Zeratul had had an odd request. The days that lead to the mission had gone by normally, with complete focus on her and Siesta's training. Louise had even been able to get real sleep for the first time since the day of her familiar being summoned to this, the day before her departure on this new task. The request, then, was odd in that it required a nighttime rendezvous in utmost secrecy. The only details given were that it involved training and needed to be in a room that allowed little airflow. The girls approached the location they had agreed upon trepidatiously, hesitating as they went to grab the handle of the door to a shed near the servant's quarters. The interior of the shed was full of gardening and cleaning equipment, and the clutter made it uncomfortable to stand in. Upon entering, Louise could almost feel the creeping tickling sensation of an innumerable number of bugs throughout her body, with Siesta, being more used to these surroundings, simply feeling discomfort at the idea of being somewhere she normally wasn't at this hour. Each of the girls scanned the room for any sign of Zeratul but could find nothing but the Vessel of Holding that contained Terrazine, as Zeratul had told them.
Almost as quickly as they entered the door slammed shut behind them, and before either had the chance to react, Zeratul had appeared before them.
I am sorry, pupils, Zeratul's voice echoed apologetically as he reached forth his hands to each of the girls' heads. Now, see! Zeratul commanded as both girls had their vision fade from them, only to be replaced with a massive rush of chaotic images. Images of death, destruction and horrors both manmade and not that were beyond their comprehension. The images, sounds, and flashes of horror would have made them cry out, had they any control of their mental faculties. Focus, Zeratul's voice echoed louder and closer than ever in their heads, as the images began to slow and warp around each other to give way to one that came to the forefront.
Louise, Siesta, and Zeratul found themselves standing upon a plateau in what appeared to be a desert in the midst of twilight. The humans looked around and found the desert stretched for eternity in every direction. As for themselves, they stood overlooking this plateau as movement startled them. A large, blue-grey, four-fingered hand appeared over the edge as what they recognized as another Protoss warrior clambered up to their position.
Be not afraid, young ones, Zeratul informed as the figure rose to full height and walked towards them. Behind the first there were others that began to climb over the edge, all adorned with different scraps of tattered cloth as Zeratul, with each Protoss having only slightly different distinguishing features. This is but a vision of the past. They are not aware of us. Among the emerging Protoss, the girls could spot a familiar face.
"Is that-?" Louise began as she squinted.
Indeed. For this is a vision of my own past, at the last trial of my shadow walk, Zeratul stated, it is an ancient, sacred tradition where one must prove their worth as a Nerazim warrior.
The girls stared in awe at all these other Protoss faces. The one who arrived first turned to the others. It appears, as always, I prevail, the Protoss boasted. This shocked the girls, whose only experience with Protoss was Zeratul, a stoic warrior.
Indeed, Dyruzan, you are the most promising among us, the young Zeratul replied, as monotone as ever, but with genuine respect in his tone. His voice, unscarred by centuries of battle, echoed sharper in their heads.
Had you not spent your time focusing on others, you may have passed your trials already, Dyruzan said disdainfully. We are not Khalai, we must learn to stand alone.
As Dyruzan continued with his admonishment, Zeratul spotted a straggler struggling to bring themselves to the top of the platform and, on instinct, he knelt and helped them. Dyruzan, now growing frustrated, marched to them. The weak must be left behind if we are to survive, Zeratul.
With respect, Dyruzan, your ideologies have always struck me as more Tal'Darim than Nerazim. Tell me, do you also believe in ascension? That we are chosen of all Firstborn? The way of the Nerazim may be solitary, but what you speak of is the way of pride and selfishness. Zeratul retorted. Dyruzan, now growing enraged, grabbed Zeratul by one of his adornments and held him over the edge of the plateau. Zeratul, struggling, looked down and surmised the fall would most certainly kill him.
Louise wanted to cry out in protest, Siesta the same, but both quickly remembered this was merely a vision.
You haven't mastered blinking yet, Zeratul, Dyruzan chided, Still cannot let go of your fear? Here, let me show you what a fearless Nerazim can truly do. At that moment another figure emerged from a cloud of shadows, this Protoss wore much nicer adornments than the other Protoss, and had a veil over their face and what looked to be jewelry resembling a crown on their head that lead back to their dreadlock-like nerve cords.
Raszagal! One of the other Protoss cried out as they approached this new figure. Matriarch! Stop this madness!
Louise and Siesta could not help but be taken aback at the sight of a female Protoss, who looked so similar to the others that, had she not been identified as female, they would never have known.
Dyruzan, still holding Zeratul over the edge, was approached by Raszagal. It is true, Dyruzan, I sense no fear in you. She then turned to Zeratul. Young Zeratul, your fear still controls you. Then, without warning, Raszagal ignited a blade on her arm and severed Dyruzan's hand that held Zeratul aloft.
"No!" Louise and Siesta cried out as they ran to look over the edge of the plateau to see young Zeratul's plummeting form.
The young Zeratul could scarcely believe what had happened, as his fearful mind raced with fear and panic at the situation. There is no shame in fear, Young Zeratul, the matriarch's voice echoed, but do not let it take hold of you. You are the master of your fear. It is not the master of you. Remember, fear is an illusion.
Young Zeratul, in a sudden moment of clarity, could feel time slow around him as the Matriarch's words echoed in his mind. Yes. Fear is an illusion. And illusions… can be dispelled. Zeratul, acknowledging his fear, let it go and in that moment was able to refocus his attention on his energies and blink to the top of the plateau, behind Dyruzan, who was holding his stump of an arm in pain.
Dyruzan, your performance is exemplary of everything a skilled Nerazim warrior must have, however, the Matriarch turned to Young Zeratul, holding out her hand, and in it materialized a brass-colored gauntlet inlaid with green crystals, to have no fear makes one reckless, and a danger to others. You are right in that we stand alone, the Matriarch continued as she looked to the rest of the Protoss, but we stand alone together. Young Zeratul took the gauntlet and placed it on his wrist. Ignite your blade, Zeratul.
Young Zeratul did as instructed.
Now, strike down your assailant, and your shadow walk is complete, the Matriarch ordered. Zeratul, without a moment's hesitation, turned his warp blade off.
I am sorry, Matriarch, I know my defiance may be seen as blasphemy, but there have already been enough Protoss deaths to last all of eternity. I beg you, show mercy to Dyruzan, Young Zeratul pleaded as he knelt before his Matriarch
Your concern for the well being of others is what gives you your strength, noble Zeratul, and for that I cannot fault you, however, the Matriarch once again ignited her warp blade and struck Dyruzan down mercilessly, do not let that lead you to naivete. Those who pride their interests above all others will always repeat their crimes. You must destroy any seed of selfishness before it takes root and chokes out any garden of community it finds itself in. Matriarch Raszagal turned off her warp blade and placed her hand on the stunned Young Zeratul's shoulder. Do not be mistaken. There is, indeed, a time and place for mercy, the Matriarch began as she walked past Young Zeratul and the group of Protoss to position herself in front of them before turning to address them all, but be mindful of the greater consequences mercy can bring and be mindful that your actions be fueled by consideration for the good of the tribe, and not the good of your ego.
As the Matriarch's words finished, Louise and Siesta found themselves back in the shed, with Zeratul before them.
"W-what was that?!" Louise demanded.
It is as I told you, a vision of my past, Zeratul replied plainly.
"But why did you show us that, Mr. Zeratul?" Siesta asked.
In order to fully embrace your powers, you must do as my Matriarch told me, Zeratul began as he blinked out of sight, before the ignited blade of his scythe was suddenly mere centimeters from the girls' faces, to which they instinctively jumped back with a yelp. Fear is an illusion, acknowledge it, then, Zeratul deactivated his scythe, let it go. Both the girls heaved heavy sighs of relief as they felt their hearts pounding.
"And what about all that stuff about mercy? What does that have to do with us?" Siesta once again asked.
That was a lesson in pride, my young disciples, Zeratul answered, you must be mindful that your actions are not derived from your ego, as mine was. The Matriarch was right, and it was not Dyruzan's first time committing such an action. I merely wished him life because I felt it was the right thing to do and did not wish to have guilt weighing my spirit, without considering the further harm he may have caused not only to individuals… but to our people.
Siesta and Louise looked on, and Zeratul could sense understanding beginning to form in their minds.
I apologize for the suddenness of my methods, but it was necessary to understand these lessons. Remember, fear is not your enemy. Fear is an illusion. One you control. Acknowledge your fears, and let them go, Zeratul repeated as he grabbed the Terrazine container and disappeared into the shadows.
Louise and Siesta had much to think about as they returned to their rooms, as Zeratul watched over both.
I did not intend to use this substance so soon, Zeratul thought, as he hid the Terrazine container, but I sense their path quickly becomes treacherous, and I must hasten their tutelage. They must realize that not only must they learn to stand alone, he contemplated to himself, but they must stand alone… together.
Siesta found that her sleep had not been as restful as she had hoped, as she was plagued by not only the vision Zeratul had shown her, but the flashes of horror and pain that preceded it. She awoke in a cold sweat. The images tormenting her being too much to continue sleeping, she sat bolt upright, doing her best to control her breathing. As she calmed herself she looked to the window to see it was fogged, with the unmistakably dull light of coming dawn breaking through. She rose and wiped the window to look out over the academy grounds, which had been layered in a blanket of thin mist.
She turned her attention to getting ready, making sure to grab as warm of clothes as she could, and changes of clothes for later. Lacking a proper traveling bag, she merely tried her best to compact her meager belongings into a loose sack sealed by a draw string. Feeling a chill, she looked over to her warmest coat, a many-times hand-me-down from the family that was visibly worn but still remarkably warm. As she was beginning to rise to retrieve it, she instead wished to try something.
Energy is all around us, I am made of it, and I can control it, she thought as she centered her focus as she had been taught. She reached her hand out, and the jacket flew from her loose rack of clothes to her hand in an instant. Feeling confident, she then directed her attention to her unfinished packing and concentrated on the clothes and belongings she desired to pack individually. Each came to her easily, and folded itself on the way. When the pack was full, she had it tie itself and levitated it over her shoulder. An immense sense of elation came over her and she nearly jumped for joy, but contained herself as she took a deep breath and left the room.
As it was so early, many of the other servants had not awoken, and her walk to meet Louise and Guiche was uneventful. She did not see them upon arriving at the stables and wondered if, perhaps, Louise had slept in. Acting on this thought, she made her way into the academy to find them.
Louise could hardly sleep after the vision that was shared with her. The images that she had seen, though? She remembered feeling terrified, but could not recall any of them, specifically. Before she knew it, light from unbroken dawn seeped into her room. Not knowing if she had slept, and not feeling tired, regardless, she hopped out of bed and began her preparations, throwing things haphazardly into her traveling case.
"You wanna maybe fold that? Might give you more room, pinky," Derflinger commented.
"Shut up, you rusty toothpick," Louise retorted as she continued stuffing things into the case with no regard for organization. When she had finished, she let out a sigh of relief and did her best to force the lid of the case closed. After more than a few unsuccessful attempts, she finally managed to barely get it shut… only for it to burst open as the overstuffing broke the latches. "DAMN IT!" she yelled as she went for her wand instinctually, though, in that moment, managed to catch herself before she did something drastic.
"Looks like the rusty toothpick was right, HA!" Derflinger chimed in.
Twice in his life, the academy gardener was almost a victim of death by flying sword. He tendered his resignation later that day.
Meanwhile, Louise, having decided to simply have clothes sent to her on the way, dressed in warm, casual (for a noble) clothes, put on her cloak, and left the room, Zapper closely following. Upon exiting, she spotted a familiar face that had a hand raised to knock on her door.
"Oh! Miss Valliere, I was coming to collect you and Sir Gramont," Siesta said with her usual polite cheeriness.
"Oh, thank you, Siesta," Louise replied, "by the way, did you sleep at all last night?"
"Not very well, no," Siesta responded gravely as her gaze fell and eyes glazed over. A moment later, her face changed to one of confusion and concern, "Miss Valliere? Are you not bringing anything?" Siesta inquired, noticing the lack of luggage/
"No, I decided to just get something on the way," Louise replied, doing her best to hide the shame in her voice.
"That just won't do at all, Miss Valliere," Siesta shook her head, "we are on an urgent, time-sensitive mission from the Princess herself! We don't have time for that. Don't you agree?" Siesta asked cheerfully.
"Ugh, I guess you're right, hold on, I guess I'll be a bit," Louise answered with exasperated resignation.
"Well, if you don't mind, Miss Valliere, I could help you!" Siesta offered, excitedly.
"Sure, I guess," Louise replied awkwardly as she motioned to invite Siesta into the mostly tidy room, save for a spot where it looked like a clothes bomb exploded. Spotting this, Louise immediately began to nervously scratch the back of her head. Though Siesta did not seem to notice or mind as she began artfully folding the clothes.
"Oh! Miss Valliere! Please shut the door, I would like to show you something," Siesta requested excitedly.
Louise did as was requested, feeling anxious as to what she could possibly be shown. Siesta, after having placed down her bag, looked to Louise with stars in her eyes.
"I've been practicing! Watch!" Siesta announced as her face gained a determined attribute to it. She took a deep breath, and as she exhaled, the clothes that had spilled from her bag rose and began folding themselves. Louise gasped and her eyes widened in awe as she watched the expert display from what she believed was a fellow novice of their newly found powers. "Hold out your arms, Miss Valliere," Siesta requested as the clothes and other belongings finished being telekinetically packed into the case, the case was then closed and levitated to Louise's open arms. "What do you think? I did good, didn't I?" Siesta was brimming with excitement and desire for validation.
"Y-yeah! That was really impressive," Louise chuckled nervously as the weight of the case began to wear her arms down. As she set the case down, she reflected on her own forays into practice. Unfortunately she has still not progressed beyond bugs or other small objects. She even had Zapper throw small objects into the air for her to try and catch and, still, no luck.
Louise counted herself lucky that Derflinger was nowhere near enough to give commentary.
Louise, being too small to carry the case on her own, instead had Zapper suspend it in their examination beam as they went down to meet Guiche. Along the way the trio encountered no one as the morning was still too early for both the servants and students to be up and about. When they finally reached the courtyard, they could see, in the light mist, horses prepared for them by the playboy blonde noble, Guiche. "Good morning to you, mademoiselles, may I say you bo-"
"You may not," Louise replied flatly as they reached the horses. Guiche looked, once again, as if he had been shot with an arrow through his heart. Despite the dramatic display, he mounted his horse without issue. Louise, however, struggled a bit to reach the stirrups.
Siesta tapped Louise's shoulder indicating that she was willing to help. Louise, slightly embarrassed but doing her best, as of recent, to swallow her pride, nodded and smiled at the maid. Much to the pink-haired noble's surprise, she was lifted by a seemingly otherworldly force. The noblewoman yelped audibly as this happened, causing Guiche to turn in time to see Louise plopped down on her horse, with a look of surprise and fear on her face. Siesta looked up to Louise, giving a thumbs-up while she smiled and then reached her hand out.
"Miss Valliere, if you wouldn't mind, once again," Siesta implored as she looked into Louise's eyes with what Louise could swear was a blush coming upon her face.
Louise nodded and gave a small smile back as she reached down and took Siesta's hand. Siesta, now having had experience with this, positioned herself much easier than last time. Without thinking, she rested her head on Louise's back.
"Thank you, Miss Valliere," Siesta whispered, the sound of which gave Louise chills and a slight increase in heart rate.
Guiche, unsure what was going on, focused his attention at the road that led to and from the academy. "Shouldn't the escort be here by now?" He asked.
Louise silently agreed. They should have been, but no matter how much the group scanned the area, they saw nothing indicating an approaching escort. As they looked, the ground before the group started to tremble, each of the members startled as they eyed the ground with trepidation. After a moment, an animal poked its head from the ground.
"Verdandi!" Guiche said as he dismounted his horse and ran to his giant mole-like familiar, "Oh you must have thought I'd leave you behind again since I didn't bring you with me to the lake, my dear, sweet, beautiful Verdandi! You're so cute!" He baby-talked to his familiar, adorning it with affection, which the familiar looked overjoyed to be receiving.
"Just to let you know, we can't take that mole with us," Louise informed with slight irritation. As she said this, the mole-like familiar fully left its hole in the ground and approached Louise, who recoiled, though felt a sense of security upon the horse. That security was short-lived as the mole leapt and tackled Louise and Siesta off the horse. Siesta, thinking quickly, cushioned her fall with psionics while Louise was not so lucky, taking the full brunt of the fall as Verdandi clambered on top of her. "Stop! Guiche! What is this thing doing?!" Louise shouted as the mole's extended nose rubbed on Louise's water-ruby-adorned hand.
"Ah, I see," Guiche said with amusement, "Verdandi loves jewellery. Especially expensive ones."
"I don't care! I won't let a mole eat this precious ring that Her Highness gave to me!" She screamed in reply, "Just hurry and help get this thing off me!" No sooner had she made that demand that a pillar of dirt came from beyond and knocked the persistent creature off of the struggling pinkette.
"Verdandi! No!" Guiche cried out, "Who did that?! Who's there?!" He demanded as he readied his rose-shaped wand and snapped his head to look around.
"Look! Up Above!" Siesta announced as she directed them to an approaching figure in the sky. As the figure came closer, so did the features become more clear. It was a four-legged, winged beast adorned with feathers with talons on each leg and the head of an eagle.
A griffin? Louise wondered. Could it be?
Be on your guard, young Louise, Zeratul interrupted, This Terran's mind is somehow… closed to me. A feat which implies either natural resistance, which is unlikely, or perhaps training to prevent psionic probing, which is also unlikely, but has further serious implications.
If he is who I think he is, Louise began to reply, then we have nothing to fear.
I shall consult the probe at a later time for more information, as it can effectively detect psionic presence, Zeratul informed.
As the mythical steed landed, a wide-brimmed hat-wearing individual adorned in all navy-blue with a fine, long coat and matching pants and gloves dismounted it. As their exquisite, black leather boots hit the ground, they tipped their hat up to reveal a long-haired, platinum-blonde man with a well-trimmed beard and piercing blue eyes.
"Greetings, I am Captain Wardes, of the Griffin Unit. Her majesty Princess Henrietta has assigned me to be your escort," he announced in a purely declarative manner befitting high-status nobles.
As Louise sat up, she could not help but to gasp at the revelation. Why him? Why now? She wondered with increasing unease. Siesta, sensing this, developed an immediate distrust of the noble Captain.
"THE famous mage knight?" Guiche asked with absolutely no attempt to hide his fawning.
Wardes, ignoring the blonde noble, instead focused his sights directly on Louise, who he immediately moved towards. Louise did her best to rise on her own and dust herself off before he got too close. Upon reaching her, he took her hands in his.
"I'm sorry I surprised you, dear. I thought my fiancee was under attack," he stated coolly.
Unbeknownst to Louise, at the mention of the word "fiance", Siesta's muscles tightened up.
"Fiance?!" Guiche shouted in disbelief.
Before she could react, the Captain swept Louise off her feet, cradling her in his arms, "You're as light as ever," Sir Wardes playfully remarked with a gentle smile to a speechless Louise.
"It's been a while, Sir Wardes," Louise replied anxiously as her eyes focused on any point but him.
"Come, my dear, you shall ride with me," Wardes declared as he brought his blushing fiance to his griffin and gently placed her upon it before mounting the creature himself. Behind, Guiche and Siesta stared on in stunned silence. "And you must be the Gramont boy, yes?" the handsome Captain asked, addressing Guiche.
"Y-yes, sir! Guiche de la Gramont, at your service," Guiche stammered out in reply as he quickly bowed his head.
Sir Wardes let out a small chuckle as he then turned his attention to the quiet Siesta, who was busy taking eye of the ground before her, "And I assume you're the maid?" Wardes remarked in a manner that carried a tone of condescension.
"Siesta Sasaki," she replied as she curtsied to the noble, "at your service." Louise could hear her tone was flat and formal, matching how she was when they first met, and could feel the discomfort radiating from her raven-haired friend.
Wardes, for his part, merely nodded in acknowledgement as he turned his attention forward.
"We have a long ride ahead of us," the Captain began, "mount your horses and let us begin."
Siesta could feel her whole body almost vibrating with negative feelings that she could not quite place. From the moment she had heard the declaration of Louise being Sir Wardes' fiance, her body had not let go of any tension.
"My dear, not that I mind but could you please not squeeze so hard?" Guiche struggled to request. Siesta, not registering anything beyond that, acquiesced. As she still did not know how to ride a horse, she was resigned to ride with the playboy noble. Luckily it appeared that since Guiche did not view her as anything near his equal, she did not register as a potential target of his lust and was spared of having to deal with his advances.
"Don't you think it's thrilling?" Guiche asked a distracted Siesta, "The legendary Captain Wardes himself escorting us?" His voice could not betray more admiration if he tried.
A whistling noise could be heard from Zapper that clearly indicated Derflinger was within them, "Jeez, girly, how you gonna compete with that?" Derflinger commented from within Zapper's nearby hovering form, being able to keep up due to the group traveling at less than a trotting pace.
"I don't know what you mean," Siesta replied unconvincingly as she turned away from Zapper/Derflinger.
"C'mon, you know what I mean," Derflinger continued as Zapper's form appeared before her once more, following her head. "He's not just a noble, he's a war hero, a high-society type, works directly with the royal family, and I mean, look at him," Zapper hovered closer to Siesta, "the man has it all."
Siesta looked towards the two atop the griffin ahead of them, Louise tucked safely in the Captain's arms, with most of her body hidden by the man's impressive physique. Her chest ached at the sight. "There's nothing to say. I'm just her commoner friend here to help and we share the same teacher, that's all," Siesta shook her head as she attempted to be as convincingly dismissive as possible.
"Listen, maid, you don't get to be as old as me without knowing how to pick up on vibes, but if you want me to leave it alone, that's your call," Derflinger acquiesced.
"Well well, I guess the rumors WERE true," Guiche gloated as turned his head to eye the maid with a knowing smirk.
"I don't know if you know this, but Mr. Zeratul has been teaching me things, and unless you want to be on the receiving end of those things, keep your comments to yourself," Siesta hissed as she glared at the now scared-looking noble.
"W-well, I guess it depends on what these 'things' are, then, huh?" Guiche replied with a flirty gamble. As he finished his statement, a branch from a nearby tree smacked him in the face, despite the trees being far above them.
"Hehe, nice one, girly," Derflinger chuckled as Guiche rubbed his stinging face.
Louise could only feel overwhelming anxiety as she sat perched in her elder fiance's lap. He stared forward with his usual expression of calm determination, and Louise stared up at him with trepidation, following Zeratul's warning.
"I was really surprised," Louise began as she attempted to break the tension, "I didn't know the Princess would send you."
"It is only natural, no?" Wardes asked as he gave her an apparently loving gaze, "When I heard about the mission, it would only make sense for me to volunteer."
"You offered?" Louise asked, now confused.
"But of course! You are my fiance after all," Wardes smiled.
"Sir Wardes…" Louise sighed contentedly as she smiled and blushed, forgetting her suspicions. In but a moment, her senses returned to her and she turned to look back at Guiche, Siesta, and Zapper. She could see a starstruck Guiche singing praises she could not hear, while only Siesta's arms were visible around Guiche's waist. Spotting this, she felt a sudden pang in her chest as her face dropped.
"Something wrong, dearest?" Wardes interrupted.
"Oh," Louise replied, snapping her attention away from the followers and looking back to her handsome fiance, "It's nothing." Louise quickly dismissed.
The sun began to fall low as the light shifted to orange hues. The group had now progressed into a rocky, barren area as they ascended into the mountains, trudging through a mountain path. Louise knew from the terrain that they drew close to their destination, a port among the mountains where a ship would take them to Albion.
"I'm sorry, dear, are you tired?" Wardes asked with concern.
"No, not at all," Louise replied as she gave him a warm smile. The comfort of his proximity washed away all doubt she had had that was sewn in her by Zeratul. She could not help but to gaze into his dreamy eyes and feel that everything would be alright.
"This is a good chance to make up for lost time, my sweet Louise," Wardes offered, a hint of temptation in his voice.
"Y-yes," Louise turned a brilliant red as she bashfully broke eye contact. She took that moment to look back once again to Guiche and Siesta to see the blonde, flirty noble still rambling on about things she could not hear while Siesta poked her head out from behind him. For just a moment, Louise and Siesta's eyes met, and in but another, they broke away, Louise doing her best to hide her anxiety at the situation. I don't understand. He's my fiance, I should just be happy he's here, but… her thoughts trailed off.
"We've arrived," Wardes announced as they reached the apex of the canyon road that revealed a valley among the mountains. Nestled within the valley was a sprawling town. Louise looked upon the scene, feeling relief at their arrival for the distraction this offered.
La Nocher, the town nearest to our port, Louise thought.
The tree branch had not dissuaded Guiche from rambling the entire trip, and at this point, Siesta knew more about him than she knew about some of her own family members. She still could not comprehend why he felt she needed to know at what age he stopped breastfeeding (four) or when he finally stopped sleeping with his mother while his father was away on business (thirteen, though she suspected it might still happen) but she knew all these details, now, nonetheless.
Putting that from her mind, Siesta looked around at the town of La Nocher with awe. She had never traveled so far in her entire life, and though she came from this world, this place may as well have been as alien to her as any she'd seen in the images that came from Zeratul.
"The buildings here are all carved directly from the mountain," Guiche informed delightfully as he looked around with fascination. "It takes an expert square-class earth mage to do THIS kind of work," the noble boasted, as though he were so impressive.
A short ride later, they came upon an ornately masonworked building carved into one of the surrounding mountain faces.
"We must be staying there," Guiche pointed out as Siesta was, again, wonderstruck.
The group stopped before the structure, and as Wardes stopped his griffin, he dismounted, carrying the petite frame of Louise and gently placing her on the ground.
"We'll spend the night here, and depart tomorrow evening," Wardes announced to the group.
"Y-yes sir! Sir Wardes!" Guiche shouted back in confirmation and a salute, stumbling to get his words out due to his starstruck state.
"At least acknowledge him, Siesta, don't be rude," Louise implored, a look of worry and concern on her face.
"Yes, Master Wardes, Miss Valliere," Siesta briefly acknowledged as she bowed to them and then immediately turned her attention to loosing the luggage from the horse.
"It's alright, I'm not trying to be high and mighty," Wardes reassured as he was loosing the luggage from the griffin as well.
Siesta, with no help from Guiche, as expected, quickly finished up piling the luggage together. Once finished, she exhaled deeply as she wiped sweat from her brow. As this happened, Louise approached her, a grave look on her face.
"Listen," the petite noble began, "there's something I need to tell you."
"What would that be, Miss Valliere?" Siesta replied with both intrigue and hesitation, bracing herself for the worst. She continued to focus on the luggage, attempting to organize it before it was brought in.
"I'm his fiance, but it's something my parents decided," Louise explained, with worry in her voice.
"I understand, Miss Valliere," Siesta replied, still concerning herself with the luggage.
"Hey!" Louise reached out and grabbed Siesta, who now met her gaze. As their eyes met, Louise's expression changed from her initial irritance at Siesta not looking at her, to a kind of bashful shame, "What's wrong? What's with the formality all the sudden?" Louise asked as she struggled to maintain eye contact.
"Like all other nobles, he's arrogant, but he has an actual sense of nobility to him, and seems to genuinely care about you," Siesta cracked a smile that she hoped hid her resignation, "isn't he nice?"
"He is. I've adored him since I was little," Louise replied without thinking. Siesta's smile did not break, but within her, she felt that something did, "He's struggled since he was young and worked hard to become the Captain he is. He's admirable. Moreso than anyone I've ever known." Louise explained with what Siesta felt was a hint of defensiveness.
Siesta, not changing her expression, took Louise's hands in hers.
"W-what?" Louise stammered out as her face flushed.
"I'm sorry, Miss Valliere, it looks like I needn't have come at all," Siesta said apologetically as her eyes betrayed her growing resignation.
"You didn't have to offer to come with me, you know," Louise answered, with the tone of her old, aloof, noble self rearing its ugly head again without thought, "this is my responsibility, not yours."
Siesta dropped Louise's hands at that statement.
"Of course, Miss Valliere, I am sorry to be of inconvenience to you," Siesta replied in her formal tone that she always used with strangers as she bowed her head.
Louise furrowed her brow and stormed away.
"Smooth move there, Lovergirl," Derflinger piped up once Louise was out of earshot. Once again, Siesta's understanding of Louise's hostilities towards the old sword spirit grew, "Look, I know I'm not exactly 'tactful' but I know what's going on. You've fallen for the little pinky haven't you?"
Siesta, taking a seat on the luggage, stared down at the ground.
"She's a noble, I'm just a-"
"Yeah, yeah, you're just a commoner, we've heard that before," Derflinger interrupted, "that doesn't answer my question, not that you need to, it's obvious I'm not the one you're trying to convince."
"I shouldn't have tried to be so vulnerable with her, saying I'd always be there for her, I'm so stupid," Siesta lamented as she put her face in her hands in embarrassment.
Even the mostly tactless Derflinger knew this was no time to jab at the helpless maid.
That evening, the group met for dinner in the hotel's dining room.
"Summoning such an odd thing for a familiar," Wardes remarked, looking intently at Zapper, "that's my Louise." He gave her one of his signature smiles.
"So even you think so, huh?" Louise replied sheepishly.
"I didn't mean it to be sarcastic, my love," Wardes reassured, "it really is a truly amazing feat."
Louise blushed and smiled as she giggled and took a sip of the wine they had ordered. Siesta, maintaining an air of cold professionalism, was eating daintily, despite the rich, wonderful food tempting her to wolf down everything before her. I've never had the opportunity to eat so well in my life! She thought excitedly as she did her best to eat in the most unassuming way possible. As she did, her eyes met with Wardes', who seemed to be giving her an almost wicked smirk. Before Siesta could fully register the look, he turned to face Guiche.
"I heard the two of you had a duel," Wardes said, with amusement in his voice. Guiche, who had been busy eating, immediately began to choke at the sudden surprise of the statement. He frantically pounded at his chest to remove the blockage.
"T-that was-!" Guiche began once he had avoided asphyxiation.
"Louise, is it true that you beat him with your bare hands?" Wardes interrupted. Guiche sunk into his chair, humiliated.
"Y-yeah, but Zapper was there to help, so…" Louise answered shyly.
"And over you, I believe it was?" Wardes stated, still full of amusement, as he looked to Siesta.
"I apologize for the inconvenience it has caused your fiance, Sir Wardes," Siesta replied as she bowed respectfully.
"No, no it's quite alright. It was as to be expected of my Louise to defend a helpless commoner, she has always shown a capacity for caring for the weak," Wardes said with praise in his voice. Siesta, however, could not help but detect a hint of goading from him.
"Respectfully, Sir Wardes, while I'm grateful for her help, I am perfectly capable of protecting myself," Siesta replied with what little ferocity she felt she could get away with directing at a noble. Realizing she had taken bait, she immediately softened her expression and turned back to her food.
"You interest me, maid," Wardes said, the goading in his voice now fully present, "but even if you can defend yourself, what can you do if Louise gets into trouble?"
Siesta, now growing irritated and surging with her recently-grown confidence met the haughty gaze of Louise's fiance with no hidden determination. "I think you'll find me perfectly capable of protecting her, too," she replied with a spark of aggression.
"Perhaps you'd like to show me?" Wardes taunted, "It's been a while, so I could do with a good spar." Louise and Guiche stared at the two in wide-eyed amazement, each of them wondering if what was happening was real or not. "The ship won't be departing until tomorrow night," Wardes continued, "It'd be boring to wait around and do nothing. So how about it, maid?" Wardes challenged as he smirked.
"Sir Wardes!" Louise interjected with disapproval readily apparent in her tone.
"Oh, I won't force it on her," Wardes reassured as he looked at Louise.
"It would be my pleasure," Siesta replied confidently, causing Guiche and Louise to stare in amazement, with a bit of horror on Louise's part, "I'll show you what I can do." Siesta declared as she chugged wine from the goblet before her and roughly put it back on the table.
"Stop this, Siesta," Louise ordered as she looked to Siesta with a furrowed brow to show her disapproval. She then turned to Wardes with a pleading expression, "Sir Wardes, there isn't the time for this."
"Don't worry, my love," Wardes assured his fiance as he calmly took a sip of wine and gently placed it back on the table, "I promise to go easy on her. In the meantime," he started as he stood and took Louise's hand, "let's retire to our room."
Room?! Siesta thought in a panic.
"What? We can't! We aren't even married yet!" Louise replied anxiously as her body visibly tightened. Siesta nearly rose, herself, to fight the noble right this very moment.
"It's fine, we are engaged," the arrogant Captain replied soothingly.
"But-" Louise began as Wardes leaned into her.
Siesta could feel herself losing control at the sight of this. She saw the Captain whisper something into her ear, then immediately turn to leave, Louise's hand in his.
Calm yourself, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul's voice echoed in Siesta's head, though your progress is impressive, I do not advise that you engage this foe.
I know what I'm doing, Siesta thought fiercely.
I cannot sense him. His mind is, strangely, closed to me, Zeratul informed, Though you are my disciple, you are not my charge. Should something happen, I cannot interfere.
Siesta was shocked by this sudden coldness, but after some consideration, understood it. He was not sent to this world with any direction regarding training a fledgling psionic. Still, she had hoped there was at least some bond of compassion between them. Defeated, Siesta had lost her appetite and stood up to leave. Guiche, after looking up at her with uncharacteristic concern, returned his attention to his food. Shortly after Siesta left, he lost his appetite as well.
As Siesta ascended the stairs to reach the room assigned to her and Guiche, she heard a quick rush of footsteps behind her.
"Wait! I'll join you!" Guiche announced breathlessly as he caught up to her.
"Thank you, Sir Gramont," Siesta said, formally.
"Please, I think by this point, Guiche is fine," the blonde noble replied as he attempted to catch his breath.
Upon reaching the room, Siesta was pleased to see two beds, and rather substantially-sized ones at that. Their belongings had been graciously brought to their room already by the hotel staff, something Siesta was unused to being on the other side of. She sat on the bed, feeling that it was a little firmer than what she was used to, but appreciating it all the same. Guiche walked right past the beds and immediately threw open the doors to the balcony, letting out a contented sigh.
"It's quite a romantic night, isn't it?" Guiche claimed, with a romantic tone that Siesta knew was not directed at her.
"Not at all," Siesta rebuffed, anyways, just to be sure they were on the same page.
"It's too bad I have to spend my time with you," Guiche continued, as though Siesta had said nothing.
"I apologize that my company is inadequate. Sir Guiche," Siesta replied wryly.
"Oh! Right. I just remembered I have business to take care of!" Guiche said excitedly, now making Siesta question if he could, in fact, hear her over the sound of his own voice.
"Oh?" Siesta replied, feigning interest.
"There was a beautiful young lady I saw downstairs earlier, I felt it would be rude not to introduce myself," Guiche stated, with his insatiable lust once again showing through. After making his proclamation, he immediately left the room without waiting for a reply.
Siesta sighed with exasperation. Not my place to judge, she told herself as she lay back on the bed and attempted to make herself comfortable.
*thump* Siesta heard from outside the door, causing her to snap up.
Can you see what that is, Zeratul? Siesta sent to her hidden teacher.
Calm yourself, Gifted Siesta, it is merely the Probe and Loquacious Derfligner, Zeratul answered.
Content with that answer, Siesta stood to open the door.
"Yo, girly, thanks for that. No hands, y'know? Hehe," Derflinger chuckled as he, within Zapper's body, floated into the room.
"What are you doing here?" Siesta asked, with slight irritation, as she sat back on the bed.
"No need to be rude, I'm just here with information that I gotta tell someone. Since this one's master is busy making pre-marital relations or whatever, you're the next best thing," Derflinger informed bluntly.
Siesta's chest once again clenched at the mention of Louise and Wardes together.
"So, like, this thing and me have been starting to reach an understanding about what's going on, and how this all works, but it seems like it knows how to utilize the power of the Gandalfr," Derflinger said. Siesta's eyes grew wide with amazement.
As he finished that statement, shadows twisted and contorted to reveal Zeratul, whose sudden presence caused the fire-lit room to go dark and the door to the balcony to shut.
"As if on cue…" Derflinger remarked, referring to the sudden presence of the Nerazim, "Zapper here, through careful analysis of the available data, has determined its purpose. It is a conduit for the power of the Gandalfr, a vessel that's meant to test the Void Mage's decisionmaking ability. You see, when I was around, the power of the Gandalfr had already been transferred to a user, so I only knew them as that, which is why now, when the new Void Mage has awakened with a new opportunity for a new Gandalfr, I understand why I didn't reunite with him."
I see, Zeratul mused as he took the probe in his hands. This vessel is merely a conduit. Meant to contain the power, until such a time as Young Louise, or whoever would be the Void wielder of your time, finds a suitable host for the power.
"But what does that have to do with me? It seems like Miss Valliere should be the one hearing this," Siesta chimed in.
"It's not like I'm not gonna tell her, the thing is… the way you factor into this," Derflinger unnecessarily made a throat clearing noise, "is that you're probably the strongest candidate for the power."
Siesta was left speechless at this proclamation. After a few moments passed, however, she remembered her voice. "No, that doesn't make sense. I'm just a-"
"You really need to quit it with that, girly, if it's not obvious to you by now, it's obvious to the rest of us, you're more than that," Derflinger interrupted the deeply confused Siesta, "You got that 'psionic' power, you're already close to the Void Mage, and you're not a mage yourself, you fit all the requirements."
"Why wouldn't a mage be a better candidate? Or even Zeratul?"
"Zery ain't compatible, physically-speaking, for whatever reason the rune was designed to only be wielded by a human. And as for the mage thing? Well that's also a compatibility issue. Best case scenario? It just wouldn't work. Worst case? The clashing powers would kill the one who tried to use it." Derflinger explained.
"I still don't understand why it has to be me…" Siesta trailed off, her mind overwhelmed with disbelief.
"Look, toots, it's a simple matter of proximity and luck. It could've been anyone who happened to be close to the Void Mage, you just happened to fall right into her lap, so to speak. The psionic thing being compatible is just a bonus which should make you stupid powerful!" Derflinger elaborated, with growing excitement, "Zapper is here, and not an actual being from another world, because the Void Mage isn't just expected to be a powerful mage, they're supposed to lead, and set examples, and fight whole battles and wars during times of turmoil. At least that's how it was last time I was around."
Gifted Siesta, I understand your hesitation, but I sense time grows short, and our preparations must be expedited, Zeratul explained.
"Is that why you showed us that vision? You're basically dropping us off a cliff like your Matriarch did to you to make us hurry up?" Siesta accused, now growing angry.
I am sorry, but that is precisely my plan, Gifted Siesta, it is not that I have grown impatient with your progress, it is that the world around us moves in ominous ways that I wish for you both to be prepared for. Please understand, Zeratul informed, with a tone that Siesta could swear was pleading.
Siesta looked down to her hands, unsure of what to say.
"Whether it be 6,000 years ago or now, my only partner is Gandalfr, but I didn't know they were just a power, a spirit, like me, that flowed from one vessel to another. I'm gonna be honest, I don't feel right without my partner, and I'd be honored if you'd be it," Derflinger admitted.
Would that I believed in fortune, I would say it was fortunate to come across you, Old Spirit, Zeratul remarked to Derflinger.
"Same to you, old man, no such thing as coincidences in this world, or beyond, I guess," Derflinger answered, "the time has come for my new partner. That's why I'm here. Don't you see?" Zapper/Derflinger turned to Siesta.
"If only Zapper figured this out sooner, maybe you wouldn't be stuck with me," Siesta lamented with a mirthless chuckle as she leaned back on the bed and let herself fall upon it, gazing at the ceiling in silent contemplation. After a moment, she raised her hands before her. She examined them and took note of the callouses she had earned in her young age due to being a member of the servant class for as long as she could remember. It was these hands she pictured holding any manner of weaponry… and immediately using it as well as the most skilled weapons-master. It was almost impossible for her to comprehend. For all her life she had only known servitude. And all she had ever desired was to be unnoticed and go through life without causing trouble or being involved in trouble. It seems, however, trouble had other plans for her.
"The power, I feel you should know, won't make you be able to use ANYTHING as a weapon, it has to have been made with the intent of being a weapon," Derflinger explained as Siesta laid back, still examining her hands.
"So… if I used you, in your sword form, while having this power, would I be able to beat Wardes no problem?" Siesta asked.
"Dumbass," Derflinger chided, causing Siesta to snap up and glare at him in the probe's body, "What I mean is that it depends on you. The weapon is still just a tool, so it depends on your ability to manifest your will and somewhat on your own abilities outside of the power of the Gandalfr."
Siesta's glare softened and gave way to contemplation as she went back to staring at her hands and imagining the possibilities.
When Louise was little, she often found herself alone. An outcast. Her elder sisters were always highly praised and skilled mages that everyone looked to as amazing, while comparing her to them and always expressing disappointment at her progress. Her father, in particular, seemed to take pleasure in scolding her for any little mistake she made. It was one of these scoldings that she thought back to as she and Sir Wardes entered their shared room. It was a scolding that led Louise to engage in her usual self-isolation via tearfully rowing a boat to the middle of the lake at her family's manor in order to cry away from judging eyes.
"Are you crying, milady?" a gentle, masculine voice asked.
Before her, a sparkle of light appeared and from within, a young Sir Wardes appeared and touched down gently in the boat.
"Oh," Louise said as she stifled and wiped away her tears, "Viscount. You were here?"
"Your father yelled at you again?" the young Wardes asked, compassionately. Louise nodded silently as she, with fresh tears still in her eyes, gazed at the bottom of the rowboat. As she did, she saw a hand extended to her. "Come with me," Wardes offered softly, "I'll talk to your father for you." Louise looked into the Viscount's eyes with surprise and admiration. "Don't worry, Louise, I'm with you," Young Wardes assured, as Louise began to beam, "I will always be there for you."
In the present, Wardes, after entering their shared hotel room, turned to face Louise, who shut the door behind them.
"My love, when you were young, you had your magic unfairly compared to your sisters. And when your father's cruel scoldings became too much, you always went and cried on that little boat, didn't you?" Wardes asked. Louise nodded in silent agreement, clasping her hands in front of her anxiously as she feared something terrible was about to happen. The Captain then sat at a table in the room, but not before pulling out a seat for the anxiety-ridden petite fiance of his. Upon the table was a chilled bottle of champagne, which Wardes promptly opened, and two glasses, which Wardes filled.
"But I sensed an aura about you that no one else had," Wardes continued as he sipped at the wine.
"An aura no one else has?" Louise asked, already feeling slightly light-headed from the wine earlier, sipped as well as she felt herself sway slightly.
"You have a special power that no one else has," Wardes confirmed as he put his glass down and leaned in close to his fiance.
"No," Louise denied as she flushed as she trained her gaze on the glass in her hands, "I don't." She paused for a moment, as the alcohol had slowed her thinking, "Even now, I keep failing at casting any spell," she finally admitted with shame in her voice.
"Once this mission is over, let's get married, Louise," Captain Wardes stated assuredly, ignoring Louise's doubts.
Louise let out a small gasp as she made eye contact with Wardes. Is he serious? She thought to herself. This doesn't seem right… it's what I've wanted for all I can remember but, yet… her thoughts trailed off as her fiance calmly sipped at his wine once more, and gazed lovingly into her eyes. Why don't I feel right about this?
"I have great ambitions, my love, I don't plan to stop at just being Captain of the Mage Knights," Wardes stated in an ominously confident tone as he stood up from the table and positioned himself behind the flushed, tipsy Louise. "I wish to become an aristocrat influential to all of Tristain, no, to ALL of Halkegina," he proudly declared as he raised his glass to an invisible audience.
"But…" Louise began, feeling the words come ever slower to her, "to get married all the sudden…" she said quietly as she kept her focus trained on the wine glass before her, still mostly full.
Wardes gently placed his hand on Louise's shoulder as he looked down at the back of her head.
"I need you, my darling Louise," Wardes stated with a saccharine tone akin to a more advanced Guiche.
"It's just too sudden," Louise turned to look at her fiance with deep concern in both her eyes and tone. Wardes, not responding to her protests, gently took her face in one of his large, masculine hands and lowered himself to her eye level.
"Louise…" he whispered seductively, as he drew his face ever closer to hers. He closed his eyes as he moved even closer to his blushing fiance, who also closed her eyes in anticipation. Yet, instead of a kiss, Louise could feel the Captain's mouth go to her ear and whisper, "I will always be with you."
This statement immediately brought to mind the moment Siesta held her as she felt at one of her lowest points. Feeling helpless and useless to all around her. In that moment, Siesta had told her the same thing, as she warmly and comfortingly embraced her, washing her anxiety away. It was in that moment, her filter, thoroughly disabled by the alcohol flowing through her tiny body, dropped and she let slip one thing that caused them both to open their eyes. One thing that, while on its own would not be remarkable, the way it was said, with opaque longing and desire, made it so.
"Siesta."
Wardes' eyes widened with surprise, an emotion Louise was not used to seeing on the usually cool and collected fiance of hers. At that, he removed his hand from her face and backed away, looking down at the concerned Louise. For but a moment, the two stared at each other in awkward silence, before Louise jumped.
"No! It's not like that!" she cried out in denial, "She's just a commoner who doesn't really know anything about our world or even much beyond her small life, and with the duel and all and her helping to cure me of a potion I just feel I owe her-"
"Looks like your heart is already being stolen away from me," Wardes chuckled, with the same calm smile on his face.
"No!" Louise shook her head violently in denial, "definitely not!"
"It's fine," Wardes began, as his face shifted to an uncharacteristically serious expression, "I won't ask for an answer now." The Captain then turned to leave.
"Please!" Louise cried out desperately as she jumped to her feet, having to take a moment to stabilize herself, "Listen to me! Sir Wardes!" Wardes stopped at the door, not turning to look at his pleading fiance, and, after a moment's pause, answered her.
"By the time this journey ends, your heart should be seeking mine," Wardes stated as he opened the door, "I'll go ask for another room, good night, my darling fiance." At the utterance of his last word, Wardes exited the room.
Wardes… Louise thought solemnly to herself, as she watched her long-time love leave her alone in what was once their room.
Young Louise, A familiar voice echoed in her head as the form of Zeratul uncloaked itself from the shadows before her, There is much to discuss. The probe has determined the nature of the Gandalfr and how to utilize it.
Finally! Good news! Louise thought with relief as she sat back down at the table.
The power of this 'Gandalfr' is contained within the probe you have summoned, but it is merely a vessel for that power, as the probe is not meant to use it, Zeratul explained.
"Yeah, I figured as much." Louise answered in a dry tone, thinking of Zapper's lack of hands or proper arms.
*thump* A bump was heard at her door.
"Zeratul! Hide!" Louise hissed.
It is nothing to fear, young Louise, it is merely your probe and the Ancient Sword Spirit, Derflinger, Zeratul informed.
Louise, trusting the old Nerazim, rose from her seat and opened the door, letting the probe in.
"Always nice to be announced," Derflinger commented from within the probe.
"Didn't I throw you out the window before we left?" Louise asked, irritated.
"Yeah, well, you know ol' Zappy here and I are inseparable. Besides, it's a good thing I came or else I wouldn't have been able to tell you about your own familiar," Derflinger replied in a cocky tone. Relenting, Louise sat down on her bed with an exasperated sigh.
"Look, the power of the Gandalfr isn't even fully known to me, and I was MADE to be paired with them," Derflinger started, as he explained everything to her that he explained to Siesta.
"So," Louise began, rubbing her brow as she squeezed her eyes shut in intense thought, "the whole point of this, is a test?" Louise asked.
"Looks like it, pinky, you gotta make the right choice in who you give the power to, ol' Zappy here's just holding on to it for you," Derflinger answered as Zapper did a quick pirouette.
"How am I supposed to know who to pick? I don't know any great fighters who aren't mages," Louise lamented.
They do not need to be a great fighter, Young Louise, they merely need to be trusted above all others, to be your lifelong protector, Zeratul stated.
Louise placed her head in her hands, sighing deeply.
"Look, pinky, the way I see it, you do got a great option right in front of you, you just gotta take it," Derflinger egged on.
"What? Who?" Louise asked obliviously.
"Your maid friend, of course!" Derflinger announced in a frustrated tone.
"What? No, I couldn't, she's not…" Louise tried desperately to reason.
"Look, when we told her she gave us all sorts of excuses, too, but you gotta face facts. Even if you think all of this is coincidence, you don't really have any better options, and if you wanna progress further as a mage, you're gonna need your Gandalfr to protect you," Derflinger stated flatly.
Louise, hesitant, and unable to come up with a retort, sighed in defeat.
Young Louise, in all the centuries of my life, I have yet to experience anything that resembles what you Terrans have called 'coincidence', Zeratul began as he stepped before Louise and kneeled to try and be closer to her eye line. Though even kneeling, he remained a towering presence before her. The chain of events that have led you, me, the Ancient Derflinger, this probe, and Gifted Siesta to this place in this time has all the markings of destiny. Embrace your legacy, Young Louise. Embrace the Void.
The only void Louise wished to embrace, as she felt overwhelmed by the sudden extra weight of added responsibility, was the embrace of the void that sleep offered.
"Look, you ain't gotta do anything right now," Derflinger commented, in an attempt to soothe the clearly overwhelmed teenage noble.
Louise flinched as the statement reminded her of her all-too-recent disastrous conversation with her fiance.
The times grow dire, and I sense a looming shadow coming over this world, Zeratul warned, however, that aside, I wish to examine the ring that the Princess Henrietta bequeathed to you. Zeratul asked as he held out his hand.
"What? No…" Louise responded instinctually as she was hesitant to surrender the gift from her longtime friend. After a brief pause, she acquiesced and removed the ring, placing it in Zeratul's hand where it looked positively miniscule compared to his massive frame.
It is as I suspected, Zeratul pondered as he touched the blue gem, which appeared to spark ever so slightly. There is no doubt, this is a Khaydarin crystal. Zeratul announced.
Louise was utterly confused. Sensing this, Zeratul continued.
Khaydarin crystals are a cornerstone of Protoss society. They are used to power everything from our buildings to our armor to our greatest warships, Zeratul began as he floated the crystal in his hand and put it before Zapper's lens, which lit up in a color Louise had never seen before. These crystals contain immense psionic affinity, which can be manipulated to create great energy and amplify psionic powers. Zeratul elaborated.
A sharp, crackling sound could be heard as sparks began to emanate around the ring. A great flash of light and a rush of air as a black, glowing portal appeared above it caused Louise to briefly cover her eyes. In seconds, the portal began to warp itself and take shape, resembling a form of a sword. As the energies stabilized, Derflinger's host sword body appeared and dropped, stabbing straight into the floor.
"Holy shit! I didn't know you could do that!" Derflinger cried out in amazement from within Zapper's body. Louise, knowing that the sword was, indeed, left back at the academy, stared at the warped-in object in awe. Zeratul removed the sword from the floor and placed it on Louise's lap. It felt quite cool to the touch, despite the massive rush of energies it endured.
You have seen, through visions I have provided to you, that the power goes far beyond this meagre demonstration, Zeratul said as he returned the ring to Louise, who sat in stunned silence. The power of these crystals holds potential even our own greatest phase-smiths have not yet discovered. Should anyone on your world realize their potential, even the potential in a fragment as miniscule as this, the consequences would be dire, Zeratul warned.
"I understand," Louise replied as her mind raced from excitement to horror at the possibilities. Entire armies appearing and wiping out entire countries without so much as a warning. The ability to bring food and supplies to anyone in the world without the delay of transportation. Weapons that could erase entire continents, or even this entire world. She shuddered as the horrors began to outweigh the positive applications.
It is wise that you are aware of the terrible burden of power this crystal bears with it, Zeratul said with a hint of praise in his tone. He then reached forward and gently closed her hand around the ring. Once again you bear a terrible weight of responsibility, Young Louise, for this power must be kept secret for as long as possible, lest devious forces behold it, and tip the scales of power in their favor.
Louise clasped the ring tightly, as her body felt even heavier once the responsibility was piled upon her spirit. Perhaps it was the wine, or the overwhelming amount of information she had received, but Louise, unable to fight it any longer, let her eyes close as she fell asleep.
Zeratul positioned her in a laying position, as he knew that terrans slept most effectively like so.
I pray to Adun that I am following the correct path. I am sorry, Young Louise, that I must thrust you so quickly into the depths of these revelations, Zeratul lamented as he cloaked himself in shadow once more.
Louise had another terrible sleep that night. With visions of carnage and terror flashing wildly before her. The visions, though, seemed to focus themselves, as they did when Zeratul showed her and Siesta his past, and as they did, she began to see the faces of Siesta, her sister, Cattlaya, and her mother. Twisted, and screaming in pain as flames ate at their bodies and creatures she recognized as Zerg tore them apart.
Surrender, 'chosen one', a deep, ominous voice echoed around her. Surrender to despair.
Zeratul had left the room to position himself in a dark, abandoned alley and, as he had stated earlier, consulted the Probe regarding Wardes.
"'Low-level psionic emanations detected' is what Zappy says," Derflinger's voice informed Zeratul.
Now the question remains… who has trained this one to resist mental probing? Zeratul asked himself. And why?
Siesta awoke, having a restless sleep that was interrupted by Guiche storming back into the room and angrily putting himself to bed. Were it not for the irritance of being awoken, she would have taken pleasure in what was obviously a display of someone who has just been rejected. When she awoke properly to the sunlight warming the room, she remembered her commitment she had made last night in a fit of pride and anger. As she prepared herself, by bathing and changing clothes to the ones that she felt would give her the most maneuverability (a common, short sleeved, brown dress that hung slightly loose on her), she headed down for her dreaded rendezvous.
Mr. Zeratul, are you sure you can't help me? She pleaded with her mentor.
No, Gifted Siesta, I am afraid the situation does not call for my intervention, Zeratul answered. As you well know, my interference must be only in situations where my charge is in dire need.
Siesta, frustrated at his response, continued down the stairs to leave the hotel when she was greeted with a familiar sight of pink.
"Hey," Louise stated in a flat tone.
"Oh, hello Miss Valliere, did you enjoy your time with Sir Wardes?" Siesta asked with a hint of accusation in her voice.
"I'm afraid that's none of your business," Louise responded coldly.
"Is that-?" Siesta began, as she was distracted by the scabbard holding the sheathed host body of Derflinger in her hands, which she had sworn they did not bring with them.
"Are you still planning to fight Sir Wardes?" Louise asked, immediately changing the subject as she gave an unreadable look to Siesta.
"Yes, Miss Valliere, I still wish to show him I can be valuable to this mission, and to you," Siesta replied sternly, matching Louise's tone.
"I see," Louise stated as she held out the sword, "I guess you'll need this, then."
Siesta took it into her hands with a slight hint of hesitancy as Louise left. Siesta followed her, and the two left the hotel, traveling to a nearby alleyway where Sir Wardes awaited them.
"Are you ready, maid?" Sir Wardes asked in a manner that Siesta felt mocked by.
"Of course, Sir Wardes," Siesta replied as she unsheathed Derflinger.
"Hey, girly, I don't know about this, you probably shouldn't use your powers so obviously, it might make a lotta uncomfortable questions that lead to having to give uncomfortable answers," Derflinger, now in the sword, advised.
"But if I don't, I'm sure to lose, and Loui-Miss Valliere won't see me as fit to be here with her," Siesta hissed back at the sword.
"I'm just sayin', be careful how you use those powers if you don't wanna be executed for blasphemy," the sword warned.
Siesta, taken aback, realized he was right. The church would not abide a random commoner such as herself to suddenly display anything akin to magical ability that could possibly threaten the power structure.
I guess I need to be subtle, Siesta thought as she took what she felt was a fighting stance.
Gifted Siesta, though I know it is futile, I must once again protest this course of action, you have nothing to prove to the Young Louise, Zeratul advised as she was mentally preparing herself for the conflict.
I wish I could believe you, Mr. Zeratul, Siesta thought solemnly.
"Well then, let's get this started, maid," Wardes stated condescendingly.
"Please stop this foolishness! Both of you!" Louise cried out from behind Siesta.
"Being a noble is troublesome sometimes," Wardes began with a sigh as he appeared to once again ignore Louise. "We can't help but be curious as to how our powers measure up to others," he continued as he drew what looked to be a rapier with a flat tip from his belt. Siesta assumed it was his battlewand, a standard type of wand for the military.
"Siesta," Louise stated, commandingly, "I'm ordering you, as a noble, to stop this."
"I don't plan on holding back, just so you know," Siesta boldly replied to Sir Wardes, ignoring Louise, as she gripped Derflnger tighter, her arms beginning to tremble from the weight and mustering all her strength to hide it.
"You don't have to," Wardes replied, confidently, as he smirked. "Give me all you've got." Wardes now assumed an aggressive position himself.
Siesta, centering herself and focusing on her lessons, launched herself forward with what she felt was a subtle enough use of her psionics to give her movements just a little push. Wardes dodged effortlessly, registering no surprise at the unnatural swiftness of this peasant before him. Siesta, for her part, was putting forth what she felt was the most effort she could without arousing suspicion in her abilities, but as the Captain weaved around her swings as effortlessly as she did, Siesta did not notice as she began to lose control and add more and more psionic enhancement to her attacks.
In a flash, as the Captain blocked one of her swings, he performed a riposte, catching Siesta completely off guard as she threw herself back on instinct, landing gracefully in front of him.
Be mindful of your energy expenditure, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul advised as Siesta could feel her body becoming heavy.
"You're fast," Sir Wardes commented with a light snort, "You sure are-"
Siesta took this moment as Wardes was distracted with the sound of his own voice and leapt towards him once again. This time, instead of a direct strike, she dodged sideways to throw off his attention, and lunged at him from his non-sword-wielding side. Sir Wardes' pride had caused this attack to be successful, as Siesta had thought would happen. Derflinger was only barely deflected as it cut through Wardes' shirt on his arm and sliced both it and his cheek. Wardes, face now contorted with effort and anger at this audacious move by who he considered his lesser, broke Derflinger away and swiped back at Siesta, who had already planned to dodge following the strike.
"You're clearly still an amateur, full of openings!" Wardes growled as he reached his hand to his face and looked at the small spot of blood on his ornate leather glove and clenched his fist.
Siesta's confidence grew, but she could feel her energy draining away as she stuck Derflinger in the ground and leaned upon him as she took effortful breaths.
"You okay, girly? I don't think you can keep this up…" Derflinger asked with concern.
"No, I-I have to show, I have to show her-!" Siesta's declaration was cut short as Wardes now began his assault, thrusting his battlewand towards Siesta in a manner Siesta was barely keeping up with as her energy drained away while Wardes seemed to operate from an endless spring of it.
"Del wil sol la winde," Wardes chanted confidently with each thrust of his sword.
"Look out!" Derflinger shouted as, upon finishing the incantation, a blast of wind and light erupted from Wardes' battlewand, throwing Siesta back into a pile of nearby barrels in the alley as her body crumpled from the last of her reserves draining away.
"Siesta!" Louise cried out as she bolted to the defeated maid's limp form, "Are you alright?" She asked, her voice heavy with alarm and concern.
Siesta, whose hearing had become muffled and vision was doubled, struggled to sit up as she once again propped herself up with Derflinger.
"With your skills, you'll never beat a REAL warrior," Wardes stated condescendingly as he stood before the two and scoffed. "In other words," he continued as she sheathed his battlewand looked down upon Siesta, "you can't protect Louise." Wardes smirked at his proclamation.
Siesta, humiliated and defeated, could only muster a gritting of teeth. In her mind floated a single, shameful thought, I've failed.