring what was said, Tabitha cast a glance at Louise. Unusually, she was not reading a book. Tabitha could see Louise's shoulders shivering. "Frightened." She said.
"When invading the Alhambra castle, she was not scared. But now, returning to her parents and family, she is? Strange child."
Zero recalled what he knew about Louise's parents, only increasing his rage. Louise's eldest sister, Eleonore, who took Louise's personality to an even further to an extreme… Can one be blamed to be scared of such a family? "What's the real difference anyhow, you went to war without the families permission."
"Circumstances are different." Louise said in a shaky voice.
"Circumstances?" Zero promted
"Taking part in a war without permission was not breaking the 'rules'"
Zero lightly tapped Louise's shoulder. "It can't be that bad."
"On the contrary. In my family, if one violates the regulations, being hated is as bad as being dead."Louise hugged herself with both hands and started trembling heavily.
"Don't worry. Your family can't hurt you." Roll said calmly.
"M-M-M-M..."
"M-?"
"Mother."
Zero tried to revive what information he had on Louise's mother, but he had been given no real information on the woman aside from one comment from the older sister who said it was better that she punish her than the mother. Zeero shrugged. "Don't worry, it's not like she can do anything to you."
Hearing that, Louise clutched her stomach as if in pain.
"Louise, is your mother that scary?"Malicorne said in a slightly nasally voice.
In a heavy voice, as if cursing, Louise spit out. "Do you… know the former commander of the Manticore Corps?"
"Who would not know about such celebrity! Karin the 'Heavy Wind' was it? It is said that the lower half of her face was always covered with an iron mask… She served the kingdom since the start as a wind user. They called this magic a 'heavy wind,' but 'raging storm' would have been a more appropriate name for it."
Guiche, after Malicorne's words, also recalled few things. "When Eustace raised a revolt, wasn't it the 'Heavy Wind' who suppressed it single-handedly? Father told me, that when he was young, he led his troops to take over the Cardin Bridge, but it was already taken over by Karin the Heavy Wind. And that it has been said that the Heavy Wind used to work alone."
Soon, they began telling one after another, old hero stories.
"When Germanian troops were skirmishing at the border, it is said that once the rumors spread that 'the Wind' was at the front-line, enemies ran away."
"However, there are rumors that she was a very beautiful person. According to the rumor, she was a beauty in male attire…"
"Indeed. But one has to wonder, does such a strong woman disguised as a man… Really exist?"
Guiche's face paled once he heard Montmorency's words. "C-Could it be that Karin the Heavy Wind is…"
Louise said in a strained voice. "My mother."
Everyone in the carriage looked at each other, and then nervously at Louise.
"You're not lying, are you?" Guiche asked
"I am not. D-Do you know the motto of Manticore unit of that time?"
All the party members shook their heads. As one might expect, no one knew the motto of the corps.
"Rule of steel. My mother hates the lack of discipline the most."
"Honestly, I don't see the problem. You fought for something that was right, and to save someone from injustice..." Leviathan said,"I don't see how your family could be angry about this... Humans don't make any sense to me..."
"We don't make sense to each other either," Kirche said sadly.
"Just like reploids." Zero said as he leaned back and closed his eyes. "We're all the same that way."
***break***
It was the morning of the second day since leaving Tristain when the Queen's carriage crossed the drawbridge of the La Valliere residence. Since it was a low-profile visit, other than Agnes and Colbert, there were only five musketeers guarding the wagon.
As the party passed the bridge and gates, the servants who gathered there rejoiced. The flagpole in the front yard had the Lilies emblem, the arms of the Tristanian royal family, on it. A small courtesy for the incognito queen.
When Agnes got off the horse, she opened the door of the carriage.
The armor of a magic knight was seen in the center of the stairs that continued to the castle. Agnes squinted at it.
"What's the matter, commander?"
Then Henrietta saw the knight who stood at the center of the stairs, and gasped in surprise.
"That's the armor of the Manticore Corps."
Indeed, the armor had the big black mantel with the Manticore Corps' emblem sewn on it.
"But the Manticore Corps works at the castle now. Besides, that shuttlecock decoration… That hat belongs to a commander."
"But the body is too thin to be De Cesaire."
"Perhaps it's not his to begin with."
The knight slowly went down stairs. Musketeers, surrounding the Queen, watched the figure intensely with their hands on their guns.
Then Agnes took one step forth and blocked the knight's path. The lower half of his face, under the knight's hat decorated with shuttlecock, was covered with an iron mask. Feeling intense pressure for the moment, Agnes grasped the handle of her sword.
"Are you a friend of Duke de La Valliere? To go out to meet Her Majesty like this - it's too much even for a prank. Introduce yourself."
However, the knight ignored Agnes's words, and knelt down on one knee in respect.
"It's been a long time, Your Majesty. However, you will surely not remember me, because it has been a good 30 years since the last time I served the castle."
"Umm…" Henrietta, with an open-jaw, looked at the knight. Indeed, though the mantle's colors faded a lot over the years, it was still nicely kept - neither stain nor tear could be found.
"I am Karin, the former commander of the Manticore corps. However, even though I introduced myself with a different name back then, my loyalty for the royal family has not changed."
Henrietta had heard about the former commander of Manticore Corps, so her face turned pale.
"Then, you are Karin the Heavy Wind?"
"Yes, I am honored that you know the name."
"Of course I know – you are infamous! Agnes, this is Karin the Heavy Wind, the legendary magic knight commander! I grew up hearing about her heroic adventures! She was like an army on to herself!"Henrietta had the face of a starry-eyed little girl as she took Karin's hand. "I had yearned to meet you so much since childhood! Fire dragon extermination! Rescue of a city attacked by orcs, the Gorgeous use of weapons! Presence massive as a mountain! The age when nobles were still noble, and true knights. A lot of knights respect you and try to be just like you!"
"It's embarrassing." Karin replied demurely."I just did what humble best I could to serve my kingdom."
"What would you say? I-I know all your adventures by memory! You are a woman, right? After you retired, though, I heard that you disappeared like the wind, but you were with La Vallieres. What are you doing now?"
Karin removed her mask abruptly. Seeing her face, Henrietta's eyes almost popped from their sockets.
"Duchess! You are the Duchess!"
Agnes was surprised too.
"Then, this…"
"In other words, I am the Duchess de La Valliere – the mother of Louise"
"I took the opportunity to marry and took off my armor. But it is a long story since that time, so please pardon me."
"I understand, but why"
Henrietta wanted to ask why she now wore the armor that she previously took off.
Karin stood up straight.
"For today, I am not the Duchess Karin. I am Karin, the former commander of the Manticore Corps, who respects the rule of steel. And I will punish that law breaking daughter of mine. This will be the proof of my loyalty to Your Majesty and family."
"Punishment? Heavy Wind's punishment on Louise?"
Henrietta watched Karin in deep shock, shaking her head. Her face turned pale. She had gone there with the intention to punish Louise, so her feelings withered for a moment. But this person would give a much more severe punishment than she herself intended. Should the punishment be dealt, Louise would die for sure!
"You should not be violent! I came here to deal with Louise's punishment myself. Because I am young, at first I was resented. However, I thought about it a lot. Though Louise passed national borders certainly without my permission I am also worried about it as a friend too. Just a strong reprimand will do, I do not intend to give a violent penalty."
"Your Majesty, your words are kind, and you feel regretful. However, Your Majesty's royal prerogative is of the sacred non-aggression given by the Founder. Thus, you have to protect the laws of the country promulgated in that name, too."
Karin quickly raised her right hand. From the shade of the castle, a huge, black shadow flew. A strong dust storm rose as it touched the ground.
It was an old and huge mythical beast, the Manticore.
"If the laws of the country that should be respected are neglected, Your Majesty should keep her royal principles. But because the law-breaker is my own daughter, I cannot forgive it all the more."
Karin effortlessly flew up fifty meters and straddled the manticore.
"M-miss Karin!"
The Manticore flapped its huge wings. And, with amazing speed, the mythical beast flew up to the sky with its master.
***break***
La Valliere's castle was closer to the border of Germania than the capital. After passing the nation's borders at three o'clock, they could already see the high steeples of the castle.
"H-Hey Louise… Your mother is really the Heavy Wind of the Manticore Corps?" Guiche asked nervously. Louise did not say a thing. Louise passed her time trembling and staring at the ceiling.
"As good as thirty years passed, maybe she's changed? Nah? It is not unreasonable that the scary knight of the past mellowed out over the years. Even if you say punishment, I think you will just be grounded, at most."Malicorne said comfortingly.
"…You don't understand." Louise said in the voice of someone at her own execution.
"Violence is part of youth, no human can keep it steady forever," Montmorency rationalized.
"…You just don't understand." Louise repeated.
"Don't worry so much." Roll said gently,"We're with you."
"…Saying so plainly, my mother. That person…"
"Don't worry. I'll protect you." Zero said calmly.
"Really! Even if she was the legendary Heavy Wind, she may just be a Duchess now! Refined by society, she may have completely forgotten the dust and dirt of the battlefield!" Kirche said hotly.
At that time, Tabitha pointed to the window, "A manticore-riding knight."
Louise suddenly sprung to her feet, and as if overtaken by panic, broke the window of the carriage and flew outside.
A huge tornado appeared and followed Louise's tracks.
"W-What's that?" Roll demanded.
Zero drew Derflinger and jumped out of the carriage himself. The tornado enlarged and moved to hit the entire carriage, but Zero extended both hands out in front of himself, creating a barrier of green light, holding it at bay. The violent power of the spell blew him back after a few moments, and the carriage and its occupants were sent flying as well.
All of the occupants with the exception of Tabitha screamed as they were thrown about. "I give up" Kirche cried out.
Tabitha was silent.
"I'm going to kill whoever that is!" Leviathan screamed, her spear extending and it's blade shining with light.
It was as if a huge hand made of wind grabbed the carriage and lifted it up.
The seven screaming people were hitting walls, seats, and each other. Then the tornado stopped abruptly and the wagon fell to the ground.
"Falling! Falling! Falling!" Guiche screamed. The decent of everyone stopped as the knight had placed the "Levitation" spell on them.
Though the wagon slowly landed, the party was mostly scattered and worn out inside the carriage. Leviathan had her spear drawn, and Roll had her buster pointed at the person in armor as they exited the carriage. Zero was glaring at the person who had attacked them with such a massive force.
Riding atop a huge manticore, the knight wearing a black mantle appeared. That must have been Louise's mother. However, she was frightening. Standing there, it looked like "stern" was the character of this knight and that "fear" was deeply emblazoned in this armored doll-like figure.
Then she stopped at the fallen Louise and called out to her daughter. "Get up, Louise."
Louise raised herself. "Mother..." She was shaking violently as if suffering from a strong cold. Like a small dog threatened by a big German shepherd. Though Louise could be scary when she was angry as well, this had a completely different feeling to it – it was like comparing a bear to a rat.
"You. Report what you have broken to your mother."
"That b-border without permission, umm"
"I cannot hear you."
"B-Border crossing without permission."
The tornado flew. It caught Louise and threw her into the air, but before she could meet the apex of her flight, Zero rushed in, catching her.
"Who are you to interfere in such a way?" Karin demanded.
"Louise's Familiar, Zero." he said meeting her eyes with his own black ones.
"Ah, yes... I had heard of you. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am sorry that you feel you must act this way though. A familiar is their master's shield. For that reason, the shield needs to be blown off. No hard feelings I hope?"
"Hard feelings for whatever you think you can do to me? No. Although..." Zero's helmet flickered as his rage responded to his memories of Louise, of her actions, of her complexes. He seemed to understand a little better now. She had attempted to use a tornado on her daughter as punishment. Zero couldn't even comprehend what could have happened to cause the people of this world to think that something like that might be sane, much less acceptable! As Zero's gaze met Karin's she did not flinch. "There are plenty of hard feelings for a monster like you. Although I probably shouldn't be speaking ill of the dead."
"A monster?" She asked incredulously. "What would make you think I am a monster. And I certainly don't feel my impending mortality coming upon me."
Zero just looked at her, purely disgusted by her presence. "You think you're doing something good for her? You think this type of abuse is alright?" as he pulsed with energy again, everyone but Leviathan, Roll and Karin were swept off their feet. "You do these horrible things with your own two hands, and consider it alright?"
"What are you going on about? You have no right to criticize how I deal with my daughters." Karin replied, chanting a quick air hammer that slammed into Zero sending him flying. With a confident nod, she assumed that the mouthy young man would be done for after that, but much to her surprise he stood right back up.
"Too weak..." Zero replied as he stood up, an insane smirk on his face. The lines of energy crossed his armor again and his hair had turned to the same snowy white.
"What did you say?" Karin demanded.
"I said too damned weak! You think you're some kind of hero? You think you've got some sort of right to do this? You're nothing compared to a real hero, you have no power!" Zero replied, swinging his saber down creating a wave of energy that Karin only barely dodged with the help of a wind spell. Her eyes widened as she saw the damage to the land that the young man had caused.. "You think something like that could kill me? I've been blown in half and was still more powerful than you. I've fought alongside a real hero! I may not be one, but I sure as hell know the power of one! So go ahead. Give me another shot. Try again, that way I can be justified when I remove your head."
As Karin raised her wand in rage, Zero stood there unmoving. Karin chanted a spell familiar to both Zero and Louise. Within a few moments a wave of electricity far superior to what even Wardes had cast barreled towards Zero who stood calmly. At the last moment he placed both hands forward, and a green light enveloped him. Suddenly the energy was turned back towards Karin who used her own magic to mitigate the damage it would cause. Even with that though, her arms screamed in pain.
"Come on, that's all you've got? Try again." Zero taunted her. "You've got that whole rule of strength right? Show me you're stronger than me. I've yet to see anything special from you. You're nothing more than low class garbage. I've killed more powerful grunts than you."
"Damn you, what are you?' Karin hissed.
"Zero." was the only reply given as he charged forward slamming his fist into her chest, denting the armor in and crushing some of the woman's ribs as it sent her flying.
With a grunt of pain, Karin struggled to her feet, breathing laboriously, "You think that I'll back down?" She demanded.
"I'm hoping not. If you back down I don't get to tear you down and show you just how powerless you really are before I end this farce." Zero replied coldly."So keep on fighting. Show me the power and pride of a noble. Show me what gives you the right to pass judgement like you do. Because... I'm going to enjoy ripping you to pieces. And I do mean that quite literally."
"You'll learn your place, familiar," Karin replied darkly as she chanted again, ignoring the pain in her chest, and the coppery taste of blood in her mouth. A tornado like the one that had destroyed the wagon and carriage appeared behind her, but in it there appeared to be glittering ice, giving it an all together sinister look.
"Hey partner! That's way more dangerous than the one you dealt with before! Those shards of ice are just like razors!" Derflinger cried from his shoulder.
"Then I guess we're gonna mix legendary magics then, aren't we Derf?" Zero asked, a smile on his face.
"Wait, what?" Derflinger asked, in a panic as Zero drew him.
"Don't worry. I'm pretty certain this will work. Trust me!" Turning to look back at the still shivering Louise Zero called out,"Louise. Dispel that tornado!"
Louise looked at Zero doubtfully. then at the large tornado.
"Do it Louise. Show her just how far you've come. Cast the spell. Me and Derf will hold it off!" Zero cried as he held Derflinger out, a thin green layer of energy seemed to extend around him as Zero jumped towards the tornado, slamming Derflinger towards it and causing it to somehow stop in it's tracks. Slowly, very slowly though, Zero was getting pushed back.
Louise, upon seeing Zero in such a dangerous situation snapped. Standing up and taking her wand in hand she started chanting her Dispel. When the aria hit it's peak she turned her wand on the Tornado and released her will. Within moments the Tornado was nothing more than a memory, the ice inside of it falling to the ground harmlessly.
When Karen finally recovered from the shock of having her own daughter stand up to her and somehow stop her square class spell and attempted to utter an incantation again, something pressed against her neck. She felt a shooting pain as her a hand closed on her wrist breaking it. But still her gauntleted hand held its wand with what little strength she had.
Zero stood in front of her, a somehow pleasant smile on his face, Derflinger pressed to her throat. "Hi. Anything left to say to your daughter before you go? I'd suggest something motherly so that she can remember you as something other than a monster, but either way I don't particularly care."
"Please stop it! That's enough! Please stop!" Cried Henrietta who had rode by horse all the way from La Valliere castle. Agnes was right behind her.
"I won't tolerate any more fights in front of me! Moreover, they are parent and child! If you want to continue, you'll have to turn your wand against me!" Henrietta cried out, her crystal wand in hand.
Following the queen's words, Karin's lose grip on her wand ended and her wand dropped to the ground. Zero's sword stayed in it's position, and he made no move to back away.
"Zero..." Louise said nervously.
"I'm thinking about it." Zero replied cheerfully, holding the blade against the woman's throat. Suddenly his hand moved and everyone gasped as he moved the sword across her neck in a slashing movement. Karin eyes widened as she felt herself pushed back by the blade, but strangely felt no pain. She had always expected an injury like that to... hurt...
Henrietta ran up to the fallen Karin, but was surprised to note that there was no damage to her throat. "How... I just saw..." She murmured, inspecting the unblemished neck. Seeing the difficulty the woman was having breathing she did her best to heal her with the water magic she had at her disposal.
"It was all in the name of science, really. I keep gettting told to use my brain, so I decided I wanted to try placing counter placed upon Derflinger. It thought it might be a useless spell if you're not being attacked. Turns out I was right. If I was wrong, no loss, considering who it would have killed. But since it worked the way I thought it would, I guess we can consider this a message for next time. I won't use counter. Your whole head will come off." Zero replied as he replaced Derflinger in his scabbard, glaring down at the prone woman, his black eyes causing her to shiver involuntarily as she coughed blood.
"Um. Partner. next time you're going to do something crazy like that, tell me! I thought I was gonna kill her!" Derflinger complained.
"It's Louise's mother. I wouldn't kill her the first time I meet her. Probably. But I can sure as hell beat her like a drum." Zero replied easily.
As Karin stood up, regaining her composure she turned to face her queen and bowed low. "Your Majesty, I was unable to punish my sinful daughter. I Hope you will show her a greater punishment than mine."
Henrietta let out a long sigh. "What is that? You! When child and parent point their wands at each other – it makes the Founder Brimir grieve! Didn't I say that I did not intend to give any punishment since the very beginning!"
"Solving everything with wands - is the way of old nobles." Karin said, as if that justified her actions.
"Unnecessarily bloodshed is what I hate the most! What would have happened had Zero killed you? Do you not care that Louise would have been left without a mother?"
"If his strength is equal to that, then it is fine. He would then be responsible for everything. For good or ill."
"Mostly ill, but hell, still better an alternative than a monstrous bitch like you." Zero commented.
Karin glared as her hand slowly reached for her wand.
"Zero! Stop that right now!" Roll said, as she smacked him upside the head, Charity floating next to her. "The fight is over, she's got the message as much as she can. There isn't any reason to fight."
Zero looked at Roll his eyes regaining their color, and his armor and hair bleeding back to their normal configuration. "The fight is over, but there is still plenty of reasons to fight. For everything she has done to Louise, for every complex she's given her, for every injury... I want to rip her head off."
"Zero... She's my... Shes my mother!" Louise replied, tears in her eyes,"I don't want her to die!"
"I said I want to. Not that I necessarily will. Unless she tries to use another of those killing attacks on me. Or you for that matter. Then all bets are off," Zero said looking at the woman in question. "We clear on that?"
"And just who are you to think you can give an order to one such as myself?" Karin asked, more curiosity in her voice than anything.
"He is my properly reinstated Knight-Commander now that his... Covert mission has been accomplished," Henrietta said with a smile as she looked at the resolute face of the angelic protector.
"Covert mission?" Karin demanded. "Why did I not know of such a thing, as Louise's mother and former commander of the Manticore guard!"
"Because you being her mother has no bearing on the situation, and that's just it. Former. You can't even touch me unless I take a hit from you purposely. What makes you think we owe you any explanation? If we had truly committed treason do you not believe that Henrietta's reaction would have been more swift, or we would have had to find a way to break out of the castle? I guess all these years in retirement have corroded your wits. Or did you always just think with your wand?" Zero observed with a smile.
"Zero!" Louise cried, shocked that he would talk like this to her mother. While he had professed anger, this borderline hatred was beyond anything she had expected.
"I believe our tempers are too heated for such discussions," Henrietta said calmly,"I suggest we retire to the La Valliere estate and take some time to cool down, so we may talk about the current situation rationally..."After she said this, Charity, who had been largely ignored flew up beside her and nodded her head in agreement and sat upon the young queen's shoulder to the surprise of all present. After a few moments looking at it, Henrietta couldn't help but ask it,"Well... Just who might you be little one?"
"Her name is Charity. She is my cyber elf." Zero replied. "She doesn't really speak, but she gets her points across when she's angry. Or happy." When Charity nodded her head, Zero continued,"And apparently she's saying that my temper is too hot." When another nod of her head followed this, Zero just sighed.
"Well... She does have a point." Roll commented from beside him.
"And I disagree. She got less than what she deserved." Zero replied in a flat tone, glaring at the woman who had the backbone to glare back. "But I'm willing to let it end here if she doesn't do anything stupid like this again.
"I'm sure that she understands your concern for her daughter, dear Knight-Commander. I do not believe she would do anything that would view as threatening to her." Henrietta said, looking at the woman whom she had idolized as a child.
"You do not see eye to eye with me, but we both wish to protect my daughter. My way of protecting her was to make her understand discipline and the reasons behind it. You, whatever it is you draw your strength from, has proven stronger than even the rule of steel, so I can not challenge it." Karin replied honestly.
Zero shook his head. "My strength is nothing more than my desire to protect the people who I want to protect. Nothing more."
Tabitha spoke up for the first time in all this, holding out her now 'favorite' book to Karin. "Hero." Was the only word she said in her gentle voice then walked back over to where her mother was...
***Break***
She had obtained what her mistress had asked for, and had brought it with haste. Her mistress had been a wellspring of ideas of bringing her mischief to the masses. While she didn't quite encourage her, she had given a great deal of information on how to apply said knowledge. All it took was her one lethal weapon and her mistress would cave immediately... All was set... And with this final piece, her plans would be complete... And the revenge would be finalized... With a giggle the young woman uttered the word,"Unavoidable."
***Author's Notes***
Also Bass possess? Not sure how he could, or why. I mean, Zero would destroy Bass pretty easily. Like, hilariously easily. Wouldn't make for a very fulfilling end fight like the one I've got planned. And as I said. No Sigma. I mean, maybe if Bass had encountered that whole dark energy thing, but really, that was flimsy at best.
Zero... Able to be a loveable asshole even in a young girls fantasy world.
Last update for a while. See ya all around. Comment in reviews if ya want. More reviews might mean more motivation. either way though, I'll finish eventually.