Zero awoke the next morning feeling somehow refreshed. He couldn't quite grasp it, but for some reason he felt hopeful. Thinking back to the words the young girl had spoken last night Zero could barely contain the self depreciating laughter. He didn't want to wake Louise who lay next to him, holding on as if for dear life. While what she said had made sense, and that cute matter of fact way she had called him the biggest hypocrite that she had ever seen was too funny, somehow.
"I see you're in a good mood this morning," Louise murmured as her eyes opened slowly, having been woken by her familiar. "Might I ask what is so funny?"
"Nothing at all. Just thinking about what you said last night." Zero replied lightly as he scratched his head lightly. "I don't know that I agree with you but I can't really argue your logic. I think that's the first one you've won against me. I have to admit that I do tend to make everything my battle. Even things that probably don't involve me." Zero conceded.
"Well of course you do. You're a hero after all. You can't just stand around when innocent people are in danger. When people are in danger you'll rush off to save them regardless." Louise said as she kept her hold on Zero. When Zero protested she continued,"Did you forget how fast you got to the Zero when Tarbes was attacked? Or how you ran into a burning building to save the civilians in Albion? What about when you had no memory of me, and only thought that I was someone who wanted to make you a slave? You came through that portal when I needed you most. You can say it was selfish, but even if it was selfish, our perceptions of your actions will not change. While the history of your world may call you one thing, the history of ours will call you a hero. That is the truth."
Zero lay there quietly for a while as he considered what she had said. "You seem to have that pretty well thought out..."
"Well, I have had a good deal of time to think on the nights I stay up waiting for you," Louise admitted.
"You really shouldn't do that." Zero admonished her,"You have to take care of yourself."
"I can't help it. When you're not here... I can't be comfortable. When you disappear from my sight, I do not know where you are. If you have run off again. If something has happened. You leave without a word to confront a void mage in the palace... If something where to happen and you left, what would I do if something happened? I can't help but think of these things when you do not come home to me each night..." Louise admitted as she hid her face.
Zero sighed and placed his left hand on her head."Alright. I won't rush off without telling you. In person. You don't have to worry, alright?" When he said this Louise nodded happily. "Although we should probably get up. You have school soon, and I have to go deal with my knights."
"You're so serious about that... I thought you hated responsibility?" Louise commented as she reluctantly let go and rolled off the bed.
"I do. But just because I hate it doesn't mean I'm not going to do what needs to be done. It's become my responsibility and if I'm going to do something I might as well do it as best as I can. Otherwise why bother with it?" Zero questioned her honestly.
Louise just shook her head and smiled as she took out her clothing for the day. "That is one way to look at it. It's the same for me. It's why I always had the wish to be a great mage..."
"You are a great mage though," Zero said facing the wall the moment the girl's clothing had started to come off. "Different, but amazing. You have nothing to compare yourself to."
"Thank you Zero, but I'm really not that great. Aside from simple cantrips and my void spells I'm still very much a novice who can't do things." Louise replied in a gentle voice.
Zero tapped his chin as he hypothesized,"That's not really true. You just do things differently than everyone else. While there are many things they can do that you can't, you're the only person I know who can cast the explosion spell. Or that wierd void thing you did that absorbed those buster shots. I still can't describe what the hell that felt like. And then you completely glowing with power. I"m surprised you didn't make a bigger explosion. I mean, with what i've seen I'm unsure if you're even compatible with the normal elements that the other mages use. You're like an AC current and they're like DC currents."
"I suppose. But I still wish I could be like everyone else..." Louise said with some regret. Then she tilted her head as the last bit sunk in. "What exactly is an AC current? Or a DC current?"
"Heh, sorry. It's tech talk. Basically speaking alternating current has multiple currents that are out of sync with each other. This allows for constant power and sometimes multiple power draws without fluctuation of power, while direct current is just a set amount." Zero replied, feeling sheepish at assuming she'd understand something so "Simple".
"...What? What does that even have to do with what we were talking about?" Louise demanded, not really angry but completely out of her depth with the conversation.
"Sorry, it's just natural to put it that way. Back where i'm from, an alternating current would short out a device that was made to work with DC...And a DC would be unable to afford the power required to run something that requires AC." Zero replied as he remembered the time Axl had managed to set fire to one of the few rec rooms in the maverick hunter headquarters. A walking natural disaster, that one.
"Still... I don't want to be different. I want to be like everyone else." Louise complained.
"Where is the fun in that. If you were like everyone else you wouldn't have gotten me as a familiar, right? So it's a good thing right?" Zero asked playfully.
With a sudden gasp, Louise turned towards Zero and lunged at him. "That's true! If I was like everyone else, I would not have Zero by my side..." Louise scowled as another thought came to mind and she said in a low voice,"And if I didn't have you by my side you would have died. So... I am glad. I really am glad I'm not like anyone else..." Louise's face took on a calm, almost serene look as she ran that through her mind. Apparently for all her time thinking she'd not thought of that.
"Huh. Wait, I managed to actually give a pep talk without totally screwing it up?" Zero asked, somewhat mystified. He wasn't sure if he should chalk this up to Louise being bi-polar or just luck on his part.
"...You know when you ask that at the end, that's pretty close to screwing it up... If that helps your piece of mind any." Louise said teasingly as she let go of Zero and finished dressing herself. "Thank you Zero. I hope to see you tonight. I'm going on ahead now. Don't work too hard."
"Have fun in class," Zero said as he turned around, to watch his summoner walk out the door. He had a feeling it was going to be a good day.
***Break***
Zero sat at his desk, looking at ceiling. His cape was thrown over the back of his chair and a look of annoyance was clear on his face. There went his good mood that he had. First a giant stack of paperwork that needed to be done, reports filed, and then within a newly delivered scroll from Henrietta that asked about the current state of the Koga, he had found a message at the bottom asking him to once again reconsider the decision that was the gravest importance. Zero sighed as he thought,'I suppose I have put it off long enough', and had finally decided that he had to address the Queen's offer of a royal position in a way that she couldn't mistake his intent or determination. He wondered just how to be diplomatic with her. He couldn't see himself saying anything practiced or even spontaneously that would sway her. She was determined in her own way. He tapped the crude ball point pen on his desk as he gave a quick thanks to Colbert for understanding the theory behind it so easily, then his mind turned back to the matter at hand. Through out his life he had talked with people, heard them. He had argued and laughed. But in the end, he had never come to understand anyone. Not even himself. He could almost hear a rough laugh in his head as the memory of Craft came to him. He smiled wearily as he remembered that brave reploid. While he had killed humans, he had done it for what he thought was the right reasons. And in the end, he had admitted that he was all likelihood Craft had been the only person he had truly come close to understanding, not just being able to predict. Then Zero remembered again his response to Craft's question. Zero deliberately picked up a piece of parchment and started to write a letter to the princess, being careful to try and at least keep the letter somewhat in the style the nobles liked to read. He would often pause as he wrote to consider the words he would use. He went through five parchments making markings and etching out words he figured were inappropriate. Though this was taking up a good portion of his day, it was a rejection of her honest feelings and even he knew it should be handled... Delicately. He might stick his foot in his mouth regularly when talking with people, but at least in writing he could try and catch that habit ahead of time. As he finished the final copy, he read it to ensure that it delivered the message he wished it to. For something that had taken him so much time to write, it sure was short, but it was the message that mattered not the length. He looked down on it and read it one last time.
"Princess Henrietta,
While you may believe that I am right to be both the king and your husband, that is something that can not take place. My hands have taken lives beyond counting. I am a reploid designed for war. It's not my place to change this world. It is my place to protect those who would change it. I believe in you, Louise, and everyone else. With that faith, I will stand behind all of you as you guide us to a future that you envision. One with peace, and understanding. That is my purpose. Nothing more. Nothing less. Although it may be unkind of me to say this, it is the truth. I am no great hero, I am no legend. I am simply a weapon to be used in the defense of peace and those who wish to bring about that peace. I apologize for any pain this letter may cause you, but I know it is for the best that the truth be delivered to your hand in all timeliness, before it can cause you any more pain.
With my regards, Your Loyal Knight Commander Zero.
As Zero was about to fold the letter up a voice dripping with thinly veiled contempt and anger spoke up from behind him,"You know, that letter is nothing but a lie. Or the result of someone who is in horrible denial," Mathilda said as she leaned over his shoulder, inwardly amused at the way he jumped in his chair because of her silent arrival.
Zero looked behind him, completely startled by how Mathilda had appeared so close to him. She had been making good use of her power as an earth mage to 'test' the strength of the underground stronghold and would randomly appear behind Zero or surprise him. "I don't see how the letter is any of your business. Or how it's a lie." Zero replied coldly as he folded the letter and placed it in his desk.
Mathilda looked at Zero her eyes half lidded. "So, you're not the one who has been driving these nobles to be more than themselves? To be above the petty disputes that have long wasted lives and destroyed the good fortune of both noble and commoner alike? You haven't had a hand in the introduction of what Roll calls 'modern medicine', or the development of a new 'apprenticeship schooling' system for orphans? What about the clinic for the commoners that you suggested to the headmaster, or the interesting things that you've helped Colbert develop. You're changing the world more than anyone since the Founder, turning society upside down. The founder left us a world with magic and war, and a faith that has caused many a great deal of pain, even if it wasn't his intention. Everything you put forward, everything you give is to end that war that persists in our most backwards of worlds. That you even have hope, and can believe in us puts a lie to all else you have said. But even then, even then, you can bring yourself to write something so false. It's amazing really. The depths of your denial that is."
"That isn't me." Zero replied with a shake of his head,"Roll is the one who did everything. Both for you and Cattleya. I was just an extra pair of hands. Even when it was 'me' in the lead it wasn't. It was my father. All the things Osmand has done with the money were his ideas. He wanted to make things better for the commoners long term. All I cared about was giving the money back where it belonged, to the people who worked for it. It just felt too much like stealing to me to take the money. Colbert simply asked me questions. So many questions. I just happened to know the answer to some of them because back home, the stuff that is new and useful here is hundreds of years out of date."
"It's sad that you think that way. I don't understand it either." Mathilda said, leaning on his shoulders, rapping her knuckle against his head. "Both Colbert and Osmand think the world of you. So do Rock and Roll. Not to mention all the little girls chasing after you either. And should I even bring up Ema and all the other kids?"
"They haven't seen the things I've done. You wouldn't understand." Zero replied as he looked away."How do you know if an act is forgivable or not?"
"Does it matter?" Mathilda asked mildly.
"What type of question is that?" Zero wondered, bewildered at such an offhand dismissal of all he had done.
"I've done horrible things. Because of me people are dead. My hands aren't clean. But you still protected me. I still don't think you ever even got to a point you needed to forgive me. You felt too guilty about what you had done to me to even think about having to forgive me for what i'd attempted to do to you and your summoner. You were justified with what you did to me. Most would have ended my life. In a reversed position I would have ended yours." Mathilda said, kneeling so she could look the seated Zero in the eyes, holding up her porcelain colored hands, as if to show the evidence, prove her existence to him. "If anyone understands, it's me Zero. I asked myself constantly if I could be forgiven for all I've done. If the blood on my hands could ever be washed away when I was staying with Tiffania before you came along again, and turned my world upside down again. But here I am Zero. You saved my life not once, but twice. I have been given a noble title by the Queen despite my objections, and I am a part of her royal Guard. In the end, it doesn't matter what happened. What matters is what type of future you want to build. What type of future you are building. And while you deny it every time you are given the chance, you want a world with peace. You do not want to fight. If fighting was all you cared about, you wouldn't have sat vigil by my bedside until I awoke from the restorative coma I was placed in. You wouldn't take the time to ensure that people would come to value peace, or the values that you hold dear. You wouldn't have brought all the orphans or Tiffania along with you when you left Albion. You wouldn't have knocked into the heads of these foolish young nobles how horrible war really is and why it must be prevented or ended as swiftly as possible. These are the actions of someone who cares deeply for others. One who feels love for a great many people. Someone who shows love to all those he feels are worth it, but rejects it because he himself feels that he is undeserving of it. Or perhaps, is afraid of it. Could that be the one thing that the great Zero is afraid of? Love?" As she finished talking, Mathilda gave Zero the most irritating, mocking smirk she could.
Zero looked back into Mathilda's eyes and shook his head. "Until you kill the person you love the most, you'll never understand."
With a sigh Mathilda placed her head on his shoulder and spoke softly,"I won't ever be in that position. You'll always be stronger than me. And Tiffania is just too sweet a girl to ever need to do such a thing. I could also put her down safely though, if it ever came to it. From what both Layer and Iris say, Layer was far too powerful for you to subdue, and Iris destroyed her own 'programming' by creating a conflict between some battle mind and a civilian mind. I don't understand it, but her body was mostly intact by your standards and could have been repaired. It was a conscious choice on her part that lead to her fall, she didn't have to fight you. These actions were caused by those ghosts in your past named Omega and Sigma. Let them go. If no one else, do it for me. Or to spite them."
"What do you mean, for you? And when did you ever talk to them? And what do you mean spite them?" Zero demanded as he shook himself slightly dislodging Mathilda's head from his shoulders, then stood up to face her.
"You said that we're you're family didn't you? And you said you'd protect us. You remember that, right?" Mathilda asked Zero seriously, her eyes locked on his.
"Of course I do." Zero replied, slightly confused as to the turn in the conversation.
"Do you like it when you hurt your family members? The people that are precious to you, and who in turn you are precious to?" Mathilda pressed further, smirking at Zero's obvious disadvantage in this conversation.
"Of course not. Who would?" Zero demanded angrily.
"Then if we told you that it hurt us that you think so badly of yourself, that you have no care for yourself, what would you do?" Mathilda pressed, her eyes boring into Zero's own.
Zero just stared back at the green haired woman. The only answer he could give was an inarticulate, "What?"
"What would you do? If all of this was hurting us, watching you tear yourself up inside? More to the point... What would you do if someone you cared about was in pain because of who they were?" Mathilda pressed further as she tapped Zero's chest at the end. "Tell me."
Zero looked away, and was silent for a time, before he hesitantly answered,"Well... I'm not sure."
"That's a lie too. Remember when the girls confronted Tiffania about her heritage and you stepped in on her behalf. That was not the first time that she had felt that way. And it wasn't the last. But when things overwhelmed her, when she was in pain or even danger because of it, you stepped in. You became a support for her when she needed it." Mathilda said with a smile as she shook her head.
"And how exactly does that relate to the letter being a lie?" Zero asked, completely bewildered by how much of a tangent the woman had gone off on.
"Because it's the same. You beat yourself up, you tear yourself apart, but you won't allow anyone to help you. All the others can do is what they think is best to help you deal with it but it's apparently not working. Roll is trying to give you space, Louise and Kirche are trying to make you see that you're more than a weapon. Tabitha seems to... I'm really not sure really. She presses at unusual times but her feelings seem to be sincere in that she wants to help you. Siesta just wants to be with you and comfort you. Leviathan seems to understand you, and is more or less willing to let things run their course with your guilt. For better or worse. I'm not too sure what to think about that. But if you bring either Leviathan or Tabitha into the equation, just like myself, we've done terrible things. And you're willing to forgive us for them." Mathilda calmly replied, as if speaking to a child.
"Ok... And what about you? What are you doing this for?" Zero shot back, not very happy at the feeling of being looked down on, even by her.
Mathilda's features betrayed her frustration as she snapped back,"I'm confronting you because it's getting to the point that it's almost pathetic. You're so smart, you're so powerful. You've got everything together except yourself. And until you get that together or at least admit that you don't have it together then you'll never be able to take the first steps to finding whatever it is that will make you happy."
Zero laughed gently as he replied,"It would make me happy if nobody I cared for was to be put in harm's way ever again. But I know that's impossible. So I just do the best I can."
"That's not true damn it. You just throw yourself into your work, into your role. You're more than that or else you wouldn't have stayed by my side while I was in my restorative coma! You wouldn't have worked so hard to save so many damned people!" Mathilda yelled angrily."You could be happy if you actually worked for that happiness instead of blindly following what you feel others want you to do!"
"I don't blindly follow what people want me to do. I am just trying to keep the people I care about safe, and to what extent I can, happy." Zero objected calmly, unsure why Mathilda was so upset.
Mathilda reached out, grabbing Zero by the neck and slammed him into the wall as she screamed,"Like hell you don't! And don't screw with me! I'll find my happiness in my own way! If it's with you, that's fine! If it's not, that's also fine! But I'll reach out and grab it with my own hands! Nobody can tell me what my happiness is aside from myself and neither can you! You have to find your own happiness and living in the past and hating yourself will never find that! You'll never find peace, and you'll just bring pain to everyone who cares for you!"
Zero looked into the angry eyes of the humanoid who had bodily lifted him up against the wall. It would almost be amusing if she wasn't so angry. Or if she wasn't crying. Well there went his points for the pep talk with Louise for the day. He wondered if he'd ever get a day where he didn't make someone cry for some reason or another. He sighed as he stared at the determined woman who was glaring up at him, as if demanding an answer. After a sufficiently long awkward silence, Zero asked,"If these things can only be decided by me, then how can you lecture me like this?"
"I can't tell you how to find these things. But I can help you start looking." Mathilda responded.
"What? Considering the fact that you have me pinned against the wall, and kudos on that, this doesn't seem like an 'I want a date' type atmosphere." Zero replied with a chuckle. Mathilda sighed and let Zero down as she shook her head. With his feet in contact with the ground again Zero asked,"So with everything going on, with all these waiting games with Gallia, with the knowledge that Axl isn't in the best of shape, what am I supposed to do? I've never had to deal with this waiting game before. Everything has always happened so fast. It's been one crisis after another, one outbreak after another. Then I slept, and then was violently woken up and found myself fighting against the armies of Neo Arcadia. I don't know how to deal with this crap..."
"The first step you need to do Zero, is take a deep breath, relax. Enjoy the time that nothing is happening when you can. Take a walk through the forest with me. Perhaps go to an inn or tavern and try and be a normal person for a few days. You've set the Koga up to be almost self sufficient, and with myself, Leviathan and Roll around there isn't much we can't handle if trouble comes around. Take some time to find out just who Zero Wily is. Not the weapon Zero, but the person."
"But I don't need to breathe." Zero replied almost absently when she finished.
"It... Was more metaphorical Zero. You need to distance yourself from this for a little while. You know that's what I meant." Mathilda scowled at him as he blushed.
"I guess. But still, that wouldn't seem right. All this is happening and it's really not a time to enjoy myself. Although, you never answered, what do you mean spite them?" Zero explained lamely, then pressed for an answer to his previous question.
Mathilda looked at him with a knowing stare,"You need an excuse then. You still haven't been to the lake. To the water spirit specifically. You're supposed to bring that ring back. So why don't you just take it there, and then on the way back you can stop by the capital and relax for a little bit after a job well done. And honestly, those two beings who caused you the most trouble in the past, would feel vindicated or at least take joy in your suffering because of them. And would probably be pretty pissed off if you just threw them off. Especially that Sigma. As tenaciously as he apparently clung to life, you have to think that you keeping the guilt and everything so alive keeps his memory alive. As long as that's alive he'll still exist in a way."
"I don't really see why that's such a big deal. I mean, I have the ring. I'll get it to her when I have the time. And how am I supposed to just forget about them? ABout everything that has happened?" Zero spoke defensively.
"You have the time now. Better to make use of this more relaxed time to figure that out than worry about it in the middle of a fight, don't you agree?" Mathilda noted rather clinically.
"I suppose I do." Zero admitted sheepishly.
"Then go. If you want I'll go with you." Mathilda suggested as she learned on Zero again,"I've heard of how your meetings with the spirit go so I can give you some moral support if you need it."
Zero looked at her with a glare that showed he was not amused."Do you really think I'm that weak? Besides. She only looks like her. I've already been put through the ringer by meeting her..."
"No, but even if you're strong you can still take support from others." Mathilda replied with a suggestive hint,"It's not weakness to accept help."
"It's fine. I guess i'll be going." Zero said as he turned towards the door, an unreadable look on his face. "Make sure the idiots don't do anything stupid while i'm gone."
"Aren't they your trusted soldiers?" Mathilda asked, amused at Zero's reference to his knights.
"They're still children. Even if they have magic and they've gone into battle they've still done stupid things before. And they'll do them again. Especially since they seem to be taking notes from me on all the wrong things." Zero replied with a moderate amount of self depreciation. Then with a bit more hesitation he said,"Keep an eye on Reynold as well. If he doesn't pull out of his slump take him to the lab. Let him meet Rock in person. He took that loss the hardest out of all of us. Probably because we haven't really explained everything to them."
"I'm sure everything will be fine. It shouldn't come down to that. Now get out of here. And if you come back before this evening i'll tattle to Axl." Mathilda said as she gave Zero a push towards the door.
"Alright, alright. I get it. Don't do that, though. Seriously. Unless you want to repair the walls that I go through. Don't. Tell. Axl." Zero said as left, heavily stressing the last little bit, much to Mathilda's humor.
***break***
Zero looked out at the clear waters of the lake Ragdorian. He sat on the banks which had receded noticeably. He wondered what he should do to get the spirit's attention. He took the ring out and held it, wondering if maybe she would feel it or something. After waiting for half an hour Zero started to get impatient. After a few moments he balled his fists in frustration and shouted,"I know you're out there spirit. I got the ring so come get it! I don't have all day!" Nothing happened for a few minutes, then that same familiar rippling in the water happened and he saw the form of the water spirit taking shape. For some reason, he noticed that rather than the form of Iris, she had chosen to take the form of Louise.
"You have brought me back my ring?"she asked, although there wasn't any question in her statement. Her eyes were locked on the ring in Zero's hand.
Zero nodded and smiled at her, then said,"Yeah, I keep my promises. And I wanted to thank you."
"What thanks do you need give me, God of Destruction?" The water spirit asked, her face taking a cute, if confused configuration for a moment.
"You didn't take her form. I appreciate that." Zero said in a gentle voice.
"It would seem ungrateful of me after you did such a service. And the little one you had some affection towards so I do not see you attempting to harm her form either. Now, the ring. Please." The water spirit responded, some amount of desperation in her voice as she brought the subject of the ring up.
"Not yet." Zero replied as he put the ring behind him. "we're gonna have a talk first."
"What is there that needs to be talked about, you have recovered the item and I have recovered my strength."
"If it was stolen once, it might be stolen again," Zero commented,"And rather than having you indiscriminately raise the water levels you are to go to the first person you find and tell them to find myself or the Koga knights at the Tristian magic academy. If you don't hear from us within a week find someone else. We'll eventually get the message. That way there aren't any more misunderstandings or useless fights. Don't tell them what it's about but just let them know that they'll get paid by saying the water spirit wishes to acquire the Koga's services."
"But surely as the God of Destruction you must relish the fighting that retrieving the ring causes, do you not? Why would you avoid it?" The water spirit asked, for the first time showing bewilderment at what the crimson reploid was saying.
Zero laughed as he shook his head. He looked the spirit in the 'eyes', and said in a calm resolute tone,"You don't understand at all. I'm not a god. I'm nothing like that. And my power isn't to destroy. My power belongs to me, and with it I'll protect those things worth protecting. I'll even agree to help you if something happens as long as you don't go crazy like you did last time and start flooding everything."
"Curious. Perhaps the spirit of Charity was correct in her assessment of you. I suppose that means that my bargain with her must also be upheld after all. A pity... One had grown quite attached..." The water spirit spoke, a hint of regret in her voice then she shrugged.
"Your bargain?" Zero asked suddenly,"What type of bargain. And wait, by charity you don't mean a fairy like creature do you? One that is actually named Charity?"
A musical giggle could be heard from the water spirit as she brought her hand to her mouth, a soft smile on her face as she seemed to shift between Iris and Louise for a moment."Of course. Is there another? And I am not allowed to say what the bargain is. That is part of the stipulations of the agreement. And an oath is something to take seriously."
"What do you mean? And wait a minute, you said she was correct in her assessment. That means you talked to her, but Charity can't talk!" Zero replied, wondering if he'd missed something important. Just what had his cyber elf been up to while they were separated?
The water spirit hesitated for a moment, it's face showing multiple emotions before settling on confusion,"But everything living talks. You might not understand, but even when you do not speak you talk. That is how I could feel the pulsing need for that one person at the time. But I still can't help but see you as I see you. Even now your power is even greater than before. And within you I can not see a limit. That scares me beyond what you can imagine. For the first time in my very long ... life... I find something that is completely incomparable. Something that is beyond even the limitless future that is the same as the present."
"Whatever. I did my job. Just remember, don't flood the area again. Just get word to us and we'll figure something out." Zero replied, growing tired of listening to the riddles the spirit was speaking in. He had to wonder if he'd ever talk like that if he ever got to be that old. He made a mental note to fall on his sword. Repeatedly if needed, if it ever came to that.
"I will do as you instruct. You have proven yourself trustworthy." The spirit said with a smile. "Good bye then, Zero. You have my blessings. And my true thanks."
Zero just stared at her, noting that she had not only used his name but had given him some sort of benediction. "Ah... No problem. I'll be going now. Enjoy your ring. And make sure you take care of yourself. Don't let yourself get forced into the state you were in when we first met." He said as he ran back the way he came.
As Zero disappeared from sight a flash of light appeared next to the spirit and the form of X could be seen. "You are aware you nearly blew my cover right?"
"Cover?" the spirit asked, unsure of what was meant by that.
"I'm hiding." X replied simply.
Again, the spirit looked at X's form and tilted her head in confusion."But you're with him. How is that hiding?I thought that hiding meant that you were out of sight of the person you were hiding from."
"Because unlike you I'm always changing. Well, more than just the superficial changing thing you do. Anyone can tell you're the water spirit no matter the form cause you're still the water spirit. I have become something completely different than I was before. At least some of the time, anyhow. I can be with him and not be the person he knew. So that way I can stand by his side without him ever knowing."
"Is that really something to be happy about? I can feel the pain that he is in because of you. Is it worth that pain to continue your subterfuge?" The water spirit asked conversationally.
"For me, it is." X answered curtly.
"You mortals no matter your power are so incomprehensible to me. If you have a feeling act on it. If you want to do something, do it. What is natural is what is best." The water spirit said as she held the ring to her chest, absorbing it into her form.
"That might be the case for you, but everything and everyone is different. That is the truth that I have learned." X replied with a smile as he looked in the direction Zero had left.
"You might be right, but then, you might not be. Only time will tell. And I have all the time in the world to watch. Who knows, for the first time in a very long time... Things are beginning to interest me. Perhaps I shall watch his exploits... He certainly is full of surprises." The water spirit said mysteriously as she sunk below the water.
"Hey! What about our deal!" X demanded but knew that the water spirit was too engrossed in the reacquisition of her artifact for her to care about anything he had to say at the moment. "Oh well. She'll get around to it eventually. She is the spirit of oaths after all. And worst comes to worst I can always make a note for Zero to come out saying Charity demands the deal be met. Although, I can't help but wonder. Is she acting upset about my deception because she's the water spirit... or because she's female? I do not know if I'd ever stop laughing if Zero had caught the eye of a six thousand year old spirit as well as those girls." X shook his head,and looked up at the sky, smile on his face. With a sigh he took on the form of Charity once again, and sped off to follow Zero. Discreetly of course.
***Break***
Zero entered the city of Tristian, which was bustling with a great deal of people. Wagons moved goods, smaller less elaborate street stalls were set up selling anything from food, to clothing, to jewelery. He didn't know where he would end up, but that didn't matter. Before he had entered the city he had switched into his civilian form and decided to just walk around and see the sites. Among many of the things that amazed him were the vast amounts of potion and alchemy stores. While he could tell all had herbs and plants in them, only a very few of them had any thing close to the hint of magic about them. He even saw some slight of hand games which he found to be annoying. Especially since he saw the person running it to be cheating quite outrageously. As he walked by the table he 'tripped', causing the table and it's contents to spill. Upon seeing that all of the wooden cups held the same type of gold colored disk, the crowd grew both suspicious and angry. The middle age gentleman turned towards Zero and angrily demanded,"Aren't you going to apologize for knocking over my table like that? You're getting in the way of my business!"
"No more so than you're going to apologize for swindling these people." Zero replied lightly, a hint of a grin on his face.
The look on the middle aged man's face turned calculating and cold as he replied easily,"It's not swindling. Some of the people have even won. It's just a game of chances and reflexes. How do you explain that?"
"You select the winners. All three of those tokens were the same. It's a tired old setup, and anyone who isn't part of the gig is a loser. That was proven wth the evidence when I knocked the table over."Zero replied slyly, a mean grin on his face as he met the eyes of the suspicious man.
AS Zero said this two large men came out of an alley and glowered down at him. "Sir, we would like to have a word with you about the stress you have caused our business associate Such slander and false words could do nothing more than hurt his sterling reputation. As his friends and business partners we would like to discuss this with you in a more private setting."
Zero looked at them then shrugged, a lazy smile on his face as he led his way to the alley they had been waiting. "Well lets go. I only have so much time for fun before I have to work, and I wouldn't wanna use any longer than I need to on a group of thugs like you."
The larger man appeared hurt by the statement and in an over dramatic voice protested,"Thugs you say? W'ere hurt. We're just enterprising businessmen who happen to have heard you bring slanderous terms against our friend. I'm afraid that we'll have to deliver punishment on yer body unless you apologize to him now."
"Whatever, just hurry up. " Zero said as he disappeared into the alley waiting for his accosters. It was over quick with nothing more than a quick scream as he slammed one in the gut, and then took the other by his shirt and started slamming him against the wall a few times for good measure. The man slumped as Zero dusted his hands off and walked out of the alley. As his gaze met the middle aged man, who was sweating heavily on seeing the young man come out completely unscathed, he said in an almost caustic voice,"Really, for an entertainer your sense of the theatrical is lacking. And seriously, those two didn't even give me a challenge. Absolutely no fun what so ever. I guess we can see if you can fight any better than them. But I doubt it."
"W-what?" The street swindler demanded, his eyes darting hopefully to the alley way, thinking that one of his partners might take the young man from behind.
"They aren't coming to help. If they're back up in less than an hour I'd be really, really surprised. But whatever, you don't have any muscle to protect you anymore. And this whole crowd knows you've been cheating them. Have fun dealing with them. I'm sure that will be more entertaining than anything I can do. Enjoy." Zero said as he pivoted and waved without turning back. He grinned as he heard the man's stammered excuses and apologies to the mass of people closing in on him. Zero walked on and soon the commotion was out of his hearing range. He was just wandering aimlessly looking for something, anything to nab his interest until he heard an all too familiar voice call out to him.
A bright eyed young girl cried out to him, "Papa Zero!" as she ran forward and hugged his leg tightly.
"Emma? What are you doing?" Zero asked, bewildered, as the girl had appeared out of the crowd and was now quite firmly attached to him.
"I was in an argument with the other kids at home, the ones who weren't from our village. They said mean things about you and Tiffa Mama. I yelled at them then ran away because they were being mean but... I don't know where I'm supposed to go..."
Zero looked at the girl and said out loud without thinking about it,"Child name tags. That's definitely something I got to start..."
"What did you say, Papa Zero?"
"Nothing, nothing. Well, I'm not doing anything, would you like to walk with me back to the orphanage. Maybe grab a treat on the way?" Zero asked as he knelt down to Emma's level. She nodded her head enthusiastically.
"Well, guess that leaves us time to explore. But you have to promise me..." Zero said as he stared into her eyes,"You can't run off like that. There are lots of bad things and people in the world. You can't just go off on your own. I won't always be the one you run into."
"But you'll save me though right? You said so yourself." Emma replied in a simplistic way,"Just like now."
"Yeah, that's just luck though. Promise me Emma. If it comes down to it, just punch them in the stomach. It's faster and it will make them cry, not you." Zero said with a laugh then ran through his mind what he had just said and immediately face palmed. It then became clear to Zero that there was one absolute truth in this world and the last. He really, REALLY sucked at being a role model. This was reaffirmed as the little girl nodded and made two hilariously cute fist pumping motions as if she was punching someone. "I guess... if that's what you're gonna do we'll need to work on that sometime..."
"Okay! Promise?" Emma asked, her eyes watery and guileless.
"...Of course. Now calm down." Zero said as he took her hand and led her around the city. He had to scratch that whole 'female mages are dangerous thing' off his mental list and put 'females of any age are dangerous". With a gentle laugh he led Emma down towards the street he remembered all the vendors and restaurants were on.
***Break***
"Hey... Zero?" Copy X said in a gentle voice, as he read a book that he had gotten from the royal Library. The Hero Ivaldi.
Copy Zero was silent for a few moments, standing with his back against the wall. His eyes opened and he turned to the copy of X and asked,"What is it?"
"What is it that makes the world corrupt?" Copy X asked seriously,"And why is it that when people know it's corrupt, they hate that corruption but do nothing to stop it? And those few that do die? But then in stories, the heros are always able to fix things, and save people?"
"You need to give me some time to answer, X, if you really want me to try and answer those questions." Copy Zero replied with a shrug, then continued," I'd have to say that people make the world corrupt when they start wanting what others have. It's only natural. Even if it's not for themselves, it's the same. You are my brother and I would kill to protect you. I know that I might become corrupt to save you. And in most cases, people don't realize corruption for what it is, until it's too late really. I mean, look at how everything starts slowly. In recorded history the powers and rights of the commoners of all the nations have gone down, minus the nation of Germania which was near on revolt with the advent of more accurate fire arms and a large amount of natural resources. People value their lives, and more importantly probably, the lives of their family too much to risk dying standing alone against a corrupt world, so they too become corrupt. But with the stories and their messages, they find hope. In religion, in tales of valor, all these things are found. The hope to face the world as it is, because someday it might be better." With a distant look on his face, Copy Zero looked out the window and felt as if he was talking more from experience than he should have been.
"That's so sad. I don't like that." Copy X replied,"But I can not argue with your assessment. The world is corrupt, and the nobles are doing nothing to stop it. They simply play games with people's lives. It must end."
"Probably." Copy Zero agreed.
"Do you think that this is the point father wanted us to understand?" Copy X wondered aloud.
"Who knows. I still don't think he's right for the job. I think a dreamer like you, one who understands the situation, but still wishes to change it would be more useful for something like that." Copy Zero replied as he smiled gently at his brother.
"Ah...I don't think so. I mean, it would be wonderful if the world could become like that though. If a city, or a country could be formed as a starting point, a place where peace, order, and understanding were the cornerstone of life, others could go there and learn. It would be like a beacon to the rest of the world."
"It seems you already have thought of that place. It almost sounds like you want to build it..." Copy Zero observed as he looked at Copy X. When the other blushed a little at being found out, Copy Zero asked,"So, what is the name of this little dream of yours?"
"I would call it... Elysium." Copy X replied with a gentle laugh."And I would do everything in my power to share the light of that place with the world."
"Of course you would," Copy Zero said with a smile as he shook his head. The only problem he didn't want to bring up is the fact that all the known world was occupied. So in order to bring such a place into existence... Blood would need to be shed. Copy Zero couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to build upon a cycle of deaths and war without the result bein gas corrupted as the original.
***Break***
As Emma ate her iced cream , something that Zero was surprised to have found here, she frowned up at Zero. He couldn't help but think how cute that frown was, or how amazingly little ice cream was being spilt for such a young girl. Once the girl had finished her treat she finally started speaking."The other orphans say how you can't trust adults... How we don't have families... But they're wrong. Mama Tiffa and Papa Zero are always going to be there for us right? I know I don't understand a lot yet, but Mama Tiffa said that you called us a family. So you're gonna marry her and then we're all gonna be a big happy family!" Emma said with a smile on her innocent face.
"That sounds... nice." Zero agreed,"But I have responsibilities."
"What?"
"I can't just settle down like that. There are bad people out there. People that want to hurt Tiffa because she's different than other people. I know it's not much... But all I can do is give you a home, and protect you all. It's... The only way I can protect my family, is by not staying close."
"That's what a good Papa is supposed to do though. They're supposed to protect the Mama and the children." Emma replied, seeming confused. at Zero's explanation.
"Yes, I suppose so, but more than just Tiffa rely on me. Lots of people do. And I have to help them too."
"Why?" Emma asked curiously.
"Why what?" Zero asked, trying to keep his exasperation out of his tone. Why did the girl keep asking questions. Great, now why was HE asking why?
"Why can't you just help Tiffa mama?"
"I don't know." Zero replied with a shrug. "Why did you all help me when you didn't know me?"
Emma looked down. "Because, you were hurt, right?"
Zero laughed lightly,"Not really. But close enough. What would you think of 'Zero Papa' if he didn't help the people who needed it?"
"Papa Zero..." Emma protested mildly,"It's not the same."
"Of course it is." Zero said as he placed a hand gently on her head.
"Is it because we're commoners, and you and Tiffa Mama are nobles now?" Emma asked seriously,"all the other orphans say that since Tiffa Mama and you are at the academy that you're nobles and that we can't trust you for that either."
Zero picked the girl up and placed her on his shoulders and said,"I don't care about nobility. The only reason I wear my cape is because I can use it to help people. I don't wear it when I'm just out walking around... And I've thrown it away once before. And if it ever makes it so I can't protect my family... I'll no longer have use of this noble title. The princess was a little worried when I threatened to blow up half the castle to go save a friend."
"...Zero, aren't the good guys supposed to... Save the princesses, not threaten them?" Emma asked curiously.
"It's okay. You see, the other girl that was in danger was a lonely princess. Her Mama had been put under a spell so that she couldn't recognize her daughter. This hurt both of them a lot. And when that girl wouldn't hurt Tiffa, me, or anyone else... The evil person was going to hurt her too."
"Oh...But why would he do that?" Emma asked,"I don't understand."
"Neither do I. But that's a good thing. If you can't understand why people do evil things... Then at least that means you got a good heart. That you're a good girl." Zero replied somewhat seriously.
"Of course I'm a good girl. Tiffa Mama raised me!" Emma said imperiously from Zero's shoulders.
"Ah of course. of course." Zero nodded, shaking his shoulders slightly causing the girl to hold on ot him tightly. "Well, we're getting close to the orphange, do you wanna walk or do you wanna ride in on my shoulders?"
"Shoulders!" Emma cried out excitedly.
"I figured as much," Zero replied in a deadpan.
***Break***
AS Zero stepped foot into the orphanage, he couldn't help but think that it was far different than what he had imagined. It was a well kept, sturdy building, with a few entrances, a side stairway that seemed to lead to what he guessed where the rooms, while the bottom portion of it was mostly used for stalls for the various crafts and was fairly open, it was well cleaned and organized. Zero also noticed that it was far larger than Osmand had said. As he looked around Zero asked,"So this is home now, is it?"
"Yes. Most of the older kids have to go to the different craftsman to learn the basics of crafts but I just have to help with the stalls sometimes and learn my numbers and letters. We have a new 'house mother', but she's not Tiffa Mama. I'm still doing well though!" Emma said proudly.
"Well, you're bright. You'll do fine." Zero replied without thinking
"That's right! I'm already ahead of a lot of the other ones who think that it doesn't matter." Emma replied happily.
"So, a noble brought the sniveling brat back to this place. And here we thought she was gone for good. Too bad, guess we still have to listen to her whine. People like you aren't welcome here. Just leave the girl and go back to wherever you nobles stay." said one mean mannered youth who was sitting on a step, working on a piece of wood with a sharp knife, apparently attempting to carve something, and maybe trying to look imposing. He seemed to be failing horribly at both taskes, which just made Zero want to laugh.
Zero just glared back at him, causing the young man to turn away then replied,"First off, why are you assuming I'm a noble? I'm not wearing a cape or anything. And considering I own this orphanage, and that little Emma is at least partially my responsibility I don't see you having any say on where I go kid."
"In such fancy clothing? No commoner could afford that, at least not the type who would return a little girl to an orphanage." The boy replied easily. Then he raised an eyebrow and said in an accusatory voice," Oh, so you're the Papa Zero she won't shut up about? Well why won't you come around more often? too much of a busy schedule to come see the people you say are your family?"
"Technically yes. I just got back from Gallia. And before that I was doing some work with the new order of knights I was saddled with. Then some stuff happened and I had to help some people who got injured in an attack. Things have been busy. And in all reality, coming by too often would put you all in danger. So for a number of reasons I've been unable to check on them as much as I'd like." Zero replied easily. He wanted to laugh at how this young man seemed to have such confidence. He could already tell that whoever was running this place had to have their hands full with him.
"Hah, more of those stories. Everyone says you're so deadly, but I think that the Queen just started those rumors as a way to discourage aggression from those who might think to invade us. Even a kid like me can see through something so simple." The youngster taunted him.
"Think what you want kid, it doesn't matter to me, but I suppose I'll have to drop by or send someone to check on Emma now and again to make sure she's okay. And considering that the people I've been training are versed in stealth and infiltration you'll never know when they're watching you."
"Oh, and what would you do? An adult threatening to harm an orphan? You nobles are all the same. Put us commoners in our place just to make yourselves feel better." The young man said bitterly.
Zero grinned evilly as he replied,"Oh, oh my no. You see, I have a friend who just loves pranks. Believe me, I don't need to cause you harm to make your life unpleasant. I can make you the laughing stock of the kids here without any real trouble. Like, imagine waking up in a dress. Or finding one of your eyebrows shaved off. There are quite a few things that they'd be happy to do if I gave them permission. Although I'd probably stop them short of bolting all of the furniture in your room to the wall. As hilarious as that was when he did it to Signas."
"Hah, a bluff. I'm sure your noble pride wouldn't let you do anything like that. Just like all the others you're nothing but words. You'll hide behind them until you want to send us commoners off to be killed, just like my brother.."
"Think what you will, but just realize," Zero said as he switched from his civilian guise to his more normal armored form,"She is important to me. And I'll hang your up on the wall by your pants and leave you there if you make her cry again."
"You don't have the guts old man," The youth taunted back.
"He does... He does have the guts." Emma said hesitantly. "I saw..."
"What? what did you see?" one of the other kids asked as Emma suddenly had the attention of everyone.
"those people... That came to the village. I snuck away from Aunty Mathilda and looked out the window..." The girl said hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zero's face went blank as he realized where this was going. Zero's mind started racing, and he was having trouble thinking straight. Had she seen the fight with those bandits? He prayed she didn't, but he had to ask, "Please tell me you didn't see that. You didn't see that fight, right?"
"I saw the people and monsters and Papa Zero fight." Emma said as she lowered her head." But, I mean... They were bad people who were going to hurt Tiffa Mama. Aunty Mathilda said the same thing. they didn't leave us alone, and were going to harm us to get what they wanted... But you wouldn't let them. Your glowing saber...it cut them all..." Emma said as she looked up at Zero.
"Well I had to. Otherwise I wouldn't have been protecting you, right?" Zero asked, feeling ill at ease knowing just what the little girl had seen, even if she seemed to have taken it in stride. He hated the world that would cause something like this to be even close to common place. This is what he was working against...
"That's right. That's why I trust Papa Zero." Emma replied confidently, seemingly unaware at how uncomfortable she had made Zero by bringing that situation up. "How is Tiffa Mama doing?"
"She's had some trouble. She had trouble making friends because she was so... meek... but that soon changed. She had become more outgoing and has been doing much better in that regard."
"I'm happy... i'm not very old, but still. I know she hated it sometimes when it was only us around. She loved us, but she was never as happy as she was until you came to live with us when we found you. She must have wanted to spend more time with you because you're the same age as her."
"She didn't hate it. It was probably hard, but she did it because she cared for you. But that doesn't really matter. She's got alot of fans, and she is having fun, although every day she is exhausted. I don't think she realized how much effort it took to be a student, especially since she doesn't know how to deal with so many people at once."
Emma looked at Zero seriously and asked,"So you'll keep protecting Tiffa Mama?"
"Of course." Zero replied with a smile,"I promise."
**Break***
it was late afternoon and Zero found his feet wandering back to the academy. While he'd seen a few of the children, he had started to get uneasy about what might be happening at the academy without him. As he approached the gates, he noticed a lone figure with long blond hair, sitting against the wall, looking out to the flat countryside, lost in thought. As Zero walked up to her, she didn't even seem to notice. It wasn't until he leaned lightly on her head that Zero caught Tiffania's attention. When she looked up at him he asked,"What are you doing out here all alone?"
"Ah...I..." Tiffania replied, unsure what to say. After she took a few breaths to calm herself she said,"thinking."
"What about?"
"The attack." She admitted, then turned away, as if ashamed.
"I know, it was probably pretty scary." Zero replied, "I'm sorry That things turned out the way they did.I probably shoulda done more to prevent this type of thing."
"That wasn't what I was thinking about," Tiffania replied morosely.
"Then what was it. You know Rock is alright, if a little stir crazy. We're already working on a new body for him, so he'll be out here annoying us with his antics soon enough." Zero replied with a laugh.
"That isn't it either Zero. I did something that none of the other students can do. I did something that makes me...Different. Something that they would hate me for. They would call me a monster. Something that makes me a monster..." Tiffania replied as she looked down again.
"What are you talking about?" Zero asked, confused by Tiffania's mood.
"Without a wand in hand I wielded the power of my magic. It was different, and powerful. It felt... Good. When I crushed those monsters I felt really, really good. Before I passed out, that's all I remember..." Tiffania replied shaking her head,"That makes me a monster. If everyone knew, they'd hate me too."
"That's not true. I don't hate you. And both Kirche and Tabitha were there. And maybe Louise. When she does her whole void thing, sometimes she kinda just spaces out. And don't forget Reynold. He was there. And I'd swear that little bastard sees everything. Even without those note pads he uses he can recite things word for word. I think he just is trying to hide how intelligent he is and place it on his 'diligence'. If he hated you and thought you were a monster I'm sure he would have said something. Believe me, the kid is direct." Zero replied.
"But, I wanted to destroy them. It felt... Good, because they had hurt Mathilda and Rock. I should have been worried, and I think maybe I was. But at the same time, with that power running through me, I didn't feel like me... But, it felt good. I almost want to do it again." Tiffania said, shaking as she said the things she had dared not say aloud since the incident.
"That's the thing with power. If you let power take over, it will want to be used, you'll use it for the sake o fusing it. I've seen that happen before. But you're still the kind and gentle Tiffania I know," Zero said as he sat down next to her. "If you weren't, you wouldn't be worrying about this. You'd probably just enjoy what rush you can get from me, I'm guilty of that. There were times that i found hunting mavericks and destroying the stronger ones fun, and exciting. Looking back on it I shouldn't have but I did. It was my friends that kept me grounded. And if I need to I'll keep you grounded." Zero said with a smile. He stiffened as Tiffania's head came to a rest on his shoulder as she leaned into him.
"Thank you Zero. You're my only real friend." Tiffania said as she sighed,"None of them can ever know the truth, you're the only one who won't judge me because of this."
Zero just grunted and replied,"You'd be surprised. Louise is just the same. She'd understand far more than you. You killed a few mindless machines. She killed people. A lot of people. She has blood on her hands. You're both void mages. So if you have doubts, I'm sure she'd listen. Besides, I think it would be good for her too. I don't think many people go to her with their problems. Having someone looking to her for her experience, or her advice might soften that insecurity she has going."
"I... Suppose. But is it true, that Louise has killed people?" Tiffania asked, somewhat aghast. She knew that Zero had killed people, but it seemed to be a part of his character. He was hardened, and wounded in his own way. Louise was still a selfish child.
"Yes. They had killed a large number of civilians, destroyed a town, torched a beautiful field of flowers, had killed the love of her best friend, and were going to kill many, many more. So in her mind she came to the conclusion during her spell that the only option to remove the threat they presented was to kill them." Zero explained softly.
"I see. How does she deal with such things?" Tiffania asked curiously.
"She doesn't think on it a lot really. She isn't the type to dwell on it. She didn't necessarily want to kill them, but if someone were to attack Emma with a knife, would you use your power to stop them if you had to?" Zero asked her.
"Of course!" Tiffania's response was more forceful than her previous statements.
"Then it's the same thing. Just remember that your power is yours to use as you see fit. Don't become too enthralled with it. I've seen where that goes. And it's never good. And I... Don't want to ever have to find out if I can bring myself to stop someone important to me again," Zero said as he let the girl rest her head on his shoulder a little longer.
"...Thank you Zero. I'm sorry..." Tiffania replied as she leaned into him for support as she thought on their conversation.
***Break***
The princess looked at the scroll on the table in front of her, a faint hope swelling in her chest, although warring with it, a deep depression. Her overtures to him had been ignored or dismissed in his casual reports on the status of his knights. With a sigh she willed herself to be brave, and broke the Koga seal on the scroll and started reading. It started off normally enough, the information about the knights surprising her more and more as the weeks went on. If what Zero said was true, and he had not made a habit of lying, the Koga could soon be the premier group of assassins in this world, even if it wasn't what she had originally hoped for in a royal order. Then her eyes drew to the bottom of the page, where a more personal message was penned. As she read the words, her mind blanked. Her hands tightened around the parchment as she read. The words in the scroll made her feel empty, yet at the same time enraged. Who was he, to say such things? He had done so much. He had changed everything. Were it not for him, her kingdom would be lost. She would either be a puppet, or more likely, dead. Yet this rung true. What he wrote, it felt like Zero. While it was not the truth that she saw, or that any of the others saw, this was obviously the truth that Zero saw. He was blind to the facts involving himself, he could only see the truth. Her eyes were burning with unshed tears as she read and reread the personal message again and again. Soon they were no longer withheld and she sobbed as she finally realized just how deeply wounded the one she had come to care for was. Somehow this anger formed itself into a resolve, even more than before. Her stubborn Knight Commander would know of her displeasure, and her complete and utter inability to understand how he could hate himself so. She would find some way to wake him, so that he could see the Zero that everyone else saw.
***Author's notes***
Sorry guys. Long space between chapters. Unless i choose to split them these next chapters are gonna be big. The main reason that I am taking so long is because I have to reread the whole story every single time so that I can try and keep up with what I've done. There are some things I'd like to redo(mainly grammar or where I've found stuff just missing. Thanks FF word processing thingy. I know the stuff is there because it's on my unfinished stuff i keep saved), but it's all the little stuff. I'm still happy with how the story itself it turning out. And I don't wanna lose that and 'jump' the shark and just put out a couple crappy chapters to end this. For as much time invested in to this, I feel the only way I can call this a waste of time is if I fuck up these last few chapters. I am STILL working hard on this. Most of you probably won't understand it, but I'm working really hard, trying to make everything fit, build some spaces between plot action to give it a more natural feel but somehow at the same time not add too much. It's a fine line to walk and i don't like walking it but I have to. Anyhow without further delay to the questions from the readers
Why wasn't Tiffania at Mathilda's side? Pretty easy. Timelapse = weeks as stated in the part with the copies at the end of last chapter. While worried, she was only in a regenerative sleep similar to what Saito was in, just more traumatic. I don't think that the headmaster or anyone would let her skip classes that long. I'm sure she was there often, but unlike Zero she actually needs sleep and food. Zero has a rather self sufficentish Corps of knights that knows where the heck to find him. And when the heck not to bother him when you have no proof of a imminent invasion of some kind.
on the Shinanigans, Roll actually got that part taken out due to censoring.
Zero: I honestly don't know what some of those words she used were.
Me either.
Mathilda: I hung around quite a few unsavory people. I knew what they meant. But... Wow. She had a flair for it. It was also the first time I've seen Colbert blush.
Roll: Shut up! What the heck were you two thinking letting Mathilda run around like that when she had just had such major damage and a complete overhaul of her body? And you? What the hell were you doing running around like an idiot?
Why ask me? Blame Zero.
Roll: ...You're the author.
Who apparently can't control my own cast as is being proven right now. So see previous point, blame Zero. The broom is where you left it in the lab.
Roll heads off calmly to the lab
Zero: You bastard!
Hey, I've gotta survive if you wanna survive.
Zero: I might not survive!
So what? you'll just get better you always do... Should prolly start running though.
Mathilda: Is it always like this down here? It's kinda nice... More relaxed and... IS that Roll chasing Zero with a metal broom... And Zero attempting to flee.
Yep. Can't buy entertainment half as good as that.
Zero: I'll get you back!
Not if you die first! Huh. I probably shouldn't have said that should I of. Okay maybe the pain meds made me say something that I shouldn't have.
Mathilda glares at me: So... He's going to die. I believe you should rethink your course of action.
Ain't mine. Ask Zero. tell him not to fight ALONE like a tool and he might avoid it.
Mathilda: So if Zero doesn't fight alone he'll live?
Can't be sure. But it's a lot more likely.
Mathilda: What's going to kill him.
Can't tell. Compromise primary story.
Mathilda: You're doing this just to get one over on Zero?
Nope. Just can't do it. One of those author's rules even in notes. Even with the fractured psyche that makes me think I'm talking to you and all that, got to keep the story intact.
Mathilda: You are a strange little man.
I'm like 6 feet tall and can still run a mile and a half in just over 10m even with bum knee.
Mathilda: You are a strange moderately sized man.
That's right. Although might as well just call me crazy.
Mathilda: Point... Seriously though, are you going to kill him?
Nope. That's Roll's job. It's why she has the broom. It's okay he comes back anyhow regardless of what anyone, myself OR Capcom write.
Mathilda: Do you ever take anything down here seriously?
Not really no.