I've always enjoyed Familiar of Zero but haven't taken a shot at writing a story about it, until now.

Most of this tale will be told from the perspective of Louise's familar in the first-person. The perspective will switch to other characters during important scenes and moments, however. Louise will be especially prominent in this regard.

Anyway, do enjoy!


Arrival

Louise bows her head deeply and clenches her open hands into closed fists. She shudders with frustration and a small tear rolls down her left cheek.

"I'm really very sorry, Headmaster Osmond. I-I didn't mean for this to happen, again..."

Osmond smiles and waves his hand. "Don't worry, Louise. This is not your fault. This is the fault of Professor Chevreuse for letting you perform the spell despite warnings. But the problem remains the same, a huge hole in the wall is there. What will we do, Colbert?"

The professor standing beside the headmaster adjusts his glasses and ponders the question for a moment.

"Well, headmaster, we can't afford to fix it, the funds are tight. Maybe we can make an excuse for it when some of our patrons next visit? Maybe some wild beast or some other reason?"

Louise lifts her head and dries her eyes. "N-No, you needn't do that. I-I'll write to my father and ask him to provide funds for the repairs. It's the least I could do."

She looks over at the large hole in the wall that her magic spell left from the window in the headmaster's office, and a few tears begin to flow again.

Osmond smiles and nods.

"Very well, Miss Valliere. You're free to go. Just do what you need to do."

Louise nods, sniffles, and heads out the door of the office, wiping her eyes.

"You did it again, Louise," the pink-haired girl reprimands herself.

Breathing in and out to steady herself, she starts down the wide stone spiral staircase leading from Headmaster Osmond's office to the castle's main connecting hall.

"Why do I always have such rotten luck? Why am I cursed to be so miserable?"

The young lady stalls halfway down the staircase when she sees Kirche, Tabitha and Montmorency approaching.

"Oh no. This is just what I don't need right now..."

As Louise starts back up the stairs, trying to avoid her classmates, the other girls notice her.

Kirche chuckles wickedly and smirks at Louise. "So, what happened? Did they finally decide to expel you?"

Montmorency crosses her arms over her chest. "Well, if not that, they must have punished her somehow for the dreadful spectacle earlier today."

Kirche nods, her brownish-gold eyes shining. "So, Louise, what is it...?"

Louise frowns and stands her ground. "They aren't punishing me."

Kirche's smile grows wider.

"Oh really...? So, are you saying that they're rewarding you for such a spectacular display?"

Montmorency steps in front of her red-haired friend. "I would think not."

The two girls laugh whilst Tabitha quietly reads a book.

Louise glares angrily at the blonde-haired girl and Kirche.

"I-I'll show the two of you! Tomorrow I'll summon the strongest familiar out of the whole school year. Then you'll be sorry you teased me like this!"

Montmorency looks shocked for a moment, before smiling smugly. "That's ridiculous. You couldn't possibly summon anything. Everyone knows you're a Zero."

Kirche smiles too.

"Yeah, I don't know if you should bother with the summoning tomorrow, Louise. After all, what if you end up blowing up the whole school next time?"

Louise shakes her head, and walks off, leaving Kirche and Montmorency to giggle amongst themselves.

"You'll regret being so mean to me," she pledges under her breath.

...

Later, the same night, Louise is alone in the school courtyard. The full moon is shining, the sky is dotted with stars. The girl sits on a bench, looking down, with a sad expression on her face. Her shoulders are hunched, and she has a book on her lap.

"I-I'll show them all," she says at a whisper, crying. "...I will."

The sky overhead rumbles and the heavens open with a light shower, soaking both her and her book

Louise smiles so very, very sadly.

"Why does it always rain when I feel like this...?"


I swirl my glass of rum and cola and breathe a deep and exhausted sigh.

This pub used to be my favorite. I made many a precious memory here over the years. From late night drinking sessions, to quizzes and a few really nice dinner dates. Sadly, almost all the fond memories are overshadowed now.

Overshadowed by the young woman sitting across the table from me in a red dress. She's petite and slim with a pale complexion and equally fiery natural red hair.

"So, what do you think?" she asks. "You think we could try again? Just give me one more chance to make this work."

Her name is Anna and she's the girl that broke my heart. I was stupid enough to believe her lies and I was foolish enough to let her break me.

I can't stop thinking about her. She's all that occupies my thoughts. Even when I'm streaming games to my YouTube audience.

A part of me wants to get as far away from her as possible. So far away I'll never see her again.

Another part of me, however, can't help but feel drawn towards her. She has a hold on me that I can't shake. And it's not something I can explain either.

"No way," I answer, sipping my drink and placing it back down on the mat. "You hurt me once, Anna. You're an idiot if you think I'll make the same mistake a second time."

"Don't be like that, Mikey."

"Don't call me that," I say coldly. "You don't get to call me that anymore."

She sighs. "Please. I'm so sorry."

My anger bubbles to the surface and I frown.

"You don't get to be sorry, either." I narrow my eyes and stare her down. "You know what hurts me most, Anna? The fact that I did everything right. I went to uni, racked up the debt, stuck by you since we graduated high school, and I've ended up neck-deep in misery for all of it."

"You're being too hard on yourself. You always are," Anna says, moving her hand nearer mine.

I withdraw it from her reach.

"Am I?" I ask.

"Y-You don't need to be like this. I just... I didn't think things would get so complicated," Anna answers with a short sigh.

"You should've thought about that before jumping into Steven's bed," I mutter spitefully.

"Look, I'm not gonna lie... I had a lapse in judgement."

"That's what you're calling it." I scoff and roll my eyes. "And did it make you feel good?"

"No, Mikey, it didn't."

"Then why...?!"

"It was a stupid mistake. It meant nothing. I was lonely and sad and it just happened."

"You were lonely? Oh, okay, then it's totally fine! Why didn't you just say that from the beginning? You know what...? Forget this." I down the last of my drink and stand from the table, throwing a handful of coins down to cover the cost of my drink. "I'm gone, Anna. I trusted you, and you threw it back in my face."

"Mikey," she calls, grabbing my wrist.

I turn, and the way she looks at me with her teary eyes makes my heart ache.

"Please," she whispers.

"I can't do this." I shake my head. "...I can't trust you anymore."

"Then let me earn your trust."

I hesitate.

"What are you saying?" I ask.

"Let me prove that you can trust me again," she pleads.

I shake my head and yank my wrist away from her.

"It'll be a long time before I trust a woman again, rest assured."

"What can I do to make you forgive me?"

"You've already said it a million times, Anna."

"Just tell me what you want, Mikey."

I pause. Then I simply decide to let it all out.

"...I want to be as far away from you and this town as I possibly can."

So far away that nobody finds me! Hell, I don't want a soul to know me! I'm tired of being hurt.

"...But where would you go?" Anna asks.

"Anywhere. Anywhere is better than here."

My feelings let loose, I turn around and walk out through the side door.

Outside the pub it's dark and cold.

There's a light rain falling from the cloudy night sky. I'm glad I remembered my jacket.

I chuckle limply. "Always rains when I'm feeling like crap. Go figure."

I duck under the outdoor smoking shelter and take my Ipod out from my jeans pocket. Untangling the headphones, I thread them under my shirt and cycle through my playlists.

One song in particular is epsecially fitting right now. An oldie, but a goodie.

Even if Anna was the one who showed it to me.

"I think the rain is coming back...
Dear Lord, can you feel my pain?
If you can't it's alright cuz I'm gonna live my life anyway,
just let it rain on me. I feel so free like a cool breeze."

Nodding, I head out through the back gate and set off down the street.

It's a long walk home from here.


I smile for the webcam and move onto the next level.

Just because I'm unhappy, it doesn't mean my YouTube audience needs to see it.

And besides, I could use a distraction after meeting with Anna today.

"Last level, guys. Then I'll be calling it. Gotta make a few phone calls and speak with Ace about the collab we have planned."

I finish the last level and sign off, closing down my laptop.

I check the time and pick up the phone, calling my friend, Ryan. His real name. Not the one he uses on YouTube.

"Hey, Ryan. Just wanted to let you know I'll be on my way before too long. Got a bit held up with the Super Destroyer boss. Didn't have the extra ammo."

"I saw, I saw. No worries, dude," Ryan answers with his usual calm and collected tone. "Take your time. I'll leave the front door unlocked. I'm not going anywhere."

"Great. See you in a couple of hours."

I hang up the phone.

"Wish I could be as chill as you, dude," I say with a deep sigh, massaging my temples. "Guess I'd better check the job applications before taking off."

I swipe upon the Exec app on my phone and scroll through to the page listing my applications.

I had applied to a couple companies that would take a fresh graduate without any experience. Or, at least I thought they might, given the listings.

"Rejected... rejected... and rejected."

I flick off the app and groan with frustration.

"What's the point of six years and five-figure student debt if it gets you nowhere...?"

I look around the room and see the empty walls, the cheap furniture, and the lack of decorations.

"It's been three months since graduation, and still nothing. Not a single company will even glance at my damn resume... This keeps up, I'll be moving back in with the old man."

I look to my recording desk and computer. A few retro consoles sit in compartments on a higher shelf, too.

"YouTube's only gonna go so far if I don't want to live off toasties and soup for the next few months."

My phone buzzes. A notification has appeared on the screen.

"New application?"

I open the email and read through the message.

"Dear Mr. DeSilva,

We have received your application for the position of Junior Accountant and have decided you do not meet the requirements. We hope you consider applying to another position in future."

My last shred of patience fizzles out.

"Oh, for fuck sakes... I'll take toasties and soup over this crap."

I slam the phone onto the desk.

I'll take a shower. Then I'm packing up and heading out for the night.

I leave the recording studio and make my way to the bathroom, where I undress and shower.

...

"If it weren't for the fact I have a couple grand saved up in the bank, I'd be sleeping under the stars right now," I mutter.

Once I finish in the shower I head back to the bedroom and gather up the items I need for the collab.

I pack the clothing first. Then I pack the camera and a couple microphones, along with a handful of USB and memory cards.

Once I finish packing, I zip the bag up and carry it out to the car.

I check my watch and see that the sun is going down.

"Shit, forgot the spare power bank..."

I turn around and head back into the yard.

"What the Hell...?" I raise a brow and take a careful step back at what waits ahead of me.

A large and pulsating orb made of some sort of weird looking energy floats over the dried out old flower beds. It gives off an intense warmth unlike anything I've seen or felt before.

"This wasn't here when I came through..."

I take a careful step nearer the orb and reach out to touch it.

It feels like a plasma ball.

The moment my hand makes contact the orb begins to pulse.

"What the...?"

An intense burning pain fills my chest. My body convulses as a green light emits from within me.

My vision blows out and my world flashes white.

...

I'm floating, and yet standing.

"Where am I?"

My voice echoes into the distance, like a hollow tunnel.

I'm surrounded by a pitch-black void.

"Is anyone there? Hello? Someone...?" My voice is weak, like a whisper.

My head begins to pound as I feel a searing pain tear through my skull.

A green glow lights up the darkness, and an ancient rune appears before me.

"I summon you as my familiar," an echoey voice commands, that of a young woman.

Her call brings me only further pain.

"Stop, please!"

It's like my brain is on fire.

"I'm begging you... it hurts...!"

"I summon you to my side," the woman's voice further implores.

I scream as a blinding light fills the void.


I force my blurry eyes open. My whole body aches and it feels as though I've been trampled.

"What the hell happened?"

"The ceremony is almost complete. The ritual has been cast," an unfamilar voice decrees.

"You must be joking," a second voice answers. "That's a commoner."

"He's a plebeian," a third voice confirms.

"It's an sooo funny!" the second voice howls. "Louise the Zero's familiar is no more than a commoner!"

I focus my blurry vision until the fog clears.

I'm surrounded by a band of young men and women wearing what look like robes and carrying wands. We're talking some real high fantasy stuff!

"You've got to be kidding me," I utter beneath my breath.

One of the wizardy looking lot, a petite girl with candyfloss hair, kneels before me. She glares at me with matching eyes like daggers, and her cheeks are oddly flushed.

"With my lips, I bind us as one," she says as though casting an enchantment. Cupping my face, she suddenly presses our lips together.

Caught off guard, my heartbeat quickens a touch.

I try to break free, but her hand grabs hold of my shirt and deepens the kiss.

Harder and harder my heart pounds.

Then the girl pulls back.

And as she does, a feeling like fire ignites within me.

I scream.

"Oh no!" the girl exclaims, backing away from me. "...What's going on with him?!"

All the students back double back from me. Embers erupt from my fingertips and I'm sweating bullets! My body becomes hotter and hotter as though I'm about to melt!

"I-I'm gonna die... Too hot..."

I feel my consciousness slipping away as I'm overcome by intense heat.

The girl kneels in front of me and takes my hand.

"Please, be calm," she pleads. "I've got you."

As she touches me, my skin cools as though by magic.

Exhausted, I slump in a heap and pull my knees to my chest.

"W-Wait... That was magic just now." One of the students from earlier says. "...Did Louise summon a noble...?"

Through my panic and confusion, I note surprised gasps among the crowd.

The pink-haired girl smiles at me with a sudden degree of what I'd call satisfaction glinting in her eyes.

"You're a noble, are you?" she asks.

I point to myself wordlessly.

The girl nods, frowning. "Yes, idiot, you."

I shake my head. "No... Not me... I- I don't have a clue what's going on here..."

"Wait! Hold on a sec!" calls a rather overweight student behind the girl. "Louise the Zero can't use magic, but she gave her familiar magic somehow!"

All the students burst out laughing.

The girl, whom I now know as Louise, burns red with anger and clenches a shuddering fist.

"I don't know what I did, okay?!" she yells.

I rub my temples and exhale deeply.

"That's enough!" a new, more mature voice calls.

I turn to the speaker, an older gentleman wearing a robe. He's balding and dons a pair of old-timey specs.

"Now, Louise," the man continues. "Regardless of whatever or whoever you have summoned, the rules remain the same. This man is your familiar from this point onward."

B-But Professor Colbert!" Louise argues. "How can he deny being noble, yet still be a mage?"

Colbert strokes his chin. "It is a bit of a strange occurrence, yes... Regardless, the familiar runes have formed on his left hand."

I look down to my left hand and notice the rune is glowing green.

"I don't believe it," Louise whispers, staring at my hand.

"Don't believe what?" I ask.

"That I'm stuck with you, whoever you are."

"Michael," I say with a hint of irritation. "My name's Michael. Michael DeSliva."

"Michael, is it?" Louise repeats, glaring at me. Her eyes narrowing with anger, she pulls me to my feet.

I nod.

The girl's frown deepens and she glares at me with renewed disgust. "...I'll call you whatever I please."

"Look," I say, pulling away. "I have no idea what's going on here, but the last thing I need is some bratty princess thinking she can boss me around."

"Oh, just be quiet!"

She stomps her foot down as if telling me her word is final.

"I am Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Vallière! And as my familiar, you'll address me as 'Mistress'."

Without another word, Louise hauls me up and drags me across the grass toward what looks to be a castle.

"Hold on..." I say in a low voice, my brain doubling back on itself.

A castle. Robes. Magic and some weird ritual.

"Where in the world am I...?" I wonder with several stunned blinks.

Louise stops dead in her tracks. She turns to face me and frowns.

"We're going to my room," she states. "You'll be staying with me from now on."

I'm too confused to fight anymore, so I simply let Louise have her way.

Wherever in the world, or out of this world I've ended up, I want some answers.

And maybe, just maybe, this little pink-haired princess can give them to me.


I sit down on a chair in the corner of Louise's room whilst she sits on her fancy four-poster bed. The room is a good size with a high ceiling and a large window which lets in the warm, afternoon sunlight. There are shelves of books and a wardrobe and a dressing table. It's all pretty damn classy.

"So," I begin. "Let's start with where we are. What is this place?"

"This is the Tristain Academy of Magic," Louise answers.

"Tristain?" I repeat, raising a brow. "And how did I end up here?"

"Because I summoned you, idiot." Louise growls and rubs her temples. "I'd hoped that part might've sunken in by now."

"No," I retort. "I'm not talking about that. How did I get from my home to here?"

"You really are dense," Louise grumbles.

I frown. "My point still stands. How do I get home? Back to Kent, outside of London?"

Louise blinks at me with utter confusion. "Lon-don...? Where's that?"

"London," I answer. "The capital city of England. Now where is it, Princess?"

"You're in the Kingdom of Tristain," Louise states, her tone a touch irritated. "And I sure as heck don't appreciate you calling me Princess, thank you very much!"

I rub my forehead. "Whatever. Look, Princess, I'm not from your little fantasy land. I'm from a whole other world, a world where we don't have magic or elves or whatever."

Louise points at me with a hint of hostility. "You say that, but you conjured fire earlier, somehow."

"T-That was-" I pause and calm my temper with a deep breath. "That only happened after you kissed me..."

I extend my hand and snap my fingers. A tiny, flickering orange flame lights up and floats at the end of my index. The flame feels neither steady nor stable, though. I worry if I don't put it out that it'll grow beyond my control and start a blaze.

Louise looks at my magic trick with amazement.

"And with no wand, either," she observes. "H-How are you doing that...?"

"No clue." I snap my fingers and put out the flame. "But I'm not making a hobby out of it. Doesn't feel like I can control it all too well."

"And you're sure you're not a noble, Michael?"

I shake my head. "Not by a long shot. I'm a commoner, through and through. Christ, I'm living off of sandwiches and instant noodles while running a thirty-thousand sub YouTube channel."

Louise looks at me as though what I've said to her is the most alien thing in the world.

Realizing it probably is, I wave off her concern. "Forget it."

Louise sighs and lies down on her bed. "You aren't a commoner. You proclaim you aren't noble. And yet, you can use magic without knowing how."

She turns over and buries her head into one of the pillows, groaning and kicking her feet.

"This is ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous!"

"It's not like I'm exactly happy with the situation, either." I lean back in my chair.

"Oh, spare me. I doubt you're as upset as I am."

"Oh, believe me, Princess, you'd be shocked. I was just about to hop in my car and go meet up with a friend to record a video when I got sucked into this magical fantasy land."

...

Our bickering has gone round and around in circles for what feels like hours.

Finally defeated, I let out a deep sigh and lean as far back into the chair as I can without falling.

"So, it's a one-way trip and there's no going back," I rationalize with a deep breath in, and out. "Also, I'm bound to you as a familiar."

Louise sighs deeply. "Finally, you're getting it. Stupid dog..."

"Whatever, Louise..." I hop up from the chair and walk over to the large mirror across from the bed.

Holding my arms, I look myself over.

I'm still wearing my grey sleeveless black vest, blue jeans, and black sneakers. My blonde hair reaches the back of my neck. I'm a fit, athletic kind of guy. Nothing too impressive, but nothing too shabby, either. It's enough. And right now, I'm just thankful I haven't turned into a damn cat or something. My eyes are still green, too.

I look to Louise who sits up on her bed. Her pink hair matches her rosy cheeks, and her pink eyes are focused solely on me.

"Alright, Louise," I say. "You know more than me of what's going on. I think you should tell me about this place."

Louise folds her arms across her chest. "What do you want to know?"

"First, where exactly is Tristain?"

"Tristain is nation on the continent of Halkeginia."

"Hal-kegin-ya?" I repeat, scratching my head.

Louise sighs. "Hal-kee-gee-nah. There are several nations that comprise the continent, and Tristain is one of them. There's the Germanian Empire to the northeast. Romalia and Galia are south of here. Lastly, there's the island nation of Albion in the skies far west."

"Wait a minute," I cut in. "Albion? As in Britain?

Louise looks confused. "I've never heard of 'Brit-ain'. Only Albion."

I rub my chin. "Okay, then... And you said you're a mage?"

Louise looks nervous for a moment. "...Kind of, yes."

"Kind of?"

Louise looks away from me and frowns glumly. "I'm a failure, okay?!"

I raise my hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Sorry."

I pace around the room, taking it all in. Then I stop and force a thin smile.

"Hey, you can't be that much of a failure. You gave me magic somehow, right?"

Louise nods slowly and cautiously. "I don't know how I did it, but I suppose so, yes."

"Then you're not a failure." I double down.

"B-But I was only following the ritual."

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Okay, let's leave that for a bit. So, what was this ritual you were doing?"

Louise gets off her bed and opens her closet. Inside are what looks to be several robes of various colours.

"Every student in the Academy must summon their familiar," Louise explains.

"Familiar?" I repeat, looking over her shoulder.

"Yes," Louise says. "It's a tradition among mages. Every noble must have a familiar."

"And what exactly is a familiar, anyway?"

"A spirit," Louise answers, closing the closet door and walking over to the window. "Or an animal, sometimes."

I blink. "An animal?"

"Yes."

I nod understandingly. "Got it. And the kiss... Was it absolutely needed?"

Louise blushes redder than a beet. "N-No, not necessarily, but..."

I smile gently, not wanting to upset the girl when tensions are already high. "Well, it was one of the nicer kisses I've had. So, thank you. Sure beats my ex," I finish under my breath softly.

"It was just a contract, that's all," Louise snaps, avoiding eye contact.

"Uh-huh. Of course."

Louise clears her throat. "Anyway, you're a familiar. So, wherever I go, you go with me."

"And supposing I'd rather not. I mean, I'm probably older than you for starters."

"I don't care!" Louise snaps. "You are to listen to everything I say and follow my orders. If not, well, there will be consequences."

I bow laxly, smirking. "Oh of course, Mistress."

"Don't call me that, I've changed my mind," the girl decides. "Just Louise will do."

I shrug my shoulders. "Alright, Louise."

Louise points to a set of robes hanging off the side of the dresser.

"Now, you'd better put these on," she commands. "Those strange clothes you're wearing are just ridiculous. People will stare at you."

"Fine," I grumble, walking over to the dresser. "Mind if I ask why you have men's clothes in here?"

"...There was a mix up with one of my orders from the Weaver's Guild, and I've yet to take those back. So, I suppose you can have them."

"Got it." I nod. Mind turning around while I change?"

"You're my familiar," Louise huffs, averting her gaze.

"Doesn't mean I want you looking."

I slip on a white, long-sleeved shirt with a pair of black pants and boots. Then I slip on the cloak over the top and fasten the bronze clasp.

"There. Good enough?"

Louise turns around and nods her head.

"That'll do."

She looks to the floor and fidgets with her fingers.

"Michael, one last time... are you a noble?"

I shake my head. "I told you already. No."

"Fine, fine..." Louise exhales. "I won't ask again for the time being."

"I should hope not," I say with a touch of frustration.

I look to the window. We've talked for so long that it's getting dark out.

"So, where do I sleep, exactly?"

Not that I'm one for going to bed at sundown or anything. It isn't as though I'll have much do to on my first night in wizard world, is all.

Louise's eyes widen. She grabs a pillow from her bed and throws it at me.

"Sleep in the halls for all I care."

I catch the pillow and toss it onto the floor.

"Seriously? That's how you treat your new servant, huh?"

Louise rolls her eyes. "Just stop talking back and sleep on the floor." She points to the bed. "This is mine."

I lie down on the cold, hard floor.

"Oh, the life of a noble. Not even a single ounce of respect," I say teasingly.

"Well, maybe if you confessed to being a noble and actually told me which house you're from I'd afford you the smallest hint of respect."

I sigh deeply and close my eyes. "Not got the energy for this. Night, Louise."

"Whatever. Go to sleep."

As my eyes close, I see the rune on the back of my left hand, glowing green.

What the Hell have I gotten myself into?

Whatever the case, I can't help but laugh at the irony of all this.

I said I wanted to get away from Anna, after all.

"Didn't think I'd get my wish quite so... literally," I utter beneath my breath.

To be contined...


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