Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or Familiar of Zero

"Princess, according to our spies Count Mott has departed for the Academy," the Captain of the Royal Musketeers informed.

"As he was tasked with," the Princess replied smoothly. "Any progress made in his activities? We found nothing at his estate last time, nor his other homes."

"Unfortunately, no," the Captain lamented bitterly. "If he is responsible for all those girls going missing then he is doing a good job hiding it."

"Keep looking then," the Princess ordered. "Do whatever you must to bring him to justice."

The Captain bowed and excused herself from the throne room, leaving the Princess all alone. For several months now, girls had been going missing from their homes never to be seen again. The cause was unknown but Count Mott was the primary suspect as most female staff of his tended to disappear after they started working for him. This tended to happen every couple of weeks or months when he would pluck a new girl from a lower-ranked noble, all of which were noted to be quite beautiful, though why he did not do this with women in his territory was a mystery.

She suspected foul play, although she couldn't make such an accusation without thorough proof. So, she did the next best thing and revoked his right to take staff members from other nobles until further notice, a decision he was quite unhappy with. The accusations he made following were quite explicit but she refused to change her decision. Not that it mattered because girls were still going missing, hence the ongoing investigation.

Sighing, the Princess stood up and prepared to leave. Her mother and Cardinal Mazarin would be back soon and they would expect a full report.

Despite the lacklustre success of the investigation, the Princess had the utmost faith in her allies. It was all she could do.

"Speaking of which, I wonder how Louise is doing," she said softly.

Tristain Academy of Magic

The day had been relatively quiet for the master and familiar. The students and staff were surprised to learn Lucy now had a talking sword, however, they quickly brushed it off as most strange things tended around Zero (much to her fury).

Classes were normal, however, much to the students surprise Mr Colbert was absent once more leading them to suspect he was ill. The teachers explained he was away on official business, but refused to say what it was. Louise and Tabitha both suspected it was something else since Colbert was rarely (if ever) sent out for official business. At any rate, she and Lucy would not be able to talk with him today.

While Louise had lunch, Lucy went to eat hers in the kitchen. However, before she could she noticed Siesta out in the Courtyard walking with two wooden buckets toward a fountain.

"Need a hand?" Lucy called out. Lunch could wait.

Siesta turned with a surprised expression which turned into a smile. "If you're offering."

Filling the buckets Lucy took them inside to where Siesta needed them. That was when she noticed a black state coach waiting outside.

"Oh, that's a messenger from the palace," Siesta explained. "He usually comes once a month."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. Considering the school taught young nobles it made sense for the palace to be involved, but what would they be sending messages about? Exchange students? Or maybe new teachers?

When she glanced back at the carriage she noticed a man dressed in red walking towards it. Just as he was about to enter the carriage he took a brief look around until his eyes locked on hers. For a few seconds, he did nothing. Then his expression morphed into a smile. At first glance it looked friendly, however, something about it rubbed her the wrong way.

She turned on heel to the kitchen as quickly as possible, forgetting Siesta was there mopping the floor. The man's eyes didn't leave her as she worked blissfully unaware. Licking his lips he entered the carriage.

'Oh, those bodies and that look in her eyes. I'm going to enjoy this,' Mott thought lecherously.

Later that day

"You met Count Mott!?" Louise was alarmed.

"No I saw him getting into his carriage," Lucy corrected. "He gave this look and… I just walked off as fast as I could. I don't want to sound judgemental but something about him was… off. I'm sorry if that's."

"No!" Louise sharply interrupted. "You were right to get away from him. If approaches you in the future tell him you are my familiar. That technically makes you a servant of the Valliere Family and even Mott isn't stupid enough to go after one of ours."

Lucy did not like being referred to as a servant but for once she wouldn't argue. It wasn't like with Kirche where Louise simply disliked her, no, this time she was cautious.

"That bad huh," Lucy guessed.

Louise didn't answer immediately. Instead, she opted to gaze out her window. Her expression conflicted as if debating on whether she should tell Lucy everything about him or just a general idea. She shouldn't be ridiculing a high-ranked noble as it would only lead to trouble, but Mott was dangerous. If even half of what she'd heard about him was true then perhaps providing some information as a precaution couldn't hurt.

"I told you about the ranking system amongst the nobility, did I not?" Lucy nodded. "Well, in some cases a noble, if they rank higher than the other can request things from that noble like… staff. Regardless of how that noble feels or protests about it, they must hand them over because they rank lower."

Lucy blinked. That was a… odd way of doing things. On Earthland, unless a request like that came from the Monarch themselves (and within reason) it was unlikely to happen.

"In the case of someone like Mott, it is not unusual for them to select a female member of staff to work as part of their estate. The staff themselves cannot protest as they are a commoner," Louise swallowed. "Specifically as a mistress."

"Oh, joy," Derf said sarcastically. "He's one of those nobles."

Lucy's eyes widened in horror. A noble could just take a random person away from here without their consent and essentially turn them into their sex slave just because they want them! That was kidnapping!

Lucy suddenly recalled their brief exchange. The look in his eyes. The darker implications of it were not lost on her.

That's when she remembered Siesta had been beside her. 'Oh, no!'

"Could he request anyone from here?" Lucy asked worriedly.

Louise considered it for a moment. "Considering he ranks higher than Osmond, I would say yes." Lucy's face turned pale. "But I don't think that's the case now."

"Huh?" Lucy breathed.

Before Louise could elaborate she heard something knocking on her window. It had started raining.

"I don't have all the details, but I heard rumours of arguments breaking out between Mott and the Crown rendering his acquisition rights momentarily suspended," Louise explained. "Still, given his character, I wouldn't put it past him to try something. If he comes near you again be on your guard."

Lucy nodded having managed to relax a little. However, she was still worried about Siesta. Mott hadn't approached her, but there was no telling what happened after she left. It wouldn't hurt to check up real quick.

"I need to check something," Lucy stood up. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

"As long as you aren't going off the premises I don't mind," Louise informed her. "Also, the laundry can wait till tomorrow. The weather seems to be acting up."

Off in the distance, they could hear thunder as the rain pounded heavily off the window.

"Noted," Lucy replied as she exited the room.

"Stay safe Partner!" Derf called out.

He was a little annoyed he'd been left behind, but it was a small walk. It wasn't like he was needed for everything.

When she left Louise reviewed her lessons from that day to make sure she understood everything. However, the weather was making it difficult to concentrate.

She looked out the window confusion sprawled all over her face. 'Seriously! What's up with this weather? It was fine earlier!'

Hallways

Lucy sped through the hallways looking for Siesta as thunder and lightning danced outside.

'Maybe she's in the kitchen,' she thought. 'Dinner wasn't that long ago. She could still be cleaning up.'

As she continued her search, Lucy started to suffer from fatigue. So much that she needed to lean against the wall to steady herself.

'Huh? Why am I?' her eyelids drooped and she became drowsy. 'I'm tired? No! That's not right. I can't be tired, at least not that tired. I didn't do that much today.'

Slowly her strength and vision began to leave as she sunk to the ground. She attempted to pull herself back up to no avail.

'What's happening? Somebody! Hel-' was all she could think before she finally succumbed to sleep.

She was not the only one. All across the campus teachers, students, staff, and familiars alike found themselves drifting into a state of unconsciousness.

All but two.

Louise had been right about the weather. Just not in the way she expected.

Outside the Academy

Count Mott smiled as his spell spread over the school. Just a few more minutes until everyone would be asleep leaving him to do as he pleased.

It pained to resort to such tactics, it truly did, but as the old saying goes: desperate times call for desperate measures.

He had needs that were… frowned upon by others but required that they be met so that society could function normally without disturbance. Unfortunately, his usual method for meeting them was restricted forcing him to rely on more drastic measures.

Originally, whenever he saw an appealing commoner he would arrange for her to be transferred to his care much like a child wanting a new toy. His position as Royal messenger was perfect for that. And he was done indulging in them they were sent away just like that. Not necessarily back to where they came from but hey, life wasn't fair (to the unworthy). Much like today when he laid eyes on those two luscious servants his needs acted up and he attempted to gain acquisition without alluding to whom. Unfortunately, the palace had informed that fool Osmond of his punishment shutting down any attempts before they could be made. But Mott was nothing if not a patient and persistent man. He just needed to bide his time until he was out of sight to make his move.

It wasn't his fault things were this way. It was the Princess with her cruel and unfair treatment towards him. What had he done wrong exactly? Nothing. He'd taken a few commoners whom no one would miss (much like he had before the ban had been placed) to satisfy himself and he had been persecuted for it. Why? It wasn't as if he was the only noble who did it. He and his dear friend Chelenne got together now and then to indulge together. His friend had shown him this lovely tavern in the capital. Well, the tavern itself was not lovely but its maidens… ooh… they certainly were in both face and body.

Honestly, he was certain the Princess only used it as an excuse to be a bully since she had never liked him. Had she no shame!? A noble, much less the Princess of this country, should not abuse her authority in such a manner. What kind of example was she setting for the younger generation? A terrible one, that's what. They were just commoners. They weren't important. They didn't matter. Great nobles like him did. Why was that so far for her to see? Because she was a woman? If that were the case then he prayed her one-day husband would be strong enough to reign her in!

Oh, well. Not much point in complaining about it. He would have to make do until then.

Mott was certain enough time had passed for the spell to take complete effect that he sent his soldiers to collect his new toys. Their clothing was protected by his magic rendering them immune to his spell. It took a little bit of time for them to return but when he saw they had the girls from this evening a big smile spread across his face. Part of him had been tempted to take Miss Longueville but restrained himself. Taking Osmond's secretary fallen noble or not would have been a bad idea. Not to mention she was still a mage so there was some risk in taking her.

Nevertheless, he was satisfied with his current prey.

"Back home everyone!" he commanded. "I've got work to do."

Louise's Dream

Louise was a dark place. There was nothing here. No people. No objects. Nothing.

There was the ground. She walked. She didn't know why. She didn't have a particular direction. She just did.

"Wake up."

She heard a voice. She couldn't tell from where.

"Wake up."

It was a male voice, but not one she recognised.

"Louise, you need to wake up!"

He knew her, but she didn't know him.

"I know you can't speak here, but you can hear me."

Why couldn't she speak?

"Your familiar is in danger. Lucy is in danger. You must rescue her!"

Lucy! Why would she be? What was going on?

"One follows her! When she returns go with her! She will guide you!"

Who would guide her?

"Heed my warning child! Do not go alone, for your foe is anything but weak!"

The voice sounded urgent. As though she should heed its warnings, even if misguided. Seriously though, she was Louise the Zero who exploded everything at the simple wave of a wand, who was disrespected by all her classmates, and even some teachers. Who would want to help her?

Louise started to float away. Wait! Why was she floating?

"Ah, it seems our time is up. Remember what I have said here, Louise. Good luck!"

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"WAKE UP PINKY!"

Louise's Room

"WAKE UP PINKY!" Derflinger shouted as loud as he possibly could.

Louise's eyes snapped open. Groggily, she lifted herself only to realize she was on the ground and still in her uniform to boot.

That made no sense. She would never sleep on the ground. Not while there was a nice big comfortable bed right there. Nor would she sleep in her uniform unless she had no other choice.

"Finally, you're awake!" Derf stated. "Do you know how long I was yelling for? My throat will be feeling that all day."

"You don't have a throat. You're a sword," Louise corrected until she realised. "Wait, how long was I asleep? Actually, when did I fall asleep? I remember feeling a little tired but not so much too."

"No, you're wrong," Derf denied. "You fell asleep in that chair not long after Partner left and then you fell to the floor."

Louise's eyes widened. That wasn't possible. Her day hadn't been that strenuous.

"Where is Lucy?" she demanded.

"I don't know," Derf answered. "She never came back after leaving."

Louise went pale. It was just like her dream warned. Even so, she needed to be sure.

Grabbing her wand and Derflinger she ran out of the room and searched through the hallways for signs of life. Along the way, she checked various student rooms only to find their doors unlocked (much to her alarm) and in positions similar to her own. Feeling uneasy she woke Tabitha to request her help. While at first surprised she quickly sprang into action and roused Kirche who was sleeping on top of her table. Joined by Flame the three girls searched the school.

"This makes no sense. I get it if one of us fell asleep awkwardly, but all of us, that can't be right," Kirche noted.

"You know for once Zerbst, I agree," Louise admitted.

"Teachers asleep?" Tabitha asked.

"I don't know I haven't checked yet," Louise said.

"What about the commoner staff?" Derflinger suggested.

"The sword has a point. We should check the kitchens," Kirche urged. "That reminds me, where is your Familiar Louise?"

"I don't know. She left shortly before I fell asleep. According to Derflinger here she didn't come back," Louise explained quickly.

When they arrived at the kitchen they saw that everyone was asleep, including Katie.

"Okay, this too freaky for it to be a coincidence now," Kirche exclaimed.

For the second time that day, Louise agreed with Kirche.

Wasting no time they roused each of the staff and Katie from their slumber. All of them were confused.

"What were you all doing before you fell asleep?" Louise asked. "Did anything seem out of place?"

"Not really. Everything seemed normal. We performed our duties like we were supposed to then next thing we all felt tired and you came along," Marteau explained.

"I was here making soufflé for… someone," Katie revealed. "I got distracted by Siesta coming in and… hold on a second." She took a quick look around the room. "Where is Siesta?"

That sent a wave of confusion across the room.

"Siesta?" Tabitha repeated. "That maid with short dark hair."

Katie nodded. "She just came in drenched from the rain carrying a bucket. At least, that's how I remember it."

Something was off. If everyone fell asleep at the same time Siesta should have as well, as should Lucy. Yet, they never encountered her.

"It's got to be a mage!" Derf exclaimed much to the staff's surprise. "This whole thing started after the rain came out of nowhere. A mage could influence the weather if they wanted."

"Is that possible?" Marteau questioned. "I know some can control the weather but putting the entire school to sleep?"

"It would be if you're a triangle or square mage," Louise said. Even more, if your element was… water."

No sooner had the words left her mouth had she gone pale, something which did not go unnoticed.

"Um, Miss Valliere," one of the staff called out.

She didn't hear them. Her mind was racing as she recalled the events from the day. Someone had come to the Academy that day. Someone powerful enough to cast a spell of that range and level. Someone with a very bad history. It was too much of a coincidence to ignore.

"We need to find the headmaster."

Unknown Parts

Lucy slowly opened her eyes. It was a mild struggle at first but she eventually managed.

It was dark. The only thing she could see was a dimly lit candle on the other side.

For some reason, her body felt sore.

She tried to move, only to find she was shackled standing up against the wall.

"What?" she whispered confused.

"Lucy," a familiar voice whimpered.

Lucy looked to her right and saw Siesta chained next to her. She looked terrified.

"Siesta what?" she started. "Where are?"

"Ah, finally awake I see. That spell was a bit stronger than I intended but one can never be too careful, can they?" a not-so-friendly voice cut her off.

Lucy turned slowly to see a figure just outside the room. The light intensified as she could his face from their cell. They were in a cell. It was a face she had only seen once. A face currently smiling in the smuggest most unpleasant way possible it sent shivers down Lucy's spine. Even worse was that he was holding up her keys.

"Greetings my most lovely of staff. I am Count Jules de Mott of the Wave. Triangle mage and most devout messenger of the Royal Palace and the most valued servant of the Royal Family. As of today, I am your new master. I look forward to… having you!"

He licked his lips at the end, eyeing them in the way a predator would its prey.

Lucy and Siesta almost burst into tears right then and there, if only refraining out of sheer terror.

Hi there! Well, what did you think of that?

It took a while to write this chapter because I wasn't sure how to go about it. Mott was to take Lucy alongside Siesta but they were supposed to escape at the same time. Then I decided, no, the ending definitely sets the mood.

What did you think of Mott? He's more sinister than his canon counterpart.

The next chapter will be a long one or perhaps divided into two. Either way, Mott is going down so easy.

I hope you enjoyed reading. Please review!